Unpacking the Future and Double Date Night

Friday afternoon, the parents all came early with the kids backpack project. Zoelle was finally able to give out the paper to inform them Wednesday. Spinda's dad was the most excited about the little project, so she was going to save them for last. First up was Nora. She had a pink book bag that looked three sizes too big for her small frame, but that's why the parents are here. In her bag was a change of clothes, a bottle of water, a sleeping bag, a coloring book, a pokeball, and her clefairy plushie.

Next was Jace. He also pretty packed the basics along with a deck of cards and some poker chips. Mr. Takamaki looked embarrassed while his wife was proud. The young teacher wondered how and who Jace would play poker with on his travels. Does the young boy really know how to play, or did he just grab something random? Either way it was an interesting choice. It's not like the kids were getting a serious grade on it. To the next kid.

Inside of Lily's bag was a bunch of dried fruit, trail mix, and a bag of chips. The essentials. She randomly pulled out a tampon causing a few snickers from the parents and her mom to slightly blush.

"Dear, I thought you were watching her when she went to go grab a few personal items," Mrs. Burges whispered to her husband. "I thought she was getting a toy or something."

"She will eventually go through that 'transition'. We still got a while before then though." Mr. Burges assured.

"Why do have the thingy that helps mommies' butts?" Sammy asked unprovoked. Zoelle had to pretend she was sneezing to not laugh. The few dads in the room belly laughed while the moms bit their tongue over their conflicted feelings on the subject. Once the excitement died down it was Sammy's turn. Other than the essentials he also packed his Nintendo Switch Lite, juice boxes, and sparklers.

"Hmm I wonder why I never thought of using sparklers," Zoelle said aloud thinking no one could hear her.

"And why do you think sparklers are a good thing to pack Ms. Zo?" Mrs. Anderson, Sammy's mom asked. "When you asked us to let the kids pack the extra stuff, I was not expecting the outcome."

"Well even though they don't produce much light. I'm thinking they would be good to use as a flare." The teacher replied.

"It is like you said. They don't produce much light but any sort of spark to get you out of trouble is better than none I suppose."

"You guys have sparklers year 'round?" Mr. Delany asked sincerely.

"No, little Sammy caught a small cold when the summer festival came around."

"Makes sense. Man, I can't wait for Spinda's turn," the young father smiled brightly.

"Mr. Delany as one of the single parents here I'm sure It was hard to pack. How do you ever find the time to spend with him?" Mrs. Graystone passively aggressively asked.

"I make the time. How often do you get your hair done? Because it looks a little dry and brittle." Delany snapped back causing the former to be appalled by the insult. However, she had one more thing to say.

"Well at least I was raised on core values. If you had any sense of decency, you would marry your child's mother. Oh wait, the woman who stays with you isn't even his mother. You can't even afford a courthouse marriage to at least make your stay in girlfriend a wife. And what is it that you do now? You are not even skilled enough to be the substitute Gym Leader for when he is doing his other duties…."

"Mrs. Graystone. I suggest you please stop. We have more children to present their projects. If you wish to have a battle, I suggest you take it to the training fields otherwise please be quiet." Zoelle spoke up annoyed by the situation. The parents were worse than the children! As the tension died down the next kid went up.

Jackson bag was the lightest as he did not pack much. He packed a poke ball, a water bottle, an antidote, and a pair of pajamas. Nothing wrong with being simple Zoelle thought, although looking at his bag, it was a little worse for wear. And his mom held her head down in shame. Mrs. Graystone clicked her tongue in annoyance. The young teacher smiled and told the story of how she started with nothing but the clothes on her back. Which wasn't a lie. She was thrown into the world of traveling to make up for her loss paycheck. Well as much as a delivery company can pay a runaway preteen. That part she left out. Ms. Baxter smiled and thanked Zoelle before she left with her son. Saying something about going to work.

"For someone who works a lot I wonder where that money is going." Nora's mom said aloud fully recovered.

"I hear she works as an overnight cleaner at the hospital," Aoki's mother chimed in.

"Moms, I would like it if you saved your gossip until after all the projects are finished. We have one left." Zoelle smiled trying to protect the kids' ears from any nastiness that might spread. Mrs. Wami apologized immediately while the pink haired woman scoffed. Of course.

Last but certainly not least, James 'Spinda' Delany strutting to the front of the class to show his bag. There was a pokeball, soap, a foldable water bottle, a toy pot, wipes, medicinal herbs, a PokeNav, a tent, a blanket, an extra set of glasses, and four pairs of goggles. Spinda explained that each goggle was for the different things he was going to do when he traveled. One pair was for deep sea diving, one for the desert, one for flying, and one pair just to look cool. He was packed like a true Hoennian

"And I also packed my Spinda plushie and harmonica. Which was given to me by my mommy before she moved to the big house," James explained innocently causing his dad to cringe a bit. Must have been more to this story that Zoelle was not going to press on. "And Mommy Rika gave me the cool water bottle."

After Spinda finished his project, Zoelle thanked the parents for their participation. Ironically, she did print out a list of feminine products that were healthy for traveling girls and the environment. It was still funny that Lily was the one to unintentionally bring it up. Zoelle also complimented the kids for doing so well on their projects. She enjoyed seeing their personalities shine through the project.

Mr. and Mrs. Takamaki thanked her and told her she was doing a good job. Mrs. Takamaki gave her the address to her father's farm so she could see the Golden Rapidash. A part of her wanted to ask if they knew who she really was. They were in their mid-thirties like Aoki's parents, so it is possible. The Graystones' packed their things and left. Zoelle could hear Nora wanting to give her a hug, but her mom did not allow the girl in any way. The Burges and Wami family were setting up playdates for their daughters. The young woman smiled listening to the parents' converse. Who knows? Maybe the girls will end up traveling together.

From the corner of her eye, she could see Mr. Delany wanting to speak with her in private.

Agreeing, the two waited for the other parents to leave the classroom. The young father's girlfriend came to pick up Spinda. The young woman was dressed in green overall dress with a white t-shirt underneath and brown sandals to match. That is not what caught Zoelle's eye. It was the woman's copper hair cut into a bob. Mr. Delany must have a thing for ginger, for he himself had brown hair. Which meant that Spinda inherited his hair color from his mom. The young boy grabbed his stepmother's hand, and they left for home. Leaving the two adults to themselves in an awkward silence.

"This was a very fun project," Mr. Delany said trying to break the ice.

"Yes. It was." Zoelle agreed.

"I'll cut to the chase. My son's mother is in jail. She has a ten-year maximum sentence. She's not a bad person. She just made a bad decision."

"Do they talk often?"

"Every other Friday." The young father sighed. "We both made bad decisions. I should've stopped travelling the first year after James was born to help her."

"Were you two dating?"

"Yes and no. We are good friends. We both used each other to ease some pain after our actual partners broke up with us. We tried dating but we worked better as friends. Long story short our son came into the picture. I still wanted to travel but she was stuck at home. She met some guy and well look where's she's at."

"When did she get booked?"

"Last year. We were already with other people. I've been with Rika for the past three years now." Delany smiled. "She's everything I want in a woman. But I'm scared to make that full commitment."

"Well, I can't help you with relationship stuff as I've never been in one. But you're doing a great job as a father." Zoelle complimented sincerely causing the Hoennian man to smile even wider.

"Thanks Ms. Zo hearing that makes me happier than a ludicolo in the rain!"

Mr. Delany left the classroom in better spirits. Zoelle straightened up her room a bit before the weekend. It wasn't too bad. The rug she had was already vacuumed. The books were neatly put up. All was left to do was wipe the desks and spray some air freshener to get out the kid smell. Little did she know a tall figure was standing in the doorway watching her every movement. He watched as she hummed while doing the little cleaning she was doing. The way her curly hair seemed to bounce with every step. She was beautiful inside and out.

Sensing a presence watching her, Zoelle turned around. Seeing who it was she smiled widely. It seemed she had not seen Dario for the past week. They were both busy in their own personal lives anyway. Him with actual grading and training his own Pokémon. Her with her own grading like system and training. And both adjust their lesson plans for the week or month ahead. Zoelle realized she missed the fifth-grade teacher's company. With him she experiences the new feeling of human friendship. And she was slowly getting that feeling with Sebastian too.

After she finished cleaning the two walked towards the park so their Pokémon could roam freely and eat dinner. Dario talked about his week, excluding his encounter. Preparing the kids for the upcoming tests next Thursday and Friday. Coming up with a project for them to do. Zoelle gave her suggestions on using her idea. She explained everything that happened today. The kids backpack projects and the parents' drama.

"Well Zo sometimes it's hard to discipline the kids when they act just like their parents," Dario commented opening a can of cola and passing one to Zoelle.

"Yeah, I know."

"But I do like your backpack project. Maybe you should pitch it to the other Kindergarten teachers as well."

"I did when I printed out the paper. Ms. Norton thought it was a cute idea and might do her classroom next week." Zoelle smiled.

"If I did it. I would have to grade it for practicality, space usage and other things." With that the Orre Native took a sip of his soda.

Meanwhile, the Pokémon ate quietly. They also have gotten used to each other's company. The two-house cats more than anyone. They often were joined together at the hip causing their friends to tease them. Specter, the Gengar, and Rosco the most. The ghost and the sea lion often found ways to get in between them to irritate them. It did not work. Sure, Regal had a soft spot for Sugar. That did not mean he would make her his mate. She was annoying mostly but easy to relax with. The Delcatty did bring out his more playful side more then he would like to admit. Diablo mostly stuck with Hellcat, Rogue, and Rebel. Maybe it was due to the similar hierarchy they have. As they have been with their respective trainers the longest. Saguaro (Dario's Cacturne) and Lex the Krookodile befriended Ravage and Romeo. Those four often sparred with each other or watched Romeo fail at flirting with any of the female mons in the park.

Once everyone was done eating, they all just played with each other while the two humans chatted some more. Getting off the topic of work, they talked about their plans for the weekend. Dario was happy to join in just because it's been a while since he been out of Viridian City. Ever since his encounter with the Threat he also became a bit more paranoid. Not too much though. He did not want to worry Zoelle. With Sebastian coming along that should ease up some of the tension. Although part of Dario wished it was just him and Zoelle. Not that he did not like the blonde's presence. It would be less people involved in her situation. Just like how she would want it.

Zoelle looked at the Pokémon and smiled.

"Hey wanna have our battle now?" Zoelle asked. "We can either head back to the school or the Pokémon Center."

"Umm sure. But not a full match. Maybe just a quick 2v2. Kinda tired. We can use the Battlefields at the Center."

"Sure."

"Loser cooks dinner tonight." Dario teased.

"Alright Rogue let's go!" Zoelle yelled releasing the electric eeveeloution.

"Lex let's end this quickly." Dario smirked.

"Using the type advantage huh? That's not gonna stop us! Rouge use Quick Attack!"

The primary move hit first causing the crocodile to stumble a little bit. Not enough to lose composure. Dario knew that she would try to use attacks other than electric to try to win. He admired Zoelle for the tenacity but they both knew a few powerful ground attacks and it would be all over. And since he was tired, he wanted to end it quickly anyway.

"Lex use Scorching Sands!"

"Try to counter it with Thunder then use Double Kick!"

The ground attack managed to miss Rogue by an inch, and he landed the attack. Surprised but not shaken Dario had Lex use Earthquake to quickly end the battle. What he did not expect was that Rogue was still standing albeit weakly. Zoelle ordered Rouge to use Double Kick again to try to gain another advantage. To stop the attack from landing Lex used Scorching Sands again to counter. It landed but Rogue still was standing.

"He's a tough cookie that should have been it," Dario said.

"Yeah, he is. So, you are not gonna win that easily. Rogue use Quick Attack and follow it up with Double Kick"

"No way! This ends it now with Earthquake!"

With that the battle was over. Round One, Dario. Still, he was impressed with her use of combinations. He peeped at it with her match against Ms. Norton. And again, during her Contest run. Seeing it up close he could see how she came close to challenging the Sinnoh Elite 4. Battling Zoelle now was quite a unique experience. Something he could not quite explain with words. Clearing his head, Dario returned Lex and let out Diablo.

Not to his surprise, Zoelle let out Rosco. Figures. He used the type advantage against her its only fair. As expected, the sea lion was ordered to use hail. Smart. But will it be enough?

"Diablo start off using Fire Fang!"

"Rosco use Protect."

"Fall back Diablo." The hell hound did as he was told and waited for his trainer's instructions while taking the hit of the small hailstorm on the battlefield. Dario wondered what other moves Rosco knew before he decided to make his move. Of course, some type of water attack had to be in their arsenal. Which one was the question. Zoelle can't keep relying on Protect, but Dario also was not going to sit on the defense for long either. Dario smirked as he remembered he had a special trick up his sleeve.

"Diablo use Trailblaze!" The hellhound covered itself in green energy almost looking like tall grass as he quickly headed towards Rosco landing a critical hit on the dual type. In complete shock Zoelle didn't know what to do as Dario followed it up with a sludge bomb. Luckily Rosco did not faint or get poisoned.

"If that's how we're gonna play, Rosco use blizzard!"

With hail still in effect the move was impossible to dodge and there was always the chance of Diablo getting frozen. Yet that move was not going to phase the two in the slightest bit. They've been through worse. Zoelle was getting sloppy so maybe there was a chance to end this quickly. Besides it was her turn to cook anyway. Hopefully, she'll even make dessert tonight. Maybe something like brownies and they can buy some ice cream to pair with it. They can watch a movie like usual and the cats could be sitting on the couch with them. Yeah, that sounded nice.

"Okay Diablo let's end it with another Trailblaze."

"Use Hyrdro Pump to slow him down!"

"Sounding like you are getting desperate Amiga. Just know when I win, I expect dessert as well."

"You're forgetting hail is still in effect, so we are not going down easily, Mon Ami," Zoelle responded confidently.

By a stroke of luck Hyrdo Pump did land along with the hail adding to the damage. If he was hit with another Trailblaze it might have been the end of the match. Acting of his own accord Rosco used Doubled-Edge hoping it would end this match. It hit but what was left was a plushie. Confused, both Rosco and Zoelle looked for their opponent. Where could he be?"

"Now, use Trailblaze again Diablo!" Dario commanded. As if appearing out of the shadows the dog came once again at full speed to land the attack. Round two, Dario. They both congratulated their Pokémon for a job well done.

Zoelle seemed disappointed with herself. She felt like she could've done ten times better. That means she just had to find time to train her Pokémon more. Dario complimented her on the battle and even gave her a bit of advice for their next battle. She respectfully took heed to his advice while also dreading the thought of cooking dinner. It's not that Zoelle did not like cooking. No. It was more of the fact that she had no idea what to cook. When it's just her, it is easy to figure it out. Making food for other people was a different story. But Dario never complained, he just ate whatever.

"How about we go out to eat instead. My treat!" Zoelle exclaimed, hoping he wouldn't mind that instead.

"Sure. Hmm tired of going to the Diner. Not really feeling eating here at the Center either. How about the new barbecue spot that just opened?" Dario suggested.

"Is that what you want?"

"Yeah, let's go," With that he grabbed her hand, and they headed out to get dinner. Little did they know someone was watching them from afar.

Zoelle smiled as she looked at the prices. It was very inexpensive, and the quality was still up to par. Dario turned the small pieces of meat on the grill with expertise. He also made sure to order some bell peppers just to have some type of vegetable. The young woman smiled to herself as she thought about how different places barbecue. She really enjoyed the taste of how Unova grilled their food. The Eastern Regions pretty much were the same despite different flavors. Kalos, however, wasn't much to talk about. Most of the so-called barbecue spots were transplants from Johto.

Dario had other things on his mind, besides the food he was cooking. It was about their battle earlier. Replaying what he could have done better. Having Diablo know that grass type move has helped him against people who wanted to use water types against him a plenty. Even though it was by complete accident when he used the TM on him. He advised Zoelle that she should have used Hydro Pump more instead of relying on weather effects.

The Orrean also couldn't help but think about how she smiled when she battled. He noticed it while watching her perform at the Contest. And watching old videos she showed him when she participated in the Leagues. It wasn't the thrill of the battle that made Zoelle smile. It was the synchronicity with her friends that did it. Something he deeply appreciated.

"Don't let the meat burn," the biracial women spoke up knocking him out of his thoughts.

"I'm a pro, don't' worry. We should we take some home so our Pokémon can get some too."

Zoelle was about to say something until a familiar voice interrupted, "This is why everyone thinks you two are dating."

"Ms. Norton...I mean Hazel, it's just two friends eating dinner together." Zoelle responded casually. "Besides who's the tall guy with the red hair making his way over here.

"This is my boyfriend, Nathan. I saw you guys at the Pokémon Center and decided to follow. Mind if we join. Nothing like a double date amongst friends." She teased noticing the slight blush on Dario's face and the confused look from Zoelle.

Nathan ordered more food for him and Hazel as they chatted about everything under the sun. The young teachers learned the boyfriend is a Pokémon Doctor and working on opening a small clinic in Pallet Town for trainers passing through or those who can't travel to Viridian City easily. Everyone agreed it was a great idea for the small town. The evening was filled with laughter and light drinking.

Nathan paid for the whole meal leaving a very grateful Zoelle and a slightly annoyed Dario at the kind gesture. It could have been a better date if Hazel did not tease the Orre Native every five minutes. Who was he to complain, especially when the red head suggested a double battle after dinner. The thought of battling alongside Zoe was more exciting than battling against her. That and double battles were his specialty.

Back at the training grounds at the Pokemon center the two couples (more or less) stood on opposite sides. Nurse Joy this time decided to be the referee since it was getting late. Plus, they had a small audience of young trainers looking at them hoping to gain some inspiration.

The official couple released Golduck and Electabuzz while the two friends released Saguaro and Romeo. The grass/dark type nodded towards his partner happy that it was someone who got along with. The fighting type felt the same. Everyone got into battle stance as they waited for the signal to start the battle.

"Okay Saguaro, use Needle Arm against Golduck!" Dario instructed.

"Protect Golduck! Use Thunder Punch to counter it!" Nathan called out.

The two physical moves clashed at an equal force cause both mons to stumble back a bit. Not wanting to be outdone Hazel instructed Golduck to use Rain dance. Zoelle had to commend her using the weather move. The duck having swift swim as an ability, the boost to water type moves, and an increase effect for any electric type moves Electabuzz. Smart.

Dario also was thinking the same thing. Something he might teach in his next lesson for school Monday. The strategy itself is testimony on how well the couple battle alongside each other. That type of teamwork can go a long way. He hoped that he and Zoelle had what it takes to at least get close to their level.

"Hmm smart, Romeo use Icy Shoryuken on Golduck!" Zoelle shouted.

"Zo, whenever we get a chance, we gotta talk about the names of your combos," Dario sighed. "Saguaro use Seed Bomb on Electubuzz."

Knowing they would not be able to dodge both moves Golduck just took the hit straight on. She fell back a few feet but quickly recovered. At the same time, she watched her partner also get hit full force. He also got right back up with a taunting smile. Romeo smirked. This was going to be a good match.

"Golduck whirlpool on Romeo!"

"Back it up with Thunder Electabuzz"

'Wow that's gonna pack a punch! How can a counter it? There's no way to dodge and even if Romeo uses any of his punching moves it would not dissipate easily.'

Dario, stunned for words, could not think of anything to help Zoelle in this situation. He figured that the Electabuzz had the powerful move in its arsenal. For everyone it seemed like time slowed down as the powerful attack hurled towards the punching humanoid. With no time to react Romeo was soon swept in the electrified swirling water. He did his best to handle the pain but it was not working as he screamed in pain.

Thinking fast, Dario had Saguaro use Needle Arm to break up the whirlpool to save his partner. Romeo lay on the ground unable to move. Paralyzed. Not giving up, Saguaro once again was ordered to use Needle Arm on Golduck only for her to dodge and use Soak on him. That's not a good sign.

"Alright Electabuzz take out that cactus with a powerful Thunderpunch!" Nathan smirked. Saguaro closed his eyes accepting his fate. The match was over.

"Cacturne and Hitmonchan are unable to battle. The victory goes to Nathan and Hazel!" Nurse Joy announced just as the miniature rain cloud disappeared off the field.

The couple gave each other a quick peck on the lips, not worried about giving a little public display of affection. They could hear some awws along with ewws amongst the young trainers along with how cool the battle was as the dispersed back to their rooms for the night. Dario congratulated them on their victory as did Zoelle. Although she felt deflated. Two losses in one day did not sit well in her stomach. She knew she was not the strongest trainer, but it still hurt. It just means she needed to be more serious with her training during her free time.

Dario also thought about training with Zoelle as well so they could plan for a rematch. Nathan and Hazel pretty much already had a strategy in place where they didn't. It was simple as that. He looked over towards his friend in deep thought. Maybe he should cover dessert instead to help cheer her up.

The group headed their way inside the Pokémon Center to heal up their teams. The men went outside to chat a bit while the kindergarten teachers sat in the waiting room. This was the second time they hung out outside of work. It was different. Whereas Zoelle was still in her clothes from earlier, the blonde women had a touch of light makeup, a butterfree clip in her short hair. A jean skirt that reached mid-thigh, a white halter top matched with some white sandals. In other words, completely different than her work attire.

Seeing her coworker/rival/possible friend in more casual clothes made Zoelle smile. Outside of work they had their own lives. Hazel, noticing this, just sighed and gave off a small smirk. The newbie teacher is only one who has seen her not dressed like a teacher or (an old woman in Hazel opinion). The aprons given to them were not a mandatory thing. And tonight, Zoelle did not wear her apron. Instead, it was a yellow blouse, brown pants, and white sneakers with her hair tied into a ponytail like usual. Hazel did wonder how long the brown skinned woman hair truly is. The loose curl ponytail does not do it any justice in her opinion.

"So how often do you wash your hair?" The blonde asked her colleague breaking the silence.

"About once a week or every two weeks. When traveling I used to buy cheap dry shampoo and leave-in conditioner." Zoelle responded.

"Interesting. Now that we've broken the ice. Something tells me that was your first time battling alongside Dario." A confirmed nod. "Well, you two did not do too bad for first timers. Nathan and I have perfected ourselves."

"How long have you guys been dating?"

"Two years. But. We've known each for it seems like an eternity."

Amazed Zoelle went in with another question, "How did you two end up dating?"

"Long story on that." Hazel answered shifting in her seat uncomfortable. "Anyway, maybe me and you should show the kiddos doubles Monday."

Thinking it over, Zoelle agreed. The women talked a little bit more about work and just life in general. The men came in all laughing loudly annoying Nurse Joy. She quickly told them to quiet down as it was quiet hours. They received everyone's Pokémon and left the Center. The women followed them to retrieve their team. The men were holding onto each other shoulders like two drunk idiots. The problem was that they didn't drink that much. Annoyed, Hazel grabbed onto Nathan arm to pull him away. Checking the time, she thought it was best that they be on their way back to her place.

"We will pick you guys up in the morning. Make sure your other friend is ready as well." Nathan called out confusing his blonde girlfriend. "Since I have a van, I told Dario I can drive them to Pallet Town tomorrow morning. Plus, I wanna see his competition." The last part he whispered to Hazle causing a sly smirk on her face. If it was that blond man from the Contest, then things got more interesting.