John X Arty: Book 3

New York - Chapter 1

WARNING: THIS IS A SEQUEL TO MY JOHN X ARTY FANFIC, PLEASE GO READ THAT IF YOU HAVEN'T!

~*John's pov*~

12/16/02 Dear Diary,

It's been two years since me and Carlton had run away from Hurricane. My career as an author has been going great, and me and Carlton have moved across the country to New York City.

I looked up from my journal, the subway is filled with unknown faces, each having their own unique features. I've tried my best not to breathe through my nose, as of the subway train smells of pure B/O and some perfume. It makes me want to throw up, honestly. It's quite a cold day out, so I wore a dark grey turtle neck, a black blazer that ended at my thighs. I also wore black dress-pants and a black belt. It's around 3PM when I get off the subway and head home. Carlton should be cooking dinner by now. I walk through the bustling city of New York, when I come up to my apartment building, I open the door and walk inside. It feels super warm compared to the 30 degree weather outside. I hear fans running, which is probably why it feels so warm in here. I take the elevator up 12 floors to me and Carlton's room, 1203. I lean on the wall of the elevator, waiting for it to stop and the doors to open. Before we came to New York, I dreaded elevators. It was fine if they had windows, but I felt like the small space would close in on me at any moment. Maybe it was because I never had to ride an elevator in my apartment in Hurricane, as it was only two floors. I took my keys out of my pocket and held them in my hand. When the elevator doors opened, I walked down to my apartment, which had the big numbers "1203" on it. When I heard the click of the unlocking door, I turned the doorknob and walked in. When Carlton looked over, a big smile appeared on his face and he ran over. I kicked off my shoes and he hugged me, "I thought you swore you were never going on the subway?" I replied, "I'm never going on it again. The smell was gut-wrenching." Carlton released the hug and nodded. I took in a deep breathe through my nose, our apartment smelt of lavender, which smelt quite nice after the subway ride. I looked at Carlton, and he must've sensed I was looking at him because he looked back at me. I hesitated on my words, but eventually said, "Do you ever think Arty will come looking for me?" Carlton replied, "You need to let him go. He's not going to come after you. It's been a whole year. Let. Him. Go."  I sighed, Carlton always said I was too cautious about these things. But when it comes to Arty, the chances are never zero. I sit down at the island, and he comes to sit down beside me. He lightly touches my hand and looks at me with a kind look, "John, it's time to move on. I promise he will never find you."  I look at him in doubt, he realizes this and hugs me. "Nothing will happen to you, Johnathan," he continued, "I will always be there to protect you." I put my chin on his shoulder and pull him into a hug as well. I sighed. Carlton was right, there's nothing in my past that can or will affect me anymore. I released the hug. "I'm going out, I'll be back." Carlton got up as well and said, "I'm coming with you." I took his hand in mine.