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“I gotta get the crisping just right on this soufflé! Quick, go get the strawberries!”
“Aww, look at you! You were so little and adorable!”
This is so embarrassing…that show was a mess, and we didn’t make it past the semi-finals.
She gets offered a special day alone with her Trainer and this is the only thing she can come up with? Watching old clips of her and Michael?
Pathetic.
It doesn’t help that this was a total surprise. [Generic American Name] had said the other day that they were going to spend a one-on-one day with [TOBI]. That wasn’t completely out of the blue, as the two have always had the deepest bond.
But apparently it applies to the whole team, and now she’s next!
[Charming Performer in her True Nature] has no idea what to do, not without time to prepare! She has to make a good impression, or it’ll just be weird and uncomfortable! The Delphox grinds her teeth, trying desperately to be creative for once in her life.
What can they do? Battle? Talk? Explore?
Doing Coordinator stuff will only make her reminiscing worse. She’s supposed to move on from the past!
The vixen strokes her tail anxiously, finding no ideas again and again.
Who am I kidding? I’m not clever about this kind of stuff.
Michael always made the routines. [GAN] always makes the plans. But she’s boring. Ordinary. Uninspired.
Someone leans into her shoulder while arms wrap around her middle.
“Hey.”
W-woah. She isn’t used to this side of an embrace. That is, being above the other person nestling into her chest. But she does get to appreciate just who is in her arms.
[GAN]’s shimmering cascade of dark hair, falling along her left arm, carries a refreshing, ocean scent; it’s a product of [TOBI]’s frequent presence and the human’s regular hygiene. It’s soft and almost silk-like in her claws.
The human is thin yet evenly proportioned, with immaculate skin, pearly teeth, and even the hints of an attractive curvature. The only thing holding them back is a practical, unimpressive fashion sense.
They are truly beautiful.
And with but a word and a simple embrace, divine inspiration strikes.
“I think I know what I’d like to do.” [CPTN] stands from the park bench, sweeping her gaze across the modest town before her with a smile. “Now, I know you don’t tend to lean one way or the other…but would you mind getting in touch with your feminine side?”
They quirk a curious brow, but offer an encouraging grin.
“It’s your day. Though I am intrigued to see how you define ‘feminine’.”
The duo sets off without delay; [CPTN] has been to Tico Town a few times, so she knows the ins and outs, and exactly the places to visit. Despite being home to a Pokémon Gym, and one of the early ones in the Circuit, Tico Town is actually more of a Coordinator hotspot. The local Stadium is certainly a reason.
It was actually here where she got her first big break…but it’s been so long that the memory doesn’t make her quite as wistful as it used to.
Still, strolling through town arm and arm with her best friend is a peaceful feeling. The day is sunny, and as she eyes the many stores, there’s a gentle feeling of simplicity you can’t get in a place like Vaudetown. It even brings up long-distant memories from way back when she was a kit, listening to her mother tell stories of her homeland in Kalos.
The culture, the sweets, the stars. Mother always painted a beautiful place of love and opportunity.
Regrettably, some things you’ll find in any place for performers are here in Tico Town too, like shady snake oil salesmen.
[CPTN] can’t really understand his words, but the gaudy sign next to the obnoxious street-side seller says it all.
‘Limited Time! Buy Now! The RabbitBrush! Increases charm, obedience, and milk production!’
…Ew. In broad daylight?
[GAN] ignores him with practiced ease, but [CPTN] can’t help herself. She psychically sparks a tiny flame on the box of ‘merchandise’, which quickly finds purchase.
She revels in the man’s resulting cries of panic as his product goes up in smoke.
Her trainer says nothing as the two of them pass by, only offering a fist bump. Great minds think alike.
Now, she has a certain boutique in mind, but first, just to satisfy that Kalosian itch under her fur, it’s time to stop at a café.
”How about some tea and cakes? We can’t fully enjoy the day on empty stomachs!”
[GAN] smirks, sizing up a nearby store coated in a deep-ocean blue.
”I think you mean we can’t enjoy the day without fulfilling someone’s raging sweet tooth.”
Rude!
Oh, but where to go? Things have changed since she was here last, and that Mom and Pop bakery is nowhere to be found.
Surprisingly enough, there’s not one, not two, but three cafés in the immediate area. The first is the same unapologetically blue building in front of them. A design of rushing water coats the logo, and among the handful of patrons at the outdoor tables, she sees exclusively water-types on the wait staff. They carry plates bearing iced beverages and chilled cake.
And oddly, all males in matching tuxedos. Maybe not.
Across the street is almost exactly a carbon copy, but this time in green. Hanging plants and various pots surround the outdoor seating, while grass-types crowd around. It seems they serve a lot of tea and vegan snacks.
Again, males in tuxes. They probably won’t like her being in there.
And finally, to no one’s surprise, a red café down the street. Many lanterns decorate the outside, and the surrounding air shimmers from heat. [CPTN] spots scalding coffee and baked cookies being served.
It is again filled with sharply-dressed fire-types. More up her alley, but still awkward.
This is…really weird.
”Um…[GAN], are you seeing this?”
”Yeah, it’s a little on the nose. Any one catching your eye?”
She debates for a moment. Being with her own type is probably safest in terms of atmosphere, but she would much prefer the food selections of the other two. The Grass café probably wouldn’t welcome her anyway, so that’s probably out—ah, but what if [GAN] is leaning that way? They really like herbal tea. But then again, the cake from the Water side is really tempting.
”Sacrebleu, what have we here? Le chérie in a bind, non?”
Apparently, deliberating out on the street is enough to draw out an Inteleon from the Water café. The tall reptile has a sly grin, a handkerchief draped around his folded arm in typical maitre’d style.
And as much as she can appreciate a confident man with bedroom eyes (aka [DEMO]) there’s something about him that rubs her the wrong way. Maybe it’s just the water…or that he’s very obviously trying to just get business and not be genuinely flattering.
[CPTN] hovers close to her Trainer, not hiding her frown.
”Uh, hi,” the human tries, leaning away from Inteleon’s disarming leer. “Thanks or whatever, but we’re still trying to—“
”Ah, petit renarde and charmante dame. It is clear to me you require ze finest service in le monde! We will be taking good care of you in Le Eaux Fortes.”
The Strong Waters? Who names their business that?
Before human or Mon can get in much of a reply, they are ambushed by a well-dressed Sceptile.
“Not so fast, töricht Eidechse! Please, junge Frauen, do not be led astray by zis sleazy svimmer! He and his crones care not for your well-being and vill surely put you out! Ah, but us at Felder Von Grün?” She almost retches at the disturbing look that the Grass-type gives the both of them. “We vill burn for you, mein leibe.”
Seriously, what is going on? Why are these creepy stereotypical waiters clamoring over her of all people? Unless it‘S [GAN] they’re interested in, which she can’t blame them for…but still!
“Seriously, back off!” She barks, now holding onto her friend in a more protective fashion. Between this and no café at all, the choice is clear.
”Ha! Little men try to control such raging fire! I am amused!” Of course, this little tie-measuring contest wouldn’t be complete without an Incineroar arriving to join the fun.
The beastly feline flexes, testing the limits of his suit. “Girl has muzhestvo! Is too much for puny shops to handle, da? She belong with Plamya Zizhni!”
It takes a grand total of two seconds for the trio of servers to begin arguing amongst themselves, an occurrence that seems all too common. The refined gentlemen don’t come to blows just yet—but the writing on the wall says otherwise.
”We’re leaving,” [GAN] whispers, before tactfully sliding out from among the type triangle. Everyone’s too busy shouting in their native languages to notice, so [CPTN] neatly slips away as well.
She dusts off her tail, soiled by the riffraff, while maintaining a dignified strut and gradually leaving them behind.
”Something tells me that rivalry’s not just about getting customers…”
”I guess you’re a hot commodity.” [GAN], you charmer.
”Really?” She jokes back. “I thought they were after you.” The duo shares a laugh, continuing on their merry way. [CPTN] spares one last look back at the café street to make sure they won’t be followed, and…
The argument has devolved into an intense three-way make out session. Slobber, sweat, the works.
Right. Never gonna unsee that.
— —
[One Hour Later]
— —
A healthy amount of window shopping later, both human and Mon come across ‘My Fair Ledyba’, one of the finest boutique lines common to Kalos. They’re exceedingly rare in other regions. Despite the cutesy, childish sounding name, MFL is renowned for allowing anyone to browse its shelves rather than requiring memberships or other forms of prestige.
But browsing is all most people ever get to do. The prices are…steep. [CPTN] has never gotten the chance to try their threads, let alone dress someone else. But thanks to [COLA]’s seemingly inexhaustible wealth, funds have never been a problem.
And her inner Fennekin craves being spoiled rotten.
“Makeover day, huh?”
“I’ve always kind of wanted a girl’s day out, yeah.”
Before they can continue, a small group of luxurious human women flock to the entrance, streaming in with haughty laughs. One glances at [GAN] and appears to scoff.
I was afraid of that…we can back up our purchases, but we certainly don’t fit in.
As per usual, [CPTN]’s friend plays it off with a joke.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t usually put ‘Ledyba’ and ‘haute couture’ together. They kinda look derpy to me.”
“I wouldn’t let Madame Ba hear you say that. I hear she takes great pride in the motif.”
But as the moment passes, they’re left staring at the door, hesitating to go in.
[GAN] has…self-esteem issues, to say the least. As a psychic, [CPTN] is much more intimately familiar with this fact than she would honestly like to be. But it does help her realize exactly what her faithful companion needs to hear.
As the human slumps, fidgeting in the absence of [TOBI], [CPTN] brings an arm around their deceptively slim shoulders.
“You’ve always been beautiful, [GAN]. I just figured a fresh look would help everyone else realize it too.”
“W-wait, this is for me?!”
Uh oh. I thought that was obvious. Gotta be tactful.
“Well…there’s nothing wrong with your look, but it is missing a little…pizazz.” They tug at their simple white t-shirt and cargo shorts, looking at the ensemble now with a more critical eye. “It’s giving…military recruit.”
[GAN] sighs before holding open the door to the boutique.
“Alright. Just one rule: nothing revealing, please?”
Before she can answer, [CPTN] is a little awestruck by the sheer fashion overload upon entering. She can’t even get past the very first row; each line proudly displayed at the front is from a top competing designer, with some even sponsored by her idols.
LASS, Jetsetter, Veracidad, Glammori, even BRAVELY!
The mannequins range all types of Pokémon, meaning it’s the thread work and composition that makes the fit more than figure or frame. She’s always loved that part. No matter how big or small, how ugly you may feel, it’s the clothes that make the Mon, not the other way around.
Although in hindsight that seems a little…odd. No wonder I was so high maintenance. They make your accessories more worth it than yourself.
On the one hand, everyone gets a chance to be fashionable and to be popular, without discriminating based on a beauty standard. But then the problem becomes about who can afford it, not who looks the best.
It’s stuff like this that makes her glad she left that kind of life behind.
No, today is about having fun and playing costume designer for her Trainer.
Speaking of which, she just zoned out really hard. [GAN] is now waiting patiently near the mannequins, having acquired an Indeedee clerk.
“If you have finished gaping in wonder, madam,” the lattter drones sassily. “Are there any particular requests in visiting our boutique this fine morning?”
“Oh, um, actually, we’re here for the human section. I figured it’d be a fun way to hang out and do some bonding.” Indeedee turns up his nose at this suggestion, though his paws never leave their folded butler position.
“With all due respect, madam, this is a professional establishment where we take our products quite seriously. If you intend to make light of this for leisure, I must ask that you leave.”
“We’ll buy as much as you can sell us on.”
“Right this way, Miss.”
Indeedee leads them on a whimsical journey through MFL that feels like something straight out of fantasy. Although there are many different styles on display—ones that certainly don’t apply to [CPTN]’s typecast—she can still appreciate them for the sheer quality of the work.
Nothing is tacky, out of style, or too ridiculous like runway fashion. Everything is sensible, refined, and some even look practical for battling or competition.
Given the mid-spring season, pastel colors are in at the moment. Each piece cries out a need for warmth, breathability, and nature.
As they enter the section of the store devoted to Trainers and Coordinators, she has to admit that most of the clothes could still work for humanoid Pokémon such as herself.
Matching outfits! Oh, we’d look so sweet!
Alas, she does have to reign in the excitement and wonder just a little; [GAN] looks shell-shocked, completely out of their element.
“Hey, don’t you worry bout a thing. I’ve got this covered. You’re gonna look great!”
Indeedee halts the anxious Trainer next to a fitting stage. Mirrors cover one-eighty degrees, leaving the other half open for the fitter to see.
“As is customary at My Fair Ledyba, we will begin with a professional’s selections, based upon three adjectives used to describe the subject.” The fluffy, goat-like Pokémon pats down the fur at his waist, and his horns quiver slightly.
[CPTN] then feels Psychic energy.
She isn’t as in tune with these powers as most. As a Delphox, most of her efforts are trained on producing her namesake fire and other traditional magic. She doesn’t read minds or cause things to levitate much; teleporting is more her specialty.
But clearly, Indeedee is a master of reading someone. He stares at a bemused [GAN], eyes flashing a myriad of colors as he seemingly understands the human completely within a few seconds.
A probe likewise tickles her own mind. [CPTN] mentally nudges it, discovering that this strain of energy isn’t terribly invasive, and she could repel it if she wants to. But she decides to let the expert have a look; there’s no harm in it.
That is, until Indeedee practically lurches backwards in surprise. “This—this doesn’t make sense. You’re—“ The butler looks beyond confused, while an unaware [GAN] folds their arms.
“What’s going on? Are we going to try on some stuff?”
“Yeah,” she adds, a little curious as to what he’s witnessing but more so upset by the lack of professionalism. “If you’re done gaping in wonder, can we get to the fun?” He looks to the clothing racks on his left, then the right, apparently in desperate search of assistance. He seems particularly torn between a matching suit and dress on display nearby.
“This is a crisis! I have never dealt with something like this before! How can I dress the unquantifiable?!”
Oh. Seriously? That’s what this is about? Sheesh man, show a little tact. It’s not their fault.
And shouldn’t it be kind of obvious? For crying out loud, they are literally gray.
“We’ll be sticking to women’s fashion today, if that helps.” And at once, Indeedee calms down, able to latch on to something more familiar. MFL should have better inclusivity training…
“Ah, very good then. I have some opening choices that should complement these unique tones.”
The next two hours are spent in a veritable odyssey of fashion. Ninety percent of options are examined with a simple hold-up test, and both Indeedee and [CPTN] prove to be equally picky. If ever there is a garment that one prefers, the other declines. A very select few are set aside for a more thorough try-on process later.
Mercifully, [GAN] is patient through it all. She appreciates how tolerant they are of her strange preferences, and the human offers zero complaints, even making comments on the ensembles with the occasional joke.
Even after examining almost half of the entire store’s dress selection, they smile and nod at hearing that it’s time for the proper test.
The changing rooms await.
First on the docket is a deep green drop-waist, with black stripes and frills towards the bottom. It looks straight out of a red carpet awards ceremony. But it’s got those dumb laces in the back that are almost impossible to tie alone.
She stops [GAN] before they slip inside the changing room.
“Here, I’ll help!” For the first time since getting in the store, her Trainer…hesitates?
A small blush of embarrassment creeps onto their cheeks, and they clutch the dress a little more tightly.
“No, um…it’s okay, I can do it…” She gets a sinking feeling as to where this response comes from. It burns against her heart, which sparks up in righteous fury.
People in their past life must have done this.
So as a dear friend, it is [CPTN]’s duty to do something about that rabbit hole.
“Please? It’ll go a lot quicker.” She tells them with her expression that she knows what’s happening, and is trying to offer reassurance.
The human takes a very deep breath, already shielding themself with their arms.
“…Okay.”
After the door is closed tight and Indeedee is shut out, the tension slides off of [GAN] like water. “[CPTN],” they whisper. “I…really don’t think…”
“I believe I understand,” she replies, placing a caring paw on their shoulder. “I love you, [GAN]. You are beautiful inside and out. Being unlike other humans is what makes you so special to me.”
The closest she’s ever gotten to [GAN] in this way was their swimsuit worn in a communal jacuzzi bath, which covered far more than any swimsuit she’s seen other humans wear. They guard their body like it’s the most delicate secret in all the world, and it hurts her inside to think about why they are so plagued by modesty.
None of Team [GOONR] has ever expressed some uncouth desire or made fun of their beloved friend’s uniqueness. At the very least, [CPTN] certainly hasn’t, and if she finds out someone else has, it won’t be pretty.
“I promise you I will follow all boundaries and be as respectful as scientifically possible.” The tiniest smile fights through all of the uncertainty and shyness.
“You’re sweet. —It’s just a dress,” they tell themself. “It’s not a big deal.”
And with the motivation secured, [GAN] carefully sheds their top, followed by their shorts. Naturally, [CPTN] does her best to dwell on very little, and before she knows it, the dress on trial has been equipped.
She laces up the back slowly and methodically, stopping at checkpoints to ensure that it’s breathable and not too tight. The experience of trying on clothes with a good friend is just as polite and sacred as she dreamed.
Simply mutual support and respect.
“Hey. That’s actually not so bad.” They twirl, swishing the free segment at the bottom.
As [CPTN] steps back to admire, she feels something awakening deep within. Seeing her best friend in that glittery, form-hugging dress creates a feeling altogether different from the childish crush she once had on [DEMO], and yet…
They look stunning.
Oh no. [TOBI]’s gonna kill me.
— —
[Later]
— —
“Oof. We might need to start battling more regularly. [COLA] was filthy rich, but we’re quite the high-expense group.”
“This is just a one-time thing! Besides, it was worth it to see you so confident in yourself.”
“Am I that bad?” [GAN] chuckles lightly, showing that it isn’t bothering them anymore. They stuff the absurd receipt away before sizing up the oncoming hill. “Up there?”
“Mmhmm.” [CPTN] excitedly takes their hand, lighting a small flame in her other paw to guide the way through the dark.
Overlook Park is a hotspot of Tico Town, and tonight it’s just as busy as she remembers. Couples, families, friend groups. Everyone knows that it’s the perfect place to spend a night stargazing and just being together.
She has good memories here. And I intend to make new ones.
They carefully step past a handful of people with their own blanket setups, and even an older gentleman wielding a telescope, apologizing all the while.
“Right here, right here! This is one of the best spots.”
The slope here is slanted perfectly to get a good view of the starry sky without being too uncomfortable. You can simply lay down and enjoy the show.
For now though, [CPTN] settles in a seated position, hugging her knees while watching the happy sight surrounding her. [GAN] sighs contentedly while likewise sitting and…rubs their legs?
“Phew. It’s been a minute since I’ve stood for so long at a time.” Silly human.
“Don’t we normally travel on foot? You should be in great shape.”
“I see how it is,” they joke, nudging her shoulder. “Great place, by the way. It’s lovely.”
“Tell me about it. We would always—never mind.” [CPTN] just can’t look at those memories the same way anymore. Everything was innocent and nice, no misconceptions, and she’s trying her best to use the past as a learning tool, but…
“No, please tell! I love a good story.”
“[GAN],” she snaps. Too fiercely, by their flinch. “S-sorry. It’s just…not a good story.”
But within a split second, her fault is forgotten as compassionate hands start massaging her shoulders. [CPTN] can’t help but groan, caught immediately in her Trainer’s immaculate caregiving skills. Brushing, styling, washing, massage…they are truly an expert.
So what if some of the other guests glance at them weirdly? So what if it sounds like something a little more passionate going on? She feels good.
“Huh. And I thought I was sore.” A few minutes pass by, and the duo finally sets up to watch the starry map before them.
Having lived in the Esai region for most of her life, it’s a familiar sight to [CPTN], but one she never grows tired of. As a magician, dabbling in astrology is basically required, so she’s plenty familiar with the mythos and history of the night sky.
As the night draws on, she traces constellations for her less experienced human friend.
“See the box and tail that kind of looks like a soup ladle? If you follow it to the right, it traces out Ursaring Major. Down there to the left is Machokees, who’s chasing after him. And then right down there?”
A great smiles blooms on her face as she traces her all-time favorite.
“That’s the Maiden Mienshirgo. She represents faithfulness and perfection. She takes disorderly, chaotic situations and makes them nice and organized. See, the legs right there, and the raised arm. But you know what I see?” The vixen grabs hold of her faithful staff, the same one that’s been there through it all.
She found it herself. Michael had it sanded and lacquered for both presentation and protection. [GAN] has repaired it multiple times, evidenced by durable tape wrapped at multiple points behind the tip.
It’s a symbol of everything. Her life’s journey personified. [CPTN] points it towards the stars.
“I see a Sorceress. Brave and confident in herself. Willing to take a stand. There’s her wand, aiming straight at Machokees, teaching that brute a lesson for trying to hurt an innocent creature! She’s not even worried about Pyroarion right over there. It’s…awesome.”
A moment of silence passes between them, and the surrounding chatter has quieted as well.
The stars remain, twinkling softly, like a friend’s eyes filled with laughter.
“I’m not much for star-reading and stuff. But Mienshirgo is your sign, right?”
“…Yeah.”
“I like it.”
[CPTN] blinks in surprise. She rubs her eyes once, twice. Is that real?
Excited gasps and sounds of wonder from around her prove that everyone else sees it too.
As though sparked from her words, little streaks of light are blazing out from Mienshirgo’s outstretched arm. They zip by from high above, fading out of existence in only a few seconds, but are still so beautiful.
It’s a magic meteor shower.
Without thinking too much about it, she wordlessly links an arm with the human beside her. A hand finds her paw, squeezing lightly as if to say ‘I’m here’.
Did they know? This is amazing. —Wait! I have to make a wish! The shower is slowing, with the meteors becoming less and less consistent.
She can’t linger. The first thought that comes to mind!
I wish that we can be together as long as I live.
The meteors finally fade, and of all things, applause and cheering sweeps through the late night crowd. Maybe it will be a nice diversion to let the blush drain from her cheeks.
“I would ask what you wished for, but you know.”
She dares to look over at [GAN]—
Their expression practically melts her on the spot. The cosmos reflected in their shimmery eyes catches just one final shooting star, flying across their visage like a mischievous wink.
It’s too much to handle.
She dives at the human like a Mon possessed, wrapping them up as tightly as she knows how while (trying) to hold back a delighted squeal.
“Thank you. You’ve made this the best day ever!”
“You deserve it, [CPTN]. I love you dearly.”
She doesn’t need to read minds to know what her answer should be.
“Yeah. I love you too.”