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

[whatsacactus]

hm
im glad it went to something good

[Even if the thought of living somewhere.. permanent is weird. Not waiting to be kicked out.]

[shiro2hero]

You know what this means right?

You don’t have to stay in my old room. We can make it better for you.

[whatsacactus]

the rooms fine
i dont mind it

[shiro2hero]

Keith it’s

It’s literally a closet with a window

[whatsacactus]

and im fine with that

[shiro2hero]

Can we at least

Fix the bed???

[whatsacactus]

oh
thats done
i bought a new one and had it brought in

[Don't mind that it takes up almost the entire room now.]

[shiro2hero]

oh


congrats
I would’ve helped if I knew you were doing it

[whatsacactus]

you were busy
its fine shiro
i promise

really this room is fine it doesnt have to be changed

[shiro2hero]

If you’re sure


But just
Know if that ever changes — we can make it happen

No matter what happens to
To the future

It’s ours

[whatsacactus]

i
know
but thanks shiro

[shiro2hero]

[He isn’t totally sure why something about this conversation doesn’t... feel like he thought it would be. So... time to change the general subject:]

And hey on another good note

We don’t have to bribe Armin to turn in the rent money anymore

[whatsacactus]

true
now i have to bribe you to take my rent money to help

[shiro2hero]

Oh no
Not happening

[whatsacactus]

too late i already started with that money i gave you before

[shiro2hero]

No MORE then

We’re even

[whatsacactus]

[He disagrees entirely just from what Shiro's done for him but there's no point trying to argue that. He'll just find other ways to get his part to Shiro.]

all right all right
this is
really real huh

[shiro2hero]

yeah
Yeah it is

I kind of can’t believe i just did that

[whatsacactus]

never thought id ever get to live somewhere for real

[shiro2hero]

You do.
It’s real

And it’s whatever you want it to be.