Flowers (Johnny X Reader)

7

"So what do I really call you? I mean, I know your name's Johnny, but..." You started, assuming the tanned boy would finish.

"Cade. Johnny Cade. But... My pal's call me Johnny Cake." And, like you predicted, he did— only before exposing himself.

There was a brief moment between you two after you laughed at him as you (kind of...) admitted to having feelings. It wasn't awkward, but rather a needed silence.

Besides. You could have sworn that you saw him hold back a massive smile.

"How's your arm doin'?" Johnny asked, glancing down not-so-secretively at your wounded limb.

In all honesty, it probably didn't hurt as much as he thought it did. He was just worried. It sort of burned now, but you weren't weak.

"It's doing good. Doesn't hurt too much anymore." You said softly, sitting down beside the dark haired boy against a log.

The lot wasn't the ideal place for a Soc like yourself to hang out. You knew that your clothes were going to get dirty and that your mother would be upset, but it was okay. She didn't know how this felt, not really.

"Good." Johnny said shortly.

He seemed quiet and embarrassed ever since your exchange of feelings, but you wanted to let him know that it was okay.

That nobody would get in the way of you two.

Not even Jo and her viscous scratching.

Carefully, you placed a hand on his and looked out at the lot, trying to avoid eye contact while he looked up at you in confusion.

It wasn't hard to tell that he'd been here before.

There was an old fire pit right around your feet, a few newspapers scattered across the ground, and what looked like an old blanket... Which you were sitting on.

You couldn't help but wonder why this was his favorite place. There was nothing special, and it was rather... Well, it wasn't ideal for your standards.

"I don't think we should tell anyone." Johnny said suddenly, his eyes fixed on your face.

His words came as a shock to you. A snap back to reality.

"What do you mean?" You said, looking blankly back at him. It was getting cold and the night was biting at your cheeks.

"I mean... I don't wanna see Jo attack you like that again. Not because 'a me. It's not worth it, [Y/N]. If we just... Keep it on the low, nobody's gonna hurt you."

That was probably the most the small boy had said to you since you met him.

Still looking at you, he held your hand tighter and waited for an answer.

His dark eyes pleaded.

Please don't let them hurt you.

I wouldn't be able to live with myself.

And so, you agreed.

"Okay." A large sigh escaped your lips, and before you knew it, your head was resting on Johnny Cade's chest as he smiled, content with what he finally, had,

looking up at the stars.

and still,

in the hand that wasn't holding yours,

he held a flower.

Before your eyes closed tight, he tucked it behind your ear

and wished you a goodnight.

When you woke up, you were back home.

And you hoped to God that it wasn't all just a dream.