"My, you are one brave little chime to be taking care of such an egg. If you would accept, I would give you my blessing in hopes that you may safely bring the little one to its destination." The Lugia offered, having stopped in his travels to asses the egg he had sensed. And it was indeed what he thought it was. "Given how precious this cargo is, I'd even offer to help take you to its destination. Quite the important little one that will be to the ocean."
“Ah, a Mewtwo in the company of a Regigigas? That sounds like it would make for an interesting story. Care to share?” The Lugia asks as he approaches the two in his curiosity.
"You know, I never did get what Unown were about." The Lugia remarked, rubbing his chin and looking very curiously at the Unown "The ruins of Alph where your kind are often found have eluded even myself. Care to explain your purpose, o N shaped pokemon?"
(N spun around as they tried to think) I BELIEVE THE WORD "ACOLYTE" WAS THROWN AROUND? THE STUDIES OF A LYCANROC HAD LEAD ME TO BELIEVE WE WERE POSSIBLY ACOLYTES TO A KEYMASTER. ONE OF THE LIKES WE DO NOT EVEN KNOW OF. ALTHOUGH OUR RUINS HAVE BEEN TIED TO A RIFT IN WHICH LEADS UNTO SINJOH FALLS. BUT I AM UNAWARE WHAT LIES THERE, THOUGH PERHAPS PREDECESSORS OF MYSELF MAY KNOW MORE?
(N continued to tax their mind) IF IT INTERESTS YOU TO KNOW, IN THE TIME I COME FROM, THE RUINS OF ALPH ARE SADLY NO MORE. THERE IS ONLY DISTORTION. DISTORTION FAR GREATER THAN THE LAST GIRATINA HAS EVER HAD TO DEAL WITH. BUT ALAS, THAT IS A FATE DESTINED FOR MANY MILLENNIA FROM NOW. OR PERHAPS IF WE ARE LUCKY, IT IS A FATE NOT EVEN MEANT TO BE SEEN WITHIN THIS PARTICULAR TIMELINE OR UNIVERSE. AS FOR NOW, MY LIFE PATH CURRENTLY SEES ME WITHIN THE HOUSEHOLD OF A TEENAGE GREEDENT AND HIS PARENTS. BUT HE IS BY FAR STILL A BETTER LANDLORD THAN THE MIMIKYU WHO RULES OVER OUR DISTORTION.
Zhen grimaced, rubbing his back as he rose, "It isn't my type of thing," he whispered. He never had been the center of attention for any public occasion. The thought of being in front of many was nerve-wracking. "I'm doing it for Hikori if anything else. I'll set aside my discomfort for him."
"But… I appreciate it. You promising to show that is." His smile was genuine this time, golden eyes shimmering. "Maybe it won't be so bad this time around. Show the kids a thing or two about Ho-ohs. Enjoy the new human food that is to offer or something. " He began to ramble, trying to warm up to the idea.
He had to make an impression on the young ones. Their minds could be easily swayed by the elders and he would prefer to deal with less opposition in future. Their innocence reminded him so much of Hikori that he felt all the more motivated at the small thought of storytelling, eyes livening.
"Gotta turn this around somehow. Maybe this is it."
He shook his head, chuckling as he rubbed his jaw. "Just talking to myself Gin. You know how it is. But really I should get going. I have to prepare… but before I go."
He wrapped his arm around Ginjiro's shoulders, grinning from ear to ear. "I know you have a secret stashed somewhere. How about a little something before I go?" He teased. "Just for old time sake's?"
(( Mod note: Keep in mind the following isn't Canon yet but this is all for fun and joy and I must subject ALL of you to my whims ))
Ginjiro stroked a finger delicately under Zhen's chin with a smile of satisfaction at the man's quivering response. "Would I ever steer you wrong, Zhen?" It was common tradition between the both of them to get underneath each other's skin.
For now, Zhen allowed Gin to one up him in this instance, tightly folding his arms across his chest. "No," he muttered. Ignoring the surge of heat in his cheeks, he continued, "But I have no idea why you were so damn insistent on this place in particular." He tried his best to keep his voice down, careful to keep himself out of the way as a couple cheered before rushing inside.
Zhen remained hesitant to enter. The inviting sounds of rough housing and banter emitting from within beckoned to a part of him he desperately tried to ignore. A past he no longer wanted to visit.
Robust laughter, the sound of glass clinking together in celebration.
Zhen winced at the memory, his heart uneasy. He brushed it aside, focusing his sight on the huge grin Ginjiro bore.
Focus on the present, not the past.
But he never would have pegged Ginjiro to be interested in this location. "I figured you were too much of a prude to be found even ten feet from here."
Gin appeared disgruntled. "I am not such a prude to not recognize good taste," he denied. "Tell me. Do you not smell it?"
Curiosity got the better of him. He leaned in, taking a tentative sniff. A distinct woodsy scent accompanied by the sea wafted in the air. "Hinoki?" His nose wrinkled. It was nothing extraordinary. It was commonly used in most buildings but admittedly he relaxed slightly, tension ebbing away from his shoulders.
"No!" Excitedly, Ginjiro placed his hands upon Zhen's shoulders. "The scent of the sea! It's ungadon, Zhen! That's what we're here for!"
Zhen brows furrowed. "Not to drink then?" He couldn't help the disappointment seeping into his voice.
"Of course we can partake of a drink! But you need a new experience, my friend. Broaden your horizon! I am sure your palette has hardly shifted except the times we have gone together."
Ginjiro had a point Zhen was unwilling to admit. It was rare that Zhen frequently went out. When he did, he often got distracted with other tasks or other things of importance.
Touched, Zhen sucked in a deep breath. "Let's get this over with," he murmured.
"Don't you worry." Ginjiro placed his arm around Zhen's shoulder. He smiled softly, his eyes filled with delight. "I will be right with you every step of the way."
Zhen averted his gaze, feeling his heart squeeze slightly at the sight. "Yeah yeah…" Brows knitting together, rubbing his palm over his heart curiously.
Gin encouraged him, guided him inside.
The atmosphere hit him immediately. It was filled with warmth and laughter. Men and women alike enjoyed each other's company as they enjoyed food and drink. All the while the chefs of the establishment put on quite a show, displaying their refined skills as they expertly cut food in fine portions. The enthusiasm was catchy. Zhen found a slight smile teasing at his lips.
"You weren't kidding." The food was tantalizing; the smell of smoke and spice teased at his stomach. It was the hint of sweetness that drew him.He couldn't peel his eyes away from the finely coated graze gently brushed along the undagon at one of the many tables.
"See old friend." Gin gave his shoulder a small squeeze. "Trust in my words."
"Okay, okay. I hate that you have two up on me as it is," Zhen playfully shoved off his hand. Gin's touch had a way of inciting something within him. It left him confused, unable to process what exactly it was…
"Last I recalled, it was three," Ginjiro smirked.
"Listen here." Zhen tapped his finger on Gin's chest. "We don't count that last one. It was a draw, ya hear me?"
Grasping ahold of his hand, Ginjiro leaned down, his voice husky. "I hear you loud and clear."
The hell. His heart thumped loudly against his chest as Ginjiro withdrew slowly, pleased with the sight of Zhen's wide eyed gaze. "Now it is three," he murmured, softly squeezing Zhen's hand. Some part of him admired his boldness, the other nervous.
But it was unmistakable, the charged energy between the two. It was difficult to ignore. He was beginning to fall more and more for this man at his side, his hand slightly returning the pressure back.
Releasing his hand, Ginjiro gestured towards one of the many tables. "Take your pick. I do suggest being closer to the center to see the chefs at work."
Shrugging, he took the advice, finding a table closer to the action. As he sat, he noticed Ginjiro slightly miffed as he sat across. "Gin?"
"I wanted to pull the chair out for you."
Laughing, Zhen rested a hand beneath his chin. "And here I thought chivalry was dead." Touched, he smiled softly, relaxing.
For a moment, he thought he spied something swimming in the depths of Gin's eyes. Desire? Nervousness? Fondness. A small smile spread across his lips, rarely straying from Zhen for much too long. Something Zhen never paid too much attention to but now in front of him, it was evident across his features.
"It is only proper. I did request you come with me. On a date."
It truly sunk in then for him. This was a date. With Ginjiro. He felt the color rise in his cheeks. "I haven't done this before," he admitted quietly. He sought through his memories, searching for one instance. Any that could help him. He came up empty.
Reaching beneath the table, Gin found Zhen's hand. "It is a new experience. But we aren't doing anything different than what we were before."
His words were sincere. It did feel similar but Zhen would be foolish to deny the unhidden adoration now in Ginjiro's gaze. "It feels different." The new discovery of blossoming love. Delicate but fresh. It was raw and he was still getting used to it. "But yeah," Zhen gave a half smile. "It is the same."
Ginjiro beamed, the silver in his skin shimmering in the dim glow. Rubbing circles into Zhen's hand, he gently squeezed. "I only had my eyes upon you, my heart. I finally see that now."
His heart lurched at the endearment. "Stop being so suave. I'm trying to focus on the food."
Ginjiro's voice dropped an octave, his voice that of a melody, "Playing difficult now, Zhen? Once we finish here and find a place of seclusion, allow me to demonstrate how a Lugia courts their mate."
~
Zhen roused, struggling to keep alert as the unconsciousness threatened to drag him back under. "Mmm.." He felt warmth, his head resting against softness. A soft timbre tempting him back to slumber. "Gin..?"
"Finally awake?"
His eyes came into focus, the familiar features of Ginjiro coming into view. His expression was unreadable, eyes never wavering.
"What happened?" Last he remembered was chasing the savory taste of ungadon with a drink. It still lingered, sweet and spice.
Hands framed his face, fingers slowly lacing through his hair. "You had a bit too much. I carried you back."
Feeling vulnerable in this position, he attempted to rise only for Ginjiro to firmly keep him in place. "You need to rest," his voice held a hint of command.
It was a tone Zhen couldn't argue much against. "I ruined it, didn't I?" He said quietly, suddenly afraid.
Seeing the fear in his eyes, Ginjiro immediately cupped his face, adamant. "Of course not! Why would I ever believe you did?"
"I let the drinking get to me," he groaned. He discovered he was having too much fun in Gin's presence, the memories flooding back. The soft exchange between the both, the excitement of sharing food and drink. Their eyes had rarely wavered from each other as they engaged in topics other than their duties.
Suddenly Gin's eyes gleamed. "Do you remember what you had spoken between us?"
"I…" The words died on his tongue, his cheeks becoming heated. He remembered everything. "My soul." The endearment was loud on his ears, his heart beating rapidly.
Eyes glistening, Ginjiro leaned in, pressing a feathery kiss upon his hair. "Do you know how I have waited for you to say that?"
"I'm an idiot." Zhen said tightly, his throat filled. It was obvious from outside eyes. How much they cared about each other. The utter devotion between the both of them. Whenever there was Ginjiro, Zhen was trailing not much behind. The sun and moon forever in a chase. "But I'm your idiot so remind me anytime I fuck up."
Ginjiro's eyes glistened mischievously. "I will always remind you. I am patient after all. One day you will have the upper hand over me."
Zhen growled under his breath. He caught Ginjiro unaware, leaning in to press his lips against his. He took delight in swiping that smug look off his face, eyes widening with surprise. "Don't underestimate me," he whispered against his lips, teeth tentatively sinking into his lower lip. "You have a lot to show me but I am a fast learner."
