Hey all! So this chapter is going to be a good one. I hope you're ready for big big big things. I'm not going to say anymore!
This chapter was beta read by my regular beta reader Killer_Squids (they are also back from their vacation). You can find their work on AO3 here ( /users/Killer_Squids). They can also be found on tumblr under the name land-banana. They have done a wonderful job with betaing for me so if you have time please give there page a look.
Any Artwork you may see associated with this fic (on AO3, or Tumblr) has all been created by my good friend SlothyClaws. That is their instagram also have a website ( .com). They do commissions and their commissions are open to anyone that is interested. Go and give their page a look if you are interested.
I choose you, chapter 68!
Ambrette Town Showcase: Part Two
My Love for You
Tsukishima was amazed at how Yamaguchi took the stage in round one! He didn't know what to expect at this showcase and when he found out it was fossil themed it made sense why Yamaguchi was so adamant about this particular showcase. Round one had been tense and Tsukishima had been on the edge of his seat. He had even cheered for his best friend when he answered the final question.
Bokuto and Kuroo shouted obnoxiously throughout the whole of round one but even that didn't distract Tsukishima from Yamaguchi. It had only been a week but it felt like ages since he had seen Yamaguchi in person and the way Yamaguchi shone on the stage made Tsukishima speechless. Was it just him, or was Yamaguchi shining?
Eevee trilled with joy from Tsukishima's lap every time Yamaguchi answered a question correctly. The moment she had been reunited with Tsukishima she had jumped into his arms. It was almost comforting to have Eevee back in his life, as it meant he'd soon have Yamaguchi by his side once more.
Tsukishima paid very little attention to the next rounds of contestants coming on to answer questions. It was fun to think of the answers to the questions himself. He knew them all and when someone answered wrong he'd scoff at them. The only time Tsukishima's attention was piqued was when Tendo took the stage. That asshole better not have been picking on Yamaguchi backstage.
Unfortunately, Tendo won his round and it boiled Tsukishima's blood. That guy was a creep and had it out for Yamaguchi. Even Kuroo and Bokuto noticed Tsukishima pout.
"What's got you so crabby all of a sudden? Did that guy steal your lunch money or something?" Bokuto joked.
"Shut up!" Tsukishima replied, furious that his emotions were being read so easily.
With round one over, Takeda took center stage once more. "We will now have a 30 minute intermission and will start round two on the dot so please be sure you are all back at your seats in time."
The audience clapped once more before the lights on the stage went dim.
"I'm gonna go grab a bite to eat at the concession stand," Bokuto announced to the rest of the group. "Anyone want to join?"
"I'm feeling a bit peckish," Kuroo barked, joining his best buddy.
Tsukishima, Akaashi, and Sugawara waved them goodbye as they left the auditorium in a very loud fashion. Tsukishima wasn't going to chance missing round two. He was curious to see what Yamaguchi had planned. He had insisted many times via text that Tsukishima not miss it.
Pulling out his dex he sent Yamaguchi a quick and simple good luck message. He knew Yamaguchi probably didn't have his dex on him, but felt it necessary nonetheless.
"I'm so relieved Yamaguchi made it to round 2," Sugawara sighed as he relaxed back in his chair. "He's been practicing this routine nonstop. I'd be devastated for him if he didn't make it."
"I'm very excited to see the round 2 routines," Akaashi said. "It's been ages seen I've seen them live."
"I'm certain that Yamaguchi's is bound to be the most spectacular," Sugawara said with large hand motions. "He did have me coaching him after all."
"Isn't he technically a rival of yours?" Tsukishima pointed out flatly. "You are both going for the same Kalos King title."
"Helping others is something I tend to do naturally," Sugawara shrugged in a guilty way. "I can't help but spread the knowledge I know. There is just something so gratifying about seeing someone grow."
Tsukishima found it odd regardless, but nodded anyway. He was happy that Yamaguchi was able to find someone as reliable as Sugawara at the camp. Curiosity consumed Tsukishima as he wondered what Yamaguchi's routine would be like. Sugawara, a high-level showcase contestant himself, spoke so highly of Yamaguchi. Though it might not have shown on his face, Tsukishima was excited to see his best friend perform.
Bokuto and Kuroo arrived back just in time for round two to start. They both gave loud hoots as the light in the theater dimmed and the stage lights flashed on. Takeda once again took center stage.
"I'm happy to announce the start of round 2," Takeda said, his voice echoing off the auditorium walls. "As I'm sure most of you know, we will now watch the routines of our remaining contestants. Once all have finished we will then vote on who you liked best. Without further ado, please give a round of applause to our first contestant, Tendo and his Bisharp."
Applause filled the air for only a moment before everyone quieted down in anticipation. Tsukishima wasn't too interested in Tendo's performance. In fact, he only really cared about one performance today. Tsukishima crossed his arms and sat back in his seat as the music for Tendo's routine began to play.
It was some sort of metal cover of a classical song Tsukishima was familiar with but couldn't recall the name of. Tendo and his Bisharp moved quickly around the stage. It was an impressive act, but nothing Tsukishima hadn't seen before. The audience gasped at every dramatic moment and there were times where it seemed Bisharp had almost cut Tendo's head off. Both Pokemon and trainer were in perfect synch but even that didn't impress Tsukishima in the slightest.
After Tendo came the next contestant, an older woman and her Kirlia. They danced to a ballet song that only caused Tsukishima to stifle a yawn. Even Eevee was dozing off, thought others in the crowd seemed to enjoy it. Tsukishima wished they would just hurry up and get to Yamaguchi.
Next was a young boy and his Farfetch'd. They put on a comedy routine that got laughs out of the crowd though Tsukishima didn't crack a smile. After the boy was a young girl and her Rowlet who stumbled and fell halfway through their routine. After her was a man and his Skitty who put on some sort of an odd mime act that confused most people in the crowd. Perhaps Tsukishima wasn't artsy enough to understand it.
"And for our last act of the night, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Yamaguchi and his Riolu!" Takeda announced before exiting the stage.
Applause filled the air. Bokuto and Kuroo both hooted loudly as Tsukishima sat up in his seat. Finally, it was Yamaguchi's turn! He thought it would never come.
The stage was dark for a long moment. The room became dead quiet. For a second, Tsukishima wondered if something had gone wrong, but just as the thought passed him the lights on the stage flashed on and music filled the air.
Immediately Yamaguchi and Riolu moved in tandem to one another. Their movements were so fluid and precise it was like the two were of one mind. The music that played was one Tsukishima was very familiar with, in fact it was a song he'd been partial to since he was very young. He knew the thought was stupid, but he felt that Yamaguchi must have picked out this song for him.
Yamaguchi and Riolu danced around the stage and when the song hit its first high note Riolu released her first Aura Sphere. The audience gasped in amazement as the soft blue light of the sphere exploded above Yamaguchi. Energy glittered around both Yamaguchi and Riolu taking Tsukishima's breath away.
Several times Tsukishima felt worry rush thought him as an Aura Sphere exploded far too close to Yamaguchi. One step out of place and Yamaguchi would surely be struck down. Despite this fear Tsukishima could tell that Yamaguchi and Riolu were connected at the heart and such a blunder wouldn't happen.
It was probably just him but Yamaguchi shone like a god upon the stage as several more Aura Spheres exploded around him. His movements were smooth and almost sensual. Tsukishima along with many others in the crowd were captivated by the magic he and Riolu performed in front of them.
As the music hit its final notes Riolu released several more Aura Spheres, all of which exploded at once in the shape of a heart around herself and Yamaguchi. Tsukishima felt something in his chest flutter. That heart. It was for him. Though everyone else in the room were unaware Tsukishima knew it was for him.
Tsukishima watched with his mouth slightly ajar as Yamaguchi and Riolu gave a large bow. Applause erupted as the two bowed once more. Tsukishima just sat as he watched Yamaguchi on stage. He couldn't wait for this showcase to be over so he could be beside him once more. His body ached with the longing.
"Wow that was AMAZING!" Bokuto shouted so loudly even Yamaguchi heard it from the stage.
"That's my boy! THAT'S MY BOY!" Sugawara screamed like a proud mother.
From the stage, Yamaguchi's cheeks went bright red.
It was then that Tsukishima also stood to applaud his best friend. In that moment his and Yamaguchi's eyes met. As Yamaguchi smiled brightly at him, Tsukishima once more felt something move inside him. A want for the freckled trainer overtook his every need, but he did well to control it.
The moment only lasted a second as stagehands escorted Yamaguchi off the stage. Takeda took center stage once more. "In a moment we will bring the contestants back on stage for voting so please get your voting controls ready. For everyone here they can be found on the arm of you seat and for those at home you can vote online."
From backstage, Yamaguchi's heart was pounding like mad. He felt so alive after a performance like that. He and Riolu had hit every step with perfection. He held her tightly in his arms, showering her with affection every few moments. He was so proud of her. She was a natural on stage and seemed to soak up the applause and excitement from the crowd.
Yamaguchi was nervous for voting. The other contestants had been amazing as well, and he wasn't sure if he and Riolu had done enough to win the key. He hoped they had but at the same time he felt like even if they lost he'd be okay. They had given it there all and in the moment his eyes met with Tsukki's he knew his message had come across loud and clear. He loved Tsukki and soon he'd be back by his side.
Once the other contestants had joined him backstage they were all led onto the stage. Yamaguchi was happy to find that he and Tendo were placed on opposite ends of the lineup. The color representing Yamaguchi for this showcase was green. Upon his lapel he had pinned his green key that would be used to tally up everyone votes.
Once all contestants were lined up on the stage spotlight corresponding to their color shone down on them. Yamaguchi looked out over the crowd to where he had seen Tsukki before, but it was far too dark now to make out anyone. Holding Riolu close Yamaguchi prayed that the title of the Ambrette Town Showcase Winner would be his. He wanted the key so bad. He wanted the grand prize. It must have been something fossil-related. He just knew it.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please take a moment now to vote for your favorite performance today," Takeda announced and with that everyone watching the show, both live and at home, casted their votes. "Now, let's tally those votes and see who our winner is!"
Large key-shaped holograms appeared above each contestant. As the colorful lights floated from the crowd to the small key's each contestant had, Yamaguchi closed his eyes and held his breath. The key-shaped monitor above each contestant filled for all to see. As a contestants monitor finished the light above them would go out. Yamaguchi cracked an eye to see the light above him still shone as several green lights floated from the crowd to the key on his lapel.
Two light beside him went off. The light above Tendo went off at the same time as the older lady's light. It was now just Yamaguchi and the man with the Skitty.
"Please, please, please," Yamaguchi whispered. From his arms Riolu also whined with anticipation.
The room exploded in applause as the light above the man flashed off leaving Yamaguchi as the winner.
"Today's Showcase winner is YAMAGUCHI TADASHI!" Takeda announced, his voice barely audible above the roaring crowd.
Yamaguchi sat in shock as the room applauded him. He felt tears build at the corner of his eyes as his heart filled with pride. He had done it. He had finally won his second key and it was all thanks to Tsukki and his obsession with Fossil Pokemon.
Yamaguchi hugged Riolu close, showering her with praise. She had done just amazing and worked just as hard as he had for this win. Takeda and his Klefki approached him with the grand prize.
"Yamaguchi, I am proud to present to you the Ambrette Town Special Fossil Showcase Key!" Takeda said as his Klefki floated over and handed Yamaguchi the small key.
Yamaguchi took the key in his hand, taking a moment to examine it. It was the same size of any Showcase key but the top of it held a small ball of amber. Decorating it's shaft were engravings of several pokemon fossils. The tip of the key looked more like a diffing tool one might use for excavation then to open a door. Overflowing with excitement and joy Yamaguchi and Riolu both released an excited cheer.
"As for your grand prize I'd like to present to you a genuine Jaw Fossil," Tekeda said, handing over a clear box that contained the valuable fossil.
Yamaguchi gasped. A real fossil? He had won a real Jaw Fossil. He felt as if he was going to faint.
"Along with this fossil, you also won a backstage tour of the fossil research facility located in town where you will be able to regenerate your fossil if you so choose," Takeda carried on, smiling just as wide as everyone watching.
Yamaguchi couldn't believe it. This all felt like an amazing dream. Tears fell once more from his eyes as his heart filled with so many emotions.
"Everyone, please give Yamaguchi one more round of applause," Taketa shouted.
The room once more filled with applause and cheering. He could hear Sugawara, Kuroo, and Bokuto shouting his name from somewhere in the audience. His heart was filled with joy as he wiped the happy tears from his eyes. He took one last bow before being led off stage.
Yamaguchi wanted to see Tsukishima now more than ever. He needed to see him. He just had to see him. Not even bothering to change, Yamaguchi gathered his stuff and left the waiting area, heading right out to find his beloved Tsukki.
It was crowded and many people wished him congratulations but Yamaguchi barely heard any of it. Riolu followed close beside him as he weaved through the crowd to the lobby entrance. He scanned the room looking everywhere for Tsukki. There were so many people but even in this sea of people Tsukki was tall enough to stick out.
It was when Riolu gave an excited bark that Yamaguchi saw him. Tsukki was just exiting the hallway from where he had been sitting. Not even waiting to see if Tsukki had seen him, Yamguchi ran to him.
"T-Tsukki!" Yamaguchi shouted, his voice cracking with desperation.
Tsukishima's located him immediately. The two both stopped for a moment as they looked to one another. Almost absentmindedly, Tsukishima handed Eevee off to Akaashi.
"Yamaguchi!" Tsukishima called back and at that moment Yamaguchi rushed towards him.
"Tsukki!" Yamaguchi repeated as he almost knocked Tsukkishima down with the force of his hug. Wrapping his arms around Tsukishima's neck Yamaguchi pressed their lips together.
Tsuksihiam stumbled for a moment, shocked by the aggressive kiss, but soon steadied himself wrapping his long arms around Yamaguchi's waste.
The kiss they shared was sloppy and a bit desperate but the two savored it nonetheless. A hoot could he heard from both Kuroo and Bokuto as Sugawara took a picture of the occasion. Having wormed her way out of Akasshi's hold, Eevee joined Riolu on the floor, dancing in joy around their trainer's ankles.
Breathless and giddy the two hopeless lovers broke the kiss. Both smiled as their noses brushed against each other.
"Tsukki, I love you," Yamaguchi declared, pressing a soft kiss on the corner of Tsukki's lips.
"How dare you beat me saying it," Tsukishima replied. "You're always one step ahead of me, aren't you. I love you, too, Yamaguchi," Tsukishima replied showing more affection than he had ever before.
People around them clapped and awed as they passed the two lovers. Some even mistook the moment as a marriage proposal. As their emotions settled Yamaguchi became acutely aware of how their confession was on display for all to see. Feeling embarrassed, he hid his face in Tsukishima's shoulder.
Their friends laughed at Yamaguchi's reaction. Tsukishima held him close, using his strong arms to comfort him. Both trainers were as red as a tomato berries as they stood there holding one another.
Yamaguchi couldn't help but laugh at themselves as he removed his face from Tsukishima's shoulders. "Sorry Tsukki, I guess I just couldn't contain my love for you now that we're back together," He said, giving Tsukki's cheeks a small peck.
More awws could be heard as people passed by. Tsukki's cheeks went pink, and Yamaguchi was more than certain that he could get used to this.
Authors Note:
Well now, look at that. Our two boys are finally together and Yamaguchi won his second key. Looks like things our looking up for our freckled protagonist. What will come for the two trainers now that they are a couple? Are things bound to stay the same or will change come? Now that Yamaguchi's showcase is over it is Tsukki's turn to shine next. Can he win his next badge? Let's find out!
Hey all! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I know this was a fun one to write and I was super excited to get it out. I hope you enjoyed it. Yamaguci and Tsukkishima deserve each other.
I want to thank all of you for the follows, bookmarks, comments, kudos and reviews. I am super happy to see them, all of them. It gives me fule to keep on going. If you have time do leave a comment or review below 3
For now the upload of new chapters should be regular but in a few months (Late March to May) I will be making another big move so there may be a small dry spell come spring. I will try to write a few chapters in advance but we'll see what happens.
Thats all I have to say for now. You all take care and see you next chapter.