By the time the duo made their way to the hotel Clemont had calmed down, smiling again to think about the day's success. Today had been great even though they'd missed lunch. He really hoped his pokemon wouldn't be too upset with him for forgetting to let them out. The only ones who had been out today were Luxray and Cilan's Stunfisk. Being electric type pokemon, they were perfect for demonstrating the positive effects of the invention during the presentation. Not only that, but Stunfisk's unique shape also reminded Clemont he had to fashion a new design befitting of non mammalian-esque pokemon. Not that that problem wouldn't be handled eventually.

In a flash both his and Cilan's pokemon were released for their belated meal, the lot of them chattering eagerly among themselves.

Luxray was quick to claim the largest food bowl, as usual, and the others followed suit. At seeing the powerful electric-cat, Cilan was reminded of his initial purpose in visiting Kalos.

"Perhaps now would be a good a time as any for an evaluation?"

"Oh! You have a point. Uhm… I'm not exactly sure how an evaluation works so I'll just let you take it from here." Clemont accepted his proposition, feeling a bit nervous. What if he didn't have what it takes for Luxray to be his premium brand? They'd been through a lot together but his self doubt was getting the better of him.

Cilan wasted no time in observing Luxray and then observing Clemont. Luxray's coat was shiny and clean, it was tame and behaved well with the other pokemon in Clemont's care. They weren't at all problematic. "Clemont, how was it that you met Luxray?" He decided to ask.

The inventor was surprised by the question but he didn't hesitate to answer. "I've known Luxray since he was just a Shinx. I was struggling to think of a graduation project in my youth. When I stumbled across them, they inspired my project. We became fast friends and they helped me a lot. I passed with flying colors because of them but the mayor wanted to congratulate me so I missed Shinx at our usual meeting place. I never got to say good bye and assumed they wouldn't like me any more. By the time I came back to school grounds I found them again as Luxio. I'm so lucky they still cared! I wouldn't have blamed them if they hadn't, though… I would have deserved it."

Picking up on the conversation, Luxray leaves his food to rest his head on Clemont's lap, looking up at him patiently. Their message was quickly received, purring now as his trainer's hand greets his face with gentle petting.

"I sure am lucky to have them around," Clemont sighed. "I still can't believe he came with me."

"It sounds to me like Luxray really cares about you. I'm sure the feeling has only grown! Especially with how affectionate he is with you. Differing personalities doesn't always mean incompatible, just as fruits in a potato salad sandwich are not always unwelcome. It takes the right pair to truly appreciate it's unique and creative flavor. I'd go as far as to say that Luxray may just be your Prime Pokemon! Your Premium brand! In fact, all of your pokemon seem very content in your care. You must be a very skilled trainer, Clemont. If I were you, I'd give myself more credit." Cilan explains genuinely and truthfully. This level of depth wasn't always found between a trainer and their pokemon. To be lucky enough to witness one was a delight beyond description. It seemed to Cilan that more he got to know Clemont, the more he admired him.

The approval of the connoisseur made Clemont blush and avert his gaze as he continued to pet Luxray. Even his pokemon partner seemed to nod in approval of Cilan's words. Clemont almost felt guilty to receive this kind of evaluation, not being as used to praise from anyone but Bonnie now that Ash and the rest of the gang split up. Part of him longed for something like that to come back. For it to grow and develop and last forever. It didn't even have to be a lot of people! Even if it was just him, Bonnie, Cilan and their combined pokemon he would be satisfied. To be bluntly honest, even with as much as he loved his sister, he didn't hate the idea of taking a few days at a time to travel with just Cilan alone. "Thank you…" he finally replied timidly, sounding a bit solemn. "I guess that means you did what you came here for. Don't dislike me for saying it, but it wasn't as great as I thought it would be."

Cilan was surprised by the inventor's response, feeling offended at first, then suspicious of the underlying emotion. "What do you mean?"

The other was hesitant to reply right away, not exactly sure what he'd meant by it either. "Does this mean you'll be leaving soon? I guess I just hoped you'd stick around longer. I mean- I-it's been so nice to have you around." His hand quickened absentmindedly as he pet Luxray, feeling nervous. "Your evaluation was amazing and I really appreciated it but I'll miss you if you go just yet... But it wouldn't be polite to ask you to stay longer when we only planned on a day or two anyway-!" Clemont's words came faster and faster, one after the other in a continuous stream. After a while all he could think to do was babble a jumble of words that wanted to be said but couldn't form a sentence.

"What are you talking about, Clem? We could still have tomorrow together. You mentioned visiting a few shops as well, did you not? There's still plenty of time after today. You didn't think I'd give you an evaluation and pack my things for the next flight, did you?" His tone was anything but accusing. He actually felt very flattered that Clemont cared this much about their time together. It made his heart flutter to dwell on it.

Luxray nips Clemont's hand, his petting becoming too rough for his taste.

"Oh- Sorry." He apologized to his partner, watching Luxray stalk off to finish his food with the rest of the pokemon. After Luxray left, Clemont was quick to turn his attention back to Cilan. "Yeah. You're right- I'm sorry. I'm still not making you stay though if you really don't want to." He played with his hair, his blue eyes seeming glossy behind his glasses. "Th-though I'm really happy that you came at all. I mean that."

"I've really enjoyed my visit Clemont. It's been savory and delicious all the way! I can't imagine a better way to have used this time. I like that we spent it together." Cilan wasn't blind, he noticed very quickly how emotional Clemont was getting, making him feel bad for him. He couldn't say he judged him however. Even he missed the feeling of inclusion and validation that came with long term companionship. "You know what? I think now is a good time for dinner. I can imagine skipping lunch did a number on your thought process. Proper nutrition is very important!"

"Would it… Would it be alright if I helped you?" Clemont wiped his eyes and straightened himself out, not wanting to be a burden. Cilan had helped him with so much already. It would feel wrong to just sit there while he cooked.

"That's very kind of you but you've had such a big day today. Your plate must be overflowed by now with all the things you've had to stack onto it. Your presentations were so heartfelt, I can only imagine how tired you must be after all that. I don't think the cameras were a well received ingredient on your part either. I would like it a lot if you rested up while I prepared dinner. Truly. I insist." Cilan placed a hand on his shoulder comfortingly, surprised to find himself being pulled into a tight hug. "O-oh." Was all he could manage past his lips, focusing now on holding his friend for as long as he needed.