Chapter 63

“It’ll be okay,” Fox said, squeezing his hand again. “I’ll be waiting on the other side.”

Seven hung onto his hand as long as possible, but eventually, they had to part. For just a second, Seven’s hand clenched painfully on his. Fox didn’t mind. Seven was safe, but now he had to face a new challenge: reintegrating into the world outside the Cerebrum.

Before they parted, Seven said, “Fox, even though I don’t know what I’ll be like on the other side, I want to thank you.”

“Thank me?” Fox asked, puzzled. “What did I do?”

“You saved me, you dolt,” Seven said, and his face wavered between humour and terror. “And I—”

“Time to go!” Stonesmith snapped behind them. “We don’t have all day!”

“I’ll be there, I promise. I’ll wait for you,” Fox said, and kissed him swiftly, right on the mouth.

And then, Seven was gone. Hopefully they would return him in one piece.