It All Started When...

Louis the Lover and Lies

(Unedited*)

"What's with the numbers?"

Liam looks back at me. He studies me for a second, then turns back around, trudging up the hill. Carefully, he pushes a tree branch out of his way. He doesn't let it swing back this time, though. He lets me grab it, then he lets go.

I smile a little. Maybe he's too preoccupied with his thoughts. Maybe he knows we're both too tired to be bickering. Either way, I'm happy not to be getting wacked in the face.

"It's... complicated." He says, grunting as he climbs over a rock. A flash of red and my smile is gone. He's still really weak, and we're moving too slowly. However, I can tell he's trying to play off the pain. Make it seem like less of a problem than it actually is.

"Like I said before, the scientists weren't really that good at being parents." He glances back at me and I catch his grimace. "They gave us numbers instead of names."

   "45? Right?"

   He stops cold. Without looking at me, he says, "Please. Don't."

   His voice sounds strange. Shattered.

   "S-Sorry."

   He clears his throat and resumes walking. "They gave us numbers instead of names. I think they didn't want to... attach. To us."

   "That's sad." I comment, unsure of what to say. Once again, I wonder how, as another Validus, we I ended up where I did, instead of there.

   "Yeah." Liam agrees, kicking at a rock. We're cresting the hill now and the wind is picking up. It slices right through my thin coat and my legs erupt in goose bumps.

   "So... did they ever... attach?" I ask curiously.

   Liam's quiet for a long time before he answers. "Some did. Others didn't. One of the nurses was always nice to us, but The General fired her once he found out."

   He takes a shaky breath and I wonder if I'm asking too much. "I-I guess they wanted to keep us isolated. Keep us away from human kindness. It's a lot easier to get someone to do bad things when they already hate the world." He pauses.

   "But there were always a few. They would sneak us toys and treats. The first time I tasted chocolate, it was snuck in by Lisa, one of the new, young scientists. I thought she was kind and she quickly became my idol. She said I was her favorite...." He trails off.

   He glances behind him again, and his face is confused. He says quickly, "I-I don't know why I'm telling you this."

    I tilt my head. "It's okay, Liam. I'm not gonna' judge you."

    "No." He pauses, turning around to face me. I can't ignore the red soaking through his already stained shirt. "I... I don't know why I'm telling you these things."

   "Are you okay-" I start, but he interrupts me.

   "You don't tell anybody. Anything." His face becomes etched in anguish, his eyes far away. He sways on the spot. "Never ever tell anybody your secrets. They'll tell him. And he'll punish you."

   "What? Liam-" I walk up to him and lightly touch his shoulder. He slowly sinks to the ground, sitting on the edge of a rock.

   "He'll punish you." He repeats faintly, putting his head in his hands. He slightly rocks back and forth.

    Well, that escalated quickly. My brain thinks in shock. What am I supposed to do now?

   Awkwardly, I sit down beside him. I look at him for a painful minute, then I tentatively put my hand on his back. I move it up and down, hoping to provide some sort of comfort.