BY MY SIDE
"Look, when I said I want to go home now, I mean now!"
When Steven heard the yelling from the far end of the corridor, he couldn't help but to sigh. He briskly walked into the room, only to find a certain red-headed young man arguing with the doctor.
"I have a life outside this place!" Lance shouted, "And I haven't seen my Dragonite! If you don't let me go now, he would think I've abandoned him, and I don't want that to happen!"
Steven glanced at Wallace, who was watching the whole scene with much amusement from his own bed nearest to the door.
"Sir Lance!" The female doctor yelled back, "You just came around several hours ago! You are damaging your body by forcing it to move when it's not ready, just yet! And maybe next time, you'll learn not to inject pain-killers carelessly without knowing the right amount your body can handle!"
Lance cringed when he heard those words, "It was necessary!"
Steven frowned, "Okay, that's enough!" Steven interfered, "Lance, she's just concerned about your condition!" Steven reasoned as he approached him.
"But Steve," Lance said, almost whimpering, "Dragonite…"
"I've called hospital where you've admitted your Dragonite, and they said he's doing just fine." Steven tried to assure, "He's recovering from the operation."
The female doctor grumbled, "Please note that you can't leave this hospital for another week. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got of work to do!" And with that, she angrily stormed off the room, nearly slamming the door of the room behind her.
Lance threw himself on his bed and groaned, "This is madness!"
Steven rolled his eyes, "I told you, your Dragonite is fine."
Lance glanced at him and asked, "His wings?"
Steven hesitated for a moment, before finally saying, "They can't do anything about that… They're suggesting that you amputate the wings and get a transplant or something… Dragonite…Can't fly anymore."
"… Sorry to hear that," Wallace suddenly said.
Lance sighed, "… Transplant, are they kidding or what?"
"Hey, some Pokemon actually live with that," Wallace pointed out, "Or… if you're not comfortable with transplantation, how about getting an artificial one?"
"Oh yeah, that might work," Steven agreed.
"What do you mean 'artificial'? Can he really fly again with that?" Lance asked.
"Oh even better," Wallace said with a smirk as he took the magazine he left on the table next to his bed, search through the pages, and finally found the right article. "Read this."
Lance took the magazine and began reading, "Artificial Wings proven to save dreams… Cheesy title…" Lance commented, but kept on reading anyway. After several minutes of reading, he finally said, "So... Dragonite could get a pair of man-made wings… Which may or may not function properly, and is still under development?"
Steven took the magazine from his hand and said, "Oh c'mon. The Devon is one of the leading researchers on this thing. Your Dragonite will be able to fly around the world in 12 hours instead of the usual 16, plus you can get a lifetime warranty. Of course, that's why this doesn't come cheap."
"Well, what if some malfunction occurs when he's flying on the middle of the sea?" Lance asked, sounding a bit worried.
Wallace smirked, "C'mon, the president of the Devon created my car. I've been riding on it for 8 years now, on top speed every time I got the chance. Never malfunction. Not even after it got caught in flood, or get body-slammed by Milotic, or when Gyarados got mad and Hyper Beam-ed it…"
"Maybe you could talk to my dad directly," Steven said, "He'll be happy to help out." However suddenly, his phone rang. He checked for the caller ID, before finally saying, "It's him." He said as he answered the call and exited the room, leaving Wallace and Lance alone in the room.
Lance was the first to break the silence, "So… How long was I out?"
"Eight days." Wallace replied.
"How about you?"
Wallace shrugged, "I came around just yesterday… Barely remember a thing…"
Lance sighed, "I know how that feels… It's as if everything that happened, was just like a dream…"
Wallace rolled his eyes, "It's because you were on drug."
"It wasn't drug." Lance argued.
"Painkiller, analgesic, whatever you want to call it, is illegal. Only doctors are allowed to get their hands on them. Certified doctors."
"Well, back in Kanto, we used them quiet often." Lance pointed out.
"Great, your region now sounds like it has illegal drug warehouses scattered all over the place."
"How many times should I tell you that it's not drugs," Lance said as he rolled his eyes, "And we only use them in critical times. Let's say, like when a legendary battle is coming up, and you're the only one capable of bringing Groudon and Kyogre into the battlefield."
"I can't believe our hero is a drug-addict… And to think Steven actually likes you."
"I am not an addict… Wait a minute, what's with Steven again?"
Wallace innocently shrugged, "I can't believe my best friend would fall for a drug-addict with hero complex… That's all…"
"What do you mean 'fall'? Wallace, don't tell me…"
Wallace gave him a look, "… I was outside, when you confessed to him in this hospital."
"Oh no, you didn't!"
Wallace grimace, "Oh yes I did…"
"How could you Wallace?"
"Oh please, as if your voice isn't loud enough."
A slight tint of pink crept up on Lance's face, and he has to look away to hide it, "What's the point… He rejected me… I don't stand a chance against the person he loves…"
"Don't say things like that. You and Steve make a great couple…" Wallace said, not sure why he was being so nice to him.
"… You and him make a better couple."
"Eh?"
Lance sighed, "… Long before I even met him… he already fell in love with someone else…" He paused for a moment, before continuing, "I don't stand a chance… Because this guy got everything… The looks, the skills, the power… And last but not least, something I never have… Sincerity."
"… What are you talking about…?"
"You're sincere in everything you do... The event that really got me is the time when you save Winona… You'll risk the world just to save the person you love… If I was in your position, I would've… I would've let her fall…"
"That's not right… You love him too, even if he's in his most pathetic state…"
"That is so reassuring..." Lance said with a bit of sarcasm.
Wallace glanced at him, before finally saying, "… Do you know what he said after he found out you were… 'dead'?"
Lance glanced at him, "What?" he asked a moment too quickly.
Wallace sighed as he repeated Steven's words, "… While crying, he said… 'He was the first to tell me that he loves me, even if I'm such a wreck'… Or something along those lines, I couldn't exactly remember…"
Lance adopted a surprised look on his face, "… Are you… Serious?"
"No Lance, I was just messing with you." Wallace said, returning the sarcasm.
Lance smirked, not knowing what else to say about that. He decided that it would be wise to change the topic, "So... What happened to the red and blue orb?"
"Steven returned them already... You took it from Mount Pyre, right?"
Lance nodded, "Yeah. Those old couple gave them to me the moment I arrived... As if they can sense that something bad is going to happen soon…"
"I heard they've been there for quite a long time…" There was a short pause, before Wallace decided to inform, "Groudon and Kyogre return to wherever it is they came from. And Rayquaza… We never saw it again…"
Before Lance could reply, Steven suddenly enters the room, "Hey Lance, I got the catalogue for the different types of models we're making. Each set with different capabilities and advantages. Make your choice." Steven said as he handed over the catalogue to Lance.
Lance's eyes narrowed slightly when his eyes set on the prices. "Convenient, light and powerful… equipped with GPS, radar… Rocket launcher? What the hell is this? Is this even real?"
Steven sat on Lance's bed and leaned closer to him, "Just so you know, it's what they call technology these days Lance, if you happen to be living in a cave for the past few years."
Lance rolled his eyes, "I do not live in a cave. I just dedicated a larger portion of my time learning how to survive, fight…"
"And ripping other people's clothes off and use them for disguise," Steven teased lightly.
"No, I wasn't going to say that." Lance denied. "That belongs in the survival section."
Steven ruffles Lance's head playfully, "Okay, for a traveler like you who likes to go from place to place in a matter of several minutes, I recommend you to pick this one out."
"What's with sharp edges?" Lance asked, "Dragonite can't possibly sleep next to me if… Oh wait, forget that you ever heard that!"
Steven smirked, "Aww… You sleep with Dragonite next to you! Isn't that so sweet hearing that from a tough guy like you? Wallace! This guy sleeps with his Dragonite!" Steven said as he glanced at his friend.
Wallace chuckled, "That is just so cute coming from a guy like you! Our hero has a soft spot for over-sized cuddly Pokemon!"
Lance rolled his eyes again, "No. I don't!"
"And now who's living in denial…" Steven whispered by Lance's ear.
Lance shot Steven a look, "… Dragonite happens to be my childhood friend. My most trusted partner… Okay! Back to this alright, just pretend never said anything about sleeping..."
"Are you kidding?" Wallace asked, "If this ever goes to the media, your name will sky-rocketed as the hero who likes to cuddle."
Lance glared at Wallace, "Do you really hate me that much?"
"Just for your information… I still don't like you."
After being put to sleep for quite some time, Lance finally woke several hours later to the sound of the door of his room opening.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up…" Steven apologetically said as he closed to door gently behind him.
Lance looked around drowsily, trying to get the effect of the medicine out of his head. "It's okay…" He mumbled as his gaze fell upon the empty bed next to him, "Where's Wallace?"
"Winona took him out several minutes ago," Steven said as he sat on the edge of Lance's bed, "I think… She's got something very important to tell him…"
Lance sighed quietly, "… He deserves it…"
Steven nodded slowly as he looked out of the window, "I know…" He whispered. There was a moment of silence, before Steven finally decided to say, "Thank you, Lance…"
"For what?"
"For fighting so hard for our region… For being such an inspiration to everyone… And, for coming back…" Steven said with a sheepish smile.
Lance smirked, not knowing how to handle that kind of compliment, "It was nothing…" Was all he could say in reply.
"I'm still glad… To know someone who will never stop fighting like you… I really am…"
Lance quietly observed him for a moment, before finally asking, "Steve… Is there something you want to tell me?"
Steven somehow looked surprised, "… No, I think I've pretty much said everything I wanted to say." He admitted.
Lance slowly nodded, "… Okay… You're welcome, for everything."
"… I should be going…" Steven said as he stood up and walked towards the door, "Get well soon."
Steven opened the door, and was about to walked out, when Lance suddenly said, "You know, I still waiting for you answer!"
The Hoenn Champion froze when he heard those words, dreading for that one topic to be brought up. He spared him a single glance, "… I know…" He muttered, "… But I don't think I can."
"… If you think I should wait, give me a 'yes'. And if you think I should move on, give me a 'no'. Whatever you answer is, I'll appreciate it…"
Steven bit his lower lips, "… Sorry…" And that was all he said before closing the door behind him.
Lance moaned out loudly as he stare at the ceiling, knowing very well that he was just downright rejected. However, before he could even think of anything else, the door was slammed open once again, and a furiously blushing Steven walked in.
He slammed the door behind him and exclaimed, "Look! I don't know what to feel, okay? I'm suffocated by this weird feeling every time I think about you! I'm depressed, confused. I just want… I just want to… I don't even know what I want!" He blurted out the whole thing as he leaned against the door, eyes fixed on the floor, "You keep on making me feel as if I'm the bad person here… I'm going crazy, and… I don't know if this is what you call love, but I don't like it. I don't know what I like about you. Maybe your courage, your spirit… The way you never give up. Something about you that is somehow capable of understanding what I want when I don't even know what I want. The way you care so much…"
Dumbstruck, Lance could barely find a word to say.
Steven shot him a look, "Forget it, I'm just being stupid…" He muttered as he opened the door again.
"No Steve wait!" Lance called out, "I've got something to say too!"
Steven stopped and looked at him, avoiding direct eye contact, "… Sorry…"
Lance smiled, "I love you too."
Steven froze when he saw that one gentle smile that somehow radiates the kind of love he had never felt before. His body relaxed as he walked closer to him, even though he wasn't sure if he's actually in control of his own actions anymore. Nervously, he bent over, and placed a light peck on Lance's lips. Lance gently run his fingers along Steven's jaw, his touch sent a mysterious chill down Steven's spine. Steven closed his eyes as he whispered by his ears, "Don't die again…"
"I won't…" Lance whispered back.
"Don't leave me."
"Never will."
"I'm sorry, for everything bad I've said…"
"Forgotten already."
Steven once again bent down and kissed Lance, only this time, with much more passion. Lance opened his mouth, letting Steven's tongue invade him with lust and moans that undoubtedly turns him on. He cupped Steven face in his hands and pulled him into a fiercer kiss.
And that's when the others decided to walk in.
"Hey Lance, Wallace!" Sidney exclaimed as he happily slammed the door opened, "How are you guys-" He abruptly stopped when he saw the awkward position Steven and Lance were in. The others behind him gasped, staring at the couple in shock.
Not knowing what else to do, Lance and Steven just froze in that awkward position, eyes locked at the intruders.
"… This is awkward…" Lance stated the obvious as he lets go of Steven.
Phoebe showed them the basket of fruits and berries they brought, "We brought you something…" She stated, still looking at them in disbelief.
"Thank you." Lance flatly replied.
"Lance is your lover?" Sidney exclaimed that one sentence Steven had been dreading to hear. "So that means you're…"
Steven sighed, before nodding at him, "Yes, I am gay too…" He admitted. "I've always been gay."
"Well, isn't that sweet…" Glacia stiffly stated, "You two make such a cute couple."
Sidney took a moment to compose himself, before finally saying, "Sorry… I guess I was shocked. I thought you guys are into chicks…"
"… We'll come by some other time…" Drake finally said, "Sorry for disturbing."
"Eh, wait, I'm not done talking!" Sidney said.
Drake grabbed Sidney by his shirt and dragged him out, "Get well soon." He said as he dragged Sidney away.
Phoebe left the basket of fruits and berries on the nearest table, before exiting with a polite bow.
Steven sighed out loudly as he laid his head in Lance's chest, "… Just kill me already…"
Lance chuckled as he gently stroke Steven's soft hair, "They'll get over it. Trust me."
Months later…
Steven checked on his watch, nervously glancing at the sky every now and then, "Come one, come on…" He muttered every now and then.
Wallace looks over Steven's shoulder at the watch, "Relax…" He said before yawning, "It's not even time yet."
"Based on the calculations I've made, taking into account the amount of guts he has, that he'll be able to break a new record, and will be back any minute now…"
"No kidding?" Wallace nonchalantly said as his gaze wandered off to the clear blue sky. He thought for a moment, before finally saying, "… How long has it been?"
"… 10 hours, 12 minutes, 45 seconds…" Steven muttered.
Wallace narrowed his eyes when he noticed something glinting on the far horizon, "… Around the world in 10 hours and 15 minutes…" He said, "He'll be proud as hell about this."
In less than several second, something incredibly fast flew right over them, creating an impressive air torrent that send rocks, dust, and their basic camping supplies scattering through the air. The mysterious object slowed down, and finally landed not far from Steven and Wallace.
It was a dragonite, equipped with a pair of simple metallic wings that beautifully whirred to a stop as it proudly stood with a delighted expression written on its face. The rider dressed in black suit and a black helmet, jumped down from the dragon Pokemon and took off his helmet.
"10 hours, 14 minutes, 25 seconds!" Steven declared.
Lance smirked as he ran his fingers through his messy hair, "Best flight ever." He remarked, "Even though I could barely see a thing…"
Dragonite flexed its new metallic wings happily and took off to the skies once again.
"Thanks for the helmet Wallace," Lance offered to the older current-Champion of Hoenn, "I still can't imagine how you can get your hands on one of these… Volt's Aerial Helmet. Only three have ever been created."
Wallace smirked, "I have connections, and some friends…"
Steven rolled his eyes, "I could design something a lot better than that…" He mumbled to himself.
"It's Volt's, Steven… Volt's!" Wallace said, "That guy is the expert when it comes to anything that flies. You, who spent most of his time in a cave, can't possibly understand how delicate this matter is." He said as he put his arms around Steven's neck in a friendly gesture. "He could practically conquer the sky and claims it to be his territory, if he wants to."
"Don't worry Steve," Lance assured with a warm smile, "Dragonite and I are more than satisfied with the new wings…"
Steven returned the smile, "If you say so…"
"Of course, the only drawback is Dragonite's incapability of joining any formal Pokemon competition anymore…" Wallace commented, "Considering the extra lasers that could pierce through a six inches crystal… The rocket-propelled mechanism… The temperature-sensitive sensor that could detect the presence of any living thing in the radius of one kilometer…"
"It's so good that it could be considered a crime…" Lance agreed.
Steven sighed quietly, "Well, I can't help it okay? It's the first project my father and I ever work on together…"
Lance looks up at his Dragonite, whose flying happily around the mountain range, "… Thank you…"
The three fell into silence as they watched the Dragon Pokemon happily speeding up like mad around the clear blue sky.
"Hey, let's go back to Blackthorn and get something to eat, okay?" Wallace suddenly suggested, "I'm starving."
"Let's go then," Lance agreed, "Coffee stand?"
"Pancake's House." Wallace quickly decided.
"The coffee stand has pancakes," Lance argued.
"The Pancake's House has coffee too." Wallace returned.
"I'm going for waffles…" Steven finally said.
"The Pancake's House has waffles." Wallace stated.
Lance rolled his eyes, "Fine. Do it your way. I'm still getting coffee from the Coffee Stand."
"Stubborn brat…" Wallace smirked, "And by the way, I've been meaning to ask… How are things going on between you two, eh?"
Steven heart skipped a beat when the question registers to his brain, "… We're doing… Just fine…" He said with a shrug. Beside him, Lance is glaring daggers at the oldest Champion.
"Just fine? My wedding night was just fine until a certain drunk brat breaks into our room and began playing around with the karaoke machine," he said as he glared back at Lance, who timidly shrunk at that accusation, "One thing we've all learnt that day is to never give a Dragon Trainer anything stronger than energizer drinks. And maybe the fact that Lance is a 'charming' singer, as Winona likes to call it…"
Steven shrugged again, "Well, we're doing well… And, uh… Dragonite sometimes gets in the way when we're trying to get a little private, but aside from that, we're doing… fine."
Wallace gave him a knowing look, "So he's still cuddling with his dragon? Hey Lance, you're in a relationship, you can't just bring big lizards on the bed. The bed belongs to you, and your partner." He stated.
Lance sighed, "I know, I know. But Dragonite is not used to it. There's this thing he does whenever he gets lonely, and believe me, it's not pretty."
"He could literally hear Dragonite crying from the Pokeball…" Steven explained to Wallace, "He said it was too heartbreaking to hear. I'm developing a brand new Pokeball for this…"
Dragonite suddenly came up next to Lance, and began to fondly purred, demanding him to ride on his back again. Lance smiled as he puts on the black helmet once again, "Hey, gonna go for another round. Save me a seat, okay?"
"Okay, be safe." Steven said, before the two zoomed towards the east.
Wallace chuckled, "Nasty little brat…" he commented, "Sometimes I wonder what he's made of…"
"You're not the first one to ever wonder…" Steven paused, before finally asking, "So, when's the baby due?"
Wallace smiled, "In two months, I think…" He replied. "Winona is getting really moody recently. And she keeps on craving for weird food I've never even heard of. It's kind of nuts, but I guess this is a part of being a good father, huh?"
Steven nodded, "Have you picked on a name for the girl?"
"Not yet. We're still working on that. I'd like to name her Claudia, but Winona as tons of other names in her mind. She just couldn't pick out the right one…"
"Claudia is a nice name…" Steven commented.
"Exactly. It's a great name. I just couldn't understand why Winona insists on picking a different one."
Steven mused in his own thoughts, before finally saying, "… You know… Somehow, I just felt happy for no reason…"
"For me?"
"No… happy for the way things finally turn out to be…"
Wallace chuckled, "… I couldn't disagree…"
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END
Hellow guys! FanGirl0207 here writing this for the readers out there. I would like to say thank you to everyone who had been reading and reviewing my fic! Thank you guys, those reviews means a lot to me! And not to forget, those who read, fav and follow my story as well! Thanks a bunch guys!
i know the ending of this fic is kind of abrupt, but I know nothing else to add. I tried doing the sex scene again for the ending, but just couldn't get myself to write a good one. I know, sorry for disappointing you guys, I feel as bad :(
I've always been bad at wrapping up stories, but I'm trying my best to improve!
Thanks a bunch guys, for everything! Hope I'll see you guys again in my next LancexSteven fic!