Careless Talk

Jealousy

Paul knew whatever decision he'd make, he'd regret not going with the other option. So really, he thought, it wouldn't matter which he picked. Paul huffed. He followed the reflections of light on the hallway floor to the school doors. John couldn't have gone far in his condition so he just strolled.

John was heaving himself across the pavement. The day was taking too much out of him. His head was bobbing so hard that his glasses were tipping off his nose. They fell hard, John stopped as best he could with a large cringe. If they broke, Mimi would certainly kill him. Just as he was about to search for the pair, they were shoved into his palm.

"Can't escape the frames forever Lennon" a familiar tinge of Paul's voice said nearly in his ear.

"Shove off" John said with a sneer but took the glasses from him all the same and put them back on his face.

"You can't even hold yourself up" Paul said that mostly in awe to himself but John had caught it and he didn't appreciate the hint of pity.

"I've had plenty of practice being drunk, think I'll be just fine, Princess" John continued to hobble, so Paul could easily keep his pace next to him.

"Can't I just make sure you don't get yourself killed?"

"I'd rather you didn't" John winced in pain.

Paul's pace was incredibly slowed with still movements. Johns was also slow but wobbly. Paul could be enjoying this, he really could. But John being in such a weak state was too odd and it made him uncomfortable. Paul did what he'd been doing almost too often lately and lit a cig. He rolled it along his lips and watched the smoke puff out between the open corner of his mouth.

"Gimme the damn thing" John reached out and Paul pushed it between his fingers. Somehow John doing the same action, looked far more natural and intimidating. Paul missed the slight burn and fuzz of the cig every time he put one out. He was somehow attracted to the burn.

Paul realized that he wasn't sure how to keep John on track as he didn't know where the lad lived. He wouldn't ask, wouldn't dare utter the question. He would just watch the lad closely. John stopped in front of a small home but did not go inside. He plopped onto the porch steps.

Paul remained standing, biting at his thumb nail. The skin was beginning to peel and had been bothering him for weeks. John looked up at Paul with an expectant expression.

"Have to finish the cig before I go in" John shoved a little to the side so Paul sat next to him. Paul's fingertips were a little numb so he continued biting at them with ease. John was palming his hands on his head every time his hands were empty.

"Do you need something?" Paul finally gave into his odd concern for the lad.

"Rest. need sleep and I'll be fine" he took the cig from Paul's mouth.

"That's all? You look on your way out if I'm honest" Paul shook his head. John chuckled a little at that comment.

"Always wondered what happens when I go out anyway" John shrugged and Paul became more interested in the conversation.

"You do?"

"Course...think about how I'll be remembered too. Don't you?" John voice portrayed more interest as well.

"Can't say I have, maybe as a passing thought...how much thought goes into that for you?" Paul asked while tapping the cig aimlessly.

"Quite a lot I'd say" John was aware that even that was an understatement. There were nights in his life where he kept himself up with plaguing thoughts of the such. He'd never tell Paul that though, at least not now. So he just took the cigarette and waited for Paul to say something since he seemed to be good at that.