Hey!

I'm sorry it's taking me so long to update. Right now I have two months until my graduation and then two weeks of exams and I should have more free time to write. Hopefully then my updates will be more frequent. I also want to thank you guys for following/favoriting/reviewing this story, because it really motivates me.

Anyway… here's the new chapter and once again sorry for the wait.

Runners XOXO

Vivienne froze. Ben's whitish hair was shimmering in the moonlight as he moved closer to her.

"That was a nice story." Her mouth hanged opened as she realized he was eavesdropping on her and Legend. "Is there a room for one more prince?" He was fast. In a matter of seconds she could feel his breath on her face

She shuddered when he cupped her cheek with his course palm. He must have mistaken it for a pleasant shiver - as if she ever could have butterflies in her stomach when he was around. Instead, it felt like a whirlwind, destroying everything in its path leaving only fear, pain and chaos.

Somehow she managed to take a step back, far enough for his hand to let go of her cheek. She was holding her breath the entire time unsure of his next move.

"Is that how prince acts?"

"Do you want me to sweep you off your feet, princess?" he mocked, "Because I can do that." She somehow knew he meant it literally, so she moved away even further.

"It's late."

"How about a goodnight kiss then?"

"I thought the kiss was supposed to wake the princess up." She didn't mean to encourage him - she was playing with fire already - she just didn't know how to get rid of him without angering him.

"Sleep tight then." He winked and walked off back to the sleeping area.

When he disappeared from her view, it felt as if a weight was lifted from her shoulders and she could finally breathe again. The peace didn't last long as she realized what just happened. She ran to her hut and barricaded the door with her makeshift bed.

He was probably strong enough to open the door still, but the noise the motion would make should be enough to wake her up. She would figure something out when that happened.

For now, she forced her eyes shut as she laid on the cold floor, trying to fall asleep.

xxx

A sunray coming through a small window woke her up. Her back ached from sleeping on the wooden floor, but she couldn't make herself care. She was too relieved Ben didn't show up. Restlessness couldn't take away that happiness from her - what could, was the realization of why she was content in the first place.

She stood up slowly as every muscle in her body screamed at her - it might have been even worse than sourdoughs she'd get after working out with Minho.

It's too late for Ben to come, - she told herself, and the thought kept her going until she collapsed at the bench during breakfast.

"Vi?!" Gally checked her out. Circles underneath her eyes were a shade of dark purple, eyes red, hair a mess.

"I had a rough night," she answered his silent question.

"I can see that."

"Gee, you know what to tell a girl," she rolled her eyes, which were almost closed at this point.

The relief washed off quickly, overcame by tiredness.

"Go see Clint and Jeff." She opened her mouth to argue, but he spoke up faster, "It's not like you'll be of any use in this state. Don't look at me like that! What?! You want me to carry you there?"

"Mm, that sounds cosy." She was already standing up. "Thanks, Gal," she smiled sadly at him and walked off.

xxx

"Someone looks awful," Jeff whistled.

"Wow, everyone's so nice to me today. I'm so fluttered!" she groaned. She had not seen herself in a mirror yet, and after hearing all the comments, Vi knew she was not going to that day.

"What happened to ya, shuckette?" Clint asked already making a room for her on a makeshift bed.

"Rough night." She sat on the bed. "Apparently that is enough to make me useless," she chuckled bitterly. "You think Gally would make another builder take a day off because he was restless?"

"Why do you ask?" She shrugged.

"I heard them talk once," she tried to sound as if she didn't care, "Besides, if I slack off Alby could make me a sloper, and I'm not gonna wash any of your nasty underwear!" Clint and Jeff erupted in laughter, and she was glad to at least get rid of any suspicion they might have had.

"I'll make you some melissa."

She nodded thankfully before she laid down, resting her head on the pillow. She fell asleep before Clint could get a mug.

xxx

Quiet murmurs woke her up. Clint was whispering to Newt about a new salve he made for his leg, how much he should use, what was there. Newt was listening to him carefully, not noticing Vivienne's stare. One of his pant legs was drowned up revealing a nasty scar. She wondered how he might have gotten it before she spoke up,

"You can also use Swedish herbs for the scar." Both boys turned their gazes in her direction, but Newt's eyes stayed glued to the floor, refusing to look at her. He only nodded acknowledging her advice.

"Oh, right!" Clint shot up and moved to a shelf with a self-made medicine. "Here," he murmured when he found the bottle. "Use it twice a day, and the scar should be gone in a few weeks. It will also help with the pain."

"Thanks." Newt nodded at Clint.

"We could use Vi here, so much potential!"

"We know how that ended up," she chuckled, trying to sit up, but her head began spinning, and she lay back again. She wasn't sure if the leftovers of her exhaust were kicking in or if it was just Newt's presence. "What time is it?"

"Lunchtime. I was just heading over to Frypan's. You want me to bring you something?" She would have gone on her own had her head let her.

"Please?" He nodded and left her alone with Newt, who was gathering his stuff in a hurry to leave. "You didn't tell Alby."

"I didn't tell anyone." She had no idea what kind of answer she expected. Perhaps she was surprised to get any at all.

"Why?"

"Just because I'm mad at you doesn't mean I want you banished." Would they? Was a song that big of a deal? - She didn't dare to ask.

Vivienne prayed Newt would at least spare her a glance. But he took his stuff and left quickly as if the medjack's hut was on fire.

I miss you, - she wanted to call after him. She missed his funny accent, their talks, listening to his banters with Minho, and drawing together. As he left she understood one thing – she had no one in this place for granted.

xxx

She ate her lunch in silence, while Clint prepared the promised earlier melissa for her.

"You okay?" he asked her without even turning around.

"I'm feeling better."

"Not exactly what I meant," he sighed. She didn't want to talk about that. She actually wanted to hit herself for letting him sense the tension between Newt and her. "You used to visit us with that beaming smile, now you come only to sleep half a day and barely talk."

"Want to be my therapist?"

"I'd call it being a friend, but whatever." He shrugged. "So?" He gave her the mug.

"Thanks. I..." She began. "I don't know. I guess everything just swarmed me. I don't know..."

"You know, you just won't say." And he didn't force her to.

"Can I stay here for the night?" He raised an eyebrow at that.

"Something wrong with your hut?"

"No, I... Forget that."

"You can," he spoke up after a moment of silence. "But tell me why first."

"Does there always have to be a reason?"

"It's the Glade, Vi. Of course, there is. So?" He screwed up his eyes - she noticed they were hazel with billions of black dots like stars on the night sky.

He wasn't rushing her anymore; he gave her time to gather her thoughts. Vivienne was terrified to confess. She no longer had Newt on her side; Minho was already suspicious of her.

"I'm scared," she mumbled finally. "I'm the only girl here. And... what if someone comes to me at night, when I'm asleep in bed. I wouldn't even hear him come in..." She looked at the floor.

"Can you... give me any names? Someone in particular you believe would shuckin' pull a klunk like that?"

Yes - her mind whispered.

"No," she said instead. "But I know most guys here don't like me. I heard them talk once, heard how useless they think I am, and the only useful things about me were my boobs."

"You should tell Newt."

"Oh, please! You saw how he acted today." She rolled her eyes at the recollection. "Couldn't even look at me," she muttered.

Clint sighed, tired and helpless. His shift was soon to be over but it didn't feel right to leave Vivienne alone. Not after everything she'd told him – it was so little, yet so much. At least he partially knew what was wrong and it was a start.

A start of what? – He did not know.