Chapter 13
Staring down at her blue Mach bike, May couldn't believe it. Brendan had sent her pokémon out to buy training wheels so she wouldn't fall on Seaside Cycling Road.
With how many people used it, there was definitely a concern that she be run over if she couldn't keep her balance on her own bike.
'You ready?' Brendan asked in her ear, his arm wrapped securely around her waist.
Nodding her head, May hobbled over, not wanting Brendan to let go. If he did, she'd probably fall on the ground again.
That wasn't the sole reason she was practically glued to his hip. She'd been in denial for so long that she didn't really want this ordeal to end.
'May,' Brendan said once she was securely on the bike, her starter pokémon holding both handles carefully, appearing oblivious to the way May was holding onto Brendan.
She couldn't look at either of them, knowing she was being bratty and pathetic.
'You're going to have to let me go if you want us to get home before they send Officer Jenny out for us,' Brendan continued, his voice laced with amusement.
Jutting out her lower lip, May sent him an imploring look, 'but I don't want to go home, and while it's the only path available, we both know Seaside Cycling Road isn't the best place for me right now.'
'But it's the only way, so we don't have a choice unless we want an APB going out all over Hoenn with our faces on it,' Brendan reminded her, cupping her cheek again so she was forced to look up at him.
With a smile, he stroked her cheek, assuring her, 'we'll go travel somewhere as soon as you're better, I promise, but you need to rest your sprain and we've got to get you home first.'
Frowning, May didn't like the sound of that. Brendan was trying to bribe her with exploring new places, but she'd be stuck at home without Brendan while she was recovering.
Just thinking about being stuck at home, playing her games, reading and sleeping while Brendan was out and about, exploring everything and meeting all kinds of new people and pokémon made May pout.
'Will you stay with me?' May asked, hoping she wasn't sounding too childish. Even if Brendan had known her long enough to see her at her worst, she knew he'd probably still tease her for even wanting him there.
Rolling his eyes, he snorted, 'and miss out on blackmail material and all of the favours you'd owe me? Please! I had no intention of going anywhere while you're recovering!'
Once, the sentiment would have terrified her. Having Brendan Birch gather yet more incriminating information against her to lord it over her head. That used to be stuff of nightmares. However, with Brendan in her arms, May realised that he wasn't necessarily the only one in control, especially since all of the aforementioned blackmail had been touched, bar to tease her when others weren't around.
Her eyes narrowed dangerously at Brendan. If he was going to be pulling those tricks, so could she. After all, she didn't want this to end, so why help the man to his goal and get him more blackmail material on her? She knew how much dirt he already had, and she barely had a fraction on him of what he had on her.
'I'm not going,' May rebutted, turning to face away from him.
'What? Why not?' Brendan demanded incredulously, his hand tightening on her waist.
'That route is dangerous at the best of times, but now I'm injured to boot! Besides, I'm not going anywhere until you promise not to use blackmail or favours against me for this,' May continued, glancing at him to see his clear concern for her.
There was a pause before Brendan scowled, 'fine.'
Her lips twitched, though she struggled to keep her expression neutral. Looking at him, she saw he was completely serious. There wasn't any hesitation in his face, and May wondered if she should have challenged him on this sooner.
If he was going to agree to that so easily, she could definitely ask for more.
With a sly smile, she continued, 'and I want something else too.'
'What is it?' Brendan asked, sounding strained, his eyes flickering to route entry and back to her, his lips pressed in a worried line.
Pausing, May blushed when she realised she only wanted one thing. She couldn't believe she was going to ask this, but forced it out, 'a k-kiss.'
Instantly, Brendan's face lit up before he was lifting her up, his arms around her and lips on hers.
He was so eager that May barely had a chance to wrap her arms around his neck to balance herself, or to cherish the moment.
Feeling him pull away, May demanded, 'more.'
'Not my fault if we're brought home by Officer Jenny,' Brendan chuckled, though his warm lips found hers a little too eagerly, appearing unaware of Blaziken's irritated huff as he was stuck watching the spectacle.
