16?
Jack, clean and shaved, followed his groomer down a well lit hall. He had no idea where he was being led, but he didn't really care. He was outside of his jail for the first time in almost a half a year. Though his knees hurt from the walk, Jack still felt so much better. He was stopped outside a door told to wait. After a few minutes he was lead inside and saw Ralk sitting comfortably at his desk. "Come in Jack. Have a seat." He pointed to an empty chair in front of his desk.
Somewhat hesitantly, Jack sat in the chair. Despite his best efforts, Jack sighed as the chair hugged him and his knees stopped pounding. "What am I doing here?" He asked, remembering that he shouldn't get too comfortable.
"Fyger has died Jack."
"Great! When's the party?"
Ralk gave him a smile. "I know you didn't like him much." Jack snorted and Ralk fixed him with a stern look. "He was my partner," he went on, "but I didn't agree with some of his techniques. One of our other experiments managed to kill him with the spoon we allowed him to use." Ralk looked thoughtful for a moment. He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. "Well, anyway, he's dead now."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"I need a new partner Jack." Jack raised his eyebrow in question. "You've lasted longer then anyone else has. You're strong Jack."
Jack's already white skin paled as he realized what Ralk was saying. "I don't think so Ralk."
"Just imagine what you could learn."
"If my only choice is to become your 'partner' or die, kill me now."
Ralk shook his head. "No no no. If you choose not to become my partner I won't kill you."
"You won't set me free either."
Ralk frowned. "Sadly, I cannot let you go. You know too much."
Jack hung his head, defeated. "What new torture are you going to put me through now?"
"You're going to be my new partner!" Ralk said cheerfully.
Jack's head popped up to look at him. "I said I didn't want to do it!"
Ralk nodded. "Then what better torture is there?"
…
Sam was reading a book in her bed when Daniel came home. He knocked on her door to tell her goodnight and she smiled up at him. "How was dinner at Kelsey's?"
Daniel walked into her room a little. "Nice."
Sam studied his face. "Nice?" She patted the edge of her bed and Daniel sat down. "What happened?"
"We just had a little argument." Sam waited for Daniel to tell her more. "Sam," He looked at her and saw concern all over her face. She had no idea what was coming. "She's asked me to move in with her."
Realization dawned like a flood. Sam looked down at her blankets for a moment to collect her thoughts. When she looked back up at Daniel she said, "That's wonderful!"
Daniel shook his head. "You're lying."
"No, I'm not. I mean, I want you stay here, of course. But I'm not going to be selfish Daniel."
"What if I said that I'm not ready to go yet?"
"Then you're welcome to stay as long as you want."