A/N: You guys are literally the best. You've been reviewing and following like mad and it's completely AWESOME. Your supports means a lot to this story and spurs it on. The one comment of critism I got was actually really great, it developed my story in ways that it wouldn't have without that! SO: this story goes to you!

Disclaimer: The usual. Rights go to Kathy Reichs and I do not own Virals!

Chapter 3

I jerked to my feet. My cheeks were flaming, my hands balled into small fists, my chest heaving. I was embarassed. Tory Brennan did not get embarassed like this! Still, it had somehow happened, leaving me flustered and awkward. I was mortified that this was being said aloud, by Hi, of all people. In front of Ben, of all people. In front of me; I didn't even know! Did this stuff even happen to most people?!

"What are you even talking about, Hiram?" I shouted through clenched teeth. I took a deep breath and shut my eyes tightly. I folded my hands over my forehead and felt a-

SNAP.

I opened my eyes slowly and glared at the boys around me. My anger was suddenly intesified. I took another deep inhale through my nose and emotions assailed my nose. Nervousness. And... amusement. I was definitely going to give them something to laugh about if they kept this up.

I somehow wedged myself into their minds. Thoughts washed into my head and I drank them in. I relished the contact of their minds. It was entirely different experience hearing thoughts than hearing voices. Each mind-voice was distinct and fit the owner perfectly.

This was so obvious... Shelton and I knew it was a matter of time... Girls are ridiculous... This is really funny, but I feel kinda bad... She's just standing there... Oh shit, should I say something? Hi's mind was just as sarcastic as the words that came pouring out of his mouth.

Oh, Tory... She's always been temperamental... I hope she doesn't kill all of us... Why hasn't Lydia texted me back?... Shelton's mind was very calm.

I hesitated. I didn't really want to delve into Ben's mind. It was too private, in my opinion. And... I was scared of getting hurt. What if he secretly thought I was just as tempermental and stupid like Hi and Shelton thought.

All of the sudden it was too much. I didn't cry. Ever. I didn't cry at my mom's funeral. When they told me she died. When I learned I had to move to this god-forsaken island. When the Tripod's insults were particularly nasty. When I was sad and confused about all the adventures I'd been on. When I missed my mom. But it was all flooding on. All it took were these snide thoughts and my worry about Ben to set my emotions on overflow for the first time. I had never felt myself unravelling this way.

I swallowed hard, my flare dying with SNUP. I blinked rapidly, trying to dispel the tears that were brimming in my lids. Thank god for waterproof makeup. A weird choking noise hit my throat and I turned, running out of the bunker. I ran across the harder, wet sand by the water and took off past the bunker. I needed to be alone more than anything.

I kept running, pushing my muscles to cry and scream at me. I didn't care. Tendrils of hair that escaped my bun flapped behind me and tears streaked from my eyes. I eventually couldn't keep running and sat hard on the group. I pulled my knees up to my chest and bowed my head.

I wept loudly, sure that I was alone. The tears that flowed from my eyes were big and hot, falling onto my legs and trailing down them until they dropped off and hit the sand, making a small mark. I felt more alone than I ever had in my entire life. My body shook with sobs and my skin felt hot and uncomfortable. I couldn't breathe properly and took in a huge, gasping breath.

I suddenly felt an arm around my waist and lifted my tear-streaked face, readying myself to run. I was unneccesarily paranoid; it was Ben. I averted my face and willed myself to regain control. I took deep breaths that hurt my chest and made my ribs expand painfully.

"Are you okay?" his deep voice murmured in my ear. I leaned towards him a little, welcoming the feel of him around me. He responded by scooting closer to me and wrapping another arm around me, locking his fingers together. My head rested on his shoulder. For some reason, I didn't care what he thought about this.

"I will be," I replied vaguely. I wasn't the type to talk about feelings.

"I sure hope you will be. I'm sorry about Hi and Shelton. We're guys and we're not used to a girl being on the island, even after a year. They forget that you aren't going to laugh and offer to go play soccer, or something." I had never heard Ben speak this much. My heart beat uncomfortably. I was embarassed with how loud and obvious it was being. What if he could feel it?

"Ben..." I looked up.

His face was an inch from mine.

A/N: I'm sorry that this is such a short chapter but it was very emotional to write for me. I've been feeling this way myself of late and I felt that Tory needed some emotion in her. She bottles everything all up and the boys slipped up.. And the next chapter will tell what happens with dearest Ben...