Title: Coping
Author: Shadow/Phantomness
Pairing: Championshipping (Lance x Ash/Red)
Fandom: Pokémon
Theme: #79, China Dress
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction belongs to me under international copyright laws and taking it is plagiarism. Thank you. *Phantomness bows*

Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokemon talks

Warnings: Shonen-ai, cross-dressing

Lance should not look so good in those slim oriental gowns, Red thinks, but he can’t tear his eyes away. Of course, the one he’s currently wearing is black, with golden dragons coiled over its surface, but it fits. It looks almost as good as his bodysuit does, and as Lance finishes teasing his hair into looped braids, he flashes a grin.

“Why do you do this, Lance?” Red asks.

“You mean break people’s hearts?”

“I mean dress like this. Why?”

Lance’s expression changes, becomes a little bit wistful. “I can’t wear my robes, so I make do with what I have. And as long as I play Dragon Master to the adoring public, no one cares about my little quirks.”

“It helps you stay sane.” Red breathes, suddenly comprehending. “It’s hard and lonely in Indigo Plateau, and…you’re all alone…”

“Yes.” Lance sighs. “The others aren’t there anymore. Can’t you tell?”

“I suspected, but… they’re all broken, aren’t they?”

“Yes. Agatha couldn’t take it. So she and Lorelei split their souls and escaped. Those bodies are just empty shells now. They still have all their battling ability and a bit of their former personality, but nothing else.”

“But I’ll be here with you now.” Red reassures Lance, and then he kisses him.

Lance sighs, but makes no move to change his clothing, and Red doesn’t pressure him. These things take time.

End Fic

Completed 9/8/06

Yeah, I’m not sure if people would actually switch genders as a coping mechanism, but why not? It’s just like acting…