[attr="class","matias"]his own hand traces along the curves of her body, remembering, reminiscing. he glides over her scars and she does the same, lingering on one in particular. he knows which one without having to peer down, but he does so anyways, hand moving over hers.

thoughts and memories flutter back; he entertains some and buries the rest. for now, all he wants is to exist in this bubble with her.

"i've missed you, eva."

[attr="class","noodles"]Eva Morales

His hand is a welcome distraction. She embraces it, curling her fingers between his in a familiar motion. A calm resonates from it, silencing intruding thoughts.

A grin turns into a smile. She didn’t think she missed him, not until now. The feeling had just been dormant, buried deep along with a number of other feelings she kept caged. But he just rattled that cage, shaking loose years worth of longing for this that she forgot existed, “I missed you too,” she whispers, tilting her head to place a kiss on his chest. She lingers there for a moment, a sudden urge strikes she can’t suppress. She looks back up at him with a hint of regret, “I’m sorry I left without saying good bye,” Her exodus from Kanto was sudden and secret. It was too dangerous for her there with Rocket hot on her trail and too risky for her family that could be used as leverage.

MATIAS SILPH

[attr="class","matias"]he remembers the emptiness he had felt in kanto. it was one that threatened to swallow him whole, to consume him until there was nothing left but a shell of a man that once was. naturally, he didn't let it, but the emptiness always lingered.

"there's nothing to be sorry for. i understand why you left."

he feels a similar regret, subtle, but it's enough for him to continue as his fingers intertwine with hers.

"i'm sorry i couldn't keep you safe."

[attr="class","noodles"]Eva Morales

Eva’s quiet for a moment, thinking of how she could have done things differently. Everything she did and said was on her. She carved her own target on her back. Her safety was her responsibility, no one else’s. It always has been, and it always will be. Matias shouldn’t feel he needs to apologize. She sits up slightly to look at him with a frown, “It wasn’t your responsibility to keep me safe,” It still isn’t.

MATIAS SILPH

[attr="class","matias"]he peers down to meet her frown but it does little to dampen his spirits. he leans in to press a gentle kiss against her forehead.

"i know."

and yet, he can't help but reflect and wonder on what-ifs. he squeezes her hand, grounding himself in the moment.

"take me with you the next time you leave."

[attr="class","noodles"]Eva Morales

Eva thinks about getting up, separating, and shutting down whatever is happening here. She reconsiders, settling back down after his kiss, resting her head against his chest. Her hand squeezes his back, equally as grounding for her. She laughs lightly, but doesn’t move to look up at him, “Would you really have left with me?” she wasn’t ready when it happened, there was still so much to do. She still holds guilt for leaving and abandoning those that were still fighting. Was he fighting this whole time?

MATIAS SILPH

[attr="class","matias"]"probably not."

not when there was still a fight to be had. but it's difficult to say — he hadn't left because he didn't have anywhere to go. there is comfort in familiarity, and for matias, familiarity comes in the worst form.

but as her head settles comfortably against his chest, it becomes easier to imagine a different life. for her, he considers it, but a part of him knows that no matter where he goes, he'll forever be chasing the thrill of a fight.

"but i would now."

[attr="class","noodles"]Eva Morales

No. That’s what she thought. She wouldn’t have either. In all honesty, she wouldn’t have wanted him too. It’s easier that way.

but I would now.

A strange knot twists in her stomach. It’s uncomfortable because it’s a new feeling, but at the same time it brings comfort, relief. She's not alone. She looks back up at him with a grin, “Well, I’m not going any where so . . .” He’d recognize the grin. The fight here just started and there’s no way she’d miss it. This time, it would end differently, and she’d carry that momentum back home, drive them out of Kanto. There’s always a thrill to chase.

MATIAS SILPH

[attr="class","matias"]he recognizes the grin, he always has, and he mirrors one of his own. he remembers their encounter in lilycove, remembers their promise to each other.

they'll fight together, as they always have.

"me neither."

i promise.

he leans to plant another kiss on her forehead, slow, warm, and when he pulls away, he stays close, peering into her eyes.

"would you like to shower together?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Eva Morales

She smiles, closing her eyes to relish in the touch of his lips. It lingers and leaves a sense of comfort that is unfamiliar. A hand drifts up to gently rest at the base of his neck. As he speaks she opens her eyes to return his gaze, “Yes,” she answers without hesitation. She pulls him forward to her lips into the same slow, warm kiss. Pulling back, she greets him with a playful smile, glancing down at her chest, “You’ll have to redo the bandage afterwards though,” It is already beginning to peel off after their passionate time together.

MATIAS SILPH

[attr="class","matias"]she pulls him in for a kiss that leaves him wanting more. he exhales, chuckling, as his lips shape into a smile equally as warm as the kiss. he peers down at her chest, too, and leans to rest his forehead against hers.

"i'm surprised it's still on."

he kisses her again, quicker this time, then moves off the bed to stand. he turns back, extending an inviting hand out.

"come on."

[attr="class","noodles"]Eva Morales

Her hand moves to gently trace the outline of his jaw. She wants more too, but refrains. For now. She moves against him in a subtle shrug, “I’m not surprised, you did a good job,” she teases before the quick kiss.

For a moment, she shamelessly admires the view, grinning, before reaching out to accept his hand with her own. She’s quick to slide out of the bed, moving past him to lead him to the bathroom. The shower ignites with a hiss, and steam slowly billows out to fill the room.

MATIAS SILPH

[attr="class","matias"]the shower hisses, steam billows, as the two of them step into the bathroom. with his hand still in hers, he squeezes, turns her back around to face him before his other hand gently reaches towards her chest.

"i'll be gentle."

his eyes meet hers, looking to provide some form of comfort, before he slowly peels away the bandage. it falls off without much resistance. he offers her a smile, then reaches over to toss the bandage into a nearby bin.

"there. not too bad, was it?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Eva Morales