Shimatta… *Curses* Why is it never working when I want it to?

Title: Carry On
Author: Shadow/Phantomness
Pairing: Championshipping (Lance x Red)
Fandom: Pokémon
Theme: #18, Carry On (Theme Set #2)
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. Pokemon Special-verse

Warnings: Shonen-ai, AU

Nobody thought anything of it when he requested to leave for a few weeks after Cerise. They were all tired, exhausted from saving the world once again, and Yellow was glad to keep Pika, just a little longer.

No one knew where he went, either.

“You shouldn’t be here.” Lance hissed, as Red pressed the bandages against his bleeding wounds. “You really shouldn’t…”

“Shh.” Red soothed. “I know it hurts, but you can’t use it on yourself. Never again, Lance. You know what happens every time you try to use Viridian’s Power on a human… it’s what got you into this mess in the first place.”

Lance laughed bitterly. “The empathy doesn’t go both ways. You’re right of course, but it’s still my fault, even if I was possessed…”

His Kairyuu gave a cry, and Lance tried to sit up, but Red pushed him down again.

“I wish I could take you home with me.”

“I’m sure that would turn out real well, especially with your friends.” Lance coughed, wincing at the pain.

Red lifted a cup of tea to his lips, supporting him as he drank. “I wish I could stay with you forever.”

“Wishing is for fools.”

“Perhaps I’m a fool then, but that won’t stop me.” Red tucked the blankets around his lover, pausing to kiss him quickly. “I’ll be here for a few more days, and hopefully, by then, the worse will be over.”

“Red…”

“I don’t hate you.” Red murmured. “I love you, and nothing you do will ever change it, and you now – it’s Pika’s fault your like this, so I should feel guilty…”

Lance did not say more, and Red slipped into bed with him moments later; winding arms around his waist with a contented sigh.

As long as they were together, he could carry on… he could continue to lie, and pretend, because it was worth it.

End Fic

Completed 11/17/06

^^V apparently there’s a six-month gap between Lance meeting Silver and the end of Cerise, so…Red could so nurse Lance back to health!

Lance: I see

Red: *Blushes*

Phantomness: Also, speculation on how Lance survived Cerise. TIP mentioned that Lugia might have resurrected him! That’s interesting… *Rubs hands gleefully*

Red: *Sighs*