#ANYWAY sorry to keep ooc posting... typing it out really does just help me process & get some of it off my chest lmao

[byanyan]

got a brand new weighted blanket today so i'm taking it for a test drive rn to soothe my anxiety as i finally crack my laptop open for the first time since sunday

[stargazer-balladeer]

Their Reaction to their S/o Having Fear of Bugs [Pokémon]

Characters Included: Bugsy, Aaron, Burgh, Viola & Guzma

Note: I posted this in Quotev, but I decided to post it here as well :) I think the Bug Type Users are underrated so this is me showing love towards them :3 This could also be me being “self-indulgent” as usual o3o. Hope you enjoy this :3 (Hope they aren’t too OOC though ;-;) 

Reader’s Gender: Neutral

Warning: Mild spoilers in Aaron’s for his Anime appearance

BUGSY

Of course this boy will be saddened at the fact that you have fear of the type he expertise at (he's called "The Walking Bug Pokémon Encyclopedia" for a reason). But he's actually understanding, I mean, have you seen him?! He's so innocent looking! 

Anyway, he's a patient and understanding man. If you two hang out, he'll try his best not to let out his Pokemon around you, or near you at most. But sometimes, his Pokemon does the exact opposite of what he wants. Scyther is, unfortunately for you, an affectionate type. So she'll be trying to hug you, and you'll be frozen still as Bugsy sweatdropped at the background.

If ever you two live together, you might need to get used to his Pokemon team. Especially since Bugsy likes keeping stray Bug-Pokemon if he ever sees one just wandering around and wounded. One time, he brought in a Pinsir, and you're just so frightened by it that you'll not go near the (poor) Pinsir.

Bugsy, for sure, would try to make your fear go away, but he wouldn't push it. He makes your comfort his number 1 priority. But he wouldn't admit out loud that he's actually hurt that he has a s/o that has fear of bugs, but he understands. He knew that Bug Pokemon isn't exactly a Pokemon that you would normally not fond of. 

BUT! If you actually ask for Bugsy's help for helping you get over your fear, he would be ECSTATIC. He would grab a Butterfree, whom he befriended in the forest, and start from there. It would be, of course, be hard but he's patient with you and doesn't rush you. He's an ideal boyfriend to have really (I'm so jealous ToT SANAOL).

"Okay, [Y/N].. just place your hand here." Bugsy instructed while pointing at Butterfree's head, which made the Pokemon chirp happily while still fluttering. [Y/N] gulped while staring at the flying Bug-Type, they were far away from Bugsy and Butterfree. Bugsy offered them a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, [Y/N]! If you're not ready yet, then--" "NO" Both Bugsy and Butterfree jumped at [Y/N]'s voice.

[Y/N] took a deep shaky breath while clenching their fists in determination. "I-I want to.. I-I'm ready.." To prove their point, they started walking towards the two gawking figures. Bugsy quickly recovers as he smiled brightly at his s/o's determination. He lightly pats the back of Butterfree, nodding his head at the Pokemon, who nodded back at him. [Y/N] walked towards them with confidence, which gradually fades the nearer they got. They stop infront of the fluttering Pokemon as they stare at the two beady eyes of it. It was creepy that it made shivers go down [Y/N]'s spine.

[Y/N] snapped out of their trance when a warm hand cupped their clenched hands, which was turning white from how hard their clenching. [Y/N] look at Bugsy with wide eyes, as they stare at him bringing their hands to his mouth and kissing it. He opens his eyes and smiled at them. "Relax yourself. I know you can do it.. just give it a try, alright?" Bugsy said in a soft tone, to which his s/o nodded their heads. His smile broadened as he intertwines his right hand with their left while guiding the other to the expecting Butterfree.

[Y/N] could see that their hand is gradually going near the butterfly-Pokemon, so they squeeze their eyes tight as they expect to feel the head of Butterfree. Bugsy felt his s/o tense so he use his thumb to run circles on her hand. "Look at me, [Y/N]." When his s/o did that, he smiled at them. While [Y/N] was distracted, he quickly but gently puts her hand on top of Butterfree's head. They squealed when Bugsy did that, but soon began relaxing at the feeling of Butterfree's head. "Whoa! It's so soft!" [Y/N] cried as they began petting the head. 

Butterfree happily chirps at the feeling, enjoying it's head being rubbed. Bugsy watched as his s/o pets the Bug-Pokemon with a happy and proud grin on his face. "You did it, darling! You did it!" Bugsy enthusiastically hugs [Y/N] while them still petting the Butterfree. "It's so soft.. and rather cute." Bugsy happily chuckles at her statement while hugging her tighter. "I think you can touch Scyther now, [Y/N]." [Y/N] absentmindedly nodded their head, still distracted by how soft Butterfree's head is.

They were enjoying the moment, when a familiar-looking green Bug-Pokemon came in view. She was running towards the hugging couple. This caught all of them off-guard as Bugsy lets go of [Y/N], and [Y/N] being engulfed by the enthusiastic Scyther. Bugsy and Butterfree blinks in confusion as they look over at [Y/N] frozen state and Scyther cuddling the poor [gender]. Bugsy and Butterfree sweatdrops at the sight before both sighing.

"Too soon."

AARON

Aaron went through a stage where he hated Bug-pokemon (mainly his Wurmple, now a Beautifly) and though they were useless and weak. But he soon regretted it and was reunited by his precious Pokemon. He, out of all the guys and girl, can relate to you the most and understand your fear, probably better than Bugsy.

Even though he looks like an impatient guy, he's actually patient. I mean, he has a team of Bug Pokemon, and you need patient when using them in battle. So he's a patient guy, especially to you as his s/o.

Have you seen his team? Yeah. It's not an ideal team to have if your s/o have fear of bugs. Luckily, they don't fit inside the house, if you two live together. But going outside, he would probably not let his Pokemon out if your around like Burgh. But unlike his, his Pokemon understands the situation and just sTAY IN THE BALL. 

You're probably not really scared at his Beautifly, I mean, yeah it's a bug. But it's too beautiful to not like it. But you still froze when Beautifly comes near you. Aaron is just relieved that atleast you're not afraid of one of his Pokemon. 

Like I said earlier in the first bullet, he went and gone that stage. So he understands. But if you don't want or like his Pokemon type, then bye-bye. He probably doesn't be with you if you did that so... yeah. I can see him as a guy that wants his s/o to be willing to grow out of their shell, rather than being inside. But if he sees that's not gonna happen, then I'm sorry. He'll dump you straightaway.

BUT if you do want to get over your fear, he will be happy of course. And will, of course, start with Beautifly. He will be patient with you, like Burgh, and guide you through the process of getting rid of the fear completely. Or just letting you be comfortable with his Pokemon Team, atleast.

"It's not gonna use a move on me, right?" "Yes, [Y/N]. He wouldn't do that." Beautifly cried his name in agreement with Aaron, as they stared at [Y/N], who was currently hiding behind a tree. Aaron sighed while rubbing the side of his temples. [Y/N] has been asking the same questions over and over and over again, it's getting tiring how Aaron and Beautifly have to reassure them eVERY TIME. [Y/N] stared at them with narrowed eyes and deep frown. "You sure?"

Aaron took a deep breath to calm down as he exhaled. "Do want or not to get over your fear?" [Y/N] pouted at him as they sulk in their self-pity. "I'm trying! But it's just so scary!!" Aaron sighed once more before making his way towards his s/o. [Y/N] knew what he's doing and glared at him. "Don't you dare--" "Too late" Aaron grab their wrist and started pulling them towards the ever-so-patient Beautifly. "NO!" [Y/N] cried as they grab a branch from the tree. 

And now, they were having tug-at-war as they screamed at one another. Beautifly looks at both of them before sighing. It's gonna be a loooong day...

BURGH

Burgh will be saddened at the fact that you have that kind of fear, but he understands. But all his life, he's grown up surrounded by Bug-Pokemon, and he loves them with all his being. He kinda understands but he usually evades the topic of your fear. 

I headcannon that his fear is that when he finds his s/o, they wouldn't accept his passion for making clothes, drawing or painting and his Pokemon Type. 

Burgh doesn't let you any near his house, since its polluted with different kinds of Bug Pokemon. He also keeps his Pokemon team in their balls. 

I actually can see that you don't realize that Leavanny was a bug Pokemon so you were cool with it, but you realize it was a Bug Pokemon if someone else mentions it. (Cue Burgh glaring at them).

"Wait.. Leavanny is a bug Pokemon?!"

"Yeah.. well, part."

"..."

"Sweetie?"

*faints*

Lmao, I just imagine that scenario happening. But I think you'll still be cool with Leavanny, because it just doesn't look like a Bug Pokemon since it reminds you of your Lilligant. (I ship them, lol)

I don't think Burgh will live with you until your fear is either gone or your comfortable with Bug Pokemon. Because if he did that, he would see his Bug friends go :'(. And Burgh doesn't want that to happen. 

If you tell Burgh you want to get over your fear, he would be overjoyed! Before you could finish your sentence, he would pick you up and spin your around while laughing merrily. He was very happy that you would get over your fear because of him, and yourself of course.

He's also patient of you. (I think all the ppl who trains Bug Pokemon are patient--). And would do everything for you to get over your fear.

"Sweetie.. she's not gonna bite. I promise." [Y/N] can only whimper in response as they pressed their face even more in Burgh's neck, or rather, scarf. Burgh chuckled as he rubs the back of his s/o while whispering reassuring things in their ear. Sewaddle, a Pokemon that is living with Burgh at the moment, was waiting patiently as she looks at the couple with interest. "I-It looks like it." They cried as Burgh continued to rub circles behind [Y/N]'s back. He shushed them softly. "There there.. don't think about that."

"C'mon sweetie! You can do it! Just pet her head.. that's all you gonna do." Burgh said as he forced himself to pry [Y/N] from his embrace. He smiled at them as he wipe the stray tears that fell of their eyes. "I believe in you, sweetie." On cue, Sewaddle hop into Burgh's shoulder and cried happily at [Y/N], as if cheering them on. [Y/N] stared at her before gulping nervously and raising her hand.

Burgh's eyes brightened but stayed silent as he and Sewaddle anticipate [Y/N]'s movement. When [Y/N] reach to the height of the Pokemon, they froze. Sewaddle decided to jump into their hand, which made them shriek in surprise. Burgh's eyes widened as he (tries) to comfort his poor shrieking s/o, while the innocent Pokemon only stare in confusion.

VIOLA

Viola is super understanding and patient, like so much that it might make you cry. She knows it's common to have something you're afraid of and being a gym leader in Santalune City proves that. Many Trainers shriek at the sight of her using Bug Pokemon. She can only sigh and carry on the gym battle.

She always takes a picture of you, whether you knowing or not. She would just whip out her camera and snap a picture of you. When she finds out you have a fear for the Type she expertise at, it was actually an accident. When you two were on a date one day, and her Surskit decided to pop out of its Pokeball and cuddle you. She blinks when she sees you frozen at the presence of her Bug Pokemon. 

Even if you have this fear, she wouldn't love you any less. She might be a little disappointed but just shrug it off later on.

If you two live together, don't worry. Her Pokemon is well-trained and usually just stays outdoors or in her room, or in the kitchen. Afterall she just only has 2 Pokemon in her disposal. 

Out of all these people, her team is ideal in you getting over your fear. It was a simple yet okay team. So you might quickly get used to them. THEY ARE SO ADORABLE. WHO WOULD HATE THEM?!

What is that? You want to get over your team? "Fantastic!" (Pokemon Masters voice)

She is so excited that she just makes her Pokemon come near you. 

But if that doesn't work, then she doesn't mind work. She would work hard for the both of you so you need to give it your all as well! 

"C'mon mon amour! Surskit is nice! She'll not bite.. actually, she doesn't have a mouth to begin with." Viola muttered the last part as she watch [Y/N] cower in fright in the presence of the tiny Bug Pokemon. She's actually amused at the scene but she had to hold it in so that it wouldn't further aggravate the [gender]. "Just pat her head. Pat pat" Viola made a patting hand motion with her hand while smiling reassuringly (amusedly). 

[Y/N] looks at her before shifting their gaze at the Bug Pokemon in front of her, who happily cried its name when their gaze was on her. They took a deep breath as they slowly puts their hand on top of Surskit's head. Viola nodded happily, feeling a familiar giddily-feeling in her chest. "That's it, love. Just a bit more."

Finally, [Y/N] pats Surskit's head, who hummed when feeling their hand. Their eyes shone at how soft Surskit was, except the pointy-thing on top of her head. They excitedly turn their head to look at their proud mother girlfriend. Their smiles match each other, and both thinking the same thing. 

"SUCCESS!"

GUZMA

We all know our ol' man Guzma. The leader of Team Skull. Old friend of Kukui. Helped Lusamine in creating a portal to a different dimensions. Yadda yadda.

He's actually not a very patient guy, much to my dismay. But when it comes to you, he is VERY patient with you. He actually (shock) understand your fear of bugs. I mean, have you seen his team? Yeah. Not ideal for someone who's scared of Bug Pokemon.

But even with his rough exterior, he wants your comfort and makes it his top priority. So, despite his appearance, he doesn't force you to have your fear completely remove. 

He actually doesn't mind if you have that fear really. He usually just keeps his Pokemon inside their Pokeballs or outside (their huge). All he's asking for you is that you don't mind them, he'll do the rest.

This exactly happens if you two live together. He'll let you do your own thing and he'll do his. I mean, yeah, it sucks that you don't like his Pokemon. But can't force it, can you?

But if you approach him and just straight up say you want to get over your fear. He'll froze a bit, his mind not comprehending before just hugging you so you don't see his internal turmoil.

"SHIT SHIT SHIT WHY? I MEAN THAT'S GOOD BUT HAVE YOU SEEN MY TEA-- oh wait.." *cue him remembering he has a Masquerain* "Oh yeah.. I forgot about him."

So yes. Guzma will be understanding of your situation and patient at the same time. We all love our boi Guzma <3

"C'mon, pua. You can do it." Guzma encouraged [Y/N] as he tries to push them towards the awaiting Masquerain. [Y/N] paled at the sight of the fluttering Bug Pokemon as they gulp. "D-Do I have to?" Guzma sighed for the umpteenth time. Luckily, he's as stubborn as a rock. "Yes. Wasn't it ya who suggested it?" "Yeah.. but--" "Alright! Then move closer!" 

[Y/N] sighed as they nervously hold their hand out. This action though made Masquerain fly towards her hand and snuggle to it. [Y/N] froze, stiffening like a statue. Guzma saw this and sighed. "I guess it's not so easy as I thought."

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Info:

pua means flower in Hawaii language (I search it in Pinterest and this pop out. Please correct me if I'm wrong)

mon amour means My Love in French language

[x] Main Page || [x] Pokemon GSC, HeartGold & SoulSilver Page || [x] Pokemon D, P, PL Page || [x] Pokemon BW & B2W2 Page || [x] Pokemon XYZ Page || [x] Pokemon S&M, US&UM

[flyswhumpcenter]

Bad Things Happen Bingo! The event where you send me requests according to this marvelous card! (Red cross is the completed prompt, character headshots are prompts I’ve already filled. Green deltas are for requested prompts.)

Choo choo, the Sickfic Express has just arrived in Galar, straight from Oreburgh City! 

First fic of 2020 is a sickfic oneshot. How rivetting. I've very recently beaten Pokémon Sword and loved it! I found myself really loving the characters, what they are and what they've already become in my mind, so I couldn't help myself but type what I know best... A sickfic. Also, this fandom needs more of this stuff, so here. I'm providing. Is this story OOC? Chances they are. Was it absolutely a blast to write? You bet. I'm probably gonna look back on it later down the lane and be uncomfortable with how I depicted the characters; but you do need to discover the characters first, and what better opportunity for that than a little sickfic with some angst and pre-rel dramatic tension? Anyway, I hope you'll like this lil' thing I busted out in literally a couple hours. I forgot how fun it was to write without worrying yourself over continuity or already established elements like in Earth Never Stops... Btw, this fic was originally requested to me as a FE3H fill for Hubert, so I decided I'd most likely use another square on my card for him. Sorry Nonnie for this, my inspiration got the best of me yet again! 

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Candles in the Rain

Summary: Is feverishly staggering through the damp streets of Hammerlocke under the rain with very little hope to feel warmth again and even less sense of direction a fitting end for a former Champion now that he's been defeated once? Scratch that: he doesn't have the time or brain power remaining to process such a question. Or: Leon witnesses a miracle in the form of a little dog and a childhood friend.

Fandom: Pokémon Sword and Shield (post-canon/game: beware for spoilers) Relationships: Pre-relationship Leon/Sonia

Wordcount: 3.1K words

Event hosted by @badthingshappenbingo​

AO3 version available here.

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The streets of Hammerlocke are covered by a thick layer of rainwater, typical early winter in Galar. Nobody dares going against the terrible weather, which isn’t unlike the flooding that almost ate Kabu’s region of origin, or rather how he once described it based on bedtime stories, a couple thousand years ago. Honestly, after what Galar just went through, he can believe the tale to have been real all along, no issue there…

As always, he’s lost in the grand city of his main rival, and that frustrates him. He’s cold from the water having filled his shoes and wet his hair for hours and hours on end, not even the fire of the camp being able to make him feel warmer. If it wasn’t for his partners’ demands, urging him to stop camping in the wilderness and find a Centre already, he’d have surely stayed in the Wild Area and biked to a better spot. Ah, he misses Postwick, now. At least, he can’t get lost in Postwick, there’d be Hop and his now-Champion best friend, if not Sonia paying them all a visit, and there’d be the warmth of his childhood home… Gods, perhaps he does miss the peaceful life of a ten-year-old whose only contact to the Gym Challenge is dreams of grandeur.

Ah, if it didn’t rain so badly, Charizard could be warming the both of them as he tried to make his way to the nearest Centre.

 Despite his best efforts to remain proud and confident, he ends up having to lean against a wall to stop a coughing fit from suddenly urging itself out of there. He must look pathetic and he does wish, deep down, that someone would get out of their house for a reason or another, recognize him like literally everybody in Galar; but his pride and brand would be on the line, and nobody is fighting against the terrible, terrible weather today. He’s all alone in the streets of the city, pushing himself from the wall with wobbly arms, trying his hardest to remember where to go with slow, hazy thoughts…

Even if he was cold merely moments before, his head now burns. He feels too hot under clothes that are wildly unfitting of such a muddy season, despite the hair rising on what is exposed of his arms. A Cramorant stole his jacket when he was training, a Linoone tried to steal his stuff, and he ended up having a Pokemon knocked out and losing most of his healing items in the kerfuffle. It really hasn’t been his day, lately…

 His chest hurts. Not from the outside, as if he had injured himself in one of the falls he endured trying to feel from the Wild Area with no Pokemon to battle with and the slippery grass constantly trying to get the best of him, but from the inside. He doesn’t doubt the possible existence of bruises under the shirt that sticks to his limbs like a second, drenched skin; but this isn’t it. It intensifies when he coughs and it rattles strangely. When he tries to ignore the excruciating weather wishing for his demise, he hears the strange sounds his breathing now makes. He doesn’t know them so, in a moment of out-of-character lack of reason, he gets scared of them and vaguely wonders about worst-case scenarios.

It isn’t just his chest either. It’s his throat, it’s his mouth, it’s his feet, it’s his legs. Everything in his body is tired and screaming for rest, but he cannot provide it for any of his own self at the moment, stuck trying to navigate with what little he can distinguish with almost-closed eyes from how much he has to squint. His eyes can’t focus anymore, this much he realizes with a bitter sense of resignation, so everything he sees is blurry, including the weird gooey stuff he keeps coughing out whenever he can’t breathe anymore and has to stop for who knows how long.

 He trips over his own unmade shoe tie, losing in one fell swoop what was left of his balance, and falls right into the rainwater that has accumulated on the ground. It sounds and looks and feels like it’s the end, that this is where his journey ends: in some damp street of a city that he has never been able to find his way in, alone, cold and hot at the same time, rain burying him with the rest of the pavement. Not that he even thinks he has the energy to go on… Not like that. Not when his strength, the only thing he thought he had left, has all but given up on him too. Truly alone in a time where, sitting against a giant wall, he realizes what has been going on and poisoning his breath. Hah, ironic.

Still, this isn’t how he should admit defeat. He’s been won over now, and recently at that, and it’d be more than a shame for him to all but give up now. He needs to bring his team to the Centre, he can’t not try taking his revenge on the new Champion, he can’t not at least prove his superior battle skills to Raihan yet again, he just can’t leave Hop, and Sonia, and everyone else like that…

So he rises up once again, on weak arms and unsteady legs, almost tripping over himself, shoulder stuck against the wall. He won’t let this be the end of him.

 Even with a new resolve, it still doesn’t make it much better for him. Unless there’s a miracle happening right before him, he’s stuck with his heavily weakened state trying to find a place whose location he has no idea. His phone doesn’t seem to be able to show a map, its signal disturbed after whatever happened to it while he was looking or doing the polar opposite, so he’s stuck with his truly inefficient sense of orientation.

But it’ll be okay. It’ll have to be okay, because he needs to see Hop become a Professor, to buy Sonia’s new book, to rematch the Champion and his Leader friends, to give his team at least one more chance to shine. It’ll be okay, surely it’ll be okay, of course it’ll be okay… It’ll be okay, because this is all a terrible nightmare he’s going to wake up from, where he isn’t stuck in the torrential rain with a fainted party and very little hope of finding way out.

It’ll be okay, oh so okay…

 He tumbles and falls over again, this time hitting the ground with no grace whatsoever, most likely scratching elbows and knees in the process. Even rising his head up as not to cough in water when a fit claws at his throat again takes most of the energy he has left, only for his blurry sight and cottoned-down hearing to spot the first good thing in who knows many hours: a familiar yelp and vague brown-and-yellow figure rushing towards him.

With a trembling and feeble hand, he tries reaching out to the Yamper who has guided him so many times out of dangerous situations, only for an oh so familiar voice to yell in his direction. Still, it’s hard to know if it’s real or just his imagination. Ah, well; he’ll have to see when he’ll have woken up. If he even wakes up from the darkness starting to invade his vision…

  “Yamper, where in the world are you running like that?!” This creature never stops running, doesn’t it? “Yamper, wait for me!”

If she’s used to her trusty furry assistant running around everywhere it goes and pursuing it, Sonia has to notice there’s something odd in the air. Yamper never goes this fast, especially not in a city where it could smash muzzle first into people. There’s an urgent feeling to its yelps as it runs in one precise direction.

 As suddenly as Yamper started running when she had just gone out of the vault to investigate a little bit more into the Galar mythos she had become a specialist of, it stops right in its tracks in a little street she’s frankly never seen nor noticed before. With how much it’s raining and how unlikely it is to stop pouring soon, she doesn’t want the both of them out for much longer than needed.

She stops to regain her breath, hands on her knees as she folds in two, wet red hair hanging from her head. Yamper stays in place, running around her in circles, then disappearing from her view into the old, little street covered in rain and shadows. It doesn’t seem to have any intent on leaving soon.

 --------

“Why did you… bring me here…? Seriously, it’s raining Growlithes and Purrloins…!”

Still, Sonia gets herself together and goes on to follow her “assistant”. There’s dread building in her chest and stomach that she can hardly ignore… She’s seen enough movies as a teenager to know where this is going. She’s going to end up tangled into some messed-up situation, isn’t she…?

 Her heart skips a beat when she notices a very familiar person lying face down on the pavement, drenched to the bone. A person who hasn’t given her any response or sign of life for a few days.

Someone who’s gotten lost in Hammerlocke again.

 -------

 When he wakes up, everything feels different than the last time he’s been awake. It’s all white, dry and soft. He stills feels too hot and too cold, breathing remains a chore and he wishes he wasn’t there anyway; but he supposes he’s now safe and, honestly, he can’t think of anything much worse than treading through the torrential rain with little strength left.

Now, if he knew what the thing on his face was, he’d be doing a bit better, but his arms feel like they’re made out of lead and he lacks the energy to rise them to his mouth and at least touch it…

 “Leon?”

The voice, even if it’s muffled, is undoubtedly Sonia’s. He can’t quite put a finger on why exactly, yet he feels like this confirms something. If his chest didn’t feel so heavy and full, he’d have sighed in relief. That doesn’t prevent him from coughing again when trying to respond to his own name.

“Let me do the talking, okay? I’m sure you have a metric ton of questions to ask, but for the love of Galar, spare your voice unless necessary.”

 Now that his vision is focusing again, he notices both the pipe inserted in his wrist and the frown on her face. She seems less than content with something. What, he doesn’t quite know, and thinking hurts his head even further than it already bothers him, heavy on his neck despite resting on a pillow. Speaking of which, where is his stuff? His clothes?

“Hey, hey, hey,” Sonia rises from her chair and puts her hands on his chest, putting him back into his mattress. “You stay here and don’t cause anyone any worry more than you’ve already done!”

 He’s confused as to why she’s so adamant on him not doing anything. No speaking, no moving… If he didn’t feel this drained and lethargic, he’d absolutely get back at her with playfulness. Well, that does kind of answer his own question, doesn’t it? Or, at least, it seems to make sense to his brain which has troubles keeping up with the situation…

Yet, he sees a small smirk contrast with her frowned eyebrows. She seems… pained. Pained by what, or who, he doesn’t know; he’s most likely at least partially responsible for it, because she wouldn’t be there otherwise.

 “I don’t know how you’ve ended up in that situation exactly, Leon, but you’ve managed to surpass yourself in terms of putting yourself in harm’s way. You’ve scared us before, but not to that extent!”

“I…” His voice sounds hoarse and it absolutely feels that way. “It’s complicated…”

“Your entire party was fainted, safe for Charizard who was about to follow; you somehow bricked your phone in the process and ended up catching more than a death of cold. Where were you during all that time?!”

Sonia sounds a bit too scared for someone who’s facing her childhood friend stuck in a bed.

“The Wild Area…”

“That’d explain why you were soaked to the bone when I found you lying in a puddle… You’ll have to excuse me for using that crude language, you scared everyone on that one!”

 It’s his turn to ask a little question, even if the state of his body makes him want to remain quiet. Still, no matter how intelligent she is, Sonia doesn’t read minds, so he’s somewhat forced to go through with it if he wants his answers.

“Where are we?”

“A clinic in Hammerlocke. I forgot to add you also scared the ER staff with how bad your breathing was.” Has to be that irritating wheezing sound he’s hearing since he’s woken up. “By the way, since I know you’re going to ask me about that, your team is safe and doing much better now. They’re all gently resting in their balls while you recover.”

He misses Charizard and everyone else already. He owes them a big apology, that’s for sure, but he’s also certain his brain can’t process much right now. Sometimes, you just need to admit yourself to have been defeated… even if it bothers you to no end.

 Sonia paces around for a little bit before sitting down on the chair next to the bed, arms still crossed. She sounds more than frustrated, and, well… He can’t really hold it against her, can he? He already can barely hold anything against her to begin with, considering how much they’ve lived through together; it’s not today, in these circumstances, that he’ll try finding a reason for her not to be frustrated. Who knows how long he’s been gone without giving news: he frankly, forgot how quickly or slowly time was passing while he was wandering through the Wild Area.

“At least, you’re still here and breathing with us. Just, if you could not do that ever again, it’d be better, you know? I can’t always be there worrying after you when I’m now a Prof! Arceus, I don’t even imagine what sequence of events has thrown you into such a state. You looked absolutely pitiful when Yamper found you.”

 He tries to puff at himself to ease the tension he feels rising, but all he ends up doing is coughing. And coughing. And coughing.

“What did I say about sparing your voice? Tch, you’ll never change, will you? You’ve always stubborn, after all, so there’s no reason that’ll change now. That’s part of your charm, I suppose.” She shrugs before suddenly darting her eyes away from him. “But you’re right, I shouldn’t have to worry! You were the Champion of Galar for more than ten years, why would I be afraid of you? That makes very little sense, haha!”

“S-Sonia…”

 He only now spots the dark rings under her eyes and the hair pulling out of her ponytail, one strand at a time. How long was he out for, and for how much of that time was she there, exactly? (Hey, he does work fairly well, for someone who can’t stop sweating and whose entire frame is shaken up by chills at irregular intervals!). Too many questions, too little available brain space, he guesses…

“Go for it, make fun of your good old friend who still hasn’t gotten the memo. I should have been like Hop and blindly believed you’d come back to us, as you’ve always done…”

Oh, right, Hop! How is he doing, has he advanced in his research, does he still worry for him? Well, sadly, it’s not the time to think about his brother: his childhood friend seems to have a meltdown right in front of him.

“Why?”

 Sonia stares at him, completely silent, eyes wide. Seems like she doesn’t have an answer to her own interrogation, until pain comes back on her face like the wave crashing on the shore.

“You don’t… think it’s ridiculous?”

“What?” His throat doesn’t take kindly to his attempts at having a conversation.

“Everything! We swore we’d trust each other, but look at me, worrying over you as if we were still kids running in the fields with the Wooloos… And I’m telling you all that while you’re cooking on the inside! Really, isn’t that ridiculous?”

 Gathering his breath and his strength, he rises up with shaky arms against the bedhead, pillow still preventing his head from entirely lulling over his shoulder from how heavy it is. Whatever he’s caught, it’s one hell of an affliction he’s found himself with. Still, if it’s for Sonia, if she’s this distraught over the situation (he did almost pass away), he can put up with the migraine, the difficult breathing, the mask over his mouth, the lethargy, the chills…

“I’m sorry, Sonia.”

He does cough immediately after apologizing, as expected. For once, she doesn’t reply immediately, doesn’t make a witty remark; instead, she looks confused and maybe embarrassed, considering the red he can see with the eyes that still refuse to entirely focus for more than a few seconds.

“Sorry for what? And, again, spare your voice, you…”

“For all of this.”

 Her expression softens, eyebrows drooping and eyes shining brighter. Even if it’s slight and his eyes almost miss it, she finally smiles.

“How long…?” He’s interrupted by a fit.

“How long you’ve been out?” He nods, still trying to calm his chest down. “Around half a day. You did wake up at some point but immediately passed out again. No wonder why you don’t remember that.”

He now points at her with an unsteady finger. “Why are you… Oh, how long I’ve been here?” He nods again. “Most of that time, I’d say. I’d also say I fell asleep at some point too…”

 She crosses her arms again, just as his vision starts weakening again. It’s back to sleep, right?

“I think we both need our rest. I’m also certain Hop is waiting at the door, so you’ll even have a guardian angel watching over you, isn’t that super cool? And if you attempt rising from that bed, you’re sure to be put back into it in mere seconds!”

He’d try laughing if it didn’t trigger such a massive reaction from his lungs, so he decides to just nod instead.

“See you later, Leon. Goodnight.”

He waves at her, the lethargy still reflecting in his slow and sloppy gestures, but that’s fine enough for now. Her smile is worth it, isn’t it?

 Absolutely worth trekking through the rain with full lungs and little energy left…

[gayregis]

sleipnirlo replied to your post “bro if im this petty about how they treat dandelion think about how...”

I feel you friend - from what we've got already, whatever they're doing to Dandelion/Jaskier seems... not ideal, to put it gracefully, and it pains me quite a bit, but if/when they get to Regis... considering the pain in my heart during some parts of b&w, having in mind that I generally believe cdpr's interpretation to be proper (aside from some jarring mistakes) it's going to be a completely another level of ridiculousness on my part; like,, I know it's most probably not possible for the show to meet my standards, but pls... just... get SOMETHING right...

I came to feel so protective of this particular vampire, and people not familiar with the books knowing him as a caricature of himself fills me with dread

tbh my main hope for regis if/when they get to him is that they don’t shy away from making him complicated. he’s kind, also ominous, also funnie … to summarize: shitty old bitch. 

b&w did this thing where they just made regis a very solemn character and also made him closer to the typical arrogant immortal which was just ooc imho... and then they created a new plotline that revolved around him being Uncontrollably Violent for a few seconds which.......... like i just found it SO disrespectful to how regis’s backstory is an analogy for alcoholism/addiction in general........ they literally did the opposite of humanizing him, they uh... monsterfied him? 

regis’s entire character (like geralt’s, and also the rest of the hansa’s) is about paradox and logistical impossibilities. if you’re this, you can’t be that -- but he’s both, for some fucking reason, he defies logic. 

regis is supposed to thread this weird line of what is man and what is monster, and if you’re kind for a century does that make up for three centuries of absolute cruelty? what does it mean to act honorably? at what point can you feel safe and trust someone? 

one thing i appreciate about regis’s character is that he’s always just seemed to go BEYOND his context in the fictional world he exists in. at the end of the day, these characters are not the people we love them to be, but rather messages about what ARE good and evil, what IS humanity, and other deep questions the witcher loves to tackle. within the books, i got a VERY clear sense of how regis as a character was answering these questions and the kind of messages sapkowski was trying to communicate with him. same with the rest of the hansa, in fact. that’s... why... the hansa and ciri and yennefer are my favorites...

to contrast, in blood & wine, i didn’t get this sense of existing beyond the context of the media at all. cdpr just wanted cool vampires which is fine, but the elements of the books are lost because they just gave them up

(wow this got long sorry! i just wanted to explain my thought process behind this list im about to give) 

as for netflix.............. i don’t necessarily think that regis is easy or difficult to cover. but IN MY OPINION nailing these things would help out regis’s character the best:

we should feel safe. one of the things that struck me so hard when reading baptism of fire was how much i initially trusted regis when they found him in that stupid graveyard, despite being well-familiar with the adage of “stranger danger.” he just seemed safe to me. 

this is probably because of how eloquent he is and how omniscient he has the ability to come off as..... so good writing for his dialogue that captures his superfluous nature, that isn’t just what cdpr did where “funny smart guy use big words unnecessarily” ... no, you need to put effort into it by having him use words of an intermediate vocabulary, but using them in such a way as to philosophize about everything and anything that comes up. 

this also relies heavily on how regis delivers his lines when they first meet him. all of his dialogue cues are like, “said softly,” “said gently.” there’s NO aggression, no harm in this man. no reason to fear him.

the atmosphere of his cottage should really communicate this wonderful sense of bucolic bliss, as it were.... the intoxicating heavy scent of herbs... the only lighting in the cottage being fro a pot-bellied stove........ remember, geralt describes this as having could have come directly from a fairytale. in contrast, fen carn should feel ominous, until his appearance.

costume design! don’t forget the apron wrapped around his black coat, please! who can fear a man in an apron?

we should feel suspicious. we SHOULD still feel like he’s harboring some kind of dark secret, though. 

there are so many little clues and points in baptism of fire that hint at his identity, that just should NOT be cut out or overlooked: him being able to detect the healing brokilon medicines in geralt’s sweat, when he refuses the drink politely and says softly, “it’s a matter of principle. i never violate the principles i set for myself,” the dipping into a conversation to name every type of vampire that exists......... the sense that he knows just a little too much to be only who he says he is.

cahir and dandelion making guesses as to who he ‘really’ is shouldn’t be cut out, either. i think their guesses are conduits for the audience to attach onto as we make our own guesses and theories within this short amount of time.

we should feel fear. oh so cdpr wanted crazy ass vampires? well don’t worry, because regis is a crazy ass vampire. but how to get this through to the audience, when he’s not off his shits anymore because it’s the 13th century and not the 9th? it’s going to need to come mostly from geralt. 

they should emphasize the tension in the scene by the yaruga where geralt has his blade to regis’s throat by having geralt’s lines be delivered in a very precise, careful manner. he shouldn’t be furious and dripping with adrenaline, ready to fight regis. he needs to be wary, conserved. we need to sense apprehension to engage in conflict, because he knows that he would likely lose the fight... which will freak the audience out, because asides from that bit with djikstra, geralt up until this point has been pretty powerful and undefeated, i mean we just saw him cleave his way through a fuckton of scoiatel at thanedd (that bit with torque in edge of the world was more for comedic relief imho)

on a related note, the scene where milva and dandelion have doubts about regis and ask geralt for advice, and geralt answers with a laundry list of all the things regis can do and says for himself that he doesn’t know if he could kill him....... that shouldn’t be cut and should strike some fear into our hearts.

regis shouldn’t be devoid of humor. he has his own sense of weird humor...

please keep the fucking pun in: “the immortal soul (...) abandons the stinking carcass and spirits away, forgive the pun.” i think this demonstrates how he has this kind of skewed sense of humor, that serious philosophical topics aren’t dull to him... rather they are exciting and full of riveting debate and also, jokes

that really long conversation with geralt where he concludes with “but i’ll give you some advice anyways: life differs from banking somewhat,” and in the fish soup scene where he really makes fun of geralt as well... but really the whole company should do this

don’t make him an asshole

he should be self-sacrificing for humanity. he should protect the girl in the refugee camp with the utmost conviction... i think this part is kind of easier because regis’s pure actions in the books are enough to demonstrate how committed to humanity he is, unlike cdpr which just made shit up and it went sour because their shit was all like “oh haha humans are so weak and i dont get why they dislike death :/”

tldr: don’t cut shit because even the smallest details add to the larger picture, make a cool atmosphere, paradox of safety and fear. you’re welcome