/your p.o.v./

I had ended up loosing control... again. It took a while but after my little breakdown I ended up falling asleep on the way home. When I woke up I was in what I recognized as the guild's infirmary I sat up and Mira walked in.

"Oh you're awake." She said happily. "I'm so glad we were kind of worried."

"I don't know why you would be." I said coldly. "I'm fine."

"Hm..." She sighed. "We'll do you need anything?"

"No I'm fine." I replied looking out the window.

"Ok." She walked back out of the room.

I got out of bed and opened the window carefully climbing out. I just need some fresh air, and I really don't want to talk to anyone. They probably hate me, or are scared of me now. Just like everybody else... I walked into the forest and sat down by what seemed to be a homemade fishing spot. Probably made by Happy and Natsu I heard them talking about it earlier. I looked down at the water. And rested my chin on the tops of my knees. I don't even know why I thought for a second I could be close to anyone. It doesn't matter I can't trust them anyways.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be resting?" I heard a voice behind me.

I looked up. "Laxus?"

"Everyone at the guild is worried." He sat down next to me. "Freed and Alex nearly had a heart attack."

"I just needed some fresh air and a quiet place to think." I said emotionless. "They shouldn't worry so much."

"Well it's just natural for a family to worry." He replied.

I widened my eyes at the word. Family? I felt tears well up in my eyes, but held them in. I turned away just in case. "You don't want me in your family. I'll only bring you pain. What you just saw, me loosing control, it happens a lot when I'm around people. I could end up hurting one of you. How do you guys even know you can trust me anyways? I could be a spy for all you know."

"Are you a spy?" Laxus asked causally.

"Well... no, but that's not the point." I replied looking at him again.

"Then what is the point?" He asked. "So what if we trust you? You can't just live life not trusting anyone or you'll be alone, and no one wants to be alone. Or something like that. I don't know Mira is better at these speech things."

I did a small laugh that was barely audible. "At least you're trying." I muttered. "It's true no one wants to be alone, but sometimes it's better that way..." I frowned again looking out into the river.

"I feel like there's something you aren't telling us." Laxus looked at me skeptically.

I widened my eyes slightly but stayed silent, still watching the water.

"You can tell me. I'm not going to judge you for anything." He encouraged.

"I can't tell you." I whispered so quietly that he barley heard me.

"Why not?" He asked. "You can trust me."

"No you don't understand I can't tell you." I emphasized.

"Oh?" He replied getting the hint. He still looked confused, but I guess anyone would be. "Then tell me what you can."

I looked at him slightly surprised. No one has ever cared to ask that before. "All my life I've been used, and thrown around like a puppet. I've been forced to do things that are..." I paused hugging my knees close to my chest feeling tears form again. "Unforgivable."

He looked at me with curious eyes, but didn't pry further.

"I finally got away, but the pain never stopped. I could never trust anyone, and I guess I became sort of a grouch that pushed everyone away, and became... Lonely." I explained. "That's all I can tell you."

He rubbed his head. "I'm still very confused, but I guess small truths are better than nothing. Come on let's get back to the guild before anyone sends out a search party."

"Isn't that what you are?" I asked.

"Not exactly. I came looking for you for Freed's sake." He shrugged.

"Freed?" I asked.

"Yeah I didn't want him worrying too much. He really likes you." He explained.

My face burned red. Likes me in what way?

Laxus laughed at my red face. "Come on let's go back." He held out his hand to help me up.

I took it and we walked back to the guild together.

"(Y/n)!" Practically everyone shouted in relief.

"Geez don't do that you nearly gave me a heart attack." Cana sighed.

"I was so worried I thought you left forever!" Mira yelled hugging me slightly, crying what I hope we're tears of relief.

"Awe Mira I told you I was fine." I replied smiling slightly at her. "Gee I go on a walk for ten minutes, and you guys act like I just went off for war."

"Well don't leave without telling anyone next time." Alex said crossing his arms angrily.

"Sorry." I apologized

His anger then turned into a big smile. "I can't stay mad at you." He put his arm around me and ruffled my hair. "I was sure worried about you Coz."

I pushed him away in annoyance.

"You two are cousins?" Freed asked.

"Yep." Alex replied. "Why what did you think we were?"

"I-I don't know." Freed shrugged.

"You didn't think we were-" Alex was cut off by his own laughter. Eventually he caught his breath. "No no I can assure you she's completely single."

"Shut up." I glared at him, punching him in the arm.

"Ow." Alex replied rubbing the spot where I hit.

Mira and a few others laughed, and then everyone went back to their normal selves. I sat at the bar with Cana, Mira, Alex, and Freed. Natsu and Gray once again started yelling at each other.

"You idiot!" Gray spat.

"You picking a fight with me ice princess." Natsu asked as they butted heads.

"Would you two give it a rest already?!" I yelled getting angry.

"U-uh y-yes mam." They replied standing up straight. "We'll behave, just please don't kick us again."

I turned away to hide my slight smile. "Don't tempt me." I teased.

"I see you are somewhat of a big dog around here huh (y/n)?" Alex pointed out. Then he smirked. "Oh but I know your weaknesses."

"What weaknesses?" I asked confused.

"Oh nothing." He shrugged casually turning toward me. "Just that your deathly ticklish."

"Wha-? Alex no!" I yelled but it was too late he already started tickling my sides. "Alex-! Please---- stop!" I yelled in between my uncontrollable laughter. I fell off of the stool, but he followed not letting me free from the torture. I was gasping for air. It was probably the first time I'd laughed like that since we were children.

The rest of the guild watched. Some of them laughed and some of them were surprised to see me showing so much emotion.

"I'm sorry I didn't quite hear that!" Alex shouted over my loud laughter.

"Alright alright uncle uncle!" I begged and he stopped tickling me.

"Now who's the coolest?" He asked smugly.

"You are." I replied breathlessly.

"Good." he smirked getting back up into his chair.

Freed held out his hand and helped me off the floor.

I gave him a sarcastic 'thanks for the help' look. And he chuckled. Then I turned back to Alex. "Just remember I know your weaknesses to." I threatened.

"Oh would you look at the time." He laughed nervously standing up and paying for his drink. "I better go... feed my cat. See ya latter!" He ran out of the guild.

"Coward!" I yelled after him.

Everyone in the guild laughed.

Maybe this time will be different. I thought smiling slightly. Maybe they really could be my family.

Hey guys hope you liked the new part. Were you expecting Alex to be her cousin? Anyway I really hope you're enjoying the story I'll try to write more as quick as I can. Vote and comment, bye!
                               -Hannah😋