32

[perfectsymmetry]

[Like a few other folks in town, something is up with Crowe. The usually bright paperboy, who chats pleasantly with everyone, is skulking about town looking downright volitile. Anyone who approaches him will be met with unusual hostility and bitter remarks.

He'll be still going about his usual business though. He'll show up to blitzball and combat practice with Jecht and his friends. He'll be absolutely ruthless today though, especially while fighting. Enjoy, Jecht!

Even after that, he can be found in the rec center, using the boxing equipment there, fiercely pummeling the practice bags. His fists, by this point, are raw and are starting to bleed. Occasionally, he stops and grabs his head, looking like he might be a bit dizzy. A small part of him is telling him that something is wrong, VERY wrong. But it's quickly quashed. This is the way he is now. The way he always should have been. Right?]

Comments

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

[He lets go of his temples for a moment, and looks at Ren, digesting those words. Then he nods.]

I'm--

[And just like that it's gone. Suddenly, he looks a bit shaken.]

...wh-what... what just happened...?

[teh-sword.livejournal.com]

[]

You got scared. A-and that's okay, it is, it really, really is.

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

[He looks just... lost. But you've got Crowe back, for sure.]

But I... I-I would never... oh God.

[He looks down at his bloodied hands. He remembers all the terrible things he'd been saying to his friends all day. And he was 100-percent exhausted, physically and mentally.]

Something... that... i-it was like I was possessed or something... h-how could I...?

[teh-sword.livejournal.com]

[]

I-it's okay. It wasn't your fault. Can...c-can you...

[]

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

[At this point, he barely notices. He gives you a little nod, looking a bit lost. What the hell had just happened?]

Y-yeah, I just... I-I guess I'd been overdoing it lately b-but...

[teh-sword.livejournal.com]

It's not your fault. Just-- just don't forget that. I... where I come from, y'know, this kind of thing...

Just breathe. It i-isn't your fault. Let's, ah... let's get you... You think you can stand up, if I help...?

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

[He does manage to stand up, just shakily.]

Yeah, I... y-you think you know what happened...?

[teh-sword.livejournal.com]

...yeah. I do.

[]

I'll tell you after you get some rest. It's a really long story.

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

[Crowe just sort of goes along with it.]

A-alright.

Ren, I uh... um. Th-thank you.

[teh-sword.livejournal.com]

[]

...we're friends, ne?

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

[He attempts to give you a smile. It's a little tough right now.]

...Y-yeah. We are.

[teh-sword.livejournal.com]

This is what friends do.

[]

I promise. 's get you cleaned up and home.

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

[He winces a bit at that, but he chuckles a little, too.]

You got it.