Lisa had adored her father, at least that's what she thinks she did. Her memory of him is fuzzy at best, faded by the ravages of time.

She can't picture his face very well, but she still hears his kind words loud and clear.

"My special Lisa, you're amazing dear, honey she's gonna grow up to do incredible things."

He championed for her every cause, thought the world was her's for the taking. He was so, so good to her, making his leaving all the worst.

All the things he said seemed like lies now that the rose-colored glasses he had given her broke. She wasn't smart, wasn't pretty, couldn't cook, wasn't really anything. Mother scared her now, she called her useless and she was right. Lisa wasn't unique, she was just like every other girl swallowed up in the overwhelming sadness.

"Why'd you risk you're life for me?" She doesn't dare breathe the question until she and Twelve had escaped that cursed Ferris wheel.

"What are you talking about?" Twelve cocked his head to the side, brown curls bouncing.

"Why did you save me that first day? Why did you take me home to you and Nine? Why did you never kick me out?" For what's felt an eternity, she's tried to answer these questions.

"Does it really matter?" He sighed, tiredness evident.

"To me it does." Her voice came out in a quiet whisper. "I'm such a burden, my own father didn't even want me, why would you and Nine-"

"Don't talk like that!" Twelve interrupted as he leaned in to cup her face. "Who put those horrible ideas in your head?" He paused after that, probably remembering Nine's cold words.

"It's not Nine's fault, you know,"

"I know, but he lies too much. He does have a soft spot for you." Twelve absent-mindedly played with a black strand of her hair.

"What about me is special?" Lisa clenched the fabric around her skirt, willing herself to stay strong.

"We like you because you're Lisa. What's a better reason than that?" She saw an unfamiliar emotion flicker across his eyes, making her face feel hot.

"Thank you, Twelve," Without thinking she wrapped her arms around his form. She could feel him stiffen up at the physical contact, but slowly relax, breathing even and peaceful.

"You're welcome," A strong hand ruffled her hair, and for a moment, It seemed as if time stood still.

A.N. And that's it for znt week, I'm not gonna stop writing for znt, the only fandom I've put more words into is kingdom hearts, however updates won't be as frequent, love you guys