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POSTED ON Dec 20, 2022 21:22:51 GMT

[attr="class","thad"]

[attr="class","thadmain"]With snow all around and the fake corral fencing all done up in Christmas lights, Moonblast Microbrewery looked like something out of a fairy tail-- which was a comparison Kepler’d thought was complete and total bullshit until he went and fell in love.

The brewery is crowded with bar crawl patrons, and more than warm inside. Kepler uses his slight stature to his advantage, dragging Ash behind them where their hands are conjoined, to sneak through and grab a table.

“Do you drink beer?” he asks, slipping his phone out to scan the QR code and pull up the menu. “I don’t really, but this place seems pretty popular.”

[attr="class","thadtag"]Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","thadpoke"]

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Ash

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December 2

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POSTED ON Dec 20, 2022 23:02:07 GMT

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Ash's hand is warmly in Kepler's own, as he happily walks through the snow in following, dragged behind him as he can feel his heart beating harder. When they find a table, Ashley seats himself down across from Kep, loving silvers on Kep, as Pulse immediately pops up, scanning the QR code.

The wonders of having a floating menu.

"I'm actually a cocktail drinker myself. I prefer tasting something good over getting messed up." He thinks about his bout with Gavin over in Sootopolis after the mission, the taste of scotch rancid and undrinkable. Who hurts themselves in thinking those were anywhere near as good? Immature as it may be, an appletini any day was better.

He's beaming towards Kep. He's off the painkillers, so he's definitely more present today. "I always did wonder what kind of drunk you were." He inquires, a curious gaze and a brow raise.

[attr="class","wizzcred"]❤ wizz

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Kep

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Alamos, Sinnoh

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POSTED ON Dec 23, 2022 23:17:23 GMT

[attr="class","thad"]

[attr="class","thadmain"]Kepler frowns at the RotomPhone in a fashion that in no way suggests jealousy (he is, actually, extremely jealous, shush) and resigns himself to scrolling with one fingertip on his boring-ass normal phone.

“I’m not supposed to be drinking because of my heart,” he says, as sort of an aside, squinting at all the technical wordage on the menu and wondering what the fuck everything meant. Brewing was like cooking was like chemistry, and though Kepler enjoyed it as a study, in practice he was sorely lacking. “But, yeah, I prefer things that taste good.”

Ash’s comment has the heat rising in Kepler’s face. “I… don’t actually know,” he admits, a little sheepish at telling the truth, “I… haven’t really gotten drunk before.” A champagne or a few sips of wine, a watered-down amaretto sour, a cocktail that was mostly pop… nothing with enough punch to really get him there.

“Probably an annoying one.”

[attr="class","thadtag"]Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","thadpoke"]

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Ash

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December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

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POSTED ON Dec 24, 2022 10:00:26 GMT

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Ashley doesn't even realize that Kepler is jealous; he's just happy to not have to scroll through with one hand (not that he couldn't), as Pulse continues to scroll the menu, as he looks over them, but his attention is stolen by Kep when he explains why he doesn't drink.

Happiness drops, but not fully. Bad heart? Ashley didn't know that. For a moment, he wonders if any the stress he put him through made it unbearable...

His worried mood recovers when not only does he approve of good taste, but he doesn't know what kind of drunk he is. It's a cute Kep detail! "No better time than with me then, right? We'll see if you're annoying, or an adorable drunk!" He beams towards Kepler. Only one way to find out!

"Winter's Kiss, huh... that's pretty cute. Sweet-spiced leppa berry, ginger, honey, nutmeg, roasted chestnuts..." He ponders the drink just a moment, eyes closed in thought, a hand on his chin. "Whatcha think? Wanna have a winter's kiss and a winter's kiss?" His emphasis first is on both words, soon followed by the second time where he emphasizes the kiss.

Ash is so proud of himself for that one. Hell, Isaac Merlo would be proud! The smug smirk on his face as he gives a very loving gaze to Kepler only adds to it.

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Kep

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Alamos, Sinnoh

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POSTED ON Jan 15, 2023 1:56:37 GMT

[attr="class","thad"]

[attr="class","thadmain"]Ash’s fallen face makes Kepler feel bad.

“I-- wow, I ruined the mood. Um, I was born with a weird heart. My ventricles-- the lower chambers--,” he cups over his left pectoral, to show, “were too large in comparison to the atriums so it doesn’t pump blood very well. It’s called dilated cardiomyopathy. Or, at least, it will, when I get older. Right now it's just having a weird heart.”

But he waves it away with a flick of his wrist, hoping he hasn’t worried his boyfriend too much.

“It’s fine, really. I just have to avoid stressing it-- no strenuous activity, like running for my life. I really shouldn’t have anything that affects my circulatory system, in all honesty, but I’ve been chugging caffeine my entire life and have suffered no side effects.” This is supposed to soothe.

Ash’s winter kiss had him snorting into the palm of his hand.

“Oh, my god. Yes. and yes.” His nose crinkles. “You are so cute.”

[attr="class","thadtag"]Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","thadpoke"]

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Ash

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December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

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POSTED ON Jan 17, 2023 4:52:12 GMT

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There was no way Ashley wouldn't be worried, but that was merely a show of his care. Still, as he listens, he understands. He's no doctor, he hardly knows medical terminology, but Kepler stated it and the best way to sum up dilated cardiomyopathy was, as Kepler put it, 'weird heart'. Clearly the sign of his worry was there, but it was coming with the territory.

"Then I'll be sure to handle it with care. Dilated... cardio... myopathy." He tries to say it, to get used to the words. Since he wanted to learn more about it to assist Kepler in the case of the worse case scenario. Knowing he's drunk caffeine all his life does worry him, but he wonders how much worry he should be feeling. He brushes that aside for the moment. If it was fine for now, he wouldn't question it. Kepler knows himself better than Ashley ever could. That trust was measured.

There's that snort. Ashley's brightening up already, and he proceeds to order both by Pulse beside him, pulling out his card to pay for it all. Then he begins flirting with a big toothy grin and a chuckle all his own.

"Heheheh. I picked up something from Isaac. Hearing you snort and giggle brings me life." It was clear that compliment was reflected, and as he holds Kep's free hand, he gives an even more flirty wink, cooing out lovingly. "If you want a winter's kiss, you'll have to come over this way, baby." He gives the next best thing, a kiss to the hand, on the knuckle.

He had no intention of letting Kep get too drunk. A little lowering of the inhibitions with liquid courage never hurt, but no pain. After all, dilated cardio... 'weird heart' was on Ash's mind to stray too far from.

"I'll be sure we don't drink too much so we can get home safely. Deal?" The bartender was already at work on their drinks. They wouldn't take too long.

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Kep

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TAG WITH @kepler

POSTED ON Jan 25, 2023 17:24:17 GMT

[attr="class","thad"]

[attr="class","thadmain"]It's adorable watching Ash sound out the words. In other people's mouths it would look dumb, would make Kepler lose his patience. But his boyfriend was endeavoring to understand something completely foreign to him in an attempt to bring them closer.

"It's fine. It's a very common birth defect. Honestly, I don't even feel it anymore." And they had engaged in more than enough extramarital activities for him to really feel it. If it didn't bother him during their-- proclivities-- it probably wouldn't ever bother him, at all.

God, his stupid giggle. He hid his mouth behind his hand, grinning into his palm, flushing red from his ears all the way down his neck from Ash kissing his hand.

"I trust you." The server brought them their drinks, and Kepler spun his on the spot, peering down into it. "Just... tell me if I start getting obnoxious, okay? This is supposed to be fun for the both of us. I don't want to ruin it because I'm a-- a drunk athlete, or some shit."

And he took a big drink, eyebrows furrowing at the taste.

[attr="class","thadtag"]Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","thadpoke"]

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Ash

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December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

Pansexual

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POSTED ON Jan 26, 2023 1:58:24 GMT

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Ash finds himself lost for words. As Kep's mouth is hidden now behind his hand, that red flush stealing his attention. For a moment, he disassociates and without words, he is forced to watch. Little animated hearts likely above Ashley's head.

Back to reality, Ashley's flirty tone gets better, as he begins to down his Winter's Kiss, and with a big swig, he places it down with an audible delighted sigh. Maybe it was the taste, maybe it was that he was used to it, but Ash loved it. "So long as you do the same for me." Head tilt, throw it back, glass empty.

Oh yeah, this was going to be a night.

"Another, bartender!" He smiles wide, and turns to Kep. "Let's see what kind you are! But I promise-" He laces that hand in his own, fingers moving between Kepler's. A loving gaze from Ash.

"-I will love you all the same."

The cartoon hearts are back. Shit. Moonstruck? Yeah, that was the word. He was moonstruck.

[attr="class","wizzcred"]❤ wizz

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Kep

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POSTED ON Jan 28, 2023 21:21:18 GMT

[attr="class","thad"]

[attr="class","thadmain"]Ashley downs his drink in one go in a way that has Kepler blinking. Wow, that was fast. He looks down at his own glass, still largely full. “Uh.”

So he takes a deep breath (so as not to taste it as much) and tosses it back, swallowing the remainder in three large gulps. He exhales strongly afterwards, wiping his mouth on the back of his hand. “Ah, brain freeze!”

Ash flags down another bartender and they order another round. Kepler squeezes his hand, wondering if he felt any different, yet.

“Love you too.”

He looks out from under his long lashes, realizing he was going into his first year of not being completely alone. It was a terrifying, exhilarating thought. “Do you have any plans for the new year?”

[attr="class","thadtag"]Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","thadpoke"]

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Ash

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December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

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TAG WITH @ashley

POSTED ON Feb 16, 2023 0:19:42 GMT

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Down the drink, time to think.

Ashley finds himself staring at Kepler a minute longer than he intended to, and as he holds that hand tightly. Each finger between, his heartbeat hard.

When he asks for plans of the new year, Ashley smiles. "Once I get fixed up... I'm gonna try to aim for Admin-ship. Exercise. Train my Pokemon up." He takes a second to close his eyes, as the next drink is put before the two, and he nurses this one; sipping it little by little.

"Lots of dates." Ashley isn't hiccuping yet, but he can feel the strength of the first drink, as he takes a sip of the next. "Thinking next one, you can show me movies you like, or shows. We can stay home, I can order takeout."

He knows Kepler likes it home, so he's willing to engage in that introversion. He wasn't a complete extrovert himself, so he was fine doing that. "You?" he asks himself.

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Kep

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Alamos, Sinnoh

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POSTED ON Feb 21, 2023 15:54:43 GMT

[attr="class","thad"]

[attr="class","thadmain"]Kepler’s face falls for the briefest of moments. The idea of administrator makes alarm bells scream in his head. It’s terrifying, and he opens his mouth to speak and then closes it again.

He would like for Ash to never have to do anything dangerous ever again. He would like to be able to keep him at home and wrap him in a bubble and protect him forever but he was not strong and he was not that kind of person.

The idea of dates makes him smile.

“You,” he said, lips a little fuzzy. “You are my plan for the new year.” He takes a deep drink of his second round.

“I… don’t… want you to get hurt again.”

[attr="class","thadtag"]Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","thadpoke"]

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Ash

He/Him/Them

December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

Pansexual

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5'11'' height

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POSTED ON Feb 23, 2023 10:24:25 GMT

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A deep drink of his own second, and Ashley's face was already red. He found himself staring. He can barely speak. He really could look at Kepler for awhile. His cheeks heat up, his heart is beating harder. He coughs, snapping himself out of it. Liquid courage drives him.

So, when Kep speaks, first making him smile like an idiot, and than his worries, Ashley decides to move his chair over, next to Kepler, and he moves his good arm (his left) around Kep's shoulders.

"I know, Kep." He feels himself getting mushier. This wasn't the drunk part of him he wanted Kep to see, but he decided to roll with it. "You know, I tried running away after what happened to Kanto. But even so, it found its way back to me. For every moment of pain and abuse... in return, there's the fact that I met people like Isaac Merlo , ana fell , Eris Halla , and Cillian Quinn . And you."

He forgoes the fact that for a moment in Mt. Pyre, he wanted to die for everything. Ashley doesn't need to traumatize his boyfriend. He throws back the drink, and he can feel his inhibitions fading away.

"Even if I do get hurt. I have someone waiting for me at home. A reason to live for aside from just wanting to. A motivation. A drive. You're my muse. So I'll always find a way back home." He hiccups. He gives a loving smile. One hand on Kep's shoulder, to let his head lean into him, if Kep wanted it.

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Kep

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Alamos, Sinnoh

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POSTED ON Mar 8, 2023 20:31:30 GMT

[attr="class","thad"]

[attr="class","thadmain"]Kepler’s gaze goes a little bit foggy and he doesn’t know if it’s the alcohol or the emotions. “Is it worth it?” he asks, and it comes out sounding a little funny because… he doesn’t know what he’s asking. It’s not accusatory. It’s not his normal wry, sarcastic candor. It’s somewhere soft and a little far away.

“You were out, Ash. We sucked you back in.”

He thinks to the numerous presentations he was required to attend in college and the lectures they prattled talking about how you’re supposed to surround yourself with people who build you up and not who break you down.

He finishes his second beer in big gulps to stop himself from crying and when prompted he does lean into Ash, fighting the urge to curl up on him like a cat in public.

“That’s so scary,” he says, when Ash tells him you’re my muse. “I love you and that makes me happy but that’s still so scary. If anything happened to you… I don’t think I could live with myself.”

He does allow himself to turn his face to Ash’s body and rubs his forehead (gone numb, lips fuzzy) gently on him before just resting his cheek again.

[attr="class","thadtag"]Ashley Shepard

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Ash

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December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

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POSTED ON Mar 8, 2023 23:39:56 GMT

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Kepler's question... leads to an interesting response from Ash. His silver eyes look gloomy a moment. Is it worth it? He thinks back to the pain. To Jubilee's death. Sushi's death. He even laments Bullet and Pluto. The Kanto representative that Theo had him kill. It all boils.

For every painful moment Rocket has given him. He remembers meeting Isaac on the beach, Grimace happily trotting around cartoonishly. How Cygne appeared in the alleyway during the defense of Aki. The drinks he has with Gavin at the bar in Sootopolis. How he met Eris in the icelands, and almost immediately took up role as a big brother figure. Then the best day of his life; when his friend cancelled lunch plans, and he got to see Kepler for the first time.

Was it worth it?

"Yeah. It is. Even if you guys sucked me back in, I think it's more than worth it." When Kepler leans into him, and tells him, gives him all of those fears, the fear he won't make it back. He can't blame Kepler for thinking that way. After all... he is kind of the one-armed wonder right now. So why is he smiling?

Maybe it was the drink?

That nuzzle is cute, but it does have Ashley close his eyes, letting his heart do the talking. It's beating so much harder now, just like the first night. Erratic. Rhythmic. He declares, even tipsy. "Then I just won't die." It's almost childish how easy he says it. He can't guarantee that. But with a brush of Kep's hair, he doesn't need to look at him. That's what the heart is for.

Man. That ninth cloud really is infectious. He doesn't want to leave it. Maybe this was just how he was?

"Don't die on me either."

Another drink placed on their table, and Ashley is already downing this one too. The taste blends together, his mind rotting slowly. Damn this was some good alcohol. Tasted nice. He hiccups once, another time. His hand, wrapped around Kepler's back, moves quietly to Kep's waist. That liquid courage really was something else.

"Think I'ma let the silver grow out again."

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Kep

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March 03

Alamos, Sinnoh

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