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artsy0wl · 1 year

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Champion Night Terrors

Another attempt at Truerivalshipping (leonxRaihan/Leohan). This time a little angstier.

CW for light violence/abuse. Link to it on AO3 at the end.

“I thought we were making progress. He was eating, and he was starting to smile again. He’s been sleeping through the night and finally remembering that he is safe.”

Raihan pinched the bridge of his nose, eyes tightly closed. His free hand tightly clenched the mug in his hand, shaking. Across from him sat Leon’s mother. Worn eyes watch Raihan, listening to him with patience and attentiveness.

His visit, though unexpected, was welcomed. And his concerns heartfelt. And given who his concerns were for, she couldn’t be more appreciative.

“It’s not your fault.” She assured as her hand lightly held his.

“I know,” Raihan released the bridge of his nose, letting his hand rest, “but last night he woke up again screaming and crying.” He shook his head. “Something’s going on in that fuzzy head of his and he refused to tell me.”

“He doesn’t want to worry.” Leon’s mom stated, knowing that all too well.

He shrugged. “Unfortunately, it’s too late for that, mama champ. I’m worried sick.”

There was a pause. One long enough for the sound of the door opening and closing to sound off. Picking the mug up with both hands, Raihan took a sip of coffee.

“Ma, I’m home!” Hop’s voiced greeted as footsteps honed in on the kitchen. “Is everything alright? Why is…” Realizing Raihan was in the kitchen with his mom, Hop’s demeanor shifted. “Oh! Hey Raihan.”

“Hey, Hop.” Raihan greeted. “It’s good to see you.”

Hop smiled then looked to his mom. “Is Lee okay?” He inquired. “He always said he hated sleeping on the couch because it was too firm.”

His mom smiled, comfortingly. “He’s alright. You know you’re brother. Runs himself ragged when left unchecked. Leon’s just a little under the weather and Raihan wanted some tips.”

“Oh… okay.” He looked to Raihan as he headed for the stairs. “He likes lavender tea. He likes the smell of it and it always makes him happy.”

Raihan smirked, appreciating the suggestion. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He watched as Hop went up the stairs, only turning to face the boy’s mother when he heard the door close. “Is it okay to lie to him like that?”

“He worries about Leon enough as is.” She noted. “And I think I speak for all of us when I say Leon wouldn’t want Hop to worry about this.”

“You’re not wrong. It just doesn’t feel right.”

“I appreciate the concern, but if Hop does find out, that should be up to Leon.” Raihan gave her a resigned and understanding nod. “Now, you said you might have a theory.”

“Right.” He readjusted his position. “So… it seems like this started up after Rose tried to trigger the Darkest Day. Between that and his loss, I thought that maybe he was just having a hard time processing the emotional stress. However, last nights night terror sparked after watching the court case and former chairman Rose yelling at the judge. Leon flinched when he did. So I suspect there’s something more sinister to Rose than I previously thought.” He paused, leaning forward. “He was sponsored by Rose, yeah? Do you know if he ever got… aggressive with Leon?”

Eyes curiously moved around as Leon’s mother thought for a moment. She tried to recall whatever she could about the sponsorship and Leon’s journey to becoming a Campion. She folded her arms as one hand rested beneath her chin.

“If he was I never saw it.” She admitted. “Nor did Leon ever say anything about it. During Rose’s sponsorship him, Leon always appeared happy. He still carries that demeanor to this day. And Rose always seemed kind to Leon until recently.” She nodded at the memory. “He treated Leon like his own son. Praised him for his hard work, stating how Leon was just the champion Galar needed.” Her head tilted. “If he did do anything, I could never read the signs, which I’d deeply regret never realizing. Rose never gave me a reason to suspect…”

A frightened whimper echoed from the other room, silencing her statement. The dragon specialist felt a chill go down his spine as another, slightly louder, whimper emerge. Raihan jumped from his chair running to the living room. Leon’s mom wasn’t too far behind, stopping at the doorway, watching in panic as Raihan helped her son.

Leon’s body was tightly curled, despite it’s anxious shaking. His eyes were tightly shut, tears forming. Approaching the couch, Raihan shuffled around. He sat Leon up as he sat on the couch and pulled the champion on his lap. Arms wrapped around Leon as Raihan’s hand rested on the back of Leon’s head, gently stroking purple hair.

“Leon, it’s okay.” Raihan whispered. “You’re safe.”

Shaking his head unconsciously, Leon hissed. Low mumbling escaped Leon. Scrambled jumbling of what sounded like words. Leon unconsciously thrashed in Raihan’s grip, letting out a fearful cry.

Raihan said nothing, holding Leon tight. He didn’t care if he got hurt, knowing that if he let go of Leon, the man would unintentionally hurt himself. A scream escaped Leon then a gasp as he regained consciousness.

Wide amber eyes scanned the room, confused and anxious. His mind slowly started to collect itself as Leon realized he was home. And as he focused on his mother, his eyes started to water as he realized he had frightened her.

“I’m sorry.” Leon apologized, covering his eyes.

Leon’s mother let out a soft sigh, lightly smiling. “It’s okay, honey.�� She sat down on the couch. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

“But I’m the… champion. I can’t be afraid. And I’m certainly not supposed to cry.”

Leon felt his body being constricted as Raihan tightened his embrace. “Leon, if you think we care about that, you’re wrong. Champion or not, you’re human like the rest of is. You’re allowed to show emotion.”

“But-“

The sound of a door swinging open alarmed the trio. Leon’s head bobbed trying to locate the sound. His mother was the first to realize it came from upstairs.

“Mom?!” Hop shouted as he started moving.

Horrified that Hop possibly witnessed any of this, Leon frantically looked between Raihan and his mother. She and Raihan exchanged glances. She got up, heading for the stairs.

“Everything’s alright, Hop!” She replied as she walked up the stairs.

There was a moment of agonizing silence until they no longer heard Hop or the duo’s mother. Shoulder’s deflated as Leon leaned into Raihan. The smell of bonfires, soothing him slightly.

“I’m sorry, Raihan.” Leon apologized.

“You don’t need to apologize.” Raihan stated, brushing bangs off of Leon’s face. “I just… I’m just… Leon, I’m worried about you. I want to help you, but I feel like you're shutting me out.”

Sitting up, Leon looked up at Raihan, guilty and scared. “I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. I just don’t want to worry you by burdening you with my stupid trauma.”

A hand clasped the side of Leon’s face. “I AM worried! You’re not a burden. And your trauma is not stupid.” Raihan gently kissed Leon’s forehead. “Please… let me help you.”

Taking a deep breath, Leon shuffled off of Raihan’s lap. Sitting on his knees, Leon sat on the ground in front of his boyfriend. Amber eyes refused to acknowledge Raihan. Not even when Raihan joined him on the floor. Fists clenched on Leon’s lap, as he tried to find the right words.

Raihan watched him in silence, not planning to force a response out of Leon.

“I thought he was a good man.” Leon stated. “He saw potential in me and thought I would go far.”

Leon stumbled back, a fresh bruise forming on his cheek. His Charmeleon ran over to him, concerned. Leon tried not to react, but his shock and pain were undeniable. He winced, looking at Chairman Rose for answers.

“You got cocky.” Rose lectured.

”I won, didn’t I?”

“Only after you nearly caused your Axew to faint against a Hatterene. You know Fairy types beat it.” He approached Leon with disappointment and annoyance. “Then you got in a fight with that trainer all because you let his insults get to you.”

”He called me a shit trainer and a waste of space.”

Rose’s voice raised. “I don’t care! He could have said you smelled like a Skuntank for all I care. Champions do not let crash words get to them. I’m very disappointed in you.”

Leon gasped, faltering. His shoulders slumped and he took a few steps back. Holding back the urge to scream, he bit his tongue. Rose’s demeanor shifted, softening with a smile. Approaching Leon, he pat his head.

“I’m sorry, Leon.” He apologized. “You have to realize that the world is watching and I’d hate to see you’re reputation sour. Especially this soon. So takes this as a lesson in how to be humble.”

Hands clenched Leon’s pant legs. “I was only sixteen and he hit me like I was a grown man. It was the first time he hit me, but not the last.”

Raihan leaned towards Leon, hands holding Leon’s. Amber eyes gazed at Raihan, holding back tears.

“There’s more.” Leon admitted as one of Raihan’s hands held his arm.

“You don’t have to-“

“Please… I need to tell you. I need to let this go.”

Bruised hands slammed on a locked closet door. How long had he been in there? Minutes? Hours? Days?

“Let me out!” Leon shouted.

He was terrified. Tears streaking down his face. Leon lost a battle. The first in since he started his journey.

“You need to learn that your actions have consequences.” Rose stated from the other side. “I hate punishing you, Leon, but after today, I might have been wrong in sponsoring you.”

Footsteps shuffled, leaving Leon alone on the dark. The sounds of screams echoing behind him.

“He left me in there for so long, multiple times.” Leon recalled, holding back tears. “He wanted me to learn to ‘overcome the solitude’ I would face as a Champion. But I was afraid. So very afraid.”

Thumbs lightly rubbed tears away as Raihan’s hands cupped Leon’s face. “You don’t have to tell me anymore.” Raihan whispered, heart aching for Leon.

Hands grabbed Raihan’s wrists. “One last confession.” Leon pleased. “For me. Please. I can’t hold onto it anymore.”

He did it. He finally did it. Leon was now the Champion. Yet, everything was not as it seemed. Something off.

Leon had lost weight. Though he had muscle, he was leaner than he should be. His attire was neat and and his stance was confident. Yet, his smile, warm and welcoming, hid exhaustion and pain.

Retiring to his hotel room, Leon cleaned up. Washing his face, a bruise and scratch on his cheek emerged from their concealer shield. Dark circles rimmed his eyes as he sighed.

“You did wonderful out there.” Rose applauded, entering his room with a spare key. “The crowd loves you.”

“Mhm.”

Leon continued on. He wasn’t meaning to come off as standoffish. He was just tired from the celebratory ceremony.

SMACK

Leon yelped, stepping back as the scratch on his face started bleeding. Amber eyes flashed, dilated as they watched Rose. Hands grabbed him, shaking him violently.

“Don’t you dare ignore me, young man.” Rose lectured. “I made you. You are nothing without me.”

“I’m sorry.” Leon apologized, his voice weak and tears forming. His cheek stung as he was hit again then went numb.

“And don’t you dare cry. Champions don’t cry. Smile!” Fearful, Leon listened. “Good. Now, freshen up. The dinner starts in thirty minutes.”

He pushed Leon back, throwing him against the wall. A light thud could be heard as Leon’s head lightly bounced off it. Leon leaned forward, face hidden beneath hair as his gaze fell to the ground. Rose left him there, opening the door. He looked back at Leon with disgust.

“What do you have to say, young man?” All Rose heard was a mumble. “Speak up!”

“Thank you.” Leon softly replied.

“You’re welcome. Now wear that red suit and you better happy when I come back.”

Rose slammed the door behind him and left. Leon, now alone, slid down and sat on the floor. Curling up, he hugged his legs, silently crying.

“I couldn’t say anything.” Leon admitted though tears. “He was right. Without his sponsorship, I wouldn't be where I am today.” A choked gasp escaped him. “I may have pretended to be happy for my safety at times, but I was genuinely happy about becoming the Champion.” Shaking his head, Leon looked away. “He’s been there for me since the beginning and I admired him. I couldn’t just forget years of kindness because he hurt me.”

Leon was now sobbing. Choked cries scratched his throat and heavy tears flooded his sight. His body shook like a branch in the wind. Fear bleed from Leon, finally releasing buried violent memories.

Arms wrapped around Leon, pulling him close. Blue eyes closed as Raihan held Leon tight. He said nothing, knowing nothing he could say would help. Leon buried his face in Raihan’s jacket, wrapping his arms around Raihan.

His mind wandered processing what he had just learned. All of the abuse Leon endured under the guise of a smile. How bad it must have gotten. An image of Rose drawing blood because he was annoyed… strict… downright abusive. It made Raihan’s blood boil.

But Raihan couldn’t worry about that now. Now with Leon in this state. Resting on Leon’s head, Raihan took in the scent of vanilla and lavender. He gently rocked back and forth in an attempt to soothe Leon. His frame lightly vibrated as Raihan began humming.

Once Leon calmed down, Raihan loosened his grip. Instead of backing up, Leon stayed put, latching onto Raihan like a Mankey to a tree. He melted as Raihan ran his hand through Leon’s hair.

“Do you want to press charges?” Raihan inquired.

Leon shook his head. “He’s already been arrested. Even if it wasn’t for what he did for me, he’s already being punished. And I still believe that there’s a good man in there somewhere.”

Though he did not agree, Raihan nodded, respecting Leon’s choice. “What about therapy? For you I mean.”

Leon rested his head on Raihan’s shoulder. “Mhm. Not today, but I’d like to soon. Could you help me?”

“Of course. I might have a recommendation or two that’ll suit you.”

Leon nodded, closing his eyes. He hummed a little, comfortable and relieved. Exhausted too.

Thinking back to how he felt, now with a clearer head, Raihan sighed. ”He’s never going to hurt you again.” He promised. “If he even thinks about getting near you, I’ll kill him.”

Leon smiled. “Thank you, my little Axew, but that won’t be necessary.”

“We’ll see about that.”

Leon shifted slightly, kissing Raihan’s cheek. “Right now, I think we could use a vacation. You think we can go to Sinnoh? I hear they have this fancy restaurant where people like to double battle and I think you’ll like Cynthia. She has a Garchomp and knows all the best ice cream shops.”

Raihan chuckled. “Sure. Why not?” He softly kissed Leon. “But first, you need to get some sleep and set up a therapy session.”

“Deal.”

When it had gotten too quiet too long, Hop and his mom went downstairs. They hoped Leon and Raihan hadn’t left. Or didn’t get into a fight.

Turning into the living room, Hop’s mother smiled, chuckling. Raihan and Leon were sprawled out on the ground, fast asleep. Leon’s head was resting on Raihan’s chest, purple hair wildly covering the ground. Raihan, meanwhile, had one hand wrapped around Leon’s waist and the other on Raihan’s stomach.

Hop, having ran back upstairs for a moment, entered the room with two blankets. His mither joined, taking a blanket and unfolding it. Once unfolded, they covered the sleeping duo. Neither awoke, unconsciously shifting slightly under the blankets.

Knowing they weren’t going anywhere, Hop and his mom let them be. Whatever happened, it would seem that Raihan had helped, and Leon on the mend. And for that, that deserved the rest.

#au #fanfic #fanfiction #angst #ship fic #kibana #leon #dande #raihan #pokemon #pokémon #sword and shield #angst with comfort #past trauma #truerivalshipping #raileon #leon x raihan

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