[attr="class","francie"]

that... that was genius! francie's who face lit up with a smile as she heard kim explain the idea of a 'suggestion box.'

"i feel like that was something completely obvious that i easily overlooked," francie laughed, mostly at herself. self-depreciation was an issue she was aware of and rarely dealt with. everybody needed a hobby, right? "i'll definitely think about getting it up and running."

without much thought otherwise, francie leaned back in her seat and smiled. "i am pleasantly surprised by you, kim cole." she admitted out loud. "seems like you're not just a pretty face who takes drinks from other people's coffee without permission after all."

yes, she definitely remembered him taking a drink of her coffee without asking first. why? because it was a pet peeve. furthermore, her tone suggested a tease. she was honestly happy that he wasn't some pretty face with no brains. though she doubted a council member would lack brains, she was worried when he didn't display basic manners when first meeting him.

‣ kim cole-essam

[attr="class","francie"]

as he asked if he could ask a question, francie shook her head and motioned that she didn't mind. he could fire away. his questions, however, weren't what she was expecting. she should have been, but she didn't. the thought of petalburg did have her smiling, for multiple reasons. mostly, she did enjoy the little town, since she had been born close by.

"petalburg is a gem and i would treat it no different. not only is it beautiful and deserves to be polished, but it's also sharp on certain edges and needs to be filed down." she decided to explain herself. "at first, they weren't my biggest fans. they didn't believe i could protect them when it came down to it. however, i've proved on a lot of different occasions that the city comes first to me, namely it's security. it's why i wasn't present for a while. i had to help establish a sound foundation within their security. most of the gym hands, because of how my gym is designed, have actually been assigned rotations around the town to keep it safe for the time being."

a small smile formed as she thought on the idea of 'rocket taking petalburg' like they'd take slateport. "there is very little value in rocket taking a town like petalburg, but there is a reality in the need for security for the town... i suppose you could say, i'm treating them as well as they'll let me and they're treating me well enough that i haven't left. they've found a very sound place in my heart."

it was strange, but she hadn't voiced how she felt about petalburg and hearing herself say that... well, she felt very strongly for her town, even more so now. and even more confident in herself.

‣ kim cole-essam

[attr="class","francie"]

she'd never thought that was a choice. what did an underboss matter when somebody's life was in danger? "people are more important than glory." francie decided, taking in a deep breath and leaning back.

"as for meeting somewhere private for more details, i completely understand the need, and i'd love to." her smile was big, bright, and inviting. as per usual with francie. but there was something beneath it as well, an eagerness to learn, perhaps?

"you just let me know when and where and i'll be there." deciding they were friends enough for this, she moved her hand to her forehead and gave him a mock salute. it was ended with a laugh as she dropped her hand. "but really, thanks for meeting me here. i'm glad we could get the initial meeting out of the way. i'm not sure i would have wanted to speak with you in private having not done this previously."

now, francie was somebody who was typically quick to trust. but there was something about meeting those higher up in the council seats that made her... skeptical, far more judgemental than meeting the average joe on the street.

‣ kim cole-essam

Seeing Kim get comfortable right along with her was a relief. Had Francie giving a small sigh and happily nodding her head at his mention of a change of pace. Felt like recently she wanted the opposite. It had been such an 'easy' run, she wanted to get into some action. Maybe she'd ask around for something to do, some way in which she could help. Or perhaps it would be better for her to simply sit and wait to be called upon. Sometimes, that was the best choice.

"I haven't yet, but I plan on doing so. I really want to stick my nose in all of the gym leader, and councilmember's, businesses. Just a little bit, enough to get my name known and enough to get to know them."

Just like she was with him, now. Which had her remembering her manners as she stood up.

"I guess I'll get started on that. Thanks so much for meeting me, and putting my mind at ease. It's refreshing to know we have a strong councilmember. Time to assess the others."

After that, Francie would give Kim a polite smile and a departing wave, making her way out of the small coffee shop. She'd had enough coffee to keep her up for the next few hours, which would let her contact the other gym leaders and councilmembers and set up some meetings.