Hop was still somewhat flustered at the sight of the mysterious Spikemuth punk answering the door to his friend's room as he sat in a Bob's Your Uncle, eating his lunch.
'Are Ellie and Marnie like...a thing? When did they even meet? And how quick did they start...like...hanging out? Are they actually...some sort of couple?' Hop asked himself silently. 'What if Marnie replaces me as Ellie's best pal? What am I gonna do then?'
At last taking himself out of his thoughts, he found himself turning his head and nearly choking on his lunch as said brooding punk stood next to his table, arms folded over her chest as her Morpeko jumped on the table in Hangry Mode, bright red eyes glaring at Hop as well as Marnie spoke.
"I'm gonna' make this quick. What ya' saw this morning will not be repeated to anyone, especially your older brother. Ellie and I are only friends, and she's made me promise not to sock ya' in the mouth for suggestin' otherwise. And even if she did like me in that way, I don't really give a Rattata's backside what ya' have to say about it, because she needs friends who actually care about her." The punk muttered in an agitated tone, causing Hop to stand up.
"What makes you think I don't care about Ellie? We've known each other since we were kids. I certainly care more about her than some hooligan from some Trubbish town like Spikemuth ever would. Besides, you've only known her for like, a day-" That caused Marnie's eyes to widen with rage, grabbing Hop by the collar of his shirt, causing him to gulp.
"Don't ya' dare ever insult my hometown again, or I'll send ya' back to your brother in a Cofagrigus." The punk growled between clenched teeth, shoving Hop back into his seat.
"If ya' insult me, you're insultin' Ellie's choice in friends. Think about that." She grunted before stomping out of the restaurant, causing Hop to take a few deep breaths.
"She's right, you know." The familiar voice caused Hop to very nearly collapse.
"L-Lee!? What are you doing here?" He asked, bewildered as Leon simply chuckled softly.
"You called, so I came. You know, Hop...Ellie and Marnie are kindred spirits. They're both extremely loyal to their Pokemon, and you know...judging by Marnie's tone...I think she needs Ellie...and Ellie needs her." Leon murmured, deep in thought as he stroked his goatee.
"I think she's just trying to psych me and Ellie out before the gym challenge starts, Lee. Dark type trainers love to play mind games with people." Hop muttered, causing Leon to frown and shake his head.
"No, Hop...I think this Marnie is genuine. I think she cares deeply for Ellie...and I'm sure the feeling is mutual on Ellie's side, considering how close they appear to be after just a short time of knowing each other."
"...I guess so, Lee. But I still feel like Marnie's trying to replace me." Hop mumbled, causing Leon to rub his baby brother's shoulder.
"I don't think Ellie would let her. You two have been pals since you've been kids, I doubt she'd just toss you away solely because she and Marnie are pals, too." The Champion shrugged softly, continuing to try and console his brother.
"Whether those two are...together, together or just friends, you owe it to Ellie to support her for finally making another human friend." Leon murmured, causing Hop's nerves to calm a bit.
"Yeah...you're right. Thanks, Lee." The younger brother smiled, hugging Leon around the waist.
"No problem, kiddo...now, are you excited for the ceremony tomorrow?"