DEVIATE X / / AN UNORDINARY FANFICTION

XXX.

"....lta? Helloo...?"

I felt a soft prod against my shoulder, groaning as I fought against the drowsiness weighing down my eyelids. The stiffness of my neck was evidence from the duration of my unconsciousness, helping me regain my sense of touch.

A set of sturdy, cool hands cradled my hot cheeks, gently lifting my face upwards. The invigorating touch began to dispel the heaviness from my eyes, enough so that I was able to recognize John's warm irises peering into mine.

"Heya, Del." He said again.

"What happened...?" I mumbled as he helped me up, steadying me against his chest.

"I tried calling you, but you weren't getting back to me. Prof said he couldn't wake you, so he just let you rest." He explained. "It's been an hour since school's been let out."

I looked around the desolate classroom before peering out a nearby window. There were a few stray students milling about the courtyard, littering the area in small knots. I must've really been out.

"Are you okay?" He asked, pressing his lips against my forehead. "You've seemed pretty lethargic since you been discharged."

"After being passed out for a week, I guess my body is trying to get used to the normal routine," I said, averting my eyes away from his.

...Which was true in a sense. I spent most of the days at the hospital cooped up in bed unconscious unless John came to visit. But ever since I've stepped back on campus, simply staying awake seemed like such a burden now. I got berated at least two times today for falling asleep during class.

John studied me again before pressing his hand to the back of my forehead. "Your head is really hot."

"Really?" I asked as he slipped his jacket around me. "Well, I do admit that it's pretty chilly. Where are we going?"

"I was going to take you back to my place because Seraphina's staying there until she can go back to class. But you don't look like you're doing too well at the moment."

John's face contorted into worry as his eyes roamed over my face.

"I'm fine, I promise." I assured with a hint of reluctancy. "I'm just a little cold. Besides, it's been a month since I've seen her. I want to catch up."

Despite John's own doubts, I followed him off campus, keeping my arm locked around his as I became lost in my own thoughts. The frosty air bit into my face, contradicting the sun that loomed overhead. Although the weather was somewhat invasive, I found it somewhat comforting as well.

My eyes trailed up to meet John's face, his hair rustling softly against the breeze. Even though it was only yesterday, I've observed John long enough to understand when there was something off about him, whether it be the ambience or his mannerisms. His eyes held a dark, thoughtful expression, so subtle that you'd have to look twice to think anything of it. It was the same expression I saw in the hospital since his injury, now permanently residing on his face. Although he still retained his nurturing attitude towards me, there was no mistake that whatever unfolded yesterday changed him.

He's going to tell me what happened last night when he's ready, I thought sternly to myself, attempting to alleviate the anxiety threatening to overtake my thoughts. If I push the matter, he may not willingly be open with me. Waiting is better than him being closed off permanently.