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Rene's staying at Meghan's house with the girls! What trouble will he get in? Read and find out!
Continuing from last time, Rene goes out to see what's up with Nigel.
Continuing from last time, Rene goes out to see what's up with Nigel.
Category Story / Pokemon
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 50 x 50px
File Size 74 kB
&&&
“Me and big mouth...sorry guys. If anyone wants to punch me, feel free to do it.”
“Might want ta go an' tell Nigel dat so he'd get da chance ta punch you too.” She said feebly.
“Flo.” Meghan chastised her.
“Just sayin'!” Floritt said.
“Hey, wait how is this my fault? I was just being a downer! You were the one to bring up...well, nevermind.” René waved it off. “Now what?”
“Bring 'im back? 'E'd prolly listin ta you, bein' a gu...err, you bein' able ta relate ta 'im better dan we can.” She finished quickly.
Charla sighed. “Yeah...” She agreed.
René looked at them oddly. “Okay...” He agreed as he headed out to the patio.
Nigel was watching nothing in particular. It took him a while to even acknowledge René' presence. René coughed.
“Nigel? Um, I guess asking if you're all right would be a stupid question huh? I'm sure Floritt didn't mean to upset you and she didn't actually say anything about when you saw Charla and Mr. Jerk-off, so...” He stopped, realizing he was babbling.
“No, I'm not....and I know. I know she didn't mean it.” He peered out to see if anyone else was with them. “It's just...forget it, I'll just say it.
What you said before, about being able to be "physical" with people? I'll admit it, I'm jealous of that aspect about you. After all, had I that capability I'd been able to approach Charla easier and...that incident never would have happened. Makes me wish my shields could coat my heart as well as my body, but even I'm not that skilled yet...” Nigel admitted.
“Going through life without feelings isn't particularly pleasant. You know what? The real reason why I do some of the...more outlandish things I do?” René asked. When Nigel shook his head, René continued.
“It's not that I'm brave in social situations or anything like that. I'm scared to death most of the time. But I'm even more scared of spending the rest of my life wondering about what might have been. So I do things just so, looking back years from now, I can say that I LIVED. Will you be able to say the same, carrying on like you do?”
“...not yet, no.” Nigel said. “But that's why I've been training for the exams. I want to face Rayon, face my fears. I can't well say what that will resolve in the end...but it can't hurt to try, right?”
Giving him a wry grin, René felt obliged to remark. “In most cases no. But since we're talking about a battle here...”
Nigel gave a nod. “Right.” The shield about him began to intensify, to glow brighter. “And I for one DO want to win this. To prove to myself...to her...that I CAN get my hands dirty if I truly have to!” He sighed. “...course, still wish I didn't have to. Gods, do I wish it. But...them's the breaks, as some blokes say.
...René. I ask you this. You're no fan of battling, but would you say things like this are worth fighting for?”
“I...I guess so.” The vulpix admitted. “If it's that important to you, then I suppose so. But what would you do if, after all this, you beat Rayon and Team Pearl and Charla still isn't...in to you?”
“...you bloody think I have any idea what I'd do if that ends up being the case?” Nigel demanded. “Look, I see a possibility, I see with my oh-so-grand psychic powers, see beyond time and space and all that rubbish, and the actual result of what will happen...is but a blur to me. I can't prepare myself for a blur, all I can do is hope...hope it won't be as as bad as I think it'd be.
René licked his lips. “Well good luck then. I hope you beat the big bruiser…want to go back inside?” he asked.
Nigel shrugged. “...eh, might as well. Looks like it might rain...” He muttered. They started to head back in when Nigel stopped him. “One more thing, René? If we can just keep hush about what we just said here...” Nigel started. René nodded understandingly.
“Goes without saying...literally.”
“Quite.”
Once they were back inside, the two males found the others waiting for them.
“You feelin' better, mon?” Floritt asked, feeling abashed. “I'm sorry 'bout b'fore, I was dumb...”
Nigel waved her off. “Quite alright, Floritt.”
“Okay, I'm just going to up and ask, what just happened there?” Charla demanded.
“It's nothing, Charla.” Nigel tried to dismiss it.
“Like heck it's nothing, why are you always so secretive with me?” She insisted.
“--Both of you, that's enough! I'll not have this kind of fighting in my house. Save it for the exams!” Meghan ordered.
“I plan to. Charla, I'll tell you everything after the exam tests, I promise!” Nigel swore. Charla didn’t look satisfied.
“Why not now? What's gotten into you?”
“Not. Now.” He ground out. Charla finally yielded.
“...fine, then. But I'm holding you to that.”
“It's a promise.” Nigel said then turned to the others. “Meg, Maggie, it's been fun, but I best be going for tonight. See you in the morning.”
Meghan nodded. “Alright, then. Good night!”
“Aaaaw, can't you stay for the sleep over?” Maggie pouted. Meghan did a double-take.
“--sleepover?”
“Yeah! Can we, pleeeease?”
“Well, I guess, if the others want to.” Meghan relented.
Charla shrugged. “Sure, sounds fun.”
“I'm in!” Floritt grinned.
Nigel hesitated. “...no, thank you. You all have fun on my behalf.”
“Awww. René, you'll stay, won't you?” Maggie pleaded.
René grinned. “You couldn't drag me away pumpkin. It'll be a girl’s night in then!”
“Yaaaay!” Maggie cheered.
“But we didn't bring any PJs with us.” Floritt pointed out.
“Doesn't bother me.” Charla said.
“I can loan you some of mine.” Meghan assured her. “Come on, let's check my closet. You too, René.” That made René’s day.
“Neat! Do you know how many girls I've asked that and how many either said no or looked at me like a weirdo?” He asked rhetorically.
“..whut, all of 'em?” Floritt guessed, accurately.
“Yeah well, I should warn you, I'm not that petite girl, so some of this stuff may not fit you very well.” Meghan warned him. “Try these PJs on, tell me if you can work with that.”
“Kay,” René agreed. “Ooh nice fabric!” He complimented her as he went into the bathroom to change. He emerged a minute later in PJs that are almost comically too big. The shoulders keep sliding down and the shirt reaches almost to his knees. He had to hold up the pants with his hand. “Um...I think I see what you mean.” Floritt let out a squeal of laughter.
“Hahahaha, dat's so cute, mon! Oooh, me next?”
“You're taller than me, Flo...better get something with pants.” Meghan pointed out.
“A'ight. Dis one, den? Tho' mon, dat tail hole's kinda big...”
“Good thing Nigel isn't here then! I doubt he'd want you mooning him.” Charla grinned.
“Charla, you grabbing anything?” Meghan asked her.
Charla gave a wry grin. “Did I say Nigel was lucky to have left? I'm sorry, I meant UNlucky.”
“Oh come on, you're gonna get a cold if you don't put something on.” Meghan insisted.
“Why? I have fur, and you and René are Fire-types. Why bother wearing clothes to bed?”
“And I thought Flo was the exhibitionist.” René mumbled.
“Only when it's okay! An' I dun like sleepin' nude, it feel weird.” Floritt pointed out.
René took up the argument. “Why wear clothes? Because they feel good, they look nice...and without them your fur gets messed up even more and you risk getting lint and stuff in your fur...among other places.” His tone grew light as he teased her. “AND so we don't all go blind.”
“"Blinded by my beauty". There, that's all you're getting until you can come back with a real way to diss me.” Charla snorted.
“Be that as it may, you at least mind putting something on while Maggie's around?” Meghan asked.
“But I don't mind...” Maggie said in confusion.
“Well, I do.” Meghan insisted. “Please?”
Charla rolled her eyes. “Fine, fine, gimme the black one.”
As Meghan tossed it to her she asked, “Right, what do we do next?”
“Oo-ooh!” René called out. “We could paint our nails...or have a pillow fight! We could gossip, play jokes on each other. And we can brush our fur and try new hairstyles and...why are you all looking at me like that?” He asked when he noticed them regarding him strangely.
Meghan cleared her throat. “Yes, well I, uh...don't have any hairbrushes. Not needing one and all.”
“You can use mine, though you may want to be careful of the static.” Charla said. Floritt just eyed her tail, the furriest part of her body.
“What 'bout the nail thing?” Maggie asked. “That sounds fun!”
“I...guess...” Meghan allowed.
“Don't tell me you don't have those, either!” Charla exclaimed.
“Well, I have nail files and things, but...” Meghan trailed off.
“I got all da nail-polish we be needin', yo!” Floritt announced, wagging her tail for emphasis.
“Your brush may be a smiiiidge too big, Flo.” Charla said diplomatically. “Relax, though, I brought a couple of mine.”
Meghan looked strangely weirded out by all the beauty talk. “Uh, right...” She mumbled.
“How is it that I'm the most feminine one here?” René asked no one in particular. “Someone care to explain that?”
“Well, I...guess since mom was a bit of a tomboy herself, it rubbed off on me.” Meghan murmured.
“As fer me, well...I'm frum a mostly-male famileh...an' me mum's a Machamp, an' dey ain't 'xacly known fer deir femimimi...femimimiminity.” Floritt struggled with the word.
“"Femininity", Flo.” Charla helped. “And hey what am I, chopped liver?” She protested.
“You're the most masculine person in the room Charla. No offense.” René snorted. Charla glared at him.
“Sooo, nail painting? Flo, care to do the honors?” René asked.
“Oh, okay...where to?” Floritt asked.
“My room's over here.” Meghan answered. “Watch the mess—” She broke off as Maggie bolted in and leapt onto a piece of furniture. “Maggie, what have I told you about jumping on the beanbag chairs?”
“Uhhh...not to?” Maggie guessed.
“Right!” Meghan looked at her sternly.
“Sorry...” Maggie apologized. René meanwhile took a look around. Nice room. I know the bed is comfortable anyway, but I never got much of a look.
“Okay...René, you wanna go ferst? What color?”
“Um, how about something in a light blue shade?” René suggested before turning to Meghan. “So you've never really done something like this Meg? Hmm...this seems like the perfect opportunity for you to have a make over.”
Er, um, thanks, but I'll pass, René...” Meghan demurred.
“Why not? I bet your pores are begging to be scrubbed...” René offered.
“I don't think so. I don't do well with getting scrubbed with water, being a Fire-type and all...” Meg reminded René, raising a brow at his obliviousness. René winced and dropped it.
“Hoookay, light blue it is, den!” Floritt exclaimed. “ ...crud, jest remembered. Meg, you got anyting 'like a roll o' paper towels or someting? Need ta wipe me tail befo' I begin.” Floritt asked.
“I know where it is, I'll get it!” Maggie called as she ran to the kitchen.
“Now that the kid’s gone,” Charla growled at René. “How am I the most masculine one here?” She demanded. René winced and looked away. “Notice how he avoids my question.” Charla harrumphed. “Hmph!”
René razzed her. “Because you’re mean.”
“And that's why you're never gonna be anything but a damn kit.” Charla crossed her arms.
“Language, Charla. And anyway I'll be a cute darn kit...I like you Charla but you have a tendency to be condescending.”
“So, because I'm condescending...you're entitled to be the same way?” She barked at him. “That's what you're getting at? 'Cuz I just wanna be sure so I don't end up wasting more of my time on this--
“Guys. Not in my house.” Meghan said firmly.
“Sorry...though question stands.” Charla crossed her arms and glared at the vulpix.
“Forget I said anything. It was a joke that flopped, okay?” René sighed. He liked Charla but thought that she was stand-offish, inconsiderate, quick to take offense, and at times generally self-absorbed.
“...damn right it flopped.” Charla muttered.
“Back with the paper towels!” Maggie announced as she burst back into the room.
“Meg?” Charla asked Meghan.
“Hm?” Meg asked.
“I noticed there isn't much room, you mind if I sleep in the living room?”
Meghan looked a little surprised but nodded. “...yeah, sure. You need help unfolding the sofa-bed?”
“No, its okay, I got it.” Charla waved off her help as she stepped outside.
Maggie watched her go. “That's funny, there's plenty of room.”
“Mag, shh.” Meghan hushed her.
Floritt nodded to René. “A'ight, mon, feet up where I can see 'em.” She grabbed a couple sheets of paper and started to wipe the purple off her tail -- quite a few pieces were sacrificed, to say the least -- until all that's left is the light blue coloring. “See yeh I can switch colors on da fly, but you want really light blue, an' lightah colors dun tend ta look right unless I clean up a bit. Dat an' dis is gonna be messeh as 'eck, so wish me luck 'ere.”
René felt horrible about Charla, but didn’t want to spoil things for everyone else. Instead he propped his feet up so Floritt could start. “Go for it.” As she started painting he grew curious about something. “Could you use paint-thinner on your tail?”
“Gah, 'eck no, mon!” She winced. “Da tinnah would be ok if jest on da paint, but keep dat stuff away frum me tail! Last ting ya wanna do is be depravin' a Smeargle of 'er paint! It'd be like puttin' out da flame onna Charmander tail!”
“...or a Magmar tail?” Meghan raised a brow.
“I dunno, you guys get sick an' dead when dat fire come out?” Floritt asked.
“Doubt it'd be that easy. You know how not all Fire-types are as resistant to fire as others?” Meghan’s eyes passed over René for a second. “Well, Maggie and I were hatched inside a volcano. e were built tough from the start, so I doubt it'd be as easy to put it out as a Charmander's would.”
René caught Meghan’s look. “You just caught me off guard that one time. Could happen to anyone, Ms. I-was-born-in-a-volcano!”
“Uh-huh. And that's exactly my problem, it shouldn't be happening with you at all.” Meghan pointed out. “Think about it, if you can't stand up well to your own type, what do you think will happen when fighting someone whose type you’re weak to?”
“I'm good with fire attacks! And I'm very good at taking the heat! Just not when I'm thinking about something else. How about if I try a lava bath later? Prove to you I can take it!” René insisted. Meghan nodded.
“Alright. First thing tomorrow, you can join me and Maggie for our lava bath. No objections to this?”
“Sure, no problem...why would I?” He blinked.
“Because you'd be taking the bath with us? And it's just one, big lava tub?” René idly felt his jaw drop. He blushed crimson.
“Oh right...um, well I said I would didn't I? Please tell me there's a divider or something?”
Meghan was flat. “No, there isn't. I said no objections, René, you're either serious about this or you can just forget it.”
René was still blushing when he answered. “All right, all right...I'll do it. I can be serious.
I think this is why most of the guys in school hate me...no girl ever invites them to take a bath with them and I'm not even interested. No offense Meg.”
“None taken.” Meghan shrugged. “Maybe if more guys had their minds out of the gutter now and then, women woudn't have to be so intimidated by such things.”
“Dat make sense, I tink. A'ight, René, switch feet now.” Floritt wiped at the tip again so that there's a thin enough point to work with.”
“Nice colors.” René complimented as he switched feet. “Careful, that tickles!”
“Oooh, you be tankful I'm a dedicatid artist, mon, else I'd be seeing how ticklish ye are right now.”
“You better not!” René mock-glowered. “Besides I know how good an artist you are already.”
“Awww, really, mon?”
”Yes, Flo, really. You rock. I mean, I've seen what you've done to my jeans...not to mention Boris!”
Floritt blushed. “Da Boris ting was'n accident, tho'....” René shrugged.
“Still looked good though.” He said.
“Okay, okay...dere we go! Ya want yer hands done, too?”
“Yes please.” René nodded.
“A'ight...same colors or ya want I should go bit mo' crazeh?” Floritt asked.
“Oooh oooh, I want crazy when it's my turn, please!” Maggie called out.
“Might as well practice on me first Flo.” René shrugged. “Go crazy.”
“Alrighty! Hmm, mebbe some pastels...” Floritt thought as she set to work.
René turned back to Meghan. “Would you have asked me to go with you if I weren't transgender?”
She sighed. “Yes, I would have. It's not like I'm doing this for a cheap thrill, you know.”
“Cool.” René nodded, then felt obliged to add, “I didn't mean it like THAT. I just meant that some girls are more at ease with me because they know I won't be a bloody perv as Nigel might say.”
“Well look, the reason I even asked if you were okay with the thing is that I know how uncomfortable you get with such talk of anyone being naked in public.” Meghan pointed out.
“Yeah, well...you were right to. But I made a commitment. Besides I can't have you thinking that I scream everytime light a fire under my butt. Not that I really want you to do that again, you know?” He asked.
Meghan smirked. “Hey, maybe you'll be lucky and no one will ever think of looking for your weakness to fire-butts in battle. But I for one say, better safe than sorry. She grinned.
“What're the baths like?” René asked her.
“The lava baths is this place we visit almost daily that's not far from here. This Swinub couple from Hoenn opened up a small bathhouse and they give discounts to Gym leaders, since they mostly promote fitness and good health...not to mention mom was good friends with the wife. Annnnnd besides the usual hot water baths, they have a small lava bath imported all the way from Lavaridge, it's great!”
“Oooh, mebbe some orange 'ere...an' yello'...” Floritt mumbled as she continued to work.
“How about a little Turquoise?” The vulpix suggested. “Goes with the shirt you know.”
“Oooh, turquoise! Nice one, mon!” René smiled as Floritt went back to look before returning to his talk with Meghan.
“It sounds nice anyway...showers are more economical but they just aren't as relaxing as a good long bath. Been ages since I had one. Anyone else you know like to visit the lava baths?”
”Hmm, no one comes to mind. Besides, I woudn't recommend it to a non-Fire type. It's actual lava, after all.” She reminded him
“Well they sound fun. How long do you usually stay in for?” René asked.
“'til we have to go to school, really.” She shrugged.
“Almost done Flo?” René asked the smeargle.
“Dere ya go! Pretty pastel-y nails!” She said proudly. René looked at his nails and squealed.
“SQUEEE! They're so bright and colorful.”
“Ya like?” Floritt asked hopefully.
“I love ‘em!”
“Me next, me next!” Maggie insisted.
“An' I got an idear!” Floritt announced as she moved aside and offers René the paintbrush-tip. “Jest lemme kno' what color ya want an' just paint away.”
“Coolio!” René grinned as he sat down infront of Maggie’s feet. “So, Maggie what color do you want for your toesies?”
“Ummmmm.....blue!” She decided as she wiggled her foot about in anticipation. Painting her toenails should be easy, as she only had two on each foot.
“Okey-dokey...” René said as he held Floritt's tail firmly in one hand and started painting. “Hold still kiddo.”
“'kay!” She chirped.
“Yeep! Not too tight, mon, it sensitive dere!” Floritt protested. “An' try ta keep da tip tapered as best as ya can so ya dun go paintin' 'er whole foot!”
“Got it. Thanks again for inviting me Meg.” René said. “I’m looking forward to the lava baths.”
“Good. I look forward to it too. Anyway, I'll be right back, need to check on the "feminine" one for a sec...” Meghan said as she stepped out. René meanwhile kept painting Maggie’s nails.
“Almost done Maggie, just another sec.” René licked his fingers to taper the end of Floritt's tail, but he accidentally tugged a little too hard on Floritt’s tail.
“--YEEP!” Floritt yelped as the tugging made her excrete more paint than the norm, smearing it all over the little Magby's foot.
“Awww, my foot...it's all mushy and icky on my claws!” Maggie stuck out her tongue. René sighed.
“I'll clean it up. Don't worry, it comes off real easy...right Flo?” He asked as he started using a wet paper towel to wipe it off.
“Yeh, it should.” Floritt agreed as she massaged the base of the paintbrush-tail as René cleaned Maggie up.
“You okay Flo?” He asked her in concern.
“Yeh, it'll live. I tink.” She said as her tail wiggled in her hand.
“Hee hee, It got messy didn't it?” Maggie giggled at René.
“Yeah kiddo it sure did.” He smiled as he finished wiping Maggie's feet. “Your nails still look good though.” He added as he tickled her foot.
“Heeeey, hehehehe, no fair ticklin' meeeee! Hehehehehehe!”
“Sorry squirt, can't resist.” René shrugged as he stopped. He turned around to ask Floritt a question. “Hey, Flo? You don't snore or whip your tail around or anything while you sleep, do you?”
“Ummmmmmmmmmmm......errr.....” She scratched her head and didn’t answer. Fortunately for her, she was saved from answering by Maggie, who suddenly pounced René.
“HA Gotcha!” Maggie laughed as she started tickling.
“EEEK!” René squeaked. “No fair! No fa-hahahahee!”
“Pile on René!” Maggie giggled as she continued tickling.
“Okay!” Floritt chirped as she joined in.
“YEEEK! W-watch the ha--haahhaa-hands Flo! HEEEK!” René laughed. “That's it!” He grabbed one of Meg's pillows from off her bed and smacked Floritt with it. Then he grabbed Maggie and held her upside down, carefully. “Still think you're tough stuff kiddo?”
“Heeeey, no fair!” Maggie pouted.
“Hey Flo, you never answered my question.” René reminded the smeargle.
“You c'n get it if ya beat me!” Floritt smiled as she pummeled René right back with the pillow, while Maggie tried to wiggle free.
“Hey! Lemme put down the kid first!” René protested as he carefully put Maggie down—he has grown quite fond of the little sprat—THEN proceeded to pick up another pillow and knock Floritt around the head and shoulders.
“I don't like having questions left unanswered Floritt.” René grinned as he knocked her onto Meghan's bed with one more pillow smack and proceeded to sit on her stomach.
“Ooof!” She wheezed. “Ooooh...okay, fine, ya cheat!” Floritt sighed. “Yeh, I do sometimes, but I c'n't control it! I sometimes sleep with me tail tied ta me bedpost so it dun go messin' up tings in my sleep. Dere, happy?”
“No big deal to me.” René shrugged. “I mean, you've seen me asleep right? Anyway, if I wake up in the morning with a purple mustache or something, just promise me that everyone else will too.” He smirked.
“You silly. Gonna be lucky if tomorrah da whole room dun get perple!” Floritt laughed.
“Well no offense to Meg but I think this room could USE a good dash of color.” He commented as he looked around.
“Err...” Flo winced. Then it was René’s turn, because he knew what that expression meant.
Sure enough, Meghan was standing just outside the door with blankets under her arm. “I resent that.” She commented blandly.
René shot a dirty looked skywards at whatever diety he had offended or who just wanted to screw with him. “I might've known...” He muttered. In a louder voice, he apologized to Meghan. “Sorry, I'm really sorry. I was just trying to be funny...haven't had a lot of success with it tonight, huh?” He sighed ruefully but couldn’t help mumbling, “I like brighter colors myself”
Floritt said low to René, “Get off me belly an' I dun tell 'er you said dat.” She said with a big grin. René patted her belly affectionately and slid off.
“Deal”
Meghan shrugged. “So I like things a bit plainer, big deal. Besides, I bet you this room's cleaner than most...or at least was until you guys started up a pillow fight while I was gone.” She tossed a blanket at René's head, bowling him over. “Let's get you guys settled now.”
“So how's Charla?” René asked in a muffled tone from beneath the blanket. “And what do we do now?”
“We set the beds up.” Meghan answered the second question first. “Doesn't mean we have to go to bed now, but better to take care of these now instead of later when we're too tired to do so.” She tossed Floritt her blanket and headed over to her closet, where she had a couple sleeping bags rolled up. “And Charla's being weird tonight. All quiet and had this look on her face that I usually see on her after she's had a long cry, but she kept denying it. Too bad her eyes are red naturally else I could have been certain that way.” René winced, feeling like a lowlife.
“Think I should talk to her?” He asked. “Apologize and give her the chance to re-arrange my face? If that'll make her feel better, that is.”
“Well, if you want my opinion? Charla puts on a tough act pretty often and can take it well enough, of course...but even the toughest 'morphs can have their feelings hurt, even by accident. Moreso of it's someone she considers a friend.”
“Not saying that you did anything, of course.” Meghan added when she saw René’s face fall. “In fact, it might not be you at all. In any case, that might not be a bad idea. If you do go, mind tossing her this?” She threw René a spare pillow.
He got in the face, but caught it as it fell. “I'll give it a go. Be back soon.” He promised. “Maggie, watch these two all right? You can't leave them alone for a minute!”
Maggie giggled. “'kay!” Floritt protested.
“'ey, I ain't DAT bad! Dunno about Meg, tho'.”
“Very funny.” The magmar said dryly. “Now help me unroll these, you.” Whatever was said next was lost to René as he went into the next room to see Charla.
&&&
“Me and big mouth...sorry guys. If anyone wants to punch me, feel free to do it.”
“Might want ta go an' tell Nigel dat so he'd get da chance ta punch you too.” She said feebly.
“Flo.” Meghan chastised her.
“Just sayin'!” Floritt said.
“Hey, wait how is this my fault? I was just being a downer! You were the one to bring up...well, nevermind.” René waved it off. “Now what?”
“Bring 'im back? 'E'd prolly listin ta you, bein' a gu...err, you bein' able ta relate ta 'im better dan we can.” She finished quickly.
Charla sighed. “Yeah...” She agreed.
René looked at them oddly. “Okay...” He agreed as he headed out to the patio.
Nigel was watching nothing in particular. It took him a while to even acknowledge René' presence. René coughed.
“Nigel? Um, I guess asking if you're all right would be a stupid question huh? I'm sure Floritt didn't mean to upset you and she didn't actually say anything about when you saw Charla and Mr. Jerk-off, so...” He stopped, realizing he was babbling.
“No, I'm not....and I know. I know she didn't mean it.” He peered out to see if anyone else was with them. “It's just...forget it, I'll just say it.
What you said before, about being able to be "physical" with people? I'll admit it, I'm jealous of that aspect about you. After all, had I that capability I'd been able to approach Charla easier and...that incident never would have happened. Makes me wish my shields could coat my heart as well as my body, but even I'm not that skilled yet...” Nigel admitted.
“Going through life without feelings isn't particularly pleasant. You know what? The real reason why I do some of the...more outlandish things I do?” René asked. When Nigel shook his head, René continued.
“It's not that I'm brave in social situations or anything like that. I'm scared to death most of the time. But I'm even more scared of spending the rest of my life wondering about what might have been. So I do things just so, looking back years from now, I can say that I LIVED. Will you be able to say the same, carrying on like you do?”
“...not yet, no.” Nigel said. “But that's why I've been training for the exams. I want to face Rayon, face my fears. I can't well say what that will resolve in the end...but it can't hurt to try, right?”
Giving him a wry grin, René felt obliged to remark. “In most cases no. But since we're talking about a battle here...”
Nigel gave a nod. “Right.” The shield about him began to intensify, to glow brighter. “And I for one DO want to win this. To prove to myself...to her...that I CAN get my hands dirty if I truly have to!” He sighed. “...course, still wish I didn't have to. Gods, do I wish it. But...them's the breaks, as some blokes say.
...René. I ask you this. You're no fan of battling, but would you say things like this are worth fighting for?”
“I...I guess so.” The vulpix admitted. “If it's that important to you, then I suppose so. But what would you do if, after all this, you beat Rayon and Team Pearl and Charla still isn't...in to you?”
“...you bloody think I have any idea what I'd do if that ends up being the case?” Nigel demanded. “Look, I see a possibility, I see with my oh-so-grand psychic powers, see beyond time and space and all that rubbish, and the actual result of what will happen...is but a blur to me. I can't prepare myself for a blur, all I can do is hope...hope it won't be as as bad as I think it'd be.
René licked his lips. “Well good luck then. I hope you beat the big bruiser…want to go back inside?” he asked.
Nigel shrugged. “...eh, might as well. Looks like it might rain...” He muttered. They started to head back in when Nigel stopped him. “One more thing, René? If we can just keep hush about what we just said here...” Nigel started. René nodded understandingly.
“Goes without saying...literally.”
“Quite.”
Once they were back inside, the two males found the others waiting for them.
“You feelin' better, mon?” Floritt asked, feeling abashed. “I'm sorry 'bout b'fore, I was dumb...”
Nigel waved her off. “Quite alright, Floritt.”
“Okay, I'm just going to up and ask, what just happened there?” Charla demanded.
“It's nothing, Charla.” Nigel tried to dismiss it.
“Like heck it's nothing, why are you always so secretive with me?” She insisted.
“--Both of you, that's enough! I'll not have this kind of fighting in my house. Save it for the exams!” Meghan ordered.
“I plan to. Charla, I'll tell you everything after the exam tests, I promise!” Nigel swore. Charla didn’t look satisfied.
“Why not now? What's gotten into you?”
“Not. Now.” He ground out. Charla finally yielded.
“...fine, then. But I'm holding you to that.”
“It's a promise.” Nigel said then turned to the others. “Meg, Maggie, it's been fun, but I best be going for tonight. See you in the morning.”
Meghan nodded. “Alright, then. Good night!”
“Aaaaw, can't you stay for the sleep over?” Maggie pouted. Meghan did a double-take.
“--sleepover?”
“Yeah! Can we, pleeeease?”
“Well, I guess, if the others want to.” Meghan relented.
Charla shrugged. “Sure, sounds fun.”
“I'm in!” Floritt grinned.
Nigel hesitated. “...no, thank you. You all have fun on my behalf.”
“Awww. René, you'll stay, won't you?” Maggie pleaded.
René grinned. “You couldn't drag me away pumpkin. It'll be a girl’s night in then!”
“Yaaaay!” Maggie cheered.
“But we didn't bring any PJs with us.” Floritt pointed out.
“Doesn't bother me.” Charla said.
“I can loan you some of mine.” Meghan assured her. “Come on, let's check my closet. You too, René.” That made René’s day.
“Neat! Do you know how many girls I've asked that and how many either said no or looked at me like a weirdo?” He asked rhetorically.
“..whut, all of 'em?” Floritt guessed, accurately.
“Yeah well, I should warn you, I'm not that petite girl, so some of this stuff may not fit you very well.” Meghan warned him. “Try these PJs on, tell me if you can work with that.”
“Kay,” René agreed. “Ooh nice fabric!” He complimented her as he went into the bathroom to change. He emerged a minute later in PJs that are almost comically too big. The shoulders keep sliding down and the shirt reaches almost to his knees. He had to hold up the pants with his hand. “Um...I think I see what you mean.” Floritt let out a squeal of laughter.
“Hahahaha, dat's so cute, mon! Oooh, me next?”
“You're taller than me, Flo...better get something with pants.” Meghan pointed out.
“A'ight. Dis one, den? Tho' mon, dat tail hole's kinda big...”
“Good thing Nigel isn't here then! I doubt he'd want you mooning him.” Charla grinned.
“Charla, you grabbing anything?” Meghan asked her.
Charla gave a wry grin. “Did I say Nigel was lucky to have left? I'm sorry, I meant UNlucky.”
“Oh come on, you're gonna get a cold if you don't put something on.” Meghan insisted.
“Why? I have fur, and you and René are Fire-types. Why bother wearing clothes to bed?”
“And I thought Flo was the exhibitionist.” René mumbled.
“Only when it's okay! An' I dun like sleepin' nude, it feel weird.” Floritt pointed out.
René took up the argument. “Why wear clothes? Because they feel good, they look nice...and without them your fur gets messed up even more and you risk getting lint and stuff in your fur...among other places.” His tone grew light as he teased her. “AND so we don't all go blind.”
“"Blinded by my beauty". There, that's all you're getting until you can come back with a real way to diss me.” Charla snorted.
“Be that as it may, you at least mind putting something on while Maggie's around?” Meghan asked.
“But I don't mind...” Maggie said in confusion.
“Well, I do.” Meghan insisted. “Please?”
Charla rolled her eyes. “Fine, fine, gimme the black one.”
As Meghan tossed it to her she asked, “Right, what do we do next?”
“Oo-ooh!” René called out. “We could paint our nails...or have a pillow fight! We could gossip, play jokes on each other. And we can brush our fur and try new hairstyles and...why are you all looking at me like that?” He asked when he noticed them regarding him strangely.
Meghan cleared her throat. “Yes, well I, uh...don't have any hairbrushes. Not needing one and all.”
“You can use mine, though you may want to be careful of the static.” Charla said. Floritt just eyed her tail, the furriest part of her body.
“What 'bout the nail thing?” Maggie asked. “That sounds fun!”
“I...guess...” Meghan allowed.
“Don't tell me you don't have those, either!” Charla exclaimed.
“Well, I have nail files and things, but...” Meghan trailed off.
“I got all da nail-polish we be needin', yo!” Floritt announced, wagging her tail for emphasis.
“Your brush may be a smiiiidge too big, Flo.” Charla said diplomatically. “Relax, though, I brought a couple of mine.”
Meghan looked strangely weirded out by all the beauty talk. “Uh, right...” She mumbled.
“How is it that I'm the most feminine one here?” René asked no one in particular. “Someone care to explain that?”
“Well, I...guess since mom was a bit of a tomboy herself, it rubbed off on me.” Meghan murmured.
“As fer me, well...I'm frum a mostly-male famileh...an' me mum's a Machamp, an' dey ain't 'xacly known fer deir femimimi...femimimiminity.” Floritt struggled with the word.
“"Femininity", Flo.” Charla helped. “And hey what am I, chopped liver?” She protested.
“You're the most masculine person in the room Charla. No offense.” René snorted. Charla glared at him.
“Sooo, nail painting? Flo, care to do the honors?” René asked.
“Oh, okay...where to?” Floritt asked.
“My room's over here.” Meghan answered. “Watch the mess—” She broke off as Maggie bolted in and leapt onto a piece of furniture. “Maggie, what have I told you about jumping on the beanbag chairs?”
“Uhhh...not to?” Maggie guessed.
“Right!” Meghan looked at her sternly.
“Sorry...” Maggie apologized. René meanwhile took a look around. Nice room. I know the bed is comfortable anyway, but I never got much of a look.
“Okay...René, you wanna go ferst? What color?”
“Um, how about something in a light blue shade?” René suggested before turning to Meghan. “So you've never really done something like this Meg? Hmm...this seems like the perfect opportunity for you to have a make over.”
Er, um, thanks, but I'll pass, René...” Meghan demurred.
“Why not? I bet your pores are begging to be scrubbed...” René offered.
“I don't think so. I don't do well with getting scrubbed with water, being a Fire-type and all...” Meg reminded René, raising a brow at his obliviousness. René winced and dropped it.
“Hoookay, light blue it is, den!” Floritt exclaimed. “ ...crud, jest remembered. Meg, you got anyting 'like a roll o' paper towels or someting? Need ta wipe me tail befo' I begin.” Floritt asked.
“I know where it is, I'll get it!” Maggie called as she ran to the kitchen.
“Now that the kid’s gone,” Charla growled at René. “How am I the most masculine one here?” She demanded. René winced and looked away. “Notice how he avoids my question.” Charla harrumphed. “Hmph!”
René razzed her. “Because you’re mean.”
“And that's why you're never gonna be anything but a damn kit.” Charla crossed her arms.
“Language, Charla. And anyway I'll be a cute darn kit...I like you Charla but you have a tendency to be condescending.”
“So, because I'm condescending...you're entitled to be the same way?” She barked at him. “That's what you're getting at? 'Cuz I just wanna be sure so I don't end up wasting more of my time on this--
“Guys. Not in my house.” Meghan said firmly.
“Sorry...though question stands.” Charla crossed her arms and glared at the vulpix.
“Forget I said anything. It was a joke that flopped, okay?” René sighed. He liked Charla but thought that she was stand-offish, inconsiderate, quick to take offense, and at times generally self-absorbed.
“...damn right it flopped.” Charla muttered.
“Back with the paper towels!” Maggie announced as she burst back into the room.
“Meg?” Charla asked Meghan.
“Hm?” Meg asked.
“I noticed there isn't much room, you mind if I sleep in the living room?”
Meghan looked a little surprised but nodded. “...yeah, sure. You need help unfolding the sofa-bed?”
“No, its okay, I got it.” Charla waved off her help as she stepped outside.
Maggie watched her go. “That's funny, there's plenty of room.”
“Mag, shh.” Meghan hushed her.
Floritt nodded to René. “A'ight, mon, feet up where I can see 'em.” She grabbed a couple sheets of paper and started to wipe the purple off her tail -- quite a few pieces were sacrificed, to say the least -- until all that's left is the light blue coloring. “See yeh I can switch colors on da fly, but you want really light blue, an' lightah colors dun tend ta look right unless I clean up a bit. Dat an' dis is gonna be messeh as 'eck, so wish me luck 'ere.”
René felt horrible about Charla, but didn’t want to spoil things for everyone else. Instead he propped his feet up so Floritt could start. “Go for it.” As she started painting he grew curious about something. “Could you use paint-thinner on your tail?”
“Gah, 'eck no, mon!” She winced. “Da tinnah would be ok if jest on da paint, but keep dat stuff away frum me tail! Last ting ya wanna do is be depravin' a Smeargle of 'er paint! It'd be like puttin' out da flame onna Charmander tail!”
“...or a Magmar tail?” Meghan raised a brow.
“I dunno, you guys get sick an' dead when dat fire come out?” Floritt asked.
“Doubt it'd be that easy. You know how not all Fire-types are as resistant to fire as others?” Meghan’s eyes passed over René for a second. “Well, Maggie and I were hatched inside a volcano. e were built tough from the start, so I doubt it'd be as easy to put it out as a Charmander's would.”
René caught Meghan’s look. “You just caught me off guard that one time. Could happen to anyone, Ms. I-was-born-in-a-volcano!”
“Uh-huh. And that's exactly my problem, it shouldn't be happening with you at all.” Meghan pointed out. “Think about it, if you can't stand up well to your own type, what do you think will happen when fighting someone whose type you’re weak to?”
“I'm good with fire attacks! And I'm very good at taking the heat! Just not when I'm thinking about something else. How about if I try a lava bath later? Prove to you I can take it!” René insisted. Meghan nodded.
“Alright. First thing tomorrow, you can join me and Maggie for our lava bath. No objections to this?”
“Sure, no problem...why would I?” He blinked.
“Because you'd be taking the bath with us? And it's just one, big lava tub?” René idly felt his jaw drop. He blushed crimson.
“Oh right...um, well I said I would didn't I? Please tell me there's a divider or something?”
Meghan was flat. “No, there isn't. I said no objections, René, you're either serious about this or you can just forget it.”
René was still blushing when he answered. “All right, all right...I'll do it. I can be serious.
I think this is why most of the guys in school hate me...no girl ever invites them to take a bath with them and I'm not even interested. No offense Meg.”
“None taken.” Meghan shrugged. “Maybe if more guys had their minds out of the gutter now and then, women woudn't have to be so intimidated by such things.”
“Dat make sense, I tink. A'ight, René, switch feet now.” Floritt wiped at the tip again so that there's a thin enough point to work with.”
“Nice colors.” René complimented as he switched feet. “Careful, that tickles!”
“Oooh, you be tankful I'm a dedicatid artist, mon, else I'd be seeing how ticklish ye are right now.”
“You better not!” René mock-glowered. “Besides I know how good an artist you are already.”
“Awww, really, mon?”
”Yes, Flo, really. You rock. I mean, I've seen what you've done to my jeans...not to mention Boris!”
Floritt blushed. “Da Boris ting was'n accident, tho'....” René shrugged.
“Still looked good though.” He said.
“Okay, okay...dere we go! Ya want yer hands done, too?”
“Yes please.” René nodded.
“A'ight...same colors or ya want I should go bit mo' crazeh?” Floritt asked.
“Oooh oooh, I want crazy when it's my turn, please!” Maggie called out.
“Might as well practice on me first Flo.” René shrugged. “Go crazy.”
“Alrighty! Hmm, mebbe some pastels...” Floritt thought as she set to work.
René turned back to Meghan. “Would you have asked me to go with you if I weren't transgender?”
She sighed. “Yes, I would have. It's not like I'm doing this for a cheap thrill, you know.”
“Cool.” René nodded, then felt obliged to add, “I didn't mean it like THAT. I just meant that some girls are more at ease with me because they know I won't be a bloody perv as Nigel might say.”
“Well look, the reason I even asked if you were okay with the thing is that I know how uncomfortable you get with such talk of anyone being naked in public.” Meghan pointed out.
“Yeah, well...you were right to. But I made a commitment. Besides I can't have you thinking that I scream everytime light a fire under my butt. Not that I really want you to do that again, you know?” He asked.
Meghan smirked. “Hey, maybe you'll be lucky and no one will ever think of looking for your weakness to fire-butts in battle. But I for one say, better safe than sorry. She grinned.
“What're the baths like?” René asked her.
“The lava baths is this place we visit almost daily that's not far from here. This Swinub couple from Hoenn opened up a small bathhouse and they give discounts to Gym leaders, since they mostly promote fitness and good health...not to mention mom was good friends with the wife. Annnnnd besides the usual hot water baths, they have a small lava bath imported all the way from Lavaridge, it's great!”
“Oooh, mebbe some orange 'ere...an' yello'...” Floritt mumbled as she continued to work.
“How about a little Turquoise?” The vulpix suggested. “Goes with the shirt you know.”
“Oooh, turquoise! Nice one, mon!” René smiled as Floritt went back to look before returning to his talk with Meghan.
“It sounds nice anyway...showers are more economical but they just aren't as relaxing as a good long bath. Been ages since I had one. Anyone else you know like to visit the lava baths?”
”Hmm, no one comes to mind. Besides, I woudn't recommend it to a non-Fire type. It's actual lava, after all.” She reminded him
“Well they sound fun. How long do you usually stay in for?” René asked.
“'til we have to go to school, really.” She shrugged.
“Almost done Flo?” René asked the smeargle.
“Dere ya go! Pretty pastel-y nails!” She said proudly. René looked at his nails and squealed.
“SQUEEE! They're so bright and colorful.”
“Ya like?” Floritt asked hopefully.
“I love ‘em!”
“Me next, me next!” Maggie insisted.
“An' I got an idear!” Floritt announced as she moved aside and offers René the paintbrush-tip. “Jest lemme kno' what color ya want an' just paint away.”
“Coolio!” René grinned as he sat down infront of Maggie’s feet. “So, Maggie what color do you want for your toesies?”
“Ummmmm.....blue!” She decided as she wiggled her foot about in anticipation. Painting her toenails should be easy, as she only had two on each foot.
“Okey-dokey...” René said as he held Floritt's tail firmly in one hand and started painting. “Hold still kiddo.”
“'kay!” She chirped.
“Yeep! Not too tight, mon, it sensitive dere!” Floritt protested. “An' try ta keep da tip tapered as best as ya can so ya dun go paintin' 'er whole foot!”
“Got it. Thanks again for inviting me Meg.” René said. “I’m looking forward to the lava baths.”
“Good. I look forward to it too. Anyway, I'll be right back, need to check on the "feminine" one for a sec...” Meghan said as she stepped out. René meanwhile kept painting Maggie’s nails.
“Almost done Maggie, just another sec.” René licked his fingers to taper the end of Floritt's tail, but he accidentally tugged a little too hard on Floritt’s tail.
“--YEEP!” Floritt yelped as the tugging made her excrete more paint than the norm, smearing it all over the little Magby's foot.
“Awww, my foot...it's all mushy and icky on my claws!” Maggie stuck out her tongue. René sighed.
“I'll clean it up. Don't worry, it comes off real easy...right Flo?” He asked as he started using a wet paper towel to wipe it off.
“Yeh, it should.” Floritt agreed as she massaged the base of the paintbrush-tail as René cleaned Maggie up.
“You okay Flo?” He asked her in concern.
“Yeh, it'll live. I tink.” She said as her tail wiggled in her hand.
“Hee hee, It got messy didn't it?” Maggie giggled at René.
“Yeah kiddo it sure did.” He smiled as he finished wiping Maggie's feet. “Your nails still look good though.” He added as he tickled her foot.
“Heeeey, hehehehe, no fair ticklin' meeeee! Hehehehehehe!”
“Sorry squirt, can't resist.” René shrugged as he stopped. He turned around to ask Floritt a question. “Hey, Flo? You don't snore or whip your tail around or anything while you sleep, do you?”
“Ummmmmmmmmmmm......errr.....” She scratched her head and didn’t answer. Fortunately for her, she was saved from answering by Maggie, who suddenly pounced René.
“HA Gotcha!” Maggie laughed as she started tickling.
“EEEK!” René squeaked. “No fair! No fa-hahahahee!”
“Pile on René!” Maggie giggled as she continued tickling.
“Okay!” Floritt chirped as she joined in.
“YEEEK! W-watch the ha--haahhaa-hands Flo! HEEEK!” René laughed. “That's it!” He grabbed one of Meg's pillows from off her bed and smacked Floritt with it. Then he grabbed Maggie and held her upside down, carefully. “Still think you're tough stuff kiddo?”
“Heeeey, no fair!” Maggie pouted.
“Hey Flo, you never answered my question.” René reminded the smeargle.
“You c'n get it if ya beat me!” Floritt smiled as she pummeled René right back with the pillow, while Maggie tried to wiggle free.
“Hey! Lemme put down the kid first!” René protested as he carefully put Maggie down—he has grown quite fond of the little sprat—THEN proceeded to pick up another pillow and knock Floritt around the head and shoulders.
“I don't like having questions left unanswered Floritt.” René grinned as he knocked her onto Meghan's bed with one more pillow smack and proceeded to sit on her stomach.
“Ooof!” She wheezed. “Ooooh...okay, fine, ya cheat!” Floritt sighed. “Yeh, I do sometimes, but I c'n't control it! I sometimes sleep with me tail tied ta me bedpost so it dun go messin' up tings in my sleep. Dere, happy?”
“No big deal to me.” René shrugged. “I mean, you've seen me asleep right? Anyway, if I wake up in the morning with a purple mustache or something, just promise me that everyone else will too.” He smirked.
“You silly. Gonna be lucky if tomorrah da whole room dun get perple!” Floritt laughed.
“Well no offense to Meg but I think this room could USE a good dash of color.” He commented as he looked around.
“Err...” Flo winced. Then it was René’s turn, because he knew what that expression meant.
Sure enough, Meghan was standing just outside the door with blankets under her arm. “I resent that.” She commented blandly.
René shot a dirty looked skywards at whatever diety he had offended or who just wanted to screw with him. “I might've known...” He muttered. In a louder voice, he apologized to Meghan. “Sorry, I'm really sorry. I was just trying to be funny...haven't had a lot of success with it tonight, huh?” He sighed ruefully but couldn’t help mumbling, “I like brighter colors myself”
Floritt said low to René, “Get off me belly an' I dun tell 'er you said dat.” She said with a big grin. René patted her belly affectionately and slid off.
“Deal”
Meghan shrugged. “So I like things a bit plainer, big deal. Besides, I bet you this room's cleaner than most...or at least was until you guys started up a pillow fight while I was gone.” She tossed a blanket at René's head, bowling him over. “Let's get you guys settled now.”
“So how's Charla?” René asked in a muffled tone from beneath the blanket. “And what do we do now?”
“We set the beds up.” Meghan answered the second question first. “Doesn't mean we have to go to bed now, but better to take care of these now instead of later when we're too tired to do so.” She tossed Floritt her blanket and headed over to her closet, where she had a couple sleeping bags rolled up. “And Charla's being weird tonight. All quiet and had this look on her face that I usually see on her after she's had a long cry, but she kept denying it. Too bad her eyes are red naturally else I could have been certain that way.” René winced, feeling like a lowlife.
“Think I should talk to her?” He asked. “Apologize and give her the chance to re-arrange my face? If that'll make her feel better, that is.”
“Well, if you want my opinion? Charla puts on a tough act pretty often and can take it well enough, of course...but even the toughest 'morphs can have their feelings hurt, even by accident. Moreso of it's someone she considers a friend.”
“Not saying that you did anything, of course.” Meghan added when she saw René’s face fall. “In fact, it might not be you at all. In any case, that might not be a bad idea. If you do go, mind tossing her this?” She threw René a spare pillow.
He got in the face, but caught it as it fell. “I'll give it a go. Be back soon.” He promised. “Maggie, watch these two all right? You can't leave them alone for a minute!”
Maggie giggled. “'kay!” Floritt protested.
“'ey, I ain't DAT bad! Dunno about Meg, tho'.”
“Very funny.” The magmar said dryly. “Now help me unroll these, you.” Whatever was said next was lost to René as he went into the next room to see Charla.
&&&
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