This chapter contains strong language and some fluff.
I also do not own Pokemon (sadly). All that belongs to Nintendo and Game freak.
"The same as usual, right?" Phoebe asked, walking into the kitchen and pulling out a pan from the cabinets.
"Yeah…" Moon yawned before finishing with "but more bacon this time."
Phoebe nodded, turning on the stove, and heating up the pan she had placed on there before moving on to the refrigerator.
"You mind helping me out with this?" The Briaxen asked with her back turned while rummaging through the fridge.
Moon chuckled behind her, stretched his back and took a seat at the table. "You think that's a good idea, Fifi? Remember the last time I tried to cook something."
Upon hearing him call her 'Fifi', her ears perked up and her tail began to wag slightly. "O-oh c'mon Moon, it wasn't that bad. Only half of the kitchen caught on fire and the oven exploded, but that old thing was broken anyway. That spaghetti was still delicious. How many pancakes do you want by the way?"
"Two, and you're not serious, are you? You were sick for a whole week after eating that spaghetti and Isabella had to go to the emergency room to get her stomach cleared! I don't even know why you two even ate it in the first place!"
"I am serious! That spaghetti was amazing, Moon. The reason why we got sick is that you just added too much garlic, that's all," Phoebe said, pulling out the items needed to make breakfast, and turned to the Lycanroc to give him a quick smile before moving over to the sink.
"G-garlic?!" Moon was dumbfounded. She couldn't be serious when she said that. His cooking is horrible!
"Yeah! And practice can make you an even greater cook, so help out with this, will ya!"
Moon had his maw opened ready to argue more but had shut it, knowing that Phoebe would only just pester him all day about it so he just growled a "Fine" and walked to where she was.
"Yay! I knew you would come around," Phoebe cheered after finishing up washing her paws.
"Just shut up and tell me what to do."
"Ok, you can start off with the eggs and I'll be doing the pancakes and toast and after that, we can start on the bacon together. We both agree on scrambled eggs, right?"
Moon just gave a short nod.
"Oh, do make you sure you wash your paws before you begin cooking."
"Yeah, I got it, " Moon grumbled, moving over to the sink to thoroughly clean his paws. When he finished, he moved the cartoon of eggs over to him and got out a bowl while Phoebe moved onto getting the pancake mix. He cracked four eggs into the bowl and stirred all of it together with a wooden spoon that he held kinda awkwardly because of him just having three fingers. After a few minutes of doing that, he grabbed the bowl and poured it into the pan that was already on the stove. At this point, he was a little lost on what to do next as this was his first time making scrambled eggs. He began to slightly worry about messing up and causing the kitchen to look like a war zone again. Flashbacks of that day began to flood his mind as he stood, paws sweaty, knees weak, and his arms heavy.
~Flashback~
Isabella had recently wanted Phoebe and Moon to start cooking so they won't always depend on her to make their food. On this day, it was Moon's turn to make dinner and he was tasked with making… spaghetti.
Moon was not for making dinner so he grumbled and complained, but Isabella was not having it. She nagged him on and on about how he had to do it. Saying stuff like, "It's your turn, " and "You keep on making me and Phoebe cook your meals. Why don't you get off your lazy ass for once and make your own damn food!" It all just sounded like bla, bla, bla- nag, nag, nag to him. Bleh! Fuck that! He was gonna tell her where she could shove it until she had said something that stopped him dead in his tracks, "What? Don't tell me you don't want to cook because you know that Phoebe will be better than you at it so you're afraid of the idea of something like that being true?"
Afraid?
Of Phoebe being better than him?!
Ok, Moon might be a lot of things, but a scared bitch is not in his character description. Especially of that damn fox!
Speaking of which, Phoebe was trying to defuse the situation like she always does whenever Moon and Isabella had these heated arguments, but unfortunately her desperate pleas of a more civil resolution fell on deaf ears. Shoots have been fired and now someone's about to get slaughtered; figuratively, of course, though Moon couldn't deny the fact that the act of homicide did sound quite tempting.
Moon pushed the two aside and marched right into the kitchen. He'll show them! He'll make the best damn meal they have ever seen, and prove he's the best at everything he does. Moon's eyes glowed a dangerous pinkish red as he prepared himself on making the… spaghetti.
Meanwhile, Isabella stood in the living room with a smug look on her face and her hands rested proudly on her hips. "Hmph! I always know how to push his buttons," She claimed with her head held high. Phoebe could only fidget nervously with her ears pointed downward. She let out a nervous sounding whimper, knowing that once Moon gets mad, all hell breaks loose.
In the kitchen, Moon was getting started on making the meal. He had found a cookbook and had begun to skim through the part on how to make spaghetti. It looked pretty easy enough: noodles, beef, tomato sauce, some garlic, and little of some cheese. Simple. He grabbed a pot and tossed some noodles up in there and poured in the water. After that, he put it on the stove and let it boil. He then went over to countertops to start on getting the other ingredients prepared. He picked up a knife to cut up the beef and cheese that Isabella had already got out and ready for him, and went to town chopping the shit of the two foods. He then picked up some garlic, "How much was I supposed to add? Eh, don't matter. It'll still taste good either way." And preceded to slice and dice up that as well. When he finished, he wiped the tears from cutting the garlic had caused and turned to see that the noodles were just about done boiling. So he gathered up all the ingredients and haphazardly threw all of it in the pot. He then took out a wooden spoon and began to stir. While stirring, Moon couldn't help but like he was forgetting something until it suddenly popped up in his memory. "Oh right! The tomato sauce!"
He rushed to the pantry door and swung it open. He scanned all the shelves until he's eyes landed on where the cans of tomato sauce were located. "Right, now- uh… much of this was supposed to go in there again?" He really didn't know. He hardly focused on the parts of the instructions on where it talked about the certain amount of items that were to go in the dish. So again he just shrugged and picked up two cans. He made his way back to the pot with the cans and crushed opened both of them in his grip with ease. "Heh, fuck can openers, " he chuckled to himself while dumping the sauce in the pot. Moon went back to stirring with a sharp tooth grin on his face. "I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they take a bite of this! They'll be like 'Oooh Moon this is sooo good' and 'We were so dumb to doubt you. You really are the best- no, the greatest!', " Moon said to himself while comically trying to mimic the sound Isabella's and Phoebe's voices.
He's self-praise was short-lived, however, when suddenly the stove had turned off. Thinking little of it, Moon went to turn it back on, only for it not to respond. The hell? He thought to himself as he kept on turning the dial, getting more and more annoyed with the non-functioning kitchen appliance. "Damn thing. Work!" He had begun banging on the top of in a fit of rage. Just then the stove turn back on and heat up at the highest temperature. The Lycanroc had noticed when it was too late as his paw landed on a burst of fire. He yipped and pulled back his arm quickly. Luckily, he was not severely burnt, as he examined his paw only to see just the fur having a scorched mark.
But now he was pissed.
He looked back up the oven and snarled, "So that's how it's gonna, huh? Fine then, let's go. " Moon's eyes glowed back to that dangerous pinkish-red hue, but this time it was brighter than before, and he was showing off a wide wicked dark grin. All that was going through his head now was a thirst for destruction.
He lunged towards the oven and delivered a powerful headbutt with his rocky mane, causing a big hole in the center of the oven. That wasn't enough for the raging Lycanroc, and he went completely crazy on the kitchen appliance. He kicked, bite, punched, beating the shit out of the oven, all the while, spaghetti and sauce flew everywhere. It was a miracle that the spaghetti wasn't really getting harmed through these. After a while of mercilessly beating the shit out of the oven, Moon backed off a bit to revel in the carnage he just made while laughing darkly, "Ha! Stupid piece of junk!" Suddenly, something seemed to have awoken in the oven as it shook. The pot had miraculously still not spillover through the oven's trembling. The poor oven had enough of the Pokemon's abuse and decided to release an attack of its own. Before Moon could react, a great burst of fire came from the oven and caused the Lycanroc and the surrounding kitchen to lit up in flames. Moon, however, stood surrounded by the flames and was barely fazed by the ineffective attack, if not just a little scorched. He was more furious than anything.
"That's all you got! I've been hit with worse flames from that fox. That was dog shit!" Moon jeered before once again leaping forward to the oven, but this time with speed and force stronger than before. That attack seemed to have done it. The oven looked down for the count... or that most would think, but the oven wasn't going to give up that easily.
It began to shake again, this time more it was more violent and louder than before. The pot was on the verge toppling over, but before it could the shaking had stopped. Moon was standing defensively, preparing himself for another attack, but once the oven had stopped he went to a neutral stance. He took a step forward but immediately stopped once he saw the entire oven began to slowly start glowing. The glowing grew brighter and brighter with every second that passed. Moon stood there, a confused look on his face as he continued to stare at what the oven was doing. That increasing glowing looked oddly familiar like he has seen something like this before, but he couldn't quite remember where. He thought about it for a moment before it finally came rushing back in his mind. His eyes widened when the realization struck as he took a step back. At that moment, the glow coming from the oven was now blinding bright and the Lycanroc knew it was too late to run.
"Oh shit-"
Oven used Self-destruct! It's super effective!
"We're back!" Isabella announced as she walked into the apartment with Phoebe following close behind. They had gone out on a little outing when Moon was getting dinner ready and have now decided to come back to how things were going. "You just about done in there Moon?"
She didn't get a response at first, but didn't think too mush of it as Moon was probably too busy to answer. He probably didn't even know that they left. Isabella moved into the living to put down her purse before something caught her attention. The all familiar smell of something burning hit her nose like a truck. Her eyes widened in fear as she looked over to Phoebe who was looking at her back with the same expression. They both only stood there for a second before going quickly to the kitchen. They were stopped in their tracks, however, as Moon emerged from the door frame of the kitchen. They had both gasped when they saw him and the state he was in. He was all banged up and visibly trembling in pain, with scorch marks, spaghetti noodles, and tomato sauce all over him.
"M-Moon…?" Isabella stuttered, concern for the Lycanroc very evident in her voice. Phoebe was about to run forward and hold onto Moon and help him in any way she could, but she was stopped again in her tracks by Moon. He had shoved something to them which they took hold of without even knowing what it was until they peered down to see it to be a plate of, albeit slightly burnt, spaghetti.
They looked at their plates with an expression mixed with shock and concussion. Moon stood there wobbly for a few moments before his trembling legs couldn't support him anymore and he collapsed to his side, falling unconscious. Phoebe let out a panicked yip as she ran over to his side and carefully placed her plate next to her while trying to aid her friend. Isabella glanced up to where Moon was once standing and beyond the entryway of the kitchen and the sight almost made her drop her plate.
"Oh sweet Arceus, the kitchen! Phoebe make sure he's alright I got to get the fire extinguisher!"
Isabella quickly ran to her room and towards her closet and pulled out the fire extinguisher. She then ran back and entered the kitchen and hastily sprayed all the patches of fire that scattered the place. It didn't take long for the fires to be dealt with and once she finished she looked to examine the damage. A large part of the kitchen was burnt and the oven was completely destroyed, with bits and pieces of what remained blown into different places. And traces of spaghetti were here and there. It's a mystery how Moon was still able to serve it.
After that day, Isabella never bugged Moon on making dinner or cooking anything in general and he thought he was probably for the best.
~Back to reality~
But here he was, in the same kitchen, cooking again. Moon continued to stand there as he replayed that traumatic experience over and over again in his head. It wasn't the part of the oven exploding up in his face that troubled him, stuff like that happens. It was the fear of messes up that was getting to him. Even though he really didn't show it, he felt extremely awful when both Phoebe and Isabella had gotten sick after eating his food. He will never understand what they were on to actually eat that spaghetti and even claim to enjoy it. Perhaps they were just being nice cause they felt sorry for him that he was able to fuck up that seemed so simple.
Moon was so caught up in all these memories that he failed to feel the gentle tapping on his shoulder.
"Hey, you ok?" Moon's ears perked up at the sound of Phoebe's voice. She had sensed his distress and came to help out. Moon shook his head to get himself back together before turning his head to face her.
"Yeah, I just...was- well uh." It seems that Moon was still not yet grounded as he stumbled over his words. Phoebe giggled, finding him trying to make up an excuse adorable.
"It's not funny," Moon grumbled, irritated.
"Sorry, it's just...you looked so cute when you were doing that. I couldn't resist but to laugh a little," Phoebe responded while gigging some more. Moon just scoffed as he turned away from her.
"Let me help with that?" She asked, referring to eggs that had been barely touched and were still heating up in the pan. If they remained like that any longer they would for sure start to burn.
"No! I-" Moon was silenced when Phoebe did something he was not expecting. In a fluid motion, she placed a paw on his arm and slid it down and onto his paw that was holding the wooden spoon while lightly pressing her body on his back.
"It'll be much better if we do it together, " She said quietly next to his ear while taking a hold of his paw.
Moon didn't know what to say or do at that moment. It all happened so fast that he was having trouble processing what was going on. Out of nowhere, Phoebe had just leaned into him and took hold of his paw and was trying to guide him on making the eggs. She was so close that he could smell her. She smelt so...nice, nicer than usual. From the years he's known her, he never smelt an aroma on her like this before. Perhaps it's a new shampoo Isabella bought for her that she's using. Well, whatever it was, it was beginning to have a strong effect on him. The smell was captivating...and strangely calming to him, which would explain why he hadn't shoved her away and barked at her as he'll usually do whenever she'll cling onto him like these. He actually wanted her to stay so he can take in more of this delightful new smell.
"All right, just move the egg like this. That's it, just like that" And why was she talking like that?! She's been speaking in a soft hushed tone that Moon had also never heard her used before. She was so to his ear that every time she spoke, he could feel her warm breath make contact with the flesh part in the inside of his ear which made shivers go up his spine. And now- wait is she nuzzling him?!
Phoebe seemed to be enjoying her contact with the Lycanroc more than she should have but she was lost in the moment and couldn't help herself. His mane felt incredible fluffy on her chest
and she just wanted to feel more of him. Without thinking, she moved her head against the side of his neck and began to tenderly rub on it. She then moved her other paw to his chest and began to play with the tuft of fur there. She had her eyes closed and the corner of her lips was up forming a content smile as she did so.
"You're doing great Moon," She cooed warmly. She wasn't even focused on the eggs anymore. Moon just stood there, surprised and confused about what the fox was doing to him. She was at first trying to help him with some eggs, but now she was affectionately hugging and quietly purring right beside his ear. And he was letting her. Why? What has gotten into her to make her do these? Why the hell hasn't he pushed her away like he usually would? Why was he just letting her feel up all on him? Could it be that he actually liked it? And what is this new smell on her? All these questions bounced around in the Lycanroc's head but just couldn't find an answer for any of them.
"Mmm~ Moon you feel so nice. I want-" Phoebe was about to say something but quickly interrupted by Moon who had found the stability to get himself back together.
"You're getting a little too touchy there, fox." Phoebe's ears flinched at the sound of his voice and her eyes widened in realization. She quickly backed with a flustered look on her face.
"Oh, M-Moon I'm sorry! I didn't… I wasn't- uh… I was just trying to umm. Oh look the eggs are ready!" She pointed to the pan with eggs that were indeed ready. Moon just eyed her for a moment before turning his attention back to the eggs.
"Right. I'll get these on a plate, " Moon said while picking up the pan by the handle.
"Y-yeah ok…" Phoebe slowly nodded before scurrying off somewhere else in the kitchen. The atmosphere was silent and awkward for a few minutes. Neither Moon or Phoebe dared to make a sound. But it wasn't quick to last as Phoebe started to speak again.
"Um...Moon"
"What?"
"I would still like some help with the rest of the breakfast, but if you don't want to I understand." Moon thought about it before coming to a decision.
"Alright, I'll help. Just…" He trailed off. Phoebe had picked up what he was trying to say.
"I-I won't, I swear. I'm sorry again if I made you uncomfortable. I don't know what came over me, " She spoke up, with embarrassment clearly in her voice as she looked down at the tiled floor. She didn't dare to look at his direction.
She made a squeak noise and flinched when she suddenly felt a paw on top of her head. She looked up and turned to see Moon there with a smile on his face. "Hey, it's not a big deal. So stop apologizing. Ya damn fox, " Moon said playfully while patting her head reassuringly. She couldn't help but return the smile as her cheeks turned slightly red and her tail began to wag.
"K!" She chirped happily.
"Right. Now let's get this over with." Phoebe gave a quick nod, her face took on a look of determination as turned back to the task at hand.
Her and Moon continued on with making breakfast. With only a couple of incidences of Phoebe subtlety touching or brushing against him, but he didn't pay any mind and just tolerated it. Before long, breakfast was finally complete. Phoebe and Moon prepared their plates and took their respective seats at the dinner table.
On Moon's plate, he had pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Phoebe just had toast and eggs. Moon had a glass of orange juice and Phoebe had milk. They ate their food in silence, well really it was Moon who was eating. Phoebe hadn't really touched her food but Moon could feel her eyes on him as he ate. It was starting to irk him.
"You like what you see?" Moon piped up, looking up at her and meeting her gaze. Her eyes widen and lit face lit up with red.
"Oh, Arceus. I'm sorry Moon, I didn't mean to stare. I was just lost in thought for a moment. How rude of me." She apologized before quickly averting her eyes and fumbling to eat her food. Moon just shrugged and went to his meal. They went back to silence again, with only the sound that could be heard was their forks scraping on their plates and soft chewing. Again, Phoebe was the one to break the silence with, "These eggs are great Moon."
Moon looked to her to see her actually enjoying the eggs, but then he was reminded of what had happened to between when she was helping him. He was quick to push those thoughts away and grumbled a "Yeah whatever" then added, "These pancakes and bacon aren't too bad either."
"Well that's because you helped, " She responded quietly while taking a sheepish glance at him before looking back down.
They continued on with breakfast like these, with bits of small talk in between eating. It was usually Phoebe to start off the conversations. After a while of that, they both had a finish around the same time and Moon was the first to get up.
"That's good, " He said while stretching and. He let out a yawn before continuing, "You help with the dishes?"
"No, I got 'em. Thanks for asking though, " She said while getting up herself and started to gather up the plates, forks, and cups then moving over to the sink.
"Yeah, no problem. I'ma take a shower then nap for a bit," Moon announced while making his way out of the kitchen.
"Ok. I should be done with these when you're finished." Was the last thing Moon heard before he was completely out of the kitchen.
A/N:
Phew! Finally got another chapter out. I could've got these out way sooner but I was lazy. I hope you all who've made it this far like this chapter. I kinda got way more comfortable writing so just I added more to these than the first one. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT! More chapters are on the way so this isn't the end quite yet. I really want to see this through and still have some stuff planned for this. Anyway, that's all I gotta say so peace ️(Btw, when I was making the flashback sense, I strangely got reminded of the song Lose Yourself by Eminem. I don't know why I just did XD)