- / Kellyn. You are an idiot. The biggest idiot this world has ever known! Kissing your crush knowing full well that he has a crush on a girl?! How pathetic can you be!!!/

The brunet banged his head against the back of his feathered beast, his thoughts tangling with each other.

- (Oi, oi! Kellyn! It's alright, it's alright...!)

The bird was trying somehow to reassure her partner who was plunged into a state of intense panic. Fortunately, they weren't very far from the Union, so the boy could quickly take refuge in his room, but still!

The teenager uttered a plaintive little cry of pain, trying to calm his poor heart which was hurting horribly.

- (Kellyn...Shh...~ It's gonna be okay, it's gonna be okay...)

The teen was barely holding back his tears, not wanting to cry because of some stupid thing he had done. And that saddened the Staraptor to no end.

- (Little Amethyst....)

- I'm such a idiot....A fucking idiot....! He's going to hate me, that's for sure...!

- (No no...! I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding...!)

- Fischl. I KISSED him. Knowing that he loves Angel! How do you want this to end well?!

The teal-eyed one struggled not to scream his agony and his sorrow, because he had to remain professional. After all, they had come to the Union.

- (Ok... Here's what we're going to do: we report to the chairperson, we avoid as many people as possible and we stay in our room. You're in no condition to socialize and we have to talk.)

The young Ranger nodded slowly while mechanically rubbing his eyes to erase all traces of grief. The pair then landed in front of the building, greeting the Ranger on duty before stepping inside.

Quickly, they found themselves in the Operations Room where were obviously the chairperson as well as the Top Operators and professor Hastings.

- Oh, welcome back my child. I dare to hope that your mission went well... But where is Keith?

- "He said he needed to be alone. He'll be back later."

- I see...

The old man then joined the conversation.

- And the Yellow Gem? Did you find it?

The brunet tensed abruptly, and swallowed. He glanced at the bird who leaned into him to support him. He then took a deep breath and began to tell what had happened inside the Hippodown Temple, not forgetting to omit certain details.

The two authority figures listened in silence, sometimes giving each other worried looks. When the 11th Top Ranger finished his story, he made himself small.

-....This is very unfortunate, however I am happy to know that he's fine. Even if knowing the Gem in the hands of the enemy does not delight me, you have made the right decision my child.

The teenager stared at the lady, stunned and confused, but she only responded with a comforting smile.

- So... Don't worry about it, okay? Go and rest, it's been a long day.

- "I...I thank you for your kindness, madam. Good evening."

The duo bowed in respect and then hastily left the room, feeling Kellyn's limits being drawn quite distinctly. As soon had they reached the corridor leading to the bedrooms that a slender hand landed on the boy's shoulder, making him jump violently.

-...! /R-Rhythmi?/

Indeed, the one who had invaded his private space was none other than his Operator friend: Rhythmi.

- Kellyn. What is happening?

...Ah...Still blunt as ever it seems...!

- "N-Nothing...Just a little tired, that's all."

The grip of the young girl strengthened, while her gaze became sharp.

- Liar. I know something is wrong.

The brunet flinched at the blonde's will, to the point that he looked away, ashamed.

-...It's about Keith, isn't it?

The boy's body tensed, confirming the theory of the one with golden eyes.

-...Do you want to talk about it?

Kellyn began to weigh the pros and cons, telling himself that on the one hand: no, he simply wanted to erase this accident from his memory....But on the other hand, he knew that Fischl was going to make him talk. So, he might as well do it with his comrade. Who knows, maybe she will be more lenient than his partner...

He finally sighed and indicated his room with a gesture of his head. He saw the teenager relax in understanding that he accepted her help, before he gently dragged her to his private room.

The trio then locked themselves in the bedroom, making sure to properly lock the door. Then they made themselves comfortable on the bed, the Operator on one side, the Almia duo on the other.

- So... What happened? Did you 2 argue?

-...No...W-Well...I don't know...

The oldest raised an eyebrow, confused.

- How do you mean "I don't know"? There is a misunderstanding?

-.....

The teenager hid in silence, not knowing how to explain the situation to his friend.

- (Be honest, little Amethyst. Anyway, what's done, is done. That's the easiest way to make her understand.)

The brunet listened sincerely to his feathered beast, not really having any other options anyway.

-....Kissed...

- Excuse me?

- I kissed him. Here, happy?

The blonde took a moment to understand, before her face lit up.

- But that's great! You finally managed to take the first step! Although I didn't really expect that you would be the first to, but hey...Wait, why are you feeling down then?

Ah, yes it's true... She didn't know.

- Rhythmi. You do know he has a crush on a girl named Angel, right?

- E-Excuse me? How so? Who is Angel?

Looking at her face, she was most likely in a state of confusion and she was racking her brains hard trying to figure out who she was. This amused the boy somehow.

- A girl he met back in Fiore. I don't know much about her, except that she is Keith's most precious person...

- Wait a minute. When did he tell you?

- Do you want the long version, or the short version?

-...Short?

- A jealous woman with no respect for privacy.

And a Murkrow passed...~

-...Long version.

- Ok...Do you remember Kate?

- The lovely Vientown Ranger coming to visit from time to time?

- Yeah the lovely- Wait. Don't tell me you have a crush on my cousin?

The teenager with golden eyes flushed as she nervously scratched her cheek.

-...Maybe...?

The brunet made a beautiful facepalm, while sighing in exasperation.

-...You know what? I won't even try to fight, I'm too tired for that. I just hope you have better luck than me.

- Thank you, haha...

- Anyway...To come back to Kate, she has a big sister named Anna. This one is....A troublemaker.

- Of what kind?

- The kind to be transferred from base to base.

- Really....!

The boy couldn't help but flinch when he remembered what the poor chestnuthead had said to him.

-...She has a favorite activity which is chasing after boys. And you guessed it: Keith became his new target.

- Until now, I follow you.

- So she got it into her head to seduce him. Problem, he rejected all her advances and it ended up seriously pissing her off. So she searched through his stuff to see if she had any rival. It was there that she came across his diary and learned of Angel's existence.

- Ok....First : it's super unhealthy. And 2: she shared this info with you since you know about it as well?

- I was going to explain. She often sends letters to Kate in order to taunt her. And it was in one of them that she mentioned both Keith and Angel. I was there when she got the letter, so I ended up finding out by accident.

The Operator stood there, dumbfounded by so much stupidity and information. The Ranger then took the opportunity to curled himself properly against his bird who was listening in silence.

-...It's impossible. Whether it's Keith or you, you're unlucky! But... That's why you're in such a state...?

- Yeah....I don't know what got into me. I kissed him knowing very well that he loves somebody else....! Raagh, what an idiot!

The brunet hid his face with his hands, trying not to cry, although it was easier said than done. The young girl then gently put her hand on his arm, her eyes pained and filled with sympathy.

- I'm so sorry Chocolate...I didn't know...But don't worry, once that stupid Tomato gets home, I'll worm an explanation out of him!

- N-No! Rhythmi, he can't control his feelings for Angel! It's neither one's fault nor the other! It's even me who's at fault since I kissed him without his permission!

It was obvious that the blonde was holding back her frustration and her rage less and less. By Arceus, he hoped the redhead wasn't going to end up injured in the process.

-...Fine. But I won't forgive him for putting you in such a state.

- But-

- There is no "but"! You are a boy with a big heart, and he had no right to break you like that!

- Rejection is normal, however...

- Normal yes, but only if well brought and explained. I'll wait to have his side of the story before having an objective opinion on this matter.

The one with teal eyes was silent, knowing very well that he wouldn't be able to make her change her mind, despite all his willingness.

- Well....I'll let you rest then. Thank you for having the courage to talk to me about it, Chocolate. I'll make sure to clear this up, I promise.

- You don't have to do it though...I love him, he loves someone else and I did the stupid thing to kiss him despite knowing that, period.

- Even if it is, I don't want your relationship to be destroyed because of it. I know this will kill you.

The teenager said nothing, because she was right. He couldn't stand the fact that his crush would hate him and avoid him. The Operator got up from the mattress and hugged his friend one last time.

- Come now, rest now. You deserved it.

- Humhum...Thank you Platina...

- You're welcome, Chocolate.

She kissed his cheek affectionately before leaving the room to allow him to clear his mind. She sighed softly, worried, and began her trip back to the Operations Room.

During this one she met the 12th Top Ranger who had just finished his report. He was delicately holding between his fingers a magnificent blue flower.

- You...!

-...! Rhy?

She barely stopped herself from going for his throat.

- May I know what's going on in your small head?

- H-Huh?

- Why is Kellyn on the verge of tears?!

The redhead flinched, biting his lips. He looked away, trying to ignore both the blonde's anger and his partner's insistent gaze.

-...I guess he told you, huh? What happened....

- That he kissed despite your crush on a girl? Yeah, let's just say that. What's her name again, Angel?

She noticed that he was digging his fingernails into his arm, looking frustrated.

- This...Is a misunderstanding.

- How so?

The oldest swayed from one foot to the other, nervous and mentally exhausted. The otter perched on his shoulder stared alternately between his friend and the teenage girl, not knowing whether he should intervene or not.

- Angel....It's complicated. But that's the misunderstanding.

The Operator frowned, clearly unconvinced.

- I know you have the impression that I'm making excuses, but I never really had the courage to explain the subject "Angel" before... But now, I have to do it. You want answers except that I can't give them to you. At least not before Kellyn. He needs to know first. It's about him after all...

The young girl raised a confused eyebrow, before a sudden illumination reached her. Ah, so that was it! She relaxed as her face made a playful, knowing expression that Keith noticed.

-...I think I understand. If that's really what I'm thinking, Anna's got you in a hell of a mess.

She chuckled before placing her hand on his shoulder.

- Go get him.

Crimson pupils lit up as he hastily thanked his friend before he left to talk to the brunet.

Oh dear....How confusing. Finally, they would most certainly solve the problem on their own. Rhythmi therefore left, lighter and more reassured than before, because she still had a job to do! As well as an adorable pigtailed Ranger to seduce!

Keith was walking quietly towards his friend's room, both reassured and anxious. Reassured because he didn't die by his Operator friend's hand, anxious because he had to speak seriously to his comrade Ranger.

- Do you...Do you think he'll agree to let me explain...?

- { There's only one way to find out. And you better do it right this time!}

- Yeah yeah...

The redhead stopped just in front of the door leading to Kellyn's room. He felt his stomach knot more and more, to the point that he lost his breath. He therefore preferred to focus on the plant he had with him...

A Silent Princess.

It was Murph, who, upon seeing his condition when he returned, had offered to go and pick one at the Altru Parc. He had probably guessed that he...Argued with his friend. So, it seemed that the youngest really enjoyed these flowers....Something that the oldest understood perfectly, they were beautiful.

Of all the ones he could find there, it was the blue one that had attracted him. All alone, in the midst of a sea of ​​white petals, it stood there: proud and majestic. The boy had immediately understood that it would be the one, although he didn't really know why. He felt it was special. Precious.

Anyway, still, if he wanted to give it to the other boy, he had to go talk to him and make things right.

-...Come on Keith. You can do it.

He took a deep breath before knocking softly but firmly on the door. He heard movement inside the room, but no voice. Oh yes. It's true.

- It's me, Keith. Can I come in?

Silence....

As the panic began to rise again, the sound of a lock unlocking brought him back to reality. The door opened just enough to allow the crimson-eyed one to see the boy behind it. He wore an expression that was surprised, sad and anxious at the same time.

-...What do you want?

His tone made the taller one shiver, it did not reflect, unlike his pupils, any emotion. It has always been like this; no matter how masked his voice was, his eyes...Couldn't lie. This fascinated the 12th Top Ranger just as it frightened him.

-...I...I-I came to talk.

- About what?

- About...What happened in the sanctuary.

-....Make it quick.

The redhead bit his lips, immediately understanding what the other was thinking.

- No. It is important. And I...I want to be able to make things right. So please...Let me in. I'm begging you.

The teal-eyed one seemed to weigh the pros and cons as he watched his friend's expression. It...was sincere.

So he half-heartedly gave in, and completely cleared access to his personal room. The face of his opposite lit up with relief as he entered the room.

The brunet closed the door eagerly, leaving no escape for himself or for Keith. He sighed and went back to his bed, somehow ignoring the crimson gaze. The owner of said gaze contented himself with positioning himself on a chair in front of the mattress.

And then, silence. Neither of them dared to speak. One, waiting for the explanation and the other who didn't know WHERE to start.

- H-Hum....Oh Arceus, I don't know where to start-

- I'm sorry.

- W-What?

- I...I'm sorry that I...Y-You know...K-Kissed you.

The youngest stammered like no tomorrow as he curled up, ashamed and anguished.

- I...I-I don't know what got into me....Just...Forget this affront, please.

He rubbed the bridge of his nose, visibly tormented mentally. And that deeply hurt the redhead.

-...What affront?

The youngest jumped somewhat violently, snapping his teal gaze at his friend.

- E-Excuse me???

- I said: "What affront"? How is kissing me an affront?

The brunet's body tensed as he bit his lips furiously, obviously trying to hold back his rage and frustration.

-...Are you seriously asking the question? Kissing someone knowing PERFECTLY WELL that he loves somebody else, is not an affront?!

His usual gentle pupils were filled with unconventional fury, as well as...Jealousy?

- Kellyn....

- By Mew...! Raaaaaggh!!! I've enough! I'm tired of being so affected by my feelings! Tired of crying because of unrequited love! Tired of being jealous of someone I don't know! Tired of being in love...

Slight sobs began to be heard from Kellyn who let out his frustration. For his part, the older of the two was staring at him, flabbergasted and with his arm slightly outstretched towards him. He hesitated to step in at the moment.

- Yeah, you heard right. I'm jealous. Jealous of Angel because it's HER who has this special place in your heart....Jealous, because I made the mistake of loving you.

He laughed frankly, very bitterly, showing how much it hurted him. He stared at the bracelet dangling from his wrist, thoughtful, before bursting into laughter again.

- Frankly, what did I expect, seriously? Hoping to win your affection, though it's already a losing battle? Hope that one day I can love you freely? Hoping that I would stop crying because my heart is hurting? What a joke!

This time, he seemed to have descended into intense and endless despair. Fischl, who had stayed behind, tried to reassure him but she was stopped by Keith's partner.

- { Leave them be.}

- ( But...!)

- { It'll be OK. Everything will work out...The misunderstanding will clear up.}

The bird was surprised by the otter's words, but decided to trust him anyway. She then walked away, joining Sapphire in a corner of the room in order to give the duo more space.

The redhead had also moved, abandoning his chair to stand in front of his friend, delirious because of the pain and sorrow. He tried to reach out his hand to reassure him, but it was slapped back. He grimaced slightly but said nothing, understanding that the teenager almost thought of him as a threat.

-...Why. Why why why...WHY?!!! WHY DID I HAVE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU?! I WOULD HAVE PREFERED TO NEVER KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU!!!

The brunet half screamed, his voice extremely weakened by his tears. He paused to catch his breath.

-...They say that love is a wonderful thing...So tell me...Why does it hurt so much...?

His tears redoubled in intensity, causing him to break down again. He seemed to have calmed down a bit...Then again, he had just unleashed his suffering on his friend- No, crush.

He then felt a pair of strong arms wrap around his trembling body. It didn't take the intelligence of a genius to figure out who they belonged to.

The redhead hugged him tightly, refusing to let go. He gently rubbed his back and his hair, trying to comfort him.

-...I'm sorry. Sorry to have hurt you so much....I....All of this...Was just a...

The crimson-eyed one paused, presumably searching for words. He ended up sighing while pulling back just enough to see his comrade's face. His expression saddened as he slowly and tenderly placed his hand on his wet cheek. The gesture made the youngest shiver.

-...Speeches have never been my forte. Here, read this. You... You'll understand better that way.

Keith then took out a small notebook which he handed to his comrade. The latter took it hesitantly before observing it carefully. His pupils widened in shock.

- W-Wait a minute! T-This...This is your diary! I-I can't read it! This is an invasion of your privacy!

- If it's owner gives you permission....It's not, right?

The oldest gave his friend a big, bright smile, showing that he knew what he was doing. The other stared at him for a moment, still hesitating a bit, but eventually was convinced. It's not like it's going to change anything, anyway...

He then began to gently leaf through the book, taking care not to damage it.

- "X/X/XXXX, A new student arrived today. He's very shy and doesn't speak, I think he's mute. He had a panic attack while trying to introduce himself a bit earlier...Poor guy!"

Oh, that must have been the day he arrived at the Ranger School...

- "Kellyn (the new student) took the test of Courage last night. And I had to deal with it too! I swear Rhythmi did it on purpose! She knows how much I hate the dark!"

Well, he didn't know that. Although that did indeed explain his behavior at the time...

- "At least I learned one thing today. Kellyn is very good at capturing. The way he captured those Gastlys was just...Wow! I don't know if I'll be able to keep up honestly ...."

- / He's doubting his abilities...?/

He overlooked a few days, coming across one he remembered all too well.

- "X/X/XXXX, I screwed up a lot. I...I couldn't hold my tongue and I made Kell angry....H-He slapped me. Well,I deserved it but it still hurts....Does he hate me?"

His insides knotted as he shook his head sharply. No! Of course he didn't hate it! He quickly turned the page, moving on to the next day.

- "X/X/XXXX, Today was a Hell of a day. I had to hunt down a Stylers thief by myself. I was joined by Rhythmi and Kellyn who were looking for me...Speaking of Kellyn, after this mess he tried to approach me but honestly it wasn't the time and I was, to be honest...A little mad at him."

- / No wonder...I was furious with myself in the first place.../

- "...I've never seen him with such an expression before. He was so... Hurt. Strangely, I felt bad too. He tried again after class, but this time I accepted. He wanted to apologize, and without doing it on purpose I was very cold with him. He... He was about to cry. And not fake crocodile tears, real sincere ones. He was scared- No, terrified."

The brunet bit his lips, trying to keep his composure, although the memory made him feel a little sick.

- "...And that's when I heard it: his voice. He had pronounced his apologies aloud for the first time since our meeting. It...It's beautiful. Sweet, warm and angelic. "..Not like I imagined it honestly but...It's perfect the way it is. Although I wish it wasn't tarnished by him being on the verge of tears."

The teenager blushed slightly, so Keith was enjoying his stupid voice...?

- "That's when I understood something. He just doesn't know how to communicate with humans. His manners, his shyness, his anxiety towards others...He fears people, and prefers taking refuge among Pokemons. And...I just noticed it. He's not mean, he's just trying but can't do it. I must certainly be his first real human relationship outside of his family...What an idiot! He's trying with all his might, and I can't think of anything better than to scare him even more! I'm just an idiot!"

The boy looked up from the book for a moment, observing his friend who was waiting there, patiently. The latter gave him a beautiful smile and invited him with a gesture of his head to continue reading.

- "So we started over today. And this time, I hope I can understand him a little better...Hey, you know diary, about the Stylers' theft...When I was accused of being the culprit. Only Kellyn and Rhythmi fully supported me. Kellyn even went against Kincaid to protect me despite our argument....I... It warmed the cockles of my heart."

The young Ranger remained quite dubious at this entry, but decided to ignore it and continued reading.

- "X/X/XXXX, today was the 1 Day Internship! Yahoo!!! Kell and I were sent to Vientown for the occasion! Speaking of him, he became very.. .Affectionate with me. Always with his arms open if I need a hug, he smiles much more and he even accepts that I sleep on his lap!...I really like it when he starts stroking my hair, by the way. It's so nice....Welp, I digress. During the internship, we met Kate, Kell's cousin. It seems that the two were on bad terms, but not anymore. We also met an adorable Starly who fell in love with Kellyn. Except that she couldn't come with us to the Ranger School so the 2 had to separate....It was the first time that his Barriers fell apart and that he was crying frankly. I...I've never seen him in such a state before. And it broke my heart. Although I don't really know why."

The boy chuckled slightly as he remembered his overreaction to his separation from Fischl...Although he had indeed been heartbroken at the time.

- "X/X/XXXX, The atmosphere was strange today. It was supposed to be a day of joy because of graduation but...I feel like everyone is sad. Kell and Rhy too. Although Kell showed it less, I knew he was just as affected as the others. The ceremony was a total mess, by the way! Tangrowths attacked out of nowhere, and Kell and I had to capture them! I'm skipping the ceremony because it was really boring...We had a party after that. I...I-I don't know what came over me but...I asked Kellyn to dance with me."

The teen blushed gently at the memory of this improvised waltz with the redhead... What a pleasant moment!

- "And you want to know the best? He accepted! Although it was a bit messy at first, he ended up relaxing and we were able to dance peacefully...I can't thank my parents enough for forcing me to attend those dance lessons! Haha...~ I wouldn't mind doing it again to be honest. It was so sweet...Kell curled up against me, because he trusted me completely...And the two of us who simply followed the rhythm without taking the lead....An experience to repeat!"

- / Glad you liked it Scarlet.../

- "...You know. I acted on instinct again right after that. I..I-I gave him the Cosmic Ring. I just wanted to...Give him something. I don't know why, but I wanted to pamper him. The smile he gave me in return...! Oh by Mew he was gorgeous...!....He looked like an angel..."

The teenager winced slightly, though he told himself it was probably just a coincidence.

- "X/X/XXXX, I miss him. I miss him a lot...I know, it's only been a day but...I want to see him again. I miss him. I intend to send him my letter later, and I sincerely hope that the Pelippers will lift a wing!...I...I don't understand. Why am I in such a state? I only think of him, his voice, his smile, his kindness...He...Since when did he take such a place in my heart?...No. I already know that. It's been like that for a long time. He took away my heart, and won't give it back. Not that it bothers me honestly."

The teal-eyed one felt his heart begin to race deep in his chest. A delicious poison called "Hope" was gently flowing through his veins.

- "Haha....I fell in love. With a boy whose heart is way too big for his own body. With a boy who tries somehow to fit in. With a boy who doesn't hesitate to love and help others at the expense of his own life. With a beautiful angel-like boy. My lovely Angel...."

A few tears streamed down his cheeks, adorably flushed with embarrassment. Angel was by no means a girl Keith had met back in Fiore. It was him. He was Angel.

He then felt a hand tenderly cupped one of his cheeks, making him jump. He raised his pupils, finding himself face to face with the diary's owner who also had nicely colored cheeks and a beautiful smile on his lips.

The two stared at each other for a moment before the older one closed the distance, gently pressing his lips to the brunet's tortured ones. The kiss didn't last long enough for Kellyn to react, it was more like a..."Proof" that he was saying the truth.

-...I guess you understand now? Sorry I didn't tell you about this sooner...I suppose I was too scared to tell you, except it only hurt your feelings....Anna got me in such a mess....I knew it was a huge misunderstanding but I couldn't find the courage to explain everything to you...

The crimson-eyed one paused, and looked at his friend straight in the eye, his eyes full of love and determination.

- Please accept my lame apologies and...Give me a chance. A chance to love you. Just one...! Please....

The younger boy blinked softly, not really knowing what to say. He was silent for a moment before a silly smile spread across his face.

-...I guess we're both idiots huh?

- Big idiots, yes.

The brunet chuckled softly, as he moved slightly closer to the redhead.

- So...What are you waiting for?

The younger one whispered his words while tenderly tucking one of the scarlet locks back into place. The other boy was quick to close the small distance between them again.

Kiss me once

Kiss me twice

Kiss me three times, please!

It was clearly inexperienced and awkward, but the two Rangers couldn't care less. They were putting everything into that kiss: love, tenderness, despair, euphoria...Everything.

Kellyn clearly felt himself crying again, however he ignored it. He had given himself permission to cry just for today....

For long minutes they searched for each other, played with each other but never tried to frighten each other. Sometimes they separated to breathe, to immediately start kissing again. They refused to let go, fearing that it was only a dream.

Eventually, they parted for good after a few more kisses. The two partners looked at each other through their eyes, whose pupils were clouded with euphoria and love. Keith could swear he had never seen the teal eyes shine like this before...

They were so beautiful...

-...I love you. I love you so much my Angel...

The redhead had hugged his comrade again, cradling him protectively against his chest. His head resting in the crook of the youngest's neck. The latter was purring with happiness while caressing absentmindedly the firm back and the blazing hair.

-...I love you too. You don't know how much I do...

The embrace strengthened tenderly upon hearing this declaration. They were so close to each other, almost as if they had fused. Focusing a bit, Kellyn could hear the beating of their cardiac muscles. They were beating so hard and fast, yet at the same pace and in unison.

As if they were one.

A soft soothing silence then settled between them, letting them enjoy the soft warmth they produced. They stayed like that for quite a while, before the brunet's crystalline giggle caught the older one's attention.

- Hmm...? Something wrong, my Angel?

The boy flinched, unused to the nickname...But it was far from unpleasant.

- No, no...Nothing serious. It's just... Your eyes.

-...? Do they bother you?

- No way. I...I just find them beautiful. They shine like a sunrise...It's so pretty. Hey, do you mind if I call you Sunrise?

The 11th Top Ranger didn't need to look at his partner's face to understand that the latter was as red as a tomato. He smiled when he felt him rub his head gently against the nape of his neck.

Who would have thought that his comrade would actually be so shy?

- Aw...~ You're adorable Sunrise...~

- You are more.

Kellyn.exe has stopped working. Please retry later.

-....You little...!

- Sorry, sorry~

The duo laughed playfully, pretending to argue. As a result, the brunet broke the hug despite his boyfriend's protests.

- Buuuutttt....

- Aw, don't pout my love...~

The one with teal pupils gently kissed the other teen's cheek, trying to pull him out of his sulk. The latter therefore accepted, with regret, the separation before sighing slightly.

- It was clearly not how I intended to confess, oh well. I don't think it was that bad in the end...

- It's true that we could have done better... All that because or thanks to Anna in a way.

- Not wrong, not wrong...Even if I would have preferred that she didn't search into my stuff.

That, the young Ranger couldn't blame him for. He, too, wouldn't have known how to react. Seems like feelings are really a double-edged blade.

The teal gaze scanned the room, observing that their partners were mysteriously absent. They had most certainly left the room a while ago. They'll have to pick them up later.

- Oh, what is it? A flower?

His pupils had seen the plant resting on his desk, right next to the chair Keith had occupied a moment ago. The latter went to collect his gift.

- Oh that. It was Murph's idea. He must have understood that we had argued, and he sent me to get one from the park...He told me that you really liked this species, so...I picked one.

The oldest delicately placed the blue flower in the hands of his partner, who took it with joy.

-...A Silent Princess. But that's weird, are you sure it's from the park? There are only white flowers there....

- It was the only one to be that color. I don't know where it came from but...It really reminded me of you, so...I chose It. Do you like it?

- A lot. Thank you Sunrise.

The brunet gave him a nice tender smile as he lost himself in the contemplation of the bluish petals. Now that he thought about it, it seemed familiar to him....Oh. Perhaps...

His cheeks flushed a delicate red, mostly from embarrassment.

- Kell? You're okay...?

The teen jumped slightly when he heard his partner's voice, and hastened to smile at him.

- Y-Yeah. I...I just have a theory about where this flower came from.

- Oh?

-...Do you know the legend associated with this species?

- Nope. Should I?

The younger one chuckled softly, more amused than anything else. So he began to tell the said legend, trying to not forget any detail.

He also took the opportunity to observe the face of his Sun. The latter listened with great curiosity, his features twisting with surprise, realization and embarrassment. In the end, he hid part of his burning face with one of his hands.

-...I swear on Arceus almighty that Murph knew.

- About what? The Silent Princess?

- No, us.

- Ah....Maybe.

While the red-haired teenager remained silent, trying to calm his poor heart, the other stared thoughtfully into the void.

Suddenly, he approached his partner and gently placed the flower behind one of his ears.

- W-What the- K-Kell?

-...I knew it. It fits you well.

He had pronounced that in such a natural and happy way that he disturbed his comrade, who flushed even more.

-...For the love of Mew...! I didn't think you were like that...

- Only for you.

- Oh, sweet Arceus-

The one with teal eyes burst into a pure, crystalline laughter, making Keith's expression much more tender. The latter began a new hug, deciding to pamper his new partner. Said partner who didn't intend to sit there doing nothing.

The brunet straightened up a little, loosening the hold the redhead had on him, so he could cradle his boyfriend's head against his chest.

-...My Angel...?

- Shh....~ You were always the one who pampered me; whether at the Ranger School or as a Top Ranger. And I've wanted to return the favor for so long. So...Even if it won't be for long...Let me spoil you a little, okay?

The silent response from the 12th Top Ranger convinced the younger one who purred in return.

- Atta boy...~

Not waiting any longer, Kellyn then began to tenderly caress the fire mane as well as the back of his partner. The latter let himself go, amazing at first, although the tenderness mixed with the warmth ended up relaxing him.

He then shifted a little, looking for a good position, until he was completely using the youngest as a pillow.

Badump, badump, badump

Oh...Was it the other boy's heart he was hearing beat like this?

Badump, badump, badump

...Keith could feel his mind drifting off to sleep. The lullaby produced by the heartbeat of his partner helps a lot.

Badump, badump, badump

His eyelids became increasingly heavy, signaling the fact that he was about to sink into the dream world. However, the teen didn't fight it, instead he just smiled and closed his eyes.

Taking a nap while being pampered by the one he loved, what a wonderful idea....!

Badump, badump, badump....

-----------------------------

Rhythmi: *furious* May I know why you thought that making Kellyn cry was a good idea?!

Keith: *about to cry himself* I know! I know that I'm an idiot, but please, I need to see him!

-------------------------------

Kellyn: *just read the diary*.....We're quite the dumbasses, huh?

Keith: *grinning* Yup!