MCSM One Shots (2018-2019)

Friends First

Sequel to "Never Leaving you again" - requested by @Ultra_Serendipity 

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Jesse didn't even realise as she clutched Olivia's arm, like a toddler holding onto her mother, all the way inside the Order Hall. She couldn't believe what was happening. After not seeing her friends in years, it was like a missing piece of her heart had suddenly returned.

Nobody said much, but all of their faces showed concern. They all sat down in the living room, relishing in the heat it brought.

"What brought you guys back?" Jesse finally asked softly, speaking for the first time. Her voice was raspy and small.

The other's exchanged glances, almost like they were asking each other permission to explain.

"Radar called us." Petra finally said, scratching the back of her head. "He explained that... things weren't really going well for you. You needed us."

"I did." Jesse admitted, closing her eyes and leaning her head onto Olivia's shoulder.

"Jesse, why didn't you come to any of us sooner?" Olivia asked, wrapping Jesse in another hug.

"We all went our separate ways long ago." Jesse explained softly, burying her face in Olivia's jacket. "You all had your lives... I.. I didn't want to be a burden." Jesse's voice cracked slightly at the end of her sentence. "I.. I didn't know if you.. if you all cared about me any more."

Everybody was silent, their faces shocked.

"You're our friend Jesse." Olivia said softly, lifting Jesse's chin and wiping the fresh tears from her face. "We love you more than anything."

"Exactly what Olivia said." Lukas said, scooting over so he too was sitting beside Jesse. "We just... we didn't know you were lonely."

You never called me.

You never came to visit me.

You never asked me if I was OK.

Jesse tried to push the thoughts away, a held back sob escaping her throat. She allowed her friends to pull her closer again, leaning into their arms. She never thought they'd hold her again.

"I'm sorry." Petra said softly, being the first to speak.

"So am I." Lukas immediately agreed.

"Ditto." Olivia added.

"Me too." Axel replied firmly.

Jesse wanted to say something, but she didn't. She didn't know what to say. Here they all were.. apologising. She didn't want them to blame themselves, they were living their lives. Something she was meant to do as well. She couldn't blame them for her own weakness.

Jesse breathed out heavily, feeling the comfort she haven't felt in so long. Resting her head on Olivia's shoulder with five pairs of arms wrapped around her, she almost felt like dozing off. She hadn't slept much the past week, only pretending to so Radar wouldn't worry. Now she was starting to realise just how exhausted she was, physically and mentally.

"Thank you." Jesse mumbled out softly, her voice muffled.

"Thank you for what?"

"Coming..." Jesse's voice trailed off as she slowly fell asleep in her friends' arms.

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Jesse's eyes slowly fluttered open. For a full second she lay, staring at the ceiling, before coming to her senses, glancing around her. To her surprise, she was in bed, comfortably tucked in. Had she fallen asleep?