Ikigai - "A reason for Being."
In Brazil, June 12th is Couple's Day, a day to spend with that special other and just be closer to them. In Honor to this day, I bring Larry and Kabu (they are my fathers).
Mood: Made in Japan - Buck Owens.
Author's Note: This might not be good, since I kinda speedrun this, I really just wanted to write about them. Yet, I hope all who read this enjoy it as much as I did. Happy June 12th, Feliz Dia dos Namorados. ❤️
With how long had he been working for the league, he expected to at least be used to it.
Larry sighed as he tried to fix his posture for the ninth time, rubbing the back of his neck. His entire body feeling as if he was carrying a Tinkaton on his shoulders.
His steps were slow, the dirt crunching under him as he walks around Medali, towards his favorite restaurant. He had just returned from Mesagoza, having been kept longer in the League Headquarters by his boss.
Stopping in front of Treasure Eatery, he rolled his head slowly, taking in the smell of freshly made rice ball, a tiny smile already creeping on his face before his eyes widened as he opened the door.
That familiar voice, a person he hoped, and prayed, to see once again after leaving the region of Pasio.
Looking up, there he was. The bright and ever-burning Galar fire gym leader, dressed as casual as he could, his Centirskorch sitting beside him, both ending with a large bowl of noodle soup.
The waitress beside him looked up at the door, her eyes blinking a bit at the sight of Larry before she welcomed him warmly, already walking to prepare his order. Kabu looked over his shoulder, his eyes shining a tad at the sight of his taller companion, giving him a bright smile as he called Larry to join him.
The salaryman fixed his tie, sitting in front of the Hoennian man, giving him a soft nod.
Kabu hummed quietly as he stared the man, knowing what is going in his mind but not knowing how to ask. With a chuckle, Kabu offered him one of his rice balls, his smile brightening as he explains why he was in Paldea of all places.
Deciding for a small break, the fire gym leader decided to surprise his newest and closest partner, visiting his most loved restaurant.
“I'm also a bit intrigued.” Kabu commented, looking around the restaurant as the two of them munched on their food. Centiskorch and Dudunsparce playing on the floor.
“In Galar, all Gyms are in large Stadiums, and yours is in a restaurant. I guess you don't have the worries of a Dyna or Gigantamax.” The shorter man joked, looking at Larry.
Their eyes meeting for just a brief minute, yet sharing that same interest they had when they first met.
At the past, it was common for Larry to avoid romance. It wasn't pratical. And he doubted anyone would be interested in such a boring person like himself. Yet, the fire behind Kabu's eyes weren't competitive, nor were they aggressive. They burned for the elite four member. A strong yet comforting warm.
It doesn't matter how tired Larry felt earlier that day, just looking at the man in front of him felt rejuvenating. Allowing himself to give even the smallest of smiles, Larry nodded, his hand resting just some inches away from Kabu's own hand.
Both middle-aged men enjoyed such silence, comforting, no words needed to be shared as their fingers grazed, their skins feeling warm and cold. So perfectly balanced, as if the universe itself had prepared one for another.
Coughing in his hand, a bit timid as a light shade of pink appeared in his cheeks, Kabu stood up, picking up one of his Pokéballs.
“Well, Mr. Larry. We are in a Gym, aren't we?” He commented, looking at the taller man, whose expression now showed only confusion as he nodded.
With his smile softening, Kabu stretched his arm towards the salaryman, the Pokéball firm on his palm.
“Would you like a battle?”
Such a question, Larry was used to it, yet this time, it felt different. The fire-specialist's eyes still held that same warmth, that same love from just moments prior. It wasn't a simple battle request, it held a more significant meaning, one that Larry understood perfectly.
One that, if- No, when asked properly, the answer would stay the same.
