Back sooner than even I expected!
Didn't want to keep everyone waiting that much longer for the next part, and, I was hoping to revisit familiar faces sooner than not. This time will be back with Greninja and...well, not quite Chesnaught, surprisingly. In fact, it's Samurott this time, right? Oh boy...definitely a drama chapter.
Read ahead, and enjoy!
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[Greninja]
According to whatever plans Nidoking has in store, we'll have a good amount of work cut out for us starting tomorrow. So, naturally, Samurott decided tonight was a nice night for going out for dinner.
Everyone else in the castle seemed to be preoccupied with their own issues or preparations, though I didn't take much time to really observe anyone. Mewtwo happened upon Samurott and I on our way out of the castle, pausing for a moment and smiling to me.
"Hi Greninja!" He blinked and pointed at my clothes. "That is a nice outfit."
"Thank you, Mewtwo."
It was just a nice outfit to blend better with the kingdom knights, a forest green top with an evergreen pants. Although the gold trimmings and designs helped the top look nice, and it probably didn't help that it didn't cover my arms completely. Nor did the opening at the top and exposing my chest. Now that I think about it, the pants were a little bit tight…and now I feel like I chose my outfit poorly for tonight. …Chesnaught's taking responsibility for my wardrobe.
"Yours is nice too, Samurott."
"Oh, thank you!"
Samurott wasn't wearing much better, wearing a laurel green shirt that had silver designs on it. Part of it had a crown over his breast, which was inspired by an ancient king from legends, and I know Mewtwo told me about those before. His sleeves were shorter than mine, showing off more of his arms and muscles, and his collar was open enough for his chest as well. The kombu green pants were maybe a little less tight than mine? I know he has those to match with his shirt due to the trim designs, but…we look maybe too attention grabbing for a simple night out.
Mewtwo's eyes went right for the crown designs and his face lit up.
"Did you know those designs were inspired by the ancient king Calyrex?" He smiled to Samurott, who returned it.
"Yep, I enjoy his legends." He rubbed behind his neck. "Though, I guess a lot of people in this kingdom tend to like him as well."
"He is popular. Or perhaps was…has and always will be?" Mewtwo folded his arms. "I do not know the right way to measure him."
"That's ok, we agree on it." Samurott chuckled and patted his back. "You're pretty well read, I've noticed."
"You have?" Mewtwo blinked and…was that a hint of a blush forming on his face?
"Sure, and you really dive into those books too." He nodded. "I think that you could make a strong scholar in the future, if you're not one already."
"Maybe…perhaps…"
His tail twitched as Mewtwo cast his gaze away, and I couldn't tell if he was enjoying these thoughts and attention, or was uncomfortable thinking about his future. His life had been twisted around in a perilous adventure, going from the Iceberg Empire wilds to the palace life, only to have that swept away from a war, and then ended up coming to a completely different kingdom. He maintained a cheerful disposition as best as he could, but…I know that he has a lot of uncertainties brewing in that bright mind.
I patted Samurott on his shoulder. He perked up and took his hand from Mewtwo.
"We should get going," he managed. "Greninja agreed to go with me because I have some things on my mind, and I just wanted to talk it out with a good friend."
"Greninja is excellent at listening and observations," complimented Mewtwo.
"Aw, that's sweet, thanks," I mumbled and giggled a bit.
"He is! And…I really need that now," admitted Samurott. He folded his arms. "Did you maybe want to come, Mewtwo?" He tightened up a bit from his offer.
"No, that is all right," declined Mewtwo. "Gardevoir wants me to study some tomes before bed, but it is a good deal of reading."
"Understood, we'll leave you to it." Samurott loosened up and smiled a bit more. "We'll see you later, then!"
"Take care."
Mewtwo drifted off, and seemed a bit lighter as he went…maybe Samurott gave him a nice momentary distraction.
Samurott turned to me, beamed a little brighter, and opened the castle door. He held it open for me with a wink, and gestured out. I rolled my eyes and chuckled, heading out with him.
Our walk to Springton was quiet, and we just surveyed the night kissed lands. Sometimes, the forests can look intimidating out in the Grass Fields Kingdom, but going on a public road and just watching the grass and the trees sway in gentle breezes was soothing. The stars being out above were nice to admire too, and I had traced a constellation of three legendary birds. A friend of mine had taught me about them in the Iceberg Empire, and…my arm dropped a bit as I thought of him, finishing the tracing of the icy bird. Perhaps that kept Samurott quiet as we went, or maybe that was why I hadn't spoken much during the while.
Traveling over to the restaurant district, Samurott guided me over to Bell's Belles, a public house that I had come with him and the others before, as well as one of the first dates that I had with Chesnaught. I noticed they had changed their sign's designs, with a particular inclusion of bluebell flowers standing out to me.
"Wonder what inspired that change," joked Samurott.
"Not a clue." I couldn't hide my smirk.
Entering, the scent of berries filled the air, and the soft lighting made the adjustment from the night easy. We sat down and waited for only a little while before our server appeared. Miltank grinned as she came over, and made sure she would be serving us again.
"Hi Greninja! Hey Samurott." She blinked and looked at our table, noticing that there were no other chairs. "Did you two want to get a bigger table, or another chair or two?"
"Nope, it's just us for tonight, Miltank." Samurott smiled, though Miltank hesitated.
"Just you two?" She eyed Samurott, and then looked me up and down. That expression on her face practically screamed, 'Looking like that?' But she didn't bring the outfit choices up. "No Chesnaught at least?"
"He's…a bit busy," I murmured, glancing down at the table. "We have a lot going on."
"Oh…" Miltank deflated a bit upon hearing that. "Sorry."
"That's ok, we're still…well, we're…" I paused and sank down. "Um. It's a lot going on with everyone, so, I guess we're all over the place."
"Tough times can be like that, especially since you two came back from that ice empire." She patted my shoulder. "Heard it wasn't a nice time out there. And we had ourselves an attack on the town here too."
"That wasn't a lot of fun." Samurott drummed the table as well, wincing from the bitter memory of defending Springton.
"We do appreciate you guys keeping us safe," brought up Miltank. "Thankfully I didn't see much of it, but still…that would not have been pretty…"
"No, it wasn't…"
"Well, let me at least help you two cheer up some tonight!" She readied her notepad. "Drinks first?"
"Sure, I'll have the Watmel Wine," I started.
"Starf Ale for me," decided Samurott.
"Sure, I can go get those for you two. Be back in a bit, though, I've got a few customers to cater to tonight as well."
She pointed out a few, but lingered over two tables, one having what looked like an olive plant lady with a pink mushroom one, and another that had…a familiar looking brown rabbit with an egg shaped lady seated with her.
Taking off, Miltank wandered about the house, leaving Samurott and I. He picked himself up and stared over at me for a moment.
"…Chesnaught really picked out great outfits for you," he mumbled, blushing a bit as he gazed me over. "And…you do look cute with the tongue tucked in."
"Samurott." My face burned and I tried to move my attention elsewhere.
"That's just a simple…ok, we should clear this up first." He placed a hand on the table, a bit harder than I think he meant. His face twitched and he balled up his hand. "Um."
"Go ahead."
"Look, I still find you attractive, but I…I've got others distracting me now," he admitted. Samurott lowered his head and exhaled deeply. "It's…been a pretty complicated time, even before you were back."
"Really?" He nodded. "What did I miss then?"
"A lot…" He dragged his other hand over his face. "I think I need something to help me settle my thoughts before I—"
"One thought settler, coming right up!"
Miltank plopped Samurott's ale down, and she smiled to him. He forced out a chuckle as she came over to place my wine down.
"Ready to order?"
"Yes, I think so?" I glanced over to Samurott, who shifted his attention to the menu. "I'll have the Petaya Takoyaki."
"You two help us keep that menu mixed, that's for sure. Patrons love it though," Miltank noted. "Miso Soup with it?"
"No, um…Leppaoran Salad, actually."
"Heh, I know who turned you onto those." She winked and I blushed as I smirked. She looked to Samurott, whose eyes shifted about. "How about you, mister?"
"Let's see…can I have…ohhh!" Samurott gasped. "You have Liechi Sashimi?"
"Today's the last day for it."
"That, that, that," decided Samurott, drooling a bit.
"Soup with it?"
"Please, Miso." He perked up a bit more. "Water also, for both of us too?"
"Got it." She smiled. "Alright, let me get those orders in. It'll be a bit, but do you need anything else with that?"
"No, thank you, Miltank." I tilted my head. "How's tonight going for you?"
"Ah, nothing too exciting, just busy." She pointed to the plant couple. "Those two seem like they're coming around the town more often, and I don't know them, but they seem like they're royalty of some kind? New to me though." She tilted her head. "You know them?"
"Not from our castle," I studied the pair she pointed out. "They do have nice outfits on, but I don't think they're staffed by Nidoking…"
"Probably from that marchioness that hates him so much," determined Samurott. "She supposedly will take temporary hold of the kingdom while we're away."
"You'll be away?"
"Soon, yes," confirmed Samurott. "King Nidoking was invited out to, uh…" He glanced around, noticing that he was a bit too loud. I spotted the rabbit lifting her ears a bit. "We need to go to the Mountains Monarchy."
"Out there? A bit far." Miltank sucked in her cheek. "Means I won't be seeing you guys for a bit then, huh? Greninja was gone for a while already."
"Sorry, I didn't expect either of these," I admitted. "It's…been a bit hectic for me too."
"Yeah, I'll bet! But it's all of you this time?"
"Yes."
"Well, that'll be a bit better then." She leaned on the table, eying the plant women. "So…I guess I'll be seeing those two and more coming soon?"
"Likely so, yes," affirmed Samurott.
"Hm. Menu will probably change again then," noted Miltank. "Ok, let me go put your orders in. I'll see you two in a little while, but relax for now, alright?"
"Sure, thank you."
"Of course!"
She wandered off to the kitchen, waving to someone that we couldn't see in there. I stared at the rabbit, and pressed my lips. I knew I recognized her.
"Over there, that's Lopunny," I relayed to Samurott.
"Typhlosion's date?"
"Yes."
"Ha, that was a disaster for him." Samurott grinned and eyed Lopunny, who busied herself with talking to her companion. She still had an ear turned toward us, at least for a moment more. "Turned out he didn't want to be with her at all."
"That much I learned too," I voiced.
"Wait, what?"
"Typhlosion hadn't been interested in Lopunny when he…didn't he tell you about this?" I tilted my head. "At the royal ball, you helped him escape her, right?"
"Yes, but…he told you about not actually liking her?"
"Kind of, or at least about someone else that he liked." I watched as Samurott slumped in his seat, face flushed, and he sucked down a good swig of ale. "…Samurott, what's the matter?"
"About what?"
"Look, you're the one that asked me out tonight, and you wanted to talk about something, but now I'm getting carried away talking about Typhlosion's love life instead, and you look so upset over that." I swished my wine around in the glass, but placed it down. "Did you try helping him and it didn't work out? You guys haven't been good around one another lately."
"…So…" Samurott dragged his claw down his snout, placing his mug down. "About that."
"Oh, so, we are talking about it, then." I leaned forward and reached for my wine. "I was hoping you'd bring it up. So? What happened?"
"…Uh…" Samurott sank down on the table, and his blue face mixed with his red blush. "Everything we talked about was related, actually."
"Typhlosion not liking Lopunny?" I blinked and twisted my face a bit in confusion. "How does that relate to you and him not getting along?" He inhaled, but still kept his face on the table. "Come on. I thought you wanted to talk with me, didn't you?"
"Yeah, but…now we're here, and I'm…" He tugged on his whiskers. "I don't know what to do."
"Start by at least talking to me." I placed my hand on the table. "Am I your friend or not?"
"You're my best friend," he managed. "Everything feels so natural when I'm with you."
"Um."
"Not like that, I mean it," Samurott insisted. "Or not just?" He smacked his forehead. "I need to not be myself for the next…however long this is."
"Focus, come on." I lightly kicked at him under the table, and he shot me his taken aback face. "Aren't you a samurai? General Rhydon counts on you a lot, doesn't he? Where's that courage and conviction?"
"We're not on a battlefield, so it dissipated on me," he muttered.
"Well go get it back." I scowled as I leaned over the table. "What. Happened?"
"…Did Typhlosion tell you it was a guy he was interested in?"
"He didn't, but the thought crossed my mind, since he seemed to be keeping his interest a bit guarded when I last spoke to him about that." It was ages ago now, but I thought back on it. "He told me about it being a secret, but something that would get me to come back to visit some day, so I just…I mean, I'm obviously gay, so I might just be projecting—"
"Greninja."
"What?" I stared at him a moment. "…Wait. You know that he's into another guy?"
"…Yes…"
"Oh, Samurott, don't tell me that!" I waved my hand at him. "That's for Typhlosion to tell me about! It's nice that he's got a crush on a guy, but I don't want to push him into…" I thought for a moment. "Well, I guess I can act surprised when he tells me."
"Really not the part that I wanted you focused on," muttered Samurott.
"Huh? Why not?" I blinked. "Why else would you tell me?" He lowered his eyes and I started to feel like I was missing something. Annoyed, I took my wine. "Again, you did want to talk, but you're on about this, and I don't get how it connects to you yet."
He watched as I sipped my wine. Sighing, he stared at me a moment, and then down to the table.
"Because it is me." I blinked at him. "He told me that it's me, Greninja."
I choked on my wine and sputtered into a coughing fit. Samurott lifted up as Miltank came by with water. Closing my eyes from the cough, a glass of water was pressed into my lips, and I drank it. Rubbing my eyes, I blinked, as Samurott gently pulled the glass back.
"Good timing with the water," Samurott thanked Miltank.
"It was, but what happened?"
"Well—"
"Sucked in the wrong way," I breathlessly managed. Clearing my throat, I took the water from Samurott and drank a bit more. "Thank you, Miltank."
"You're welcome, hun." She patted my arm. "Happens all the time, but take it easy, ok? Still got a little while for the food."
"Right…we could use the time."
Looking between us, she nodded, and walked back toward the kitchen.
"Oh, miss, excuse me." The olive lady spoke up. "Is he all right, the one over there?"
"Yes, he's fine."
"Very good. I had a question about this bit of the menu, about…Moomoo Cheese?"
Miltank threw her head back and groaned a bit, but brought her face down with a smile. I returned my attention to Samurott, as he dropped back into his seat and folded his arms.
"Sorry, I…I didn't mean to do that." My burning face cooled a bit, as I sank into my seat. "Gods, everyone had to see me."
"You are attention grabbing," halfheartedly joked Samurott.
"Sure, yeah." I glanced around to other patrons. Lopunny slowly turned away from looking at us, ears focused on her companion. "Is…anyone else still watching?"
"Hang on." Samurott glanced around for a moment, and then settled back on me. "A few passing gazes, but they went back to their respective tables after making eye contact."
"Great."
We waited a moment as I took another sip from the water, and I shook my head. My hearing has been subpar lately, but if I lose my voice on top of that, I'm in bad shape.
"…Ok." I placed the water back down, and Samurott's shoulders slumped. "Tell me again."
"Seriously?"
"Yes, and don't beat around the bushes over it!" I smirked. "We don't need extra drama past that much."
"Every bit of life is dramatic," mumbled Samurott. He straightened up and leaned forward, and I did the same. "Fine, ok. Typhlosion has a crush on me."
"That's great!"
"Well, had one."
"Oh." My shoulders dropped. "Oh no. What happened?"
"Uh…we, um, well, we had been learning new moves together, pledges, and one day while we were practicing, I, uh…well, earlier, I gave him a naginata, so maybe that didn't help."
"Is that the one he keeps using lately?"
"He's…still using it?"
"Haven't you seen him? It's been months!"
"…No, we've, um." He sank back down to the table, blushing madly once again. "We're…well, you know by now."
"Samurott, what's going on with you and Typhlosion?"
"…So, uh, that day…actually, the day of the attack on Springton, that was…that was when…" He placed his hand over his snout. "We were practicing, and then we went to clean up, but we got talking, and I didn't think I was being too pushy, but I guess that I was, and so I got him to tell me what was on his mind, which, as it turns out…was me."
"He confessed that he liked you."
"Yes."
"And you…" I studied the crestfallen expression on his face. "…You didn't reciprocate."
"Please don't get mad."
"Samurott, I'm not going to be."
"But you like this stuff." He lifted his head, and I stared as his weary face. "I like this stuff. Romance is cute and fun and lively and exciting."
"It is, but you have to like those that you're vying for, Samurott, and they have to like you back." I shrugged. "It's ok if you're not into someone."
"That's the problem: I don't know how I feel besides guilty."
"Huh?"
"Typhlosion poured his heart out to me, I stuttered and stumbled because I thought he was into Lopunny, he wasn't, and then he went on and on about how he had been burying his feelings the whole time, how he lost two guys to you, how he didn't want anyone else knowing—"
"Two guys to me?" Samurott froze and jerked upright. "But that…" It clicked and my eyes widened. "…He liked Chesnaught."
"Don't!" Samurott smacked at the table again, still too hard, but he cared less this time. "Don't, I swear to all of the gods out there, Greninja, don't ever bring that up."
"Why would you tell me that then?"
"Because I suck at keeping secrets!" He slumped back down to the table. "Gods, damn it and damn me, I can't stand myself…ugh…"
"Did…did he tell Chesnaught?"
"No!"
"Are you sure?" I sank down and bit my lip. "Because we haven't talked as much lately, and you two haven't talked lately, and now I'm wondering—"
"He wouldn't tell him," insisted Samurott, a bit…defensively, pushing up from the table a bit. "Typhlosion had been keeping that in for ages, let go when you two got together, and then focused on his attraction to me, which built up heavily thereafter."
"Ah." I watched Samurott sink down, poking at the silverware and napkin. "Sorry, I…how are you doing with all of that?"
"Getting worse by the second," he mumbled.
"Well, then let's make it better." I tapped at the table to get his attention. "So, you and Typhlosion are in an awkward space right now, and you're barely talking."
"And I tried going out with others."
"You what?"
"Well, I tried talking to him a bit before you all came back, and he kept distancing himself," detailed Samurott. He glanced down at the table. "So, I tried to take my mind off of it, and I tried to see…others." I lowered my eyes as his shoulders dropped. "Before…and after you came back."
"…Who?"
"…Lilligant was one."
"So, that's why she wasn't a good pick for this." I leaned over on the table and stared at him. "Did that end poorly too?"
"No, it was nice, and we had…some fun," Samurott allowed, blushing a bit. "But…it was a one-shot effort, and we realized we were still distracted by other interests."
"Well, at least there's no bad blood on that one." I folded my arms and tilted my head. "Who else did you try?"
"Uh…I'm not going to mention the others." He shook his head. "I've already made a mess talking about Typhlosion with you. I don't want a repeat of that." Samurott blinked and then glanced up. "Though, there is a prisoner from the attack on the town that can be…rather cooperative with me." His eyes darted down as I lowered my eyes again. "Not just with me, mind you! He's…well, he's a bit…flirty? Or he's trying to annoy someone, but, I suppose it's a little flattering."
"Maybe you should consider not flirting with a criminal?"
"I don't! …Usually."
"Samurott."
"Look, until it stops helping us get information, it can be an asset!" He plopped his head into his hand. "Lord Nidoking thinks so too."
"Uh-huh."
"Fine, fine, I'll…try to be a bit more careful."
"Sure you will."
"Ugh." He rolled his eyes, leaned back, and folded his arms. "So…that's more or less what's happened lately." Samurott lowered his eyes. "I keep trying to talk with Typhlosion, but, he's very good at slipping away and avoiding me. Part of me wants to just give up and move on, but then…part of me wants to keep trying, because we do still need to work together." His face flushed and he stared down at his glass of water. "And…part of me still finds his interest very flattering, and I wonder if maybe we could…"
"Then you are considering dating him as an option." I waited as he slowly nodded. "But, you can't talk to him, so you don't know if he'll want to do that by this point." Another nod. "And, you've ended up giving yourself even more options to possibly turn to, or options you'd prefer, should that never end up happening."
"You can stop assessing now."
"No, I'm on a roll." I smirked. "This is more or less what you wanted."
"…Yeah." Samurott lowered his arms and looked to me. "So, what can I do? What should I do?"
"Not to be annoying with a cliché response, but I can't answer that for you." He groaned as I shrugged. "I know, I know. But, you have to sort out what you're feeling for everyone. It sounds like you and Lilligant came to the mutual understanding that you wouldn't want to try again, so that takes care of her, right?" A quiet nod to confirm. "Ok. Your criminal crush is behind bars, so he shouldn't be an option."
"Actually…" My head drooped as he glanced aside. "So, Nidoking may have an idea of something to do with some of the, uh, unsavory types…"
"You're joking."
"Not all of them, mind you, but the cooperative ones, he…well, he's got plans for them," elucidated Samurott. He returned his attention to me. "It's risky, but I also think it has potential to be a useful asset, considering where we go next."
"…We're bringing them to the Mountains, aren't we?"
"Um." Samurott took another swig from his ale, and then sucked down water too. "…Yes."
"Wonderful." I sipped at my wine. "This is going to be a very complicated hassle of a trip."
"It could be worse." He rubbed behind his neck. "We could be going somewhere bad."
"We're passing my home."
"Oh!" Samurott smiled for a moment, but then quickly lost it. "Ohhh, right. Sorry."
"Me too, but, it'll be nice for Accelgor and Escavalier. Chesnaught's home is apparently further on that direction too." I sighed. "So, it'll be worthwhile."
"But…not entirely, not for you," he realized.
"Doesn't matter."
"It does."
"Regardless, it's happening, and more importantly, that's not what we're here for." I tapped at the table. "Talk to me. What are you feeling about what you're dealing with?"
"Still mixed up, honestly." Samurott sighed. "I…I don't know what I want yet." He stared down at his mug, which I'm sure is almost empty by now. "Let's factor out the criminal crush." A soft chuckle. "That still leaves one more…and Typhlosion."
"Which of the two is more serious for you?"
"Neither one has progressed enough for me to feel out the right way," he admitted. "Typhlosion has me confused, and the other one…well, we didn't really get anything started, but I'm not sure if I should try."
"Then it really comes down to how you're feeling about Typhlosion," I determined for him. "Because if you do want to go forward with anything regarding him, you'll stick with him on that. But, if you decide against him, then you have someone else to explore." Resting my hands on the table, I studied Samurott for a moment, as he thought quietly for a bit. "I guess that counts as my input and who I'd start with."
"It's where I was imagining I'd end up starting too," he confessed. "Helps to confirm that, though."
"For whatever it's worth, I think he's nice, and very passionate, deep down," I offered. "Before we left, he sought me out to speak with about dating and getting someone who wasn't interested in…oh my gods."
"What?"
"He didn't pick me because of experience." I gripped my head. "He picked me because he knew you were into me, and because he wanted to know what Chesnaught saw in me." Smacking my head, I stared upward. "Typhlosion pays attention."
"That tracks." Samurott sighed. "So, he was trying to learn from you how to seduce me."
"To be fair, I had told him about just bonding and getting closer with him—uh, you, in time." I glanced down to Samurott. "He…did spend time with you, right? And you two actually spent genuine time and got closer organically?"
"…Does that mean he only did it because he was trying to win me over, or did he actually want us to get closer?"
"Hey, it's obviously the second one," I insisted. "Don't question his intent just because of outside influence." He leaned back as I pointed to him. "He wouldn't have bothered with that much if he didn't feel like he was getting closer to you."
"Maybe, yeah…" Samurott sighed. "But then, what would he have done without your advice?"
"I…I imagine the same thing still. He did get more advice from others too, or, I told him to."
"Hmm…" Samurott snapped his claws. "So, maybe that's why Lord Nidoking and General Rhydon were a bit…sweeter than usual, at least on us. Especially on him."
"Come on, that's not fair, Samurott." I frowned. "You're going to just credit others for helping Typhlosion? Each of us gave him directions, vague ones at that." Pointing into my palm, I started to count everything. "Typhlosion is the one who figured out what you enjoyed doing, he spent the time getting closer with you, and he pretty much captivated you enough to have you at least considering him as a partner when that didn't exist before."
"Ok—"
"Hang on!" I wasn't done yet. "You also gave him a gift, right? That counts. Didn't you mention practicing moves or training together on your own? There's that too. And—"
"Greninja, ok! You made your point at 'vague directions,' honestly," insisted Samurott. He leaned back and stared at the ceiling. "I just…I'm worried."
"About what?" I shrugged. "He likes you, and you're open to liking him, that seems like a doable effort." Pausing, I sank down a bit. "Unless you feel differently?"
"Not exactly, but, I don't actually know if he likes me by this point." Samurott still stared skyward. "I froze up and fumbled when he was at his most vulnerable with me. And now he doesn't even want to be near me." Finally, he lowered his attention down. "What if he's over his feelings and just…doesn't want anything to do with me?"
"Typhlosion loves to prod at others, Samurott." I chuckled. "I highly doubt he's over you."
"Maybe not." He stared at his mug, and then took a swig from the water. "But then, maybe we're both trying too hard to chase something like you and Chesnaught have. Or even Nidoking and Rhydon."
"Everyone has different stories, including romance," I reminded him. "You guys have to write that one on your own, not follow what others do." With a wink, I added, "We can nudge you along and offer our input, as you requested for tonight. But, the rest, that's up to you."
"Yeah, I—" A sniffle interrupted his thoughts, and Samurott whipped around to find Miltank standing with our food not far from the table. His cheeks soaked red rather quickly. "How…how long have you been standing there for?"
"Oh, sweetheart…"
"Wait a minute." He whipped his head back to me. "Did you see her there? How long were you in on it?"
"My attention was focused directly on helping you."
"Ah, sod off!"
Miltank placed the food down as Samurott buried his face in his hands. I cackled and started eating while our server tried offering him some extra advice. Actually, I ended up halfway through my meal before she left, and finished by the time Samurott was halfway through his food.
"Give me a second, I'll be back," I excused myself, and Samurott nodded. He watched me go, and I still felt his eyes on me as I wandered off, though I don't know if that was him being protective as usual, or…nah, go with protective.
As I made my way to the back, though, Lopunny stood up and twisted around to face me. She stared at me for a moment, and I wondered what state she was in. Her round pink friend hurriedly hopped up, and tugged on her arm.
"Come on, dear, let's get home—"
"No, hold a moment, Blissey." She approached me, and I sucked in my cheek. "You." Me. "I remember you." Considering that I'm the only ninja frog that had a knight jump out of the closet during a public ceremony for the entire town to see, I'm not great at blending in around these parts. "We were at the ball, and you directed me away from your friends." …Ohhh, she remembered me from that too. "From that sniffly hothead who burned my beautiful dress."
"Um. Hi?"
"Yes. Hi." Lopunny folded her arms, and I shifted my eyes, wondering if Samurott was going to come bounding over, or if everyone was watching us. She, meanwhile, narrowed her eyes on me. "We will have words in the future."
"Uh…ok?"
"Lopunny, he has nothing to do with anything concerning you," interrupted Blissey. She was with Armaldo, I had thought? "We didn't connect with the knights, that's hardly his fault." Not at all, and now I know that she isn't with him after all. "Let's just…go home."
"Maybe we can get even more information from his big mouthed friend," assessed Lopunny. Her lips curved to a smirk, and her eyes darted past me. Damn it, I thought she was listening in.
"We're not getting on their bad graces now, if you want their assistance later," maintained Blissey, tugging Lopunny's arm. Wait, what? "If anyone can help you out right now, it's definitely King Nidoking, and this won't do you favors."
"Hm." Lopunny flipped her ears back with her free arm, and smirked at…I checked back to find Samurott standing not far away. "He's an obvious read…I like that." Lopunny nodded and patted on Blissey's arms. "You're right, dear, of course. Let's go." But she returned her attention to me once more. "And you…I definitely will be seeing more of you soon."
The ladies strolled past me, coolly continued past Samurott as he glowered to them, and made their way outside, while I was left to ponder if the promise was more of a threat than not. Miltank had made her way out from the back, but likely too late to catch much from that.
"My, the citizens here are so odd, Shiinotic," commented the…haughty sounding olive plant lady, from a few tables over.
"Quite, Arboliva," answered her mushroom companion.
Judgment from visitors, fun. I shook my head and returned to Samurott, who settled down as I patted his fists away.
After a half hour finishing up our meal and me snapping at Samurott for paying the bill without me, we returned to the Grass Fields Castle. Samurott patted his stomach and exhaled in content, while I rolled my shoulders and checked around to see if anyone else was outside. Yet at the moment, the courtyard was empty, with only a passing wind rustling trees in the distance. Well, I hope they were distant, at least; my hearing might still be off.
"A bit odder of a night than I was expecting, but fortuitous nonetheless," decided Samurott. "Thank you for all of your help and advice, Greninja."
"It wasn't much." I patted his shoulder. "Mostly, you just needed to sound everything out for yourself, and now you're set."
"It wouldn't be the same if I didn't have you to bounce everything off of, so, thank you, truly." He rubbed behind his neck. "If nothing else, it will give me something to do on our route to the Mountains Monarchy."
"There will probably be a lot to do along the way," I murmured, considering our stops. "But, I hope everything goes well between you two."
"Hopefully." He reached around and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me in for a close hug. "It's nice to have you around again, and I can't thank you enough for your help." He pulled back with a bright beam, happily placing his hands on his hips. "It was fun tonight! Get some rest, and we'll get ourselves prepared better tomorrow."
"Right, sure, you too." I touched at my face, which burned a bit. He didn't mean that to fluster me, but…I don't know, he does have nice muscles, I guess… "Have a good night."
"Goodnight, Greninja!"
Practically skipping with his steps, he waved me off, and wandered toward the castle. Maybe he's a bit lonelier without me, or maybe it's just that he's homesick, but his was more spirited after tonight than I've seen from him lately.
Taking a moment to check on the distance of the trees, I shrugged and started for the castle. As I started forward, though, Chesnaught appeared from behind one of the columns. He wasn't dressed as nicely as I was, but even in plain clothes, he still had a nice figure. I smiled and waved to him, but he didn't return it.
"Hey, what's up?"
"That, actually." He folded his arms and lifted an eyebrow to me. "What was that about, exactly?"
"What, with Samurott?"
"Yes."
"We went out to dinner."
"…Oh."
"Hang on, hang on, it wasn't like that."
"Kind of seems that way, especially with…" Chesnaught eyed me up and down. "Well…"
"Ok, this is your fault," I gestured to my clothes. "You're the one that gets me tight and revealing outfits all of the time."
"Yeah, but…you could have picked something else."
"This was the nicest thing clean and ready!" I sighed. "And I did think I should've picked something less attention grabbing, but it was too late by the time I had considered it."
"Maybe that is my fault for desensitizing you to those outfits then." For the first time in a while, I heard Chesnaught chuckle, and I've missed hearing that. He stopped too quickly though. "But, still, you two going out…"
"Look, Samurott did ask me out, but it wasn't about me at all," I explained. "He needed my help sorting out his thoughts because he's trying to figure out what to do with someone that has a crush on him, and he botched interacting with him."
"Someone has a crush on Samurott?" Chesnaught's expression relaxed from persecution to curious. "Who?"
"Ah, I…I can't tell you," I decided as I lowered my head. "During dinner, I made a big scene over it, and it wasn't right for me to do that." Lifting back up, I stared into his eyes. "Thankfully no one really knows us all that well, but, it might have been an issue otherwise."
"Wait, why can't you tell me?"
"Um…" I hesitated. "You…might know him." He lifted his eyebrows and folded his arms. "But, I don't know if he's ready for anyone to really know about, uh, his interests."
"Huh?"
"He's not out."
"Oh." Chesnaught lowered his shoulders. "Yeah, that one I get, since…I tried it out the hard way."
"Right."
"Well, ok." He blinked. "Wait, is he from here?"
"Chesnaught."
"Fine, fine." He placed a hand on his hip, and looked me over again. "…You know, I did do a good job with shopping for you."
"Seriously?"
"What? I can admire my work."
"Oh my gods."
"What work is that?"
My heart skipped a beat at his voice, and Typhlosion came across the other side of the courtyard. Why now? He ambled over, wearing a mischievous grin as he eyed me.
"So, I see Chesnaught dressed you up again." He cackled as my face burned. "He clearly likes to show you off on the town, huh?"
"Actually, I didn't do it this time," defended Chesnaught. He paused and blushed a bit. "Well, I did buy the outfit, but! Greninja went out on his own like that."
"No way, he went out like that with intent," persisted Typhlosion. He paused and tilted his head. "Wait, wait, he wasn't with you?"
"Nope, he went out with Samurott."
My mouth had opened, but I couldn't interrupt before that all came out. While Chesnaught was blissfully unaware, I watched as Typhlosion's lips snapped shut, and any playfulness from his expression vanished.
"Um, it was just so we could catch up," I scrambled to cover up. "Samurott just had a few things that he wanted to talk with me about." Damn it, too much.
"Oh, I'll bet." Typhlosion lowered his eyes, but I couldn't tell if he was annoyed or…hurt. "Anything to tell his little froggy friend." He snorted. "Makes sense why he was looking so nice himself."
"It wasn't like that," I tried again. "He and I just wanted a nice night out and to relax—"
"Plenty, I'm sure." He directed his attention to Chesnaught. "That doesn't bother you?"
"It did for a moment, but I trust Greninja." Chesnaught blinked and scratched his head. "Wait, why do you seem upset, Typhlosion?"
"No reason, I guess, but I'm sure someone with a big tongue will spill more from his mouth soon enough," he snapped.
"Wow, that was uncalled for! Hey. Hey, Typhlosion!"
Chesnaught moved to chase after Typhlosion, but I grabbed at his arm. He turned back to me, but I shook my head.
"That was rude of him!"
"He hasn't been, um, getting along with Samurott, lately." I had to explain at least that much.
"But he's taking it out on you! For what?"
"It's…complicated." I sighed. "And I think I just made it worse."
"How?"
"Well, uh…he's right that I'll explain later," I allowed. "Just…not yet. I'm sorry."
"Uh…ok."
Maybe it was because I hung my head that Chesnaught gave in, and he wrapped his arm around me, rubbing my shoulder. I wrapped my arms around him and buried my face into his chest, just wanting to hide away for a while.
I can only imagine where anything will go next between Typhlosion and Samurott, and I'm all the more worried about it.
... ... ... ... ...
...
Chesnaught was really cool about not being the deuteragonist this chapter! Oh, and uh, all of that mess.
But hey, maybe that drama took a different turn from what you might have expected! Or, maybe it was exactly what you wanted, you enjoyer of mess, you. Regardless, it was only natural to continue Samurott's love life disaster that Typhlosion helped unlock the full extent of, and who better to drag under with him than his best buddy that he totally doesn't have feelings for anymore? Haha, yeah...yeah...
This does mark the first time that Miltank and Belle's Bells appears in the series proper, so that was fun. And I had a fun idea of adding in someone from Tsareena's group just be judgy while drama unfolded, so, I had that stitched in toward the end. It was delightful!
But, Samurott may actually be open to exploring things with Typhlosion, who...may no longer be interested in him? Greninja seems to think otherwise, but Samurott needed the convincing. Unfortunately, they've still got a ways to go before anything gets resolved. And while Chesnaught may trust Greninja, are things really ok between them too? And it seems that even Lopunny isn't quite through with everything yet. Drama for everybody!
If the romance entanglements weren't enough as it is, did you happen to pay attention to Samurott mentioning some criminals that will tag along? Wonder what that's about? Maybe Nidoking has some explaining to do himself...but that's for another day.
Thank you for reading along! And thank you for your continued patience as well. Please take care! Until next time, I wish you the best.