Flower [1x1]

[ThatPinkThing]

Check snickered as Ruby told his story. “I love in a flat, kinda like a studio but I wouldn’t call it little.” He said, adding, “n-not to brag! It just, uh, came out.” He shrugged. “I’m glad I ran into you, too. Can I walk you home? I’m sure you’ve noticed but this place isn’t the greatest to be in by yourself.”

[Shark Shavings]

Ruby actually laughed when Check seemed to stumble over his words for a second. He covered his open smile with his hand for a few seconds before he settled down and finally spoke again. "Uh, sure, as long as it isn't too much trouble for you." he said, looking around for Chi "You were with someone..." he muttered, mostly to assure himself this information was correct.

[ThatPinkThing]

“Yeah, that was Chi. He has a habit of slipping away unnoticed.” Check explained. “I think he’ll be fine on his own though because the Venom don’t really bother us outside of jobs.” He said casually before realizing that might not make sense. “The Venom are the other gang. You remember my pack mates? I know I mentioned them, they’re like family.” He smiled softly as he walked with his hands in his jacket pockets, looking down and over at Ruby.

[Shark Shavings]

Ruby nodded "Yeah, I remember that." he said, pushing himself off the wall and moving to walk side by side with Check. "Not a lot but I remember enough," he repeated. "So you got involved with a gang again?" he asked for confirmation, hoping that it wasn't the truth. He didn't want him to be getting into trouble.

[ThatPinkThing]

"A little," Check confirmed with a shrug. "Katie more than me. I haven't gone on jobs, but the guys are inviting me back and they watch out for me even when I'm not in the gang. I kinda owe them." He explained as he walked. "I mean, maybe not 'owe', but I can't just ignore them. That's like a rule in most gangs, once a member, always a member, but the pack will protect its strays, as Alpha says." Check explained. The way he spoke about the gang's culture was empty, as if he still felt distant from his past family. "And I kinda miss having a family."

[Shark Shavings]

Ruby relaxed slightly as the explanation. "Well, I'm glad you have a family. That's always really nice." he hummed, noting the way he spoke but not addressing it for now. "Its always good to have people that look after you." he smiled but his smile was just as empty as Check's words. He looked down at his beat-up shoes now. He missed having a family too.

[ThatPinkThing]

Check nodded. "Much as the ravine sucked, having everyone who cared..." he sighed wistfully, shaking his head and changing the topic for his own sake. He did not want to cry right now. "How long will you be here?" He asked.

[Shark Shavings]

Ruby sighed but looked up when Check asked a question. "I don't know.. As long as I can hold a job I guess." he didn't seem happy with his answer, not at all. "I might try to go to school again, I'm not too sure yet."

[ThatPinkThing]

Check nodded eagerly, glad to hear Ruby was interested in more schooling. "I tried to go to school, but I just didn't find anything that called to me. It was easier to do physical work, but -- and no offense here -- I don't think you'd do as well on that route as I did." Check put an arm around Ruby's shoulders and grinned goofily to show he was genuinely meaning no hurt.

[Shark Shavings]

"Hey, now, I can do physical work!" he replied with a similar smile. "But I also barely passed high school so I might do better just sticking to the kind of work I do now." He laughed at this, he didn't see it as a bad thing. "Might as well just do something to fund something else I'll enjoy... whatever that ends up being."