Spring Reveals All

A/N: This is my second fanfic ever! If you have read the Throne of Glass then get your butts over to my other fanfic: The Awkward Dance Competition! Only after you finish this one of course ;) Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Virals! Kathy Reichs does! If I did, I think Ben and Tory would be married with kids 10yrs into the future by now…

*** Tory's POV ***

I was not a happy bunny this morning. Understatement of the century.

I had woken up with horrible, aching sensations 'down there'. The thing was it wasn't even 'that time of the month' yet. Enough of obvious hinting.

If you think that was bad, imagine my delight when I looked at my clock and realised I was running late. So late that I had to miss breakfast (you can't call a piece of toast breakfast) and sprint to catch the ferry. Oh the pain.

Really not a happy bunny.

I was currently being questioned on the boat by my fellow virals as to why I'm so late.

"Tory what's gotten into you? Did you oversleep because you were out late with Jasooon? Awww kids grow up so fast!" This as I'm sure you've guessed, was Hi.

"Hi. Really? Just shut up I'm not in the mood." For some reason he was getting on my nerves more than usual.

"Alright! Take a chill pill Tory!" Hi said with over-exaggerated 'calm down' motions.

Shelton snorted. "Who the hell says 'take a chill pill' anymore?"

"FYI, the great Hiram does." Hi retorted pointing to himself. This banter carried on but I blocked them out. My 'stomach' was getting worse. I shifted in my seat to try and get more comfortable but winced when I was forced to bend forward as the boat rocked.

My hand reached to my abdomen. As if that would help.

I felt someone's gaze on me. I looked up into the concerned eyes of Ben Blue.

I gave him a small pained smile.

He got up and crouched in front of me. "Tory are you okay? You don't seem like yourself." He asked in that quiet, baritone voice that only he has. I felt a slight blush heat up my cheeks. My other two friends were still bickering in the background.

"I'm fine, my stomach just feels weird. There isn't much you can do about it anyway." I answered sticking as close to the truth as possible without using the word 'cramps'. I didn't really think he needed that bit of info being a guy and all.

He reluctantly moved back to his seat but he was still watching me carefully.

I internally sighed. It was sweet that he cared but couldn't he tone down the over-protectiveness? I suffered in silence for the rest of the journey.

- At School -

My weird 'cramps' were getting worse. I tried not to let the pain show on my face as every step caused another aching twist.

I practically launched myself at my seat when I finally got to first period English. I don't know how I took in a word of what that teacher said.

- Following Lesson -

I found that walking was becoming painful. Why me? Come on Tory, just to the end of the corridor and you can sit down! Sitting down never sounded so good.

Why was I talking to myself you ask? Desperate times call for desperate measures people.

I was seeing spots by the time I got to my seat. Thank God we were watching a movie in this lesson! I don't think I could concentrate on the teacher if I tried.

Half way through the movie though, I started to feel just a little claustrophobic. Now this was unusual because I was used to being in tunnels with less space than this classroom. But nonetheless I felt that the two people next to me were too close for comfort.

I could hardly ask them to move 'cause that would be strange so I had to just grin and bear it. Without the grinning. My classmates look at me weirdly as it is.

When the bell went for the end of second period I was sweating like crazy. My body felt swelteringly hot on the inside but freezing on the outside.

I forced myself to get up and drag my behind to the next classroom. I found that I could now barely walk. Great. Each step was like someone cutting up my insides and stitching them back together. Repeated each step. Well this'll be one hell of a great walk! Please note the sarcasm.

My head was getting fuzzy. Were the lights this bright before? I squinted against the glare. I thought I could see Shelton and Hi leaning against the wall by the classroom. But then again the light was so bright I could convince myself that Johnny Depp was standing right before my eyes and actually believe it.

I was panting and my legs were shaking. What on earth is wrong with my body today? Did I catch something again? Oh God no…please don't give me anymore freaky abilities!

I felt like I was about to drop so I staggered to the wall so I could lean on something. The coolness of the wall was refreshing but at the same time burned.

In the distance I heard Shelton calling my name. A wave of dizziness overwhelmed me and I slid to the floor. Someone's hand was on my shoulder. They were saying something. They sounded worried. I finally closed my eyes and blacked out.

*** Shelton's POV ***

"Oh God! Tory? TORY! Answer me!" I shook her shoulders. She was a mess. Her cheeks were flushed and she had a fever. She was soaked in sweat and before she had blacked out her eyes had seemed dazed. This didn't seem normal. What should we do? We can't risk exposing our secret but Tory looked like she needed a doctor! We had to get Ben! He would know what to do.

"Hi! Go get Ben! I'll take Tory outside to the courtyard. Meet us there!" I ordered Hi. For once he wasn't joking around. His face mirrored the emotions I felt. Worry and fear.

Hi didn't question me. He scrambled to get up and run to the library. We knew that Ben had a free period there as he had been rubbing it in our faces yesterday.

Please hurry guys! I thought to myself, hoisting Tory up with her arm over my shoulder. I began the slow walk to the courtyard, sincerely hoping I didn't meet anyone along the way.

*** Ben's POV ***

Sigh… Studying sucked. I wish something interesting would happen –

BANG! The door slammed open revealing a very tired Hiram who looked like he had just ran across the whole school.

"Wha-" I was abruptly cut off.

"Ben *huff* it's Tory *huff* she collapsed *huff* not looking good *huff* go to the courtyard!" I raced past him. I knew something was up with Tory this morning! Why didn't I make her go home sooner?

I spied Shelton standing under the cover of a tree. He waved me over frantically.

I saw Tory. Something was wrong. Really wrong. We needed to get her to a doctor, a hospital-

But of course we can't. We are virals. Hospitals are bad news.

I picked up Tory so that I was holding her bridal style against me. (Why is it called that?!) I could feel how heavily she was breathing; her breath fanning against my chest.

Hi came stumbling up to us. "Can't *huff**huff* breathe!" He puffed, doubled over.

"Hi, I'm sorry but we can't rest. We need to move NOW. We have to get Tory back to the bunker." I said with urgency. Without waiting for a reply, I started running with Tory secure in my arms. I needed to move faster.

My emotions were already all over the place so summoning the flare came easily.

Snup

Power soared through my body, giving me strength. I ran even faster, the wind ripping at my clothes and hair.

It was a good thing I had left my jeep parked here rather than on the island. Otherwise how else would we get home?

I reached my jeep in record time. I unlocked the door and eased Tory into the backseat. She whimpered in pain. What the hell happened to her? She was fine yesterday!

I glanced behind me, eager to quickly take off in the car. Hi and Shelton weren't far behind and I could see that they had flared too.

If only I wasn't the only one who could drive. I wanted to look after Tory at the back. She seemed so fragile.

I hopped in the front behind the wheel, slamming the door behind me. It would do Tory no good if I started moping about something so stupid. Shelton hopped in the front with me while Hi was at the back with Tory's head in his lap. I gripped the steering wheel. Hi better take care of her.

*** Hiram's POV ***

I felt Tory's forehead. She was burning! Oh man this is bad… she keeps groaning at the slightest movement in the car. She seems to be unconsciously clutching her stomach.

At a particularly nasty bump in the road, she shrieked out in pain, curling her legs towards herself.

"Is she okay back there?!" Ben shouted towards me turning his head back and forth, trying to keep eyes on Tory and the road.

"As okay as she can be!" I yelled back, "Just hurry!" I'm getting scared now. Whatever is wrong with her, it's getting worse.

I saw Morris Island loaming ahead.

"Hang on Tory. Just hang on." I muttered. I stroked away a strand of hair from her face. She was just like a sister to me. I hope she will be okay.

*** Ben's POV ***

As soon as I turned off the engine, I leaped out of the car and flung open the door to the back. I carefully picked up Tory and carried her towards the bunker. Shelton hurried to open the door for me.

Tory stirred in my arms. Her eyes blinked open a fraction. "Ben…"

I laid her down on the sofa. As soon as I moved to get up, she grabbed my shirt.

"Don't…go…" She said weakly. I crouched by her. "I won't." I promised. She gave a content smile and closed her eyes again. Her breathing steadied. I dared to believe the worst was over.

"Hey! Hi can you get some cold water and a cloth?"

"Why is everyone ordering me around today? I'm not an errand boy. First Shelton now Ben! Jeez…" Hi grumbled but did as I requested.

I soaked the cloth Hi handed to me and placed it on Tory's head. All we had to do now, was wait.

*** Tory's POV ***

My eyes flickered. Where am I? I lifted my head and caught sight of the other virals sleeping in various chairs. I recognised that we were in the bunker.

I still felt uncomfortably hot but not like before. And the mysterious 'cramps' were gone too! Thank the Lord!

I decided that undoing the first few buttons of my shirt couldn't do much harm as well as loosening my tie. I also rolled up my skirt a couple of times for good measure. Sure I looked like the tripod but at least I was feeling cooler. I sighed in relief.

*** Ben's POV ***

Tory hadn't realised that I had been watching the whole 'clothes adjustment' display. That had certainly made me see her in a new light. It made me notice things about her.

Like how her hair was tousled but, not in a bad way. My gaze travelled lower. And I very much wish it hadn't.

The way her shirt was unbuttoned allowed a tantalizing view of her cleavage. And I had just seen more of her legs than I had ever hoped to. I gulped. My face was growing hotter and I had a strange warm feeling in the pit of my stomach. As I looked up again, my eyes were drawn to her lips that were parted slightly. She was panting slightly.

Then she licked her lips. I wish I could kis- Wait…WHAT?! I snapped myself out of whatever haze I had dragged myself into. I looked back at Tory. Why did she seem so…desirable all of a sudden?

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: Dun Dun Duuuun! Why is Ben getting so…hot and bothered? Hmmm?

Tell me what you think about this story! Should it be continued…? Are the characters OOC? Constructive criticism welcome but no flames! Be nice to the author! :)

I have big plans for Tory…hehehe XD

Next Chapter:

Find out what the weird 'cramps' Tory was experiencing were…

Find out why Ben is reacting this way to Tory…

And Find out why this spring is going to be putting Tory into all sorts of…interesting situations with 3 particular boys… ;)

Till the next chapter!

WolfFaerie