Twenty-Six

While they waited, Six and Leigh talked. She could tell he was trying to calm her down, so she let him. They talked about what Leigh wanted to do when she grew up, her family, his family, what his life was like before he was taken, and so on. She had to explain to him what a meme was. She would have to show him one when they got back. When silence fell between them again, Leigh felt reassured, and closer to him somehow. Six seemed happy, in that moment. He seemed to smile more now, and his eyes lit up.

"Can't wait," he grinned. Leigh copied him.

"Same."

"Six?" Hundred's voice shouted over all the kids milling about. They glanced at each other, but Six didn't look scared. He pulled her into one last hug.

"Leigh!" Ten's voice shouted.

"Don't die," he whispered to her.

"Of course not. You should worry about yourself, not me," she responded.

The two pulled apart, walking backwards towards their group so they could see each other.

"Leigh?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."