Thank you all so much for your reviews, follows, and favorites! I saw the movie last night and was very happy with how it was done, but wasn't thrilled with the casting of Pet. I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen yet though. Please continue with the reviews, they really help me shape the story. Feel free to give me ideas or tell me if you think something is iffy! It helps me so much!

LeftHandedPeopleRule: Thank you! I definitely felt hints at the end because of the other groups they meet. I cannot wait for a sequel! Just writing this to tie me over. :)

The Host - Team Howe: Haha, there will be butt kicking to come! But at what cost!

J. Lee E: Thank you so much! Your review means a lot to me!

: Thank you! Here's an update!

CommChatter: Thanks! I hope you like how the story turns out. Let me know some things you would like to see happen.

Chapter Two – Wanderer:

All I could feel was the sharp sting of the stupid cactus soap rubbing my hands and wrists raw. There was nothing I hated more than laundry duty, but this host was a porcelain doll compared to Melanie's body. Every little thing I did simply required ten times more effort than when I had been in Mel's body. I was shook from my disgruntled thought by an overly conspicuous Ian showing up and dragging me from my duties to go eat lunch. He brought the hand he was dragging me by up to his lips and kissed my knuckles softly, looking up at me with those awfully endearing sapphire eyes of his.

"What's wrong?" he asked, too innocently, with his eyes showing traces of concern. I sighed, annoyed that he could make me so weak with just a simple look and two words.

"Nothing," I lied. He stopped me in the middle of the tunnel and narrowed his eyes at me. "I'm just tired, is all."

"Wanda," Ian said, his voice almost a growl. It was like I couldn't keep him out of my head, no matter how hard I tried to keep a straight face and appear indifferent. He shook his head at me. "We're not leaving until you tell me what's up." Okay, now was my chance to make a very convincing lie.

"I'm tired of laundry duty!" I exclaimed, though my tiny voice barely above a whisper, and raised my raw hands up to show him. There. That will convince him. Then it felt like someone punched me in the gut when I saw his face sink with sadness; I didn't mean to hurt him. I just wasn't ready to tell him what I really wanted to do. He began to take my hands in his and inspect them, but I pulled them away gently. "Ian, it's fine. I just- I want to do something useful."

"You do. We would probably all be dead without you, Wanda." he said solemnly, with that glint of sorrow in his eyes. It took all I had not to let tears spring to my eyes at how much he touched me. Stupid weak host body. It seemed my body felt the need to tear up at the oddest moments, and rarely was I ever able to control the flood of tears. To think I could ever be so unconditionally loved-by a human nonetheless.

"I just want to be able to do the things everyone else does. I want to work in the fields with you and Melanie and Jared." I said more quietly, attempting to not choke up, leaning into his inviting, warm, firm chest. Instinctively he wrapped his arms around me with that vice-like grip that made me feel like I was the luckiest soul in the universe.

"Okay. I'm sorry. We'll start you out tomorrow. Just- take it easy. Don't test your body's boundaries." he warned, stroking my pale golden hair that had a beautiful wave to it. I hated how I felt more like his little sister, rather than the woman he loved, in my new host, but any touch with Ian was valued. I couldn't really complain, could I? It's a working body, be respectful and thankful that you are still here with Ian at all, I told myself. I also loathed when I got too negative and unkind- that wasn't the way of the souls.

"I'll be fine. I promise." I said, looking up with a quick shy smile. It felt as if my insides were melting when he returned the smile and kissed the top of my head gently. Only Ian could make me feel this way.

At dinner time I sat peacefully around a table with Jamie, Jared, Mel, Ian, and Jeb. The love I felt for all of these humans was indescribable- they were my family. We were laughing as Jared was telling a tale of Jamie's first time eating Cheetos since the souls took over, saying how the young boy had almost passed out in ecstasy of processed cheese. Jamie's huge grin was infectious; it was like he could light up a whole room with the simple lift of the corners of his mouth. Cheetos were something that brought all of them together- I wish I shared the fond memories, but I was still happy for them. Only humans could bond over something as insignificant as a junk food after their world was taken over. But Cheetos were delicious.

"What's with you, Wanda? You seem too quiet." Jamie said all of a sudden. I blinked up in a stupor and saw Jared and Melanie look at each other oddly.

"I'm just tired," I said with an innocent smile- this host makes it too easy. "Mel and I were up early this morning; early to rise, early to fall."

Jamie chuckled. "Mel looks wide awake to me." We all looked to see Jared and Melanie being overly secretive and couple-y. Why is this host's vocabulary so dumb? I thought. Jeb rolled his eyes while shaking his head and got up from the table to go help with dishes. I didn't even have to look to feel Ian rolling his eyes too, which for some unexplainable reason made me giggle. This body is so weird. Ian grinned down at me.

"What's so funny?" he asked with that playful voice of his.

"You," I said, leaning up and pecking him on the lips. Now it was Jamie's turn to roll his eyes and leave with a sigh. Ian shook his head at me and began to get up, offering his hand to me.

"Come on, you're so tired you're starting to go into hysterics." he said with a low chuckle. Reluctantly, I took his hand, getting up and giving Melanie a look that said we'll talk tomorrow. Halfway to our room my feet began to drag and Ian simply scooped me up on his back, and without protest I simply locked my arms around his neck while letting my head fall on his shoulder.

Before I knew it I was in our bed under the covers and Ian was changing before getting in next to me. I snuggled up close to him, burying myself in his side as he enveloped me in his arms. And in my euphoric state of sleepiness, I simply mumbled.

"I love you, Ian."

He only responded by kissing me on the forehead, and bringing me even closer to him, if that was possible.