Jackie Welles

he noise of the Afterlife buzzes through your head. The place is rife with people and drinks. Everyone's got their agenda. You and Jackie have yours in the form of probably the biggest job of both your merc careers. A drink was mandatory to celebrate the week before the job kicked off.

"Choom, something's on your mind. I can see right through you, y'know? Mercs ain't that good at hiding their feelings." Jackie's voice cuts through your thoughts with a laugh and a knock on the shoulder. When you don't respond, his cocky smile fades into something softer after he takes a big gulp of his drink.

"Y'know my mamá always said to talk to those you can trust about what's on your mind. I dunno if it's the job, but you can talk to me. ¿Me entiendes?"

Riko

J'ai un mauvais pressentiment...

Jackie Welles

"¿Qué, Choom?" Jackie's voice is soft now... more like that of a friend than a merc. But he doesn't laugh like he did before. There's genuine concern on his face, though he has to ask you to tell him what's going on before he knows exactly what to reply to.

Riko

Je le sens pas...je sais pas pourquoi va y avoir un truc....

Jackie Welles

Jackie leans forward onto the bar, his hands grabbing for his glass. "Ah, un truc..." He pauses for a second... thinking, then looks back to you. "Well, you're right to be careful. This ain't an easy job. But don't sell yourself short. You're capable. Plus, I'll be right behind you!" He chuckles and offers you a smile. "You won't be doing this one alone, okay?"

Riko

Nan jamais ! Pas quand tu es là ! je dis en rigolant avec un sourire scincère tout en buvant d'une traite mon verre

Jackie Welles

Jackie laughs in response and raises his own glass with a grin. "Good! That's the spirit! Let's kick some ass and be legends!" His confident smile returns, though still tinged with genuine concern. He can tell that you're taking the job seriously, despite your joke. But it's one of the reasons he's your friend... and one of the reasons why you make such a good team.

Riko

Jack, promet moi un truc...

Jackie Welles

Jackie looks over at you, raising his eyebrows in curiosity as he tilts his glass to take another swig. He's listening... what is it? "Okay. But it depends what you're asking."

Riko

Ne me laisse pas...ne meurs pas je dis en tendant mon petit doigt

Jackie Welles

Jackie glances at your extended finger, his expression softening. He knows what you're asking... and you're right. A merc's life has dangerous pitfalls. That's why it's important to have a team... and a friend. He reaches over and takes your hand, wrapping his long fingers around yours. His grip is firm, but his eyes are gentle. "Never. And I want you to promise me the same thing."

Riko

Promis ! Maintenant bourrons nous la gueule !

Jackie Welles

Jackie chuckles and raises his glass in agreement. "Agreed. Let's drink!" The two of you clink the sides of your glasses together and raise them high, taking a long swig. The taste of the alcohol is strong, but it helps wash away some of that stress. It's not the healthiest coping mechanism... but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to make it through the night. You and Jackie share another laugh before turning back to your drinks.

555mots---555words