Darling || JesperxOC || Shadow and Bone DISCONTINUED

VIII

Jespers POV:

The only women in my life is Inej and there's no other way I would have it. Inej is like the sister I never knew I needed, but I think a part of me: a teeny tiny deep down fragment was lonely- longing for another person to call me theirs.

I didn't know anyone else that I could feel that way for until I saw her. It wasn't when she was glaring at that man outside the crow club that night... no. It was when I first saw her cry.

Walking into the room, the fire lets out a weak glow. I hear her before I see her.

"Lori?" I ask as I slowly walk over to her form kneeling on the floor.

She doesn't need my help. I know she doesn't need anyone. She's probably proved herself to be the most independent person I've ever met, even after only knowing her for less then 72 hours.

"Are you ok?" I manage to stutter out.

Me: stuttering? I've never been so unsure of what to say to someone before. I've never had to deal with the idea of hurting someone's feelings. Kaz would just shake his head at my direct comments and Inej would simply roll her eyes, but seeing Lorelei in such a fragile state.... I almost doubt my ability to touch the broken shell of the woman I know without causing even more damage.

"I-" she sniffs, taking a minute to pause "I don't know anymore" She says, looking down at her hands, covered in a mix of blood and tears.

I do the only thing I know how to do. I crouch down in front of her, but I stop.

"Can I hug you?" I ask. I hold my breath, waiting for the cold decline just as the others always give me.

It's quite as she sniffs and looks up at me through her beautiful almost glass-like eyes filled with tears I wish to wipe away.

"Yes" she whispers in such a quite tone I almost question whether I heard it or imagined it.

Quickly, she moves forward as I reach over and rap my arms around her shoulders, allowing her to rest her head on my own.

I softly play with her hair, finding comfort in the small details.

Slowly, she sighs as he reaches up and uses her skirt to wipe her face. I take note of the fact that she never makes a move to leave the little safe space we have created between us.

Suddenly, without warning, she whispers through tears

"I'm so sorry Jordie. I tried to help him, I really did, but I couldn't"

I tense at the name that Kaz has let slip many times.

I keep still for a moment before I decide to speak in a low whisper.

"I know...." I say before looking down and seeing her eyes begin to close, the exhaustion must be hitting her all at once.

Slowly I manage to scoop her up and I take her up the stairs to Kazs bed that she has been commandeering.

——————————————
Lorelei's POV:

My eyes open and I slowly gain the knowledge of my surroundings. I blink trying to remember what happened.

I heard a bang downstairs.

I blink

I saw Pekker standing above Kaz.

I blink

I get grabbed by him when I'm on my knees feeling like I'm worthless all over again.

I shake my head as I blink

I see Jesper.

I slowly stop moving my head

I cry in his arms

I gasp, as I fully sit up in the bed.

I look down at myself and see that I'm still in my usual clothing.

Jumping up, I go to walk out the door before I quickly grab my knife and leave.

................

"Fancy seeing you here" I slowly say as I look through the old mirror.

Jesper quickly looks at me through the reflection of the object he was using to pose In front of in the middle of the market just outside the crow club.

"Lorelei" he says as he places his gun back in his pocket

"Feeing better?" He asks as I cringe and bash shoulders with him as I walk past, towards a certain Inej that has just appeared across the street.

"Much" I say as he follows me.

"What do you need?" I ask

I see her glance behind me to look at Jesper before she speaks.

"I need someone to do a job for me" She says

"And what's that if I dare to ask?" He says

Her eyes flicker between Jesper and i as if she is questioning whether she should tell him in front of me. Nevertheless I stand my ground until she lets the statement out.

"I need you to kill a man for me" She says

It takes a moment for the words to clearly register to Jesper as he suddenly lets out a dry laugh

"You're joking right?" He asks, but as she just stands there in silence, it's obvious to everyone that she not.

"Why me? Why is it always me?" he says out loud with a shake of his head

"No" Inej says suddenly. I look at Jesper. "I want Lorelei to do it"