The After Kingdom: UnOrdinary (Arlo x John)

Chapter 13

John had been silent the whole day when he told Arlo that he's accepting his offer. He was actually hesitant when he answered, and he looked... Somehow ashamed. He kept asking Arlo if there was a way to repay him, in which the blond answered that seeing him stop his activities was enough.

To be honest, Arlo wasn't expecting John to actually agree. because when the dark haired man told him that he'll reconsider, it looked like he had no actual intention to live with him.

Arlo thought that maybe, him agreeing had something to do with what happened to John that night, seeing how his usual demeanor was was off the day after, and how distressed he look.

Although it was nice that John decided to take his offer, it still is quite alarming. A God-tier like John, knocking on his door almost beaten up to death? Arlo was concerned. He would like to know the full details, but the dark haired man seemed to be traumatized about what may have happened.

Elaine told him that John's ability was stronger than before, and that her own ability almost didn't work when she was healing him. During her call, Elaine described him to be 'absorbing' energies, which is something they should look on to. Other than that, Elaine also mentioned about John possibly being a 'patient' on the hospital she works in, but she's still not sure and would have to search for the files first.

The idea of John being a patient doesn't really seem plausible, rather than that, John could just be a visitor, frequently visiting someone he knew.

That theory actually explains why John is in constant need of money, because he had to pay bills. If John needed immediate and a large sum of cash, it would make sense that he'll resort into stripping and prostitution, especially if he haven't graduated.

Arlo badly wanted to know about John, but John have always been a stubborn and a hard-headed person. He doubt that the dark haired man would even reveal himself to him.

To John's request, Arlo waited until weekends for him to move in.

His arrival was quite surprising too, he just arrived bringing two big boxes and a big luggage early in the morning.

Arlo doesn't really mind but, he could have asked Arlo to help him even if he doesn't have a lot of items. The blond wasn't that busy at work recently, and he was surprised. He was expecting atleast something related to the incident of John to pop up, but so far, there wasn't any report.

"So John, you came so early." Arlo commented.

John's eyes widened for a second, but it soon reverted back to normal.

"Yeah..." he answered, "I have to look for a job today, and if I'm lucky, I'll be employed after weekends."

"I'll accompany you."

"You don't have to accompany me, Arlo. I can handle myself." John sighed.

That's what he said before too.

"You don't have to." the dark haired man said, "You should just focus on your files, you missed a day because of me afterall. Surely you wouldn't want your performance at work to suffer because of me."

"It's weekends, and I haven't been assigned new cases lately." Arlo insisted, "Besides, I want to make sure that you're applying for a proper job."

In the end, John just let Arlo accompany him. John inquired on different shops, restaurants, malls and cafes, but each time John went out of the room, his face looked more and more miserable. He've seen John's fake confidence, he was easily able to interact with owners and they seemed to like his fake optimism as well, but apparently, the jobs doesn't pay enough, and he can see John calculating from time to time.

The dark haired man got hired in the coffee shop they went on before, but even after being hired, John still looks worried, telling Arlo that he would look for one more job, convincing him that he could work two jobs at once.

However, the blond forced him to return home for now since it was already passed eight. John looked really down and it was bothering Arlo a lot, he wished that the other ma would just tell him what was wrong. Even if Arlo knew, he wished that John would atleast trust him.

When both of them arrived home, John took a quick bath, and Arlo followed right after John was finished.

This was John's first night at living in Arlo's house, and he had to get used with Jonh's presence now that he's here. Although John have slept more than once on his house before, tonight felt different.

"Arlo? You're sleeping on the sofa? Why...?" John asked, standing in front of Arlo.

"You need enough sleep, John. I'll sleep here for the time being since I haven't bought a mattress yet." the blond yawned.

"I should be the one sleeping on the sofa." John said, "During the times when I was here before, you always let me sleep on your bed while you slept here. This is your house, it should be the opposite."

John was right but, Arlo didn't really want him to sleep here for some reason. He'd like it if John was able to get himself enough rest, and maybe, it'll improve his mood.

"I don't really mind sleeping here." Arlo admitted, "Besides, you seemed tired today."

"Aren't you tired too?" John asked, "How about this-- if you won't allow me to sleep here, how about you sleep beside me instead? Your bed is big enough for the both of us."

Sleeping on the same bed with John?

"No thanks."

"Are you still disgusted with me, Arlo?" John's tone changed.

Shit. That wasn't really the reason why Arlo didn't want to sleep on the same bed with him...

Not wanting to upset John more, he replied, "Fine. I'll sleep there."

Arlo moved into his bed with John, facing the opposite direction as him.

Eventually, the dark haired man fell asleep before he did, and Arlo thought that it wasn't that bad compared to what he was expecting.

John actually looked peaceful and behaved when sleeping.

That was until when he felt two arms wrapping itself around his waist, gripping him tight like a pillow.

This is why Arlo didn't wanted to sleep on the same bed with him in the first place, if there was one thing he noticed whenever John was asleep, it was that he hugs anything he can grab on like a bear.