Cana finally showed up and Mira filled her in. The card mage explained what she saw when she walked in to the cave. Laxus was about to get up and go fry Natsu when a clean, wet haired Sphinx emerged from the locker rooms. She was still towel drying her hair. Not having any change of clothes she still wore her top and shorts. The best part was definite when she grinned happily at them and once again her scent was her own.
-Feeling better? Natsu still asked as she walked past their table
-Natsu, Mira warned she knew the cheeky male was teasing.
-Yeah, um, right. Sphinx could feel the spike in Laxus aura and decided to just play it safe and walk over to the Cana.
-So done throwing rocks at me? Sphinx cocked an eyebrow
-I knew you were going to remember that, I said I was sorry, I was trying to hit Natus, Cana exclaimed waving a bottle in her hand.
-I was half asleep how the hell do you expect me to dodge a rock? Sphinx deadpanned.
-You hit her with a rock? Mira looked shocked.
-Gave me mark on my forehead, Sphinx continued to bait Cana out,
-You could have given her a concussion Mira scowled,
-I was trying to hit NATSU, Cana almost whined.
A hand suddenly turned Sphinx around making her almost loose her balance. Two strong hand on her shoulder steadied her. Gajeel only briefly glanced at her eyes before his hand came to her forehead pushing her hair way. His other hand found its way to her neck as he tilted her to see the cut she was talking about.
-Um, Sphinx instantly averted her eyes as the red ones flashed down to her.
His hand felt warm and firm in her skin; the longer the iron slayer inspected her forehead the more uncomfortable Sphinx felt. It wasn't because he was so close no it was how well he managed to manipulate her movements with and how frustratingly good it felt.
-So what's the diagnose Doctor? Cana said smugly from behind her.
The red eyes when to look at the Card mage with a glare before they fell on her blue one again softening instantly.
-You'll live, Gajeel said as he smirked at her embarrassment.
Only when someone cleared their throat did the raven hared man slowly let go and Sphinx bite her lip in order to calm down.
-Getting woken up by a rock, doesn't sound too nice, Bixlow said as his tongue flicker over his lips.
Sphinx instantly sighed and leaned on the counter by Cana.
-It's not, but it's not the worst,
-What's the worst? The time Natsu threw you across the hall? Gajeel said still remembering the loud crash
-No that was horrible but no,
-The time you woke up with a white gown and a strait jacket? Cana grinned,
A shudder when down Sphinx's spine but she still shook her head.
-What? Bixlow said now turning towards the two,
-How? When? Why? The questions poured out of the Seith mage.
Sphinx waved her hand dismissively at him.
-It can't be the time I threw water on you? Cana pointed one finger at her
-It not, the worst wake up was…
-When I zapped you, Laxus finished for her, his voice low but still managed to be heard by them all.
Everyone turned towards Laxus who sat at the bar. Slowly gray-blue eyes turned to meet her blue ones. He may be scowling a little but Sphinx could see the regret flash in his eyes. He was a master masking his emotions under his frown and glare, well except anger, so Sphinx was a little surprised.
-Yeah, she answered slowly his brows furred and his mouth formed a tense line, the blond males eyes turned to look at the mug in front of him again.
-Enough about that, what was it about strait jackets? Bixlow grinned defusing the situation as Cana laughed.
Sphinx jumped on to the counter to sit between Gajeel and Cana feeling still tired. They talked and swapped stories as she yawned. The wet towel still on her lap made Sphinx finally get up and start walking to put it to dry.
- Sphinx, Lucy smiled waving making Sphinx stop and smile at them.
-Are you feeling better now Sphinx? Erza was the first to ask
-Yeah a lot thanx, Sphinx said while stretching her arms over her head and arching her back.
-You looked like a zombie, you can't work until you collapse, Lucy scowled her.
-Yes mother, Sphinx crossed her arms but smiled,
- Serious I don't want you to collapse; who knows what could happen if it happens while you're on a mission,
- I won't, unless I'm totally utterly unconscious, primitive instincts remember, the dark hared mage smirked while walking backwards from the lecturing blond.
- Primitive instincts? Lisanna questioned, she sat next to Erza and only now had tuned in on their conversation.
-I have no idea what you mean? Lucy shook her head.
By now Sphinx had managed to reach a hanger where she lazily tossed the towel to dry.
-If there is even one ounce, one tiniest piece of energy, I'll find a safe spot to collapse. It survival instincts, Sphinx explained.
- Wait but you keep sleeping out in the open all the time, plus apparently it takes a hell of a lot to wake you up, Gray pointed out.
-Hmm well yeah, but it's not like I sleep on the streets, I guess deep down I feel that the guild is a safes spot for me to sleep in, Sphinx said thoughtfully
- Which is actually totally ridiculous, I swear it's be one of the places I've received the most damages, Sphinx realized making the others chuckle.
-Maybe it's the people around you that make you feel safe, Erza pointed out.
-It mostly likely is,
A hand snuck over her shoulder and Sphinx turned her head to meet the familiar dark eyes of Natsu. She couldn't help but seek out his body heat, the guy was a living walking source of warmth and it made Sphinx just realizes how cold she actually felt.
-You slept like a baby in my arms, Nastu smirked.
Sphinx could already hear the stool being pulled back. Natsu tensed up clearly readying himself for the coming.
- Your looking for trouble arent you? Sphinx sighed as she shrugged her shoulders but NAtsu still kept his arm around her firmly.
I'm way too tired for this shit; Sphinx shook her head while glancing at the worried looking Mira.
-Natsu hands off, Gajeel warned while he walked closer.
-Nah-a, did you know she purrs in her sleep? Natsu taunted while his temperature started to rise,
Wow, his really looking for a fight tonight
- Not that this sharing isn't embarrassing enough already, could we not do this? Sphinx pleaded as her shoulder slumbered.
The way the two older slayers acted so overly protective over her was ridiculous and to be even agitated and provoked by Natsu was just the tip of the ice-berg.
- Natsu, Lucy scowled her friend.
-That it,
Suddenly Laxus stood up from his stool and swiftly walked over to their table. Natsu tensed up even more and even flames started to surround the hand that wasn't around her. But the blond slayer didn't stop in front of them, Laxus glared at Natsu but suddenly turned towards the blond celestial mage.
- Lucy, the man said making the Celestial mage jump in surprise.
The blonde's eyes were wide like plates as Laxus bought his hand to softly care Lucy's face. People around them had mouths open and Natsu ahd stiffen in shock. Sphinx glanced at Cana who just grinned and shrugged back.
- Oh, I get it, Gajeel said, his previous aggression gone from his voice as a wide grin formed to his lips.
-Lets see how you like it,
With confident strides he went around the table straight to the youngest of the Strauss sisters. Gajeel leaned over the chair and placed on hand on the table to loom over the stunned takeover mage.
-Hey Lisanna, he simply said,
Finally Sphinx understood, a chuckle escaped her as she turned to look at frozen Natsu. This time it was easy to slip away from the mortified fire mage's hold.
-Tch, Laxus you should have taken off your shirt if you wanted real impact! Cana yelled loudly while grinning with Bixlow.
To every one's surprise the lighting mage complied with a cocky smirk and removed his t-shirt. Sphinx laughed out loud at Lucy face as she was unable to control her eyes from roaming over the newly exposed skin. Cana hollered, Bixlow laughed and applauded to his friend and Sphinx wolf whistled as Lucy's face when dangerously red.
- um, gh, Lucy staggered not being able to form any kind of decent words,
Natsu seemed to snap out of his momentarily state of paralyze. Flame suddenly burst forth covering his whole being and he growled. Laxus and Gajeel simultaneously stood up facing the flaming mage with confident smirks. They had expected his reaction. Lighting started to pop and crack around Laxus and Gajeel's skin seemed to get a flash to a cold hard surface.
Sphinx shook her head at their cockfight, but apparently Mirajane wasn't taking it as well as she was. The worried takeover mage looked to her in alarm. Sphinx had inched her way towards the bar.
Well if they were going to collide I guess it could get bad, but Sphinx felt too lazy to get too worried.
-We've got to do something, Mira said.
-Do we really? I mean things just got interesting, Cana asked,
- YES!
- What a pity, well Sphinx, you're up; Cana order like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Sphinx glanced at her friend before cocking one eyebrow, silently asking why?
-Don't look at me like that, go stop them, I think Lucy might die of heart attack soon,
-Tch, I don't see why I,
-Just GO already, Cana shooed at her.
Sphinx was just about to snap at the drunk when her eyes caught the worried face of Mira who pleaded with her eyes. Giving up on her retaliation she, rolled her neck and sucked in a breath before taking a few steps before jumping right in between the tree slayers.
Alright, let's do the dance,
-Yo, she greeted passively.
Even if their auras slammed against her Sphinx just let her cloak fall and her tail instantly started to swing smoothly from side to side just like the her hip. Casually she walked to the two slayers, on her way she picked Laxus shirt up before stopping and crossing her hands over her chest.
- Let's take it down a notch, okay; her voice took that seductive tune as her blue eyes looked at the tall blond.
Well hello muscles, it really is impossible to not look when his shirtless.
Reaching her hand out, the lighting around him instantly stopped. Sphinx saw him glance at her hand before lifting his big hand to hers. She intertwined their fingers and stepped a little closer.
-You know this possessiveness you two have is really weird, her breath hitched a little as the lighting mage's presence all but swallowed her.
She could feel the low rumbling in his chest, it was clear he was still irritated but was calming down. Laxus squeezed her hand firmly before taking a breath. Unknowably she gave emitted a resurging growl to the two males. Sphinx head glanced towards Gajeel and grinned at him, red eyes were already on her.
Sphinx stepped away from Laxus but didn't even try to tug her hand free already knowing it was futile.
That hand is lost already
- Guy's I'm too tired to for this shit, so we leave this cockfight for another day.
- The ash brain should start listing to his elders, the blond growled.
-Yeah and I should get more sleep and attention her, Sphinx whined instantly gaining their eyes back to hers.
-Seriously, we just slept; it think, Suddenly Sphinx furred her brows.
They just slept right? I mean Natsu wouldn't do anything stupid; didn't I have a jacket on?
Her puzzled expression clearly didn't have the wanted effect as two rumbling growls vibrated the air around her. Her ears lowered before she glanced at them again.
- Oh, come on, I'll sleep with you too if that's… Sphinx halted her sentence as she realizes what her words sounded like.
Oh damn, her head lower and shoulders slumbered at the own mistake.
Gajeels signature chuckle came from her left while Laxus aura died down and he answered.
-I like the sound of that,
-Ugh, That, that came out wrong, Sphinx said still looking away from them as she flustered.
-No I think that came out perfectly,
-Oh, shut it, she growled at them before pushing her awkwardness away.
With on hand she put Laxus shirt on her shoulder grabber Gajeel's wrist and with a little calling growl she managed to start leading the men towards the bar.
- Now, get over here before I'll go seek attention from somewhere else, she threatened making their step a litter lighter.
From the corner of her eyes she saw Gajeel give Natsu the finger as they passed the fire mage. Mira gave her an appreciative nod while quickly placing few mugs on the counter for them.
- So what did you promise them exactly? Bixlow asked as she grinned at her.
- How did you hear that? Sphinx tilted her head in confusion.
The helmet wearing mage pointed up at a flying totem over her head and Sphinx watched in fascination. Her ears perked as she followed the hovering totem. She would have reached for it if Laxus hadn't wrapped his arms over her shoulder at the same time. Sphinx stilled in her place as his bare skin came against her own and again she was reminded of her own lack of clothes. He was warm and felt wonderful enough to cause a small fluttering in her.
The thought of leaning back against him and just rub a little more firmly sounded pretty appealing at the moment.
Her ear twisted as he blew some air at it. The lighting mage itched to just pull her to him but Mira's earlier lecture still rang in his ears. But most of all he wanted Natsu's scent off her.
- Come on let her breath already, Cana grinned and Laxus let go of her.
- You do realize you're still shirtless? Sphinx tried to say like it didn't affect her but the way her breath became heavier made it seem impossible.
- Do you realize that you're the one walking with very little cloths on, honestly where are your shoes? a slightly posh voice came from behind them.
-Hey Evergreen, Mira greeted the brunette who happened to be carrying Laxus coat,
-To be honest I really have no clue? I think I even had a jacket on the last time I was awake, Sphinx looked down on her bare feet.
Unconsciously she hugged herself with one hand, she was starting to feel the chill again. One thing good about having the men hug her she was able to explode their body heat.
-Wait so Natsu, Natsu took off you jacket? He stripped you? Bixlow lost the humor of his voice and suddenly stood up.
Sphinx didn't really know what to say to that. She felt awkward again and glanced at Cana for help. She felt the auras around her spike again.
Damn she needed to be more careful with what she said,
- You look cold why not use the shirt; I'm sure Laxus won't mind, Cana smirked tilting her bottle towards the shirt on her shoulder.
Well not that kind of help, Sphinx gave her growl, but before she moved Evergreen snatched the shirt and started to pull it over her head.
- Excellent idea, the fairy mage said and ignored the whiny and grunts from Sphinx as she force dressed her.
Her hair was now even more of a mess as she stood there with the big tee-shirt hanging over her. Sphinx rubbed her face tiredly.
- Is it just me or does she looks like she just had sex, in that totally adorable morning after look kind away? Bixlow voice his thoughts.
Oh God!
Sphinx groaned in defeat as they all now stared at her. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other and rubbed the back of her head awkwardly.
- She totally does, you would even think she's naked, Cana agreed,
- The shirt suits you, Laxus grinned at her flushed face.
Before she knew two hands came to waist and she was hoisted up from the ground.
- If he gets to lend his shirt for you, I get to hold you. Gajeel said leaving no room for argument as they all sat down.
-What is up with everyone just picking me up all the time? Sphinx whined but still settled in the familiar lap,
- Your tiny, easy to pick up and carry away, Bixlow teased.
- I'm not a toy, Sphinx growled at him,
- No but you would fit awfully well in a bag, Gajeel said from behind her.
-That sounds like kidnap, Sphinx pointed up one accusing finger,
- Or in a closet, Cana murmured
-Under the bed, Bixlow grinned
- On the bed, Laxus smirked
The lighting mages comment took a hold of the conversation quickly and they all started to throw places, it wasn't just the guys but Evergreen and Cana participated as well,
- On kitchen counter,
- On the sofa,
- Bathtub or shower,
- I'm really starting to see a pattern here guys, the dark hared mage sighed already knowing they would still continue this,
- Pool,
-Dining room table,
- On the floor,
- Practically against any wall,
The blue eyes turned to the smiling takeover mage and Sphinx whined.
-Miiiraaaa, make them stop,
- In the nature,
-Park,
-Office
Mirajane had to giggle at the pouting Sphinx, they really like messing with her.
- You all make me sound like some artifact, she huffed,
-Oh honey, the things they want to do with you is not what they would do with an artifact, Evergreen smirked
- And that sounded very very weird Ever but thank you, I feel so much better, Sphinx rolled her eyes at the fairy mage.
- Seriously thoug if you could have her one night, Cana started
- Caaannaaa, could everyone just stop pimping me out, Sphinx said in a threating voice,
- Don't worry, I would never sell you, Cana said dramatically.
- Don't think you even could, you're not my guarding drunk, Sphinx hissed,
Bixlow however turned towards Cana
-Alright, you said you're not selling, but how about borrowing? Bixlow suggested mischievously,
Sphinc was about to express her dislike in the matter when a hand came over her mouth and this time Gajeel turned towards Cana.
- So what's the deal then? How many barrels? the Iron slayer asked grinningly despite.
Cana started laughing as Sphinx growl was muffled against Gajeel's hand, it sounding awfully lot like the word 'traitor'.
