Leave. Why was someone sent to take over the town giving him warnings? It didn’t make sense, nor did it settle the uneasy, uncanny feeling that persisted in his gut the longer he stared at his counterpart. Something rang familiar in the other’s voice, but…that was impossible. He didn’t know anyone in Rocket. At least, he didn’t think he did.

Wren frowned, stare fixed stubbornly on the owl mask. “No.” His attention shifted to the shedinja, eyes narrowing further when it sputtered into motion and slashed at the ground in front of Juno. The eevee finally darted back to Wren’s side, a low rumble in her throat that spoke of distrust. Again, something that felt different than outright hostility. But why? Wren didn’t get it.

He didn’t have time to stand there and think about it, though. With Juno out of the way, he quickly recalled the vaporeon who had been following him and sent out an umbreon instead, the gold rings in her fur glowing stark against pitch darkness. “You leave,” he spit back, “Stella. Dark pulse.” Wren was surprised at the aggression that slipped into his own tone. It grated against the softness that was typically settled there. Quashing that typical kindness. But he had a job to do here.

The umbreon springs forward, stamping the ground as she sends a blast of dark, heavy energy hurtling toward the shedinja, before her tactic shifts to circling around the ghost-type, like hunting prey.

---

tldr; wren refuses to back off, doesn't heed the warning given. sends out his umbreon, who uses DARK PULSE against shedinja.[break]
participation (50) + ic post (10) = 60 total mp

Levy Alinsky

☉

It was difficult to not feel tenderness that wanted to swallow him whole when they were settled together like they were. As if they were just at home and not on a random classmate’s upstairs couch while a party boomed onward one floor down. HOnestly, he wouldn’t have minded if Levy came along with him. It actually might have made him feel a little more confident– for all of the excitement he had, there was just as much insecurity. Not because of anything someone had said, but because of how new it all was.[break][break]

But he didn’t want Levy to feel like he was Wren’s crutch, either. Not when he had just as much potential to go places and make something of himself. The last thing he wanted was for this friend to shelf any goal he might have, little as he talked about them.[break][break]

They were nearly nose to nose, and realizing as much made his heart stutter in his chest as he blinked at Levy with wide eyes. It was only then that he considered the other rooms along the hall. Those he’d been pretty sure were already occupied. Was that what…could’ve happened here? With them? Wren definitely lacked just as much experience–always a bit too dense to realize when others might be sweet on him.[break][break]

“I’ll let you know the moment it happens, if it happens.” His nose scrunched up a bit, color tinting his face as he laughed quietly. “Well then it’s a done deal.” His own glance shifted back down, smiling at his hands still hugging the pillow. “I’m really happy I get to see you now, though.”

[break][break]

+ Levy Alinsky | m: a little party never hurt nobody | he’s NOT ALLOWED TO DIE!!

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

“Oof,” Wren puffed out a breath at the remark before dissolving into another laugh. “Can’t have that. Better keep you around as long as I can.” Of course, he didn’t mean it in the immediate sense of their current living distance. Just in general. But then, Wren had already been determined to make sure that was the case for them.[break][break]

Unbidden, his stare had drifted to Levy’s hands where they rested. He wanted to snatch one up again and hold it in his. Maybe use way more affection than had been in contact earlier when it had only been a means of leading him somewhere quiet. He refrained, though. Because it would only make Levy uncomfortable, right? He’d already dragged his friend here, and though things had settled since his initial arrival, Wren didn’t want to potential make it rear back up.[break][break]

Plus, there’s no way it was mutual…right? Levy was just used to this because it was how Wren always acted. There was no way he could feel the undercurrent there…surely.[break][break]

His brows lifted slightly, smile toying at the corners of his mouth a bit more certain than before. “Oh yeah? Gonna spirit me away in the night, I see. I see.” It was all a big joke – Wren knew that. But despite the love he had for his current training and job…he wouldn’t mind that either. If it was Levy. Only Levy.[break][break]

When Levy shifted to look at him, Wren turned inward as well. Twisted to look at him, though he was still settled comfortably against the back of the couch. “What? Of course I’m sure.” If he were bolder, he’d press a palm to his cheek so that he knew how sure he was. His grin finally returned, though, at the almost shy admission. “Good, ‘cause I wasn’t gonna take no for an answer.”
[break][break]

+ Levy Alinsky | m: a little party never hurt nobody | he’s NOT ALLOWED TO DIE!!

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

He laughed quietly, fingers balling into the fluff of the pillow before he hugged it to himself. “Yeah, don’t know what I’d without those.” But what he really meant was I don’t know what I’d do without you, Levy. Wren wanted to curl inward. Tuck himself around thin limbs and the warmth that radiated from him. He almost offered then and there to go back to Levy’s place to spend the rest of his visit there. Should’ve gone with that in the first place.[break][break]

It was comfortable like this. Even though Wren could find ways to be comfortable around just about anybody he met, this came easily. Natural like breathing. He didn’t even second guess his choice or the act of settling against Levy. He didn’t question the fact that he was resting his head on his shoulder and that it seemed to slot perfectly against his neck. Even with the confusing feelings that had started to tumble around inside of him with more frequency over each passing day, this was just how it was meant to be. Comforting, instinctive.[break][break]

The idea of losing it made something in his chest sink at the concept alone. “Woooowww,” he breathed through a huff of laughter, “I think you should let me see your notes.” In an idyllic situation, he would’ve asked Levy to come along with him. Then they could carry on just the same as they always had, just in a different city. But it hadn’t felt fair to ask Levy to drop all of his things because Wren wanted to meet his own goals. That was way too selfish. And yet he almost had.[break][break]

“That’s nice— really nice,” he murmured, but the smile that lingered on his lips was a weak one. It was a little reassuring, though, to know that Levy wasn’t totally alone. “Maybe you can come visit Evergrande sometime, and I can show you around.” He hummed, “Only if you want. I know it’s a bit of a trip.”

[break][break]

+ Levy Alinsky | m: a little party never hurt nobody | he’s NOT ALLOWED TO DIE!!

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

He moves forward with the group he’s sort of glommed himself onto, though it all seems to break apart once the shrieking roar rolls through the town. Time halts for just a moment and then everything splinters into chaos. He takes the directive of Tam Fawley to heart, nodding seriously as he too wheeled away to do his job.

Wren finds himself sliding alongside exterior of the building toward the back, hidden by the shadows. With Juno returned to the security of his knapsack, he calls out an vaporeon, who slinks low to the ground with far better stealth than he could ever manage. Almost immediately he hears the sounds of battle as he rounds the corner and spies two individuals fighting. He doesn’t recognize @viole , but his looks sort of remind him of Levy Alinsky — which would be funny if not for the situation they find themselves in. Before he can step up to help him with the opponent who isn’t facing Wren, the fight dissolves and he’s left alone with the lone rocket.

Juno wiggles in his backpack, and pokes her head free. Sniffs the air before scrambling loose and bolting toward the figure. “H-hey, wait! Juno don’t-“ Wren follows, with Jupiter still tailing him as he finally faces the stranger, though something feels…odd as he locks eyes with the pair hidden behind an eerie owl mask. Nerves send his heart launching up into his throat. Juno stands just ahead of him, but her posture isn’t aggressive or hostile. Not exactly friendly, either. More…confused than anything else as her long ears twitch. It doesn’t make any sense.

tldr; splits off from the slateport group as conflict really takes off around littleroot theater. calls out his vaporeon while juno goes into his knapsack. creeps around the side of the theater, spots a battle but it breaks up as he approaches, locks eyes with a masked Levy Alinsky (rip!!) Juno’s acting weird

☉

Admittedly, Wren was a little dumb when it came to how he came off. He didn’t consider the fact that maybe it seemed a little overly friendly, or flirtatious. Even if what he felt was very much real as it had recently dawned over him. But that didn’t mean Levy felt the same, and he was already so reserved. Sure, he loosened up around Wren and was more open with him, but he still had those guarded moments. And the thought of distance widening between them because Wren had changed something between them filled him with anxious dread.[break][break]

“Huh?” It took a few moments for Wren to register that he meant Evergrande. Of course he meant Evergrande, that was so obvious. Where else would he be meaning? “Oh, yeah. Yeah.” His heart fluttered in his chest, chewing on his lip

He turned to look at Levy for a moment, eyes wide and dewy as his bottom lip puffed out. “I’ve missed you too, like so much.” Wren slumped sideways, hands falling to his lap as his head settled on the narrow slope of Levy’s shoulder. Idly, he snatched a small throw pillow and picked at the tasseled edges. “It’s not the same without you around. I mean, like everyone’s super nice. I’ve met some people our age and they’re really cool, and Ollie’s a really good captain.”[break][break]

His glance shifted sideways, though he could only catch parts of his side profile before looking back down at the pillow. He was decidedly just as careful about not meeting the other’s eye as he was. “Gonna pull off a whole heist?” A soft laugh tumbled free, though it petered out as Levy continued. “Yeah, really? That’s good, I’m glad you’re meeting people. Like from classes?” Wren’s brows pinched together softly though, and there was an odd twinge in his stomach at the thought. A restless, negative feeling he wasn’t accustomed to experiencing.[break][break]

He forced it away, though. After all, he was just happy to be the one spending time with Levy right now.
[break][break]

+ Levy Alinsky | m: a little party never hurt nobody | babies being babies

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

“Well, it felt like I was drinking lemon juice!” he insisted, stupid giggles tangling his words up. It was always a win when he could make Levy laugh like this. It never got old, ever since the first time he’d managed it back when they were far younger and Lev rarely let anything show. He was still reserved, but he was like this with Wren. It was almost something to feel a little possessive over.[break][break]

Really, he didn’t feel obligated to make the offering of quiet just because of Levy. Maybe it was the tumult of his emotions, or the fact that he was leaving soon, but Wren himself didn’t really feel in the mood to party in a loud and crowded space the same way that he normally might. Even then, the concept of what a quiet space alone at a place like this might insinuate to Levy sailed right over his little blonde head.[break][break]

“Yep, actually! It’s exactly what I want.” Wren’s head nodded as he talked, and once again he grabbed ahold of Levy’s hand to thread them through the crowd again. Nudging bodies out of the way with his cup in the other hand as it sloshed with the movement. Eventually he found the staircase, and his hand felt sweaty and clammy with nerves by then, so it felt safe to let go. Much as he still didn’t want to.[break][break]

Already, it was quieter on the second floor, though there were still people littered on the landing and in the hall. “C’mon.” He glanced back over his shoulder at Levy and then continued until he found an open door to an empty space. Even Wren had the sense not to check the closed doors—that would be too mortifying if he slipped up and walked in on something[break][break]

This seemed to be a small study. Desk and bookshelves and all. There was a small sofa as well, and that is where he flopped himself down after setting his cup on the side table and clicking on the table lamp. “Much better.” Immediately, he patted the open space beside him.

[break][break]

+ Levy Alinsky | m: a little party never hurt nobody | babies being babies

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

“Your face!” he echoed back, laughing as Levy’s own face twisted up in distaste. It didn’t really get any better the more that it was consumed, either. As Wren quickly figured out with a second gulp. Wren could also be considered a social drinker, though he took to it much easier than Levy. If anything, it only amplified his cheerfulness and sillier nature. On his own, though, he didn’t really think to drink all that often—more in favor of sugary sweet drinks.[break][break]

Which, of course, culminated in only a mild tolerance level. Not that either of them were getting too wild. Wren was still worriedly fixated on the idea that he was going to slip up and make Levy uncomfortable. His glance followed his friend’s in how it moved across the space. “Hm?” he asked back in response to the question, head leaning sideways toward Levy as he continued to watch people dance together. Wondering all the while if that’s what Levy was suggesting.[break][break]

The thought nearly made color rise in his face again.[break][break]

Golden eyes shifted sideways then, and he could still sense the nervousness that came from Levy. So rather than ask him to dance, he took a smaller sip from his cup and better turned to him. “I don’t think there’s anything specific you gotta do at these kinds of parties…” The only agenda was to have a good time, really. And he wanted Levy to have a good time so.. “You wanna go find somewhere quieter?”

[break][break]

+ Levy Alinsky | m: a little party never hurt nobody | he’s NOT ALLOWED TO DIE!!

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

It was a relief, at least, that Levy wasn’t repelled by the touch Wren was used to bestowing (smothering?) him with. Even when they were younger, and it had very obviously been foreign to Levy, he’d never pushed Wren away. Would that change now? With physical distance being put between them? If that didn’t play a part– would Wren make it weird with all the little thoughts that continued creeping into his head? He hoped not. And at least for tonight it didn’t seem to be affecting Levy. Wren hoped and prayed and hoped some more that he wouldn’t be glaringly obvious.[break][break]

Maybe in that regard the heavy thrum of the busy party around them was helpful. Overwhelming, sure, but it did well to cover up any lingering awkwardness that wanted to kick off of him. If Levy was too distracted by everything going on, he wouldn’t be able to tell if Wren was being weird. He wasn’t being weird. He didn’t think he was being weird. haha. The dim lighting and odd colored lights also helped disguise the color that had started to creep into his face the longer he overthought everything.[break][break]

Even when he let go of Levy’s hand, he still hovered. Close like an attachable shadow ready to cling to the ends of his clothing, maybe annoyingly so. His nose wrinkled as Levy practically sacrificed himself to the cauldron, eyes following the cup as it was held aloft. “Always,” he said automatically and without thought in response to the declaration. Too much. Wren quickly swiveled himself around to hide the redness in his face and ladle himself a cupful.[break][break]

If he could drink it fast enough, he could blame the stubborn color on that. So before Levy had even finished, he was knocking some back too. Immediately his face distorted in displeasure. Tongue sticking out dramatically once he’d swallowed it down. “Guess the point is people won’t care about the taste after a few cups.”

[break][break]

+ Levy Alinsky | m: a little party never hurt nobody | he’s NOT ALLOWED TO DIE!!

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

It was right about then that Wren wished he was out at Mt. Pyre with ollie morales . Not that he was about to go against his marching orders to help out at Littleroot, but…he might feel a little less unsure of himself if he was feeding off the boundless energy of his station captain. But this wasn’t the time for him to falter. So rather than let his anxieties eat him up, he shoots off a quick message to Ollie– a good luck followed by a litany of emojis that he only maybe might understand as meant to be a hype up.

His thumbs hovered over the screen in deliberation then, a small frown as he considered his options (the pause also an opportunity to listen to the directives coming over the comms radio.) He hadn’t told Levy Alinsky that he was going to be in the thick of the conflict today, and guilt bubbled up in his stomach for doing so. But he didn’t want him to worry, either. So it was better that he didn’t, right? Still, he didn’t want to leave it at that so he quickly tapped out another text and sent it along to his best friend before shutting off and pocketing his phone.

Hey. I’ve got some downtime soon, so let’s hang out asap, ‘kay?

Not exactly what he wanted to say, but it was something, at least. A small pulse radiated from nearby, and Wren took it to be a defensive measure likely from a nearby group. He stooped down next to his eevee as he watched a group of rangers come into view–faces he recognized in passing from the last meeting held, but didn’t personally know.

“Juno, be ready to assist any offensive maneuvers with helping hand. And be careful, okay?” Leave it to the eevee to surge ahead way out of her weight class. She was gung-ho like that, and obviously, he appreciated that in his selected partner because it tended to match and even outpace his own enthusiasm. But at the same time, Wren wasn’t too keen on losing her and was ready to swap her out at a moment's notice. Even if she would likely protest the idea of being relegated to his backpack. Or worse, her infrequently used pokeball if she was particularly obstinate.

Pushing himself back up, Wren wandered toward the group of voices he heard, as well as saw the safeguard emanate from–meeting them halfway as they drew closer to the theater. A decidueye rose up from the gaggle and flew overhead to land on the building’s roof and he watched it take preemptive aim with wide eyes. Definitely smart to avoid the theater, but his hand did lift in greeting, “Mind if I stick with you for the time being? Only one who made it over from Evergrande, sooo yeah!” Geez, even in the middle of conflict he could be awkward.

Gw3swpox

tldr; currently hovering awkwardly by himself around littleroot theatre + sends messages to ollie morales and Levy Alinsky + gravitates toward Tam Fawley ’s group after the safeguard, and the appearance of Orion Lykos ’s decidueye. + prepared with juno to lend an initial helping hand where needed

☉