Chapter Text
The alarm was too loud, for Matthews displeasure.
_ Someone turn off the alarm please! - The man said putting on his heavy gloves as he entered the small room full of generators. - And I'll need someone outside to halt the energy from those transmission lines on my left, also call in a tadbulb team, please.
_ Yes, boss. One of the employees agreed before leaving the quartet behind.
_ Do you guys hear it?
Everyone inside the space went silent, trying to pinpoint what the senior engineer was hearing.
_ There's a leak in one of the big generators. He knelt, trying to find the right one.
_ Sir, the magnemite team cut the power to the supply lines at the left. The employee from before said grabbing a notepad and making remarks while Matthew and the other two tried to find the right generator.
_ Would you want one of the magnemites here to find it, boss man?
_ No need, is this one. - Matthew creeped forward, looking straight at the big one. - Did the tadbulb team arrive?
_ They are here, want to call them in?
_ Yes, and here's your problem. - Matthew said, crouching behind the huge motor, picking a tube containing a sealing substance from his belt. - I will need more light, tadbulb!. - Called in, the small lamp pokémon arrived, heading towards Matthew.
As soon as the little electric pokémon approached, it shook his head and generated a good amount of light, which helped the engineer seal the leak as fast as he could.
_ Thank you little guy. He said, patting the pokémon head before one of the employees guided it back to another room.
_ Thank you chief engineer, sir, I hope this problem didn't mess with your schedule. The woman in a mechanic vest told him, bowing in apology.
_ Don't worry about it, it was just a small leak after all, but critical enough to mess with half the engineering sector, I'm glad I could find the problem and help your team fix it. Matthew said, getting up and removing the heavy gloves, hanging them at the belt.
Leaving the small one storage building, the man found himself walking towards the main engineering building that stood beside a huge skyscraper, going through the courtyard in doing so.
_ Would you look at that, good evening Matthew, clocking out already? The man asked catching up with Matthew's speed.
_ Evening Jiwoong hyung. Nah, not yet. I still have some work to do, maybe I'll finish in an hour or so. How about you?
_ We got some issues with the marketing team, so I'm taking some extra time today.
_ What a bummer, try not to be too late for the first snow today, some people say the articuno sightings have been more recurrent in the past few years, maybe we'll get to see it passing above the city this year.
_ You and your hopes in seeing legendary pokémon. Well, I hope you're right. He said, tapping Matthew's shoulder before a huge gastly appeared in front of both of them, scaring the shit out of the engineer.
Jiwoong fell into laughter together with his gastly as soon as Matthew started screaming.
_ For arceus's sake, Jiwoong! You can't keep bringing your gastly to work! - He said, grabbing his chest and kneeling down on the cemented path they were taking. - Someone could have a heart attack!
_ You bet! He said messing with Matthew's hair.
_ I mean it.
_ Of course you mean it. Jiwoong said while his gastly was cracking up in front of them.
_ It's the third time this month, I'm gonna fill a report on both of you clowns!
_ See you around, Matthew! The man left, followed by his gastly, who kept laughing until they left Matthew's field of view.
_ I still can't believe he brings gaslty every single day and no one filled a complaint, I've seen that prankster purple gas ball more than some of my colleagues. He sighed, cleaning his pants after getting on his feet.
Finally arriving at his destiny, Matthew spent the next hour or so filling the leak report and tending to the magnemites, tadbulbs and togedemaru of the engineering sector, helping the keepers in moving them to the pasture building at the center of the courtyard, where all pokémon that were company property went to have a nice rest after a long work day.
_ Don't forget to turn the heater on today guys, it's winter already, steel types don't do well on the cold. Matthew said while helping with the tadbulb counting.
_ Already on it boss man! We can handle the rest in here, you should go home for now.
_ Of course. Good work today everyone. Matthew said bowing before leaving the pasture.
_ Nice work today, boss! All of the keepers answered to Matthew, as he left the space towards home.
The moon was rising when Matthew got off from the company bus, a big flock of cottonee hovered above the bus stop, heading south.
_ It's the fourth big flock this week, I guess the migrations are almost ending by now. He said calmly, picking a small note pad and scribbling something on it, still focused on the pokémon above.
His way home was quiet, the suburbs were less populated, almost looking like the countryside if you ask the residents. The gleaming and noise city center gave space to small communities on it's edges, Matthew chose to live here for the view, the proximity with some old friends and with the woods, since he has always loved observing wild pokémon, from a safe distance of course. The sky above was clouded, squinting his eyes he could se a couple swablus flying high near them, on the ground some meowths ran between the houses fences, running from a happy poochyena who was trying to play with them, this kind of peace was enough for him, at least he thought it was.
Winter was his favorite time of the year, since when he started his journey almost 10 years ago. Snow was a very common sight almost all year round where Matthew lived, so he grew fond of the white blanket covering his path home and his incursions to the wild. Now entering the narrow streets of his neighborhood, he started seeing people scattered around the houses, some kids sitting at the sidewalks or at the doorsteps, accompanied by their pokémon and parents, waiting the first snow. It looked like a tradition many households had these days, which for him was heartwarming.
_ Maybe it'll come early this time. He looked up, the heavy clouds and a trio of cryogonal flying high on the sky were a harbinger of what he expected so much.
Approaching his house street, he saw the neighbor's kid playing with a snubull and a fletchling. And behind him, one of the parents sat at the door.
_ Hyung! Welcome back! How was work today? Did you see the big flock of cotton candy that passed earlier? It was huuuge! - The kid said enthusiastically, running with difficulty, because of his heavy coat and the snow boots, towards the sidewalk to greet the passing neighbor. - Did you see it from the skyscraper where you work? Where are they going?
_ Good evening to you as well, Yujin. - Matthew knelt down to greet his little friend. - I've seen them earlier too, it was a flock of cottonee, they are heading south for the mating season, as well as to flee the winter cold.
_ Yeah, winter starts today, papa told me when I arrived from school. Lucky me that tomorrow is Saturday, gonna play a lot at the snow! The kid started running in circles around Matthew, followed by the snubbull while the fletchling rested on the man's head.
_ Evening, Matthew. The one at the door waved.
_ Hey Hao hyung, how're you? Keeping an eye on the battery you got here? Matthew said, getting up and picking both Yujin and the snubbull below his arms, heading towards the house's front door.
_ You bet. He's too anxious to see the first snow, so he won't wait for it inside, where it is warmer. So here I am. Hao stretched out his coated arms to receive the package from the man in front of him.
The kid went down, but quickly left Hao's embrace and ran inside, followed by the snubbull once again.
_ It's been a while since I saw you arriving this early.
_ Yeah. Work has been rough these past few weeks, I'm planning in taking my vacations this winter. Matthew sat beside Hao, picking gently the fletchling above his head and cuddling it on his lap.
_ You look in need of some rest, to be honest. The dark circles under your eyes have increased a lot, you are looking like a zigzagoon. Sorry.
_ None taken. They are cute at least.
_ Got to the point of calling yourself cute? Maybe you are really sick.
_ Don't even joke about it.
_ Heh.
_ And how have you been? How are things with Hanbin?
_ Marrying a gym leader is not a field trip, but I have been handling it well. Hao took the fletchling from Matthew as soon as he noticed his friend shaking to get up.
_ I bet you have. Hope to see him the next time I pass by. You guys are owing me a dinner, actually. Matthew got up slowly.
_ Right. - Hao got up right after. - Since you are taking some time off, just call when the timing is right for you.
_ And how are things at the school?
_ You know, we are handling it, being a new teacher isn't easy, but at least I can keep an eye on Yujin most of the day now, better than the contests.
_ Don't you miss it? The contests I mean.
_ I do, but now I have a more peaceful life, wouldn't trade this for another take at public life.
_ I still remember when I first saw you and your kricketune for the first time, it was so beautiful, the best musical duo at the time.
_ We did win that one, got the ribbon to prove it. Hao laughed it off, quickly looking inside trying to find Yujin.
_ And where's her?
_ My kricketune? She loves to follow Hanbin around, so he takes her every day to the gym.
_ Even she fell for Hanbin's charms. Matthew grew a big smile, teasing his hyung.
_ Speaking of charms. - Hao put up a critical look towards his friend. - What about Gunwook?
_ What? Matthew looked shocked while averting Hao's gaze.
_ You heard me.
_ He's been well, you see him more often then I do.
_ It's true, he's my colleague, but I'm not asking about his work schedule. He confronted.
_ It's... Complicated. I haven't had time to spend with him lately, I'm feeling bad about it. When he calls me I'm usually too tired and end up sleeping mid talk, so I'm really glad he didn't gave up on me after all this time.
_ I don't think giving up is an option for him. I've known both of you guys for years now, I know it's not easy to take another big step in the relationship, but you should try talking about it, seems like a pretty important topic for him. He closed his mouth in a thin line when the thought of what was just said hit his mind, he spoke without intention.
_ Did he mention it to you!?
_ Mention what? I don't know what you are talking about. Hao suddenly changed his tone, avoiding answering while turning around to look for Yujin inside the house.
Yujin appeared right on time, holding a blobby shiny ditto in his hands, hoarding the attention of both adults.
_ Hyung look, it's daddy's ditto, I found him in the kitchen, do you remember him? The kid tiptoed, rising his little arms and showing the pokémon to Matthew, who picked both of them up.
_ I do remember him, hello ditto!
The blue blob answered happily while Yujin was hugging it tight. The snubbull on the other hand looked very upset while hiding behind Hao's legs.
_ Imagine having to take care of a kid, a lot of cute pokémon and Hanbin, it's my daily challenge. Come here you two, Matthew hyung is tired from work. Hao once again picked the kid up from Matthew's arms.
_ Yeah, I should be going actually, Gia and Round are alone at home.
_ Alone? You sure? - Hao smirked at him. - But yes, you should go, shoo, shoo.
Matthew looked concerned at Hao, turning around slowly, then rushing home.
_ Bye hyung! Yujin shouted waving at Matthew, followed by his father and the ditto.
He got home quickly, since it was less than a 2 minutes walk from Hao's doorstep, from afar he already saw his big front window wide open, and arriving there he saw someone sitting at the floor of his front door, caressing a spheal with one hand while holding a big bottle of wine with the other.
_ What the-.
_ Surprise!
_ Park Gunwook, what the hell!? I got worried because of what Hao hyung said. He walked slowly, picking up his breath, before the little spheal rolled towards him.
_ Sorry, I asked Hao hyung to keep you entertained while I went to buy the wine. I got here almost now as well, Round was keeping me company in the meantime.
The little spheal snored as soon as he got to Matthew's feet, who picked it up and started caressing him.
_ You should have told me you were coming, I would have arrived sooner to prepare for your visit. And what's with the wine?
_ I know you are very emotional when the first snow starts falling, thought it'd be nice to keep you company today, the weather reports say that it starts tonight. I came straight from work with Hao hyung. He got up, pointing to the door.
_ Oh, right, you must be cold, let's get inside. Wait, where's Gia? Matthew asked looking at Round on his arms.
_ He's at the back, I brought Magda with me, and they went there right after we arrived.
_ Gia! He shouted while walking towards the door.
The Alolan Ninetales appeared from the side of the house, followed by a pancham, Gunwook's Magda.
_ Let's go inside. I can't believe you opened the front window again, you have to stop doing that so I don't need to buy locks. He told Gia while both entered, followed by Gunwook and Magda.
Matthew's house was cozy, kinda small for an engineer of his degree, but he always said a big home kept its residents too scattered, and he liked the proximity. He also preferred keeping in touch with Hanbin and Hao, so he chose to be neighbors with them.
_ So, how are things? Gunwook asked putting his heavy coat at the hanger behind the door, closing it in the process.
_ Same old, same old. Matthew put his keys above the kitchen table, still holding Round on his arms, and going for the cabinets and the fridge to pick some food for all of them.
_ Here, let me hold him while you set things up. Gunwook picked the spheal up, receiving a big smile from the little pokémon.
_ Both of them really like you, some things never change. He said, washing his hands first, then drying them at a towel near the sink.
_ But some things change, right? - Gunwook stared at the man in front of him. - Did you put some thought into what we discussed last time?
_ Look Gunwook, I-I can't. He put down five empty bowls at the table, looking quickly at the two pokémon playing with some toys in the living room.
_ Look at you, you barely sleep, last time we went out for drinks and ended at the hospital because you body was failing you. I know this job is what you studied so hard to get, but I can't handle seeing you in this state, you and Magda look almost the same at this point. The man said pointing at the direction of his little pokémon playing on the couch.
_ You can't ask me to leave my job. What right do you have to do it? I know I'm not at my best, but whats else can I do Park Gunwook? Leave it all behind and go on another journey with you? - Matthew raised his voice, enough to silence even the playful creatures in the next room. - I-I'm sorry guys, sorry.
_ Yes.
_ Yes!? - Matthew looked perplexed at him. - Yes what?
_ Come with me once again.
_ Nonsense. He said picking the food for both of them from the fridge after setting up the berries for the pokémon in the three bowls on his left.
_ Why not? He sat down at one of the wooden chairs sorrounding the table.
_ We both got jobs now, we can't spend years travelling again.
_ Let's take a little trip then, travel for some days then come back. It'll be good for you.
_ Oh, yeah? But how about you? You always complained about the long walks and the little amount of stops we got in the early days. Things only got better when I got a liscense.
Gunwook put Round on the ground after a slow growl, the spherical being rolled towards the living room, leaving space for the taller one to wash his hands too.
_ You have to understand this. - He grabbed both Matthew's hands. - Our pokémon journey was amazing for me because I was always with you, I don't miss the walks or the battles, I miss spending time with you, quality time. The thing I'll get from this trip, if we go, is time well spent. And a deserved rest too to be honest, those kids are making me crazy these days.
_ I bet they are.
_ Take things seriously this time, please.
_ I'm taking things seriously, I'm not going on vacations this winter just for the fun of it, I have a purpose, I need this healing time and I know it.
_ What?
_ What?
_ Are you going on vacations? Gunwook's eyes flashed with so much light that it seemed like a pokémon was evolving inside his skull.
_ Don't get your hopes up, I still have things to settle, and you don't even know if the school will give you some off time too.
_ I've my means of taking some time off to spend in a new journey with the love of my life.
_ Do-don't say that, they are watching us. Matthew said embarassed, with both his ears getting red as he tried to push Gunwook's hand away.
Gunwook dropped Matthew's hands go as soon as they looked to the couch, where the three pokémon were facing them with attentive eyes. Right on time, Gia and Round suddenly looked at the big front window and started howling and growling in excitement.
_ Looks like it's time. Gunwook pointed his head to the backdoor direction, holding the wine and two glasses on his hands.
Matthew followed with two bowls, Magda was right behind holding two more, with Gia grabbing one by the mouth and Round rolling behind them. The five marched outside, Matthew grabbed a heated blanket for him, Gunwook and Magda, who sat down at the floor below the backyard roof, while Gia and Round sat at the grass with expectant eyes looking up to the open sky.
_ I wanted to take at least a shower and change clothes before the first snow dropped. Matthew said picking a snack from the bowl he had between his legs.
_ We can do it later. Gunwook filled two glasses with the wine he brought.
_ Yeah...
After some minutes talking about how he almost died today because of Jinwoong's gastly, the first snowflake landed at the tip of Gia's muzzle making him go wild, spinning and running around Round, who kept clapping and laughing at the start of the subtle snowfall.
_ This never stops amusing me. Even when we went our separate ways I still waited every time for the first snow, thinking about you.
Gunwook turned his face to look at Matthew, who was already sleeping with the head tilting forwards and the wine glass still at hand, accompanied by Magda, who was already sleeping on his lap.
_ Oh, so cute. - He looked fondly at the man almost rolling forward. - Goodnight. Gunwook said while giving a peck on Matthew's hair, adjusting the position to cuddle with him.
As the night went on, a huge trail of snowflakes could be seen above the city, like it was made by a pair of very graceful wings.