gunslingerqueen | IC Contact + Overflow

[Every time it seems like she's used to Pokemon and all the incredible shapes and sizes they come in, another one pops up and blows her mind because --

What is that adorable little thing?!]

Oh my gosh!

[at least she's self-aware enough to whisper, but wiggling in place might not help the cause.]

[he smiles a little-- she seems glad, delighted, actually. his own voice low, he says]

What do you think?

It’s so cute!

[Do Pokemon have genders? They probably … do? She’s in need of a crash course here, but the little buddy is cute regardless!]

I’ve never seen them in the wild like this, though.

[A natural side effect of trying to hide within crowds as much as possible.]

They hang out here in the tall grass...hidden. But they like competition too, I think.

[of course, like genders, all Pokemon natures are different too]

What's its name?

[Whoever runs around classifying all these wild critters deserves an award, and unless someone is closer to her situation she can't imagine being able to see every last one!]

Do you think it likes being hugged? I don't want to scare it, but ...

[Look at that Pancham! How dare it be so small and lovable, and not receive her attention!]

Pancham.

[some professor out there probably feels warm and fuzzy out of nowhere]

I think it might, once it gets used to you. They all like to eat-- you could try with a snack. I've got some, if you want.

Panbaby.

[Perhaps that same professor now shudders with regret. The idea of interacting with the sassy Pokemon makes her eyes widen and it is minute, the way she brightens and immediately dims when a fear makes itself very known, but obvious. She’s too earnest to hide anything right now.]

Maybe you should do it , just to be safe, and I’ll come out when it seems comfortable!

[he smiles bemusedly. she's nervous, huh. Gladion understands the feeling. he was during his first Pokemon encounter too.

he moves just a little, just enough to make get the Pokemon's attention-- the little one is alert, but stays very, very still as well. Watching Gladion. The teen slides one of the little treats forward, then scoots back, still facing Pancham.]

[... It would just be sad if the poor thing ended up scared of her. Not many living things were self-aware enough to realize what was off, but it had happened before.]

Even if you don't want to hang out, don't turn down a free snack!

[She mutters, perpetually incapable of restraint! Also bold-faced lying because that Pokemon is just doomed to get a hug and if it runs away, Gladion will have to receive it instead!!!]

[the little guy or girl creeps closer, sniffling, sniffling-- and then darts over to eat it. but they don't leave-- just look at Gladion and his buddy, still eating. a little comfy]

They might be comfortable enough to be friends.

[Pancham isn't exactly hissing or bristling or whatever it is creatures with fur do, so! Nothing to do now but try.]

Can I have one of those, please?

[A treat, a palm remains open and she's patient, but when they've finished Nariko sits her ass right on the ground, and strains to offer it with a smile.

.... Let's hope this buddy doesn't clock her nerves.]

[his eyes still on the Pokemon, he hands a snack over. The Pokemon appears curious! a good sign]

Just be slow, and quiet, and it'll be fine.

[First comes hesitation, the internal fear of being seen as terrifying is frustratingly present, yet another problem she doesn't know how to solve. But she can trust Gladion, and just take it one step at a time.

Slowly, Nariko offers the treat with an open palm, no noise, just eye contact with the Pancham and a careful smile. Maybe that doesn't help or hurt, but it's kind of a reflex.]

[though the little Pokemon might sense her nervousness, it also must have a greedy nature, because the little one gets closer than it had with Gladion--

and it stays right there before Nariko, too]

I'm so relieved.

[Still on the quiet side, even if its killing her not to squeal and shout with joy! If the Pancham is greedy then she's happy to oblige it, giving Gladion a quick wide-eyed, kicked-kitten look that screams please, let me give it another treat! Please please please please-- as if she wasn't the adult, here. She would feed this poor creature until it is simply a fat round ball, with no regrets.]

I thought you'd be scared of me.

[his grin brightens-- and he has to really try not to laugh-- she's giving him puppy dog eyes. as if she needed to

he hands over a few more treats]

I think you'll fatten 'em up before you take 'em home.

[He remains the best! As always. But the probability of laughter surely increases while she keeps feeding the Pancham, and blinks at him kind of skeptically.]

There is no way I can take Pasha home.

[And yet she has clearly named the Pokemon and continues to happily feed it!]

[his mouth quirks more, his eyes creased in amusement]

I think Pasha can decide for themselves, hmm?

[Pasha still hasn't left, by the way! they look expectantly at her]

It's just ...

[A pokemon to keep her company when Gladion was busy, a companion that she could look after and would help familiarize her with this new world. There's a million reasons to worry, yet each one dissolves when she looks at Pasha the Pancham. Even though they can't speak the same language Nariko doesn't have a right to make the choice all on her own.]

Alright, it's all on you Pasha. Do you want to be buddies, and stay with me?

[still chewing on their treat, Pasha's gaze doesn't leave Nariko's. After a moment, it squeaks, nodding.

That didn't take much thought, did it? As long as there are treats, and fun, Pasha's happy to be with her.

Gladion looks smug]

Well?

[It really didn't, and she looks at the Pokemon as if to say shouldn't you think a bit harder? but ... No reason to doubt it.]

I don't have anything for him. He needs a little bed and food, and a tiny pillow.

[No, she hasn't seen Pokeballs yet.]

... But I do like a buddy who knows what they want.

[he does slide a Pokeball over to her]

Then the two of you can go shopping together. A pillow, a bed, food, a blanket or 12.

[Cute!!! But she thinks it's a toy, and shows it to Pasha before kind of rolling it around in her hands with the distinct air of throwing it in the near future - like playing fetch!]

Guess I can't just up and leave now.

[he watches her fondly for a moment, and then guides that hand towards Pasha, gently telling her]

You catch 'em with that.

[Wait what do you mean it isn’t for playing??? Confusion doesn’t stop her from doing as instructed, she blinks in empty headed wonder as Pasha is sent to the mysterious depths of the Pokeball - entirely by luck.

She’s probably seen another trainer or everyday person do this before so it’s fine, but-]

And they’re comfortable in there?

[Gladion wouldn’t put his in them otherwise, but she can’t help worrying.]

the horrors persist but so do i (hello)

hey you!! <333

<33!!

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Happy Holidays + New Year!!

hope you had good ones!!! <333

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