火

[ Staff... I just want to format. Please.

Well, this bizarre change aside, HELLO EVERYONE. It’s incredible to see you. I am so sorry for vanishing and then returning months later out of the blue. Life has not been kind in recent times. I’ve been very busy and swept up in things. I’m honestly really shocked at how many followers that Kabu is retaining despite my absence. Thanks for keeping Fire Papa in your hearts. 

“ Well, I’m glad to hear that you are still honest as always. “ There’s a small laugh, genuine. While he wasn’t one to voice it as well as his partner, he squeezed Kabu’s arm. Long-distance was hard for the both of them, it seemed. 

“ I missed you too. “ 

“I will always be honest with you. Perhaps, maybe even a little too honest.” His statement caused him to chuckle lightly. At least Nanu accepted Kabu and all his quirks when it came down to it. 

“Just being in proximity to you warms my heart back up. To see you well in good health and to be able to communicate face-to-face... ah. I am beginning to feel better already, it seems.” He squeezed just a tad. 

“Ah, sorry,” he mentioned with a softened sigh and a partial attempt of a smile. “It is like my body had a mind of its own there for a moment. Though I suppose... there is a reason for it. I have missed you greatly and I think the loneliness I experienced for a time ate away at me far more than I realized. I needed to embrace you. To be close.” 

There was likely more to that bit than he voiced aloud, but for now, he stuck to the obvious afflictions. 

   “You sure about that?” Not that Chris was afraid of accidentally getting singed or having a few embers spat at him– he just didn’t like the idea of forcing contact with a Pokémon that seemingly didn’t want it.

   He looked at the Centiskorch a moment, weighing his options, before finally smiling and carefully holding a hand out part-way. “It’s probably because I’m a stranger, right? With this, I’ll let you pick– if you definitely don’t want touched, I won’t be offended, but if you’re willing to trust me, nothing bad will happen.”

“He is always a little prickly around new people, but I assure you, he means no harm. Give him a moment and he will surely warm up.”

      Gordie looked across the street. He had taken a quick trip to motostoke after feeding and taking care of pokemon in the wild area. It’d been a while since he’d paid the town a quick visit. Walking down the street was Kabu leader of the fire type gym. Gordie had rushed over there. “Hey gramps. Long time no see.” 

He would know that voice from anywhere and with a smile, the older gentleman offered a wave of greeting to his fellow gym leader as he jogged over. It was always a pleasure to meet with his peers from the League. 

There was so much to uncover, he wondered if the contents would ever end. He hadn’t experienced receiving so many gifts at once, overwhelmed with the variety. They were all intricate in design, as if it was made specifically for him. The one that surprised him the most was the book. Was it coincidence that he bought it, or perhaps Kabu deduced his love for non-fiction novels. How thoughtful…

Nanu shrunk a little, his shoulders stiffened. To say he was happy would be an understatement to the feelings he currently faced. His face lit up slowly, the burst of red crescendoed the moment a familiar hand caressed his face. 

❝ You know… as much as it’s cheesy to say, but seeing you makes it that much more special. ❞

Arceus did I just say that.. 

The words of his partner sent his heart fluttering. To know that his presence ultimately made Nanu’s day that much better meant more to Kabu than anything else. Showing up like he did truly was a good call to make in the end, he speculated.  

“I am... so glad to hear that. I would want nothing more than to make your birthday special- or any day for that matter. I have missed you so much and I was bound and determined to see you!”

“I hope that the gifts are to your liking as well. I know they are pretty basic at first glance. I have been doing a lot of reading in my free time as of late and I stumbled across the series you see before you not long ago. It is a very good read!” 

❝ You are a celebrity, I’m surprised your fans would let you go on vacation like this. ❞ He’s hard pressed to think that there were some fans lurking around as we speak, but he was much more focused on the embrace to really think rationally. The warmness of body touching body, it made him realized how touch starved he was.

❝ … Not that I’m complaining. ❞ He mutters sheepishly under his breath. The barrage of questions, while a little overwhelming, breathed some fresh air in his monotonous life. A shy smile creeped in the corners of his mouth. ❝ Ace is chipper as usual, maybe she’ll be a little too chipper when she finds out you’re around now. Work’s… Work. Meowths have been alright too. ❞

❝ Coffee, huh? No, you’re the guest here. Coffee’s on me. I know just the place too. ❞

“Admittedly, people were disheartened when I said that I was going away for a brief time, but I think some also understand and accept it. We all need a break now and then, yes? While I do miss the gym and Galar itself, I am also thrilled to be here as well. Ha, I actually have to contain my excitement.” 

Seeing Nanu at the very least had him wired. Naturally, Kabu wanted nothing more than to express physical affections for as long as possible, although, he was mindful about it too. He didn’t wish to overload his partner.

The contents of the box were neatly tucked inside and included a couple of paperback books, a coffee mug, a bag of specialty coffee beans, and brand new kendama set. The book covers displayed a stern looking gentleman casting a shadow that took the form of a large feline. The coffee mug, while appearing dull and blank, actually would change color and showcase a running Alolan Persian when hot liquid filled it. 

“I have to admit, I was feeling a little anxious for a while,” the man stated with a soft laugh. “I worried that I would not be physically present on this day, but thankfully, things worked out otherwise!”

Still holding a smile, Kabu reached forward to lightly stroke Nanu’s cheek. “Happy Birthday!”