[FIN] Just keep swimming

[BlackFireKitsune]

Yeah okay leaning on his elbows wasn't working anymore. With an effort, he managed to remove one elbow and almost flopped back down onto his stomach, and rested his forehead on the boards with his eyes closed. He stayed like that a few minutes before the second voice registered, and he turned his head to see a red and black blurry person, who he smiled at. Rouge was here too? "Hey," he managed before he realized that Jerome had asked him a question, so he turned his head to look at the gangster as best he could on the ground. It didn't work though, so he rolled over onto his side instead and curled up a bit, hugging his arms around himself. "Si, m'alright." Except he was shivering and his face showed various signs of mild hypothermia.  

[Blood_Goddess]

Jerome didn't see how this clown knowing another language was an answer to his question, but he didn't push it. since Inigo was starting to move.
He didn't look like he was doing too good, and with as cold as it was out here being wet would make things worse.
though right now that wasn't what was most worry some on Jerome's mind.

"C'n ya stand bro? Should probably get outta here before those punks get s'm backup." He grumbled, catching a cautious glance over to the street where the kids had taken off.
His eyes fell on Rouge next, eyeing the strange person "Y'know what turf they own? we'll wanna keep away from it."  

[Catzandbirdz]

The worried frown line that had been present on the unmasked lower portion of Rouge's face shifted to something harder pressed. Oh yes. Rouge knew very well what turf they lurked on. "Mine," the clown bit out. Those idiots had known exactly who they were messing with. They could have all be in Sandalwood for what it mattered. The fact remained that they had messed with something that fell under Rouge's realm.

And messing with Rouge's realm was a big, fat, no-no.

Spanish didn't look alright. Spanish didn't look alright at all. Rouge took a few steps back and turned to leave.  

[BlackFireKitsune]

Jerome's words somehow managed to register in his foggy mind, and Inigo put a hand on the boards to try and push himself up to at least kneeling, but his arm trembled harder from the effort before he fell back down with a soft grunt. "M'not... sure..." He replied uncertainly, frowning at nothing in particular while his whole body continued to shiver from the cold. His head swam and there was a persistent ringing in his ears that made it hard to concentrate, and he was just so cold that it numbed everything. He did know quite well, however, that he did not want them to come back and he did not want them to give him a repeat performance. Even thinking about it made him feel physically ill - the sounds of the ocean nearby didn't help either.

While he noticed Rouge's form appear to be leaving - really though it just looked like the jester was getting smaller - disappearing was one of the tricks he'd come to know and so he didn't feel the need to voice a goodbye or anything. He'd see his friend later - if he didn't die first.  

[Blood_Goddess]

At Rouge's reply, Jerome arched an eyebrow, and pulled his head up to give the clown his full attention.
"Yer turf?" his brow furrowed, eying the elaborately costumed person for a few seconds, and wondering just who the hell this guy was.
Jerome mild surprise disappearing with a puzzled, slightly concerned look as he turned away again, looking back down at Inigo.
"Looks like ya got another group steppin' in on yer corners bro' best get yer boys together quick and beat em out before they get to comfy."

None of this news helped to settle Jerome's nerves about the situation either. he knew the politics of the streets, and being around someone who held power over a chunk of it. He was on another gangs turf, one who was obvious in a power struggle with another group, or most certainly the beginnings of one. Inigo might know this guy but he knew sure as hell that you didn't want to be caught in the middle of something like that, especially since both Inigo and Jerome were not a part of either side. they won't be taken lightly.

As Inigo tried to get up, with no sucsess, Jerome reached down, hooking his arm around the younger man's back and help to pull him up.
"C'mon kid, S'get ya outta here." He growled softly,  

[Catzandbirdz]

If Rouge had known what was going through Jerome's head, the clown would've been laughing. Loudly. Probably also doubled over and busting a gut. Gang leader, indeed.

But Rouge didn't know these thoughts. All Rouge needed to know as Rouge departed into the shadowed alleyways was that Spanish was conscious and becoming more alert, Darkie knew him and was seeing to his safety, and some nitwits had a lesson coming to them.

Zero stayed by Inigo a little longer, sniffing and whining at him in worry. It wasn't easy for Zero's owner to find allies in these streets... Finally, the small Zorua yipped a farewell at the two men, and bolted away after his owner.  

[BlackFireKitsune]

If Inigo had known Jerome's thoughts (and had been in a more normal state), he would've thought it similarly hilarious. Rouge? Gang leader? Rouge was about as solitary as you could get.

As it was, however, he was not in a normal state, and this was furthered by being pulled up onto his feet by the other Rocket. It made his head swim even more, and Inigo stumbled forward a bit. Being so cold and numb and shaky just made everything so much more difficult.

Like thinking, for one thing. If he could think straight, he might remember that he could call out his Rapidash for support and warmth, but since he couldn't, he didn't.  

[Blood_Goddess]

Jerome watched the jester and its pokemon go, before he refocused on Inigo, reaching down to make sure he was able to stand, and support himself.
With Hirss on their tails, hissing and rumblings throatily, Jerome half carried the younger Rocket back toward where he had parked.

They needed to get out of there as soon as possible, before anyone found them, and to get Inigo warmed up.  

[BlackFireKitsune]

The grunt stumbled along next to Jerome, grateful for his aid and support (through his muddled thoughts, anyway), and went wherever his friend led him, even if his limbs and his entire body protested, numbed by the frigid waters.