Walking back to the Pokémon Center, I passed through the plaza that Gary and I had met up at earlier on. The once busy and bustling area was now calming down with people taking their evening strolls and browsing the stands for various goodies. The smell of food filled the public area as vendors grilled meats and fish amongst cooking others things. The cheerful setting was no longer quite so uplifting to me.

A stand not too far in the distance caught my attention as I happened to glance around while walking through glumly. An elderly looking vendor up ahead wrapped a boxed pastry with a pretty pink ribbon, handing it to a young customer who stood with his arms wrapped around himself worriedly. He looked young, somewhere around my age but younger. My guess was he was a teenager. Probably eighteen or nineteen.

"Here you are, young man. No need to look so crestfallen." she assured the teenage looking boy. "Go tell her you're sorry, this oughta do the trick."

The teenager looked up, his large eyes doubtful. He looked so dejected and down, all his anxiety pooled in his eyes but weighing down his posture as if that weight was on his shoulders. Whatever had happened was worrying him sick. I knew that feeling. The poor guy.

"Iunno... she's awful mad at me." he mumbled sadly. "Maybe I should have gotten her flowers..."

"Nonsense. Flowers are for the eyes, dessert is for the soul. No better way to say sorry." The elderly vendor claimed. winking, sides of her mouth turning up in a smile. "Now, go make it right. If this don't work, come back and see ol' Maggie. I'll fix you up with some mochi and we'll have a little chat about life. Not that you'll be back tonight, anyways. Go on."

The boy nodded, his posture lightening a bit as he bowed to the elderly woman. Some hope filled his eyes and he smiled to her. Gift in hand he thanked her.

"Thank you, Ma'am."

I brushed off the odd remark and took in how sweet the woman's gesture was. I hadn't seen the boy pay for his gift, apparently it was on the house. Why though? That's what I wondered. He looked pretty dejected, from what I got he had a fight with his girlfriend or something along those lines. Maybe a close friend.

Paul came to mind almost instantly. I wondered if I was out of line for getting in his business earlier, even if he'd started it. He was a total jerk but I wondered if maybe I shouldn't have pushed his buttons...especially ones with sexual labels. That was a bad idea. What was I thinking?

His choices were his business. His life was his problem. As out of line as he was, I hadn't done much better than him. Two wrongs didn't make a right, as cliché as the old saying went it was true. Paul deserved an apology. I wondered if perhaps I should make a peace offering before he jumped down my throat when I got back. That boy was bringing his girlfriend a pastry, would it be weird if I did the same? The thought made me shake my head at myself.

"Yeah... let me just bring him cookies." I mumbled to myself, sarcastically.

I decided not to do it for many reasons, biggest one being Paul wouldn't appreciate an apology like that. I intended to walk right by the cart but I happened to glance over, accidentally making eye contact with the lady. I looked away. When I glanced up again, she was still staring as I walked, her eyes scrutinizing me.

Kind of unnerved, I flinched and couldn't wait to just walk on by her. She was watching me intently, I could feel it. In my peripheral vision I could see her looking my way. She stared at me for a few long moments, not looking away as I made eye contact with her. I was really freaked out and uncomfortable. Then the old woman called out to me, startling me further.

"Hey! Sonny!"

Freezing, I contemplated my options. Move along and look like an asshole or go over and be a respectful adult. I didn't want to be rude, but I was ready to make an exception. I pondered whether it was worth it. I didn't get much time to ponder it. The woman yelled out again, loudly this time.

"Don't go running off on me like a field mouse now, get over here. Ol' Maggie don't bite. Come now, I'd like to have a word with you boy." She insisted loudly. "Come along! I'm waiting and these bones aren't getting any younger."

I don't think I had ever been more apprehensive about anything in my life but I walked over to her. I couldn't will my face to erase the confused expression I knew I was sporting, "Maggie" obviously noticed but said nothing of it. When I reached her counter I shifted my eyes awkwardly as she stared at me. I felt like I was about to be interrogated. It was the strangest thing.

"So, you lookin' to apologize?"

"Erm, I'm sorry Ma'am...I didn't mean to make a face at you-"

I assumed she was offended my odd facial expression. That wasn't it at all. She waved her hand, placing the other on her hip. She was loud and eccentric, raising her voice to clarify. I was so confused.

"No no! To your friend!"

What on earth was this lady going on about? Did I have a sad look about me? Did I look like that guy who sulked away with the wrapped pastry? I couldn't piece answers together as she stood there, watching me.

Her skin was darkly tanned and wrinkling moderately, crows feet taking over the corners of her eyes. Her hair lay wrapped under a simple cotton bandana, holding her black curls against her skull. What was striking about this women, besides her odd behavior, were her eyes. I was struck by them.

The glassey irises were a steely shade of gray. They bore in to me as if searching for something. She suddenly nodded and turned, bending down to grab something under the counter. I heard the faint sound of something being opened.

"Never mind it. I have what you need, Sonny." she explained to me, rustling around in what sounded to be a small refrigerator. "Let ol' Maggie grab you some bento boxes. That will do you good. Some food always does good."

What the hell was this lady going on about? I didn't ask for any bento boxes. She rummaged around for them, not paying any mind to me standing there utterly confused. I just wanted to go home, the day never seemed to end.

"No, no, that's okay" I told her, wanting to make my exit and go home to my room. "I'm not looking to buy. I'm sorry..."

She stood back up, setting two bento boxes of different color on the counter. According to her both were filled with portions of sticky rice, sashimi and pea pods. The boxes were both disposable, stamped with some logo I didn't recognize. It must have been some restaurant or business logo she used.

"These are on me, and you won't need these wrapped. They'll be enough...oh! I forgot the macarons! I'm losing it, don't get old child."

…

At a loss for words I found myself desperate for a get away. This was all very odd, the situation I'd found myself in. Maggie put a small box of the crumbly cookies on top of the bento boxes, telling me they were coffee flavored. Bleh. I reached for my wallet, attempting to pay but she wasn't about to let that happen. For whatever reason.

"Boy, I done already told you, these are on me. Now get on home and enjoy your supper for two." she scolded in a motherly way. "Come back tomorrow and let me know how he likes it, okay?"

With a nod and a quick bow I thanked her and left. The bento and cookies lay rested in my hands, close to my chest as I continued my walk. Maggie was certainly... something. Fucking strange, that's what she was.

"I'll be waiting!" She called after me

"Senile old lady." I thought aloud from a distance. "Wow."

When I reached the Pokemon Center I nodded to Nurse Joy who stood at the counter polishing pokeballs lovingly. Smiling, she waved to me as I made my way to the elevator, thanking me for my hard work with her earlier. She then began returning to her task. The elevator doors opened, allowing me to enter, and closed swiftly as it began it ascend to my floor. When I got to my room's door I hoped with all my being that Paul was somewhere else.

The positive feelings I had when leaving Gary earlier had dispersed after my odd encounter with Maggie. No longer feeling prepared to deal with Paul, I was willing to pay any price to avoid his attitude that night. My afterglow was officially dead. A little friendliness would have been nice for once, not that I was going to hold my breath for that. Paul was always angry for some reason or another, never had I heard sincere kindness come from his mouth. I wasn't ready to be yelled at.

"...Paul?"

Opening the door I was pleasantly surprised to see Paul and I's room empty. It was dimly lit with the light of the street lamps outside, a quick glance up and I saw the balcony sliding door was ajar, the very corner of the curtain billowing with a breeze and letting in a cool draft. I could faintly smell some remnants of the cigarette Paul probably smoked earlier.

I figured that Paul must have not closed it all the way when he was done with his post argument cigarette. I could picture him being so mad he just stomped off without even thinking of the door. He had a bad habit of sucking down cancer sticks when he was pissed, which was fairly often. All the time, more specifically. Smoking that much and being angry all the time couldn't be healthy at all. His blood pressure must have been horrible.

I scuffled in the dark to find the mini fridge we had in the room, planning to put his bento box there for when he got back. I got the box of cookies in but the sound of a door sliding open stopped me before I put the food away too. Paul appeared, peaking in with a cigarette hanging between his lips. He looked me over and like a total moron I stared at him.

"Hey..." He greeted me monotinely, blowing a puff of smoke over his shoulder outside. "You're back..."

He didn't look mad...just sort of tired, maybe? Sad wasn't the word, nor was irritated. He looked kind of off but with his typical Paul-like disgruntlement. My inability to read his mood made me kind of nervous since I didn't know what to brace myself for. The last thing I wanted was to set him off and have to deal with the aftermath of it, again.

"Hey! How are you?" I asked, impulsively. And tense. "...Have a good day?"

" Do me a favor and don't act like you care."

Paul averted his eyes, puffing on his cigarette with a scowl. Yup, he was mad. Great. I really didn't want to be on his bad side considering we were rooming together. Our regular banter was exhausting enough, this would be too much. I felt I had to fix this and quick. I was gonna speak up and apologize but Paul looked back at me, darting his eyes down curiously.

"What's that?"

"Huh?... Oh! Dinner...?" I answered back questioningly before clearing my throat. "...For us. It's dinner for us."

Paul squinted his eyes just the slightest bit, a glint of surprise passing over his features. He didn't say anything so I took the moment to explain myself and hope maybe to do some damage control. And quickly at that I hoped. If I could keep him calm I was in the clear. A peaceful night was all I wanted. No more yelling.

"Yeah um, I passed through the plaza and thought maybe you'd be hungry" I lied, not at all mentioning some senile old woman gave them to me on a whim. "You know cuz I was hungry and I figured maybe you'd be hungry too... so whenever you're done we can eat. If you want...if you're not hungry I can put it in the fridge for you?"

Paul looked at me for a moment without saying anything, his eyes glued to my face. Still no clear indication of his feelings. I almost abandoned the situation but Paul's face softened just the tiniest bit and he took another drag of his cigarette before dropping it in an ash trash by the balcony door.

"Fine, we'll eat now."

Sitting down with Paul for a meal was probably one of the most uncomfortable things I've ever done. Turning on the light, we sat on the small couch in our room. Only a few inches of space between our hips. Opening the bento boxes, we grabbed the disposable chopsticks and started eating. This particular type of bento box was my favorite, oddly enough. Rice, pea pods and sashimi. Just as the woman promised.

Our meal went on in silence as we ate, occasionally bumping elbows with one another due to lack of extra space on the couch. Paul was build impressively large, elbow sticking out from his side as he raised food to his mouth. He needed way more elbow room than I did.

Looking over I stared for a second and went back to eating. I almost missed it when Paul spoke, his voice quiet. I wasn't used to him just randomly talking without some cynical or angry remark or tone. He wasn't really a casual talker. Not at all. So when he spoke up so randomly I thought I had imagined it.

"Not bad." he said. "Decent choice."

"Yeah, this is one of my favorites."

I could see him watching me through the corner of my eye briefly before he went back to eating. I didn't really think anything of it, Paul stared a lot. He looked like he was always picking people apart with his eyes, an old trainer habit. He was calculating, something that made him all the more nerve wracking. But being used to him, his side long glances didn't bother me unless he was actively angry. Otherwise I didn't think twice about his sidelong peeks analytical stare.

Paul ended up finishing his food before me. I worked on finishing my sashimi and he set his empty box down on the small coffee table. I expected him to get up but he stayed there as I ate. I didn't know why. After a few moments I thought perhaps he was doing it to be polite.

"You don't have to stay..." I told him, popping some sashimi in my mouth.

" Don't flatter yourself. I just don't feel like getting up."

Finishing my food became kind of uncomfortable with Paul just sitting there, but I did it. I set the empty bento on the coffee table. Paul still made no effort to get up so I sat back in to the cushions. I kind of hoped for a 'thank you' from him but wishful thinking hardly ever paid off. I figured I'd fish for one, test my luck. Thought maybe he'd surprise me so I gave it a shot. The day had already been weird enough, anything was possible.

"Anything you'd like to say?" I suggested vaguely.

"Dessert would've been nice." he retorted, his usual monotone laced with sarcasm. "I might step out for a coffee."

I blinked before rising from my seat on the couch. Paul turned his head upon feeling the shift in weight. He looked at me as I walked away without a word and sounded vaguely worried when calling after me. I assumed it was worry because the gruff monotone voice I was used to was far less angry sounding even though he'd only said my name.

"Ash?"

The sound the mini fridge made upon being opened must have confused him because he called after me again. The couch creaked as he leaned back to get a look at what I was doing.

"Ash? What are you doing?"

I came back with the small box of macarons and sat down next to Paul again. Holding out the box of cookies, I looked away a little, mumbling out an apology as I felt Paul's fingers gingerly taking it. His fingers touching mine felt...weird. Not bad, but weird. Unfamiliar.

It was my time to apologize, I decided. To me Paul still deserved an apology. Had I not decided to give him one it would have weighed on my conscience. It didn't mean he would accept it, but at least I'd have some peace because I still felt pretty shitty.

"These are coffee flavored. Look, um...I'm sorry about earlier." I apologized to him, treading carefully. "I know you're kind of a jerk but I didn't need to push your buttons like I did. It was rude of me to tell you to fuck yourself...plus I shouldn't have said anything about your personal business."

Paul simply stared at me, his black eyes boring holes in me. I feared that I had annoyed him and began rambling nervously. My calmer composure left and was replaced with anxious rambling and fidgets. Everything began boiling over and I couldn't stop it. I refused to look at him, actually scared as my mouth got ahead of me.

"I mean, I don't know you... I accused you of being gay but what do I know? You probably aren't. I'm just a big idiot and I'm really sorry. " I rambled on, my words honest though. "I don't care if you're a jerk. You're still kind of my friend, I guess...or not?"

There was flash in his eyes and I assumed the worst. If I'd taken a stretch too far and pissed off Paul I was in for it. So I tried fixing it, continuing to ramble.

" I don't know! You're kind of homophobic and I'm not going to apologize for being gay- but-" I paused and rubbed my hair nervously, looking away from him. "You don't have to be so mad all the time but if you've got something going on, I'm not trying to make it worse...look Paul, I'm just trying to say I-"

Fingers curled in to the collar of my shirt, yanking me forward. It happened so fast and was terrifying. Absolutely terrifying. My blood ran cold in a second flat. His onyx eyes were narrowed and his mouth was a flat line. For a moment I expected to feel knuckles smash in to my face and I shut my eyes expecting to get hit.

But lips pressed against mine instead.