Silence in the Storm

EKG.

After that weird conversation, Johnny never brought up the subject again. His incredibly calm response never sat right within me, and it was driving me crazy. I tried to brush it off, but every time we were together, an unsettling feeling would hammer in my mind. I did my best to not show my concerns, but it was getting obvious by the minute, and I didn't know if he really didn't notice it or it was just pretending that he wasn't aware.

On a cold evening where we were cuddling at his dorm watching a drama movie on his laptop, a cheating scene between the main male and the female protagonist got me a bit uncomfortable. I've stopped paying attention to the movie, pretending to be dozing off. After a long moment of awkward silence, Johnny moved away a bit to look at me.

- Ready for a shut-eye already, Mo'Leannan?

- Hmm yeah... - I had to keep with my façade. - I wouldn't mind taking a quick nap in your arms...

- If you're up to it, that would make me a happy man... - he let it out his charming smirk.

- Then it's a deal! - I snuggled on his torso, enjoying the natural warmth from his body.

As soon as I laid my head on Johnny's chest, something felt suspicious. His heartbeat was fast, and it wasn't because of me. His breathing was calm, slow-paced even. His odd self control simply threw me off. Suddenly the silence was broken and his calm tone seemed dry.

- ...I wanna talk to ye about that.

- What do you mean, love...? - I was apprehensive.

- I said I wanna talk to ye about what happened between you and Ghost.

My heart was pounding inside my chest; I was bewildered. I felt chills run up my spine, a lump grew in my throat. I was scared and unable to think of anything clever. I swallowed dry, trying to keep my composure. I slowly raised my head to look at him and I ended up meeting his cold gaze, his blue eyes devoid of any emotion.

- ...Go ahead. What you want to talk?

- It's not that I don't trust you, but... - he exhaled, trying to be careful with his words. - I have the feeling that you've lied to me... That you've tried to spare me.

- Why would you think that I did that...?

He paused, with a hint of pain in his eyes. I shuddered; he was more discerning and observant than I anticipated. Johnny crossed his arms over his chest and zoned out for a brief moment, turning to look into my eyes after an uncomfortable silence.

- I know Ghost long enough, lassie. - He shifted a bit on the bed, sitting down. - That lad has his way with women, and it's not the first time that I've got interested in a lass and she chooses him over me.

- I don't know what else to say to you besides that I'm sorry for bringing that kind of feeling out of you. - I sat down as well, fidgeting with his hand. -  Simon is indeed an enticing man, but I'd never choose him over you. He's far too demented for my own good. 

- Oh, wow... - he chuckled, amused. - I don't know if that's reassuring or whatever the fuck could that be!

- I'm sorry, I expressed myself wrong!

- It's okay, Mo'Leannan. I'm just messing with ye. - he chuckled. - To be honest, I'm feeling jealous, not gonna lie to ye. I respect Ghost a lot as my Lieutenant, but as a man I can't stand him... And seeing him hovering around ye simply gets me crabbit. 

- You can be at ease, love. He means nothing to me, and the kiss happened because he took advantage of me while I was vulnerable. A mistake that will never happen again. Forgive me for not doing anything about it. 

- I appreciate your honesty, babe. I'm still not sure of my reaction to all of this but I'll manage it.

- Are you not... Angry?

- I am angry at the situation, but not at you. Well, maybe a wee bit mad at you, but I honestly don't have the moral ground to act like a victim here. I knew that someday this kind of situation would bite me back in the arse.

- I truly apologize for what happened, love... - I leaned to hug him.

- No worries, we're fine n' tidy! -  he reciprocated the hug and kissed the top of my head. - Now, let's move forward with that. Do ye still wanna take a quick nap here?

- Let me set an alarm on my phone, so nobody sees me leaving your dorm. 

- That's clever. It's already bad enough having Ghost and Elise up our arses; I can't imagine our relationship reaching Cap'n Price ears. He'd eat me alive. 

- We don't need that happening... - I yawned mid sentence, feeling the tension leave my body. - Okay, I believe I really need a good nap in your arms... So comfy...

I couldn't remember what he replied besides hearing his rusky chuckle and feeling his strong arms wrapping tighter around me. The fruity smell of his cologne immediately took over my nostrils and I slowly fell into slumber.

************************

My phone alarm blared, but I was alone on the bed. I looked around confused, trying to figure it out wherever he had gone, but I was met with emptiness, silence and some distant noises from the hallway. I sneaked out of the dorm, carefully peeking around. As soon as I felt that it was safe to leave I rushed straight out, pretending to be coming from somewhere else.
As I finally reached out my dorm, I quickly sneaked inside, thinking I was safe and unscathed from scrutiny... But my heart jumped up to my throat as I let it out a squeal and I felt like my soul had been pulled out of my body. 
The gravely rusky voice with a british accent "welcomed" me from the shadows. I shuddered.

- ...Long time no see, luv.

Ghost was leisurely sitting on my desk chair, waiting for me, in the dark.