video.

[miniworth]

[ Forward-Dated to the evening of September 15, Thursday, nearing twilight ]

[ The video turns on, and Miles looks concerned. It's just about nearing sunset in Goldenrod right now, the streetlights and store signs flickering to life, and the sky a deep red-orange overhead. He's alone. There is no sign of Ken Amada, but there is no comment on that.

Comments

[4leafcleaver]

[Clover is not leaving the Center until you do, Miles. She's sitting on a chair close by, and her Roselia is currently occupying a little stool. And Auste will assume that the poor girl also got shocked trying to sort things out by herself before deciding that one eighteen-year-old is still not enough to deal with a crazy Mareep.

Also, Clover is going to bury all that worry under so much scolding and grumbling and this frowny face. But she'll give in to the worry later.]

...

I told you I was gonna come with you. But did you listen? Nooooooo. And now look what happened.

[An exasperated sigh. She leans back. The Roselia is a far more accurate epitome of worry.]

[miniworth]

[ He rolls over, slowly, to face her. His face is a lot of tired and grumps. ]

Mm, if we both got hurt like this, it'll be hard to take them on walks. [ The Espeon harrumphs at Clover. ]

[4leafcleaver]

[Clover is grumpy too, and will glare at the Espeon first before answering.

She balls her bandaged hands into fists - then winces, completely spoiling the effect. The Roselia raises his flower-hands, but Clover shakes her head at him.]

Ugh, that thing needs to be sent to a boot camp for Pokémon!

[miniworth]

I don't think that would help.

[ Miles is just quiet, like he's been ever since Ken left the group. With his newly evolved Pokémon--he's a little curious why it's an Espeon, but since the sun's yet to set, he figures it was still considered "daytime"--crawls under his arm, and he pets her head. ]

[4leafcleaver]

[And Clover's not going to bring that up. She had hugged Ken and told him she'd miss him, and to take good care of himself or else she would run after him and keep him close by, but she knew it was harder on Miles.

Well, at least she was no longer glaring at his Espeon. SHE MAY OR MAY NOT BE JEALOUS BECAUSE SHE WANTS AN EEVEE SO BAD.]

From now on, I'm in charge of that crazy sheep. [She points a finger that has completely disappeared under white gauze at him.] And don't say no. I don't care, I'm carrying it.

[miniworth]

-- You can't do that. [ He rolls over very quickly this time, starting the Espeon, and grabs the sheep's Pokéball that was lying on the bedside table. He's cringing as he rolls back on his side and shoves his hands, with the ball, under the blanket.

Once she's sure he won't move again, the Espeon settles back down by his head. ]

[4leafcleaver]

[She raises an eyebrow and crosses her arms, but makes no move to get up from her seat. In fact, she also crosses her legs. The Roselia blinks at her; he had clearly expected her to resort to something drastic.

But honestly? Clover's too tired, and doesn't want to make things worse.]

Just watch me.

[And in a lower voice, which is a lovely mix of worry and frustration and defensiveness:]

I'm not letting it do this to you again.

[miniworth]

[ That earlier movement hurt more than he thought it would, and he buries himself deeper in the bed's pillow. He's tired, exhausted, and the pain killer from earlier is making him very drowsy. ]

I'll be okay.

...ugh I dun wanna do homework >_<

[4leafcleaver]

I know that! But that Mareep could have another go at you!

[Now she's just worried. Because yelling and being angry take a lot of energy.]

At least let me hold on to it till you're completely better.

/doing homework, and a test retake in 6.5 hours. 8D

[miniworth]

He's my Pokémon. I'll keep him in the ball and put him in the PC later.

[ He's all Miles has left of a man whom he genuinely liked, who Ken tried and failed to save the life of, who was already dead in his world but still had friends here... and just a person who no longer exists, here or in Iwatodai.

He is not letting go of the sheep. ]

/finished crimmy crim crim

[4leafcleaver]

[Clover scowls. It's an ugly scowl that distorts her usually cute face. But she won't press the matter further. Instead, she shakes her head and stands up from the chair; there are a few bandages on her legs. But they're generally in much better shape than her hands.]

Fine. But next time you deal with him, don't leave me behind. I'll just...buy some rubber gloves tomorrow.

[And also ask around for advice on how to deal with a maniacal Mareep, despite the fact that one of her posts already made its way onto the network not too long ago. Miles won't know about this. SHE WILL FILTER.

Now Clover will spread her sleeping bag out onto the floor next to his bed.]

[miniworth]

Why don't you borrow a bed? We've been traveling for days; you must be tired.

[ Pess lies down on the floor next to Clover's sleeping bag, to provide warmth. ]

[4leafcleaver]

You think they'd let me drag one in here?

[Pess gets a pat on the head. The Roselia keeps his place on the chair; he can sleep standing up for all anyone cares. HE'S A FREAKING PLANT ANYWAY.]

[miniworth]

Why not? Miss Kirijo has let me done that before.

[4leafcleaver]

Well, why didn't you say so in the first place? [Clover rolls up the sleeping bag again and jumps back onto her feet. Then she goes over to a corner of the room where a Furret has parked his furry bulk - yes, he towers over Clover now - along with a Gabite who has fallen asleep on his great stripy tail beside a Vulpix and a Jigglypuff.]

Okay, Arietis, Striper, you're both with me. We're gonna get us a bed whether Nurse Joy likes it or not! C'mon!

[The Gabite opens one eye, then stretches out her arms. Then the Furret gently nudges the Vulpix and the Jigglypuff to one side. They scurry away to make room for the Furret to follow the Gabite.]

[miniworth]

[ Clover will now not kill her back sleeping on the floor--mission accomplished! He rolls over in the bed and closes his eyes, and will be asleep by the time Clover gets back. ]