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"I got my PhD in thiefology."

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I WOKE WITH a cough, the taste of saltwater still heavy in my throat. My body ached, as if every inch of me had been battered by the ocean, and I could feel the sand sticking to my skin as I tried to take a breath. The world spun for a moment before I blinked away the fog, my eyes finally focusing on the blurry figure beside me.

JJ.

He was lying on his side, his hair a tangled mess, his face pale and damp with seawater. I could barely believe we were both still alive. My chest tightened as I took in the sight of him, and without thinking, I threw myself at him, pulling him into the biggest hug I could manage, sobbing into his shoulder.

''You saved me, JJ.'' My voice cracked. ''You saved my life.''

His arms wrapped around me, holding me steady as the tremors ran through me. I felt his hand on the back of my head, gently smoothing my hair.

But then, in his usual way, JJ's voice broke through the silence, light yet serious.

''Mavie, you saved me too. You pulled me out of that hell once.'' He chuckled. ''I'm just returning the favor.''

I pulled back to look at him, wiping my face with the back of my hand.

We both turned our attention to our surroundings. The beach was desolate, the waves crashing on the shore in an endless rhythm. I could feel the exhaustion pulling at my limbs, but I forced myself to sit up.

''Where do you think we are?'' I asked, my voice hoarse. I scanned the shoreline, seeing nothing but sand and water stretching for miles. We had no way of knowing where the storm had thrown us.

JJ shrugged, his expression unreadable. ''I don't know. We could be anywhere.'' He ran a hand through his hair, his jaw clenched. ''But we're alive, and that's something.''

I let out a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. JJ was right, we were alive. But the thought of the others—where they could be—hung heavy in my mind. I needed to know they were okay.

JJ helped me to my feet, his grip firm as he steadied me. I was shaky, my legs unsteady under me after being tossed around in the water for who knew how long. We took a few slow steps forward, the sand shifting beneath our feet as we moved along the beach.

''Mavis...'' JJ's voice broke the silence between us, and I looked up at him. There was a kind of seriousness in his eyes now, one that hadn't been there before. ''You know I'll always be here, right? I don't know what I would've done without you. You're like a sister to me.''

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words settle in my chest. I stopped walking and turned to face him.

''I'm so grateful for you, JJ.'' I said it before I could stop myself. ''You've saved me so many times, and I don't think I could ever thank you enough.''

I saw his expression shift, that trademark grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. He reached out and pulled me into another hug, tight and warm, the kind that felt like home.

''I got your back, Mavie. Always.''

We stayed like that for a moment longer, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore in the background.

Later that evening, the sky had darkened, and we sat around a small fire that JJ had managed to start. The warmth from the flames flickered against the night's chill. I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt this tired, but we couldn't rest just yet.

''Do you think they're looking for us?'' I asked softly, my gaze fixed on the fire as the orange light danced across my face.

JJ shifted beside me, his expression thoughtful. ''They have to be. John B, Pope, Kie—they won't give up on us.''

I nodded, though a gnawing worry still lingered in my chest. I hadn't heard from the others, hadn't seen them since the storm, and the thought of them out there, alone, made my stomach twist.

But then, just as quickly as the worry flared up, it was replaced with a different thought—Rafe.

''Do you know what he said to me when we got captured by Singh?'' I asked, turning to JJ. The words felt bitter on my tongue, but I needed to get them out.

JJ's face immediately darkened. He had no love for Rafe Cameron, and I couldn't blame him.

''What did he say to you?'' JJ asked, his voice low, his gaze hardening.

I exhaled slowly, remembering the words Rafe had said. ''He told me he dropped drugs for me. That he... he was trying to keep me safe, and he cares only about me, not the others.'' My voice wavered, but I pushed through. ''He was always so awful to me, to all of us. He treated us like dirt, like we were nothing.''

JJ's face twisted in frustration. ''That guy's a piece of work. He might say whatever he wants, but unless I see a real change, I'm not buying it. Mavie, you deserve better than someone like that. Someone who treats you like crap because you're a Pogue. You deserve someone who sees you for who you are, not who you're not.''

I nodded.

''You're right, JJ,'' I replied quietly. ''But I still feel like he could change for the better... He's trying for what it's worth.''

We both fell silent after that, the crackling of the fire filling the void. It wasn't long before our exhaustion overtook us, and the warmth from the fire and the comfort of knowing we were together pulled us into a restless sleep, the flames flickering until they, too, finally faded into the night.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

THE MORNING LIGHT hit the sand, casting a soft glow across the shoreline as JJ and I walked along the beach. I was still trying to process everything that had happened—the storm, the ocean, us somehow making it out alive. 

My steps were slow as I scanned the horizon, the beach stretching on forever in front of us, the sense of isolation sinking in. And then, in the distance, I saw movement. A figure coming toward us. My heart skipped a beat.

''John B?'' I muttered to JJ, barely able to believe my eyes. It couldn't be him.

But as the figure grew closer, the familiar outline of John B became clearer, and the moment I recognised him, a sense of relief washed over me like a wave crashing to shore.

''Mimi!'' John B's voice rang out, full of emotion.

Before I could react, he was right there, pulling me into an embrace so tight I could hardly breathe. I felt the warmth of his body against mine as I squeezed him back.

''I thought I lost you,'' he murmured. I could feel the tightness in his grip, like he never wanted to let go.

''I'm here,'' I whispered, my voice a little shaky. ''I'm here, John B.''

JJ stood beside us, a small smile on his face as he watched the reunion.

''You saved her, man,'' John B said to him, his voice full of gratitude. He clapped JJ on the back before pulling him into a tight hug. ''Thanks for keeping her alive.''

JJ just shrugged. ''What can I say? She owes me now.''

We all shared a light laugh, and the three of us started walking back to the others. My heart was full at the sight of everyone. I hadn't realised how much I'd missed them until I saw them again, alive and well.

As we approached, Sarah spotted us first. Her face lit up as she rushed over, her arms outstretched.

''You're okay!'' she exclaimed, pulling both JJ and me into a hug.

Her grip was tight, her voice thick with relief, and I squeezed her back, thankful that she was here, too. The others gathered around, their expressions ranging from shocked to overjoyed as they saw us. It was hard to believe we'd survived the night, but here we were, together again.

Just as I thought we might stay caught in the moment forever, JJ nudged me lightly with his elbow. He'd been watching me carefully, and I followed his gaze.

Rafe.

He was standing a little away from the group, leaning against a tree, his expression unreadable. The moment I laid eyes on him, something shifted inside me.

''Go on,'' JJ teased in a whisper. ''Go make sure he's still breathing.''

I gave him a small, resigned smile and nodded, my heart racing in a way I hadn't expected. I walked away from the group, the sounds of their chatter fading as I made my way toward Rafe.

When I reached him, he lifted his gaze slowly, those blue eyes of his softening just a little. Without saying a word, I stepped closer to him.

Then, as if without thinking, he pulled me into a hug, his breath warm against my neck. It was like I could feel everything he wasn't saying, the relief, the worry, all tangled up in the simple act of holding me. I closed my eyes, trying to steady myself.

''I thought you were dead,'' he muttered into my neck.

I let out a small, shaky laugh. ''Yeah, me too,'' I admitted, pulling away slightly to look at him.

His hands lingered on my shoulders, his gaze still soft but guarded. I reached up, my fingers gently touching the back of his neck.

''I'm sorry,'' I whispered. ''We did a pinky promise that I'd come back, didn't we?''

He gave me a faint, almost sad smile. ''Well, you did come back,'' he murmured. ''So it counts.''

We stood there for a moment, the silence between us comfortable in its own way.

Later that night, we all gathered around a fire. Most of the group had settled in, though I noticed Rafe was still off to the side, leaning against a tree with his eyes fixed on the fire. I couldn't bring myself to sit close to him—not yet. The rest of the group still didn't trust him enough to let me sit near him.

John B, however, broke the silence with a grin. ''Next time we go on a trip, we're planning ahead, right?''

Kie laughed, clearly in agreement. ''A hotel sounds nice. With a shower.''

''Yeah, and maybe a bed,'' Sarah added, her nose wrinkling. ''I smell awful.''

John B made a face, as if realising for the first time how bad he really did smell. ''I smelled myself today, and I was—''

''Yeah, you weren't the only one who smelled you,'' Sarah interrupted, a teasing smile on her lips, and the whole group burst out laughing.

Then JJ, ever the wildcard, threw in his own two cents. ''Hey, uh, you know what would be a good name for a baby?''

Pope raised an eyebrow. ''What?''

JJ grinned widely. ''JJ.'' He paused, letting the silence stretch. ''Goes both ways, actually. If it's a girl, if it's a boy.''

"What baby?" Pope chuckled, his voice filled with confusion.

"Um... yeah," John B mumbled, glancing at Sarah with a questioning look, clearly unsure how to approach the subject.

I watched Sarah, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Oh, that's right. You guys don't know." She squeezed John B's hand, her eyes shining with excitement.

"No way," Cleo breathed, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Mm-hmm," Sarah nodded, her gaze never leaving John B's, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

"A poguelet?" Cleo asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

"Yeah, you?" Pope pointed between Sarah and John B, clearly trying to process the news.

"Yes!" Sarah giggled, her excitement contagious.

Pope couldn't help himself. "You're gonna be a freaking dad!" He yelled, tackling John B into a bear hug.

Cleo followed suit, rushing over to hug Sarah. It was all joy and celebration, laughter filling the air as they marveled at the news. I couldn't help but smile at the scene, their happiness infectious. 

After the brief celebration, the group began to settle in for the night. As much as I wanted to sleep, I couldn't shake the restlessness that had taken hold of me. My mind kept racing, the images of the ocean, the storm, and everything that had come before it swirling in my thoughts. I needed a moment away from the group, so I quietly excused myself, making my way towards the tree where Rafe laid down facing away from the group.

I found a spot on the other side of a large tree, leaning against it as I sat down, facing the darkness of the beach. 

Then, I heard the soft rustle of someone shifting behind me. 

I didn't have to look to know it was him.

After everything that had happened, I didn't know what to make of him anymore. He hadn't exactly earned my trust. But he was still here, and somehow, I couldn't bring myself to completely push him away. I did more than that actually.

I still don't know why I did that. It just felt right. He wanted my answer and instead I kissed him. In my head, it said more than words could've. I accepted his apology and his advantages towards me. I just wasn't sure if he took it the same way I did.

We sat in silence for a while, our backs facing each other. Neither of us spoke.

Finally, Rafe broke the silence. "You know, they don't trust me." His voice was low, almost a whisper, and I could hear the frustration in his tone.

I didn't turn around, my eyes still fixed on the dark horizon. "Do you blame them?" I replied, my voice almost as soft as his.

He sighed. "I don't care about them. I care about you. Only you."

I let out a quiet breath, the cool air rushing into my lungs as I closed my eyes for a brief moment. "Do you?" I asked, turning my head slightly, though I didn't meet his eyes.

The silence stretched between us again, and I felt him tense. "You didn't apologize to anyone yet," I finally added, my voice softer now. "And I didn't see you do anything that proves you've changed."

Rafe shifted behind me, a soft groan escaping his lips. "I know," he admitted, the words barely above a whisper. "But I will. I'll try. It's gonna be hard, though. Given everything."

I exhaled slowly. "I don't know if trying is enough for them like it is for me, Rafe," I muttered, my fingers tapping against the bark of the tree in front of me.

There was another long pause before he spoke again. "I know, Mavis. I know. But... I have to try. For you."

I didn't respond right away, unsure of how to process his words. Finally, I whispered, "Goodnight, Rafe."

He didn't reply at first, but after a moment, I heard him breathe deeply. "Goodnight, Mavis."

And with that, the silence returned. I closed my eyes, leaning back against the tree, letting my thoughts drift into a restless sleep. 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

THE STREETS OF Essaouira buzzed with life, a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and scents. The chatter of merchants bargaining in a mix of French and Arabic filled the air. The sun hung high, casting golden light over the ancient, sandy-colored walls and narrow alleys.

"There it is," Pope announced, pointing ahead. "My calculations were correct. That's Essaouira."

We came to a halt, taking in the sight of the bustling port city sprawled before us. JJ stepped forward, his eyes scanning the area. "All right, so the plan is: locate the wharf and find Groff, okay? That's all we gotta do."

We moved closer to the heart of the crowd, but the sheer volume of people quickly became overwhelming. The alleys were cramped with vendors, their stalls piled high with exotic wares, from vibrant textiles to gleaming trinkets. It was chaos.

JJ groaned under his breath as he stopped short. "That might be a little harder than I thought."

"You think?" Pope's tone dripped with sarcasm, rolling his eyes.

"Let's go. Come on, come on," JJ urged, waving us forward.

We moved as a tight cluster, weaving through the throng, dodging the occasional vendor or eager customer.

"Come on, stick together," JJ repeated as he glanced back at us.

I kept my hands close to my sides, avoiding the curious stares of strangers and the occasional shove from a passerby.

A man approached JJ, speaking rapidly in French. JJ raised his hands defensively. "No, no, no. That's all right. I... I don't got any cash. Okay?"

I caught the confusion flickering across Pope's face. "Can we stay as a group?" he called out.

"I'm trying," Cleo shot back, her accent cutting through the noise as she nudged Pope forward.

JJ turned in a half-circle, looking more flustered with each step. "Yo, we gotta get out of these alleys. I don't know where I'm going."

We trudged on until JJ's eyes landed on something ahead. He pointed upward. "That might be something. Come on."

Following his lead, we climbed a hill that gave us a clearer view of the city. It was a relief to escape the crush of the crowds, even for a moment.

"Yeah, I knew it," JJ murmured, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Yo, that's Murad," Pope chimed in, stepping closer to get a better look. "The Barbary pirate. That's the guy Groff was telling us about."

I squinted at the statue perched on a rooftop. 

"Holy shit, that's him. The Barber," John B added, his voice tinged with awe. "The one who made the map to find the crown."

"Which might be closer than we think," JJ declared as he looked at us.

"It's a sign," Kie murmured.

"Yeah. Let's keep moving. Come on," JJ urged, leading us back down toward the busy streets.

The heat and noise felt even more suffocating as we reentered the crowds. Every face blurred together, and every step felt heavier than the last. Then Sarah's voice cut through the chaos.

"I don't feel so good," she mumbled, her tone weak.

We all stopped as John B and I turned toward her. Sarah had sunk onto a low ledge, her face pale and drawn. My heart clenched as I crouched down beside her.

"What's wrong?" I asked quickly, scanning her face for any signs of what could be wrong. "What are you feeling?"

"Nauseous," she murmured, wincing slightly.

"Nauseous," Kie echoed, frowning as she crouched next to me.

"You probably just need food," I guessed, placing a comforting hand on Sarah's leg. "It's been, like, what? Two days?"

"Yeah, we gotta get her something," John B agreed, crouching beside me, his brow furrowed with concern.

"You okay?" Pope asked from behind us.

"No, she's not okay," Kie countered sharply, shooting him a look.

"I'm fine," Sarah insisted, shaking her head weakly.

"No, Sarah, you're not fine," I pressed, glancing up at the others. "She needs to eat. We gotta get her something."

"Good luck with that. We don't have any money," Pope reminded us.

"We can do it the old-fashioned way," Cleo offered, a sly grin creeping across her face.

JJ's eyes lit up. "A little five-finger discount?" he suggested.

"Mm-hmm," Cleo nodded, already stepping forward.

"I don't wanna hold up the group," Sarah muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

I gave her a small, reassuring smile, squeezing her leg gently. "I think it's a little too late for that," I joked lightly, earning a faint smile from her while Rafe dissapeared into the crowd.

"No, we're good," Kie assured her, standing up to give her some space.

"Hey, it's okay. Let's do it. Let's just do it fast, all right?" John B encouraged, pressing a kiss to Sarah's forehead before standing up.

"I'm coming with," Cleo announced, striding after JJ. "You need an experienced thief."

"Experienced thief?" JJ scoffed, falling into step beside her. "I got my PhD in thiefology."

As they disappeared