[PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN]

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 8:16 pm

Blaire brushed away the crumbs Benga indicated. It wouldn't be long before they were replaced, however, making it a bit of a futile effort.

"It's not too big a deal," she mentioned. "We can stop by later and see if he's got that stock he was talking about."

She didn't quite care for the idea of taking medications. Blaire never had. She liked to only rely on them when she absolutely had to. Though, thinking about it, she supposed it might be a good thing. A grunt left her as she ate another cookie, drawing her leg up to her to sit on.

At the mention of painting the hallways while everyone was asleep Blaire grinned. It had been something that they had talked about a couple of times but never ended up doing.

"We'll have to look into finding paint then," she chuckled. A thoughtful expression crossed her face for a moment. "Or chalk, if we can't find paint."

----[x]----

"Perhaps it is," he noted lightly, shooting Layla look. He wasn't one to be so teasing but there wasn't much else Lance could do to keep himself occupied as of the moment. He figured it wouldn't hurt anything.

Another glance was spared outside, the lights and shadows blurred with the torrential rain. There was a chance, given how cold the wind had gotten, that it might freeze a little into sleet if the temperature dropped low enough through the night. He resisted a scoff at that.

He stood then, scooping up his plate and silverware to place on the metal cart near the cafeteria's exit. Lance turned to Layla, gesturing for her to get up.

"It might be best if we don't sit about here all night," he noted.

Many had already left though that didn't mean some might not come looking for a place to sit in the dark to think. It seemed to be more common now-a-days though Lance could see why. People were oppressed and often were plagued by their own thoughts.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 8:50 pm

Benga felt his grin grow wider as Blaire seemed to motion the idea. He was glad. Being as she was hurt, he wasn't sure if she'd be up for it or not. He shouldn't have put her own in that sense. He knew that she was still rather capable even if she was injured. There wasn't much that could keep her off her feet.

As long as she had any say in the matter, that was.

"I'm sure we can find something," He responded, motioning toward her a little. "With what people bring here? It wouldn't surprise me if either were stored somewhere."

He watched her for a moment, noting the way she seemed to grow rather anxious for the entire thing. It was a good thing. Since she had to stay up all night anyways, it would at least take her mind off of things. There was only so much they could do in the base when one was injured or stuck in a bed.

"Besides, seeing the result later will be great." He plowed on.

He knew that his grandfather might expect it of them. But anyone else? Who knew how they would react. Some weren't too upbeat despite trying to bring the mood up. Kanto, they had found, had some rather serious individuals.

"Whenever you're ready, we'll go see Cerberus and Kujo. Just say the word!"

----[x]----

Layla did her best to ignore his rebuttal. She didn't have the energy to be bothered by it; not now. The events during the day had been enough for her and the pain that she'd had to endure took enough out of her. Picking up her own plate and silver wear, she placed it on the cart as well.

She heaved a sigh a moment later, following him back to the room. Crux remained on her shoulder, keeping an eye on things though, there were a very rare few to be seen.

Layla remained rather silent, tugging the hair piece out of her hair. She tugged her hair free of the ponytail as well, letting it fall down her back. Pulling the hair tie around her wrist, this was where it would remain until the net day.

Coming to the door, they pushed their way back into the room. It was rather warm and she relaxed a tad. She figured she mind as well. They could be out in the cold within a day. Enjoying it while it lasted might have been best. The rain still poured outside and the wind rattled a small window but otherwise, the room was undisturbed. Despite that fact, when the door closed, she made sure to lock it.

She glanced at Lance from the corner of her eye, clenching her jaw. She eventually moved to sit on the bed, tugging at her sleeves again. She felt a little indifferent about showing him. Eventually, she motioned to him, feeling that if he at least knew about the scars, she could let herself forget about them.

"Sit with me?" She began carefully. "Just for a moment?"

Layla wasn't sure if he'd do this or not. She wouldn't feel too badly if he didn't. It would simply be regaining the confidence to show him later on.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:13 pm

Blaire had to admit that Benga had a point. All sorts of items came along when people came back. Sometimes their kids brought in things that were otherwise useless but could be used around the base for times like this. No doubt some little kid had brought about some chalk only to lose them or have them taken away.

"If we find some chalk we should leave it out for the little kids to find," she noted, brushing away the crumbs one last time. While there were several that were apt to play with one another during the day, along with any Pokemon not busy, there was only so much they could do.

"I also propose that we write on Papa Bear's door. I don't know what we'll write but we gotta do it or the entire thing is meaningless!"

She tossed Benga an amused look. He seemed gun-ho to get the night started. She tossed the cookie bag onto the table behind her. She gestured for Benga to come and let her back onto his back. Just the few steps she had taken on it had caused her ankle to throb tremendously though she had bit back any complaints about it for the time being.

"You know, you're like a Ponyta!" Blaire teased, once she was back on his back. She reached up to toy with his hair, a grin still in place on her face. "You've even got the wild, fiery hair!"

----[x]----

Back at the room Lance had taken to sitting on his bed, tugging off his boots for the night. Rebels never targeted Pokemon Centers and there would be no need to rush out as there had been at the Genesis base before. He spared Layla no second glance, even as he caught her tugging at her sleeves self-consciously.

It wasn't until she spoke did he lift his gaze to her, studying her.

Silence passed for several minutes. The ticking of the clock was sometimes dulled by the howling wind and pattering rain. A particularly strong gust of wind passed before Lance spoke up.

"Something on your mind, I take it?" he ventured.

None-the-less he moved sitting beside her and keeping a respectable distance. Abuse victims took time to recover and she would no doubt be one to flinch at close contact and the like for weeks if not months. Some never fully recovered.

Lance gestured for her to say what she needed, the other hand resting on his knee.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:55 pm

"Of course!" He responded, grinning widely. "The old man wouldn't see it coming! Though, he'd probably figure it out pretty fast...Oh well, never stopped us before!"

Benga chuckled at her words. She'd always compared him to a Ponyta. He had expressed annoyance on it when he was younger but he didn't so much mind it now. It was actually rather true. He carted her around on his back more times than he could count. In hindsight, he was very much like a Ponyta.

"My hair is amazing," he jested. "A Ponyta would be jealous of it!"

Moving out into the halls, he attempted to lower his voice a little though, he had a hard time wiping the grin off his face. Making sure he had the hamburger for Cerberus and Kujo, he moved toward the center again. They couldn't neglect checking in on the Pokemon before running off to 'play' in a sense.

"We'll raid the storage after we see your Pokemon." He noted as he walked into the center. "Then, we can have a little fun."

Searching out Nurse Joy, he remained quiet as she explained the condition of Blaire's Pokemon. Thankfully, the damage hadn't been as bad as she had expected but they would still need to stay here for a while. With that said, they were allowed to visit the Pokemon for a little while.

----[x]----

Layla was a little relieved that he sat beside her. A part of her wondered if he would even bother. She berated herself for putting some amount of doubt in him. He'd been nothing but helpful to her since they met, even if the start was rather bumpy.

It felt as if a rock had settled in her stomach as the silence stretched between them. The only thing that broke it was the wind and rain outside. Eventually however, she tugged at her sleeves, pulling them to her elbow so he might see the damage.

"They aren't the worst." She commented, allowing him to study the scars and bruises. "In fact, compared to some other wounds I had endured, these are very minor at best."

She cleared her throat, watching his expression from the corner of her eye. She didn't know why she felt she needed to show him. Perhaps it was to keep no secrets or that she simply needed someone else to know of her abuse, see how bad it had been. Layla found she was at a completely loss as to a reason.

Layla fell silent again, carefully waiting for a reaction or a word.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:16 pm

Blaire chuckled, biting her lip. She wasn't sure when Benga had stopped getting annoyed at being compared to a Ponyta but over time it had become something of a joke between them. It was only one of many, however.

"You're hair is so amazing Rapidash are jealous of you," she teased as they made their way down the hallways.

The entire time she continued to toy with his hair. It wasn't as if he could stop her at the moment, not while he was carrying her. It wasn't until they were in the center did she stop, listening raptly as Nurse Joy explained the injuries. It amazed Blaire, in a way, that the damage was worse. She once again had to appreciate just how durable Pokemon were compared to people.

Blaire was glad to see the two in beds next to one another. Kujo had no bandages about himself though they had been warned against allowing the large dog to move too much. His ribs had taken quit the damage in the fall. Cerberus would be the first to heal up, minor wounds and scrapes as well as having to keep weight form his hind leg being the only set backs.

"Hey, buddies," Blaire greeted, gesturing to the hamburger that Benga had made sure to grab. "We got you a treat!"

Both of their ears pricked up and Kujo was quick to raise his head, his tail twitching already in anticipation. Cerberus kept his head down, eyeing them for what they had brought before he would grow excited.

----[x]----

Lance was quiet, unwilling to break the silence. Layla had called him over to sit by her and he would let her take what time she needed to compose herself. Finally, many minutes after he had obliged her, she tugged up the sleeves of her shirt.

He eyed the pale scars. Some were more noticeable than others and many could have been caused by any manner of assault. Lance remained quiet still, observing what she showed him of her arms and listening in.

If she was searching for a certain answer Lance did not know what it was. He was unsure even how to answer. The scars were bad and were only a fragment of what she had endured, that much he knew to be true but he had no first hand experience with being abused himself. Would anything he had to say set her off in some way?

Unable to form any sort of a sentence he instead reached out to ruffle her hair. Lance felt that words would do the situation injustice.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:55 pm

Benga grinned at the pair of Pokemon. Despite their condition, they were able to still express some form of excitement over such a simply thing. He assumed it was a great relief on their part, to know their trainer would be there for them as well.

"It's not much," he explained as he pulled out the hamburger. He laid it in front of them for each to eat after snagging a couple of bowls that the center provided. "Let's just hope no one misses it."

With that said, he split the hamburger between the two and allowed them to eat. The two seemed rather pleased with the treat, scarfing what they could down quickly. He had to wonder if the two were even tasting the food in front of them. Benga couldn't resist laughing however.

"At least we know they haven't lost their apatite." He jested lightly.

It was good to see. Both seemed rather happy despite the injuries they sustained. Benga couldn't figure a better outcome. They'd be up and moving again soon, as long as they took their time to heal. He had no doubts that Blaire would make sure that happened.

----[x]----

Layla resisted flinching at his touch. It was gentle, kinder than most. Her throat tightened at the motion. Tears welled up in her eyes. She had a difficult time trying to hold them back before they spilled over. She swiped at her cheek, trying to clean her face before more took their place.

Why was he so kind to her when others hadn't been? What made him so different? Even if he was hard to know, he didn't hesitate lend a gentle hand when it was needed. The simple act left her overwhelmed.

Layla leaned forward a little, folding her hands before placing them on her forehead. A few shaky sobs left her as she tried to regain her composure. Crux laid a hand on her knee, staring up at her, a frown on his lips. She knew she worried him. This wasn't so much sadness, it was relief.

"Thank you, Lance." She was finally able to muster out, her throat burning. "Thank you."

She had expected the worst when she met him. She hadn't expected the kindness or him listening to her or helping her. She had expected him to be like any other member of Genesis, flaunting their power simply because they could. It was a great relief on her, to not have to fear over who would bring harm to her next.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 11:12 pm

Blaire beamed at her Pokemon, waiting until they had swallowed the half-chewed meat before reaching out to scratch them both atop their heads. Their moods seemed to keep up at this. Even Cerberus was tilting his head into her hand and urging her to scratch behind his curved horns.

"My big gluttons never lose their appetites," Blaire teased, eliciting an annoyed bark from Cerberus.

She jumped a little, glancing around to see if the sound had annoyed any of the other healing Pokemon. When she was sure this was not the case, grinning, she turned back and placed a finger to her lips, urging Cerberus to note get them into trouble.

"So, buddies, it looks like we're stuck in the base for awhile," she told them. Blaire liked to keep her Pokemon well informed and would have to take some time to tell the other three as well. "Not until we're all healed up so I'll keep coming and checking up on you two."

A pleased growl left Kujo at this, his tail wagging. No doubt the large Pokemon was hoping that she would have more treats when this occurred. Blaire merely tossed him an amused look, silently making a note to see what she couldn't scrounge up.

She turned then, shooting Benga a teasing glance. "Of course then we'll have to beat up, Benga."

----[x]----

Lance felt awkwardness settle over him, his hand hovering over Layla's thin frame as she leaned forward. It was evident she was crying the way her shoulders shook with whatever effort she used to try and muffle them. Like most things dealing with Layla he was not accustomed to crying women, it was not something he had ever needed to know.

What was the correct thing to do? Lance found himself rather frustrated that he did not know. His mind whirled, attempting to come up with the correct answer though nothing seemed satisfactory, even as she thanked him.

A frown marred his expression at that and he finally settled for resting his hand on her upper back, much how her Weavile was with her knee. Perhaps just staying near was what she needed. Not knowing was eating him up, however.

He would stay silent, at her side, until she finished. Lance was unsure if this was even what she needed at the moment or had he messed it up? Had she wanted to hear something instead? These things left Lance even more frustrated though he did his best to mask it, in case Layla were to glance up and misinterpret where the source of it lay.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 11:44 pm

Benga laughed a little though, he attempted to keep his voice down. There were sleeping Pokemon all around them and he didn't want to cause too much of a disturbance. Them being here so late at night was enough. They didn't need to be kicked out simply because they wanted to have a little fun and reassure the Pokemon.

"We'll see who beats up who." He jested back, watching as the Pokemon studied them.

Benga shook his head slightly. He knew if Blaire took the chance, she'd allowed Kujo to tackle and hold him down. She had done it on many occasions in the past. This was a method she often used to make a win simple on her end. That was, if he didn't figure a way out of it first.

"Well worry about who'll win later though." he responded, shooting a smile back at her. "I wouldn't want o hurt you right after getting better, after all!"

Benga cleared his throat, trying to lower his voice again. At times, he found, he had very little control of how loud he spoke. He was so accustom to just being loud and no worrying over it that it was a tad hard to make sure he stayed quiet. He hoped Nurse Joy wouldn't force them out though he knew it was a possibility.

They would have to leave and find paint at some point anyways. It was simply only when Blaire felt her Pokemon were in safe condition would they leave again.

----[x]----

It took a little time to reign in her composure. She pushed her hair out of her face, drying her tears with her free hand. Venting the raw emotions helped in more way then one, though, she didn't know if he knew that. From what she observed, Lance didn't take to people well and it seemed he didn't quite know how to go about some. Glancing up, she knew she had put him in an awkward position.

She resisted apologizing, knowing fully well that he didn't take well to it. She didn't quite feel the need other than having put him in a position he wasn't so familiar with.

She cleared her throat, it being a little scratchy. Layla hadn't felt the need to cry in such a way for quite some time. It was a sign of weakness for most Genesis members and they often exploited tears. She wasn't sure how long she had bottled up her emotions but it had been long enough.

Layla was wary and despite wondering if it would cause either of them any form of nervousness, she laid her head on his shoulder, leaning against him quietly. If he pulled away, she figured it was fair. The man didn't seem to know how to react one way or another.

Still, warmth spread through her at every moment he allowed her to linger. Whatever effect he had on her, it was different. She wasn't afraid of him as some might have been. She didn't know if she should have been or not.

Layla saw no reason to anymore. Despite what had happened in the past, he'd shown he was very different from the rest. She took comfort in this and the comfort seemed to feed the strange feeling that made her heart pound against her chest.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Jan 31, 2013 11:59 pm

"Maybe I need to call out Ifrit to show you who's boss," she teased.

Blaire, though grinning, turned to Benga to shush him after he spoke up again even as he cleared his throat and looked a little sheepish about it. He really was a wild child at times and it was no surprise he had a hard time keeping his voice down from time to time.

"Maybe we should make ourselves scarce," she suggested, giving one last pat to the two Pokemon. They both needed to sleep as well and she would be back the next day to check up on them. "I'd rather not get kicked out."

She already began to debate what to draw and write on the walls and doors. It was becoming hard lately to think up anything and she attributed that, yet again, to stress of the entire situation on their hands. Blaire hoped that it wouldn't be a problem. She hadn't had much time to try drawing as it was and she hadn't really brought up this problem to Benga.

Blaire didn't want to bother him with it. It was more of a personal problem that left her frustrated and without any sort of inspiration, after all.

----[x]----

He refused to glance at the clock at any point to see what time it was. No doubt it was growing late, however, and Layla would need to try and get some amount of sleep soon. Lance was relieved when the sobs wracking through her began to lessen and stop.

Lance was unprepared for Layla leaning against him, using his shoulder as a pillow, however.

His body tensed and he remained still, unsure of even moving. This was strange territory for him and he did not know how to safely proceed. Aggravatingly enough he found that his mind was traitorously void of any thoughts that might have helped him. He resisted scoffing at this.

Discreetly he spared a curious glance to Weavile, attempting to discern from the Pokemon's reaction what he might do. Weavile was of no help and Lance had to resist scoffing.

After some time he became aware that his heart was slowing down. When had it sped up and how hadn't he noticed? Lance frowned thoughtfully at that. Had it been when Layla placed her head on his shoulder? He wasn't sure why that was and brushed the thought aside.

After some time, allowing Layla to remain as she was he reached up, ruffling her hair lightly again to gather her attention. "Perhaps you should try to sleep?"

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 12:35 am

Benga snorted lightly though he still smiled. He knew he had trouble keeping himself quiet. In that sense, he and his grandfather had been very much alike. They were quite loud when they wanted to. Sometimes, even when they didn't mean to.

"Might be for the best," he agreed after a moment.

He watched as she spared one last pat toward her Pokemon. He was sure they would be fine, especially getting a look at them now. The damage could have been worse. The entire day could have gone worse.

Benga had to thank whatever lucky stars had been watching out for them.

Finally, he moved out of the makeshift Pokemon Center. The halls were utterly void of any life as of the moment. This made him smirk a little. No one would suspect a thing. Within the morning hours, most of the rebels would be in for quite a surprise. He was a little excited thinking about it.

"Let's head to storage," he sang a little as he walked.

It wasn't quite often that he got this upbeat over childish things anymore. Given the state of the world, there was no room to be so childish or prank others. There was simply no time for that kind of thing. He found it a little ironic, that it would take one of them being injured to really take a chance and have a little fun.

----[x]----

Layla couldn't deny that she was wary. The wind still rattled the windows outside but for a short time, it had gone rather unnoticed. She sighed lightly, glancing up at him as he ruffled her hair again. She quite liked the feeling though had no inkling as to why. It was such a simple motion.

She brushed her bangs away from her face, pulling away from him. She wouldn't admit it out loud but she hated the cold that assaulted her afterward. Still, she sparred a smile toward him, hoping that she had not over stepped her boundaries in anyway. He seemed a tad awkward, pink still lingering on his cheeks.

"I suppose that might be best," She mused after a moment.

She allowed him to get up, to move toward his own bed. Layla took a moment to tug off her own boots before gathering up Crux in her arms. She cuddled with the Pokemon, in turn the Pokemon smiled, nuzzling into her. Despite the tears, she was in a better mood, feeling quite lighter than she had in the past months.

Briefly, she wondered if any of her other Pokemon would make it back to her. She tried to push the thought from her mind as she laid down, pulling the blankets over her. Crux would remain in her arms unless he decided to pull himself a way.

Layla watched Lance settle for a moment, a small smile on her face before she attempted to fall asleep, despite the wind and rain pounding against the window outside.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 12:52 am

Blaire observed Benga's face, taking in the wide grin that had appeared there. He seemed to anticipate their idea much more than she did. The sight of Benga grinning so widely because of something so juvenile and simple left Blaire smiling as well.

A chuckle escaped her as she pointed out "well, you're certainly super psyched about this."

Indeed his eyes were alight, from what she could see when he glanced at her, and any stress and worry that had been plaguing him since coming back to the base seemed to have melted away. It would do them both some good to act like children, even if they weren't at that age anymore. It wasn't like either minded that fact anyways.

The seconds ticked by and Blaire found she couldn't quite look away from Benga, continued to observe him in such a good mood. The sight of it sent her heart racing just a little faster though Blaire wasn't nearly as affected by it as she was before.

Why was it now that she was just really noticing Benga's appearance? Sure, she had always taken to pointing out many of his more noticeable traits, such as his wild hair, but she hadn't really taken the time to appreciate them.

Bashful at the thought she dragged her gaze away, well aware that Benga had probable caught on to the fact that she was staring. Biting her lip she debated on paying him that compliment that had flitted through her mind.

----[x]----

Lance pulled himself to his feet, tugging off his jacket. It was an excess layer and he wouldn't need it with the blanket. Unless the power went out Pokemon Centers were usually pretty well regulated in their heating and cooling systems. Though it was a little cooler than what he would have preferred.

He listened to the shifting behind him as Layla laid down, tugging the blanket over her frame. Shaking his head he was quick to follow suit, flipping off the light first before he slipped into his own bed.

A thought flitted through his head then, reminding him that he had not called to inform his Genesis superiors where he was. He snorted. They could wait a night. It wasn't like they were scrambling to find him yet or they might have already approached him.

Resting on his back, a hand behind his head and the other over his stomach he stared at the ceiling in the dark for a long time. Lance would listen to the howling wind and the pattering rain as the seconds ticked on by before sleep would claim him.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 1:42 am

Benga blinked back at her as she ducked her head slightly. What was that about? She'd been staring at him for quite some time and he had caught it out of the corner of his eye. It wasn't so much something he minded though it did send his heart racing a little. He tried to calm it, rounding a corner.

"Pictures last longer, you know," he attempted to jest, shooting her a smirk. She seemed rather bashful about being caught.

Benga found that he himself was growing bashful over the motion however. It took him quite a bit of time before his heart finally calmed down. Benga wasn't so sure why. Things like this would have never affected him in the past. She watched him carefully before, why was it a big deal now? He attempted to shake the thought from his mind as he found the storage room.

Turning the door knob, she pushed his way in carefully. Some items littered the floor. He flipped on the light to make sure he didn't step on or trip over any of them. The room was a mess though there was very few reasons to come in here.

Benga moved toward one of the tables, setting Blaire down on it. "I'll start looking for paint." He noted lightly.

The items scattered about would take a little time to find something in particular. Benga did his best to be quiet as he moved them as well. There was no telling who might hear them after all and ask what they were up to. Benga knew that she would join him in a few moments time if she felt she could keep herself up on her leg. It would make the search move faster and they would be on their way.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 2:28 am

Blaire felt her face flush as Benga caught her staring and commented on it. Retorts that she might have said in the past died before she could grasp at them, too flustered at having been caught staring at him. Her heart raced as well and she wondered if Benga could feel it against his back or not.

"Y-Yeah, well then I'd have to be sure to t-take lots of pictures of you," she jested back, forcing her way past the sudden way her tongue seemed to want to tie up in knots. She had to resist wincing, her face warm at the implication that could be taken from that. Perhaps a little part of her wanted it to be taken in a flirty way.

She was glad when they reached the storage room, Benga settling her down on the nearest table. It allowed her to gather her thoughts again.

Glancing about things had been scattered around quite a bit. Someone must have been here before and not put things back. Maybe even some of the kids had been culprit to that. From her spot she couldn't see any paint or chalk. Inclining her head after a few moments she carefully slipped off the table.

It was slow work for her but she went in a little deeper into the storage room, keeping her eyes peeled for what they needed. Blaire had to take care to keep her hands on something, leaning most of her weight on it when it was time to take a step on her injured ankle. She did her best to push aside whatever agitation she felt at her slow pace.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 1:51 pm

Benga couldn't help but feel his cheek warm with the previous comment. He tried to reign himself in again. She had never forced words like that. In fact, she had always been the last person he had expected to hear them from. It seemed quite a few things had changed between them and they were still discovering what those things were.

As he poked about the storage, he heard Blaire get up and start to work with him. He resisted looking back too many times, knowing that she hated being fussed over in the first place. It was the least he could do, he figured. He wanted to at least make sure she was still comfortable and safe.

With an injury like that, there was no telling when it might give out on her.

Searching about for quite a few minutes, Benga was able to produce some tubes of paint and a half empty can of red paint. Why anyone would have brought this kind of thing, he couldn't begin to understand. They were being put to good use now, so he figured that it was alright in the end of things.

"Found some," he announced, waving a tube of paint toward her. "Not much those but I think it'll suffice for what we've got in mind."

He watched her for a moment, wondering if she'd found a few things as well. There was no telling what was hidden in storage. Most 'useless' things were actually quite interesting. If someone needed to entertain themselves for a time, they would come here.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 2:02 pm

Blaire blinked up, having to peer around a small shelf to see Benga, a few containers of paint in hand. It wasn't much but it would at least get them through a hallway or two if they didn't use too much at once. Besides, it would keep them occupied for awhile, at the very least.

She tugged out the box of chalk sticks she had located. Some were broken in pieces in the box but they would still be usable. Blaire wouldn't complain about such trivial things. Holding them up for Benga to see she said "I found some chalk, too."

A pause followed as she mulled it over. She didn't exactly mind finger painting though it would be even more of a mess to clean up. Not to mention paint splatter all over their clothes if they did it that way. Blaire rather wanted people to wonder who had drawn all over the walls if she could help it.

"Did you find any brushes?" she questioned, glancing around.

Blaire didn't spot any in the immediate area though she hadn't traveled too far into the center of the room either. Her ankle was still aching something fierce and she didn't want to risk putting her weight on it without something to use as a crutch. Blaire would just have to wait and rely on Benga to find whatever was in the center.

Glancing to her side, Blaire looked away before she did a genuine double take. Her brow furrowed deeply and a look of disbelief washed over her face. She shuffled her way closer to the little can that had caught her eye, snatching it up the instant it was in her reach.

"Wha...?" A snicker left her and she wasted no time in aiming it at Benga and shooting out a bright pink string at him. "Who the hell brought Silly String here?" she asked after she did this.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 2:15 pm

Benga grinned, glad that their search hadn't been in vain. Part of him had wondered if they would find anything in this mess so quickly. Still, it was a good thing. They could preoccupy their time for whatever was left of that night. Until morning rose, they didn't have much else to do.

"Brushes?" he echoed, beginning to search again. It didn't take him long to find a couple that had been abandoned. They weren't in the best shape but he figured they weren't going to be painting professional pieces, so they would do.

He turned his head as he heard her snickering again. She held a can of silly string. Benga couldn't help but let a grin spread across his lips.

"No way," he spoke up, gathering the supplies they had. "You've got to be kidding me. Haven't seen something like that in a long time."

It felt like ages, honestly. Simple thing like this were hard to find anymore. It was hard to believe something as simple as silly string or candy had become such a 'luxury'. When the world had been normal, it wasn't something that was looked twice upon unless they actually had a plan for it.

"Well, maybe we should silly string the halls too!" He suggested lightly.

The thought left him rather cheerful. It had been a while since they took the time to really do things like this. It was a shame it had to be that way but given the times, 'all work and no play' became quite a popular thing among those within the base. Still, he could only assume the reactions of those who would wake up hours later.

"Oh, we better hurry," he noted a moment after. "I nearly forgot, we've got some early rises here."

Nearly everyone was at one point or another. If they wanted to 'surprise' them, they would need to start right away.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 2:32 pm

Blaire's grin grew at how elated Benga was at the sight of something like silly string. Never before would anyone have gotten this excited over something as simple as what she held. This only confirmed that sometimes it was good to indulge in something childish once in awhile. It helped alleviate stress from time to time.

"You're way too excited abut silly string," she teased, carefully shoving it in her back pocket. She'd have to be careful not to lose it. It didn't exactly want to stay and if she bent over it would fall out and clatter loudly against the ground.

"Well, ready whenever you are," Blaire mentioned, gesturing for Benga to come help her. "We can make silly string streamers down the halls!"

She wondered how long it would be before someone would take it upon themselves to clean up the mess they would be making. No doubt someone would grow annoyed by it and scrub the tunnel walls down. Blaire wouldn't put too much stock into it. Some just didn't appreciate some lighthearted fun in times like this.

"We should hurry then. I'd rather not get caught and yelled at for having a bit of fun."

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 4:23 pm

Benga couldn't help but laugh as she spoke of him getting too excited over silly string. Something told him she was too was rather excited over something so simple. The smile on her face seemed to tell him that much.

He didn't wait too long before settling the woman on his back again. They didn't have a wide birth of time now. He hadn't looked at the clock but he could tell that it was rather late in the night. If they didn't get started now, they wouldn't have time to get things done.

"Let's start at the old mans door first and then work our way into the halls." He suggested lightly.

With that said, he began moving toward Alder's office door. He knew his grandfather would have turned in by now. It would be their only opportunity to do something like this. Not that Alder would scold them for it. In fact, Benga knew that he would encourage this kind of thing.

When he found the door, he settled Blaire easily on her feet, hoping that he wouldn't harm her. He didn't like to thing he would be someone who would disregard her injuries but little movements might hurt her more than help. Benga hated having to be so careful, as if a little movement might break her.

"Alright," he began, tugging what paint he had stashed in his pockets. The one red can, he had carried. "Lets get started, shall we?"

He handed her a brush, waiting to get started. Benga had never been much of an artist but he figured he'd allow himself this kind of thing once in a rare while.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 4:43 pm

"Alright," Blaire murmured, taking the proffered brush and staring intently at the door. Still, no clever ideas came to mind and this frustrated her immensely. She fought to keep a frown from forming on her face, however.

Placing the paint brush in her mouth for safekeeping she instead tugged out the chalk and the silly string. The can she set on the floor beside her feet and began to rifle through the sticks of chalk. She tugged out one at random, not bothering to discern their colors for the time being.

Chalk poised over the section of the door, ready to sketch out a shape her mind still remained blank as to what to put there. The throbbing in her head certainly did not help the creative process and she bit at her lip.

"Any clever little ideas for Papa Bear's door, Benga?"

No doubt Benga would pick up on something strange with that question. Blaire never asked for other's ideas as to what to draw. She preferred to come up with her own ideas unless specifically asked to draw something for another. It was how she worked. To ask for an idea was to admit, in a roundabout way, that she had none of her own.

She hoped that whatever she might be able to crack out would not be a sloppy mess. She tended to be rather critical of her own work and during a slump like this Blaire's skill tended to slouch with it.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 5:18 pm

Benga found it a little strange that she would ask him for an idea. Blaire always had her own and stuck with them rather quickly. He raised an eyebrow, situating himself beside her. He pondered on it for a moment, tipping his head back.

"Well, you could always draw his Pokemon. I think he'd like that." He finally stated after a moments thought.

He worried about Blaire. There wasn't any reason why she should be asking him of something like this. Blaire was normally very good at thinking up her own ideas. It left him a little uncertain. He knew that through the months, it had been hard on the both of them. If her inspiration was slipping away because of it, he had to wonder how her mental state was.

Benga tilted his head thoughtfully. "Don't worry about it too much." He spoke up a moment after. "You always were your own worst critic."

He had never understood why she was so hard on her own work. To him, she did an amazing job. He could never dream of drawing like she did, even if half the time, she didn't like her own work. Benga simply thought she was crazy.

With that said, he pushed himself up, looking at the higher part of the door. Careful with the paint, he squeezed some of it onto the brush before starting to write the words 'Papa Bear' in big, bright read letters, grinning as he did so.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 5:28 pm

A hum left her in response to Benga's idea. It was a simple one and yet Blaire still struggled with how to sketch it out on the door. What order should the be in? What pose should each Pokemon adopt? These and more plagued her and Blaire scowled, starting on the sketch for Bouffalant to try and rid her mind of her annoyance.

"It's as good an idea as any," she answered after she started.

It was quiet for a moment before Benga's advice reached her. She paused only to mull over that fact and promptly stick her tongue out at it. It was no secret that many called her out for her critical thinking over her own work. Then again Blaire also had a tendency to be a little jealous of those who were better at art than she was.

"Yeah, yeah," she grumbled. "You just say that because you don't draw all that often."

It was a true enough rebuttal though Benga never had much ambition for the hobby anyways. Occasionally he'd dip into it but it wasn't something he worked to excel at. Blaire always figured that was why Benga always told her she was crazy when she pointed out the own flaws in her work.

Still, she couldn't help but start to smile again when she caught the huge grin on Benga's face. They'd have to move fast if they wanted to finish up Alder's door and then travel down the halls before people started waking.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 5:47 pm

Benga shook his head at her simple rebuttal. He didn't so much believe the words to be true. Anyone could have started thinking critically upon their talents at any time. It didn't matter who or what a person did. Everyone went through the same thing in their lives and either worked their way through it or found another hobby.

He didn't mention this however. He didn't want to dampen her mood and aside from what she had said, he caught her smiling.

They remained this way, relatively silent, as they worked. Benga wasn't nearly as good as Blaire, or at least, in his eyes that was the case and only worked on little things. He'd often stop to admire her work before turning his head slightly as to not stare. Some people become uncomfortable when one looked over their shoulder. He didn't want to do the same for her.

Benga wasn't sure how much time had passed before they had finished but he knew they would need to move again soon. He finally stood up, offering a hand to her.

"We better get to some other walls," he noted lightly. "I don't know how much time we'll have left."

When he took her hand, he pulled her up as carefully as he could manage. Gathering the paint was a quick affair before he would settle her on his back again and get moving. He'd stop when she told him to, looking for whatever hallway she'd deem as good enough to make a mess on.

----[x]----

Layla woke with a start, gasping for air. She wasn't sure what time she had finally drifted to sleep. The entirety of the night had been in and out of a light slumber. The noise had died but would start again and she would wake. At some point, she had fallen asleep only to finally be ripped from it again by a nightmare.

She glanced around the dark room, searching out movement that wasn't there. It took her a moment to allow herself to relax, to not be so tense. She woke in a cold sweat and quite disliked the feeling, pushing the blankets off of her so she might cool.

Crux beside her had woken, watching her carefully. She reached out, patting him lightly as if to reassure him she was fine. It wasn't a moment later did she glance toward Lance's bed.

Had she woken him? Did she scream or whimper or make any sound that might disturb his sleep? She could never be sure. Most reacted upon these things and that had been the only way she knew.

Layla shook her head. She couldn't see any movement from his bed but that didn't mean much. She'd simply wait, hope that she could calm herself again to fall asleep.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 6:02 pm

Blaire frowned as her work progressed. It was nowhere up near her standards. No matter how hard she tried she just could not get realism down pat. Her work always came out far too cartoon-y. A part of her hated that. She would have loved to have been able to do both well enough.

"Right," she mumbled, putting a few finishing touches on with the paint in a futile effort to make it look better to her.

It was a quick matter to pick up their objects after Benga helped her up before she was back upon him for another piggy back ride. Blaire was left hoping that in a few hours time her ankle would not throb so horribly and she could try to get around a little on her own, even if she had to resort to a crutch of some sort.

After a few moments Blaire motioned for Benga to slow down. "Wait, let's do this hall. There's a bunch of tiny baby-children in this area. I'm sure they'd appreciate the art."

Many of the families were kept in one area, the kids able to find each other quickly each day. It also made it easier to get them all out in case of an emergency while those able to fight and defend would converge on whatever threat might arrive in the future.

"We'll leave the chalk here when we're done, too, so they can all have something to play with in the morning," she mentioned out loud, glancing at Benga as he let her slip back down onto her feet carefully.

----[x]----

If there had been any noise it had not been loud enough to rouse Lance from his sleep. Some nights he could be a heavy sleeper, however, and it would take the effort of his Pokemon to wake him on those nights.

He shuffled, rolling over in his sleep and grumbling something under his breath. Whatever he was dreaming about had him sounding agitated for the time being. When he would wake in the morning he would not recall what it had been about only that it had been a frustrating one.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 6:31 pm

Benga allowed her to slip out of his grasp again when she decided a place to stop. It would be a good thing for the kids. Blaire seemed to think of them quite a bit. He couldn't blame her. A lot of the kids were more orphans now. They were lucky to have survived over the past few months.

"Well, let's get started, shall we?" He grinned at her, watching as she settled herself again.

Benga took to starting whatever came to his mind. They were simply things, swirling rainbows or crude drawings of Pokemon that he could think of. He wasn't an artist like Blaire but he figured he couldn't do much worse than a child. They would probably take to the hall themselves eventually when they could.

Over time, he'd watch Blaire draw and paint. It was a rather relaxing time for the two of them. Neither seemed to be feeling wary and he quite liked the quiet of the night. For most, it was an unsettling sound but for the moment, it was quite peaceful.

"I wonder what time it is," he began after quite a bit of silence had stretched between them. "We're gonna have to make a hasty escape soon. I don't know if we'll have too much time left."

He sparred a big grin down at Blaire. They always liked to take risks but this was more of a childish one, done simply for fun. He knew that she was enjoying every bit of it as he was.

----[x]----

Layla lifted her head, listening as Lance rolled over in his sleep. She hadn't known how long she was sitting up. Gnawing at her lip, her heart pounded at what she was thinking of doing. Layla too comfort when she was closer to him. She shuffled a little, unsure of how he might react in the morning.

Eventually however, she steadied herself, pushing herself up from her bed. Crux watched her carefully before moving along with her toward Lance's bed.

Layla inhaled a rather shaky breath before carefully sitting down. He did not stir. Part of her envied the way he seemed to be able to sleep so deeply. Hesitantly, she reached out, smoothing out his hair. Her heart pounded against her ribs, part of her screaming that this was an invasion of space. But she needed to sleep.

She waited a few beats, making sure that he would not stir. Eventually, she settled on his bed, her back pressed against his. She closed her eyes as Crux pushed his way into her hold again. Layla would have no idea how long it would take her to fall asleep again or what position she might be in when morning came. She simply hoped no more nightmares would assail her that night.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 01, 2013 6:51 pm

She wasn't exactly sure how much time passed when they settled in on drawing along the halls and doors. Occasionally Blaire would mark something out on the floor, at one point even using the chalk to make a hopscotch game. She took the time to doodle simpler things this time around. Kids were less hard to impress and she didn't want to sit there struggling to think up something new each time she moved to a clean portion of the wall.

Glancing away from a half-finished Skitty she blinked up at Benga. "It might be a good idea to ditch when we finish up this hallway then, huh?"

Blaire turned then, finishing Skitty up and beginning the sketch of a little Pichu beside it. Her head was still pounding and had yet to lessen. The doctor always woke early, especially when the other one was sick as well and couldn't do much in fear of spreading infection.

Sickness spread easily when people were so cramped down in the tunnels like they were.

"Maybe we can hop on over to the doc's after this," she offered. "See if they got any pain killers and find out exactly when I can sleep."

Blaire had barely made it through the sentence before a yawn came tumbling out of her mouth. She sniffed, scooting along the wall again to start something new, something with a bunch of star silhouettes around it.