—𝐌𝐂

“Ohh, yeah... I heard that was a big thing a few years back. Well, I think it still is in other places in the region. But I guess it's hard to balance wild-zones with stuff like that in mind...”

Well, you're ready when she is.

“I feel like I already made my choice deciding to buy the dress with you.”

You shrug.

“Could be fun to try and learn together.”

“Carhops. At least, that's what they were called way back when.”

You think about it, agreeing that Sayori would fit that look perfectly... as for her grace, however...

“Are you sure you could keep your balance on wheels, though?”

“Absolutely.”

Never mind. You've sold yourself down the river, and you're happy with it.

...you ARE thinking about going to that maid café sometime soon, though...

You're fairly certain you've talked with Nat about manga cafés before.

However, to keep yourself safe and possibly sane, you refuse to let the others know that #MaidMonday really does it for you.

[Art Credit] https://x.com/magchomp8/status/1372150517619585026?s=20

It isn't something she's entirely used to yet, but Lisa decided to take part in #MaidMonday today!

!?

You've been booped by a woman you don't know. Although, it wouldn't be the first time.

You scrunch your nose in response, muttering a half-hearted 'ow'...

“...I hesitate to say yes, but also know that saying 'no' would be an outright lie.”

You give Sayo a wicked side-eye.

Even if Nat teaches her, you don't have full confidence with her and the oven yet.

“Normally, I'd insist... but I know enough pinkette's to know this argument won't go anywhere.”

You chuckle, petting Crocus as if to say 'at ease, soldier'.

“Thanks, Wendy.”

“I promise we'll earn our keep while we're here.”

A little salute, with Crocus mimicking the gesture with his vines.

Hug.

Just a hug. He might need one at the moment.

a drawing of a purple star with a yellow center and a red diamond ALT: a drawing of a purple star with a yellow center and a red diamond

jamcat
Is this where I also bring up that I've been a bit busy with games even though I've been writing on Teto?

Well... on the couch it is. You'll find someplace to put your shoes later, if you don't end up passing out. The couch is oddly comfortable.

“So Prof- er, Wendy, right? If there's anything you need me to do, just let me know, alright?”

You don't want to feel like a layabout while you're here.

“Hey, it wasn't always manga, I'll have you know. Sometimes, it was anime. Or games.”

Not like that's much better, but still.

“But yeah. You're right. Nat would love that, I bet. I wonder if this world has any manga we wouldn't even know about...”

jamcat
Glyphs, Souls, or Shards would be my suggestion. Like Castlevania or Bloodstained. Not that they aren't without their risks, but they're also pretty controlled ngl.

“new things. You've always kind of had that effect on me...”

“Well, then... I'm looking forward to it. And I'm ready whenever you are, okay? I don't want to miss out on any more time with you.”

The words just... happened. There wasn't anything you could do to stop them from pouring out into the world.

“And... you always make things easier. Especially”

》

You're almost overwhelmed by all this affection and positive affirmation. It's doing wonders for your mental, but it's definitely new...

“Y- yeah! I'd like that. Adventuring around a new place is always better with your best friend. Right?”

You do watch the Duskull with a curious eye though. Something was oddly comforting about its presence, even if it looked like that.

“Oh, is there a place I should put my bag? Shoes, even..?”

Politeness matters, MC, you think to yourself.

...did she just imply she could understand Pokémon? Guess that's two for two so far. Sayori can do that too, if you recall correctly. But it feels rude to ask a potentially sensitive question like that so soon.

...you're pretty sure you see a tail.

“Huh. Seems harmless enough.”

》

You adjust to the weight pretty quickly, reaching over to give Pancake some scratches behind her ears.

“You're telling me. I feel like I've hardly started... and it's weirdly exciting.”

Houndour pads its way over, yipping as it leaps up to start licking your face.

“Oof- okay- love you too..?”

“Whoa... never seen those ones before.”

You really have to ask about the dex soon. You have so much to learn, and you desperately want to learn it.

“A year, huh? I had no idea. But she definitely learned a lot just being under your wing, I think. She's different. In a good way.”

You both share a confused look, before smiling at each other. Houndour is still busy making friends around the lab, but something tells you he'd have a similar reaction.

“Hey, if you think so... guess I have to believe it.”

You adjust your cap, trying to hide the faint pink staining your face.

You gladly walk on in. You have a fair amount of supplies in your bag just from that one excursion into the city. It was a little overwhelming, and tiring.

You could use a place to sit.

“Thank you. Oh- so, how long has Sayori been your assistant, actually? Never thought to ask her.”

“How so?”

“Bulba?”

You both ask, almost in unison with that dopey, semi-vacant look.

“I'm not sure I get it.”

...well. Maybe you understand Houndour, if you were to be completely honest. But...

“What part of me looks or acts like a Bulbasaur?”

You ask aloud, scratching your head as you watch the Pokémon interact with one another.

It took a second for that phrasing to sink in. What did you mean by 'let you'? Weren't people the one who caught Pokémon?

...suddenly, that doesn't feel totally correct.

“...at least he's getting along with the others. No lab cleanup today.”

“Wouf! Ruff, ruff!”

Everything seems to be fine. Houndour is even getting along with the others. That was your main concern, really. You take a seat on the floor, humming in thought.

“This normal? I never once questioned it, but... some Pokémon really chill out if they let you catch them, huh?”

》