Chapter Text
Jesse drew a deep, drowsy breath. The smell of fresh air filling his lungs. They slowly exhaled, the sound of Beacon Town and all its people bustling around the little house they’d learned to call home after all these years. Their eyes fluttered open, landing on the window across the room which was slightly cracked open to avoid their room getting all stuffy.
A new day - new responsibilities awaited.
Jesse began dragging themselves out of the bed, their joints popping after a rather uncomfortable night’s sleep, thinking back it had been a long while since they had gotten a proper night's sleep… Following The Witherstorm good sleep was hard to come by - and after the run in with the horrible Admin, Romeo, sleeping had almost become an entirely impossible task to accomplish, especially with the searing back pains that plagued the poor human as of late.
Jesse had successfully made their way to the tiny kitchen, kettle in hand. They fumbled for the tap, eyes still adjusting to the sun pouring in through the kitchen window, it was a great deal brighter than their room they had emerged from moments prior. Once satisfied with the amount of water in the tea kettle it went onto the blazing hot stove.
It was a neat thing Olivia had invented and gifted to Jesse, of course fireplaces, stoves and similar were old news but this one was… Refined, used less space and was far safer than the other alternatives. Something about using micro redstone she’d said, whatever that meant…
Jesse let their mind drift to their friends and acquaintances that had been present during the major moments of their life. Axel and Olivia, his two human friends, who had been with them since a young age. It had been a while since they’d met up in person due to various reasons, the main one being neither of them felt quite safe leaving their precious towns - homes. Especially not with Founders day for Beacon town coming up.
Such a wonderful day meant for joy was now dreaded and dubbed ‘The day of destruction’ ever since the event that transpired a few years back. While the powers of all admins had seemingly been sealed away forever at RNG-Knows-Where and the chances of an Admin coming back were, well, practically non existent it would take time for both their friends and citizens of all villages to feel secure enough to celebrate it again, Jesse knew as much.
Jesse’s mind did a 180 turn, they hadn’t seen Petra, one of their dearest friends (and fox hybrid) in a long time. Jesse did occasionally receive letters with little treasures attached from Petra from seemingly all over the world. She had decided that travelling after the Admin showdown was the thing that felt right. Of course there was no way Jesse would try to convince her against going, not when her heart yearned for adventure and self discovery. She’d set out with Jack a few years back, so they didn’t doubt she was safe - that they were both safe.
Lastly, Lukas… Lukas Jesse had seen more frequently than the others as of the past year. The charming blonde ocelot hybrid had decided to move closer to Beacon town, in fact, he’d decided to settle down in the woods not too far outside of Beacon town. Jesse had tried coaxing him into moving into the town, that he’d be able to set up his own home wherever he wanted. Lukas on the other hand had kindly turned down the offer, saying he’d rather live outside the walls where he could be at peace without the intense sounds a town would bring.
Jesse could accept that, town life wasn’t for everyone and when you had increased hearing and a better sense of smell they supposed town life could be rough. They had caught themselves staring at the almost perfectly round and fluffy ears atop of Lukas head more times than they’d ever admit… An the way Lukas tail puffed up when he got spooked was rather adorable, or when-
Timid knocking on the door shocked Jesse out of their daydreaming, cursing under their breath. Not even the whistling of the tea kettle indicating the water was boiling had been enough to snap them out of their daydreams.
Jesse quickly got the kettle off the stove, putting it on the counter and quickly pushing some strands of hair out of their face. More confident knocking sounded on the door “Jesse?” A muffled voice sounded “U-Um… Coming!” Jesse shouted, throwing a frantic glance down at their clothes. They were still dressed in their lazy blue sleeping gear “Just a minute!” Jesse hollored, quickly dashing into their room to change into their trusty everyday clothes which still consisted of a white shirt, suspenders and jeans.
Jesse just about managed to catch a glimpse of themselves in the mirror, it really looked like they hadn’t had a wink of proper sleep since before the first The order of the Stone had been formed. In a pathetic attempt to feel more awake and look alive they slapped their cheeks and shook their head along with a very quick pep talk (if you could even call it that) “You can do this, Jesse”
Jesse quickly bolted to the front door, swinging it open with enough might to almost knock over poor Radar who was patiently waiting outside “O-Oh jeez, you spooked me, Jesse!” Radar quickly exclaimed with a slightly forced laugh, giving his glasses a light nudge and tucking the clipboard close to his chest.
“Oh, uh… Sorry about that, Radar” Jesse offered the other one an apologetic smile which Radar returned. The smile however fell from the former one’s face and was replaced with a look of concern “By the aether, jeez, um…” Radar seemed to trial off for a moment, Jesse patiently waiting “I really mean this with no ill intent but Jesse are you doing okay? It looks like you haven’t slept since…”
“Thank you for the concern, Radar,” Jesse offered him a small smile, skipping down the (very short) steps leading to their house “Just had a hard time getting comfortable tonight, I’m having the worst back pains”
“O-Oh, I see! Well, maybe you should see someone for it? Get a health potion?” Radar softly suggested. Jesse didn’t have the heart to tell him that they’d already tried that on multiple occasions the past week so they just nodded, making it seem like a good idea “So what’s the rush about this morning?”
“Right!” Radar quickly straightened his back, looking down at the clipboard in his hands “Well, most urgently I suppose is that Stella was here earlier this morning”. Jesse couldn’t help but to roll their eyes, ever since offering the leader of Champion City help to rebuild after the admin tore the city apart Stella seemed to take the liberty of asking Beacon town for resources and supplies whenever necessary and would throw a hissy fit if they declined. At least Lluna didn’t live there anymore.
“-And they also want to re-open the mines” Radar finished, only then Jesse realised they hadn’t been paying attention. For a moment they felt like - and looked like a deer in headlights. Radar seemed to notice this but didn’t read into the actual context and chuckled loudly “I know! I told her I’d bring it up with you despite me technically also running this town!” Radar gestured towards the street behind them both that was bustling with people.
“I said it was such a crazy idea to even consider, especially with founding day pretty much right around the corner. It was mostly to get her to leave though and maybe leave it alone until at least the festivities are over”
All Jesse could do was really hum and nod their head, hoping they weren’t agreeing to sell their soul to the crazed neighboring city they’d ended up with “There’s also another few things I’d like to go over with you, Jesse!” Radar chimed up, once again snapping Jesse back to reality.
This was going to be one hell of a day, that’s for sure.
By the time the two were done talking and going over the plans, concerns and feedback from the townsfolk it was quite a bit past noon, the sun slowly tipping over the middle point of the sky as it began to descend slowly but surely.
Jesse was spent.
Not being able to drink their tea this morning and working on an empty stomach seemed to take its toll. Jesse had found some moments of precious peace, laying back on the grassy hills outside of Beacon town, well, maybe not laying back on their back since it still hurt like searing hellfire. While Jesse did treasure their town greatly, probably more than any treasure brought back from their adventures it was nice getting a break from managing it.
Jesse laid face down in the grass, their cheek smoshed against one of their forearms as the sunlight warmed their back. The slight wind was gently swaying the grass around them and by the heavens Jesse felt they might actually be able to doze off right here in the open. They hadn’t felt this at peace in months, last time must’ve been when Lukas spent the night after Jesse had opened up about some of his anxieties and insecurities after drinking a bit too much.
Jesse groaned at the vague memory of that night. They did only recall bits and pieces of it, most being of the ugly sobs they’d made when talking about how terrified they’d been about facing The Wither Storm and Lukas strong arms around them, the feeling of the blonde one’s bushy but oh heavens soft tail sweeping around them.
The memory of his blue eyes piercing their soul, golden soft hair under the lanterns glow, his perfectly shaped face and body crossed Jesse’s mind.
It was enough to send Jesse groaning and face planting the soft grass beneath them, their cheeks were ablaze and they suddenly felt a whole lot warmer than before. Hell, they’d almost drunkenly confessed those feelings and laid them bare for Lukas back then and there, the sheer mental willpower and fear of rejection stopping them before they did. Jesse was aware Lukas had his own share of problems to deal with and it would be unfair to have unloaded something that emotionally charged on the poor hybrid.
Jesse’s mind slowly crept back to their previous thoughts about how drop dead gorgeous Lukas had looked that night, they’d seriously do anything re-live that one moment for even just a second longer-
“Wow, you look exhausted” A voice chimed from next to Jesse who practically flew up to their knees, head snapping towards the source of the voice. Almost as if on cue their back groaned in pain which caused Jesse to yelp loudly and double over before being able to see who had snuck up on them - and cue the shivering and mild hyperventilation.
“Woah, hey, hey, calm down” A gentle hand found its way onto Jesse’s back, rubbing soft circles onto it. Claws - or rather nails gently caught the tunic’s fabric as well which was a dead giveaway of who it was “I’m sorry for scaring you Jesse, I really thought you heard me coming” Lukas gentle voice spoke from their side. Jesse’s frantic breathing seemed to calm a bit, the shivers remained. Partrically because their body was working overdrive to get adrenaline pumping but also from the sheer pain of their back being touched.
Lukas must’ve knelt down next to Jesse at some point because the next thing Jesse knew a hand had found its way to their cheek, gently tugging their chin up “Look at me, Jesse” It was a soft demand which they were in no power to decline, they would’ve gladly taken any chance to look and marvel over Lukas features even if they weren’t busy stopping the creeping panic from clawing at them.
Jesse’s green eyes met Lukas' pools of bright blue, oh how easy it would be to get lost in those eyes of his… His eyes looked so much like the bright blue sky above them and the golden hair of his reminded him of the beach and gold.
The pair remained like that for what felt like hours, eons even but it must’ve only been a few minutes at most. Jesse really tried burning the image of Lukas like this into their mind, his golden hair swaying gently in the wind and his eyes staring into their own so intensely they might drown in his gaze.
Jesse wanted to stash away this memory and treasure it forever.
Lukas offered Jesse a toothy smile, his sharp fangs gleaming in the sunlight. Seemingly satisfied, Lukas pulled back, letting his hand drop to his side as he plopped himself down to get more comfy. As quickly as the moment had sprung into action it had vanished, leaving Jesse yearning for more.
They couldn’t stop staring at the hybrid, if they would’ve been a wolf their tail would be wagging like crazy for sure.
“I am seriously sorry about scaring you, Jesse” “I-I- It’s no problem-” Jesse struggled with founding words again, having been stunned into silence earlier “It’s no big deal, I’m just happy it was you and not some armoured zombie sneaking up on me” Jesse flashed Lukas a smile as they slowly, with great care made themselves comfortable on the grass. They were careful to not turn their back - or neck for that matter too much.
Of course it was impossible to hide the stiff movements from Lukas keen eyes “You holding up alright?” He softly prompted, his blue eyes shifting to concentrate on Jesse rather than the line of trees in the distance “Yeah- Yeah for the most part. You know, just taking a moment off from running Beacon town” Jesse gestured towards the tow to the left of them. Lukas hummed loudly in approval.
“I am going to be blunt but it looks like you haven’t slept well in a hot minute” Lukas prompted, nodding towards Jesse who quickly seemed to busy themselves with doing anything but answering. “Though if you do nod off in the same position as out here I’m not surprised” He added
“Just… Been having a hard time getting decent sleep” Jesse muttered ‘I haven’t slept well since you stayed the night’ They almost added, but instead opted for “My back is about killing me, I must be getting old”
The two friends barked a laugh at this which Jesse ended up regretting and almost doubled over in pain which Lukas caught on to rather quickly, his aura shifting to a more serious one. “I going to ask if you’d like to grab lunch with me at the Bake’n Go Bakery but seeing your condition is this serious makes me reconsider”
Jesse felt a pang of sadness explode from their chest, they struggled to find the proper words before Lukas carried on, seemingly going full protection mode “Seriously! Radar did not notice you were this unwell?” Lukas gestured towards the entirety of Jesse who seemed to shrink in on themself “It is painfully obvious something is amiss, heavens Jesse you shouldn’t be working like this” Jesse felt inclined to disagree, while it did hinder their performance by quite a chunk sitting around never did anyone any good “Lukas, it's a bit of back pain it isn’t-”
“Jesse with all respect it sounds like a lot more than ‘a bit of back pains’ as you call it” Lukas cut in, bouncing to his feet in a freakish way that screamed flexible hybrid “You are going to take a break at my cabin, it’s the only place I can make sure you’re actually resting” Lukas said in a matter of fact way, when Jesse tried arguing that they still had a lot of work to be done in Beacon Town Lukas shut them down with “I will tell Radar you’re taking a well needed break and will be back when you’ve gotten some rest”
And that was that.
Jesse honestly did not have the energy to argue with their friend as they were slowly led towards the forest in the distance where Lukas’ cabin was. They also knew it was hardly worth it since Lukas was not the type to budge easily, especially when it came to their friends' health and wellbeing.
Lukas had kept a close watchful eye on Jesse the whole way to his humble home. Upon reaching the cabin Jesse came to find that Lukas had made the whole place feel just like home - it had similar vibes to what their old treehouse had. A little wheat farm was scattered to the right of the house, to the left of it ran a creek that seemed to be filled to the brim with fish. Next to the little wheat farm was a chicken coop and a pen with an inky black horse in it.
“You’ve made this place really pretty, Lukas” Jesse softly commented as they were led up the staircase to the deck and front door. Lukas gave Jesse a proud smile, getting their hard work validated felt lovely, especially coming from someone so… Precious to him. “I am glad you like it, it took a lot of time to capture the essence I wanted for it”
With that exchange being over Lukas opened the cabin door, to Jesse’s surprise it had been left unlocked. Jesse was greeted with a surprisingly open floor plan. The kitchen and living room seemed to be connected, bookshelves, paintings and item frames coated the walls making it feel very cozy and home-like. A door in the far back of the living room was left ajar and it must’ve led to what Jesse assumed was Lukas bedroom…
...Come think of it Jesse hadn’t been at Lukas place before. Sure, they’d seen it when it was a work in progress but never found the time to go out here to visit. Lukas had said he understood and would happily visit Jesse’s place in Beacon town but… The thought that Jesse had never come here since the cabin was completed made them deeply upset.
“Ooohkay,” Lukas sighed from their side, Jesse shifting his eyes up to meet the taller ones “So, uh, the guest bedroom isn’t quite done yet because I did not anticipate I’d be having a guest over this soon” Lukas slowly started, heading into the living room - kitchen mix. Upon closer inspection a counter island was the only thing separating the two rooms.
“I will mix together a cup of health potion and pain-killing brew” Lukas headed into the kitchen and began looking through his medicine cabinet. He threw a quick look over his shoulder to see Jesse standing around confused where he’d left them. A warm smile bloomed on their face alongside with a feeling of warm, loving awe in his chest almost threatening to make the ocelot hybrid choke “Please take your shoes off and make yourself at home, take a seat on the couch, I’ll be with you soon”
Jesse slowly nodded at this, struggling to bend down to untie their shoes. Once they were off they absentmindedly headed into the house. It was not only cozier but also bigger and more welcoming than their little sorry excuse of a home in Beacon town - of course Jesse was quite pleased with their home but nothing could beat the sheer bliss Lukas home brought them.
Jesse sunk down on the couch, the material so much softer than their bed and anything they’d recently sat on. They wanted nothing more but to lean back into it and fall asleep. Of course Jesse knew that’d be a bad idea considering it felt like their back might burst open at any moment and they were trying their absolute hardest to not let it show.
In hopes that occupying their mind with something else they let their eyes scan the coffee table in front of them. Books, paper, ink and more were messily strewn about on the table. This must be Lukas' writing corner, huh?
As if on cue Lukas chimed in “Please don’t mind the mess” as he was approaching Jesse and the couch. “It’s all ideas for my next book I’m writing” Jesse raised a brow, writing… Oh right! Lukas had written multiple books - and novels featuring their friend groups adventures together. Jesse had even read a few of them, they’d never been a huge fan of books but it was… Flattering getting to read about themself and their friends. Also knowing Lukas was the one who had put it together really helped make the whole reading experience better.
“What’s your newest great tale about?” Jesse softly tried as they accepted the cup of hot brew from Lukas who gestured towards the drink “It might be bitter but it does help with pain” Jesse nodded, taking a sip from the steaming cup. It WAS Bitter. They couldn’t help but to scrunch up their nose and give Lukas a look that said they were second guessing his intentions.
Their reaction earned a chuckle from Lukas alongside with a grin “Well, I’m currently drafting a new story. It’s not really a whole lot yet but I am planning on writing about the gauntlet and… Admin” Lukas softly spoke as Jesse stayed quiet, taking another sip from their cup “I figured it was about time, It has always felt too fresh to write about but now? I think I’m ready”
Jesse only hummed again, busy forcing themselves to drink and keep down the drink they’d been handed “We can talk more about it later if you’d like, for now I think you should get some rest” Lukas gave Jesse a heart-mealing smile that almost made them choke.
“I should inform Radar about where you are as I promised to avoid causing a panic” And with that Lukas headed for the door, stepping into his own shoes and tying the laces. “You better have finished that drink when I get back” Lukas jokingly threatened, giving the quiet Jesse a warm smile again.
Slight awkward silence fell between them and Lukas’ tail swished back and forth a few times “Well… I’ll be uh, heading out” “Yeah, um, you probably should” Jesse quickly agreed with a nod. Lukas turned to leave but looked over his shoulder last minute to see Jesse giving the health-painkiller mix liquid a deathglare. He wouldn’t be surprised if Jesse poured it down the sink the second he was out of the house, he had tried it himself and wasn’t a big fan of the taste either even if it did help “If you’d like to change into something more comfortable I have spare clothes in my room?”
Jesse seemed to freeze up at this as their mind tried to catch up with what Lukas had just said. By the time they were about to question what on earth the hybrid had suggested he’d sneaked out the door and was far gone by now. Jesse scoffed, rolling their eyes, they supposed that was one of the perks of being a cat - specifically Ocelot hybrid. Sneaking up on people or away from situations had always been something Lukas had been exceptionally good at. He had always been good at blending into the background when he wanted.
Jesse sighed deeply “Alright, brew,” They muttered, staring down at the cup in their hands so intensely it would’ve scared most people turn heel and bolt the other way “Just you and me now so bottoms up!”
With every single ounce of willpower Jesse could muster up they turned the cup upside down and chugged the remainder of the drink. It burned on the way down their throat and they ended up almost choking on it. This might’ve been a slightly bad idea.
Almost instantly they broke down into a coughing fit which did not help with their back pains. By the time they had managed to calm down enough to breathe properly tears were streaming down their face from the sheer agony the back pain had wrecked upon them. Not even getting flung around like a ragdoll by the Admin had hurt this much. A loud sob wrecked through Jesse who was desperately trying to master their breathing again. They could only imagine how Lukas - or someone else would’ve reacted if they’d see them in such a poor state. What a champion they were, huh.
Another heart wrenching sob sounded from Jesse as they tried wiping their tears away, to their dismay the tears didn’t stop falling and they decided to give up, hugging themself tightly instead. Oh how they wished Lukas was here to comfort them, maybe it was a foolish thought but Lukas always seemed to be able to make their pain go away by just being there, distracting them from it.
Just as Jesse thought it couldn’t get any worse the pain spiked, reaching an all time new high which sent them screaming in pure agony, they could feel something moving around in their back, they were unable to dwell on that for even a few seconds as a sickening ripping noise followed the sensation. Jesse could feel their back (and white tunic) rapidly becoming warm and sticky.
Jesse stopped breathing for a moment, despite the fact they were trembling and sweating one of their hands just about managed to reach for their lower back, patting the tunic only to feel their fingers becoming sticky from what they assumed was blood. Upon withdrawing the hand they came to find it was coated with red, sticky blood that shimmered under the afternoon sunlight.
They were trembling so hard and hyperventilating like they were in the middle of a panic attack - and they might as well be. Jesse’s mind was struggling to keep up but a thought crossed their mind just as the corners of their eyes began to feel fuzzy and darken ‘Is this how I die?’
The last thing they remember was the feeling of falling forwards, just about managing to avoid having their head split open against Lukas coffee table.
Then darkness.