[PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN]

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 5:33 pm

Benga felt himself tense as she wrapped herself around him again. He didn't want to make her feel as if he didn't want her there and attempted to calm himself. His heart pounded in his chest, unable to calm it this time and his cheeks warmed.

"I...uh..." He stammered, unsure of what to say.

Benga was rather unsure of himself again. He wasn't sure how to respond, with what he was feeling or the words that remained trapped on his tongue. His mind whirled, blank of any real thought left there.

Something that had been happening for a long time? She had thought that too? The knowing glances from nearly everyone they knew, including their Pokemon seemed to make a little more sense now. They'd long since picked up on something that they seemed very unaware of.

"I guess it has...in one sense or another." he responded a moment after. "Seems to make sense...with all the looks we get."

He swallowed hard, tentatively wrapping an arm around her. He wasn't sure why this felt in a way, right. It was an odd feeling swirling in him. Benga wasn't so sure of it. His cheeks were so inflamed, it made him a little dizzy.

This was something he wasn't used to. But if Blaire seemed to like it, he'd attempt to calm himself down over it. He wanted to see her happy, after all.

----[x]----

Layla rubbed her eyes after a long amount of time. She steadily grew a little more wary as time went on. This was something normal, having often fallen asleep reading in the past. Often times, the act left her with very odd dreams.

She jumped a little at the sound of a voice, so lost in her reading that she didn't notice any one person entering. She blinked up, finding Lance. His cheeks were a tad tinted from the air outside.

"You look a little cold," She noted with a slight smile.

It was enough to let her know that the temperature had dropped. Layla never minded the cold but now that she listened, she could hear the wind howling. Cold winds was not something she cared for. It was the only kind of cold that she didn't tolerate.

Layla cleared her throat a little. "I had, yes." She responded. She had nearly finished the book she had begun reading a couple hours earlier. "I hope whatever news was...good for you."

She wasn't sure what the matter he had to attend to had been. Still, she hoped that it had gone as well as it could have.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 5:48 pm

Blaire could feel her face grow hotter as Benga placed his arm around her, causing her heart to stutter-step before resuming its rapid pace. She bit at her lip, unsure of what to do. Sparing a glance at his face only proved that he was as unused to this as she was.

Hesitantly she grasped his shirt in her hand, that stirring feeling whirling about in her chest. It was harder to keep a clear head, thoughts buzzing about before she could pin them down.

She grunted in response to Benga. Those irritatingly knowing looks seemed to only make a little more sense now. Blaire still didn't want to face up to that just yet, however.

"I wonder what changed," she mumbled shyly, feeling quite warm in Benga's hold, however tentative it was.

It was quiet for some time after that, Blaire unsure what to say next. It seemed like neither were very close to an answer that they wanted, despite knowing that the other felt the same thing.

----[x]----

Dragonite was on his feet, moving back to Lance's side where he was recalled. Lance shook his head, scoffing in annoyance at the mention of Lorelei.

"It was nothing that I was not already aware of," he answered shortly. There was nothing more to say about it other than she had dug under his skin effectively.

He gestured for her to get ready to head out in the cold wind when she was ready. The sun was sinking lower, the last straggling light of the sun disappearing as the seconds ticked by. Streetlights had already begun to flicker into life.

"Whenever you're ready we'll get you that coat," Lance mentioned, stuffing his chilly hands into his pockets. "Afterwards we can find a place to stay for the night."

Most likely they would reside at the Pokemon Center where no questions were bound to be asked and a bed provided for each. It would cut down on any awkwardness or embarrassment on Layla's side.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 6:15 pm

Benga took the time to calm himself, growing a little more comfortable or as comfortable as the situation would allow. This wasn't something he was used to. It wasn't like he had often times attempted to find a woman he fancied. For so many years, it had simply been he and her.

He grunted slightly at thought, his heart picking up speed again. Benga wasn't sure what he was thinking. He wasn't very sure of himself over the course of the events.

"I'm not sure myself," he noted after a moment. "It's something different. Not really familiar between the two of us..."

Benga wasn't sure what he was saying. He scratched his cheek with his free hand, feeling a little lame. Benga didn't really care for this kind of thing. He liked to know what he was feeling. This kind of thing? He wouldn't be taking it to anyone else. Knowing his grandfather, it would be something that he'd take and run with.

"What's that thing people call it?" He mused after a moment. "Puppy love or somethin'?"

He snorted a moment later, his cheeks warming in response of the words. He couldn't believe he had said that. Still, it seemed Blaire had been as caught off guard with them. Benga was a little relieved. At least it wasn't just him who reacted this way at the mention of growing so close, as an item of sorts.

----[x]----

From what she could tell, it seemed Lance was a little impatient to have Lorelei. She wondered if this woman had toyed with him, as he said she had a habit of doing. She had to wonder what kind of person she was.

Regardless, she put it from her mind. She was quick to gather the books she had been reading, moving to the desk and handing them off. She would have put them back on her own but she didn't want to keep him waiting. She spared a smile at the employee before she moved back toward the pair.

Crux moved carefully moved onto her shoulders, as he normally did.

She was a little nervous about the night ahead. If he was staying with her, she wanted to at least let him know of the nightmares. There were a few times when she had been told she whimpered or screamed in her sleep.

Some of those times had been used as an excuse to bring harm to her.

With that, they moved out of the library. The wind instantly buffeted against them, a shiver running up her spine. Crux seemed rather unaffected by the cold but Layla certainly was.

"Well, the weathers certainly turned since this afternoon..." She noted lightly.

She could smell rain in the air, however faint it was in the city. She wondered how far the temperature would dip. She wrapped her arms around her middle, trying to preserve whatever warmth she could as they began walking through the city. Very few braved the evening now, holed up wherever they could to keep warm.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 6:31 pm

Blaire buried her face into Benga's shoulder mumbling "oh jeez" at Benga's words. Puppy love, was that what it was? The thought caused her heart to speed up again after having slowed. She could feel her face was hot again at the very thought of it.

After a moment she spared a tentative glance up at Benga, wondering what was on his mind after admitting that. Blaire hadn't exactly thought of the two as a couple before. She had never had any incentive to.

"So," she started before she had to pause, biting at her lip. When she did carry on her words were carefully picked. "What do you want to do about it?"

Thinking about it again, however briefly, still caused her heart to leap in her chest, bringing with it that feeling. Blaire's gaze dropped shyly, reaching up to toy with that necklace of his again. It gave her something to focus on while Benga picked his words, mulling over the answer.

"I don't think ignoring it ever does much good," Blaire noted slowly.

Blaire tried to recall when people had talked about it before. She couldn't exactly say she had any secondhand knowledge of it through books or movies either. Anything she read or watched tended to be gravitate towards action, fantasy or horror.

----[x]----

Outside Lance braced himself against the wind, already feeling it sapping away his body heat as it buffeted him. Layla seemed to fair worse without any extra layers of clothes, hugging herself around the middle. Lance shook his head at this.

"It's to be expected this time of year," he said, if only to keep Layla from thinking he was rebuking her in some way.

After a moment, leading them to the little store he had seen earlier, Lance spared her another glance. Layla looked absolutely pitiable in the strong winds though Weavile seemed to lap up the chill in the air. Not surprisingly on either account.

Without a word Lance unclasped his cape from around his neck, tossing it over her shoulders carefully. It took a moment to clip it in place, having to avoid Weavile getting caught up in it and his numbed fingers fumbling with it. When it was done he shoved his hands in his pockets and lead the way again.

"It's just up ahead and we can find you something more suitable," he noted, sparing a glance at her over his shoulder. Lance found he rather did not like the way she had looked when sapped of warmth from the wind.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 7:20 pm

Benga shifted a little, turning his gaze onto her. He felt his heart pick up a little again though, he did his best to keep himself calm. These kind of things were foreign to him and couldn't begin to find a way to respond.

It seemed she wanted to carry on with the idea. Why a part of him stirred over the thought left him completely unsure.

Neither had experience in this kind of situation. Blaire had been a tom boy and when it came to things like this, it was just as foreign to her as it was to him. Part of him had to wonder if she had some inkling over it however, even if it was just a little.

"No, ignoring it wouldn't work." He noted, pushing his hand back with his free hand. "We'd still know it anyways and probably end up an awkward mess."

It was true enough. When they went to try to deny something, it always arose again, one way or another. They both knew the situation, so it was often stuck in their head and simply denying it never worked. It had left for some awkward times between them, over the course of time.

Benga coughed into his fist again. "I...don't really know." He mused after a moment. "I...should we actually...try to work with it?"

Benga wasn't sure of himself. If they ignored it, it would be obvious to everyone else that something was wrong. If they attempted to work with it, act as a couple would, than they would know how to sort it out and become comfortable with each other again.

At least, that's what he hoped for. The theory was just that in his mind.

----[x]----

Layla felt it was her lack of weight that made things so cold. It felt as if the wind blew right through her, shivers racking her in attempts to combat the cold. It all ended in vain for her and she could only hope the walk wouldn't be far.

She couldn't hide the surprise on her face however, as Lance turned, pulling the cape he normally adorned over her shoulders. She couldn't keep her cheeks from warming as he fussed with the clasp, his fingers pink from the cold air.

Before she was able to protest, he was off again, hands stuff into his pockets.

Layla was quick to trot to his side again, tugging the cape around her to fare against the wind a little better. Her frame was smaller than his own, after all. She was glad for the act, warmer now. She felt her heart pound against her chest though she did her best to quash it.

"Thank you," She finally managed to speak up, her cheeks warming slightly.

He'd been doing an awful lot to make her as comfortable as he could Layla was very grateful for it. This kind of kindness, she'd not seen in quite a long time.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 7:42 pm

Blaire met Benga's gaze a little shyly, head tilting to the side as he spoke. He was struggling with it just as much as she was. At least she wasn't the only one.

Neither knew quite what to do to alleviate the awkwardness that had settled between them and this left her frustrated. Blaire found she was missing the old feeling of comfort from Benga. She could only hope that it would return over time.

She pulled away a little, still messing with his necklace of pokeballs. It didn't seem they had many options even for something seemed complicated. A frown settled on her lips at that. Blaire found she didn't exactly want to lose Benga in any form and if working through it would help....

"I... I don't see why not," she murmured, biting at her lip again. It was quickly becoming another habit in recent days. Blaire's gaze flickered up to Benga's again before they averted. "That is... if you want to...?"

Blaire didn't like this feeling of uncertainty. At any other time in their life there would have been no need for this tip-toeing around any issues between them. She hoped that it would disappear quickly if they worked at it.

She shuffled, feeling a little colder since she had pulled away from Benga. It wasn't by much but it was enough to feel a change in warmth. She pushed her bangs out of her face though they fell right back into place a moment later as she tried to find a way to think of a more comfortable change in conversation.

"Benga? Will you keep me company tonight?" Blaire gestured to the bandaged gash in her head again, indicating that she would most likely need some help staying up all night per the doctor's orders. With the recent conversation, however, she wasn't sure if things would be awkward the entire time or not.

----[x]----

"Don't mention it," Lance answered simply with a shake of his head.

Ahead the shop could be seen and he reached out to place a hand at Layla's back to speed her up a little as well. The sooner they were out of the cold wind the better. Lance was not one who fancied the cold, after all.

In just a few moments they reached the door, Lance tugging it open for Layla to step inside. He nodded to the man at the register as he stepped inside after her, hands back in his pockets soon after.

"Take your time," said Lance, watching her.

It would be an interesting study, Lance figured, wondering what she might pick out. One's clothes could say a lot about a person if one knew what to look for. It was easier when one knew the other but with Layla Lance was already having an easier time reading her.

He would hang back, keeping an eye out.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 8:24 pm

Benga watched her for quite some time. She seemed just as awkward about it as he was but didn't seem to dislike the idea. A part of him didn't either. In fact, a part of him rather insisted upon it though he did his best to ignore that little voice.

He rubbed the back of his neck, lifting his gaze a tad. Despite his efforts, the idea was appealing to him. He had no inkling as to why this might be. Benga figured along the way, they might find answers in themselves if they took the time and patience to actually give it a go.

Despite his bashfulness, he cleared his throat again, letting his hand settle back into his lap.

"I don't see why we can't try," He answered back, studying her expression. "It's alright with me as long as it's alright with you."

The words passed his lips slowly, though, his heart pounded against his chest. It wasn't something he had ever thought he would miss. These things were a complete mystery to him. He cleared his throat again, pushing his hair back. He could feel his cheeks warming up in response to the words.

He blinked down at her when she pointed toward her head. Benga was able to smile, a little easier now, that she had mentioned something new. He wasn't going to leave her alone. He had planned on staying up.

"Yea, of course I will," he responded. "Can't leave you alone, after all! You'll wind up finding some other way to hurt yourself!"

It was a light jest though, he could feel the tension lifted between them and was glad for it. Even if they tried this form of a 'relationship', he didn't think so much would change between them. Little things like this, he figured would remain for quite some time.

----[x]----

Layla was glad to be within the store after the cold winds whipped at them, even for a short time. The warmer air inside would thaw them out. Crux notably pouted over this and Layla shot a small smile in his direction.

She gave a simple nod in response as she began to look about the store. Layla wasn't too particular though, she had an 'odd' taste in things. She dressed a little 'odd' despite how she did back when she was younger. It wasn't to draw attention to herself. Her mother had once claimed that she liked to wear 'loud' things.

Layla found much later that that fact was very true.

It took her a little time before she pulled out a long, dark colored coat. Belts dangled from the waist line. The coat 'tailed' out, in a sort of fashion, was something a tad different form her usual wear. The sleeves were long, like her last. She tossed the coat over her arm, tugging at the clasp of Lance's cape, carefully tugging it off. She returned it to him a moment after, her cheeks a little warm from the favor.

"I think I've made my decision," She finally relented, feeling a little shy over it.

Layla had never felt comfortable intruding on others. Or at least, in her mind it was an intrusion. Even simple things, she would turn down because she didn't feel right about taking up the offer or being bought something. It always made her feel awkward.

Still, the act in itself often times left her flattered as well.

Layla felt some need to repay him later though she did not voice it. Something told her he wouldn't care for the thought.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 8:43 pm

Blaire pouted at Benga as he mentioned her hurting herself somehow if he wasn't around. It wasn't as if she was klutzy or anything. Though she sometimes did move a little too fast and ended up bumping into things. These weren't often, however, though Benga liked to use it against her.

"I would not!" she protested, swatting at him in the process.

Arms folded over her chest she leaned back against his shoulder again. Benga hadn't exactly removed his arm from around her and she found she wanted that extra warmth. She did her best to ignore the pink that rose to her cheeks with this small action.

She hoped that little things like this would grow more comfortable between the two quickly.

"Besides, I'm already hurt! You shouldn't pick on me!"

Despite that argument she had to bite back a smile, doing a poor job of even that. Blaire was glad that their joking around and picking at each other wouldn't just end. It was something they both enjoyed, after all.

----[x]----

It didn't take Layla all that long to pick something out, returning with the coat of her choice over her arm. She was quick to return his cape, looking a little embarrassed. Lance said nothing about this, instead working to fasten it back in place over his shoulders.

"Well, that was certainly a short excursion," he noted conversationally.

He lead them back to the cash register, quickly paying for the coat and shoving the receipt in his pocket. It would be tossed later, when he could be reminded to check his pockets.

Lance waited politely for her to slip into the coat. He wasn't all too eager to go back out in the wind after his hands and face had begun to warm back up but he would not complain.

"Ready?" he prodded, reaching for the door. Though he was not particularly fond of others he had his manners and would open doors for others if only out of good mannerisms.

"If we're quick we won't have to wait about in the cold too long on the way to the Pokemon Center."

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 9:29 pm

Benga laughed at her reaction, shaking his head slightly. The argument was a tad weak but normal between them. It wasn't like he was exactly looking for a fight. More over, gentle prods to relieve the tension between them.

"Of course you would!" he continued to jest. "You've found ways to hurt yourself more ways than once."

He snickered as she pouted at him. This felt a little more natural, something familiar. Despite beginning to try what they both were setting out to do, Benga found he much preferred this kind of natural interaction. Perhaps it would lead into other things. He couldn't be sure.

"Shouldn't make fun of the injured, huh?" He jested lightly. "Does that rule only apply to you? I think I recall quite a few times when you tried to drag me from my bed when I was sick. Or how about beating me up when I had hurt myself?"

He shot a smirk in her direction as he recalled these little memories. Sure enough, it would catch her a little off guard. He knew she'd figure some argument around them. Still, prodding at her was always a little fun to do. Her reactions and excuses were great ones at times.

----[x]----

"I'm not too particular," she answered as she tugged the coat off.

Layla wasn't too excited about going outside again. The cold, she wouldn't mind so much if it wasn't for the wind. It still howled outside, rattling the door a little. These kinds of nights always left her awake despite the exhaustion already settling on her.

She tugged the coat around her, ready to move outside again. "Yes," She answered, passing before him. The wind whipped at her hair the moment she stepped outside. Crux relaxed with the colder air that passed them by. Layla was warmer with the coat wrapped about her. She allowed herself to adopt a quick pace with him.

Layla followed Lance, sticking closer to his side than before. It helped keep the two of them warmer. She hoped he didn't mind this motion. Neither seemed too fond of this kind of cold. The Pokemon Center's roof wasn't far but it felt like it took quite a bit longer to reach it.

She was thankful when they were finally able to reach the place and inside, warm air buffeting them again. Layla heaved a sigh, glad for the warmth. Her cheeks were tinted pink from the cool air outside.

"I hate windy days like this. If it was warm, I wouldn't mind it so much..."

She usually loved the wind, welcomed it especially before a storm. In the winter, it always left her freezing and chilled to the bone. She figured at least they were somewhere warm for the night.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 9:40 pm

Blaire stage gasped, looking affronted at the reminder of those things. She slapped her hands over her heart, looking away dramatically.

"What lies! I did no such things!"

She couldn't help but to grin up at Benga, attempting to bite it back. It was harder to bite back the chuckles that threatened to escape, shaking her small frame. She didn't wait too long before plowing on a little further.

"Besides, I had to beat you up for hurting yourself then! You had scared me!"

There was definitely a grain of truth in that. Even when they were kids the other would have a tendency to fret over the one who had gotten hurt. Blaire had been a little more violent then than she was now-a-days, however. Growing up had helped to reign in her temper after awhile.

She chuckled again, leaning her head back against Benga's shoulder rather experimentally. At least now, with the more joke-y conversation between the two something that simple did not leave Blaire as flustered as before.

----[x]----

A nod greeted Layla's answer, taking stock of it. At least she was simple to please. Lance had seen a fair share of women in his time that simply did not seem to know what they wanted. Others, still, liked to weigh things out while some like Layla weren't nearly as picky or concerned about it. Lance supposed that it took all kinds.

Lance spared her a quick look, taking stock of the fact that she was keeping close to his side as they trekked to the PokeCenter. He did not mention it, however. He saw no point.

He shook his head once inside the building, running a hand through his hair to fix it a little.

"The rain will only make it colder if the wind chill keeps up," Lance said after a moment, heading towards the Pokemon doctor that had taken up Nurse Joy's post when she had dejected to the rebels.

"We only need a room for the night," he conveyed simply, holding his hand out for the key provided to them.

"Lucky you, last of the rooms for the night," the man noted conversationally.

"I see."

With that Lance would lead them to said room, seeing no need to dawdle. They could come back out for food in the cafeteria when they were ready.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 10:13 pm

"Yea, right!" Benga jested back. "Sure, that's how it goes!"

He shook his head though, the grin on his lips let both of them know that it wasn't so much a big deal. Their childhood had been a rather eventful thing for them despite some of the trouble they had gotten into. It left them with many fond memories however.

Benga was a little more relaxed now, even as she laid her head on his shoulder again. It didn't bother him or send his heart pounding as badly as before. In a way, it was actually a comfortable feeling.

He had to wonder why that was. What had changed between them and what made this feeling so overwhelming.

"I wonder what the next mission will be like," He mused lightly, already thinking on it.

Alder had taken interest in what Lance had done as well as the woman with him. Would they continue to persuade them? Could they take that risk? It was obvious the previous champion was protecting the woman.

He grunted at the thought, not caring to not have a reasonable answer for it. Perhaps listening in on rumors would confirm or deny a few things.

----[x]----

Quite a few things had changed since the time Genesis came into rule. Layla had only seen temporary doctors in Pokemon Centers over time, when she was able to go out or was lead to the centers with others. It was a little odd, always seeing someone different sitting behind that desk.

Most of the sisters had taken up helping the rebels. A very few had stayed within the Centers, from what she had heard, only to help those who really needed it.

Layla followed after Lance, the man adopting a quick pace. It wouldn't be long before they found the room. While it was small, holding two beds and a desk, simple accommodation to hold them over, Layla couldn't complain. This was much better than some of the other places she had been.

She glanced at the man. Layla knew that they would take the time to eat but she felt the need to at least let him know before if slipped her mind and an incident arose over the night.

"Lance," she began carefully. "If I...end up screaming or saying anything...odd over night, just don't wake me up..." She scratched her cheek slightly. "It's better I just wake up on my own."

It was the only thing she could provide. Things like that could have an effect on her, an effect on any person really. She collected herself a little easier waking up on her own. It was that and those who had her before hadn't quite done the same. At times, she would lash out upon being woke in a panic and it would result in less than favorable situations.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 10:28 pm

Blaire grew quiet, listening to Benga think out loud. He did this sometimes, voicing a thought for the next topic they'd bounce off to. It was never anything new when it happened.

"Well, whatever is you're not going without me," she declared, pouting a little bit at the thought of it. They had yet to be separated to different missions and Blaire wanted to keep it that way. A part of her vehemently fought back against the idea otherwise.

Tipping her head to one side she smiled at him. Blaire reached out, placing her hand over his own, the one placed around her and keeping her close. The action sent little butterflies swirling through her stomach momentarily before they were gone. Once they were gone it was replaced with that pleasant feeling, one of comfort and warmth.

Blaire was finding more and more that she rather enjoyed that feeling, even if she wasn't so sure about going about it.

"Besides, if I'm not there then you won't get to play Mr. Hero!"

Still, Benga brought up a good point. With the news that they had brought to Alder they could be chosen to focus on Lance and his assistant or back to the same missions they usually took up. Blaire figured it was all a matter of how much Alder wanted to risk.

----[x]----

Lance raised a brow as she informed him of her nightly terrors. It was in a roundabout way but it still got the message across. He raised a brow at this news before he nodded.

"If that's what you wish."

It was as simple as that. Perhaps waking on her own from such things was better for her to deal with the things her mind assaulted her with. If that was the case then Lance would allow it, however much his instincts might tell him otherwise if it happened.

He handed the room key to Layla afterwards, waiting for her to take it. It was a show of some amount of trust and to make her feel safer in the night. With her history with the past Genesis members no doubt she took her personal security to great stakes.

Lance was quick to tug his cape off, folding it neatly and placing it on the desk nearby. He would only be up for so many hours, after all, and there was no point wearing it inside all day if there was no risk of being called out for something or other.

"We'll get you and Weavile something to eat when you're ready," Lance said, breaking the silence that had settled around.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 11:16 pm

Benga couldn't resist snickering at her words. They hadn't been separated yet and no doubt, she wouldn't allow that to happen in the future. Benga found he would not either. He knew Blaire well and knew how to work with her. It was easier to go about it that way. Anyone else, he might get too impatient with.

"Well, of course," he boosted a moment after. "I couldn't trust anyone else with you! Only I'm allowed to play hero, after all!"

He paused as she laid her hand on his. Benga felt his heart pick up again but calm a little afterward as he grew used to the contact. Carefully, he wrapped his hand around her own, watching her expression from the corner of his eye.

"Still, I wonder if the old man will really focus on Lance," he mulled over the words. "He seemed rather interested in the fact that he let us go much less the assistant he's taken to."

Benga shook his head at the thoughts. "Guess we won't know until it happens."

It still bothered him though. He wasn't someone keen on waiting, after all. If something needed done, he wanted to get it done. Some didn't favor that mentality but he figured they'd simply have to get over it.

----[x]----

Layla didn't feel the need to elaborate any further than what she had given. If she had an episode that night, he might come to better understand. She simply hoped that if there were disturbances, no one in other rooms would complain.

It wasn't something that she could help.

She carefully took the key into her hand, glad that he seemed to trust her with it. It was a small form but something that she needed. Part of her was still rather unsure of what he was thinking of her. She pocketed the key, leaving it there for another time to use.

Layla carefully tugged off the new coat, hanging it up. She made sure that her sleeves did not get caught up in anything or pulled away. Lance expressed quite a bit of distaste when mentioning forms of abuse on her in the past. She wouldn't be able to tell how he'd react seeing some of the more minor damage.

"Sure," she responded after a moment. "I'm ready when you are."

Layla was tired but she wouldn't skip the meal. She had to try and get healthy, if she could allow herself it.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Wed Jan 30, 2013 11:29 pm

"Of course," she echoed, a chuckle or two escaping her.

Benga's hand covering hers after a moment. She rather liked the feel of it. Blaire found it was almost a comforting feeling, like when he had placed his arm around her. She was a little glad that her face didn't get nearly as warm at the contact. Perhaps they were making a little bit of progress sooner than they had thought.

She hummed in though, mulling over the situation. It wasn't like they could possibly divine what Alder had planned, though they could at least speculate.

"We could always ask in a few days, try to get prepared before I'm all healed up and ready to go," Blaire offered after a moment. It wouldn't hurt to ask, after all.

Blaire observed him for a moment, taking in his expression - the way his brow furrowed and the frown that had started tugging at his lips. Blaire knew that look well enough to know what was bothering him.

"Don't tell me you're getting all antsy to set out already," she noted, though she carried a light tone of voice. No doubt in a day or two she would be antsy and rearing to go, urging her injuries to heal faster to accommodate that.

----[x]----

Lance waited, hands partially in his pockets. They were still rather numbed by the wind, despite his best efforts and the short time they had been out. He took the time to watch Layla as she carefully hung her new coat up. The way she took to the task it was obvious she took painstaking care with what she had left.

"Hopefully there won't be a large number milling about in there," Lance murmured, almost to himself.

He found in his time that he didn't care much for crowds though he would tolerate them if he had to. Swinging the door open he allowed Layla and Weavile to exit before him, following after.

It was a quick trip to the Center's cafeteria. They were all modeled the same way that way trainers could have an easy time of finding everything when they rested in one. Lance was a little relieved to only find a few milling about and sitting with one another or alone to their meals.

"Seems to be a lucky day," he pointed out, no doubt in his mind that Layla was listening to him as he talked to himself. It wasn't always something he indulged in and yet it happened from time to time.

Yet again he allowed Layla and Weavile to head in first, picking up a plate and piling what food they saw fit to eat on it.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:02 am

"I don't see why not," he replied a moment afterward. "Better to be prepared if he does decide to send us out. I wouldn't mind it. Can't say I'm happy about having to give up the lead but I couldn't risk you getting hurt."

Benga felt his cheeks warm at the confession, clearing his throat slightly. It wasn't a big surprise between them. He worried for her and she in turn did the same for him. Until recently the whole thing seemed to change.

He furrowed his eyebrows at her next statement, adopting a slight pout. "Only a little," he responded. "If it hadn't been for what happened, I probably wouldn't have cared so much."

In truth, he was immensely curious of what the man was planning. When he was curious, he wanted answers. They weren't being provided with any sitting around. Who knew when Lance's trail would go dead? What if the woman he had saved meant nothing to him and she was tossed to another Genesis member? They'd lose that lead entirely.

"Besides, given a couple days having to laze around, you'll want to get out of here too." He jested lightly. "You know it as much as I do."

----[x]----

Layla followed Lance back down the hall, listening as he spoke out loud to himself. She wouldn't have pegged him as one to do this but it showed that she was still learning quite a bit of the man.

She was a little glad that there were fewer people here however. Despite what the man at the desk had said, it seemed most people had retreated to their rooms. It could have been for any reason. Still, Layla had to agree with him.

"That's quite a change," she mused after a moment. "I hope to have a few other lucky days."

It might have been mindless rambles on her part. At times, she really believed them to be true. After the months she endured, luck had seemed like it never existed in her eyes. She pushed her mind from it, picking out the food she wanted. Crux would lean over, picking things out he wanted to eat before they would settle down.

After a moment, they found an empty table and sat down. As she began to eat, she listened to the wind outside. At points, it would calm only to begin howling again a few moments later.

"It's going to be a noisy night." She noted.

Crux huffed beside her, settling down on the table. Layla had always had trouble sleeping with this kind of noise. He hoped that it wouldn't so much bother her that night, given the lack of sleep the night before.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:19 am

It was quiet after Benga's confession. While they both worried for the other's well-being neither had exactly taken to saying it out loud. It was nice to hear out loud for once and Blaire felt her face redden a little at it.

Blaire slipped her hand out of Benga's to instead hug Benga around the middle in response. Yet again her heart raced a little at the action though after it settled she rather liked it. Blaire didn't much care to think when they would pull away for whatever reason later.

"Yeah," she relented, glancing up at him. "But I'd rather not think about that for the time being."

The conversation seemed to lapse after that, though for Blaire it wasn't uncomfortable. Despite the awkward topic they had started out with Blaire liked to think that they were getting more comfortable with each other, given the strange feeling that had blossomed between them.

Her stomach rumbled a little, drawing her attention away to other things. "Hey, Benga. Why don't we go see if we can't find something to eat? I've been craving something sweet for days." She stopped, mulling it over. "I'd like to take something for Cerberus and Kujo back in the Center, too, afterwards...."

----[x]----

"Well, we'll have to do our best to keep that streak going," Lance answered simply as they took to the food line. It didn't take them all that long to get through, Weavile occasionally demanding something for himself though it was not surprising.

He hummed, seating himself at the table Layla chose. Outside the wind seemed to all but try to tear away the Pokemon Center's windows. A particularly strong gust seemed to rattle them from time to time.

"So it seems."

It was quiet between them as Lance took a thoughtful bite out of his food. Despite his usual neat behavior his plate was a sloppy mess, food merging with one another. Some had given him looks for it in the past, perhaps wondering why he was not as neat in this aspect of his life.

"Hopefully the noise will not be too disturbing through the night," he mentioned conversationally.

He glanced up at the window. In the streetlight he could see a couple hurrying down the street, their heads ducked to try and escape the wind chapping their faces.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:47 am

Benga grinned down at her at the mention of wanting something sweet to eat. She'd always had a sweet tooth, even going as far as buying lip balm that tasted like different candies. Benga never understood her love for sweets but he never judged her for it.

"When are you not craving something sweet?" He jested in response.

He sobered a little at the mention of her Pokemon. He had no doubts she was worried over their condition. He was too. After taking a fall like that, they were all lucky. He didn't care to see her beating herself up over it but he didn't voice it.

"I suppose you want me to carry you around?" He attempted to smooth it over.

The least he could do was try to get her mind off it. Until they knew if the Pokemon were okay or not, he felt she shouldn't worry herself too much. Still, she cared deeply for them and understood.

He finally pulled his arm away, ignoring the cold the assaulted him afterward. He didn't want to admit that it was something he missed. Leaning down, he waited until she was on his back before getting up. Afterward, he pushed his way out of her room, heading toward the general direction of the dining hall.

"You want to eat first or check up on Cerberus and Kujo?"

Benga left it up to her. Whatever she choose, he didn't mind carrying her.

----[x]----

Layla hummed in response, watching the windows. She didn't know when things like this started bothering her at night. She always had to have something help lull her to sleep as a child. Now, any little noise disturbed. She took a bite of her food, mulling it over.

"It might bother me a little," She mused after a swallowing. "I don't exactly sleep like a rock anymore."

She never had, in reality. If she grew too warm, she'd wake up. If she was too cold, she'd wake up. Slight noises or lack there of certain ones would leave her awake. Layla, for whatever reason, found that over the years, she had a very odd sleeping pattern. Some things lulled her to sleep while others did not.

The night terrors now didn't help the situation.

Layla had to wonder how the night would fare between them now. There were a number of things that could keep her up. Lance was doing what he could to make sure she didn't risk her health. Lack of sleep through these past nights, she had no doubt, would not please him.

She'd have to find a way to sleep that night, regardless of the circumstance.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:01 am

Blaire was quick to keep her arms around Benga's neck, chin resting on his shoulder. While it wasn't as warm as when he had his arm around her they were still in close contact when he was carrying her like this.

"Let's eat first," she answered after a moment. "It'll be easier than having to run back and forth. We can take them something from the kitchen this way."

A second or two passed before she smiled, attempting to push her guilt from her mind. She could make it up to Kujo and Cerberus while they healed. Besides, Benga would no doubt do his best to try and keep her mind off of it as it was.

"And I'm always craving sweet things," she answered with a chuckle.

It grew silent for a moment and she drew into her thoughts. Blaire wasn't sure what she would do without Benga. They'd been together helping the other out when they needed it for most of their life now. Blaire couldn't think of it as any other way now.

Tightening her hold around him so that it was more of a hug than merely making sure she didn't slip off, Blaire buried her face into the back of his neck.

"Hey, thanks for always being here for me," she murmured so that only he could hear. While it was no doubt late people were still walking about, getting work done or stretching their legs.

----[x]----

Lance spared a glance up at Layla when she spoke again. She seemed to be thinking over things and he would leave her to her thoughts. If she didn't want to share them then he would not force her to. Her mind was her own sanctuary in a way.

"Any little sleep will help," he answered after a moment's pause.

Even if it was not much Lance would feel better if it was something. Her pain pill might even inspire drowsiness to help though side effects were not always something that happened to everyone.

"I knew of some who would use a box fan to block out noises that might disturb them."

It was a suggestion, something to throw out there. Layla might have even tried it and found it did not work for her. Lance supposed it was up to the individual and their sleeping habits. His sister, Clair, was particularly fond of that technique no matter how much it had annoyed him as a child, keeping him cold in their shared room.

Lance glanced up at Layla, gauging her again. Weavile seemed content to eat without interruption, only keep an occasional eye on the two in return.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:24 am

"Food first then," Benga responded after a moment, listening to her plan. He figured she'd want to do her best to make up for what happened. Benga was sure that the Pokemon would understand though, she seemed to want to try and make up for it regardless. Guilt often weighed on her shoulders in this way.

He felt his cheeks warm a little as she tightened her hold around him, as if in a hug. He cleared his throat, moving through the halls easily now that night had fallen upon them. Most had long since turned in for the night.

"It's nothing," He responded after a moment, feeling a tad awkward. "You would have been there for me if I needed you."

It was a short walk to the dining area. The place was rather empty though, it was no surprise to him. People didn't typically hang around here unless they were eating. Most liked to move about the base, get things done.

"Want anything in particular?" He inquired after a moment. "I can get it for you. Or are you good to stand for a bit? I can set you down at a table otherwise."

Benga simply wanted to make sure. He didn't want to risk any further injury in attempts to help.

----[x]----

Layla lifted her head a little more, blinking at the man. A fan? In this kind of weather? She'd have felt bad if he was cold over the night. She might have used the method during the summer but that kind of thing in the autumn and winter often times could hurt more than help.

"Oh, I've used that method before," She responded after a moment. "In the summer. It was one of those few noises I didn't so much mind when I slept."

She took a few more bites of her food. She hadn't picked out a lot as she had been used to but she did her best to finish what little she did have. Her stomach only protested momentarily before settling.

"I wouldn't want to freeze the room," she noted after a moment. "You don't seem to care too much for the cold."

Layla only did if she had a few layers of blankets over her. If she tried to sleep using that method, she'd end up too cold and awake the rest of the night. Either way, it seemed more of a lose, lose. Unless she had something warmer, she didn't want to risk it.

Crux notably huffed at her and she smile. "You think that's a good idea, huh?" She teased a little. The Pokemon couldn't help but shoot a sly smirk back, as if taking enjoyment out of Lance's little discomforts.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:38 am

Blaire nodded. "Always," she answered simply, though it was no less heartfelt. Even if Benga got a little embarrassed by the confession Blaire felt it was a little important to say it out loud at least once.

It was a quiet trek to the dining area after that. Blaire was not surprised. At times silence spread between them, nothing more needing to be said for the time being. She found she was rather glad that the area was emptied for the time being though the triplets from Striaton that had come all this way might come to check in once before heading off to bed for the night.

She mulled over the options, glancing down at her ankle. It was still swollen though not as much as hit had been and much of it was an ugly purple color. Her nose scrunched up at this.

"If you set me down closer to the cabinets I can find something," she decided finally. "It'd be nice if you'd poke around for something to give to Kujo and Cerberus for me though."

While she wanted to stand on her own feet for at least a little bit she wasn't entirely sure how long her ankle would support her weight. Blaire would have to be careful on it for the first few days it healed.

----[x]----

Lance listened to her rebuttal without complaint. He couldn't help but snort a little at the mention of his own comfort. She was the one injured and needed all the sleep and attention for such things that she could get. He didn't miss the way Weavile seemed to revel in Lance's discomforts as well.

"Cretin," he tossed out rather playfully to Weavile, raising a brow to see just how he might reply.

His gaze turned to Layla then, studying her. She genuinely seemed to take his own comfort into account. Lance resisted scoffing at that.

"I'd rather think getting your injuries healed up would take precedence over my comfort."

It was left at that however. If Layla did not wish to use such a method, whatever her reasons, he would not push it. Instead he took to finish up some of the food on his plate before it got cold. Another particularly strong gust of wind rattled the window beside them. Soon after this the first drops of rain had begun to fall.

"It looks like we'll see how bad this storm might get," he noted, glancing back outside. The street was void of any life though Lance could spot a piece of litter being tossed around by the wind.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:27 pm

Benga gave a brief nod in response, moving a little closer to the cabinets before setting her down. She'd poke around for things herself. Blaire often times knew what she wanted and would be quick to grab something, even if it was small. She was a scrawny woman and had been that way for as long as he could remember.

Benga began poking around himself. She wanted something to give to her Pokemon. He wasn't too sure of what to give them but he figured he'd manage. He watched her once in a while through the corner of his eye or by turning. Seeing her up on that ankle always made him a little nervous.

"Anything in particular they may want?" He inquired only to break the silence between them.

Things like this were never uncomfortable. Silences had fallen on them all of the time in the past. They simply took each other in at that time, enjoyed each others presence. There was no reason to break the silence between them, though, at times such as this, it happened.

He turned slightly, leaning against the counter top. He tapped his index finger against one of the drawers, mulling it over. He wondered what condition her Pokemon were in. All things considered, it could have been worse. They could have easily lost a life in that fight.

Still, they almost did...

Benga did his best to shake those thoughts from his mind, turning to poke about again. He couldn't afford to thing like that. It would only bring them down if they did. But he couldn't mask the feeling of dread that wormed its way back into his chest.

He couldn't lose Blaire. He wouldn't allow it.

----[x]----

Layla laughed a little as Crux lifted his head a little higher, as if proud of the playful attitude he was receiving. He might have shown distaste for the man but it didn't mean he didn't have to play along. Crux had always been one to be playful in the past. Layla took comfort in knowing that he still was.

"You should be careful," She teased along. "He might find a few ways to make your nights miserable."

She gave a brief smile in response to his words. He really did seemed concerned over her injuries and health. Layla felt that odd feeling stir in her again. Even if he had said it was simply because she was a ally, she had to wonder. No other person had made her feel this way before.

Layla took a moment to finish what was on her plate despite her stomach complaining a little. It was something she would have to work through, whether her body cared for it or not. She couldn't let herself lose anymore weight. It was a hazard enough as it was.

"I'll be alright," She finally responded. "I've fared worse nights, I should be fine."

The nights with other Genesis members had been rather sleepless ones. If she did manage some form of sleep, it was very light and she was always on guard. There was little telling what one might think up doing. Most of thees people were rather sadistic, if they allowed themselves to be, and would use her more as a toy than a person.

Those nights, she hated worst of all.

The rattling window drew her attention again. Rain began to steadily fall, crashing against the window loudly. She frowned a little. It seemed that what was left of 'nice days' was coming to an abrupt end.

"It's barely turned toward winter and I'm already hoping for spring." She huffed a little.

Winter had never been a big deal for her. Since Genesis came about, she had thought of where she would sleep, how she would survive. It left her hoping for warmer days when those days hadn't even passed so long ago.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 2:56 pm

Blaire was thankful for the fact that those in charge of making sure the base had adequate stores of food had done their job without problems. Of course sometimes there were issues of food shortage when Genesis held up the guys out on food runs. Those times were rough on everyone.

She spared Benga a glance when he spoke up, doing her best to keep most of her weight off of her ankle. The last thing she needed was for it to give out on her.

"Kujo's not very picky. He likes a little bit of everything," she answered. "Though if we've got any hamburger for both would make their day."

With that said she turned back to rummage around for something herself. She was quick to pull out a pack of cookies, one of the few sweet things she could find. Despite that it made her day and she wasted no time in busting into the package. The cellophane was loud, tearing through any silence that might have settled in the kitchen again.

She shuffled her way to the nearest table, plopping down ungracefully onto a chair. She observed Benga as she chewed on a cookie, brushing any crumbs away as they fell. Blaire would occasionally miss a few and they'd remain stuck around her mouth for a time.

"Something on your mind?" she prodded after awhile.

----[x]----

"Well, I'll be sure to keep a few tricks up my sleeve just in case," Lance said, shooting Weavile a look. The Pokemon looked quite at ease with playing around, puffing out his chest and looking quite pleased about it as he did.

Lance placed his fork on his emptied plate, pushing the dish to the side for the time being. He'd take it up and place it in the designated tray as they left. Layla seemed to be working to get her appetite steady back up, perhaps even forcing herself to finish what she had picked. Lance said nothing on the matter.

"If you say so," he relented after a moment.

He listened to the rain pelt the window. It grew steadily in volume as more and more rain came. Minutes seemed to pass as this happened before it reached its peak, almost impossible to see out of the window clearly now. Too much water poured down it to make that a possible feat for the time being.

He wondered if lightning and thunder would accompany the rain at any point in the night. A brief thought flitted through his mind. Would Layla be affected by the thunder in her sleep or would it wake her? Lance supposed he would find out if that occurred before the night was through.

"We might be stuck in the Pokemon Center for most of the day if it keeps up," he mentioned, glancing at her.

He'd have to make it a point to call someone in Genesis if only to keep them off his tail. The last thing he needed was someone trying to berate him.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 5:56 pm

Benga hummed in response as he took to poking about the area again. He moved toward the fridge, hoping to find something there that the Pokemon could eat. Thankfully, there was a little hamburger left. He half hoped no one would miss it. They all knew it was hard enough getting food at times.

"Well, found'em something at least," he informed pulling the contents out and setting it aside for the moment.

He listened as Blaire opened the bag to whatever she had found. Turning, he shook his head, smiling a tad as he noted it was a bag of cookies. It might have not been the sweetest thing but she would take it regardless.

He paused at the question, mulling over his words carefully. He was partly worried, that much could be seen. He didn't quite like worrying so much. It wasn't like him. It wasn't like either of them. Worrying over things didn't fix the issue.

"Just thinking about today," He responded, leaning against the counter top again. "It was probably one of our worst cases, you know. Neither of us have been hurt this badly, much less nearly killed."

The ordeal was unsettling to him. Genesis had no care for another life, he knew that much. They had been prepared but did they take on too much? It had him worried. If they took on missions like this again, would the result be the same or worse?

Learning from experience only got one so far, he assumed. He'd rather not risk her life if he could help it.

----[x]----

Layla smiled, setting her plate aside. She watched Crux puff out his chest a little, the Pokemon seeming unphased by the minor threat. She was glad that he was at least attempting to warm up to Lance, act a little more playful even if it was to the mans expense. He seemed to take quite a bit of care into Pokemon. Layla figured it wouldn't be an issue if something troublesome did arise.

She listened to the rain pouring down outside. It didn't seem like it would let up anytime soon. Occasionally, the wind would calm only to howl again moments afterward. She wondered if there would be a storm, despite the cold air outside. It was uncommon but it did happen.

In the silence, Layla mulled over a few things. Her mind drew back to his Dragonair and how healthy she had looked even after being attacked not once, but twice, the second time taking a pretty hefty blow. From what she recalled, the Dragonair had no damage after coming back into Lance's hands.

Healing items could have very well been responsible for it but even they took time. It left her rather confused.

Layla pushed her bangs from her eyes, careful with the hair piece she wore. She glanced at Lance a moment after.

"When your Dragonair was hurt...she looked relatively unharmed after she got back to you." She began carefully. "Was it something you did...or maybe my mind is playing tricks on me..."

It only took a moment after for another detail to click. How did he know she'd been taken by one of the rebels? There was too much going on at the time, he couldn't have stopped and asked someone. The building was coming down, he would have had to get out. Looking from the air could only take him so far.

"How did you find me anyways?" She inquired further.

She glanced down at Crux who looked back at her. The Pokemon seemed to know something she didn't though, had no way to explain. She'd have liked an answer if he would provide it. If not, she simply would leave it lay until he decided to tell her.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 6:38 pm

Blaire paused, brushing away the crumbs from around her mouth. She still missed a few but she didn't seem to care for the time being. The half eaten cookie in her hand was all but forgotten for the moment.

"Well then we'll just have to come up with a different plan for things like that, huh?"

With that said she shoved the rest of the cookie in her mouth without pause. Though she was guilty about her Pokemon's injuries she wouldn't let the situation they had managed to scramble out of slow her down. No doubt Benga would want to try and come up with some sort of precautions. With Genesis about he had become much more cautious than he had been before.

While the situation had left her rattled Blaire didn't want Genesis to leave that much of a marked effect on her. She'd continue to rebel and fight against them as best she could after her injuries were healed.

"But maybe we can do that when my head isn't pounding," she relented after a moment of thought, mouth half-full.

----[x]----

So, she had noticed Dragonair had been healed that day. Lance's lips tugged up into a smirk. He had no intention of exactly mentioning it for all to know. Not yet. Only a select few were aware of his ability and he liked to keep it that way. It came to his advantage when others did not know.

"Perhaps it was all in your mind," he answered lightly, regarding her carefully. "With a penchant to run off to Wonderland you could have noticed something not there at all."

His expression fell after she mentioned the next item on her mind. A more thoughtful one replaced the previous smirk and he tapped his finger along the edge of the table.

"Those rebels escaped in a hurry. It was an easy feat to watch where they landed once it was clear you had been taken."

It was the tail end of the situation and Lance knew she wanted something more concrete. Perhaps she wondered how she had come to glean that knowledge from Dragonair and Weavile. Again, he would save it for another day. It was not something that he mentioned so loosely. Lance liked to keep his aces well hidden.

He watched her for a moment, brow raising. "Anything else you wish to interrogate me on" he prodded after a moment.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 7:05 pm

While Blaire seemed rather unaffected by the events, it lingered in Benga's mind. Still, he snorted in response, shaking his head. He motioned toward his lips. "You missed some," was his simple response.

Benga crossed his arms over his chest, ignoring the necklace that laid there as he normally did. He'd long since become used to it being where it was. It never seemed to get in his way now. If it did, he never took much notice.

"That sounds about as good as we can manage." He responded, a frown on his lips.

At the mention of her head hurting, he grew a little nervous. He wasn't too sure of how concussions could work out and only hoped that wasn't an effect from one. Clearing his throat, he tried to calm his pounding heart and worry.

"Do you need to see the doctor again?" He inquired lightly. "We can stop by after we see Cerberus and Kujo. I don't mind carrying you. It's not like we'll be getting sleep tonight as it is. We could run through the whole place, painting the walls if we wanted to."

Benga grinned at the idea. She'd pitched it a couple times though they always got caught up in missions before they could really do it. Perhaps tonight might be a good one to actually try it.

----[x]----

Layla gnawed at the inside of her lip, listening to his words. While she was doubtful on them, she would leave it lie. If he still had business here, she'd attempt the library again and poke around it. She was from Unova and didn't quite know the lore of this region. He could have very well been hiding something that he didn't want her to know. At least, not yet.

The way Crux seemed to huff, shooting the man a look told her that it was a complete possibility.

She blinked at the mention of interrogated him. She couldn't resist a slight smile, playful as it was.

"You make it sound as if that's a bad thing." She shook her head a moment afterward. "No, I don't have anything else that I can think of at the moment."

Layla found it strange how easily she relaxed around him. It wasn't something normal. After the months she had endured, she never expected to be so open so soon. What kind of effect did he have on her that no one else did? She found no answer to that question.

Still, she liked it, for what it was. Layla only hoped that it would continue to grow.