#freckledmuses

Even as Alexander sat down to read, write, relax, do what he would, John sat right beside him on the couch, curled up against him with his head on his shoulder, arms wound loosely around him. He looked tired after yet another long night of no sleep, of laying there curled up with Alex until sunrise. He didn’t want to fall asleep though. He wanted to stay awake with Alex. He wanted to spend the day with his boyfriend rather than the meager hours they usually got to spend together due to John’s newly odd internal time and Alex’s normal time. So instead of falling asleep, John shifted just that much closer, head against his shoulder as his arms softly squeezed him. “What’re you writing?” He asked quietly, burying his face against the back of Alex’s shoulder a little as he peered over his shoulder at the paper.

But that was a bad idea. It lead to other problems from his last life and he couldn't go through any of that again.

“See... I know we’ve already introduced each other like five minutes ago.... But I did not care enough to actually catch your name.”

And oh, he hated that he had to use it. A few strategic shots when no one knew he was there, breath held as the real fight broke out. He’d gotten hit a few times, a few punches when he didn’t pay enough attention to his real surroundings when he was trying to shoot one of them, had to wrestle his gun back once, but the bruises were the furthest thing on his mind as he dropped the gun when they were taken care of, dropped to his knees in front of that chair and quickly cut those ropes, breath stuck in his throat as his hands ever so gently cradled Alexander’s face, biting into his lip as he gently brushed his hair from his face, felt his forehead, stroked his thumb over his cheek. “Alex...?”

It was something like that. Something that pushed John to the edge. Something that made John see red, slam Alex into the wall, hands pressing into his shoulders to keep him there, scowling, a dark look in his eyes. Stormy, pained, guard and inner walls up as high as they could go suddenly. Anything to shut Alex up and make him stop running his mouth, right?

John sighed softly, leaning into the hand slightly as his eyes closed. It was so relaxing, to just be sat there on the couch with someone dear to him, fingers running through his hair. John wouldn’t openly admit just how calming and relaxing the gesture was, but he was sure his wolf tail thumping on the couch gave him away probably.

“I'm here for you... Please don’t walk away and please tell me you’ll stay.” John is very determined to be a good guardian for Philip, even if he messes up occasionally. “Use me as you will - pull my strings just for a thrill, and I know I’ll be okay, though my skies are turning gray...” He’s very determined to keep Philip safe, for sure, no matter the cost. “I will never let you fall - I’ll stand up with you forever. I’ll be there for you through it all, even if saving you sends me to Heaven...”

To say he was surprised at the interruption would be an understatement. Sure, it was just the human body, but it was his human body and he didn't know what to do with the interruption. His hands jerked down to cover himself; he didn't exactly use bubbles when he bathed. "Uh...hi."