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Hop noticed something was off after the tournament. Leon had been sent to the hospital just to make sure he was okay. Being in direct hit of a blast from a Pokémon wasn't exactly something easy you could walk away from. As amazing as his brother is, Hop couldn't help but worry about him. He kept it hidden though, because he hadn't wanted to worry Gloria or Lee. Once the tournament was done and his brother was called back to be looked over… Hop’s worries doubled.
They had said nothing seemed off. Maybe his heartbeat was a bit erratic from time to time but he seemed healthy. Actually the healthiest they’d ever seen because of how strong he was and how quickly he healed from the incident. It should have given Hop some sort of comfort, but Hop knew his brother. He could see what they didn’t see, that was something was off.
Leon was strong yes, but he wasn't this strong. He wasn't so strong that he could give even a Machamp a run for its Poké Dollars. He had seen his brother pick up a heavy barbell that used to cause him some trouble like it was nothing, balancing it on his finger with ease.
Sometimes his brother got quiet now too. Not that his brother didn't have his quiet moments but to spend an entire day not saying anything, only letting out sounds was not something he would do.
Then there were times where Lee’s eyes just… glowed pink. They weren’t supposed to be pink they were supposed to be gold. Yet it was the very thing that had Hop begin to theorize what may have happened.
He’d been gone from Wyndon for a few weeks now. Running over data at the lab and any information he could get from Gloria’s newest party member. With the data he got from her time bonding with it, he finally had come to the conclusion he had been worried about.
“I think… Lee somehow became connected to Eternatus after he shielded us from it’s attack…” Hop explained to Gloria and Raihan as they sat in Lee’s living room. His brother was in the training room, a place Raihan had said he’s been in a lot more lately besides his bedroom. It had been Raihan who had kept an eye on his brother per his pleading because Hop couldn't help but worry about him.
“Hm… I guess that makes sense.” Raihan said casually. Hop and Gloria looked at him in shock.
“H-how can you sound so nonchalant about this?” Gloria asked weakly. Raihan sighed and closed his eyes.
“Listen little morning Glori, the things I’ve seen that man do as of late would have me believe it without a doubt.”
“Er… w-what kind of things has he been doing?” Hop asked warily.
“Oh you know… changing his bed around to make it more like a nest. Absolutely demolishing curry whenever it’s made. When he gets really upset he’ll growl and snap his teeth, you know that sort of thing.”
Hop stared at him in utter shock as Gloria did the same. He opened his eyes and glanced at them curiously.
“What?”
“You mean he's gotten worse?!” Hop yelped out in horror. “Lee wasn't doing any of that when I left him!”
“Yeah well, to be fair he wasn’t as irritable then either.” Raihan raised a brow at Hop. “Didn’t you agree to his offer to spend more time with him now that you both were free to do so?”
“Er… well, yeah…”
“That included staying at his place for the time.”
“Yeah…”
“And you up and left without telling him.”
“I asked you to tell him for me…” Hop said, trying not let it sound like a whine. “Besides I didn’t think he’d be upset that I left… Especially when I’ve been trying to figure out what’s wrong with him.”
Raihan leaned back casually on the couch. “Well, it sounds like you know now. So what should we do about it?”
“Uh…” Hop wrung his fingers anxiously. “That’s not something I know about yet…” He admitted weakly.
“You seriously seem calm about all this Rai-Rai…” Gloria told the man with a frown. “Aren’t you worried about him too?”
Raihan sighed and looked at the two with a smile. “Listen, we’ve already had Leon checked over. Physically there’s nothing wrong with him.”
“Except he’s got super strength.” Hop pointed out bluntly.
“Not exactly a terrible thing to have. What I’m getting at is while this is all big news, the important thing is that Leon is okay.”
“Is he?” Gloria asked warily. “I mean… I know the doctors said he was physically alright but…”
“While all this has been going on I have been getting him checked over by doctors practically every day, and they have top of the line tech to see if he really was in pain or in danger. They tell me every time he isn’t and that he’s perfectly healthy. He’s just not exactly happy because a certain little brother abandoned him.” Raihan flicked his eyes to Hop with a hint of a teasing smirk.
“I didn’t abandon him!” Hop cried out. “I told you I was trying to help him!”
“Mm hm, well how about you go let him know you’re back eh? He’s been in a foul mood all day today and seeing you might cheer him up.” Raihan motioned towards the room down the hall. The training area where Lee would send out his Pokémon to train and workout with him together.
Hop weakly gulped. He wasn’t sure why he was nervous. Maybe it was because he was nervous for his brother and not at him? Though, if Lee really was acting as off as he said he was then Hop might not be the best person to see him.
Raihan got up from the couch and gave Hop a gentle nudge. “Go on now, go see him.”
“E-er, what if he doesn't want to see me though? I-I mean you said yourself he’s been in a bad mood and I… what if I make it worse?”
Raihan sighed and shook his head. “Hop if anything you’ll make the opposite happen. Now go on, if he isn't in a bad mood then he’s moping. Go show him your back so he can finally cheer up.”
Hop stumbled along as Raihan gave him a firmer push. Gloria as he passed gave him a warm smile and gave his hand a squeeze, letting it go once they were too far apart.
‘Okay… you can do this. You can… It’s just Lee, just your big brother… Who means the world to you and is acting so different you don't know if he’ll be happy or mad to see you…’ Hop winced as he stopped in front of the door.
The training room was in the furthest part of the flat, that way no accidental damage could get into the rest of the home. Which meant he was further away from Raihan and Gloria than he wanted…
“Okay… man up Hop…” He clapped his hands over his cheeks like he’s seen his brother do before. He paused…
“Yeah that’s still not at all working for me…” He groaned as it didn’t help push the confidence he needed.
“I guess I’ll just have to, jump in…” Taking a breath, Hop gave the door a few knocks and waited.
There was no answer…
“Huh… Is Lee even in there?” The idea of that being the case ironically made it easier for him to turn the knob and open the door.
Across the room was Lee’s team, all perking up and looking pleased to see it was him. Hop smiled as they all let out noises of greetings to him.
“Hey guys! Have you all seen Lee anywhere?” Hop stepped inside and closed the door. “I tried knocking but…” He paused as they all looked to the side of the room. He followed his gaze, only for a body to come flying right at him.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“AGH!”
Gloria shot up from her seat and shared a look of alarm with Raihan. Barely a second passed before they both tore through the living room and right to the door where Hop had disappeared to.
“HOP!” Raihan roared, slamming the door open with force and jumping inside while Gloria did the same.
“Hop! Hop are you okay what-?!” She froze in place next to Raihan. Their jaws dropped when they saw…
Not what they were expecting
Leon’s team was out but they weren’t attacking nor did they look upset. They merely looked confused if not amused by their trainer who was…
Well…
“Oof Lee!” Hop yelped as his brother was currently hugging the squirming boy tight to his chest, keeping him snug in his lap all while nuzzling against him with happy vigor. The beaming happy smile on his face was huge, and there was a soft rumbling sound coming from him that almost sounded like…
Purring?
“Ack! Lee! N-not that I don't love your hugs!” Hop sputtered out in a startled giggle. “But your beard tickles!”
The sound coming from Leon became even louder, (oh he was absolutely purring) and he pressed his cheek against Hop’s nuzzling him even more. Hop yelped a laugh and squirmed harder.
“Um… Hop are you okay?” Gloria asked weakly. Normally this would be a sweet moment but with everything that’s been going on she wanted to make sure.
“G-Gloria! Hehehehelp!” Hop attempted to stretch a hand out to her. She stiffened, Hop might be laughing but he looked just as worried as she was feeling.
“Hang on!” She yelled and began running over. She faintly noticed Raihan jerk out of his shock as she passed him.
“Gloria no wait-!” He shouted as she reached her own hand out to grab Hop’s.
Leon twitched and in a flash twisted his body so Hop was away from her, all while snarling a vicious hiss in her direction.
Gloria stumbled back, shaking in terror.
“L-Lee stop that! That’s Gloria!” Hop cried out sounding just as scared.
Leon quickly turned to Hop, his expression softening as he let out a soothing coo and curled around his brother. Hop still trembled slightly as Leon cuddled him close, letting out soft purrs as if trying to calm him.
“W-what was…” Gloria started. She jumped as she felt a hand take her wrist and very slowly drag her back. Looking behind her it was Raihan, who gave her a confident, if not apologetic smile.
“Sorry kiddo, I was trying to stop you before you got too close.” He started once they were a few feet away. “Stay right here and keep your distance okay?”
“O-okay…” Gloria nodded. She looked back to see Leon continue to cuddle Hop, amazed to see it actually seem to calm him down if only slightly.
“Why… why did Leon just snap at me like that?” Gloria murmured, unable to shake the terrifying image from her head. Then again, Leon angry at all was a terrifying thought.
Raihan threw his arms behind his head and slouched in a relaxed way as he closed his eyes in thought.
“Well, I can’t say I know for sure since I’m not a professor, a doctor or any of that…” He began. “There is one field of expertise I’m in that may explain it though…”
“Really? Then… what?”
“Y-yeah!” Hop called from Leon’s arms, only to become muffled as Leon crooned gently and cuddled him closer. It was surprising how gentle he was being despite moments ago looking ready to attack with such viciousness.
Raihan peeked open an eye to watch the scene, only to close it and smirk. “Yep, I’m very sure I know what’s going on…”
“What?” Gloria asked again.
“Gloria that Eternatus you caught… it’s dragon type yeah?” Raihan brought up casually. She blinked in surprise.
“Erm yeah I believe so…”
Hop managed to push himself away from Leon just enough to give a shout. “Dragon and poison!”
Leon pulled him back into his arms purring louder, smiling happily as if praising him for knowing such a thing.
“Ah, I thought so.” Raihan chuckled. “Then I think what’s going on here kiddos, is what we call nesting.”
“N-nesting?” Gloria repeated. “What’s that?”
Raihan moved his hands to his hips and gave her a smile. “Nesting is what parent Pokémon do when they have little ones to care for. Dragon types in particular do this sort of thing for their little hatchlings.” He tilted his head and his smile widened. “Put it simply, their parental instincts are running full power.”
“Okay…” Gloria said slowly. “What does that have to do with Leon trying to smother Hop or him literally try to bite me?”
Raihan chuckled and looked back to the brother’s with an amused smile. “That, little morning Glori, is because our dear former Champion, now Chairman, has a little baby of his own.”
Gloria looked at Leon again only to glance at his Pokémon in confusion. “You mean… the Dreepy’s. They’re baby Dragons.”
Raihan chuckled. “Yes, they are, but they aren’t the ones Leon’s snuggling are they?”
Gloria looked back and suddenly it clicked.
“Wait… You mean Leon’s nesting… because he sees Hop as a baby?”
“WHAT?!” Hop screamed out, jerking his face out of his brother’s hold. He looked utterly outraged if not embarrassed. The reaction got laughter out of not just Raihan, but even a rumbling laugh from Leon as well.
“DON’T YOU DARE LAUGH AT ME! LEE I AM NOT A BABY!” Hop shouted furiously to his brother.
Leon turned serious as he leaned closer to Hop. His eyes studied him for a few moments. Hop stared back at him grumpily. Soon a big grin split back onto the older man’s face as he pressed a kiss on Hop’s forehead and went back to cuddling him in a hug once more with a happy purr.
“Leeeeeeeeee!” Hop whined in utter dismay.
“Huh…” Gloria tilted her head. “So that’s why Leon snapped at me then?”
“Yep!” Raihan moved his arms back behind his head and closed his eyes with a smile still on his face.
“Ugh Lee why me?” Hop grumbled in dismay as his brother continued to nuzzle him purring. “I’m not a baby…!”
“Hahaha, sorry Hop but you’ve always been his baby in his eyes even before this.” Raihan said, smiling wider. “He’s just showing how much he loves and misses you, you are his Hoppy after all.”
Hop threw his head back and gave a despairing groan at the nickname. “Lee how many people know that nickname? Don't think I didn’t know it was thanks to you Master Mustard calls me ‘Hoppykins’.”
Leon laughed harder and simply cuddled him more, nuzzling his cheek against Hop’s head as his expression turned content.
“So… now that we know what’s going on… How are we going to get Hop out?” Gloria asked warily.
Leon stiffened and she wondered if he had heard what she had said.
“Ah, see here’s the thing. We don’t.”
“What?”
“Huh?”
Leon relaxed and nuzzled Hop more, who just looked done with everything.
“Listen, if there’s one thing you never do is mess with a Dragon when it’s nesting. They’re the most aggressive and dangerous they can get when they’re like this.” Raihan said seriously. “Considering we know he’s a lot stronger now… I’d say it’s a bad idea to take Hop from him.”
Leon turned his head to them, giving a toothy grin and nodded firmly as if to agree.
“You all are just going to leave me here?!” Hop cried in dismay.
“Oh don’t worry Hop he won’t hurt ya. He’ll probably take you back to his room where he made his nest so you’ll be more comfortable.” Raihan said easily. “He’ll probably stick to you for a while though. Nesting Dragons can get a little clingy and possessive. Knowing how much Leon’s missed you, I’d say you’ll best get comfortable.”
“What?” Hop squawked. “Gloria help me here!”
Gloria watched the older man curl over him more crooning softly. He looked happy and didn’t seem like Hop was in any danger, but how he had snapped at her before…
“Are you sure that’s a good idea though? What if something sets off Leon? W-what if he hurts Hop?”
Raihan waved his hand.
“Are you kidding? If anything Hop’s probably the safest right here with Leon! That man has been overprotective of him since he was born, trust me Hop’s in good hands.”
“But…”
“Plus I’m sure Leon’s team wouldn't let Hop get hurt. They’re just as protective of him too.” Raihan added to her with a smile.
Gloria blinked and glanced at the Pokémon. They were watching over the brothers casually. They didn’t seem worried and they were really strong…
“Okay then…” Gloria agreed. She still didn't like it, but if it would make things easier on everyone then she’d agree to it.
“Gloria nooooo!” Hop yelled in dismay as she and Raihan turned around and began to walk away.
“Don’t worry Hop, we’re just giving Leon his space so he can relax with you. We’ll be in the living room if you need us.” Raihan told him with a smile and wave. “Be a good hatchling!”
“Not funny Raihan…” Hop grumbled as the man closed the door with a laugh.
“Do we really need to close it?” Gloria asked warily.
“Don’t worry. I’m sure Leon will go to his room soon like I said. Now come on, let’s go make some food. You haven't had lunch yet yeah?”
Raihan led her down the hall and to the kitchen. As she moved to the counter to help him prepare some curry, she couldn't help but worry.
“Rai-Rai… is Leon really going to be okay?”
Raihan paused his work cleaning the pot. “… You know I worried about that too.” He admitted softly. “The more I think about it though, the more I realize that things might be a bit different but nothing’s really changed for Leon.”
“What do you mean?” Gloria asked, about to cut some of the vegtables, only to pause as Raihan gently nudged her away from them. He motioned for her to go to the pot instead and as she took the hint and began to pour the broth into it, he began cutting instead.
“Well, Leon at the moment may have super strength, he may have days where he doesn't feel like talking, but he's still the same Leon I’ve always known.” Raihan explained. “The situation’s certainly different for now sure, but underneath all the new he's still him.”
Gloria paused as she dwelled on his words. Yes, Leon had been terrifying when he snarled at her, but in all fairness she had probably startled him. She had come running towards him with the sole purpose to take Hop away, he might of sensed that and simply reacted. Because despite how he had reacted to her, how he was after showed there was Leon still there.
He may be acting odd for sure, in fact a little like Eternatus treated her whenever she went camping with it now that she truly thought it over. The idea made her chuckle, because even she had been surprised when the dragon that had nearly destroyed all of their region acted so sweet to her.
“See? You get it now.” Raihan chuckled. “I’m sure we can find a way to help Leon disconnect from Eternatus at some point, but for now we don't need to worry. Let’s just be thankful we have Leon around at all after that mess.
Gloria nodded, looking up and sharing a smile with the man. He wasn't wrong about that, and she knew the one who was the most thankful that Leon was safe was none other than the person the new Chairman was giving all his attention and affection to right now.
From how stressed her friend had been, she had a feeling he needed it just as much as Leon seemed to need having him in his arms.