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Morty wanted to see his boyfriend, but Falkner's Pidgeotto didn't feel like making the flight.
Falkner told the blonde that he could make the walk, but Morty turned down that offer. He didn't want Falkner to walk so far just to appease his clinginess. So, even though he knew it wasn't the best idea considering his illness, Morty gathered his party of Pokemon and began the commute to Violet City.
By the time he reached the entrance of Falkner's Gym, he was really struggling.
His entire body ached and an unbearable amount of fatigue washed over him. There was also an unsteady feeling in his chest and he was trying very hard not to faint.
Despite his condition and the concerned looks from the gatekeep and lead-up trainers, he made his way to where Falkner was stationed. He made it, saw Falkner's concerned expression, and then everything went black, his fleeting consciousness only processing the feeling of falling, hands on his body and behind his head, and Falkner's voice saying words that didn't quite make it through, in a decidedly concerned tone.
When he awoke once more, they were still in the Gym. His head was in Falkner's lap and there was a Pidgey on his chest. Falkner was running a hand through the blonde's hair in a repetitive, soothing motion.
"Hey" Falkner said gently upon noticing Morty had woken up. "You passed out"
"Sorry"
"Don't apologize" Falkner replied. This was not the first nor last time he'd taken care of Morty when he fainted. While, of course, it was always a bit worrying, he didn't mind the caretaking. He just wanted to make sure Morty was comfortable. "You were out for about ten minutes"
"Oh, shit" Morty replied. Typically, his faints lasted between a few seconds and two minutes. Ten minutes was decidedly bad. He tried to sit up in spite of the lingering dizziness, but Falkner kept him from doing so.
"No, love" Falkner said gently. "You need rest"
"I'm sorry" Morty apologized again. "I didn't mean to cause a scene. I just wanted to see you"
"I'm always glad to see you, regardless of how you're doing" Falkner assured. "Next time, though, please let me make the commute"
"I don't want you to be putting in so much effort, though" Morty replied. "I don't want things to be unbalanced"
"I want to" Falkner told him. "And the commute is fine for me. I don't want you hurting yourself for my sake, okay?"
"Okay..."
"I love you"
"I love you too"