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POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 15:25:17 GMT

howard slayte and ameena abadi like this

[attr="class","monty"]ameena abadi.

That's all he remembered after his eyelids fell heavy, his body falling into the black void as he surrendered to his wounds. What would she do? What would she say? He was being careless? He was stupid?

Why did he go and fight howard slayte after all these years?

Did she even love him?

His mind seemed so full of questions as the ink swallowed him whole. Until it was silent. And peace overcame his body.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale.

When he stirred, searing pain in his head made Montgomery flinch. Then, he realized that his arms and legs were strapped down to the bed with restraints, tugging frantically. Had Howard caught him? Did he bring him to Rocket headquarters for interrogation, pain, and suffering.

Montgomery couldn't speak. He couldn't scream. There was a tube down his throat, and the alarms began to blare loudly. His head spun, a few people coming to his side.

"Calm down!"

"Be still!"

"Bring me some versed, STAT!"

And then, he was floating again.

This time, when Montgomery woke, he realized that the tube was gone. His restraints had loosened, until the nurse came in and removed them completely. "Please be careful, Mr. James. You had a severe brain bleed. You need to stay still." Her voice was wary, cautious.

But he obeyed, since the throbbing in his skull was almost too much to bare. Montgomery tilted his head back, staring at the starched ceiling, and breathed.

"Hospital... again?" he spoke, his voice raspy from underuse in the past several days.

[attr="class","montytag"]ameena abadi

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POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 16:35:28 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ameena"]

[attr="class","body"]

She had a Montgomery problem. [break][break]

After their public fight in the routes to keep up appearances, she had expected to see him more frequently to help lick wounds and affirm that nothing had changed despite the battle. It was too juvenile to admit aloud, but she felt insecure about getting in the last blow. She didn't want to extend herself past his forgiveness. [break][break]

Days of silence forced her hand. She thought of him too much to hold herself back any longer. She had received no reply after sending an anonymous gift basket to his PD, which was the last straw. Her people hacked into his phone and the results left her calling up a psychic companion to teleport her only minutes later.[break][break]

He had been unconscious upon her entry, giving her a long enough time to let guilt consume her to the point she would sacrifice anything for his forgiveness. [break][break]

She moved to his side as he rasped - before the words even processed in her mind. "Montgomery," her voice thick and urgent, "please, tell me what happened. Was - was this me?" Unown hadn't struck him this hard, had he? Montgomery looked like he was barely walking away from death's door. Had he been jumped afterwards? She had played out a thousand horrific scenarios. [break][break]

Despite her reputable composure, her eyes were already wet.

TAGS – Montgomery James [break]

NOTES – [break]

[attr="class","credit"]

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TAG WITH @montgomery

POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 17:50:34 GMT

[attr="class","monty"]He hadn't even realized that she was here. The drugs in his system made everything seem to float, drifting along the clouds before dispersing as a droplet splashed into a lake.

When he slowly turned his head and saw her, a small smile crossed his lips as his eyes closed again.

"You're here." And she looked alright.

Though the concern in her voice drew him back to consciousness enough to respond to her question.

"Howard... Slayte." That was his explanation, as he dipped back into a realm of dreams.

[attr="class","montytag"]ameena abadi

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POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 17:58:36 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ameena"]

[attr="class","body"]

The explanation is insufficient. [break][break]

It is also enough for her to begin her tirade. But he comes first, so she coordinates his relief with the staff as they deem him fit to leave. He's escorted to her home, a complex that is sanitized to the point it appears more like an open house than a lived-in home. Glasswork and gold accents fill each room, but there are a few small terrariums filling shelves and other displays as proud results of Rosemary Lovelace's fine craftsmanship. [break][break]

Despite him being safe in her space, anxiety gnaws at her. She has to dedicate her time to the kitchen, leaning over a curry, to keep herself busy enough to stop poking at his sleeping form. She's already left her scathing remarks for Howard on her phone. There's nothing else to do but wait.

TAGS – Montgomery James [break]

NOTES – [break]

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POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 18:05:22 GMT

[attr="class","monty"]Montgomery never imagined that resting in someone else's home, even hers, would be so peaceful. But her bed was warm, plush, and comfortable, a far cry from the stiff hospital bed he'd stayed on for far too long.

He found that he could get used to this. Move in with her and become something of a proper couple. But would she?

For all appearances sake, what if someone saw him enter her home? Or her with him?

He didn't try to think hard about it, given that even the simplest of thoughts made his head begin to ache. When he awoke to the smell of curry, Montgomery scooped a couple of headache relief into his mouth, downing it with water from the sink, before trekking into the living area in gray sweatpants.

His history scarred his chest and arms, but he found he didn't mind if Ameena saw it.

"Smells good," Montgomery spoke, coming from behind her and leaning into her space. His bare chest pressed against her back as he looked over her shoulder. Then, he turned, pressing a gentle kiss against her jaw.

"Have more?"

[attr="class","montytag"]ameena abadi

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TAG WITH @ameena

POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 18:15:54 GMT

howard slayte likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ameena"]

[attr="class","body"]

The urge to protect him left her in state of vigilance, but she relaxed as she heard him pad him over. She leaned back against him, pleased he could move without a significant limp. "This is for you," she explained after turning into him for an additional kiss. "Potato curry is hearty and good for your healing." Her mum had made it when Ameena caught an annual flu. She associated it with medicine so much that she never ate it outside of being sick, but sharing it with him would make it taste sweeter. [break][break]

She had debated telling him, but she assessed that the benefits outweighed the costs. "I reached out to howard slayte ." She'd blown up his phone, but the details of her outreach weren't the focus here. [break][break]

"He does not get to walk away from this." She's in no position to threaten him. He holds rank over her. Worse still, she was unwilling to risk his death because of how valuable he was to her research with the Galar dream, his involuntary participation in the Gemini study, and his recent relationship with Dynergy. He was the perfect subject for testing a newer theory of hers. [break][break]

But he deserved his licks.

TAGS – Montgomery James [break]

NOTES – [break]

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TAG WITH @montgomery

POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 18:28:04 GMT

howard slayte likes this

[attr="class","monty"]"For me? Damn. I must be real special to earn this," Montgomery teased, only staying beside her a moment longer before moving to reach into the cabinet and draw out two bowls for them. A couple of silverware, and he set the table as she finished up the meal.

He'd barely sat down in his seat when she mentioned him. A bitter taste resting on his tongue, and that lust for blood he had long buried beneath pile after pile of rocks turned its ugly head.

"Mmm." He didn't make much of a remark, instead finding himself focused on the napkins. Suddenly, everything didn't appear straight enough, as he fussed with the table setting.

Until Montgomery realized — he knew that there would be no way to avoid speaking about him. "He found himself to be the better fighter. Can't fault him on that." At least he'd grown a pair in the several years that he'd been gone.

"Coulda done with him pummelin' my head, though." It'd be the first time Montgomery was opening the door to a conversation about what had happened. And he was allowing, hesitantly, Ameena to ask her questions.

[attr="class","montytag"]ameena abadi

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TAG WITH @ameena

POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 18:32:36 GMT

howard slayte likes this

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[attr="class","ameena"]

[attr="class","body"]

His nervousness was clear to her with his fidgeting. She showed mercy and brought over the curry and naan without further delay to let things move along, though his answer made it clear that he wouldn't dodge the conversation any longer. [break][break]

"He has proven himself recently." She doesn't mention Petalburg by name, but it hangs between them. "I did not expect for you two to cross paths." She had considered sharing her favor for Montgomery with her closest Rocket allies, but she'd decided against it as the risk was too great. It wouldn't only compromise the appearance of her loyalty - and she was dedicated to Rocket - but it might also put a crosshair on Montgomery. [break][break]

Maybe her choice was the wrong one. She sours at the thought of him being pummeled. "He has never struck me as a sadist." The realization simmers in her mind much as the curry does on her tongue. Gently, so as not to sound accusatory, she asks, "Have you angered him before?"

TAGS – Montgomery James [break]

NOTES – [break]

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POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 18:39:44 GMT

howard slayte likes this

[attr="class","monty"]Montgomery couldn't help but sigh in relief as the curry and naan were brought forth. He quickly scooped a hefty portion into his bowl, his stomach beginning growl like a wild luxray.

And arceus bless Ameena. Her cooking was soothing and healing, as he dipped naan into the curry and shoveled it into his mouth. The hospital food was nothing compared to this.

"Fuckin' good..." Montgomery mumbled, eating like a mad man.

Though he composed himself, clearing his throat and sipping on some water as she joined him. howard slayte, a sadist?

Maybe not prior. But now? He could believe that.

Montgomery's foot tapped on the floor. "Yeah. I have." His spoon stabbed at the curry, as if he was playing with it. "Back in Unova, when I was with Rocket."

He paused. "I'm the one who made him join Rocket. I trained him." Slouching back, he heaved a heavy sigh. "He's my failure."

[attr="class","montytag"]ameena abadi

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TAG WITH @ameena

POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 18:53:19 GMT

howard slayte likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ameena"]

[attr="class","body"]

His eating flatters and comforts her - she's glad he's well enough to have an appetite, and that he can appreciate a good curry. But her own bite floats before her mouth at his confession. She can't even imagine it. [break][break]

Training Howard? Adopting him into the Rocket fold? It's mad. [break][break]

Somehow, she'd figured he fell into Rocket for some simple motive entirely of his own like debt or access to better archaeological sites. "I had no idea," she said as neutrally as she could manage. She didn't know how to be diplomatic here. As a Rocket, Montgomery had done them a great favor in honing Howard. But he wouldn't want to hear that. And she didn't know how to move forward with this knowledge in a mindful way. "Is... is he angry at you for bringing him to Rocket or for leaving it yourself?" [break][break]

She shouldn't prod. It's a bad look to want more information about Howard's loyalty to the organization, but she's always gotten the impression that his relationship to Rocket has differed from that that the other admins had.

TAGS – Montgomery James [break]

NOTES – [break]

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POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 19:48:31 GMT

[attr="class","monty"]The answer to Ameena's question was... complicated. But a simple enough answer would be "I suppose."

He took a few bites as he thought about the best way to explain his exceedingly difficult relationship with Howard Slayte.

"He was a grad student when I hired him. Helped me pilfer some old ruins in the desert of Unova 'n all that. He was weak and spineless. He was afraid of everything."

The past he had been so torn over was spilling over from his lips.

"I imagined I could make him better. He had some sorta potential in him. I could mold him into a new man, someone who was even more valuable than me to Unova. I battered him. Bruised him. I exploded a damn claydol on him, dammit. And he used it against me."

He was a bit more pissed that he used his own tactic against Montgomery in battle, with a much larger army of explosives.

"Do ya know how many times I threatened to kill him? Pulled my gun to his head and told him I could end it right then 'n there?" Montgomery looked darkly at Ameena.

"I say he has his reasons to be angry."

[attr="class","montytag"]ameena abadi

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POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 21:29:38 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ameena"]

[attr="class","body"]

She couldn't keep the surprise from her expression as he painted a picture of pointing his gun to Howard's head. She had intended to be very neutral, but this caught her off guard completely. Montgomery had shared that his past was dark and violent. This didn't fit what she had pictured for him. That kind of power-trip didn't suit him. At least, it didn't suit the man he was now. [break][break]

Of course, after Howard's recent transgression, she can't help but wish to see Montgomery hold that gun to Howard's head now. [break][break]

Admin Fox deserved a bullet. He was too valuable to receive one. "He is protected. If not by the brass, then by his own prowess. I cannot touch him." She sounded as apologetic for it as she could manage. "But I can reason with him." She didn't think Montgomery was weak. She thought herself weak. The idea of losing Montgomery drove her crazy. She would end up hospitalized if she had to stress about his safety in every moment because of the looming threat of Howard. [break][break]

"I think you should keep a psychic pokemon with you at all times. One that teleports." He wasn't her employee. She couldn't order it. And, with only a small hesitation, she revealed her hand: how scared she really was. It weighed the tone of her soft voice as she added, "Please."

TAGS – Montgomery James [break]

NOTES – [break]

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POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 21:57:04 GMT

[attr="class","monty"]Montgomery heaved a heavy sigh, becoming almost limp in his chair as he slouched back. "Meena."

He held her gaze with an intensity he'd never done before. "I don't need ya to protect me from him. Because next time," he began, balling his hand into a fist.

He smacked it hard against the table, angrily. "Next time, I'm gonna kill that fuckin' asshole."

This wasn't the Montgomery she knew. This was Montgomery of Unova emerging from the depths of his soul. He craved violence and death. And Howard was at the top of his list.

It wasn't until Ameena's hand extended toward him, a gentle reminder that he wasn't that man anymore. He was Montgomery of Hoenn now. The curled fist relaxed as he met her gaze, reaching out and holding it gently.

"I'll... I'll think 'bout it." It wasn't a no. But it wasn't a yes.

[attr="class","montytag"]ameena abadi

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TAG WITH @ameena

POSTED ON Oct 22, 2024 22:13:11 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ameena"]

[attr="class","body"]

This anger was new. It was a different breed than that she had witnessed when they'd argued over the hospital after the noble beast attack. It was different than the anger about the gift giving. It was different than the frustrated authority he'd wielded when they first met and she was poaching. [break][break]

Cautiously, she observed him like a specimen and not her boyfriend. [break][break]

The realization that that was precisely what he was left her head spinning, but she pulled herself together long enough to accept his concession. She wanted him safe. She wanted him protected. But she had to respect his autonomy. She could not lock him in her lab or in a safehouse or in a bedroom, as beneficial as it could be. She had to let him be his own man and make his own choices. If she could simply snap her fingers and force him into her corner, away from the League's, he wouldn't be the man she knew. The one she -[break][break]

"Thank you."

TAGS – Montgomery James [break]

NOTES – [break]

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