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Pokémon League
Professor of Botany
Any trainer that can't afford medicine can come to me. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Jayspurr
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Post by Luke Indigo on Nov 1, 2017 16:52:03 GMT -8
The trek back through Sinclair was not nearly as exhausting and frustrating as the trip there. The strength of the Nihilego made things easy, and they both seemed to have resolved to get Jazz somewhere safe and comfortable before doing much else. Spidey was quick to grab the keys and help usher his humans and what Pokemon would fit back into the lab, and a trip up the elevator would bring Luke back to his living quarters. He was hesitant to rest Jazz down anywhere before resolving to just set him down on Luke’s bed where it would be the comfiest. Thereafter, he grabbed some Pokeballs and set about returning Jazz’s Pokemon all except for Kovu. He would be asked to keep an eye on Jazz while Luke attended to other things.
Several small things were taken care of in and around the lab before Luke finally settle down enough to actually call the League. He was hesitant for sure to explain what had happened, but since joining it officially, he had had a reasonable connection with the governing body and had several more understanding people on his side. He started with a call to the League’s security office to report on what had happened, but what followed after was a series of redirected phone calls where he was asked to repeat what he had experienced several times before ‘holding on’ while someone tried to find something to do about it. When he was finally allowed to hang up, Luke was feeling numb. Or perhaps, Nihilego was feeling numb.
A small whine escaped from Luke before growing into a frustrated ‘rawer’ sound. There were… there were still so many things on his mind. Each time he was asked to repeat what had happened, he was reminded of a little more of it to the point that he was practically relieving it through some parts. ….Sorry…. The Nihilego had Luke jerking slightly back into reality. It had been so quiet up to that point that Luke had almost forgotten about it somehow. Slowly, a hand rested against Luke’s chest. “Don’t worry about it,” Luke mumbled aloud softly. “Just as along as Jazz—“ Luke cut himself off aloud, but his thoughts continued. He could feel the Nihilego sway in his mind almost.
Luke took in a slow breath. Right. Maybe he’d be up and stable enough that they could have that conversation now. Starting up the stairs again, Luke got all the way back to his living quarters. His gaze shifted around as he wondered if Jazz was up yet.
Jazz Johnson
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Trainer
Don't get too close, it's dark inside. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Elayne
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Post by Jazz Johnson on Nov 1, 2017 21:46:29 GMT -8
Whatever Luke had said to him before sounded strange, distant... but then, so did everything at that point. Mercifully, Jazz had lost consciousness before Luke started to carry him back down Sinclair, away from the chaos. Kovu and Titan dutifully followed Luke wherever he went as did Obsidian, or at least as much as the Steelix could. The Luxray was especially concerned about why his trainer had acted the way he had. Kovu hadn't seen Jazz like that for... years, and it was concerning to him to say the least of things. How long Jazz remained asleep was questionable at best, but when he woke up it was to throbbing pain. Everything seemed to hurt like he'd picked a fight with a Tauros or something. Right... those hordes hadn't really made it easy on him to say the least of things. At least his head felt clearer though, at least until he remembered the Nihilego was still fused with Luke. Right... because I failed him. If the Nihilego hurt Luke, Jazz was gonna-.... no, he couldn't even do that without hurting Luke as well. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad... maybe he was making a big deal out of nothing. But... the entire reason why Jazz had pulled Luke out of the Nihilego was to protect him, and then... A muttered curse escaped him, alerting Kovu that Jazz was awake after all. Jumping on the bed, the Luxray curled up next to his trainer, even licking his face. That at least elicited a soft smile as Jazz snuggled the big lion, glad that at least something was normal. Jazz heard footsteps approaching before he saw Luke though he still didn't open his eyes. He could tell that he was on a bed, but whether it was the apartment or the lab, he couldn't exactly be sure. Slowly, painfully, he forced himself to sit up enough that it would be easier to talk. He could just vaguely remember hearing something about that. If Luke had said anything that was. Kovu looked up and whined a little when he heard Jazz sit up and even tried to stop him. Jazz of course didn't listen but at least he'd tried. "H-hey,"Jazz murmured, eyes scanning over Luke's form again. He could still see the Nihilego, and that reminder still hurt...but it didn't look like Luke was hurting. As long as the Nihilego didn't pull anything...it would be fine, just fine. " 'sup?"Jazz continued, trying his best to act nonchalant. It was just easier to act normal in this instance, that was all.
ulla
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Pokémon League
Professor of Botany
Any trainer that can't afford medicine can come to me. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Jayspurr
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Post by Luke Indigo on Nov 2, 2017 12:58:17 GMT -8
Jazz was sitting up by the time Luke entered the room. The latter didn’t know what he was expecting, but the nonchalant ‘hey sup?’ had him frowning. Lips parted, but words failed him. “I…” Luke stopped, gulped, and walked further in. He thought to sit down on the bed but then changed direction, pulling out his desk chair and leaning on it instead. “…How are you feeling?” That… wasn’t what he wanted to ask, but here he was already speaking. Perhaps it was deep intrinsic concern. Perhaps it was a desire to keep the deeper conversation at bay for a few more moments. Either way.
“I can make you some berry tea that’ll help with the horde wounds…” Why hadn’t he thought to do that already? Ugh, get with the program, brain. He took a brief step back towards the door only to stop. No this was… He needed to stay put for a few seconds and at least hear what Jazz had to say first.
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Trainer
Don't get too close, it's dark inside. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Elayne
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Post by Jazz Johnson on Nov 2, 2017 14:17:05 GMT -8
Despite feeling like hell, Jazz's smirk never completely left his lips. Perhaps it was stupid to try and pretend to be normal given all that had just happened but... what else could he do? Seeing Luke frown made Jazz's smile waver a little bit, but not completely. Right, that had been the wrong answer... he knew that but when it came to actually talking about what had happened, Jazz preferred to avoid it as long as possible. On the bright side, Luke still acted like... Luke. He hadn't changed, even with the Nihilego there. The reassurance that he was still the same person was more of a relief to Jazz than anything. It was also so... different from his experience fused with the Nihilego that he didn't know what to make of it. Now that he thought about it, Jazz almost cringed at the thoughts that had gone through his mind back then. Holding Luke captive... forcing him to be safe, who the hell did that. Sure, Jazz wanted Luke safe but... not caged up like some animal. The question posed to him elicited a short, derisive laugh that Jazz immediately regretted. Fuck, that hurt. There was no way he could pretend that everything was fine, not when he couldn't remember how he got to the lab in the first place. How long was I out? That was a very good question, and one Jazz was almost afraid to ask. "Like I got ran over by a rampaging Tauros," Jazz finally answered, shrugging his shoulders after, "Eleven out of ten don't recommend,"he continued, joking about the experience. Sure, he hurt like hell, but making fun of the amount of pain he was in just sorta helped. At the mention of berry tea, Jazz opened his mouth to protest then closed it again. Right, like Luke would believe him after describing his injuries like that. Still... "Ya don't-,"Jazz started, only to have his mouth abruptly covered by Kovu's paw. The Luxray was none too pleased with Jazz and growled a little before looking over at Luke as if asking him to please make the tea. Jazz was surprised at Kovu's reaction but other than shoving the paw off his face, he didn't object and looked away. Had he been about to lie to Luke? No. But refusing help was hardly any better. Luke wouldn't have listened to him anyway.
ulla
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Pokémon League
Professor of Botany
Any trainer that can't afford medicine can come to me. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Jayspurr
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Post by Luke Indigo on Nov 2, 2017 17:00:59 GMT -8
Luke winced at Jazz’s words. Even the joke right then didn’t register as one. He was not wounded by me…. the Nihilego murmured deep in the back of Luke’s mind. I promise I separated carefully. Luke could believe that, could accept that. The hordes and rampaging Pokemon probably caused more damage in the long run than anything else. And yet. It still bothered him some.
He’d at least kick start his immune system and healing with some berry mixtures. As Jazz went to protest, Luke frowned. Thankfully, Kovu seemed on the same page about the whole thing. A small nod was given after. “I’ll be back in a minute,” he answered disappearing out of the room again. Descending the stairs, he came to the herb shop part of his lab and began going through the various medicines he’d already prepared. Fishing out jars and pulling them open, he found his enhanced strength made things easy.
May I help? the Nihilego asked a bit uncertainly. Amidst opening one of the jars, Luke stopped nad gave a sort of unsure yes answer. The prehensile hairs seemed to raise of their own accord and rather fluidly opened the jar thereafter. Luke blinked but thanked the Nihilego. Once he had everything, he went to boiling and preparing it. Coming up the stairs again more than a couple of minutes later, Luke had a much thicker drink than tea in his cup but one that would help Jazz heal none the less.
Stepping back into the room, Luke held it forward slowly. “Here, drink this- all of it.”
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Trainer
Don't get too close, it's dark inside. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Elayne
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Post by Jazz Johnson on Nov 2, 2017 18:12:06 GMT -8
Luke's wince did not escape Jazz's notice. Yeah... he knew that he'd said the wrong thing, but really he didn't know how else to say it.Even the joke didn't seem to lighten the mood any. He hated this, hated feeling helpless, hated seeing Luke hurt because of his actions. What else is new? Yeah, shaddap brain, nobody asked you. The start of a protest only seemed to make matters worse, particularly after Kovu growled at him. Usually the Luxray was docile but... it seemed that Jazz had worried more than just Luke. As Luke said he would be back in a minute, Jazz was tempted to joke again, to say that he'd be counting the seconds til then. That... wouldn't go over well though, and he knew it all too well. Biting his lip, Jazz simply nodded and sat back again, closing his eyes. Arceus, it seemed everything hurt. Lesson learned, don't pick fights with Pokemon. Then again, it seemed that the horde Pokemon had zeroed in on him but he hadn't helped the situation any. Jazz wouldn't stir again until he heard footsteps on the stairs again and opened his eyes, smirking a bit. That had taken longer than two minutes but he wasn't about to say that. It seemed anything he said was only getting him in more trouble anyway. When Luke held the tea forward, Jazz hesitated briefly, wanting to object to taking the 'medicine' of sorts. It really wasn't all that bad after all. Kovu growled again, urging Jazz to take the tea. Right. This was apparently gang up on Jazz day. Taking the cup, Jazz blew on the tea to cool it off some before taking a sip. The rush of warmth felt nice and he could already feel himself relaxing further. Heh, this felt like deja vu. How many times had Luke made this concoction for him. This time, Jazz couldn't resist a smart aleck response, "Just like old times, huh?" he mused, taking another sip. Except they weren't in a green house. And Luke hadn't been possessed by the Nihilego.
ulla
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Pokémon League
Professor of Botany
Any trainer that can't afford medicine can come to me. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Jayspurr
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Post by Luke Indigo on Nov 2, 2017 18:49:33 GMT -8
A slow, dry breath escaped from Luke as Jazz spoke. “I should have made it more bitter just for you,” he answered, reaching up to mush a few fingers through his hair. Vaguely, he was aware that the density of even his hair had shifted some, and the way it curled slightly around his fingers wasn’t exactly normal. But.. for a moment it did feel like old times almost.
…Old times… The Nihilego seemed to be mulling over this concept. Briefly, Luke thought back through the years, and the Nihilego understood. Yes, they had known each other for quite some time indeed.
Slowly, Luke sat down on one side of the bed, not quite touching Jazz. His gaze filtered through the room but didn’t find much to focus on. “Jazz, we….” he took a breath fighting down the urge not to bring it up. It needed to be talked about, to be brought up. “When the Nihilego fused with you and asked what you wanted to become… what did you answer?” he asked after a moment.
The Nihilego moved to answer, but Luke mentally pushed it back. He wanted to hear it from Jazz, not from it.
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Trainer
Don't get too close, it's dark inside. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Elayne
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Post by Jazz Johnson on Nov 2, 2017 19:26:45 GMT -8
At Luke's initial reply, Jazz couldn't help but snicker a bit. The tea tasted pretty sweet actually, perhaps because of the berries and whatever other herbs were in it. "Aww, but I like it sweet~,"Jazz mused, taking another sip of it. A deep breath would be taken thereafter as he relaxed a bit more. Yeah... the tea was helping, that was for certain. Why had it been so hard to accept help? Luke's already done enough for me. Yeah, wasn't that the truth. Even back then, that was the case, and it was far more than he deserved. The next question however took Jazz's breath away and for a moment, it was like he forgot how to breathe. Fuck. Of course Luke would ask that, of course he'd get to the root of the problem. Fear played on Jazz's features briefly before they smoothed out into something more normal; the perfect mask. Or so Jazz would like to think. A shaky breath would be taken before Jazz took another sip of the tea, avoiding answering the question for as long as possible. "The Nihilego didn't ask what I wanted to become, Luke. It asked what I wanted, what my deepest desires were. Fuck if that's not a loaded question,"Jazz replied quietly, snorting a bit derisively, "At the time, I was... I was afraid. That I'd lose you, that history would repeat... So many, many things. But... it asked me what my deepest desires were and I-..."Jazz continued, only to trail off as he felt a knot of emotion rise in his throat. Dammit, why was this so hard to say? Because you're still afraid. Shut up, nobody asked you. "I dared to hope. To believe that I could get rid of my scars, that I could change the past... get Dad back even. I wanted to be whole, to be happy and... I didn't want to be alone. I knew I couldn't survive that and... to be told I wouldn't be alone, that I could protect you, my family...everyone, it was... like I could erase my mistakes," Jazz murmured, unable to look at Luke right then. Jazz was shaking a little, but whether it was from the emotion or from something else, he couldn't quite tell. He knew that it had been stupid to think that he could change the past, that anyone would have that power. If Dad hadn't died...then he would've been different, he wouldn't have put everyone in danger. Orion wouldn't have had to bail him out, Mom wouldn't look at him as if he was a stranger. There were so many good reasons to wish that but... was it really worth it? What would've been the cost? "I know... it's stupid. I should know better than to hope," Jazz stated, sipping more of his tea again. He was shaking again, worse than before. If...if Luke left after this, after everything... Where would that leave him? He didn't want to think about it. It...it wouldn't happen, would it?
ulla
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Pokémon League
Professor of Botany
Any trainer that can't afford medicine can come to me. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Jayspurr
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Post by Luke Indigo on Nov 2, 2017 19:46:57 GMT -8
The look on Jazz’s face right after Luke had asked was enough of an answer. Luke understood a bit more than he wanted to. A yellow eye flicked away, and Luke found himself staring out the door into the living area. From where he was, he could actually see the bar of the kitchen. A loaded question. It was, wasn’t it? Regardless of how it was asked, it was. The Nihilego swayed inside, and a hand shifted to absently feel over his arm.
Each word, phrase, sentence out of Jazz made complete sense. Luke understood it better than anyone else could have right then. He knew what had Jazz had gone through, what he had faced, what he had suffered. He knew those desires even before he had asked the question. The Nihilego didn’t even really need to fill him in. Luke exhaled, leaning back sideways against Jazz’s side some. It wasn’t enough weight to push him over or anything but sort of just… a slight pressure there.
“You’re not stupid, Jazz,” he finally spoke softly, assuredly. He still had yet to look back at him, but his words were loud enough to be audible. “You have lost a lot, and you were scared. I accept those feelings. I understand those feelings.” Luke’s lips pressed together briefly as he let that sink in for a moment before going on again. “But you can’t know how much it hurts me to see you throw yourself into dangerous situations, how you took on hordes of Pokemon and willingly kicked them around. How you jumped to and readily desired to be a sacrifice to the Nihilego in my place.” He paused for a moment, gulping slowly before continuing. “It hurt and frustrated me beyond belief.”
He probably should have said more then, explained more like Jazz had, but that just … wasn’t quite Luke’s way of things.
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Trainer
Don't get too close, it's dark inside. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Elayne
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Post by Jazz Johnson on Nov 2, 2017 20:16:25 GMT -8
Luke's response wasn't exactly what he'd been expecting... then again, Jazz didn't know what to expect. The worst scenario probably, the one where Luke just walked out and left him there, broken. Instead, Jazz listened as Luke validated his feelings... said he understood them even. Of course he would... Luke had been through hell along with him. He'd seen what had happened. Nobody could understand better than Luke. The feeling of Luke leaning on him helped better than words. If nothing else, it reassured him that he was still there, that he wasn't going to go anywhere. But then... then Luke said how Jazz hurt him. How throwing himself into dangerous situations frustrated him. It... it stung, a lot. How could he explain what he was thinking in that instance? That was the point then, wasn't it. Jazz hadn't been thinking. A lot of it had been pure instinct, something that had been so engrained into him it didn't require thought. Still... if it was hurting Luke... "I'm sorry..."Jazz murmured, still staring down at the tea, "I wasn't thinking. When I saw you in the Nihilego, I acted on instinct. Or was it fear... I can't tell the difference anymore," he continued, pausing briefly to take a breath. "As for the hordes, I think Arceus painted a bullseye on my back," Jazz joked, trying to lighten the mood. For all he knew it was right, but how else could he explain why almost all of the Pokemon zeroed in on him. ...OK the Crabrawler was his fault, but everything else attacked him first.
ulla
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Pokémon League
Professor of Botany
Any trainer that can't afford medicine can come to me. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Jayspurr
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Post by Luke Indigo on Nov 2, 2017 20:33:41 GMT -8
Luke closed both eyes as he listened to Jazz. A soft, exhausted sigh escaped from him as Jazz joked— or whatever that was. “Jazz I—“ Luke bit his lip. Say it. No, not yet. “I need you to care about yourself as much as I care about you…. I don’t want to lose anyone either.” He groaned, reaching up and rubbing the eye under the patch.
Say it. Luke leaned forward over his knees and pulled the eyepatch down entirely. Say it. “I know… things are too volatile right now,” he stated, not quite addressing Jazz or the Nihilego right now. “But I love you, Jazz.” Say it. Arceus fuck, Nihilego, chill. Somewhere in the back of Luke’s mind, he was aware the creature was only pushing his own impulses rather than feeding him information but he could be frustrated with it too. “I don’t know what kind of love it is… And I don’t think either of us are ready for any kind of relationship anyways but… just… so you know.”
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Trainer
Don't get too close, it's dark inside. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Elayne
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Post by Jazz Johnson on Nov 2, 2017 21:00:52 GMT -8
After the attempt of a joke fell flat, Jazz took a deep breath mostly to try and calm his frayed nerves. Fuck emotions, why was he still shaking? Taking a sip of the tea, Jazz listened as Luke began to say something. What Luke asked of him though... that was easier said than done. Luke wanted it though, that should be enough reason to try. If nothing else, everything Luke had done had shown how much he cared. Why was it so hard to try and take care of himself? To do what Luke wanted? Jazz opened his mouth to say something, to at least say that he'd try when Luke continued. Things are too volatile... what did that even mean? Was Luke afraid that they would hurt him? Before Jazz could even clarify this though, Luke continued. I love you, Jazz. That simple statement made Jazz's heart soar. It was like he was flying and yet wanted to burst into tears at the same time. How long had he waited to hear those words? How long had he wished that his feelings were returned? No... don't wish, don't hope. Hadn't he learned his lesson already? Hope only made it hurt worse when it was inevitably shattered. Luke went on to clarify what he'd meant by love and Jazz had to remind himself to breathe again. It... it was hard to fight the hope that had risen back down. Some part of him was scared, another part demanded that he take action now. But... this was Luke, and if Jazz ruined it, especially this early on, he would never forgive himself. "I-..."Jazz started, only to find his throat was threatening to close up. Sipping the tea, now almost empty, helped some but... not a lot, "I don't know if I can promise that. I don't know how to care about myself. I want to try, though. I do. If... if I could see myself through your eyes, then maybe... maybe it's possible," he continued, taking another shaky breath. Those tears were threatening him again and Jazz was finding it harder to resist it. Kovu set his big head in Jazz's lap, and that helped some. The Luxray loved pets, and it always did help to calm him when he was petting the goofball. "I... love you too, Luke. You know that. I-..." Another pause, another breath. You can do this. "J-just... " his voice trailed off, choked by the emotion. Jazz just couldn't finish, couldn't even explain what had him so afraid. Don't tease me... please, let this be true.
ulla
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Pokémon League
Professor of Botany
Any trainer that can't afford medicine can come to me. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Jayspurr
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Post by Luke Indigo on Nov 2, 2017 21:14:25 GMT -8
Luke didn’t really know what he was expecting. The Nihilego certainly didn’t have any answers either. It had pushed him to say it, and he had, but …. I don’t know if I can promise that. A soft sigh escaped from Luke. “Through my eye,” he half-corrected half-joked quietly. Eyes Nihilego corrected back. Luke rolled both of them. The new one still felt strange but he assumed that would probably fade in time.
These thoughts were pushed aside as Jazz went on, however. He did, in fact, already know how Jazz felt. It was obvious even to him after so long. He understood the ins and outs of those feelings to some degree or another, and he had long since accepted that they were there. But just… really accepting them and reciprocating was always a touchy subject for him. And just… ugh… Too many feelings he couldn’t describe buzzed around in his stomach. The NIhilego swayed again a little distressed. Do something it prompted.
With the Nihilego’s prompting, Luke shifted a little, turning back towards Jazz. Staring at them for a moment, Luke shifted hugging them sideways and not really saying anything immediately.
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Trainer
Don't get too close, it's dark inside. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Elayne
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Post by Jazz Johnson on Nov 2, 2017 21:33:48 GMT -8
A soft snort escaped Jazz as Luke was the one to joke this time. Right, eye. It had been one eye for a while, and yet it was easy to forget that. Luke had always been normal to them, maybe that's why it was easy to forget. Still, the more Jazz tried to continue to explain, to tell Luke what he wanted to hear, the more scared he got. The more emotional he got. Fuck emotions, they should just go die in a hole somewhere. Jazz tried to explain, tried to tell Luke why he was so scared. Did he dare hope? Did he dare break down his walls and let Luke in? Part of Jazz wanted to, yet another part was afraid Luke would leave if he saw who he really was. The hug wasn't something he'd expected, but it was more than welcome. Leaning into the hug, Jazz slowly, shakily wrapped an arm around Luke as well. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the tears that still threatened. "Luke..."Jazz whispered, still trying to explain. That word was the only thing that he managed however before the tears finally fell. Why, why was this so hard? After all these years of wishing, of hoping to hear those things from Luke... Why was it so hard to tell Luke how he felt?
ulla
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Pokémon League
Professor of Botany
Any trainer that can't afford medicine can come to me. |
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Jayspurr
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Post by Luke Indigo on Nov 3, 2017 6:05:47 GMT -8
This felt like a mistake. Luke didn’t, couldn’t, understand why, yet it felt like he did something wrong. Even as Jazz hugged him back, Luke just … didn’t quite know what to do now, say now. Nihilego wasn’t giving any useful prompts either, so he just... sort of waited for whatever was supposed to happen next.
The whisper of his name had Luke sitting a little straighter, and kasjdalksdjlasdj lasdjlaksdjaldj ?? ?? ?? Jazz was crying? Oh no ? Lips parted, and a strangely animalistic sound escaped from Luke. “I? Sorry?? Jazz? I … are… what…” This was a mistake. This was clearly a mistake, but he had no idea how to address it, how to correct for it. This was too complex and confusing and what was he supposed to do?? “It’s…you’re…. are ….. “ It was the Nihilego that silenced him, that told him to wait. The shock to his system plus that was enough to seal his lips.
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