Hollow Demon 4

   "Oh wow! Kotone, your house looks awesome!"

   Kotone scratched her head in abash. Her cheeks flushed in a pink colour. Her mouth burst cheeky giggles. "Ah it's nothing. I'm just happy to have found a place for me and my Pokémon."

   Silver rolled his eyes at her statement. Yeah, one would be happy – if one so happen to live in a luxurious penthouse in one of the finest condos in Goldenrod City.

   The place was located on the rooftop of the condominium. It was huge; almost a storey high so that her Pokémon can fit. The walls were coloured in a light blue hue. Only one wall wasn't coloured, instead tinted with a huge glass for the beautiful view of the city. Not only that, but a wide and shallow swimming pool was seen outside of the house, just so her and her Pokémon could have some pool time. All in all, it was a beautiful house – and Kotone lived in it.   

   A loud gasp caught their attention. Three heads turned to the huge glass wall. N was admiring the view. If he were a Pokémon, his tail would be wagging in excitement by now.

   "This is beautiful!" The greenette chimed. "Look Zoroark! I can see the famous Bell Tower from here!" He pressed his hands against the wall, emerald eyes sparkling like a little kid.

   Silver grunted again. Kotone and White giggled. "He can be…enthusiastic sometimes." The tall brunette looked at her cousin. "But you'll get used to him. You and he are pretty much alike mentally."

   Kotone stuck out her tongue. "Haha. Very funny." White laughed again as she ruffled the petite woman's hair. Annoyed, especially at the strange new guy, Silver slumped himself on the couch and sighed bitterly.

   All the Pokémon were out of their balls, helping their trainers with their luggage. Standing outside the house was Lillil, holding a tiny leaf-knitted handbag. Her eyes sparkled at the elegant decorations of the house and view. 'Oh wow! This place is beautiful! I can't believe we're staying here!' The flowering Pokémon clapped her leafy hands blissfully. Samurott, standing behind his friend, just smiled.

   'If you think that's awesome, wait till you see my room.'

   Lillil opened her eyes. Yelps escaped from her mouth to see Typhlosion crouching right in front of her. The volcano Pokémon grinned mischievously. He was smitten with the Lilligant ever since she got out of her Pokéball. His tail wagged, his red blazing eyes blinking coyly at the gawking Pokémon.

   Sadly, his mesmerisation was cut off as a sword pierced between them.

   Typhlosion looked up. Samurott was gripping his sword, eyes glaring at the Johto fire starter. 'Stay away from Lillil.'

   The volcano Pokémon stood on his hind legs, eyes glaring right back. 'I'm just playing with Lillil. It's not like I'm gonna burn her.'

   Samurott scoffed ignorantly. 'She's not interested.'

   'What do you know?!' Typhlosion snarled angrily. In minutes, their foreheads were pressed against each other, each giving off death glares. Lillil gawked dumbly as the two males had a stare down.

   'Hi there!'

   She looked to her side. Standing and smiling in front of her was Feraligatr. 'Nice to meet ya! I'm Feraligatr! I like food!'

   The Lilligant stared at the big jaw Pokémon in disbelief. 'Uh, hi.'

   Feraligatr grinned joyfully, his tail wagging. 'You're gonna have a great time here. Kotone cooks good food!'

   Seeing his cheerful personality, it made Lillil curved a small smile. Heat rushed into her cheeks. 'Thank you…'

   'You are not the boss of me. Don't make me burn you!'

   Samurott laughed arrogantly. 'Like your little fire cracker could ever harm me.'

   'That's it!' The volcano pounced on the formidable. In the end, the two were caught in a battle.

   Zebstrika and Ampharos sighed bitterly at their close friends. One had a temper while one was overprotective. When you mix them up together, havoc will be the result.

   Feraligatr, who always sees things in a good way, just barked, 'That fire-breathing, roaring maniac is my best friend. We've known each other since we were in eggs.'

   Lillil stared at the sparring two, then at the huge Johto water starter. A dumb grin flashed on her face. 'I see…'

---

   "Mmm, this is delicious!" Kotone purred as she bit a slice of chocolate cake, courtesy of White. The four sat inside the living room. Silver sat on the couch while his girl sat on the ground, between his parted legs. He sighed boringly as Kotone kept humming and swaying her body in joy.

   White smiled in pride to receive a compliment from her baking skills. N sat next to her, also chewing blissfully at her pastry.

   Silver opened one eye, lazily staring at Kotone. "You're gonna get fat from eating…" he muttered faintly.

   Words barely verbal in her ears, Kotone looked at Silver. "You said something, Skitty?"

   "Nothing," The redhead looked away. The sun was setting in Johto. The sky was a light orange, colouring the city with its elegance. Silver eyes grew dim at the sight of the sunset. Of all his 20 years of living, there was only one thing he would never get bored of: Seeing the sunset. Something he picked up from his mother.

   Thinking back, it made him smile a little.

   Well, that smile was destroyed as soon as he felt someone sitting on his lap.

   The man looked forward, eyes round in shock. Kotone sat on top of him, flashing a cheeky smile. In her left hand was a piece of cake. "Try some," she purred lovingly, leaning a bit closer.

   Still shocked and slightly embarrassed, Silver leaned backwards. "No." He growled under his breath. The warmth of her body began to heat his legs, making him uncomfortable.

   Sadly, she was making it worse. "Try some." A sly, seductive smirk curved at the edge of her lips. "Or do you want me to feed you with my mouth…?"

   If it were for his instincts, Silver would gladly accept the second option. "Get off. We have people, you moron…" He cringed to hear laughter from White. His face was getting redder like his hair. "Kotone Soul. Off me. Now."

   The lovely pigtails shook her head, lips still curved into a smile. "No."

   White laughed again. She held her stomach and cackled at the couple's behaviour. Yes. Her cousin definitely had a weird taste for men. The brunette tapped her knee in glee as angry growls from the redhead rang in her ears.

   Suddenly, she felt herself being lifted, halting her laughs completely. Her body was being put down, but on something – or someone. White looked to her side, only to see a smiling N. "W-what are you doing?"

   N looked at White, then at the odd couple, and then back at his girlfriend. "Kotone is sitting on Silver's lap. And they look cute, like a couple should." Without warning, he wrapped his arms around the petite woman's waist. "And we're a couple. So we should be sweet too."

   Just like Silver, heat was swiftly rushing into her face. "L-let go off me, you idiot!"

---

   "Haa! I'm so sleepy!" Kotone stretched her arms. She stared at Silver, who was looking at her in an annoyed matter. A cute smile curved her pink lips. She scratched Typhlosion's head. The volcano Pokémon purred like an engine, enjoying the attention he was getting. Hazel eyes focused as Silver rose up from his seat. He whistled loudly, calling his team of six. "Where are you going?" she asked curiously, hands still petting her starter.

   "I'm going home. I have a home, you moron." He said boringly, hands in his pockets. As soon as he saw his Pokémon were outside, Silver began to move.

   "You're going?" The brunette asked, disheartened. "You're not staying over?"

   Silver chuckled dryly. "I have no motive to stay at your place. I have my own place." Sneasel hopped on the redhead's head. His claw waved happily at Kotone and the napping fire starter.

   Truth be told, Kotone wanted Silver to stay. She wanted him to stay over; to stay closer by her side. She missed him. And it had been a while since they last met. So tonight, Kotone wouldn't want that chance to go away.

   Thankfully, her mind was sharp on wits. "I guess this house will be just me, White, and N then."

   Silver stopped.

   Biting back a grin, Kotone continued. "I mean, yeah it's gonna be fun! Besides, it's nice to have a man in the house." She tapped his lips, mind in a thought. "I'm thinking of going swimming tonight. I did bought a new bikini two days ago. And I can't wait to have a swim with White and N tonight." While she talked, the name 'N' was strongly emphasized in her tone. She looked at the frozen redhead, wondering if Silver took the bait.

   He took it.

   Turning around, walking towards Kotone, stopping in front of her, and eyes down, he snarled, "I'm staying over."

   This time, she was trying very hard not to laugh. "Oh, and I thought you said-"

   "You burnt down my door and wrecked my kitchen. I deserve a place to stay." Fists were formed in his pockets. Silver knew the N guy was White's boyfriend. But the thought of N and Kotone under the same roof – or worse – N able to see Kotone in a bikini…

   The flames of jealousy and possession burned inside him like a thousand Ho-ohs.

   Kotone clapped her hands in joy. "Yayy! My Skitty is sleeping with me tonight!" Although she was happy, her Typhlosion was the opposite. The fire starter rolled his eyes at the redhead in disgust and shut his eyes. Even after their years of seeing each other, both the Pokémon and the human could still not get along.

   "Sleeping with you?" The man asked in bafflement. Heat shaded his cheeks. "I- Why would I want to sleep with you?" Deep inside, he wanted to so badly.

   Kotone smiled cheerfully. "Well, since N and White are sharing a room, you and I have to share a room too."

   That shade of pink was slowly turning into a deep shade of red. "You have five fucking rooms! Why would I want to bunk at your bed?!"

   His girl crossed her legs lazily and petted Typhlosion. "The other three rooms are the Pokémon's rooms. So unless you want to share a flaming basket with Ty Ty, you sleep with me."

   Silver gawked dumbly at Kotone. A low growl vibrated in his ears, preferably coming from Typhlosion. The redhead huffed sourly. He would rather sleep in Mt Silver naked than sharing a bed with the deadly fire starter. Finally, after a complicated, troublesome war with himself, Silver breathed, "Fine."

   "Yayy!" Kotone pounced on her beloved rival. Silver flinched backwards, but his feet were glued to the floor. Her arms wrapped around his neck. Her giggle chirped in his ear.

   Trying his best not to throw her on the couch and ravage her, Silver gripped her waist and tried to pull her way. "Let me go dammit!"

   Kotone shook her head and tightened her hug. "No." Opening her eyes, her expression began to show from happiness to hopeful. Pursing her lips, she murmured, "I love you."

   Silver froze. His eyes glowed dim at her words and the tone of her voice.

   The two stayed like that for a good minute. Kotone hugged his neck tightly, hoping for the words she achingly craved. Silver's hands held her waist, silently battling with his mind and heart. The moon shined elegantly up above the sky. Goldenrod City blinked in rainbow colours, adding life to the bustling city in Johto.

   Huffing slowly, Silver tugged the woman away. A broken smile pursed on his lips. "I gotta shower. Don't enter the bedroom first." Before she could say a word, Silver walked to her room.

   Her eyes just followed his movements. Finally, he disappeared into her room. The brunette stood quietly. She gazed at her palms, trembling and shaking. She heard her heart race, each beat banging and echoing inside her.

   He avoided her words – again. She felt his body stiffen the second she said it. It's not his fault, Kotone kept thinking. He has his reasons. He loves me.

   And yet, her other half was extremely doubtful.

   Kotone looked at her Typhlosion. "Baby, I'm going for a walk. Wanna join me?"

   The volcano Pokémon's ears twitched upwards. He looked at his beloved trainer, eyes gleaming in anticipation. 'I wanna join! I wanna join!'

---

   The brunette sat quietly on a bench. The Goldenrod Park was empty and calm, filled with sleeping wild Pokémon and a few Hoothoots flying about. She pursed her lips, hands clasping together and covering her mouth. All she could think about, all she could see was the spiteful redhead.

   Kotone remembered the day she met him. He stood by the professor's lab, looking out the window like a stalker. She found him strange as the girl had never seen him before. But also, at that time, both were completely unaware that since that day, marked the day of their fate.

   Days changed into months. Months changed into years. They bonded into an odd friendship. All seemed the same for them. All was innocent and nice.

   That is, until that one fateful night.

   The night where Kotone knew it all. The night Silver wished he would never know of it ever again.

   She met the man responsible for Silver's despair. She met the Giovanni – Silver's father. What's worse, Giovanni tried to kill him.

   And to add salt to the wound, Silver almost died protecting her.

   Bang!

   Oxygen was like ice flowing through her nostrils. Kotone clamped her ears shut. The sound of the gunshot rang perfectly in her memory. Her eyes dampened, mind swirling at the thought. She saw his blood. She saw his eyes tightly shut. She saw his chest, opened and wounded deeply. "No." Kotone breathed roughly, coughing the memories out. She looked at her Typhlosion, who was sitting on all fours, fiery eyes staring at her in worry.

   "Typhlosion," she called out softly, trying to distract her from her thoughts. "I know you don't like Silver-"

   She heard and saw the fire starter scoff bitterly.

   Luckily, it eased her heart a bit. A small, faint smile painted her face. "But do you think he…loves me?"

   Typhlosion froze to hear such words. He pursed his furry muzzle. His mind twirled for a while. True. The Pokémon hated that human's gut. He never understood why Kotone would even like the redhead in the first place. But thanks to that misfortunate night, when Silver sacrificed his life for Kotone, it gave Typhlosion a whole new perspective.

   Finally, he sighed heavily. Typhlosion stood up on his hind legs. Kotone was fairly surprised to see her starter rising before her.

   And to add more to her suspicion, Typhlosion suddenly hugged her.

   'As much as I hate to admit it, but he…loves you a lot. I can sense it in him. Feraligatr can sense it in him. Heck, all of us can sense it in both of you.' He tightened his hug. 'And I really don't want both of you to be separated.' The huge fire starter mewled.

   Even though Kotone didn't understand a word he said, but the woman took it as his way of saying yes. Flashing a soft smile, she hugged her starter back.

---

   Kotone entered her bedroom. Her eyes froze to a certain figure sleeping peacefully on her bed. His body was only covered with a red boxer, leaving his torso bare and open. Silver slept quietly. His back was against the comforter. His right arm was folded on his bare stomach while his left arm was spread on her side of the bed.   

   A small smile curved her pink lips. To her, he looked calm and peaceful when he slept; never the spite or snarky Silver that she always saw. But then again, those are one of the reasons why she fell for him.

   Never bothering to take a shower and change, Kotone unsnapped her braids and went to bed. She slowly scooted to her side. On her knees and next to him, her eyes focused on the sleeping boy. Inhaling one long breath, Kotone let her fingers trace his face.

   It moved to his forehead, pushing back a strand of red locks. It trailed down to the gap between his eyes, softly moving down to the tip of his perfectly sculptured nose. Hazel eyes focused on his closed silvers, looking at the eyelashes that were black and even. She then looked at his lips, which were slightly apart. Carefully, her long, slender fingers slid down to his lower lip.

   It stayed there, feeling the flow of warm air caressing the inch of her skin.

   Her gaze mellowed as she remembered a few hours ago. Her hand spun slightly, letting the back of her palm caress his cheek. Finally, as her mind snapped back to reality, she realized that her thumb was caressing the scar on his neck.

   It felt cold to her touch. It gave her a chill down her spine, as if the scar was all it took to reminded her of what they had been through.  

   A frown curved her face. Kotone sighed heavily and laid her head on his arm. She hugged his waist, feeling his warmth sip into her petite form. Her legs wrapped around his left leg. Her nose nuzzled on his neck. "Sweet dreams…" She murmured faintly, words barely verbal in anybody's ears.

   But as if Silver had heard her, he sleepily rolled to face her, and unconsciously pulled the girl closer. Kotone was stunned, but a soft smile stayed glued to her face. A dry chuckle bounced off her mouth as she closed her eyes, wishing the night – and moment – will never end.