“Oh, Bidoof, my dear~” trilled Miss Maron in a cheery tone, pushing her palms together in delight, before launching herself at the Pokémon.

Launched, because, that’s exactly what it was.

Her belly slid across the table, pushing cutlery, decorations, and vases aside in a cacophony of clattering. Rika lifted her plate as Miss Maron continued sliding across below.

Upon reaching her destination, she reached for Bidoof and engulfed it in a heartfelt hug, pressing it against her body with such force that Rika worried its eyes might pop out.

“How long has it been since I last saw you?!” Miss Maron kissed all over the Pokémon’s face, and to Rika’s dismay, Bidoof didn’t dare to stop her.

High-pitched squeaks escaped the creature, tormented by the assault of this old, desperate woman. But Rika was mistaken—it wasn’t helpless. Now, it was Bidoof’s turn.

It parted its lips, pulsating them in rhythmic beats before pressing its teeth against Miss Maron’s cheek. Bare front teeth pressed against flesh in an attempt to kiss her.

Engrossed by the sight, Rika covered Mason’s eyes with one hand and her own with the other. But the sounds persisted. Haunting.

Finally Miss Maron let go of Bidoof, laughing and gasping from the exertion. Rika decided to pretend none of this had ever happened.

It once again reminded her why she wouldn’t release her Pokémon outside of school. Not only was it against the rules, and could end up costing her the chance of obtaining a trainer licence, but also, as Miss Maron had shown, it was dangerous. For the Pokémon itself, mind you.

“Alright, time to feed my two favorites!” said Miss Maron, as she scooped up two pieces of blue pie for each of them.

Rika curled her lip in disdain, pulling her plate a proper distance away from the fuzzy creature. Apparently, Pokémon were allowed to eat at the table—or rather on top of it—in this household.

Perhaps, Bedhead could also use some food before the practical exam...

Though, it rarely spent any time outside its Pokéball anyway, which drastically reduced its calorie needs. Nobody had ever heard of a Pokémon dying inside its Pokéball, after all.

The slurping and loud smacking noises from the two Bidoofs made Rika question her initial appetite. Miss Maron, however, seemed delighted by the sight.

Okay, let’s pray my stomach will survive this, Rika thought, eyeing the colorful cake.

At least it seems eatable this time.

Rika handed her plate to Miss Maron, “I’d also like a piece, but one of the normal cake please.”

It wasn’t exactly normal either, but better than the monstrosity in front of Mason, or rather inside him now.

Miss Maron grinned and placed a slice of rainbow cake on her plate.

“I really don’t want to insult your cooking, but...” Rika began, as Mason already helped himself to a third piece. “Should I be worried that Mason will eventually keel over from all the caffeine in those Chesto Berries?”

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Both Rika’s and Miss Maron’s eyes wandered over to Mason who only paused briefly as he noticed, but didn’t seem bothered enough and just continued eating. Speaking with a full mouth wouldn’t be tolerated by his mother, of course.

“Well, I just can’t get him out of bed otherwise in the morning,” Miss Maron complained. “And I’ve really tried everything!”

“I see. Well then, nothing can be done about it,” Rika said. “He... um, is still growing, I suppose.” The statement was more of a question; after all, the boy was only reaching up to her chest. He definitely took after his mother.

Miss Maron ruffled Mason’s hair with a grin before addressing the important topics. “So, how did the exam go? Did you know all the answers, hm…?”

Rika glanced at her questioningly as she took the first bite of the amalgamation cake. The taste was certainly memorable, though a bit sweet and chewy.

While Rika chewed, her gaze went to Mason, and she motioned her head in his direction. Miss Maron should be asking him—he was the troublemaker of the two.

But Mason was still busy eating. And he pretended to be chewing on that bite forever, just so he wouldn’t need to speak up anytime soon.

Rika rolled her eyes, letting out an inaudible grumble.

She held up a hand to cover her mouth. “Well, it was no big deal... but little sleepy head over here...” Her eyes narrowed as she stared at Mason, who finally paused his eating for a second and swallowed heavily.

“Rika saved my ass- I mean, helped me out!” He said.

His mom almost seemed shocked at that statement. Rika knew what would come next.

Oh no, but isn’t that cheating?! That’s not okay, honey!

But instead of annoying words, a weird smirk grew on Miss Maron’s face. On top of that, her eyebrows began wiggling up and down in a strange manner. “Oooh~ that’s so nice of Rika! You're are already such a well-coordinated team~”

Rika choked on a piece of cake, coughing frantically. What was that women getting so excited about out of a sudden? And what’s up with all that eyebrow wiggling?! Perhaps some weird family tradition? More likely a disease.

“I still remember as if it were yesterday!” Miss Maron said melodramatically.

Oh no, here we go.

“You two watched a Pokémon series together, snuggling up on the couch! It was so adorable! Then you said you’ll get married someday and travel the whole world to become the best Pokémon trainers ever! Oh my… good old days…”

It was true, Mason and Rika knew each other since early childhood days. But marrying? She and Mason?! There was no way she had ever said something so cheesy in her life. Ever.

Meanwhile, Mason remained completely silent. Not even a smacking escaped his lips as he stared at his mother with a look that Rika couldn’t quite place. Confusion? Or perhaps anger? Rika had never seen the boy like this before. His eyebrows were definitely not wiggling this time—that much she knew.

Whatever it was, Rika’s tension loosened when his mother realized that a change of subject was appropriate.

Rika wanted to prevent nostalgic topics. It reminded her too much of the times that would never come back.

“Well, anyway! When does the… fighting start?” Miss Mason sounded as happy as ever, but the atmosphere had clearly changed. Also, Rika heard a hint of concern, or nervousness, in the mother’s voice, as if Mason himself would step onto the battlefield.

“Pretty soon,” Rika said and stood up, still finishing the last piece of cake while speaking. “Thanks for the meal, Miss Maron. It was, as always...” she paused for a moment, her tongue trying to free her teeth from the gluey substance. “Something.”

“Always happy to cook for my little Rika~” she chirped, which only caused Rika to hasten her departure. Before the women could even think of forcing a hug on her, Rika grabbed Mason by the collar, pulling at it.

Hastily, Mason rummaged through his pocket, as Bidoof ran up to Miss Maron, just for her to bend down and let the Pokémon smooch her again. The Pokéball’s red beam reached it just a second too late for Rika to escape the horror.

This human Pokémon relationship wasn’t normal; it really wasn’t.

Again, Rika tugged at Mason’s clothes, and he finally followed, waving a hand at his mother. “Bye, Mom!”

“Bye, sweetie!” she chirped back. “Take good care of my boy, Rika! He needs you!”

Rika winced, holding back a sigh. Instead, she forced a smile onto her face. Even if i didn’t look like one.

I know…

I know.