Disclaimer: Pokémon isn't mine!
A/N: I honestly didn't mean for this to be longer than the others; I had too much fun writing this. xD
Thanks for reading!
Day 6: Write about any pairing.
Pairing: Calem/Serena
Warnings: None.
Word Count: 1,440 words.
.: Superstar :.
~ She's a humble celebrity ~
:: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::
"Finally, some breathing room," Calem whispers in relief after entering the Route 13 gate and pulls down the hood and collar of his poncho. Coming to Lumiose City from the badlands can be so brutal sometimes. The appearance of a sandstorm was hard to pinpoint, but Calem wasn't left with much choice—he was in Coumarine City with Tierno earlier today, so Route 13 was the shortest way to get to Lumiose City. Still, Calem knows he shouldn't complain; a true Pokémon Trainer understands that there will always be a chance of risky weather on his journey. Besides…Lumiose City was just a pit stop since his real destination was the train headed for Kiloude City.
Shrugging off the poncho, Calem begins organizing his things on a nearby bench. He folds the poncho neatly before stuffing it in his bag, wipes his face of any dirt, and finally smoothens down his blue jacket. He knows he's still a little messy, but at least he was presentable. Once he gets to Kiloude City, then maybe Calem will think about borrowing a hotel room for a shower… Then again, a true Pokémon Trainer doesn't mind getting down and dirty every once in a while; it just means he's taking his career very seriously.
Calem throws the strap of his bag over his shoulder once he's finished and exits the gate into the streets of North Boulevard. Calem scratches his head before looking down at his Holo Caster, frowning when he notes the time. It's almost a quarter to four—not enough time to catch the four o'clock train to Kiloude City. Maybe he should run? Borrowing a Skiddo was an option too, but didn't feel like using a paid service right now…
"I could use Altaria, but he's probably exhausted—"
Someone collides into him on the street and Calem snaps out of his thoughts with a halt. He takes a step back in surprise as his focus shoots forward, hearing a yelp and realizing the person he's bumped into has fallen to the ground. With eyes wide, Calem doesn't waste a second to help the young lady to her feet. "I'm so sorry! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
That voice…it sounds familiar.
"Thank you so much for your help—Oh, Calem!"
Said boy blinks in major confusion. "Serena?"
His friend, Serena, smiles; fixing the navy-blue fedora on her head and dusting off her lap. "I didn't think I'd see you so soon; at least not until Kiloude City."
"Same here." He finally smiles back, but it's a shaky one. Looking her up and down, Calem admits. "You look…different."
Serena nods, pushing her bangs to the side. She does a little twirl to show off her new outfit: a tie-neck grey blouse; blue pleated skirt; white knee socks; and a pair of black shoes. Even Serena's long hair is tied in long pigtails today! She has definitely embraced the life of fashion—Serena looks like a superstar. "I thought I'd try something different… You know, because I've been feeling a little plain lately."
"I suppose," Calem replies. However, Serena was never plain in his eyes. Shaking his head, Calem clears his throat and begins walking down the street to Lumiose Station on the other side of North Boulevard; knowing Serena is already following him. "Well, I guess experimenting with your style can be a hobby too; it doesn't take away from the fact that you're a skilled Trainer."
He was probably seeing things, but he swears Serena's face turns a faint shade of pink. The blonde holds the strap of her purse tightly. "Right? I couldn't help but spoil myself when I attained discount rights from Boutique Couture!"
Girls sure are strange with money… Wasn't Boutique Couture insanely expensive? Well whatever—Serena probably earns a lot of Poké Dollars from battling the Trainers at the Battle Mansion; being a Grand Duchess and all. "Impulsive buys, huh? I had no idea you were into make-up too."
"Make-up?" Calem looks to his right, seeing the puzzled expression on Serena's face. "I didn't buy make-up."
Calem furrows his eyebrows, pointing out. "But…you're wearing make-up right now. Didn't you buy some?"
They stare at each other for a bit before Serena springs to life. She quickly turns away—Calem wondering if he said the wrong thing—before the blond panics. "Oh no! I forgot to clean my face at the studio!"
"Serena, I…don't really care if you wear make-up or not." He tries to comfort her, but it comes off as awkward. Looking up at the sky because he doesn't know what else to do, Calem tries to figure out the situation. "Isn't it normal for girls to wear make-up?"
"Not me…" Serena confesses, keeping her eyes on her feet. There's a small pout on her face as she mumbles. "Having a mother who's made a career in Rhyhorn Racing… It didn't give me a lot of time to play with make-up as a little girl."
Calem nods slowly; cautious with his next reply. "Well, I think you did a pretty good job…I guess?"
"That's because I…" The blonde trails off into a low whisper and Calem barely hears her. "Someone…did it for me at…the PR Video Studio…"
It's as if the pieces were falling into place now. "…Serena, you were making PR videos before heading to the station?"
His question causes Serena to flinch and she hides her face behind her hands. She nods without a word before blurting out. "I-I…! I kind of…lost track of time today, so I forgot to wipe my face. I probably look weird with make-up on, huh?"
PR videos… Calem hasn't tried the latest trend of increasing one's notoriety as a Trainer (mostly because he hides the fact that he's camera shy), but Calem can sort of see the fun in it. Serena has only lived in Vaniville Town for a year now, so the male Trainer is still getting to know her, but today, he's learned a lot. The blond is a humble person, but she's also bold. For her to find fun in PR videos; have an interest in make-up; and creativity in switching up her style… Calem feels like they're becoming better acquainted outside of Pokémon battles.
He laughs, causing heat to rise on Serena's face again. "You're so silly. You're already pretty to begin with—"
…Oh crap; he just put himself out there!
Both Trainers stare at each other for a moment before turning away: Calem holding a hand over his mouth and Serena keeping her hands over her heart. That is one thing a true Pokémon Trainer is supposed to do: keep his poker face on so that he can remain unpredictable to his opponent. Serena, however, cracks through that façade very easily—even outside of battling.
After a lapse of awkward silence, Calem clears his throat; quickly speaking. "A-Anyways, I'll meet you in Kiloude City, okay?"
He doesn't get very far when Serena clamps both her hands over his wrist. The contact is enough to set his skin on fire. "Um…d-do you want to do something else today?"
Hesitant to look over, Calem realizes Serena is looking at him with a sincere expression. Even though her face is completely red, there's determination on her face. Serena…she really does have all the right qualities that make her the better Trainer between them.
"That is… I mean, we're always battling. Why not a change of pace?"
"…There's this café I haven't been to yet," Calem begins, grabbing Serena's attention from the ground. He's still too much of a coward to look directly at her, but he was being honest. "Shauna says they have really great pastries there… Do you want to try it?"
Serena slowly breaks out into a smile. "I think I know just the one! Come on!" She starts leading the way—their arms linked—and points down Autumnal Avenue. "I love their cheesecake, but the people there also have great tips on raising Pokémon."
Calem chuckles as he starts walking at her pace. "Sounds great; but do you think we can stop somewhere else first?"
"Okay…where?" She blinks innocently.
Calem rubs the back of his neck; his face warming up. "Just…somewhere with a shower… Standing next to you, I feel like a walking dirt carpet right now."
He doesn't miss the fact that Serena's laugh causes his heart to skip a beat. Maybe being second-best to her isn't such a bad thing. "We can do that. I think my discount extends even to Hotel Richissime!"
"…You really are a walking celebrity…"
"Huh? Did you say something?"
"Nope. Lead the way!"