melodiesoflife | (no subject)

Who: Johnny D'Amico and friends (?)
What: Time to face his Shadow self
When: January 12
Where: the lab
Warnings: Johnny's Shadow is a literal monster

[Johnny didn't want to do this. Not at all. It's taken a lot of courage for him to not only face his Shadow, but do it in front of other people. He's spent his whole life denying his demon heritage, trying to suppress it, to overcome it. But that's not possible; it's a part of who he is, and he has to accept it. He just needs to get over 24 years of repressed feelings and hidden emotions first.

The Shadow Johnny that appears has a frightening, wicked grin, highlighting those shark-like teeth, and carries himself with an air of confidence and not often seen in the real Johnny. The Shadow sizes him up, as well as everyone else in the room, with a predatory look.]

What a goddamn riot. Do you seriously think you even have the guts to take me on?

[Johnny tries to say something, but he's stuck. He doesn't even know where to start. He wishes everyone would just go away right now. Or maybe that he could disappear instead.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I already said it! I stopped caring about anyone but myself, because all caring about people does it get 'em hurt. We've spent our whole life fighting to stay human, tryin' t get a handle on emotions, when we shoulda embraced who we were a long time ago. Everyone would've been better off.

[The Shadow went back to looking smugly at the group. That expression doesn't last too long as Reno approached. The Shadow dropped back into a fighting stance, ready to start again. This was the last thing he expected. This is probably the last thing anyone expected, Johnny included. He wanted to stop Reno to tell him that was a dumb and dangerous move, but he knows Reno already knows that.

After a shocked moment, the Shadow roughly pushes Reno away, holding him by his shoulders at arm's length and baring his teeth in anger.]

Don't--! What the hell do you think you're doing?! You out of anyone here have the most reason to stay away.

Hm. [K'pandolu's tail twitches, and she nods.] That's… the harder path to have taken, then. But- it still speaks of caring to do so, to me.

[she watches Reno with some concern, ready to move- but it doesn't end as badly as maybe it could have, and she grins, looking between the Shadow and Johnny.]

[Ramza feels his lips quirking into the hint of a smile as the Shadow protests Reno's embrace. The unfeeling demon within was no so dispassionate as he claimed to be.]

It would seem those you care about will not be so easily driven away. Best for you to become strong enough to protect those who love you, so that at your side is the safest place they could be.

[Mary smiles as she watches Reno. His response to Johnny is better than anything she could have mustered. Besides, she's not quite in any state to put up any more of a fight anyway.]

S'not a thing I might have said a few years ago before I learned all there could be in other worlds. But it seems to me that there's more to being a person than being human. And as long as you have love at your back I think you'll find the right course. It's not a safe and sure passage, but it's one of the few I've seen lead to happiness.

[Reno allowed himself to be pushed away but maintained his grip on the Shadow's shoulders. He stood there, awkwardly holding on while Johnny's Shadow still held onto him, too stubborn to just let go.]

You're an idiot.

[It was certainly loud enough for Johnny to hear, as well as everyone else.]

If I wanna get into trouble an' get into danger, that's my choice, Johnny, not yours. We're all still here 'cause we think you're worth it.

This isn't my first demon-boyfriend rodeo, okay? I love you, dumbass.

[The Shadow dropped its head in defeat and disbelief of Reno's words. After a moment he shoves him away, just as the real Johnny was walking forward. He gently wrapped an arm around Reno's shoulders while addressing the Shadow.]

I know there was a time where it seemed like livin' only for myself was all I could do. Knowin' there are people who think I'm worth fighting for changes things, though. Even if it's a hard thing for me to wrap my head around most days. Even if you're always loomin' in the back of my mind telling me I need to push them all away and run before they get hurt or leave.

[His grip around Reno's shoulders tightens. All this emotional talk... That was more embarrassing to him than his Shadow's ranting or the physical harm they caused.]

Looks like they're here to stay. No matter how scary I get. I'm just gonna have to deal with that, no matter how much ya argue with me. [He turned to Reno and spoke quietly.] Love you too, jackass.

[The Shadow didn't look happy, arms folded and staring coldly at Johnny, but ultimately nodded, replying just as coldly.]

That's right. I'm always gonna be around. Remember that. Be responsible for that.

[And with that, the Shadow was gone. It took a few moments for Johnny to let out the breath he didn't even realize he was holding. Looking to all of his hurt friends made those old feelings bubble back up immediately, but he swallowed them back down.]

I... Sorry, guys. I can be a real asshole, huh. But... thanks for putting up with it for me.

Edited 2017-03-27 02:24 (UTC)

As long as you're aware.

[Reno smirked, albeit tired. His arm wrapped around Johnny's waist and held him close for a moment. He could have lost Johnny today... He could have lost Johnny any of these days. But he chose to make this relationship happen anyway, even if it was scary.]

C'mon, let's fix everyone up.

Well. I am glad to have met you, after all.

[K'pandolu grins at him, reaching out to tap his shoulder briefly.]

I've got a bit of power left in me- do you mind if I do that?