J
The place Zed took me to was really nice. So nice in fact that I worried about the prices of the food. In the end I settled for some fried Fearow. My dinner partner order merlot, whatever that was, and I ordered my favorite fizzy soda. When the waiter brought our drinks, his in a wine glass while mine in a plastic cup, I felt slightly uncultured. Then again who cared, it was my first time in a real restaurant. I was in such deep thought that it took a moment to realize Zed was speaking.
"…where I'm going either…do you want to wander Kanto together for a while?" He was studying me with those intense eyes of his, and I randomly wondered how he'd look without glasses.
Jamie. Focus. Wander around Kanto with Zed? So far he'd been good company, and everyone knew I could use the extra training. Still, a small part of me hesitated. Then again, I couldn't spend my whole life running and hiding. That wasn't a life at all. "Y'know," I found myself saying, "I think I'd really like that. I mean, I can't let you run off without paying you back for our last battle."
Z
Jamie was, admittedly, adorable here; her, with her fried Fearow and soda, and I with steak and complementing red wine, were a perfect contrast in age. Nothing wrong with that, of course. I smiled a bit at the thought. Suddenly, she said after some thought, "I think I'd really like that. I mean, I can't let you run off without paying you back for our last battle." I didn't think the human heart was capable of doing a backflip inside a living body, but I'm pretty sure mine just did.
"Great!" I was a bit overenthusiastic, and I didn't care at all! "It'll be fun, I promise!" There was more to be said; I know something was bugging her, and I secretly vowed to help her, and hoped she'd help me find me family…but that was for another day. I paid for our meals, which I hope was a nice enough introductory gesture for her…why are my thoughts gravitating towards her so much? We proceeded to gather our Pokemon and headed towards some nearby lodging…"What do you want to do tomorrow? I bet Surge's knees would buckle once you best him!" I nudged her playfully.
J
"Ha, me? You're the one who blew away that junior gym leader! Since I was pretty much at Tesla's mercy, I don't think an electric type gym is ideal for my first gym challenge." As disappointing as that sounded, I knew I needed more practice. "Actually, I'd really love to check out what kind of Pokemon are around this area. It'd be great to add to my collection and get some battle experience at the same time…" I trailed off as I realized I'd been hogging the conversation. "But what about you? Seems like you're ready to challenge Surge no problem."
We came to a stop at the front doors of a hotel, cleverly named the PokePalace. From the outside it didn't seem too shabby, and there was a small pool in the front courtyard. Hmm, maybe I'd take Dewott and Poliwhirl for a swim later that night. Then again I didn't exactly have a bathing suit. Ah, oh well.
Z
"I guess that's true…but I'd at least give it a shot, if I were you!" I gave her an encouraging smile, thinking she really could do it. But I knew her heart lied in collection; "I bet there's awesome Pokemon around! I got a little sample in Johto, but that land mostly has Johtese Pokemon…but yeah, I'm totally taking on Surge tomorrow!" I was really confident, since my new goal was so ambitious, and especially with this friend of mine by my side…how much wine did I drink?
A large neon sign reading PokePalace lit up a building's front; the small VACANCY sign underneath told me it was a hotel. Sounds good like a good place to crash for the night, especially with the pool in the nearby courtyard. "Oh yeah, I haven't swam in ages! Care to join me after we get our stuff settled?" I hopped up and down a little in excitement; I hope I don't come off as psychotic. I proceeded to check us both in for a night, and we made our way to our assigned room.
J
Swim with Zed? Ahhh why didn't I have a bathing suit?! I mentally face-palmed myself. Well, maybe I could go swimming in my underwear. They covered as much as a suit would. Still, the thought made my cheeks slightly warm. And why did he hop up and down earlier? Kinda weird, but I guess I'll take it.
"Sure, why not," I replied as we finally found the door to our room. Zed slid the card key and the door beeped its approval. "It might be a…." I trailed off as we stepped inside the room. No, it wasn't gross or anything. In fact the walls were a light peach color, and earth toned-accents filled the room. There were some curtains on the far wall that I assumed hid the sliding glass door that led out to the balcony. No, what made me pause was the single bed, looking very cozy and very comfy and very small.
What were you expecting Jamie? My face felt significantly warmer. It hadn't even crossed my mind we'd be sharing a bed. Not that it meant anything of course. Still, I'd just met this guy today. But I tried to recover after my reaction. "It'd be a good chance for my water Pokemon to relax a little."
Z
We walked into our room; standard hotel thoroughfare, light, ambient colors, balcony window, surrounded one small bed. Well…tonight could get awkward. I thought quick, "It looks like I'm sleeping on the floor!" I said with a noticeably nervous giggle. I secretly hoped Jamie'd object to that offer…I'm no pervert, but I've never shared a bed with anyone before.
I quickly slid into the attached bathroom, pulled my swim trunks out of my backpack, and changed clothes. I hesitated a bit before heading out of the bathroom; my face went flush at the thought of being seen nearly naked by my new friend. But then I realized she and I would probably be too distracted by the fun of swimming! I walked out the bathroom…and saw Jamie in nothing but her underwear. My face turned bright red; "Jamie! Don't you have a swimsuit?" I was flabbergasted…and slightly intrigued. Wait, no, bad Zed, have good thoughts.
J
While Zed changed in the bathroom, I pondered over what he said. Sleeping in a bed with someone else would be uncomfortable, but I couldn't let him sleep on the floor. Not after all he'd done; I mean he'd paid for everything. I decided to tell him my decision after he finished changing. Taking advantage of the opportunity, I stripped down to my underwear. Just plain black panties and a strapless black bra. Gah why hadn't I worn the one with straps today? Maybe I could change real quick….but what if Zed walked out? Well I could-
The bathroom door opened, interrupting my mental arguing. Zed stepped into the room, and it was hard to say who was more shocked. All he wore was swim trunks… Don't look at his chest Jamie. Or his arms. Don't-dammit Jamie! Wow, I wonder if he wor- Jamie!
Zed was staring at me, his face a deep red. "Jamie! Don't you have a swimsuit?"
I self-consciously crossed my arms in front of my chest. "No…the last place I went swimming at was a lake, and it was pretty deserted. I mean, they cover the same thing anyway right?" I bit my lip. He was still staring at me. "Um, I don't want you to sleep on the floor. Really, it's fine. We can share. Heck you paid for it, it's more your bed than mine."
When I could take his gaze upon me no longer, I slipped past him, our arms brushing gently, and grabbed a few towels from the bathroom. "Do you mind if I bring Dewott and Poliwhirl?" I called over my shoulder.
Z
Why did I stare at her for so long? It's so strange to be attracted to someone…"…mind if I bring Dewott and Poliwhirl?" I snapped out of it after a few more seconds of creepy-ass staring. "Y-yeah, that's cool!" I wished I had some of my own Pokemon that could swim….ah well, I'll give everyone some time to roam later. I grabbed a few towels of my own, and jogged towards the pool. Once there, I dove right in; I love pools, especially unpopulated ones like this. I called to Jamie as she approached the courtyard, "Come on in, Slowpoke! …heh, see what I did there?" I crack myself up sometimes…but not really. I guess the water just loosened me up enough to unleash the darkest, stupidest corners of my sense of humor and oh man I loved it. I laid back and let the water carry me as I awaited Jamie…
7
Relax while you can. Vincent and I will see you tomorrow.