A/N: Hey everyone! I totally want to tackle the 100 situation challenge with my favorite couple. Again, I do not own I Am Number Four or Power of Six. The setting is after I Am Number Four but before Power of Six.
001. Phobia
A bright streak of lightning flashed, illuminating the whole dark motel room, followed by the rumble of thunder. John sat up, groaning as he glanced around the tiny room he shared with Sam and Six. On the other bed, Sam slept soundly, oblivious of the storming weather outside. Bernie was curled at the corner of his bed, staring back at John with huge black eyes, wondering why he was awake. Another flash of lightning lit up the room, revealing silhouettes of the couch and table but no seventeen year old girl.
"Six?" John whispered to the air, praying she was just invisible for some reason. He grabbed a hoodie and pulled it over his head. No one answered back but a soft whimper from the closed bathroom door. His hand softly started glowing as he lit the way to the bathroom, stepping over bags and clothes thrown on the floor. "Six? Are you in there?" John asked, lightly rapping the closed door.
Another flash of lightning filled the room followed by a soft whimper John almost missed if he wasn't so close to the door. He blinked, not believing his ears before slowly manipulating the lock of the bathroom with his telekinesis. The door eased open revealing Six sitting tucked in the corner. Her eyes were closed with her hand clasped tightly over her ears. Thanks to John's legacy, he could clearly see her shivering out of fear in the dark bathroom.
"Six?" He whispered, not sure if she was going to bolt like a rabbit. She opened her eyes slowly, staring up at him with heartbreaking hazel eyes. He closed the door quietly before sinking down next to her. She tried to smile but it was a shaky one. John reached out, running his hand up and down her bare arms, trying desperately to sooth her. Another rumble could be heard and her eyes squeezed tight. "Are you afraid of lightning?"
"It's pathetic isn't it?" She muttered, finally calming herself enough to talk. John sat against the side of the tub, keeping his hand against her wrist just in case she needed him. He took off his hoodie, forcing her to slip it over her head. Her hands were tucked in the pocket up front, knees hugged tightly to her chest. "I can control the weather just fine but lightning scares the heck out of me." Her fingers were shaking as she tried to calm her nerves. Another rumble shook the building but John's firm grip on wrist distracted her.
John would have never guessed Six would be afraid of lightning. She seemed fearless as she charged into the school and fought beside him armies of Mogadorains without hesitating. She appeared so strong and solid as she whipped up storms with lightning to shot down their enemies. He can't believe the girl in front of him is actually curled up in a ball because of a storm nowhere near them.
"Come here." John said, holding his arms out for her. Six stared at him, not sure if she should move or not. But a loud scream of thunder with lightning propelled her forward. She curled into the crook of John's arm, burying her face into his warm neck. The sound of John's heartbeat blocked the rumble of the thunder. The fabric of his soft shirt rubbed against her cheek, reminding her of when Katarina held her years ago. She looked up into his blue eyes and the flash of comfort in them made the frightening flash of lightning fade away. He kissed her forehead and held her close, waiting for storm to blow away.