Predictably, a bit of chaos had unfolded after Nico’s little stunt. The crowd around them cried out in disappointed outrage, their outrage dissipated quickly into laughter, however, upon noticing the MC’s precarious predicament. Both he and Juvon remained stern, expressions hard and strictly business, concealing the fast heartbeat hammering in his chest. A few goons rose to their feet, glowering at their attacker, especially as the offending Pikachu glared harshly at the troupe with cheeks sparking brightly in warning. Silver eyes squinted at the Pokeballs being handed over, then scanned over the other blond stuck in the same situation as Matthew.

Nico had to suppress feelings of flattery and embarrassment as his entrance apparently pleased the stranger, suddenly aware of how ridiculous his appearance must be… But his chin was kept high regardless, expression unchanging. They weren’t safe yet; far from it, in fact. As his eyes shifted to focus on the fighting-type Pokemon, they passed over Matthew, and Nico almost faltered at the sight. Even in this low light, he could see the damage inflicted on his loved one. It made his chest tighten, and for a horrifying, split second… He wanted to cry at the sight. Once that feeling had passed, however, a different hotness burned at his chest and eyes. An uncomfortable, near-painful tightness that resembled a hurricane brewing inside of his torso. A flash of anger coupled with hatred.

Nico did not plan on leaving this operation unscarred.

Swiftly, the skinny blond jumped into the pit, expression softening considerably as he’d stop beside Matthew, granting the man a look. For a split second, his act faltered, and his eyes displayed his worry and sadness. Arm lifting to reach for the others cheek before stopping himself, afraid he’d bring pain to a bruised cheek or chipped tooth. Just then, Issac cut in with his witty question, almost startling Nico. Both blonds were in very different moods right now, yet the quip was a welcome wake-up call. “Homebrew. My family has turned punching into an art.” The statement was completely untrue- but more fun than the truth.

Then, his eyes settled once more on the Pokemon duo. Throh and Sawk; strong-looking ones, too. Nico honestly had to wonder how long they’d been here, how many people they fought… How they seemed to demonstrate loyalty to each other despite all of the odds. The anger-storm welled up in his chest again, “We are leaving.” He growled, leading the way out of the pit and through the crowd. Juvon was still poised on his arm, ready to discharge at any moment, which helped them carve a path to the exit.

Matt Vice Isaac Merlo

☉

Nico’s move to leave was halted upon recognizing the age-old pet name. Stalling mid-step, face screwed up in confusion. This was not the place to use such a nickname, it was so out of place that he couldn’t even be irritated by it, only baffled as he’d turn around. Shock coloring his features when the warning was processed, and his boyfriend practically collapsed, only to be caught by the helpful stranger. ”Oh Matthew…!” It was difficult not to fret, returning to Matthew’s other side to support the rest of his weight. Nico would have no qualms about simply carrying his boyfriend out- but his silver eyes met the others, and he’d nod. ”Yes… Thank you.”

There was simply no time to make judgements or get acquainted right now, yet Issac certainly main for a strong first impression. The way that the other man spoke to the crowd, almost with familiarity with boisterous crowds or experience… A muffled, nagging thought began eating at the back of Nico’s mind, something he couldn’t and wouldn’t take the time to think about. Allowing for some level of trust as they’d drag Matt out together. ”I got ya, love.” He’d whisper, despite being aware how unconscious Matt must be right now. Juvon had shuffled onto his trainer’s shoulders, cooing sadly at Matt’s unconscious face, rubbing his cheek gently against the others.

The crowds disapproval was ignored. Issac’s query caused him to lift a brow, a defensive feeling rushing to his chest until thinking a little more about it… ”…Not often… Until recently.” That fact was almost embarrassing. Matthew hadn’t seemed so accident prone before, but now that they had moved out of their apartment?... ”I may have to ask him to be more careful.” Nico admitted, casing a worried glance down at his unconscious paramour.

”…And what about you?” Nico had waited until the crisp cold air from outside had hit their faces before asking. Eying the other’s skull mask and trying not to show the sudden suspicion that unfortunately creeped it’s way out of his thoughts. ”I’m grateful that you helped him, but why…” His voice trailed off, as did his eyes, staring at the ground now, ”…I suppose it’s not my business.” At the end of the day, Matthew would wake up and tell him the whole story, and Nico wasn’t sure if he wanted to filter through any lies or half-truths tonight.

Matt Vice Isaac Merlo

☉

Nico looked a little thoughtful as Isaac recounted recent events, especially noting the meteor. The man had a point, one that made him consider a few things. Perhaps being more mindful to eventus going around them would be needed…

Isaac received a slightly sympathetic smirk as a wordless confirmation that yes, the short answer alone would not be enough. Oh no, they were far past the guarded stages of acquaintances. No surface answers or indirect jokes would be enough, even if the answer was something as simple as hoping for a cash reward. His smirk faded into thoughtful listening as Isaac went on though, realizing that the answer actually was quite simple. This was a good man saving another good man- simple as that. Maybe a little too simple, but whatever the case, Nico would accept the answer well enough.

Although the same answer was given in the end, it was the window into Isaac’s point of view that he appreciated most. It brought a calm smile to his face and helped quell the anger that flared up at the criminals threatening them both. ”So he was robbed…” That thought sent a chill down his spine, but it explained why Matthew’s Pokeballs were returned to him as if they were some sort of prize. Must have missed the earlier part of the fight. ”And you just felt like helping. I gotta say- you don’t look like a pushover at all, but you still risked some serious injury back there. Thank you.” Nico seemed to have no issue with sounding sincere, even if his softer eyes contrasted against the distrusting glare from his Pikachu. Juvon did not look convinced, but the mouse didn’t interject.

Reaching the open air and darkening sky didn’t seem to be enough for Nico. He’d kept on carrying Matthew forward, wordlessly urging Isaac to follow along until finally deciding they were apparently a suitable distance away. ”You didn’t leave anything inside the building, did you?” Nico questioned, his gaze still soft yet less friendly. More serious- a new goal had entered his brain. ”Know anyone inside, either?” Once he’d chosen a spot far enough away from the building, yet still within it's sight, Nico would gently set Matt down. Catching his head and ensuring the man rested gently against the grass, rather than collapsing down into it’s dirt.

Matt Vice Isaac Merlo

☉

The reflection that Isaac had been through worse was not at all shocking. Maybe a little saddening to see confirmation that a person withstands this sort of stress frequently enough to have experience, but then again, Nico was in a similar boat. Trouble seemed to constantly find him- or more specifically, trouble seemed to hunt out Matthew and their Pokemon, subsequently dragging Nico into the fun. Though… sometimes the blond had a knack for causing trouble too, though very rarely…

Reminded to stay on task, he’d turn away, eyes drifting toward the nearby cluster of trees. Putting his fingers to his mouth to let out two sharp whistles. Then, Matthew spoke! Nico’s heart did an unexpected little skip, his face brightening as he’d kneel by his paramour, until- Oh. He was looking at Isaac. His smile turned rueful in an instant, and maybe his temper would have spiked, if not for Isaac providing the quips that he did. The other man summed it all up perfectly! Right down to the brain cells being left behind… ”Oh I see. So this was a date then.” Nico was smirking now. Simply saying that statement aloud reminded him how ridiculous and funny that would be…

In that moment, a soft breiiih could be heard, Nico lifting his head to see the dark shape of his Umbreon emerging from the shadows, answering his call. ”Thanks for comin’ back, Tekka…” He’d greet the alpha ‘mon gratefully, offering no explanation or introduction to Isaac. At least, not yet. The dark-type’s ear twitched, and she sat back on her haunches, looking very pleased with herself, for some reason… ”Where is Lilypad?” The fox ‘mon only turned her head, making Nico frown as he followed the Pokemon’s gaze. Suddenly, out from the bushes came a galloping Skiddo, hopping and bleating something fierce. Her eyes shone unnaturally brightly, her leaves were shimmering with flecks of golden light, despite that the dusk was slowly settling into nighttime. ”Damn, how many times did you boost her?!” Nico remarked, immediately shooting back onto his feet to step between Isaac and the skiddo.

Lilypad was digging her hooves into the ground, rearing back and ramming her horns through the air, only slowing her running into a trot to veer away from Nico, aiming her energy anywhere else. ”Easy girl, we’re almost ready.” Seeing that the skiddo had calmed enough to merely trot endlessly in a circle, Nico let out a sigh and looked to his Umbreon. ”You really did not hold back… Got another Helping Hand for Juvon?” Nico was a little surprised to see the fox bear her canines in a smirk, her rings suddenly glowing brightly in contrast to the rest of her midnight fur. Juvon’s ears twitched, betraying his eagerness to join the ‘plan’ as he’d leap off Nico to the ground.

”We’re going to want to leave the area soon.” Nico warned Isaac, more focused on the building now as he searched for an ideal spot to strike.

Matt Vice Isaac Merlo

☉

Matthew’s darkened face was a delightful sight to behold. Made all of the confusion worth it, really. That, or perhaps Nico’s still-beating heart was just drunk off of adrenalin. The snort fit that Matt gave cemented his adorable status, and Nico was actually put in a better mood than before. Quickly grasping the others hands in his own, letting him feel the softer, inner palm of his gauntlets. ”Sorta.” Nico replied, smiling fondly at the other, ”He made it; I modified it.”

Both Isaac and Matthew echoed similar observations, with Matthew’s comparison causing Nico to give an amused scoff in response. ”Depends on how you’d describe the man…” Isaac’s question gave him pause. His face pressed in a thoughtful expression, genuinely considering the risks before reaching his decision. Shifting back into a darker smirk as he’d respond, “Expect an explosion... Now. Better get clear; unless you wanna watch the fireworks.”

Here, the moment has arrived… Nico allowed himself to disconnect from the other two. Focusing all of his attention on his three Pokemon instead, boots scraping against the ground as he stood and took his spot in front of Matthew and Isaac. Staring down the building before looking at each of his Pokemon as they each silently stood to attention. Not beginning any orders until he made eye contact with each of his ‘mons. ”One more Growth, Lilypad.” He ordered, deciding it was better to be safe than sorry. They needed to ensure the attacks would be strong enough to cause some serious damage. The already-energized Skiddo brayed out and glowed brighter, her blanket of leaves rustling. Nico couldn’t help but imagine how strong she could’ve gotten if it was daytime.

”Tekka, help Juvon.” Tekka chuffed softly in confirmation, her rings glowing brightly and illuminating the area even further. Juvon’s ears twitched eagerly as he took on a glow of his own, though the aura was less significant than Lilypad’s charged state. Nico paused one last moment to examine their target. A concrete building surrounded by a square made of sidewalks, with a few tiny parking spaces nearby. The vast crowd of people inside provided one benefit; a small row of motorcycles sat right next to the building. Their perfect target. ”Take aim at the motorcycles. Right at the center.” He ordered, pointing and staring straight at their target, letting each of his Pokemon follow his gaze and ready themselves. ”Thunderbolt – Razor Leaf!”

Simultaneously, Juvon’s cheeks sparked with power and the leaves on Lilypad’s back rustled loudly. In unison, a brilliant yellow flash of electricity burst forth from the mouse’s small form and a giant windstorm of sharp, green leaves erupted through the air and combined to collide into the group of motorcycles. For a half-second, there was no sound as the lights combined and popped into a tiny white glare blaring directly into the eyes of every witness. Then, as if rushing to make up for the lost half-second, an explosion of light, sound, and an invisible force smashed into every solid object. The Razor Leaf and Thunderbolt combined had transformed into a simple explosion of force and electricity, striking each of the bikes at once and triggering a subsequent explosion. The explosion was powerful enough to blow a hole into the building- as well as flood Nico and the group with a rush of extreme heat, and a forceful wind that would have knocked the blond on his ass had he not been bracing himself for it. Squinting his eyes through the forceful waves of impact, granting the ruined building nothing more than a cold, satisfied glare even as he heard distant shouts of alarm and screams of panic.

Matt Vice Isaac Merlo

☉