iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 10h

“Had to make sure you didn’t try sleep walking your way out or something. You might’ve gone and mopped the floor with the Colosseum circuit… how embarrassing would that have been for them?”

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 10h

He just didn’t want anything to happen and for him to not be awake for it. He’s exhausted as well, and *relieved* to finally be able to see and talk to Riocine. He’s still worried, is still thinking about the bin, them prone on the bed, how *cold* they were.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 10h

It’s not a great time to ask but he *is* curious. Wants to know everything it’s willing to share. “I uh… not as much as I should have.” he admits in response to their question, a bit sheepish. “But it’s not the longest I’ve gone. If that makes it better.”

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 10h

Brendan keeps his hands over the hoodie, careful not to touch its skin any more than he already has. His hands settle against their back, fingers brushing intricate patterns on the fabric there. “What does it mean? If your sight uh… leaks into me?”

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 10h

He’s relieved that they’re willing to be touched right now in this capacity, to be held. It’s a very physical weight, grounding him to the moment, a reminder that they’re okay. He leans into its touch, humming softly. “Your well being is important to me.” *You’re important to me.*

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Reposted by Brendan Birch

Sam M. Day @smd.poke.surf · 16/10/2026

[Sam waits until Brendan is out of sight before letting the tension leave his body, dropping the fearful act. He takes the nurses offered hand and lifts himself back onto the bed, brushing off the dust from the floor.] Thank you, Meagan. See to it he isn't allowed back into my room, won't you?

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 15/10/2026

The nurse comes and before she can ask any questions, Brendan’s out the door. There’s nothing more he can say…]

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 15/10/2026

I’m sorry. [It’s for more than just today, an unspoken truth that lays on the floor between them. He reaches for the button that will alert a nurse to come to Sam’s room. He won’t look at Sam now, can’t bring himself to see him *cowering* away from Brendan.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 15/10/2026

but never genuine fear. Not even with Wally. That was just… hurt.] I d- I ju.. just want to-. [Even as he speaks he’s recoiling, backing away from Sam as though Brendan’s mere presence is a poison. Maybe it is. Maybe this peace he’s been feeling wasn’t meant to last.]

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 15/10/2026

[The look on Sam’s face is like being doused with ice cold water… like being dragged to the bottom of the ocean where the light doesn’t touch, a deeply unsettling feeling. He’s never been looked at like that before. He’s been looked at with hate, with rage and disappointment-

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 15/10/2026

her down beside him. He runs hot, radiating warmth at all times, so it’s not totally unreasonable. He still can’t help but feel like a weirdo for asking for cuddles when they’ve just woken up from a psychically induced coma. “Only if you want to.” he makes sure to add.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 15/10/2026

“Let’s get you back on the bed.” He says, making sure the water was safely on the table before pulling it into his arms and lifting, using his core strength to stand. “Would cuddling help?” he asks tentatively as he sits down on the bed, prepared to keep her close to him but also prepared to sit -

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 15/10/2026

The floor can’t be helping their coldness, even if the warm water and hoodie seem to be doing *some* good. “What kind of boyfriend would I be if I made you walk right now?” he murmurs, thumb rubbing at the spot just along their jaw before he pulls his hand away.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 15/10/2026

nothing to be done right now. He could just *ask* her, and he will… but only when she’s more lucid. “Tell me if you feel any other symptoms.” He says, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind its ear, hand sweeping down to rest against the back of its neck.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 15/10/2026

Those don’t match any symptoms of intestinal bleeding he saw when scrolling. He glances around, looking for the bin one last time and his brow furrows when he doesn’t find it. They must have disposes of it, though where he can only guess. He takes an even breath, smoothing out his brow. There’s -

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 14/10/2026

to be an asshole.] This is my penance. [He mumbles it under his breath as he steels himself for the fight of a lifetime.] I’m sorry. That was… in poor taste. [He walks over to Sam.] I’m not leaving you like this.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 14/10/2026

[If he were the praying sort, he would be sending one to the heavens right now to give him strength. Guilt sits low and heavy in his stomach and he knows he can’t just leave it there. He kicks himself in the ass for even letting Sam get a rise out of him. He’s *hurting*… of course he’s going -

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 14/10/2026

Call her back. Just a piece of advice. You should take it... or don't. Maybe someone will swoop in during your absence. [For her sake, he hopes Sam does. He meant it when he said she wouldn't appreciate being left in the dark.] Other than that... no.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 14/10/2026

[His eyes narrow at the insult and his jaw clenches.] Right. Because avoiding Haruka is so brave and noble of you. [He may be king of the woe-is-me loner club, but right now Sam is the damned prince. Stones in glass houses. The peace was nice while it lasted... if it can even be called that.]

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 14/10/2026

I wouldn't miss it! Tell me when and I'll make sure we're wrapped up before then

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 14/10/2026

the mug to Rio and placing its phone on the bed next to it. "I brought this... just in case?" he says, laying his hoodie across the bed. "How are you feeling? Any uh.. dizziness? severe stomach pain?" He tries to sound casual, but he knows it doesn't quite land.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 14/10/2026

the hoodie he wore on the way to Orre. He hasn't had much need for it until now, but maybe it'll help with the cold if his theory is right. He walks back in and forces his shoulders to relax. "One piping hot water coming right up. I put it in a mug so you don't burn your hands." he says, handing -

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 14/10/2026

what the fuck.* He's googling "black vomit sickness" and spiraling as he scrolls through the symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding. Did it look like used coffee grounds? He doesn't think so, but what if it did?? He finishes his tasks, grabs her phone, and fishes through his luggage looking for -

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 14/10/2026

He exits the bedroom, looking at the trash can as he passes. It's eery. Unsettling. The moment he's alone, his chest tightens, his shoulders tense and movements rigid as he gets to work heating up her water. *What the fuck was it throwing up? Please don't be blood. Or poison. Or sludge or slime -

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 14/10/2026

His smile remains, warm and reassuring, despite all of the questions swirling around his head. "Of course, sweetheart. I can also order you some soup if you're hungry," he offers, leaning in to press a kiss to its forehead. "Think about it while I'm gone. And yell if you need me."

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 14/10/2026

The request makes him pause, only because people typically crave hot drinks when they're sick... or cold. That must be it... but then again what's typical about any of this? He wishes he understood it... wishes he knew what they were going through... what they'd do next. How it affected them.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 13/10/2026

For what it’s worth, our paths will cross again soon. Paldea is our next stop. Last stop?

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 13/10/2026

I think I’ve pestered you enough with painful questions. I… I shouldn’t have asked you to talk about all this in the first place. [He won’t look at Sam, instead staring at the fluorescent hospital lights.] I’m glad you’re alright. *Alive*. For what it’s worth. [Probably not much.]

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 13/10/2026

Middle of the road… I would have taken you for one extreme or the other. [He grumbles, chewing on the inside of his cheek. He can feel the urge to isolate creeping back in, a voice in the back of his head that never really went away. Maybe that just *is* his nature. Destined to be alone.]

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 13/10/2026

I never really got a chance to travel outside of Hoenn until recently. I know it’s a little selfish but I’m trying to earn it by doing community work in Orre

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 13/10/2026

I would never say I’ve spent too much time with you, by the way…

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 13/10/2026

He knows it said this wasn’t a normal sleep in the physical sense, but given the state they’re in it can’t hurt. “Are you hungry?” His eyes flick over to the bin again before he forces them back to her, keeping them locked in place. Focus. Focus on them.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 13/10/2026

hand away from its back as he goes, but he doesn’t stray far. He steps around them, to the side table where he finds the pitcher of water, freshly poured that day, and a glass. He pours her a heaping glass full and returns to her side, crouching down again. “You should drink this, sweetheart.”

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 13/10/2026

Another joke, an attempt to ease some of the panic settling into his chest as he eyes the trash bin again. They said they wouldn’t be in danger. But what on earth was *this* if not dangerous? Even if it’s “okay,” he’ll be damned if he just leaves it to its devices now. He stands, pulling his -

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 13/10/2026

He resists the urge to roll his eyes at it’s stubbornness. He shouldn’t have expected any less from Riocine. So strong, shouldering the weight of so much and never expecting any help or support. It’s how things have been for it for so long. “Let me guess. I should see the other guy?”

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

[His voice drips with sarcasm. So circumstance. That's what separates them, honestly. Brendan fought tooth and nail for his region and this other version of him didn't seem to know struggle at all.] What do you think about nature versus nurture, Sam?

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

[He sees the disgust Sam has for these "heroes" written plain across his face. Knows it extends to him. To all of them. Maybe even Haruka, even if Sam won't admit it.] Ah. So stupidity was the final domino that set it all into motion. How relieved I am to have avoided such a fate.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

I... no? At least, I don't think so. They told me about their past... things they wanted to be upfront about before we became official. But we didn't get super... in the weeds about specifics. [Something he's certainly regretting now.]

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

"Sleeping like that really did a number on you." he murmurs softly, letting his hand trail to the spot between her shoulder blades, rubbing soothingly. "Let me take care of you, yeah?" He's not sure if she wants to be touched. It helps him when he's sick, but he'll stop if she tells him to.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

looking at him. His expression softens and remains steady as his eyes settle back onto Riocine, still prone on the edge of the bed. He lifts a hand, sweeping it's bangs off of it's forehead and pressing the back of his hand there to feel her temperature.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

untouched. He doesn't necessarily *want* to see the contents of their throw up, but his eyes drift down to the bin regardless, only to widen in horror when he sees black stuff. It's throwing up black... sludge? He can't tell. He starts to panic, adrenaline spiking, but you'd never know it by -

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

behind him and walks over to them, crouching down on the floor by them, on the side opposite to the trash can. "Sweetheart, I swear I didn't make the sandwiches if those are what made you sick-." He attempts at a joke, before he realizes the plate of food he made for her was -

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

He turns the doorknob and steps inside, seeing it slumped over the bed, knees on the floor and next to the trash bin. "Rio, are you-?" He doesn't need to even finish the question to see that *no*, it's not okay. It looks pale and weak, like it's got the flu or something. He shuts the door -

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

He hears the thump of it hitting the floor before anything else and is outside of the door in an instant. He hovers, uncertain, his hand on the doorknob. He wants to see them again, to lay eyes on them and make sure they're alright. Then he hears it... Riocine calling out his name, faintly.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

Brendan has been on high alert the past three days... taking care to listen for any sounds of distress but also taking care to respect Riocine's request to not listen to the contents of her sleep-talk. Some things can't be helped and he's heard some words here and there... Cresselia, debt, Ichika...

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

his region, so he never grasped the concept of losing it.] But... clearly someone did claim them for a "stupid ass plan." If you can even call it that. I know... vaguely about what happened next. He seized all three.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

[Such a fucking hypocrite. Brendan will talk to Rio about it later, when she wakes up.] So then... he didn't see the devastation caused by Archie and Maxie. He never got the chance... [A core difference, but one of circumstance. What's it called? Nature vs. Nurture. He never fought to defend -

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 12/10/2026

[He looks genuinely confused, brow furrowing as he mulls through exactly what Sam is saying. Understanding dawns on him, like clouds parting to make way for sunshine and he looks *mortified*.] I've been using the wrong pronouns this whole time??? I didn't - Wait, *you've* been using she/her.

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Brendan Birch @noitsmeeki.poke.surf · 11/10/2026

and continues to split open, never quite healing right. Just the thought of having anything in common with them makes him sick to his stomach.]

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