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It was amazing how Emmet managed to fold his lanky, towering form down to the height of a child. It was also amazing just how uncomfortable that position looked, arms hooked and dangling over his knees, balanced precariously on his heels. Ingo wasn't actually close enough to hear what Emmet was saying, but the excited chirping that did manage to reach him was more than enough to assure him it was something good. Emmet was gesturing to a little Pachirisu, his hair standing on end and followed by squeals of laughter from its young companion. Ingo shuddered. He didn't understand Emmet's affinity for electric types, but his knowledge and skill in handling them had certainly sparked something in the clan's youth and he could definitely appreciate that.
Ingo watched as Emmet lifted a hand and ruffled the child's hair, his touch standing both their hair up. After a few moments of gleeful arm waving and bouncing in place the child shot off from a standstill, Pachirisu following close behind as they ran past Ingo. Emmet caught his eye and Ingo took the chance to hurry over and help his brother off the ground.
“Eyuch. I do not ever want children. Nope! No thank you!” Emmet shook his head decisively as he first leaned back, then bent forward, fingers reaching out to brush the ground for a few seconds before he slowly straightened up once more. Emmet's flexibility was most impressive, though of course Ingo knew that already.
“Really? You're quite good with them though. I haven't heard a single complaint from anyone in the clan!” Ingo reached out for Emmet's shoulders, rolling his thumbs over taut muscles as his brother stretched. In a softer, quieter voice he added, “I think you make a good guardian.”
“I know how to be polite, Ingo. I am not an asshole,” Emmet snorted, back arching away from Ingo's touch.
“I know of at least one person who would disagree.”
“He does not count!”
Ingo patted Emmet's shoulders, a chuckle of amusement escaping him. “Unfortunately I don't think you get to make the rules.”
“Yeah? Well…” Emmet paused, clearly trying to think up a retort, “well I decide whose opinion is worth listening to!”
“Sure, Emmet, whatever you say.” Ingo snickered at the lopsided scowl that met him. “Come on, the hot spring will work out those knots I can't manage.”
“You just want to ogle me.”
Ingo scoffed, but turned his head away. Maybe so. “In camp? Please, I'm better behaved than that!”
“Barely!”
“Emmet,” Ingo growled lowly, tugging his brother close enough to murmur in his ear, “I could easily make you ache even more, my dear.” He felt the shiver run through Emmet.
“I will settle for your leering, brother.” Emmet cheekily stuck his tongue out and shook himself free of Ingo's grip, striding ahead. Well, if Emmet was going to permit it! Ingo quickened his pace to catch up.
—
“I won't lie, Emmet. There's something about the way you interact with children that just…” How did he put it into words? Water splashed as he gestured vaguely between the two of them, a frustrated frown settling on his face.
“It's not going to happen, Ingo. I don't have the parts for that anyway. No matter how much you think you can ignore biology,” Emmet pressed against him, resting his head on his shoulder. Was it that dreamy sigh or the steam making Ingo feel a little fuzzy? “And if you go get someone pregnant I will castrate you myself and nail them to the post above the bed.”
Ingo felt himself draw up and he pressed his knees together, instinctively shielding himself with a hand over his crotch. Way to ruin the mood. “Loud and clear, Emmet. Only temporary passengers for us. Returned to sender.” Ingo laughed weakly, seeking out Emmet's hand and giving it a squeeze. Never! He would never do such a thing without both permission and request from Emmet himself anyway! He let his own head rest comfortably atop Emmet's. I don't know if I'd want to share Emmet, anyway.