Barnaby had stepped out for a bit, deciding to take a small break from working from home. He hadn't even bothered wearing his blonde wig, something he usually donned when going into public places unless on specific ROCKET business. But, hey, he was just going to grab some boba at the local shop down the street - it would only be a few minutes before he was back in his penthouse, right?

Wrong. Just as he was exiting the store, lychee boba in hand, a familiar face popped up a little ways down the street. It took Barnaby a second to place him, but soon enough he was calling out, "Hey! Temp!"

The other ROCKET turned around as Barnaby approached. As he got closer, it became clear that he wasn't exactly taking a leisurely stroll. He was laden down with Pokémon eggs, strapped to either side of his body.

"It is Temp, right? We met at the Atelier. I gave you snacks." He spoke in a friendly, companionable tone, smiling as his eyes scanned over all the colorful patterns on the shells.

"I looked a little different then. Barnaby, by the way, if you forgot." He would normally go by Bee with other ROCKETs, but Temp was already at least partially aware of his alternate persona as an HNN journalist, so he didn't see the point.

Casually, he took a sip of his drink before asking the obvious question. "What's with all the eggs?"

Tempest Quinn
mission: EGGS IN ONE BASKET

☉

Removing the straw from his mouth, Barnaby chuckled along with Temp, recalling the events at the atelier as admittedly being pretty nuts to him too. But Martín del Mar and Cillian Quinn had taken their suspicions and contempt to an entirely different level. Understandable, considering the things they knew and the things they'd gone through.

How could Barnaby match their convictions when he didn't have their perspective?

So, it was easier to joke with Tempest Quinn. "Seriously! I'd never seen them act that way before." Them mostly being Martín del Mar. "I guess we had to be the calm and collected ones." He smiled and winked, making it obvious he was teasing.

"Very cool. I don't really know much about Pokémon eggs, but yours looks pretty different from the rest." A quick observation as Temp gestured to the other eggs strapped to his body. Speaking of, how the hell did he hobble around on crutches while trying to carry all of that??

"Sure! I've got some time too. Let me help you with those, though." Barnaby reached out to grab one or two of the bags at the ROCKET's side. If Temp gave them up, he'd sling one of each over either shoulder. "So what happened to your leg? The last time I saw you you were in one piece."

Tempest Quinn
mission: EGGS IN ONE BASKET

☉

The egg-filled satchels weighed heavily on each of his shoulders, but it was an easy enough burden to carry. It didn't really stop Barnaby from listening attentively as Temp explained how he'd received his injury.

"Arceus." Barnaby breathed, mildly shocked. Although he'd been present when their group had teleported in front of Hoenn's Commissioner, he had been ushered away in the wake of LUGIA's rage and didn't see the confrontation that ensued. "Attacked by a Legendary Pokémon... I'm glad you even still have the leg."

The attack aside, Barnaby did pick up on something else that piqued his interest as Temp spoke. Gav. Gavvie. A hazy memory of Temp kissing Cillian Quinn's cheek also conveniently rose to the surface as he thought more about the pair.

"If this is too personal please feel free to ignore me, but..." Barnaby cast a small smile toward Tempest Quinn and asked in a non-judgmental tone, "Are you and Underboss Merlino close?"

Tempest Quinn
mission: EGGS IN ONE BASKET

☉

Oh. So, like, close close.

"What? Wow! Congratulations!"

How had he not noticed such a cute ring before now?? As Temp presented his band, Barnaby leaned down and appraised it with a bright smile and delighted expression. "This is absolutely adorable, Temp."

Marriage was an institution he could appreciate for others. It obviously brought Tempest Quinn and Cillian Quinn an abundance of happiness. The announcement of their engagement made Barnaby wonder whether if such a thing would be suitable for himself, though. His parents' political marriage certainly hadn't appeared appealing from the outside.

"When's the wedding? Have you already started planning it?" Barnaby asked as they continued their walk, obviously interested to hear all the deets.

Tempest Quinn
mission: EGGS IN ONE BASKET

☉

Barnaby didn't miss the way Temp's face flushed pink, but he refrained from commenting on it. It was somewhat expected, after all, when talking about something so personal and monumentally life-changing.

Tying yourself to someone forever - even symbolically, it was a heavy promise to make. He couldn't help but think whether it was something he'd willingly do with another person. Was there anyone in the world capable of eliciting feelings strong enough to do so?

Normally, Barnaby would have staunchly refused even the notion of marriage for himself. And yet...

"Well, I'm happy for you, Temp. And I would love to come."

Leaning in with a mischievous grin, he added teasingly, "If your foot isn't completely healed by then, I don't mind taking over your share of the dancing, either. I know some killer moves."

Tempest Quinn
mission: EGGS IN ONE BASKET

☉