when was the last time niko went on holiday? has he ever actually been on holiday?[break][break]

no, he hasn't.[break][break]

"it really is."[break][break]

similarly, he takes a moment to breathe, to appreciate the view in front of them. his arm drapes across her figure as he also leans over the balcony.[break][break]

"this is actually my first actual holiday, by the way."

[attr="class","ooc"]Jessica Manner[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

The feeling of his arm draped over her side brought her back to reality, opening her eyes to meet the blooms in front of them. Turning her head, she tilted it as she inspected him.

"The great and powerful Niko Manner has never taken a vacation? I can't believe I have to pleasure of being your first vacation partner."

Jessie slid closer, her arm bumping against his side as she settled there for a moment.

"Well then, you call the shots. What do you want to do? We can do whatever you want, since you never get a break."

NIKO MANNER

☉

"i dunno about great..."[break][break]

powerful, however?[break][break]

he thinks for a moment, humming.[break][break]

"what do they call those things in lakes? like you sit in them and paddle like a bicycle?"[break][break]

water bicycle?[break][break]

"that. i wanna do some vacation stuff."

[attr="class","ooc"]Jessica Manner[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"Like where you sit in them and steer with with your feet?"

She was sure she knew what he was talking about. And, if it was in fact what he meant, Jessie thought it was absolutely adorable that he wanted to do something so mundane like that.

"Sure. Let's go to the lake and see if they have any free."

Stepping from his side, she offered her hand to him, as though to guide him to his first vacation.

NIKO MANNER

☉

"that's the one."[break][break]

accepting her guidance, he follows after her towards the lake. he's already pretty much in awe the moment it comes into sight, like a kid in a candy store, and it's then that he starts pulling her towards the paddle boats.[break][break]

"holy shit! they got all kinds of colors and designs. this shit's cool."

[attr="class","ooc"]Jessica Manner[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

Jessie was laughing as Niko pulled her along to the boats waiting for them by the lake. He was like an excited child on Christmas Day. It was quite endearing to see, as she smiled at the back of his head.

She wondered how many people had ever seen this side of him.

The boats were decorated as a fleet of water-type Pokémon, waiting for them to choose one.

”Which one do you want to get in? It’s your pick,” Jessie said, surveying the boats before looking up at him.

NIKO MANNER

☉

"so many options..."[break][break]

which makes it difficult to choose. his eyes scan over the different designs of the boats, admiring each one for its craftsmanship.[break][break]

eventually, he pulls them towards one painted in the design of a wailord. big, strong, and powerful.[break][break]

"alright. now how do we move this? just cycle?"

[attr="class","ooc"]Jessica Manner[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

WAILORD was chosen. Jessie couldn't help but giggle, jumping into her side as he got onto the other.

"Yeah. You have one paddle for one foot, and I have the other. We have to go at the same pace."

In other words, he had to make sure he didn't move it too fast since his legs were longer than hers.

"And this steers us. Turn it this way to go right, and this way to go left," she said, moving the pole in the middle.

NIKO MANNER

☉

despite her warning, he's already paddling way faster than the average person would or should.[break][break]

"keep up, jessie!"[break][break]

what was meant to be a peaceful activity is suddenly becoming a strenuous one. but a fun one, of course!

[attr="class","ooc"]Jessica Manner[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

Did he heed her words of advice... or were they caution?

No. He did not.

So, when the poor, shorter-legged woman tried to keep up, her muscles began to cramp. Eventually, she gave up, sliding her foot away from the dangerously whirring peddle as he went on like a monster.

"What the fuck, Niko!" she pouted.

NIKO MANNER

☉

too caught up in his own amusement, he laughs, only turning over to notice her pout moments too late.[break][break]

he slows down then. the peddles soon follow.[break][break]

"my bad. got a bit too excited."[break][break]

leaning over towards her, he asks:[break][break]

"you okay?"

[attr="class","ooc"]Jessica Manner[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

Jessie, over her own pouting in mere moments, couldn't help but admire him as he laughed and laughed over the boat ride. It was like he was in rare form. She couldn't imagine the gang seeing him acting like a little kid like this.

A small smile worked onto her lips.

"I'm fine. You could just do all the work for us with legs like that," she said, slapping his thigh.

She pressed a small kiss on his lips as he leaned forward, as if to convince him she was really okay and not saying it.

NIKO MANNER

☉

"hell yeah, babe. no problem. i got legs for days."[break][break]

consider this his leg day.[break][break]

the small kiss is appreciated. he returns one briefly, smiling, before turning his attention back to the wide lake that awaits them.[break][break]

"where to?"

[attr="class","ooc"]Jessica Manner[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]