Author's Notes: Hey Everyone! I don't know how many of you are still reading this, but I have an obligation to stop messing around and finish this saga. During the long absence, I have been writing, but life has just been getting in the way. Anyways, enjoy!
Chapter Thirty-Four
"Hmmm, a nice room indeed! A pleasant reward for our troubles, no?"
Professor Sycamore had obtained an old-fashioned key from the T.V. obsessed manager/ desk clerk. He had his doubts stemming from catching glances of bland rooms people opened up and walked into, but they subsided once we got to see the inside of our suite. I couldn't care any less of course, but after the shit we went through, camping wasn't gonna cut it.
The suite was a very spacious place to crash for the night. The walls were carefully painted a pale blue that had been meant to calm its inhabitants. A fuzzy, lightly golden carpet that supposedly mimicked the color of sand blanketed the floor in a beckoning temptation for one to lay down on it at least once. A cream-colored sofa had sat a few inches away from a glass coffee table. A much nicer looking T.V. was mounted on the wall across from the sofa on the occasion that someone had wanted to use it. There also something like a food pantry cabinet thing on the other end of the room, so that piqued my interest. Aside from that, I wasn't a type of person who cared too much about the sea-themed décor; nice to look at, but didn't leave much of an impression. Something more pressing began occupying my mind. Professor Sycamore on the other hand took the time to appreciate our lodgings.
"Yes...very nice, but the thought of a hot shower is more appealing to me right now; especially if a certain hot-headed student would be willing to keep me company,"
"Okay, whatever. Make sure you slip and fall on your way in,"
In addition, taking in any interest about the room was complicated by a heavy amount of cold seawater currently soaking our clothes. However, that didn't stop the professor smirking at my bold comment, followed by an affectionate pat on the head.
"Just as cruel as ever, I see. But yet it somehow makes you as irresistible as ever,"
"…...Yeah, yeah! Just go already before I decide to drown you in the tub!"
I shooed him away so I could eventually get my time to clean up. Fortunately for our clothes, there was a laundry service available with our lofty purchase of a suite, so getting them clean wouldn't be a problem. Not that it was a priority to get them washed, but the seawater put a fishy smell on them. Oh, and there was this thing about what we were temporarily putting on; that would be the hardest part about it all.
And if you think I'm exaggerating, Professor Sycamore eventually came out wearing only a cotton white bathrobe. Like the playboy stereotype he was, his attire half exposed his very lean chest that was unfortunate enough to be familiar to my eyes. From remembering how it brushed against my previously nude back in Lavaridge Town, I automatically shied myself away. He knew what made me grow nervous, but made no effort to cover it up. Instead, he went for his bag and watched every inch of my reaction. The professor let a minute pass before bringing his gaze up in seemingly innocent curiosity.
"Hm? What seems to be the matter, dear?" He purposely asked while tousling his semi-wet hair. Automatically, my cheeks grew hot, and I had to force myself to look away before he could see the inevitable slip of a blush. Dam that man! He knows that messing with his hair makes him look adorable! I can't escape that bastard right now either! The one thing I might be able to count on, is the possibility of Professor Sycamore's low level of torment. Even a non-human sadist like him eventually gets tired with enough work and rebellion. I sneered in retaliation.
"Nothing! I'm gonna go shower, so don't try bothering me or I'll put the drop down on your ass!"
"Oh, but of course! I would not even dream of daring to upset my delicate, darling student's private grooming habits!" He declared; putting a hand on his chest while the other remained at his side... with crossed fingers. I immediately locked onto the gesture and replied with a dirty look. It should be noted that he snickered very deviously upon my expressive response.
Luck was fortunate to me as I warily grabbed a towel and robe, while the professor's eyes only followed my every movement until they stopped at the abrupt slamming of the bathroom door. After that, relief of privacy inside this beautiful place of washing couldn't come soon enough. Once the door locks were triple-checked, uncomfortable clothes were discarded in the corner and a metaphorical weight was lifted off my chest. Hot water bursted out of a gold-plated faucet of an uncommonly round tub in another corner. The opposite corner held its other common fixtures that occupied any usual bathroom: A shower, toilet and sink. Feeling warm, brown stone tiles instead of a cold, porcelain version was highly welcomed by any set of feet that trafficked the area. A cream-colored wall with golden leaves had been painted in a strange theme that greatly differed from its living area counter-part. Nice as it was, I have to be honest in saying that this room made me feel like I was in another region instead of Hoenn.
Making the decision to nearly cannonball in the tub was one of the best I could've made after all the insanity I went through earlier. Much, MUCH self-spoiling was needed. Hm, there's no fancy bubble bath stuff? Damn, I wanted to really have some; oh well. This is still gonna be so awesome!
But after I started to actually relax, when the raging adrenaline started to wear off, a sore pain ached almost immediately. I almost got confused as to why my stomach suddenly decided to feel like it got kicked repeatedly until I touched it and remembered that it did...oh.
All at once, the tormenting visuals of Courtney and her morbid promises of death came flooding back; causing that weight of unease to fall right back on me. She shouldn't be scary by any accounts compared to some of the things I've faced, especially since it all boiled down to simple jealousy. But her jealousy was the kind that wouldn't be satisfied until her rival's bones were ground into dust and set on fire. Combine that with her knowing who I am and where I live, and it's now a nightmare come to life. It's a wonder how we even escaped.
EARLIER...
"Let us be off then!"
"Okay, Professor!"
Professor Sycamore momentarily twisted around to scout out an exit path that was the least resistance. Then he turned back to find that my presence had disappeared from him altogether. He had gotten alarmed at this point, and poked his head out of our hiding spot to see my figure running towards the group. I briefly looked back to show a pair of crossed fingers coupled with a smug smirk formed on my face. To seal my fate of 'no turning back' I shouted the following lines:
"TEAM MAGMA SUCKS MAJOR ASS! TEAM AQUA RUUUUUUUUULES!"
Everyone (Including Maxie) automatically stopped whatever they were doing and glared at my oncoming self with offended faces. I Think that's the only time I ever got a rise outta him. But that didn't last very long.
Once he realized it was yours truly, Maxie quickly adjusted his features, leaned towards Courtney to say something and stiffly turned his back to retreat into the sub. A handful of people followed suit, but Courtney and the rest faced me. Hm, there's one, two, three, four-twelve people here. Despite getting most of my thrills from risk-taking, playing it safe would be a great choice this time. I'll just barrel through using Pelipper instead of Skitty; she's getting tired at this point anyway.
"GOOOOOO Pelipper!"
I threw the pokeball forward and summoned the big bird. She materialized quickly with a spread of her wings to casually land on the ground. I'd like to see any camerupts try to-SKREEEEEEE!
My heart almost blew out of function when a golbat decided to appear in my vision to utterly fucking terrify me and screamed til my ears rang. DAMMIT! That seriously hurt! Oh...
Suddenly, everything I saw was a smear of colors that blurred whenever something moved. A painful, throbbing headache plagued my skull like a jackhammer was working overtime on it. The ringing was still there to make it seem like it coming from miles away. OH ARCEUS! What was crawling on my face?! *SLAP* FUCK!
To everyone else who watched me, I looked like a complete idiot as I stumbled about. Attempting to shake the new skin-crawling sensation and focus my thoughts together. If acting like a loopy drunk wasn't bad enough, sounding like one had been just as worse. After all, what other kind of person would say things like 'toothpaste is my mortal enemy' or 'I've come up with an old pastreh!'? I'm sure somebody had to be laughing.
An onslaught of incessant ringing and painful throbbing continued accompanying me as I struggled to focus. It was too difficult however; everything was mixing together like a blender put on high speeds. You can forget about me even thinking about how Pelipper was holding up in battle, my stomach started to not agree with me. But just as bile had gotten ready to rise up and out of my throat, a sudden spray of cold, salty water toppled me over like a lightweight. PLEGH! That tasted gross!
And while the taste buds covering my tongue did not appreciate the intense flavor of ocean water, it had been a well trade-off to regaining sense via water beatdown. Smearing colors began forming into individuals. The ringing and headaches were still present, but seeing is a lot more important in this instance. Especially if you're seeing your Pokémon momentarily staring at you before getting attacked by that same, stupid golbat.
When I halfway reached forward in beckoning for her to come, it suddenly manifested and bit Pelipper's wing. She cried out and opened her mouth to spray salt water in the same pressure as a firehose. Her intended target however, was missed and hit a Magma grunt instead. None of them went over the railing like they should've, but there had been some satisfaction in watching them get smacked into the wall. Meanwhile, that golbat had kept snapping at my water bird.
Pelipper of course wasn't dumb enough to make the same mistake twice. She withdrew her outstretched wing and used her other one to smack it square in the face as it mistakenly bit down on air. The thing was frazzled, but recovered fast and gave her a fierce beat of its wings. A flurry of wind came at the water/-flying, pushing her back to gain some distance.
While they were strategically locked in battle, I stumbled across the soaked battlefield trying to avoid unnecessary confrontation with any grunts who weren't unconscious. Punching anyone worked better if I was in top condition. The submarine's hatch was closed, but it was luckily still parked at the dock. Now if I can get up there, open the hatch, beat up the people inside, drag Maxie out and turn him into the police, then I can be finally done with this Team Magma shit.
Doing all that should be easy right? -OH FUCK!
A hand suddenly flanked my left side to latch onto the back of my tank top. I fell back and found my gaze staring up at Courtney. Her eyes glared back with mute silence before opening her mouth to deliver what to me had been a death threat.
"…..."
"What?"
Oh right, I still can't hear anything. Courtney's lips were moving, but pretty much moot point for me.
She must have realized it from the quizzical look on my face, because she paused for a minute, and brought out a notepad with a pen. It felt really silly and corny just laying there while this devil incarnate put effort to write down her uncomfortable words. But that silly moment took a sharp turn into a dark as fuck alleyway when she finished and flipped it around to show me. I could say what was on there, but Courtney's description of what she planned on doing to me was….extremely graphic. Now would be a good time to move.
I jumped up with a swift hand that pulled Courtney's hood over her head to catch the woman off guard. The amount of force I put into the maneuver caused her to slip on the still-drenched harbor and fall in a heap. HAH! Didn't see that one coming, didja?! Now I'm totally gonna wale on your boss and turn him into the cops!
Looking ahead in my still very bewildered state, I expected to race up the ramp and pull open the hatch like a boss. Instead, the submarine was now pulling away; gaining speed by the minute. Oh no ya don't!
Seeing Maxie pull a fast one on me had encouraged my feet to fly like the wind. And while I was pursuing the mechanical beast, the ringing in my ears had finally faded to give way to noises of rushing water, machinery, people shouting and Pelipper crying out victorious. Upon getting to the top of the ramp, I saw the sub slowly sinking down while going towards the cave mouth. Alright, I should move back to pick up speed-" Now I have you!"
Uh-oh.
My arm was suddenly apprehended by Professor Sycamore as I prepared to jump. Skitty (who was now clinging to his back) poked her head out from behind his shoulder. He keeps appearing out of nowhere like a fucking wraith to stop my advances; how am I supposed to get the jump on that nerdy bastard now?! No mercy had been present when the professor gripped my arm tightly as he pulled me away from the edge. It was obvious of how much trouble I was in.
"Had this been your wicked plan all along? To throw yourself back into the arms of that devious scoundrel? So much so that you are willing to jump in sharpedo-infested waters? I daresay you are making your beloved professor very jealous,"
" Yeah, I don't think Professor Birch cares. I bribed him just to make sure,"
Being snarky sure as hell didn't help the situation, but it did make my ego feel better. However, that only lasted about a second before Professor Sycamore sucked his teeth and practically yanked my forearm and brought me closer to his proximity. Judging by the sudden lacking, I wasn't aware of how bold he would get. I mean there are still people within our vicinity. Hey, why is he pulling my arm towards-HEY WAIT A SECOND! What the absolute fuck are you doing?! Th-there's a bunch of people around! You're face is way too dam close! AUGH, NOOOOOOOO-
Screaming those rebukes in my head did little to help as that agonizing, but beautiful face zeroed in on mine until….he stopped. All that heavy breathing I did; how much red my face got from what had been thought as inevitable pleasure. If I hadn't figured out how it had been a deliberate tease by now, the very mischievous smile cracking on his face really gave it away. So he really wasn't gonna kiss me? He actually wasn't going to be horrible and take advantage?!
My thoughts got so much relief, that I found my hands wrinkling his shirt once again with an explosive expression that sputtered like a steaming porcelain kettle ready to crack. Wait, that doesn't sound right.
"YOU STUPID, WINE-DRINKING, PASTERY-EATING, WALLY-HATING MOTHER-CONTAINER!"
Professor Sycamore looked like he was starting to enjoy the insults, but became puzzled when I blurted out such a random word. People could say that I was flustered to the point of jumbling up anything that could be depicted as being mean. To them, I'd say there was an ACTUAL container being held by a crane coming towards us!
Okay, shit! What do I do, what do I do?! Hang on, there's already a way to leave.
Without letting him know what I was doing, my hands continued to keep a grip on his shirt to swing him over the edge of the ramp; taking myself with him. Together, we avoided the danger of the metal container and fell into the cold seawater with a big-*SPLASH*!
Remembering the heated-up escapade made me sink lower into the tub. It was one of the most willingly craziest things I've done to date. But I know I wouldn't have made it out alive if Professor Sycamore hadn't come to save me. By all rights, every insult or glare gave I him justified every opportunity for not lifting a finger of assistance. And while he had this creepy habit of showing up like a bad peni no matter how far I ran away, my heart just can't stop throbbing. I'm...really grateful.
With a canopy of thoughts running rampant in my head, I had little will to leave to comfort of the warm water, until it eventually cooled to an unpleasant lukewarm sensation. Then I realized that I forgot to actually bathe in the bath (because that would totally be stupid to not get clean), so I made sure to scrub every surface of my skin raw and nearly made my scalp tender in order to banish any hint of ocean smell from my body. I mean, you gotta do what you gotta do. After that came the draining of the tub and carefully patting my body dry with a cotton towel. And eventually, I had to adorn the same robe over me; slowly tying the sash into a tight knot...so I don't embarrass myself or something.
Each little step that led up to leaving the bathroom transformed me into what some girls would call 'a bundle of nerves'. Not something I'm entirely proud of, but this is normal right? Other people do shit like this when they're about to terrifyingly go through confessions right?
Doing any of that self-pep talk didn't help. When I finally came out of the bathroom, the professor was greeted by a face that had been over ran with smeared tears and a dripping nose. However, he didn't immediately share any sympathy. After all: I now made it to where he could associate me with a stick of dynamite, food and a rookie con artist. He put away the new-acquired binder he previously stuck his nose in and smirked. "What is this?" He coyly asked in a smug manner.
" A new deception I see. I may have my sympathy for crying maidens, but you should already know that I will not fall for those sandile tears! So whatever is your plot this time? Get my guard down to knock me out and tie me up? Your plan might prevail if you had your clothes-OOF!"
Hearing that usual normal line of dialogue made me run and practically tackle the professor. That's when I really fell apart.
"PROFESSOR, I WAS SO SCARED!"
My voice was in a high whine as the sobbing kicked into full gear. It'll be very hard to save face after this; embarrassing imaginary scenarios were already conjured up to haunt this moment. But I needed him so much, and there weren't many people who could understand the trauma that nearly killed me.
"I-I-I thought it would be easy!"
Now overcome with grief, my body slowly crumpled to the floor. It curled my up into a distraught ball. I don't think I ever fell apart this dramatically in front of anyone. Hell, I've only it in front of my parents! Now I'm never gonna save face! Professor Sycamore won't let me hear the end of being a baby!
When the crying became intense enough to provoke coughing fits, my body was suddenly picked up. Out of surprise from the gesture, all that bawling stopped to fall in small whimpers. The back of my knees and torso were apprehended by a careful pair of arms. In a strange turn of events, Professor Sycamore had taken the liberty to grab ahold of and carry me to the bed. He didn't mention anything about it, nor were there any sarcastic or taunting expressions to belittle my concerns. Actually, it felt nice to keep my face pressed against his chest; it let me know that I was in a safe place.
At the same time, a sort of uneasy embarrassment tickled my heart. Whether it was the lack of permission, merciful gesture or witnessing a psychotic breakdown, I was sorta pleased to earn this kind of attention from him. It made me feel less lonely.
Just as a veil of security covered me, I was let down on top of the bed. The professor sat up beside me with a pitying smile as a finger reached down to play with a strand of my hair. "Enough of all that crying. I daresay it will turn you into a prune," he replied while propping an elbow up on the mattress to lay over me comfortably. "It was unfortunate that you needed to learn your lesson the hard way, but I am grateful that you remained largely unscathed. My poor heart could not bear the thought of my pretty bird being seriously injured. Now…allow me to wipe away those tears,"
A thumb caressed the sides of my face to wipe off the salty tears that had been leaking out. I couldn't help but turn my head away in deserving shame for acting on the default of being an uncontrollable brat. Even up til a half hour ago, I was saying awful things to him. So one could understand how I nearly jumped out of my skin when his lips began pressing lightly on my face in small pecks.
I remembered the last time he really kissed me was a lot more like he ran out of patience and almost willed me into submission. This had been similar in a less wild way; it makes me feel like I'm aching. The pit of my stomach…it hurts.
But I had been more compelled to let out exasperated puffs of air than voice any complaints of discomfort. My head turned back to meet the professor's face in time for his mouth to contently mesh with mine. A tingling sensation manifested as he continued to kiss me; the feeling of his tongue trying to twine with mine.
The bed lurched with him adjusting himself over me. I felt compelled and encased his frame with nervous arms; a small attempt of returning some affection. Like always though, barely anything escaped his notice, and a very taunting chuckle erupted from his throat before separating his lips from mine. He decided to glare at me in a more amused way.
"Willing hugs now? I must have to admit between that and showing your vulnerable side, you must have some ulterior motive to kill me and hide the body. But this has to be the most convincing plan yet. Or is it something far more sinister?"
Despite the infatuation, I nearly slammed my head too hard into his chest with denial. Why is NOW the time to start acting stupid?!
My words half-way intelligible, as they had been muffled against him. "I-Its not! I...I...love you,"
Let me count the ways my own dignity had disintegrated into nothingness after the very forceful confession came out of my mouth. At least I said it instead of keeping it bottled up; that's gotta count for something right? Yeah, it totally doesn't because there was an uncomfortable silence following right after. Now being in this kind of position started feeling awkward. Maybe he's just been screwing with me this whole time.
But when I tried unembracing the professor and put on a more casual, default look of minor annoyance, he moved his chest and kissed me more wildly this time. It felt like…I was being smothered by things that were too good to pass up! The way he pressed himself against me, my own burning sensations, our escaped mixtures of whimpering and arched breathing. He carefully spread my legs apart, and it didn't stop there.
Suddenly, a pair of fingers slid between my legs to hook into the spot where I felt the most confusing sense of intrusion and pleasure. I couldn't help hold onto him tighter.
"Oh, I am so sorry, you must forgive this foolish professor for scaring you so. You are quite the fascination to me. But I promise that everything after will be anything but frightening,"
He kept thrusting his fingers inside me while warm, wet lips sucked and pecked all around my face and down my neck. Only a few bits of what he said registered, because the majority of me had been overtaken by the motions of lust. Every sound that came out had been foreign exclamations of pleasure along with heavily exhaled breathing.
And when he deemed I had enough, he withdrew them…and then undid both of our robes.
The professor grabbed the back of my thigh while his waist slowly pushed against mine. At once, a painful extension of himself entered the part of me that had made it feel like something got torn in the process. It hurt a lot, but when he began pulling back, an otherworldly sense of pleasure clouded most of it. Then again, and again, and again; each time I let out so many careless sounds of a newly discovered perspective. My eyes were blankly fixed on the ceiling. I can't believe it hurts, but it makes me feel so good.
Once more, the professor gave me an intimate, passion-filled kiss. "You enjoy this, yes? If you stay with me, darling, I can help you experience a world of it and more,"
"*Exasperated breathing*"
"Come now, you do love me, do you not? I want you to say it again. I need to hear it once more,"
He kept impressing the request on me with flitters of kisses and even a moment of his teeth gently nipping on my lower lip.
"…I…I love you,"
Hmmmmrgh...I feel sore all over...everything is like jelly...
Good arecus, what time is it? Wait, its noon already?! I'm really tired though; but it feels weird to be staying in bed so late. I gotta get the hell up. *Hnyyyyyygh*….*HNYYYYYYGH* OH dam it all!
Any effort to move myself from the bed failed miserably once I inevitably came to the acceptance that my lower half wouldn't cooperate. I usually leaped out of bed even if I was bruised and bleeding! What kind of horrible curse is this?! I'm so incredibly WEAK! There wasn't a need to figure out how it happened, because it would be stupid to explain any other reason than...'that'!
My face heated up form even thing about...'that'! Last night's events presented itself clearly in my mind, and I couldn't help but bury myself further underneath the blankets. At the very least I managed to curl myself up in a ball. Being so exposed to Professor Sycamore was terrifying, and it brought up a sentence that I would have never uttered outside the group marked 'parents' and 'Pokémon'.
"I…I love you,"
I love you…I LOVE YOU?! What the actual fuck was that?! How delirious was I to let such a lunatic statement climb out of my mouth?! I'm sure I really wanted to say 'I loathe you'! Yeah, that sounds more right! Looooooathe! Professor Sycamore, I LOATHE you from the bottom of my heart! Yesterday didn't exist and you can leave for Kalos immediately. P.s. , don't come back until hell freezes over…which it won't.
Regaining the confidence I needed, my body got the motivation to stiffly sit up in bed. Accomplishing my otherwise easy task allowed me to spy upon a folded pile of clothes sitting on top of the dresser. Oh my outfit's clean! The professor must've gotten them for me while I was asleep. Where is he anyway? I sure hope he's alright-What the hell am I saying? Now's my chance to escape!
Escape; a word that never felt so hopeful…and sickening. Uuurgh, am I split on deciding to hit the road?! No! Leaving that enchanting…beautiful BASTARD is always a no brainer! Get your dam clothes already, woman!
I started to shakily stretch an arm out for the attire, but my other hand suddenly smacked it away. Huh? Another attempt was made with the same result. What the gritania is this?! Like hell I'll let my mushy side tell me what to do! Go fuck yourself!
"AAAAAAAAAAAA-UGH!"
My upper half lunged for the attire in a fit of fury, only to have my near dead weight lower half slide off the bed. For my added troubles, I landed face first onto the fuzzy carpet. Shortly following me after were the luxurious blankets and pillows. Overall, I'd qualify this event as a secret to put in the category of 'taking it to my grave'.
As I had now focused on the struggle of freeing myself from the messy pile, my head sprung up for air as the door unlock and open. I didn't have a reason to be surprised at this point, but my heart did some solid backflips seeing the professor composedly behind it. A white rose was gently clutched in his hand. My face flushed remembering the last time I saw it. H-he bought another one like that time in Mauville-stop it! He's still a Wally-hating bastard and drinks like a wuss!
That girly, nice expression I briefly showed him reverted into a frown with a head turn to the side. "Hmph! What do you want?!" had been the first length of dialogue I directed towards him. I was hoping it would be cold enough to send him away; despite a twinkle of affection in my eyes that gave off mixed signals. The Kalosian teacher let out an amused chuckle.
"What a way to start off a beautiful day! Hiding in wait like a predator for her professor to come and be rendered a helpless victim! Unfortunately for you, I have learned to brush off those heated insults…especially after hearing such an adoring confession,"
Oh shit he remembers that!
My body flinched in recalling that embarrassing event last night. I didn't respond or return a dirty look. It was taking all my will power to resist him with this averted gaze.
"In fact, I distinctly remember how shy you were when I kept kissing you everywhere. Oh! And what else did those swollen lips pine out for when I gave that lovely chest of your some attention?"
"….."
"Come now! Will you not refresh my memory?"
"…."
Stubborn as always, but it only excites me more,"
His muffled footsteps approached me until I could feel the warmth of his lips radiate against my cheek. "I am not being totally unreasonable. It is...simply a request to hear that sweet, silky voice..."
I involuntarily shuddered as his words breathed softly into my ear. Human can't come close to describing this man. Well, it was obvious from the beginning, but there still needs to be clarification every now and then.
Meanwhile, I plotted to get out of this situation. Maybe if I can fake a stomachache, he'll back off. It'll have to be foolproof and require maximum effort on my art of deception. A sudden head jerk to the side followed by pained groaning, and BLAM! May Style! Maximum Effort Acting deception!
"Ooooh...uuuugh...my stomach! It really, really huuurts!"
For added effort, I flopped onto my side while making sure I was covered up. A hand dramatically slapped against my forehead. "In fact, I'm so torn up about it, that I wanna be-GOOD ARCEUS!"
The view took a literal second to change from the bumpy, bland ceiling, to Professor Sycamore's cruel smile that had me bewildered on the bed. Wait...what the hell?! How'd I get on the bed so fast?! Must escape!
"Stomachache?" He repeated while burying a hand underneath the blankets. It felt hot upon touching my waist. "I believe you are confusing that with something else. Something such as-"
"EEEEP!"
"Aching anticipation,"
I should've known what would happen, but I had been too slow on not realizing how quickly the appendage had moved up fondle my breast. It nearly took my breath away, but my gut immediately went into effect. With a brightening shade of red, I pulled away and quickly sat up to hug myself.
"*Heavy breathing* Y-you idiot, that's not it!"
"Hm, is that so?"
He had been undeterred by my claim and boldly slid over on the bed where I had still been reeling from the assault. I could only look stupid in the face of that infuriating, but beautiful glare. Unfortunately, it was also from staring back at him that I failed to notice a clever arm carefully inch across my back and to slowly retract it; slowly reeling me in towards an inescapable fate. His lips were the first to lull my guard as they attentively kissed me. Gently smushing against my face, and then playfully pecking away until reaching for my own.
An involuntary jerk of my neck resounding to that familiar, lusting sensation; infecting me to stay defenseless while he subtly exposed the rest of my flesh for sinister purposes. It didn't take long to be rendered into a shameless, mindless zombie laying underneath him with little hope of escaping. Meanwhile, he moved his face to one of my ears; brushing against it with his mouth before using words to poison me.
"If that is such the case….then you must allow me to perform a more thorough examination!"
The synapses in charge of firing up to help my brain process thoughts were to inhibited to realize the obvious innuendo; and then it too late.
"Ugh, I hate you,"
"Hate? Why Miss Maple! I am quite shocked! Your words have certainly hurt my poor heart!"
A large heaping clue of sarcasm had been clear in his voice while a forkful of pasta was stuck between eager fingers; holding it close to my face for me to eat. I remained stubborn with an annoyed look like a pissed off girlfriend…which I'm clearly not! No! No matter how suggestive the scene is, its my job to sincerely fend off that repulsive label, so I can preserve what little dignity I have left! Yet here we are: In a nook-and-cranny restaurant; seated in a secluded corner where the professor had tended to me in a gentlemanly way that I can do without.
Don't ask me how I got to this transition; it'll be a miracle to explain it. Instead its much easier to empathize with feelings from the aftermath, one of them being HATE. That's exactly who's my emotional best friend right now. Right after hate is anger; followed by the urge to punch somebody in the face. It counts as a feeling right? As long as I don't look into those smoldering, beautiful eyes it'll be fine. If that didn't work, then the evidence of trembling legs would serve as a proper motivation to be furious at him. I roughly turned my head to the side.
"Oh come now!" he cooed while discreetly leaning forward on the fake wood table in the circular booth. "We both know you cannot resist it any further…skipping a meal is simply not recommended under my tutorship. I can practically hear your stomach rumbling,"
Unfortunately, he was right. My belly was beyond running on fumes and now suffered from unforgiving emptiness. But staying mad is more important! Sooner or later, he'll he fed up with my defiance and leave me to find another sucker to prey on. The plan was foolproof! I kept my head at a distance.
"I don't want any! Find some other patsy to stomach that garbage!"
Alright! Kickass comeback! I need to patent that shit quick before someone else tries to take it. He'll probably get all pissy-
Suddenly hot fingers gripped my chin and abruptly turned it to face the fork that quickly went past my lips. If the action had been slow, I would've smacked his hand away, but he had gotten to me way too fast. How dare he! But if that wasn't enough, I was completely dazzled. My face flushed from his assertive handling. See what this bastard does to me?! I hate him so much!
And while my brain told me to spit it out, tasting it broke my resilience to starve and made me swallow. Giving in felt humiliating, weak, abhorrent and delicious…very, very delicious. Shortly after I finished one mouthful, he snuck other one in! Each time seemed to bring up a small upturn in the corners of his mouth. And it was that moment when I mistakenly looked at his face. So untroubled by my efforts, serene and full of amusement; oh arceus…I hate him so much. Occasionally, he used the fork to catch the white pasta sauce that threatened to drip down my chin.
"There we go…we should not let even a single drop go to waste…"
The man's strange obsession with this specific pasta was more or less odd.
Anyway, I was still sucked into whatever hell I got into from his 'evil gaze' when he let go of my face, but then got the bright idea of sliding next to me in need of continuing the harassment. Aside from the smell of food, a mix of lavender invaded my sense of smell when the professor got close enough. Breathing it was inevitable. Especially more so when glancing at the length of his arm on top of the booth headrest above me. Sooner or later, that limb would no doubt slide down to rest upon me shoulders.
Of course I should be offended by his assumed open invitations to seduce me. Furious that he deemed it appropriate to handle me like a willing victim! But for some reason, all I could do is huff in distaste at the act. And for that, the professor used his fingers to tangle themselves into my hair. I wish he could've accidentally yanked it, then at least my anger would be more legit.
"Oh my little Birdie! I know you cannot stay mad at me forever! In fact, I have not the faintest idea of why you scorn me so!" he inquired; enclosing the already small space we shared between our bodies.
"Do I not please you? Am I not spoiling you enough? Or perhaps….you would rather forgo speaking with words and divulge in the language of our bodies…"
Now I was hyperventilating. The mood of mild irritation got instantly replaced with anxiety. His closeness, the intimacy; there was too much of it!
"W-WAIT A SEC!"
I immediately put my hands against his chest to halt his advances. And by some miracle, he actually stopped; surprised in a more precise term. HAH! The bastard finally listened this time! Now to get the upper hand on this son of a bitch! My stress dissipated, leaving behind a confident smirk gracing my features.
"Y-yeah that's right! Don't think you can get away with all that prince charming bullshit! I'm the one who's in charge of this group! From here on out, you'll be the one following my orders and stuff because you're just a temp til Professor Birch gets back! And-….what the hell are you smilin' for?! I didn't give you permission to look like a smartass!"
Professor Sycamore initially remained straight-faced throughout my rant, until the end where a suspicious grin materialized. Now I got really mad. What kind of brass balls does he dare to show in the face of defea-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Had curiosity not gotten the better of me, I might've still had a chance. Unfortunately, it was one of the fundamental staples of a trainer's life. Thus it being my downfall. Baited by the professor's change in mood, my eyes just happened to look down to where my hands held him back. They were still there alright; exploring every contour line of his exposed chest. Every button that wasn't tucked into his pants had been unclasped-BY MY FINGERS!
I…rightfully displayed horror in light of a realization that I had been unconsciously trying to undress the professor; in a public domain no less. Any sound attempting to come out were only stiff, crackling noises. I could feel blood dripping from my nose. GOOD ARCE-
-We are currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please stand by-
Inside the head of May Maple, things were just as chaotic as the outside. Smaller, figment versions of herself ran back and forth in a panic to fix the sudden crash in communications. The display screen only showed bars and tones. Some of the Mini Maples desperately looked through manual after manual for a solution. A few hid under some of the many large consoles to cry. One was even putting out a fire!
"Good Arceus!"
"We're all gonna die!"
"She didn't even try that Masalada shop yet!"
All one-hundred billion Mini Maples felt like the rug had been pulled out from under them; all because of an unexpected, unconscious conditioning.
Now in the midst of what felt like the apocalypse, there was one who (despite the uproar) managed to calm down enough to assess her options. This was Mini Maple number one. Wracking her imaginary mind, an idea suddenly came to her.
"Mini Maple number four-thousand, three-hundred and sixty-two!"
The one who was previously rocking rapidly back and forth in a fetal position stopped to heed the call.
"*Sniffles* Y-yes Mini Maple number one?"
"Go to the reel projector room and play back memories of Archie from chapter eighteen! She'll be so disgusted by him, that she'll have no choice but to wake up!"
"*Sniffles* O-okay!"
The unsure Mini Maple rushed to the projector room, combed through the archives, obtained the sought after memories' reel, ran to the projector itself and played the repulsive recollection.
A wave of howling laughter, menacing taunting and shady agendas appeared on-screen. At first, it seemed like nothing would happen, but then the consoles started glowing back to life. It was a miracle! All the Mini Maples cheered in their little voices and praised Mini Maple number one for her quick thinking. From that day forward, that day would be known as 'The Day of One'; a holiday dedicated to the heroic efforts of Mini Maple number one. But back to the task at hand.
All the Mini Maples got ahold of the situation and went back to their designated control consoles. With that, Mini Maple number one pushed a button with the words 'wake up'.
-We now return to your regularly scheduled program-
"HAHAHAHAHA! Well if it isn't lil' scamp!"
UGHAOW! Go jump in a lake, you troll!...oh wait, he's not here. *Shudders* I don't know why I was thinking of him of all people, but anything to get me up I guess. Where am I? The hotel room? How did that happen? The last thing that happened was-My hands touching his chest; feeling those naked muscles in the middle of-OKAY, that's enough!
Remembering that unintentional intimate moment almost made me black out again. Strangely enough, it was images of that Animal Archie keeping me awake. But that cant keep me safe forever! Why was I even like this in the first place?!
Frustratingly scanning to room again made me break into an epiphany that coming back here obviously warranted help
Dam him! He even carried me back without so much as a thought! Even at my fussiest, Professor Sycamore remained resilient in being attentive. What kind of man does that?! Was dad like that to mom?! Is that why she married him?
And just like the flip of a switch, I wanted to cry. I really wanted to cry until my eyes got sore and itchy. Beyond all the heated words, generally outward declarations of hate and desires to escape, I really do need him! Fuck, even now my muscles were aching to jump out of bed and run to him had he been present. There was nothing so wanting right now than to have him carry me away in those comforting arms. But as those uncharacteristically imagined thoughts haunted me, the hotel door opened cautiously.
Like a nervous rabbit, my head shot up in alert like a nervous bunnelby at whomever was intruding upon my conflicted peace. Inwardly I knew it wasn't the housekeeper, the beating of my heart still pounded in surprise of Professor Sycamore's ever-graceful presence. "Oh! Finally awake are we?" he teased; charmingly entering our room and quietly closing the door. He never missed the opportunity to coax me into a fit. Although, he must've been doing it to distract from the possible embarrassment I felt from earlier. It didn't work, but I'm sure he's trying.
"Truth be told, I am pleased with your speedy recovery. Fainting right before my eyes as you were a troubled damsel! Were you hoping that I would properly steal you away back to my enchanted kingdom?"
YES! GOOD ARCEUS YES!
But my face narrowed at his smug expression, followed by a scoff.
"Yeah...whatever,"
*Continued in Chapter Thirty-five*
