—𝐌𝐂

as Crocus waddles on up to greet Blueberry personally.

You've rather suddenly been reminded of how new you were at this commitment compared to Sayori. You've only one Pokémon to care for right now, but she has multiple.

You're having issues imagining this working out all of a sudden.

“Riolu. I'll keep note of that... somewhere.”

You wave back,

》

“Oh... uh, hey there.”

You stop awkwardly upon seeing the new Pokémon. You know almost for a fact that's a nickname that Sayori gave it, so there's only one logical step you can take next-

“...what kind of Pokémon is he?”

Crocus seems curious himself, hiding behind one of your legs to peer ahead.

keeping your chin up and eyes forward.

You have a little trouble keeping up, only because you don't know the area. It was difficult not to look around at all the new sights and sounds around you.

Crocus keeps up, choosing to chase after Sayori rather than you.

You pick up your pace so as to not get left behind,

》

Oh, jeez- here we go again. Just like old times...

Only it was Sayori taking a grand head start this time, much unlike when you were kids. You start jogging after the pair, Crocus following close behind as you hold your cap in place with one hand, and your bag strap with the other.

“Coming!”

“Should be. As long as you all are, too.”

You say as you adjust the straps on your bag, looking down to Crocus with a smile.

“You ready, buddy?”

“Saur!”

Crocus cries out, running to your side after circling the two of you in an excited manner.

“Heheh, thanks- whoa-!”

You're cut off by the sudden weight atop your head, laughing as you straighten yourself up.

“Guess that's two for two... what do you think, Crocus?”

It seems like Crocus doesn't recognize you for a moment... but after getting your scent, he seems to agree with the others!

https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Red_(Masters)#/media/File:Masters_EX_Sygna_Red_Blue_Leaf_artwork.jpg

“Well..? Don't keep me waiting. I'll get anxious-”

“...oh- right. I'll be right back, I guess... behave for her while I'm gone, alright, Crocus?”

You say, kneeling down to give your buddy a little pat on the head.

You take off to the change rooms, before coming back looking a new individual.

...not like that's hard for you.

》

“Heheh... thanks, Sayo.”

You say coyly, looking off to the side as you ruffle your hair.

Crocus doesn't quite get the gesture, considering he's a Bulbasaur... so he promptly follows suit by ruffling your hair with his vines.

So much for keeping your cool...

“...alright, you win. Let's get the vest.”

You say, not defeated, but definitely conceding to the idea.

“Think I saw the change rooms somewhere nearby... oh- right, should probably check-out first-”

You say, fumbling with the vest in your arms a moment before giving it to Sayori.

“Bulba!”

You open your mouth to protest, before remembering you only have non-Pokedollar money on you. And, it's Sayori. She would insist no matter what, you know it to be true.

“I mean... if you're sure. It's not the end of the world if I don't get it, you know?”

“I think it's my style, I'll give it that much...”

You look at the vest, and then the price tag while Crocus descends from your arms. Those vines of his are dexterous.

“But do you really think I could pull this off?”

“Saur~?”

You're looking around at everything at least once. A lot of it is just not your thing, if you had to be honest... but there are a few things that stand out to you.

“...Silph? I think I know that name. Thought they were a tech company, though...”

The blue and black, though... it speaks to you.

You'll follow, like you were before. Otherwise, you're a lost Growlithe here.

...was that the correct version of the phrase in this world?

“Yeah, we could try that. That's usually my thing, anyway.”

“Well... yeah. But it's weird imagining myself in one of their outfits, for some reason...”

Not that the idea never crossed your mind.

“...probably something like what Red wears? You know, the original strongest.”

“...but I like my hoodie.”

Good lord, you sound like a pouty child when you say it like that.

“I mean, I guess a new jacket wouldn't hurt. I just wouldn't know where to start, you know? I'm not one to think about fashion, or what goes with what else...”

“What exactly would you suggest..? I'm not exactly fashion forward. You of all people should know that...”

You chuckle, adjusting your hold on Crocus as you continue looking around, doing a full 360 degree turn as your eyes wander the area.

“What would even 'go with' my hat?”

“Even that feels like an understatement...”

You mumble, looking around at whichever stores were laid out across the floor you two were on. It was definitely a lot. Some of it you couldn't even read, if you were being honest...

“This is... really something.”

Guess that's your cue to follow. At this point, Crocus was comfortably in your arms, so this was probably your lot in life until you got to the lab.

You're weirdly fine with it.

“Coming-”

You say, jogging after the two of them. You aren't keen on getting lost somewhere unfamiliar...

“Would you mind? I don't really wanna detract from the lab visit... but I've never really been anywhere like this before. Kanto was super familiar. This...”

You take a moment to look around, Crocus doing the same.

“This is different.”

“I, uh... haven't written much other than what I've brought to the club. I haven't been as inspired recently.”

...

“I think... that's going to change soon, though.”

“That all sounds pretty cool... definitely a lot busier than home. You need to go into the city to do anything.”

At this point, Crocus had somehow made his way into your arms. You haven't questioned it. He was even using his vines to help himself cling on.

“I haven't been to a mall in months...”

“I mean...I personally think it's nice. I really wouldn't mind.”

“Not as long as it's like this. You know. A less dour situation.”

“What kind of shops are there..?”

You ask, without knowing the full scale of the answer your best friend is about to provide...

jamcat
I'm in the perfect mindset for bewildered MC. Mainly because my brain feels like a cloud of confetti blowing in the breeze at the moment.

“...look, I- I don't always know what's up in a "worldly" sense, okay? But... if there's any residual left for uh, HIM, just be aware that I'm...”

...

“Not him. Most of the time.”

“...I guess I could take a listen sometime...”

“If it's who I think it's for, I'll, uh... I'll pass. Thanks, though.”

You have a sneaking suspicion... but only one that lingers from times long forgotten, but not forever lost.