One (A SPM AU BASED ON LN2)

One carefully pushed the first door open, which led us to a room with a bunch of detached, prosthetic legs and arms hanging from the ceiling. I had to bring my fist to my mouth and bite it to prevent myself from throwing up. As he shined his flashlight around the room I could see more and more.

"NOPE! I'm out!" I stated, throwing my hands up and retreating out of the room. "I-I don't want to go home THAT badly."

Perhaps I was being a tad dramatic, but it was horrifying. Especially for a little kid, and I was already nervous. This was something I did NOT want to be a part of. Especially in the dark. 

One quickly ran after me and grabbed my arm, dragging me back inside. "Come on, Six. They won't get you! I promise I won't let that happen to you!"

"You said that last time!" I cried without even realizing what I was saying. I was speaking before I was thinking. "You said the same thing right before I was snatched by those bullies!"

One suddenly froze.

Then he turned and looked at me, his eyes softening.

My eyes went wide as I finally heard the words that had come out of my mouth. I immediately regretted saying that. When saying that, I was basically telling him that I didn't think he was capable of protecting me. I was pointing out his failures to him.

I could tell by the look in his eyes that what I had said hurt more than the scratches and bruises on his neck and the injured arm combined. It hurt more than any of his injuries. 

"One... I-I didn't mean that. I-"

"No, it's fine," He whispered, letting me go. His voice was soft and slightly higher than usual. He reminded me of a puppy that had just gotten kicked or something. "You can stay."

I paused, furrowing my eyebrows and cocking my head to the side. "W-what?"

"You can stay..." He whispered again, gently taking my hand and bringing me back to the big room that was safe, in front of the door with the three locks. I could see the hurt he was trying to hide in his eyes. 

"I... You're right. I didn't protect you last time as I promised. I failed. I let them get you, and you could have gotten hurt because of it. So... it would probably be safest if you stayed out here while I go and find the keys."

"One, I didn't mean... I-I'm just afraid." I whispered. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I know..." He replied, grabbing my shoulders and forcing me to sit. "I'm not upset with you. I'm not strong enough to properly keep you safe. I know that. So I'll take care of it. I'll check back in when I have the first key. Okay?"

"Y-You're gonna go in alone?!" I nervously questioned.

"Yep."

"B-But aren't you scared too?"

"Yep."

"One," I started, when he softly shushed me, taking a few steps back.

"I've been alone before. I can be alone again. I can handle it. Just... stay there. And if the doctor comes, hide in one of the vents. He never comes out here, though, so you'll be safe."

He then turned and walked away from me, back into that room to find the key. He left me feeling just horrible, but I was too afraid to follow after him, so I just did as he said. I sat there and waited.

I felt like I had just hurt one of the only people in this world who didn't deserve to be hurt. I hope he didn't think that I didn't appreciate him. Because I did. I really did, more than anything. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have smiled yet. I wouldn't have laughed yet. I wouldn't have realized my power. I would still be stuck in the woods if it weren't for him. I appreciated him more than anything. I just didn't know how to show it.