|
|
Post by su on Nov 5, 2016 4:28:53 GMT
John tried not to reveal just what Odette's mere presence was doing to him, "I....don't know." He muttered as he watched Odette move to try and stop the bleeding. His eyes filled with tears when he saw the bruises covering her body, all from Jafar and he felt even worse. "You're leaving aren't you?" He asked quietly as she bandaged the injuries there. He couldn't bring himself to move, no doubt because of the blood loss he thought with a frown. His entire body felt like it was about to transform at any moment and it was all he could do not to do so. If he did Odette wouldn't just walk, she'd run as far away from him as possible. ""You can't run from your fears Odette...I don't blame you for what happened between you and Jafar. You thought you were protecting her...how could you know any better? Jafar lied to you and took advantage of you...I'm not him and I'd never do that to you. Aurora's not here by the way...I explained to her that my relationship to you was more important. It always has been, I can't fix what happened between you and Jafar. I can't go back and change what he did to you, I wish I could...Gods I wish I could do that. I know you don't trust me...and you have every right not too. You were right, I should have tried harder and I'm sorry. Words can't express that enough it seems...all I ever wanted was for you to be happy. It's all I've ever wanted, and if leaving will make you happy I'll let you go. Take Morgana with you, raise her and be happy...promise me you'll at least do that." He said as he pushed himself up with some effort.
|
|
|
|
Post by odette on Nov 5, 2016 4:51:22 GMT
Odette wrapped her arms around herself as John ask if she was leaving and she looked down at the ground. Though before she could speak, John started to lecture her. Each time he mentioned what Jafar had done to her, she flinched and closed her eyes. "John..." She tried to step in but he kept rambling. Though at his last words, she couldn't hold it in any longer. "John, I'm pregnant." She blurted out despite the fact that her voice was shaking. "I'm not trying to run from my fears. I can't run from them and I know that. I'm running from you...I'm running from the way you would pity me because of this. And I'm running from that look you're giving me right now. That look of disapproval and pity. I never wanted to see you look at me that way. You must think I'm so weak because I didn't fight Jafar and I don't blame you...Leaving is going to kill me but I can't live here knowing that you'll be looking at me like that for the rest of my days." Odette finally forced herself to stop before she made things worse and sat on the edge of the bed while she fought the tears that were threatening to escape.
|
|
|
|
Post by su on Nov 5, 2016 5:11:18 GMT
John stared at Odette honestly stunned by what she was saying, "That's not it at all...I'm mad at myself for not being there for you. I...only ever wanted you to be happy and seeing what happened while I was gone breaks my heart. I don't...I don't pity you though, I only wish I could have been there for you." He managed to make it to her side but it took him a few moments. "I love you...and that child you're carrying I'll love as much as Morgana if you'll let me. I don't want to ever make you feel ashamed of what happened. I'm not looking at you with disapproval or pity....only love and sadness for the time that we lost. I want to make it up to you, but I can't...I can't erase what he did and I am so sorry." He apologized as he hesitantly took her hand in his. "I've never thought you were weak...in fact you're much stronger then I am. You always have been...and I admire that about you." He said honestly. "I'd never lie to you...and I do hope that we can stay together. Whatever happens though, I'll respect your decision." He said quietly as he looked away from her.
|
|
|
|
Post by odette on Nov 5, 2016 5:32:37 GMT
Odette kept her gaze averted from John as he spoke but as he neared her, she forced herself to look at him. He was having a hard time, she could see that. He really didn't need to be hearing this right now. He needed rest. But a part of her was grateful that he was listening to her and that he wasn't scared of what would come like she was. As he reached for her hand though, Odette flinched back for a moment like it was a reflex before she let him touch her. It had been an instant reflex she had now whenever someone tried to touch her...and it was all thanks to Jafar. Each time he touched her, he would hurt her. Now she hated it when she was touched. But John's touch...it soothed her. It didn't frighten her. "I'll stay...you can be a part of Morgana's life. She needs a father..." Odette confessed before she reached up and smoothed some of his hair out of his face. He still looked terrible. "But let's talk about this later, you need to rest." Odette stood up from the bed and moved the bag she had packed before she helped John lay down. She didn't want him to be out of her sight for fear that he might get an infection from the wounds on his hands.
|
|
|
|
Post by su on Nov 5, 2016 5:59:50 GMT
John felt himself relax somewhat as Odette spoke but he was still tense. Seeing her flinch away from him like that bothered him and he had withdrawn his hand shortly afterwards not wanting to scare her any further. It probably had been because of his injuries...or maybe because of what he was...he still didn't know what she thought about his dragon side. He felt a wave of self-disgust as he curled his hands where she couldn't see them, thinking that she didn't want to be touched by him. He almost jerked as Odette suddenly surprised him and gently brushed his hair back from his face. The smallest touch made him crave more but he had promised to respect her and John was nothing if not a gentleman. "I can rest in the other room if you'd feel more comfortable." He said hesitantly not wanting to intrude in her bedchambers, that was one thing John didn't want to do. He knew that for her, she needed to have her own space and he had promised to give her that.
|
|
|
|
Post by odette on Nov 5, 2016 12:52:10 GMT
Odette frowned as John seemed to hide his hands and she wondered if he was worried of hurting her like he had to himself. When he mentioned resting in the other room, she shook her head and made sure he stayed laying down. "I want you to stay here...I don't want you getting an infection." Once she was sure he'd stay, Odette moved around to the other side of the bed and laid down next to him. Without even thinking, she laid on her side so her back was facing him. She had gotten so used to sleeping that way with Jafar that it was a habit now. Though after a moment, her hand gently reached back and slid into his. She was being careful so she wouldn't hurt him but she wanted him to know that she was glad he was there. "Thank you for coming back..." Odette whispered. To her surprise, it didn't take her that long to fall asleep. It had been the most relaxed she had been in two years.
|
|
|
|
Post by su on Nov 5, 2016 17:51:11 GMT
John nodded and then watched as she moved to lie next to him with her back facing him. Any hope he might have had felt crushed as he realized she didn't want him anywhere near her. She did however reach behind her and gently grasp his hand, he hesitated only a moment before gently squeezing her hand in his. "Don't thank me." He said quietly not trusting himself to say much else as he watched her slowly fall asleep. As for him he couldn't sleep, no matter where he lay his body felt restless as if he were on edge. After a few hours he reluctantly left the bed and moved towards Morgana's room. He lingered by the doorway for a few moments before approaching her crib. She was blissfully asleep and he studied her almost curiously, she was the perfect mix between him and Odette. Gods he wanted to get to know her, be a good father...although it seemed he hadn't started off to a good start. "I'm sorry...sorry for not being a good father to you or your mother. I'll try fixing it though, no matter what." He said and bent down to kiss her forehead. A tiny spark of blue energy crept from him and into his daughter, John failed to notice it though as he pulled back. It was as he was turning to go back to the bedroom that his whole body started to ache in pain. If he had looked behind him he would have seen a cloud of black mist leaving Morgana and entering him. He gripped the wall as he slowly turned around the mist...it felt all kinds of wrong and all John knew was that he had to leave. What had he done?! He turned and with the last of his strength ran out of the room and towards the courtyard. A moment later and he might have caused serious damage as he shifted into his weredragon self. This time though John's eyes were pitch black and he was acting erratically, while his claws dug into his own side tearing the flesh there. It was as if he couldn't control himself, he was intent on hurting only himself.
|
|
|
|
Post by odette on Nov 6, 2016 2:33:49 GMT
Odette jerked when she heard a loud noise and she sat up, her gaze flying around the room. At first she had though that Jafar had survived somehow and now he was coming back but instead, she saw nothing. Morgana was still in her room sound asleep but John was gone. "John?" Odette slid out of the bed but froze when a shadow from outside caught her attention. She moved towards the window and gasped when she saw John in his dragon form. He seemed to be in pain...A dark liquid started to pool around him and her stomach churned when she realized that it was blood. "No...." Without even thinking, she ran outside in just her nightgown. The cold air hit her skin but she didn't care. John was going through something she didn't understand but she had to try and help him all she could. Though when she ran out into the courtyard, she paused a few feet behind him and swallowed, her chest rising and falling as she tried to catch her breath. "John? John!" Odette tried to catch his attention but when he didn't, she was forced to get closer to him. She felt the warm blood on the ground as it ran against her feet and she shivered. "John...please look at me..."
|
|
|
|
Post by su on Nov 6, 2016 3:01:28 GMT
John didn't react at first as he didn't seem to hear Odette until she was much closer to him. He growled and swung his head around, blood dripped from his fangs but he didn't seem to notice it. His eyes had started to turn a little red and his breathing was labored. Deep lacerations showed on his belly from where his claws had dug in, but he paid them no mind. He let out a mournful sound then as he backed away from Odette, even in this form not wanting to harm her. His eyes started to slowly turn back to their normal shade but it took some time until finally he was himself once again. He lay down then, his head near Odette's feet "I'm....sorry...I...scared you...I can't control-" He broke off, as he avoided looking at Odette afraid to see her reaction. Never had he wanted her to see him like this, she must think he was weak. "I accidentally drained the demon blood from Morgana...I only went in to see her and- I'm sorry, I didn't even know I could do something like that." He carefully admitted, knowing he shouldn't have even gone in to see their daughter. "Demon blood that strong...well I lost control." He hated admitting that, for him his control hadn't been that good. Then again he rarely attacked others when he did...just himself and he hadn't wanted Odette to see him like that.
|
|
|
|
Post by odette on Nov 6, 2016 3:21:31 GMT
Odette felt her breath leave her as he swung his head around to look at her and she saw the blood dripping from his fangs. Every inch of her told her to run but she didn't move. If she ran, he could lose it again. To her surprise...he didn't try to attack her. Instead, he backed away from her like he was afraid of her or afraid that he would hurt her. "It's okay John..just tell me what's going on." She whispered as he laid his head by her feet. In response, she slowly knelt down and sat on her knees before him. Then he explained what had happened and her heart sank. How was that even possible? She couldn't worry about that now though. Once he finished speaking, she hesitantly reached her hand out and gently rested it against his head. "This isn't your fault John. I'm not upset with you for wanting to see her...if anything I should be glad you did. You saved her from the burden Jafar had given her but now...now you carry it. I never wanted that for you...I'm so sorry. I don't know how to fix any of this...I would if I could but I can't..." Odette felt tears stinging her eyes and she leaned down gently pressing her lips in a small kiss against his scales. It was an odd sensation but it didn't bother her. This dragon was still her husband...still her brother and she still loved him.
|
|
|
|
Post by su on Nov 6, 2016 3:49:42 GMT
John stared at Odette uncertainly, as if not believing what she was saying. His eyes widened as she suddenly leaned over and brushed a small kiss against his scales. He had honestly thought she would have never wanted to touch him again let alone kiss him. "I would have done that for her if I had known...mind you...I would have asked first." He said after a moment as Odette pulled away. His tail curled around her loosely in a protective motion, "You should go back inside...I'll be fine I promise, I just need to uh clean all this up." He said and frowned when he saw how much blood now stained the ground. If he wasn't in his dragon form he would have felt the effects far worse...but the less Odette knew about that the better. "I'm sorry I woke you." He added quietly as he avoided looking at her directly.
|
|
|
|
Post by odette on Nov 6, 2016 4:01:02 GMT
Odette stayed close to John even after she had pulled back, not wanting to leave his side now. She frowned at his words but the way his tail curled around her had betrayed his words of pushing her away. "I don't want to leave you like this...I don't mind that you woke me. You had me so worried." She confessed as she shifted on the ground next to him, gently leaning against his large form. The heat he gave off made up for her lack of clothing and almost made her forget about the feeling of sticky blood against her legs. "Is there anything I can do for you?" She whispered, her hand gently caressing the scales of his tail around her. Morgana would be fine until morning and if she ever woke up early, she knew to wait in her room until Odette came to retrieve her. Besides, it was the least she could do after what John did to save them...Odette had to overcome her fears and learn to trust him again.
|
|
|
|
Post by su on Nov 6, 2016 4:17:22 GMT
John shouldn't have been so surprised but he was, "You don't think I'm a monster?" He asked quietly. It was sad...they made a pretty depressing pair, once upon a time John had displayed far more confidence...something he now severely lacked. "I know I....I should have been a better husband. Maybe if I had-" He broke off with a sigh and curled up closer against her, making sure to give her space in case she wanted to leave. "Can you ever forgive me? I know it's too soon for us but I want to make it up to you...if you'll let me." He said after a moment. They were both broken...in different ways, but a small part of him had hope that maybe things would work out. She at least hadn't run from him yet...something he thought for sure she might have done considering what he'd been doing before he arrived. Then again maybe she still would, and if she did he wouldn't be able to blame her. He let out a sigh as Odette started stroking his scales, it was soothing...definitely relaxing and he was enjoying it.
|
|
|
|
Post by odette on Nov 6, 2016 5:30:54 GMT
It had been four months since that night. Odette was now six months pregnant and Morgana had just turned three only a few nights before. It still felt strange that they were a little family now. John had gone back to running the kingdom but he still saved plenty of time to spend with her and their daughter. Tonight was supposed to be Morgana's birthday party and Odette moved throughout the castle to make sure the preparations were being done. She moved out into the garden and a smile came to her lips when she saw Morgana playing with the roses. "Here sweetie." Odette knelt down next to Morgana before she plucked a bud from the bush. She made sure there weren't any thorns on it before she gently slid the rose behind Morgana's ear and into her hair. "You're gorgeous. Happy birthday sweetie. Are you excited to play with your father tonight?" Odette smiled and pulled Morgana into her lap, still being mindful for the child in her stomach. She knew that Morgana looked forward to when John got to play with her and she loved to hear that. Though before Odette could continue, a pain shot through her stomach and she winced, causing Morgana to stand up and look down at Odette. "Mommy? Are you okay?" Morgana crouched down next to Odette. Odette's skin had become pale as the pain filled her but she managed to put on a small smile and shook her hand, her hand shakily moving to hold her stomach. "I'm fine sweetie. You've seen this happen before...just don't tell daddy." She begged of her daughter, waiting until she nodded before she took a few deep breaths. It had been happening off and on for the past few months but Odette didn't want to worry John with it in case it was nothing. John would be here soon..she had to shake this before he showed up.
|
|
|
|
Post by su on Nov 6, 2016 8:26:10 GMT
John moved into the courtyard just in time to see Morgana stepping away from Odette. His wife seemed a little paler then normal but as he approached her seemed to be fine. All the same he gently placed a hand on her back as he moved to help her up. "Here...let me help." He said and once she was standing he kissed her on the lips. Things between them had progressed ever since he had returned and he was silently grateful that she was doing better. He pulled away reluctantly and then scooped Morgana into his arms. "Hey there Princess, you excited for the party?" He asked warmly as he moved her so he was giving her a piggy back ride. "I've made sure that everything is just perfect." He said offering his free hand to Odette as he started walking back towards the castle. Being a father for Morgana had proved to be one of the biggest joys of his life. Morgana was a sweet little girl, the near image of her mother in almost every aspect. And while Odette wasn't carrying his child, he knew he'd love the child as much as he loved Morgana.
|
|
