Years ago…
“The housing market in this town is absolutely abysmal, beloved. Are you sure that we want to setup base here?”
“Absolutely. It’s where we first met and where we started our journey together. Steven did offer to gift us his villa, but can you truly image living in Sinnoh? Besides dear, being close by other little ones would be best for Matt.”
The little Vulpix in question squirmed in Sceptile’s arms. Tiny black eyes stared up as the white fox stretched out his forelegs. The softness in the grass lizard’s eyes belied his usual demeanor while a stick danced in his mouth just out of reach of grasping paws. Who knew that such a ferocious fighter would turn into the best of babysitters?
“Now Sceptile,” Lee explained for the third time that morning, “we left bottles in the warmer for Matt and his blanket and stuffy are in the crib.”
Lee pointedly ignored the eye-roll that followed.
“He gets fussy if you don’t rub his belly after a meal and don’t hesitate to give him to Medicham if you need to step away. I’ll be checking in now and again, so consider this your warning of my intrusions.”
Patient hissing, nods, and “Scep-tiles” came quickly after as Sceptile relayed back his instructions although the tapping foot betrayed his quickly diminishing patience. The lizard began to rock his arm cradling Matt and gestured with his other for the worried parents to take their leave.
“I guess that’s it then. I’ll let Birch know that we’re on our way out and meet you out front, Nine.”
Ninetales nodded and swayed out the door, a few stray tails brushing Lee’s arm in passing. Lee glanced back at his son and Pokemon and received a grunt of reassurance and another hand wave. Smiling in gratitude, Lee quietly shut the door behind them and made his way down the hall to the kitchen. Smells of coffee and bacon lingered in the air from breakfast while the crinkling sound of today’s edition of Little Root Gazette could be heard.
Nigel had been gracious enough to let Lee and Ninetales stay at his home for the last month, and Brendan had cleared out his old room in order to give the couple some space before departing on another assignment from the League. Luxray and Corviknight stayed at the Ranch by the Professor’s lab, where Corviknight had taken up residence as the new alpha keeping tabs and settling any disputes among the various other Pokemon. Sceptile usually joined them but had spent more time at the house lately while Lee searched for a place of their own.
Lee cleared his throat as he stepped into the room. “We’re off Nigel. Should be back around noon.”
The Pokemon Professor looked up from his article with a grin. “Looking at the old Robertson place today?”
“That’s right.”
“Well good luck and don’t let that smarmy git of a realtor talk up the place too much. Old man Robertson hadn’t gotten around to hiring anyone to fix up the place before his passing, so I’m sure there’s going to be a decent amount of work involved.”
“Thanks Nigel, appreciate the advice.”
“See you this evening then, we’ll grab dinner…hopefully in celebration of your new home.”
The two traded wry grins as Lee turned to exit.
“Oh, and Lee? Stop by the lab when you get back, I’ve got a proposal that needs your opinion.”
“That right? Is it about that Z-Energy experiment we were discussing last night?”
“Nope! Something else came up, but we’ll talk about it later.”
“Sure thing Nigel.”
ĦĦĦĦĦĦĦĦĦĦĦĦĦĦ
Nigel was right. He is a “smarmy git”. Ninetales’ displeasure was roiling and bleeding over onto Lee’s end of their connection. Over the last hour, Little Root’s only realtor had largely refused to acknowledge her existence and had directed all of his questions and answers to Lee. In the slimy bastard’s eyes, Ninetales may as well not exist, and Lee’s money was the only object that mattered.
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He really can’t take a hint, can he, love? Lee was kneeling down under the sink in the upstairs bathroom inspecting what was obviously water damage. I keep redirecting him to you but it’s been…not effective.
Oh please, no more meta jokes Lee. I simply cannot handle it at the moment. If we weren’t thinking to buy the place I’d just torch it and hold him inside while I did it. An audible growl escaped Ninetales’ lips as her teeth gnashed at nothing.
Woah, woah, woah there beloved. I know he’s aggravating but isn’t that a bit too violent? Let’s reign in the mystical, vengeful deity side of you and focus on the good parts of today. The master bedroom is in remarkably good shape with its own bathroom and walk-in closet. There’s a massive backyard with a Pecha tree that Corvi will love and the walk to town was much better than we anticipated. Everyone basically gets their own room and with a few upgrades the kitchen will be more than passable.
Ninetales’ bristled a bit, tails lashing back and forth. You mean after we gut just about all of the kitchen. You’d think a Grimer had been living in there for the smell and discoloration. Those walls are NOT supposed to be yellow.
Alright, but once it’s fixed up we’ll have ourselves quite a place. I know you can see my vision.
Ninetales had to agree on that point. The reading nook just off the dining room and what could be an office space overlooking the overgrown backyard were an unexpected plus. She could already picture Matt running in the backyard being chased by a concerned father.
It does check all the boxes… A smirk and a wink came quickly after.
No. We talked about this. Or I’ll start calling it your vixenhood again.
You wouldn’t dare! Ninetales sent a reassuring wave to her husband as the teasing had sapped most of the anger away. The pair spent a moment together, their minds twining in a space that was only theirs. Away from the moldy house, frustrating realtors, and the rest of the world. Savoring the moment and in the hope of a settled life together.
“You alright up there? Come on down to the foyer and we’ll talk numbers!” came the salesman’s oily voice.
With sighs and reassurance between them, man and Pokemon headed back downstairs to their latest battle.
“So, what’d ya think, Mr. Henson?”
Ninetales eyed the realtor again as she settled by Lee’s right side. Rick Ford was dressed in an open blue blazer and untucked white dress shirt. Jeans and walking shoes completed his apparel. Ninetales could see the sweat stains on the collar of Ford’s shirt and she frowned in distaste. Rick Ford’s Rattata preened itself nearby.
“Well, it certainly needs a good amount of work before we’d consider it livable…and we’ve slept in many a hostel to compare it with.”
“Sure, sure, it’s a little dirty but think of the space! You could setup quite the pad here and it’s only 15 minutes away from the good Professor’s laboratory!” Rick’s arms opened wide as he gestured about the place.
“What do you think, Nine?”
“Well, I think that it’s almost perfect.”
“See? Your Pokemon agrees!” came the laugh.
Ninetales eyes narrowed. Oh, now he acknowledges me.
As Lee turned to correct the salesman on their relationship, Ninetales could feel her inner fire rise to the occasion. Her cheeks felt hot and her tails just wouldn’t listen to her and stay still. The sun streaming in through the front blinds began to increase as she felt the same anticipation that came just before a Pokemon battle. Shadows and light passed over Lee’s face and
Fire.
Fire.
FIRE.
SKIN BOILING
FLESH MELTING
BONES SPLINTERING.
THE WORLD TURNING TO ASH.
Raw fear slammed into Ninetales’ consciousness as her husband reeled back in an uncontrolled sob. Lee’s eyes were dilated as they stared directly at the window blinds.
Beloved? DEAR! We’re safe! We’re in Hoenn looking at what may be our new home! You have a team that loves you and a son at Nigel’s waiting for us to come back. I’m here and I will not let anything harm you. You are safe. I will never hurt you.
Ninetales grasped at Lee’s emotions, soothing and rocking them as she cursed inwardly at herself. She could feel his panic slipping, but she needed to remove distractions and the cause of her Drought ability activating. She whirled on the shocked realtor and snarled, her eyes sparking in a brilliant rose. Ghostly flames fanned out among her aureate tails.
“YOU. GET OUT. I need to attend to my husband and you are in the way.”
Rick Ford scooped up his Rattata as they both scrabbled out the door.
Turning back to Lee, Ninetales continued to pull and massage at Lee’s feelings. Recalling how as a Vulpix she had soothed him, Ninetales sent wave after wave over the link.
Trust.
Support.
Empathy.
Loyalty.
Companionship and love. Always.
Shadows dimmed as Drought subsided. Lee’s breathing became even as he steadied himself physically and emotionally on Ninetales. His hands were cold upon Ninetales’ coat as he sucked in a shuddered breath. That’s right, beloved, slowly. Breathe. I’m here and I’m sorry. Worry and self-loathing were mixed with appreciation and love as Lee’s breathing returned to normal. Ninetales’ husbands eyes closed and she felt him center himself around her.
That was unexpected, love. I thought I had gotten over this. Ninetales wrapped herself around Lee, feeling his returned embrace as he sank to the floor exhausted. Not your fault. You remembered how you got your distinctive scars thanks to my blunder. Lee shook his head and gazed into Ninetales’ eyes. Not yours either.
They settled into each other for another long moment before Lee spoke again.
Damn. I’m just about ready to say fuck this place. Arceus damned venetian blinds are all it takes to undo years of therapy.
Ninetales pulled her husband’s gaze back to her face. We’ll get curtains, love. Those things would never stay up for me anyhow.
Lee chuckled softly. HA. I bet this’ll throw Rick off his game. You think we could talk him down 50,000 or so?
I think lower dear. Quite positive he will have a phobia of foxes from here on out.
Nine?
Yes Lee?
I love you.
And I you.