Sandwich Making (Self insert x Arven)

[14] Breakfast

 [Arven's POV]

Z's mom and I bustled around the kitchen, throwing together some last-minute breakfast. "For someone as young as yourself, you've got some skill in the kitchen mijo."

I laughed, slightly embarrassed. "Ah, well I've had to fend for myself for a while." I replied simply, not elaborating.

Z's mom side eyed me, but didn't say anything for awhile. "You know, you'll always have a place in this home."

I bobbed my head slightly, but didn't respond. "I know how special you are to my little Z- they talk about you nonstop."

My mind went back to the kiss. Z's face so close to mine, Z's hands on mine, Z's lips on mine. "I bet they do," I murmured.

"Z's had quite alot of friends in other regions- they had a big friend group in Kalos, then they had a smaller circle in Alola. In Galar, they had two."

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked, running my hands through water. "I feel like this is stuff Z should tell me on their own."

Z's mom smiled. "In all those friends they've had.. You're the first one they've liked this much. Do with that information what you will, mijo." she winked at me, then gathered all the plates of food we'd prepared and whisked out of the room, calling everyone down for breakfast.

I was left standing there. Am I really Z's first boyfriend? I flinched. What if I don't meet their standards? I sighed. Am I really that special to them?

"Hey, Arven!" I looked up from the ground and made eye contact with Z. Their eyes were full of anxiety, and they were standing in a shy way that made them look like a Squirtle tucked away its shell.

A smile split my face, and I pulled Z into a tight hug. "Hey," I murmured.

For a moment, they were stiff- they were probably taken by surprise. Then, they hugged me back, resting their head on my shoulder. "Hey." They echoed. "I.. I love you."

My face heated up, and I could feel my smile getting wider. "I love you too, Z."

[Z's POV]

We were all sat by the table, eating breakfast, when I got a call on my Rotom Phone.

Ro-to-to-to~

Arven glanced at me. "Z, should you take that?"

I hesitated, not wanting to leave this amazing breakfast. "I'll call whoever it is ba-" I started, but my Rotom Phone flew out of my pocket.

"Z. It's Professor Turo."

Arven stiffened, while Penny and Nemona jumped. "The Professor Turo?" Nemona exclaimed.

"Z, I need your help. You need to come to the deepest point of Area Zero. I am currently there. Keep in mind that Area Zero is dangerous, so you will need allies. Lastly, bring the Violet Book. I need to complete the final part of my glorious research."

Arven stood up. "Dad?" his voice was a mere squeak.

Professor Turo's voice went silent. "I'll see you when you get to Area Zero." and he hung up.

A hush fell over the table. Arven's face was unreadable. Nemona and Penny exchanged worried looks, and my mamá looked concerned. "I- I need some air." Arven murmured, rushing out of the room.

Penny made eye contact with me, and nodded in Arven's direction. "Go."

I sat up quickly and ran after him. I closed the front door behind me, looking around for Arven. I saw him sitting against a tree not too far from the house, his head in his hands.

I ran over to him, kneeling down beside him. "Arven..?"

"I.. I hate him! I hate him so much.. I- I was literally right there! He was on the phone! He didn't- he didn't even-!" he turned to me, his eyes full of tears. "I haven't been in contact with him for years, but.. A part of me really wants him to.. To love me."

Arven leaned into me, his sentences turning into gutwrenching sobs. I stayed silent, not wanting to interrupt him. He needs someone right now more than ever.

After a while, Arven gently grabbed my hands. "Z... if-if you want to go to Area Zero.. I-I'll be there with you every step of the way. It doesn't matter if.. If dad is there.. I'll be with you, right by your side." 

Arven sighed heavily. "So.. are you going down to Area Zero?"

I hesitated. "Well, I was going to, but if you're feeling this against it-"

"No! I'm going too." Arven's face was full of emotion- sadness, anxiety, anger, regret. "I-I need some closure. I want to ask dad why he hasn't been in my life. I want to know the reason."

I nodded, but I still felt horrible. "Right, yes."

Arven smiled at me reassuringly, though I didn't feel very reassured. "Hey, if this is some kind of sick, twisted trap, we'll brute force our way out!"

I laughed. "Heh, yeah." I stood up and held my hand out to him to hoist him off the ground. "The others will probably want an update on if you're ok."

Arven nodded, taking my hand. "Ok. If they want to head down to Area Zero with us, we'll be all set."

I hoisted Arven up from the ground. When he was steady on his feet, I leaned over and kissed his cheek.

His face went red, and I giggled. "Let's go get the others, then."

A/N: I love how I've named one chapter "Lunchtime" and one chapter "Breakfast" now.. COMMENT IF YOU WANT A CHAPTER NAMED "DINNER" IN THE FUTURE!!!!!!!!