MCSM One Shots (2018-2019)

Tiny Friend

Plot suggested by @RubyCakeUnicorn
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Jesse stood at the gates to Beacontown, her arms wrapped around herself for warmth as strong gusts of icy wind tugged at her hair and clothes. She didn't need a mirror to know that her nose and cheeks were probably a bright shade of red from the cold.

But Jesse wasn't focused on how cold she was at that moment, her attention was on the person standing in front of her. Petra was dressed even warmer than she was, understandably because she was going to be on the road for the next few hours. Excitement gleamed in the redhead's eyes, a painful contrast to the sad gaze that rested on Jesse's face.

"Come on now, stop making me feel bad." Petra said, giving Jesse's shoulder a playful nudge with hers. "I won't be gone for long, you know that."

Jesse mustered a faint smile, nodding at Petra. Despite knowing that she'd see her friend again soon, she was dreading being alone in the Order Hall again for the first time in... years.

"I'm sorry." Petra said, seeing the downcast look in her friend's eyes. "I just... I really couldn't say no to this opportunity, when Jack asked me to come with them."

"You don't have to apologise." Jesse replied softly. "If you want to get out there a bit, I'm nobody to keep you tied down in Beacontown."

"You spent two years out on the road, travelling with me." Petra responded. "It's my turn to be here with you in Beacontown."

Jack called Petra's name, causing her to turn her head in his direction. He and Nurm were waiting on the other side of the gate with their three horses. Jack tapped his watch, signalling for Petra to hurry up. She gave him a quick nod, turning back to Jesse.

"You know you can still come with if you really want to?" Petra offered one last time.

"Nah, it's good." Jesse said, forcing a smile again. "I'm still coming off of my cold anyway, travelling in this weather won't do me any good."

Petra gave an understanding nod. She stepped forward, the two of them hugging each other goodbye. Petra's wolf, Rascal, who had been at her feet the entire time jumped up at Jesse's leg, snuffling his snout into her jacket as his way of saying goodbye.

"Two days, and I'll back." Petra said as they pulled away from each other.

"Be safe out there, okay?" Jesse said seriously.

"Pfft." Petra waved a hand at Jesse. "Of course I will! How do you know me?"

"That's exactly the problem." Jesse responded with a roll of her eyes, for the first time that afternoon cracking a true smile.

She knelt down to Rascal's level to say goodbye to him as well. Rascal sat down, panting as he wagged his tail at Jesse. She knotted her gloved fingers into his fur as she leaned forward, giving the wolf an affectionate kiss between his eyes.

"You look after Petra for me out there, okay boy?" Jesse said to Rascal, earning a playful lick from him. Petra just laughed.

"Petra!" Jack called again, a bit of impatience beginning to tint his voice.

"Hold your horses, I'm coming." Petra growled back at him. She sighed, turning back to Jesse. "I better go before Jack throws a fit."

The two girls gave each other another quick hug goodbye, before Petra turned around and jogged out of the gate towards Jack, Nurm and the horses. Rascal ran after her, his tail wagging excitedly. Jesse waved to them as they began riding off, Petra waving back at her. She stood there at the gates, watching them ride away until they were mere spots in the distance.