Hello, Equilibrium fans! I just wanted to ask you to forgive any grammar mistakes in this fic. English is not my first lenguage, and I've never written fanfiction before. I hope you like it. Feel free to R&R!
Carry on my wayward son
John and Jürgen sat on two nice chairs, or at least that was John's opinion. Red velvet and rustic wood, with a modern design… he guessed the word nice was enough to define those chairs. He glanced around the studio, and watched the busy crew adjusting the cameras and lights. The audience was already there surrounding them like the people in the Coliseum, talking excitedly and watching the two celebrities on the nice chairs, with a complicated mix of emotions. Most of them were in aw, but there were some angered or frightened faces. In addition, there were the ones who looked at John with plain hate.
It all began when Jürgen's office got an unexpected call a few weeks earlier. The show's producer explained that the talk show was culturally important, since it would be the first talk show of new Libria. John was not fond of the idea of interview. Not because he was shy (he was not), he just didn't see why people would want to watch his interview. He was a Cleric. The one who killed Father; that much was true. However, his actions were what really metered for Libria. Not the kind of person he was, or his capacity to be entertaining. But Jürgen was excited about it. The show represented the rebirth of independent media, and that was only possible because of their efforts. He was proud of the country, proud of the society he was leading, and wanted to be a part of its spring… and John had the feeling Jürgen wanted to be in the spotlight just because it could be fun.
Therefore, Preston agreed to go, and now they were in the middle of a studio that used to serve Father's purposes, with hundreds of curious Librian citizens. The show was live, so his kids were at home, probably getting the popcorn ready, climbing on the couch with the family's dog Ludwing, and waiting for the show to air. They were very excited about it, which surprised John. He never thought life would be what it was now. Every day was surprising.
"IT'S TIME!"
The show began. There was music and the show's host walked in the set. He greeted the screaming audience and addressed the nearest camera to greet "the citizens at home", than sat on a chair in front of John and Jürgen, who sat side by side. He greeted the President and Libria's most famous Restoration Cleric, and started a surprisingly light conversation.
- Here I am, interviewing President Jürgen and Restoration Ceric John Preston for the first time ever. –he waited until the crowd stopped cheering- I gotta say you guys are not as tall as I expected.- John laughed
- Sorry about that - he joked. – I guess it is the uniforms. Usually, we both wear uniforms that exude a lot of authority.
- …so in normal clothes you look…-
- Normal- finished Jürgen. The three of them laughed.
- Okay- continued the host – So what is it like to live this new life? How are you adapting in the reality of New Libria?
- My daily life hasn't changed much - said Jürgen - I was feeling for years before the Awakening, and I still work with the same people I used to. The biggest change is the feeling of safety now that Father is gone. - the host looked at John
- John? – The Cleric adjusted himself on the chair
- Well… life is a constant surprise to me. I think I'm fine in this new scenario, but I still feel ignorant most of the time.
- But he's going well with the ladies - Confided Jürgen. The host gave him a look of interest.
- Really? Care to explain? - The audience seemed equally interested on the topic.
- It's not what it looks like- John explained.
- Come on, John, they shower you with attention; I have to admit I'm kind of envious! - the audience was laughing now.
- Are you what pre Libria people used to call a pick up artist?- asked the host with a smile.
- No!...- the crowd cheered even more, and John had to admit that the situation was quite comical- Listen I don't walk around flirting all the time. I guess the story of my treason, or the many stories about why I killed Father…
- … because you fell in love with a woman- said the host
- …I guess these stories have created a whole folklore about me. So women react to that. They feel attraction for this romantic idea of me. I like to tell myself it is a sign I'm doing fine in this new reality, though. –he laughed- I'm usually self-conscious when it comes to interacting with people because I grew up on Prosiun, every interaction was about a protocol established by the Grammaton. So when the women start… giving me attention, I give myself a pat in the back, because well, looks like I'm doing something right!- the crowd was clapping now. Jürgen and the host were cracking up.