Chapter 18
A/n: Hey, my dudes! I hope you guys had an amazing day, and if you didn't I really hope that this chapter can make you feel a bit better—writing it sure made me feel better.
Also I wanted to tag Kiki07087 . She's a friend of mine and has her own Johnny x reader, and it would mean a lot to the two of us if you checked it out :)
Warning- Mention of self-harm scars. Also a few cute moments with Johnny, so watch out for those.
Word count- 2094 words
Enjoy~
Your POV
The moment I stepped outside I was filled with dread. It was one of the hottest days of the year, by far, and while it was miserable for anyone in these conditions, it was especially awful when all I wanted to wear was long sleeves.
To make matters worse, the ac had broken at the theater, and with every passing minute of practice the heat only rose. Dancing and singing didn't make things better.
An hour in I was sweating profusely and my face had turned crimson. I felt the floor swaying beneath me, but I didn't want to stop, not when I had already asked for two breaks already.
Everyone else had stripped down to fewer layers. I was the only one not wearing a tank top, tee shirt, or had their sleeves rolled up, and almost everyone had worn shorts as well.
"Do you need to sit down?" Johnny asked when we were close to each other once more—making our way through the dance for the third time.
"No, I'm fine."
"You're sweating."
"I know. Sorry I'm gross."
"That's not what I meant."
I immediately felt bad and hoped that I didn't sound angry just previously, but it was hard to stay cheerful when I felt like I was melting.
As soon as we were done dancing Rosita quickly turned to me. "(Y/n), are you okay, sweetie?"
"Mhmm, just swell," I said as I almost fell over.
"That sounds like something a not-okay person would say," Meena stated.
"I'm fine, really."
"At least come get some cold water with me," Rosita said, her voice somehow sweet and demanding at the same time: the classic mom voice.
The two of us walked in silence to the concession stand and to the sink. She grabbed a glass from the cub board above her before letting the water run until it was cold.
"You should really dress better for the weather," She said as she handed me a full glass before making herself one. The words may have seemed rude in different context, but Rosita was so nice, and I knew she didn't mean any harm by it.
"I just like long sleeves," Is all I said.
"I know, but it's far too hot in here for you to be wearing them."
"I know."
"Why don't you want to take it off?" She lowered her voice.
I stared at the glass of water in my hands for a moment, trying to decide if I was going to lie or tell the truth. "It's just a bit too much skin for my liking," I decided on, which was the truth but also not too revealing of my reasons why.
"I know it's what you're comfortable with, but it's really hot." She paused for a second. "And if it's our opinions' you're worried about, then you should change, because she we care about you and your health."
I sat in silence for a moment, wondering if they could possibly be telling the truth. It seemed like a small chance, but she did feel concerned enough to take me to get some water. I decided that I would take my warm layers off, and if I saw any of them judging me I would never, ever take them off again.
So a few minutes later Rosita had me at the costume racks, helping me find something to wear. I had found a (f/c) tee shirt that looked like it would fit, and was going to settle with just that when she pulled a black mid-thigh length skirt.
I told her thank you and took the skirt, but thought there was no way I was going to show more than just my arms.
I walked to a dressing room and pulled off my shirt, instantly feeling a bit cooler. I put the tee on and didn't glance at my arms. My gaze made it's way to the skirt on the floor though, and I wondered how it would look and feel wearing it.
I sat down on the small, black leather seat and pulled my jeans off, enjoying the feeling of relief that the absence of the thick layer brought me. I quickly grabbed the skirt and pulled it on. For some reason I decided to stand up and look in the mirror, and I was met with more skin than I tended to show. Aesthetically, I guess it looked okay on me: it fit well and flared out just the right amount.
But it still showed so much skin.
I found myself twirling, watching the skirt flow out and feeling the breeziness make it's way up my legs. I suddenly decided that I was going to wear it. I was going to give it a chance.
When I got back on stage I started to feel uncomfortable, like they were all looking at me and judging me. As we danced, though, I realized that everyone wasn't looking at me differently at all. We danced the same, sung the same, and as we got into the music, I forgot that I was wearing the skirt, all until Johnny helped me spin and I felt the skirt flare once more. A few seconds later he dipped me, and the song was over.
Johnny's eyes met mine for a few seconds. He opened his mouth to say something, but Buster started to talk. "That was amazing!" He said. "Good work. Take a break and we'll do it once more."
I quickly got up out of his arms and walked up to my glass of water. I slowly took breaths and I caught my breath—ragged from the performance.
I turned around to go back to my spot when I ran into someone.
It was Johnny.
"We have to stop doing that," He said with a chuckle.
"Yeah." I smiled softly back.
"How are your hands?" He asked.
"They're doing better." I flipped my palms so he could see them. I took the bandages off this morning, revealing healing but still red wounds.
His hands gently grabbed mine, and I could feel his gaze move from my wounds to my scars. I wanted to pull away; this was why I never wore short sleeves. I was about to vow to never be seen without sleeves ever again when Johnny ran his thumbs over them gently. "I'm sorry this world has been so cruel to you."
I didn't know what to say. It had to be the simplest yet sweetest sentence anyone has ever said to me. I couldn't find words to say. Luckily, Buster told us to get back to our spots. I quickly started to rush back but Johnny didn't let go of my hand.
"Hey," he said softly, making me turn to look at them. "If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you, okay?"
I nodded. He smiled before letting go of my hand. The two of us made the way to our spots together.
* * *
Once practice was over we all started to talk about where we wanted to eat. I was getting nervous: I never went out to eat, and I was scared I was going to get attention that I didn't want.
They decided on a quiet restaurant nearby that I had never been to (not-surprisingly). We were about to leave when I realized that I was still wearing my tee shirt and skirt. I had completely forgotten that I was wearing them. After apologizing profusely, I ran to the dressing room to get changed once more.
As soon as I made it back we headed out the main doors. We made our way onto the sidewalk in groups of two: Rosita and Gunter, Ash and Meena, than finally, Johnny and I.
The walk to the restaurant was short, but I could still feel stares in my direction. They weren't nearly as bad as when I was by myself though; it was really nice to be in a group like this.
Rosita got a table for all of us. It was a booth in the corner of the room, and quickly I eased down a bit knowing that I wouldn't be in the middle of the room, eyes from every side.
I got seated between Johnny and Ash, and I was comfortable until the waiter came up to us. Immediately his eyes met mine, so I looked away and wished I was hidden. He never said anything rude, but I felt like he was judging me. When I had to order he seemed decent enough, though. Maybe he just wanted a good tip, but it was still nice to be treated well.
I had ordered (f/drink) and (f/food), and within fifteen minutes our meals were at the table.
A/n: Okay quick question. Do you think they eat meat in the Sing universe? Where does it come from? And assuming they don't and everyone's vegetarian, that still leaves milk/dairy products... So vegan? What do you guys think?
Within ten minutes I had completely forgotten that I was in a public place. I was having so much fun that I wondered why I hadn't done this before.
Eventually we decided to leave. I left a fifty for the waiter, who seemed genuinely shocked, and I offered to pay for everyone's meal, given that I was always given money but never really had anything to spend it on, so it wasn't a problem at all. Everyone refused, but so did I—refuse not to pay. They all thanked me.
We all said our good byes. I was trying to figure out the best way to get home when Johnny tapped my shoulder.
"Hey," He said.
"Hey."
"I brought my truck to practice today and I was wondering if you needed a ride."
"No, no don't bother! I'm totally fine just walking home. I—"
"You paid for my meal, so I can take you home."
"Are you sure? It's really no problem—"
"Not a problem to take you home either."
"Okay."
The two of walked the short two blocks to the theater before making our way behind the building to his truck. We didn't say much as we got in, but when the radio started to play he began to sing. I quickly joined him.
Within a few songs we had made it to my house. I looked at Johnny. "Thank you," I said. "For everything."
"It's not problem, really."
"Still, thank you."
He smiled. "Anytime."
It was silent for a second before suddenly he had his arms out and was leaning in to give me a hug. I almost flinched and pulled away on instinct, as normally people didn't usually hug me, but I let it happen and hugged him back.
I slowly relaxed from my ridged posture. I wasn't hugged much, so this wasn't a very familiar feeling, both physically and emotionally. I was extremely moved by this gesture. I can't believe that he went out of his way to touch me, let alone a hug.
"I'll see you soon," I said, pulling away.
"Yep."
I got out of the truck and turned to face him. "Good bye, Johnny."
"Good bye. See ya soon."
I nodded and smiled slightly. He pulled away soon after. I waved as he pulled out of the driveway. As soon as he was gone I couldn't help the smile that crept it's way onto my face. I hoped that I got to experience what I just had, again.
* * *
A/n: I hoped you guys liked it :) . I'll see you guys with the show tomorrow. (Unless something happens unexpectedly but I'm aiming for tomorrow).
I've noticed that times are tough for a lot of people around me, and if the same is for you, I'm always here if you need advice, someone to talk to, or a friend here online. You guys just mean a lot to me : )
See ya next time (tomorrow), my dudes!
~Becca
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen247.Pro