Authors Note: Ah I finally updated! I really enjoyed writing this chapter. The interactions between Gold and Red are super cute! I hope to continue the chapters as frequently as possible, work permitting. But enjoy! And drop a review! Makes a girl happy!
Chapter Eight
In all brutal honesty Red was afraid. Deathly terrified about leaving the safety of this humble abode in Mt Silver. Here no-one knew of him, no-one could hurt him. Here he was safe, safe from everyone. Safe from Green. Even though Gold had accidentally stumbled across his hideout, the crimson-eyed boy knew that he was no threat.
Gold had eyes that shined like the purest amber ever excavated, and they were honest and true. No malevolence resided behind those irises, and hence why Red felt a sense of relief, and safety being around the younger male. He offered some much needed social interaction, and therapy of sorts. Being a shoulder to cry on, to finally let out all those agonising thoughts and feelings felt like a relief.
He knew that there was no way to change the past, it was long gone, however it was hard to keep it dead and buried. The trauma was still fresh in his mind like an open wound. Time had passed yet still he remembered the ordeal crystal clear. Every so often a painful shudder would race down his spine, and his fingers would desperately claw down his skin.
How was he supposed to recover from this? Was this supposed to fix how he was as a person? Was having Asperger's Syndrome the reason for Green's attack? The crimson-eyed boy sighed softly to himself, as Gold's arms cradled him.
"I know it's not much consolation, but...I'm here for you." He soothed, fingers gently combing through his raven hair, which caused tired crimson-eyes to close mechanically. It had been so long since he had been embraced like this.
"Thank you..." Red muttered quietly, and he was genuinely grateful.
"You know, I have a suggestion...but you don't have to give me an answer right away." Just like that Red moved so he could actually look Gold in the eyes whilst he spoke. He nodded, as if beckoning the younger boy to speak about the idea he had.
"Well...I don't like the thought of you being here all by yourself, and I have to head home tomorrow to see my mother. If you wanted to you're more than welcome to accompany me back? Maybe a change of scenery will do you some good? I live in Johto so...it's quite a flight, if you're up to it?"
Red's immediate reaction mentally was to shut it down, and say no. To continue to hide away, because here he was safe. Here he could handle his life, however Gold was being very genuine, and probably had a good reason for wanting him to go back with him.
What were the chances of meeting Green in Johto anyways?
Very unlikely.
"Like I said...think about it." Gold finalised cheerfully, smiling. Then, Red shook his head defiantly.
"No, I will go with you."
"Are you sure? I don't want to pressurise you into something you're not comfortable with." Red nodded once more, his eyes never leaving Gold's.
"I'd love to. Besides...I've never really had another friend besides..." He paused, stopping himself. No, he would not speak of that name. He wasn't really ever his friend. Friends don't hurt each other.
"I'm glad you consider me a friend!" Gold chirped happily. "Don't worry, I'll make sure no-one hurts you, or upsets you. I take full responsibility." A small grin flashed upon the crimson-eyed boy's features for a moment. His heart swelled with a feeling that was alien to him, but it wasn't something he hated. In fact, it seemed that it was helping him.
"My Mom won't mind you crashing at our house. She loves it when I bring new people over."
"Your Mom?" Then it hit home. Red hadn't contacted his own mother for years. Was she still okay in that house all by herself? He never once thought to call, or send a letter, letting her know that he was okay and living his life to the fullest.
"Yeah! She's actually pretty cool, as Mom's go that is."
"I hope she won't mind me coming over..." Red muttered, feeling a little nervous. He always got anxious around new people, instinctual fear taking over from the ordeal. Nowadays he just assumed every human being was intending to hurt him in some way, so getting past that barrier was an achievement in itself.
"She'll probably fangirl over the fact I'm friends with the Champion of Kanto" Gold chuckled, smiling brightly, which caused the older boy to smile also. It was rare to hear that other people actually viewed him as a celebrity of sorts. After the league, and after defeating Green once and for all, that's when he decided to keep away and hide on the mountain. He never realised just how popular he was.
"To be honest...I'M fangirling over the fact I'm sitting here with you. Of course, I'm fangirling inside." The amber-eyed boy joked, grinning.
"I'm just a normal person, Gold..."
"Oh yeah, because your average Joe just goes and crucifies the Elite Four like it's a walk in the park." Red couldn't help but blush in response. He never saw the feat as being something so amazing, but just merely being in Gold's presence was quickly altering his perception.
"Didn't you defeat the Johto League?" Bright and curious crimson eyes stared into amber, before a soft blush grazed the younger boy's cheeks.
"Well yeah...guess I'm no average Joe either, huh?" Then they both smiled in unison. Gold never viewed himself as a celebrity, to tell the truth he still wondered why so many people were in awe of his talents. It still hadn't sunk in properly yet, and he wondered if that's exactly how Red felt aswell.
"Have you taken on the Kanto League?" The crimson-eyed boy enquired, to which the youngster shook his head.
"Nope. I went to find you. I heard you were the Champion of the Kanto League, but you went on some long hiatus, and no-one knew where you were. So, I decided to trek every corner of the globe to find you, so I could challenge you." Red blinked. So the real reason behind this boy's intrusion was so they could battle it out? It was quite the shock, however the antisocial Champion did not wish to partake in any such events.
"Well...you found me." He muttered simply.
"Indeed I did, but now...I think my motive has altered. I've made a new friend, and that's always important in my books!" Red smiled. It felt good when someone said that he was their friend. He knew that Gold wasn't like Green in anyway. He had no hint of malevolence in his pure form. He was honest and genuine, and good natured.
"Anyway..." Gold gazed at the entrance of the cave, noticing that it was now very dark. It was only Typhlosion's light from his flame mane that was keeping the cave aglow, so he figured it was best to get some sleep. "I think we should hit the hay. Tomorrow will be a long flight to mine, so we will need plenty of rest."
Red was starting to feel the lethargy seep into his bones, and silently agreed with the younger boy. Sleep was definitely beneficial. Tomorrow he would actually muster the courage to leave his comfort zone and venture back into society. How he would handle that, he was still unsure of, but there was one thing he knew indefinitely.
With Gold by his side he reckoned he had the strength and willpower to prevail
XxX
Just like Gold had mentioned it was indeed a long and arduous flight, which took place at an ungodly hour of the day. Flying earlier in the morning meant getting there would be easier, and he also wanted to time it right when he knew his Mother would be preparing breakfast. It was the perfect set up to introduce the Kanto Champion.
They arrived in New Bark Town at eight thirty in the morning, and noticed that the small quaint village was deathly silent. No signs of people, and everything was perfectly still. Red inhaled the dewy air, and instantly any worries evaporated from his mind.
He too came from a small town, but this place was so different. It was roughly the same size in comparison; Pokemon Laboratory to boot, but the atmosphere was completely the opposite. Gold noticed the way crimson eyes flickered to all the buildings, the pathways, the gardens. Taking in all the scenery.
It was now he wandered just how long had the Champion been out of society.
"You feeling okay?" He asked, wanting to be sure that Red was not going to freak out, or demand that he hide back up the mountain. The crimson-eyed boy nodded, and smiled softly.
"It's lovely here."
"Yeah...it's only a small town, but it's nice if you don't like crowded places." Red shuddered. He remembered Saffron City and the Silph Co building. How insanely massive it was, with all those floors and stairs, and card key shutters he had to open. He also remembered meeting Green in there, and feeling like his heart was actually going to die right there and then.
"Hey..." A hand on his shoulder snapped him out of the dangerous trail of thought. "No-one will hurt you here, okay?" Crimson-eyes blinked, and met pools of shimmering amber. He felt the deep sincerity behind those words, and instantly believed them.
"I know. You're here." Red beamed, child-like with his reasoning.
"Of course! I'll kick anyone's ass around here! Even Silver's if he dared do anything." A mention of a new name intrigued the Kanto Champion.
"Silver?" Now it was Gold's turn to look as if he'd rather not speak of that subject.
"Yeah...a friend of mine, well I say friend...we have history." Red's brow furrowed in thought. History? Was it in the same manner as himself and Green? Had this Silver person hurt Gold in the past? Immediately he started to feel defensive.
"Did he hurt you?"
"Silver? No, he was just one of those people who were just...difficult to deal with, you know?" It did little to calm the Champion's nerves. Gold wasn't being as upfront as he would usually. Maybe this Silver person was bad news, and he was better off not knowing anything about it.
"Anyway, Silver doesn't live anywhere near here, and there's no reason for him to come here so don't panic." Gold assured, as they both walked towards Gold's house.
"Where does he live?" Red was unsure to why he was asking all these probing questions. Was it just how he was? Gold didn't seem to be fazed by any of the questions, in fact he gladly answered.
"Goldenrod City, the largest City in Johto. He works in the department store and has a small apartment. Why do you ask? You're not going to pay him a visit are you?" Gold chuckled at the thought, but Red quickly shook his head, almost as if he were scared to do that.
"N-no...no...never."
"Hey...chill. Silver might seem scary but deep down he's a cuddly Meowth, honestly." Before they knew it both boys were stood outside of Gold's house, and as the amber-eyed boy inhaled he smiled. Even front outside he could smell his Mother's cooking.
"We timed this perfectly~!" He chirped, grinning. Red watched as the amber-eyed boy pressed the doorbell, hearing the sound resonate within. Then an accompaniment of loud crashes and curse words sounded, before a slightly exasperated "I'll be there in a minute!" chimed from behind the door.
Gold sighed, placing a hand to his head, whilst the Kanto Champion seemed almost dumbfounded. This woman seemed the complete opposite to his own mother, and the nerves were starting to kick in. What if he wasn't accepted here?
Fortunately Red wasn't given enough time to linger on those thoughts of self doubt, as he watched the large oak door open with a creak, and the figure of a rather flustered middle-aged lady appeared. She smiled, and wiped her hands on the apron that she wore. Then her features altered to that of shock, and the Champion watched as Gold was crushed in the most gigantic hug ever witnessed.
"Gold! It's so good to see you!"
"Hey Mom...cut it out will ya?" The corners of Red's mouth tugged into the faintest of smiles as he beheld the image of mother and son embracing. It instantly made him miss his own mother deeply. It had been too long since he had spoken to her, let alone saw her.
"I'm sorry dear, guess I got carried away." She moved away from Gold, who instantly adjusted the goggles nestled in his raven hair. Her bright eyes then noticed the figure of Red, stood nervously at his side.
"Oh-! You brought a friend!" Gold grinned.
"I did. Mom I want to introduce you to Red." Suddenly her eyes widened as the words escaped willingly into the air. She had heard numerous stories surrounding the elusive Champion of Kanto and now somehow he was stood on her doorstep.
"Oh my! I had no idea you were friends with my son!" She exclaimed, smiling brightly. Red bowed shyly, his eyes not meeting hers. Formalities were never his strong point, and deep within the raven-haired boy prayed that Gold would answer for him.
"Well I only met him yesterday..." Gold spoke up, scratching his head. "I thought that a change of scenery would do him some good, instead of being stuck up the mountain."
"My word...such a young boy all alone up a mountain?" Her eyes portrayed a sadness. As a mother, her heart went out to the Champion's own mother who must be worried sick about her son. Red glanced weakly across to Gold, who seemed to understand the words behind his eyes.
"He was training, after all...so many people want to topple the Champ, no?" Gold's mother hummed in thought, before nodding slightly.
"That is true, however a treacherous mountain is no place for a young man. Come on in, both of you. Breakfast is almost ready! Good job I made too many waffles." She grinned happily before entering the house, leaving the two boys alone for a short while. Red gently gripped the hem of Gold's sleeve, tugging it gently as if he were a child begging for attention.
"Your Mom is nice..."
"Yeah, a little wacky, but she's still awesome." Gold grinned, but noted the Champion's solemn expression. "Are you okay with all this? It must be a huge culture shock after being in isolation for so long..."
"I'm okay. I have you." The grip intensified on Gold's sleeve, until the raven-haired boy decided that it wasn't enough. He needed to be closer. His fingers moved to the amber-eyed boys bicep and held onto him. Gold blinked, unsure how Red was truly feeling right now, even though he had voiced that he was fine.
"I'll always be with you, Red. You don't have to worry." And just like that Red's heart was starting to lift out of the pits of despair, renewed with vigour and hope. Maybe not everyone was as manipulative as Green had been.
Maybe he could still find that closeness, and love that he yearned for.
Maybe it was right underneath his nose.
XxX
Breakfast was a quiet affair, more so than usual. Happy chit-chat circulated between Gold and his mother, but the diminutive Champion just couldn't seem to find his voice. It wasn't because he didn't enjoy the company, or felt intimidated; it was merely because he had no idea how to contribute to the discussions.
Gold's Mother didn't seem to mind, and just seemed content about the fact the legendary Champion of Kanto was sat at her dining table, eating her home-made waffles. Gold tried his best to make the raven-haired boy feel at ease, knowing his dislike to strangers. He hoped that the subtle gestures of holding his hand underneath the table, and flashing a kind smile was actually helping.
To Red theses little gestures meant the world to him. It had been so long since he had experienced such warmth from mere human contact. When the younger boy smiled his way, he would feel his cheeks heat up, and bow his head shyly.
These same reactions that Green used to conjure from him in the past.
Once breakfast was done with, Gold's Mother had the idea that her son should spend some quality time with the Champion, and show him around his bedroom to try and make him feel more at ease. Red seemed happy with that idea, and obediently followed the younger boys lead up the stairs to his abode.
"I'm sorry about my mother...she tends to get over excited when we have guests." Gold apologised as he opened the door to his bedroom.
"It's okay. I don't mind." Both boys crossed the threshold, and the raven-haired one of the two gazed around the room. It was a typical boys room, wallpaper of baby blue, posters on every wall. A messy pile of clothes near the foot of his bed, the lingering scent of deodorant in the air. Gold smiled as he closed the door, and watched the other boy looking around his room, almost in awe.
"I guess it's been a while since you've seen a bedroom huh?" Crimson eyes turned and gazed into pools of amber. He nodded meekly.
"Yeah...a long time."
"Well, feel free to kick back and relax in here. I'm planning on staying here for a while, and you're more than welcome to stay too." Red watched as Gold sat down on his bed, watching his countenance intently. There was no visual signs of him joking about spending time with him.
"You...want me to stay?"
"Sure!" Gold grinned brightly. "Its fun having you around."
"...what about your Mom? Won't she be mad?"
"Don't be silly! Mom will be positively thrilled about having you stay here! In fact...she might even gossip to her friends that the famous Champ of Kanto is under her roof." It was still taking a long time for the diminutive boy to understand the foundations for people's adoration. He wasn't worthy of all this praise. He was a play thing, casually thrown away when the use had worn out. A sigh escaped his lips as he sat beside Gold, eyes downcast.
"Oh yeah...I forgot you don't like all that attention..." Gold murmured apologetically.
"I just...don't understand it." Red admitted, gently taking his cap off his head, and holding it in his hands, staring intently at the fabric. "I get all this praise and I do not deserve any of it."
"I'd say you do." The amber-eyed boy admitted, nudging his arm. "You're a Champion. It's only natural people will be in awe of your abilities."
"At what cost..." The crimson-eyed boy muttered quietly, gripping his hat a little tighter as memories of the past flooded his mind like a tidal wave. Memories he so desperately wanted to bury for all eternity. Memories of his rival's face in battle when it was decided that Red was the new Champion.
The look of disgust.
The look of despair.
"Red..." Gold's hand gently rested on his shoulder, noticing the Champion's change in demeanour. It was obvious that something was still affecting him deeply. He hated seeing Red so full of sadness, and heartache and just wished that somehow he could ease that pain.
"I should hate him for what he did..." The words were suddenly flowing freely, out into the open. "...so why instead do I miss him terribly? Why even after so many years does my heart still hurt? Why can't I just move on and be happy?!" The outburst was sudden, and no-one expected it, not even the Champion. He blinked rapidly, feeling tears sting his irises, before they escaped; trickling down his face.
Gold frowned.
"You will be able to move on Red, it just takes time...and I will help you anyway that I can." Then clouded crimson eyes gazed into pained amber orbs, that shimmered with purity. "I hate seeing you suffer like this..."
"Gold..." The youngster's arms reacted on impulse, and managed to catch the falling Champion, holding him close to his chest as he broke down, trembling with every laboured breath, finally allowing all those emotions out.
"It's okay...I'm here..." Hands gripped the smaller boy for dear life, terrified that if he let him go he too would abandon him just like Green had all those years ago. Instead Gold held him tightly, refusing to let go until he deemed the Champion stable enough, which wasn't anytime soon.
Crimson eyes closed in pain, and inhaled deeply. Slowly but surely he felt his heart slow down to a normal rate, and his anxiety was fading away into a distant memory. Having Gold's arms around him like this was just what he needed. Here he felt safe, secure; as if no-one could hurt him at all.
"We have all been through some rough times...but as long as you have people around you who love you, then you'll pull through. I promise..." Gold assured, noticing that the tremors that once shook the older male's body had now died down.
Perhaps Red was starting to feel better?
"Really?" Red squeaked, moving his head slightly so he could see Gold's face out of the corner of his eye. He nodded, and smiled.
"Of course. Always remember that no matter what someone out there loves you, and always will."
"Do you love me?" It was a question that the Champion had not meant to ask so freely, but somehow couldn't stop the words from escaping into the atmosphere. Gold's amber eyes widened in shock, and his cheeks flushed slightly.
"Wh-what?"
"Do you love me, Gold?" By this time Red moved away, his eyes now dried from the tears he shed earlier, and was sat facing the younger boy; crimson eyes burning into amber. The goggle head couldn't help but look away, feeling heat rise to his cheeks.
"Red...d-do you even know what love is?"
"Yes I do. It's always wanting to be with the person that makes you happy." It was such a simple version of how complicated the emotion could be, but hearing it from Red's lips made Gold smile softly. Was it really that simple? No complications?
"Red...I met you like yesterday..."
"So?"
"So..uuhhh..." Gold stammered, trying to choose his words properly. "You don't really say you love someone until you know them for a while..." Red seemed confused at the amber-eyed boys words. So, you could feel love quickly, but wasn't allowed to say it until you knew them for a while?
"I don't understand..."
"Red...it's complicated alright? It's even MORE complicated between dudes!" Somewhere in his mind was a distant memory of a young Green telling him the exact same thing. Saying that they couldn't kiss each other in public because people wouldn't understand. He had thought that had only been because they were younger, did that still apply now?
"Oh right...sorry..." Instinctively Red moved away, realising that during his breakdown his hat had fallen onto the floor. Gold sighed, scratching his head, trying to think of ways to communicate effectively with the Champion.
"I'm not saying I don't like you Red...you understand that right?" Gently the amber-eyed boy lifted Red's chin with his fingers so their eyes met. He grinned. "I think you're great!"
"So you like me?" Red asked, hopeful. Once again Gold smiled brightly, and nodded.
"Of course I like you! You're amazing!"
And just hearing those words coming from someone as honest and trustworthy as Gold made the raven-haired boy feel as if he were walking on clouds. He was actually liked, someone cared about his well-being. They weren't out to hurt him, cause him pain or make him suffer. They genuinely wanted to spend time with him, grow with him, and be a constant part of his life.
Just like Green had been...