#if these Pokemon are going to be locked behind an event regardless then they might as well do something fun with them

[franstastic-ideas]

I miss when Mythical Pokémon had extensive lore and special locations tied to them instead of them being unceremoniously dropped in the storage system.

[imjeralee]

Comfort in Despair: Chapter 15 - Leon in Love? (Part 2)

Leon x F!Reader

Disclaimer: Do not own Pokemon

Summary:

Galar is rich in folklore and tales of the supernatural.

As a Pokemon Researcher who specialises in ghost types, this is a great opportunity for you to investigate and learn more about the paranormal.

Along the way, you meet Leon (in the most awkward way possible) who becomes embroiled in your adventures.

^ Basically this story is about ghosts :/

Rating: General/Teen

@marydragneell​ - here is the latest update

Leon in Love?

Part 2

…

…

[“Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes into you.”

- Friedrich Nietzsche]

…

…

You awake to the rhythmic beeping sounds of a heart-rate monitor, your eyes opening and adjusting to the light of the room.

Emitting an inaudible sigh under your breath, you throw a quick glance to yourself to assess the damage.

Your mauled arm is bandaged and someone has cleaned you up. There’s no more blood. Your hair has been washed and your skin scrubbed. You smell like daisies but your clothes are not your own. Instead, you’re donned in nothing but a flimsy, paste-coloured hospital gown and there's a plastic bracelet with a barcode strapped around your wrist. An IV drip has also been set up along with the EKG machine.

To your left, you spot a capless and cape-less Leon sitting on the chair provided, albeit he appears to be sleeping with his arms crossed and his face buried in the crook of his elbow, using your bed to rest.

It is beyond your comprehension as to why Leon is here, especially after what he witnessed for himself in the art gallery.

Your throat hurts, not that you have the energy nor are you in the mood to talk. Leon looks comfortable sleeping by your side so you settle your gaze on the Champion of Galar and observe him for a few seconds or so before you slowly ease your good arm out from underneath the blanket to reach over and pat him on the crown of his head, your hand patting his unruly purple locks.

His hair is so light and soft and unfortunately your brief petting session comes to an end when he shifts, brows furrowing, and so you are quick to retreat your hand. You hope you hadn’t woken him up but when he groans, you quickly return to lie over the bed and close your eyes, pretending to be asleep.

You hear Leon shifting out of his spot before he unfolds his arms off the mattress, grabs his hat from the bedside table and dons it, and sits up. He emits a soft groan and a gentle yawn before the room grows quiet. He sounds exhausted.

It's not difficult to perceive when you're being watched, and you feel his gaze landing on your form before the duvet shuffles slightly under your grip and is carefully pulled up to your chin. Following that, your hair is gently smoothed down.

Your heartbeat spikes and the monitor emits a particularly harsh sounding beep.

“Hm?” Leon utters whilst you cringe. “That doesn’t seem normal…”

The legs of the chair squeals against the floor, light footsteps meander away, the door opens with a creak and slowly returns to the doorframe with a well-timed but shrill screech.

When all grows silent, you open one eye, look around and sit up.

You have been betrayed by the heart monitor and you wonder if you should have pretended to be asleep or not. However, several pairs of footsteps approach your room and the door eases open; glancing up, you see Leon with a doctor and nurse by his side.

The champion's expression lights up at once when he sees you blinking blankly at him.

“You’re awake!” he exclaims, his grin widening.

You should respond, nod or indicate in some manner, but all you do is slide your desolate gaze to your lap.

The doctor and nurse stroll to your bedside to begin the checkup and Leon automatically leaves the room to give you some privacy. You peer over the doctor’s shoulder as much as you can, watching Leon leave and close the door behind him; the doctor begins checking your back and chest with his stethoscope and asks you to sit properly on the bed and to remain still.

Then they ask you some questions but overall, you're told you’re fine and recuperating well.

Leon returns once the checkup is over and you lie in bed, inspecting your bandaged arm. Apparently you’ve got stitches but the injury will heal and fade, though a scar will most likely persist.

You emit another sigh as he seats himself on the chair, dragging it closer to your side.

“Hey...” he says.

When you shift your attention from your arm to the Champion, your gazes meet. “Hi Leon,” you say quietly.

“Are you okay?”

You divert your limp gaze to the window. “…Yeah.”

Your lethargy and dour mood does not go unnoticed; in an attempt to cheer you up, he reaches over and slowly worms his hand into yours, the heat from his palm spreading pleasantly into yours and thoroughly warming you up. You freeze for a split second before you throw your gaze to your entwined hands and your heartbeat promptly speeds up again, the room becoming prickled with a rapid and incessant influx of beeping sounds courtesy of the heart monitor.

Leon glances at the EKG and swerves his eyes to you.

You bite down on your lip, cheeks inevitably growing warm.

And he subsequently lets go of you.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he mutters sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck, “...I’ll give you some space.”

You say nothing and a tense silence spawns as you lower your gaze once more but Leon continues to wordlessly regard you for a few seconds or so and the atmosphere quickly grows awkward. Instead, you attempt to make yourself comfortable on the bed and Leon springs into action.

“Let me help.”

Before you can protest, he’s already adjusting the pillow behind your head and smoothing the case down.

“How’s this?”

“Good. Thank you.”

He grins widely in response.

“You must be thirsty,” he adds, and he grabs a silver flask that stands on the bedside table, unscrews the lid and pours some water into a glass which he settles it in your hands. You blink in surprise before you thank him quietly, tip the glass over your lips and gulp down the contents.

He’s treating you like a queen. Last time Leon was the one in hospital and now it’s your turn. How the tables have turned.

“What time is it?” you ask, as Leon takes the glass off you and returns it to the table.

“About three am.”

You stiffen all over. “…Leon, what are you doing here?”

“I wanted to make sure you would be fine.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Unfortunately I’m not allowed to stay for the remainder of the night but I want to stay with you for as long as I can,” Leon murmurs, and he sounds terribly disappointed, “I really wanted to and I asked, but Chairman Rose won’t allow it. They want me to get fitted for a new shirt.”

You mull over his words. Leon is the first person at your side upon your awakening and he had wanted to stay with you for the rest of the night. It rapidly sinks in your mind and it’s happening again: heat crawls over your cheeks but it’s not just you this time; the two of you toss your gazes at everywhere but each other until the events at the art gallery invades your mind and a deep frown worms its way over your face.

"I'm sorry you had to see me like that," you mumble, "and I’m sorry for ruining your shirt and cape."

"There's no need to apologise. I have plenty of spares at home and the cape's sent off to a dry cleaners."

You still feed bad regardless. “...And Spiritomb escaped too."

He nods minutely, taking note of your dark expression.

“Leon, I-“

There is a knock on the door and it opens to reveal a weary-looking Graves dressed in a ragged black tracksuit and beanie. He steps in and greets Leon before he throws his glance to you as you lie on the bed with the bandaged arm and forehead but then he sees Leon clutching your hand and stares intensely.

“Am I interrupting something?” Graves mutters.

You and Leon hurriedly let go of each other though on this occasion, you were quicker than Leon to shake your hand out of his, which you think he realises because he throws you a surprised look.

Graves pulls off his hat and fans himself as he stops by your bedside, “Good to see you’re awake. You okay, kid?”

You nod. “I’m fine. Is Jace okay?”

From the corner of your eye, Leon’s expression falters immediately upon your mentioning of your friend. Though it is not entirely noticeable, you are able to perceive the slight change.

“He’s fine,” Graves replies, “Jeez, focus on yourself for a change, would ya?”

“What about the other two?”

“They’re fine, and Magnolia and Sonia popped by earlier. They left warm clothes for you and food over there,” Graves points to a random counter where you see a black bag sitting near a pile of paper towels, “I’m gonna get some testimony off your friend and those men... Cole and…whats-his-face, Tan-something. Arceus, it’s a mess.”

“What’s happened?”

“Well, that Tan guy could face charges for grievous bodily assault. He’s denying it even though we have the video footage,” Graves scratches at his stubbly chin with a sigh. “He says he was possessed.”

“He was.”

Graves sighs heavily once more in response to your statement, “…And I’m also going to speak to Rose. I mean, I sort of did already but I need to speak to him again; they can’t just say they’re not liable for…this.” He gestures flimsily to your injuries.

“I signed some papers though.”

“Yeah, and I really wished you hadn’t. Let me see what I can do.” Turning to the champion, he adds, “Thank you for saving her.”

“You’re very welcome, sir,” Leon replies with a smile, "I'll speak to Chairman Rose too. I'm sure he'll come around."

"Thanks, Leon, that would be very helpful. I appreciate that."

Suddenly, Graves looks at you squarely in the eye, "Now don't you go talking to Rose yet."

"I won't," you reply; you agree with his decision for you might punch him in the face should you see him.

With another firm nod, Graves briefly turns, a move indicating that he is about to leave, but then he pauses and decides to shoot you and Leon curious looks before his brows furrow questioningly.

“Are you two-“

You’re aware that he is wondering if there is something going on between you and the champion but either way, he’s decided not to comment any further as he doesn’t complete his sentence and begins to waddle towards the door.

“Never mind,” Graves utters under his breath, “Get some sleep, kiddo.”

“Wait, before you go, I have a favour," you say.

“What?”

“Can you look up Edward Rose? He was Chairman Rose’s ancestor. Can you check if he was a Satanist or something?”

Both Graves and Leon look baffled by your request but the inspector nods nevertheless.

“Alright, fine, I will. Now get some rest. That is an order.” Graves barks, pointing at you before he promptly steps towards the door; you see a familiar face peering in through the gap and you sit up properly in bed.

“Jace?”

The blonde pokes the door open and slips inside the room; your face lights up upon his arrival.

“Jace!” you exclaim, and Jace grins widely at you in response whilst Leon tenses slightly in his chair.

“Oh, chuck, you’re okay!” the blonde abruptly dives for you and sweeps you up in his arms.

Whilst Graves sighs helplessly as Jace hugs you tightly, Leon sits quietly in his chair, his gaze pinned on you before he shifts his focus to the blonde.

“Arceus, I was so worried!” Jace cries loudly.

“I’m fine…are you okay?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Alright, alright, give her some space,” Graves snaps at the blonde, and much to Leon’s relief, he steps in and pries Jace away from you. “She needs rest. You both do.”

“Okay,” Jace replies, sulking slightly. “…I’ll see you in the morning?”

You nod and Jace flashes you a wide smile and a wink which makes Leon bristle on the spot when he sees you finally smiling before Graves escorts him out. Once Graves and Jace have left the room, your smile disappears and Leon glimpses to you.

“That’s Jace,” you point out, and he nods.

“I know,” he replies, his voice lower than usual. You can’t help but feel he looks tense all of a sudden.

“Graves is my godfather.”

He nods once more. “How long have you and Jace been friends?”

“Since I moved to Galar. He’s one of the first people I met.”

“I see.”

“…Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” Leon musters a smile and just like that, he’s back….back to being cheerful and happy. However, the smile quickly vanishes when his gaze lands on your injuries and he averts his glance to his lap. “...I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

“If it wasn’t for me, if I didn’t tell Chairman Rose, then this wouldn’t have happened to you."

"It’s no-one’s fault. Whether you spoke to Rose or not, he probably would’ve reached out to me somehow and I willingly accepted this case anyway.”

“…I’m sorry,” he murmurs softly, “Please forgive me.”

“Leon, it’s okay. And...thank you for saving me. I would've died if you hadn't come."

He manages to smile reassuringly at you, cheeks going pink. "Of course I had to come, I was worried."

Following that, the room simmers into silence.

"...Graves is right,” you speak up again, in an effort to break the crushing monotony, “he warned me not to work on cases anymore. He was worried I’d end up dead. He’s right. I mean, look at me. And look at Jace. He got injured because of me, and you and Charizard could have been hurt too....but Spiritomb is out there so I can’t just quit entirely… and my family are depending on me,” you utter, before you glance around the room, sigh heavily and throw your weary glance to the Champion, "...I need some fresh air. Do you want to go for a walk?”

"Aren't you tired?"

"I'm okay, I just want to stretch my legs."

“I’m not sure if you’re allowed to leave the room.”

“It’ll be fine, we won’t be gone for long.”

Leon is reluctant but you turn to slide out of bed regardless and so he helps you out and you head to the bag with the warm clothes Magnolia and Sonia had brought for you.

You grab an oversized hooded sweater along with a pair of black thermal leggings and you quickly pull them on even though Leon is standing in front of you; he turns red when you step into each leg and ease it over your hips, leaving the gown untucked.

You also find some sandwiches and a juicebox which Magnolia has packed for you so you hold onto those. When you’re ready, you leave the sanctity of the warm and toasty private room with Leon trailing after you and you arrive at the chilly corridor where you glimpse around casually.

“Is this the same hospital you were admitted to?” you ask, and he nods, “can we go to that yard with the fountain you took me last time?”

“Sure.”

You and Leon make your way through the corridor and find the same patient’s communal area from last time, except on this occasion it’s dark with the lights and TV switched off and overall, it’s empty. Up ahead, the door that leads to the yard is your destination.

Surprisingly, it’s unlocked and you step in. It’s different at night but very much relaxing and tranquil with the lack of individuals around. Despite the unforgiving frigidness of the night, the warm clothes you are wearing are providing to be effective whereas you look at Leon and he’s still in his torn champion shirt which is caked with some dried blood, yours, of course, and it makes you cringe when you can see a small inch or so of his tanned skin and flat but muscular stomach and you’re more concerned for his well-being but he reassures you he is fine.

You seat yourself down on a cold bench near the fountain and Leon joins you where you silently contemplate tonight’s events and what it means for your future before you look up at the sky. The moon is round and bright tonight, and the stars twinkle dimly in the sea of darkness. You're reminded of the time you sat together on the roof of his house, except you're loaded with painkiller and your mood has plummeted to an unimaginable level. You also seem to be experiencing a mix of self-pity and self-loathing at this very moment.

And then you remember the dream.

Inhaling a shaky breath, you pull out the food Magnolia has left for you along with the juicebox and there's a green post-it note with elaborate handwriting that says 'Get Well Soon!' courtesy of Sonia along with a doodle of Gengar and Mimikyu. Then you unwrap the sandwiches and realise Magnolia has made your favourite fillings.

Leon observes you for a quiet moment as you stare intently at the food before you meekly pick apart the plastic shrink-wrap with your fingers.

"Do you need help?"

You shake your head.

With your one good hand, you pull off the wrapping after a few seconds and finally lift the sandwich to your mouth, biting down and chewing noiselessly, your tastebuds soaking in the flavours.

Leon averts his gaze away so you can eat in peace, however the sounds of your quiet sobs quickly grabs his attention and he turns round questioningly. As you eat, tears are leaking profusely from the corner of your eyes, dripping over your lap.

"What's wrong?!" Leon exclaims as you chew and swallow whilst weeping silently, trembling in your seat, "...What is it?"

Your response is a mere shake of the head as hot, fat tears roll down the curves of your cheeks. Unused to seeing you cry, he glances helplessly around the empty yard as you struggle, shoving morsel after morsel of the crisp white bread along with the cold but delicious filling into your mouth.

“Ah, please don’t…please don’t cry,” he does his best to comfort you and as your sobbing worsens before his very eyes, he slips off the bench, “Don't cry, please."

Your sobs do not stop; through blurred vision, you see Leon crouching in front of you with your hand clamped tightly in his. You don't know what he's doing, having lowered himself on one knee before you and looking up at you like that. You want to tell him to get up, hell, you should tell him to get up. If the press saw him like this, they would yet again have a field day, knowing that you've brought the Champion to his knees somehow. However, all you can manage are unintelligible squeaks and sobs. You end up placing the half-eaten sandwich down and snivel drearily.

The more you cry, the more it hurts him to see you like this and so he returns to sit on the bench before he gently wraps his arms around you and brings you into an embrace. Leon lets you rest your chin on one broad shoulder as he holds you, his thick and sturdy arms wrapping around your form before he proceeds to rub you soothingly and cradle the back of your head. You're pressed against his solid chest and he encourages you to lean against him though his heart thumps frantically against yours, and your sobs gradually come to a stop.

"...Leon?" you croak out, hiccuping slightly.

"Y-yes?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I-I'm okay."

"...Your heart is pounding really hard."

"I'm sorry, I can't seem to stop it."

As much as you wanted to smile, chuckle and sink further into his chest for you enjoy his comforting warmth, you untangle yourself from his grip and hang your head low.

"What's wrong?" he asks once more, but you shake your head.

"...Don't."

"Don't what?"

"That. Don't do that," you mumble, before you smother and wipe away your unsightly tears with the heel of your hand. Sucking raspy and shaky breaths, you glance at the sandwich but find you have no more appetite.

He's confused and he reaches for you but you rise from the bench to stand.

"...Leon, I think it's best if you stay away from me from now on."

He almost falls out of his seat with shock. Clearly he was not expecting that. “What?”

Offering no further explanation or follow up, you slink your hands into the pockets of your oversized hoodie and step away from him.

Immediately, Leon gets up to follow you without a second to spare; you didn’t realise how much of a fast walker you are as he attempts to catch up to you but you don’t slow down to let him catch up nor do you spare him a second glance and you end up trekking towards the fountain with the Champion at your heels.

“I’m sorry if I made you upset, if I overstepped any boundaries," Leon calls as he hurries after you, "please forgive me.”

"You did nothing wrong."

"Then why...?"

"I had a dream about my family," you reply, listening to the loud crunch as your boots step over the dirt and dried leaves, "and it made me remember just how bad and how complicated things are and now that I think about it, it wasn’t such a long time ago. I haven't made any progress and I can't let it happen again."

"Then let me help. I want to help you," he says, "I'll do everything I can. Tell me."

"No, you can't. And I’m serious. You don't understand. Stay away from me, Leon. It’s for your own good. You shouldn’t be associated with the likes of me anymore.”

A stern shake of his head is your response and you're not surprised he's determined not to heed your warning, and as you wander further away from him, picking up the pace, Leon speeds up and he’s almost at your side and you attempt to evade him by sidestepping away but he reaches forward as quickly as he can and you feel a gentle but firm tug on your hand.

Ultimately, you're brought to a stop.

Turning round, Leon has finally caught up to you, holding your hand tightly in his again.

You slide your gaze to your entwined hands, but this time he does not let go as he stops by your side.

“...No, don’t say that,” he murmurs.

He looks upset.

You've hurt him.

And it hurts you to tell him to stay away from you too, but you ball your fist and bite out, “People call me the ‘Witch of Wedgehurst’."

“I didn’t know.”

“And they think I’m cursed and bad luck.”

“That’s fear and superstition.”

He's still not getting the message. You wriggle free from his grip once more and abruptly turn away, making a beeline for the large tree that stands in the middle of the yard.

Unsurprisingly, Leon follows you, appearing to your left.

You glance away from him to the right.

So he heads to your right but you look to your left.

He trails you all the way to the tree which you circle and he’s trying to keep up. “You tell me to stay away but you let Jace help you," he says, "What makes me different?"

You complete a third lap around the tree yet Leon follows. "You're the Champion of Galar. If anything bad happened to you, I'd never forgive myself. And I messed up back there. I allowed an evil spirit to inhabit my body-“

“It took advantage, it tricked you.”

“Yes, and I could have hurt you if I hadn’t forced it out. I was…I was naïve to think that we….…never mind, you cannot be involved with me any further or else you’ll just get hurt.”

“Don’t say that,” he repeats, and you round the tree once again but instead of following you, Leon heads to the other direction so you end up meeting halfway and you stop when you almost smack into him nose-to-chest.

You blink and glance up, your gazes finally meeting and your heart thumps a tad harder by the close proximity, “Leon, you saw it with your own eyes."

"Yes, I did."

His face bears no cheery expression and perhaps for the first time since you have met, it worries you a little.

"Then I don’t understand why you’re still here and wanting to stay with me and talk to me. I don't want you to see these things. You're not supposed to, I wanted to keep you away from this, from the...from the evil and the darkness. It can destroy someone."

"What I saw and what happened at the art gallery doesn’t change my opinion of you.”

“Which is what???”

“That you’re the bravest person I know," he murmurs, "and I want to do everything I can to protect you. You've selflessly sacrificed yourself for me and I want you to know that I would do the same for you. I'd gladly do it again and again no matter what because I don't want to lose you. You're special to me."

You freeze, stunned.

Wrapping both of his large hands over yours, Leon firmly weaves your fingers together. The heat from his warm palms encompasses your small and fragile palm all over and successfully elicits another harsh thud of your heart. He brings your entwined hands to his chest, a gesture he'd done before and perhaps would do it again should you allow it.

“I may be Champion of Galar but don't treat me differently because of that," he mutters, "don't cast me aside."

Your eyes grow to the size of saucers and your heart lurches angrily against your ribs at his words and it certainly doesn't help as he proceeds to brush his thumbs all over your hand and knuckles.

“I want to protect you, so let me,” Leon murmurs, giving your hand another tight squeeze. “Please.”

His grip on you loosens when he realises how speechless you are but he does not let go of your hand just yet; his gaze dips briefly to your parted lips then to your eyes…then to your lips for a second time.

And it stays there.

Discovering that your feet are firmly rooted to the ground, you can only gawk and blink with muted shock. You cannot imagine how flushed you must look, and the heat on your cheeks is becoming unbearable... and it's all to do with him and what he just said.

Your lack of proper response prompts him to make another move, one that includes moving even closer to you until he is mere inches away. Instinctively, you back away from his approach but Leon steps forwards.

“…Leon?” you murmur, your voice barely above a whisper.

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, steels his nerves and looks deeply into your eyes before he squeezes your hand affectionately and your cheeks grow hotter than ever before as his gaze sweeps over your face. He settles onto your lips for a third time; his mouth moves but you didn't listen to what he had said.

Leon begins to lean forwards.

Eyes widening, your heart pounds viciously as Leon nears and nears; the gap between you gradually grows smaller and your lips are millimetres away and his eyelids slide until they’re half-closed.

Beyond your control, you turn your head to the side slightly and he anticipates your action, attempting to meet you, unwilling to allow the close proximity you are sharing to disappear. You retreat tentatively and bob your head to the other side and he does the same, his lips gravitating further towards you. He’s not letting you go.

His cheeks are fairly pink despite the darkness and he is beginning to sweat slightly as he continues to lean in until your noses touch. When the scruff of his beard scratches delicately against your chin, your body goes numb and your mind fogs all over: it's a clear indication that you’ve reached a certain closeness with the Champion which you didn’t think was possible.

To your utmost surprise and perhaps delight, he chooses to linger, his lips hovering over yours...

You can hear his heart thudding frantically.

For you.

Leon is just as nervous as you are.

However, your fingers are bearing the brunt of Leon’s nervousness as he clenches your hand firmly; they’re beginning to throb under his iron grip and you can't help but wonder if he knows what he's doing, if he's aware of what he's trying to do because it appears he’s trying to get it right, to find the best angle for his lips to meet yours - he must need someone to teach him, to lead him, to guide him...show him how it's done....you, perhaps...Either way, he's innocent and it never crossed your mind at all but now you don't think he's ever kissed anyone before and you're going to be his first kiss.

You swallow that growing lump in your throat as you wait for his mouth to come crashing down against yours, waiting for him to thoroughly capture your lips with his and he is about to as he closes his eyes and you follow his action. Your heart begins clamouring when you finally feel the light but cautious brush of his warm and soft lips gently grazing against yours.

However, a loud knock on the door forces the two of you to jolt and reopen your eyes and everything stops.

Oleana stands at the door with her hands gently clasped in front of her hips, a look of indifference on her pale face. Even at this hour, her hair and makeup are immaculate.

“Excuse me, Mr Champion….Chairman Rose is waiting for you in the car,” she says solemnly as you both hurriedly pull away, your hands parting.

She hardly bats an eyelid as to what she may or may not have just witnessed.

“A-ah, um, yes, t-thanks...” is Leon’s not so eloquent reply whilst you throw your shaky gaze to the side. You’re too nervous to look at him and you hear him cough into his fist loudly before he finally reasserts control over himself - his voice in particular - and he says, rather sternly, “Thank you, Oleana.”

Leon abruptly pulls the visor of his hat down to cover as much of his face as he can; he retreats from you and when you muster the courage to glimpse at him, you see the unabashed wobble of his bottom lip as he steps away.

He’s clearly upset by the interruption.

“G-goodbye,” Leon’s voice is muffled as he stutters behind his hat and he leaves the garden without a further word, joining Oleana’s side where he finally lets go of his snapback to reveal his face, which is red as a tamato berry.

He gives you one final sideways glance and quickly looks away when he realises you are staring too, his face reddening further. You watch them leave wordlessly before you trace your fingertip over your lips gently.

The relationship between you and the Champion has become far more intricate than you could have ever imagined.

…