Okay, now that all the background information is there, back to present tense!

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

Pairing: Championshipping (Red x Lance), het!
Chapter 7

< So you… I mean we… he… well, you’re not going back out there are you? >

< Not unless tis necessary. >

< But that’s so sad! > Catelyn said. < He’ll miss you so much! …. I mean, I thought…well, aren’t you two in love? >

< It means nothing if he is not aware of it himself. .

< I still think it’s mean of you. >

< I’m not a nice person, Catelyn… >

< But it’s so sad… >

< Life isn’t perfect. I think we’d ought to have gotten used to it by now. >

< … >

“Why can’t I forget?” Red sighed. “I don’t know… perhaps its because it’s only been two weeks… and yet, I wish…”

You wish what?

“Nothing important, Pika.”

Pikachu looked at Red oddly. Something’s happened to you.

“I suppose you could say that…”

Are you in love?

“Not with Yellow, if that’s what you’re asking.” He could barely keep the venom out of his voice. Yellow had… had…

No, he wouldn’t think about it! He wouldn’t! That was all in the past, signed sealed and delivered!

Why did it hurt then?

< You know, it will only get worse if you don’t do anything about it. >

Lance shrugged. < You’re not the relationship expert, Crystal. >

< No, but I’ve seen you fall enough times. I know he doesn’t realize the truth, but maybe… seeing him can’t hurt. >

Lance grinned twistedly. < Point taken. >

< See? I can give useful advice. >>

< Once in a while, when you’re not discussing torture methods and deadly techniques. >

< Tis my role to fill. >

< All right, I won’t argue with you any more. I’ll go see him. >

< Yay! >

< Catelyn… I should have known you’d put Crystal up to this… >

< But we want you to be happy too… >

Lance smiled. < I know… >

“EEK!”

“You scream like a girl, Red.”

Red froze. He turned around slowly. “Lance?”

The Dragon Master stood there, looking not much the worse for wear, although his eyes were tired. “You’re not dead!”

“I don’t die that easily…”

“I… I missed you! You made me worry so much!” Red scowled. “I didn’t like that feeling at all…”

“Why? We didn’t even know each other that well.”

Red froze. This was one question he did not have the answer to. He honestly had no idea why he had felt so empty without Lance.

And since they hadn’t really known each other, why had it mattered?

Yet….

“I…”

Would he say it? Three simple words could be so difficult…

Red colored, resembling his name more and more… “I…! I think I… care for you as more than a friend.”

“Oh? Do enlighten me.”

Why was he making this so difficult? His throat felt like sandpaper, but if he didn’t say this, when would he get the chance again? “I think… I think I’m in love with you!”

Lance paused. “… What?”

“It’s true!”

“That’s not what I meant…” A pause. “Red, do you… I mean... do you really feel that way?”

Red blinked. “Yes?”

Lance pulled him into another kiss, and this time, it wasn’t quick… he felt like time was mired in honey and gold when they finally broke apart.

“… Wow…”

“Oh, and Red? There’s one more thing you should know about me.”

“What is it?” Red asked, slightly dazed.

“I’m a girl.”

“… WHAT?!”

Lance smirked.

END CHAPTER
END FIC

Completed 6/30/05

Zzz….

Lance: Oh dear Lugia! It’s fluff!
Pika-chan: *gapes in disbelief*

Phantomness: *glares* Yes, it is, and now I’m done! ^^

Red: Me like!

Shoyko: Least I got a short break from darkfic, kind of?

Kairo: Take what you can get, my dear…

Phantomness: On the other hand, you have to work.

Kairo: Well, some people do find this humorous, yes… ^^

Aight, hope my inspiration doesn’t die… ^^