#Thankfully its not much. but still. Arceus above

[battle-subway-ghost]

Don't let your Bisharp try cutting your hair this was a terrible idea.

[savebatswingaus]

Let's just fly, why don't we - Very short Crystal, Gold, and Silver Wing AU oneshot for Scratch Writing Camp

Fic linked above, in the link in that link, under the cut, on scratch discuss, or in a scratch project. It's your pick really.

Crystal thinks about her wings, and her friends take flight with her.

Pokespe wing au! My beloved!! I kept this very short because I spent all my energy writing a different fic for another part of this weekly (if that doesn't make sense read the end notes), and I was tired. :( Words: 1,000

(End notes:) Btw this is from a weekly for Scratch Writing Camp! Read more about the weekly this one comes from in chapter one of this ao3 post: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57180415 (Or in the Scratch discuss page that will be linked there.) Comments are appreciated! I really enjoy wing au and I would like to find others that do too. :)

When she had first gotten the wings, she hadn't really thought much of them. Yeah, it had been scary and all, but she'd kind of had bigger things to worry about at the time, so she didn't really put effort into wondering where the odd new limbs had come from.

In fact, the first week or so, she hadn't even actually checked to see if they even worked, instead sticking them under a long coat and going about her day at the lab. (It helped that they easily slid under her arms, hiding easily under a fully buttoned lab coat, so long as no one bothered to ask why she was looking so... wide, that day.)

But after the week was up, she decided it was time to give them a test.

Her hopes weren't exactly high, even though her tiny little Natu had been able to carry her in a decently steady glide back when its own wings were only slightly larger than one of her hands. Flight with wings on a human was impossible, it was a fact that had always been drilled into her (and one she had always done her best to drill into her students).

But what kind of teacher would she be if she didn't do her best to learn new things from time to time.

She stood at the edge of the ledge, sweat dripping down her chin in the hot beams of the sun.

Above her, her Xatu Xatee was circling carefully, ready to catch her with its strong talons or with a powerful psychic blast if she ended proving herself right.

She trusted Xatee, she could do this.

She had leapt into the wind, spreading her wings and letting it take her suddenly higher in a clumsy imitation of the movements that she had always seen her Pokemon use to take off in the past. Thankfully, she didn't seem to have messed up quite then, flapping her wings forward and down when she remembered that she needed to gain altitude so as not to crash into the treeline behind her. 

Excited, Xatee had made a whistling sound, and Crystal had unconsciously responded with one of her own.

She was flying!

She didn't know how that was even a little bit possible, but she didn't care. She was doing it!

The sun had felt cold at first, but much of the burn had quickly disappeared as she met the wind present in flight. Her clear extra eyelids, which she had learned early on through various sets of experimentation, kept her eyes from getting try as she rose to spin in the sky.

She had quickly reached Xatee, and the two had all but played in their excitement, despite Crystal still not quite knowing what she was doing.

Now, she was going to do it again.

(She flew most days, these days.)

At her side now was not just Xatee, but some other friends as well.

She couldn't really understand it, but she was glad anyway.

Arceus, the God Pokemon that Gold had fought so violently that one time and which she had attempted to catch another time, had blessed them. (That was another thing about the wings she didn't really understand, but chose not to question too deeply. She was thankful, and that seemed to be enough.)

Gold's wings were bright and long, and his tail exploded out behind him in the tell tale glow of a Ho Oh. Sometimes, just like the bird he found himself reflecting, he let out a rainbow trail when he got too excited in the air.

Silver's wings were nearly the opposite, dark on the backs and not all that much brighter on the insides, with a strange puff of white and red that he called a tail as his rudder. Similarly to Crystal, he had apparently taught himself to fly based directly on one of his pokemon. 

And of course, they could not do without their teachers, stood Xatee, Silver's beautiful Honkrow, and Gold's rude Togebo, who was currently preening his weirdly shaped wings.

“Are we ready to fly?” Crystal asked, her voice edging on high pitched. (This was going to be the first time that all of them flew together in a few months now, and oh boy was she nervous about messing up mid air and getting laughed at.)

”Is that even a question?“ Gold asked, his usual snarkiness replaced by pure excitement for getting in the air. (Crystal was pretty sure he was going to try and dazzle the both of them with some crazy tricks if he was acting like that and they weren't even off the ground yet.)

”Then let's fly!“ Silver said, jumping into the air with his Honchkrow is a show of pure power as the two took to the wind.

Wings open, Crystal leaped after him, her square shaped flight feathers catching the wind and carrying her backwards for a moment before she got herself under control enough to catch up to Silver.

Gold followed, and a stream of rainbow light flashed after him as he casually outpaced them both. He had legendary wings, so Crystal did her best not to beat herself up over it.

”Where are we going?“ He asked, his voice somehow clear despite the fact that it shouldn't have been. (Crystal had noticed that about her winged form. Somehow they seemed to make it easier to tune out the scream of the air hitting her face.)

”Whenever you want to,“ She called back, ”I'm free off of teaching until the end of the month,”

She flapped her wings a beat and waggled her finger, “But I'm not going anywhere dangerous mister, and neither are you,”

Gold did a little twirl, and the rainbow faded back into the blue of the sky, “Awh, but you know me! Always getting into trouble,”

“Let's just fly, why don't we,” Silver called to them, “We don't have to be going anywhere,”

And that's just what they did.

[shmothman]

THIS POST CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS FOR POKEMON: LEGENDS ARCEUS

Judgement | Forgiveness

Part 6

Part One / Part Two / Part Three / Part Four / Part Five

AO3 Link

Volo Playlist

The morning dawns cold and bright, the snowstorm finally having subsided in the early hours, and you awaken slowly, with a pleasant warmth seeping into your bedroll. You’re only marginally confused when you finally open your eyes to a mass of orange and brown, but the events of last night come back to you as you blink the sleep from your eyes, and you smile when you realize it’s only Arcanine’s huge, sleeping form—it must have moved from Volo’s side to lay between you, keeping you both warm through the night. It lifts its head blearily as you roll over and sit up. As soon as you leave your blankets, you begin to shiver; but pulling on your coat helps, and you need to start a fire, anyway.

Volo is still asleep, his chest rising and falling slowly, and you make sure to move quietly so as not to wake him. He’s going to need all the rest he can get in order to heal—and besides, he looks so much more peaceful in his sleep, without the unhappiness that has recently etched itself below his eyes; you don’t think you could bring yourself to wake him anyway. 

So you sneak outside, bringing an armload of firewood to the extinguished campfire, and you call upon your Rapidash to light it. Before long, you have a large pot of clean water for drinking and for cleaning his wounds—and the rest, you’ll use to make soup. 

You return inside for a knife and cutting board, and although Arcanine watches you with interest, its tail thumping, Volo still sleeps soundly.

As you peel the sootfoot root, chop the leeks, and shell the beans, you finally allow yourself to dwell on the things you’ve been trying to stay away from: namely, that Volo will take weeks to heal completely, and that not a single part of you wants to leave him until he can take care of himself again. In a way, it’s strange how quickly you make the decision to stay, but you can’t say you’re surprised at your own thoughts. It’s just that you’re going to need to make excuses to your friends, to the Galaxy Team, and to the people of Jubilife Village as to why you’ve been gone so long. Or, you suppose, you could tell them the truth... but quite frankly, it’s only been a few months since Volo’s stunt atop Mount Coronet, and you doubt that the villagers would continue to look at you favorably if they knew you were... aiding and abetting. Even if that’s not quite the truth.

You sigh. Since when did your life become so complicated?

Oh, right. Since you fell through a rift in space and time. Naturally.

You have some King’s Leaf in your bag from your last expedition, so you chop it into tiny pieces and add it to your simmering soup. Maybe you’ll send your Staraptor to Jubilife with a note requesting Rei send a bag of spices back with her—if you have to eat bland camping food the entire time you’re watching over Volo, you might go crazy.

Now the sun is higher above the horizon, creeping over the peaks of the mountains and casting the freshly-fallen snow in blinding white light. Leaving your soup on the fire, you return inside with the pot of water.

Volo is awake. 

He looks up as you walk past, still blinking the sleep from his gray eyes. He looks... rather terrible, all things considered, but frankly you’re glad to see him awake. You smile gently, if a bit awkwardly. “Good morning.”

His head falls to the side, and you see him wince. “So it really wasn’t a dream,” he remarks.

You set down the water in the corner of the room, taking a cupful of it for Volo before grabbing a sootfoot root frond to cover the jug with. You kneel by his side.

“How do you feel?” You ask. The side of his head is still slightly swollen, but thankfully, it’s gone down considerably since last night.

“A bit like I fell into an ice cave,” he retorts, and the attempt at dry humor is almost enough to make you snort. Almost.

“Do you feel dizzy at all? Disoriented? Does the light hurt?”

He seems to consider your questions for a moment, then slowly shakes his head. “No, I don’t think so.”

“Okay,” you say. “That’s good. If you start feeling any of those things, let me know. Here,” you push the cup of water toward him. “Can you raise your head enough to drink?”

Wincing, he raises himself onto his elbow carefully, though it makes him clutch his ribs on the other side. For a moment, you think the pain of it might be too much—but then he lets out a long breath, and nods. You hold the cup to his lips, and (slowly, awkwardly,) he drinks. 

It takes a while—and a fair bit of gasping in pain on Volo’s part—but you manage to raise him to a sitting position, Arcanine settling at his back for both postural and moral support. You retrieve your first aid kit again and grab a bowl of water this time, and Arcanine helps by warming the water for you as you take the blanket from Volo’s chest, ready to inspect his wounds. His right side, where the scrapes are, is red and raw, but the paste you put on the cuts last night seems to have helped at least some.

Gently, you clean them, dipping your cloth into the warm water and wiping off the dried antiseptic to get a better look, but one of the cuts much deeper than the others, and as soon as he moved to sit up, it must have opened, because blood is once again beginning to seep from it onto the blanket beneath him. If you knew how to do it, you would probably consider stitching it up, but you don’t—you’ll just have to settle for the next best thing. Quickly, you take a dry cloth and hold it to the wound as he winces. 

“I’m sorry,” you say as he grits his teeth. The rise and fall of his chest beneath your hand is shallow. You can tell it hurt his ribs to sit up, and he’s struggling to breathe deeply, tears welling up in his eyes. 

Unthinking, you caress his cheek with your free hand. “It’s okay,” you tell him in a soothing tone, though you’re concerned at how warm his skin is—if he’s febrile, that’s not a good sign. “I’ve got you.” You need him to relax, otherwise he’s going to hurt himself more. 

He winces further as he attempts to take a great gulp of air, and you realize he’s trying very hard to hold back tears. His hair is slightly tangled, and there are a few places that are matted with dried blood. Absently, you note that you’re going to have to help him wash it out. Tucking a strand behind his ear, you do your best to get him to look into your eyes. “Don’t try to hold your breath, okay? It’s just going to hurt worse.”

When he nods, shakily, the tears begin to fall, and you catch them with your thumb, brushing them gently from his face. He must be hurting terribly, and it makes your heart ache.

So you do the only thing you can think to do: you keep talking. You tell him, in measured tones, everything you know of his injuries, and that you’re confident he’ll heal. You tell him that it isn’t as bad as it seems, although it hurts; and you tell him that the hardest part will be waiting. He continues to sniffle and wince, but the tears soon stop, and his breathing becomes more regular again—and when it’s been long enough, you can finally remove the pressure from his side, sighing in relief when you find that the bleeding has stopped. 

You smile at him. “See? I’ve got you.”

Now that he’s sitting up, you can bandage him more easily, wrapping his side in gauze—though avoiding his ribs on the other side is difficult, and you have to wrap the bandages around his opposite shoulder and hip to get them to stay. If he moves much, you doubt they’ll stay up... but he won’t be moving much for a while anyway.

When you pull away to inspect your handiwork, Volo begins to shake.

Immediately worried, you draw the blanket back up over him. You thought Arcanine’s warmth would be enough, but if he’s having chills from fever...

You press your hand to his forehead, brow creasing in concern. “Are you cold?” You ask. His skin no longer feels so warm, but then again, you aren’t a thermometer. 

Volo shakes his head, and you draw back, confused. He isn’t quite shivering—it’s just his shoulders that are shaking—and when he looks at you with tears in his eyes, you understand.

“Oh,” you say, already moving to hold his face in your hands again, to comfort, to do whatever you can—but he turns his head with another shake, and you pull back.

Right. Your hands fall into your lap. Of course he wouldn’t want you to touch him like this. What were you thinking? Did you so easily forget everything that’s happened?

He must see the change in your expression, the way you sit back on your heels and wring your hands, because he shakes his head again as he lets out a shuddering sob (that makes him clutch his side again in pain). Tears begin to fall again, and he seems to force himself to meet your eyes. “Why?” He asks.

In your confusion, you say nothing. You don’t know what he’s asking you.

“I...” he chokes out between desperate, pained sniffling. “I don’t understand, why are you being so nice to me?”

Oh. You swallow hard, taking a moment to consider your words, but he continues:

“After... after everything I did to you...” There’s a plea in his stormy eyes, but for the life of you, you can’t understand what he’s pleading. “After everything I said... despite it all, you came to my aid.” His tears make tracks down his cheeks, gathering at his chin and falling to his lap. He winces through another broken sob. “And more than that, you continue to...” 

He stops, overcome by the pain of trying to breathe through his crying, but you know how he meant to finish that sentence. You continue to be kind to him.

And it’s true, isn’t it? You don’t have to treat him this way. You could continue to help him without being this kind to him. After what he did to you, the way he betrayed you, no one would expect you to be so gentle with him, to be so soft. You’re angry at the way he treated you, and you’re wary of ever trusting him again, and you don’t think that he necessarily even deserves your kindness.

But your kindness is all you have in this world. And Volo cannot hurt you any more than he already has—not now, not injured like this. He has no one; has seemingly never had anyone, and even if that is his own fault, how can you not take pity on him? How could you not be kind, when he so badly needs it?

You aren’t sure how to tell that to him, though. You don’t really know how to respond at all.

When you finally speak, the words that come out are not words that you planned. 

“Why did you do it?”

Through his tears, Volo looks up at you in... if not in surprise, then at least in shame.

You can feel the cracks forming: the dam of emotions within you is finally beginning to break, and you can hold your tongue no longer as the words come rushing out in a rapid stream of thought. “I thought that you cared about me. I thought that we were partners in this. In trying to find the plates, and unravel the mysteries—and I get that you never saw it that way,” you add hastily. “I get why you would feel like I just came in and, you know, usurped your life’s goal. I get that you were angry, and jealous. But why...?” 

When you sniffle, you laugh bitterly at the same time, and Volo at least has the good sense to look abashed. 

Once more, after the weeks of attempting to stamp it down, anger rises hot within you, and you stop for a moment, trying to collect yourself with deep breaths. Anger is what got Volo to where he is, and it’s not something you wish to give in to. When you start again, your voice is quiet, though you’re still speaking through tears. “I can understand why you did almost everything else,” and by understand, you hope he knows you mean you don’t condone. “But why did you kiss me? Was that part of your plan, too?”

All these weeks, you’ve told yourself again and again that his reasoning doesn’t matter. That if you ever had the chance to ask, his answer would still change nothing. But now he is hurting. He is broken, and vulnerable, and you already decided you won’t leave him; so maybe the answer won’t change anything, but you still have to ask.

Now your own tears are falling into your lap, and Volo’s gaze follows them downward, no longer meeting your eyes. It’s silent for a long while.

“Nothing I say can change my actions,” Volo says, “and I certainly won’t ask your forgiveness. But no, it was not a part of my plan.”

You choke out a sob. Honestly, you don’t know if it would have hurt more or less if he had only been using you that entire time, if he had calculated that kiss to serve his own purposes. You hardly know what you’re feeling at all. 

But you’ve taken care of his injuries, for now, so you give him a terse nod, wiping your tears. 

“I’m making soup,” you say, standing. “I’ll be back in when it’s ready.”

---

For the rest of the day, the two of you say little, though you busy yourself with gathering more food and firewood once you’ve brought Volo a bowl of soup. You borrow his Garchomp for the afternoon, and between it and your pokemon, you manage to bring back a sizable haul of berries, wood, sootfoot root, and leeks—even if you had to fight about a dozen aggressive pokemon to do it. You continue to say very little as you sit by Volo’s side, using a comb and a wet cloth to clean the blood from his hair and tie it into the loose bun you’re so accustomed to seeing on him, and as you check on his leg—still very swollen—and very carefully elevate it on another rolled up blanket. You make sure he eats enough, and drinks enough, and is warm enough.

And as the sun sinks below the mountains, and the sky darkens enough to see the innumerable stars, you think you’ve finally made your decision.

Helping Volo lie down is just as difficult as getting him to sit up was, and he winces with every small movement, though he doesn’t make much noise. You think he’s trying to be as quiet as possible.

He was right, that his words now can’t change his past decisions, his actions toward you. And you aren’t naive—you won’t trust blindly in the idea that he regrets what he did. But you also don’t believe it’s a crime to be cautiously optimistic, to think that people can change. Kamado treated you poorly, too, but he has apologized, and he does his best to make up for it. The whole of Jubilife Village, in fact, treated you poorly, save for a few, like Cyllene, who went against orders to help you. Your feelings for all of them are complicated, too. And what you told Sabi was true: the minute you feel that Volo is planning something, you’ll do anything to put a stop to it. But he’s certainly not planning anything right now, bedridden and broken as he is. 

You sit cross-legged beside him, though he doesn’t meet your eyes. “I’m being kind to you because that’s who I am,” you tell him simply. “I don’t really have it in me to be any other way. I haven’t forgotten the way that you hurt me—I just can’t stand to see you like this and not help as much as I can. You’re a person, Volo, and I care about you.”

It’s too dark to see much of his expression, but you can tell that he’s looking at you now. He’s silent for a moment, and then he lets out a rush of air that’s something close to a chuckle. “No wonder Arceus wants to meet you,” he says, and you can’t hear a trace of the bitterness or jealousy with which he spoke of the same thing atop Mount Coronet. He says, “When you found me, in Giratina’s realm, I told you I thought it had been weeks since you found me.”

In the beat of silence, you can hear the wind rising outside the hut. 

“I lied. I thought it had been months.”

Your blood runs cold. “Months?”

“The Distortion World... it is not a friendly place to human life. There is water, though it tastes foul. You don’t need food, though you still feel hungry. I thought I was going to die there, abandoned by Giratina, unreachable to you or anyone else.”

Tears spring to your eyes. He had done something bad, yes, but he certainly didn’t deserve to spend (real or perceived) months in the Distortion World, alone and starving.

“And then you came, borne on Giratina itself, and told me it had only been a few days. 

“I spent all that time, those months-that-weren’t-months, thinking in circles about what I had done wrong. At first, I thought it was my plan that had been flawed. Certainly, there must have been something, some myth, that I was missing, that could have led me to victory. But eventually, the anger faded. And I realized I had known all along why Arceus chose you, and not me. Of course you fell out of the rift to get in my way; that was Arceus’s point. 

“You said it yourself. You’re kind. That’s why Arceus wants to meet you—why it wants to battle you, understand you, perhaps even be your friend.

“I followed you all that time with every intent to take the plates from you once you had collected them all, because I knew I had no chance of them being bestowed upon me—but my jealousy blinded me to the fact that there was a reason they were bestowed upon you. Wyrdeer, the Nobles, and all the others... they all sensed your kindness.”

He’s silent for a long time, and so are you. If he’s telling the truth, that he truly understands and regrets what he’s done...

There’s a waver in his voice when he resumes speaking that makes you desperately sad. “So. I know that I could apologize a thousand times, and thank you a thousand times—and I will, if you’ll let me—but it will never be enough. I do not understand your kindness, but I know that it is the reason I’m still alive. So, thank you. And I’m sorry.”

You take a deep breath, then let it out in a long sigh. Night has fully fallen now, and only the light of the moon reflecting on the snow outside allows you to see his tears. In truth, you’re crying again too. “Volo, I...” you struggle for words. “Thank you, for apologizing. I... I think you know that I can’t blindly trust that you’re telling the truth right now. But I hope that you are. I just... I want you to know that it’s never too late to... you know. Do what’s right. And find happiness, and meaning.”

He sniffles, and you echo the sound.

“It’s getting late. You need to sleep so you can heal.”

Volo sighs. “You’re right.”

“Wake me if you need anything, alright?”

“I will,” he says.

Then, the night is quiet, except for Arcanine’s occasional snore, but you doubt you’ll be able to sleep anytime soon for all the thoughts swirling around your mind.

[song-of-storms162]

Mistletoe

You, Raihan and a whole lot of mistletoe. This fic might be a little late but it’s part two to “To Treasure a Treasure”! @megchan87 @soradragon @emeraldluna

The party was in full swing, with Gym Leaders and their families along with certain trainers from the Gym Challenge mingling about the decorated hall in Ballonlea Stadium. Though Christmas had passed and the New Year was upon them, it didn’t stop anyone from parting with Christmas traditions. And it certainly didn’t stop the partygoers from putting the presents under a large decorated tree.

You were nowhere to be seen, some of the gym leaders had opted to dress up a little or come in attire that was not their Gym Uniform and you along with Sonia and the female Gym Leaders were yet to step in to enjoy the party.

Raihan couldn’t help looking up whenever he heard the doors open, a habit that Leon quickly caught on to.

“Sonia said she’d text me when they finally decide to show up,” said Leon as he sipped his drink. He and Raihan were at standing in one corner of the room where they both had a good view of the whole hall.

“And?”

“Well she hasn’t texted anything, so you can stop looking up whenever that door opens.” Leon nods to the large double doors of the function hall in Ballonlea Stadium.

Raihan frowned at his friend’s words, his free hand absentmindedly reaching up to tig at his headgear before feeling his hair instead. Ah, he nearly forgot he had chosen to forgo it this time. Raihan’s eyes strayed to the door again, subtly so Leon wouldn’t ask this time.

“I wonder what’s taking them,” said Leon. “I get it’s a celebration and all but it shouldn’t take this long for them to prepare right?”

“Who knows?” Raihan mumbled as he surveyed the rooma again. There was Bede with Opal’s family, who were more than curious about the successor to Ballonlea Stadium. The new Gym Leader had an expression of shock and disbelief that Raihan found funny, knowing that Opal’s family was no doubt the cause of that expression. They had taken to Bede quickly and that was entertainment in and of itself.

Raihan’s eyes drifted to where Piers stood, the ex Gym Leader dressed in a plain black sweater and dark pants was conversing with Milo. Yet Raihan could see how Piers’ eyes occasionally went to the door where his little sister was yet to appear from. Raihan had to admit it was a bit odd to see his colleagues not in their usual work uniform but it was a welcome change.

Speaking of work uniform, Raihan found his eyes drifting to Leon’s outfit. Leon noticing his stare, frowned at him.

“What?”

“Nothing but it’s nice to see you out of that get up.”

“Should I be taking offense? What’s wrong with the way I dress?”

“It’s like your sense of direction, Lee.” Both trainers turned to find Hop grinning at them.

“I couldn’t agree more but at least your sense of direction has your Charizard to look after it.”

Raihan smirks and Hop chuckles at the jab to his brother while Leon pouts at the two.

“I can’t believe you both,” said Leon as he crossed his arms.

“Pouting doesn’t suit you, Leon,” Raihan pointed out.

Leon attempts a glare at his friend before narrowing his eyes at the sling bag Raihan wore. “You know what doesn’t suit you? Hiding that gift and not putting it under the Christmas tree.”

Arceus.

Raihan’s hands quickly fumble with his bag and sure enough, the zipper has sprung loose and his keys are slipping out. But his first priority lies with the small wrapped gift inside. Quickly zipping the bag, Raihan sighs in relief before finding two pairs of eyes on him.

“Why don’t you put it under the tree?” Hop asks, nothing but curiosity in those amber eyes.

Raihan can see Leon hiding his smile. “It’s for later, Hop. Raihan wants to give it directly to its receiver.”

Raihan’s brows furrowed. “I don’t see how my gifts are your business.”

“It’s for (Name), my cousin. How is it not my business?” Leon retorts.

“What? That’s for (Name)? I thought someone gave you that! So what did you get her?” said Hop as he tries to loosen the growing tension between the two.

And maybe it was a good thing that the double doors opened again.

Raihan’s gaze immediately finds you.

You’re dressed no different than the rest of them, in a sweater and pants along with fur lined boots but what piques Raihan’s interest is the headband you’re wearing. That’s an oddly familiar shade of green...

Your eyes light up when you see Raihan, Leon and Hop and your feet immediately take you to them, Gloria and Sonia in tow.

“I almost didn’t recognise you, Lee! Sure is odd to see you wearing something like this,” you said as you gesture at Leon’s plain sweater and pants, so different from his usual preferred clothing.

Leon snorts at your words. “Honestly it’s no wonder you and Raihan get along so well, you both love poking fun at me don’t you?”

“Unless you can find me another favorite pastime to do,” you sniffed.

“You could tease Raihan for once,” Leon mumbled and Raihan laughs.

“Oh no, there is no way that’s happening.” Raihan slings an arm around Leon’s shoulder playfully, a grin showing off his fang.

“That’s right, Lee! You’re stuck with both of us,” you laughed at your cousin’s mournful expression. “C’mon, Leon. Don’t give me that expression, it’s New Years! Haven’t you got any resolutions?”

That pulls him out of his stupor. “My resolution is just like last years!”

“To have a most Champion time with the least regrets.” You all say in one voice and Leon nods enthusiastically.

“Yep! We don’t always know what’ll happen but I wanna make the most of the new year!” Leon pumped a fist into the air.

“Is no one here going to take a drink?”

At the sound of Milo’s voice, you turn to see the Grass Type Gym Leader holding out a tray of drinks.

“Thank you, Milo,” said Sonia as she took a paper cup from the tray. You take one as well, thanking Milo and prompting him to offer one to Raihan and Leon.

Raihan watches you as you continue to talk with Gloria and Sonia but then he notices where Milo’s gaze has gone.

“Something wrong, Milo?” Raihan asked and the Grass Type Gym Leader smiled at him.

“Well, I just thought it was a tad odd for (Name) to wear that.” Milo chuckled as he continued to look where you conversed with Sonia and Gloria.

“Wear what?” asked Hop and Milo points it out.

“Her headband, those aren’t just any leaves. That’s mistletoe on her head right there.”

Raihan feels his hand squeeze his paper cup. Mistletoe, why in the name of Giratina would you of all people-

Then Raihan caught Sonia’s eye and she winked at him before making subtle hand signals to your head, or to be more accurate, your headband.

Raihan felt the blood drain from his face, and just when he thought it couldn’t get worse...

“(Name), do you realise what you’re wearing?”

Raihan swallowed the curse word as Milo asked with a smile.

“Uh, clothes?” You blinked at Milo before looking down at your outfit.

“No, no.” Milo chuckled and points at your headband. “You’re wearing mistletoe.”

Raihan watches the smile drop from your face and your eyes widening as you whipped your head to look at Sonia.

“Soni-“

“Oh, I think I hear Opal calling for me. I’ll be right back guys!”

You watch with eyes wide as your friend or the person you thought was your friend, quickly hurry off to Opal’s side. But not before Raihan saw Sonia mouth at him.

Give it to her.

Raihan was regretting the fact that he told Leon about your present.

“Milo, I was wondering if you wanted to have an opening match with me for the Battle Tower soon?” Leon asked as he subtly led Milo away. Raihan could only watch as Hop and Gloria left them too.

“Gloria, wanna get more drinks?”

“Sure Hop!”

And that left you with Raihan. Raihan was still frozen from what just happened, meanwhile you were struggling to get the headband off. You knew Sonia had knotted the ribbons of it to keep it in place but you didn’t know how many knots she had made.

You made a sound of frustration before finally whipping your head to face Raihan.

“What?” Raihan couldn’t meet your eyes not while he knew there was mistletoe above your head. He honestly wondered why Sonia did this, there were enough doorways that he had planned to avoid the whole night because of a single plant. But how could he avoid you?

“I know it’s not my place to ask Raihan, but could you...” you gestured to your head and Raihan nodded.

“Yeah... but let’s go somewhere quieter before anyone else realises you’re wearing mistletoe.”

You nod and lead Raihan out of the main hall.

Raihan didn’t bother trying to avoid the doorways now, not much he could do when you had a whole headband of mistletoe tied to your head. You both eventually found an unused room, one thankfully devoid of the parasitic plant. The room was partly empty except for a desk with stationary strewn across its surface and a sofa chair.

Raihan sat down and motioned for you to stand in front of him, he felt Butterfree flying loose as his hands carefully delved into your hair to find the knot. You made a small noise of protest when he tugged at a wrong end causing him to mutter apologies. Raihan frowned when he found the chain of knots keeping the headband in place.

“Did Nessa do these?” Raihan asked as he began undoing them.

“Y-yeah,” you answered and Raihan paused in his work, wondering what you were sounding nervous for. And then he realised how close you both were along with how the distance between your quickly reddening ears and his mouth were much closer than he expected.

“I’ll finish this quick,” said Raihan softly and you nod.

Raihan stays true to his word, his hands deft and quick as you both continued your silence. I want to say something but what?

Raihan remembered the gift in his bag and all of sudden the object felt heavier. Shaking his head, he asked you a question.

“So how are you finding your first ever Christmas party here?”

“It’s great,” he hears you reply. “I didn’t think it would be possible for the wholw region to experience a white Christmas this year but that’s Galar for you, always a surprise.”

Raihan reaches the final knot, noting the redness in your ears still there. “A surprise indeed, there’s never a dull moment in here.”

“Especially with our circle of friends.”

“Especially with them around,” Raihan muttered under his breath. “Well you’re all done! No more mistletoe in your hair!”

Raihan lifts the headband up from your hair, watching your expression turn into one of relief. “Thank you, Raihan,” you smiled up at him. “I don’t know what Sonia and Nessa were thinking, making me wear that. If Milo hadn’t pointed it out...”

“I was wondering why that green looked familiar,” said Raihan.

“Why did you recognise it?” You asked, frowning.

“I hung the mistletoe for this party. Me and Leon were here all day putting up the green little buggers.”

“So you know where all the mistletoe are?”

“I got you a gift,” said Raihan, hoping he could divert the conversation somewhere. He did not want to talk about mistletoe.

Your eyes lit up. “Really? Wait, do you have it right now?”

“I wouldn’t have brought it up if I didn’t have it with me,” said Raihan as he fumbles with his bag.

“And here I thought you just didn’t want to talk about mistletoe,” you said with a cheeky smile.

Red alert. Red Alert. Said a little voice in Raihan’s mind.

Raihan brings out a wrapped gift that you tilt your head at. “It’s small,” you muttered but Raihan heard loud and clear.

“If you don’t want it, then I’m putting that headband on you!” Raihan growls and you shiver at the thought.

“Okay, okay!”

“Close your eyes,” he mumbles and you obey.

You feel his hands part your hair to one side, then his finger on your collarbone along with the coldness of metal. When you open your eyes, you gasp.

It was the necklace you had your eye on back in the jewelry store. The little charm winked at you as you held it in your palm.

“Raihan, this-“

“I think the clerk planned it out,” said Raihan, cutting you off. “I walked in that store for your gift and you come in not five minutes later.”

Raihan’s blue eyes were warm when you turned to him. “Merry Christmas (Name) and a very happy New Year.”

What came next surprised him. You were quick to engulf Raihan in a hug, the surprise hug knocking you both back to the sofa and the mistletoe headband out of Raihan’s hands before the headband found its place on the sofa. The Gym Leader blinked momentarily before locking his arms around you with a smile. The Butterfree in his stomach flying at your body so close to his. “I told you, didn’t I?” Raihan whispered into your ear. “A dragon always makes sure his treasure’s in top condition.”

“You beat me to it,” you mumbled into his sweater. “I had a gift all ready for you too.”

“Really now?”

You nod before moving as far back as you can with Raihan’s arms locked behind your waist. Your hand reach down to your bag to pull his gift out, wrapped neatly in Trapinch wrapping paper.

“It’s small.” Raihan grins at you and you huff.

“If you don’t want it, then I’m putting that headband on you.” You crossed your arms and turned the other way.

“I wouldn’t mind.” His words widen your eyes but when you look at Raihan again, his blue gaze on the gift he’s unwrapping.

Raihan hums appreciatively at your gift, a pair of earrings in the shape of Hammerlocke Gym’s logo. “Do you like them?” You asked nervously. “I know there might already a lot of merchandise with the logo on it so I understand if you don’t like them.”

Raihan stares at you for a moment before reaching his hands up to his ears to attach the earrings, it was a good thing he had chosen to forgo his usual studs as well. “There, now you can’t say I don’t like them,” Raihan grinned at you.

You let out a short laugh at him, not seeing where his arms go until he hugs you again and this time you feel your ears reddening again.

“What are you up to?” You ask, your voice muffled by the material of his sweater.

“Well, before you said I was avoiding the topic of mistletoe.”

“That’s right.” You feel skmething settle on your head again and the familiar brush of Raihan’s fingers on your scalp.

“Well, this way you can be sure I’m not aboiding it this time.” Raihan grinned as he admired his handiwork.

You frown and feel your hair, eyes widening when they feel the familiar leaves. “You-“

Raihan’s grin dims a little. “I didn’t knot it, you can take it off if you’d like. But if you’d allow this greedy dragon one selfish present-“

You’re quick to press your lips to his, the kiss soft and telling more than needs to be said. When you two part, you’re the first to speak.

“You said you hung up the mistletoe with Leon right?”

Raihan’s eyes are still on your mouth but he nods. “Yeah and?”

“So how many times did we pass by mistletoe in the halls?”

Raihan grins before going in for another kiss. “Let’s see if I remember.”

Needless to say, you both didn’t leave that room for awhile.

[alolanrain]

Raihan taking pictures with ash having fun with friends, raihan social media followers didn’t know who’s that person with raihan, many followers thinks that raihan best friends just like Leon and others just ship it with raihan and ash as a joke/fanfic

This honestly got away from me very quickly, so have this basically fic that does really keep to the ask.

———

They were out on some camp sight, Ash’s property he got through his grandpas will that he never touched until last summer when his mom reminded Ash about the property. it was just Ash, his closest friends, their significant others, and Raihan.

Over all it was good. He couldn’t remember a time when he went camping-camping. Like without constant training and devising a way to kick Leon’s ass which he never ended up doing but that’s besides the point. They even brought three awesome Malibu Boats between the semi large group. Most people were paired off into to their respective partnerships or friends pairing up for the night. Raihan was with Ash and they had a good system down.

Raihan is usually placed on the supper side of the two sleeping bags that were dipped together to creat one large one because then Ash wouldn’t accidentally open it up while they were sleeping and stumble off the air mattress and onto the cold floor. Raihan also cornered him to the side of the tent and the past two nights they’ve been essentially cuddling, which they didn’t mind since both were naturally warm and Unova nights can get pretty cold out in this dessert... forest?

Over all they started to slowly stick more around each other. Raihan taking a bunch of pictures and Ash happily joining him when ever he asked. It got to the point where Ash would either slide into Raihans lap or side without prompting when he saw the Rotom Phone flying around Raihans head. It honestly felt good holding Ash by his side and Raihan refused to look at May and Misty’s pointed eyebrow wiggles as they cuddled through the trip. It’s also gotten to the point where, at night by the fire, Ash would pad over with the s’mores stuff and happily sit his cute little butt down in Raihans lap.

Internally Raihan is freaking the fuck out slightly, wanting to either pull Ash closer and kiss the top of his head all over or kinda push him away and go to their tent because Raihan is definitely sure a boner is gonna pop any second, outwardly Raihan keeps his face in his phone and raises a hand to hold onto Ash’s hips as the shorter male kept wiggling about. Getting comfortable while also setting s’mores crackers, chocolates, and peanut butter cups on one of his legs Liz neutral look on his face forced on, especially when Ash did a hard grind against his hips as he wiggles about to get even more comfortable. Inside Raihan was dying, though that didn’t stop him from raising his phone a little and pointed the super HD lense at the smaller one in his lap.

“Hey Ash?” Raihan rumbled. Keeping his voice down because it looked like Brock was dozing off with Olivia happily tucked in his side and fast asleep as well.

“Whu?” Ash spluttered. Desperately trying to swallow the mouthful of a s’mores that he just made and turned to look at Raihan.

“Smile.” The gyn leader grinned. Trying to not sound dreamy as Ash gave Raihan one of his most stunning and happiest smiles Raihan had ever gotten out of him. “Thank you.” He reached out. Gently caressing Ash’s back and smiling a little when Ash lent back a tiny bit, arching his spine to press more into Raihans palm before returning to his s’more that Pikachu had tried to steal without its trainer noticing.

Raihan was angled enough that neither anyone sitting besides him on lounging chairs would be able to see his phone screens. Not like they would anyways because Zoey is trying to silently argue with Dawn that four s’mores is already enough and Gary was sleeping in Tracey’s side, one of the firsts to go down and even before the sun had set.

Raihan looked back at the photo he just took of the Champion in his lap. Ash looked absolutely stunning with the almost twisted almost side profile he gave Raihan. Brown eyes and white teeth lit up by the roaring bonfire behind him and Raihan could easily pick out where Marshmello stuck to his upper lip and chocolat at the sides of his mouth. Half of his freckles on his nose lit and looked like golden specks flicked on while the others were darker but could still be seen by the faint mini lap that was held on by a branch a little up ways and behind the two. Raihans signature hoodie was big and loose on Ash, gathering at Ash’s elbows and exposing his back and fluffy black hair that was a little greasy. Raihan didn’t hesitate posting that picture to almost every sight he was on. Insta, Facebook, Twitter, both private and public Snaps, you name it and it was on there. Captioned it all with;

“Can’t believe I’m out here with him and everyone. such a blessing to know Ash and the gang ❤️”

He did something he normally didn’t do unless he was at home and was one hundred percent certain that he wasn’t gonna be headed for the day and told his Rotom to go have some fun and charge up as well. The shiny little electric Pokémon zoomed off to where Ash’s Charizard and Raihans Flygon was. Hopefully the little bugger won’t make anyone mad. Setting down the now rotom-less phone Raihan leaned back more into the reclining camp chair. Being careful not to knock Ash back or off the chair entirely. Soon enough though some telekinesis snatched the box away and sent it back into the main trailer where they soley keep their utensils and food cold and dry, also because Gary had hurt his back a week prior before the planned trip so they had to be accommodating as much as they could because Gary refused to be left behind.

Ash glared at Zoey and her new Gothorita and the two stuck their tongues out at him before turning back to Dawn and squishing her under her quite complaints. He shrugged and looked back at Raihan. eyeing his chest and bitting his bottom lip like he wanted to ask a question, that sight sent more blood down south because Arceus dammit that was a sinful look and Raihan really wants to cover Ash’s face so he can either calm his dick down or not see Ash’s realization on what’s going on.

“Can I...?” Ash waved his hand and pointed to Raihans chest where one of his arms were crossed over. A hopefully look in his eyes and he leaned down while giving Raihan a look.

“Su-sure!” Raihan coughed into his fist. Thankfully his face was a little to far from the fire and skin to dark for anyone to notice his raging blush. Raising the arm over his chest Ash gladly sunk down. Moving and wiggling about, much time Raihans enjoyment and torture, until he tucked his head a little under Raihans head and had one of his arms reaching across and up to cling to the light jacket Raihan was wearing at the upper shoulder area.

“Comfy?” Raihan couldn’t help but chuckle. His own hands falling back down to curl Ash closer and shift him slightly so that he was hurting each other in anyway like this.

“Mhmm,” Ash sighed, deflating slightly and closing his eyes in bliss, “you’re warm.” Punctuating the last part by Turing his head up and nosing along Raihans lower neck before stilling and enjoying the heat he was getting from both the fire and Raihan.

Raihan really couldn’t move his head much because of how Ash was laying on him and he was thankful. No doubt by the prickly feeling in his spine everyone else, who was awake, was wiggling their eyes at him or giving Raihan a pointed glare. Choosing to take the moment he started running one of his large palms up and down Ash’s back slight. Tipping to the side and not his hip so that he didn’t rub Ash’s ass and and going as far down Ash’s thigh that his long arms could allow without jostling Ash to much.

Said trainer his his arms was practically purring as Ash was becoming putty in his arms. Arching and leaning his back a little into every touch before soft snoring could be heard and Ash didn’t move anymore. Sighing Raihan moved both arms over Ash again and tilted his head back, looking at the stars above and trying to find some constellations to pass the time before someone calls bed time and the rest follow afterwards.

———

Raihan didn’t post anymore pictures after that one surprisingly, it was only the third night there out of the week stay, though that doesn’t say he didn’t take a lot of pictures.

Most of them just happened to be of Ash or Ash with him or Ash with everyone pokemon. Especially of Ash in his swimsuits.

Raihan drove the biggest Malibu boat, not very keen to know what kind it is or power it had just that it could go fast and faster then the other two boats piloted by Gary and Brock. Everyone was happy that there was a public boat launch not to far from Ash’s property and that they’ve been out in the sun and taking dives into the cold water that had come from a nearby mountain.

Back to the phone, it was flying everywhere and being careful not to attract a lot of bird Pokémon, Rotom was currently near the back of the boat. Catching videos of Ash and Dawn surfing separately on the waves the boat made. He had to be careful and not go to fast if he didn’t want to automatically sink Ash and or Dawn. Ash was currently the one who was surfing. Dawn had quite two sessions ago and held onto the green rope that they use to get up and into the wave.

Zoey did her call, “flag up!”, and Raihan immediately slowed down to boat even more as he turned to the right. Letting the giant waves crash into the haul head on and grunted at the up and down motion as the boat bobbed.

“You good?” Raihan called. Motioning first Zoey to keep the bright orange flag up just in case Ash wanted to go again.

“Little sore,” Ash called from the lake water, grinning up at Raihan before squealing when Dawn all but hurled the green rope at his face when he came into launching distance, “I’m hungry though.”

“Yeah,” Zoey piped up, “Lunch sounds good.”

“I agree,” Dawn yawned into her hands, “and I actually want to get some tanning done today.”

“Sounds good!” Raihan directed his lazy smile at the three, the only ones who wanted to do some water sports as the others just wanted to swim and play with water squirter‘s and chillax, “I’ll call Brock and see how far we got away from the other boats.”

He quickly turned back to the control panel at the steering wheel. Not keen on catching a glimpse of a happy and wet Ash out in the bright sun. That would K’O his ass right then and there and nobody needs that since Raihan is the only one on the boat with a legal driving license.

“This is Big Dragon calling to Hot Chef and Country Gay, where’s your guys’s location? Over.” Raihan had to keep himself from chuckling. Both Gary and Ash were insistent to use fake names over the clip on radio and nobody knows why. Raihan also didn’t have to wait long.

“This is Hot Chef, Country Gay is currently in the water and we’re by the Deschutes side of the lake. Over.” Bricks voice was a bit staticky but it was all good.

Raihan also didn’t bother answering. Just telling everyone to hold on as he slowly ramped up the speed until they were shooting across the water back near to where the boat launch is.

Rotom had fluttered near a holder that the boat had for phones before the take off and decided to be a little shit and show him all the photos it took. Especially all the ones of Ash’s. It only took one look and a sharp under the breath curse to note that Rotom tried especially hard to get some absolutely stellar pictures of Ash. If he was honest with himself and Ash even had a social media account, the smaller trainer would have girls and guys just begging on their knees to take him out on dates.

That irked Raihan a bit much then he was expecting. Hot searing jealous flashed in his chest until a smaller hand came out of no where and gently settled, as much as it could with the wind that was buffing everyone, on his bicep.

“You good?” Ash called over the wind.

The jealous settled down. Content to know that all the photo’s Raihan room were his and that no one else had the exact same pictures as the one in his phone, except for the one he had already posted before. “Yeah.” Raihan answered. Not wanting to bother anyone with his own emotions at the moment.

Ash nodded from the corner of Raihans eye and went to sit back down. A hard wave hit them and Raihan cursed a bit more loudly and quickly apologized before continuing off.

At least he has those pictures.

———

Which he uploaded when they got to the airport after their stay. Olivia and Dawn were particularly happy about the air conditioning and so was Tracey who had to carry most of his and Gary’s luggage because Gary’s back still hurt a little.

Ash and Raihan were almost always together as they waited for their flights. Raihan was going back to Kanto with Ash, Tracey, Gary, and Brock while the rest were saying good byes to each other.

Raihan, which hes finding a common reoccurrence this week, ignored most of his other media to focus on posting a few more pictures on his accounts. Slightly arguing with himself not to post to many pictures of just Ash and also sprinkle in some other candid shots of a few other friends and a group picture they took at the entry way into the park that they had to drive through to get to the property. Though most of his pictures still ended up being dominated by Ash.

His favorite was the one one, that he didn’t take but Zoey did by snatching his phone out of the air as quick as she could before Raihan noticed, of him and Ash. Shoulder to thigh as much as they could with their feet on the backboard and letting water wash over the hot tips of their feet. Zoey at the time was on another boat during lunch, helping Misty take out the drinks from a cooler in Gary’s boat, and had a perfect clear view of just Raihan and Ash in Raihans boat of the two. Raihans head was ducked down more towards Ash, his original hat was long gone in favor of one of those straw sun hats with some cool orange colored fabric on the bottom to keep more of the sun from his eyes from shining through the little holes of the weave. Ash had a more sturdy floppy sun hat, pushing the brim up to he could smile at Raihan. Cheeks rosie and brown eyes soft.

It competed with the fire and s’mores picture Raihan had taken the night before that day happened. Putting his phone down Raihan focused back on Ash and Gary who were joking easily together about buying each other some touristic Unovian hats just to give to Ash’s Mom and Gary’s Grandpa. An easy smile glittered over Raihans lips as he came over and sling an arm behind Ash as they both asked him what hats should they get.

———

Raihan didn’t look at his phone, after posting yet another picture of the gang before they had all split up, until after he and the other three had touched down in Kanto.

Gary kept giving Tracey jaw kisses in apology for not being a big help this trip around. Tracey didn’t object to much as he was enjoying the extra treatment that he was getting from his Fiancé.

Raihan was lazily pulling Ash along. Pikachu decided long ago that Raihans shoulder was better then his trainers and had tucked his head against his jaw. He didn’t mind but it did make it a little hard to keep track of Ash who stumbled and grumbled behind Raihan, clinging to his large hand, until they got to the front where Daisy and Professor Oak were waiting. Two separate cars because Ash had warned ahead that Raihan is a tall bastard and is gone need a full back seat to himself.

He was to tired to fully freak out over meeting two very high end Professors, he just wanted to get to Ash’s place and take a three day nap. Raihan gently pushed off Ash and nudged him over to the front of the car where Daisy caught him in his stumble and helped him sit down in the front passenger seat. Raihan placed their luggage in the back of the trunk and cursed under his breath as he awkwardly climbed into the semi small car and tried to situate himself the best that he could with his lanky ass body. Raihan waved away Daisy when she made a wounded noise as she looked how scrunched Raihan was as he took up the whole back seat with his legs and his shoulders were still slouched down with his head to avoide hitting the roof of the car.

It was an hour drive home. An hour where Raihan couldn’t look anywhere without hitting his head but directly at Ash. Who, for the love of Arceus, woke up from his slumber to look back at Raihan with the most sappiest looks Raihan as ever received in his life and shifted so he could reach out a hand to Raihan. Wiggling his fingers until Raihan’s slow moving brain caught up and he reached out his own hand to grasp Ash’s. Who then promptly fell asleep seconds after. Their hands still connected.

Daisy made a snorting laughing sound. Raihan could barely see her goofy smiling reaction through the review mirror as she eyed him and Ash. “You like him.” She quietly sang. Eyes moving back to road again after taking one last look at Ash.

“Uh. Wrong,” Raihan slurred, head not really catching up to what his mouth was saying, “I love him.”

“Even better.” Daisy replied.

“Damn right.” He sniffed before shifting his hand that was holding Ash’s a little.

———

Next thing Raihan knew he was waking up in Ash’s small childhood bed. Legs cramping horrible and back aching from the way it was arching and how Ash’s elbow is digging into his stomach. His Rotom Phone was right above his face, bright light shining down in his eyes, and displaying over fifty different text messages and calls and stuff from his social media apps.

Raihan blindingly reaches up and snatched his phone out of the air with an angry half growl. Lips curling in a sneer when he noticed that it was only five in the morning. Lazily looking through his messages Raihan only garnered that his fan base was blowing up about his pictures that he posted and that it’s causing the league to freak out as well for some reason.

For all Raihan cared that was the normal with his fan base, even his more normal chillaxed fans, so he didn’t even see a reason why anyone would be calling him this early in the morning.

“Mute all calls and messages unless it’s a complete dire emergency.” Raihan mumbled loud enough for his Rotom to hear before letting go of the phone and trying to gently shift about without waking Ash up. It was an impossible mission to find a better sleeping position with how small the bed was compared to him so Raihan just let it go and slung an arm over Ash curled up body. Feeling the tinnier trainer shift more into Raihan’s chest at the motion.

Eyes falling shut with a heavy sigh. Raihan went back to sleep. Completely and blissfully unaware of the storm that was raging over Galars social media for the last week.

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - Contest Winner (or Loser?)

[PoV: Jezebel]

After downing my next shot of rum, I set the small glass back down onto the bar counter - right next to ten other glasses.

Even though that’s a LOT of extremely potent alcohol I’ve consumed within such a short amount of time, the most that I’m feeling is a strong burning in my stomach - as well as a similar feeling on my face. I’m probably blushing really hard from the rum. Thankfully, my fur is there to conceal it.

Elizabeth on the other hand? She’s barely able to sit straight in her seat, she’s currently wobbling all over the place. The only thing keeping her upright is her free hand having a vice-grip on the counter, her other hand holding her eleventh shot glass of rum - said liquid spilling from the uncoordinated movements of her arm.

Honestly? I’m actually very impressed that Elizabeth managed to last this long. Part of the reason why I’m very good at holding my own alcohol is because I’m a Fire-type, so the heat within me helps burn some of the alcohol before it enters my system. That and paired up with a liver of pure steel? I can keep drinking this stuff all throughout the night.

Elizabeth? She’s smaller than I am, so I guess the only thing that’s keeping her going is the fact that she’s used to drinking this much.

“I cannnn keep doooooing tees all...n...” The Lopunny slurs, her expression being that of a goofy smile. She didn’t finish the sentence though, since she practically chucks the rum into her mouth. She smacks her mouth, her tongue lolling out. “Seeeeee...? Steell...going....!”

The bartender gives her a concerned look before looking back at me, obviously rather hesitant on giving us another round of shots.

I roll my eyes before looking at him with a smirk. “Just one more shot for the both of us.” I tell him.

I have a feeling that this’ll be the straw that breaks the Camprupt’s back, since Elizabeth is barely holding on as it is.

He slowly nods his head and grabs two more shot glasses and fills them with the crystal clear yet extremely strong alcohol. He sets them down in front of me and the Lopunny before taking a step back and watching us at our ‘game’.

I grab my glass and look at Elizabeth, raising an eyebrow at her. “Number twelve.” I say before immediately downing it, the burning sensation being the same as the previous eleven.

Elizabeth immediately goes to grab her drink, but in her attempt to do so she immediately starts falling off her stool. I quickly extend an arm and catch her, preventing her from having a rather rough embrace with the wooden floor.

“Noooooo...” She whines. “I can...do eeeeeeeet!” She tries to sit up, yet even with my assistance she can’t get herself fully back onto her stool.

“I’d say that it’s over, Elizabeth.” I say to her,. my smirk widening.

Honestly? Even though I’ve won, it didn’t really feel as satisfying because of how effortless it was. Yeah I get to have her ‘do anything I want’ for an hour since that was the wager that was made, but if anything I don’t have much interest in that.

If anything? Teaching Elizabeth a lesson was the biggest motivator for me since she really needed to not go off the deep end. Right now? Obviously she’s way too drunk to realize her mistake, but at least I get to feel rather smug.

“Nononooooo!” She continues to complain. “I...ammmm...not dooone. Tere ees...steell...” At this point she’s really falling over, in which I now have to use both hands to keep her from stumbling off her stool like a ragdoll.

“It’s over, Elizabeth.” I repeat, trying contain a chuckle. When she doesn’t respond to this I instead give her a stern look, in which she somehow manages to meet with her own gaze before slumping.

“Fiiiine...” She sighs, her cheeks a deep shade of purple from the booze.

With a bit of effort I manage to pull her off her feet and get her to lean against the counter, in which I turn back to face the bartender.

Said individual is looking at the massive spread of empty shot-glasses with a look of immense respect. “Sheesh, ladies.” He exclaims with a shake of his head, chuckling. “You two hold your liquor far better than anyone I’ve ever met.”

I couldn’t help but give my own chuckle, smiling to myself. “We’re not any simple ladies, after all.”

He whistles. “No kidding. If you members of the Guardians of Twilight all have similar alcohol tolerance, this place will be out of drinks in a night if at least twenty of you were to visit at once.”

I fumble with my dress before pulling out my wallet, and after sifting through it I pull out a sizable amount of money that should pay for all of the alcohol - and provide an impressive tip. I set it down on the counter before giving him a nod of thanks.

The bartender grins and takes the money. “Much obliged.” He says before looking at Elizabeth. “Need help, or-?”

I shake my head, still chuckling. “No need, I will take her back.”

I stand up from my stool - the action causes my body to lose its balance slightly.

Hmm, perhaps the alcohol has more of an effect on me than I thought. That’d also explain why I’m also more loose with my emotions. Guess it really has been a while since I last drank...

Grabbing my staff that’s leaning against the counter, I clasp Elizabeth’s arm and pull her to my form.

“Lean on me.” I tell her. “I’ll support you as we head back to the guild HQ.”

She doesn’t respond - verbally at least, and together we slowly begin to make our way out of the club.

The moment we step outside I immediately feel myself get blasted with fresh air, the strong scent of sweat disappearing with the midnight breeze. The city itself is also relatively quieter compared to the club, so my ears feel very thankful as well.

As the two of us slowly make our way back, Elizabeth starts talking again.

“Nooo...” She whines once more. “I...do not waaant...to beee....your slaaaaave!”

The last word causes my body to freeze, the action making Elizabeth stumble forward before falling - and with her grip on her body, she ends up taking her with me.

The two of us fall flat onto the sidewalk, my staff releasing from my grip and clattering the ground. At this point my face is so flushed that people would probably actually see a noticeable shade of pink on my cheeks - despite the dark fur covering them.

“E-Elizabeth!” I shout indignantly. “Not in public!” I blink before immediately following up with: “And forget about the wager, I have no interest in-”

“Buuut eet was a beeeet!” The Lopunny retorts in her drunken stupor. “I ‘ave to do eeeeeeet!”

I grit my teeth. “Elizabeth-” I start to say, but she cuts me off again.

“What weell you ‘ave me...doooo?” She continues her drunken tirade. “Weell you ‘ave me...streep een publeec? Weell you ‘ave meeeee....chained to a bed so youuuu-”

I don’t even let her finish that sentence. “NONE OF THAT!” I shout frantically, my face full on burning now.

At this point we definitely have a lot of onlookers now. Gritting my teeth harder I get back to my feet and grab my staff, and once I have my balance I pull Elizabeth back to her feet.

“Not another word!” I hiss at her. “Let us get back, no more of this nonsense!!”

She looks at me with confusion. “Buuut thee wag-”

“No!” I growl at her. “No no no! No wager! Just stop talking!”

And so we continued the long trek back to the GoT HQ.

...

Where did she get THAT assumption?! 

---------------

Much to my chagrin, the journey back did not go smoothly at all. Elizabeth continued to go on and on about the ‘wager’, shouting and whining about all sorts of obscenities she thinks I will do to her. Even with my best attempts I just...could not...get her...to shut up.

I have half the mind to burn her on the spot and be done with it. And the worst part is that if I drank any more alcohol? I probably would’ve actually done it due to the sheer embarrassment I’m feeling.

I swear, who the FUCK does she think I am? With all of the shit she’s saying, people would think I’m some extremely kinky freak!

At this point we’re navigating the hallways of the HQ, and thank Arceus because there’s barely any people walking around this time of night. The few who do walk by us have expressions of confusion - or worse, smirks.

As we’re navigating, a thought suddenly strikes me.

I have...no idea on where Elizabeth stays. Obviously asking her is out of the question, because of the fact she failed to listen to a SINGLE word I said ever since we left the club.

“Shit.” I say aloud, the uncharacteristic word causing a nearby passerby to flinch. I turn and glare at them, my green eyes blazing. “What are you fucking looking at? Keep moving!” I half-shout at them, causing them to start sprinting off - and nearly tripping while doing so.

“-aaand once you are done weet te strap-on...” Elizabeth continues with her tirade, in which I start cringing even harder.

“BY THE GODS AND GODDESSES ABOVE, ELIZABETH!” I shout at her in anger. “I AM NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING SEXUAL TO YOU! STOP TALKING LIKE I’M ABOUT TO FUCK YOU!”

Okay, normally I would be complimented on having insane composure. How I am the pinnacle of professionalism.

Me right now? A combination of alcohol as well as massive doses of irritation and embarrassment is apparently enough to take said reputation and shatter it completely and utterly.

“Buuut te wag-” Elizabeth starts for the umpteenth time.

“Fuck the wager!” I growl at her, my teeth flaring.

Her eyes widen as her flushed face grows even more red.

It took me a moment to realize my poor choice of words. With an even louder growl I start dragging her stumbling form with me.

You know what? Fuck it. I am not navigating these hallways to find her room, especially since there are many potential witnesses. I’m taking her to my room so she can sleep this whole shit off, and MAYBE I still have a chance to salvage what little I have left of my dignity.

Of course Elizabeth continues to babble as we make our way as quickly as physically possible to my room. My ears are definitely flat against my head now, my jaw clenching so hard that it’s actually hurting.

As we finally take the last turn, I feel relief fill my body as the door to my room comes into view.

FINALLY! My salvation!

As I approach the room with Elizabeth in tow, I rest my staff against the wall as I start fumbling my dress for my room-key.

Elizabeth starts mumbling in a confused tone, her words lost to me. As she watches me pull out my key and put it into the slot in the door, her eyes widen to the point where I swear they’re going to pop up.

Oh no, you little shit. This is NOT what you’re thinking of.

“You are sleeping in my room till you’re back to your normal self.” I growl, doing my best to prevent her from saying a SINGLE word. “Nothing is happening in here except you getting rest. Got it?”

I don’t let her respond. As soon as the door opens, I stash my key, grab my staff, and drag her into the room.

Ignoring the scattered papers around my ‘humble abode’ from my duty as temporary Night Hunter Leader, I pull Elizabeth towards my bed and practically throw her at it. Her body stumbles before falling on top of it, her voice becoming muffled as her face is against the sheets.

With a sigh of relief I walk over to my study and sit down at the chair next to my desk. I rest my elbows onto the paper-covered wooden surface, using my hands to cradle my head.

It’s over, Jezebel. It’s over, no one will hear that dirty rabbit anymore. You’re safe.

You have a plan of action. You can tell everyone who overheard Elizabeth that she was in a drunken stupor, and that you were helping her to her room. If they ask about your outbursts, you can claim that they must be mistaking and it was Elizabeth who was acting in such a way. That or they misheard due to lack of sleep, since it was late at night after all.

I feel myself smile.

Yeah, it’ll all work out. Everything is good, your reputation is-

“I...am ready.” I hear Elizabeth meekly say from the direction of my bed.

My body tenses, my eyes widening.

I don’t dare look behind me to see what the hell she means exactly by that. Ohhhh no. No no no.

Hell. Fucking. No.

I cross my arms onto my desk and let my head flop onto them, and thus I begin to scream in exasperation.

[galaxiasus-a]

otomates said: "I'm sorry I waited so long." Raihan's smile, uncharacteristically self-deprecating, wanes as he stares down at their hands, fingers laced through in a loose hold between them. He shifts so that he isn't fully facing Piers, but pulls his hand with him so that he's holding it against his chest, staring up at the ceiling. "To apologize for being a arsehole, I mean. We both know it's always been there." He closes his eyes and lets out a long sigh. "It should've come before I told you I loved you."

↪ SELECT: Unprompted ( @selfietake​ )

His apologies was met with silence. Piers wasn’t looking at him, doesn’t stir when Raihan shifts and takes his hand in his. He was staring staring at one spot of the fabric of his blanket, eyes shifting from one to another as he allowed Raihan’s words to really sink in. He had already gotten emotional the last time they had this conversation, where the first ‘I’m sorry’ came out. He shed his tears then, he doubts he has anymore, but the pool that started to form in his eyes said something different. 

It should've come before I told you I loved you. Raihan’s attitude runs deeper than his snarky behavior and phone addiction, like Pier’s own went deeper than being the lonely goth kid hiding in the corner of the region. He knew this, far before Raihan got into the habit of telling him he loves him more than once a day. “Maybe it should’ve.” He mumbled, his voice flat as he raises a hand to wipe the corner of his eyes with his palm. 

He remembers back then, how at his core, Raihan was nothing more than an arrogant man who spoke pedestals above others. How he clearly needed to be put into his place, something Leon thankfully didn’t hesitate to do just that. 

“...It did hurt.” Especially when he was already an outcast at the time. A style that was unpar with anyone in Galar; both in terms of clothing and in battling. Despite him being one of the more powerful gym leaders, himself and his ‘gym’ in its entirety was not generally favored by anyone else. He’s sure his personality didn’t help with his already struggling reputation; his music was more of a saving grace to hide the fact he was the more quiet of the gym leaders, the one who didn’t stick too long during the afterparties. The one people only could describe him as ‘shady.’

Piers knew everything that was said. The subtle insults, the whispers that questioned why he was even considered part of Galar’s history every time he walked past, the reminders that he could never be what everyone else. Someone that legitimately mattered. 

Of all the people that was a ball of it all, the one who had to put it in front of his face every time he was brought up in one of his special interviews, it was Raihan. Anything Piers heard strangers say about him, Raihan was the one who repeated it, whether it was in a way that was worse than what they said or not.

Piers finally blinks up at him. He notices Raihan’s changed expression, as if he didn’t expect to hear that Piers knew his old intentions for doing what he did. Piers was quick to give a reassuring smile, leaning up to leave a small kiss on the corner of Raihan’s lips. “It doesn’t as much anymore.” He promises, freeing his hand and taking one of Raihan’s instead, putting the dragon user’s palm again Piers’ cheek so he can rest his head. “I got used to it.”

Just like how he knew of people gossiping behind his back, he knew that he used to not be favorite on Raihan’s list. He took quick notice that he preferred to be in a different room than him, the displeasured look in his eyes whenever they were forced to work together for one thing or another. Granted, that was his default attitude when it came to the other gym leaders as well, but in Piers’ eyes it seemed to be a lot worse for him. Raihan never spoke proudly of Spikemuth, much less to be placed in the rank right above Piers. He never had pleasant things to say about him, about anyone else, about how he doesn’t follow tradition in Dynamaxing his own Pokemon. He remembers Raihan admitting he thought he was annoying, and Arceus knows Piers picked up that fact the moment they laid eyes on each other. 

At some point, it stopped being something to be hurt over. After this sort of treatment from everyone, the treatment that still continued even now, it became more something he put into his daily life. The taunts and looks were things he had to force himself to not care about. The easiest way to accomplish this was simply to avoid. To not spend too much time around people more than he was required to do. It became his usual routine, to simply not care anymore, to not look at Raihan whenever he tried to get his attention and to do his own thing. His more important goal was to keep Spikemuth from sinking, to do what he could to prove to himself and to others that he was capable of taking care of himself and saving his name. If it was something he had to do alone, to keep Marnie away from the talk he had to face, then so be it.

“For the longest time, I thought you hated me.” Much longer than it should have been. “Even during… the almost two years you say you had feelings for me, I thought you hated me. I had already accepted that I wasn’t going to be anything more than competition, and now I had to deal with you stopping to say hi to me in the lobby?” He snorts, tilting his head just slightly to kiss Raihan’s palm to show he was only half joking. It certainly was a surprising change in his eyes at least. To go from someone that had talked big and stayed big for so long, to now the man who tried to act like a friend you can joke with whenever they got any sort of break. “I feel kind of bad, honestly. For ignoring you for as long as I did. For not saying hi back whenever you tried to make small talk with me. I simply thought it was near impossible for you to like me, much less see me as someone you wanted to spend time with. I’ll be honest, I thought you were trying to be nice out of pity for me. And then…” He genuinely laughs now, a small smile as he thinks back fondly at the memory. “You.. stopped mid interview because you saw me. You just stepped away from the spotlight.. Because you wanted to talk to me.”

He pauses, letting go of Raihan’s hand when he felt his hair getting tugged. Turning around, he saw the Deino attempting to make trouble again, her blindness proving to not be in her favor when the only way she could find her trainer was by biting into his long hair. “I guess in that moment is when I realized you really were trying to make peace.” He continues, shifting so he could pick up the gifted Pokemon and place her securely in his lap. Already she was trying to find things to put in her jaws by snapping at the air, Piers’ only option was to finish what he wanted to say in a hushed voice so he could keep the Deino calm. 

“I gave you a chance after that. Because I saw you were trying, and there was something.. different about you. I guess those beat downs from Leon really proved to do their job, hm?” He teases, watching the Deino make herself comfortable by curling up in his lap. “I never wanted to bring up how you used to treat me, never really felt like asking why the sudden change happened, simply because it was things I wanted to put behind me now that you were genuinely making the change, and… well, because I didn’t see the point to it. I didn’t care for it anymore, sad to say or not; there was never a revenge plan. Never something to use for blackmail. I figured maybe the both of us wanted to ignore it ever happened.”

He says it, yet knows of the inner turmoil he felt during that time. He can’t fully blame Raihan for it, not when there was some percentage of it remaining because of current different factors. It was easier for him to say that he wanted to ignore that it ever happened, but as his bright eyes darkened the more he spoke showed that his past self held a stone in his heart that was hard to explain.

He thought back to that day. The usual routine of having to wait in the sidelines, the gym leaders’ losses not in full vain as a gym challenger made their way towards fighting the most powerful trainer in the whole region. It was going to be a normal fight, until Raihan for some reason stepped into the field. Where he declared his love, he later learns that its more than a year’s worth, for Piers in front of Galar in a way that was impossible to fly over his head.

Much to everyone’s surprise, he accepted his confession that day.

He doesn’t know what he signed up for when he did it. He wasn’t prepared to be the subject of Raihan’s extreme acts of affection. Or to finally be able to sit back and breathe when it came to defending a town he so deeply called home, because there was no need to try and do it on his own anymore. The person that spoke negatively about his gym for so long now became its biggest supporter. The man he never dreamed he would see himself as a friend towards was now the one that held him in his arms almost every night just so he could get some proper sleep. Now he was the one he doesn’t mind kissing in the privacy of his room until too much time has passed. He doesn’t know where the same loving feelings towards him came from, or when those feelings came to be, but… “I guess I liked you back, despite it all, because I saw who you really are. Someone with a heart, someone more than just the popular guy.”

Doing his best to remain careful not to wake the now sleeping Deino, he shifted so he could sit closer to Raihan, enough so he can rest his head against his shoulder. “I knew you were sorry because you said you loved me. I know you’re sorry because you send me good morning letters every day, no matter how much you like to complain about having to write letters just to talk to me. Everything you’ve done for me… the fact you still want to be with me, from you treating Marnie with respect and from you being the loudest out of all my Team Yell members whenever I have a match with a trainer, that's what I saw as your apologies for everything you did. I already knew. I already felt better about anything and everything because I’m around you.. You finally doing this, it just makes me find more reasons to love you.” He trails off, his hand holding onto Raihan’s as his thumb drew circles at the back of his hand. He can’t remember the last time he had been this open, Arceus knew even Marnie doesn’t know half of the things he had just admitted, but he’s grateful that he was talking to him. “I waited a long time to hear those words, Raihan, not just because I wanted to see you own up to it, but also simply so it gives me a reason to say… I forgive you.”

He lets out a soft sigh, sitting up so he could fumble with gifted scrunchies and undo the mess that was his hair, casually getting ready to turn in for the night. They had a long history together, one that wasn’t filled with many happy memories as one would assume. He can only hope having this conversation reassured Raihan enough, that he held no ill will against him for everything he had done. More than anything right now, Piers simply wanted to make more memories with him. Memories with the two of them as a couple, that he can look back on years from now and smile over it.

With the peaceful Deino now nudged off his lap and onto her corner of the bed, he gently places his hand on the side of Raihan’s face and turns him so he can fully look at him. He stares at him for a brief moment, only to lean in for the kiss he’s been dying for the entire time. It was his usual softer one’s compared to the ones Raihan loved to deliver, breaking away so he could nuzzle into the side of his neck. “You’re not the guy I want to avoid anymore, my beloved, now you’re a person I don’t want to live without.”

[mudsdale-fr]

The table comclusion, nsfw

Two and a half months. That’s how long it had been since he had been home (because yeah, this was his home now wasn’t it?), two and a half months since the summer tourney had drawn him away from his still-fresh relationship with a gorgeous and grumpy berry farmer. The apprehension was stifling, Ivory could feel it in the air and in his hurried gait. It felt like he made the trip down the lonely dirt road in no time at all before the house came into view. His feet quickened a half-step. He missed him so much.

He’d halted his march at the front gate, hand poised atop the latch. Ophrys stood before him on the porch, his arms crossed and his expression neutral. His gaze remained fixed just around his left elbow. He looked guarded, tense. Ivory licked his lips and swallowed, his mouth dry. He looked good.

The summer heat had yet to dissipate so Ophrys had stripped down to his undershirt, leaving his arms and shoulders bare. The skin was sun-kissed, a shade or two darker than Ivory remembered leaving it. A subtle hint of auburn adorned his (newly cut) brown hair. Sweet Arceus this man was born to be in the sun.

The silence between them dragged on, what felt like hours. It was as if the earth itself was holding it’s breath. Neither man knew how to proceed, and it wasn’t long before Ivory was reeling. Perhaps he was no longer welcome.

This is what I am, Ivory thought, his throat constricting in preparation to brings his thoughts to fruition. This is me, and nothing can change that. I hope you can accept that.

Ophrys’s arms uncoiled from one another and a hand reached into his pocket to retrieve his phone. Ivory stepped forward, crossing the yard in hurried steps and stopping just short again when the phone was held out at arm’s length. Ivory would be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous about what it said, worried that this thing they had going would end. It wouldn’t be the first time.

(Are you hungry?)

Ivory let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“Yeah. I could eat.”

Ophrys’s stoicism finally broke, his face brightening as he grinned. With a jerk of his head he beckoned Ivory inside.

After stopping to shove his shoes and bag into the coat closet by the door (he’d sort them out later), he padded into the kitchen where he’d seen Ophrys disappear into.

He found him at the middle island, removing plastic wrap from a loaf of homemade bread. A pan was heating at the stove. Ivory leaned against the wall at the front entryway, his gaze hungrily sweeping over him. The line of his neck, the curve of his spine that led to the pert roundness of his ass. The big hands that delicately measured out portions of bread to be cut. Because yeah, maybe Rhys had a point to be so fixated on hands.  Blood rushed southward, his cock hardening.

Fuck I missed you. Should be illegal for you to look this good.

He turned the burner to its ‘off’ position, his gaze never leaving Rhys. The man canted his head at the click of the knob but otherwise gave no reaction. Ivory prowled around the island, his footsteps slow and methodical. Calculated.

Ophry’s head followed him, listening to every footfall, the angle of his tilt moving as he did. Ivory inwardly laughed at his previous apprehensiveness of Rhys’s blindness, at his beliefs that a man with such an affliction would be rendered helpless.

Ivory reached above the sink and turned off the radio. That got a reaction, even if it was no more than Ophrys raising his head, brows furrowed.

Not now. I want you to hear only me.

A stillness settled in the kitchen then, and it seemed that even the world outside was stopped alongside Rhys’s radio. Nothing existed except for the two men that stood, considering one another.

Ivory pushed off the counter towards the island.

-

Ophrys stilled when he felt Ivory’s warm body slide up against his and gentle hands rested on his hips. Chest to back, groin to ass. Ivory’s scent was thick in the air around him. Sweat, fresh shampoo (he must have showered in the village before heading here), and the distinct smokiness that only belonged to dragons. They were so close.

With the radio off he could hear his own pounding heartbeat, could hear Ivory’s breathing. Could tell how it had minutely quickened.

His eyes fell closed when they were pressed even closer together and lips grazed his neck. Unbidden, his head tilted to the side, granting Ivory easier access. A thrum of approval rumbled in the man’s chest, who pressed a kiss just beneath his ear, earning him a shiver.  

Ophrys wasn’t aware that one of Ivory’s hands had left his hips until it was skating slowly down his arm, closing around his wrist and pulling his hand away from the bread loaf. Ivory’s long fingers closed around the knife handle and, with a nip to his earlobe, coaxed his trembling fingers into relinquishing control of the thing.

Ophrys was turned on the spot, and he had but a moment to consider the hand carding through his hair before he was pulled down into a kiss. He met Ivory eagerly, his own hands cradling the man’s face. Ophrys opened his mouth without coaxing, drawing  the other man’s tongue into his mouth.

The smooth rasp of Ivory’s belt sliding through its loops filled the air, followed by the ringing clatter after Ophrys tossed it away. He lifted his arms so that his lover could pull his shirt over his head before it too was tossed away. Ophrys sighed as the hands spanned his chest, fingers stroking the flesh they found there.

“Missed you,” the words were murmured against his lips, more a sigh than a declaration. Ophrys nodded, stroking a hand down Ivory’s face. Me too.

Something snapped between the two of them then and Ivory surged forward, crushing their lips together.  Their movements became hurried then, Ophrys attacking his pants with his face buried in the crook of Ivory’s neck. He nipped at the skin, traveling up the man’s throat until he was biting along the his jawline. Ivory moaned, and he began herding Ophrys backwards towards the table, giving him a shove after a few steps. Rhys stumbled but caught himself as he collided with the table, sending the thing skittering across the floor a few inches. Ivory paused, suddenly afraid he’d been too rough. He should dial it down a bit, after all-

Rhys drew himself up to full height, his eyes unseeing but burning. Challenging. He tilted his head to the side, a wide toothy grin spread over his face. Is that all you got? He curled his fingers, beckoning.

“Fuck yes,” Ivory snarled, rushing forward and crashing his mouth into the other man’s. It was sloppy, all tongues and teeth, both of them too busy trying to get closer to bother with any coordination.

Ivory knelt and hooked his hands behind Ophrys’s knees, managing a hoarse “Up,”  before lifting him in his arms, Rhys’s long legs wrapping around his waist and hooking behind his back. A shudder rocketed down Ophrys’s spine, and Ivory grinned. Rhys was always so pliable and eager after his feats of strength.

Ivory dropped Ophrys onto the tabletop. A loud thud and a creak rang out but neither paid it any mind, Ivory choosing instead to rip Rhys’s jeans off his body. Once that was done Ivory paused to look down at his handiwork.

At Rhys laid out before him, at the miles of naked skin. At the heaving chest with a fine glisten of sweat,  the pink tinted cheeks, at the hands that pawed around the table (he never knew what to do with them in the beginning) at the heavy, leaking erection that made Ivory’s mouth water.

Fuck.

“Don’t move, I’ll be right back.” he choked, having to clear his throat. “Just stay the fuck there, fuck..”

He made a quick retreat to the bedroom, to the sidetable where he ripped open the drawer, snatched the lube and stomped back out. Ophrys, thankfully, hadn’t moved from his spot even if he was looking about ready to eat him.

“I move that we have a bottle of lube hidden in every room in the house, this is ridiculous.”

Ophrys nodded, giving a thumbs up.

He poured a liberal helping of lube into his hand, swirling his fingers together to get it warmed up. He’d make this quick, neither one of them looked liked they could take much more foreplay. Rhys melted at the intrusion of the first finger, his hands finding the edge of the table and clenching tight. Ivory gave a cursory few thrusts before adding a second, pushing in as far as he could go. When Ophrys suddenly jolted, his back arching Ivory knew he had found the spot. He passed over it again, and again, and again until Rhys was a writhing mess beneath him, making the table creak.

Ivory removed his fingers, moving them to the man’s hips as he lined himself up. Rhys shivered, licking his lips. Then Ivory was pushing in, filling him up, stretching to the point that a gasp escaped from his chest. His lover was not unaffected, as a low moan rang out, and lips were pressed to his belly. Before long be was fully seated, still and panting above him. Ophrys squirmed trying to get him to fucking move. He heard a chuckle.

“God you’re impatient,” but he was rewarded anyway when Ivory lifted off him, pulling out until just the head remained inside and surging forward hard enough to knock the breath out of Ophrys’s lungs.

“This what you want?”

He nodded, YES. YES.

Ivory hooked his arms behind Ophrys’s knees and kneeling over him, simultaneously splitting him wide and pinning him down. He pounded into him, each thrust jostling the man. Rhys clawed at him, his fingers fisting his hair and pulling painfully tight, his tongue licking at his lips. Ivory would kiss him, though he could manage for but a few seconds before his head would bow and Rhys’s name would escape his lips.

“Rhys, Rhys, Rhys, fuuuck, Rhys…”

Then it happened.

The table gave one final creak before splitting in two and collapsing to the ground. Ivory yelped when limbs clung to him as they fell, and he had a split second to cushion Ophrys’s head before they crumpled into a heap. Ophrys, having taken most of the impact, groaned, his eyes wide.

‘’Shit are you okay??”

He nodded, managing a grin and a thumbs up. Ivory leapt to his feet, dragging the other man with him and giving him a once over, finding only a few scrapes and the beginnings of a bruise. Thank Arceus.

He was laughing. Rhys was actually laughing.

“What’s so funny?”

Rhys signed, but Ivory couldn't read what he said. He was still learning. He looked around the room for Ophry’s pants, finding them hanging from the fridge handle. He pulled out the phone from his pockets and shoved it at him.

(I can’t believe that just happened!)

“I know! Neither can I, what the fuck?!”

(That was, hands down the greatest thing to ever happen to me)

Ivory gazed up at Rhys’s stupid shit-eating grin.

‘You could have gotten seriously hurt.”

(But I didn’t. That’s why it’s awesome.)

Well, that certainly made Ivory blush. Rhys held out the phone one more time, two words typed in:

(Bed. Now.)

O-okay.

[chibi-writings]

Tabby Trouble

A gift fic I wrote forever ago to @dark-rose89​ and just now getting around to post it.

Anders wants a cat and he sees one in Darktown during Satinalia. A merry chase ensues.

A chill wind blew fiercely through the streets of Darktown, the open, gaping holes in the cliffs and walls doing little to shield against the weather. In the cramped, winding corridors it was compressed, funneled, and yanked through the spaces until it howled ceaselessly, the sound echoing hundreds of times across Darktown until all of Kirkwall could probably hear it. Anders didn't think he could hate a winter any more than Fereldan's, but now here it was. The new coat that Hawke had given him was doing wonders at keeping most of the cold out and now he was grateful that he had let Hawke talk him into taking it-he would have preferred it if mages fleeing from the Circle had been given warm clothes instead since they were the ones having to flee from the Templars in the cold. But Hawke had insisted and Anders had finally accepted when Hawke said that he couldn't help free mages from the Gallows if he was frozen to death, and he was glad that he had. The fox fur and goose feathers kept him pleasantly warm, even when the door to his clinic banged open and the maniac screaming of the wind would echo all the corners of his clinic before being silenced again.

He was seeing less people recently. Anders wasn't sure if people were being more safe or-more likely-they were out celebrating in Hightown and were being trampled and injured far away from where he could reach them in time. It had been getting awfully quiet in Darktown the past few days as Satinalia drew nearer and today almost everything he had heard had been the wind, aside from the occasional straggler who wandered in, more out of looking for someplace warm than medical treatment. Anders wanted to believe that was a good sign, but knowing Kirkwall it just meant all the trouble was somewhere else for once.

He huddled closer into himself, drawing his coat to protect his legs as he curled them close to his chest. It was getting impossible to read Ars Fulmenis by Magister Arceus with all the wind blowing all around and flipping his pages. He already had to rescue some of the lighter of his possessions when the wind tried to knock them off their shelves. With a sigh he slammed the book shut and stuffed it into one of his inner pockets; if the Templars caught sight of it he could get executed. Joints creaking in protest, he hopped off his bench and stretched a little. Sitting for so long in such weather would make him cramp up, maybe he should go for a walk or-

What was that? A noise came to his ears, so familiar and comforting that he froze in place with his arms still stretched above his head. That couldn't have been a cat meowing, the wind made strange noises all the time-

"Get away from my milk stupid beast!" a voice yelled just outside his door and then a loud, definite catlike yowl followed and Anders was grabbing his staff and flinging his door open before the echos even died away.

"If you touch that cat I'm going to shove a fireball down your-" he tripped and nearly went sprawling over a pair of legs in front of his door. Only his staff saved him from ramming his face into the dirt and he looked to see a man laying right before his clinic, a bowl of milk between his hands and brows furrowed in concentration as he tried to break the frozen liquid to try and drink whatever was left at the bottom. That was the milk for his (future) cats! The only one he had so much as heard for months and now this man had scared it away! "Where did the cat go?" he demanded, stomping over to the man and nearly grabbing him by the hair before he noticed just how greasy it was.

The man grunted and looked at him with dazed eyes. For a moment, Anders was puzzled. He felt like he had seen the man somewhere before, but for the life of him couldn't remember. "Bah go away mage," the man grumbled and turned back to his milk. "I ain't got business wid you."

The way he said mage clicked in his head. "Samson?" he blurted out loud before he shook himself. "I said where did the cat go?!" He slammed his staff on the ground next to Samson's head, but the former Templar never flinched.

"You smell like lyrium."

Lightning crackled in his palm before he could restrain himself and he grabbed Samson's shirt, ignoring Samson's scream as it danced along his skin and struck the ground to leave little scorch marks behind. "Where is the cat!" he yelled over Samson, letting him fall down. Alright, maybe electrocuting the ex-Templar with what was clearly magical lightning wasn't the smartest idea but there was a cat out in the cold that needed his help.

"Andraste's ass, mage, what the h-"

"THE CAT!"

"Back there you psychopath!" Samson yelled back, jerking his finger over to an alleyway as Anders reached for him again. "Maker's balls, mage, now I know why Meredith-"

Anders give him a swift kick in the side before he could finish and ran off in the direction Samson had pointed, praying that the cat had only decided to hide instead of running away completely. He peered into the alley, letting his eyes adjust to the light before he crept forward. It was still very dark, so he carefully lit the tip of his staff with magic, although not before looking around first. Right next to a pile of trash he saw them: a pair of yellow eyes reflecting his own light back at him. A second later it hissed and the shadowy shape that they belonged to started to crouch.

"Oh don't be like that kitty," Anders cooed immediately, reaching in his pocket for the dried mackerel that he always kept wrapped inside. Just in case he happened to ever wander across a stray cat. "I have some nice, tasty, scrumptuous mackerel for you, little kitty! I had a cat once, his name was Ser-Pounce-A-Lot and he loved-wait kitty come back!" He took off after the fleeing shape, turning a corner and stumbling into daylight again. He blinked hard and had just enough time to see a gray cat (a tabby!) look back at him before it began climbing up the scaffolding that ran all the way up to the surface.

A tabby cat! Just for him! Anders gasped and smiled and almost ran right into a drunken elf in his glee as he made his way over to the elevators that would take him up to the surface. He knew exactly where the scaffolds would go, they had been here longer than he had and after years of evading Templars he could point precisely where on the surface each one would come out. As the wooden platform began to rise he tapped his foot, trying to wait for it to finish its journey as calmly as possible. He wished he could simply use his magic to boost it up, but that would definitely attract attention.

The noise reached him before he was even halfway through and it assaulted his ears when he stepped out in full. Drunken revelers, no doubt kicked out of Hightown by the guard and left to all collect and improve their chaos in the streets of Lowtown. Anders ducked as someone tried to throw a cap on his head and also managed to avoid being hit by half a roast chicken that someone had thrown through the air. He had no idea what they were singing, only that it was completely incomprehensible and he shoved, bullied, and in some cases used his staff to hit his way through the crowd until he was skirting the edges of it, breaking free into that small area between large groups of people and buildings so that he could move freely. He ran to another narrow alley squished between a butcher shop and a flower stand and was greeted by a growl. He threw a barrier from his palm just in time, the cat ran right into it as it sealed the entrance it just came out of. "Not this time, kitty!" he said. "Now let me-"

The cat yowled, crawling back and spitting at him, the fur on its spine raised slightly. Eyes glaring, it locked gazes with him and then charged. It was absolutely the last thing Anders would have ever expected, cats usually ran away, and he jumped away in his shock, giving the cat enough enough space to run by him. "Ah! No no no kitty!" he said, summoning a tiny wisp and shooting it at the cat just before it disappeared. The wisp latched onto the cat and now Anders could follow his own trail of magic and track where it had been. Only a second later did he understand what a stupid idea that had just been and he glanced frantically around, looking for any armor, a swish of red, clanking metal. No, no Templars that he could see, he was safe for now.

Feeling for his magic, he raced off after the cat.

Thankfully the mass of people seemed content to keep themselves in the large, open squares and left the streets only slightly less cramped. Anders pushed his way through people, hearing swears and laughter as he ran past, feeling for his magic and staying only a few steps behind the cat. Now he'd see how well it could escape!

"Oh, Anders? What-" he heard a voice that sounded exactly like Merril's say before he was too far gone and the roar of the crowd snatched away the rest of her words.

Up ahead he could see the cat suddenly, leaping onto a sausage stand and racing through the wares as expertly as a dancer on a stage and back into the throng. He was gaining, only ten feet away, if he could just find a clear space where he could really sprint he could catch it!

"Blondie! The hell are you doing? You got Templar's chasin' you or some-"

No, not The Hanged Man, not now. What was Varric even doing at the front door anyway, he sat in his rooms all the time! Anders didn't even acknowledge that he heard the dwarf or Isabela's voice afterwards and kept running. Hopefully they would think he was busy and would only ask him later after he made up a good excuse.

The cat turned down the street and he went after it, taking the steps three at a time and trying not to feel too uneasy at how they were both running straight into Hightown. IF the guard and Templars would be anywhere, it would be here. But that cat! The only one he had ever seen in this city and what was he doing chasing it anyway? If the Templars were here then he could help free mages from the Gallows because they wouldn't be as many guarding them! His steps slowed, doubt clouding his mind. Perhaps he should just go back to Darktown instead of running around Kirkwall like a fool on a wild cat chase. What was he doing when there were injustices still being committed this second and he was ignoring them?

"Anders? What are you doing here? Are you in trouble?"

Aveline's question sent a thrill through him and yanked him back to the real world. All of a sudden he was back in Hightown and he jumped, feeling as if he had just been underwater and came up for air. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes, willing his heart to calm down as he reached for his magic. "I'm getting myself a cat," he said. Because that's what he was going to do.

"A...cat?"

"I'm sorry Aveline, I can't talk right now! Tell Donnic I said hi!" And with that he was running again, not even paying attention to what Aveline said after him as he weaved through the crowds and even a parade to track down where he felt the cat now. It had stopped somewhere, perhaps realizing he had stopped following.

There were no alleys in Hightown, but there were still little nooks to hide in. This one was an alcove underneath a set of stairs and Anders approached it slowly, peering to see a darker shape among the shadows. He stopped when he heard a hiss and reached for his mackerel again. "Here, kitty," he said, tossing a piece at it. He couldn't tell it the cat was really eating it, but was there any cat who could resist his treat? He threw another and then went to sit on the stairs, waiting. Yes, he was being ridiculous the whole time, what had he been thinking? Had he really been living in this city for so long that he had forgotten all of his skills, the very basic techniques to catch a cat?

It took a while, long minutes that stretched by while the people cheered and danced and it felt like hours before he saw the cat creeping around the corner of the stairs, looking at him. He grinned and dropped a handful of mackerel next to him. "Yes kitty, come here to me. I'm sorry I chased you everywhere and frightened you. I bet your last owners were like that too, but I'll be so much better! Here, have some little treats and fish from Anders!"

The cat simply stared at him but he kept up the stream of nonsense. It would have to get used to his voice if he was going to keep it as a pet. Finally it decided that food was a much better idea than running away and it came up the steps and crouched to eat the mackerel. Perfect!

Anders waited, giddy as he talked and watched and right when the cat was nearly done he reached out his hand and held his finger out to the cat. It gave him a look, then sniffed him and rubbed its head along his finger. "Ohh, you're such a good kitty!" he gushed, reaching out to pick it up. "I bet you were just afraid the whole time! Aww, you're purring! Yes, Anders is going to take very good care of you from now on!" He stroked the cat's head and held it in his lap, listening to it rumble under his ministrations and curl into his touch.

Well...now he had a cat, he guessed. He raised his head and let out a breath, then he noticed something. He was still smiling. The fact that it had slipped his mind at all was, well, it was something. When was the last time he had smiled in happiness? When was the last time he simply went out and had fun? Yes, actually, he did just say that, he was having fun. It was strenuous chasing a cat all over Kirkwall but he had enjoyed it! And now there was a cat in his lap and once he worked his kitty charms it would beg to be carried around in his clincic!

His clinic. Well now that he caught the cat he supposed there was no reason to stay in Hightown. But he didn't want to go. The more he thought of making his way back through drunken Lowtown, down the creaky elevator to the howling, freezing streets of Darktown that he could still hear, the less he liked it. Everyone else was outside having fun and forgetting their worries and-and-and dammit why couldn't he? Why was he being such a fool to lock himself inside a clinic all day just on the off chance that a mage might need him? There were no mages in need today because they were all probably celebrating like everyone else! He remember Satinalia in the Circle, it was celebrated there just like it was everywhere else and it was the one time he remembered things actually being...alright. There were still injustices everywhere though and-

"I'm going to Hawke's and you can't stop me," he said out loud, standing up with the cat in his arms. Not like it would actually help, Justice was a part of him and it wasn't like he could just argue with him like he could another person. At best he would just get stuck on those stairs and argue with himself for hours. The cat didn't so much as stir and he began walking briskly, his coat flapping about his legs as he made his way deeper into Hightown.

Yes, that's how he wanted to spend his Satinalia. He wanted to sit with Hawke (hell, he'd even sit with Fenris too, after all he and Hawke were practically neighbors so he couldn't possibly see Hawke not inviting Fenris over just so the elf wouldn't sulk throughout Satinalia) and drink mulled wine and eat whatever amazing feast Hawke had gotten the kitchen to cook and just talk. He wanted to forget his worries and show off his new cat and just enjoy himself.

He was still smiling at the thought. It warmed his heart and he knew he was walking. differently. There was a spring in his step now, happiness and excitement making him feel lighter than air. He was going to have fun this Satinalia, he would make sure of that.