Ups and Downs [FC Guys]

[Jay]

The sky was dark outside of Forest Castle. Lightning flashed, and the gushing sound of rain and the rolling sound of thunder had been a common sound all morning long and was now persisting into the early afternoon hour. Stormy weather was stormy.

The sounds of feet stomping as they walked down the hallways of the castle melded with the symphony outside as a dark haired young man moved rapidly through it with one hand in his coat pocket and the other in a sling in front of him. A sharp breath accompanied a narrowed pair of eyes threatening whoever happened to be in the vicinity. However, there was nothing to be leering at for the hallway was bare at the moment.

Though Haiiro Navi wasn’t as livid as his appearance appeared, his mood was far from the best at the moment. He was upset in one form or another, but he wasn't about to fight as much as his body wanted to. No, he was actually running away from something, or rather someone now. That someone had been pestering him for the last few days and wouldn’t stop pestering him no matter what threats he said nor whatever punches he retaliated with. He was stuck as to what to do, and finally he resorted to the more spineless of his maneuvers in life, avoidance. Even on a day where one was charmed to sit down with a mug of hot coco and a blanket, he was on his feet and moving endlessly through the hallway.

That damn bastard was smiling at me too...and....ugh damn it. Haiiro growled though his thoughts didn't explain themselves at the moment. Walking swiftly down the hallway of choice, Haiiro then turned when he’d reached a fork of sorts and started down a different hallway. He wasn’t sure where he was going, but he was going somewhere at least. Turning down to go down another hallway, he suddenly went crashing into a wall. What the hell? Frowning, he stared at the wall wondering if he had just imagined that another hallway was there or something. Fuck my life. Groaning, Haiiro’s fist clenched, and he was one second away from punching the wall when logic reasoned that he probably needed that arm even if he couldn’t do much with it. Lowering his hand, he sighed and turned around before starting to walk down the hallway again. Faster, if that was possible.

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/miguelposttable.png,bTable][atrb=style,border:0 tan none,b,Table][atrb=width, 421][atrb=height, 300][scrolly:h(240),w(218),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:105px;margin-left:15px;margin-top:20px;color: darkgoldenrod;)]Miguel had been reading a book in the library when the sounds of stomping feet reached his ears. Curious, he placed the book on the table in front of him and stepped out of the library just in time to see Haiiro walk/stomp past the library once again. Blinking, Miguel walked downstairs, Miguel watched as Haiiro once again stomped past him...."Haiiro? Is everything all right?"Miguel asked after a moment of simply watching the man stomp by only to crash into a wall. Sweatdropping, Miguel approached the man and put a firm yet gentle hand on Haiiro's shoulder as he turned around in an effort to stop him. "Haiiro..."Miguel began in a concerned voice,"What's going on...."[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv181/SojiRem/haiironavitable-1.png);][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 297][atrb=style,border:0 navy none,b,Table][scrolly:h(210),w(249),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:62px;margin-left:240px;color:#373555;)]Miguel's words had gone unheard at first, but as the man's hand set itself on the coat shoulder of Haiiro, he froze. A part of him was ready to retaliate, to smack away whoever the hell had just stopped him whether it be... the person who had put him in this mood or some other innocent bystandard. Upon seeing Miguel, though, Haiiro thought better of trying to fight the tall knight of all damn things. He used swords and shit right? Haiiro wasn't in the mood to get cut. Hell he wasn't in any kind of mood... He... Turning around on one heel, Haiiro crossed one arm over his casted and slung up arm. "I don't know what you're talking about," he snapped a good deal harder than intended. Realizing this, he cut off and slowly directed his line of sight downwards and wasn't sure exactly what more to say or do. It wasn't that one at least, but even being around someone else was ... Well honestly it wasn't like he was getting any better by being alone, but .... "I just keep getting lost in this damn castle," he stated not really a full lie but a habituation lie. It was true he did keep getting lost, but in this case he had started moving around without any aim except to get away and... maybe work off some steam, maybe. [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/miguelposttable.png,bTable][atrb=style,border:0 tan none,b,Table][atrb=width, 421][atrb=height, 300][scrolly:h(240),w(218),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:105px;margin-left:15px;margin-top:20px;color: darkgoldenrod;)]Miguel removed his hand from Haiiro's shoulder when he faced him and crossed his own arms. Raising an eyebrow when Haiiro claimed to not know what he was talking about, Miguel simply stood there waiting for an answer that made more sense. Hearing Haii speak again, Miguel sighed quietly and shook his head,"Someone who is lost would hardly be stomping around the hallways..."he stated, frowning slightly before uncrossing his arms,"However, I would be more than happy to show you to where you would like to go...perhaps then you can tell me what is truly bothering you."[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv181/SojiRem/haiironavitable-1.png);][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 297][atrb=style,border:0 navy none,b,Table][scrolly:h(210),w(249),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:62px;margin-left:240px;color:#373555;)]The bottom lid of Haiiro's eye twitched, and he scowled at Miguel. "I was stomping because I'm irritated with this damn castle. I'm leaving as soon as this storm is over," he replied sharply as blue eyes rose to stare at Miguel before shifting away again. But...then she'd... Sighing, again, Haiiro ended up turning his form completely around again. "And I don't want your help. I can find it on my own." [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/miguelposttable.png,bTable][atrb=style,border:0 tan none,b,Table][atrb=width, 421][atrb=height, 300][scrolly:h(240),w(218),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:105px;margin-left:15px;margin-top:20px;color: darkgoldenrod;)]At the reason as to why Haiiro had been stomping around the castle, Miguel frowned a little more and crossed his arms again. He wasn't blind...Miguel knew all too well how much Elayne cared for this man...saw how she lit up when Haiiro was in the room. Sighing, Miguel continued to listen even as Haiiro turned around before putting a firm hand on his shoulder once again. "You may not seek my help, but nevertheless I am offering it. Surely you would have found your destination by now if you didn't need assistance..."he replied, obviously not taking no for an answer.[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv181/SojiRem/haiironavitable-1.png);][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 297][atrb=style,border:0 navy none,b,Table][scrolly:h(210),w(249),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:62px;margin-left:240px;color:#373555;)]Haiiro flinched at Miguel's hand was once again set on his shoulder, the damage of the bombings was healing slowly , and anything over the lighter form that Miguel had used a few seconds ago physically hurt Pulling away and backing up again, Haiiro leered. "Look. I don't know who the fuck you think you are or who the hell you think I am, but I already said I don't need your help," Haii growled back. He was more talkative than usual, but that was the compensation aspect of his dilema. He was irritated but didn't was sadly sure that he wouldn't be able to get away with some physical retaliation. "So just leave me alone." [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/miguelposttable.png,bTable][atrb=style,border:0 tan none,b,Table][atrb=width, 421][atrb=height, 300][scrolly:h(240),w(218),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:105px;margin-left:15px;margin-top:20px;color: darkgoldenrod;)]Miguel withdrew his hand the moment Haiiro backed away and crossed his arms again as he listened to the man. Miguel's eyes seemed to flash briefly as Haiiro spoke and for a moment Miguel tensed as he heard the words. Bringing a hand to his head, Miguel rested two fingers on his forehead as if thinking. This Haiiro...was beginning to get to Miguel, true enough he had tried to force his hand but nevertheless, the talk of leaving the castle had set him on edge. He had watched Elayne walk around like a zombie for weeks after Ezio had left her and...he wasn't about to let that happen again. Hearing Haii's last words, Miguel lowered his hand and looked at the man, a more serious expression on his face than before,"Very well...if you insist I shall not help you,"he replied before sighing quietly,"However, since we are both more or less trapped inside until the storm passes I admit I have been meaning to speak to you about a matter of importance. Perhaps you would care to join me in the library or in the nearby sitting room...it would certainly be more careful than the hallway and would ensure we would be away from prying ears if that would concern you,"he continued in a calm yet firm voice. The matter of importance concerned Elayne of course but Haiiro hardly needed to know that at the moment. It would give Miguel a chance to think of a way to approach the subject without making it appear as if he doubted Haiiro's intentions. From what Miguel had seen of Haiiro it certainly appeared that he would be good for her...but Miguel had wanted to talk to the man himself for sometime so that he could see for himself.[/scrolly]

[Admiral Striker General]

In some dark room of the castle, a clap of thunder caused green eyes to flutter open. The patter of rain on the window pane was soothing, but at the same time a little irksome for some reason. Perhaps Ryan didn't want to be soothed, at the moment. He was tired, as he'd been for a long while now, but he was far more tired of doing nothing. He knew he was supposed to stay in bed, but he was restless, and somewhere somewhat near(?) he swore he could hear voices. As long as there were people around, he wouldn't be taking too big a risk by just stretching his legs for a few minutes, right?

As he forced himself to sit, the rush of blood gave him a sharp headache and a terrible bout of dizziness, but he was determined to push through it; a hand flew to his forehead and rubbed at his temples as he waited for the pain to subside a bit. At this contact, he couldn't help but think for the thousandth time these past two months how strange it was to not need to push his bangs aside, to have no hair in his way at all. Sure, he'd kept his hair pretty short up until he was, like, twenty, but he'd still spent nearly a decade now with it long, and frankly he was really glad both for the ponytail he still had and for what little had grown back out on the rest of his head (even if it did make his scar a bit more apparent).

When he was finally able to stand, Ryan began stumbling toward the door, tripping on who knew what toward the end and falling against the wall. Ugh.. He couldn't wait until he got this eyepatch off; it shouldn't be much longer now. It was hard enough stumbling in the dark with both eyes; one was just... ugh.

Finally finding the doorknob, the man staggered out into the hall before steadying himself on the wall there. Deciding to take things more slowly, now, he carefully made his way toward the voices, or his best guess as to their direction. He was at least vaguely familiar with a number of sections of the castle from visits in the past when he'd bring Kitty to play with Rosa.. but, admittedly, he usually stuck pretty close to them. He loved hanging out with Felis. ..Really. He could think of few things he enjoyed more. But he also never could shake the feeling that he must be a terrible bother or even nuisance to him. So he tended to do his best to balance staying out of his way without coming off like he was avoiding him. ...It probably kind of usually ended up with Ryan just hovering nearby like a shadow. ...Yeah, he.. he was aware that was probably a little creepy. Well, it wasn't like he was constantly staring at Felis or anything while he did it (:'3 or he certainly made an effort to hide it); he'd watch TV or read or work on something for whatever job he had at the time, etc. Sometimes he'd just go outside (far from the gardens, of course) and work a bit with his Pokemon or something, too, so it wasn't even like he was always shadowing.

At any rate, the result was an only-limited familiarity with the Castle, and what memories he did have were pretty foggy anyway. His body seemed to know where he was going better than his mind did. It seemed to be working, though; the voices were getting louder. .. One of them was getting especially louder.

A few seconds later, he turned a corner and spied two men he didn't really know talking down the hall. One he recognized as a servant of Felis's who had been helping the others... ugh... 'care for' him... (How he hated that they had to..) At any rate, he'd been helping on occasion, and Ryan was pretty sure he'd seen him in passing on other visits, but he couldn't remember if he'd ever caught his name. The other the redhead wasn't sure if he'd ever met at all. He couldn't really make out a face from here, either, but... Blegh, he didn't know.

They seemed as good of company as anyone at the moment, though, and might know where Felis or Jae or Kitty and Rosa were. Thus, he began making his way down the hall toward them, still steadying himself on the wall as he went.

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv181/SojiRem/haiironavitable-1.png);][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 297][atrb=style,border:0 navy none,b,Table][scrolly:h(210),w(249),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:62px;margin-left:240px;color:#373555;)]Haiiro stared at Miguel as the man said that he wasn't going to help him. Damn straight. However, as Miguel continued, Haiiro's face contorted. He'd been meaning to talk to him about a matter of importance? What the fuck? Did this guy not get that he wanted to be alone? Going beyond that, what would there even be to talk about? The sudden reminder of what had put him in such a foul indecisive mood to begin with caused Haiiro to flinch mentally swearing that if ... the person who shall remained nameless had dared go around spreading what...had been said... Haiiro was going to... He didn't even know what! "Whatever you got to say, say it," was the flat statement that was returned. They were in a hallway that Haiiro was pretty sure no one else was in, and he didn't want to sit down and--- The sounds of feet moving down the hallway echoed for a brief moment causing the hairs on Haiiro's neck to stand on end. Oh hell no. This castle better not be haunted. Oh hell. Oh hell not on a stormy night. What? What no of course he wasn't scared. No, who asked you? Shaddap. He had Ghost pokemon, and he'd been in scarier places before. The fact that his emotions were heightened at the moment was the reason for what he was feeling, obviously.... No he wasn't making excuses, damn it. Blue eyes shot sideways, yet when he found himself staring at Ryan, Haiiro physically relaxed a good deal. Alright, there was no ghost... not that he expected one to be there, damn it. As the man drew closer, though, an eyebrow raised, and Haiiro stared silently. [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/miguelposttable.png,bTable][atrb=style,border:0 tan none,b,Table][atrb=width, 421][atrb=height, 300][scrolly:h(240),w(218),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:105px;margin-left:15px;margin-top:20px;color: darkgoldenrod;)]Miguel watched as Haiiro's expression changed yet again and fought back the urge to sigh when the man spoke again. "It's about-..."Miguel began before the sound of shuffling feet reached his ears. Stopping in mid-sentence, Miguel turned around to see Ryan walking towards them. Alarmed, Miguel couldn't keep the surprise and concern from showing,"Ryan...what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be resting...?"he asked after his initial surprise faded.[/scrolly]

[Admiral Striker General]

....Shit. The guy knew his name. Why couldn't Ryan remember in turn? Ugh.

He was certainly no ghost, but in the right light he might have come close. He hadn't been eating or sleeping well the past few weeks, and as he looked to the nameless knight, he rasped, "..I wanted ta walk." He hadn't realized how weak his voice was until the words were already out. Damn.

Sighing, he hoped no attention would be brought to that. He didn't need to be coddled and treated like a child with a cold, and really hoped the tall blond wouldn't try to send him back to his room like one. ... Suddenly, it hit him that his weren't the only concerns he should have. "..Oh eh-.. Sorry if I'm in'erruptin' anything.." he mumbled apologetically.

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv181/SojiRem/haiironavitable-1.png);][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 297][atrb=style,border:0 navy none,b,Table][scrolly:h(210),w(249),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:62px;margin-left:240px;color:#373555;)]As Miguel stated the man's name, Haiiro mentally memorized it, though his reasoning behind doing so didn't even make sense to himself. It wasn't like he needed to know, especially with the fact that he was going to leave the castle --.....and even if he wasn't it wasn't like......ugh.... As Ryan explained he wanted to talk, Haiiro deadpanned. That was not what he wanted to do. Blue eyes shifted from Miguel to Ryan again as the latter apologized. "It's fine," he stated flatly before looking back at Miguel and forcing himself to stare at the man waiting to see if he would continue or not. He felt no need to give his name even if he had just heard Ryan's being said, and his attention was once again focused on Miguel. If he wanted to still say something, then say it. [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/miguelposttable.png,bTable][atrb=style,border:0 tan none,b,Table][atrb=width, 421][atrb=height, 300][scrolly:h(240),w(218),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:105px;margin-left:15px;margin-top:20px;color: darkgoldenrod;)]Miguel's concern only grew when he heard Ryan's weak voice. He certainly knew that Ryan's condition being what is was it wasn't advisable to walk so soon...nevertheless he wasn't going to tell him to go back to bed. Ryan had made it this far without assistance...still..."You should be more careful..."Miguel replied quietly before hearing Haiiro's words. Miguel still wanted to talk to Haiiro about Elayne and what he had mentioned earlier about leaving the castle but with Ryan here... Miguel couldn't seem to find the words to begin again... As weak as Ryan looked at the moment, concern for him won out in the end,"Why don't we find someplace more comfortable to talk..."Miguel suggested after a moment,"As much as I understand your desire to walk it would be in your best interest to at least sit down..."he continued before looking back at Haiiro to see what he thought of the suggestion.[/scrolly]

[Admiral Striker General]

[atrb=style,width:475px;color:#660000;border:3px #660000 ridge;][atrb=bgcolor,#220000]

[ Ryan ]

Ryan resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the initial response.. if mostly because he was too tired to bother. At the offer, though, and with assurance he wasn't interrupting, he decided that sounded nice. Just being up and around people was infinitely better than wallowing in his bed alone. Though he was far from a social butterfly, he absolutely hated being alone. For so many years, there was always some fellow gang member or other around, and when he left that he at least had Kitty. When she wasn't with him, he was usually around other people working or looking for work. At the very least, he was free to go wherever he wanted. Being caged up and alone was just... He could have shuddered at the thought. "..Yeh.. That doesn' soun' too bad."

[/blockquote][/td][/tr][/table]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv181/SojiRem/haiironavitable-1.png);][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 297][atrb=style,border:0 navy none,b,Table][scrolly:h(210),w(249),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:62px;margin-left:240px;color:#373555;)]Haiiro deadpanned and stared at Miguel for a few seconds with an expression nothing short of really in the most irritated way possible. A rather sharp inhale followed by exhale was all his immediate reply was before blue eyes shifted off towards the library that Miguel had come out of. What? No, he wasn't even...considering it, ugh, alright. "Whatever..." was the latter response before he ended up staring at Miguel again. [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/miguelposttable.png,bTable][atrb=style,border:0 tan none,b,Table][atrb=width, 421][atrb=height, 300][scrolly:h(240),w(218),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:105px;margin-left:15px;margin-top:20px;color: darkgoldenrod;)]Miguel missed Haiiro's initial reaction to his suggestion and nodded as both Ryan and Haiiro agreed. The library appeared to be the shortest distance away...but there was the matter of the stairs and Ryan was still rather weak... No matter, he could help the man up the stairs if need be..."The library is the closest room..."Miguel said after a moment, nodding to the stairs close to Ryan. Glancing back at Haiiro briefly, Miguel walked over to where Ryan was before looking at the stairs then back at Ryan again,"Do you think you can make it....?"Miguel asked quietly.[/scrolly]

[Admiral Striker General]

[atrb=style,width:475px;color:#660000;border:3px #660000 ridge;][atrb=bgcolor,#220000]

[ Ryan ]

Honestly, Ryan had kind of hesitated as he looked at the stairs anyway. At the knight's offer, though, he gave a look that he hoped would read: 'wut'. Trying to force a laugh (and failing in all but that a noise that might be recognized as trying technically escaped him), he replied, "I hurt my head, not my legs.."

..Really, the more he looked, the more foreboding the task was starting to appear. He knew how to climb frigging stairs. It was not that complicated, didn't require that much coordination. And yet, as he brought up one foot to place on the first step, both hands on the railing on one side, he found the distance actually much harder to judge than he'd anticipated. (Damn lack of depth perception.) Thus, it was clumsy, but he did manage all right.

Mmm.. While certain he'd get used to it after some more steps, Ryan couldn't shake the sudden worry that he'd trip and fall halfway up, and if there was one thing he definitely didn't want to do, it was hit his head again.

..All right, so maybe a little help wouldn't be so bad, but he could just be really slow catching up to them, right? As long as he took it really, really slowly, he should be just fine, and then he wouldn't have to bother the knight for his help. Ryan forced a weak smile as him as if to say 'see? I've got this.'

He didn't need his help. He could take care of himself just fine. Sure, a bit of assistance would be nice and take some strain off, but Ryan could carry his own weight... even... if... it really looked like the blond could carry it just fine, too. Still, even if he did look strong.. and.. taller than Ryan now that he was really looking and.. yeah! He didn't need that gentle helping hand, or the.. powerful.. muscular arm it was attached okay fine.

Praying it was dark enough his sudden blush wouldn't be too noticeable, he intentionally blundered the next step. "Ahp--" Taking a deep breath and huffing it out as he re-steadied himself, Ryan cringed sheepishly. "..Actually.. I guess a little help might be nice..."

[/blockquote][/td][/tr][/table]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv181/SojiRem/haiironavitable-1.png);][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 297][atrb=style,border:0 navy none,b,Table][scrolly:h(210),w(249),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:62px;margin-left:240px;color:#373555;)]The comment on the library was enough to cause Haiiro to walk towards it and start up the stairs. However, a few steps up, he stopped for a moment mentally threatening Miguel to...be trying something. Elayne was in the library often and.... Mentally groaning, he simply looked upwards again and started to walk up again. Even if she was up there then.... then he could just tell her then that he was...was leaving as soon as the damn storm left....right?.......Stop doubting, damn it! Walking a bit faster up the stairs, Haiiro kept his eyes upwards focusing on certain points in the walls every few seconds before changing his focus again. The few words between Ryan and Miguel weren't ...any of his concern... [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/miguelposttable.png,bTable][atrb=style,border:0 tan none,b,Table][atrb=width, 421][atrb=height, 300][scrolly:h(240),w(218),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:105px;margin-left:15px;margin-top:20px;color: darkgoldenrod;)]Miguel raised an eyebrow upon hearing Ryan's response but nodded nevertheless before watching the man attempt to climb up the stairs. Hesitating a moment before slowly starting to climb the stairs as well, Miguel kept a careful eye on Ryan in case he should happen to fall. Haiiro was already in the library when Miguel saw Ryan's blunder out of the corner of his eye and immediately reached out to steady him only to find that Ryan had already recovered. Hearing Ryan's admission, an amused look came to Miguel's features as he walked over and put his arm around Ryan so that he could help support the man's weight. Once situated, Miguel started slowly up the stairs again. Before too long they had made it up the stairs without further incident but given that Miguel wasn't sure how tired Ryan was decided to help him the rest of the way to the couches in the room. Releasing Ryan, Miguel waited until he sat down before sitting in the chair he had been occupying before he had heard Haiiro stomping in the hallway. Motioning for Haiiro to sit as well (if he had not already done so), Miguel wondered how he could bring up what he had been intending to say with Ryan here now. After a moment of silence, Miguel decided it would be best to ease into the conversation rather than make it appear as if he was ambushing Haiiro so to speak. "So what are you planning to do once the storm lets up?"Miguel asked calmly to nobody in particular. The question was directed at Haiiro to be sure but Miguel wasn't going to ask him directly lest he make Ryan feel awkward, unintentional or otherwise.[/scrolly]