002 | Cherrygrove City | Action;

[usedlaserbeam]

[After a productive (but admittedly somewhat boring) five hours of work sorting and filing papers at the Cherrygrove Pokémon Center, it's finally time for Yagyuu to head for home--or at least, for the room at the Cherrygrove Inn he's been sharing with Kirihara-kun since they both arrived in the city yesterday. He'd gladly work longer hours if they'

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action.

[usedlaserbeam]

[ The Flygon alone would've been more than enough to wrench Yagyuu's attention away from his breeding manual as it came to a smooth and unavoidable landing in front of his path, but it's the three familiar figures (two far more familiar than the third) seated on its back that really make his breath catch.

It shouldn't be as moving as it is, perhaps, to see them all in front of him. He knew they were here. He's already encountered Kirihara-kun. He's seen them just about every day of his life for the past three years. It's certainly not as though they're unexpected or unfamiliar. But it's more than just his teammate this time, it's his captain, his partner. And at the moment, there's no one he'd wanted to see more.

Which is part of the reason why he has to hide a smile as Niou's punch connects, unhindered, with his arm. It seems he's not the only one who's happy to see his partner, after all.

(But he doesn't rub it, either, because that would be like letting Niou win.) ]I probably deserved that, having kept you waiting so long. Hello

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[usedlaserbeam]

Don't dye it.

[The imperative slips out almost before he realizes he's said it, and it takes him an uncharacteristic second to recover after it does.]

That would be too much.

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[futariniousama]

[ Niou's eyebrows shoot up, and he doesn't bother trying to disguise or excuse his surprise. This slip-up was Yagyuu's. ]

Would it, now?

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[usedlaserbeam]

[He shrugs a little, now back in control, but he's watching Niou carefully from behind his glasses.]

It's fine the way it is.

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[futariniousama]

[ Maybe so, and Niou wouldn't necessarily disagree, except on principle. He dislikes being told what to do, with a single exception in the case of Yukimura. Yagyuu is his partner, his temper reminds him, not someone to instruct or command, and while he may lead the way to trouble often enough, Niou follows of his own accord.

The delight in seeing Yagyuu again makes it easier to assuage the irritation, and after a few moments of silence, Niou just shrugs. ]

Yeah, I guess.

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[usedlaserbeam]

[It's strange that such a comparatively meaningless thing should bother him the way it does, but it's a feeling he can't quite make himself shake. An unknown house, an abrupt new destiny, a world full of Pokemon, a threat like bugs that can steal one's soul--the past few days have been nothing but unpredictability and change, and it's wound him tight as a result. He's been left to look for familiarity in the little things, and petty or not, the thought of surrendering one of them is grating.]

I'm glad to see you, Niou-kun.

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[futariniousama]

[ Yagyuu's admission, a little unexpected, softens Niou's expression somewhat. He glances over his shoulder before he looks back at his partner, then down at his feet. When he speaks, his voice is quiet, but it's another moment before he answers, because answering means facing the last six months, which are - inexplicably - suddenly terrifying. ]

... Yeah. ... You, too.

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[usedlaserbeam]

[He lets the moment hang, leaving the silence to linger as their mutual admissions settle between them. They're still in the open, with the public venue still posing a certain hindrance to any discussion, but more and more the unspoken things are beginning to seep through. It's a moment he's loath to break, but sooner or later it has to end, and he does it quietly and smoothly.]

You must be tired after coming such a long way. Would you like to follow me back to the inn and relax someplace more comfortable?

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[futariniousama]

[ From anyone else, or even from Yagyuu at any other time, Niou would have seized the opportunity to turn that into a pickup line. He's tempted, even now, but he resists. Instead, he picks up a nonchalant look, shoving his hands in his pockets. ]

Yeah, it's a fuck of a walk.

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[usedlaserbeam]

[The fact that Niou doesn't take advantage of such an easy opportunity--albeit one Yagyuu only catches in retrospect--earns him a slight, sidelong glance. But Yagyuu simply nods without comment, adjusting his backpack once more before beginning to lead the way toward the inn.]

You'll have to tell me all about it.

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[futariniousama]

Wasn't all that excitin'. Basically wiped out anything that could keep up with me. Wore the hell outta my Ditto, I'm pretty sure.

[ He falls into step just behind Yagyuu and slightly to his right, still looking around idly. He's sure his uncharacteristic silence didn't go unnoticed, but he figures if Yagyuu plans to prey on it, he'll do it when they're alone. ]

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[usedlaserbeam]

[He almost says "I'm flattered you hurried", but as soon as the thought crosses his mind, he abruptly quashes it. After half a year of separation, he would've run without stopping, too.]

And no problems with soul-stealing bugs? I'm relieved for that.

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[futariniousama]

Nah. Caught as many of 'em as I saw comin' down here, but they're no trouble. They run before they fight.

Anyway, you've gotta have a soul to get it stolen, yeah? [ He grins briefly. ] Already sold mine.

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[usedlaserbeam]

Fortunately, its lack hasn't been detrimental to your charm.

[There, now that's a bit more like the Niou he remembers.]

And how much did you get for it, again?

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[futariniousama]

[ He pivots on the ball of his foot and takes three quick, graceful steps back until he's in front of Yagyuu, walking backward, and he spreads his arms demonstratively with a bolder grin than before. ]

A world of talent, baby. The charm's all-natural.

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[usedlaserbeam]

[A touch amused, Yagyuu doesn't bother to adjust or slow his pace; he simply keeps advancing at his natural speed and stride, glancing behind Niou every so often to ensure they're not about to walk into a tree or building in the process.]

Ah, so that's where you learned your tricks? I'd always wondered.