wound, fits the husbands pretty well! could be the whole incident of terushi get trapped and hurt underground in the illegal mines ooor the notorious organisation kidnapping episode >:3c
one word prompts // @teruuji
Yuuji didn’t come home to an anticipating Keiji that day. He made sure to arrive on schedule no matter what, Yuuji reassured him that countless times before. And a disruption in the routine ignited suspicions within the daycare owner.
Ever since his parents began disturbing Keiji’s peaceful life, he sensed something was wrong in the picture. If they knew of his existence in this part of the region, they could have also known about his relationship. While the community made him feel like he belonged, Keiji didn’t have it in him to trust to the extent he showed Yuuji and the former daycare owner.
But there was no use pointing fingers now. His private life was out in the open in his family’s organization. He knew it was only a matter of time, but nothing could prepare for him for the real thing. His family wanted him back, to take over like he was raised to. This time, it seemed they plan to lure him in using the person he cared about the most.
That, or Keiji could be overthinking. Yuuji always pointed out that Keiji let his emotions cloud his mind too much. Keiji could wait another day; prove that he worried over nothing. But even as his own pokemon showed their worry, Keiji’s worry escalated more. Then it all came together as a familiar-looking lackey walked by, tipping his hat and smirking. That was it. He was going to take matters into his own hands.
Keiji felt apologetic that his pokemon had to be used for battle again. But because of their long-time bond, they supported their trainer all the way. Like Keiji, they learned to trust Yuuji over time. Most of all, they knew how much this person made their trainer happy and loved. It was a stark contrast to the kind of life they all used to live. They loved seeing Keiji smile and laugh, so it hurt them to witness Keiji spiral into the dark spaces in his mind again.
The expression on Keiji’s face before they left was reminiscent of the quiet champion-caliber trainer they fought alongside with. But something was different with his present aura-- There was terrifying determination that they only found heartbreaking. Keiji didn’t want to have to resort to dirtying his hands and his pokemon again. But here he was, about to face his haunting past again.
There weren’t even any detours en route to his family’s place. He stepped back on the ground, clenching a fist as nerves began to get the best of him. Could he really do this? Then, Altaria nuzzled her cheek against the top of his head as Keiji gave a smile of gratitude. “Okay, let’s get this family reunion started, shall we?”
His arrival seemed to have been expected as the entrance doors opened for him. The interiors were as clean as he remembered. But he only remembered the brainwashing that happened in these halls. The awful recollections made him sick to his stomach. But Altaria had been beside him the entire time, being someone for him to lean on when it got too much. She knew what he had gone through more than anyone. If anything, she felt proud of him, that he could face his fears to save Yuuji.
Framed pictures hanging on the wall showing off achievements in the leagues and world causes. Such a shining and beloved reputation to the entire world. What a load of bull. And on one of the wooden tables, Keiji spotted an old family picture. It happened right before they let Keiji go on his pokemon league journey. Even back then, his eyes looked so lifeless and robotic. They really are the worst of the worst.
Further down the halls, Keiji reached a dead-end with a bookshelf on display. But as he pulled out a particular book half-way, it served as the path to his supposed future. Not of his future as the heir of this criminal organization, but towards Yuuji. After Yuuji’s absence, Keiji realized he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life with anyone else. While Yuuji’s initial marriage proposal was a joke, Keiji could consider agreeing.
Keiji expected Yuuji to be held hostage in a particular place. And he wasn’t wrong. But as soon as he saw the other male, something within him snapped. Yuuji was tied up, bloodied and bruised. It was a good decision not to wait for another day, after all. But why did they have to harm someone who didn’t have anything to do with this family affair?
Yuuji looked exhausted and weak. Keiji braced for the worst as he approached the unconscious body, kneeling and touching the other’s cheek. He let out a sigh of relief when he heard Yuuji breathing. Altaria kept on a look-out as Keiji tried to get him out of these restraints. The noise and movement roused Yuuji awake, as the sight of his love and Altaria made his lips part into a smile.
“I knew you’d come for me, Prince Charming,” Yuuji chuckled, but his voice was soft and weak. Keiji didn’t respond, occupied with freeing the other male. “Hey, what about my welcome back kiss?” But as he took a closer look upon Keiji’s visage, his eyes were nothing like the ones he stared into so many times before. Oh no. “Keiji, I’m here. I’m alright, okay? We don’t have to face them. We can just leave with Altaria here.”
“It’s a little too late for that, unfortunately,” an unfamiliar voice chimed in. Keiji stopped his movements, and without thinking, released his other pokemon. Everyone shared the same aura, intent on harming anyone who would get in their way. Even if the person was one of Keiji’s flesh and blood.
But Keiji’s mother wasn’t dumb. She and her lackies already surrounded the proximity. And it seemed the mother was as serious as her own strongest pokemon looked rearing to fight as well.
“No one else has to get hurt if you comply, Keiji.” She shared Keiji’s hooded eyes. Lifeless and devoid of emotions. Right now, with Keiji’s deadpan expression, the resemblance was striking.
“But you hurt Yuuji-san. That, I will not tolerate.” Absol cut the rest of Yuuji’s restraints as Keiji stood up, facing his nightmares head-on. “You wanted to see how strong I’ve become? Well, you’ll get the front row seat to it now, Mother.”
“Keiji… Stop…” Yuuji was too weak to move. The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was the blinding elemental clashes.
Yuuji woke up again, fighting the urge to close his eyes as he saw the aftermath of the battle. Scorched walls, holes on the wall and the floor, unconscious bodies on the ground… His eyes widened, heart racing in panic. Keiji didn’t… He couldn’t…
Keiji kneeled before him, looking like he got minor burns, bruises and dirt around him. What exactly happened while he was out? He gripped onto the other’s shirt, letting out heavy breaths. “What happened? You didn’t... hurt anyone, right?” He was hesitant to mention along the lines of bloody murder. Keiji could never be that kind of person. He believed that with all his heart and soul.
“I knocked them all out. Made sure to put them all to sleep so they don’t have to wake up until we leave.” While the tone of his voice was flat, perhaps they needed to leave so Keiji wouldn’t have to put on this façade anymore.
Yuuji let out a sigh of relief as he buried his head against his boyfriend’s chest. “I’m glad. I don’t want you to follow the same path as everyone else in this room. You should never be like them, ever. You’re better than that.”
“Of course. That’s why I want to be with you for the rest of my life instead.”
“Good.” A pause. Did he imply what he just implied? “Wait, what?”
Keiji rolled his eyes as he glanced at Xatu, who seemed to have caused the police officer to fall asleep again. And the next time he opened his eyes, they were back in the daycare, where Keiji treated and bandaged his wounds. He was surprised at the sight, but he couldn’t help but feel relieved. And of course, very much in love all over again.
“You really want to have me all to yourself, huh? Not even taking yours truly to the hospital.”
“The injuries aren’t even that bad. Seems like I overreacted.” Upon closer inspection, Keiji’s life was back into his eyes. Good. He smiled as he placed a kiss on his love’s cheek.
“My hero. Thanks for saving me.”
Keiji’s eyes widened, averting his gaze away from the other male. Ah, Yuuji felt so lucky to be in love and be loved by someone like him.
