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Leon was sitting in the flying taxi he and Rose were in.
They just got back from filming a new episode for a series that he was in. He was one of the three main characters, the others being two other kids around his age. He didn't know them too well since he never really had time to hang out with them. The only time he saw them was when he was there to shoot scenes. They’ve asked him if they wanna hang out outside of production, and as much as Leon would love to say yes, Rose told him he didn't have enough free time to do so. So the answer was always “I wish I could, but I’m busy.”
Their names were Aurora and Akita.
They seemed nice and were really funny. Aurora's character, Delilah, is supposed to be more laid back and rude, out of character she was nice and goofy. Akita’s character, Eliott, was outgoing and way too kind, meant to be the opposite of Aurora’s character. Leon’s character, Dande, was supposed to be in the middle, more closed off but a sweetheart when you get to know him.
While on his way to wherever Rose needed him, he was reading over the script for the next shoot. It was always hard for him to memorize what he needed to say or do, but luckily the director and team were helpful and let the actors study the script scene by scene. He always liked to skim over the script to get an idea of where in the story they are. He already knew everything that was going to happen obviously, but still, it's nice to skim.
Flipping from page to page, most of it seemed like the main characters were going to a new town in their adventure. He skipped most of the dialogue and actions as it didn't seem that important till the day off.
While skimming near the end of the script, however, he saw a word that threw him off.
“Kiss”
He turned his head slightly like a confused Yamper before finding the beginning of the scene.
EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
Dande closes the back door and looks at the sky. Eliott bumps his hand against Dande’s while also looking in the sky.
ELIOTT
The sky looks really pretty.
DANDE
Yeah, it really does. Sometimes I wonder if there is anything more beautiful than the stars and night sky.
ELIOTT
Have you found anything?
Dande looks at Eliott, confused.
ELIOTT
Anything more beautiful than the stars and night sky, I mean.
DANDE
Oh, well… Maybe.
Dende and Eliott look at each other and make eye contact. They lean closer until they kiss.
Leon would've screamed if Rose wasn't right next to him. He felt his face heat up in embarrassment, the fact that he had to kiss this other actor he wished he knew better, but he also had to say the cheesiest shit known to man?? He was gonna throw up.
“You alright?”
The question made Leon flinch out of his thoughts and look at Rose, giving him a questionable look.
“I- uh-” Leon sighed hard before putting the script down, “They want me to kiss Akita!”
Rose just did his usual, almost annoying, grin. “You didn't see that coming?”
Leon stuttered “Wh- No! What do you mean?”
“Do they not show you the final product before airing it? There’s obviously tension between the two characters,” Rose looked away as Leon sat there confused with his mouth hung open.
“Are you nervous about kissing him?”
The question made Leon uncomfortable. It could’ve come from literally anyone else in the entire region and Leon wouldn’t have gotten uncomfortable. It’s just when Rose says stuff like that, it's a new kind of awkwardness. Maybe it's from the stuff Rose has said before, or just because he’s not entirely comfortable with Rose anymore. But he knew if he didn't answer his question it’d be taken as an attitude.
“I don’t know,” Leon forced out, “I haven't kissed anyone yet.”
He heard Rose chuckle, forcing him to bite back a cringe.
“Really? You’re fourteen, aren’t you? I was thirteen when I had my first kiss-”
Leon really didn't want to hear - or even mentally think - of Rose’s first kiss.
‘Why did Rose overshare with me all the time? Does he think we have a relationship when we don't?’
When he heard Rose finally shut up, he talked without thinking, annoyed, embarrassed, and uncomfortable.
“I don't even have time to hang out with Aurora and Akita, I barely get to see my family, The last time I saw any of my friends was at that one party months ago where I couldn't even talk to them because I had to make a stupid speech! What makes you think I’ve had my first kiss? I was only barely eleven when I became champion.” He groaned and hugged his knees, burying his face into them. He felt his stomach turn with familiar anxiety after realizing what he said.
Rose just looked at him, which Leon could somehow tell without being able to see.
“There’s no need for you to complain, Leon.” The younger boy cringed hard. He loved his name only when Rose wasn't saying it.
He remembered when he first told Rose about wanting to change his name and wanting to go by Leon instead of his old name. Rose didn't question it, calling him Leon from then on. He never understood why it felt weird coming off of Rose's tongue. It was what he wanted, yet he didn't feel any better about it. He knew it wasn’t forced either, he could tell the difference. Maybe because he really only said ‘Leon’ when he was getting a stern talk from Rose. Even though Leon wasn't the fondest of the older man, he still asked to be called Lee. It's what Hop, his mother, his friends, and everyone who knew him called him. Even some ads and billboards that mentioned his name had his nickname ‘Lee.’ He just liked it when people he knew called him Lee rather than Leon as well, it just felt more comforting. He’s thought of going by ‘Lee’ only but his younger brother Hop was the one who helped him come up with Leon. Besides, he still liked Leon and with his reputation and status now, it’d be pretty hard to change his name again.
“Are you listening to me?”
Leon peaked his eyes up, not daring to look at Rose. “Sorry, I zoned out.”
He heard Rose sigh or scoff, he couldn't tell the difference, before he repeated what Leon missed. “I was saying, You see your friend Raihan at least once a week. I always allow him to come over, you know that. I don't understand why you needed to get so defensive, I-”
And then Leon purposefully blocked him out this time. He didn't want to hear about how “wonderful and amazing” Rose treats him.
He focused on his breathing to distract himself, and it wasn't until then that he realized he was furrowing his eyebrows so hard he started to get a headache. He closed his eyes and took some deep breaths, unfurrowing his eyebrows and barely tuning Rose out. He didn't want to get caught ignoring him again.
He waited until he heard Rose stop talking before apologizing. “I'm sorry,”
Rose didn't say anything and turned his head the other way, his way of acknowledging the apology.
As badly as Leon wanted to shove his face back into his knees, he straightened himself out to not seem upset. His feet were back on the floor of the cab, hands neatly placed in his lap, and his head facing outside the window. He was clenching his jaw, he knew it was something he needed to stop doing, but it was the most unnoticeable thing he could do to not grab Rose’s attention.
He just wanted to get whatever he needed to get done and then flop in bed and cry.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
He did just what he planned when he got to his room, taking his binder off, putting on comfy clothes, and flopping on his bed to sob. He didn't care that his clothes were on the floor, if Rose wanted to start something because of it then so be it. He’ll deal with it when the time comes. Right now he just needed to unwind and relax.
He kicked and punched and screamed into his pillow for the next thirty minutes before deciding to check his phone. He almost smiled when he saw a few messages from his best friend, (and maybe crush) Raihan.
hey u busy? im in town n wanted to know if im able to come over or smth!
also, pls dont feel bad if ur not able to! i come around like every other day so yknow.
He didn't even think before responding.
i’m not busy !! i just got done for the day, actually ! i’d love to have your company right now
Leon felt his face heat up as he thought of Raihan and smiling like an absolute dork. It didn't take long for Raihan to respond, which wasn't uncommon since the boy seemed to be glued to his phone.
you ok? im omw btw
He sighed, Raihan seemed to always tell when Leon wasn't feeling the best, even over text.
kinda ? idk, i’ll tell you when you come over
also come through the window like you did that one time , rose isn’t that happy with me rn i think.
He waited to get an ‘ok’ from Raihan before putting his phone down. He didn't want to talk to anyone other than Raihan at the moment because he knew he was the only one who would really understand his frustration. He could never tell Hop his issues because he wanted Hop to think he was having a great time. He could only imagine how upset Hop would be if he thought he wasn't constantly having a blast. Hop cared deeply about him, and the same goes for Leon, but sometimes Leon thought that little lies like this couldn't hurt. Maybe when Hop was older and understood things more he could tell him. Maybe when he loses his champion title if that ever happens. He always thought of that happening, but he could never think of it actually happening. Not because his ego tells him otherwise, but mainly because Raihan was the strongest and best trainer he's ever seen and battled and he can easily win against him. He can't think of anyone better than Raihan, really.
He initially jolted when he heard tapping on his window, but after remembering who it was, he jumped up and unlocked the window, opening it.
He was greeted by Raihan and his newly evolved Flygon. He helped Raihan in since his Flygon was a bit too big to fit through the window.
“Hey,” Raihan started.
“Hi!” Leon gave him a big hug, not aware that he accidentally cut him off.
Raihan hugged him back, not minding. “Missed you.”
“I missed you too!” The shorter boy stumbled back a bit, forgetting he didn't have his binder on. “Can we sit on my bed? My legs and feet are aching from how much walking I’ve done today.”
“Yeah, of course!” Raihan then picked Leon up, making him yelp before being thrown onto the bed. He felt the bed sink next to him as his friend had jumped onto it, making him bounce just a bit.
They both giggled and laughed before settling in.
“So,” Raihan looked over at Leon, grabbing his attention. “What’s up? You said you’d tell me how you felt when I got here.”
Leon chuckled nervously, getting embarrassed just thinking of everything. “Well, for starters, you know that show I'm in or whatever?”
Raihan nodded, “Yeah?”
“Well, uh… they want me to kiss one of the actors in the next episode we're filming, and like, I’ve never kissed anyone, Rai! I don't really want my first kiss to be with someone I barely know! Plus I don't even know how to kiss! And Rose was all like ‘What’s wrong?’ and I’m like ‘They want me to kiss Akita!’ that's the actor's name by the way, and he's just like laughing and then talks about his first kiss which, one, ew, two, why the fuck would I want to know that! The last thing I need in my head is an image of Rose kissing anyone ! That's just-” He gagged to emphasize his point. “Anyways, I was kinda having a moment and talked without thinking and said something along the lines of ‘You don't even let me see most of my friends and won't let me meet new friends, what makes you think I’ve had time to kiss anyone?’ And then he said I had an attitude or whatever. Ugh! He just makes me so mad!”
Leon threw his hands on his face, making a rather loud slapping sound that worried Raihan.
“Hey, don't hurt yourself,” He grabbed Leon’s hands and gently guided them away from his face.
“Sorry, I wasn't intending to.” Leon sighed and rested his hands on his chest, looking up at the ceiling.
They stayed silent for a moment before Leon continued. “The rest of the day was pretty much the norm, having a few photos taken and meetings with different companies who wanna sponsor me…”
He trailed off and left it like that, but Raihan could tell that wasn't the end.
“Anything else happen?”
Leon closed his eyes and sighed. “Rose called me Leon in the cab and l don't know why I got so upset about it. Maybe it was just the way he said it, like how my mum would say my name when I was in trouble or something. Even though I don't really like Rose, I still asked him to call me Lee because Leon just makes it sound like I'm in trouble or something. He really only calls me Leon when he's upset or something.” He turned to his side, facing away from Raihan because he felt his eyes starting to burn. “It just reminds me of when he yelled at me that one time… I don't know, I feel like he's making me not like my name and it's really really fucking annoying!” He curled up into a ball, holding his knees to his face while trying so hard not to cry for a second time that night.
Leon heard his friend scoot closer. “Can I hug you?” He asked.
Leon only nodded and let go of his legs so Raihan could properly wrap his arms around him. Raihan didn't waste a second hugging him from behind, squeezing him just the way that made Leon feel comfortable. “Y’know I’m not the best with empathy and sympathy, but what Rose did was really jerky of him. You deserve better, Lee. And don't let him take your name from you! I remember when you and Hop picked out your new name, you were so excited! I know it’s hard, but try not to let him get to you.”
His words broke Leon. He was quietly sobbing into his own hands while Raihan comforted him and held him oh so close. He was almost overwhelmed from the comfort. His best friend - and maybe crush - was holding him and comforting him, saying the nicest words Leon’s ever heard in his entire life. He was so grateful for Raihan and it was too much for him to keep inside.
“I appreciate you so much, Rai, I really do. I swear to Arceus I don't know where I’d be mentally if you weren't here.” he sniffled and wiped his tears away.
Raihan frowned, “Don’t say that, Lee.”
“I’m being honest! I don't think you understand how grateful I am for you, really!” Leon turned himself around, now being face to face with Raihan. He was able to see his glossy eyes and frown now. “Are you- Are you gonna cry?”
Raihan sniffed and looked away. “I don't like seeing you hurt,” He wiped his eyes, drying them of any stray tears that might have fallen. “It’s dumb, I know, ‘m sorry.” He chuckled to try and make the situation lighter.
“Don’t apologize. You’re fine.” Now it was Leon’s turn to engulf his friend in a hug. He wrapped his arms around the tallers back, resting his head in the nook between his shoulder and chest.
They stayed huddled together for what felt like forever. Neither of them minded how much time went by, though, they loved each other's presence more than anything in the world.
“Uhm,” Raihan broke the silence, making Leon scoot back a bit to properly look at him. “About your kissing issue…” He looked away.
Leon tilted his head slightly, “Hm?”
“I don't know how to help you on that one.” It came out rushed.
“Ah,” Leon felt dumb for expecting a different answer. He looked down and nodded. “That’s fine. You don’t have to solve all my problems, you know!”
Raihan nodded, letting air out of his nose as a laugh. They held each other close again, both seeming to be embarrassed about something. Leon closed his eyes, thinking of what he wanted to happen rather than what did happen. He expected Raihan to say something like ‘I can help you practice.’ or something stupid and cheesy like that. He wished it would happen, he wanted to kiss Raihan for more than a few months now. He wanted to kiss him even more right now, though.
Maybe he could ask if he can maybe… No, no he can’t. He can’t ruin the moment, let alone their relationship. It’d be embarrassing, plus it's stupid, that stuff only happens in shows and books.
“You alright?”
Leon blinked his eyes open and looked up at his friend. “Yeah, why?”
“You’re scrunching your eyebrows again, you usually do that when you're mad or thinking really hard.” Raihan brought a hand to his face, pushing some stray hairs out of the way.
Leon blushed. It made his stomach turn in the best way possible when Raihan knew him so well. “I was just thinking, nothing important.”
Raihan huffed. “Tell me, please! I don't want you to be upset,”
Leon buried his head into Raihan’s chest, too embarrassed with his thoughts. “It’s stupid…”
“I’m sure it isn't! Your feelings arent stupid!”
‘But this one is’ Leon thought to himself. He can’t just bluntly ask to kiss his best friend! It just doesn't work like that. Or maybe it does… What was he thinking!
“Raihan,” Leon kept his face in his chest, only moving his mouth out of the shirt to speak normally. “You’d never hate me, right?”
‘Oh, what am I doing!’
“Never! No matter what! Even if you killed someone! I'd even help you hide the body!” Raihan giggled.
“Gah! Don't say that! You know I cry when I accidentally make a pokemon faint, I never could!” He giggled along.
They both stopped giggling and giving playful shoves when Raihan said, “I'm being serious though, I’d never hate you no matter what.”
Leon was brought back to the feelings of embarrassment and anxiety. Was he really doing this? Like actually? With no thought?
Why not though? He wants Raihan to be his first kiss. He wouldn't want it with anyone else! He doesn't have much time left either, just till whenever he goes back to the studio. He’d probably regret not asking Raihan this in the future. He might hate himself for wasting his first kiss on someone he doesn't love.
Leon sighed, ignoring the thoughts in his head just trying to blurt out what he wanted.
“Can you be my first kiss?”
It came out fast, rushed, and not planned. He could have worded it better, but if he thought of it any longer he probably would’ve never asked.
He looked up at Raihan, who was now sitting up, looking down at him. They both seemed to be surprised about what he said. Leon sat up and opened his mouth before Raihan spoke first.
“Sure.”
Leon let out the loudest and longest sigh he's probably ever let out. He didn't realize he was holding his breath for so long. “A-Are you sure?? I didn't- I don’t-”
“Lee! You’re fine! Promise. Besides” He rested his hand over Leon’s hand. “I wanna kiss you. I want you to be my first kiss too. I was just scared to say something because-”
“You thought you might ruin what we have?” Leon finished for him.
Raihan only nodded, gulping.
They looked at each other, scooting closer and closer until they were mere inches away from each other's faces. They could feel the other's breath on their faces. This was so surreal, Leon hadn't even processed this yet.
“I-I don't know how to kiss,” Raihan said, backing away so he wasn't so close.
Leon looked away, embarrassed. “I-I don't either… but, uh, we can practice…? I mean, I have to make a kiss look good s-so like, uh…” He meant it as a joke, but thinking of it realistically killed him on the inside.
“Yeah…” Raihan stayed still, his expression was hard to read.
Leon took a deep breath. His hands shakingly went to Raihan’s face, cupping it gently. “Close your eyes. I-I’m gonna try to mimic what I see on the telly.”
Raihan nodded and closed his eyes.
Leon looked at him, he looked cute. He always looked cute but right now he looked extra cute. His face was warm in his hands. He blinked a bit, noticing Raihan peeking slightly. He took that as a sign to hurry it up.
He scooched closer and closer until… their lips were brushing against each other. It took him a quick second to fully push his lips against his best friend; Could he even call him that anymore? Were they still friends or did this make them something more?? The thoughts made Leon pull back.
Raihan fluttered his eyes open and looked at Leon, his face red and hot. Leon took his hands off his face and shoved them over his own, trying so hard not to scream right now.
“W-Was it bad…?” Raihan asked, his voice sounding shaky.
“No! No… I-I didn't want it to get awkward. I didn't know when to pull away.” He lowered his hands and put them over Raihan’s.
They both looked away and processed what happened. Both trying their best not to squeal or scream.
“Do…” Raihan let go of the sheets and intertwined his hands with Leon’s, “Do you wanna kiss again…?” He asked quietly.
Leon nodded, not being able to make any other noises.
Raihan leaned forward this time, pressing their lips together. They stayed together a bit longer than they did last time before Raihan pulled away.
“I think ‘m gonna explode or something-” Raihan was taking big breaths.
“Me too,” Leon said, still in shock that this is real.
Raihan squeezed Leon’s hands before pulling them away, embracing Leon with them instead. He held his friend tight.
So many feelings and emotions were going through both their bodies right now. All positive.
“Rai,” Leon mumbled.
“Yeah?”
“I think I like you more than a friend.”
Raihan squeezed Leon harder, making Leon do the same.
“I think I like you more than a friend too, Lee.”