TEEN: - Ongoing Tropics Bloom REDUX

[Teebs96]

MATURE Themes

1. No MATURE Themes Apply

TEEN Themes

1. Strong Language or Profanity

EVERYONE Themes

1. Mild Suggestive Themes

Other Content Warnings

Its pretty shippy.

Hello everyone!

You're about to read my fic, Tropics Bloom. I originally had posted this for Ship Week in 2023. However, it sort of stalled and stagnated.

I've returned to the fic, and made a good deal of changes to it, and this time I plan to truly finish it.

This fic focuses on Bugsy and Whitney (Plainhiveshipping), after a minor timeskip where the two take a trip to Alola. It is supposed to be a work trip for Bugsy, where he studies to try and become a Professor, but Whitney tags along too, and she's in for some surprises herself.

This fic is integral to my personal verse for these two; if you're unfamiliar with my works, I highly reccomend looking through my old fics and drabbles in my signature to get a bit of a better view of what it is I like.

Expect a lot of dialogue, world building, and fluff.

This fic considers the events of Pokémon Masters EX to be canon!

 

[Teebs96]

Spoiler: The Letter

Chapter 1: The Letter

"So then I tell him, it really ain’t that hard at all! You just need to, y’know, take a step back and breathe a bit." Whitney was recanting one of her stories of Falkner to her Gym Trainer, Lois, as they spoke in front of the Goldenrod City Gym. It was a pretty chilly Monday, at least by the standards of the Johto summer. The two were sitting on a bench right outside the entrance, just sharing stories as coworkers normally would do.

"Yeah I getcha." Lois laughed. "I mean, for someone whose eyesight is as sharp as that you'd think he'd have good lungs too." The blonde adjusted her hair behind her ear. "I mean, Falkner is like, 24. He's only like 3 years older than you, you'd think he's in the prime fitness of his life."

"You'd figure." She reclined back with a small laugh, back pressed up against the wall. But then she immediately perked up. She heard a familiar voice. And hearing even anything that slightly resembled his voice would activate her neurons.

"Whitney! Whitney!!" She heard someone cry out, and from the distance she could see her boyfriend running as fast as his legs could. As he sprinted over, his arm flailed about, with his hand grasping a piece of paper.

"Oh! Bugsy~!" She was as happy as can be every time to see him. She kicked up and off the bench, her heel being practically dug into the ground as she gave a sprint that would give her Pokeathelon performances a literal run for their money. After a bit, she spread her arms out, and the two were slammed into a hug, Whitney spinning around. Bugsy wasn't usually this fast or this fierce with the tacklehugs, what gives?

"Whitney!" He cried out again, even whilst in the embrace of her arms. "Looklooklooklooklook!" In his sheer excitement, he seemingly regressed to the age of a nine-year-old boy, and acted like one in a candy shop. He held up an official looking letter to his girlfriend. Whitney gasped. She knew exactly what it was; the eggshell white outside marked with a red Poké Ball stamp told all.

"Oh my gosh, Bugsy, open it!!"

Bugsy did just that, tearing open the seal with his pinkie finger. He pulled out the hefty letter, weighed down with professional card stock. It was at this point that Lois knew that maybe she’d be best off elsewhere and let the two go at it.

"Dear Bugsy. You had recently shown interest in taking a work trip towards the Alola Region, in spite of your duties as a Gym Leader." Bugsy began to read off the document. "That being said, you have shown intense aptitude, and the League has been made aware of your efforts as well to become a Professor. We've also been made aware of your desire to bring along a guest as well; Whitney from Goldenrod City, despite the fact she is also a Gym Leader but is not attempting to move up in the League Ranks…"

Bugsy's voice trailed off a bit. Whitney couldn't read the note but seemed worried. Bugsy’s eyes scanned the paper back and forth, almost fervently.

"Well, bugaboo, go on, continue."

"Thus… the League has made the difficult decision…"

Their hearts sank.

"...to allow you both exactly one week of paid time off to explore Alola!!!?"

They leaped up and shrieked together, throwing each other once again into their arms. They kicked about wildly, as if they had just won the title of Champion themselves. Lois went back inside to inform the other Gym Trainers of the good news, while the two lovebirds, just eagerly cuddled, clasped hands, and smooched each other on the lips. The Indigo League is notorious for not giving time off to Gym Leaders; the fact that they were so generous to the two was reason to celebrate in and of itself.

"I can't believe it! We finally did it…" Bugsy said.

"Bugsy! Do you know what that means?” Whitney's eyes practically sparkled as she looked at her boyfriend. “It's finally time for that vacation we wanted to take! Vayyyycayyyy~!" Whitney cried out in a sing-song tone, all the while throwing her arms up and happily prancing about in a circle. Bugsy chuckled.

"There will be time for vacationing and taking a load off, but you gotta remember, this is still an important trip for me too." Bugsy added, softly sighing. “If I’m this close to getting the degree, I can’t fumble at the last stretch.”

"Aw c’mon bugaboo, we have a whole week for it!"

Bugsy had to swallow a little bit. “B-But Whitney. As far as they’re concerned this is mostly business not, uh, pleasure.”

Whitney just clasped her hands together and stared right at Bugsy with her Baby-Doll Eyes. He blushed, and relented as a sigh slithered out from his throat. It was practically impossible for him to say no to that face.

“Alright. We’ll have time for fun too. Promise.” he said so, with a light laugh and a small look of defeat on his face.

“Yayyyy!” She let out a bleating, happy joyous scream as she threw herself at Bugsy, holding her shorter boyfriend in her arms. He always found the warmth of her body to be pleasant. With a deep sigh, Bugsy let his muscles go limp. He didn't even mind the fact that his feet weren't touching the ground anymore.

 

[Teebs96]

Spoiler: Enter Scott

“I’m so happy for you both!” Jasmine smiled as Bugsy and Whitney stood by the coast at Olivine City. They had their bags all prepped up and ready to go, even wearing their summer-ready attire. They spent all their free hours the day before packing up once they got the news in the mail.

“Don’t worry Jazzy. Eventually we’ll find a way to get you on a vacation too. You work just as hard as we do; no reason for the League to be the meanies they always are ALL the time, y’know.” Whitney said, adjusting her hair a bit as the briney ocean water blew into it.

“Ah. It would be nice. I would have to find a new caretaker for Amphy though… or at least until the new Ampharos is ready to go. Your new clothes look great by the way! Both for you, and Bugsy too.” Jasmine complimented her friends.

Whitney was wearing a very light red tube top. The fabric was thin, but the color was rich, with a bit of a plunge between her collarbone. Her midriff was exposed, and she wore denim pants that were longer than her usual shorts, but cut off right below the knee. Held up by a fashionable thin brown belt, it was a much more mature look than her usual gym leading outfit, becoming of the young adult she is now.

“Thanks! I had Aaron give me some fashion tips.” Bugsy said, looking around and examining himself.

He wore a dark green shirt, with a summer shirt over top, unbuttoned. It was lighter green, with several repeating patterns of a spider-like design on it. The briney air that breezed through the coast made it flutter in the wind. Bugsy also was wearing some khaki shorts underneath too, and a simple pair of sneakers. But his favorite part were his fashionable shades he held in his hair; they were Beedrill colored; yellow lens with black frames and red accents.

“The Elite Four from Sinnoh? Ah, I should go visit Volkner again sometime.” Jasmine reminisced, placing her cheek in her hand, but then heard the sound of a speeding yacht approaching the three.

“Yoo hoo!” A voice called out from the yacht. A rotund man was waving his arms, and with his shades and Alolan shirt, looked just as ready to take on the July heat as anyone else. He didn’t seem familiar to the three.

Whitney scratched her head once the yacht hit the port they were standing on. “...I suppose you’re sent by the League, right?”

“Ayup!” The man grinned widely. “The name’s Scott.”

Bugsy blinked. The man seemed familiar… “Wait a minute… Weren’t you the owner of the Battle Frontier back in Hoenn?” He asked, squinting to adjust his vision so he could confirm his eyes didn’t deceive him.

Scott waved a hand dismissively. “Pssht. Still am kiddo. It’s just under renovations right now and I needed somethin’ to do. I borrowed this yacht from Mr. Briney and I’ve just been going ham in the ocean! But I can always give two lovebirds a favor.”

Bugsy blushed while Whitney smirked defiantly. “So, I guess the Skitty’s out of the bag with the League, huh?” Whitney chided.

“Hey, they’ll learn everything about you two if you let ‘em. Why do you think the Battle Frontier isn’t under their jurisdiction?” Scott began to laugh loudly, while Bugsy and Whitney stared at each other awkwardly. Scott then loudly cleared his throat.

“Anyways, get your bags on and hop aboard. Set sail for Alola!” Scott swaggled his head and stuck his hand out to wave over to them to beckon them on board.

The two nodded, with Jasmine waving the two away. “Take lots of photos for me! Oh, and expect DJ Mary to interview you two the moment you get back!” Jasmine smiled, taking a quick hug from Whitney. Bugsy gently patted her hand. As the two boarded the yacht, Jasmine waved as she watched the boat slowly shrink over the horizon, ocean water spraying up.

“A trip like that to Alola… mm. That would be nice.” Jasmine stood where she was, putting her arms behind her back and looking into the leaden blue sky as her brown hair blew behind her in the briney air.

 

[Teebs96]

Spoiler: Neo Seagallop

The vehicle cut through the surf like a Scyther through tall grass. The motor was decently loud, the boat going full speed ahead to try and dash through the distance of Johto to Alola as quickly as it could.

The yacht darted forward like it was a large, mechanical Sharpedo. The speed of it wasn’t like anything Whitney or Bugsy experienced before; the closest they had was the Magnet Train in Goldenrod. Scott relished in the speed however; if he couldn't get his fix by watching Pokémon battle, this was his next best choice.

“Wow, this thing is fast!” Bugsy exclaimed, finding himself groping around for something to hang on to.

“Puts the old Seagallop to shame, doesn't it? Briney and I got a great deal on some parts! Feel the speed of the Neo Seagallop!” Scott yelled back, having to speak over both the sound of the wind and the roaring waters. He manned the helm; it had an old-timey steering wheel at the front. He didn't actually need to do this; it was all for show as the actual yacht was remote controlled. But for a guy like him, the simple pleasures in life is what made it all worth living. That and some killer tunes of old men crooning over some sweet acoustic.

“M-Maybe a little too fast! I’m glad I’m not wearing a hat.” Whitney shouted. The two clung to each other and a fencepole on the starboard as the yacht.

"S-Scott-" Bugsy cried out.

"Nothin' quite like the ocean breeze through your hair, huh?" Scott smirked, although nobody could tell.

"Breeze, not Whirlwind!" Bugsy snapped back at the reckless captain. "Can you maybe slow down a bit?"

Scott looked at his smartwatch. "We're making good time! Tch, fine, fine." With only light disappointment, Scott's foot stomped down on the brakes. The yacht began to slow down, cruising at a much calmer speed. The music was cut. Both Whitney and Bugsy were relieved when they were finally able to walk without the fear of being bowled over, and even better, it was easier to hear one another and their surroundings too, with the engine being quieter.

"Ah, look ahead! Land will be ho soon." Scott called out. His belly hung out from his open Alolan shirt and over the band of his khaki shorts. He looked like he was just as ready as anyone else to take his own vacation.

“Phew…” Whitney sighed, scratching Bugsy’s scalp as he still clung to her. “Ohmigosh, Bugsy, look!” They could see the curve of Ula’Ula Island on the horizon. It was far, but the unmistakable brown of land and soil stood out like a beacon in the blue horizon.

Bugsy took to the starboard to gaze out over the fencing of the boat, admiring how the Wingull cried, how the sea sparkled, and how fresh the air tasted. Whitney leaned against the railing, closed her eyes, and focused her sensations on the warm briney air, the cool breeze, the sound of her surroundings, how it all culminated and crescendoed into a symphony around her.

"...This is so much better than the hustle n’ bustle back in Goldenrod.” Whitney wistfully spoke as she watched the sea glimmer before her. “I love that place, but sometimes a girl just wants her peace n’ quiet, you know?” Whitney put her hand out in front of her forehead to shade her eyes and look out into the sea. She couldn't see much, other than Scott.

“And this beats the crud out of seeing the same tree for the umpteenth time in Azalea.” Bugsy nodded his head. As much as he loved the Illex Forest, there was a monotony in life that he was glad he’s able to break open.

“I guess we both really needed this vacation, huh bugaboo?” Whitney smiled, swinging an arm around his waist. He leaned against her.

"Yeah. Sure did. Well, I still gotta do some work. But somehow being cooped up in a room in an entirely different region still feels more refreshing than doing it in Johto.” Bugsy took in a deep inhale. No scent of pine in the air, not dusty books. Just sweet, salty brine.

"Just promise me this; we’ll go swimming at least once. I brought my swimsuit for a reason!” Whitney couldn't help but give a little coquettish wink and a flick of her finger at the mention of her in a swimsuit.

“Oh don’t worry! I’m sure we’ll find time for that.” Bugsy chuckled as Whitney ruffled his hair.

“Good! So remind me, what exactly is it you need to do?” Whitney asked. She never got to the whole "business" part Bugsy mentioned earlier.

“Well, I need to speak to Lusamine at some point. About what exactly, the League didn’t make clear…” Bugsy scratched his temple. “But other than that, Kukui and I have a thesis to write. It’s specifically about Heracross, so if anyone is qualified to help, it’s me!” The Walking Bug-Type Encyclopedia puffed his chest out proudly.

Whitney smiled brightly. “Sure is! Just remember not to overwork yourself, okay?”

Bugsy nodded, with his locks of violet hair grazing against Whitney's fingertips. “Yeah. We’ll have plenty of time together too. Promise."

Whitney cooed, hugging Bugsy close to her as he wrapped an arm around her, the two watching Ula’Ula slowly grow in their visions. The two stood side-by-side, practically glued at the hip, and they wouldn't have it any other way. Bugsy’s other hand, in the meantime, was fiddling with something in his pocket, but his lover hadn’t noticed. He had big plans for her all along.