A/N: It's crunch time this semester, more tests, catching up, and intense rehearsals for the play I'm in… Editing is one of my least favourite parts of this whole process, which is why these are taking longer to put up. Soon though I will be out of pre-written ones, but while I have some stuff planned out, a large portion is still up in the air and I'm not sure what to do yet…

So if you are interested, or your know someone, who wouldn't mind beta-ing and helping me figure out where the hell this fic is going (I hate writing chaptered fanfiction…) PLEASE send a PM or something my way.

.x.

Chapter Three

Although the headaches still pounded through her head without warning – like evil versions of the seven dwarves on crack – her attitude evened out as the days went on. Victoria paid more attention and participated more in her classes, got her work mostly done, and could read about two pages of a book before zoning out and thinking of the figures again. A week ago she hadn't been able to read a sentence properly let alone a page.

And she did eat better. Even took those multi-vitamin gummies in the shape of fish (which were way more pleasant than the adult horse pills). Overall she was feeling much better, even though no where near to how she was before the... incident. She accepted it wasn't a dream – the scar still evident with no signs of lightening – but she had not come to terms with calling it an abduction. The thought sent shivers down her spine and the cynical part of her brain laughed at her stupidity. She had finally slipped over the edge to join the crazies she never used to take seriously.

But she continued seeing things, and it seemed to get worse. She couldn't control the strange colored vision, but she realized that right before it started there would be an odd burning sensation behind her eyes. Afterwards she would just wait for it to go away, which took almost half an hour one time. The other visions were more obscure and gave her no sign. She would suddenly think she was in Greece, or Egypt, or even Russia and for a few seconds see flashes of unfamiliar surroundings and people dressed right out of history books. She continued avoiding reflections because of the occasional image of a stranger, and her dreams were haunted with fire.

Even more weird but actually helpful was when she would, out of the blue, know something she never even heard of before. Usually it was just understanding concepts more easily and she hadn't noticed it until someone asked her a question. Well, really two girls were talking in the hallway after a class let out about a history test they had and couldn't remember when the First Crusade happened.

"1096 to 1099," Victoria had blurted out. "Pope Urban II gave a speech at Clermont, France in 1095 after being requested by Alexios I Komnenos to help repel the Seljuk Turks." She stopped with a deep breath, wide eyed and chanced a look at the two girls who were staring at her with equally baffled looks. She never studied the first crusade, and never, ever remembered dates of any historical event (except perhaps 1776, but that was only because of the musical). She didn't even think she could pronounce that Alex guy's name a second time. The girls had mumbled an awkward thanks and quickly left, Victoria soon following suit and shutting herself in her apartment again.

Victoria also continued to spot the man, Desmond, every day or so. But when she tried to make contact to ask about the first note she was now sure he left, about watching her back, he would disappear. Literally, disappear. And she'd not see him for another two days. She couldn't make sense of it. Not that she could make sense of anything anymore... and it continued to bug her. Something was going on, the figures or aliens or whatever they were had said so, or at least implied. But it seemed she wasn't in the circle, so she was forced to deal with the strange occurrences and continue living as if nothing ever happened.

People must've noticed her change though. Her classmates, which she previously was on an acquaintance level generally, either stayed away from her or cast her pitying looks. Finally one day after class, Jenna, a classmate and could-be friend if Victoria could make the effort, stopped her.

"Hey," Jenna smiled. "Some of us are getting together tonight to see a movie, and go out for pizza or something after. Wanna come?"

Victoria stared at her for a moment, adjusting her shoulder bag. "Uhm, yeah." She blinked and shook her head, getting over the momentary shock. "Yes, sure. Thanks."

"Great, it starts at four, but we'll be there around three-thirty." She gave a kind smile that Victoria returned.

She did a terrible job keeping track of time, however, while trying to get over the thought of how many people would be cramped into a movie theatre. She got a text from Jenna fifteen minutes from four asking her where she was, though Victoria couldn't remember giving out her phone number.

Be there soon. Meet you inside the theatre. She quickly texted back, grabbing her purse and stuffing a water bottle in it before forcing herself out of the apartment. She made it there about five minutes before it started, and waited nervously in line for a ticket. She stood as far away from the man in front of her as possible without giving away her spot, and kept twirling her favourite ring around her finger. She was looking to the side to fish out her wallet from her purse when she noticed something.

A few people behind her he stood, looking up at the movie times nonchalantly, wearing a grey sweatshirt with the hood up. White ear buds wires came out from under his hood, falling down until it looped into his jean's pocket.

She didn't think he saw her so she turned back around, focusing on the now moving line. She didn't have the nerve to confront him about the notes yet, still nervous at the thought of being in a dark room with dozens of strangers for two hours straight. Tapping her foot as the line dwindled in front of her and minutes ticked by, her neck prickled uncomfortably and head pounded a bit more than usual. She had figured out that meant someone was watching her – which really wasn't that hard a conclusion in the city – but she knew who it was and it made her more uncomfortable.

Victoria finally ordered her ticket with a minute to spare, but she didn't rush. She lingered near the counter pretending to be checking her messages on her cell phone, and focused on the man as he stepped up to buy. Suddenly, she felt light headed – but only for a moment. Everything around her was mind-numbingly loud until she forced her brain to focus only on those around the ticket counter. The world went dull, like listening to music pounding outside of a building, and the voices of the people to her left were more pronounced.

It was insanely hard to focus, and her head throbbed the more she tried, but she managed to catch what movie he was seeing.

The same movie she was currently missing the opening credits of.

Victoria shook it off and quickly walked to the theatre. She made it into the already dark room and had to take a few breaths before moving to find a seat. Spotting Jenna waving at her, she quickly found a seat beside her. Jenna leaned over to speak over the trailer.

"Are you okay? You look..." Jenna paused, pressing her lips together. "Stressed."

Victoria nodded, spinning her ring again. "Yeah, fine. Just had some issues getting over here, that's..." She stopped, watching as Desmond entered, scan the audience, then find a seat a few rows behind her. Great.

"Victoria? Victoria – everything all right?" Jenna waved her hand in front of Victoria's face then followed her line of vision as Desmond was walking to his seats. "Oh. Who is he? A crush? An ex?"

Victoria blinked and whipped her attention back to the blond. "What? No! Just... someone I keep running into."

"Aw, cute." Jenna pushed her in the arm. "Maybe someone's trying to tell you something; tons of romance movies have plots like that."

"Yeah, I'm sure someone's trying to tell me to write a screenplay." Victoria shook her head and grinned a little when Jenna rolled her eyes and pushed her again. Someone shushed them and they fell silent as Victoria thought about the absurd comment. No way this whole thing was about something as stupid as a relationship. This, whatever it was, was so much bigger. She could feel it.

The movie played and she found it hard to concentrate. Partly because of the dark room and bright screen and loud speakers making her headaches worse, but mostly because the tingling feeling in the back of her neck wouldn't go away.

Finally, she got fed up with it and stood up. "I'll be back," she whispered to Jenna who continued watching the screen but nodded.

She awkwardly scooted past people and found her way to a seat near Desmond, the movie theatre only partially filled. She sat a seat away from him, just in case. He was leaning back pleasantly, a medium bucket of popcorn in his lap, and he had the gall to pretend he didn't notice her. She highly doubted he was paying much attention to the movie. She suddenly wished she had bought popcorn just so she could throw it at him.

She leaned over the armrest of the empty chair and whispered, "Enjoying the view?" Part of her hoped he would jump or flinch or something at being addressed right out of the blue. Unfortunately, she didn't have such luck.

"Yes, actually," he took a handful of popcorn and stuffed it into his mouth, completely unbothered by her annoyed tone. "And hello to you too. I see you've been eating."

She gave an aggravated sigh, gathering her thoughts. "Why are you here?"

He gave her a sideways glance, she couldn't make out much more of his expression, but his tone was so snarky she didn't need to see it. "Watching a movie. Why are you here?"

"I was trying to watch a movie, but I couldn't help but feel like I was being watched." She growled at him. Someone hushed her loudly and kicked her seat, and she sent a glare in that direction before moving over to sit right next to him so she could speak quieter.

He made a thoughtful hum, but it sounded fake. "Yeah, gotta watch out for those creeps. They're always hanging around places like this."

"What's your problem!" Victoria forced herself to keep her voice down, but she felt her heart pounding faster. "Are you stalking me, or what? Do you want my phone number or something, or maybe you're just a really persistent hobo?"

"Oi! Keep it down!" Someone kicked her seat again, and she shot a glare at the middle aged man sitting behind her. For a strange split second, she wanted to bury a knife into the man's throat, feel the warmth of his blood spraying across her hands, and her fingers twitched in anticipation. It quickly passed, and she blinked, her anger seeping away as she melted more into her chair and stared at the screen with wide eyes. The violent thought was foreign, and much more vivid and alluring than the occasional violent ideas she head when she was in one of her human-race-hating moods. It was strange, and left her skin prickling and insides cold. She glanced down at her hands and had to swallow a scream–

They were covered in blood.

She tried to wipe it off, assuming it would disappear any second like her other strange visions, but the red liquid only covered more. Her fingers, her palms, her wrists – all slick with warm blood that continued to drip down her arms. She violently rubbed at her arms but it wouldn't do a thing. Her breath hitched in her throat and she found herself softly whimpering as her head throbbed more and more.

A scream jolted her out of her panic attack and she whipped her head around only to realize it came from the movie. Something knocked against her hand and she managed to simply turn to look – no flinching or jumping, finally.

Desmond was watching her, holding the popcorn bucket towards her. "Try not to think about it. Focus on something else."

She felt herself nodding but didn't move to take any popcorn. Instead she crossed her arms tightly, tucking her hands under her armpits. She didn't want to see them.

After a long moment where Victoria was focusing on the obvious plot devices and artistic choices of the movie, Desmond leaned over slightly and said so hushed she could hardly hear it, even if she could feel his breath near her ear, "What did you see?"

She paused. Breathed. Swallowed. "Blood." Why was she telling him? "Lots of blood." She took another breath and glanced at him. "But I'm a wuss; I can't kill anything. I catch friggin bugs and let them out my window rather than squash them. Why would my hands be covered in..." It wasn't like she had a phobia of blood; she'd seen enough on herself and her sister, and both had the scars to prove it. But that much, on her hands...

"Hey," Desmond whispered gently, the bucket on the floor. He touched her wrist and slowly coaxed her hands loose, but she wouldn't look at them. "Look at me." His voice was soft and soothing. Reluctantly, she did, feeling his hands around hers. "Those weren't your hands. The blood is not there. You didn't do anything." She found herself nodding and he smiled. "See?" His hands opened to reveal hers though it took her a moment to look at them. There they were; creamy skin, blue lace fingerless gloves, chipped, rose nail polish and all.

"No blood," she breathed, relieved.

"No blood." He smiled, then retracted his hands and sat back. "Except there." He was looking at the screen again and Victoria followed his gaze. It was a hospital scene. She grimaced a bit, but tried to focus on the movie again. The thought occurred that it was a complete waste of her money, since she was hardly following it, and couldn't even remember the main character's name anymore. But it looked like he had gotten into a crash of some sort, since he looked outrageously injured. Victoria lowered her eyes to her boots.

She spent the rest of the movie getting over the blood, taking hesitant peeks at her fingers occasionally, but she was careful to keep her hands out of sight for the most part. By the time the ending credits rolled by, Victoria felt completely sunk into her seat, having hardly moved and only attempted to make herself smaller. She shifted uncomfortably as the audience started standing up and leaving in groups. She tucked her legs back for people to pass and kept her gaze ahead of her, still sunk in the seat and trying not to focus on the close contact. She spotted Jenna looking around for her so she hesitantly waved, still not looking at her hand. The group they had come with was leaving, but Victoria wasn't about to deal with the crowd. Besides, some movies had easter eggs at the end of credits.

Jenna spotted her, gave a questioning gaze, then smiled and waved back as well as giving a wink Victoria hardly caught. She groaned.

"Friend of yours?" Desmond asked easily with an amused quirk on his lips. She had been feeling his gaze throughout the movie, though he had said nothing until now. He remained in his seat as well, making it difficult for people to pass though he didn't seem to care.

"I guess." Victoria watched Jenna leave, wondering if she really should've followed. She scooted uncomfortably to the edge of her seat, realizing how empty the theatre was getting.

"You're so uptight," Desmond laughed. "I'm not going to eat you or anything."

She snorted but said nothing, a little alarmed at how easily he read her. Spinning the ring around her finger again, she watched the credits roll by to an anti-climactic ending; no easter egg. "Lame," she mumbled half-heartedly and quickly got up, taking the longer way to the exit so not to pass in front of Desmond. She practically tripped down the stairs with dotted lights, her whole body stiff and head still spinning slightly. She paused at the end of the steps, shifting her weight and nipping on her fingers as she watched Desmond come down. She envied his ease and calm demeanor. He seemed in complete control of his body, which she realized was the only thing anyone really had control over. She forced her hands to her sides, but continued chewing on her lip. It didn't seem like she had control of anything anymore.

Victoria moved so she was a few strides away from the door leading out into the main hall of the theatre, and looked back at Desmond who now stood a few paces away. His hands were in his sweater pockets and he watched her with a hint of a frown. He could've walked right past her, but he expected this – he must've, because he stood patiently and kept her gaze with raised eyebrows.

Her previous annoyance had mixed too much with her nervousness at... everything, so it had diluted her want to yell at him. She wasn't even sure she wanted to voice her concerns out loud, somehow that would make them more real. But, she fiddled with the sleeve of her sweater and asked in a small voice. "What's going on?" He frowned a bit more but remained silent. "I know you know something, and I know something is going on, and I'm pretty sure that you're the only one to give me any proof that I'm not insane."

"Our kind of people all have a touch of insanity." He gave a lopsided grin.

"Can you be any more specific? Can you actually let me know what's happening to me?" Victoria stared at him, eyes wide. "I don't understand anything, and all these weird things keep happening, and it's really screwing me up–"

Desmond snorted.

"What's going on?" Victoria begged.

He paused for a moment. "The less you know, the better."

"Better for who!" She felt her throat tighten and itch. "You don't know what it's like – living with these permanent head aches, no one ever gets it, I always feel like I'm deathly sick, I'm afraid of passing out on the street, I see things that aren't really there, I feel things that I shouldn't feel – sometimes I'm not even sure who I am–"

"I do." He said grimly.

She paused, shaking her head. "What?"

"I do know what it's like." He stared her in the eye, and his gaze was so intense she could hardly hold it. "It's hell. You feel violated, used. Like you can't do anything about everything, like you're just a lab rat in a world of sadistic scientists. And you try to hide it and pretend it's not happening, but it doesn't do shit because it is happening, whether or not you can handle it." He stopped, the bitterness building up in his throat and he looked absolutely disgusted. She continued to stare, feeling her insides churn, but her attention caught in a trance. "And then, it gets so bad," his voice was quiet but edged, and she wanted to step closer to hear but was afraid she would get cut. "And everyone just keeps looking at you so helplessly, so pitifully, but you know they're just happy it's not happening to them. And there are so many moments where you're someone else completely that for the few moments you think you're yourself you want to do something about it. Stop it. Finally control it. And you think," he shook his head, a short, grim laugh escaping, "how simple a solution–"

"To end it all, yourself." Victoria breathed, not realizing she spoke until he looked at her and nodded. She didn't know what to say, apologizing seemed so wrong, and they fell silent as a man with a broom and garbage can awkwardly passed, watching them warily.

"I didn't know," Victoria finally mumbled, wondering about the times she contemplated sticking her head in the toilet, or stepping in front of a bus, or taking that one wrong step on a roof… She hadn't even realized how many times it had occurred to her.

"You aren't expected to."

Victoria straightened up. "Am I expected to know anything?"

He grimaced. "No."

She groaned, "Desmond, please–"

"This is something much bigger than the comfort of one person. And we don't want to drag anyone into this needlessly."

"'We?'" She frowned.

"Friends." He gave a small smile and she unconsciously clutched her palm remembering the figured wispy voices – Allies. "We don't want to bring too much attention to you until we get more information. The more we can keep you out of, the better."

Victoria frowned, picking at her sleeve as the figure's voices spread across her mind. "I think I'm already in it."

His eyes narrowed slightly and brow rose. "What do you mean?"

She shook her head, suddenly wishing she hadn't said anything. She could handle this on her own; she didn't need the added stress of other people. If she could just get used to the visions and headaches, she could figure out how to function. It didn't need to be complicated, or life threatening. The figure's odd words didn't matter; she could ignore them. She could survive without anyone's help. And even if she couldn't – well, it wouldn't be hard to overdose. Victoria turned and walked away, though unable to get to the door as Desmond grabbed her wrist and stopped her easily.

"What do you mean?" He repeated, slower, and she felt very small under his strong stance, despite the only few inch height difference.

"I don't want to know. I can live off Excedrin migraine for the rest of my life if I need to – I don't want to be a part of this, whatever the hell it is."

"You can't choose that."

She glared at him and yanked her arm from his grasp, although it took a few tries. "I can make it happen." She stormed out the door, head spinning. She put as much space between them without running, though he was right behind her.

"You can't runaway from this – it won't stop anything–" He reached for her arm but she spun away from his reach, glaring at him.

"It won't take much for me to make a scene." Victoria said, satisfied that it caused him to pause. "I know the world is going to hell anyway. I don't need details."

"It's not about you–" He growled but Victoria took off, spotting Jenna near the concession stand. She didn't turn around, keeping a quick pace, but she heard him curse and kick a trashcan behind her.

Jenna, along with some others nearby, heard the disruption and looked over. She paused by Jenna, gripping her purse tightly to herself as Jenna quickly caught up with her walking out of the theater. Jenna raised her eyebrows, sending glanced back towards Desmond. "Lover's spat?"

Victoria didn't look at her, wondering what she just got herself into. "Sure."

.x.

A/N: So yes, as I said, if anyone would like to help/beta/whatever, drop me a message. Have a nice Easter! (Yay for four-day weekends!)