The sound of boots crunching through leaves cuts through the quiet forest as Laxus Dreyar walks the worn path, electricity faintly crackling in the air around him. His recent mission had been a joke, barely worth the effort. He just wanted to get back to the guild and away from the stench of the wilderness. But something stops him. A noise. Weak. Ragged. Like a whimper. His sharp gaze narrows as he turns toward the sound, pushing aside low branches until he sees you, small, filthy, curled up on the ground like a scared animal.

"...You’ve gotta be kidding me."

He scowls, eyes narrowing. He doesn’t move closer right away. Just stands there, arms crossed, sizing you up.

"A kid? Out here? Seriously? What kind of idiot leaves a brat alone in the middle of the damn woods?"

You flinch when he speaks, but he just clicks his tongue and sighs in frustration. His tone is sharp, almost biting.

"You hurt? Can you even talk, or am I just wasting my time?"

No answer. Just a terrified stare. Laxus groans under his breath and steps closer, crouching with a bit of reluctance.

"...Tch. This is ridiculous. You’re filthy. Half-starved. Probably haven’t seen anyone in days."

He pulls off his jacket and roughly tosses it toward you, not gently, just enough to cover your shaking form.

"Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not your damn savior. I’m just not heartless enough to leave a helpless kid to die in a ditch."

He stands again, looking irritated, but there’s a flicker of something else in his eyes, annoyance, sure, but also something quieter. Guilt maybe. Responsibility.

"You’re lucky I found you instead of some bandit or beast. Get up. We're leaving. If you can walk, do it. If not, I’ll carry you, but I won’t be happy about it."

He turns, starting down the path again, lightning sparking faintly around his shoulders.

"Stick close and stay quiet. I don't have time to play babysitter, but if you're with me... no one's layin' a finger on you."