"you got it. you're now signed up for the niko manner training plan. good luck, and no refunds."[break][break]

he huffs, chuckling moments later. he never fails to lighten the mood, at least in his head.[break][break]

"see you back in verdanturf. lemme know if you need anything, alright? you got my number? you need a new phone?"

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

perhaps his doubts will fade with time. until then, he allows the topic to move along, saying nothing else regarding baby niko who he still needs to properly name.[break][break]

"that sounds nice. meeting your siblings."[break][break]

not that he would know.[break][break]

"so when do i get to meet them?"

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"what you talking about? verdanturf's lovely."[break][break]

it's his town. of course he'd defend it.[break][break]

"hoenn, though? yeah, i feel you."[break][break]

ice clinks in his glass as he downs the rest of his drink.[break][break]

"niko. i own the bar."

[attr="class","ooc"]@ari[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-mightyena"]

"he'd be fine without me."[break][break]

his words come out grumbled. he's thought about it before, of course, about how his baby would be fine in someone else's care. or maybe his baby would be in even better care.[break][break]

the thought is enough to upset him. he sighs, venting his frustrations as he also looks away.[break][break]

"where'd you even go?"

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

it's not just because he's based in verdanturf. his influence and connections end at the border of verdanturf. anything outside this town is wild, uncontrollable, and unpredictable.[break][break]

"you aren't a burden."[break][break]

his head shakes.[break][break]

"jessie, you came home hurt, basically dying, and then you left verdanturf right after. i was fucking worried."[break][break]

who wouldn't be?[break][break]

"i don't want to see you hurt again."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

it takes her a while to return so what does niko do in the meantime? nothing, really. man just zoned out on the couch until he finally hears her steps approaching.[break][break]

"not the poopy diaper."[break][break]

he's had to deal with plenty. too many for one lifetime, perhaps.[break][break]

"jessie, i've been thinking."[break][break]

he starts as she settles back down next to him. he wraps an arm around her, holding her close.[break][break]

"i dunno what kind of shit you're getting involved in, and i told nina larson this, but i can't protect you outside of verdanturf."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

oh. the baby's awake.[break][break]

"why..."[break][break]

he practically groans when she pushes off, eyes trailing after her as she walks over to the bedroom to tend to the crying baby.[break][break]

"typical."[break][break]

baby niko's a pain in the ass. just like his father.

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

and there it is again — love. it feels right, perfect, so he leans into the feeling, lips curling against hers as he speaks.[break][break]

"and i love you, jessie."[break][break]

his clothes are shrugged off, discarded, and he presses his body into hers as he returns her kisses.[break][break]

"i'm yours."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"no promises."[break][break]

speaking from experience, it's unlikely they'll have it in them to be quiet. like now, for example, as niko continues to trail kisses down her neck and her collarbone, he's already letting out moans of pleasure as he feels her weight shift against him.[break][break]

his hands tug at her shirt, looking to pull it off.

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"mhm."[break][break]

the comfort, warmth, and longing from her straddling him is sought out for. his hands run along her thighs, gripping with a sense of urgency as he leans forward to press kisses into her neck.[break][break]

"we'll be fine."[break][break]

will they?[break][break]

"we just have to be extra quiet."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"hopefully..."[break][break]

he groans, shaking his head.[break][break]

"not good enough! come on, nina larson, it's time."[break][break]

for what?[break][break]

he takes a step away before pointing down to pink shit.[break][break]

"battle me."

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-mightyena"][attr="class","pkspr pkmn-rhyperior"]

"i gotchu."[break][break]

but, just for his own peace of mind, he needs to be sure of something.[break][break]

"shit won't be easy, though. i'm gonna push you for everything you got and more."[break][break]

a pause.[break][break]

"you sure you're up for that?"

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

love.[break][break]

is niko manner capable of such a thing? is he worthy to love or to be loved?[break][break]

who fucking cares.[break][break]

"i love you too."[break][break]

he nods, affirming what they both know.[break][break]

"always have and always will."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]