Ian's POV:

"Ok ok, what about this one?" I showed Ally a battered cover of 'Dracula', making her scrunch her nose in distaste. We were sprawled out in my bedroom, going through my bookshelf in search of a book she could use to write her book report. I'd finished mine last week, and it was due in tomorrow, so she was a bit screwed. But I'd convinced her to at least try to put something together.

"Ew, isn't that about a gross vampire or something?"

"Ok, no vampire stories. I guess that discards Twilight." I winked at her, making her scowl in return.

"If you even get that book close to me I'll throw it at your head."

"Good to know. And this?" An old copy of '1984' made her look even more disgusted.

"How old is that thing?"

"I dunno, my uncle Yves got it for me."

"Yeah, I'm not reading that." Flipping through the pages, you could see her becoming appalled at the small font and yellowed pages. "Any other books?"

"We've gone through every book here."

"Well it isn't my fault you have an awful taste in books." I rolled on my stomach to glare at her, while she just shot me her devilish grin. Immediately my anger ebbed away, giving way to a want to kiss that sexy smirk off her features. But I held it back, not willing to let her win.

"Oh yeah?" I got closer to her, preparing my attack.

"Hell yeah." Pouncing on her, I pinned her wrists above her head, being careful with her arm. I had to admit I didn't particularly like the cast being there, simply because it was a glaring reminder that she'd hurt herself and I'd done nothing to help her. Hell, for a few minutes I'd even made fun of her for asking for help.

"Will you still think the same once I start tickling you?"

"No no no, not the tickling, please!" She squirmed under me, laughter resounding throughout the room as we fought, rolling around the floor. I was at a disadvantage, trying to be careful I wouldn't hurt her arm, but I didn't mind it much. The triumphant look on Althea's face as she manage to hold me down was priceless. Especially considering the compromising position we were now in, with her straddling me. I smirked, unable to help myself. "Now admit that I'm the bestest."

"That's not a word babe."

"Admit it." She pouted at me, sending my heart beating wildly in my chest. The effect this girl had on me, it was crazy. Whenever she glanced my way I felt happy, simply from being in her line of sight. And when she got close to me she made the rest of the world fall away, nothing mattering apart from her. Her hazel eyes, her laughter, her smile, the look she gave me when she was annoyed but still somehow endeared by my actions. All becoming more important than anything else.

"Only if I get a kiss."

"Alright fine." Leaning down, she got our lips as close as she could without letting them actually touch. Struggling under her, I tried to get them to join. If I'd wanted to I could've pushed her off, but this was much more enjoyable. Her eyes glinted mischievously as she watched me 'trying' to get closer.

"Babe we had a deal."

"Uh huh." She quickly turned her head, making me kiss her cheek instead of the lips I was trying to get to. By this point I'd been properly making an effort, the pout on her lips too irresistible. "And yet you never specified which type of kiss."

"You're seriously evil."

"Aw, don't be liked that, you know you love me."

"Well, I'm certainly loving this position." My words caused her to look down, appearing almost shocked at the situation she found us in. A chuckle escaped my lips, my attempt to cover it up futile, the expression on her face being too humorous.

"How did we even get here? We were talking about books."

"Yeah but I'm enjoying this conversation a lot more." I smiled at her, getting up to go sit with my back against a wall. I motioned she should join me, but she was off to la-la-land, looking at me with those empty eyes. It honestly scared me when she did this sometimes, particularly that time in the meadow, when she'd been so out of it I'd feared we needed to go to hospital. Shuddering in a scared breath, I approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her. I then bundled her into my arms, my warrior princess and spitfire becoming no less than an empty shell of a human being.

Althea's POV:

"Yeah, but I'm enjoying this conversation a lot more." Said Ian, smiling from underneath me. I went to smile back, but became frozen in place as things started swirling behind him. His books started tinting pink, the colour of love, but this wasn't what startled me – that part was just routine, just my gift. No, it was the pink dust swirling through the air, clouding around me and threatening to leave me without air.

Looking away to try to stop it from forming, my eyes landed on the wall, pristine white plaster glaring back at me. Too bright. Much too bright. Bringing my hands over my eyes, I tried to block out all the colours, coming at me at full intensity. I'd rather go back to the pink dust. Whimpering, I shrunk back, wishing it would go away once and for all.

"It's ok, I'm here. It's ok." Lips on my forehead startled me out of the nightmare, as I resurfaced with gasping breaths.

"Ian?"

"Oh god, you scared the crap out of me Ally." Laying my head on his shoulder, I mumbled an apology of some sort, waiting for both of us to calm down. I didn't know what had been happening to me lately. Daydreams were one thing, but this was like they'd combined with some demonic version of my gift and had made this horrible nightmare. So, horrified of what was happening to me, and with fear in my chest that I was going insane, I allowed the afternoon to slowly pass in Ian's arms. After what must've been hours, I finally spoke up.

"What's happening to me?" My voice broke, it sounding weak. I hated this whole situation.

"I don't know babe, I just… don't."

"I'm scared." Under normal circumstances I wouldn't have said anything, instead simply swallowing it down. But Ian had seen me go through two of these meltdowns already, and for some reason all of my pride was crumbling down. Leaving only me, with no idea as to how to pretend that everything was ok. I was Althea, and I didn't get scared. I was though. I'd never been so scared in my life.

"It'll be ok. We'll figure this out somehow." He looked honest, looking at me with his eyes opened wide in fear. I swallowed hard, this whole thing taking a toll on me.

"I hope so."

Hi :)

Sorry for the angsty chapter, but as you can see this problem of Althea's is gonna be making an appearance quite a bit. Can you guess what the problem is? Tbh I've sort of been making it up on the spot, but I think I have a clear idea of what I want to do with it now ^.^

And I absolutely loved all your reviews last chapter, they were so lovely. Also, thanks to Guest for the constructive criticism, I've taken it on board :) And to the other guest, don't worry, the soulfinder bit will be making an appearance in... two chapters I think it is? 2 or 3, but soon!

Can we get to 83 reviews? That'd be super!

Bye bye xx