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 Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 5:30 pm
"This your fault! YOU ARE VERY BAD PERSON!"
Three pairs of eyes glanced left.
"My fault?! It's your fault, you idiot!"
Three pairs of eyes glanced right.
Said three eyes were those of Kilah, Momoro, and the newest edition, Twila. Where as the baby was far from mobile, Kilah had no trouble getting up and wandering away from the scene. And, of course, the fox boy hurried after her without a second thought.
Such a scene was...different. Noyama and Noharu. But they weren't attacking each other, just fighting. Fighting like Sango and Kilah did. Fighting like 'normal' sisters (as normal as they got) would. Across from each other, shouting and pointing fingers accusingly.
The trip hadn't exactly gone as planned; Moo would have to stay longer. All on business, of course. But Banda had chosen to come home....and now very much regretted it. As of the previous evening, all the children had come back to Moo's house and...Isto was in prison. And it was Banda's fault. Not that he had meant to, of course, but...
Ah, well, nothing he could do right now. To avoid the thoughts, Banda had volunteered to take Lyrus to visit Kilah. The toddler had immediately accepted, and both started on their way.
The sight that greeted them, however, was not at all what either expected. The pair paused a short distance from the arguing sisters, eyes moving back and forth between the two just as the earlier trio's had done. Lyrus soon lost interest and ambled off in search of his friend, leaving Banda to watch the argument. "Kilaaaaaaaah, where are you?"
As a result of being blind Kilah's hearing had greatly improved. But being the race he was, Momoro's was almost as good. Good enough so that they both heard Lyrus at the same time.
Happy for his soon-to-come company, Kilah lifted a hand in hopes to get his attention. "Lyrus! Over here!" Momoro didn't seem pleased.
"Why does he have to come?"
Back near the house, the fighting continued, and surprisingly neither seemed to notice Banda. But something was very, very wrong. The one speaking poor English...wasn't Noharu.
"Very bad! Very bad! You should not mess with things not know how to work!"
Kilah's call and wave did catch Lyrus' attention, but he didn't notice Momoro until he neared the trio. The boy frowned, dark eyes glittering dangerously at he eyed the fox boy. But just as quickly, the look was gone, and Lyrus' attention had returned to Kilah. Best ignore it while he had the chance. "Hi Kilah! Banda came home last night, so he brought me here today. Why're Noya and the b***h fighting?"
Banda was, to say the least, confused. True, Noya and Noharu appeared to be fighting like, well, sisters rather than foes, but that wasn't it so much. Noharu was easily distracted. Anyone could fight with he luck that. No, Banda was simply having trouble following the conversation. Fast talking and odd angles made things difficult. He would just..wait it out form the sidelines.
"Don't know. Something about a spell and switching or something." Yeah, something. Not being able to see either of them, Kilah couldn't tell at all what was going on. Momoro didn't even hear Lyrus, though the two seemed to agree. Best he ignore that thing. "Where was Banda?" She knew Moo went on a lot of trips, but Banda did too?
Neither of them calmed down, but Banda did catch one of their eyes. Green eyes, to be more specific. And not that he'd know it, but when the voice belonging to such spoke, it didn't sound like Noyama...
"Well, well."
"Ahh, I see." Well, no, he really didn't. But that was alright. He could pretend. "Banda went on a trip with Moo to some big city, but Moo had to stay longer for some reason, so he came back. He's been acting sorta weird since he got back... Really jumpy, too. Oh! I met Aard yesterday. And Yukito. You're right, Aard is a stupidhead."
Banda cracked a smile when 'Noya' finally noticed him, flashing a small wave before repocketing his hands. "Sorry, didn't mean to interupt."
Thank God. Kilah wasn't sure she could take another one of her most important friends liking that stupid tomato boy. Mignon did, and had even told her once he 'wasn't bad'. To Kilah, she might as well have said 'you're wrong', which she would've hit nearly anyone else for. Akilah was never wrong.
Well, almost.
When he stopped there, her face shifted into a scowl, voice sharp. "And Yukito?"
'Noyama' grinned at him in a sly, mischevous way had she really been who she looked like (er, had the eye color of) she could've never pulled of. "Oh, no, it's just fine."
Noyama--or Noharu?--stomped her foot and hissed in warning. "Noharu, you leave alone!"
Lyrus inwardly cringed. He probably shouldn't have even mentioned meeting Yukito. But, no going back on that. He quirked a brow at Kilah and shrugged, folding his arms across his chest. "He was nice. He fixed my hand where that thing bit me. And he doesn't hate you, you know. Why do you hate him?"
The grin immediately put Banda on his guard, and he took a small step back, glancing from one girl to the other. "Um... Did I miss something?"
Like she didn't already know that. It wasn't in Yukito to hate. The boy was too big of a wuss to even dislike anyone, she was sure of it. Rather then snap at him for being nosey about the already 'touchy subject', she got to her feet and just walked away without a word.
Maybe another time when Momoro wasn't around.
Speaking of which, the boy was so surprised she'd failed to say anything it took him a minute to register she was gone. "A-Akilah!"
"Missed me, didn't you?" Noharu grinned slyly, blew a kiss his way, and got another hiss from her sister. What fun! And, it was going to get sooo much better. "What? Banda didn't tell you he likes to take advantage of girls?"
Clueless, Noyama just blinked for a few seconds. "...advantage?"
Lyrus was rather surprised when no reply was forthcoming, and simply blinked after Kilah as she walked away. However, he snapped out of it with Momoro's call, frowning deeply and shoving the fox boy out of his way as he started after his friend. "You can't just walk away without answering me! Get back here!"
Banda was so, so very lost. He blinked in confusion at 'Noyama', who, really, was not acting at all like herself, then over to 'Noharu', who was being unusually standoffish. ...And then Noyas words clicked, and he frowned faintly, raising a brow. "Take advantage? I don't take advantage of women."
Not only did she walk away, but now she was ignoring him. Known only to her, Kilah actually did have a place in mind where she was going. Somewhere with flowers. Lots of flowers. So she could kill them, of course. Ignoring him, yes, but it was obvious she'd heard him because she immediatly began walking faster.
Noyama wasn't sure what that word met (any of the meanings it had), but when Banda said otherwise, she assumed advantage was a bad thing. "You hush, Noharu."
Not a big surprise when she didn't. Noyama's attention needed to focus on something other then her. Besides, her grumpy mood met she just wanted someone in trouble. Poor Banda just happened to show up first. "Certainly did. He kissed me, you know. Bet he didn't tell you that."
Unfortunately, Noya did understand that word. Her eyes shot toward Banda, and clearly she didn't believe it.
"I know you can hear me! You can hear everything!" Lyrus snarled, stalking after her. He hadn't the faintest idea where she was going, but he did NOT like being ignored. Especially by one of his best friends. "Get back here and talk to me, Kilah, or I'm going home right now and not coming back! EVER." Okay, so, yeah. Ever meaning about a week. But still. It was a big threat for a toddler.
Poor Banda was still oh so confused. His eyes moved back in forth in an attempt to follow the conversation, but he must have seen correctly. He had never kissed Noya! And even if he had, that wouldn't bother Noharu. He'd only ever been kissed once by... "Noharu!" Why did they look like each other!? Turning to who he now knew to be Noyama, he shook his head, gesturing vaguely towards Noharu with one hand. "No, no, she kissed me. The night she broke my earphones... She was pretending to be you, and she kissed me, and pulled my headphones off while I was distracted. I wouldn't kiss her, Noya. You know that...?"
"Won't be the first, won't be the last!" Kilah called over her shoulder finally, and her voice almost cracked. Fine, let him go. Forget him. Forget Mignon. Forget everyone. Since when did she start needing other people? People left her all the time! Even Noyama when they took her to that awful island place, Gizmo being the only reason she didn't completely hate it. She should be used to it!
That was her problem. Making friends. She didn't need friends. She didn't need anything. When the scent of the roses filled the air, the toddler stopped and sat down infront of the rosebushes, but failed to reach out for one, thinking hard.
Noyama frowned and gave him an unsure look. Even if it wasn't Noharu, it had to be weird seeing such an [removed](that wasn't fake) on her face.
"Maybe, but he sure didn't seem to mind any. Had enough time to get those headphones, after all." Noharu's voice was so casual you'd think she'd just asked about the weather, and she glanced over her nails as if she gave a damn. "The only reason he even talks to you is because you look like me."
This was fun.
"Well FINE," Lyrus practically snarled, pausing in step. He glared after her, debating over whether he really wanted to leave or not, then decided he did and whirled around, stomping back the way he'd come. "Good ridance!"
"Oh please, you pulled them off as soon as you kissed me." Banda frowned, glancing quickly from Noharu to Noyama and back before continuing. "And that's not true. For one, I knew Noya first." Pausing, he sighed and turned to Noyama, beginning to speak, but hesitating. Damn, it was weird thinking of Noharu as Noya... It just didn't work, even if they were nearly identical. "She always lies, Noya, you know that. You believe me, right?"
"Fine!" The toddler snapped back, reaching out and pulling one of the roses off. She had the thing in a about five hundred pieces before one could blink twice, but the next time she didn't get as lucky, and sure enough a thorn got her hand. "Ow!" Grumbling, she held the injured hand closer to her. "Damn flowers."
Why wasn't Momoro here yet? He should've come after her by now, or at the very least followed Lyrus. It wasn't like him to be sneaky, so she was a bit suspicious when she heard something shuffling around. "Come on, Momoro. That's not funny, and you know I can hear you."
Without hesitation, "Yes." Only a second after, a very unusually look was on her face, as if she'd just seen the strangest thing in the world. Lifting one hand, she let it over infront of Noharu's (though currently her own) blind eye, the other unmoving.
When Noyama looked that way, Noharu looked very amused. "You can see it, can't you?"
"Fine," he mumbled, just so he could have the last word. Lyrus really wasn't sure what he was going to do now. He didn't want to just leave. It was a pretty long walk from Moo's house to Noya's. And Kilah would come begging for forgiveness sooner or later. That thing must've warped her mind while he was gone. Yeah, that was the only reason Kilah had yelled at him.
Still mentally reassuring himself that Kilah didn't absolutely hate him, Lyrus decided to just walk around the house a few times. It was something to do, after all. So he started towards the building, lost in his thoughts, which altered between worrying that Kilah would never speak to him again and reassuring himself that Kilah had been at fault, not him, and would soon be begging for him to come back.
"See what?" Banda asked, frowning. What was going on? Something was wrong with Noha...er...Noyama's eye? Still frowning faintly, the SM took a small step towards her, tilting his head to the side. "What's going on, Noya?"
The toddler paused, indicating she might've heard Lyrus. Probably not, considering it was more likely she'd yell back at him if that was the case. They were just too much a like when it came to things like that.
When the noise stopped, she was just a tad annoyed. Not scared, annoyed. Lyrus must be trying to scare her, she decided finally. Stupid boys. "Very funny, Lyrus. You better quit it..."
When Noyama spoke, it clearly wasn't what her sibling had expected, and it only took one word to make everything quiet again. "Sister..."
Growling in disgust, "Noyama" (for the time being Noharu) had never had shown such an angry look. "Shut up."
Turning around, she stormed off, as Noharu often did...almost.
Twila had remained dead silent through the whole deal, but when Noharu reached her, the babies hand reached out and grasped around her ankle. With a giggle, she lifted her free hand and pointed up at her. "Haaaaru!"
The only response was, "Er-"
And...walking around houses was easily the dullest thing Lyrus had ever done. The toddler soon grew tired of it and simply plopped down to sit on the grass, absently pulling up a few blades. Kilah was probably talking to Momoro right now... AH. That's why she had yelled! Kilah liked Momoro more now! Even though that thing had bitten him!
Banda was so very confused. So, so very confused. The artist watched Noharu go...or try to...the turned back to Noya, raising a hand to rub the back of his neck. "Um...? What's going on, now..?"
She was unaware of such, but Kilah had walked quite a ways before stopping. Far enough none of them back at the house would've her heard sudden scream.
What happened had been simple. She'd heard Gizmo, and her guard immediatly went down. Silly griff sneaking up on her. But then...he was growling? Then something had jumped at her, which she'd known only by the rush of air.
Gizmo, in turn, attacked whatever that was, and it apparently ran away. But when she finally found his feathery self, there was something to warm to be water. Blood. Not being able to see the injuries, she couldn't tell how bad they were. "Ooh s**t. Don't die, please don't die!"
The griff looked at her questioningly, glancing over at the cut on his leg. It was bad alright, but it wouldn't kill him. Far from it. "Wark?"
Noyama had failed to respond at first, watching Noharu intently. She seemed to have a sudden sympathy with her sibling, but wouldn't put it past her to kick Twila or something for daring to touch her.
But she didn't. Just nudged the baby to the side and continued on her way.
Only when she was out of sight did Noyama acknowledge Banda's question. "Saw things...bad things."
....Right, that was enough of that. Lyrus climbed to his feet and started back in the direction Kilah had gone. No, he wasn't going to apologize. He had no reason to! But maybe Kilah wasnted to apologize by now and just didn't know where he was. Yeah, that would be it. Silly blind girl. Lyrus was being really quiet. Kilah wouldn't be able to find him. So he would come back, and she would apologize, and they could be friends again.
Awkward silence. Well, more eerie than awkward. Even more so to Banda, who couldn't hear it to begin with, and simply stood there turning from one sister to the other, waiting for someone to say something. He remained tense even after Noya...er...Noharu had gone, confused by the whole situation. In the time he had know the pair, Noharu had never just...left. Finally Noyama spoke, and Banda was lucky enough to catch her words, though they only confused him further. "What d'you mean? Bad things..?"
As if understanding him, Kilah's voice became cold again. "Oh, you're alright then?"
Gizmo nodded even if she couldn't see it. "Wark!"
"What was that?" While asking this, she reached out toward one of the roses, careful not to get another thorn caught on her hand as she pulled off the flower and began ripping the petals apart. The fact she was taking her time was the only sign she was thinking about something, and thinking a lot.
The griff didn't know, so just watched her in silence.
"I can hear you," she said loudly. It was times like these she actually found a use for that stupid 'ability'. Positive whatever that thing had been hadn't come back with Gizmo there, she knew right away it was either Lyrus or Momoro.
----------------------
"Bad things..." It seemed to be the only explanation she had. Instead of providing a good answer for his question, she had one of her own. "How you not mad, Banda?"
"Yeah, now you can," Lyrus snapped, pausing a short distance away from Kilah. He vaguely noted that Gizmo was bleeding, but the griffon didn't seem bothered by it, so he made no comment. Instead, he scowled, refolding his arms across his chest. "When you didn't know who I was. Funny how you can hear footsteps but not shouts."
"Mad?" Eh, and now Banda was confused again. He blinked, then raised a brow, frowning faintly. "Mad about what? I'm sorry, Noya, but you've completely lost me."
He was pushing it. It was almost creepy how calmly she answered, how flat her tone was, and how she continued to take her time with this rose, pulling off petal after petal as if unwrapping a Christmas present. "My hearing is better then yours, and hearing people who try to be sneaky-like you-is my ability."
-----
"Mad," she repeated. It was normal for people to get lost when speaking with her. She still didn't speak English as well as she'd have liked. Would've made things either. "Mad about...no hearing."
"I wasn't trying to be sneaky. I just came to see if you were gonna apologize yet, seeing as I didn't do anything. Stop being a b***h, Kilah." He scowled and dropped to sit on the ground, amusing himself with pulling up one grass blade at a time. She could kill roses, he could kill grass.
"Oh.." He fell silent for a moment, then smiled faintly and shook his head. "Not really... I was really upset...but not mad... I went most of my life without hearing. I dunno... At the time, I was more worried about the loss of the headphones then how they had been lost. Does that make sense..?"
In that flat tone,"Nope."
He'd have it hard in life if he kept always expecting a sorry. Not just from her, but from everyone. Would that thing that hurt Gizmo say sorry? No. There wouldn't always be a sorry, even if someone was your friend. Besides, he'd just called her a b***h, so she most certainly wouldn't say anything NEAR 'sorry'.
-----
At first, one might think her shaking her head met she didn't understand. And while that was probably true, the motion wasn't answering him. "No, not what I mean. I mean, all the time. Kilah angry she can't see. Noharu...angry people hurt her. But then you hear nothing, and not angry. I..don't understand."
"Ohh..." Banda fell silent, eyes turning thoughtfully towards the sky. After a moment he returned his eyes to Noya, smiling. "I think...they let it get to them. Dunno, I've... I wasn't always deaf. There was an...accident when I was really little. It was my fault, though. I never had anyone to blame but me. And, really, it was an accident..."
He shrugged, looking back up. "I just didn't dwell on it. After all, i don't need to be able to hear to be happy. If I thought about it, yeah, i would get sad, but then I'd just find something to cheer myself up. So eventually I stopped worrying about it. I'm not going to let my disability ruin my life. Just have to keep a positive outlook."
"Fine." That was it. Lyrus wasn't even going to give her another chance this time. She was his friend! Friends apologized to their friends if they wanted to stay friends. If she wasn't going to apologize, he wasn't going to be her friend anymore. Climbing to his feet, he retreated back to Banda and Noya, approaching the SM and tugging on his coat to get his attention and waiting until he lookde down to speak. "We have to leave now."
Banda blinked. "But I'm talking with--"
"We're leaving NOW," Lyrus hissed, then turned and stalked off the way they had come.
The SM stared after him for a moment, then sighed and turned back to Noya, nodding in apology and murmuring a goodbye before following the toddler back home.
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Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 5:32 pm
(Actually, my inspiration's left and I'm out of p-...er...cigarettes, so boredom drove me to this.)
Boredom and worry. Lyrus and Kilah have had yet another fight, and they don't look to be making up any time soon. But it's been a while... I'm worried about Lyrus. He and Kilah are fighting, Jaxom has grown... The kid's holed himself up in his room and rarely comes out except for meals. He's so quiet and moody and.. Well, it's strange even for him. Everyone needs a friend, you know?
He and Kilah always fight, and then always make up again not long afterwards. I think all that's delaying that is them not seeing each other again, but Lyrus doesn't seem to want to see her... Or, rather, he does, but he won't admit it. And if I say anything, he denies it.
So all I have to do is get him to Kilah's, while making him think it's his idea... Hmm... Where's Jax?
---Banda.
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Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 5:35 pm
"This one is Yukito! Yu-ki-to! You''''re not suppose to play like THAT with this one!" Well, she best show her then. Getting to her feet, the toddler grasped one arm of the bear and ripped it off. Then the other, then both legs, ears, and so on until she threw the remains on the floor.
"Stupid." Stomp.
"Prissy." Stomp.
"Albino." Stomp.
"DUMB STUPID LITTLE FLOWER BOY!" Stomp.
By now, Twila''''s eyes were twice the size they had been. The tears started, and soon enough the terrified baby burst into shrieks and wails. To no one''''s surprise, Noyama was knocking on the closed door immediatly after. "Akilah? Twila is sad? Why crying?"
"Uh...she..fell."
Jax had grown.
Dammitdammitdammitdammit this wasn''''t FAIR! And dammit again for good measure! Lyrus was absolutely furious. His lifelong rival, who also happened to be his (slightly) older brother, was finally one step up again.
First it was that flit. That stupid blue flit that dove and clawed at Lyrus'''' horn. But the Lamb Sin''''aeis, after a bit of pestering Moo, had met that and triumphed! He now had his own flit, a flit that was BIGGER and PRETTIER than Jax''''s!
Lyrus: 1, Jax: 0.
And Lyrus had always had his dear little cera. That gift from Kilah that he still treasured even though they were fighting. But now Jax had a kitten. Stupid kitten. And as if that wasn''''t bad enough, the bloody kitten could TALK!
Lyrus: 1, Jax: 1.
So they were even....For a time. And then, overnight, Jax was taller. DAMN HIM. Why had Jax grown!?!?! It wasn''''t fair, dammit!
Lyrus: 1, Jax: 2.
Game.
Lyrus wouldn''''t stand for it. And so he had left...with Banda to go to, of all places, Kilah''''s house. Bronze flit riding on his shoulder, Lyrus shuffled down the sidewalk beside his older brother, mumbling under his breath and occasionally stealing a glance up at the SM. Banda was smoking again. Lyrus thought it looked cool. That little burning stick, and the puffs of smoke and whatnot...Even if it did smell funny and make him a bit dizzy. But he''''d never admit it. Once he was old enough, he''''d take it up too.
But anywho. Kilah''''s house....yay?
During their little ''''trip'''', Gizmo had learned things, too. Most importanly: Flying. He could fly as high, and as much as he wanted now. He wasn''''t quite big enough to haul Kilah around yet, but one day he would be, and everytime he thought of it his feathers puffed out proudly. ''''You''''re the coolest EVER!'''' He could already hear her say. He didn''''t like sharing very much, and Kilah had gathered a lot more creatures that obeyed her every command.
A few moments later, he was pawing at the door. The second Noyama (now holding Twila) opened it, he bolted to Kilah''''s room, tail wagging happily. "Wark! Wark!"
"Who''''s here?" Kilah asked flatly, feeling around the floor for all the remains of the bear.
"Wark!"
The toddler paused, snorted, and tossed the pieces down again before proceeding to stomp on what was left of them. "Go close my door. Lock it, too."
And they arrived. Banda lagged back a moment to put out his ''''cig'''' and Lyrus headed straight for the door, pushing it open without even bothering to knock and continuing inside. He knew Noyama wouldn''''t mind. The toddler continued right for where he remembered Kilah''''s room to be, nodding politely to Noya when he passed her in the hall, but otherwise not commenting. At the door, he paused and knocked loudly....then yelled without waiting for a response. "Kilah! Open the door, I want to talk to you!"
Banda, meanwhile, was trying to figure out where his charge has vanished to. A quick search of the yard showed no results, and only upong returning to the front did he realizes the door was slightly ajar. He hesitated a moment, then stepped up and peeked inside, opening the door a bit further and glancing around. "Lyrus? Where''''d you go..?"
Indeed, Noyama didn''''t mind. She really didn''''t seem to mind much. She was surprised, though, with the sudden entrance. So much so, it took her a few seconds before she offered uncertainly, "H-hello, Lyrus." Hopefully he''''d heard her over Twila''''s bawling. Was it really okay for toddlers to be running around alone? Mignon had come by herself when Kilah was away. "Oh, Banda." Not much of a greeting, but she was apparently surprised to see him as well.
Kilah had since climbed onto her bed, now laying with her arms tucked behind her. Gizmo sat in the center of the room, head tilting as he stared at the door, then glanced slowly over his shoulder. Wasn''''t she going to say something?
"Yukito''''s not here," she snapped finally, aftering deciding that over ''''bite me''''.
Lyrus had heard Noya''''s quiet greeting, but didn''''t much care either way. He was here, and he was pissed, and he wasn''''t leaving until he and Kilah were on speaking terms again. So there. The toddler waited impatiently outside of Kilah''''s door for a reply, and merely rolled his eyes when it came, knocking loudly once more before shouting back at her. "Duh. What kind of idiot would look for Yukito at your house? Let me in, Kilah."
Still lacking headphones, it was by pure luck only that Banda ''''cause Noya''''s ''''greeting''''. He straightened up slightly when he did and flashed a hesitant smile, nodding politely from his position still just outside of the door. "Hey, Noya... Umm, did Lyrus come inside? I can''''t find him.."
Still couldn''''t hear, hm? Noyama was obviously dissapointed, and still a bit guilty. "Ah, yes," she offered slowly, motioning with one hand (the other holding Twila of course) down the hall toward Kilah''''s door, though she never turned away from him. It was hard to remember to talk to someone like this. "Went see Kilah."
Speaking of Kilah, the toddler was now weighing her options. Option 1. Ignore him. That might work at first, but she had a feeling it wouldn''''t end in him just giving up and leaving. Option 2. Open the door. That one didn''''t sound very appealing either.
Despite that, a few seconds later Kilah grumbled, "Open the door and go", and Gizmo was more than happy to do so. This was no place he wanted to be with the two of them arguing, thankyouverymuch. So, he nudged the door open and rushed past Lyrus, past Noyama and Banda, and back outdoors.
"What the hell do you want?"
"Ahh, alright." Well, that explained it. Rude little runt, not even bothering to wait for him. ...And now was when awkwardness set in. Banda shifted absently, glancing around outside, then simply nudged the door open a bit further and stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. He was silent for a moment longer, then flashed a faint grin, cocking his head at her. "So...How''''ve you been? It''''s been...a while."
The faintest of grins appeared at Lyrus'''' lips as the door opened, but it faded abruptly as Gizmo went rushing past. He quickly stepped out of the way to avoid the little creature, scowl only deepening as sthe movement disturbed the young flit resting on his shoulder, who shrieked loudly in annoyance and hissed after Gizmo until Lyrus managed to calm him a short while later.
Still scowling, the toddler walked into Kilah''''s room and over to the bed, immediately sitting on the edge without bothering to ask permission. "I came to show up my flit. And rant about how Jax is taller than me now."
"Uh..." Awkward didn''''t begin to explain it if you were to ask Noyama. "I..uh..very good, and Friend Banda?" She didn''''t use those little titles so much anymore, Kilah had noticed when she was nervous she tended to use them more. It also amazed her how she was starting to fit in just a tiny bit more everyday, but her English failed to improve. The toddler had asked her if she spoke that way on purpose, and was quite annoyed when Noyama laughed and didn''''t answer.
Had it been anyone but him (and Mignon), Kilah would''''ve kicked them (or tried to) and hoped it hurt. But even mad at him, Lyrus was still Lyrus. "I don''''t care." Glaring in his general direction, she rolled over to face the wall her bed had been propped against. "You can''''t ''''show'''' me anything. You can only ''''show'''' stuff to people who can see. So, go bother someone who can."
Absently, she reached up and rubbed her nose. She missed the nose ring her friend Morty had put there. He''''d told her not to take it out, but she couldn''''t do to much to keep it there when her head was being held under water now could she? It left a lovely hole in her nose behind, though, and she was surprised Noyama hadn''''t asked about it. "Go away. Rant to one of your friends."
"Same stuff..." Banda shrugged absently, automatically averting his eyes...despite the fact that he had no idea if she were speaking or not while looking away. Ahh, nerves, nerves.... Why was he suddenly nervous? It was only Noya, there was no reason for him to be...Damn, he could really go for a...cig about now. Blasted nerves. "Different day. Lyrus got fed up with our brother and dragged me over so he could visit Kilah.."
"You don''''t have to see to be shown something." Girls were stupid. Lyrus would stand firmly by this thought for the rest of his life. "And you are my friend, whether you like it or not, so shut up and hear me out. Or else I''''ll sic Vin on Gizmo."
The bronze flit in question chirped hopefully at the sound of his name, though the little creature was still far to young to have the faintest idea what Lyrus was talking about. All he knew was that his bond was rather annoyed...And any way he could un-annoy him would be good! So best to be happy. Yay for happy.
"Mm..." Well, this was...nice. In that extremely awkward, very uncomfortable sort of way. It was fair though, wasn''''t it? Her sister had made him deaf (again) after all. "Uh..." After several attempts to say something, she finally gave up.
"If they tried to drown him too, I don''''t think whatever you''''ve got is gonna scare ''''em..." Kilah muttered it, but she seemed doubtful. Gizmo was a fire griff, for all she knew water might kill him. Besides, he''''d acted happy enough when she''''d found him again and brought him back. Speaking of...
"I brought you something. You and Mignon. It''''s over there." Blind or not, she knew her own room pretty good. Not really seeming to care if he went to see or not, she lifted a hand and waved it toward the closet to their left. After which, she went quiet, obviously expecting him to start talking about what was so important.
Lalalala.... Silence. Actually, Banda was used to silence. But silence when he knew someone should be speaking, whether he could really hear it or not, was something completely different. He wracked his brain for some topic of discussion, and when that didn''''t work, turned his eyes back to Noya...though only to see that she was silent as well. Well darn. "Um... I''''ll just, ah.. Wait outside for Lyrus, then. Tell him where I am whenever he comes out, would you? And, ah, sorry for disturbing you." He turned for the door.
"Vin''''s too little to do much damage, anyway," Lyrus replied somewhat sulkily. The flit chirped once more. Whoohoo, it had a name and bond kept saying it! Yay! The toddler glanced over to the closet with her wave, debated, quickly lost to curiosity and jumped down form the bed, heading over while speaking. "Jax grew up a few days back. He''''s a child now an'''' bein'''' a real butt about it, but Moo likes him more so she won''''t believe me. What''''d you get me?" he asked, in an abrupt change of subject.
Noyama nodded her head long before she seemed to register what he was saying. She did quickly enough though, even if it was just barely, and despite the fact he was facing the other way and couldn''''t hear her, "B-Banda!" In the blink of an eye, she had somehow gotten to the door before him, still looking down but finally seemed to have something to say. "I-" Her words cut off as her nose suddenly wrinkled back and her hand shot up to cover it. Didn''''t cover her mouth, though, and she seemed very dissaproving. "Banda, should not do that!" That being smoking. Lucky did ''''that'''' too. ''''That'''' was bad.
"Likes you more?" Hm, that was interesting. Noyama had told her many times she liked all of them equally, but she had to wander. Sango was probably her favorite, since she...you know, behaved and didn''''t threaten to kill people. "I don''''t know if you''''ll like it," she admitted hesitantly. "I heard boys don''''t like that stuff, but Lucky said that''''s...stair-eee-oo-type or something."
''''That'''' was refering to smoking and ''''it'''' refered to a flower. Not just any flower, mind you, but a rose. A purple rose. It wasn''''t planted, but somehow managed to stay alive. A familiar shade, too, exact (or almost exact) color of Noyama''''s hair.
Since he hadn''''t said anything yet, it prodded Kilah to continue. "I met some kids on the island while I was there, and they told me those were really pretty and hard to find. There''''s one for Mignon, too, and..um..." Jeesh, this was embarassing. And she''''d really, really wanted to kill those things too.
Banda was reaching for the doorknob when Noya darted in to block his exit. He blinked and let his hand fall, quirking a brow, but winced slightly with her words and expression. She didn''''t even need to explain what ''''that'''' was. That was the same expression Moo made before she yelled at him about smoking. ...Great. "Please don''''t start that, Noya. I get enough of it from my mum.."
"Likes him more." Lyrus replied automatically. And it was true, too. Just ''''cause Jax was older and had hair and a talking cat. Yeah. That''''s why. Stupid Moo. At the sight of the strange rose, however, he brightened considerably, eyeing the flower. "I like roses. I make glass ones, remember? I''''ve never seen a purple one before, though... Thanks, Kilah! I''''ll take good care of it, promise."
Noyama frowned, lowering her hand. Had he been able to hear her, her tone wouldn''''t have sounded like one who was scolding, but rather worried. It was true, she had a lot to learn but the great, big world of Gaia, but she''''d made certain to know all it''''s dangers first thing. Everything from sunburns to serious illnesses to stuff like this. "Mm..." And there was that awkwardness again.
Actually, Kilah had forgotten. She''''d forgotten a lot. And, honestly, she had been worried they''''d forget too. Forget her, that is. Since Mignon had Aard and Lyrus had Yukito. With the thought of Mignon, she cringed, grumbling something before speaking more loudly. "Lyrus, if I went away for ever, you''''d be able to help Mignon alone, right?"
Erk. He hadn''''t meant to upset her. Banda sighed, glancing up as if for patience, then back down to Noya with a warm smile, resting both hands on her shoulders. "I know I shouldn''''t be doing it, Noya, but...it''''s a habit, and it''''s not all that easy to quit. I am try, though, alright?" Lie. Big fat lie. Banda really enjoyed smoking. It calmed him. And he could really use a smoke right now. Erk. But if it would make Noya feel better, it was alright to say... so there.
Lyrus certainly hadn''''t forgotten a thing about Kilah. Fight or not, she was still his best friend (along with Mignon), and most thoughts went back to how those two would take things. Deciding to leave the flower where it was for safe keeping, he returned to the bedside, taking his seat on the edge once more. "I doubt it. Mignon''''s too happy. But I could prolly get some help. Why? You''''re not going anywhere. "
That bright smile of hers came back full force when she looked back up at him, nodding her head enthusastically. "Alright!" Thank God for the gulible. Well, now that they were talking, she might as well ask. The curiousity killed her almost as much as the guilt. "Uh..not..not fixed yet?" She lifted a hand and tapped one of her ears to indicate what she meant. She could''''ve said it, but it took quite a bit to just get those words out...
Too happy? That was a good way to say it. She WAS too happy. Liked too many people. It wasn''''t safe to trust EVERYONE. "No." Not anytime soon. She''''d been away from home long enough. "But, when I was, this guy almost drowned me. And when I woke up, I thought I was dead, but I wasn''''t, and then I went to the mansion place but you weren''''t there and she wasn''''t either, and I asked Lore if she''''d seen either of you but she told me no..." With how fast she was talking, it''''d be a miracle if he caught any of that.
Banda smiled and relaxed when she looked back up, letting his hands fall back to his sides and inwardly sighing in relief. Well, the plus side of the confrontation was now they were actually speaking. At her question, he chuckled and shook his head. "Nah, Moo''''s been really busy, and Acia''''s been avoiding the lab completely, so they haven''''t been able to make any new headphones yet. But, I''''m coping... It could be worse, after all."
Happy. Mignon was tolerable, but only because she and Lyrus had been friends just about forever. Most excessive happiness made Lyrus twitch. Twitch and find some way to ruin said excessive happiness. But Mignon was Mignon, so...might as well let her be happy. She was certainly good at cheering up himself and Kilah. And for that, she could stay happy.
"Drowned you?" Drowned, drowned, where had he heard that before...? Drowning was...water and sinking. Hmm. Oh, right! Moo had told him about that time Isto almost drowned. Erk, drowning didn''''t seem pleasant. Lyrus quirked a brow, frowning over at his friend. "Well, I''''m glad you''''re not dead. Don''''t worry, we''''ll kill the guy who tried to drown you later. I haven''''t been to the mansion in... a long while. Banda''''s been acting weird, and this new guy who''''s a friend of Moo''''s came to live with us, so she''''s been busy, so I haven''''t gotten to do anything but try and get my cera to talk. And he won''''t."
"Um..."
Hearing the voice, Noyama immediatly edged away from Banda, blushing wildly for whatever reason as she turned her head at an awkward angle to look behind her. "Momoro?" Well, this was a surprise.
"Forgive me, Noyama," Momoro apologized politely, and was obviously forgiven right away. He could probably get away with anything with that cute little face he gave people. "Is Akilah here?" When she nodded and pointed toward the room, he happily offered a ''''thank you'''' and down the hall he went.
"Yeah..." For once, Kilah doubted she could kill someone. That guy...he had all those "guards" or whatever with him. She did hope SOMEONE killed him, though, maybe she would when she was big enough. Hearing the newcomers voice, she sprang off her bed and bolted out into the hall, narrowly missing knocking her head on the door.
"Momoro?"
"Akilah!" He called back happily, and the next thing she knew he was hugging her. Which was gross. Eww, cooties.
"Uh...?"
Banda blinked as Noya stepped away, trying to figure out what he''''d said or done or...what. And then he realized she wasn''''t just looking away, but was looking at someone else, and looked over to see who, blinking blankly at Momoro. O...kay...this was odd. ....Oh well. "Umm...."
Lyrus hadn''''t a doubt. This guy would be a piece of cake. And they didn''''t even have to just rub up and stab him! That could plot a bit, come up with something... Maybe enlist the help of a close family member. Oh, that''''d be fun.
He jumped slightly as Kilah suddenly up and left, then slid off the bed and followed, somewhat cautiously. ...And there were Kilah and Momoro. Momoro. Hugging Kilah. How nice. Lyrus scowled and pushed past the pair, heading back for the living room with only a mumbled ''''Bye'''' to mark is departure. Momoro was even worse than Jax.
Noyama watched the boy as he went down the hall. With Lyrus here, it probably wouldn''''t end well. The two of them didn''''t seem to get along. Hell, him and KILAH didn''''t seem to get along, in a one-sided way, but yet he continued to follow her anyway. She just couldn''''t understand it. Mentally she shrugged, then suddenly remembered Banda, and once again found herself with nothing to say. "Uh..."
Good thing Kilah couldn''''t see, or she probably would''''ve smacked Momoro for grinning like that. That''''s right, baldy, just walk away. Leave Kilah alone, and-
"Lyrus!" Kilah called after him, pushing the other boy forcefully away. She was glad he wasn''''t dead, she''''d been concerned after those island guards or whatever had drug him off like that, but he was still annoying. "Don''''t leave."
Poor Momoro sighed in defeat. Fine, point Lyrus, he could handle that. Stupid lamb boy...
And the silence was back. This was getting annoying. And the nerves were back. Well crap. Banda sighed and stepped around Noya for the door while she was distracted, slipping outside and mumbling a ''''Back in a few'''' before closing the door behind him.
Lyrus could see. Quite well, in fact. And that smirky grin only served to infuriate him more. But he simply gritted his teeth and continued past...at least, until Kilah called him back. When she did, he paused in step and turned to face the pair, noting in a bemused sort of way that Momoro was not looking upset. ''''Bout time. He scowled, folding his arms across his chest and all but glaring at Kilah..even though she couldn''''t see. "And why not? Looks like you''''ve made a new friend while I was gone. No point in me sticking around. I have to go put glass shards in Jax''''s dinner."
She waited until he was gone to lift a hand up and smack her forehead with her palm. "Noyama is very stupid..." It was directed toward no one but herself, but she did get an answer.
"I agree, you all are..."
Turning around sharply, she stared behind her to find...absolutely no one. A glance to the right and the left got the same results, and finally a sigh. Hearing voices now, too? That couldn''''t be good.
"Oh, is THAT how it works?" Kilah snapped at him. "You can be friends with Yukito even though I don''''t like him and that''''s fine, but me being friends with Momoro is bad?"
"We''''re friends?!" Momoro repeated cheerfully, but quieted down when she glared at him then turned back toward Lyrus''''s voice.
Banda waited a moment to be sure she wasn''''t going to come out after him, then walked around to the side of the house and sulk down against the wall, digging in one of his coat pockets for a cig and lighter. Not that he would mind the company, just...not while he was smoking. Disapproving glances were nearly as bad as the words themselves. But after this, he would feel much better, and they could talk, and things would be normal, and yay.
"Yukito fixed my hand!" Lyrus argued, holding up said hand as evidence, then jabbing a finger towards Momoro. "The hand that HE bit in the first place! And I know you don''''t like Yuki! It''''s not like I drag him over to see you when I come or anything! I talk to Yuki when you''''re not around. But that dirty little b***h-" again, jabbing a finger at Momoro, "is always, always around when I come, and you know I hate him!"
Usually, Noharu would take the ''''sneak around'''' option. She was good at it, espicially when the only one outside was (currently) deaf. For whatever reason, she just didn''''t seem to feel like it right then, and it wasn''''t long until her shadow was towering over Banda. She didn''''t glare at him, though, just lowered to her knees, placing her elbow on one and her head in her hand, eyeing him as if she''''d never seen such a thing before. "So weird. Didn''''t think you''''d be the type." Didn''''t even sound like she was talking to him, the fact she said "you''''d" was the only thing going against that...
"Momoro kept them from drowning me!" Alright, so that wasn''''t true, but he''''d tried, and that was enough for right now. "And he wouldn''''t have bit you if you''''d stayed away like I told you!" The more Yukito was mention the angrier she seemed to get. "I don''''t not like Yukito, I HATE Yukito! It doesn''''t bother you at all he''''s always rubbing all his pretty flowers in my face, does it?! Not that''''d I KNOW how they look, would I?! Of COURSE you only talk to him when I''''m not around, because you probably make fun of me!"
After her cold accusation, had it not been at all Kilah-like, she would''''ve seemed on the verge of tears. She too looked furious by now, turning back into her room and slamming the door behind her.
Momoro growled lightly at Lyrus, muttering something and walking past him, back outside. He really needed to visit her when lamb boy wasn''''t around...
Banda was already smoking contentedly, eyes closed, by the time Noharu approached. He sensed more than heard (obviously) her presence, and opened his eyes, glancing up and actually jumping slightly when he realized who it was. However, she didn''''t seem particularly threatening right then, -and- he was smoking and didn''''t feel like getting angry, so he almost immediately relaxed and nodded slightly in greeting, laughing dryly with her words. "Picked it up a bit back and like it too much to quit. That''''s all there is to it."
Kilah wasn''''t getting the point. He knew she hated Yukito, and he had absolutely no problem with that! It''''s not like he encouraged their interaction or anything. He and Yukito could be friends, and that side never had to come out around Kilah. But Momoro... Momoro was always, always, always here when Lyrus came. Lyrus could care less that he and Kilah were friends! He just didn''''t want Momoro around while he was. Was that so much to ask for?
And...she was gone. Lyrus snarled, yelling after her despite the closed door. Kilah had good hearing. She wouldn''''t miss it. "I come all the way over here because I miss you and want to be friends again, and you just throw that b***h in my face and get mad at ME all over again for doing NOTHING wrong! You know I wouldn''''t make fun of you, and that if Yukito made fun of you I''''d beat him up because you''''re my best friend and he''''s not, but you''''re just plain mean and like accusing people even if they try to be nice! b***h," he added, but it was more mumbled than anything.
....And just for good measure, he stepped after Momoro, reached up and grabbed him by the hair, pulling him over backwards and kicked him -hard- in the side. Take that, animal.
"Lovely," came Noharu''''s voice. He was weird, and though she wouldn''''t admit it, she wasn''''t lying when she said she''''d found him interesting, or when she claimed he was ''''cute''''. Chances are she''''d come to see Noyama for something, but this was just TOO interesting to pass up. Her ears twitched as she picked up the yelling from inside. "Sounds like your boys angry." From what she knew, Banda was Lyrus''''s "protector" or whatever it was they were called.
Noyama had heard it too, but hadn''''t thought much of it. Kilah had a temper, Lyrus had a temper, they were bound to argue. She hadn''''t thought it would be quite this often, but they always made up in the end.
The fox boy fell over, coughing and hacking as one hand clutched his side and the other covered his mouth. When he finally caught his breath, he hurried back up and leaned on the wall for support, glaring daggers at the other boy. Kilah wasn''''t the only one with good hearing. "Does that make you feel better, Lyrus? You still made her cry."
He wanted to comfort his friend (friend for now, that is, he would tell you), but...Kilah and crying... Together, it was just TOO strange for his blood, made him much too uncomfortable.
"Lyrus? ...Of course he is..." Banda sighed, raising a hand to rub his temples, the other holding the faintly smoking cig out to his side. Of course he was. Lyrus was always angry about something. That kid had a temper worse than Kama... But, despite this, he had grown on Banda. Lyrus had his sweet moments... Mostly while he was sleeping. But sweet nonetheless. "He and Kilah are probably fighting again. If it''''s serious, he''''ll come out and get me and we''''ll go home." That''''s how it always worked out.
Lyrus was cheered considerably by Momoro''''s suffering. The toddler watched calmly from the side while the fox boy coughed on the floor, considering sending another few shouts Kilah''''s way and then heading home to stab something. Possibly Jax''''s talking kitten. Hmm. Just as he was about to head out, Momoro''''s words stopped him, and he blinked, glancing back to Kilah''''s door before scowling over at the other boy. "Well, she''''s your friend, not mine. Go cheer her up."
"I wish, but she likes you more." Now, everyone knew Momoro was probably a little too...confident. Lyrus could kick him as many times as he wanted, and he''''d still go bragging about how he could beat him if he "really felt like it". He wasn''''t as dumb as he came off, though, nor as self-centered. He wouldn''''t help her anyway, only Lyrus and that other girl (who''''s name had slipped his mind, the blonde one) could do that.
His ears had been low up until then, but suddenly they lifted. It was that horrid ''''creeeek'''' sort of sound anyone who''''d heard it before would recognize. Only Kilah''''s window sounded that annoying when it opened.
"Is that right...?" Noharu kept talking, and listening, but she didn''''t seem to really care what he was saying. Bored with this pathetic excuse for a conversation, she got to her feet only to hear that damn window and see something dash across the yard.
All things considered, Kilah wouldn''''t get very far very fast, and in only a few strides Noharu had made it to her and caught her by the arm. "Where''''re you going, brat?" No way she''''d run away AGAIN. Not this soon, anyway, and not after...well...that whole drowning thing.
Kilah didn''''t flinch, smacking her hand away and covering her face with one hand. If there was one person who''''d never see her cry (aside from Aard), it''''d be Noharu. "GO AWAY!" She screamed, not out fear just because she was flat out pissed off. "ALL OF YOU LEAVE ME ALONE!"
Hah, not right now. Kilah hated him. Forever, probably. Or at least a really long time. So much for being friends again. Still... Lyrus sighed, glancing back to the door once more. He started over and reached for the knob, but paused at the creak even he heard. ....And then it clicked. Kilah was running away again!! She couldn''''t do that, she''''d just gotten back! And someone might try and drown her again!
Scowling, Lyrus literally dragged the flit down from his shoulder, grabbing the creature''''s head and turning it to lock eyes. "Kilah, right Vin? You saw Kilah. Find her!" Poor Vin was already extremely aggitated from the shouting. But even at their angriest, toddlers weren''''t all that threatening, so he had remained on Lyrus'''' shoulder, occasionally adding a hiss of his own for good measure. But now he had permission to leave the noisies, and something to accomplish to boot. With a chirp of understanding, the flit struggled free and took to the are, completely vanishing once clear of Lyrus'''' hands.
...Only to reappear outside directly above his target and her ''''attacker''''. The bronze''''s eyes whirled a nervous orange as he watched the girl attempt to squirm free, fluttering anxiously over the pair and sending a projection of their location back to his bond.
Back inside, Lyrus actually paled somewhat with the sight Vin sent him. Without bothering to inform Momoro, the toddler charged back for the living room and out the door, yelling as he went to alert Noya...and direct Vin. "Noharu''''s got Kilah again! Don''''t just watch, Vin, help Kilah you idiot!"
Telepathy. Though Vin didn''''t really understand the words, the meaning was clear enough. With an odd little challenging bugle, to flit dove for Noya''''s head and tangled his taloned feet in her hair, wings beating frantically as he attempted to pull the woman from the little girl. Not too effective, but a good enough distraction until someone else got there to help.
"What the hell?!" Noharu hissed loudly. It wasn''t so much her hair that would get hurt, but her ears were pretty sensitive. Snarling, she reached up and grabbed whatever it was with one hand, pulling it away and taking a nice bit of her hair with it, dropping both to the ground. "What the...crap is this?" She grumbled, rubbing her head with a wince with one hand, and examining the other which as expected had a nice couple of cuts on it now.
Considering Kilah had screamed for all the world (exceptions being the deaf such as Banda) to hear, Noyama had of course caught on too. She hesitated at the doorway, and strange as it was, she didn''t seem all that worried to find her (supposedly psychotic) sibling towering over a sobbing Kilah. Perhaps she''d been expecting her?
Once she finally did move, she ran to make up for the time she''d spent just standing there, kneeling down and lifting a hand, but simply letting it hover there. "Akilah...?"
"I''ll come back," Noharu hissed, turning and storming off. If she had forgotten why she wanted to kill them all, she certainly remembered now...
Despite the fact that he had been uncerimoniously dumped on the ground, Vin was feeling exceedingly proud of himself. Untangling himself from the hair caught on his claws, he sent a final hiss in the direction Noharu had gone and took to the air once more, just as Lyrus arrived on the scene. The toddler seemed a bit confused that he had missed any chance of a fight, but soon recovered and gestured Vin back to his shoulder, murmuring approvingly to the young flit. Once Vin had called to only the occasional happy croon, Lyrus hesitated a moment before walking over to Kilah and setting a hand on her shoulder. "Kilah..? Don''t cry..."
Banda was...so incrediably confused. The SkullMonkey hadn''t moved from his spot throughout the ordeal, and was no staring off in the general direction Noharu had gone, his forgotten cigarette butt lying on the ground beside him. Noharu certainly hadn''t seemed threatening. And even when she moved for Kilah, she seemed more intent on keeping Kilah at the house than taking her away. Which explained why Banda hadn''t rushed to her rescue. Even now, he was reluctant to join the trio. Things were awkward enough, and Kilah looked to be crying...Something altogether strange in itself. So, for now, he''d just...stay here.
"I''m not!" Kilah snapped at him, but the fact she still wouldn''t lower her hand didn''t support that being the truth any. Suddenly, she did grow quiet, but it seemed to be mostly to listen to something. Or more so, someone...
"Rain, rain, go away!" The girl sang cheerfully as she skipped toward the group. She looked quite a bit like Noyama, which would answer right away where she came from. Unlike Noyama (aside from looking around ten years old), her eyes were a ruby-colored red. "Kiki!" She offered cheerfully, only stopping when she was infront of the toddler. "Oooh, Kiki, why''re you crying."
"I''m NOT!" She insisted in a hiss, but by that time the other girls eyes had come to focus on Lyrus. Her face lit up, and with no reguard to personally space she reached out and poked the middle of his forhead. "Lyrus! You''re very cute!"
"What are you doing here?" Kilah grumbled as she wiped her eyes and finally dared to set her hand on the ground. Well, she seemed to know her, but Noyama looked absolutely lost.
Lyrus was just as lost as Noyama. The sudden arrival of this overly cheerful girl made him want to hide under a rock. But as it was, Kilah was sad, so he had to stay and make her happy despite the fact that she hated him. Ahh, the lament of a partner in crime. However, when the girl loomed over him, he automatically took a small step back, eyes nearly crossing in an effort to follow her finger, and blinking with the actual poke. Meh, as long as she didn''t touch his horn... Still, the happy was starting to scare him, so Lyrus casually sidestepped to hide sullenly behind Kilah from the evil cheery one.
The girl watched as Lyrus moved away from her, and for some reason seemed dissapointed. Perhaps she was expecting some other reaction? Shrugging lightly, her gaze fell to Kilah. "What''s wrong, Kiki? Did that meanie make you sad calling you those names?"
"I''m not sad..."
Whoever this girl was, she managed to sigh and make it sound happy, kneeling down infront of the other girl, and waving her index finger back and forth like a teacher or scolding parent would. "Now, Kilah, if you''re that "worthless" word, a lot of those little friends of yours wouldn''t look up to you, would they?"
"I..guess not," Kilah agreed hesitantly, turning her head to follow the sound of the others voice as she moved back to Lyrus.
"So, you ARE him then!" She chirped, smiling brighter than ever. "I have something for you, little lamb!"
Was she talking about him? Sure, he''d called Kilah a few names...but she had accused him of stuff to. So nah. Maybe it was someone else? But he was the only one allowed to call Kilah names! So there. Bwaha.
Snapping back to reality, he glanced back up at the girl and frowned faintly, resisting the urge to cringe away. She was creepy. Far, far too happy for Lyrus'' tastes. Mignon was the only one allowed to be bubbly around him. But when she said she had something for him, curiosity immediately overcame fear, and his haughty attitude returned, quirking a brow as he stared up at her. "Well? What is it, then?"
"Silly, silly little lamb!" The for now nameless female giggled, snatching his hand up and dragging him off to the right. Mignon might''ve been "bubbly", but she seemed just plain crazy. Kilah had barely gotten out an ''Uh'' before she called back, "Don''t worry, just takin'' ''em over here!"
''Here'' being fairly close, certainly with seeing range, but just enough so she knew Noyama wouldn''t be able to hear, and far enough she was certain Kilah couldn''t either. Once there, she released his hand and kneeled down again so they were level, humming some strange tune as she reached into her pocket. "Aha!"
A second later she was holding a strange gem out to Lyrus. Round, and such a dark blue color it was boardering black. "This is very, very special! It''ll do something really neat! But not until you REALLY need it! Most importantly, you can''t break it! Nu uh uh! No brakey the gemy!"
Lyrus visably twitched when the overly cheerful girl dragged him off, shooting a look that plainly begged ''save me!'' back at Kilah. But, sadly, Kilah couldn''t see, and they only got further and further away... By the time they stopped, Lyrus was sure he''d explode even if this girl''s smile was too bright. Thus, when she pulled something from her pocket, he automatically cringed away, expecting it to be some sparkly girly glitter thing with flowers and butterflies and crap like that that Coen liked so much. Stupid Coen.
But the gem most certainly was not that. The toddler''s mouth dropped open at the sight, eyes widening greedily as he stared at the gem. After a minute, he shook his head and snapped back to reality, nodding slightly and reaching out for the beautiful object without a question as to why she was giving it to him. "What happens if I break it?" Not that he would. It was absolutely lovely.
"Hmm, I don''t know, exactly, she didn''t tell me." As for who ''she'' was, that would for now remain a mystery. This girl seemed to have the memory a goldfish. "Just something bad, is all I know, so make sure it stays someplace safe!" Her eyes narrow suspiciously, glancing from the right to the left, left to the right, and continued doing so even as she spoke. "Anyway, you be a good, strong little lamb boy for Kiki. Kiki needs you to be strong for Kiki to be strong for her friends. ''Cept you, ''cause you''re strong too. That''s what she told meee." She sang the last line rather than saying it, then got to her feet and twirled around once. "You should try walking around with your eyes closed for a whole day! It''s not very fun, nope, nope it''s not!"
"BYE KIKI!" She screeched over to Kilah, waving wildly even knowing well she wouldn''t be able to see it. "Take care," she offered to Lyrus before winking playfully at him. Clearly ready to run off, she hesitated only a few more seconds to say one more thing. "Oh, and don''t worry about Momo-momo, he''ll be very busy, very soon!" That said, she giggled brightly and off she went.
By now, Kilah had joined the ''completely lost'' group. Eyebrows raised, she yelled over to her friend. "Lyrus? You okay?"
Ug, this girl was horrible. It was all Lyrus could do to keep a straight face, rather than screaming loudly and cringing away from the evil singing demon. He breathed a sigh of relief as she pranced away and waited just a second longer before pocketing the gem and heading back to Kilah and Noya. He shrugged despite the fact that she couldn''t see, speaking as he neared. "I''m fine. The crazy happy one gave me a rock." A very pretty gem, actually. And now Lyrus was itching with curiosity as to what would happen if he broke it. Hmm...
"Gonna throw it at someone?" Well, Kilah seemed better. Acting it anyway, but that was enough for Noyama. Seeing the most vicious member of her family (Lucky and Noharu aside) like...that, it was just...weird, for lack of a better word. "Let''s go get your flower so you don''t forget it?" The toddler suggested, scratching the back of her head. He had no idea how badly she wanted to rip those things apart. But Gizmo assured her they were too ''pretty''.
"Actually, I might." Hmm, he hadn''t thought of that. Maybe if he threw it hard enough at Momoro, the b***h''s fat skull would break it and he could see what was so bad about that! ...But later. When he was less attached to the pretty gem. Lyrus loved shinies. And other pretty stuffs. Like the flower. "Yeah, let''s go get it," he replied cheerfully, starting back for the house.
After being away for so long, it was understandable she''d forgotten some things. Things that made finding the house again as easy (or as easy as it could be anyway) as it use to be. But she did manage to find the outside wall soon enough, finding the door a bit slower and following Lyrus to her room. Once there, she hauled herself back up onto her bed and huddled toward the back, yawning broadly. "Hey, Lyrus... You know I''d never let anyone get you right? You and Mignon?"
Lyrus was patient with his friend, but didn''t offer any directions. He knew Kilah, and Kilah was pretty independent, and he had a feeling that if he did tell her, she would just get mad at him. So he simply walked at her side, leading the way by just a bit to assure they were going the right direction and immediately climbing onto her bed as well once they reached the room, flooping out on his back with a yawn of his own. "I know. An'' I''m really sorry I couldn''t keep that mean guy away, Kilah. I won''t let anyone get you again. Mignon, too."
"Nah, don''t be sorry, you couldn''t do nothing about it." She meant that, too. Hell, no one could''ve. They didn''t even know where she was. She had a feeling Lucky might''ve had a faint idea, and Noharu knew because she was there too, but otherwise... Yawning again, she reached up and rubbed one of her eyes. "We won''t let anyone get each other then, and both of us won''t let anyone get Mignon."
There was something to think about. Lucky had told her Mignon had run here crying, looking for her, but she hadn''t been here. She wasn''t that worried, Lyrus had been here right? As long as one of them was, Mignon would be fine, and she was certain Lyrus could take care of himself when push came to shove...
Her train of thought slowed, until eventually it faded away, and the toddler fell into an unwelcomed (though probably needed) sleep.
Outside, Noyama had watched the both of them to make sure they got inside alright. She seemed to be thinking the same as Lyrus as far as helping Kilah went. Once the both of them vanished indoors, she still stood there for a few more seconds. Well...THAT had been quite an interesting day...
Chuckling, she shook her and walked over to Banda, well aware he''d been doing ''that'' again, but not seeming to care as she offered a hand to him and pointed with the other toward the door. "Tired, yes? Home now?" She was speaking about Lyrus, but wouldn''t be surprised if he was too.
Banda glanced up as Noya approached, half expecting to be yelled at and smiling only after she did. Taking her hand, he climbed to his feet and started back for the door with her, nodding slightly with her words and yawning. "Yeah, we should head home..." It was getting late, after all.
Once inside, Banda headed to Kilah''s room and peeked in, smile returning when he saw both toddlers sprawled out and sleeping on the bed. Chuckling softly, and careful not to disturb Kilah, he picked up the lamb toddler and started back for the door, pausing near the door when Lyrus shifted and opened one eye. Yawning, the toddler waved a hand back towards Kilah''s closet, mumbling, "Can''t forget the rose..."
Banda quirked a brow, but obligingly returned and, with a bit of effort, managed to pick up the rose, holding the flower in one hand and Lyrus, who had drifted off again, with the other, returning to the living room in thus fashion.
Noyama nodded and followed him quietly, seeming a bit surprised at their discovery. She''d never seen Kilah sleep since she was a baby. Normally, she was one of those ''light sleeper'' things, or whatever it was they called it, but she was...cute, maybe? Quiet, at least. And yet another surprise. There was a rose in Kilah''s room that hadn''t been shredded into a million pieces?
Still careful to stay quiet, she followed Banda to the front door, waving one hand with a simple, "Bye."
"G''bye," Banda murmured in reply, flashing a quick smile and nodding slightly before heading out the door and off for Moo''s house, Lyrus calmly dozing against his shoulder. Well... At least Lyrus and Kilah were friends again.
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Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 5:36 pm
She kicked me out of the House. A few days back, actually. Just after she 'changed'. She was, to use her words, 'offended by my presence and escorted me from the property', meaning...through me out on my face. I'm not sure what I did... It may just be my coat, and all the paint and such... I don't exactly look like someone who'd be living with a 'princess'.
Um...So, she kicked me out. I snuck back in once it was safe and got a few things... This journal, for one. Some gold I have saved up.. My 'cigs', my watercolors, my medicine, that letter I got, bit of food... It really wasn't enough, though. I was scared she would find me again, so I was rushed. Um...
I haven't really found anywhere to stay just yet. I thought about dropping by Isto's, but I don't want to be a bother... He's so busy with all of his children right now, I'd just be more trouble for him. I ran out of the food I brought yesterday. But my gold'll last at least another week if I'm careful, so I can buy more until then. Don't know what I'll do after that... but I'm sure I'll find somewhere.
I kind of feel bad for leaving so suddenly, even if I couldn't help it. I didn't get to explain anything to Lyrus, not that I really know what's going on myself. I'm sure he'll be alright, though. He's a tough kid, and Pod's still there... Moo seemed to remember him, even if she didn't know the rest of us. Um...
I guess I'll go back to the house search... Maybe I'll drop by SM HQ. Surely I could hole up there for a few days? Right? Maybe..? We'll see, I s'pose...
-Banda
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Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 5:46 pm
Tawn peered into the main living room, where his mother was talking with Sparrow and Monkey, and coughed to get her attention.
"I''m sorry to interrupt, but I think you have to see this..." Em just furrowed her brow in slight concern- Tawn hadn''t interrupted anyone... ever, she thought. And the look on her son''s face didn''t seem to be entirely characteristic of him. She waved him into the room- and he stepped into full view. It was only then that she realized he held a piece of nursery equiptment- what''s called a ''long tray basinet'', for multiple pebbles.
"Oh, Tawn!" Em cried, momentarily forgetting the concerned look on his face. "Are those the new pebbles? Let me see.." And she rushed forward, putting a hand on either side of the long basinet. But she stopped as soon as she came close enough to see over the ribboned lipped edge. Two of the pebbles had no tails.
"That''s what I was trying to tell you." Tawn said. "I looked at them in their incubators this morning, and something wasn''t right. And I could swear that this one," he nodded to a red pebble, off near the edge, "wasn''t there yesterday."
-flails and forgets about Monkey-
Pepples!
Aww..they''re so cute!
-she shushed, keeping her distance from them-
Tail-less?
Emelyn echoed Sparrow''s sentiment- something about a pebble with no tail seemed... wrong, somehow.
"Are you sure they''re Skull Monkeys, Tawn? Were they found with the rest?"
Tawn nodded emphatically. "Yes- they all have lifesigns. And they were all found, like I told you, except for that red one- I have no idea where it came from. ...Although I could have missed it when I did my tally.." He said this last statement while shaking his head, however, and Emelyn knew that he didn''t believe it.
-Sparrow blinked, then peered over em''s shoulder.-
...The red one..its special, nothings wrong with it, its just..special..
-She smiled at the red pebble-
"Well..." Em said, hesitating, "go ahead and put them back into the incubators. We''ll put them up with the flatsale with the others and..." she paused, seeing a new figure in the doorway. It surprised her, since she so very rarely saw her in the house.
"Pove?"
Pove stepped forward, but didn''t look at Em at all- it was as if she hadn''t heard her. Instead, she came right up to the double-line of pebbles in the basinet, and stared intently down at the six. Her expression was unreadable, and Tawn shifted, a little ill at ease with the strange woman''s intensity.
Before Em could say anything more, Pove did the unexplainable- she reached into the basinet, and grabbed up the cloudy blue, tailless pebble, tucking it under her arm.
"Pove?" Emelyn said again, and this time the blue-hair woman turned to look at Em.
"These have to come with me." She said, simply. Then she turned back to the basinet and scooped up the red pebble with her other arm and walked out of the room, as sure as if she''d never came. The room''s residents watched her go...speechless.
Monkey too had looked over at the pebbles and eyed them with growing curiosity then looked up a little taken aback at seeing Pove. But he kept quiet to not miss anything.
As Pove left he sighed a little. But he had a big smile, the curiosity was visably growing.
-Sparrow blinked, watching Pove go with the two, ''specail'', monklets. She hoped they wouldn''t be hurt or put down for thier differnences. Silently, she scuttled over to stand nex to Monkey.-
Em looked at Monkey, Sparrow, and Tawn in turn, but their faces were as confused as hers- and Monkey''s sported a small, curious smile that was almost as unreadable as Pove''s demeanor.
She sighed to herself, and ran her fingers through the lock of hair that had escaped her goggles.
"Well, Tawn- I guess... you only put those four in the nursery window." She was reluctant to go confront Pove and ask her what was the meaning of what she''d done- perhaps it was just as simple as, she wanted a Skull Monkey of her own, and after all she''d done, giving them her house and becoming a teacher... Em would be glad to give her one. ...Or, two, rather. ...But somehow, Em couldn''t convince herself that it was the only reason (or even a single one!) for why Pove had taken the two strange, tailless pebbles away...
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Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 5:47 pm
Em had just finished mailing out checks to the companies that produced the machinery for the nursery- Tawn had been rather upset with the previous day's happenings- and so had focused his attention on upgrading. He knew that no one understood what was the reason behind the two tailless pebbles... well, except perhaps Pove, but when could anyone ever get anything out of her? But somehow he thought that of all people, he should know something about it, being in charge of the pebbles and the nursery... it just put a sour taste in his mouth, all in all, to be so in the dark. And his mother could tell that he was bothered by it, so when he came to her in the late afternoon with a list of new orders, she'd just approved them all and sent out the checks, aching pocket or no.
When she walked back in the Hq, there were a number of people in the main living room, and Em sat in her favorite, wine-colored wingback chair, and was just about to put her feet up- when her youngest, Rhea, poked her nose in the door. Em blinked in surprise.
"Sweetie- I thought you were with Milla." The Jivvin came farther into the room, and her voice could be heard in Emelyn's head, quite clearly.
"She told me to come get you. Ms. Pove is coming out of the boat- and something's... funny."
Em sighed under her breath. Not again. She gave an apologetic look to everyone in the room, and motioned to her youngest to follow her outside. As they walked quickly, she whispered down to the little Jivvin.
"What do you mean funny?" Rhea cocked her head- a sort of shrug.
"She's got something with her. And it's..."
The little one didn't have a chance to finish- for right as they were about to open the front door, it swung inwards- to reveal Pove, staring them both in the face.
Pove blinked, and at a glance, Emelyn could see that in her hands... were the two pebbles- but something was completely wrong with them.
But before she could remark on their bizarre apperance, Pove lifted up the blue one. It had a tail, now- although it almost seemed to be... fading out, at its tips.
"I fixed it." She said, "It needs to stay with me." Then she took the red one and held it up to her eye, studying it as if it was the first time she'd seen it. "This one shouldn't have survived. ...I would kill it- throw it overboard. But I don't know if I trust this one at the bottom of the lake..." Then she looked at Em, who had a shocked, pained look on her face.
.."But that's not what you would do. So you take it." And she thrust it at Emelyn.
Then she turned again, and went back to her boat- leaving Em with the inexplicable pebble, and an agape jaw.
Emelyn didn't know what to say- and indeed, she was speechless until after the blue-haired woman had disappeared back into her boat, which was temporarily moored at the edge of the lake. Only then did her tongue untie, and she closed the front door and turned- to see that everyone who'd been in the living room had joined her in the foyer.
"I... well..." she blinked. "I don't exactly know what to say." Or to think. The pebble was different than it was before, obviously- that tail was hardly a typical fluffy skull monkey appendage... and those claws?? And what did Pove mean by 'she didn't trust it', and that it shouldn't have survived? What had she DONE to the pebbles?
"I guess we have another pebble up for sale..." Em said. "But I don't think this little guy would... fit, in a flatsale." To say the least. Whoever became this pebble's parent would have to understand what they were getting into.
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Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 7:05 pm
Things aren't completely bad, though... You know that letter I got at the SM anniversary thing? Well, it finally opened, and there was a script in it! Like, for a play... Peter Pan, it's called. I spent all of this morning reading through it. It's very interesting... Not that I'm any sort of actor, but the play itself is very good, and there are lots of interesting notes in it. The previous owner must have written them... Not all apply to the play, even.
So, that's kept me occupied...for today, anyway. I think I may read through it again.. Slower, though, more deeply into it. Maybe I can paint some of the scenes when I get home... If I ever go back.
The past few days have been interesting, to say the least. I've been wandering Durem, mostly... I've never really been into the city. Moo's house is so out of the way, and the Sin'aeis mansion is just as far off. But the city.. It's so...well, not noisy, but I know it would be if I could hear it. But busy! So many people, and cars, and.... It's different.
This whole homeless thing isn't so bad. With so much to see... I really don't mind it. And the nights have been warm thus far, so I've been changing to my adult form for comfort and curling up in the park. It's really not bad. I could get used to it... I'll have to get a job, though, if I want to continue this way. And I'd like to be able to see Lyrus every few days or so. He's not a son, but... Well, we're close, you know?
But all in all... Things could be much worse. Life is good.
-Banda
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Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 7:50 pm
Her oldest had been gone for an hour and a half at least- she'd been upstairs in her office working on paperwork, and hadn't looked at the clock all afternoon, so she couldn't be entirely sure. She'd sent him out shopping for more food to restock the Hq kitchen- somehow, the more they bought these days, the less there seemed to be left. It was probably the case of all the new teenagers, Emelyn surmised- and she didn't much care if they helped themselves... but it did cause an awful lot of supermarket runs...
Coming back into the Hq, Em noticed the nursery display window curtains had been drawn- doubtlessly by Tawn himself- but that the tan curtain had caught a snag at the corner, lifted up onto the edge of one of the incubator basinets. It left a small, v-shaped window into the nursery- and Em's eyes fell on the only pebble that was still left. As if it knew she was watching, its black tail twitched, and Em shuddered, despite the heat. She pushed it out of her mind and went into the kitchen for a drink.
Banda''s gold had finally run out. And, as much as he was enjoying the day-to-day freedom of living on the streets, he still needed gold if he wanted to eat. That is, unless he wanted to go dumpster diving...
Ew. No.
The sun was just disappearing being the horizon when Banda reached the new HQ building. The late hour and growing darkness should ensure that no one was there, and, perhaps, he could enjoy a light meal and even sleep on the couch. Not that he was stealing, of course! He fully intended to pay the center back for its generosity once he had found some sort of job. Besides, the food here was meant for the SMs...and he was one, after all, so it was meant for him too.
The fifth stager carefully closed the door behind him and slipped through the dark room to where he knew the kitchen to be. However, upon reaching it, he froze in the doorway with one of those deer-in-headlights stares across his face--clearly he hadn''t expected Em to be there. Quickly snapping back to his senses, and praying he didn''t really look as if he''d been sleeping on the ground for the past week, he fixed a hesitant smile on his face and nodded slightly in greeting, murmuring, "Evening, Miss Emelyn. Sorry, I didn''t realize anyone was here.."
Em put the mug that she'd been holding down on the table, and pulled out a chair to sit, smiling up at the SM- but still surprised.
"Banda! It's so nice to see you. No need to apologize. I'm glad for the company." There was a pause, as she surveyed the son of one of her closest friends... and realized that she hadn't seen him for quite a while- and certainly hadn't seen him with his mother in even longer. And the way he looked... well, she wasn't going to get into that now. She stood, and pulled out another chair on the little round table.
"Please, sit down," she said, gesturing. "Would you like something to drink?" She paused... "Or eat?" She added.
"Um..." Hesitating, Banda glanced towards the chair, then counter, finally smiling once more and edging away to get a glass. "I'll just..get some water, if I may. Thanks." His back to her meat he probably wouldn't notice if she said anything, but some water would be most welcome. Food could wait.
After quickly fixing himself a glass of water, he returned to the table and slipped into the seat beside Em, taking a small sip of his drink before smiling warmly and attempting a conversation. "It's been a while since we've spoken... How've you been?"
While his back had been turned, Em had watched him... he looked a little scuffed, and she wondered what he'd been doing. At the same time, however, she told herself that she wasn't going to ask- it was his business, and he was an adult now... besides, she had to stop getting involved in other people's families.
When they were both back at the table, drinking from their own respective glasses, she reminded herself of this fact, and kept her questions to herself.
"Well," she began, running her fingers along the cold red ceramic, tapping the brim gently with her nails, "I've been fine. Just fine. Although I don't know if you heard at all," and judging by how little she'd heard of him these days, he probably didn't, she thought to herself... "I'm going to be a grandma. Tawn and Sarabi are expecting." She laughed to herself, and took a long swig of Mt. Dew from the mug.
"How have you been?" ...So that biting her tongue thing hadn't worked particularly well...
During the short pause, his eyes flickered down to his cup and he took another small sip, gaze returning to her almost while he ''listened''. With the news, his eye spositively lit up, a true smile gracing his face for the first time that evening. "Really? That''s wonderful! Tell them I say congrats... And to the wedding, as well. I didn''t have a chance to speak with either of them while I was there."
It had truely been a beautiful ceremony... Something else for him to paint, maybe, once he managed to get some canvas. He hadn''t given a gift at the time, but that, if it was good enough...Hopefully they wouldn''t mind that it was ''late''?
He noticed the movement of her lips out of the corner of his eye and glanced back up once more, just long enough to catch her words before turning his eyes back to the table. Hesitating, he finally settled for the almost-truth and cracked a smile, eyes flickering upward. "I''ve been pretty good... Nothing special to report. Been, um, pretty busy. Job hunting."
Emelyn hadn't been a mother of four without learning when a child is not divulging the entire truth- but she reminded herself that it really wasn't any of her business what he did and didn't want to tell her. She was just glad that he was opening up to her at all- on any level.
"Job hunting?" She said, making sure to speak before she lifted the mug up to her lips- she didn't want to obstruct his view at all. "Is there anything in particular that you're looking for?"
"Not really," he replied honestly, brightening up somewhat with the change of subject. "But it's not all that urgent. Plus, I applied for that new SM college thing a couple weeks ago, so I probably wouldn't have time for a job if I get in. I'm not sure if I have or not just yet."
Erk, that was something he hadn't though about. How would he know if he had gotten in if he wasn't home? He would have to sneak back and talk someone into watching for the letter... Jaxom would do it. And he would just have to get settled elsewhere before classes started. He couldn't go looking like this, that was for sure.
"Oh, didn't you get the letter? I'm surprised your mother didn't give it to you." Em finished the last of her drink and put the mug down on the table, then stood, cracking her neck as she did so. "I have a copy up in my office if you want; you can come up with me and I'll hand it right over." She smiled.
"Oh... Oh, um," Banda paled slightly. It had already come? Had he missed any classes?! Moo probably would have thrown away the original, what with her mind as it was. And he had nearly given himself away... Quickly recovering, he nodded slightly and drained the rest of his glass, setting it down on the table beside hers. He climbed to his feet and turned back to Em with a weak smile, pushing his chair in. "I'd very much appreciate that."
"Oh, no problem at all- I have all the school paperwork in triplicate. As if I need more papers sitting around my office." She said all of this facing him, and then made a gesture for him to follow her out of the kitchen and down the hall. Right before the stairs, she passed by the nursery window again- and gazing in through that 'V' the curtain afforded- she expected to see the strange red pebble. However, what she saw stopped her dead in her tracks, abruptly.
The basinet where the pebble had been... was empty. She spun around to face Banda, so he'd understand what she was saying. "Hold on- I have to look in the nursery. Something's wrong." As soon as she'd said it, she regretted making it seem so worrisome, and added "you can come along."
Banda merely nodded as she explained about the paperwork, following silently behind her towards the office and nearly running into her when she paused in step. Stumbling backwards in an effort to avoid her, he quickly righted himself and peeked curiously over her should to see what was the matter, practically jumping backwards when she suddenly spun around. Thankfully, the note of apprehension in her voice didn't reach him, so he was still rather cheerful as he nodded and followed her within the nursery. "What's wrong?"
"Um... nothing.." she said, unlocking the door, but then realizing that she couldn't hear him, and turned before she went through the nursery door to say "Something is missing."
Em swung open the door and turned the dimmer up to full lights. The first thing her eyes landed on was the basinet, hoping that her eyes had deceived her and it wasn't gone- but indeed, the cream-colored cushion inside was untouched- it was gone.
Em went immediately to her knees, crawling around the ground, hoping the pebble hadn't fallen out, and fearing that she'd step on it, were she to continue walking normally. She didn't want it to be hurt.. but secretly, she hoped that it may have just... disappeared, gone as mysteriously as it had come. It would certainly make things easier- the pebble frightened her, somewhat, and particularly Pove's involvement in the entire thing... what had she done to them?
As she wondered, her head hit the bottom of a table, and she sat up, growling obscenities under her breath. She sat up, rubbing her head with one hand, and putting her other behind her for balance- only to set down her palm firmly on something... sharp.
"OOOH!" She called, followed by a sharp intake of breath. She jerked her hand back, and saw a pinprick of blood in the middle of her palm. Emelyn knew what it was before she even turned- and sure enough, there was the pebble, laying feet away from the basinet, its sharp tail twitching menacingly.
"Found it," she said, turned to Banda, still cradling her hand.
Banda really wasn't sure what she was looking for and, rather than get in the way, he remained in the doorway, 'guarding' the exit, of course. His eyes wandered the room in search of anything Em might be searching for... but there was nothing that appeared to be out of place, and he finally just gave up and turned back to Em, just in time to see her climb to her feet.
Quirking a brow, he took a few steps towards her and crouched down, eyeing the strange little pebble somewhat warily. Almost on a whim, he reached a hand towards it, but quickly reconsidered and simply set his hand on his knee, glancing sideways to Em. "Is that a, um..pebble? What happened to it?"
Em did the automatic (but somewhat disgusting) gesture of sucking on her wound before she answered. "It's a pebble. I think. I'm not entirely sure." Before she said any more, she wrapped her palm with some bandage from Tawn's stock cupboard, and then she went directly for the pebble, picking it up and eyeing it as if DARING it to stab at her again. It was silent, the very un-Skull monkey like tail switching as she did so. She replaced it in its basinet again, and checked the incubator monitors before turning back to Banda.
"Tawn found it, and another pebble with the flatsale pebbles.. two days ago. Neither of them had tails, and although his machinery picked them up as having skull monkey lifesigns, they were incredibly faint, and neither of them were moving. He was also sure that THAT one," she gestured at the dark pebble, cracked with what appeared to be claws eking out the fissure, "wasn't there in the first place."
She went on to explain how Pove had taken them away, and then her strange return with them... changed.
"...And Pove suggested that we... kill that one." Em finished, shaking her head. "But I wouldn't let that happen." Even if it does scare the bejeebits out of me, she thought, rubbing her fingers down against the bandage, absently.
A quiet 'Oh' was all Banda could manage in reply, eyes lingering no Em only until she finished speaking before returning to the pebble, which he'd kept in his out of the corner of his eye throughout the explanation. His smile faltered somewhat. Kill it? It was only a pebble! Admittedly, it was rather creepy and..spiky, but that was alright, right? It wasn't like the pebble could help it!
Shaking his head slowly, he turned his eyes back to Em and straightened up somewhat. "It can't be all that bad... One of my, um, brother's...Well, let's just say this pebble reminds me of him. And he was kinda...vicious as a baby, but he straightened up as he got older. I'm sure this pebble could do the same..." He smiled.
Em nodded, biting her bottom lip. "In any case, it doesn't deserve to be killed because something is wrong with it." As soon as she said the words, she looked up at Banda, apologetic- she'd just remembered who she'd been talking to, and hoped he knew she didn't mean any insult.
"It's just that we don't know what to do with it, now. I can't exactly take it home." She sighed, tipping back against a cabinet to hold up her weight. "All the other pebbles have gone to good homes, but here this one stays." Em mused, mostly to herself. "I suppose I could take it home..." but as soon as she said it, she knew it was a false hope- she really didn't have any room, and somehow, it felt wrong to have this pebble be part of her family. She shook her head.
Rather than feel insulted, Banda was somewhat comforted by her words. They had been his own thoughts all along, after all, and not everyone would agree with them. He knew this from experiance. It was also a thought that most of Moo's family shared... specifically the two SMs in it. They could very easily relate. Actually, this one might fit in rather well. Except, unlike the others, this one seemed, well...dangerous.
Nonetheless, Banda was strangely drawn to the little pebble. It really did remind him of Lyrus. The pair would probably get along very well... And if it were anything like Lyrus, Banda could tolerate it, at least. The problem would be taking care of it... But that shouldn't be too difficult. And, if all else failed, he could sneak back into Moo's, maybe. She never went onto the third floor or above... "I could take it... for Moo," he quickly added, assuming Moo's mind ever straightened itself out. "I'm sure she'd be happy to have it. You know how she is. And I've wanted another SM around since Isto moved out..."
"I... hadn't even thought of that." And she really hadn't- even though as soon as the words had reached her ear, she'd realized how perfect the matchup would be. Moo's had always been a home for those SM's that didn't initially... fit in with the majority of the group, for one reason or another- and something about the atmosphere she provided made it possible for them to not only cope with whatever disability they were given to face, but to rise above it to be more than the... sum of their parts.
Em nodded toward the basinet. "Well, it's yours, if you can handle it. Just... know what you're getting into, alright?" She stopped for a moment, and then remembered. "Oh, and your letter! Hold on a moment- I'll go get it. You two can get acquainted." She said, pointing with her injured hand to the demonic-appearing thing, and disappeared at a quick run up the stairs to fetch it.
Banda brightened up immediately with her nod, chuckling softly and replying with a nod of his own, then waiting until she had left to turn back to the pebble. Quirking a brow, he sunk down to sit on the floor and folded his legs, peering down at the strange pebble, not quite sure how to address it. Finally deciding that any words were better than none, he began, "So, um...You're going to come live with me now. And Moo, and our family, and, um.." What exactly did one say to a pebble?
The pebble wasn't helping matters. It remained curled almost warily in the corner, strange demonic tail coiled around itself, the idle twitching of its tail the only sign that it was 'listening'. A rather menacing sight, all in all. Wary.
That was Banda's first thought, at any rate. The second, surprisingly enough,w as fear, though it really made sense when you thought about it. Banda couldn't remember his pebble days, but, theoretically, as advanced as some of the babie SMs hatched, wouldn't it make sense that the pebbles could at least understand some things? Maybe it knew how people looked at it? Maybe it knew Pove had wanted to throw it in the lake? Had Banda been in the pebble's shoes, he know he wouldn't be trusting anyone.
Cracking a smile, he slowly reached a hand out towards the pebble, speaking softly, reassuring, "You don't need to worry anymore... I'm going to take care of you, even if Moo can't right now because she's loony, and once she gets better everything'll go back to normal, and... You'll love Moo's house, I promise. She's really ni-" Banda cut off with a soft yelp of surprise, snatching his now-bloodied hand back.
Almost calmly, the pebble wiped its sharp tail clean on the floor, resuming the twitching once more.
Banda took a moment to assure himself the wound wasn't bad--it was more blood than injury--then calmly reached out once more and absently traced a finger along the one of the pebble's 'claws'. The motion took the pebble by surprise and, stunned, it didn't react. taking this as a good sign, Banda continued the petting, gradually moving to the pebble's 'shell' and, just as gradually, coaxing it onto his other hand. The pebble, enjoying the unexpected attention, followed his motions without complaint.
Step one, complete.
Em didn't want to startle Banda, but she didn't see another way around it- she couldn't walk around him, since that basinet was pressed right up against the window, and he was knelt at its side- so she just tapped him on the shoulder, and handed him the letter which she knew the contents of.
"Congratulations," she said, "you were accepted."
Banda nearly jumped out of his socks with the light tap, managing not to only due to his position. However, his body did jolt slightly from the surprise, and even as his head snapped up to see who was there, he grimaced and looked away, clenching his teeth against a cry; the pebble, surprised by banda's sudden movement, had lashed his sharp tail tightly around Banda's wrist, the end of which was presently cutting into the side of his wrist.
He took a moment to try and pry his wrist free, gave up when the pebble only tightened his grip, and glanced back up at Em just in time to catch her words. The pain immediately forgotten, he climbed to his feet and gladly accepted the letter with him free hand, positively beaming. "Really? Thank you! I'd been worried about that..."
"And... one more thing before you go," Em said, looking at the clock on the wall and realizing that it was very late. "About that job... I know you said you weren't looking for anything in particular, but I'm sure you have something in mind. So don't hesitate to say no to this... but I would like to ask you a favor. I still need teachers for the high school- and I really need an art teacher." She put her hands up as if to stop him from protesting, and shook her head. "I know you're going to be busy with school,but I was hoping you'd be able to teach a class or two on the side."
Banda's mouth literally dropped open with the offer, and remained such as he began to protest, snapping shut only when she held up her hands. He hesitated, finally nodding his agreeement even as his protests began a new. "Are you sure? I'm not sure I'm exactly qualified... And I've never taught anyone before. But I could use the job," he admitted, trailing off with another nod. "Umm... Well, yeah, if there's no one else, I'd be more than happy to take the job. Thank you, Em!"
"Oh no, thank you."
"Yeah- if you weren't to take it, she'd have to teach art... and you're much more qualified than her," a laughing voice came from behind her- Em turned to see that it was Tawn, having just returned. She hoped that Banda had seen him speak.
"Hey there- did you get the groceries?"
"They're all in the kitchen- I brought them in the back way. ...What are you two doing in here?"
Em smiled, and pointed at the two Sm's- fifth and pebble, who were still touching. "Just putting together those that belong together."
Thankfully, Banda had noticed Tawn in time to catch his words, and chuckled softly in reply, almost as if he were trying to muffle it. With Em's words, however, he blushed faintly and glanced down to the pebble still twined defiantly around his wrist...then angled his hand slightly to hide the blood dripping down the side. That wouldn't make him look very good, now would it?
Clearing his throat, he tucked his hand--and the pebble--closer to his stomach, then, dinner forgotten, pocketed his letter and nodded for the door. "I'd better be going... It's late, and I have a feeling tomorrow'll be a busy one. Thanks again, Em.."
"Anytime dear," she said, and then wished she could have swallowed the 'dear' part. Tawn winked at her from the corner of her eye- he understood that it meant she felt protective over this Skull Monkey, and he put his arm around her as they watched him go.
"I think it's the best family it could get," Tawn said, quietly. Em nodded.
"I hope so." And with that, they turned off the nursery lights- and went home.
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Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:33 pm
But it was hunger that, once again, brought Banda to the new HQ, the pebble coiled loosely around his neck by its strange tail, the sharp tip of which was rather unnervingly close to his throat. But Banda had come to trust the little pebble over the past few days, and it was certainly treating him much better than their first meeting, so he thought it worth the risk.
Slipping inside, he headed for the kitchen and took a moment to peek inside, assuring himself there was no one there before wandering in and helping himself to the contents of the fridge. The HQ was for everyone, after all.
Em came tripping down the stairs. ...Actually tripping. Her feet had a way of moving faster than she could keep up with them- and more often than not it left her admiring the nice weave of the carpet at the foot of the stairs...
She stood, and gathered the papers that she'd been carrying, and turned to Kep, who was following behind her, as if to say 'are you going to help'?
Before she could say anything, however, a figure appeared in the doorway.
"...Hello Pove." ...Em was getting a little tired of the dramatic entrances.
Not many people who knew Pove and had spoken to her before had ever seen her smile... and it's true that she wasn't really smiling now.... it was more of a smug smirk...
She held a small blue Skull Monkey infant out at arms length... and even without looking twice you could see that there was somethin.... different about this one. His tail and ear seemed to be drifting away and off of the poor little creature. His skull was unmercifully cracked and his eyes were closed... he just didn't look healthy. None the less she obviouslly wanted everyone present to see him and look at him.
"I said I could fix him and I did." Marley didn't move. Not one muscle.
Before Em could say anything- not even an exclamation of wonder, or fear... or just utter confundlement, Tawn came through the door of the nursery- he'd seen it all, through the half-opened curtains, but no one had noticed him in all the commotion.
"Marley grew!" He exclaimed, his voice untainted by curiosity or fear- regardless of how strange it appeared, he was just glad it was alright. ...Sort of.
"We.. see that," Em said, giving her son a look. (Which he promptly ignored.)
"And if Marley's an infant... that means that the other pebble must be growing... or grown, wherever it is!"
Monkey and Rome, who were both stuffed from their dinner walked in behind Pove as she was holding out the little monklet. Afraid to touch it infear of breaking or injuring the poor little thing they walked around Pove very carefully. Monkey went and sat on the arm of a couch, watching intently as Rome went over and sat on a beanbag chair watching just as intently. Proof the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
By this time, completely unaware of the goings-on in the other room, Banda had retreated to the table with his small selection of foodstuffs, and set the pebble onto the tabletop near his plate. It was easier to eat when nothing was wrapped around your throat, after all.
However, before he could even touch his plate, his meal was uncerimoniously interrupted by a large, taloned paw descending onto it and snatching away the nearest piece of meat. Taken completely by surprise, Banda half-jumped backwards and nearly knocked his chair over, 'gracefully' catching both himself and the chair and staring in shock at the infant SM on the table...if that was even what it was.
The infant took no notice and set about almost daintily eating the piece of meat from the claw he had speared it on. Once done, he hungrily eyed the remainder on the plate, then turned his gaze slowly up to Banda...tailtip twitching calmly behind him.
Both were silent.
Pove smirked at Emelyn. She turned the infant around and brought it in close to her... still it didn't move... it was like a limp doll.
"And he's perfectly fine. But I don't think you'll be able to say that for the other one." Her smile faded completely. "Have you seen it yet?" She hugged Marley even closer... "Have you seen it? Do you know where it is?"
With everyone standing around and gawking, and Pove speaking to Em, Tawn disappeared back into his haven- the nursery. Em figured it was just for the sake of his getting out of the way- but instead, he came out with two birth certificates after a short measure of time, both fresh with the ink and official notary. He kept one, holding it gingerly by the edge, but handed the other to Pove.
"Here you are- the birth certificate."
Pove just stared at Tawn for a good ten seconds before she seemed to hear. "Birth Certificate? Ah, wonderful." She turned and thrust Marley into Emelyn's arms.
The transformation was immediate. The small blue Sm infant came alive kicking and screaming at the top of his little lungs... he stretched after Pove and pushed away from Em with all his might... HE most certainly did not look like a doll anymore.
Pove, meanwhile, turned to Tawn and took the Birth certificate. She looked over it for a second before taking a pen from Tawn's pocket. Before anyone could stop her she was writing on the cert. "Don't mind him Emelyn. He's a little shy around new people."
The silence stretched on, neither party particularly willing to break it. But the lack of sound eventually seemed to annoy the infant, who shuffled restlessly on the table and set about carving a crack into the top with one of his talon-like claws. "I don't have a name," he quietly reminded Banda, obliviously to the fact that his 'guardian' couldn't hear. Then, in an abrupt mood swing, he snarled and shot a piercing glare up at the fifther, clawtips sinking into the tabletop. "Why didn't you give me one?"
Banda was so stunned he almost missed the infant's words; it was hard enough with him having the skull and all, but what with the...shock of his appearance... Finally clearing his throat, he shook his head slightly, muttering, "I-..."
"Nevermind," the strange, almost demonic looking infant countered, effectively silencing him. Dislodging his claws from the table, he carefully walked back to the plate and speared another small piece of meat on one claw, speaking around a full mouth (which, though he didn't know it, made it even harder for Banda to understand him), "I'll name myself later. When I think of a good one."
"I... he..." Em didn't have the chance to tell Pove that she was the master of the understatement- the little pale Skull Monkey was screeching and crying, stretching for Pove and kicking its legs. Em was able to hold on to him- but only barely- he wasn't very strong, but he was putting all his force into getting back to his... mother, I suppose you could call her.
Pove, in the meantime, was still writing on the birth certificate- something that was bizarre in and of itself... but she wasn't paying any mind to her panicking skull monkey. So Em chimed in.
"He's... probably just not used to being without you," she said, calling over the din. "I'll take him in the kitchen so he can't see you, and maybe he'll calm down." Pove didn't answer her- it was as if she hadn't heard- so Em took the squirming, fully anxious little monklet down the hall, and through the kitchen doors.
What she saw there almost made her drop the little screamer.
"Oh my god...'
Noise! Halfway through his third piece of meat, the infant snarled and crouched down on the table, covering his ears with his large forepaws and glaring daggers towards the doorway. How dare this little monstrosity interupt his peaceful meal!? His FIRST meal!? The infant wasn't happy. Not happy at all. "SHUT IT UP!"
For once, being deaf seemed to be a benefit. Banda didn't react in the slightest when Em and Marley entered, and it was only with Ven's strange reaction and words that he noticed the arrivals, whirling around towards the doorward, stunned expression returning. Immediately he began a trail of excuses and explanations for the present position, all of which were drowned out by Marley's cries, and eventually he just sort of shrugged half-heartedly and glanced back down towards the infant.
Emelyn couldn't hold onto the infant anymore- he was fighting as if his life depended on it- and he dropped to the floor, and ran back down the hall, full speed towards Pove.
"Did he just talk?" Em said, shocked into not going after Marley, and forgetting who she was talking to.
Banda still had that deer-in-headlights look, and hardly even moved when Marley escaped and darted off down the hall. However, Em's words seemed to wake him somewhat, and he blinked and nodded slightly, watching the infant out of the corner of his eye... "Yes, um, he just--"
"Well obviously!" the infant snapped back before Banda could finish. He glared after Marley until the cries ceased, and finally straightened from his position and sunk into a half-sitting, half-crouching position, sharp tail coiled around himself and flicking idly beside his foot. "Why shouldn't I?"
Keppit had been standing in the background the entire time... this whole thing was making her a little.... ok, A LOT... Really really uncomfortable. There was something about the infant that said 'don't touch me' , and yet Em had been holding him... albeit not willingly by either party.
Keppit glanced up at Pove and was thankful that Tawn was dealing with her... She made her way over to the sofa where Monkey and Rome were and she sat her zombie self down, glad to not be in the center of things.
"Eyob Monkey, rome. How goes it?"
Pove looked up and saw Marley streaming towards her- as if for the first time, and handed the certificate back to Tawn, who took it without a word. She scooped up Marley- her hands must have held some sort of soothing touch, for he calmed noticeably, and although he wasn't his previous rag-doll self... Marley definitely did not seem like the same SM that had been ran, screaming from Em's arms.
The kitchen door was open- and the view of the three inside was clearly visible to everyone who was standing in the hall. Pove marched down the narrow hallway, and stood in the doorframe, displacing Emelyn temporarily (and without need for word or gesture).
She looked down at the demonic SM that sat, half-crouched. "So you kept that." She tilted her head towards Em. "Your choice, I suppose- but know that I had no hand in it. I don't keep murderers." At the last, vicious word, Marley cowered into his mother's chest, his barely-there tail drifting off even as he did so. And then, as if nothing had happened- Pove was gone.
Rome wrapped his tail around himself and sighed. "Crazy shi...stuff maan..."
Monkey nodded and scratched the side of his head, laughing a little. "Not bad. Re-thinking getting Rome a little sibling with all of this going on." After a threatening look from Rome, Monkey shook his head. "Joking, of course. How bout yerself, Keppit?"
Keppit sighed... "Could be worse could be better" She grinned at Rome "You're looking all handsome."
And then Pove was making her bokd accusations... murder... Keppit winced as Pove stode past in anger and out the door, no doubt going back to the boat on the lake... "Yeah... crazy stuff." She never knew what to think about Pove, not when it really mattered. The blue haired woman was almost impossible to predict. She never answered questions like you though she should, she seemed to always have her own agenda, and she also seemed to be the quietest damn walker around. You NEVER knew she was there until she was right there...
"Pove worries me sometimes. I mean, you think you know her and then.... " Keppit shrugged... "You just dinnae."
The strange, lion-like SM bristled with Pove's words, sending a snarl after the woman as she disappeared from sight. However, once she and Marley had gone, he seemed to lose interest in the entire situation and turned back to his plate, helping himself to another piece of Banda's forgotten meal.
Banda, however, didn't take things quite so lightly. Unusual for the normally peaceful SM, his features melted into a scowl, glare nearly mimicing that of the infant's. Once Pove had gone, he shook his head in disgust and scooped the demonic SM from the table, earning himself a long scratch down one arm in the process, but completely ignoring it for the time, setting the now-furious infant on his shoulder. Ignoring his protests, Banda walked to the counter to retrieve a paper towel, then returning to the table and scooped the rest of the meal onto it, folding it up and slipping it into his pocket. The kid hadn't finished eating, after all.
Without a word to Em, he stepped around the woman and out of the kitchen, heading for the front door, heedless to the angry growls of the creature on his shoulder.
Em didn't know what to say.... it was a common affliction of the evening. Tawn broke the silence.
"He didn't take this with him," he said, handing Em the piece of paper he'd been holding so carefully. "It's his birth certificate."
"He'll pick it up later," Em said, perusing the sheet less out of real interest than habit, "just keep it for them in a good place and... Tawn... this is Marley's certificate."
Tawn peered over his mother's shoulder (not a difficult thing to do, with his height) to confirm, and then nodded. "Oh. You're right- I forgot; Pove handed it to me before she went and got Marley."
Em didn't answer Tawn- at least not in words. She'd seen something on the piece of paper- what Pove had been writing on it, and she held it up for Tawn to see.
Where it had once said "Date of Birth"... it now said "Date of Death".
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Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:36 pm
We went to her office to get the acceptance letter, but on the way we stopped in the nursery because Em noticed that a pebble was missing. She searched, I...guarded the door? (I didn't know what she was looking for, really, so I just..er....stood there.) Soon enough she found it, but, honestly, it was about the last thing I expected.
This pebbles was demonic. There's no other word for it. Not only in behavior--I'd swear it was growling--but the appearance was... The pebble had claws. And its tail was more of a lash, and it had a pointed arrow tip. It was just... eerie. but then Em started talking about not knowing what to do with it, and I sort of volunteered to take it. I told her I'd give it to Moo.
I know I shouldn't have. Especially since I have no intention of going back to Moo's house, but I have a job coming, so I'll be able to rent an appartment and buy food and such. And, I mean... This pebble was just something of a more drastic version of myself and my brother. By situations he had no control over, he was already...different. My heart went out to him.
So I took him in. Or, out, rather, as we still don't have a place to stay. And a couple of days back, during another visit to the HQ, he grew... He's, um, a bit more than I expected. Claws, talons rather, horns, his tail's still the same...
He was, um, rather upset with me for not having named him, but he decided it was alright and would name himself. We had a little run-in with Pove, left... She called him a murdered. An infant! Who had only just grown from pebble! It just... What, is she trying to provoke him? Already he seems the type to do something just because someone said he did. It just...upset me.
He didn't seem at all bothered by the accusation, however. Indeed, he later took it as his name... So, Venoch he is now. At present, we're in the park--I'm sitting against a tree, writing this. He's napping on my lap.
He's really not a bad kid, I think... Prone to tempers, bit creepy in general, but he's very nice when he's in a good mood. Very bright. Quick to pick up on things. Fiercly possessive, though... But not bad in general.
I can't help but feel guilty... Food's been scarce, and we've been staying in this park, and I really don't know what to do with him... I'll have to find somewhere to stay before my job and college classes start, too. But, oh well... Thhings could be worse? Until next time,
--Banda
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Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:38 pm
Sparrow Depp -Cannabis blinks over at the interesting looking monklet. He scamperd from behind Lundy and stood a good distance away from the monklet. He puffed out his chest and shouted out a 'manly' hello.-
"HELLO!!" Moofuls
Venoch wasn't at all interested in this new arrival, and, actually, was rather annoyed by his noisy appearance. Growling under his breath, the demonic SM crouched lower on the pillow he had been resting on, glaring over the edge to Cannabis and, without thinking, sinking his claws into the pillow. Not. A. Word.Sparrow Depp -Cannabis hushed a wee bit after seeing how easily the other Sms claws ripped into the pillow. Huffing a sigh, he plopped down on his romp and scowled back at Venoch. He wouldn't budge. He was stuborn.- Moofuls
This kid was annoying, but Venoch didn't want to leave his pillow, tattered as it was now. Instead, he tugged his claws free and turned around on the pillow so that his back was to Cannabis, then lifted his tail and farted in the striped infant's general direction. Haha, take that. Sparrow Depp -Cannabis glowerd and slunk away for a brief moment, only to return from the kitchen with a pie. He'd get his revenge. Without thinking, he hurlled the pie at Venoch. He snickerd slightly and puffed out his chest.- monkeylovefirework Rome was about to say something but seeing Cannabis carrying a big pie going by him caught his attention. As he threw the pie Rome cringed and watched, ready to break up a fight if one errupted. Moofuls Small as he was, the pie landed all across his back and head, and two big pieces of the crust even got stuck in his horns. Ven blinked through the pie filling falling around his face, completely stunned, staring in shock across the room at the wall. Finally he jumped up and whirled around, eyes blazing as they fixed on Cannabis. Snarling, he shook himself free of most of the pie, then, without warning, darted towards the smaller infant, ramming him hard with his shoulder, then pounced atop him, claws pressed dangerously close to his neck. "How DARE you!?" Sparrow Depp -Cannabis had the wind knocked out of him when this other SM had checked him. Now, on the ground, stunned, and having a seemingly larger SM ontop of him. He blinked, then scowled slightly.- "How dare I? How dare you!" -He nodded slightly. He skull was as thick as a rock.-
-Lundy gaped at his little, soon to be dead brother talked back to the..the thing! He didn't very much enjoy Cannabis around, but how would he explain this one to his mum? His tail flicked as he awaited to see what happend.- "...." Moofuls
Not once did Venoch think to bother with a reply. Talk was useless. And words could be twisted. Instead, he lashed his tail around to press the sharp tip beneath Cannabis' chin, shifting his paws just enough to rest one on either of the smaller SM's shoulders, effectively pinning him in place. Both paws suddenly clenched, sets of sharp claws sinking into Cannabis' shoulders; Venoch grinned faintly, growling under his breath. "How much trouble d'you think I'd get in if I killed you?"Sparrow Depp
-Cannabis cringed as he felt the sharp claws and tail jabbing into him. Without a secong thought, he swapped his tail around the other Ven's tail, but quickly removed it and re-wrapped it around his torso. He made a small 'eeping' sound.- "Not sure really...Hopefully enough so you join me.."monkeylovefirework Rome whispered to Lundy next to him. "Should I get in there?" Moofuls Venoch shook his head almost calmly, digging his claws a bit deeper for the sake of it, debating just slitting cannabis' throat with his tail and getting it over with. But that took all the fun out of it. "Nah. Banda's a wuss. He might get mad, but he wouldn't do anything. I've hurt him plenty of times already, too." Sparrow Depp
-Lundy was still gawking at his younger brother who was about to be ripped to shreds. He shook his head then looked at Rome.- "Wha..? Oh...Not sure..." -Lundy was still dazed at was his younger brother was doing it made him mad.- "You kettle head! Stop bothering the poor SM and just apologize!" -Lundy clucked at his younger brother and flailed his arms to emphasise his anger.-Sparrow Depp -Cannabis appeard to be listening, but truth be told, he was searchign his mind for a plsce to go, a place to hide from reality. He yelped slightly as he felt the claws hitting his shoulder bones. His mind did its best to escape. He hear Lundy yell at him, but he didn't care.- monkeylovefirework After getting over the shock on the infants options he jumped up and tackled Ven to the ground with one paw on his tail, one holding down his stomach and the other two with Ven's legs off of little Cannabis, expecting on getting some cuts but he had been figuring out how to block out pain though he was not yet an expert out of it."You! Not here! Cannabis! Not another word!" Moofuls The purple thing didn't reply, which annoyed him. For that matter, it seemed to be trying to ignore him, and that only annoyed him further. Well, if the purple thing wasn't going to play along, then Venoch wasn't going to waste his time. In one sharp movement, Ven tore his claws down Cannabis' shoulders and chest, finally pulling them free and eyeing the bloody now coating them. Meanwhile, a jab from his tail forced Cannabis' head back; afterwards, the tip set about carving a design into his flesh--a small V inside of a circle. No, Venosh wasn't going to kill him. But he would certianly leave his mark.
EDIT: (For Monkey xD; )
Just as he was finishing up the circle, Ven was rudely knocked off of Cannabis and trapped beneath a much larger SM. Immediately he began to fight back, viciously, madly, clawing and scratching anywhere he could reach with his two free paws. What was free of his tail twined up Rome's leg, the tip jabbing into his flesh, just an added annoyance in the hopes of chasing the older SM off him. monkeylovefirework Rome cringed but the monklets fighting was just agrevating him. Not giving any sign of pain accept for under his skull he tried to gain control before pushing down harder on Ven, sliding his knee off of his stomach onto his thigh so he had only one claw to scratch him ********' stop! I don't want to hurt you!" Rome was lieing through his skulll, he wanted to rip the monklet a new one but he wasn't quite sure he really could. Moofuls Ha, right. Venoch liked to fight, and, more then that, he liked the blood that it usually resulted in. And right now this blue things was just provoking him to cause more damage. Stupid blue thing. The best way to end it was to just give in. It was no fun to attack something that didn't attack back. But the stupid blue thing didn't know this, so Ven just kept up his attack, ignoring the fact that yet another of his paws was trapped and tearing at Rome's stomach with his free one, growling and snarling viciously. Sparrow Depp -Cannabis yelped loudly as he felt the claws ripping through his fleash. His eyes were on the brim of tears, but his stuborn-ness wouldn't let them come out. Her cringed as he felt something being engraved into him, then suddenly the SM was off of him. Blinking, he rolled onto his side, looking around.-
-Lundy watched as Rome swipped away the large monklet. He was about to go and help, but when he spotted Cannabis, a bloody heap, he lunged over twoards him. Sure the blood made him sick to his stomache, and yes, he was absaloutly terrified of the germs, but he did his best to help his little brother.- "Ouch...that 'V' will be a scar..." monkeylovefirework Rome didn't like fighting this way, he got off of the little red s**t and gave him a hard knock across the skull. Was he really fighting with an INFANT? This is rediculouse... But he was so full of testosterone he didn't care who it was. Moofuls The 'punch' was certainly the last thing Ven expected, and he actually rolled a short distance before he realized what had happened. Climbing to his feet, he turnned back towards Rome, waiting for a brief wave of dizziness to pass before stalking back towards the older SM. Finally darting forward, he feinted towards Rome's neck and darted back around, pouncing up onto his back instead. Immediately, his tail looped tightly around the older SM's neck, back claws sinking into Rome's back to hold him in place while his forepaws began the process of tearing him to shreads.
twisted Sparrow Depp -Lundy gaped at Rome and the other SM. Rome was atleast 3 times as big, yet he was still losing. A pout came across Lundy's face as he watched his friend getting torn up. He quickly tended to Cannabis, the cautiously aproached the two, he didn't know what to do.- monkeylovefirework Rome yelped in pain and was immobilized in pain. After several minutes of aganizing pain Rome's body went into overdrive and he did a front flip, squashing Ven on the ground underneath him. Moofuls
Venoch was actually beginning to grow bored by the time Rome moved again, and was actually glad for the change... until he was squished, anyway. Yowling more in annoyance than anything, he tightened his tail around Rome's neck, unable to do much else given his current position. The tip of his tail danced around, carving shallow gashes in Rome's neck and along his shoulders. Serves him right, the stupid.monkeylovefirework Rome brought his elbow back and as hard as he was in pain brought it down upon the infants chest and he got up as the little un was gasping for the breath that was just knocked out of him. Moofuls
Ven actually yelped softly as the air was driven out of him, and would have doubled over had not Rome been lying atop him. Once Rome did move, he winced and curled up, waiting until his breath returning to scramble to his feet once more. He crouched for another attack, glaring daggers at Rome, and leapt--only to be caught mid-air by a familiar pair of hands. Snarling a protest, Ven twisted around and wrapped himself defiantly around Banda's upper arm, claws sinking in so that he couldn't be shaking off, tail twining up Banda's arm past his elbow. "I'm trying to FIGHT!"
Banda was seriously regretting having dozed off when he did, now that he could look around and see the damage the demonic SM had caused. Gritting his teeth against a shout, he shot a glare towards the infant clinging to his arm, trying to act as if the 'attack' wasn't bothering him. Finally he shook his head and took a long, slow breath, eyes briefly closing before reopening and turning to Rome. "I'm...very sorry about that, um... Is there anything I can do?"monkeylovefirework After the serious SERIOUS blow to his ego Rome glared at Banda, blood starting to drip onto the floor. He wasn't nesecarily(sp) mad at Banda, he would be mad at any person that attmepted to talk to him or aid him. His stomach was thrashed, his neck was boarderline gushing and his back dripping of blood. He looked around momentarily looking for somewhere to go. Monkey didn't come with him today, he was pretty much kicked out of the house so his parents could be alone on their anniversary. Moofuls Rome's expression was enough to answer Banda, and after a moment he let his gaze fall, mumbling an apology and taking a step back from the teen. He glanced in the general direction of Cannabis, briefly debating offering help to the youngster, but soon decided against it for fear of receiving a reply like Rome's. A sharp pain near his wrist reminded Banda that Ven was still clinging to him, and before anyone could comment he turned and left the building with the young 'demon', off for home again.
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 8:23 am
Just a few more days. Banda wasn't quite sure if he were looking forward to returning home to dreading the day he would have to go back. Street life really wasn't bad once one got the hang of it. Not that he had, but with his job starting soon, he would have more than enough money to live..well...wherever his feet might take him. Appartments were so...constricting. Banda much preferred things this way.
When it wasn't rainy, anyway. Though most of the rain had passed, Banda was completely drenched, having failed to find any better shelter than a tree during the storm. The SM now sat curled up beneath that same tree, glaring up through the branches towards the dreary sky and absently petting the dozing infant on his lap. Venoch, as the infant had named himself, had weathered out the storm from the safety of Banda's heavy coat, and thus was perfectly dry and comfortable. Lucky b*****d...
Still, Banda couldn't help but smile. Despite all appearances, the kid, thus far, hadn't been -that- bad... A few scratches here and there, but Banda passed those off as accidents. Those claws were bound to get in the way for a while. And though food had been a small problem, it hadn't been that hard to come by. Actually...the day would have been absolutely perfect if Banda weren't soaked. Sigh.
Jo had sat there for about then minutes, her coffee gone, and the empty cup still in her hands. But she soon got restless, fiddleing with her cup and looking around for something other to do. She got up, toshing the cup in a near by trash can, and started walking, her hands shoved in her pockets, and her tail laying limp behind her. After walking around the park about eight times, she stomped her feet in frustraiton, and turned around, about to head back to Doomi's when she spoted a lump of brown and red in the corner of her eye. She slowly turned her head to the right, "....Banda?"
It was by sheer luck only that Banda happened to notice Jo speaking to him. Well, not relaly. He must have watched her circle the park, oh, eight times or so. It was something to keep him amused while Venoch napped. But when he happened to catch her eye, and it finally clicked who she was, his mouth literally dropped open, eyes widening in shock. Oh, nononono, no one was supposed to see him here! Like this! Hungry and filthy and looking as if he hadn't bathed in days, and, and...well, Ven wasn't helping matters. Blushing furiously, Banda tore his eyes away and nodded slightly in greeting, murmuring a 'Hello, Jo," just loud enough for her to hear.
Jo stood there for a couple of minutes, staring into space, and rocking a little bit, unsure of weather to go over or not. He didnt really look like he wanted to be bothered, but there really wasnt anything to do. Jo akwardley steped sideways, and walked forward until she was infront of Banda. She looked down at the soggey ground, shruged, then ploped down on her butt, facing Banda. For a moment she looked him up and down. He was wet, and well, dirtey. Jo wondered if it was just an artist thing, but no one would like to get stuck in the rain. She shruged it off, decideing to talk about other things, and if the topic came up, well.."So whos this?" She said, gesturing to the red little furball in his lap.
Honestly, he had hoped she would just leave. It sounded mean, yes, but he really hadn't wanted anyone seeing him like this... That was half the reason he hadn't tried to stay at any friends' houses. And by looking away, he wouldn't see he speak, so he wouldn't have to reply, and she would leave! yes, that was it....
Banda's heart sunk when he saw too feet step before him, eyes briefly closing before reopening and looking up. Jo was sitting, and didn't seem bothered by him, or the wet ground, or the...well, anything. He cracked a smile, holding her gaze briefly before glancing down to the strange SM on his lap. "Him? This is Venoch. I, um, adopted him..sort of. A few days back. Taking him to Moo's."
'Aw, he looks adorible." She said grinning at the little SM. It was hard to belive she was ever that small.
She turned her gaze back to Banda. "I heard your gonna be teaching the high school art class. That should be cool." She smiled warmley. "Sarabi's actully gonna start teaching music class. I was a little surprised. I didnt know she played the drums." Jo chuckled at the thought of Sarabi playing any musical instument. She just didnt seem like the type. She shruged. "And Ive sighed up for colledge classes. Im gonna be learning about filmaking and all that jazz."
Adorable wasn't exactly a word Banda would ever associate with Venoch, but oh well. He was -almost- cute while he was napping, at least, so Banda merely smiled and nodded slightly in reply before turning his eyes back up. Glad for the change of subject, he brightened up and nodded once more. "Yeah. Emelyn offered me the job a couple of days back. Sarabi's teaching music?" Good! He would actually know another teacher, then. Lucky thing, music teacher... Not that he was at all unhappy with art, of course! "My teaching job's kind of an extension of the college courses I'm gonna be taking. They're all art related, and I'm supposed to have some sort of part time job or volunteer thing relating to one of the classes.. So I might as well have a full-time and get paid, right? Film making? That sounds like fun!" He paused, blinking, then reached around the side of the tree and dragged over his bag--just as wet as his own clothes, but the inside was dry. Digging around within it, he continued, "I got this script a while back, but it's for a play--Peter Pan. It's pretty good, and has a bunch of notes and stuff. I could probably make you a copy or something if you wanted..?"
Jo took the script in her hands, looking at the cover thoroughly before fliping through the pages. She had heard of the play before, and had seen parts on the movie when her little siblings had been watching it in the living room. "Sure thing, its sounds like fun. Maybe I could do like, some kind of a modern day version of it." She said, handing the script back to Banda. She was about to speak again, when her side started to beep. She scowled and lifted up her rain coat a little to reveal a black flashing beeper. "Ah, Doomi wants me home. Its probably dinner time. She would have gotten me a cell phone, but I dont like them to much. Anyway," She stood up and brushed some of the dirt and wet off of her bum. "I better be going." She said, a little sad to be leaving. She hadnt talked to Banda in forever. "Hey, home about you come for dinner? I dont know what where having, but if you dont like it theres always something else in the fridge. And Doomi loooves guests. Oh please please pleeease?" She said, putting on a puppy like sad face and blinking her eyes."
Banda smiled, pleased with her response, and carefully replaced the script in his bag, just in case the rain should resume. He hadn't heard the beeper, of course, and actually had to guess how Jo knew she was suddenly wanted at home...but it soon became apparent enough, and he nodded in understanding, opening his mouth to say goodbye, but snapping it shut with her offer. Come over for dinner? "Umm..." Banda knew Doomi, and he knew Doomi was nice and wouldn't mind, but...well, he wasn't exactly, er, suitable to appear at anyones house. He was wet and muddy and dirty and...should probably just stay out here and see if he could scrounge up enough of a meal for Venoch and himself. "I..dunno, I'm not exactly...uh, that is....um.. I'm all muddy and..don't want to mess up her house?"
"Dont worry about it, mum wont care. And Venoch can come to." She said, glancing at the sleeping little creature. The leaned into him a little so she could wisper. "And if you want to shower or anything theres tons of bathrooms. You can use one of the ones in the back apartments, so ya'know, no one would notice?" She really hoped she wasnt being offensive, but he really did look like he needed a bath. She gave him a small simpathetic smile. "Please?"
Banda once more opened his mouth to protest, but settled for merely a deep blush with her words, closing his mouth without a word. He did look all that bad then, huh? Not surprising. It had been a few days since his last shower... (He had snuck into the YMCA's locker room--if anyone saw him, they didn't care.) Excluding the rain, but that couldn't have helped matters. Swallowing his pride, Banda nodded slightly, clearing his throat before replying. "That's...really nice of you to offer, um.. Could really use a shower, but, uh, I dunno if I'll take up the apartment offer.. Don't want to be a burden to anyone."
"You wont burden anyone silly, theres no one living in them yet. Doomi's to much of a lazy fat lard to put an add up, so it just sits there, untouched. Anway, come along. Its just a street or two away from the park I think." She said, reaching out a hand to help him up.
"We'll... We'll see," he replied quietly, but managed a faint smile. Careful not to wake Ven (not that he need have worried--the kid slept like a rock), he picked up the infant in the crook of one arm and took Jo's hand with his free one, climbing to his feet and turning to her. "Lead the way.."
Jo's hand stiffed a bit when he took her hand, and her heart gave a little flutter. She stood there for a moment, her eyes fixed on Banda. He did look quite hansome..even when he was all dirty. She shook herself out of her stupid coma and began walking. The sun was starting to peek out from behind the musty grey clouds, and everything was getting much more dry. The way there she didnt talk much. She really didnt know what had come over her. It was really weird. When they arrived at the house, Jo usered Banda out back to the apartment.. "Its a preety nice apartment." She said stepping inside. It was a big empty, roomey apartment, with a couple of windows, a bathroom, kitchen, and a bedroom area.
"Oh wow..." Banda had been all but silent during the walk over; conversation just didn't seem appropriate for some reason. But once they reached the apartment, his voice returned with an exclamation of appreciation. However, he paused outside the door and removes his shoes before following her in---it wouldn't do to muddy up the carpet when he had only just gotten there. "It's very nice! And...and huge!" Banda hesitated, then turned back to Jo, smiling almost nervously. "This is...way too much, Jo. I...You could be renting this place out, or...or something. I couldn't stay here.."
Jo was a little surprised at what Banda has said. She was really just offering for him to use the shower, but it had come up in her mind, him staying here, so she went along with it. "No way! I mean, its better if its someone we know living here, and not some totaly stranger. And if it makes you feel better, maybe after you get some money you could start paying rent or something, but it probably wouldnt be much. We have spcial discounts for friends of the family." She grined, and pointed to the bathroom. "So, eh, ill let you take your shower, yes? You can just leave you clothes outside the bathroom." She nodded, and headed out the glass sliding door, sitting on the front porch in a white chair.
He silently shook his head in protest, turning to gaze around the room once more. But he could start paying soon, really... Now that he had his teaching job coming up. So it would really only be a day or two... Before he could answer either way, she gestured towards the bathroom and left out the glass door. Blinking, Banda nodded even though she was already gone, pausing outside the door and removing his coat, which he bundled up on the floor and set the still-sleeping Venoch on. Best not to wake him. After a final quick glance towards the door, Banda slipped inside the bathroom. Shower time <3
When Jo was sure Banda was in the shower, she snuck back in. Thankfully the door to the bathroom was shut. She gently scooped up his clothes. She decided that while he was taking a shower she would wash and dry them so they'd be clean for when he got out. She was about to head out to the landry room with the armful of landry when she saw the coat. It was still preety damp, and quite dirty..but Venoch was sleeping on top of it. She sliped into the lined closed and took out a pillow, and set it next to Venoch. Then very gently she lifted him up, all the while wispering, "please dont wake up, please dont wake up..." and gingerly placed him on the pillow. She then grabed the coat and threw it in with the rest of the laundry. It took a little for it to come out, but as soon as it did she folded it up, ploped it on the chair next to the bathroom, and scooted out the door and into the white chair.
Banda was half way through his shower when he realized he didn't have anything to change in to afterwards. However, he didn't dwell on the subject. He had been wearing his dirty clothes for long enough that he didn't much care anymore. But oh was it nice to be clean! The shower was perhaps a bit longer than needed, but Banda -had- to savor it. He wasn't entirely sure he was going to stay, and if he ended up leaving, it would probably be a while before he had a chance for another shower. Best enjoy being clean while he could.
After he had showered and dried off, Banda wrapped a towel around his waist and peeked out of the bathroom to check on Venoch and get his clothes. He paused, blinking in surprise when he saw the infant flopped out across a pillow, and again when he found his clothes clean and neatly folded beside the door. After sending a thankful look towards the front door and chair, Banda scooped up his clothes and ducked back into the bathroom to get dressed.
A short while later he returned and quietly snuck past Ven for the front door, sliding it open and smiling out at Jo. "Done! Thanks very much. You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble.."
"No prob." She said ajusting her glasses. "We, should probably go get something to eat. Doomi's probably done with dinner., but there'll be leftovers in the kitchen. Um...should you wake Venoch?" She said gesturing to the sleeping little lump of red still sprawled out on the pillow. The thing had been sleeping since Jo had met up with Banda. She wondered if he would freak when he found himself in a completely different place from where he had fallen asleep.
"Wake Ven, right, umm..." Banda hesitated, glancing back towards the ball of red fur laying across the pillow. After a moment, he nodded and turned, walking over and crouching beside the pillow. Then, reaching out, he lightly nudged the infant's shoulder, murmuring, "Ven? Wake up, Jo's invited up to dinner..." When there was no response, Banda sighed and tried again, lightly flicking his shoulder. "C'mon, Ven, wake up. It's time to eat din--OW."
Unhappy for the interruption to his nap, Venoch had rolled over and lashed out at the hand prodding him, grinning inwardly when he scored a long gash down the back of it before Banda could snatch it away. Cracking an eye up at the older SM, he glanced to the dripping hand and back, then yawned and stretched lazily. "Food time?"
When Banda's only reply was a nod, Ven rolled over and climbed to his feet, taking no notice of his surroundings and trotting the short distance to Banda, climbing up his leg to his knee, and leaping from there to his arm, eventually clawing his way to Banda's shoulder. Thank goodness for thick coats.
After quietly wiping his hand clean on the inside of a pocket, Banda rose to his feet and turned back to Jo, cracking a smile. "Right, so, um... Whenever you're ready."
Jo was a little horrified by the small monkeys behavior, but Banda didnt seem to be affected by it much, so she just shook it off. "Er, yea. Come this way." She said leading them into the house. The house was a mess, as usual. Clothes, toys, and people strewn about the house. Jo steped over someones sleeping body and headed into the kitchen. Doomi liked to decorate each room with a theme. The kitchen's theme was stragley, elephantes. They were everywhere, on the wallpaper, the cabinits, the napkins. The table was even shaped like a pig pink elephant. "Please egnore...well, everything." she said, opening the fridge. "Looks like we have...pasta salad, regular salad, turkey sandwiches and...cheesecake she said, getting the things one by one out of the fridge and setting them on the table. Then she got plates,and set the table, setting herself down and grabing for the pasta salad. "Here ya go, enjoy. If you dont like anything, theres probably something in the fridge. But stay clean of the peanut butter gummy worm sandwiches, those are Squidleys, and he'll have a fit if you eat em all."
Banda hardly seemed to notice the mess, or, if he did, he pretended not to. Venoch, on the other hand, sneered in disdain at the various clothes and toys strewn across the floor. How pitiful. Upon reaching the kitchen, he hopped down onto the table and watched hungrily as Jo set out the food, earning himself a warning glare from Banda. Ignoring it, he helped himself to a turkey sandwich and curled up to enjoy himself...meanwhile eyeing the cheesecake.
Sighing an apology to Jo, Banda sunk down into a chair, eyes wandering the spread before he helped himself to a turkey sandwich of his own and some salad. "Thanks very much, Jo. You've no idea what a big help this is..."
Jo had engored the way Ven had acted. Her siblings acted the same way close to dinner time, so she was used to it. "Really, dont worry about it." She said through a mouthful of pasta. "I mean, just think as it as staying over visting for a couple of days when your not paying, and when you are, its your apartment, we just happen to live infront of you."
It was then when a pink head poped around the corner. "Hey, Banda's hear!" Yelled Doomi, and tackled Banda in a big warm hug. When she straighted up, she grined down at Venoch. "And who is this?" She was wearing a pink tee-shirt, with the words, "Huggle!" written across it, and black arm socks, and black baggy capri pants with pockets, and sandals.
"Mum, Bandas and Venoch are gonna be staying with us for a couple of days, then there gonna be renting out the back apartment, ok?"
A huge grin spread across Doomi's face "Yay! Banda is going to living with us? How fuuun!" She said, giving a little twirl. A crash then could be heard from the living room, followed by a series of curses. Doomi looked towards the living room, then back at them. "Well, I better go see about that. "If you need anything, im here, and Jo is too." She said, and hoped out towards the living room.
"Sorry about that." Said Jo shaking her head. "Mom doesnt know the meaning of personal space."
Banda nodded slightly in reply to Jo's words, silently agreeing, but nontheless very thankful for her generosity. He began to speak, but was nearly knocked out of his chair when Doomi tackled him, and settled to merely clinging to her for dear life until he regained his balance. Chuckling softly, he cracked a grin in greeting, murmuring 'Hallo, Doomi" before simply settling down to 'listen' in on her and Jo's conversation.
He grinned in relief when she seemed to approve of the idea, though it faltered slightly as both Doomi and Jo looked towards the crash--he hadn't heard it. He slowly turned towards it, blinking curiously, but almost immediately lost interest and returned to his meal, nodding his thanks to Doomi before she bustled off. Turning his eyes to Jo, he smiled. "Don't worry about it. Mine's the same way, trust me."
Jo smiled at the thought of her mother friend Moofuls, they were both the strangest people Jo had ever met. But they both just needed some getting used to. Jo remebered when she first came to live with Doomi, how she dreamed of running away from the madhouse. But things had gotten much better since then.
Jo finished up her dinner, cleaned up her mess, and then turned back to Banda. He probably wanted his privacy, and some time to get settled in his new apartment. "Er, well, im gonna head upstairs, I have some things to get done before bed." She said gestureing towards the stairs.
Banda finished his meal at about the sime as Jo, and help to clean up the mess. (Ven was busy finishing off a second turkey sandwich and just ignored them.) Returning to the table, he nodded slightly in reply to Jo's words, smiling warmly. "Aye, um.. Ven and I'll just head back to the apartment, I s'pose. Again, thanks so much, Jo."
He waited until she had gone, then scooped up Ven (sandwich and all) and deposited the infant, who growled, on his shoulder, heading back outside and to the apartment..
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 8:32 am
At present, the artist was lounging around behind the school, taking a break after teaching his class and before heading off to college for classes of his own. He was in a rather vulnerable position all in all--seated on the ground leaning against the wall, eyes closed while he enjoyed his smoke, and, of course, he couldn't hear--, not that that had occurred to the SM. After all, it was a high school, and he was a teacher. What could happen?
Rome, on orders from the last person who had saw Banda, walked around the corner of the school and felt his stomach drop as he spotted the anthro SM. Immediatly he forgot what he was even doing there, alright... Maybe he had remembered but he didn't think it was you know... Alright, so it was needed... But Rome was nervous none the less.
Slowly the blue fuzz approached Banda and without remembering that he was deaf (from only being told once) started to talk and appoligize, fumbling all over the place. He wasn't even looking at Banda in this moment, nervous of his reaction. After he was finished, which didn't take more then a couple seconds since he was talking so fast. Looking at Banda Rome went through all of the things he could have said differently in his head, cursing each one of them. It took him a couple moments to realize Banda didn't do anything, maybe he was asleep? But he was moving, and smoking... Which smelled really good.
"Mr. Banda?" Rome gave him a tiny tap to his foot with his paw, hopeing to get some movement. He was breathing, right?
Oblivious as he was to Rome's arrival, Banda jumped about a foot in the air with the light tap, in the same movement knocking off his hat and dropping his 'cig' on the ground. Once he had calmed enough to realize who it was, he sighed heavily and snatched up his hat, then turned his attention to the grass and dug around for his treat. No use wasting them--they were still quite expensive. Finally finding it, he carefully dusted it clean, in the same moment returning his eyes to Rome and quirking a brow.
Well, this was about the last meeting he had ever expected. After the incident with Ven... but, well, Ven wasn't here right now, was he? Banda could only hope Rome wasn't going to hand him a law suit or something. But he was looking much better, even given the short few days... Though the banadages were clearly evident. Erk. Smiling in what he hoped was a polite way, Banda stuck the end of the 'cig' in his mouth and leaned back against the wall once more, taking a long drag before returning Rome's 'greeting'. "Yes, can I help you?"
As Banda jumped so did Rome, about almost falling over. Not minding the bit of pain it caused him he stared at Banda for a second. Had he not heard him?... OH!! DUH! Dumbass... Rome scolded (sp) himself mentally before smiling. This gave him the perfect oppertunity to go over everything he wanted to say and now how he wanted to say it.
"Hey, I uh... I wanted to appoligize for the way I reacted avter the incident with the little monklet. I uhh, tried to break up a fight between him and Duck- Lundy's little brother, Cannabis and hold him down. Which resulted in the bandages. My pride and ego, was as scratched as my flesh." The last sentence he had stolen from Lundy as he was being bandaged up, and then his mom after he was being re-bandaged up. Unusually however, as he spoke his surfer accent was down to a bare minimum to show his respect and sincerity, even if Banda couldn't hear him he still felt that he owed him. He wrapped his tail around his leg and waited for a responce, half expecting being told that he had got what was comming to him for some odd karma thing, but every now and then he took a deep breath in to get a scent of the thing Banda was smoking.
Banda wasn't much for the goes-around, comes-around way of life. He was a firm believer in second chances. And third...and fourth...and so on. Just not when they applied to himself. Things didn't work that way.
He listened patiently throughout Rome's explanation, and smiled his thanks when the blue SM finished, setting the cig aside while he spoke. "It's quite alright, and I understand perfectly. I'm very sorry about Venoch... He's, um, easily provoked, and not at all lenient..." As if too prove his point, Banda slid up one of the arms of his coat, displaying the long, scabbed-over gashes for a brief moment before letting the sleeve fall. "But..um.. he's getting better, I think. And again, I'm very sorry. If there's anything I can do for you or, what was his name, Cannabis? Just let me know."
After taking a deep sigh of releaf that Banda didn't yell at him for 'picking on an infant' that he got before he explained the situation to Monkey, Rome loosened up a little. He eyed the rolled up thing on the ground but was brought back to attention by Banda's arms which caused him to cringe promptly. "I'll probably have some gnarly scars after these bandages come off and especially when I get into anthro. My biggest problem is I can't get in the ocean with open wounds like this. Sting... Sharks... No..." Rome chuckled a little then went on.
"Cannabis, the little Pot he uhh, he's just thick headed. I'll do my part if you do yours in making sure the two stay away from each other. Or I'll at least try when I can. But what's... What's that?" Romes eyes returned to the thing Banda was sucking on. It didn't exactly look like a cigarette... But it didn't look like the pictures of blunts that he'd seen.
Ehh, Ven wasn't exactly a normal infant, and, if Banda knew him, had probably started the fight to begin with. Gnarly scars? ...Well, whatever floats your boat. Personally, Banda was hoping the gashes on his arms didn't scar. Most people were likely to think something other than Venoch if they were seen...so best to wear long sleeves until they healed. Yeah. "I'm not sure I've ever been to the ocean," he admitted, blinking. "Lakes and rivers and such, yes, but not the ocean itself...hmm..." Well, he would have to make that trip when he had a chanec. Venoch would probably enjoy it..
"Little Pot." Banda blinked, then snickered at the nickname. Poor kid. Hopefully it wouldn't be a sign for things to come. However, it almost seemed as if Rome had been leading up to the subject when he pointed out the 'cig'. Banda momentarily tensed, then shrugged it off and scooped the butt off the ground, double checking to be sure it was out before pocketing it. Couldn't leave that lying around campus. "Just a cigarette. Bad habit of mine, I'm afraid."
Everything else was pushed out of Rome's mind including his astonishment of Banda never being to the ocean as the thing was pocketed out of sight. He wasn't a COMPLETE idiot. "Hmm, those're bigger then my Dad and Mom's, then again neither of them know the other smokes... But, can I umm..." He motioned to the anthro's pocket, should he? Ah ******** it, he'd never been shy beofre, why start now?
"Can I have one, or try one at least?" Rome licked his lips, he knew how Kat and Monkey acted after they had a cigarette and right now he wanted to feel like that. The blue teen was always up for trying something new, blue was only the color of his fur.
Ahh, dammit, this wasn't supposed to happen. Banda frowned, hesitated, and finally just shook his head, slipping his hands defensively into his pockets. "Even if I could, I wouldn't. They're addicting. Besides, I'm a teacher, if not yours specifically, and you're practically still a kid. You shouldn't be smoking anything."
Expecting a little resistance Rome sat down and put his paw to the back of his skull to itch a scratch that popped up when he was thinking. "Aw, come on... It's not that big of a deal, just want to try it. I won't tell anyone. It's not like after having one I'll fall over after walking 3 steps and die of deprevation from one, you know?"
Banda shook his head, pulling his hands from his pockets and folding his arms across his chest. "Absolutely not. Besides, I don't have one lit, and I'd rather not waste another just so you can have a try. You're too young, and they're really not good for you. Once you're older, maybe you can find some for yourself or something..." He shrugged. It wouldn't be his fault, then. It was Rome's life, not his.
Plan B... "Ah... Well it'd be a shame for people to find out that a teacher has been smoking behind the school. I mean that can't look too good... Ms. Em probably wouldn't be happy, and neither would the other teachers. It would be a shame to lose your job, wouldn't it? And besides, wasn't it you who let Venoch out of your sight to wonder around the HQ by himself which resulted in all this pain and bandages?"
Ohh, that was low. Banda paled slightly, mouth dropping open as he began to protest, but soon snapping shut without a word. He sighed, shaking his head, and ran a hand through his hair before anxiously turning his eyes to Rome. "You wouldn't really...I... I can't lose this job, Rome, it.." No job meant no money, no money meant no home, and that meant back to the streets for himself and Venoch. And, while he could cope well enough, Ven shouldn't have to endure that, young as he was. And now he was guilt tripping about the fight... "If I give you one... And this is if, mind, you have to swear not to tell anyone.. For that matter, not tell 'em where you got it if you're caught, alright? And this is the only time, Rome."
Rome hid a quick grin of accomplishment behind his skull then he nodded somberly. "Of course, only time." Unless he wanted more another time "Won't tell anyone." Unless he completly ripped him off or turned him in. He wasn't even worried about Banda telling anyone that he was sharing his precious 'cig's especially when he was making such a big deal about Rome not telling anyone.
Banda eyed him suspiciously, but finally nodded, slipping a hand into his pocket and withdrawing one of the cigarettes, as well as a lighter. After eyeing it almost sadly, he lit it and hesitated a moment before carefully passing it over to Rome. Immediately afterwards, he pulled out a second and helped himself to it. Bloody teens blackmailing him and stressing him out further. "Be careful for your first. They're pretty strong."
Rome took the cig smoothly as if it was no big thing and eyed it then with a flick of his tail he mumbled "acuna matata" to himself and then took a drag. Immediatly he coughed a little, turning his head to the side but as soon as he stopped coughing he took another drag, a little longer and held it in for a few seconds before letting it slide out.
"Not gonna lie, it burns a little. But it tastes good!" He said through a little cough he was trying to hold back. The masochistic SM continued to take drags and eventually layed down on the ground, feeling a little light headed but he was loving it.
Banda was absolutely disgusted with himself. He had just given drugs to a minor--which could potentially get him addicted, and then have him try various others and eventually ruin his life--to save his own a**, and job, and, specifically, food provider. Had he any sense, he probably would have snatched back the 'cig' before Rome could even begin to get used to it, but as it was he was a bit preoccupied with his own cig and didn't bother. Served the little wretch right if he ruined his life. Banda had warned him. Besides, this one wasn't -all- that bad... "You get used to it. But this was a one time only thing, remember, so you hold your silence and don't bother me for more." They were expensive, dammit.
Rome stretched with one arm, holding the cig close. "Dude... This is tight... I owe you..." With a grin Rome took another longer drag and coughed a little. He liked everything, he was enjoying everything about this moment aside of Banda's dislike for him. But Banda would get over it, he'd be getting a lot closer to Banda as long as his little infant wasn't around. Try to get on his good side.
"So man... Where do you get these?"
Despite his annoyance, Banda gradually relaxed once more, especially when Rome seemed likely to agree to the 'demand'. Slumping back against the wall, he took another long drag of the cigarette and debated simply closing his eyes and ignoring Rome until the teen went away. However, the question decided for him, and Banda frowned, shaking his head slightly. "That's for me to know and you not to. Mind your own business. Besides, one time thing, it really doesn't matter where I got it."
"Alllright dude, no harm no foul." Rome closed his eyes and put his head down, starting to enjoy the sting that accompained each drag. It was relaxing and he was getting more and more light headed with a big smile across his face. There was no denying that he would be wanting more, just to have like under his bed in the safety box his mom had given him to keep his private things and prized articles in in case of stressful situation or a bad bad day. How he was going to get more was one of the farthest things from his mind though, he was just vasking in the moment.
Well, that was much easier than he had anticipated. Banda's frown faded, and he actually cracked a smile, closing his eyes and relaxing back against the wall to enjoy his cig. If Rome wanted anything, he could just tap his shoulder or something. Complete lack of sight and sound was only pleasant when one was semi-high on....well, whatever these cigs were, exactly. Banda should probably find out. Flatline had told him once, but...he hadn't really cared at the time. It wasn't anything -too- bad.
As the 'cig' finished Rome was done. He did not want to move! But he knew that if he wanted to get a ride home he'd have to get one from Sparrow who was leaving soon. The filter came all too soon in Rome's opinion. Looking at Banda he wondered if it'd be a good idea to try to steal some more from him, he was deaf and semi-high... He might be able to get away with it. Worth a shot!
Rome put his 'cig' out in the sidewalk then rubbed his paws together and took a deep breath, sitting next to Banda he could see a couple sticking out of the top of the bunch of them. Caaareful... Caaaarefullllll.... Caaareful! Don't hit the side! Rome yelled at himself as he reached into Banda's coat pocket very slowly and very carefully. He'd done this many times without his mom and/or dad noticing and only got caught when he wasn't smart about it. But those were his parents and these stakes were MUCH higher.
It was hard to tell whether Banda were really even awake or not. Aside from the occasional movements of his hand he was still, remaining where he was seated with his eyes closed. If he noticed the slight tug at his pocket as the cigs were dragged away, he didn't react; It wasn't important right now. For all he knew, Rome might even have left. And that meant that Banda could enjoy the rest of his break in silence, and head off to class afterwards. Yeah.
Seeing as how Banda was so peaceful and enjoying such, Rome grabbed the 3 cigs and tucked them in his messenger bag that was slung around his shoulder and then headed off to his next class. Being a couple minutes late was deffenatly worth it!
Rome was long gone by the time Banda 'awoke'. He yawned, stretching out, then sadly eyed the butt of his 'cig' before pocketing it. He'd throw it away when he could find a trash can. Climbing to his feet, he glanced towards the sun for a quick guess at the time--he didn't own a watch--then headed off to his class. It wouldn't be until some time later that he noticed the cigs were missing, and by then, well....he couldn't exactly do much, could he?
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Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 3:56 pm
She grabed her bag and headed down the stairs. "Be back at twelve!" She shouted to Doomi as she headed out the door, grabing her tan corderoy jacket on the way.
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It was about three o'clock when Jo stagered across the lawn, leaning against the side of the house for support. There must have been something in that those drinks. But she had kept siping them...it had made her feel less awkward. Somehow she had managed to get home. She wasnt quite acting like herself, to say the least. "Wheres the damn door.." She mumbled as she felt the side of the house, heading towards the back of it. When she reached the door to the apartment, she straighted up, swaying a little, and squinted. "There ist it.." She said, grasping the handle and steping inside. She stagered around the room, looking around. "Where amb I?" She said. After a couple of mintues groping around in the dark, she found a bed, and floped down in it. It was a little later when she relized that there was another living lump in the bed. She rolled over, and looked down at the face on the pillow, getting down real close to see who it was. "Hulo Banda...what ar yoo doin here?" She said, swaying a little,
Night was always eerie for Banda. It was bad enough that he couldn't hear a thing, but during the night, with the lights out, he couldn't see anything either. it was different from daytime closed eyes. When there was light, even with your eyes closed, you could see colors...light. But at night, that was gone. Complete sensory deprivation.
Except for touch. Banda had come to reply heavily on touch during the night, and was unusually sensitive to small movements and the like. Thus, it wasn't surprising when the shifting of something climbing onto his bed woke him. Banda was really too tired to care, however, and took it to be Ven. Even that little bugger was bound to get scared at night sooner or later, right?
But warm breath on his face was something completely different. Banda's eyes snapped open, took a moment to focus in the darkness, and when he saw a face he practically jumped away--falling of the bed in a tangle of sheets in the process. It wasn't until he was on the floor and attempting to free himself that he spared another glance towards the stranger. it was dark--he couldn't recognize her, nor could he distinguish her by her voice. "W-who's there?"
"Its mee shilly." Jo said, wriggling to the edge of the bed to peer over at him. "Hey..wadare you doin on da floor.." A sudden lurch in her belly made her roll back onto her back. "I dun feel too gud.."
Banda still had no idea who it was, nor could he exactly reply. How stupid of him, he thought. Even if someone told him who they were, he couldn''t hear them, and it was too dark for him to read lips. Squirming free of the sheets, he edges back away from the bed towards the wall, then climbed to his feet and shifted around towards the light switch, never taking his eyes off the form on the bed.
his hand fumbled along the wall, finally finding the switch and flicking it on. Instantly light flooded the room, and Banda briefly closed his eyes against it. Waaay too bright. However, he reopened his eyes almost immediately--couldn''t risk whoever was on the bed coming closer while his eyes were closed.
And then Banda recognized he and blinked, relaxing somewhat. Frowning faintly, he quirked a brow and took a wary step towards the bed. "Jo..? What''re you doing in here?"
Jo ingnored his question, standing up, and imediatly loosing her balance and leaning into him for support. She put her hands on his shoulders and looked up into his face blinking slowly. "...Your preety Banda." She said and pressed her lips to his, holding them there for a second, then moving back and floping back on the bed as if nothing had happened. "Im tired.." She wined, and curled up on the bed. "That pardy was so boring." She said, yawning.
Banda automatically wrapped his arms around her to help steady her, but the kiss...completely stunned him. And then she pulled away, and he could smell (and taste) alcohol, and everything fell into place. Banda took a small step back when she returned to the bed, sighing softly and running a hand through his hair. This wasn't good. She was drunk and had pretty much taken over his bed, and he was half dressed and hadn't the heart to kick her out. Or even bring her to Doomi's, for that matter. They had gone to all this trouble to let him stay here, the least he could do was return the favor.
He sighed once more, then stepped back over to the bed and sunk down to sit on the edge, reassuringly resting a hand on her shoulder. "You stay here and sleep tonight, alright? You can have this bed. I'll be right on the couch in the other room if you need anything, okay? And the bathroom's just down the hall if you start feeling bad.." Banda had never had to handle a drunk before. Would that be good enough? Should he sit in here and make sure she didn't stop breathing or something? Oh, he was confused...
Jo uncurled from her ball slightly, and leaned up on her elbow. She reched over with her other hand and took Banda's. "No...stay. Your warm.." She said quietly, and put her heavy head back on the bed. Her curls had started to unstraighted, and she had lost one of her sandles in the back yard. She probably wouldnt be getting sick, she had already emtied herself at the end of the party, on the front step of the place. She would most likely not be warmly welcomed back to that place again. But her head was stilly dizzy and throbed horrible ever so often. She moaned slighty, and squeezed her eyes shut, hoping the pain in her head would leave soon.
Banda grimaced. He would really have rathered sleep on the couch... But, then again, what could happen? He wasn't drunk (or even high, for that matter). He wasn't going to...take advantage of her or anything. The worse that could happen would be Jo waking up the next morning and thinking he -had- taken advantage of her or something of the sort. But he couldn't just leave her... It was a risk he'd have to take.
But still he hesitated. It was just...awkward. Yeah, he and Jo were friends, but they really didn't know each other all that well, and... Banda shook his head, then shifted to stretch out on the bed beside her, holding her hand with his while the other reassuringly rubbed her back. "You just relax, get some rest... You'll feel better in the morning. I'm not going anywhere."
Jo snuggled into Banda happily, excepting the extra warmth, her head resting on his shoulder. She probably woulnt remeber anything in the morning. Everything would just be a big blur. But she relaxed, sighing gently. Despite her still constant headache, she soon drifted off into a deep sleep, unaware of what was to come the following morning.
It was a while before sleep came to Banda. Mostly due to the somewhat uncomfortable position of Jo snuggled against him. Not that he wasn't comfortable! Actually, it would have been -very- nice if she were in her right mind. But the whole situation left Banda feeling nervous and jumpy, and he would have liked nothing more than to sneak onto the front porch and enjoy one of his cigs. However, he didn't want to wake Jo, so he just endured it. And, an hour or so after Jo drifted off, so did he.
It was late the next morning when Jo actully woke up. She layed there more a couple of mintues with her eyes closed. She finnaly sat up, her eyes open, and groaned at the excrusiating pain in her head. As she came too all the way, she started to relize something was wrong. "Where am I?" She said, blinking and looking around the apartment, her heart starting to thump in her chest. But it only increased rapidly as she looked next to her, seeing Banda's still sleeping body laying next to her. She yelled in shock, and almost fell off the bed in surprise. It was then when she rememberd last night. It came to her in small blurry flashes. "Oh...my...freaking...God. Did we?! Did I?! Oh my God!" She put her hand to her head, staring stunned down at the bed.
It wasn't the scream that woke Banda, but the sudden movements of the woman in his arms--clearly terrified. Laying on the bed, eyes stubbornly closed, his first conscious thought was that Ven had found them and was attacking. But even that didn't get much of a reaction out of him. Banda wasn't exactly a morning person. Another moment passed, and it finally clicked; Banda quickly sat up, made a move to help Jo, got tangled in the blankets and slipped backwards off the bed, hanging awkwardly with his legs still on the bed, tangled in the sheets, and his shoulders against the floor.
Groaning, he set about attempting to free himself, and only after he had loosed one leg and managed to climb back onto the bed did he realize what Jo was thinking. Eyes widening in shock, Banda held up both hands to calm her and shook his head. "No, no, nothing happened, Jo, I swear. You were drunk and not feeling well, and I wanted to make sure you didn't accidently hurt yourself or anything, let you sleep here, but you didn't want me to go sleep on the couch, so..." That sounded about right. Banda was sure it had happened something like that, but he was a bit too tired to really think it through right just yet. However, he did know nothing had happened. He would definitely if anything had.
She groaned even louder this time and floped back onto the pillows. "Im so so soo sorry Banda. I dont know what came over me. Actully I do. I was drunk." Oh, she felt so stupid. Banda must have thought she was an idiot. She warily looked over at him. It actully wasnt so bad waking up next to him. If only the circumstances were different. She sat up again, her head still throbing. "..Thanks Banda. For looking after me. Im and idiot.." She had grabed one of the pillows, and was clingying to it nervously. She burried her face into it, to hide her distress.
Banda sighed heavily in relief when she believed him and calmed down a bit, and set about detangling his other leg from the blankets. Very much relieved, he chuckled softly and shook his head, tossing the blanket aside once freed and shifting to rest a hand on her shoulder. "You're not an idiot. You just had a little too much to drink, s'all. I'm just glad you found your way here instead of passing out on some stranger's lawn or something..."
Even though she was on the brink of tears, she couldnt help but laugh at the though of her passed out on the grass of someones home. But she choked it back, making it sounds like a weird hiccup. She hugged the pillow tighter to her chest. "I would be if you hadnt been so kind to me. If I had to wake up in anybodys bed, I defietly would be yours. Wait- er...?" She shook her head. Her head was still a little messed up. Hangovers sucked.
Even though Banda knew what she really meant by the statement, he couldn''t help but blush with the thoughts it provoked. Falling momentarily silent, he looked away, but soon cleared his throat and resumed again, preventing the awkward silence thatw as bound to follow if he didn''t. "I, um, know what you meant. And really, it was no trouble. I''m just glad you''re alright."
Jo's cheeks got a little pink also. "Thanks. Well...I better get going. Doomi's probably not awake yet, and hopefully I can sneek through without getting noticed." She said, letting go of the pillow, and climbing off the bed. She was still a little overwhelmed by the situation, and swayed as she straighted up on her own two feet. "Thanks for everything Banda, your the greatest, really." And with that she leaned forward, on hand supporting her weight on the bed, and kissed him on the cheek. She couldnt help turning a light of pink, but she turned her face away to hide it, and headed to the door. She said a flat, "goodbye." as she turned and shut the door. She turned, and leaned againt it for a moment, sucking in a large about of air, then made her way across the grass. There was thankfully, nobody around downstairs, and she was abile to get into her room undetectid. She floped down onto her bed, feeling a slight pang of disapointent as it was not as warm and comfortable as last night. Her eyes slowly closed, and she once again drifted into sleep.
"Good luck," Banda replied as she climbed to her feet, offering a faint smile. He blinked, blush only deepening with the light kiss, and he merely murmured a quiet 'Anytime' before she turned and headed away. Banda waited until he heard the front door closed, let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, then climbed to his feet and headed for the appartment's little kitchen. Coffee. Yes, coffee would be really good right now...
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Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 4:43 pm
I guess I just havdn't expected things to work out so well. We've got an apartment now. Behind Doomi's house, actually. It's lovely, if rather simple. I haven't bothered to buy, well, anything for it... Most everything was supplied. The main furniture, kitchen utensils, etc.... I think they must use it as a guest house when no one's staying here.
My job, I'm not sure if I've mentioned it, is going great. Bit of a rocky start, but that's typical, i think. The students are very talenter... Much better than I had expected, actually, and getting better. It's a small class, which is good, and I knew two of the students before... Kailee and odd, of all people. Hopefully Kai'll let the family know I'm alright so they won't worry.
Ven's settled in very well. I feel a bit guilty for leaving him home alone during the school day, but... um. I'd rather not risk him in a kindergarten class. he likes being home along, anyway, and this apartment's safe enough, what with Doomi's family right there. I think he spends most of his time watching TV. He likes horror movies. I don't.
While on the subject of Ven, he...um, well, sort of attacked another SM when we visited the HQ? They had a little fight, the kid threw a pie at him, and Ven sort of... you know, threatened to kill him. And then this other SM, Rome, jumped in and tried to help the kid, and Ven tore him up pretty badly...
But, I mean, you'd think they'd have known better! I blame myself for not keeping a close eye on Ven, yes, but, well... Look at him! I mean, really, he's not someone anyone at all near his size should provoke. Ah... I tried to help, but Rome just got mad, so we left. Venoch was very pleased with himself...
It turns out Rome goes to the SM highschool where I teach... He caught me out back smoking on my break and, um, sort of blackmailed me into giving him one of my cigs. It had a stronger effect on him than me. Not surprising considering I'm fifth and he's...not. I think he stole a few more cigs, too, but I may have just smoked them and not remember. It happened sometimes.
I still feel guilty. I hope he doesn't get..addicted or anything. They'r enot as bad as many things, but still... They're not just normal cigs... Moving on.
What else, what else? Oh! Um. Jo showed up here a couple of weeks back. She was drunk... I think she had been at a party or something. She got the buildings mixed up and came in here and in my bed. Scared the heck out of me, I tell you; especially because it was dark, so I couldn't see, and I couldn't hear her and... Well, I couldn't recognize her.
But I got the light on and it was much easier. I let her stay the night so I could make sure she didn't hurt herself and, well, because she wanted to. She left early the next morning and I haven't seen her since.
I hope she's alright... It's so awkward being here. I think I preferred living on the streets. There's too much free time now to reflect on how things used to be... How they could be now.
I'll have to try and get back in touch with some people... Isto, Moo, Jo... Noyama, maybe. It would be good to see her again. And Lyrus, too. I wonder what he's up to...?
Erk, um, Ven's calling. More when I have time. Bye.
--Banda
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