A/N: So how is it so far? Keep in mind, this is my first written fanfiction, so I would love some advice and pointers! Feedback is really important to me, too, without it, I may give up and think this story is no good...Comment on the story if you would like me to (try to) draw my character!Anywho, there will be a slight time-skip in this chapter just because I'm excited about the developments fast-aproaching.

Forging Friendships

The greenery of the trees hide my presence high in the branches well enough as I wait for a white-haired mage to unlock the guild. She gives a quick wave in my direction before pushing the heavy doors wide open. 'She's always so kind to me, even though I've never approached her. Almost makes me feel bad for showing Bickslow her wild secret.'Almost.Leaping down silently, the dirt and gravel crunching beneath me, I quickly make my way into the structure. As I walk through the open doors, I tug my hood tightly around me to hide the markings on my skin.

Technically, the guild isn't open quite yet, but Mira has never complained about my tendencies to avoid the large crowds that tend to gather rather quickly here. I've thought about making the demon mage my first friend, though I don't wish to disrupt her busy schedule more than I already do. I have no idea where I found the courage to approach him yesterday.

Sitting at the bar, I quickly set a stack of jewel on the polished wood, paying ahead for the day's meals and tonight's booze, plus the usual large tip. 'Maybe that's why she doesn't mind me so much,' I chuckle to myself. I know she sometimes uses her own funds to cover the broken furniture after a brawl, so I try to help make up for it. Not like I need this much cash anyways.

All I've ever needed was clothes on my back and food in my belly. I learned long ago how to get comfortable sleeping in trees (and caves in bad weather). If I bought a house or rented an apartment, I would have to worry about nosey neighbors and struggle to hide my magic's branding more than I already do. If anyone would understand magic forcing a brand on your skin, it would be the Seith mage. That's the cost of having a power that can control a person's very being... and the cost of being able to take away their very life with a snap of your fingers.

The lovely woman before me places a large tray of bacon, toast, and apples on the counter, sighing at the stack of money I left for her. She learned long ago that if she refused, the money would appear in her pocket at some point. The monster that raised me, trained me, and eventually sold me, made sure that I was able to move anywhere without being seen- a talent that fuels my anti-social behavior. No matter how hard one may try, it's difficult to stay on gaurd 24/7, especially while working in such a hectic environment.

Smiling softly to her, a rare act on my part, I nod my head in thanks before digging in to the massive meal as she sets about her morning duties. Just as I polish off the last crumb from my plate, her throat clears roughly. Hesitantly, I glance up, my gray eyes meeting with her vivid blues.

"So, you showed Bickslow a secret, huh?" she says, her sweet tone going against the venom in her smile. I stutter, wide eyed, trying to think of an excuse so that she won't hate me. She holds a pale hand up to stop my attempt.

Her smile turns wicked before she continues. "As punishment, I will let you choose between two options." I stiffly nod once, eyes still wide with apprehension. "You must either stand naked in the middle of the guild during the entire dinner rush,"

I start panicing, my heart racing in my chest as bile threatens to erupt from my throat.

"Or, there's a party next week." Quickly, my expression turns dumbfounded and confused until she speaks again, lowering her hand as the evil glints in her eyes. "Which you will attend, socialize, and partake in at least three activities while dressed in whatever I choose for you."

Mouth dry, I swallow thickly, weighing my options. Either way, I'm fucked. 'And not in the good way.' Tensing my hands into fists, I steady my resolve. "Can I add some requests?"

Her smile brightened. "You may give suggestions, but I will ultimately confirm or deny them!" Her cheery disposition is beginning to make my head spin. If I angered her, she could force me into the first option.

'I have to choose one.' Sighing to myself, I clench my fists until my short nails bite into my palms. "I'll choose the second option, but, you gather three outfits that I get to choose from." She tilts her head, thinking for a moment, and then nods in agreement. "Also, Cana isn't allowed to force me into any of her... games."

At this last suggestion, her wicked grin returns. "Oh, Crimson, you forget that this is a punishment. Of course, your three activities will be chosen by our lovely Cana!"

'I wonder if I could run far enough away that she can't find me... probably not.' Trembling slightly, I reach out my hand to shake on it. "I deserve that. Sorry, Mira."

Taking my hand in hers, she jerks me halfway over the bar, nose inches away from my own. "Crimson, if you ever show someone what I do behind closed doors again, I won't forgive you so easily."

(several hours later)*

My tennis shoes tap lightly as I swing my legs against the rafters. Luckily, my trembling died down shortly after explaining why I did what I did (more or less), and she didn't seem nearly as angry. Still, she refused to back down on her revenge, which is causing my current restlessness.

'The majority of the guild doesn't even know I exist. How am I supposed to randomly show up and hop in on their party? Won't I be imposing or bothering them?' Honestly, I know everyone is really laid back and accepting. Even those that were present three years ago when Twilight Ogre came to collect (destructively) the first time have either forgotten or gotten over my reaction to the threats.

Blood splattering the floor in swirls, like a morbid display of beauty. The enemies doubled over in pain, struggling to stand and run. The spinning room filled with the terrified and disgusted faces of my guild mates. Makao's horror written all over his features as he slowly steps back and away from me. The silence as I ran from them all.

Monster, was the whisper that broke the silence.

I shake those thoughts from my head. Mira is wicked- not cruel. Makao told Master, Laxus, Mira, and Erza about what happened while they were on Tenrou Island, making sure they knew about me as well. I had listened in, fearing he would only warn them away from me. Instead, he voiced his concern that he and everyone else had betrayed me. He had hoped that Master and the S-Class wizards could help me. He didn't know where I came from, though. Or just how close I was with the two men down there, even though neither of them ever heard of my existence.

The shuffling of feet far behind me pull me from my thoughts. Steady balance, but unfamiliar with the territory- Bickslow. Confused, I turn to see him making his way towards me, a rather large bruise on his jaw but still sporting that cocky smirk. I had decided against getting his attention today since I had gotten myself into enough trouble. 'But here he is. Interesting.'

He waves happily at me, speeding his steps until he lands swiftly beside me. Taken aback, I still my legs, my eyes continue following him as he smoothly sits. "Hey, man!" he greets.

'Wait. Man? Maybe he calls everyone, male or female, that?' Snapping out of it, I smirk back, nodding towards his wounded jaw. "So, Laxus punished you for teasing him?"

He throws his head back in a hearty laugh, his voice unheard by those far below us. "Yeah, but it was worth it. At least Mira didn't find out about it!" He let out another laugh, shoulders shaking and I slouched in shame. Noticing this, he stops. "Oh, fuck. She got you, didn't she?"

I let out a quick chuckle, masking my fear. "Yeah, but don't worry about it. I just have to do something embarrassing next week." Sweat gathered on both of our faces, imaginations running wild.

"Well, at least she won't dress you up in lingerie and whip you in front of everyone!"

"Wait. When the hell did she do that?!" Dizzy again, I grip the beam tightly. 'What if all three of the outfits are just skimpy underwear?!'

Laughing again, he smacks my back roughly. "Don't worry! She only breaks out that stuff for the girls!"

'What the fuck?' I just stare at the silver helmet blocking the laughing mage's face before the reality dawns on me. 'He really thinks I'm a dude. No way.'

Looking down, analizing myself from the black tennis shoes to the baggy denim jeans to the over-sized black hoodie that seems to hide everything. Make-up just smears when I fight, so I never wear it, and my long hair is kept back in a low pony tail because it just gets in the way.

'I really do look like a guy."

Without a word, I step from the beam and run out the door, ignoring both the confused Bickslow and the stinging behind my eyes. I've never cared whether I looked like a man or woman, so why did my heart plummet like that?

A/N: hope you liked it! It may be a little OOC, so I'm sorry. Please give feedback! The more I get, the quicker I'll update!