Republic City University

[Little]

Niipo gave a dry laugh as he buttoned his shirt. "I was tired of looking at it. I don't want to rest. I spent the last two days chained to a bed and trying to kill myself. So you'll forgive me if I don't find a bed inviting at the moment." He glanced at the bowl. "Yes. I did."

****

Rina shrugged. "Do you like him? If so make a point in letting HIM know it. You're own insecurities will get in the way. You already know he likes you back."

[Purple-Cat-Princess]

Yume nodded, "Makes sense. Eri is in the kitchen with Rina, do you want me to have her get you some tea and you can come sit in the living room?" He watched him move, unsure he was really well at all.

---

Eri nodded, "I guess so... I should just tell him..." She smiled, "I should. You're right."

[Little]

Nipo shook his head. "No tea. spiced cider, please." he looked towards the bed then to his wrists. "I... I probably lost my job at Cabbage corp."

****

Rina smiled and hugged Eri. "Aren't I always?"

[Purple-Cat-Princess]

Yume frowned, "I'll call, go in, ask for your job. I'll make sure you keep it."

---

Eri laughed, "Yeah. You are."

[Little]

Nipo nodded. "I'm going to look about getting a place on the north side of the river."

****

Rinia smiled and nodded. "If you need me call, oky?"

[Purple-Cat-Princess]

Yume nodded, "Your own little place?"

---

Eri nodded, "I will. Go ahead and call me too."

[Little]

Nipo nodded. "YEah, mom and dad will want some where to put the new baby. "

***

Rina nodded. She smiled and stood up. "I'd guess I better go."

[Purple-Cat-Princess]

Yume nodded, "Alright little brother... Is Tahno going with you?" He really hoped the answer was no.

---

Eri nodded, "Have a good day."

[Little]

Nipo frowned. "I don't know, probably not. He's looking for another place since the equalists know where he lives, but he wouldn't want to ruin his reputation if word got around that he had a male room mate." He sat down on the trunk that held his clothes. "I want to look into that camp in Ba Sing Se that Ilia went too."

***

Rina smiled. "I will."

[Purple-Cat-Princess]

Yume nodded, "Alright, if that's what you want. I'll call Cabbage Corp."

---

Eri waved her out, closing the door behind her.

[Little]

Nipo held his head. "Wouldn't it be better for everyone?" He closed his eyes. "I won't still have feelings for Ilia, I won't have another reason for mom and dad to hate me. I'm tired of having you worry about me and come looking for me."

***

Rina sighed and walked over to Ilia. Ilia looked up at her. "Are you ready?"

[Purple-Cat-Princess]

Yume frowned, "It's not a bother to me Nipo. You're my little brother, I'll always be there for you. And what about you and Tahno?"

---

Rina sighed, "I guess so."

---

Eri started cleaning up her tea mess.

[Little]

Ilia arched an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"

***

Nipo sighed and closed his eyes. "What's the point in loving someone you'll never have all of? I'm tired of being the b*tch in my relationships. I love him, but what good is that when it will never be accepted.We can't be together here and I don't want to live int he swamps."

[Purple-Cat-Princess]

She pouted, "I was talking with Eri and you were pouty so she made me leave."

---

Yume sighed, then paused, "Wait... Tahno is from the swamps?"

[Little]

Nipo frowned. "I didn't say that, Yume. Don't jump to conclusions. The swamps are just the only place people like me are accepted."

***

Ilia frowned. "You can stay. But i'm leaving. I don't like being around that filth."