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Chapter Text

Protective

“Are you the brilliant mind that repaired the roof?” Queried a Meowstic as she strutted to where Hawlucha sat.
“Um, I.. guess?” He replied, a confused tremor in his voice as the cat moved to sit beside him.
“Th- though-.. though it was more of a combined effort-..”
“Indeed,” she interjected, though rather dismissively. “You’re so muscular..” she purred, running a paw up his arm. Hawlucha cringed, but Meowstic steadied on, oblivious to his disconcerted expression.
“Hey, Lucha..” a voice suddenly crooned, from behind him.
“Who’s this?” Frogadier purred, moving to snake an arm protectively around the flying-type.
“Oh!” The Meowstic exclaimed, paws flying to clutch her chest.
“Uhm. Sorry, I hadn’t realized you were.. um.. I-.. I’ll just be going, then!” She stammered, teetering awkwardly off of the side of the chair to begin her escape. In time, she darted away, a new awkwardness about her person as her tails hung defeated between her legs.
“I can take care of myself, you know.” The flying-type chided gently, brushing Frogadier’s hand off of his shoulder after the Meowstic had gone.
“That’s not what it looked like from what I saw. It’s like you froze up,” Frogadier pointed out, seemingly unbothered by the gesture.
“Where’s the harm in me trying to help you, anyway?”
“I just don’t think you pretending to be my.. well, you know.. I don’t think it works if I’m as surprised as the girl flirting with me is.”
“Well the message got across, didn’t it?” Frogadier countered, not missing a beat.
And then, for a brief moment, the pair went silent as Hawlucha shied away from the water-type’s gaze.
“Thanks..” He muttered after some time, but not without a sigh.
“Hey..” Frogadier started, moving to drape his arm back around Hawlucha. “You’ll have to forgive me— I don’t like watching girls flirt with my best friend, especially if he’s not comfortable with it..” He went on to murmur, expression softening as the flying-type’s talon crept up to rest atop his webbed hand.
“You’d be surprised, that’s.. not the first Pokémon to come up to me today wanting to flirt.” Hawlucha rasped in reply, leaning into the embrace.
“Maybe I should stay here with you, then. You know,” He began, entwining his free hand with Hawlucha’s and grinning when he didn’t pull away.
“Help keep the fangirls away.”
“I-.. I’m not going to say no to that.” replied Hawlucha, after some thought.
“Good,” Frogadier purred, resting his head on Hawlucha’s shoulder and pulling him close. “I wouldn’t have taken no for an answer anyway.”

Chapter Text

Sick Day

“You’ll feel better once you’ve eaten,” Hawlucha murmured, urging the bowl of puréed fruit towards where Greninja lay. The frog in question, however, took one look at the bowl and simply shook his head, eyes glinting with crimson disdain.
“Come on, please? For me?” He pleaded, batting his eyes in uncharacteristic futility.
Greninja simply rolled his eyes and turned away, illness making him irritable.
“What, do I have to feed it to you? Don’t think I won’t, Greninja, because I absolutely will. Ash didn’t send me in here as a last resort for nothing.” Hawlucha threatened, feigning his malice.
“You can try,” Greninja challenged. “Nothing you do’s going to make those sickly sweet berries taste good, though.”
“So be it.” Hawlucha huffed, and by now Greninja could almost taste the exasperated concern within his voice.
“But I’m not touching that thing.” He added with mock disgust as he gestured to Greninja’s tongue scarf.
Now wildly amused at the prospect of Hawlucha feeding him, the water-type obliged to his demand, pulling his scarf down to reveal a feverishly flushed face beneath.
“Thank you.” He muttered tersely, hunching over to scoop a spoonful of the purée. As he held it up to Greninja’s mouth, however, he was met with a scornful scowl, and, by extension, a declination of the food.
“Come on, don’t make this weirder than it already is. You’ve gotta work with me here.” He coaxed, prodding Greninja’s lips with the spoon.
Knowing he was fighting a losing battle, Greninja opened his mouth ever-so-slightly and bit down, only to relish in the unexpectedly tasty berry mush.
“Okay, maybe I underestimated this stuff. It’s.. it’s actually pretty good. Mind handing me that bowl?” He asked, swallowing.
“I knew I could get you to give in.”
“You’re my weakness,” Greninja admitted. “I guess Ash really did know what he was doing.” He punctuated his sentence with a lazy shrug and set the bowl in his lap.
A comfortable silence fell over the room as Greninja began to indulge himself in the fruit. Hawlucha could only sit idly by, gazing upon the frog with fond, doting eyes.
“You know, you.. you don’t have to sit around here pandering over me if you don’t want to..” Greninja murmured after a while, crimson gaze flickering timidly away from where the flying-type sat.
“Are you kidding? Of course I want to,” Hawlucha started, resting a claw atop Greninja’s aching forehead. “Because I know you’d do the same for me. N- not that.. not that you or I would.. wouldn’t, do the same for- for anyone else..”
“Okay,” Greninja chuckled, gently grasping at where Hawlucha’s talon lay. “I think I get what you’re saying. Thank you for looking out for me.”
“Come on, Gren,” He murmured, dropping the nickname Greninja so cherished. “I love you too much to leave you alone in the state you’re in. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t at least try to help lighten your burden?”
“For Arceus sake..” Greninja purred, unable to keep the smile off his tired, clammy face. “How’d I get so lucky? How’d I end up with you?”
“You’ll be even luckier once you get better.”
And then they sat in silence for a moment more, Greninja, in particular, now too drowsy to even register his sagging eyelids. In fact, it wasn’t until Hawlucha removed his claw from Greninja’s head that he’d even bothered to gaze over at the now very concerned flying-type.
“You.. look really out of it. I- I can leave no problem if you need to rest, I..” He began to stutter, though his voice died away as Greninja moved to trail a tender hand along his face.
“I-..” He tried again, face beginning to flush profusely.
“I wouldn’t want to intrude..” He finally concluded, and Greninja couldn’t help but smile at his own adept ability to make the bird crack.
“Stay? Please?” was the only thing he could bring himself to whimper, but that was okay— Greninja knew he’d already won.
“You sure you’re not contagious?” Hawlucha hesitated.
“I’m certain. Supposedly this is some weird fever thing only Water-types can get. Wouldn’t hurt if you stayed here with me for a while.” He crooned, beckoning him close.
And perhaps it was just within his feverish haze that he’d heard it, but as Hawlucha curled up beside him, he could have sworn he’d made out the sound of his voice crooning a soft, genuine “I love you.” in response.

Chapter Text

Farewell

Those eyes. The amber eyes that Greninja had fallen in love with from the moment he’d first seen them, the eyes that sparkled and shone in ways that made his heart pound, melt and sing all at once were now ringed with sorrowful tears.
Perhaps Greninja too was simply caught in the moment, for he found he had to blink away tears of his own at the sight. Having to leave his faithful trainer behind was one of the hardest things he’d ever have to do, but having to part with the Pokémon he loved more than life itself, as he would come to realize, was far harder. He remained eerily quiet for a moment longer, heart aching with new despair the longer he looked on in silence.
“Hey,” He rasped after some time, his heart beginning to race as those haunting aureate eyes moved to gaze up at him once again. Feeling newly conscious of his height, he spared a moment to kneel over, inching low enough so that he no longer loomed over the flying type.
“I.. really wish I could have told you this at a time where I wasn’t set to leave you indefinitely, but..” he began, moving to place a tentative webbed hand on Hawlucha’s shoulder.
“Hawlucha, I-..” He started to whisper, before quickly deciding to abandon the pursuit in its entirety; Instead, his eyes fluttered shut, his lips parted, and in a final call to desperation, he let his head glide swiftly forward to peck his beloved softly on the cheek.
An eerie silence fell over Greninja, Hawlucha, and the remainder of their traveling companions as he pulled away, and the water-type quickly found himself awash with new dread, worried he’d done something wrong.
“Greninja..” Hawlucha murmured as he stroked the cheek Greninja had so tenderly blessed.
“I-.. I’m so.. I’m so sorry, I-..”
“If you’re going to kiss me, you could stand to do it like you mean it..” Hawlucha cut in, donning a coy smile and a modest blush.
Greninja’s eyes widened for a fleeting moment, but his expression promptly softened as Hawlucha’s words sank in.
He leaned in again and pressed his lips firmly against Hawlucha’s and immediately found himself reveling in their softness. In all his bliss, he managed to spare a moment to stroke Hawlucha’s face, a gesture the bird returned; If Greninja’s heart was fluttering now, then that certainly didn’t compare to how fervently it pounded when he felt Hawlucha’s talon gently grasp his face.
“That’s more like it.” He choked out, after they had pulled apart. Though the kiss had come and gone, Greninja still paused to nuzzle his face into the nook of the flying-type’s hand.
“Oh, Greninja..” Hawlucha started, voice dying away into a whimper.
“Hey, I’m not gonna be gone forever.. I’ll be back before you know it, okay? Wait for me, won’t you?”
“Oh I’ll be waiting, Greninja. You can be sure of that. And-.. and you’d better come home safe, too.” He sniffed in reply.
“Of course, of course..” Greninja replied, too emotional to do any more than gently thumb his tears away.
“I’ll think of you always. Promise you’ll.. think of me, too?”
“Every day.” Hawlucha breathed.
“I’ll be counting on that.” Greninja purred, pressing a brief, chaste kiss to Hawlucha’s nose.
With that, he stood up and began to bound away, though not without shooting a glance at those he was leaving behind. He slowed his footsteps as his pace began to even with Zygarde’s, hoping inwardly that neither he nor Squishy could spot the tears threatening to spill down his face.
“Take care out there, Greninja! I love you!” Hawlucha exclaimed suddenly, earning him bewildered looks from both Greninja and his teammates; It was times like these where the water-type felt grateful that Ash— and the rest of his human traveling companions, by extent— couldn’t fully understand the language he and his fellow Pokémon were so naturally fluent in.
“Be safe!”
“I will, Hawlucha! And I love you too! With all my heart!" He shouted in reply, unable to keep the melancholy grin off his face. With that, he turned away, though he did not keep up his prior sprinting; Instead, he merely traipsed along, likely as a means to prolong his departure even further.
“You know, I think that goodbye was especially for Hawlucha, if you ask me.” Greninja heard Serena muse long after he was out of sight,
and though he couldn’t read her expression from where he stood, the sentiment still left him awash with new embarrassment. As he turned away for the final time—though not before shooting one last longing glance at his former traveling companions— he let a bittersweet smile grace his features.

Chapter Text

“Oh, um, Hawlucha.. while we’re on the subject of gift-giving, I.. well, I kinda wanted to give you something, too.”
“Hm?” Hawlucha replied, diverting his attention from the glimmering display to glance quizzically at the water type. He was surprised to find that the expression on Frogadier’s face was one of gentle fondness—a stark contrast to the snide glares that he was used to. He became even more astounded when that affectionate mien shot forward to peck him softly on the nose.
“Hawlucha! Frogadier! We’re heading out soon, so be ready to leave!” Ash called, not long after the latter moved away.
“Hm,” He started, sounding oddly nonchalant given what he’d just done.
“Well, it.. sounds like we’re about to leave, so..” he mused, though his voice trailed off as he turned to leave; Of course, between Hawlucha’s ever-reddening face and the now very overwhelming warmth he found himself to be awash in, whether or not he truly heard what Frogadier had said was the least of his worries.

Chapter Text

“You’re some thief, Hawlucha!” Frogadier began, a hostile edge to his voice as he approached the ornery fighting-type.
“Honestly, Frogadier, you-“
“Because you, my fine-feathered friend, have absolutely stolen my heart.” He cut in, before pausing to extend a flower-wielding hand to where a now very flustered Hawlucha stood.
“Ah.”
“How was that?” Frogadier prompted, sporting a cheeky grin as Hawlucha took the flower from his hand.
“C’mon.. not bad, right?”
“Okay, fine.. that was pretty good.” Hawlucha admitted, rolling his eyes good-naturedly as the water type fell into step beside him.
“And Fletchinder thinks I can’t flirt..” Frogadier replied, and just loud enough for the aforementioned to hear; Fletchinder, however, ignored him.

Chapter Text

- While this trait did not carry over into his evolution nor was it present in Froakie, Frogadier was, at one point, very much a flirt. As much as Hawlucha would claim to despise his antics, internally he was charmed by Frogadier’s advances; Then, when Casanova Frogadier evolved into the stoic, borderline unemotional Greninja, well.. the rest is history.
- And sure, he flirted with Braixen on occasion, but he had little real romantic interest in her. He was astounded to find that she’d actually fallen for him, and though he felt awful about having to turn her down, the two still remain close friends.
- They’ve both given each other lots of affectionate nicknames. Some of Greninja’s nicknames for Hawlucha (in order of how often he uses them) are Lucha, Featherhead, and Birdbrain (Hawlucha doesn’t really like that last one, haha.). Hawlucha’s nicknames for Greninja are Gren (which, despite this one literally being a shortened version of Greninja, it seems to always make his heart flutter whenever Hawlucha uses it..) Froggy and, rarely, Nin.
- Hawlucha would tell you otherwise, but he was the one to catch feelings for Greninja— then Frogadier— first. There was something truly enamoring about his newly laid-back persona (and his fierce battling ability) that drew Hawlucha in, but he’d never ever admit it.
- Maybe Hawlucha fell in love first, but Talonflame was the first to know that Frogadier shared his affections. The firebird couldn’t help but notice how frequently Frogadier— hell, how frequently Greninja— would moon over him and Frogadier just hated how much Fletchinder would bug him about it. It was Fletchinder’s teasing that eventually got Greninja to bite the bullet and confess his feelings.
- Speaking of mooning, Greninja does that often. Heaven forbid Hawlucha go into one of his posing sessions, cause’ Greninja could swoon over those for hours.
- Greninja’s a cuddler, for sure. Being alone in Kalos for so long rendered him terribly touch-starved; When he finally reunited with Hawlucha, the first thing he did was sweep him up into such a tight embrace that the poor fighting-type couldn’t breathe— of course, once the shock wore off, though, Hawlucha hugged him back with equal fervor, and Greninja’s knees seemed to buckle from beneath him once he felt Hawlucha nuzzle into the crook of his shoulder.
- That said, Greninja sleeps best with Hawlucha by his side, and he enjoys snuggling into the latter’s soft, warm feathers. Hawlucha used to worry that Greninja’s amphibian-ness wouldn’t mix well with his warm-blooded nature, but, to his surprise, Greninja was all for Hawlucha’s body heat.
- That’s not to say Hawlucha isn’t at all physically affectionate— just the opposite, actually. PDA has never been his thing (and it’s not just because he’s a little too short for the casual kisses or hugs) but in private he’s the first to pull Greninja down to his height just so he can press a chaste kiss to his lips. Greninja is obsessed with Hawlucha’s softer, more affectionate side.
- One of the reasons Frogadier was so entranced with Hawlucha was simply because of how well he handled Noibat. Watching him be soft with the young bat subconsciously made him want Hawlucha to be soft with him, too. A frog can only dream though, right?

Chapter Text

- Mirror Greninja is arrogant and outspoken. Hawlucha is just the opposite. So how did this ever come to pass?
- Surprisingly, they rarely ever fight. And it isn’t because they miraculously happen to get along better in this universe, either. Simply put, Mirror Hawlucha is terrified of a lot of things and confrontation just so happens to be one of his biggest fears. He’ll likely be avoiding Mirror Greninja— hell, he’ll be avoiding literally anyone besides Ash— if he can help it.
- Mirror Greninja is the first to catch feelings. Initially he hadn’t even given the luchador a second thought because his incessant timidity always kind of rubbed him the wrong way. But then, one fateful day, he got to witness just how much raw power Hawlucha truly possessed after he’d been backed (figuratively) into a corner during a battle. Witnessing how he could make the switch from the most hesitant of cowards (his words, not mine) to a fierce, hotheaded warrior really seemed to strike a chord with the ninja frog.
- Suddenly, M. Hawlucha is all M. Greninja will talk about. M. Braixen and M. Luxray are immensely annoyed by this.
- Mirror Greninja has always been used to getting what he wants when he wants it, but for the first time it seems as if he’s encountered something he can’t have right away. Where his usual displays of strength would have left all manner of other Pokémon swooning, it seems the elusive M. Hawlucha isn’t even remotely interested in him, a fact that serves to really knock him down a peg. Or two. Or three.
- Every pass Greninja has ever attempted to make towards Hawlucha is routinely met with a timid declination of his advances (that could be a bit of an understatement though, considering a “timid declination” is more like poor Hawlucha running off screaming). Mirror Luxray and Mirror Braixen have turned this routine into a running joke at M. Greninja’s expense and he hates it.
- M. Pikachu, sick of all of M. Greninja’s futile pining, eventually opts to pull him aside and lay into him about how he desperately needs to tone down the “I’m-better-than-you” act if he wants Hawlucha to look his way, and eventually, through lots of coaching from both him and M. Chespin (who actually turns out to be super helpful, who knew?), M. Greninja finally learns to tone it down in his advances.
- The first time the new, slightly less-arrogant M. Greninja approaches M. Hawlucha, he notices an immediate change in the way their interaction goes; for one, Hawlucha isn’t running away in fear anymore, but beyond that, he seems to genuinely be interested in what M. Greninja has to say to him. M. Greninja had not at all anticipated that he’d be such a good listener. M. Hawlucha also confides in him that the reason he’d been so wary of M. Greninja was simply because he assumed he was too caught up with his other friends to ever even bother with a loner like him. He’d always been a little intimidated by the ninja-frog anyway; his extroverted nature, coupled with all the Pokémon he so easily got along with made it perfect for M. Hawlucha to stay clear out of his radar. M. Hawlucha had always been quick to assume that if M. Greninja ever were to approach him, it likely wouldn’t be with pure intent, and M. Greninja is overcome with guilt as he feels like he’s missed out on what likely could have been a fulfilling friendship.
- Now, chilling out and listening to M. Hawlucha whenever he comes around has become almost habitual for M. Greninja, much to the former’s immense appreciation.
- After a while, the two become very close friends. Oftentimes they spar, an activity M. Greninja suggested they do routinely so that more of M. Hawlucha's power could be honed without him needing to be scared out of his wits to harness it. M. Hawlucha likes to think maybe he’s found some confidence through it.
- M. Hawlucha is also just pleased he’s finally coming out of his own shell, and he has M. Greninja to thank for that. Feelings ensue, and somehow, in a matter of weeks, the guy M. Hawlucha used to be terrified of (though that’s not saying much because he’s terrified of everyone) has managed to steal his heart (not that he minds, of course.. perhaps his newfound crush will grant him some much-needed courage..?).
- M. Greninja doesn’t realize he’s truly fallen for the feathery fighter until the aftermath of one particular training session. M. Hawlucha has just learned a new move, and he’s so thrilled that he tackles M. Greninja in a hug. After it has concluded (and after Hawlucha has apologized profusely) M. Greninja finds himself craving not only the feeling of his embrace, but his presence as well. He wishes he could hug him all the time, even. After a while, he consults M. Pikachu who can only look at him worriedly and ask “Have you never been in love before? Cause’ I’m pretty sure that’s what this is.”
- M. Pikachu is, strangely enough, the first Pokémon M. Hawlucha consults about his feelings as well. M. Pikachu, not really caring to preserve the sanctity of a heartfelt confession, lets him know right off the bat that M. Greninja likes him too.
- Remember that thing I mentioned about M. Hawlucha finally finding some confidence of his own? Well, somehow, that once-skittish fighting-type managed to work up enough courage to pull M. Greninja aside and thank him, not just for helping him find his confidence but also for making him feel so safe. He admits that he’s developed a soft spot for the flashy ninja-frog and that he’d like to someday be as self-assured as he is.
- M. Greninja is, at first, flabbergasted. And then he’s overjoyed. Suddenly it’s not about “winning him over” anymore; M. Greninja’s starting to think that maybe it never was. He’s fallen, and boy has he fallen hard, and man is it a good thing M. Hawlucha is just as infatuated.
- M. Hawlucha’s version of affection is simply being around M. Greninja. Few others really consider this affection but M. Greninja is ecstatic that M. Hawlucha feels safe enough around him to just want to be in close proximity to him. M. Hawlucha is also not averse to hand-holding and M. Greninja is happy to indulge him.
- M. Greninja loves bragging about M. Hawlucha to his friends. Said friends are sick of this.
- M. Ash is just happy M. Hawlucha finally seems to be integrating with the rest of his Pokemon. He’d always been a little worried that M. Hawlucha would be an unintentional loner forever (and Ash’s advocacy for teamwork transcends dimensions, let’s be honest..).

—————————————————————————————

Dialogue Headcanons! (That’s a thing, right?)

M. Greninja: “Hey, Pikachu? Who’s that?”
M. Pikachu: “He’s.. Hawlucha? Our.. our teammate?”
M. Greninja: “What? Since when? Since when has Ash had a Hawlucha?”
M. Pikachu: [Casts a glare at him] The hell have you been? Ash has had him almost as long as he’s had you, you idiot.”
M. Greninja: “Huh. I.. guess I never really noticed him before.”
M. Pikachu: [Miffed eyeroll] “Yeah, well. Not really a first for you, now is it? Sucks that you’re too full of yourself to even acknowledge a new teammate, but what can I say?”

M. Braixen: “Pfft. You guys talking about Hawlucha? Greninja, he’d never even look your way and you know it.”
M. Greninja: “He would too. No Pokémon can resist me n’ my charm. Not even him, I’m sure.”
M. Luxray: “Sorry, are we talking about the same guy? Cause from what I can recall, the last time you even got within 10 feet of him he bolted. I’m pretty sure he was screaming something about not wanting you to kill him. I’ll give ‘im one thing, though; the guy can run.”
M. Greninja: “That was a fluke, Luxray! I was just.. off my game that day. I’m sure with the right approach I could win him over quicker than Braixen could screw up one of Serena’s performances.”
Braixen: [Glares at him] “Say that again, Greninja. I dare you. I’ll make you regret ever even thinking that, you no-good flatfoot-..”
M. Luxray: “You know what I think? I think you’re more liable to traumatize him than anything else.”
M. Braixen: [scoffs] “Everything traumatizes Hawlucha, Luxray. I think you mean “traumatize him even more than he probably already is traumatized.”

M. Greninja: “I just don’t get it, Pikachu. He won’t even acknowledge me the way he does you.”
M. Pikachu: “Y’know, it could be that you’re just insufferable. The rest of us hardly want anything to do with you as it is, so I don’t blame Hawlucha for avoiding you.”
“Why you little-“
M. Chespin: “If I may butt in, I think I could be of some help.”
M. Greninja: “Psh. What do you know about Hawlucha and I? You couldn’t help a Fletchling learn to fly. You couldn’t help me either, for that matter.”
M. Pikachu: “Greninja, why do you insist on always being such a massive d-“
M. Chespin: [dismissive wave] “Oh, don’t mind him, Pikachu. It’s okay, really. I actually think Hawlucha would love to make friends with you, Greninja. I just think your approach— well, your personality in general— may be, uh.. lacking, in certain departments, is all.”
M. Pikachu: “See? Insufferable. He just called you insufferable. Personally, I’d never let myself get called insufferable.”
M. Chespin: “No, no! That is definitely not what I said. I just think you’re a tad abrasive, is all. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but with someone like Hawlucha you can see why that may be a little frightening. Think back to when Ash first got you, for example. Must have been rather scary for you to be the only Pokémon Ash had, especially in tandem with the rambunctious Pikachu. It had to be at least a little intimidating.”
M. Greninja: “Actually, we kinda sorta just.. mutually got on each other’s nerves more than anything. No fear was ever involved. I think the reason we didn’t kill each other or anything though was cause’ we both liked messing with Ash.”
M. Pikachu: “Oh, yeah, I remember that. All that stuff’s true.”
M. Chespin: “Okay, okay. Enough reminiscing. My point is that your mannerisms are what frighten him. If you’d like to get through to him, then-“
M. Greninja: “I’ll.. need to chill out a little? Not be so..”
M. Pikachu: “Outspoken? Loud?”
M. Greninja: “Yeah. That.”
M. Chespin. “You don’t have to overhaul your personality, or anything like that. That’s not what I’m saying-“
M. Pikachu: “But that would be a benefit to all of us, so maybe you should-“
M. Chespin: “Pikachu, please.” [He scowls.] “But you should really be more tactful if you’d like to make friends with Hawlucha. Does that make sense?”
M. Greninja: [reflective] “Be more.. tactful? Okay. I think I can do that, yeah.”

Chapter Text

Training Headcanons:

- They are always each other’s go-to training partners, no questions asked.
- Nowadays, essentially the Pokémon equivalent of going on a date— to them, anyway— is a good, no-holds-barred training session. (And when I say no-holds-barred, I mean it. Neither of them ever hold anything back.)
- Rather than long-range combat, they both prefer melee fighting should they be sparring one-on-one. Greninja was actually the one to suggest this as he’d always felt he could improve on his close-range abilities (and who better to help him with that than a whole freakin’ wrestler?). They also like the intimacy that comes with it, mainly cause’ they’re free to exchange flirty lines (or even steal a quick smooch) all they want throughout.
- Hawlucha is usually the first to over-exert himself, whether intentionally or otherwise.
- He’s also prone to brushing training injuries off as a result of this over-exertion as if they hadn’t happened, but Greninja knows better—- even if Hawlucha is convinced he doesn’t, that perhaps he’s simply worrying too much about nothing. Gren’s known him long enough to notice even the most subtle of winces, or that telltale falter in Hawlucha’s gait when he’s pushed himself a mite too hard, however, and Hawlucha finds it astounding how quickly Greninja can make the switch from an unwaveringly fierce opponent to a tender, caring partner should he sense that something is off.
- There’s nothing Greninja loves more than Hawlucha giving it his all, but he never wants to make him feel like he’s got to prove anything to him. He wishes he did not have to remind the fighting-type of this so frequently, but alas…
- Greninja used to find himself almost disappointed if he wasn’t able to train with Hawlucha specifically. He used to think he did a good job at hiding it, but the increasing frequency with which Ash would pair him up with Hawlucha or, better yet, the frequency with which their friends would conveniently opt to spar with someone else so that Greninja and Hawlucha would end up together served as the piquant reality check he so desperately seemed to need.
- Hawlucha will thoroughly check Greninja for injuries after training sessions; The methodical way Hawlucha runs his claws along Greninja’s skin and the glint of worry that flashes in his eyes once he’s spotted something amiss send Greninja’s heart on a rapid-fire pace without fail, every time. He’s not used to being doted on, either.
- If Hawlucha is hurt severely in a battle or other altercation, Greninja will see red, because how dare someone cause him such a terrible degree of pain? If the threat has not been taken care of, Greninja will be absolutely merciless towards it— not even Hawlucha himself (OR Ash) can restrain him when he gets to be this way. After the threat has been eliminated, however, Greninja makes the switch into a doting, concerned lover. Hawlucha typically isn’t able to go anywhere without him while he heals.
- Hawlucha is similar should Greninja find himself hurt, but he will typically become reclusive and resigned after the fact as he feels he should have been there to prevent Greninja from being injured.

Bonus:
No, they have not re-attempted Super Flying Cut since Froakie evolved. And no, that’s not because the one time they did try it, Hawlucha went careening straight to the ground the moment Greninja tried to leap onto his back. Not at all.

Other Headcanons!

- Once Greninja and Hawlucha did finally get together, they stopped quarreling so much— but that’s not to say they don’t get into fights at all anymore. Nowadays, their fights are usually brought on by Hawlucha being reckless and, subsequently, Greninja getting upset with him for putting himself in danger. As much as Hawlucha likes to brush Greninja’s concerns off, he.. actually quite likes the warmth he feels when Greninja worries about him. It isn’t very often he experiences that level of care.
- They don’t like to fight at all, though. Sometimes, one or both of them will take a minute to decompress after an argument, but the period never lasts all that long— they don’t like being mad at each other for too long.
- Between Hawlucha and Greninja, Hawlucha is actually more of a morning ‘mon than Greninja is— but that’s because Greninja’s time in Kalos left him experiencing several monotonous, lonely mornings on the daily— of course, being roused by wayward roots on occasion certainly doesn’t help.
- Greninja typically isn’t very protective— he knows Hawlucha is fully capable of handling himself. That, however, goes completely out of the window if some other Pokémon is trying to make a pass at Hawlucha. Typically the luchador is… pretty clueless, to the romantic advances of other Pokémon (unless, of course, it’s Greninja), but that doesn’t stop them from trying to woo the luchador. Greninja, as much as he hates to admit it, has his own insecurities, and so he typically doesn’t hesitate to get confrontational with another Pokémon trying to get with Hawlucha. He also makes a lot of physical contact with Hawlucha if he suspects an outsider is trying to get romantic with him— whether that be through hand-holding, small kisses, fond glances, or an excessive use of nicknames.
- Hawlucha is a lot quieter about his jealousy. Mostly, he just fumes quietly so as not to draw attention to himself or Greninja, but he does cling to Greninja far more than usual— not that the frog really minds.

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- Greninja had to reason with himself constantly in the days following his decision to remain in Kalos. He would often lay awake at night wondering if the Zygarde really did need his help the way they said they had– and even though he knew Kalos’ salvation was a worthy cause for which he was staying behind, he often wished he’d chosen instead to listen to the aching of his heart rather than act upon the needs of the region.
- Despite having grown up as a loner, Greninja did in fact get very lonely while performing his duties when just days ago, he’d been surrounded by loved ones. Although he and Squishy would reminisce about their travels alongside Ash, Clemont, Serena, and Bonnie, they had little else in common beyond their desire to protect the region and their fondness for their companions.
- Squishy made several efforts to get to know Greninja better throughout their work, however, if only to lessen the strain of his loneliness. He asked frequently about Greninja’s teammates– but after a time, he learned to refrain from asking about Hawlucha too much for it seemed that every time he did, Greninja would become unexplainably somber and for prolonged periods of time. (That’s not to say he didn’t get sad when his other teammates were mentioned, however!)
- Greninja often found himself channeling his inner Hawlucha whenever he had to mediate conflicts between forest-dwelling Pokémon. In a way, he believed it kept himself and Hawlucha connected despite the distance.
- Eventually, with enough time, Greninja became willing to talk more about his relationship with Hawlucha to Squishy. He was surprised to learn that Squishy was wholly unaware of the nature of his and Hawlucha’s bond and was quick to educate him on all the nuances that come with falling in love with your best friend.
But it is through his Hawlucha raving that Greninja really finally comes to terms with his love for Hawlucha. And he also finds that vocalizing and being vulnerable about the notions of his heart is incredibly therapeutic, as well.
- Greninja sees Hawlucha in everything. In fields of flowers he can spot each hue that makes up Hawlucha’s feathers. He can just barely make out the shape of his winged frame soaring beneath the clouds when he looks up at the sky. If Greninja craved a spike in morale, all he’d have to do was simply think of Hawlucha.
- In the days following the conclusion of Greninja’s duties in Kalos, he is aware of the fact that he ought to find out about Ash’s whereabouts, or at least learn of his Kalos teammates’ whereabouts. He recalls Pikachu telling him of Ash’s hometown of Kanto and remembers him mentioning a laboratory that all of Ash’s Pokémon stayed at when their journeys alongside him had concluded. Heading there is a no-brainer for Greninja.
- Goodra, whom Greninja had made a point to visit if ever he desired a taste of home, is happy to let Greninja recuperate in the wetlands until he’s ready to make his next move. Greninja confides in Goodra about his endless pining for Hawlucha, and Goodra believes Greninja’s next steps should be obvious. Find Hawlucha in Kanto and profess his love! Greninja informs Goodra that he’s already planned to do such. All Goodra asks is that Greninja tells the other Pokémon that he says hello and misses them dearly.
- Initially, Z2 was considering asking Greninja to live permanently in Kalos to protect it should another disaster crop up, but Squishy (being that he wished to reunite with Bonnie himself) reasoned that depriving Greninja of his loved ones even further would be cruel. Z2 is understanding.
- Hawlucha was despondent in the weeks following Greninja’s departure and was unusually reclusive upon first arriving at Oak’s lab.
- Talonflame was the one to talk sense into him. He reasoned that Greninja wouldn’t like to see Hawlucha so unlike himself and that it was wiser for him to live in the now. He reminded him that they were all struggling to come to terms with Greninja’s departure, and that Noivern in particular needed a guiding hand to help him adjust to life in Kanto. Hawlucha recollected himself, having resolved to remain strong for Noivern.
- Hawlucha raved about Greninja to any Pokémon who would listen; his stories of Greninja’s feats drew awe from nearly all of Ash’s Pokémon— and Sceptile, Infernape, and Charizard in particular were always willing to learn more about this mysterious powerhouse of a Pokémon. Hawlucha wound up befriending the three of them rather quickly not just because of his expansive knowledge about Greninja, but also because his obvious fondness for the frog made him the subject of quite a bit of friendly teasing.
- Talking about Greninja so frequently— and with such reverence— helped Hawlucha cope with his absence and somewhat filled the Greninja-shaped hole in his heart.
Not unlike Greninja, Hawlucha sees Greninja in everything. He can barely make out the shape of Greninja’s shadow darting amongst the trees surrounding the lab, and he develops a deep appreciation for all things water.
- Greninja finding his way to Kanto is… a tumultuous process. Taking various modes of transport and having to act as the companion Pokémon of several different trainers proves to be an… interesting experience, for sure. And then Greninja finally comes across the fabled lab of Professor Oak, perched atop what would quite literally be his final hill to climb.
- Deciding it would be better not to draw attention to himself in an environment of unfamiliar Pokémon, Greninja tries to seek out someone he knows. (Hawlucha, preferably.)
- Fortunately (and unfortunately) Greninja comes across Lucario easily, who is surprised to have sensed him of all Pokémon through his Aura. Greninja is pleased to see that the younger Pokémon has been able to kick back and simply be a kid within the lab, and Lucario is a little embarrassed that his would-be mentor is so easily able to pick up on how relaxed he’s been.
Greninja is at first tempted to ask if Lucario has met Noivern, but a more pressing matter urges at his heart and he is quick to inquire about Hawlucha’s whereabouts. - A clueless Lucario is happy to take Greninja to him.
Greninja is so overcome with emotion the second Hawlucha comes into his view that he forgets restraint, lurching forward to wrap his arms around the fighting-flying type… and he soon enough finds himself consoling a sobbing, nearly hysterical Hawlucha while he tries (and fails) to bite back tears of his own.
Elsewhere, Ash is overcome with a sudden feeling of joy. Hm.
- Greninja is promptly swarmed by Talonflame and Noivern, too, and he’s just so incredibly thrilled to be back with his family he can hardly find words.
- The night following their reunion, neither Greninja nor Hawlucha can sleep at all. They simply lay awake, holding one another and chatting about all that comes to their minds. And when the sun does finally peer over the horizon, Hawlucha is content to simply curl up in Greninja’s embrace as sleep finally finds them both.
At no point in the days following Greninja’s arrival at Oak’s laboratory are Greninja and Hawlucha ever apart. In fact, it isn’t long until Hawlucha’s expanded the size of his nest so that Greninja can rest comfortably within it alongside him.
- They never really exchange any big “I love yous” when Greninja comes to Kanto— to them, they’re not really necessary. But the first time it happens, it’s on Hawlucha’s tongue as he curls up against Greninja for another night of fitful sleep. He hasn’t even realized he’s said it until he feels Greninja draw him in even tighter to echo his words.
- Inwardly, Greninja swears he’ll never part from Hawlucha—or the rest of his family— ever again. He doesn’t think his heart would be able to take it.

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I’m down to take requests for either headcanons or quick little one shots featuring the titular pairing! I’ll write AU stuff too, but since that’s not exactly my forte it might take me a while! I won’t write NSFW or fetish content!
I don’t intend on closing these any time soon— simply leave your request in the comments and I’ll get around to completing it!