Sorry I've been unactive... Dont own Fairytail...


Lucy watched the raven haired female shove the salad enthusiastically in her mouth. It was always nice to know her food was appreciated but today Sphinx was making her ego grow a lot. They had only just arrived and Sphinx was already eating by her table.

-This really is like the best salad I have ever tasted; the blue eyes looked at her in awe.

-Tch, well you don't exactly eat a lot of salad now do you; Cana snorted form the living room sofa where she lay lazily while flipping through a magazine.

Deciding to ignore Cana's remark Sphinx happily took a forkful of salad in her mouth. Lucy just beamed at her happily offering more. Levi walked in with Lisanna following, who happily greeting everyone by lifting a bottle.

-We got the wine,

Cana was the first one on her feet and all but hugged the whitehaired girl. Lucy acted as the host and quickly brought more plates for the others as well.

-Wow you're eating salad Sphinx, Lisanna exclaimed making her halt her eating.

-So how was it? Lucy couldn't contain her curiosity anymore.

-Big, its like huge! Sting has invited everyone.

-Oh Mavis this is only making me more nervous, Levi grimaced.

-Why? It's just people; beside you're going to rock that stage. Sphinx mumbled with salad in her mouth before smiling at the slightly terrified Levi,

-Says the woman who wears a mask, Lisanna pointed out.

She instantly got a glare from those blue eyes.

-Why can't you do this? the blue haired female whined as her for head landed on the table.

- You would make a great show, a male voice yelled from Lucy's bathroom.

Levi and Lisanna jumped and turned around startled.

-Is Gray here?

-In your bath? The takeover mage was the first to ask.

-Why is Gray here? Levi questioned before Lucy had time to answer.

-Is he taking a bath? Cana said tilting her head towards the bathroom, even they hadent noticed him.

-and more importantly, is he naked? Sphinx said for the first time her focused was solely on something else than the delicious salad.

Eyes turned to look at her as she licked her lips in a predatory way. Before she got time to get up and check she felt a small hit to the back of her head.

-No, no, no you don't, my place, you are not going to molest anyone here, Lucy warned Sphinx who rubbed the back of her head.

-I wasn't going to violate anyone, Sphinx huffed,

-Yeah it's not a rape if they like it, Cana said grinning widely and high fived Sphinx.

- But what is he doing here? Levi asked ignoring the two grinning females.

-Well it's a long story but Natsu happened, the blond let out an exhausted huff,

- Yeah and now Gray needed a quick bath, Lucy summed up leaving out most of the story but somehow as soon as she said Natsu, everyone seemed to understand.

- I can't believe the party's so soon, how we are ever going to get it right, Lucy said frowning a little,

-Don't start stressing it now you still have like what, Sphinx quieted before glancing at Cana for help,

-Like in a week or so? The brunette answered while picking a cherry tomato off her plate.

-WHAT? It's that soon, Sphinx exclaimed dramatically, enjoying the way their eyes looked at her in alarm,

-wow your really going to have to step up you game. She continued making Levi grimace in panic.

- Sphinx, Lucy scowl,

Giving Levis head a few pats the slayer chuckled at her nervousness.

-Don't worry; you got plenty of game Levi. Beside Jet will love it,

-That the thing, he won't. He doesn't want me to do it. The script mage whined,

-Wait why not? Lisanna piped up,

- I did not know Jet was the jealous type; Sphinx shook her head while Cana agreed adding a typical 'Agh men' comment.

- I would think he would be all proud knowing that 'that hot piece of ass dancing there' is his girlfriend. Sphinx sighed not getting the whole jealousy thing.

- It seems that Loke is handling this well; Cana added wiggling her brows,

Instantly Lusy's face darkened as she glanced at her keys on the writhing desk. Sphinx felt the small pulsing that went between Lucy and the keys; it was like there was an immediate respond even if she was only looking at them. The connection was fascinating and the devil slayer made a personal note to ask about it someday.

-He doesn't have a choice; I'm not his trophy, the determination and strength behind her words was impressive.

- Good for you, see Levi you just need to step up a little. Cana encouraged the sulking bluenette.

- Natsu is all hyped up about this, Lisanna said and Lucy let out an exhausted sigh,

-I know, his been a pain in my butt for a while, making all these ridiculous ideas and ways to show us off, the celestial mage said.

- Thats because his an idiot who tries to outdo sabretooth, Gray said as he emerged from the bath.

His shirt was open and like a moth to a flame, eyes turned to look at all the naked skin he provided. It was inevitable to not realize how perfectly low his pants hang from his hips. Sphinx tilted her head in appreciation as she saw his athletic body.

From his stripping habit everyone was pretty used to seeing the ice mage without clothes and to the female populations luck the guy was ripped.

Gray felt a heat travel to his cheeks, the way that black hared minx just focused her entrancing blue eyes at you had his pulse pick up. It was always so exhilarating the way Sphinx would looked at you with her hungry eyes. The devil slayer was such a sex symbol to the men that each time she would give them her attention it stoke their ego and at the moment gray was no different.

Her ways were just so bold and untamable she oozed of that sexual intensity. Her eyes just promised you something you had never experienced if you let her in. Finally managing to tear his eyes way he noticed that her eyes were not the only on checking him out.

But now apparently he had also caught a few extra eyes as well. It almost felt intimidating as somehow Sphinx managed to pull the courage in all of the women that now openly ogled him. And that felt a little weird.

Gray had a lean but fit body it really was a pleasure to look at and at the moment it seemed that the conversations quickly halted at its presence.

- His like the ice-user yet he has the most perfect light tan, I don't get it, Cana said.

- Yeah, and the sun doesn't melt him, Levi murmured.

- Just looking at that v-shape has me a little melting, Sphinx grinned at him as she felt a low rumbling growl go through her.

Blue eyes travel shamelessly over his body,

What a treat he is, an ice cool treat,

-and now I'm starting to feel a little violated, the man's said at the women.

Lisanna turned back towards the table but Cana only motioned for him to do a little spin. Which Gray immediately declined and flipped her off.

-Wow, Sphinx you're eating salad? The ice mage said before sitting down and taking a plate.

Again Sphinx lifted her head in wonder. Cana reached out to run a hand over Grays shoulder suggestively.

What is up with people being surprised by me eating salad?

- Why aren't you performing? Gray continued as he all but swatted the too curious hands off his shoulder and gave another glare at the bold card mage.

- I'm going to be on a mission, this one was booked like ages ago, the slayer mumbled,

- What kind of a mission? Lisanna questioned.

- I got no idea but they requested me, Sphinx shrugged,

-that's a little weird isn't it? Considering you're not really into all public exposure? Levi said thoughtfully,

-The word is finally getting out about the man-eater; Cana laughed saluting with her drink in the air,

Sphinx shook her head. She pointed at Cana's plate and opened her mouth. Instantly the brunette grabbed a cherry tomato from her plate and aimed at Sphinx. Like a pro the devil slayer managed to catch the food with her mouth, clearly their endless attempts and practice with grapes had payed off.

Cana was about to pick up another one but Lucy was quick give her hand a quick slap. They both got a warning glance from the uptight hostesses.

-Well they didn't ask for me by name, they required a dark-haired, Yei tall babe, Sphinx lifted her hand in an emphasizing way,

- Who can handle themselves or something like that? Master thought I fit the description so hence I'm booked. Sphinx explained while munching on the salad,

- uuh, mysterious, what if it's the press, Lisanna grinned.

- I checked, it's not, besides the Master knows I don't want any features. Sphinx snorted as her eyes noticed a particular plum looking red cherry tomato on Gray's plate.

Oh sweet Mavis I want that, her eyes looked at the small, round, red, food.

-You won't stay hidden forever you do realize that, Lucy said in matter of fact voice,

-I know, she said absentmindedly as she was almost hypnotized by the cherry tomato that was clearly calling for her.

- I think the press will be at the party, Lisanna said.

-Oh God, I'm not performing in front of a press, Levi once again exclaimed her hand came up to hide her face,

Sphinx lifted her foot and kicked out a little from under the table. Grey instantly jolted and looked up annoyed. Sphinx grinned at him before her eyes fell to his cherry tomatoes; he looked at her then back at the food in front of him. As she liked her lips a little it didn't take a lot to figure out what she was after.

The ice mage lifted the cherry tomato off his plate and brought it close to his mouth. Instantly Sphinx expression changed to a slightly panicking as he opened his mouth, it was comical how she inched towards him, trying to stop him.

Gray grinned and lowered his hand and the Devil slayer gave him a threatening glare. She didn't find his teasing as amusing as he did. The other kept talking about press being at party and Gray glanced at Lucy who seemed oblivious to their actions.

Gray leaned back on his chair and carefully brought the delicious looking tomato up but this time he was intending to throw it. The shine in her eyes seemed to get brighter as she accepted his challenge and also leaned a little back before opening her mouth.

With incredible accuracy Gray threw the food in a high arc, Sphinx did a last second shift to her right and once again caught the food with her mouth. Gray lifted his fist in the air in triumph and Sphinx grinned happily while eating her treat.

-Gray stop throwing food in my apartment! Lucy instantly scowled but the grin didn't leave his face at their success.

- So, Sphinx wants to tell me what happened yesterday with Laxus? Lisanna drew the conversation towards the suddenly wary looking Sphinx.

- Actually no I really don't feel like telling you, besides nothing really did happen. Sphinx sighed while looking away from the eager group and crossing her arms over her chest.

- That's not what Mira told me, she said you two were getting along just perfectly and that you were having pretty intense eye-contact.

A low groan came from the raven haired female. It didn't surprise that Mira had blabbed about it but she had hopped the rumor would only get out in day or so not immediately.

-Wait when was this? Why haven't I heard? Lucy said stunned and pointed her finger at the grimacing Sphinx.

- Today morning, Sphinx here was carried in by Gildarts. Lisanna's singing was starting to get on Sphinx's nerves as she sent a glare her way.

-Morning? what could have possibly disturbed your sleep that you would have been up before me? Cana said her voice sounding sober and actually a little concerned as she looked at her friend.

Sphinx looked at her warily; she actually wanted to talk about this with her but was not sure she needed everyone in her business again.

- I woke up and couldn't sleep, she said plainly avoiding their gaze.

- Wait, why? You're not losing it again? Levi asked,

-No, she answered but let out a sigh and while her hand went through her black hair.

-At least I don't think so; I don't really feel like that just kind of, confused maybe, Sphinx said before getting up and walked to get a little more water.

- Maybe you just had a bad dream but can remember it but the feeling kind of follows, I get those sometimes, suggested the youngest of the Straus sisters.

-yeah maybe, Sphinx agreed trying to dismiss the whole subject, though she could feel Cana's eyes on her.

She really is too sober to pick up on everything,

-So tell what happened with Laxus? Lucy perked up interested to hear about the latest turn of events,

Sphinx rolled her eyes at their curiosity but returned to the table with her glass. Honestly she didn't really want to deluge into it, what happened with Laxus had left her in an even more confused state. It was harder and harder to sweep everything under the rugs and not react.

- Not much, I was tired and Laxus was being Laxus, Sphinx shrugged hopping that would not to give them any more reasons to question furthered,

-He was being possessive again? Gray asked curiously, he hadn't heard of any incidents from anyone and usually when Laxus gets rallied up it leaves marks behind. Today he hadn't seen any at the guild.

-It's being territorial, Levi piped up.

Sphinx tilted her head a little but didn't really answer. It kind of amused her how well Levi was almost clarified their behavior into words; their slayer ways were different but somehow so natural that it was sometimes easy to forget that not everyone understood.

- No not really, he was just; Sphinx stopped munching for a moment to seek out a word to describe the blond slayer.

The shiver that went don't her back was intended and had her lose her train of thought. There was that small but very annoying drop in her gut that made it uncomfortable to sit with your legs crossed. Her mind quickly flashed to those big arms wrapping around her, pulling her into that energy that had her toes almost curl.

Luckily Cana reaches out to grab the bottle and pushed a little on her elbow bringing her back to present. Sphinx lowered her head in an almost guilty way; it annoyed her that she couldn't control the reaction in her. Even just mentioning his name had her body reacting.

Yep, this is not good

Quickly realizing she still hadn't answered she just mumbled the only thing she could think of.

-He was just being Laxus,

-What you mean, tall, hot and totally into you? Lucy smirked her upper body was leaning over the table as her eyebrow lifted in an almost knowing way.

Sphinx tried to send a quickly glare towards her but who was she kidding. Laxus was exactly that and more, so her glare broke into a cheeky grin and she couldn't help but to winked at Lucy. There was a small round of laughed around the table as the women agreed.

- So there was no deep gazing into each other others eyes, Lisanna said knowingly there was that very clear cheekiness in her voice that made a bad tune in the devil slayer ear,

Damn that gossiper Mira, at what point did she have time to talk to Lisanna about it all?

-Or him getting a little to 'Dragony' when you flirted with Gildarts,

- Seriously you need to stop flirting with my old man? It's getting a little creepy and you are so pissing of all them guy, Cana pointed out and Sphinx rolled her eyes before giving her a flat look.

-you don't get to lecture me about it,

-I actually didn't flirt with him, remembering the morning Sphinx had to rethink her sentence.

- That much at least. Sphinx said but the flat look her friend was giving her it was clear that she didn't believe one word.

Damn it,

- Well he was being a wise guy and provoking me, the devil slayer whined to her defense,

- And Laxus got jealous so he got all electric? Gray said amused already picturing it in a very cartoonish way,

Sphinx let out a frustrated grunt before leaning her arms on the table.

It wasn't like that, might as well explain, I'm getting head ache,

-You know about my aura and energy things, she said getting only nods from the group.

- I was really low on energy so if there are any strong enough power sources I can kind of 'use' or borrow that energy.

Levi nodded like she already knew this and it didn't surprise Sphinx that she would have looked into it and figured it out on her own.

You scary little nerd Levi, Sphinx though knowing that one day her knowledge and ability to seek it will someday bite her in the ass. Not getting too carried away she continued,

-It won't really sustain me for long and it's nowhere near as affective as my own powers but it does take the edge off.

- It's bound to your survival instincts I think, Levi once more said, Sphinx shrugged she hadn't thought of it that far.

-That actually very cool, Gray mumbled and Sphinx gave him a little wink.

-I know right, there is more to me than just looks iceman,

- So you used Laxus power? Lucy brought them back on track

-Yeah, well as I said you'r old man was provoking me and I was too easy to rally up, I know. She admitted while glancing at Cana but didn't regret it.

- So I kind of channel into Laxus, because well, you know his like a walking powerhouse. She waved her hand to empathize her words, earning a few chuckles from the others.

- So what happened? Gray asked

- I was stupid, I didn't think.

This time her eyes fell to Levi who seemed to calculate her words and the shine in her eyes indicating that she was starting to see where this story would go,

- I should have known dragon slayers were not like regular peeps. I guess it's the dragon side in them but somehow I might have triggered his instincts by accident when I taped into him.

Cana quickly caught up, what she was saying and shamelessly, giving the slayer no warning, wacked her friend over her head. Other looked wide eyes as Sphinx dropped the fork from her hand from the force.

Sphinx turned and hissed at her, yet she didn't retaliate any more, knowing she most likely deserved it. The other quickly realized what she had done and followed Cana,

- Ofcourse he would act. Levi said while face palming,

Sphinx hadn't really expected them to react this way and was momentarily lost for words as they all scowled at her. She leaned back on her chair feeling a little sour yet knowing her faults,

-That like playing with fire for not good reason, Lisanna said sounding exhausted,

-It's fucking Laxus. Hot, demanding 'your all mine'- sex god Laxus. What the fuck were you swishing you tail in front of him, Cana said,

- But, Sphinx tried, a part of her was dying to defend her cause.

-No, Gajeel would not have been happy either, Levi said while crossing her arms.

Wow, wow this is escalating quickly, don't drag him into this as well,

Sphinx lifted her palms up front of her in a small attempt to get them to stop verbally preaching her. It was even more annoying when she knew they were right,

-hey, hey chill, let her finish the story, Gray said while clapping his hands to gain their attention.

- Um, right, so yeah apparently dragon slayers weren't a good target, he was losing control, her voice was much smaller and apologetic this time,

Seeing Lucy open her mouth to comment Sphinx quickly continued. Not wanting them interrupting just yet,

-But he didn't, he handled it, Sphinx said to them hastily.

- How did you stop it? Lisanna asked, her words filled with curiosity yet there was glint Sphinx couldn't really put a finger on,

-me, I didn't, I just trying to contain it. Sphinx frowned,

What the hell has Mira been telling her?

- What happened then? It was clear the takeover mage was eager to hear more yet Sphinx was feeling like she knew more but just wanted her to say it.

After a small pause Sphinx decided to quickly finish it

-nothing, everyone cooled down,

-why are you always waiting for something drastic,

Her mood was quickly turning a little defensive as Lisanna kept looking at her too intensely,

-At what point did your legs give out? Lucy asked remembering she had mentioned it at her arrival.

- Well after he cooled down, Sphinx answered.

-But where was the moment? Lisanna finally exclaim hand hitting the table lightly,

-A moment? What the hell has Mira been babbling about? Sphinx said to no one in particular as her head ache seemed to quickly increase

Sphinx stared at the women and tilted her head. Lisanna was really getting in to this and was starting to be really demanding.

- Wait, you do know what a moment is, right? Lisanna said while pointing a finger at her.

They are all nuts, her eyes somehow looked at Gray who seemed to have equally confused gaze. Shrugged at her but remained quiet knowing better than to question women's logic.

- Mira said there was definitely a moment, Laxus had then lifted her up bride-style,

The white hared mage held hand to her chest as she smiled at Lucy; Sphinx had never seen Lisanna reminded her more of Mira than now. The way she swooned and told the story was brilliantly terrifying.

- And carried her to his office.

She really needs to stop believing what Mira says, Sphinx shook her head

-Really? Wait Sphinx let him? Lucy questioned,

-Of course they were having a moment; Lisanna laughed happily like one of the people they were talking about wasn't currently even present.

-Oh Mavis, Sphinx mumbled and placed a hand to her temples.

Had the insane cupid been there herself? They were having a nice dinner why would she have to go and believe Mira.

-That does sound romantic actually; wish I had seen it, Levi said sweetly,

- That's the saddest bunch on sappy bullshit I have ever heard, Sphinx mumbled breaking their fictional romance images in their head.

- I'll say, Cana placed a supportive hand on the frowning Sphinx's shoulder before looking at Lisanna

- Lisanna you know your sister gets a little too hopeful in situations. Cana said fully hearing the Mirajane-effect from her story, loud and clear.

Sphinx crossed her arms defensively over her chest. Irritation was almost radiating off her already.

Why do they always have to start digging for romance? She though sourly,

- Yeah she just happened to let out the fact that she was the reason I had to go with Laxus, in the first place,

Yesh, take that you puppet master Mirajane, Sphinx cocked on eyebrow,

There was a slight silence as Lisanna tilted her head in puzzlement,

- She threw water on me again, Sphinx sighed before continued,

- And also the part that she kind of manhandled Gildarts?

-It was actually incredibly awesome; she sighed with a fond smile at the memory

From Lisanna's face it was clear this was the first she had heard these details. Unfortunately the takeover mage recovered quickly, Lisanna pointed her accusing finger at her.

- There was gazing in to each other eyes! You two connected,

Sphinx waved her hand dramatically in the air, the white hared mage was being incredibly stubborn.

-I was checking him out, his is fucking hot, okay,

It was Sphinx's turn to raise her voice just to get her point. The other's watched Lisanna grill Sphinx with interest. A small, tiny, microscopic voice scratched at Sphinx mind,

Why was I getting so worked up about this? Could there possibly be any truth to her word?

Am I possibly the blind one? wow, am I shrinking myself here?

Sphinx quickly rushed those thoughts away; she was no ready to go there.

- You two got along! Lisanna argued

- What do you think we are fucking savages? Of course we can behave, sure we want to rip each other's clothes off and fuck till next week but damn, we do have some control,

Poor, a very poor and absolutely corrupt control but hey they don't need to know what happened upstairs, her thoughts were wondering a little too much so Sphinx quickly wanted to end the topic,

- do I need to remind you that I was tired and he just happened to be there,

- Nah'aah, that's fate! Lisanna suddenly lifted her hand like it was obvious,

Oh Mavis, there is no end! Delusional Strauss, Sphinx felt the sudden urge to throw her plate at the fanatic Strauss.

- Your warming up to him, you think his hot and you two were having a moment! She said while grinning mercilessly.

Where the fuck is she getting her confidence all of a sudden, she wasn't even there!

Sphinx let out an agitated grunt before emptying her glass. It irritated that Lisanna was listening to Mira's stories but even more irritating was her knowing smirk.

I bet it would be gone when the plate hit your face, alright that a little mean, concentrate,

-Geez, its Laxus! Who doesn't want a little taste of that? Sphinx growled while glancing at the nodding Cana,

Gray lifted his hand slowly but was quickly ignore.

-Fate? Seriously Lisanna? Cana snorted the words sounding ridiculous.

- Who cares if they had a moment or not? Gray said already having enough of the women's argument. The ice mage concentrated once again to fill his plate.

- Thank you, I think if we ever had or will have 'this moment-thing' it's still mine or Laxus business, the devil slayer ignored the way Lisanna opened her mouth to say something and continued

- I don't need you or your sister to start planning fucking weddings in your head,

The end of her sentence already came out as a growl and Cana saw it best to step in.

- Chill Sphinx, Cana said from beside her also noticing Sphinx gets a little too affected.

Sphinx leaned her head back and let a sigh. She did want to ruin everyone's night by getting annoyed at a little teasing. They had said these things a million times to her why was it getting under her skin.

-So anyone done anything we can talk so we can try to avoid this awkward silence? Levi said sounding slightly apologetic,

But it had the wanted result as people gave a few chuckles and started to talk about their day. Sphinx glanced up at Lizanna who gave her a shy smile and mouthed a 'sorry' quietly. Sphinx relaxed and nodded before giving her a wink.

This time it was Gray who gave a small kick to gain Sphinx attention. A slighted tremor always when threw him as those blue eyes flashed to his. Holding his composer he lifted a cherry tomato in his hand, Sphinx didn't need any more hints and grinned back at him.

Her annoyance was quickly swept away but the ice mages playful aura. His coolness was refreshing and the slayer managed to let go of her agitation.

Discreetly Gray looked at Lucy before scoping up a hand full of tomatoes and slowly got up. Sphinx got up as well on the other side and only winked at Cana as she lifted her eyebrow.

Gray turned towards her and without giving her too much time to prepare he whisked the red food in the air. Taking a silent step to her left she calculated her spot and opened her mouth. The red tomato didn't even make a sound as it was quickly devoured by the slayer who grinned at ice mage.

- Could you two stop doing that, Lucy interfered but was quickly pulled back into the women's conversations.

The pause didn't last long and Cana felt like chuckling as Sphinx and Gray communicated silently with each other this time trying to be even more undetectable. It actually was quite entertain to see them do it. It's a fun game when done over a table but in these distances already acquire skill, accuracy and good teamwork.

Gray took a few steps back, lifting another cherry tomato up and Sphinx mimicked making the distance between them bigger. Gray threw once again and Sphinx managed to catch it with little difficulties. It did get harder each time and even harder to keep their cheering quiet once they managed to get a good toss.

Gray lifted his hand this time taking more time to prepare the throw. This was defiantly the furthest Sphinx had ever tried to catch food with her mouth so there was a little playful pressure. They kept backing away from each other and just when Sphinx's back hit the kitchen counter and Gray was almost at Lucy's bed.

Damn if we get this, I bet its some kind of a record!

Sphinx silently prayed, Gray's expression was concentrated as he didn't want to beak their streak.

-THAS IT! STOP THROWING FOOD IN MY APARTMENT, Lucy yelled at them making both Gray and Sphinx jump I their spot.

The blond stood up and glared at them. Her arms were crossed over her chest and her whole presence was annoyed. Sphinx glanced at Gray who in turn looked at her just as guiltily. Lucy had that motherly ability to scowl at you, in second she had both of the young adults facing the floor not able to look up at her.

- I don't want to see one single red tomato fly across this room! I swear I'll make you regret it.

Sphinx grimaced and once again looked to Gray. But her eyes never traveled up to his eyes, they stopped at the most plum and most delicious looking cherry tomato that she just knew she had to taste. Most likely it wasn't any more different than the once before but somehow it seemed like that particular tomato was the tomato. It seemed more forbidden now and ofcouser it just had to be the most delicous one, atleast in the twisted mind of a Devil Slayer,

It was one of those need that if you didn't she would regret it forever. So she cast a pleading look at Lucy who's eyes seemed to narrow at her.

By some miracle it seemed that Gray was thinking in the same line. Rebelling against Lucy's command his body once again turned towards Sphinx. His serious eyes met her and Sphinx gave him a nod.

Now or never, echoed in her mind.

She could hear her heart start pounding in her chest as adrenaline and pure desired to make the perfect catch wired her up. Suddenly the small accuracy food tossing had escalated into some kind of life or death game.

Swallowing slowly Gray ignored his blond teammates warning but was about to get ready for the throw of his life. Her blue eyes focused on him, trusted him to help her do this. They had already been through so many close call to get this far. It would be an absolutely devastating end if they had to stop now.

The thought would hunt them forever.

Could he have made the shot?

Would she have caught it?

-GRAY! Lucy barked angrily with a long list of threats following on what would happen if he threw that last tomato.

Gray looked towards the unbreakable will to get that last cherry tomato in her eyes, they were a team now and he couldn't let her down now, even if Lucy was currently threating his testacies. So he firmed his mind and quieted the raging celestial mage out.

- DON'T YOU DARE! Yelled Lucy

Bending her knees Sphinx focused her eyes on that small red dot in his hand as he lined for the shoot.

Gray was going for it; this was a lot further than the last time, this was it.

She would have to be right in the spot.

Everything slowed down as Gray drew the tomato back.

Form the corner of her eyes Sphinx saw Lucy move. The blond mage was going to stop Gray herself. Sphinx's eyes widened but the collected look in her partner in crime's eyes told her not to react. Gray was not letting to blond mess up this but kept his cool.

Sphinx saw how Lucy took the final step before jumping towards Gray. Simultaneously the ice mage pushed his hand forward and flung the red tomato in the air. Only a heartbeat later Lucy tackled him down to the ground.

Sphinx didn't hear the grunt he made but she did realize one dramatic thing, he had used too much force in his throw and the tomato was flying too high.

-SHIT!

So with the agility of a cat she threw caution in the wind and jumped. Her on foot connected with the kitchen counter but she didn't feel the pain.

Gray managed to push Lucy away enough so see Sphinx jumped in angle that was defined the laws of physics but she held her end. With a silly looking wide open mouth expression Sphinx managed to catch the tomato.

Even her ungraceful and clearly painful landing didn't stop the victorious yell.

- HELL YEES!

Cana started to clap and Gray grinned so widely he was sure his face was about to split. The ice mage managed to get back to his feet while Lucy was clearly going towards Sphinx next. Her face was red and she was out for blood.

Cana quickly pulled the cheering Sphinx up and the devil slayer was already twisting away from the blond mages kicks. Grabbing a hold of Grays arm they ran towards Lucy's bedroom window. They didn't need to look back to know if Lucy was following them but with a wicked laughter they opened the window as the first book hit the wall beside them.

Gray barely managed to dodge another hard covered book that Lucy had thrown at him. Working with perfect sync Sphinx blocked the next book that was aimed at his head just as Gray made an ice slide down to the street level.

Sphinx didn't wait but all but jumped on his back as they slid down both laughing loudly. As Gray's feet hit the ground his magic dissolved and they kept running almost fearing Lucy would still come after them.