[PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN]

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Feb 07, 2013 1:13 am

Layla swallowed thickly, her mind blank toward any argument. She shouldn't have felt this bashful over it. Still, she wasn't sure how he would react to those feelings as well. She didn't quite care for rejection and preferred baby steps over going to fast.

She blinked up at him, a pout on her lips again. She was glad that she her chattering had stopped. She was able to do now that she wasn't so cold.

"I will love and tolerate the shit outta you, that's what I'll do!" She argued back, her face not cooling despite her desperate want for it to.

Layla couldn't calm her heart from pounding against her chest. She wasn't sure of what kind of reaction he might give her. They were the only words that would come to mind and part of her might have figured it was a 'confession' of sorts. She hoped that he wouldn't push her away because of it.

She figured she needed to tolerate his attitude a little more as it was. While he was rather cold and put himself over others, it seemed, that didn't mean she should have focused on the negative. She wanted to grow close to him. It would simply take time, she assumed.

----[x]----

Benga grinned at her words. He felt a little sense of pride in his chest. He was glad to make her happy, see her smile. It was important to him. He hoped she knew that. Benga really did want to see her as happy as he could make her.

He wasn't sure about who all was watching them. He figured word would get to his grandfather at one point or another. The rate this was going, it was a wonder he wasn't already seeking them out. Benga would have to prepare himself.

Benga moved about the area, grabbing a couple of bowls and forks. He dished out the food, handing her a bowl. Now that he was able to pay more mind to it, he really was hungry. There were days when he forgot his hunger entirely simply because he had grown used to it.

"Sounds like a plan to me," he began, carrying a bowl in his free hand. With his other, he wrapped his arm around her, helping her to a table. "We'll have to see if the kids dug into what was left of the paint and chalk." he spoke softly so no one could hear.

In the days events, he had nearly forgotten they had painted the walls. He was curious to see if they were happy with the results and were adding to them. The kids needed something to look forward too in this time. He simply hoped that it would boost some spirits.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Feb 07, 2013 1:31 am

Lance's head had cocked to the side a little when she pouted up at him after a lengthy silence had passed. For awhile he had thought that she had no argument and would merely give him the silent treatment in return.

His brow furrowed at her words, confusion settling in over his face. It was definitely not the rebuttal he had expected to hear. In fact, Lance had no idea how to respond to it. The silence was back as Layla watched him for his response. Was it just him or did she look unnerved? Lance couldn't be sure.

"Well," he trailed off.

His heartbeat was loud in his ears, like that of a drum. Why did Layla's words have such a profound effect on him? It bothered Lance that he couldn't put his finger on it. It was something entirely new to him and he couldn't bring himself to care about the fact that it left him confused.

"While certain an interesting consequence I'm not so sure that's going to stop anyone from doing what they want."

His words were quieter than before, still unsure as to how to answer. Was Layla expecting something? Lance didn't know. Instead he continued toying with the damp tresses in his hand, wondering about the situation they were in.

----[x]----

Blaire waited patiently while Benga took to getting the dishes. Normally she wouldn't have minded doing it herself but with her ankle as it was she was a little limited in mobility. That fact bothered her but she did her best to ignore it for now. No doubt she would get a little sour by the end of tomorrow if she could not put her full weight on it even then.

She flashed Benga another grateful smile as he helped her to a table, his voice soft as he mentioned their art project. A chuckle escaped her at it.

"Maybe we should make it a point to grab chalk and little toys for 'em while we're out and about," she offered quietly.

It wasn't as if they had their packs filled fully anyways in these times. At a time before Genesis it might have been the case, when they could afford to take a leisurely pace. Now-a-days back packs were left half-empty when they traveled so that they were not weighted down as much in case they needed a quick get-away. Even the use of psychic Pokemon like Kadabra to teleport them around was becoming a staple of their travels.

Besides Blaire didn't like the idea of the kids suffering boredom in the tunnels.

Blaire was quick to start in on her food, twirling the noodles around her fork once she was seated. She thought about what they might be able to do during the day, giving the circumstances. There wasn't much she could do if she couldn't keep weight on her ankle.

"It's a shame, if I weren't so banged up I'd offer a battle...."

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Feb 07, 2013 1:53 am

Layla blinked up at him, a slight frown on her lips. His words had been softer than before, his smirk slipping from his lips. It was the first time she had taken notice to how confused he looked at the mention of becoming affectionate in a way. From what she could tell, he simply tensed earlier.

Mulling it over, she pulled herself closer to him again, laying her head on his chest. She listened to his heart stir again, pounding so loudly it must have deafened him. Her own heart stirred in response to it.

"Your's does that too, hmm?" She inquired quietly, closing her eyes as she listened.

Layla was glad that she wasn't the only one. She was beginning to think it was only her who's heart stirred this way. It was a comfort to know that his was doing the same. It must have confused him in some way. He didn't get close to people, after all.

She wrapped her arms around him again, enjoying the warmth that returned again. Her shivers had long since ceased but she wondered how long that would last. She tried not to focus on it, instead, trying to focus on his fingers toying with her hair.

----[x]----

Benga smiled at the suggestion as they sat down. It sounded like a good one to him. If they could manage to find something like that out and about, he'd have to make note to remember picking it up. The kids didn't leave the base after all. It was too dangerous for them, even if some wanted to fight.

"I like the sound of that," He responded, twirling the noodles on his fork. "The parents might appreciate it a little as well."

It could be a little hard to keep them entertained in these times. Kids wanted to play but with how small and cramped the base was, they couldn't always manage that. Their parents at times had some trouble reigning them in. Benga couldn't blame either side. It was hard on everyone in some way or another.

He glanced up, slurping the noodles he had put in his mouth. It hadn't surprised him that she spoke up about this kind of thing. Normally, they would have been wrestling by this point. The only reason they weren't was because of her injuries. Benga felt a little nervous of even trying it after her ankle healed.

There was no telling if he could hurt her again, after all.

"We'll have to make some time for it before we're thrown out of the base again," he suggested. "That way, we won't lose what little time we have to battle or wrestle."

He knew that she would be anxious to do either. Benga found he was a little too, old habits being hard to break.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Feb 07, 2013 2:37 am

Lance swallowed thickly as Layla pushed herself closer to him, resting her head over his chest. His heart pumped louder, a drumbeat in his ears. Her words did not help his situation at all. Instead it only left him feeling even more awkward. It was not a feeling he ever wanted to become well acquainted with.

Unsure of even what to say he remained silent, his fingers still threaded in her hair. His mind was alive with a swarm of thoughts. They buzzed in and out of his reach at varying speeds, others he would only catch snippets of before they faded from his mind entirely. Each one seemed to demand his attention and yet none stayed long enough to attain any of it.

After some minutes had passed Dragonair finally pushed past the thick foliage into the cave. Her scales were sleek and damp from the rain and she stopped, blinking at the pair for a moment. When it registered just what might have happened a joyous trilling escaped her again and again. She was quick to slide forth, coiling loosely about their feet and smiling brightly at the two.

Lance huffed a little, watching unimpressed as Dragonair fulfilled her antics. "You seem positively glowing about this."

Another cry escaped the dragon, one that sounded rather victorious if Lance had to say so. He wondered when Dragonair had cottoned to any ideas about this happening.

----[x]----

"Sounds like an idea to me," she agreed after she managed to swallow the first bite of food. She had a habit of cooking noodles relatively unbroken and thus ended up with a large bite each time she spun them about on her fork.

It drew quiet for a moment then as they focused on eating. It wasn't anything new now-a-days to skip a meal or two. It was a sad reality and she often worried about their health and the health of their Pokemon. Blaire wasn't really 'well put together' as it was. She had a number of ailments and problems due to genetics as it was and missing meals certainly didn't help.

Around them people milled about, talking, eating or leaving the area. Sometimes a kid or two would run on by with their Pokemon. It was an area where it was easy to listen in on several different conversations all at once.

It was also area that was usually the warmest during the day. So many warm bodies moving to and fro and with the stoves and ovens being used on and off it helped throw heat up into the air. However true all of this was Blaire still found herself growing chilly as time passed. She frowned at that, growing increasingly frustrated as she grew chillier and chillier the more time passed. Even the warm food wasn't doing much help. Blaire hated it, hated being so scrawny that even warm areas could leave her feeling cold. It was only during the summers when Blaire was at any form of contentment concerning warmth.

Still frowning at this fact she turned to Benga, pushing her emptied bowl away from her. "Hey, Benga? Do you think you could hold me for a while?"

They picked and prodded about it a lot, it was something they joked about but more often than not Blaire grew very frustrated with the fact that she couldn't keep warm.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Feb 07, 2013 1:38 pm

His heartbeat did not calm even after her own had. It left her a little unsure about this all. She wanted to grow close to him but would he allow himself that? He seemed so awkward about it, even if he continued to toy with her hair.

A small smile returned to her lips when Dragonair returned. Her heart picked up a little in response, knowing now that Lance could somehow understand his Pokemon in a way. Still, it didn't look like he was going to utilize that ability for the moment.

She reached out, patting the Pokemon before her arm wrapped around his frame again. While feeling a little nervous over his awkwardness, she didn't want to let go. There were several reasons other than just being cold.

"You're a very awkward person," she finally spoke up again. "And that's saying something. Normally I'm the one who can't wrap my head around these kinds of things."

It really was a surprise to her. Layla had never been one to make any kind of 'first move'. She always waited on others to do it for her. She had always been a follower of sorts. Her growing bold enough to make a move like this said a lot about his personality. He didn't grow close to people. Could he even grow close to her?

She liked to hope so.

----[x]----

Benga ate in silence, listening to the conversations around them. It didn't seem like there was much news floating about but he did listen to hear if Lance was still within the area or if he'd taken off with that girl. Until they knew, there was not telling if they would go after the girl or not at this point. Other then that, Benga listened to nothing in particular to him. He simply enjoyed the chatter.

Occasionally, he'd glance up at Blaire. She seemed to grow a little annoyed over time. He could only assume why. The reason came to light not soon afterward.

Benga's heart pounded against his chest as she asked him. She was never one to be subtle and she could be forward. Benga wasn't sure how he felt about it entirely yet. He gave a wary glance around. He gave a grunt afterward, unsure of how he felt about this. It wasn't like people weren't already talking, which, he was sure they were.

He finally turned his attention back toward Blaire, motioning toward here. "Come here," he finally spoke up.

The least he could do was quash it awkwardness and make her feel comfortable. Benga didn't think he could very well say 'no' to her even if he felt a little awkward about it all. People would find out one way or another.

He moved around the table, sitting close to her and wrapping his arms around her frame. His cheeks inflamed a moment afterward, his heart pounding against his chest again. Benga cleared his throat, attempting to ignore glancing shot their way.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Feb 07, 2013 3:01 pm

Lance wasn't sure how to go about everything happening. It was simple, it shouldn't have left him so flustered and awkward. It wasn't very becoming. He found he hated the way he couldn't think of anything to say or how to react properly. Layla growing used to it quicker than he was struck a sore spot in him as well.

Instead of replying to her he remained silent yet again. What could he say? Nothing would come to mind and he hated it.

In the time that passed Dragonair took to prodding playfully at Weavile, perhaps noting his soured mood. Lance took the time to continue messing with Layla's long hair. It was drying slowly though it was cold to the touch. He rather wished that he had a fire-type Pokemon on hand.

"Perhaps we should focus on the plan for tonight," he finally stated, glancing around at the darkened cave.

It was wet and damp outside and in. At this rate one or both of them would be sick. They would either have to risk staying or go out in the rain in search for a better shelter. Focusing on these problems, Lance found, helped to clear his mind and settle his heart down.

He glanced down at Layla, wondering what she might come up with or offer.

----[x]----

Blaire felt a little bad for asking when she watched Benga fidget about, casting furtive looks around for whoever might be glancing at them. When he did finally agree she smiled apologetically at him, well aware that he was incredibly nervous.

She could feel her face warm a little as well as her heart pounding just a little quicker in response to Benga's arms around her. It was easy to feel the difference in body heat as well. Benga's was already helping to combat the chilliness that Blaire felt she shouldn't have been feeling at all. From the corner of her eye she could see a few looks tossed their way.

Leaning into Benga's side, she tugged at his shirt, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Hey, sorry if this is really awkward and weird for you," she murmured. "I'll make it up to you later, okay?"

Regardless of what he said Blaire made it a point to think of something. She didn't want to feel like she was asking more and more of Benga when he was still growing used to this new dynamic in their relationship, after all.

"Thank you though," she said after a moment, her voice still quiet. "I really appreciate that you'd do this for me."

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Feb 07, 2013 7:47 pm

Layla listened as his heart calmed with the change of subject. He needed something else to focus on. Crux had long since moved from her shoulder in that silence, playing with Dragonair as the Pokemon made attempts to pick his mood up.

She lifted her head, pulling away only a little to mull over their options. Layla didn't know this region well. She had no idea where the next city might be much less a town. With the conditions, she wasn't even sure if pushing themselves that far would be a great idea.

"You know this place better then I do," she noted a moment after. "There's no town near here?"

Layla was used to having rest areas between cities. Unova, while it had it's large cities, also had many dangerous terrains. As such, resting areas, cabins, little houses such as that were placed for trainers who needed to rest or were in bad shape.

"This place is very different from Unova," she commented a moment after. "There are several cabins set up between cities there, in case of things like this."

----[x]----

It took quite a few minutes for Benga to reign in his composure. This wasn't something he was used to. Being blunt was alright with him but those were issues he was more apt to understand. Nevertheless, he knew it was something he had to get used to. It wasn't like they could keep this kind of thing a secret.

"Don't worry about it," he finally answered, unsure if she'd even take it or not. You always get cold. I can't have that."

He reached up, ruffling her hair. Word would spread fast now. Not that it wouldn't have already. Benga resisted a sigh. He didn't want to make her think this was bothering him as much as she thought. It left him nervous but that was it.

"Besides, if I didn't, you'd freeze and then I wouldn't have a cute girl following me around." he noted lightly, almost in a matter-of-factly manner. He shot a grin down at her afterward, rather proud of the fact that the small attempt to flirt hadn't left his head spinning.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:47 pm

Lance watched Layla as she pulled away a little, glancing at him as she spoke. He should have expected her to leave the planning to him. Then again she had a valid point, he did know this region better than she did. Still, that didn't mean that he was used to traveling by foot, either. Lance was a little loathe to admit he was lost as to what to do.

He shook his head in answer. Unova seemed as if it catered to travelers and their Pokemon far better than Kanto did.

"No, Kanto was never one to place such rest stops," he said.

Knowing that helped him to get to know Layla better, however. With such pit stops to be able to rely on it was no wonder she didn't pick up much while they were in town. She had probably expected such things to be in place in Kanto as well. It was a foolish thought but he kept his mouth shut about it. The last thing he needed was for her to shout at him again.

"I have never needed to know of any people that might take up making way stations, either," Lance continued, inclining his head to Dragonair.

Whenever he needed to be somewhere it was just a flight away. Sure, longer flights would force him to touch down for a rest but traveling on foot was never an issue after his first Dratini had evolved and attained the ability to fly.

----[x]----

Any argument that was ready to push past Blaire's lips stalled when Benga ruffled her hair. It was further forgotten when he picked up flirting again, grinning down at her proudly. Blaire had to blink up at Benga, a little amazed that he had not grown red-faced, and feeling her chest fill with warmth again.

"Well, you definitely know how to make a girl feel special, Benga," she answered.

It seemed he was really getting the hang of simpler things as they went. Blaire was thankful for this. She didn't quite like the fact that Benga would be so awkward and lost for a long time. It was fun to pick at him for it but it was something that had worried her for awhile.

"Who would have thought a wild thing like you would be so shy though?" Blaire teased, tugging at his shirt as if for emphasis.

She had to admit, though, the more she found out about Benga - little things that would have otherwise escaped her if their relationship hadn't changed - the more she found herself liking him. It was a strange thing for Blaire to think about but fitting all the same.

Blaire wondered how long they would be at the table for the time being, putting off actually wandering about or going to find Alder.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Feb 07, 2013 9:32 pm

Layla blinked, turning her head toward the Dragonair. He traveled mostly by flying, at this point she knew that. Her heart picked up pace at the thought of it. Still, they weren't getting anywhere standing around and night would be drawing on them soon enough. She lifted her head again, wondering if he'd allow this or not.

"Then we should fly." She suggested. "Even if it's not far, we'd be able to see towns better from the air then wandering around and getting lost." She paused for a moment, gathering her words. "We're already soaked through and cold anyways. If one of us, or both for that matter, gets sick out here, then we're stuck. It could get worse, what with colder days seeming to stay. I'd rather risk flying, while the airs chilly for a short time than risking it out here in the condition we're in now."

To her, it made sense. If she grew ill, there was no telling if she would get better or worse when there was little access to warmth or medicine. If he did, she wouldn't be able to find help much less risk it out on her own and get lost. If they didn't find a place soon, she would risk her fears of flying just to ensure they both were safe.

She knew Lance didn't quite care for that attitude. She risked her own comfort and health just to ensure others were safe. It wasn't quite a good habit to fall into.

Either way, it didn't seem like he was making any sort of plan either.

----[x]----

"Of course!" Benga boasted a moment after.

He couldn't help it. Despite their less then subtle act, he attempted to block it out and simply take time to enjoy the moment. While he wasn't yet too comfortable with feeling the glances, he did his best to ignore them. He was feeling a little more confident now, he would admit that much.

Benga couldn't help but grunt a little as she prodded him for being shy. It wasn't like he had been used to this kind of thing. He never prepared for it. He never had a reason to. He puffed his cheeks out a little in a pout.

"Not like you weren't either," he prodded after a moment. "You looked pretty shy earlier too."

It was a light prod. Both of them had been as such and for obvious reasons. They were stepping into new territory and neither had been completely sure as to how to respond in the beginning. Benga was finding that Blaire had more of an idea however.

The pout worked into a grin again, chuckling slightly. He found he was doing that more often, rather than just laughing. These were small changes, he noticed, in their interaction. He wasn't sure why these small changes began to come about but he figured it might have been the same reason as to why he was noticing different things about her.

He was finding that he didn't so much mind it, in the end.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Feb 07, 2013 10:32 pm

Lance studied Layla for a long moment, gauging her health and how flying might affect her. Aerodactyl's movements in the air could jar her wounds further and it was the last thing that they needed. Still, she had another point. Even he had to begrudgingly admit that.

"If you feel you're up to flying to the next city...."

He untangled himself from her, sliding his jacket back on. It had dried somewhat though not nearly as much as he would have liked. Lance was quick to recall Dragonair, her body much to slim to accommodate both of them in the air. It was always a little trickier to stay on Dragonair's back than on Aerodactyl's.

"We can most likely make it to Cerulean City by nightfall," he said for Layla's benefit. Keeping her in the loop seemed to make her happy, after all. If it kept her from getting hurt over little things that Lance could accommodate for that as they went.

"You're sure that you'll be fine in the air for a few hours?"

Despite being faster it didn't mean that it would be a short trip by society's standards. He'd rather make sure that Layla knew that before they set out. She would need to be able to hold on for that amount of time even if she began to cramp up.

----[x]----

As they talked, teasing one another, Blaire was finding it a little easier to ignore anyone who glanced their way. They were a pretty notable pair in the base as it was and many rebels knew them by name. It was no doubt that they might take notice when the two that were normally out of the base were back and acting much more intimate than before.

Blaire could feel her face warm a little at the mention of being shy earlier as well. Her smile still remained in place, aimed only at Benga.

"Something tells me that you enjoy that fact though," she pointed out matter-of-factly.

She hoped she hadn't just imagined it but it did seem to Blaire as if Benga had enjoyed the way he could get her to blush or stammer earlier. She didn't see any harm in it, especially since she liked that warm feeling he managed to stir in her chest.

Her own smile widened at Benga's grin and she bit her lip after a moment as if to try and reign it in a little. She was finding that it was becoming quite a habit when it came to Benga. She briefly wondered if Benga was noticing new things about her when she was doing the same about him. It wouldn't surprise her if that was the case.

"And something also tells me that I might have to watch out for you using that against me," she teased.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Thu Feb 07, 2013 11:46 pm

Layla tugged her jacket on after he pulled away. She hated the cold that assaulted her quickly after, sapping the warmth she had regained. She hoped that this would not hinder her in their attempts. She was already nervous about the method but she couldn't see any way around it. This was one of the reasons Unova set up stations in between cities. Why Kanto didn't do the same, she could only wonder.

Tugging out Crux's Pokeball, she called him back, though she was a little sad to. She didn't want him to fall off in the wind. Even if he liked the cold as well, she worried that it might be too much for him, regardless.

"I'm sure," she finally answered.

She offered his cape back to him. She worried that it might be more of a hindrance to her then a help. There was no telling how hard the wind would tug at it if she wore it. If it did, there was a chance it would only further her fear of falling off or it actually happening. She offered a smile afterward.

"I'll be okay. Don't worry about it." she attempted to reassure.

Even as she said it, she wondered how true those words were. Given a few hours, would she really be okay? Would this attempt make her sick later on or put her in a state of a panic attack? Layla didn't like to think of any of those things and did her best to quash the thoughts. She didn't need to be scared now. It would only hinder her further.

----[x]----

Benga couldn't help but chuckle a little as she grew bashful again. It was nice to see, nice to know really; that he could have this kind of effect on a person. He wouldn't have guessed it in the past. Benga had never dwelled on those kinds of things, after all.

"I enjoy that fact very much," he noted in a matter of factly manner. "And I would love to use it against you when I get the chance." He teased.

It wasn't like Blaire didn't have things on him. She could tease him relentlessly if she wanted to. It wasn't too often Benga picked up on something he could use against her. That's just how it had always been. Blaire always seemed to have the upper hand one way or another.

He shook his head after a moment, unable to get the grin off of his face. While this was normal behavior for the two, it seemed different in a way. Benga couldn't put his finger on how but it something lingered there that wasn't too familiar. He couldn't put his finger on it.

"You love it, I know you do." he prodded further, watching her expression.

It was nice to have the upper hand on her once in a while. He found her rather cute though he was still rather bashful to admit it. He liked to see her blush and smile and act happy. He hoped times like this could remain, even if they were hiding underground.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 12:01 am

Lance raised a brow at her as she offered the cape back, taking it after her reassurance. Perhaps she was afraid the wind tugging at the fabric might aid in her fear or even tug her right off of Aerodactyl's back. Wordlessly he pulled it over his shoulders, clasping it easily.

"Then if you're sure let's get a move on."

He gestured for her to follow as he lead the way out of the cave. His hand reached for Aerodactyl's pokeball while the other pushed the brush out of the way. He held it back, allowing Layla out into the drizzle. It seemed as if it was a day when it would cycle between a light and heavy rain.

In a flash of light Aerodactyl was released before them. Silently he took to stretching his limbs out though he looked disdainful about the rain. Lance shook his head, patting the Pokemon's side.

"If it were any other time I would have called upon one of the others," he murmured to the Pokemon. Aerodactyl eyed him, gauging his truthfulness before sniffing and lowering himself for the two to get on.

"Where would you be most comfortable?" he inquired, turning to Layla. She had seemed utterly terrified in front of him on the brief ride on Dragonair the day before but would she fair better holding on from behind? He supposed he could only let Layla decide for herself.

----[x]----

Blaire couldn't stop smiling, her face still warm despite the light conversation. She had to wonder just how Benga had this affect on her now. It wasn't as if they hadn't joked around and teased at each other similarly before. Whatever had changed between them seemed to affect much of their normal behavior between each other as well.

She found she didn't mind it much, however.

"Oh, I'll have to watch out then, huh?" she chuckled, pushing closer to Benga so that their foreheads touched.

Blaire felt that stirring in her chest again in response to Benga's words. It felt as if her face reddened a little as well though she didn't turn away to hide it for the time being. Every now and again she liked to give Benga a share in teasing her without firing anything back.

"Maybe I do," Blaire answered in a murmur.

It was amazing, really. With all the flirting and teasing combined with Benga's arms around her she felt warmer already, despite only a few minutes having passed. She loved it, in a way, even if it did give Benga something to tease her with later.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 12:24 am

Layla followed him into the drizzle. She felt a little bad for the Aerodactyl, guessing if it had been any other time, he would have called a Pokemon less sensitive to the rain. Lance seemed to have her safety in mind and for that, she was grateful.

"Oh uh...probably the back." she answered a moment later.

She found it might be easier for her to hold onto him. If she wished to, she could just close her eyes or bury her face into his back if she grew too fearful of the height they were at. She knew she would, in fact, and would at least feel a little more comfortable that way.

With that said, she waited for Lance to get on before he would help tug her up. Her heart pounded loudly, deafening her but she did her best to ignore it. They would rise into the air soon after. Layla already wrapped her arms firmly around his waist. It would be a long ride, despite the quicker method.

Cold air billowing by and her fear would make a few hours seems like an eternity for her.

----[x]----

Benga felt a stirring in his chest against as she leaned her forehead against his own. The smile did not fall from his lips, even if he wanted it too. His heart began to pound again but it didn't so much bother him this time around. It was nice, in a way.

"Well, maybe you should." He taunted lightly back.

He wasn't sure what was so different about this kind of thing. They had prodded each other in a more challenging manner in the past. This would have been no different if their relationship hadn't been changing. There was some form of difference now, though, it was hard to put his finger on what. They were still playful but it was a different form of playful.

After a few beats, he grinned again. "Good," he noted as she spoke again. "Then I know I'm doing something right."

It was a good thing, in his mind. He was rather clueless as to how things went. He never had to be prepared for this kind of thing and he hadn't needed to or had planned on needing to. It was rather odd to him in a way. So it was a good thing that he knew what was making her happy.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 12:48 am

Lance had made quick work of getting on Aerodactyl, helping Layla up behind him. It was never a process that took long though he had waited until he was sure Layla was ready before urging Aerodactyl to take to the skies. Aerodactyl was quick to get them up at an appropriate height despite the rain and gusts of wind.

He could feel Layla's arms tighten around his waist and her face bury into his back. A frown lined his lips at this and he spared a glance over his shoulder at her. As tight as her grip was, hands grasping at his shirt as well, he didn't think that she would be at risk of falling off. Her heart must have been going a mile a minute.

Hesitantly Lance reached out, patting her thigh reassuringly while up in the air. He wasn't sure how well she'd take it and the action caused his heart to pick up pace again though it wasn't as bad as it had been before.

It would be a long fly to Cerulean City though if it kept them both from suffering out in this rain than Lance would be thankful to arrive there.

----[x]----

Blaire couldn't help but to chuckle. Benga seemed so proud of the fact that she liked it when he teased her like this. It must have been a bit of a relief to know he wasn't stepping on her toes in any manner though Blaire figured he might be worrying a little too much about the dynamic their relationship had taken. He might have been over thinking the things he did or said throughout the day up until now because of it.

"If you keep this up I might end up dizzy again," she jested, tapping Benga's chest.

It was true in a way. With all of the blushing Benga was able to produce from her it might be a repeat of that morning. It wasn't like she would mind it too much, though. Still, she had to prod at Benga in some manner.

Biting her lip again, she glanced away a little shyly. She found she very much liked the way Benga was looking at her. It left her feeling butterflies in her stomach.

"Maybe we should take to wandering, huh?" she murmured when she managed to glance back at him.

No doubt the people around them, while more than happy to spread the word that the two were a couple now, were growing a little tired of their display.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 1:15 am

Layla's heart hammered against her chest as she screwed her eyes shut, pressing her face into his back. The cold air whipped around them, sapping her of whatever warmth she had left. The coat provided only a little of it, Lance himself giving off more than she was and she was grateful for allowing herself to press so closely to him.

She felt his hand on her thigh only for a moment. It was meant to be reassuring and she was glad that he still considered her comfort. The act only did so much as she attempted to focus on it. Instead, she tried to listen for anything else other than the wind whipping by them. Her own pounding heart seemed to become her main focus.

Shivering only seemed to worsen her state at one point or another. She wasn't even sure when the shivers had wracked her spine again. She clenched her jaw, willing her whole body to stop if it could.

Layla hoped the ride wouldn't last much longer. She'd be in a sorry state when they landed, she knew she would be. She'd rather get sick somewhere they could stay that was warm, however, than out, caught in the cold and rain where it could get worse.

----[x]----

Benga watched her pull back, the red still dusting her cheeks. This new side of her, he was beginning to like more and more. There was hardly a time he could recall her every getting this flustered. Not that he didn't do that same. Still, it was a nice thing to see and was rather endearing.

He had to wonder what others thought of this display. Despite probably being excited over it, they might have grown rather tired of it as well. Things like this in today's time were rather frowned upon for obvious reasons. There was too much chance of losing loved ones and falling into deep depression because of it.

"Sounds good to me," he finally responded.

He was quick to pick up the emptied bowls and put them on a cart before he returned to help Blaire to her feet again. When she was ready, he pulled her onto his back again. This was becoming a rather normal sight, given she couldn't walk.

"Anywhere in particular?" He inquired a moment after. "Or just wandering to wander?"

Neither bothered him. He liked to wander the place once in a while. Some people even stopped and talked to them. It was all rather fun, getting to know some of the rebels they otherwise wouldn't have known if the times hadn't gotten so bad. It was the one good thing about the situation. They met a lot of interesting people from all over the world.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 1:33 am

Blaire was quick to wrap her arms around Benga a little more firmly than before, resting her chin on his shoulder again. She thought about it for a moment, humming as she did so. It wasn't like they had anything that had to be done anyways and they were known for wandering around aimlessly.

"Wandering to wander sounds good," she nodded, glancing around at the people that still milled about.

It was always something she liked to do, to watch others and see how they interacted with others. It could be fascinating sometimes. Now-a-days she didn't always get that chance. Drawing people for anatomy and pose practice was harder to do when everyone was so jam-packed in one place, as well.

She thought about it for a moment, wondering if Benga was still concerned about Lance or not. Her head tipped to one side, examining what she could see of Benga's face. It didn't help to divine whatever he might be thinking.

"Maybe we should see Papa Bear soon, too," she offered the suggestion after awhile of silence. "We meant to do that, after all...."

Blaire had to wonder, again, if the gossip about their new behavior had spread through the base yet or not. Judging by a few of the grins sent their way it seemed some already had heard. Blaire merely ducked her head into the crook of Benga's neck, hiding her pink face whenever this happened.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 1:49 am

Benga grunted a little at the mention of his grandpa. While he loved and respected his family, he wasn't so sure he wanted to go there yet. Benga knew the man would be waiting in some for or another. The news, it seemed, was spreading quite enough. Like Blaire, he was taking his time to observe as well.

"I'm not too keen on seeing the old man yet," he responded. "He's going to be waiting on us...I know it."

Instead, Benga took a few turns to the hallway they had decorated. He found a few kids still milling about and there were many others paintings and drawings added to the wall. Most were crud or scribbles but they brightened up the hallway. Benga wouldn't help but smile at the sight.

"Looks like we've got little artists running around," he jested lightly, watching a couple of kids ran by.

They had been careful about what Benga and Blaire had left on the wall. Benga didn't find his were all that much but he was glad to see that Blaire's were rather left untouched. He liked her artwork even if more than half the time, she found something she didn't care about them.

"We'll have to find something more out there," he noted, continuing the conversation. "They really seem to enjoy it."

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 2:02 am

Blaire couldn't help but chuckle at Benga. She should have guessed he would put it off for a little bit. Then again she had no doubt that Alder would only manage to fluster the both of them. Blaire could understand why he would want to put it off for awhile.

"I had a feeling you'd skirt around it," she teased regardless of her agreement on the matter.

It didn't take long for Benga to bring them to the hallways now covered in paint and chalk. She smiled brightly at the sight of it all, admiring the scribbles and doodles by the kids. One or two looked really good for the age group that had most likely taken to the activity during the day.

Some of them had even tried to add on to a few of her own or Benga's, still careful not to 'ruin' what they had already put up. The thought of it left her with a warm feeling. It must have given them something to do after so long of having to entertain themselves with their imaginations.

"You know," she spoke up, glancing at a little doodle she recognized as Benga's. "For someone who doesn't draw you didn't do too badly."

She had seen worse though she had a feeling Benga wouldn't pursue any goal of improving. It wasn't something that was a hobby of his, after all. Still, Blaire felt she could give him a compliment when it was due.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 2:17 am

Benga snorted a little as she prodded him about Alder. No doubt, he would have gotten the information at one point or another. They couldn't avoid him forever but Benga was willing to let that happen for as long as he could manage it.

"You know how he is," he commented after a moment. "After he gets something like this, there's no stopping him from celebrating in some way...and letting the entire base know at that."

Still, he put his mind off of it for a time. He studied the little things added to their drawings, smiling a little as he did so. Some of the kids were talented for their age. He found they were better than he was, after all. Benga liked to see them express themselves a little. It might have even kept them out of trouble for a short time.

He inclined his head as she complimented his work. He didn't really think of them as anything. They were just random little things, drawing what first came to mind and leaving it at that. Benga snorted a little though, he could feel his cheeks dusting pink again.

"They're not anything," he attempted to argue. "It's not really my thing anyways."

Benga had always admired Blaire's hand for artwork but he never really wanted to do it himself. Different people had different talents and this was one that he didn't feel he had. She held that talent and he often told her how much he loved her work, even if she didn't believe it half of the time.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 2:35 am

Blaire couldn't help but to smile at Benga's answer. It was definitely something he would say about it. She still thought they weren't half-bad, even if he didn't delve into it as a hobby. For someone who didn't draw or work to improve any skill at it he did alright and that's what mattered Blaire. Still, she'd relent on that topic. It wasn't as if it was something he actively wanted to do and so what he thought about that skill wasn't important in the grand scheme of things.

"Speaking of hobbies," she said, changing the topic slightly. "Let's remember to drop by the storage room later and see if there's any spare tablets that I can sketch in, alright?"

It had been a long time and she worried about getting out of practice with what she had been able to learn and improve on. With her creative slump lately as well it was as bit of a heavy worry. Blaire wanted to see if she could at least doodle something quick and easy to reassure herself that it wasn't a lost talent.

"We can sit around and creep on people as I sketch 'em out," she offered.

It had been something she had done a couple of times over the years. They'd be in town or the city and have to wait and Blaire would drag out some paper and a pencil and start sketching whatever o whoever caught her eye as practice. Sometimes she had caught Benga watching over her shoulder though she had never called him out on it.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 2:44 am

Benga was a little grateful for the compliment but still stuck by his opinion. It wasn't something that he indulged in too often and didn't think he had much talent for it at all. He knew repeating it would only fall on deaf ears however. Blaire seemed rather apt to try and convince him otherwise.

"It's been a little while since we've done anything like that," he noted as he moved from the hallway again. If it kept them from getting caught up with his grandfather so soon, he'd take it. "Not like we've had much of a chance, though."

That had been rather true in fact. If they weren't here for a day or two, they were on missions. This was the first time in the past few months that an injury had actually put a halt on that pattern. Things like this just didn't happen between them. He was beginning to find that they might have bit off more than the could chew with the stronghold they had left in ruin.

At least one of the bigger ones was gone now.

Benga carefully weaved through the crowds, though, he found that they were thinning. He had to wonder what time it was. Some might have gone to eat, if it was nearing four or five. That didn't so much surprise him. Night drew earlier everyday and most weren't going to break their routine unless they had to.

It was easier to get to storage this way. Benga opened the door and flipped on the light before stepping in. It had been left the way they had kept it that night. Benga carefully sat Blaire down on a table before he would move to poke about the items.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 3:36 am

Blaire chuckled indulgently at Benga as he headed towards the storage room. She should have known he'd take to it immediately, if only to avoid the inevitable conversation with his grandpa. Blaire would let hem pick the time to do it that night, barring Alder finding them first. Sometimes they ran into each other, after all.

In the storage room, Blaire took to reaching for her pokeballs once she was seated on the table, Benga moving to begin the search. She was quick to call upon Bahamut, the little Axew eager to stretch whenever he was allowed out and about.

"Axew?" he inquired, blinking up at her from her lap.

"Could you help Benga search for a pad of paper?" she asked politely. If Bahamut denied than she wouldn't force him to look around. It was an unnecessary thought, however, as Axew saluted her and hopped easily from her lap to the floor. The little dragon-type would seek out any sort of art supply Blaire might be able to use, eager to watch again.

While those two got started on that Blaire tugged out her pain pills, dry swallowing two. She should have taken them when she had eaten but once she had sat down the thought had escaped her, forgotten in favor of other things. Now her ankle was steadily gaining more and more pain to assault her with and she wanted to try and curb it before it got too bad.

"Any luck?" she called out after a few minutes had passed.

She was yet again grateful for Benga. If it wasn't for him being so willing to carry her around and look for little items like he was now Blaire would be stuck in bed until her ankle could hold her weight for longer periods of time.

Blaire wasn't sure how she'd be able to make it up to Benga for all of the trouble.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 12:59 pm

Benga was glad for Bahamut's help. The Pokemon normally took any chance to help out his trainer, even if he could a tad stubborn to boot. Benga never minded this fact. Dragon Pokemon could all be this way. They weren't easy to train much less befriend. It was a baby steps sort of method, in one way or the next.

Sorting through the mess took quite some time. He wasn't sure how much time passed them. Both and and Bahamut had to shift through quite a bit of items just to find a pad of paper, if there was one hidden there to begin with. It still surprised him how many people brought items, so big and bulky, with some intention of using them.

Benga had to wonder what was going through their heads.

Finally, he tugged out on old sketch pad. Some of the pages were torn out and it looked a little worn but it was mostly in tact. He figured it might due. Turning toward Blaire he held it up and grinned.

"Hope this works." he mused lightly. "I don't think there's anything else like that in here. Seems more people favor their giant, unreasonable items rather than the small ones."

It still baffled him but he tried to put it from his mind. It was a useless thought anyways. Walking over to her, he handed her the pad of paper so she might inspect it.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 1:38 pm

Blaire took the worn and beaten up sketch pad Benga had found, examining it. She began to flip through the pages, having to be careful as some were threatening to fall right out if turned too often. Still, it was better than she had hoped for. Blaire had wondered if she'd be stuck drawing on lined paper.

"It looks like someone had used it quite a bit before," she noted lightly. "Wonder why they trashed it...."

Regardless of the reason she smiled up at Benga. He really didn't have to go through all this trouble to search for something specific in all this mess and yet he had without complaint. Nearby she could hear Bahamut digging around in something or other, perhaps continuing his own search for anything she might be able to use.

"Thank you, Benga," she murmured appreciatively, tugging at his shirt to draw him a little closer.

She chuckled as Bahamut cried out, tipping something over on himself. His indignant cries a moment later reassured her that he was alright, only startled. Blaire turned her attention back to Benga for the time being as the little Axew continued his search.

"Maybe some of these things had sentimental value?" she mulled over, glancing around at all that had been abandoned in here. She hummed in thought. If that was the case then why were they shoved in storage, gathering dust? Perhaps they had belonged to others and they had died rendering them painful to look at. Or maybe they had to run in a hurry and someone else had picked up their objects hoping to barter or sell them.

As she thought these things over, wondering about why they had ended up here, Blaire's brow furrowed. She sometimes had a habit of over thinking little things, romanticizing them in a way, as well.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Fri Feb 08, 2013 1:50 pm

Benga gave a look around the room. These items were left here for a reason though no one seemed to know why. Whether they were just placed here because they took up room or reminded someone of another, there was no telling. Benga figured it would simply remain a mystery. There was no point in poking around other people's business after all.

He turned his head, gazing at her again. A grin tugged back onto his lips. At least the little thing made her happy, no matter how worn out it looked. He had thought that it might not do.

"No problem!" he responded. "As long as you're happy."

Benga found more and more that he liked it when she was happy. There was a side to her that not many saw when she was. It was something special and he liked to see it there. He was able to pin point it and he felt proud that he could have this kind of effect on her.

"Anything else we're poking around for or are we heading out," he inquired. He glanced out the door, catching a few people walking by. It must have been getting late for people to be slowing down now. "Better hurry or we're not gonna have many to creep on at this rate!"