As some of you may know, Peanut and I are crazy about Roleplaying, and it's clear, since this is the second one on this site that belongs to us. And we aren't even done with the first one! Regardless, that won't stop us from starting this new roleplay, Rude Awakening!

 

Kinda dark and mysterious title, eh?

 

As stated in the title, this RP is one on one, no exceptions. Please refrain from posting in the RP. Instead, follow us on this new journey!

 

Peanut, my amazing friend, let's begin!

Riku approached the side of the building, his midnight blue motorcyle waiting for him. He grabbed the helmet that rested on the seat and turned to Lightning, offering it to her. He wouldn't wear it tonight; she needed it more than he did.

Lightning accepted the helmet, though she did arch a brow at Riku as she put it on. "Not expecting anything else to hit me in the head tonight, are you?" Of course she knew that the helmet was just a precaution, but hopefully the comment would lighten the mood somewhat. She didn't know if it was just her feeling off balance right now or if it was a mutual feeling.

Riku rolled his eyes, smirking a little as he felt the mood lighten. "Hope not," he said in agreement. He then turned, grabbing his bike and moving it so they would face the road. He walked it out a little before he threw a leg over, climbing on. Riku started the bike, revving the engine to get it warmed up.

Lightning adjusted the helmet, since it was a little too big before. If she was going to wear it, it was going to fit. But she did wince at the loud revving of the motorcycle. Her vision momentarily blurred with the pain, and she stood still for an extra moment to make sure that her coordination wasn't affected as well. She wasn't going to fall flat on her face.

Riku looked over his shoulder, at Lightning. He saw that she was standing still, and he figured the loud noise might have had something to do with that. He made a slightly sheepish expression, realizing that was his fault. "Sorry," he said over the purring engine. He'd had concussions before, and the smallest sound could make things worse.

Lightning was surprised at the sheepish expression, but she nodded faintly to show that she heard him and accepted the apology. Didn't know Riku had a sheepish bone in him. But she ignored the thought as she stepped forward to the bike. She threw a leg over it and got on behind Riku and set her hands on his waist. Probably not firm enough for his tastes...or for hers. Why was she so hesitant?

Riku smirked at the light hold, knowing that probably wasn't going to be tight enough. He put the stand of his bike up and revved the engine again, starting forward and out of the lot. He turned onto the road, the engine kicking up as his speed increased. They would reach the hospital in ten minutes at this speed, and that was a lot better than walking.

Lightning quickly changed her hold on Riku. She had absolutely no choice but to wrap her arms around him completely so that she could hold onto one of her wrists tightly. The motorcycle was so loud. It caused so much pain that she feared simply holding onto Riku himself, because then it would be easier to slip up and lose her grip. She winced and shut her eyes tightly, gritting her teeth.

I know it's loud, Riku thought as he drove, the wind whipping his shorter hair back. His bangs got in his eyes as he peered through the wind. It'll be over soon. He knew that he was hurting Lightning more by just giving her a ride, something made obvious by her tight grip. It made him go a little faster, since he didn't want her to suffer anymore. ...When did I become so...soft?

Lightning kept her tight hold around Riku, and all thoughts about possibly enjoying this ride slipped away with each second that passed. It was unbearable. Even for somebody like her who wouldn't admit to pain easily. Her eyes remained shut, and the girl tried to focus on breathing as calmly as she could. Riku probably wasn't oblivious to her pain, but he didn't need to see fully how bad it was.

Riku turned a corner after a few minutes, seeing the hospital building not too far off. It was tall enough to see over the shops, so it wasn't hard to miss. But he couldn't get over the hold that was around him. He knew Lightning was holding on so she wouldn't fall off, but he somehow...wanted it to be more than that? The thought made Riku's eyebrows furrow, the young man confused.

Lightning didn't bother opening her eyes for the ride, not even for the corner. Riku would let her know when they were at the hospital. The question was, would she be balanced enough to walk in? If the concussion wasn't bad before, it was now. But that wasn't the only reason she would be off balance. Riku was another.

Riku saw various cars in the parking lot of the hospital, and he pulled up to an empty spot not too far from the entrance. He turned the bike off and set the stand down, the engine slowly dying until only the crickets could be heard in the area. He looked over his shoulder at Lightning, not speaking. He had the urge to ask her if she was alright, but that would be a stupid question. He made things worse for her.

Lightning knew that they were at the hospital even if her eyes were still shut; the bike was off and the stand was down. But she was momentarily paralyzed in pain. She couldn't move, not yet. She grunted to Riku as her arms remained around him, hoping that he would get the message she was trying to convey. Give me a minute here, Riku.

Edited June 17, 201213 yr by Peanut

Riku understood that grunt, keeping his position as his hands remained on the handlebars. "Take your time," he told her quietly. He was here for her, so if she needed a minute, he would give it to her.

Lightning nodded ever so slightly, though she didn't follow the advice entirely. She didn't want Riku seeing the full extent of her pain and how badly the motorcycle ride hurt her. After a few moments, she opened her eyes and stared at his back. Then a few seconds after that, she unclasped her hand from her wrist and set her hands on his waist just to keep her balance behind him. Though sounds were still dull and her vision a bit blurry, she knew she was okay. Sort of.

Riku leaned back a little, one hand resting on the handlebars as the other found his leg. "Ready to go in?" he asked. The sooner she went in, the better. The concussion had surely gotten worse, but they had waited long enough to get here. Zane didn't help things, but it was ultimately Snow's fault.

Lightning nodded faintly once again. One hand moved away completely, but the other found Riku's shoulder as she got off the motorcycle. Her balance was fine when she was standing, thank goodness. She turned away from Riku slightly and took off the helmet, though she also lifted a hand and wiped at some moisture that had gathered right underneath her eyelid. This was so stupid. Why did she get into this mess?

Riku got off the bike as well, stuffing his keys into his pocket as he reached out and gently took the helmet from Lightning. He placed it on the seat. Anyone that stole a helmet was dumb, but he had enough money to buy another if it came to that. Riku put a hand on Lightning's elbow, lightly guiding her toward the building. "Let's go," he encouraged quietly. She would feel better soon.

Lightning took a step or two with Riku, but when she felt faintly off balance, she put a hand on his that was on her elbow. Was it only because of the balance issues that she did that? Or...She mentally shook her head. Now wasn't the time to focus on her heart. Nor was any time. She didn't have that luxury.

Riku grasped Lightning's hand securely when she grabbed his, sensing that something was wrong. His eyebrows furrowed in concern, but he was silent as he looked down at her. He would wait until she was ready to move to keep walking. This was all her.

This time, Lightning did feel a little angry when Riku stopped. She didn't like coming off this way. She kept her hand in his but started walking again with eyes set on the entrance of the hospital. It was time to get in and get this over with. Her head (and pride) suffered enough for one day.

...Okay, Riku thought, following Lightning's lead until he was walking next to her. He noticed that she kept her grip on his hand, which slightly surprised him. He thought she wasn't the touchy type, but he told himself it was the concussion messing with her head. She was off balance in more ways than one that way.

The next day

 

Lightning had a hard time sleeping the past night after leaving the hospital. Of course the doctor diagnosed her with a concussion; she hadn't been expecting anything different. He instructed her to get a lot of rest, and that was what she did today. Instead of going to school, she stayed at home and slept until about an hour ago. At that time, she dragged herself out of bed, took a shower, and began to get ready for work. She needed the money.

Riku parked his bike and approached the aparment complex, planning on checking on Lightning this afternoon. She told him last night that she was skipping school today, so that gave her plenty of time to rest up for the day. But now he figured she was awake, so he would take the time to see what she was up to. Hopefully she wasn't in too bad of shape. He already felt guilty for letting Snow into the gym and causing the concussion first, but he dealt with Zane well enough; Riku doubted he would be back.