We're All a Little Depraved

17 (alaina)

I watched Mina ride off. I have redeemed myself. Everyone rushed back to me. Jonathan said something to The Joker.
"Everyone clear out!" The Joker said.
They did. Jonathan sat next to me.
"I am so sorry." He said. His eyes were rimmed with red, threatening tears, but none spilled over.
"It's all right. There was nothing you could've done." I reassured him.

He put his hand behind my head, and he kissed my forehead. Then he let my head rest on his chest. I felt tears well up for the first time today. I'd been shot, and I hadn't cried. I guess I just realized how serious this all was. I felt his chest go in and out slightly as he breathed calmly. I hugged him. He returned the hug, but it was a genuine hug. I could tell he was going to miss me.
I sat up a bit, gasping a bit.

"Hey, don't--"
"Johnny, listen. I need-- I need you to listen to me."

I sucked in a breath.

"I have...philophobia..." Breathe. "And, boy, do you scare me." Breathe. Laugh.
"Helena, I love you too. Just not in the way you want me to."
"That's fine." Breathe. "Please don't go."