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

[tookashirototheknee]

I try to.

[Matt looks over at him as well, grinning, then leans over and kisses him deeply for a moment before pulling back with a smirk.]

You do realize I've been doing a significant chunk of your laundry since I got here, right?

[shiro2hero]

You're doing great.

[And he means that. Absolutely. Leaning in to return that kiss in kind, slow and lingering.]

You -- [You can basically hear the mental brakes slam on.] You have?

[tookashirototheknee]

[Now Matt's laughing, shaking his head, totally amused.]

What? Did you think that your clothes just... magically got clean when you weren't around? It's no big deal to just... throw both of our things in together, really.

[shiro2hero]

I thought it was Haunter.

[He legitimately thought it was his ghost. That Haunter had learned how to do laundry -- or--]

Or Lance was doing his chore wheel.

[tookashirototheknee]

[Matt pauses for a moment, and then cracks up laughing. Oh, Shiro. He loves you so much.]

... you honestly thought your ghost was doing your laundry? Shiro... I don't even know what to say to that.

[shiro2hero]

I'm an idiot. You can say that.

... But only you.

[Because he loves you, too. He loves you a ridiculous amount.]

[tookashirototheknee]

I love you so much, you nerd.

[Matt leans up and kisses Shiro, still laughing.]

Guess I'll just keep doing the laundry.

[shiro2hero]

I love you, too...

[He trails off, though, winding his arms around him, pulling him in closer for that kiss.]

Going to have to do a lot of laundry tonight -- [Because, while laughing like an idiot, he just flops over backward in the sand, still holding him.]

[tookashirototheknee]

[He kisses him back a bit fiercely, falling over on top of him when he flops backwards.]

Nah. You don't have to. I did it all yesterday when you were out.

[That's a huge smirk right there.]

[shiro2hero]

[If he minds the enthusiasm in the kiss, he's not saying so. In fact, he's returning it. Just as much.]

You woke up to do my laundry. Wow... No wonder I only had shorts when I talked to the landlady...

[He's... also more than fine with Matt on top of him like this. Who knew?]

[tookashirototheknee]

Oh, shit. Sorry about that. I didn't realize you were doing that at that particular moment.

[He blushes, stealing a few more kisses, settling down on top of him, a bit smugly.]

[shiro2hero]

You don’t have to apologize — it all worked out, right?

[Really all he can do is flop back in the sand. Not that he minds. Looking up at him with a grin of his own.]

I like the view.

[tookashirototheknee]

Yeah, it did. We have a house for everyone, we have each other, and... you have clean laundry.

[Without thinking, Matt puts a hand on the center of Shiro's chest.]

Oh, I rather like my view too.

[shiro2hero]

Two of those things are way, way more important than the laundry, Matt.

[There is a blush rising up to his hairline there... but he’s sure not wriggling away.]

I’m glad to hear it — kind of suits you, y’know?

[tookashirototheknee]

Oh, hush, you.

[He leans down and kisses Shiro, then pulls back, still smirking.]

Which bit? The bit where I'm on top of you?

[shiro2hero]

Nah... I feel talkative.

[Not enough to say no to the kiss, though. That’s something he’s never going to be tired of.]

Yeah. That part. Definitely that part.

[tookashirototheknee]

Oh? And what do you feel like talking about?

[He smirks again, beaming for a moment.]

Hm. Maybe I should be on top of you more often.

[He knows exactly what he's implying.]

[shiro2hero]

You want the sappy answer? Or the generic one?

[He grins up at him, hands gently on his hips.]

Hey — you won’t hear me complaining. Ever.

[tookashirototheknee]

Yes. I would like to know both answers.

[He grins, putting both of his hands on Shiro's chest.]

Oh good. Because this is quickly becoming my favorite position.

[shiro2hero]

Mmm probably... more of that domestic stuff. And... how lucky I am I found you here.

[He laughs. Starting to blush more than before.]

Yeah — mine too. Mine too.

[tookashirototheknee]

I'm glad you found me, too. And I will always talk domestic things with you.

[He leans down, kissing Shiro again.]

Oh, good. As much as you want.

[shiro2hero]

Well that's good to hear... since now I may wake up yelling about house payments...

[He's mostly kidding. It's hard to be serious when they're like this. When he can reach up to thread fingers through Matt's hair.]

We -- probably shouldn't let this happen on the beach.

[tookashirototheknee]

I think I'd rather you wake up yelling about house payments than other things you could wake up yelling about.

[He's only serious for a moment, leaning into Shiro's touch and smirking again.]

Probably not. There are Voltorbs and Armin and my sister around. A shame, though. It could be fun.

[shiro2hero]

Okay, okay -- fair point. You can still tell me to knock it off.

[Yeah, now he's laughing again, trying not to turn bright red.]

And sand. Don't forget the sand. [Although --] Speaking of... maybe you should be the one to tell Pidge. About this.

[tookashirototheknee]

Ew. Yeah, I, uh, don't think I want to end up with sand there.

[He takes a breath and nods.]

Yeah. I should. I'm surprised that she hasn't figured us out yet.