A/N: Again just another break from my story 10 and 0…sorry. This story just wouldn't go away. Includes all 9 characters and my on OC character 10 from my story 10 and 0 but as humans. Please R & R, if it's bad I won't post anymore. :P
Disclaimer: I Own nothing! 9 is property of Focus Film.
Chapter 2
5 had been tinkering with things he and 2 found out in the emptiness when a small contented sigh drew him from his work. 5 turned, glancing back at the cot. 10 was still sleeping but he knew that noise, she would be awake soon. Smiling 5 was glad now he had asked 9 to go make the midday meal, so he could be here when she opened her eyes. 5 watched with curiosity now, as she sighed again and rolled over.
10 stretched, smiled and rubbed her hazel green eyes. She had yet to notice him. 5 felt overcome with emotion. This was someone he had just saved. He knew nothing about her, yet he felt oddly protective. Like she was family. In a way she was, all of them were. They were the numbered. 1 called them outcasts doomed to survive the end of everything.
He watched as she fully became aware of her surroundings, first she ran her hands over the cloths she now was wearing, and then she glanced at the room she was in. She locked eyes with 5, fear growing on her face.
"H-hi...I'm 5. Do you remember?" 5 asked gently. He wanted to approach but at his first step she shrunk back nearly falling off the cot. He smiled as she nodded.
"I…I…brought you back here, well…6 and I did…" he tried again and could barely contain a smile as she let him approach. Slowly and with great care 5 sat on the cot next to her leaving about three feet of space, he didn't want to crowd her. 5 kept his hands in his lap and kept glancing at the floor, unsure of where to start a conversation.
10 looked at him and spoke softly. "Am…am I your prisoner?"
5 was taken aback. "N-no! You're not…your safe here. I…I just wanted to help you."
"Why?" she asked. 5 couldn't believe it. How could he not want to help? How could anyone see her in that state and not want to help. Then it hit him, whoever put her in there made it clear she was not cared about. She really had no idea of anything different. How she had been treated must have been the norm in her mind.
"W-why?" She pressed again, eyes filling with tears.
Quicker than he knew he could move 5 gabbed 10 into a hug. He felt her stiffing, fearfully but he held on. Soon warm tears began to drop onto his chest as 10 melted into him. 5 let her sob as he hugged and rocked her. He knew, they all knew how important physical touch was. He hugged 6 ever day and at least once a day 2 put his hands affectionately on 5's shoulders. He and 9 wrestle playfully often. Though 5 almost always lost, he was very ticklish and 9 exploited that fact to no end. 5 never minded though, it was all in playful brother fun.
But how long had it been since someone held her?
5 stoked her back and soon her cries stilled. She hiccupped and gently pulled away from his embrace. He let her, determined to make her not feel trapped. 5 knew making friends with her would be hard. She seemed so damaged. He gave her a wide smile and was pleased when a small smile crossed her lips.
"Hey 5! I brought you some lunch." 9 called into the room pushing past the red fabric door. He carried a small tray with a cup of hot tea and a bowl of rice with some dried sardines on it. Not much but better than nothing.
At the sound of his voice 10 hid behind 5. 5 chuckled a bit, the twins used to do that when they were scared.
"Oh! She's awake." 9 smiled placing the tray on the work table, walking over. Putting his hands on his knees he bent down smiling a goofy grin. "Hi sweet heart, I'm 9, your 10 right?" She nodded and hid behind 5 again. Somehow beyond all reason 9's smile widened. 5 shot 9 a look. Sweet heart? Was 9 taking 2 lessons? 2 used to call 4 sweet heart, all the time and 3 was honey cake. 5 smiled at the memory.
"Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you." 9 reached for her, but she ducked and he sighed. 9 and 5 exchanged glances.
"10, 9's a really good friend, like a brother…your safe with either of us…10?" 5 started but noticed 10 was no longer looking at him…or 9 for that matter. Following her gaze 5's optic landed on the tray of food 9 had brought in.
5 stood speaking. "Would you like something to eat 10?"
At the prospect of a meal she perked right up. "Yes!... please?" She tacked on the please a bit hesitantly, her yes had been very eager. 9 chuckled a bit as 5 brought her the bowl of rice and tea. 10 was almost drooling. 9 scolded himself mentally, it wasn't funny, she was starving.
In almost the blink of an eye the food was gone. 10 smiled up full and sleepy at the two. She yawned.
"Thank you."
" So…can we be friends?" 9 asked.
"Friends!" 10 smiled. 10 reached out and hand playfully for them and 9 and 5 smiled both embracing her.
In the next few days the three would bond even deeper…becoming like the three musketeers. In the first week 9, 5, and 2 did their best to keep 10 out of sight of 1. They explained about 10 needing to act like a boy, a roll she seemed happy to step into. 10 was happy for the first time since the war began. Laugher was becoming common in the lounge room/ play room/ art room/ workshop.
And 1 didn't like it, not one bit. There was something strange about this 10 fellow and 1 intended to find out what that is.
