DEVIATE X / / AN UNORDINARY FANFICTION

XV.

"Don't worry, Del. He'll be fine."

I looked at Dane with a somewhat hesitant expression as he held the door open to reveal Wellston's front entrance.

"Are you sure? I could stay at home for a couple of weeks." I said as I stepped out.

"I can take care of him, kiddo. If you stay at home, it'll just make him feel guilty." He explained before crossing his arms in a somewhat relaxed fashion, easing me into an assured ambience.

"Okay.....i'll visit tomorrrow." I nodded with a sound of approval. "See you soon." I said as I waved at him.

I watched as he drove away, biting my lip restlessly at the vacuum of warmth I felt just a moment ago. I've lived with Miss Rose and Irel for almost a decade now, and there was wasn't a moment with him that didn't fail to make me smile. But seeing him fueled by such negative, raw energy with no attempt to step into the light made me more than worried. Even though Dane was Irel's second closest friend, he definitely didn't share the same impact Rei had on him.

"Delta?"

I whirled around. Basked under the golden sunset stood John, his un-gelled mane of dark hair swaying under the soft breeze. His golden eyes held an essence of confusion and worry as he rushed towards me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked briskly, staring at his sleeveless muscle tee and gym shorts attire. The lean band of muscle on his arm glistened with sweat as he subconsciously flexed, making me avert my eyes.

"I went out for a run and saw you return. Is everything alright?" He questioned, ignoring my apathetic nuances before studying my aloof expression with a concerned face. "You left so suddenly yesterday, and I didn't get to see you today."

"Everything's fine. I think I just...." I turned away from him. "I just need some time alone."

I felt his hand grab mine in protest before whirling me around to face him.  I felt my eyes widen at his bold movement, but he didn't seem to notice.

"You're lying." John replied earnestly, squeezing my trapped hand. "You're not fine, and if I were to leave you alone to drown in whatever you're worried about, I wouldn't be doing my job as your friend."

I panned over him, perplexed if I was feeling frustrated from his prying or taken aback that he was genuinely concerned for my wellbeing. The same prideful bearing of his squared shoulders only reminded me of the empathetic visionary Irel, which only fueled my desire to be alone. I didn't want to think about how I wasn't able to be with him, how much pain he was enduring without me. But seeing the uncanny mannerisms I've noticed from John only directed my thoughts to my step brother.

"Delta," he started, not bothering to wait for my response, "I—ow!"

With my free hand, I gently pressed the subtle lavender blot framing his eye. He winced as I narrowed my eyes.

"What was that for?" John asked in bewilderment.

"You got in a fight while I was gone." I stated sharply.

"It wasn't my fault—!"

"I don't care." I inhaled in exasperation before pinching the bridge of my nose impatiently. "I told you, if i'm not with you, then you run."