WITHERSICKNESS [MCSM INFECTION AU]

Chapter 45: "Fine"

They took some rest at a nearby cave. Axel was getting some more stuff for the  fire so they didn’t have to sit in the dark, while Jessica and Lukas stayed behind. Lukas was still in pain, whimpering. “Are you doing better?” Jessica asked, insanely anxious and paranoid. “I-I’m fine, just still a bit hurt.” Lukas smiled reassuringly.

“You sure?” Jessica asked again. “I’m fine, really. I worry more if you're okay.” He added, changing the subject. “Perfectly fine-” “I know you're lying. Something’s wrong. You’ve been acting weird ever since the fight with Olivia.” Lukas interrupted. Jessica sighed.

She lifted her sleeve up, showing a horrible burn mark. “She was able to burn me pretty bad.” She answered. “Pretty bad!? That’s way more than pretty bad!” Lukas exclaimed, immediately trying to see the burn.

“She was able to burn me multiple times before quitting. There's something wrong with her. I know I said how she was selfish back there... and I regret it... but I feel like... she’s going insane. Mentally, insane.” Jessica admitted. “Same. It’s not like her to do this. She always seemed to be the voice of reason. Something isn’t right.” Lukas agreed.

There was a brief silence. “I want to find her.” Jessica stated. “What?” Lukas asked, shocked. “I want to find Olivia. I want to know what’s wrong with her.” Jessica added.

“Are you insane!! She’ll kill you if you go near her! She already gave you a sprained hand and severe burn. You don’t need more injuries! You might even get killed!” Lukas argued. “I know. But she’s my friend. I want to make it up to her.” Jessica stated.

“Jessica, there’s a line between bravery and stupidity. You're just about crossing it to the stupid side if you do this. We all want to help her, but we don’t need more people. Infected OR killed.”

“I don’t care. I’m GOING to help her.” She insisted. “Jessica, you can’t.” Lukas argued.

“Yes, I can.”

“Jessica, you’ll DIE.”

“I WILL help her, no matter the-”

“YOU CAN’T!”

Jessica froze, shocked. “I’M NOT LETTING ANYONE ELSE DIE ON MY WATCH!” Lukas screamed, tears starting to form. Jessica stayed silent, not daring to even argue with him. “Y-YOU’RE ONE OF THE TWO PEOPLE I HAVE LEFT!” He added.

“AIDEN IS DEAD, MAYA IS DEAD, GILL IS DEAD, JESSE IS DEAD, AND OLIVIA’S HAS GONE BATSHIT INSANE!” Lukas argued. Tears started to rapidly fall down his face. “I BARELY HAVE ANYONE LEFT! I-I ALREADY WATCHED ALL MY FRIENDS DIE... I-I’m not going to watch you die, too.” He continued. Jessica remained silent.

“Lukas, I-” She began before Lukas hugged onto her tightly, bawling his eyes out. “I-I can’t lose you too!” He muttered. She hugged him tightly. “I don’t want to lose anyone else. Especially if I can prevent it.” Lukas added.

It was silent for a moment, only his cries being heard. “I’m sorry I was such a shitty friend, Lukas.” She apologized. “I don’t care, I just don’t want to kill yourself.” He added.

As much as he insisted it was alright, the guilt and pain were still there. It didn’t leave. And frankly, Jessica thought it never would. But she was going to make up for it. One way or another.