Disclaimer: I do not own I am Number Four. This is the property of Pittacus Lore (James Frey and Jobie Hughes)
A/N: THIS MOMENT HAS HUGE SPOILERS FROM POWER OF SIX. End warning. =) Oh, italics are memories.
Left waiting
Six sat on the porch of the house impatiently, tapping her sneaker clad foot against the dry ground. She was muttering under her breath, cursing ever promising John anything. Her fingers were tightly clenched the two pendants dangling around her neck. Small marks from her nails were digging into her palm but she barely noticed the pain. Her hazel eyes were focus on the horizon where she watched John and Nine disappear a few moments ago. She shouldn't have let them leave without her. Stupid promise, Six thought as she looked at the pendant around her neck. It was John's. She could tell by the four groves drawn in the pendant, marking him as number four. Why did I let him go? She thought while closing her arms and hugging the pendant to her chest.
"Six?" She turned to the soft voice behind her. Ella wandered out from her bedroom wearing a huge t-shirt with a pair of shorts. Her long amber hair flowed pass her tiny shoulders. Bright eyes stared into Six's hazel ones as she took small steps towards the older girl. Six reached out, stroking Ella's soft hair flat and smiled at the younger girl. Ella sat down, pressing herself tight against Six's side. "They're safe." Ella reassured as Six ran her fingers through her hair. The older girl smiled realizing how messed up the situation is if an eleven year old had to comfort her.
"Ella, am I just worrying too much?" Six asked; her chin resting on Ella's head. They had somehow obtained information of where Sam could be held. Crayton was unsure and worried about revealing themselves to unnecessary dangers. John, on the other hand, was adamant that Sam was there. He felt crushed leaving his best friend behind and needed to save him. The older gentleman sighed and reluctantly agreed after no one else objected. Six allowed last night to run through her head.
Six paced the small compact room she shared with Marina and Ella. Crayton and Nine both forced her out of the planning room because of John's orders. She spent the better half of the hour pacing the room and glaring at the analog clock. The constant ticking of the second hand just made the minutes feel longer. "Asshole." She muttered referring to the stupid blond boy with his wonderful blue eyes.
She had spent the last hour repeating all details of the Mogadorain compound they were going to storm. She was sent out earlier to scout with Nine as her partner. But after doing her bit, John ordered her out of the room which is ridiculous. "Bastard." She muttered again before pointing her hand at the bed, making the pillow shot across the room in frustration. Bernie, the poor beagle, buried his head under his paw and made a sad whining noise. "Sorry Bernie." She apologized as she put the pillow back down and paced around again like a caged lioness.
"But, what are they thinking?" Six asked after finish another round of pacing the small length of the room. "I'm much more helpful if I'm in there with them. They need me. I have more battle experience than John. I want to save Sam." Saying his name, her heart did an awkward lurch. She's been feeling this ever since leaving John and Sam behind to save Marina, Ella and Crayton. Scenarios ran through her head constantly after meeting John and not seeing Sam. Things like if she was there, maybe he wouldn't be held captive. If she didn't leave, maybe they could have found his father and got out undetected. Maybe if she helped and followed John instead of follow her gut and flew across the ocean, they would all be together, laughing and figuring out this mess. Six sighed in frustration and sat down, staring at the blank ceiling. "Why…? Why did we split up?"
"Because I'm an idiot." Six sat up and stared wide eyed at John. He was leaning against the door, gazing at her with unreadable eyes. He must have heard my rant, Six thought as she observe him sauntered over and crouched down, placing his hands on hers. His eyes searched her face like he was memorizing every one of her features. She stared back, waiting for him to speak. "Six, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for losing Sam. I'm sorry for not listening to you. I'm sorry I'm a stupid hormonal boy who can't think straight when I'm near a girl. Am I missing anything?" He asked, clenching her hands in his larger ones.
"Yea, you're missing a lot of stuff but I forgive you." Six murmured back. "Why did you force me out of the room?" John's smile waned as he looked at her. Her hair was loose, making her appear vulnerable and breakable. Her hazel eyes were dull from exhaustion and constant travel. This isn't the Six he was accustomed too. His Six is strong and sure of herself. His Six didn't look at him like he betrayed her. But, she never really belonged to him before. But she isn't in any condition to fight yet the same could be said about him. He had scars from retrieving his chest and rescuing Nine. He's bone tired but still, he was in better condition than Six. Crayton and Nine think it's because he's a guy and Six is a girl. Despite possessing more endurance and strength than humans, the difference between male and female was still there.
"Six…" he started trying to gather his thoughts. She stood up and started pacing again, a nervous habit she picked up recently. Ella tried to get her to break it but to no avail. She recognized the look in John's face. It was one Katarine always give her when she was younger. A protective gaze that meant she isn't going to have a choice in anything. Six hated it; the feeling of utter helplessness. She still hates it.
"Were you planning on keeping me here?" She accused, glaring at him when John took her spot on the bed, following her with his eyes as she paced. "Where you planning on leave me behind? Leaving me to wait while you fight for your life? What the hell, John?"
"What the hell?" He repeated in a steady voice. He stood up, abusing his height. Six wasn't faze and just returned his glare mercilessly. "Six, I'm thinking about your safety. I'm thinking about what's good for the group."
"Oh, so you finally started thinking, what a fucking surprise. I'll inform the press. John fucking Smith finally gained a brain." Six's mouth was running. She knows it. John knows it. Bernie probably knows it too. But, both Loric teens understand she needs to get this out of her system before she blows up, before something really bad happens and there's no one to listen to her. "Are you going to leave me behind like Washington DC? Are you just going to think about your own selfish reasons and leave me alone to deal with the consequences? John, you can't do this anymore. I… I don't think I can handle it."
John reached out and pulled her close, enjoying her soft body pressed against his. She didn't realize that tears were streaming down her face until she felt how wet John's shirt has become. She was trembling. Damn it, Six thinks as she pressed her face firmly into John's chest, why am I so weak? "That's another thing I need to apologize for." John muttered, holding her close. "I'm sorry for making you worry. Six, I need you to be here." She opened her mouth to protest but John placed his finger lightly silencing her. "When I lost Sam, it felt like… I let him down, Six. I turned my back on him and ran. I don't want a repeat. I don't want to lose you. I don't want to leave you. I need you to be safe. I need to know that after all this is done, I can return to you."
Need. I need you to be safe. Six repeated those words in her head as she looked at John. That's why he was so desperate. That was why he moved her out of the room when they were planning. That's why he was looking at her like it was the last time he might ever see her again. John slowly pulled his pendant off and slipped it gently over her head. It felt heavy. "Keep it." John ordered as he wrapped his palms around hers. She could feel the icy cold metal against her warm hands. "Keep it safe, until I come back. That's a promise."
Promise. Six stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips firmly against his. Promise me you'll come back. She thinks, wrapping her arms around his neck. Promise me you'll be safe. Promise me you'll never leave me again. But she didn't say any of those because there's no guarantee in their lives. "John, promise me… promise me nothing." He smirked ruefully and leaned in, sealing all his promises with a kiss.
"Yes, yes you are." Six turned with Ella safely tucked beside her to see the other girl. Marina stood there wearing jean shorts and a t-shirt. Her hair was pulled back in a braid, showing off her heart shaped face. Her soft eyes smiled at Ella and Six. Marina is technically older than Six but at times, she felt like she's the younger out of the two. "John and Nine know what they're doing." At least, Marina wonders, I hope so.
"You don't know John like I do." Six replied back, stroking Ella's hair again like a mother soothing their child. But it was Six who needed more soothing out of the two. "He's impulsive, rash, and acts according to his gut." Her voice always takes a softer tone when speaking about the boy. "But… he's passionate, a quick learner and tries with all his might to do what he thinks is right."
"Six, you really like John, don't you?" Ella asked with a huge smile. Six didn't hesitate for a moment as she nodded her head. Yes, she does like John. She realized that a long time ago before Washington DC. But he was still in love with Sarah then, so she pushed her feelings away and got to know Sam. But, the connection continued. The pull is still there. And over time, it's grown to something more. She's more than attracted to John. And she knows he can feel it too.
"Liking John isn't difficult." Six whispered, keeping her thought to herself. Before Ella could ask anything else the door of their cabin burst open, revealing Crayton. His old eyes focused in the distance. "Crayton?" Six asked, placing Ella next to her and standing up to address the older man. His white hair was sticking up making him appear like a mad scientist. His blue eyes squinted, trying to identify the approaching figure. Six turned too, trying to find what Crayton could see.
"Bernie…" She whispered as she recognized the eagle flying toward them. The chimera landed in front of her with a note clasped firmly in his beak. Bernie stared at her with black eyes and dread filled her heart. The slip fluttered into her palm and her fingers peeled it open.
"Fuck…" Nine cursed as he rested against the warm exterior of the SUV, trying to steady his labor breathing. His side is throbbing and he's not exactly sure what happen to his right shoulder. It was either broken, dislocated or just plain fucked up. Using his left hand, he groped his side, feeling maybe two or three ribs were broken. But he was in better shape than John. Ignoring the sickening smell of blood, he turned to the tent they set up earlier. A painful groan could be heard. Yea, Nine thinks as he closes his eyes, I got off much easier than John.
The flap of the tent opened revealing a young woman with dirty blond hair and soft green eyes. Her face was covered with cuts. Blood dripped down her arms and legs. Her skin was sickly pale from the lack of sunlight. She's also limping. If the Mogadorains decide to attack now, Nine thinks biting back a groan, they're dead. "Hey, you ok?"She asked, using the car hood to relieve the weight off her bad leg.
"Just peachy." He moaned. "Get over here, Eight." Her gaze sharpened into a glare. "What? I'm fucking bleeding over here, sweetheart. So get your skinny ass over here and help." She compelled, limping over and followed his instruction. Her eyes softens as she realized how bad the injury and grimace. "Yea, it's not pretty. Now listen carefully, Eight – "
"Ellie." Nine pause mid-sentence and gave her a look. "My name is Ellie, not Eight."
"Still attached to your human identity? I don't care what the hell you name is. Now listen to me, I think my shoulder is dislocated. I need you to push until you hear a pop. No matter how much I curse and scream, keep pushing until you hear a pop. Understand?" Ellie hesitated but nodded her head, placing her hands firmly on his shoulder. Nine reached up, grabbing her shoulder, bracing for the intense pain. "Ok, now."
The tough girl pushed her whole weight on the arm, causing a painfully scream from the boy. He dug his blunt nails into her shoulder, screaming every cuss word imaginable in the human language. Following his instructions, Ellie didn't relent until she heard an audible pop from his shoulder locking in place. "Motherfucker…" Nine panted out as he stepped away and gingerly ran his hand over his shoulder. It was still throbbing but the pain was significantly less than before. "Thanks…"
"Don't ever make me do that again." Ellie swears as she rubs her shoulder where he was gripping. Through her thin t-shirt, four half-moons crescents could be seen, caused by Nine's nails. "Anything else, Sir? Would you like your shoes shine?" Her sarcasm was refreshing but her face blanched when she noticed his blood soaked shirt and large gash running down his jeans. Nine shook his head, massaging the shoulder and straighten up.
"No, I think you've done enough damage. I'll have our resident doctor take care of the rest." His midnight eyes focused on the distance where he sent Bernie a few moments ago. Hopefully backup was on the way. "How's Johnny boy?" He asked, leaning against the driver's door again, feeling a sharp jab on his right side but he ignored it like usual. Ellie turned to the tent, trying desperately to erase the image of blood and cries of pain from her mind.
"I patched him up as best as I could but the bleeding won't stop. His right arm is broken and I think half of his chest too." She grimaced at how badly things sound. Ellie looked up and stared at the tall man in front of her. His black hair was cut with a few strands cling to his face. His face had a few cuts and scars but that didn't hinder his good looks. With his arms crossed in front of his chest, it showed off his muscular chest and well sculptured arms nicely. His mouth frowned in a stoic manner, hiding any hint of emotion. Ellie glanced away, suddenly remembered she hasn't thanked him yet. "Thank you." Nine turned, tilting his head in confusion. "For saving me?"
"Oh?" Nine replied in surprise and his mouth twisted into a startling genuine smile. "You're welcome but to tell you the truth, you weren't the reason why we came." Ellie's face contorted into an expression of shock and before she could open her mouth to ask why, a familiar roar of an engine greeted them. He turned to watch a Jeep barrel forward towards them with a middle-age man, a hyperactive beagle and a trio of girls. Ellie tensed at the newcomers. "Six! Thank god girl! Took you long enough!" Nine greeted, wincing as pain registered in his mind again. He pushed it back and stared into Six's hazel eyes. From the distance, she understood right away.
"Marina, go check on John. Crayton, better fill the girl in what's going on." The two quickly followed her orders. Marina hopped out of the jeep gracefully, holding her medical kit and dashing towards the tent. Crayton moved much slower and guided Ellie away from the two dark haired Lorics. Ella appeared at Six's side holding a medical kit. Her amber eyes burned into Nine's darker ones, worry obvious in them.
"I'm fine, kid." Nine greeted as he pats her head, trying to reassure her. "Go help Crayton. Ellie could use some help. Six can patch me up. I trust her… kind of." Six smiled; glad he still has a sense of humor. Unwillingly, Ella followed his order and rushed over to help Crayton. Six glanced over his body, sighing, and placed her kit on the hood. "What? No greeting, Six? I'm literally dead on my feet and all you could do is scoff at me? That hurts." She pressed against his side, getting a blood curling howl out of the boy. "Shit… did you have to do that?" She didn't hesitate as she pulled his shirt up, revealing a gaping wound on his right side. "Ah, you've noticed."
"Fucker, quit talking and let me concentrate." She replied as she pulled out a cloth and firmly pressed it against the wound. "Anything else I should know?" She asked after dousing the gash with about a gallon of antibiotic ointment. He hissed in pain as she slowly wrapped a bandage around his torso. Nine winced as she pressed her soft fingers around his torso, feeling blindly for any other wounds.
"Yes nurse, I think I have two or three broken ribs on my right side. I dislocated and then relocated my right shoulder but I'm not a doctor but it's probably wrong. My leg has a huge gushing gash too. Guess which side?" She glanced at his right leg and noticed the huge puddle on the ground. "Aside from all of that, I'm just peachy."
"Peachy? I'm surprise you're still standing. There's probably some internal bleeding caused by the broken ribs." She deduced before sitting down and searched her kit for some more bandages. "I need you to take your pants off."
"My, isn't that kind of forward? I'll like to take you on a date first before you could get into my pants." Nine kidded causing Six to roll her eyes. "The wound isn't so bad. I'll let Seven patch me up." Six frowned but stood up to touch his right side, trying to locate where exactly his broken ribs were. "Don't you have a question to ask me?" Nine asked as her soft hand skimmed over his abdomen. She bit her lip and kept her eyes focus on his side and not his words. "This is probably irrelevant but John was hurt pretty badly, worse than me if you can believe that. Eight said his right arm was broken and half of his chest may have collapsed on him. But with Seven's legacy he'll be just fine." Six curled her fingers around Nine's shirt. She was shaking. "Six, he's alive." Nine reassured, grasping her hand in his, allowing his voice to dip down to a soft tone, the one he only used with Ella.
"Six?" Nine looked up to see Marina walking toward them with blood on her hands and her shirt. She looked tired but there wasn't any sadness in her brown eyes. "John would like to see you." Nine gently peeled Six's hands off his shirt and push her towards the tent. Marina's eyes followed the girl until she disappeared into the tent. She then turned back to Nine and frowned at his wounds. "Stupid adrenaline junkie…" She murmured before moving to treat him. Nine's lips curled into a cocky smile as the pain finally ebbed away under her cool healing touch.
Six entered the tent timidly as she peeked in. A cot was set up with John lying down. Old bloodied bandages were scattered around the ground from when Marina cut them off to get a clear look at his injuries. The sling around his arm was useless now since the arm was nicely healed. His face was unnaturally clear of any scars or cuts from Marina's legacy. But there were still signs of the battle on his clothes. His shirt was stained with blood. The copper smell clenched to the air and fabric, burning her nose as she approached the sleeping boy. Bernie sat at the base of the cot. Tail not wagging.
She sat at the edge of the cot, gently reaching out to touch his hand. Signs that he was alive were clear. His chest was slowly rising up and down. Her fingers found his pulse on his wrist, thumping strongly against her two fingers. She pulled his pendant from around her neck and pressed it against his hand. "John…" She whispered, pressing her face into the crook of his neck, so happy to hear the periodic thumping in her ears.
"Six…" He croaked, opening his blue eyes when he felt her soft body against his. She stared into his eyes, lips curling into a bright and beautiful smile. "Did I go to heaven?" He asked, awed by the beauty beside him. He reached around and pulled her close, needing to breath in her scent.
"No you idiot, you're still on Earth." She whispered, hugging him close. "Thank god." John held her close but the bit of happiness from seeing her escaped him the moment he remembered what happened. Sneaking in was easy. Freeing Eight was also easy. Fighting armies of murderous aliens, not easy. Not finding Sam, much worse. John crushed Six against him and buried his face into her neck, allowing the guilt and disappointment wash over him. Six pulled back, running her hand through his hair to sooth him. "What's wrong, John?"
"I… I couldn't find Sam." His voice was full of regret, it hurts Six's heart. John looked at her with his blue eyes and the words just started spilling out. "We couldn't find him. We looked everywhere until we found Eight and then all hell broke out. I'm so – " Six placed her finger on his lips, silencing the words. She placed her forehead against him, feeling his breath against her lips, another sign that he's alive. Sure, they've failed to find Sam and a part of her heart ached for the young human man but the rest of her was just happy John was still here. I like Sam, Six thinks as she opened her eyes and kisses John, but I need John.
A/N2: End! Hopefully I portrayed Nine alright. If I got any of the description of Nine, Ella, Marina and Crayton wrong, please correct me. I kind of speed through Power of Six. *smiles sheepishly* I'm not sure if I'm happy with the ending. Nine was so much fun to write. He's like a real Logan. Expect to see him in more moments.
This is sadly the end of moments for now. I have a bunch of AU on my laptop that I will edit and publish soon separately. Also there's a bunch of ideas for more moments in my head. But sadly, school is starting soon. Freshmen in college! It's going to be one hell of a year but I will try to write and update when I can. Review please and I might be able to squeeze another moment before classes officially start.