A Heart Shaped Tail - The In Between Nights - Chapter 7.5 - Back Home
Holy shit, a new chapter, after 8 months?!?!
...Not quite. An in between chapter :3
Yeah, I've been a tad busy with other projects (and with real life stuff) but I've never forgotten about it.
While I write the next chapter, here we have a little something to keep yourselves fed, for those interested.
This chapter takes place between Chapter 7 and Chapter 8 (yet to be published), right after coming back from the beach.
I hope you enjoy it!
The door opened with a heavy thud. The steps echoed across the house by the beach, with no one inside. Well, that was the case until the couple let their bags hit the floor.
“Aaaaaah! Home sweet home!” Leon announced, letting his voice echo through the well-kept house as he took in the familiar sights.
“We’ve only been gone for a week, but I admit I’ve missed it as well.” Dylan said while using his ribbons to set aside their luggage on top of the nearby table. He also couldn’t help but feel more at ease. He had lived there for so long, it brought him some peace of mind to return.
“The resort might have been incredible, but nothing ever truly beats home. Right, love?” The Pikachu said, sneaking in a nuzzle against his boyfriend.
The Sylveon nuzzled back, feeling the warmth from his mate’s love. “You’re really cheery, huh? I guess what they say about beaches cleansing souls really is true.” He teased, carefully removing this scarf and heading to the kitchen. “Want something? We still have plenty of ginger before the next yield.”
Leon pondered for a second, thinking about his voice, but he just shook his head. “Nah. I… think I’ll go without today. I’ll just have what you will. You got good taste after all, since you’ve fallen for me.”
“You know what they say. Fairies are the world’s best judges.” Dylan just teased back, but couldn’t help but think about his reasoning on refusing the ginger. He just kept quiet for now, focusing on cooking something yummy for the both of them.
Dinner was fun and exciting, with the two lovers exchanging and reminiscing about all that happened at the resort. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that both Leon and Dylan had grown quite a bit from their trip. And they were gonna get compensated on the regular for it!
But even so, they had come back late, as the moon was already illuminating the dark sky, and letting its shine shimmer through the clear ocean just by their house. Leon was leaning against the open window, taking all of that beautiful sight in.
“I’ve… never got the chance to see something like this back home.” Leon said.
“Hmmm? You told me that you lived very far away from the sea, right? I can’t even begin to imagine how I’d have managed without this visage keeping me company all these years.” His lover joined him by the window.
“Not even just that… It’s just… The amount of towering buildings, the amount of smoke being released every day, and all the lights from stores and events. It…really added up to so much light pollution. Almost as if they’re trying to make us think what’s up there doesn’t matter at all…” Leon mused about it, and although he felt some sense of nostalgia towards some aspects of his old world, he didn’t really feel attached to it. Not anymore. “I’m glad I was brought here.”
Dylan just smiled, and leaned his head against his smaller companion. “So am I. I can’t even fathom how I’d have managed without you.” He turned his head and planted a soft kiss on his head.
Leon blushed. “Well, I’m glad we don’t have to think about it. We’re both here, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.” He relaxed against his boyfriend’s fur, and enjoyed the way it warmed him up so quickly.
Moments passed like sand through an hourglass, their thoughts lost among the warmth and love shared between the two lovebirds. They had left the window and were new snuggling in the bed. Leon was resting his head against Dylan’s massive chest, making their difference in size very apparent.
He sunk his head deeper into the Sylveon’s white fur, feeling consumed by all sides from how soft it felt. “You know… Back when I first got here, I would never have imagined that my life could be so happy. Spending my days with you has been the happiest I’ve been in my entire life. But after I’ve discovered the truth about my body… I was scared that you wouldn’t really want to be my mate.”
“What?” Dylan raised his head, looking directly down at Leon. “Why?”
“I don’t know… I was freaking out back then. Not just the tail thing, but my whole body just wasn’t… masculine. I still don’t quite know what I am, but having my whole body completely different made me really nervous.” Leon sighed. ”I mean. What if you didn’t like girl parts? I know it’s shallow to think like that, but I don’t know, it does matter a bit to me, you know?”
“Honey…” Dylan lowered his head and planted a soft kiss on Leon’s cheek, producing a short spark from it. Thankfully the Sylveon was already experienced with those, so he just parted his head with a soft smile. “You know I love you. And not just your personality, or your kindness, or determination. But your body as well.” He rubbed his cheek against Leon’s, getting a stimulating spark between them.
“You say that, but…” The Pikachu looked down at his body. “Are you sure? Like, my face isn’t the most manly. I can’t exactly fit into the tough or masculine outline.”
“That might be true, but you do have some adorable little cheeks.” Dylan smiled.
“Huh?” Leon looked up, confused.
“You know they are very soft, right?” He rubbed against them again, the softness of it making Dylan coo in delight. “They’re super soft, and the way they’re a tad pinker than the other males makes them even more adorable!”
It wasn’t just the natural hue now, Leon was blushing hard at such a left-field comment. “W-What are you saying all of a sudden?!” His bashful nature wouldn’t let him accept such a compliment like that. Especially one that contradicted his old view of himself.
“...” Silence from the rodent.
“Anything wrong, dear?” The larger canine asked.
“What else about me do you like? I mean, what about my body attracts you?” Leon tried acting cool, but he was failing at it with how his line of sight always returned to the expecting Sylveon. He was blushing like mad, and he felt conflicted inside. But… hearing such things did feel good.
“Hmmm? Oh. Where to begin.” Dylan’s tail wagged in excitement. “Your face as a whole is super adorable! You look so rounded and fluffy and perfect to just squeeze~” He couldn’t help himself, and played around his cheeks a little.
Although it was super embarrassing to have his body played like that, Leon couldn’t help but enjoy it… Although he wasn’t gonna tell Dylan that!!! “You’re such a bad liar.” Leon tried not to grin from the obvious lie.
“Hahaha. As if I could ever lie to the cutest Píkachu on the whole planet.” Dylan giggled.
“What else…?” His cheeks reddened.
“Hmmmmm…” Dylan closed in, his face getting super close to Leon’s. “Well, your lips are adorable. They look so plump and delicious~.”
Dylan’s voice was like butter to Leon. It made him melt and feel super warm inside. “...Ooh yeah?” He tried to play it cool.
“Yeah~” The Sylveon leaned in and took Leon’s lips. The rodent didn’t make a sound, instead letting his boyfriend do as he wished.
Their lips interlaced as their tongues and breathing became one. It was a soothing sensation for Leon. To be in Dylan’s care like that. He felt comfortable and safe nestled within that mountain of fur that was his mate. His lips really felt perfect for kissing him, although he didn’t really have a reference to it at all prior to dating him.
Dylan broke the kiss, letting their breathing stabilize as he looked down at his most adorable partner. “See? Perfect for kissing~”
Even Leon couldn’t help but smirk at his confidence. “Shush…” He said while looking quite happy with what just happened. He just let himself enjoy how soft he felt. How calm he felt whenever he was snuggling against Dylan. “...More.”
“Hmmm?”
“More. You clearly have quite a lot of things you like about my body. So come on, I wanna hear more things.” Leon insisted.
“...Are you okay, hun? I don’t mind doing that, at all. But you’re never usually this self-conscious about your body.” One of his ribbons rested on top of the Pikachu’s head, caressing him affectionately.
“Yeah, that’s exactly the reason.” Leon sighed heavily. “It’s been so long since I got here, and almost just as long since I realized my body was… quite different from my old one. In more ways than just having turned into a Pokémon.” He brought up his paw, and looked at it while opening and closing it. “I’ve been… so busy with hiding these things from everyone else, that I didn’t even have the time to get to know it myself.”
“Leon…”
“So I’m done running from it. This is my body, and… I want to know more about it. And you’re the most qualified to tell me all of the good things about it.” Leon looked up to Dylan, smiling towards his most beloved friend and companion.
And that smile was quite contagious. “...Alright, love.” He tapped on his shoulder, signaling for him to stand up briefly. Leon complied, and so Dylan stood up as well, walking until he was right in front of the Pikachu.
Leon sat again, and he couldn’t help but feel really small in comparison to the much bigger Sylveon. He felt… small. But in a way that made him feel safe. “You know, you’re quite shorter than me. And I don’t know why, but I just find it very adorable. Looking down and getting to see you whole does bring me some joy~”
Leon blushed. The feeling of getting to look up and see a towering mount of white and pink fluff be there, and be in love with him, certainly stirred something within him. He felt protected, in a sense. “Guess there are perks to being short.” The mouse couldn’t help but giggle.
“There sure are.” Dylan laughed back, getting to observe his mate from top to bottom. “I want your permission to get a bit physical with you. Is that okay?”
Leon was a bit taken aback. Buthe felt safe with him. “Alright, go ahead.”
Dylan smiled, and he lowered himself to paw at his hips. “Your haunches are so soft. I can’t help but eye them whenever we’re walking around. They just look so pretty, and mushy.” The Sylveon leaned his head against Leon’s right hip. “And warm…”
All that made Leon blush like mad. But he didn’t push his boyfriend off. For how awkward it was, it did feel nice to have his hips complimented. “Are they that noteworthy?”
“Oh definitely!” Dylan answered, feeling the other side with his ribbons while he kept touching on those plumper hips. “Would love to fall asleep on top of them sometime~.”
Leon smiled. “Thanks…” He always thought they looked a bit too fat, but hearing such words made him look towards them in a new light. He did want them stronger in case of having to run or needing that extra strength, but maybe he shouldn’t focus on making them less puffy…
“Oh, and how about this.” The Sylveon moved from Leon’s hips, and went to his chest. “Can I touch them?”
Leon got a tad confused. “Them? Ummmm, sure?” He opened his arms, unsure of what he meant.
But it didn’t take long for the Pikachu to realize. As soon as his paws were on his chest, he could feel them slightly playing against his concealed nubs. He had a healthy pair of nipples sprawled across his chest, with the slightest give, but due to his fur he would always forget about them. And with how seldom they were touched, the sudden stimuli made Leon’s voice produce a moan, one he couldn’t contain in time.
It caught Leon by surprise, but he didn’t stop yet. “They’re very cute. I sometimes feel them when you rest your belly against me. I didn’t say anything because I knew you wouldn’t be comfortable, but I always adored how they felt and how they look on you, even when concealed.”
Leon gasped a tad, the foreign sensation still very new to him. But it really wasn’t something he had to feel shame for. Hearing such high praise made him look down. Maybe he would trim his fur a bit, let them show a bit more… “Hehehe…”
“You seem pleased~” Dylan couldn’t help but tease his boyfriend a bit. “You’re starting to grasp those little details. The things I get to notice while living with you every single day.” Dylan smiled, patting his mate’s head, while sneakily sending his ribbons down his back.
“I mean… Never thought I’d have boobs like this. I would have freaked out about a year ago, but right now I don’t feel so baaaAAAAAAAAAAD-” Leon’s startled scream echoed through the room. He felt the sudden and firm grab at this butt.
“I’m not quite done. I think you have a lovely butt!” Dylan affirmed as he circled around the Pikachu, getting a good view of his behind.
“D-Dylan!” The surprised mouse felt a lot of blood running to his cheeks. He looked behind him only to see his partner checking out his ass. “I-It’s nothing special, though!”
“Oh, but it is!” Dylan sat down, and lowered his head to nuzzle the pika-butt. “Your hips compliment your butt perfectly. It feels like the world’s comfiest pillow.” The Sylveon said plainly, enjoying the warmth and softness that he felt with his cheeks. “Look, Leon. I’m sorry. But whenever we go to work and you walk in front of me? I can’t help but ogle at it…”
Leon looked a tad bashful, but his blush betrayed any possibility of anger. “You don’t gotta apologize, you know… You’re my boyfriend. You know I don’t mind when you look at me… even with things I didn’t really know were so fun to stare at…”
“Oh, but there’s one thing that I love even more than all of those things combined!” Dylan said while slowly getting up. He seemed a tad reserved on what he had just said.
“What? Are you gonna say my ears? I think they’re the same as a male from my species.” Leon guessed, playing a bit with his pointed ears. They did feel very fluffy…
“No, no. One thing that you probably would have chewed me out for saying months ago, but one that I couldn’t help but like…” This time, Dylan was the one looking timid. His paws trotted around the ground as if he was embarrassed about what he was gonna say.
“Well? Spit it out. It can’t be that surprising.” Leon steeled himself. Almost resolute that nothing else could surprise him.
“...Your tail.”
Welp, Leon was wrong. His eyes widened, as he didn’t have words for that.
He remained silent.
“Look. I know that your tail was the whole reason we had a freakout so long ago. And that… you didn’t really like it. That you had to hide it to even feel comfortable enough to walk outside. But…” Leon rubbed one of his legs, a tad nervous over what he was saying. “I always loved it.”
Leon looked at the ground.
“I know. You are going through things, and my opinion on this is probably not helping ,but I just… think it’s so pretty. Your tail is so puffy and pristine. The yellow and the brown so perfectly complement each other… and… I just love the shape of the heart.” Dylan continued.
And Leon continued his silence.
“And it’s not just the appearance. Look, Leon, I know this will be selfish to say, but… I feel like I owe your tail a lot.”
Silence.
Dylan couldn’t help but tear up a bit. “I know you’ve been hiding it. I know that you’ve been purposefully making sure no one would notice. But even then. Your tail was what made us rush together to the guild. What kept us together trying to figure out a way to conceal it To spend more time together. I’m… I’m not sure how things would be different. This might just be me being a coward, but ever since you evolved, I’ve loved your tail, no, you Leon, more and more. And that tail, whenever it’s just the two of us home alone, is a symbol. Of our union. Of the present. Of my love for you.” The tears started running down his face. “And I know you might be upset at me for that, but I swear if it makes you mad I’ll never mention it again-”
The hug was so quick the Sylveon couldn’t even process it until seconds after the Pikachu had latched onto him. That hug was tighter than possibly any he had ever given in his entire life up to that point.
“It’s okay, Dylan. I… I’m not upset.” Leon was burying his face deep into his boyfriend’s fur.
“You aren’t…?”
“No… I’ve… I’ve never hated my tail.”
“What?”
Leon grabbed on, tighter. “This freaked me out. Having my body different from what I was used to terrify me. And I didn’t want anyone to know about it. But… I could never hate it. For as much as it was a complicated point of my life, it gave me an idea. The possibility that I didn’t need to stay the way I was forever. And I don’t mean as a Pokémon…”
Dylan could feel his fur getting wetter where Leon was buried. But he let his mate let out his frustrations.
“I’m still struggling to figure out what or who I am. My body and mind are such a mess, and I can’t even begin to think properly. If I had come to this world alone, I probably… wouldn’t have made it.”
“Leon…”
“But that wasn’t the case.” The Pikachu’s face got out of the fur and looked up to Dylan, his eyes red from all the tears. “You were there. Audrey was there. Clover was there. Nahual was there. You all helped me with the strength I needed to push on. To have the courage to look at myself and ask if I was okay where I was… or if I wanted to change…” Leon hiccuped, his eyes blurry. “But regardless of what I choose, I wouldn’t have the strength to even look at myself before getting here. You all made this possible. I love you all so much. I love you Dylan. I can’t bear to think of what would have happened if my tail was any different… But I don’t care anymore. I’m here. And so are you. and I’m not gonna overthink it anymore. I’m gonna explore who I am. At my own pace. With you by my side.”
Dylan felt his heart warm up at those words. “I’m here for you, love. Regardless of your decision and who you come to be, I’ll be by your side. That’s a promise.”
Leon just smiled, and hugged Dylan again. His arms tightened around his chest like never before. He loved him so much. It was love so strong he could never put it into words to convey just how much it meant to him. But he had a feeling he didn’t need to.
“I love you, Dylan.”
“Love you too, Leon.”
They embraced and rested onto the bed. Their lying bodies spooning against one another in their moment of vulnerability with one another.
Leon’s heart felt lighter. His body felt lighter, in a way. It was so strange. He was so desperate when he first evolved. He thought his world had completely ended.
But now?
He thought, perhaps his body had some more merits after all. He should experiment more on how to present it.
Like his tail…
And so he went to sleep. A peaceful rest, for his body and soul.