Rosa & Thief

The Word.

Wow, so close to the end now. Kinda sad to have it over with in a way, but happy to see it ending too so I can focus on bringing you other good stories ^_^. Have been cooking up a way to make Thief's story original, and slowly I think it's coming together. If you are curious about it--I will post it in the author book to keep track of the idea. I do hope I've made the buildup worth it, and that you all have enjoyed the ride. 

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When Genji, Angela, and Hanzo had gone, Jesse returned to his drinking but somewhat slowed. The music was little more than hushed whispers, the patrons slowly getting up and leaving with staggering steps as he sipped away at the glass in his hand, paying little attention to the world around him. Wordlessly, he was struggling. To tell [Y/N] or not? He tilted the glass to one side and watched how the soft light changed the darkness of the liquid with the tilt.

If I do, we'll finally be reunited. True.

He tilted it the other way and watched the liquid slide and change with his thoughts.

But if I do, then Reaper could find her. He'll aim for her like an Achilles' heel...I'll put her in danger. She could get killed. Seems just like him, the twisted bastard.

Jesse sighed heavily, tilting the glass to himself, the liquor threatening to spill onto the bar; kissing the rim of the glass.

I could try and protect her, but what kinda life would it be to get her killed—or to see her happy and die. She'd blame herself if I kicked the bucket. I wouldn't want her to go through the rest of her life thinking she got me killed...not when she already thinks I'm dead.

Jesse sighed heavily and took the shot before putting the glass on the wooden bar before crossing his arms and nestling his head into them like a pillow. The lights on the bottles made them shine dully but were fuzzy to Jesse's eyes as she slowly closed.

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When Jesse's eyes opened, he was laying alone, curled up on his side in a large bed with an old quilt wrapped around him. He felt around the bed and felt the faint leftover warmth of a second body; something inside him registered that it had been Rosa laying beside him when he fell asleep—then it caused him to panic. Where was she?

Jesse rolled over the other direction, throwing himself to his feet and stood up, the quilt falling to the floor as he stumbled around the corner of the bed; looking out the window frantically. He could hear voices then, soft and muttering like they didn't want to be overheard. Jesse strained, he could vaguely tell it was Gabriel speaking but to who was still unknown as he jogged through the doorway and turned into the kitchen.

Gabriel was standing at the end of the table with a map spread out on its surface. Jack was on one side and Ana on the other, Genji to one far corner with his arms crossed. No one looked up at first, to busy speaking softly and observing the map. Gabe was laying out a plan when Jesse interrupted.

"Where are the girls?" The adults looked up, seeming surprised that Jesse was awake. When no one answered right away, he repeated himself. "The bed is still warm," He pointed back into the other room, "Where is she? And Ami?"

"They were hungry, Jack took them into town to get some food, and they wanted to do a little shopping..." Ana explained, giving him a gentle-mother like smile. "Don't fret Jesse, she is safe."

"She wouldn't leave your side," Genji said with a hint of jealousy. "You were out for two whole days."

"She's very..." Jack searched for the word, rubbing his mouth to hide a smile. "Diligent. She put on your medicine for your cuts and burns. Haven't you noticed?" He put his knuckles against his head and propped up his head as he nodded to Jesse's chest. Jesse looked down at his arms and stomach to see most of the light cuts and burns had healed—almost as if they hadn't happened. "She listened to Ana and put the medkit to use. You should be good as new."