kaisou | ☆ // counting stars

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☆ // counting stars

WHO: Waver + Diarmuid
WHERE: Kanto
WHEN: nebulously early September
WHAT: Neither of them know it's a date.
WARNINGS: None likely.

[In the nebulous period between late summer and early fall, the sunlight was warm and the breeze cool through the expanse of grassy field and town ruins ahead. Moralltach ran in circles through the grass, tail wiggling excitedly and rings glowing gold even in the early afternoon light.]

It's not that bad here. Apart from the insane wildlife and the complete lack of people, both of which are probably alarming.

[Waver shrugged with one shoulder--dressed in more loosely fitting casual clothes, coil of wire hanging off his wrist like a bracelet as he rubbed the back of his neck.]

But...it's quiet, and not the worst place to take a break so long as we tread a little carefully. What do you think, interested in taking a look around?

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[Something of a conflicting sight, wasn't it? On the one hand, Diarmuid was certainly someone who was used to wilderness and wild foliage to the point of a preference almost. Especially in light of two recent jumps in eras. On the other, this place clearly once had people who thrived who were long gone, making it a sad sight.

Still a sight he was eager to explore. Dwelling upon this land's past would not restore it, and he felt more optimistic towards the future with Waver by his side. How could he not smile? By now he's long since gotten his own set of more casual attire, but a notable pendant around his neck would probably never leave again.

He gave a nod.]

I would be delighted to. Though, I believe you are the one best fit to lead having been here before. [A laugh.] Moralltach seems just as eager to do so.

Of course. I didn't go particularly far, but I think I can remember the way well enough.

[Moralltach stopped at hearing his name, turning back and wagging his tail excitedly.]

Although...I can't very well lead without support. [Waver held out his hand, tilting his head with a smile.] Shall we?

[He nodded to the newly evolved Umbreon as well, glad to see him energetic as always.]

You will have mine every step, as always. [It went without saying, but he would say it with pride nonetheless. As well as with a smile radiant as he thought the man before him was. It felt freeing to admit that to himself, and to take Waver's hand in his own with a light squeeze.]

Lead and I will follow.

Oh, that I've never doubted for an instant.

[He tugged gently on Diarmuid's hand with an enthusiastic smile, starting off down the path with a cheerful Umbreon skipping along a few steps ahead.]

[It was good seeing Waver smile this much. Better to know if Diarmuid was the one to provide it. Protecting his Master was its own privilege, seeing him gladly take lead in this new but small adventure was a delightful bonus.

Waver was the one leading, but Diarmuid still walked right by his side. Not a step behind. While his focus was on this man he's so fond of as they strolled through the foliage and remnants of civilization, his guard was ever present towards each rustle of grass from the many odd creatures about.

This was their territory, but he didn't know what he was dealing with here. If Waver's Umbreon was any indication, they seemed intelligent enough to mind their business so long as travelers extended the same courtesy.]

How much do you know of this region outside of the Pokemon that roam about?

Hm...not a whole lot, honestly. I don't know what exactly happened to it, for example--just that it fell to something and the wildlife's all that's left. I know it shares a name with a region of Japan, though whether that's coincidence or some weird universal similarity is beyond me as well. Last I was aware, Nightroad and a few others were working on drawing up a proper map of the realm that might illuminate the matter, but that's no small undertaking.

[He shrugged, looking briefly to Moralltach who slowed down to walk at his other side at the rustle of some grass--whatever it was seemed to think better of jumping out with that being the case.]

In other words, 'basically nothing'.

So it was mostly uncharted territory until recently. [Save for the name similarity. Many locations shared a name, though considering the nature of this new world Diarmuid was reluctant to chalk it up to coincidence. Interesting.

Also his eyes were just as on the rustling grass as Moralltach. Once is nothing, twice is given a watchful eye and a third time was being watched or followed.]

Yeah--you'd probably have to ask somebody in POKEGO for more details than that. I can't say I know anything about the history or geography, just that it's a quiet and only midlly dangerous place to spend a day.

...Maybe closer to 'moderately'.

I see. [Another grass shuffle. That's strike two, Diarmuid's eyes are peeled even as they start further down the path, the view of a ruined city on the horizon. On occasion he'd picked a berry or two, ones he recognized either other Pokemon having denizens of Kaisou feed to theirs or ones that Moralltach took brief interest in.]

A 'moderate' level of danger is as nothing compared to what we've quelled in the past. The Pokemon appear to respect one another's space and ours so far. [Except for whatever is possibly stalking them.]

Same as most wildlife. I'm not particularly worried about it, but a little caution isn't unwarranted.

[Moralltach growled at the rustling grass before falling back into step, ears pinned back and red eyes sharp. Do you mind, we're having a nice day here.]

I'd certainly prefer annoyed animals over something consciously wanting to kill me, so that's already an improvement.

Naturally. [Rustle number three. They are absolutely being watched, but so is whatever is hiding in the shrub. Bit rude of it, innit?]

One of them clearly saw fit to follow us around. It ought to be more subtle in what tactics it uses. [Said stopping and addressing whatever Pokemon was stalking them directly.

As if on queue, before them stopping their path was a little blue, bipedal creature with red, sharp eyes and its hands up in what looked like a boxing stance. Made more clear by the fact that it did, in fact, start shadowboxing at them.]

Oh.

...Be careful. I think it can smell fear. [Said in the half-exasperated tone of one both not sure what they were looking at and also trying very hard not to laugh.]

[Moralltach looked from Waver to the Riolu in front of them, and lacking instruction opted to simply stand in front of him warily.]

I have to commend the spirit, at least.

We'll have to stay vigilant against such a formidable foe. [Said summoning his preferred Crimson lance, spinning it overhead with one hand then jokingly brandishing it far out of reach but still towards the little Riolu.

Well, half jokingly. He wouldn't harm any of the creatures here, but nor would he disrespect what was clearly a genuine challenge!

The display maybe made the Riolu flinch, but it wasn't going to give up! In fact, it started boxing even faster with a little bark!! Put up 'em!!]

I respect your resolve. You face Diarmuid ua Duibhne, first of the Fianna. And who might my opponent be? [Another bark from the Riolu!! Come at him, string bean!! The young Pokemon seems very specifically fixated on Diarmuid now.]

I'm positively overcome with fear. Trembling at such a display of power.

[And very calmly sitting down in the grass, petting Moralltach's head.]

Surely my life is forfeit unless a valorous knight can protect me.

You have no need to fear with me by your side. [The fact that he's saying this with all his heart and soul in this kind of situation.]

Make your move, honorable opponent. [Said not making a move himself, but the Riolu on the other hand is going to BOLT straight to Diarmuid!! Yaaagh!! And throw a punch at his leg!! That while surprisingly strong for a little dude is barely a love tap.

Then just stand in front of him. Look up expectantly. Then bark once again.]

Ha, underestimating your foe is a fool's errand. You've left yourself wide open! [AND HERE COMES THE DESCISIVE STRIKE!! A head pat.]

[...Goddamnit he was cute when he was earnest. Which, Waver had to acknowledge, was all the damn time.]

A crushing defeat, as expected of my knight. But that was quite the effort by a brave enemy combatant.

Indeed. My opponent gave the best effort possible. With time I may well be surpassed. [And here he was, still patting the head while the Riolu was resisting really liking it because headpats nice... but also it lost so hmph!]

Don't be so distraught, my little adversary. [He gave Waver a curious look at he spoke.]

Perhaps one day when you've had more training, we could have a rematch? [Oop, that's an interested perk up from the Riolu and now it was also looking at Waver and Moralltach.]

[Waver leaned his head on his hand with a smile he barely bothered to try hiding, rolling his eyes in mock annoyance. Sitting beside him, Moralltach thumped his tail excitedly on the ground.]

We're going to need a bigger apartment at this rate. But who am I to turn away such a promising disciple?

[Then again, between selling phoenix feathers and literally creating gemstones, that wasn't so crazy an idea.]

[God knows it wouldn't be done on a teacher's salary.]

Excellent. And what say you? [He looked back at the Riolu who still acted sour from the defeat. But none the less eagerly stood at Diarmuid's side rather than against him. One day, Mr. Strong Aura!]

Well, there you have it.

The things I do for people, I swear. I'm going to get a reputation as a pushover one of these days.

[With a long-suffering sigh of utter defeat, Waver pulled himself back to his feet and dusted himself off. Moralltach, meanwhile, crept closer to their new friend with twitching ears and the sounds of inquisitive sniffing.]

Come on, we'll probably find a capsule for the little guy somewhere in town. That's where I got Moralltach's, anyway.

[HMM SNFSNFSNFSNF... an Evolved Pokemon, maybe the other guy was ALSO strong! While those two got acquainted, Diarmuid chuckled.]

You are kinder than you usually show. [No one teach Dia what a Tsundere is, because he'll use the knowledge for evil (affectionate).]

Sounds like a plan. He'll need to be comfortable. And he'll need a name as well. [Not that it would be hard to think of one was his thought giving Waver a bit of a teasing smile.]

[Deadpan:] I am a coldhearted bastard who has no idea what you mean.

[...Who was also starting to turn just a little red as the meaning behind that smile set in. It did admittedly make sense, so-]

Well...can't have one without the other, right?

Truly, the coldest man alive. Frigid as the Summer Solstice. [You're not fooling anyone, Waver.]

Exactly. Beagalltach, it is then. Does that sound acceptable to you? [Said to the Riolu who seemed to like the sound of that if his pleased bark was any indicator.]

As friendly as a hedgehog.

...But I think that's a good name. Just as passionate and furious as his new friend.

I'm glad to have your approval and his. With that passion and some time, he will become a great warrior by my side. [And more importantly, he'll have a home.]

Don't be too grateful just yet, you're going to help me find a new apartment. [With a playful and comically ineffective shove to the shoulder.]

[Considering Diarmuid barely moved yeah it didn't work but here he was, still amused and setting a hand on Waver's shoulder.]

This may be my most arduous task yet. [~~He jokes but apartment hunting sure do be like~~]

It'll be a proper nightmare, but I'm confident we're up to the task.

[He smirked, putting an arm around Diarmuid's waist and leaning a little closer.]

[...Then pausing. Because obviously, he wasn't about to do anything of the sort without making sure:]

Could I kiss you?

[Oh heavens, what a shame. What a mountain to surpass.

The hand on Waver's shoulder turned into an arm over them while his other hand brushed Waver's loose bangs behind his ear.]

You don't need to ask. In fact, I'd love for you to.

Maybe not, but I like to be sure.

[And since he was entirely sure given that confirmation, Waver leaned in for a brief kiss colored by a smile he didn't dare try to hold back.]

[Both short kiss and smile were gladly returned, endlessly appreciated and deeply loved.]

I know, thank you. [He really never could thank Waver enough. For thinking of him and how he felt.]

[Waver laughed softly, leaning his forehead against Diarmuid's.]

It's...important. I need it to be clear that you know none of this is an obligation on either side. So I'll ask a thousand times, just in case the answer's ever different.

[Far be it for him to decline the contact. He ran a hand through the strands of Waver's hair that were brushed away.]

And I swear that I will be honest if it is different. [A soft laugh of his own.] Even though it will almost always be yes, I'll always make my answer clear. That it's my desire.

...okay. Then I'm happy with that. For as long as you are--because that's all I want.

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☆ // counting stars

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