John X Arty: Book 3

He can't hurt you here.. Or can he?- Chapter 7

Carlton hopped in the drivers seat of their car, going to that one Thai place John recommended. He must really like Thai, Carlton thought. Carlton looked down at his outfit before starting the car, compared to him, everyone must think he's out on a business trip. But who would be out on a business trip in Hurricane, Utah? I just decided to go with my casual sweatshirt and baggy jeans. John wouldn't mind..did he?

About thirty minutes later, I parked in the parking lot of the Thai place. The jolt of the car stopping didn't seem to wake John out of his daydream, so I tapped him on the shoulder. He jumped and looked over, smiling awkwardly. I got out, waiting for him so I could lock the car. John took his hand, leading him up to the restaurant. Once they got a table, they both sat down, patiently waiting for a waiter.

"John. Carlton." They both looked up at the familiar voice, and John shrunk back into the booth, leaning against the window. "Arty?!" They both said in sync. Arty laughed, holding a notepad. "I'm a changed man. I have a girlfriend." He lied. Arty felt the sudden desire to reach out and touch John's hand, to feel that he was real. To make sure this wasn't a figment of his imagination. He continued, "Now order, will you?" Carlton looked at John, not knowing what to order. "I'll order the Pad Thai.." John said nervously, looking at Arty. "I'll get the same thing, I suppose." Carlton spoke more casually, placing his hand on John's, trying to calm his down, slowly caressing his thumb on the soft skin of his hand.

"He can't hurt you here, John." Carlton said. John's eyes wandered from Carlton's, many tables were beyond this one, and a bar was visible from the place he was sitting. Yellow came from the lights, which made him look darker than his what Carlton claimed was "a vampire's shade." John was surprised that this place was swamped with people, but it wasn't as loud as he first expected. You could hear the chime of sliver-wear clinging on the plates, and then he looked out the window. Right beside the street was where Circus Baby's Pizza used to stand. Since all of the missing kids were found there, thanks to Jessica, the place was shut down for child endangerment. John smiled. We did that. He thought. Saved children from a disaster.

"Here's your food." Arty laid down the dishes on the table, and Carlton gave him a suspicious look before Arty turned away again. "Carlton, the food looks good. There's no need to be suspicious." He said, picking up his fork and biting into his food. Carlton picked up his fork, but just stared down at it, twirling the fork in his fingers. John sat up, excusing himself to the bathroom. He knew it. Carlton didn't bother turning his head to watch him leave. He pushed his plant away, bringing his knees up high enough to hug them.

*~~~~~~*

John sighed, twisting the knob on the sink, letting the water run. He put his hands under the running water, it boiling hot on his skin. He splashed the water on his face, holding back the pain by biting his tongue. "Get it together, John..." He spoke quietly to himself. Someone entered the bathroom, and he didn't bother to look over. Probably some nobody. "Why don't you tell me how Carlton survived?" The voice asked, and John's eyes widened. "Survived what?" He asked, pretending to be clueless. Cold fingers touched the back of his neck, holding onto the back of his blazer.

"I know you know, Johnathan." The voice spoke. John looked at himself in the mirror, the terrified look in his eyes and his pale skin obvious from miles. "Answer me." The voice growled. John stood as solid as stone, not saying a word. The person pulled him back with their strong arms, and his head hit the wall, he had come face to face with this mysterious voice. To no surprise, it was Arty pinning him to the wall. "I don't know how. I wasn't there." John said calmly, hiding how scared he actually was. "How do you know about this?" He asked. Arty grinned, "I'll never tell." John tried pushing him away, but Arty's body leaned against him, making it impossible to get the space between them to possibly push him away. "I'm just trying to have a nice dinner...please.." John pleaded, growing more tired by the second. "And I'm just trying to ruin your nice dinner." He said, putting on a mischievous smile. "All I said out there was a lie." John interrupted, "Arty.. I really can't play your little games right now..." He said, his eyes slightly rolling into the back of his head from exhaustion. Now there will be nobody to save your poor, pathetic life, Burke.

John fell forward, grabbing onto Arty for support before filling passing out. Arty wrapped him in a hug before picking him up. Now how was he going to get him out of here without Carlton seeing? Arty thought, and then something came to his mind. There was a door right by the bathroom that led to the employees only place. From there, there was a door which led outside to the back, and then he could easily get John into his car. Arty left the bathroom with John in his arms, sneaking into the employees room.

Don't see me...don't see me... Arty begged to himself, running through the least visible spot, heading to the door. He pushed the door open with his back, making sure John didn't get hurt as he did so. Arty opened the passengers side, putting John in the seat and buckling him in. Arty got in on the other side of the car, speeding out of there.

*~~~~~*

Carlton stared out the window, waiting for John's arrival. Now that he thought about it, it had been at least twenty minutes since he last saw John. His eyes widened, also realizing he hadn't seen Arty in a while. Arty...and John.. He ran to the bathroom, many people looking at him like he was a maniac. He opened the door, going inside. "John?!" He spoke, and the echo of his voice bounced off the walls. No reply. God dammit, Carlton. You're an idiot. You just let John walk off alone like that.He thought, going back to his table. He paid the bill and ran out the door, determined to find them.