Rush: Homecoming

[x-ricochet.livejournal.com]

Johnny, Victor and Jean-Paul arrive in the city and go to meet the long-absent Mr. Gallo.



Parking in New York City was still a nightmare and by the time they found a spot, the trio of mutants had a few blocks to walk to get back to the Gallo residence. Not that this bothered Johnny. He certainly wasn't in a hurry. The white-haired mutant's frame was tense, hands jammed down into the pockets of his jeans as he lead the way to the small townhouse he used to share with his dad, stationed between Jean-Paul and Victor and looking at neither of them. But at least he had forced down the urge to chew his lip. "It's just another block," he offered apologetically.

The boy looked as if he were going to face a firing squad instead of going home to his father, Jean-Paul thought bleakly, looking down at the hunch-shouldered figure beside him. He remembered that feeling of resigned dread well, but none of those people had been his flesh and blood, and certainly not anyone he would call family.

"It will not be so bad," he offered, "just awkward. He is at least making the attempt. The man you used to know is in there somewhere, Johnathan, you just have to help him get used to the idea of being a father again." Instead of a selfish, cold-hearted ass, but of course he didn't say that out loud.

Vic fell into step on the other side of him, still managing to nudge Johnny with an elbow despite the fact that his hands were tucked in his pockets as well. "And if it totally sucks, you still have the excuse of showing this rube around the big city all weekend," he drawled. "I'm sure we can find plenty of things to do for the next couple of days. At worst, we pretend your dad's is a lousy bed and breakfast."

"I guess," Johnny conceded softly. His talk with Victor and the consequent discussion during the drive up from Salem Center had only left him half certain of the idea, but he was doing his best to hold to it. Otherwise, they would still be trying to coax him out of the car. Victor's nudge pushed his slim body enough that his arm bumped Jean-Paul's while they walked and his words were enough to draw a small smile from the white-haired teen despite the dread knotting his stomach. "A bed and breakfast? I don't think there are enough doilies for that...But I'll show you around. Definitely. Least I can do." He sobered again, biting briefly into his lip before forcing himself to stop. "I...really appreciate you guys coming out here with me."

"It is not a big deal," Jean-Paul said, offering what he hoped was an encouraging smile. "Do not worry about it. Just enjoy your weekend." Despite Johnny's obvious lack of enthusiasm, Jean-Paul couldn't help but notice that his steps quickened almost imperceptibly as they approached the brick townhouse with the white door and awnings waiting for them at the end of the block. If the boy's father did anything to crush that cautious hope, Jean-Paul didn't know if he would be able to control himself.

"Dude, are you kidding? A free weekend in the city? Wild horses, yo." Vic wasn't sure if his enthusiasm was helping or if it was just obnoxious, but it was hard not to be excited about a weekend in New York, even with the possibility that Johnny's dad was going to be a jerk. Besides, Johnny was anxious enough for the both of them.

Johnny looked between the two of them, seeming to relax gradually amid their combined efforts. As anxious as he was, they made it difficult to do otherwise. He nodded and pulled in a breath, pace quickening just enough to put him a step or two ahead as he lead the way through a short, chain-link gate and up the steps to the small, aged building. It was all the same as he remembered it, almost startlingly so, and he looked back at Jean-Paul and Victor again, as if to make certain they were still there, before knocking.

The door opened almost at once. Johnny's father was a tall man with sandy brown hair and thin in a way that made his head seem just a bit too large for his body. He greeted his son with an uncertain smile, opening the door wide as he stepped out onto the porch. "Glad to see you back, Johnny," he managed, offering the boy a handshake before looking up at the other two. "I'm guessing this would be Victor and Mr. Beaubier?"

For a moment, Johnny could only look at the man with a strange and distant expression, then he swallowed and lifted his hand and managed a strained smile that was not unlike his father's, "...Thanks." His grip was firm, but short-lived and his hand soon retreated back to his side. The question grounded his mind enough to make him recall the necessity of introductions and he looks back at his teacher and his classmate before turning his light eyes back to the man in front of him. "Oh! Yeah. Mr. Beaubier, Victor, this is Darren." He amended after an audible pause, voice more uncertain than before, "...My dad."

Vic stepped forward almost automatically, extending a hand to Darren. "Hi, Mr. Gallo. It's nice to meet you." Best not to think about Johnny's uncertainty, best to ignore the fact that Johnny's dad shook his hand after seeing him for the first time in months--nevermind that his parents were likely to squeeze him so hard his tongue popped out the next time they saw him. Vic couldn't help but glance up at Jean-Paul, only just managing to keep himself from giving him a look of consternation.

Jean-Paul hadn't missed the handshake either and he only just managed to avoid gritting his teeth by telling himself that it was actually a step forward from the utter disinterest the man had shown previously. "Good to meet you," Jean-Paul said, offering his own hand and managing to keep his disapproving "finally" to himself.

Darren shook both their hands -- managing only to look mildly startled at Victor's adhesive grip. "Johnny's told me all about you both. Please, come in."

'He has told me about you too and little of it has been good. Do not continue the trend.'

Outwardly, Jean-Paul maintained a polite smile as he withdrew his hand. "I had best get going. I have some errands I need to run. I hope you enjoy your visit, and please call the school if anything comes up." The last was meant as much for the boys as for Darren. Jean-Paul gave Johnny's shoulder a quick pat and headed back down the stairs.

Johnny watched as greetings were exchanged, distracted enough or simply detached enough from the proper dynamics of family life to put much thought into the detail that so troubled his companions. He features faltered briefly as Jean-Paul touched his shoulder and started down the steps. Though he had known the man would not stay long, he suddenly wished he would. He lifted one narrow hand in parting and managed, "...Thanks. See you Sunday."

The teenager turned to meet his father's eyes again, trying not to look as adrift as he felt, even with his roommate still lingering by his side. He forced a smile and looked at Victor, "Come on. We'll give you the tour." Not that he was certain he would recognize it.