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Rain beat down on the earth, each little splash like a drum being struck as hard as one could physically manage.
Three and One huddled together under their flimsy shelter, the Lonely Numbers Club they had dubbed it, their fortress of random scrap and trinkets they’d hauled inside as the rain began to drizzle. They watched intently as numbers ran through the storm on the path to their own homes, makeshift or otherwise, friends and family in hand, Three’s voice forever caught in their throat unable to cry out for their help.
The pair didn’t speak, only shooting each other the occasional glance and playing a game of guessing what the other was thinking as the rain grew heavier and heavier. Three looked anxiously at one of the supporting branches, the two not needing mind games to know that inevitably their clubhouse would falter under the downpour, and they’d become one of the numbers running through the playground, seeking shelter from the storm when there were none left to fill.
They could always make the decision to leave early, but the thought of not being there when their little camp was destroyed sent a shiver down Three’s back. Maybe they couldn’t say the same for One, too captivated by the rolling thunder out in the distance to notice Three adjusting the branch, or maybe the pounding rain covered the sound of the scraping wood.
But the rain could not cover the sound of footsteps, wet dirt squelching beneath their feet as they hurried towards their camp. The pair turned around, a green blur growing closer and closer, barely managing to keep the rain from their eyes as they fought against slick dirt and powerful winds.
“..Is it okay if I joined you?”
They asked through heavy breaths, voice quivering and eyes watery like they were on the verge of tears. That or it could’ve been the storm, Three themselves could feel the cold wind begin to sting theirs.
Three would’ve rejected them, not out of cruelty- no matter what the other numbers might’ve thought. There was little space in the base as is, just one more number and it’d be completely cramped, but their thoughts fell silent, One inviting them in with a warm smile and the offer of safety.
“I-I’m Two.” They stammered, trying to make themselves as small as possible as they squeezed inside, rattling the whole structure as they accidentally bumped against the supporting branches, quickly catching it before it could slide down. Three hesitantly shifted to allow for more space, shivering as he felt raindrops brush past them.
One seemed quite happy with the new face, happily introducing herself and Three, even if from a single glance she’d already gathered his opinion on the intrusion.
Two seemed to gather pretty quickly what was going on, not a single word passing their lips as they continued to silently pray for the storm to pass- Two and Three anyway, he couldn’t be sure what exactly One thought about the whole situation.
The tent slowly shifted, from upright to leaning down further and further, the tarp that shielded one side of them barely clinging onto the branches it’d been tied to as it blew in the wind.
The base didn’t have much time, soon it’d be leaving them to brave the cold and hope that someone will have the sympathy to let them inside. Though disappointing, the dread that came with it was manageable. At worst the tarp might blow away, never to be seen again, but the Lonely Numbers Clubhouse would be rebuilt. Maybe not bigger or better than before, but just as much of a home as it's always been.
For their new arrival however it didn’t look to be the case, tears streaming down Two’s face as their breath heaved, only growing more rapid as the rain persisted. It’d even caught One’s attention, pulling her away from a flash of lightning to glance sympathetically, scooting just a little closer to them before her gaze returned to meet the black clouds.
Three had already decided that Two was irritating, first taking up what little space still remained and now making everything much more depressing than it needed to be.
…
Three reached their hand out, grabbing Two’s as they began to mutter. They nearly jumped at the sudden contact, bumping their head against the back of the clubhouse, damn-near toppling it over before they’d caught and readjusted it. Slowly, their breath eased at the touch, their tears dripping down in a much calmer fashion.
They sniffled, a small grin making its way across their face. They took in a deep breath-
And collectively their eyes shot wide open, the rain suddenly muffled as in their surprise they smacked a supporting branch, knocking the structure down completely, furthering their surprise as they weren't immediately pelted by droplets or a stray leaf.
Three pushed the material that landed on them away, helping One onto her feet as they nearly slipped on whatever they were inside. Spherical, green, probably Two’s doing, didn’t seem to be any other explanation that made sense.
Two was on the opposite side of them, pressing their hands against the bubble and watching the energy ripple beneath their palm. Swallowing whatever grievances they had left, Three approached, spotting Two’s reflection against the surface of the bubble, eyes wide and glittering like they were mesmerized.
He tapped them on the shoulder, snapping Two from their trance as they turned to face Three, much to Three’s horror as soon as they turned around they tackled him, arms wrapped around them in a deathgrip.
One broke out of her own mesmerized state as she watched Three squirm, snickering as he weakly shoved Two away. They muttered apologies profusely as they sat down, moving the fallen remains of the clubhouse to the best of their abilities to make room.
Two patted the space beside them, catching the pair’s attention with the odd popping sound each smack emitted. They glanced at each other, both already knowing their answers as they sat down beside them, Two’s smile wide enough it left their face.
They watched the rain continue to beat down, One now fully entranced by the storm with no tarp or wood to block her view.
Three elbowed One, catching her attention. They made eye contact and it seemed they had already gathered a decision, the Lonely Numbers Club would be just a little less lonely.