[ She’s completely flabbergasted at his modesty, appearing shocked at the insinuation. ]
Kyouhei…you’re the CHAMPION! This—this is something that almost every trainer strives to be…I just don’t understand!
Why are you being so humble about it!
ㅤㅤㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤ [ Red in the face again, Kyouhei ducked his chin into the high collar of his jacket ; attempting to hide the flush on his cheeks at her enthusiasm. ]
ㅤㅤㅤ“ Awn c'mon. . . !! It ain't /that/ special. A party is a lot, dont'cha think? I mean, think about it !! ”
Nonsense! You can still be the same you while deserving to be celebrated!
[ It’s too late, anyhow. She’s already planning it in her head. ]
I’ll send invites ASAP! And we’ll get party favors of all your Hall of Fame Pokémon! Oooh I CAN’T WAIT!!
Ohhhh, I really need to pay attention to that more! I always forget to read the news…
…Wait! That means—!
[ Gasping! Jumping up and down! ]
No way, NO WAY! CONGRATS! We have to throw a party!!
ㅤㅤㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤ “ New. . . Hm. Well. I won my champion match versus Iris yesterday !! It was all over the tv !! The news too !! ”
ㅤㅤㅤ [ Kyouhei crossed his arms behind his head, his grin wide enough to almost hurt. ]
ㅤㅤㅤ“ D'ya know what that means ? ”
Aww, do you really think that? I’m flattered!
[ She could just pinch his cheeks! So cute!! But, she’ll restrain herself. ]
You know, I feel like you haven’t updated me about your travels in quite some time! Anything new to share?
ㅤㅤㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤ “ Y-yeah ? Ya think so? ”
ㅤㅤㅤ[ Flushing under Bianca's compliments, Kyouhei waved his hand dismissively in front of his face to hide the pink hair dusting over his cheeks. ]
ㅤㅤㅤ “ Jeez, yer real sweet Miss Bianca. I can totally see it now !! ”
[ Bianca puts him down, patting his shoulders. As if that would help. ]
Just look at all that hair! Fluffy, sticking up every which way. Spitting image of a Rufflet!
That, and it evolves into a Braviary! And you’re one of the mightiest, bravest people I know!
ㅤㅤㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤ “ AHCK— ”
ㅤㅤㅤ [ Kyouhei squirms around in her grip for a moment before simply accepting his fate; cheek squished against her shoulder and his ribs being crushed. ]
ㅤㅤㅤ “ A Rufflet? Is there a reason why ? ”
Oh, Kyouhei, you big sweetie!
[ She dives in for a hug—much too tight!—squealing as she does. ]
I can SO see it now! And I’m super flattered! Y’know, if I were to assign you a Pokémon, it’d be a Rufflet!
ㅤㅤㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤ “ Well for one, they're like ,, real fluffy so when they're usin' electric type attacks, their fur stands up !! It reminds me of the way yer hair poofs out. Plus they got real sweet faces. Yaknow ? Just like you !! ”
ㅤㅤㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤ “ I think everyone inherently looks like a pokemon whether they think so or not. Rosa reminds me of an Audino, Hugh. . . Obviously a Quilfish. Miss Bianca reminds me of an Ampharos and Mr. Cheren is like a Swellow. Just sayin !! ”
I like what I do, Cheren. I promise. But I really appreciate you looking out for me.
[ She sighs, wistfully. ]
There’s no better feeling in the world than being able to bring the biggest smile to a new trainer’s face when you give them their first partner! It always takes me
anything I saw more potential in your style than either of our’s…
[ He pauses for a moment, meeting her own gaze. Catching himself both reminiscing and daydreaming… ]
… But what matters is you do as you please. Regardless of what we do. I want you to be you.
[ Beaming when she sees it. ]
Isn’t that better! Now tell Bianca your woes so I can help solve them!
[ Ah, good. There’s a bench nearby. She sits on it, patting the spot next to her. If she could assist him in moving past his feelings about his disappearance or otherwise,
[ He hides in his collar— like he does any time he feels… any kind of pushback. Brown eyes shining at her sadly. Hesitation for a moment, he brings a finger up to pull his collar down, revealing a soft smile underneath. ]
I can’t help it when you say it like that.
…You suuuure that’s all that’s got’cha down?
[ Leaning towards him, with a little tilt in your head. ]
I just feel like you’re poutier than usual. I wanna see you smile!
[ He looks… a little too long, trying to understand. He stands up straight, readjusting his hat. ]
Well— nothing really. Moreso just adjusting to… how things are now. Changes and all.
You think so?
[ She absolutely beams at the comment, feeling a little embarrassed. Messing with her glasses. ]
Ahah…you know, I always felt like I wasn’t as good at battling as you and the others. Which isn’t a bad thing! I’m just—so super happy I’ve finally found my calling!
makes me really happy, seeing you like this.
I hope the work with Professor Juniper is… fulfilling for you, as well as paying well. If not, please know there’ll always be a spot for you here.