New Year's Special

Gender Neutral Reader;

Decided to make this a gender neutral reader, your gender doesn't really matter in this, though it can increase the ending impact, is up to you.

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Penny smiled as she looked at you from around a corner. You were waiting outside on balcony.

The Academy was hosting a New Year Eve party to usher in the New Year. 

And Penny hoped to kiss you as the New Year came.

It had been years since you helped her with Team Star. And in the time since, she's grown close and comfortable with you, subsequently falling in love with you.

She checked the time and the New Year was fast approaching. She took a deep breath as she stepped around the corner. And she was startled when she almost hit someone. 

She stepped back and saw it was the one person she did not want to deal with.

Nemona. She had an equally shocked and confused look on her face.

"Oh, hey."

It was awkward. For the entire night, they were each trying to monopolize you. One would pull you away for something only for other to do the same.

Penny didn't want to waste any time. 

"Sorry, I've got something to do." 

Nemona nodded. "Same."

They both turned towards you and walked in your direction. They realized this and stopped at the same time.

"What do you think you're doing?" Penny barked.

"My rival is waiting for me! What are you doing?" Nemona answered.

They both glared at each other. And that's when they realized they had the same intentions for you.

"I want to tell (y/n) how much they mean to me." Nemona confessed as she put a hand on her chest.

Her feelings for you started when you had beaten her after becoming champion. And it was your boundless strength that gave her endless joy throughout the years. After every battle, she fell more and more in love with you.

"That's too bad because I'm going to talk to them." Penny replied.  While she respected Nemona as a friend, she never liked how battle minded she was.

Nemona rolled her eyes. "You're not as close to them as I am.

Penny smirked. "Their team completes mine."

Yes, you did indeed catch an Espeon and a Glaceon. And you kept them on your team. They proved pivotal during the Treasure Hunt and you showed them much affection.

(Also, they were both shiny.)

It was a big reason as to why Penny fell for you. While she loved her team, she cursed that she could only have 6 of them. She adored the play sessions when you brought your two over to her room.

Nemona flinched as she connected that fact. It sounded very romantic to her now that she thought about it.

"Well, I've met their mother!" Nemona countered.

Penny gasped, for meeting your mother was a big hurdle.

"I've known them far longer than you have! They even picked their starter at my house!"

Penny gritted her teeth, envious at Nemona's history with you. She checked the time and saw that her arguing with Nemona was costing her chance at kissing you.

"Just stay out of my way." She barked and walked towards you.

Nemona said nothing as she checked the time and got the same idea.

They each decided to just confess to you, regardless of the other being there.

But as they got closer to the balcony, they saw that you were with someone. They stopped by the entrance and listened in.

You were having a nice talk with Arven.

You were glad to be out in the fresh air. The party was getting crowded and both Penny and Nemona gave you a perfect out by telling you to wait outside on the balcony. It was a weird request, especially since it came from each of them separately but you went with it.

And all of a sudden, Arven joined you.

Did the girls plan this? You weren't sure, either way, you were glad you were having a one-to-one with him.

"But seriously, I'm glad you here though." You admitted. 

Arven chuckled. "I'm glad you pressured me." 

It was due to your constant pestering that he decided to go. 

"I just..." You paused. "You shouldn't be alone. I don't want you to be alone..." 

You felt your face heat up as you whispered the latter part. Thankfully, Arven didn't hear it as he simply nodded.

"I know."

He chose to spend Christmas alone. Tragically, Mabosstiff passed recently. It was heartbreaking for everyone and you knew Arven needed some time to himself.

"When Mabosstiff passed...I..."

You raised a hand up to stop him. It was an uncomfortable subject with lots of pain.

"You don't need to say anything."

Arven shook his head as he looked at you. "It's just...without your help with the Titans, I wouldn't have had all these extra years."

You remained close friends with Arven since the first Treasure Hunt and Area Zero. And you could see that Arven treasured every day he had with Mabosstiff since.

"When I read about the Herba Mystica, it was my last hope and I pursued it desperately..." 

He looked downward as he recalled his despair.

"But deep down...I thought was going to lose him..."

You decided to be honest with your feelings as you recalled your perspective. 

"When we first met, I honestly thought you were an ass."

Arven raised a brow at the insult, he wasn't sure where this was going.

"You were really rude. And when you told me about the Titans, I didn't care. Even after the first one, I thought it was a pain."

Arven remained silent. Despite you being a complete stranger to him at the time, he was that desperate for help. And he could tell that you were not happy or satisfied with what you were doing.

Your voice became quiet. "But when you shouted and showed Mabosstiff..." 

You turned to him and stepped closer.

"I saw how much you loved that dog. And I was on your side."

You put a hand onto his shoulder.

"Always." You stated confidently.

He smiled and returned your gesture, putting a hand on your shoulder.

You could see tears in his eyes as he was failing to not smile.

"Thank you for being there."

"No problem."

The bell of the academy signaled, triumphally signaling the start of the New Year.

Overcome with emotion, you leaned in. And so did Arven.

And Penny and Nemona screamed.