I choose you.

[Syrrus]

Lance peered at the girl who was now resting her chin on his shoulder. Strange girl. He supposed he could give the man a quick call, for her. "Just a word of warning though. This man is so handsome that you'll probably die a little inside when you see him." Lance grinned towards her. "Or spill any secret that you possibly have if he asks you."


He went though the list of names before finding Steven, who he had labled 'Stevie-kun' with a aprkly heart at the end. It was a joke, clearly, made by Steven himself. Blasted man, did he have to mess around with Lance's stuff when they met? Blushing heavily he pressed the name.


Beep.


Beep.


Static.


"Steven here, evening Lance what can I do for-- Who's this?"


Steven's face appeared as a hologram over the holocaster, half of his body did, in fact and the small Steven looked up at Lance and Riel in confusion. The hologram was not doing his silver hair and deep blue eyes justice.


"Evening Steve. This is Riel, she wanted to speak with you."

 

[juuchanisu]

"Handsome, you say?" Riel chuckled, waiting for the call to be answered. She gave a soft laugh, "I don't have any secrets. If I did, they wouldn't be secrets anymore." she said.


"Stevie-kun? I didn't know you were in a relationship.." she said, her voice faltering just a bit. However, she didn't stay sadden for long, because the Hoenn champion answered, and Riel plastered a smile onto her face. She poked Lance's red cheek with a finger, chuckling softly.


"Hello!" Riel chirped, waving slightly. "I'm Riel! Nice to meet you!" she grinned.

 

[Syrrus]

"We're not together!" Lance said in shock which caused Steven to look just a surprised. "Kun is just a term for a very good friend, or a childhood friend, never mind which! ...Not like I walk around calling him Anata." Lance mumbled, looking at Dragonite for support, but the big dragon did nothing.


Steven smirked slightly and brushed hair out of his eyes. "Wouldn't that make you my woman though? Calling me Anata, that is."


Lance decided to end their embarrassing conversation by simply taking a few deep breaths and simply ask politely. "How's things on Hoenn?"


"Busy, nothing much is happening. I'm just continuing my research, as always. Very nice to meet you, Riel. Taking good care of Lance, I hope?"

 

[juuchanisu]

Laughing at the small interaction and sighing in relief at the fact that Lance and Steven are merely friends, Riel nodded at Steven's question. "Yeah. I just finished up making dinner for the both of us," she smiled. Devon, who was perched still on the chair, climbed up Lance and Riel, pouncing onto Riel's head, making her squeak. She looked up at Devon with a smile, before glancing back at Steven.


"Meet Steven, Devon. Hey it rhymes!" she laughed gently. Devon chirped, waving his small paw in hello.

 

[Syrrus]

"Devon?" Steven said, clearly confused. "Is that Dedeen named after my father's company? That's a big odd. I didn't know it could have fangirls." This of course caused Lance to laugh as he leaned back in his chair. "No Steven, cutting it close though, I just said that." Lance glanced at Riel and smirked at her from where he was sitting. "Told you so, sweetheart." He winked at him, feeling strangely frisky with Steven on the line.


Steven waved slighlty at the mouse. Not sure what else to do. Smiling through it all.

 

[juuchanisu]

Blushing at the small pet name, Riel stood straight up, catching Devon who fell off in surprise. Giggling, the girl set her Dedenne on the ground before waving at the Steven, "I'm gonna get ready to go to bed. Lance and I stayed awake all night last night trying to get out of a cave," Riel laughed gently watching as her Dedenne ran around her feet in twists and turns. Bending back down, Riel scooped up her small mouse pokemon and set him on Lance's hair with a small giggle. Yawning, the girl waved farewell to Steven and walked over to her bathroom to get get ready for the night.


"Lance, once you're done, you can use the bathroom; the middle door. The guest bedroom is the first door on your left," she said. She walked up to Dragonite and stroked his big snout with a smile, saying a soft goodnight to the big dopey pokemon and entered the bathroom.

 

[Syrrus]

Steven said goodbye and then turned his attention towards Lance, raising a small eyebrow with that self-loving grin on his face. Lance missed the bastard but there was no point getting all touchy about it. "Once you get back here maybe we all could go out for dinner sometime, eh?" Steven asked, folding his arms and leaning back in what Lance could only presume was a chair. "Yes, that would be fun, I suppose." He nodded and peered up at the mouse on top of his hair. "Alright then, call me when you're done with cold and dreary caves when you're ready for some Hoenn dreary caves! Bye, Lance." Steven winked and the phone call ended.


Lance leaned back in his seat after putting the holocaster back in his pocket. He then removed the Dedenne from his hair, looking at it as he held it between his two hands. "Hoenn, Dragonite, what do you think?" The big dragon agreed clearly very interested in taking another drip. "We have to stop team Rocket first."

 

[juuchanisu]

"De~ne~" Devon cried out, wanting to visit Hoenn as well. He slipped out of Lance's grasp, using his extended arm to run over and nuzzle his cheek with his, "Dene!"


Laughing gently, Riel came back out behind Lance and Devon, her hair down in a lazy ponytail that laid on your shoulder and dressed in her pajamas. "Hoenn, I heard?" Riel mused gently, "I would love to visit Hoenn one day! It's so beautiful, and looks like a lovely region to explore." The girl scooped her Dedenne off the Dragon Master's head and allowed him to crawl onto her shoulder. "Well, goodnight Lance. What time is it? 9:39 AM..." she read off her clock. Shrugging gently, "I should be up around 3PM," she laughed as she walked to her bedroom, trying to keep Devon calm. Faith and Fenny were following her, since they always slept with Riel.

 

[Syrrus]

Lance watched her head to bed and as soon as the bedroom door closed he jumped out of his seat and hurried towards the door. He had things to investigate, he hoped that he would be back just before she woke up.


And that he was. He had fallen asleep in her sofa - originally on her floor but Dragonite had been nice enough to move him. Sleeping soundly with the big dragon next to him, for some reason wanting to be as close as possible to its trainer.

 

[juuchanisu]

Yawning, Riel had woken up around 2PM. She rubbed her eyes, not liking that she didn't get enough sleep–at least that's what she thought. Six hours of sleep wasn't her favorite number, more like eight or twelve, or...twenty-four. Riel had slept in for a whole day before, only getting up to get a drink or eat a small snack. She was like a snorlax, this girl.


The girl exited her room, her tired Dedenne perched on her head. However, the girl snapped fully awake when she saw Lance and Dragonite on her couch, Lance's shoes still on. Sighing, she rubbed her forehead. Ugh, this guy take a rest? she grumbled to herself as she grabbed one of her cozy quilts and placed it over the two. Brushing his red hair away, gazing at Lance. He looked cute when he slept, the girl thought with a small smile. She gave a small peck on his forehead and Dragonite's before deciding to clean his cape, and make breakfast–lunch really, for herself. Probably then make some packed lunch for their journey, knowing that by the time Lance woke up, he would want to leave.

 

[Syrrus]

As she moved his hair and placed her lips on his forehead Lance mumbled something unintelligent and moved his head towards the darkest spot it could find, which was against the back of the sofa and he seemed to be completely asleep again. It wasn't until the scent of food was spreading throughout the apartment that the both of them woke up. Dragonite rolling out of the sofa, which he had been closed to do at all times anyway. And Lance sitting up, quickly and with a very light head. It was obvious now that Lance was very much a Dragon himself because his low blood pressure suited one quite a bit. He was sitting up, confused and not even properly conscious for what seemed like an age, swaying back and forth. When twenty minutes had past, the young trainer blinked once but only once and then looked around as if he ha just woken up and had not just been sitting straight up like a zombie on her couch for almost half an hour. "Mornin'" He mumbled towards Dragonite who had been doing the exact same and not looked over at his trainer "Brar'" It responded and both of them got up on their feet, at the same time.

 

[juuchanisu]

Riel was making pancakes, because you know, pancakes are the best. When she heard mumbling from behind her, the blonde turned around to find Lance swaying around, his Dragonite mirroring his actions. The girl gave a soft chuckle as she finished up making herself and Lance a plate of pancakes, setting in on the table. It wasn't until another twenty minutes that Lance actually woke up.


"Good morning–more like afternoon, Lance." she greeted. "Milk, tea or coffee?" she asked, walking over to her fridge to prepare herself some coffee. It was rare for the girl to have coffee, but she did enjoy it on some days. Might as well have it for a boost start, seeing they only have a few hours left before dark.

 

[Syrrus]

"Tea." The man said with a low voice, his raid hair messy. It didn't stand straight up like it used to do, it didn't look like wild fire, just like simple messy red hair. He pulled a hand through it, trying his best to make it behave, which he succeeded - kind of - and it stood straight up over his head again.


The Dragon Master sat down in front of the kitchen table, chin against his hands and his eyes straight down , staring at the wood as if it was the most interesting thing there. He looked tired, clearly. His blood pressure still too low for him to sound properly alive. He blew a curl of red hair out of his face, pulling it back. Wondering if perhaps he would try a more slicked back look instead of a strange 'forest on fire' hairdo.

 

[juuchanisu]

Plopping some sugar into the tea she had made him, Riel grabbed the two hot beverages and set it on the table, watching Lance in the corner of her eyes. He looked so tired and restless, it made the girl wondered if the Dragon Master ever had time to sleep? Once she set the tea in front of Lance and the coffee down not far from her, the girl walked back to her bathroom to retrieve her small black brush. Taking tiny steps behind the redhead, she brushed her fingers through his red locks, before actually brushing it.


"You alright, there?" she asked gently as she began to style his hair. "You seem a little bit out of it." The girl didn't know about his blood pressure, as oblivious as she was.

 

[Syrrus]

Lance peered down at the cup which was placed in front of him. It smelled wonderful. He didn't managed to even grab the cup until he felt how she started to pull on his hair. Glancing upwards, still not even moving his head he raised an eyebrow, looking more puzzled than annoyed. "What are you- Oh yeah, I'm fine... No problem." He mumbled and looked back down, his finger touching the cup, circling the top of it gently. "I just have low blood pressure." He talked with a voice which sort of suited a lizard or maybe a zombie, either one.


Dragonite jawned loudly as he sat down next to his trainer, even the big dragon looked awfully low, mirroring his master a bit too well.

 

[juuchanisu]

"Ah, I see. Good thing I put sugar in there, isn't it?" she smiled, finishing brushing his hair. Finishing it up, the girl walked over back to her side of the table and plopped down, "You were out last night, well this morning, again weren't you?" she said, with a small laugh. "Don't you ever take a break, Lance?" she asked with a small sigh as she traced the outline of her cup, not bothering to look up to meet Lance's gaze. "I'm worried you might overwork yourself."


Without waiting for an answer, the girl turned to the Dragonite and smiled, "Dragonite, do you want a sugarcube or something?"

 

[Syrrus]

Dragonite was the first one to answer, as Lance was still pretty much stuck in a light coma. Shaking his head and smiling happily. He had some poke food just before they had been going out for a second time.


Lance blinked a few times as he sipped on his tea, finally managing to wake up properly. Chuckling at her. "This is the exact reason as to why I am single, most people tend to worry too much about my health." He put the cup down and dug in on the pancakes, pointing towards a small bag sitting the door in the hallway. "I did however find the location to the cave where the legendary Pokemon could be found and I even managed to stop Team Rocket and make sure no one could ever find it again. All in a few hours work-- These are some really good pancakes."

 

[juuchanisu]

"Well, can't you see why? You seem to brush your health away, always pushing yourself," she sighed, already finished her pancakes not too long ago. She took a sip of her drink before glancing up at Lance, "Thanks, I'm glad you like them." Then turned to over where he pointed, getting up and walking over to grab the bag.


"Wait, you stopped Team Rocket already?" she asked, a bit surprised. That was quick. Turning around, she looked at Lance, now sadden and it was evident. "Does that mean you're going back to Kanto?" Her voice was small, afraid of what the answer is. Well, of course she was. She was developing feelings for the Dragon Master, and was so close to figuring out what the feeling is, seeing as she never have been in love before. But if he was gone, then what was she suppose to do? Forget about him and brush away the feelings? Sure, Riel can do that but it would take her a bit, seeing as she is an emotional attached person. Biting on her lower lip, she walked back to the table.

 

[Syrrus]

She sounded almost a little bit sad. Lance peered up at her as he pushed his plate towards Dragonite who instantly finished his pancakes with one big lick. Lance felt a little bit bad, he supposed it couldn't be easy to be friends with someone who lived so far away, for someone who actually had time to be with his or her friends. He never minded the distance, with a Dragonite it never really felt like one. He scratched the back of his head as he leaned back, there was of course the after math. Sure, Team Rocket's big plan had been ruined but they were still located in Kalos, still causing trouble. He wondered if it was enough trouble to actually be able to get some more time off.


"I could stay for a while I suppose. There is still some cleaning up to do and I need to leave the details about the Legendary Pokemon to Sycamore, that would be the quickest way to get it to Oak, after all." He mumbled, wondering if it was enough to stop her from looking so heartbroken.

 

[juuchanisu]

Riel's face brighten at the idea. Sure, it will only be for just a short time; because one would think cleaning up won't take that long and giving notes to the Professor won't take long at all, knowing him, he's quite a good listener and note-taker. "Okie-dokie!" she chirped. "But what do you mean 'cleaning up'? Certainly, you didn't do any damage while trying to stop Team Rocket?" she asked. "I hope not," the girl added quietly to herself.


She checked the time; 2:48 PM. With a soft hum, the girl thought for a moment. She knew the Kalos map well, well enough to name most of the cities, so the girl turned to Lance. "If it isn't urgent, do you think you can stay a while longer until I get a few more gym badges? I understand if you don't want too, me being a burden and all...." she mumbled. Riel knew fully well that Lance took his job seriously, and staying here in Kalos might just put a dent into his job, seeing as he must be at Kanto in order to accept challengers or he'll get kicked off. The girl knew that, how? It was all over the news once, where one of the previous Elite Fours got kicked out because he refused to accept a challenger.

 

[Syrrus]

Lance started to feel rather stressed. She wanted him around her. It was sweet, he adored the thought of it in fact but he had his job and even if he would develop feelings for her which he already had a tiny, tiny voice in the back of his head shouting at him that he already had, he wouldn't be able to spend the amount of time that she wanted of him. It made him feel rather bad.


The Dragon Master finished his tea, drank it quickly, burning is throat though the sensation made it easier for him to think. He had to see the professor, he was scheduled to be away for a week more. As long as no one from the press or news saw him roam about he could probably get away with it. IT wounded stupid but he saw no other way.


"I need to go cloths shopping." He said as he got up, looking down at his cloths and then up at his hair. "And style my hair. Not that I am certain anyone will be able to be fooled but it's worth a shot." He peered at Dragonite, the pokemon that would be the biggest of problems and sighed. It was worth a shot. "I can stay until monday."

 

[juuchanisu]

Riel glanced at the calendar; it was currently a Tuesday. So a week, mostly. Grinning, Riel nodded. "Alright. That's fine with me!" she smiled. Though, what was running through her mind is how easily is she gonna forget about Lance? Sighing the girl laid her head on the table while forming small designs on the surface of her wooden table.


She twitched as she felt a weight on her head and a small cry of her Dedenne. Smiling, Riel sat up, slowly so Devon didn't fall off. Looking up, she gave a small laugh as her pokemon tried to find a 'nest' on top of her hair. She looked at Lance, a bit happier. "Shall we get going then?" she asked, smiling. Though, Riel remembered she still had to get ready; which shouldn't take long she hoped. It never took her long to get ready for the day.

 

[Syrrus]

Lance wasn't sure why she looked so upset. Yes he was going to leave and go back home eventually but if they actually did enjoy each other's company that wouldn't stop them. How else had he stuck around Seven or any of his other friends? He got out of his seat, smiling at her as he walked to the door. He wasn't much looking forward to the cloth shopping part, he enjoyed his usual attire.


"Yes, lets go." He took his back that was sitting by the wall. It wasn't his, really, but he had to give it to the professor and the best way to do so would be to take it with him.

 

[juuchanisu]

"Alright, give me a few moments to get ready though," she laughed, exiting into her room. Her Dedenne bounced off her shoulder as he scrambled off onto Archie's large shell, waking up the large water pokemon.


Like Riel hoped, the blonde didn't take that long to get up. She had pulled on a simple black shirt, a black and white striped jacket, pants and pulled her hair up into a high ponytail with a small white bow to finish it off. The girl had returned all her pokemons to their respective capsules, only allowing Devon to stay out. She walked over to Lance with a smile, "Professor Sycamore's lab first?" she suggested, taking her own small white bag and pulling it onto her shoulder.

 

[Syrrus]

Lance nodded, it was rather strange in fact that he wasn't tired. Maybe he was simply too upbeat, too use to working twenty four seven. He waited by the door patiently. He had almost forgotten that normaly humans had normal sleeping patterns and slowly got worried that he was pushing the girl a little too hard. "We could wait for a day or so... I suppose?" He cloud always go to Sycamore on his own, would she feel too tired. "If you need to rest." He added, quickly as he shuffled about on the floor, feeling rather out of place. Dragonite didn't understand why its master was acting so nervously but took it as a good thing, smiling happily down at him as if Lance had been talking to it.