Not a Chance (Open)

Erika looked up gracefully at Ash while he helped her stand and walked with her to the dormitories. There was nothing bad in that, was it? Erika knew that if she could, she would blush. Fortunately, her face was pale like snow. But that wasn't really fortunate. Nope, not at all. While they walked on the hallways, the emptiness told her than many people had gone to their rooms, but maybe she'll make it before curfew. She hoped Ash would, too, if he had helped her. It felt bad, thinking he'd get into trouble for her, but she tried to lighten herself up, thinking h couldn't get that late, not if she didn't, presumably. Or maybe they both got. Yeah... she cheered lamely in her mind.

When he spoke, Erika was half startled. She had even forgotten she was there with him, which made her return to life fully. The headache made her grunt and drop her head, but she kept on walking, forcing herself to put a leg in front of the other, untill they reached the Initiate dorms. There, she braced herself against the wall, breathing quickly, her hair plastered to her forehead, just before it was lifted up again by huge glasses. She looked up at Ash, smiling sorrowfully.

"Thanks." she said, no longer whispering. She took a few tentative steps forward, keeping her hand to the wall. She turned her head back at Ash, her green eyes huge, like she was waiting for him to say something.

It scared Ash, seeing someone like this. It had only happened on occasion when someone in his house got sick, but it truly frightened him, as if he was actually seeing a ghost. Only moments before she had been a light shade of pink, something that actually complimented her features, making him think of watermelons with her green eyes. But now she was white and it was terrifying. He was glad he was being helpful but he honestly figured the infirmary was a better place for her. He wasn't thinking at all about making it back to his dorm on time, just that he hoped she would be fine.

Her groan frightened him a bit as well. Was she okay? Was she sure it was just fatigue? He was pretty sure when he was tired he didn't look or feel like he was going to die. From what he gathered of her actions, she felt like she was going to die. He didn't like seeing this and it kind of scared him. When they reached the initiate dorms he watched as she steadied herself against a wall and then turned to him. His hands lifted again, as if wanting to help her but not sure if she still needed it.

"Not a problem. Are you sure you're fine? Do you need help in?" He wasn't even sure if he was allowed into the initiate dorms, since he had been sorted. Plus, the idea of going into a girls room made him blush even more, but his desire to help her was far above his need for comfort.

Erika was sure it shouldn't feel like she was going to fall there, but she figured the fact she stayed up last night made it complete. Her hand shock as she put it on his forehead, so little and puny compared to his, like the hand of a child. She lifted her eyes, grateful for his help towards the place.

"There is no need for you to act like.aI'm a fragile doll, Ash..." she giggled, the sound of his name on her lips making her blush more. But the she tightened her grip on his hand, and stared indecisively at him, biting her lower lip. "Ash... I'm not sure... I mean... Just..." he face seemed to burn like a fire. "Please, could you meet me tomorrow... rhought we could train... maybe... Just, if you'd come, meet me there at 4 PM, okay?" she whispered and staggered towards the dormitory door, slipping inside the room.She glanced back at him, and for a moment, she felt sure she hadn't hidden the glimmer of compassion in her eyes.

This was...odd. Ash had never felt so flustered around someone he had just met. This girl was really weak looking and it scared him, but feeling her touch still made him warm inside. It kind of reminded him of home, the feeling of someone close by, not seeing someone look like they were about to collapse. But there was something else about it that made him wary. It was very strange, he wasn't sure how he felt about it.

Ash was taken aback by her statement, suddenly feeling like she could read his mind. "Uh, s-sorry. You just, look like you need help." He said, his voice fading near the end of the sentence. Her stuttered, flustered words surprised him, she seemed rather straightforward the whole time, despite being as tired as she was. He stayed quiet, though, waiting to hear what she was saying. "Uh, yeah, sure. Training sounds great. Tomorrow, 4 pm. Yeah, uh, see you then." He said, taking a couple of steps back as she got into her room. Was he supposed to wait for her? Maybe if he just waited to watch the door shut he could go then. Yeah, that sounded like a good plan.

OOC: And that's a ship, ladies and gentlemen

Erika was so surprised of his flustered look, but she kept her eyebrows from shooting up, gelling herself it would be just mean. And she definitely didn't want to be mean to Ash. She shuffled awkwardly, tapping the door with her fingers and hesitating. Should she close the door, tell him something? Well, he accepted to meet her for training, so she should tell him something like 'See you there!' or 'Great!', but she couldn't really talk. Her eyes stared into his. She was aware of the some girls in the room giggling. Great. she muttered. Now they'll buzz her that she has a... boyfriend. Ash, her boyfriend. Don't be ridiculous, he doesn't like you. she told herself, and felt a sour taste in her mouth.

"Umm, well, see you tomorrow..." she managed to say and slowly pushed the door closed. She trailed herself towards her bunk, feeling dizzy again. Huh, at the door, with Ash, she forgot about the exhaustion. She slumped into the bed, thankful that she chosen the lower bunk. As usual, her mind cleared as she urged herself to sleep, and she almost imediatelly slowed her breath until it became even and she fell asleep.

It was strange, the way this was going. He hadn't done anything like this before, helping someone to their room, and a girl at that. He watched her, wondering what he was supposed to do now. He was unaware the same thoughts ran through her head as they both kind of stared at each other for a few moments before Erika finally spoke again. "Yeah, see ya." Ash responded, realizing he had already said that. Or something along those same lines. When she closed the door he heaved a great sigh as if he had been holding his breath. Taking deep breaths he walked to his dorm, feeling slightly dizzy from the lack of air. He had been trying too hard not to blush too much that he had been holding his breath. He made it to his own room without a problem and flopped onto the bed, eyes looking up at the ceiling, sleep far from his mind. The impromptu nap he had taken before meeting Erika had been sleep enough. So he lay in his bed, reading late into the night until sleep finally did overtake him.

(End?)

(Ah, right, end. Thank you)

(Bye, bud. Also, a thread for their training?)