Responsibilities and Respect

Drabble#8: Makarov has finally deemed Laxus ready to take over the Fairy Tail Guild. Laxus told his grandfather no, after all, laxus had once thought he was ready to lead the guild and look where that got him. Laxus goes off to sulk and think; throwing away the opportunity he deserves. Luckily he has friends there to support him.

~?~?~?~

Today was not Laxus's day, and it had started out to well. Waking up with Mirajane massaging his back, having fun with his tribe, fighting with the Fairy members, then things went downhill. While drinking his beer, Makarov had asked for him to go upstairs to his office; Laxus had complied, thinking his grandfather had a mission of some kind for him; boy had he been wrong.

Laxus choked. "What?" he asked in shock.

Makarov smiled at him. "Laxus, after that tiff with that brat yesterday; I knew you were ready. Ever since you've returned to the guild, you've proven time and again that you have grown up and have the responsibility needed to lead this guild," he said with pride.

Laxus didn't share the sentiment, backing away with fear in his eyes. "No Gramps, I'm not ready!" he said, "I can't lead this guild! I'm selfish! I'm brash! No one would follow me!"

Makarov chuckled, not seeing the issue. "Laxus where'd all your confidence go? You were all those things, not anymore, and of course everyone would follow you. You didn't just prove to me you could lead us, you've proven it to everyone here," he said.

Laxus shook his head. "I won't take it Gramps," he said and walked out without turning around.

Laxus had left the guild without telling anyone where he was going, grabbing a mission without telling anyone either. He wanted to be alone, wanted to have time to think to himself. He was not running away; he was strategically leaving to think, nothing else.

"Laxus!"

Laxus jumped, turning around in surprise. "Mira? Guys?" he asked incredulously.

Running down the dirt path he was on were Natsu and Gajeel, who had Mirajane on his back. They all looked worn and tired, likely having run the entire way to catch him. He was already in the next town! How had anyone caught up to him?

"Laxus!" Mirajane called again and tackled him, hugging his neck.

Laxus hugged her back. "What are you guys doing here?" he asked in surprise.

Mirajane kissed him and Gajeel spoke. "We came to get you and bring you home," he said gruffly.

"What 'er you runnin' from?" Natsu asked curiously.

"I'm not running from anything!" Laxus barked.

Mirajane looked at him in understanding. "The master told me he was promoting you," she said gently.

Laxus flinched, looking away. "I don't want it," he whispered, ignoring that he was showing himself in front of Natsu and Gajeel.

Natsu's eyes widened. "Really?" he asked in shock. "Why not? I thought it was your birthright?"

Laxus didn't look at him. "I'm not ready," he muttered. "I want to but, I don't want anyone to get hurt. You're all my family; I didn't understand that before but I do now. I don't want to be the reason anyone gets hurt."

"You could never hurt us Laxus," Mirajane comforted.

Laxus shook his head. "Maybe not myself but by my words," he argued. "I could piss off the wrong people and then everyone in the guild would be a danger."

Before he could continue Laxus was thrown to the ground by an iron-clad fist. Mirajane shouted his name in shock while Natsu shouted Gajeel's. Laxus skid to a stop, Gajeel in front of him; unlike before, Laxus stayed down, rubbing the bruise on his cheek in surprise.

Gajeel glared at him. "Who are you?" he asked dangerously.

Laxus looked at him with a glare. "What?" he asked.

Gajeel walked up and got into his face. "Who are you?" he repeated, glaring at the lightning user. "Where's the guy who risked his life for his guild mates. The guy helped Natsu defend his woman, the guy who throws out enough power light an entire city. I respect that guy."

Laxus looked at Gajeel in surprise. "What?" he whispered.

Gajeel frowned at him, his glare softening. "I respect you," he repeated. "I would gladly lay my life on the line for you 'cause I know you'd do the same for me, and for my Levy. I would follow any of your orders without hesitation 'cause I know you'd only make them if they were important. I respect you, and I also trust you."

Natsu walked forward. "I respect you too," he said seriously. "I don't follow just anyone's orders," he grinned.

Mirajane walked forward too with a gentle smile; she offered her hand. "I'd follow you too love," she said.

Laxus stared at her hand. "You really think I can do it?" he asked.

"Yes dumbass," Gajeel snorted.

Laxus glared at him. "Shut up," he growled, taking Mirajane's hand.

Gajeel smirked. "That's the master I know," Gajeel said.

Laxus looked at them and the two dragon slayers gave a two-finger salute. "Master," Natsu grinned.

Laxus stared at them, Mirajane squeezing his hand in reassurance, and then he smiled. "Let's go home," he said, holding Mirajane close, "I've got a guild to lead."

~Later that day~

Makarov sighed, sitting on the counter of Mirajane's bar, which was closed on account that Mirajane was out looking for Laxus. The guild hall was quiet, their usual brawlers out as well with Mirajane. They didn't know why the three were gone, they just knew it had to deal with Laxus. They had a feeling it was serious too, Makarov wasn't talking, not partying, not smiling; he was just sad.

Suddenly, the guild doors opened. Everyone looked to it and Makarov sighed in relief when he saw his grandson and members.

"Welcome back!" Lucy said, her and Happy running to Natsu.

"Gajeel!" Levy smiled, going to her boyfriend.

One by one everyone but Makarov went to the four members, welcoming them back while asking them what had happened. They happily gave their answers, while skipping around the real reason. Makarov looked on with fond eyes.

"Laxus," he called and the man turned to him. Makarov smiled. "Nice walk?"

Laxus looked at Makarov in wonder before sighing. Laxus turned to his friends, kissing Mirajane's cheek and giving Natsu and Gajeel each a fist bump. Gathering his wits, Laxus took a deep breath and walked towards his grandfather. Laxus looked at the old man and makarov looked at Laxus, his face carefully blank.

Finally something was done and Laxus bowed. "I'm sorry," he said sincerely. "You gave me a great honor and I threw it back at your face so I'm sorry."

Laxus straightened. "If you're still willing," he asked, "I'd be honored to become the master of this guild."

Everyone in the background, save those with Laxus, were totally shocked by what Laxus was saying but they were ignored as Makarov assessed Laxus. Finally, Makarov tilted his head with a smile.

"Honor?" he said with a chuckle. "I just want to retire." Makarov chuckled. "These brats are yours now Laxus. Take care of them."

Before Laxus could reply that he would, he was tackled to the ground by Natsu and Lucy, followed by cheering and shouting. Makarov stood up with a gleeful fist pump.

"Mira! Get over her and break out the saki!" Makarov shouted. "Let's celebrate!"

"Yeah!"

End.

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The end~! I'm happy to see Laxus take lead of his guild. I personally think that Laxus grew a lot while on his own and I think everyone respects him too. Laxus is a great dude. It's likely from now on Laxus will be leading the guild with Makarov, of course, still being there and helping Laxus as an advisor and guide.

~Omake, the Crowning~

Laxus smiled gently to himself, kneeling on the ground before Makarov, looking up at the man who was about to give him everything he'd ever wanted. Everyone in Fairy Tail and Magnolia were in the city streets, listening in on this great day. Everyone in Fairy Tail was puffed up with pride as they watched their friend receive his title.

"Laxus," Makarov began, dressed in his more formal clothes, his Wizard Saint's cloak on, "Do you swear to protect this guild? To lead these mages to righteous victory and remain honorable in your every act? Do you swear?"

"I swear," Laxus said. making eye contact with his grandfather.

Makarov smiled. "Laxus, you've proven yourself time and again and have life had taken more from you than it has ever given. Finally the award is being given."

Makarov turned and stamped a document that was next to him, before sighing it with flourish. He turned to Laxus. "Laxus," he said proudly, "You sign this and it will be official. You will be the master of this guild."

Laxus stood; he didn't hesitate, signing the paper as legibly as he could with his nervous hands. Makarov smiled at the paper before snapping his fingers. The document burst into flames and the wind took the flames into the air; everyone watched the document fly.

"Soon, that will be with the Council," Makarov smiled, "Then you will be official."

Makarov gestured behind him and Mirajane walked forward, holding some folded fabric; she opened it. Laxus stared in shock; it was his coat, which he had lended to Mirajane, and it's back was revealed to him, showing the Fairy Tail mark and the mark that showed he was the master of the guild.

Makarov smiled. "It's yours Laxus; it's all yours," he said.

Tears pricked his eyes and Laxus pulled the coat on; facing the crowd with his back to reveal the mark. Everyone cheered and Laxus turned to them.

"I swear!" Laxus called out to them. "I swear to protect every one of you; to lead this guild and Magnolia into a new era! An era of peace and love!"

A roar of agreement was his response and Laxus smiled. Yea… he could do it. He wasn't alone anymore; not that he and been in the beginning.

End.

Til next time!

Ja ne~!