victory_road | video;

-- 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Of course. For starters, your boobs are way smaller than hers.

[Lance can be hilarious too.]

I'm not worried. Are you worried? Pidge isn't worried. Pretty sure Keith isn't either. I don't know the other three that hang out around here all that well, but I'll guess and say they aren't worried either.

If we have the freedom to use our money how we want, maybe, just maybe, some of us want to use it by helping you out.

Gee thanks.

[You’re such a card, Lance.]

Look, on some level... I know. I know you’re right.

But let me do this for you guys. For a little while, please? Couple months. Something like that. It ... means a lot to me.

Shiro... you always do so much for us. More than you'll ever know.

[And maybe especially for Lance, someone who feels like he doesn't exactly deserve to be around the greatness that is Shiro. Just saying thank you isn't enough. Maybe giving Shiro money isn't enough either, but Lance just wants to feel useful in this house full of incredibly intelligent and talented people not named Lance the Lame.]

If I hold you to that couple months, do we have a deal that you'll let me give you something?

So everyone keeps telling me. Think it's going to sink in any time soon?

[He sort of hopes so. It's not that he thinks Lance is lying, or telling him something false, but -- for some reason, it doesn't sink in as much as it probably should.]

... All right. Couple months, then I'll let you do it.

I was kinda hoping it would.

[Lance laughs because damn if Shiro isn't as stubborn as he is. But he gets it. Just because someone says something nice and truthful doesn't always mean it hits home.]

A couple months. I swear if you argue with me then, I'm socking you in the gut.

[Like Lance's little fist would actually have any effect on that dorito bod of Shiro's.]

One day. Just wait -- it'll hit so hard I have to sit down.

[And... honestly, it's kind of good just to hear him laugh. So. He manages a grin.]

Please don't. That's sensitive.

[How do you even say that with a straight face, you ass.]

What? The great Takashi Shirogane can't take a punch to the stomach? Don't tell me this sweet island life made you soft.

[There's no way it had. Lance saw those abs in the bathroom, good sir.]

...

Matt did say I should... work out more.

[Is he teasing. We just don't know.]

Well if Matt said so, then it's so. He's the one who's gotta look at you all day.

If you start now, you won't hurt as bad in two months.

Wait -- you really think so?

He's your boyfriend. I guess the guy you date gets to have an opinion.

[Or least Lance thinks so, but what does he know? He's never dated anybody in the first place.]

No, I mean... you think I need to work out more?

Oh... uh... I don't know. What you look like ain't any of my business.

...

Okay. I'll. Get on that anyway.

video;

» video

» video

» video

» video

» video

» video

» video

» video

» video

» video

» video

» video

» video

» video