#x; Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

Milo was pretty sure he'd be fine from the corner. He wasn't dying - and hell, even when he had been he'd still walked a few blocks before he'd blacked out. This wasn't something he voiced though, obviously. Instead just straightening up in the seat with a wince as he shifted to put the Tylenol bottle into the cup holder.

He was content with this being a moment where he quietly got out of the car, Gem said nothing to him and they both pretended it never happened - yet even before the car could fully go into park, the older man was rounding on him.

Immediately he felt his jaw tick slightly, like he was holding in an argument to those words. In a way, he was. Since it felt pretty contradictive for Gem to tell him it wasn't his job to step in for him when he had. Or to say that but also say that he didn't want to see him until he was back and ready. Like he had a say in that. Like he was his... teacher, coach or... parent or brother.

In a way though, Milo really knew what Gem was saying to him. That he couldn't step in for him again - and that if Milo showed up like this again, he would get the shit beat out of him, and maybe next time no one would stop either. Milo had to think that it wasn't so much Gem didn't want to see him at Fight Club as much as it was Gem didn't want to see that.

Nodding his head, Milo fumbled for the seat belt - quickly undoing it and guiding it back as he popped open the door and hopped out with a grimace he was glad only the dark yard in front of him could see. Resting his hand against the door, Milo turned back towards the cab, eying Gem carefully before he finally sighed with another, more defeated, nod. "...Yeah - I.. I know." He relented, fingers tapping against the metal. "...Thanks. I uh - I owe you."

Even if it drew a roll of Gem's eyes, there was a debt owed now. Even if it was just in the form of a beer. Otherwise, he was pretty sure he wouldn't have gotten home tonight.

@gem-morey

Disconnected || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

Milo expected resistance for calling the fight. For the crowd to dismiss him or shame him, but no such thing - instead just a rowdy eruption of laughter and cheers. A heavy hand on his shoulder that Milo couldn't help but hiss at as a man who seemed so much bigger than himself hefted him back up to his feet without much effort. "Not bad, kid" He'd remarked, another heavy clap to the back of his neck before he disappeared back into the crowd, leaving Milo to catch the still stuck breath in his lungs.

He also hadn't expected the apology, his gaze turning sideways towards Gem as he realized he'd returned beside him. His head shook quickly, a hand waving to dismiss the words easier than they came. "You didn't." Milo assured quickly, his hand brushing his shoulder which, while still warm to the touch, was no more burnt than a very very very mild sunburn. Far less of an issue than the hit he'd taken to the face, which his fingers brushed across now with another wince. Surely that would look bad tomorrow and he'd have to find some kind of excuse for that one. Turning away from Gem for just a moment, he spat that slightly iron-tinged taste from his mouth and swiped at his lips before he let his gaze return to the other man's.

"...only caught me by surprise. Just... gives me something to think about." Milo teased with a small huff. "To try n'be more ready for that one next time..." Because again, of all the things he'd been trained for, fire was certainly not one of them. It would be an interesting challenge to try to learn how to defend from. That was.... if there was a next time.

Milo hoped there was. Gem was matched to him in a weird way. Gem scrappy and raw in all the ways that Milo was deliberate and trained. It would be good for Milo to get that kind of experience with that kind of combat. If not, at the very least perhaps even just a future conversation with Gem. They reminded him, perhaps oddly, of home. The Philly version.

@gem-morey

First Rule of Fight Club 🔥[Gemilo]

[plutothe-pup]

For Milo - fighting came naturally.

It was actually a thought that bothered him whenever he dwelled too much on it. How easily he slipped into to those habits - yet how much he struggled to conform to normal tasks like sitting in class or understanding basic culture references that everyone seemed to recite like a popular hymn.

It was weird - it was weird and it was shameful, but in another life it was that very thing that would have been prided on. So in another way, as weird and shameful as it was, part of it was almost therapeutic too; the way his mind could simply switch off and turn on autopilot for something. It was nice not to think for once, right?

So despite the moral dilemma he always wanted to have in his mind, Milo still reacted quite naturally the second he saw Gem's arm shift - turning into the hit and absorbing what actually wasn't that impactful of a punch anyways, as he twisted his arm under and over Gem's, all but trying to lock it against his own as his left as his right swung for the other man's ribcage.

@gem-morey

Meet me Outside || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

Milo had always loved car rides. Or - Pluto, he supposed. That was who had gotten more car rides anyways. In fact, it had been a while since Milo had even ridden in a car like this too, but it was still just as peaceful as he'd remembered it being. Nothing like the stress of dealing with the hustle and bustle of public transportation. So it was easy for that gentle hum of the engine and the commercial filled radio to comfort him as his head rested against the window, only shifting whenever the truck rode over an uneven section of road, but that was it's own kind of comfort too.

Gem's voice broke through that small nap he hadn't realized he'd even managed to slip in to - stirring as his eyes blinked open with a wince. He was quick to sit up, glancing around the dark neighborhood through the windshield, trying to orient himself quickly to save himself from any further irritation from his companion.

"...uhm Riandale." He managed, swiping at his eye for a split second as he bit down on that new wave of discomfort that seemed to come knocking once more. "...it's uh -.. sixteen. but I-.. I can just walk from the corner."

@gem-morey

Disconnected || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

He glanced down at himself, the state of his clothes and his general being. It wasn't the best sight. As much as he wanted to say no - definitely drop him off somewhere else, what else were his options? Obviously going to Luca's was no better. There were no way he was showing up at the Moon Farm like that. There weren't Wawa's in Swynlake he could tell Gem to stop at so he could wash up in the bathroom and make himself look slightly better. Even the gym wasn't twenty-four hours to do something similar. Looking the way he did, it was unlikely he could walk in anywhere and not have the cops called on him or something.

So home was really the only option.

"...no I-..I'll take my chances at home, I guess." So long as Gem really did somehow know where he lived. Not that he couldn't direct him but, his current status really was not the best for relaying vital information quickly.

But if the options were home, hospital or a random sidewalk - home was the obvious choice - even with the risk.

@gem-morey

Disconnected || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

When the bottle came rattling into his lap, Milo's eyes peeked opened again, almost surprised the relief would come at all. Though Milo was smart enough to tuck it back into his lap in favor of pulling his seat belt down first. If only so that there wouldn't be a third, potentially more aggressive badgering about it.

The second it clicked into place, his fingers went back to unscrewing the medication's lid, dumping a single pill onto his palm. He stared at it for a moment, turning the bottle in his opposite hand and reading over the recommended dosage with a grimace. Wincing at the pounding in his head, he ended up shaking an additional two more onto his palm before replacing the cap. The younger man wasn't about to try his luck for water too, and instead tossed back the pills dryly, ignoring the discomfort that just melded so easily with the rest of his ailments as he shifted back against the seat again, fingers anxiously tapping over the bottle.

"....y'even know where I live...?" Milo said after a moment, picking a piece of gravel out of his palm. He assumed no - because... why would he? Gem had never been to Milo's house, Milo had never been to Gem's. Milo was also pretty sure Gem and Pip weren't friends and had never hung out but... Pip had lived here his entire life and... Gem seemed like he had too? Maybe all the locals just... knew.

Though it was better if Gem didn't. Milo wasn't sure he should really go back right away. Even if he could slip right into the basement, he was afraid of being caught the way he looked. Though it wasn't like there were places he could quickly clean himself up anyways, were there? Maybe ——— a painful jerk from an unsuspecting pothole scattered Milo's thoughts, his fingers tightening on the bottle as he cursed in a foreign language under his breath.

@gem-morey

Disconnected || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

Milo might have been surprised by the offer - but he didn't decline it. He actually hadn't considered how he was going to get home, covered in blood and in this state. Normally he just ran. He loved to run, and while they were quite a distance from Swynlake, it was nothing for Milo who was normally hopped up on post-fight adrenaline as it was.

In this case, well..

Yeah, he probably needed the ride home.

Hesitating for just a moment to steady himself, Milo took a deep breath before he wadded up his shirt and pressed it to his nose, following after Gem with uneven but careful steps.

As soon as he managed (again, a bit haphazardly) to get into the truck, he slid down in the seat a bit, his head falling back against the headrest as his eyes closed, still trying to will away that headache. Though it wasn't alone, given the stiffness that had settled in his muscles, and the soreness that ached against forming bruises.

"...d'you have any Tylenol." He mumbled softly, knowing the answer was probably 'no'. Which... was fine. It wasn't that long of a ride home, he'd survive. Gem was already doing enough for him (unnecessarily) that he really didn't even want to ask in the first place, but the idea of getting ahead of the lingering pain was...more appealing than the shame of asking.

@gem-morey

Disconnected || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

Turns out - Gem was not willing to give him the five minutes.

Which was a shame, because he was quite convinced that in that amount of time, the feeling would pass and everything would be just fine. Unfortunately he wouldn't get to find out, would he? Milo ran his tongue over his lip, trying not to react too much to Gem's threat, especially with how Gem was standing phone at the ready, like he had the hospital on speed dial.

"...m'fine." The younger man tried to argue once more, though it fell flat, his breath leaving his lungs in a heavy sigh as he finally tried to pull together the will to get to his feet. Since his other option was Gem's finger hitting the call button evidently.

It wasn't a graceful venture. An incredibly unsteady one actually, but with a few bitten down curses, Milo did eventually manage to right himself. Out of breath, a little unbalanced, and perhaps a little pale too - but regardless, he was on his feet as requested.

Except now he wanted to throw up too. His teeth pulled at his bottom lip as if to prevent such a thing from happening since that would undermine all work he was doing in maintaining a neutral expression. Shifting in his stance, Milo offered a weak shrug-like gesture of his arms as if to say 'are you satisfied?'.

He hoped so.

@gem-morey

Disconnected || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

Milo grimaced at the request.

Again, he was quite certain he could. There was no reason he couldn't, really. Yet as he had just thought, he didn't want to. At least not right now. His head heart, his everything hurt. He was trying to get his bloody nose under control. The ground was... comfortable. It was cool against the summer air. Even if it was horribly stony.

Part of him knew he should just pull himself up though. Prove to Gem he was fine so the older man would just leave him be.

The alternative however was to try and fail horribly when his vision ended up doing the same thing it did to him in the middle of the fight, and one thing he would not be doing today was falling into Gem Morey. Did he look like he wanted to add burns to his list of ailments?

No.

"...I... don't really want to." Milo finally said, clearing his throat and resisting the urge to spit that copper taste out of his mouth. "...give me five minutes and.. maybe I'll feel more inclined."

@gem-morey

Disconnected || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

God, his head was pounding.

To be fair though, that was the price of participating in a fight club, wasn't it? Though if it wasn't the actual fight that was causing it, Milo was sure he could list off a dozen other reasons. He hadn't drank enough water, probably, or the fact he'd been going a little harder at the gym lately. Don't even get him started on the stress, or the anxiety that could have helped. What he wouldn't blame, of course, was that stupid persistent summer cold he hadn't managed to shake.

Regardless, he still pushed through, even if his entire body felt like it was on fire. It wouldn't be long now anyways, the fights never lasted, and Milo had been on an impressive win streak recently. All he had to do was tough it out.

Yet, he felt that agonizing pain blossom in his side as his opponent (some older, muscular man who intimidated the hell out of him on a normal day) clocked him below his ribs, grappling against their chest and trying to retaliate the best he could. Even if his limbs felt disconnected from his mind, sloppy and sluggish as he struggled to find common ground before it could get worse.

He might've had it for just a moment too - but before he could even focus on it he felt something shift. All at once he felt like his thoughts scattered completely, his vision swimming away from him as his weight shifted immediately to the side. He didn't go far before he fell into another person lining the circle, who roughly pushed him stumbling back into the center of the ring as he scrambled to find his balance again as his head pounded fiercely.

It only took another second for his legs to be swept out from under him and Milo fell hard, his palms scrapping across the hard concrete as he failed to bite down on the grunt of pain this time around. Coughing against the burn in his lungs, Milo spat that bitter metallic taste from his mouth as his gaze slipped back over his shoulder, hoping his opponent had gotten the hint. Hoping the fight was over.

But their fists were still drawing back.

....Jesus christ..

@gem-morey

Disconnected || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

"——No." Came Milo's too hasty response, his gaze snapping up towards Gem and betraying that fear a little too much. He couldn't go to the hospital though. Not again. Especially because Amy would find out. Pip would find out. They didn't need that, especially not Amy and especially not now. Besides, Milo didn't need to go to the hospital.

He was... fine.

Fine was a loose term, but he just.. needed a moment was all. He was convinced it was the Lyme. Ever since he'd gotten that as a dog he'd sworn there were long term effects that flared up. This must have just been one of those times. That was why it wasn't going away, that was why he'd felt so off.. It made sense.

He swiped his hand under his nose, wincing as he brushed blood off onto his pants. "...m'fine." He reiterated, knowing he could prove that point easier if he stood up, but the idea was so incredibly unappealing to him. "...I just... don't feel good. I should have waited another few days to..." He trailed off, making a gesture towards the new fight circle that had formed away from them.

@gem-morey

Disconnected || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

Milo pressed his lips together for just a moment at that dismissal - a small nod following even if he felt that slight twist. He just thought it might have been beneficial, was all - if they had both gotten mutual experience out of something.

If that wasn't what Gem wanted, that was fine, he supposed. Though it made him wonder what he did want then. Milo was curious to learn more about a different fighting style. He thought he could gain better experience from it. But it was Gem that had agreed to do this with him. Outside of the 'club', by themselves.

Why had he agreed, if not for some benefit? Surely not out of the kindness in his heart. They clearly weren't 'friends'.. so what was the draw for him?

"...yeah fine." Milo agreed instead of questioning anything in his mind, shifting back away from Gem with a sigh as he shook out his arms and got himself looser. "...Just don't hit me in the face." He both warned and requested at the same time.

"...no one in my house matches my skin tone and I don't want questions." Because at least Amy and Pip both did own some kind of make-up he could have borrowed to cover up any blemishes but.... unfortunately that would work just as terribly given how much fairer they were in comparison. So it was best just not to give reason!

@gem-morey

Meet me Outside || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

Ha, good question Gem. Wouldn't he like to know the answer to that too.

"...I-.. I don't know." Milo mumbled after a moment. He didn't know if Gem was asking what was wrong with him for picking a fight he clearly couldn't win, for not stopping it immediately, or even for why he was doing so bad in the first place - but the good news was that answer covered every single one of those options all the same anyways.

Since he didn't know. He didn't know why he felt so off. He didn't know why he was fighting so terribly or why he didn't just tap out when he realized things were going south quickly. Milo knew why he was here though, because it was an outlet he felt he so desperately needed at the moment. A funnel for those emotions he was keeping locked up tight at home.

It didn't feel like it was helping all that much now.

Shifting in the gravel, Milo navigated to sitting, pulling a knee to his chest and leaning his head forward to try and stop the bleeding from his nose. He closed his eyes briefly, blowing a steadying breath from his lips as his fingers brushed against his temple, headache still flaring against his head. "...sorry." He apologized after a moment - since he figured Gem was just pissed he had to step in for him. Though Milo wasn't sure why he did anyways. No one ever did in fight club. "...won't uh.. happen again I guess."

@gem-morey

Disconnected || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

It was true - Milo wanted to learn from Gem. If only because Gem was an unpredictable force, a weird raw, messy fighter that Milo wasn't used to. It wasn't disciplined at all, it wasn't focused or accurate - but it was still very much effective. That kind of subset would be useful compared to Milo's very polished, but as Gem pointed out, slightly (he thought it was just slightly) predictable experience.

"...Sometimes." Milo pointed out, eying Gem as he shifted on his heels, as if looking around for something. "...I get the feeling if I was completely predictable, I would not have caught you off guard last time." He finished. He knew he did not technically win that fight, because Gem had caught him off guard too, but the point still stood, did it not? "...but I guess that's the point. You know things I don't, and I know things you don't. Why shouldn't be both learn something...? I learn to be... unpredictable, so to speak and uh--... you learn a bit more structure."

Plus, Milo didn't want there to be an imbalance anyways.

"...unless you don't want to. But.. I promise if you lean about twice as much weight on your back foot than you currently are, you'll find your hits landing more solid."

@gem-morey

Meet me Outside || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

Fight Club.

An insanely stupid idea, Milo realized belatedly, when he'd had to figure out how he was going to cover his bruising, his cuts, his soreness (okay that one was incredibly easy to cover, he was always working out). Also realized when he... realized that if he was needing to be covering them up, that he knew he wasn't supposed to be doing it, and therefore that he wasn't telling the truth to Pip, and therefore this was very...very wrong.

However. Milo knew there was logic in this. It would help him. It would help channel the bad energy. It would keep him on his toes! Prepare him for another disaster! It would help him make friends (see Pip!). So.. He kept at it. And one upside to doing this was he was going to learn a lot about scrappy-style fighting from one Gem Morey. Who... somehow had agreed to meet up with him in another shifty abandoned back-alley parking lot to train and learn!

It was basically a... study-exchange. Between fighting tactics (sure.) Either way, when he met up with Gem that night he'd greeted him easily with a duck of his head and a soft smile. "...hey." He said easily, cracking his fingers absently. Milo considered throwing in some other casual comment there. Asking how Gem was. If he had a good day. Anything like that.. Normal friendly conversation!

However, the reading he had done on Gem (aka, the very few times they had interacted and spoken), made Milo think perhaps that wasn't...exactly the best move. They weren't friends. Though Milo wouldn't mind being friends!! Gem seemed really cool!

Not the important thing here though.

So instead: "...Do you want to warm up or--... get right into it..? I was running earlier so. Already pretty uh... loose." Milo finished lamely. Did...Gem stretch and warm up before this kind of thing? He probably should, but.. it wasn't like people getting into fights stopped for ten minutes to do a quick static stretch before throwing a hook, right?

@gem-morey

Meet me Outside || Gemilo

[plutothe-pup]

What the fuck do you know about it?

Well, Milo supposed nothing first hand - he hadn't ever killed someone. That wasn't a lie when he'd quickly admitted that to Pip that very first night. That didn't mean he wasn't supposed to though. Something he was coming to piece together more and more in a way he realized wouldn't have just been for the greater good. That was how he'd been raised though. He'd been surrounded by death. By... what he would later come to terms with as murder.

His first mission would have come after his thirteenth birthday - but he'd never made it to that, already cursed and out of the house by the time he'd even turned twelve. That had been a blessing in disguise though, hadn't it...

So he supposed he fell in a weird grey area of knowledge, but Milo could have joked here. Said something along the lines of well, you never asked where I learned to fight, did you? But... Milo didn't want to joke about that much at all, nor was he proud of that fact. One thing it did tell him though? Gem seemed easy to prod. To irritate. To annoy as he said.

Feisty. Somebody with so many siblings shouldn't have been so quick to rile, right?

"...I dunno how that would be a compliment." He shrugged, barely containing the roll of his eyes before he sighed. Very well. "I'll stick to statements then." A pause to glance back to Gem. "...You don't keep yourself square. Your center of gravity is shifted. That's why you have a lot of power in your hit but you're easy to counter and topple." There. Not a compliment, nor a question.

@gem-morey

Meet me Outside || Gemilo