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 is after Power of Six again but isn't connected to Left Waiting at least I don't think so. Sorry for the delay with the Scar story. Creative juices are not flowing very well. I thought a little insight into Nine's thoughts would be a fun interlude.
Rain
This was easily the hardest rainstorm Nine has ever seen in his short sixteen years of living. He leaned against the sturdy walls of the cabin, watching the raindrops ruthlessly pound against the thin windows of their tiny home. Gale winds were howling, trying to rip the cabin off its foundation. It was like the storm has embodied the angry and fury of an individual and unleashed it all on their tiny safe house. Or, he thought spying the young lady in the middle of the storm, just a pissed off seventeen year old girl who can't control her feelings or powers. A little smirk appeared on his handsome face as the thought crossed his mind. Yea, that's more likely.
"Is she still outside?" He turned to look at the youngest of their ragtag group. Ell stood in front of him in a thin dress. Her bright amber hair was twisted into a long braid making her seem older than she really was. Huge amber eyes bore into his darker ones; making him feel like the girl was staring into his soul. I hope you like what you see, Nine thought before turning away, unable to return her steady gaze. It's unsettling how nervous she was making him. A girl that young shouldn't have such a grim expression.
Their tiny cabin was too small for six people to occupy comfortably, especially six antsy people. Nine ignored Ella's questions and observed the others with open interest. Marina was the oldest at eighteen. She was rummaging through her Chest, playing with her inheritance. Her touch was tentative like she was handling a ticking time bomb. Her fingers skimmed the items, marvel by their feel like a child. Nine mentally sighed. He was a bit disappointed by the lack of knowledge his fellow Garde possessed. She has so much to learn in such little time if she wanted to survive. Shifting his gaze from the dark haired girl, he turned to the kitchen where the only Cepan sat, cursing technology. Crayton's fingers pound the keys mercilessly like the rain against the roof. His dark blue eyes glared at the screen with a wild expression. His mustache tickled his nose but he ignored it. Beside him sat a small pocket knife which he picked up and flicked open and close. It's a terrible habit but it's better than chain smoking, Nine thought as he remembered his Cepan, Cole, and his vice. He frowned at his thoughts of his Cepan and forced them away. Thinking of the dead won't bring them back, no matther how much you want them. Instead of dwelling, Nine turned his eyes to the last few occupants of the room, his companions of a few months. Bernie was pacing nervously in front of the door, pawing it and whining.
"Well sweetie," Nine started, noticing Ella hasn't moved from her spot in front of him. "She's not here now, is she?" He immediately regretted his words as he watched Ella's expression fall. Sighing, Nine ran his fingers though his shaggy haircut. "Look, Six is a big girl. She can take care of herself." Ella nodded her head and gingerly walked over to where John sat. He hasn't moved an inch since the shouting match between Six. Hands covered his face and hid his expression from everyone. The fight was pretty intense, Nine recalled, thinking about how Six's hazel eyes blazed with a mix of fury, angry and remorse. Her words were sharp like knives, posed to cut anything left unprotected. John was just as dangerous. His usually warm blue eyes iced over with a scary detachment that Nine didn't think the boy possessed. It wasn't the words that hurt but rather the raw feeling behind them. Both were to blame for the fight but neither wanted to apologize. Now there's a thick tension that hung in the air, making everyone nervous.
"Um…" Ella started, fiddling with the folds of her dress. Nine's mouth curled into a tiny smile at the sight. All the Gardes have their tiny quirks. Ella, when nervous, fiddles with her hands or long strands of hair. Marina would cling to her pendant or cross necklace, whispering prayers underneath her breath without realizing it. Crayton played with his knife or his blue eyes would constantly flicker over to Ella making sure she's alright. Little things that reveal their personalities like how Ella was naturally a shy person, Marina isn't as tough or strong as she tries to pretend and Crayton really does care for their well being despite how distance he is. But even though Nine spend so much time with John, he still hasn't figured out the boy. He turned to the window, studying Six from the distance. She's another puzzle he hasn't figured out yet either.
"John…" Ella started, making him glance up with a sad expression. The severity of his words was finally starting to sink in. He regretted every single word that passed his lips. Ella stood in front of the boy she only met a few moments ago, placing her hands on his shoulder. "Maybe you should talk to her." Marina and Crayton stopped their shuffling and glanced up, unsure how the blond boy will reply. Nine wasn't expecting Ella to speak first. "She's just angry. She didn't know what she was saying. It – "
John's hand gently patted Ella's lips, stopping her rambling. "I know." His voice was a bit raspy from the lack of speaking. The frown on his lips curled up into a small smile. "Six's been holding things back for a while. I was too. I guess it just all exploded just now. I'm sorry for putting you into this situation." Ella nodded her head as John stood up, ruffled her hair in a brotherly gesture. "Emotions just boiled over; I'll go talk to her." He promised, before heading towards the door to brave the storm and a girl.
Six closed her eyes, feeling the icy cold water soak through her thin dress. Too many things were happening at once. Finding John again, meeting Nine, not seeing Sam. Her thoughts and emotions were swirling and churning around in her head. Sadly the rain can't wash all my problems away, Six thought as she smiled at the sky, embracing the downfall. Katarina, I just can't deal with this, Six mussed, remembering her Cepan's encouraging smile. I need you. I need your advice. Six slowly replayed what lead up to the fight with John.
"Where's Sam?" Six asked breathlessly as she looked at John after her enthusiastic hug. Her arms were still wrapped around his neck, breathing in his clean scent. John's arms were still holding her close, smiling like a silly boy. He looked so different from the few months apart. His blond hair has grown out from its buzz cut to almost its original length. He was stronger now with muscles on his arms and legs. Six was forced to crank her neck to look at John's face since he grew a few more inches. But even after all those changes, John was still the same boy she left and kissed the same boy with his trademark blue eyes and half smiles.
"Um…" John answered, still amazed by the sight of Six in front of him after all those months apart. She changed too. Her long dark brown hair was cut to shoulder length, making her look younger and brighter. She wore a form fitting dress that made her long legs even longer and hugged her curves just so. But John recognized her stunning hazel eyes smiling at him and the little dimples that appear on her cheeks when she smiled a bit too hard.
"Hey, I'm sorry to break up this little reunion." Six and John both turn to look at the young man in front of them. He lifted his aviator glasses, revealing a pair of onyx eyes and smiled. Nine studied Six's curvy body before a cocky smile grew on his face. "Well, hello." He greeted, holding his hand out for her.
"Down boy." John ordered, turning away from him and pulling Six closer to him. If possible, Nine's lecherous grin grew even bigger.
"Anyways, I chatted with the Spanish girl and the old bloke and he said they'll follow us back. This little cutie here can tag along with us." John growled at the pet name Nine already branded Six with before releasing her from his tight hug. He only relaxed when Six laced her fingers between his, just like their little walk in Florida. It seems like ages ago. She smiled back, enjoying the warmth and reassurance his hand offered her.
"You're not Sam." Six stated bluntly as she entered the back seat. Nine smirked at her from the driver's seat and waited for John to enter.
"Very good observation," Nine replied back as he ran his fingers through his black hair and flashed a heartbreaker smile via rearview mirror. "I am much better looking than Sammy boy but I can't really say sin – "
"Shut up, Nine." John ordered as he slammed his door shut. Nine quickly obeyed but gave John a silent look. Six glanced nervously between the two boys, feeling dread at the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong and John wasn't telling her. John turned and reached out, squeezing her arm in a reassuring gesture. "Six, we'll talk about it later when we reach the house." She nodded her head but that didn't stop her from thinking. Why isn't Sam here with them? What is John keeping from me? Who is this guy?
"I'm Nine if you haven't figured that out." The boy mentioned. He held up his pendant, showing Six the little grooves in the precious metal. "Thanks to this idiot's stunt in West Virginia I was able to get out." Six nodded her head but felt uneasy as Nine continued watching her through the review mirror. "You're very pretty." Six looked away, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. Again, Nine's infuriating smile slide into place.
"You're blunt." Six bit back and crossed her arms over her chest. She studied the young man thoroughly for the first time. He's taller than John by a few inches. Broad shoulders paired with lean muscles she could guess. The shirt he wore flattered his expansive chest nicely. But there was something more about him that made Six feel uneasy. He possessed a dangerous quality that none of the boys she met had. With Sam, she felt like a normal girl. With John, she felt so safe. But with Nine, he made her twitchy in a good or bad way, she wasn't so sure.
"You're interesting." He replied back before turning into a small cabin a few miles away from the town. "John, I like her. What? Stop looking at me like that." John didn't and continued his glare before opening the door and slamming it shut. "I can't like her? You greedy bastard." Nine continued as he got out of the car. Six ignored their bickering and grinned as a beagle-shaped bullet burst out the door and ran straight towards her. She dropped down, hugging Bernie, crushing the little doggie to her chest. John leaned against the SUV front, smiling as she giggled while Bernie furiously licked her face. Nine walked over and frowned. "You need to tell her."
"I know." John replied with a heavy heart. He was dreading the moment they were slowly inching towards. He turned and smiled at the two strange girls and crazy looking man behind them. "We should head in. There's going to be a storm tonight." He said as he stared at the clouds before guiding them towards the wooden cabin. Six grabbed the door and threw it open, not anticipating what was going to happen.
"Sam!" She called out, glancing around furiously looking for the boy with brown hair and equally brown eyes. "Sam! Quit hiding! I'm back." John frowned and reached forward, gently taking her elbow. She whirled around, giving him a confused look. "John, where's Sam?" He couldn't say anything as she stared at him with a pair of heartbreaking hazel eyes. The rain then started pouring, hinting towards the tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes. He closed his eyes, trying to figure out the words that would make it hurt less.
"He's not here." Nine said in a neutral tone. He leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed over his chest with a serious expression gracing his handsome face. Six's eyes narrowed at the strange boy, not believing him for a second. Her heart thumped painfully against her chest as his words started sinking in. He's no here. That short sentence repeated over and over in her head like a scratched record.
"Six, we think the Mogodorains have him." John confirmed in a grim tone. She looked into his eyes and she just knew. Sam really isn't here. And that's when the yelling started. Words tumbled out of both their mouths. Brash accusations from Six. Hurried apologies from John. Their fight jumped all over from things like stupid decisions, mixed emotions and name calling, a lot of name caling. During the fight, they unknowingly addressed things like John's feelings for Sarah, Six's feelings for Sam but they danced around one topic: their feelings for each other.
"You're going to get sick." Six jumped when a warm coat slide over her naked shoulders. John moved in close, using his body to shield and warm her body from the rain. She knew he wanted to wrap his arms around her but the uncertainty of the situation stopped him. John took a step away, respecting her space but she stopped him, grabbing his arm to keep him close.
"What about you?" She asked, hating how awkward this is. They were so comfortable with each other before but now it felt like a wall was between them. A smile tugged at John's lips.
"I'm an, as I quote, a blond pathetic idiot. Idiots can't catch colds." She chuckled, clenching to his jacket. John finally smiled; a smile that reached his blue eyes bringing out that shine she loves. John gazed at Six, taking in her appearance. Because of the rain, the dress hugged her curves extra tight. Her hair fell into her face, sticking to her cheeks and forehead. The jacket was huge on her, protecting her from the water. She looked so natural, standing in the rain. "I'm sorry." John apologized, taking her hand in his, fingers finding her pulse.
"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have called you a blond pathetic idiot or blew up like that." John slowly slid his hand up her arm; pass her elbow and neck, creating a trail of goose bumps to appear on her skin. Six shivered as his fingers skimmed her neck before cupping her face. She leaned against his warm hand, missing his light touch after those months apart. "I've missed you." She whispered with her eyes closed, savoring his soft touch. She missed him very much.
"I should have followed you." John admitted. "If I did Sam – "Six placed her hand over his mouth, cutting him off and shaking her head. John stood there in the rain looking like a drown rat. His blond hair was dark dirty blond color, flopping over his eyes. The thin white t-shirt he wore was completely see-through and gripped his body like a second skin. Mud covered his sneakers. And her hand was on his mouth.
"You know," she started, tracing the older familiar features with her fingers. "In Spain, with the others, I always thought of what ifs. What if you came with me instead of running off like an idiot with his own selfish reasons? Would we be ok? Would we ever try to return to America and tried to retrieve our Chests? What if I actually listened to you and we stayed together? Things like that would go through my head when before I fell asleep. But, even with Sam held hostage, I think you did the right thing." John smiled as Six looked into his eyes. "Though, you could have left Nine behind."
John chuckled and pulled her close, feeling her body press flushed against his like how they were in the market. He held her close, feeling every little curve and dip and pulled back to kiss her forehead. "God Six, I missed you so much. You have no idea." He kissed her hand. "Don't ever leave again."
"Hey, idiot, you're kissing the wrong part." She slipped her hands around his neck and pulled him close, kissing his lips with rain falling lightly around them, washing away all the angry and fury from earlier. Kissing in the rain is really the best.
A/N2: I'm not really proud of this one but I felt like I needed to post something for the readers. It's finally winter break and I'm fiddling with ideas. Scar isn't working very well. I have a Mark/Sarah Christmas series come out soon so look forward to it. I was originally going to have Nine come out instead of John but Moments is a John/Six collection. Maybe later. =)