Hello, blazingalex here. Basically, this whole damn fic is consisting of mainly dialogue with little action. We're not sorry. Enjoy!

Chapter 6: The Hand That We're Dealt

~Lucas' Point of View~

"Yeah, we're gay," Zack said, still holding me in his arms. "So what? It's not affecting anyone. Which one?" he asked Connor as we reached a line of houses.

"The one that's hidden here," he answered. "The blue one that looks like it could be used as a haunted house." I watched him pull out a key. Gripping tighter to Zack, I nuzzled into his neck. He looked down and smiled.

"Don't get all affectionate just yet," he told me. "Wait until we get inside. Okay?"

"No promises." We walked up the driveway to the front door where Connor fumbled with the key and lock.

"C'mon, you fucking key," he mumbled. It turned. "Yes!" Pushing the door open, he yelled, "Dad, I'm home! I got some friends here!" As Connor and Shyne walked in, Zack kept hold of me and carried me to the living room couch. He set me down carefully and sat next to me. "I guess he isn't here. Make yourselves comfortable."

"So, how long has it been, since you two got together?" Shyne asked.

"Literally, the day he moved," Zack answered. "What can I say? The dude's cute."

"After I left your house, to be exact," I added with a smile. Zack wrapped a claw around me.

"Well tell us," Connor said. "How did it happen? Did you accidentally kiss him? Did you stick your hand down his pants? Walk in on him naked? What?"

"Why would we tell you? Can't a guy just love another guy without being questioned?"

"Sorry, just asking."

"Well, it's that we're curious, is all," Shyne said. "I mean, Zack, you know that I liked Connor here for years since fifth grade. I pretty much told stories about him to you since middle school." Connor looked at her. "I told you all my secrets, now tell us how you two...fell in love."

"First of all," Zack started "In love isn't the most accurate description, and second of all, if it wasn't for me you two wouldn't have gotten together yourselves."

"Okay, you got a point there," Connor stated. "How about we have something to drink, nobody here to stop us."
"Excellent," I said, my face lighting up. "What do you got?"

"His freezer is stocked with booze," Zack told me. "He's got gin, vodka, whiskey, wine, champagne, you name it." He turned to Connor. "How about some Jagerbombs?"

"Ooh, yeah!" Shyne agreed. "That sounds fun!" The Cyndaquil stood up.

"Okay, four Bombs, coming up!" He retired to the kitchen, leaving Shyne with me and Zack.

"So how come you won't tell us?" Shyne asked.

"Because it's a story we don't want to share," I replied.

"Oh, come on. It can't be that bad, can it?"

"Still not going to share anytime soon."

"Okay! Four shots!" Connor stated, walking back with a large green bottle, a can of Monster, and four plastic shot cups. "You ever had these, Lucas?" He asked me, pouring the drinks.

"First time for everything."

"A Kanto tradition. A shot of Jagermeister plus a shot of an energy drink makes the perfect balance of drunken tiredness and energy-induced alertness. Excellent for drunk Guitar Hero or making fun of your favorite movies." He handed me a full cup before raising his. "To the beginning of two beautiful relationships."

I quickly downed it "This is great!"

"Looks like we got ourselves a trooper!" Connor exclaimed before downing his. "He has the right idea by chugging it all instead of sipping!"

"I've had shots before, you know."

"Gahh!" Shyne gasped, setting her cup down. "I forget how bad it tastes."

"Aw, c'mon sis," Zack said, drinking his. "I thought you loved licorice. Or was that just a lie?"

"Shove it, Zacky. You know that's only Twizzler's that I like."

"Can't forget Connor's Twiz-" Shyne threw a blanket at Zack.

"Another one, guys?" Connor asked, holding up the bottle.

"I'll take another, maybe two or three more."

"Now it's a party. Zack you wanna grab the chips and cards?" As Connor poured more shots for everyone, Zack stood up and walked over to a small cabinet, opening it and pulling out a silver case.

"What's that?" Shyne asked, taking another shot. I grabbed my cup.

"Poker, anyone Connor asked before downing his drink again.

"What kind?" I questioned, chugging.

"Well, I only know two types; a game called Texas Hold 'Em and Five Card Draw." He grabbed my cup and refilled it.

"Texas Hold 'Em it is, just going chips? Does everyone else have some money?" An evil smile formed on the Cyndaquil's face.

"Tell ya what, to make this more interesting, we'll play strip. Worst hand pays up an article of clothing. And, to make it extra fun, whoever loses has to answer any question each of us asks him, or her," he added, glancing over at Shyne.

Without considering how little experience I have with the game, I nodded. "Sounds good me."

"This should be interesting," Zack smirked, staring at me. His eyes travelled up and down my body. Cards shuffled and shot were drank.

"Okay," Connor said, dealing out two cards each. "Don't show 'em. Shyne, you bet."

"Hmm…" she hummed, surveying her hand. "Nothing good. Think I'll check..."

A couple hours and several shots later, I was left in my underwear, Zack down to his pants, Connor in the same position as me, and Shyne ruling over us, only missing an over-shirt and her socks. I held an 8 of diamonds and a Queen of spades in my hand. On the table was a 2 of hearts, a 10 of diamonds, a 4 of diamonds, and a Jack of clubs. Zack took his shot as Connor pulled out the river card from the deck.

'C'mon,' I thought to myself. 'Give Papa a nine!' Time slowed down as the card was turned. Sweat came down my face.

"Ace of hearts," Connor stated. He looked at everyone. "Okay, show them." They all laid down their hands. I closed my eyes in disappointment. I almost immediately saw the three of them against the wall, each one with a short metal pole going through their wrists. I looked around and saw someone through the front window, they were blurred so I couldn't see who it was before he left. I felt myself fall down as I opened my eyes, everyone looking at me. I stood up slowly, then tried to flip my cards. They didn't budge. Zack grabbed my wrist.

"Lucas, you okay?" He asked, a soft tone in his voice. I just looked at the cards with a blank stare. "Lucas?"

"What? What's going on?" Connor asked in a small panic.

"I think it's high time you should know. Lucas here has these, um, these…" He searched for the right word "Nightmares, I'm not sure what exactly happens in them, but they happen." I felt him shaking me lightly.

"Huh? What?" I snapped out of my trance.

"Lucas, man," Connor said. "You good? Need a doctor?"

"I'm… I'm fine. I'm counting that as your question by the way."

"Oh, you asshole!" Connor fell back in a chair laughing hard.

"What's wrong, Lucas?" Shyne asked, slurring her words and wobbling back and forth.

"Nightmares, in a word."

"And now, my question," Zack said, slurring worse. "Will you….um, will you go st-steady with me?"

"Steady how?" I asked

"As in be-be my, uh, my b-boyfriend."

"Without a doubt."

"Excellent." He leaned closer to me, wanting to give me a kiss. Instead, his head hit my chest as he fell down. I caught his head in my lap.

"I do believe you have one last condition to complete for losing that round." Shyne said with a smile.

"I was hoping nobody would mention that…" I sighed as I moved Zangoose to stand up for a moment.

"I think Zack is waiting."

I looked at Zack, then slid down my underwear and sat down again. Connor sat back up and laughed again.

"Hoo, boy!" He said loudly. "If only Zack was awake, he would be all over that!" Shyne looked at Connor.

"He's awake, just barely, but awake."

"Uh, Sh-Shyne? What're yo-" He was cut off as the Shiny Eevee jumped him, tackling him to

the floor. I smiled and looked down at Zack as Connor and Shyne had a drunken make-out session.

The front door opened. "Connor!" A voice called out. "I'm home!"

Back to my ways of ending on surprises. Remember to review and PM me if you want us to add anything to the story. blazingalex and LucarioTheSavage, out!