(Disclaimer, I do not own Pokémon. Hope you like the chapter!)
Finally, her shift was over. Joan was tired and hungry, and just wanted to get to the dining room before everyone began eating. It had been a long day, and she was ready to relax, this job had taken its toll on her. As she walked at a steady pace down the red-carpeted hallway of the cruise ship, she turned a corner leading to the dining room, colliding with a person slowly walking the opposite way, causing her to fall on her rear.
"Ugh, I'm so sorry!" she hurriedly apologized to them, before a familiar monotone voice began speaking.
"Don't worry about it." Zekiev said plainly, extending a hand to the embarrassed girl. "But it isn't a habit of mine to run into beautiful women, so I apologize." He joked with a small smirk. She blushed slightly as she accepted his help, and he lifted her to her feet. "I'll let you get back to what you were doing then."
"Oooor you could come with me to the dining hall?" she asked innocently, "I don't really have anyone else to eat with, unless you have somewhere else you need to be?"
"Well…I guess," He answered slowly, "but I already ate."
"That's fine!" she exclaimed, grabbing his hand and tugging him off in the direction of the dining hall.
Blaze cocked his head in confusion -what has he gotten himself into? - He thought, making his way back to his master. He could sense the mischief in this girl, but it didn't seem like the bad kind. It was more innocent than anything.
-About five minutes later-
They had gotten through the large line of trainers getting their food, and found an empty table to sit at. Blaze curled up next to Zekiev, and was sleeping as Joan stuffed her face quickly.
Zekiev stared wide-eyed at the girl as she ate quickly. "Um…are you in a hurry?" he asked nervously, as she quickly looked up and almost gagged. She completely forgot he was there, he was so quiet.
"Crap, I'm sorry!" she exclaimed, swallowing her food and looking incredibly embarrassed. Did he think she was a pig now? She really hoped not, she didn't usually eat like this. It had just been such a tiring day, and she hadn't had a chance to eat lunch. She felt like she might just die of starvation!
"No, its fine," he began laughing, "you should see Jakus when he eats, I feel like I need to buy him a shovel or something." He continued laughing, something he hadn't done in years, but for some reason this was incredibly funny to him.
Blaze looked up from the floor and cocked his head at his master once again; laughter wasn't something he usually heard from him. But when it happened, it was a good thing, and Blaze liked it. So if this girl caused it…-I think I'll like her- Blaze thought, smiling at the girl.
"Does he usually smile like that?" Joan asked, motioning towards Blaze.
"He must like you!" Zekiev explained, rubbing his partners head, "it's been forever since I've seen that smile, heh…" he laughed a bit, scratching the back of his head. "His name is Blaze by the way, and he's my best friend." He continued as the large Typhlosion licked his cheek.
-That's just adorable- Joan thought, smiling at the pair. –They must have so many memories together, I hope I get to hear some of them- she checked her watch, frowning at the time. She had to be back at her room soon, her friend Jean would be worried she was out so late. –uuughhh but I don't wanna leeeaaaave!- she thought disappointedly.
"Well I need to get to my room soon, my friend might freak if I'm out to late." She stated heavy-heartedly, she really wanted to stay and talk some more.
"Well that's okay," Zekiev said, "Me and Blaze will walk you there." He smiled slightly, hoping she took his offer. She was pretty interesting, and he wanted to make sure she got to her room safely.
"Sure!" she accepted, standing to gather her things. "so where are you from, anyways?" she asked as they began leaving the dining hall.
"Well, I'm originally from Johto, but I've lived in just about every other region too." He explained, putting his hands in his pockets and staring at the floor as he walked.
"Oh? Does your family move around a lot?" she asked, hoping not to sound nosy.
"Um…No," he began, as a hurt look came across his face,"I'm an orphan, I get around a lot I guess." He finished, as Blaze nuzzled his arm softly.
"Oh…" she said quietly, "I'm sorry…So is Johto where you got Blaze?" she asked, hoping to switch to a happier subject.
"Um…well no. I wasn't old enough to become a trainer back then, "he began explaining, "I saved Blaze from poachers, they were just about to kill him. I managed to jump in and grab him before they could though." He finished, feeling like a total buzz kill. –Great, way to make it all depressing Zekiev…get it together man!-
She frowned at the story, she hated Pokémon abuse. "You should have kicked the crap out of them, I hate that stuff!" she said angrily, wishing she could punch whoever did it in the face.
"That was all when Team Rocket was still around, when they got really bad." He continued, "But on to a different subject. Where are you from?" he asked, turning his head towards her.
"I'm from Kalos, my family lives in Lumiose city," She answered, smiling, "It really is a beautiful place, I love it there."
"I'm sure of it." He answered, smiling slightly at her.
"Well, here's my door." She stated, disappointed.
"Is something wrong?" Zekiev asked, sounding a bit worried.
"Oh, no, "she answered, smiling at Zekiev and Blaze. "we should talk some more tomorrow!" she said happily, hugging Blaze and giving Zekiev a quick peck on the cheek before rushing inside.
-What was that all about? - He wondered, his hand lingering over his cheek as he stared at the door. He quickly checked his watch, noticing is was incredibly late.
"Come on Blaze, we better get back to the room." He said to his friend, and they quickly made their way through the labyrinth that was the ships interior, barely noticing the wide smile that was set on his face the entire way.
There is chapter ten! Hope you all liked it! Don't forget to review, it makes me super happy and helps me continue writing! I love hearing from my fans!