Deviation Actions
Literature Text
Valor slowly walked along with her as she formed her reply. He didn’t mind walking longer with her, as he didn’t have anywhere to go right now; he was staying at the pokemon center for the time being, but wasn’t inclined to return yet. However he nodded when Keyah decided against changing into her Kirlia form. It was mainly because he didn’t think it’d be safe for her to transform outside in the city, in case her rare Shiny coloration attracted more attention from curious humans than either of them needed.
Regardless, he hummed his agreement when she confirmed returning home, thinking it was the better option overall. It was getting late, and he couldn’t help but imagine that Keyah’s family would only start to worry if she didn’t return soon, or if they didn’t contact them…
It then occurred to him to check his phone to see if any of them had tried to contact them, or had at least posted anything on the timeline.
“Sure, that would be a good idea-- just a sec...” He motioned for a pause as he reached for his phone, mildly surprised to see a recent notification on the screen. When he fully opened it he saw that the notification was from Fern, asking if Keyah was with him. From what he could see she sounded -- or at least, the tone of the tweet “sounded”-- understandably worried, and he felt a brief wave of unease from the realization.
“Eh… yeah. Returning home would probably be the best idea, at this point--” Valor has stopped his stride completely as he started to type a reply… then realized he never clarified what he meant to the Kirlia beside him. Turning to look back to Keyah, he added more calmly “...Fern asked where you were, is all. I’ll just let her know you’re with me and that we’ll return home, alright?”
---
And auntie was the first to notice. Keyah wasn’t surprised, to be honest, she had a sneaking suspicion that literally everyone, Valor included, were on Fern’s radar in one form or another. Even with her inability to hear the Meganium had a remarkable ability to just keep track of everyone in her social circle.
Having the decency to look sheepish, she smiled a little at the Gallade and nodded. “Probably for the best… Otherwise she may come after us.” And that was a bit more terrifying than having to deal with her in text, for sure.
Reflecting on the events of the last couple days once again, she couldn’t help but frown a bit. Going back to the house was the idea choice, yes, but even then she wasn’t too sure about if she really wanted to return. At least not just yet. Tensions were high in the household and even wandering just a little bit from her room made her stomach swim uncomfortably..
“It.. Really is nice of Winston to let us stay at the house while this is happening, though I think we should go home soon…”
She didn’t even know who Winston was, really. Not that much. He was the brother(?) of Aster, Fern’s adoptive father, and she knew HE was down in Lumiose watching Eris, the twins and Oren, but there were still so many members of the family she barely knew and honestly when she thought about it…
“I-” she hesitated, biting her lip. “I wanna go home, Valor, I- I wanna see Blaise and Camden, that’s not..”
---
Valor nodded back, inwardly amused at the thought of Fern searching for them... if not a little unnerved at how she might react if they delayed any longer. He took another moment to send a few more messages to Fern, letting her know they were coming. If anything he’d be sure to explain things properly once they got back, but he at least want to reassure Fern that Keyah was safe.
As he resumed walking with Keyah, drifting towards the direction of the house, he noted her hesitation in her next statements. This was confirmed when she finally told him what she really meant by going home.
“Ahh…” he paused for a while, not know what to say to the matter to help reassure her. He remembered Keyah saying something similar earlier, wanting to return home to her brothers. And based on how much being near Pokemon Village was draining her mentally, he couldn’t blame her for it. But Laverre was a while away from Snowbelle, certainly not anywhere for her to travel tonight, even if Fern did allow it.
“I… I’m sure you will soon, Keyah.” He wasn’t entirely sure though, of how long Keyah’s family planned to stay in the area. Until everyone from their party had healed enough to travel? That would make sense, but if their injuries were anywhere near or even more extensive than his, it’d take days longer. He wondered if Keyah would be able to wait that long.
“Maybe… you could talk to them. About returning you home to Laverre, sooner,” Valor finally said, looking back to her as they walked. “Especially if it’ll get you away from sensing everyone’s pain. Or if you want, I could...”
He trailed off on what he meant to say, at first meaning that he’d talk to them for her. But mid sentence her considered offering to escort Keyah back to Laverre himself, a task that he’d normally be more than willing to do with ease.
But the thought was quickly tainted with the reality that he wasn’t in any condition to escort her, or anyone for a while, not when he was still healing. Being an injured bodyguard made him more of a liability than a security, if the worse were to happen while they were travelling. Valor grew notably more solemn at this, realizing there wasn’t much he could do to really help her… but he continued walking in silent thought, trying to figure out something more to suggest.
---
He couldn’t help. She knew it and Valor knew it and the way he trailed off only confirmed the initial impression. She wouldn’t have asked him, in any case- not with how they were all doing, in any case. She had entertained the thought of teleporting herself back home, but considering how much trouble it had been to even get herself over to him..
“I-It’s okay-” She swallowed, giving him a tremulous smile. “I don’t think we’d have to stick around for that much longer so it’s. Okay. I can handle it, haha..”
Doing her best to try and avoid reading the Gallade’s emotions too closely, she stepped away from him, rubbing her arm. As they neared the city, her stomach lurched uncomfortably as more and more emotional feedback began to pile up.
Stopping in her tracks, keyah gripped her stomach over her coat and bit her lip. “um..” a deep breath, in. out. Calm down. “V-valor can you give me a moment..”
---
He still felt bad regardless, it wasn’t the first time he was unable to help Keyah like this. But he gave her credit for enduring the mental ordeal as long as she had so far, even if she sounded more resigned than reassured.
Valor had barely noticed her stepping away from him as they walked, but he attention was drawn when he noticed her stop in place. Stopping a couple paces ahead of her, he turned back to see the kirlia clutching her stomach, and saw that she didn’t look comfortable. He realized that she was probably sensing the emotions of the other’s within the city, and remembered how she had mentioned feeling sick if it became too much to handle.
“Ah-- sure. Just take you time...” He returned beside her, but gave her the space she needed to breathe and calm herself. “Try to focus on something else… uh...”
He struggled with what to suggest, unsure what to say that would help. But realizing that she was still sensitive to his mood, decided not to fret... at least not too much. He also knew that brooding over what he couldn’t do to help, wasn’t going to help her either. Instead he fell quiet and tried to keep his current thoughts calm -- something that was a little easier than earlier -- while he waited for Keyah to gather herself…. or for anything else necessary if she couldn’t.
---
It took some adjustment, but after a couple seconds she slowly released her breath, along with the death grip on her jacket and nodded slowly. She was a couple shades paler than she had been from the get go, but her breath had at least evened out.
Turning a very weakhearted smile at Valor, she nodded and wobbled before nodding resolutely. “ I- ‘m okay. We can keep walking, hehehe. Just had to adjust first!” Taking a couple experimental steps, she was relieved to note that she didn’t feel like falling over any time soon, and her walking became much more sure of itself.
In a desperate attempt to kill the silence, Keyah couldn’t help but try to find things they could possibly talk about in order to change the topic. He’d likely comment on how she was doing despite her attempts to convince him she was fine, but she was in no condition to try and lie.
keyah piped up after a couple of moments. “So Uncle Ryker proposed to Auntie while um.. Everything happened. At a restaurant in Lumiose.” A pause. “They’re engaged, now.”
---
After a few long moments of waiting for Keyah to steady herself, Valor was relieved to see her relax, and that she seemed to look much better. He returned a half smile as she looked back and confirmed she was alright. Still, he waited to see if she really was able to keep her footing, and after noticing that her strides seemed more confident, he eased up and returned to his pace beside her.
As they walked further through the city, he was aware of the growing silence between them. While he didn’t mind this, he wasn’t sure what subject to bring up next betwen them, if at all. He didn’t mind however, when Keyah took the initiative and began speaking. But as she spoke, it took him a few more seconds during her pause to fully process the news, turning back to her upon the last statement.
“Wait, he did-- ...they are??”
Valor had a hard time hiding the surprise in his tone, despite already knowing that Ryker and Fern had been together for a while. He had met each of them on separate occasions before finding out about their relationship. While he didn’t know many of the details surrounding their relationship (aside from some glimpses he’d happen upon on twitter), and had only rarely seen them together, he had learned enough to know that they had a strong relationship, and he admired how they cared for each other and their families. Still, he still didn’t expect to hear anything regarding a proposal or marriage.
“Ah... well, that’s… it’s good to hear--” He realized how awkward he sounded as the words left his mouth, not very accustomed with how to properly react to news of this scale -- especially given how solemn the mood was moments ago. But aside from his surprise he was genuinely glad to hear the news, and adjusted his tone to reflect it a bit more.
“I mean... I’m happy for them.” He nodded to Keyah, his expression more relaxed, the hint of another small smile tugging at his mouth. “Again, It’s good news. And... it gives them something nice to look forward to.”
---
“Mhm!” beaming back at Valor, she laughed, seemingly in much better spirits, or at least distracted for the time being. “Apparently a bit before all of.. Pokemon Village happened- but it’s .. good to know that there’ll be some positivity. There always is, in a way!” laughing, she spun around a little. “And Blaise has been talking about how they need to get married- especially since Auntie’s been- um. “
Keyah waved her hands, best not to talk about it.
“nevermind.”
Humming thoughtfully, she kicked at one of the small piles of snow near the side of the road before sobering up considerably. “So it’s not going to be safe to go out anywhere for a while now, right? I mean- that goes without saying..”
It was the reason they were all in the city, after all. “....Valor? You should visit Laverre more often. I mean if they’re in more places then Brother probably won’t let me go out as often, so.”
---
Valor nodded slowly as he processed the added information. “I see… At least some good came out of that day,” he said, with what seemed to be some thinly-veiled humor. He didn’t promote or follow a doctrine of positivity, more apt to keep a more realistic mindset in times like this, but he realized Keyah had a point; after the ordeal at Pokemon Village, everyone could use something positive, himself included.
He raised his brow when he heard Keyah speaking about how Fern had been. It had been a while since he had really met or talked with Fern, and he wonder if Keyah’s hesitation meant something was up, or if he had missed something. But he wasn’t going to pry if she thought better than sharing, and he put the thought aside… for now.
Valor nodded with a short hum at her next question, almost apologetically. “Not alone, anyway. It’d be safest to be with others, if you have to travel.” In retrospect, he realized he himself had been alone this evening, but he stayed near the border of the forest for a reason; any sensible threat would think twice about approaching him to start anything when they were so close to the city. “But otherwise, it’ll be better to stay near your home, until things ease up.”
He turned a bit when he heard her next statement. At first he wasn’t too sure what she meant by the suggestion, until he heard the rest of her statement, and what she had implied.
Glancing down to the snow in front of him, his mind drifted off for a moment as he gave the idea more thought. Laverre City wasn’t his area of residence -- in fact he rarely stayed in one place for long due to the nature of his work. But in recent months, he had been finding himself frequenting that city more often than others -- aside from perhaps it’s neighbor, Lumiose. Because he was most familiar with the city, and he knew that both Charity and Cassandra always welcomed him there when he visited, it almost felt like…
Valor shook himself out from his thoughts when he remember Keyah was there. Finally, he resolved to answer her with some uncovered thoughts. The same thought that he had inwardly considered for some time
“...To be honest, I’ve already been… considering it.” There was another pause before he clarified. “Visiting Laverre more, between work. Or even staying longer. But...”
---
"Please-" she tried to compose herself, fidgeting with the sleeves of her coat before looking up at him earnestly "you have to, Valor! I don't think brother will ever let me leave Laverre for anything except school ever again without supervision..."
Looking back down at the snow covered path she huffed, trying to keep her composure. She had done well so far, given what was going on but still, the kirlia was only sixteen. "I-I mean.."
Pressing her lips together grimly she averted her gaze, brow furrowed. It was scary- it almost had felt like people were being taken away.. But they couldn't have, right? Nobody had disappeared as far as she could tell she'd have been able to feel them getting further away.
Right? Or did she miss something? She was still learning, but there were still the minimal reports from before about disappearances...
Shuddering at the thought, remembering her own ordeal with being kidnapped, Keyah couldn't help but speak again, not realizing she was starting to project her own feelings. "...It would be nice to have everyone close- so you should..." She mumbled. "Should visit more."
---
Valor knew, or at least inferred from her prior tone, that she wanted him to visit her more often, but was still surprised by the pleading, and by what she next admitted. Truthfully he couldn’t blame her brother if he wanted Keyah to stay close by or supervised. But he could imagine it’d make her or anyone else restless during this situation -- one that no one was sure how long it’d last.
He took the moment that she paused to think himself, how feasible it’d be to visit and stay more often between his assignments. He knew he could stay at Cassandra’s and Charity’s place as he usually did, but for an extended period of time? He wasn’t too sure if it’d be best, even with their hospitality. Not to mention that once his injuries healed he’d have to get back to his work… and also figure out the safest way to conduct it, now that Shadow Pokemon were lurking nearby.
As Valor walked more and mused over this, he began to sense… something from Keyah. It took him a moment to realize she might be projecting her emotions -- something he knew most Ralts and Kirlia could do, as well as other pokemon. He wasn’t too sure if it was intentional, or exactly what they were, but he did pick out a feeling of concern and unease, more than he would have expected. Was she that worried about him too? Or about what was happening...
“Well… I know I’ll have to stay a bit longer… to help out with the recovery at Pokemon Village,” he said, parsing his words. It only felt natural to help restore what he could there. The village had been when he spent the bulk of his adolescence, and seeing it damaged the way it had been was surreal. Still, he didn’t feel as closely tied to the area as he thought he might be. Most of the pokemon he knew growing up -- his guardians, and Cassandra and Charity -- were either traveling themselves, or settled in other places.
“...But I don’t plan to stay here indefinitely.” He turned back to her, trying to think of what to say to reassure her. “I don’t know how long it’ll be yet… but I can promise to visit Laverre again, after I settle things here. And then I can visit you again.” It was still too soon to decide something long term, but he could at least promise that much.
---
It took Keyah a moment to respond, as she was mulling over her thoughts, but as she progressively took on a more and more distressed expression she managed to register what he had said. Snapping out of her thoughts she looked up and blinked, not noticing that she was still close to tears.
He’d visit? that’s what he said, right?
“I-” Hiccuping she nodded, sniffling before doing her best to look every part the somewhat spoiled teen she was hoping she could come off as. “G-good. IF you come and visit I’ll make you something good- Mister M-Marino is teaching me how to cook, after all, so…”
Taking a moment to breathe deeply, she sniffed rather obviously before wiping at her hands. “As long as you come back there’s nothing to worry about..”
---
Valor felt a pang of sympathy upon noticing Keyah’s expression; sensing emotions still wasn’t his forte, but he could tell well enough she was distressed. And about him of all people...
Still, he didn’t waver in his conviction with what he said, knowing Keyah was intent to confirm it. Even with the offer of her hospitality -- which inwardly amused and endeared him -- he didn’t need any more convincing to keep his word.
“...Yeah, nothing to worry about, Keyah.” Still walking beside her, he gave her a brief smile, then used his hand to gently support her shoulder again, before making a switch to telepathy. “I’ll visit you when I get back to Laverre, as soon as I can. I promise.”
And he meant it. After he was done with his business here, he had every intent to safely return to Laverre, both to visit Keyah and also spend more time visiting the others. As it was, he had no reason to travel right now, or even the desire, given the situation. The prospect of returning to Laverre and knowing others would be eager to see him again, gave him a strange sense of... comfort? He wasn’t too sure, but wasn’t going to question what seemed like a good feeling.
---
Keyah nodded. That was the end of the discussion, then- he had agreed that he would be sure to visit. Gave his word, even- the distress slowly dissipated and she seemed a bit more at ease as she wiped at her face. His attempt to telegraph telepathically even earned him a watery giggle.
“O-okay.. Okay that’s good then..” A weight was lifted from her shoulders- it seemed all her family (literal and honorary both) would be accounted for, and safe, for the time being at least.
She paused, mulling over what to say next, and opened her mouth to speak before sputtering in surprise and looking up, eyes wide only to be swept off her feet by a green and red blur. “KEYAH- WHAT WERE YOU THINKING do you know how worried I wath what would Blaith and Eilam do if anything happened to you?!”
Fern fussed over the shorter girl, not even registering the presence of Valor, or at least not for the time being. Detaching herself from the teenager, the florist held her at arms length by the shoulders, eyes wide as she scanned her over.
Arms? Check.
Legs? Check.
Ears? Check.
Eyes? Thank arceus, Check. One half blind and one fully blind member of the family was hard enough to handle.
Her horror once she had realized the kirlia was missing had only been magnified by the fact that her Niece (little sister? Blaise was a brother figure but this family was weird..) had stolen her jacket when she went out unannounced, and while Valor had assured her nothing was wrong..
She may have been a bit impatient waiting for their arrival, and it wasn’t long before Ryker had lent her his coat to allow her to go out to meet them. After all there was only one entrance to the city from the direction of pokemon village- it wouldn’t have been too hard to spot them.
“Auntie you’re smothering me-”
---
Glad for a moment that Keyah seems reassured by his words, Valor was just as surprised as she was when Fern suddenly approached them. Not only by the speed with which she went to get to Keyah, but the fact she was speaking aloud -- the volume she was speaking too. He’d rarely heard the Meganium speak at all, but it was the first time he heard anything close to a shout. Much unlike the more soft spoken florist he was used to.
Nonetheless, from the way she fussed over the Kirlia in her arms, he could tell how palpable Fern’s worry over Keyah was, and hope that finally getting her home would help ease it a bit. In the meantime, he stood back and waited as he watched Fern check over Keyah. There wasn’t much more he could do to address Fern even if he tried, given that she couldn't hear him speak. Telepathy wasn’t an option at the moment either; his ability was so limited that he could only manage to initiate it with other psychics.
So Valor continue to wait, patiently if not almost awkwardly, for a pause where the florist would notice him or he could get her attention. He inwardly wondered if he ought to pull out his phone to type some sort of greeting… or to begin explaining the situation.
---
Oh she knew he was there and she had words for him. Rounding on the Gallade, the florist raised her finger and jabbed him in the chest, eyes still a bit frenzied. “AND YOU. Who do you think you are pulling the martyr act do you know how worried Cathandra muth’t be about you- How worried all your friend’th are? You’re justh’t ath bad ath Reuth and the other’th--”
Having it in her heart to at least look away as the twitter mother tore into Valor, Keyah couldn’t help but laugh a little. Leave it to Fern to be ruthless with worry.. That’s what got her all the way to Pokemon Village in the first place.
“-All of you guy’th are completely nuth I’m going into an early grave and then I’ll literally be pushing daithy’s- GOING TO DRIVE ME CRATHY AT THITH RATE I CAn’t- oh.” Blinking, she paused, brow furrowing before looking at Keyah. There were a couple of almost mimed gestures before she pointed rather obviously at the Gallade and laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck.
Seemingly able to understand whatever was being implied, or what wasn’t said, Keyah perked up rather suddenly before nodding “RIGHT- sorry one second-”
It took a couple moments before the connection was set, and it was a little shaky, but soon Fern’s voice reappeared, this time in Valor’s head. “There we go, much better,” Rounding on the man again she jabbed him again, this time in the shoulder. “Valor you didn’t tell me you were hurt! Like I said just the same as Reus, Eilam and the others I swear you all are so stubborn you’ll be the death of me. Hold still and just breathe, okay? It’s not healing but it’ll do-”
A calming scent permeated the air, seemingly from the florist herself. It wasn’t often that she had to use Aromatherapy as a move itself, rather it was just something that happened regularly to calm the nerves of those around her, but the effect was still as obvious as usual. Even keyah herself found the edge being taken off from her beedrill sting. Even with the antidotes, the venom still made it hurt, but Fern thankfully had much more in her skillset than just flower arrangements and high defense.
---
If the shouting wasn’t enough to surprise him, then having Fern turn and confront him with the same volume completely caught him off guard, and it showed in his expression. Valor stumbled back as she jabbed his chest and fussed at him, unsure and unprepared by the verbal scolding. Much different than getting it in writing, to be sure.
He wasn’t too sure what initially gave him enough tact to not interrupt her. Perhaps because he knew she couldn’t hear him, or because he didn’t have the time to prepare his usual defensiveness for being called out so thoroughly. Then again, Keyah had basically said the same thing when they met, and while it had begun to sink in during the walk Fern’s words drove the point home further. Everyone had a right to be concerned, even if it was over him.
Just as Valor was wondering when or whether the scolding would end did he notice the pause as Fern turned to Keyah. He glanced between the two as Fern gestured and then pointed towards him, wondering what they had in mind now--
There was a moment as he registered the psychic link that Keyah has formed between them, to help aid them both. Even as Fern jabbed him again (and he suppressed a wince from feeling it on his bruise this time), he wasn’t sure if he was thankful for the aid or whether is was any better to have Fern berate him telepathically. Reaching to rub the area where she poked him, he barely caught what she last said before he noticed the scent. Valor did as she said however, pausing to breathe more steadily.
The effect from the Aromatherapy was almost immediate, and he felt both his muddled thoughts and his muscles relaxing. The ache on his shoulder and even at his side from the Beedrill sting began to ease up, no longer bothering him quite as much. Overall he felt much calmer, perhaps the most he felt all evening. It took another moment to gather himself as he faced the florist again, finally using the chance to parse his “words” to her more clearly.
“Ah… thanks for that,” Valor said more evenly, nodding a bit to her and appreciating what she did for him... before glancing somewhat to the side.
“...And sorry. I uh… didn’t want you to worry. About me, I mean.” His mental “voice” was almost sheepish as he finally took his hand away from his shoulder, but he really didn’t have much to say in his defense. And truthfully, he did feel bad that she had be so concerned for him, too.
---
‘you’re still going to want to get them looked at properly, I can pose as your trainer and take you to the center if you want…’ Pausing, she laughed and shook her head, rolling her eyes a bit. ‘worrying is what I’m supposed to do, it seems- I can’t help but fuss over everyone, I guess.’ Stepping back to admire her handy-work, the meganium tilted her head to the side before clapping her hands, smiling brightly.
‘More relaxed already, you look eons better, Valor! I dunno how many times I’ve had to use that already but at least it seems to do a lot more good than harm...’ her ring finger on her left hand glinted, a telltale sign of the human custom she and Ryker had recently partaken in.
Truth be told the Florist had barely thought about her engagement since the initial question- they hadn’t had much time afterwards, she and ryker had all but rushed off to Pokemon Village the moment they had heard about what happened and everything since then was a blur.
Shifting uneasily, Keyah pressed her lips together before reaching out to grip the back of Fern’s coat, huffing softly. She did feel more at ease now that the familiar scent of one of her family members was in the air, and along with relaxing she felt herself wobbling again. The excitement of the day had finally begun taking its toll on her and she yawned.
It really did feel much safer around family, she noted. Not at all like running around alone and scared on route 16, how could Valor possibly feel at ease sitting alone with his thoughts like that in the middle of nowhere?
Tugging at Fern’s sleeve, the kirlia blinked blearily and pressed in closer, noting the way Fern turned to check on her again.
‘if I turn back into a kirlia can one of you carry me? ‘msleepy..’
---
Valor blinked in slight surprise at Fern’s next words, and how she almost seemed to dismiss her own worrying over everyone. He realized he wasn’t the only one she must have fussed at like this, in some form or another, having a vague idea of the other pokehumans in her family that were at the festival. Valor couldn’t imagine it was anything to take lightly, but didn’t intend to object what she told him. At the moment, he was a little relieved that she didn’t seem as cross or upset with him anymore. Or at least, he hoped she wasn’t…
Still regaining some composure, Valor nodded a bit at her suggestion. While he had stayed at the Pokemon Center to temporarily lodge, and had had his injuries checked over at the village following the attack, he couldn’t get himself further examined at the Center. Not in his pokemon form without a “trainer” at least, it would have only caused more questions and suspicion to try it. Normally he’d ask Cassandra or Charity to stand in as his trainer if he was near Laverre, but out here…
“Eh… maybe I’ll take you on that offer, then,” he finally said, thinking it wouldn’t hurt to get a second opinion on his condition from the shadow attacks. As it was though, his injuries weren’t bothering him much, though he knew the relief would only last so long. He was a little surprised by Fern’s observation that he looked better though, unaware of how much the Aromatherapy affected his overall appearance (and wondering if he had looked more worse for wear than he let on). Regardless, he felt better and that was what he was most thankful for.
The ring that glinted on Fern’s finger didn’t escape Valor’s notice, however it was mainly because Keyah had told him of the engagement earlier that he understood what it meant. He hesitated a moment and wondered if it was appropriate to say something about it now… but his thoughts paused when he noticed Keyah catching Fern’s attention, and asking her question.
“...I can help carry her back,” he offered, addressing Fern before glancing back to Keyah with a nod. Now that the ache in his shoulder has lessened and they were a short distance away from the house, he felt more confident about the task. That, and Kirlia were much lighter to carry than most humans. He glanced between Keyah and Fern to make sure this would be alright.
---
Not really waiting to see how the meganium would respond, Keyah wobbled a bit before glancing around. It didn’t feel like there was anyone else out in the street, at least for the time being. Deactivating her dittech, the kirlia squeaked in surprise as Fern’s coat fell over her head and flailed weakly, trying to find her way out of the mass of warm cloth.
‘kay- I think it should be easier for me to maintain the connection- ’ shivering, Keyah poked her head out, tugging what she could of the now much larger garment around her shoulders, yawning widely. ‘I’m all ready….’ Now in her pokemon form, the bandages around her chest were much more obvious, seemingly holding gauze onto her back- a sure sign of where she had been stung.
Stepping back to look between the Gallade and the Kirlia, Fern blinked- seemingly curious about the exchange. She knew that Keyah was one to make quick, fleeting connection with just about everyone she met but with the people that she liked.. She smiled to herself, noting how chirpy the younger pokemon was around Valor. It was nice to see that she had branched out from just close family and the few friends made at school and around Laverre.
‘We could go now, or we could wait until a bit later, it is pretty late,’ laughing, the Meganium hummed as she shoved her hands into her pockets and rocked on her heels. Noting how the air was only getting colder, Fern sniffed distastefully before wrapping her scarf just a smidge tighter, coughing and shivering. The grass type really wasn’t meant for the winter- and Snowbelle was just a testament to the fact.
Motioning for Valor to follow her, she began walking, making sure to try and stay as warm as possible as she coughed again. ‘so you two get along pretty well, huh? I was wondering about that...’
---
Valor had to stifle some mild amusement upon watching the kirlia find her way out of the oversized coat, as well as his sympathy from seeing the glimpse of her bandages. He waited until Keyah was read before crouching down to pick her up, coat and all, then gave her a moment to settle herself in his arms as he stood up and looked back to Fern.
“...I think I can wait until a bit later,” he said to her, nodding a bit. “I’m not aching as much anymore, right now.” It might have been more straightforward for him to go after Keyah was brought back home, but he didn’t want to make Fern go far out of her way in this weather. And as he recalled, the pokemon center had been busy when he left, as it usual was in the evenings; it would be a little easier for them both to get care afterwards.
Valor followed alongside Fern while carrying Keyah, unsure what to say while Keyah was maintaining the psychic connection between them. He glanced back to the florist upon her observation.
“Ah… yes, you could say that,” he said, wondering if Keyah could “hear” him as he tried to follow up with a brief explanation. “We first met during one of my visits to Laverre. And then every so often after that.”
He trailed off, unsure of how to best explain the progression of their friendship. That they were friends, he was sure of that, and he knew Keyah now saw him as a honorary brother. But the way it progressed so naturally had been surprising to him, even with the shared evolutionary line. He didn’t think of himself as very social, or skilled with making relations or connections -- not easily at least. But he did value the close relations that he had, Keyah’s included.
Valor wasn’t sure if Fern had more to say during the pause, but started debating on whether he next thought was worth saying now, while they still had a direct connection through Keyah. Was it even appropriate to say now? Should he wait until Ryker was there to say it then? He didn’t know sign language, and writing or typing it down to show her later would feel a little too impersonal...
“...Congratulations to you and Ryker, by the way.” His tone was hesitant but as genuine as he could convey given the conditions, though he was quick to direct his gaze forward again.
---
oh- OH RIGHT. Turning a shade of red that her fiance would have been proud of, Fern lifted her scarf further up her face, laughing sheepishly ‘Thank you! honestly- I’m surprised he even managed to ask given how much trouble I accidentally gave him..’
Fern honestly hadn’t meant to be so difficult for the poor Bisharp, but certain cues, no matter how close the couple was, were bound to be lost in the void of the communication gap- and it was even harder when one of them couldn’t hear anything at all. Still, she had been elated when Ryker had asked, and had been even faster to accept.
Humming to herself, the florist hugged herself and smiled at Valor, all teeth and more honest laughter. ‘it’s nice to see Keyah has some people outside of the family that she can talk to- I know she felt pretty isolated in Laverre, Riko and Salina aside,’ nodding at the clearly dozing kirlia, her smile softened. ‘it’s been pretty lonely for her.’
Making an effort to at least sound offended and embarassed enough that Fern had brought it up, Keyah struggled to unearth herself from the warmth that was Valor and the coat. The Kirlia in question made a vague noise before snuggling further against Valor and into the coat that was bunched around her. ‘Auntie, noooo...’
---
If Valor noticed the sudden blush caused by his comment, he did well to ignore it for Fern’s sake. As it was he was glad she didn’t mind him mentioning it to begin with, and that Ryker’s proposal had worked out, nodding with an (inaudible) hum as she responded.
Listening to Fern’s next words as they continued walking, he remembered Keyah had other friends that were closer to her age, as she had mentioned them to him before. He didn’t realize, however, that he’d be one of the few people she’d regularly interact with outside of her family. Or even that their interactions would have helped her from feeling as isolated...
Valor quickly noticed Keyah fidgeting in his arms before objecting to what Fern had mentioned. He did his best to hide his amusement, but could also understand how the Kirlia felt; he knew Fern meant no harm mentioning it, but he wouldn’t have been apt to admit that he ever felt lonely, himself. Even then, he knew how overwhelming it could be to feel that sense of isolation, in spite of the times where he’d forget how valuable company could be -- not unlike earlier that evening.
“Aha… don’t worry about it,” he said more lightly, directing his comment to Keyah as she settled against him again, before addressing the florist again. “But uh… I’m glad to know that, then. And to be fair… It’s nice getting to talk to Keyah too, whenever I can visit...”
It felt odd to openly admit that, knowing that the Kirlia could hear him and sense his mood, but there wasn’t much point hiding his appreciation for her friendship too -- as simply stated as it had been. His half-smile gave some of it away even as he tried to look forward down their path. He still planned to visit the Kirlia after he finished business at the village, but with Fern confirming how much the visits had meant to Keyah… he’d resolve to think on how to approach more visits another time.
---
The silence was amicable as they continued down the street in the snow. Now that the excitement of the day seemed to be over with, the snow was actually quite pretty- calming, even. Fern adjusted her own coat and scarf as she glanced over to the two ralts line evolutions. It was quite cute, really- She had only really seen Keyah get that clingy with Blaise or Camden, but it seems that Valor had somehow managed to worm his way into the same category as her two siblings. It really was nice of Valor to indulge her so, and it was clear that while it may not be to the same degree, he was rather attached to her as well.
Somewhere along the way Keyah had finally fallen asleep, and the psychic connection between the two adults was lost. The meganium smiled and nodded at Valor one they arrived back at the Tillman household, and after gently taking the Kirlia from his arms, a couple meaningful gestures and typed out messages were exchanged, before the door shut.
