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Hop was humming to himself as he looked over his computer. He was in the living room with Gloria while Lee was in the wash room and Raihan was training with his Pokémon. It was the perfect time to enact part of his plan for Lee’s surprise, which was planning.
“So, I was thinking you could contact Marnie, Kabu, Melony, Bea and uh…” Hop paused in thought. “What was that guy’s name again? The one you met in the Crowned Tundra?”
“Peony?” Gloria paused her game and turned to him with a bright smile.
“Yeah him! I remember Lee telling me he really liked watching his matches when he was growing up! I bet he’d love for the chance to battle against him! Let alone with him!” Hop nodded only to pause. “Could you… call Bede too for me?”
Gloria looked confused only to wince. “Ah, right I guess things are still a bit tense between you two huh?”
“Yeah.” Hop nodded. “Besides I’m sure he’d be more willing to do this if the invite was from you.”
Gloria nodded. “Okay, but if that’s the case you need to be the one to invite Klara and Avery. I’d be more than happy to do it but uhhhhhhh…” She let out a giggle. “I think they'd somehow take me inviting them as an insult. Don’t ask me how, I just have a feeling.”
Hop chuckled. “Deal. That means I’ll ask Milo, Nessa, Gordie, Alister…” He then paused. “Do you think we should invite Piers? I know he's not a gym leader anymore and wants to focus on his music and all that but… He was one of the one’s Lee battled against on their Gym Challenge when they were younger. I know he respects him a lot.”
Gloria tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I’ll ask Marnie about it. I think that’d be a great idea for him to come to and I’m sure Leon would appreciate it too! If anyone can convince him to do this Tournament it’d be Marnie.”
“Too true.” Hop nodded. “Let’s ask Master Mustard too! He’s wicked strong and I know he and Lee go way back.” Hop let out a weary sigh with a smile. “Him calling me Hoppykins and knowing things only Lee knows is proof of that…”
“Wait.” Gloria put her controller down and moved to cup her hands in her face, her elbows to her lap. “Are you telling me Master Mustard knows baby Hop stories? How am I just finding out about this?!”
“Oh no, no way Gloria!” Hop waved his hand sternly to her. “Don’t you dare!”
“Fine… I guess I could just ask Leon.”
“No!” He yelped. “Thats even worse!”
He quickly grabbed a pillow on the couch and lightly smacked her with it, earning a giggle from her. She then grabbed a pillow and lightly smacked him back.
“Hey!”
“Hey yourself you started it!”
Hop stuck his tongue out at her, which she retaliated the same. They fell into easy laughter after.
Knock
Knock
Knock
“Huh?” Hop frowned as he and Gloria turned towards the door. They quickly shared a confused look.
“Leon’s not supposed to have a check up today right?”
“No, he isn’t…” Hop frowned warily.
Because Lee’s connection to Eternatus, Raihan stated that it was a bad idea not to let those Leon wasn’t used to into his home. It was his territory, his den, and if someone he deemed not trustworthy enough got inside it could be big trouble.
Thankfully the people that could visit didn’t bother Leon anyway, but still if it was someone they knew or even one of the Gym Leaders they would have messaged first. Raihan had pushed for that.
The door knocked again and Hop got up from the couch. As he put his computer down he walked towards the door with Gloria following behind. Once they were in front of it Hop gave a wary call.
“Er…? Hello?”
There was no answer which only made Hop more nervous. Gloria stepped closer to him and called out.
“Hello? We heard you knock, what did you need?”
“… Champion Gloria? Is that you?”
Hop and Gloria froze at the stiff, professional voice. They knew that voice, they knew her all too well.
Oleana…
“Oleana?” Gloria called back. The look on her face perfectly reflected what he was thinking.
‘What was she doing here?’
Hop hadn't seen or heard word from Oleana since Rose had been arrested. How she had managed to get away without the same happening to her Hop wasn't sure. He’s pretty certain she should be in some sort of trouble given she essentially helped him bring Eternatus to Galar in the first place.
Sure she had community service but she was considered and accomplice right? He’s pretty sure she should have been in more trouble than that.
“Wait!” Hop hissed in a whisper and quickly grabbed Gloria’s hand as it reached for the door. At her bewildered expression he shook his head wildly.
“Shouldn’t we see why she's here? It could be important.” Gloria whispered.
“Yeah but how’s Lee going to react?! You remember what Raihan said!” Hop muttered back.
Gloria frowned but slowly nodded. “Yeah I guess you’re right…”
“Champion Gloria could you kindly open the door?” The woman asked her voice blunt.
“Er… I-I’m sorry not right now I uh…” She glanced around. “I’ve… got Eternatus out and he’s a little… grouchy right now.”
Hop heard the woman let out a startled sound. “Very well…” She muttered stiffly.
‘Wow even she’s afraid of Eternatus?’ They really didn’t need her learning about Lee’s connection then.
“Since you are there, could you tell me where exactly Chairman Leon is or where he has been?” Oleana asked slowly, stiffly.
Hop shared a weak glance with his best friend.
“Leon’s been busy…” Gloria murmured weakly.
“Has he now?” Oleana muttered. “That would be news to me since from what I have been hearing he hasn’t had any appearances that you both were supposed to attend.”
Hop winced and shared a glance with Gloria.
“Word has been going around that he hasn't been in his Battle Tower. Of course given that man seems to love battles more than anything I thought it was best to check to make sure he was quite alright.”
Hop grimaced. She sounded so formal, so cool and cold, and it was something that bugged him since he’s seen her years ago.
Hop knew Oleana, at least a little bit. How could he not when she was essentially the number one assistant to his brother’s boss for most of his life? Even throughout all these years she always came off this way.
So seeing her snap the way she did at Rose Tower had admittedly been a bit of a scare he could admit.
“Chairman Leon is good! He’s doing fine he um…” Gloria paused. “He’s been under the weather as of late. He caught the Wyndon Bug recently.”
Hop nodded along with her. She wasn't lying about that.
“Ah, that's understandable…” Oleana spoke louder, realization in her voice. “That illness can be quite the difficulty to have.”
“Right and that’s why I’m here! I wanted to see if there was anything I can do to help him!” Gloria stated with a smile. Again, not entirely wrong.
“Well, then I shall leave you to it.” Oleana stated. There was a faint click of her heels but they paused before they walked away.
“When he does manage to get better, kindly remind him he’s quite behind on his work as Chairman. He was expected to do Gym exceptions weeks ago…”
With that her heels clacked away and soon… she was gone.
Hop drooped in relief with Gloria. That was too close…
They sat in silence for a moment, trying to listen and make sure the woman didn’t come back. A moment lasted about five minutes before they both sighed. All clear…
Hop jumped as he felt thick arms suddenly sneak around him and squeeze him to a large chest. From the rumbling purrs emitting from it Hop knew exactly who it was.
“Guess who~” Leon’s voice was warm as he purred and Hop laughed.
“Hey Lee!” He smiled as his brother curled around him and happily nuzzled his cheek against his hair.
“What’re you two do-“ Leon’s light question cut off as he suddenly sniffed.
Hop turned and looked to his brother as he lifted his nose, sniffing the air with a serious look on his face. His eyes suddenly flashed pink and a low growl rumbled from his chest.
“L-Lee? What’s wrong?” Hop asked warily, only to grunt as Leon tugged him closer against him and curled over him.
“What was she doing here?” Leon muttered lowly. From how he was glaring at the door the bristled question wasn't towards them…
“S-she?” Gloria repeated weakly, trying to play it off like nothing was wrong.
“Yes… she…” Leon’s eyes narrowed and they glowed a powerful pink as he bared his teeth. “Why was she here?”
“Phew! Now that was a work ou- uh…” Raihan’s jovial voice dimmed as he strutted into the room. The tension was thick and Hop knew the man could see something was wrong.
“What happened?” Raihan asked slowly.
“Lee’s upset.” Hop started. “Because uh… well, Oleana showed up at the door.”
The low growl that rumbled from his brother startled him. Gloria too from her wide eyes.
“She did?” Raihan looked surprised. “Why was she here?”
“Exactly…” Leon growled louder. Raihan held out his hands placatingly.
“Easy Leon…” He glanced at Hop. “You kids didn’t let her inside did you?” When they shook their heads he let out a soft sigh and nodded. “Good…”
“She said something about Lee needed to go do Gym inspections?” Hop pointed out. “And that people have been saying he’s been missing from the Battle Tower…”
Raihan grimaced. “Blast, I had a feeling people were going to notice the Chairman hasn't been making public appearances lately.”
“What about when we went to the shop?” Gloria pointed out with a frown. “People had to have seen him then!”
Hop grunted as his brother curled more around him. That trip hadn't exactly gone well, and right now was probably not the best time to bring that up.
“Ah, when I said public appearances I meant like big events. Galas, shareholder meetings, all of that…” Raihan waved a hand. “Those are things people recognize the Chairman for…”
“And the battle tower…” Hop mumbled.
Out of everything, the fact his brother hadn't been there made him feel awful. Lee has so much love and passion for it only for him to not be able to go thanks to his connection with Eternatus.
There was worry about how his brother would react during a battle against a stranger. Would his instincts flare out or would he do just fine? That wasn't even including the new information Hop had gotten from his brother’s doctor’s visit…
If his brother had Dynamax energy, who’s to say if when Pokémon Dynamaxed his brother’s new form wouldn't show up? There would be know way to hide that or explain to someone. It could cause panic, rumors, and all sorts of stress his older brother absolutely did not deserve.
“Well, I guess we’ll just have to figure out a plan about all this…” Raihan muttered. “To start I guess we better schedule the Gym Inspections right Leon?… Leon…?”
Hop looked up at his brother. Lee hadn’t stopped glaring an growling at the doorway since he had started. His expression was one of pure fury, one he’s seen only a handful of times and that was when Hop was in danger.
Oleana was certainly a scary lady at times but she wasn’t dangerous… at least nothing Hop couldn’t handle.
Raihan’s eyes flicked between the door and Leon before he let out a sigh. “Okay no planning is happening today…” He moved his hands to his hoodie pockets and shook his head. “We-“
Leon suddenly snarled. Hop yelped was lifted up into the air and carried away before the Gym leader could finish. His brother bolted at breakneck speed to his room, slamming the door closed with his foot before he all but flung them both into the nest.
Hop grunted in surprise as his brother curled over him, pulling the blankets and pillows closer to them until they blocked Hop’s view. As he sat up, Hop was hoisted and held tight to his brother’s chest as the older protectively kept himself curled over him.
With all the pillows and covers along with him brother wrapped around him Hop could see what he had done. Leon had tried to hide him away as if there was danger.
“Lee…?” Hop asked. His brother curled over him more, letting out a sound that was a mix between a croon and a growl. Hop decided it was best to just wait it out.
Something had set his brother off and it had to do with Oleana for some reason…
‘Is it because she and Rose were the ones who freed Eternatus?’ Hop thought curiously. He frowned and mentally shook his head. ‘No, Gloria’s had Eternatus with her when she’s met Oleana before in the Crowned Tundra and I’m sure she would have told me if it got like this…’
So this was all Leon then, but that made even less sense.
As Hop sat there trying to wrack his brain around whatever had started this, soon enough his brother’s muscles eased. Just slightly…
“I can't believe she had the nerve to come here…” Leon muttered, snuggling Hop more to him. “After everything they did…”
Hop frowned before his eye widened in realization. Ah right, the Eternatus thing. It had put all of Galar in huge danger just because Rose had been impatient. That was understandable, Hop wasn’t exactly thrilled with the man either and he's sure plenty of people in Galar weren’t too.
“Yeah, but in the end they got arrested for letting out Eternatus… well Rose did and Oleana’s doing community service.I mean… they’re facing time so they are being punished.” Hop pointed out. He may not like them but he could admit that they were facing consequences. Yet Leon shook his head.
“No Hop, I’m frustrated from them their actions there but…That’s not why I’m so upset…”
“Then why? I don’t-?” His question was drowned out by the growls rumbling from his brother. Hop paused. “Lee…?”
“THEY PUT YOU IN DANGER!”
Hop yelped and ducked his head from the power and volume of his brother’s enraged roar. The entire room shook from it and Hop hated to admit it even to himself… it was a little frightening.
Leon let out an apologetic croon and Hop was snuggled up tight against him, his brother’s cheek rubbing against his head as his brother purred to try and calm him down. Maybe even calm himself down.
“Oleana told me that she sent you after Rose to try and stop him… That was after I told her I would handle it…” Leon muttered, his voice become biting and cold. “Then I hear that Rose sent you and Gloria after me to watch in ‘glory and awe’ that I catch Eternatus… After he knew, he knew how dangerous that Pokémon was!”
Leon squeezed him tighter against him as he let out a growl.
“I’m upset because they encouraged you to go after me!” Leon hissed in fury. “They put Gloria in danger! They put YOU in danger!” Leon’s voice turned into a snarl. “If you didn’t have the sword and shield then you could have been-!” His voice choked in horror and sorrow and Leon moved his hands to cover his eyes and mouth. As if to block out the horrible thought from his mind. “You could’ve been…”
Hop grimaced. There had been nights where he had thought about that. Their whole situation could have ended much, much worse.
“… I cant forgive her… I cant forgive him for that…” Leon muttered. “Forcing me to go along Rose’s plans is one thing… but willingly, knowingly putting who I love in danger…” His let out a low vicious growl.
“I can't forgive that Hop… I just can’t…” His voice turned into a dark hiss and Hop frowned.
“Lee….” He squirmed in his hold but found it impossible to move and his brother was absolutely not giving in his grip. So he had to settle for looking to the nest instead.
It wasn’t like he didn’t know his brother had been so upset about how he hadn’t been able to protect him, but this… was different. Like all this had been repressed this whole time. Hop needed to calm him down.
“In the end everything turned out okay though… I mean… we’re all okay and you’re okay and…” Hop winced. Who was he kidding that night really affected him too. Playing it off like nothing happened honestly only made him feel worse. He couldn’t imagine it made Leon feel any better.
“… I know how you feel…” He admitted softly. “When you were hit and you were knocked out I thought…” He paused as he felt Leon shaking his head.
“No Hop…No…” Leon rasped. “That’s just it…I wasn't knocked out… I was awake after I was hit by the attack…” He swallowed thickly. “I saw… everything…”
Hop’s eyes widened in shock. He had been awake?
“Do you know… how terrifying it is to be so helpless…” Leon muttered. “To not be able to move, and be forced to watch something you couldn't prevent no matter how hard you tried…?”
He large body began to shake. “I could only lay there…watching in horror while Gloria and you tried to stop it… When I couldn’t… and then…” His voice cracked and he shuddered. “Then it Gigantimaxed and you both of you had no Pokémon left to fight and… I had thought… I thought…”
His voice broke and Leon all but crushed Hop against him as he pressed his face into his hair. A shuddering, wet breath hit his hair and shoulders and Hop felt his own eyes burn with tears.
“That I was going to lose you…” His brother choked through broken breaths. “That you were… were going to be ripped away from me!”
Hop felt his heart break for his older brother. From how he was talking, and falling apart, this was something that he had been holding in for a long time…
“If that happened I… I don’t…I never would have… I’d…” His voice fell apart as he hugged Hop tighter. He couldn’t seem to speak anymore, the despairing broken whimpers and whines… and sobs… shook his body as he clung onto him desperately. And Hop…
Felt horrible….
He had never, ever seen his brother in such a state before. His brother had always been this strong noble pillar, a grounding stone. Yet the pillar was crumbling from the horrible memories coming back at full force, and all the emotions he had tried to keep together he simply couldn't anymore. Oleana showing up had brought them all back and Leon couldn't stop from breaking. Maybe he had always been breaking away from what happened all this time and never said anything…
Hop thought to when he had broken down about his own thoughts and worries when it came to Bede’s words. How Leon had held and comforted him when he had become vulnerable.
Now it was Hop’s turn to do the same for him. Just as he had when his brother had been so upset for him before.
Hop couldn’t exactly move from where he was squished, but he could at the very least move his hands to grip his brother’s arms and press his cheek into his shuddering chest. Leon curled around him more, a broken whimpering whine escaping deep from him.
“…I’m sorry Lee…” Hop mumbled after a moment, rubbing his brother’s arms as he continued to fall apart. “…I wanted to make sure you were okay… I didn’t want to lose you either…”
Leon pressed his cheek against his head whimpering. Hop continued what he hoped was a calming motion on his brother’s arms. He hated he didn’t know what to do… Maybe there was nothing he really could do besides just sit here and let his brother hold him. To give him the comfort he was still here, alive and well. If that be the case then so be it. Still, Hop did want to try to fix one thing he hoped he could.
“… Maybe we both need to try and do better when it comes to admitting something’s bothering us.” Hop brought up softly. “You know, like how you told me to come to you when something’s bothering me.”
Leon sniffled and shifted slightly. “… I’m supposed to take care of you… not the other way around.”
“So? Who says?” Hop lifted his nose. “You told me yourself that there’s nothing wrong getting help from others.”
He felt his brother stiffen and he smiled to himself. Got him.
“Tell you what… I promise that I will always go to you if something is bothering me from now on now matter what. Only as long as you do the same…” Hop paused. “It doesn’t even have to be me if you don't want just… please don’t hold it in anymore…” Hop pressed himself more into his brother’s hold. “… I don’t like to see you so upset Lee… You don’t deserve it…”
He knew if there was anything that his brother would take seriously it was a promise. His brother treated something like that as a sacred vow even when they were little.
Leon stayed silent and slowly shifted again, this time lifting his head. Hop looked up and felt his heart ache as he saw his brother’s glowing pink eyes were red rimmed, but there was a weak, watery smile on his face. A touched, warm expression that told him Leon had appreciated his care back to him as a shaky purr began rumbling from his chest.
Hop smiled back. “At least one good thing came from all this, we’ve been able to spend more time together.” He brought up lightly as he looked back to the nest.
Leon’s hands suddenly took his face, forcing him to look up as he pressed a kiss right between his eyes. When he pulled away he smiled.
“… I’m glad…” Leon murmured warmly. “And what’s even better is that we’re even closer.” He rubbed his cheek against Hop’s head purring. “That’s the best thing that’s come from all this.”
Hop beamed and nodded, laughing as his brother shifted back to snuggling him up against him. Happy and content purrs became louder and shook the older’s body. Hop knew his brother was finally feeling better.
He glanced to the nest again. The blankets and pillows remained and Leon didn’t seem willing to move them, but it wasn’t a bother. It was comforting, especially from the emotional roller coaster they had just endured.
The nest felt like it was shielding them both from the world, much like Lee was curled over him…
As they remained in the comforting silence, after a moment Hop spoke up. “Do you think we should go back and let Raihan and Gloria know you’re okay now?”
They had been surprisingly quiet. Hop had to assume Raihan understood that Leon needed space to cool off before they even tried to talk to him.
Leon snuggled him more. “Mm, later…" He nuzzles his cheek against him with a content sigh that blended with his purrs. "Right now I just want you to myself longer…”
Hop closed his eyes and smiled. He didn’t mind doing that for him at all.