originshipping ft. nata

[rainbadge]

<sub>[ after this fantastic occurrence—

Wallace half expected Steven to shuffle along beside him so they can get going. Get going where, precisely? Wallace wasn't too specific with where they were heading, but Steven's hesitance caused him to pause and look over his shoulder. ]</sub>

What's the matter? Surely you don't plan on spending the rest of this fantastic evening by yourself, do you?

_{[ just what.. is he insinuating here.
what is he ever insinuating anytime anywhere? ]}

Comments

[geophile]

[ what the fuck? what the fuck.

steven is used to wallace's general fabulous shenanigans, and could take them in stride as well as most people - that usually entailed hand holding, general close proximity, and exchanges of knowing smiles. kissing had never been a part of the equation, and it's not one that steven had seriously considered until wallace just went ahead and did it.

it's not exactly something that friends do, and he had reciprocated... only to be pushed back. he isn't sure what to think any more, and it's frustrating. steven has always lives his life through calm, cool, calculated actions, but wallace is forcing his way in with uncertainty, and steven isn't even sure if he feels the same. it's all very chick flick-y and irritating, but he can't let it show that he's bothered. ]

...It's nothing. [ like hell it is. ] I didn't have any plans in particular, though.

[ is wallace inviting him out???? or just teasing him??? what is life???? help??? ]

[rainbadge]

Of course you didn't have plans.
Let's do it.
_{[ woah woah.. ]}

You know, spend the evening together. _{[ oh right ]} If nobody else is going to make plans with us, that leaves the night to us, doesn't it? But if you'd rather not, I can take you where ever you want to go, Steven. It's too cold for you to be wandering by yourself.

_{[ he resumes leading the way? Nothing seems to be stopping his ambition. ]}

[geophile]

[ shit. he flinches at wallace's first response, but sighs once he continues. everything is terrible, nothing is sacred.

but still, he manages a small smile as he joins wallace by his side. there's no use in him idling around and making it look like he's in a complete emotional turmoil. ]

You were always better at making plans than me. I'll follow your lead.

[ maybe he should just try and put what just happened out of his mind. wallace certainly seems to have, and dwelling on it now will only make things stupidly awkward. ]

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Hm, well. You're welcome to stay with me in Sootopolis for the rest of this evening and on into tomorrow. My schedule is open because of the holiday.

<sub>[ a slumber party. Nothing foreign; they've often stayed in eachother's respectful places plenty of times. Even shared a bed— all of that good ole best friend stuff.
It was a very uncommon and almost indescribable friendship they shared.

Anyway, Wallace reaches his car— a convertible— and unlocks the doors before getting in the driver's seat. He keeps the hood up since it is chilly outside.
Flying cars. They've been around for awhile, but cost a fortune. Why do that when you could simply ride on a flying Pokemon? Well, it was simple. To provide warmth when it was cold out.. and to just carry a bunch of pointless swag. That seemed to be Wallace's thing and Steven probably found it all to be ridiculous.

As far as the kiss thing goes, no, it's still lingering in Wallace's mind, but he isn't thinking too much into it. He's doing what he does, and that's just going with a flow. ]</sub>

god the pokespe manga is a beautiful hot mess

[geophile]

As is mine... that might be nice. It's been awhile since we've had a night to ourselves.

[ god, that sounded gay. steven realizes it right after the words leave his lips, but it's not like he can take it back now. self-awareness is a cruel mistress.

he takes his seat in the passenger side, as per usual. steven didn't own one of these - he had the money and means for it of course, but simply preferred flying through hoenn's skies with skarmory to get around. it was much more convenient for him, but he won't complain about being somewhere with heat. it won't be long until they reach sootopolis anyway. ]

welcome to my life

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<sub>[ Steven's words get Wallace to chuckle quietly, but he doesn't say anything on the matter. He starts the engine and off they go.
It's a little rickety at first, so hopefully Steven has his seat belt on. Wallace is quiet up until they've gone through the clouds and are soaring through the sky. His car is talking to him, giving him some direction, and his finger leaves the wheel to touch on the little GPS he has on his dash board.

Once things have settled, he stays on course, then looks over at Steven. ]</sub>

—It really has been almost forever, hasn't it?
Oh! You know what we could do?
_{[ ... ]}

We could definitely do something about your nails.
_{[ oh god. ]}

[geophile]

[ he's not visibly phased by the bumpy start-off. he's seen worse, and the fact that wallace hasn't gotten them into a crash yet gives him plenty of faith. ]

Mm. We lead busy lives, as easy as it is for us to forget it.

[ the most powerful gym leader in hoenn (and established coordinator), and the champion of the hoenn league (and amateur caver)... it was only natural that their schedules were packed.

but at his suggestion, he chuckles. ]

It wouldn't be worth it, I'm afraid. Could you afford to see your work ruined when I'm on my next expedition?

[ nails: great for show, not so great for spelunking. they were always chipped and grimy by the time he returned from whatever deep, dark cave he holed himself into. ]

02

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<sub>[ Next day, Wallace had sneaked out of the bed much earlier than Steven and had readily prepared breakfast. Wallace took the liberty to eat his, Steven's remained on a small TV tray next to the bed for whenever he woke up. Something like this, only they were little Goldeen instead, dusted with cinnamon and honey. An assortment on fruit on whipped cream framed the oval shape plate they were on. Next was Steven's coffee, which was the Sylveon one. Eggs and bacon were on the side on its own plate, and they formed a happy face.

This isn't uncommon for Wallace. It's expected of him.

As for him, he was looming over the other side of the pool, wearing black swimmers trunks that cut about mid-thigh. He was giving his Whiscash specific instructions, a little treat pinched between his fingers.
As much as he loved his Whiscash, it was a little slow when it came to making things beautiful like the rest of his Pokemon. He really had to work with this one. ]</sub>

Philipe, do you remember your directions? Surf first, then Aqua Tail. Remember when the tide is high; that's your key.

_{[ His Milotic was also out of his Pokeball, studying both of them with most of his body curled up close to himself. ]}

[geophile]

[ it wouldn't have been difficult to do so - as well put-together and sharp as he could be, steven stone is a not a morning person. but he wakes up at his own pace, fueled only by the light sounds of splashing.

once he stretches and rubs the sleep out of his eye, he spots wallace and his pokemon going about their training. he smiles, watching them silently as he attends to that adorable little breakfast waiting for him. never being at home meant that home-cooked meals were sparse, so he enjoys wallace's for all that they're worth.

once he's cleaned off his plate, he takes a poke ball from his belt to release metagross, who floats on over to greet milotic. it's been friends with the water-type for as long as their trainers have, so steven figures a chance to catch up is in order. he, on the other hand, approaches wallace with his coffee mug in hand. ]

You two look like you're working hard.

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_{[ The Milotic instantly perks up upon seeing his friend appear; Metagross took up a lot of space; it was convenient it could float like that. Wallace's attention is also put on Metagross. ]}

Jacques, go ahead.

<sub>[ And so, Jacques also floats, sort of circling Metagross and releasing small, melodious sounds. He looks Metagross in the eyes after circling for a moment, little nostrils flaring before he gives Metagross a nosebump right in the middle of its cross. Otherwise, Jacques lands where he is, curling his tail around himself and keeping his attention on his friend.

Wallace looks at Steven with a sigh of exasperation. ]</sub>

Hard is putting it lightly. Did we not disturb you already?

_{[ there's water all over the floor. Obviously they had been doing something.
Of course, Philipe's attention is set on Metagross now, and Wallace has to snap his fingers to get his attention again. ]}

Philipe! Focus!

[geophile]

[ dual steel/psychic typing is nicely convenient that way. it's also a lot quieter and less disturbing to levitate - steven doesn't want any broken floor tiles under his poor friend's weight. being made of metal is hard.

he watches the two friends go about their business with a smile, which sinks a bit when his attention goes back to wallace. it's as if last night hadn't happened at all... but if that's how he preferred it, steven wouldn't say a word. ]

You know me. I like my sleep. [ and a sip of his coffee. ] Sorry if I distracted you - I'll leave you to it.

[ and he'll saunter off back to his bedside to grab the dirty dishes. leaving them to be handled by the host isn't being a good guest, after all. ]

lmfao i just picture a nosebump and metagross being pushed back a little bit

[rainbadge]

<sub>[ Jacques is a chattering thing when the occasion called for it; but thankfully his voice is very pretty to listen to. Who knows what he was yammering on about to Metagross.

Wallace watches Philipe as he finally decides to dive under the water and swim briskly to the other side. His Oblivious ability came in handy with battling; it was a pity Wallace didn't fight much with him because otherwise it just sort of makes Philipe difficult to with.

He keeps his eyes on his Pokemon, but replies to Steven: ]</sub>

You sleep like the dead.

<sub>[ and then, his friend walks back to gather up his dishes. Wallace pulls his gaze to Steven, analyzing his movements. Philipe does the combination as he is told and Wallace misses it, but the splash of water from his display drenches Wallace. It startles him and he runs his hand down his face to get the water off— he sees irritated for a hot moment, then starts laughing lightly.

Most of his Pokemon would probably be chaffed that Wallace didn't see it, but not Philipe. He drifts to the edge of the pool and opens his mouth.

TREAT TIME. HE DON'T GIVE A FUCK. ]</sub>

gentle boops that just send it wobbling away

[geophile]

[ metagross is much quieter, but listens intently to its friend go on about what-the-fuck-ever. they worked well in tandem that way, with the steel-type honing in more on the thoughts behind the words.

at wallace's reply, he can't help but snicker. ]

I've been called worse.

[ his dad used to call him a slakoth, okay. but the comment is brushed off with ease as he heads to the kitchen, knowing the layout of wallace's home almost as well as his own. he takes his time with returning, but when he does, he takes the time to straighten out his clothes and smooth out any obvious creases before slipping his suit jacket back on.

the only thing left to do now was leave, wasn't it? ]

03

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<sub>[ Towards the end of January became a hectic time for Wallace. In between taking his position back at Sootopolis and getting things ready for his travel to Johto, it was hard for him to find time to communicate with Steven. Though, they managed, through texting and sometimes the long phone call. Nothing really changed for them as far as that goes other than lavishing each other with words of affection now and then.

Steven had given him a solid answer that he, in fact, was going to accompany Wallace in his judging for this contest. The best way to get to Johto from here was to book a private flight through the contest agency that was paying for it, in Wallace's opinion. Some people might have taken other methods, but he preferred one straight, quick travel to where he needed to go. It was less hectic that way. He requested two tickets.

He had probably too much luggage for his own singular person the carry; a lot of cargo for the event was being sent there through other means.

But in any case, they're both boarding now, and he glances over his shoulder. ]</sub>

I'm sure you get exhausted with traveling too.
_{[ he knows he does.
He was wearing something like this, though his eyes were covered with sunglasses. It was bright out today! ]}

[geophile]

[ and of course, steven's schedule has been hectic as well. although there aren't many trainers who get to the champion room to battle him, he still has duties outside of battling to uphold, including his position as heir to the devon corporation. that meant being active with helping his father, press conferences and media interviews, setting up meetings, and travelling around the region.

but thankfully, mr. stone is pretty understanding when steven asks him for vacation time, and the league has a hard time saying no to the champion. it's how he managed to secure some time off to accompany wallace to johto - he'll be able to get some work done there with silph co. representatives, while also staying by his lover's side.

he had almost offered wallace the company private jet that he takes to avoid any pomp and circumstance, but remembered that they were still technically under wraps. taking someone on his plane would suggest something, and besides - accepting an offer from the contest agency could end up being good PR.

as opposed to wallace, steven is travelling light - just a simple suitcase and small carry-on for his pokénav plus, cell phone, and other little personal items. ]

Sometimes, but it's better than sitting around. People still like to portray me as the "spoiled heir" type, and I like to prove them wrong.

[ fuck gossip magazines and tv shows tbh, he's on the pokéforbes top 30 under 30. he's wearing something a little more relaxed, but they do certainly look like a fashionable couple.

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<sub>[ The inside of the jet was something to brag about. Maybe not to Steven— Wallace was certain his jet was nicer, but when they offered to pay for their ride as usual, Wallace never turned them down.

Their bags are taken as they walk up the staircase to the jet and Wallace instantly makes himself comfortable. Again, he's letting his hair down in front of Steven and going right ahead to lounge, lying back on the sofa against the arm rest and folding his arms behind his head. He felt like he could really do this either by himself or with Steven; in front of others he seemed to carry himself differently and more modestly. He keeps his sunglasses on and drops his head back. ]</sub>

Phew. I'm already tired. I suppose it's just from thinking about everything that's going to happen this weekend.

[geophile]

[ he trails behind wallace as he watches him make himself comfortable, taking in the decor of the lounge. it's not as elegantly furnished as the company jet, but it's definitely nice. consider him impressed.

he walks behind the couch to get behind wallace, leaning over him to smile at him and drop a gentle, upside-down kiss on his forehead. gaaaaaay. ]

We'll have fun, I promise. Try not to stress yourself out too much.

[rainbadge]

Oh, I know we will! This isn't the first time we've traveled together, but..
I'm really happy you decided to come along. Haha, I never know what to think when it comes to you and contests and so it surprised me when you said you wanted to go.

_{[ a little ding sound. ]}

You should probably at least take a seat.

https://40.media.tumblr.com/5aaa9ffd59adbc1fad139fbc1127814b/tumblr_nix8j0oRCU1te7oldo1_540.jpg

[geophile]

[ he lets out a small chuckle, pressing another kiss to wallace's hair before he goes to take the seat next to him. ]

I certainly don't have what it takes to participate in one, but I do quite enjoy watching them. It always warms my heart to see Pokémon and Trainers working together, whether on the battlefield or the stage.

Besides, this is a prime opportunity for us to spend some time together. I'm always happy to accompany you.

04

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<sub>[ Wallace slept the entire time. There wasn't any reason for him to be disturbed by anything with such a short and easy flight. Not to mention, he was exhausted and being so close to Steven was comforting.

The small ding that the jet gave stirred his sleep an he awoke. It was the afternoon, gradually heading towards evening. The competition itself was beginning tomorrow, officially, and he and his guest were required to be there a day ahead. This is when all those who were competing also arrived and checked into their hotels.

Their hotel is nice and is attached to a convention center. There are little games and slots around every corner, but it wasn't as impressive as the game corner and some of the other casinos here.

After they check in and get their luggage, Wallace is allowing a bellboy get all of his things as he walks hands free towards their elevator. ]</sub>

I'm hungry! What do you think, Steven? We just have to let them know we are here and I have to be in a discussion with the rest of the judges later this evening, but it's dinner time.

[geophile]

[ steven had little to no problem with wallace falling asleep in his lap - he had even dozed off himself for a little bit. the flight was short enough for a power nap, and arceus knows that they both need it.

he's familiar with the hotel - being the biggest city in johto, steven came to goldenrod semi-frequently. he lets the bellhop take his things as well, but not before giving him a nice tip for his troubles. ]

Plane rides do tend to work up my appetite, so I'm inclined to agree. [ he stretches his arms a bit, letting out a hum. ] What are you in the mood for? My treat.

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<sub>[ Wallace gives the bellboy a nice tip too; the guy's day is probably made and he's probably jumping and clicking his heels together on his way out. The door shuts and Wallace takes this time to let his hair down a little by taking off his sunglasses and removing his hat.

His hair shakes out as he hums in contemplation. ]</sub>

—The most expsenive thing we can find!

_{[ wallace....
He's either serious or joking. It's very hard to tell with him sometimes. ]}

[geophile]

[ siiiiiiiigh. he should have seen that one coming, but it's not like money is a problem for either of them. it's not the first time they've splurged on eating out, after all. ]

You're going to run me dry one of these days... but I know just the place.

[ he knows the area enough to pick something expensive and to wallace's tastes. what a good boyfriend. ]

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<sub>[ Wallace shuffles about the hotel room, opening his luggage and humming lightly as he sets things up— such as putting all sorts of toiletries into the bathroom and pulling out some of his outrageous clothing that needs to be put on a hanger and put up in the closet.

From the bathroom, he calls back to Steven: ]</sub>

Haha! Oh? Do you?

_{[ he pokes his head out from the bathroom and looks around the corner at Steven. ]}

Should I also know what this place is too?

[geophile]

[ steven does the same, making sure that his suits are nice and crease-free before hanging them up in their closet. he might have packed lighter, but that doesn't mean that he'll tolerate untidiness. ]

That depends if you want to be surprised or not. Do you trust me?

[ don't push your luck, stevie. ]