gunslingerqueen | IC Contact + Overflow

[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.]

[Gladion smiles, satisfied with himself, and with the successful catch. Now his friend has a little friend]

Obviously a human's never been in there, but there's scientific studies, lots of them, that reassure us they're the perfect habitats to keep Pokemon happy.

[The ball is lightweight in her hands, she’s careful about moving it and considers the pushable button on the front, too. She would have trusted Gladion over a thousand scientists, anyway.]

So, now you definitely have to move in with Pasha and I!

[the entire population of humanity should trust Gladion over Pokemon scientists in particular.

his eyes widen-- that's right, that was the plan...wasn't it]

You're still wanting that, then?

[A lot goes through that head of hers. A lot but it really just comes down to the following:]

Yes!

[he ducks his head, but he's smiling]

Okay, then. We can do that.

[??????????? AH!]

Gladion.

[Calm, cool, not loud! Like approaching Pasha! Except, well, Gladion isn't a Pokemon and she's exhausted her quiet for the week. Maybe for the whole month.]

I really want to give you a hug right now.

[Just in case the vibrating joy echoing off of her wasn't enough of an indication.]

[look, he's not that much like a frightened animal okay!! ...maybe like 40% like one.

and it makes sense-- it'll cut the cost of things.]

I-- okay?

[he raises his brows at her, but the corners of his mouth are tilted slightly up]

[Maybe that was a little squeal of joy that peeped out, but the arm that loops around to hold him is exceedingly gentle. It's more like a side hug since she's beside him, and since she's still lower to the ground, her temple knocks with his, harmlessly, eyes closed.]

Thanks.

[This won't be too long, she knows better than to press her luck. Just another second, hm? It's just been a really long time since anyone had stuck around, or she had done the same.]

[he appreciates she doesn't just tackle him to the ground or anything. Gladion also knows she held herself back from that. appreciated. and she's...warm and comfortable in that side hug.

when's the last time someone hugged him...?

he closes his eyes, too.]

Mmm. Thank you, y'know.

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Happy Holidays + New Year!!

hope you had good ones!!! <333

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