Chapter 12: Shorts
Part 1: Protective
Seth has never been in a real fight before. Not to say he wouldn't defend himself if a situation escalated that far, but there's always been something to stop him. Be it Adam, himself, or some other person or obstacle. But one day, something happened that set him off completely, and enraged him to the point of no return.
It was a cool Winter day, and Adam and Seth were at the Slateport Harbor Marketplace. The specific stall they were in line for was extremely crowded, and they'd already been waiting for almost two hours. They, alongside the other patrons, had been growing slightly restless. Their aim was to grab a priceless bottle of Kalosian Wine as a gift for Klaus. They wanted to replace the one he let them use the day they started dating, and this stall in particular had been known to sell it, aging it perfectly and having bottles of extremely high quality.
Seth wasn't too fond of overly crowded places already, and having to wait in line had made him somewhat irritable. His only saving grace was having Adam there with him. He believed Klaus was worth it, and was happy to get the gift for him, but if it weren't for Adam he would've left and come back the following week.
Adam was growing tired as well, but was more accustomed to crowds of people than Seth was. He only had one worry.
"I really hope they aren't sold out by the time we get there. Then all this waiting would've been for nothing…"
About thirty minutes later, they reach the front of the line. The Swanna and Quaxly behind the counter greet the two with a smile. The Swanna waves at them with a wing.
"Hello and thank you for your patience. Welcome to Martha's Imports, what can I get you fine gentlemen today?"
Seth tries his best to smile as Adam stands at his side.
"Hello, yes we'll have a bottle of your finest Grepa Kalosian Wine."
The Swanna, Martha, nods and looks down at the Quaxly, who nods in return. He steps away for a moment, before returning a few moments later with a bottle of wine. He places it on the counter with a smile.
"You guys got lucky! This is the last bottle."
Martha nods, and Seth hands her his card to pay.
"Oh? Make the announcement then Archie."
The Quaxly, Archie, grabs a megaphone and jumps on the counter as Seth and Adam take the bottle.
"Hello good patrons of the Slateport Marketplace! We regret to inform you that our Kalosian wine is now sold out! I repeat, our Grepa Kalosian wine is now sold out! We apologize for any inconveniences, we will have more in stock within the week. Thank you!"
Adam and Seth smile at the Swanna who hands Seth back his card, and the two turn to leave. Behind them, they hear a few groans and some people leave.
Martha waves as Seth and Adam walk away to avoid the crowd. As they leave, a Grumpig approaches them, and eyes Adam, who's holding the bottle in his arms.
"Hey, you guys bought that last bottle right? How much would you want for it?"
Adam smiles and shakes his head.
"Sorry, we just bought this for our friend. We aren't selling it."
The Grumpig groans and looks worried.
"Come on man, I can't afford to wait another week, I need to smooth things over with my boss! Please? I'll pay you triple!"
Seth steps forward, already irritated.
"Look, we waited in line just like everyone else. We're sorry things aren't going well for you at work but we aren't selling it to you. End of discussion."
Seth grabs Adam's hand and they walk away before the Grumpig can get another word out. They make their way to the Marketplace entrance, where it was considerably less crowded, before stopping. Seth sighs, finally calming down. He looks back at Adam, who'd been quiet. He hoped his irritation wasn't getting to him.
"You alright? I hope you know I'm not annoyed at you or anything, I just hate crowded places."
Adam nods and smiles before leaning in to give Seth a kiss on the cheek.
"Oh I know! It's alright, I understand. I'm just glad we can finally go home haha."
Seth smiles, Adam always knew exactly how to make him feel better.
"Heh, yeah. I just need to use the bathroom really quickly. Don't feel like holding it for an entire hour long drive. I'll be right back, then we can go."
Adam nods and Seth leaves to find a nearby bathroom. He's only gone for a few minutes, and when he returns, he groans, seeing that a crowd had formed once more. Only this time, it was centered around where Adam was meant to be waiting for him.
He looked around for a bit, before worriedly looking passed the Pokemon grouped together. At the center of the crowd was Adam, and the Grumpig from before. They were engaged in a tug of war, with the wine bottle as the rope. Seth nearly panicked at the sight, and tried his best to squeeze through.
"Move! Let me through!"
He could hear the whispers of the onlookers, who didn't seem to pay him any mind.
"Why isn't anyone stepping in to help?"
"Doesn't this place have security?"
"In broad daylight…"
Seth felt himself growing more irate by the second. He knew the only reason Adam hadn't sent the Grumpig flying was because he didn't want to break the bottle by mistake.
He continued to try to squeeze through the group, but something made him stop completely. As he was trying to squeeze through, he witnessed the Grumpig's paw begin to glow. He used Brick Break, and punched Adam square in the cheek. Some of the bystanders yelled, and the crowd grew wilder. He knocked Adam back a little bit, but he didn't let the bottle go.
The sight made something well up inside Seth. He felt his heart start to beat quickly and strongly, thumping against his chest. It was as if time itself slowed down as soon as the blow landed against his beloved Lycanroc's cheek. He felt his vision blur, and in that moment he had one goal.
Suddenly a shadow was seen flowing underneath the onlookers, before merging between Adam the Grumpig. Seth manifested from inside the shadow, growling protectively. The Grumpig stepped back a little, but it was too late. The shadows had already engulfed his feet and pulled him back, before engulfing him completely.
Everyone around them watched in horror as the shadows engulfed the Grumpig completely, before imploding.
"Bitter Malice."
The shadows explode, leaving the Grumpig where he once stood, nothing but a look of terror on his face, and his eyes pure white. The crowd around them is completely silent.
Seth growls and walks over to Adam, before picking him up and rubbing his cheek where he was struck softly. It had turned purple, becoming a bruise. His heart sinks as Adam had a single tear in his eye.He snarls at the Grumpig for daring to leave such a mark on his Lycanroc. Before he could continue, Adam grabbed one of his arms. Seth looks back, and his face softens.
"Seth, let's just go home."
Seth calms down, and glares at the onlookers. They disperse enough for them to leave, and Seth walks through them, clutching Adam in his arms. As they left, security arrived to disperse the crowd and find out what happened.
Once they reach the parking lot, Adam nestles into Seth's neck.
"You know my legs are fine right? Haha."
Seth nuzzles him, and holds him closer.
"I know but…I…I'm sorry that happened. I tried to get through before it was too late but well…you saw."
Adam giggled and rubbed Seth's cheek.
"I know, but you did it to protect me. I appreciate it. If you wanna carry me to the car, I'm perfectly fine with that."
Seth smiles and kisses Adam's forehead.
"Thanks Adam."
As they walk, Adam chuckles.
"You know, that was actually kind of cool. I've never seen anything like that before."
Seth laughs as they walk through the parking lot.
"You think so?"
Adam nods and leans on Seth's shoulder, reminiscing about the time Seth carried him through town when his father was visiting. He had wanted to do this then, but refrained.
"Hehe. Yeah and sweet. Thanks for saving me."
Seth smiles and rubs his cheek against Adam's forehead next.
"Of course. I'll always be there for you."
(End Part 1)
Part 2: Defective Detective
Victor tentatively walked up to the familiar manor. It'd been a few months since he'd seen or heard from Adam, and admittedly, the Lycanroc had been on his mind frequently. Before the investigation had concluded, he'd seen Adam every so often, and the two corresponded consistently via text messages. But ever since the investigation ended, Victor hardly heard from him. He was sure the Lycanroc was busy trying to get his life back together, he knew he would be returning to school, and starting to work again, so he didn't think much of it.
He knocked on the manor door, and waited patiently. To his surprise, the Lycanroc in question answered the door.
"Oh! Detective! What brings you here?"
Victor chuckled nervously.
"Well, actually, I had stopped by your apartment to see how you were doing, but one of your neighbors told me you'd moved out. Something told me to check here, and well, here I am."
Adam laughed a little and stepped aside.
"Ohh yeah, I actually uh… moved here hehe. Come inside, don't want you standing outside. Besides, it's almost lunchtime."
Adam gestured for Victor to follow him, and the Glaceon walked inside behind him. As they walked through the hall towards the dining room, Victor noticed Adam was still in his old butler uniform.
Why would he need to wear that if he lives here now? Is he still working as a servant?
Adam takes off his apron as they walk, and looks back at Victor.
"Yeah, I know it's probably confusing, but I actually came to like it here, I bonded with everyone. I can't imagine my life without them now."
Victor tilted his head to the side.
"Hm. I was always under the impression that you were being treated poorly. Did I misunderstand?"
Early on when Victor began asking Adam for details about Ethan in order to help his investigation, the two would also occasionally have casual conversations. He realized he was the only one Adam could speak to casually, and sometimes Adam would tell him of Seth's bothersome habits. On top of what he witnessed personally, like Adam being made to walk to and from the Mauville Supercenter on his birthday, he assumed Adam didn't like it there.
Adam chuckled nervously and scratched his cheek.
"Well, kinda. I might have used some colorful words to describe my experiences here at first but over time I began to like it here. Things changed after a while, and now I see this place as my home. Plus, I-"
"Ah Detective! I was wondering who was at the door. I'm assuming you already invited him in for lunch Adam?"
As they reached the dining room, Seth was already there waiting. He greeted Victor with a smile, and the Glaceon only nodded in response.
Victor never disliked Seth, but he was always wary of him. He didn't seem like someone he would get along with. But Adam seemed fond of him all of a sudden, and he wasn't going to be rude to someone in their own home.
"Hello Mr. Zenabrin, I take it you've been well?"
Adam pulled out Victor's chair, before taking a seat next to Seth across from him. Seth nods and takes a sip of water.
"Yup! I've been perfectly fine. Adam's made sure of it."
Adam laughs and takes off his servant jacket. Victor eyes him curiously as he removed his own jacket before sitting as well.
"Oh? So you've decided to continue to work as a servant then? I noticed you're still wearing your uniform."
Adam puts his paws up in defense.
"Oh no no, I just wear this while I'm helping do chores. I preferred to do my fair share, I didn't want Klaus or Howie to have to clean up after me hehe."
Victor smiles at the thought. Adam was the type of person to live in a manor and still want to do his fair share of work despite not needing to.
Adam was someone who was sweet and thoughtful, but strong and willing to stand up for himself if he needed to. He was concerned when he saw the servant uniform, hoping Adam wasn't being threatened or otherwise, but he should've figured he didn't have anything to worry about.
The truth is, he wasn't just checking to make sure Adam was okay. Seeing as he didn't encounter the Lycanroc as much anymore, Victor couldn't get him off of his mind. He didn't let it impede his work obviously, but he did find himself randomly thinking of him when he was looking through paperwork, or while he was eating dinner.
He had come to ask Adam to finally go out on a date with him. He figured Adam would make a great partner for himself, since the two got along fairly well, and Adam was someone he'd grown to like during their formal relationship turned friendship.
If there was anyone he could picture himself relaxing with after work, going out to dinner with, or even just embracing intimately, it was Adam. He tried not to blush thinking about it, considering he was sitting right in front of him. The Chief did laugh when he told him, saying he should go for it.
So now all I have to do is wait for a chance to ask him.
They continued their conversation, and Victor couldn't help but pick up the weird atmosphere the other two Pokemon were creating. It wasn't bad, or making things awkward, but he was getting an odd feeling from the two of them. One he couldn't quite put his finger on.
Soon enough, a Sneasel in a chef outfit brought out three platters.
"Sorry about the wait, I wasn't expectin' a fifth person."
Victor looked down respectfully.
"Ah, I apologize for any inconvenience."
The Sneasel laughed as he placed their platters in front of them, and took the other two towards the hallway.
"Ah don't say that, there hasn't been a new guest here since Adam arrived, and now that he's shacked up with my boss, he isn't even really a guest anymore, so I appreciate the change. Enjoy your meal!"
All three diners' faces turn bright red from the laughing Sneasel. Adam stands up in embarrassment, and tries to stop him from leaving.
"Sh-shacked u- H-Howie! Hey wait a minute-"
Seth laughs loudly and pulls Adam's arm, making him sit.
"Haha, Adam it's fine, you always let him mess with you like that."
Adam looks down, still bright red, and Victor is speechless.
"B-But he said it in front of our company ugh…I'm sorry Detective, really."
Victor was still too stunned to speak. Not because of what the Sneasel had said, but what he learned as a result.
Shacked up…means…living together as se-...as partners right? Meaning that these two are…a couple now… I see…
Victor laughs, albeit obviously an awkward laugh.
"Haha, it's perfectly fine. I'm happy for both of you. Besides that, we're all adults here, let's not dwell on it and eat."
Adam and Seth share a glance with each other, and laugh nervously as well. They each remove the lids from their platters, revealing a creamy pasta dish, with chicken and various vegetables.
Victor was actually really hungry, and as such he took the first bite. It was good enough to nearly make him completely forget the previous exchange. But rather than gulping down the entire meal, he ate slowly so they could continue their conversation.
"Ah right, Adam. How's school going? I hadn't heard much about it since you started."
Adam smiled and swallowed his current bite of food.
"Oh! Well it's going great! Since everything happened last year, the school was actually really accommodating about it. They didn't make me start the year over or anything, basically letting me pick up where I left off. So now I'm actually in my second year!"
Victor nodded, genuinely happy to hear the good news.
"Oh well that was nice of them! Congratulations."
Seth put an arm around Adam's shoulder while wearing a proud smile.
"You should've seen him! Even with the long break he passed his finals with no effort and hardly any time to catch up! He's my little genius!"
Victor's smile remains plastered on his face, while Adam blushes and looks away.
"Jeez you sound like a proud parent."
Seth laughs and nuzzles Adam's cheek with a smile.
"But I am proud of you! You actually did something impressive and I'm happy to see you succeed! What's wrong with that?"
Adam turned redder and messed with his hair as Seth smothered him with affection and praise.
"You wanted to throw me a party and called it a special occasion but you really just wanted an excuse to buy me lots of gifts since my birthday already passed and Christmas isn't anytime soon."
Seth sweat a little from Adam reading him like a book, and chuckled nervously.
"S-so?! I genuinely wanted to celebrate your achievement, didn't I? Where's the harm, huh?"
Adam smiled and poked Seth's nose, pushing him back a little.
"Absolutely nothing, I just want you to hold off on that for when I finish school. That was the deal, remember?"
Seth playfully pouted, and crossed his arms.
"Fine, fine. But no complaints when I stockpile gift ideas until then. I'm getting you every single gift I thought of until you graduate."
Adam laughs and goes back to eating.
"Sounds fine to me!"
Victor smiles at their interactions. He may have been a little hurt on the inside, but he's glad that Adam seems happy. Their relationship seems healthy from what he can see.
Usually when there are underlying issues in a relationship that aren't displayed around others, there are signs. Like lack of eye contact, double meanings when speaking, minor issues being brought up constantly, passive aggression. But Victor didn't pick up any of that.
Despite his own feelings, he was happy for Adam. Unfortunately, those same feelings were making him not want to be there currently. He reached in his pocket before they could notice, went to his settings, then played his ringtone notification.
"*ahem* Excuse me, I have to take this."
The two respectfully quieted as they thought his phone was ringing. He stopped it before putting the phone up to his ear.
"Vega speaking. Mmhm? I see. I'll be right over."
He pretends to hang up the phone and stands, putting on his trench coat.
"Apologies, but I'm going to have to take my leave. I'm needed at the station."
Adam looks slightly disappointed, and Seth stands as well. The two follow the Detective as he makes his way back to the foyer. When they reach the front door, Adam goes up behind him to close it. Seth stands behind him with a smile.
"See ya later Detective!"
Adam gives Victor a hopeful look as he watches him walk to his car.
"You'll come visit again won't you?"
Victor feigns a smile as he gets into his car. As hurt as he was, the Lycanroc's face was still adorable and uplifting.
"Sure thing! I'll see you both around sometime!"
He waves before starting the car, and driving off quickly.
He sighs and drops his smile as soon as he's out of sight. He heads back towards Mauville, the car silent the entire way.
(Later that evening)
"Ah, so no dice huh? Sorry to hear that Victor."
Victor and Chief Hogan were sitting in the break room at the police station. The station was closed, so they were the only ones there, and Chief Hogan had brought some beer for the two of them.
Victor nodded as he took a sip of his drink.
"Yeeeeeah, turns out he started dating the rich guy who paid his bail when the whole situation started."
Hogan takes a sip of his beer too.
"Oh? The Zoroark? Any idea how long ago that happened?"
Victor shakes his head and looks down at the table.
"Nope. I only found out because their cook made a passing comment about them "shacking up". Probably thought it was funny."
Hogan held in a laugh, trying not to spit out his drink. He swallowed before snickering.
"He said that? In front of them? In front of you? Well, that does sound a little funny."
Victor growls lightly and gives Hogan a stern look, making the Swampert sweat.
"S-sorry. It really is a shame things didn't work out. That would've been great for you, and seeing someone definitely would've helped you a little."
Victor raises a brow as he drinks some more.
"Helped me? What are you talking about?"
Hogan swirls the liquid in his bottle.
"Well, myself and a few other officers notice how immersed you are in your work. Not to say it's a bad thing, but you only ever seem to work. The other guys tell me you don't even go out drinking with them anymore, always saying you have work to take care of."
Victor scoffs and rolls his eyes.
"I can't help that we've been swamped still cleaning up after that crime boss. Drinking with friends can wait. Maybe this was a sign that I need to buck up and focus on what's important."
Hogan gives Victor a concerned look, then laughs.
"He says, while drinking with a friend. Victor, your health is also important. I'm saying that something like dating would've been a great distraction since it would've helped you wind down, give you someone to focus on besides work, someone who can talk you into taking the rest you need and give you breaks from the stress of work. Don't want you overworking yourself and all."
Victor sighs, and his ears lie flat against his head.
"Well, funny that the one person that would've fit perfectly just so happens to have started dating someone else. So that probably won't be happening anytime soon."
He turns away from Hogan, who finishes his own drink.
"Well it's as they say, there's plenty of fish in the sea. You just gotta catch the right one. Can't give up after the first couple casts ya know?"
Victor gives Hogan a sour glare.
"You can say that because you've been happily married for 20 years."
Hogan laughs and opens up another bottle.
"Well yes. What I have with my wife will always be special, but I wouldn't have found it if I stopped lookin'. The same goes for you, I'm sure there's someone out there for you. Don't count yourself out just yet."
Victor finishes his beer, then sighs and stands up.
"Thanks for the drinks Chief. I'm gonna go home and…I don't know, do something."
Hogan smiles and waves with a beer in his hand.
"Anytime Victor. Take care of yourself. Call me if you need anything."
Victor only nods before leaving.
He knows Chief Hogan was only trying to help, but obviously it wasn't going to do anything immediately. He needed to take some time to cope properly, and move on.
He hasn't dated anyone in years, and Adam was the first person in a long time to get an emotional reaction from him.
He tried not to let his feelings get in the way of his work, and ended up misunderstanding how Adam felt about his situation. He didn't feel lied to, the Lycanroc never openly said he was being treated poorly, nor did he have any obligation to tell him of their growing relationship.
It was a formal friendship the entire time. As a Detective, he made a mistake letting his feelings get in the way of his intuition.
As he gets home, he flops on the couch, before turning on the TV.
Maybe I really have gone soft…
(End Part 2)
Part 3: Moving On
Ethan never thought he'd be the same after everything that happened. He spent the entirety of his two years being locked away in the Mossdeep Correctional Facility brooding and quiet over the situation he was in.
Not only did he not get to see Adam before he left, but he was probably never going to see him again, since part of his sentence was living another 20 years confined in Mossdeep City as part of a protection program. Someone would be assigned to stay with him around the clock to make sure that no one affiliated with his old gang would hunt him down and try to kill him for revealing secret information.
He was grateful to Detective Vega for arranging that for him, and for guaranteeing Adam's safety as well, but it still broke him knowing he would never be able to see the Lycanroc again. Something of which he expressed to the Detective when he saw him last.
Adam was the light of his life. Before he met and started dating him, he had already accepted that his life would amount to nothing but petty crimes and living in an underground hideout where sunlight rarely ever shined through his window. But Adam showed him that his life could be more than that. He could be happy and he got to feel what it was like to love someone, and to have them love you in return, just as much if not more. The Boss told him most people live their entire lives never experiencing love, and he was lucky enough to do so. Adam was on his mind the entire time he was in the facility, and throughout his freedom. He didn't hold out hope that he'd see him again, but he couldn't help but wish that he'd just happened to bump into him somehow. To see him again and tell him how much he missed him and how sorry he was.
But he knew better.
He'd been living in Mossdeep City for almost a year, free from the facility. And the only person he's made any sort of bond with is the one assigned to protect him.
It took some time for him to adjust to them. He didn't exactly dislike them, but they certainly were…interesting at first.
He remembers the day he was finally free from the Correctional Facility. They had come to pick him up, and when he opened the door to their car, he was slightly shocked to see a droopy looking Typhlosion behind the wheel. His ears hung to the sides, his fur was a dark purple instead of blue like other Typhlosion, and his eyes were constantly half lidded, making him appear timid or aloof.
Ethan raised a brow as he sat down. The Typhlosion tilted his head to the side in confusion.
"Something wrong? You're Ethan Bolter right?"
Ethan nodded and closed the door.
"Y-yeah…And no, nothing's wrong. Not to be rude but…I was just expecting someone a little bigger? You know, to protect me."
The Typhlosion pouted and looked ahead.
"H-hey! I'm not that small!"
Ethan chuckled a bit.
"Well, true, but I figured someone in your line of work would be a little more intimidating is all."
The Typhlosion starts the car.
"Well, strength speaks for itself. Just because someone doesn't display it openly for all to see doesn't mean it's not there, I'm sure you've met plenty of people like that."
They start driving away from the Facility, and Ethan looks at the Typhlosion silently.
The only person he's ever met that fit that description was Adam. He was someone who was sweet, and kind, but was also really strong. Ethan learned not to get on his bad side when someone tried to bully him off of some exercise equipment at the gym.
If anything, the Typhlosion was right, the strong need not be intimidating.
As they drove along, Ethan got tired of the silence, and decided to speak up.
"So, you got a name?"
The Typhlosion perked up, and smiled lightly.
"U-uh yeah. My name is Nate. Nate Gaster. It's a pleasure to meet you Ethan."
Ethan nodded and returned the small smile.
"So how's this work? This whole, you protecting me thing?"
Nate turns to look back at the road.
"Well, you'll be staying in my house here in Mossdeep until it's determined that you no longer need protection, up to a maximum of twenty years. Basically we'll be doing everything together, and once it's determined that your life is no longer in any danger, you'll be free to live normally!"
The Typhlosion smiled, but Ethan was in shock. He wasn't sure how he felt about being protected, he didn't exactly think he needed it. At least not for some random thug from that gang. There were however, some very dangerous people that would do unspeakable things to him should they find him. Bos- Gooner associated with some lethal individuals, and having a professional bodyguard around would be helpful…or they would both get killed.
"And you…do this for a living? You never considered the potential danger you'd be putting yourself in?"
Nate looked over in confusion.
"Well yeah, it's my job. I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't aware of the risks. Why?"
Ethan rubbed his arm. He literally just met Nate, but he didn't want someone else to pay for his mistakes should something happen.
"Well, someone else important to me already faced the consequences of my actions. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if it happened again."
Nate chuckled and looked ahead.
"Well I appreciate it, but you don't have to worry. I've had my fair share of battles. Besides, I volunteered for this, so you wouldn't be at fault in the slightest. Just let me do my job, try to behave, and we'll be just fine, k?"
Ethan nodded silently and looked out of the car window. He could see the mainland from where they were on Mossdeep, and the ocean looked as serene as ever. It struck him a little, serving as a reminder that he was so far away from his home, and of the distance between himself and the one he loved.
Gonna have to get used to that sight I guess.
After a year of living together with Nate, Ethan had adjusted for the most part.
Nate was essentially a glorified babysitter. Since Ethan was living in his house, Nate was the one doing all the caretaking. He did the cooking, the cleaning, he always drove, and since Ethan couldn't get a job, he always paid. Ethan tried to offer to help with chores and general maintenance, but Nate never let him. It didn't take him long to get used to having Nate constantly around him, it was the part where he had to let Nate know when they were going somewhere that was the awkward part.
He didn't stay with his parents for long before he ran away, but it felt like he was asking for permission to leave the house. Ethan told Nate this, and he just chuckled and apologized.
It took a lot of work for Ethan to feel comfortable living with Nate. In time, he grew accustomed to being around him, but the one thing that truly helped them grow as friends happened about a year after they met.
It was just a normal day for Ethan, he was hungry, but didn't feel like making anything, so he went to find Nate.
"Hey Nate, you wanna go grab a bite to eat?"
Nate, who was usually in his room reading a book or relaxing on his computer, nodded.
"Sure! I was just thinking about what I'd eat for lunch. Any idea where you wanna go?"
Ethan shook his head.
"Nope. Why don't you pick this time?"
Nate chuckled and backed his chair up.
"Because I'm not picky, let's just take a drive into the shopping center and make our decision while we have a walk around. Sound good?"
Ethan nodded and went to wait for the Typhlosion by the door. They both piled into Nate's car, and began driving into town.
Ethan had gotten used to Mossdeep in the year he spent there. He didn't know the layout perfectly, but he certainly knew his way around. He knew it wouldn't be long before they arrived at where all the shops and restaurants were located.
"Say Nate, how come you never seem to want to go anywhere?"
Nate gives him a look of confusion.
"What? I haven't been giving that impression have I? If I did I'm sorry haha."
Ethan shakes his head.
"No no, I mean like…you never ask me to go anywhere, or say that you wanna leave the house to do anything you yourself want to do. You always seem to just accompany me everywhere."
Nate smiles and looks ahead.
"Ohhhhh- That's because it's easier to just go with you when you want to go somewhere, I'm more of a homebody, I don't need to see anything or go anywhere special, but I'll be more than happy to go if you want to."
Ethan raised a brow.
"Really? There's never been any place you wanted to visit? No place you like to eat that's your favorite? None of that?"
Nate shakes his head 'no'.
"I've already been through my adventurous phase. My parents liked to travel, and never really settled down. We'd been to every region at least once by the time I was 15, and I never really made any lasting friendships. When I got older, I wanted to do something that would keep me rooted in one place, where I could relax and build lasting bonds."
Ethan looked the Typhlosion up and down.
"Wait- how old are you?"
Nate laughed heartily.
"I'm only 26, a year older than you. I stopped traveling with my parents when I turned 18, trained to be a bodyguard then took this job at 22. I've been living in Mossdeep ever since. Have I never told you any of this?"
Ethan was brimming with jealousy.
"No! You got to see the entire world before you were 15? That's kinda cool actually."
When I was 15 I was running from my parents and stealing for a living…
Nate nodded.
"Yeeeeeah. I'm glad I've settled down now though, all that traveling while still maintaining an education was getting tiring. Oop- we're here!"
Nate quickly found a parking spot and pulled in. The two of them decided on a simple sandwich restaurant before enjoying a pleasant lunch. They continued to talk about Nate's traveling experiences, with Nate describing where he's been in every region. Like Tohjo Falls between Kanto and Johto, the Abundant Shrine in Unova, and even Mt. Coronet in Sinnoh.
Soon enough, their meal was over, and as Nate was taking care of their check, Ethan saw something just outside the window that made his heart stop.
His eyes went wide as the petite figure walked by the window to the restaurant they were in. He recognized their crescent shaped mane, their glistening beautiful red and cream colored fur, and the fluffy tail that swayed behind them.
Adam?!
Ethan stood up quickly, surprising Nate.
"Everything okay Ethan?"
Ethan looked down at the confused Typhlosion who had just finished signing the check.
"Yeah yeah. We gotta go though. Come on hurry!"
Nate barely had time to put the pen down before Ethan was gone.
"Ethan, wait!"
But Ethan was already out of the restaurant. He looked around and through the crowd, trying his best to spot the Lycanroc. His heart stopped again when he noticed his white mane turning the corner down the road. Nate had just caught up to him outside the restaurant when the Boltund already started sprinting down the road.
"Ethan where are yo- ugh he's gone."
Ethan made his way through the crowd dodging and avoiding those around him until he made his way to the street he saw Adam walk down. He ran down the thin street, looking in every store he passed to see if Adam had gone in any of them. Before long he reached the end of the street, and Adam wasn't in any of them. He looked around once more, frantically trying to find the Lycanroc again. He was at a literal crossroads, with the beach being right in front of him.
He either went left, right, or down the-
He perked up when he saw Adam, and what seemed to be someone else, though he couldn't quite make out who they were, walking down the boardwalk towards the beach.
Nate had finally caught up to him once more, albeit out of breath.
"What's *huff* going on?*
Nate looked up to find the Boltund already gone.
"Oh come on!"
Ethan had made his way over to where he saw Adam last and stopped on the ramp leading down to the beach. There he saw him clearly. He knew it was him, he could recognize Adam in a horde of other Lycanroc if he was told to. His heart was racing, he hadn't seen Adam in almost four years. He was about to sprint down the rest of the ramp and call out to him, every fiber of his being wanted to run up to him and embrace him and smother him with all of the love he wasn't able to give him over the last few years, but he stopped when the next scene played out before him.
Adam was staring out at the water as they spoke. Ethan couldn't make out what they were saying, but that wasn't what caught his attention. The other person, an odd looking Zoroark, had gotten down on one knee, and pulled out a small black box with a diamond ring held inside it. Ethan's pupils shrunk as Adam turned around and audibly gasped while covering his mouth.
Nate had finally caught up to him, and held his knees trying to catch his breath.
"Dude *huff* you're fuckin fast! I could barely- oh!"
Not noticing Ethan's current disposition, Nate caught sight of the event happening before them, just in time for Adam to nod his head yes and throw himself into the Zoroark's arms while crying happily.
"Aww good for them! That's such a nice- Ethan? Are you alright?"
Ethan could only stare in shock as the only person he ever loved agreed to spend his life with another right in front of him. However, instead of pain or anguish or sadness he felt…solace. Nate looked back between the two and understood.
"Ethan do you…know them?"
Ethan nodded as he began walking back up the stairs to the main road.
"Y-yeah but…let's go. I don't wanna ruin their moment. I'll tell you all about it."
They made their way back to where they parked, but rather than driving off, they sat on the trunk of the car. Ethan relayed the events of what happened between him and Adam, their relationship, and how he hadn't seen him in a long time because of his actions, which is why he was sentenced and put in the protection program in the first place.
"Wow…I knew about your sentence and what it was for…but I never imagined it would be tied to such a story… And that Lycanroc is Adam? The one you were dating when all that happened?"
Ethan nodded and sighed.
"Yeah…it's the first time I've seen him since everything took place. I really wanted to go over to him and hug him and tell him how much I've missed him."
Nate tilts his head to the side.
"Why didn't you?"
Ethan's ears folded, and he let out an exasperated sigh.
"Because he looked…happy. If he's moved on from everything and is living happily, I'd rather things stay that way. He doesn't need me involving myself and causing any drama."
Nate raises a brow.
"You don't think he'd be happy to see you?"
Ethan looked up at the sky and smiled slightly.
"It doesn't matter. As long as he's happy, I can be happy knowing that. The smile on his face when he saw that ring said it all. He's living a whole new life, and seeing that….I feel like I should move on as well."
Ethan was slightly disappointed that he didn't at least get to speak with Adam. He had been thinking about him constantly these last few years, wanting nothing more than to see him. Being able to see him again filled him with joy, but he didn't want to butt in. It was as if he was so close yet so far. Yet still, he'd rather let Adam enjoy his happiness than give in to his own selfish desires.
Nate patted Ethan's shoulder and got off of the trunk.
"Well that's good, I'm glad you can finally move on. Let's head home."
Ethan sighs and hops off the trunk as well.
"Actually, would it be alright if I took a walk? Alone?"
Nate holds the car door open, looking pensive.
"By yourself? Ethan you know I can't-"
"Please, I just need some time by myself..."
Nate looks down for a minute, before digging in his pocket and tossing Ethan his car keys.
"Here, take these. If any trouble happens, press the button, it'll sound the car alarm. Then I can use my phone to find my keys and to an extent, you."
Ethan nods and puts them in his pocket.
"Alright, thanks Nate."
Ethan walks down the sidewalk for a bit before turning towards the Mossdeep Pier. He wasn't going to do anything rash like find Adam and talk to him. He wasn't going to go and cry, or hurt himself. Sometimes someone just needs to take a breath of fresh air and clear their head.
Ethan walked down the pier and took a deep breath. He stood along the side and stared out into the ocean. He honestly wasn't sure what he wanted to do at that point. Adam was someone who gave his life some meaning, gave him something to care for, and now he doesn't have that. The difference now is that he has a chance to live the rest of his life cleanly. He can make friends, build a new life in a new place.
Ethan found himself growing excited. He no longer had to worry about his parents, his Boss was behind bars, he was no longer a criminal, and no one knew who he was where he lived.
He could start over. He could even get a job once his term with the protection program was over. He could even get a real education. This entire situation was finally done with, and he could move on. Sure it cost him the love of his life, but who's to say he won't find someone else he'll eventually love just as much?
He smiled to himself thinking about it. He'll never not love Adam with all his heart, but the Lycanroc was living his best life, and Ethan wanted to do the same.
He smiled to himself thinking about it. He was about to turn to leave, when he saw Adam in the distance, walking with the Zoroark from before. He quickly turned around and put his hood up to cover his face. He didn't really mean to, but he overheard their conversation as they walked by.
"This was a nice little mini vacation don't you think? We should come back sometime."
Ethan heard a laugh behind him, he assumed it was the Zoroark's voice since the first one was Adam.
"Oh yeah? You really like Mossdeep don't you? Or is it because you cried on the beach haha!"
"Wha- no! And I couldn't help it…you asked me to marry you, of course I'm gonna cry hmph. Jokes aside, I felt like something was drawing me here."
"You sure it wasn't because Detective Vega suggested we stop by to visit the space center? Being honest that played a part in deciding where I wanted to ask you."
"Well yeah there's that, but even before he brought it up, I randomly thought about how I'd like to come here someday. I don't know, it felt like I came here for a reason…"
Ethan doesn't hear anything, and assumes they left, but then he hears the Zoroark once more.
"Klaus didn't tell you that I was planning to propose to you here did he?"
"Wha- no! Haha no one told me anything. But maybe that was the reason, who knows. Regardless, now I have a lasting memory here. Thanks Seth."
He hears a chuckle before they board the ferry back to the mainland.
Ethan smiles as he walks back toward where Nate was waiting for him.
I'm happy for you Adam.
He finds Nate looking at his phone, when he walks up to the car. The Typhlosion smiles at him and pats his shoulder.
"Everything okay?"
Ethan smiles, happily feeling like he can finally let go.
"Yeah. Let's go home."
(End)