Nine thinks she's nothing more than his little pet. He doesn't say anything, but his thoughts are as plain as day. It's not only hurt he senses from his friend but also disgust. They too knew what it was like being guinea pigs.
When the media finds out about her, hell will break lose. They'll imagine greedy hands and roaming lips. For the rest of her days people will imagine her pinned to the wall by one Sphinx while the other lifted up her dress. After all, teenage boys are nothing but a ball of hormones, no self control at all.
Yet it's not like that. He doesn't know what it really is, but it's not that.
He doesn't want anything from her. Not her body, not her loyalty. He just wants to watch this shy, nothing of a girl grow.
It's such a strange request, yet he's had it since day 1. She was a wisp of air when they met by the pool, but he saw the flicker of life still in her eyes. And soon she was with him on that first mission, snooping where she shouldn't be. He should have ended her life right there, she wasn't worth Nine's time.
But he didn't. He gave her a chance, and she took it. With shaking hands and a trembling voice, she jumped out of a building and into a terrorist arms. She bloomed so quickly but so bright. Pale Yellow lit up his world. He knew without a doubt in his mind he needed to see it again.
And one thing led to another. They laughed together about destroying the world. He told Lisa, her voice's color, leaving out the other enchanting and intriguing parts of it. She jumped again into his arms, from a plane this time. And while he felt a fear like nothing before, he couldn't resist whispering 4 little words.
"My brave, brave Lisa."
She so much more than him. She was changing and learning everyday. Nine and he could do none of that. They were rooted in the past. She was flying towards the future.
Twelve didn't want to miss a moment of her life. He wanted to see her be able to finally laugh and smile easily. He wanted to her see try new things, go to new places. He want to see his Lisa do great things. He wanted to see his Lisa be happy.
That's it, he wants her to be happy.
That's why Nine doesn't understand. He cares despite his hard exterior, but the plan came before everyone else. He could never fathom laying down ideology for a person. He was better than Twelve was.
In the back of his mind, Twelve knows his desires aren't that pure. He wants his beautiful Lisa dressed up and dancing without a care. He wants her lips on his forehead and her head tucked in the crook of his neck.
None of it matters though.
Above all else he wants her happy. And if she wants those things, then maybe for a little while he'll be happy too.
A.N. My beautiful friend is dragging back into Hisalisa heaven as he calls it. Send help.