Work Text:
You were on your way home on the evening train. Gazing out the window feeling fatigued, the sun hung low in the sky. It emits a soft orange glow on the horizon and you slowly blink, taking in the scenery.
The train at this time was practically empty - you hadn't seen very many people board after each stop. Speaking of which, there wasn't anyone in the current car you sat in - except one person who sat opposite to you.
It was Ingo, your partner. He had his head held down, going over various paperwork regarding earlier Pokemon. It seemed you both had a busy day today.
Your hair was tied up into a high ponytail, and it occurred to you that it had gotten messy due to today's work. Spending almost all day outside catching Pokemon to fill your Pokedex led your hair to resemble a bramble bush - it was best if you took a few moments to sort it out. After all, it would pass a little time on the journey home.
Moving your hands towards your head, you tugged lightly on the hair tie to let your hair loose. It fell down your back and the free feeling caused you to quietly sigh. You ran your fingers through it a few times, in an attempt to remove a few tangles.
While doing so, you didn't notice Ingo silently watching you.
You eventually catch sight of him glaring emptily towards your direction, as if he's seen something peculiar. It took his mind a few moments to process that he was caught staring; he fixed his gaze back onto the paperwork.
"Did you see something?" You ask softly. You knew full well he was looking at you.
Ingo shook his head, eyes still fixated onto the papers in his gloved hands, "It was nothing."
You left it at that and didn't bother to reply. Turning to face forward, you then fixed your hair into a new ponytail, this time a much neater one. You felt fresher.
As you place your hands down from your head, you hear Ingo clear his throat and speak, "You should wear your down more often." His tone was calm. You look over to him, slightly confused,
"Why so?" You ask.
It takes Ingo a few seconds to respond, "It suits you."
A rare smile slowly forms on his face.
His words left you dazed as your cheeks were now dusted in a shade of light pink. You fiddle with your fingers, "You think?"
Ingo nods, "I'm not saying that you don't look good with your hair up - because you really do - it's just that I've barely seen you with your hair down."
Your heart flutters in your chest. Oh Arceus, he's so kind.
"Would you like me to take it down again?"
"I'd love for you to, if you don't mind of course." His smile is so warm and gentle. You wished he displayed it more than the usual frown he wears.
Smiling back at him, you began to remove your hair tie, letting your hair drop against your shoulders and back once more. Seeing your partner's face glow made you feel cute for once.
"This… may be an odd request, but may I play with it?" He looked away, feeling slightly embarrassed. You giggled lightly in response,
"Of course!"
You shifted yourself next to Ingo on his side of the train, your back facing him.
He carefully slides his gloves off, and gently presses his hand against your head. He slowly runs his fingers through your hair and you close your eyes, enjoying the moment.
You loved people messing with your hair, but when it was Ingo, it felt different.
There was something about his soft, gentle hands combing through your hair that set you in deep tranquillity. Ingo did an excellent job of making you feel loved and safe.
He wasn't overly affectionate and didn't constantly smother you in cuddles and kisses - and he definitely wasn't a fan of PDA either - but certain little things like him playing with your hair spoke louder than a meaningful 'I love you'.