Chapter Text
John looks into Arlo's eyes, there's still something not quite right. Maybe it is right though, maybe he's misremembering or being paranoid. It wouldn't be the first time John pushed away someone he cared about because of his paranoia. The Arlo he knew would never join EMBER, but he also thought the Arlo he knew would never join the authorities at all. Maybe, even if this isn't quite the Arlo he remembers, this one will regain all his memories if John helps him. The only way to help him is to regain his trust.
“I've missed you too,” John admits and if he were paying more attention he might have seen Arlo's smile turn predatory. The blond uses his other hand to pull the shorter man closer into a hug that is a bit more stiff than he remembers.Wordlessly, Arlo grabs John's hand and brings him to his new apartment.
For an apartment funded by a secret government branch, Arlo's apartment is modest and mostly undecorated, not that John can really say much about that, but still. Arlo's old apartment still had modern accessories even if Arlo insisted they were just there for aesthetics. Once John was inside, Arlo locked and bolted the door and guided him to the couch. He starts speaking, “So how have you been?”
“Oh you know, committing crimes and stuff, trying to save the people I care about. Um, what about you?”
“Oh you know, working for the authorities.”
“I'm surprised you joined EMBER, especially after what they did to Rei.”
There is no flash of realization in Arlo's eyes at the name, in fact, just before shifting to righteous fury, Arlo's eyes furrow in confusion.
“EMBER serves to put people in line and ensure that even in the more autonomous low tier districts, the authorities still have control. ‘Rei’ got what was coming to them.”
John's eyes widen and his breath catches in his throat. Arlo continues, “You really shouldn't have been out doing that stuff, John. I could have really hurt you. Imagine if it hadn't been me out tonight? They would've killed you and I never would've had you back.”
Arlo had never really been a touchy person, however, Arlo's lecture is accompanied by an almost possessive grip on John's shoulders. John tries brushing him off, but the blond's grasp is strong.
“God John, they probably already know about your vigilante activities and are looking for you right now! It's not safe out there.”
“I think they were looking for me for other reasons, but-”
“Even worse! I can have my boyfriend putting himself in danger like this!”
Arlo moved his hands up to hold John's face just a little too tight. When John pulled back a bit Arlo activated his ability and formed a bubble around them. Instinctually, John went to copy his ability, but found whatever EMBER did to Arlo's channels made it too difficult to read. He was trapped.
“John, our time apart has made you too reckless. I can let you go okay? I just can't lose you again,” Arlo pleads.
John's always been weak to Arlo when he gets like this, but something about the look in his eyes has John agreeing to stay without hesitation. He's fine. Arlo's not going to do anything, in fact, it'll probably be a nice change of pace living with someone he actually likes.
These are the things John whispers to himself day in and day out as Arlo keeps the black-haired boy confined to his apartment.
John briefly considers escaping, but really, where would he go? Back to Cameron's? At least here he's with Arlo even if he's a little more protective than usual. It makes sense though! John's been in a lot of danger recently and with the government hunting him down, he's lucky the first person to find him was Arlo. For months, John stays in the apartment.
One night, Arlo is out later than usual on an EMBER escapade. Should John go find him? What if one of those dangerous high tiers got a hold of him? He should've been back hours ago, where is he? Before John can really plan what to do, the doorknob rattles and John relaxes immediately. The authorities really should stop putting so much work on Arlo, he'll burn himself out! The door opens to reveal a ruffled and worried Arlo and from behind him, Seraphina. John hadn't realized how long it'd been since they last saw each other. John stares in shock at the two figures in the doorway, Arlo's expression seems guilty? But maybe John's just reading him wrong. Sera runs in and tackles John in a hug.
“I was so worried about you. No one knew what happened to you.”
“Sorry.”
Arlo is carrying a small suitcase out of the bedroom. Is he going somewhere? As if sensing John's inquisitive gaze, Arlo looks up, worry and possibly guilt coating his expression.
“John, we're going to your Uncle Cameron's house.”
“Oh? When are you guys coming back?”
Arlo's face tightens as he replies, “You're coming with us, we're not coming back.”
“Wait, but I thought I wasn't supposed to leave the apartment. Isn't it still super dangerous outside for me?” John says, confused.
From beside him, Sera hisses under her breath, “ Arlo, what did you do?”
“I didn't mean to.. well did, but I.. I just-”
Arlo covers his mouth with his hand and looks down.
“C'mon let's go,” Sera says, dragging John out of the apartment. Arlo trails behind at a distance, locking the door, but staying silent.
Did John do something wrong? Surely there must be a reason he's being dragged out of his boyfriend's nice apartment, right? The whole way there, Arlo refuses to answer any questions, only repeating, “I'm sorry,” over and over again.
When they get to Cameron's house, it's to the early light of dawn. They quietly enter the house and sneak to John's room. It feels just as impersonal as John left it. That is, if you ignore the figures of Blyke, Isen, and Remi sleeping in the large bed and on the couch. John turns toward his boyfriend and whispers, “What's going on? Why are we here? Why are they here?”
Arlo answers, studiously avoid eye contact.
“John, I- trapping you in my apartment was a mistake. I've been so possessive and controlling. I don't- I think we need to take a break, for your sake.”
“For my sake? What does that even mean?”
“I've been manipulating you for months. You should be furious with me. I think we need some time apart so you can heal and I can figure out how not to do that.”
“You're breaking up with me?”
“No!” Blyke stirs but does not wake so Arlo quiets down, “No, at least I hope not. I do really love you, but I've been hurting you and we both need time to figure out what we want.”
John stares at Arlo, that unfamiliar look from so long ago had grown familiar, and now, it was missing from the other's gaze. John nods and whispers, “Okay.” Turning towards the bathroom to hide for a while. Maybe Arlo was right, leaving the apartment would lead to John getting hurt.