Keavy: I heard the F.B.I. took Rath into custody last night, is that true?

Erik: Might be. Think you can sleep easy now?

Keavy: Not if he only "might be" under arrest. Keavy: Was he arrested or not?

Erik: We have a suspect in custody. Erik: that's all i can say Erik: Rules and whatnot

Keavy: The secret is out. Keavy: I heard from a gym leader who found out from tourists in the area... There's no notification?

Erik: Why does it matter so much to you?

Keavy: I've met a lot of stupid Irishmen in my day, Erik O'Malley, and you are not one of them. You know very well why. Keavy: This is the very first time someone has made an attempt on my life, so I'm invested. And Rath is was my best friend. I'd like to know why this happened.

Erik: I'll take that as a compliment Erik: So thank you Erik: Cant spill investigation secrets though Erik: But I'll see what i can do Erik: Is that all you want to know?

Keavy: I'd like to talk to the suspect for myself. For my own peace of mind. Keavy: I know it's a big ask, but I helped you with your investigation, and I'd like to find out what's going on for myself. Especially because you can't share information. Keavy: If he's going to talk to anyone, it's me. Maybe I can still help.

Erik: My boss will say no Erik: But I might not have to ask him Erik: We'll see

Keavy: I'd ask for more information, but I'm not sure I want to know... Keavy: For the record, I already knew who did this. If not for my help, you wouldn't have Rath in custody and I'd still be able to ask my questions... Keavy: When I got around to it. Keavy: So if there's anything that you can do I'd really appreciate it, Erik.

Erik: Asking nicely ruins the fun Erik: I'll hit you back in a couple of days Erik: No promises.

Rath didn’t notice who his target was until it was too late. Until his blade had already slid across the pale skin at her throat, stealing away any breath she had left. He didn’t notice it was Keavy until she was laying at his feet. Dead. 

His world shattered in front of him. He’d killed his best friend, the woman he loved, the only person who had been able to get past every wall he’d ever put up. He’d ended her life with his own hands.

It had been over two decades since he’d last cried, but that didn’t stop the tears from welling up, blurring his vision as he sank to his knees in front of her body. One, shaky hand reached out to touch her hair. What had he done? How could he have…

It was Christmas Eve and Rath found himself standing in front of a little suburban house outside of Seattle, Keavy by his side with her hand clutched tight in his. The snow was falling gently around them, the streets quiet aside from the occasional passing car. Most people were home for the night, spending time with their loved ones

Somehow she’d convinced him to reach out to his…was he even allowed to call them his family? Legally they were, but he wasn’t sure they’d even want him around. He’d understand completely if they didn’t. After all, what sort of family just up and leaves after being treated and…and loved so well?

He was still surprised Keavy wanted him with her, after all that had happened. Surprised, but thankful.

“Thank you. For coming with me, I mean.”

“You’re my best friend. Of course I’m with you.”

And she was his, first and foremost. And more, he though, his thumb brushing over the ring on her hand as he started to let go. It was wedding planning that had sparked this whole idea, and he couldn’t deny that she made good arguments. His therapist agreed with her. The least he could do was try.

So here they were. Trying on a day he was certain everyone would be there. The Dar’jeeds weren’t Christian, they didn’t celebrate any holidays in December at all, but even when Rath was a child, they had always used the holiday break to be together. And it was so warm and so loving that Rath had always felt guilty just being there.

It was probable too late to return to them. He should have done it over a decade ago, before he ever joined Elysion. Maybe things would be different then. No. That was a dangerous thought path to tread. One deep breath, then another. There was no use dwelling on what ifs when he already had the best part of his life at his side.

He raised Keavy’s hand to his lips, offering her a small, shaky smile, before he dropped it, walking those few short steps to the door.

He paused.

He rang the doorbell.

The door opened.

The man and Rath stared at each other, seeing familiarity but unable to place it. And then recognition.

“Ryan.”

“Rath.”

And Ryan decked him.

One punch, straight to the jaw, sent Rath sprawling to the ground. He sat up slowly, rubbing at the sore spot. Yeah. He deserved that, if not more. But Ryan wasn’t done.

“You left! You didn’t even say goodbye, you just left us there! Like we meant nothing to you!” There was anger in his voice, thirteen years of hurt and disappointment that he didn’t bother to try to hide. And then he paused, drew himself up, and took a deep breath before continuing. “I don’t think I can forgive you for that.”

Rath looked down, shame coursing through him. He knew, deep down, that this was a bad idea. “I understand.”

He expected the door to be slammed in his face then. He didn’t expect for Ryan to reach down and pull him up into a tight bear hug. He didn’t even hug him back at first, too surprised at what was happening, but slowly, tentatively, his arms moved to hug his brother -was he allowed to call him that now?- back. Forgiveness. Acceptance. Until a year ago, Rath had no idea what those really felt like, but now he could name them just as easily as he could feel them. He held tight to the man in front of him, tears starting to well up in his eyes as he felt Ryan shake.

Only to then be sent toppling to the snow in front of Keavy as Rajan threw himself onto the brotherly hug, knocking all of them over in a laughing and crying mess. It was more reminiscent of twelve year old boys than thirty year old men, but it was the childhood bond that Rath had always denied himself. Ryan and Rajan had never stopped thinking of him as their brother, this was just the first time Rath had accepted it.

There was more crying when the Dar’jeed parents finally made it to the door, hugs and kisses abounding, even to Keavy. They welcomed both into the home, taking Keavy into the kitchen with the other significant others while the boys went upstairs to change. By the time Rath returned with his brothers, Ryan’s fiancee and Rajan’s boyfriend were huddled around Keavy, looking at all the awkward preteen photos of the three boys that the parents had. The Dar’jeeds cried more happy tears when Rath told them he was engaged, even more when he said he wanted them at the wedding. There was dinner, there was laughter, there was love.

Keavy looked out at the vast wilderness surrounding them. Mountains rose from the earth around them like jagged teeth, white and mysterious. Despite the hardships that she and Rath had endured here, despite the challenges that the Isle of Skye had dealt them, she’d fallen in love with this land. And the winter’s snow only made it more beautiful.

She’d perched at the edge of a rocky cliff top and stared down into the Fairy Pools below, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She loved that this place seemed almost otherworldly, as though it belonged in her imagination, never to be explored. But then… that was the life she led.

Keavy smiled as Rath sat beside her, and reached for his hand. Her fingers wove through his just as easily as if they belonged there. He, too, was more than she’d ever dreamt of. She sighed softly and leaned her head upon his shoulder, letting her eyes drift closed for a moment. His lips pressed gently against the crown of her head, and she squeezed his hand gently, her heart leaping with joy.

With love.

At first, this trip had been meant to rebuild. Keavy had faced an immensely talented challenger, a woman who specialized in dragons just as she did, and Keavy had lost. The woman’s Rayquaza was a sight to behold, taking on Kearney with a ferocity that had been awe-inspiring and heartbreaking. If she was to be as good as her opponent, she wished to have a legendary of her own. This new ambition had driven her from Maui, from her home, in the hopes that she would become stronger.

She had planned to go alone. This would be her own adventure, proof that she could capture a legendary pokémon all on her own. Just before she’d left, however, she’d met up with Rath. He was free now, no longer shackled by Elysion and its vicious ruler, but he seemed lost. There was a sadness in him that she’d never recognized before, and at the last minute she’d decided to invite him along. Kearney wasn’t pleased, but she held firm in her decision.

Once and for all, she’d decided, she wanted to see who he really was. 

But she’d known him all along though. Despite the things that Rath had done in his past, despite the crimes he’d committed to survive, he was who she’d always suspected that he was. Kind, protective, and a little broken, but she wanted all of him. Most importantly? He was there for her. Rath was by her side when she needed him when things got hard or when she felt like turning back, and she loved him for it.

She laughed softly at herself and sat up, lifting her head off of his shoulder. “Rath, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” she told him with a gentle kiss beneath his ear. A shudder.

“Yes?”

“I’m in love with you.” She whispered, “I think… I have been for a while now.” There was no fear of rejection in her voice, she knew that he felt the same way, he’d said as much in that letters long ago. And, more importantly, he’d shown her everyday since. “We’ve been through so much together and… you are the very best thing that has ever happened to me.” And it was true. Despite her position and the pokémon that she loved, she found that she couldn’t stand the thought of losing Rath again. “Stay with me?”

Standing there, in front of all their friends and loved ones, Rath normally would have been a little self conscious. He never did well at being the center of attention, but with Keavy there in front of him, holding his hands, he found he could drown them out and focus only on her. 

Gods, she was beautiful. She always was, of course, but knowing that she was willing - no, wanted - to be here with him? It was…well, everything. He couldn’t imagine being here with anyone else, especially not after everything they’d been through. But they were stronger for it. There were no more secrets between them, no dark pasts threatening the safety of either of them. Right now it was just about her and him.

He hadn’t written his vows ahead of time. He’d tried, but everything he wrote down seemed so…not right. Fake, like a hallmark card. But the words that spilled from his lips as he looked into her green eyes were entirely heartfelt.

“Keavy, I honestly never thought I’d be here today.” That alone had more meanings to it than he could count. She’d understand, he was sure. “Until I met you, life was…life.” Life was bleak. Life was pain. There were no bright spots. “And then…then there was you. And your smile alone makes getting up every day worth it.”

He paused there, offering her a small smile while he tried to get his emotions in order. When was the last time he’d actually cried? It had to have been decades ago, and yet he could feel the start of them as he realized just what this meant, for him and for them.

“I…I love you, Keavy. You are the best thing that ever happened to me and I cannot imagine a life without you there. It doesn’t matter how many universes there are. There will always be a version of me standing by your side.”

He took a deep breath, willing himself to hold back, to not kiss her right then and there.

“I’ve lived a lot of places, Keavy, but you’re the only place I come back to. You’re the only home I need. If I can bring you a fraction of the happiness you’ve brought me…thank you. For everything. I…” He closed his eyes. Steady. Steady. “If the choice comes down to my life or yours, I’m always going to choose yours. I will do my best to make you happy, Keavy. I swear it.”

Could she feel him trembling slightly through their joined hands? He at least hoped no one in the audience could tell. He didn’t usually handle his emotions, so letting them out in a speech from the heart was almost painful. But for her, it was worth it. And he meant every word they said.

Loneliness.

It had been so long since Rath had truly experienced it. For so many years, he’d been on his own, at at least stuck in the gym alone. Even before meeting Tristan, before Elysion, the gang he knew before, those people never eased that empty feeling deep inside.

But then there was Avery. And then there was Keavy. And things were…different. A good different, but still something he wasn’t used to, bringing feelings he hadn’t felt in years. Even when they were apart, when he was in San Francisco and Keavy in Hawaii and Avery…wherever Avery was, he could contact them at a moment’s notice. Phones really were a wonderful invention.

But the FBI had his phone. And, although Agent Ogawa had been a wonderful host, he couldn’t help but feel incredibly lonely for the first time in forever, surrounded by strangers and with no way to contact those he held most dear.

Keavy watched the gentle rise and fall of Avery’s chest. She was half amused at the way that he’d sprawled out on her couch, as though he was trying to take up every last inch of it. After just a moment though, her thoughts wandered as they always did lately. She was suspicious of every yawn, of every dark corner, of every lonely moment… Fear had become her constant companion. This was not at all how the dragon master of the Elite Four was supposed to behave, but she tried her best to be patient with herself.

She would heal in time. She had before.

Keavy sipped tea from the mug in her hands and tried to swallow the guilt that she felt as she studied her friend. Was she protecting him or was she making sure that he wouldn’t turn on her? She couldn’t be sure. What’s worse was that she found herself wishing for a different redhead to be asleep on her sofa. She missed Rath. Not Pluto, or whoever else he was, but the man that had been her best friend since she’d taken up her role in the Pokémon League. Keavy sighed softly, closing her eyes as if trying to push the thought from her mind. Her feelings for him weren’t valid anymore. She couldn’t feel these things for a man that had tried to kill her, whether or not he’d meant to.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket. Damacia. It was later in the day in Pittsburgh, and she smiled faintly at her friend’s message. “Hey, do you have a minute? I know it’s early, but I wanted to talk to you.”

“Of course.” Keavy stood, leaving the mug behind on the table, and took one final glance at Avery before stepping into the morning sun. It only took a few seconds for the phone to ring, and Keavy tried her damnedest to sound cheerful. “Awful early, D. It couldn’t wait?” She teased.

“I…” Damacia hesitated, apparently caught a bit off guard by Keavy’s upbeat response. “I didn’t think that you would be sleeping anyway. Are you alright?” At once, Keavy felt as though her mask of “contentedness” had been torn away. Had it gotten out somehow? Had Erik told the other gym leaders what she’d been through or…? She swallowed hard, trying to control her panic.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Keavy asked with a laugh, but it sounded off this time. She felt impossibly exposed.

“It’s just… Didn’t you hear about Rath? I figured you’d be the first to know.” Keavy’s heart sunk. What could that possibly mean? She knew that there were probably people after him, that the FBI knew damn well what he’d been up to, and maybe the organization that he worked for… “He’s closed his gym, some tourists in San Francisco saw him arrive on the pier with FBI officers or police. Something like that? I wondered if you knew what was going on.” Keavy recognized Damacia’s confusion and surprise, but she certainly couldn’t offer her any explanation. “I know I’m only your second favorite steel gym leader.” She teased gently.

Keavy couldn’t be bothered to chuckle or to force a smile. She was reeling. She had warned Rath about the FBI, that they might be coming for him, but he’d remained in Alcatraz? She knew that this must be an arrest, but why hadn’t the tourists seen handcuffs? That would have been printed on every newspaper across the U.S… “I’m not sure,” Keavy replied, “I have to go.” And just like that she’d hung up.

The sunset was brilliant this evening, and Keavy was an eager spectator. She hadn’t lived in Maui long enough to become accustomed to the scarlet and pink that the sun left in its wake, nor would she ever grow tired of the way that it lit the sea. Maeve floated happily, chasing the tropical fish and disappearing beneath the turbulent surface of the ocean time and time again. And little Oisin snuggled contentedly under her arm.

Keavy could scarcely imagine anything happier than this moment, simply enjoying the fruits of their long years of training, with the very team who’d brought her here. There had been hundreds of hard fought battles, of failures, and victories, but these peaceful moments in between were her favorites. Sitting here, with her toes in the sand, she could reflect on all they’d accomplished.

It was then that she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket, and she withdrew it to find Rath’s name on the screen. Just like that she found herself smiling. “We’ve just finished the contests. It would have been much more enjoyable if you were here.” The text read. It was simple, but she knew the voice behind those words and the way that he would say it and it felt like something in her chest was fluttering.

Where had these butterflies come from?

A soft laugh escaped her as she realized that’s what the feeling was. She was still fairly new to the American Pokémon League, and Rath had been a kind host. He was a formidable opponent, an excellent mentor, and given time he’d even transformed into a friend. There was something unspeakably kind behind his eyes, maybe a little bit sad too, but it allowed her to relate to him. They hadn’t come this far without experiencing loss, even though they never spoke of it.

Perhaps this was a crush. She’d begun to suspect that her feelings for Rath had shifted when he’d last visited her in Maui. The flowers that he’d brought, the way that he’d picked her up, the way that their hands fit together… It felt right, and most importantly she found that her cheeks hurt from smiling when they were together. And honestly? Maui had felt a little lonelier once he’d gone. She missed Rath’s easy manners and the way that he’d looked at her. The fact that he was impossibly handsome didn’t hurt either. 

Keavy paused for a moment and lifted her phone, snapping a picture of the sunset, the sea, and Maeve, and sent it to Rath with a short message.“Aloha! Wish you were here. I’ll try to visit San Francisco soon, when there are no League duties to distract us.” She hesitated for a brief moment, scanning the dorky opening greeting, before pressing send. There was no need to overanalyze, to second guess herself, she trusted him not to judge. Maybe he’d even laugh a little when he received it.