Employed by the Jones family to serve as housemaid at their country estate, Swansdown, Emma Nolan-Blanchard has been having an affair with Killian Jones, the future Earl of Hookshire. Emma knew they were being reckless, knew she might already be in trouble, and not just because she had fallen in love with a man she knew she could never truly have. When that trouble is discovered by her lover’s step-mother, Lady Jones, Emma is faced with an impossible choice: leave, without so much as a word to the man she loved, and receive a severance that would allow her to give herself and her child their best chance, or be turned out into the street with nothing, left in ruin. Heartbroken, Emma has no other choice but to accept Lady Jones’ terms. With her mother’s ring, the hush money she received, and a quick lie to mask her true identity, Emma set off, determined to make a new life for herself. A life, with its many twists and turns that would eventually lead her to the precipice of that which she’d always wanted. Could a maid achieve a happy ending with an earl after all?
Hollye + Regency Era??? Sign me up! I love a good secret relationship fic with a noble Killian! This one is a nice, quick three-shot that leaves no loose ends untied.
Gosh, this took me so much longer to get to than I planned. But I did want it released alongside my fanfic chapters, so it works out.
If you need a refresher, part one is here, and then, part two is here!
This is the third and final part of my three-shot series, which explores a little more behind the relationship for two characters in my Pokemon fanfic, Alakazam and Machamp.
For the story here, they’re finally in their final stage evolutions, and they’re also together...! That part happens in the fanfic proper, Melting Gelid Roses. However, that story has its primary focus on another particular couple and the events that they get involved in.
More or less...this is just very self-indulgent shipping shenanigans. Please feel free to join me, though, as it’s a pretty cute pairing!
It’s a bit lengthy, just so you’re aware. When you’re ready, just check below the cut for the story. Enjoy reading!
[Iceberg Palace]
Just in front of the crystal palace itself, a muscular, four-armed warrior stumbled aside as a salamander knight surged from the water, and spiraled at him with katars. He slammed a sword against the bridge they dueled on, and twisted around to swipe at his opponent, who flipped back into the water.
“Bye, Machamp…” The salamander murmured as he splashed below.
“Quagsire, you’re not beating me at this,” called Machamp. “Water is nothing that I can’t handle.”
“How about a sudden blizzard then?”
Jolting up, Machamp pivoted around as an elegant white spirit flew up into the sky. She winked to him, spun away, and forced her arms forward, as howling winds followed. Snow, hail, and ice rode the drafts as Machamp lifted his arms to shield whatever little he could.
A light flashed before him, however, just before the winds brushed him away. In another flash, he stood further down along the bridge, and blinked as he watched the gusts from a distance. His robed savior twirled a spoon in one hand, and brushed his mustache with another. Rolling her eyes, the ghost flew toward them.
“Alakazam, that’s just cheating,” she complained. “You can’t just…Teleport away from a storm.”
“Ah, and yet I can, and so I have,” teased Alakazam. He smirked up at Froslass, who lowered her eyes. “Didn’t take the wind from your sails now, did I?”
“Don’t ever use that line again.”
“Apologies.” He chuckled. “The opportunity presented itself, and I seized it.”
“Seize this.”
Lifting her arms with a dark purple energy coating thing, Froslass brought both together. Water came from below the bridge and wrapped around Machamp and Alakazam, forcing them together and locking them in between it. Dark aura flickered against the hand-shaped water, and Froslass grinned.
“Ha, no good when you can’t disappear, is it?” She giggled and drifted lower to the pair. “Now kiss, mwah!”
“You’ll only encourage them.”
Froslass spiraled around as Quagsire ambled over to her. She groaned and rolled her eyes.
“How do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Sneak up on people!” Froslass swayed in the air. “You’re so…I don’t know, quiet!”
“Just don’t draw in a lot of attention,” guessed Quagsire. “You might want to focus, though.”
“Huh?”
She blinked as Quagsire pointed past her, and Froslass spun around. She gawked as Machamp pushed the water from him and Alakazam, who grabbed onto him, and teleported them from the crushing tide.
“That’s not possible!” Froslass swept the water away, and glared at where the couple had been. “They…they can’t just…that was imbued with Ghost magic!”
“So was I.”
Froslass twisted back, as Machamp waved his hands, each cloaked in a deep purple glow that slowly faded. Alakazam lowered his arms, his spoons flickering with the same color.
“Psychics are weak to Ghost though!”
“Doesn’t mean we can’t borrow a hex or two,” taunted Alakazam with a smirk.
“Oh, that’s true. That was pretty clever.”
“Don’t compliment them, Quagsire.” Froslass glared at the pair. “They cheated.”
“Care to define magic again, Froslass?”
“Shut up, Alakazam!”
She flew over to him, but Machamp stepped in front of him, raising his swords and swiping at Froslass.
With a yelp, she floated back, evading his first strike, but fell as he slashed again.
Water burst from beside Machamp, as Quagsire tackled into him, knocking his swords back with his katar. He stumbled back as Quagsire dove back into the water, and slipped at the tip of the bridge.
As Machamp flailed his arms in the air, he blinked, staring behind him at the water. He looked back up, as Alakazam guided him back onto the bridge.
“Thanks!” Machamp grinned. “You’re the big hero for this match!”
“It’s mostly self-preservation, but thank you.”
“Nah, even if we’re together, helping me counts for selflessness.”
“Ugh.” Froslass buried her head into the bridge. “You’re both so…cute. Just stop already.”
“You’ll have to make us.”
“Gladly!”
Firing up from the ground, Froslass shot into the air, and drifted back. Quagsire poked his head from the water, and gazed up at her, as dark energy swirled around her.
“Prepare to fall before the mightiest mage alive!”
“Who’s that?”
“Me, you jerk!” Froslass scowled at Alakazam, who smirked at her. “Come on, at least try to make this a little serious.”
“To the contrary, I prefer not to.”
Water burst from beneath her, and Froslass glanced down, as Quagsire rocketed up at her. Smacking into her, both yelped and plummeted back down toward the bridge and water, their weapons falling from their hands.
“Do something, Quagsire!”
“Um…”
“Thinking doesn’t help, react! REACT!” She blinked. “Wait, I can fly.”
“Levitate.”
“Shut up and hold on!”
Spiraling, Froslass grabbed onto Quagsire, and the two spun around as they came lower. She lifted a wave of water below, as Quagsire twisted them around, enveloping the pair in the wave.
Together, the two launched a combined jet of water at Alakazam. He forced his spoons up, but Machamp jumped up, grabbing the pair as they flew forward.
Gritting his teeth, Machamp skidded back against the ice, as he locked against the bridge, sliding back into Alakazam, who lifted his arms to Machamp’s sides.
With a roar, Machamp flung Quagsire and Froslass back into the water, both crashing down with a splash. He panted and wiped his brow, as Alakazam drummed on his sides.
“Something wrong?”
“Not in the slightest.” Alakazam trailed his hands up Machamp’s sides. “Just enjoying the view and then some.”
“Hey, come on, we’re trying to fight here.” Machamp leaned back and winked at Alakazam. “You can enjoy me later.”
“Oho, a lovely offer.” Alakazam leaned up to Machamp. “But I’m always enjoying you as it is, so you’ll need a special offer with that—”
A heavy burst of water splashed out as Froslass shot up, holding Quagsire in her arms. She glared at the couple on the bridge, while Quagsire waved to them.
“Let’s pick that up later,” decided Machamp. “But, ah, since your arms are already around me, might as well make it worthwhile.”
“With pleasure.”
Lifting his spoons again, Alakazam scooped orbs of energy into Machamp’s hands. Froslass spun around and launched Quagsire at the pair first, and followed with a powerful wind burst.
Charged with energy, Machamp forced his palms forward, and blasted Quagsire back, knocking him into the water once more.
Holding Machamp, Alakazam teleported away from the wind surge, which crashed against the bridge. They reappeared once more, as Froslass seethed.
Pulling her arms back, she fired a barrage of icy stalactites down on the pair. Machamp pulled back his fists, but Alakazam pushed past him, and spun his spoons around.
Creating a wheel of fire, Alakazam telekinetically lifted it, burning away Froslass’s follow-up attack.
She gawked as Machamp lifted Alakazam up, and helped him raise the fiery wheel. He guided it up to Froslass, who lifted the water below to douse the flames.
“That’s just not fair,” complained Froslass. “And this is all totally impractical.”
“Entirely,” agreed Alakazam. “We’ll never have the concentration for this.” He shrugged. “But, it’s still fun.”
“Yeah, but I’m getting tired from it,” admitted Machamp. “Can we finish this up?”
“Of course, love.”
“Wait, what?!”
Alakazam teleported with Machamp again, and they reappeared above Froslass. Grabbing her, Machamp forced her down, as Alakazam teleported again.
Together, they appeared just above the bridge, as Froslass was slammed onto it. She groaned and flopped out.
Machamp spun Alakazam around, as he fired a colorful ray at the rising water, blasting Quagsire as he rose up. As he crashed into the bridge, Machamp dragged him back up, and Alakazam blasted him back once more.
Quagsire jumped up, coughed, and slammed back down to the ground.
“…Can we yield now, Froslass?”
“…Yeah, sounds good.” She waved her arm around. “We surrender.”
“By now, I should hope so,” teased Alakazam.
“Yay, we won!” Machamp scooped up Alakazam and hugged him. “That was great!”
“And a cute team too,” murmured Quagsire, as he pushed himself back up. “You two know how to move as one.”
“We’re getting used to it again.” Machamp chuckled. “We could still use some practice.”
“You just had it,” joked Froslass. “And crushed it.”
“Ah, if you guys think so.” Machamp shrugged, and slipped away from Alakazam. “Ok, we better go put these weapons away.”
Machamp reached to grab his sword, but Froslass swept in and scooped it up. He blinked and watched her fly up before him, giggling with two more swords in her arms.
“Actually, Quagsire and I can clean it up ourselves,” insisted Froslass. “Punishment for losing or whatever.”
“Uh…are you sure?”
“Mm, it’s fine,” agreed Quagsire, carrying his katars and one of Machamp’s swords. “Bed should be after this anyway…”
“Yeah, I’m just going to, ah, read over some new hexes that I wanted to study,” tossed out Froslass. “And to bother someone else, like, um…Weavile! Yeah, her.”
“Oh, ok.” Machamp smiled. “Well, thanks you two!”
“No problem!” Froslass winked. “And you two take care! Have fun!”
She erupted into a fit of giggles as she floated away, and Quagsire smiled as he waddled after her. Machamp scratched his head with an upper arm, and glanced back at Alakazam, who tugged on his mustache.
“What’d she mean by that?”
“Who knows?” Alakazam shrugged, shifting his eyes around. “Froslass loves to joke around, almost always.”
“You know I can tell when you’re lying,” reminded Machamp. “Your heartbeat has a specific rhythm with it.”
“Stupid fighter chi sensing techniques,” grumbled Alakazam. He folded his arms while Machamp placed his lower hands on his hips. “Ok, fine! Maybe I mentioned to her that we were looking to do something after practice.” A slight blush crept onto his face. “Alone, together. Just us.”
“Ha, you don’t have to treat it like something special,” joked Machamp. “We spend a lot of free time together anyway.”
“Except today is special,” insisted Alakazam.
“It is?” Machamp thought for a moment, and then smacked his head. “Oh, bloody blazes, today’s not the day we met, is it?”
“The very one.”
“Ah, gods forgive me, I forgot again.” Machamp groaned and buried his face in his hands. “I swore up and down I was going to remember every time after I last forgot.”
“Funny enough, you remembered to the day when we weren’t on good terms,” teased Alakazam. “You had little gifts that you tried to give me, and—”
“Ok, ok, yeah, I did better last year for sure,” admitted Machamp. “Things just kind of slipped from my mind, I’m sorry.”
“Machamp, it’s all right,” soothed Alakazam. “I’m just teasing you.”
“Yeah, but today’s really important!” He grinned to the mage. “I don’t know where I’d be without you in my life!”
“Who knows?” Alakazam sighed. “I’d probably be dead.”
“Don’t talk like that!” Machamp picked Alakazam’s hands up into his lower pair. “I don’t care if that’s what was probable, you hear?”
“Sorry.” Slipping his hands from Machamp, Alakazam reached up and caressed his lover’s face. “I just…I’m really grateful that we met, because you gave me so much.”
“And you’ve done everything you can to give it right back, so, that’s fine.” Machamp took one of Alakazam’s hands and kissed it. “But we’re here now, so come on, what should we do for the rest of today?”
“To be honest, I didn’t quite have anything special in mind.” Alakazam shrugged. “All I need is to spend it with you, so…we can do anything.”
“Well, I could use some relaxation from that practice,” decided Machamp. “So, how about we take a dip in the onsen?”
“Hot springs?” Alakazam chuckled. “We’re going to melt in there some day.” He rested against Machamp, tapping his chest. “But I’d like that too, so, yes, let’s.”
“Great! Let’s go get changed, then.”
“Right away.”
Wrapping himself around Machamp, Alakazam teleported the two away from the bridge. They reappeared outside of the bedchamber halls, as Alakazam brushed his head and deeply exhaled.
“Don’t keep teleporting like that,” scolded Machamp. “You’ll kill yourself like that.”
“Oh, it’s fine.” Alakazam wiped his head again. “I haven’t…used it to the…limit yet.”
“Well, quit pushing yourself.” Machamp rubbed Alakazam’s back. “We should have a fun evening, so let’s take it slow.”
“All right, as you wish.” Alakazam heaved. “Ah…maybe I did overdo it…”
“Do you want to rest for a while?”
“We can rest…together, outside,” insisted Alakazam. “Go on, go change.”
“Ok.”
Stroking Alakazam’s cheek and mustache, Machamp smiled to him, and turned away to his room. Alakazam chuckled, touching his cheek, before retreating into his room to do the same. He closed the door behind himself and steadied his breathing.
“Anyone would think that I’m the only one between us to worry so much,” softly joked Alakazam. “Gods, I love him.”
Undoing the ties for his robes, Alakazam let them fall from his body, and tossed them onto his bed. He stripped from his underclothes next, placing them out as well, and then he opened his wardrobe.
“Hm…which color would he want me to wear…?”
Sorting through his swimwear, Alakazam plucked out a black pair. He smirked and put them on. Glancing at his mirror and posing a bit, Alakazam chuckled before grabbing a towel and turning away.
As he ambled off to leave his room, Alakazam glanced back once more, looking inside of it. He curled his hand over the doorknob, and tapped his foot.
“Maybe we should consider choosing one room and sharing,” he quietly pondered. “I wonder which he’d prefer…” Alakazam shook his head. “It’s still early on, and we’ll have time to decide later.”
He closed his door and strolled down the hall. Machamp opened his door, spotted Alakazam, and grinned. Waiting in the doorway until Alakazam came close, he rested his upper arms on the doorframe while flexing a bit with his lower arms. Alakazam laughed and folded his arms as he stood before his partner.
“Ready to go, or are you just going to goof around the whole time?”
“Aw, come on.” Machamp slid one of his hands down the door, suggestively lowering his eyes. “Doesn’t any of this entice you?”
“All of it does every day, so, yes.” Alakazam laughed as Machamp deflated. Clearing his throat, Alakazam tapped his chin, and matched Machamp’s tone, “But, I do enjoy you wearing less and propping yourself up for me.”
“Just lead with that next time.” Machamp stuck his tongue out at Alakazam, whose eyes wandered down at his white swimsuit. “Aha, there we go! My eyes are up here, don’t you know?”
“Yes, but that looks a bit tight on you.”
“That’s the point.”
“Ah.”
“For someone so smart, you tend to miss a lot of cues,” teased Machamp. He slid from his doorway and pulled the door shut. “Maybe I ought to be more obvious about them.” He smirked as his arms slid around Alakazam’s shoulders, trailing down near his waist as he passed by. “Unless you like it when we play it cool.”
“Well, I think I’m fairly flexible.” Alakazam tugged on his mustache as Machamp beamed to him. “Don’t.”
“Why not?”
“We’re in the hall.”
“Bed chambers.”
“Machamp.”
“Ok, ok.” He shrugged and strode away from Alakazam. “Doesn’t have to be a bed.”
“Oh, that does it.” Alakazam charged after Machamp. “Come here!”
“Just remember that you started this!” Machamp jogged away from his boyfriend. “If anything, you brought this side out of me, so you can only blame yourself!”
“Fine, but you could’ve ended it at any time!”
“Now what fun would that be?”
They rushed through the hallways, racing down a flight of stairs and whipping around corners, passing the palace portraits and sculptures.
Alakazam gained quickly upon Machamp.
“You’re not fast enough to outrun me!” He reached out to Machamp.
“No, but I am stronger!”
Spinning around, Machamp scooped up Alakazam and carried him onward, cradling him in his arms.
“Hey!”
“Hi!”
“Put me down, Machamp!”
“Aw, don’t you like it up here by me?”
“Come off it,” grumbled Alakazam. “I’m not that much shorter than you.”
“Maybe not, but you’re small and light enough to fit in my arms,” pointed out Machamp. “So, you’re easily whisked away…!”
“Don’t sound so happy about it.”
“But I love carrying you around.” Machamp lowered his eyes and smirked. “Besides, you’ve got the advantage over me, and you could get away any time you want.” His beam broadened as Alakazam blushed and looked away. “Well…?”
“You don’t need to be so smug about it.”
“Sounds like someone’s enjoying himself!”
“A bit.” Alakazam returned his attention to Machamp, who cocked an eyebrow. “…Ok, a lot.” His lips bubbled into a smile. “I like being spoiled, I admit it. Satisfied?”
“Not yet, but that makes a good start.” Machamp leaned close to Alakazam. “You still have to spoil me some.”
“Naturally.”
“Oho—”
“Don’t push it.”
Grinning still, Machamp slid open the door to the towel room. Alakazam wiggled a bit in his arms, but Machamp kept him hoisted up, simply gathering a few towels for them both, and setting them aside for later.
“Are you going to let me down yet?”
“Hey, I never want to do that again!”
“…Was that meant to be a joke—?”
“Yes.” Machamp sticks his tongue out. “You need to keep up with me.”
“Well, you’re keeping me up, so it works out.”
Machamp laughed while Alakazam smirked and leaned back into his arms. Carrying him outside of the room, Machamp and Alakazam gazed upon the hot springs.
Stepping by the edge of the water, Machamp glanced over, with a playful smirk crawling onto his face. Alakazam shifted his attention between his lover and the water, and then frowned.
“No, no, don’t do it.”
“What?”
“Don’t drop me in.” Alakazam slouched. “Please.”
“Aw, I’d never.” Machamp paused a moment and his smirk lifted. “Well, maybe with a normal pond or lake.” He chuckled. “But here, no, and especially because you asked nicely.”
“Just for that?”
“Manners matter.”
Setting Alakazam down, Machamp dipped his feet in, letting them into the water. He grinned as his shoulders fell, and with a happy sigh, pushed himself into the spring. His delighted moans got Alakazam to jump and quickly slide into the water right after him.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing!” Alakazam inhaled and exhaled, sinking into the spring. “Just…wanted to join in…”
“Uh-huh.” Machamp leaned closer to Alakazam and lowered his eyes. “So if I reach down a bit over here—”
“Do it and I’m dunking you.”
“Come on, it’s just us out here,” teased Machamp. “You can lighten up with me.”
“We’re not lightening up by lightening the single articles of clothing that we’re wearing, Machamp.” Alakazam tilted his head back. “Remember what happened last time?”
“Oh, come on, Carracosta didn’t mind.”
“And before that?”
“Mienshao should’ve knocked.”
“And before that?”
“Emperor Empoleon usually finds the time to go out on his own! How were we supposed to know?”
“Gods…” Alakazam shook his head, and propped himself against Machamp’s arms. “At least feel a little guilty.”
“Over bonding with you?” Machamp snorted. “Never.”
“Ha, that’s…” Alakazam shrugged. “Ok, I’ll let it slide.”
“Great!” Machamp reached down, but Alakazam tugged his hand back up.
“Not that.”
“Spoil sport…”
“Well, think of it this way,” suggested Alakazam. “If you want just that, you could always go find that Fire fellow from before.”
“Oh no.”
“Was he a chicken? It’s been a while, I can’t remember.” Alakazam smirked. “But in that case, you could have a real—”
“Ok, ok, you made your point!” Machamp dipped lower into the water, with only his head remaining above it. “I don’t want to go over that.”
“Sorry.” Alakazam scooted closer into him, sinking in the water beside him. “I was just teasing; trying to make light out of something that I blew so far out of proportion.”
“Let’s just leave it as something that we worked past, huh?” Machamp pecked Alakazam’s cheek. “It’s an important day, so let’s get back to that.”
“Night by now,” corrected Alakazam as he pointed to the sky. “But you’re right.”
“Ooh, you know what?” Machamp bobbed back out. “How about we talk about some things that we want to do with life down the road? We’ve spent so many years together, so let’s talk about future stuff!”
“Like what?”
“I didn’t think it out that far.”
“Machamp…”
“Give me a second!” Machamp drummed at the edge of the spring, while Alakazam rose up beside him, leaning against the ledge as well. “Um…how about…what we want next most in our lives? Or what we could do to make it more gratifying?”
“…Is this going back to—?”
“No!” Machamp groaned. “Look, I’m trying to figure out what to give you!” He sighed and flicked at the ground. “I didn’t get anything for today, but I’d like to work on what else you want from me.”
“Just you, that’s fine.”
“Thank you, but I mean like what else you want from life with me!”
“Mm…I don’t know.” Alakazam traced a circle around on the ground before him. “Being with you makes everything feel complete.”
“Seriously?”
“Of course.”
“How’s your life fulfilled by just being with me?” Machamp raised an eyebrow. “I don’t define you.”
“Perhaps not entirely. And I do suppose that we could have lived our lives entirely separate, never known one another, and been none the wiser, but still content.” Alakazam shrugged and smiled. “I suppose that, by having you with me for so long, my life has become that much more enriched.” He rested against Machamp and stroked his face. “With you, I feel like I’ve become a better version of myself than I could ever achieve on my own. And having you gives me something that adds to my purpose, my being, my core. This eclipses any thought of a life without you, and that somehow makes the notion all the more frightening, because you’ve given me so much that completes me.”
Machamp gawked at Alakazam, as the latter’s hands slid from his face. He scooted back and rested in the water.
“Maybe that could be overstating it, but that’s what I feel.” Alakazam scratched the side of his head. “I’m not sure if you entirely under—”
Alakazam had two hands scoop his face up, as two more pulled him close. Machamp pressed their lips together, and tightly held his lover against him, softly caressing him as he deepened their kiss. Soon, Alakazam brought one hand back to Machamp’s face, as the other wrapped behind his neck, and the two sank into each other, still kissing. They broke apart to breathe a bit, but only came together again, and again, until they pulled away once more, just barely, panting for more air.
“So,” managed Alakazam, “that was a…suitable explanation, then.”
“Did you think all of that through, or was it just roll off the top of your head?” Machamp rubbed Alakazam’s cheek. “Where do you even come up with such beautiful words for me?”
“I read a lot.”
“Uh-huh.”
“What?” Alakazam poked at Machamp. “You think I don’t read enough trashy romance novellas?”
“They’re not trashy, they’re cute.” Machamp grinned. “You make the cutest noises when you’re really into reading one.”
“No, don’t talk about my second-hand excitement!”
“But it’s adorable!”
“Ugh, stop…!” Alakazam sank down into the water. “I’m a complete fool.”
“If you’re a fool, I don’t want to know what that makes me,” joked Machamp. “You’re too smart for me.”
“Hey, hey, no putting yourself down again.” Alakazam popped back up and rested against Machamp’s chest. “Come on. You’re plenty smart enough to keep up with me.”
“Most days.”
“Every day.” Alakazam drummed along Machamp’s shoulders. “That’s like me telling you that I’m not strong enough for you.”
“Yeah, that’s definitely not true.” Machamp lowered his eyes and smirked. “We proved that a few different ways.” He raised an eyebrow as Alakazam lifted his hand and pinched at his cheek. “Ouch! Hey, quit it!” Machamp groaned as Alakazam dropped his hand away. “Ok, I deserved that.”
“Yep.” Alakazam folded his arms. “Can’t we bring up something cute about you?”
“Aw, you think I’m cute?”
“We’re dating, so, yeah.”
“Oh.”
“Don’t give me that.” Alakazam nudged Machamp. “I’ve only been hopelessly attracted to you since we met, more or less.”
“We were kids.”
“So?”
“You didn’t know that was a crush,” teased Machamp. “Little you just wanted a good friend, and I caved to give you that.”
“What? ‘Caved?’ You wanted to be my friend!”
“Ha, yeah, I did.” Machamp winked to Alakazam. “Maybe we’ve both been into each other the whole time after all.”
“Oh, now you agree with me.”
“Yeah!”
“Ugh.”
“It’s worth considering,” conceded Machamp. “After we left that cave, we stuck together, and we were always fascinated by each other.” He chuckled. “And you thought I was strong back then!”
“How was I supposed to know you’d bulk out even more?” Alakazam sank back. “Some of us have radically different evolutions.”
“Are you going to whine about your lost tail again?”
“No!” Alakazam flicked at the water. “…Maybe…”
“And you’re making fun of me not getting over things,” joked Machamp. “Look, the tail was cute, but I’m perfectly fine around you without it.”
“…Are you being sweet or—”
“Just go with sweet, please.”
“Fine.”
“Yay!” Machamp smooched Alakazam on the lips and brushed his mustache. “Besides, this getting longer was a nice trade-off.”
“How?”
“It’s fun to play with.” Machamp beamed. “Especially with my lips.”
“What, my tail wasn’t?” Alakazam smirked as Machamp gawked at him. “That’s your one for the night.”
“Bu…but that’s not fair!” Machamp scooped Alakazam closer into him. “I was too dumb to do anything with you before!”
“Not dumb,” insisted Alakazam. “Though…I might give you a tad oblivious.”
“Knighthood made me that way.”
“It was preparation for it.”
“Whatever, I was distracted.” Machamp sighed. “I should’ve gone past our first kiss and told you everything that same night at the manor.”
“Don’t, it’s fine.” Alakazam kissed at Machamp’s neck. “We’re together again, and everything worked out, didn’t it?”
“After taking too long, yeah.” Another kiss and Machamp contentedly exhaled. “Ooh, how long can you do that for?”
“Want to find out?”
“Mm…maybe later,” suggested Machamp. He flexed his upper arms. “Maybe you could give me a massage too.”
“Sure.”
“Wait, really?”
“Yes.” Alakazam winked. “I like getting my hands all over you.”
“Wh…what—?”
“That’s the second, so be grateful.”
“Can’t you just be happy spoiling me some too?”
“Please.” Alakazam leaned closer to Machamp. “We both know that I’m going to—”
Machamp leaned in and kissed Alakazam, who blinked. They parted and he raised an eyebrow at his boyfriend.
“What was that for?”
“Because I knew where that was going.”
“Ah, right.” Alakazam rested against Machamp, lowering his eyes as they smiled to one another. “And here I thought you just liked the feel of my lips.”
“Oh, that too, definitely.” Machamp poked at Alakazam’s nose. “Plus that. And your mustache.”
“Ha.”
“They all feel nice and soft.” Machamp flicked at the spring. “Better than me.”
“Firm and tight muscles, big lips, and four arms.” Alakazam grinned. “Personally, I think I’m getting the better deal out of this.”
“No way.”
“Absolutely.” Alakazam sighed. “You do attract a crowd.”
“Don’t want them, though.” He wrapped his lower arms around Alakazam’s waist. “All I want is you.”
“Mmm…definitely sweet.”
“You know, you never did tell me what else you wanted in life.” Machamp gazed down to Alakazam. “Besides being with me, what else do you want to do? We’ve still got some years ahead of us, right?”
“…I really don’t know.” Alakazam shrugged. “We spoke of those legends and mysteries that we wanted to explore when we were young. So…I suppose we can look into them later on.”
“Nothing personal for you, though?” Machamp frowned. “I became a knight, and you a mage, but that was to stay with me. So…what do you want?”
“We’ve still got time, right?” Alakazam softly smiled. “I can figure it out. You can help me. We’re usually a good team like that.”
“Well, of course, but—”
“Don’t worry about it for now.” Alakazam cuddled closer into Machamp. “As long as you stay with me, I can think of something.”
“That makes it sound like it’s distracting when I’m not with you,” teased Machamp, smiling a bit.
“Since my mind wanders into wondering about you, yes, it’s completely distracting,” joked Alakazam. “You need to stay around me, or I’m doomed.”
“Oh, now you’re being dramatic!”
“Not entirely,” quietly admitted Alakazam. “…I…don’t like being without you. Ever.”
“You never will be.” Machamp kissed his head. “I’m going wherever you want whenever you’re ready.”
“Honestly, there’s no need—”
“If I’m your boyfriend, there is absolutely a need,” insisted Machamp. “Especially if there’s more to come from that!”
“More…?” Alakazam blushed and pulled back from Machamp. “Is that a proposal already? I thought we were waiting.”
“Wait, what?!” Machamp’s face burned a deep red, and he scooted back against the spring’s edge. “Ha-hold on a second! I-I wasn’t…I just meant more time together—”
“Calm down,” soothed Alakazam. “I’m just teasing.”
“Oh. Uh, yeah! I knew that.” Machamp glanced away as Alakazam chuckled. He surveyed around the spring, but went right back to Alakazam. “But, um. We will get married some day, right?”
“Huh?” Alakazam’s blush deepened. “Well, we, uh, we’re trying to see if we want that, you know.”
“Yeah.” Machamp smiled and lowered his shoulders. “But…I don’t have anyone else that I’d rather.” He sighed as Alakazam gazed up to him. “Not that we need to, you know, get married or make a big deal of it. I just—”
“Like the idea?”
“Yeah…among some, um. Other things.”
“As do I.” Alakazam slowly smiled back. “It’s…probably inevitable, but we’ll see as we go along, of course.”
“Yep, you’re right.”
“…Would this be a bad time to bring up dreaming of it?”
“Not at all, because I’ve done the same.” Machamp smirked. “Especially lately.”
“Oh…?” Alakazam rubbed his face. “Tell me more.”
“Don’t press me like that,” teased Machamp. “I have to keep some surprises.”
“Mm…that’s fair.”
“But you know what’s going to be part of the theme?”
“What?”
“Some big banners that say, ‘together forever, forever together.’” Machamp beamed as Alakazam’s eyes lit up.
“Absolutely, please! Let’s get those!” Alakazam wrapped his arms around Machamp’s neck. “Together forever. You promise?”
“Definitely.” Machamp kissed Alakazam, pressing their lips tightly together, but dropping apart, a bit overheated. “And this time I’ll mean it and stick with it.”
Alakazam laughed, and cuddled closer into Machamp, who pulled him as close in as he could. They chattered a bit longer, discussing the future that awaited them.
Together was something they planned to be, forever.
...
...
...
Goodness, I miss my line breaks. Now this story is going to seem so different with its footnotes. Bleh, oh well.
Yay and hooray, Machamp and Alakazam have cute plans for themselves as a couple! They’re very adorable together, and things feel so nice being that way.
Unlike the previous two entries, this one simply explores the relationship between the couple, and doesn’t really delve into past events, as we’re all caught up by this stage of their dating period. It’s simply to share their time together, along with their hopes and dreams of the future.
It’s also something of a swan song, I suppose.
Anyway, not much more to be added on, since that’s the wrap up. If you’ve enjoyed this couple, then you’ve joined me on this ship, and I’m glad that we can sail for this lovely couple!
Oh, and if you’re interested and didn’t check the links above, and/or you’re not quite versed on these stories, here are some related picks:
Forever Endures (1) - The first of this mini-series, showing the origin of Alakazam and Machamp when they were Abra and Machop!
Forever Endures (2) - The second of this mini-series, which closes in on Alakazam and Machamp as Kadabra and Machoke, as they plan for a future that might lead them somewhere different.
Inferiority Complex - A separate one-shot that involves both Machamp and Alakazam, though it goes over some insercurities they have instead!
Melting Gelid Roses - This is the main source of my Pokemon fanfic shenanigans, and heavily features Alakazam and Machamp midway into the story, as they slowly become a couple.
That’ll do it for this one. As always, thank you so much for reading! I hope you’ve enjoyed it all.
[Canon/AU] Set right after 13x16. The flight back, the discussion we all deserved. Can they make this work? APOV, probably three-shot.
With my gaze lost somewhere outside the airplane's small, round window, I finally allowed my mind to relax. Between Caroline -Jackson and I's patient- being awake and talking again, packing our things and all the paperwork we had to fill, I hadn't gotten a moment to myself today – a moment to sit back and force myself to realize that last night was not a dream.
[PART I: Daughters] To Susumu, Taichi is already more than a handful. When he finds out Yuuko is pregnant with baby number two, he's a riot of anxiety. And it's not because they're having another child...but because the baby happens to be a 'she'.
Comentários: Se existe alguém que arrasa escrevendo SasuSaku esse alguém é a Simplyme. Jesus, ela é maravilhosa! Escreve UA, UN, o que você quiser. Essa fanfic é curtinha mas eu lembro que quando li amei ela de uma forma que não sei explicar. Eu fiquei angustiada e sofrendo junto com a Sakura (mas calma que é um sofrimento light) pra saber se o Sasuke estava interessado em outra pessoa ou não. E ela é tão bem escrita que parece que a gente tá lendo uma extensão do mangá. O único problema dessa fic é que ela termina e você fica meio “Como assim acabou??” “E a continuação, cadê?” quando ela acaba. Mas eu também adorei e recomendo demais.
Three-Shot Fic Rec: The Princess and the Apple Tree
By StubbleSandwich (LibraryBandit) | Rating: G
Princess Emma knows no better place than the expansive garden that was built for her as a small child. When a young thief dares to scale the garden’s walls, Emma finds herself befriending Killian Jones, a boy who lives in her kingdom. Over time, they become inseparable, and as they grow, so does their love for one another–until the day Killian mysteriously disappears, and Emma finds herself strangely drawn to an apple tree that appears in her garden. Based on The Princess and the Apple Tree by A.A. Milne.
Oh boy, the middle act of more Pokemon shenanigans!
For part one, please check over here!
Like before, this is the second part of my three-shot series that features Machamp and Alakazam, and this is again when they’re younger, though both are now young adults by this point.
This second entry, predictably, is when the two are together in their middle stages, and shows the budding of their romance. Because now things are heating up between them, and it had to get serious between them at some point, yeah? This also shows the idea of their introduction to the Iceberg Empire itself, so, bonus events!
Like the past one, I was supposed to get this up with the chapters of my current Pokemon fanfic, Melting Gelid Roses. Things got out of control, though I started this months ago, so...it’s both messy and long. And I felt the need to finish this before I continued with my fanfic, because reasons.
I think that I’ve blathered on long enough. This story is long, so there’s a head’s up for you. Again, below the cut. Enjoy reading!
[Manor Alagona, Years Ago]
Past several pine trees and over snowy mounds, the sun slowly set beyond a large, blue and white mansion. A bulky and muscular grayish blue figure laughed and tugged a thinner and brownish yellow fellow up the courtyard path leading to the manor. The smaller fellow groaned as his fluffy tail swayed low, barely above the ground. Bags floated along behind them, and a spoon glowed between their interlocked hands.
“Machoke, do we have to…?” He gritted his teeth, and his mustache whiskers sagged as his lips fell to a frown.
“Yes, Kadabra, we do!” The muscular Machoke beamed back at his friend, still pulling him along, backpedaling as he continued. “This is the place they’re supposed to be!”
“But…it’s so…” Kadabra sighed, and his shoulders fell, hardly resisting much anymore.
They stumbled up the stairs leading to the door, where a blue and bloated creature waited for them. Both blinked at the odd black tail behind the critter as he turned and hid it, clearing his throat as he did so. Instead, they turned their attention to his dark jacket and vest as their eyes traveled up.
“May I help you gentlemen?”
“Hey, you’re that Wobbu-butler!” Machoke grinned, but only received a frown in return.
“It’s Wobbuffet, sir,” snapped the other, his patience steadily draining. “You are correct that I am the butler for this manor, however.”
“Lovely to make your acquaintance,” murmured Kadabra. “We’re here for the party inside.”
“With those gaudy rags you two wear for clothes?” Wobbuffet shook his head. “I should hope milord and milady wouldn’t invite such boorish oafs—”
“That’s uncalled for,” protested Machoke.
“With the likes of you?”
“Please,” cut in Kadabra, as he lifted his spoon and twirled it. “You can see two bags levitating right behind us. Better clothes are in them, and that’s quite easy to ascertain simply based on their sizes.”
“Be that as it may,” pressed Wobbuffet, “This party is still very much invitation only.”
“Then it’s a blasted good thing we have our invitation,” snapped Kadabra, and pressed an envelope to the butler’s face. “One guest is allotted to every partygoer. This is my friend’s invitation, and I am his chosen guest.” He didn’t even flinch as Wobbuffet snatched the letter away. “Will you stand aside now, or care to embarrass yourself further? I’m sure the household heads will simply love hearing about this.”
“…Welcome to the Alagona Manor, milords,” mumbled Wobbuffet. “Enjoy yourselves tonight.”
“Thanks!”
Grinning, Machoke strode past as the butler hopped aside. Kadabra smirked and strolled after him, holding his head high as Wobbuffet merely turned back outwards from the mansion.
“Ha, way to show him,” cheered Machoke, nudging Kadabra.
“He certainly had it coming, I’m sure.”
“Definitely.” Machoke turned back inside, as he spun and gazed around at the portraits that lined the walls. “This place sure is fancy, though!”
“Terrifyingly so,” agreed Kadabra.
The pair studied the main hall, staring at the large stairwell, some feet under a bright, glass chandelier. Ornate pottery and vases decorated the desks, with fine plates and sculptures placed between. The navy blue rug between them neatly coated the bulk of the floor, and the yellow glow around the room warmed it up tremendously.
“Gosh, those Empire knights really know how to choose a party to go to,” joked Machoke. “Can’t wait to see the recruiters tonight! How about you, Kadabra? What are you looking forward to?” He blinked and turned to his friend, who blankly stared ahead. “…Kadabra? …Hello?” Machoke waved his hand before his friend, who blinked and shook his head.
“Oh, I don’t know how I let you talk me into this,” complained Kadabra. “I certainly don’t belong at some fancy party where I won’t do anything but sit quietly and…or panic inside my own mind.”
“Seriously?” Machoke rolled his eyes. “Come on, this high class stuff is way more suited to you than me. You’ve got the vocabulary to keep up with these folks.”
“Right,” spat Kadabra, “because an extensive and versatile language flows perfectly when one’s diction cascades from a mouth clamped tighter than treasure chest.”
“You…used all of those words just to show off, didn’t you?”
“Naturally.”
“Yep, you’ll fit right in.” He tugged on his friend’s arm. “Come on, let’s go get changed, or we’ll deal with worse than the butler.”
“Yes, yes, of course.” Kadabra sighed and followed Machoke up the stairs, but slowed his ascent toward the top. “Machoke, you’re…sure you want to be a knight, right?”
“Absolutely!” He glanced back at Kadabra. “Just think about how many folks we’ve helped out. If I work on become a knight, I can help the whole Iceberg Empire!”
“Well, sure, but…you will be restricted to the palace for most days.” Kadabra finished climbing the stairs and tugged on his mustache. “And the capital will be your highest priority. Not to mention that you may be required to…well, hurt people, to put it lightly.” He looked up and into Machoke’s eyes. “So, you’re sure this is the way that you want to go?”
“Putting it like that, you can really sour the idea of it,” admitted Machoke, as he turned around to look into a door. “Still, I’m pretty sure of this. I get that you’re trying to make me think more objectively about it, but it’ll let me help a lot of lives.” He opened another door, shook his head, and closed it. “Those that I harm will be those that try to do harm to the innocent. I’ll be at the capital city and the palace, yeah, but I’ll be front line when we travel out and need to help the other townships. Just because it’s priority doesn’t mean that the rest of the Empire will be allowed to crumble, and I’ll still be able to help others.” Machoke grinned to the frowning Kadabra, and then continued checking rooms. “Plus, I’ll actually know what I’m doing, and really know how to help out. It’s best to get real training, and that’s what I’ll work for some day.”
“And…what about me?” Kadabra folded his arms as his tail drooped and swayed low. “I thought you and I would be…” He blinked and checked up at Machoke, who paused his search and returned full attention to him. “…Well, when we were kids, I just figured that, what we talked about—”
“All of that is still true.” Machoke beamed. “I’ll do everything I can to still be with you whenever you need me.”
“That’s not forever,” reminded Kadabra. The bags of clothes dropped down behind him.
“N-no, that’s…look, I know you don’t want to be a knight, Kadabra,” surmised Machoke. “This is what I want, but not what you want. I’m not dragging you to come with me for that, so we won’t be right on top of each other.” His smile faded as he rested a hand on Kadabra’s shoulder. “But you can find me in a flash whenever you need me, and I’ll be there. I promise.”
“…Perhaps, but…how we spoke, years ago…” Kadabra’s arms tightened. “I really thought we’d be completely inseparable.”
“Me too, I really did mean it, but…” Machoke rubbed the back of his neck. “We still have to follow our dreams too. This is what I want, but you never told me what you wanted. I just know it’s not this.” Machoke lightly massaged Kadabra’s shoulder. “So, I won’t force you with me. But, we can still stick close in spite of moving different ways, and we’ll figure it out. I believe that you and I can do that much.”
“How though?” Kadabra’s tail swayed, and then wrapped around his hips. “Tomorrow, they’ll look to recruit you and once they do, you’re already off.”
“Maybe this is asking a bit much, but I was hoping you’d come up with me for a bit?” Machoke slightly smiled. “It doesn’t have to be for long, just a day or two. And in that time, we can see how busy I’ll be, and then come up with some ideas.”
“You’re going to end up relying on me sorting this out,” accused Kadabra. Machoke opened his mouth, but slowly closed it. “I know you don’t mean to do that, but it’s exactly how everything will go.”
“…Sorry.”
“As am I.” Kadabra shook his head. “Look, tonight is supposed to be fun. So, you get dressed nicely, meet and chat up the recruiting knights, and I’ll—”
“Make some new friends?”
“…Sure…”
Turning away again, Machoke opened another door and peeked inside. His smile broadened again, and he tugged on Kadabra.
“Come on, here’s a good changing room.”
“Fine, fine…”
Doubling back, Machoke scooped up their bags and hurried after Kadabra into the room. Inside were small spaces, separated by walls and dark blue curtains. Pulling back one of them, Machoke propped one bag up for Kadabra, and smiled to his friend again.
“It’s nice that we’ll finally get to use these, right?”
“Mm.”
They paused in silence for a moment, and then hid behind curtains to change. Machoke opened his bag and studied the suit he pulled out.
“These things definitely look weird and restrictive to me,” admitted Machoke. “Clothes like this don’t offer flexibility.”
“Neither does armor,” reminded Kadabra.
“Good point.” Machoke sighed. “I wonder if they’ll let me wear less armor.”
“At least take some consideration into your wellbeing,” Kadabra persisted.
“Ha, I guess I should,” relented Machoke. “It’s not like I’ll have you around to watch out for me, so now I’ll need to keep myself covered!” The pair waited in silence as Machoke’s face burned. “That…that came out wrong.” Kadabra chuckled. “Hey, not everyone is versatile in their vocabulary.”
“Sorry.” Kadabra sighed, and then groaned. “This blasted outfit is a pain in the rear end to get around mine. Couldn’t they work on making better holes for tails?”
“Maybe we should have gone to a different tailor,” agreed Machoke. “Ah well. I’m about done.”
“Seriously?!”
“Well, the clothes are tight, but I can get them on.”
“Ugh. Of course you have the right body for it.” Kadabra bashed his head against the wall. “Ow. Apparently, I’m just as capable of poor word choice.”
“Psh, nah, you’re just trying to make me feel better,” teased Machoke. He stepped from behind the curtain. “You want me to come in there and help you out?”
“Gods, no.” Kadabra huffed in exasperation. “Look, just wait for me back outside and I’ll get there.”
“Um…all right.”
Stepping into the hall, Machoke tugged his jacket on, a citrine tailcoat, over his aptly titled buff vest and cream shirt. He tugged his ecru trousers around, fixing them to a more comfortable position, before strolling downstairs. Tapping at his chest, he pushed his brown tie down and into place.
Someone whistled, and Machoke whirled around, but found no one behind him. He twisted back, but only glimpsed as a figure disappeared into the hall. Turning back, he watched as a red fowl strode by, and winked to Machoke, before returning on his way to the next room.
“How handsome,” cooed a purple ape, her twin tails wagging as they brushed against Machoke, who could’ve sworn one groped his leg.
He grumbled and wandered around the hall. Another passerby stroked past him, and he spiraled as the dark lizard winked to him, on her way to the ballroom as well.
“Where the blazes is Kadabra already?” Machoke folded his arms and frowned as he glanced forward. “There’s no way I’ll go in there alone.” He slowly turned his head toward the stairs. “Maybe I should go…oh gods, I could melt.”
Fixated on the top of the stairwell, Machoke gawked as Kadabra stepped out. His white trousers helped straighten his legs more than usual, and fit snug around his waist. Though his tail swayed as he stepped down the steps, it was tucked between the ends of his gray-blue tailcoat, matching the vest that he wore over his white shirt. He fidgeted with a blue tie that he straightened as he reached the bottom. Blinking, he frowned at Machoke.
“What’s wrong?”
“Huh?”
“You’re staring, why are you staring?” Kadabra pulled on his coat and shirt. “Does this look too big or drab? Is the tie off again? I wasn’t planning on wearing—”
“You look stunning.”
Kadabra shivered and stared back up at Machoke, who rubbed his arm behind his head and neck.
“Sorry, that was…I-I didn’t mean to…” Machoke nervously chuckled. “Guess that’s a good enough confidence booster, huh?”
“Confidence—right, yes, thank you!” Kadabra forced a smile. “Ah, well, I-I’ve at least, that certainly—” He roughly cleared his throat. “Thank you, Machoke.” He smiled and paused, but then shook his head. “Uh, you look quite dashing as well. N-not that you need me telling you so, but, you know, that’s…one good turn, right?”
“Nah, it’s always nice when you tell me that I look good too!” Machoke grinned to Kadabra, but then softened his smile. “Thank you.”
“Of course. You’re welcome.”
“Well?” Machoke held out his arm. “Shall we?”
“Oh, um.” Kadabra wrapped his hand against Machoke’s arm, but hesitated. “No, wait.” He dropped it. “You should, um, we shouldn’t walk in like that.”
“Huh?”
“The closer I seem, the less likely others will want to interrupt,” advised Kadabra. “You want these recruiters to have any and all access to you, so…the easier it is to get you alone, even by appearance, the faster they’ll talk to you about everything.”
“Ah…right.” Machoke slowly let his arm fall. “Well, uh…again, shall we?”
Kadabra nodded, and the two walked alongside each other into the manor’s ballroom.
Crystal and icy sculptures lined the room’s walls, and decorated a long buffet table. Most were of floral shapes, though a few mirrored the designs of legendary gods that many tales described. Numerous guests were already packed in the middle of the room, dancing together as an orchestra played somewhere across the grand room.
“Wow.” Machoke whistled lowly. “I wasn’t expecting this many folks to be here.”
“This is even worse than I imagined as well,” murmured Kadabra. “Gods, I’ve barely practiced dancing. End me now, Machoke.”
“Oh, stop with the dramatics.” Machoke softly nudged his friend. “Come on, we can go get some food, and work our way around to finding—”
“Hello there, handsome.” Stiffening, Machoke turned to a long-eared rabbit that stood beside him. Her plain white dress fit her tightly, yet left her arms and legs quite exposed. “You look like you’re in need of a partner tonight.”
“Uh—”
“He’s actually looking for someone else,” interrupted Kadabra. “Not like you know anything about knight recruiters, do you?”
“Actually, I just so happen to have spotted a few before,” taunted the rabbit. “Perhaps I’ll tell you, or perhaps you can wander around to find them.” She placed a paw on her chin. “Though…maybe a dance and drink or two can pry my lips loose.”
Glancing back to Kadabra, Machoke raised an eyebrow at his friend’s disgusted face. He shook his head and shrugged, sighing as he backed away from Machoke.
“Go,” he muttered. “It’s a chance.”
“Um…ok.” Machoke turned back to the rabbit. “Ah…lead the way, uh, Miss…?”
“Lopunny,” she introduced. “A name you certainly won’t forget.” She grabbed his arm and dragged him toward the middle of the room. “Now, come. I’ve waited for a suitable partner long enough. Don’t disappoint me.”
“But weren’t you—?”
She jerked him into the crowd, and he gasped. The music tempo steadied to mirror a slow waltz, and Lopunny smirked. Lifting Machoke’s hands to her hip and shoulder, she cupped around his neck and the two began their dance.
Right into it, Lopunny’s legs came close against Machoke’s, rubbing up against them. He backed away, as the viola’s tune sweetly played above the rest of the music. Her eyes narrowed, and he quickly pulled her back to him, as the two pressed in and continued their waltz.
“Not half bad,” she complimented. “Though, I feel like you’re holding back.”
“Where were the recruiters?” Machoke frowned. “You told me—”
“Less chatting, more dancing.”
He bit his lip and guided her out with his arm, and she twirled around. Slowing, she lowered her eyes at him, and he brought her back closer. Lopunny pressed herself close to Machoke, who rolled his eyes, as they swayed about.
A harp played up, as a flute sounded soon after. The two played in unison as Lopunny stepped around Machoke, pressing herself against him with each movement. Timpani drumming guided her around him, and his movements stiffened a bit, as the rest of the instruments returned to the melody.
Bringing their hands up, the pair stepped around in a circle, and Lopunny tugged Machoke closer into her once more, as the piano and viola played in concert with one another.
“Normally, a fellow like you would be falling over himself to dance with me, let alone anything else,” brought up Lopunny. “That’s something to help draw me to you, I suppose. You’re quite patient, for a brawny hulk to be so patient around a petite lady like myself.”
“Right, sure.” Machoke glanced past her, checking passing faces around the room. “Now, where are those—?”
“A true knight should want a lady to protect, don’t you think?” Lopunny leaned in close to him. “After all, wouldn’t you like a princess to fight for? Someone soft and tender-hearted to make yours?”
“Um, I’m still working on becoming a knight,” reminded Machoke. The music slowly hit a crescendo, and then eased off. “Perhaps, now you could tell me?”
“Hm.” Lopunny brushed her ears back. “First, I mentioned a drink. If you don’t mind, and you shouldn’t, guide me to the refreshments table.”
Rolling his eyes, Machoke started off, as Lopunny wrapped herself around his arm. Grumbling to himself, he led her from the floor and to the table.
Further down, Kadabra watched several folks dance past him, as the music started up again. He softly waved to a dark lizard, who raised an eyebrow at him before she spun away from him, and lost herself in the crowd.
“Naturally,” uttered Kadabra, as he sank into his chair.
He turned to a pair chatting a few seats down. One was a thin blue oni, the other an icy pangolin. The two chattered and chuckled with one another, and Kadabra shifted his attention between them and back to the crowded dance floor.
Finally, he stood up and walked down to the pair, taking a seat near them.
“Uh…h-hi.” Kadabra nervously grinned to the pair. “N-nice night, huh?”
Neither of the two answered him, as they quietly stared back at Kadabra. He swallowed hard and gazed at the duo.
“…So…are, um, are either of you here for the knight recruitment?”
“I was,” answered the oni.
“Oh?” Kadabra smiled. “A friend of mine is here for that too. How did things go for you?”
“They rejected me.”
“…Ah.” Kadabra swallowed hard. “I, uh, I see. S-sorry to hear.” He paused and sat quietly, shifting his gaze between the oni and the pangolin. “And, um, w-what about you? Here for anything?”
“Food,” came his icy reply.
“Ha, well, there’s plenty over there, right?” Kadabra pointed over to the refreshments table past their seats. “Thinking of grabbing anything now? We can head over for it.”
“Just finished a plate,” snapped the pangolin. “Waiting for my stomach to settle.”
“Ah.” Kadabra brushed behind his head. “Right, ok then.” He clasped his hands together and held them between his legs, returning his attention to the dancers on the main floor.
Lost in the crowd, Machoke stalled in his movements, as the pianist continued a solo. Lopunny twirled two times before slowing on her third, and halted, resting her hands on her hips and glaring at Machoke.
“Is there a reason you’re not moving?”
“Yeah.” He folded his arms. “You have no idea who the recruiters are around here, do you?”
“Of course I do!”
“Really?” He narrowed his eyes. “Point them out to me.”
“N-not yet.” She tapped her foot as the timpani pounded again. “This is only the third dance, and we still need more drinks after this.”
“That’s not part of our deal,” countered Machoke. “You can more than point them out to me, and I’ll finish off this dance after you do so.” He shifted his position on his feet. “Well?”
“…Fine.” She whipped her ears around as she turned away from him. “I have no idea about them at all.”
“You just lied to get a good partner out here to dance with, then.” He narrowed his glare on her, while she kept her attention focused off of him. “Sadly, you’re not the first.”
“First to what?”
“Use me.” Machoke maintained his gaze as she spun back to him. “Many ladies love to look good against a strong partner. Who could resist one with large muscles? It’s a winning combination, no?”
“That’s…I didn’t mean to—”
“No, types like you never mean to.” Machoke shook his head. “Have a nice night.”
As he strolled away from her, he heard her mutter, “Never should have come north.” Machoke rolled his eyes and continued to wade through the crowd, making his way back to the outer walls.
Near a bowl of berries, Kadabra poured a drink, guzzling it down promptly. He shook his head and coughed out, as the pangolin shook his head.
“People only drink that fast when they want to forget things,” he cautioned. “That guy from before tried it too.”
“Wasn’t he your friend?”
“No, just met him tonight,” responded the pangolin. His rough claws tapped at his dish of berries and bread. “Some kind of tough guy that came here with his cousin or something. I think he’s waiting to hear if the other one gets accepted for knighthood or whatever they’re doing.”
“Ah.” Kadabra tugged at his mustache. “And, if the other doesn’t make it?”
“That I don’t know,” replied the pangolin. “Mercenary work, I think he mentioned? Who knows?”
“Mm.” Kadabra plucked a blue berry and crammed it into his mouth. He chewed through it quickly and swallowed it roughly. Coughing again, he held out his hand as the pangolin walked to him. “It’s fine…fine.”
“So…why are you here, anyway?” The pangolin tapped at his bowl again. “You mentioned your friend wants to become a knight or something?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“But, again, what does that have to do with you?”
“We’ve been best friends since childhood,” brought up Kadabra. “We both used to live in the same village until it was hit with a freak accident with a windstorm that mixed with fire and set everything ablaze.”
“Whoa, what?”
“Yeah, it was…nothing pretty.” Kadabra winced. “Our parents perished in the flames, as did many other parents and adults. The remainder tried to rebuild and help the children, but couldn’t support all of us, and we ended up on our own.”
“Wow, that’s…really deep.”
“Very, but it…well, Ma, uh, my friend and I met up after that,” recalled Kadabra. He smiled. “He was very adamant about staying together. So, we traveled and trained together for years.” Scratching at his cup, Kadabra sighed and placed it back down. “But, uh, his dream since he was young was to become a knight, and the Iceberg Empire is the closest to join, so…he’s been looking into that.”
“Ah, ok.” The pangolin tapped his claws together. “So, you’re here to support him with that.”
“More or less.” Kadabra swallowed. “It might also be the beginning of us parting ways, so…I’m not looking forward to that.”
“Oh, that sucks.”
“Very much so.” Kadabra sighed and grabbed the spoon, trailing it around a bowl of a drink. “Doubly so because of…of how close I thought we were.”
“Oh no, one of those?” The pangolin shook his head. “That super sucks.”
“You’re telling me.” Kadabra chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t even know how he feels about me, really.”
“Why not just tell him first?”
“I’d sooner die of embarrassment.” Kadabra dragged the ladle again. “It’s not worth risking the years of friendship. Besides, if we’re not together after tomorrow or so on, what’s the point?”
“Then what’s the point of hiding it?” Blinking, Kadabra turned to the pangolin, who shrugged. “I mean, you’re getting to a point where it won’t matter, so why hold back?”
“Well…I…” Kadabra swallowed. “M-maybe.”
“Or just go with him, I don’t know.” The pangolin tossed a berry into his mouth, and chomped away at it. Through his half-filled mouth, he managed, “I don know how the kniph stuff works, but you migh as well twy, righ?”
“Uh, perhaps.” Kadabra sighed. “What about you?”
“Me?” The pangolin swallowed. “What about me?”
“Why are you here?”
“Oh, I live here.”
“…What?”
“Master Slash, there you are.” Wobbuffet waddled over to him. “Your mother and father are looking for you. There’s a cake that they’re looking to carve to celebrate, and they’d wish to have the whole family together.”
“Ugh, ok, ok.” The pangolin rolled his eyes. “You’d think they’d quit that stuff after I grew up, but no. I’ll be in my middle age and they’ll keep making me do that stuff.” He shrugged and glanced back to Kadabra. “Hey, good talking with you. Try enjoying the party more, good luck with that guy.”
The two wandered off, as Kadabra gawked at them until they vanished from sight. He groaned and smacked his forehead, dragging his palm over his face.
“Hey, Kadabra!” Machoke pushed past two couples and stumbled over to his friend. “Are you ok?”
“I may or may not have just told the son of the house an embarrassing amount about myself,” lowly rambled Kadabra.
“So you did make a friend?”
“Um…not quite, though I may have been building to that.” Kadabra brushed his mustache and shook his head. “But that’s nothing. How did speaking with the recruiters go?”
“Can’t find them.”
“What?” Kadabra blinked hard. “What about that rabbit lady?”
“She lied,” grumbled Machoke. “Just wanted a partner to dance with.”
“Just wanted…that tramp!” Kadabra fumed. “The nerve of her! Oh, come, Machoke. Let’s find her, I need to give her more than a piece of my mind. How dare she even stoop so low to do that to you—”
“Kadabra, it’s fine.” Machoke sighed. “I’d rather just move on from that.”
“Fine.” Perking up, Kadabra sniffed. “Just how much did you drink with her?”
“One, uh…one too many?” Machoke rubbed behind his neck. “Not a big deal.”
“Ah.”
“Do you, um…do you want to dance?” Machoke rubbed his arm. “I mean, I’m a little sick of it, but I do enjoy it, so I was hoping we could.”
“Machoke, I’m not quite the best at it,” noted Kadabra. “Besides, won’t others around here stare?”
“Why?” Machoke jabbed his hand back. “I’ve seen at least three pairs of ladies dancing together. Not that big of a deal, right?”
“M-maybe not…”
“Look, I won’t pressure you into it,” relented Machoke. “Just, earlier this week, you had me practice so much, so I thought you wanted to—”
“Oh, you’re right, I do.” Kadabra grabbed Machoke’s hands. “Come, let’s see if you taught me well enough. Or if we’ll have a laugh.”
“Laughter, sure, but of fun,” insisted Machoke. “I already know I taught you well.”
“Cocky of your teaching?”
“And your skill. Now, let’s go!”
Machoke and Kadabra made their way to the middle of the crowds, and the music of an allemande ended. A waltz started up right after, and the pair came together, Machoke’s hand at Kadabra’s waist, while Kadabra’s arms went around Machoke’s shoulders.
The music’s pace carried forward, first slowly, as the pair swayed and stepped in a box formation. As the tempo quickened, Machoke stepped forward while Kadabra stepped back, both locked against one another, as they stepped back in and out together.
Again, the melody climbed and picked up, as the couple danced quicker to match the room around them. Kadabra glanced down and muttered counting for a bit, carefully observing his steps. Machoke, meanwhile, kept his attention on Kadabra, and smiled as they continued.
“I think I miss being the taller one a bit,” joked Kadabra.
“Ha, tough luck,” teased Machoke. “At least you kept the tail.”
“True.”
“Know what else?”
“Hm?”
“You’re doing marvelously,” complimented Machoke.
“Rah-really?” Kadabra gazed back up at him, stumbling a bit, but regaining his posture quick enough. “I-I didn’t think…well.” He cleared his throat and smiled as they swayed around. “I suppose I did have a good dance teacher.”
“And I suppose you’re as quick of a study as you claimed.” Machoke grinned as Kadabra chuckled. “You know, this is my first real dance too.”
“Huh?”
“This is the first fancy party we’ve ever been to,” reminded Machoke. “I haven’t been to anything like this without you. Or, uh…anything.”
“…No, I…suppose not.”
Together, they twirled around, stepping away as they spun, and pulling each other back together. The viola tenderly carried a solo, followed by the piano and the harp, and the music slowed. Machoke and Kadabra slowed their steps with the steadying rhythm, and swayed gently. Just as lightly, the melody came to a close and ended.
“So, ha, p-pretty good for rookie dancers, right?”
“Y-yeah.” Kadabra glanced down, and fixated his attention to the floor.
“Um…you want to go get some fresh air?”
“Absolutely.”
“I think there’s a balcony out this way.”
Machoke guided Kadabra past the crowd, and the two reached the glass doors. Opening one, Machoke stepped forward and held the door for Kadabra, who chuckled and strode out past him. Closing the door, Machoke turned and followed Kadabra across the plateau to the railing, and the two surveyed the night sky.
“Stars look beautiful tonight, huh?” Machoke smiled to Kadabra, who continued to gaze out and ahead.
“Quite.” Kadabra paused in their silence. “And…the moon is, as well.” He blinked and his eyes searched the sky. “Perhaps we can see the auroras here.”
“Didn’t you mention we’d have to go further north?”
“Did I?” Kadabra shook his head. “Of course, yes. I suppose it slipped my mind.”
“Right.” He stretched and grunted. “Well, we’ll have to travel there sometime, you and I.”
“When?”
“Don’t know, but we’ll make time.” Machoke chuckled. “Didn’t we used to plan stuff like that when we were kids?”
“Often, yes.” Kadabra laughed softly with him. “We really did keep on that childish phrase, right?”
“Uh…you mean, ‘together forever,’ right?”
“Or ‘forever together,’ that’s…correct.”
Slowly, Machoke stepped closer to Kadabra, who still studied the night. He sighed and traced the railing, oblvious to his friend’s advances.
“So, ah, did you enjoy the dance?”
“Hm? Oh, yes, of course.” Kadabra turned as Machoke froze, and smiled to him. “That was…truly, it was a wonderful experience.” He chuckled and pulled on his whiskers, as his cheeks flushed. “Honestly, I did read about those before, and how it was always this romantic sort of action…I never expected to dance with anyone.”
“What about a partner?”
“Huh?” Kadabra blinked and raised an eyebrow at Machoke. “You mean a lover?”
“Oh, uh, well…yeah, right?”
“Well, I…I don’t know.” Kadabra sighed again, and slumped over the railing. “Machoke, I…well, I haven’t really given myself much effort into pursuing a romantic interest.”
“Why not?” Machoke inched closer, his face deepening to a scarlet hue. “We’ve had the time.”
“Yes, I…I suppose so.” Kadabra drummed at the railing. “But…I…don’t know who I’d want.”
“Shouldn’t you be exploring those options?”
“It’s something that I’ve dreamed of,” admitted Kadabra. “So, yes, I should.”
“Dreamed of?”
“Just…having someone, to uh, get close to,” decided Kadabra. “Typical, story-book romance feelings, and other silly nonsense.”
“Doesn’t sound very silly to me.”
“…No?”
“Nope.”
“Oh, well…” Kadabra cleared his throat, and turned to Machoke, who was right beside him. “I, uh…I suppose we should both work toward that. Finding partners.”
“Lovers.”
“Yeah.”
“We’ll need some practice with that stuff, then.”
“Practice?”
“With dancing and other close, um…things.” Machoke rubbed behind his head. “Like, uh, kissing or cuddling.”
“Um.” Kadabra tugged his whiskers again, and pressed against the railing as he faced Machoke entirely. “W-well, we’ve cuddled before.”
“Yep.” Machoke chuckled, and his arm slid past Kadabra’s shoulder. “Your tail is soft and easy to sleep against.”
“Ha, uh…yeah.” Kadabra cleared his throat again. “And, we, um, we just danced together.”
“Pretty well, right?” Machoke grinned.
“As you claimed, yes.” Kadabra lowered his hand. “So, we’ve…done a little, of what you mentioned.”
“Sounds like we should try more with each other,” suggested Machoke.
“W-what?”
“Hey, we practiced together so far,” offered Machoke. He guided his arm around Kadabra’s back, and his free hand up to his face. “What’s one m-more time?”
“But…but that’s…”
“Did…you have anyone else in mind?”
“…Not at all.”
“…Then…?”
Trembling, Kadabra lifted his hands towards Machoke’s face. Pulling one hand back, Machoke cupped it over one of Kadabra’s hands, and guided it to his face. Both blushed harder as Kadabra’s hands steadied, and he brought the other to Machoke’s face. Smiling, Machoke returned a hand to Kadabra’s, and leaned in.
“So, uh…” Machoke breathed against Kadabra. “…Ready?”
“Go ahead.” Kadabra stared into Machoke’s eyes. “Let’s…”
Scooping Kadabra’s face forward, Machoke pressed his lips against him, and held him in close. Kadabra gripped Machoke’s cheeks, and brought himself closer, adjusting his lips to align better with Machoke’s. Sliding his hands behind his neck, Kadabra pushed closer, as Machoke’s arm lowered behind Kadabra’s back. They kissed quietly as the wind gently blew past them, and time slipped away.
They pulled apart after a moment, and hesitated away from one another. Kadabra sank back as Machoke slowly pulled his arm back to his side.
“How, uh…how was that?”
“An exciting experiment,” recited Kadabra. “Thank you for, um…sharing my first one.”
“Ha, yeah, right back at you.” Machoke rubbed beneath Kadabra’s chin. “Um…if you, uh, you ever want to, ah, try again, we could—”
“Maybe, certainly.” Kadabra dropped his hands. “But, it’s been long enough out here. We should get back in…seek out those recruiters.”
“Oh…right.”
Taking Machoke’s hand, Kadabra led his partner back into the manor’s ballroom. Much of the crowd had retired for the night, and several more trickled out. Both caught the eyes of a dark lizard, who glanced over her shoulder to them. She smirked, and then hurriedly slinked from the room, tightly gripping a small pouch.
“Wonder what that was about,” murmured Machoke.
“Something tells me that was nothing good,” determined Kadabra.
“Where the blazes would Beartic be, anyway?”
Jolting up, the two released one another’s hands, as they turned their attention to a large panda bear. He folded his arms and growled to a quieter brown bear.
“Don’t know, but probably finishing up with that last potential trainee,” offered the other bear. “Quite a few knights still left for trials tomorrow.”
“Knights.” Kadabra nudged Machoke. “They’re the recruiters, come on.”
“Um, right.” Machoke hesitated. “…But—”
“Oh, come on!”
Kadabra grabbed Machoke again and tugged him over to the bears. They turned to walk out, but Kadabra whistled at them.
“Huh?” The brown bear turned back to them. “What’s with the whistle?”
“We’ve been looking for you lot all night, that’s what,” clarified Kadabra.
“Oh great, another.” The panda sighed. “Look, Ursaring and I need to get going—”
“P-please wait,” pleaded Machoke. “I’ve been trying to arrange some kind of meeting for months now.”
“…Ah, so you’re the recruit that sent us those letters,” realized the panda. “Machoke, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s me.” He blinked and jerked back. “You…remembered my name?”
“What, do I look that daft to you?”
“Pangoro, easy,” urged Ursaring. He smirked to the pair. “He’s a little cranky when he’s tired.”
“Don’t tell them that!”
“It’s true.”
“Bah!” Pangoro folded his arms. “Whatever, yeah, the Emperor doesn’t get a lot of letters for folks that want to be knights—”
“Emperor Empoleon saw the letters?”
“Duh, of course he did.” Pangoro chuckled. “He replied to you, didn’t he?”
“B-but…I thought he…I didn’t realize he personally…!”
“Well, he did.”
“We’d talk more, but it’s gotten really late, and the folks here will want us out very soon,” advised Ursaring. “We’ll take this up with you in town in the morning.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, but you won’t be alone,” cautioned Pangoro. “Tomorrow, we’ll test your worth, see if you’ll be coming back up north with us.”
“Yeah…of course.” Machoke’s shoulders dropped as he lowered his head.
“And what about me?”
Everyone turned and stared at Kadabra, who folded his arms. Pangoro chuckled and shook his head.
“You? No offense, but you certainly don’t seem to be a knight type.”
“Why thank you, I had no idea that I was lacking in physical stature.” Kadabra rolled his eyes. “Don’t you royals still use mages, or are you only looking for knights?”
“Wait, what?” Machoke shook his head. “You want to be a mage for the Emperor?”
“Certainly. You’ve been glorifying being a knight this entire time,” pointed out Kadabra. “If you can do that, surely I can do my part as well. Unless, of course, there are only knight positions open.”
“Uh, no, we could always use another mage,” Ursaring admitted. “We’re in need of those too, but—”
“Then consider me yet another applicant,” persisted Kadabra. “Test me tomorrow too.”
“Ah…we’ll need to come up with something else for you,” sorted Pangoro. “But…I think our Emperor will definitely like this proposal.”
“Ok, then you’re both on for tomorrow morning,” decided Ursaring. He yawned. “Late morning, that is. We don’t get enough rest as it is, might as well use the time we’ve got for now…”
“The General would knock you senseless for that remark,” called a large polar bear that pushed his way through the door and into the room.
“Beartic, where were you?”
“Some lady caused a ruckus outside,” divulged Beartic. “Something about an awful night or whatnot, and complaining about going back home. Made a big scene of it.”
“And that kept you?”
“Wanted to make sure it didn’t get too out of hand.” Beartic smirked. “And I think my presence helped keep things calmer.”
“Ego much,” muttered Pangoro.
“Don’t be jealous, I heard that,” teased Beartic. “Come on, let’s be off.”
Together, the trio ambled from the ballroom and the manor. Kadabra stepped to follow them, but Machoke tugged him back.
“What was that about?”
“You seem to have a good edge on becoming a knight,” observed Kadabra. “They took a liking to you once they recalled—”
“Not that, and you know it,” shot out Machoke. “Becoming a mage, where did that bluster up from?”
“Oh, that?” Kadabra shrugged. “Well, you’re so dead set on becoming a knight, right? I’ve given some passing thoughts to my equivalent aptitude for magic, and it’s not like I haven’t dabbled in spells before.”
“But…you really want to be a mage?”
“Without you around, I’d need to come up with something to do for myself,” pointed out Kadabra. “But if I’m to venture north with you, I may as well see if I should join in your adventure as well.”
“Kadabra, you don’t have to—”
“My choice, Machoke.” He smirked. “It just happened to work in your favor as well.”
“…Kadabra…”
“Come. We need to get a good night’s sleep.”
Once more, Kadabra sauntered from the ballroom. Machoke chased after him, and picked up his hand. They turned to one another, and blushed as they stared.
“Tomorrow, after we show them what we can do…” Machoke swallowed. “I, um, I want to talk about something with you.”
“Uh…it…doesn’t need to wait.”
“For now, it does.” Machoke exhaled. “But…I’ll have things ready for tomorrow night. I promise.”
“…Ok.” Kadabra smiled.
Hands interlaced, the pair strode from the manor, back out into the night. Their hearts raced with their minds and thoughts, though neither could speak any more for the night. Tomorrow, however, would begin the first of many new chapters for them.
Oh my words, it’s finally completed! And you made it, hooray!
Gosh, I can’t tell you how long I’ve been dying to write this up. Like, it’s not how I had it all gathered in my head, and it’s changed over and over again. But, as a general concept, this is what I wanted for Machamp and Alakazam’s past history, prior to their falling out, and why they seemed so close, but then were split apart.
Hopefully everything came out well enough. For those confused why they didn’t end up together immediately, well, fate is cruel, and I need to keep with my writing, lol. In actuality, they were very much on the verge of confessing to each other, with Kadabra being advised to just go for it, while Machoke teetered on confessing a few times thereafter.
Sadly, they both held back on it, looking to push forward with other moments instead. (Oh, and the part that’s not apparent to the readers: Kadabra reads Machoke’s mind after the kiss, and that’s where the “experiment” comment comes from. It ties in with something Alakazam later explains in my fanfic, which I’m not expecting anyone to remember and shared it here instead. For those super curious, it’s mentioned in Chapter 10 of MGR, after the hot springs drama, while Greninja and Alakazam are alone. Enjoy, story checkers!)
But yes! Kadabra decides on sharing his life with Machoke, who had been focused on knighthood, and will go on to be a mage himself. Machoke, however, questions his choices for the first time in a while here, and realizes that it might not be for the best to bring Kadabra into this. Spoilers: they very much do go into this. Even more spoilers: they do not get to a nice talk later the next night. (Again explained in Chapter 10!)
I wasn’t sure about including certain characters, such as Lopunny, Pangoro, Ursaring, Beartic, and select others not mentioned by name, but they kind of made sense here. Lopunny got an ironic mirroring here, since she uses someone for a dance, and that’s more or less what happens to her later. Karma tends to bite back hard.
Well, I’ve rambled far too much by this point, my apologies. And sorry for the delay on this too; I’m literally behind for things that I’ve worked on for months, which is already on top of me being behind on stuff that I thought up years ago. Writing struggles suck, but hey, I’m learning.
One more part of this story is meant to come out as well, though my hopes of having it ready any time soon are a bit dashed, to say the least. Still, I will certainly have it out after my next MGR chapter, which will be due out now that I’ve taken care of this. (Perhaps after an ENY chapter, though.)
If you’ve enjoyed this, but it happens to be your first foray into the loveliness of Machamp/Alakazam or their relations, I’ll add in a neat little list below for other and related stories. Here:
Forever Endures (1) - The first part to this story, as mentioned above. It features a young Machop and a young Abra becoming friends!
Melting Gelid Roses - This is the main source of my Pokemon fanfic shenanigans, and heavily features Alakazam and Machamp midway into the story, as they slowly become a couple.
Inferiority Complex - Set after Machamp and Alakazam become a couple in the main story, this is the two of them dealing with some self-esteem issues on both of their ends. Some of that was hinted in this story too, just a bit!
Anyway, that’ll do it for now. As always, more to come. And, of course, thank you very much for reading! I hope you’ve enjoyed it.
