Chapter 16
Under Her Wing
Travel Journal — Day 20, Evening
I won a badge today.
I was going to write something profound about that.
Then Falkner invited me to watch the sunset from the roof of her Gym.
I am beginning to suspect Violet City has developed opinions about my itinerary.
Also:
I may have agreed to be someone's “little Taillow.”
This requires further investigation.
Preferably after sleep.
- - - - -
Ravina changed twice.
The first outfit felt too casual, the second felt like she was trying too hard, then first went back on, then she changed the jacket, then changed it back.
She stood in front of the mirror and stared at herself. “This is ridiculous.”
No answer, that was the point. Victor wasn't there, neither were Cinder or Owlbert.
All three boys were spending the night at the Pokémon Center, they had battled and they deserved rest.
Ravina had somewhere to be, and if somewhere happened to turn into somewhere considerably later than expected, nobody would be sitting in a hotel room waiting for her.
Practical, Entirely practical.
She checked the time.
Six fifty-two. Falkner had said seven.
Not around seven.
Seven
Ravina wasn't sure why that detail had lodged itself quite so firmly in her brain as she left.
- - - - -
The eastern entrance to Violet Gym was considerably less impressive than the front, a narrow stone path, a side gate and one lantern.
Ravina arrived at six fifty-eight, and waited.
At exactly seven, the gate opened, and Falkner stood on the other side. Not in the full ceremonial layers she'd worn for the battle but still elegant. Still unmistakably Falkner, but softer somehow.
Ravina smiled before she could stop herself and Falkner noticed, of course she did.
“Good.”
There it was, one word and that stupid little warmth immediately appeared low in Ravina's stomach.
She crossed her arms. “You did that on purpose.”
Falkner's eyebrow rose. “Did what?”
“The timing.”
“I said seven.”
“You opened the gate at exactly seven.”
“Yes.”
Ravina narrowed her eyes as Falkner looked entirely innocent. “You arrived early.”
“Two minutes.”
“Still early.”
Ravina sighed. “This is going to be a problem.”
“Perhaps.” Falkner smirked as she stepped aside. “Come in.”
Ravina did, immediately and Falkner's eyes flicked toward her and Ravina realised she did it again…
Ravina pointed. “Don't.”
“I said nothing.”
“You were thinking.”
“That is generally permitted.”
Ravina stared at her, then laughed. “Oh, you're worse off duty.”
Falkner closed the gate. “People usually tell me the opposite.”
“They're wrong.”
- - - - -
The staircase to the roof wasn't the one challengers used, it wound through the rear of the Gym past storage rooms, old battle records and framed photographs. Former Leaders, flying Pokémon and ceremonial events.
Ravina slowed beside one, a much younger Falkner stood beside an older man, posture painfully straight. “You look terrified.”
Falkner stopped beside her. “I was.”
Ravina looked at her. “You?”
“Yes.”
“That is weirdly reassuring.”
“I was thirteen.”
“Still.”
A faint smile appeared. “My father assured me nobody could tell.”
Ravina looked at the photograph. “Could they?”
“Yes.”
She laughed. “At least you're honest.”
“I try.”
They continued upward, the wind grew cooler as Falkner opened the final door. Ravina stepped out, and stopped.
Violet spread beneath them, roofs and canals caught the last amber light. Sprout Tower stood dark against a sky fading from orange to violet. Beyond the city, roads stretched toward distant hills and Nothing blocked the horizon.
Ravina breathed out. “Oh.”
Falkner smiled. “That was approximately my reaction the first time.”
“You live here and still come up?”
“Often.”
A low table sat near the sheltered wall. Tea. Two cushions and small plate of pastries.
Ravina looked at it, then at Falkner. “This is a date.”
“I thought that was established.”
“I knew.”
Ravina gestured toward the table. “This is just very date-shaped.”
Falkner sat. “What were you expecting?”
“I don't know. An interrogation?”
“You survived that earlier.”
Ravina sat opposite her. “Barely.”
“You won.”
“Those aren't mutually exclusive.”
Falkner poured tea. “Fair.”
- - - - -
For a while, they talked about easy things. Violet, the weather, how long Ravina planned to stay, Victor. That particular subject nearly cost Falkner her tea. “He works at the Mist Pavilion?”
“With me.”
“Doing what?”
“Haunting me professionally.”
Falkner slowly set her cup down. “I regret asking.”
“You should.”
“And Chinatsu approved this?”
“Chinatsu caused it.”
Falkner closed her eyes briefly. “That sounds more accurate.”
Ravina stared.
“You know her.”
“Everyone in Violet knows Chinatsu.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that?”
“Because you speak as though she manifested specifically to interfere with your life.”
“She might have.”
“That would require considerable commitment.”
“You don't know her like I do.”
“You've known her for less than two weeks.”
Ravina paused. “…That's upsetting.”
Falkner smiled into her tea as Ravina watched her. It was strange seeing that expression without a battle happening around it.
She liked it, That was becoming an issue.
- - - - -
The sun dropped lower, Ravina shifted until she was sitting closer to the edge of the roof, legs folded beneath her and Falkner joined her.
Not across from her this time, beside her. Their shoulders didn't quite touch and for several minutes they watched Flying-types cross the evening sky.
Ravina glanced at her. “Do you ever get tired of it?”
“The view?”
“The Gym.”
Falkner was quiet. “Sometimes.”
Ravina waited. “My family has held the position for a long time.”
“That sounds heavy.”
“It is.”
“You still want it?”
“Yes.” there was no hesitation, then Falkner added. “I also sometimes want to leave.”
Ravina looked at her quizzically as the gym leader continued. “Those things can coexist.”
Ravina smiled faintly. “I'm learning that.”
“One Gym.”
Ravina groaned. “How does everyone know about that?”
“You mentioned it after the match.”
“Did I?”
“Twice.”
Ravina covered her face. “Excellent.”
Falkner's shoulder finally touched hers. Barely. “You don't sound like someone planning to stop.”
“I don't know yet.”
“You don't need to.”
Ravina lowered her hands as Falkner looked out across the city. “Travel first.”
“That's your advice?”
“It is what I would do if Violet could spare me for several months.”
Ravina smiled. “So you're jealous.”
“A little.”
“Of me?”
“Of motion.”
The wind moved through Falkner's hair and Ravina looked toward the road south. “I think I'll keep going.”
“I thought you might.”
“I might come back.”
Falkner turned toward her. “I hope you do.”
That landed differently as Ravina looked back, neither of them said anything as the wind passed between them and then stopped mattering.
Ravina became aware that Falkner was looking at her mouth, only briefly, then back at her eyes.
Falkner spoke softly. “May I?”
Ravina smiled. “You really do ask everything properly.”
“Yes.”
Ravina leaned closer. “Then yes.”
Falkner kissed her, gently, almost frustratingly gently. One hand came up against Ravina's cheek, warm and steady, but didn't hold her there.
Ravina closed the remaining distance herself, the kiss deepened only a little. Enough to make her heart pick up, enough that when Falkner pulled away, Ravina remained close.
Falkner's thumb brushed her cheek and Ravina smiled. “Okay.”
“Okay?”
“I definitely like you.”
“Useful confirmation.”
Ravina laughed and nudged her shoulder. “Romantic.”
“I invited you to watch the sunset.”
“Fair.”
Falkner's hand remained beside hers on the roof, Ravina looked at it, then casually slipped her fingers between Falkner's.
Falkner looked down and Ravina raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“That's my line.”
Falkner squeezed her hand as Ravina smiled and leaned lightly against her shoulder and neither commented.
- - - - -
By the time the city lanterns started coming on, they were still holding hands and the conversation became quieter. More personal. Ravina told Falkner a little about home, not everything but enough.
Falkner spoke about being raised with the expectation that the Gym would someday become hers. How responsibility could be both an honor and something heavy enough to shape your entire life, while Ravina listened.
At some point Falkner brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face, ravina caught her hand. Not to stop her, just to keep it there.
Falkner smiled. “You're affectionate.”
Ravina blinked. “Is that surprising?”
“A little.”
“Why?”
“You spend a lot of time pretending not to care what people think.”
Ravina narrowed her eyes. “That was rude.”
“Was it inaccurate?”
“…No.”
Falkner's fingers moved gently through the cyan edge of Ravina's fringe and Ravina leaned into the touch. “That doesn't mean I don't like people.”
“I know.”
Something about the answer made her chest feel warm and she leaned up and kissed Falkner again. This time Ravina started it.
Falkner made a quiet surprised sound against her mouth. A tiny victory. When they separated, Ravina smiled. “Aha.”
“Aha?”
“Got you.”
Falkner looked amused. “For approximately half a second.”
“Still counts.”
- - - - -
They sat together until the sky was fully dark, and eventually Falkner asked: “May I ask you something personal?”
Ravina glanced at her. “You asking first makes that sound terrifying.”
“Is that a no?.”
“Go ahead.”
Falkner studied her. “You react strongly to authority.”
Ravina stopped, There it was, She looked back toward the city. “Do I?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe you're just particularly bossy.”
“Possible.”
Ravina glanced sideways to see Falkner was smiling and Ravina sighed. “I'm a switch.”
Falkner's eyebrows lifted, and Ravina grinned. “Aha.”
“Aha?”
“Got you twice.”
“Apparently.”
“It depends on the person.”
“And with me?”
Ravina's confidence abandoned her and she looked at their joined hands.
“You've probably figured that out.”
“Yes.”
Ravina groaned. “You're unbearable.”
“I've been told.”
“No, you haven't.”
“No.”
Ravina laughed, then Falkner's expression softened. “I wouldn't assume your reaction means permission.” Ravina looked up as Falkner continued. “Responding to someone's tone isn't the same thing as agreeing to anything.”
The humor left Ravina's face, not unpleasantly. “Good distinction.”
“Necessary one.”
Something inside her loosened, she hadn't realized it was tense as Falkner's thumb moved once across the back of her hand. “You choose what you give.”
Ravina met her eyes. “Yeah.”
“I would prefer it stayed that way.”
Ravina leaned closer. “So would I.”
This kiss was slower, warmer. Not particularly dramatic, just nice. Ravina decided nice was underrated.
- - - - -
“I don't know how long I'll be travelling,” Ravina said later.
“I know.”
“I don't want to promise something ridiculous.”
“Good.”
“I might not be back in Violet for months.”
“Yes.”
“And you can't exactly come chasing after me.”
Falkner smiled faintly. “No.”
“So what are we doing?”
Falkner considered. “We don't pretend distance isn't distance.”
Ravina waited. “No exclusivity?”
“Fine.”
“No expectation of constant communication.”
“Also fine, but If you return to Violet and want to see me, call.”
“And if you don't want to?”
“I'll tell you.”
Ravina smiled. “Straightforward.”
“Preferably.”
“And if you travel?”
“I call you.”
Ravina stared. “That is suspiciously healthy.”
Falkner's eyebrow rose. “Disappointed?”
“No.”
Ravina squeezed her hand. “Maybe surprised.”
“I have enough obligations already. I see no reason to manufacture unnecessary ones.”
“That may be the most Falkner sentence you've said all night.”
“I'll take that as praise.”
“It was.”
Falkner's expression shifted slightly and Ravina noticed. “Oh.”
“What?”
“You like praise too.”
Falkner looked away, very slightly and Ravina's grin widened. “Oh, that's useful.”
Falkner turned back. “Be careful.”
There was enough quiet authority in those two words that Ravina's grin weakened immediately, as Falkner watched her resolve crumble again..
Ravina narrowed her eyes. “You cheated.”
“I spoke.”
“You Falknered at me.”
“I have no idea what that means.”
“You absolutely do.”
- - - - -
Eventually Falkner stood and offered Ravina her hand. “Come here.”
Ravina took it. Immediately. Again.
She sighed at herself as Falkner pulled her smoothly upright and didn't release her. Ravina found herself standing close. Very close. “You've been responding to me all evening,” Falkner said.
“I noticed.”
“Have you?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Ravina's stomach flipped. “There it is again.”
Falkner smiled, Her free hand came lightly to Ravina's waist. Not pulling, waiting, as Ravina stepped closer on her own.
“What do you want tonight?”
Direct, Of course. Ravina thought. “Something casual.”
Falkner nodded. “Tomorrow you continue being a traveler.”
“Yes.”
“And tonight?”
Ravina looked up at her. “I'd like to stop pretending I don't enjoy you telling me what to do.”
Falkner's expression warmed. “That's clearer.”
“You would say that.”
“I value clarity.”
“I've noticed.”
Falkner's fingers moved gently against Ravina's waist. “Then I'd like to offer you something.”
Ravina's pulse picked up. “What?”
“A role.” Of course it was. “For tonight only.” Ravina listened. “You would be my submissive.”
Simple, formal and no coyness, and Ravina went warm all over.
“Only within boundaries we establish first,” Falkner continued. “You may stop at any time. You may revise those boundaries at any time.”
“No guessing games.”
“No.”
Ravina smiled. “I really do like you.”
“You've confirmed that several times.”
“Still true.”
“And your answer?”
Ravina drew a breath. “Yes.”
Falkner's gaze sharpened. “Say it properly.”
That tone, Ravina straightened before she could help it. “Yes.”
Falkner waited and Ravina's face heated. “Yes, Falkner.”
A small smile. “Good.”
Ravina laughed under her breath. “This is incredibly unfair.”
“You agreed.”
“I know.”
That was exactly why it worked as Falkner lifted a hand to the side of Ravina's neck and paused. “May I kiss you?”
Ravina blinked. “You just made me answer like that and you're asking?”
“They are separate permissions.”
That answer did something almost more effective than the command had and Ravina softened. “Yes.”
Falkner kissed her again, not tentatively this time. Still controlled, still careful but was more sure. Ravina's hands settled against the front of Falkner's clothing and she went willingly when Falkner drew her closer.
When the kiss ended, Ravina followed for just a fraction before realizing she had, Falkner noticed, naturally.
Ravina narrowed her eyes. “Don't.”
“I didn't say anything.”
“You looked smug.”
“Perhaps.”
- - - - -
They talked awhile before anything went further, Actually talked, Long enough that the wind cooled around them, limits, interests, what Ravina enjoyed, what Falkner liked, what either of them wanted to leave for another occasion.
Falkner liked structure, rules, stillness when requested, praise. Restraint, when deliberately negotiated and Control that was clear rather than improvised.
Ravina admitted that having someone she trusted give her rules made her brain pleasantly quiet. And Falkner listened without teasing. Mostly.
Falkner brushed her thumb across Ravina's cheek. “One more thing.”
“Mm?”
“You call your Quilava ‘my Fireball.’”
Ravina smiled instantly. “He is.”
“A term of affection?”
“Yes.”
Falkner looked thoughtful and Ravina became suspicious. “You're planning something."
“I was considering one for you.”
Ravina groaned. “What kind?”
“Something appropriate.”
“That is not reassuring.”
Falkner stepped closer and Ravina found her back near the sheltered wall beneath the roofline, not trapped. Plenty of space to move. But she didn't as Falkner brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek.
“A small bird.”
Ravina narrowed her eyes. “You're making a height joke.”
“Only partly.”
“Rude.”
“Taillow.”
Ravina blinked as Falkner's expression softened. “My little Taillow.”
Oh. Ravina's face heated immediately under Falkner's gaze.
“Don't.”
“That one works.”
“You are far too happy about this.”
“A little.”
Ravina looked away and Falkner touched gently beneath her chin. Ravina could have ignored the guidance, but she didn't.
“Do you dislike it?”
A real question, Ravina considered for a moment. “No.”
“Then look at me, little Taillow.”
She did, immediately and Falkner smiled. “Good girl.”
Ravina's thoughts ceased functioning, entirely, for approximately three seconds.
Then: “Oh, you're evil.”
“No.”
“You absolutely are.”
“You may revoke the name.”
Ravina stared. “…No.”
“I thought not.”
Ravina caught the front of Falkner's robe and pulled her down into another kiss. That finally surprised her as Ravina smiled into it.
Three victories.
- - - - -
Falkner led her through a private door at the back of the roof, not touching but close enough that Ravina felt the warmth between them. The passage was narrow, lit by dim lanterns that cast long shadows across stone walls. Ravina followed, noticing how she instinctively fell into the space just behind Falkner's shoulder. Already settling.
Falkner's quarters were surprisingly simple. A bed against one wall, a low table, shelves with books about flight patterns and weather. The window was open, letting in the night air that smelled of rain and distant sea.
"Disrobe," Falkner said, not looking at her but at the window. "Then sit on the bed."
Ravina's hands moved to the hem of her shirt. She hesitated for half a second before pulling it over her head. The fabric whispered against her skin. Falkner turned just as Ravina reached for her pants.
"Patience is a virtue in battle and elsewhere," Falkner said, her voice soft but carrying weight. "But you already know that, don't you?"
Ravina folded her clothes neatly on a chair, then sat on the edge of the bed. The mattress dipped slightly beneath her weight. She watched Falkner approach, graceful and composed, the hem of her blue hakama brushing the floor.
"I understand you'll be leaving tomorrow," Falkner said, stopping before her. "But don't rush this evening." She reached down, fingers brushing Ravina's cheek. "I suspect you'll find it worth your time."
Ravina leaned into the touch before she could stop herself. Falkner's thumb traced her jawline.
"How long has it been?" Falkner asked. "Since someone touched you like this?"
Ravina's face heated. "A few weeks? Maybe longer." She didn't mention Cinder. Some things were private.
Falkner's hand moved to her chin, tilting it up. "Then we'll make it memorable."
When Falkner kissed her, it was nothing like on the roof. This was deliberate, controlled. Ravina's hands found Falkner's shoulders, fingers curling into the fabric. Falkner's tongue traced her lower lip before slipping inside, claiming the kiss. Ravina's breath caught.
Falkner pulled back just enough to speak. "Good girl. Now lay back."
Ravina complied without thinking, shifting until she was centered on the bed, the cool sheets against her back. Falkner's eyes roamed over her body, appreciative but not predatory.
"Spread your legs."
The command sent a shiver through Ravina. She obeyed, knees parting. Falkner knelt between them, leaning forward until her breath ghosted over Ravina's inner thighs.
"Already wet," Falkner murmured, more observation than question. "Is it me, or the thought of what comes next?"
"You," Ravina breathed. "I've been thinking about this since our battle."
Falkner smiled, a slow curve of her lips. She lowered her head, kissing a trail up Ravina's thigh. When her tongue first touched Ravina's folds, Ravina gasped, hands gripping the sheets.
"Sensitive," Falkner noted against her skin. "I like that."
She worked with expertise, tongue finding Ravina's clit with precision. One finger slipped inside, curling to press against that spot that made Ravina's hips lift off the bed. Ravina moaned, the sound filling the quiet room.
"Falkner—" The name was a plea, half-formed. Falkner increased her pace, finger thrusting as her tongue circled Ravina's clit. The pressure built until Ravina's back arched, her orgasm washing over her in waves.
Falkner sat back, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "Delicious." She shifted to sit beside Ravina, fingers trailing through her hair. "But we're not finished."
Ravina turned her head to look at her, still catching her breath. Falkner's hand moved down her back, over the curve of her hip.
"Roll over."
Ravina did, pillowing her cheek on her arms. Falkner's hands traced the line of her spine before settling on her ass, thumbs spreading her cheeks. Ravina tensed as Falkner's tongue traced from her pussy to her asshole.
"Has anyone played with you here before?" Falkner asked, her voice a low murmur against Ravina's skin.
Ravina considered her answer. The truth was yes, multiple times recently, but the role she was playing tonight would be more vulnerable if she said no. She buried her face in the pillow. "No," she muffled.
Falkner pressed a finger against her tight hole, pushing slowly inside. Ravina gasped, hands clutching at the sheets.
"Breathe, little Taillow," Falkner said softly. "I'll be gentle."
She moved her finger in and out, stretching Ravina carefully before adding a second. The burn was sharp at first, but beneath it, there was a growing pleasure that made Ravina's toes curl.
Falkner leaned over her, body curved against Ravina's back. "You're so tight," she whispered, lips brushing Ravina's ear. "I'm going to fuck you here, and you're going to take it beautifully for me."
The words sent a jolt straight to Ravina's core. She felt Falkner shifting behind her, the rustle of clothing. Then something warm and hard pressed against her ass.
"Relax," Falkner said, her hand stroking Ravina's lower back. "Just like you've learned with your own fingers. Slow and steady."
The head of Falkner's cock pushed past her rim, and Ravina cried out into the pillow. It was bigger than her fingers, the stretch more intense. Falkner paused, letting her adjust, before sliding in deeper.
Ravina's breath came in short pants as Falkner filled her completely. The fullness was overwhelming, a mix of pain and pleasure that made her head spin.
"You're perfect," Falkner said, voice strained. She began to move, shallow thrusts at first, then longer, deeper. Her hips slapped against Ravina's ass with each push, the sound obscene in the quiet room.
Ravina's hands twisted in the sheets, her body rocking with each thrust. "Falkner—please—"
Falkner's rhythm didn't falter. "Please what, little bird?"
"Harder—"
Falkner obliged, fucking her with more force, her cock hitting that spot inside that made stars burst behind Ravina's eyes. Ravina reached down to touch her own clit, circling it with desperate fingers.
"Come for me," Falkner commanded, her voice tight with control. "I want to feel you squeeze my cock when you do."
The command sent Ravina over the edge. Her orgasm hit her hard, her ass clenching around Falkner's length as she came with a choked cry. Falkner groaned, thrusting a few more times before stilling, warmth spilling inside her.
They collapsed together, Falkner's weight a comforting pressure on Ravina's back. After a moment, Falkner carefully withdrew and lay beside her, pulling her into an embrace.
Ravina turned in her arms, face pressed against Falkner's chest. "That was—"
"Memorable," Falkner finished, a smile in her voice. She stroked Ravina's hair, fingers gentle now.
- - - - -
Much later, the window was open, Cool air moved through the room as Ravina lay beside Falkner, pleasantly exhausted and nowhere near ready to admit how late it was.
She rolled onto her side and Falkner brushed a thumb across her cheek. Ravina gently caught her wrist, not to stop her. Just to keep the hand there.
“Come here.” Falkner did, their kiss this time was sleepy, unhurried, no instructions, no roles.
Ravina smiled against her mouth. “You're very different when you're not being terrifying.”
Falkner looked at her. “Am I?”
Ravina considered. “No.”
“Good.”
Ravina laughed softly and Falkner kissed her forehead, that was somehow more dangerous than half the things she'd said earlier.
Ravina tucked herself closer. “So what happens tomorrow?”
“You continue travelling.”
“You continue running Violet.”
“Yes.”
“If I come back?”
“Call.”
“And if you want me?”
“I'll tell you.”
Simple. Ravina liked simple things. “I can work with that.”
Falkner brushed Ravina's hair away from her face. “My little Taillow returns when she wishes.”
Ravina stared at her. “You are absolutely keeping that.”
“Yes.”
“What if I hate it tomorrow?”
“Tell me.”
“And you'll stop?”
“Yes.”
No hesitation. Ravina smiled. “Then I probably won't hate it.”
Falkner's eyes warmed. “Dangerous information.”
“I'm trusting you.”
That changed the mood, only slightly, but enough as Falkner leaned closer. “I know.”
And somehow that mattered more than the rest.
- - - - -
Ravina finally noticed the time. Or rather, the lack of sensible time.
She looked toward the clock, then toward the window, then back at Falkner. “…I was going to return to the hotel.”
“You still can.”
Ravina considered. The walk, the hour, the boys safely asleep at the Pokémon Center, the warm bed she currently lay in, Falkner.
“No.”
Falkner raised an eyebrow. “No?”
Ravina settled back against her. “I think my boys can survive one sleepover.”
“And you?”
Ravina smiled. “I've apparently been taken under someone's wing.”
Falkner closed her eyes. “That was terrible.”
“You started the bird theme.”
“I regret it.”
“No, you don't.”
“No.”
Ravina tucked her head against Falkner's shoulder.
Tomorrow she would collect her boys. Victor would interrogate her, She would have to prepare for her final Pavilion shift. Figure out when she was leaving Violet. Call home.
That last thought floated sleepily through her mind.
Call home. Yes. Definitely. Tomorrow. Probably.
Falkner kissed the top of her head. “Sleep, little Taillow.”
Ravina's eyes stayed closed. “Bossy.”
Falkner's arm settled comfortably around her and Ravina smiled. “Goodnight, Falkner.”
“Goodnight, Ravina.”
And for once… Ravina followed the instruction without complaint.