"No, that's okay you don't have to--!"

But he was going to anyway. How humiliating, to be reduced to such a flustered, overwhelmed mess at the drop of a hat. She blushes deeper, watching as he finds it without a hitch. Timidly, Avery approaches, bashful and embarrassed.

"Right.. on the coat hook. That's where I usually leave it."

She chuckles nervously, breathlessly, before reaching for it.

CIAN MAHER

For next time.

Did that mean.. no- no of course not. That was ridiculous, wishful thinking maybe. She needed to stop overthinking, stop thinking about it in general.

Inhale, exhale.. inhale.. exhale..

Her fingers bump against the jacket, fumbling where he holds it out for her. Avery lowers her gaze briefly before shrugging it on, tucking it closed against her chest and awkwardly regarding him.

"You're really sweet.. pink is my favourite colour."

The purse, on the other hand, is something quite colourful and loud. It's handmade, crocheted or something and very well-worn. She loops it over her shoulder slowly, hesitating only because she doesn't know what else to say. Frankly, she still can't believe he's asked her to get lunch. Or dinner. Or whatever meal this was, what time was it again?

CIAN MAHER

"It's a shade, I think. Or all of the colours put together. Something like that."

She hesitates for only a moment, embarrassed and flattered all at once when he holds the door open for her. It's cheesy, but it's sweet, and she's definitely overthinking it.

And only after they've walked a ways does she find her voice again:

"So, umm.. are you new to the city?"

CIAN MAHER

The bustle of the city has long since become background noise. All of the people and the Pokemon are a welcome sight and probably part of the reason she stayed late some days from the daycare.

Already, she can see a few of the elderly couples sitting out on patios and such, enjoying an evening tea or coffee. They wave, and she waves back.

"Oh? Are you famous?"

Should she know him? Oh dear, she probably should. As discreetly as possible, Avery looks at him more closely, fighting the urge to be distraught or humiliated. She knew practically everyone in the city at this rate, but he did not look the least big familiar: it was why she had asked in the first place.

"Ahh, yes! That makes sense. Uh--" momentarily, her eyes widen and she glances up at him, uncomfortable, "I hope that you saw on the form that I don't do battling or anything for the Pokemon during their visit at the daycare."

But he must, because he inquires immediately after about battling not being her thing. She blushes, glances down at her feet, swallows.

"I just think it's a bit.. unkind, I guess, to put your Pokemon through that. Even if they want to, I mean, it seems unnecessary to hurt each other intentionally."

CIAN MAHER

"Oh, okay."

That both did and did not make her feel any better, but it does prompt her to drop her gaze. He definitely did not look familiar to her, but she can't honestly say that she paid much attention to racing or the like. In fact:

"Did you race on foot? Or.. with Pokemon, like Rapidash?"

She blurts it out without warning, effectively interrupting his own train of thought and his attempt to ask her a question first. It leaves her mouth dry and she clears her throat awkwardly. She chews the inside of her cheek nervously, finger tapping against her purse.

"A long time! I've been helping my grandparents ever since I was a little kid. I took it over for them in the past few years or so, but they still help out once in a while. It's theirs still, even if that's not what it says on the paperwork."

Was that too much information?

"That's really nice to hear! But I'm sure the other daycares around are just as nice!"

CIAN MAHER

"Hmm.. maybe not. Your legs are not as long as a Rapidash's."

She says this with a smile, but it's clear in her voice and in her examination of his legs that she's being serious.

Once again, however, Cian manages to catch her off guard with his honesty and charm. The young woman blinks, straightening her back and glancing away. She emits a quiet, nervous giggle, unsure how best to respond. Sometimes, most times, she wouldn't have picked up on a man's forwardness.

But so far, Cian had been nothing but, so it was impossible to miss.

With an awkward clearing of her throat, Avery nods:

"Yes! This is it! Oh... and it smells so lovely already."

CIAN MAHER