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Freed fought back a yawn as he logged off the computer, knowing that it was like trying to dam a raging river, as another yawn followed and another. All he wanted to do was sleep, and he eyed the small couch in the corner of his office for a long moment, and in that moment, it was divine temptation. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d crashed on it, despite the fact it was too short for him, and uncomfortable as hell. He nearly caved there and then though because it was just a few steps away and his eyes were heavy and the yawns wouldn’t stop, and he had taken half a step towards it before he realised what he was doing and sighed.
It was tempting.
But there were two things stopping him from caving. One, was that Erza had threatened him bodily harm if he came to her again with a crick in his neck from sleeping in his office, and he honestly didn’t think hospital policy would stop her from carrying out that threat. And two, it was New Year’s Eve, a glance at the clock on the wall confirming he had less than half an hour to get home before the bells tolled… and home was even more tempting, especially as he knew Laxus would be home and waiting for him, ready with a kiss to see in the new year.
Home. Laxus.
He wasn’t capable of thinking about more than that right now, it had been a long, hectic shift and he hadn’t slept well the night before. But it was enough to get his feet moving and not toward the sofa, but towards the door and the promise of home and his partner, and the day off he had tomorrow.
He managed to get out of his office, and halfway down the corridor before he realised, he’d left his coat and bag behind, and had to backtrack. Then he realised he’d left his phone, strangely devoid of messages and Laxus usually texted him to make sure that he wasn’t asleep in his office, and he contemplated texting his fiancé, before shaking his head. He didn’t have the energy to put words together right now, and he would see him soon enough.
If he didn’t forget anything else…
He didn’t, but it took him forever to get out of the hospital. Evergreen and Bickslow who were on for a while yet had caught him before he could leave, wishing him a happy New Year and drawing far too much attention in their own imitable way, while promising to see him for dinner later that week. Then there had been a query about his notes on a new patient, which had dissolved into a discussion about what medication to use, and by the time he finally made it out to reception, a glance at the clock there showed that there were only a few minutes to go until midnight. Laxus was going to kill him.
Yawning and grumbling under his breath, he fumbled for his phone as he headed out the door. At the very least he could call Laxus and talk to him as they saw in the New Year. It was cold outside, a thin layer of snow on the ground, and Freed slipped and flailed, nearly dropping his phone. And he was saved from landing on his ass by a hand grabbing his upper arm to steady him.
“Thank you…” Freed said, flushing as he managed to regain his balance and look up at his rescuer. Only to blink as Laxus smirked back at him, and Freed gaped at him. “Laxus, I…”
“Was running late?” Laxus finished for him, using the lingering grip on his arm to pull an unresisting Freed into a hug, muffling the affirmation against himself. “I figured as much.”
“But, why…?” Freed mumbled, not bothering to lift his head. Laxus could always understand him, and he was rather warm and comfortable in his fiancé’s arms, wrinkling his nose as the chest he was pressed against rumbled against him as Laxus laughed.
“I wasn’t going to see in the New Year without you,” Laxus replied, and Freed could hear the smile in his voice and that gave him the energy to look up. “Besides, I was informed I might need to carry you home.”
“Who…Bickslow?” Freed asked and them promptly answered his own question, making a mental note to kick his friend when he saw him next. “I’m fine.” The words were ruined by the large yawn that he couldn’t swallow back, and Laxus arched an eyebrow at him. “Okay, I’m tired…”
“Really?” Laxus asked, and Freed thumped him lightly on the chest. “Ow,” Laxus protested, catching his hand and kissing it, and then pausing as he looked up at something over Freed’s head. Then he was leaning in and Freed met him halfway, accepting the kiss, as distantly he heard the bells beginning to ring out and the distant muffled bangs and whistles of Magnolia’s fireworks. As Laxus held him close, it occurred to Freed that this was their last new year before the wedding, and that next year he would be kissing his husband and he couldn’t help but smile at that thought. “What are you smiling about?” Laxus asked, as they separated on the last bong of the clock.
“By this time next year, we’ll be married.”
Laxus’ eyes widened and then his expression softened, leaning in to steal another kiss. “Now that’s a thought to take into the new year. Happy New Year Freed.”