When he finally sees her again, her hair is longer. Not by much, it has been a few weeks at best, still Twelve can't help but notice such little changes as those. Despite the cooling weather as fall approaches, Lisa wears a yellow sun dress the same shade as her voice, and he can't help but bring that up when he compliments her.
"Thank you," The tips of her ears turn pink. "It reminded me of you."
It was his turn to become flustered, yet his embarrassment was quickly forgotten after that. For Lisa is filled with stories, of how school is going, how she passed her latest English test, oh how she's found a home away from her mother. It's relaxing hearing her speak. Besides her beautiful voice, she carries herself in a different way now. It's not as if all her personal demons have been slayed just yet, Twelve can see them lurk behind bright brown eyes, but it seems she's finally gotten the chance to live and grow. It's all he's ever wanted for her, so he can't help but feel himself swell in pride.
But eventually the chit chat dies, and he knows what she's going to say before the words are out of her mouth.
"Do you want to know about any media updates over the Sphinx Bombings?" Her smile falters as reality crashes before their eyes.
"Not really," It's not that Twelve doesn't care about his fellow Number Children, but the plan had always been Nine's passion. He's just as eager for justice to be served, but for at least an hour, he wants to enjoy his time with Lisa. It's been so long, and he can't help but crave her presence. "Besides, Shibizaki is keeping us informed on any details concerning us."
The wall of glass between them seems to only grow thicker at his words. He would be lying if he didn't admit he had also been craving her touch lately. It would be worth staying in here forever if he could just hold her and relish her warmth. Maybe even sneak in a kiss or two.
"They're treating you right, aren't they?" She tries to keep her voice steady, but he doesn't miss the slight tremors. "Mr. Shibizaki said I couldn't visit Nine for some reason. Is he..." She trails off, too scared to say the unthinkable.
"They're treating us better than I could imagine," Twelve knew it was illegal to deny prisoners medical care, but it had certainly helped having an ally guarantee it for them. Nine was stable, but his condition had worsen at a faster rate than his had. If they hadn't been captured, Twelve can't say they would have survived this long.
"Don't worry Lisa. Nine was just feeling off today. You two will get the chance to meet again next time." He tries to be optimistic for the both of them.
"I sure hope so," She sighs. Their time together is slowly dwindling down, probably less than two minutes at this point.
"There was no other fate besides this for us. The only other option was death."
"I know. I thank God everyday that wasn't the case. I still miss you two."
"You'll have a better life the sooner you distance yourself away from this mess."
"Maybe so, but I made a promise," Dark brown eyes stare into his soul. "I meant it when I said I would remember you, and no matter what I will never be able to forget my Sphinx duo." Twelve had to hold back a gasp at the way his heart flipped. While he understands it would better for her to have never met them, he can't help but feel glad she wishes to remember them. It;s one selfish trait he allows himself to savor.
"That means the world to us, Lisa," Part of him wants to remind her it had been a trio for a day, but to do so could cause her to receive charges as well. Better to pretend she was only a hostage than to acknowledge her as an accomplice.
"My time is up, so I guess this means goodbye," She sighs again.
"Can we settle on 'see you later' instead?"
"I like that," She smiles as bright as the sun itself. "See you later, Twelve."
"See you later, Lisa." His timing is perfect because just then a guard approaches Lisa and escorts her away. He's not even allowed one last glance before being led back to his cell as well.
"I don't know what she could see in a criminal," His guard scoffs as she double checks his handcuffs. "And just what kind of girl would want a date at a prison?"
Part of him wants to tell her just how brave Lisa is, how she can jump out of a plane and face death with only the slightest of flinching. But those are details that only belong to her and the Number Children.
"I don't know, but she's more than I deserve."