Running with the Rouge

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and the lingering smoke from Maggie's fireplace. You sat on the edge of the small, creaky bed, lacing up your boots, feeling Jack's gaze on you from where he lounged against the doorframe.

"You always this quiet in the morning, love?" he asked, voice still laced with sleep.

You smirked, not looking up. "Depends on the company."

Jack chuckled, pushing off the doorframe. "Well, I'd like to think I make for good company."

He was beside you now, close enough that you could feel the warmth radiating from him. His fingers trailed along your sleeve, a casual, absentminded touch, but one that sent a shiver through you nonetheless.

Last night still played on a loop in your mind—the firelight, the way his lips had tasted of whiskey and mischief, the way he had held you like you were something worth keeping. But reality was setting in now.

"We need to go," you said, standing up. "The longer we stay, the worse it'll be."

Jack sighed dramatically, stretching his arms over his head. "And here I was hoping for a lazy morning."

You gave him a look, and he grinned. "Alright, alright. You're right." He grabbed his coat from the chair and threw it over his shoulders. "Maggie's got some supplies for us—food, change of clothes, few coins to keep us going. Shouldn't take long."

You nodded, but there was something else gnawing at you. "Jack... where are we actually going?"

He hesitated for the briefest second before recovering, his usual bravado slipping right back into place. "There's a ship leaving port tonight. Headed north. Could take us somewhere warmer, quieter."

You studied him. "And if I say I don't want to leave Sydney?"

Jack's smirk faltered, just for a moment. He scratched the back of his neck. "Then we stay. We find a way."

Your heart did something traitorous in your chest. He was giving you a choice—something you weren't sure he gave many people.

Before you could say anything else, Maggie's voice rang out from the other room. "Oi, you two lovebirds done whispering? I've got things to do."

Jack rolled his eyes and motioned for you to follow.

Maggie had set a small bundle of supplies on the table. "It ain't much, but it'll keep you from starving for a while," she said, crossing her arms. "Now get out before I start feeling sentimental."

Jack shot her a wink. "You always were my favorite, Mags."

She threw a rag at him, and he laughed, grabbing the bundle and heading toward the door.

You followed, but before you stepped outside, Maggie caught your wrist. "Be careful with that one," she muttered, glancing toward Jack.

You swallowed. "I know."

Maggie gave you a knowing look, then let go.

Outside, the streets were already stirring with life, carts rolling by, vendors setting up their stalls. Jack turned to you, mischief twinkling in his eyes. "Ready, sweetheart?"

You took a deep breath, your fingers brushing his for just a second before you nodded. "Let's go."

And with that, you and Jack disappeared into the city, the promise of the unknown ahead of you.