The forest had been peaceful at first — too peaceful. The air was still, the birds silent, and the trees cast dark shadows that seemed to stretch farther than usual. Tristan felt that uneasy knot forming in his stomach as he and Bao, his towering Pangoro partner, moved cautiously through the dense woods.
Bao was a powerful figure — tall, muscular, and built like a walking fortress. Her broad shoulders, toned arms, and thick, well-defined legs gave her an imposing presence. Her fur was sleek and dark, her white mane hanging messily over her shoulders like wild hair. Despite her strong, intimidating appearance, her body still had its softer sides — her chest, full and ample, strained slightly against the tight tank top she wore, and her sturdy hips swayed confidently as she walked. Her rugged strength made her seem invincible, a shield that had always stood between Tristan and danger.
But when the wild Haxorus attacked, that strength had been put to the test.
The battle had been brutal. The Haxorus had charged out of nowhere, slashing wildly with its powerful blades. Bao had thrown herself between Tristan and the raging Pokémon, taking the brunt of the attack. The force of the blow sent her crashing back against a tree, her powerful arms raised just in time to block the worst of it. Still, deep gashes lined her chest, and bruises covered her arms and ribs by the time she finally drove the Haxorus away.
Now, back at their cabin, Tristan knelt beside Bao as she lay on the bed. Her breathing was heavy, her face strained with pain as her arm clutched her side. The cuts on her chest needed attention — but Bao stubbornly refused to remove her shirt.
"You're hurt," Tristan said firmly. "I need to clean those cuts before they get worse."
"I'll be fine," Bao muttered through clenched teeth. She tried to sit up, but pain shot through her ribs, and she winced, flopping back down.
"You're not fine," Tristan shot back. "Look... I know you don't like being vulnerable, but you saved me out there. Please... let me take care of you this time."
For a long moment, Bao said nothing. Her crimson eyes softened slightly, and she reluctantly nodded. "...Okay."
Tristan swallowed hard as she slowly reached down and pulled her shirt over her head. He tried not to stare — he really did — but his face still flushed when he caught sight of her muscular yet voluptuous figure. Her powerful abs were marred with fresh bruises, and several cuts lined her chest, dangerously close to her ample breasts. Her skin, though tough and rugged, was still soft to the touch, her curves adding a rare delicacy to her powerful form.
"Just... make it quick," Bao muttered, her cheeks faintly red.
Tristan grabbed a damp cloth, soaking it in warm, herb-infused water. As he pressed it against her skin, Bao flinched slightly, her breath hitching.
"Sorry," Tristan murmured, his voice gentle. "I'll be careful."
He worked quickly, wiping away the dried blood and dirt. His hand trembled slightly as he dabbed near her chest, carefully avoiding anything too intimate. Still, his fingers brushed against the soft swell of her breast once or twice, and each time his face burned hotter. Her skin was surprisingly warm, her softness a stark contrast to the iron strength she carried in battle.
"Almost done," he muttered, more to himself than to her.
Bao's breathing had steadied, but she still clenched her fists tightly at her sides. "...Thanks," she said quietly. "For... doing this."
"You've done more for me than I can count," Tristan said. "I owe you."
"No," Bao muttered. "You don't."
Her voice faltered, and she looked away, her fingers tightening in the sheets. "I... I wasn't strong enough today." Her voice cracked slightly. "I thought... I thought I was gonna lose you." Her crimson eyes glistened faintly as she turned back to him. "That's why I try so hard... why I have to be strong. Because if I'm not... you could..." She swallowed hard. "You're everything to me. If something happened to you... I don't know what I'd do."
Tristan paused, his hand still resting against her side. "Bao..."
"I act tough because I have to," she said quietly. "But the truth is... I'm scared. I'm always scared."
"You don't have to carry that alone," Tristan said softly. "You're strong, but you're not invincible. And you don't have to be." He smiled faintly. "I'm here too. You've protected me all this time... now let me protect you."
Bao let out a shaky breath, and before Tristan could react, she reached up and pulled him down into a tight embrace. Her powerful arms wrapped around him, and her face pressed against his chest. "...I'm glad you're okay," she whispered.
"I'm glad you're okay," Tristan whispered back, wrapping his arms around her in return. He felt the strength in her body — yet beneath that, he felt something more delicate. Vulnerable. Warm.
"Um..." Bao's voice wavered, her cheeks burning red. "By the way... I... I kinda noticed... when you were cleaning me..." She cleared her throat awkwardly. "You... might've gotten a little too close."
Tristan's face turned crimson. "I-I was just trying to be careful!"
"I know," Bao said quickly, her face redder than his. "But... y'know..." She glanced away, her hand resting lightly over her chest. "...It felt... kinda nice."
Tristan blinked, unsure if he had heard her right.
"I mean..." Bao's face scrunched as she tried to force out her next words. "If you... wanted to... uh... y'know... do it again... next time when I'm not covered in bruises... I wouldn't be mad."
For a moment, the two of them sat in silence — red-faced, embarrassed, but oddly... happy.
"Yeah," Tristan said at last, smiling softly. "I'd like that."