So, since Alolan ninetales is a fairy-type, that technically means Frey is a manic pixie dream girl. Oops? Totally unintentional, I promise. Can I say the same about the frigid pun last time? ...anyhow, some actual plot begins to happen in this chapter. The next few updates may well take longer, since work starts back up next week. Thanks for reading, I really do appreciate it. Also, Wren is absurdly cute.

-Ceir

I stretched my limbs tiredly, pressing myself closer to Soren's warmth. My blood began to stir and I felt the drowsiness receding from my head.

Morning air gathered in my lungs and eventually loosed itself as a great yawn. Mn... I think my head still feels fuzzy. Hey, how much sleep did I end up getting?

My thoughts wandered back to the previous night, and my cheeks flushed with a mixture of joy and embarrassment. After Soren and I... after we made love? Complex emotions tumbled around inside of me, but... yes, the foremost one was happiness. It had been scary and uncomfortable, but since it'd been Soren, it was okay.

Bits and pieces fell into place, and I began to remember. Had I even fallen asleep last night? I was so tightly wound at the time. Mn... after all, Soren had asked if he could love me and make me happy. Even now, remembering his words made my heart race painfully.

A smile hovered on my lips as I watched his sleeping face. I love you so much, Soren.

Pressing ever closer, I continued to bask in his radiant warmth. Hch... Father, I think he's really the one. Even if I'm selfish and pathetic, I think we can... we can make each other happy.

The thought blissfully consumed my attention and I lost myself in the saccharine moment. I... I love you so much that it hurts.

Finally, the ninetales stirred, drawing me from my reverie.

"Good morning, Soren," I chirped.

He loosed a tired sigh, blinking groggily. But his lethargy didn't last. His eyes flickered open and his gentle gaze settled on me, a complex emotion crossing his face. "Frey," he murmured, "are you okay? Did you sleep well?"

A breath caught in my chest, and I felt my eyes sting. Hch... but you don't have to—I'll be alright, I promise. I'm just glad that... that we could be together.

My lips traced a shy smile and my tails wagged. "Mn," I offered, pressing closer to him. "I'm just... really happy."

Soren continued to watch silently, seemingly organizing his thoughts.

Eventually, he prodded me with his muzzle. I glanced up and our eyes met. My stomach tumbled nervously. Soren... you have very pretty eyelashes.

"Frey," he said, tilting his head, "you're sure that you'll be... that you're alright?"

Tears welled in my eyes but I shook them off. Pressing close, I began licking his face.

After a surprised pause, the ninetales clicked his tongue. "Tch. I'm serious here, so knock it off." And yet, he made no effort to stop me.

Having finally had my fill, I quit licking him. Our eyes met once more, and warmth swelled in my chest. "Let's be like this forever, Soren."

The dazed ninetales eventually found his wits enough to offer me a faintly troubled smile. "Whatever," he grumbled, "you're as much a handful as always."

"Mn!" I agreed brightly.

He gently placed his muzzle against my back and heaved another sigh. "...you're amazing, Frey," he thought aloud.

Wait, did I— "Huh?" I asked, feeling slightly panicked.

"Oh." He was momentarily at a loss for words. "D-don't worry about it. Sorry."

The two of us whiled away the early morning like that. Enjoying the intimacy of the moment. Is this... what it feels like to be lovers with someone? Was this what you felt for mother a long time ago?

...

Finally, the two of us got up to make breakfast. Soren had quit worrying about me, and it was just like any other morning. And before long, it was time to see him off.

"Seeya, Frey," he said coolly.

"Mn... Soren?"

The ninetales paused, glancing over his shoulder at me. Though he said nothing, I could see the concern in his eyes.

"Th-thank you," I said, my cheeks flushing red.

His lips traced another smile. "Of course," he added softly, and then left.

It didn't take much time before I'd set out for the day, too. I was in such a hurry to Tama's that I tripped over myself more than once.

The meowth, outside as usual, caught sight of me and stiffened. "Frey, is that you?" she called out curiously.

"Mn," I answered in a sing-song.

Surprise and suspicion flashed across her feline face. "Did... did you and Soren...?"

I blushed furiously at her bold question, and yet I couldn't stop smiling. Y-you're secretly a psychic-type, right Tama?

"W-wait, you did?!" the meowth asked incredulously.

I giggled nervously as I trotted over to my friend. "W-well yeah," I managed. "Um, Ramia asked if I could watch Wren today. You don't mind?"

Tama shook her head, still somewhat bewildered. "No, not at all," she assured me. A mischievous smile played across her lips. "But make sure to tell me about it next time you're over."

"About babysitting Wren?" I asked, tilting my head at her.

The cat cackled to herself and I soon realized what she really meant. Ahn, n-no. There's no way I'm telling you about it, sorry. Cheeks aflame, I quickly rounded and began heading to Ramia's home. "B-bye, Tama," I called over my shoulder.

Ramia and Serence lived on the southeast outskirts of town. There, a stream cut northeast, where it eventually joined to the Poraine river and flowed to the ocean. Serence spent most mornings fishing in the stream, and would trade his haul at the bazaar around noon. When their son Bael was in town, Serence would sometimes spend time sparring with him. Tama had told me that despite how lazy he looked, the slowbro was actually pretty tough.

"Ramia, Wren?" I asked, approaching their home. "I-I came a bit early, if that's alright."

Before long, the milotic answered the door. She beamed a bright smile as she saw me. "Frey, I'm so glad you could make it!"

I obediently followed Ramia inside and she showed me to my seat. Their home was pretty spacious, at least more so than Soren's home. That said, Soren didn't have a wife and family to take care of like Serence did. Maybe one day he'll...

The milotic tilting her head curiously. "Frey, are you alright? You're blushing," she pointed out, her voice just a bit awkward.

Um, but I—NOOO! I cringed at her words, feeling as though I might die from shame.

Wren tottered over to me and placed herself between my front paws. "You awwight, Miss Fwey?" she parroted her mother.

The little slowpoke had a lot of growing left to do, one of the things that made her so incredibly cute. Also... there was her lisp.

I made an effort to laugh off my embarrassment, smiling at the tot. "Y-yeah," I told her, "thanks for worrying about me, Wren."

She wagged her stubby pink tail happily. "No pwobwem."

Ramia watched the two of us, seeming rather content herself. "Don't worry about it, my dear. We're pretty much family, aren't we?"

I found myself stunned by her question. "Uh... we are?"

The milotic laughed brightly, then explained, "Serence trained Soren's grandfather a long time ago." Her lips curled gently as she reminisced. "Taern was his adopted son, more or less."

"Oh," I said blankly. Is that... why Tama introduced me to Ramia the other day? But—

"That's enough to make us family, don't you think?" she concluded, beaming.

"Miss Fwey gonna be famiwy?" Wren asked hopefully.

Does that mean... that they care about me? But... My eyes stung with tears. "Is it... it's okay?" I asked shyly.

Ramia gave me a troubled smile. "Of course it's alright, Frey. You know, I saw Soren yesterday," she teased playfully. "It's pretty clear he's head over heels for you."

"Mn?" What did she just—

"So," she continued brightly, "if there's anything we can help the two of you with, just ask."

Wren sat on her haunches and raised her front paws at me. "We hewp Miss Fwey!" she added enthusiastically.

Ramia chuckled at her daughter, then glanced back at me. "Anyway, lunch is simmering in the kitchen. Should be ready before long. You don't mind if I excuse myself, do you?"

I couldn't help but smile at her. She's... like the Faerie Queen. So pretty and graceful. "Thanks, Ramia," I offered appreciatively.

The little slowpoke turned around and waved. "Bye-bye, mommy," she called cheerfully.

After gracing us with another radiant smile, the milotic left to run her errands.

Wren looked up at me. "Wanna pway?" she asked hopefully.

Arceus, she is just too cute. "S-sure," I offered with a nervous smile. "How should we do that?"

The tot stared oddly, before finally tilting her head at me. "Miss Fwey nevah pwayed befowe?"

My cheeks reddened just a bit, but I ignored it. "N-no," I stammered bashfully. "Teach me how, Wren!"

She traced a circle, cheering merrily, "Gonna pway wiff Miss Fwey!"

Finally, she turned to me. "Onna yoe back? Pwease?"

Uh, what? I stared at the little slowpoke in confusion.

Wren frowned, then gestured to the floor. "Get down, Miss Fwey? I wanna wide on yoe back," she explained.

Ah, right. I pressed myself down to the ground and the tot very slowly climbed up onto my back.

"Ooh... it's wobbwy." She sounded a bit nervous.

"You okay up there, Wren?" I asked, beginning to worry.

"Nowa go outside, pwease!" she goaded me on. The nervousness from before had promptly vanished.

"Mn. Hold tight, okay?" I carefully stood up with the child on my back.

She squealed delightedly. "So high! Nowa outside!"

The two of us went outside to play. While riding my back, Wren managed not to have any scary tumbles.

After she'd finally had enough horsey time, the slowpoke tugged on my ear. "Okay... wemme down."

I carefully lowered myself onto the grass and Wren slowly clambered off. She then snuggled up next to me and caught her breath. Hey, why is she out of breath? She didn't even—

"Thank you, Miss Fwey. Was weawy fun," she said, wagging her stubby tail.

"Mn," I agreed with a smile.

The tiny slowpoke peered up at my face. "Yoe weawy pwetty, Miss Fwey."

Her compliment caught me off guard. "O-oh? Th-thanks, Wren."

"Do you have a boyfwiend?"

My ears felt as though they would catch fire. "W-what?" I stammered awkwardly. "H-huh?"

Wren quirked her head at me. "Boys wike pwetty wadies, wight?"

The gears in my head refused to move. "Huh?" I asked once more.

"Miss Fwey doesn't have one?" Wren sounded disappointed. "But yoe so pwetty, wike mommy is."

And of course, my mind wandered to him. The embarrassment in my face burned even hotter.

"Mn..." I barely managed, "I do." My voice sounded really small for some reason. "Your mom mentioned him earlier, remember? Soren?"

The slowpoke's eye opened wide with astonishment. "You weawy do? That's amazing, Miss Fwey. You gonna mewwy him?"

I froze, and my mind drew a complete blank. Marriage? Soren? Huh?

Before I could assemble my thoughts, my stomach growled loudly. Even here and now? Arceus, why...

Wren giggled happily. "I'm hungwy, too. Wet's go get wunch, Miss Fwey."

The two of us headed back inside. Ramia's lunch was river eel stew and rice. It was really delicious—even better than Soren's cooking.

I began cleaning up, and the little slowpoke went to nap in the next room. Once I'd finished in the kitchen, I cozied up next to Wren and joined her in snoozing away the afternoon.

As I stretched lazily, the icy ninetales beside me stirred. Slowly, something occurred to me.

Every ten to twelve days, the bazaar would close. This off-day gave vendors a chance to rest and recuperate, or to manage their own errands. Today happened to be one of those days, meaning—

"Frey?" I mumbled distractedly.

"Mn? What is it, Soren?"

"Um..." I felt my cheeks reddening. Arceus, why? I feel like an adolescent all over again, dammit. "I don't work today, so... do you want to go on a date?"

The pretty ninetales' eyes flickered open and she peered at me curiously. "A date?"

"Oh." How should I explain this? "We can spend time together," I said haltingly, "doing something romantic. If you want to, I mean."

Her expression brightened immediately. "We can be like the Knight and the Faerie Queen!" she cried happily.

"Er, yeah," I agreed.

"Can we, Soren? Please?"

I shook off my anxiety with a carefree laugh. "Yeah, of course."

The cafe I'd planned to take her to didn't open until afternoon on off-days, so we ended up killing time until it was a bit past noon. I grabbed a small pouch on the way out, and the two of us left.

Since the bazaar was the heart of Slatecrag, it wasn't uncommon for other businesses to slow down on off-days. When we'd arrived at the cafe, there were only a handful of other pokemon there. It was kind of nice, really.

"It's so different," Frey murmured idly.

"Yeah," I agreed. "I told you Slatecrag is pretty lively, but I appreciate it like this, too."

We sat ourselves at a table, and before long a bibarel came over to wait on us.

"Sir, madam," he said with a bow. "What can I get for you today?"

I glanced at the menu briefly before I made up my mind. Although this establishment was technically a cafe, they served lunch as well. Probably since it was the only real eatery in town. "May I have the curry?"

"Of course. How spicy would you like it?"

Personally, I rather liked spicy foods, but... I glanced at Frey thoughtfully, then back to the waiter. "Mild, I guess."

The bibarel adjusted his rather chic ascot, then turned to my companion. "And you, madam?"

She glanced curiously at me. "Soren, I can get anything?"

My lips cracked into a wry smile. "Yeah, of course." This is a date, after all.

Frey turned back to the waiter. She pointed at one of the pictures on the menu. "This, please," she said, wagging her tails. "Oh, and this too!"

"The pineap and tofu tempura? With sweet poffins for dessert?"

"Mn," she chimed happily.

I took out the pouch I'd brought, and retrieved three stones to pay for our meal with.

"Very well." The bibarrel accepted the payment and collected our menus. Then, after offering a respectful bow, he left.

Frey was so excited, she was practically glowing. "You're sure it's okay, Soren? It isn't too expensive?"

I grinned at her. "No problem there. I've been saving for a while now. Plus, it's fun to splurge on a date like this. Kinda the point, isn't it?"

Her eyes glinted with joy. "Hch... Soren, you're the best." She gave me a pretty smile, and my stomach did a nervous somersault.

It wasn't much longer before our meal arrived.

We ended up sitting next to each other so we could share. Though I'd personally have enjoyed the curry spicy, Frey really liked it mild. Her tempura was also a lot better than it'd sounded. The tofu had been marinated with the pineap slices before they were battered and fried. It'd been served with a few veggies, too, and of course a sauce to dip it in.

"It was really good, Soren. My stomach is starting to hurt, though," Frey lamented.

"You say that as if you haven't eaten the majority of my curry," I said pointedly.

The ninetales pouted at me. "I can't help it your curry is so yummy," she objected.

"Besides," I added, "you're the one who ordered the fried food, right?"

Her eyes glinted with moisture. "Hch... S-Soren," she murmured. The corners of her mouth were tugged up just a bit. Hey... does she actually enjoy it when I tease her?

She pressed against me, her tails wagging happily. "Thanks," she managed.

"Of course," I offered casually. Oh, right. "Um, Frey?"

The vixen glanced up at me, her pretty blue eyes alight with curiosity. "Mn?"

I idly pawed at the pouch I'd brought, feeling more and more vexed. "Agate isn't worth much around here, you know? I asked Rude if I could have one," I explained, retrieving the stone. "Thought I could give it to you, Frey."

In truth, it wasn't much. Just an agate I'd polished and put on a string. Rude had been pretty amused by my request, for some reason.

The ninetales began quivering and tears quickly welled in her eyes. Her breath rattled in her chest, and she pressed close as she sobbed against me.

Fuck, did I— "Er, you don't have to take it. I'm sorry if I—"

"N-no," she stammered between labored breaths. "It's perfect. Hch... I'm really happy, I promise."

Frey met my gaze, her eyes still bleary. "Thank you, Soren."

I offered her a reassuring smile, then pressed my muzzle gently along the back of her neck. We stayed like that until she'd eventually calmed down.

"You've been so kind to me," she said meekly. "Giving me a place to stay and food to eat. But this... it's the first real gift you've given me. So... thank you, Soren."

My heart swelled painfully at her words. It's just a—Rude himself says they're barato. Honestly, I just wish I could do more for you, Frey. "Of course," I said awkwardly. "So you'll take it, then?"

Despite her tears, she graced me with her brightest smile. "Mn," she agreed.

Thank goodness. I was beginning to think I'd done something wrong. "Oh, right. Frey?"

"Ahn?" she blinked curiously at me. "The rest of our date," I told her, "I wanted—may I show you around Slatecrag?" Arceus, I feel like an idiot. Why is this so damned hard?

Frey answered with another pretty smile. She's been... a lot more expressive lately. It really does suit her.

"Great," I said, psyching myself up. "Then let's go."

"Mn," she added happily.

We left the cafe and I began showing her around town. Although it wasn't particularly dense, the former outpost had spread out quite a bit, eventually growing into a proper trading hub.

Since it was an off-day, most citizens were lulling about inside their homes. We walked through town quietly as I explained the layout. Frey chimed in, pointing at Tama's and Ramia's houses as we passed by. It was getting into evening when we were just about done.

Our last stop was the hill I'd taken her to previously. Glancing over to her, my lips quirked into a grin. "This is the only nice view around, and... well, the sun is setting soon." Feeling flustered, I turned to watch the blooming sunset. "You don't mind, do you?"

"Hch... not at all." The ninetales placed herself down in the tall grass, and I curled up next to her.

We watched the sky burn through orange, red, and purple. Then, it finally faded into the familiar darkness of night.

Frey glanced at me, her eyes glinting brighter than the evening stars.

My lips split into a smile, seeing her like that. "You really are amazing," I thought aloud. Hey, wait... why did I just—

"Mn?" she asked, tilting her head cutely. Arceus, it really is criminal how cute she is.

"N-nothing," I said, coolly shrugging it off. "Hey, it's getting late. We should head back."

"Mn!"

The two of us began heading back, side by side.

"That was the best date ever," Frey chirped in a sing-song.

My eyes skittered bashfully from her. "O-oh yeah?"

"Mn," she agreed. "We got to eat lunch together, walk through town, and watch the sunset. Plus you gave me—"

The ninetales froze, her expression suddenly bleak.

Huh? "Frey? Is something wrong?"

She turned to me, tears cresting in her eyes. "I... I think I forgot it," she mumbled timidly.

"Huh? Forgot what?"

Frey shook her head bitterly. "I'm sorry, Soren. I'll go get it before they close. You can head back home. I'll meet you there, okay?"

Huh? Hey, wait—

...oh? Oh. I guess she forgot the agate at the cafe. Um, should I follow her?

...I think she'll be okay. Guess I'll let things air out a bit, then. She'll probably calm down by the time she's back, too.

Heaving a weary sigh, I began slowly padding my way back home. Like both the morning and afternoon, the evening was quiet and lethargic, as though Slatecrag had almost been brought to a standstill. It really was refreshing.

Something caught my eye through the darkness. Another pokemon, colored stark... stark white.

Is that... is that Frey? Um, but I don't—

The fox slowly approached me, offering an affable grin. "Good evening. I don't suppose you've seen my sister around, have you?"

My mouth went dry and my hackles bristled in alarm. A bitter, sulfurous sense of foreboding settled in my stomach. Is this...

He simply laughed it off. "Don't look so scary, will you? She ran away some time back and I'm worried about her, is all."

Every nerve in my body burned painfully, and my thoughts raced as they sought some kind of... Arceus, fuck. What the hell do I do?

My lips peeled back as though to bare my teeth. Instead, I forced myself to laugh. "Sorry... I don't know what came over me." Resolution pooled inside me and easily slid over my face like a mask. I glanced coolly at him. "Hmm. Is she a ninetales like you, then?"

He paused thoughtfully, then nodded. "Yes. She's pretty awkward and klutzy, hard to miss. Her name is Frey." The words resounded painfully in my ears, but I ignored it. Yeah, it really is...

I shrugged ruefully at him. "Sorry, but I'm the only ninetales who lives in Slatecrag."

The fox heaved a reluctant sigh, lips curling bitterly. "Well, damn. Suppose there's not much use looking during the night, anyway." He glanced rather pointedly at me. "If you do happen to see her, let her know I was looking for her, will you?"

Cocking my head, I blinked at him. "Huh. Yeah, sure thing." Fat fucking chance, buddy.

That bitter smile lingered on his lips. "I'm her brother, Sagr." He offered an elegant bow.

Gritting my teeth, I took a brief moment to regain my composure. "Right," I managed. "Soren. I'll be sure to let her know if I see her. You going to be here tomorrow, too?"

The ninetales nodded pensively. "She is my dear sister, after all. Perhaps the light of day will help me find her."

Well, damn. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. "Actually," I muttered thoughtfully. "I kinda remember a smell a bit like yours somewhere past the outskirts of town." Nodding behind me, I continued, "But I might have imagined it. Can't exactly say I recognize the scent, you know?" With a shrug, I began padding past him. "Sorry I couldn't be more help."

Sagr made a sour face. "Well, I guess it's worth checking out. Thanks for you lead. See you 'round, cousin." He headed back toward the hill, in the opposite direction of home. And more importantly, from Frey.

After making sure he was gone, I finally made my way home. A light shower began falling, gradually spiriting away scents and prints from the world. Yeah, there's no way he tracks her home like this. Arceus, thanks. I owe you one, buddy.

By the time I was home, Frey was already there. She glanced up from the rug, concern etched onto her vulpine face. Around her neck hung the polished agate I'd given her earlier. "Mn? Soren?" she asked timidly.

Shaking the water off my coat, I offered her a weary smile. "Sorry, Frey."

Trotting lightly over, I curled up next to her. All the tension built up in me loosed itself as a sigh.

"Soren?" the fox asked again.

"Forget it," I said, shaking my head. "It's getting late, isn't it? We should get some sleep."

Frey pressed closer to me, squirming playfully. "Hey, Soren... how was it?"

My mind froze for an instant. "Huh? You mean the date?"

I glanced to her, only to be met with a very, shall we say, playful expression. Oh? Oh, that.

"Don't worry." A yawn gripped me as I settled further into the cozy rug. "It's late, we should get some sleep."

"Soren." The vixen sounded slightly annoyed. "Did it... did it feel nice?"

Heat pooled in my sacrum as I remembered the silky embrace, the lurid kiss, the grasping—

I forced myself to look her in the eyes. "It was really good." My ears fell back and my heart ached for the sweet girl. Frey, I know where you're going with this. I also know that it was... difficult for you. Besides, I'm worried about your brother.

She shook her head, as though she knew my exact thought. "It won't be like that forever, though, will it?" she asked, her cheeks flushing. "Someday, it will f-feel good for us both, right?"

Ah... Arceus, what do I do? Fuck, it was hard enough to do that to her once. Frey, please...

Unsure, I offered a tired shrug. "Probably? You were my first, so... I don't know any more than you do, Frey."

Her face brightened at my words. "Mn... w-well, that's what Tama told me," she murmured shyly.

Huh? Hey, why is Tama telling you about—

"So," she continued, "since dates are about being together, and it's romantic..." Frey's voice trailed off as she grew bashful.

A long silence gripped the room before she gathered up the courage to continue. "Please, Soren?" Her face flickered between shame, anticipation, and adoration. "I want to be with the man I love, and to make him feel good."

This is so damned unfair. How the hell do I say no when she's like this?! Fucking—

She pressed close and stole a kiss from my lips. A short and sweet one, but... it left me speechless. Peering once more into my eyes, she panted faintly. "Please," she cooed. "Make me yours."

Reason began flying out the front door and the fire in my sacrum flared hotter. "Y-you're... you're sure, Frey?"

She gave me that same dusky, sultry look from before. 'Please, don't make me ask again.'

It rooted me where I lay, and the places where our bodies touched became electric. My reservations... finally evaporated.

"Frey," I murmured, peering into her pretty blue eyes, "you really are beautiful."

"Ahn?" she yelped, her ears falling back timidly.

I gave her a face an affectionate lick. "You're beautiful and I love you, Frey."

Tears of happiness spilled from her eyes, but she smiled brightly. "Thank you, Soren. Thank you for everything."