Hey all, I just got home from vacation! Thats why I'm posting so late, we are just starting to touch the games plot and the changes I have made will be evident soon! For now, enjoy!
Hey love! Don't worry about not taking the job, you have to do what's best for you. Mark and I wish you all the best in your future. We attached our letter of rec for you.
Mark and Lex
Layla stares at the message with a tired smile. She awoke to the ping from her phone moments ago and picked it up thinking it was Morty. Instead, though, it's other good news.
A month ago, when she was in Vermillion she had emailed them declining the position. Morty had been right that she knew the answer and she felt bad, it was an awful feeling in her stomach after hanging up. Then she realized she was feeling guilty for leaving them to do more work in finding a new manager.
It wasn't guilt for abandoning a job she loved and once she realized that, it felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Plus, the fact they're still giving her the recommendation affirms she needs to kick her ass into gear moving to Olivine and doing what she loves.
It feels like it was another lifetime ago, being in Vermillion, still in the early stages of her investigation. When things were just her running around looking at the old crime scenes or visiting Sabrina. The psychic wasn't wrong about this path being dangerous, Layla just wishes she had been able to investigate a little longer before Archer got her.
She lets her phone fall to the pillow beside her and closes her eyes, hoping to slip back into some nice dreams, only for it to go off again. With a groan, she sits up and sees an unknown number pop up, though it looks familiar.
"Hello?"
"Hi, is this Layla?"
"Yes it is."
"Hi, this is Nurse Joy from Ecruteak..."
Layla's stomach clenches at the call, more work which is good, but also means something else has happened. She lets Joy tell her about the impending storms coming to the area and would like to stock up on extra workers to prepare for it. They've started getting a slight influx of electric types, normal before thunderstorms, but the amount is starting to overwhelm them.
Layla agrees, glad that it's not another Team Rocket scheme, and happy to have something to take her mind off the recent trouble.
Once she hangs up, she lays back down and plans out her day from bed. Breakfast with her parents, hitch a teleport over to Celadon to pack up her bags and head to Ecruteak. This way it'll make it easier for her to make plans with Morty, if he still wants to hangout.
The thought of being so close to Morty jolts Layla out of bed and into the bathroom to start her day. Last night, her pokemon were let out into the yard to play with her parent's pokemon and rest. Pocha took some convincing, but Layla wanted to be on her own last night.
She gets ready and rushes down the steps to see her parents in the kitchen going through their usual motions.
"Morning, Pip," her father presses a kiss to her temple. "How are you feeling?"
"Good. So, don't be mad," she starts the conversation out. Both her parents turn to her with raised eyes and crossed arms. "So I got a call to go work at a pokemon center ahead of a couple storms."
"Should you be heading to work right away?" her mother poses gesturing to her neck. "I think you should take at least a week to recoup."
"I can't lose my place now," she replies. "Besides, you know I hate sitting around doing nothing. This way I can do something I love, in a protected place, and keep out of trouble."
"Where are you going to be?" Preston asks next.
Layla grimaces, she hates the blush in her cheeks already. "Ecruteak."
Her parents share a look before bursting into giggles, wiggling their fingers at her and singing about her and Morty.
"Guys!"
"I'm no longer worried about your safety, I'm worried about your activities," Juniper laughs. "Shall we go buy some condoms?"
"Mother!" Layla gasps, appalled she would go so far. "First off, I am the kind of person that at least needs to be on one date before that."
"And that's where I head out," Preston ducks out of the kitchen to the backyard.
"Dad, no!" she calls after him with a laugh. "My god, you two are terrible."
"We're open about these things," her mother shrugs. "You can't lie to me and say you're not excited about being in Ecruteak because of Morty."
"He's not the sole reason," she rolls her eyes. "I do enjoy what I do too!"
"I know, I just can't help it," Juni hugs her daughter. "I just want you to do what's best for yourself. If you think working will help, then I'll support it. However, Lance can write a note to excuse you from the job if anything happens. It won't count against you."
"I know," she sighs into her shoulder. "I just don't want things to stop. These are great opportunities, just poor timing and who knows if I'll ever get these chances again. I can't let Archer ruin everything."
"Good point, I just don't want you pushing yourself," she squeezes her daughter. "Really. It's not a once in a lifetime opportunity, as amazing as these are, you can still get more."
"Yeah, yeah," Layla nods, pulling away. "But what else would I be doing if I didn't take them?"
Juniper opts not to answer, knowing her daughter is the same as she was when she was younger. Always having to be busy and needing to reach her goals for fear of them slipping through her fingers. This year has not been kind to her daughter, so if this is how she will cope, it's better than other alternatives.
"Do you need to teleport home?"
"Yes, please."
Layla's pokemon nearly bowls her over as she heads out to put them away and head home. She holds each of them close, glad that she gets more time with them and pushing away the thought of never getting to say bye or arranging their care once she's gone. Preston offers his own advice about what to do, which she takes in stride before allowing her mother to teleport her home.
The comfort of her own apartment allows her to breathe and actually feel the relief of oxygen in her lungs. She locks the door behind her before scurrying to her bedroom to get packing. Joy wasn't sure how long she would need Layla so quoted her two weeks at the least depending on the damage done by the storm.
So Layla pulls out her duffle and packs up her scrubs, undergarments, casual clothes and some nicer ones just in case... Her toiletries come next, all into one medium sized bag and tossed on top of everything else. In the outer pockets, she packs her shoes, a raincoat folded up really small, and some drying powders just in case.
She texts Eusine and Morty, letting them know where she will be for the next couple of weeks, hoping for a response from the latter. Eusine messages demanding more information and asking if she is running away with Morty, to her horror, as she preps Aves for a flight to the train station. Eusine's response, incites Morty to respond saying he and Layla are going to take a vacation to Sinnoh which causes more 'uproar' from Eusine.
Layla smiles at how her life is coming together in a way she didn't expect with these two keeping her spirits up. She adds fuel to the fire as she weaves through the station to the train and watches the landscape pass by. Her phone buzzes every now and again making her smile as she heads to Ecruteak.
From the clear skies in Kanto to the darkening ones of Johto, Layla feels a cold ball drop in her stomach. Something feels way off as she hops on Aves's back and they take off into the sky. With no thunder cloud, she stays on Aves until they're nearly to Ecruteak and the sky turns dark with some drops smacking her face.
The sight of the Bell Tower makes her heart leap as Aves descends just outside the city. She pulls an umbrella out from her bag and walks fast paced down the trail. The rain picks up and the rumble of thunder threatens something more sinister as she approaches the center.
She decided to book a room there since she'll be busy and that takes less stress away from finding a hotel close enough to the center at the last minute. One last message before she slips her phone into her pocket and steps into the pokemon center, her mind slipping into work mode.
Over the phone, Joy gave her a brief overview of what's been going on in Johto. An influx of electric type pokemon being admitted, which is strange in two ways: there aren't any electric types outside of Magnemite in the area and, two, more species are coming in droves. Olivine and Ecruteak are the only places affected like this, so far.
"Welcome, Layla!" Joy greets from the counter. "The crew you'll be helping is already back there."
Layla leaves her stuff behind the front desk to pick up after her shift and follows Joy to the back of the center.
A team of five, including another Joy, will be working in the way back area designated to keep wild pokemon away from owned ones. While that's happening, the Joy owning this center will care for trainer's pokemon like normal to keep from having to shut the place down.
All thoughts on personal business disappear as Layla focuses on the patients. Working with electric types can be tricky, Mareep wool has plenty of electricity running through it, its evolved form Flaafy is much easier due to less wool covering its body. Pikachu are protective of each other and must be cared for in groups, slowly so as to not startle them. Chinchou can be deadly, electrocution is a leading cause of death when caring for them.
Layla continues on the list of present species from the call list while walking back to the main exam room. She pauses in the doorway, shocked to see the patients wavering between conscious and unconscious.
"What's wrong with them?" she peers at some Pikachu closest to her.
It's cheeks are pale and fur wet with sweat, its chest heaves as though it cannot breath.
"They've all been drained of their electricity," Joy answers, looking over a Mareep lying splayed on the table. "Best thing to do, at this level, is get their fevers down and give subQ fluids."
Layla nods and gets to work, the other helpers guiding her as to where all the tools are as she flits around the room.
The increase in cases has to do with a recent bout of thunderstorms traversing the area. A freak storm that's come out of nowhere and all news outlets are talking about it. Though he responded in the chat this morning, Eusine has been quiet otherwise. Still hunting for Suicune, save for the occasional check in, there hasn't been an abrupt visit from him.
Today is apparently the only day it hasn't been high winds, cloud to ground lightning or anything of the sort. It makes the morning buzz by, until lunch when Layla spies a message from Morty on her phone. Her heart flips, opening it to see he wants to hang out when he's done with work.
A normal hangout.
Not a date.
A friendly hangout to see if he would even be interested in more, but nothing too much in case he runs.
She forces herself to pay attention as the day drags on for what seems like years. Patient after patient comes in driving the electricity the pokemon normally give off to increase. With this many it can create an issue, if it was just a few, it wouldn't do anything considering their current state.
Electric types in the same space creates a bubble of electricity, ions and all that science stuff. Everyone reacts differently when gathered in medium sized groups, when healthy, or large groups, when sick. It constantly feels like lightning is going to strike, static electricity builds up and will cause major injury if not dealt with properly. The extra energy feels like anxiety building in the body and it's draining.
For time's like this, a neutral space has to be created away from the exam rooms, a space for people to get a break from the electricity and possibly discharge any static.
Joy made the front lobby the neutral space to ensure every exam room in the back gets utilized. So Layla joins the other workers behind the desk, and Chansey, for lunch and some gossip with the latest celebrity news. All the while, Layla stays glued to her phone hoping for more from Morty and trying not to feel disappointed with his silence.
He's working, he has a gym to uphold and kids to battle.
When the day finally ends, Layla runs off to grab her bag and heads to her room to wash the day's sweat from her body and change. All clean and dressed, the only thing keeping her from falling into a dead sleep is the excitement of seeing Morty. Some time after lunch, he finally responded with a time that he'll be done battling and that she's welcome to come by the gym and see him then.
She feels good dressed in capri's, converse, a midriff black top and a green button up tied over her midsection. For a minute, she adjusts her shirt, scared to show too much skin and send the wrong message. Turning this way and that, untying and tying it again, she finally decides to keep it and let her lower stomach show a bit. Before she can change her mind, she does her hair and skips out with her bag over her shoulder and phone in hand opposite to the umbrella as she finds her way to the gym.
Outside is humid, it feels hard to breathe as soon as she leaves the AC, and dark. It's quiet as the thunder has moved on, but wet as some rain drips from the sky. Layla feels a shiver run down her spine as she opens her umbrella and struts to the gym, dodging the puddles of water along the way.
The gym enters her view and she can't help the smile that comes to her lips as she approaches the glass door. Lights gleam at her as she enters and finds the front desk void of a person. She wonders if it's because of the battle she can unmistakably hear.
Despite the bright front lobby, as soon as she passes through a double door carved with the figures of ghost types, it turns dark. Mist drifts up from the doorway, swirling around her ankles as she pushes it open. This room is dimly lit by torches on the walls, the path in front of her narrow with purple light glowing beneath the path illuminating nothing. It's a straight drop that looks like what she hopes is cushions or something soft.
She follows the path, finding spots for battles along the way with no one else present. A shiver runs down her spine at every empty battlefield she finds, the vacant spots chilly and eerie. Another reason she wouldn't want to be a trainer is getting through these obstacles to get to the gym leader.
At least Jasmine gives them a break.
Finally she reaches the end, a door crowded with four older ladies talking amongst themselves, their shoulders hunched either to talk or from old age. Their excited whispers float around the hallway, their faces pale in the harsh lighting by the door, making them seem like ghosts. Layla feels relief upon seeing them and approaches with a hop in her step.
"Hello?" she calls them.
"Oh, ladies," one of them turns to Layla, her eyes wide behind her glasses. She nudges the others as they've squished together at the door, clearly preparing to head inside and watch the battle raging just beyond them. "Edith, did you double-schedule?"
"It wasn't me this time, Martha," Edith shakes her head, the beads around her neck clinging together. "Martha?"
"Nope. Georgina?"
"Ladies, let's ask her," Georgina scoffs, shuffling over. "Dearie, the battle just started. Murasuki will need time to take care of his pokemon before you. As do we."
"I'm not here for a battle," she smiles at them. "I'm Layla, I'm here to hang out with Morty. As we planned."
Their eyes grow wide and they squeal, rushing around Layla and taking her hand. A wave of incense, smoke and other strange smells surround Layla then. Oddly, they remind her of Morty, but maybe in passing since he spends time with them. She lets them guide her forward, their voices frantic as if trying to fill her in on everything as fast as possible.
They gush about Morty smiling a lot more and finally bringing a girl home to them. Despite the hilarity of it, Layla finds herself amongst the flurry of questions and stops them.
"Wait, wait," she holds up her hands to give herself some space. "We're friends."
Georgina pulls Layla through the doorway and down a misty hallway, the others scoffing at her words. "Whatever you say, honey."
Another woman, Layla thinks it's Martha, comes up to squeeze her biceps. "Do you cook? What's your job? How long have you known our Morty?"
"Martha, she wants to see him," Edith huffs as they enter the main battle area.
Layla flinches at the sound of an explosion as Shadow Ball meets Water Gun in the center of the field. This part of the gym is much bigger, to accommodate a bigger field, not quite a League sized field, but it's adequate for the job. The dark mist manages to stick to the outside corners of the field as lights shine down from above. Which are the only lights illuminating the whole room.
The girls continue their quiz as they drag Layla to a set of bleachers on the side of the field, Morty's side. Her attention is elsewhere though, on Morty as he and Haunter battle a young boy.
It's like looking at a completely different person.
Dressed in his usual gym leader get up of the sweater, scarf, headband, and pants, he looks official. This Morty is strong as he calls out attacks and trusts his pokemon, confident as Haunter meets every attack head on and retaliates with his own. The way his brow furrows with each new step his opponent takes or how he encourages the trainer when they do something well with their strategy is adorable. His smile and how shining eyes seem so official.
She loves it.
"He is a handsome man," Edith comments at her, nudging her from her left.
Layla averts her gaze. "Yes, ladies. I know that."
They giggle again.
Layla finally answers their questions as they watch the battle, her eyes tracking the movements across the field while she speaks to them. Their voices grow with excitement and Layla has to temper her own feelings listening to them. This isn't a date, she's just hanging out with Morty, something simple.
Their questions end as Haunter takes down Magnemite, looking triumphant and giddy on the field, allowing them to fall silent as the music plays on.
Music adds to the stress of the battle as Morty calls on Nox as his last pokemon. Layla sits forward, enraptured with his battle style, watching Nox slither in the shadows attacking from all angles to keep Poliwhirl on his toes. It seems like a game to the pokemon and Morty ensures the rules are abided. His voice rises above the music, firm and strong, while the trainer tries to find his footing.
It's interesting to watch the interaction between trainer and pokemon during a battle. Layla assumes that's what keeps trainers coming back to battle, the rush, the moment of understanding between them. She's felt it a few times while battling, but not enough to make it her career.
By the time the battle ends, Layla cheers along with the ladies, surprised to see Martha already at Morty's side with a towel and water bottle. She says something and points to Layla with a smile on her face. Morty starts and turns to meet her gaze, she flushes a bit and waves at him. He moves his head in a 'come here' motion and she does so, ignoring the way her heart flips at his attention.
The boy makes his way over as Layla does too. Part way there, Nox flies up in front of her, hoping to startle her but she just gasps and hugs him. He twists in her grip, floating upwards so her body rests on his and she floats. The movement makes her squeak but she relaxes against him, the spikes on his back pressing against her gently, and lets him float her to his trainer.
Morty speaks with the boy for a bit, putting a hand on his shoulder and cracking a joke to cheer him up. The younger trainer laughs, thanks him and walks up to one of the girls to get escorted out. Edith does so, allowing Morty to turn his attention to Layla.
Any worry that Morty wouldn't be as excited to see her disappears when he meets her part of the way with her favorite smile on his face. It makes her weak in the knees to see it aimed at her.
"Layla," he breathes and it sounds like a breath of fresh air when he says it like that. "Glad you made it. I hope the girls didn't give you much trouble."
"Only a little," she sighs, grinning at them as they flutter over.
"Morty, invite her up for tea," Martha clicks her tongue. "Your mother taught you manners, yes?"
He exhales. "Layla, would you like some tea?"
"Of course."
More giggles ensue as he gestures for her to follow him, Nox adjusts to float behind her, his cool presence easing her anxiety. Seeing Nox with her, the girls gush even more which Morty takes in stride, despite the clarity of their voices. Layla feels impressed he's not flushed or anything, then again, his scarf covers his ears so he may be embarrassed and hiding it.
He approaches the door and opens it for her to go first, that soft smile on his face for her.
"Bye ladies," she waves at them.
"Bye sweetie!"
Morty sighs as they climb the steps to the apartment, the narrow stairway leading to a door at the top. He's quick to unlock it and push the door open for her to enter, Nox decides that's his cue to disappear into the apartment. Layla steps over the threshold with a smile, her eyes immediately drinking in every square inch of the abode.
It's a modest apartment, more like a loft or studio with a living room combined with the kitchen and a space considered the dining area just by the small table situated in the corner. It's cozy though with a theme matching Morty, gray, white with purple accents. The lighting is a soft gold as he flips a switch behind her and weaves around her to the kitchen.
"I'm sorry about them. I should have warned you," he drops the towel on the island with the bottle.
"Nah, I love them," she chuckles. "Murasuki."
He flushes, adjusting his headband. "I'll make tea. Tell me, though, are you okay?"
She moves to sit at the island, her demeanor changing as Nox appears to sit next to her. She leans against him, the thoughts of the attack rushing back to her, making the marks on her neck sting. Though the wounds have closed up, she'll have some marks for a while, a reminder that she'd been foolish.
"I'm better," she admits. "Pissed Archer used a Houndoom to scare me. But, I hope he chokes."
Morty sets the kettle to boil and grabs some containers from a cupboard across from her. She watches him work, her hand mindlessly stroking Gengar's cool skin. He spoons out loose leaf tea from several different spots in the container and grabs two mugs. The apartment warms with the scent of tea and he sets her mug down in front of her while plopping down next to her.
He waits for her to take a sip, grinning when she hums in appreciation, before taking his own sip. "I'm glad you're okay. I wish you and Eusine would do the buddy system."
"Why? So two people come out hurt?"
"If that's what it takes to keep you alive? Then yes."
She smiles at him. "Thanks, Morty... That was an amazing battle, by the way."
"Oh, thanks," he averts his gaze, his ears turning red. "You don't have to comment..."
"Why?" she beams, turning to face him with Nox between them. "You did awesome? You were so tough and Nox too! Why wouldn't I comment?"
"I-I wasn't sure you were serious," he mumbles into his mug.
She huffs. "Morty, you're a gym leader for a reason and it's because you are strong and care about trainers. You were nice to the boy afterwards, encouraging him to train harder and try again. I wouldn't ever insult you about something you're passionate about."
His eyes widen, seeing her sit up straight and enforce her words aggressively. In the back of his mind, he just thinks about what Whitney had told him years ago, that he was a jerk on the field, shooting down any opponent... She'd called him scary, or even creepy with all the mist.
"Sorry, even after all this time... I guess... I..."
Layla sees his struggle and sets her mug down. "Morty, it's okay. It was during an important time in your life. Jasmine told me some of what happened and that kind of... Um, a relationship is bound to rear its head every now and then. That's okay."
"I-okay," he sits up with a deep breath to center himself. "Thank you."
Nox grumbles and Layla coos at him, the moment broken. "Nox, you were amazing. He can't be a gym leader without you."
"Don't tell him that," he groans into his tea. Then he perks up. "Do you mind looking at my pokemon?"
"Not at all!"
Layla refreshes her rusty skills on ghost types, wearing gloves and a mask to protect herself from Gastly's, well, gases. And relying much more on her sight to find wounds on Haunter and Nox. Sometimes their bodies become less tangible; whether they have control of that or not is up for debate. It adds to the challenge of their care, leading a lot of schools and centers to offer free classes on husbandry to new trainers owning a ghost type.
Some Max Potions later and Morty's pokemon are back to full health, looking happy and ready to play.
"Thank you," he smiles at her. "You really love taking care of pokemon, huh?"
She flushes under his gaze. "Y-yeah. It's the only time I feel like I can do something right."
He frowns at her. "Layla, I think you're too hard on yourself." He checks his watch before taking their mugs to the sink. "I think you need a break from everything for a bit. Want to go on a walk?"
She glances through the window over the sink to see the rain has stopped though the angry clouds threaten otherwise. The hopeful look on his face though is too strong for her to refuse. He passes her a sweater, making her gleeful as she plans on taking it home, and he grabs an umbrella on the way out.
Slipping on his sweater, she takes a well disguised sniff and smiles at the sweet scent of Morty. An earthy, flowery scent that surrounds her and brings comfort.
"You're not getting this back," she blurts out before she can think better of it. "It's too comfortable."
Smooth.
"Mmhm, I'll get it back," he shrugs, hiding his smile by turning his head away from her.
The gym is empty as they take a door at the back of the main battle room. It's cooled down considerably outside as Morty opens the door. Layla shivers a bit at the temperature change but smiles at the smell of wet gravel and grass. Even in the gloom of a passing storm, Ecruteak looks beautiful.
"So, where are we going?" she asks, looping her arm with his as they cross the street.
He accepts her arm with ease, a flush on their faces, and shakes his head. "It's a surprise."
Layla allows it with a shrug, too caught up in the excitement of holding him and feeling his warmth under her hand. She doesn't dare pull their bodies together, that would be way too much too fast. Morty's past aside, she'd get so flustered if that were to happen and he were okay with it.
Besides, it feels more natural to be like this as they stroll through the city arm in arm. Some people greet Morty, their eyes glittering at the sight of Layla beside him, she doesn't miss how they whisper behind their hands as they walk by. Morty takes it in stride, much like he did the ladies at the gym, and talks to Layla about the history of Ecruteak.
It isn't until they approach Brass Tower that she starts to get suspicious. "Morty?"
"Layla?"
"Where are we going again?"
He chuckles, reaching up to pat her hand. "Don't worry about it, we don't do human sacrifices to Ho-oh anymore."
Despite the warmth his hand brings, Layla glowers at him. "Was that supposed to be funny?"
"To me, yeah."
She huffs, opting not to respond as they approach a building serving as the entrance to Bellchime Trail. It's well known that it isn't a public attraction, the trail, considering it's what's left of the original land in Ecruteak to Brass Tower. It's historical, cultural and religious, in certain circles, not an attraction.
Layla feels nervous as they enter though the wooden door to a grand entryway guarded by three men sipping at tea in the center. The Barrier Station is elaborate with the carvings of Ecruteak's history on the walls and exterior design as well. The scent of incense hangs in the air as Morty nods at the sages, their eyes staring Layla down as they pass.
She manages a smile at them, something that seems to ease them, before Morty opens the door and shuts it behind them.
Outside, it feels... different. Like they entered a new world, it's peaceful with only the sound of the wind passing through the trees to greet them. Layla feels the surge of energy beneath her feet as they descend wooden steps to a zen garden before them.
The stone path brings them to the true Bellchime trail, a winding trail separating all of Ecruteak from the Brass Tower. Layla feels strange standing in a place like this, as though a single step could take her somewhere else.
"Wow," she breathes, glancing up at Morty to see him staring at her. "What?"
"O-oh, everyone reacts differently to being here," he flushes and glances away. "I wanted to make sure it didn't overwhelm you."
She laughs. "Are you sure it's okay for me to be here? The Sages didn't really seem happy..."
"It's okay," he moves forward. "You're with me, they know you'll behave."
"And if I don't?" she challenges, and then flushes deep red, as does he. She coughs. "Any-anyways, why did you bring me here?"
"You can feel it," he glances away. "It feels different here. I thought you might benefit from it."
She squeezes his arm. "I do feel it. Let's take a walk."
And they do.
Layla doesn't think the trail is more than a mile or two, but it feels like it at the pace they go, talking in hushed tones. The trees on the path are known for perpetually showing Autumn leaves, the colors bright and saturated as they meander by. There have been plenty of theories on it, but nothing's proven so far, Layla loves that it adds to the mystery behind it all.
They spend at least an hour only to turn back once they make it to the Tower. Layla feels strange staring up at the building as it reaches to the sky, the energy of the place swirls around it as if waiting for something. Ho-oh hasn't been seen in years, it's believed to be slumbering somewhere or even dead.
Layla refuses to believe the latter, there's so much unknown about Legendary Pokemon, she doubts they simply just die.
They get back to the station in one piece before the rain starts and Layla realizes just how drained she feels. Morty takes notice after she yawns a couple of times, smiling to himself as he opens the umbrella and leads the way to her hotel. She leans on him a little more as they walk, the sound of rain lulling her into a more relaxed state as they walk.
"Sorry, I'm so tired," she yawns again. "I promise it's not because of you or the walk."
"It's okay, I understand there's been trouble with electric types," he replies. "You had a long day and then a long walk afterwards, that's my bad."
"No," she whines, hugging his arm. "It was perfect, thank you so much."
He flushes at her affection, leading her through the lobby to the elevator. She hits the third floor and he sighs when the door shuts with just them in it. "You're welcome. I'm glad you stopped by."
"Me too."
Another yawn, he chuckles at it and leads her to her room. He doesn't dare think to step inside, his own heart raging in his chest at her touch and words. Bringing her to Bellchime Trail was a risk, but a well taken one. She loved it and was entirely respectful of it all. As he knew she would.
At the door, she unlocks it and opens it, her senses coming back enough for her to turn to him and wrap her arms around his neck. Shock keeps him from returning the hug, but then he relaxes and returns the hug with arms around her middle. Shocks of pleasure run down his spine at the feel of her pressed against him, he flushes.
She presses a kiss to his cheek as she pulls away, a smile on her face. "I appreciated the tea and the walk, I really needed it. I'll be here for a while, so, you wanna hang out more?"
Flushed and overwhelmed, Morty nods first, trying to regain his senses as she pulls away slowly. "Y-ye-ah. Of course. Um. Let me know when you get done? I, uh, finish all battles around six. I mean, unless you want to watch more battles?"
She giggles at his blabbering, he's so cute! "Yes, I'll let you know when I can."
"Okay," he exhales, seeming relieved she spoke up. "So, thanks for your company today. I really enjoyed seeing you... I'll text you later? I mean-"
"Yes, yes," she says. "If I don't respond, I'm passed out in bed."
"Right. So. Um, bye."
She watches him go, shamelessly checking out his butt as he does before diving into her room to scream into her pillow. Her heart is pounding against her rib cage as she screams at herself.
Did she really hug him? What was that at the Trail? "And if I don't?"? Who says that?
She stares at herself in the mirror while getting ready for bed, her cheeks still flushed and her eyes glowing as she recalls the moments with him. She responds to his messages as she slips under the covers, donning his sweatshirt and shorts. It doesn't take long for her to drift off with a smile on her face.