TBATE-ONESHOTS

The Lost Heir

The smell of shit was something Tessia had grown accustomed to during her time living in the big city. Standing near the subway entrance, she tried not to take too many deep breaths as she rubbed her arms. The thin hoodie offered little warmth to her lithe frame, and the jeans didn't help much either. But it wasn't like she had much choice in what she wore, since she was dead broke. She was determined to fix that, though. 

Tessia's teal eyes darted from person to person, taking them in. It was easy to assess what kind of life each person lived, how easy they had it. The ones who worked hard were always in a hurry, while the ones who were well off always seemed to have all the time in the world. Not only that, but they always acted untouchable, walking with their chins held high. Which was why it wasn't hard for Tessia to spot her next prey. 

Eyes locked on a middle-aged man in a fancy black suit and a large, thick overcoat, she looked him up and down. He kept his hands in his pockets, so people probably would have missed the golden Rolex if they weren't specifically looking for it. And in this case, Tessia was. The rich always seemed to love showing off their valuables, like it was some kind of bragging right. Then, there was Tessia, who didn't even have a dollar to her name. 

Pulling the hood up higher, Tessia wanted to make sure her face was covered and that none of her irritatingly noticeable hair stuck out. She was sure she must've had some type of congenital disability to have been born with silver hair. It wasn't like she could ask her parents, though, since she was an orphan. 

As the man approached the subway entrance, Tessia knew she needed to act, or else she would lose her target. It wasn't like she could pay to enter the subway after all. Pushing off the wall, she deliberately moved into the man's path and feigned surprise, letting out a yelp as he bumped into her. 

Spinning, Tessia grabbed the man's coat, using it to keep her on her feet during her fake fall. Keeping her head down, Tessia said, "O-Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, mister." 

The man chuckled, "It's quite alright, little lady." His hands suddenly went to her waist. "Are you alright?"

Tessia nodded, "I'm—" She stiffened as his hands began to lower to her hips.

'Of course this one is a fucking creep.'

Biting her tongue, Tessia continued, "I'm fine." She subtly glided her hands down the man's coat until she felt the lump she was looking for. Tessia's lips curled, but she kept her voice steady. "Thanks."

"Of course," The man said, his hands now close to her ass. "Are you alone out here?"

'Not in your fucking dreams, asshole.'

"Don't worry, my family is around here!" Tessia chirped. She subtly slid her hand into his coat. "I should get going."

The man hummed, "Perhaps I can walk you to them."

"No thanks, I got it!" Tessia said in as much of a bullshit tone as she could muster. She grabbed the tip of the wallet with her index and thumb. In a single, fluid motion, Tessia pulled out the wallet, spun around, and got out of the man's grasp as she moved back. She quickly began to walk away. "Thank you, mister!"

"No, thank you, young lady," The man said, and Tessia felt bile in her throat. 

Quickly tucking the wallet into her hoodie pocket, Tessia walked down the sidewalk. She thought she was in the clear until the man yelled, "Hey, stop, you thief!"

"Fucking shit.' 

Tessia sprinted down the sidewalk as fast as she could, which was pretty damn fast. She had grown accustomed to being fast to live, since her primary source of income was, in fact, stealing. She sometimes thought she was a modern-day Robin Hood, except that any money she acquired went only to her.