this isn't their first selfie together, is it? briefly, he thinks back, definitely remembering a few instances of them taking pictures together.[break][break]

still, he thinks this is his favorite one.[break][break]

everything about it is—[break][break]

"perfect."

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

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

"it did it naturally." he explains, then realizes. "maybe pink shit's just a pervert."[break][break]

it would make sense, actually, considering how he's never actually seen any other ditto do it. he's always just trusted pink shit and its unusual antics.[break][break]

"hm?"[break][break]

too distracted, niko doesn't hear it.[break][break]

"what noise?"

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

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

she moves before he could. they embrace; his heavy arms falling around her as he pulls her close, holding on tight as though it'd make up for the weeks lost.[break][break]

"i forgive you."[break][break]

after a long moment, he exhales, then kisses the top of her head.[break][break]

"come on. baby niko's sleeping so we have the place to ourselves."

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

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

where anger flares, sympathy forms. it has no right to say that because he had done exactly the same to her. so he fights through the hurt, the lingering loneliness, and sighs.[break][break]

"sorry."[break][break]

and then she explains. niko's never been one to hide his feelings and now's no different. his expression morphs from confusion to anger before finally settling on guilt.[break][break]

"fuck, jessie, why didn't you just tell me what happened?"[break][break]

again, unfair of him, so after another sigh, he corrects himself.[break][break]

"sorry. and sorry that shit happened to you. it all sounds horrible and i'm upset because i wasn't there to help you."[break][break]

to keep you safe.

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

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

"i gotchu."[break][break]

now, and for as long as she wants him to.[break][break]

this time, he paddles slower, taking the time to enjoy the moment and the sight around them. it truly is beautiful — and simple, which is something he's never quite experienced before.[break][break]

soon floating in the best spot on the lake, niko leans into her, appreciating the moment.[break][break]

"this is perfect."

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

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

niko watches on proudly as her ditto starts its near-perfect TRANSFORMATION. he nods with a sense of sophistication that looks off on him, but he feigns the part well enough.[break][break]

"as i knew it would."[break][break]

his ditto rolls, forming waves with its body in a show of approval.[break][break]

"now that it looks the part, try having it use an attack. HAMMER ARM, maybe."

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

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

the sight of tears almost causes him to break. almost. his stubbornness prevails but he knows he's fighting a losing battle. she's always had a way with him; a comfort and presence he just cannot repel.[break][break]

"shut you out like you did to me?"[break][break]

maybe after one last petty jab.[break][break]

"go on, then."

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

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

his gaze drifts down, scrutinizing before it shifts back up.[break][break]

"i see your leg's better. the doc really did wonders for you, then."[break][break]

he leans against the door frame, not budging just yet. his arms cross over his chest as he speaks.[break][break]

"where'd you go?"

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

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

"hell yeah, babe. no problem. i got legs for days."[break][break]

consider this his leg day.[break][break]

the small kiss is appreciated. he returns one briefly, smiling, before turning his attention back to the wide lake that awaits them.[break][break]

"where to?"

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

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

"pokemon anatomy is important."[break][break]

very important, actually. it's something most ditto trainers fail to realize.[break][break]

after a moment of studying rhyperior's anatomy more intimately, niko decides it's time to put his knowledge to the test.[break][break]

"good. now try again."

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

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

too caught up in his own amusement, he laughs, only turning over to notice her pout moments too late.[break][break]

he slows down then. the peddles soon follow.[break][break]

"my bad. got a bit too excited."[break][break]

leaning over towards her, he asks:[break][break]

"you okay?"

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

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

niko shares the same excitement. his hand reaches for hers, cupping at his bicep.[break][break]

"that's it! see? your ditto's a fuckin' natural."[break][break]

he gives it a thumbs up![break][break]

"now... this may sound weird but i promise it works. or at least it worked for pink shit."[break][break]

understanding, niko's ditto TRANSFORMS back, then slides underneath the rhyperior, positioning itself between its heavy legs. it then looks up, gazing in awe.[break][break]

"have your ditto do exactly that."

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

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

it's his turn now to go without contact, he supposes. not that he can really complain about it. he'd done the exact same thing to her.[break][break]

still, it fucking sucks.[break][break]

niko's on his couch when the knocks from his door. her voice calls to him and while he normally would be rushing to the door, now he takes his time, opening it moments later.[break][break]

"what's up?"

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

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