MCSM: Reformed Rescuers #4

Part 20 (Jess and Petra)

Jess

Jess' vision began to spin. He watched Lukas cradle Jesse in his arms chanting the same thing over and over again, "Please be okay.."

Tears dripped from Lukas and Jess' eyes. Jess stood up. He had to leave for a bit. Let it all sink in.

He made his way through the crowd and heard many people try to comfort him, but he didn't acknowledge it. Once he was past them, he sped up. He felt a hand grab his wrist and he was yanked to a stop. He wanted to be alone right now.

He turned around to see Petra. She didn't let go of his wrist. He looked away, "Just don't. My sister is dying and it's all because of me. I was stupid. I should've broken free and helped her or something!" He sighed, "I know what you want to say. I know you're going to try to comfort me, cheer me up, give me hope, or something like that. But I don't want that right now. It's not going to work on me."

She tilted her head, "Who says we have to talk?" Her hand slid into his and they intertwined fingers. She led him to some blocks and they sat down. They stared at the ground in silence for a few minutes until Jess finally spoke, "Look. I-I'm sorry Petra. I didn't mean to take that out on you like that. I'm just.. stressed I guess." Jess ran a hand through his hair, "And scared. Sure she's always running into danger, but she's never come this close to dying before."

Petra squeezed his hand, "Can I talk to you now?"

He nodded.

She continued to stare at the ground, "To be honest, I'm scared too. Yeah, I know it sounds weird, but it's true. But I also have faith in Jesse. You made the point of her always getting in danger and hurting herself, and that just proves how much of a fighter she is. I'm not going to promise she'll be okay, because I'm not sure and I don't want to crush you, but I have faith in her. This isn't up to us. It never was. We couldn't have stopped that guard from hitting her or Hadrian for stabbing her, and that just proves that it couldn't have been your fault. If she's going to live, it's all up to her."

Jess looked up at her, " And this is only part of why I love you so much."

Petra gave him a confused look urging him to continue, so he did, "You're the only one who knows how to comfort me. Everyone else feeds me lies or sympathy. You give me the truth and faith."

Petra put her forehead against his, "It's what you deserve."

"But you deserve so much more than me."

"Hey!" Petra leaned back and pointed accusingly at him, "I tell the truth, remember? You're who I want to be with. More than anyone else in this entire world."

Jess smiled, "Sorry, I'm just-"

"Still upset." Petra interrupted, "But stop taking it out on yourself. Now you're just feeding yourself lies. The accident wasn't your fault, this whole kidnapping wasn't your fault-"

"I know one thing that is my fault." Jess stated. Petra gave him a warning glare and he continued, "Falling in love with you."

Petra punched his arm and he winced, "Oh stop it! All this gooey crap is giving me the chills. Now let's go check on Jesse. Together." She held her hand out to Jess, and once again, they intertwined fingers. On the walk, Petra froze.

"What is it?" Jess asked warily, ready to draw his sword. Petra laughed, "I forgot to give you the lucky kiss!" She kissed his cheek and he grinned and quoted her from when she accidentally took 'The Crush Potion', "Oh come on! Just a little more to the right!"

"Maybe next time!" Petra teased and they reunited with the group.

Petra

Stella ran to them, "She's awake! All because I saved her!"

"Really?" Jess smiled and raced past the crowd to see his sister. Petra, on the other hand, raised a brow, "Because you saved her?" She asked doubtfully. Stella grinned, "Yup. I stitched up the wound!"

"You stitched her wound?" Petra asked, "Wasn't that a little fast?"

"It's the truth actually," Romeo approached, "Believe it or not, Stella has some skilled speed. Especially with her fingers." 

Stella smirked, "Told you."

Petra rolled her eyes, "Then thanks Stella. Now I'm going to go check on Jesse." She pushed her way through the crowd and saw Radar and Jesse knelt at her side, Ivor, Olivia, and Axel standing right beside, and Lukas still cradling her in his arms. "You can let go of me now." Jesse mocked. Lukas shook his head, "I'm never going to let you go."

"Aww." Olivia put her hands on her cheeks and turned to Axel, "Don't you think Lukesse is the cutest ship ever?"

Axel shook his head, "My favorite is Axelivia."

Olivia's eyes widened in realization. Axel laughed and dipped her. Aaaand they kissed. They both blushed.

People began to cheer and Ivor scoffed, "Harpvor is cuter."

"Are we seriously arguing over the cutest ship?" Delcie crossed her arms. Carson put an arm around her, careful to avoid the spikes, "Don't worry, I won't tell them that it's actually Delson!" Everyone expected Delcie to strangle him, but instead, she scoffed, "In your dreams loner."

Everyone laughed. Soren then said, "Look, I'm happy to see everyone back together and happy, but can we get out of this place? It's giving me the chills!"

Once again, everyone laughed. Suddenly, Radar gasped, "Wait! Axel! Where's Mevia? I thought you were watching her!"