Disclaimer: *see Prologue*

Author's note: Freed explains a little more about the situation and while Laxus goes to talk to the Master; he, Izzy, Bixlow, and Evergreen decide to try and relax by watching movies in the living room on the couch. CUTENESS ensues.
*~*~*~*

Part Three

Finding herself in an unused room, Izzy sits on the edge of the bed mind replaying the events of the day. She couldn't get passed the sheer amount of rage she'd seen under the surface in Laxus at his ground out statement and her curiosity was piqued in a most annoying fashion but she wasn't about to ask with the tension being what it was.

A moment later, she'd watch Freed enter with a cup. "Don't mind Laxus," he murmurs, "It's just how he is when he gets worried."

"I take it he's the kind to not do well with his emotions?" she asks accepting the cup when offered, the scent of tea calming her nerves.

"Oh, not at all," Freed agrees with a wry smile, "So it tends to become a big issue when he gets concerned."

"How much does the master actually KNOW about the problem?"

"More than the Guild," he admits after a moment, "They'd be more alarmed if they knew but both he and Laxus don't want to panic them needlessly. However, this last job...has grounded Bixlow and I here thanks to what happened."

"I don't understand disliking something about someone SO much that they'd do this."

"It only takes one charismatic person to make trouble."

"They need to find better uses for their passions than attacking people."

"To be honest, we didn't think they'd come here like this or we'd have not let you leave last night with Levy."

"How did they know about me?"

"They're watching the Guild. We're not sure yet HOW that's happening but they know what's going on within the Hall."

"Someone's giving information they shouldn't."

Freed nods. "It's the only answer which isn't helping anything so the Master's trying to figure that out while trying to keep anyone from knowing the truth."

She sips the tea quietly as she considers this. "Still...they would have had to have known right off the bat about me...though I guess if they are in the Guild then when I was helping Laxus or during my wait for the Master they could have sent a message...It just...Why would anyone go to such lengths?"

"We're pretty sure it's because they're crazy," Freed answers.

"Well, yeah, I can definitely see that but still..." She shakes her head. "Maybe it's just that trying to rationalize what can't be is the problem. I'm gonna give myself a headache with this."

"Don't do that. They aren't worth it."

"It's still worrisome."

"I will agree with that but at the moment all that can be done is to try and keep things from escalating if we can."

She nods and focuses on the tea willing herself to calm. A moment later, Evergreen appears in the doorway. "Laxus went to the Guild Hall to talk to the Master. We're not to leave unless the building is on fire."

"Of course," Freed answers before looking at Izzy, "Come on. Right now relaxing would be in your best interest and sitting in the dark won't help. Join us in the living room and we'll find something to watch."

Deciding that he did have a point, she nods and slowly rises before following into the living room. It's not too long before she finds herself comfortable on the couch which surprisingly holds all four of them laughing at the comedy they'd all agreed on to lessen the tension.

She's not sure what movie they're on when her eyes start getting heavy. Reaching up to rub them, she really doesn't feel like moving from her position. A quick look shows Evergreen curled up asleep against Freed's side and the green-haired male's eyes blinking rapidly as well. A moment later she'd feel a blanket tucked around her and she'd look up at Bixlow. "Go to sleep, Izzy," he murmurs softly, "You're safe here." Snuggling into the blanket and consequently into the Seith mage's side, she decides that it suited her just fine to do so and she's soon asleep as well.

Laxus would come home to Freed, Evergreen, and Izzy asleep on the couch with Bixlow the only one awake. "Heh, decided to relax, huh?" he asks quietly as he pads over.

"Figured it might be best," Bixlow replies eying him, "What'd the Master say?"

"Keep her here where she's safe. Freed and I will have to go with him tomorrow as he's going to talk to the Council. You think you and Evergreen can keep an eye on her and YOU can keep out of trouble?"

"I know we can protect her...other than that," he shrugs, "Moot point."

"Bix," Laxus growls in warning.

"Look, I don't want to argue this with you, Laxus. She'll be looked after."

"You're far too hard on yourself, Bixlow."

"We're not discussing me," the Seith mage retorts curtly, "I mean it."

"Well, we won't discuss THAT issue then...but I'm curious as to the arm you have curled around Izzy. Can we talk about THAT?"

Bixlow looks quickly and Laxus is granted the sight of his face coloring instantly which has him covering his mouth snickering. "I...uhhhh..."

And with that, the blond has to disappear into his bedroom in order to keep from waking the others laughing. Bixlow swallows and slowly attempts to reclaim his arm only to have the dark haired mage make a really cute disgruntled sound before moving closer AND throwing her arm around him. He closes his eyes a moment before taking a slow deep breath before managing quietly, "I see THIS going six ways of awkward in the morning." And he prayed that Laxus didn't come back out because he'd NEVER hear the end of it.