*Phantomness yawns*
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. ALTERNATE UNIVERSE
Chapter 2
“Would you like me to make it worth your while then?” Lance asked irritably, after Red’s third repetition of his complaints.
Red blinked. “… How would you do that?”
“I don’t know, what are you here to do? Dance?”
“I guess so…”
“Let’s dance then.”
“What? But we’re both guys?”
“Who cares?”
Well… something in Red’s mind snapped. He had wasted twenty dollars on this stupid thing, and if he didn’t enjoy himself, then it would totally not be worth it! “Yes, let’s.”
Lance led him out onto the floor and they began circling, the glares they cast visible to quell any start of malicious gossip.
Red leaned his head against Lance’s shoulder as the music changed into a more soothing tune, slow… they glided over smooth tiles, and it wasn’t so bad after all… no wonder people like dancing…
Slowly, other couples began to filter onto the stage…. And it seemed like no time had passed when the dance ended at twelve.
“Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Red grinned. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Well… for dancing with me, but also for pulling me out of my self-pity rut. I needed it.”
“Tis nothing…”
They waved goodbye – Lance and Clair flew back home, and Red walked home with Sabrina.
Sabrina had a knowing twitchy smile on. < So you had fun? >
“Yes, it wasn’t as bad as I’d feared.”
< That’s good. >
“Did you dance with anyone?”
< Yes, a very nice young man named William… >
“William? Oh! He’s a year older than I am, but he’s a psychic like you, right?”
< Right. > Sabrina sent with a smile.
“Cool…”
No more was said after that.
School continued on as usual, so he really thought nothing of it. After all, it was just a dance.
“…”
“…”
Red and Lance stared at the poster. It was a very nice poster, obviously the artist had been quite skilled, but the content was what disturbed them.
“…”
“Are you seeing what I’m seeing, Red?”
“This isn’t a hallucination, is it?”
“I’m afraid not.”
“They’re nominating us as cutest couple for our yearbook?”
“Yes.”
“I’m going to kill them!”
“Red, calm down.”
“So you didn’t tell Dragonite to Hyper Beam the yearbook office?”
“Wasn’t me.” Lance said. “I do have an alibi. I was doing my history group project with Bugsy and Winona.”
“Wonder who it was then,” Red sighed. “Oneesan is not going to like this.”
“She can take her anger out on the people who purported this scam – er, scandal then!” Lance fumed.
“Lance, you know, I really like you and you’re my best friend and all, but…”
“I know. I’m not your boyfriend.”
“I’m too young for this!”
“So you say… you are fifteen, you realize.”
“So? I like pokemon. I like you. But I don’t think – besides, just look at that picture! I’ve never, ever, ever, slept in the same bed as you!”
“…” Lance chose not to comment about the times they had slept over at each other’s houses and just crashed together.
“In any case,” Red shuddered, “Once I find out who drew this…”
“Red?”
“What?”
Lance pointed to the corner of the picture.
Red blanched. “You’re telling me that… that Clair drew this? Okay, maybe I won’t kill her, but I do want an explanation!”
“Mm, you’re not the only one.” Lance said, shrugging. “Clair works for yearbook after all. Maybe she was… coerced.”
His tone promised imminent demise if they had dared harm his little sister.
“Shall we take a look?”
He took Lance’s hand as they soared into the air on dragon’s wings…
“I… I didn’t know…”
Clair shivered as Lance handed her the photograph expressionlessly. < They told me to draw, so I drew, and don’t look at me like that, Lance, I didn’t mean anything! Besides, they just altered the faces…>
“So some sick freak pasted our faces on someone else’s picture?” Red yelped.
“Seems like it…”
Lance was silent. < Clair… you know, I don’t blame you. >
< Aniki! It’s not that, it’s! >
< Clair… >
Lance’s eyes had shaded pure gold from slightly darker brown. Clair sighed.
< I thought… I’m sorry. >
< Shh… it’s all right. I can live with it. > He pulled Clair into an embrace and then sent Red home.
It would be all right…
< What did he say? > Clair asked, after Red had left.
< He said that although we were friends, he would never consider me in that way and that he was too young. >
< I just wanted to help… >
< Shh, I don’t blame you… it has to work out in time… or perhaps this time, it won’t, > Lance looked outside, distantly, < But it’s all right. I can live without it. >
End Chapter
Completed 7/2/05
Lance: Clair matchmakes?
Phantomness: I believe so…