🔥Hearts Made of Fire🔥

After a long day of patrol, Kaden was more than ready to enjoy a day off with Nicole.  He was sitting outside the locker room, waiting for her to finish changing before going home.  His tail thumped against the floor as he watched people go in and out of the police station.  As soon as he heard Nicole’s voice, he jumped from his spot and ran over to her.

“Hey, buddy,” she said in an apologetic voice as she walked out.  In one arm, she carried a large tin container and the other had a small, red package with a white ribbon on top.  “Sorry to keep you waiting. I had to go back and grab something.  You ready?”

“Infernape,” he replied happily.

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The night was cold and snowy, but thanks to his fiery nature, he was able to keep himself warm.  However, he couldn’t help but notice Nicole shivering a little.  Even though she had on a thick coat, she always got cold easily.  His arms wrapped around her, trying to bring some warmth into her.

She giggled and leaned into him.  “Thanks, Kaden.”

As soon as they made it to her car, she carefully placed the small package in the back seat while she handed the container to Kaden.  “It’s from the chief.  He says they’re all for the police Pokemon.”

He tilt his head before popping the lid opening.  Inside was a pile of Poffins.  Not even a second later was he helping himself to the tasty treats.  Nicole giggled as she started driving towards home.

Kaden was watching the scenery out the window.  He stared in awe as they passed all of the Christmas lights and decorations on all of the buildings.  While he did not like the cold or snow, he still loved Christmas for it was one of the few holidays that everyone always seemed happy and was always willing to help other people out.  

When he looked down, his eyes widened as he saw two stray Bunearies huddled up together in an alley as if they were trying to keep warm.  Being a former stray Pokemon himself, he knew how hard it was for most to keep warm and have food in their bellies during the harsh winter.

He looked back and forth at his Poffins and the Bunearies before suddenly opening the car door and taking off, making Nicole almost swerve off the road.

“Kaden-!”  she shouted, quickly pulling over to the side and following him.

Running towards the alley, he stood in front the two Bunearies who looked up to him in curiosity.  To their surprise, he was offering them some of his Poffins.  They happily grabbed a few before taking off.  He watched them scamper off before turning back to Nicole who watched the whole thing.

“That was very sweet of you,” she said, smiling proudly as she guided him back to the car.

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After making it home and settling in, Kaden sat with Nicole by the window and watched the snow fall.  Out in the field, he was keen, alert, and prepared to face any danger.  At home, he was calm and more self-controlled.   

“Fern,” he said, looking to the sky.  “Infernape.”

“Yeah, I know,”  Nicole replied, taking a small sip of her hot chocolate.  “It’s been one crazy year.  We may have had our ups and downs, but we made it.”

He nodded and yawned, shaking his head after.  It was nearly past bedtime and it Christmas Day was going to be long.  Before he could get up, Nicole stopped him.

“Hold on,”  she said, reaching over to her side and held out the small package from earlier.  “I was going to wait and give it to you tomorrow, but since we’re going to be busy, may as well let you have it, now.”

“'Nape...” His head tilt to the side before taking it into his hands.  He ripped the paper and bow off, revealing a small case.  “Infernape?”  

“Open it.”

He clicked the lid open and inside was a pendant with the Fire-type symbol charm.  On the back of the charm, his name was carved.  “Infernape?”

“I really wanted to give you something special this year, to show you how much you mean to me.”

He held onto it in his palm and closed his eyes.  Overwhelmed by happiness, he held onto Nicole with all his might, almost immediately suffocating her.  It was days like this where he was truly thankful to have her as his trainer.  When his grip loosened, she returned the hug and rested her head on his shoulder.  

“In... Infernape!”

“Merry Christmas, Kaden.”