ZRP-2: Brave New World

(James)
"Well...if that's all, we'll be getting ready."

*Marcus*
"I'll send someone to get you from the Inn when we're ready to go."

(James)
"Okay. See you then."
=With that, I turned and walked out=

Hibiki followed.
"So, what now?" she asked James.

(James)
"Now.....now we wait."
=There was a nervous tension in me, an anticipation of the coming battle that made me afraid. Not for myself, but of leaving somethings unsaid. it made me cast a glance at Andrew, my friend, and an even longer glance at Hibiki, the woman who....I may very well have had a thing for=

Disappointed, I continue further into the town. Maybe we can find somebody who has some sort of medical knowledge?

As I walked behind tyler I noticed an inn. Figuring they would probably know someone who has medical knowledge.

"hey lets see who knows." I say as I walk up to the inn's door and open it, stepping inside.

(James)
=When my gaze moved back to the Inn, I saw a few new people I didn't recognize enter=
Let's hope they don't take our rooms.....

=Putting my curiosity aside for now, I lightly tugged on Hibiki's arm, wanting to say something quickly=

"Hey, Hibiki? Could you meet me later in my room? There's something I want to talk with you about."

I walk in after Wrex with my rifle shoulder'd. There I see a old woman sitting behind the counter. Maybe she can help?

*Marge*
=She greeted the unfamiliar people with her usual cheer=
"Welcome to my humble establishment. Do you need rooms?"

"No... I was just wondering if uh.. you are or know somebody who could fix a flesh wound?"

"Alright James." She nodded. "Eve? let's go. We should see about getting more water so I can give you a full bath."
Even shrugged, sticking close.

*Marge*
"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't have any skill there."
=She stepped out from behind the desk though=

"How bad is it?"

(James)
"Okay, I'll see you soon."
=We both continued for the Inn, and I was the first to cross the threshold, and saw the three people, along with Marge, standing around=

Hibiki heard "how bad was it?" and slowed down. "Go on Eve, stay in the room. I'll see if they need help. I'll come right after, James."
She smiled and went over.
"You all ok?" she asked.

*Marge*
"I'm not sure miss. They were asking for a doctor, or someone with medical experience. They said something about a flesh wound."

(James)
"Eve, come on I'll walk you to your room."
=I held out my hand, a gesture of trust to the young girl=

"Nothing too seri-"

I look behind me where I heard the door open. Instinct... or really more reflex made me. Anyway.. I look back to the woman.

"Nothing serious. It's just if we don't get it properly cleaned it could get infected. Before you ask, it's not a bite. It's a bullet problem."

Eve took his hand and followed.

Hibiki frowned. "I know first aid. If you have some bactine or alcohol to spare and some bandages, I can at least do that." Hibiki offered. "And bullet problem? Is the bullet still in?"

(James)
=I made sure not to squeeze her hand too hard, my experience with Harry helping me out here as I walked with her, gently guiding her back to her room. Standing outside the door, I opened it for her and turned to face her=

"I'll be next door Eve. So if you need anything, don't hesitate, I'll be here in a second."

Eve nods, and enters the room, closing the door behind her.

Hibiki waitied for an answer.

I turn around to answer one of the people behind me. A woman from the looks of it.

"No. It didn't go through her leg, just cut it.. You said you know first aid? Think you can do it without either of those things you mentioned?"

"Well, I guess I could use some water. Got any clean cloth or anything? And who's hurt?"

(James)
=After I left Eve back in her room, I sat in mine, on the edge of my bed with the door closed. As I sat, I wondered, thought about what I was going to say to Hibiki. What I really wanted to say to her. I just hoped that no matter what.....she would still stand with me=

*Marge*
"I've got some towels I washed recently. There not exactly clean but it's the best you're going to get."
=She walked across the room, towards what looked like a closet, removing from it a handful of partially white towels, bringing them over to Hibiki=

"Not me or the walking tree-" I stop a moment to let out a laugh for the stupid joke. "It's the girl he's carrying."

"But I already poured water into it. I was really just looking for someone to stitch it up again. Or say the one she has is good enough."

I put my hands into my pockets. Realizing they have us surrounded. I tense up a bit at the thought.

"I could use some medicine. I'll trade. And if you don't have it or don't want to, could you lead me to the nearest trader?"

"Eh, here..."
She checked the binding. Not bad.
"I'll change it, at least."
Getting some water she soaked the towel and changed the bandage. "There. It'll be fine then."
Smiling, Hibiki bid them farewell, then knocked on James' door.

Well. She was quick. I guess it's okay.

I turn back to the woman still here. "Thank you. But could we rent a room? I'd like to get her resting."

*Marge*
"That depends on what you have to trade...."

(James)
=When I heard the knocking on the door, I almost didn't stand up, I was so nervous. Apologizing the way I did earlier was one thing....what I planned on saying was another. But, I already asked her to stop by, and I wasn't about to waste this chance. So, standing up, I walked for the door. My legs felt like they were made of lead, it was difficult to get them to move=

Oh brilliant. You can face zombies and crazy fanatics, but a woman you like? That freezes you?

=The memory of all I endured before this, all I had seen, was probably what got me to keep moving forward. My heart was pounding like crazy, beating a tattoo within my chest, as I finally opened the door=

"Hibiki, thanks for coming. Please, come in."

Keep it together man, you can do this.

"Well. I have some canned Spam. Extra shotgun ammo I think..."

i start digging through my coat for something to trade. Half-eaten SlimJim, that spam...

Ow!

And that needle.

*Marge*
"It's fine young man. Honestly, she needs to stay here anyway, where she can get off that leg and be near someone who can take care of the wound. So the three of you can take the room at the end of the hall, no charge."

Hibiki smiled and stepped inside.
"No problem? What did you need, James?" she asked.

"Wait, really? Thank you!"

I was tempted to hug her but decided not to. Not enough time. But I flash her a smile anyway and lead them down the hall to the room.

(James)
"Look, there's something that's been on my mind all day. Since the apology, since learning about this attack that we're about to take part in."
=I walked away, back into my room, towards the center as I ran a hand through my hair=

"And all day, the only thing I could really focus on, that i couldn't stop thinking about.....was you."
=My eyes were squeezed shut as I said that last bit, but I willed myself to open them, and look back at her=

"Hibiki, I don't know what I'm feeling right now. I feel glad when you're around, excited when you're close, and happier than I've ever been when I see you smile."

Hibiki blushed.
He means that...
Hibiki walked up to James, laying a hand on his arm. She smiled for him.
"You're kind. You care for people, and you want to protect them. My heart beats a bit faster, too."
SHe brightened her smile.
"And, most of all, you watch out for Eve. That scores more brownie points then anything else..."
Hibiki paused, still smiling.
"So...I feel the same way."

=At point blank range, that smile was devastating=

"Hibiki....."

=Slowly reaching up my right hand, I gently cupped the line of her jaw, feeling just how soft, how warm her skin really felt=

"I...lo--"

=The rest of my words were cut off, as I gently pressed my lips down on hers=

The moment his lips touched hers, she was floating on the clouds. Her arms slipped under his to pull him closer as she kissed back.
Hibiki's eyes closed, and she became lost in the moment.
He was going to say "i love you."

=As she pulled me closer, I felt her melt against me, her body pressing against mine, as she returned the kiss, slow and sensuous. My left hand moved to behind her head as I gently pulled her further into the kiss, my fingers trailing through her hair. We stayed like that for....minutes? Hours maybe? All I know is that I was the first to break it off, pulling away from her mouth, gently biting her lower lip. My breathing was coming hard now, and my heart was pounding a rapid beat against my chest=

"I love you."
=Was all I said, in a hushed toner=

"I love you too." She said, pressing her lips against James' again tenderly.
I just can't remember when I fell for you

(James)
=I just held her, in my arms as I returned her kiss, though not with the same passion as the first. My hand still behind her head, I held her there for a second, savoring the soft kiss for a little while, before letting go=

"Not going farther, cowboy?" She said teasingly, hands still holding his back. She couldn't help but tease him.
"When did you fall for me?" She finally asked.

(James)
"Right now, there's nothing I'd like more than going farther.......but this, right now? This is enough, Hibiki."
=I looked into those green eyes, and i felt I could lose myself in them. Hell, I wanted to=

"I think I fell for you.....last night. After you got so annoyed at me, it hurt more than I expected. And I realized, it hurt me, because I loved you."

Slow...
"I fell for you after the Shepherds had attacked..."
Hibiki reluctantly pulled away. "I love you, James...but we need sleep. Without it..we won't win tomorrow."
She gave him a kiss goodnight and exited...almost running into Eve.
"Eve! I thought you were asleep!"
"I wanted to ask James something."
"Like?"
Eve put on a straight face. "Did the idiot kiss you yet?"

(James)
=I was just within earshot, and hearing Eve ask that kind of question made me laugh. Grinning from ear to ear, I walked over to my bed, feeling very light on my feet. God, the feeling I had right now was the best I ever had, in a very long time. My door closed, I lay down on my bed, everything going dark as sleep overtook me. My last thoughts, were of the soft warmth of her kiss=
Now I'm definitely going to live through this attack.

Hibiki grinned and picked up Eve.

She carried her to their room, easily tossed her on the bed, and tickled her until she begged for mercy.

After cleaning up, Hibiki and Even nuzzled for a bit before falling asleep.

I open the door and Wrex lumbers inside. He then puts Jennifer down on the bed and sits in the chair. I don't go inside however.

"I'm going for a walk. I'll be back in a bit."

I shut the door, walk back down the hall and outside. There I take in a breath of cold night air. Have to say, I love the night.
But instead of a walk I just lean against the building's wall. I take out a bottle of Vodka (Yes I have two, I find them in a freezer awhile back.)
And pop the lid off. Then knock it back. Just cause I hear it's good But it tastes like crap and burns like hell...
But something inside me enjoyed it. So I take another drink, worst then the first. One more...

After Tyler left me in jennifer in the room, I figured she was fine for now. Looking at her, "I will be right back, scream if anything bad happens."

I then procceed to walk out of the room and head to the lobby area. I see that Tyler just pulled something out of his jacket and took a drink. He coughed a little then it hits me. Hes drinking some liquor, oh what an idiot.

I walk over to the door just to see him take another swig. As he raises the bottle to take another gulp I grab the bottle out of his hand. And stare down on him. "Do you understand how bad liquor is for you? Huh? Do you know how easily this stuff can kill you with you being so young and so small?"

"Eh... I wouldn't say I'm small... But I figured. It's just drink right? How can a couple sips kill ya?"

I move to take the bottle back. Lid in hand.

"And I was finished there anyway."

My head seems to be floating now... And it hurts. Both my head and stomach...

I sigh and notice that he is a little whoozy. "Listen tyler, this is liquor, its not like beer or wine. This stuff is heavy in alcohol. I know you havent eaten and that your young. For you right now a few gulps can kill you. Or make you have a bad day."

I sigh again, disappointed. "Look, under age drinking wont kill you, but abusing it will. I dont need you stuck in bed from alcohol poisoning while jennifier is injurged too."

"Yeah. I know that it's liquor... It's terrible for me, I know. But I've been waitin' a long time to crack one open."

I lean back against the wall casually. To keep my balance.

"This world won't allow one night for one drink. So I had to find somewhere safe... ish before I tried it. Here is the first safe ish place."

I raise my left hand to my face and rest my head in it. My glove is surprisingly cold.

"And well... I've concluded that shit is only useful for trading. There, happy?"

"I'm fine with you drinking, as long as you dont kill yourself. Besides alcohol is useful for doing other things than drinking and trading."

I hand tyler back the bottle. "There is always molatov cocktails too."

I head back to the door and open it. "Dont drink too much, punking will dehydrate you and we cant pump your stomach." Then I walk though the door, and lumber back to jennifer's room. Once I close the door I sit down against the wall and wait.

"Except I don't know how to make them..."

I say into the wind.

"Maybe just... wine?"

I screw the cap back on and shove it into my coat. Also grabbing my bottle of water. I unscrew the cap and drink it nearly gone.

"Much... better."

I walk back into the hotel or inn or whatever and go straight to our room. After saying good night to the innkeeper that is.
After I open the door and walk in I sit at the opposite wall of Wrex. Jennifer takes one look at me and I guess she can tell.

I take off my leather jacket and set it beside me. I then pull off my mask and my balaclava. its been a good bit of time since I have done this. I stroke my beard then lay my head on my pack and pull my leather jacket up like a blanket.

Well he at least are trusting 'nough mask off.

I can't even form a coherant thought. But if I sleep. So I roll over on my back and drift off to sleep rather quickly.

(James)
=It was maybe an hour later, that I woke up. I was wondering if earlier had just been a dream or not. Would have been a nice change from the usual nightmares, but I think I could have lived with an endless supply of nightmares knowing I could have woken up to her. Getting out of bed and stretching, I slowly pushed thoughts of earlier aside, as I started to get my head in the game for what was about to come=

Now we join the war......