********* I don't own Fairytail*********

- So you're back in square one?

-Not talking about this Cana,

-Wait how long has this been going on? The crash mage sat at the table watching back and forth from his daughter and her best friend.

- is Laxus still in the game?

- Still not talking about it,

-No, drink more; stop being such a grumpy cat,

- I still can believe you had Laxus on the floor chained, and walked away unharmed,

- Well I really wasn't unharmed but my problems weren't the kind you think, Sphinx said to the older mage while drinking the shot.

It had been efficiently three weeks since she left on a mission. Well the mission was done in one week, now she was just plain staying away. It was a little get away from the mess in her life and currently it was working, until Cana decided to bring it up.

- Oh, I totally get why you lost it,

Gildarts looked at the black haired female in interest. Sure he had some idea on what was going on at the guild and he was very curious about her but he knew not to push things. It had been a pleasant surprise to bump into her a week ago. Sphinx was staying at an ordinary hotel just outside the city he was doing a mission in.

And to the crash mages happiness Sphinx had convinced Cana to come over a few days earlier. He was really starting to like her daughter's friend not to mention Gildarts really liked her feline appearance. That tail could just swing into any man's heart.

- Well hello beautiful, a familiar hand went over Cana's shoulder who snorted at the cheesy greeting.

To Gildarts mortification Cana had invited Bacchus also to join them; after all, his guild was nearby. He would never understand the friendship they shared; then again he was her father.

- Aww I don't get a greeting like that? You can honestly be still mad at me for that time, Sphinx said her eyes narrowed and he knew she was smirking under her veil,

For a second there was a momentarily daze on the palm mages face as he recognized the dark hared female. Red eyes looked her up and down suspiciously,

-Minx, the man said while getting a wide grin on his face as he sat down.

-The one and only, Sphinx said dryly,

- Oh, Sphinx did a little dance and messed around with Bacchus head a while back, Cana said cheekily.

-I think that was classified a lot more than dancing, the hound pointed out his out,

- Yeah and that was a horrible idea, I mean how much easier would it have been to just go with him, Sphinx wined and sighed.

- Yeah, you should have. I would have rocked that ass of yours, Bacchus grinned at her confidently.

Gildarts shook his head he was about say something but he halted when Sphinx's eyes flashed with challenge. The devil slayer suddenly leaned a little more forward her hand coming under her chin as she pinned the hound down with her eyes.

-Oh, that almost sounds like my chance has gone already, her voice dipped into that low purr she had used on him a long time ago.

His hand halted before he had managed to bring the glass to his lips. Quickly numerous images on what he wanted to do to her flashed in his mind, but the plain amusement in her eyes made him strengthen his mind, at least a little,

- That's, e- exactly what it means, his voice was shaking more than enough to have her smirk at him again.

-That sounded very convincing, hmm, what a pity, she purred and pulled away before stretching her arms over her head clearly shoving of her lean but luscious body.

- All right, stop confusing the man, Cana said holding in a laugh at the dazed palm mages expense.

Sphinx grinned before winking at Bacchus. She lowers herself into a relaxed position before those radiating blue eyes turned to him.

- I believe I own you a birthday present,

His eyebrows lifted in surprised and he glanced at his daughter for confirmation.

- Hey, it was supposed to be a surprise, Cana glared playfully at Sphinx,

- You're not getting it here tough, Cana said, a sight of disappointment left Gildarts

-What the hell are you two talking? Bacchus looked confused,

- Sphinx is a birthday present, Cana said fully knowing it would sound very wrong.

Bacchus looked at Sphinx with wide eyes then at Gildarts,

-Wait,

-No, it's not what you think, Sphinx said before he had time to say anything while glaring at Cana.

- Unfortunately, Cana mumbled winking at her,

-so what kind birthday present are you then? Gildarts said now leaning one arm casually on the table while his body was facing the devil slayer next to him.

Sphinx watched in amusement at the older mages flirtatious way. Indulging in the harmless fun she turned her body towards the man. The crash mage was a charmer, she was fully aware of that and that's precisely the reason why she felt so at easy. She could feel his aura and in some weird way it was soothing.

-hmm I'm tempted to say 'Whatever kind you want me to be?' but I might just regret it,

Oh Mavis she really did know how to use that voice of hers.

-Does she do this with everyone? The drunken falcon pointed looking at their interaction,

-no, but she's getting tipsy so the switch gets a little blurry.

-switch?

-Don't worry about it hound, Sphinx said while not breaking the eye contact with the crash mage. There was hidden strength in that voice and Cana got the message loud and clear.

Bacchus didn't need to know.

-Though I do prefer if you wouldn't focus on my old man but the brunet hotty at the bad that's been checking you out for the whole night, Cana pointed out.

-Cana stop trying to destroy my fun, Gildarts said in a whiny noise.

Sphinx glanced over her shoulder and there in fact was the same persistent guy who had hit on her the night before. He wasn't bad looking, but he just didn't do it to her. Instantly her mood darkened.

The black hared female frowned, that had been the issue lately, and she felt disconnected to her person, like a very big part of her had changed without her knowing. You would think she would use this opportunity to go wild. There were no Mira or the men to rattle her cages,

It was the plan or it had been,

After Laxus she had been so keen on just get to out and let lose but no. The devils slayer hadent wanted to think about it or even say it out loud but she knew. Something was wrong.

It was very uncharacteristic for her to not be interested; after all she was the so called man eater. She loved to play and have fun. So why wasn't she over there putting a spell over him? Or why didn't it feel like she could totally just dive into teasing Bacchus? It felt halfhearted, almost fake.

Why haven't she felt any kind of interest towards the opposite sex lately?

The first stir she felt was when she meet Gildarts. Now that she thought about it maybe there had been something bit Bucchus,

Maybe, I think, or is this just some hopeful thinking, crap, what the hell was wrong with her?

But she had had also some very alarming incidents that she's just plainly ignored or tried to find so lame excuses to explain it,

Like the guy who asked her out for drink a week ago, Sphinx was hell bent on convinced that he in fact was married and it was wrong of her, yet she hadn't see a ring, but still she was convinced,

-You okay there minx? Bacchus asked his sharp eyes catching every frown from her.

-Yeah, Sphinx said but instantly Cana picked on the uneasy vibe.

She may not have said it out loud but Cana knew something was up but she knew Sphinx would tell her eventually, it came faster than she expected. The night proceeded and it was Sphinx time to get the drinks.

Her hips swayed as she took in the small tavern they currently drank in. Cana shook her head at the two men who were clearly checking out Sphinx round bottom as she went to the bar.

- Neither of you gets that, Cana informed them as she took another drink of her mug,

Suddenly a pained yell rang threw the tavern causing them to turn towards the bar. There stood Sphinx twisting the earlier brunettes arm behind his back. Her face was blank and she actually looked like she was about to break the man hand.

-Shit Sphinx,

Cana was beside her in an instant. Her blue eyes flashed to her but the slayer instantly recognized her. Cana laid her hand on Sphinx shoulder lightly squishing it.

-wow, wow, let go Sphinx, let go,

Cana said holding her voice even and Sphinx let the man crumble to his knees before quickly running away. The card mage felt her stomach drop as her best friends blue eyes turned to her in pure panic. It was the first time ever she had seen Sphinx give her such an utterly lost look filled with fear.

-What happened? Gildarts said,

-You okay minx? Even the drunk flacon could feel the situations seriousness and lay off the inappropriate comments,

-He just touched me,

Instantly both men glanced at the direction the man had scrambled away. Cana let out na annoyed sigh at their act, they were clearly missing the point here.

This was Sphinx she if anyone could handle herself, she didn't need a hero.

-And?

-and I almost took his arms off, her voice was almost hollow,

-Cana he put his fucking arm around me and I almost ripped his hand off! She looked at her hands like she didn't even recognize them.

-Shh, alright, chill. Umm..

-Its not just this, I- I can't feel it Cana, Sphinx's eyes darted back and forth in panic.

-Can't feel what? Bacchus exclaimed he was trying to keep up,

-I should feel something, the stir the excitement, the auras, the vibrations, anything?!

-Shit, um. Alright let's take this outside; Cana quickly stirred her panicing friend out the door to fresh air.

It was like a plug had been removed Sphinx started to walked back and forth her hands waving animatedly around her. Her radiating blue eyes were sad and hectic at the same time.

-I thought I was just annoyed and tired at the train and I blamed the wrong timing with the salesman at the mission,

- It's like I can focus or wont focus, I- I feel like I'm missing something Cana.

-And it's getting worse, two days ago you saw the bouncer, tall, dark a real treat,

The cards mage nodded, she had been sure Sphinx had already played with him but when they got closer he gave her that absolutely venomous glare.

-Yeah kind of flipped him when she tried to grind against me. I have no fucking clue why, Cana am acting instinctually here, what the fuck is wrong with me?

- Wait you flipped that guy? he was huge, Gildartz looked at Sphinx small frame in disbelieve,

-Yeah, what about it, I've also managed flipped him, Sphinx said as she pointed at Bacchus who instantly scoffed.

- Hey, I'm not just a pretty face; you shouldn't forget that I'm still slayer,

-WHAT! You're a dragon slayer? Bacchus exclamed

Oh great,

-No, I'm not a dragon's slayer, shit, look you never heard that Bacchus, Sphinx signed but the sadistic grin that came to his face told her otherwise.

- Or what?

Cana smacked him over the head. Sphinx rubbed the brink of her nose in agitation.

-Focus, idiot. How long has this been going on?

-The minute I left the guild, Sphinx groaned,

-Three fucking weeks? Cana said in alarm. Sphinx eyes closed tightly, Cana's yelling didn't help at all.

-Look but you were flirting with him, did you feel anything then? The cards mage pointed at her father and finally Sphinx looked up.

-Actually yeah, he was the first I felt anything, Sphinx said slowly letting her mind catch up with the facts.

-Well go for it, we need to analyze this, Cana said gesturing towards her father.

Bacchus wasn't really sure if he wanted to see this. Their relations ships were all messed up, like everything else these fairy's do. Yet he was curious, he found out about something they really didn't want him to know. It might come in handy someday, so for now he would watch how they solved the minx's problem.

Her head lifted up and those blue eyes turned their gaze on the oldest mage. And without asking or consulting any one she stepped right in front of him her hand pushing his cape way before her small hand ran over his chest.

The sensation was exciting but it was nothing compared when she looked up at him with her vivid blue eyes. Managing to suppress a groan Gildats looked down at her, soft hands ran over his muscles leaving fresh tingles after them.

-I can feel it,

She all but purred while the tip of her fingers dag a little in to him more. There was so much relief and heat in her gaze that his hands moved on their own to her hip. Sphinx didn't shy away but took it as an invitation.

Breathing in she closed her eyes as the excitement stirred her insides, she knew he was watching her but she didn't care. She didn't have time to be embarrassed right now she needed to know.

That familiar playful, dancing, teasing energy swirled under her skin. Sphinx never thought how much she would miss her over active libido and sexuality until they were gone. Boldly she traced over the hard muscles, over the few scars the countless battles had given him.

A low moan came from her lips as she pressed closer, making a shiver go down the crash mages spine. It was no wonder so much drama revolved around her. Even her touch was unusually powerful yet feather light. Her eyes opened slowly and just like he had heard, they did have that hypnotic aspect; it was like you just couldn't look away.

He was not swayed by just a little touching but when she moaned and looked at him like that, how was a man supposed to resist that?

Gildarts had bedded hundreds of women but still he felt the strong pull this young mage had and the years gained self-control was definitely put to the test.

Her body rolled tiniest bit under his large hand, it was a sinful thing she did. The way her tuned muscles would ripple and move, told him about experience but at the same time there was something so unbelievably pure in her act. An arm snaked under his cloak over his shoulder where she let her nails dig in a little harsher, almost drawing another groan from him.

And she not ever trying to pull the moves on him, this was her all testing something.

His mind already visualizing the way she looked in a heated love making,

Would she like being on top? Where he could see her reach that mountain top, see her bouncing and move like snake, with a euphoric expression.

Or would she want to be taken? Oh he definitely would want to have her there, squirming and moaning,

His head lowered towards her and just for a second enjoyed the way she once again seemet to drink him in with her body.

- Your quite the sight, Gildarts said with his low masculine voice.

- I take it was a compliment, Sphinx said in that velvet voice,

He was delicious, Gildarts was older sure but what everyone knew his reputations. So Sphinx was fairly certain her definitely wouldn't fuck like an old man. Right now she didn't care about what she was doing Sphinx only wanted to relish in the feeling she had.

Gildart wasn't like Laxus he wasn't as intense, as demanding and he wasn't a slayer that could rally her primitive side. But for now he was enough for make her feel like herself again.

Her body hummed in longing and she felt the way his magic coursed in his veins. It was quit addictive, so much power still he controlled it effortlessly.

-Okay so you haven't lost your touch at least, Cana said with thoughtful expression.

Sphinx stopped moving, letting her small momentarily bubble of hunger burst and let her hand run down the wide chest once before sighing. Unfortunately even how good it felt to feel any kind of attraction towards a man it didn't meant that she was okay.

Cana was clearly thinking in the same way as she started talking. Stepping away from his warmth Sphinx crossed her arms over her chest and desperately tried not to think about the instant empty feeling she got.

-So what do you think? Cana asked look her friends body tensing up.

-I don't think Gildarts is the best test subject? I mean I would possibly have to be half dead not to feel that,

Cana rolled her eyes as the grin winded on her father face as he winked at Sphinx. But she had a point. Gildarts Clive the strongest in Fairytail, Sphinx' weird fetish and reaction to power can't be ignored; it just wasn't a fair test.

-True, damn.

Canas eyes turned to the palm used next to them, Bacchus didn't even need to be told he instantly took a step forwards.

- I thought you never asked,

With confidence he instantly when snaked an arm around her waist but before he managed to spin her to his side he had to block her knee that came surprisingly close to his stomach.

-wow, easy there minx,

Bacchus voice was filled with mirth as he quickly changed position only to instantly try again. His arm came over her wrist and instantly she reacted again with grabbing a hold of his arm going for the arms twist. Bacchus laughed loudly as he blocked her again and this time he was the on bending her arm.

- Baby, you really make my soul tremble,

Blue eyes looked at him with both annoyance and challenge, within a blink of an eye she jumped and back flipped breaking his twisting. Avoiding another quick Bacchus stepped back with a wide grin.

- Stop forcing it Bacchus, Cana said crossing her arms in disappointment, clearly Sphinx wasn't reacting as well.

-No wait, Sphinx said lifting her hand; her eyes glanced at Bacchus, who lifted on eyebrow at her,

- Just give me a minute; his energy is just different than Gildarts, it was partially true,

The small fighting was helping; she felt the adrenaline follow in her veins. It made her feel a little more alive, a little more connected to the moment.

The other part was that Sphinx was just plain tempted, from his challenge; she really wanted to test out her agility with a small friendly spar with one of the best martial artist experts.

Lifting one hand to her face she pulled down her veil just as her other hand opened her jacket that fell to the ground.

-That more like it, just so you know what ever stunt you pulled last time doesn't work on me anymore.

Bacchus said as he started to take a few steps to the side. Sphinx mimicked him and as a predatory smirk came to her face, she let the illusion fall off her feline aspects and somewhere on the background Gildarts groaned in appreciation.

-Alright Minx, let's dance,

Professionally speaking Bacchus had been right about his hunch; she was stronger and faster than last time. He didn't exactly know what had happened to her but she wasn't bad in hand to hand combat. She kept up with him in the basics well, her movements were fluent and fast, but her balance would put a lot of martial artists in shame.

But this wasn't that kind of dance. Quickening his pace the falcon managed to twist her arm behind her back and pulled her firmly against him. She let out a hiss but the grin never left.

-You're not getting tier yet? He taunted her, whispering it to her ear while his other hand graced the bare skin on her hip.

There

As much as she wanted to kick his ass she was more pleased to feel that exciting ripple of butterfly's react to his touch.

- Not, even close baby, her voice came out too husky, too needy that it had Bacchus stomach fall.

-Shit, he cursed; she wasn't supposed to sound like that.

Sphinx let out a chuckle before ramming her free elbow in his gut and spinning over to break his hold. Again the circled each other,

-So anything? Feeling him yet? Cana asked,

-Hmm maybe, actually it's not exactly the same; Sphinx said tilting her head,

Sphinx glanced at her friend and shook her head,

-it's more like I'm a little drunk maybe?

-Tch, you didn't even drink that much, Cana stated,

-I know, but it's something, Sohinx shrugged enjoying the little giddy feeling,

As soon as her eyes came back to his Bacchus acted. Without a warning he lunged at her, first attempting to sweep her legs but she jumped only to be harshly bought down by chokehold. His large arm squished her throat from behind, not enough to actually hurt or choke her but enough to show her his skills. His legs were around her torso immobilizing her lower body.

Again she felt the sinfull energy swallow her body in one big wave. Sphinx couldn't help but to moan out loud as her body slowly squirmed in his hold.

His head dipped to her hair taking in her, he knew the all this was a point to get her mojo going or something but damn if he wouldn't be affected if she did stuff like that. She was just fucking pure sex on legs.

Sphinx didn't know was it the violence and fighting or the way he could manipulate her body but it was working. She was definitely feeling him.

- That's it, she murmured before tapping her hand on his leg, letting it slid a little to feel his muscular legs.

Slowly Bacchus let his hold go and watched her get on her feet again, not once had anyone been able to make sparing match this hot. At the back of his mind the thought of a little payback had already vanished, there wasn't a man in Fiore that could be immune to her.

-All right once more, she said as she stretched her back grinning widely at the welcome pulsing in her veins.

Sure it wasn't as strong as it was with the Laxus or Gajeel. But it was something. Strength wise Gildarts beat Bacchus so it was a relief to see that she wasn't just after the power in them. Now she felt a little more like she would be drunk but still she would take whatever she got. Sphinx had started to hate the lost and utterly neutral feelings she had, it felt wrong and like she was dying.

- Make feel how good those hands really are, the words came fluently out her mind too happy to care,

Oh, fuck Cana, he would so have her ass tonight,

His heart was hammering as he watched his agility dodge his few hits, her blue eyes predatorily following his movements. Dodging a roundhouse kick bacchius took his opening and snatched her leg under his arm, while swiping her other leg from under neat her.

In a real fight Sphinx would have bent her upper body down and mostly likely flipped him over him but right now she was just enjoying this too much. Her back hit the ground hard and she wasn't surprised to feel him still hover over her.

- Hmmm, she hummed underneath him.

Bacchus still held her one leg in his arms and it was currently bent over his back. He pushed his body tiger against her and just felt his mouth water at the sight of those blue eyes looking at him hungrily.

-That was exhilarating hound, her voice murmured huskily while her fingers traced the metal plates on his shoulders.

- For lying on top off you like this? Anytime baby, like the old man said, I'm just enjoying the view, the palm user said while letting his eyes drink in her flushed appearance.

Sphinx chuckled before her eyes fixated on him, demanding his attention. Her upper body reeled ups a little, his eyes instantly glancing down to her full lips,

- On top, now hound let's get serious; her words once again coated his mind in a poisonous cloud, just like she had done before,

Sphinx bucked her hip and skillfully rolled them over, they both knew that the palm user could have stopped her but didn't. So she used her opportunity, and now straddled his waist before leaning in.

- We both know that what you really want is me right her on top,

Her hips moved against his pelvis in a very suggestive way.

- Grinding like this, her words came out like a mind blowing needy moan and it had him grunt at the friction she gave him.

- Hound you want me, right here, rolling it against yours,

Sphinx didn't again while and Bacchus gritted his teeth, this woman was unreal and she was torturing the hell out of him still he didn't want her to stop, his hands came to her tights.

- You want met on top,

Before Sphinx could continue her torment she was lifted off him.

-Okay I'm pretty sure we got out answer even without the whole grinding Sphinx,

The dark hared female laughed whole heartedly, she felt dizzy and a little out of control

-Cana you have got to let me have her, Bacchus pleaded while sitting up from the ground,

- Sorry buddy, I would if she was herself but right now, no chance. Cana smiled evil and turned around.

Gildarts offered him a hand and pulled him up.

- I know how you feel; Gildars grinned as they looked at Cana talking to Sphinx.

-She's dangerous, Bucchus said while brushing the dirt off himself.

-Mostly likely,

-Alright we are heading back to the hotel, see ya Bacchus,

- Hey minx,

The palm user yelled making the female slayer turn towards him,

-This, Bacchus pointed at her than back at him.

-This isn't over; I'm not done with you yet,

Sphinx grinned that predatory smile at him once again; she looked so hot and animalistic as her tail when from side to side.

- Persistent little hound, how many times do I need to put you on you back?

Cana snorted beside her, he probably should feel little pissed off but no, this time he felt only humored by her words.

- It's going to happen, he said, there was no need to clarify what he was talking about.

Sphinx winked and turned,

-Keep dreaming Bacchus, keep dreaming,

She yelled and waved her hand once up, her hips again swing from one side to the other.

-Fucking tease,

Bacchus scoffed to himself but still looked after as Cana lectured Sphinx about forgetting her jacket behind. Gildarts nodded to him once and followed the two women down the street.