|
Post by Leedzie on Aug 1, 2007 15:24:20 GMT -5
"........................Oh." Espio seemed to wilt. He'd really, really been wanting to talk to Mighty. Even before all the crap at the G.U.N. base, Espio had been missing Mighty terribly. The armadillo had seemed to be the only person that really understood him. Not only had he simply wanted the relief of talking to someone he trusted, but the ninja had felt even more of an urgency due to that battle in the hallways. He stared at the half-eaten apple in his hands. Suddenly he didn't have much of an appetite anymore. Gingerly putting it back on his tray, Espio layed back and again pulled the blankets over his head. " You can have the rest if you want it," he glumly mumbled to Midi.
|
|
|
Post by Jamie Lee on Aug 1, 2007 20:24:04 GMT -5
"Um... nah... That's alright..." She sat down again, beginning to wring her hands a bit.
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Aug 3, 2007 10:03:38 GMT -5
There was a quiet knock on the door. Followed by an equally quiet voice. "Um... can I come in...?"
|
|
|
Post by Leedzie on Aug 3, 2007 10:24:55 GMT -5
Beneath the cover of his blanket, Espio's eyes snapped back open. He knew that voice. "Mighty?!" Without thinking the chameleon snapped upright... and set off an excrutiating pain in his tender abdomen. Espio immediately fell sideways onto the safety bars of his bed with an agonized howl, unable this time to keep his voice down. " AHHOOWW!!"
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Aug 7, 2007 14:24:20 GMT -5
Mighty took Espio's agonized yelp as an affirmative. He entered quickly, looking worried. He was holding a small bunch of flowers in one hand loosely - they looked like they had been handpicked. He cringed at the sight, looking even more downcast. " Are you okay?" Sorry... ... I... um.... .. sorry..."
|
|
|
Post by Jamie Lee on Aug 7, 2007 20:45:24 GMT -5
Midi had jumped up when she heard the yell. She glanced at Mighty quickly before snapping her head over to Espio and racing her to him, waving her hands and trying to get him to settle down. "You idiot!" she barked. "You were just complaining about that freakin' hole!"
|
|
|
Post by Leedzie on Aug 7, 2007 21:29:36 GMT -5
Espio gasped for air, the pain momentarily overpowering his ability to breathe. Eventually he eased back onto his pillows, mumbling below his breath, " And I'm.... ab-bout to complain.... about an-nother one..." The chameleon panted for a moment until the pain began to recede. It was probably the only time in his life where he might have preferred to be somewhat drugged. But the fact remained that he was not (probably because he shouldn't have been moving so much), so he did the only thing he could do: grit his teeth and wait for it to pass. " Whew..." Espio sighed after a moment and opened his eyes. That's better.His attention shifted to Mighty, and the chameleon very, very gently pushed himself upright. His expression reflected his deep concern for his old friend. "Don't apologize," he finally said. "It wasn't your fault."
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Aug 9, 2007 9:46:06 GMT -5
Mighty winced at Midi's yelling, but otherwise said nothing on the matter. "I'm glad you're okay," he told her quietly. He glanced around for a moment, "Where's Ray?" He looked back to Espio, expression betraying gratitude - but he shook his head nonetheless. " It is... but thank you." An awkward pause. "I.. um... brought you flowers..." he held them out in the chameleon's direction, clearly unused to this kind of thing. He bit his lip. "... How are you doing...?"
|
|
|
Post by Jamie Lee on Aug 9, 2007 11:11:21 GMT -5
"You didn't see him?" the bat said in response to Mighty's question concerning Ray. "He was out in the hallway last I checked." She backed away when Mighty approached Espio, looking somber.
|
|
|
Post by Leedzie on Aug 10, 2007 12:19:14 GMT -5
Apparently Mighty wasn't the only one inexperienced with flowers. "Oh.... Um, thanks," Espio awkwardly replied as he took the bouquet, really just to be polite. The chameleon stared into them blandly as he mulled over his thoughts. I hate that he always pins blame on himself, even when it's not his doing, the ninja lamented. I wish he could just see that it was beyond his control."I'm doing fine," he finally answered. "I'll be out of here in no time; I've dealt with worse." Which was a lie, but hopefully not a transparent one. "I've been more concerned about you; I know the way you come down on yourself. This hospital doesn't have medicine that cures your ailments..."
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Aug 14, 2007 19:29:34 GMT -5
Mighty shook his head at Midi. "I haven't seen him... is he okay? He was acting kind of odd... but not like he was with the Sol Emeralds... but... still. Is he okay?" He bit his lip at the chameleon's statement. "Worse than this...? What could be worse?" he looked at the chameleon anxiously, "What have you been doing?" He shook his head. "No... I am an ailment... all of you... suffered because of me..." he hung his head, and wrung his hands.
|
|
|
Post by Leedzie on Aug 19, 2007 20:44:13 GMT -5
" Stop it!!" Espio's hands clamped tightly around the flowers he'd been given, damaging some of their stems. His eyes had clenched firmly together, but that was difficult to see given that he'd ducked his head. "Mighty, please, just... stop talking like that. I can't bear to listen to you degrade yourself like that. Don't you even understand how lucky I feel to even know you?! Don't you get how rare your kindness and understanding is?! Can't you see that what happened was beyond your contr--ah-aooww!!" The chameleon interrupted himself with a pained groan, having worked himself up with his outburst. Letting out a sigh, Espio eventually began again. "...Mighty, what happened back there was bad. I'll give you that. But it wasn't your doing; you didn't have a choice. So what if they were your hands... You weren't the one controlling them." Slowly easing himself back onto his pillows, he added almost inaudibly, " It's not like you were planning to kill a bunch of people while in your right mind..."
|
|
|
Post by Jamie Lee on Aug 19, 2007 21:06:21 GMT -5
"I don't know. I think he is. I guess I should probably go check on him since you're here..." She drew in a deep sigh, turning and slowly heading toward the door. She stopped dead in her tracks, however, when she'd caught Mighty's comment and her eyebrow twitched. She was fully prepared to snap at him when Espio cut her off. She pressed her lips together and scowled bitterly as she waited for him to finish. "Yeah. Get off yourself already. You know, you sound like the idiot I was yelling at on my computer the other day. I can't stand it when all someone can do is feel sorry for themself! It's so pointless and pathetic and..." she huffed, flaring her wings indignantly. "... Feh. I'm going to go check on Ray." She slipped out the door before giving either of them a chance to respond.
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Aug 21, 2007 11:39:58 GMT -5
Very quietly, "Why do you think so highly of me, Espio? What have I done to---" He jolted upright as Espio cried out, looking at him with obvious worry, "Please don't strain yourself!" And then came Midi's rebuttal. He was silent for a very long time after that. Then, a sigh.
|
|
|
Post by Leedzie on Aug 23, 2007 0:26:57 GMT -5
"I'll be fine," Espio mumbled, diverting his gaze back through the window. The chameleon slowly drew in a long breath and released it as a doleful sigh, and his hide darkened to a murky mix of green and brown.
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Aug 23, 2007 22:16:53 GMT -5
Awkward silence. He didn't answer me....The armadillo raised his head. "So... has life always been this..." slight pause, "...Exciting.... without me?"
|
|
|
Post by Leedzie on Aug 25, 2007 19:39:54 GMT -5
"Exciting, no." Espio paused, then added in undertone, "Stressful, yes."
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Aug 25, 2007 20:01:08 GMT -5
The armadillo sat, folding his hands and leaning his chin on them. "I'd love for you to fill me in, if you don't mind..."
|
|
|
Post by Leedzie on Aug 25, 2007 20:45:24 GMT -5
Espio almost groaned at the request; he'd already been upset, and lamenting about his everyday life would probably only compound that. However, in this instance, he made an exception. Mighty's bent over backwards for me more than I can count. I at least owe him this much.After a long pause, the ninja let out a preparatory breath. "Not sure what to tell you," he began quietly. "Life is pretty different for me than it is for Vector and Charmy. Those two spend a lot of time -- and money -- goofing around. The real work of any job we get always ends up on my shoulders. Vector at least handles the managerial stuff fairly well... I don't have to correct too many of his mistakes. But Charmy..." Espio's hide suddenly tinted red, and his voice took on a distinct audial venom. "Charmy is nothing but a pest. He just causes trouble and costs us money we don't have!" Espio paused, his teeth gritted together. A moment to calm back down was in order. He had just complained about his stress level; no need to unnecessarily make it even higher. "No matter how much they aggravate me, though... I can't deny that I work so hard for their benefit. If I really didn't care about them, I'd have left the agency a long time ago; my training's suffered a lot because all the work that gets piled on me has gotten in the way. I barely sleep, and the sleep I do get is never that great; there's always something to wake me up, whether it's those idiots making a ruckus or something that just comes from living in the city. It doesn't help that the building is so small. It's nearly impossible to escape from Charmy and Vector's noise, and the tight space is always on my mind. I spend a lot of time on the ceiling because it's roomier. But it goes so far beyond being annoyed at this point..." The ninja let out a defeated sigh. "...I worry a lot, too. "Business... really hasn't been good," he continued. "It was never that great to begin with, but, it's been really bad lately... We haven't had a real client in months. We're behind on our bills and are close to eviction because I've been spending rent money on food instead. We've lost the electricity more than once; I'm not sure how much longer we'll have a roof over our heads. "I guess that's why I took this job so unquestioningly." The chameleon's hide darkened again. "I knew, I knew that this mission was going to result in people getting killed... But I took it anyway. With all of Vector's talk of needing money, I guess he's rubbing off on me. I disregarded my principles in exchange for a paycheck..." In a repeat of his similar conversation with Midnight, Espio disappeared from view, uncomfortable with the sensation of Mighty's stare.
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Aug 25, 2007 21:09:17 GMT -5
Mighty winced. "That's horrible. I'm sorry I haven't kept in contact or anything... I basically left you guys to rot..." he bit his lip a little, "Remember, Charmy's only six.. still. I..." He paused, but then continued a little shyly, "I've been writing. I published some books, made some money off it... also other odd litlte jobs... not a lot, but enough to help you out a bit." He put his hand on Espio's shoulder very lightly, tone soft but firm. "Don't you dare say that. You're an amazing person for taking care of them despite the... frustrations.. they give you, and trying so hard. Don't blame yourself; many people would have done the same in your position. Me included. ... No, you're a great person. Don't you dare say otherwise, it isn't true. I want to help, in any way I can, Espio... more than just with money. Maybe I can even help with Charmy... just tell me what to do."
|
|
|
Post by Leedzie on Aug 25, 2007 21:23:23 GMT -5
"Thanks," Espio replied in a neutral tone; it was unclear which part he was thanking the armadillo for. "I appreciate your offer, but, keep your money. I didn't complete my mission, but I accomplished the most important part of it. When I get out of here, I'll contact the guy that hired us; he owes us at least a partial payment. From what we discussed in the beginning, it'll probably be enough to catch up on the bills and tuck some away for a while. I don't know exactly how long, since I'm causing us a pay cut, but it should be enough." The chameleon's colours slowly faded back, bringing the ninja back into view. His eyes remained fixated out the window. "There is one favor I could ask, though... If you didn't mind it." Pulling in a slow breath, Espio quietly said, "...Could you take my place for a while?"
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Aug 25, 2007 21:35:31 GMT -5
The armadillo shook his no. "No, Espio, I insist. I'm going to spend some money on you guys. I don't need it all - besides, we're a family, aren't we?" he gave his companion a small smile. He nodded. "Sure thing. You'd like a vacation, I take it?"
|
|
|
Post by Leedzie on Aug 25, 2007 21:46:29 GMT -5
"Not exactly..." he slowly answered. The chameleon's hide sluggishly began to kaleidoscope. "Vacations are fun and relaxing, and I won't be doing either. I just... need to go away for a while." With a grunt, Espio laborously pushed himself upright again. "I have to figure some things out and get myself back on the right track. I can't do that at home. But, I also can't just up and leave Vector and Charmy; they're both too scatterbrained to do things like pay the bills. That's all I'm asking of you... Just to keep an eye on things. I already said there should be plenty of income from this job, so, you can just have fun with the guys. You won't have to go on any missions." Espio tenderly rubbed at his bandaged belly. Though he didn't say anything more, it was clear he was deep in thought.
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Aug 25, 2007 21:52:51 GMT -5
"Of course I'll look after them... but... I know it's a lot to ask, especially after the way I abandonned you, but will you keep in touch? I assume training will be part of this getaway, will it not?" Mighty folded his hands in his lap, looking out the window for a moment, and then back at the chameleon.
|
|
|
Post by Leedzie on Aug 25, 2007 22:09:01 GMT -5
"Stop saying you abandoned us," Espio muttered. "We weren't tethered to you by some invisible rope again. You're free to come and go as you please." Though he didn't say it out loud, the chameleon already knew exactly what was in store for him on his up-coming trip: he would work himself until he physically could not do it anymore. His lack of integrity in the matter in question solidified for him the fact that his training had been minimized to an unacceptable extent. He would hammer it back into himself, no matter how tired he got, no matter how much it hurt, no matter how miserable it made him. But what he said to Mighty was, "Probably." Espio mulled over the armadillo's request uncertainly. Outside contact would be a distraction he couldn't afford; his focus needed to be absolute. On the other hand, it was already clear that Mighty, and through him possibly Vector and Charmy, would most likely worry about him. After a moment of negotiating with himself, the ninja added, "I'll try to write once in a while."
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Aug 28, 2007 19:30:48 GMT -5
"But I did," he said quietly, "... It won't happen again." He seemed satisfied with this response. "I'd appreciate it.. Just... don't overwork yourself, okay? I know it's not a vacation, and you probably missed some training..." Understatement of the century, "But don't work yourself to death or hurt yourself too much, okay? Take care of yourself."
|
|
|
Post by Leedzie on Aug 28, 2007 20:41:14 GMT -5
There was a long, heavy pause. When finally he spoke again, Espio pulled the blanket up to his shoulders and mumbled, "I'll only do what's necessary." The chameleon's hide darkened slightly with the statement.
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Aug 29, 2007 21:15:51 GMT -5
"I mean it, Espio! Overworking yourself isn't going to help, you'll just make it harder." He frowned at the chameleon. "You need to take care of yourself."
|
|
|
Post by Leedzie on Sept 1, 2007 11:15:47 GMT -5
"I will," Espio quietly replied, closing his eyes and pulling the blanket even higher. It was getting hot under there, but he wasn't using it because he was cold. "I'd like to rest now. Thank you for coming to see me. I'm really glad I got to see you."
|
|
Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
|
Post by Sipp on Sept 5, 2007 18:58:46 GMT -5
"Good," replied the armadillo, satisfied. He smiled. "Yeah... sorry... I'm glad I got to see you too. Sleep well." He slipped out of the room, closing the door gently behind him.
|
|