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Florian awoke with a start.
It felt like his entire world was shaking, startling as one of Ogerpon’s masks fell off of the wall.
The unsteady movement made him feel like he was gonna hurl. His tired brain was still trying to make sense of the situation, but even as he wracked his brain he couldn’t seem to figure out why his dorm room would be shaking.
The Galarian was usually fearless, so much so that others had questioned his sanity on more than one occasion. Right now, however, panic was settling into the boy’s mind, unable to tell what was going on.
In an instant he was on his feet, sliding back into his pajama bottoms and clutching onto his bag like a life support, heading quickly out the door with a single destination in mind.
Outside his dorm the hallway was fairing no better for the tremors. Florian almost lost his footing a fair number of times. Finally deciding to simply hug the wall after he got slammed into it from a sudden dip. It felt like the ground had turned to jello beneath him.
How come no one else was out right now in the halls? Surely it wasn’t just him right? No, he was sure the mask had fallen off the wall. So why weren't there any other students around? Florian felt like he was going crazy, letting out a little whimper as he pressed the elevator button.
Steadying himself with both hands on the wall he waited, and waited. But the elevator never came.
It seemed to be stopped by whatever force was causing the building to shake.
Carefully Florian moved to the stairs instead. He looked down, gulping. This would be a lot easier going up, he thought to himself.
Taking one slow step at a time his mind began to wander about what on earth could be causing this. Surely the school wasn’t haunted, right? Ghosts didn’t even exist, well, not ghosts that weren’t Pokemon, anyway. And even if they did exist a ghost couldn’t possess an entire school…
Right???
He was drawn out of his thoughts when at last he reached the lower floor’s door, practically falling into it as he tried to open it.
He hurried along the wall, well as quickly as one who was scared of falling over could go.
As soon as he reached the door he was seeking he pounded on it with reckless abandon, panic and fear getting the better of him. He had had enough time alone with his own thoughts for one night.
After what felt like an eternity the door opened with enough force Florian almost fell forwards, revealing a very tired, grumpy looking black and mauve haired boy.
His expression quickly turned into one of surprise, and then into one of concern. “Florian? What are you doin’ here? It’s 2am!” He ushered Florian into his room without hesitation, seemingly more stable on his own feet than Florian was.
“Are you okay?” He continued as he led Florian over to his bed, helping him to sit down. “It looks like you’ve seen a ghost or somethin’!”
“K-Kieran!” Florian exclaimed, clinging onto the boy when a particularly hard shake threatened to topple him, “W-what do you mean! The entire building is shaking! H-how are you not freaked out?”
The poor boy looked like Arceus himself had struck fear into his heart as he stared wide eyed at the Kitakamian.
“W– Florian it’s fine it’s probably just—” Kieran stopped himself midway through rubbing his eyes, a sudden realisation spreading across his face. “Oh. This is your first time being here during a real big storm, isn’t it?”
“Storm?” The brunette echoed, looking like he had about half the spine of a Sobble.
“Mhm, since the Academy’s out in the middle of the ocean and mostly submerged, if there’s a real big storm the foundation starts shakin’.” Kieran explained gently, “It’s plenty strong enough that you don’t gotta worry about it collapsin’, but it happens a few times a year usually.”
Florian let out a yelp as the building rumbled particularly hard, wrapping himself around Kieran’s waist, the Kitakamian instinctively pulling him closed.
“Wowzers… I don’t think I’ve ever seen you scared before…” Kieran murmured, carding his hands through Florian’s hair.
“I-” Florian protested, looking up. “I’m not scared I’m just—”
Another harsh shake had Florian back in Kieran’s arms, as if he could hide away from the world in his chest.
“Yeah, yeah.” Kieran teased as he pressed his lips against the Galarian’s forehead, “Sure you’re not.”
“It’s alright, you know…” He continued, leaning back into the pillows, pulling Florian down with him. “I’m scareda stuff all the time.”
Florian nuzzled in closer, appreciation rising in his chest. He knew how rare it was for Kieran to admit stuff like that. “Thanks…”
“Mhm… Guess it’s my turn to comfort my normally unflappable boyfriend, huh?”
Florian felt Kieran poke into his side, simply groaning in response.
“Don’t tease me…” He mumbled, his voice muffled by Kieran’s chest.
“I’m not teasin’!” Kieran exclaimed, a feigned look of indignation on his face. “It’s nice, you know… bein’ able to hold ya like this… I mean, I know I can any time but… Just something ‘bout knowin’ I can be here for you…”
The brunette smiled softly against Kieran’s skin. “Thanks, Kier…”
“Yeah… Anytime…”
Florian felt himself being pulled up by his armpits, groaning in protest but quickly settling into the crook of Kieran’s neck instead.
“Seriously Florian… I wanna be someone you can rely on… So, even if it’s something small, don’t be afraid to show me, okay?”
“... Yeah, okay.”
“Now come on,” Kieran hummed, brushing a strand of hair from Florian’s face. “It’s late and you look exhausted. Let’s try and get some sleep.”
Florian could already feel his eyelids drooping in the warm embrace of his boyfriend.
“And if the tremors get too much… I’ve got you, always.”
“Love you, Kier…”
“Love you too. Goodnight.”
“Night...”