Fractured World

Disclaimer: Do not own Victorious or iCarly

A/N:


Chapter 13 (Reunited)

Listening to an album of songs by Alan Walker, Lily tapped the arm of the couch and bobbed her head along with the music. The song she was listening to was entitled Lily, and it's story resonated with her in such a way she was sure it was sung of her life.

Another favorite was Faded, by also by Alan Walker; and listening to that song made her think of Trina and what she was doing now.

A knock on the front door jostled her away from the music and she slowly removed her headset as Spencer walked around the kitchen counter and towards the door. He glanced through the peephole while patting his flour covered hands together. "It's your boyfriend."

She rose with excitement, quickly fixing her hair where the headset had pushed it around. Spencer opened the door to reveal Ian standing with a bouquet of flowers. She saw four tulips, four lilies, and four roses. She ran over and threw her arms around his neck.

"Sorry it took me so long." He wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her forehead. "I brought you flowers." She took the bouquet with a smile and turned around, leaning back against him.

"They're beautiful." She sniffed the flowers and breathed in the precious scent. Opening her eyes, she reached down and grabbed Ian's hand. "Come inside." She hurried in, dragging him with her. "Dad is making cake."

"Oh, what's the occasion?"

Spencer returned to the kitchen and reached for the blue mixing bowl. "We heard from Sinjin. Courtney's on her way over. With you arriving too, I thought it'd be nice to make something." Lily opened a cabinet door near the sink and grabbed a tall vase.

"Just a simple one," she stated. She didn't want anything overwhelming but appreciated the idea of celebrating the reuniting of the trio. "He does a lot of cooking." She filled the vase with water and set the flowers inside. "I'm going to set these on the table for now." She leaned up, kissing Ian's cheek. "Thank you for the flowers."

He smiled at her and squeezed her hand. "Are you settling in okay?"

"Getting there, it's hard to get used to everything." They made their way to the couch, leaving Spencer to his work. "Sometimes I still dream about them." She rolled her shoulders forward and shook her head as she thought on the most recent occasion. "Nightmares usually. Sometimes I dream that I'm in the woods being chased by something." Ian frowned and reached for her hand, she held his hand and closed her eyes, drawing in a slow breath as his hand brought a soothing feeling to her. "I'll be running only to run into Holly, grinning like a wolf. Sometimes it'll be David, surrounding me with the darkest look in his eyes."

Ian squeezed her hand and she slowly brought her head to his shoulder. "Nightmares are never easy, just remember you can always call me if you need to talk. I'm here for you." She smiled gently and closed her eyes, rubbing her head into the crevice of his neck.

Not wanting to focus on her nightmares, she lifted her head and thought to change the subject. "So how does your family feel about you coming here?" Ian chuckled for a second and ran his free hand through his hair.

"Mom's a little anxious because I'm so far away, but she approves. Dad tells me to be responsible and study hard. I guess I'm still figuring things out, but I plan to major in biology or chemistry."

She was almost jealous that he had somewhat of a plan, but proud that he did. "I'm glad you've got an idea of where you want to go. Even Jade's found her way."

"You'll find yourself, Lily. I believe in you." Her heart swelled within her chest and she reached around his abdomen while resting her head on his chest. Her body swayed forward as his arm cradled her back.

"What do you think Courtney will think about us?" She closed her eyes and felt his chest quiver as he laughed.

"I don't know, she's pushed for us for a long while, so maybe she'll just be happy. I'm more concerned about what her state of mind will be. She's always been tough and strong-willed, so I'm hoping she's still got that spirit of hers."

"You're worried too?" It was the same fear she had, that Courtney might return to them no longer the same person she used to be. Granted, that was a given when put through tragedy; but she worried that the extreme would be true.

"All we can do is wait and see. I'm glad she's safe, though and you're getting your best friend back."

"She's your best friend too, Ian. We're the three musketeers." She shifted her weight a bit to get more comfortable against his warm body. His chin rested upon her head and she felt him exhale. "We're better together."

"I'm just glad the dangers seem to be over. Both of you are safe, and you can be happy. That's what I want above all else, to see you safe and happy."

She was concerned for him as well, because through these last few years he had to be strong as well. She knew Courtney would be hurting like she was; but she wasn't ignorant to the fact that Ian had gone through shit too.

Her hand slid towards his and she lifted her head, gazing into his eyes. "Don't forget, I'm here for you too." He smiled gently and she gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I appreciate you always being there for me, I know it hasn't been easy. It couldn't have been easy for you to send your family away like you did, for you to go into hiding or even now you're moving all the way here…"

"I'm alright. It wasn't easy, but a lot of these things had to be done. It takes a strong person to fight. Which is why I'm proud of you." The blood rushed to her cheeks and she shook her head.

"I wouldn't call myself strong."

"You fought like hell too, and you're still fighting to regain yourself. You're a fighter and a survivor." She sighed, partly disbelieving but at the same time she could feel her spirits rising.

It wasn't long before the cake was finished. The cake looked beautiful with a valley of chocolate frosting swept into small swirls. She couldn't wait to cut a piece, but wanted to wait for Courtney.

The wait wasn't long for her either, though every second and minute that passed by only served to fill the air with anxiety. When the knock on the door came, Lily was frozen beside Ian, standing with their hands clenched together between their bodies. Her left hand was curled over her chest and she watched with her heart pounding as Spencer opened the door.

The rush of air coming in from outside hit her like a steamroller and when she saw her best friend standing there, she nearly collapsed to the floor in a fit of tears.

Courtney's green eyes peered through her round wire framed glasses, locking with Lily's and drawing her in. Tears fell from her eyes and she watched as Courtney entered, looking as though she were floating on a cloud.

She watched as moisture formed in Courtney's eyes, the girl's light blonde hair swayed behind her as she reached up and embraced Lily and Ian around the necks. Saying nothing, they hugged her back, holding her tight. She could feel Courtney's heartbeat against her own and buried her face into her friend's shoulder, weeping lightly.

When they finally separated as though coming for air, Courtney was the one to speak first. "I've missed you two so much. I couldn't stand Sinjin's fussing over me anymore, I had to come see you. He told me you go by Lily now, and apparently…" Courtney raised a finger to her chin. "You two are a couple now. I've missed too much."

Feeling as though her legs would give out at any minute while also being overcome with excitement, Lily took Courtney by the hand and led her to the couch. Ian followed and sat down with them.

"It's been a rough, long story. We want to know how you're doing." She noticed the red Chinese print dress Courtney was wearing and started to smile. "I like the dress." Courtney looked down, her face turning a light shade of red.

"Yeah, the couple I was with wasn't too bad. I think I got a little lucky. I mean, getting sold in a slave auction was humiliating; but it could've been worse." Lily held Courtney's hands, still looking into her eyes and nodding at each word. Her tears continued to fall from her face, but she was happy that Courtney didn't appear as bad as she feared. Although, she wasn't sure if Courtney was also just acting tough.

"You mean they were good to you?"

"They knew they were getting involved in something illegal and couldn't exactly go to the authorities; and it wasn't like they could send me back." Courtney swept her hand through the side of her hair, gently tucking a strand over her ear. "They attend those things hoping to try and help at least one person, I guess they took pity over me." Courtney shrugged. "They actually paid me to work for them."

"So, overall?"

"Overall? I'm pissed." Courtney's eyes narrowed and her voice grew tense. "If I ever see that Valentine girl again, I'd like to tear her apart. Bitch got lucky, too afraid to face me up front and had to come up from behind. Fucking cheap shot coward."

"Trina wanted to save you, she was trying to get to you before Cat did."

"Oh." Courtney sighed and shut her eyes. "Yeah, I wasn't answering her phone calls that night." Lily's heart sank and she leaned forward, hugging Courtney tight.

"Either way, I'm so glad to have you back. We were so afraid. I still can't stand what happened to you, all because of me."

Courtney hugged her back. "Never blame yourself, I wasn't being careful." She sniffed and leaned back slowly.

"So what's going to happen to the couple that took you in?" Courtney bowed her head and slowly closed her eyes.

"I don't know." There was a tremble in the girl's voice. "They were trying to help, they were about to let me go free from them to return to my old life. Now? They were still caught up in something illegal, so I'm not sure what's going to happen to them. If they have to answer to the Chinese government, they're definitely in trouble. They may be in trouble either way." Courtney shook her head and exhaled. "But I'm focusing on being back here, back with my two best friends."

Ian reached around Lily, placing a hand on Courtney's shoulder and nodding briefly. "We're glad to have you back." Courtney smiled at him, then to Lily.

"Back to you, tell me everything." There was a hint of excitement and concern in Courtney's tone. "You two are finally dating now, which is amazing. Still, I hear you found your father, the Vegas are on trial and all this stuff is going on. Tell me everything."


So Courtney has finally arrived. The trio are complete, as much as they can be given all they've endured.