Jesper Fahey Imagines

Realizations

For someone who's just heard about a grievous crime, you seem awfully happy about it. Technically, there's no reason to mourn, not yet; not only is that strictly against the rules in the ungodly mess that you refer to with equal parts horror and satisfaction as the Dregs, this crime hasn't been committed yet. In fact, you're part of the team planning it out. One grand heist, another one to add to the books. It's sure to be brilliant.

Kaz just finished the briefing a short while ago, and the scheme will be actualized in a matter of days. Right now, you're heading back down the rickety wooden stairs of the Slat with your closest friend right beside you. Jesper Fahey seems just as thrilled about the prospect as you do, his eyes shining like a bullet. A wicked grin never leaves his face, especially not when he looks at you.

"This is going to be good. I feel it in my bones." Jesper says, and you laugh. "You think so? Can your bones tell us any more details about how it's all going to go?" Jesper smirks. "I don't think so. The gift of prophecy strikes in strange ways." It's an absurd claim, but it just makes you smile even harder. The rush of adrenaline that only comes from hearing about another job runs through both of you right now, making you drunk on the thrill of it. You'll have time to be serious later, but this is fun right now.

Your room is a few stories below Kaz's office, and you pause by the stair landing to unlock your door. Jesper waits by the threshold, leaning against the doorframe. "So, what do you think? Want to take bets on how many things will go wrong?" You raise an eyebrow, turning back around to face him. "I know you love a good gamble, Jesper, but I don't think we're supposed to be joking about that sort of thing quite yet. Kaz will have both our heads."

He sighs theatrically. "Oh, I'm sure he will. Not to worry, though, I'm sure we're both pretty enough to make rather nice decor if he decides to decapitate us after all. Anyway, do you have any thoughts or not?" You maintain your look of incredulity for a second longer, then crack with a grin. "I think it'll be splendid. Enough said."

Jesper smirks. "I think you're splendid." He winks as he does it, the light spilling out from the hallway casting a glow upon his face as if he wore a halo. None of you have been saintlike in the least, but for a moment, you could believe it in him. You scoff, trying to push away the odd lump in your throat. "So do I, Jesper. See you soon."

He raises a few fingers in a mock salute before he goes, closing the door behind him. You sigh quietly, listening to the sound of his footsteps disappear down the stairs, then speak again. "You can come out now, Inej. He's gone." A moment later, you are now longer alone, and the slight billow of the curtains over your windows are the only sign of the Wraith's entry.

You turn in a slow semicircle, pointing towards the windows. "I thought I locked those." Inej allows herself a small smile. "You did. I unlocked them." You grimace, although without a shred of malice attached to the gesture. "I can see that." Inej folds her arms across her chest. "How did you know I was there? I didn't make a sound."

For anyone else, that last sentence would sound like a brag, but not with Inej. She speaks the complete, utter truth. There was no sign of her presence at all, not even the scuff of shoes against roofing tiles. You spread your hands. "Maybe I'm just rather observant." Inej arches a brow. "You gave no signs of realizing I was there at all until you said my name. How did you figure me out?"

You grin shamelessly. "Every now and then I say it when I'm alone. Usually, there's a pretty good chance that you're listening in." Inej is starting to laugh. "And how many times have I not been there at all, and you say my name to an empty room?" You shrug. "Only a couple times. It's hard to maintain the element of surprise."

Inej laughs, tilting her head back slightly. "You're absurd. I can see why Jesper's lost on you." You start to laugh too, albeit more incredulously than before. "I'm sorry, that was a rather dramatic change of subject. Why are we talking about Jesper?" Inej's grin is ruthless. "Because he was just in here, flirting as hard as he could, and you didn't even notice it. That's why."