OC Oneshots

A Dance to New Beginnings

Platonic Johnson and David V.
Hurt/Comfort
TW: Mentions of attempted suicide.

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Johnson took a deep breath, slowly approaching the other man. The night was late- and the moon glowed spectacularly tonight. Yet the blonde stood just before the freckled lad, mesmerized by the world around.

Oh, Jon loved to see it.

This man is encapsulated by the world and how she sang. Here, symphonies of the wind carry the chorus of crickets, and the trees dance to the winding tone. It led to a beautifully orchestrated piece- one he felt he could listen to forever.

"David?"

The blonde turned, smiling gently. For the first time in ages, he saw a genuine smile fall onto his lips. 

"Is everything alright, dear friend?"

"Of course," Jon laughed. A man so close to death- just a few weeks prior- seemed to find a new light. "May I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Would you like to dance?"

The German stared for a long moment, nodding. He offered a hand to the brunette, noticing how nervous the freckled man seemed. There was no need- he had been Dave's second chance. It was Jon that gave him a reason to try again. "A dance would be splendid."

"A dance to those we've loved and lost?"

Dave's smile grew warm, shaking his head. "How about a dance for second chances?"

"I believe that sounds better," Jon whispered, gently placing a hand on the small of the man's back. He lifted his unoccupied hand, intertwining his fingers with David's.

Oh, how the blonde recognized the dance. 

A simple waltz- but tonight, this meadow was their dance floor. 

Johnson smiled, taking a simple step, embracing the sight as Dave followed along. Spinning, laughing, and a simple love made the experience enlightening.

They stepped on each other's boots- yet the dance felt as majestic and winding as ever. 

"We've both grown rather clumsy," Jon teased, spinning into the dance. "It's been ages since either of us danced."

"Oh- I haven't had the strength to, not since I lost Oordway. But, you'd know- you were by my side through recovery."

"I wouldn't dream of leaving you alone. Not during a time when you lost the one you love most. I saw the pain, and I've felt it. You needed someone."

Dave nodded, gently stepping back with Johnson. Below, the grasses wave, and the flowers perform a spectacular ballet; pink, blue, and yellow splashes, reaching out for their applause. The pale moonlight reflected gently off the freckled man's face. To think, this was the man he couldn't read some years ago- a man he always lost to in cards. This man led him through a waltz, bringing the comfort he needed. Those brown eyes no longer seemed hard to read.

They were tear-filled, but he was happy. 

They spun, laughing into the night. Their voices were caught and vanished into the winds. Dave gently took a step away, falling back into the grasses below. Jon followed soon after, resting his head on the blonde's chest.

"That felt incredible." The brunette breathed out, resting his eyes for a long moment.

"It did. Jon, my dear friend, I don't believe I thanked you for what you did that evening." 

Johnson lifted his gaze, perplexed. "What do you mean?"

"That evening, you ran after me. I was so close to giving up, yet you didn't. At that moment, you felt as if you were a savior. The way you hugged me- and you cried with me. You reminded me that I am human."

"And humans were made to love. Where the world feels cruel- she doesn't leave you to suffer alone. No, we were made to rely on one another. David, even in your darkest moments, I'll be there to lead you toward the light. I may not be the best candle; I don't burn the brightest, but I'll be here. When you feel alone, light me- I'll talk until the wick burns out."

Dave took a deep breath, running his fingers into Johnson's hair. Tears threatened to fall from his eyes as he thought about it. Johnson- after everything- wanted to stay? A blessing, he considers, a muse.

"Why did you choose to stay?"

"You were hurting. You had dug yourself into a loop of drinking; you'd hardly eat, and I was beginning to worry for your health. Losing Oordway struck you in such a quick, painful strike. I was starting to wonder if you'd continue to get up," Johnson explained. "So, I stepped in. I swore that I would help you the best that I could."

"You didn't have to."

"No, but it was a choice I made. You're my friend, David. No acceptable person in this world deserves to die in such pain. If I had lost you that day- if I didn't get there in time- I believe that would've been the day I gave up. Humans are so feeble, yet-... We thrive when there's another around. One we welcome and love."

David nodded, blinking away some tears. "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you for not giving up when I had. Since that day, I have realized that this world still holds beauty. You told me to look, so I did. I searched since that moment- and I found it. The world around me is Wunderbar, and it holds so much life. But you, Johnson, you're part of it, mein Freund. There's some form of beauty that lives inside of you."

"And there's so much beauty inside you. Happiness, love, and warmth." Jon wrapped his arms loosely around Dave's chest, snuggling into his side. "Each time I see your eyes glitter, I remember how far you've come. And I'm proud."

Dave turned, holding Johnson in a hug. He smiled, burying his face in the freckled lad's shoulders. "And I'm proud of you, dear friend. A fighter- even when you struggle. You're brave and never give up. You mean so much to me. Please, never let that light fade."

"This light is yours for as long as you need."

"Well, I believe I could keep him around for as long as I am alive. If that's alright."

Johnson grinned, resting his eyes. "Oh, that would be splendid," he whispered. "For as long as I can, I shall remind you that you're loved."

"But, my friend!"

"Hm?"

"As are you."

The two chuckled softly, lying in the grass. It felt as if they were the only people on Earth at that moment. Yet, they did no more than hold each other tighter, drifting to sleep in the tall grasses. 

All was warm. 

They were alright.