The Dragon Tamer
(*Rating may change in later chapters* PG-13 for swearing and suggestive actions and words. P/OC (a little R/B) Comes into play after X:2. What are these dreams John's been having? And who is this new girl at the old mansion? (( ' Indicates thoughts))
Disclaimer: I do NOT own the original X-Men or the topic.
Chapter 19: Running Away
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John woke up to a major cramp in his right leg, not to mention a sore back, neck, and butt. He groaned as he stood up, not even remembering falling asleep, which he had apparently done whilst sitting at the table. Standing up he glanced at the clock on the wall. It was five in the morning, everyone would still be asleep, and he knew just where to go.
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Amanda turned in her sleep. As she rolled over she rolled onto something and was startled awake. She cracked her eyes open and was forced to suck in air to keep her from screaming, but she relaxed almost instantaneously. It was John, he was kneeling on the floor (and looking rather uncomfortable), his hand up on the bed (she had rolled onto that), leaning against it. He was still asleep. As much as she wanted to throw him away, she went with her better judgment and decided against the idea. Instead she quieted her breathing and studied him.
He had a serene, yet confused look to him. 'Why are guys so peaceful when they sleep?' She had yet to meet a guy who wasn't at least 5x hotter when he was sleeping. 'Must be because they can't cause pain unless they're awake.' She frowned.
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After what seemed like hours John finally stirred, and opened his own eyes. Amanda didn't bother closing hers, what would be the point? The boy slowly began to get up, but he must have noticed she was awake, because he stopped. They looked into each other's eyes, only this time was very different from the other times. This time there was little to no emotion to be shown. His dark eyes were not seductive, nor were they sad, angered, or shameful. They were merely pools of brown and black, dully mixed together on a white background. Amanda's eyes, though much lighter, held the same state of no emotion. At that moment both knew it was truly over. They still loved each other, yes, but they had been broken in both spirit and mind. Slowly John stood up, and with one last look, he left the room.
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Later that day all the teachers--who came back only hours ago--and John were in the professor's office. It had been one month since he came back, and now it was time to decide where he wanted to be. John looked around and he could tell all the teachers expected him to stay, for multiple reasons. So he turned to the professor and took a deep breath. "I've made up my mind." They all leaned in to listen.
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Bobby sat on his bed reading a comic book when his long time friend sauntered in. "Hey," he said. "Wanna do something later? You know, just us guys. Me, you, Jake, and Allen?" All he got in reply was a mumble and a sigh. He shrugged mentally as John placed something inside a pillowcase. "Okay then. If you don't want to..." John looked over at him; he was now packing his bags. "I can't, Bobby, but not because I don't want to. It's because I won't be here." Bobby looked up from his comic, "Huh?"
It was more a question of 'Why' than 'What did you say'. John took a moment to look him over. "I'm going back, Bobby. I don't belong here anymore." Bobby's jaw would have dropped had he not had it resting on his chest from reading the comic book. "How can you say you don't belong here?" He sat up, "Is this about Amanda? Look man, I'm sure in time she'll take you back. You made a mistake, and you're paying for it now." John ignored him and continued.
There was still silence as he zipped up the canvas bag, and headed towards the door when Bobby grabbed his arm. He snapped his head around, "Let me go Bobby." Bobby shook his head, but said nothing. "It's not just about Amanda O.K.? Everyone has been giving me dirty looks, and then Sarah struts around like she's just been crowned fucking queen, and I didn't even sleep with the bitch..." He stopped himself there, 'Great, now Bobby's gonna ask what I meant by that.'
But he didn't, Bobby let him go and the last thing John heard before he slipped down the stairs was Bobby whispering--more to himself than John--"So you're running from us." This nearly made John vomit. He had never considered himself a coward, nor had he thought that this might be considered fleeing when the going got tough.
He preferred to think of it as protecting himself and others, especially Amanda. John knew that if he didn't go back then Magneto would just think of some other way to put them all through hell. And he didn't want that. He swallowed the urge to go turn around and run back inside, and continued his way to the car.
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Bobby went straight to Marie after John left. She was in the library working on an essay. She looked up when he approached, but before she could say anything he sat across from her and took her gloved hands into his. She could tell from the look on his face that what he was about to say was serious. "John's gone." Marie blinked, "Where'd he go?"
"Back to Magneto's."
Her eyes widened, "Without saying goodbye to us? To Amanda?" A realization hit her, "Does Amanda know?"
"I don't think so."
"Oh god! How are we gonna tell her?"
He lowered his head to her hands. "I don't know."
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