So I was cruel in the last chapter,

but as I've said before...that is the curse of a writer :(

But! In this next chapter we are going to be seeing sides of characters that we haven't before, and I believe this chapter is going to have quite a bit of "aww" moments ;) (if I succeed and have remotely good writing skills!)

Here we go! Wish me luck, and I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter Three: Center of worry.

I gasp and become semi conscious as a large raindrop lands on my forehead. I feel Dash's arms tighten around me slightly, and he glances down at me.
"What's wrong?"

I try to answer, but my tongue won't work. My whole body is trembling, and a vaguely wonder if the drugs are just now really going into my system. I gasp as more raindrops land on my skin, all my senses are hyped up, so each raindrop is like a slap in the face. My fingers, of their own accord, curl around Dash's shirt so tightly my knuckles turn white. My fingers seem to be locked in place, and I feel like he's the only stable thing as my head spins.

"Hold on Mags...I've almost got you home."

Home. It registers, but I don't know what I think about it. I open my eyes, and blink sluggishly. Blurred, everything is blurry and moving. My eyes itch, and I suddenly feel like I'm falling. I grab Dash's shirt with renewed vigor as I gasp and shake my head jerkily.

"No! No, don't let me fall."

My voice sounds like it belongs to someone else. And the phrase out-of-body-experience flashes through my mind. Am I dying? Is this what all those tributes felt in the arena? Is this what Will felt? I feel Dash step up some stairs and shout through the door. His voice distant. Suddenly I'm in a dark hallway, and I hear people shouting...there's someone screaming...Will? Someone else takes me, and recognition settles in.
"Felix?"

I mumble, shifting slightly and trying to focus on his face. I reach a hand up sluggishly and run my hand over his familiar features. I hear him say something, but I don't know what. I feel him kiss my forehead, than his grip tightens on me slightly and I hear him clearly.
"Vern she's burning up."

My father's voice now.

"Quick, take her upstairs. You're Dash right? What happened?"

More stairs, and then I fall unconscious again. The next thing that registers is pain. Worse than anything I've ever felt. It feels like my blood was suddenly ignited, and it melted all of my organs together in a split second, and then it was gone. But it was enough to wake me up. My eyes snap open, more clear and focused than they have been in a while. I attempt to sit up, but a hand pushes my shoulder back onto the bed. I hear my father, talking to me in his physician's voice.

"Magarida, you were injected with morphling, even if you were accustomed to it, the amount you took would almost be an overdose. Since you've never experienced it before, you barely pulled through. Now you have to listen to me carefully. Morphling isn't an ordinary drug, it's extremely powerful, and since you took and almost fatal dose the first time, you're going to be going through withdrawal. And it's going to be extremely difficult."

Another spasm of pain shoots through me and I whimper, my muscles tensing automatically. I feel someone grab my hand, and I know it's Felix.

"Listen to me Mags, we are going to be right here to get you through this. I promise I won't leave you."

He kisses my hand and I hear my father addressing him.

"Felix, this is going to be extremely difficult. She's going to be in a lot of pain, and she will try to get us to give her more drugs, or other things. You have to stay strong and do exactly as I say alright? I promise we'll get her through this."

My back arches as the pain I've been feeling triples, I scream as liquid fire burns through my veins. I want to curl up as tightly as I can and just die. I try to curl up but my father and Felix's hands hold me down. The pain leaves as quickly as it came again, and I collapse back onto the bed gasping.

"Magarida, the pain is going to last longer every time it comes back, I need you to be strong and push through it okay?"

I nod my head tersely and take a deep breath, trying to brace myself. My body is covered in sweat, and all my muscles are tight. I grind my teeth together tightly as the pain starts up again. I manage to hold up longer than I thought, but then the pain intensifies, and a scream builds in my chest and then escapes. My fingers dig into the blankets, and I press my head back into the pillow, shutting my eyes tight and trying to tell myself that the pain will be gone in a minute. But it hurts too much, I can't process rational thought. I just want it to stop. The pain finally fades away, and I'm left feeling drained and burnt.

"Mags, can you hear me?"

I tighten my grip on Felix's hand in response, and he continues.

"I'm right here, I promise I'm going to stay right here. Remember that okay?"

I squeeze his hand again, and then he directs his attention on my father.
"How long is it going to take?"

"Well, the drugs are leaving her system, and then we have to wait for her body to readjust..."

"But how long?"

My father hesitates, then I feel his hand on my forehead, smoothing my hair back tenderly.

"I don't know...at least eighteen hours...maybe more."

I whimper as the amount of time sinks in. How can I live through eighteen hours of this? I was afraid it would take two hours, now I find out I have to go through the night and half the morning as well? I don't have time to think again as the pain returns with a vengeance. I'm sure the whole District can hear my screams, and if it wasn't for the agony I'm going through I'm sure I would feel bad for crushing my dad and Felix's hands. I sob as the agony fades, still leaving me in pain. It doesn't leave completely now, there's still a dull throb, waiting to be jump-started into mind-blowing agony. I cling onto my dad's hand and turn to look at him, tears blurring my vision. When I speak, my voice is broken and chocked with sobs.

"Please...please make it stop...I just want it to stop...please, please...just make it stop."

He kisses the back of my hand, and holds it tightly in both of his.
"I'm so sorry my dear girl...if there was anything I could do, I wouldn't hesitate for a second."

I manage to form words in my scream as the next shock of pain shoots through me, trailing my sentence off in a sob as the pain slacks off once again.

"Please daddy! It hurts! It hurts so much..."

Why does the pain taunt me like this? Why can't it just come and stay or leave me in peace? I can feel Felix shaking, and I can only imagine how hard this must be for him, watching me in unbearable pain and not being able to do anything. I turn towards him and hold his hand tightly.

"It's...alright Felix...don't worry about me..."

He shakes his head, brushing the hair out of my face and trailing his fingertips down my cheek.
"Sorry, can't. I love you, just hold on okay?"

I nod and then the longest and strongest wave of pain shoots through me. I wonder if it's possible to scream your vocal cords out, I guess I'll find out. My body starts shaking and then I pass out. I lose all track of time, there is only when the pain starts, waking me up, and then when it grows so extreme that I black out again. I don't know how many times I beg for death, for anything to stop the pain. My father has to end up tying my hands down because I try to claw at my skin, the first scratch actually seemed soothing compared to the internal pain. I'm pretty sure I accidentally kicked Felix at one point. Finally the pain is so great that I can't even scream, because it knocked the breath out of me. I just lie on my bed, my mouth and eyes open wide as my body constricts. Then the darkness drags me down again.

I very slowly become aware of a soft warmth on my face. I take a deep breath, and enjoy the sensation. Sunlight, it must be a sunbeam from the window. My body feels sore, and weighted down, but all my muscles are completely relaxed, and I let myself sink into the mattress a bit further. Suddenly the events from last night come rushing back, and I sit up with a gasp, wincing and shielding my eyes from the sun. I ache all over and my throat is burning, but I'm alive, and the pain is barely a nuisance compared to the horrors of last night.

I carefully lower my hand, and look down at my arms. They have bruises on them from where I was grabbed. My lip is throbbing slightly, and I can tell its swollen. I have some bruises around my waist and neck as well, but no serious damage. I bend my neck from side to side, stretching the kinks out. To my left I see my father, slumped in a chair fast asleep, his face looking more worn and tired than usual. He's holding a picture of our family, our whole family...the last picture we have of my mother. She lived just long enough to hold Will, and to take a picture. Now my father is clutching the photo to his chest, clinging to his family.

I blink away tears and notice a weight on the right side of the bed. I turn and see Felix, his head resting on his crossed arms, his face lined with worry. He's sitting on the floor, with his upper body lying on my bed. I slide a little closer to him, and slowly brush his hair out of his face. My fingers running through his thick waves gently. He stirs slightly and opens his eyes blinking several times. Suddenly he gasps and sits up.

"Mags! You're awake."
He says in an excited tone. He groans as he straightens up, and I hush him quickly.

"Shhh Felix, you're going to wake dad."

I don't have time to say anything else because suddenly his arms are around me, and his face is buried in my neck.

"Don't you ever scare me like that again."

He says, his voice tight with emotion. I rest my head against his, and wrap my arms around him tightly.

"I'm sorry."

He kisses my temple and then rests his head back on my shoulder.

"I was so worried..."

"You were worried? What about me?"

He chuckles slightly at my indignant remark. Then finally releases me and makes me sit back on the bed, he sits down beside me, not letting go of my hand.

"How do you feel?"

I shrug, and then wince at the movement.
"Um, sore, tired, like I've been run over by a train, but other than that great."

His brows are drawn together in a concerned frown as he looks me over.

"Oh Mags..."

His fingertips just barely brush against the bruises on my arm, his eyes flickering to my swollen and slightly bloody lip. I drop his gaze, staring at the blanket. Suddenly overcome with embarrassment and shame. He tilts my chin up, and forces me to look at him, his eyes intense, burning with a fire I didn't know he had, but that I know all to well. Battle light.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of Mags. It wasn't your fault."

I nod slowly. Holding a hand to my side as the dull ache grows slightly worse. I probably have some bruised ribs as well. That's great, just bruised everything.

"Your side too?"

Felix asks, the fury evident in his low voice. I shake my head slightly.

"It's nothing..."

He pulls my hand away and carefully lifts the edge of my tank top. I can visibly see his body tense, and the fury grows in his eyes as he stares at my sides. I glance down and gasp. I can see where he grabbed me, the dark bruises clearly shaped like hand prints. I pull the tank top down quickly and grab Felix's hand.

"I'm fine Felix, I'm safe."

His eyes very slowly slide up to meet mine, and the danger in them scares me.
"What did he do to you?"

His voice is so low, I can barely hear it, but the wrath behind it is terrifying.

"Felix, please don't...it's in the past. I'm safe okay? Let's just-"

"What. Did. He. Do. To. You."

It's not a question anymore, it was a demand. I drop his gaze again. How can I talk about it?

"He...he was getting too close, so I dropped him and told him to leave me alone. But his mates grabbed me and held me, he...drugged me so I wouldn't be able to fight back."

I stop and swallow, reliving the nightmare as I recount what happened.

"He kissed me, and when I pulled away he grabbed my hair so I couldn't turn my head again. He was so rough and forceful..."

Felix's hand tightens slightly on mine, and I stop.
"What else."

I don't want to talk about it. I don't want him to do something stupid. But I have to tell him.

"I managed to bite his lip, which just made him angrier, he pulled my hair and started kissing my neck...I could feel his blood, it was warm and sticky..."

I shudder, and Felix squeezes my hand slightly.

"Then he bit my lip as payback, and grabbed my waist, there was...a brick wall. He bit my neck right before Dash showed up. I don't know what happened then...next thing I remember is arriving home."

Felix is like a statue, his eyes distant. I've only seen Felix get really mad once or twice, and it has always scared me to death. I've never seen him this mad before, and I'm filled with fear as I think about what he might do. I slide closer to him and grab his other hand.
"Felix please don't do anything stupid. I need you, you promised not to leave me."

He looks at me, and very gently brushes his fingertips down my cheek, moving his hand around to the back of my head, and very carefully resting it on the back of my neck. He leans forward and barely brushes his lips against mine, sending a little shiver through my body. He slides my hair over one shoulder, and trails butterfly light kisses on my bruised neck. His lips and hands are so gentle, so careful. Memories of Hector's assault slowly fade away as they are replaced by Felix's loving touch. He pulls away, leaving me slightly disappointed.

"Mags, I promise not to do anything if you don't want me to."

I smile and wrap my arms around his neck tightly.

"Thank you. You have no idea how scared I was."

He gently wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my ear.

"Although say the word and I'll go rip that creep's head off."

I giggle and pretend to consider it.
"That would be nice...but I think I'd rather have you here with me."

He smiles and lies down on the bed, pulling me down with him and holding me in his arms.
"I'd rather be here too."

I close my eyes and listen to his heartbeat. Finally breaking the silence.
"What happened?"

He shrugs.
"The drugs took longer to leave your system than we thought, Dash brought you home the day before yesterday."

"I've been out for a full day?"

He nods.
"And a full night. That first night was the hardest, after that you just sort of had a seizure every once in a while. I stayed with you all night, all day, and all night again."

I stretch up and kiss him lightly.
"You should have gone home."
He shook his head.

"I promised."

I sigh and rest my head against his chest again.

"What about Leroy?"

Felix lets out a sigh.
"Your father had to slip him some sleep syrup, he refused to do anything, he would just sit outside your door and cry silently. Your dad decided it was for the best to give him the syrup, and Dash took him to his room."

I sit up halfway and glance at the door.
"Dash? How long was he here?"

Felix glances at the door as well and gently pulls me back down.
"He's still here. He refused to let your dad look after him until we knew you were completely alright. I think he's downstairs, although I doubt he slept at all. I swear he almost looked as angry as me."

I suddenly feel odd, Dash and Felix, in the same house. Had they talked? I don't think I've ever seen them together before. The rest of the day should be interesting. I look over at my father.

"What about dad? Did he get any rest?"

Felix shrugs again.
"I think he fell asleep sometime after I did. It's hard to go more than twenty-four hours without sleep."

A tear trails down my cheek as I look at my father holding the picture of our family. Was he thinking he might lose me too? I sit up and slide off the bed, walking over and curling up on dad's lap, wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing his cheek. He stirs and looks surprised.
"Mags? Are you alright?"

I sniff loudly as I hug him tightly.
"I'm fine. I'm sorry dad, I didn't want to worry you."

He wraps his arms around me and kisses the top of my head.

"Oh my sweet girl, don't apologize, it wasn't your fault. You really should be resting..."

I nod and he lays my back in bed. Felix remains stretched out beside me, slowly rubbing his hand up and down my arm.
"Are you hungry?"

I nod, suddenly noticing the pit in my stomach.

"Starving, and really thirsty."

A small smile crosses my father's face, and that lifts my spirits more than any food would. He glances at Felix and says.
"Alright I'm going to go get you something to eat. Look after her Felix."

Felix salutes and gives him a grin.

"Yes sir."

My father shakes his head and walks out. I roll over and give Felix a quick kiss.

"I love you."

He chuckles and wraps his arms around me.
"I love you too."

Suddenly the door slams open and I'm being crushed by a pair of long arms.

"Mags!"

Leroy's voice is chocked by sobs as his tears land on my neck and hair. I hold him tightly and try not to cry.
"I'm alright Leroy, I'm safe."

He has a death grip on me, as if he's afraid that if he lets me go I'll be taken away from him.

"I can't lose you too..."

I nod and manage to disengage myself from his arms.
"Hey, I'm not going anywhere. You can't get rid of me that easily."

I wipe his face off with the sheet and kiss his forehead.

"Alright you, I've heard that you were a very naughty boy while I was...indisposed. I want you to march downstairs and eat something. Right now."

He looks surprised, and I hear Felix chuckle behind me. Leroy sees that I am serious, and gives me a half smile.
"Wow, you're not kidding."

I shake my head and cross my arms.

"Go on, I want you to have a full belly on your return."

He stands up and walks to the door, stopping and glancing back. I make a small shooing motion with my hand.
"I'll be here when you're done."

He finally leaves and I hear him walk down the stairs. I flop back onto the bed and close my eyes.
"I don't know if I'll be able to eat anything, I'm so tired."

Felix pokes my hand lightly.

"You'd better, I don't want to force feed you."
I turn and raise my eyebrows at him.

"Oh please, you think you would get away with that?"

He gets a mischievous glint in his eye and inches closer.
"Maybe...if I do this."

He closes the gap between us and gently kisses me. Tingles run up and down my spine, and I press my lips against his before wincing and pulling away.

"Owch. Ugh, sore lips are such a mood killer."

He laughs and kisses the tip of my nose.
"It'll heal quickly."

I cross my arms and pretend to pout.
"It had better."

Just then the door opens, and to my surprise Dash appears, carrying a large platter full of steaming plates.

"Glad to see you're awake."

He says in his nonchalant voice. I roll my eyes and sit up as he walks over and places the platter on the bed. Typical for Dash to pretend like everything is cool, and he could hardly care less. Maybe it's just because Felix is here. He takes me by surprise by placing a hand gently under my chin and tilting my head up to look at him. His eyes are soft and worried as he says gently.
"Are you alright?"

I give him a small smile and nod.
"I'll be fine. I'm sure you've seen worse right?"

His eyes flash with pain, and then harden as he drops his hand and nods.
"It depends on who it is."

He rubs his hands together and gestures to the platter, his guarded, joking self back.

"Voila! I have brought breakfast."

I smile and glance at the door.
"Where's dad?"

Dash waves a hand in the air comically.

"Oh I sent him to bed, poor guy has hardly slept at all."

He points at Felix with a spoon.
"Like that young chap right there."

Felix raises an eyebrow and pretends to scowl at him.
"Hey, watch it. You're only a few years older than me."

Dash shrugs and hands me a cup of coffee.

"Two sugars, and some cream."

He answers my surprised face with a grin.
"What? You thought I noticed nothing about you during our time together? I'm a mentor Mags, it's my job to notice and figure out who you are, that means knowing how you like your coffee."

I roll my eyes and accept the cup.
"Thanks. I don't know if that's thoughtful or creepy."

"Creepy, definitely creepy."
Felix pipes up comically. Dash mock glares at him and wields the spoon like a sword.

"One more word out of you, and you shall be fenced from the muffins!"

I giggle as Felix puts on a look of horror.

"Not the muffins!"

Dash plays the roll of tyrannical breakfast lord excellently as he nods gravely and shakes the spoon at Felix.

"Don't think I won't do it. One more remark out of you and you can say goodbye to the danishes as well."

I look at both of them and say quickly.

"Neither of you will get anything if I eat it first!"

With that I dive for the plates and scoop up the muffins. There are indignant cries from the two young men before they scramble to claim a portion of breakfast. I laugh as Dash hits the back of Felix's hand with the spoon as he tries to reach for some bacon. At that moment Leroy runs in and with a whoop joins in. This is one of the times when I can forget the games, and everything bad in the world, and just enjoy being alive. Having fun with friends and family, acting much too young for our age, and just live.