A Lighter and a Flashlight

Six Eight Seven

Third Person POV

They had been living in suspense for a week now, and today Six was turning eight.

To be honest, things had been going pretty well.  Six had shown no signs of hunger so far.

Things were starting to look up.

Until her birthday.

Needless to say, things went wild.

It first happened when he walked in with the Nomes, arms full of extra food they had stolen from the kitchen.  They had just came out of the vents, all cheery for Six's big day.

That was when they saw her, hunched over the carcass of a rat.

It was terrifying for the Nomes, even though no one was fond of rats, (the pests being a nuisance to deal with) the blood and gore was too much for them to handle. 

Their small arms dropped the food to the ground, the Nomes all quickly retreating back into the vent, watching cautiously.

Six had turned around, her pale cheeks caked with dried blood.  She emitted some pitiful sobs before she crumpled to her knees.

Her eyes looked darker than usual, the hazel looking almost muddy. They widened when she saw the Nomes rush back into the vent, Seven just standing there, staring blankly at her.  

I'm a monster... They must be disgusted by me...

She brought her hands up to her face looking at them in horror, the thick blood clinging to her delicate skin.  She dropped her hands, opting to not smear blood near her eyes, letting the tears trail down her face.

Seven felt frozen,

Six...  His Six...  She was sad...  She was in pain and he was doing nothing.

He felt himself grit his teeth in anger.

He moved to comfort her, realizing how scared and alone she must feel.  He knelt down, carefully wrapping his arms around the bloody girl.

"Hey, Six..." he tried to think of what could possibly comfort her, "I know its probably scary but," he sighed, What am I doing?!  This is probably making her feel worse! "we all know that this isn't your fault..."

Nice save!  I think...

He opted to remain silent for awhile, gently rocking her in his arms, trying to ignore the bloodstains he was definitely acquiring.  He listened to her breathing slowly even out, the steady sound calming his racing heart.

It smelled atrocious, Seven could feel himself get lightheaded from the disgusting smell.

"T-thanks Seven."  she pulled away from him, "I feel a lot better now."

"Lair." she was still visibly shaken, her eyes less muddled than before.  She gasped at his accusation, then sighed, "Six...  I get that you're probably scared and grossed out..." he mustered up all of his courage before continuing, taking her small crimson hands in his, "But, we all know this isn't your fault, so please - don't go blaming yourself!"

This isn't her fault!

Relief washed over Six's face, the ghost of a smile possessing her lips.  Seven got to his feet, gently pulling her up as well.  Seven looked over to the vent, the Nomes were cautiously peeking around the corner.

He gave them a reassuring smile, tilting his head to beckon them over.

Six's grip tightened on his fingers, causing him to look over at her.  She was worriedly looking at the Nomes waddling over, absentmindedly grabbing at their intertwined hands.