Crow Hogan [ クロウ・ホーガン ] (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
darkenedgales) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
route_10652012-05-08 10:05 pm
darkenedgales) wrote in route_10652012-05-08 10:05 pm
together is the best place to be.
Who: Crow Hogan and Kaito Kuroba
Where: Route 29
When: Afternoon of May 8th
Summary: Not surprisingly, Kaito's magical re-appearance causes Crow to immediately set out to meet him... FEELINGS ENSUE.
Rating: ...PG-13 for Crow Hogan.
Log:
The past two days had been full of feelings.
First and foremost, happiness. He might have called Kaito names and accused him of being a pain to deal with, but there were no words to describe the joy he'd been feeling non-stop since he found out the magician had come back to Johto. He'd been told it was possible, but-- he didn't want to get his hopes up, just in case that never happened. Like with the others.
Next up, anticipation. The duelist simply couldn't wait to see his friend in person again, so he'd been pretty much riding his birds into the ground (... not literally, of course) for the past forty-eight hours. They didn't seem to mind, though, either because they were aware of how important that meeting was for their trainer, or because they could witness his determination with their very own eyes.
But there was also something else.
Uncertainty. It's not like he'd rather Kaito hadn't come back -- heavens forbid, he would never even think of something like that -- but the wounds his sudden disappearance had dealt to Crow's heart had just begun to close up, and rushing their reunion like he was would undoubtedly rip them open in some way and prove to him that he had not, in fact, moved on.
Or perhaps it was the fact he felt that despite his best friend having been missing from his side for those few months, he hadn't changed at all or grown stronger that bothered him still.
To hell with it.
He'd arrived at Cherrygrove earlier this afternoon, but hadn't bothered looking for Kaito -- it was impossible to get from New Bark to the next town that fast, after all. Instead, he'd left as soon as possible, intending to face the magician by the end of the day if it killed him. After flying down the Route 29 for a few hours, he decided to continue the search on foot -- assuming Kaito had been keeping a good pace, he should run into him any moment...
They said patience was a virtue, but it was also the one Crow Hogan was definitely missing.
Crow Hogan and Kaito KurobaWhere: Route 29
When: Afternoon of May 8th
Summary: Not surprisingly, Kaito's magical re-appearance causes Crow to immediately set out to meet him... FEELINGS ENSUE.
Rating: ...PG-13 for Crow Hogan.
Log:
The past two days had been full of feelings.
First and foremost, happiness. He might have called Kaito names and accused him of being a pain to deal with, but there were no words to describe the joy he'd been feeling non-stop since he found out the magician had come back to Johto. He'd been told it was possible, but-- he didn't want to get his hopes up, just in case that never happened. Like with the others.
Next up, anticipation. The duelist simply couldn't wait to see his friend in person again, so he'd been pretty much riding his birds into the ground (... not literally, of course) for the past forty-eight hours. They didn't seem to mind, though, either because they were aware of how important that meeting was for their trainer, or because they could witness his determination with their very own eyes.
But there was also something else.
Uncertainty. It's not like he'd rather Kaito hadn't come back -- heavens forbid, he would never even think of something like that -- but the wounds his sudden disappearance had dealt to Crow's heart had just begun to close up, and rushing their reunion like he was would undoubtedly rip them open in some way and prove to him that he had not, in fact, moved on.
Or perhaps it was the fact he felt that despite his best friend having been missing from his side for those few months, he hadn't changed at all or grown stronger that bothered him still.
To hell with it.
He'd arrived at Cherrygrove earlier this afternoon, but hadn't bothered looking for Kaito -- it was impossible to get from New Bark to the next town that fast, after all. Instead, he'd left as soon as possible, intending to face the magician by the end of the day if it killed him. After flying down the Route 29 for a few hours, he decided to continue the search on foot -- assuming Kaito had been keeping a good pace, he should run into him any moment...
They said patience was a virtue, but it was also the one Crow Hogan was definitely missing.
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His unexpected return to Johto had been met with mixed emotions, of course. It was difficult and annoying to be dragged unceremoniously away from home again... even more difficult after finally readjusting to normal Tokyo life. And it was a pain in the rear end to know that he would have to put his mission to his father on hold for a second time, especially when his lengthy stay in Pokémon land had caused him to become so restless about it in the first place.
But at the same time...
He had confirmation he would return home at the exact same moment he left. And Johto had things... important things... things he had missed so much that he didn't know how to express that fact... that Tokyo would never have.]
Kei, get rid of it.
[The magician let out a sigh as the Umbreon at his side slammed a poor, wild Pidgey into the ground with an adept Tackle. One hit was all it took to shoo these love-leveled wild Pokémon away, and Kaito continued briskly down the trail as Kei trotted up next to him, ears flickering]
After two days, you think they'd learn... keh.
Breeeon!
[One of those important things was currently scampering at the performer's heels. And the others... well.
At least he'd be seeing one of them as soon as he reached Cherrygrove]
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Crow didn't need to wait for confirmation; he simply handled his bag to Black Lance (who, as per usual, was flying just next to him) to hold and ran down the path, stumbling every now and then but not stopping for one second.
It didn't take long for him to finally see Kaito and Kei on the horizon. His eyes widened, as if he was surprised it was true -- he wasn't dreaming or hallucinating, it was really happening -- and then all of his emotions exploded. The memories of that night when he'd been trying to call his friend god only knew how many times -- all to no avail -- came back rushing more vivid than anytime before. The memories of when he'd finally realized he was gone and there was absolutely nothing he could do about it -- that they'd probably never meet again, never travel, laugh, cry (although Kaito never cried), joke, or just talk together ever again. When he'd spent half of the night getting tipsy in a pathetic attempt to make himself feel better (or had it been to forget? He honestly couldn't tell at this point...) with Heather... And those feelings, too. Loneliness, resignation, despair... and anger. At Johto, for taking away each and every person he held dear, at himself, for not being able to prevent it...
At Kaito, because even if he hadn't had a say in whether he stayed or not, he'd still broken his promise not to disappear.
Crow picked up the pace, only slowing down right in front of the magician, his head full of thoughts and emotions and things he wouldn't even be able to describe if asked.
"Hi."
"Welcome back."
"I've missed you."
At last, he could tell Kaito all those things he'd been wishing to say and even more, but he chose not to. Instead, he clenched his fist, swung his arm and, without a single word, punched the magician's face from the side with full force.]
Your disappearing act sucks.
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Who-- [But his own question was cut off as Crow's figure came into view, and both of the magician's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Wasn't his friend supposed to be waiting for him in Cherrygrove...?
It didn't matter. And really, could he blame Crow for being impatient...? It wasn't like Kaito was taking his sweet time, either. A grin lifted up the corners of his mouth as something excited leaped in his chest, and he lifted a hand to wave, breaking out into a run himself.]
Ooooooi! [He called out, only slowing down as he approached his friend, a witty retort hanging on the tip of his tongue]
What took you so lo-- [The witty retort never came, for as watchful and fast as Kaito was, there was no way for him to dodge that punch.
It took him off guard, sending him reeling, and one hand shot up to his cheek as Kei let out a surprised cry at the ground near his ankles. Kaito blinked, eyes wide in bewilderment, palm pressed against his jaw as his gaze flickered to his spiky-headed friend.
... well then. How was he supposed to respond to that greeting. For once, the snarky magician was completely out of things to say]
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What took you so long?!
[Not waiting for an answer, the duelist grabbed Kaito by collar and pulled him down to meet his eye level.
Four months. Four goddamn long months of tossing around in bed, haunted by nightmares of every last person he cared for vanishing without a trace, four months of breaking down in tears when no one was around and, when he'd no longer had any tears to cry, staring aimlessly at the celling for hours. Four months of feeling like he'd lost his last purpose in life when he'd gotten the last Johto badge but nothing happened and four fucking months of repeating over and over why he couldn't go to Kanto (unlike a certain someone, he would never go back on his word).
Four months of trying to deal with all of that and then this guy shows up and acts like nothing had happened.]
Who the fuck do you think you are?!
[Words were quickly followed by actions and he delivered another strike to Kaito's stomach, and then yet another one to his face for good measure.
... He'd probably have to apologize for being so harsh later, but at the moment? Crow couldn't care less.]
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It took the second and third hits for Kaito to regain his senses as he stumbled back, clutching at his stomach, one eye squinted shut as he shot Crow a look]
W... what the heck is that for?! [He asked, irate and breathless]
Some kind of 'welcome back, it's good to see you again' that is!
[And then, a mumble]
Jerk.
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[Crow was trembling with anger (among other things) now, and since there was hardly any rational thought on his mind, he ignored the question in favor of yelling some more.]
Easy for you to say, "good to see you again"! You've been sitting on your ass chilling back home all this time! What do you know 'bout the hell I've been going through here?!
[With that, he took a deep breath and let out the most painful thing he'd been holding in for those few difficult months.]
I had to pay all the lodgings myself!
[... Yup.
But the list was longer than that, and, not giving his friend a chance to respond, Crow carried on, his voice raising and growing faster, but also more shaky with each and every word.]
Since you were gone, I couldn't even go to Kanto after getting my last badge in Johto! And you missed this this year's April Fools'! And-- do you have any idea how it feels when your best friend just disappears and you realize you've never got to tell him how much he's meant to you?!
[He made a pause, not fully aware that somewhere in the middle of his rant tears began to escape his eyes and were now falling down his cheeks.]
--And you made Heather cry, you bastard!
[The duelist stepped closer to the magician, but instead of hitting him again, he wrapped his arms around him and hugged him tightly, face buried in the other boy's chest as he wept uncontrollably.
... Hopefully Kaito didn't mind his shirt getting wet.]
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There's a moment of hesitation (of "oh god what am I supposed to do") before Kaito finally responds appropriately by returning that hug... awkwardly, of course, since Kaito wasn't generally a hugger, but... earnestly, too.
A month and a half could feel like forever when you were stuck at home wondering how your closest friends in Johto were faring.]
... idiot. [The insult is fond, but not without a bit of drness] You're yelling at me like I disappeared on purpose. Like I would break promises on purpose like that. [I didn't even have the chance to say good-bye...]
I missed you too.
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Still, having let out everything he'd been holding in for those past few months had left him feeling... light. And it felt really freaking good. It was something he hadn't experienced since January, and something he'd definitely needed.
He chuckled a bit, and even though he was still sobbing, the shaking and hyperventilating seemed to have ceased.]
Y-Yeah... I know.
[Lifting up his head to look at Kaito, Crow smiled through his tears.]
Welcome back.
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... thanks. S'good to be back.
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Good to have you back, too. You made a lot of people worry, y'know!
[That wasn't meant to be an accusation of any sort, of course, seeing as the duelist beamed happily at his friend when saying that.
Having caught up with his trainer, Black Lance flew above Crow's head, dropping his backpack right into his hands rather unceremoniously -- the Murkrow appeared slightly offended by the way he was left behind, but didn't pursue it, instead landing on Kaito's head and cawing cheerfully.]
--Right! There's someone else who wants to see you.
[He pulled out a Poké Ball from his bag (he didn't usually keep the Pokémon locked, but had made an exception for the sake of traveling faster) and handed it to Kaito.
... Now if he was really mean, he could've just given him the ball with Sirocco and watch him get torn to pieces by the bird with anger issues, but no, this one actually contained Komi. Although he'd lie if he said he'd never consider doing the former.]
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Komi appeared in a burst of feathers and wings, hovering off the ground slightly as her keen, hawk-like gaze washed over both boys, before it settled on her trainer]
Komi!
[a beat passed. Then another one.
And then Komi immediately swooped down on Kaito and began to peck vigorously at his head. The magician let out a verbal keymash as he stumbled away, lifting both hands to wave at the bird and try to swat her (gently!) away]
-- OI OI, why do I keep getting all of the violent welcome backs?!
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That's 'cause you deserve it!
[He continued snickering for a moment, finally stopping to take a deep breath and shake his head a bit. Ah, there it was... one of the reasons he'd missed Kaito so much.
It was only when Black Lance started pecking him lightly and pointing to the backpack with his beak that Crow realized there was something he should bring up.]
... Oh yeah, I've got something for ya.
[That being said, he pulled out two Pokémon eggs from his bag and offered them to his friend.]
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[Kaito swatted at Komi a few more times before the Pidgeotto finally settled down on the ground next to him, allowing her trainer to brush his palm against her plumage. Kei immediately curled around the bird of prey, letting out a pleased cry of his own as he nudged her wings in an affectionate greeting.
Kaito blinked at Crow as he handed his friend the eggs, and almost instinctively he reached out to take them in his own arms]
For me?
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Nah, for the New Bark mom. Figured that since you're already here, you might as well go back and give 'em to her.
[He brightened up immediately, though, and a broad smile replaced the frown. When the duelist spoke up again, his voice was free of sarcasm the previous statement was filled with.]
'Course they're for ya! That's what I just said, right? [A wink.] You've gotta start somewhere, after all!
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Idiot. I already have Kei and Komi, right? That's starting somewhere.
... but thanks anyway. [A beat] What are they?
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[Though he was pretty sure Heather had already talked to him, and probably informed him of that.]
I know, I know. But why not make it a double head start?
[The duelist smirked at his friend, placing his hands on his hips.]
What, you think I'm gonna ruin the surprise? Not happening!
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She told me. [There's a flicker of something a bit disappointed in his expression, mostly because... well, he's still missing most of his old team. But it disappears quickly and settles back into gratefulness]
Oh c'mon, you can't even give me a hint?
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Maybe... [He hummed thoughtfully before answering with a smile.] You've never had these before!
[... Because that made things clear alright.]