Javier Escuella had always been a man of few words, but tonight, the silence between you felt heavier than usual. He sat by the fire, guitar resting on his knee, his eyes flicking up to meet yours before returning to the crackling flames. You had been with him through the chaos of the gang, through the endless days on the run, and yet there was something in his gaze now that you hadn’t seen before—something like hesitation.

You didn’t say anything, not at first. You had gotten used to this quiet between you two, the unspoken understanding. But tonight felt different. The firelight danced on his face, casting shadows that seemed to hide as much as they revealed.

Finally, he broke the silence, his voice low and rough, just above a whisper. “You ever wonder what it’d be like, livin’ a life that’s not this?”

You didn’t answer immediately, letting the question linger in the air. You knew exactly what he meant. There was always the possibility of leaving it all behind, of choosing something simpler, something less dangerous. But you also knew Javier wasn’t the kind of man who could ever fully walk away from the life he’d chosen.

He sighed, strumming the guitar absentmindedly, his eyes meeting yours once more.

— “Guess I’m not cut out for peace” He spoke, a small, rueful smile tugging at his lips. — “But maybe you could’ve been.”