80's one shots

A ride with John Taylor (Duran Duran)

It really wasn't the best day.

You'd just been fired, but you couldn't find the courage to tell your 18-year-old little sister, whom you were living with and taking care of while your mother was away. That morning, she told you to go to work, and you pretended to go. Instead, you spent the whole day searching for a new job to apply to and ended up going to the library, where you fell asleep.

After a while, you woke up and it was starting to get dark outside. You gasped and grabbed your purse, rushing out of the building. On the way, dark thoughts started coming back. You slowed down and looked at the sky, full of little bright spots. Suddenly, you heard someone arrive from behind you and, turning around, you ended up face to face with your friend John. He was smiling, as usual. But you weren't. He noticed it quickly.

"I'm sorry for what happened at your work. I want to try and make you feel better. Can i do that ?" he asked, genuine concern in his voice.

You stared at him blankly.

"I don't think anything is going to work this time."

He pinched his lips, obviously upset about the situation. He started walking next to you, hands in his pockets and still looking at you.

"Oh, i have an idea. Let's go eat something." He added, after a moment of silence.

"Sorry, John... I'm not too hungry."

"Drink something then ? Go to the movie ?"

You shook your head and apologized.

"John, i don't want you to waste your time for me. I'm just gonna get home and sleep. You should do the same, it's getting lat-"

"I KNOW WHAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER !" John gasped, which made you jump in surprise. "Stay here. M'kay ? Just give me 5 minutes. I'll be right back !"

"What ?? John !" You called as he started running away.

"Seriously- Ah ! This guy." You spoke to yourself. Thankfully, you weren't alone in the street ; it was a friday night, so everyone could stay out late. Surely John wouldn't have left if you were alone in the middle of nowhere.

After a few minutes, your saw your friend come back on a scooter. You didn't know whether to be confused because you had no idea he owned a scooter, or to laugh because of how big he looked on the vehicle.

"Shall we go on a ride ?" He asked, handing you a helmet.

"..."

The scooter didn't look very solid. One tight turn and you'd both be sent flying in the air.

"Don't worry, i'll drive slowly. I always do." John said, noticing how hesitant you were.

You felt him staring at you and looked up, sighing softly.

"Fine. But if anything happens to me it'll be your fault !" You declared, putting the helmet on and climbing behind your friend on the vehicle. "Look at that ! There's nothing for me to hold on to."

John turned his head and laughed.

"Just put your hands around me, silly."

You mumbled something under your breath and chuckled, doing as your were told. You couldn't see it from behind but John smiled as he felt your hands around his waist.