“Physical therapy they said. Why the hell did I have to wait till noon to go through something that I could have picked up in like five minutes? All they did was give me a rubber ball to work on grip strength and show me some stretches,” I complained.

“They just wanted to make sure you knew how to do everything correctly,” May said as she ran ahead of me down the hallway. “If you did the stretches wrong, you could end up tearing your muscles, and then we’d be right back here.”

I scrunched up my nose at the thought as we turned the corner into the lobby.

“Fair. I never want to see this hospital again.” I ran up to the desk, pokedex in hand. “Lea Sakai, here to be discharged, please,” I said.

I flashed the screen that had my trainer registry and my identification, and the nurse smiled as she started shifting through files. I still couldn’t believe they tried to put me in a wheelchair for my trip out of the hospital.

“Considering you tripped and fell over your own two feet getting out of bed this morning, maybe it’d be a good idea,” Emilie argued.

"Huh?” May asked, looking up at Emilie.

“Oh, did I say that out loud?” Emilie asked. “Oops, that was supposed to be a mental barb.”

May giggled before looking back at me. “You weren’t kidding when you said most of her commentary were jabs, huh?”

I looked at my starter and frowned.

“Are you feeling okay?” I asked, my lips pulled down into a frown at the dark circles under her eyes.

"It’s hard to focus right now, alright. I’m kind of tired,” Emilie said, sounding the part. “I couldn’t sleep last night.”

‘You can take a nap, if you want. I can recall you,’ I said.

Emilie glared at me.

‘The fuck you are. We're in the middle of a city. You have any idea how many psychics I’m picking out of the crowd right now?’ Emilie asked, before wincing and looking away. ‘Sorry, I’m just... cranky.’ May tapped my shoulder and I turned to see the receptionist hold out some forms for me.

“Oh, sorry.” I grabbed the pen.

The receptionist was giving me a worried look.

“I was talking with Emilie, please don’t try and keep me here,” I said, looking around to the halls for random nurses before focusing on the task at hand. I glared down at the paper as my hand started to shake on the L.

May grabbed my hand and helped me write. It wasn’t perfect. In fact, this might have been the worst signature I’ve ever made, but it was legible. Mostly. That S definitely looked a little like a five.

“Are you sure you’re not just imagining things again, Lea?” May asked with a mischievous smile as she pulled her hand away.

“Huh?” I asked dumbly. Wait, dammit May.

“Has your friend been showing symptoms like this frequently?” The receptionist asked.

I looked back at the receptionist with wide eyes. No, I’m not dealing with this, we are leaving this damn hell hole.

“I-”

“Not too much, but for some reason, she seems to think her starter can talk,” May looked at me nervously as she patted my head. “She’ll have a full conversation with the little thing sometimes.”

“Ralts,” Emilie said helpfully.

I turned to glare at my traitorous starter. "Oi, she heard you talk earlier, so-"

“I assure, I don't know what you're talking about. Perhaps your release is a bit too early,” The receptionist said with a knowing grin.

Dammit all, they were all fucking with me.

“I can have a doctor give your friend another brain scan before you go, just to-”

“We are leaving!” I yelled over her before grabbing May and dragging her out the doors.

May and Emilie were both cackling as I felt the sun beat down on my skin for the first time in days.

“You both suck!” I complained, pouting at the pair.

“Well, maybe don’t space out so much then,” May said, calming down a bit. “Come on, don’t be such a baby. You made that one way too easy to resist.”

I glared for a second before giggling a bit, my resolve to be mad crumbling as May walked forward and wrapped her arm around mine.

“I suppose.”

May was looking at me intently.

“What?” I asked.

“I just noticed that the tones of your skin don’t quite match,” May said. “I didn’t really notice in the hospital. The lower parts of your arms aren’t tan like the rest of you.” I laughed as we started walking.

“You barely bat an eye at my hands looking like something out of a horror movie, but you’re thrown off by a bad tan job?” I asked.

May blushed and looked away. “I’m not bothered, I just thought it was interesting,” May said defensively. “Make fun of me later. I want to get ice cream.” She pulled me to a vendor that for once, had a relatively short line.

“Can I try some?” Emilie asked, looking nervous.

I frowned. “I’m starting to get worried about how much sugar is in your diet. Even the specialty recipes that I looked up for your type combo had a lot of the stuff in them,” I said.

Emilie pouted.

“Please...” Emilie begged, her eyes wide and pleading as she jutted her lower lip out.

Good lord she looked pathetic.

“Rude,” Emilie said, before turning away from me and pouting.

“Fairy types need a decent amount of sugar in their diet, actually.”

Emilie beamed as May entered nerd mode.

“They metabolize it differently than humans do. Most wild Fae will favor stuff like pecha berries and sugar cane.”

“Alright, I’m calling Tauros shit. No way something that specific was something on Birch’s test,” I said, giving Emilie a suspicious look. “What did you offer her?”

“I’m deeply hurt by these accusations, and insulted on May’s behalf,” Emilie said, her pout returning in full force. “How dare you doubt your girlfriend’s nerd levels.”

“I actually did a bit of reading on Fairy types after Emilie’s episode,” May explained. “It’s why the memories are so fresh.” May walked up to the vendor and looked down. “A mint chocolate chip cone, a chocolate cone, and a vanilla cone. All one scoop, please.” May handed the vendor some cash. “You can keep the change.”

“Ah, thank you. One second please,” he said.

“I still think you’re gross for liking mint ice cream, by the way,” May said, her nose scrunched up as she passed me my cone.

Emilie looked down curiously at my concoction.

“It resembles the head of my kin,” Emilie said.

I laughed as I took my first lick.

“I feel elation through the bond, but I have my doubts. It doesn’t look good.” Her face quickly shifted to a wide smile as May handed her the vanilla cone. “This, however, looks amazing.” Emilie inhaled her frozen treat.

“Wait, don’t-” My protest died on my lips as I shared in Emilie’s sudden discomfort. My hand shot up to the front of my skull in time with Emilie’s, inadvertently pulling May closer. “Fuck, how the hell do I get secondhand brain freeze. That’s not fair at all.”

“Why do humans eat this? All it does is cause pain,” Emilie complained.

May just laughed at the both of us as she took a lick of her own ice cream.

“For future reference, you’re supposed to eat it slowly, Emilie. The pain you’re feeling is from going too fast,” May said. “It alright if we hit up the center first? I need to pick up Suzy and Leshy, and Wayne really wants Skarmory and Nuzleaf back.”

“You were able to contact them?” I asked.

“Wayne gave me his number through a DM. Jasmine's doing fine, by the way. She had a concussion and a broken arm. Wayne said she’ll probably be released tomorrow morning.” May scrunched up her nose. “They got the same doctor that treated you.”

I winced. “Yeah, that... that probably sucks,” I said. “Wait, you have his Nuzleaf? You’ve got to let me-”

“Veto.” May shut me down before I could even get started. “Wayne was right about his personality, and the last time he saw you, you were swinging a cursed sword around while a yellow and orange rock took your body out for joy ride. I don’t think your meeting would go well.”

“Bummer,” I said with a frown. “So, I remember most of the stuff before I picked up the sword, but after that it’s just black space and white noise until I pushed you away from me. Any-”

“You don’t want to know,” Emilie and May said the same thing, at the same time, in the same dead inside tone of voice.

“Right, thanks for the heads up. I will take your word for it, please don’t share unless it’s something you need to get off your chests,” I hastily said.

Emilie and May both shivered, and I pulled my girlfriend closer to me.

“I’m here, and I’m fine. I’m sorry for bringing it up.”

“I think it’s probably better if you do,” May said, her voice regaining a bit of confidence. “Talking’s good. I just need to work on dealing with it. I can’t do that if we never talk about it.” May grinned. “Besides, I want to say with confidence that we kicked their asses. I can’t do that if I’m a cowering mess every time someone mentions it.”

“Exposure therapy does work on occasion,” Emilie said. “Though usually it’s not quite as ham-fisted as this.”

May stuck her tongue out at Emilie.

“Oy, play nice you two. If you’re going to fight, at least do it so you’re on the same side,” I said, taking the last bite of my cone.

Emilie giggled, before perking her head up.

“Oi, stop for a second,” Emilie said, directing my head towards-

“Yup. That’s a stone shop. What about it?” I asked, feeling a bit lost.

“Can we go in and look for a second?” Emilie asked, her eyes pleading and desperate.

“Emilie, I don’t think I can afford anything in that store, and Joern already has his water stone for when he needs it,” I said.

“Look, just humor me. I want to check the price on something. If I’m right, what I want is completely in your budget,” Emilie said.

I reluctantly nodded before heading into the shop.

Honestly, coming here was a worthwhile experience even if I didn’t buy anything. I think Mr. Stone offered us the best of his stock, because most of what was here that was even remotely in our price range looked like faded pieces of shit. The stuff in the case didn’t even look as clear or pristine as what the president offered to us.

“What difference does it make if a Pokémon evolves with a lower quality stone?” I asked May.

“The better the stone, the less likely there will be complications with evolution. Generally, if you follow the guidelines, you won’t have to worry about evolution sickness, but a stone with fewer impurities would be better for the overall health and welfare of the Pokémon evolving,” May explained.

“You’re better than any information app,” I complimented.

May blushed and looked away. Legends above, that was adorable.

“Yup, I was right,” Emilie said. A smile pulled at her lips as she pointed me towards a small jar in the clearance section with a bunch of misshapen, grey rocks in it.

The jar was labeled Everstones, and I could get one for half the price of a Poke Ball.

“Ah, gotcha.” I walked over and pulled out a stone. “Does quality matter for something like this, May?” I asked.

May looked at me with wide eyes before looking up at Emilie with a furrowed brow. “You don’t want to evolve?”

Emilie turned to look at May.

“I believe it would be beneficial if I didn’t evolve right now,” Emilie explained.

I frowned at how she worded that. That seemed oddly specific.

“Quality doesn’t matter unless you’re so strong that you overpower the stone. I don’t think you have to worry about that,” May said.

I nodded before plucking out a single rock and walked over to the front desk to see a man reading a newspaper. I noticed a few of the headlines mentioned the protests in Slateport. Here’s hoping MudkipSupremacist was doing alright.

“I’d like to buy this, please,” I said. The clerk closed his newspaper and looked down at the stone I had in my hand and chuckled before going back to his paper.

“Leave the bill on the table. I’ll grab it in a minute.” Damn, he really didn’t care. I guess it made sense, I was functionally grabbing out a small rock in a store filled with diamonds.

“Could I also get a harness for it?” I asked.

The clerk pointed to the left of the stand towards a bunch of small bags in various colors. I grabbed the green one and threw it on the desk as the clerk sat up a bit in his chair and set his paper down. May pulled out her wallet.

“Oi, I can pay for my own stuff,” I complained.

“Weren’t you complaining in Dewford that you didn’t have funds?” May asked, her left eyebrow raised.

“Yeah, well, I have enough for this, and we’re set to get paid by Wayne and Jasmine once we hit Dewford, so let me pay for my own stuff,” I argued.

May handed the clerk some money.

“They’re covering the cost of our teleport back to Dewford, so don’t count on that pay day. I didn’t want them even doing that, considering Wayne’s Pokémon are eighty percent of the reason we got through that nightmare, but he insisted,” May said with a glare.

I winced.

“If you’re annoyed, just mark off one of the meal debts I owe you,” May said, before throwing the stone in the bag and handing it to Emilie.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

She very quickly threw the bag on, before visibly sagging on my shoulder.

“You have no idea how much better that feels,” Emilie said, her voice lighter than it had been all day.

“Was it really bothering you that much?” I asked.

Emilie nodded.

“It was like this constant itchiness all over my body. The longer I went the worse it got,” Emilie explained, her eyes drooping slightly. “Once we get to the center and we hook back up with Wally, I might have the idiot watch you for a bit so I can take a nap. Is that okay?”

“You’re asking me if I would be okay with spending time with Gawain?” I asked, tilting my head slightly. “Do we not know each other at all?"

Emilie snorted.

“Just shut up and march. I’m tired.”

I nodded.

----------------------------------------

“Alright, Wally. Now that we’re out and about, and you can’t run away from us, I really need to ask you something.” May loomed over my breathing challenged friend as she talked, and I noticed a small bead of sweat trail down his cheek. “In what universe did you think giving us tickets to a couple’s cruise was a good idea!”

“I mean, you’re together, aren’t you?” Wally said, backing away from my girlfriend with his hands raised up in front of him. His back bumped against the wall as May drew closer.

“Do you have any idea how freaked out I was during most of that trip?” May asked. “For like the first day and a half, I was paranoid that I was going to get photo bombed. My freak outs were legendary, Wally!” My friend shrunk down further against the wall. “How the hell do you think that made Lea feel, huh? She was apparently crushing on me since Rustboro, and she had to deal with me during my freak outs!”

“I’m really sorry. I wasn’t-”

“And to top it off-”

“May, calm down. You’re going to give Wally an asthma attack,” I said, deciding to save my green haired friend. “Besides, it all worked out. I got the prettiest girl in Hoenn to walk me back from the hospital, despite Wally’s best efforts.”

May’s cheeks glowed as Wally darted away from her.

“Look, I’m sorry, okay? I thought it’d help Lea work up the courage to not be an idiot. I guess it had the opposite effect,” Wally said.

“It’s fine, I suppose, I just... Why did you think that was a good idea?” May asked, her foot tapping as she glared.

“I mean, the big romantic gesture usually worked in my mom’s shows,” Wally explained hastily.

I groaned as I realized the colossal mistake I had made in taking Wally up on his offer.

“You’re telling me that you thought this would go well, because you saw it on a soap opera?” I asked, disbelief coloring my tone as Wally blushed and looked away. “Seriously?”

“I don't have a lot of romance experience, okay? I didn’t get out much,” Wally said.

I couldn’t see his cheeks behind that mask of his, but I had a feeling they were very red. May doubled over and started laughing. Hard.

“It’s not funny,” Wally shouted.

“Sure it is,” Emilie said from her perch on my shoulder in between giggles. “Though I think I have less of a frame of reference than May does. Only memories I have are from the random times Caroline babysit Lea when she was little.”

“I appreciated the gesture of faith, Wally,” I said. “Even if the idea was bad, your support meant a lot.” I was hoping my smile would do a bit to make him feel a bit better. I could see his eyes crinkle a bit, so hopefully he was smiling under that mask of his.

“I suppose the fact that you knew about Lea liking me makes me want to kill you for this less,” May commented.

Wally relaxed a bit.

“As long as you do us a favor,” May said.

“Name it,” Wally said instantly.

Damn, he was even more pathetic at dealing with an angry May than I was.

‘That’s a lie and you know it,’ Emilie said.

I glared at her.

“I’m taking Lea out on a date tonight, and I was wondering if you could help us get ready?”

I froze as I hyper focused on my girlfriend.

“What do you mean you’re taking me on a date?” I asked. May suddenly looked flustered.

“Well, I mean we kind of talked about it in the hospital and we’re leaving again tomorrow, and a lot of the places we mentioned were in the city so-”

“No, the date’s a fantastic idea, I was looking forward to taking you on one,” I commented with a smirk.

May gave me a deadpan look.

“You can take me on the next one, when you aren’t subsisting off of center food because you blew all your money on fancy camping gear that we’ve barely used,” May said with a glare.

I winced as Wally started laughing.

“I’m sorry, she did what?” Wally asked.

May opened her mouth.

“Don’t!” I cut her off before she could.

May glared at me, opened her mouth, and I did one of the few things I could do to get her to stop talking.

I kissed her.

May tensed for a brief second before relaxing a bit against me. I pulled back and she glared at me. That glare quickly morphed into a smile promising mischief and pranks.

“Do I get one of those every time I try to tell Wally about-”

Yes. I could feel May giggle against my lips.

“Lea was so enamored with President Stone’s stasis pods that she bought a bunch, along with a week's worth of groceries that we haven’t even really touched, an air frier, and a portable generator. By the time she was done, she barely had enough money for a Poke Ball,” Emilie said, her face scrunched up.

I pulled away from May, and both of us glared at her.

“I’m tired, and I want to take a nap. You two can be all sappy and shit on your date tonight. I’m going to need my sleep if I have to deal with that,” Emilie said, glaring at me.

“I’m adding budgeting to my list of roles,” Wally commented, before grabbing a single Poke Ball.

I opened my mouth to chastise Emilie but stopped as my eyebrows climbed into my hair line.

Gawain stood in front of me, at about waist’s height, as a Kirlia. He bowed briefly before smiling at me.

‘I am pleased to see you are well, Lady Lea. When I heard the news as to what happened to you, I was most distraught,’ Gawain said.

I grinned before feeling a malevolent force brush up against my mind. My heart seized in my chest as I felt anger radiate out through my bond with Emilie. I looked over and froze.

The glare on Emilie’s face could probably qualify as its own move in the registry. Her body tensed as her eyes glowed blue with the promise of pain and power as she stared down at the new appearance of our noble friend. As soon as I thought that final word, Emilie froze, before looking away from me. All the emotions I had been feeling earlier didn’t disappear, but they were muted significantly as shame seemed to reassert itself.

‘Emilie?’ I asked.

‘Sorry. I don’t-’ The words died abruptly through the link. ‘I’m-’ Emilie once again didn’t say anything further. ‘I’ll deal with it.’ My eyes pulled together. ‘Don’t worry, it’s just... something I have to deal with.’

‘If you’re sure,’ I said hesitantly.

‘Positive,’ Emilie said, before glaring over at Gawain. ‘I’m exhausted and I need to take a nap. Make sure Lea’s protected while I'm passed out, got it?’ That was a bit rude. ‘Please.’

‘Yes, my lady. You can count on me!’ Gawain saluted once.

Emilie teleported over to the couch and crashed almost instantly. Just how tired was she?

“I see you’ve been busy,” May commented. "Though as a heads up. Lea can push thoughts too, and she’ll probably know better what thoughts Emilie wants to share.”

I whipped around to look at my girlfriend in shock before realization struck.

“Did you hear all of that?” I asked, my brow furrowed. “Gawain, I’m sure parts of that conversation Emilie wanted to keep private.”

Gawain blushed a bit.

‘Ah, terribly sorry, my lady. I’m still trying to master my enhanced abilities. I’m noticing it’s a fair sight harder to direct my thoughts. Not to worry, I’ll have it down in no time. Err, do apologize to the fairest of all maidens for me, would you. I meant no disrespect.’ I smiled. Legends above I missed this.

“He evolved the day before yesterday, actually,” Wally explained. “I don’t really think you need to worry too much about Emilie, Gawain. I think she was just tired,” Wally said. “Now, how exactly is this romance challenged squire supposed to help Lea get ready for her date?”

“By helping her do laundry,” May deadpanned.

I winced. Right. I probably was out of clean clothes to wear, wasn’t I?

“Specifically, her nice clothes. I want to take her somewhere nice tonight.”

I felt the blood leave my face. “Uh, May. I don’t know if that’s a good-”

“It’s not super fancy, don’t worry. I know you’d hate that. I just... wanted our first date to be someplace special. I made the reservation while you were in PT.” May blushed a bit. “It’s a bistro downtown. I thought we could eat, then take a nice walk through the park, if that’s alright?”

“I-” I froze. That did sound nice, and it wasn’t too high end, so I wouldn’t stick out that much. “That sounds lovely,” I said, relaxing a bit.

“Good, then I’m going to get my Pokémon and send Wayne back his. You two get started on laundry, and we’ll meet up at the front of the center around five.” May turned and sprinted to the front desk, all but bouncing as she walked. Wally turned to look at me.

“Who is Wayne?” he asked.

I groaned. We had a lot of catching up to do.

----------------------------------------

‘I love that you followed through on your promise.’ Emilie commented as she took in my new hair color with a cheek splitting grin. ‘Green looks so much better on you now.’

‘Yeah, well, Wally had clothes covered, so I had time to go to a salon,’ I said quietly. Beautifly were whipping up a hurricane in my stomach as I shuffled in place. I had thrown on the nicest clothes I still had, did my make up the best I could, pulled my new gloves on tight, and did my best to smile through the nervousness. ‘Do you think May will like the new hair style? I had to go for a slightly shorter cut than I'm used to, because of the whole burnt ends incident on Dewford. But I think it looks nice.’ I shuffled in place a bit as Emilie laughed.

‘I don’t think neck length hair qualifies as short, Lea. I think May will love it. The dark green hair suits your wardrobe, and it looks really nice with that cut. May will love it, I’m sure.’ Emilie capped off her pep talk with a yawn.

‘Did the nap help at all?’ I asked.

Emilie smiled.

‘More than you know. Psychic types really don’t need that much sleep, but I went without for a while.’ Emilie blushed. ‘Holding back the evolution on my own for that long took a decent amount of focus. Thank you for the everstone.’

‘Don’t mention it.’ I smiled down at my starter as she relaxed a bit. ‘Did you-’ My brain stopped.

May turned the corner in a red dress looking the image of resplendent beauty. She glided across the room as her hair flowed freely behind her, abandoning the bandana for the first time in months.

“Hey,” I breathed out. Dammit brain, work with me here. Surely you can think of something better to say than hey!

“Hey,” May said, a smile pulling at her lips. “Are you freaking out in your head as much as I am right now?”

“Without question,” I said, smiling back. “You look amazing, you sure you want to be slumming it with me in the city?”

“You say that like you aren’t drop dead gorgeous right now. I love the hair, green looks good on you.” May nodded towards Emilie. “How happy was she when she saw it?”

“She hugged my head when Gawain and I came back,” I said.

Emilie glared at me before poking the side of my head.

“Oy, watch it. I want this hair to look good for at least the rest of the night before you and Apollo screw it up.”

Emilie pouted. “Fine, I suppose I can leave you to your date in peace,” she said.

May extended her arm to me as Emilie finished talking. I wrapped mine around it and we walked out of the center together.

----------------------------------------

Dim yellow lights floated in paper lanterns just above my head as I pulled out May’s chair for her. The full moon in the night sky shined down as the heavenly aroma of ginger and oyster sauce wafted out from the open doors. Our server placed down a pair of glasses and a kettle of hot tea as I took my seat.

“I’ll leave you two here with the menus for a bit. If you have any questions, please, don’t hesitate to flag us down.” She bowed before turning and heading back into the main part of the restaurant.

“Lao Chao’s Bistro, huh?” I asked.

May smiled. “I know it’s been a bit since you had food like this. I know Eve didn’t make it that often, but you always loved it when she did.” May blushed a bit. “I thought this would be a nice change of pace.”

“I’m not complaining, believe me. I was just surprised. Definitely giving these Miracle Dumplings a try though,” I said as May grabbed a menu. I started pouring tea. “Maybe pair it off with some miso soup and some gyoza.”

“Really, going for the ‘Dumplings so good they’ll cure what ails you’?” May asked, a smile lighting up her face.

“Oy, with a description like that they better be good, and my fingers need all the help they can get.” I clenched my hands a bit as I talked. “They still feel tingly on occasion. It doesn’t hurt, it just... feels weird.”

May flipped the page and smiled. “Okay good, we have ramen. We’re saved,” May said, her body relaxing a bit into her chair.

I sighed. “You do know that Kanto has more food than just ramen, right?” I asked.

“Lea, I’ve been hungry for this for months. None of the centers we’ve been to have this, it wasn’t on offer on the ship, and it’s so hard to be at your house when Eve cooks. Let me enjoy my ramen and quit picking on me,” May said, her face pulled into the most adorable pout I had ever seen.

“Fine, at least branch out and order something a little out of your comfort zone to go with it though.” I flipped through the menu and grinned. “Look, they have sushi! Grab yourself a Castelia Roll.” May scrunched up her nose.

“Raw fish. My girlfriend is trying to get me to eat raw fish,” May muttered.

I decided to break out the big guns and gave her my best puppy dog eyes. May instantly brought the menu up between the two of us. I did my best impression of a sad Growlithe, and I grinned as I heard a sigh from beyond the oriental veil.

“Fine, but you’re getting the leftovers when I ultimately can’t eat it, and you’re holding my hair when I puke.”

“Yes!” I shouted with glee, which flagged down our server. “Oh, uh, sorry, I don’t-”

“We’re ready,” May said. “I’ll take the chicken ramen with scallions, green onions, eggs, and wonton strips.” May’s nose curled a bit. “And a Castelia Roll.” I grinned.

“I’m going to try the Miracle Dumplings, an order of Gyoza, and a bowl of miso soup.” I passed her my menu and bowed slightly.

She returned the bow and left.

“Thank you,” I said.

“So, where’s Emilie hiding out at right now?” May asked. I pointed just above the signage, where Emilie was poking her head out of the O.

“I appreciate that she’s at least trying to give us privacy. She can’t really go all that far, but it’s still nice of her,” I said.

Emilie waved at me. I waved back. We sat in silence for a moment.

It suddenly occurred to me that I really didn’t know what to do on a dinner date.

“Are you as lost as I am right now?” May asked. Apparently, my awkwardness was showing on my face.

“Probably, I just... don’t really know what to say or do. I know this is the part where a lot of couples get to know each other better, but we already know each other.” I tilted my head a bit.

“I read online that there’s usually a bit of weirdness as best friends adapt to being a couple.”

I snorted. “Did you really do online research for our date?” I asked.

May blushed.

“Oh, that is so adorable.”

“Yeah, well... I was nervous. Okay?” May sputtered.

I giggled.

“I get it,” I replied. “I was a huge ass bundle of nerves waiting for you in the lobby.” I winced. “Ah, I probably shouldn’t swear as much. It’s not fancy fancy, but it’s still a bit high end. They’re liable to toss me out if I act too much like me.”

“I don’t want you to act like anyone else,” May ordered. “I honestly wouldn’t know what to do if you started talking like some of the stuffed shirts that came from the league.”

“Oh, posh, darling. Surely you jest. I can talk and dine with the highest of society, obviously.” I did my best to inflect a bit of Emilie’s fake Kalos accent into my voice as I talked.

May just started laughing.

“Please stop. I’m laughing, but that’s so cursed,” May said between giggles. “Also, as much as I joke about it, I think my research was right.” May smiled at me as I sipped my tea. “Just because we’re dating doesn’t mean we have to change how we act when we hang out like this. Opportunities for romance will present themselves as the night goes on, I’m sure.” I nodded as a tray got brought out. Legends above, that smells heavenly. I swallowed back a bit of saliva as she set the plate of dumplings in front of me.

“Okay, if these taste as good as they smell, I’m leaving here a very happy woman.” The gyoza and Castelia roll was set between us, and my soup was placed down to my left with a wet napkin. I patted my hands down as May practically pounced on her bowl the second it was placed on the table, dexterously working her chopsticks around the noodles.

“I’m so glad Eve showed me how to work these things,” May said, before shoving a wad of noodles into her waiting maw. She moaned, before chewing and swallowing. “Okay, this place might have your sister beat.”

“To be fair, she didn’t bust out the wok unless I all but begged for this stuff. I guess I kind of know why, now, but honestly, she’d be right at home in this kitchen,” I said as I shoved the first dumping into my mouth and-

Holy fucking shit that is incredible. The flavors melded together on my tongue as I moaned in unbridled bliss. I hadn’t felt like this since the first time Emilie had one of my cookies back in the glade.

All of a sudden, Emilie is on the table.

“Please let me have one,” she begged. “I’ll go back to my spot afterwards, but that felt amazing, and I want to taste that so bad.” I smiled as I grabbed a dumpling and offered it to her. She cautiously took a bite, and the feeling of euphoria transferred through the bond.

“You can just hang out, Emilie. We don’t bite,” May said.

Emilie shook her head.

“Nope. Date night should be date night. I’m perfectly fine in my spot, it has a great view of the square. You two enjoy, alright.” Emilie disappeared before I could stop her.

I took that as my cue to eat the rest of the dumplings. May looked at me curiously across the table.

“I’m sorry, did you want in on that too?” I asked, feeling a bit sheepish. May shook her head.

“I’m good, thank you though. I was just curious about something you said. About understanding why Eve didn’t like to make it that often. I just thought it was weird. I’d figure she’d like to have something to remember your dad by a bit.”

I swallowed down my food really quickly as she picked up a piece of chicken with some onions.

“Right, I uh, never actually told you, huh?” I choked out, coughing a bit. “It’s not really a first date conversation, though.”

“I don’t mind, though if you don’t want to talk about it, I’ll drop it,” May said.

I looked down.

“Really, forget I said any-”

“My dad didn’t die on the way home,” I said, staring down into my miso soup. I took a sip. Oh, that’s warm, that feels nice. “He died going to the conference.” I grabbed my chopsticks and groaned as I floundered a bit with them, dropping one. “Apparently, my birth wasn’t a big enough event to stop him from making another go of it.” I stabbed one of the gyoza with the chopstick I was able to hold onto and popped it into my mouth.

May shifted to my side of the table and took my hand that had the single chopstick in it.

“You were right,” May said quietly, giving my hand a squeeze. “It wasn’t a good topic for a date. Sorry I brought it up.”

“It’s fine, really,” I said. My shoulders relaxed. “I never even knew the guy, I just... had stories. Stories that were probably mostly Tauros shit, but at the end of the day.” I shrugged. “I never got the chance. Threw me for a loop when I found out though. I’ve been trying to travel to the ideal I had in my head, and not the real thing. I think it’s been a lot more fun that way.” I turned my gaze upwards and looked May right in the eye. “I just can’t understand how he’d leave us behind like that. The thought of leaving you like that makes me sick to my stomach.”

May blushed bright red, and I suddenly realized what I said.

“Er, that is to say-”

“I understood what you meant.” May smiled so wide that I thought her face was going to split.

I chuckled nervously.

“Your dad sounds like a grade A idiot though. You being born was one of the best things that ever happened to me.”

I could feel my own lips pull back into a smile as May leaned forward and grabbed her bowl, sipping at the broth. I focused intently as I grabbed the chopsticks again. Like hell was I going to let this stupid injury stop me from using chopsticks of all things. I cautiously reached out to the middle of the table and grabbed a piece of sushi, holding it up to her.

May’s mouth remained sealed shut at the offering.

“Come on, you promised,” I said with a giggle.

May groaned before opening her mouth, and I fed her what appeared to be a perfectly rolled piece of sushi. May begrudgingly closed her mouth and chewed.

She grabbed the plate and slid it in front of her before scooping up another piece and popping it into her mouth. I just stared at her with a wide grin.

“Shut up,” May said.

“I didn’t say a damn thing,” I replied before stealing a piece of sushi and popping it into my mouth.

----------------------------------------

Street lights and moonlight lit up the park as we walked along the path, arm in arm. I could faintly hear Nincada in the background as we walked through the mostly empty garden area, the aroma of which brought a smile to my face. It almost smelled sweet? I didn’t know sweetness had a smell, but that’s what it smelled like.

May was snuggled up against me as we moved, and I grinned as we crossed another couple on a park bench, just staring out across the pond.

“When we come back to Rustboro, we need to visit this park again. This whole place is beautiful,” I said.

May nodded into my shoulder.

“Sound’s good to me,” May murmured sleepily. We kept walking, and a single, floating, red ember caught my eye. May perked up and pulled me to follow it.

“Wait, May-”

“Shush, just follow me. Trust me,” May said.

I followed along as the ember traveled along the grass and into the tree line. May helped me over a fallen log into something right out of a fairy tale.

Dozens of red and blue embers floated in the air just above our heads in a decently sized clearing, a faint dew coating the grass beneath my feet. My eyes wandered towards Emilie in the back, a single arm raised as she moved the fire around overhead. Suzy sat idly on the log next to her, Sergei in hand, and a faint, familiar sound filtered through the clearing.

May untangled herself from me before offering her hand.

“I promise not to step on your feet this time,” May said, her eyes filled with mirth and longing as I gazed at both her and the scene in awe. Slowly, I reached up and took her hand.

“It would be my pleasure,” I replied.

Emilie and Suzy fist bumped each other as May took my hand, and I pulled her close as I leaned into the dance, a dopey smile on my face.