Bright sunlight once again hits Vincent's eyelids waking him up, he could swear he dreamt of something throughout the night but trying to recollect any memory of the dream hurt his head. Vincent then rolled off the bed and quickly walked to his closet to change into his work clothes. Exiting his room, Vincent went to check on Aurora, slowly opening the door to not wake her just in case she was still asleep. Poking his head through the cracks of the door he realized Aurora wasn't in her room. "Huh, where is she?" Vincent said questioning and closing the door. Vincent then walked downstairs first checking the kitchen. "Nope not here either…" Vincent scratched his head wondering where Aurora could be, Vincent then walked to the lounge room. Upon stepping into the big room, he saw a purple, crimson, red-tipped tail wagging from the couch. "Aurora?" Vincent then tiptoed towards the couch peeking over and watching the vixen sway her legs back and forth while shoving her face into the book and muttering in her own language. Aurora then saw a shadow loom over her, looking above her, she saw Vincent's smiling face.
"B-B-B-Braixen!" Aurora startlingly jumped up nearly falling off the couch.
"S-Sorry! I-I didn't mean to scare you! Vincent frantically tried apologizing.
"B-Brai…" Aurora said with a light blush looking away from Vincent pouting.
"I wanted to see what you were doing without disturbing you… I'm sorry… Heh-heh…" Vincent nervously chuckled.
"Xen…" Aurora looked at Vincent with a small smile then got up from the couch and walked up to Vincent giving him a small hug before pulling away showing a blushing, smiling face. "There's that weird feeling again…" Vincent mentally said.
"I'm going to make us some breakfast before I go to work alright? Vincent said, with Aurora humming in agreement.
Vincent then brought Aurora over to the kitchen to make her a decent breakfast of bacon and eggs grabbing the ingredients from the fridge. Vincent then grabbed two pans to cook the ingredients over the stove rings. After cooking the meal Vincent gave Aurora a hefty plate filled with bacon and some eggs before grabbing two forks and a plate of his own, both of them finally ate their meals. When they finished their breakfast Vincent did the rest of his morning tasks before Aurora saw Vincent off.
"Braixen, xen…" Aurora said in sadness, drooping her ears.
"Don't worry Aurora, I'll make sure I finish work as quickly as a Rapidash, I'll be back before you know it." Vincent said, reassuring Aurora and patting her head to help brighten her mood.
"Xen." Aurora nodded and then gave Vincent one last hug before he left with Vincent corresponding. "Again…" Vincent shortly said in his head with a troubled tone before pulling away.
"Ok I gotta go now before I'm late, also when I'm back I'll be ready to help teach you how to read alright?" Vincent said before opening the door. Aurora only needed to nod happily for Vincent to understand her reply "Bye now! Remember you're free to do almost anything in this house." Vincent then walked out of his home, closing the door behind him. "She should be fine alone, she's a smart girl." Vincent then entered his car and drove to the office where he worked. Aurora watched Vincent depart from the window with a sorrowful face hoping to spend more time with him when he gets home.
Vincent said his daily hellos when he entered the office it even seemed like he was enthusiastic about starting work.
"How are you doing this morning Vincent?" When reaching his work floor, he was greeted by one of his male co-workers.
"H-Huh? Oh me? I'm actually doing very well this morning." Vincent said with a friendly tone.
"I could tell, you look like you're in dreamland, haha." The male coworker said, teasing Vincent.
"Well, I did take in a Pokémon from my childhood just as of yesterday…" Vincent said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I didn't know you owned a Pokémon Vince. You should bring them in the office sometime if you ever get the chance," The man then went to whisper in Vincent's ear. "Plus the ladies would love it, maaannnn." Vincent shook his head due to his co-worker's obsession with the women that they work with.
"I'll think about it…" Vincent said hesitating. "I should go now; I don't want to stay after hours." Vincent bid farewell to his coworker and entered his office ready to finish work so he could see Aurora again. "I wonder how Aurora is doing…" Vincent thought when he got to work on the papers, he left undone from tomorrow.
(Back at Vincent's house: Aurora's POV)
"Where is heeeee" Back home Aurora was laying down on Vincent's bed with a book laying atop her face bored of waiting for him. Since she couldn't read, she can't do much with anything other than skim through books looking for interesting words or spotting words she already knew throughout her life living with Clare.
"Hmmm…" Aurora sat up looking around Vincent's room, it was pretty bare just like hers she felt a lonely aura swirling around the room feeling bad for Vincent. "How long has he been living alone…?" Aurora felt sadness grow within her, she always cared for Vincent from the very first day he saved her from the possibility of death and since then she grew to love him more than a Pokémon and Human friendship, she loved him as anyone would with their mates, or lovers in human terms. Even then she never got the chance to admit her feelings for him when he moved away. Though when she evolved into a Braixen, Clare caught on about her feelings toward Vincent fully supporting her. It took many years of searching for any trace of his whereabouts but finally, they found him, hence why Clare left Aurora in Vincent's care in hopes of their relationship growing even further, maybe turning into lovers.
"Maybe one day…" Aurora told herself hoping she could tell Vincent how she feels. About an hour later after swimming in her thoughts Aurora heard Vincent's voice from downstairs calling her name. "Master is home!" Aurora ran out of Vincent's room and down the stairs spotting a smiling man she called her master. "Braiii! (Masterrr!)" Aurora in excitement jumped into Vincent's arms hugging his upper body, wrapping her legs around his legs to hoist herself up, and nuzzling into his shoulder.
(Vincent's POV)
"Hey, there my special one, sorry for making you wait…" Vincent hugged Aurora back while holding her up from the ground feeling his overwhelming speeding heartbeat. Aurora then nuzzled his cheek, tickling Vincent. "W-Wait a second, that t-tickles Aurora." Upon his request stopped with a visible pouting face.
"Braiix…" Aurora stared into Vincent's eyes with her own making Vincent flustered.
"I-I'm p-putting you down now…" Vincent said with a stutter putting down Aurora carefully.
"Hmph…" Aurora crossed her arms stubbornly.
"Don't be like that Aurora… My arms were getting tired," Vincent said, apologizing. "Plus, I thought you wanted to learn how to read?" Vincent said with a cocky smile, Aurora then gasped.
"Braixen!?" The vixen was now eager more than ever, replacing her pouty mood. Aurora then grabbed Vincent's hand with her paw dragging him to the small library in the house.
"I'm going, I'm going, heh-heh" Vincent couldn't be more than happy to see Aurora so excited to learn, if only he felt the same way when he was a kid.
Entering the library Aurora was already picking out books making a tall stack in her arms.
"You sure we need that many books for today?" Vincent said walking to Aurora's side
"Mhmm!" Aurora violently nodded smiling making Vincent chuckle
"Heh-heh, how about we start with something simple for now? Vincent then looked through the row of books spotting a small children's book. "Like this one, small and simple and not too many complex words." Vincent then pulled the book away from the shelf showing Aurora.
"Xen…" Aurora was a little upset but put the books back where she found them on the shelf.
"Don't worry I'm sure you'll exceed far enough to read those types of books, but where you're at right now I think it'll be a bit too far of a step since you're just starting." Aurora simply nodded in agreement; she then looked at Vincent's eyes smiling, making Vincent blush a light pink. After a second of staring, Aurora grabbed Vincent's hand once again dragging him to her room so they could finally start.
"Hold on for a second, I'm gonna go get us some blank flashcards along with pens and pencils," Vincent exited the room and went to his office in search of the supplies, he didn't take that long as he returned rather shortly. "I'm back." Vincent held a small pile of flashcards.
"Braixen…?" Aurora tilted her head confused about what he planned on using the cards for. Vincent then sat down next to her on the floor ready to explain his lesson.
"Since you're learning to read, I thought why not learn to write as well? It could help with communicating with each other." Aurora's eyes lit up when she heard the word 'communicating.'
"Braix!?" Aurora used both of her paws to grab Vincent's hand causing him to feel flustered.
"Y-Yeah, so want to begin?" Aurora nodded with enthusiasm patiently waiting for Vincent to start. Vincent simply read the book to her pointing out words and how to sound them out along with teaching her about vowels she caught on pretty fast since she was already writing down multiple words spacing them out as they should be said like 'ap-ple' even if her writing wasn't readable. It wasn't before long when Aurora grew tired, falling asleep and laying her head on Vincent's shoulder sleeping peacefully.
"Aurora…?" Vincent whispered not wanting to wake her up if she did fall asleep. Hearing no reply Vincent sighed and looked at her sleeping face. "She's strangely beautiful," Vincent claimed mentally. "Arggh… I shouldn't be saying those types of words about a Pokémon… Even then… It feels right…" Vincent was having a mental battle with himself before he finally settled down admitting his thoughts about Aurora. "Fine, she's beautiful, happy…?" Vincent barked at his conscience; Vincent then closed his eyes not caring about the fact he might wake up next to Aurora laying his head against the nearby vixen's own.
—-
(Next day: Aurora's POV)
Aurora was the first to wake up, her eyelids fluttered open adjusting to the still-lit room. Looking around Aurora realized she fell asleep with Vincent; she then blushed a deep shade of red. "H-Huuh!?" Aurora's voice was loud enough to accidentally wake Vincent up from his slumber, Aurora frantically looked around wondering what to do before she heard Vincent grumble, freezing any movements she made.
"Ugghh…" Vincent grumbled while taking a look around his surroundings. "Aurora's room…?" Vincent then looked to his right, spotting a shocked and surprised Braixen. They stared at each other for a while before both were blushing madly. "I-I-I'm sorry, I didn't want to w-wake you, so I didn't leave since you fell asleep…" Vincent tried explaining with a blushing face.
"Xen… Braix… (It's… Ok…) Aurora said herself blushing trying to defuse Vincent's embarrassment even though he only heard her speak in her native tongue.
"Want breakfast…?" Vincent quickly tried to draw the attention of the situation elsewhere.
"B-Braixen. (S-Sure.) Aurora nodded, getting up to the floor ready to follow from behind, Vincent exited the room and walked down to the kitchen to cook something up for the both of them. It didn't take long for Vincent to decide on what he wanted, nor did it take long for him to finish cooking and preparing a plate for Aurora.
"Here you go, I made some more bacon from yesterday morning since I thought you'd like it heh-heh…" Vincent chuckled waiting for Aurora's approval.
"Brai, Braixen, xen!" ("Your cooking is the best master!"). Vincent rubbed the back of his neck still blushing from the scene that happened upstairs.
"I have the day off today, so… I was thinking if you wanted to go somewhere with me?" Vincent hesitantly requested. "Think of it as a reward of some sorts…"
"Braix! Braixen!" (Of course, master!") Aurora happily agreed, excited to see where Vincent wanted to go.
"You think I should invite Clare? I haven't heard from her since she dropped you off." Vincent wondered. Aurora upon hearing Vincent's words jumped up from her chair and hugged Vincent nodding.
"Mhmm!" Aurora hummed with a big grin creating a smile from Vincent as well.
"Alright, how about you finish your breakfast while I go call Clare?" Vincent exhorted scratching Aurora's soft ears. Aurora then went back to her chair to finish eating while Vincent decided to step into the lounge room to call Clare.
(Vincent's POV)
Vincent took out his phone going through his contacts looking for Clare's name. It didn't take long when Vincent found her number and immediately called her, waiting for her to pick up. A simple 'blimp' sound ringed out into Vincent's ears confirming Clare answered.
"Hello, Vincent! I didn't expect you to call me thought you would be busy bonding with Aurora."
"Hello to you as well, I was just wondering if you were free tonight and maybe wanted to go out with me and Aurora?" Vincent requested peaking towards the kitchen seeing Aurora still taking her time savoring her food leaving a smile on Vincent's face
"Oooooo! Are you being serious? Sign me up! Where do you plan on going?" Clare quizzed.
"I honestly haven't thought that far yet haha…" Vincent nervously responded with an embarrassed laugh.
"Could I suggest a place?" Clare said in a light pleading tone.
"Please do." Vincent remarked.
"We should go to that big ol' mall in the city! I bet Aurora would enjoy that." Clare claimed, requesting a place.
"Sounds like a plan, I'll get ready, and we'll meet you there." Vincent confirmed.
"Alright! Thank you, Vincent, see you soon!" Clare and Vincent said their goodbyes before Vincent walked over to the kitchen, conveniently watching Aurora get up from her chair rinsing off her plate from the sink.
"Hey Aurora, want to see Clare?" Vincent spoke up alerting Aurora, she turned herself to face Vincent with a heartwarming smile. Skipping over to Vincent she looked up into his eyes grabbing his sleeves and speaking up eagerly.
"Braix!" Aurora pulled Vincent towards the door yearning to see Clare again
"I need my shoes first heh-heh," Aurora stopped tugging on Vincent and patiently waited, watching Vincent's face closely. "Ok, now I'm ready." Vincent smiled at Aurora opening the door for her. "Ladies first." Vincent politely said following behind Aurora, closing and locking the door when they stepped outside. Both then entered the car equally excited to hang out together as a group. Vincent finally started the car and made his way to 'Solwille Mall.'
Vincent approached the big mall complex with Aurora gazing out her side of the car's window in astonishment at the gigantic building. Finding an open parking spot Vincent and Aurora stepped out of the car and then held hands while they walked through the busy lot. Reaching one of the many entrances they both sought for Clare. Entering the building it didn't take long for Aurora to spot Clare, she stuck out like a sore thumb with bright blonde hair and colorful clothing.
"Braiiii!" Aurora used her free hand to wave in Clare's direction, visibly her face lit up when she heard her vixen's voice inspecting the crowd of people with her eyes. It didn't take long for her to spot a purple colored Braixen walking towards her way holding a familiar man's hand.
"There you guys are!" Clare waved her hand high up "Is something spicy going on with you two…? Hihihi~" Clare snickered, making Aurora blush a deep red leaving Vincent confused.
"What are you talking about…?" Vincent said wondering looking at Clare with a confused face
"Oh nothing, I just thought it was cute that my favorite people were holding hands." Clare said with a sly smile. Vincent himself blushed then looked at Aurora.
"I-It's n-not like that…" Vincent stammered, Aurora seemed depressed, drooping her ears slightly when Vincent clarified.
"Uh-huh surrreee, anyways I thought it would be fun if we went shopping today! Maybe even find Aurora something cute to wear." Clare said with a smirk Aurora hiding behind Vincent knowing full well she would be used as a dress-up doll.
"Braixen…" Aurora said with a deprived tone.
"Don't worry Aurora I'll make sure she won't force you to wear anything you won't like." Vincent proudly smiled at Aurora.
"Aww you're no fun, Vincent," Clare dropped her head.
"Oh, also before we get going, I thought you would be out of town by now." Vincent said questioningly.
"Oh, I had some undone errands to do." Clare replied, answering Vincent's question. Vincent said a simple "oh." in confirmation.
"Should we start looking around now?" Clare said in a puzzling tone unsure if they wanted to keep talking or not
"Sure." "Mhmm!" Vincent and Aurora said in union. Clare then led the way around the mall window shopping and looking for anything interesting. Clare then spotted a clothes shop.
"Guys how about this one?" Clare pointed towards the store, the other two nodded in agreement. Entering the store Clare stole Aurora away from Vincent so they could shop for clothes. Vincent was already worried for Aurora knowing what kind of mischief Clare was planning on Aurora.
"Hope she'll be alright…" Vincent silently wandered around the store looking at plain colored shirts and pants. Vincent never knew what was so exciting about clothes. Although he wasn't a fashionista so what would he know? Vincent caught a glimpse of Clare and Aurora arguing probably about what Clare wanted Aurora to try on, Vincent couldn't help but chuckle. Vincent simply waited for Clare to finish her shopping spree waiting for her to find him. It didn't take long when Clare found him carrying piles of clothes dragging around Aurora.
"There you are Vincent, you gotta see Aurora try on the clothes I picked out for her. Hihi~" Clare giggled, worrying Vincent.
"I guess…" Vincent looked at Aurora's miserable face feeling bad. "Are you going to make it Aurora?" Vincent said, spooking the vixen.
"B-Braixen, Braix…" Aurora had a faint blush and a sheepish look trying to ease Vincent's worry.
"Come on you two! To the changing rooms!" Clare once again dragged Aurora, taking her to the changing rooms with Vincent following suit.
Clare pushed Aurora into one of the changing rooms giving her one set of clothes she picked out. Aurora stepped out smiling, showing herself wearing a plain white blouse with a light blue ribbon on her chest.
"That one's cute, don't ya think Vince?" Clare remarked looking at Vincent. Without saying anything Vincent nodded with a light blush on his face. "Hihihi~" Clare giggled, spotting the faint blush on his face. Next up Aurora tried on a long navy-blue turtleneck sweater spinning around showing off a 360 view.
"That one looks nice…" Vincent claimed, smiling, his words making Aurora stare into Vincent's eyes with her own sparkling eyes, her tail wagging the whole time nonstop. Clare then cut the small moment short pushing Aurora back into the changing room with more clothes. This went on for a bit longer than Vincent expected, Aurora trying out multiple dresses, sweaters and shirts, but he didn't mind since he got to see Aurora try on cute clothing matching her cute and shy personality. The fun level went down to weird real quick, Clare having Aurora try on women's clothing that was supposed to show off their cleavage, a maid outfit, a swimsuit, and… lingerie…? Aurora was uncomfortable blushing madly Vincent blushing as well looking away annoyed with Clare.
"Clare… Why did you get that…" Vincent said with a sigh, cupping his hand by the side of his eye in an attempt to revert his gaze away from the nervous purple Braixen. "Can you have her change out of… that, please…? Vincent implored.
"Okok sorry sorry, thought it would be funny to watch your embarrassed faces," Clare gently pushed Aurora back into the changing room. "That was the last one Aurora. Go ahead and pick what you liked!" Clare said with her usual giggly tone. Aurora then stepped out with a small blush, it seemed she picked out some dresses, the navy-blue sweater, and other clothing Vincent couldn't see due to Aurora hiding them inside a bag. Finally, they all went to checkout and pondered what they should do next.
"Sooooo wanna see a movie I've been dying to see?" Vincent and Aurora both looked at her questioningly.
"What would that be?" Vincent questioned.
"It's this one horror movie everyone has been talking about lately," Aurora hid behind Vincent not liking the idea of watching a horror movie. "I'll be surprised if you haven't heard of it or at least seen any trailers, it's all over the internet. Clare explained in a proud tone.
"Can't say I have… I don't really have the time to look at any social media or watch TV on the matter." Vincent scratched his chin with a look of nervousness.
"Then you gotta watch it with me! You too Aurora! How else are you going to gain your confidence? Clare said encouraging Aurora. The vixen then peaked her head from behind Vincent with the same look of determination she had when Clare dropped her off. "That's the spirit, Vincent, can you go get the tickets for us? I have to talk about something private with Aurora."
"Oh uh, sure, I'll meet you in the theater with saved seats for you two." Vincent then walked in the direction of the theater that was in the complex mall, his figure slowly shorting smaller as he walked further away.
"Ok he's gone," Clare bent down to whisper into Aurora's ear. "This is a perfect time to make some moves, my little girl. Hihi~"
Aurora had the same look of determination as before. "Braiix!" Aurora then marched towards the direction Vincent went, Clare marching as well for the fun of it. It didn't take long for the two of them to find Vincent sitting down with two open seats by the left of him. Aurora took the seat closest to him with Clare sitting on the far-left seat.
"Braixen." Aurora spoke, spooking Vincent who was lost in his thoughts.
"Oh Arceus, you scared me Aurora…" Aurora giggled in response, putting a smile on Vincent's face.
"Already scared Vincent? I expected that from Aurora, not you." Clare teased the both of them.
"S-Sorry I was lost in thought heh-heh…" Vincent nervously chuckled
"About how sexy Aurora looked in that, -" Clare was cut off by a loud yet quiet "nope" from a blushing red Vincent. Aurora was blushing the same shade, her face filled with regret of ever agreeing to be used as a dress-up doll. "Oh, c'mon you didn't even know what I was gonna say." Clare said jokingly complaining
"I had a pretty good idea though." Vincent plainly said, still red from being flustered over his thoughts.
"Oh yeah? What did you think I was gonna say-" Clare was once again cut off but this time because the theater's lights began to dim to show the movie was soon starting. "Oh, it's starting, we'll save this conversation for later Vince. Hihi~" Vincent only rolled his eyes with a slight smirk.
The movie was your basic horror film, random murderers have been reported along with sightings of an unhinged beast with a small group confident in their ability to solve the mysteries behind the murderers and the beast. About one-third of the movie in the horror elements kicked in: dark hallways, disfigured bodies, and especially the jumpscares. Vincent checked over his left and saw Aurora visibly shaking, holding onto her tall for comfort, and Clare… Sleeping? Vincent shrugged off the fact that Clare was sleeping, he leaned closer to Aurora then held her paw and smiled slightly in an attempt to calm her down. Aurora looked at Vincent with terrified eyes, she then realized he was holding her paw putting a blush on her face. She reciprocated his action by gripping his hand tightly and scooching closer as much as the chair's armrest allowed her to lean on his shoulder with a loving look. Clare squints one eye open to watch the moment unfold in front of her smirking smugly. The movie reached the credits signaling the movie was over, the trio left the theater and walked towards the exit of the building.
"Didja like the movie guys?" Clare blurted out asking for Vincent's and Aurora's opinions.
"It was kinda cliché in all honesty…" Vincent replied, shrugging.
"Whaaaaat!? That's not fair, you were too busy being lovey dovey with Aurora to even enjoy the movie at its fullest!
"H-Huh!? What do y-you mean?" Vincent stammered on his words, blushing. Aurora looked away in embarrassment, blushing as well.
"You know what I meant, hihi~" Clare teased giggling her classic giggle. "Anyways how about you, my little girl? How was the movie?" Clare said, asking for Aurora's input.
"B-Braix… Brai, B-Braixen…" Aurora said, shaking her head to show she didn't enjoy the horror aspect of the movie.
"You too? But I bet you sure enjoyed leaning on Vincent huh? Hihi~" Clare once again teased the both of them while Vincent just started the sisterly two flabbergasted about all the teasing, it's almost as if she's purposely trying to make it seem the two have something going on. Although at the same time this is how normally Clare is, she would always play jokes and pranks on Vincent every day when they were kids, so the constant teasing isn't surprising for someone like her. Still, maybe she was a little repressive. Finally exiting the mall there was a man with dyed red hair and multiple face piercings walking up to Clare.
"Eyyyy Clare there you are, we've been trying to call you for hours," The strange man claimed in a deep, bitter voice. The man then looked at Vincent with a sharp glare. "Who's this cunt?" Spat the red-haired man snarling. Vincent was shocked by the man's aggressive manners.
"Excuse me? Who exactly are you?" Vincent questioned returning the same sharp glare.
"No one is talking to you scumbag," barked the man. "I should be asking you the same." The red-haired man stepped forward toward Vincent, invading his space.
"Zeke now is not the time for your mood swings…" Clare sighed. "Zeke this is Vincent, Vincent this is Zeke, please try and be nice for once Z…" Clare desperately begged the man who's so-called Zeke.
"No promises, but I'll try…" Zeke stepped back away from Vincent now bringing his attention to Aurora. "I see you still own that shiny Braixen, my offer is still up y'know." Zeke tried bargaining. Aurora was already uncomfortable knowing what he meant.
"I already told you no Zeke, I will not be trading away my friend for one of your Pokémon…" Clare retorted, already seeming ticked off by her friend's behavior.
"I'm sorry, own?" Vincent blurted out. "Aurora isn't owned by anybody, she's her own person." Vincent said with slight anger. Aurora's tail wagged, enjoying the fact that Vincent didn't think of her as a price tag.
"Yeah, yeah whatever, don't be such a dweeb." Zeke scoffed "Anyways the gang is waiting for you inside Clare." Zeke claimed.
"Huh? The other guys are here as well?" Clare questioned unknowing about her other friends.
"Didn't you check your messages? We're gonna go watch that new horror film since you wanted to see it." Zeke explained.
"O-Oh uh alright I'll see you soon Zeke just let me say goodbye to Vincent." Clare was mentally sweating.
"Sure whatever, see you soon Clare." Zeke then walked inside the mall stepping out of view"
"So… You have new friends…?" Vincent said in an upset tone.
"Um yeah, I guess…" Clare responds, averting her gaze from Vincent. "I should go see them now… I'll see you some other day Vincent." Clare looks back at Vincent. "Also, you're doing a great job taking care of Aurora…" Clare then waved goodbye and walked back into the mall the trio just left now making it a duo.
"Braixen…? Aurora softly spoke looking into Vincent's eyes with worry clinging onto his arm.
"I'm alright, I think we should go find someplace to eat, don't you think?" Vincent said, forgetting about his feelings and smiling at Aurora. Aurora didn't say anything but nodded with a smile of her own. The duo went to find Vincent's car so they could find somewhere that sounded tasty. It didn't take long for the two to find the car, both entered and then took off.
"I don't feel like eating anywhere fancy, so how about we find a fast-food restaurant?" Vincent asked, waiting for Aurora's answer.
"Braixen!" Aurora nodded in agreement not minding what Vincent chose. Arriving at their desired location Vincent parked and entered the building. Vincent walked to the front counter ordering their desired food while Aurora found an open space for them to sit at. Vincent obtained their food and sought out Aurora, it didn't take long for him to find her.
"There you are." Vincent sat down across from Aurora and gave the vixen her food. After a few minutes, they finished their meals.
"Braixen…?" Aurora looked at Vincent with worry who was lost in thought.
"H-Huh? O-Oh sorry, I'm fine just been thinking…" Vincent said, trying to ease Aurora's worry in a bewailed tone.
"Braixen, Brai…" Aurora said, unsure of Vincent's words.
"I'm just being petty is all, never thought about the possibility Clare would find more friends. I guess I'm just used to it being the three of us heh-heh…" Vincent said, rubbing his neck. Aurora looked at him with worrying eyes but still smiled. "Uhm anyways, I thought we could go to the park before we return home? Vincent said standing up.
"Braixen, xen! ~" Aurora stood up as well, nodding in response, liking the idea. Both then left the fast-food establishment and headed for the park. Arriving at the park Vincent noticed the bright green trees along with a few trees with cherry blossoms, it reminded him about the day he found Aurora, the vixen then stepped out of the car noticing Vincent once again lost in thought.
"Braix?" Aurora walked up to Vincent wrapping her thin arms around his own, looking into his eyes.
"Hmm?" Vincent looked down at Aurora's curious sparkling eyes. "Oh, I'm just thinking about the day we found you. You were so small heh-heh." Vincent said, reminiscing the past. "C'mon follow me." Vincent then walked through the entrance with Aurora spotting a stone path to follow. The walk was silent, the only noise was chirps from multiple bird pokémon yet despite the silence Vincent enjoyed every second of Aurora's company. "Y'know… Walking through here is much better with someone else…" Aurora only smiled blushing, leaning her body further into his arm. Vincent then saw the setting sun with an idea popping into his head. "Before it gets dark, want to watch the sunset with me?" Vincent asked hoping she'll say yes.
"Braixen!~" Aurora agreed in a sweet loving tone. Vincent upon hearing her accepting his request sought out a bench that wasn't far away. Finding a bench, the duo sat down facing the setting sun which was reflecting its rays on the lake that was in front of the bench. The park's atmosphere was in shades of orange, a light breeze blew by knocking cherry blossoms off their branches. Aurora scooched closer to Vincent placing her paw atop his hand. Vincent didn't swipe his hand away, accepting her affection by flipping his hand to hold onto Aurora's paw's palm, the vixen's tail wagged in happiness. Vincent noticed her visible tail and realized how unkempt her tail was.
"Hey, Aurora… Is your tail usually that messy?" Vincent asked which Aurora's tail stopped wagging, she then flicked her tail atop her lap inspecting her tail that had strands of stuck-up fur.
"Braixen…" Aurora used her free paw to smooth out her tail but to no avail.
"Don't worry I think I have a brush at home," Vincent said reassuring Aurora. "If you want, I can brush your tail for you when we get home." Offered Vincent. Aurora's gaze made her way to Vincent's eyes, she then smiled nodding eagerly. "Sounds like a plan then" Vincent smiled himself and then looked back at sunset waiting for the sun to rest behind the trees in the distance. Once again the two were silent but still enjoyed each other's company just by being together. Vincent swore he felt something, but was unsure and didn't know what… Soon the sun was fully engulfed behind the trees making the area dark without sunlight. Vincent then took Aurora's hand and walked back to his car so they could depart back home and rest, Vincent had work tomorrow after all. Driving home Vincent saw Aurora's tired face as she tried to stay up.
"You can take a nap if you want, it'll be a pretty long ride back." Vicent said, ensuring Aurora who looked at Vincent and smiled enjoying how much he cared for her well-being. She then let her consciousness be consumed in a deep sleep awaiting till she returned home. Finally reaching the driveway of Vincent's home, Vincent parked his car and woke Aurora.
"Hey sweety, we're home," Vincent lightly shook Aurora awake, his attempt was successful when he was met with Aurora's lethargic movements which then led to her slowly opening her eyes. "Come on, let's go inside." Vincent then stepped out of the car and walked over to Aurora's side opening the door for her. Vincent took Aurora's paw and slowly picked her up and walked to his front door. Entering the house Vincent slowly brought Aurora to her room setting her down on the bed.
"Still want me to brush your tail?" Vincent asked, waiting for confirmation. Aurora sluggishly nodded. "Alright, I'll be right back." Vincent exited the room and into the upstairs bathroom finding a clean comb, he then returned to Aurora's room then saw the vixen who sat up waiting for him. "Back." Vincent shortly said, reliving his presence. Aurora looked over towards him and smiled, patting a spot behind her which Vincent gladly took. Vincent took the comb over her purple tail trailing down top to bottom smoothing every knot and unkempt strands of fur.
"Braaiii.~" Aurora was liking the attention she was getting with every swipe from the comb but soon Vincent had to stop once he didn't feel any restrictions from her tail's fur.
"Alright that should be good, your tail is shiny and brand new." Aurora admired her shiny tail enjoying how smooth it looked
"Braixeen!" Aurora turned around and hugged Vincent, almost knocking him over.
"Y-You're welcome" Vincent returned the hug which left a warm fuzzy feeling inside "Alright, It's pretty late I should go to bed." Vincent got up from the bed and turned around so he could face Aurora. The vixen laid down pulling the sheets over her body only making her head visible, her eyes had a look of sadness. "Want me to stay for a little bit longer?" Vincent's question was immediately answered with a nod. Vincent kind-heartedly sighed "I'll stay until you fall asleep then." Vincent sat on the floor with his back against the bed frame. Vincent soon felt Aurora's paw on his hair which was then being played with loving intent. Vincent looked up at her face which had a tired yet satisfied look. Vincent could only blush in response, even if he tried to deny any comfort or pleasure, he would be lying to himself since he enjoyed every sense of touch he received. Vincent had to look away before his heart exploded, he heard a faint chuckle from Aurora, was she… Teasing him? Vincent shook away his thoughts and relaxed while he waited for Aurora to fully fall asleep. It wasn't long before Vincent felt a resting paw on his hand, Vincent slowly looked at Aurora whose eyes were closed peacefully sleeping. Vincent stood up and set Aurora's arm next to her Vincent then leaned over her forehead and gave a light peck.
"Goodnight my sweet little fox…" As Vincent turned around, he caught a glimpse of Aurora's smile. Smiling to himself Vincent then went to his room so he could get some rest for work tomorrow. Vincent changed into more comfortable clothes and lay on his bed lost in thought before sleep consumed him. "Why is she making me feel this way…? Any kind of simple contact makes my heart race…" Vincent pondered searching for answers but even then, he knew the future could only answer that question. Vincent shifted his weight down on his bed, fully closing his eyes so sleep could finally take him into a deep sleep