Pewter City

Her amber eyes lit up and she took a rice ball taking a bite and giving a big grin. "Ohh, this is delicious!" She put her head on Cairo's shoulder and continued to eat, her free hand still holding his. This was nice, just the two of them on a... a date. She blushed deeply at the thought and could only hope he was paying more attention to the food than her. Maybe the sky. It really was a wonderful spot, and she was glad something good came from all that time he had to spend away from them. Flashback after flashback went through her mind, and she smiled. Whenever she got hurt, Cairo would be there to help her home. Whenever she cried, he would wipe the tears away and promise not to tell. She would tell him all of her secrets and he would never tell a soul.

Finishing her second sushi roll, a bowl of noodles, and another rice ball, she fell back and put looked up at the sky. "I'm glad I agreed to come too." she finished her half of the basket, but didn't lift up the tray. She figured there was just another blanket just in case under it. "Remember when we would lay like this and look at the clouds?" she poked his arm and pulled him down next to her.

Matsuko took the lollipop and put it in her mouth with a smile. She loved sweets, and was glad he remembered. She took the half of a cupcake and settled comfortably against his chest. Taking a bite, she almost purred at the sweet taste. Icing, candy, any kind of sweets were her weakness and she just could resist but grab another cupcake. The view from here was breathtaking. It was so peaceful with the stars and moon looking down at them. She followed his finger and gazed up at the stars he was pointing to. Matsuko smiled and nodded her head in response to him. After so many years, he still remembered the smallest thing like her favorite constellation and favorite food. "Thanks for a great time, Cairo..." Resting her head on his chest, she closed her eyes and simply relaxed. After all that happened today, she was exhausted. So, still sucking on the lollipop, she fell asleep on his chest, breathing peacefully and one hand in his.

Matsuko’s eyes fluttered open an hour later and she rubbed her eyes, still a bit confused as to where she was. As the memories of the hour before came back to her, a blush spread her cheeks and she looked behind her. When she saw Cairo’s sleeping face, she smiled; not one of the wide grins she usually had, but a soft smile. She leaned forward and placed her lips on his for a moment before settling back into her previous position. The night sky was still filled with stars and they were still alone; good. She didn’t go back to sleep, but she didn’t wake him up either; his sleeping expression was just too cute. That made her pause. When did she start thinking like this about him? Since they were kids, she thought of him as a brother, but when did she start thinking about him as more? She put her head back on his chest and stared up at the stars, thinking.

Lance had been up most the night waiting for the two of them to return, when the clock struck midnight and they hadn’t returned yet, Lance sprang into action he rose from the bed he was laying in and looked down at the pokemon. “Let’s go the two of them might be in trouble and we would have to find them.” Lance walked outside the pokecenter and looked towards butterfree and pointing towards the mountains, “fly around the mountains and see if you can see them then come back here, now go.” He looked down at Nidoran and pointed towards the forest, “you and Mira go towards the forest and search there we will all meet back here when we find them the rest of you come with me we will search town, lets go.” The pokemon each gave their cries before taking off towards their destinations Nidoran and Mira disappeared behind the trees and moved into the darkness, Lance took off into town shouting around town. “Matsuko, Cairo, are you out here?” they stopped at the last open restaurant and looked in, the lady looked towards him with a smile as he explained he was looking for his friends, then she shook her head and apologized. He stopped back in front of the pokecenter and butterfree and Nidoran and Mira had returned. Butterfree fluttered around happily and Lance began following it, he started walking up the path that led to the top of the mountain he walked slowly taking his time to make it to the top of the mountain, two and a half hours later he stopped at the top the group looking around for Matsuko and Cairo.

He walked towards the middle of the mountain and looked up to the sky and closed his eyes remembering back to the day him and Cairo had their first brother on brother conversation and he had let it slip maybe by accident or maybe he had wanted to tell Lance, “Matsuko and I love to watch the stars when we were younger always look up at the sky.” Lance moved from where he was standing and watched from a distance he saw them both laying there together like a couple would. He gave a small smile and watched them like two people he never knew, his hideout was given away when Mira ran forward and leaped on top of Cairo with a “char” Lance smiled to himself one more time before taking that elder brother type approach when the other pokemon ran out. “Did you guys forget about us?” Lance spoke interpreting for the pokemon, Lance didn’t give them too much hell just a few words of warning, “don’t stay out to late guys next time we get worried sick if you do.” He then looked down at the pokemon and the group this was going to get a lot more interesting as the days went on. He then turned around and began walking away with Pikachu on his shoulder and his other three pokeball’s at his waist as he made his way down the mountain the same way he came leaving the two and their pokemon alone.

“Yeah, I’m awake.” She said softly, still staring up at the night sky. “I have been for a bit. You know, you’re adorable when you sleep.” She moved her fingers up to her lips and thought about the kiss she stole from him. Deep in thought, she let out a gasp when Mira came running onto Cairo. When she saw Lance, she gave him a glare that usually made her brother shit his pants and cry, but looked at Mira with soft eyes. “We didn’t forget about you, Mira. We were just thinking about other things.” She gave the Pokemon a hug and the same with her other Pokemon, getting a little water in the face from Squirtle from being out so late. “I’m sorry, guys.” There was a sort of sad look in her eyes knowing that her and Cairo’s moment came to an end the moment Mira appeared and that she probably wouldn’t get another chance for a while, but she put up a bright smile for the sake of not ruining this moment. Her fingers were still intertwined with Cairo’s as she stood and went over to clean the blanket and the food, carrying it and pulling Cairo up. “Come on, it’s late. We still have traveling to do in the morning.” She acted as if she was her usual self, not saying anything about their moment, because she still couldn’t believe it had actually happened. Mira poked Coal on the head and pointed to the two, making a kissy face and the two fell over laughing, but all of this was missed by Matsuko as she pulled Cairo along.

Matsuko smiled and carried Pidgey as they walked, mouth shut for once and just thinking. What happened after this? Did they just travel and act like the good friends they were or would things be different? Probably the latter. She looked down at Pidgey who’d fallen asleep and giggled softly. It was late at night, even she was tired. So, settling down in bed, she gave Cairo a kiss on the cheek as well and closed her amber eyes. They had a long journey ahead of them. She couldn’t wait to go to Cerulean City, the next contest, maybe pick up some tips on being a traveling nurse. She felt her Pokemon gather on her bed and dreamless sleep took her until the morning.

Lance watched the two go to bed like an old couple would, and his eyes were a bit amused, when everybody was asleep Lance took Pikachu and his pokeballs and went outside, they had been sleeping the whole date and now he would train. He threw the pokeball up in the air and watched as Abra appeared asleep again as always on the other side of him sat Pikachu, Lance showed Pikachu something from the pokedex and it nodded before Lance pointed at the tree, “Pikachu use lightning bolt.” Pikachu leaped into the air and tried to throw a lightning bolt at the tree but only mustered a little spark, Lance had Pikachu continue to try, “Pikachu Lightning bolt” finally after about three hours of trying Pikachu leaped up and shouted “Pikachuuuuuuu” and lightning bolt split the tree in half, he smiled at Pikachu and ran and gave it a hug before looking towards Abra, he showed Abra a move and pointed towards the tree next to the one Pikachu just blew up, “Abra use thunderpunch.” Abra moved towards the tree trying to gather lightning around its fist but only managed a small punch, the light moved over the trees before Abra managed to do the punch.

Matsuko stirred in her sleep early in the morning. Amber eyes opened and let out a soft breath. She was alone, she realized with a sigh. "Those boys..." she slipped out from underneath the covers and brushed the curtains aside, watching Cairo from the window. Had that night really happened? Or was it a dream; some sick joke that some god up there decided to play on her? Let her dream, and rip it away? She figured, she would find out soon enough. Stripping down to only an oversized T-shirt, she wanted to go take a shower, but the bed looked so... inviting. Laying on top of the covers and placing her head down on the fluffy pillow, she found herself fast asleep once again.

Matsuko rolled onto her side when she felt a kiss on her forehead and groaned softly. "Nngh... Just a few more minutes..." After arching her back and stretching her arms up, she opened her amber eyes and looked around, trying to figure things out. Mira and the other began jumping up and down, making Matsuko bounce slightly. Her lips twisted into a frown and she threw her pillow at them. She wrapped her arms around Cairo's neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Mornin'." she gave him a soft smile and then left to shower before the three of them had to leave.

Cairo could only shake his head and laugh as Matsuko begged for more time. He couldn't blame her, after all. He was the one who kept her up all night. He quickly moved out of the way as the pillow flew past his face, knocking Mira and Coal onto the ground. Before he could check on them, however, He found her arms wrapped around him, and her lips meeting with his face. He didn't react with his normal blush, however, instead offering her a calming smile. "Good morning, gorgeous." He said, ruffling her already messy hair as their Charmander giggled to each other quietly. He sat on the edge of the bed looking at them as she went off to the shower. Coal had done something strange that morning, and he still hadn't figured out what it meant. For now, he wouldn't worry about it. He returned all the Pokemon to their Balls, and waited for Matsuko. When she came out, they would head out, Lance was already waiting outside.

After standing under the scorching water and scrubbing her skin until it hurt, she stepped out of the shower and faced the mirror. Her hair was soaked and hung straight down her back, her cheeks were tinted pink, and amber eyes were filled with a happiness that she couldn't explain. She didn't bother to do much about her appearance and kept her hair straight down instead of her usual curls, so that crimson strands framed her face. By the time she was dressed and out of the bathroom, there was a bright smile on her face and her heart was clenched with excitement. She flicked Cairo's forehead gently and took her Pokemon, "Come on! Let's get Lance and head off!"

Lance had treaded a bit up the path already his boulderbadge pinned to his shirt and shown to the world, Pikachu rested on his head as he walked and they both took in the surroundings of the pokemon as he treaded down the path, he was caught off guard as he bumped into a man that had been walking along the same path and he tumbled to the ground Pikachu also falling next to the boy, “oww” Lance muttered before looking towards Pikachu and crawling over to it, “Pikachu are you alright” he muttered as he picked up the small mouse before looking up at the man he bumped into who seemed to have a look of amusement on his face, “you beat brock” he said half-way between a laugh and a snicker, before looking down at Lance all seriously, “fight me then and I will see if you are even worth claiming that badge,” Without waiting for Lance to answer the man took his spot off to the other end and tossed a pokeball forth. “Go Rattata” he shouted and a purple mouse sprung forward from the pokeball, Lance of course not able to resist a challenge smirked and got to his feet and looked at Pikachu on his shoulder, “Go Pikachu” Pikachu leaped forward with a “Pika” cry and glared at the mouse and the battle had begun.

Lance was Excited. Another battle, first thing in the morning! This was the best way to start the day off. He was so excited, he didn't even notice Cairo and Matsuko coming up behind him. The man called the first attack "Rattata, Quick Attack!" The purple rodents speed was impressive as it charged for Pikachu. The yellow mouse attempted to dodge, but was unable. Pikachu took the hit and went flying into the air, but Lance was ready with his counter. "Pikachu, thundershock!" Recovering in midair, Pikachu began charging electricity, sending a charge flying directly for the Rattata. It may have been quick, but it couldn't outrun lightning! With a single shock, The rat hit the ground, destined to be called the loser of this match.

Matsuko was surprised as Cairo grabbed her hand and pulled her out. Soon, she got over it and ran beside him, hand still tightly clutching his. Soon enough, they found Lance and unsurprisingly, he was in a Pokemon battle already. She kept silent for once, still a little drowsy and decided to let her Pokemon out to let them get a bit of fresh air and exercise. It was gorgeous out and while Lance battled and Cairo watched, she looked at the scenery. The lightning from Pikachu interrupted her view and she felt a pang of sadness in her heart for the poor Rattata. "Poor thing.." she said softly as she watched the purple rodent fall to the ground.

Lance had just gotten into the heat of the battle when Cairo appeared to finish it off. Normally, he wouldn't allow Cairo to inturrupt his battle, but for some reason, he felt the need to see Cairo do this. And that's when he was hit with a surprise. Nidorino!? Cairo and his Nidorino won the battle with almost perfect timing. This motivated Lance to become even stronger. "Cairo, when did Nidoran evolve?!" He asked once the battle was over. As they walked down the path, he couldn't help but smile. Time for the next stop on their adventure. "Rare Pokemon, eh?" He asked, moreso to himself than to Cairo. He would have to keep a lookout. Every step could be an opportunity to grow stronger.

Matsuko smiled at their victory, but left a potion behind with the man who used it immediately on his Pokemon. Only then did she squeeze Cairo's hand and walk beside him. She heard his comment about rare Pokemon and she got excited. Maybe she would capture a Pokemon useful for the next contest. A psychic Pokemon would be such a great addition to the team, if there were any. She looked back at Mira and saw that she was just as excited as she was. Mira jumped up and down and ran in front of the group along with Pidgey as they neared Mt. Moon.