Blood Is Thinner Than Water

[AuruemSaber]

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"Lynchie also deserves an apology, everyone else too."

Rebecca knew what Jason was getting at immediately, prompting a weary sigh in response as she weighed the pros and cons of granting Jason this concession. On one hand it allowed her an element of control she'd lose should Jason look for their old cell by himself. On the other, her lie being exposed ran the risk of the precious few of their cell that were still even willing to speak to her being alienated.

Realizing regardless of whether or not Jason wanted to find Lynch and everyone else, there was always the risk of a freak encounter, better for them to find out on her terms, she would think before conceding the term.

"Okay. Just don't be surprised if Lynchie has a bad reaction, him and everyone else think you went missing with Kels and Gav, going to have to figure out how to explain that one to him first, the rest come after we figure out Oz'."

Rebecca realised as soon as she said it just how uncertain she sounded to herself, and Jason immediately took notice.

"Burn that bridge when we cross it."

Jason responded dejectedly with a grim look on his face, as if another reminder of the problems he had caused the big sister who had always jumped in swinging every time Jason had gotten himself into trouble had begun to eat away at his soul.

There would be a twinge in Rebecca's lips as she saw the pain written across Jason's face, before she realised the concession of a small smile won''t kill her before it graduated to an outright chuckle as Rebecca thought about the fact that statement could easily pass as their family motto.

"The Harper way, right?"

The joke served it's intended purpose, receiving a laugh from Jason.

"Think we'll ever know any other way?"

"Probably not."

Rebecca confessed in a dejected tone as what was quickly becoming a reoccurring intrusive thought started to play in her head yet again.

"If you were better. Kristoff would be with you now."

The gnawing thought refused to cease and repeated again and again, her own fear that it was the plain truth

Lost in her own thoughts, the sudden touch of Jason's other unoccupied hand on her shoulder ripped her back to the present as she found herself facing Jason's green eyes, the eyes of the siblings mother, the worry present in them all too recognizable and at that moment Rebecca could swear that would be staring through to what tattered remains of a soul she still possessed after the toll the years had taken on it.

"You good, 'Becks?"

The concern in Jason's voice was palpable as he asked, and Rebecca fell silent for a moment drink clutched in hand, she downed what little remained in one go whilst debating confessing the hard truth that she was far from okay for a brief moment before her own stubborn pride got in the way as it refused to let her drop her guard, at least not around Jason, she was willing to work with him, but she still hadn't forgiven him for what he and the Corsair had done to Kris.

"I'm fine."

The words rang hollow to Rebecca as she spoke them, knowing full well that she was lying "through her fucking teeth" as Lynchie eloquently put it. With her drink empty and the non-ending thoughts that plagued her, Rebecca was unable to find anything more to say to Jason and proceeded to get up from her stool.

Jason received one last look from Rebecca before she began to make her way to the exit. Jason frowned and Rebecca knew he hadn't believed her, and by her estimation was probably disappointed that she hadn't decided to confide in him.

Rebecca's right hand retreated into her fleece's pocket once more to produce yet another cred chip which was tossed in Jason's direction and caught in his left hand whilst the right still held the rag up against his nose.

"Get that looked at when you've finished your drink."

Her right index finger pointed at Jason's nose as she spoke.

"Finish my drink first?"

Jason laughed before he continued to speak.

"Good to see your priorities are still the same as ever."

Rebecca's eyes almost rolled into the back of her skull at Jason's comment but she'd still fail to suppress a small smirk that formed at the coroner of her lips.

"I've got some things I need to sort, and I imagine you'll want to talk to your mate Rodrigo too, so I'll send you a message in about two weeks time."

Jason's head nodded as a smile began to spread across his lips

"Alright, and Becks?"

"Yeah?"

"Take care of yourself, yeah?"

Rebecca lips crossed into a wry smile before raising her hands and shrugging dramatically.

"No promises."

Out of Rebecca's view, Jason's frown quickly returned as she made her way for the exit. Her particular choice of words left the self styled revolutionary's heart heavy with concern.

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