Goood Morning Avalon!

[Sora-No]

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    Days passed as if it was a blur. Fuzzy conversations around Mike, a cacophony of hushed whispers and concerned conversations, the words seeming to have no meaning at all. Stunning silence, the warmth of sunlight on Mike's face. Warm lilen across his body. Unknown faces nursing wounds...

    Mike shot up out of his clinic bed, hands clutching the blanket covering him. Bandages wrapped from his wrist up to his shoulder. He felt more uncomfortably soft wrappings covering his legs, too, more taught thankfully, although it didn't help him too much. What had actually happened? Mike thought to himself, his fingers running through his hair.

    Oh, right. That fun encounter.

    Mike noted that a considerable amount of time had passed. His hair obnoxiously covered the peripherals of his vision. His face itched, prickly and uncomfortable along his jawline. Mike couldn't help but chuckle to himself. He's been out a while, it would seem. How long, he couldn't really say, but hey- at least he's breathing

    Unfortunately, the (in)famous Troy Nailo was still kicking around, the little shit stain truthfully irking Mike. Not because of the duel, or even the confrontation. It was just... the delirium the man had about him. How important did he think he was? Names fade quite quickly, especially with the conversation he's had with the Bartender, Rease, and Kalin. The man seems to think that his name means some shit to the masses, like some hero of the world.

    Nah, fuck that.

    Mike wasn't going to play that game. If anything, Mike played for the opposite. He went from town to town for three years. Maybe four, depending on how long he's been out at this point. He made it a point to help out, keep it to tongue and cheek, and call it a fucking day before he left for the next town.

    From here on out, Mike's just gonna... exist. He doesn't know what he's going to do, or even what his next plans are gonna be. But he's gonna stick with the people here, at least for a little while. No, not that talk. No little while. As long as possible. And, when he's ready, he'll head back to Solae and hopefully reconcile the bullshit in his head. Until then, he'll just kinda go one step at a time.

    He'd scan the room, noticing the things around the clinic room he was in. A couple flowers, a note from the looks of it. And Apple Cider Vinegar. Well, at least Luke stopped by. Hopefully he didn't freak out him and Soren too much.

    "Jesus, how long have I been out?" he'd mutter to himself, stretching before hopping out of bed with vigor. Oh god, he's wearing a fucking gown. And the breeze definitely says he's not wearing briefs underneath. Hopefully there's no one behind him to show pure ass to. That'd be unfortunate at the very least.

[Sparky]

    As Mike rose and gathered his bearings, the sound of paper turning broke the silence. "Morning sleeping beauty. Bit early for a full moon, isn't it?" Rease cleared his throat from his spot by the window. A well-worn book was gripped in his calloused hands, the title faded from its cover. "You know, typically when someone wakes up after nearly a month, in a hospital bed, their first reaction isn't to immediately clamber out."
    
    "Your techy friend Luke popped in a few times to check up on you. Fighty little bastard, isn't he? Oh, and there was a feathery one too, he was quite polite. I believe he introduced himself as Soren? Seems like you have a good group growing around you." With a slight yawn, Rease shut his book. Stuffing it into a pack, he continued calmly. "Seriously though, sit back down in the bed and wait for the staff to look you over. If you're good enough to stand, chances are they'll clear you to leave."

    Something else Mike would no doubt have to note is the slight loss in body mass. Even with some of the best healing mages keeping him stable and nursing him back to health, there was only so much to do about not eating a real meal. The fact that he was even able to stand was even shocking to Rease. 

[Soren]

There was the sound of a door opening and Soren's talons clicking on the floor as he came in with a chiming voice. "Mike, I'm back! And I've gotten some gifts to help you feel-" There was a pause as he looked off the items he was holding and onto Mike. More importantly, the sudden contrast of cloth and cake. ....Better. The birdman blinked a couple times, almost looking out of place as if he was in the wrong room, holding a basket with fruits and a bouquet resting on top of them.

Well, at least Mike was awake. But he wasn't sure that the hospital would let the boy out of the bed so soon with the damages dealt to him. He glanced over to the man in the chair that was reading a book. "..Was I... Interrupting something?"

[Sora-No]

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    Mike would turn around, facing Rease gown first, a laugh leaving his lips as he corrected the time of day for the older warrior. "Whoops, I'm used to having actual clothes on." A sneer would brush across his lips, "Or, usually it's when it's with people I'm a little friendlier with than you. No offense, of course."

    He would look himself over, his body feeling weak to say the least. He'd lean back to stretch, wobbling a bit before standing up straight again. That feels odd, Mike would think to himself. He didn't think physical activity would take genuine effort given he's usually more fit. Rease did say it's been almost a month he's been out. Oh boy, so much fun.

    "Honestly? With how tired I am right now, if I lay back down I doubt I'll want to get back up." He'd look around the room, his fingers tapping along his thighs, "And I'd rather not be bedridden, if I can help it. Any idea how long exactly I've been out? Given I'm kinda-"

    He would be interrupted as he heard the door open, turning slowly and seeing the kind Soren. Once again showing another person the moon that is his pale asscheeks. Yikes, not a fun time. Usually when two men see his ass it's under... different pretenses.

    "Why, hello to you too, Soren. Jesus I'm going through the whole lunar cycle here." He'd walk back, keeping his cheeks to the corner of the room, away from the prying eyes of the two gentleman. "Oh I sure hope not. That'd make me look dredgeful, the man bored enough to read a book at the sight of me sure would damper the spirits."

    He would lean on the wall, looking around. Mostly wondering where his clothes are. It's been almost a month, but still he'd rather not be running less than half-clothed. "While I'd love to have some of the fruit you've graciously offered, I would like to be somewhat dressed before walking around comfortably."

[Sparky]

    "Well, chances are that the medical staff took your clothes for safe keeping. So, again, you'll have to wait for one of them to give you the all clear." Rease watched Mike wobbled on his feet and gave a hefty sigh. He knew the stubborn type so, so well... because he was one. Damn deja-vu, showing him a red-headed mirror. "You're probably gonna wanna grab some of that fruit, kiddo. Gonna need to build your strength back up somehow. You know, compensate for the fact that most of what's left of you decided to take a road-trip downstairs." 

    Tilting his head slightly, Rease grinned over to Soren. "Afternoon, Soren. Checked in with Lyndon lately?" During their discussion, a pair of nurses stopped by the door. At first, the pair studied Mike with expressions of surprise, then the two marched in past Mike to shuffle the redhead back onto the bed. He didn't have to lay down, but he was sitting. Rease and Soren would have front row seats to the scolding from Nurse A, while Nurse B huffed off to get the doctor. It was amusing how she wouldn't even accept any form of backtalk from the sassy boy either. Rease watched from his spot as, near the end of the reprimanding, the nurse at the very least promised to get the guy his clothes back. 

    With a chuckle, Rease looked to Mike after she left. "Adventurer lesson one, kid. Listen to the nurses. I can't tell you how many times one of them have put me back on my ass because I had problems sitting still." 

[Soren]

“I’m with Rease on this one. They want to make sure you’re okay enough to go out on your own in your current state.” Though Soren didn’t fight nurses to move like Rease did. If they could pin someone like him down, Soren was sure they’d more than pin Mike down. The image of Rease getting restrained from nurses put an image in Soren’s head that was honestly kind of scary.

The birdman shook his head and looked at Rease. “I’ve been visiting here and there, doing other tasks on my own in my free time alongside it all. I’ve been getting stronger though, so here’s hoping I can get into the Phoenix Guard too!”, he said, seemingly pleased with the training he’s done and the progress he’s made with Lyndon as well as on his own.

[Sora-No]

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    Mike would groan, turning and laying on the bed, both his hands behind his head, "Hhhhhhhhh I know you guys are right, but I also would do absolutely crude things for a big ass burger and a milkshake right now." It's been like... a month since he's had food. Please let him consume a big ass hamburger. Get some fucking bacon on that bitch, cheese. Add some sautéed onions and a nice toasted bun...

    God, now he's forny (food horny, as all know that is what that word is and definitely isn't something Mike came up with out of nowhere)

    Mike would look at Soren, a grin rising across his lips, "Second I'm recuped and ready, I'd love to see and spar it out with you, that sounds like it'd be a blast." His fighting was definitely something he enjoyed seeing the first time. If he's improved that, he'd love to give it a go. Though the recuperation time seems like it's going to be...

    Fuck.

    Getting his mind off the subject, he would turn his gaze at Rease, "I hope you know if they give me my clothes and say I can't leave, I'm just booking it. That's like opening a door for someone, then telling them they can't go through it, that shit's just rude." And he's an adult (legally, mentally that's arguable), so he can discharge himself as long as him leaving the hospital doesn't get him killed. And then he can get some food and figure out what the plan is from here.

[Sparky]

    "Well, Soren, just know if you require any sort of recommendations towards the Phoenix guard, I, Kalin, or The Bartender are all available for referrals." Rease puffed his chest out a bit and proudly beamed. "I'm sure my reputation alone would be enough to get you into officer's school." The older man did pause as he looked towards Mike and listened to his rambling.

    Alright, the food was fair. Why wouldn't he want to tear into something like a burger or a slice of pizza after so long. Rease still huffed. "Your good friend Soren brought you a lovely basket of fruit, the least you could do is munch on an apple to tide your hunger." He pursed his lips at the latter two statements, though. Gods dammit, the Swordsman didn't like being faced with a younger version of himself. 

    "Firstly, Mike, healing magic or no, you're probably going to need a bit of time before you can be thrown into action. Second. If they're going to keep you here, they'll likely only give you your trousers back so don't get ahead of yourself. If they want to watch you, you're sitting your ass back down and letting them." Rease folded his arms over his chest and shook his head. Sure, he couldn't technically stop Mike from walking out of the hospital, but gods dammit couldn't he be a little responsible? "That ass whooping you got from Mister Troy "I'm the Greatest" Nailo was no joke."

    As if on cue, a doctor and nurse entered the room. They were polite, introduced themselves and everything, and gave Mike a quick look over. It seemed they really were just waiting to give him a clear before he got his clothes back. No doubt the staff had heard him. Or the nurses warned the others about how Mike was already up and about and trying to make a break for it. 

    Thankfully for Mike, they didn't have any plans to keep him overnight. The boy just had to fill out some paper work and agree to a weekly physical for the next month, just to check over how he was healing and recovering. The general consensus was that Mike didn't look great, but he was fine to go home. Lot of rest, avoid over eating as it could cause more harm than good, avoid too much physical exertion for the first week or so until he got his strength back, drink lots of fluids, and work on stretches to get his muscles used to, well, functioning again. 

    And then the doctor left. 

    "Well, looks like you're getting your clothes back after all." 

[Soren]

“Oh, that would be great! Thank you guys so much!” Soren’s wings flitted slightly to help show his excitement even more. He scooted over so he was a bit more out of the doorway. Of course Soren would be getting recommendations from new friends he’s made here, but still, it was awesome!

When the doctor and nurses came in, and let Mike know, it seemed that today was a bright and sunny day for them. Mike was getting discharged, of course given medication for some of those injuries and a checkup on that arm to see if it was mending properly. “Oh, that’s great news!”, he said, a little clap of talons at his fingertips as he was just as excited about the fresh news they just gave the room. He had to tell Luke as well, and probably will as soon as he was finished with his visit.

But Mike was also taking the fruit basket right? That one was talon-picked by Soren. Surely Mike wouldn’t leave those fruits behind to rot sadly into some green and white mess of mold, now would he?

[Sora-No]

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    Hey, look at Rease, being a absolute gem. Y'know, when they told him that names don't carry for long, his and the other's names definitely carry some fucking weight around where it matters. But hey, if Rease, Kalin, or the Bartender can help Soren get headway and a good start into his future, Mike's not gonna complain.

    "Yea, Yeah, I know-" The fruit was definitely appealing, but currently his headspace is filled with nothing but- B O R G E R. So, no offense, Soren, but he's spaced out the fruit basket entirely for the time being.

    HE IS FREE. He'd grab his clothes, giving a thank you to the staff as they left. Once they did, Mike practically levitated out of the bed. "Okay, you two- out cause I am not showing either of you my pecker." As he shooed them away, he would stop Soren, with a loud, "WAIT" before grabbing an apple and continuing the shoo them out, slamming the door behind the two.

    He would quickly throw the gown off of him, looking himself over. Nothing had scarred too bad, some nicks and markings along his arms and legs but nothing horrendous. Except the large bandage across his chest that'll probably scar. Well, hey, another for the road, right?

    He's fucked, huh?

    After all of this time rocking around, he's back to square one, basically. Going to have to work back up to being physically capable. Then getting back into the groove. Luke and Soren probably have questions. And Rease and the others are probably concerned as well... shit. This shit sucks.

    After spacing out a bit, he'd finally put on his clothes, walking out with the apple in his mouth, pulling it as he took a bite, mouth moving in between chews, "So, y'all want something to eat? On me, of course." A glance at the fruit basket and flowers would make him retort before anyone else could, "After I drop off the gifts you got at my place." Do I still have my place after all this time? Don't think about it.

    It'll be fiiiiiiine

[Sparky]

    Hey, listen, just because they don't carry for long doesn't mean they don't have any sort of weight in the moment. Context is King, Michael. If that is your real name! Regardless, Rease slowly guided Soren out of the room to allow the redhead to dress, with a quick "Don't flatter yourself, kid." Before the door slammed shut. 

    Out in the hall, a few nurses eyed the two men as they passed on. Either because both Rease and Soren were drop dead gorgeous, or because Mike had slammed the door on both of them. For his part, the swordsman seemed to enjoy the attention far more than Lyndon, Kalin, or The Bartender. Every group had to have a diva. After sending them off with a wink, Rease turned back to Soren. "Chances are we're not done with the man who went after Mike. Seemed to be personal between them, but The Bartender isn't giving any specifics."

    His arms folded over his chest, back resting against the wall. "You have a good head on your shoulders, Soren. Probably why Lyndon took so much interest in you. He took care of us when we were younger, make sure to do the same." Rease puffed his chest up a bit. "Good friends are hard to come by you know! And that idiot in there may be some sorta stubborn, but you gotta be stubborn back with guys like that..."

    The man's eyes slowly drifted off down the hall. His experience was writ in every line on his face. Turning back to point a finger in his face, he announced. "And I expect good things out of you as well, kid! You better listen to Lyndon's advice and get on into the Phoenix guard!" 

    This... touching moment was fortunately (unfortunately?) ruined by Mike munching ever so loudly on his crisp and juicy apple. The swordsman's brow quirked slightly as the boy mentioned paying for all three of their meals. Mike's offer would be met with a swift swat to the back of the head. "Listen kid, you just got out of the slammer so it's my treat. I probably have more funds in my pocket then you do in your entire bank account and I'm not going to hear any arguments on it." The finger was now pointing in Mike's face. "Free food is free food. That's just a life lesson."

[Soren]

Well, Soren wasn’t intending on looking at Mike’s naked self more than he already saw. He didn’t want to see an angry worm trying to hide further in its host, as it were. So he gave a bit of a shrug and started out until Mike stopped him to see him pluck an apple. Proving himself to eat something from the fruit basket perhaps? Either way, he was met with a smile back, the bird man was appreciative of the gesture and then went along his way out to give the boy some privacy.

“I don’t think Mike is the kind to really get himself into trouble either. This is really worrisome.”, Soren replied. Though he kept a polite face, it was very obvious he was concerned for his red headed friend. “Though, it may be more up to Mike to tell us about it if he knows the person that did that to him.” Gods know what would happen to that man if anyone else in this circle had a skirmish with him on Mike’s behalf.

The birdman seemed a bit startled with how Rease jumped from statement to statement, his voice from a soft grumble to a sudden bold tone. It was enough to make him jump a little and then respond with a sheepish grin. “I’ll definitely give it my all. Lyndon’s a good teacher, and I’m glad he’s been helping me out as much as he has.” Even with Miss Shelaleigh’s cold stare under parasol shade and maids watching their spars for a past time, Soren grew accustomed to it and learned more that her cold blooded stares were something she couldn’t really control.

The moment was abruptly stopped with Mike’s re-entry to the group, now fully dressed and not an angry worm or raw buns hanging out for the world to see anymore. Admittedly, Soren might have gone a little too hard with the gifts. Mike looked very out of place with a bouquet of flowers and a basket of vibrant fruits. Ironically, Soren never really took any expectations on getting gifts or free food as a treat from others. So in his head, he was tallying his funds and figured he should be fine on his own. It was incredibly likely Rease would treat him, but he wasn’t going to make that assumption. “So then, where should we have a bite?”, he asked.

[Sora-No]

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    Mike would snap his head back at Rease, his voice raised, "HEY all you had to say was 'you'll pay'. Free food is the best food." In most circumstances, yes, Rease would be right to assume Mike would be stubborn and not want to get something given to him. But. This is food, something Mike hasn't had in HOW LONG NOW? He already stated he'd do very expletive things for said burger and milkshake, and if said thing is 'having Rease pay', that's mild when it comes to the list of things in his mind that is defined as 'expletive'

    He'd look at Soren. There was a hint of... concern in his gaze. While Mike wasn't a fan of it, but there wasn't really much he could do about it. Just gonna have to fix everything first, it would seem. Mike doesn't want his friends to be sitting here worrying about him. He's fine.

    Probably fine.

    "Honestly? Anywhere I can get a big, big ass burger, a vanilla milkshake, and some waffle fries." He would take another bite of his apple, chewing for a moment before speaking, "Though, first we should probably drop off your gifts at my place, and I can check what my place actually looks like."

[Sparky]

    Looking between the two, Rease clapped them both on their shoulders. "Alright, I know a good place nearby. I would recommend The Bartender's place, but I'm sure we all go there all the time so why not try a new place, eh?" The swordsman grinned at the apprentice and potential apprentice. After seeing how stubborn Mike had been, it was nice to see he at least wouldn't argue over food. 

    Though it seemed like there was going to be a quick stop in between. To be fair, Mike's concern about his home was valid. He'd been gone for a month, so why wouldn't he be? Rease had no idea how close he was to his friends, or how many he had, so there was no way to tell if someone was taking care of the situation for him. The older man thought it over and nodded with a small grin, patting Mike's shoulder a couple times. 

    "Alright, Kid, lead the way back and we'll grab a bite after. Oh and Soren..." He paused, turning back towards the bird man. "Yes, I am paying for you as well. Don't think I didn't spot your nerves." These guy's were delightful in their own ways, and in a sense it reminded Rease of when he had to look over Lyndon and The Bartender's kids. Kind of a nice memory there. 

[Soren]

“Sounds like a plan.” Soren said. He’d tag along regardless. Though when Rease called out his own thoughts, Soren glanced back at the man sheepishly. Of course he would, that was courtesy of a party. But Soren wanted to make sure that he was still sound on himself just in case or in general. “T-thank you.”, he stammered to Rease.

If he wasn’t covered in feathers and scales, there would be a blush visible on his face about now. But thankfully, Soren was covered in scales and feathers so that wasn’t visible.

Now that he thought about it, he hadn’t really been to anyone else’s place aside from the Mansion that Lyndon cared for. This was going to be a new experience for better or worse. He wasn’t going to judge, especially if the person who hurt Mike ransacked the boy’s place too. If anything, he’d be more than willing to lend a wing or three to help tidy up the place and patch things up with him.