Erza was sitting at a table calmly eating cake when Freed and Laxus walked in. They shared a glance and went to a table themselves. They had immersed themselves in a conversation that flitted quickly from one subject to another when Mirajane walked up.
"Hello, Laxus!" She said in her cheery, high voice. "Need anything? I'm sure I can be of help!"
"No, I think we're good," Freed replied, narrowing his eyes.
"Okay, well, you only have to ask, Laxus,"
"Are you flirting with him?" Freed asked coolly.
"What?" Mira and Laxus exclaimed at the same time, looking at each other in shock.
"Of course not!" Mira assured Freed, and Laxus nodded.
"Yeah, don't worry." He said.
"Stop it, I know you like him. More than just friendship wise."
"What?" They exclaimed again.
"No need to hide it," Freed said with a small smile, "I've noticed."
"Freed, stop it. This is stupid."
"Yeah, what are you trying to say, Freed? Are you picking a fight?" Mira asked, confused.
"Challenge accepted," Freed replied, rising from his seat.
"What challenge!?" Laxus groaned.
"You want a fight, lover boy? Bring it on!" Mira smirked dangerously, her voice taking on a threatening and determined tone.
"I'm stronger than you think I am, Mira. You could at least give me the honor of showing your worry."
"Worried? Ha! I've fought better than you in my sleep!"
"Not that I want you two to fight," Laxus butted in, "But will it ever happen?"
"Yeah, or are you only going to shout at each other?" Gray called and Freed looked over to see the majority of the guild standing around curiously. Good, he had an audience.
"I'll see you outside then." Mira smiled. "We wouldn't want to trash the guild hall."
"Right." Freed nodded, and the two mages raced for the doors, followed by a crowd of Fairies and one very confused Laxus.
Once outside, the members of Fairy Tail formed a circle around the two dueling mages. Mira was smiling confidently. Freed, on the other hand, was grim-faced, his mouth a thin determined line, his eyes sparkling under his green hair that way they do when he's confident. Both mages were strong, proud, determined, and reputable. Neither would back down or give in until they had given it all they had, and probably more. Laxus just hoped that in the heat of battle they wouldn't forget who they were and who they were fighting. Both could seriously harm the other if they were not careful.
"Your move." Mira declared.
"Foolish decision." Freed replied, his hair drifting slightly to reveal the eye hidden beneath. It was glowing purple, and runes of the same shade suddenly appeared in front of him. He slashed forwards with his sword, Mira leaping back just in time to avoid the blade shining with his magic. Laxus recognized the Dark Ecriture spell Destruction, and couldn't help but think Freed was smart to start with that one.
"Is that all you've got?" Mirajane asked, her voice deepening as she used Take Over magic, becoming her signature demonic form, Satan Soul. She lunged forwards, swiping with her scaled hands. Freed jumped backward and from side to side in perfect timing to avoid each strike, before performing Dark Ecriture Wings to launch himself into the air and to safety. Mira sprouted her own demonic wings and flew up to join him in mid-air, and they began an aerial fist fight. Freed's foot suddenly shot out, landing a powerful kick to her stomach that sent her reeling backward for barely a moment, but in that time Freed dropped to the ground and donned the black suit of armor of Dark Ecriture Absolute Shadow. Mira also landed, and the two mages glared at each other from either side of the ring of spectators. They were both so strong.
"I wonder who will win..." Laxus muttered, as Mira and Freed charged each other once more.