DARLING ➶ JOHNNY C. DEPP II

X

The little town buzzed with excitement, dazzled by the sudden attention given to every nook and cranny of the shops and homes that littered the streets.

Paparazzi flooded the neighborhoods, their cameras flashed in every direction in hopes of capturing the famed figure of the one and only Johnny Depp, more preferably, with Erela Cota.

"John, I'm scared." Her small voice echoed through her quiet home, the only house on the block with her curtains drawn and windows shut.

"I know, darling. They'll give up soon, give it some time." His hands ran through her hair, pushing a few strands behind her ear.

"What about when you have to leave? They'll see you, and then everyone's gonna know where I live."

He didn't answer, there was no response he could give that would make her feel better. It wasn't as simple as, I'll leave through the back door. The cameras were everywhere, and it was only a matter of time before they got what they needed.

"Do you think people are gonna hate me because of that story that came out?"

"No, she's the one who slapped you. Everyone who was on set defended you, you have nothing to worry about." He offered a small smile, scooting himself closer to her while wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

"Are you filming today?"

"Not until tomorrow afternoon, why?"

"Can you spend the night, please?" She turned her head to face him, expecting him to look disgusted.

"'Course I can, babe. Your parents won't be mad?"

"I don't know. My dad might not even come home tonight, and my mom might come home late. If anything I'm hoping they don't find out." She shrugged.

"So, you want me to like - sleep with you? In your bed?"

"If you're - uh - okay with that?" She cringed, hoping he didn't think she just wanted to get in his pants.

He smiled, nodding his head before tangling his hand in her hair.

"I guess." He mocked, chuckling slightly.

"Whatever." She quipped, rolling her eyes playfully. "Let's go to my room." She stood up, holding out her arm for him to take.

"Whatever you say, m'lady." He bowed, kissing her hand.

"You're so cheesy."

"Only for you."

🌾

"John, this is uncomfortable." Erela whined, her arm tucked awkwardly under his back as her head rested on his shoulder. "We're not good at cuddling, this isn't working out." She whispered.

It was currently 11:00 at night, and their first attempt at cuddling together was as disappointing as Amy's attitude.

"Come here." He mumbled, grabbing her by her waist to pull her to sit on his torso.

Her heart began beating fast, last time they were in this position, they almost kissed.

"Lay down, baby." She was still sitting upright, her hands resting on his lower stomach.

His hands dropped from her mid-back to he lower waist, pulling her to lay on top of him. His arms were wrapped tightly around her, keeping her in place.

He looked down at her, memorizing every beauty mark and freckle that peppered her skin. He leaned in slightly, not sure if she would even allow him to do what he'd been longing for since he first met her.

Her brown eyes met his, and for some reason he felt as if this one time was different than all the others. Like this was their moment, like he was meant to be there.

He leaned in again, but she pulled away, afraid of what would happen to her if she'd let him.

"John--" She whispered, her body tensing under his arms. "Do you think we're taking things too fast?" She asked, looking down.

"Don't you think we should? Who knows how much more time I have here, we might as well do what we can now." He whispered, rubbing her back in small circles.

"That's exactly what I'm afraid of." She muttered, his words replaying in her mind.

His arms tightened around her, "What do you mean?"

"Who knows how much more time I have here?" She repeated his words, "This could end in a heartbeat once it's time for you to leave."

"I wouldn't let that happen." He reassured.

"You just said we might as well do what we can now. That kinda sounds like something someone would say when they're just looking for a fuck buddy or something."

"I didn't mean it like that, love. I just want to at least show you how much you mean to me before I have to go. But of course I'm gonna come back and visit you."

"And how much do I mean to you?"

"More than you think."

It was her turn not to say anything, mostly because she didn't know if she wanted him to show her. She of course did want whatever it was to happen, but didn't want to deal with the heartbreak that would occur later.

"Be prepared, darling. One of these days I might break, and you're gonna get it whether you like it or not."

"Relax, tough guy."

He chuckled, "Go to sleep, it's past your bedtime."

"Tomorrow's Sunday." She sassed.

"Still, you're crabby right now."

"Whatever, goodnight." She wrapped her arm loosely over his chest, closing her eyes.

"Night, darling."

From a distance, the two would have been thought to sleep soundly together, with no care in the world about who or what the Paparazzi would do. But a gut feeling settled with Erela that night, one that kept her restless. The only comfort she found were Johnny's soft snores distracting her ever so often from her anxious thoughts, and his arms wrapped around her, protecting her from the outside world.

But the outside world was a friend, and for all she knew, he was not.

🌾

sooo the paparazzi is finally gonna be involved, let's see how erela takes that crap. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯