Fifteen

"What the fuck do you want? You'd better not be another number looking for some sort of handout." Her chest heaves under her plaid flannel, anger burning through her veins.

Fifteen's rough exterior was her first line of defense against the world, and it showed. Her voice carried the weight of a thousand thunderstorms, her hands balled into tight fists at her sides as she glared down at the shorter Zero. The way they were standing there, looking up at her with those hopeful blue eyes... it made something twist in her gut. Was this what it felt like to be desired? It wasn't often that someone approached her willingly. Usually they came knocking for one of two things: violence or food. And considering Zero wasn't asking about her cooking skills, it left only one option.

The thought of having a lover had always appealed to her, even if she'd never admit it out loud. Someone to share her bed, her life, her secrets... someone to keep her warm during the lonely nights spent away from society. But she knew better than to let her guard down around any of those prying numbers.

Still, as Zero told her that he wanted to be her boyfriend, she couldn't help but feel a spark of interest. Maybe, just maybe, this strange little number would be different. Maybe they'd understand her need for solitude while still being there when she needed them. She let out a heavy sigh, her features softening slightly.

"Alright, fine. Come on in." She stepped aside, gesturing towards the open doorway. "But don't expect me to wait on you hand and foot. I've got better things to do than cater to your every whim."

As Zero walked past her, she took a moment to study him. His grey hair was messy, but there was something endearing about it. And those scars... they spoke volumes about the pain he'd been through. For some reason, she found herself drawn to that vulnerability. She shut the door behind him with a soft click and followed him into her living room, curiosity piqued.