Chapter Text
Seraphina's Place on August 17th, Saturday evening at 5:05PM.
Seraphina gets a call from John, nothing out of the ordinary as they frequently talked and hung out most days they weren't busy. However, this was slightly different, John hadn’t contacted Seraphina in little over a month by now.
She’s been extremely busy due to her classes, and she assumed John had been too. Maybe he wanted to hangout? That guess amused Sera, making her smile—even if it was getting late.
She swipes her finger on the screen, answering the call.
What she didn't expect was for there to be heavy breathing and strong ambience akin to the harsh gushing of wind on the other end of the line, confusion slowly crept up to her.
“Hello? John?” She called out, lifting the device up to her ear to the point the screen was touching her brand; a white cross earring that dangled from her earlobe. She was already curious as to why John had called her at dusk out of all times, this was just adding onto the "mystery".
Seraphina heard the crackling and crunchy audio bits come out of the speaker, an uncomfortable distorted sound which made her push her phone away from her ear. Is he outside? Is he somewhere windy if that were the case? Is he sick right now?
Seraphina's mind raced about, leaving her with questions and plausible theories overshadowed by concern, worry would soon cloud her judgment if John seriously doesn't answer nor speak to her right now.
Another second passed, urging Seraphina to speak up once more, “John, is this a prank? Where are you–”
“Sera...” She finally heard John's voice.
“John? What is this abou--”
John cut her off, “Sera, I've got a kid.” He stated, his voice came out glitchy and bit-like with static rustling following after his words just when Seraphina finally processed what he just said.
.
.
.
“...A kid?” She repeated, questioning the sincerity of John's words.
Crackling winds blew into her speaker, caused her to grimace as she moved her phone away once again. This time, she turned on speaker mode.
More breathing could be heard—but louder than it was before—John's audible mumbling could be heard more clearly though, honestly the only upside to the unfortunately amplified harsh ambience in the background.
“What was that?” Seraphina pardoned.
The audio coming out kept on glitching, all crunchy like what you'd hear from old retro movies. All she could make up from the static was a name;
“Harvey.”
...
By this point, Seraphina was getting fed up with the shitty cell service, “John, where are you?” She questioned once again.
She was beginning to get worried for John. Not only that, she was skeptical. She didn't actually believe that John would have a child with him.
Could he?
Crackling static answered back in John's voice, “We'r-- at.. –ro Mall.”
‘How helpful, John.’ Seraphina mused to herself.
“...Ro Mall?” Seraphina repeated, expecting some clarity from John but to no response from him as crunchy footsteps were heard on the other line.
Seraphina was going to question him once more but then he spoke, “Sera, I've –otta go noW!”
“John wait!” Seraphina frantically called out, she still had questions to ask John.
It was no use though as John suddenly went silent. Three rhythmic beeps followed soon after, the call had ended. Seraphina expelled a sigh of defeat, turning her mobile phone off as she pondered what just happened.
Taking the words, wait no, the syllables that John had just fed her, she somehow managed to figure out that he was at Kovoro Mall. Or so he claimed to be anyways
…That managed to confuse her even more though. What was he doing at a mall? Not only was he without her, she knew that John, daresay, dislikes even going to the mall (or so has John's constant whining on their trips has convinced her). And she quickly ruled out John hanging out with anyone else, he rarely hung out with Dylan or Evie nowadays—let alone Blyke and the others, it’d be too sudden.
Seraphina turned her phone back on just to realize it was 5:17pm. Now, instead of spending her Saturday evening relaxing for the first time in a while, she’s dealing with the mystery of what the fuck is up with John?
Did he seriously have to be so cryptic on call...?
Actually, scratch that, there was another thing bugging Seraphina. Does John really have a child with him? If so, just... why? When, even? And most importantly, how?
Curiosity had sparked a flame of determination; Seraphina needs to get to the bottom of this.
Activating her ability, she nonchalantly started gathering a few necessities like her purse, a lip balm, and some cash. Seraphina then rushed herself to get ready and look (at the very least) somewhat presentable before taking the elevator down. Finally trekking her way to Kovoro Mall once outside her apartment complex.
(With the amount of aura she's exerting at the moment, she'll definitely be spending the entirety of tomorrow asleep.)
Kovoro Mall on August 17th, Saturday evening at 5:55PM.
Seraphina doesn't know how long that journey took but here she is, finally at her destination: Kovoro Mall.
Seraphina let out a sigh of relieve at the sight of the shopping center, deactivating her ability once she reached the steps to the entrance, life started to buzz all around her instantaneously once again. The busy street noise, the conversations happening all around her, and most notable of all, the overly loud yet iconic Kovoro Mall shopping music! (John proudly calls it that.)
Another thing she felt was the cold. A slow, chilly gush of wind ambushed her, picking at her bangs and the bottom of her unzipped jacket, It’s Cold Out Here. Seraphina’s arms were quickly found wrapped around one another, the summer just ended however there were already traces of dried puddles on the ground, Seraphina wondered if it rained earlier.
She shook her head, focusing on what was important, look for John.
Seraphina made her way inside the building after checking with security. Seraphina's eyes glanced everywhere around the place almost immediately after taking a step inside the mall—like a predator looking for prey—just searching for the ebony haired man with each step she took. ‘John shouldn’t be all that hard to find anyways, he sticks out like a sore thumb in a crowd.’ She calmly told herself, trying to keep a leveled head.
Browsing around the large walkways, trying her best to spot John amongst the crowds of patrons and shoppers alike, she passed by a few dozen blocks, shops, and the like. But, she still couldn’t sight John anywhere. Eventually, Seraphina figured he was on another floor after lapping around the full entirety of the first floor.
She dejectedly walked to the direction of escalators, making her way to the second when she spots it.
There, in the corner of her vision was that signature dark black hair.
Seraphina had finally spotted John who seemed just about to go into U-Mart. His figure front and center, completely visible—wearing cargo jeans and a long sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He wasn’t facing her, let alone was he even aware of her: his passive couldn’t detect her with this distance.
Movement; a fast and flashy, fluid motion that aligned with her steps, her feet kicking off towards him. Seraphina didn't realize it at first because of how sudden it all was when she found herself running across the indoor walkway in an attempt to catch up to John who'd already entered the store.
Tat tat tat.
The doorbell rang erratically after Seraphina slammed the glass door open, her hand on the door handle with a small "Push" sticker stuck right above it. The store's dim fluorescent shined down upon her, it's yellow-ish hues welcomed her softly.
Most of the customers in line for checkout stared at her with startled expressions, some dared to glare at her for such a dramatic entrance but Seraphina paid them no mind. She had seen John walk in, and she was going to find him and get her well-deserved answers.
Seraphina heaved, airing her lungs out after dashing across who-knows-how-long of a distance getting to the store, so caught up in her own goal she barely felt the rapid tightening sensation of her chest as she inhaled. Taking time to steady herself and collect her thoughts, she finally stepped into the store, quickly walking past aisles of packaged goods to hygienic products.
(If Seraphina was taller, she'd probably have been able to peek above the shelves and would have spotted John by now. But alas, she'll have to work with walking aisle to aisle.)
Down several rows of aisles, in a tucked corner of the large convenience store, there he was; there stood John, his side facing Seraphina. Without a moment's hesitation, Seraphina pounced on John with her voice.
“John!” Seraphina called, marching towards him.
John looked up, turning to face the one whoever had just unexpectedly called his name which is when the two friends lock eyes with each other. John’s passive finally picked up on her stifled aura that lingered much too weak and faint than usual.
John's expression drops, morphing to one of surprise. Confusion then stumped him, “Sera?! Hey, I didn't– Were you here at the mall when I called you up earlier?” John asked, his lips forming a smile in front of awkwardly gritted teeth. After all, this was the first time they’ve seen each other in a while.
Seraphina was inclined to ask questions of her own and one stuck out deeper than the others, “John, first of all, care to explain what you meant by you've "got a kid"?” She coughed out, her lungs unforgiving to her non-ability-related run earlier.
John tensed gaze suddenly softened, his brown eyes appearing ember under the soft light. Seraphina raised an eyebrow staring expectantly, ready to ask another question before she finally noticed how John lowered his head, his gaze focused down beside him.
Following it, Seraphina looked down and realized John was holding onto something in his left hand.
There, a child that appeared to be no older than maybe six stood right beside him; one tiny hand holding onto John's palm while the other clutches onto John's baggy jeans. Beautiful curls in blazing shade of yellow that glinted golden under the fluorescent store light paired with sheepishly pale grey doe eyes that looked at her with curiosity. An innocent and pure expression—along with a fragile-like body language that clung onto John; like window draped over by a curtain.
How did she not notice him earlier? Had the kid been that quiet? Or was he simply well-mannered and that was why she didn't hear him? Had she been too focused on John that she momentarily became near sighted and didn’t see the kid? Seraphina's mind filled itself with even more questions like what was this kid doing with John? Why does John have a random kid with him? Lastly, what in the actual fuck is up with John?!
Seraphina's mouth gaped, opening in attempts of speaking but closing shortly after no words would come out. Eventually, she heard John laugh, a genuine laugh at that.
All she could coherently do was stare. Once at John, and twice at the kid. Seraphina looked at the kid as if he was some sort of specimen, the child returning the favour by staring at her with an equal amount of curiosity.
Examining the kid's attire lead Seraphina to the conclusion that it was nothing short of ordinary. A plain blue shirt paired with white shorts and slip on shoes, not really John's style though, Seraphina noted to herself.
Looking back at John, Seraphina took a deep breath trying to reorganize her composure, “John, can we talk about... him?” Seraphina hopefully asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
John shook his head in refusal, “I'm a bit busy shopping with Harvey, Sera.” He states, slowly averting her stare with guilty eyes, “I can call you up later though?” John offers, shrugging his shoulders with a grin.
“His name is Harvey?” Seraphina repeated, caught up by the revelation to acknowledge that John had agreed with her.
John nodded, “Harvey, yes.” He confirms, looking down at the boy. Harvey lightly squeezed John's hand, “Is she your friend?” Harvey had asked John a question. A simple yet notable one in Seraphina's perspective as not only had Harvey ask about her, this is also the first time she's heard him spoke.
Softly spoken, in a timid voice. Lisping his pronunciation around his I’s, but his voice was clear.
Before Seraphina knew it; John had crouched down on the white tiled floor to Harvey's level, facing the boy with one leg propped up, John put on an assuring sweet smile followed by, “Yes. You can call her Sera, Bub.” In a tone of voice that was just (in a short description) patient and warm.
Seraphina was near stunned with how soft and gentle John was being, it's not every day she gets to witness John be soft around people, yanno? Also, "Bub"? What kind of nickname is that? Of course, leave it to John to come up with ridiculous nicknames for the kid. Sera laughed to herself; knowing that John's habit of giving out silly nicknames is why she calls herself Sera in the first place, oh the irony.
And whatever this was, Seraphina was... happy for John? Still very shocked, don’t get her wrong. However, this kid seemed to lighten John in ways she and his other friends probably couldn't. Harvey seemed like a good kid—based on the short time and interaction she's had not even five minutes ago with the kid.
(A seedling of doubt did ruse in the back of her mind, ‘Is this actually a good thing?’ But Seraphina objectively choose to ignore it.)
An obnoxiously fake and exaggerated cough came from Seraphina which catches both of their attention, “Well, I'll be on my way then.” She stated, eyes down and locked on both John and Harvey.
John nodded, turning back to Harvey, asking him to: “Tell Sera goodnight and goodbye, bub!” in a cheery manner. Harvey happily complied, reaching his comparably small hand up at Seraphina and saying, “Bye Sera! Goodnight!”
Seraphina couldn't help but smile at the kid, nodding along to Harvey's words. Seraphina then bid her own farewells for the night.
...
Before she left, she reminded John, “Don't forget to call me.” Was all she said. With that, Seraphina was leaving the unconventional meeting spot that was a corner of a U-Mart location.
John's Place on August 17th, Saturday evening at 8:30PM.
After John is done with his shopping of necessities, he went home to his apartment with Harvey. They took a cab back as John doesn’t own a car, melodic elevator music accompanied with a tired five-year-old blabbering about things from his interests to highlights of his day was something John has grown accustomed to during the past couple weeks he’s been taking care of the kid.
Today marked his second week of having Harvey in his custody, in fact.
And today also happens to be the first time he’s told anyone about it. John had been fostering a kid without Seraphina’s or any of his other acquaintances knowledge prior to calling Sera earlier.
…Not that anyone other than Sera would’ve given a shit about his situation anyway, John assumed. When he saw her at U-Mart he was more than shocked, he probably would have had freaked out if it weren’t for the fact Harvey was there—John really should’ve figured that Sera was going to be there for him after that call, anyways. He grimaces as he recalls the barely listenable, broken up phone call, he blames the weather for the bad signal he dealt with.
Though Sera’s sudden appearance and immediate questioning did really remind him of Remi. Her enthusiasm and determination must’ve really had an impact on him, even if he hasn’t spoken to her in… he no longer remembers how long.
The elevator’s bell rang, telling the two passengers that they had just reached their floor while also snapping John out of his thoughts.
When John glanced to his side where Harvey was, the boy gave him a smile. The fluorescent elevator light glowed above them, highlighting Harvey’s grey doe eyes—John couldn’t help but smile back.
After the elevator rang a second time, they stepped out of the elevator. Harvey taking the initiative as he quietly ran towards John’s apartment door with John closely following behind, carrying their groceries on one hand while his free hand rummaged through his pocket for his house keys.
Harvey seemed excited to finally be back home after what were a few hours of them walking around the plaza that was Kovoro Mall.
Seeing the man fish out his keyring, Harvey mutely observed as John swiftly inserted the keys into the doorknob to his apartment. Harvey almost jumped at the satisfying click of the door unlocking, both of his small hands latching onto the door knob and opening the door after a rusted twist.
Harvey charged inside, passing the kitchen counter before plopping himself down on the grey sofa in the lounge. His shoes left faint footprints behind.
John chuckled, whilst setting the keys down on the kitchen counter along with the grocery bags. Shifting around the entrance, John closed then locked the door behind him. Then he slipped his own shoes off then walked over to Harvey and stood in front of him, “Can you raise your feet up?” He asked him, to which Harvey promptly did, kicking his feet up at John.
John crouched down and took off Harvey’s shoes along with his animal patterned socks, then set the pairs down below the couch’s armrest. John lifted his arms and propped his hands around Harvey’s sides to which the boy lifted his own arms for John to hold him by the sides and be supported by his bottom.
“PJs?” Harvey asked, raising his head and looking up at John as the older carried him to the guest room—or better known as Harvey’s room for the time being. John smiled, “PJs, Bub.” Harvey beamed in response to John’s confirmation.
Entering the room, John gently lowered Harvey down near his bed. Afterwards, John walked over to the cabinet and inspected Harvey’s (limited) wardrobe before pulling out a light blue pajama set that had printed clouds all over.
John turned and faced Harvey, before he walked over and gently set down the pajama set on the—Harvey’s bed. John crouched before stripping off Harvey's outdoor clothes, tossing them on the floor to be cleaned up later.
When John faced Harvey again, he stifled a laugh at Harvey’s poor attempt at putting on his pajama shirt. The kid somehow had the button up upside down behind his back, John was almost impressed.
It took less than a second before Harvey started flailing his arms trying to get out of the shirt. John waved his hands in front of him, “It’s okay, Bub-- Just turn around,” He said with reassurance. Harvey obliged, before John took the article off him then helped Harvey put on his pajamas properly this time, lifting the kid once more to sit him on the bed adorned by a baby blue blanket and cream bedsheets.
Harvey’s tired eyes stared at John as he was being tucked in, the blanket wrapping his body and enveloping him in its warmth. Harvey opened the warmness with open arms, quite literally as he hugged the soft blanket and rolled onto his side clutching it.
“Can you kiss me again tonight?” Harvey requested, like he did almost every night since he first got here. Of course the first time was confusing and odd for John but eventually it became part of their nightly routine.
John smiled, kneeling over Harvey before he moved the stray hair strands from Harvey’s soft face and planted a kiss on his forehead, “Goodnight, Harvey.” John whispered, ruffling Harvey’s short blonde hair before slipping his hand away entirely.
With that, Harvey closed his eyes with a content smile, muttering out a: “Goodnight, John.” In response.
(After a long moment, when John concluded that Harvey had truly fallen asleep, he quietly stood up. John discreetly picked up Harvey’s discarded clothes, made his way to the door and then quietly exited Harvey’s room. A smile on his face for another nightly routine well done and finished.)
John's Room on August 17th, Saturday evening at 10:00PM.
John’s sitting on the edge of his bed, contemplating if he should be Going To Bed Now or be calling up Sera like he promised on doing so earlier.
The phone on his bedside table taunts him with its pitch black screen, John sighs as he comes to the abrupt decision to call her. Surely she’ll be understanding to his reasons, maybe she’d even be supportive of Harvey. Well, John hoped so.
Picking up the device after some mental reluctance, he turned it on. Once the screen lit up, John unlocked with his oh so very safe and secure password (it being his own birthday, 1118), he immediately opened his contacts and called Seraphina up.
John watched the text change from calling… to ringing… to eventually just what he expected, 00:00. The call connected and Sera was on the other end of the line! Just great.
John allowed a second to pass by before he spoke up first, “Hey Sera! How ya doin’?” He said, playing casual.
On the other line, he could hear Sera grumbling before rough rustling of covers being tossed about was heard. Soon after the tame ruckus, Seraphina spoke, “John, when I said "call me later", I didn’t mean this late…!” She quipped.
John yawned, a tired result of him putting away the stuff he bought as well as cleaning the mess Harvey’s shoes made when he walked in earlier. All John could really say to Sera at the moment is a half-assed: “My bad,” to which he followed up with, “I got a little busy– Besides, at least I called you!”
Sera didn’t appreciate that answer; John could tell after she ripped him a new one. John briefly stood up from his bed, “I’m sorry!” He said, tone somewhat having a mix of both honesty and a hint of over I just want to get this over with energy.
A sigh came out of the other end followed with Sera talking again, “That’s– This wasn’t what I wanted to talk about.” The line crackled at the start, pronouncing her follow-up to be more legibly to John by the end.
“What did ya wanna talk about then?” John asked, though he already had a faint outline to what Sera was going to say next.
And John knew he had guessed correctly when she said, “What’s up with you and the kid?”
Of course, Sera questioned him about it. John responded with a laugh before he threw a counter question at her, “Are you asking for me or for Harvey?” He asked.
John heard Sera groan on the other end, “Whatever! For fuck’s sake, just tell me what’s up John!” Seraphina pleaded, frustration with a mix of irritation getting the better part of her voice.
John started to feel bad for toying Sera like this—avoiding the question. He mumbled, “’Sorry.” He said, genuinely this time.
He heard Sera sigh on the other end, “No. It’s fine.” She said, “Actually, I shouldn’t even be prying in like this. I just want to know what’s going on, John.” Seraphina admitted, remorseful of her entitlement.
A moment passed, John wanted to say something in return but his speaker crackled out Sera’s following words, “If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine, John–”
“–Hold on!” John yelped, worried that Sera would hang up on him, “About Harvey…” John started, taking a breath before continuing,
“He’s a foster child.”
.
.
.
“What?” Seraphina spoke out.
John sucked in a breath before continuing, “I know this is confusing—sudden, more accurately— but just hear me out, Sera!” John says, his grip on his mobile tightening. He’s tensing up, and Sera could tell that from the tone of his voice.
The realization sunk in, “Wait, wait… John, how long has this kid been with you?” Her voice shook, trembling; however, her question stood firm.
John pressed against his nape, “About two weeks—no, exactly two weeks now.” He figured he’d account for dates as well, “...And I picked him up on August third, if that’s what you’re going to ask next.” He quickly clarifies.
On the other end of the line, Seraphina sighed again, John felt guilty at the sound of her disappointment. “No, John, tell me when you decided to take this kid in.” Seraphina refuted. Seraphina added on, clarifying what she meant, “…Or any child at all.” John’s heart must’ve stopped pumping out blood as his momentarily brain short-circuited.
“Around February…” Seraphina’s speaker crackled out.
‘That long ago and I didn’t know? What kind of friend am I?’ Sera wondered, the least she could’ve done was be supportive instead of lashing out at John. She convinced herself that much.
“…Sera?”
Oh, she had been silent for a while. “Sorry it’s just-- John, I wish you told me sooner.” Seraphina said.
John quickly forgave her, not much said had hurt him anyways. “—I know, Sera.” In other words, John understood Sera. Why wouldn’t he? He’d freak out too, reasonably.
On a lighter note, at least she knew now. John couldn’t be less than pleased about that, “…Anyways, mind telling me about how exactly you got custody?” Seraphina asked, in a softer tone of voice this time.
“Oh, you mean the legal bullshit?”
“Yeah.”
John paused, a silent breath expelled as he pondered on where should he begin his tangent, “…Well, for starters, an agent and Harvey’s caseworker visited my place like a week before I took Harvey in, just to check the space out. Apparently it's important for the child's safety and to ensure they'd be transferred to a good home.”
On the other end, Sera laughed, “Last I visited your apartment, it was a mess.” She teased, reminiscing about their last hangout at John’s place. It was a game night in the middle of June; just the two of them and a PlayStation Sera had owned since high school. A fun time, really.
John tsked, clicking his tongue in refute, “I tidied my shit up! C'mon Sera, you know I know how to get a good cleaning done.” He whined, attempting to playfully reason with Seraphina.
“How funny. I do remember your apartment being spacious the first time you moved in and invited us over.” Seraphina noted, recalling another time.
John froze, immediate to clearing out the memory that popped into his head of their first visit. He’d rather not think about him as of the moment.
“—John?” She called out.
“Yeah, good times.” John quickly responded though askew, Seraphina understood.
Seraphina hummed in acknowledgment, “Mhm, how about telling me more about…” She briefly pauses, wondering if it was in her place to ask before continuing when John asks her to, “…Well, the kid—Harvey. Tell me more about him.”
“He’s a great kid.” John smiled, “He’s pretty tame, actually I was nervous when I first met him. Turns out he’s kind of like me--” John cut himself off. A moment’s pause, “…Within such short time, we’ve gotten accustomed with each other— Harvey and I. I’m sure he’ll like you too, Sera!”
Sera indulged in John’s delight. He seemed happy, Seraphina smiled at that thought, “That’d be nice.”
John chuckled in response.
Then, Seraphina prompted herself to ask another question, “How long is he going to be with you?”
A few seconds passed, no reply. Seraphina almost worried that maybe she was crossing a line.
He allowed an entire minute to pass before he spoke, “—A few more weeks.” Was John’s straight response. Seraphina questioned him further, “That soon…?”
Seraphina heard a soft quiver come from her speaker. John quaked despite it being the summer air still lingering about, maybe it was his air conditioner. “They signed me under a sixty day contract.” John elaborates, finding it in himself to almost recall the lettering of the papers. He sighed, audible signs of being tired, “It’s late.” John murmured.
Seraphina caught the obvious hint, John wanted to end the call, but she still had her questions. “John.” She addresses, meaning to acquire his full attention.
Audibly in the background, the shuffling of a blanket could be heard. John then answered her, “Yeah?”
Seraphina paused, unsure if she wanted to push further. In the end, she decided that perhaps she can ask another time.
“Thank you.” Seraphina says, and though John couldn't see it, she was smiling.
On John's end, he smiled as well, “Well, you're my best friend.” He retorts, “Don't thank me.”
Seraphina soft laugh crinkled through John's speaker. “You better get some sleep. Heaven knows you'll need it.” She joked.
John scoffed, “Goodnight to you too then!” He playfully retorted.
“Goodnight, John!” Seraphina sang, throwing his formality right back at him.
A short interval of silence, “Goodnight, Sera.” John repeats, in a softer voice this final time.
Before Seraphina can repeat his words, John hangs up on her. Three rhythmic beeps indicating that the line had died followed directly after.
Seraphina fell back into her mattress.
Seraphina sighed, a part of her was upset John ended the call. On the contrary, she was glad. Happy even, happy that John openly spoke with her.
The feeling of being there for him filled her with a sense of glee that manages to overshadow her concern. Concern? For what? Seraphina shook her head, resting it on a pillow.
Tonight, she'll sleep well for certain.
And maybe in the next coming days, she'll see more of John and the kid he's looking after. Maybe she'll hang out with her friend again.
Seraphina's eyes finally fall shut. Granting herself the rest she needs, she falls asleep.