AN: IMPORTANT! Shit ton of AN at the end of this chapter. I would put some up here but I don't want to spoil the chapter. Just bear with me! A lot going on in this one!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or any of the characters. Just the random plot bunnies that my mind creates.
Chapter Warnings: Language, drugs, alcohol, underage drinking, sexual innuendos
Pairing: Ash x Gary
Chapter 28 - Party
Ash smirks as the lock to the drug room clicks back into place. Simple tumbler locks can't stop me and my almighty skills. Not even the 'great Oak prodigy' can do this as fast as I can. He stumbles to his feet as a large hand grips his bicep and starts hauling him down the hallway.
Seeing the frantic look on his partner's face, he keeps quiet and rushes soundlessly alongside him. Gary stops abruptly at the corner. Brown eyes open wide as he hears the loud footsteps approaching them from the direction they just ran from. Pulled once more as they round the corner, Ash looks at his partner in confusion until when Gary starts stripping out of nowhere. At the hand signal thrown his way, he quickly follows suit.
It we are caught in all black, we will be in a shit ton of trouble. No sane people on a tropical cruise ship would wear all black in the middle of a storm.
Rumpling his blue shirt to make it look like it has been worn for longer than an hour, he ties his jacket around his waist. Suddenly, a cold liquid attacks his face. Brown eyes quickly close as he cries out in alarm as it burns his eyes and nose. A warm hand covers his face. It reeks of alcohol.
What the fuck?!
He opens his mouth to protest once the hand leaves but immediately chokes on the vodka that is being poured down his throat. He swallows the vile liquid as quickly as possible. He levels a glare at the brunet but his partner has already turned around and is squatting down.
"Hurry up and get on my back. Act drunk as fuck and that you want nothing more to go to bed. It's our only chance."
Ahh gonna play the clueless drunk who got lost huh? Not bad.
Ash quickly hops on and slides his arms over broad shoulders. Warm hands grab the back of his thighs and lift him up higher as the brunet stands. He slides further back in order to rest his head on Gary's shoulder.
Maybe I should just pretend to be passed out.
"Hey! Stop right there! What are you two doing? You should have been in your rooms hours ago."
Ash closes his eyes and leans closer to Gary's neck. Breathing in the subtle fresh scent that he has long associated with his partner under the stench of vodka. Opening his eyes as little as possible, he observes the bulky sailor through dark lashes.
How can someone even get that big? Must be steroids.
"I'm sorry Mr. Sailor Sir buttt we are a bit lost. We were gettin' drinks at the place with the fancy bar and all the lights, but they made us leave, and we were wanderin' around and tryin' to find our room, but there's just sooooo many freaking turns that we wound up all the way over there where we had dinner before we went to get drinks and got lost and stuff."
Ash squeezes his legs around the brunet's waist to prevent himself from falling when one of his partner's hands disappears from under him.
"But my husband had wayyyy too much to drink and kept distractin' me, you know how that is."
Brown eyes narrow at the offending column of pale flesh in front of him. If anyone would be the slutty drunk, it would definitely be you! Jerk.
"And then, and then, we found this nice little corner where we stayed for a little bit to have some fun, but then it got really dark so we stayed longer cuz we obviously couldn't go anywhere. This ship is too damn big! Why did you have to make it so big?! And now it's not dark anymores so we are going back to our room to continue having some more fun, but I can't find it, and he is getting heavy, and I'm tired!"
Ash glances subtly towards the sailor once more. He isn't buying it. Guess it's my turn. Letting loose a miserable moan, he tightens his arms and pushes his body closer to the warm back under him. He moves his hips up and down with exaggerated leg movement to give the appearance that he is grinding into his partner. Moaning again, he presses his head into the taut neck muscles in front of his face. Smirking at the brunet's shock, he presses closer before speaking, making sure to slur his voice even more than his partner's since he has 'drank wayyyy too much'.
"Garyyyyy. You promiseddd. I wanna feel you already. Let's play some more."
His smirk grows at his partner's high pitched laugh. This is what you get for teasing me so much asshole. Karma's a bitch isn't she? He can feel the brunet's thundering heart rate whenever his lips run over the brunet's pulse. Soft pants of air gently blow through his long hair.
Interesting.
Lining up with the throbbing pulse point, Ash slowly sinks his teeth into his partner's neck and gives a hard suck. Hearing the pained groan, he releases the abused flesh and licks off the excess saliva. He smiles victoriously at the stiff, slow way Gary walks.
Having some trouble down there Gary? Sucks doesn't it?
He moans once more as they enter the elevator. Feeling Gary tense up once more, he can't stop a soft chuckle from escaping his lips. Thankfully it is muffled against the brunet's neck but apparently he still heard if the pressure on his leg is anything to go by.
"Do you remember which room you are in?" The sailor questions.
Taking pity on the man under him, he goes back to just resting against the tense neck. He chuckles silently at the struggle his partner has trying to open the door which quickly turns into full out laughter once they get inside and he is unceremoniously dropped from his perch on the broad, warm back.
The breath in his throat freezes as his face is suddenly inches from his scowling partner. Brown eyes widen at the fierce fire burning in the green eyes. Uh oh...Maybe I pushed him just a little too far. He presses closer to the wall upon noticing that he is trapped in by long arms.
"What's so funny, Ashy-boy?"
Smiling hesitantly at the angered brunet, he leans forward slightly. He locks onto the green eyes that instantly switch from anger to anticipation and wariness.
Hmm...maybe I am still in control here.
Arching closer, he morphs his expression to match the blatant seductive look his partner gave him at dinner. Watching in amusement as green eyes glaze over, falling victim to the uncontrollable hormones racing through his growing body.
Ash takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. Warm air rushes over the lips inches from his own. Brown eyes falling to half mast, he whispers huskily to the enraptured brunet.
"Karma's a bitch, asshole."
He breaks out into laughter once more at the shocked expression on Gary's face. Taking advantage of the stunned brunet, he slips under the arm blocking his escape and moves to sit on the couch.
Hearing a door slam, he turns to look behind him but Gary has already retreated into the bathroom. He chuckles as the rush of water turns on. Maybe he will be less likely to tease me in the future because I will start dishing it right back from now on.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
Warning: Citrus ahead. YE HAVE BEEN WARNED. Skip ahead to next break if this offends you in any way. Written just cuz my mind is a dirty place. Skipping will not take anything out of the story. Enjoy
Gary slams the door behind him as he retreats to their opulent bathroom. He quickly paces back and forth in the limited space. Heart hammering as blood rushes through his veins.
Catching a whiff of alcohol coating his skin and clothes, he pulls off his shirt in a huff. Laying his weapons on the counter, he starts the shower before stripping his remaining garments.
Turning towards the mirror as he waits for the water to warm up, green eyes critically roam over his body. Long, lean muscles covered in pale skin stick out sharply against the dark marble in the room.
White lines, even paler than his fair skin, paint a picture across his body. A gruesome illustration of the life he has lived. Some scars are still tinted red or pink as they slowly heal themselves to forever seal their place on him.
The large wound bisecting his torso sticks out the most.
His eyes narrow in anger at the scar. His reminder of his need for revenge. However, his anger quickly turns into annoyance as his gaze falls down further.
His lower half is reacting to the previously charged situation even against his usual iron will. Huffing in annoyance, Gary closes his eyes and tries to force his raging hormones to subside. Thinking of every disgusting and unsexy thing that usually quickly suppresses his raging desires.
His frown deepens as sounds echo from the next room. Ash moving around. Clattering objects as they are moved from one place to another. Distracting him from his routine.
Resigning himself to having to take care of the problem the old fashioned way, Gary steps into the steaming water. Tilting his head back, he closes his eyes as his hair quickly soaks in the spray.
Sliding his hand down his abdomen, he slowly wraps it around himself. Letting his mind wander, he pictures a beautiful dark hair woman in front of him. Her long black hair sticking to her back as she kneels in front of him.
The heat of the water and friction of his hand easily matches his mind's image of pert pink lips wrapping around him. Pulling him deeper and deeper inside of her.
Gary struggles to hold moans in as he pants harshly in the shower. His hand tightens around himself. His free hand clenches the shower curtains. The same way he would have buried his fingers in those silky dark locks as he pushed forward. In time with her movements.
A strangled groan leaves his lips as his pleasure shatters. Limbs pulled taut as it flows over him in waves. Gary staggers in his sudden lethargy. Leaning against the cool shower wall, he keeps his eyes closed as his fantasy comes to a close.
His hand, still tangled in soft black tresses, pulls sharply at his lover's head as the dark haired beauty before him stands slowly. A pink tongue darting out to catch errant drops of his essence. Dark brown eyes bore into his as their smaller body presses his against the wall.
His breath catches in his throat as he finally notices the sudden changes in his playmate. The short, unruly hair. The tan, toned body. A familiar piece of anatomy digging into his thigh.
Ash's length digging into his thigh.
"Damn it."
~~~~~End Citrus~~~~~
A good 30 minutes pass before Gary steps out of the bathroom. Thirty minutes needed to strengthen his resolve and block what just happened forever from his mind. They had a mission to complete. He couldn't afford to be awkward around his partner now with whatever possessed his brain to freak him out.
Dressed in his t-shirt and boxers, he runs the towel through his damp hair one last time before letting it hang around his neck. He glares at the smug look gracing the raven's face. Okay I guess I deserved the tease but still, he doesn't have to be so proud of himself for it.
Noticing the various items on the glass table, he curiously sits next to his partner on the couch. Two cups filled with clear liquid sit on the tray as well as a few small bowls, a complimentary makeup brush and a box of matches. The raven holds his arms out impatiently while glancing towards his discarded belt.
Grabbing his belt, he releases the evolution pokemon into Ash's waiting arms. Immediately adjusting his hold as she forms out of the white light. She yips and wiggles slightly wanting to get down.
"Hang on a sec Eevee. I have to test the powder first." Gary calls out to his pokemon.
Eevee stills at the order and peers at him curiously. He reaches down to grab a small plastic evidence bag from his duffel that has been moved to the floor next to the couch. Grabbing a bowl and the brush, he carefully brushes the powder off of the short fur around her paw and into the bowl. He splits the small pile into the three separate bowls as well as the evidence bag.
Bringing the brush to his face, he slowly sniffs it; careful not to disrupt the loose particles into going up into his sinuses. His nose twitches at the cloying sweet smell. Curious, he wipes a finger on the side of the brush, picking up a few particles of the powder. Tasting it cautiously, he gags at the bitter medicine-like taste. He quickly spits into the towel around his neck.
Ok that's a bit weird. How can it smell sweet but taste so damn bitter?
He stares at the three bowls in front of him. A quick sniff of each glass reveals the first to be water and the second to be vodka. Nodding in approval, he pours each glass into a bowl. Swirling each, he watches carefully for any sign of reaction. The powder in the water clumps together in a wet, white mass while the pile that encounters the alcohol disappears.
Ah shit. It dissolved in the alcohol. This better not be what I think it is.
Grabbing the box of matches, he strikes one against the side of the box, lighting the small stick. He drops the match into the final bowl. The powder catches the flame causing it to ignite in a flare of dark red heat. Fuck.
He turns towards his partner who is looking at the bloody flame in mild confusion. He really needs to pay attention more to this shit. Ah fuck...that means Larvitar...
"Ash," Gary starts warily, watching the raven's face for his reaction. "They are dealing pure, unrefined Rare Candies."
The raven stiffens, brown eyes widen in horror. Ash bolts for the bathroom, still carrying Eevee. Gary quickly stands to follow and grabs the bottle of vodka on the way. He walks in on his partner kneeling on the spacious bathroom floor with Eevee in the empty Jacuzzi and the water gushing from the tap. A shaking Ash quickly pulls out Larvitar's pokeball and releases him into the water.
The rock skin pokemon staggers around for several seconds, still seemingly confused and drugged. Once the water reaches its knees and hinders further movement, it looks down. Hazy red eyes widen at the liquid as if just realizing it is there. It scrambles to the edge of the tub to get out of the damaging substance. Ash reaches down to quiet the upset pokemon.
"Shhh it's okay. I just have to wash the powder off. I will get you out of there as quick as I can alright?"
Hearing it's trainer's voice, the little pokemon struggles to calms down. Ash turns the water off and reaches out towards him. Gary hands the bottle to him.
It stays perfectly still as Ash gently pours the vodka over its body. The powder dissolves in the alcohol and washes down into the water. He lifts his pokemon slightly to get the wet clumps stuck on its feet. Eevee lifts her paw to be rinsed in the vodka as well.
Letting the contaminated water run down the drain, the raven turns the tap on once more to wash the alcohol off of the two pokemon. Gary can see the energy being sucked right out of the rock pokemon the longer it's in the water. He grabs a towel and hands it to his partner. The raven lifts Larvitar off and wraps him in the towel before leaving the bathroom.
Gary drains the tub and picks up Eevee to dry her off as well. Her fluffy coat puffing out the more he rubs her down with the towel.
Stepping back out into the bedroom, he sees Larvitar asleep and wrapped up tightly in Ash's lap. His partner is staring at the little pokemon with worry written all over his face. Sitting down next to the raven, he slings an arm over Ash's quivering shoulder.
"Larvitar is going to be alright. It's not like he ate any of it. Just accidently inhaled a small amount. Gramps can check him out for any lasting effects when we get back, alright? He will be fine with some rest."
The raven sighs and nods slowly. Larvitar disappears in a flash of light causing Ash's side of the bed to raise slightly with the sudden disappearance of the heavy little rock type. Laying back on the bed, he stares up at the ceiling with his arms behind his head. Ash joins him.
"Rare Candies...wow. I never thought we would come across them with how uncommon and dangerous they are." Gary muses.
But then again, since the League banned it, the price of it skyrocketed in the black market. It makes sense that it would be smuggled. But for that quantity? That's billions of dollars right there. I don't understand how trainers could resort to such drastic measures for stronger pokemon anyway. Pokemon who take Rare Candies will more than likely die and if not, they will lose their minds and become uncontrollable due to the power surge that the drug creates.
"I'm worried about Larvitar. He's still just a baby. Any amount of that stuff could be deadly for him. Just one dose on a fully grown pokemon is enough to put most in a coma and possibly kill them."
Gary nods his head absently. Reaching out to turn the light off, the room descends into darkness.
"Don't worry Ashy-boy. Larvitar will be fine and we won't let these bastards cause any more damage. We already have evidence that they are smuggling and have a tracker in their shipment to see where it's going. We just have to know who they trade with now."
Silence greets his brief explanation. Green eyes look outside to see an empty balcony framed in moonlight. Is Pidgeot in her ball?
"Where's Pidgeot? Who's keeping watch?"
A long yawn echoes from the other side of the bed. The product of a long stressful day. He feels the bed move slightly as Ash turns over.
"Haunter is keeping watch since he's nocturnal. I'll send Pidgeot, Lapras and Kingler back out in the morning."
He remains silent at the explanation. Even breaths come from the other side of the bed. Lulling into sleep by the steady presence next to him.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
Brown eyes jolt awake when a feeling of absolute cold freezes the blood in his veins. His back, currently pressed up against his partner's chest, feels as if it is on fire in comparison from just the brunet's body heat. Teeth chattering, he sits up and looks over at the chuckling ghost pokemon.
"Do you have to wake me up like that every time?" He blurts out, annoyed and still half-asleep.
Haunter laughs eerily and somersaults in the air before floating closer to the window. Blinking bleary eyes to focus on the outside, Ash notices that the storm clouds are finally dissipating. Warm streaks of sunlight sporadically break through the dark roiling mass.
Looking at the alarm clock, he sighs at the time. How is it past noon already? This bed is too damn comfy. He quickly puts his hands up in surrender once noticing that gas pokemon is reaching forward to poke him once again.
"Alright, alright. You can go back since it isn't dark anymore. Nothing happened while we were sleeping?"
With a large unearthly smile, it turns a disembodied purple hand upside down in imitation of a thumbs-down gesture.
"I'll take that as a no."
It floats over to its pokeball and presses the button causing it to disappear into its resting place.
I'm surprised he didn't wake me up at dawn. Maybe he feels like part of the team now?
Sighing once more at the mysteriously creepy sentry, he attempts to get out of the fluffy blankets but is stopped by corded arms wrapped tight around his waist. He grunts in frustration.
Why does he have to cuddle so damn much? This is getting annoying. I can't deal with all of this as soon as I wake up.
Attempting to pry the arms off of him only causes them to tighten. No way he is still sleeping. He is totally fucking with me now. Bastard.
Glaring at the supposedly sleeping face next to him, he reaches over and smacks the brunet's shoulder as hard as he can. Green eyes fly open. A triumphant smile emerges when Gary's arms come undone. The recently slumbering soldier immediately backs away from the threat that woke him up causing him to fall off the bed in a heap of covers.
A long drawn out groan draws a chuckle out of his chest. Finally sliding out of bed, he pulls Pidgeot's and his water pokemon's balls from his belt resting on the floor so they can take over the watch. Lapras and Kingler quickly dive underwater while Pidgeot basks in the sun's rays on the balcony. Returning the balls to his belt, he grabs a change of clothes and heads into the bathroom. He calls back to the slowly moving heap on the floor.
"Mornin' Snuggle Muffin. Get up already. It's past noon."
He smiles at the annoyed huff that floats over to him as he closes the door.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
Emerging from the shower, he bursts into laughter at the large red handprint on his partner's skin coupled with the large dark bruise on his neck that he left in an attempt to sell their drunken story. He quickly smothers the chuckles with his towel at the glare sent his way. Motioning for quiet as the brunet points to the comms set in his ear.
Oops. Still funny as hell though.
The brunet speaks up once more as he goes into detail about what they found last night. Ignoring the one-sided conversation in favor of drying his mop of black hair, he patiently waits for his Gary to finish as he rubs the fluffy white towel over his head.
Stepping outside, he pets the large bird pokemon. She ruffles her feathers and looks at him imploringly. Glancing around quickly, he sees no one in the general vicinity. That doesn't mean that there is no one watching out a window somewhere though. Hmmm. Turning back to his flyer, he gives her one last pat.
"Alright go ahead. Make sure you stay out of radar range okay? And top speed until you get to that distance. We don't want anyone to see you coming from here or it might give us trouble later. We will be on deck today so let me know if anything happens."
With a happy caw, Pidgeot hops onto the railing and takes off with a burst of speed, almost knocking him over from the bombardment of wind. She is just a speck in the sky mere seconds later. He continues to watch the clouds float by as the brunet joins him. They are silent for several minutes before his partner leans in closer, enjoying the peaceful scenery. Gary whispers quietly to him to avoid any possible eavesdroppers savoring the weather as they were.
"We might have a slight problem. I told the Commander about the Rare Candies. He just bumped this from a C-Rank to an A-Rank mission. We are to use Haunter to search the rest of the ship tonight and are to not engage under any circumstances. This may have ties to a local terrorist group that is under investigation. Depending on what we find, they will either take the ship at sea or once we make port at Cinnabar tomorrow afternoon."
Ash turns towards his partner. Gary's face is set in a harsh frown. Green eyes locked onto the horizon.
"Is it the Riders or that Team Rocket that blew up the Pokemon Tower?" Ash questions.
The brunet shakes his head and huffs in annoyance. Lean arms cross over a sturdy chest.
"We apparently don't have a high enough clearance for that information."
Brown eyes widen in shock. What the fuck? How important is this? Any Academy graduates automatically have a higher ranking than other soldiers their age due to the years of training. And with us as part of the Four, we have the rank of Major. That should entitle us to most of the information the League has.
"Just what the hell is going on?" He mumbles quietly.
The duo remain silent, lost in their own thoughts, as they watch the light reflect off of crystal clear waters. He watches Lapras poke her head out at them before diving back into the depths.
Everything seems to be getting tangled into a huge Ariados web that only grows larger and messier. I have a bad feeling about this.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
"Gary, I really don't want to go to this party. We need to be on high alert, not partying it up with a bunch of drunk couples." Ash whines.
He scoffs at the raven lying on the couch reading a magazine that he had found in one of the drawers. Yeah sure. On such high alert there aren't-cha, Ashy-boy?
Gary swats at the sprawling limbs, and Ash bends his legs to allow him to sit down. The raven immediately stretches back out, laying his legs across his lap with his ankles crossed. Sighing in lazy acceptance, he leans back with an arm stretched out along the back of the couch.
"Ash, our trainer cards say we are 24 and married. Thankfully, with all the shit we've been through, we look older than we are. So we'll fit right in. Honeymooners or not, we have to mingle at some point. It's been forever since we actually had booze too. And small pokemon are allowed to come, so we can take Larvitar and Eevee."
At the glare popping up above the top of the magazine, he hurries to correct his statement.
"Actually drink alcohol I mean. Not just splashing it on our faces for cover. And you told Pidgeot we will be out on deck today. So we have to go to the party. Especially since the 'Meet the Crew' event was cancelled last night due to the storm, and we slept through the guided tour this morning. We can keep an eye on things from up there."
Groaning out in exaggerated pain, the raven slowly rolls off the couch and shuffles around the room to get ready for the party. Gary smirks at him, since he already got dressed half an hour ago. Since the theme of the pool party is tropical, he threw on a purple short-sleeve button up shirt, black and white swim trunks that have a large tropical flower pattern, black sandals, his necklace, and repurposed shades. He also strapped his butterfly knife to his upper thigh. I don't know how girls do this. It feels so damn uncomfortable.
Green eyes roam over Ash with interest once he steps out of the bathroom. Forgoing his hat for once, the raven is wearing black and yellow swim trunks that match his, yellow short-sleeve button up shirt, black sandals and his sun/night vision glasses perched on his head.
Not bad.
Standing up, he slides their room key, IDs, and money into his pocket and releases Eevee from her ball. She jumps in his arms causing him to chuckle and pet her as she purrs in contentment. Reaching towards the table, he grabs a small black and red leather collar that he got at the gift shop. He lets her sniff it curiously before sliding it around her neck.
"There we go! Now you can wander around the party if you want and chat with the other pokemon, and I don't have to worry about anyone taking you."
Looking back at his partner, he sees the raven looking sadly at the pokeball in his hand.
"What's wrong Ashy-boy?"
The raven pauses before putting the ball back away once more.
"I don't want to stress Larvitar out since it will be crowded. He is still shy around new people and pokemon. Plus, he is still weak from last night and is not native here anyway. It would be better if he just stays in here."
Nodding in response, Gary leads the way out of their room and up towards the deck.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
A pleasant breeze caresses their faces as the duo exit out onto the open deck. Dozens of couples, all dressed in various shades and designs of flowers, are out mingling. Crew members are steadily making their way through the crowd handing out drinks and lighting large tiki torches. The setting sun reflects off various colored glass decorations in the shapes of trees, fruits and flowers. A large Tropius ice sculpture sits on a pedestal in the middle of a large donut shaped table of various meats, fruits, crackers and other finger foods.
A smaller table full of pokemon food and fruit is next to it but is low to the floor for easy access. A few other pokemon have already gathered and are chatting and eating happily. Pidgey, Rattata, Sandshrew, Nidoran, Vulpix, Oddish, Meowth, Psyduck, Poliwag, Krabby, Cubone. There's more than I thought there would be.
Lit, colored spheres float in the large pool. Reclining chairs have been stacked out of the way against the wall of the ship that leads back inside. High standing tables have taken their place with metal and plastic stools placed under them. A large platform lifts a band a few inches off the deck where they are currently setting up their instruments. Across from the platform, a temporary bar has been set up. He can see the various strings of flowers and colored lights hanging from the bar top from where they were standing.
Charming smile in place, he grabs the raven's hand and pulls him towards the bar. Eevee yips in his arms. Looking down at her briefly, he loosens his grip to allow her to jump down and race away towards the food and other pokemon.
Watching her briefly, he turns back to his partner. Ash is gazing around curiously but he can still make out the sadness and worry hidden deep in the chocolate depths of the raven's eyes.
He needs a night out with people besides just soldiers or Gramps. We could both use some relaxation time anyway. Pidgeot is patrolling for us and Haunter is hiding in the dark bathroom until it's his time to take over, so there is no need for us to remain so tense and on alert.
Finally reaching the bar, he places their ID's on the counter when a tall, lanky brunet dressed in a black server outfit walks up. Smiling at the bartender, he removes his hand from Ash's and slides it around his waist instead.
"What's the special tonight?" Gary asks politely as he looks at the various bottles of liquid sitting on the counter.
The tall man looks at their ID's briefly before handing him a small menu with a smile. Grabbing the piece of paper, he tilts it towards Ash for him to see as well. Gary hums at the selection of various fruity drinks.
"What's your specialty?" He asks as he looks back up at the man patiently waiting for their drink order.
The man leans over the counter and points at the third one on the list.
"Blue Alolan. It fits well with this party too, I think." The bartender's deep voice rumbles.
Nodding in agreement, Gary pulls out two bills and lays them on the counter with a wide smile.
"Alright then. I'll take two of those."
He watches in anticipation as the bartender combines rum, vodka, pinap berry juice, blue oran berry syrup, and sweet and sour mix into a cocktail strainer filled with ice. The brunet deftly shakes the strainer with a few extra flips thrown in. Blue liquid is poured into two large glasses. A colorful paper umbrella propped on the side with a flourish followed by a small black straw.
Thanking the man, he grabs the two drinks and passes one to Ash, who takes it reluctantly. Arm around the raven's waist once more, he steers them towards an open table near the railing and food where they can observe the party without being suspicious.
Jumping up on the stool, he sip his drink as they look out at the other passengers in companionable silence. The fruity flavor bursts over his taste buds. This is fucking delicious. I can't even taste the alcohol. Fuck yeah.
Taking another large sip of the blue drink, he smiles at the young couple that approach their table.
"Are these seats taken? Apparently the band is starting soon, and we wanted a good place to watch." The small woman asks.
The man is about an inch taller than Ash with shoulder length black hair, blue eyes and a light tan. Freckles dance over his face and arms. He is dressed similar to them with an orange flowered shirt and khaki shorts.
The woman, his wife most likely judging by the stone on her finger, is wearing a dark blue floral dress with sandals and has a large white orchid pinned in her long red hair. Light blue eyes peer at them curiously. Both of them couldn't be older than their late twenties.
"They're all yours."
The wife sits down happily and starts chatting with Ash while the man heads over to the food table to the right. Gary stands to get him and Ash some food as well.
Gotta be a proper, caring husband after all.
Walking up next to the man, he pats his back good-naturedly as he reaches for a large plate. The man jumps at the unexpected contact.
"Gary Aspen by the way. My husband's Ash."
A tan hand enter his vision. Reaching forward, he shakes it firmly and meets the blue eyed gaze.
"Where are my manners? I'm Phillip and that's Eliza. We're the Mulligans."
Gary smiles at the man before turning back to load his plate up with various meats and fruits. I don't even know what half this stuff is, but it all looks so damn good.
"How long have you two been married? You two look a bit young if you don't mind me asking."
Having finished making his plate, he grabs two metal skewers for Ash and him to use before turning to observe his new table mate as the other raven finishes loading up two plates.
"We just got married last week actually. Ash wanted to wait until after my 24th birthday which was about two months ago. I think he wanted our anniversary far enough away that we can celebrate both without clumping them together. He just wants me to take him out to eat more, probably."
He laughs at his explanation, which Phillip joins in as well, after saying something about his wife being a bottomless pit. Ash might have actually done something like that since his one of favorite things in the world is filling his stomach.
He snorts in amusement as Ash energetically attacks the plate he lays in front of him. He quickly skewers a few pieces of meat and fruit to save for himself before his partner eats it all. Biting into a piece of roasted pork, he almost moans at the rich, juicy flavor that coats his tongue.
"Phillip! Guess what! Ash was telling me about how him and Gary met and it's such an adorable story. Can I tell him?" She directs her last words at Ash who nods at her question.
Tilting his head slightly to the side, Gary raises a brow at the smaller raven. I wonder what he said. It's a good thing Phillip didn't ask me over there because I probably would have said something different.
"Apparently they were neighbors growing up in Sable City, you know that small town south of Pewter that holds those annual one day pokemon tournaments? So they were childhood friends. Well Gary was injured in an accident, and Ash helped nurse him back to health. They became partners after that and started out on a pokemon journey together all over Kanto and fell in love and got married last week!"
The older raven chuckles at his wife's enthusiasm. Gary smirks at the light blush dusting his raven's face. The couple ask his partner more questions about their apparent love life. He tunes out the noise in favor of focusing on Ash. He watches with a small smile in place as the raven slowly relaxes further and further as the day drags on into night.
He stands occasionally to get them more drinks when their current ones run low. Ash and the redhead sway slowly in their seats in time with the music. Green eyes watch the movements with amusement. His belly warm and full with booze and good food.
As a slow, melodic song begins, Philip rises and offers a hand to Eliza. She stands gracefully with a smile on her face. They move to join the other couples slow dancing on the open space in front of the band's platform. Turning back to his partner, a brown brow raises at the expectant look on Ash's face.
"Sorry, hon. I'm afraid I've had too much to drink for any dancing tonight." He teases.
Chuckling at the eye roll his comment causes, he watches in amusement as the raven fluidly stands and moves to lean against the railing, watching the black rolling waves. His smirk gradually falls as Gary watches his partner.
Ink colored hair, dark enough to almost blend into the night around him, ruffles gently in the salty breeze. The moonlight washes out the tan color of the raven's skin and the harsh lines of muscles, giving him an almost ethereal glow. With the collared shirt and shorts covering up almost all of his scars he earned while in the military, he appears to be just a normal, albeit beautiful, man enjoying the calm night. Ash turns around and leans backwards on the rail. A small smile appears on the raven's face when their eyes meet. No trauma, pain or worry swirling in brown eyes for once. Just peace.
He stands slowly and approaches the raven, drawn in by the celestial creature before him. His partner takes a sip of his drink. Brown eyes still locked with green. Stopping mere inches from the smaller body, he grips the railing on either side of his partner's shoulders. Ash makes no move to stop his advance or to retreat. Just merely watches him from his spot against the railing. Waiting for what he will do next.
Gary stares silently at his fabricated husband. The one who has been with him through thick and thin the past 14 years. The one who has tried his hardest to keep him from dissolving away in the depths of revenge and despair. The one who has lost absolutely everything yet has remained strong. All for him. To be a pillar of strength for him to lean on and hold himself up.
His mind swirls in euphoria. His body boiling in heat from the alcohol and the warmth of the man before him. He leans closer. Green eyes locked on small pink lips. Their faces mere inches from each other.
Ash. His partner. His family. His best friend. His b-
A sharp gasp and a hand shoved into his chest causes green eyes to fly open as he jerks back to his senses. The hair on his arms stand on end and goosebumps emerge as if a bucket of cold water was just dumped on him.
Heart thundering in his chest, he backs away quickly. Arms flailing and emerald eyes darting around. Looking anywhere but at the anger and rejection that is surely written all over the raven's face. His mouth is already open. Ready to start slinging a slew of explanations for whatever that was that just happened between them.
Finally looking at his partner's face, words stick in his throat at the determined look in chocolate eyes. Following the raven's line of vision, he sees a pair of abnormally large white eyes watching them from a shadowy corner. Haunter. The gas pokemon zips from the shadows and over the edge of the ship. Subtly leaning over the edge of the railing to avoid drawing the other couples' attention, he tries to catch a glimpse of the ghost. Sliding his night vision glasses down over his eyes, he scans the water.
Spotting a small craft next to the large cruise liner, he tenses in surprise. How did we not see or hear them approaching?
He tenses as arms slide around his waist. Sliding to a stop at the small of his back. Warm breath tickles his neck. The heat returns with a vengeance as flashbacks of mere seconds ago and their fake, drunken act from last night pop unbidden into his mind.
I can't deal with this now. Not with terrorists just mere yards away.
"The crew members are watching." Ash whispers against his neck. "Put the call in to the commander and keep an eye on the boat. I'll watch them."
Leaning closer the raven, he slips his hand subtly into his pocket. Slowly pulling out the comms set with as little extra movement as possible, he hooks the ear loop around his finger and reaches up to run his hands through the silky black hair to hide the movement.
Switching the device between his fingers, he inverts the direction of the ear piece and slides it into Ash's ear. The microphone sticks out towards the back of the raven's head instead of in front towards his mouth. Carefully nudging the device, he turns the volume up enough that both of them will be able to hear the call without damaging his partner's ears. He presses the emergency distress button that immediately sends a call to the Commander's line.
A series of short beeps indicate the call is going through. He slides his hands lightly down the raven's back and buries his face in the tan neck. His hands wander aimlessly as he impatiently waits for the Commander to pick up.
"Team Alpha. I received your distress signal. Status."
Gary leans in closer to the microphone nestled almost inside the black tresses. He whispers quietly into the device. Green eyes hidden by shades stare at the small boat to their left. He can just barely make out a few shapes hauling crates to and from the boat. Moonlight glints off of the steel casings of semi-automatic assault rifles that two lookouts are holding.
"Sir. We are on deck observing a party that has a good amount of sailors, aka possible threats, present. Haunter just informed us of a small vessel docked next to the ship. At least five individuals. Two lookouts have assault rifles. They appear to be loading the crates with the Rare Candies and unloading other crates. No further information on numbers or weapons. Our pokemon are ready to engage. What are our orders, sir?"
Silence reigns for several moments. The music from the band all but ignored by the duo. He shivers as a warm hand travels up his back. The smooth hair falls away from his face as the raven tilts his head away. Offering up his neck to him.
Gary shivers as he presses closer to the warm flesh. Struggling to keep his mind on the very real danger right in front of them. The shuffling sound of papers and whispering can be heard over the line but not distinct enough to be understood.
"We have the situation under control." The Commander's stern voice echoes over the line. "The tracker will suffice for now. Disembark at Cinnabar tomorrow. A squadron will take control of the ship in port. Return to your rooms. Do not engage. Your mission is over."
Gary freezes at the dismissing message. He opens his mouth to argue but is met with a dial tone. You have got to be FUCKING kidding me! They can't expect us to just back off after all this undercover shit?!
Quickly pulling the comm set from his partner's ear, he loops the ear piece around his finger and slides his hand into the raven's, trapping the device between entwined hands. Gary schools his expression into what is hopefully lustful desire, and the flush of anger on his cheeks is probably helping with that. Calling Eevee back towards his side, he pulls Ash off the deck and back towards their room.
Not a chance we are leaving this alone. We will complete this mission. It could lead us to information on the Dragon Riders.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
AN: Since Ash and Gary were in the Academy for so many years, I figured that they would be considered to be Majors. Especially since they graduated as top of the Four. The remaining members of their graduating class, once they had their pokemon team, would split from their temporary partners to lead teams of their own, aka Captains. Since Colonels and up tend to do more desk work because they are officers that leaves the Majors as their top field operatives which I'm pretty sure I have stated that Ash and Gary are already since they get all the difficult missions. Butttt I will get into more depth about that later!
Also, I know in the show and other fanfics I have read, the gym leaders have significant sway in how affairs are run in each region. So in this story, once a gym leader is selected, they are automatically considered to be a Lieutenant General since they obviously have strong pokemon and are able to control any potential problems in their city. I am keeping Elite Four and the League Military separate just cuz it makes sense to me for the way I want this story to go. That's why the Champion isn't the Commander although they have about the same amount of power over their respective groups.
AN: Hope you enjoyed my Hawaiian = Alolan references. Also for those who didn't catch it or don't know, pinap berries are based off of pineapples while oran berries are based off of oranges but they are blue (idk why but works in my favor here). I had Blue Hawaiians during our vacation to Hawaii and they were amazing!
AN: But let's be honest though. Rare Candies are basically like a mix between cocaine and steroids in the pokemon world. Or at least that's what I think of em. They are extremely hard to find and have adverse effects on the pokemon. So I thought it would be interesting to present them this way. Hope you like it!
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Next up: Chapter 29 - Squadron
