Chapter Twenty-Seven:

Make Her Say

A waitress brought the crew a round of vodka shots on a lazy susan plate, setting it on the glass table of Babylon Nights, which was open but limited capacity for tonight. Jasper downed a shot while Sticks spun the lazy susan, picking up two shot glasses at once. He downed both, slamming them on the glass table (carefully).

"You're officially thirty-six nigga!" Parker yelled in Rapier's ear. He sighed, picking up a shot and throwing it back.

"Ay you old as fuck," Chanel teased, "You almost forty!" She let out raucous laughter. She spun the lazy susan around again, annoying Haze who was trying to grab a shot. She swiftly scooped one up and threw back the vodka, wincing sharply at the burn.

"Ay, I'm not old enough but fuck it," Lil Pac said, grabbing a shot glass for himself.

"Can I have a shot?" Diddy asked.

"No," Jasper said, "And don't even think 'bout goin' to the bar or the dance floor."

"Why the hell you bring us then?" Mardi snapped, snatching a shot glass. Barry took it from Mardi, however and threw it back.

"Cuz I ain't leavin' yo hungry ass in the house alone," Jasper said, "And I bring you, I'm bringin' all of y'all."

Festival was enjoying the atmosphere, "Can I get a soda then?"

"Yeah sure," Jasper said, snapping for the waitress, "Ay you, get her a coke—the drink, understood?"

"Yes," she said, heading to the back.

Pam was sitting with Lil Pac, her head on his shoulder as he downed another shot. Chance walked over to them, a cigarette hanging from his mouth as he placed a bottle of Absolut on the table. He took a seat in the booth, taking a long drag.

"So…" he started, putting out his cigarette in favor for the hookah pipe, "You got new recruits."

Jasper raised an eyebrow, holding his hand for the pipe. Chance passed it to him and he took a hit.

"Who?"

"Glen and Indy," he said, "They ain't really fuckin' with Vinchenzi no mo. His operation kinda on edge. Plus, Vinchenzi ain't tryna admit that you saved his ass."

"So he still hatin'," Jasper said, "But he dropped that loan so…"

"Yep, that's why he hatin'," Chance laughed.

"Fuck him," Parker said, taking another shot, wincing, "Erm! Yeah, fuck him. Niggas hate, let 'em hate."

"Word up. Niggas be hatin' on my bars," Lil Pac said, "And to that I say, 'keep hatin' nigga.' I got the sauce now."

Parker gave him a sidelong glance and shook his head.

"Niggas hate cuz we slay," Chanel said, breaking out in song, "Slay, slay, okay? Slay, slay, okay? We slay."

"She's so cool," Diddy said, giggling.

"So these two," Jasper said, downing another shot, feeling the buzz, "What they want?"

"They just want in. They jumpin' ship cuz they realize how fucked up they operation bein'," Chance said, lighting Diddy's cigarette for her with his tail flame.

"Ay, so you let her smoke, but won't let us drink?" Mardi snapped at Jasper.

"Holy fu—Mardi, shut up," Jasper barked, "I ain't havin' y'all getting' drunk here. Y'all can get drunk at home. Anyways…they ain't no rats, is they?"

"Nope," Chance said.

"Lit."

"If they were, pop, pop," Sticks said, "Pop, pop, in the head."

"Nah you mean pew pew, pew pew," Parker said.

"Is you shooting a laser gun, bruh? The fuck is pew pew," Lil Pac said as Pam giggled.

"Laser guns are lit bruh."

"Laser guns ain't real," Chanel said, reaching for another shot. She tossed it back and cleared her throat.

"Yeah they is nigga," Parker insisted, "Team rocket got laser guns."

"They got rail guns," she corrected, "That's different."

"Semantics and hearsay!"

"…No it isn't, nigga! Do you even know what that shit means?" Chanel pointed out.

"No, but who the fuck cares," Parker said, lighting a cigarette and taking a drag. The waitress returned with a coke and placed it in front of Festival, giving her a pink straw. She smiled and thanked the waitress before sipping her drink.

"Ay, if we orderin' shit, lemme get some mango pepper wings, twenty-four piece," Mardi said to the waitress.

"Alright, be right with you," she said, curtseying.

"Bring some fries!"

Jasper sighed, taking a hit of the hookah and passing it back to Chance.

"So…" Haze said to Rapier, "You part of the almost forty club, how does that feel?"

"It's…iight," he said, "Can't believe I'm thirty-six…to be honest… I ain't think I'd live this long."

"You ain't the only one," Chanel said, nudging him playfully, "We all thought yo ass be dead before this age."

"Thanks…Chanel," he said sardonically.

"Ay, I thought we'd all be dead honestly," Haze said, downing a shot, "Here's to be alive another day."

"Here, here," Sticks said, obviously tipsy, lifting his next shot glass to toast. Chance opened the bottle of Absolut and refilled the shot glasses. Parker took another shot, hiccupping.

"Do you think Natasha's peeps gon' be comin' around here?" Barry asked.

"To their own detriment," Jasper replied, shrugging, "If those Kalos fucks come up in my grill then—"

"Pew, pew," Parker said.

"It's pop, pop," Sticks corrected, "Damn, bro."

"Look, it's this nigga's birthday and I'm tryna chill," Jasper said, "Long ass week. I'ma talk shop another night." He downed another shot.

"Fair," Barry said, taking a hit of the hookah. The waitress came back with a large plate of sticky, mango pepper wings and fries and placed it front of Mardi, who looked beyond excited. She dug in, inhaling the wings and fries, leaving absolutely nothing on the bone.

"Damn Jasper is you feedin' her?" Chanel said, laughing.

"Yeah, I am," he said, "Ay man, slow down before yo ass chokes."

"I'm hungry," Mardi retorted, gobbling down the wings and licking the sauce off her fingertips.

Diddy took a drag and climbed up on the table, snatching a shot while Jasper wasn't looking. She quickly downed it and slid the glass over to Chance, who also hadn't been paying attention. The waitress returned with a big birthday cake and a cake knife, setting it on the table. The candles weren't lit, however. Rapier looked amused and Chanel smiled at him, patting his hand. He snapped his fingers and set the wicks ablaze. He blew them out with a strong single breath and everyone clapped and cheered. Chanel began slicing up the cake, giving everyone a piece. It was a buttercream frosting cake with layered raspberry and lum berry filling. Mardi stopped eating the chicken wings to get in on the cake, wolfing down her slice. Jasper took a bite, enjoying the taste while Pam declined eating. Festival happily took a big mouthful of cake with Diddy sharing a slice with Chance, feeding him a bite.

"Ay this cake lit as fuck," Lil Pac said, taking a bite. He offered a bite to Pam, who shook her head, not wanting to pull down her mask. "Aw, iight. But ay, I got some bars."

"Oh my god, Pac…" Chanel griped.

"Really nigga?" Parker sighed.

Lil Pac stood up and Pam laughed quietly to herself as he began, "Ay someone give me a beat."

Barry pulled out his smartphone and played an instrumental through the speaker. Lil Pac began prepping himself.

"Uh, yeah, yeah, this is Lil Pac on the beat, yeah, yeah. P-A-C, get it, iight? This is exclusive, let's do this. Now nigga I'm the Pac, yo baby daddy worst nightmare, see me in the clear, I'm right here, niggas tryna bite err'ything I do, I drop bars hotter than Parker dropped outta high school—"

"Woo that's flames," Diddy adlibbed, laughing.

"I'm ballin' and curvin', shootin' and swervin', smoke I'm goin', haze I'm blowin', I cake up all my hoes but I ain't tippin' niggas, I'm cheap moffucka, Pac not a tipper. Yeezys yes, hoodies blessed, my cheeks lightin' up like GPS—"

"Okay," Chanel said, digging the beat and the bars.

"Pachirisu fresh, Pac is next, I am so cold, gonna be dowin' shots with Lector Trode, told niggas to keep it Tella okay? Snatch up ice like 'wassup' and 'hey?' Me and my boys chillin' on the corner of Gold, we gon' be ridin' til we way too old. Y'all niggas grind, I grind too, that's why you catch me on the block snatchin' shoes. I am fast and trust I'm boolin', never back down, I ain't Wishwashi, schoolin'—"

"Ooooooooh," Chanel hyped up, adlibbing.

"Bands in my backyard call me next kingpin, tell me how I'm doin', cuz I'm bling, bling, sittin' still ain't gon my thing, got more rings than a Chingling, but lemme tell y'all what I'm gonna be ballin', nighttime stacks, I ain't stallin' cuz I break backs. I might be bad, but so is yo behavior, my bars be wakin' up yo neighbors. Lights flash, jewelry store here I go, tell to leave, I'm more iced out than snow."

The beat stopped as he finished. There were hyped up whoops and hollers from the rest of the crew. Pam clapped, smiling with her eyes.

"Told you I'm fire nigga," Lil Pac sat down, looking proud.

"Ay, that waaas kinda fire, not gon' lie," Parker slurred, putting his head down from having too many shots. Jasper downed one more shot and lit a cigarette, taking a long, easy drag. He scrolled through his phone and sighed quietly to himself when he saw that Lucky responded to his text. He nervously checked the notification.

Lucky: the fuck do u want

Why are u texting me?

Jasper: just checkin' in

How's Revelry doin'?

Lucky: if u really fuckin' cared

You would have visited

Btw

She's fine, we're fine

Don't text me again

Jasper: wait, wait

Can I talk to her?

Lucky: she doesn't want to talk to u nigga

She said she's washed her hands of u

Don't text me again

Jasper: Lucky c'mon

I'm sorry

I shouldn't have dipped out

And cheated

And did all that fuck shit

But I'm tryna make amends

Even if it can't really be made

I would like to talk to Revelry

Even if it's just for a minute

Lucky: u really think u can make amends

After what u did?

U outta your fucking mind

Jasper: I am sorry Lucky

I truly am

For everything

Lucky: tell it to someone

who gives a fuck

When Jasper tried to text back, it failed to send. He sighed, taking a drag and putting his phone away. I'ma have to accept I ain't gonna see most of them again, he realized. So…I gotta do right by the ones who I can see. He downed a shot and inhaled deeply before letting out a soft exhale. I…should have been better. He looked over at Mardi who ate all her wings, fries, her slice of cake and Pam's slice. She looked drowsy now, going into one of her usual food comas. Jasper let her lean on him. He smiled, enjoying his time with his crew as they did more shots, smoked more hookah and joked around. It's a good night. Lemme enjoy it. He joined in the conversation, toasting shots with a cheer.

The next morning was an unpleasant one. Jasper had gotten driven home by Haze, who, being a poison type could never experience true intoxication. It was something he simultaneously pitied and envied. He woke up, badly hungover and photosensitive. He blindly reached for his phone and winced when the brightness hit him like a sucker punch. He'd gotten a slew of texts which he knew he wouldn't read anytime soon—except for one. It had been from Chanel providing him with information for the next pick up of horse: 90 kilos, being trafficked in from Alola by a reliable smuggler and contact. He got up, hiccupping as he stumbled to the bathroom. He washed his face, brushed his teeth, checked for grays and moisturized his bloodshot eyes with a few drops. He trimmed his nails that were starting to grow long and sharp, filing them into neat squares. With a few cracks of his neck, he finally reached for some painkillers and downed them with some tap water. He took a quick shower, changed his boxers and slipped on house socks and groggily made his way to the kitchen. He turned on the coffee machine and scrolled through his phone, checking his newsfeed for anything interesting. A headline caught his eye: MORE HEROIN RELATED DEATHS, AUTHORTIES FAILING TO ADDRESS OPIOD EPIDEMIC SWEEPING NEW PALM CITY. Jasper scrolled past the article link, seeing news about celebrities he didn't give a single fuck about. He saw another headline that made him click: MASSACRE AT OCEANVIEW CHATEAU. When he did click, it was a long, ad stuffed article about several dozen bodies found shot or mutilated at the Oceanview Chateau and how the police, as usual, had no idea what the fuck was going on. They of course, attributed it to mob related violence, but they didn't seem too interested into going into deeper investigations. Good, Jasper thought. With a new, lazier and bribe-prone commissioner being placed back in office, as well as some of Lourez's men, the police here didn't seem too concerned in interfering with gangs and mobs offing each other. Let them kill themselves out I guess, Jasper considered. When nothing else caught his attention, he set his phone down and poured some cream and sugar in his coffee. Diddy was awake, walking into the kitchen in a bra and house shorts.

"You look like you had a rough ass night," Diddy giggled, "Or is you just hungover?"

Jasper gave her a look, "Hope one day you never experience this shit."

"You act like I ain't ever drank," Diddy teased, "Used to down 4 Lokos like a moffucka back in Los Lados."

"…4 Loko is disgusting bruh, the fuck's wrong with you kids these days. Ay listen, stop drinkin' what's basically hard ass juice coffee. If you gon' drink, drink some Absolut, or Ciroc, or Goose. Maybe cut some burbon with water or some shit. Stop drinkin' flavored piss."

"Iight," Diddy giggled, opening the cabinets to get out some pancake mix. "You goin' out today?"

He checked his phone and his schedule, "In the afternoon I'ma be droppin' by the Kabana—"

"Great, so you free now!" She squealed, pouring some pancake mix in a bowl. She added water and began mixing.

"…I ain't say all that—"

"I wanna go shoppin' for one," Diddy said, "And get my weave taken out. Shit lookin' ratty as fuck."

"Uh—"

"And…" she pulled her phone out of her pocket, scrolling through the advertisements on Poke/Gram, "Brand new spot openin' up in Vega Boulevard."

"It's a fuckin' casino," Jasper said.

"Yeah…and I can't get in without an adult."

"…Nigga what money do you have to gamble with?" Jasper asked, "Ay also, them shits be rigged as fuck."

"Yeah…but sometimes you win," she said with a smile. Jasper glared at her and she turned on the stove, getting out the frying pan.

"Yeah, I'ma pass on all that—"

"Well fine, you ain't gotta go to the brand new casino that's opening up on 677 Vega Boulevard right at 9 PM. But…could you come with me for the other shit?"

"…Why?"

"Cuz…err'one else is asleep. And…you's fun. You ain't a bunch of judgmental niggas like my fam. Err'y time I wanted to do somethin', they tryna make me feel bad for it."

"Hmm," Jasper sipped his coffee. The caffeine helped alleviate the headache, "Iight, fine, I'ma go witchu."

Diddy made two small pancakes and grinned at him. She slathered it with maple syrup and sat around the table, taking small, dainty bites. She patted her headscarf as chewed. Jasper sipped his coffee again and decided to make himself a slice of toast with butter. When he was finished, he made his way back to his bedroom to get dressed.

Jasper sat in the hair salon, legs crossed as he scrolled through his phone, absolutely bored. Every so often he'd eyeball a woman who walked in, but he kept his desires under lock and key, trying not to give in, as much as he wanted to do so. He couldn't risk any stupid shit at this precarious point in his life. A woman, who was braiding the hair of her client getting an installation, would glance over at Jasper ever so often, giving him a smile. He smiled back, but decided against pursuing. I ain't ready, he realized. That horrific date with Lena was proof enough that dipping his toes back into the game would be a slow and steady type of thing, not anything he wanted to rush back into. He checked his watch and sighed. How long does this shit take? He thought, growing restless. Eventually, the weave was taken out and Diddy's natural hair was revealed. It was a huge afro, thick, coarse, wiry and so dark brown that looked almost black. When she was finished, Jasper paid the woman and gave her a tip. Diddy looked different with her hair out, but it was a good different. Diddy tied up her hair and wrapped it in a gorgeous tignon wrap. It was brightly colored: blue, gold and orange, going well with her scanty outfit. She walked out of the salon, feeling good, so much so that her tail swished side to side. She got in the front seat as Jasper got behind the wheel, putting on his shades. He lit a cigarette for himself and then lit Diddy's. He backed up and pulled out of the parking space, driving into the main road. Diddy turned on the radio, turning up the volume and bass, bumping her head to trap music.

"Y'all listen to garbage," Jasper said, taking a drag.

"Baby gurl you so damn fine tho, tryna know if I can hit it from behind tho," Diddy sang along, dancing in her seat. She let the cigarette hang out her mouth as she shimmied from side to side. Jasper had to admit that the beat was catchy even if the lyrics were incomprehensible to him. He tapped his fingers against the steering wheel, not caring that the music was so loud that people from down the block could hear it and feel the vibrations of the bass. Diddy was standing on her car seat, twirling her tail from side to side as she twerked, whooping and hollering. The shopping bags were in the back, filled with shoes, shorts and other articles of clothes she wanted.

"I get soooooooo high," Diddy sang, sitting back down and dancing in her seat once more. Jasper took a drag and began making his way to the Krookodile Kabana. Diddy seemed happy, which was good enough for him. He enjoyed her when she was happy—or when any of the girls were. It was a lot easier to deal with than whining or complaining, he had to admit. She kinda grew on me, Jasper acknowledged. He liked her company and she liked his. Well, she ain't goin' back to Los Lados, so I guess she gon' be stuck with me. He laughed to himself and took another drag as he turned left at an intersection. Diddy was sitting still now, her feet up on the dash as she smoked. It's good to be young, Jasper thought, blowing out a tiny plume of smoke. In about twenty minutes, he reached the Kabana and parked in front of it—his designated spot. Diddy hopped over the car door while Jasper got out and locked the doors behind him remotely. He ignored the weird looks he got from tourists who were standing by the sidewalk. Diddy stared back at them, mocking their confused and worried expressions.

"Be good," Jasper said, hand in his pocket as he entered the hotel. Diddy smirked and trotted after him like an obedient puppy. He greeted the people at the front desk and went to the lounging area, where Haze and Chanel were. The former was eating…a blend of meats that he figured must have been from the garbage of a butcher shop, while Chanel had a light plate of tacos and a midmorning mimosa. Jasper sat across from them with Diddy sitting next to him.

"The fuck is you eatin', chitlings?" Jasper asked.

"Yeah kinda—it's pig guts, sheep guts, cow guts and chicken feet," Haze said.

"I like pork chitrlings…all this extra shit tho…the fuck…they don't even look properly cooked or cleaned—ay wha'ever, you's a poison type, so I guess that ain't matter."

"Nope," Haze said, munching happily on a chicken foot. Chanel ate her tacos, sipping her mimosa between bites.

"So," Jasper began, "Who this new 'reliable' contact?"

"Their name's Winnie," Chanel said, "She's human and she comin' in tonight with a shipment of horse, 70 kilos."

"She from Alola?"

"Yessir," Chanel said, sipping her mimosa. Diddy tugged on Jasper's sleeve.

"Can I get a chocolate slice?"

"Yeah, yeah, sure," he said, signaling the waitress.

"Yes, sir?"

"Chocolate cake for her," Jasper said and then turned his attention back to Chanel, "You handlin' that or do I gotta be there."

"You should come," Haze said, "She might be useful for the crew."

Jasper took a drag, considering it. "Fine, I'ma pop in. I'ma see how well she holds, then. She ain't gonna make shit hot, yeah?"

"Nah, she frosty," Chanel said, "She be doin' this shit for seven years, my guy."

The waitress returned with a slice of chocolate cake and set it in front of Diddy. She thanked the woman and began digging in. Chanel scrolled through her phone, bringing up Winnie's profile and slid the phone over to Jasper so he could look. He lifted his shades up and sighed angrily.

"I know her," he gritted his teeth.

Haze and Chanel exchanged looks.

"Nigga—what? How?"

Jasper peered at the profile. Winnie was a curvy bodied, short woman with squat hips. Her tawny brown skin was only half a shade lighter than Festival's and she had dyed her hair snow white. Her eyes were almond shaped and brown and she had full, plum colored lips. He sucked his teeth and slid the phone back to Chanel.

"I used to mess around with her when she was in Scion City," he said, taking an agitated drag, "She put on weight, damn."

"…Great…you fucked this one?" Chanel sucked her teeth, "She hate you or nah?"

"Ion know," he admitted, "We messed around and she went back to Alola…ain't ever called her. As far as I'm concerned, she ain't had no kids with me so…"

"Ay…man, leave that shit in the past tho," Haze told him, "She only here to push weight, none of that fu-fu shit, fam."

"I'm all about my hustle nigga, you ain't gotta tell me twice," Jasper said, taking a hard drag.

"Iight then…so no troubles," Chanel replied, sipping her mimosa, "You good then."

"I mean…as good as I'm gon' get workin' with her. We ain't on bad terms…but that only on my part. Ion know how she feels."

"We gon' find out," Haze said, taking another huge bite of his chitterlings dish.

Yeah…we gon' find out, Jasper thought, taking a drag. Diddy finished her cake—most of it, leaving one more bite left. Jasper took that bite and patted his mouth with the cloth napkin.

Let's see how this goes.

"Ay man, if she get shady, we gotchu," Chanel reassured him.

"I know," Jasper said, taking one last drag before putting out his cigarette, "Can't fuckin' wait…who else gon' be goin'?"

"Rapier," Chanel answered.

"Iight," Jasper said, sniffing, "Welp…if she ain't gon' play games, we good then."

"You don't be playin' games either."

"Me? I would never," Jasper said sardonically, rolling his eyes. Let's see how this goes. I pray to Arceus she ain't mad at me for no dumb shit. And I hope I ain't got no secret child…Fuck

Chanel's finely arched eyebrows were raised at something surprising she saw on her phone. She placed on the table, turning up the volume for both Haze and Jasper to listen to. It was a live news report, PNN, doing breaking news coverage. The anchorman was a slender, bright skinned human with dark hair and green eyes and his co-anchor was a blonde woman with bleached white teeth.

"A body was found on the shore of Palm Waterfront, authorities have identified the body to belong to Natasha Mikhailovich, one of the heads of the Mikhailovich Drug Empire, most known for operating out of East Kalos and trafficking drugs throughout the Hoenn, Kanto and New Islands regions. Bringing you a live report: Shannon Dozer is on the scene."

"Yes, thank you John," the reporter said, walking on the waterfront that had been blocked off by police, "This has been one of many grisly deaths in the past few weeks, related to gang and mob warfare. Authorities have not identified the perpetrators and as of now, there are no actual leads to the deaths of Natasha Mikhailovich or her associates. There is some speculation that their deaths are related to the Star Family, head up by patriarch Vinchenzi Star, who's been acquitted for racketeering and extortion. Although, there is no definitive proof, motive has been provided as many members of Star Family mob have been found dead and there is speculation that the Mikhailoviches were involved in their deaths. New NPCPD police commissioner, Officer Jenny, a well decorated transfer from Los Lados, Scion City, has some insight about the case." Shannon held the mic to Officer Jenny, who spoke clearly.

"Natasha was just one head of giant hydra," Jenny said, "Her whole family has been untouchable for decades due to legal loopholes involving expatriation and no solid paper trails to the heads of their family. Natasha Mikhailovich, is sister to Sergei and Dimitri Mikhailovich, all hailing from East Kalos, their empire is solid, untouchable and as far as I'm concerned, spreading rapidly. Whatever is going on, these strings of murders, disappearances…assassination attempts…it seems like it's…some sort of aggressive expansion. Right now, New Palm City is flooded with cocaine and heroin and there is no recourse for it. Vinchenzi Star's being people found dead are not surprising, aggressive expansion calls for wiping out your competition. And although we have no actual leads, we do suspect, that they are involved in those murders."

The live news broadcast cut back to the anchors, "There has been criticism about the NPCPD and their penchant for rapidly rotating members of their force—due to what some are calling, proliferating and infiltrative corruption, systemic cowardice and intentional negligence. The NPCPD has faced these criticisms head on—as many say that they are too focused on arresting and charging those using the drugs than the criminal organizations smuggling the drugs into New Palm—"

Chanel clicked off the broadcast and slipped her phone back in her pocket, chuckling as she sipped her mimosa.

"Them niggas are gonna come back," she warned Jasper, "They gon' be sniffin' around, tryna intercept shit…tryna fuck with us…we gotta be extra saucy and we gotta cover our tracks better."

"That Officer Jenny," Jasper pointed out, "She a corrupt ass bitch. She let a whole lotta gang shit slide in Los Lados cuz she was gettin' a cut. She got transferred cuz her ass got caught and she picked New Palm City cuz ain't nobody out here give two fucks about junkies dyin' over heroin overdoses or gangbangers blastin' each other in the head."

"Then you better get her on before other niggas do," Haze said, wiping his mouth with the cloth napkin.

Jasper leaned back in his seat, "I plan to."

Festival stood nervously in the parking lot of the Palm Plaza, wringing her fingers. She had braided up her hair and wore a pleated skirt, short heels, gold hoops with matching bangles and a cute button down top. Eventually, a silver Audi pulled up to the plaza and she sighed in relief. I wasn't stood up, she thought, smiling when she saw Steven park. He stepped out, dressed beyond nice, in fact, he looked perfect. He donned a black polo shirt, a black and white plaid suit jacket, a Rolex, nice fitting jeans, Js and black leather gloves, something Festival speculated about. Is he hiding something? She thought. She saw that Parker always wore gloves too. It was something she saw that a lot of mons—especially flying types—do. She grinned when he approached her.

"You look nice," Steven complimented.

"Thank you…so do you," Festival said, blushing again, slinging her purse around her shoulder.

"So…you wanna grab something to eat?" He said, "What…do you like to eat?"

"Oh I'll eat anything," Festival said, "B-but I prefer meat and stuff…like burgers, steak and fries…things like that."

"Hey, whatever you want," Steven said, walking with her towards the mall.

"What do you like to eat?"

"A lot of things," he said with a grin, "Hopefully you'll find out soon."

Festival smiled, not picking up on his comment, "Oh, that's good! Do you like burgers?"

"Yeah, I do," he said, "There's a Beartic Burgers around here. They serve specialty burgers."

"Yeah…been in one of them…" she said, "Do you like the Green Lime Twist?"

"Hahahahaha hell no," Steven said, walking with her to the burger joint, "That's nasty. You like that?"

Festival blushed, "N-no! I-I'm just wondering if you liked it."

"Nope," he said, opening the door for her. She walked in, looking around. There were a mix of humans and mons, happily enjoying their food and mingling with one another. Steven walked in after her and they both took the booth seating by the window. He sat across from her, smiling.

"You look great," he said, "I love the braids, they're so cute."

"T-thank you," she said, blushing again. She felt timid, but she had to at least sit through this without falling apart. He looked at the menu and Festival did too, trying to find something other than the Green Lime Twist Burger. There were Sweet Bun Burgers, which was a dish where the patties were served on cream filled donuts. There were also standard burgers, with sesame seed buns. There were some burgers with goat meat, which she was used to eating, elk meat and even ostrich meat.

"I think I'll get the Pineapple Sunrise Burger," Steven said to Festival, "You decided on anything?"

He's so cute and he has a nice car. Why is he talking to me? Is he a creep? Why does he wear gloves? What is he trying to hide? Festival fretted, looking down at the menu that was taped to the wooden table. She pretended to keep skimming through it as she wallowed in her anxious thoughts. I really want the Green Lime Twist, but nobody thinks that burger is good. And I don't wanna look stupid in front of him. Why does he like me anyways? I'm a fire type. Also I'm a bit young for him…he looks like he could be in his twenties even though he said he was seventeen. My feet don't even touch the ground, but his does. I'm thinking too much. I should answer. Damn it! Nothing on this menu looks good but the lime burger. Wait! I could have the Pineapple Sunrise Burger…that looks…somewhat good.

"…Yeah…I think…I'll have what you're having."

Steven smiled and looked up when the waitress approached them. She was the familiar Skuntank waitress that Festival had seen before the first time she'd came here with Jasper and Mardi. Does she remember me? Festival mused.

"Hi I'm Alicia," she said with a bright grin that showed off her cute little fangs, "Are you ready to order?"

"Yeah, two Pineapple Sunrise Burgers please," Steven said, "And as for my drink…I'll get Pepsi."

"Can I have lemonade?"

"Yes," Alicia said, writing down the orders, "Anything else?"

"No…that's it for me. Festival?"

She shook her head and Alicia smiled at them again, walking off to place their orders. Festival looked back at Steven, her eyes unconsciously going to his hands every time she tried to make eye contact. He took note of that little quirk.

"Wondering why I'm wearing gloves in the summer?" Steven asked.

"Oh…um…yes? No? I'm sorry…I thought it was a fashion statement…" I'm so stupid! Why did I make it so obvious that I was looking at his damn gloves! He probably has scars on his hand or something! Why am worrying so much what he thinks?

Steven laughed at her, "You always look frightened. C'mon…I'm not going to bite, I promise."

"I'm…sorry if I offended you," Festival said, "I just…I see a lot of people…um…mons, wear gloves…and I don't really know why? I know my cousin's boyfriend wore gloves like…all the time…and…I see…one of my daddy's friends…wear gloves…is it a fashion statement? Am I being stupid?"

"No," Steven said, taking off one of his gloves. "It's not a fashion statement." He showed Festival his hand. He had sharp, metal talons that were almost an inch long. She stared at them, her eyes wide. Holy Arceus! Those things are weapons! Holy crap! He slipped them back on.

"Mons of my line…the Skarmory line…have talons," Steven said, "A lot of birdlike mons have talons. We hide them because…it looks scary, I'll admit. I remember when I was younger…and one day, my mom forgot to tell me to wear my gloves, because my mom's…not a flying type. Or any type…she's human. So…I went outside to…like…ride my bike…go around the area…you know, explore. And then…" he took a deep breath, "When I went to the store to get some gum, the cashier freaked out when they saw my talons. They were terrified because…most people…mon and human…don't see our talons. We hide them so much that people forget it exists."

"Oh…I'm…sorry. I…shouldn't be so naïve…and dumb…and—"

"No, no, no," Steven shook his head, "You're young. You're learning. And I'll be honest, most people will probably never see the talons of birdlike mon. We're taught from early on that our claws and…wings…are scary…they make people uncomfortable…"

"That's why you drive instead of fly?"

"Well yeah, I'm not a fast flyer to begin with anyways; people of the Skarmory line have pretty average speed…but yeah."

"Um…I don't move fast either, kinda…a little slower than the average human…maybe just about? You know…"

"I know," Steven said chuckling, "It's fine."

Alicia returned with their drinks first and gave them straws, "Your food is coming up soon."

"Thank you," Steven said. She sauntered off, going back to attend to another couple. Festival took out the straw and sipped her drink.

"So…you're in…what grade now? You're fourteen yeah? So…you're…starting high school this semester?"

"Yeah," Festival said, "Fall semester…high school…"

"Excited?"

"Um…" she rubbed her head, "I don't know. Middle school was kinda…meh. I hope high school is fun…and not scary fun…but like…normal fun, you know?"

"I know. I'm about to be a senior this semester," Steven told her, "I go to Rustboro High. It's…kinda preppy. I'm sure it's nothing like Los Lados."

"I'm sure," Festival giggled, "Do you have metal detectors?"

"No."

"Our middle school in Los Lados does," Festival said, "It's kinda annoying for some steel types…but they also have an x-ray machine. They think kids are selling drugs. They probably are…but it's…really annoying to walk through those machines though."

"Yeesh," Steven said, taking a swig of his Pepsi, "X-ray machines…metal detectors? We don't have any of that shit in my high school."

"Yeah…well…Los Lados High has it too…from what my cousin tells me."

"I'm guess you're not excited about that again."

"Not really," Festival said, feeling her heart race when he smiled at her. Alicia returned with their burgers and Steven thanked her. He began digging in, taking a hearty bite. Festival looked at the burger, inspecting it. The bun was a brioche bun with a toothpick inserted in the center with a skewered pineapple chunk on top. The burger was medium well with the usual trappings of such: tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, sauces…but the pineapple bits inside of it would not have been her first choice…or her second choice. She bit into it…and it was okay. It wasn't anywhere as good as the Green Lime Twist, but…it was…edible.

"Hmm…this is good," Steven said, "But…you don't look to into it."

"Um…" Festival laughed nervously, "Honestly…I do like the…green lime twist…." she mumbled.

"Huh?"

"I like the green burger," she said, "With the lime bun…I know a lot of people think its gross but… I really like it."

"Oh. Why didn't you order it then?"

Festival sighed tiredly, "Because I don't know how to talk to boys…and I don't want you thinking that I'm some weirdo who eats nasty stuff."

Steven looked at her and began laughing, "Oh c'mon. It's gross to me but I'm not the one eating it—you are. Oh…you want that burger instead? I'll just order for you."

He called Alicia over, asking her to exchange the Pineapple Sunrise Burger for the Green Lime Twist. Festival sighed in absolute relief.

"You're so cute," Steven teased, "It's…refreshing."

"It is? I thought…it would be annoying..."

"Oh no," Steven said, leaning forward, "If anything it's delightful. I wonder how delightful you'll be in other ways."

"Hmm?" Festival asked.

"What do you wanna do after we eat?" Steven asked, "Do you…wanna head back to where I'm staying? You'll love Outrun Hotel they got a pool—"

Festival frowned.

"Oh, my bad. Forget the pool. They got a…nice view of the…sand."

"I would like to go," Festival said, "Umm…should…I go with you?"

"Why not? I mean…it's up to you honestly."

Festival smiled when the Green Lime Twist burger was placed in front of her. She began eating more excitedly, enjoying the food.

"Okay!" She said, happier now, "I'll go. I'm sure it'll be fun."

"Oh yeah, it'll be fun," Steven assured her. Festival smiled again and swung her legs back and forth while Steven ate calmly. This is nice, she thought. He's nice. I was freaking out over nothing. Well, I'm sure Outrun Hotel is great. And he smells so good too.

Alright…just keep calm and carry on. Steven is sweet and he hasn't done anything weird. I think this will go okay.

Festival took another bite of her burger and savored the taste, her tail wagging happily in anticipation.