video;

[shiro2hero]

-- okay. We're ready. Step back.

[That's Shiro's voice, from a black screen. A purplish-black screen. Which abruptly turns to a real video recording as Haunter the Gengar hops backward. Back to a pile of Pokemon -- namely, all of Shiro's main roster. Plus Luna the Meowth. And a new Aron, perched up on Kuro's big Aggron head.]

[Shiro himself is in the middle of this group, all of them settled on the sand in front of the Sevii Island house like it's a football team photo. He's wearing a plastic hard-hat, of all things. Like the kind little kids wear in costumes.]

[He's also beaming.]

So... we're a few days early. More than a few. But I couldn't hold it in anymore. None of us could. One way or another, the secret was going to come out.

Here it is.

In a few days, I'll have been here two years. There's... been a lot of things to get used to. A lot of hurdles and setbacks, but -- we're still here. And I'm pretty sure this place behind us has a lot to do with that.

That's why... you're looking at a guy who just bought a house.

[And that's when the Pokemon, on what looks like Haunter's signal, gesture to the house behind them. Even Shiro busts out a little ta-daaaa motion.]

Got it all worked out. No matter what happens, no matter who comes or goes, as long as someone lives in this house, they won't have to worry about a place to stay. And, no matter how many familiar faces show up, we can always add more space. Without worrying about if we have room for someone important to us.

[There's a pause, as the new Aron -- it's Hunk's KJ -- to roll into his new trainer's lap. And roll over for some chin scratches.]

It's meant a lot to me. It's done a lot for me. This house, and everyone in it.

And now, this place will be here, for anyone and everyone, in this weird team of ours. Consider it a thank you.

For all of you -- who know who you are.

Comments

» video

[spacebaloney]

IS THAT WHY YOU WOULDN'T TAKE MY RENT MONEY?

[Ah, Lance. Dependable and loud Lance. Never change.]

» video

[shiro2hero]

[There's a split second of shock before... well.]

[Before Shiro just straight up bursts out laughing.]

It's back in your room now, buddy. But, yeah. You caught me.

» video

[spacebaloney]

Dude, you could have used it for toilet paper! I even said so in the note!

[Contrary to Lance's volume, he's actually touched. He knew Shiro looked rested and just generally better than he did back home, but to buy the house they've all been shacking up in not just for himself and Matt, but for all of the teen strays? Lance hasn't figured out the words for his gratefulness. He might not have found where he fits in with life, but he at least has a home.]

How much is the mortgage?

[Lance, you just don't ask people how much their mortgage is just because you want to help make the payments. That's rude.]

Video;

[schachmeister]

[Shiro, what-- That's. Wow.

For a few moments, Armin is just staring at the screen stunned. At Shiro's message, at the implications, at how calm and relaxed Shiro looks. Not that he doesn't seem him plenty, but somehow, this video really underlines it.]

Shiro, that-- you should've said something! I could've helped out!

Video;

[shiro2hero]

No, you couldn't have.

I wanted to do this -- for all of you.

[More grinning. He looks... so damn pleased with himself right now. This was absolutely the right thing to do.]

Video;

[schachmeister]

But it must have cost a fortune. And you already do so much for us.

[Who is it that they turn to when they need an understanding, listening ear?]

» video

[lordofthefries]

Yay! Congratulations!

[Shiro can probably hear Sasha cheering from inside the house. The child's voice carries like hell.]

You should buy yourself a cake!

[Because isn't cake for all occasions?]

» video

[shiro2hero]

[He sure can but that’s okay. It’s sort of what he was going for here.]

Maybe after the next gym battle.

[You know when his wallet recovers.]

» video

[lordofthefries]

Why wait? Did Miss Botan run out of cake?

[She's not quite getting the connection Shiro is trying to imply.]

Oh, Mr. Shiro! I heard of this thing that when people buy a new house, you're supposed to get them something. What do you want?

[In other words, you need a housewarming gift.]

Action on the beach

[tookashirototheknee]

[Not long after the broadcast, Matt walks over, followed by Mimi, Halley, Kerberos, and a pink Cutiefly on his head. He grins and sits down next to Shiro.]

That went well.

[All of the pokemon, except the cutiefly run off to bother Shiro's.]

Beach date

[shiro2hero]

[It’s a sudden, overly enthusiastic Pokémon party over there. With much playful roaring and flopping on each other.]

[Speaking of which... for his part, Shiro leans sideways, against Matt’s shoulder.]

I hope so. Thank you, again. For helping out.

[Then he’s quiet a moment.]

... I just bought a house.

[whatsacactus]

oh
is that what you did with the money ?

[shiro2hero]

A little bit.

Because the landlady took the rent off the price tag.

[forsaintcecilia]

Oh! Is this the secret you told me about? Or I mean-- didn't tell me?

[shiro2hero]

Surprise!

And thanks for your help. It gave me a good place to go off on.

[Video]

[maybeitsmabelline]

Congratulations!!!!

[Mabel doesn't have any confetti but she tosses some yarn she'd been working with, giggling happily.]

That's really awesome!!

[Video]

[shiro2hero]

Hey, thanks. It... took a lot of time to get to this point.

But these guys deserve it.

video;

[notvaljean]

You bought the house?

[Sonofa... Jean really has been out of it these last few weeks. Too much work, not nearly enough interacting with his family friends.]

Do you need me to move my stuff to my train car?

video;

[shiro2hero]

Surprise?

[He actually does the little "jazz hands" hand motion there.]

What -- why would I need that?

[pidge_out]

Shiro... How much did that cost you??

[shiro2hero]

Money.

[He just. Smiles at the camera. Like an asshole.]

Video

[haveyouseenalittlegirl]

[Aw, Shiro you look so happy. Harry is happy for you.]

That sounds like a wonderful plan. Congratulations Shiro.

Video

[shiro2hero]

[Happy and rested! It's a miracle.]

Thanks. That means you and Heather are welcome down here too. But you probably already knew that.

Video

[sleepallthewayhome]

[Newt looks a bit amazed.]

You bought a house?

[Yes she knew you could do that. But still, actually doing it is another thing. Also it would have to be a really big house because she knows you have a lot of friends here.]

Video

[shiro2hero]

Yeah. Yeah, I sure did.

[He's laughing a bit, the kind of laugh for when you can't believe the words coming out of your mouth.]

Now we can add on rooms. Make a nice guest room too.