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Chapter Text

A couple of weeks pass, as Ari and Carmine are now out of school finally, and Ari, wearing his casual wear and Carmine wearing her pajamas are hanging out in her living room in Kitakami
Carmine is lounging on the couch in her living room, still wearing her pajamas. She glances at Ari who’s sitting on her grandpa's arm chair, his legs crossed on top of the coffee table as he’s scrolling through Twitter humming to himself, his outfit drawing her attention. She looks at him for a moment before speaking.
"You know, I've gotten used to seeing you in your BB uniform, but I'm really digging the casual look on you. You look good in that."
Ari looks up from his phone as he smugly smirks and nods approvingly, Ari is rocking his casual wear of his usual white top hat with it's blue hatband he always wears, a cropped unzipped blue hoodie with a Corviknight on the back of the hoodie with a black long-sleeve that says 'Life sucks, but I suck harder' on it in white text with his muscles and broad shoulders being circulated to perfection by his long sleeve and hoodie, a pair of black cargo pants with a few dark blue chains linked on the front sides of the pant legs, some black knee socks and black and blue high tops with Voltorb designs on them with his blue tinted sunglasses he word during his conquering of becoming Galar Champion hooked on the left pants pocket and a black balaclava around his neck, a pair of black leather fingerless gloves with skeleton bone patterns on them a Pokeball belt that carries his Pokemon Team around his belt
"Thanks my dear... We still gotta get you some actual clothes though.."
Carmine sighs and nods in agreement, still feeling awkward in just her pajamas. She runs a hand through her hair, a little self-conscious.
"Yeah, a new wardrobe is still higher on the list of priorities. I can't just keep living in pajamas. I feel like a bum."
"Yeah... Plus!.. I've never asked you this but.."
Ari mutters as he looks off to the side before looking back at her when she speaks
Carmine looks at Ari, curious about the question he's about to ask. She cocks her head slightly, intrigued.
"Oh? Go ahead, ask away. I'm listening."
"What are you gonna do as a career now?.. We're both out of school.. What's the plan from here?"
Carmine ponders the question for a moment, mulling over it in her mind. She hadn't really given much thought to her career after school.
"Hmmm... I'm not sure, honestly. I haven't really made any plans for the future yet. I guess I've been so focused on the League Club and school, I never really thought about a career path. What about you? Any ideas on what you want to do?"
"Well.. I don't necessarily need a job.. I already get a fixed income, you know? From my service in the military and being Galar Champion, plus I have a fuck ton of left over money from my 'illegal activities' I've told you about... So.. Don't really need a job"
Carmine lets out a soft whistle, clearly impressed by Ari's financial situation. She had an inkling that he was well-off, but hearing him lay it all out is still a bit eye-opening.
"Damn, you really hit the jackpot didn't you? You've got money coming in from all over. I can't say I'm surprised, you've definitely been busy over the years. You're set for life, no need to work your ass off like the rest of us plebs."
"Well.. I'd afford for you for life.. But I don't want you to end up as a pampered spoiled princess of a fiancé now do I?"
Ari snorts mockingly
Carmine raises an eyebrow in mock offense at his comment. She smirks, but there's a hint of genuine gratitude in her voice.
"Damn, you're really trying to avoid turning me into some high-maintenance trophy wife, huh? Well, don't worry, I have no intention of being pampered 24/7. I can pull my weight as well, you know."
"Good... But that still leaves the original question answered..."
Ari groans lightly, still kinda curious if she’ll stick towards Pokemon breeding
Carmine lets out a soft sigh, mulling the question over in her head again. Clearly, she needs to give it some serious thought.
"Yeah, you're right. I've still got some soul-searching to do, I guess. Maybe it's time to start thinking about my future career path. Do you have any suggestions or ideas?"
"Well.. What do you want to do as a career?.. You know.. If you find something you enjoy as a job you won't really ever work a day in your life!"
Carmine thinks for a few moments about the question, considering her interests and skills. She taps her chin thoughtfully, a small frown of thought on her face.
"Hmm... If I had to pick something I enjoy, I'd probably say I'd be interested in working with Pokémon in some capacity. I've always enjoyed working with them and battling. Maybe something like a professional trainer or a Pokémon breeder. But I'm open to other ideas as well. I'm sure I'll figure it out at some point."
"I could see you as a Pokémon breeder, or as a professor. You took those extra curricular classes with Briar.. and you are extremely caring with Pokémon and I can tell all of your Pokémon deeply love you so... Maybe one of those two?"
Carmine nods, mulling over the idea of becoming a Pokémon breeder or a professor. Ari's comments about her skills and love for Pokémon give her newfound confidence. She smiles, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
"Yeah, you might be right. I did take extra classes with Professor Briar, and I do have a way with Pokémon. And I've always cared for all my Pokémon deeply, whether they were mine or not. Maybe one of those paths is the right path for me. Thanks for the suggestion."
Ari wraps her hands around her and kisses her on the cheek while laying her on his lap
"Anytime sweetie~"
Carmine grins, enjoying the feeling of being held in his lap. She leans into his embrace, her head resting against his chest.
"Hmmm, you know exactly what I like. And I swear you've gotten even more affectionate lately. Not that I'm complaining, though."
Ari hums warmly
Carmine chuckles, snuggling closer against him. She gazes up at his face, a content smile on her own.
"You're like a big bear. I swear, your chest is softer than the world's most comfortable pillow. I could just fall asleep like this."
"You've done it before. Even without realizing..."
Carmine blushes, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She gently pokes his chest.
"Haha, don't remind me. I swear, you've got my body trained to feel comfort just by snuggling with you. I've fallen asleep on you more times than I can count."
"Yeah... Say?.. Where's Kieran? Is he still in Blueberry?"
Carmine thinks for a moment before answering.
"Yeah, Kieran's still in Blueberry Academy. He's been pretty busy with his classes and Pokémon training. He says he's enjoying it there, but I think he's a bit homesick, ya know?"
"Yeeah.. I know it's been only a couple of weeks but.. I already miss everyone ya know?"
Carmine nods, understanding exactly how he feels.
"Yeah, I get what you mean. I miss everyone at BB too, even though I've only been away for a short time. It's weird being away from Kieran and the rest of the club, even if I've still got you."
"Yeah... Hey, can I ask you something?"
Carmine looks up at him, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. She nods, giving him a small, encouraging smile.
"Of-course, you know you can ask me anything."
"Sense there's not a lot of room to expand our lives here in Kitakami.. I was wondering.."
Carmine raises an eyebrow, intrigued by what he's about to say. She shuffles a bit closer, her head still resting on his chest.
"Yeah? You were wondering what?"
"When we get married in a few weeks... Would you move in with me in Galar?"
Ari questions a little hopeful but understandingly as she knows how attached she his towards Kitakami as it’s wear she grew up and was born
Carmine's eyes widen at his question, surprise and excitement written all over her face. She looks up at him, a smile slowly spreading across her face.
"You... want me to move in with you? In Galar? Really?"
"Yeah... I know you've lived your whole life in Kitakami... And It'd be a massive jump in Regions... It's way more crowded, there's a lot more shops and restaurants, there's hundreds of more Pokémon.. And it tends to get extremely loud depending where you live in Galar.. But, I want you to have as much experience in success as possible, and when Kieran graduates... I'd want him to move in with us as well... So, what you'd say?"
Carmine's heart flutters in her chest. The idea of moving to Galar is a bit daunting, she's never considered living anywhere but Kitakami. But the prospect of starting a new life with Ari, in a whole new Region, and having enough space for Kieran as well, is incredibly alluring
"That... actually sounds really exciting. I've never lived anywhere but Kitakami, but... I think a change of pace would be nice. And as long as I'm with you, it'll all be worth it, right?"
Ari sighs a bit relieved she said yes as a bit more excitement starts racing in his body
"Of-course!!.. I'm very lonely and have lots of space for a growing family.. And I love you to learn the rich nature and culture that Galar has to offer!"
Carmine's eyes are practically sparkling with excitement now. The thought of starting a family with Ari, exploring a new Region, and experiencing a different culture, it feels like a dream come true.
"I'm sold. As long as we're together, I think it will be an incredible adventure. And there's so much to see and do in Galar. I'm starting to get excited just thinking about it!"
"Yeah.. Plus!.. I'd love to see you develop a Galarian accent from being around Galarians.. I wonder what you'd sound like with Galar tongue..."
Ari teases kinda curious if she’ll become 10 times hotter with an accent
Carmine laughs at the thought of herself developing a Galarian accent. The idea is a bit ridiculous, but also a bit intriguing. She grins at Ari, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"You just want to hear me say 'bollocks' and 'wanker' in a cute, feminine voice, don't you? You think a Galarian accent would make me sound sexier, huh?"
Ari snorts a little humored as a bit of his own Galarian accent starts flaring
"You'd sound hot as fuck I'll admit it!"
Carmine bites her lip and smirks, clearly enjoying the idea. She leans up to whisper in his ear, her voice sultry.
"Hmmm, so you've got a fetish for girls with a Galarian accent, huh? Well, I guess I'll have no choice but to pick it up now, since I know how much you love a cute feminine Galarian accent."
Ari blushes lightly as he grins a little turned on by her blunt but honest statement
"Well... I wouldn't say that but..."
Carmine grins, noticing the slight blush on Ari's face. She lifts a hand from his chest and gently pokes his cheek, a mischievous look in her eyes.
"Oh no, you're not getting away that easily. I saw that blush. You're totally into the idea."
“I don't have a fetish for girls with thick Galarian accents!!!"
Ari growls out trying to keep a calm composure as he’s obviously getting flustered
Carmine laughs, enjoying the banter. She pretends to be offended, placing a hand on her chest in mock shock.
"Oh really? So if I suddenly developed a thick Galarian accent, you wouldn't find it attractive at all? Totally indifferent, huh?"
"Don't get smart with me!"
Ari says as he playfully touches her chest
Carmine giggles and bats his hand away in mock offense, pretending to pout. She grins up at him, clearly enjoying the playful banter.
"Hey, I'm not getting smart, I'm just calling it as I see it. If you really didn't like the idea, you wouldn't be blushing so hard."
"Ya and you wouldn't blush at all in me pervertedly touching you would ya~?"
Ari taunts in a cocky manner as he pokes her cheek playfully
Carmine gasps, her expression a mixture of surprise and mock offense again. But she's not too quick to deny his accusation, her light blush betraying her true feelings.
"What?! I'm not blushing, you are! And... and I don't let you just touch me whenever you want, like a damn perv!"
"Ah huh, suuure... say you got something on your pajamas..."
Carmine furrows her brow, giving him a suspicious look. She knows his tricks, but can't help but be a bit intrigued. She quirks an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
"Something on my pajamas? What are you talking about, there's nothing on my pajamas."
Ari grabs her chest childishly
"Right there!"
Carmine's eyes widen as he suddenly grabs her chest. She lets out a surprised gasp, her blush instantly deepening. She bats his hand away, a mixture of surprise and mock indignity on her face
"Hey! Don't just grab my chest out of nowhere like that! And there's nothing on my pajamas, you're just trying to do perverted things!"
"Yeah just admit it!.. You get turned on when I manhandle you like this~"
Ari smugly mocks as he roams his hands around her torso
Carmine bites her lip, feeling embarrassed about how quickly her body responds to his suggestive words and touch. She tries to maintain her facade of annoyance, but can't deny the rush of heat it sends through her body. She looks away with a pout, her face flushed red as she mumbles under her breath.
"Ugh.. maybe a little.. you bastard.."
"Knew it.."
Ari moves his hands down to her waist while licking his teeth
Carmine lets out a soft sigh, her body practically melting into his touch. She meets his gaze, her eyes heavy-lidded with desire. She can feel the heat building up inside of her, making her skin tingle with anticipation.
"You always know how to get me all worked up, don't you?"
"Yeah but I'd prefer to buy you somethin more.. Skimpy before we get it on like this..."
Ari responds with sleaze in his accent, his dirty mind coming into works
Carmine raises an eyebrow, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. She grins at him, clearly intrigued by the suggestion.
"Oh really? You want to buy me some more... skimpy bedroom wear? And what exactly were you thinking, darling?"
"Well.. I'm happy with what you'd pick!.. I'm a man of consent and honesty!.. Whatever you're happy with.. I'm happy"
Ari says as he reaches to give her an affectionate eskimo kiss
Carmine blushes at his sweet words, a small smile playing on her lips. She leans into his touch, enjoying the affection. She thinks for a moment, picturing what kind of bedroom wear she would feel comfortable in.
"Hmm.. I like the sound of that. But I might need a little guidance, you know. You've got more experience in this than I do, after all.."
"Not really.. I'm not a girl and I wouldn't feel comfortable with making you uncomfortable.. You should know this.."
Carmine gives a soft sigh, appreciating his thoughtfulness and consideration.
"I know, I know. I'm not saying I want you to pick something uncomfortable or against my own morals and values. Just... maybe some guidance on what you like, and what styles would fit me. I trust you, after all."
She gives him a small, reassuring smile
"Well... I'm not very experienced in that type of clothing but.. I think you look really good in blue and light blue... I like red on you a lot, and black... And, uh.. I don't know.. That's something you need to figure out on your own sweetie..."
Carmine listens to his suggestions, absorbing the information with a small smile on her face. She nods, clearly absorbing the information.
"Blue, light blue, red, and black. Got it. Hmm... I actually like those colors too. And I think they would look good on me. Thanks, darling."
"Anytime... And while we have time to ourselves, with Kieran still at school and your grandparents out.. Why don't we do some clothes shopping in Galar, help you get a feel for it..."
Carmine's eyes light up at the suggestion, her excitement growing. She grins at him, her interest piqued at the thought of shopping for clothes in Galar. She nods, a hint of eagerness in her voice.
"That sounds like a fantastic idea! I'd love to get a feel for the fashion and culture in Galar. And to get some shopping in before the wedding. Let's do it!"
Ari and Carmine take a plane ride that turns into a train ride to Galar, as they a make it to Wedgehurst Train Station
Carmine gazes around at the station, taking in the new surroundings with wide-eyed curiosity. She looks fascinated by the change of scenery, her eyes scanning every corner and detail. She turns to Ari with an eager smile.
"Wow... This is it, huh? Galar!"
"Yeah... It's mostly a pretty rustic and moody Region.. But it's got its charm..."
Carmine nods, taking note of the Region's distinct atmosphere. She can see the charm in the rustic landscape and moody vibe. She looks around curiously.
"I can see that. It's got a certain rustic charm for sure. And it definitely feels... different from Kitakami. But in a good way, you know?"
Ari holds her hand around Wedgehurst showing her some of the many cultures and the many Region exclusive Pokémon, like Wooloos and Yampers, and tells her about some of the Region exclusive evolutions like Sirfetch'd and Runerigus
Carmine's eyes widen with fascination and curiosity as he shows her around Wedgehurst. She particularly perks up at the sight of the Region-exclusive Pokémon, her interest piqued in the Wooloo and Yamper. She listens intently as he talks about the Regional evolutions like Sirfetch'd and Runerigus.
"Wow... So these are all Pokémon and evolutions specifically found in Galar, huh? They're so unique and interesting!"
"Yeah.. A farfetch'd evolving into a celery sword wielding knight ain't something you see anywhere but Galar..."
Ari says jokingly
Carmine giggles, amused by his description of Farfetch'd's evolution. She imagines the Farfetch'd wielding a celery knight like a sword and can't help but laugh.
"Celery sword-wielding knight? That's a helluva specific evolution. And a pretty humorous one too. I don't think any other Region has something like that!"
"Yeah..."
Ari notices the Clothes shop
"Ah... There it is..."
Ari grabs her hand and brings her to the shop
Carmine follows him into the clothes shop, her hand comfortably laced in his. She gazes around at the shop, taking in the various clothing options. She looks a bit overwhelmed by the selection.
"Wow... There're a lot of choices here. Where do we even start?"
Ari and Carmine spend quite a long while inside the store, picking out tons of outfits all ranging from casual, formal, comfy, and kinky. As Ari picks out a wedding suit, he looks over at the changing both as he notices she’s spent quite a while inside
"Carmine?.. Sweetie? You've picked out some clothes yet?"
There's a pause, and then a familiar voice echoes from inside the booth, cheerful and unassuming.
"Oh, almost, darling! I just have one more thing to try on."
"Okay!.. Don't feel like you need to rush!
Carmine's cheerful voice comes through again, a hint of excitement in the tone.
"Okay! I just need a little longer to get this top situated! Oh, and darling? Can you unzip it in the back for me? I can't reach it!"
Ari blushes
"Okay I'm coming!"
Ari walks into the Changing Booth
When Ari enters the booth, he finds Carmine standing in front of a large mirror, wearing a beautiful, form-fitting dress. The fabric hugs her curves and accentuates her slender figure, making her look even more radiant than usual. Carmine looks up at him with a cheerful smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"What do you think, darling? Does it suit me?"
Ari rests hands onto her shoulders
"It looks perfect my dear..."
Carmine blushes slightly at his touch, her smile widening. She twirls around a few times, showcasing the dress from multiple angles.
"You think so? I thought it looked lovely as well! It's just so... flattering, you know? I'm glad you like it too."
"Yeah... I'm assuming you bought the nerdy shite too just to turn me on?"
Ari says sarcastically
Carmine laughs softly, a hint of mischievousness in her eyes. She turns around to face him, her hands on her hips, and gives him a sly smile.
"What!? Me? Buy something nerdy just to turn you on? Who do you take me for, darling? I'm perfectly innocent, I promise you."
"Yeah sure!.. Definitely don't see the red turtle neck, black leggings, sneakers and short shorts coming out of the bag or anything!"
Carmine's smile widens, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She can't help but chuckle at his perceptive observation. She playfully pretends to be offended, her voice laced with feigned innocence.
"Ah, you caught me! But those are for... completely innocent reasons, I swear. Certainly not to turn you on or anything."
Ari shakes his head
"Yeah, whatever helps you sleep at night!... Anyways you've got the nerd shite and lots of dresses and shoes... What else?"
Carmine pretends to think for a moment, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She taps her chin playfully.
"Hmmm, let's see... Ah, yes! Lingerie."
"Not surprised... Is that it?"
Carmine pretends to ponder for a moment, before a sly smile crosses her lips. She leans closer to him, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper.
"Not quite... There's one more thing, darling."
'And that is~?
Carmine's smile turns more coy as a flush of excitement flickers across her cheeks. She takes a step closer, closing the distance between them. She looks up at him through her eyelashes, biting her bottom lip slightly.
"I might have also gotten... something a bit...naughty."
Ari licks his lips
"What you have in mind~?"
Carmine's flush deepens, as she moves even closer, her body pressed against his. She glances at him through half-lidded eyes, a smirk on her lips.
"Oh, you know, just something I thought would...drive you wild."
Ari chuckles with horny arousement
"You gotta tell me dear~... Don't keep a man of formalness waiting~"
Carmine's smirk widens as she hears his response. Her hands move up to his chest, gently tracing the lines of his muscles through his shirt. She continues to tease him, her voice low and seductive.
"Patience, darling... I'll tell you, but only if you promise to... keep your hands to yourself while I try on the next set~"
"Hm~... Set?"
Carmine nods slowly, her smile growing wider. She moves even closer still, her body practically flush against his. Her hands continue to wander over his chest, tracing patterns of desire.
"Yes... A little something I think you'll enjoy. But you need to promise you won't touch me while I'm changing into it. Can you do that for me, darling?"
"Of-course my dear~"
Carmine grins mischievously, clearly enjoying the effect she's having on him. She slowly steps away, her hands lingering over his chest for a moment before she moves to the other side of the changing booth. She fishes around in one of the bags, pulling out a small bundle of black fabric.
"Close your eyes and turn around, darling. And no peeking~"
"Alright~"
Ari turns around and closes his eyes
Carmine watches him turn around, her heart racing with anticipation. Once she's sure he's not looking, she begins to change out of her current outfit and into the new, more daring one. The sound of fabric rustling and zipping fills the small space of the changing booth, mixed with the occasional soft sigh.
"Are your eyes still closed, darling?"
Of-course~
"Good boy~"
The sound of fabric rustling stops, and Carmine calls out to him again.
"You can open your eyes now, darling~"
"Alright~"
Ari turns back around and opens his eyes
As Ari turns and opens his eyes, he is met with the breathtaking sight of Carmine wearing a black lace outfit. The fabric hugs her curves, emphasizing all the right places. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of playfulness and desire, her lips curved into a sultry smile. She gives a little twirl, showcasing the outfit from every angle, the lace and silk moving in a seductive dance over her skin.
"How do I look, darling?"
"You look beautiful love~"
Carmine grins, her cheeks flushing slightly with a hint of pride. She steps closer, swaying her hips with cat-like grace, the lace and silk swirling around her in a dizzying dance.
"Thank you, darling~"
She reaches up and links her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer against him. Her voice drops to a low, seductive whisper as she speaks.
"You're still going to be a good boy and keep your hands to yourself, like you promised, right?"
"Tell me when my Poochyena~?"
Carmine laughs softly, her arms still around his neck, her body flush against his. She leans in to whisper in his ear, her breath hot against his skin.
"Oh... someone definitely seems to be getting a bit restless, aren't you, darling?... But you promised me you'd be a good boy and not touch me until I say so~"
"Got it~"
Ari notices another bag on the side
"Say... Why's that bag have 'Honeymoon' written in sharpie?"
Carmine follows his gaze to the bag he's referring to. A mixture of excitement and anticipation flutters across her face, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She tightens her arms around his neck, a sly smile playing on her lips.
"Ah, you noticed it, did you? Well, that would be because it's for... that special night, darling."
"Of-course~... Patience is a very respected thing for formal people~"
"Did you get a wedding dress~?"
Carmine laughs softly, her expression turning coy. She runs her fingers lightly over his chest, her touch light and tantalizing.
"Of-course, darling. And yes... I did get a wedding dress... Would you like to see it? Although... I think you'll have to wait until the actual wedding day to see me in it~"
"I'll wait till we get home... Besides.. I've noticed a couple more things I'd like to buy in here~"
Carmine raises an eyebrow, a curious and excited smile on her face. She glances around the store, wondering what could have caught his attention.
"Oh, have you? What did you notice, darling?"
"Well I need some new ball-gags and collars and leashes for when you get... Out of sorts~"
A mischievous grin spreads across Carmine's face as he mentions the items. Her eyes sparkle with anticipation, and her voice takes on a sultry tone.
"Oh~? Is that so, darling? You want to stock up on some... toys for when I get a little too... feisty, do you?~ I like the sound of that~"
"And I've noticed some Vittoriana Jackets, and Tuxedos and some Layered Waistcoats in the more fancier side of Galar..."
Carmine looks intrigued as he mentions the fancy clothing items. Her eyes light up with excitement at the thought of adding more stylish pieces to his wardrobe.
"Oh~? You're interested in some Victorian-style jackets, tuxedos, and layered vests, darling? I have to say, I do appreciate a man who knows how to dress well. And I bet you'd look incredibly dashing in them~"
"I look good in almost everything~"
Carmine laughs softly, her hand still on his chest, tracing small, tantalizing patterns with her fingertips.
"You certainly do, darling. You look good in almost everything... But even you have to admit, there's something about a man in a well-tailored, expensive suit that just makes you want to... rip it right off~"
"I agree..."
Carmine grins, her hand still wandering over his chest. She moves a little closer, her body pressed against his.
"We should definitely get you some new suits, darling. I can imagine myself peeling you out of them like a present... It certainly would be a... lovely sight~"
Ari licks her cheeks in agreement
"I agree..."
Carmine shivers as she feels his tongue on her cheeks, her body responding instantly to his touch. She leans closer, her voice taking on a sultry tone. She's definitely enjoying the effect she has on him.
"I can already envision it... You, in a sharp, perfectly fitted suit... and me, slowly unbuttoning it, my hands gliding over your chest and shoulders, undressing you, piece by piece~"
Ari snickers in agreement
"You've already paid right~"
Carmine grins, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She moves even closer, her body pressed against his, her hands tracing the line of his shoulders.
"Oh, I took care of that already, darling. The only thing left to do is put all this lovely stuff in bags... But right now, I'm much more interested in... getting you alone~"
"Even though we are in the changing room... We should at least wait till we get home first~"
Carmine laughs softly, her voice sultry and filled with playful mischief.
"Oh, I know we should wait until we get home, darling. I can be patient, I promise... But right now, all I can think about is getting you all alone, wearing that suit, and peeling it off one... piece... at a time~"
"Of-course~... We should be heading out to Wyndon! They've got all the fancy clothing~"
Carmine nods, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"That sounds perfect, darling! I was hoping we could go to Wyndon. We can pick up some fancy clothes from the shops there, and maybe find a... relaxing place where we can be... alone~"
"There is a Hotel there.. If that peaks your interest~"
A sly grin spreads across Carmine's face, her eyes glinting with anticipation. The thought of having some private, alone time with him in a hotel certainly peaks her interest.
"A hotel, huh? I like the sound of that, darling. It would definitely give us ample... privacy to... enjoy ourselves~"
Carmine links her arm through his and walks out of the changing booth with him. Her body is still buzzing with excitement, and her heart is beating fast in her chest, anticipating what's to come. As they walk out, she looks up at him, her eyes sparkling, a sly smile on her face.
"You know... I have a feeling we'll be having a lot of fun in that hotel room, darling~"
"I agree love~"
As they walk out of the clothes shop, Carmine is completely oblivious to anyone who might have heard them. She's too focused on Ari and the thought of what's to come to realize anyone else is around them. Carmine clings to his arm, her body flush against his, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Oh, I can't wait to get to that hotel room... just you and me, alone together~"
"My thoughts exactly~"
Ari and Carmine takes a train to Wyndon as they shop for more clothes in Wyndon, Ari helps Carmine get more accustomed to Galar, showing her different places and sharing his knowledge. By the end of the day, they've shopped for several new outfits, and the sun is beginning to set.
"Now... shall we go check in at the hotel, darling? I'm quite eager to... get this night started~"
Ari scoops her holds her in a very obvious sexual manner
"I agree~"
Carmine lets out a small squeal as he scoops her up, her arms wrapping around his neck instinctively. She laughs softly, her legs wrapped around his waist, her body flush against his. Her eyes sparkle, and a sly grins spreads across her face as he carries her into the hotel.
"You're really eager, aren't you, darling? I like that~"
"Your the feistiness I love in a women~"
Ari snarls out seductively trying to hold back his need for sexual pleasure only for a bit longer
Carmine grins, her heart racing as he speaks. She leans closer, her voice low and sultry.
"And you're the formalness I adore in a man, darling~ And you being so eager for me is definitely a turn on~"
The check-in process is a bit of a blur. Carmine and Ari are both clearly eager and distracted, their minds focused on one thing and one thing only - getting to their room as soon as possible. After a few minutes of fumbled paperwork and impatient glances, they finally manage to get the key to their room and head upstairs. Ari wearing a unbuttoned suit shirtless with his muscle and scars showing throws her onto the bed, still wearing the Black Lace from earlier
Carmine squeals as he throws her onto the bed, her heart fluttering in her chest at the sight of him. She lands on the bed with a small bounce, her eyes raking over his shirtless body, her breath catching in her throat. She gazes up at him, her body buzzing with anticipation, the lace and silk of her black outfit clinging to every curve of her body.
"Oh, my... You're just... wow~"
"Hot?.. I know"
Ari proceeds to dim the lights and puts on some very sexual music, as he gets on top of the bed. Carmine's eyes lock onto his as he dims the lights and puts on some very sexy music. Her heart is racing, and her body is already thrumming with desire. She looks up at him, her breath shallow, her voice a low, husky whisper as he gets on top of the bed.
"Very... very hot... and very mine. Get over here, darling~"
Ari proceeds to take off her high heels to have as much comfort as possible
Carmine watches as he takes off her high heels, a smile playing on her lips. She wiggles her toes a little, the absence of the heels already making her feel more relaxed and comfortable.
"Oh, that's better... much better. Now, no more delay... come here, darling~"
"First things first~"
Ari then pulls out two sets of handcuffs and dangles them around a bit. Carmine's eyes widen a little as she sees the handcuffs, a mixture of excitement and surprise flickering across her face. Her heart starts racing in her chest, her body already anticipating the pleasure and the tease of being restrained.
"Oh... I see you've brought out the handcuffs. Is that what you have planned for me, darling?"
"Simple~.. Your gonna be obedient and your gonna like it~"
Carmine's heart is pounding in her chest as Ari handcuffs her wrists to the bed frame. Her wrists are bound, and she's completely at his mercy. A shiver runs down her spine, a mix of excitement and anticipation flooding her body.
"Yes... I'll be obedient... I'll like it... I'll do anything you say, darling~"
Ari smirks widely at her obedience as he leans into her face, his voice sultry and quiet
"Good~"
Carmine moans softly as he starts kissing her with a fierce intensity, his hands roaming over her body, touching and caressing every inch of her flesh. The kiss is deep, sloppy, and filled with a fiery passion that sends jolts of pleasure coursing through her body. Her wrists pull against the handcuffs, straining against the restraint, as she yearns to touch him back.
"Oh... darling... that feels... incredible... but I need to touch you too... please.."
"Nonono~... You're my sex toy! And your gonna like it~"
A shiver runs down Carmine's spine as he refers to her as his sex toy, a mix of excitement and anticipation coursing through her body. His touch is rough, his kisses fierce, and the way he calls her his 'toy' is driving her wild.
"Oh... darling... I'm yours... yours to do with as you please... but please... let me touch you... I need to touch you... I can't take this tease much longer~
"No way!.. This lace outfit works too much magic~"
Carmine moans again, her body arching slightly as he caresses her in all the right places. The lace and silk of her outfit does feel incredible against her skin, and the way his hands move over the fabric is driving her crazy.
"Ah... you're driving me mad, darling... I'm... I'm aching to touch you... I need you so badly... but I also love the feel of your hands on me like this~"
"If you say so~"
Ari uncuffs both her hands then continues as soon as her hands are free, Carmine immediately starts to touch him, her hands roaming over his chest, her fingernails raking lightly over his skin. She kisses him hungrily, her body arching against his, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
"Oh... finally... I can touch you... ah, you feel so... muscled and toned... I've been wanting to touch you like this... so bad~"
Ari proceeds to take off his suit to give her full access while still rubbing his hands onto her body. As he removes his suit even more muscle and scarring is abhorrent along with his large Corviknight tattoo on his body, Carmine's eyes rake over his body, her hands caressing his bare skin. She runs her hands over his chest, her fingers tracing the lines of his muscles, as his hands continue to roam over her body. She's practically quivering with desire, her body pressed against his, her breath hitching in her throat.
"You're... you're so toned... so strong... and you're all mine... all mine, to touch and taste and... explore~"
"And you're slender and thin and frail... The perfect lab rat for me~"
A shiver runs down Carmine's spine as he refers to her as a lab rat. There's something about the way he says it that's both exciting and thrilling, like she's his to mold and experiment with as he pleases.
"Yes... I'm slender, thin, and frail... a perfect lab rat for you to play with, darling. I'm yours to do with as you please... to touch, and tease, and... experiment with~"
The night is filled with a symphony of gasps, moans, and whispers. The couple's passion and desire for each other are intense, their love fierce and possessive. After many hours of this, Both Ari and Carmine, are near death exhausted, but more satisfied now more than each other's entire existence combined. By the time they're both exhausted, both Carmine and Ari are utterly spent. They're both flushed, their bodies buzzing with the aftershocks of pleasure. Carmine is sprawled out on the bed, her hair tousled and her breathing still ragged.
"Oh my Arceus... that was... incredible..." She gasps, her voice husky and breathless.
Ari breathing worser than a kid suffering an asthma attack, with practically a skin layer of sweat and the most scuffled hair in existence
"I-I... May or may not have impregnate you with triplets~"
Ari says partly joking
Carmine lets out a breathless gasp at his words, her eyes widening a little. She looks up at him, her cheeks flushed, a hint of shock and surprise in her eyes.
"Triplets?? You think... you think you may have impregnated me with triplets??"
She pauses, her mind racing, as the realization of what he said sinks in.
"Oh my Arceus... that would be... incredible, darling... but also... terrifying... and a lot to handle..."
"Don't worry~... You're most definitely pregnant!! And if you aren't from that!! It's probably you.. But even then, you probably don't have triplets~"
Carmine laughs softly, her mind swirling with excitement and anxiety. She tries to wrap her head around the idea of being pregnant, with not just one, but potentially three children.
"Darling, you're... you're probably right. I'm probably pregnant after all that... and even if it's not triplets, it's still going to be a bit overwhelming. But... but I'm excited. I'm excited at the thought of having your babies, darling, even if it's triplets~"
Well~.. We can check in 10 days and find out~"
Carmine nods, her heart fluttering in her chest at the thought. She takes a deep breath, calming herself down a little.
"You're right... we can check in 10 days. In the meantime, we should... we should focus on enjoying each other's company and preparing for the possibility that I'm pregnant. Even if it's not triplets, it's still a big step for both of us~"
"Yes~... We still need to worry about the Wedding~"
Carmine's eyes light up when he mentions the wedding. A wide smile spreads across her face, and she hugs him tightly, her cheeks rosy with excitement.
"The wedding... oh my Arceus, I almost forgot... There's so much to plan and prepare, but I'm so excited! I can't wait to marry you, darling... to become your wife and spend the rest of our lives together~"
"Same!~... You got anywhere you wanna host it?"
Carmine takes a moment to think, her mind running through different locations and possibilities.
"Hmm... Well, there are a few places I had in mind. There's this beautiful beach location down in Hoenn that I've heard is absolutely stunning for weddings, but we could also look for someplace in Galar that's a little closer to home. And let's not forget about the possibility of having a traditional wedding in Paldea, either!"
She gazes up at him, her eyes sparkling.
"What about you, darling? Where would you like to have the wedding?"
"I'm fine with whatever~... We have a lot of friends in Paldea~... I'd say there!"
Carmine nods, her heart fluttering at the thought of having their wedding in Paldea, surrounded by their closest friends and family.
"That sounds wonderful, darling. I think having our wedding in Paldea would be perfect. We have so many friends there, and it's a beautiful Region. Plus, we could even have an outdoor wedding, under the stars, and watch the sunset over the horizon... It would be so romantic, don't you think?"
"I agree... Now~... About the honeymoon~"
A cheeky smile curves across Carmine's lips as he mentions the honeymoon, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"The honeymoon... ah, yes. I was hoping you'd ask. I've been having some ideas, you know. Somewhere warm and sunny... and definitely somewhere with a nice, comfortable bed~"
She winks at him, her voice sultry and playful.
Ari picks up and chuckles
"We could do Undella Town in Unova!~... That could be perfect~"
Carmine grins, her heart fluttering at the mention of Undella Town in Unova.
"Oh my Arceus, that's perfect! I've heard it's a beautiful town with a lovely beach and a relaxing atmosphere. It would be the perfect spot for our honeymoon, darling. We could watch the sunset over the ocean, or go for a romantic walk on the beach, all while enjoying each other's company. I can already imagine it now... it would be absolutely perfect~"
"I agree~"
Carmine hugs him tightly, her heart swelling with love and excitement.
"I can't wait, darling... Can you? Undella Town in Unova... it sounds absolutely perfect for our honeymoon. A beautiful beach, a relaxing atmosphere... and plenty of time for just the two of us to enjoy each other's company. I can't think of a better place to start our new life together as husband and wife~"
Ari holds her warmly
"I can't wait for this marriage!!"
Carmine snuggles into his arms, her heart full of love and excitement. She presses closer to him, her cheek resting against his chest.
"Neither can I, darling. Our wedding, our honeymoon... it's all going to be perfect. We'll make so many memories together, and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together as husband and wife. It's everything I've ever dreamed of, and more~"
"I agree!..
Carmine lets out a soft laugh, her heart filled with warmth and joy at the memory.
"Anyways..."
Ari stands up a little hurt from the long night
"I feel like I already know this answer, but can you walk?"
Carmine laughs softly, her body a little sore and exhausted from their night of passion. Despite that, she manages to sit up in the bed and swings her legs over the side.
"I think I can walk," she says, with a rueful smile on her face. "But I might be a bit sore."
She stands up, her body feeling a bit weak and shaky. The muscles in her thighs and back ache with exhaustion, and she takes a moment to steady herself before taking a few steps forward.
Ari puts her back onto the bed lightly while putting high heels on
"Sit my dear... You can barely walk!..."
Carmine lets out a sigh, her body feeling weak and exhausted. She knows he's right; she probably won't be able to walk very well for a while, at least not without a lot of soreness and discomfort.
"Fine, you're right," she says, reluctantly settling back onto the bed. She pouts a bit, disgruntled at her own body's limitations."I guess I'm stuck here for now, huh?"
"Not exactly..."
Carmine looks at him curiously, her eyes narrowing slightly in suspicion. What is he up to, she wonders. He clearly has a plan.
"What do you mean, 'not exactly'?" she asks, a hint of wariness in her voice.
Ari scoops her up into his arms while nuzzling her
Carmine lets out a surprised gasp as he scoops her up into his arms, her body instinctively relaxing against him. She melts into his embrace, her heart swelling with love and affection. As he nuzzles her, she blushes furiously, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red.
"Darling, what are you doing?" she asks, her voice a little breathless.
"I can just carry you!"
Carmine lets out a soft laugh, her heart fluttering as he carries her in his strong arms. She wraps her arms around his neck, feeling his muscles flexing as he lifts her effortlessly. Despite her earlier protests, she has to admit that it feels pretty nice being carried around like this.
"You know, I could probably hobble along on my own," she says, her voice playful."But I guess I don't mind being carried by my strong and handsome fiancé~"
"Good~"
Ari pulls out a Pokeball to let out his Scizor
As Ari releases his Scizor from her Pokeball, Carmine's eyes widen in surprise. She watches the Scizor materializing in front of them, her metallic claws and sharp, steely exterior gleaming in the dim light.
"You brought your Scizor out?" she asks, her voice curious but wary. Why would he release his Scizor right now?
Ari looks at Scizor
"Hey, can you do us a huge favor?"
The Scizor looks up at Ari, her eyes narrowing slightly in a questioning manner. She nods her head slightly, indicating that she's listening and willing to help in whatever way it can.
"Can you help carry our bags to our Train and plane ride back to Kitakami?"
Ari says pointing at the few bags of clothes
The Scizor glances at the bags of clothes, and then nods she head decisively. She moves over to the bags and lifts them easily into her metallic claws, the bags looking like they weigh nearly nothing in the Scizor's grasp.
The Scizor turns back to Ari and nods again, indicating that she understands her task and is ready to help carry the bags for them.
"Good girl!"
The Scizor makes a sound that almost sounds like a pleased hum, her metallic body straightening slightly at the praise. She looks quite proud of herself for being able to help carry their bags, and she seems determined to do the best job possible.
Ari looks back at Carmine and gives her a quick kiss
"See!.. I always think 3 steps ahead!"
Carmine giggles at his words, her heart swelling with affection as he kisses her. She shakes her head slightly, a fond smile on her lips.
"Of-course you do, darling. You're always so smart and forward-thinking... I should have known you had a plan all along~"
Ari realizes something
"Oh shite!.. We completely forgot about Kieran and your grandparents!... All three of them are probably worried sick!"
Carmine's eyes widen in realization as Ari mentions Kieran and her grandparents. She lets out an exasperated sigh, facepalming.
"Oh my Arceus, you're right! We completely forgot about them! They're probably worried sick about us, wondering where we are and what happened to us! We need to let them know we're okay, and that we'll be coming home soon!"
"Well!... I know your grandparents don't have a Rotom Phone, and Kieran doe-"
Ari's phone vibrates in his pocket
Ari's phone starts to vibrate, interrupting his sentence. Carmine looks at him curiously, her eyebrows raising slightly as she hears the buzz.
"Who's calling you?" she asks, leaning in to try and see who it is on the screen.
"Who da fuck?"
Ari pulls out his Phone
"oh.. FUCK!! I forgot that Kieran got a phone recently!!"
Carmine lets out a sharp gasp, her eyes widen in surprise as she hears that it's Kieran on the other end of the line.
"Kieran's calling?! Damn, how could we have forgotten that he got a phone?! Well, better answer it before he starts completely panicking!"
"Ahhh... ffffffffffffffffuck!"
Ari picks up the phone
"Hey Kiki?.. What's up?"
Ari says trying feign worriedness of his reaction
Kieran's voice comes through the phone, sounding extremely worried and upset.
"Ari, where the hell have you and Carmine been?! We've been searching everywhere for you two, and we thought something had happened to you!" he says, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and concern.
"Yeah well before I tell you... Make sure you don't have it on speaker... Don't want your grandparents finding out about what we did and I know I can trust you to lie and keep a secret!"
There's a moment of silence on the other end of the line as Kieran presumably turns off his speakerphone. Then, his voice comes through the phone again, quieter but still worried.
"Alright, it's not on speaker anymore. What happened? Where the hell have you two been?"
"Okay thank you!.."
Ari while on the phone and holding Carmine and Scizor holding there bags checking out the hotel and walking out
"So while you’re at Blueberry!.. We talked a little bit about her entering Adulthood... I brought up actually getting some clothes seeing how all she had was a couple of plain tee shirts and leggings and sleepwear..".
Kieran's voice comes through the phone again, sounding a bit dumbfounded.
"So, you're telling me... you two disappeared off the face of the earth for a whole night... just to go shopping for clothes????"
"Nonono, there's more!.. I wanted her to get a little used to Galar seeing how we both want to move in after our marriage. So we went shopping in Galar while I got her accustomed to it..."
Kieran is quiet for a moment, seeming to process this information.
"Okay, so you took her to shop in Galar to get her accustomed to the place," he says slowly."But why couldn't you just do that during the day, instead of disappearing without a trace for a whole night?"
"Well, that's the thing, we left at noon... And it's a little embarrassing to talk about this but... We both got some of our own regular clothes... Then.."
Kieran seems a bit confused and curious now, and his tone reflects that as he speaks again.
"Then what? What happened after that?"
"I got some slutty suits and waistcoats, and handcuffs and ball-gags.. Carmine got a Black Lace Outfit and a lingerie, and some 'stuff' for our honeymoon..."
There's a pause on the other end of the line as Kieran processes this information, and then his voice comes back, sounding very surprised and a little bit flustered.
"Wh... Wh-What? You... you got what? Both of you?? W-Wait, what do you mean by 'stuff' for your honeymoon??"
"Well, not even she's told me yet!... But I got a picture of her wearing the Black Lace Outfit... You wanna see it?"
Kieran hesitates for a moment, seeming conflicted. He probably shouldn't look at that picture, but... curiosity gets the better of him.
"U-Uh... y-yeah, I do kinda want to see it..." he admits, his voice sounding curious but also a bit nervous.
Ari snickers a little
"Well okay! One sec..."
A few seconds pass by as Ari sends him two pictures. First one is her posing in it in an overly slutty manner. The second one is of her sprawled out on a hotel looking bed
"Pretty hot right~?"
There's a moment of silence on the other end of the line as Kieran receives the pictures and looks at them. He makes a strangled noise, and his voice comes back sounding breathless and a little shaky.
"Whoa... oh, wow..." he says, his voice low and awed."Y-Yeah... yeah, she looks... really good in that..."
"Yeah my bad!.. I just remembered she's your sister..."
Kieran lets out a small, nervous laugh.
"It's okay, it's okay! I..." he pauses, taking another moment to collect his thoughts. His voice is still a little shaky and breathless."She does look really good in that... I just wasn't expecting to see pictures of my sister in... in something like that..."
"It feels soooo nice to touch... It's like warm milk... It's almost buttery smooth, it's almost as if your touching skin but ten times softeeer~"
Ari's light moan and hard on for the outfit can be heard on the other side of the line by Kieran. Kieran nearly chokes on his own saliva when he hears Ari's moan and realizes what's going on on the other side of the line. His face turns red and his eyes widen in shock.
"D-Dude... are you... are you aroused just from talking about a fuckin stupid outfit??"
Sounds of Ari Carmine and Scizor making it onto the Train can be heard from Kieran's side as Ari makes an over dramatic gasp at Kieran's words
"It ain't a stupid outfit!!... I PROMISE YOU that if Amarys was wearing it... You'd be rock hard!!"
Kieran sputters at this, his face turning even redder as he tries to come up with a response. He can't deny it, if Amarys was wearing it, he'd...
"T-That's not the point! You're getting aroused by a stupid outfit my sister is wearing! That's... that's weird, dude! You're 24 and you act like a 13 year old getting horny for the first time!"
"Kieran!! It ain't weird!... She's my fiancé who's being married to your best friend!!... It could be a lot worse!!"
Kieran lets out a small, exasperated sigh.
"I guess you've got a point there. But still, it's just... a little weird and uncomfortable for me to think about someone thirsting over my own sister like this. Even if it is my best friend."
"What?.. Am I not allowed to thirst over my fiancé and soon to be wife?"
Kieran sighs again, shaking his head slightly.
"No, no, it's fine, I guess... It was just a bit shocking to hear, that's all. But I suppose it makes sense that you'd be attracted to her, you are engaged to her after all. Sorry, I'm just... still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you two are actually engaged, and that you... actually have... y'know..."
"I mean... We've done it at least like?... shite how many times?"
Kieran's mouth falls open as he listens to Ari's words. His eyes widen and his face blushes bright red. It's definitely not something he wanted or expected to hear, but he's curious anyway.
"Umm... How many times...?" he asks hesitantly, his voice low and a little bit wary.
"Hey Carms?... How many times have we got it on?"
Ari asks Carmine sitting next to her, still wearing the outfit on the train
Carmine blushed furiously as Ari asked that question, her face turning a deep shade of red.
"I-I don't know! I wasn't keeping track!" she said, her voice a bit flustered
Kieran could be heard on the other end of the line, waiting for an answer, his curiosity piqued.
"We lost count!"
Kieran's eyes widen in surprise as he hears the answer.
"W-Wait, you mean you actually don't keep track of how many times you do it, you just... lost count?"
"Yeah.. We can make a fixed guess of 5-12 times, maybe..."
Kieran was stunned for a moment, his mind trying to process the fact that they had done it so many times that they lost count. But then he shook his head, still shaking off the surprise.
"J-Jesus, you two are... really going at it quite a few times, huh?"
"Yeah though this time... Might have been the hardest we've gotten!'
Kieran's face flushes red as he hears this, and he tries to keep his voice calm and casual, despite his surprise and slight embarrassment at the conversation.
"W-What do you mean... the hardest? Like, the most intense?"
"Yeah.. I'm 90% certain that uhm.. thaaaaaat uhhhh..."
Ari says trailing off while looking at Carmine
Carmine blushed furiously as she realized what Ari was alluding to, and the implications of that statement. She also had a sneaky feeling that Kieran might be listening in on their conversation right now, and it made her even more self-conscious.
"A-Ari, are you trying to say what I think you're trying to say...?" she asked, her voice low and a bit shaky.
"I'm 90 percent cert-"
Ari hangs up abruptly and turns off his phone
Kieran lets out a small sigh as the phone call suddenly cuts off, and his face flushes red as he realizes that Ari had most likely just confessed to... something very intimate. He's a little surprised as the phone call abruptly ends, and he's left wondering just what the two of them were talking about.
"SORRY CARMINE!! I got nervous!!"
Carmine sighs and shakes her head, trying to calm herself down. She's a bit flustered and still blushing, but she can't help but let out a small laugh at Ari's apology.
"It's okay, don't worry about it," she says, giving him a slight smile. "I get it, I would've been nervous too if I knew Kieran was listening in on us talking like that."
"Did you even know where I was getting at?"
Carmine blushes furiously as she thinks back to the moment when the phone call ended. She's almost certain she knows what Ari was getting at, but she's a bit embarrassed to say it out loud.
"Umm... W-Well, I'm pretty sure I have a good idea of what you were implying..." she says, her voice low and a bit flustered.
"Yeah... 90% certain your Pregnant...."
Carmine's eyes widen in shock, and her face flushes even more as she hears those words. She hadn't been expecting to hear that. She had been a bit worried about that being the case, but hearing it said out loud like that is a little terrifying.
"P-Pregnant...?" she stammers, her voice shaky.
"Y-yeah, we were joking about it back at the hotel..."
Carmine's heart pounds as she thinks back to the conversation they had back at the hotel. They were just joking, right? It couldn't possibly be true, could it? The very thought of being pregnant is a bit overwhelming, and she's not sure she's ready for that...
"Y-You were just joking, right? It can't possibly be true..." she says, her voice unsure and a bit scared.
Ari blushes greatly as he tries to hide it with his top-hat
"Please tell me you've told your grandparents about us being in a relationship!"
Carmine shakes her head, her heart still pounding.
"N-No... They don't know about us yet," she admits, her voice still a bit shaky."It's not that I don't want to tell them, it's just... I don't know how they'll react when they find out that I'm in a relationship with you, and especially that we're engaged..."
Ari puts his hands onto his face
"Carmine..."
Carmine looks away, her heart still racing. She can tell that Ari is upset with her for not telling her grandparents yet.
"I know, I know... I should've told them by now, but... I'm just afraid of how they'll react," she says,"They're old-fashioned and traditional, and they have certain expectations for me. I don't think they'll take the news well..."
"We are getting married in 4 weeks!.. and you could be pregnant... What. The. Fuck?"
Carmine feels herself grow anxious at the realization of everything that's happening. The wedding, the possibility of being pregnant, her grandparents not knowing about any of it...
"I know, I know... It's all happening so fast, and there's so much going on, and I haven't told my grandparents, and... what if I'm pregnant, oh my Arceus... I just... I don't know what to do..."
"Well for Fred fucks sake!!.. I'm 24 and you're 18!... Even though you said yes without hesitation when I proposed.. What idea do you think they're gonna get about me? You’re grandfather fucking HATES me!!.... ESPECIALLY when they find out about our 'clothing' purchase?"
Carmine sighs, realizing that Ari has a point. Her grandparents will definitely have some assumptions and opinions about her getting engaged at such a young age, and they'll certainly have some thoughts and opinions about the more... intimate aspects of their relationship, especially her grandfather. She knows damn well that he'll likely jump to conclusions and assume the worst.
"I know... they're going to have all sorts of thoughts and opinions about us, and they're not going to hold back. I just... don't know how to approach the topic with them," she says, her voice low and anxious.
Ari leans backwards onto his train seat
"Carmine!.. My dick is good, but it ain't THAT good.."
Carmine's face flushes red as she hears Ari say that. She knows that her grandparents will probably jump to assuming the worst, and it's a bit embarrassing to think about.
"I know, Ari... and that's part of the problem. They're going to assume the worst and think I'm some kind of... floozy or something." she says, her voice a bit flustered.
"Carmine!!!.. They're gonna think I'm a sexual predator or some shite!!"
Carmine sighs again, her heart feeling like it's in her throat. The thought of her grandparents assuming such terrible things about Ari is incredibly distressing. She knows that they'll likely jump to the worst conclusions about him.
"I know, I know... and they're going to have a lot of negative opinions about you, and I don't want them to think that way about you. You're a good, kind person, and you've been nothing but sweet and caring with me. But I just... I don't know how to tell them. It's so... daunting."
"I understand!.. I'd never take advantage of you unless you wanted it!.. You know this, I know this, Kieran, knows this, Briar... uh.. probably knows this.. Everyone does!!"
Carmine nods, her heart still racing.
"Yes, I know this. I trust you, I really do. I know you'd never do anything to hurt me or take advantage of me. It's just... My grandparents are very traditional and old-fashioned, and they have very strict ideas about relationships and what's appropriate for someone my age. I'm just worried about how they'll react when they find out we're engaged and that we've... been intimate together..."
"I mean... Worse case scenario.. They kick you out and you move in with me!.. Now that I think of it?.. You should fuck your relationship up, Then I get to see you everyday!.."
Carmine lets out a small, nervous laugh. Even though Ari is trying to lighten the mood, the thought of being disowned by her grandparents and having to move in with him is still terrifying to her.
"I guess you're right... it wouldn't be the end of the world if they kicked me out and I had to move in with you. But I'd still be devastated if my grandparents disowned me. They're family, after all.. And I’m NOT ruining my relationship with my grandparents because you wanna see me everyday, not that’ll stop you from trying to see me everyday.."
Ari holds her comfortingly
"Oh.. Carms.."
Carmine relaxes a bit as Ari holds her. His presence and comfort is like a lifeline, and she takes a deep breath, trying to calm down a little.
"I know... I just... I love my grandparents. They mean the world to me, and I don't want to lose them. Even though I know they can be judgmental and traditional, they're still my family, and I don't want to disappoint them or cause them pain..."
"Sweetie, I understand you love them.. I really do.. I've shown what I'd believe is nothing but, honest genuine care for your consent and safety.. I'd never put you in harm's way if you didn't want to... I've never cheated, I've never hit you, I'd never overwork you, I'd never scare you... And if your grandparents can't see that I've shown nothing but utmost care and support for you and Kieran.. Then fuck them!!"
Carmine nods, her heart feeling a little lighter as she listens to Ari's words. She knows that he truly cares for her and would never do anything to hurt her. She knows that he's always put her safety and comfort above everything else.
"You're right... I know you're right. You've been nothing but kind and supportive to me, and I don't doubt that you'll continue to be that way. It's just... My grandparents can be so stubborn and set in their ways. I'm just worried about what they might say or do if they don't approve of us being together..."
Ari lets go of her
"Well.. before we do anything remotely related to them!... We both got to get into some normal attire and not 'this'"
Ari says pointing out both of there slutty outfits
Carmine nods and lets out a small laugh at Ari's comment. She knows that he had a point. Their current outfits are definitely not the most appropriate for meeting the grandparents.
"Yeah, you're absolutely right! We definitely need to change into something more... normal. I don't think my grandparents would approve of us if we showed up wearing these." she says, looking down at her own outfit with a slight chuckle.
"Yeaah..."
A little while later, Carmine and Ari arrive back in Kitakami, both wearing casual, normal clothing. Carmine still feels a bit nervous about the prospect of having to tell her grandparents about Ari, but she tries to put on a brave face as Carmine, Kieran and Ari are prepping themselves. At the current moment, Ari is trying to look his best, or at least half decent in front of a mirror in Carmine's room
"Fuck! Do I look good?.. Do I smell like nicotine? Do I look too much like a delinquent or drug dealer?!"
Kieran laughs, amused by Ari's sudden self-doubt.
"Calm down, man. You look fine. No one's going to think you're a delinquent or drug dealer. And I don't smell any nicotine on you."
"Good!"
Ari speed walks to the door
"I'm ready! Are you two ready?"
Kieran and Carmine exchange a glance before nodding.
"Ready as we'll ever be," Kieran replies, letting out a nervous sigh.
Carmine takes a deep breath before nodding as well, steeling her nerves.
"Yeah, let's do this."
The trio descends the stairs, their footsteps echoing through the house. Carmine's heart is pounding in her chest, anticipation and dread building with each step. She glances over at Kieran, noticing the slight twitch in his eye that betrays his own nerves.
Ari looks as if he's sweating bullets and as on edge as he was back in the war
Kieran notices Ari's worried expression and reaches out to give him a gentle pat on the back.
"Hey, you're going to be okay," he reassures his friend, trying to mask his own nervousness.
Carmine reaches for Ari's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She gives him a small smile, trying to be brave for him.
"Ari takes some deep breathes Fuck!, what's there names again?"
Ari calmly whispers at the two
Carmine glances at him with a slight smirk at his forgetfulness.
"Seriously? They're your future in-laws, and you already forgot their names?" She teases him gently, trying to lighten the mood.
Kieran quietly whispers back to Ari, keeping the conversation between the three of them.
"Grandpa's name is Yukito, and Grandma's name is Hideko."
Ari looks at Kieran
"Thank you Kieran.. Literally would have never guessed that."
Ari quietly whispers before looking back at Carmine
"And sweetie, I literally only talked to them like?.. 8 or 9 times throughout our entire relationship. Give me a break."
Ari whispers a little irritated while trying to keep calm as they continue down the stairs
Kieran chuckles at Ari's response. He pats him on the shoulder, amused by his friend's forgetfulness.
Carmine grins, raising an eyebrow at Ari.
"You've only met them 8 or 9 times, huh? And yet here you are, about to officially join the family through marriage."
"Carmine! All three of us gotta survive this first, then wait about 4 or so weeks until the marriage takes place!"
Ari whisper yells
Carmine lets out a small laugh at Ari's whispered yell.
"Alright, alright, I get it. One step at a time. First, we survive this, and then we worry about the actual ceremony later."
Kieran quietly chimes in, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness.
"Just try not to faint from anxiety before we even get downstairs, okay man?"
"Alright..."
The three of them descend the stairs, their footsteps growing louder and more pronounced as they approach the downstairs.
Carmine grips Kieran's hand tightly, her palm sweaty from the nerves. She glances over at Ari, taking in his pale complexion.
Kieran, on the other hand, seems calmer compared to the other two, but there's a subtle twitch in his eye that belies his own uneasiness. He gives Ari's shoulder a reassuring pat, trying to maintain a cool exterior.
Ari continues to calmly breathe to himself
As the trio makes it to the bottom of the stairs, they see Carmine's grandparents sitting in the living room. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the grandparents engaged in conversation with each other.
Kieran leans in to whisper to Ari again.
"Alright, man. Time to bite the bullet," he says, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Alrighty!..."
Ari get's behind the two
"You two walk out there first!..."
Kieran raises an eyebrow at Ari's request for them to go first, but he just shrugs and walks alongside Carmine towards the living room.
As they step into the room, their presence is immediately noticed by the grandparents. Yukito and Hideko look up at the pair, their expressions warm and welcoming.
Hideko is the first to speak, her voice filled with genuine affection for the duo.
"Ah, Carmine and Kieran! We were just talking about you two. Come join us."
Ari still behind the staircase whispers to Carmine
"Do I come out or stay?!"
Carmine gives Ari a glance over her shoulder, considering his question. She shoots him a reassuring smile before replying in a whisper.
"It's okay, you can come out now. They're not going to bite, I promise."
"Fuck my soul... Here goes literally everything!"
Ari scoffs quietly to himself
"Hello! Hideko and Yukito! It's nice to see you two again!"
Ari says trying to keep a warm smile while tipping his top-hat while walking out from behind the staircase
Fuck!? Was that too formal!?.. Arceus damn it, the Flystone bloodlines ending with me!
Hideko looks up as Ari steps out from behind the staircase, her expressions warm and pleased at the sight of him meanwhile Yukito groans lightly with Ari being the last person he wanted to see.
Yukito gives him a friendly smile, a hint of amusement in his eyes as he tries to keep his patience with Ari.
Hideko: "Ah, Ari! It's good to see you too."
Hideko adds with a gentle nod, her voice filled with warmth.
"Yes, it's been a while since we've last seen you."
Ari confirms with his usual formal mix of snarkiness that he loves to piss off Yukito with
Well hot damn! Maybe the bloodline isn't ending with me!! :D
Hideko motions for Ari to come sit down with them.
"Why don't you come and join us?" she invites, gesturing to an empty chair. Yukito grudgingly nods in agreement after Hideko sends him a quick glare.
Kieran takes a seat on the couch, his earlier nervousness masked by a seemingly casual demeanor. He glances at Ari, silently giving him a thumbs up.
"Of-course!... I would be honored..."
Ari takes a seat right next to Carmine, sitting with cross legs and his hands on top of his legs, still trying to hold a warm smile
Hideko and Yukito exchange a knowing look as Ari sits down next to Carmine, his nervousness still apparent despite his attempts to maintain a warm smile.
After a moment, Hideko, the ever-observant one, speaks up.
Hideko "You seem a bit on edge, dear. Is everything alright?"
"Oh I'm perfectly fine my dear!.. Just a bit lost in thought..."
He claims as he continues to eye Yukito with a bit of rivalry in deciding Carmine’s future
Yukito smirks a little, his eyes sparkling with a hint of knowing as he hums a tad bit annoying as he leans forward slightly, his tone playful and slightly teasing.
Yukito "Lost in thought, hm? Care to share what's got you so distracted?"
Fuck, the old bat’s pretty observe, I'll give him that!
"Oh, I'm just thinking of what Carmine should do now that she's gonna do with her life now!"
Hideko chuckles softly, her eyes turning to Carmine.
Hideko: "Ah, yes, it's true that Carmine is at a pivotal point in her life. Have you given it any thought, dear?"
"Yes Carmine!.. Tell us.. Only if you’re comfortable.."
Ari says warmly patting her back while smiling
Carmine sits a bit awkwardly in her seat, feeling the spotlight on her as her grandparents turn their attention to her.
She takes a deep breath before responding, her voice wavering slightly.
"Well, I... I've been thinking about my future. I'm not entirely sure what I want to do yet, but I'm exploring some options."
Ari proceeds to rub her back in comfort
"It's perfectly fine to not of be in the know what to pursue!.. It's normal to feel an urge to ponder on what path you want to pursue!"
Carmine nods, appreciating Ari's comforting gesture and his reassuring words.
She shoots him a grateful smile, her nerves calming just a little bit.
Hideko, noticing Carmine's unease, chimes in.
Hideko: "Yes, indeed. There's no rush, dear. Take your time to explore different possibilities and find what truly speaks to your heart."
Ari looks back at the grandparents
"Say... Before I interrupted. What were you gonna tell Carmine and Kieran?"
Yukito chuckles, his eyes glimmering with warmth and a tinge of protectiveness and guarding. "We were just discussing our little Carmine's future. She always was such a talented and promising young one. He gazes fondly at Carmine, pride and affection evident.
Hideko laughs softly, her eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement. She looks at Kieran and Ari.
"And of-course, we were talking about Kieran too."
"That's good to hear!.. The future is ever arriving!.. It ain't slowing down any slower!"
Yukito chuckles in agreement, a hint of wisdom in his eyes, it’s hella evident in Ari that he’s trying to hold the urge to not try and choke him out as he smugly grins.
"Indeed, time waits for no one. But that's all the more reason to make the most of it and pursue what truly brings us joy and fulfillment."
Ari shots quick looks at Carmine and Kieran
Fuck! Someone gonna have to bite the bullet, and it ain't gonna be me!
Kieran and Carmine exchange subtle glances, silently communicating with each other. It seems like they're both silently hoping the other will step up and say something first.
Meanwhile, Hideko and Yukito are blissfully unaware of the growing tension in the room, still waiting patiently for someone to speak.
Ari looks back at the two siblings
Please! One of you two rip the band-aid, It'll be less awkward and might go smoother if it ain't me!
Carmine and Kieran continue to silently plead with each other, neither wanting to be the one to deliver the news.
After a few moments of awkward silence, Carmine sighs and finally speaks up.
"Actually... there is something we need to tell you."
Ari sighs in relief and looks at Carmine
Thank you Carmine! I owe you one in bed!
Carmine shoots Ari a quick, subtle glare, silently communicating"Not now, not in front of my grandparents!"
Yukito and Hideko look at Carmine with a hint of curiosity.
Yukito: "Oh? What is it, my dear?"
Ari looks back at Carmine with a slight smug
You know a relationships deep when you can read other-another facial features as full sentences~
Carmine rolls her eyes at Ari's smug expression but can't help but feel a flutter in her chest at his ability to understand her body language.
Hideko and Yukito wait patiently for Carmine to continue, their eyes filled with curious anticipation.
Ari gives her a concern look of reassurances
“Take as much time as you need! You have me and Kieran to back you up when needed! And DON'T MENTION ANYTHING RELATED TO CHILD unless it's expressing wanting a child! I said you 're pregnant as an empty joke! It's not set in stone till about 10 days after sex! Promise!”
Carmine nods, taking a deep breath and steeling her nerves. She glances at Ari, silently grateful for his reassurance and the fact that he hasn't said anything about a potential pregnancy yet.
She turns her attention back to her grandparents, her voice filled with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
"I... I have something important to share with you."
Ari gives the grandparents a warm smile while resting his hand onto her lap and patting it a little
Yukito and Hideko exchange a curious glance, noticing Ari's reassuring gesture.
Yukito: "Please, go on, dear. You have our full attention."
Arceus! This is gonna go really well, or really bad!
Carmine takes a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she gathers her thoughts. She can feel everyone's eyes on her, waiting for her to speak.
Kieran gives her an encouraging nod, silently signaling that she has their support.
"Well... the thing is... I..."
Ari leans into her ear and whispers
"Go ahead dear, Your fiancé and Kieran are here for you..."
Carmine takes another deep breath, feeling a bit more calmed by Ari's whispered reassurances.
She looks at her grandparents with a mix of nervousness and determination.
"Grandpa, Grandma... there's something that I've been wanting to tell you for a while now."
Ari pats her lap for comfort and whispers again
"Stay strong love... You got this.."
Carmine takes a deep breath, feeling a bit more supported by Ari's encouraging gestures and words. She glances at him, silently thanking him for his unwavering support.
She then turns her attention back to her grandparents, her voice growing firmer, but still laced with a hint of nervousness.
"I've made a decision about my life, and I wanted to share it with you."
Ari continues to whisper
"I'm right by your side dearest!.. I'm not leaving it.. I love you.."
Carmine's heart swells at Ari's words, his unwavering support giving her the final push of confidence she needs.
She takes a deep breath and finally voices the decision that has been weighing on her mind.
Carmine "I... I've decided to move out. Permanently."
Well shite! That's not what I thought she was gonna say
Yukito and Hideko's eyes widen in surprise at Carmine's announcement as he spits a bit of his tea in disbelief.
Yukito: "Oh! Really? Why, if I may ask?"
Hideko: "Where do you plan on going, my dear?"
Ari is sweating slightly while trying to hold a smile
Yep!.. He comes the shite storm!
Carmine takes another deep breath, mentally preparing herself for her grandparents' response. She glances at both of them, her voice filled with a mixture of determination and nervousness.
"Well, I... I've decided to move out of Kitakami and start living on my own."
Yukito and Hideko exchange glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern.
Fuck! Please don't push it! Please don't push it!
Yukito leans forward, a hint of concern in his voice.
Yukito: "Oh, that's quite a decision, my dear. Have you given it a lot of thought? What about your future plans?"
Hideko nods in agreement, her eyes studying Carmine's expression.
Ari shoots her a concern and sweaty look
Carmine, I thought you were gonna tell them you're getting married, not moving out!?.. I mean I'm extremely happy we're moving in, don't get me wrong but. Was this the best thing to say??
Carmine shoots Ari a quick, subtle glance, her expression a mixture of nervousness and slight panic. She silently mouths"I got this." to him, trying to signal that she has a plan in mind.
She turns back to her grandparents, her voice trying to maintain a confident tone.
"I... I've thought about it a lot, and I'm sure about this decision. I want to start my own life on my own terms."
Ari nods in approval of said plan
Alright my little Build a bear! What you cookin up?
Carmine silently lets out a sigh of relief, grateful that Ari is going along with her plan.
She continues, her voice gaining more confidence
Carmine "You see, I've always wanted to live independently and explore the world. And I believe I'm ready to embark on this journey on my own."
She glances at Ari and Kieran, silently thanking them for their support. Then she looks back at her grandparents.
Ari decides to play dumb as he stretches in a causal manner
"You know?.. I think we let her give it a shot!.. She want's a life outside of Kitakami, and she's 18!.. So, who's to judge?.."
Ari looks at Kieran and smirks while nodding to back them up
Kieran nods, understanding what Ari is trying to do.
Kieran "Yeah, I agree. Carmine is a strong and capable young woman. And she's old enough to make her own decisions."
Yukito and Hideko look at the duo, then back at Carmine. They exchange glances, considering their words.
"And if it's too much!.. You'll always let her move in with you two and Kieran again right?"
Yukito nods, a hint of pride in his eyes.
Yukito: "Of-course, we'll always welcome Carmine back with open arms if she ever needs a safe place to return to, and hopefully without you."
He mutters the last part as Ari rolls is eyes and bristles lightly
Hideko adds a hint of affection in her voice.
Hideko: "Our home is always open to her. She's our granddaughter, after all."
Ari warmly smiles still playing dumb
"I'm glad you could support Carmine's idea to move out... And Don't you two worry! I'll keep a Close eye on her. And make sure, she stays safe for you two!"
Ari says as he looks and winks in Carmine's direction
Carmine shoots Ari a subtle look of gratitude for playing along. She silently mouths "Thanks" before turning back to his grandparents.
Yukito and Hideko look at Ari, their expressions softening at his offer and the genuine concern for Carmine's well-being.
Yukito: "Sigh Well, I may not be supportive of you around my granddaughter, but I still appreciate your promise to look after my granddaughter."
Hideko smiles warmly at both of them.
Hideko: "It's reassuring to know she'll have someone like you looking out for her."
Ari stands up
"Now If you'll excuse me!.. I gotta catch a plane back to Galar... It was nice talking to all of you again!"
Yukito stands up as well, and responds sarcastically and is glad Ari’s leaving his house.
Yukito: "Yeah yeah of-course, it was a pleasure having you here. Safe travels back to Galar."
Hideko stands up too, her eyes filled with affection.
Hideko: "Please come visit us again soon. We always enjoy your company."
Kieran nods in agreement, also standing up.
"Yeah, don't be a stranger. Take care, man."
"I will!.."
Ari leaves the house and shuts the door behind him
Yukito and Hideko watch as Ari leaves, Hideko expression filled with affection for the young man.
Hideko:"He's a good kid, isn't he?"
Yukito grumbles once again as he rolls his eyes
Yukito: “Arceus, I’m glad he’s gone..”
Ari pulls out his Rotom Phone and sends Carmine a text
You wanna hang out in ur room~?
Carmine grabs her Rotom phone, reading the text from Ari. She glances around to make sure her grandparents aren't watching, then discreetly replies.
Sounds good. My room, 5 minutes. Be discreet.
Ari texts back urgently
Got it M8
Carmine puts her phone away, casually making up an excuse of needing to grab something to her grandparents. She sneaks up to her room, being careful not to attract any attention. Once she's safely inside her room, she checks her phone again and waits for Ari to arrive.
Ari took this time to get some snacks at Peachy's and sneaks back up through Carmine's upstairs Porch
Hearing footsteps outside her room, Carmine turns her attention to the porch. She sees Ari sneaking in through the window and silently lets him in.
"You're lucky my grandparents are downstairs. They almost heard you."
Ari walks up to Carmine and gives her a warm hug. Carmine gladly sinks into the hug, wrapping her arms around him and squeezing him tight. She buries her head into his chest, taking in his warmth and comfort.
"I'm so glad you're here."
Ari rests his head on top of hers
"And I'm glad we're gonna move in together~."
Carmine looks up at him, a smile on her face.
"Me too. I can't wait to start this new chapter with you."
She pulls away slightly, but keeps her arms around him.
"But you know we have to keep it a secret for now."
"I'm aware, my dear. Say, that was a really good plan though!.. You're quite the smart cookie, you know that?"
Carmine can't help but feel a bit smug at the compliment, a hint of pride in her eyes.
"Thanks. It was the best idea I could come up with on the spot."
She nuzzles her head against his chest again, relishing in his embrace.
"But I wouldn't have been able to pull it off without you."
Ari kisses her head
"Anytime love."
Carmine closes her eyes, enjoying the feeling of his lips on her head.
"You always know how to make me feel better."
She pulls back slightly, looking up at him with a hint of mischief in her eyes.
"You up for a bit of a distraction?"

A couple of weeks pass, and Carmine and Ari are fully moved in together in Ari's decently large house in a forest passage very near Hulbury in Galar. Their new house in Hulbury provided them with a quieter and more private setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Carmine took a step back, admiring the progress they had made in making the place their own. The house felt like a cozy little getaway from the world, a safe haven for the two of them to start their life together.
Ari walks up to her and holds her hand
"It's perfect right?"
Carmine intertwines her fingers with his, a satisfied smile on her face.
"It's more than perfect. It's ours."
She looks around the living room, taking in the warm and inviting atmosphere, the way they had chosen to decorate the space with their personal touch.
"I can't wait to make countless memories here with you."
Ari reaches down and kisses her cheek
"I can't wait to have kids and marry you~. I love you so much Carmine."
A soft blush spreads across Carmine's cheeks as he plants a kiss on her cheek. Her heart skips a beat at his words, the mention of marriage and starting a family, two things she had only dared to dream about before now. She turns to him, her eyes glimmering with affection and love.
"I love you too, Ari. More than anything. And I can't wait to marry you and build a beautiful life together, with our future children and all the adventures that come with it."
Ari chuckles warmly as he gives her a knowing smirk "Speaking of which... I don't think we took that pregnancy test yet..."
Carmine freezes at his words, a sudden mixture of excitement and nervousness washing over her. She hadn't forgotten about the pregnancy test, but in the midst of the move and settling in, it had slipped her mind.
"You're right. We haven't... we should take it now."
"Yes... I left one on the table over there..."
Ari points at the table
Carmine follows his pointed gaze to the table, where a solitary pregnancy test sits, a small but significant symbol of their possible future.
"Right... it's right there."
She takes a deep breath, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart. Her hands trembled slightly as she picked up the test, her mind swirling with both anticipation and anxiety.
"I'll be sitting over here.. Take as much time as you need!.."
Ari walks over and sits down. Carmine nods, appreciating his understanding and supportive nature. She takes a deep breath, gathering herself. She needs a moment alone to process her emotions.
"Okay... I'll go and take the test... I won't be long."
With that, she heads towards the bathroom, locking the door behind her, leaving Ari waiting anxiously outside.
Ari leans backwards onto the couch and starts thinking "Is Carmine truly ready for this? I mean... She's 18. Does she even know what having a child can hold?... Not even just raising one!.. Having one in your stomach brings a lot of challenges!.. It's just a lot to up-hold.... I may be 24 and experienced in a lot of things and topics... But... I don't even think I'm ready, and I do want this possible child but. I just don't wanna fuck up.. I'll never get over myself if I ruin this child's life because we weren't ready...
In the bathroom, Carmine sits on the toilet, staring anxiously at the pregnancy test in her hand. Her mind was just as much of a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts.
Is she truly ready for this? Can she handle the responsibility of bringing a new life into the world? What if she's not cut out for motherhood? Doubts and fears raced through her mind, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.
But amidst all the chaos, a flicker of determination and excitement remained. She had always harbored a secret desire for a family of her own someday, and deep down, she felt a strong connection with the potential life growing inside her
A few minutes of consideration between the two spiral out in their minds... Are the two both ready for this?. The silence in the house was deafening. Ari's thoughts continued to race, his mind grappling with the enormity of the potential decision they were facing.
Meanwhile, Carmine sat in the bathroom, staring at the test in front of her. She tried to calm her racing heart, to think logically, but the emotional turmoil within her was overwhelming. The weight of the decision they were faced with seemed overwhelming...but also strangely exciting
A few more minutes pass by as Carmine finally walks out. Ari jumps up off of the couch in a very fast motion
"Sooo... How it go?..."
Carmine steps out of the bathroom, her face betraying a mix of nervousness and anticipation. She grips the pregnancy test tightly in her hand as she approaches Ari.
Her voice is softer than usual, almost a whisper
"Ari... can you come here for a moment? I... I need to show you something."
Ari responds with an equal whisper
"Of-course..."
As Ari draws closer, Carmine holds out the pregnancy test, her hand trembling slightly. Her heart beats faster, anticipating his reaction. She watches his face intently, waiting for any sign of how he might react.
"I... I took the test."
"And?.. How it go?.."
Ari questions, roaring with hope and slight excitement to hear the news he wants to hear. The news of if he’s gonna be a father or not
Carmine takes a deep breath, gathering her courage to deliver the news. She looks at Ari, her eyes filled with a mixture of nervousness and hope.
"Ari... the test... it's positive."
Ari warmly smiles as he gasps, shedding a couple of tears of joy as he tries to keep himself composed as he cups his mouth with shocked hesitation
“Carmine…”
Seeing Ari's emotional reaction, Carmine's own emotions come spilling out. Tears well up in her eyes, streaming down her face as relief, joy, and a touch of fear wash over her. Her voice trembles as she speaks
"Ari... I'm... I'm pregnant. We're going to be parents..."
Ari’ heart almost drops from sheer excitement and absolute happiness, the fact that he’s gonna be a father with the women of his dreams fills him with pride as he walks over to her and wraps his arms around her and holds her close, crying a little more with overemotional glee
"We're gonna start a family.. I'm gonna start a family with you.. I've never felt more happy in my life.."
Carmine buries her face into his chest, her tears mixing with his as she lets out a mixture of sobs and laughter.
"I can't believe it... I never thought this would happen so soon. But... I'm so happy, Ari. I'm so happy we're going to have a family together."
She clings to him tightly, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude for the man who's about to become the father of her child
"This right here... Is my proudest achievement... Even more than becoming Galar Champion.. Having a child with my truest love..."
Carmine looks up at him, her eyes sparkling with tears and love. She reaches up, wiping the tears away from his face with her fingers.
"I feel the same way, Ari. This baby... they're going to be the most precious gift we've ever received."
She stands on her tiptoes, her voice soft and loving
"You're going to be an incredible father, you know that?"
Ari lays his forehead onto her forehead
"And you're gonna be the best mother... You're caring, motherly, you have a genuine kind heart and are great with Pokémon and the other younger kids back in Kitakami... You're gonna be the best mother for ours..."
Carmine melts into his touch, his words warming her heart like a ray of sunlight. A small, tearful smile forms on her lips.
"Thank you, Ari... that means so much to me... I've always wanted to be a mother someday, but I never thought it would happen so soon... and with you, the man I love more than anything..."
She looks into his eyes, her voice filled with a mixture of love and determination
"I'll do whatever it takes to be the best mother I can be for our child... for our family."
Ari gives her a quick kiss on the lips
"I know you'll do anything, and so will I as the father of our miracle..."
Carmine returns his quick kiss, her lips lingering against his. Her heart flutters at his words. She presses her forehead against his once more, gazing into his eyes.
"We're in this together, Ari... as partners, as a couple, and now as parents."
She gently rests her hand on her currently flat stomach, a hint of excitement and awe in her eyes
"We're going to create a wonderful life for our baby. I can feel it."
"I agree full heartedly... We're gonna be the greatest parents... I couldn't be more grateful for it to be with you..."
Carmine leans into his embrace, feeling safe and loved in his arms. She traces her fingers lightly along his chest, her touch gentle and filled with affection.
"I couldn't ask for a better partner in this journey, Ari. It's going to be challenging, I'm sure, but having you by my side makes me feel like I can handle anything."
A small, tearful laugh escapes her
"I wonder if our baby will inherit your stubbornness. If so, we might have our hands full."
Ari snickers lightly before rolling his eyes
"I'm more worried about our child getting your submissiveness than that..."
Carmine playfully smacks his chest, a lighthearted glint in her eyes.
"Hey, watch it! I can be feisty when I want to be."
She lifts her chin defiantly, feigning offense.
"Are you saying you don't like my submissiveness? I'll have you know, it has its perks."
"It does... It allows me to do whatever I want to you and you won't complain!"
Ari says as he grabs her chest in a playfully dementor
Carmine gasps, her face turning bright red at his unexpected action. She tries to appear indignant, but a small, coy smile plays at the corners of her lips.
"Hey! Watch your hands!"
Her voice is teasing as she tries to push his hand away, though she doesn't put up too much resistance.
"You can't just do whatever you want to me, you know. I'm not some defenseless bunny."
Ari proceeds to push hands deeper
"Your so full of shite honey~"
Ari says with a hint of lust
Carmine's breath catches in her throat as he pushes his hands deeper. She looks up at him, her eyes hooded and darkened with a mix of desire and annoyance. Her voice comes out in a playful protest, though there's a clear hint of anticipation in her tone.
"Hey now, don't get cocky... just because I'm not resisting doesn't mean you can do whatever you want..."
She tries to keep a defiant look on her face, though her body involuntarily betrays her, reacting to his touch.
Ari snickers a little as he digs his hand up her turtleneck sweater
"You know this facade ain't workin on me anytime soon hun~"
A shiver runs through Carmine's entire body as his hand slips under her sweater. Her breath hitches and her eyes flutter shut for a moment.
She bites her lip, trying desperately to maintain her defiant stance, but she's losing the battle faster than she'd like to admit. Her voice is weaker now, filled with a mixture of annoyance and arousal.
"Sh-shut up... I can still put up a fight if I want to..."
Ari picks her up and puts her on top of a table
Carmine lets out a small gasp as he lifts her up and places her on the table. She's momentarily taken off guard by his assertive move, but the excitement and anticipation is evident in her eyes. She tries to feign annoyance, but her legs automatically wrap around his waist, drawing him closer to her.
She attempts to maintain her defiant demeanor, but her voice is shaky as she speaks
"You're... you're not playing fair..."
Ari grits his teeth as he pulls her sweater off her body and places his hands onto the lower half of her torso
"You know I've never been one to play by the rules~"
Ari says with a thick Galar accent licking his lips in a seductive manner
Carmine gasps as she feels his hands on her now exposed torso, her stomach clenching involuntarily. The sound of his thick Galarian accent further ignites the fire burning within her.
She shivers as his tongue darts out, feeling his gaze on her, his intentions clear. She tries in vain to maintain her defiant facade, but her body betrays her once again, arching into his touch in a silent plea for more.
"No... you never do.... but you really know how to push my buttons..."
Ari proceeds to seductively tap his fingers all across her body while he giggles
"You know damn well you ain't getting this from any other man OR women from all across the known Regions~"
A soft moan escapes her lips as his teasing fingers explore her body, each touch sending a jolt of pleasure through her. She struggles to keep her composure, but his words and touch are affecting her more than she'd care to admit.
"I... I know that..." She whispers, her voice filled with both annoyance and desire."You're the most stubborn, cocky, persistent man I've ever met..."
She leans forward, pressing her body against his, her eyes locked on his as she adds"And I wouldn't want anyone else..."
"I know this..."
Ari leans her down onto the table in quick succession as he climbs on top of her and the table
"Your my bitch~"
Ari says in a dominant, yet buttery smooth Galarian accent
Carmine's breath hitches as she finds herself beneath him, feeling the weight of his body on top of hers. The combination of his dominant tone and the silky smoothness of his accent has a deep, almost primal effect on her. Her body responds instinctively, arching into his touch, silently submitting to his control.
A shaky breath escapes her lips as she looks up at him, her eyes darkened with a mix of desire and surrender
"I am... all yours..."
A series of soft moans and gasps escape Carmine's lips as he gives into his desires, exploring her body with both his mind and actions. She clings to the table, her mind a whirl of sensation, her body responding to his every touch. The feel of him above her, the sound of his voice as he whispers sensual words in her ear, everything combining to fuel the fire burning within her.
She reaches up, her hands tangling in his hair, pulling him closer, wanting to feel more of him, her body arching up towards him.
Carmine eagerly meets his lips, returning the kiss with a mixture of passion and need. Her arms wrap around his neck, pulling him closer, her tongue tangling with his as they explore each other's mouths. Her body arches up towards him, seeking more of his touch, her breath coming in quick, heated pants.
As the kiss deepens, she feels herself losing all sense of restraint, her mind clouded with desire. She moans softly into his mouth, her body pressed flush against his.
Ari moans grow louder once he digs his tongue deeper into Carmine's mouth, enjoying each-others embrace and the fact that they are only each-others and no one else's.
Carmine meets his tongue with her own, her hands roaming over his body, exploring every inch of him as if she could never get enough. Her body responds to him with a hunger that's almost primal, her hips arching up against him, seeking more of his touch, of his possessiveness.
She breaks the kiss for a moment, her voice shaky as she speaks, her breath ragged."I... I need you... so bad... right now... please..."
Ari breaks the kiss and smirks before, lifting her off the table and raising her left leg into the air and resting it on his left arm
"Whatcha need darling~"
Ari says in a dominant thick Galarian accent
Carmine lets out a gasp as he lifts her off the table, her breath hitching at the change in position. The feel of her leg resting on his arm sends a bolt of heat through her body, her heart racing with anticipation. She looks up at him, her eyes darkened by desire, her body trembling with need. His voice, deep and commanding, sends a shiver down her spine.
She struggles to form words, her mind clouded with pleasure and need. Her voice comes out in a breathless whine,"I... I need you... all of you... now..."
Ari chillingly chuckles
"If that's your wish..."
Ari says lustfully while unbuttoning her short shorts and pulls them down and taking off her glasses and putting them aside on the table
"Your wish is my command honey bun~"
Ari says shining out his thick Galar accent some more
Her body trembles as she feels her shorts being gently pulled down, the cool air causing her skin to prickle. Her vision is slightly blurred without her glasses, but she feels the intensity of his gaze on her. The sound of his voice, laced with desire and possessiveness, makes her weak in the knees.
She bites her lip, her body responding to his words and touch, her voice low and needy as she whispers,
"Yes... I want you... so much... please..."
She clings to him as he scoops him into his arms, feeling the strength of his arms as he lifts her onto the couch, a mixture of anticipation and excitement coursing through her. The feeling of him carrying her, so effortlessly, only serves to heighten her desire for him even more. She looks up at him as he places her on the couch, her body already aching for his touch.
She reaches up, her hands sliding over his chest, her voice filled with a mixture of need and surrender as she whispers,"Please... don't make me wait... I need you..."
Ari takes off his white dress shirt, to reveal the toned body, battle scars, and Corviknight tattoo once again
Her breath hitches as he removes his shirt, her eyes taking in the expanse of his bare chest. The sight of his toned muscles, the scars that tell stories of his battles, the Corviknight tattoo that marks his body, it all serves to further stoke the fire of her desire. Her eyes rove over him, appreciating every inch of him, her body reacting to his display of strength and masculinity.
She reaches up, her hands tracing along his chest, her touch gentle but filled with longing."You're so beautiful..."
Ari snickers a little as he adjusts the suspenders on his pants before laying on top of her
"Tell somthin I don't know hun~"
She lets out a small gasp as he positions himself on top of her, his body on hers stirring a maelstrom of sensation within her. She looks up at him, her eyes darkened with desire, her heart racing with anticipation. Her hands slide around his neck, pulling him closer, her voice low and breathless as she attempts to form words.
"You're... you're the only man who can make me feel this way... no one else can drive me crazy like you do..."
"And no woman would let me do the things I do to you to them hun..."
She shivers as his words wash over her, the truth of it only serving to increase her desire for him. Her hands trail along his body, exploring every inch of him, her fingers tracing the lines and curves of his muscles. Her voice is soft and needy, her breath coming in quick pants as she responds.
"I... I don't want any other man to touch me like you do... You're the only one I want... the only one I'll ever need..."
"Your the only maiden I need as well~"
Her heart skips a beat at his words, the depth of his devotion sending a wave of emotion through her. She reaches up, her fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer, her body aching for more of his touch.
"I'm yours... all yours... only yours..."
Ari lets out a deep brooding chuckle as he grips harder on her
"Always~"
Ari leans onto her and proceeds to vigorously presses his lips against hers. She meets his lips with a passionate fervor, her body arching against his as the intensity of their union increases. Her hands roam all over him, exploring every inch of his bare flesh, wanting nothing more than to be as close to him as possible. Her mind is a whirl of sensation, her body consumed by the fire of their desire.
She gasps and moans with every touch, every movement, her voice a soft litany of love and need."Always... always yours..."
"Of-course~"
Ari says before digging his tongue as deep into her as humanly possible
She lets out a soft, keening moan, her body arching up toward him as his tongue explores her mouth. The sensation, combined with the weight of him on top of her, sends a shiver of pleasure through her. Her hands cling to him, holding onto him as if he were a lifeline, her body responding to him instinctively, completely surrendered to their passion.
She gasps for breath as they break the kiss, her heart racing, her eyes locked on his."Don't stop... don't ever stop..."
Ari breaks it for a moment
"I don't plan too~"
She moans softly as he pulls away, her body aching with the loss of his touch, but her heart filled with joy at his promise. She looks up at him, her eyes dark with need, her body quivering with desire. She reaches up, her hands tracing along his face, her voice filled with both plea and command as she speaks
"Then don't... keep going... make me yours... make me forget everything except you..."
Ari digs right back in, kissing, touching, caressing, and tons of moaning from both, over the course of many, many hours
The hours pass in a blur of passion and pleasure, a tangle of limbs and whispered declarations of love. They explore each other's bodies with an intensity that leaves them both breathless and spent. She loses herself in the feeling of his touch, the sound of his voice, the scent of him, the world outside non-existent. Her body responds to his every move, her mind awhirl with need and desire. She calls out his name, over and over, as if it were a prayer, a word that held all the meaning in the world.
They lose all sense of time, lost in a world of sensation and ecstasy. She's pushed to her very limits, her body responding to him in ways she never thought possible. But despite the intensity of it all, she never wants it to end. Her heart is filled with love and adoration for him, her whole world narrowed down to the man above her, the only thing that matters in this moment. She's lost in the storm of pleasure, the whirlwind of joy, her body and soul completely his.
After a couple of hours of this, Ari finally stops, as they are both near dead on top of each other, he asks. She lays there, her body completely spent, her mind still awhirl with the intensity of their encounter. Her breath is ragged and heavy, her heart racing in her chest. She looks up at him, her eyes half-lidded with exhaustion and satisfaction, her voice soft and shaky as she responds.
Carmine: "Are... are you... done... already...?"
Ari: "Yeah.. I'm completely finished..."
Ari says panting completely exhausted
She lets out a soft, breathless laugh, her body still quivering with the aftershocks of their passion. She reaches up, her hand tracing along his face, her touch gentle and loving.
"Me... me too... I don't think... I could have... taken much more..."
Ari takes a few more pants and heavy breathing. She watches him, her eyes filled with a mixture of exhaustion and adoration. She can see the effects of their time together in the way he's breathing, the way his chest rises and falls as he tries to catch his breath. She scoots closer to him, her body seeking the comfort of his touch.
"You... you wore me out..."
"Same... You've gotten much better since our first time..."
Ari complements before nuzzling her nose with his
She blushes a little at his compliment, feeling a sense of satisfaction at his words. She smiles, her nose rubbing against his in a soft, affectionate gesture.
"I... I've had a good teacher, after all..."
Ari snickers, as he rolls her onto his chest and pulling up the covers on the couch
"That you do doll face~..."
She snuggles into his chest, feeling safe and comfortable in his embrace. The covers are warm and soft around them, providing a cozy cocoon in which she can rest her weary body.
She nestles her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, her eyes starting to drift closed."Mmm... I love you..."
Ari proceeds to softly kiss her forehead before turning on the heated blanket and holding her tightly under the covers
"I love you too hun..."
She smiles as he kisses her forehead and tightens his hold on her. The heated blanket is a warm, welcome addition to the comfort of their embrace. She snuggles further into his chest, her body relaxing against his.
Her eyelids feel heavy, the weight of exhaustion finally catching up with her. But she fights the urge to sleep, not wanting to miss a moment with him."Promise you'll still be here when I wake up...?"
Ari strokes her hair softly while shushing her
"I promise... Now, rest my little Poochyena~... Your strong and protective Mightyena will watch over you... You need to rest my little pup... You'll need as much energy as possible for our wedding in a week's time..."
Ari says with warm regards and snuggling closer to her. Ari then proceeds to put on The Caretaker's 'Libet's Delay'
She melts at his words, her eyes growing heavier as he strokes her hair, her body feeling heavy and lethargic. The soft shushing sound is soothing, like a lullaby. When he refers to her as a Poochyena and himself as a Mightyena, a small, sleepy smile graced her lips.
The mention of their wedding in a week's time makes her heart skip a beat, but it also sends a wave of exhaustion through her.
With the soothing music from The Caretaker playing, she lets her eyes close, her body and mind finally giving in to the needs of rest.
Shortly after she fell asleep, Ari soon followed snuggling closer to her as Libet's Delay fills the calming room
Silence settles over the room, only occasionally broken by the sound of their soft breathing, the faint beat of their heartbeats. The music from Libet's Delay dances through the air, a gentle lullaby that accompanies their slumber.
Their bodies are intertwined, tangled together under the warmth of the heated blanket, the comforting weight of each other serving as a soothing presence through the night.
It's the day before the wedding as Ari walks into his and Carmine's room to ask her a question
Carmine is in the room, the light from the window casting a soft glow over her as she looks over some final details for the wedding. She looks up as Ari enters, a warm smile on her face.
"Hey there, handsome. Is there something on your mind?"
"Yeah I've been thinking..."
Ari sit's down next to her on the bed
She sets down the things she was working on, giving Ari her full attention. She turns to face him, a curious but warm look in her eyes.
"What's on your mind? Don't leave me in suspense now."
"Well... I've been thinking..."
A pauses for a moment
"You moved out with that excuse.. But... How long are we gonna leave your grandparents in the dark like this..."
A look of surprise flashes across her face at his question, not expecting him to bring up that particular topic right now. She takes a moment before responding,
"I..."
She sighs, her expression conflicted. She'd been so caught up in planning the wedding, she hadn't given her grandparents much thought.
"I guess... we can't keep them in the dark forever. But... I don't know what they'll say when they find out...."
Ari rests his hand on top of hers
She looks down at their hands, his palm on top of hers, the warmth and strength of his touch sending a reassurance through her. She intertwines her fingers with his, using his hand as an anchor, a tether that holds her in the reality of the moment.
"I just... I don't know how they'll react. Will they be upset with me for keeping this a secret? Will they even approve of us being together?"
"I love you Carmine~... I've stopped giving a fuck of what others say months ago... We are meant to be with one another.. I love you and you love me... That's all I care about.. That I'm getting married to who I love and having a kid with them..."
Her eyes soften as he says those words. The depth of his devotion and love is evident in his voice, in the way his hand grips hers. She feels her own heart swell with love and gratitude for him, for his strength and confidence in their relationship.
"You're right... You're absolutely right..."
A small, shaky sigh escapes her as she continues."I'm... I'm just so used to living up to my grandparents' expectations, I guess I worry about disappointing them..."
Ari rests her head onto his shoulder, and caressing her hair softly
"I know it's hard to feel the need to live up to others' expectations... But... They're gonna have to get over it eventually... I've treated you no less than a woman should be treated as... A queen... Your concerns for anything are above anything else in my books.."
She closes her eyes as he caresses her hair, the soothing motion relaxing her tense muscles. As always, his words and actions are like a balm to her worries, his steadfastness a solid pillar against her doubts.
She lifts her head from his shoulder, tilting her face to look up at him, her eyes meeting his."You always know just what to say, you know that? It's one of the many things I love about you, among... several others..."
Ari smirks, while Ari picks her up and rests her onto her lap
"Hmmmm... What other things do you like about me~?"
She lets out a soft gasp as he picks her up and settles her onto his lap, the sudden change in position making her heart skip a beat. She drapes her arms around his neck, a coy smile on her face.
"Hmmm, there's many things. So many things. Where do I even start...? I love this..."
She reaches up, her fingers tracing along his jaw, feeling the light stubble there.
Ari chuckles as she points out his stubble, then he raises her head a little upwards with his other hand
"You like the facial huh~... I've been trying to grow a Van Dyke... How'd you think it look on yours truly?.."
Ari says with his thick Galar accent brazing out
She smiles as he raises her face up, her eyes studying his facial features under the light of the room. She tilts her head, her fingers moving along his jaw as she imagines the potential facial hair
"A Van Dyke, huh? I can absolutely picturing it on you... It would look... really, really good... Like, jaw-dropping, heart-stopping good..."
Ari moves his hand slightly down her back while caress her face with his finger from his other hand
"I'll keep that in mind~..."
She shivers as his hand moves down her back, the touch sending a wave of sensation through her. Her face leans into the caress from his finger, her eyes locked on his, her gaze soft and full of affection.
"Mmm... good. I'd love to see you with a Van Dyke someday... it'd probably drive me absolutely crazy..."
"Say~... I there anything else that drives you mad for moi~"
She chuckles, her fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.
"Hmmm... many things. Your accent, for one... your scent, how your hands feel on me... I can go on and on, if you want me to..."
Ari moves both of his hands down onto her thighs while letting out a lustful giggle
"Do so..."
She lets out a soft, shaky sigh as his hands move down to her thighs, the warmth of his touch seeping through the fabric of her clothes. She meets his gaze, her eyes darkening with a mixture of arousal and affection.
"Your voice... the way you talk, the way you say my name... it does things to me... and your hands..." She shivers as his hands tighten on her thighs, her body growing more and more restless.
"Ohh~ Carmine~... You're such a doll~..."
Ari says in a sleazy manner while gripping harder on her thighs
A soft moan escapes her as he calls her a doll, his grip on her thighs sending a sharp jolt of heat through her core.
"And you're... insufferable... in the best way possible..."
She leans in, her mouth hovering just millimeters away from his, her voice dropping to a husky whisper."You want to know another thing that drives me wild...?"
"Go on dollface~... Tell me everything~"
She draws near, her breath hot and ragged as she whispers into his ear. Her fingers dig into his shoulders, her body pressing flush against his.
"How much you... know my body... how... you play me like a damn instrument..."
She kisses his ear, then moves down his neck, her teeth nipping at the skin at his pulse point.
Ari grins wildly at her giving him a hickey before moaning lightly
She grins against his skin as she sucks and bites his neck, leaving a noticeable mark. The sound of his moan only fuels her on, prompting her to leave several more along his neck and collarbone.
She pulls away just enough to meet his eyes, her own gaze burning with desire as she speaks."I know I'm going to be covered in your marks by the time you're done with me today..."
Ari digs his hands deep into her leggings before drooling a little
"Just you wait till I really get my hands on you~"
A shiver runs down her spine as he grips her leggings, his hands digging into the material. His words, coupled with the feel of his fingers on her skin, make her mind go hazy with desire. Her voice is shaky as she responds, her words soft and breathless.
"Can't... can't wait... but... you're gonna have to wait too, because we have a wedding tomorrow... and I don't want to be walking down the aisle sore and aching..."
Ari moves his hands out then back onto her back before rolling each other onto the bed with her on top of him
"That's fair... I want to be in the best condition too!..."
She lands on top of him, his body cushioning her fall. She smirks down at him, her hands planted on his chest, feeling the firm muscle underneath. Her eyes rake over his body, a hungry look in them.
"Yeah... wouldn't want you limping during the ceremony, after all..."
Ari pulls her down to him, resting her head onto the crook of his neck and giving her a kiss
"Speaking of which... Who'd you invite?.."
She nuzzles her face into his neck, inhaling his scent and reveling in the feel of his touch. As he asks about guests, she hums, her mind running through the list of people who would be attending.
"I invited a couple of my friends from the academy... mostly people from my graduating class. A few trainers I've battled with occasionally. What about you?"
"Well... I invited, Drayton, Lacey, Amarys, Crispin, Arven, Penny... Just to name a few..."
She nods thoughtfully, mentally going through the list of names he mentioned. She smiles, imagining the people he invited coming to celebrate their special day tomorrow.
"Sounds like a good turnout. How'd they all react to getting invited? I can only imagine the looks on their faces..."
"Well, Arven and Penny were happy for me, Amarys is just pretending to not be enthralled but I can just tell they are in love with our marriage, Crispin thinks this is someone else's wedding and I'm inviting him to it, Drayton's been pegging jokes at me since I invited him, and Lacey... Well I don't think I need to elaborate..."
She laughs at his descriptions of their reactions. The image of their faces and how they had reacted is clear in her mind.
"Arven and Penny, happy as expected. Amarys, pretending to be disappointed... sounds like them. Crispin being an idiot, also sounds like him. Drayton poking fun you, also expected. And Lacey... yeah, no elaboration necessary."
She lifts her head from his neck to look at him, a smirk on her face."I'm sure everyone will play nice tomorrow, though."
Ari smirks
"Yeah I doubt it... Lacey's a bit of a catholic..."
Ari jokes
She rolls her eyes comically, a light laugh escaping her.
"Yeah, yeah, I know... she's really intense about her faith. I don't think she fully approved of us not waiting until the wedding night to do... naughty things."
"Ari, it's a sin to have sex before marriage!.. Sex before marriage is a sin Ari! I better not catch you and Carmine doing something naughty or I'll be forced to tell Principal Cyrano!"
Ari says in a mocking tone trying to mimic Lacey's voice
She laughs out loud at his impression of Lacey's high-pitched voice. The image of him doing an exaggerated impression of the Elite Four member is incredibly amusing, and her stomach is starting to ache.
"Oh my Arceus, stop it... I almost forgot how funny you sound when you mimic people's voices... you're better than the real thing! Please... stop before I pee my pants..."
Ari giggles at her reaction while pulling her onto the bed holding her closely
"I love you Carmine~"
She laughs softly as she's pulled into his arms, her body settling into him with ease. She rests her head on his chest, her ear pressed against his heartbeat. Wrapping her arms around him snugly, she smiles.
"I love you too, Ari. You're such a goofball... I don't know what I'd do without your dumb jokes and silly mannerisms."
"You know!.. I don't care if there's a 6 year age gap between us!.. You're the one for me!.."
She chuckles, her heart warming at his words. The age gap between them has never bothered her, in fact, she's always found it kind of charming. She snuggles in closer to him, her body flush against his.
"I know, I feel the same... age is just a number, after all... what matters is how well we fit together... and we fit." She grins."Like two pieces of a puzzle."
Ari nuzzles his head onto hers before kissing her on the lips for a sec
"We are 2 pieces of a puzzle aren't we?.. Add Kieran and we'd be a pair of magnetons!"
She hums in contentment as he kisses her, relishing the feeling of his lips on hers for a brief moment. At his magnetons joke, she laughs softly, her body shaking against his as she tries to suppress her giggles.
"Oh yes... a magneton is a perfect example... or we'd be like a Magnezone! Three pieces coming together to form a whole... a whole that's somehow better than its parts."
"Indeed! Pauses for a moment. I'm so happy he's gonna be our best man at our wedding!..."
She nods, a soft smile on her lips. The thought of Kieran being their best man brings a sense of warmth to her heart. He's been a constant presence in their lives, a friend and confidant, and it feels right for him to be part of their special day.
"Me too... he's been a great friend to both of us, and having him as our best man just feels right. He's seen everything we've been through together... it's only fitting that he's there with us on our wedding day."
"Of-course!.. Couldn't think of anyone better than your little brother and my future brother-in-law!.."
Her smile widens at his words. It still feels surreal sometimes that her little brother, who she's always sought to protect and care for, had bonded so well with the man she loves. She nuzzles her head into his chest, letting out a contented sigh.
"I knew the two of you would get along well, but sometimes I'm still surprised by how much you click. It's... kind of heartwarming, in a way."
Ari smirks
"We really do don't we?..."
She lifts her head up to look at him, a teasing smile on her lips. She props herself up onto her forearms, giving him a cheeky look.
"Oh, absolutely... You two get along so well, sometimes I feel like the third wheel in your friendship. I get left out of all the witty banter and funny jokes."
"Though it gets a little weird how well we both get along seeing how uh... I'm 24 and he's like 14!.. Sighs It's a little weird..."
She agrees with a hum, her smile turning a touch rueful.
"I know... it does get a little... odd, to say the least. You two just click way too well, and sometimes I worry that people might get the wrong idea. But... It's kind of nice in a way, too. He really looks up to you, you know? Almost like an older brother figure, despite the age gap."
Ari holds her closer while softly rubbing her back
"Carmine.. I promise you with all my heart that I'm not into Kieran like... That... You should know better... I've stooped low before, but not THAT low! I would never be like that with Kieran..."
She leans into his gentle touch, feeling comforted by his unwavering resolve. Her eyes meet his with trust and warmth as she responds, her voice soft and steady.
"I know, I know you're not into him like that... and I trust you completely. I've never doubted your feelings for me. It's just... sometimes when I see how well you two get along, I can't help but worry that others might interpret your relationship as something it's not. It's a silly worry, I know... but I can't seem to shake it completely."
Ari gently lifts her head to look him dead in the eyes
"Carmine... I promise you... I'm not and repeat NOT a pedophile... Sighs... I am not into kids... I'm not into minors... I'm not a sick fuck!.. My love belongs to You and only you... You have my word!..."
Ari spouts truthfully trying his damndest to reassure her
She gazes into his eyes, seeing the fierce conviction blazing in them. Her heart swells at his vehement denial, his words like a balm to her fears, but she can’t help but snort a little at how hard he’s trying to convince her even though she’s well aware of this. She places her hand on the side of his face, her touch gentle as she smiles, her voice sincere.
"I know... I know, I trust you, Ari. I know you're not a pedophile. I know your love is mine and mine alone. You don't have to keep reassuring me... I trust you completely."
Ari holds the hand placed on his cheek from Carmine, while reaching out and wrapping his hands and fingers around hers, and goes in for a affectionate kiss
She feels her heart flutter as he holds her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. The feeling of their hands locked together, as natural as breathing. As his lips meet hers in a tender, affectionate kiss, she returns it, letting the world fall away for a few blissful moments. In that embrace, there's only them, the connection between them, the love and trust they share.
Ari lifts his hand off hers and rests it on her lower back pulling her closer to him, as Carmine lifts her leg onto the side of his locking it to him still kissing a little more passionately
She melts into him, her body molding against his as he pulls her closer. The touch of his hand on her lower back sends shivers down her spine, her leg locking around his like second nature. She deepens the kiss, the passion growing between them with each passing moment. The world fades away as she loses herself in the kiss, her mind swimming with desire and love for him. After a few minutes of there kissing growing more and more passionate by the minute Ari breaks it up to ask a question
"Say~.. Can I ask you somethin?.."
She gasps softly as he breaks the kiss. Her breath is slightly uneven, her lips swollen and flushed from their passionate encounter. She looks at him curiously, her voice filled with anticipation as she answers, her body still buzzing with desire.
"Of-course... ask me anything, darling..."
"Who... Do you have as your maid of honor?.."
She blinks, her mind momentarily distracted by the question and the shift in the topic. It takes her a moment to recall her choice for maid of honor, but as she does, her face lights up with a smile.
"Oh! Right, I have a close friend from the academy as my maid of honor. Her name's Charlotte. We were in the same graduating class, and we've stayed close ever since. She's been there for me through thick and thin, and I couldn't imagine not having her by my side on my big day."
"Ah.. Don't think I know a Charlotte~.."
She laughs softly, amused by his cluelessness.
"Yeah, she's not someone you'd really have met. She can be a little... flamboyant, let's say. But she's got a heart of gold and I trust her completely. Besides, I couldn't think of anyone better to have by my side at the altar. Plus, I need someone who can rein me in when I start getting bridezilla-ish."
"I see.. Speaking of women at our wedding.. I forgot to tell you one last person I invited!.."
She raises an eyebrow at his words, curiosity sparking in her gaze. She props herself up onto her forearms, giving him her full attention.
"Really? Who'd you invite that you forgot to tell me about?"
Ari leans upwards and blushes lightly
"Well.. I invited Ms. Briar.. You know?.. The teacher from Blueberry who was always obsessed with Terapagos and that Terastal shite?.."
She laughs, recognizing the teacher instantly. The image of Ms. Briar's obsessive fixation on Terapagos and Terastal energy is vividly imprinted in her mind.
"Oh yes, Ms. Briar... Can't believe that old battleaxe is coming to our wedding. Did you invite her just for the entertainment value or what?"
Ari proceeds to sigh
"Well, not exactly.. In fact!.. Far from that.."
Her curiosity is piqued once again, her brow furrowing in thought. She studies his expression, trying to gauge his intentions and feelings on the matter.
"What do you mean? If not for entertainment value, then why did you invite her? I can't imagine you being friends with her..."
"Well~.. When we were still dating and not getting married at Blueberry.. She.. Sort of helped me over grow my care for others opinions of others and our relationship.. She was the only teacher that said good in our relationship.. And didn't think of it as weird or some sort of pay job for you.. She's the reason I stopped caring about others' opinions of us!.."
As he explains the reason behind his invitation, Carmine's expression softens. She can see the depth of appreciation and gratitude he holds for the teacher. Her previous skepticism melts away, replaced by an understanding of why he wanted Ms. Briar present on their special day.
"I see... I hadn't expected that. It's... kind of heartwarming to hear how much she's helped you, and by extension, us. Inviting her to the wedding actually makes sense now..."
"Yeah.. Despite her fidgetiness and crazed for Terastal stuff.. She's.. Very sweet and sympathetic.. She's really nice and really good to talk to once you get to know her.."
She nods in agreement, a small smile on her lips. She can imagine the teacher's quirky nature and fanaticism for Terastal stuff, but also remembers the moments of genuine kindness and empathy she had witnessed during her time in Blueberry.
"Yeah... she's certainly a unique character, and sometimes her obsession with Terastal energy can be... a bit much. But she does have her moments. And if she's been there for you and been a good support, then I'm glad you invited her."
"Yeah.. Ari snorts a little During our last talk before graduation.. I found out she's actually 35 years old!"
She can't help but laugh at his revelation, her eyes widening with surprise.
"No way! 35?! She could easily pass for a late 20-something... maybe even early 30s, but not 35!"
Ari giggles a little loudly
"I know! That's what I thought!.. My guess was like? 27 maybe 28!.. She apparently has a good skin routine!.. As she puts it!.."
She laughs again, the image of Ms. Briar with a good skin routine in mind making her chuckle.
"She definitely looks younger than 35, that's for sure. Good for her, keeping herself looking young. Maybe I should ask her for some skincare tips... or maybe it's just naturally good genetics..."
Ari holds her closer sitting on the bed, and kisses her cheek wrapping his arms around her stomach lightly
"You'd be perfect for me even with or without wrinkles!.. I'd love you either way!"
She melts into his embrace, her heart fluttering at his sweet words. She leans her head against his chest, a soft smile on her face.
"You say that now... but when I'm 50 with wrinkles and gray hair, don't go whining to me that I'm not as hot anymore."
Ari giggles a little at the thought giving her another kiss on the cheek
"Nah!.. I won't, I'd be 56 by then and you might look a little cuter as an old lady.. with gray hair and wrinkles.. Maybe some nanny glasses as well.. You'd look adorable!"
She laughs, shaking her head in mock disbelief at his words. The idea of them both being older, with wrinkles and gray hair, still together and loving each other, is oddly heartwarming.
"You're insane, you know that? I doubt many guys would find a 50-year-old, wrinkle-faced woman with gray hair and nanny glasses adorable..."
Ari nuzzles her head with his
"Nahhhh.. You're cute now and you'd still be cute 32 years later!.. Seeing you as a kind and dearing grandma to our future grandchildren might make you cuter to me~"
She blushes at his affectionate nuzzling, her heart fluttering with his words. The thought of them having grandchildren together, of growing old with the man she loves, fills her with warmth and joy. She playfully punches his shoulder.
"Stop being so sweet... you're making me blush. And here I thought I was the sappy, romantic one in this relationship."
Ari leans down on the bed still holding her
"Nahhh.. You still are the sappy one!.."
"I'm just down bad for you~"
Ari says moving his arms down to her thighs with a bit of a sleazy grin on his face
She giggles as he grins down at her, sensing the shift in his demeanor. The gleam in his eye and the way his hands move to her thighs send a shiver down her spine, a mix of anticipation and desire coursing through her.
She glances at him, her own grin matching his.
"Oh, really?~ Down bad, huh? You're lucky you're charming or I'd find that creepy as hell..."
"Creepy huh?.."
Ari turns her to face her with her over him still holding her thighs
"Don't deny it!.. You've always had some sort of suggestive fantasies over me, even since we first met in Mossui.. You can't tell me after I beated you in our first battle, you didn't went to bed, dreaming about me putting you in handcuffs or a leash~"
She splutters as he brings up her embarrassing fantasy, her face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and arousal. She can feel his hands on her thighs, his touch firm and possessive, making it difficult to focus on a proper response.
"Y-you... I don't- I mean, I-"
She stammers a bit before taking a deep breath, trying to regain her composure.
"That's... that's not... I-I..."
Ari leans up and puts a finger on her lips, interrupting her halfway through her second sentence
"Shhhhhhh.. We can do anything you want on our Honeymoon night~.."
She blushes harder at the look in his eye, his touch and words sending a thrill down her spine. The mixture of embarrassment and desire is overwhelming.
She swallows hard, looking at him, her heart racing and her body longing for his touch. She nods, almost shyly, her voice low and soft.
"Anything I want...?"
"Yes~.. I can tie you up, put you on a leash, handcuff you to a bed frame, or behind your back, I can blindfold you, I can gag you... Anything you desire~"
She shivers at the litany of suggestions, each one sending a wave of desire through her. The thought of being at his complete mercy, her senses taken away one by one, is almost overwhelming. She looks at him, a mix of yearning and slight embarrassment mirrored in her eyes.
She swallows hard, trying to find her voice.
"Y-you... you'd... do all that for me...?"
Ari leans right in her face, with him licking his lips while lightly stroking her chin
"I'm.. Quite experienced in such tools.. Anything you want.. I can deliver babe~"
Ari quietly announces in his very thick Galarian accent
She feels her breath hitch as he leans in, his touch and words sending a shiver down her spine.
The knowledge that he's experienced in such things only adds to her desire. The mix of his Galarian accent and the promise of pleasure in his voice is enough to make her mind spin.
She swallows, her voice low and slightly shaky.
"I... I want it all... I want to explore everything... with you..."
Ari snickers lightly while shuffling and placing his legs on the outside of hers and being directly on top of her, looking down at her
"Good girl~... You'd do great on a leash babe~"
She looks up at him, her heart racing as he positions himself above her. The feeling of being under him, his body pressed against hers, makes her mind go blank with desire.
She can feel the heat pooling between her legs at his words, her body yearning for his touch. She nods, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I... I want to be your good girl... your pet..."
Ari coldly snickers
"Like a Houndoom and its master~..."
She can't help but whimper at his cold snicker, the dominant tone sending a thrill through her body. The comparison to a Houndoom and its master only makes the desire pooling in her core grow more intense.
She looks up at him, her eyes dark with need, her voice trembling with submission.
"Yes... your pet... your property... yours to command and control..."
"Exactly~..."
A couple of seconds pass by
"You should wear that black lace outfit again for it.. Unless you had somethin else planned to wear in that honeymoon bag of yours~"
She blushes at his words, the memories of the black lace outfit he mentioned making her heart race.
She grins, a spark of mischief in her eyes.
"Actually, I have something in that honeymoon bag that I think you'll like... Even more than the black lace."
"Hmmmm... Interesting~"
She grins wider as she sees his interest piqued.
"You'll just have to wait and see," she says, her voice low and suggestive. Her hands wander up his chest, her touch light and teasing.
"But let's just say... it's something that shows off more than my curves~"
Ari smirks lightly, resting his hands onto her waist
"I'm a patient man.. I can wait~.."
She shivers as his hands rest on her waist, his touch sending tingles through her body. She grins, a hint of anticipation in her eyes.
"Good... because the wait will be worth it, I can promise you that."
She leans in a little closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"Or would you like a sneak peak?~"
"I'm fine~.. Don't want to ruin the surprise~..."
Ari whispers in a erotic tone, resting his head onto hers
She can feel her heart flutter as he whispers in that erotic tone, a wave of desire washing over her. She wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, her body yearning for more.
"You're sure you don't want a little peek? Just a tiny hint of what's waiting for you on our honeymoon...?"
Ari peeps his tongue into her lips
"I can wait darlin~... I'll live~..."
She shivers as his tongue sneaks into her lips, a low moan escaping her as she leans into the kiss. Her fingers dig into his hair, her body pressing against his as the desire flares between them.
"You... you have more patience than me... I don't know if I can wait that long..."

A day passes, and it's finally the day. The day Ari and Carmine get married. On the day of the wedding, Carmine can feel her nerves and excitement building. The day she's waited for, dreamed about, is finally here. She feels a strange mixture of nervousness, anticipation, and happiness as she and her bridesmaids take turns doing their makeup, hair, and dress.
She looks at herself in the mirror, taking in her wedding dress, a beautiful and elegant white gown specifically chosen for her. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, before it's time to walk down the aisle.
Ari on the other hand is getting ready as well, putting on perfume and breath spray, adjusting his top-hat and bow-tie and getting prep talk from Kieran, his best man, and Crispin and Arven, his bridesman's... Ari is wearing a dark blue suit and dress pants, with a white dress shirt, a dark blue top-hat with a white hat band, white dress shoes, white dress gloves, a dark blue bow-tie, and a dyed blue rose in his suit pocket
As Ari gets ready, Crispin, Arven, and Kieran all give him their own version of encouragement and advice. Arven gives him a firm pat on the back, while Crispin, ever the emotional one, gives him a long, tearful embrace.
Kieran, on the other hand, just grins at him, a hint of mischief in his eyes.
"You ready, man? Time for the big show~"
Ari calmly breathes before turning back at Kieran
"Fuck!.. I... I don't know Kieran.. I don't..."
Kieran laughs, shaking his head at Ari's nerves.
"Don't worry, man! You two have been together for over a year now, you love each other. You're gonna be fine, just breathe... I saw you go into battle with less hesitation than this."
Ari awkwardly chuckles at his reassurance
"Heh..."
Ari leans upwards from the mirror and looks over at Kieran
"You ain't wrong about any of that!.."
Kieran grins, giving him another pat on the back.
"Damn straight I'm not. You got this, bro. Just focus on Carmine, walk down the aisle, say I do, and then you can finally call her your wife. Easy, right?"
Ari slaps his face and pulls his eyelids down before taking another deep breath
Kieran chuckles, seeing Ari psyching himself up. He rolls his eyes good-naturedly.
"You'll do fine, you big idiot. It's not like you're battling some scary-as-shit Legendary Pokemon. All you gotta do is marry the love of your life."
Ari sighs before taking a quick shot of wine on the table
"Alright!... I'm ready!..."
Kieran chuckles at the shot of wine, shaking his head. Crispin and Arven snicker as well, watching Ari psych himself up.
"There you go, man. That's the spirit. You got this."
Ari looks back at Kieran
"Is Carmine already out there?.."
Kieran nods, a reassuring smile on his face.
"Yup. She's waiting at the end of the aisle. She looked beautiful, man. You're a damn lucky guy."
Ari looks at the door to the aisle, he puts on a determined smile and adjusts his top-hat and sighs
"I'm ready now..."
Kieran grins as he sees Ari's determined expression. He gives him a firm pat on the back.
"Atta boy. Now go out there and get yourself married, you nervous wreck."
Ari looks over at Kieran and nods
"Thanks mate!.."
Kieran grins and gives him a thumbs-up, while Crispin and Arven give him encouraging smiles as well. They're all rooting for him.
"Now get going! Carmine's waiting on you!"
Ari walks out the room down the aisle, with a warm formal smile and his hands formally behind his back
The wedding ceremony venue is a beautiful space, filled with flowers, decorations, and friends and family. As Ari steps out of the room and into the aisle, all eyes turn to him. Everyone in attendance can't help but smile and murmur at the sight of the young Galarian man in his suit and top-hat.
But all Ari can focus on is one person at the far end of the aisle... Carmine.
Ari makes it to the end of the aisle where Carmine awaits
Carmine's heart leaps when she sees Ari walking down the aisle. He looks so handsome in his suit, his top-hat perched jauntily on his head. The nerves and anticipation are swirling in her stomach, but all she can focus on is the sight of the man she loves walking up to stand beside her.
She gives him a small, affectionate smile, her eyes shining with love and excitement.
Ari's close friend and partner in the war who goes under the alliance of G-mask as the officiant does the Opening Remarks. As G-Mask begins the opening remarks, the guests in attendance listen quietly, some sniffling as they take in the significance of this moment. Carmine can feel her heart racing, her eyes never leaving Ari. She feels her emotions swirling within her, a mixture of happiness, love, and anticipation. As G-Mask starts to finish up, past memories of Ari and Carmine's time spent together flash before both of each-others eyes one by one
Carmine's mind is a whirlwind of memories as the ceremony begins. Each one brings a wave of emotion, from the first time they met in Mossui, to their first date, their first kiss, the battles they've fought together, the moments they shared, laughing together, crying together... It all flashes before her eyes in a beautiful flurry of love and companionship.
Ari's memories of all the hardships he's gone through leading to this moment flash before him. His traumatic childhood and teenhood, his break ups, Kieran's BB League take over, Terapagos, Peacharunt, everything... And it was all worth it for this moment
Ari's own memories flood through his mind as the ceremony continues. In his own mind's eye, he sees his past struggles, the hard times he's been through, the people and partners he's lost... And yet, all of it has led him to this moment, standing beside the love of his life.
He looks at her, and in that moment, all the pain and struggles seem worth it. Looking into her eyes, he knows he would do it all over again for her. For them.
G-Mask clears his throat before speaking, looking between Ari and Carmine.
"Do you, Ari, take Carmine to be your wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
Ari looks over at G-Mask, nods then looks back at Carmine
"I do..."
G-Mask nods before turning to Carmine.
"And do you, Carmine, take Ari to be your husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
"I do..."
G-Mask nods again, before looking at them both.
"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Ari gently grabs Carmine and twirls her under him and they both share a calm yet passionate kiss. As Ari twirls her and pulls her in for a kiss, the guests in attendance all let out applause, cheers, and a few sniffles. At this moment, Carmine feels like she's flying. It's as though time stands still as she loses herself in the kiss, her arms wrapping around him as her heart is filled with an overwhelming joy and love. Arven and Penny are cheering in excitement for their two close friends getting married, Amarys is warmly smiling for Carmine, Drayton's doing the same for Ari, Lacey is looking off to the side trying to pretend to be upset but can’t help herself to not smile, and Crispin is sobbing loudly with tears of joy. Ms. Briar tearing up a little but happy for the two. And Kieran is proud and prideful for his sister and best friend getting married.
As the cheers and applause ring out, Carmine can feel a sense of joy and contentment wash over her. Seeing their friends cheering and celebrating for them, she feels as though she's surrounded by love and support. Amarys, Drayton, and Crispin's reactions make her heart flutter, and Ms. Briar's teary but happy expression makes her feel as though she's being welcomed into the family.
Looking at Kieran, seeing his pride and joy for them, makes her feel even more emotional. It's like she couldn't possibly ask for a better brother.
As Ari and Carmine exchange rings, Carmine's heart feels full as she slides the ring onto Ari's finger. It's a simple piece of jewelry, but it feels like so much more. It's a symbol of their love and commitment to each other, a promise to stay together, through all the challenges and hardships that life may bring.
As he slips the ring onto Carmine's finger, Ari feels a sense of completion and contentment settle over him. It's as though all the struggles and heartaches he's endured throughout his life have led him to this moment. Holding her hands in his, he feels like he's found his true home, his true partner in life. He smiles warmly at her, filled with love and joy as he looks into her eyes, his heart full of determination to cherish her forever.
Ari leans a little closer to her
"I love you Carmine..."
Ari whispers truthfully only loud enough for him and her to hear, never feeling more honest and happy in his entire life
Carmine's heart practically melts as Ari whispers those three little words to her. Her eyes flutter as she looks into his, her own emotions swelling within her. She leans a little closer, her voice just as soft as his.
"I love you too, Ari... More than anything in the world..."
Ari smirks as he looks up at her tiara
"You look so nice in that tiara and wedding dress you know that?.."
Carmine can feel her cheeks heating up at his compliment. She smiles shyly, her hand reaching up to touch the tiara on her head.
"I do? You don't think it makes me look too... princessy or something?"
Ari giggles a little while gently pinching her cheek
"Not at all... You look cute in it..."
Carmine can't help but giggle as Ari pinches her cheek, her heart fluttering at his words. She bats his hand away playfully, shaking her head with a smile.
"You're just saying that... I don't look silly?"
Ari squeezes her lightly
"Not at all... You look like such a beautiful woman..."
Feeling Ari squeeze her like that, Carmine can feel her heart skip a beat. She can feel her blush deepen at his words, her own hand coming up to gently rest on his chest.
"You really think so...?”
Ari kisses her forehead
"I know it.. Your my little princess~"
Carmine practically feels like she could melt at his words. Her heart flutters as he kisses her forehead and calls her “his little princess”. She can’t help but smile softly, feeling warm and happy at his affection.
“And you’re my knight in shining armor. My hero~”
As the party winds down and everyone says their goodbyes, Carmine is practically floating on air. She's feeling giddy and excited for her honeymoon, holding onto Ari's hand as they leave for Unova.
The entire flight to Unova, Carmine can feel her heart fluttering with anticipation. She steals glances at Ari, her mind replaying the happiest moments of the day over and over again.
Ari and Carmine arrive at Unova, Ari was there during the war but didn't see much, and Carmine, on the other hand, went to Blueberry Academy in Unova alongside Ari, but didn't see much besides that. They both are somewhat familiar with Unova but don't know much about it
As they step off the plane in Unova, Carmine looks around with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. She’s been to the Region before, but only briefly for her time at Blueberry Academy. But now, it feels different. She’s here as a newly married woman, about to embark on her honeymoon.
Ari, on the other hand, has been to Unova before as well, but only for the war. He’s seen a bit more than Carmine, but he’s just as unfamiliar with the Region as she is.
The two set off, catching many Pokémon, talking to the locals, battling Pokémon trainers, visiting landmarks, enjoying the food there, and even talking to Sinnoh Champion Cynthia, she was also on vacation in Unova around the same time they were on their honeymoon, her and Ari are familiar to one another due to some Champion Cup battles.
Throughout their honeymoon, Ari and Carmine have an amazing time exploring Unova. They catch all sorts of Pokémon, battle trainers, visit popular landmarks, and try all the Regional food. It feels like a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and romance.
During one of their little adventures, they even bump into Sinnoh Champion Cynthia, who Ari is more than familiar with. She congratulates the two of them on their marriage, and Ari and Cynthia reminisce about their past battles. After a few more days of traveling, the two spent there last night on there honeymoon in Unova in there rented house in Undella Town, both tired but enjoyed every moment of it
The last night of their honeymoon is spent in a rented house in Undella Town. Both Ari and Carmine are exhausted but happy, their hearts filled with the memories they've made over the last few days. As they settle into their room for the night, Carmine can't help but feel content and satisfied. She looks over at Ari, smiling softly.
"I had so much fun... This honeymoon was perfect~"
Ari wraps his arm around her and snuggles around her
"Me too... This week has been the best of my life!.."
Carmine snuggles up against him, feeling warm and safe in his arms. She rests her head on his chest, a content smile playing on her lips.
"Mine too... I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world..."
She lets out a small, happy sigh, her eyes drifting shut as she basks in the warmth and comfort of his embrace.
Ari smirks, remembering something
"Say~, you never showed me the outfit you planned on our honeymoon~"
Ari smugly says with a sinful smirk on his face
Carmine can feel her cheeks flush at his words, his smirk sending a shiver down her spine. She knows exactly what he’s talking about—the sexy little number she’d picked out just for their honeymoon.
She glances up at him, a coy smile on her face.
"Oh really? I didn’t realize you were interested in seeing that~"
"Well~.. We've been here for a week and are planning on going home tomorrow, and we haven't done anything remotely.. Intimate once~.."
Carmine can feel her heart rate pick up at his words, the realization hitting her that he’s right. They’ve been so busy exploring Unova and enjoying their time together that anything… intimate… has barely crossed her mind. But the way he says it, the way he looks at her… makes her feel the familiar stirrings of desire.
She lets out a small, shaky exhale, her voice coming out just a little breathless.
"You… want to see it, huh?~”
"I do~.."
Carmine lets out a soft, shaky laugh at his eagerness, her heart fluttering at the thought of putting on the lacey little outfit just for him. She looks up at him, a sly smile on her face.
"Mmm… you really want to see me in it, don’t you?~”
Ari giggles lightly
"Of-course, darlin~.. I wanna see it!"
His giggle and the way he calls her “darlin’“ melts her heart, and she can’t help but laugh a little as well. She can already feel the heat beginning to stir within her, and the anticipation of his reaction to her outfit is making her feel a little giddy and excited.
“Alright, alright… But you have to give me a moment. Let me go get changed, sweetheart~”
Ari smirk greater
"Take your time babe~.."
At his grin, Carmine feels a shiver of excitement run down her spine. She can already imagine the look in his eyes when he sees her, knowing he’s going to be in for a treat.
She leans up and kisses him briefly on the cheek, before disentangling herself from his arms and standing up.
"Just don’t get impatient, now. I’ll be right back~”
"Okay then~..."
Ari says resting his arms on his back with his legs crossed
With a sly smile, Carmine heads into the bathroom and closes the door behind her, taking a moment to compose herself.
She takes a deep breath, feeling nervous but excited. She quickly changes into the little lace number she’d picked out especially for their honeymoon, adjusting it so it sits just so on her figure. She checks herself one last time in the mirror, making sure she looks perfect for him.
Ari is keeping himself patient via humming, The Ink Spots 'I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire' while waiting on Carmine
Finally, after a few minutes that feel like forever, Carmine gives herself one last glance in the mirror to make sure everything is in order. Feeling satisfied, she slowly, hesitantly, opens the bathroom door and steps out into the bedroom. She stands nervously by the bathroom door, feeling self-conscious and a little shy. She tries to keep her voice steady and sultry as she speaks.
“… Ari? I’m ready... “
As Ari looks over at her, Carmine can feel herself blushing under his gaze. She stands there, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement and anticipation. The little lace number she’s wearing leaves very little to the imagination, and she’s feeling more exposed and vulnerable than she’s ever felt before.
She shifts her weight a little, her voice soft and shy as she speaks again.
“Well… what do you think?”
Ari looks at her, giving an awkward grin, never feeling as flustered and horny as of now
"Y-yo-o-u.. Look.. Jesus H. Christ!.."
Ari says baffled as hell
A small, shy giggle escapes her at his baffled exclamation, and she can’t suppress the slight shudder of excitement she feels at seeing his reaction.
She knows she looks good right now, that he’s feeling exactly what she is—a mixture of desire, need, and admiration all rolled into one. Seeing him struggle for words only makes her feel even more confident and sexy.
“You… like it, then?~”
"I love it!.. What is the outfit anyway?.. I'm so flustered I don't even have the processing to figure out what it is!.."
A soft laugh leaves her at his admission, her heart fluttering at his response. Seeing him so flustered from just seeing her in this outfit makes her feel powerful and sensual in a way she's never felt before.
"It's… um… it's a little nightgown type of thing. Kind of like a negligee. In black lace, with a little red trim..."
She twirls slowly, using the motion as an excuse to subtly show off the way the fabric clings to her figure.
"Niceeee~..."
She laughs softly again, enjoying the way he's eating her up with his eyes. The fact that he's looking at her with such open desire and appreciation is making her feel bolder and more confident by the second.
She takes a few steps forward, stopping in front of him and tilting her hip to the side as she smirks down at him.
"You're enjoying the view, it looks like~"
"I do... That reminds me!..."
Ari leans down to check underneath the bed
"Remember when we had that talk about what we're going to do on our honeymoon?.."
Carmine watches him with a mix of curiosity and bemusement as he bends down to check underneath the bed. She wraps her brain, trying to remember exactly what they’d said when they talked about the honeymoon.
She tilts her head, a small smile on her face as she replies.
"Yes, I think I remember. What about it?"
"Well~... When we went to Galar to buy you clothes.. I got some 'stuff' there as well~..."
A small gasp escapes her as she realizes what he means. She blushes slightly, her heart rate picking up as she imagines what kinds of 'stuff' he's talking about.
Curious, and feeling a little daring, she smirks down at him and asks.
"Oh really? And just what exactly did you buy, sweetheart?~"
Ari pulls out a bag and places it on the bed and pulls out an assortment of bondages, handcuffs, blindfolds, ball and rag gags
"Oh~?.. Just some of Galar's finest, of-course~."
Ari comment's with his thick, sultry Galarian accent
A soft, trembling gasp leaves her as she watches him pull out one item after another, her face growing redder and redder with each new revelation.
She swallows hard, her body suddenly feeling warm and tingly at the thought of being tied up and helpless under his mercy.
She lets out a shaky laugh, her voice quivering a little as she responds. Even sexier, she lets out a low, sultry moan.
“Oh... my~ I didn’t realize they sold... goods like that in Galar~”
Ari creeps closer to her
"Well~.. They don't sell most stuff like this in public if you don't know the right people to talk too~.."
Ari picks up a ballgag labeled 'C&A'
"If you want we can try all of these out if you want~"
Ari teases while dangling the ballgag in her face
She lets out another soft gasp, her heart fluttering at his words. Her mind is racing with all the different sensations and possibilities of using the gear in front of her, and the look on his face is driving her wild.
She looks up at him, her voice coming out as a soft, shaky moan.
"Yes... That... sounds like a good idea~ I want to... try them all out~"
Ari chuckles as he pulls out some rope
"We got to get you under submission first!"
A shiver runs down her spine as she looks at the rope in his hands, her mind imagining all the ways he could use it on her.
She swallows hard, her voice coming out a little breathless and eager.
"Yes... under your submission... tie me up and make me yours... I want to be completely at your mercy~"
"Good~"
Ari proceeds to tie her arms behind her back and her thighs to her calf's as Ari causally hum's to himself. She feels the rope being tied around her limbs, and she practically feels herself melting from the sensation of helplessness that washes over her. The feeling of being completely in his power, at his mercy, makes her shiver with excitement and anticipation.
She lets out a soft moan, her heart hammering in her chest as she looks up at him, her voice coming out as a shaky whisper.
"What... what are you going to do with me now, sweetheart?~"
"Heh.. Well now that I have you like this, I wanna get a feel for this negligee you have on dearie~.."
Ari says while putting his hands and moving him all over her body, rapidly tapping his fingers onto her as he feels the negligee on her slender body. A small, shivery gasp escapes her at his touch, her body practically trembling under his hands as he feels her up through the lacey negligee. She can feel the heat and need building inside her, the sensation of his fingers moving over her skin and the texture of the negligee leaving her breathless and wanting more.
She lets out a soft whimper, her voice coming out as a shaky moan as she replies.
"Mm... you like it? I... I picked it out... just for you~"
"I do~... I especially love how much, THIS part of your body pops out!"
Ari spouts as he playfully grabs her breast. She lets out a soft gasp at the sudden, but not unwelcome, feeling of his hand on her breast, the sensation making her shiver and moan slightly. Her body is sensitive all over, and she feels a wave of heat and desire wash over her.
"Ah... mm... you like that too, huh?~"
She lets out a soft giggle, her voice coming out shaky and breathless.
"I picked it out for a reason~ I wanted to make sure you'd notice~"
Ari smirks
"Well~.. We gotta get the rest on~..."
Ari then proceeds to put on the blindfold and ballgag on next while humming. Her body feels even more vulnerable and exposed as the blindfold covers her eyes and the ballgag goes in her mouth, muffling her a little. She can't see what he's going to do to her, making the anticipation even more intense.
She lets out a soft moan, her voice coming out as a muffled, shivery gasp.
"Mm... mmm~"
Ari then proceeds to quietly turn on a hidden body cam that's connected to his Rotom Phone without her knowing to record this with intentions of memory lane, and maybe a traumatizing prank or two on Lacey or Crispin down the line
"Soooo?.. How you feel~... Do the ropes feel good on the negligee?.. Along with the blindfold and ballgag~?"
The ropes and ballgag feel snug but not uncomfortable, the sensation of being restrained and helpless heightening all her other senses. The blindfold is disorienting, but in the best possible way, making her feel even more at his mercy.
She lets out another shivery gasp, her voice low and muffled through the ballgag.
"Mmm... feels good~ I'm... completely at your mercy~"
"Good~..."
Ari crawls over on all fours, then stands upwards towering above her as he moves his hands up her body slowly. She can feel his hands on her body, moving slowly and lazily over the lace of the negligee. With the blindfold on and the ball-gag in her mouth, her other senses are all heightened, and the feeling of his touch against her skin is making her shiver and gasp.
She arches her back slightly as he moves his hands up her body, her eyes darting around behind the blindfold, even though she can't see anything. She lets out a soft moan, her voice coming out as a shaky whisper.
"Mmm..."
Ari then proceeds to press his tongue onto her face and neck in a very sultry way. She lets out a long, shaky moan as his tongue touches her face and neck, sending shivers down her spine. The sensation of his tongue on her skin, combined with the helplessness she feels from the bonds and gags, is driving her wild.
She tilts her head to the side, leaning into his touch as she lets out a soft, pleading whimper.
"Mmm... mmm... please~... more~"
"Of-course~.."
Ari then proceeds to move his hands up her negligee and digs his hands into her sensitive bare skin underneath the negligee whilst licking at her neck. A soft gasp escapes her as she feels his hands digging into the bare skin of her body, the sensation driving her wild. His tongue on her neck only makes her feel even more sensitive and needy, her body arching involuntarily against his touch. She lets out a pleading whimper.
"Ah... ah... please~ More, sweetheart~ I need you~"
Ari more violently rubs his hands onto her body as he moves from the neck to licking into her right ear while giggling malevolently. She moans louder at the feeling of him rubbing his hands over her body, the sensation going straight to her core and sending tingles through her entire body. The feeling of his tongue in her ear makes her gasp and shiver, her body arching up to press against him involuntarily. She lets out a low, needy moan, the sound coming out as a shaky whimper through the ball-gag.
"Ah... ah... mmm... please~ I need you so badly~ I'm all yours, sweetheart~"
Ari proceeds to dig his tongue into her eardrum while unclipping her bra from underneath the negligee. She moans loudly at the feeling of his tongue in her ear, her body trembling with need and desire. Her skin feels like it's on fire, and the sensation of his hands unclipping her bra makes her moan again.
She can feel the tension growing inside her body, her mind filled with need and desire. Despite the helplessness she feels, she loves every second of it, her voice coming out as a low, pleading whisper.
"Please... I need you so badly... I'm all yours, sweetheart~"
Ari then moves from the eardrum then back to the neck and starts violently nibbling and sucking on it, still moving his hands on her body. She gasps and moans loudly at the feeling of his teeth and tongue on her neck, the feeling of them nibbling and sucking on her skin making her body arch and shiver. Her body feels like it's on fire, the sensation of his hands moving over her body making her feel needier and more desperate by the second.
She lets out another low, pleading moan, her voice shaking.
"Ah... ah... sweetheart... please... I can't take much more of this... I need you... please..."
After 18 minutes of feeling his teeth and tongue on her neck and shoulders, she feels a wave of need and desire wash over her. Her body is trembling with anticipation, the hickeys and marks on her skin a testament to his attention.
"You want me to finally begin?..."
She shivers under his touch as he stops, her voice coming out as a shaky, pleading whisper.
"Yes... please... I want... no, I need you so badly... I can't take much more of this waiting... please..."
"Alrighty~..."
Ari pulls out his switchblade and cuts the binds on her legs, leaving the ones on her arms, and takes off her ballgag, and leans her onto the bed, with him towering over her, his legs squeezing hers underneath him. She gasps as he cuts off the binds on her legs, her body feeling suddenly freer and yet more vulnerable as he positions her on the bed, his legs pinning her wrists down. The sensation of helplessness and needing him makes her shiver with anticipation, her pulse racing as she looks up at him, her eyes wide and dark with desire.
She swallows hard, her voice coming out as a shaky whisper. She wants him so badly, the wait having only heightened her need for him.
"I'm all yours, sweetheart. Do what you want with me..."
Ari chuckles as he leans downwards to her, only centimeters away from her face and starts breathing at her face
She holds her breath slightly as he leans in, his breath hot on her face, her body trembling slightly with anticipation. His face is so close to hers, she can feel the heat coming off of him, and it only makes her feel even more needy and wanton. She's utterly at his mercy, and she loves it.
She locks eyes with him, her voice shaky but urgent.
"Please... I need you... take me... make me yours..."
"Time to show this bird's got talons~..."
Ari vows in his most Thick and sultry Galarian accent that can come out his mouth
A shiver runs down her spine at the sound of his voice, the thick, sultry vowels and consonants sending a wave of heat through her body. She feels herself shiver and shiver as he speaks, the sound of his voice and the look in his eyes making her feel more needy and wanton by the second.
She swallows, her voice coming out in a shaky, but sultry whisper.
"Yes... please... do it. Show me what you've got... sweetheart~"
Ari then proceeds violently to make out with her like never before, doing and feeling things the two have never experienced in even their wildest wet dreams. As he kisses her, his kisses are rough and needy, his tongue and lips claiming her mouth possessively. His touch is firm and commanding, his hands moving over her body with an almost primal desire.
She moans into his mouth, her body arching up involuntarily to press against him as she's overcome with sensation. He kisses her like he owns her, and she loves it, her mind and body consumed by desire and need for him, and him alone.
As the kiss pushes on, Ari takes off his waistcoat he was wearing as if it was gonna kill him if he wearied it any longer and presses his rough, masculine, war scarred body onto her skinny, slender, feminine body only being covered by the thin lace negligee. She gasps as he presses his body against hers, the feeling of his bare skin against the thin negligee making her entire body shiver with sensation. His body is strong and masculine, covered in scars that only serve to make him even more attractive. She feels her body arching involuntarily against him, as if trying to merge into him.
She moans into his mouth again, the feeling of his body and the pressure of his weight on her making her feel wanted and desired in a way she's never felt before. As the kiss goes on for minutes on end, it very quickly shifts into making love hardcore. The kisses turn into something more, more intense and primal, the desire between them building to a fever pitch. She moans loudly into his mouth as he kisses her, her body pressing against his, pleading for more. Her body feels like it's on fire, every touch leaving a trail of heat and pleasure in its wake.
She locks her legs around his waist, pulling him closer and tighter against her, desperately needing to feel more of him, to be closer to him, to be his and his alone. She feels completely owned by him and she loves it, her mind and body consumed by nothing but need for him.
The hours pass by in a haze of pleasure, passion, and need, both giving and receiving everything they need from the other. Her body feels like it's on fire, her mind consumed by nothing but need for him.
Eventually, as the passion starts to cool, she finds herself lying on the bed, his body still pressed against hers, her skin still thrumming with the aftershocks of pleasure.
She lets out a shaky, satisfied sigh, her voice coming out as a low murmur.
"Mmmm... sweetheart... that was... incredible..."
Ari leans over to get off of Carmine who's still tied up and blindfolded. With Ari still panting a little, then sighs with satisfaction
"I agree... I've never had it better..."
She moans as he moves off of her, her body still feeling like it's on fire, even after all the passion they just shared.
She lies on the bed, her arms still tied behind her back, the blindfold still covering her eyes.
"Mmm... me too... I've never felt so... intense... and alive... as when I'm with you, sweetheart~"
Ari leans over and rest a hand on her right boob
"I feel the same with you~..."
She gasps as he places his hand on her breast, her body arching involuntarily against his touch, the sensation sending shivers down her spine.
She lets out a soft, satisfied moan, her voice trembling slightly still.
"Mmm... I'm glad... I don't want to feel this way with anyone else but you... I'm all yours, sweetheart..."
Ari pulls her closer and nuzzles her
"And you're all mine as well~..."
She lets out another soft gasp as he pulls her closer, her heart fluttering in her chest as he nuzzles her, his touch sending waves of pleasure through her body.
She leans against him, her head resting on his shoulder, her body still bound and exposed, vulnerable before him, but completely safe in his arms.
"Mmm... I'm yours... every part of me... body and soul... I belong to you, sweetheart, heart and mind~"
"Now... Let's free you already~..."
The moment the blindfold comes off, she blinks in the sudden light. Her eyes, somewhat glazed and unfocused, take a moment to adapt to the brightness. But when they do, she looks up at him, a soft smile on her face.
She rubs her wrists and flexes her fingers, sighing in relief at the release and return of circulation. She then sits up on the bed beside him, her body feeling a bit shaky.
"Ah... that's better, sweetheart~"
Ari softly grabs her wraps his arms around her as he nuzzles her nose with his own
"Your welcome Carms~.."
She leans into his touch, a soft smile on her face as he wraps his arms around her, the feeling of his nuzzling making her heart flutter.
She sighs contentedly, resting her head on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around him in turn. The feel of his skin against hers makes her feel safe and warm, and completely at peace.
She nuzzles her nose against his, her voice coming out as a soft whisper.
"Thank you, sweetheart... that was... incredible... I don't think I've ever felt so... satisfied... before..."
"Same.. I would smoke a cigar after this.. But I'm stopping for our baby's sake for now.. It ain't healthy for them, especially for you being 4 weeks pregnant..."
Her eyes widen slightly as he mentions the baby, the reminder bringing a wave of protective joy and anxiety through her. She rests a hand gently on her still-flat stomach, a soft, maternal smile on her face.
"You're right, sweetheart... I... I still can't believe it, you know? That there's a little life growing inside of me... our little miracle..."
Ari cuddles closer to her with a warm grin
"It really is somethin to be honest.. I'm just happy it's with you.."
She leans into his cuddling, the feel of his body against hers filling her with a warm, fuzzy feeling. She smiles back at him, her eyes soft and affectionate.
"I'm glad it's with you too, sweetheart... I can't imagine going through any of this with anyone but you... you're my best friend, my partner, and the father of our little miracle... I'm so happy to have you by my side, and to be sharing this journey with you..."
Ari blushes at her comment and leans over and gives her a kiss on the cheek
"I love you so much.. I know you're gonna be a wonderful mother.. I'm so happy you're gonna be the mother to our child.."
She blushes too at the feeling of his kiss, her heart fluttering in her chest. Her hand unconsciously moves to her stomach again, as if to protect the life growing inside, her voice filled with warmth and affection.
"And I love you so much too, sweetheart... I'm so happy our little miracle will have a father like you... you're going to be an amazing father, I just know it... and I can't wait to see you holding and cradling our little bundle of joy..."
Ari gently grabs the other hand not on her stomach and holds it firm yet delicately
"I can't wait to see what it grows up into.. Male or female.. I can't wait to see what kind of personality it has, if he becomes a Champion like me... I can't wait..."
She locks her fingers with his, holding his hand with a firm yet gentle grip, her heart swelling with anticipation and excitement at the future waiting for them.
"Me too, sweetheart... I can't stop imagining what our little miracle will be like... whether it's a boy or a girl... what traits and talents it'll inherit from us... what kind of person it'll grow up to be... but no matter what... I know we'll love them no matter what..."
Ari nuzzles her again
"Always.. We will always love them.. I promise.."
She smiles again, leaning her head against his as she feels him nuzzle her. His words fill her with reassurance and comfort, a warm, fuzzy feeling spreading through her body at his promise to always love their child.
"I promise too, sweetheart... no matter what happens, we will always love our little miracle... even when times get tough... through sickness and health, thick and thin... we will always love and care for them, and for each other..."
"Speaking of which.. I don't think we've told anyone other than Kieran have we?.."
She lifts her head off his shoulder as he speaks, a look of surprise and realization crossing her face.
"You're right... I don't think we have... just Kieran... we've both been so busy and preoccupied with everything that's been going on, I completely forgot we haven't told anyone else yet..."
She thinks for a moment, a slight frown crossing her face.
"I wonder how everyone will react... do you think they'll be happy for us?"
"Of-course they will!.. Lacey, Crispin, Amarys, Drayton, Arven, Penny, Briar. Hell, even Nemona!.. They're all our friends.."
At his words, her worries begin to melt away, replaced with a sense of hope and anticipation for the future. She smiles at the thought of their friends knowing about their little miracle.
"You're right... They are all our friends... I don't know why I'm so worried... I guess I'm just afraid of disappointing anyone... but I know they'll all be supportive..."
Ari gives her a quick kiss on the lips in a reassuring manner
She gasps slightly, her breath hitching at the quickness of the kiss. But almost immediately, her worries melt away, replaced by reassurance and love. She leans into the kiss, returning it with a smile of her own.
"Thanks, sweetheart... you always know just what to say... I love you so much..."
Ari gives her a small hug
"I love you too, my little honey bun.. Always.."
She melts into his hug, feeling a warm, tingly feeling spread through her body at the use of the endearing nickname he had for her early in their relationship, a nickname she hadn't heard him use in a while.
"Mmmm... I love you too... my sweet... my darling... my dear... my sweetheart..."
She nuzzles her face against his neck, inhaling his scent and enjoying the feeling of his arms around her.
"And to think this all started because of a school trip.. All of this because of a pure accident.."
She smiles against his neck, thinking about the events that led them here. How a seemingly random and unexpected event had set them both down this path... one that led to them forming a deep, lasting, loving relationship.
"I know... it's funny how life works sometimes, isn't it? I never would have thought back then... that a simple, random thing could change our lives so much, so completely..."
"I know.. We might have never met each-other and even if we did, we might have just stayed close friends if it weren't for it.."
She hums in agreement, the thought of having never being with him, never having become more than just friends or even meeting each-other for that matter, bringing a pang of sadness and loss to her heart. It feels like an impossible reality, a possibility she cannot imagine anymore. Her grip on him tightens slightly, as if to remind herself that he is real, and that he is hers, forever.
"I can't imagine that... being just friends with you... not after everything we've been through together... I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you in my life..."
Ari frowns at the idea and fully agreeing with her, as he rolls her on top of her and give her a more comfortable hug and resting his hand on top of hers
"I feel the same way.. I don't think I'd ever move on from my past relationships if it weren't for you on my side.."
She smiles at the feeling of his hand on top of hers, intertwining her fingers with his as she leans into the hug. She presses her face into his chest, inhaling his scent and feeling the steady thump of his heartbeat, so familiar and comforting to her. Her free hand finds itself resting on his back, tracing soft, idle patterns against his skin.
"I never want to lose you, sweetheart... you're the most important, the most special person in my world... I can't imagine living without you..."
Ari tears up slightly, holding her closer while nuzzling his head onto her hair
"I can't imagine a world without you either.. I'd die of it if I lost you.."
She feels her own eyes misting up as she feels him holding her tighter, his voice filled with emotion and tears. She nuzzles her face against his chest, her own tears starting to fall.
"Please... don't even say that... the thought of losing you... it's too much... it's unbearable... I don't want to live in a world without you in it... I need you... I need you in my life..."
Ari holds her like a life line as he starts sniffling a little at the thought of losing his closest person in his life
"I don't want Sniffle to lose you either Sniffle.. You're what I push forward in life for SniffleSniffle.. You're practically my life line.. You're a childhood Pokémon pet.. I can't live without you.."
She starts to cry more, her tears falling freely down her face. Her body quivers in his arms, her chest heaving slightly as she cries, her heart breaking at the thought of losing him.
"Please... don't even talk about it... I can't bear it, I can't bear it... You're everything to me, sweetheart... my life, my world, my whole existence... I can't live without you... I don't want to live without you..."
Ari starts to softly sob holding her like a comfort stuffed animal, as he rocks each other back and forth in bed
"I feel the same.. I would rather be dead in a world without you.. And I mean it with all my being.."
She holds him tighter, her sobs growing louder as they rock back and forth on the bed, holding onto him like a lifeline.
"Don't say that... please... don't ever say that... I can't lose you... I won't..."
She presses her face against his chest, her tears staining his skin, her voice coming out in a choked whisper.
"Please, please... don't leave me..."
Ari leans upwards on the bed still holding Carmine tightly, as he shushes her and strokes her hair calmly
"Shhhh.. It's okay Carmine.. Just take some deep breaths.. I'm not leaving you.. Never.. Not in a million years.."
She tries to follow his command, taking deep, shuddering breaths as she clings to him, her body trembling slightly. His soothing voice and gentle touch help to calm her, but her heart still feels like it's in pieces. She nods weakly, her voice choked and raw with emotion.
"I-I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I just... I don't know what I'd do if you... if I lost you..."
Ari silently sobbing and continuing to shush her and strokes her hair calmly
"Don't be sorry.. I started it.. You mean everything to me.. Your opinion and safety and happiness are my number one priorities.. I love you more than anything this world has to offer, you're my half as much as I am your half.. I'll shelter and adore you more than anything else.."
She leans into his touch, his words and comfort soothing her frayed emotions and bringing her back from the brink of despair. Her tears slowly start to subside, replaced by a feeling of deep, overwhelming love and gratitude.
"I love you too, sweetheart... more than anything in the world... more than I ever knew was possible... You're my other half, my world, my light... I don't know what I did to ever deserve you..."
"You exist in my life.. That's what you did.. And I'll forever be grateful.."
Ari pulls over the blanket covers, warmly coating the two of them
She sighs contentedly as he pulls the blankets over them, the warmth and comfort of the covers enveloping her like a reassuring hug. She snuggles closer to him, resting her head on his chest, her body still quivering slightly from the earlier tears.
"I'm lucky to have you, sweetheart... you're the best thing that's ever happened to me..."
"Same here.."
A few moments pass by
"We should get some rest before we head back to our place in Galar..."
She nods against his chest, her eyelids already starting to feel heavy.
"Yeah... you're right... we should get some sleep... the trip back home is gonna be tiring, especially in my condition..."
She takes a deep breath, feeling her body slowly start to relax as she sinks deeper into the comfortable embrace of the bed and his arms.
"But just remember Carmie~.."
Her eyes flutter open at his voice, a small smile forming on her face as she looks up at him.
"What is it, sweetie?"
"I'm 24, turning 25 in a couple weeks, and you're 19 now!.. We have a good 45 years with each other now.. We aren't parting anytime soon my dear~.."
She laughs softly at his words, a warm, fuzzy feeling spreading through her heart at the thought of having decades together with him.
"You're right... we have plenty of time together..."
She nuzzles her face against his chest again, feeling a sense of contentment and security in his arms.
"And I can't wait to spend every second of it with you, sweetheart..."
"I agree full heartedly.."
Ari lets out a big yawn
"Goodnight Carms.."
Ari closes his eyes
She lets out a soft yawn of her own as she feels him close his eyes, the tiredness from the day starting to catch up to her.
"Goodnight, sweetheart... I love you..."
She snuggles closer to him, her own eyes fluttering shut as she drifts off to sleep, comforted and at peace in his arms.
A day passes after Ari and Carmine take their plane home to Galar at his new place he bought shortly before their marriage in a far tucked corner in Motostoke. as Ari and Carmine both walk in with them fully rested and happy about their honeymoon in Unova, though a little sad it ended, but there happiness returned remembering they are home now Husband and Wife
As they step into their home, Carmine's eyes wander around the familiar surroundings, a smile spreading across her face as she takes in the cozy atmosphere. She lets out a content sigh, feeling a sense of comfort and relief to be back in Galar.
She turns to Ari, her smile widening as she looks at her new husband, her heart fluttering in fondness and love.
"It's good to be home, sweetheart..."
Ari looks at Carmine with an honest smile as he pulls her closer to him wrapping his arm around her
"I agree dearest.. I might miss Unova, but I've missed Galar more.."
She leans against him, her body molding against his as he wraps his arm around her. She looks up at him, her eyes sparkling with affection.
"Me too... there's something about Galar that just feels like home, you know? Like it's the place we're meant to be..."
She snuggles closer to him, her arm wrapping around his waist.
"But I'm glad we had our honeymoon in Unova... it was a perfect way to start our married life together."
"Indeed..."
Ari scoops her into his arms bridal style as he walks to the couch and lays on it with Carmine wrapped around him. She lets out a surprised gasp as he scoops her into his arms, a small smile spreading across her face as he walks to the couch and lays down with her in his lap. She snuggles close to him, her head resting against his chest, her body melting against his like a warm, cozy blanket.
She sighs contentedly, feeling safe and comfortable in his embrace.
"Mmm... this is nice... just being together like this..."
"Yeeeah... I may miss the wedding dress, tiara and the negligee... But there's something about you in short shorts, stockings, a red sweater and glasses that I can't ever shake off.."
Ari says adjusting her glasses and bopping her nose
She laughs softly at his words, her cheeks blushing slightly as he adjusts her glasses and bops her nose. She feels her stomach flutter at his compliment, a feeling of flattery and fondness washing over her.
"Hehe... I guess I do make a cute "nerdy housewife" look, huh?"
She smirks, her cheeks still flushed with a slight hint of pink as she looks up at him, her glasses slightly askew.
Ari shakes his head
"Nah dear, you look cute in anything!.."
She smiles at his response, feeling her heart glow at the compliment. She adjusts her glasses again, giving him a coy look with her head tilted to the side.
"Aww... you're just saying that because you're biased."
She pokes his chest playfully.
Ari pulls her closer down to him and pinches her cheek playfully
"Not at all!.. Your always a snack in anything you wear darling~"
She lets out a small squeak as he pulls her closer and pinches her cheek, feeling a mixture of surprise and amusement at his actions.
She laughs, her cheeks turning pink once again at his compliment.
"Hey! Watch the pinching...!"
She bats his hand away playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"And a snack, huh? Careful... keep talking like that and I might get hungry..."
Ari giggles like a child while turning her on her back, holding her down with one arm, and rapidly pinching her cheeks with the other hand
She tries to protest, but her protests quickly devolve into giggles as he turns her on her back and pins her down, his fingers rapidly pinching her cheeks.
"Hey! Hahaha! S-Stop that, you big bully!"
She squirms and laughs under his grasp, feeling like a helpless prey being tormented by its captor. But despite the playful assault, she can't help but feel a flutter of affection and joy at his antics.
As Ari continues the pinching with giggles and laughter filling the room, he flips her front back on his front and squeezes her tightly
"I know I sound like a broken record when I say this but! I love you so much Carmine~"
She laughs and gasps as she's flipped back to her original position on his front, feeling his embrace tighten as he hugs her tightly.
She squirms slightly under his grip, feeling slightly squished but also loved and secure. She turns her head to look up at him, her eyes sparkling with affection and love.
"I love you too, sweetheart... so, so much... more than anything in the world..."
"Aww~.. You mean it?~"
She looks up at him, her gaze full of sincerity and devotion, her heart overflowing with the depth of her feelings for him.
"Of-course I mean it, sweetheart... with all my heart, with all my soul. I've never been more certain of anything in my life."
She reaches up with one hand to touch his face, her fingertips tracing his jawline softly.
"You mean everything to me... you're my world, my one and only darling."
Ari blushes lightly as he kisses her forehead then gives her an eskimo kiss
"You're such a sweet thing, you know that?.. You're too sweet for this world, you're something I need to protect!"
She blushes deeply at the sudden kiss on the forehead and eskimo kiss, a warm, fuzzy feeling spreading through her chest at his sweet words.
She snuggles closer to him, feeling her heart flutter at his protectiveness and care.
"You're too good to me, you know that? I'm just a simple girl, but you treat me like royalty..."
She looks up at him, her eyes sparkling with affection and admiration.
"You make me feel like the luckiest person in the world..."
Ari's eyes widen at her comment of her being a 'simple girl' he knew that wasn't true, she's more than that!
"Simple Girl!?.. Nonono, honey bunch!.. You're not even close to a 'simple girl'"
She looks at him, her eyes slightly wide at his reaction. She can see the disbelief and protectiveness in his eyes, and it warms her heart.
She playfully pokes his chest with her finger, a small smile on her face.
"I'm not? Then what am I, exactly?"
"Well!.. You're sweet, kind, cute and hot!.. You got a wonderful personality!.. You're tall, loyal, you're a blast to be around, you're very motherly towards Kieran and the other kids around Kitakami when you still lived there!.. You deserve the world my dear!"
She feels her heart flutter at his list of praises, her cheeks turning a bright shade of red as a wave of emotion washes over her.
She can't help but feel a mix of happiness, disbelief, and adoration at his words. No one has ever described her in such a loving and uplifting way before, and it makes her feel like she's on top of the world.
She grins at his final sentence, tilting her head to the side.
"The world, huh? That's a lot to give someone..."
"And best of all!.. Your submissive~"
She blushes even deeper at the sudden change in tone and the unexpected comment, her heart rate quickening at the thought. She giggles softly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement.
"W-Well... I am only submissive to you, y'know..."
She gives him a coy look, her eyes sparking with a hint of mischief.
"Well!.. Who else have you been in a relationship besides your ex when we still went to Blueberry!.."
She rolls her eyes at the mention of her ex, a small scoff escaping her lips.
"Ugh... that douche... He was a total jerk... and a terrible boyfriend..."
She shakes her head, as if trying to shake off the memories of her past relationship.
She looks up at Ari, her expression a teasing smirk.
"But you're right. You're the only one who has that privilege, sweetheart."
Ari smirks
"Yeah!.. I heard you were dating him when he was a senior and you were a freshman!.."
Ari jokes with a slight hint of worry
She laughs lightly at his comment, shaking her head.
"Yeah... I know... I was a stupid, naive freshman who was blindly attracted to the bad-boy upperclassman. It was a huge mistake, but I learned my lesson the hard way..."
She looks up at him with a serious expression, her eyes slightly narrowed.
"But you have nothing to worry about, sweetie. I'm completely over him, and he's ancient history to me now."
Ari sighs
"You know?.."
Ari rest his hand on her head nudging it onto his neck
"I've heard some other nasty rumors at the time I heard the other one..."
She feels her heart drop slightly at the mention of other rumors, a sense of unease settling in her stomach.
She looks at him, her eyes wide with worry. What other rumors could there be about that absolute monster Sabastian?
"Other rumors? What did you hear?"
"I've heard.. He.. He was a bit of a yandere with you and tried to get you to have sexual intercourse with him..."
Her heart sinks even further at his words, feeling a wave of nausea wash over her. She can't believe he heard those rumors.
She looks down, her head still resting on his chest, trying to keep her emotions in check. Her voice is shaky and quiet when she responds.
"He... he did try to... but I never went through with it... I told him no, multiple times..."
Ari strokes her hair softly in an attempt to comfort her
"I also heard that he also even tried to roofie and rape you.. Until Drayton walked into your room, and then.. Your ex threatened that if you or him told anyone.. He.. Kill you, him and each other's families.. Is.. This true?.."
She tenses up at his touch, and her eyes widen at his words. The memory of that night replays in her mind, making her feel nauseous. She takes a deep, shaky breath before speaking.
"Yes... it's true... He... he threatened us both... He said he would kill everyone we loved..."
She closes her eyes, trying to keep her emotions in check.
"I've never been so scared in my life..."
Ari quietly shushes her calmly while stroking her hair
"It's okay.. I'm here for you.. He ain't gonna do anything when I'm around.."
She feels a wave of comfort wash over her at his words. The sound of his voice and the feeling of his hand on her hair helps to soothe her anxiety and fear.
She rests her head against his chest, her body relaxing slightly.
"I know you'll protect me, sweetie... I just... I can't shake off these memories sometimes..."
"I can understand you fully.. I never got over my childhood trauma with my dad.. I'm almost 25 years old and it happened 13 years ago, and it still scars me to this day..."
She looks up at him, her expression full of empathy and understanding.
"Honey, you and I are alike in that way, then..."
Ari gently grabs her hand and wraps his fingers and palm around hers
“Do you remember his name by any chance?.. Cause I sure as Hell don’t!”
Ari questions lightly, nodding her the opinion to not answer if it’s too much
Carmine proceeds to take a couple of shaky breaths before answering, she doesn’t want to, but he needs to know
“Sabastian.. His name was Sabastian..”
She utters gut wrenchingly, her voice no higher than a whisper, her face buried in his chest
Ari's eyes widen in horror as he sits in silence, yet nostalgia.. He knows he’s heard that name before, several times from his past.. But, where?..
She reaches up to caress his cheek, her thumb gently running along his jawline as she lifts her head up to look at him.
"We've both been hurt so badly in the past... It's hard to not let it affect us, even now."
"It's okay.. Because good people must suffer to grow as human beings.. It’s not fair, but it’s just reality and I've grown because of my past.."
Ari sighs as he relishes on his past and everything that’s come of it, but.. It was all worth the pain to be with the love of his life, and the family they’ll built around each-others trauma
She nods, still holding him tightly.
"I know you've grown, sweetie, and you've become such a strong and incredible person because of it. I'm just... I'm so sorry you had to go through all that pain and suffering..."
She rubs his back in a soothing motion, trying to comfort him in whatever small way she can.
"Thanks hun.. My past really wasn't a life of fun and joy.. But.. That's life.. There's always gonna be hardships to face.. We all damn well wish life could just be the good moments.. But without the bad moments.. We don't grow as a person, we don't become strong, we don't improve.. It takes lot's of willpower to push on from even the hardest of times.. It's never truly over until it's over.. We don't become who we are as a person without the bad moments in life.."
She listens intently, soaking in his words like a sponge. She nods, understanding the truth in what he's saying. Life is full of challenges and difficulties, but it's how we face them that defines us as individuals.
"You're right... It's the hard moments that shape us and make us stronger..."
She looks up at him, her expression turning fierce.
"And we... we've faced our fair share of hardships, haven't we, sweetie?"
Ari kisses her softly on the lips for a moment
"That we both have.. We wouldn't be who we are for better or worse without it!.."
She melts into the kiss, her heart swelling with love and affection for him. When he pulls away, she smiles softly and nods her head in agreement.
"That's true... we're both better people because of the things we've endured. Stronger, harder, and more resilient..."
She gazes up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of love and determination.
"Together, I feel like we can overcome anything."
"I agree!.."
She hugs him tightly, feeling a sense of comfort and security in his embrace. She lets out a content sigh, her cheek resting against his chest as she listens to the steady beat of his heart. The connection between them feels stronger than ever before, knowing that they've shared their darkest secrets and come through the other side even closer than before.
"I'm so glad we have each other," she whispers, her voice soft and affectionate.
"Same.. I've shared more about myself with you than with everyone else combined!.."
Ari comments warmly while snuggling with her on the couch
She smiles, feeling a sense of trust and intimacy with him that she hasn't shared with anyone else either.
"I feel the same way, sweetie... I never want to keep anything from you, and I want you to know you can always trust me with anything."
She snuggles closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"And I hope you know you can do the same with me as well~..."
Ari says with honest bliss as he pats her head heartwarmingly
She feels a wave of warmth and comfort wash over her as he pats her head. Her heart swells with love for him, and she nuzzles her head against his chest affectionately.
"I do know, sweetie... you've earned my trust, and I know I can always count on you no matter what. I promise I'll always be honest with you too."
"Good!.."
Ari grabs a heated blanket off the ground, turns it on and wraps it around each-other like twins in the womb
She laughs softly as he wraps the heated blanket around them, feeling the warmth envelop her like a cozy cocoon. She snuggles closer to him, enjoying the feeling of their bodies pressed together, warm and comfortable beneath the blanket.
"Mmm... that's nice," she says, a content smile on her face. "This feels like being back in the womb."
Ari holds her and cuddles next to her, both underneath the heated blanket
"It really does doesn't it?.."
She nods, feeling totally relaxed and peaceful in his embrace. The heat from the blanket envelops them like a womb, making her feel safe and comforted. She snuggles closer to him, her head resting against his shoulder.
"It's like being surrounded by warmth and love all at once," she says, her voice soft and quiet."I could stay like this forever..."
Ari kisses her forehead and rests his head on top of hers while humming lightly
"Same.. I love you so much, Carms~.."
Ari rests one of his hands on the back of her head, caressing her hair
She feels a burst of warmth and happiness at his words and his touch. Her heart flutters in her chest and she can't help but smile.
"I love you too, sweetie... more than anything..."
She closes her eyes, savoring the feeling of his hand in her hair and the sound of his humming. She can feel herself drifting off into a peaceful slumber, completely content and at ease in his arms.
Ari continues the peaceful humming and caressing for a couple of minutes. She feels herself growing slowly drowsier and drowsier, the combination of his gentle caress and the comforting warmth of the heated blanket lulling her into a state of relaxation.
She sighs softly, her body relaxing against his as she drifts off into a gentle sleep. Ari smiles while her in his arms
She slumbers on, her head resting against his chest and her body completely relaxed in his arms. Her breathing is steady and peaceful, her face relaxed and care-free as she succumbs to sleep. Ari proceeds to get up slowly, picks her up and slowly walks into there shared room, thinking of all the times they've shared together, each one better than the last
She remains asleep as he picks her up, her body limp and relaxed in his arms. As they walk into the bedroom and he lays her down on the bed, she shifts slightly but doesn't wake up.
As he recalls all the memories they've shared, he can't help but feel a sense of peace and contentment. Despite their challenges and hardships, they've come so far and built a relationship that feels unbreakable. Ari pulls over some regular blankets over her, he's aware the birth defects and problems sleeping under a heated blanket while pregnant can bring
She snuggles into the blankets, feeling their warmth and comfort as they settle over her. Despite not being heated like the one from earlier, these blankets still feel cozy and familiar.
As Ari watches her sleep, he can't help but feel a sense of tenderness and protectiveness. He knows and understands the potential dangers and problems that can come with sleeping under a heated blanket while pregnant, and he's thankful that she has him to watch out for her.
Ari watches her for a moment, a soft smile on his face. He can't help but feel protective of her, knowing that she's carrying their child. He gently brushes a strand of hair away from her face, before leaning down and planting a soft kiss on her forehead. She stirs slightly at the gentle touch and affectionate kiss, but remains asleep. She seems to subconsciously lean into his touch, as if seeking out the comfort and protection he provides.
As he watches her sleep, he can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the thought of their child growing inside of her. He reaches down and places a gentle hand on her stomach, feeling the small swell of her belly under his palm. As he begins to reminisce about his parents, he feels the sadness and pain welling up inside him. He thinks back to the abuse he and his mum suffered at the hands of his father, the fear and trauma he endured. He misses his mother, the woman who tried so hard to protect him and love him despite the abuse she faced herself. He misses the sense of safety and comfort he felt with her. A small tear runs down his face as he stands there, leaning against the wall and memories of the past flooding his thoughts.
Ari takes a shaky breath as he looks over to a pinned board on the wall. Containing pictures of his adventures in Galar and Paldea... Then, he looks over the pictures of his wedding, him and Carmine, along with all their friends in a group photo celebrating Ari and Carmine's wedding and new life together.. He warmly smiles, knowing that the two may have graduated from Blueberry Academy. The two will be waiting for Crispin, Lacey, Amarys, and Drayton, and Carmine's little brother Kieran, who's by extension his brother-in-law to all graduate and knowing that once they all do.. They will all have to time of their lives together
As his eyes roam over the pictures on the board, his heart swells with memories and emotions. He sees the adventures he's had in both Galar and Paldea, the friends he's made and the bonds he's formed. He sees the pictures from his wedding, a smile playing on his lips as he remembers the joy and love he felt on that day.
As he thinks about the future, he pictures Crispin, Lacey, Amarys, Drayton, and Kieran graduating from Blueberry Academy. He imagines all of them together again, having adventures and creating new memories as they all move forward in life.
He gazes at Carmine, sleeping peacefully in the bed. She looks so content and serene, and he can't help but think of their child growing inside her. He remembers the pain and trauma he endured during his childhood, the abuse and neglect he had to face.
He vows to himself that things will be different for their kid. He will be the best damn father he can be, doing everything in his power to make sure their child has a happy and healthy life. He won't repeat the mistakes of his own father; he will break the cycle.
Ari walks over to their bed and slowly sits on it. He puts his hand onto Carmine's belly, feeling the small lump of their growing child
"You're gonna have the best childhood and parent's imaginable.. I promise.. I'm gonna teach you everything you're gonna need to know.. This Galar Champion will break the cycle.. I will.. Just for you.."
As he sits down on the bed and feels the small lump of their growing child beneath his palm, he feels a deep sense of determination and love. He talks to the baby in his soft, firm voice, making a vow to give them the best childhood and parents possible.
He crawls under the covers next to Carmine and snuggles up close to her, wrapping his arms around her belly. He can feel the warmth and softness of her skin and the gentle curve of her belly underneath his touch. He presses close, wanting to be as close to his growing child as he can. He feels a mixture of emotions as he holds her in his arms - love, protectiveness, and a deep sense of awe at the miracle of life growing inside her. As he snuggles up next to her, wrapping his arms lovingly around her belly, she shifts slightly in her sleep, her body instinctively moving closer to his warmth. She feels the familiar and comforting embrace of his arms around her, and her mind registers his presence even in her sleep. She lets out a small, contented sigh as she snuggles further into his arms. He feels her shift closer to him in her sleep, her body recognizing his presence and seeking out his warmth. He feels a wave of contentment and tenderness wash over him as he holds her closer, his arms wrapped protectively around her belly. He watches her face as she snuggles into him, noticing the peaceful expression on her face and hearing the sound of her soft, contented sigh. He places a gentle kiss on her forehead, feeling the soft, silky strands of her hair under his lips.
As the months pass and Carmine's pregnancy reaches its fifth month, Ari finds himself struggling to keep up with all the challenges it brings. Her mood swings and anxiety spikes are unpredictable and intense, and the cravings she has are both specific and extreme.
He's exhausted physically and emotionally, trying his best to keep up with her every need and mood. It's a constant balancing act, trying to keep her happy, healthy, and stable while also taking care of himself.
He tries his best to accommodate her needs, whether it's running out for a midnight snack run for her strange cravings, massaging her back when she's sore, or simply just holding her when she's feeling overwhelmed. And struggling from convincing her not to eat a whole jar of pickles or a whole family bag of potato chips at 2 AM to dealing with her tearful breakdowns because of very overly insignificant things.
He's constantly on the go it seems, darting out in the middle of the night to satisfy her most obscure cravings, spending hours massaging her aching back and body, and always being there to comfort her when she needs it most. He's also constantly battling against her impulses, stopping her from devouring large amounts of unhealthy snacks and dealing with her crying spells over the smallest and most trivial things.
It's a constant struggle, trying to keep up with her ever-changing needs and moods. He's exhausted, yet he keeps pushing through, determined to be there for her throughout the entirety of her pregnancy.
He's even gotten his close friends Drayton and Lacey. And his brother-in-law Kieran over to help him out with Carmine whenever possible, even going as far as to pay for their plane tickets to Galar.. They've been extremely helpful with helping him out.. Kieran's helping and excited to be an uncle, Lacey has been the mind and reason between the 4 of them when helping Carmine, and Drayton has been the least helpful, only there for the snacks and the amusement of teasing Carmine about her pregnancy
Drayton's presence is a mixed bag, he's there for the snacks and entertainment aspect, but he's not much help when it comes to Carmine's mood swings and cravings. Luckily, Kieran and Lacey are more helpful, Kieran excited to be an uncle and Lacey bringing a voice of reason and practicality to the chaos.
They've all been a blessing to have around, flying in from Galar to help out and provide a hand with dealing with Carmine's pregnancy. Ari's glad to have their support and friendship, it makes the whole experience a bit easier to manage.
One day, Ari invites only Kieran over to their house one day instead of the usual group of Kieran, Lacey, and Drayton. He wants to talk to him privately about something... something important.
As Kieran arrives at the doorstep of Ari's large house located on the outskirts of Motostoke, he can't help but wonder why he was the only one asked to come over. He knocks on the door and waits for Ari to answer.
Ari walks over to open the door to greet Kieran with a bit of a distraught facial expression
"We need to talk..."
Kieran notices Ari's worried expression and tone as he greets him, sensing that something is off. He immediately becomes serious and attentive.
"What's going on, Ari? What do we need to talk about?"
Ari walks over the the couch and slumps over and deeply sighs
Kieran follows Ari over to the couch where he slumps down and lets out a deep sigh. He can tell that something is weighing heavy on Ari's mind and that whatever he needs to talk about is serious.
"What's going on, man? Spill it"
Ari puts his hands onto his face and groans before moving them back to his sides
"I... I don't know if I'm ready.."
Kieran sits down next to Ari and listens intently to his friend's words, concern etched on his face.
"Ready for what, exactly? You can tell me, man. I'm here for you."
"I... I um.. I don't know if I'm ready to be a dad yet..."
Kieran's expression softens at Ari's confession, realizing the source of his friend's distress. He places a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Hey man, it's totally normal to be scared or unsure about becoming a parent. It's a big responsibility, and it's a major life change. But remember, you're not doing this alone. You have Carmine, and you have me and the rest of your friends to support you every step of the way."
Ari sighs while smiling, looking a little to the side, touched by his words
Kieran smiles back at Ari, glad that his words have provided a little comfort to his friend. He gives his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"Plus, hey, I know you and Carmine are going to make fantastic parents. You'll be there for each other, and your kid is going to be surrounded by love and support. You've got this man, you really do."
Ari pulls Kieran down and gives him a hug
"Thanks Kieran.. You really know how to make me feel better.. I'm glad to have a best friend and brother-in-law like you.."
Kieran's surprised at first but hugs Ari back, glad to be able to comfort his friend and bring him some much-needed reassurance.
"No problem, man. I'm always here for you, you know that. You and Carmine are like family to me, and I'm honored to be your brother-in-law. You're gonna be an amazing dad, I know it."
Ari and Kieran enjoy each-others comfort for a little bit
Ari and Kieran sit there together in comfortable silence for a few moments, the weight of Ari's worries eased somewhat by Kieran's supportive words and presence. The room is filled with a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding. It's moments like these that affirm their bond as brothers-in-law and lifelong friends.
Ari lets go of him
"Thanks again.."
Ari pats the back of his head
"Of-course. Anytime.."
Kieran smiles warmly at Ari, glad to have been able to offer some comfort and reassurance. He knows that Ari is a strong and capable person, but even the strongest need a little support sometimes.
Ari gets off the couch
"I.. I gotta talk to Carmine about this.."
Ari looks over at Kieran
"Make yourself at home while you're here.."
Kieran nods understandingly as Ari stands up from the couch. He knows that talking to Carmine is important.
"Yeah man, you gotta talk to her about it. And don't worry, I'll chill here for a bit. You two need some privacy."
Ari makes his way over to the bedroom he shares with Carmine, his heart pounding a bit in his chest. He knows he has to have a serious conversation with her about his fears and doubts, but he doesn't know how she'll react.
As he walks into the bedroom, Ari is greeted by the sight of Carmine looking pissed off and hungry, a sight he's become all too familiar with in recent months. He knows that trying to talk to her when she's like this is going to be a challenge, but he steels his nerves and braces himself for the conversation ahead.
"Hey hun.. Can we talk?.."
Carmine turns her attention to Ari, her eyes narrowing as she processes his words. She's still hungry and grumpy, but she can sense the serious tone in his voice.
"What is it? Can't it wait? I'm starving and really not in the mood right now.."
Ari sighs
"No.. It can’t.."
She huffs and rolls her eyes, clearly frustrated with being interrupted in her hungry state.
"Ugh, fine. What do you want to talk about that's so important it can't wait until I'm not starving to death?"
Ari walks over and slumps on their bed and groans into his arms
Carmine watches as Ari walks over and collapses onto the bed, letting out a frustrated groan. She can sense that whatever he has to say isn't going to be easy.
"Out with it. Let's just talk about it before my stomach starts eating itself."
Ari takes his hands off his face and looks at Carmine's general direction
"Sigh.. I'm tired hun.."
Carmine looks at Ari, her irritation at being interrupted momentarily forgotten as she senses the exhaustion in his voice. She knows that caring for her and dealing with her constant mood swings and cravings must be exhausting.
"Yeah, I can tell. You look like you haven't slept in days."
"I know.. I've only gotten about 5 hours of sleep, give or take in the past 2 days..."
Carmine's eyes widen in surprise and concern at Ari's words. She knows that he's been working hard to take care of her throughout her pregnancy, but she didn't realize how badly it was affecting him.
"5 hours? Only in TWO days?! Ari, why didn't you say something sooner? You can't keep going on like that."
Ari sighs as his voice becomes slightly annoyed
"Well.. I've tried to!.. But you've just yelled at me saying stuff like 'I'm harboring a child! What are you doing!?' Or 'You're being dramatic!!..'.. It's hard to say this to someone like you for example!.."
Carmine's eyes widen at Ari's accusation, realizing the impact her behavior has had on him. She hadn't realized how her own mood swings and outbursts had made it difficult for him to communicate with her about his struggles.
"I... I didn't know I was being that difficult. I know I've been on edge lately with all these damn hormones but... I didn't know I was shutting you out like that.."
Ari rolls over next to her in bed and wraps his hand around hers
"It's okay hun.. I understand.. Pregnancy can take a lot out of someone.."
Carmine looks down at their intertwined fingers, feeling a pang of guilt in her chest. She knew that being pregnant came with a host of physical and emotional changes, but she hadn't realized the toll it was taking on Ari.
She laces her fingers with his, her voice softening as she speaks."I've been a total pain to deal with lately, haven't I? I'm sorry... I don't mean to snap at you like that.."
Ari uses his other hand to caressing Carmine's cheek
"Don't be sorry hun.. I understand it's not your doing.. I know you wouldn't do this on a normal basis.. It's not your fault.."
Carmine leans into his touch, her irritation slowly ebbing away as she feels his gentle caress. She knows Ari is trying to be understanding, even when she's snapping at him or going through another mood swing.
She looks down at their intertwined fingers and lets out a remorseful sigh."I just hate that you're having to deal with all of this because of me.. You've been doing so much to take care of me, and all I've done is be a pain in your ass.."
Ari shushes her calmly
"It's okay.. It's fine.. Don't feel bad.."
Carmine sighs as Ari shushes her, the sound calming her frazzled nerves. She feels a wave of guilt wash over her, knowing how unfairly she's been treating him lately.
She leans her head against his chest, her voice quieter now."How can you be so understanding after all I've put you through? I don't deserve you..."
Ari reaches over her and gives her a quick kiss
Carmine melts at his kiss, feeling the warmth of his affection wash away some of her guilt. She wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him closer, burying her face in his chest.
"I love you, you know that? You're putting up with so much from me, and you still find a way to make me feel better. I don't know how you do it.."
Ari backs up a little
"It'll all be fine dear.. Once this is all set in done.."
Ari rests his hand onto her belly, feeling the ever growing child in there and smiling more
"It's all going to be worth it..."
Carmine looks down at his hand resting on her belly, a mixture of love and fear swirling in her heart. She can feel the baby kicking inside her, a constant reminder of the life they've created together.
"I hope you're right.. I'm excited to meet our little one, truly. It's just..."
She pauses, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face.
Ari can notice the uncertainty on her face, and his face changes to concern
"What is my dear?.. You've always been so happy to talk about our soon to be newborn?.."
Carmine takes a breath, trying to articulate the feelings swirling in her head. She looks up at Ari with a mixture of worry and vulnerability in her eyes.
"I'm... I'm scared, Ari. I'm scared of what's to come. Giving birth, being a parent... all of it. I'm worried I won't be good enough to be a mother. That I won't be able to give our child the love and care they need.. That I'll mess everything up.."
Ari moves her head to look at her directly
"Carmine Carmine.. Hun!.. You're not gonna fuck up, I promise.."
Carmine looks into his eyes, searching for reassurance in his face. She wants to believe him, desperately, but her doubts still linger in the back of her mind.
"How can you be so sure? I'm... I'm not exactly a calm and rational person, even without these damn hormones messing with my head. I snap at you. I get angry over stupid things. I'm not exactly 'motherly' material ..."
"Sweetie!.. You have all the qualities that make a good mother.. I promise!.. Yes you may not be calm or rational and a bit hot headed.. But you're very motherly, your sweet kind, sympathetic.. I can tell all your Pokémon can see how good of a person you are, I couldn't imagine anyone else I wouldn't want to mother our kid.."
Tears prick at the corners of Carmine's eyes as she listens to Ari's words. She can feel the sincerity in his voice and it touches her deeply. She clings to his words like a lifeline, desperately wanting to believe that she can be a good mother.
"You... you really mean it? You think I can do it? Be a good mom? Even with all my flaws?"
Ari shuffles closer and gives her a light hug and gently pats the back of her head
"I mean every word.. You'll be a great mother.. It may be hard seeing this is a first time for both of us, and we'll both struggle.. But.. We'll make it work.. Together.."
Carmine buries her face in his chest, taking comfort in his embrace. She feels the tension in her body slowly ease as she lets his words wash over her, the weight of her fears and doubts lifting somewhat.
She takes a deep breath, her voice a little shaky."I hope you're right. I really do. I want to be a good mother, a good partner, for you and for our child. But... I'm scared I'll mess it up.. I'm scared I won't be enough.."
"You'll be perfect.. I married you not because you're perfect.. I married you because you're someone who loves me for who I am, and not for my looks or money.. Everyone has their flaws.. It's what makes us human at the end of the day.."
At his words, a small smile tugs at the corners of Carmine's lips, the warmth in his voice bringing her a much-needed glimmer of hope. She looks up at him, her eyes meeting his.
"You really do know how to make me believe in myself, don't you? No matter how down I feel, you always manage to lift me up..."
She trails off, her expression growing a little more serious."I... I'm sorry, you know, for being so tough to deal with lately.."
"Don't be.. It's a new experience for you.. For both of us.. And.. If we have another.. We'll learn from our previous mistakes.."
The thought of having more than one child is a little daunting to Carmine, but she knows that with time and practice, they will get the hang of it. She looks down at her protruding belly and pats it fondly, a mix of protectiveness and determination settling in her heart.
"One step at a time, right? Let's get through this first one and then we'll worry about the next.. If there is a next one, that is.."
"Hey sweetie?.. Can I ask you somethin?.."
Carmine looks up at Ari, sensing the serious tone in his voice. She nods, gesturing for him to ask his question.
"Of-course.. Anything. What is it?"
"How.. How many children would you want with me?.."
Carmine considers the question for a moment while looking down at her belly, a small smile pulling at the corners of her lips. She places a hand gently on her belly, feeling the flutter of their child underneath.
"I... I don't know.. I never really thought about it, honestly. I just assumed we'd have one and then stop. But... but I don't know now.."
She looks up at Ari, conflicted."What about you? How many children do you want?"
Ari looks up, warmly smiling as he’s pondered about this question a few times in the past
"I've personally been appealed with about 3 or so.. A good chance of a boy and a girl with an extra thrown in there.. Maybe 2 boys and a girl, or 2 girls and a boy.."
Carmine's eyes widen at Ari's mention of multiple children. While the idea of more than one child is a little scary, she can't help but feel a flicker of excitement at the thought of having a boy and a girl, or perhaps two of each. She looks at him with a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"Three?!? You'd want to have three kids? Are you sure you're ready for the chaos?"
Ari looks over to her and chuckles a little at her reaction
"C'mon hun, think about it!.. We can have the experience and wonders of raising both genders.. Plus, we could have our children grow up with each other and build life-long lasting bonds with one another. We can also have enjoyment of each one having a different career path and personality.."
The vision Ari paints is appealing, and Carmine can practically see it playing out in her mind. Raising children of different s, watching as they grow and develop into their own unique selves, each with different strengths and passions. The idea of them growing up together and forming a close bond is especially endearing to her.
A smile slowly blooms on her face as the idea takes root in her mind. She looks at him, her voice filled with newfound excitement."You really want to have three kids, huh?"
"I mean.."
Ari rests his hand onto her belly
"I'd never force something you'd never want to do.. You have the first say in most things we do..."
Carmine's smile widens at his words, her heart swelling with love for him. She cherishes how he always puts her needs and wants first, even in something as big as deciding how many children they'll have. She places her hand on top of his, relishing the connection between them.
She looks at him, a flicker of excitement in her eyes.
"We have time to decide on all that. But... I have to admit... the idea of having three kids with you.. it's growing on me."
Ari warmly smiles
"I just want to make sure it's okay with you.. You'd be carrying the children after all.. It wouldn't be fair or right to force something like that on you.."
Carmine's heart melts at his thoughtfulness. She knows having children, carrying them, and giving birth is a huge task, and he's always so considerate to make sure she's comfortable and happy with their choices.
She gives his hand a gentle squeeze, her voice filled with affection.
"Of-course it's okay with me. I know it's going to be hard, and that it's a lot to ask of my body. But... I want to do it. For us. For our family."
Ari nods loyally, as he begins to reassure her some more
“Well I’m glad to hear that.. Because if something is not okay or approving in your eyes.. It won’t be in view either.. Your happiness and safety is something I hold dear to my soul.. Because you’re the love of my life Carmine.. And I’ll be forever loyal to you, and no one else..”
Carmine's heart practically melts at his concern for her. It's moments like these that remind her of how lucky she is to have him. She squeezes his hand gently, a tender smile on her face.
"Ari, my love. You're too good to me, you know that? I know it'll be a lot of work, carrying and caring for three kids... but with you by my side, I know we can do it. Plus, watching our little ones grow up together, it'd be a pretty incredible experience, wouldn't it?"
Ari scoots right next to her, resting his head onto hers
"I would want nothing more than to start a big, vibrant family with you.."
Carmine feels the warmth of his body pressed against hers, and she leans into his embrace. The idea of having a large, happy family with the man she loves fills her heart with a deep sense of contentment.
She looks up at him, her voice soft and affectionate.
"Me too, Ari. Me too. I never thought I'd be the type to want a big family, but with you, I can see us having three.. or maybe even more children. Something about the thought just feels right.."
Ari snickers a little
"You'd want more than 3?.. Not even 4 minutes ago you'd we're wary of more than 2!.."
Carmine blushes and swats him on the arm lightly, a laugh escaping her lips.
"Hey! Shut up! I'm allowed to change my mind, okay? Three kids sound like a fantastic idea! And who knows, maybe we'll have more once we get the hang of parenting..."
She pauses for a moment, then adds jokingly. "...Maybe even four or five if we're feeling daring."
"Well.. I'm happy with however many children you'd want.. I'll suffer sleep deprivation for you my dear.."
Carmine lets out a soft chuckle at his words, touched by his selflessness.
"You're so stubborn, you know that? Always putting my needs before yours. I love that about you, but it's not all about me, idiot. If we do have more than three kids, we'd be in this sleepless hell together, you got that?"
"I'm aware love.. It's a lot of work for one kid let alone 3 or 5.. But.. I know we can do it.."
Ari puts his hand on her belly
"Together.."
Carmine smiles warmly as he rests his hand on her belly. She places her hand on top of his, intertwining her fingers with his.
"Together," she repeats with a firm nod. Her worries and doubts begin to fade as she imagines a future filled with their children, a family built on love and supported by each other. "We can do this, Ari. We can have as many kids as we want, and we can raise them to be strong, kind, and compassionate. Together, we can do anything."
Ari snickers heartfully
"I'm so glad I have a wife like you.. I never thought I'd be happy to be married, but.. You make me feel complete.."
Carmine's heart swells at his words. She never thought she'd be the type to settle down or have a family, but here she is, happily married and expecting a child with the man she loves. She looks at him, her eyes filled with love and admiration.
"I never thought I'd be this content or happy, either. But then I met you, and everything changed. You're my everything, Ari. My husband, my partner, my best friend... I wouldn't want to spend my life with anyone else but you."
"I feel the same way hun.. You're my lovely wife, my best friend.. You're the one I can trust the most.. I couldn't imagine a world without you in it at this point in my life.."
Carmine's heart skips a beat at his words. It warms her soul to know that she means so much to him. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"You know... sometimes I still can't believe we're actually married. It feels like just yesterday we were battling on a Pokemon field, and here we are now, with a child on the way and planning on having more. Time flies, doesn't it? "
"I know... I remember when we first met during that field trip.."
Carmine nods, her eyes distant as she looks back on their first meeting.
"Ah, the field trip. I still remember the day we met. You were so damn annoying back then, you know that? Cocky bastard with a stupidly endearing smile... I didn't like you one bit at first, but look at us now. We're married, expecting a child, and planning to have more. Crazy, huh?"
Ari snickers a little as he nods back at her
"I know.. When we first met.. You'd used to be bitchy, whiney, egotistical, and a bit of a brat.. We used to fight and argue constantly.."
Carmine laughs as she nods in agreement. Her past self was quite the handful, and she knows it.
"Yeah, I was a real piece of work back then. But you were just as bad, if not worse. Always pushing my buttons and getting under my skin. We were like oil and water, constantly clashing and causing trouble. It's amazing how we went from that to being married and expecting a child together."
Ari leans towards her and gently kisses her forehead and leans backwards with an honest smile
"It's crazy to think about.. We're happily married and starting a family together.. I never thought we'd be friends let alone partners for life.. Even with all the fighting prior, we trust each other the most out of anyone else.."
Carmine feels a surge of warmth and joy as he kisses her forehead. She looks at him, her eyes filled with love and affection. She reaches out and takes his hand in hers, intertwining their fingers.
"We must have been crazy to put up with each other back then, huh? I mean, we were constantly at each other's throats, and now look at us. We're more than just friends, we're married and expecting a child. It's a miracle, really. But I'm so damn grateful it happened. I can't imagine my life without you in it."
Ari rests his other hand onto her belly, feeling the warmth of there soon to be child coming soon
"I agree.. I world without you.. Is a world I want no part of.."
Carmine smiles affectionately as he places his hand on her belly. She leans into his touch, feeling a wave of comfort and security wash over her. She looks at him lovingly, her voice soft and sweet.
"You're such a sweet talker, you know that? You always know just what to say to make me feel special and loved. I feel the same way, you know. A world without you is a world I don't want to live in. I'm so lucky to have you in my life."
About 4 months pass by, as Carmine is in the hospital bed, her face creased with effort as she pushes, her hand tightly gripping Ari's with Kieran on the other side of the hospital bed trying to give what support he can. The contractions are intense, each one making her gasp with pain and exhaustion. Sweat beads her forehead, her breathing coming in ragged pants.
"I can't... I can't do this, Ari... It hurts... so much..."
"It's okay hun!.. Just breathe!.. It'll be over before you know it!.."
Ari reassures as he kisses her cheek
Carmine whimpers as another contraction grips her, her face contorting with pain. She looks up at Ari, her eyes filled with a mixture of anguish and determination. She grabs his hand tighter, her voice tremulous.
"I'm trying... I'm trying... But it hurts so much... I'm so tired..."
"It's going to be okay!.. I'm here for you!.. And Kieran's here as well!.."
Ari looks over at Kieran, who's at the other side of the hospital bed
"Right Kieran?.."
Kieran gives a reassuring nod, his expression filled with sympathy and support. He stands close by, his hand also holding one of Carmine's.
"He's right, Carmine. You're doing great. Just a little bit longer. Try to take deep breaths, okay? You can do this. You're strong, and you're going to meet your child soon."
Ari looks back at Carmine giving her a warm and assuring smile
"He's right Carmine!.. You're a strong and brave woman!.. Our child's going to be grateful to have a mother like you hun."
Carmine looks from Ari to Kieran, her heart filled with a mix of love and gratitude for both of them. She takes a deep, shaky breath, trying to steady her nerves, before looking at Ari again.
"Okay... I can do this. For him, for us. Our baby... I can do this..."
She closes her eyes, taking another deep breath as another contraction grips her, her face contorting with pain.
Ari smirks as he grips her hand tighter as he pats her back lightly
"That's the attitude I like to see from my wife!.."
Carmine lets out a weak, strained laugh as Ari pats her back. She looks up at him, her eyes filled both with love and exhaustion. She grips his hand tighter as another pained whimper escapes her lips.
"You... you're so damn cheesy... and supportive... I don't... ugh... know how I'd do this without you, you know..."
Ari nuzzles her head
"Anytime hun.. I'm here for you as a good husband should be!"
Carmine leans into his touch, feeling a wave of comfort wash over her. She looks at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and love.
"You're damn right... you're the best damn husband... a woman could ask for..."
Another contraction grips her, and she winces in pain, her grip on his hand tightening involuntarily.
Ari grits his teeth at her increased grip but shakes it off quickly and gives her another kiss on the cheek
"Just keep breathing hun.. You're doing great!.. I promise you this will all be worth it!.."
Carmine nods weakly, trying to follow his advice and focus on her breathing. Each contraction seems to get worse and worse, the pain becoming increasingly unbearable. She looks at him again, her face taut with strain.
"It's... it's getting harder... I'm so tired... I don't know if I can do this... it hurts..."
"I know you can do it!.. Your strong and brave young women!.. I promise you can do it!.."
Tears well up in Carmine's eyes as Ari encourages her. She tries to be strong, to keep pushing through the pain, but the effort is taking its toll on her. Weariness and exhaustion are etched on her face.
"I... I'm trying... I just... I need this to be over... I can't... I can't keep going on like this much longer..."
The contractions seem to get worse and more frequent, each one more painful than the last as the minutes pass by. Carmine's face is a grimace of pain and exhaustion, her grip on Ari's hand almost bone-crushing.
"I... I can feel it... It's coming... I can't hold on... It's too much..."
Ari winces a little at her hardened grip, but he has experienced much worse before
"I-it's almost here h-hun!.. The pain will be over soon, you just gotta get it one more push!.."
Carmine's eyes are wide with a mixture of pain and fear. She's at her limit, but she summons every ounce of strength left within her. She nods weakly, tears streaming down her face.
"I... I can do this... I just have... one more push... just one more..."
Ari pats her head gently before giving her a final kiss of determination
"That's all that'll be needed my love!.. Just one more.. And it'll all be over.."
Carmine nods, taking a deep, shuddering breath. With all her remaining strength, she bears down, pushing with all her might.
"I'm... I'm doing it... just one more... one more... AGGGHHH!"
With a final cry of pain and exertion, the baby boy is born, his cries filling the room.
Ari looks towards the direction of the baby cries, completely shell-shocked hearing the cries of his child
"I-is it?.. Is it here?.."
His voice is none higher than a whisper
The doctor looks up and smiles, holding the squirming, wailing baby in her arms.
"It's a boy, and he's perfectly healthy. Congratulations Mr. Flystone."
Tears stream down Carmine's face, a mixture of pain and joy as she looks at her son for the first time.
Ari reaches over, and gently holds their newborn child, feeling as if he won a Nobel Peace Prize, eyes widened and mouth slightly agape, words can’t even fathom how much joy he feels in this moment looking at their child for the first time and becoming a father, to put it briefly. He's never felt so happy in his life and he will make sure that this boy will have a father he wishes he had growing up
The doctor gently places the baby in Ari's arms. He is small but already so perfect, his face writhing with the first cry of life. Carmine watches with weary eyes, her heart filled with a deep and profound joy.
"He's... he's beautiful... Our boy..."
Ari whimpers a little with a soft smile as he looks over at Carmine with a weary smile
“Carmine I.. I-I don't know what to say.. I've never felt so happy in my life.."
Carmine watches Ari with tired but adoring eyes as he holds their child. She's weak and exhausted but filled with a sense of wonder and love.
"He's beautiful... absolutely perfect... and he's ours... we made him, Ari... we made him..."
Ari hands him over to Carmine
"This is my greatest achievement yet.. I'm so happy right now.. He's our wonderful firstborn.."
Carmine takes the baby in her arms, cradling him against her chest. She's exhausted, but her eyes are filled with tenderness and love as she looks at their son.
"He is... he's truly the greatest thing we've ever made... and we made him together.."
She looks up at Ari, her eyes glossy with tears of happiness.
Ari gives her a kiss, looks at her with his sparkling blue eyes with a tear falling down his cheek
Carmine feels the warmth of his kiss, the love in his eyes. She smiles through her own tears, feeling a rush of affection and connection. She reaches out, gently wiping the tear from his cheek.
"We did it, Ari. We created this little miracle together..."
Ari softly chuckles, trying to hold back tears for their baby boy in her arms
"Indeed hun.. He's ours.. And only ours.. He's.. He's gonna do great things.. I can tell.."
Carmine nods, looking down at their son in her arms. Her heart is overflowing with love and a sense of responsibility and determination.
"He will. He's our son, and he's going to be amazing. We'll make sure of it... We'll support him, love him, and watch him grow into the incredible person we know he can be."
Ari nods in agreeance as a few more tears trail down his face
"He's gonna have the greatest parents in the world.. And I'll make sure of it.."
Carmine smiles warmly, her eyes filled with a sense of pride and love
"He is... and we're going to give him everything we've got. He's going to be the luckiest child in the world because he gets to have us as his parents, and we'll never fail him."
"Never..."
Ari ushers out quietly
Carmine gazes down at their son, her heart filled with a fierce determination and affection.
"Never... We're a team, Ari. We've always been a team. Nothing can stop us. Not when we have each other and now our beautiful son."
Ari smiles as the thought of a name for their boy comes to mind as he rests his hand onto the back of her head
"You know?.. I think I have a name for our little one.."
Carmine looks up at him, curious and delighted.
"You do? What is it? I'd love to hear it."
Ari lets out a prideful sigh, as this name will be perfect for him
"Luca.. I like the name Luca.."
Carmine smiles, her eyes sparkling at the name.
"Luca... it's perfect. Luca... our little Luca..."
She gazes down at the baby in her arms, the name fitting him perfectly.
Ari looks down at Luca, in her arms
"It's the Latin name derived from the name Lucas.. Which means, Bringer of Light..."
Carmine nods as she lets out a small sound of happiness of the name, her heart swelling with love for the name and its meaning. It's fitting for their bright and beautiful son.
"Luca... the Bringer of Light... I love it. It's beautiful, just like he is."
Ari nods in agreeance and happiness that she agrees with the name choice as he leans down and kisses her cheek while looking at Luca
"He's gonna be a great kid... I see nothing but success in his future..."
Carmine feels the warmth and love of Ari's kiss on her cheek as they look down at their son. She feels a sense of hope and pride, imagining the bright future ahead for Luca.
"He will be. We'll make sure of it. He's got two parents who love him unconditionally and will do everything in our power to support him and help him succeed."
Ari softly scoops Luca out her arms as he walks over to Kieran with a smile on his face
"Hey Kieran?... You wanna hold your nephew for the first time?..."
Kieran looks up, his eyes widening with excitement and a hint of nervousness. He's never held a baby before, but the idea of holding his nephew fills him with joy and a bit of anxiety.
"I-I... I can hold him?"
Ari leans down and puts Luca in his arms gently as he leans back up
"Of-course you can lad... You are his uncle afterall!..."
Kieran looks at Luca in awe, his eyes wide with wonder. He's never held anything so small and fragile before, but the feeling of having his nephew in his arms fills him with a sense of amazement.
"I... I can't believe I'm holding him..."
He looks up at Ari, a mix of nervousness and happiness on his face.
"Am I doing it right? I don't want to drop him or anything..."
Ari chuckles as he ruffles Kieran's hair, his voice honest and supportive
"You're doing great kiddo!... I know you'll make a great uncle to our little one..."
Kieran smiles, feeling a boost of confidence from Ari's words. The responsibility of being an uncle hits him, and he realizes the importance of being a good role model for his nephew.
"Heh... thanks, Ari. I'll do my best. I'll be the best uncle he can ask for."
He looks at Luca, holding him gently and carefully.
"Hey there, little guy. I'm your uncle Kieran. Nice to finally meet you."
Luca proceeds to squeaks happily in Kieran's arms, though not aware of who he is, but can tell he means no harm
"Heh, I think Luca likes you..."
Kieran feels a sense of pride and affection as Luca squeaks happily in his arms. He can't help but feel a connection to his nephew, even though they've only just met.
"I think so too. Looks like I'm a natural at this."
He looks up at Ari, his eyes sparkling with pride and joy.
"He's perfect, isn't he?"
"He is me and your sister's child afterall... I can tell he's Champion's material already... And he'll have the best family one could imagine..."
Kieran nods, his heart swelling with pride. The thought of Luca growing up to be as strong and successful as his parents and uncle is both awe-inspiring and a little bit intimidating.
"You really think so? You think he'll be a champion? But, hey, with our family... it’s not that far-fetched I guess."
He looks down at Luca, a determined expression on his face.
"You hear that, little man? You're gonna be a champion one day! Count on it!"
Luca continues to giggle softly hearing his dad and uncle's reassuring words
Kieran beams at the sound of Luca's giggles. The fact that he's already responding to their words makes his heart swell with affection.
"Look at that smile! He's already loving the sound of it, aren't you little guy?"
He bounces Luca a little gently, making silly faces at him in an effort to get more laughs.
Ari chuckles lightly as he pats Kieran's head, both proud and happy to have such a great friend/brother-in-law and supportive uncle to his newborn as he looks down at Luca in his arms
"... Hey there Luca... I assure you your Galarian Champion dad is gonna be there every step of the way... You're mum, uncle and dad will be there for you..."
Luca's eyes seem to focus a bit on Ari as if he's understanding and taking in every word. Kieran continues to bounce him gently, still making funny faces to get him to keep giggling.
"He's listening, Ari. He can already tell how much we love him and want to support him."
"And support he'll get... He's gonna be our bringer of light, our prodigy... He's our Flystone... Ain't that right Luca?..."
Ari babies assuring as he bops Luca's nose very softly
Luca seems to love the attention and the gentle touch from Ari, his giggles growing a little louder. He seems to have a soft spot for his dad's baby talk already.
Meanwhile, Kieran watches on, feeling a surge of affection and responsibility at hearing how much they already care for and believe in their son. He looks at Luca, smiling.
"Flystone, huh? I like that. He's our little champ in the making."
Ari scoops him out of Kieran's arms as he walks back over to Carmine and puts him back in her arms
"... He'll carry the Flystone name with heart, soul and pride... Right darling~?"
Carmine holds Luca close, a look of love and pride on her face as she takes him back in her arms.
Luca squirms a little at being passed from one loved one to another, but soon settles down, his eyes still wide and innocent.
Carmine looks up at Ari, her face filled with affection and a sense of determination.
"He will. He'll carry it with honor, courage, and a fierce spirit. And we'll be right by his side, every step of the way."
Ari leans over and gives Carmine a warm kiss on the cheek as he brushes a few strands of hair off her face as he sighs warmly
"... I'm so happy we get to share our hatchling together as one... Our hard work and genes made this miracle..."
Carmine blushes at the kiss, her heart overflowing with love for Ari. She leans into his touch, feeling the comfort and security of his presence.
"Yeah... We did it together. Our love, our hard work, our combined strength, it all makes up who he is... who he's going to be. I'm so proud of us, of him... everything..."
She looks down at Luca, a smile spreading across her face.
"He's perfect, Ari. Absolutely perfect..."
As Luca's eyes slowly open, both Ari and Carmine feel their hearts melt at the sight of his beautiful blueish gray eyes, a spitting image of Ari's own. The room fills with soft coos as Luca seems to take in his surroundings, his crying subdued for the moment as he gathers the looks of his parents for the first time.
Ari and Carmine can't help but feel a surge of love and emotion as they look into their son's eyes, realizing that this is the first time they're seeing his eyes clearly.
Ari grins, a mixture of pride and excitement in his voice.
"Look at those eyes... he's looking right at us..."
Carmine holds Luca close, her eyes filled with love and affection.
"He's got your eyes, Ari. They're beautiful..."
Ari looks back over at Carmine and nods silently with love and agreement. He looks back at Luca and leans in closer, smiling down at Luca's tiny face and adorable blueish gray eyes.
"I know hun, oh look at those eyes... They're just like mine... Hey there kiddo. Can you see your mama and dada?"
Luca coos softly, looking up at his parents with wide, innocent eyes. Even for such a young newborn, it's clear that his vision is sharp and his focus is trained right on Ari and Carmine. He squirms a little in Carmine's arms, seeming to be responding to his father's words.
Carmine laughs softly, her heart swelling with love and awe. She can't help but smile back at the sight of their baby boy looking at them. She gently runs her finger down his cheek, her touch gentle and full of affection.
"He's listening, Ari. Can you see us, Luca? We're your mama and dada... we love you so much, sweetheart..."
Ari chuckles quietly, his love only growing more and more with each millisecond he spends with their child, as leans in and nuzzles his head against hers affectionately
"... Heh, I can just see it in his eyes. Our little hatchling's gonna do great things in this world.. I can't wait to spend every moment of my life with you, Kieran and our little Luca everyday..."
Carmine melts against Ari's nuzzle, her heart full of love and contentment. She leans her head against his, feeling the comfort of his presence and the connection between them.
"Me too, Ari... I can't think of anything better than spending our lives together, watching our family grow and blossom. Luca is gonna be amazing, just like us... And with Kieran too. We're gonna make the best damn family the world has ever seen."

As days turn to weeks, Carmine and Ari settle into their roles as new parents, adjusting to the demands and joys of caring for their infant son with Luca growing and gaining strength, the two find themselves more in sync than ever, navigating the chaos of sleepless nights, diaper changes, and the constant need to keep an eye on their little one.
Ari's social media inbox is flooded as fans, along with fellow Gym Leaders, close friends and trainers, clamor for a glimpse of the new addition to their family. Ari, being the public figure and Galar Champion he is, finds himself bombarded with questions from fans on social media, all eager to catch a glimpse of Luca. It can be overwhelming, but he takes it in stride, carefully balancing their family's privacy while still sharing the occasional update on Luca’s progress and how he’s doing.
Kieran, meanwhile, finds himself adjusting to his role as a supportive and protective uncle of Luca, skillfully warding off any unwanted attention from nosey students and teachers alike who want to pry information out of him while secretly enjoying the attention that comes with being the little brother to the wife and by extension the brother-in-law of the Famous Flying Type Galar Champion Ari Flystone
Amarys and Kieran spend many nights discussing the possibilities of having a child of their own. Though it's a difficult conversation considering they're still relatively young, both in school, and with their careers just starting, they still have that nagging desire to start a family of their own, even in their teenage years.
Their conversations are filled with dreams, fears, hopes, and anxieties about what it would be like to raise a child while they're still so young and unestablished. Yet, there's also a growing determination to make it work, no matter the challenges that might come their way.

A few months later, Ari walks out in the living room of their home in a content mood as he sees Carmine rocking their child in her arms on the couch with a cute and cavity sweetening smile on her face. A warm reminder of the life they've both created
"Hey there my dear~.. How's our little hatchling?.."
Carmine looks up as she hears Ari's voice, a soft smile on her face. She's sitting on the couch, rocking Luca gently in her arms. He's wide awake, his eyes fixed on her, his tiny fingers grasping at her shirt.
"Hello, my darling... Luca is doing wonderfully. Just having a little snuggle with mummy."
She runs a hand gently over Luca's head, stroking his soft hair.
"I can see that.."
Ari smiles even more, as he walks over and sits next to the two of them, as he wraps a gentle arm around Carmine, pulling them in his grasp
".. I'm glad I get to have this with you.. I've never felt more accomplished in my whole life.."
Carmine leans into Ari, leaning her head against his shoulder. She can feel the strength and comfort and love in his embrace, and it brings a sense of contentment and peace to her
"I feel the same, Ari... having Luca, being a parent together... it's the greatest achievement I could ever dream of... and I'm so glad we get to share it together."
She looks down at Luca, her eyes filled with love.
"And look at him, he's perfect..."
Ari follows Carmine's sight towards their lovely Luca. His soft frame, matched with his blueish gray eyes and her mothers soft and growing hair. A fair combination of their looks adapted in their first born, only fuels his fatherly love in him, his voice gentle and nurturing
"He really is.. He has my eyes too.."
Carmine can't help but smile as she looks at their son. His eyes definitely take after his father, but there's a hint of her in there too. He's a perfect mix of them both, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
"He does have your eyes, doesn't he?.. Such a beautiful shade of blue.. just like his father."
She gently tweaks Luca's cheek, his mouth curving into a slight smile.
"And look at that adorable smile.. he has that from you too."
"He does.. Matched with your beautiful black hair and beauty spot.. It makes me want to croak on the spot.."
Ari then pinches Luca's cheek with delicate love as matched with his babying voice
".. Ain't that right~?.. Your daddy's little heart warmer ain'tcha~? My little hatchling.."
Luca lets out a soft giggle as Ari pinches his cheek. He clearly loves the attention and affection from his parents. Carmine watches on, her heart swelling with joy.
"He loves your baby voice, Ari. Look at that smile.. He's just a little heartbreaker, isn't he?"
She gently tickles Luca's tummy, causing him to giggle more.
"And he definitely has my beauty spot, just like you said. It makes him even cuter, if that's possible."
Ari chuckles at their back to back conversation, as Ari then sighs solemnly. As just from seeing their son pangs his heart with his past as he mutters underneath his breath saddened
".. I wish my mother could be here.. She always wanted to be a grandmother.."
Carmine frowns as she hears the sadness in Ari's voice. She knows that Ari's mother's death has always been a sensitive subject for him, especially now that he's a parent himself.
"I know, my love. I know you miss her... She would have been the best grandmother. Luca would have been so spoiled."
She looks down at Luca affectionately, then back at Ari.
"You know she's watching us from above though, right?.. I'm sure she's beaming with pride right now, seeing her grandson safe and well."
Ari warmly smiles knowing her words are true to heart. But even after all these years. Being a Galar Champion for 13 years, having good and honest friends, and even the love of his life and their child. He's truly never moved on, as he responds weakly
"I know for a fact that's true.. Ohh, she was such a kind and gentle soul, she always knew what to say to comfort me. She was so resilient as well, she put up with my father for so long just to let me try and have a normal childhood.. It's just.."
As Ari continues to speak, memories of his past start flashing in his vision, all the horrid things his father put him and his mother through, and to lead his own child down a spiral of trauma and pain only breaks him more
Carmine can see the pain and memories in Ari's eyes as he speaks. She knows how much his childhood and the loss of his mother still affect him. She gently rubs his arm, offering what comfort she can.
"I know... it's tough, carrying that weight with you. But your mother would be so proud of the man you've become, Ari. You've done amazing things, you've built a life for yourself. And now you have a beautiful son and a wife who loves you more than anything.."
"I know, I know.. B-but.."
As Ari speaks, all the hateful things his father said and done ring through his ears like ear bleeding white noise, as his strong will shatters as he begin to sob lightly as he leans down and rests his arms on his knees over his face and chokes out
"H-how c-cou-ld a father do s-such things to their own son?.."
Carmine's heart breaks as she sees Ari start to cry. It hurts her to see him like this, but she knows he needs to let it out. She gently rubs his back, tears welling up in her own eyes as Luca watches on, oblivious to the seriousness of the moment, giggling and babbled happily, blissfully unaware as Carmine responds with a mix of anger and sympathy for him
"I don't know, my love... I don't know how anyone could be so cruel to their own child. Your father... I can't even begin to understand the things you went through. Your father was a terrible man. He didn't deserve you and your mother.."
She moves closer, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace.
"But you need to remember, you are nothing like him. You are a good man, a great father, and a wonderful husband.."
Ari continues to sob some more into the palm of his hands, his trauma runs deeper than any fissure known to mankind. No speaking a word till he questions in a hardly audible voice
"Why.. Just, why me?.. Why my mother?.. It's fuckin bullshit.."
Carmine squeezes him tighter, her heart breaking with each sob from him. She can feel his pain even if he can't fully vocalize it. It breaks her heart to see him suffer like this because of the past. She's seen firsthand how much it still affects him, but it never gets easier.
"I know... I know... it's unfair, it's unjustified, it is bullshit. You and your mother didn't deserve a shred of the pain that bastard inflicted. But it happened... and now you're living proof that he didn't break you. You're here, you're strong, and you're not alone. You have me, Luca and Kieran, a family of 3 that loves you and is here for you..."
She can feel her own emotions welling up in her chest as she fights back tears
Ari proceeds to press himself in the embrace of his family as he continues to sob some more for a few minutes before calming down.. It may not be his family from times long gone. But it's enough to steel up his current break in trauma, knowing he has a wife, who sees him for who he is and loves him despite said trauma when no one else would, and a child who he can raise and cherish with fierce and loyal love and who he can teach him everything he's learned so he won't end up in his own spot as a teen growing up by himself, and his best friend and brother-in-law Kieran as Luca’s uncle. Carmine holds him close, her heart full of love and sympathy as she feels him start to calm down. She knows this moment will pass, that he'll be okay, but it doesn't make it any easier to watch him go through it. She keeps her arm wrapped tightly around him, her body pressed against his, offering him the love and comfort he needs. They may not be able to change his past, but they can sure as Hell create a better future for themselves and their son. Luca, still in her arms, seems to be aware that something is off, and he reaches out a tiny hand towards Ari, almost as if he's trying to offer comfort too. She looks down at their son, a small smile forming on her face
"See? Even Luca senses that you need comfort... You're loved, Ari... so deeply loved..."
Ari looks over at Luca reaching for his father, as he lets out a warm and choked laugh as he leans back off of Carmine and gently scoops Luca out her arms and holds him close to his chest like a lifeline and rocks him gently, his love only grows to greater heights as he holds his son in his arms
Luca giggles happily as he's scooped into his father's arms. Luca seems to understand the situation in his own way, his earlier cheerfulness replaced with a more somber mood. He snuggles into his father's chest, as if sensing his distress and trying to comfort him in his own small, infant way. He coos and babbles, his little fingers grasping at Ari's chest, completely content. Carmine watches on, a soft smile on her face, her heart swelling at the sight of her husband and son so visibly bonded already as she reaches over and gently rubs Ari's shoulder, silently conveying her love and support.
"Looks like someone has a favorite.."
Ari chuckles lightly as he looks over at Carmine with a smug expression with his usual quips starting to come back
"Well, I dunno bout that hun.. You're the one who breastfeeds him~"
Carmine swats his shoulder lightly, rolling her eyes in an exaggerated manner, but unable to fight the amused laugh that escapes her.
"Oh, shut up.. You know what I meant.. It's the food supply and not the attention that he likes! You're the one that plays with him and watches him and spends time with him! He adores you, probably more than he does me! He's wrapped around your finger and we both know it.."
Ari chuckles knowing she's probably right as he leans down and gives Luca an eskimo kiss while he still has him in his arms
"Touché my dearest~"
Luca giggles and coos at the eskimo kiss from his father, his tiny hands fluttering as he tries to reach to touch Ari's face in return. He loves his dad, that much is for certain. Carmine grins, unable to deny how adorable the moment is. She watches as Ari showers their little boy with affection, his love for their child evident in every action.
"Just admit it, he does love you more. I've seen the way he looks at you, it's clear as day"
"Oh zip it, Carms~.."
After a few moments of Luca's cooing and laughter, Luca then opens his mouth, his voice heart melting with fresh vocal cords ushering his first words
"Dada! Dada!.."
Carmine lets out a shocked gasp as she hears Luca's first word.. As Luca's little voice suddenly fills the room, both Carmine and Ari freeze.. Carmine feels a lump form in her throat, tears welling up in her eyes once more, but this time, it's due to the overwhelming happiness the moment brings. She covers her mouth with her hands in surprise
"Oh my Arceus, he said his first word.. Did you hear that? He said 'Dada'.."
Luca continues to chatter, his tiny mouth forming the soft, sweet sound of 'Dada' over and over again.
Ari looks down at Luca in his arms completely shell-shocked, he was only 7 and a half months old, and most babies only speak at 10-15 months of age, which only strikes more of a shock factor as he almost breaks into tears of love his child
"H-holy fuckin shit!.. He really just said dada!.. He said it!.. His first words hun!"
Carmine nods, her own voice choked up with emotion. Tears stream down her face as she watches Luca continue to babble and say 'Dada' over and over again. It's a moment she'll never forget. She can see the shock and love on Ari's face as he holds his son.
"Y-yeah, he really did.. I can't believe it. Our little boy is already growing up so fast.. and he just said his first word to his favorite dada.."
Ari starts crying once more but now with heartfelt love for his little boy, as he leans down as gives him another eskimo kiss
".. I can't believe it!.. I'm gonna cherish this baby boy forever!.."
Luca laughs and giggles as Ari gives him another eskimo kiss. He's enjoying the attention, clearly loving the love and affection his parents are giving him. Carmine smiles through her own tears, her heart full of love for both her husband and her son. She moves closer, wrapping an arm around Ari as she speaks.
"He's perfect, Ari.. Our little boy, our miracle.. We'll cherish him always, we'll protect him and love him until the end of time.."
Ari pulls her into his embrace as he leans over and gives her a loving kiss as his fatherly pride for his little Luca is only flared up ever more by the minute
".. And that's a promise I'll keep till every star burns out in the night skies.. I love you so much Carmine.. Thank you so much for giving me this gift of life!.."
Carmine melts into the embrace, feeling the love and passion in the kiss. As Ari pulls away with such a sentiment, she can feel her heart soaring. She's overwhelmed by the mixture of pride and love that fills her at Ari's words. She presses herself closer to him, holding him tight as she responds.
"I love you too, Ari.. More than words can say.. You're an incredible father and partner, and giving you this baby was the greatest gift I could ever give.. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, no regrets.."
Ari looks down at Luca, as he lets out a hopeful and genuine snicker just witnessing Luca babble dada nonstop with his blueish gray eyes filled with love and joy as he looks over at his loving parents, knowing they'll give him the love like no other. Ari looks back up at Carmine and responds with a hint of lust in his tone and a tinge of his accent starting to warm up
"Well Caramel~.. What's stopping us~?.."
Carmine giggles as she hears the hint of lust and the rising of Ari's warm accent, knowing exactly where this is going. She returns his gaze, her own accent peeking through as she looks up at him, a playful smile on her lips. She reaches up, her fingers gently playing with the collar of Ari's shirt.
"Oh, you're a cheeky one, aren't you?.. Well, I suppose there's nothing stopping us, love.. After all, we do like to practice frequently, don't we?~"
Ari tilts her up slightly up to his view from her chin, slightly gripping his hands on it as he licks his caps in a very sexual manner, his accent only growing more warm and deep
"That we do dulces mejillas~.. We've always been one for our, 'Behind doors' activities~"
Carmine shivers slightly as she feels Ari's grip tighten on her chin, the warmth of his accent and the sensuality in his voice making her heart beat faster. She grins up at him, her own accent growing stronger as she responds in a teasing yet sultry manner
"Oh, I know it all too well, cariño. We can get quite naughty behind closed doors, wouldn't you agree?~"

Current Year: 2030
As a few years pass, Ari and Carmine struggle not only with balancing their duties between Ari and Carmine having to attend Champion meetups and meetings as Galar Champion and Galar Championess respectfully under representation of Galar. And having to raise their two wonderful children Luca and Skylie. Keeping both their kids image out of the public eye proves to be a challenge to give their kids as of a normal life as a child of the most successful Galar Champion to walk the planet, but they manage with the help of their close friends, including Kieran and Amarys especially, who have been instrumental in keeping them sane through it all.
They still manage to find time for each other, their love and affection for each other only growing stronger with each passing year. They cherish every moment they share, whether it's during their intimate moments or just spending quality time with their children.

Ari Flystone
Age: 30
Pronouns: He, Him
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Pansexual (Preference to Women)
Height: 6,3ft
Eye Color: Blueish Gray
Hair Color: White
Hometown: Postwick
Region: Galar
Nationality: Galarian/Johtoian
Personality: ISFJ-T
IQ: 139
Voice Claim: Vox - Hazbin Hotel
Ari’s Pokémon Team: Scizor (Ace), Corviknight, Noivern, Togekiss, Gliscor, Kilowattrel (Lead)
Ari, now 30 years of age, is truly living the dream that he once thought was a lot of unattainable horseshit in his eyes. He's a Galar Champion of 18 years, with loving and supportive friends, two loving children who he sees nothing but greatness in and watches like a Mandibuzz stalking circling it's meal from the skies, and most of all, a beautiful young lady he proudly calls his wife for the first time in as long as he could remember. He truly felt happy. But even after all this time, he's still haunted by his past of an abusive father, and a betrayal of his first lover and first ever person he saw as a friend. And even feels as if he's being watched judgingly by both of them.
Ari's appearance consists of a white haircut styled in a short side bob going down the right side with Blueish gray eyes, he has a very masculine and slim toned body with lots of battle scars that won't heal of varying fades, and he has a tribal Corviknight tattoo covering most of his left torso and nearly all of his upper left arm.
Ari's causal wear consists of a white top hat with it's blue hatband, a cropped unzipped dark blue hoodie with a Corviknight on the back of the hoodie with a black long-sleeve shirt that says 'Life sucks, but I suck harder' on it in white text with his muscles and broad shoulders being circulated to perfection by his long sleeve and hoodie, a pair of black cargo pants with a few dark blue chains linked on the front sides of the pant legs, some black knee socks and black and blue high tops with Voltorb designs on them with his blue tinted sunglasses hooked on the left pants pocket and a black balaclava around his neck, a pair of black leather fingerless gloves with skeleton bone patterns on them and a Pokeball belt that carries his Pokemon Team around his belt.

Carmine Flystone
Age: 24
Pronouns: She, Her
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Demisexual/Bisexual (Preference to Men)
Height: 5,9ft
Eye Color: Yellow
Hair Color: Black with Red Dyed underlayer
Hometown: Mossui Town
Region: Kitakami
Nationality: Kitakamian
Personality: ISTJ-T
IQ: 126
Voice Claim: Nobrara Kugisaki - Jujutsu Kaisan
Carmine's Pokémon Team: Sinistcha (Ace), Scrafty, Toucannon, Morpeko, Ninetails, Mighyena (Lead)
As time went on, Carmine, now at 24 years old, had fully embraced her role as a proud mother to her two wonderful children. Her feisty and fiery side was still a prominent part of her personality, but her motherhood had refined and mellowed her rough edges. Ari found himself falling deeper in love with her as he witnessed the transformation, admiring her love and devotion to their children. As Championess of Galar beside Ari, she continued to fill in for battles and meetings whenever necessary, slowly but surely gaining a small, but devoted fanbase who admired her strength and resilience both on and off the battlefield, something that’s always been a personal dream of hers. Their love and partnership with Ari extended beyond their roles as champions, merging into a true power couple dynamic that only strengthened their bond as married lovers and parents.
Carmine is a thin woman who has yellow eyes, a mole on her left cheek, and Black hair with a Red underlayer, with thin but pear shaped thighs and small to medium chest size. Carmine's causal wear consists of cherry colored lipstick, a yellow Hair band, a yellow fanny pack, red rimmed square glasses, a white scarf, a very stylish jacket with patterns matching that of a Sinistcha, dark green gradient leggings, and dark brown leather booties.

Luca Flystone
Age: 5
Pronouns: He, Him
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Gay?
Height: 4,1ft
Eye Color: Blueish Gray
Hair Color: Black
Hometown: Wyndon
Region: Galar
Nationality: Galarian/Johtoian/Kitakamian
Luca’s Pokemon Team: Sneasel (Ace), Gible (Lead)
Luca, at the age of 5, had grown into a lively and endearing child with a heart full of passion for Pokemon battling alongside his Partner Pokemon Sneasel and Gible. It was clear that he had inherited his father Ari's talents and determination for the sport. Luca's eyes, a stunning blueish gray, mirrored Ari's own. Along with Ari's protective nature of his baby sister Skylie and mother, always wanting to fall asleep next to Skylie and holding her at any given time, while also always loving being held by his mother, embodying a momma's boy at heart as his love guided more towards Carmine with age. With a passion for Pokemon battling that far exceeded just being a childhood dream, Luca's ambition and talent were evident to all who saw him. His determination to become the Galar Champion was something many parents would brush off as wishful thinking, but not Ari. He knew his son had the potential to make it a reality, and he encouraged and nurtured that dream from the moment Luca hold his first Pokeball and alongside his First Partner Pokemon Sneasel.

Skylie Flystone
Age: 1
Pronouns: She, Her
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Pansexual?
Height: 2,2ft
Eye Color: Yellow
Hair Color: White with Blue underlayer
Hometown: Wyndon
Region: Galar
Nationality: Galarian/Johtoian/Kitakamian
Skylie’s Pokemon Team: Marill (Ace)
At just the age of 1, Skylie was already a force to be reckoned with, constantly getting into mischief with her playful and fiery personality. Her energy was endless, and it seemed like she was always on the move, exploring every nook and cranny of her environment. Despite her constant shenanigans and messes she’d bring along her path, it was virtually impossible to stay mad at her for more than a minute thanks to her adoring smile and her mothers adorable yellow doe eyes that could melt a Steelix into molten goo at just the simple sights of them. She was simply too charming, with her mother Carmine's beautiful features and her fathers Ari's soft white hair. And knowing Ari's immature and vulgar humor often couldn't resist making jokes about how she would grow up to be an "It Girl" and a "Coquette." often drew annoyed groans and cringed migraines from Carmine, not amused in the slightest by her husband's blunt and vulgar jokes about their daughter.

Kieran Grey
Age: 19
Pronouns: He, Him
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Bisexual (Preference to Women)
Height: 5,10ft
Eye Color: Yellow
Hair Color: Black with Dyed Purple
Hometown: Mossui Town
Region: Kitakami
Nationality: Kitakamian
Personality: INFJ-T
IQ: 130
Voice Claim: Owen Moore - The Last of Us
Kieran’s Pokemon Team: Hydrapple (Ace), Ogrepon, Incineroar, Dragonite, Poliwrath, Metagross (Lead)
Kieran has grown into a young man, now 19 years old and filled with ambition. With Amarys by his side as his girlfriend, he's living a life he never could have imagined. His love for her has grown stronger each day, and he can't help but dream of marrying her someday. With graduation from Blueberry Academy behind him, he looks to the future with determination, dreaming of becoming the Unova Pokemon Champion taking on Gym Leaders and honing his skills to become a formidable contender. His knowledge of Unova comes in handy as he trains to surpass Champion Iris one day. And when Kieran isn't actively battling Unovan Gym Leaders to get a shot at beating Champion Iris to become Unovan Champion when he's not spending time with his girlfriend Amarys or his nephew Luca and niece Skylie. He's became a monumental part of his sister's life along with his brother-law-Ari often visiting their family very frequently and enjoying the love and contentment of being an uncle very often getting along with Luca
Kieran is a slim toned young man with a broad shoulder build, yellow eyes and the bangs of his hair pulled back in a ponytail like fashion to show more purple with several big streaks of black with a large single black tuft going down his face with a thin black van dyke mustache with his eyes being half-open and a mole on his neck.
Kieran's causal wear consists of a dark purple leather jacket with a few Applin pins on the outline of the jacket and a Bisexual flag tee-shirt underneath the jacket, black ripped jeans, purple high tops with black knee socks.

Amarys Pertia
Age: 21
Pronouns: They, Them
Gender: Female/Non-Binary
Sexuality: Bisexual (Preference to Women)
Height: 5,7ft
Eye Color: Turquoise
Hair Color: Black
Hometown: Castelia City
Region: Unova
Nationality: Unovan
Personality: ESTJ-T
IQ: 145
Voice Claim: Kara - Detroit, Become Human
Amarys' Pokémon Team: Metagross (Ace), Porygon-Z, Reuniclus, Empoleon, Alolan Dugtrio, Appletun (Lead)
Amarys has also blossomed into a beautiful, confident young woman at 21, though still introverted and calm as they’ve always been. They graduated alongside Kieran from Blueberry Academy, their time together helping them strengthen their bond and their commitment to one another. They're supportive of Kieran's dream of becoming Unova's Champion, and they're determined to succeed in their own path too. They aim to become Fictional Writers despite their mothers distilled taste in their dreams and Kieran as their boyfriend. They’re the daughter of Unovan Gym Leader Lenora, who's a very strict parent and not too supportive of Amarys and her dreams of being a Fictional Writer who Lenora wants her to be an Accountant instead, so they moved out and now lives with their much more supportive and loving boyfriend Kieran in Aspertia Town in Unova, often being loving a loving Uncle and Aunt (Though not by marriage) towards Ari and Carmine's kids with hopes and dreams of wanting to have kids of their own. As time passed, Amarys and Kieran's relationship continued to blossom, their love growing stronger with each passing day. Despite Lenora's opposition to Amarys’ dream of becoming a Fictional Writer, the couple remained undeterred, determined to pursue their passions together. Their move to Aspertia Town marked a new chapter in their lives, a fresh start away from the stifling expectations of Lenora. They enjoyed the quiet and charm of the town and the freedom it provided. While Lenora's disapproval weighed heavily on Amarys, Kieran's unwavering support and love helped her stay true to her dreams.
Amarys is a slender young lady with dark skin, decently large thighs and medium to large chest size, black hair with four hairclips resembling screws, gray eyeglasses with turquoise eyes.
Amarys' causal wear consists of a tan cropped blazer with a thin black crop top underneath the blazer with light blue skinny jeans that circulate her thighs and legs in all the ways that Kieran loves with checkered slip on vans and gray gradient arm sleeves.

Lacey Quake
Age: 20
Pronouns: She, Her
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Straight Ally
Height: 5,5ft
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Pink
Hometown: Nimbasa City
Region: Unova
Nationality: Unovan
Personality: ESFJ-A
IQ: 139
Voice Claim: Courtney - Total Drama
Lacey's Pokémon Team: Excadrill (Ace), Primarina, Alolan Ninetales, Whimsicott, Granbull, Zebstrika (Lead)
Lacey aged at 20, now graduated from Blueberry with dreams of passion of becoming a Fairy Type Gym Leader with her Unovan Gym Leader parents Clay and Elesa who love their daughter Lacey dearly and are supportive of her dreams of wanting to become a Fairy Type Gym Leader when she grows up, but her parents also nudge her to become a Lawyer due to Gym Leaders not making much money to support themselves with just being a Gym Leader, so she goes to College for a Degree in Law to become a Lawyer alongside alongside her recently married husband Crispin who's going for a Hospitality Degree at the same collage and they both live in their respective dorm rooms alongside their accidental 1 year old son Jayden they had during thier honeymoon.
Lacey is a slender young lady with pink hair and brown eyes with a hairclip resembling rocky minerals with a smallish chest size.
Lacey's causal wear consists of a purple cardigan that goes down to her knees, a puffy pink turtleneck sweater, black trousers and a pair of brown uggs and pink ankle socks.

Crispin Quake
Age: 19
Pronouns: He, Him
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Straight Ally
Height: 5,8ft
Eye Color: Black/Yellow
Hair Color: Red/Orange
Hometown: Virbank City
Region: Unova
Nationality: Unovan
Personality: ESFP-A
IQ: 104
Voice Claim: Satoshi Fukube - Hyouka
Crispin's Pokémon Team: Blaziken (Ace), Exeggutor, Scovillain, Magmortar, Simisear, Charizard (Lead)
Crispin has also grown into a young man at 19 years old, and recently got diagnosed for ADHD, but still has Lacey's love for his bashfulness and hotheaded personality and the love and support he gives her. He's determined to pursue his dream of working in as a Manager for a 5 Star Restaurant like his father Chili and his twin siblings once did, and he's studying diligently to achieve his goal. He and Lacey have been together for a while now, and their relationship has grown stronger as they support each other in their respective pursuits. They often spend their time together, studying or relaxing in their dorm rooms watching over their son, and occasionally visiting Ari and Carmine and their family.
Crispin is a young man with messy red and orange blended hair with small red scruff and light tan skin with an ectomorph body shape and black iris and yellow rimmed eyes with white pupils.
Crispin's causal wear consists of red suspenders connected to white chinos pants with a white tee-shirt underneath the suspenders along with a bright red sleeveless vest, light brown boots and a red beanie with a Fairy type pin and a Fire Type pin on the beanie.

Drayton Legend
Age: 24
Pronouns: He, Him
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Pansexual (Preference to Men)
Height: 5,9ft
Eye Color: Yellow
Hair Color: White with purple tuft
Hometown: Opelucid City
Region: Unova
Nationality: Unovan
Personality: ESTP-A
IQ: 86
Voice Claim: Clay - Catching Up
Drayton's Pokémon Team: Archaludon (Ace), Toxicroak, Sceptile, Vileplume, Kingdra, Dragonite (Lead)
Drayton at 24 years of age, is a very chill and mellow ex-Dragon Type BB Elite Four member and Blueberry Academy drop-out who doesn't take anything seriously. He’s the grandson of the powerful and retired Unova Gym Leader Drayden who he still lives with in Opelucid City because his father is a drunk alcoholic gambler, but Drayton doesn't really care for his father due to him not being at home often when he still lived with his father. Drayton's carefree attitude and disregard for structure often lead to moments of carefree fun and reckless behavior with a passion project of starting a weed selling empire. However, his friends, especially Ari and Lacey, couldn't help but feel a hint of concern about his drug usage and drinking, knowing all too well the dangers and risks associated with it, Ari especially seeing how he destroyed a good part of his body during his teenhood, plus having way too many people he’s known losing their lives to drugs. But Drayton seemed unbothered by their remarks, often dismissing their worries with the mindset of being able to “quit anytime” or believing the misconception that “drugs are bad.” Despite their worries, he continued on his path, indifferent to the potential harm he could be causing to himself and those around him.
Drayton is a young man with short white spiky hair styled to look like toothpaste with a long single hair tuft along with a pony tail with the same purple hair tuft resting on his left shoulder, a small but bushy pencil mustache and long white side burns and yellow eyes.
Drayton's casual wear consists of the same black/gold tracksuit jacket, which has the design of a gold Maschiff with a angry expression on the back and a black loose tank top, purple tinted aviators with a toothpick in his mouth, dark green camo cargo shorts with matching hiking boots and the same purple dragonic cape tied down around his waist.

Ari sat on the couch next to Luca, watching his eldest son pet his beloved Sneasel. The soft sound of Skylie's laughter could be heard in the background as she played with her Marill, and the faint clinking of dishes in the kitchen indicated that Carmine was busy washing the dishes.
Ari took in the moment, cherishing the sense of peace and happiness that filled the room. These ordinary moments with his family meant the world to him. Ari leaned back on the couch, his arm around Luca's shoulder as they watched Skylie play with her Marill. The peaceful atmosphere was broken when Ari's Rotom Phone buzzed with a call.
Ari glanced at the caller ID and sighed, recognizing the number.
"It's the League," he said quietly, a hint of frustration in his voice. "They probably need me for another meeting."
Ari rolls his eyes and lets out a quiet groan as he answers the number, after a few moments a buzzing the call picks up to be no other then The Top Champion of Paldea Geeta
"Hi Geeta..."
Geeta's voice came through the speaker, her tone formal and business-like, but still warm
"Champion Ari. Good to hear from you again, it's been to long. We have an urgent matter in Galar that requires you and Champion Carmine's presence at the Champion's meeting in a couple of days.."
Ari internally groans in his head. Of-course she needed to hold a damn Champion meeting with all the other Champions, it's always whenever he's having a calm moment
"Yeah of-course! A couple days you said huh?.."
Geeta's tone still remains firm but understanding as she continues
"Correct. A matter of utmost importance has come to our attention, and your presence is crucial. We'll provide you with all the details during the meeting. Please bring Champion Carmine along, as her input is also essential."
Ari nods in affirmation, as much as every time he's in the same room as Geeta, it's always a internal battle of wanting to blow his brains out. He knew he wasn't in a position to argue whenever it's being held in Galar
"Yep, I'll most certainly bring her along.. Just gotta run it over with the fam, and I'll get back as soon as possible.."
Geeta's tone softens slightly, acknowledging Ari's personal commitments
"Understood, Champion Ari. Please let your family know about the meeting, and make the necessary arrangements. We'll be expecting you and Champion Carmine in a few days. Thank you for your understanding."
Ari nods once more as he tiredly blinks a few times
"Yes ma'am.. I'll talk to you soon.. Bye"
Ari hangs up the phone, he then groans loudly as he tosses his Rotom Phone across the coffee table
"Fucks sake.. Everytime.."
Ari's loud groan and frustrated sigh catch Luca's attention, who looks up from petting his Sneasel. Luca, being the perceptive child he is, can sense his father's frustration.
"Something wrong, dad?"
Ari sighs as he looks over to Luca, his scrunched up face softens as his son questions him. He gently pats his head lightly as he responds tired and friendly
"Yeah, everything's fine Luce.. Just your mum and dad have to go to another Arceus damn Champion Meetings.."
Luca pouts and crosses his arms, expressing his frustration and disapproval, Luca's Sneasel also makes an upset squeak at the news
"Aw, no way! You guys are always going to those boring meetings. Can't you say no this time?"
Ari chuckles softly at Luca's outburst, finding his son's concern and attachment endearing
"Wish it was that easy Luce, but you know how important those things are, especially since it's being held in Galar. It's our job as Champions. But we'll make it up to you when we get back, alright?"
Luca's expression shifts from disapproval to understanding as Ari explains the importance of the meeting. He nods his head slightly, reluctantly accepting the situation.
"Okay, I guess. But can you promise me something, dad?"
Ari smiles as he nods as he ruffles Lucas head of hair
"Of-course Luca, anything for you kiddo.."
Luca meets Ari's gaze, his expression serious but hopeful
"Promise me you'll make it back home safe, okay? I don't want anything bad to happen, especially to you and mum."
Ari can sense the genuine concern and love in Luca's words. He leans in closer, his own expression softening even more as he speaks
"Luca, I promise you. Your mum and I will always come back home safe, no matter what. You and Skylie are our greatest treasures in which we cherish forever, and you got nothing to worry about okay?"
Luca's face relaxes as Ari reassures him, feeling a sense of comfort and relief. He nods and musters a small smile
"Okay, dad. I trust you. Just... be careful, alright?"
Ari chuckles lightly as he presses a kiss on Luca's forehead
"We promise, I'd never let anyone put any harm on your mother.. She's everything to me and I wouldn't let anyone hurt her.."
Ari's words hit Luca's heart, and he feels a renewed sense of security. He looks up at his father with admiration and affection
"I know, dad. You're the strongest out there, and mum's really tough too.. Just... Promise me you'll always be there for each other, okay?"
Ari nods without hesitation
"Always, Luca. You have our word. Now, how bout we check on your little sister and see what mischief she's up to? It's never a dull moment with Skylie around, huh?"
As the conversation dies down, Ari suddenly notices Skylie standing by the coffee table, gripping the edge with her tiny hands and pulling herself up. She's wobbly on her feet, but manages to stand for a few seconds before losing her balance and falling back onto her bottom with a soft thud and starts to giggle. Ari chuckles at the scene
"Well, speak of the devil.. Looks like your little sister's blissfully unaware of the drama we're dealing with. You know what they say, Luca, ignorance is bliss and your sister is the epitome of it! Always a bundle of energy and a whirlwind of chaos.."
Ari responds in a babish tone to Skylie while leaning a bit forward on the couch
"Hey there Skylie, how's daddies little girl doin?.."
Skylie giggles and babbles in her own cute language, not quite forming audible words entirely. She claps her hands together and looks at Ari with a big grin on her face. It's clear she's content and happy in her oblivious little world
"Dada! Dada! Luve you much dada!.."
Ari couldn't help but chuckle, feeling a mix of adoration and amusement at Skylie's innocent reaction. He couldn't help but notice the way her eyes sparkled with joy and the way she clung onto the coffee table, trying to pull herself up again
"Oh, Skylie! You're so sweet, aren't ya? I love you so much too, sweetheart. But be careful, you wouldn't want to get hurt now. Here, let daddy help you."
Ari stands off of the couch and walks over to Skylie and gently guides her, holding her from behind and helping her to maintain her balance. Skylie wobbles a bit, but manages to take a few steps forward, her little feet unsteady, but determined
"Look at you, champ! You're doing it, Sky! Just a few more steps.. Come on, you can do it! You're such a brave girl!"
Skylie squeals with excitement, giggling as she takes her wobbly steps, her small hands clenching and unclenching in a triumphant gesture. She's clearly proud of her small achievement, and her joy is infectious
"Dada! I walk! I walk!"
Ari watches her with a beaming smile
"That's my girl! You're doing amazing, Skylie! Maybe you'll be the first of the family to win a marathon!"
Carmine looks over from the kitchen with a warm smile, watching the beautiful father-daughter moment between them, but remembers she needed help with something
"Hey love?.. Can you come over here for a quick sec?.. I can't reach the extra dish soap on the top shelf and I ran out of the current one.."
Ari turns to Carmine, still holding Skylie up, while Luca and his Sneasel both watching, he chuckles and nods
"Sure thing, my dear. Let me get this lil one on the ground first though.. Luca, can you keep an eye on Skylie for a sec?"
Luca responds without hesitation, always wanting to watch and protect his little sister
"Of-course dad! She won't ever be in harms way with me!"
Ari gently lowers Skylie back down onto the floor
"Okay, Luca, let's put you in charge of your baby sister for a moment. Just keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't try to run off too far or try and drink bleach again okay?"
Ari then walks over to Carmine, chuckling softly at her small height as he reaches up and grabs the soap and hands it to her
"And here I thought your shortness was cute before, but now it's becoming quite inconvenient, isn't it?"
Carmine rolls her eyes playfully.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot not all of us are blessed with your towering height, Mr. 6,3ft compared to my 5,9ft. But you know what they say, good things come in small packages, and I've got plenty of charm and personality to make up for it."
Ari grinned
"Can't argue with that, my love. You certainly have more than enough charm and personality to fill the room. And for the record, I wouldn't have you any other way. Your small stature just makes you more huggable and moveable."
Ari smugly replies as he grabs her skinny jeans and pulls them up tighter up her body
Carmine playfully swats his hand away as she begins to blush at Ari's gesture
"Ari, stop it! You're going to ruin my poor jeans! They're already tight enough."
She says with a hint of mock exasperation, but the warmth in her eyes reveals her fondness for his playful antics
Ari snickers a bit as the pair both look over with extremely shocked and happy faces as they both witness Skylie walking on her own for the first time over to Luca with a extremely joyful face and seeking her older brothers comfort
"Look at her go, Carms! She's doing it! Skylie's walking and she's coming straight to Luca!"
The couple smiles widely, marveling at their little girl's milestone achievement as Carmine cups her mouth in joy
Skylie wobbles closer as she makes it over to Luca and wrapping her small arms around Luca and looks up at him with joyful eyes and smile
"Big brudder! B-big big brudder!"
Luca feels a swell of pride and affection as Skylie approaches, her little face beaming with joy as she wraps her tiny arms around Luca and calls him her 'Big brudder'. Luca chuckles softly, his expression softening as he tries to cover up his overwhelming love and ecstatic for Skylie's first time walking is to him
"That's right, Skylie. I'm your big brother. And I'll always be here to look out for you, okay? You can count on me."
Skylie giggles with love as she buries her cute face into his chest, responding with babyish love into his shirt
"L-luve you brudder!!! F-forever!"
Luca feels his heart melt further as Skylie nuzzles into his chest and utters her adorably messy words. He reaches down and gives her a gentle pat on the head, touched by her innocent declaration of love, feeling a strong sense of protectiveness and adoration for his sweet, innocent little sister that's pressing her little body onto him with trust and affection "Aaawh, I love you too, sissy. Forever and ever. You're my baby sister, and I'll always be here for you, no matter what. You got that?"
Skylie's heart-shaped face breaks into a bigger cuter smile when Luca responds to her declaration of love. She giggles and squirms happily.
"Hee-hee! Brudder say he luv me! Skylie luv you too! Forevah! And evah!"
She squeals and clings to Luca harder, enjoying the moment of affection with her big brother. The scene between them is incredibly heartwarming, displaying the strong bond between siblings
Ari and Carmine watch the heartwarming scene between Luca and Skylie with loving eyes. It warms their hearts to see the siblings' bond growing stronger, and they feel incredibly blessed to have both children in their lives "Oh, my heart can't take this much cuteness. Look at how Luca is with Skylie. They already have this incredible bond. It's like they could understand one other even without words.."
He says as he slings his arm over Carmine's shoulder, pulling her closer as she responds back while trying to hold back tears of joy, she reaches over and grabs Ari's hand, squeezing it tight
"They're going to be each other's biggest supporters and protectors. Like two sides of the same coin."

A couple days later, Ari and Carmine are getting prepped and dressed for yet another Regional Champion Meeting, and Ari just very recently got quite shocking news that their usual babysitter just got hit by a semi-truck on the way to there home, with Carmine being completely unaware of the recent news. Ari is in the bathroom, preparing for the Regional Champion meeting while a sense of worry and dread has settled over him. He had just received the shocking news that their usual babysitter had been involved in a serious accident, which left him anxious about who would be watching Luca and Skylie.
Meanwhile, Carmine was in the bedroom, humming softly to herself as she got dressed, blissfully unaware of the recent news. Ari hesitates for a moment as he peeks out from the bathroom, not knowing how to break the news to Carmine and not wanting to worry her before the important meeting. However, he knows that she needs to know sooner rather than later as he continues to comb his hair and repositions his suit and tie.
Ari takes a deep breath as he walks out the bathroom after getting dressed up
"You almost ready, lovely~?.."
Carmine is in the bedroom, putting the finishing touches on her makeup and hair. She is wearing a long, flowing black and red gradient dress that hugged her figure in all the right ways. The dress has a plunging neckline that shows off her collarbone and a slit on the side that reveals a good size of her thighs
She glances up as she hears Ari's voice, her expression immediately brightening. "Almost, cariño. I just need to put on my stockings and heels, and I'll be good to go."
Ari takes another breath, tapping his fingers against his cane as he responds a little more brightly as he thinks of the perfect people to call to watch their kids in their babysitters stead
"Good good.. You always know how to wear a dress with stockings and heels espléndida~"
Carmine chuckles softly as she picks out a pair of silky black stockings from a drawer and sits down on the edge of the bed. She starts rolling the stockings up her legs, pulling them all the way up to her thighs.
"Oh, you flatter me too much, love. You're not so bad yourself, looking sharp in that suit. Makes me wanna skip the meeting and just have you all to myself~"
Ari chuckles as he sits right next to her, snuggling up close to her as he rests his arm wrapped around her waist
"Well, don't you worry hun.. It's just a 12 hour flight and back combined and the meetings only usually around as few hours at most~.. And once we get back and tuck the kids in bed.. We'll have some fun my little honey bunny~"
Carmine leans in closer to Ari, wrapping her arms around his neck, and a sly smile forms on her lips. She gazes into his eyes, the love and affection she has for him clearly visible in her expression.
"You know just how to tempt me, don't you? The thought of having some private, 'fun' time together after a long day sounds pretty damn enticing. I just hope the meeting doesn't drag on for longer than usual, or I might not be able to contain myself~"
Ari rests his hand onto hers as he plants a kiss onto the bridge of her nose, his voice only growly a little less contained
"Oh I'm well aware how you love to embarrass our Region with your kinky antics~"
Carmine lets out a small, playful whine in response to his kiss, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"And you love it every damn time, don't you? Seeing me all worked up and unable to hold back. You enjoy teasing me, getting me all hot and bothered in public. You're just as bad as I am, love~"
"That I am~... Though Sigh.. That brings an issue I need to address.."
At the sound of his sigh, Carmine's cheeky expression falters. She raises an eyebrow as she looks at Ari with a hint of concern.
"What's wrong, cariño? You sound serious all of sudden."
"Well.. It's uhm.. Our usual babysitter got hit by a semi-truck on the way here, and we doubt she'll live knowing her health.."
A look of surprise and shock appears on Carmine's face. She lets out a gasp, her eyes widening.
"What?! Are you serious? Oh Arceus, that's terrible news! How come you didn't tell me sooner? Where are the kids right now?"
Ari rests a soothing hand on her thigh and pats it in reassurance
"Don't you worry sweetie.. The kids are just playing in the living room, Luca's being his usual little guardian over Skylie.. They're both okay.."
Carmine takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She can't help but worry for the kids and the shocking news about their usual babysitter.
"That's... That's good, I guess. But what are we going to do about the kids? Who's going to watch them while we're at this meeting?"
Ari smiles a little more happily as he looks down to the side, as he has already thought of the perfect pair who've always wanted to watch over their niece and nephew and it'd be good practice for when they have their own kids. before looking back up at Carmine
"Well.. I'm not sure how'd you might think but.. I've called up Kieran and Amarys before stepping out of the bathroom.. They'll be here just in time!.."
A wave of relief washes over Carmine's face at Ari's words. She lets out a sigh, her worry easingslightly, though not completely.
"Kieran and Amarys, huh? That's a great idea! They adore Luca and Skylie, and they've been talking for ages about wanting to babysit. But are you sure they're up for it? I don't want to impose on them if they're busy or something."
"Nono.. They're more than happy to spend time with our kids.. Especially Amarys.. You know how they get over our kids.."
A small, knowing smile appears on Carmine's lips at the mention of Amarys's adoration for the kids. She nods in agreement.
"Yeah, Amarys can hardly contain themselves whenever they're around Luca and Skylie. They absolutely adore those kids. And they have such a gentle and patient demeanor, too. I trust them completely with the kids."
"..And I've figured that Kieran and Amarys would want some practice when they have kids of their own.. So they'll know where they're getting into as parents.. I mean Hell, they both might be more wanting of kids than we are.."
Carmine chuckles softly, nodding in agreement. She couldn't argue with Ari's logic. Both Kieran and Amarys had always expressed their excitement about becoming parents one day, and their love for Luca and Skylie was evident.
"You're absolutely right, love. Kieran and Amarys are gonna make great parents one day. They love Luca and Skylie so much; spending time with them will definitely give them some valuable experience. And I have no doubt they'll want kids of their own sooner than they think."
"I'm sure of it.. They both may be quite introverted at heart. But they could be such wonderful parents to the right children they might share together.."
Carmine smiles warmly at Ari's words. She puts her hand on his, appreciating his insight into Kieran and Amarys' potential as parents.
"You're right. They might be more on the introverted side, but deep down, they have so much love and kindness to give. I have no doubt that they'd be amazing parents to the children they'll have. And it's great to know that they'll be watching over Luca and Skylie while we're at the meeting. They'll be in good hands."
Ari leans over and kisses her on her cheeks as he holds her on his lap
"They most certainly will.."
Ari takes in more of an upfront sight of his lovely wife, her dress and stockings and glossy black hair with its red underlayer, as well as her makeup and heels.. He can't even understand how he's landed with such a sweet kind lady that sees him and his love for who he is, let alone one who's as stunning as Carmine is as he plays with a lock of her hair wrapped around his finger
"Arceus Carmine.. You're so beautiful.. I still don't even know how even after all this time. How did I ended up with such a stunning lady as yourself.."
Carmine's cheeks flush a soft pink as she looks into Ari's eyes, seeing the admiration and love that shines in his gaze. She leans into his touch, enjoying the feeling of his fingers playing with her hair.
"You flatter me too much," she replies, her voice soft and warm. "I should be the one asking how I ended up with a handsome, charming man like you. You're the one who captured my heart, after all. You may have a bit of an immature streak, but under all those silly dirty jokes and pranks, you are the most loving and caring man I've ever known."
Ari's heart flutters with love as she says he's the most loving and caring man she's ever known, his voice filled with love and happiness
"And despite your angst and feistiness.. You're the most loving and sweet person I've ever had the joy of meeting and falling in love with.."
Carmine smiles at his words, her heart fluttering with his. She looks into his eyes with love and affection, touched by his sincerity.
"And you're the one who brings out that loving and sweet side of me. You saw past my tough exterior and brought out the best in me, darling. I never thought I'd find someone who sees me for who I really am, flaws and all, and loves me anyway. I truly know how lucky I am to have found you."
"And you saw past my traumas and fear.. You've been there whenever I needed to cope with my past, you see past my sociopathy, my inner demons, my torment and rage.. Where everyone else would've screamed and run.. You've been told you could've done better, yet here you are on my lap.. As the most valuable thing I've ever come in contact with.. My kind and sweet Carmine Flystone.."
Ari mutters tenderly with his blueish-gray eyes practically magnetized in-between her breath-taking glimmering yellow eyes as he wraps his hand and fingers in-between the hand that shares their wedding rings, their priceless symbol of their boundless love
Carmine's heart swells with love as she listens to his words. Her eyes welled up with tears of happiness, touched by his raw and genuine expression of his feelings. She squeezes his hand, the feel of their wedding ring symbolizing the unbreakable bond between them.
"You know me too well," she laughs gently. "But you've got it all wrong, darling. You're the one who's priceless to me. I don't care about what others say or who I could have ended up with. You're the one I chose and the one I want always. My love for you is boundless, Ari..."
Ari faintly smiles as he cleans a tear of joy failing down her face with his thumb, gently caressing it on her cheek with the other hand
"And there aren't enough Applin's in the whole world that'd fill the amount of love I hold for you.. I love you Carmine.. And I always will.."
Carmine leans into his touch, his gentleness bringing her comfort and joy. She gazes into his eyes, her heart overflowing with love for him.
"And I love you, Ari, more than anything in the world," she says softly, her voice quivering slightly with emotion. "You're my everything, and I'm so grateful for every single moment we've shared together. I promise to love you and cherish you for the rest of our days, no matter what life throws our way."
Ari gently pulls her into a hug as he wraps his arm around her with the other still holding her hand as he nuzzles his head into her shoulder
".. And I'm staying with you forever as well.. You're the one I'll live my life with forever.. And I'd wouldn't have it any other way.. You're who I'll cherish and protect, as your guardian angel.."
Carmine melts into his embrace, feeling safe and loved in his arms. She wraps her arms around him, holding him close as she rests her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. Feeling the warmth and security of his presence, she feels a wave of comfort wash over her.
"I'm so lucky to have you, my guardian angel," she murmurs against his chest, her voice full of affection. "I know you'll always be here to protect and cherish me, and I promise to do the same for you, my love."
As a couple minutes pass by of them cuddling in their embrace, then Carmine getting fully dressed as she always naturally takes longer getting dressed, wearing a long, flowing black and red gradient dress that hugged her figure in all the right ways. The dress has a plunging neckline that shows off her collarbone and a slit on the side that reveals a good amount of her thighs with red stockings with black gradient and black high heels with a red scarf with black opera gloves and her emerald wedding ring on her left hand, expensive makeup with black eyeliner and red lipstick. With Ari wearing his black top hat with a dark blue hat band, a black tailcoat suit with dark gray stripes and a dark green rear tail skirt, a dark green bowtie and a blue 3 black buttoned dress shirt, black dress pants, and black dress shoes with dark blue buckles 3 each side, white dress gloves and his emerald wedding ring on the right hand, and a dark gray cane with a Corviknight model as the Handle, a dark blue Ferrule Heel, and a dark green collar, each part of the outfit matching the last part, his usual white short side bob combed better than usual and his white thin boxed beard. Spending time with their kids till Kieran and Amarys arrived
Luca and Skylie were having a blast playing together, unaware of the adults' conversations about their babysitter. Luca was being his usual protective and responsible self, keeping a watchful eye on Skylie to make sure she didn't get into any trouble with the help of his Sneasel and Gible. Skylie, on the other hand, was waddling around the living room, her energy and excitement boundless.
They were in the middle of a game of tag when the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of Kieran and Amarys. Ari went to answer the door, greeting them with a smile.
"Kieran! Amarys!.. It's great to see you two again! Haven't seen you two in a while!.."
Ari welcomes warmly and glad they both could come watch the kids for the night
Kieran gives Ari a friendly smile, patting him on the shoulder.
"Hey, Ari! Good to see you again. Yeah, it's been a while for sure. We've been busy with stuff, y'know, but we've been meaning to visit."
Amarys grins at the sight of Ari, their usual calm and cheerful self.
"Hey there, Ari! It's great to see you again too! And hey, we're just happy to be able to babysit for you guys tonight."
"That's great to hear!.. Sorry to call you two on such short notice.."
Ari looks back over at the two kids before walking outside and shutting the door behind them leaving the 3 by themselves outside
".. Our usual babysitter got hit by a semi-truck on the way here, and don't tell the kids this but, we're not so sure she'll live.."
Kieran and Amarys both gasp in shock and concern at Ari's words. Their expressions show their disbelief and sympathy for him and Carmine.
Kieran: "Arceus, that's horrible. I'm so sorry to hear that... Do you know how she's doing?"
Amarys: "Yeah, that's terrible. We'll keep her in our thoughts and hope for the best. How did the kids take the news?"
Ari sighs as he looks down at the ground, trying to keep a positive attitude but failing to do so as he lets out a worried groan
".. It's.. Not good, we couldn't get much info since she isn't family but. From what we heard.. It's about a 37% chance of survival.. And I prefer to not let the kids know what happened out here, I only told this to Carmine prior to you two.."
Kieran and Amarys nod somberly, understanding the seriousness of the situation. They both look saddened by the news, a look of worry in their eyes.
Kieran: "That's rough, man. I can't imagine what you and Carmine must be going through. And I agree, the kids don't need to know the full details. It's best to just say she's sick or something for now."
Amarys: "Yeah, they're still kids. It's not their burden to bear. It'd just upset them and make them anxious. It's better to keep it from them as long as possible. But yeah, we'll make sure to take good care of them tonight and keep them occupied, try to keep their minds off things. You two just focus on your meeting."
Ari pulls out a small smile just hearing how like-minded they are about keeping his kids from hearing this information, as he looks back up at them
"Thanks you two.. Sigh.. And I know you two both have lives outside us between Kieran's conquest to become a Unovan Champion and Amarys' writing career but.. If she doesn't live, I was kinda hoping depending how you two do with Luca and Skylie.. If you two would like to be their babysitters instead.."
Kieran and Amarys's eyes widen in surprise at his proposal. They exchange a glance, both a bit taken aback by the sudden offer. But they're not entirely opposed to the idea.
Kieran: "Us? Babysitters? Wow, that's unexpected. But I mean, yeah, we're always happy to spend time with the kids."
Amarys: "We love them. We'd jump at the chance to be their regular babysitters. And if we can make things easier for you and Carmine, all the better."
Ari sighs much more reassured, and even a little happy they both willingly want to babysit his kids, not even out of obligation but because they both want to spend time with Kieran's niblings
"That's.. So reassuring actually.. I really don't think I could've thought of any better people to watch my kids.. Crispin and Lacey would be on my top lists but they're both in college and as for Drayton, well I'd trust the first person who walked down this street before I let Drayton anywhere near my kids.."
Kieran chuckles a bit at Ari's comment about Drayton.
Kieran: "Yeah, I can agree with that. Drayton and kids don't mix well. You and Carmine made the right call on not asking him."
Amarys giggles as well, amused by Ari's remark.
Amarys: "Well, we're flattered that you think so highly of us. And don't worry, we'll take great care of Luca and Skylie. They're practically a part of our family already."
Ari nods in agreeance with Amarys statement, thinking about Kieran and Amarys getting married with them becoming his co-sister-in-law
"Well Amarys, Luca and Skylie already look up to you like you're actually their aunt, Hell I don't think Skylie's old enough to realize you're not her aunt by marriage, that's how good you are with them.."
Amarys smiles at Ari's comment, touched by his praise.
"Yeah, they're such cute kids. And it's hard not to treat Skylie like a niece when she's such a sweetheart. It warms my heart that she thinks of me like that."
Kieran grins as he adds in.
"And Luca, he's a good boy too. He's very responsible for his age, always looking out for his sister. He's definitely your kid, Ari."
"Well, come on in you two.. Me and Carmine will be leaving in a minute.."
Kieran and Amarys follow Ari inside, stepping into the house and closing the door behind them. They look around the place, taking it in, before turning their attention back to Ari.
Kieran: "So, what should we know before you two leave? Any specific instructions or rules we should follow?"
Amarys: "Yeah, any particular routine we should know about? Anything the kids should or shouldn't do while you're gone?"
Ari sighs, as he ponders for a moment knowing Carmine's been the more routined and list maker of the two
"Well too be fair.. Carmine's is the more scheduled of the two of us so, she'll probably have a list for you two.."
Kieran and Amarys nod in understanding. They know Carmine's knack for organization and planning.
Kieran: "Yeah, knowing sis, she probably has the whole night planned down to the minute."
Amarys laughs a bit.
Amarys: “Right, yeah.. She's always so on top of things. But we'll make sure to follow whatever list she gives us."
Ari chuckles a little, as he calls out for Carmine
"Carmine! Kieran and Amarys are here! And we have to get going now so we aren't late!.."
Carmine's voice calls out from the living room.
"I'm coming! Just one sec!"
She hurries out from the living room, holding a notebook and a pen. She gives a warm greeting to Kieran and Amarys as she rushes over to them.
"Hey you two, thanks for coming on short notice."
Kieran chuckles a bit noticing the notebook and pen in her hands, as he smiles happily to see his older sister again, no matter how bratty or annoying she can get, he'll always love his sister
"Anytime sis.. We're just happy we could help and see my niblings again.. Good to see you in person again."
Carmine returns his smile, affectionately tousling his hair as she always did.
"Yeah, it's good to see you too, Kiki. It's been too long."
She then turns her attention to Amarys, shooting them a smile.
"Great to see you too, Amarys, I haven’t seen you in ages. And I'm sure Luca and Skylie are ecstatic to spend time with you two again."
Kieran chuckles a bit noticing the notebook and pen in her hands, as he smiles happily to see his older sister again, no matter how bratty or annoying she can get, he'll always love his sister
"Anytime sis.. We're just happy we could help and see my niblings again.. Good to see you in person again, even if you're still a brat."
Carmine grins, ruffling her brother's hair playfully
"Oh, shut up, you little jerk. You're just lucky I'm so gracious to let you see my precious kids again."
She smacks his hand in mock irritation, but there's a hint of affection in her eyes
Kieran chuckles as he tries to straighten his hair, he questions knowing what's coming next
"And I'm more than sure you've got a list for both of us about Luca and Skylie?.."
Carmine shoots him a knowing smirk, holding up her notebook with a flourish.
"Of-course I do. I'm insulted you even have to ask. I've got a schedule, a list of instructions, and a backup plan in case of any emergencies. A whole detailed list from Skylie's dinner time to Luca's bedtime, with a thousand different contingency plans in case something goes wrong. Can never be too prepared."
She hands the notebook to Kieran, filled with her neat and precise handwriting.
Kieran flips a few pages as he reads through it, a little envious of his sisters neat handwriting
"I see.. I think we can manage just fine.."
Carmine crosses her arms with a satisfied smirk.
"Damn right you will. It's all written there. Everything you need to know. I'm sure even idiots like you two can figure it out."
Amarys snickers a bit, seeing the playful banter between siblings.
“And speaking of the kids.. Where are they?.."
Kieran questions as Carmine feels a tug on her dress and looks down to see a mesmerized little Skylie on the floor, admiring her mothers make-up and clothing, not even noticing Kieran or Amarys as she speaks in her babyish hypnotized voice
"Wow.. Mama pretty.."
Carmine's heart melts at the sight of her daughter's awe-struck expression and innocent compliment. She bends down and gently pats Skylie's head, a soft smile on her face.
"Haha, thank you, sweetie. Mama is trying to look very nice tonight."
She lifts Skylie up to look her in the eyes.
"You're pretty too, sweetie."
Skylie blushes at her mothers praise as she snuggles into her mother chest
"Thank you mama.."
Carmine smiles warmly, holding Skylie close to her chest and gently rocking her. She softly runs a hand over Skylie's hair, enjoying the precious moment with her daughter.
"You're welcome, Sky-pie. Mama loves you so much. You're my little bundle of joy."
She glances at Kieran and Amarys, gesturing for them to come closer.
"Come say hello to your aunt and uncle, sweetie."
Skylie perks her head up and looks over with a very happy and excited to see her aunt and uncle, though more specially her aunt as she squeals very happily and reaches her arms out
"Auntie Marie! Uncle Kiki!
Both Amarys and Kieran are completely smitten at the sight of Skylie, smiling affectionately at her. Amarys is the more openly affectionate of the two, scooping Skylie up in their arms with a tender grin.
"Hey there, sweetie! Awww, look at you! You've grown so much since I last saw you!"
Kieran smiles as well, ruffling Skylie's hair with a playful tone in his voice.
"That's right, it's your favorite uncle and auntie!"
Skylie burrows her face into Amarys' chest as she squeals very excitedly. Skylie has always loved seeing her aunt Amarys even if they're not her aunt by marriage or blood, she still sees Amarys as her aunt despite this
".. I miss you much Auntie Marie!.."
Amarys melts at Skylie's affectionate words and the way she nestles into their chest. Their heart warms at being referred to as her 'auntie.' They lovingly pat her head and hugs her close.
"Aww, sweetie, I missed you too! I wish I could come visit more often, but I'm always too busy with my work."
Kieran grins at the interaction, teasingly ruffling Skylie's hair.
"Hey, what about me? Don't I get any love?"
Skylie lifts her head off Amarys' chest and glares at Kieran with a pouty face and sticks her tongue at him before huffing and burrowing herself into Amarys again, clearly not liking the fact Kieran was trying to steal the attention away from Amarys in her eyes
Amarys laughs heartily at Skylie's sassy reaction, finding it absolutely adorable. They hug Skylie closer, enjoying the way she burrows into them.
"Haha, someone's got her favorites."
Kieran feigns hurt, clutching his chest dramatically.
"Oof, rejected by my own niece! The betrayal!"
Ari's Blue Mercedes car horn can be heard from outside as Ari calls out
"Aye Carms!.. We're gonna be late if we keep postponing! And I don't fancy getting berated by Top Champion Geeta Again!.."
Carmine rolls her eyes at the sound of Ari's car horn, shaking her head with a scoff.
"Ugh, just a minute, jeez. You don't have to honk like that, I heard you the first time."
She turns back to Kieran and Amarys, looking over Skylie one last time.
"Alright, don't forget to keep an eye on them. Don't let them eat anything they're not supposed to. And make sure Luca and Skylie get to bed at their usual bedtimes."
Kieran: "Heh, yeah yeah yes ma'am!.. We'll be fine.."
Amarys: "Speaking of Luca.. I haven't seen him anywhere.."
Carmine glances around, realizing that Luca is nowhere to be seen. She furrows her brow in mild confusion.
"That's... unusual. He should be around here somewhere. That boy isn't one to hide, he's usually right under our feet."
Carmine then feels another tug on her dress as she looks down to see Luca looking at her very sheepishly and a tad bit scared responding with the same energy
"Mum, do you really have to leave?.."
Carmine's heart melts as she looks down at her son's apprehensive expression. She kneels down to meet his eyes, placing a hand tenderly on his head.
"Hey now, don't look at me like that. Of-course, I don't want to leave you. But you and your sister have to stay with Auntie Amarys and Uncle Kieran for a bit, okay? Just for tonight."
"B-but.. I'll miss you too much.. You've never left for a whole night, what if you and dad get hurt or captured?.."
Luca questions anxiously as his grip on her dress tightens in strength. Carmine's heart aches at Luca's worried words and fearful grip on her dress. She swallows down a pang of guilt and tries to soothe his worries with reassurance.
"Hey, hey, sweetie, listen to me. Your father and I, we'll be fine, I promise. We've been through much more dangerous things than a night in the city. And we always come back unharmed and safe. We're both strong and capable adults, okay? We'll always find our way back home to you and your sister, no matter what."
Luca wants to believe his mother but his need of wanting to protect her and his family drowns out her promises as he sheds a small tear and looks up at Carmine wanting assurance
"Y-you promise?.."
Carmine's heart almost breaks at the sight of her son's tears and his desperate plea for assurance. She gently wipes away his tears with her thumb, looking into his eyes with a firm yet loving gaze.
"I absolutely, undeniably, wholeheartedly promise, Luca. With every fiber of my being. I'll always, always come back to you and your sister. No matter what."
Ari honks his car horn again unaware of the conversation going on inside his house
"Carmine! Babe c'mon!.. I'll be retired by the time we get there!.."
Carmine lets out an exasperated sigh at the sound of the car horn once more. She shoots a glare in the direction of the sound before turning her attention back to Luca.
"Your father's getting impatient. We really have to leave now, sweetie. But remember, we won't be gone for long. Auntie Amarys and Uncle Kieran will take care of you two while we're away, okay? Be good for your father, love you."
Luca smiles a little bit at the mention of his father. Hoping his parents will come home safely and responds in hoping assurance
"Love you too mum.. Please let dad keep you safe.."
Carmine smiles warmly, her heart swelling with love for her son. She gently ruffles his hair and kisses his forehead.
"Don't you worry, sweetie, your father won't let anything happen to me. He'll protect me with everything he's got. He's the strongest Pokemon Trainer and Champion I know. He'll keep me safe, don't worry. We'll both be back safe and sound before you know it, okay?"
She stands up and turns towards the door.
"We'll be back before you know it. Make sure to behave for your babysitters, alright?"
Luca sighs, knowing she's right and can't change her mind of letting their parents stay
"Okay I will, love you mum.."
Carmine's heart tugs at her son's surrender, but she's reassured knowing he'll be in good hands with Amarys and Kieran.
"Love you too, sweetie. We'll be back before you know it. Be good, alright? And listen to what Auntie Amarys and Uncle Kieran say."
She gives Luca a final smile before heading towards the front door, ready to leave for the evening with Ari.
Luca sighs as his mother leaves as he's stuck now with his baby sister and his piblings, a little worried to walk up to his aunt as he's always been secretly scared of Amarys thanks to their thousand yard stare along with their daunting zone out sessions, as he mutters quietly
"I miss my mum and dad already.."
Kieran notices Luca lingering by the door, looking a bit hesitant. He raises an eyebrow, sensing his nephew's unease.
"Hey, kiddo, what's up? You look like you're contemplating something."
He takes a step closer, noticing the worry in Luca's voice.
"Miss your parents already, huh? It's not like they're gonna be gone for weeks, you know. They're just heading out for a little Regional Champion meeting."
Luca sighs as he looks over at Kieran and responds timidly
"I-I'm fine.. Just, a lot on my mind right now.."
Kieran rests a hand on Luca's shoulder, sensing his nephew's unease.
"Hey, it's alright, kiddo. I can tell you're a bit worried, even if you don't want to admit it. You sure there's nothing bothering you? You can tell your ol' Uncle Kiki."
Luca smiles a little bit at his uncle's reassurance but can't bring himself to tell his uncle
"N-no don't worry.. I'm okay.."
Kieran raises an eyebrow, not entirely convinced by Luca's response. He's known his nephew long enough to tell when he's not being entirely honest.
"You sure about that, kiddo? You know I can tell when you're not telling me the whole picture. If something's on your mind, you can talk to me, alright? I'm here to listen."
Luca looks over at Amarys for a split second then back at Kieran with a little more scared expression and whispers into his ear
"C-can we please talk about this l-later.. I'm not comfortable talking about this right here.."
Kieran notices the brief glance towards Amarys and the nervous tone in Luca's whisper. He can sense the trepidation in his nephew's voice and nods understandingly.
"Sure, kiddo. If you'd rather talk about it later, that's fine. We can find a quiet spot away from here to chat. Just let me know when you're ready."
Luca steps over and hugs Kieran's leg and nuzzles his head into it, always feeling so safe and appreciated by his uncle
"T-thanks uncle K-Kieran.."
Kieran smiles softly, touched by the affectionate gesture from Luca. He rests his hand on Luca's head, gently ruffling his hair.
"No need to thank me, kiddo. That's what uncles are for. I'm always here for you whenever you need to talk or just need a hug. You're never a bother, okay? Remember that."
Amarys notices Luca's subtle attempts to hide behind Kieran, seeing through his efforts to pretend he's not intimidated by them. They try her best not to show any reaction, feeling a pang of guilt and a bit hurt at knowing he's intimidated by their presence, knowing that no matter how much they love kids, they know they tend to scare kids easily with their presence.
Kieran, on the other hand, is more observant, sensing Luca's unease. He glances down at his nephew and gives him a reassuring pat on the head, quietly comforting him without drawing attention to his fear.
Skylie, on the other hand, is attached to Amarys like a koala. She clings to Amarys, always within arm's reach, giggling and playing with them every chance she gets.
As Luca and Skylie's bed time comes around, Amarys tucks Skylie into bed and leaves the room as Kieran's about to follow until Luca perks his voice back up
"H-hey, Uncle Kieran?.. Can I talk to you about something please?.."
Kieran, who was about to exit the room, stops in his tracks at the sound of Luca's voice. He turns back to face his nephew, noticing the hesitance and concern in his tone.
"Sure thing, kiddo. Of-course, you can talk to me about anything. What's on your mind?"
Luca looks a bit down in bed then back up at Kieran a little more truthful and scared
"T-there something I've never told you a-about Auntie Amarys.."
Kieran's expression changes to one of curiosity mixed with mild concern. He approaches Luca, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.
"Oh, yeah? What is it, kiddo? You know you can tell me anything, right?"
"I-I've haven't been truthful about A-Amarys.. And the truth is.."
Luca takes a shaky breath to calm himself
".. I-I'm scared of Amarys.. They r-really scare m-me..."
Kieran's expression softens as Luca confesses his fear of Amarys, revealing a mixture of understanding and concern.
"Oh, kiddo..."
He reaches out and gently pats Luca's head, soothingly caressing his hair.
"I figured as much.. I could tell you seemed a bit uneasy around Amarys. They can be a bit intimidating without intending to, you know, with the stares and all.."
Luca nods in agreeance
"I-I know they make Skylie very happy, I can tell she l-loves Amarys.. I-I wish I could too, but.. They scare me so much, the way they zone out when deep in thought and the way they stare at me soullessly with a small curved smile.. I-it scares the crap out of me.. A-and I don't even know why they do that.."
Kieran lets out a soft sigh as he listens to Luca's explanation. He can understand why his nephew fears Amarys, knowing firsthand how their thousand-yard stare and tendency to zone out can be a bit unnerving.
"Yeah, I get it. It can be a bit much sometimes… And the staring, yeah.... That can be a bit intimidating. But kiddo, here's the thing. Those stares?.. They do it because that's just their way of showing they like someone.. They really want to get to know you.. They love you.."
Luca's eyes lighten up a bit at the fact they only stare at him like that only because they just want to get to know him. But all he's done is shunned them away without even trying to talk to Amarys about it, with this newfound knowledge feels like a punch in the gut to him
"R-really?.. They love me?.."
Kieran can sense the realization setting in for Luca, seeing the way his eyes light up at the understanding that Amarys' stares are a sign of affection. He gives Luca a reassuring nod, gently patting his head.
"Truly. They care about you, kiddo. It's just their way of showing it. And they really want to get close to you. They adore you.."
Luca then sheds a couple of tears thinking how Amarys must feel about being shunned by their nephew like that.. He feels like one of those adult words his father uses all the time, an asshole was it?.. His voice tanged with sorrow and guilt as he grips his blanket covers tighter
".. I-I feel-l so bad now.. A-all they tried to do was g-get to know me.. A-and I didn't even give t-them a chance.."
Seeing Luca's tears and hearing the guilt in his voice, Kieran feels a pang of empathy for his nephew. He can see that Luca is genuinely remorseful for how he's treated Amarys, and that realization has hit him hard.
"Hey, kiddo, it's alright. It's okay. You didn't know. And you're not alone in this, I'm sure Amarys understands. They know you're a shy little fella, and they know you probably get easily intimidated.."
As Luca begins to cry and sniffle, Skylie stirs up awake at the sounds of Luca's soft sobs. Always having some sort of material connection and sensing of his older brothers emotions
Kieran's eyes soften even further as he hears Luca's sobs and sees Skylie stirring in her bed across the room. He gently shushes Luca, trying to soothe him.
"Shhh, it's okay, kiddo, it's okay. Don't feel bad, alright?.. Let's not wake up your sister, hm?"
He glances over at Skylie, knowing that she's sensitive to her brother's emotions, Skylie then crawls out of bed and jumps down and waddles over to his bed and climbs onto the bed and snuggles next to Luca to trying and comfort his big brother. Kieran smiles warmly as Skylie climbs onto Luca's bed, snuggling up next to her older brother to comfort him. He's touched by Skylie's empathetic nature and her determination to be there for Luca in his time of need. Seeing the bond between them, and his heart melts a bit at the adorable sight.
"See? Your sister's here for you, kiddo. She loves you, just like I do, we all do. You got a good little sister, there. She cares about you.."
Luca cries a bit more as he holds Skylie like a teddy bear, sweltering with love and appreciation of his baby sister
"T-thank y-y-you Skylie.. Y-you always know how to make me feel so loved.."
Skylie nuzzles against Luca, her small hands holding onto him as she listens to her brother's heartfelt gratitude. She may be young, but her ability to comfort her loved ones surpasses age. She smiles warmly and responds in her baby-like voice, her words somehow sounding far more understanding and clear than usual and her big doe eyes full of love and concern.
"Don't cry, big brudder.. Skylie here, aways luve you. No sad, kay..?"
Luca smiles through his tears as he plants a kiss on her forehead and nuzzles his head on the top of her head
".. O-okay.. No sad Skylie.. I love you so much sissy.. Like no other.."
Skylie giggles softly as Luca kisses her forehead and nuzzles the top of her head with his. She returns the gesture by resting her little head on his shoulder, her small hand tracing small hearts on his chest as she responds in her sweet voice, her young vocabulary doing its best to express her affection for her big brother.
"Luve you too, big brudder. Skylie luve you so much.. More than anything. Best big brudder ever."
Luca leans back on his bed gently and strokes her hair soothingly as he cries a little bit louder with love and admiration at being called Skylie's 'Best big brudder ever'
".. I-I don't t-think y-your even old enough to u-u-under-stand how much t-that means to me.."
Skylie snuggles closer against Luca, feeling the comfort of his strokes on her hair, her small fingers holding onto the fabric of his shirt. Her innocent eyes look up at her big brother with a sparkle of love and trust. She might not fully understand the depth of her own words, but the sincerity in her voice betrays her age, as she responds quietly.
"Don't need to be old to understand. Big brudder is best. Never leave Skylie, okay?.. Promise?"
After a few more moments of sobbing, Luca starts to feel sleepy as he slowly drifts to sleep before promising tiredly
"P-promise.. Love you sissy.."
Skylie watches as Luca's body begins to relax and his eyes flutter shut, succumbing to his drowsiness. She snuggles closer to him, her tiny chest rising and falling against his in a sleepy rhythm as she feels him tightening his grip on her by pure instinct, feeling more safe and loved then ever before.
As Luca whispers his promise, Skylie's voice responds in a soft whisper of her own, her heart filled with love for her older brother. As she lets out a stiff tired yawn
"Luve you too, big brudder.. G'night.."
Kieran watches over Luca and Skylie as they slowly drift off to sleep, his heart warming at the sight of the siblings' love and bond, trying to hold back tears of joy and love for his two niblings. A soft sigh escapes his lips, his mind drifting to his own childhood and his relationship with Carmine. He can't help but feel a twinge of envy, wishing that they had the same closeness and affection when they were younger.
Kieran quietly gets back on his feet and walks a little closer, gently ruffling Luca's hair before silently exiting the room, leaving the children to sleep.
Kieran continues walking down the corridor towards Ari and Carmine's shared bedroom, his mind filled with memories from his past. He recalls the turbulent times during his teen years, the Loyal Three, Terapagos, Pecharunt, and the challenges he faced as the BB League Champion.
As he approaches the bedroom, Kieran can't help but reflect on the blame he'd received for his anger and outbursts as the Champion. He knows deep down that it was more than just his position and the fact Carmine and Ari lied about Ogerpon and the fact Ari caught Ogerpon and he didn't that fueled his emotions, but also the lingering effects of his turbulent childhood and his parents' neglect and Carmine's seniority as an older sister
Before entering, his smile lights back up as he remembers that the only person who understood where he came from and his link to his anger was in fact Amarys. They always knew how to make him feel better about any of his troubles and always comforted him during the aftermath of Pecharunt and some of his depression and self-doubts. He thinks about how if it weren't for Amarys, he probably would've committed suicide
As Kieran opens the door and walks in shutting the door, he sees Amarys happily waiting for him in bed in her packed pajamas of a tube top and sweatpants that show off all her curves in their best ways
Kieran's eyes brighten up as he enters and sees Amarys lounging in bed in her comfy and sexy pajamas, and he can't help but admire their curves.
He smiles warmly, a sense of relief and familiarity washing over him at the sight of Amarys waiting for him. The tension in his body eases as he approaches the bed and takes a seat on the edge, his eyes scanning up and down their form with mild desire
"Hey there, gorgeous. You waiting for me?.."
He questions happy to see them, his love for his girlfriend evident in tone of voice
Amarys grins up at Kieran, their eyes sparkling with mischief. They lean back against the pillows, propping themselves up on their elbows, and they respond in a playful voice, their tone laced with a hint of sultriness.
"Oh, you have no idea how long I've been waiting for you to come back, handsome. I've been counting down the minutes until you finally showed up."
Kieran chuckles as he takes off his jacket and pulls over his turtleneck sweater and tosses them onto the floor, revealing his slim masculine frame and gets under the covers with Amarys
"Sorry babe.. Had to get Ari and my sis' kids in bed.."
Amarys watches with a small smirk as Kieran shucks off his clothes, revealing his fit and toned physique. Their eyes roaming up and down at the sight, their gaze admiring the way the warm light in the room plays off his muscles and features. They scoot back and make room for him to join them under the covers, their body shifting slightly to accommodate his presence.
"Mhmm.. Well, I guess I can't blame you for that. You are a responsible fella, I'll give you that. It's just... You left me to wait in here all alone."
Kieran sighs as he smirks smugly, his voice teasing and flirty as he rolls over to face them as he rests his hand onto their hip
"Oh sorry Mar Mar.. I wanted to be here sooner~.. Some things popped up between them~"
Amarys bites their lip at Kieran's actions, their eyes fluttering slightly as they feel his hand on their hip. They give him a sly smile, their voice dripping with a mixture of feigned annoyance and amusement.
"Uh-huh, I'm sure they did, stud. I'm sure you wanted to be here sooner. But you had to deal with other stuff, huh? Typical."
Kieran chuckles once more as he rolls them on top of him, his hands gripped onto both their hips as he presses a kiss onto their cheek
"Sorry sweetie~.. Is there any way I could make this up to you babe~?.."
Amarys lets out a small gasp as they are rolled on top of Kieran, their body now straddling his waist. Their arms instinctively rest on his chest as they look down at him, their eyes darkened with a growing desire. They respond with a soft purr, their voice laced with a hint of sultriness.
"Oh, you really wanna make it up to me, hm? And just how far are you willing to go, tiger?~"
Kieran chuckles with lust in his tone as his moves his hands down into their sweatpants and grips onto their rear as his Kitakamian accent starts to ramp up
".. Oh Beibu~.. As far as you want your Sutaddo to go~"
Amarys lets out a soft moan as Kieran's hands slide down and grip their rear through the thin fabric of their sweatpants. They feel a shiver run down their spine at the mix of his grip and his thicker accent, and they can't help but grind their hips against his in response
"Oh Arceus, K-Kieran... When you talk like that... You know it drives me crazy... Mhhm.."
Kieran leans into their ear and whispers with sultry intent, his hot breath panting onto their breath as his gleaming yellow eyes narrow in lust
".. I'm well aware~.. You're little stud knows his ways of making you swoon for me hottona mono~.. Ain't this true~?.."
Kieran then begins to nibble at their neck as a bit of saliva trails down their neck
Amarys' body shudders involuntarily as they feel Kieran's hot breath against their ear, the mixture of his accent and his whisper driving them wild. They bite their lip, their eyes half-lidding in arousal, and they arch their body into his touch as he nibbles at their neck.
"Ah..! Mmm... F-fuck... You're doing this on purpose... A-and yeah, you know damn well it's true... You always get me so weak when you talk like that.."
Amarys can feel the heat and tension between the two of them growing more intense by the second, the desire they've both been suppressing now breaking free. They gasp softly as they feel Kieran's chuckle against their neck, their body shivering with anticipation and need
"Mhmm.. I can feel how much you want me, Kieran... And at this point, I don't think either of us can resist the urges any longer... Do you, stud?~"
Kieran grins lustfully as he shakes his head without answer before he wraps his arms around her and passionately kisses with loving grace
Amarys closes their eyes and lets out a soft moan, their body arching into his touch as they surrender themselves to the moment. They respond to his grin with a soft gasp, their legs wrapping around his waist to pull him closer as they feel him beginning to shower them with loving attention.
"Mhmm... I was hoping you'd say that.. Don't hold back on me now, love.. Don't be gentle, alright? I want ALL of you tonight.."
Kieran cackles lightly as his fingers begin to dig into their skin, he responds in with growing husk in between kisses
"I'd never consider that for a moment Amarys.. I want this just as much.."
Amarys lets out a gasp of pleasure as they feel his fingers digging into their skin, the mixture of pain and ecstasy only serving to drive them wilder with desire. They respond eagerly to his kisses, their body writhing against his touch as they feel his words rumble deep within them
"Mm... What can I say? You know I love to wind you up... And I get a kick out of seeing you all flustered and wanting for me... Just admit it, Sutaddo... You're all mine, baby."
As the intensity of their passion subsided over the course of a few mintues, they both lay there in each other's arms, their bodies slick with sweat and their breaths still ragged. Amarys rests their head on Kieran's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath them, Kieran's voice comes out as a soft husked murmur
"Haaa... O-oh my fuck... You really know how to wear me out, Marie~..."
They let out a soft sigh of agreeance, their voice low and filled with a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction
"Hahh... W-well.. You're one to talk, tiger... You really know how to leave a person completely and utterly spent... I feel like I can barely move right now.."
Kieran chuckles a little exhausted as he nuzzles his head onto theirs
".. Same here dearie~.. I can't even fathom how Ari and Carmine can do this for several hours... Makes me a bit jealous.."
Amarys hums in agreement, their body feeling heavy and pleasant with the aftermath of their activities. They nuzzle their head into his chest, the soft sound of their breathing and heartbeat mingling with his.
"Mmm... Yeah, they're beasts. It's like they have endless stamina sometimes... Guess they really like what they do, huh? And hey, don't be jealous now. You have me all to yourself, stud~"
Kieran smiles at their reassurance as his voice becomes more glad to have this women to himself
".. I don't think I've ever thanked you for being there for me during the times I needed you most after everything that happened during Pecharunt.. You could've just tossed me aside under the assumptions of my being crazy.. You're the only one who didn't blame my anger and betrayal at the time when I was BB League Champion all those years ago.. You've made my life all the better so.. Thank you.. Thank you for being at my side throughout it all.. I don't think I'd be alive if it weren't for you.."
Amarys' heart feels as if it might burst at Kieran's words, the sheer sincerity and gratitude in his voice leaving them almost at a loss for words. They press a soft kiss onto his chest, their fingers tracing mindless patterns.
"Hey... No need to thank me, stud. We all have our demons, sometimes more than others... I know what that's like. I understood your pain, your anger, your confusion... I would never leave you behind, no matter how hard things got. You're my everything."
Kieran smiles even more as he holds her close to him. He can just feel the love and sincerity for him just radiating off of them
".. And you're mine too.. I love you so much Amarys.. Nothing can compete with you.."
Amarys feels their own heart swelling at Kieran's passionate declaration of love. They nuzzle further into his chest, their arms wrapping around him in a tight embrace. They respond in a soft yet ardent voice, their words filled with an overwhelming affection.
"And I love you just as much, Kieran. You're my one and only, my anchor and my sanctuary. Nothing could ever come between us, babe.. I'm yours always... forever."
Kieran smiles even more as a thought that plagued his mind ever since they both started dating, one that he's been constantly belittled and made fun of for as long as he could remember, and it's very evident in his voice
"Hey Amarys?.. There's something I've been needing to get off my chest and ask you upfront since we started dating.."
Amarys feels a pang of curiosity at Kieran's sudden change in tone, and their eyes raise to meet his gaze, their expression one of mild concern. They notice the subtle hint of vulnerability and fear hidden underneath the words he speaks, sensing that whatever it is he wants to ask must be something significant.
"Of-course, stud. You can ask me anything, you know that. What is it that you need to talk about?"
Kieran's eyes dart around for a few moments in hesitation before questioning a little embarrassed
".. Is my.. Is my Autism a turnoff for you?.. Do you wish I wasn't Autistic?.."
Amarys immediately picks up on the vulnerability and insecurity behind Kieran's words, and in an instant, their eyes soften with a gentle understanding. They shake their head emphatically, a firm yet caring expression on their face. They were not expecting this sort of inquiry, and it only took a brief moment of thinking to realize just how deep that insecurity must have run in his heart for him to bring it up like this after all this time.
"No, Kieran. Absolutely not. Your autism is part of who you are, and it doesn't change how I feel about you. Not one bit. I love you, everything that makes up you, flaws and all. Your neurodivergence is something I'd never change, no matter what."
Kieran's frown brightens up lightly at their reassurance as his eyes narrow in self-doubt that they're just saying this to make him feel better. This has always been a wedging war in his mind towards his insecurities of his disability, that no one could love him for it
"..But, don't you wished I was like?.. Everyone else? That I was normal?.. That I could react and differ social cues like everyone else can?.. That I didn't need to take medication for it?.. That I rock myself in public when sitting down?.. Do you not feel uncomfortable when with me in public?.."
Amarys' heart aches at the hint of doubt and lingering fear they can see in Kieran's eyes. It's clear that this insecurity has been a heavy burden on him for quite some time, and it pains them to know that he still harbors these doubts even after all the years they have spent together.
"Kieran, listen to me. Your neurodivergence doesn't change the way I see you. In my eyes, you're perfect just the way you are. I don't wish you were 'normal' or like everyone else. Your differences are part of what makes you special, what makes you you. and it's nothing to be ashamed of Kieran.. I love you for who you are as a person.. Not for a disability.. And no, I don't feel uncomfortable being with you in public. I'm proud to be with you because you make me happy every day I spend with you.."
Kieran smiles once more at Amarys reassuring words he's been longing for what feels like years on end. And not by someone like Ari or Carmine. By someone who's not connected to them by family means, and by the women he loves with all his heart as he sheds a tear of gratitude
"Oh Mar Mar~.. What did I ever do to deserve someone like you?.."
Amarys feels a surge of affection for Kieran as he smiles and reacts to their words, his tearful gratitude only makes them want to comfort and reassure him even more. They reach out and cup his face in their hands, their touch gentle and tender. They respond in a soft yet sincere tone.
"You don't need to have done anything to deserve me Kieran.. You just need to be you. You just need to be the man I fell in love with, the man I now want to spend the rest of my life with, flaws and all.."
"And I feel the same way.. I love you Amarys.. So so much.."
Kieran mutters with sincere love as he squeezes them tighter
Amarys feels their heart skip a beat as Kieran's words, his tone and grip conveying just how much he loves them. They can't help but cuddle into his chest even more, their body feeling so warm and safe surrounded by his arms. They respond in a soft whisper.
"I love you too, Kieran.. So damn much.. With all my heart..."
Kieran leans down and presses a loving kiss onto their forehead, feeling so loved and appreciated by someone who wasn't family is and will be forever welcomed especially by Amarys as he mutters again
".. I'm so glad to spend my life with someone like you by my side, my love.. I don't want this from any other women.."
Amarys lets out a soft sigh of content as Kieran's lips press against their forehead, feeling the weight of his affection and gratitude in his words.
They snuggle even closer to him, their body molding against his as tightly as possible. A smile forms on their lips.
"Me too.. Spending my life with you is all I've ever wanted, Kieran... I'm so damn lucky to have you by my side..."
Kieran smiles greatly, taking the time and enjoyment of being in Amarys' arms, one of his closest and most supportive people in his life, one who he couldn't live without. His yellow eyes glimmer with love and admiration as his voice matches his gaze
"For real though, I'm forever in debt to you.. When we we're teens and still attending Blueberry Academy after my time as BB League Champion. I don't think I could put in words how alone and guilty I was.. I know I wasn't the most civil Champion the school had to offer, I was battling some very detrimental inner demons at the time, way too many to count.. And you were always there, trying to offer comfort and aid even when I didn't ever deserve it.. I really don't deserve you..."
Amarys listens intently as Kieran speaks, hearing the sincerity and genuine gratefulness in his voice. Amarys lifts their head up slightly so they can look into Kieran's eyes, their expression filled with a mixture of warmth and tenderness. They reach up a hand to gently cup the side of his face, their fingers tracing over his cheek in a loving gesture
"Hey, don't say that, Kieran. You absolutely deserve me. And you always did, even when you didn't think you did. I saw past the harden exterior, past all the pain and childhood trauma you carried with you, I know Carmine is quite brash in her actions, but me and Ari know all to well how much she cares for you.. You don't have to thank me or act like you owe me anything. I did what I did because I care about you. You were going through a really tough time, and I wanted to be there for you. I saw the person beneath it all, and I couldn't just stand there and watch you suffer alone.. I'm just glad I could be there for you during those dark days.."
Kieran's eyes soften as he gazes into Amarys' eyes, touched by the heartfelt response. He lifts a hand and gently takes hold of the one they had placed on his cheek, gently intertwining their fingers together. Their words a soothing balm to his weary soul. He closes his eyes and leans into their touch, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. His voice is low and filled with a mixture of vulnerability and gratitude
"You always knew me better than anyone else, didn't you? You saw through the tough exterior, the walls I put up around myself... You saw the pain I was trying to hide and you still cared about me... You were the one who was there for me when I felt like I had no one to go to.."
Amarys' heart aches slightly as they hear the vulnerability and gratitude in Kieran's voice. They squeeze his hand comfortingly, their thumb gently rubbing against his knuckles
"Of course I saw through it, Kieran.. I see a lot more than most people do. I know you put up those walls to protect yourself, but I always knew you weren't as tough as you wanted everyone to believe.. I knew there was more to you than meets the eye. That there was a sensitive, caring person inside, someone who needed love and support.."
Kieran pauses for a moment, a hint of sadness seeping into his tone as he continues and his small smile slowly shifting to his usual fixated frown
"Truth is... I didn't really have anyone for a long time.. I never had any friends, like. True friends that I'd fight for before I met you, Ari and Crispin.. No one ever really cared about me noir saw any value, I was always bullied and kicked around by neighboring kids in Kitakami, along with students at Blueberry. And I'm sure I don't need to get into Carmine.. Not even my own parents cared for me, they both always favored my sis, showered her with praise and no matter what I did, I was never at my sisters level in their eyes.. I've heard they even tried to have an abortion from my grandparents, though they both never would've said it in my face.. I had indeed caught eye of them talking about it when I was much younger.. The only man that did see any sort of potential and received of praise at the time, was in fact Ari.. He.. He changed my life, I wouldn't be who I am without him.. That, kinda was the reason why I was so emotionally damaged when he and Carmine lied to me about Ogerpon and the reason I became so hostile when I was the BB League Champion at the time.. Because, I didn't want to believe he would betrayed me intentionally, he's my best friend and I didn't want to even fathom he would do so much for me and then throw me away.."
Amarys listens quietly as Kieran opens up about his past, their heart aching with sympathy as they hear the pain and isolation he endured in his childhood. They squeeze his hand tighter in a gesture of comfort and understanding, their eyes filled with empathy and sadness. It's clear that Kieran's childhood was marked by neglect, rejection, and a deep sense of loneliness and betrayal
".. Kieran... I can't put into words how sorry I am for you having to go through all that... It breaks my heart to hear how you were treated by everyone around you, how the people who were supposed to care for you failed you so profoundly. It breaks my heart to hear about the bullying and the indifference from everyone around you, especially from the people who should've cared for you the most, no child regardless of a background shouldn't ever be neglected by their parents.. We all love you Kieran, and we don't want you to ever you to believe we don't love you.."
Kieran cracks a shaky smile at her kindness and genuineness, it means the world to him to have them in his life, along with his sister and Ari, alongside their children Luca and Skylie, he sheds a single tear of heartfelt love before speaking his last secret
"And, one last thing.. And don't ever let Carmine OR Ari find out about this.. But.. During that part of my life, after Ari took over as BB League Champion at the time.. I.. I got a diagnosis for being suicidal, I didn't spoke to anyone about this until now.. I wasn't emotionally prepared for anything after I almost died in Area Zero.. I started eating even less after I returned to Blueberry a week after that moment, my grades were slipping, it was quite a war to get myself outta bed at times, I was cutting my wrists a bit, and I even almost killed myself a few times.. And, if it weren't for you.. I.. I don't think I'd be talking to you right now.."
Amarys' heart clenches painfully in their chest, tears welling up in their own eyes as Kieran shares his painful secret, their heart constricting in their chest. Their eyes filled with a mixture of shock, concern, and empathy as they listen to him with worry, guilt and pain all rolled into one. They grip his hand even tighter as they struggle to find the right words to respond
"Oh, Kieran... My sweetheart..." They murmur softly, their voice trembling slightly "I... I had no idea.. I wish I could've done more, I'm so sorry I couldn't be there for you even more.. But I'm glad you're still here, and that you're sharing this with me now.. You don't have to carry that burden alone anymore. And I am so damn thankful that I was there for you.. Because I don't know what I would've done if I had lost you.. You mean far too much to me to want to lose you in such a heart breaking manner.."
Kieran smiles wearly as they cup their jaw with tenderness in mind, he wraps his arms around them as he begins to feel a bit sleepy and closing his eyes
"You mean just as much to me as I do to you.. You've given me a reason to push on during that time of my life, because in the off chance I did kill myself.. I wouldn't want you to find out first.. You've saved me and your love is something I'll never take for granted.. I love you with all my heart and I plan to stick by you forever.."
Amarys melts at Kieran's words, their heart swelling with love and affection for the man lying before them. They lean into his touch, their own arms wrapping around him in a tight embrace, their fingers gently running through his hair. They nuzzle their head against his chest, resting gently against his heart
"You don't know how much it means to hear you say that, my love.. I'm glad I was able to be there for you and give you something to hold onto during those darkest days. You mean so much to me, and I don't plan on ever letting go of that.."
As the pair fall asleep together, a few hours pass by till around morning time as Ari and Carmine return. Amarys is the first to be awoken by the noises of footsteps and the sound of voices drifting up from downstairs. Their eyes slowly flutter open, and they stretch lightly with a soft yawn, still feeling a bit drowsy from their previous night's activities. As their senses grow more alert, they notice Kieran sleeping peacefully next to them, unaware of the commotion coming from downstairs. Meanwhile downstairs, Ari and Carmine walk in as Ari tosses a lot of important Champion flies along with his car keys off to the side as he lets out a low groan as he questions to Carmine
"Arceus sake.. Why the fuck does Geeta have to make every Champion Meeting worthy of suicide!.. I swear, she could turn a 3 sentence paragraph into a novel.."
Carmine rolls their eyes in agreement with Ari's frustration, tossing their own stack of paperwork onto a nearby table with a weary sigh.
"Tell me about it.. I swear she finds pleasure in drowning us in piles of bureaucratic hell every time. It's like she expects us to thrive on paperwork and caffeine alone.."
Ari snorts in agreeance as he looks down at Carmine to still see her in her long, flowing black and red gradient dress that hugged her figure in all the right ways. The dress has a plunging neckline that shows off her collarbone and a slit on the side that reveals a good amount of her thighs with red stockings with black gradient and black high heels with a red scarf with black opera gloves and her emerald wedding ring on her left hand, expensive makeup with black eyeliner and red lipstick. The outfit was absolutely breath-taking to him, he loves seeing her in that outfit and it's really the only redeeming quality of these Champion Meetings
"Y'know Carmine.. You look absolutely stunning in that outfit, it brings out your best features.."
Carmine's cheeks flush a light shade of pink at Ari's compliment, a small, slightly bashful smile forms on her lips. She gives him a playful nudge with her elbow.
"Oh, you charmer.. You say that every time I wear this dress, but I never get tired of hearing it.."
Ari chuckles again as he turns over and puts her papers on a side table then moves his hands down her dress, feeling the curves of her hips and thighs against the fabric of the dress
".. Well~ what can I say?.. You know how to make a dress work darling~"
Carmine lets out a small giggle as Ari's hands roam over her dress, her body responding to his touch as he caresses her hips and thighs.
"And you know how to make me feel like a million bucks, stud~.."
She looks up at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes, her own arms wrapping around his neck.
"But you know, I can think of several other ways you could make me feel even better.."
Ari snorts as rubs his hands back and forth on her dress as the grip on his fingers become more needy and claiming, as he voice begins to purr lustfully as his accent begins to start ramping up
"Heh, well I love how your red and black clothing style compliments your gorgeous yellow eyes, the black coloring of the dress brings out a night sky as your eyes resemble a gorgeous full moon, the way your dresses colors match your hair and its red underlayer.. And don't even get me started on the stockings~"
Carmine's breath hitches as Ari's grip tightens on her dress, his voice dropping into a sultry purr that sends shivers down her spine. Her eyes darken with a mix of surprise and arousal as she notices his accent slipping, a result of his increasing desire.
"O-oh yeah? Tell me more, baby.."
Her tone is playful yet sensual, her hands moving to the back of his head, lightly threading through his hair.
Ari chuckles with greed and lust in his voice as he pulls her closer into his embrace as his grip on her becomes inescapable as he licks his lips in a failing attempt to calm himself from not losing himself to not tear through her dress as he grips her rear as he leans into her face
"What's more to say~?.. Your skin is of perfect texture and color, it's so soft darlin~.. The way your red lipstick brings out your lips and that beauty spot, man.. You really know how to bring out your best~"
Carmine lets out a muffled gasp as Ari pulls her even closer, the heat of his body seeping through the fabric of her dress and feels her body press flush against Ari's in his possessive grip, her skin tingling with desire as he pulls her closer, his words and touch igniting a fire deep within her. Her own grip on him tightens, her nails digging into the back of his neck. The sensual caresses of his hands on her rear send shivers down her spine. The intensity of his grip makes her feel desired and claimed, heightening her own arousal.
"Ari.. you're making it so hard to resist you when you talk like that.. The way you touch me, the way you look at me.. It makes me feel like you're going to devour me.."
Ari smirks as he dances his tongue around the outside of her lip in motions of that of an Arbok slithering towards its prey for the kill, his voice drops to deep levels of lust and of deeper Galarian sleazy pitch
"And you would like that wouldn't ya mi señorita cenicienta~?"
A shiver runs through Carmine's body as Ari's tongue traces the outline of her lip. A shiver runs down Carmine's spine as Ari's voice drops to a deep, lustful tone, his Galarian accent drawing a low moan from her. She can't resist the allure of his words and leans in closer, her own voice dropping to a soft, alluring purr.. Ari's use of Spanish sends a delicious thrill through her, his words making her weak in the knees. She can't help but respond instinctively, her own accent slipping momentarily in her arousal.
"Y-yes... I would, Ari~... You make me weak in the knees when you talk like that.."
Carmine then leans forward to meet his lips, crashing into his mouth with a desperate passion, her hunger for him matching his own.
Ari chuckles into the kiss as he sweeps her off her feet and holds her in his arms bridal style and latches his mouth into her's
Carmine lets out a surprised gasp as she feels Ari pick her up bridal style, her arms wrapping around his neck to hold on tightly. She eagerly melts into the kiss, returning his passion with equal fervor as their mouths meld together in a heated embrace.
As Ari carries her up the stairs and their kiss grows more ravenous, Carmine's heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of excitement and anticipation coursing through her veins. Her mouth responds eagerly, their tongues tangling in a sensual dance as they move towards the bedroom. The heat between them is palpable, their bodies moving in perfect synchrony as they indulge in this moment of intense desire.
As Ari breaks the kiss and goes to open the door, he sees Kieran and Amarys open the door before they do, looking as if they just recently got dressed in a rush
Carmine, who was lost in the passionate embrace, is initially caught off guard by the sight of Kieran and Amarys. She takes a moment to compose herself, her face flushed with a mixture of surprise and embarrassment. She clears her throat, her voice slightly breathless.
"O-oh, hey.. I-I didn't expect to see you both here.."
Ari chuckles awkwardly as he holds Carmine with one arm and scratching the back of his head with the other hand as he looks over at a surprised Kieran and Amarys
"Y-yeah.. Kinda forgot we hired the two of you to watch the kids for us.."
Carmine shoots Ari a teasing smile as he scratches the back of his head, their moment of passion temporarily interrupted by the presence of Kieran and Amarys. She responds playfully, her voice laced with amusement.
"Well, guess it serves us right for getting too caught up in the moment. I hope you two managed without us around."
Amarys, who had been equally caught off guard, gives a small chuckle, their cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment as Kieran in the background is still putting on his pants trying not to make eye contact with Carmine.
"Heh, sorry about that. We got a bit.. carried away upstairs. You two were, uh.. pretty occupied down here, it seems.. But yeah, the kids were great.."
They glanced at the open door and the staircase leading up to the second floor, their own voice sounding slightly flustered.
Ari sighs a bit assured that Kieran and Amarys could managed their kids, his voice still trying to get more of a normal tone as he tries to clean a bit of messy lipstick pressed onto his lips
"Well, I'm happy that Luca and Skylie weren't too much of a hassle.. Those two can become quite a ruckus when paired together.."
Carmine nods in agreement, a small, affectionate smile forming on her lips as she thinks about their mischievous kids.
"Oh, they can definitely be a handful with all their energy and mischievous streak. But they have their moments of sweetness too. I can imagine they're probably tired now after a full day with Kieran and Amarys to keep up with them."
Amarys nods in agreement, a faint smile playing on their lips.
"Yeah, Luca and Skylie seem to be quite adventurous. But we managed to keep them entertained and safe during our time with them. They're adorable kids."
Ari looks to the side to see Kieran getting up and buttoning his pants and zipping them up, as Ari smugly teases lightly
".. Say Kieran~.. You two fucked or somethin~?.. You ain't normally this speedy when getting dressed lad~"
Kieran's cheeks flush pink, his eyes darting away from Ari as he hastily adjusts his pants and tries to straighten his hair. He stammers a response, clearly embarrassed.
"Wh- what?! N-no, nothing like that happened! We were, uh, just getting ready to leave, that's all.."
Amarys, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, interjects with a small chuckle, their tone teasing.
"Oh~? Getting ready to leave, huh? Is that why you were practically sprinting out of here?"
Ari snorts in amused giggling as he mock Kieran again
"Yeah Kieran~.. You're scared of letting your sister and brother-in-law know if you're a sub or a dom~?"
Kieran's face turns beet red, his eyes widening as Ari teases him further. He glances awkwardly at Amarys, seemingly unsure of how to respond. Meanwhile, Carmine tries to suppress a giggle, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"G-guys, come on! It's not like that, alright? We're just.. friends.."
Ari snorts once more, as he mutters in a teasing tone
"Friends with benefits by your definition~"
Kieran's face becomes even more flushed, his eyes darting around nervously as he desperately tries to change the subject.
"A-Alright, alright! That's enough, Ari! Can we please drop this topic?"
Amarys, who had been silently watching the exchange, finally speaks up, their voice tinged with amusement but also a bit of relief.
"Yeah, I think we've teased the poor guy enough for one day. We should probably head out soon anyway."
Ari calmy snorts as he agrees with Amarys, as he looks back up at them
"Yeah, I agree.. But anyway, thank you so much for watching the kids for us while we had to go to our yearly Champion Meetings.. You two can watch Luca and Skylie again if you want.."
Kieran nods, seemingly relieved that the teasing has come to an end. He gives Ari and Carmine a small grateful smile.
"Of-course! We're happy to help whenever you need. The kids are great, and we had a good time with them. Just let us know when you need our services again."
Amarys smiles warmly, agreeing with Kieran.
"Absolutely! We'd love to spend more time with Luca and Skylie in the future. They're such delightful kids."
"Good.. Anyways.. I'll catch you two soon!.."
Ari says as Ari still holding Carmine with one arm walks into his bedroom before giving Amarys and Kieran a hug before they both leave their home
Kieran and Amarys nod in response, smiling gratefully at Ari's offer.
"Take care of yourselves, and let us know if you need anymore help in the future."
Amarys gives Ari and Carmine a warm smile, nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, feel free to reach out any time. And give Luca and Skylie our regards. They really brightened up our day."
As they say their goodbyes, Kieran and Amarys head out the door, leaving Ari and Carmine alone in their home.
Ari snickers as he repositions Carmine in his arms now holding her against his chest holding her up with both his hands gripped around her rear before snickering again in a much more lustful tone
"Now then~.. Kieran and Amarys are gone. And the kids are still asleep.. You wanna get started babe~?"
Carmine lets out a soft giggle as Ari holds her in his arms against his chest, her arms wrapping around his neck. She looks up at him with a playful glint in her eyes, her voice laced with teasing seduction.
"Hehehe.. You've been quite handsy since we came back from the meeting, haven't you? My, my, Ari, you're in a rather naughty mood today, isn't it~?"
Her fingers gently trace the contours of Ari's jawline as she locks eyes with him, her gaze filled with both desire and affection.
She grins mischievously, her voice dripping with seduction as she whispers:
"But how could I refuse, my lovely darling?"
Ari grins with loving lust and dominancy as he pushes onto their bed and takes off her high heels and tosses them to the side of the bed and pins her arms down
"I know you'd never refuse from your daddy~"
Carmine gasps softly as Ari manhandles her, her breath catching in her throat at the sudden display of dominance. She squirms playfully at the firmness of the bed underneath her plus the sheer grip strength on her wrists. She playfully wiggles her feet as Ari removes her high heels, giggling softly.
"Daddy~.. You're being so assertive tonight~"
Her arms tense beneath his grip, the sensation of being pinned down sending shivers down her spine. A slow, devilish smile curves at the edges of her lips as she looks up at him with lust-filled, half-lidded eyes. She wriggles teasingly beneath him, her voice breathy and laced with anticipation.
"I like it~"
As Ari and Carmine lost themselves in their sexual romance, their bodies intertwining in a passionate dance, the outside world melted away. Intimacy and desire filled the room, enveloping them in a heady haze. They stripped each other free of their clothes, their bare skin pressing against each other with urgent intimacy. The room was filled with gasps, moans, and whispers of pleasure, creating an intense and sensual atmosphere. Their hands explored every inch of each other's bodies, their connection deep and intense.
The two then proceed to have sexual intercourse with each-other as both of them lost themselves in each other's presence, exploring each other's bodies and sharing heated kisses that grew deeper and more passionate with each passing moment. The outside world faded away as they became completely enthralled by each other, the pleasure and ecstasy of being together overwhelming each-others senses and drowning out any thoughts of anything else as the pair help take off their clothing off of each-other
As Ari and Carmine lost themselves in each other, their bodies intertwining in a passionate dance, the outside world melted away. Intimacy and desire filled the room, enveloping them in a heady haze. They stripped each other free of their clothes, their bare skin pressing against each other with urgent intimacy. The room was filled with gasps, moans, and whispers of pleasure, creating an intense and sensual atmosphere. Their hands explored every inch of each other's bodies, their connection deep and intense.
As the pair begins to fall deep into each-other's lust and arousal, their bare skin pressing against each other's with urgent intimacy. The room was filled with gasps, moans, and whispers of pleasure, creating an intense and sensual atmosphere. Their hands explored every inch of each other's bodies, until after a while they begin to calm down with Carmine on top of Ari both fully tired out and gratified
The heat and intensity of their shared intimacy began to slowly ebb away, leaving them spent and deeply gratified. They both collapse onto the bed, their bodies still entwined. The room is filled with soft, gentle breaths as they lay there, their exhaustion palpable.
Carmine nestles her head against Ari's shoulder, a contented sigh escaping her lips. Her voice is gentle and filled with affection as she speaks, her words laced with a soft weariness.
"Wow~... That was... something.."
Ari chuckles as he responds tired but still holding a tad bit of his lust
"I agree.. You've made daddy proud sweetie~"
Ari praises as he smacks her rear in a playful manner
Carmine lets out a soft giggle at Ari's comment, her cheeks flushing at the praise and the playful slap to her rear.
"Mmmhmm.. Your touch has a way of melting away all the stress, darling. And your praise? It only makes me want to be an even better partner for you."
She leans in closer, placing a soft kiss on his neck, her voice laced with warmth and contentment.
"I'm always happy to please you, Ari. You spoil me so well, after all~"
Ari chuckles as he pulls the covers more over on top of them as he pinches her cheek playfully
"That I do well~.. Now who's daddy's little girl~?.."
Carmine giggles and snuggles closer to Ari, feeling cozy under the covers as he pulls them over them both. She grins at Ari's playful question.
"Hehehe.. You know very well that I am Ari. Your little girl, through and through."
She nuzzles into him, her voice filled with a playful coyness.
"But don't think that lets you off the hook. I'm expecting to be spoiled just as much tomorrow, daddy~"
Ari giggles in a sleazy manner as he pinches her cheek again and pats her head like a little pet Spinda as he babies her
".. Such a good little daddy's girl~.. Always doing what daddy tells you what to do~"
Carmine playfully pretends to act meek as Ari pinches her cheek and pats her head, her words deliberately sweet and compliant.
"Of-course, daddy. I'll always be a good little girl for you. Following your every command and catering to your every whim. After all, I love making my daddy happy."
She giggles, snuggling closer to him and playing along with the affectionate teasing.
"And if I dare to misbehave.. Well, I hope my daddy would have a way of reminding me of my place~"
Ari chuckles sinfully as he plants a kiss on her nose, his eyes gleaming with pervy lust as he cups her cheek like a child
"Oh trust me sweetie~.. I know how to discipline my little girl all to well~.. All my naughty girls get put in binds if they step out of line~.. Speaking of which, it's been a while since I've seen some tape over your mouth~.. You have such a cute smile beneath some duct tape you know that sweetie~?"
Carmine's cheeks flush at Ari's sinful chuckle and the sensual kiss on her nose. She looks up at him, her eyes flickering with mischief and a bit of arousal as he cups her cheek like a child.
"Hehe, I always enjoy your reminders of discipline, daddy~... And you're right, it has been a while since we've had a bit of tape on my mouth. If my memory serves me well, I do remember having a pretty cute smile beneath that snug, tight tape."
Ari giggles playfully as he showers her face with kisses as his voice grows slightly more perverted
".. That you're correct sweetie~.. Seeing you wiggle around with your wrists and ankles tied is sooo cute!.. You're cute feminine muffled cries behind gags with your mixed moans. Especially when we wear outfits during them, pencil skirts, long dresses, short shorts and stockings, tank tops, tube tops, cropped low cut shirts and even knot crops. It makes it so hard at times to not want to tie you up in public and tickle you~.. You make such a adorable toy that I can play with~"
Carmine's blush deepens as Ari shower's her face in kisses, her eyes sparkling with a mix of playfulness and growing arousal. She squirms slightly as Ari's voice takes a more perverted tone, her breath catching in her throat at his words.
"Hehehe.. You always have a way of making me feel both special and naughty at the same time, Ari~... And the way you talk about our playtime... It's so delightfully wicked. Having me tied up and wiggling in pleasure, my muffled cries and moans fueling your passion.."
Ari smirks some more as he pinches both of her cheeks
"And let me tell ya~.. One of my favorite outfits I've seen you tied up in, is what you were just wearing moments before~.."
Carmine's cheeks flush with a mix of shyness and excitement. She raises an eyebrow playfully, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischievousness as she responds, her voice laced with a hint of sultry innocence.
"Oh~? And which outfit might that be, daddy? I can think of one or two that might fit the bill... A soft giggle escapes her lips, her voice teasing.
"Indeed sweetie~.. I know it's only for special occasions, but I can't help but imagine what you'd look like in those thigh high stockings paired with that elegant dress and high heels.. You look so beautiful when you wear that outfit love~"
Carmine's face lights up with a mixture of excitement and satisfaction. She revels in the attention and the way Ari appreciates her outfits.
"You always know how to make me feel special, Ari~... A small, playful smirk curves at the edges of Carmine's lips. She responds with a seductive purr, her voice dripping with playfulness. "That ensemble is one of my favorites too, sweetheart. I just love the way it makes me feel. So elegant, so alluring... and yet, there's a hint of naughtiness too, don't you think~?"
"I agree hun.."
Ari leans in an gives her a warm and tender kiss as he then responds in a quiet tone
"I love you Caramel~"
Carmine meets Ari's kiss with a warm, tender response of her own. She savors the moment, her heart swelling with affection. When Ari speaks, her expression softens, her eyes locking with his in a moment of tenderness.
"I love you too, Ari. My sweet, handsome teddy bear~...” She giggles softly, her words laced with a fond affection as she rests her head on his chest. A few minutes pass by as after a couple of moments the pair gets dressed to face the rest of the day knowing the kids will be barging in for breakfast any time soon. Carmine stretches and lets out a content sigh, feeling a bit tired but also satisfied. She smiles at Ari, her eyes filled with affection.
"Mmmm... that was quite a night, wasn't it? I could use a nice, hot cup of coffee right about now to kickstart my morning. How about you, darling?"
She chuckles softly, her voice playful.
"I guess we better get dressed before those adorable, energetic kids of ours storm in here."
Ari hum in agreeance, his voice slightly strained but still warm with love as he crawls out of bed too
"Indeed love.. The dynamite duo a few rooms from us will probably barge in any moment now.."
Carmine chuckles at Ari's description of Luca and Skylie. She slips out of bed, her voice filled with a playful edge.
"Hehe, dynamite duo indeed. They never cease to have that boundless energy. It's always so delightful how they can brighten up our day with their mischievous antics and adorable laughter."
She begins to search for her clothes, her words filled with a mix of fondness and humor.
"It's going to be an exciting day, that's for sure."
Carmine puts on a new layer of cherry colored lipstick, a yellow Hair band, a yellow fanny pack, red rimmed square glasses, a white scarf, a very stylish jacket with patterns matching that of a Sinistcha, dark green gradient leggings with a short black skirt, dark brown leather booties and their emerald wedding ring on her left hand.
Ari puts on his usual white top hat with it's blue hatband he always wears, a cropped unzipped blue hoodie with a Corviknight on the back of the hoodie with a black long-sleeve that says 'Life sucks, but I suck harder' on it in white text with his muscles and broad shoulders being circulated to perfection by his long sleeve and hoodie, a pair of black cargo pants with a few dark blue chains linked on the front sides of the pant legs, some black knee socks and black and blue high tops with Voltorb designs on them with his blue tinted sunglasses he word during his conquering of becoming Galar Champion hooked on the left pants pocket and a black balaclava around his neck, a pair of black leather fingerless gloves with skeleton bone patterns on them a Pokeball belt that carries his Pokemon Team around his belt, and his emerald wedding ring on his right hand. His white hair combed a little more better than usual along with his white thin boxed beard being maintained better.
Carmine finishes getting dressed, her outfit now complete. She takes a moment to admire her reflection in the mirror, making sure everything looks just right. She looks over at Ari, her eyes twinkling with affection as she sees him in his usual outfit.
"You know, I have to admit, Ari, your fashion sense never ceases to surprise me. You look like you're ready for a casual day at home, but also ready to conquer the world. She chuckles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I just love how you blend comfortable and bold, always making a statement. And let's not forget those stylish accessories and perfectly maintained facial hair.. And that hoodie with Corviknight on the back... you're such a proud bird dad!"
Ari chuckles at Carmine's comments, clearly enjoying the attention and her appreciation for his fashion choices.
"Well, thank you, my dear. I have to keep it interesting, y'know? But you're right, I do take a lot of pride in my appearance. I've always been one of Flying Types for pretty much my whole life.."
Ari looks over at Carmine with a warm smile, admiring her own outfit as he walks over to her and plants a kiss on her forehead, his voice admiring and loving
".. And you don't look half-bad either hun.. The leggings with the short skirt look wonderful on you as always, wifey~"
Carmine grins, her cheeks flushing slightly at Ari's compliments and affectionate kiss. She leans into his touch, her voice filled with a mix of playfulness and gratitude.
"Hehe, thank you, sweetheart. You always know just the right thing to say to make me feel beautiful. And I can't help but notice that you're quite the bird aficionado. And your love for Flying types is as charming as you are. I think it's adorable how passionate you get about them."
She chuckles softly, her voice carrying a playful note.
"As for the leggings and the skirt, I must say, I do love this look too. Thank you for appreciating me, my dashing husband."
Ari puts his hand around her own hand, both their wedding rings shining together due to their proximity as he looks down and admires the wedding rings a bit before looking back up at Carmine
"Anytime, my stunningly gorgeous wife~.. Now. Let's wake up the kids if that ain't already awake by now.."
Carmine squeezes Ari's hand gently, her own ring sparkling in the light alongside his. She grins, feeling loved and adored.
"Indeed, we should go wake the kids, darling. I'm guessing they'll be wide awake by now, bursting with energy and excitement. They always have so much energy, it's hard to keep up sometimes."
She laughs lightly, her voice still filled with affection for their children.
She gives Ari's hand a gentle squeeze as she looks up at him with love-sick swooning looks as he admires his facial features.
"I'm ready when you are, sweetheart."
As the couple prepares to face their kids, Ari's mind drifts to thoughts of the past. The memories of his abusive father and the betrayal of his lover still linger, like two shadowy figures lurking in the corners of his happiness. He can still feel their presence, their judging eyes watching him, trying to sabotage his newfound joy.
But then, Ari remembers his current life, the life he's built with Carmine and their kids. He looks at Carmine, her face glowing with love and support, her hand in his. And he smiles, pushing past those shadows and embracing the love he has found.
Carmine can sense something's wrong, Ari. She can tell there's something bothering him, something lurking in his thoughts.
"Darling, what's wrong? You look distracted."
Ari gasp lightly as he's brought out his trace and looks down at Carmine with a much happier smile than before
"Oh, sorry my dear.. I was just pondering.."
Carmine raises an eyebrow, not fully buying his reassurance. She reaches out her hand and gently touches his arm, concern etched on her face.
"Pondering? Yeah right, I know you. Spill it. What's truly bugging you?"
Ari groans lightly, knowing all to well he can't ever hide anything forever from her, his voice growing slightly more upset
"It's just.. I've been thinking about my past.."
Carmine's expression softens as she immediately understands what he's referring to. She squeezes his arm gently, her eyes filled with love and sympathy.
"You mean your father and your ex...?"
Ari sighs more solemnly before nodding
"Yes... That's exactly it.. Though I haven't seen either of them in over a decade.. I still feel watched by them still.. Like as if I'm being ridiculed by them after all these years for my worst regrets with both of them.."
Carmine's heart aches for him as she hears his words. She moves closer and wraps her arm around him, embracing him tightly.
"Darling, you know that's just in your head, right? They're not watching you. They're not ridiculing you. Your father was an abusive bastard, and that ex of yours was just using you... You've come so far since then, and you've built a beautiful life for both of us now. You have a family who loves you, a wife who loves you."
Ari smiles even more somehow, no matter the mood or scenario. She always knows how to bring out the best in him and it's something he'll never take for granted
".. Thank you my love.. I don't know how you can bring the best in me so well.. And I'm grateful for that.."
Carmine gently rubs his back, her touch both soothing and reassuring. She smiles tenderly, her love for him radiating from her every gesture.
"It's because I see the true you, darling. Behind the past, the pain, the mistakes... A strong, kind, fiercely loyal, loving person. The type of person who'd put everyone else who matters over himself, the one who'd stop at nothing to make those he cares for happy... You've had your rough patches, but you've overcome them and become an incredible partner and a wonderful father. I'm proud of you every day... And don't let them take that away from you..."
Ari smiles even more at her words as they make it towards Luca & Skylie's room, he looks over at their door then back down at Carmine. His pride and love for Carmine and their kids being his top priority... Forever...
"I won't ever let anyone take away my love for you and our kids.."
Ari rests his hands on her hips and leans in and gives her a kiss devoted with love for his wife, his ray of sunshine, his Caramel... His Carmine
"I love you Eien ni watashi no kyarameru~"
Carmine's heart melts at his words. She leans into the kiss, their lips meeting in a passionate exchange of love. Her arms wrap around his neck, her body pressing against his as she feels his love and devotion through his touch. When they finally pull away, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling, she gives him a coy smile.
"And I love you even more, my knight in shining armor... Forever and always."
Ari smiles to an even greater extent as their bodies merge to one another in love as he rests his head over hers. His voice speaks levels of love as a bit of his romantic accent slips out, his arms crossed around her hips with protective love
"... Anything for my gorgeous queen.."
She giggles at his words, her heart swelling with joy. She nuzzles her head into the crook of his neck, her hair tickling his face. Her fingers trace lazy circles on his back, feeling his warmth and strength against her body.
"You always know how to make me weak in the knees," she replies, her voice soft and affectionate. "I'm the luckiest woman alive to have such a strong and caring man by my side."
Ari smiles more pridefully, as he lets out a sigh filled with warmth. He lets go of one hand that's behind her back and takes out her free hand and watches their wedding ring gleam next to one another. A symbol of their unyielding love for each other
"And I'm forever grateful to spend my life with such beauty as yourself, my dear.."
Carmine gazes down at their wedding rings, a tender expression on her face. A small, content sigh escapes her lips as she interlaces her fingers with his, their hands fitting together, like two pieces of a perfect puzzle. Her touch is gentle, her grip firm and reassuring.
"As am I, darling," she replies, her voice as velvety as silk. "You've shown me that true love does exist, that a happily ever after isn't just a fantasy. And I'll never take that for granted."
The pair take a few moments to themselves outside their kids' room to gaze at one another endlessly, deeply swooning for one another, and they'd spend an eternity just staring at one another if they could. As they stand there in front of their kids' room, time seems to slow down. The world around them fades into the background as they get lost in each other's eyes. It's as if they're the only two people in the world, completely captivated by each other's presence.
Carmine gazes into Ari's eyes, her heart overflowing with love. Her fingers trace gentle patterns on the back of his hand, the touch almost electric.
"Why do you have to be so handsome, hm?" she teases, her smile sly and playful.
Ari lets out a small sound of his own admiration for her, his other hand not holding her hand cupping her cheek as he strokes his thumb over her face, completely lost in her yellow eyes
".. I could say the same for you, sunshine.. Why did you have to be blessed to be of such perfection?.."
He questions with such admiration and loyalty for her
Her heart skips a beat at his words, her cheeks flushing a rosy hue. She turns her head slightly, nuzzling her cheek against his hand, relishing in his touch. She gazes up at him, a soft, affectionate smile on her lips.
"Oh hush," she says playfully, her voice filled with adoration. "You'll make me blush, you little charmer."
Ari snorts sensing her dorkish embarrassment knowing damn well she'd pay millions to be showered in compliments
"... Well, can you blame me?.. A King must say loyal to their Queen~"
Ari then pulls her hand towards his mouth as he presses a kiss on the back of her hand
".. You're highness~"
Carmine laughs, her cheeks now completely flushed, her heart fluttering. She can't help but smile like a lovestruck fool whenever he showers her with loving compliments. The kiss on her hand sends a shiver down her spine, a small gasp escaping her lips at the tender touch.
She pulls her hand back and covers her face with it, pretending to hide her embarrassment. But through her fingers, her eyes sparkle with warmth, her smile still visible.
"You're such a flirt," she says, her voice laced with mock annoyance.
Ari looks back over at their kids' room, a remembrance of why they walked all the way over here
"I guess you're right.. We can be sappy later.. Right now, we should worry about breakfast and our kids.. I haven't seen them since we left for our Champion meeting last night.."
Carmine nods, a maternal instinct kicking in as she realizes he's right. She looks toward their kids' room, a mix of love and worry in her eyes.
"You're right, my love," she says, her voice filled with concern. "We should go check on them. I miss them already."
She takes his hand and gently leads him towards the door to their kids' room, her steps quick and light. Ari then, slowly opens their door and the two walk in to see the warming sight of Luca and Skylie sleeping together on Luca's bed, with Skylie cuddled around Luca's arms as he holds her close as both a comfort blanket and to keep her close and safe, their quiet and peaceful snores in rhythm. Carmine's heart swells with tenderness as she sees Luca and Skylie sleeping soundly on the bed, wrapped around each other like two little cherubs. A small smile graced her lips, and she felt her eyes well up with emotion.
"Oh, look at them," she whispers, squeezing Ari's hand gently. "They're so sweet and precious when they're asleep."
She steps closer to the bed, her movements careful and quiet, not wanting to wake the children up from their peaceful slumber.
Ari lets out a soft sigh filled with unwavering love and adoration for his children as he walks over and sits on the end of the bed and looks down at the pair, his love going to his beautiful lovely children he'll cherish forever
"That's right, sunshine.. Oh, I remember the day when we were just changing Luca's diapers for the first time.. And here he is, being a great big brother to Skylie.."
Carmine sits down next to him, her eyes fixed on their children's peaceful faces. She places a gentle hand on his back, sharing in his thoughts and memories. Her heart aches with pride as she gazes at Luca and Skylie, marveling at how they've grown.
"Time truly flies," she murmurs, her voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and bittersweet joy. "It seems like just yesterday we were changing Luca's diapers, and now he's this amazing big brother."
Ari nods in agreement as he wraps his arm around Carmine, pulling her closer to him
".. But no matter how old they'll get.. They will always be our little hatchlings.."
Carmine leans into his embrace, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder. She lets out a content sigh, feeling the warmth and security of his presence.
"That's right," she says, her voice soft and filled with love. "They'll always be our little ones, no matter how grown up they get."
She looks down at Luca and Skylie, watching their faces in their little faces as they continue to sleep peacefully.
As Ari snuggles up next to Carmine and looking down at their family, an request has been burning inside of him for a while now and now's as good as a change as any to ask, he looks over at Carmine with an hoping gaze
"Say sunshine.. Can I ask you something?.. Something that might add a bit more flare to this dynamic?.."
Carmine notices the hopeful look in Ari's eyes and tilts her head curiously, a small smile playing on her lips. She turns slightly to face him, her eyes meeting his, and gives him a warm nod.
"Of-course, my love," she replies, her voice filled with interest and curiosity. "Ask away. I'm all ears."
"Well my love.. How would you feel about adding a 3rd rascal to our family?.."
Ari questions hoping to Arceus she says yes but not holding his breath
Carmine's eyes widen momentarily, not exactly expecting the question. She looks back at Luca and Skylie, then turns to him again. A myriad of emotions flicker across her face - surprise, excitement, and a hint of nervousness - as she processes the implications of his words.
"A third child?" she repeats, her voice filled with a mixture of surprise and hope. She takes a moment to gather her thoughts, her eyes fixed on his, and then her smile grows wider.
"Are you... Are you serious, Ari? You want to have another baby?"
Ari nods in affirmation, though it hasn't been long since they've had Skylie, the needing of another child with the women he loves outshines that factor. Plus seeing Carmine in her gestational weight gain body is another benefactor
"Of-course I do!.. I want as many children with you as I can, but like always.. It's up to you my dear, I'd never put you up to something you didn't agree with.."
Carmine's heart flutters as Ari confirms his desire to have another baby. She never doubted his love for her or his longing for more children, but hearing the words still brings a wave of excitement and warmth to her chest. She moves closer to him, taking a step to close the distance between them.
"I..." she starts, her voice soft yet filled with a hint of vulnerability. She takes a deep breath, her eyes meeting his with a mix of anticipation and love.
"I want another child with you too, more than anything."
Ari takes a sigh of relief at her affirmance, even though he knows how much she loves harboring life and bringing it upon the world with him but still had a bit of trepidation that she'd decline his offer
"Well.. It's official then.."
Ari rests his other hand on top of her thigh and caressing it gently, his voice sweltered with love and tenderness
"We're gonna have a 3rd then.."
Carmine nods, her smile growing wider as her heart flutters with excitement. The feel of his hand on her thigh is comforting and reassuring, a physical reminder of the bond they share and the life they're about to create together again.
"Yeah.. we are. I can't wait."
She lifts her hand, placing it over his own and intertwining their fingers together. Her eyes lock onto his, love and anticipation dancing in her gaze.
"Another baby.."
Ari nods once more as he looks back over at Luca and Skylie still sleeping blissfully on top of each-other like little angels from Arceus himself
"... Speaking of children.. We should wake up our hatchlings though.."
Carmine chuckles softly as she follows his gaze to the sight of Luca and Skylie sleeping soundly. She smiles, marveling at how adorable and peaceful they look. It's a tableau of familial love that warms her heart. She takes a moment to observe them, their tiny bodies pressed against each other, oblivious to the world around them.
"Yeah, you're right. They'll need to be up soon, anyway. We can't let them sleep all day, can we?"
She turns back to Ari, a warm smile on her face.
"You want to wake them up, or shall I?"
Ari sighs lightly as he scoots over quietly as he tries to nudge both of them awake, his voice gentle and babying
"... Luca~... Skylie~... Wakey, wakey.. Rise and shine.. Did you miss us?"
Luca and Skylie stir slightly as Ari gently nudges them, their eyelids fluttering open slowly. Their eyes squint softly, adjusting to the light. Luca rubs his eyes with a tiny fist, his face showing signs of grogginess, while Skylie lets out a tiny whimper, snuggling closer to Luca.
"Mmm... D-dad?.."
Luca's voice is hoarse and slightly groggy as he slowly comes to consciousness. Skylie, still half-asleep, simply nuzzles her face against Luca's chest.
Ari nods delighted to see them waking up and being able to spend time with his kids again
"That's right Luca!.. Did you miss us?.."
Luca nods slowly, his eyes still heavy with sleep. He lets out a little yawn, his little body stretching slightly. Skylie, on the other hand, just nuzzles her face further into Luca's chest, still in that foggy realm between sleep and wakefulness. She lets out a tiny mumble as if she heard Ari's voice but isn’t quite awake enough to respond.
Ari chuckles lightly as he directs his attention towards Skylie with a smile as rests his hand over her hair to try and stir her awake
"Skylie~.. Time to get up~.. You're dada and mama wanna see you awake~"
Skylie lets out a small, indignant whimper as she's gently stirred awake by Ari's touch. She nuzzles her face into his hand for a moment, as if trying to resist the call to wake up. But the sound of her parents' voices finally draws her out of her half-asleep state.
Her eyes slowly open, bleary and disoriented for a moment. Skylie blinks up at Ari and Carmine, a small pout on her face.
"Mmm... Mama.. Dada.."
Ari snickers warmly as he ruffles her bed hair lightly as his voice still remains soft and caring
"Hey their princess~.. Did you miss us?.."
Skylie's pout slowly transforms into a much more awakened state as Ari tousles her hair and she notice's fully that it wasn't just a daydream and her parents were home. Her doe eyes lighten up along with her voice becoming more franticly excited
"Dada!! Mama!! Dada mama are home!!"
She reaches out her small arms towards them, clearly wanting to be picked up and held by her dada. Carmine chuckles warmly, watching the interaction with loving eyes.
Ari leans over and scoops her into his arms and plants a kiss onto her forehead
"There's my energetic little diva~.. Ohh, I've missed you lots Sky."
Skylie giggles and squirms in his arms as he picks her up, clearly overjoyed to be held by her dada again. She reaches up and playfully tries to grab his face, but her tiny hands are far too short.
"Missed you more dada!!"
Carmine watches the interaction between them with a tender smile. She scoots closer beside them on the bed, gently running her fingers through Skylie's hair.
"We've missed you too, little princess.."
Ari pulls her closer so she can grab his face affectionately as he peppers her cheeks with kisses
"I'm sure you did.. Our little ball of sunshine~"
Skylie squeals and laughs as Ari rains kisses all over her face, clearly enjoying the attention and affection. She tries to squirm away from the playful assault.
"Dada! Stop it!"
She giggles, but there's no real irritation in her voice. Carmine chuckles, her heart swelling with adoration for her husband and daughter.
Ari slowly stops his pecking attack as he turns around to hand over Skylie to Carmine
"There you go sweetie.. Here's your mama!"
Skylie's giggles subsides as she's handed over to her mother, but her joyful expression remains intact. She cuddles into Carmine's embrace, wrapping her arms around her neck.
"Mama!! Mama!!"
Carmine hugs her close, holding her like a precious gem, a soft, maternal smile on her face as she gently rocks her daughter. She presses a kiss to the top of Skylie's head.
"Hey there, princess. Mama missed you so much.."
Ari sighs with love as he watches his wife and their daughter have their moment together as he looks back over to Luca
"Hey there Luce~.. You up yet?.."
Luca lets out a tired yawn as he's roused from his sleep, slowly sitting up in bed. He rubs his eyes, clearly still a bit groggy.
"Hey, dad..."
He stretches his arms above his head before looking at Ari and Carmine cuddling Skylie between them. A faint smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.
Ari smiles warmly, now finally seeing his son awake now and scoots a little closer to him
"Hey there, kiddo, you finally ready to get up?.. Cause your baby sis seems more than ready.."
Luca rubs the sleep out of his eyes properly before running his fingers through his messed up hair.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm up. Just... give me a minute, okay?"
He swings his legs over the edge of the bed and sits up fully, stretching his arms once more. Despite his drowsy state, there's a hint of excitement in his voice at seeing his parents and little sister again.
Ari softly chuckles as he ruffles his bed hair with a warm smile that his family is together again
"Heh, ain't you extra tired today kiddo?.. Did you not get enough sleep last night?.."
He nods, yawns, and sits up straight.
"Sorta.. I mean... I got a full night's worth, I guess.. My head just feels kinda fuzzy though. But I'm fine... don't worry about me.."
He gently rubs his own head and looks up at his parents and little sister, smiling wearily. He can't stop himself from yawning once more.
Ari nods, knowing how he feels all too well that feeling of still being tired from a full night's sleep
"It's okay kiddo.. You're not the only one.."
Ari looks back over at Skylie who's squealing with love as she buries her small head into Carmine's chest
"Anyways, how was Uncle Kieran and Aunt Amarys? You two had fun with them?.."
Luca smiles as he watches Skylie clinging to Carmine's chest. It always made him feel warm seeing his baby sister so excited to see her mother. He then looks back at Ari, nodding his head.
"Yeah, I had a blast.. They're just as great as I remember them being. Though Uncle Kieran still sucks at Mario Kart..
Luca lets out another small yawn before continuing.
Ari snorts lightly at his jab at Kieran's Mario Kart skills, knowing he's far from wrong
"Yeah, Kieran was never good at Mario Kart.. Amarys had always been much better at racing games while Kieran's always been more of an RPG guy..."
Luca chuckles and nods, a small smirk on his face.
"Yeah, no kidding, man the last time I played with Uncle Kieran, he rage quitted for an hour straight after losing at Mario Kart. He really doesn't like losing, does he?"
Ari snorts turns into more lively chucking at Luca's comment towards Kieran's hatred towards losing
".. Yeah your uncle hates losing at anything, he's such a sore loser I swear, it's still fresh in my memory on how when he was a teen, he'd complain about how after all his training and he still lost against me when he was the BB League Champion for at least a month before getting over it.. I'm tellin ya Luca, this is quite tame in comparison to his teen years. Hell, he still brings it up from time to time.."
Luca laughs and shakes his head at Ari's comment about Kieran. He can picture his uncle now, moping and pouting in his room after losing a battle.
"Ha, I can totally see that. He's so dramatic sometimes. But hey, at least he finally gets to become the Unovan Champion soon, right?
Luca's eyes light up a little at the prospect of Kieran's upcoming battle for the champion title.
Ari chuckles enthusiastically as he remembers about Kieran's soon Champion match with Champion Iris and a surprise he forgot to tell the kids
"Indeed, in fact that's kinda the reason I woke the two of you up so early.. Kieran gave the four of us tickets to his match and I wanted you kids up for it.."
Luca's eyes widen with excitement as Ari mentions Kieran's champion match. A smile spreads across his face as he jumps to his feet, fully awake now.
"Wait, seriously? I can watch Uncle Kieran's champion match in person? That's awesome!"
Luca can't contain his excitement. He never thought he'd get to see his uncle's champion match in person. He was already ecstatic just watching it on TV. Seeing it live would be a dream come true for him.
Ari nods in affirmation, as he's quite excited himself to see his brother-in-law battle knowing it's been years since he's seen him battle seriously
"Indeed Luce.. I wanted to get you guys up early so you can have breakfast because the match begins at 2PM.."
Luca's smile widens as he processes the information, excitement coursing through his body. He bounces on his feet.
"2PM? Awesome, that's in a few hours! This is gonna be the best day ever! I can't wait to see Uncle Kieran battle Iris!"
He turns to his little sister.
"Hey, Skylie! Guess what? We get to watch Uncle Kieran become the new Unovan Champion today!"
Ari looks over at Skylie still in her mothers arms when Luca's excitement and words catches her attention
Skylie's eyes light up as Luca tells her the news, her little face lighting up with joy.
"Really? Really, really? We get to see Uncle Kiki battle?! Yaaaay!!!"
She bounces excitedly in her mother's arms, giggling and clapping her small hands happily as Carmine smiles happily to see her daughter excited for her uncle
Ari smiles even more to see his children excited for their uncle
"That's right kids.. We're gonna watch your uncle battle the Unovan Champion today! So what do you two want for breakfast?.."
Luca looks at Ari, his eyes wide with excitement.
"Can we have pancakes? Please, dad! With lots of whipped cream and strawberries!"
Skylie nods eagerly in agreement with her brother.
"Yeah! Pancakes! Pancakes!!"
Ari chuckles as he ruffles both their heads of hair as he stands off Luca's bed
"Alrighty kids.. Get dressed and don't forget to brush your teeth because we have to be at Unova at 2PM sharp!"
Luca and Skylie both nod, still bouncing around excitedly in anticipation of the battles that will be happening in a few hours.
"Got it, dad! We'll be ready in no time!"
Skylie grins as she hops off of Carmine's grasp and follows Luca into the bathroom to brush their teeth and get dressed.
As Luca and Skylie leave their rooms with Ari letting a slight snort as Skylie trips and falls before standing back up with a cute giggle, clearly unfazed by her fall from excitement alone, he looks back over at Carmine with a warm smile
".. Man.. We have the greatest children, don't we love?.."
Carmine nods, a loving smile on her face as she watches the two children head to the bathroom
"We sure do, dear.. I wouldn't trade 'em for the world.."
She then chuckles as she sees Skylie trip and fall, the sight of her daughter giggling and getting back up making her heart melt even more
"Arceus, they're too adorable.. I think I'm gonna burst."

Current Year: 2037
7 years pass by, Ari and Carmine have remained happy with next to no major troubles, with their trio of three siblings Luca, Skylie and Lily. The years have been good ones, filled with love, growth, and happiness. Luca, Skylie, and Lily have grown up into wonderful children, each with distinct personalities.

Luca Flystone
Age: 12
Pronouns: He, Him
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Gay?
Height: 5,6ft
Eye Color: Blueish Gray
Hair Color: Black
Hometown: Wyndon
Region: Galar
Nationality: Galarian/Johtoian/Kitakamian
Personality: ENFJ-T
Luca’s Pokémon Team: Weavile (Ace), Gabite, Monferno, Pupitar, Noibat, Dracovish (Lead).
Luca, with every step and every decision, seems to grow more and more in the image of his father. He's got Ari's eyes and Carmine's hair, but it's his personality that mirrors Ari the most. He shares Ari's competitive spirit, protective nature, and love for adventure, all while carrying the intimidating aura that his father is known for. His ambitions to become a Pokemon Champion are clear, and his power as a trainer is undeniable, making him a force to be reckoned with.

Skylie Flystone
Age: 8
Pronouns: She, Her
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Pansexual (Preference to Men)
Height: 4,8ft
Eye Color: Yellow
Hair Color: White with Blue underlayer
Hometown: Wyndon
Region: Galar
Nationality: Galarian/Johtoian/Kitakamian
Personality: ESFP-T
Skylie’s Pokémon Team: Azumarill (Ace), Fletchinder, Swablu (Lead).
Skylie, a mini version of her mother in many ways, embodies Carmine's fiery spirit and defiant attitude. Yet, she's also kind at heart, her bubbly nature bringing a lightheartedness to the family. She possesses Ari's Pokemon battling skills much like her older brother though down to a much less skillful level in comparison, but her passion and talent lie in music, where she aspires to excel. Skylie has a mix of her parent's features, with Carmine's yellow eyes and Ari's white hair, accented by a blue dyed underlayer, giving her a unique look befitting her vibrant personality.

Lily Flystone
Age: 6
Pronouns: She, Her
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Bisexual (Preference to Women)
Height: 4,2ft
Eye Color: Blueish Gray
Hair Color: Black with Blue hue
Hometown: Wyndon
Region: Galar
Nationality: Galarian/Johtoian/Kitakamian
Personality: INTJ-A
Lily’s Pokémon Team: Riolu (Ace), Goomy (Lead).
Lily, the youngest of Ari and Carmine's children, is a delightful blend of both her parents' best qualities. She inherits Ari's serenity and Carmine's compassion, making her a gentle and caring soul. Unlike her siblings, Lily harbors a love for Pokemon interactions beyond battling. Despite her tender age of 6, she confidently declares her aspiration to become a Pokemon Professor and harbors a gifted IQ of 135. She bears Carmine's black hair, accentuated with a vibrant blue dye, and Ari's bright blue eyes, reflecting her innocence and untouched outlook on the world.

Ari Flystone
Occupation: Galarian Champion
Age: 37
Pronouns: He, Him
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Pansexual (Preference to Women)
Height: 6,3ft
Eye Color: Blueish Gray
Hair Color: White
Hometown: Postwick
Region: Galar
Nationality: Galarian/Johtoian
Personality: ISFJ-T
Ari’s Pokémon Team: Scizor (Ace), Noivern, Togekiss, Gliscor, Kilowattrel, Corviknight (Lead)
Ari, now aged 37, now a family man in his mid-thirties, has undergone a subtle transformation over the years. The former Champion's intimidating presence has given way to a more lighthearted and inviting demeanor. Having relocated to a larger home in Wyndon on an open plot of land to accommodate for his growing family, Ari continues to thrive as the current Galar Champion. Despite the public's endless curiosity, he guards his family's privacy with unwavering loyalty and protection, always seeking their consent before any details are revealed, proving his devotion as a husband and father.

Carmine Flystone
Occupation: Pokemon Breeder, Galarian Championess
Age: 31
Pronouns: She, Her
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Demisexual/Bisexual (Preference to Men)
Height: 5,9ft
Eye Color: Yellow
Hair Color: Black with Red Dyed underlayer
Hometown: Mossui Town
Region: Kitakami
Nationality: Kitakamian
Personality: ISTJ-T
Carmine's Pokémon Team: Sinistcha (Ace), Scrafty, Toucannon, Morpeko, Ninetails, Mighyena (Lead)
Carmine, now at 31 years of age, exudes motherly love and a tender heart, her fiery personality adding an extra spark to her character. Despite the years and having three children together, her passion for Ari remains as strong as ever. In her free time, she works at the local Pokemon Daycare as a dedicated breeder, using her skills and experience to care for and nurture various Pokemon under her watch. With Ari and their children, they share a love that stands the test of time, and their passion and intimacy continue to thrive behind closed doors.

Kieran Grey
Occupation: Unovan Champion
Age: 27
Pronouns: He, Him
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Bisexual (Preference to Women)
Height: 5,10ft
Eye Color: Yellow
Hair Color: Black with Dyed Purple
Hometown: Mossui Town
Region: Kitakami
Nationality: Kitakamian
Personality: INFJ-T
Kieran’s Pokemon Team: Hydrapple (Ace), Ogerpon, Incineroar, Dragonite, Poliwrath, Metagross (Lead)
Kieran, now at 27 years old, has become a permanent fixture in Ari and Carmine's life, having become alongside Amarys as their kids' official babysitters. He embraces his role as a supportive and loving uncle to their children, imparting wisdom and life lessons from his own experiences. Kieran has also taken over as the Unovan Champion after beating Champion Iris and finally achieving his lifelong dream of becoming Champion of a Region. Despite the 10-year age gap, Kieran and Ari maintain a strong brotherly bond, filled with love, care, and friendly Champion rivalry, especially when it comes to their shared passion for Pokemon battles.

Amarys Grey
Occupation: Accountant, Writer, Unovan Championess
Age: 29
Pronouns: They, Them
Gender: Female/Non-Binary
Sexuality: Bisexual (Preference to Women)
Height: 5,7ft
Eye Color: Turquoise
Hair Color: Black
Hometown: Castelia City
Region: Unova
Nationality: Unovan
Personality: ESTJ-T
Amarys' Pokémon Team: Metagross (Ace), Lucario, Reuniclus, Tinkaton, Alolan Dugtrio, Appletun (Lead)
Amarys, aged 29, is known for their stern and emotionless exterior, but beneath this facade lies a warm and welcoming heart. Their job as a fictional writer demands her unwavering focus and emotional detachment, which they push through without care as this was their dream job. In stark contrast, Amarys turns soft and affectionate around their husband Kieran of 7 years and their 6 year old selective mutism daughter Emily. Sharing a loving relationship.

Drayton Legend
Occupation: Unemployed
Age: 32
Pronouns: He, Him
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Pansexual (Preference to Men)
Height: 5,7ft
Eye Color: Yellow
Hair Color: White with purple tuft
Hometown: Opelucid City
Region: Unova
Nationality: Unovan
Personality: ESTP-A
Drayton's Pokémon Team: Archaludon (Ace), Haxorus, Sceptile, Kingdra, Flygon, Dragonite (Lead)
Drayton, a laid-back and carefree individual at age 32, was once a member of the Dragon-type BB Elite Four at Blueberry Academy. He has since departed from the institution, preferring a more casual and unconventional lifestyle. Drayton tends to flit from job to job, with a side hustle growing and selling weed, which often lands him in trouble and leads to brief stints in jail. Despite this, Ari remains a loyal customer even if he’s not approving of the way Drayton’s rapidly deteriorating his own body. Drayton still retains his close bond with Ari and Kieran, much to Carmine's chagrin as she finds him rather irritating.

Lacey Quake
Occupation: Unovan Fairy Type Gym Leader, Lawyer
Age: 28
Pronouns: She, Her
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Straight Ally
Height: 5,6ft
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Pink
Hometown: Nimbasa City
Region: Unova
Nationality: Unovan
Personality: ESFJ-A
Lacey's Pokémon Team: Excadrill (Ace), Primarina, Alolan Ninetales, Delphox, Granbull, Zebstrika (Lead)
Crispin Quake
Occupation: Restaurant Manager
Age: 27
Pronouns: He, Him
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Straight Ally
Height: 5,8ft
Eye Color: Black/Yellow
Hair Color: Red/Orange
Hometown: Virbank City
Region: Unova
Nationality: Unovan
Personality: ESFP-A
Crispin's Pokémon Team: Blaziken (Ace), Exeggutor, Scovillain, Magmortar, Simisear, Charizard (Lead)
Crispin, aged 27, and Lacey, aged 28, have finally found happiness together, thanks to Ari's subtle intervention in making Crispin take the first step. Their 13-year relationship blossomed after that initial nudge, now becoming a 8 year marriage and they now have a 8-year-old son named Jayden who bears both his father's fiery personality and mother's sweetness. The blended family of Crispin, Lacey, Ari, and Carmine often gather for playdates, and Luca and Jayden are developing a subtle crush on each other, a budding romance in the making. Crispin works as a fancy 5 star restaurant manager and Lacey as a Fairy type Gym Leader and Lawyer living together in Lacey's hometown of Nimbasa City in Unova. Crispin thrives as the manager of a prominent 5-star restaurant, embodying refinement and sophistication. His wife, Lacey, not only reigns as the Fairy-type Gym Leader in Unova, but she has also established herself as a successful lawyer. Together, they reside in Lacey's hometown of Nimbasa City, enjoying a comfortable life in the bustling and vibrant city.

Crispin and Lacey, accompanied by Jayden, are at a local grocery store in Unova, busily gathering essential items for their household. They browse the aisles, filling their cart with essential groceries as Crispin browses the shelves and Lacey pushes the shopping cart, Jayden, curious and observant, gazes around the store, intrigued by the colorful bags and various products. As the three continue their way through the store, Crispin's looks back at Lacey and Jayden following behind him
"Alright sweetie?.. Is there anything else we need on our shopping list?.."
Lacey glances at their list, checking off items mentally as Crispin continues to push the cart
"Hmm... looks like we've got almost everything... oh and we need to pick up some laundry detergent... oh!.. The only thing left to get is ice cream. Just for Jayden of-course."
Crispin chuckles lightly as he scratches the back of his head sheepishly
"Heheh, yeah I almost forgot about the ice cream.. I swear he has enough energy as is, he doesn't need the extra.."
Crispin remarks jokingly, though he'll always give into Jayden without issue
Lacey lets out a soft laugh, knowing Crispin's comment is all in good humor
"Haha.. I know, I know he's already such a hyper kid. But we do have to give him a treat every now and then. Besides, we did promise him we'd get it for being such a good boy at the pediatrician this morning."
Crispin nods knowing she's right, even then he'd still would've got him ice cream either way
"Yeah that's fair.. He's good for it.."
Crispin looks down at Jayden holding his hand
"But can you promise me you won't eat the whole bucket like last time?.."
Jayden looks up at Crispin, a cheeky grin on his face, and he gives a small nod
"Oh, don't worry. We'll make sure he doesn't eat the entire thing in one sitting this time. He knows the rules."
Lacey ruffles Jayden's hair affectionately, and the young boy giggles in response as Jayden looks up at his parents with a wide, innocent smile
"I promise I won't!"
Lacey lets out a gentle laugh, knowing Jayden will likely make a mess either way
Crispin rolls his eyes knowing he's full of it as the two continue down the aisle, Lacey is abruptly stopped by unfamiliar tugging on her cardigan as it's far too tight to be Jayden
Lacey turns around, surprised by the unexpected tugging on her cardigan, and she glances down to see a young girl no older than 8, with white hair and a blue underlayer and yellow eyes
"Oh, excuse me?.."
The young girl, though not recognized by Lacey is in fact, Ari and Carmine's middle daughter Skylie, who looks up at Lacey a bit mesmerized and a bit envious of Lacey's light makeup
"Wow.. You're very pretty miss..."
Lacey's expression softens and she crouches down to Skylie's level, touched by the compliment
"Aww, thank you sweetie. That's very kind of you to say."
Crispin watches with a smile, amused by this interaction while Jayden looks over to Skylie, not recognizing who this girl is
"Are you here with your parents? Are you lost?"
Skylie shakes her head and makes a sound of disapproval
"Nope!.. I'm here with my mummy and daddy along with my older brother and baby sister visiting my uncle Kieran and aunty Amarys.."
Lacey nods, understanding the situation better now as she recognizes the names of her aunt and uncle
"Oh, I see! That sounds like quite the group you've got there. Your parents must be taking care of a lot of kids."
Crispin chimes in, unable to help but chuckle also recognizing the name of her uncle and aunt
"Ah, a large family outing, huh? Must be a handful for your mom and dad."
Skylie nods with a bright smile on her face at the mentioning of her parents and family
"Mmm hmm!.. My mummy Carmine and my daddy Ari treat me very well!"
Lacey smiles warmly at Skylie, finding her enthusiasm endearing
"That's wonderful to hear. It's crucial to have loving parents who treat you well."
Crispin looks down at Jayden, then back at Skylie, a thought suddenly coming to mind
"Say, you said your father's name is Ari, right? Mind if I ask.. what color is his hair?"
Skylie looks over at Crispin, a little curious at his question as she raises her eyebrow
"Um, he has white hair like mine.. Why you ask mister?.."
Crispin nods, his suspicions confirmed as he glances over at Lacey, silently hinting at something
"Ah, I was just wondering.. I know someone who has white hair as well. Just wanted to make sure it's not the same person."
Lacey raises an eyebrow, catching Crispin's hint and joining in on the conversation
"Is that right? What about your mother? Could you describe her for us? What does your mom look like?"
Skylie nods again as he looks back at Lacey, a little more puzzled by their questions
"Uhm.. She's quite tall and thin with black hair and a red underlayer styled like my hair and a mole under her left eye and yellow eyes like mine.. She gets angry easily but she's very sweet and motherly.. And my dad is also tall with blueish gray eyes and a thin beard. He's snarky and swears a lot, but he’s very protective and smart and he's also the Galar Champion.. Why you guys ask?.. Do you two know my parents?.."
Crispin and Lacey exchange a knowing glance as they listen to Skylie's description, their suspicions confirmed and now certain they know who this little girl belongs to
Lacey: "Yes, actually we do know your parents... though it's been quite some time since we've seen them. We actually used to go to school with them.."
Crispin: "We've had the pleasure of meeting them a long time ago.. Your parents are good friends of ours."
Crispin and Lacey share a smile, both of them feeling happy and nostalgic about this unexpected reunion. Skylie's eyes widen and her mouth slightly agape at their affirmation but before she can speak up, a very worried and frantic voice speaks up from afar
"Sis?!.. Baby Sis where are you!?.. Where are you Skylie!?..."
Lacey's and Crispin's heads turn towards the direction of the yelling voice, and they immediately recognize it as Luca's as they visited him and his parents a couple of times with he was a toddler, both kinda curious how much he's changed since their last visit
Lacey: "Sounds like someone's looking for you, sweetie."
Crispin: "Yeah, they sound really worried.."
After a few seconds Luca finds himself to the aisle that Skylie is and darts over to her relief and as Skylie waves at Luca happy to see him
"Hi big bro!!"
Luca lets out a huge sigh upon seeing Skylie in one piece and completely safe. He is relieved that he can finally stop worrying
"Oh thank Arceus, there you are! What have I told you about wandering off without telling anyone, huh? You had me worried sick!"
Skylie giggles mischievously as he wraps her arms around Luca
"Sorry big bro!.. I was eyeing a pretty lady!"
Skylie looks over back at Lacey and points at her
"See!"
Luca rolls his eyes at Skylie's response, exasperated but still amused by her behavior
"Ah, so it was the pretty girl that distracted you.. Well, next time, please make sure someone knows where you're going, okay? Mum and dad were getting worried!"
Luca turns his gaze to Lacey and Crispin, his worriedness immediately disappearing recognizing them instantly and glad it wasn't with a complete stranger this time
"Oh, hey Crispin and Lacey. Sorry about my little sister.. She tends to wander off whenever she sees someone or something she likes, and it's without letting us know, ain't that right Skylie?"
Crispin chuckles, amused by Skylie's curious nature
"Ah, no worries, Luca. Your little sister has quite the adventurous spirit, it seems."
Lacey nods in agreement, a fond smile on her face.
"Yes, I can see that. It's not exactly uncommon for kids her age to wander off like that.. I remember you doing the same when you were a little boy, Luca."
Luca huffs in embarrassment as he crosses his arms sheepishly
"Fine, maybe you're right.. Didn't you two have a kid of your own?.. That's what my dad said.."
Luca questions trying to change the topic as he notices a boy around Skylie's age behind Crispin
Crispin smiles, happy to change the subject to their own son
"That's right. We do have a son, he's right here. Come on, bud, someone wants to meet you!"
The young boy excitedly steps out behind from and skips over towards Luca and Skylie
"Hey there! My name is Jayden! What's your name?"
Jayden pauses for a moment as he looks up at Luca, a significant size difference and he can't help but think he's very handsome as he begins to blush lightly. As Luca looks down at Jayden, he begins to blush even more brightly than Jayden is and begins to get flustered
"Uhm, mynamesLuca.. Skylie we gotta get back to mum and dad!"
Luca grabs Skylie's arm and darts off embarrassed
"It's nice to meet you Jayden and to see you Crispin and Lacey again, I'lltellourparentsyousaidhi, bye!"
Skylie waves goodbye at the three
"Bye Crispin and Lacey! Bye Jayden! It was nice to meet you three!"
The three bid them farewell, Crispin and Lacey exchanging a knowing look while Jayden lets out a soft sigh as he watches Luca and Skylie run off, clearly interested in the older boy and wanting to get to know him more. Crispin notices Jayden's reaction and chuckles softly, nudging him playfully
"Looks like someone has a crush~"
Jayden blushes even more violently in color as he squirms a little by his fathers nudge as he turns around and looks up at Crispin clearly wanting answers
"Dad?.. Who was that boy and why was he handsome?.. Is that weird for me to think that?.."
Crispin grins at his son's adorable reaction and tries to suppress a smile. He crouched down to be eye level with Jayden and ruffled his hair affectionately.
"That boy is Luca, his family are good friends of ours. And there's nothing weird about finding someone handsome and attractive, it's perfectly normal to have those feelings, especially as you grow older. You're just at that age where those feelings start to develop, and it's okay to be curious and have questions."
Jayden blushes more as he thinks on how to put it into more simpler words for his fathers denseness
"No, I-I uh mean.. Is it weird for me to be a boy and to find another boy attractive?.. Am I gonna get looked down for so?.."
Crispin smiles gently, understanding the deeper meaning behind Jayden's words. He places a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder.
"Ah, I see what you meant now. No, Jayden, it's not weird at all. Love and attraction aren't limited to any gender or sexuality. As long as you're treating others with respect and kindness, who you're attracted to doesn't determine your worth. There are people out there who might not understand, but that doesn't make your feelings any less valid."
Jayden smiles more assured by his promising words, though can't help but feel more a disappointment in his mother eyes knowing she's catholic as he looks over at Lacey, not expecting, but needing her assurance
".. But mom?.. Am I a disappointment in your eyes because of that?.."
Lacey's gaze softens as her son turns to her, sensing the worry in his eyes. She kneels down to be at eye level with him and gently takes his hands in hers.
"Oh, Jayden, you could never be a disappointment to me. Your worth isn't defined by who you're attracted to. You're my wonderful, kindhearted son, and that's what truly matters. I love you unconditionally, and nothing will change that. Your happiness is what's most important to me."
Jayden takes a few steps over to Lacey and wraps his arms around her, trying to hold back tears of embarrassment as his voice cracks more as he speaks
"B-but.. Isn't homosexuality a sin in the Bible?.. A-and aren't you a catholic?.."
Lacey wraps her arms around her son, holding him tight and gently rubbing his back. She smiles tenderly before responding to his questions.
"Oh sweetie, the world is filled with different beliefs and interpretations. Yes, and I am a Catholic. But that doesn't change how much I love and accept you for who you are. My love for you is stronger than any religious doctrine. I believe in loving and accepting you for who you are, without any conditions."
Jayden lets out a shaky sigh, as he can tell she's being truthful and not just saying that to make him feel better and she actually means it
"T-thanks mom.. I love you and dad so much.."
Lacey hugs Jayden tighter, her heart swelling with love for her son. She plants a tender kiss on his forehead and speaks in a soft, soothing voice.
"And we love you just as much, sweetie. You're the most important person in our lives, and we want nothing more than for you to be happy and true to yourself."
Crispin's gaze shifts from his family back to the aisle that Skylie and Luca vanished into. He can't help but feel a pang of curiosity and nostalgia thinking about his longtime friends, Ari and Carmine, along with Kieran and Amarys He hasn't seen the 4 of them in person in a while, and he's even seen on Kieran's socials that he and Amarys even had a child of their own and the thought of catching up with them all sounds quite appealing.
"Hey, Lace, you think we should try and catch up with Ari and Carmine, along with Kieran and Amarys? It's been a while since we've had a proper chat, don't you think?"
Lacey breaks away from the hug gently and looks up at Crispin, her eyes lighting up at the idea of catching up with their close friends.
"That sounds wonderful, Cris! It has been far too long since we've seen Ari, Carmine, Kieran, and Amarys. Catching up with them would be delightful. We can't let time stand in the way of our friendships, after all."

End of Chapter 2