Date Night
The Soul and the Butterfly
A BrainHive Story
Written by ToronBon456
Chapter 1: Date Night
Goldenrod City, Johto Region. 5:55pm.
It was a warm night. Bugsy was waiting at the train station. He whistled a little tune to himself. Today was the day. Or rather, today was the night. He remembered three days ago when he asked Sabrina out after he wandered her mind. He had to admit, it was mostly a slip of the tongue. He didn't mean for it to be a date, but he guessed it is now. He was wearing a long sleeve green button down shirt with matching pants. It was basically like his usual attire, but a bit more "fancy," right down to the yellow neckerchief around his neck. It mimicked a tie. He still kept the brown satchel, since that kept his Pokeballs and other bug related stuff. He probably wouldn't need it, but he almost never leaves home with it. His shoes were much different. Normally, he wore velcro shoes, but now he's wearing full on brown sneakers. He had the help of Falkner, Morty, and Whitney when it came to picking out this attire. He also had their support and best wishes.
Bugsy: Where is… Oh!
The MagLev train arrives and unloads its passengers. Bugsy gets up on his tiptoes to scan the crowd. Where is she? She's gotta be among them, but he couldn't find her. He raises a hand high and waves.
Bugsy: Hey!
Next thing Bugsy knew, he was approached by Sabrina.
Sabrina: Hello Bugsy.
Sabrina also was sporting a refined look. Her hair was shorter and flowed downward before curving back and up at the ends. She wore a short pinkish-red dress, the same color as her usual bodysuit. Her wrists had black bracelets with glowing green accents. Her legs sported black jeans. Her footwear consisted of ankle boots to match her dress. Her lips were painted a soft green to match her bracelets. They curved into a warm smile.
Bugsy: Whoa!
Sabrina: Oh! Did I overdress?
Bugsy: Not at all! It's just… wow. You look… great! Beautiful!
Sabrina: I could say the same for yourself. You look handsome. Although…
Bugsy: What is it?
Sabrina adjusts the neckerchief around Bugsy's neck, straightening it up. It looked a bit more like a proper tie now.
Sabrina: There we go.
Bugsy: Yeah, I uh… didn't have an actual tie.
Sabrina: It's fine. It's fine. So, where does a bug lover go for a first date? Ilex Forest?
Bugsy: Actually, I was thinking. Maybe we can go to Olivine first?
Sabrina: Ah. I'm assuming for dinner.
Bugsy: Yeah! I would go to the Olivine Cafe but that place is full of sailors. It did open another place, though!
Bugsy blushes a bit before offering his hand. This wouldn't just be the first date these 2 had. It would also be the first date he ever had at all!
Bugsy: I'm… a little nervous, honestly. I never had a date.
Sabrina takes his hand. Her own face had faint traces of rosiness, a signal of her own nervousness.
Sabrina: Neither have I. However, let's experience this together, shall we?
Bugsy chuckles a little.
Bugsy: Alright. Let's go.
With that, the two depart from the train station and into the evening. To Olivine they go.
Dining as a Duo
Chapter 2: Dining as a Duo
Olivine City, Johto Region. 6:10pm.
In a moderately upper class restaurant in Olivine City, Whitney looks out a window and spots Sabrina and Bugsy approaching together. She quickly looks back at the group of Falkner, Morty, Brock, Misty, and Janine.
Whitney: They're coming!
The gym leaders had planned something with the employees of the restaurant. Jasmine would be hostess for the evening while the others acted as lookout and "casual observers." However, they cannot look too obvious. They need to blend in with the rest of the restaurant guests.
Falkner: So, we all know the plan, right?
Misty: Yes. We went over it a million times. Don't look obvious.
Janine: Act like you're just a regular guest.
Brock: You guys better thank Jasmine for setting this up.
Morty: Yeah yeah. By the way, what're y'all ordering? Because I'm feeling the Malamari for appetizers.
Whitney: Shut up you guys, they're coming in!
Bugsy opens the door for Sabrina.
Bugsy: After you.
Sabrina: Thank you.
Sabrina enters and Bugsy follows. They approached the front desk to reserve a table.
Jasmine: Welcome to the Frying Ferno! Table for 2?
Bugsy: Yes, thank you!
Jasmine: Right this way.
Jasmine guides the two to a special outdoor dining area, One with a great view at the sea illuminated by the slowly setting sun. She sets down two menus at a table after Bugsy and Sabrina take their seats right beside each other.
Jasmine: The waiter will be with you shortly!
Bugsy: Okay. Thank you.
Jasmine walks off, but not before checking with the lookout crew.
Jasmine: They're seated with the best spots in the house.
Brock: Perfect. And now, we watch.
Sabrina evaluates her surroundings a bit. She hasn't been to Olivine City much, if at all. Her face was a mixture of anxiety and happiness. Bugsy looks at the menu, examining it a little. This menu seemed exquisite. Almost everything sounded delicious.
Sabrina: I can sense their murmurs. They're thinking about us, Bugsy.
Sabrina could hear whispers of others. This date only increased the chances of the rumors being true.
Bugsy: Yeah, I figured people would do that.
Sabrina: Do you ever worry about how others feel about you?
Bugsy: A little. I mean, I sorta get judged by others for my type specialty. Bug types are often seen as weak. It's true. They often get the short end of the stick compared to types like fighting, fairy, ghost, or psychic.
Sabrina: I see…
Bugsy: However, I stick with my bug buddies. I've been studying them for years because they've always intrigued me. I also wanna prove to others that bug types have more to them than meets the eye! There's many bug type fanatics like me with the same goal too.
Sabrina: So you wish to be an underdog?
Bugsy: Yeah. Also, I'm sorta too late to turn back now. I've already made a name for myself! I'm committed to my bug Pokemon!
He chuckles a bit nervously. He's been specializing in bug Pokemon for as long as he can remember. He wouldn't have it any other way.
Sabrina: I see. Your bond with those creatures is strong. Almost family-like.
A waiter approaches their table. Sabrina recognized this one by his smooth blue hair.
Sabrina: Cress?
Cress: Good evening you two. Pleased to see both of you.
Bugsy: Oh! It's been a while, I guess.
Cress gracefully pours ice water into their glasses.
Cress: Can I get you two anything to start with? If you want my recommendation, I prefer the Stuffed Shroomish.
Sabrina: Oooh! Stuffed Shroomish sounds good!
Bugsy: Can we get that?
Cress nods and writes down their order on a notepad.
Cress: Understood. I can get that for you.
He walks away.
Sabrina: Was not expecting him around…
Bugsy: Neither was I.
Sabrina: If he's here, then his brothers likely are as well. They make a great team together, I'd say.
Bugsy: I bet we'd make a good team too!
Sabrina: You think so?
Bugsy: Yes!
Sabrina: A bug type user and a psychic type user fighting side by side? How peculiar. An odd combination.
Bugsy: C'mon. You've seen odder and you know it.
Sabrina: True.
Sabrina looks at her bracelets.
Bugsy: What's with the bracelets?
Sabrina: They're a stylistic choice. I got them years ago. Around a time where I was getting a little more mature. They blend nicely with my psychic power, no?
Sabrina shows off a little, her hand gaining a green energy around it.
Bugsy: Yeah!
Sabrina: My psychic types and I are pretty much in perfect sync. And yet, I still feel like I don't know the truth about psychics. Like-
Sabrina was interrupted by the appetizers being delivered to their table by Cress. The Stuffed Shroomish comes to the table on a plate.
Cress: Stuffed Shroomish. Just as you ordered.
Bugsy: Oooooh! It looks tasty!
Cress: It's hot, so be careful. Now, are you ready to order entrees?
Sabrina: Oh, I didn't look at the menu much. Apologies. Can you give us some time?
Cress: Understood.
Sabrina: Thank you.
Cress exeunts for now. Sabrina examines the menu while Bugsy tries a Stuffed Shroomish.
Bugsy: Mmmm! Whoa! This stuff's good! You gotta try this!
Sabrina takes one and has a bite. Her eyes widened a bit.
Sabrina: Impressive…
Her eyes flash neon green for a moment, darting to the right.
Bugsy: Hm? What's wrong?
Sabrina: We're being watched by our companions.
Bugsy looks over to the right as he eats another Stuffed Shroomish. He notices Falkner's gaze from across the room. Welp, the lookout crew has been spotted. Bugsy covers his food filled mouth.
Bugsy: Oh. So we are.
Falkner's face turns to one of realization. Misty elbows him to stop the gazing.
Misty: Way to go, birdbrain. Now they know.
Falkner: Hey I'm tryna watch over my homie on his first date.
Brock: Well you probably ruined the mood for 'em.
Bugsy waves over to the group. He didn't seem to mind. He understood they were probably just trying to be nice. The wave was reciprocated by Whitney, who gave an awkward smile.
Sabrina: Quite the motley crew of associates you have.
Bugsy turns back to Sabrina after swallowing his food.
Bugsy: We've been buds for years. And I can say the same about you and the other 3.
Sabrina: I didn't consider them friends before, although I don't mind the time I spend with them.
Bugsy: Well, I don't mind spending time with you. In fact, I like being with you!
Sabrina covers her blush behind the menu. The gesture was charming to Bugsy. He laughs a bit.
Sabrina: The feeling is mutual, Bugsy. What are you ordering?
Bugsy: Actually, I was thinking maybe we could share something!
Sabrina: Share?
Bugsy: Yeah! The Blaziken Parmesan sounds tasty!
Sabrina: That it does. We can share that.
Sabrina finishes up the Stuffed Shroomish by the time the waiter returns. It was Chili this time around.
Chili: Hey, so you two ready to order entrees?
Bugsy: Yes. We'll share the Blaziken Parmesan please.
Chili writes down their order.
Chili: Okay. Understood! Anything else?
Bugsy: No thanks,
Chili: Alright! I'll get on that right now!
Chili exeunts.
Bugsy: Hey Sabrina, do you own any bug Pokemon?
Sabrina swallows her food.
Sabrina: Oh, that reminds me of something I was going to bring up earlier. I do have one bug type-
Bugsy's eyes widened. He never knew Sabrina had a bug type Pokemon! He smiles eagerly.
Bugsy: Go on!
Sabrina is taken aback by Bugsy's enthusiasm, but she quickly adjusts to it.
Sabrina: Are you sure? Here of all places?
Bugsy: Yeah! I mean if you want.
A Bug's Precious Little Life
Chapter 3: A Bug's Precious Little Life
Sabrina pulls out a Pokeball and sends out the Pokemon inside. A Venomoth hovers in front of their table.
Venomoth: Venomoth. (Hello.)
Bugsy: A Venomoth! That's a nice one!
Sabrina: I had this one for a number of years. In fact, ever since I first became a gym leader. However, I still don't understand it fully.
Bugsy examines the bug carefully. Its wings are healthy, its eyes are perfect, everything about it seems fine. She's definitely been raising it right.
Sabrina: Why does it possess psychic power? It's a bug poison type. No Pokedex states it has psychic abilities. Yet it can converse with me just fine.
Bugsy: Well, there is a thing about some moth Pokemon, and moths in general. They have a sort of link to spiritual matters!
Sabrina: Can you explain more?
Bugsy reaches into his satchel and feeds Venomoth some specialized food for bug Pokemon.
Bugsy: There's a belief that moth Pokemon symbolize transformation, destruction, frailty, change, and even death.
Sabrina raises an eyebrow. She didn't exactly like the sound of death and destruction, but it was intriguing to learn about this.
Sabrina: Is that so? I never knew.
Bugsy: Neat isn't it?
Sabrina: Although, probably not something you should bring up to a date.
Bugsy: Oh… right… heh heh… Sorry.
Sabrina recalls Venomoth. Bugsy sits down after cleaning up his hands with a napkin.
Sabrina: You're fine Bugsy. So yeah. That's my bug type. Now, let me flip the question. Do you have any psychic types?
Bugsy: Can't say that I do. Although I do know that there are bug psychic type Pokemon out there, and I wanna catch it, research it, and see what makes it click!
Sabrina: Well, I think I'm interested as well.
Chili arrives with a large plate of Blaziken Parmesan.
Chili: Here you two lovebugs go! Blaziken Parmesan to share!
Bugsy gets a bit flustered by that phrase. Lovebugs? Does he think they're a thing? Well, I mean Bugsy doesn't mind being called that but Sabrina… wasn't exactly happy with that.
Sabrina: Thank you, Chili. But don't call us that.
Chili: Alright. Alright. You two enjoy your food now.
Chili exeunts for now.
Bugsy: So, you wanna take first bite?
Sabrina: It'd be my pleasure.
Sabrina cuts herself a piece of the chicken and takes a bite. The sensation of marinara and chicken overflows her taste buds. Once she swallows, she gives a sigh of pleasure.
Sabrina: It's… beautiful. Bugsy, you have to try this.
Bugsy followed suit. He's blown away as well.
Bugsy: Oooooh… It's tasty!
Bugsy ate happily. However, he couldn't help but feel a little… nostalgic, oddly enough.
Bugsy: Hey, doesn't this remind you of-
Sabrina: The time you were snowed in with me?
Bugsy laughs a bit.
Bugsy: Haha! You're right!
Sabrina: That was about over a month ago, give or take.
Bugsy: I think I'm starting to wonder… If it didn't snow, would we be here doing this?
Sabrina: Chances are unlikely. But I don't regret helping you out back then.
Bugsy: And I don't regret helping you out in the movie!
The two kept up their happy chatting, eating their food every now and then. Once finished, Bugsy let out a sigh of relief.
Bugsy: Phew… I think I'm all stuffed.
Sabrina: You wouldn't mind a little dessert?
Bugsy: I mean… okay, I guess I can squeeze a dessert in.
Cilan approaches the table.
Cilan: You two finished here? Or do you wish to have dessert?
Sabrina: We'll share a Double Chocolate Cola Cake, please.
Cilan writes this down on a notepad.
Cilan: Understood. Just sit tight, you two.
Sabrina: Thank you.
Cilan exeunts. Bugsy was looking out at the sea. The sun had fully set, leaving the moon to rise. Sabrina notices Bugsy's gaze.
Sabrina: Staring at the ocean, Bugsy?
Bugsy: No… I'm staring at them.
Sabrina has a closer look. She can see a group of Butterfree flying over the sea.
Sabrina: Oh my.
Bugsy: Every few months, older Butterfree guide the newer Butterfree across the region to help them get a feel for their new wings. They also do this because it could be the last flight the older Butterfree have before passing on.
Sabrina: I see.
Bugsy: …Some Bug Pokemon sort of have shorter lifespans than most others. Butterfree tend to last anywhere from a handful of months to a few years. Human care can extend that lifespan a little but…
Bugsy stops. He's going off on bug facts again… He really needs to stop doing that.
Bugsy: Sorry. I probably killed the mood again.
Sabrina grabs Bugsy's hand, assuring him that she'll let him vent his bug knowledge for a bit.
Sabrina: …If I may ask, how many bug Pokemon have you lost over the course of your life?
Bugsy sighs.
Bugsy: Several… From Weedles to Venonats to even my family's Scyther… I still remember the day I lost my first Butterfree. I was an inexperienced gym leader. I know they'd have to go someday but I wasn't ready for when they did…
Sabrina: …I'm sorry.
Bugsy: No need to be sorry.
Sabrina's other hand wraps around Bugsy's. He appreciates the warmth.
Bugsy: Y'know, there's a thing about butterfly Pokemon. They say that they carry messages from the otherworld. Every now and then, I think of my old bugs… Maybe, just maybe… They're watching over me.
Sabrina: I'm sure they're proud of you.
Bugsy: Thanks Sabrina. I try my best.
The two turn back to the table. Cilan had been waiting there with their dessert for a little while. Sabrina grows flustered. Bugsy chuckles nervously. Busted…
Sabrina: Um… how long were you…
Cilan: About a minute or two. You two were having a moment and I just couldn't interrupt it. Anyways, your dessert is here.
He lays the plate of dessert down. It's one large slice of cake with a dollop of vanilla ice cream to accompany it.
Bugsy: Thanks!
Cilan: Anytime. I'll be back with you shortly with the bill.
Cilan exeunts. Sabrina grabs her spoon.
Sabrina: Shall I?
Bugsy: Go ahead! You could use the sweetness in your life.
Sabrina: I'll be sure to save some for yours too.
Psyche
Chapter 4: Psyche
Ilex Forest, Johto Region. 8:10pm.
After dinner and a walk along Olivine's coast, Bugsy takes Sabrina to Ilex Forest. Sabrina wasn't sure what could even be in store there, but she kept an open mind.
Bugsy: We've passed through this place before. I've explored it countless times, actually. I probably know this place like the back of my hand.
Sabrina: I haven't explored it that much. Or at all.
Bugsy: Over the years, I made little tweaks to help people navigate the place. I even help out the Pokemon every now and then!
Sabrina: You must find this place like a home.
Bugsy: It sorta is like a home to me. I've lived near it for just about all my life. In fact, I know a good spot here.
Bugsy grabs Sabrina's hand and leads the way. They arrive at a wonderful lake, with fireflies illuminating the surroundings.
Bugsy: Check it out!
Sabrina takes in the scenery.
Sabrina: Wow… It's… definitely unique. Rather beautiful.
She puts a hand in the water and stirs it around.
Sabrina: I hear whispers of a mythical Pokemon that lives in this forest.
Bugsy: Celebi?
Sabrina: Yes. Have you ever encountered it?
Bugsy shakes his head.
Bugsy: Nope. Never have. But I swear I feel like something is watching me sometimes. And it ain't your average Pokemon.
Sabrina: Perhaps it could be Celebi?
Bugsy: Maybe…
Suddenly, the lake glows bright blue.
Bugsy: Whoa! Never seen this!
Sabrina: It's… gorgeous.
Bugsy: Yeah. But… I wouldn't say it's as gorgeous as you.
Sabrina turns to Bugsy, her face turning into a somewhat amused smile.
Sabrina: Was that a slip of your tongue?
Bugsy: No. Not at all. I meant it. You're gorgeous, Sabrina.
Her smile turns warmer.
Sabrina: I think I have a better grasp at understanding your psyche. Your mind.
Bugsy: Really?
Sabrina: You, Bugsy, are a Bug type Gym Leader. Honest, modest, yet determined. You're not free of weaknesses, but you are not afraid to push past them to pursue your goals. I see why people and Pokemon like and respect you. You're a great young man.
Bugsy laughs a bit.
Bugsy: Well, you got that right. But let me tell you a little something.
Sabrina: Oh?
Bugsy: Psyche means the mind or soul, yeah. But do you know what it also means?
Sabrina: What?
Bugsy points upwards at the moonlit sky. A group of Beautifly flutters overhead. While Sabrina turns her attention upwards, Bugsy places a flower into her palms.
Bugsy: Butterfly.
Sabrina looks down at the flower. A Saffron colored Azalea. She gasps at the sight.
Sabrina: Bugsy…
Bugsy: You know, butterflies also have a meaning of their own like moths. They represent more positive things though. Like joy, hope, transformations, and… probably most importantly…
He fiddles his thumbs and turns red. Sabrina grows curious.
Sabrina: What else?
Bugsy takes a deep breath before finishing.
Bugsy: Letting go of burdens and finding new beginnings.
Sabrina hesitates for a moment, taking a deep breath of her own. She gets a bit close to him.
Sabrina: New beginnings, huh?
Bugsy: Yes.
Sabrina smiles, a genuine one.
Sabrina: Well, you helped me find mine.
Bugsy feels her arms wrap around him. A hug. It felt warm…
Sabrina: Thank you, Bugsy.
Bugsy returns the hug. Suddenly, he felt a bit off the ground. Sabrina was levitating him a little so they could meet eye to eye.
Sabrina: I mean it. Thank you.
Bugsy smiles.
Bugsy: You're welcome, Sabrina…
They share the moment for a while. Neither said a word, but they could feel each other's feelings. Warm. Tender. Soft. Gentle. Guess they're both having a new beginning.