CAP - The effects of a loss. (Jack ; Cameo)

[*]

Pain? I can handle. Any sort of physical pain is something I was trained to take in and control. I have been dealing with pain for pretty much my entire life but the one thing I can't handle is losing. Losing comes with so many different emotions and reactions from people. It's the worst thing in the world to me and right now, I feel nothing but shame. That look on my father's face when I saw him in the stands told me enough and the moment I turned my back on the crowd, I felt like Mason was coming to attack me again. I felt like the stares of all the people were going to burn a hole through my back and send me into a deep sleep forever. I couldn't look back. I couldn't deal with what was going on out there. I didn't want nothing to do with Kayghna and her glory. I knew she barely scraped by. I gave her a good run for her money, but still, to lose like that... to that girl... was the worst feeling in the world. I don't know if I can look Matthew in the eyes right now. I just can't. I don't want to see that look he'll give me. I don't want the comforting words. She's going on to round two. Not me. Gala... I didn't even get to seek revenge on Mason for you. I have failed my father. I have failed Gala. I have failed Matthew. I have done nothing but made myself a failure to those who were rooting for me. I curse myself mentally, as the healers stay on my heels. They seem to be fussing about the way I'm walking, but it's only because standing straight aggrivates my back and ribs. My arm is killing me terribly, but none of that takes effect the moment I see my father standing near the treatment room. That hard glare as I begin to make my way toward the room. His arms that are folded up against his chest. I can't seem to meet his gaze for a few moments until I get up to him, then I feel all the confidence in the world. "I almost had her. I swear... if it wasn't for..." I began to say before his voice booms out suddenly. His voice echoes through the hallway and the women behind me suddenly turn away for a moment to give me the time with my father. I hold his glare but flinch at his voice. "What the hell do you call that? You lost to a girl. I expected much more out of you, Kyanite. You have trained for so long. You have been in fights and spars so much lately. Has that weakened you? I thought the whole purpose of you training for these so called 'pregames' was that you would win? I thought you were ready?" He shakes his head and I feel every word penetrating my heart. I used to hold my dad's praise but now, all I get is his disappointing remarks. Even through my swelling eye, I can't help but notice my brother who stands down the hallway. He can't even come to me. Have I disgraced them that much? "I'm sorry." I find myself saying for no reason. Was it to try to make up for what just happened? "There's no sorry for this Kyanite. I don't know whether to pull you out of the career training or make you work harder. Obviously, you've been preoccupied lately with something else. Have you even been doing what you were suppose to? Or have you been skipping out?" He asks. I hold still for a moment before he speaks once more. "I don't want to see you at the house tonight. I expect you to make yourself comfortable at the training center, because I want you there early to train." I give him a subtle nod and he does nothing more than leaves me standing there while the healers begin to usher me forward nicely. Some offer comforting words, but I have bigger things to worry about now. How do I get on my father's good graces again? In the room, the women settle me on the table and I make no motion to throw them off of me. I let them do their jobs without a fuss. They tend to my arm as I flinch to the pain. They mess with my eye and put some sort of gel around the underpart of it. Then they are gone in a matter of minutes to return whenever. I sigh heavily.

[/div]

[Jack Lexington]

I watched ever moment of that fight. A few times I had to look away, especially when Kayghna broke my friends arm. Now she's damaged both of us. My teeth are clenched as I stare down at my hands.
Then I force myself to watch the rest of the fight even though the outcome is pretty clear after her good arm is out of order.

Once Kayghna is pronounced winner I feel overwhelmed by a rush of anger and resentment that I've never felt when it comes to somebody else, in this case Kyanite. I want to personally punch that girl out and hurt her for what she's just done to my, well what is she, 'girlfriend'.
Maybe I still get a chance for payback in the second round. Ky surely won't.

I see her walk out with hanging head and wonder whether I should go down there to see whether I can help. But any sort of help would publicly put my affection for her on display.
The crowd starts leaving the seats so I get up as well and my feet simply take me down to the changing and treatment rooms.
An older man with a younger dark haired fellow in tow is heading past me and looks mighty pissed off as well. For a moment I look after him wondering whether he's Kyanites father-the one she's been talking about.

The medical staff blocks my way even though I explain. "She's my friend. Can I see her, please?"
"Not now. Wait here." I'm being told.
The more time passes the more I get worried. Has she been injured seriously? Maybe even life threatening? I can feel my heart rate excellerate and my hands are getting sweaty while I lean against the wall and try to act unimpressed while I'm waiting for Kyanote to come out.

OOC: Can her dad or brother come back?

[*]

The treatment room is much quieter than what I remember when it had been Gala here just yesterday. That day, excitement was all over the place. For me? Right now? It's isolation. It's feeling alone. Unwanted because of this fight that I lost. My father already made it pretty clear that he's upset with me. Even to the point that he expects me to sleep at the training center to get a head start on training in the morning, but with a broken arm and bruises that cover my body, it seems as if he would have given me a day before he would start back up again with the training. Perhaps, he's right? What if what's been going on lately has made me spacey? With Matthew and Gala. What I've done by hanging out with them instead of staying focused? Has that altered my game? Has what's been going on between me and Matthew put me out of my career mindset?

I hold my head against the palm of my right hand for a moment then bring my feet up to prop my body against that small leverage. What really happened out there? Was it the broken arm that put me off? Was it the simple fact that I cared a little too much what Matthew thought when she injured me like that? Was it Gala's curious eyes to see if the person she seemed to take to that made me feel worse knowing that her 'hero' was nothing? That's when it all started going down hill. When Kayghna and I couldn't hardly lay a finger on each other after that. It was all small hits. Neither of us allowed the other to really get anything damaging in. I held my end well enough, but in the end, my lack of skills for hand to hand combat shone through.

Without notice, the door began to creek open, making me look up to the door to see the face of my brother. Obviously, my father had already left. The look on my brother's face says it all. He makes his way over toward me with a solemn look. His lips turned downward slightly as he comes near me and looks me over. His eyes peer over my face and then to my stiffly bandaged arm. His eyes grace over my arms at the bruises and shakes his head.

"I tried... honestly, I did. I just.. I don't know what happened out there." I sound like a small child that is trying to making someone undestand the truth. He only shakes his head.

"I know. Kya, dad's just really pissed. I don't know what happened to you out there either, but the moment she hurt your arm, you just backed down. You don't need to do that. I know what your weakness is in sparring, but like dad said. You need to train harder. That's the only way to get over this defeat. I'm sorry you lost, little sis. It's a good teaching method in its own way. You'll see. I wouldn't come home tonight though. Not unless you wanna hear him rave. I'll come by the center tomorrow to check on you. Okay?" He tells me and for the first time in a long time, he embraces me in a gentle hug and is gone in a matter of moments. I see him leave, but the door is left completely open. I feel exposed. I want to get up and close the door, but to move would only create more pain. I bury my head in my hand again and hear as my brother starts talking to someone down the hallway.

It's clear, whose voice it is. Matthew. My brother's voice holds no resentment toward MAtthew though. It's just a normal tone. I can't hear what they are saying, but whatever it is, I want to just make everyone leave me alone.

[Jack Lexington]

Once the dark haired guy is allowed to enter her room I'm really starting to wonder who the hell he is? Is he realted or maybe a close friend? maybe even a former boyfriend?
I can't help but roll my shoulder along the wall to turn and sneak a peek in her room. There she is, all beaten up and bandaged hugging the guy.
I swallow hard but stay where I am. Their voices are too low to hear.

Only when the young man comes back outside do I get a good look at his face. He might be related. His dark eyes scan me when he exits the room and asks. "Are you waiting for Kyanite? She'll be a while. Who are you? Should I tell her something?"
All these questions from a stranger who might be mocking me ten minutes later for my concern.
Hesitant I explain. "Just a training partner. How is she?"
The guy shrugs. "She just lost, what do you think."
My expression turns sour because of the way he's talking to me and most of all because of the reminder that she lost to the girl I hate the most. "Yeah, thanks for the reminder."
He gives me a clap on the shoulder and leaves.

For a moment I wait but then I can't resist the urge to poke my head in.
With a silly little smile I greet her to cheer her up.
"Hey dynamite. How're you doing?" I get closer until I can sneak a quick kiss on her forehead before I back off.
"Don't answer that. I can imagine."
My eyes roam the length of her body to scan her for any patches but all I can see it the nice with splint on her arm.
"Good one. I hear it crack." I attempt a joke but her face looks anything but amused. In fact she doens't even look at me.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Gala Thomas
Age Thirteen
District Two

It's not surprise that Gala's older sisters are furious over the fact that their little thirteen year old joined the pregames. Becoming a career to protect her and her identical twin they were growing used to, but this was certainly unacceptable. They did not understand one bit, and assumed she was acting out to the extreme. With a broken rib and foot they assumed keeping her hostage would be a simple job, but clearly none of them knew the little girl. Keeping only Gwen and their little sister on guard was the worst mistake. As if a limp would keep her away from watching the one female she looks up to battle.

With a single crutch she finds she can walk perfectly fine, though it probably did take an extra five minutes compared to usual. Still the distances is far, and sneaking off at the perfect time completely threw Gala off on the time. She knows exactly who Kyanite's opponent is, and to watch Kaygnha get her ass butt kicked was just what the young girl needed after her own fail yesterday. With how strong Kyanite is and how stupid Kay is, she predicts the outcome, she knows the outcome.

Finding Matthew's impossible with the already filled in crowd, everyone craving for a real fight today. At least they could careless about Gala today, already forgetting all together. She finds herself at the bottom of the stairs, attempting to get as close as she can without merging with the crowd; the last thing she needed was her foot to get stomped on. Kya and Kay come into view, the fight already occurring and both girls seeming nicely damaged.

"Match goes to Kayghna."

Wait, what? One of Kyanite's arms is badly wounded, most likely broken, but still she could fight. Of course she could still fight, at least in Gala's eyes she could win the hunger games. She hugs her arm close as she leaves the battle field, the nurses following close behind. Immediately Gala makes her way up the stairs, wanting to reach Kyanite as quickly as possible. Of course maneuvering up the stairs with a crutch isn't a simple as walking, and when others begin to exit as well, her speed goes to nearly nothing.


The halls are awfully confusing, and at this point Gala actually wishes for the assistant of her twin. She knows how to get around anywhere, as if she held a map in her brain. A horrible sign to the medical rooms shows itself, and for the first time ever Gala willingly makes her way in that direction. That had to be where Kyanite is. She peers her head within each room until her blue eyes come across the right one. It's difficult but she resists a smile and a giggle at the sight of Matthew giving a gentle kiss to Kyanite's forehead; how she knew something was going on that neither were willing to give up. But if anyone could figure it out it was Gala; another time though.

"I think the judge was very wrong." Gala shares from the doorway, a small and weak smile across her face. At least Gwen has access to the medicine, and Gala knew how to make her very generous with painkillers. Just yesterday she lost, so sympathy fills her for what Kyanite must be going through. They encouraged her, and now it was her turn to give it back. "Kaygnha's a psychopath, they don't feel pain." She explains the reasoning of the unfair fight. "I think you won."

[*]

The conversation down the hallway doesn't seem to last that long. In fact, it doesn't last long at all, and before it know it, the hallway grows silent and I feel safe now. Safe that I don't have to face Matthew. Safe that I don't have to face Gala. Not even my family wants to stick around. I take a huge breath of air into my lungs and get painfully reminded of the pain in my back, both from the wound Mason gave, and my newly bruised ribs. I know exactly how Gala feels, though hers were actually broken. Poor girl! This was definately not the way I had planned for my pregames fight to go. To go in strong, and come out weak is doing nothing but damaging my self worth. To comfort Gala yesterday in her fight was wonderful. She was young but a wonderful fighter. At least she gave Mason a run for her money. Broke a few things on his as well. As for myself? I barely gave her anything to remember me by.

My eyes carry downward to the splinted arm and realize that the two people in my life that had made my life a living hell has done something to my upper limbs. Jins had crushed my right hand with the sword. Kayghna has broken my left arm. Slowly, my enemies are trying to break me down and make sure I stay down. The thought only seems to fuel some sort of fire within my belly until the moment I hear Matthew's voice and my eyes travel to the door to catch his expression. Was he going to angry just as my father and brother was before him? I don't think I could take that from the one person that has suddenly become almost everything to me in life aside from training. Was it him that has caused for my career mode mindset to unwind?

"Hey dynamite. How're you doing?" He questions me with this smile and he comes up to me in this sly manner and places a kiss on my forehead. Then he takes back he question with a statement and leaves it with that. The kiss on my forehead lingers for a few moments, before I feel the sensation disapate. That kiss was suppose to be for someone who deserved it. I was hardly that. Then he takes a shot at a joke, and it does everything but cheer me. I heard it crack, too, Matthew. I heard everything. Don't tell me that I did good in my battle. Little Gala did more damage to Mason than I did to Kayghna. It's pathetic. My father is right. At the door, I hear yet another voice and I feel even worse about what just occured. Gala stands at the door claiming the judges declaired the battle winner wrong. Her attempts to console me works no more than Matthew.

"I won nothing but a trip to the training center first thing in the morning." I hold off on saying anything about my having to sleep there. I don't dare say that my father has made it clear that he wants to see nothing of my face tonight, even though I crave nothing but the warmth of my bed to sooth away my aching muscles and pain in my arm. Tonight, will be a learning experience. My father's way of treating a loser in the family. I earned respect that one time I won against Jins when I was twelve, but lost it the moment I was declaired a failure today. It's funny how the mighty have fallen. I stare at the two people that I feel deserve my respect the most, but I just can't seem to see past what I look forward to tonight.

"Thanks you two... I'll be fine." Those dangerous words. 'I'll be fine'. A way to hope that they'll leave me be for a moment, but the nurse comes in and intrudes on our conversation and looks to my arm that is splinted.

"Hmm, Kyanite, you'll have to leave that on for a few days before we make you a cast. You'll have to go to your doctor in order to do that. I suggest you see him as soon as possible just to make sure that your arm will heal properly." She tells me and I advert my eyes away from the woman.

"Will you please give us a few moments?" I tell her, and she looks to Gala and Matthew. A smile plays on her lips and she gives me a nod and turns to leave.

"So, I bet Kayghna is living it up. Enjoying her victory, I assume. I think you two are the only ones that against her. You know, as long as she don't come down here..." I want to mention Mason's incident, but I know they'll understand what I'm talking about. I'm pretty sure the minute I see her, I will have a few choice words to say to her. I doubt I'd do any damage to her, so words would be about as much as I could do to her. I stare at my arm, and barely move my index finger. "My dad almost wanted to take me out of career training." I say to no one in particular.

[Jack Lexington]

Kyanite truly looks defeated. I’ve never seen her like this. Not even out in the woods. It’s almost as if her spark is gone. The gleam in her eye and the will to fight back no matter whether it’s a guy twice her size or a wild wolf.
In front of me sits a girl that could never take on anybody.
My heart sinks when I let my eyes grace her face.

Even little Gala can’t make her smile or feel better. It’s like she doesn’t even want us here so I take a small step back to give Kyanite some room.


"I won nothing but a trip to the training center first thing in the morning." Her voice sounds like she’s scolding herself. Why though? She’s put up a good fight.
“What?” I raise my brows in surprise. Not even I would come back the next day if I just broke my arm and was stabbed in the back.
“Are you nuts?” I ask a little too harsh.
I search her face but get nothing back, not even an annoyed look.
“Why would you do that to yourself? It’s not like you can train like this.” I motion for her arm.

"Thanks you two... I'll be fine." She states but a nurse interrupts us by looking at her arm and explaining she needs to see a doctor so I can only say. “Famous last words.”
My voice is dripping with sarcasm. I can only assume it has something to do with the guys who left.
“Who was the guy, who just left?” I demand to know completely lacking any sort of sympathy for now once the nurse moved out of the way again.

"So, I bet Kayghna is living it up. Enjoying her victory, I assume. I think you two are the only ones that against her. You know, as long as she don't come down here..."

I hate the way she looks right now. I hate how she talks and it makes me angry.
“Who gives a shit about that bitch?” My voice is loud enough to earn me a “Tone it down” from the staff.

"My dad almost wanted to take me out of career training." She finally comes out. So that’s who the man was. I can only stare at her and finally sigh and run my hand over my face. Then I exchange a glance with Gala, who was just standing there dumbstruck. She was looking up at Ky so much and never expected to see her like this.
“Really? That’s crazy. You fought well…what are you supposed to do with a broken arm?”
I shake my head not knowing what to do.
“Do you want me to talk to him? That’s just complete bullshit. I don’t know any better girl fighter than you.” Technically speaking that’s correct but there are girls like Kayghna who aren’t as skilled but simply ruthless.
I cast another glance at my trainee and then step closer to Ky to finally take her hand and crouch down next to her. “C’mon, Ky. Don’t you tap out on me now.”
I smile at her hoping to make her feel a little better.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

"I won nothing but a trip to the training center first thing in the morning." Kyanite's words completely shock Gala. Yesterday her words were all kindness and uplifting, exactly what the little career was attempting to give in return now. Some people are hypocrites when it comes to themselves, being better at giving then taking. A good quality, except if they have caring friends. She appears to be so defeated, though it's understandable after not coming out victorious.

A nurse enters the room without even asking, halting any further conversation. All Gala could be thankful for was that she going to Kyanite. Just before she was sharing about being fine. That one word only ever used to hide the fact that they're hurting, mentally or physically, or both. With only sisters Gala's heard that word a lot. Usually she'd ignore it though, roll her eyes and do her own thing. But now it was coming from Kyanite, from losing a fight against someone they all knew and disliked. If only she understood it wasn't her fault, Kayghna was a bad fighter but also heartless; going in for nasty attacks she could, where as Kyanite was certainly on the fair side. Why wouldn't she believe Gala?

The nurse gives advice to Kyanite, and by now Gala's learned the extent of the injury. Exactly what the youngster was considering, how Kay has no guilt to actually break someone's arm! Over the line in her book, but then again there's no rules in the hunger games. Kyanite asks for the nurse to leave, and after an awkward smile she finally does.

"So, I bet Kayghna is living it up. Enjoying her victory, I assume. I think you two are the only ones that against her. You know, as long as she don't come down here..."

Immediately Matthew chimes in, a smile sliding to Gala's face despite all of the drama; he truly does care about Kyanite, slowly becoming a non-girl hater...or hopefully a little. “Who gives a shit about that bitch?" To get his point across his voice is raised and even gets a small scold from one of the staff.

"She doesn't fight fairly." Gala gives another attempt at helping, though her voice isn't as enthusiastic as before. "Not your fault she's heartless." She mumbles the last bit, becoming thankful that Matthew became her career again; no wonder Gwen was becoming different, with a trainer like her who wouldn't?

"My dad almost wanted to take me out of career training." Kyanite's words spill out so quickly and nearly makes Gala's heart drop. Training would be nothing without Matthew and Kyanite. Before she has a chance to respond, Matthew's doing his job. Of course Gala doesn't mind, after all this was a rarity.

“Really? That’s crazy. You fought well…what are you supposed to do with a broken arm?” Matthew questions, probably desiring exactly what Gala is; making Kyanite change her perspective, see her strength. One lose was nothing. He asks whether he should talk to her father, and how Kyanite's the strongest female fighter there is. At another point Gala would give a sarcastic comment, but it was true she had a few years before being anything comparable to Kyanite.

"Well at least that's an almost." Gala comments quietly, trying to shine a little optimism to the situation.

He gives a short eye exchange with his trainee, and it's clear they have the same goal. How they've become a team a three she wasn't sure, but then again would never complain. “C’mon, Ky. Don’t you tap out on me now.” Matthew's just as encouraging as he was yesterday, and even takes Kyanite's hand.

"Yeah. Who else is going to help Matthew train me?" Gala asks, hoping her trainer understood not to take it personally; right now was about helping Kyanite. Though the two of them put together did create the perfect trainer. "I have to become bad ass some how."

[*]

I didn't even think about it when I let my mouth open to speak about what my father had said about training. His disappointment of my losing and expecting me to be at the gym first thing in the morning. Certainly Gala and Matthew hadn't overheard the conversation. I can only hope that my brother didn't say anything he shouldn't have to Matthew when I heard them out in the hallway. Right now, I see Matthew as he starts to go off on me because of what is expected of me. His voice comes out harshly asking if I was nuts to train like I am. Asking why I would do that to myself. It's not me, Matthew. It's my dad. If you could only see how upset he looked when I was declared the loser. The last time that happened, I lost to Ashton that one time and word got back to him. That set him to put me in the extra hours again. At this rate, I might as well live at the gym just to appease him.

"I have no choice, Matthew. I have to bounce back from this. My fa..." I stop and close my mouth before anything else is said. Though, I try to make the situation seem a bit better by telling them I'll be fine, until the nurse decides to address my condition in front of these two to tell them that I'm clearly not. Not more than a second after the nurse leaves, Matthew is questioning me about my brother.

"Jeran? That was my brother you met in the hallway. He was just... wishing me well." I lie to Matthew. I can't believe I just did that, but I did. Surely that will be the end of that small bit of information. The rest, I am scared to say. I don't know what to expect them to think.

What I say next has Matthew reacting fast. Almost to the point that my gaze looks to him with a startled response. I shake my head when the nurses give him a look and I can see how much my defeat is taking effect on the two sitting in front of me. It isn't that I was defeated that is bothering me so much, it's the fact that my father has decided to shun me, not to mention my brother. Who else do I have to turn to now? What will happen with Matthew and Gala? Right now, they seem like then genuinely care and want to help. Should I inform them of what's to come for me tonight? I hold off.

Both Matthew and Gala have something to say about my father's decision to try to take me out of training and the response is more than what I deserve; from both of them. Especially from Matthew, whose encouragement brings Gala's along with it. Is this what friends are suppose to do? Help those that need an uplifting spirit? To have this kind of support outside of my family seems to be bringing me out of what's weighing me down, if just by a small amount. Their words are trying to break down that barrier that I've put up the moment my father had walked out on me earlier.

"No. Don't say anyting to him. It'll all work out.. somehow." I try to tell Matthew, and see the glance that he pushes toward Gala. Suddenly, as I feel this flood of tears that is wanting to come to my eyes, but I feel his hand reach to mine. His fingers envelope around mine. He does this in front of Gala. The tears receded because he has only words for me. Ones that actually begin to bring a smile to my face for once since the battle ended. Even Gala has her own comments to add claiming to need both of us to train her. I give her a small nod.

"You're already becoming that way just by being trained by Matthew alone, Gala. He's the package deal right there. I'll be there for you when you need me though." I tell her with honesty. The longer I stare at them both, I can't help but feel somewhat better. With these two by my side, I know for now, I will have someone to push me past these moments.

The only thing I have to worry about tonight is next on my mind. I look down to my hand, the one that Matthew is holding and squeeze his hand gently. I'm not sure if Gala knows of his secret spot, but I find the courage to ask him. "Would you mind... if I crashed at the old barn tonight?" Sure, it wasn't ideal, but neither was sleeping at the training center. If given the choise, I'd rather choose to sleep somewhere I wouldn't have to worry about wandering eyes. As if I already know that Matthew is going to question my wanting to stay at his own personal place, I let my voice whisper out. "I'm not allowed to go home tonight." A chill runs down my spine and I let my gaze fall to the floor.

[Jack Lexington]

I hear Gala claiming she needs both of us and have to agree with her. "You can give her something that I can't because you're a girl. You're her role model and you know all about that girl stuff...you know." I try to convince her to keep her mood up.

But when she tell me about wanting to sleep in the barn and not being allowed to go home my rage returns in an instant. It's clearly directed against her father.
"Are you trying to tell me that your old man doesn't let you go home because you lost? He'd let you sleep in a barn in your condition?" I stare at her in disbelieve backing up a little.
"You gotta be shitting me. Please tell me that's not true?" I run my hands though my hair in desperation.
My father is hard on me when it comes to training but he's also very caring.
"Are you solely surrounded by assholes?" I shake my head.
"How many guys do I need to put in there place for you to have a god life? And why the fuck doesn't your brother stand up for you?" I question as if it was here fault.
Not that i have the best family relations seeing that my sister decided to cut all ties with me due to my behavior.
Then it dawns on me why Ky chose me to be her 'boyfriend'. I fit the picture. I'm just as much of an ass at times as Jins and her dad.
A sour expression flashes over my features.

But when I look in her face again, where tears are glistening in her eyes, I know that she needs me to be different. Apparently I have the potential to change when others don't.
So I lean forward to run my hand along her face and then whisper in her ear. "Stay with me."
Then I pull back and look over at Gala. "You're okay at home, aren't you? Is anybody giving you trouble as well?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Only a matter of a few more hints before Gala has all the pieces to the puzzle, though she's already pretty sure what the picture is. Maybe this was just a way for people to be comforting, but the young girl knew people only inlace their fingers with one another when true care was behind it. There's something going on between Kyanite and Matthew, but then again she knew that since watching them sneak beyond the fence together. Maybe the young girl was selective with what she notices, still once she has her mind on something it stays there for a while. A sly grin crosses her face as she still keeps her mouth shut tight. Last time she pushed for information she was lifted off her feet by her shirt. Let's just say she's gained a little knowledge over the past few weeks.

The whole friend thing is a new experience for Gala, and probably for all of them as it seems. But she grows a little frustrated with her inability to get out one good sentence that would help Kyanite...or maybe she'd just reject it all. Even Matthew chimes in with the fact that Gala did need both of them as trainers, especially to get both sides. Kyanite's female, and Matthew would be the furthest person with knowledge over that species. There was also a lot of strengths Kyanite had as well, something that he didn't posses, and vise-versa.

"Yeah, role-model!" Gala agrees as she finds that she likes that word, after all none of her sisters fit that category. Finally she found two people to look up to. "Both of you are." She tells, not wanting to Matthew to think he wasn't the best trainer in her eyes. After all why would she of stuck around for this long?

The mood quickly changes as Kyanite shares her inability to return home tonight. Automatically Gala grows sad and sympathetic, wanting nothing more then to offer up her own bed to the older career. With already being in a load of trouble, that probably wasn't the best idea. Still she was willing to do anything to make sure Kyanite was alright. But before she has a chance to offer, Matthew suggests for her to stay with him. How cute. A smile plays on Gala's lips as he even brings his hand up to Kya's face. Quickly she wipes it away though, she doesn't need anymore clues to know what was going on. She stays quiet though.

For some reason Matthew turns his attention over to Gala for a second. "You're okay at home, aren't you? Is anybody giving you trouble as well?" He asks his trainee. That was unexpected and forms a weak grin upon her face. She knew her trainer cared about her in some ways, but figured that ended out of training and fighting.

"I cause all the trouble remember?" Gala giggles lightly, she wasn't the best at dealing with sad situations, not even her own. She finds herself constantly laughing instead of crying...though more often then not she replaces it with anger. This time she attempts to bring in some lightness. "I've been dealing with the witches that are supposedly my sisters forever, I know how to handle them." She reassures, after their father left Gala's learned to get away from any punishment. Certainly she'd love to admit her desire to not return home tonight either, stay out with the big kids, but by the looks of it she shouldn't interfere. Her mind remains in the gutter with what they're planning on doing.

[*]

I break through that part of myself that likes to keep things hidden. That part of me that doesn't like to tell certain things that goes on in my personal life for all to know or to hear, but when it came to the fact that I had nowhere to go for the night, I felt it was best to tell the two people that have stood beside me even when my own blood relations had left me hanging. I whisper it out to Matthew, and loud enough for Gala to hear as well, asking for permission to stay at the barn. What Matthew's reply was takes me by no surprise. I knew he was going to be upset about it but I didn't expect for him to understanding one second then accusing me the next.

"How many guys do I need to put in there place for you to have a good life? And why the fuck doesn't your brother stand up for you?" His words sting. His accusations as if I had chosen this life comes out and I instantly pip up to him, to defend myself.

"My brother is good to me. He is only doing what my father has said. It isn't him. Please... don't do anything. Please, don't say anything. It's... for my best interest. I would just rather not stay at the training center like he told me to. That's the only reason I asked. I didn't think it was that big of a deal." I stare over at Gala as well for only a moment before I see the look on Matthew's face. I almost regret saying anything now.

Then his whole attitude changes in a matter of seconds. I don't know what happened, but I feel more comfortable around him now from the moment his hand is brought to my face, and he caressing my skin. His whispered voice reaches my ear with something more than I could have asked for. "Stay with me."

I'm at a loss for words when he offers up his place for me to stay so that I don't have to sleep at the barn or the training center. My father couldn't possibly know about my life enough to know that I've found someone that cares this much for me and I know he probably wouldn't either. Certain things just don't get said within those four walls of the house, my personal life included. I can't help but bring my good hand up to meet with his hand for a moment, and press his fingers against my skin before he turns to Gala and I let his hand go. A weight has been lifted off of me just with those three words. Gala on the other hand, offers up a comical reply to what Matthew asks. Oh, to have her life.

"Thank you, Matthew." I let my voice become low, hoping to only have him hear, but I'm sure as quiet as the room is, I might as well be yelling. Then I look to Gala as well, and let my voice come across louder. "Thank you, too Gala."

I drop my leg to the floor, and begin to push myself off the table one handed. It isn't as easy as I thought it would and suddenly, I start to feel every muscle screaming at me. I flinch until I make it to my feet. I'm ready to get out of here. I'm ready to lay down somewhere that there is comfort and a soft place to ease this pain. Most of all, I want nothing more than to feel the comfort of Matthew's arms around me and I know that in front of Gala that can't happen. "Can we get out of here?" I question him while cradling my arm to my body.

[Jack Lexington]

"My brother is good to me. He is only doing what my father has said. It isn't him. Please... don't do anything. Please, don't say anything. It's... for my best interest. I would just rather not stay at the training center like he told me to. That's the only reason I asked. I didn't think it was that big of a deal." Kyanite defends her brother. Obviosuly she's so used to being treated like this that she thinks it's normal.
"No, if he was good to you, he'd be standing up for you." I huff angrily about so much cowardice.
Gala puts a faint smile back on Kyanites face when she states that she causes all the trouble in her family, which might actually be true.
"Good." I nod and watch Kyanite push herself up from the bed. She looks like she's in a lot of pain but still bites it back and act thankful because I offered what anybody with a little decency would. Since when have I become the decent guy who helps out damsels in distress I quickly ask myself but get torn out of my thoughts by her "Can we get out of here."
For a moment I look at her cradling her arm. "I'm not sure what a broken arm feels like but you don't look so good right now.
My eyes dart over to the nurse who is going back and forth between this room and then next. Then I choose a moment when she's gone and step over to the supply shelf. From a clear plastic box I grab a few tubes of morphling for Ky and shove them in my pocket.
"Let's go."

The ride back on the bus is anything but pleasant for her but it drops is close enough to my house.
I walk close by her to make sure she's alright. At times I even put my hand on her back when I think nobody's watching.


At home my father is just reading his paper and greets me.
"Did you watch the fight?" Then he looks up from his paper and spots the brunette who is with me. I swear his eyes almost pop out because I literally never bring girls home. He's torn between a smile and a frown because my father isn't a big fan of the female species either, which might be blamed on mom leaving us.
"Dad, this is Kyanite. She fought today and needs a place to stay. I'm taking her up to my room." I state matter of factly as if I did this sort of thing on a daily basis.
My father has a hard time finding the right words. He's just as eloquent when it comes to girls as I am.
"Aha." He mumbles and goes back to reading his paper.
So I motion for Ky to follow me up to my room where she can lay down on my bed.
The room is simple. Nothing fancy, just a few trophies on a dresser, an impressive large drawing of one of the machines my dad invented and two victor pictures-my favourites.
"There. It's all yours." I motion for the bed.

[*]

Trying to defend my brother had to be hard to digest for Matthew. I've never known him to be mean to me at all. He's always taken up for me when it came to certain things. He was in fact, the gentle one out of the two. Occasional hugs whereas my father never did. He was never the affectionate type, but my brother was the one to always cover for me when I would sneak out at night to dance or just escape for a little while. He was good to me and what Matthew said I just shake my head. Instead of argueing with him about the situation, I just let him fume about it. Afterall, I'm not the happiest person with him either, so maybe that's why I just let what he said be said cause part of me wanted that to be true as well. That my brother of all people should have at least convinced my father to let me come home considering what I went through. Too late now.

I take this time to get my feet on the ground and declare that I want to get out of here. He seems to agree and steps over to the supply shelf and stashes away a few tubes of some kind of liquid into his pocket. I'm gone out of that place with Matthew at my side the entire time. The bus ride was rough. It was cramped and people kept looking at me. One or two had noticed me from the fight and even voiced their opinions but I kept my mouth shut. I'd had enough of the reminders. I let my gaze go out the window until Matthew gets up at one of the stops and we start the walk to his house.

The moment I reach his place, I stare in awe of it. It looks cozy and after knowing his fathers position in life, I can only imagine what the inside would look like. Sure enough, inside the place is just as nice and I see the man instantly that is reading the paper as he suddenly looks up and sees him and then the ever present shock of seeing me as well. I can only imagine the thoughts running through his father's mind at this exact moment when he tells him that he's taking me up to his room. I drop my head just slightly, a small grin reaching one side of my lips. Matthew leads the way to his room and the moment we enter, he offers up his bed. I'm speechless though. I take a seat on the edge of the bed for a moment and look around. "Nice room." I say with little emotion. I feel somewhat bad if I he isn't just going to give me the bed and he's left sleeping elsewhere, but I also hope that he intents on sharing it, too. Just to be near him after today, it seems like the only thing that I want.

"Did you draw that?" I ask looking to the drawing of the machine. I knew from that one day that he could play the piano well, but did he also have other hidden talents as well? The drawing? Could it be his as well? I begin to flex my fingers on my hand but stop when just the simple movements creates tiny pinches of pain and just let release my hand of all muscle movements and rest my arm awkwardly against my lap for a moment before I find myself laying back further ontop of the bed. I take up just a small portion of bed when I roll to my side, letting my arm rest comfortably. I let my eyes wander around his room, before they stop on him.

[Jack Lexington]

My dad's reaction was forseeable. At least he wasn't rude, just surprised. I'm glad when Kyanite is upstrairs though since I haven't lost one word about her to him.
I see her inspect my room from her position on the bed and get slightly uncomfortable. No girl has ever been here. What might she think about it. What did her room look like.
"No stuffed animals or toy cars...sorry." I smirk at her.
A little concerned I watch her try to get comfortable so I ask. "Are you in a lot of pain? Can I get you anything? Water? A sandwich?"
I stand there a little lost and decide to grab a drink for us just to sort my thoughts.

In the kitchen I fill two glasses with water and grab some apples and crackers.
My father suddenly stands behind me with his palm against the fridge blocking my way. He gives me a look and when I try to push past him he asks. "What is this, Matthew?"
I just look at him and sigh. "Really?"
He keeps staring at me so I explain. "I'm bringing my friend some water."
His jaw is starting to work so I know I shouldn't mess around.
"You never bring girls here."
"I know, dad." I try to get past him again but don't want to start a push and shove with my old man.
"She fought today and can't go home to her place because her old man's an ass, okay?"
He furrows his brow and asks. "What are you two?'
I disregard this question with a "None of your business."
He doesn't like that one bit but still steps out of my way. Then he adds. "There's chocolate on the counter."
A little confused I grab it and nod. "Thanks."

Upstairs I offer the girl this selection of food. "All very nutricious but I can't cook, so...that's your choice."
Then I let myself fall onto the bed next to her and bite into and apple.
For a moment I stop chewing and look at her stern face. "You okay?" My palm finds her back to gently rub the lower, intact part.
"Does it hurt a lot?"