Hey guys. Sorry I didn't post last week. I had come down with an infection and just didn't have the energy. This chapter is a more relaxing one so I hope you all enjoy it :)

Hey all! Let's give a big thank you to my beta reader KaraKozakov ( /users/KaraKozakov). They were so kind to reach out and help with beta read for me from now on. If you have time please stop by their page and take a look at their stuff. Also, let's give them a big thankyou 3

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I Choose you, Chapter 113.

Comfort With Friends

The second the door to Kuroo and Kenma's room swung open Yamaguchi was met with a rush of joy. With how loud Hinata and Bokuto laughed and how sweet Yachi smiled the room was loud, warm and welcoming. The moment the three walked into the room, attention was all on them.

"Yamaguchi, you're not dead?" Bokuto joked, not realizing just how much danger Yamaguchi had been in only hours ago.

"We were so worried when you disappeared," Yachi gasped before scurrying over to greet him.

"Yeah, did you fall into a Trapinch trap or something?" Hinata asked as he joined Yachi at Yamaguchi's side.

"S-Sorry to make you all worry," Yamaguchi mumbled, wringing his hands nervously.

"Oh, Yamaguchi, what happened to your cheek?" Yachi gasped as she led him to the couch and took a seat on it with him.

"What hurt you?" Kageyama seriously asked, sitting on the other side of Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi felt himself become a bit nervous with how many questions he was being asked. Being around so many people who cared for him was nice but he felt a bit suffocated. He opened his mouth to reply but was cut off before he could do so.

"Yeah, tell us who it was so we can pound them into the ground!" Hinata growled as he playfully punched the air.

"No one hurts our friend and gets away with it," Bokuto nodded before joining Hinata in the play punching.

"Would you guys give him some space," Tsukishima snapped from behind Yamaguchi, targeting his comment mostly at Kageyama.

Kageyama merely glared at Tsukishima before scooting a bit closer to Yamaguchi.

Too overwhelmed by all the noise, Yamaguchi found it hard to speak. Yachi kept commenting on the bandage on his cheeks and Bokuto and Hinata were now punching the poor armchair in the corner of the room as if it had been the one to hurt their friend. To top it off Tsukishima and Kageyama were having some strange power struggle beside him. Yamaguchi would look back on this moment and find it hilarious but at the moment he just felt uncomfortable.

Sylveon gave a small happy yip as she leapt into Yamaguchi's lap. She could tell her trainer was in need of some care. She released a small bit of calming energy. Not only did it help Yamaguchi but it calmed down everyone else in the room too. Yamaguchi sighed in relief as he gave Sylveon's head a pat.

"Wow, your Eevee evolved." Yachi's eyes sparkled as she studied the shiny Sylveon.

"Y-Yeah," Yamaguchi said, feeling calm enough to speak now. "I got into a battle today and she evolved."

"A battle! With a wild Pokemon?" Yachi eeped, looking quite horrified.

"Was it the evil team?" Kageyama asked. Even though they hadn't found any evidence of them around the power plant he wasn't going to count it out.

Upon hearing Kageyama's question Yamaguchi went a little stiff. Kageyama wasn't terribly good with people nor was he famous for really being able to read people but his guess work was pretty on point. Yamaguchi shifted ever so slightly as he glanced up, finding that everyone was looking at him expectantly.

"Well, the truth is…" Yamaguchi's voice went a little weak as he tried to decide what to say.

"I-It's okay if you don't want to talk about it," Yachi cut in upon seeing Yamaguchi's reluctance.

"If it was the evil team we'd like to hear what happened as Bokuto and I came here with word that they were about," Akaashi swiftly added, ignoring Tsukishima's galre. Bokuto had been tasked to dig up any information he could after all.

"Really?" Yamaguchi perked up a bit. He wondered if Bokuto knew who Lillie was. This made him feel less awkward but he still wasn't so sure if he was ready to share what he'd seen with everyone. After all, the last thing he'd want was to involve Yachi and the others.

"Yeah, I was sent here on official Elite Four duties," Bokuto proudly proclaimed.

"Well, I already told Tsukki this but I did run into the evil team today," Yamaguchi nodded. "It was in the tunnels where I ran into them."

Tsukishima was a little shocked to see Yamaguchi talking about it so easily now after being so upset. His boyfriend seemed very interested in telling Bokuto what had happened more so than before. Despite feeling a little butt hurt by this he did his best to hide it.

"The tunnels," Bokuto hissed, looking frustrated. "Why didn't I think of that?"

"We should go check them out and see if anyone is still left," Akaashi suggested.

"I'm pretty sure they're all gone," Yamaguchi cut in. He gave a small jump as all eyes turned to him again. "I… I ran into an admin as they were leaving," he quickly added. It was sort of true after all.

"Besides, the sun is almost down and wandering off into the desert at this time isn't safe," Kuroo added coolly.

"Well, I'm happy you were able to make it out mostly unscathed, Yamaguchi," Yachi said with a sweet smile. She placed a gentle hand on his arm. "We were so worried."

"Kageyama almost started crying," Hinata piped in.

"Did not!" Kageyama snapped.

"With the way you ran off it was almost like you were going after your lover or something," Hinata teased.

Tsukishima scowled.

"You're such an idiot!" Kageyama snapped before leaping toward Hinata.

Hinata stepped aside and ran to take cover behind Bokuto. Kageyama pursued him as the two played chase around the older Elite Four members. Yamaguchi felt himself relax as the attention went from him to the commotion Hinata and Kageyama were making.

In moments Yamaguchi found himself laughing amongst the others as Kageyama chased Hinata around the room. It was chaotic but it enabled Yamaguchi to escape from his thoughts for a bit and relax. As the commotion settled down he felt more than grateful to have such caring friends.

Soon Yamaguchi found himself with a plate full of various foods that had been ordered to the room. He talked with Yachi over what sort of recipes they should try with all the mushrooms they had gathered. Kenma seemed quite keen on joining in on the conversation as well. He recommended they sell a few while they were fresh. The evening passed by smoothly and everyone seemed to get the hint that Yamaguchi was done talking about his day and respected that. Despite all this, as Yamaguchi laughed and talked with the others, Akaashi's eyes kept drifting back to where he sat.

It was late by the time Yamaguchi and Tsukishima headed back to their room. They had Musharna in her ball ready to be called out once they were ready for bed. Yamaguchi felt more refreshed than he had expected. Being with the others really did help him feel like this afternoon had been only a dream. It hadn't even been a day but the experience felt so unreal to him. There was still quite a bit of paranoia lingering in him and he startled easily at the smallest things but he was able to feel a sense of security being beside Tsukki.

Back in the room the two readied for bed. It wasn't long before the lights were out and Yamaguchi cuddled as close to Tsukki as he could. Tsukishima allowed Yamaguchi to hold him in whatever way he found most comfortable and before they could properly exchange a goodnight kiss Yamaguchi was already asleep.

Tsukishima knew Yamaguchi had been through something today. From the large welt on Yamaguchi's cheek, something told him it was more than just a pokemon battle. By the way Yamaguchi stuttered and hesitated to answer any question Tsukishima knew his boyfriend hadn't revealed the full story. It hurt Tsukishima that it was being kept from him but he knew what Yamaguchi needed was time to process it. He just hoped it wasn't anything too bad. After the Scolipede attack he had been trying his best to give Yamaguchi space and his trust and he hoped Yamaguchi found him worth talking to when he was ready.

Tsukishima gently kissed Yamaguchi's forehead. His boyfriend mumbled something in his sleep that Tsukishima couldn't quite make out. Through the darkness of the room he couldn't make out if Yamaguchi's face was strained or peaceful.

The next morning the two woke up tangled in each other's arms. Yamaguchi clung to Tsukishima so tightly that Tsukishima found it quite impossible to even move. Yamaguchi was always a cuddler when he slept but this morning cuddles were quite aggressive. Yamaguchi drooled as he clung to Tsukishima like Komala clinging to it's log.

When Tsukishima tried to wiggle his way out of the hold, Yamaguchi only clung on tighter. He knew if he really struggled he'd be able to dislodge himself from his boyfriend but that would most likely wake Yamaguchi up. Despite his vice-like grip on Tsukki's middle, Yamaguchi looked quite content and peaceful.

It wasn't the most comfortable morning cuddle for Tsukki. Even when he tried to reposition himself to be more comfortable he'd find Yamaguchi's hug tightening ever so slightly. It was almost like Yamaguchi was afraid to let him go despite being sound asleep. It was always Tsukishima's dream to have Yamaguchi stick close to him forever but this was just out of control.

It was only when Sylveon woke up that Tsukishima was able to catch a break. He motioned her over from the foot of the bed. The shiny Pokemon gave a long stretch and a big yawn before making her way to Tsukishima.

"You mind helping me out here," Tsukishima mumbled, motioning to Yamaguchi who currently had his face pressed up against Tsukki's side. "If I don't get to the bathroom now we are all going to regret it."

If Tsukishima wasn't such a skeptic he'd have sworn Sylveon laughed at him. She gave a small trill before caressing her trainer with her ribbon like feelers. She released a calming glow and in a moment Yamaguchi's hold on Tsukki relaxed.

Tsukishima didn't hesitate to take the chance to slip out of bed and to the bathroom. Before closing the door he sent Sylveon a quick "Thanks."

Yamaguchi rolled in bed, his arms reaching out for Tsukki only to find the other side of the bed empty. Most days this wasn't something that would alarm. He'd normally roll over and fall back to sleep without a worry as to where Tsukki had gone but today instead of rolling over a jolt of fear caused Yamaguchi to snap up.

Yamaguchi shot up in bed, his heart pounding against his ribcage. His eyes scanned the room he was in. It was dark because the curtains were still drawn shut. Where was he? Why wasn't Tsukki with him? For a moment Yamaguchi forgot where he was. He shook like a leaf in bed, a concerned whimper from Sylveon going unnoticed.

It was only when the sound of the toilet flushing and the creaking of the bathroom door opening did Yamaguchi relax. Yamaguchi's shaking stopped and his shoulders relaxed. Tsukishima stepped back into the room. He caught sight of his boyfriend sitting awake in bed.

"Sorry, did I wake you up?" Tsukishima mumbled as he made his way back to the bed. Through the dark he was unable to make out just how shaken his poor boyfriend looked.

"I-It's fine," Yamaguchi replied, doing his best to sound fine despite having just woken up in a panic.

Tsukishima took his place back in bed beside Yamaguchi. "You sure you're okay?" he mumbled, wrapping an arm around his lover. He hadn't missed the small shake in Yamaguchi's voice.

"I'm fine," Yamaguchi insisted, leaning into Tsukki's chest. The panic left him as he rested against Tsukki. He took a moment to remind himself that everything was okay.

"We still have a little time before meeting the others if you want to rest a bit more," Tsukishima mumbled.

"I'm fine," Yamaguchi replied once more, his voice just a whisper. He sounded more like he was talking to himself than to Tsukki.

A long silence filled the air as Yamaguchi relaxed in Tsukishma's hold. His heart stopped beating so fast and so hard. He felt his fear leave him. He was fine. He was with Tsukki. Everything was okay.

Yamaguchi almost fell asleep sitting up in Tsukishima arms. Just having him so close really did relax Yamaguchi. Yesterday had just been too much. He was so close to losing everything but he just didn't know how to talk about it with anyone yet.

Tsukishima allowed Yamaguchi all the time he needed to calm down. He couldn't see how spooked Yamaguchi was through the dark but he could hear it in his voice and feel it in his body while holding him. Whatever happened yesterday he was going to find out but only when Yamaguchi was ready to tell him. Pushing him now was too soon. All he could do was comfort him.

Eventually Yamaguchi was relaxed enough to get out of bed and start the day. They planned to leave for Lumiose City today and if Yamaguchi was honest, he was more than ready to get as far away from here as he could. Just looking out the window at the Power Plant and the tunnels almost caused him to panic. He hoped to never come back here again.

Yamaguchi moved much faster today while packing up their stuff. Tsukishima couldn't help but feel like his boyfriend was almost rushing to leave. Twice they had to empty out one of their bags because they weren't able to locate something due to Yamaguchi not recalling if he'd packed it already. Normally this sort of behaviour would irritate Tsukishima but today he was much more lenient.

"Sorry for rushing like this," Yamaguchi apologised as he packed up the same bag for the second time. "I just don't want to be late meeting the others." This was the excuse he used each time he found himself digging through a bag looking for something that had gone missing.

Tsukishima looked at the clock. They had more than enough time before they were due to check out and most of their stuff was packed. He wasn't an idiot. His boyfriend was itching to leave.

"Once we are packed we can head to the cafe and get something to eat while we wait for the others," Tsukishima suggested.

"Great idea," Yamaguchi smiled, sounding a lot happier about leaving than one normally would.

Before long the two found themselves checked out of the room and sitting by a large window as they ate pastries and drank coffee. Sylveon sat beside Yamaguchi eating her breakfast as well. Just being checked out of the room made Yamaguchi feel so much better. It was strange. The idea of getting away from here seemed to calm him down and from where they sat he couldn't see the Power Plant or a single tunnel.

"Will we be able to make it out of the desert by tonight?" Yamaguchi asked as he and his boyfriend enjoyed their breakfast.

"We should be able to make it to the forest but the sun will have already set most likely," Tsukishima hummed.

"Traveling through the forest at night sounds a little scary," Yamaguchi admitted with a shiver. He and Tsukki had always set up camp before sunset. There was so much that could go wrong at night. It was at night that he had run into Admin Mika's camp the first time. The thought sent a shiver down his spine.

"We will be traveling in a big group so I highly doubt we will run into any trouble," Tsukishima insisted after seeing the worry on Yamaguchi's brow.

Yamaguchi gave an absent minded hum. Now that he thought about it, it didn't really matter the time of day. When it came to the evil team or wild Pokemon the threat was just the same. It was midday yesterday when he'd almost been kidnaped and late afternoon when Scolipede had attacked the camp. When first starting the journey he never would have imagined how dangerous it could be. He was certain things like this were uncommon or maybe the news just never reported Pokemon attacks.

"I mean, with as loud as those two idiots are, I'm sure anything in our way is going to be long gone before we even get to it," Tsukishima mumbled in hope to cheer Yamaguchi up a bit. "Hinata is so loud Lumiose City will probably hear us coming the second we step foot out of the desert."

Yamaguchi stifled a laugh. "Hinata isn't that loud, Tsukki."

"He always complains about having trouble hunting new Pokemon to catch and it's because his loud voice gives him away miles before he even gets to them," Tsukishima smiled smugly as he watched Yamaguchi stifle another laugh.

"Tsukki, that's mean," Yamaguchi scolded between giggles.

"Come on, we both know it's true," Tsukishima shrugged.

"Hey! What are you two laughing about?" Hinata shouted as he popped up from nowhere beside their table.

Startled by the sudden appearance Yamaguchi nearly fell from his chair. Tsukishima gave such a great jump that he dropped his fork onto the table. Both looked at Hinata in a moment of shock.

"Don't just pop up out of nowhere like that, you idiot," Tsukishima snapped.

"I didn't pop up out of nowhere, you grumpy jerk!" Hinata defended. "It's not my fault if you were too lovey-eyed with Yamaguchi to notice me!"

Both Tsukishima and Yamaguchi went pink. Had they really been that lovey-eyed just now. Yamaguchi gleaned across the table to find his boyfriend about to explode.

"Do you need something, Hinata?" Yamaguchi asked before Tsukishima could kill the smaller trainer.

"Oh, yeah, we are all ready to go," Hinata smiled as he spoke to Yamaguchi. "See, it's not so hard to not be so salty," he then said, scowling at Tsukishima.

Tsukishima picked up his fork. "Tell them we are coming now," Yamaguchi cut in, placing his hand upon Tsukki's fork wielding hand.

"Okay, but don't take too long," Hinata replied, turning on his heels and heading back to the others. He didn't seem to notice the fork in Tsukki's hand.

"Tsukki, you can't just stab people with forks," Yamaguchi scolded, though he wasn't able to wipe the smile off his face as how ridiculous his boyfriend could be when it came to Kageyama and Hinata.

"I wasn't going to stab anyone," Tsukishima defended, barely sounding like he meant it.

Yamaguchi stifled his laughter as he released his boyfriend's hand. Perhaps Tsukki was right. Having the others around might be just what they need to scare any danger they otherwise would have had to face.

Author Note:

With their friends by their side it seems our heroes have nothing to worry about. Will traveling in a large group really protect them from danger? Will they make it to Lumiose City safely? Stay tuned to find out that and more.

As always, thank you all so much for taking the time to read this fic. I always love hearing from my readers so shoot me a review or comment down below and let me know what you think of the story so far.

I have a question for you all. Maybe in the future Yamaguchi and Tsukishima's relationship may become more intimate. I currently have the fic set to a T rating and have been going off of ratings used for online graphic novels in terms of where the line for T and M lies. How about for you readers? What sort of intimate romantic content would you consider M vs T? If it comes down to it I may have to change this fic to M just in case. Anyways, let me know your thoughts on this topic.

You guys take care and see you next chapter.