***I Dont own Fairytail**

- Give me those nuts,

- Oh, you want some?

- Yeah,

- You want some salty nuts in your mouth,

-Seriously? You're doing this?

-Oh definitely, give them to me,

-I'll give them to you, I'll make sure to fill your whole damn mouth with some nuts,

- Mama, please don't tease me,

-You want it? You want it that bad?

- Oh god, please stop,

- Don't make me beg, mama,

- Open wide, I'll fill you right up,

-There we go, good girl, now swirl them around, use your tongue for me baby,

- That it, OUT both of you, NOW,

Gajeel watched with interest as the storage room door opened and a laughing Cana stumbled out with a bag of nuts in her hand, while holding her stomach. Behind her came Sphinx with cheeks puffed out and mouthful with said nuts, her laughter was horribly muffled as she tried to keep the food in while laughing and breathe. Lastly came an annoyed but flustered looking Lucy caring a small box.

The trio made their way over to the bar where to his surprise they all went behind the counter. Cana turned towards Sphinx.

- Now swallow, all of it!

-Shut it you two,

Still Sphinx tilted her head back and swallowed with all of the nuts as she threw her hand up to high-five with Cana. Grinningly she opened her mouth to show it was empty and Lucy smacked her in the arm.

-You two are worse than Gray and Natsu, why did I agree to help you again?

-Aww, come on Lucy, don't be mad, Cana cooed in fake voice,

-Well, I believe it was because Mira asked you to keep an eye on her, Cana pointed at Sphinx who rolled her eyes,

- You know we love you, Sphinx purred mischievously,

- Don't worry there's still some nuts left if you wanted to try, Cana shook the bag of nuts in her hand causing Lucy to turn red again and huff at them.

Gajeel took this as his cue to step in, he had known for a while about Lucy's secret. He could smell him all over her. And he really couldn't let this opportunity pass him by.

-Maybe Bunny girl only wants certain someone's nuts in her mouth? Form the 'Gihihi' chuckle it was impossible to not recognize the speaker.

Lucy halted as knowing red eyes looked at her. Sphinx followed in interest as the busty Celestial mage turned alarmingly red.

-Ooh, interesting, Sphinx grinned at the blond who looked so obviously guilty, Sphinx almost felt bad for teasing her.

Almost,

- So there is someone who's nuts you're interested in,

- You finally did it with Natus? Cana exclaimed with wide eyes.

- OFFCOURSE NOT, Lucy shrieked while her hand came over her cheeks.

- hmm, not Natsu. Sphinx narrowed her eyes when suddenly she could feel someone else's aura on her.

-NONE OF YOUR BISUNESS, the blond said loudly while whipping the counter, like work it would get the other off her back.

The Devil slayers grin widened and her eyes glanced at Gajeel who only cocked one eyebrow. Sphinx turned excitedly towards Lucy.

- Someone finely asked a lion out to play, Sphinx sang playfully while Lucy suddenly turned and looked mortified at her.

- LOKE! Cana said in disbelief,

Without another word Lucy dashed away from the bar yelling something about minding their own business. Sphinx and Cana laughed at her retrieving form, they would tease her later. Sphinx turned towards the Iron dragon slayer and her eyes automatically scanned in his bare arms.

- So what can I get you? She asked while leaning her arms on the counter.

Amused flicker went over his eyes as his eyes looked her over just like she had. Sphinx trued to ignore that exiting jitter she felt as his eyes travelled over her.

-That's a pretty dangerous question, are you sure you want me to answer? His voice was low as he stepped right in front of her, the bar counter the only thing between them.

A pleasant jolt sparked in her lower stomach at his challenge. Suddenly the thought of pulling this rough and sexy male to the back room felt like a really tempting.

- Well try me, She whispered while leaning just a little bit closer.

A dangerous grin came to his face making her knees just about to give out. Gajeel looked really good; the man had been on a mission for a while so she felt even more excited to see him. Something caught her attention, from the corner of her eye she saw someone float and land on the counter. Finally tearing her eyes from the dragon slayer Sphinx grinned at the dark furred exceed.

-Hey Lily, how was the mission?

- Evening Sphinx, it was quite boring,

Always so polite Lily, Sphinx shook her head at the small creature.

They were all so very different, Happy was just so energetic while Charla was a Lady. Suddenly she remember something Levi had mentioned earlier about Lily, curiously she inspected the tiny feline.

-Lily, is it true you have a second form? She placed her elbow on the counter and leaned her jaw on it as she stared curiously at the sudden grin the exceed got.

-I do, my battle mode, the little exceed said proudly while holding his paws on his small waist.

It was hard getting reconitation when your partner is someone as strong as Gajeel the iron dragon slayer. So Sphinx's curiosity and attention did give him a little ego boost. And the wide grin came from the fact that this particular female was showing interest in him, the same attention Gajeel was really trying to get. He could practically feel the scowling slayer from all the ignoring.

The blue eyes sparked in interest as she fidgeted and leaned closer,

- Are you a lot different in battle mode? Her arm stretched out and she lowered her upper body to lie on to bar counter to be more in his level.

-Yes,

- Can the others do it? She mused while her finger slowly played with his tail.

-You mean Happy and Carla? No, they might be able to one day.

-Do you want me to show you? He finally asked,

Then she got that chester cat grin she often had when excited. Her brilliantly blue eyes seemed to shine and she nodded to him while leaning back up. Lily started walk to the edge of the counter and glanced at his partner who only rolled his eyes at him.

Sphinx felt the shift in air as magic surrounded Lily. He hopped off the counter but it wasn't the same small exceeda that landed on the floor. Her eyes widened as the former pocket sized feline now stood up taller than her, no, even taller than Gajeel, with a muscular and surprisingly humanoid frame.

-Awesome, she whispered in aww before effortlessly jumping over the counter to him.

Her eyes went from his toes to the tip of his ears and back. She looked with such sincere amazement that it almost had him chuckle. Her hand came up to lightly touch his arm.

-I understand why they call you Panther now, she mussed as she inspected his arm with innocent fascination.

-You're so tall,

She placed her palm against his just to see how much bigger he really was. Then a though accrued to her. Her eyes looked up at him in wonder, her ears pressed back and Lily tilted his head. It was obvious Sphinx wanted to ask something.

- Do you still have wings in this form?

With a small nod he called his wings forth and again looked amused as her face lit up. Gracefully she ducked from under his arm to look at the white feathery wings.

-What's it like to fly? Her voice held certain amount of longing, as Lily felt her fingers trace over his wings.

-Ugh,

How do you explain something so natural to him to someone who had no idea? He glanced at Gajeel who followed Sphinx with thoughtful eyes.

- It liberating, there are now rules when it comes to sky,

Sphinx smiled at him before he felt something touch his tail. Looking down her saw her darker tail wrap around his in a playful manner.

- Even your tail is bigger than mine, she mused,

It felt weird, almost like it tickled, her tail was smooth as it snaked around making his move in sync with hers. It was almost hypnotic to watch. Her blue eyes turned to his once again and he felt the tiniest jolt go threw him.

- Can you take me flying Lily? She asked while her tail tugged his playfully,

His name rolled from her tongue, easily managing to sound polite but still in some ways almost intimate. It was like her whole attention was on him, like she saw no one else, it felt surprisingly flattering. The whole idea was odd to the Exceed but he was curious what made her so different.

He nodded once and followed as her ears perked up,

There really was something about her, that something that that wasn't quite normal but still perfectly suited her. Lily felt deep friendship with people from the guild even if they were humans; he even had a deeper level of connection with Gajeel. He had been affected by Fairytail's bonds and attitude of never giving up, that it had him striving to reach the same kind of mentality.

Still, he had never truly felt this kind of feeling towards any of them. He wouldn't call it to attraction but maybe something close to it. Sure he adored Levi and Lucy but to him they were still humans. Still he had the urge to know more about her or just simply hear Sphinx say his name again. She wasn't an exceed that was for sure. So why did he feel this way? How odd.

- Not having this, came rugged voice from behind her.

Sphinx glanced over her shoulder at Gajeel who looked very determent with his arms crossed over his chest. She cocked one eyebrow at him but felt Lily's tail leave hers making her scowl. The red eyes flashed to his partner and Lily instantly knew the look.

The tall Exceed took a step back from Sphinx and hid his wings again. Instantly his partner stepped forward so he was directly in front of Sphinx. Lily was careful to keep the smirk of his face at Gajeel's possessive behaviors. Apparently the Iron slayer felt the need to clarify his claim on the female. It was his instincts that often made him behave like this, Lily was already accustomed to it.

It really was very unnecessary, Lily would never try to go for Gajeel's females and even if he might feel a little liking towards this particular human he really much doubted it would ever evolve into any kind of deeper feeling. Still this did mean Gajeel did find him a threat, meaning he did see him as a worthy opponent and that made him happy.

-Sphinx you're supposed to be working, you don't get to go out and fly with Lily, Cana pointed out as she finished her barrel with a loud sigh.

- Nooooo, I want to fly, Sphinx whined as she looked longingly at the door then at Lily.

While her ears pressed back and tail lowered sadly, she looked so heartbroken Lily was tempted to grant her the wish.

- nop, sorry, Cana shot her down immediately.

- This sucks! Sphinx exclaimed while kicking a stool,

- Why do you want to fly so badly? Gajeel asked,

- I want to know what it's like, Sphinx simply stated.

- It's not that special, Gajeel stated only getting an annoyed glare from the woman.

-Well it's easy for you to say. You get joyrides from Lily whenever you want, Sphinx scoffed as she jumped back to the other side of the counter.

The way she moved so fluently, so naturally. Sphinx had leaped over the tall counter like it was any small step while still maintains her scowl. Again it had Lily puzzled, he hadn't paid too much attention to her movement but now that he thought about it he hadn't seen anyone else move as agile without the use of magic?

- Oi, Cana get your hands off the bottles, Mira will have your head if you start emptying the bar.

-No, she'll have your head, I'll be long gone when she get back. The brunette card mage smirked but let Sphinx take the bottle from her hand.

-Tck, then beat it, go out of my bar, she growled while shooing Cana to the other side of the counter.

- Okay Okay, geez, bossy much,

Sphinx returned to her spot and shuffled around before taking out a plate with Iron bits. Mira had instructed her of everyone's different small habits. Gajeel took a seat and started eating while Lily turned back into a small exceed and sat on the counter.

- I heard something interesting about you, Gajeel said looking up at her.

Sphinx lifted one eyebrow in question. When he got that mirth in his eyes that had double effect on her; they pierced her annoyance and instantly lit a hunger in her but the mischievousness usually also meant that it was directed at her.

-Little criminal, gihi, he stated and Sphinx rolled her eyes, of course he would hear about it.

- So what were you searching in the council? Gajeel asked it was obvious he was interested but somehow he managed to make her feel like she hadn't do anything wrong.

He wasn't judging her, and Sphinx appreciated it.

-I was, she paused, Sphinx looked up at the man before grabbing a cloth and just played it in her fingers.

-I was searching more about what I am,

Gajeel watched her thoughtfully, just like him Sphinx wasn't very keen on sharing and he hadn't really been sure if she would answer or evade his question. But she had answered him, which meant that she trusted him in some level. The realization made his smirk disappear, it was weird, a good kind of weird. The kind of weird that made him wants to suddenly hold her tightly, but of course he wouldn't just do that. He wasn't a pansy who would do such a lame thing; he was the black steel iron dragon slayer.

-Did you find anything, Cana asked from beside him,

Sphinx sighed and ran a hand threw her thick hair. She looked forwards into nothingness as in replaying her memories.

-No, I didn't have much time before Doranbolt found me, Sphinx said and Gajeel could hear the frustration behind it.

It made him wonder more about her Devil's slayer magic, from her reaction it seemed that it wasn't as close to their own magic as he had first thought. She seemed to sometimes very negative about it. He wanted to ask about it but he had a feeling she wasn't going to tell him.

He still had a long way to get her fully opening up to him. At least mentally, physically he might have better odds. Gajeel almost smirked at his own thoughts,

Cana was just about to open her mouth when the door banged open. Sphinx didn't need to feel their aura to know both of the men who just entered were annoyed even a little angry.

I have a really bad feeling,

It didn't take them long to start heading her way and for once Sphinx was happy to be on the other side of the counter.

Bixlow did nothing to hide his agitation as he all but marched to the counter and slammed both of his hand flat on the counter surface. Sphinx shrank back at the loud noise and decided to lean on the opposite wall. Bixlow took of his helmet and looked at her piercingly. Laxus stood behind him looking a lot calmer but still had arms crossed over his chest tensely and looked at her.

They were smothering her. Sphinx stood frozen in her spot trying to understand the Seith mage's pointing look.

-How many more men are we to expect, he didn't yell at her but asked with a gritted teeth.

Sphinx tilted her head in confusion, what the hell is he talking about?

-How many more of your Ex's are we supposed to come and thrust their tongue down your throat? The blue black haired mage exclaimed as he waved his hand.

Oh, that, right,

Crap

-ugh, uh- she stammered unable to form an answer,

Sphinx looked slightly terrified if it wasn't for the red embarrassed color that seemed to cover her face. Cana started to laughed at her friends expense. They were really putting her on the spot. She didn't know how to react to this kind of sudden confrontation.

-Did you hear? Laxus said while turning to look at Gajeel nodded and kept munching on chunk of iron.

-Sphinx, Bixlow said seriously,

The female looked ready to bolt at any second; her pleading glance towards the door had Laxus take a step to the side to block her view.

-Oi, calm down Bix, Cana said amused and to her credit the seith man let out a breath and sat down on a stool.

-Seriously woman, I'm not going to sit back and let some random dude just, just, Bixlow felt so agitated he had hard time expressing himself.

-Aww, Bixy you're just adorable when you're jealous, Cana teased,

-I'm not just jealous, I'm insanely jealous, he frowned at her disapprovingly.

Sphinx looked from the accusing eyes then at Laxus who didn't show it openly but there was a hint of something in his eyes. Suddenly there was an uneasy lump in her throat and her hand almost started shake in panic.

The raven haired female wasn't used to be in these situations. Sphinx like the 'having fun part and living in the moment' part. She rarely had to deal with any kind of after effects and almost never had she been in this situation. Dealing with others drama and watching from the side lines while yelling out advice was easy, being the one in the situation. She was literally freaking out.

Blue eyes looked at Cana desperately asking her what to do. The card mage however found it hilarious, still the a small part of her conscience still nagged her to help her friend out, especially when Sphinx looked like she might start hyperventilating soon,

- Well you definitely aren't hiding your feelings Bixy, Cana said drawing the seith mages attention to herself,

- Why should I? The guy wasn't even from Fairytail, I mean come on, again he slammed his hand on the counter making Sphinx winch again in respond,

Gajeel turned to look at the animated frustrated man,

- So you're not angry because he kissed her your angrier about the fact that he didn't belong to the guild?

- Yeah, No, I mean in equal annoyed about both but..

-So I would be okay if you found out someone from the guild was her ex and would do the same? Cana asked intrigued,

- Well, no, I would still be jealous, but at least I could know he had treated her well, Fairytail mages at least hade decency,

-Well aren't you adorable Bixlow, Cana said with a sarcastic voice,

-I think your fucking drama is messing my appetite, Gajeel growled,

- What did you expect? Your jaw's hit the ground when I asked her over the first time; do you really think other can't see what you can? Cana snorted

While they argued Laxus felt his annoyance slip away as he watched how animatedly Sphinx tried to plan her escape. She had already glanced up to wards to ceiling poles, then at the hanging candle chandelier before her eyes when towards the back door. The lighting mage was almost tempted to see her plan threw but still decided against it.

- Damn it, Bixlow cursed,

- And of course she had other chasing her you idiot, she likes to party and knows how to have a good time.

Cana had a point Sphinx was a bit on the wild side and she liked to hang with Cana, which oviously meant some weird parties. The muscular blond managed to suppress a growl at his thoughts. He did not like to let her continue that way. Again his eyes glanced at the raven haired mage who was now very slowly creeping towards the end of the bar. She almost tiptoed as she kept looking at Bixlow, and Gajeel argue with Cana.

This was all insane, this reaction of theirs, very overly dramatic. It wasn't that big of a deal.

How was I supposed to know Doranbolt would do that?

Sphinx though franticly as she torturously slow made her way further and further from the people. Using her stealth, while Cana kept the conversation going, Sphinx prayed her friend would keep their attention long enough.

Screw bar-shift, I'll apologize to Mira later,

Again her eyes glanced towards the people seated; she was almost there, almost at the end. A wave of relief tickled down her sweaty back. Gajeel was saying something to Bixlow and the other male was arguing heatedly back. Cana was waving her hand as she added her opinion on the matter. Then her eyes looked a little up and that sweet relived feeling she felt quickly transformed into panic.

Laxus was staring right at her. Blue-gray eyes were locked on her, matching his small smirk. His chin was tilted down a little making it seem like he was watching him from under his brows, it was a very predatory look even if he had his massive arms still crossed over his chest. Sphinx forgot her escape for a second and halted to drink in the deliciously looking man.

The hunger Gajeel had woken up quickly emerged again and Sphinx felt that familiar heat spread in her. Laxus smirk turned into a cocky grin and Sphinx shook her head to focus.

Damn it!

She cursed when her eyes glanced at the back door then back to Laxus calculating her odds.

She was a lot closer to the back entrance; it wouldn't take her long to be out of that door. She was fast that for sure, but so was Laxus. Sphinx wasn't even sure would he pursue her but there was a definite risk. She had had personal experience with his lightning magic and it was crazy fast.

Again she glanced back the man who only cocked his eyebrow almost as in challenging her to try it. Sphinx bite her lips, when had she ever back away from a challenge?

Her weight went down as she readied her body to bounce and dash towards the exit. With a last look towards the people she made a run for it. A mix of fear, dread, desperation and excitement lashed threw her as her heart that familiar crack of lighting behind her.

Pushing her legs forwards she almost flew over the tables, ever since she had gotten rid of the seal Sphinx was dying to test out her full speed. It felt amazing, she was so much faster now and her movements were balance and perfect. Stool, people or chair didn't slow her down; her control was absolute. A primal thrill spread in her as she made for the final corner. A grin spread to her face as adrenaline made her even faster.

However Sphinx wasn't exactly sure what made her hear that familiar voice; it was probably her subconscious that made her hear Mirajane's voice. Her grin fell and she was quickly reminded of reality,

Shit, shit, shit

It only took her a blink to react as she suddenly twisted while commanding her legs to a skidding before turning and dash to the opposite's direction. It was one thing to apologize to Mira afterwards when she had cooled down; but even Sphinx's wasn't stupid enough to be 'caught' in an escape attempt by her and take the full fury of the takeover mage.

Her eyes looked at the door handle that started to slowly go down as her legs pushed herself back towards the bar. She might have made it, or she might have been able to look like she was working. Most likely she would have with her speed. She might have even been able to save her own tail with dignity, that is, if she had in fact remembered that there was wall of muscle right behind her.

As her head whipped forwards blue eyes widened in alarm, she already managed to take a step forwards. The collision was inevitable. Laxus only had a heartbeat to halt his hunt, but even if he managed to lessen his speed Sphinx wouldn't be.

When Mira walked in the guild her eyes were instantly on the loud crash on the floor. With worried steppes she crossed the hall towards the mass of limbs. Laxus drew in a much needed lungful of air, Sphinx had managed to crash into him making him loose his balance and fall backwards into a table. Well the table gave out from the forceful impact and soon he felt his back hit against the hard floor emptying his lungs.

Sphinx let out something between a wince and a groan as she untangled her leg from underneath Laxus arm.

How the hell had she already forgotten about Laxus?

Was her attention span really this pathetic?

Lifting her arm to her head she felt a definite bruise coming. Her escape her speed had been perfect, why did her awesome plans always have something screw them over.

-Are you two okay? Mira asked as she looked from Laxus who leaned on his elbows and Sphinx who sat half over him shaking holding her head.

-You okay? Laxus had instantly turned his attention on Sphinx who finally opened her eyes and looked at him

-Damn you're hard, Sphinx said only to get a cocky grin back.

Laxus lifted his upper body and enveloped her into his arms and pulling her closer, before dipping his head down to her ear.

-Well you are sitting on my lap,

Sphinx rolled her eyes at him, she started to pull away but his hands didn't budge. After two failed attempts she glanced only to meet two hungry blue-gray eyes. Instantly her heart seemed to forget a beat, those hungry and dominant eyes had her pinned,

- We should try this with fewer clothes next times, and then all show you just hard you make me,

Oh Mavis,

Sphinx felt like melting, his voice was just so full of heat and power that it didn't just make a few butterfly's flap restlessly in her stomach, she felt like there was a damn hurricane twisting her hormones. For a second she forgot her surroundings and her tail wrapped around his waist,

-What is going on here? Mira huffed as she had realize the two were alright,

Sphinx blinked and willed herself to focus. Laxus loosened his arms from round her with a smirk. Sphinx realized that she had even been staring at his lips and quickly averted her head as flush covered her face. Mira looked at her scrambling from Laxus lap and the older male letting out few laughs.

-Sphinx? Aren't you supposed to be behind the bar? What were you and Laxus doing on the floor? you do remember there are still kid's here,

Mirajane smiled her innocent smile that had the back of her neck hairs rising, she could almosr feel the atmosphere gaterthing the energy, readying a full explotion of satan-soul Mira. She needed a divertion and fast.

Oh shit, Im so sorry Lucy,

-Lucy and Loke are doing it,