#luano lapras

"I'm Xavier. I came here with my little sister myself," she nodded to Kirina, who had taken up curling up in the bushes with their supplies and was currently glued to her Rotom Phone, trying not to appear uncomfortable while appearing uncomfortable.

"What brings you here? Enjoying the company, or are you the designated chaperone?" Xavier's eyes twinkled, the teasing obvious.

Luano took a single look at her feathers and her mischievous smile. He took a step away from her. “Keeping him in line is a far stretch,” Luano said dryly. “If he wanted to shake me, he could have but he respects me far too much to ruin this day for the both of us.” And his mothers wouldn't be too happy. 

He assumed it was pride. It could have been Caspian actually trying to impress him. Luano wasn't sure but Caspian stuck to him like glue sometimes. He frowned slightly, “He is an only kid… I guess I can see why.” 

Luano had a sister and brother. Older but still close enough siblings he could rely on in times of need. He sighed. His sister would rib him now about his current predicament, maybe even be proud of him. His brother would calmly suggest a way out of it. 

They were both people he went to for advice while Caspian had no one. Parents were different–they were hardly the same. The pressure was less-no bad feeling of guilt if you ever let them down. 

Siblings were better. They would tell you how it is with no filter, set your head straight, support you along the way. 

"I don't need some damn babysitter-"

"You wouldn't want me to tell your mothers you snuck out on your own."

The Lugia grimaced, ducking his head. "You wouldn't snitch."

"You don't know me too well." The Lapras said calmly, ignoring the sudden hot glare on his shell. "I like keeping my promises. And try not to get into too much trouble while we're here."

The Lugia grinned. "Me? Trouble? Luano, you know me. I ain't never been in the center of no trouble."

"It's your middle name, Caspian," Luano said dryly. As he entered upon the shore line, his shape began to change, a human ruse.

"Still dressed for the bar?"

"I more or less fit in. Maybe I'll make a friend or two. Try not to break any hearts out there. I'll never hear the end of it should it reach your mothers."

"No promises~"

[ It's beach time~ Caspian and Luano has joined in on the festivities! ]

Caspian

Luano

The more Kasimir spoke, the more Luano realized how out of depth he truly was. He had to give the man credit, Kasimir was more composed than he thought. He expected a complete and utter nerd out. He knew he wasn't going to slip out of this. Mentally he groaned at the prospect of further explaining what had happened. 

His lips twitched, his smile faltering slightly. “You're telling me.” His thoughts back to the horrified expressions of his parents grabbing him by the nape of his neck. He winced, remembering the sharp nip. He sank like a rock that day, flailing about like a Magikarp out of water. 

He chuckled at the mental image, gesturing with a wave of his hand. “It was… a lot.” 

It was enough to spook the hell out of his parents watching over. What once a friendly visit turned into an entire affair. By the Tides, it nearly scared the shells out of them. “I guess I started longing for it…”

That's how it always started. A simple desire. The humans were fun and friendly. The sense of togetherness he observed was warming and inviting. Being that he was, it wasn't exactly the same. How could a Lapras dance with flippers? How could one hug their loved ones close? A Lapras language was unique on its own, he still appreciated it but he started to want more.

The humans were different. It was an experience he wanted to try. 

“You say it's impossible but how else do you find out you could do what you're doing now?” Luano said, arching a brow. “By trying, right? To say we can't is a bit out there to me.” He hadn't a clue how strong Kasimir was and he didn't want to know. It went without saying to him, the dark sclera was a dead give away. 

A reminder of something otherworldly. He knew poking his nose in someone's business was wrong. Let them spell it on their own if they wanted to, not dig a hole deeper than he could climb out of. 

He folded his arms. “I have been hanging around too many of your people. No offense. Legendaries,” he admitted. It was no use tap-dancing around the subject. He knew what Kasimir was but not which one. He was a nice one at least and that made him ok in Luano's book. “Maybe one of them blessed me without telling me. My region is full of them,” he groaned. 

Ever since Caspian and his family arrived, it has certainly been lively… 

“It took years to even learn how to walk. Speaking was fine and all but new limbs?” He sounded fatigued. “Everything came out as a garbled mess and my legs were like noodles.” His shoulders shook. “I didn't remotely feel human but I was. But I don't have the ability Hydration like my mom does. It skipped me so I have to take a small soak twice a day to stay moisturized," he grinned. “Nothing life threatening but dry skin is a killer.”

He paused as Kasimir presented the book. It was incredibly fancy. Likely worth two or more paychecks at work. He whistled, “Are you sure you wanted to bring that out here? The sand and water could ruin it in a heartbeat.” It was the type he could easily see on display, cased, never to be touched. Then he remembered who he was talking to.

A legend. It put his worrying thoughts at ease. But something else Kasimir said stood out. “You write? Huh, I don't meet too many writers. Share with me one of your favorites. I'm interested! ” He scratched the side of his face. “Fantasy though. Yeah I can be in that. I am a walking miracle to some,” he laughed. 

His voice lowered into a whisper. “Can you keep a secret? I'm a man and all and I'm not supposed to be into this but I like romance and poetry if you get me…” His cheeks grew hot. “I-I just want to impress someone, that's it. I don't know if you heard about A Last Petal and Lapras’ Song-”

"Little dressed up for a beach trip, huh?"

This wasn't said in a mean fashion, Aaliyah merely curious about Luano the moment she spotted him. For all she could tell, they had a similar air between the two of them-laid back but watchful all the same, no-nonsense but not exactly strict. A little bit of a rarity from what she's encountered.

"Judging by the shell decorations, I imagine you're around the water a lot?"

His gray eyes carefully measured her. 

His expression was calm, smooth even, sensing a similar kinship to her. “Unfortunately for me, I was told to tag along after work,” he said, clasping his hands behind his back. “I couldn't exactly say no,” he laughed sheepishly. 

A bead of sweat formed at the base of his neck. One was intimidating enough. Two is asking for trouble and not to mention… He only knew one parent scarier than those two and he hadn't seen him in years. And I hope not to. His expression slipped to dread for the briefest of moments before he collected himself with a smile. 

“You know how it is. Sometimes you don't have a say. Someone has to look out for the knucklehead.” He hiked his thumb, gesturing towards Caspian undoubtedly flexing his arms. “But I know I'll be paid back for this.” If he knew any better, he expected a variety of items for the hassle today. He wouldn't accept it, of course. Whether they would accept that was another issue to face when he finished here. 

Then he laughed. “I work in a bar with nothing but seashells and coral decorating the place, gal. It's hard to dodge when you live in Alola, it's practically everywhere.” There was a twinkle in his eyes, a hint of affection in his voice. “I'll say this beach is nice but it got nothing on Alola honestly. But it's something… different. Maybe I'll take a shell or two for the boss. She'll place it somewhere nice and show it off. 

The boys relax!

Luano followed her gaze. He couldn't peg this one. He blinked as he saw stray sparks of electricity fire off the yellow-head's frame. “That's bad news.” He shuddered, feeling the hairs on his arms standing up. Rubbing them down, he muttered, “He better keep away from the water then. Wouldn't want someone to get fried into next week.” 

“I guess we both have our hands full here,” he laughed. “Caspian is what you expect from a spoiled brat. He's entitled. He thinks the world owes him everything. That type of thing. He's still immature and growing so I can't fault him but the folks in Alola don't take kindly to all of the noise. It's been peaceful since the Foundation got straightened out by the Rangers and the police force. I'm trying to set him straight before he gets himself into too much trouble.”

Then he said quietly, “I almost want to blame his parents.” Caspian's parents had to be not sure what to do with their son. Maybe that was why they were so grateful towards him. They may have been inept but at least they tried. 

“He looks so happy with you, Luano,” one of the mothers had said to him. “I am overfilled with joy that he has someone like you looking out for him.” 

Luano sighed. It was hard to say no to that. “He wants attention. For what I don't know but I know it has to suck to grow up with no one around your age. From what I get, Lugias are pretty sociable. They need others to hang around with for that learning."

But at the mention of a treat, he shrugged. “I guess I can. I think a Wishwashi sickle sounds good right now.” He nearly salivated. Nothing was good like nibbling on a frozen fish right about now.

Luano paused, took in the pale woman with a measured look, eyes noticing the hint of light orange trailing in her skirt. A fire type? It was like flames, a soft hue that dimmed and brightened occasionally. But he thought it was strange she held a parasol to block the sunlight. Maybe she burned easily. Even stranger for her typing but he kept his thoughts to himself. 

“Temperature isn't a huge issue with me,” he muttered. “It's making sure I get a soak every now and then. It's a Lapras thing rather than a water type thing. I would explain it but it'll take a lot and it might bore you. Before you ask, I'm fine. I can survive the day, lady- Reshi I mean.”

“Sorry. It's Luano by the way.” He took her extended hand, giving a light squeeze. “Enjoy the fun time? Me?” He held up his hands. “Nah. I came to keep a certain dummy of mine in check. If you see a Lugia prancing around like he's the hottest shit, well, unfortunately he's my idiot.” 

His idiot managed to find a treat to keep himself still. Caspian was lying in the sand, left leg crossed over his right in the perfect image of ease. 

Luano sighed. “And I really wanted to enjoy myself but I made a promise to look after him. Trust me when I say you wouldn't want him to run around unchecked.” His brows ceased, his lips thinned, “Though he shouldn't if he wants to remain on my good side.” 

Kas: Hello, sorry to be a bother but I couldn't help but notice you. A Lapras with a human disguise? That is incredibly fascinating to me. I must admit, I wasn't aware that mortals could take on such a form. How have you been able to do this, if you don't mind me asking? Is it your connection with that Lugia that has been able to make this possible?

For a brief moment, Luano scrutinized Kasimir. Mortals? He couldn't tell what Kasimir was but it wasn't exactly… normal. His lips twitched slightly. Was it the tone? He was more polite than most. He eyed the book beneath Kasimir's arm. A bookworm then. 

Ignore it. Put on a smile like you always do. Be polite. 

Luano smiled, extending his hand. “Name's Luano. Sorry but that idiot hasn't done anything to me,” he said cheerfully. His eyes darted towards the Lugia lounging in the sun. “Caspian only just recently managed to make his first storm.” 

Caspian boasted non-stop after casting the little thunderstorm he managed to shower the bar with. ‘Course the boss wasn't too pleased with it–beat him senseless with a broom until he made the rain stop. 

“How I can't really explain,” Luano said with a shrug. “I caught myself staring at humans enjoying the land and suddenly I had two feet and skin,” he chuckled. He may have been laughing about it now but that day was eventful. “Since then I've been able to do this whenever I want. ‘Course I can't stay on land for too long but it's not too bad. Only a soak every now and then. I'm kinda used to Alola's climate now. 

“I'm assuming you never really met my type before. You'll be surprised. There's more like me where I live but not everyone can do it. I'm guessing I musta hung out with too many of your type,” he drawled as he leered. He never lost his smile as he spoke, his voice not once dropping, full of confidence. “I think I know who rubbed off on me. I haven't seen him in years but it would explain a lot.” 

Now he was curious, eyeing the book Kasimir held onto. “Care to share what you're reading? I like a book or two every now and then.”