Chapter 2! ^^
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
Chapter 2
“Cookie?”
“Thank you.” Lance accepted the plate from Red, selected a cookie, and munched while he continued to scan over Red’s comprehensive list of qualifications.
“So any ideas?”
“You put down that she has to be rich and a good trainer several times. Are those two meant to go together?”
Red nodded. “I don’t want someone who was born wealthy. I want someone who earns their way, kind of like…”
“Kind of like you?” Lance prompted.
“Exactly! Lance, you’re the best!”
“Indeed.” He said dryly. “Well, I suppose Misty’s out then, since she inherited a fortune from her parents…”
“No.”
“No?”
“Misty’s a good friend. Maybe we could be more. And I don’t mind her, though living with all those maids would be creepy…”
“Mm.” Lance said noncommittally. Red sighed.
“Misty’s a good trainer too… maybe I’ll ask her out.”
“But she’s afraid of bug pokémon.”
“… Yeah, that’s a problem…”
Lance shook his head. “You put pretty down twice, and big eyes once.”
“Yes.” Red nodded. “And she should have long hair too.”
“I see…”
Lance was not sure how to break it to Red, but decided that experience would be the best teacher. He raised an eyebrow at another one.
“Likes ice cream?”
“That shouldn’t be too hard! Everyone likes ice cream!”
“You do have a valid point there…”
“They have to be a pretty good trainer too. At least four badges.”
“That eliminates a whole strata of females right off the bat.” Lance said dryly, thinking of the hundreds who had only a Boulder of Zephyr badge. He decided not to tell Red that, and mentally congratulated himself.
It was a pity badges were not required for the Championships, but the true Champions were the ones who could also beat the gyms and Elite Four…
Like Red. Like Charlotte. Like himself.
Lance drifted off a few minutes later, and Red decided not to bother him, since he was being such a good sport.
It was great having a best friend like Lance!
Three days later, Red went out with Jasmine from Olivine City. They spent a pleasant evening chatting about their pokémon at one of the seaside restaurants, but afterwards, Jasmine told him it would not work out.
Red was crushed. “Why?”
“I’m sorry, Red. You’re a wonderful friend, but I would not like to jeopardize our friendship.”
“But Jasmine…”
“No buts, Red. I’m sure you’ll find someone else.”
Red went home that night feeling quite discouraged.
“Perhaps you’re trying to force these things too hard.” Lance suggested.
“You’re saying I should go slowly?”
“Well, find a girl you like, try to be her friend, and then ask her out.”
“… I guess…”
“Do you not like my advice?”
“No! You give good advice, Lance, and I’m really grateful you’re helping me with this problem, but maybe… maybe…”
Lance blinked as Red suddenly threw his arms around him.
“I’m not totally unlovable, am I? Is there something wrong with me?”
“There’s nothing wrong with you.” Lance soothed, but Red would have none of it
“Am I too ugly? Too short? Oh no! It’s my hair isn’t it?"
“I think your hair is perfectly fine the way it is, Red.”
“Then what is it? Do I smell bad?”
“Of course not!”
While Red continued to rant, Lance listened patiently, before finally, the shouts degenerated into sobs. Underneath the Champion was really a lonely child.
Was it any surprise he wanted love?
But he was doing it all wrong. He should pay more attention to his surroundings, and less to physical beauty.
Love wasn’t perfect, but with love, you could make things work out…
“Lance…”
“What is it?”
“Can I… I’m sorry, but I feel lonely right now… can I stay with you?”
Lance raised his eyebrows. “Of course you can.”
He changed Red into his Pikachu pajamas and then tucked him into bed. Then he went to find Agatha.
He needed advice.
< So you’re saying that he hasn’t realized you’re in love with him. >
< No, but he is looking to me for comfort. What should I do? >
< Now would be an excellent opportunity to profess your love-. >
< Then it feels like I’m pressuring him. > Lance frowned. < And I do not wish to be second best in his perfect ideals. >
< Then you will let him break his heart again? >
< Is it cruel of me to say yes? Tis his own folly, should he continue to chase a dream. >
< No. You are being practical. But doesn’t it hurt you to watch? >
< Yes, Grandmother, of course it does, but you see… > Lance’s eyes hardened, < I’ve decided to let him make his own mistakes. I can’t shield him, and now I no longer want to. Perhaps my love has matured, or perhaps not, but no matter the case, I will not meddle in his heart until he chooses me. >
< But that won’t stop you from courting him. >
< He won’t realize what I’m doing anyway, so there is no harm in it… >
< I see. >
End Chapter
Completed 9/17/06
Lance can be pretty cruel too, but he does have a point. If Red doesn’t make mistakes and learn from them, he’ll never grow up…