Dakota felt disappointed when Alek didn't remember him. "Correct, Dakota." He responded with a nod. Not really blaming Alek for not remembering him, Dakota only knew of Alek because he heard that Alek was quite problematic - getting into trouble for his unusual methods when it came to science. Dakota was a stickler for rules, but he had admired Alek's innovative way of thinking.


"I didn't know there was an excavation. " He only recently came back to Hoenn and was still settling in before he continued his work. Though the sound of an excavation made Dakota interested, it made him wonder if there had been any new discovers in Hoenn while he was away. I've been in Galar for the last few years. " He explained, glancing at the cafe that was close by.
[break][break]
He thought it'd be nice to catch up with Alek, ask him how things were and such. Pointing towards the cafe building "I go there quite often, care to join me for a chat?" He hoped that Alek would accept Dakota had been curious to know what old colleagues were doing now a days.

+Alek Xanders

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

"Oh, they asked for my help in researching the prehistoric life there. Galar's pokemon are fascinating. Dakota had visited Galar on and off a few times, but he never had an opportunity to research pokemon. It was a great experience, and was the primary reason why Dakota's goal was to visit each region sometime, and conduct research.
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The aroma of the small cafe was pleasant. Dakota wasn't too fond of coffee, but he always enjoyed the smell of fresh ground coffee beans. Noticing that Alek had been in a rush to get his caffeine. Blue eyes scouring the somewhat small menu, he glanced towards the cashier. "Chai Tea for me please." He said giving a polite grin, and handing the cashier enough money for both orders. [break][break]
The cafe was quiet, there were a few individuals other then Alek or Dakota who sat quite a few distance from one another. Dakota led Alek towards a table near the edge of the cafe, taking off the jacket he used the chair as a makeshift coat hanger. Dakota then sat down, eyeing Alek curiously at what he said earlier. "I see, so you have left Devon" Dakota repeated after Alek, questioning the reasoning. "Unfortunate, any luck in finding work?" He knew that Alek had some unruly ways of practicing and conducting research, but it made Dakota doubt that it was the sole reason why he'd left Devon.
[break][break]
The barista approached with their order, placing it nicely in front of the two men. "Thank you" Dakota acknowledged with a smile and nod. Lifting up the delicate tea cup, he slowly took a sip from it. The chai tea tasted amazing, it's heat helped soothe Dakota's throat. Gently placing the tea cup back, he resumed the conversation. "Are you still doing those tests?" His question was pretty vague, but Dakota assumed that Alek would know what he was talking about. A huff escaped from him,
[break][break]
"I admire you for your innovative ways, but one must know what the limits are."

+Alek Xanders

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Dakota remained silent, regretting that he bothered to ask. Sipping his tea to try and come up with a response to what Alek had just told him, his mind was completely blank on what to say. Clearing his throat and readjusting the collar of his shirt, Alek probably picked up that Dakota was a little embarrassed to have asked such a question. Closing his eyes to regain some composure he stiffly nodded "Yes.. yes I understand" For some reason Dakota's eyes weren't able to look at Alek - who suddenly seemed a lot more intimidating, compared to the start of the conversation. His gaze wandered to the tea cup, lifting it for a final sip.
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Dakota felt a little anxious when Alek mentioned human subjects. His mind remembering all the strange rumors that had been circulating around Alek, though he was never one to believe in such things. The teacup hit the table with a louder clatter then Dakota intended for it too. Once again he awkwardly cleared his throat, scouring his head for a response. "How unfortunate he said in a meekly tone. Fiddling with his thumbs he nodded once more trying to display that he understood, when in reality Dakota was a little concerned with what Alek had been doing. Something told him not to pry any further.
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The cafe was strangely quiet, as other patrons exited with minimal sound. Briefly glancing around Dakota noticed that even the barista had gone off somewhere. Pushing his chair back, Dakota stood up grabbing his coat and putting it back on figuring now was a good time to leave if any. Dark blue eyes wandered toward Alek who seemed to remain quiet, "Well.. It was a pleasure seeing you again. I hate to leave suddenly but I have work that needs to be done. " He told a small lie, but figured that Alek would buy into it.
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Reaching into his coat's pocket, Dakota pulled out a small card that contained his contact information, seeing little problems that would result in giving a phone number and email away."Feel free to contact me here, have a good evening Alek. " Leaving the card on top of the table, Dakota waved goodbye before exiting the cafe - quickly lighting a cigarette when he did so.
[break][break]ooc: closure

+Alek Xanders

[attr="class","pokeclass"]