***I don't own fairytail'''''
-Masters please, I'll promise I'll rest and take brakes, Sphinx whined desperately flinging her arms around.
Master Makarov sighed, it pained him to restrict her but it had to be done. Above everything else the well being of his children came first, even if he had to put his foot down.
-I'm sorry but my decision is final, said the short old man,
Sphinx growled in aggravation, she wasn't particularly angry straight at master it was obviously he only ordered this thinking about her health. And the female mage knew was being a brat about it. Sphinx nodded once and ran hand threw her black hair.
- It just a week right,
-Just a week I promise,
-May I go? Sphinx asked softly even if she may not seem very pleased about all this.
-Off course, but try to take it easy Sphinx we don't want you to fall ill, the man pleaded.
- Yeah, she huffed but gave a last wave and exited the room,
This is ridiculous, I don't need this,
The dark hared mage growled at her thoughts, it seemed that the other had gotten more worried about her collapsing than she had. Mira had taken the initiation to bring the matter to master. Apparently she was over working herself and putting too much stress on her body.
-Ridiculous indeed, she muttered.
Devil slayers were not good at staying still, they weren't good at taking orders and even the slightest feeling of being trapped agitated Sphinx. She loved her freedom, loved that she was able to get away from everything and disappear, loved that she wasn't attached to anything.
Lately that hasn't been the case, with all the new people in her life Sphinx felt more and more obligated to give those answers and be there for them. and it could get exhausting. Her simple and carefree life was changing and she wasn't sure if she likes it or not.
Looking down at her hand Sphinx clenched and unclenched her fist. She could already feel it, her instincts telling her to break free. Just beneath her skin but still in the darkness of her mind she felt her demons reach out to brush against its cages, checking for any weakness in her control.
The dark heard woman shook her head in agitation, lowering her hand she closed her eyes and counted to ten just to restart herself. Things had happened and she needed to deal with them, there was a reason she had stayed away. Other than Bixlow's confession or the two slayers, she had finally broken one of her seals. It meant she needed to distance herself so she could come in terms with the darkness.
Sitting down at the bar Sphinx looked at the very person who had put her in this situation. Mirajane instantly walked over she gave her a smile but Sphinx could also feel the flicker of guilt in her aura. Still there was no reason to blame white haired mage.
-Hey Sphinx, can I get you anything? She asked her sweetly,
- A bottle of Gin, Sphinx simply said not in the mood to small talk,
Mira's eyes winded worriedly but she still handed her the bottle. Sphinx could see her opening her mouth so she quickly intervened.
-I don't blame you Mira, your worried, it's just who you are. I'm not excited about this but I don't really have a choice, I need you to let it go,
Blue eyes looked up at the takeover mage; she seemed conflicted which didn't surprise her. Sphinx gave her a small smile wanting to ease her mind even a little.
-So how are we doing this, I'll try to wake up a little earlier but still there is just no possible way for me to up at before midday, my body wont allow it.
-Oh, that's alright, you can take the evening sifts and the whole point of this is to let you rest so don't force yourself up too early.
Mira said smiling a little brighter at that moment.
-I'll have to go with Master to the council meeting on Friday, but Kinana is going to be here all week so if you can't find me ask her, she can practically run the bar on her own,
-So why did you ask for me to bartend? Sphinx tilted her head in confusion,
Mirajane smiled but that small mischievous glance towards the sealing had a bad feeling rise in Sphinx. The takeover mage had definitely some alter motives in this.
-I wanted for more people to get to know you, she smiled innocently.
Sphinx crossed her arms over her chest, looking very suspiciously at the mage. Before the dark hared women had time to question her farther the door opened.
-Hey Lucy, Mira said
-Hey Mira, oh, Sphinx, the blond happily exclaimed while her team slowly followed after.
- Good mission?
-yeah, but you know how they are, Lucy sighed sadly while sitting down next to her.
- Destroyed half the place?
The blond nodded in defeat making Sphinx chuckle.
- Well, when I get away from being grounded I'll take you on mission, Sphinx promised.
-Why are you grounded? Gray instantly asked while sitting on her other side.
-Apparently I need to take better care of myself, and master thought confining me to the guild will be just the thing, she sounded lazy but Sphinx could detect the hint of annoyance in her voice.
-What does that mean?
-It means they will build a cage for me over there, Sphinx pointed over her head,
-And have to dance and entertain everyone for food like a circus animal, Sphinx sighed and laid her head on the counter while others looked at he shocked.
Lucy looked to Gray in shock but Mira quickly corrected them.
-No we don't, she's messing with you, Mirajane scowled.
-She's going to be helping around the bar,
- Yeah that's what I said; Sphinx let a smirk come to her face,
-You said you had to dance and performed in a cage, Gray said,
-Isn't that the same thing?
-Not even close, Lucy exclaimed beside her.
-You really hate bartending that much? Mirajane asked,
-No, I just dislike not given a choice, I don't like being still
-Oh so that what this is all about, you're annoyed you're getting an order to stay put. Mira almost sighed in relief before walking to the kitchen,
- It's not bad to rest and just chill for once, Lucy tried being sympathies,
- Speaking of choices, you made up your mind yet? Gray grinned at Sphinx.
-About what?
-Well men of course, a new but familiar voice entered their conversation.
The three turned to look at the light brown haired Evergreen walking up to the bar. The fairy mage sat elegantly next to Gray and almost as in sensing the topic Mira appeared again.
- Why are you all so curious about my life? Don't you think you should worry about your own? Sphinx said not hiding her annoyance.
-Elfamn and I are alright, there's no drama there. Evergreen instantly answered smugly,
- What exactly do you want me to do? you always bring this up, Chose one, start dating, get married have bunch of kid running around, bake cookies and shit.
The devil slayer lifted on eyebrow at the older mage almost as in challenging her.
- I really can't see you baking, Gray voiced his thoughts,
-Good, I probably suck at it anyways.
- I don't get you people, so what if I chose one, we fuck, then what? No, what if I fuck all three of them, then what? i really dont get all this love story-bullshit your throwing in,
She was annoyed but held her composer supringly well,
-Don't you ever want to settle down? Mira tilted her head,
-Don't you want to have that someone special in your life; don't you want to share it all with someone?
-It not all about sex you know, you get that connection with someone you find someone you cherish someone that makes you a better person, Evergreen said sounding serious and happy at the same time.
From the corner of her eyes Sphinx saw a familiar brunet enter the guild to her relief. Canan could instantly tell something was wrong. Sphinx was tense and her eyes were looking too intense too sharp.
-Yeah, because love is the answer to all, what if things don't go that way? her Voice took a dip darker.
- What's up? Cana asked as she looked around the others faces.
- Isn't it cute Cana, they actually think I have a hearth, Sphinx smiled mockingly,
Yeah, something is definitely wrong,
-Don't you have dreams about it someday? Mira asked politely
This time it wasn't just Cana that could feel the change it was everyone. Sphinx gritted her teeth and the air around her seemed much heavier. Closing her eyes Sphinx fought to hold her temper, fought to silence the urges to explode.
-I don't like making future plans, I could die tomorrow, she answered bluntly,
Cold blue eyes looked at Mira making the takeover mage jolt in her stance. Those deadly blue eyes flashed to light blue, an incredibly cold and harsh light blue. It was gone in a blink but it had already pierced her.
Sphinx didn't mean to stare at the Mira like that. However ever since she managed to break the seal suppressing some of her powers she also had harder time to hide the monster in her.
-Sphinx, Cana called her name making her finally snap her eyes shut.
Fuck, what did I do?
Standing up Sphinx made her way to the bathroom. The first time she looked at herself in the mirror she felt like crying. It was still her face, still her blue eyes but yet it wasn't. Her gaze wasn't lazy or seductive like she normally had; no it was intense, burning and dark.
The cold water against her skin manages to cool down the tremors but the gnawing guilt was rising. She may be cold about many things but she never wanted to be one towards them. An uneasy ball formed in her gut, would they look at her differently if they knew? If they the kind of energy and darkness lurked in her.
-Fuck! She cursed this time aloud slamming her hand down on the side of the sink.
This is exactly why she needed time for herself to short things like this.
-You okay? Cana's voice said from behind her as the door closed.
- Yeah, just getting the hang of it. I hope I wasn't too harsh, the devil slayer murmured,
- Don't worry about it I just told them you were hang over, remember they already know you get bitchy then.
-Heh, thanx. Sphinx let out a sad chuckle
- I don't think they actually believed me but they seemed to accept it well enough.
-Yeah, hey Cana Im grounded, Sphinx needed to talk about something else something to distract her mind.
-I heard; tell me if you need anything, I know you hate restrictions.
-Well if you're not at missions just hang with me.
-Clingy much, you were supposed to be the independent one. Mah, this always happen, I'm just too God damn sexy for own good,
Cana said while striking a pose to her. It sometimes still amazed Sphinx that she had found people like Cana or Lucy to scare the shadows away, she was truly lucky,
- Your absolutely right, I'm head over heal here. Please let me have you, Sphinx said sarcastically but couldn't help but smile,
-Now get your act together and let's go, your boys are here. Cana finish when her voice suddenly dipped lower and suggestive,
Sphinx looked up instantly. her boys. That small excitement that instantly lit in her core surprised Sphinx. Was she starting to lose her nerves again? for once she realize she was happy to see the guys,
-I don't think they can be classified as boys, Sphinx said while they exited.
-Well, men three beautifully sculptured men, Cana continued to bash she shoved Sphinx to the hall.
- Hey beautiful, a voice whispered in her ear and a playful aura surrounded her.
His aura seemed to sooth her raging magic in an instant. Sphinx felt suddenly more relaxed than she had in a while. That small flickering excitement seemed to grow as Bixlow took a gentle hold of her hand and led her towards the bar again.
-Hey, Sphinx smirked back as a playful glint came to her eyes.
It was weird how his presence diminished the darkness in her mind but at the moment she didn't care. Like he read her thought Bixlow looked over his shoulder and grinned. Sphinx felt the soothing energy pulsing softly from their connected hands. She looked up again.
-You seemed a little tense, was all he said before pulling her to stand in front of by the bar while placing his hand on her hips.
- Hear you're stuck at the guild? No running away, Laxus grinned a bit too widely in Sphinx is opining.
Suspicious Mr. Dreyar, very suspicious,
He sat on the seat she had occupied only moments earlier. His coat hanging loosely over his shoulders, the power once again seemed to reach out to lick her skin in a greeting manner.
- Well word travels fast, she nodded,
For once Laxus didn't care that it wasn't his arms that rested on her hips or his chest her back was against. Sphinx was grounded, meaning he had a whole week with her. Paperwork and all the other tiresome work he had to do for his grandpa suddenly didn't seem so bad.
-Do you even know how to bartend? Lucy asked
-Kind of. I did a job at one club, Sphinx said as she suddenly smirked at Cana
-Oh, you mean that, place, I though you just danced there, Cana said as wide grin came to her face,
-Danced? Lucy asked,
-Yeah, I was undercover, so I had to blend in.
- There is just no way could you ever blend baby, your eyes are just too blue for that, Bixlow mused behind her.
-Well when the majority of the mass are topless, the costumers don't really look at faces, Cana laughed,
-You did a job at strip club? Gray chocked out.
- Yeah, I didn't strip there, I bartended with little clothes, occasionally danced a little, Sphinx said like it was the most normal thing,
- Let me guess, you were in a cage? Gray said as his face turned away,
Sphinx grinned and winked at the ice mage who now desperately was trying to shake the image of Sphinx moving her body in very little cloths against some barres. His face starting to heat up just like Lucys was.
- Those places really are excellent information gathering, Sphinx said nonchalantly.
- Mira can we get a cage? Bixlow said only to earn a scoff from the woman in front of him.
Mira shook her head at them; it was good to lean that Sphinx had some basic knowledge of bartending; it would give her a little more peace of mind.
- Is there anything you haven't done? Lucy asked
- lot of, most of them are just boring, I only go for the once that interest me, Sphinx grinned at her,
- Oh she can't sing, Cana blurted out
Sphinx sighed as eyes turned to Cana then back to her.
-Its true I sound like a dying duck if I start singing, she admitted while the other chuckled to at her.
-Finally there is something you're not good at, Lucy said while dramatically throwing her hand to her chest.
-Well I have got to give you all chance, it would be just too boring if I over ruled all of you,
- Wow, you guys feel that? The weight if her ego, Gray smirked
- Hah come on, you can't cook, you suck at being patient and you sleep way too much, Cana instantly started to list her bad qualities,
- Hater, I do know how to cook,
-Noodles don't count,
- tch, it's not like I need to impress anyone with my cooking skills, I'm patient, I just think that most things aren't supposed to make me wait so long and everyone sleeps i just happened to be a master at it,
Sphinx crossed her arms as she growled at Cana but the card mage was already pass the subject and on to the next.
- If you had to choose one person, to …
-again, every time someone says that I feel like I should run, Sphinx interrupted,
- Shut it, now the world ends for a month, you survive who do you spend it with? Cana said
- Well that's just stupid, why would the wo-
-I said Shut it, just answer, now Lucy go;
-Um that a hard one, I'm debating between Levi, Erza or Natsu,
-Well that's easy, Natsu of course, Levi would be with Jet, and we all know where and with who titana would be with, Evergreen said like it was the obvious thing ever.
- ugh, Natsu I guess then,
Why ask if they already know?
- Gray, Cana asked
-Ugh, the Ice mage started but was already interrupted
-please, Juvia, like she would leave his side even if he tried, Evegreen waved her hand at the Ice mage,
What the hell kind of logic is this; Sphinx lifted an eyebrow at her.
- Mira,
- Uhm, I would think Lisanna, since I think Elfman would be with Evergreen,
Great now its spreading to Mira as well,
-No, Lisanna would be with Lucy and Natus, his time it was Laxus who spoke,
-Wait you said one person, Lucy pointed out,
-There is no other option, Laxus said while crossing his big arms over his wide chest.
And again, come on people, Sphinx shook her head but still stayed silent
It was clear that Laxus knew something about it, but it was futile to get the man to share. His mannerism had that 'it's final' kind of vibe. Lucy was about so say something when the lighting mage looked up and smirked towards Mira
-I'll lend you Freed, A knowing look crossed his eyes as the barmaid blushed while suddenly hurrying to her kitchen.
uuh, interesting, Mira and Freed,
-I knew it, Canan announced while pointing a finger after the disappearing takeover mage.
-I thought Freed would be with you, kind of like Juvia and Gray, Sphinx smirked teasingly at Laxus,
- tch, not if Mira is an option, beside I would be occupied already,
Again that fluttering feeling went over her as his predatory smirk looked at her. The people looked from Laxus to Sphinx who tried to look away from his luring eyes.
-So the big question is who would you take? Lucy said while pointing at Sphinx, sounding awfully smug.
I knew it, all a trap
-Well that depends, is there alcohol?
- No, you have to choose a person,
- Well I was going to say Cana, Sphinx said thoughtfully.
-But a month with you sober doesn't sound very nice, Sphinx smirked at her friend who managed to shove her playfully.
-And beside you can't have Cana, she would be with Gildart, Ever said,
-You do realize that your pairing people is totally irrational, because with that logic wouldn't it be something like,
-If I chose Laxus, the blond man instantly grinned pleased but Sphinx lifted her hand,
-With Laxus, I would get his team as well, and since you're with Elfamn I get the entire Strauss trio, and because Lisanna goes to Natsu and he to Lucy I get them as well,
- Now Lucy and Levi are almost like sisters so I leg Levi and Jet and we can't forget about Droy,
Sphinx said comically while the others scoffed at her. A grin came to her face but was quickly whipped away as she saw a reflection on one of the bottles behind the bar. A reflection on someone who she knew a while ago, knew very well. SHe missed how Lucy began to talk to her,
-tch, Sphinx, it doesn't work like that, just say who you ch-
-Doranbolt, her voice was laced with disbelieve when she turned to look towards the door.
-WHAT! Cana exclaimed spitting her drink,
-Don't count, you must be someone from the guild, Lucy piped up like there had actually been rules
When Sphinx didn't answer them they soon followed her gaze to the open guild doors. There in flesh dressed in white really stood none other than the teleportation mage. Sphinx was shocked to see him until his turquoise eyes turned to hers, then the shock quickly turned into panic.
In a blink she pulled back and hid herself against Bixlow. The seith mage looked down in question as the blue eyes looked almost in panicky up at him. Sphinx felt her hear beat faster as people around her yelled their greeting to the visitor.
- Sphinx,
Oh shit, he saw her
She know that voice, it had whispered many things in her ear. Before it had managed to light that burning fire in her and she remembered all the dark hallways that they had lost themselves in. Yeah, he was definitely real and apparently here.
-Sphinx is that you? The dark haired man called in somewhat of a longing and desperate manner.
Sphinx however didn't tuner and run to his arms, no she did the opposite.
-Oh shit, she cursed before dashing and jumping over the counter heading for the back exit.
But running from someone who can teleport? Yeah it was stupid to even try. Sphinx had nearly time to stop as the white clad man appeared in front of her. He had no hesitation as he pulled the woman flush against him; Sphinx could hear the gasps and surprised noises from around her,
- ugh, Doran-
Sphinx started but was rudely interrupted when soft but urgent lips cover her own. They were familiar yet it had been so long she had almost forgotten how they felt against her own. Almost by instinct her eyes fluttered shut and she let his feelings reach her.
It was like lying down in wool, she felt like sinking into it. That was until a very angry and very powerful presence made her eyes snap open and yank her mouth from his.
What the hell am I doing?
