Chapter Text
Ren stays at Steven’s house
This scene is a much longer version of Ren’s first visit to Steven’s house at the beginning of chapter 22. I wrote it ahead of time in a fit of inspiration only to realize later that it completely ruined the flow of the chapter so I hacked it down to the current version. But I kept the original because it's funny and has some good character moments.
[ Steven’s house is a small, stone cottage on the outskirts of town that overlooks the sea. There is a very large open shelter built onto the side in the lee of the building with a large sand bed. A bastiodon, cradily and armaldo are resting in it while a skarmory perches on the roof. There is a garden near the house with plants sprouting in it. Steven sends out the rest of his pokemon as they approach and Ren follows suit. Tulpi and Liaoning land on either side of Damascus on the roof and the Eon Guardians join them. ]
Steven: The bastiodon sleeping there is Pavise. He’s a retired battler. I’m sure he’ll get up for dinner, but we’ll let him sleep for now. And the rest I think you know already.
[Tungsten slithers over and curls around Pavise who shifts a little to settle against her but does not open his eyes. Gilchrist lumbers over to join them while Escutcheon and Ptilometra get up to make room and greet Pohaku. Alwyn and Komatsu take Kōtai over to see the garden and Ao tags along. Escutcheon and Ptilometra start down a path to the shore, inviting Pohaku to follow. He looks back at Ren and she nods. He wiggles and goes after them followed shortly by Tāraki and Tarahau. Kata and Bessemer sit on the edge of the cliff and talk. Steven opens the front door and flips on the hall light. He moves aside and motions for Ren to come in. She steps inside and he closes the door.]
Steven: Welcome. First door on the right is the laundry room, next is the kitchen, then there is a closet and the door on the end is the bathroom. First on the left is the living room and the bedroom in the back. Here, let me take your shoes.
[He takes off his own and then waits while she takes off hers. He puts them both in a tray in the laundry room and gives her a pair of house slippers, a custom he probably picked up from his time in Kanto. A carbink dressed in a frilly pink apron emerges from the kitchen as they step into the hall.]
Carbink: [ telepathy ] Steven, I started dinner! [ seeing Ren ] Oh! Hello!
Steven: Anthy, this is Ren. She and her pokemon are going to be staying the night.
Anthy: Okay! I already changed the sheets so you’re all set.
Ren: It’s nice to meet you Anthy. Thank you for taking such good care of Steven.
Anthy: Of course! I have to get back to the kitchen. It was lovely to meet you!
[ Anthy floats back into the kitchen, little apron fluttering. Ren turns back to Steven. ]
Ren: Steven, there is no way I’m stealing your bed. I can sleep on the couch. Knowing you, it’s plenty comfortable.
Steven: I get to sleep in my bed all the time. You need some rest after what you went through today.
Ren: So do you.
Steven: If it makes you uncomfortable, then obviously you can sleep on the couch. But otherwise I insist you—
Ren: Come on, I’ve already made up my mind. You know how stubborn I am.
Steven: I can be very persistent.
Ren: [ turning to go into the kitchen ] We’ll see.
[ The kitchen is quite large and professional-looking. There is a huge six burner stove, a large oven, a farmhouse sink, a smaller sink and a big two-door refrigerator. The room also features a wrap around countertop, generous cabinetry and a small table with two chairs. Anthy is at the end of the counter using telekinesis to chop celery with a knife. ]
Ren: Anthy, may I please help you cook?
Anthy: You don’t need to.
Ren: Please. I know I’m making a lot of extra work for you.
Anthy: Okay, you two can help. Could you shuck these peas for me, Ren?
Ren: [ saluting ] Aye captain.
Anthy: [ giggling ] Steven, could you make the roué? I want to watch you again.
Steven: Of course.
[ Ren is washing her hands, but looks up to watch Steven take off his jacket and ascot. He drapes them over one of the chairs and rolls up his sleeves before getting a crystal pattern apron off a hook by the door and putting it on. Ren quickly looks away and dries her hands so that he can wash his. He puts a saucepan on the stove while Anthy gets some broth and butter out of the fridge. He puts a ton of butter in the saucepan and it sizzles as it melts. Anthy hands him a container of flour and he sprinkles that in as stirs the mixture with a spatula. ]
Steven: You see how it’s fluffy and spreads across the bottom? That’s what you want to see. If it’s too flat, add more flour. If it’s too dry, add more butter. And you have to toast it just a bit or it will fall apart later… Alright, now the broth just a little at a time. The important thing is to not let it get too cold. Wait until it’s smooth and hot again to add more.
[ Ren smiles as she listens to this while she shucks peas into a bowl behind them. Soon Anthy seems confident enough to take over and Steven starts making some dough on the counter next to Ren. His bare arms flex as he kneads the dough in a practiced motion. Ren steals glances at him and tries not to smile the dopey way her face seems to want to. ]
Ren: I’m done with the peas, Anthy.
Anthy: Thank you. Save the pods for Pavise please. He loves them. Could you finish chopping the celery for me?
Ren: Sure.
[ The two sandslashes and excadrill come in with a basket of root vegetables and an earthenware jar. Komatsu gets out a lasagna pan and puts it on the floor while Alwyn picks up a potato. Komatsu puts a bowl down next to her. Alwyn carefully balances the potato on one claw and spins it like a top. She runs the edge of her other claw up its length and peels it into the bowl in one fluid motion. She smiles at Kōtai who is watching her with wide eyes. She tosses the peeled potato up and cubes it in midair. The pieces land in the pan. ]
Kōtai: Now that’s a fine trick. Couldn’t do that with my claws.
Alwyn: Then try the carrots.
[ Kōtai picks up a carrot and starts peeling it lengthwise with the edge of his claw while Alwyn continues with the potatoes and Komatsu fetches some berries out of the fridge using a step stool. Meanwhile, Steven is rolling out the dough into four large circles. Ren continues to steal furtive glances at his face and arms between each vegetable she dices. Soon she has a little pile of celery, carrots, mushrooms, and potato. ]
Ren: I’ve finished the vegetables, Anthy.
Anthy: Thank you!
[ Anthy floats them through the air and into a pot with telekinesis. Steven puts two of the crusts in pie dishes and leaves the other two on the cutting board for later. Komatsu pours the contents of the jar, which turns out to be grubs, over the roots and berries and the two sandslash put it in the oven. Ren confers with Anthy and gets some supplies out of her vapor box: rice flour, matcha, and red bean paste. She starts making mochi at the table and Steven gets some lemonade out of the fridge. He pulls two glasses out of the cabinet and holds one down to Alwyn, who frosts it over. Steven joins Ren at the table with the two frosted glasses of lemonade which he has garnished with mint. Ren has him roll out little balls of red bean paste and Ren wraps them in matcha mochi before Steven dusts them in rice flour for the finishing touch. Steven soon gets ahead of Ren and rests his head on his hand with a sigh. ]
Ren: You are going to have to be patient. This is not as easy as it looks.
Steven: I hate waiting.
Ren: You are so full of shit right now. Are you really gonna tell me that excavating rocks and fossils requires no patience?
Steven: If you don’t give me something to do, I’ll just have to find some other way to entertain myself.
Ren: Good. Get creative.
[ He leans over with a mischievous smile and sprinkles some rice flour on her hair. She blows some matcha powder at him in retaliation and he flicks some red bean paste at her and she reaches her hand into the remaining gooey mochi to fling at him, expression gleeful. She raises it high. ]
Steven: No! Please! What if it gets in my hair?
Ren: You asked for this!
Steven: [ trying to shield his head ] I’m sorry! Mercy! Please!
[ Ren cackles wickedly. ]
Anthy: What are you two doing?!
[ They both freeze. ]
Steven: Uh—
Anthy: You’re making a mess!
Ren: I’m sorry—
Steven: We’re very sorry—
Anthy: [ waving her spatula for emphasis ] Out of the kitchen!
Ren: We’ll stop—
Steven: We won’t do it again, we promise—
Anthy: OUT!
[They both protest and grovel but Anthy has their sandslashes kick them out. They give each other a sheepish smile as they are shoved into the hall. Steven snatches the bowl of pea pods as soon as the sandslashes turn their backs and goes outside to take care of his pokemon while Ren goes to take a shower. The bathroom is extremely fancy as Ren probably should have suspected. She snoops around just a little, looking over all of the soaps, lotions and hair care products. There is even a little organizer of makeup on one of the shelves. She inspects the switches on the wall which have the letters ‘O M S V F T’. The first three turn out to be the overhead, shower, and mirror lights respectively. ‘V’ is the vent, ‘F’ turns on the heated floor and ‘T’ makes a small orange light on the towel rack turn on. When Ren gets out of the shower, she wraps herself in a warm towel and wiggles in delight. She changes into a loose t-shirt and plain pajama bottoms and goes into the living room. Three of the four walls are lined with cases of rocks and Ren goes around admiring them. Steven comes back in and quickly checks on her before going off to take his own shower. Ren is lounging on the enormous couch when he returns with a bowl of cherries and some fresh glasses of lemonade. Ren thanks him as he lays the offerings on the huge coffee table before she notices what he is wearing. He has put on silk pajamas that are a beldum print on a pale pink background.]
Ren: Thank you— Oh, great Lord Arceus.
Steven: Hmm?
Ren: Your pajamas. They’re… precious .
Steven: Like them?
Ren: You’re such a dork!
[ He just shrugs and makes to sit down on the couch next to her. She scooches her feet up to make room and he flops down. ]
Steven: How about you? Did you forget yours?
Ren: [ gesturing to her tattered outfit ] These are my pajamas.
Steven: You don’t… have any others?
Ren: No, I do, but they’re pretty much all like this.
[ Steven turns away from her and stares off into the middle distance, lips tightly sealed. ]
Ren: Your bathroom is wild by the way. I don’t think I’ve ever smelled this good in my life and that includes the time I went to an actual spa in Lavaridge.
Steven: What can I say, it takes work to look this good all the time.
Ren: I’d make fun of you, but that heated towel rack is probably my new favorite thing on the entire planet.
Steven: I’ve told you before: St—
Ren: I know, I know: “Steven Stone does nothing by halves”. But back to you being a huge dork: your carbink wouldn’t happen to be named after Anthy from Shōjo Kakumei Utena, would she?
Steven: No. She’s named for anthracite.
Ren: [ smirking ] Cuz that’s so much less dorky. Just admit it already.
Steven: I’ll do no such thing and furthermore I’ll have you know that Utena was certainly not my idol as a child.
Ren: [ laughing ] That explains a lot.
[ Steven leans forward and grabs the bowl of cherries. He puts it in his lap and pops an entire cherry into his mouth, stem and all. Ren reaches over and pulls out a few for herself. Her toes slide forward as she stretches up and touch his thigh. He doesn’t react to the contact so she decides to leave them there. She smiles as her toes are warmed by his body heat. A minute or two later Steven pushes a knotted cherry stem past his lips and twirls it theatrically, grinning toothily at her. ]
Ren: That is so weird. Did you make that up or did someone else show you how to do that?
[ The grin falls off his face and he puts the cherry stem down on the coffee table before spitting the pit out of the side of his mouth. It lands right in his empty lemonade glass. ]
Ren: Now that’s crazy. How do you do that? It’s like you didn’t even look, I swear.
Steven: You know, most people have the opposite reaction to those two talents. They love the cherry stem trick and think the pit spitting is weird and gross.
Ren: [ brow frrowing ] Huh. Why do you think that is?
[ Steven blinks at her, then shrugs, but he is blushing just a little. He can feel Bessemer laughing outside and blushes harder. Ren is busy reaching for more cherries and doesn’t notice. They continue eating for a little while in silence except for the occasional tinkling of a cherry pit landing in Steven’s glass. Steven gropes around the almost empty bowl and something occurs to him. He looks at Ren’s glass but there is still some lemonade and no cherry pits. ]
Steven: What are you doing with your stones?
Ren: Hmm?
Steven: You ate at least half of these. Where are all the stones?
[ Ren just grins at him, cheeks bulging. ]
Steven: No!
[ Ren opens her mouth and shows him the thirty-odd pits inside. ]
Steven: [ laughing ] Augh! Ren! That’s disgusting!
[ Muffled cackling through the pits in her mouth. ]
Steven: [ shoving his glass towards her ] Here.
Ren: No, put it back! I want to try spitting them.
[ Steven put the glass back down on the coffee table though a little closer to her this time. Ren winds up and spits. The pit misses by at least a foot but does land on the coffee table. ]
Steven: Not bad.
[ She spits and misses again. ]
Steven: You know you might be handicapping yourself by having all of them in your mouth at once.
Ren: Yay! I love unnecessary challenges.
Steven: That you do. [ grabbing a cherry ] Here, I’ll do it slow so you can watch my technique. [ cherry in his mouth ] Though honestly most of it is repetition.
[ He spits it up into the air slowly and exaggeratedly and it lands perfectly in the glass. Ren tries again and gets a little closer. They take turns, Ren getting a little closer every time except when Steven makes her laugh and she misses spectacularly. Tāraki, Kata and Tarahau wander in and Kata joins them in the game. She gets it after just a few tries and Ren accuses her of cheating. Ren gets it in on her next try and they all cheer. Anthy, the Eon Guardians, and the rest of the kitchen crew come in with the dinner and table settings. The three flying-types and ocean trio get called in and they all gather around the table to eat. Ren sits in seiza, while Steven sits cross-legged beside her. In addition to the chicken pot pie Ren helped with and the roast vegetable thing the sandslashes made, there is a pile of whole, braised fish, a basket of steamed mussels in seaweed, a bowl of fruit salad and a rack of ribs. Ren looks out over the feast, eyes welling and big smile on her face. ]
Steven: I’m sorry we have to eat on the floor.
Ren: No, this is just like home . Thank you, Steven. [ wiping her eyes ] And thank you, Anthy. It looks wonderful.
Anthy: You’re welcome!
Steven: Oh, and the finishing touch… [ A pair of stainless steel chopsticks float out of the kitchen, surrounded by the purple glow of telekinesis, and into Steven’s hand. Offering them to her ] Here you are.
Ren: [ tearing up again and snatching the chopsticks from him ] Cut that out! You’re going to make me cry.
[ Steven serves himself some pie and then puts some on Ren’s plate as she reaches for everything else. Steven watches her as he eats his pie. It kind of fascinating how ruthlessly efficient she is at grabbing, slicing and shoveling the food into her mouth with her native utensils. Komatsu and the sandslashes dig into their dish with gusto while the flying-types east the fish and ribs. Tarahau, Pohaku and his two new friends eat up the mussels first before helping with the fish. Tāraki and the Eon Guardians mostly eat the fruit while Ao gnaws on the ribs. Like Ren, Kata insists on eating a little of everything and loves it. She especially compliments the pot pie and roasted vegetables. Much to Steven’s horror, this convinces Ren to try some, including one of the fat grubs. She laughs at his expression. ]
Ren: I’ve never tried a bug before but that was actually really good. Come on Steven, you should try some.
Steven: No thank you.
Ren: It’s good though.
Steven: [ doubtful ] Hmm.
Ren: Would I lie to you? Lead you astray?
Steven: No.
Ren: Then what’s the problem?
Steven: I’ve never eaten a bug either, but I’d prefer to keep it that way.
Ren: Where’s your sense of adventure? Lots of other cultures eat bugs. It’s perfectly natural and not at all icky.
Steven: I let them cook it in my oven didn’t I? I think I’ve been plenty open-minded. I just don’t want to put it in my mouth.
Ren: And why not? Are you afraid?
Steven: No. I just don’t think I’ll like the texture.
Ren: It’s not that different than the potatoes really. Just give it a try.
Steven: Why do you want me to eat it so badly?
Ren: [ ginning ] Because you don’t want to.
Steven: You’re impossible.
Ren: I just want to know why you don’t. Are you squeamish?
Steven: Ren .
Ren: You don’t seem squeamish, but on the other hand I’m not sure what else I expected from a spoiled rich kid like yourself. You probably only had to eat whatever you wanted because you had a personal chef or some taurosshit.
Steven: [ sentences running together in frustration ] We did have a chef and she taught me how to cook and I’ve eaten plenty of weird things why won’t you let this go?
Ren: So, like, do you have a strong gag reflex or something? Are you afraid you’d throw up? Because that I could totally understand—
Steven: I. Do. Not.
Ren: [ holding up her hands ] Alrighty then. Whatever you say.
Steven: Give me one.
Ren: Are you sure? I don’t want to force you.
Steven: Just do it.
[ She picks up a grub with her chopsticks and moves it towards him, then pauses. ]
Ren: Do you want it on your plate or—
[ Steven lunges and grabs the grub, teeth clacking against her chopsticks. She watches as he chews it and swallows. ]
Ren: So?
Steven: …It was fine, nice even.
Ren: [ smug ] Ha!
Steven: I hope you’re happy.
Ren: [ genuine ] I am. I’m actually really really happy. And not just cuz you ate a bug.
Steven: [ melting a little ] Good. Me too… Actually, could you pass me the vegetables? I’d like to try all of the components together.
[Ren smiles super wide and passes it to him, taking a little more for herself. Soon they finish dinner and everyone helps clear it away. The Eon Guardians are particularly helpful with their telekinetic talents and the clean-up goes quickly. The pokemon get a bunch of cushions from the hall closet and bring them in the living room while Steven goes to his bedroom to get some pillows and a blanket. Ren brings the mochi in from the kitchen after she helps with the dishes a little. She flops back down on the couch and makes herself comfortable with a pillow and the blanket.]
Steven: Want something to drink?
Ren: Yes please.
Steven: Anything in particular? I’ve got just about everything.
Ren: Whatever you want. I like trying things.
[ Steven goes to his liquor cabinet and gets down some champagne flutes. Ren hears him pop a cork before he reappears with two glasses of golden liquid. ]
Steven: Since this is a special occasion, I thought I’d break out the good stuff. I call it liquid sunshine.
[ He hands Ren her glass and she takes it. ]
Ren: [ holding it up ] Here’s to the world not ending.
Steven: [ holding his up ] To many tomorrows.
[ They clink glasses and drink. ]
Ren: [ eyes blowing wide ] Oishī! What is this?
Steven: Champagne and elderflower liqueur.
Ren: [ She takes another sip. ] It really is like liquid sunshine. [ another sip ] So good. Can the world end again sometime?
Steven: Nonsense. We can just do this again sometime.
Ren: I’d really like that.
[ They both smile at each other before looking away in embarrassment. Steven notices that some of the pokemon are missing. ]
Steven: Looks like our sandslashes have disappeared.
Ren: But your excadrill is still here. They have no chaperone! How very improper.
Steven: [ He laughs. ] It was only a matter of time I suppose. Apparently your Kōtai is quite the sweet-talker.
Ren: Really? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
Steven: And after his performance in Ever Grande… Well, Alwyn’s had suitors before, but they were more or less beneath her notice.
Ren: Can he stay here a while of they decide to have an egg? I think he’d like to be a father. Actually, sometimes I think he was one once, before I met him.
Steven: Well, he’s welcome to stay here as long as he likes. He doesn’t seem the type to make a burden of himself. Quite the opposite.
Ren: Yeah, he’s pretty much taken care of me from day one. He’s the reason I survived the explosion.
Steven: Is that what happened to his scales?
Ren: Yep! He evolved to save me. We match. I have a photo actually. Want to see?
Steven: Definately.
[ Ren grabs her nav off of the coffee table and quickly locates the photo. She passes it off to him and he studies it for a while. ]
Steven: This is really good. Did you have this done professionally?
Ren: Yeah. I did a whole shoot actually.
Steven: May I?
Ren: Go ahead.
[ Steven scrolls through the rest of the photos, including the newer set. ]
Steven: These are superb.
[ He stops at the team photo with Wheta’s outline in the middle. ]
Ren: I still look at that all the time.
Steven: [ handing back her nav ] It’s a wonderful memorial.
Ren: Thank you. It wasn’t an easy shot to get, but everyone was so patient…
[ She sighs and looks at the photo for a bit before putting her nav back down on the coffee table. ]
Ren: So, your house is a lot smaller than I thought it would be. Especially after seeing Wallace’s.
Steven: It has everything I need.
Ren: And it’s made of stone.
Steven: And it’s made of stone. I did have to do a little work on it, and I added the pavilion, but I really loved the layout and location.
Ren: It’s really nice. I guess I’ll have to get a house too now.
Steven: The League pays all of your living expenses, so you can rent for nothing. They just have to approve it first. And it can’t be too far from Ever Grande of course. They would also help you buy if you wanted, but most people don’t since being Champion isn’t usually long-term.
Ren: That’s cool. In Johto, the Champion has a palace.
Steven: [ rambling ] I think most regions have a Champion residence. There is a lot of peculiar history as to why we don’t. At least there are houses for the Elite Four now. They used to have to find their own places too. I’m gonna get a refill. Would you like some more?
Ren: Yes please!
[ She downs the rest of her drink and hands him the empty glass. ]
Steven: Whoa, pace yourself. There is a lot of alcohol in this stuff.
Ren: I do what I want!
Steven: [ walking over to his liquor cabinet ] Alright. Just making sure these are informed decisions.
[ She pulls her feet up on the couch as he pours their drinks. ]
Ren: Why did I bring up the house? Now I’m thinking about mortgages. Ugh , adulthood sucks.
Steven: Says the current League Champion.
Ren: That’s right. You’ve got your work cut out for you, former champ.
Steven: At least you admit it.
Ren: Whatever. It’s not like you’re some bastion of maturity.
Steven: [ handing her glass back ] And what is that supposed to mean?
Ren: [ She takes a long sip of her drink and smirks at him. ] Like how it was the gag-reflex comment that finally got to you.
Steven: [ flopping back down on the couch ] It wasn’t any more irritating than the rest, just the straw that made the numel sneeze.
[ He takes a long draft of his own drink. ]
Ren: Somehow I don’t quite buy that.
Steven: Fine. It did bother me. I have a reputation to uphold.
Ren: What kind of reputation?
Steven: I think you know.
Ren: Nope. Still a little fuzzy over here. Would you mind clarifying?
Steven: I’m a slut, Ren, okay?
Ren: You? I don’t believe it.
Steven: And I’ve worked very hard to earn that title.
Ren: How hard are we talking?
Steven: So I don’t want anyone getting the wrong idea.
Ren: Not taking the bait, huh?
Steven: Everyone enjoys their time with Steven Stone.
Ren: Have I ever told you how weird it is that you refer to yourself in the third person?
Steven: Let it be known that Steven Stone can gargle dick for days .
[ Ren nearly spits her drink. ]
Steven: Was that enough explanation for you?
Ren: [ laughing ] All cleared up over here.
Steven: Good.
[ They both sip their drinks in silence for a few minutes because there is nowhere to go from there. Eventually Ren has had enough silence and alcohol to change the subject. ]
Ren: So, I think it’s time you showed me that tattoo you mentioned.
Steven: You remember that?
Ren: Yup.
Steven: Alright, but I have to take my shirt off.
Ren: Fine by me.
[ Steven gets up and turns to face her. Rather than reaching for the buttons, he grabs the bottom of his shirt, crossing his arms as he does so. He pulls the shirt up and over his head in one fluid movement and throws it down on the couch. Ren watches this motion with thinly veiled fascination. What little body hair he has is silver and very fine so that it barely shows up at all. She marvels at how he once again won the genetics lottery. ]
Steven: Enjoying yourself?
Ren: [ sipping her drink ] A little.
[ Steven turns around and sits back down on the couch so that she can see the tattoo. It covers most of his upper back and shoulders and is full of color and fine detail. There is a beldum, metang and metagross right between his shoulder blades and the rest of the design radiates out from there. There are three concentric rings separated into sections and beyond that his keystone and all of his pokemon’s mega stones, including the steelixite Ren gave him. The rest of the tattoo is occupied by his pokemon, each with their own mineral that represents them in some way. She quickly puts her mostly empty glass on the coffee table and folds her legs under her so that she can see it better. ]
Ren: Whoa. I can’t believe you don’t trot this out at all the parties. This is awesome, Steven.
Steven: Well, it’s a little personal.
Ren: Thank you for showing me.
Steven: Of course.
Ren: Is this a beldum?
Steven: In the middle? Yeah and a metang and a metagross.
Ren: Did you design this? It’s really good.
Steven: Bes helped a little.
Ren: [ pointing ] What’s this? Oh, uh. May I…?
Steven: Go ahead.
[ She touches his back and runs her fingers over the tattoo. ]
Ren: [ tracing a circle around the center ] So what are these?
Steven: Those are all of the metal ores including a meteorite at the top.
Ren: Hmm. Are these the crystal systems?
Steven: Very good. I’ve never had anyone get that before.
Ren: I took some geology back in Johto. It was fun. Was that what you majored in?
Steven: [ He hums an affirmative. ] Double-minored in physiology and magic studies. That’s how I got into Prof. Sycamore’s lab.
Ren: That must have been really cool.
Steven: It certainly had its benefits. Maybe I’ll have time to finish my master’s when this is over.
Ren: [ running her fingers over the next ring ] These are all of the evolutionary stones. [ wandering out further ] And these are all of your mega stones? [ gasp ] You added the steelixite I gave you!
Steven: I can’t thank you enough for that.
Ren: [ tracing it with a finger ] Is this your bastidon? Oh, and there’s Damascus and Gilchrist and Tungsten.
Steven: They’re all there.
Ren: [ smiling as she traces each ] Hmm… Ha, I almost didn’t see Anthy. She blends in. And I love how Alwyn looks with the quartz crystals… Oh, there she is.
[ She runs her fingers over the lunatone cradling the curve of his shoulder. He reaches up and holds his shoulder for a moment. ]
Steven: Yeah, still with me.
[S he lingers on Hecate for a moment before moving back towards the center of the tattoo, watching how it moves with his skin before looking it over as a whole. ]
Ren: Can I just say again that this is amazing? Who’s your artist?
Steven: Alexandra Keynes in Slateport. Why, are you thinking of getting one?
Ren: This is making me seriously consider it.
[ He looks over his shoulder at her. ]
Steven: You’re not going to make fun of me for this?
Ren: Why would I?
[ Her hand finally drops from his back. ]
Steven: It’s super nerdy.
Ren: This is nerdy in the best way possible and it’s beautiful, Steven. I love it.
[ He shifts and turns to face her. Their eyes meet and she begins to color a little. ]
Steven: Thank you.
Ren: You don’t need to thank me. I’m just spitting truth over here.
[ She reaches for her drink and finishes it off. He watches her thoughtfully for a moment. ]
Steven: Would you like to watch something?
Ren: Sure. What did you have in mind?
Steven: Did you ever see the Utena movie?
Ren: Nah, just re-runs of the show.
Steven: How about it then? We can watch in Kantonese if you like. It will help my listening skills.
Ren: Sounds great.
[ Steven puts his shirt back on and grabs his nav. He turns on the TV and searches his collection. ]
Ren: Did they change a lot of stuff?
Steven: Well, the biggest difference is probably that the movie is pretty explicit where the show just implies things, so fair warning.
[ Steven starts the movie. They are now sitting about two feet apart. Ren grabs the blanket and throws it over herself. She is about to go back to her arm of the couch but hesitates. She glances at Steven and takes a deep breath. She scooches closer and leans up against him. He lifts his arm to make room for her without any hesitation. She snuggles a bit closer and he wraps his arm around her. She offers him some of the blanket and he pulls it over himself with his free arm. They watch quietly for a while, settling comfortably into the contact. ]
Ren: I forgot about her tiny aipom. It’s so weird.
Steven: They’re not all that small?
Ren: You’ve never seen one? They’re like, at least four times that size, even the smaller variants.
[ They watch for a bit longer, offering only the occasional yawn or sleepy comment and it isn’t long before both of them are sound asleep. Steven wakes up a little while after the movie has ended to find his head resting on Ren’s who has her head on his shoulder. Her mouth is slightly open and she has drooled on him a bit. She snores lightly as he picks his head up. He smiles down at her before looking around the room. Most of her pokemon and some of his own are asleep on giant cushions all over the floor. The TV has already turned itself off and it is dark except for a little moonlight coming in the windows and skylight. ]
Steven: Ren. Ren, I need you to wake up for a minute.
Ren: [ bleary ] Hmm?
Steven: We fell asleep on the couch.
Ren: Sorry. [ she sits up just enough for Steven to wiggle out from under her. ] How did the movie end?
Steven: Utena turned into a car and Anthy drove away in it to the real world.
[ Ren giggles softly and flops down on the couch. ]
Steven: Come on now, we have to get you in bed.
[ Ren groans noncommittally at this. ]
Steven: I’m going to pick you up now and put you in the bed, okay? I don’t want you to be confused in the morning.
Ren: [ her eyes are closed again ] Mmkay.
[ Steven crouches and carefully slides a hand under her knees and shoulders. It takes a little effort and isn’t exactly elegant, but he does manage to heave her up. ]
Bessemer: [ in Steven’s head ] Do you need me to move her?
[ Ren’s head lulls against his shoulder. ]
Steven: No, I’ve got her.
[ He takes her down the hall and into the bedroom. The bed is huge and very plush. There are a ton of pillows and a big fluffy comforter. ]
Steven: Bes, could you get the covers?
[ The covers peel back seemingly of their own accord and Steven lays Ren down. She stretches and sighs, a big smile on her face. ]
Ren: Your bed is like a fucking cloud.
Steven: Of course. I need my beauty sleep.
Ren: [ mumbling ] This was your plan all along. I should have known.
Steven: [ pulling the covers up over her ] Yep. [ He yawns. ] Sleep well Ren.
Ren: [ yawning ] ’Night.
Steven: I’m going to sleep on the couch. I’m closeby, so just yell if you need anything, okay?
[ She nods and snuggles deeper into the bed. Steven can’t help the very warm smile that creeps onto his own face as he looks at her. He turns away and heads out into the hall only to come face to face with Tāraki. The sceptile just stares at him with his big golden eyes. ]
Steven: [ stepping aside and gesturing to Ren and the bed ] All yours.
[ Tāraki blinks slowly at him before moving into the bedroom. He goes to the far side of the bed and hops up. He feels out the comforter before settling down next to Ren. She rolls over and strokes the ridges on his head while he thrums happily. Steven smiles one last time before he heads back into the living room. He picks up the blanket off the floor and tosses a pillow on the end of the couch. He flops down and throws the blanket over himself and is soon asleep. ]
Josh and Zinnia go to a bar
Another scene I wrote a head of time and had to scrap. This was going to go near the beginning of chapter 18 between the time Josh gets some new clothes and starts feeling better about himself but before the scene when he overhears Tabitha and Maxie screaming at each other and starts to feel that his actions and Ren’s are tearing Magma apart.
[ Josh, Hartmann and Brenton are sitting at a bar. The bartender is a young woman and demonstrates that she is experienced in fending off drunken advances as they watch her make her way down the line towards them. ]
Hartmann: I’m glad you came out with us, bro. Why didn’t you let us take you for your birthday?
Josh: I just—I wasn’t feeling up to it.
Hartmann: But is was your eighteenth! You’re supposed to go to a bar and get smashed! It’s tradition!
[ Josh squirms uncomfortably and Brenton leans around him to glare at Hartman, who shrinks away. Once he is satisfied, he turns his attention to Josh. ]
Brenton: Do things at your own pace.
[ The bartender finally gets to them and Josh gulps as she leans on the bar in front of them. This does not go unnoticed by Hartmann and Brenton, who share a knowing smile. ]
Bartender: What can I get you all?
Hartmann: Shiftry whisky on the rocks.
Brenton: Domestic brandy, neat please.
Bartender: Coming right up. And you?
Josh: Um, I’m a little new to this. Maybe you could help me? Any recommendations?
Bartender: Of course, hun. Any type of alcohol you’re particularly interested in?
Josh: [ flushing just a little ] No. I’m sure I’ll like whatever you pick out.
Bartender: Alright then, coming right up.
[ She swivels around and fills up a frosty stein with one of the beers they have on tap. She squeezes a lime wedge in it and slides it over to him. Josh takes a sip and smiles. ]
Josh: This is great. Thank you.
Bartender: [ smiling ] Good. Let me know if there’s anything else I can get you.
[ She gets Hartmann and Brenton their drinks and moves away down the bar to a group of women trying to get her attention. ]
Hartmann: [ elbowing Josh in excitement ] Hey , that wasn’t bad!
Josh: Really?
Hartmann: Well, for a beginner it was pretty good anyway, right Brent?
Brenton: I would congratulate you, but isn’t that a little dangerous?
[ The grin drops off Hartmann’s face and he looks concerned. Josh takes another sip of his beer before answering. ]
Josh: [ trying to be nonchalant ] No. We’re not… exclusive. She doesn’t care what I do and she’s allowed to do whatever she wants.
[ They all contemplate this in silence for a while and sip their drinks. ]
Brenton: Nice that she’s letting you off the leash, I guess.
Hartmann: Yeaaah, I suppose fuck-buddies is good work if you can get it.
[ Josh clearly does not feel intoxicated enough to be having this conversation because he takes a very large swig of his beer. ]
Hartmann: It doesn’t bother you though, does it?
Josh: [ shrugs ] I figure it’s better to keep things casual with her, cuz, you know .
[ The other two nod in agreement, though they are still a little perplexed by the situation. ]
Hartmann: Well, if you’re sure, then maybe we should give you a few pointers. A little flirting 101, if you will.
Brenton: Couldn’t hurt.
Josh: Okay.
Hartmann: Let’s start with the pass you made at the barmaid.
Brenton: It was good in that you didn’t offend her.
Hartmann: Agreed, but you also didn’t come on quite strong enough. What you said could definitely be viewed as flirtatious, but you also could have just been being nice. You don’t want that. It’s confusing.
Brenton: What he means is: you need to focus on your goal. Obviously you want her to like you, but she has to notice you first.
Hartmann: [ taking Josh by the shoulders ] Exactly. And sometimes being nice isn’t the best way to achieve that. What you need to do is—
Zinnia: Don’t listen to these chumps. [ Hartmann and Brenton start at her sudden appearance beside them at the bar. She smirks at this reaction. ] Let an old pro show you how it’s done.
Brenton: And what exactly do you know about picking up women?
Zinnia: [ She takes a sip of her drink. ] Well, Brenton , a hell of a lot more than you. That’s for sure.
Hartmann: [ glowering around Josh’s head at her ] If you’re so good, how about a little demonstration?
Zinnia: A challenge, eh? Very well. Take notes boys .
[ She knocks back the rest of her drink and heads for a small group of women across the room. They watch as she introduces herself and asks one of them to dance. Zinnia gets her partner moving and grinding and laughing without any trouble at all. The three stooges just watch with various expressions of amazement (although in Hartmann and Brenton’s case, it is mixed with irritation and disbelief) as the women dance and flirt and have a good time. After a few songs, Zinnia leans in and says something in the other woman’s ear. She hands Zinnia a piece of paper which she accepts and gives the woman a kiss on the neck. ]
Hartmann: Wait, I thought she liked guys?
Josh: Well obviously she’s bi.
Hartmann: Ohhhhh .
[ Zinnia saunters back over to them while the woman practically skips back to her own group, looking thrilled. Zinnia leans back on the bar, exuding confidence and flashes the paper at them, which clearly has the woman’s name and number on it. ]
Hartmann: How did you do that?
Brenton: Okay, okay. You’re the queen.
Zinnia: Correct.
Hartmann: No seriously, how did you do that?
Zinnia: [ She turns to face them and rests one elbow on the bar as she leans in conspiratorially ] Well, first off, I like to treat women like people.
Steven attends a ball in Kalos
This scene was never going to be in the story proper, but I wrote it anyway because I felt like it. Steven told Zinnia and Ren an abbreviated version at the end of chapter 22.
[ Steven is in his mid teens and dressed to the nines for an event hosted in the royal palace in Kalos. Steven’s hair is dyed blue to match his eyes and he has an aquamarine earring in one ear. He leads a young woman off the dance floor and kisses her hand before handing her back off to her parents with a bow. They dip their heads back and seem pleased although we cannot hear what they say. Steven wanders away, dipping his head to the nobility he passes. Soon a blonde boy about his own age catches his eye. The boy is standing alone looking over the gathering without much interest. Steven approaches him, introduces himself and strikes up a conversation. As they begin to talk we pan over the grand party. The middle of the ballroom is devoted to dancing and the invitees sweep up and down it in the elegant patterns of traditional dances. Live music flows from a platform at the back, while each of the longer walls has a long banquet table along it full of drinks and food. Mr. Stone is by one of these tables talking to a small group of men and woman. As we pan back to Steven, we see that he is leaning in closer to the other boy who is smiling. ]
Adrien: [ chuckling ] Your Kalosè is terrible!
Steven: Be kind! I’ve only had the pleasure of studying your beautiful language for two years now.
Adrien: Flattery will get you nowhere, friend. You forget that we are all so accustomed to it. It’s more like background radiation.
Steven: Well then, would you mind if we switched to something I am a bit better at? [ He bows and offers his hand. ]
Adrien: [ taking his hand and trying not to grin ] I suppose not.
[ Steven sweeps him out onto the dance floor and merges seamlessly with the other dancers. They twirl and sway and step around the other dancers with Steven leading. He is of course very good at it and shows off for his partner with a little flourish here and there. ]
Adrien: [ teasing ] So they don’t teach Kalosè in your country, but they do teach court dances?
Steven: Not exactly. Language is… complex. There is so much to learn. Dancing is different. It’s all about how you feel. As long as you know how you feel, there’s nothing to it.
[ Adrien is a little distracted staring into Steven’s bright blue eyes and stumbles. Steven catches him and they start to move together again. ]
Steven: [ thoroughly flirtatious grin ] Not sure how you feel, chéri?
Adrien: [ trying and failing not to smile back ] I’m getting there.
[ Pan away from them dancing and flirting to see Mr. Stone watching. He does not seem pleased. ]
[ A little later, Steven and Adrien have quit the ballroom and are making out in some more or less discreet corner of the palace. Steven has Adrien up against a wall but surfaces after a moment to look earnestly at his partner. ]
Steven: Are you sure you’re alright with this? You know I won’t be here long.
Adrien: [ quirking an eyebrow ] I’m nobility and gay. You think I don’t know how this works?
Steven: [ pulling back a little farther and looking away in embarrassment ] No. I, um—
[ Adrien cups Steven’s face with a hand and Steven looks back up into his, which is smiling gently. ]
Adrien: You’re sweet. [ He leans in and kisses Steven. ]
[ Late that night, Mr. Stone and his son are in their hotel room. Steven has taken off his shoes, socks, jacket and tie, but Mr. Stone is still fully dressed. He sits down on the end of his bed as Steven puts his jacket on a hanger in the closet, his back to his father. ]
Mr. Stone: Care to explain your performance this evening?
Steven: [ hanging up his tie ] I did exactly as you asked, father. [ turning around, looking irritated ] I mingled. I danced. I was charming. [ pulling an impressively large stack of contact cards out of his pants pocket and thrusting them at his father ] Look at all the cards I have!
Mr. Stone: [ keeping his voice even ] Your instructions were to pay the appropriate attentions to all of the young ladies present.
Steven: [ crossing his arms ] Which I did.
Mr. Stone: Steven!
Steven: I don’t see any problem with what I did! [ He slaps the stack of contact cards down on his nightstand. ] Baron Agreste owns two successful tech companies, he is an excellent business contact and he has no daughters .
[ Mr. Stone has no immediate response to this. Steven shucks his pants and goes to hang those up as well. He begins angrily unbuttoning his shirt. ]
Mr. Stone: [ He sighs. ] I just wish you had told me.
Steven: [ hanging up his shirt ] Well this is why I didn’t.
Mr. Stone: Steven, I’m your father . I could never be… ashamed of you. We could have worked something else out. I didn’t know that I was… I never wanted to force you to do something that would make you uncomfortable. I thought maybe this trip would be fun for you.
[ Mr. Stone gazes down at the carpet, looking tired and small. Steven walks back to his nightstand and places his cufflinks and ring on it. He takes the earring out of his ear and puts that down as well. ]
Steven: [ not looking at his father ] …I did have fun.
Mr. Stone: But—
Steven: Dad, I’m not gay.
Mr. Stone: [ very confused ] What?
Steven: I’m bi—bisexual, that is. [ His father still looks confused. ] I like men and women.
Mr. Stone: Oh.
[ The older man clearly has no idea how to proceed. Steven, now wearing nothing but a pair of boxer briefs, turns away. ]
Steven: I’m going to take a shower.
[ He disappears into the bathroom and a moment later we can hear the water running. Mr. Stone heaves a big sigh and wipes his hand down his face. ]
Mr. Stone: [ muttering to himself ] I guess this is why he got that damn earring.
Steven and Wallace meet in university
Another scene that I just wrote on a whim and was never going to appear in the main story-line. The background for this is that Steven and Wallace went to the same university for undergrad (Steven 2 years behind Wallace). Wallace was the top coordinator in Hoenn by age 18, but he decided to quit at the top of his game and further his education so that he could have a more stable long-term career. Steven got into university last minute after his lunatone, Hecate, died and he quit training to study geology.
[ Wallace walks into his university’s nightclub and takes stock of the scene. People are already out on the dance floor and the bartender already has his hands full with the crowd at the bar. Wallace does a circuit of the room, greeting a few acquaintances as he passes by. He talks to one of his friends for a bit before she takes off on business of her own. The crowd at the bar has thinned by this point and Wallace takes a seat at the end and orders a drink. He continues to survey the room as he sips it. He spots Steven at the other end of the bar and that gets his attention. He watches as Steven talks to the bartender for a while, never seeming to lose track of the conversation even as the bartender has to zip up and down the bar and turn his back to prepare various drinks. Wallace tries to make himself more visible, but nothing he does seems to get Steven’s attention. He watches with increasing frustration as Steven finishes his drink and is presented with another. Steven smiles and leans on the bar, resting his head on one hand and laughs as the bartender cracks some joke. Wallace finishes his own drink, eyes never leaving Steven, and puts down the empty glass before heading over. He slides onto the stool next to Steven while the bartender is away and introduces himself. ]
Wallace: Hi, I’m Wallace. We’re in the same dance class.
Steven: Steven. One row back, three to the left was it?
Wallace: Do you remember where everyone in the class is?
Steven: [ grinning ] No, just the ones I think are cute.
[ He finishes this off with a rakish wink. Clearly Wallace did not prepare for this scenario in his head and it throws him off of his game. He is quiet for a moment while he tries to think of something to say. ]
Steven: I’m sorry. You were trying to hit on me. Go ahead, I’ll behave.
Wallace: [ he almost smiles but manages to keep a straight face ] You know, maybe I’ve thought better of it.
Steven: [ smiling sheepishly ] Oh geez. I screwed that up, didn’t I?
Bartender: You think? What’s up with your whole big-man-on-campus attitude anyway, freshman ?
Steven: I just get a little eager is all. [ sinking further into his hand until it is partially covering his face ] And I’ve probably had a bit much to drink.
Bartender: I’ll say.
Steven: Cut me off at two next time. [ smiling at Wallace ] Two’s a fun number. [ He laughs at himself. ] That was terrible. My apologies. It must be amateur hour.
Wallace: [ teasing ] Are you always this smooth?
Bartender: To be fair, he was far more charming a drink or two ago.
Wallace: Oh, was he hitting on you too?
Bartender: Naw, just chatting me up.
Steven: [ He straightens up. To the bartender ] That would be rude . You’re working . [ to Wallace ] I just try to befriend the bartender as a matter of course. It’s always a good move in my experience.
Bartender: Still not something you rich kids usually bother with.
Wallace: Not trying to score free drinks are we?
Steven: Of course not. No point. Besides, this is Jake’s work-study job. I’m not gonna cut into that paycheck.
Wallace: Hmm… I still say you’re cocky and you might be trouble.
Steven: Aww, I’m not so bad once you get to know me.
Bartender: You should give him a chance, Wallace. He’s sweet and he tips well.
Wallace: Well that is quite the ringing endorsement. And you are cute… I guess I could give it a shot.
[ Steven grins at him. ]
Wallace: So what’s exhibitionist like yourself doing getting drunk at the bar instead of tearing up the dance floor?
Steven: Well, I had every intention of getting down when I got here, but drowning one’s feelings in alcohol always seems like such a good idea at the time.
[ Wallace raises his eyebrows and glances at the bartender. ]
Bartender: [ shrugging ] Don’t look at me, he never told me what his deal was.
Steven: [ pondering the dregs of his drink as he swirls it slowly in his glass ] Of course in reality it’s the worst of all possible distractions. [ He puts his glass down and slides it away from himself. Flirtatious smile ] Conversation is so much better.
Wallace: Seems like it must have done something. You’re not so down now, are you?
Steven: Well you’re here now. [ He laughs at himself again. ] I’ve got better material, I swear.
[ The bartender returns and slides Steven a glass of water. ]
Steven: Thank you, Jake. You’re a gem of a human being.
[ Steven chugs the water gratefully. ]
Steven: So am I really on thin ice here or is that just your preferred approach?
Wallace: No, I was just pretending to be annoyed because you threw me off by being so forward. I’d been trying to get your attention for a while, so I thought I was going to need my best pitch.
Steven: Sorry for being oblivious and for messing up your opener. I’m sure I would have liked it.
Wallace: It’s not your fault. I’m just used to being in control of these kinds of situations.
Steven: So was I once. I find the other side can be enjoyable too. Perhaps you should give it a try.
Wallace: Maybe . I’m bad at improv. I like rehearsing things in my head first and when things go off script…
Steven: So are you a performer?
Wallace: Yes.
Steven: What field?
Wallace: I’d actually rather not say if that’s alright with you. It’s rare that people don’t recognize me straight off. I’d like to enjoy it for a moment.
Steven: I totally get that. It’s nice to be just yourself for a while without the… strings attached.
Wallace: Are you famous too?
Steven: Minor celebrity. But let’s keep it anonymous for now.
Wallace: Sounds good to me… So why are you taking dance? Is it because you have no idea how?
Steven: [ laughing ] No, I have a pretty firm grasp on the subject. Just thought I’d broaden my horizons. Most of my previous instruction has been in Kalosè line dances.
Wallace: Great, so I can’t take you anywhere. You know, you’re not making the best case for yourself here.
Steven: I wouldn’t embarrass you too badly. [ rakish grin ] I’m a fast learner.
Wallace: Well I’m a regular here, so maybe I could show you a few things.
Steven: Why, I’d be honored.
[ Wallace leads him out onto the floor and of course Steven catches on right away. He may not be as experienced as Wallace, but this is hardly his first rodeo. He’s also not afraid to look a little silly and gets Wallace laughing by inserting a few of his ballroom moves into their club dancing. They take a break at the bar and drink some water and talk. The conversation flows easier this time and Steven compliments Wallace on his hair and makeup and Wallace compliments Steven on his earring and clothes. They take another turn on the dance floor before returning to the bar. They chat easily and there is a lot of laughter and teasing. They lean in close to better hear each other. The night drags on and eventually the population of the club begins to dwindle. Wallace stretches his long limbs and cracks his neck. ]
Wallace: I think I’ll turn in for the night.
Steven: Good idea. Thanks for all the info. I’m sure it will help.
Wallace: No problem. It was fun.
Steven: Maybe we could do this again sometime? You know, properly. When I’m sober.
Wallace: I’d like that.