The HQ Team (PLOT)

Last night hadn't happened. It couldn't have; for him to let himself get dragged down so low was... impossible. Or so he'd thought.

The night had been long, dark and cold, plagued by restless dreams of snakes, chains, white flower fields... and that giggle.

But Steven arose that morning as though nothing had happened. He showered for perhaps a little too long but other than that, this was a normal day. He dried off, got dressed, stared at himself in the mirror for ten minutes and then wandered back into his quarters and released his Skarmory, just like he did most mornings.

Austentitic observed his trainer's face worriedly; his shadowed eyes and pale face. He was used to seeing his Steven looking like this on occasion, but this morning something seemed... different. There was something there that wasn't there before. And it definitely wasn't good.

Nonetheless, Austentitic settled down on his cushion in the corner of the room and quietly watched Steven get himself ready. He ranged from moving erratically - dropping things and muttering to himelf - to moving barely any faster than a Slowpoke, his eyes distant and unfocused. The Steel-type bird couldn't carry on watching much longer. He arose from his resting place, walked up to Steven and gently nipped at his hand.

Steven turned to look at him slowly, before giving him the falsest smile he'd ever seen and patting him on the head. He knew exactly what his Pokemon was feeling. "Just had a rough night, that's all."

"Skaaaar," Austentitic nodded, but wasn't convinced. He tailed Steven as he slowly got himself ready. The Champion seemed as though he was deliberately going as slowly as he possibly could.

What could have happened last night? Nightmares? He watched him closely, hoping to glean a clue. Any clue. Steven had no time for an actual discussion this morning, so that would have to wait until tonight. He knew that if he prodded him enough, he would put in his universal communicator to speak with him. They might be so connected that actual words were not always necessary, but for a talk like this, they would be.

Now whether or not Steven actually owned up to whatever awful thing happened or not... that would be the issue.

Steven gathered his necessary papers into a folder. He took out a couple of headache pills and gulped them down with a cup of water. He straightened out his tie, combed his hair and slipped into his shoes. Yes, he looked quite normal. No one would guess.

But he wasn't the only one who knew about what had happened last night. I'll have no choice but to see her today.

For a mad moment, Steven considered sticking two fingers down his throat and making himself sick. At least then it wouldn't be a complete lie when he told everyone that he was unwell.

But you are unwell. Steven's head whirled with turmoil, his thoughts stuck together in a congealed mess of self-loathing, confusion, fear, and grief. Just because nobody could see it didn't mean it wasn't there.

What would she say to him, if she even said anything at all? For all he knew she'd already gone around to everyone she knew and blabbed. Maybe not... Even if she has she can't have told Wallace; he'd have been round here tearing chunks out of me before now.

Skarmory curled back up onto his cushion as Steven approached the door, watching him as hesitated. He'd find out what was troubling his trainer eventually. He had to, for he feared the consequences otherwise. He observed Steven stare at the door handle for a good couple of minutes. "Kaaar," he called softly.

Steven blinked slowly and turned to him. "Are you staying here today, then?"

In answer, Austentitic yawned and rested his head.

"All right then. I'll be back in a few hours. There's some food in the cupboards if you want it."

Austentitic sighed softly as he watched his human finally manage to get the door open. He closed both eyes, but pulled one open just enough to watch Steven disappear into the corridor. He heard the click of the lock and was left in silence, pondering why Steven hadn't made his bed that morning.

(If one of the moderators or admins could make this topic into a Sticky, I would be grateful. I don't seem to have that authority. Thank you.

Wallace hummed happily as he nearly skipped down the hall to the mess hall, the corridors already filling with the smells of breakfast. He was still somewhat damp from his morning swim; beating the other little pool rats was always worth it to have a quiet swim with his pokemon. His hair had been hastily rung, his sloppiness causing water to drip from the green locks as he skipped. But as he came to the mess hall, the figure he was looking for wasn't there. A frown creased his face; well, that just wouldn't do. Glancing around for a moment, he tried spying his best friend over the slowly crawling masses showing to attend breakfast. Unfortunately, his fair-haired rock nerd wasn't to be seen.

Well that's just rude. I thought I told him to be down here. Huffing with mock insult, he stormed his way to an elevator. Thank God they worked. "He should know better than to stand me up of all people!" he raged quietly as he waited his turn to ride. Tapping his foot impatiently, he was all too happy to see the obedient little box appear. "At least someone doesn't abandon me when I call~," he crooned to the elevator, causing the previous riders to stare at him in quiet horror as they departed. He didn't care; he knew their love would always be misunderstood by the common rabble.

It wasn't a long trip to Steven's floor, thanks to his true friend, the elevator. Patting the golden handlebars adorning the interior as he left, he bid his forbidden love farewell as he looked about the hallway for that miscreant. He'd known something was off last night, but he'd allowed Steven to go and be alone. After all, the poor man wasn't nearly as people-oriented as Wallace was, and he'd thought some alone time might have done him some good. But apparently leaving him to his own devices meant skipping out on breakfast. He resumed his brisk pace, ready to nag.

Clair, meanwhile, was having an excellent morning.

She had come to the cafeteria nice and early to get a good share of the buffet; she was sick of coming down to find only the muffins and a few cold slices of toast left after everyone else had stuffed their faces. She supposed it was her own fault for always sleeping in too late, but this morning having a lie-in was the last thing on her mind.

She was excited; excited and thrilled and invigorated for the day to come. Things were working out just so brilliantly well for her. It was like a play, crafted by the most creative of hands to transport the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions and trials, but in the end the main character stands on top; victorious, empowered and, above all, satisfied.

That is how Clair felt as she stirred her milk into her coffee. She simply couldn't have felt any happier with herself. It was amazing where just a little bit of extra effort could take you, she realised. She'd certainly have to put herself out more often.

Besides, she'd made someone so very happy. That was what was most important, right? How did that saying go...? If you can complete your day having made a person smile, she recited to herself, then that day was not a waste.

Oh he'd smiled all right. And then some.

Others were slowly starting to file into the cafeteria, shuffling into line, yawning and muttering general greetings at one another. Clair buttered her toast and ignored them; the one she had come down so early to see hadn't arrived yet. What was keeping him? She'd better not have come down so early for nothing.

Well not quite nothing ... this croissant looks delicious.

She tucked into her breakfast and looked up to spot Wallace of all people, poking his head in, huffing to himself and then swiftly departing again. Clair had no doubts as to who he was looking for.

Sorry to disappoint you, faggot. Clair sipped at her steaming coffee. He ain't yours anymore.

He turned, reaching up ro rub one cheek with his palm before grumbling softly and burying his face back into the pillow. "Furr," a voice chirped, but was promptly ignored. After a few seconds, with more force, another call; "Furr!" But following the lack of response, there was a huff, before suddenly the Furret was airborne, landing on the man's back while he cried out in alarm.

"Wha-- whaaa?!" Elm barked, flailing as the large fluffy Pokemon merely stared down at him, her dark eyes pinched. The scrawny human was able to push her aside enough to pull himself into a sitting position, his eyes round with shock as he met her glare. His glasses, which he had dozed off while wearing, were hanging haphazardly from his nose, something he fixed before reaching a blind hand to the desk next to his bed.

"Furr!" she repeated, but it took a few more seconds before Elm felt cords, and gripping the translator, brought it to his face and clicked it on as he looked back to his pokemon. "You overslept!"

Elm stared at her, blinking. "Wha... how can I oversleep? There's no sche--" He cut himself off as he stared at what was in front of him; only then did he register where he was. Blankets. Walls. Bed. Furniture. The goof's eyes went round as saucers. Oh. No. HQ! He had finally made it here after all that time out in the wilderness. But as his slow, sleepy mind processed what he had already had trouble digesting the night before, the professor slapped his palm against one eye. "Oh no, how long?"

Fiona flicked her tail. "Some were up a few hours ago. Breakfast is already up."

Elm attempted to get up, but was held down by the large Pokemon. "Er- could you...?" Without needing to elaborate, the Furret bounced off of him, landing on the floor. The man was so disorientated that he failed to notice the other pokemon. When Poseidon nipped at his pajamas he whirled around with alarm.

"Food? I'm starving!" the water starter whined as Elm's eyes softened.

"Th-there's got to be something around here for you guys..."

A scoff came from the corner of the room while the professor reached into a cabinet, still in his too-large pajamas. "You don't know where a damn thing is." The Typhlosion who spoke pulled herself to her feet, arching her back in a stretch before walking forward on all fours. It was only then that Elm realised the obvious-- Wait. Sodo, Carla, I don't see them. Hopefully Carla isn't in the pool, again.

They had been here not even a full day and already she had found the pool. Of course she had. Frankly, it was such a relief to have found civilization again that he didn't care when her shenanigans kept him up well past what he would have liked.

His Typhlosion bounced herself into the man's bed, taking his place while he pulled out a bag of berries from his bag. No sense in wasting these even if they were safe now "Here we go! Make sure to share with the others." he chirped, handing his pokemon his breakfast.

"You're still late," the fire bear pointed out, only bothering to half open one eye as she laid her chin on her paws. Elm cringed. She was right. He needed to hurry and get his act together.

And a giant hearty fuck you, too to the sun. The music of his alarm yanks him from a restless sleep back into the realm of the conscious and straight into the merciless glare of the star.

In all fairness he should probably be thanking the sun. The warm glow of morning chases from the room the remnants of last night, shooing the crawling shadows and the funny noises and the distant shrieking of his nightmares back away to wherever scary things of the night hide during the day. The mangled wreck of his parents' bodies is much less vivid a vision by day than by night.

In fact, if Wally didn't have his janitorial duties to clock in for, this wouldn't even be so bad. He could lay in bed for as long as he wanted, let the nightmares fade from his thoughts, take his time in bundling away the self loathing and the guilt back into the basement of his mind.

But his alarm is shrieking Legend of Zelda music into his ears. C'mon, little warrior, you've got a day to conquer.

Ugh. No. I don't wanna. The boy rolls over onto his face, punching the snooze button. If I have to look at people today...

Well, he's not yet at the point where looking at people makes him feel sick. He's not allowed to make himself throw up and call out sick until he reaches that point. Wally will never not be ashamed of himself whenever he sinks that low, but he's very strict on those rules of his that he's laid out for his broken brain. Little warriors of time do not get a day off until the notion of being around people makes him want to crawl in a hole and die. Not a day sooner.

And this would be a day sooner. He opens an eye as the rushing water of the shower reaches his foggy senses and sighs. How does he even wake up without an alarm? Seriously, it was freaky.  

Better get my shit together before he gets out of the shower. The fairy can probably sense his emotions from here but... At least if I'm up and moving around he'll be less likely to make a huge deal of it. Deep breath, and Wally pushes himself up, taking a moment to rub his eyes before shoving himself off his bed.

He just finishes gathering his clothes when the bathroom door opens and his Gardevoir steps out, the fairy smoothing down his hair and his dress. The grooming lasts less than a second, pink eyes snapping up to stare at silver ones. Wally stares back, keeping his face as blank as possible. "G'morning, Orion."

"You feel terrible." Wally winces. This is off to a good start.  

"Well... yeah, but I'm up and moving around and getting ready for the day, so there's no need to worry or anything." Orion is staring at him with a furrowed brow, but says nothing. The boy uses that window of silence to slip into the bathroom with his clothes to start his shower. As he stands beneath the water he resists the urge to bump his head into the wall.

Today is gonna be a long day.


The best thing about being so small and scrawny is definitely the hiding advantages.

Wally slips into the cafeteria with barely a glance spared in his direction, reaching for a smile to plaster onto his face in the event that "their" table is already occupied. Orion walks at his side, though after a moment he tugs on Wally's arm and points to the boy's satchel, grimacing. Too many people, too many emotions-- breakfast is much more of an organized affair than lunch or dinner, so there are always more people here at this time of day and the fairy, try as he might, just can't handle the load. Wally pulls out Orion's pokeball.

"You had better eat a full breakfast," the Gardevoir nags. Wally gives his fairy a tiny smile and a nod before recalling him and returning the pokeball to his bag. Passing by the table, he approaches the food that has been laid out and glances over the choices. The boy groans at the promise he just made Orion-- nothing looks appealing and he doubts anything today will even if they make all his favorite dishes. Still, he's going to be cleaning all day; may as well do it on a full stomach so his body doesn't quit on him and he causes more trouble by getting sick. With a scowl at the eggs as if they have personally victimized him, Wally scoops a small amount onto his plate before grabbing a slice of toast and a glass of orange juice, seating himself at the table.

He should start eating, but Wallace and Steven aren't here yet. Raising his head to look, he spots plenty of people whose faces he recognizes-- there's Erika, and that's Aaron; that person over there is mostly obscured by Roxanne and Whitney but it's probably Flannery... ugh, there's fucking Clair... but no sign of the green haired fashionista or the blue haired geologist nut. Weird. Usually they all got here at around the same time. Steven wasn't looking so hot last night... maybe he's sick?  Maybe Wallace is helping him to the infirmary?

The thought makes Wally chew on his lip as his fork spends more time pushing his eggs around then helping him eat them.  

Where are they?

If Steven could've wished for one thing as he walked down the corridor, it would've been to become invisible. Every person he passed glanced at him, opened their mouths...but each one only wished him a good morning. Still, it was that split second before they spoke to him that sent his heart on a rampage in his chest; the possibility of what they could say, that made him feel sick with anxiety.

Still, he returned their smiles and wished them a good morning as well, if there was such a thing. He quickened his pace as much as he could; his legs were wobbling like a three-legged chair. His chest was tight, his stomach doing somersaults...he would either throw up or faint. At least if he did faint he'd get to spend the day in a nice, warm bed in the infirmary, away from prying eyes.

Her eyes.

I feel for you.

But his legs somehow kept him upright. It'd be OK, he told himself as he passed Olympia and offered her a greeting as well. It'd all be just fine and he'd get on with his day as normal. If he was lucky, he would've even get to see her at all, if he planned his routine accordingly. He was fine...his brow cooled and his heart calmed down.

Until he saw Wallace marching round the corner towards him.

It was easy to spot Steven's groggy form as Wallace tersely rounded the corner. still hunched over from what looked like a bad night's sleep, the Champion didn't seem to have the will or energy to even bother fleeing from the oncoming hurricane that was Wallace. The scantily fashioned gym leader made short work of the distance between them, his face set in a stern, disapproving frown. "Steven Stone, you have some serious explaining to do!" he called out as he approached. He stopped abruptly within inches of Steven, scowling angrily up at the taller man.

"Punctuality is something I take very seriously, Mister," he scorned, poking Steven's chest with a strangely sharp finger. "You promised me you'd be down at breakfast right at 8, and here it is, 8:15 and you're still slothing around up here-- you're not even properly dressed! Look at you, you're just a hot mess!" Wallace wailed, looking Steven over in distress. He began adjusting Steven's clothes much like a fussing mother would, because let's face it, that's what he was.

"Late and looking like trash? Steven, you're terrible. Ugh, were you blind this morning or just still asleep when you dressed yourself?" His nimble fingers nipped and plucked at Steven's clothes, as well as his hair, before finally attacking his askew cravat. "There's no use in wearing fancy clothes, Mister, if you aren't even going to wear them correctly. That's just plain TACKY," he muttered, focused on the task at hand. He took a small step back and studied his work before one last brush of Steven's shoulder, ridding the man of some stray lint. At least he was decent looking now. Wallace finally met Steven's face, ready to actually have a conversation now that his disheveled clothes weren't screaming at him, scowl lightening a fraction. "Rough night again?" The question was filled with actual concern, even if his pursed lips and swung out hip said otherwise.

OK, this was getting boring pretty quickly. There were more people in the cafeteria now, but not one of them was her new sweetheart. Well, that's just rude, Clair thought as she finished her toast and moved on to her croissant. After all I did for him and he doesn't even show up to thank me. She took a sip of her coffee, her sharp blue eyes fixed upon the door to the food hall where more people were gradually shuffling in. Stupid, gullible little shit. It's not my fault you were practically screaming "I'M WEAK, COME AND GET ME WHILE IT'S FREE". A girl's gotta make the use of what she can, given the fact that she has to live in a giant mountain full of idiots.

Clair sighed, leaning on her hand as she chewed her croissant. Here she was, her mind conjuring up any old shit to keep her occupied, when clearly there was enough to think about already. It wouldn't be until he arrived when her mind could truly get to work. Oh, she just couldn't wait to see how all of this panned out. If she played her cards right, she'd get what she wanted in more ways than one.

Elm rustled through the short cabinet while Poseidon bounced impatiently. "Ahh, I need to hurry-- I'll be late to the f- first day!"

As he had moved to get ready, he'd learned that their rations had run low. The amount that was left would not feed five Pokemon, and now it was a rush to find more food. He wouldn't leave them hungry.

Time was running out. He couldn't be late! Not the very first day!

But thankfully, he finally saw a brown bag marked 'POKEFOOD' and sighed in relief. "W- well, it's not extravagant, but-"

The water starter gave him no time, reaching for the bag with greedy clawed hands. "Gimme gimme! Food!"

Elm hesitated only a second (he really did not like feeding his Pokemon such nonsense; this stuff always reminded him of dog food) before starting to stretch his hand, ready to pass the entire bag of food to the Totodile so the youngest could eat first, but Fiona dashed forward. Perching on her hind legs, the large furry Pokemon narrowed her eyes at Poseidon while the child gave a cry of outrage. "I'll take care of feeding him. You go get ready, Professor." Furret nosed her trainer before reaching for a bowl from within the same cabinet.

"O- oh, thank you Fiona! Yes, yes! I need to get ready!"

The man straightened himself up, taking a moment to pat Pele's head as he passed through the room, despite the fact that she had stolen his bed. Grabbing a set of clothes and heading cheerfully to the shower, he could hear the little crocodile screeching, "That's not enough!! I need MORE! I'll STARVE!"

"No, you won't starve. This bowl is picked due to your size and weight, stop complaining."

"But I'm still hungry!"

They cut off as the professor closed the door. Taking a brisk shower, he was pleased by how clean he looked afterwards. Never will get used to it again! Living in the wilderness for a few years would revive all appreciation for warm showers, no matter how limited or short. Upon stepping back out to his main room, dressed in a clean pair of pants and lab coat, Elm was greeted by Fiona. Her tail was flicking to and fro.

"You're still behind, Emmie; it's nearly a quarter past eight. What time did they want you down there?" she chided, earning a panicked eye widen from the man.

"I- uh-- they didn't specify," Elm admitted, earning a little frown from his Furret.

"Well, that can't be helped. Come on, let's go; you need breakfast too," she called, walking towards the door on her forelegs still.

"Are we leaving the others here all day, then?"

Fiona flicked an ear without bothering to look over her shoulder. "Pele can take care of it."

Well, it would be better than leaving them in their balls all day...

Elm grabbed his bag hastily, only nodding to his Pokemon before rushing outside of the door, opening it with such speed that he nearly collided with the Sudowoodo outside. "S- Sodo?! What are you doing out here?"

The rock type did not reply, but cracked open one eye, blinking at his trainer before resuming standing there, still, in the hallway right outside Elm's door.

Well, this certainly answered the question nipping at the back of his mind, at least.

A pair of women walked by, pausing in their gossiping to glare at them. Oh no. "Sodo, they know you're not a tree. Please go inside," he begged.

If he weren't so anxious these eggs would probably be delicious.  They definitely smell good.  Why isn't it enticing him, then?

He knows exactly why, not that he'll ever tell anyone.  

He continues to push the eggs around the plate with his fork, pausing a moment to mash some of the scrambled egg with the flat of the utensil.  Holding the fork like a pencil, he begins to draw lines in the food with the fork's tines.  

Man, maybe Steven caught something nasty.  He chews on his lip as he continues to scratch lines into the surface of his breakfast.  Honestly wouldn't surprise him.  Steven rarely looks completely well, but last night he'd looked so bad.  He'd approached him, asked Steven if he wanted to spend time with him, but Steven had declined.

He respected that; now he fears he should have pushed a little.  Steven isn't well physically, but he's not all that good mentally.  The things he says sometimes to Wally are... worrying.

Everyone loses hope now and again, but Wally can't help but suspect Steven struggles with keeping ahold of it more often than he'd like people to know.

If he doesn't look better this morning, then I'm hanging around him after work today.

Resolve steeled, Wally sets his jaw and nods at his breakfast as if it were sentient life that could give a fuck.

Sign number one you're way too tired to be doing anything; treating your food like it can hear you.  Wally is glad no one was watching and saw him do that.

Somebody please show up before I actually start TALKING to my eggs.

"Steven Stone, you have some serious explaining to do!"

He knows. A cold terror surged through Steven's body as he watched his lifelong friend stomp towards him. He wanted to turn and run as fast as possible in the opposite direction. To want to actually flee from Wallace was a hurtful thought, but it was surely better than what the Sootopolis gym leader had in mind for him. She's told him. That vile, evil predator she's told him oh legends above what am I going to say-- His mind raced, his heart sending itself on another marathon. What a fool he was to even think that this day would be anything other than a disaster.

"Punctuality is something I take very seriously, Mister." A sharp finger jabbing into his chest snapped Steven out of his panic. He blinked at his friend, bemused. "You promised me you'd be down at breakfast right at 8, and here it is, 8:15 and you're still slothing around up here-- you're not even properly dressed! Look at you, you're just a hot mess!"

"...What?" Steven's arms hung limply at his sides as Wallace began to fuss over the state of his clothes. He...doesn't know? He could've dropped to his knees in relief. Of course Wallace would get himself into a mood over him being late for breakfast. He needed any excuse to pester and boss him around like the mom friend he was. At this moment in time, Steven was completely fine with this. He doesn't know...oh thank the stars he doesn't--

People were glancing at them as they passed, their expressions ranging from confusion to amusement. Steven, now fully aware of just how embarrassing he found it when Wallace did this, tried to make a grab for his friend's wrists. "I-It's fine, Wallace. I've got it." Good grief he looked a mess. Shirt hanging out, tie askew...he barely even remembered getting dressed that morning. He'd been so lost in a blur of his own thoughts and worries he'd been hardly aware he was even conscious. How had he thought he'd looked fine, again?

Wallace's expert fingers were too quick for him though, and he continued to fuss over him. "Late and looking like trash? Steven, you're terrible. Ugh, were you blind this morning or just still asleep when you dressed yourself? There's no use in wearing fancy clothes, Mister, if you aren't even going to wear them correctly. That's just plain TACKY."

Steven was barely listening, still floating in the wonderful river that was sheer relief. When Wallace finally finished and stood back to admire his handiwork, he pulled himself from the river, aware that normal conversation should start.

"Ah...sorry about that," Steven said sheepishly as they began to walk towards the stairwell together. "I overslept, and must've dressed a little too hastily."

Wallace's eyes met his as they began to descend the steps. "Rough night again?"

There was just no hiding anything from this man; he was like a human lie detector. Steven and Wallace had known each other far too long to allow any sort of detail about one to go unnoticed by the other. It was as though they had their own radars to detect the abnormalities of each other in an instant. Steven wasn't proud to admit that his own radar hadn't been working up to scratch lately; he immediately resolved to correct that.

'Rough' is one way to put it, I suppose, he thought, but to Wallace he said, "Yes...bad dreams. Nothing to worry about though." They reached the bottom of the first flight of steps and turned the corner to go down the next flight. Steven offered a greeting to Pryce, who was stood on the stairwell obviously waiting for somebody. The gym leader smiled and offered him a nod in return. The smells of cooking bacon and strong coffee from the cafeteria wafted up towards them

"How are you this morning?" Instantly feeling the weight of guilt lifting from his heart, Steven managed a smile. "I...I'm sorry I've been quiet with you these last few days. It's just--" As they rounded the corner to the mess hall, Steven's words stuck into his throat as his anxiety returned. Surely she was in there. What if she came up and spoke to him in front of everyone. What would he say? What would she say, more worryingly?

The first person he saw upon entering was Wally, and that's where his gaze remained. He walked up to the table where his student was sat, vehemently ignoring everyone else in the room, keeping his eyes only on the youth. Even if she was in there, he wouldn't even look at her. He wouldn't give her the pleasure.

"Good morning, Wally," he said, offering the teenager a smile as he sat beside him. He couldn't stare at him for too long without it seeming... odd, so he turned his eyes to the table. A flash of vivid blue from the other side of the room flickered into the corner of his vision, and he felt himself feeling nauseous again. She was in here, and she was looking at him.

"H-How are you this morning?" he asked as he looked back at Wally, hoping his face wasn't as green as he felt it should be. His hands clenched into fists on his knees, his chest feeling like he had a Snorlax sitting on it. Good grief, why did he even get out of bed today?

"Yes...bad dreams. Nothing to worry about though." Wallace stifled a frown; with Steven, they were always something to worry about. But even as concern bloomed within Wallace, he waved away Steven's comment with a fabulous hand and a genuine smile. "Oh, raspberries. How many times do I have to tell you, Steven, that I'm your fabulous guardian angel? It's my job to worry." But as they ventured toward the stairwell, Wallace's smile disintegrated back into worry.

Poor Steven looked a complete mess, even with his tidied clothes. As they descended the stairs together, Wallace could find every flaw in the man's composure; sagging shoulders, the slump in his back, the limp way he moved, the exhaustion in his voice as he spoke. The proud, strong man he once knew and loved was gone, leaving only a shell... The thought hurt, but only because he knew it was very much the case. Like many trainers here, Steven suffered loss... and that loss, he just hadn't recovered from. It was heartbreaking to see Steven crumble like he had, like he was... but there was little else he could do than watch and hope for his recovery.

He allowed Steven to walk ahead of him if only to be able to make his observations in peace without Steven's protestations. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Steven gave Pryce a friendly nod, to which the old ice leader returned. Wallace gave a spirited wave, and Pryce simply rolled his eyes. Rude! he pouted, then decided to make things even better by blowing a kiss at the old man, who only scowled in distaste. Ha! He stuck out his tongue playfully as they walked away, swinging his hips out more as he walked in his heels.

"How are you this morning?" Steven's sudden voice caught him off guard, but Wallace immediately turned to the Champion beside him. The Steel trainer's tired smile only made Wallace all the more depressed inside, but the latter refused to show it. Baby boy had enough sadness to cope with. "I...I'm sorry I've been quiet with you these last few days. It's just--"

Wallace heard the catch in his voice and pounced immediately, shoehorning his way into the conversation. If he cut Steven off, it would seem like he hadn't caught the weakness in that last word, the pain hinging on that one damn syllable. For a brief moment, the fact that he could only provide white noise to Steven's depression cut him deep, but he mentally waved it away. Now was certainly not the time for that nonsense: he had white noise to make.

"Well, once again, I made it to the pool before any of those godawful swimmers. Did you know they take up that entire pool for HOURS? Ugh! And they're so loud and obnoxious-- ooh I just can't stand them! The other day, when I had allowed my beautiful self to sleep in a wee bit, they had INFESTED the darn place. And when I RESPECTFULLY requested my own small section to just swim in, one of them challenged me to a pokemon battle! Can you believe that? A BATTLE, STEVEN. Ugh, the NERVE!" He huffed a bit at the memory. "Well, you would have been proud of me. I snapped my fingers and cobra'd my neck so much, I didn't even have to battle them. Little pricks-- mm-mm, nu-uh, you do NOT even get to go there. Risking damage to the ONLY pool for some stupid fight. UGH. Remind me to never procreate, honey, I could NOT stand a kid like tha-- Wally!." His rant suddenly over once he spotted his baby cousin, Wallace only left Steven's side to rush over to the small green-haired boy and give him a fierce hug.

"Sorry we're late, sweetie," he apologized as he continued to hug Wally. He broke it soon after, only to frown deeply at the boy's rebellious hair. Even now, he could tell it was laughing at him. Snarky little cow licks. Ugh. He'd cut them one day. Steven sat down beside the boy, offering his own morning welcome. But as he picked at Wally's hair angrily, he spotted Steven flinch and pale; had a wave of sickness hit him?
"H-How are you this morning?" Wallace frowned; it must have been a particularly bad night last night-- Steven was no stutterer.

"I'll go get us some food, Steven, you sit right there," he mentioned quickly, giving Wally's shoulder one last pat before hurrying off to the food line. He knew Steven would object, but also figured the man too tired to actually pursue. Thankfully it wasn't long, and he was able to start gathering food for the both of them quickly. He knew Steven's favorites and how he liked his coffee, both advantageous bits of knowledge. But he knew that Steven and Wally at least wouldn't be awkward without him; they had plenty to talk about in his absence.

Clair's early rise hadn't been a waste of time after all. She finished her croissant and looked up to see Steven and his pet fruitcake walking in and settling down next to Wally. Clair grinned, lifting her coffee cup up to her mouth to conceal it. Her bold blue eyes scanned the Hoenn Champion's face, searching it for any emotion. All she detected was weariness, nausea - he looked very pale - and the fact that his eyes had not once looked up from either Wally or the table in front of him. He knew she was there; Clair wasn't stupid - he was deliberately trying to avoid her gaze.

Well isn't that rude? Clair wiped her hands on her napkin and put her gloves back on. I give him the best few minutes he's had in a long time and he can't even look at me? I'm the best damn thing his eyes have ever laid eyes upon, and he knows it.

Oh how she wanted to get up and waltz over there and speak to them, just so she could see his reaction. He was ashamed at what had happened; that was evident enough when he'd lay curled up with his head in his hands as she'd left. She'd hardly get a friendly reception; she and Wallace weren't exactly on good terms and the kid was a little shit if she ever did see one, but would he talk back to her? Get up and walk away? Unload all that vomit that was surely threatening to make an appearance?

Clair restrained herself, instead standing up to help herself to another cup of coffee. She stood with her back to the mess hall, pouring the steaming, black liquid into her cup while she thought about the night before. Good Arceus above she had needed it. This place was such a bore sometimes; a bit of fun was surely not too much to ask for. Many of the men she knew around HQ would've agreed with her.

But not Steven ... what made him so different from the rest of them? You liar. You loved every damn second of it. She sat back down, pushing her tray away from her and adding sugar and milk to her coffee, her eyes not leaving the table where they sat for a moment. She made sure to sneak in a few little gestures whenever Steven did happen to glance in her direction. A smile here, a wink there, a slow slide across her top lip with her tongue.

He wanted her. She knew just how gullible and desperate men could be, especially ones in their position. How could she give him what she had for him to not want more?

Soon, my darling. She winked at him again from behind her cup. Soon.

(so sorry for the hold up!! Skip me this round, I am feeling unwell and will not have a post up in time)

Ah, he can hear Wallace before he even sees him.  Wally's fears are instantly soothed, the boy's face splitting into a wide grin as he catches ramblings about challenging and battles and damaging pools.  Of course he wouldn't be over that yet; why would he be?  Wallace, god, never change.

"-e to never procreate, honey, I could NOT stand a kid like tha-- Wally!"  He looks up from his eggs to see his cousin approaching, welcoming the embrace he knows is coming.  Wallace's hug is just what he needs to chase the bad thoughts away-- his hug and some normal, steady conversation.  The arms encircle him and he puts his utensils down to return the gesture, looking up at his cousin as best he can from being hugged while sitting.  "Sorry we're late, sweetie."  

"No worries, Wal."   Wallace lets go of him and immediately he feels his cousin's hands in his hair, the long delicate fingers trying in vain to tame the fluff on his head.  The daily ritual.  Wally suppresses a snort of a laugh by taking a gulp of juice, his eyes turning to the Champion seating himself next to him.

"Good morning, Wally,"  The boy sets the cup down to smile at Steven, forcing it even though instant worry and compassion pricks at his heart.  Steven, you look... terrible.  Pale, shadowed eyes...  Maybe Wally wasn't the only one who had nightmares last night...

"H-How are you this morning?"   The smile wavers.  Steven doesn't stammer.  God, what kind of demons haunted him in his sleep last night?  It must have been awful.  Steven's so careful not to show weakness in public... wait, why is he staring at the table?  

Come to think of it, had the man even looked at anything that wasn't Wally or the table?

"I-"

"I'll go get us some food, Steven, you sit right there,"  The hands leave his hair and Wallace is gone in a rush.  Well, now he can ask Steven questions without being interrupted, hopefully.

Now, how to approach this...?

"I'm fine.  Was a nice sunrise this morning."  Well, the sunrise part wasn't a lie, at least.  He takes another sip of his juice.  Be casual, Wally.  "You look pretty sick, though.  You're kind of pale."  His brow furrows and he starts to tug on a button of his coat, fiddling more with his eggs with the other hand.  His eyes remain on Steven's face, the silver gaze betraying his worry despite his best efforts to keep his expression casual.  "And you won't look up from the table.  Also pretty sure you flinched earlier.  You okay?  Need to talk about something?"

What could have gotten Steven this unnerved?

While Wallace wandered off to go and get them both some food, Steven worked on his breathing. In...and out...in...and out...If he carried on like that he would surely calm down soon enough.

He could see her; even though he wasn't looking at her he could still see the blue figure sitting in the corner of his eye. But then, having absolutely no idea why or, indeed, reason to, he looked up and met her gaze.

She was looking straight at him.

The same snake from his dream flashed into his vision, sinking its fangs into the side of his neck.

He looked back down at the table, one hand reaching up to rub his neck and praying to anything that could hear him that there were no marks on there; he hadn't even thought to check.

Wally seemed to be feeling all right, at least, stating that he had enjoyed watching the sunrise. Steven wished that he could witness the birth of the day's light without feeling woeful, and so tended to avoid that activity. "You look pretty sick, though.  You're kind of pale," his student then said, looking at him with a worried brow. Steven could've slid under the table in shame; was it really that obvious?

Choosing to ignore Clair's obscure flirting, he looked Wally in the eye, hoping that his face would calm him. Just knowing that he had people in HQ who actually cared for his well-being instead of just his performance as one of its leaders was, in his opinion, a blessing from the heavens. If he were a little more...open with his emotions, he would've hugged Wally and blubbered his gratitude into his shoulder.

"And you won't look up from the table.  Also pretty sure you flinched earlier.  You okay?  Need to talk about something?" Being an emotional radar must have been a Simmons family trait, one that Steven often wished that he had. He wanted to just let everything that was on his mind roll right off his tongue, but instead the Hoenn Champion merely sighed and shook his head.

"It was just a rough night, that's all. I didn't get much sleep." He held his breath as he noticed Clair stand up - oh sweet legends was she going to come over? His heart continued to pound even as she merely wandered over to the coffee machine and made herself another drink. Good lord, his heart was just going to give up if he acquired any more stress.

"No meetings today though, thankfully," he said, glancing at Clair as she sat back at her table. "So perhaps you and I could do some training at the stadium later? Continue where we left off last time?" Yes, battle tuition was just what he needed to take his mind off recent events. If there was one part of Steven's former self that he had retained, it was his love for Pokemon and battling. And rocks, but that was a lecture for another day.

"Only if you want to, of course." Steven clasped his hands together on the table in front of him. "Or if you have the time." He glanced at Clair again, and felt a jolt of...what he could only describe as sheer terror as he met her gaze once more; those blue, blue eyes that should have been so pretty but only brought about dark thoughts of fear and guilt.

He turned his gaze back to the table, patiently awaiting Wallace to bring him his food, already knowing that he wouldn't touch it.

Wallace happily picked out food for himself and Steven, lightly humming to himself. He'd get that stubborn child to eat something, even if he had to liquify it and put it into his veins. Satisfied with his choosings and determined to be at least somewhat successful, he picked up his laden tray and nearly pranced back out, moving delicately back to their table. There, he could see his little Wally-boy and Steven chatting, and it already looked like the former was prying into Steven's apparent unwellness. Wallace couldn't help a proud smile. That's my boy, he thought happily.

He placed the food down in front of Steven, then put his own food down before sitting. He handed Steven a fork before beginning to eat himself. "So are you two training today?"

Karen yawned as she walked into the mess hall, late as usual. It was a miracle she was even UP this early, much less after the binge-drinking she'd done with Sidney in the wee hours of the morning. Her hangover was only a slight reminder that she had a head, but a spot of blue caught her eye and instantly; she grinned and headed straight for it. Getting a small cup of soulless, black coffee, she didn't miss a beat and approached the dragon tamer, grinning. "Aren't YOU in a good mood?" she mused over the lip of her cup.

Aww bless. He was trying so hard not to look at her; to engage in conversation with his little buddies. Clair, though, had almost finished her coffee and was starting to think about leaving. There were too many people in here now for her liking, all blathering on about their boring things to do in their boring lives. If only they embarked on a few adventures like she did; that'd spice up their monotonous existences. Clair grinned as she put down her empty cup - she'd got this whole 'living in an apocalypse' thing down to a T.

She gathered her empty plates and utensils together on her tray, and was about to get up when she noticed Karen entering the cafeteria and grabbing a drink of her own. OK, so maybe Clair wouldn't leave just yet. Karen was one of the very few people in HQ that she could actually be around without wanting to punch them in the face. The Dark-type Trainer approached her, grinning at her from behind her raised cup.

"Aren't YOU in a good mood?"
"You have no idea, honey," Clair grinned back, leaning back on her chair and crossing her legs. Karen probably already guessed what she'd been up to the night before, but would she guess who with? Why not let the woman ponder on it a little bit; Clair knew that she'd certainly find it odd that she wasn't disclosing any details.

"And what about you?" Clair pulled up an empty chair and patted it. Her eyes scanned Karen's wild hair and blackened eyes. "You and Sidney drink another brewery last night?"

Sodo merely blinked at the human, his smile not faltering. People were still staring, and as Elm nervously checked his watch, it was nearer to half past than the hour. "O- oh dear," he muttered, turning his desperate gaze back to the rock type. The 'tree' did not move, but Fiona sighed as another pair of children walked by, laughing at the spectacle. "Wh- where is his p- pokeball..." Reaching into his bag, the professor couldn't place them. Where did they go!

A tug on his arm made the man turn to look at Fiona, the long bodied creature holding up two pokeballs. "I thought we might find Carla and Sodo while we were out." she told him with an easy grace he admired more than he had words for.

Elm's face went slack with relief, reaching for the two spheres before pocketing the lure ball for his eldest partner. "Return," he breathed with a smile as the rock type vanished into his great ball. But it was suddenly then that Elm remembered he was still not only missing the other of his team, but he was running out of time to retrieve her.

"C- Carla! Oh no, oh no, is she in the pool?" Exchanging a look with the Furret, they both immediately made a bee-line for the nearest pool of Headquarters.

It was not as long a walk as he'd anticipated but there was still no time to waste, and so he walked as quickly as he could, nearly running through halls and past pokemon and other humans. He saw one of the Sinnoh Elite Four, the bug master, who raised an eyebrow at the mousy professor before he rushed past with his Furret. The route was one he had already memorized; Poseidon and Carla loved the water; he had done his best to pay very careful attention to where the pool was last night during his quest to find Carla, and with it being fairly close to his current room, for once, becoming lost was not an issue.

Thank goodness Sodo and Pele disliked even the thought of water; it meant he would only have to round up two scamps on a bad day. Fiona was more neutral, though she seemed to not like getting her fur wet. "Takes too long to dry," she explained once before complaining, "And it also makes me look like a damn drowned Ratatta."

Upon reaching the large room, the pair stopped at the edge of the currently empty pool. Professor Elm looked distraught, his eyes miserable as he looked into the water, while the ferret's own gaze was passive. "C... Carla.. get out of the pool," Elm begged, holding up the enlarged lure ball for his friend to see. In the water, the mobile coral looked like she was ready to do anything but get in the pokeball. It had been a long time since she could play in a large body of definitely-clean, completely-safe water. Getting her out would be a chore.

Fiona sighed as Elm looked to her helplessly, to the pool, and back again.

Steven is breathing very deliberately as Wallace leaves, and it makes Wally raise an eyebrow.  All right.  That's... odd... what in here is stressing him out?  Wally glances around but sees only a sea of people.

It's not like he doesn't understand the concept of a crowd being stressful but... this is unusual for the Champion.  And now he's rubbing his neck after looking away from something.  What was he looking at?  Was he even looking at anything in particular?

Wally blinks as Steven's eyes meet his own, searching Steven's face for answers.  None.  The man is too closed off.  Something seems to be bringing him a bit of relief but... that's as much as he can tell.

Goddamn it.

"It was just a rough night, that's all. I didn't get much sleep."   Rough nights are never anything to dismiss.  Wally takes a bite of egg, trying to maintain his casual facade.  "Rough nights are... not easy to deal with alone.  You can always tell me if you need to; y'know that, right?"

"No meetings today though, thankfully."   Okay he's definitely looking at something; what the fuck is it?  Wally tries to follow his gaze, squinting.   "So perhaps you and I could do some training at the stadium later? Continue where we left off last time?"

Wally worries his lip a little.  Later?  Hm.  Depends... he'd like to drag Colress down here for dinner at some point.  This may interfere with that plan...

"Only if you want to, of course.  Or if you have the time."  Something in the way he says it makes Wally's heart jolt a little.  And he's still looking at something.  What is  it...?

"So are you two training today?"  Wallace returns, interrupting his attempts and setting Steven's food down in front of him.  His cousin hands Steven a fork before beginning to eat, watching Wally and waiting for his answer.

"Yeah.  I should have time."  He answers both of them, managing a grin.  "Gotta take every opportunity I can to train if I wanna be as strong as you someday, right?"

That much is true.  And Colress should be fine-- the lesson shouldn't take too long.  If the scientist hasn't eaten by the time he's done, Wally can always drag him down here then.  Or, hopefully, R2D2 will have made him eat.

If he's really lucky Colress will have remembered on his own, but that's about as likely as being struck by a meteor.

(Wally is referencing a friendship that is currently being RPed out in a non canon, which takes place a week prior to this day.)

Wally seemed eager to continue his tuition, and Steven managed to give the youngster a genuine smile. How he reminded him of himself in his own youth, venturing out into the big, wide world with new friend Beldum in hand. What was left of Steven's pride could flourish in these tuition sessions, and he enjoyed passing on his knowledge to others. Sometimes though, it was an odd and somewhat melancholy feeling, like he was getting ready to pass on the torch.

A tray of food suddenly appeared in front of him, and Wallace sat himself down beside him and offered him a fork. "Thank you." Steven took it and looked down at the breakfast Wallace had gathered for him - some scrambled egg on toast, a blueberry muffin and a glass of orange juice. His stomach rumbled as he inhaled its scent, but he knew that there was no way on earth that he was going to finish it all. Not this morning.

"So are you two training today?" Wallace asked as he tucked into his own breakfast. Steven took his utensils and began to cut himself a bite of the toast. He wasn't looking forward to it.

"Yes, we are. I should be able to fit it in sometime this afternoon." He brought the food up to his mouth and looked at it grimly for a moment before popping it in. Disgusting; he might as well have been chewing on a piece of cardboard. In his state he couldn't even handle one bite without feeling sick...something had to change.

He sneaked a glance up at Clair and saw that she was talking to Karen. Good - at least she was distracted. That fact alone made him feel a little better. He chewed his mouthful until it was pulp before swallowing and cutting himself another piece. He just had to take it slow.

"We're still going over items and their practical uses and benefits in battle," he explained, popping his second piece of cardboard into his mouth. He chewed it slowly, giving Wally a friendly nod. "He's a great student. He clearly has his cousin's knack for Pokemon."

"Are you up to anything interesting today?" he asked Wallace.

[[I'm so sorry to do this, but I just have no time and I've already lost the post twice. Skip. Wallace answered Steven that he's doing his normal day-to-day and was grateful that Steven was at least eating.

Karen talked about drinking herself and Sidney under a table, and then started to realize what Clair did, but did not say it just yet. "You... you didn't... holy shit, did you?" sort of thing.]]

Clair clasped her hands underneath her chin as she listened to Karen's latest exploits. Her and Sidney were a pair, all right, the Elite Fourist having a rebellious streak that wouldn't quit. Combined with Karen's own wild side, Clair was surprised the two of them were even still standing this morning. She chuckled as her friend finished her tale, inclining her head and grinning.

"You two are going to bring this whole place down one of these days." She laughed again, crossing her legs. "Aaaah, I'm kind of guilty for missing it. I'll have to join you next time. Last night I was ... busy."

Karen was giving her that look then, awaiting confirmation and, even better, juicy gossip and no doubt dirty details. With a grin that couldn't possibly get any wider, Clair nodded. "Yep. I did the thing."

"Yes, we are. I should be able to fit it in sometime this afternoon."  Steven answers Wallace's question right after Wally does, and the boy begins to run some mental calculations.  Afternoon?  Yeah, he should be able to do that-- he gets out of work today at... three, he's fairly sure.  He'll need a bit of time to return his room and shed his janitor's uniform and put on proper clothes, so that'll be around twenty minutes to clock out, get to his room, and change.  Add another ten for other preparations like gathering his team and whatever books Steven may want him to bring with and then getting himself down to the nearest arena, and he should be able to get to the tutoring session by three thirty.  As long as nothing unexpected happens, anyway.  No matter how long they train it'll be too close to suppertime to not go to dinner together, unless Steven tries to weasel out of eating and like hell Wally will let him do that.  Wallace will probably show up to watch them train, anyway; at least he'll have backup.

Considering that the tutoring will probably stop at four thirty or five thirty, an hour for dinner puts them at... five thirty or six thirty.  He can invent some excuse to go back to his room--maybe say he'd like to play a video game on his handheld for a while or something.  And once he bids them goodbye he can go grab Colress and drag the scientist to dinner, assuming that R2D2 hasn't made him eat yet.  Even if he has, he can force the guy to clock out for the day.  Which R2 should appreciate.  Christ Col I think you're actually a worse workaholic than Steven.  That takes fucking talent.  Yeesh, live a little; you're gonna work yourself to death at this rate.  At least the efforts of both himself and the Beheeyem should be enough to pry Colress away from his work and get the doctor doing something less stressful.

Okay.  Good.  Now he has a mental grasp on his day.  Wally lets out a slow breath.  Easy.  You can do this, Wally.  His eyes move to his food and he realizes he has stopped eating and has been instead poking at his eggs.  Now they're cold.  Gross.  He pushes the mostly full plate away from himself and instead glances over to the two men sitting with him.

Steven's eating very slowly.  But at least he's eating.  Silver eyes catch the light blue ones glancing up at something before darting back down, and Wally raises an eyebrow.  He's still looking at whatever he was before?

Is someone giving him the evil eye?  The boy scans the room again but still nothing jumps out at him.  Steven, the fuck is going on inside your head?

... Does he really have any right to be frustrated over that?  It's not like Wally himself is super forthcoming with information on himself...

"We're still going over items and their practical uses and benefits in battle," the Champion explains to Wallace in between bites.  "He's a great student. He clearly has his cousin's knack for Pokemon."

Wally can feel his face growing hot as a blush blooms in his cheeks.  "I, uh, wouldn't go that far."  He's not as good as Wallace, not yet.  The idea that Steven thinks he is sends ripples of bashful joy through Wally's heart.  Maybe today won't be so bad after all...

Clair and Karen were talking...far too enthusiastically for his liking. What were they talking about? About what happened last night? About him? Steven once more felt the urge to high-tail it out of there as soon as possible; make an excuse about feeling sick or something. It wouldn't have been a lie, but it would've been exactly what Clair wanted to see. Her words the night before would've contradicted his suspicions, but a woman like that could spawn lies like a train puffed out smoke. Nothing she said had any sort of validity to it whatsoever.

I feel for you.

He gave his head a slight shake to blot out the visions and echoes, the ghosts of his greatest sin, and tried to carry on with his breakfast.

Wally, modest as ever, blushed like a rose at Steven's comment. "I, uh, wouldn't go that far."

"I know a good trainer when I see one, Wally." He looked up at the boy as he squashed his eggs under his fork. "Trust me. In fact, I'm surprised you never did make it to the League. A battle with you would've been fantastic, I'm sure." He took a gulp of his juice and smiled. "Maybe one day we can let that become a reality, hm?"

Clair and Karen had their heads together now, talking in hushed tones. Steven's stomach lurched as he took another bite of his food, making a mental note of where the nearest bathroom was if he needed one. To place him in such a position, such a complete knot of anxiety and fear...Clair was not a woman to be underestimated. How quickly and...almost professionally she had placed him under her spell...how he'd just let her squirm her way into his soul.

He'd let her. He'd known what kind of person she was and he let her.

Why?!