[attr="class","illieicon"]

[attr="class","illie b"]"promise?" comes out hopeful, as if she'd like nothing more than to get lost in the corners of a library with him. and perhaps, in a way she would, but it comes with a dawning realization that she's falling more than she'd like to admit. it came slowly at first like subtle waves licking at bare feet until it's crashing with the force of a tidal wave and she's submerged completely. despite it all, she flashes an affectionate smile because maybe, just maybe, he feels the same. or, she's choking on her hope and allowing it to cloud her judgement. it wouldn't be the first time she's gotten too attached too quickly...

her mind dwells on thoughts of them browsing bookshelves for a little while longer before he's drawing her out of her thoughts and back into the moment. for now, she has to file away thoughts of libraries and being found between the pages in the back of her mind. after the tour, maybe they could entertain it further but right now, she's being given a list of subjects and each one seems more interesting than the last. "do they provide practice as well?" an eyebrow quirks upward and she's considering how much one could truly learn from lessons without applying teachings in training. would it be the same experience as learning from the pages of a textbook? or does one need to apply the methods in battle to fine tune the practices? as if having an inkling for where her mind is traveling, he's giving more insight and she's humming in response. "the fundamentals do provide a good structure for building on one's gift," it sounds more experienced than she actually is but... in a way, developing the skills to be a pokemon trainer is no different than honing skills in a lab. somehow, despite not knowing a thing about it, she somewhat understands. and then, he's offering to show her just what he's learned and she's flushing crimson at the thought. maybe it's the way her emotions overtake her mind so easily but it sounds so intimate that she's momentarily stunned. it gives way to doubt in the end with a slight fan of her unoccupied hand. "that's very kind of you but," she pauses, glances away for one last look at the school. "i don't think i'd be very good at the whole training thing."

the mood around them shifts ever so slightly, tinged with the familiar sense of loss and she understands a little too slow. it clicks into place a moment after the words leave his lips and her mouth parts as if words want to escape before being reigned in. perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise that others have been dealt their own causalities but somehow it does. an apology comes before she can stop it, can pause to consider not adding more fire to the flames. "i'm sorry," it's barely above a whisper and she decides against adding anything further. instead, she squeezes his hand with gentle fingers, a soft comfort.

warmth in his smile coerces warmth from her own and it travels throughout her body, spreading like wildfire until she's content and fuzzy and practically putty in his hands. the circles on his skin continue, even as he whisks her away to the destination he has in mind. the sights along the way cement the allure rustboro has further in her mind. between the shops, the smells, the crumbs of information he feeds her, she's confident that she fully understands any bias he has for the city now. it's growing on her as much as he is and perhaps she'll come back. perhaps she'll even stay. illeana's cooing at the mention of pastries, at the enticing aroma of baked goods, and her sweet tooth would have already gotten the better of her if she was alone. but, she's not and while they stay on the path he has set for them, she's happily chirping that she'll have to drag him to the bakery too. oh, and the cafe! her list is growing with each shop he's pointing out. and by the end of the day, she might just drag him all over the city he has just shown her. would he mind? something tells her no but she doesn't want to press her luck.

a sunset paints orange and pink across the sky as they reach their destination. it's breathtaking, so much so that it elicits a gasp of awe from her lips like a prayer. fading light from the sun shimmer against tall skyscrapers and while the night is slowly creeping in, the entire city is basking in that last bit of daylight. there's an almost ethereal glow to rustboro now, highlighted and put on display from their vantage point. subconsciously, she drifts a little closer but her eyes never stray from the cityscape. "it's gorgeous," she murmurs. there's something magical about a sunset, a city, and the beginnings of twilight. it leaves her at a loss for words and perhaps she doesn't need any. instead, maybe all she needs is this sight and his hand in hers.

[attr="class","illieicon"]

[attr="class","illie b"]confirmation of a promise has hope cementing itself into little inklings of reality. he'll find her in the maze of shelves and perhaps he'll lose himself there too. the prospect of having someone to browse with, to chirp excitement toward over a book of advanced chemistry or a collection of folklore, has her heart racing. it's always just been her and the realms of the pages at her fingertips and now it's not just her anymore. there's another living, breathing person actually interested in spending hours in a library with her and the meaning behind the concept is profound. unspoken intentions, feelings kept half hidden. they come in glimpses until she's understanding a little more with each passing minute, no longer grasping at hope but concrete emotions.

"yeah," she breathes and there's a pause before she's placing lessons around each other until it's a schedule that makes sense, that makes training seem easier somehow. "that is a lot to take in with just teaching alone." and then, she's reciting a quote from her past, from days spent hunched over evidence until she can make sense of them without sparing a glance. "practice makes perfect." funny, it tastes less bitter now. perhaps with the steady flow of time, it's easier to speak of such things. or maybe it's the ease that settles in her with his presence at her side. "it's easier to find what fits for you with practice, too. some things look good on paper but they might not be right for the individual." once again, the statement stems from mild experience. different yet similar enough for her footing to be secure. the thoughts are tinged with mild disdain, however, and she quickly ignores them as soon as they rise. instead, she steals a glance at him and the rosiness of her cheeks darkens. "really?" curiosity lingers in her tone. he hadn't been good at training when he first started? does that come with the age one begins or does it come with the soul within? something tells her it's a mixture of both and yet not quite that. before she can look further and dissect it, he's waving away her doubts with genuine sentiments, nothing but truthful words leaving his lips. "was it difficult to change your mindset?" she's whispering now, eyes drifting away from his. can something like that be so easily changed when it's all you know? only one way to find out, she supposes. "i -- i'd like to learn to trust in myself."

his eyes seek refuge from hers and she's softening beneath the understanding. loss is a heavy burden, a weight that never truly leaves. it simply becomes easier to bear until it's not so suffocating and perhaps accepting it is the key. unfortunately, she doesn't know how to navigate it, not like he does. and so, she offers a dip of her head, stray locks of hair brushing against her cheeks. her fingers curl further around his as if she's trying to confirm he's alright without prying more.

a mental list grows with each shop they pass, with each one he points out. she's enamored past the point of return and feelings kept hidden slowly reveal themselves in her reactions. what started out as maybes have begun to turn into attempts at concrete plans. the bakery is the first on her list because really, how can she resist that smell much longer? it lingers even after they leave it behind with promises to return, with every intent of going together.

coincidences, a collection of small moments setting something into motion, seem to have a funny way of working sometimes. maybe there's higher powers at work or none at all. fate or destiny or simply the right place at just the right time have drawn them together beneath the glow of a sunset. the city is laid out before them and it holds so much mystery still left to be uncovered. she wants to know every detail, every little thing that makes it so unique from the rest. and he's offering to show her more, to bring her back and unveil everything they've been tiptoeing around with his thumb tracing her skin. "i will," she's promising and it sounds more breathless than intended but soothing circles and rising emotions will do that sometimes. her eyes leave the city's outline in favor of finding his. "i'm starting to see why but," a pause to offer an almost coy smile. "i might have to spend more time here to fully understand." and then, he's taking the leap that she had been trying not to hope for and heat rushes to her cheeks. stay. it's such a simple concept and yet, she's slowly seeing the meaning beneath. is it just her hope that she's seeing or is it the confirmation of shared feelings between them? whatever it is, illeana's following his lead, taking that leap with her hand squeezing his. "yes," she whispers and there's a pause, a tuck of hair behind her ear. "i would like to." shyness overtakes her and she's glancing away, back toward the outline of the city and the settling of twilight in the sky. unspoken meanings and feelings swirl around them and her hand grips his a little tighter while the sun dips a little further beneath the horizon. and then, a soft giggle escapes and her eyes find their way back, shining with things she can't quite say yet. "nugget will be ecstatic."

[attr="class","illieicon"]

[attr="class","illie b"]sometimes, it's easy to forget that others have had similar pressure applied to their shoulders. the crushing expectations of perfection, of achieving greatness. they vary from person to person, family to family, but the end result tends to be the same. to know that another has heard the same sentence uttered to them is slightly comforting in a way she can't quite describe. perhaps it's the realization that others have been placed on a similar pedestal, a similar path set for success and accomplishment. or it's simply nothing more than her mind trying to ease the weight that still lingers all these years later. whatever it is, she files it away to mull over later when it's just her and the shadows of a room. and once it's tucked away does she smile with a slight bob of her head. "exactly," she murmurs. everyone learns differently, through various methods, and sometimes it's not often touched upon enough. "trial and error can go a long way for someone who wants to improve. besides, i like to think that there's no right way to training, you know? it's more of what works for you that matters." perhaps that's why she sticks to what she knows instead of trying new things. comfort zones are difficult to break away from, it seems.

his words are mulled over carefully, eyes searching his for a moment before she's letting out a soft sigh. it sounds both simple and difficult in a way. the people around you tend to assist with periods of doubt, of insecurity, of struggle. but can they really be enough to change set ways of a mind? or are they merely influences on a personal decision? she's uncertain but a mental glance of the people in her orbit has her finding some footing. "i see," she offers quietly. he drifts closer and warmth follows, easing some doubt away from her skin. "it's kind of like adapting to the environment, then?" her mind thinks of it in terms of molecular levels, of atoms and cells changing over time to provide the tools to survive within a difficult environment. and after another moment, she's finding more sense in the concept but applying it is a different story. "i hope so," an awkward laugh follows and she's turning sheepish at the thought. doubt has lingered for too long, insecurities rooted too deep to rip out gently. he's reassuring, however, with a squeeze of her hand and it's enough to keep negativity at bay for now. "it'd be nice to try, at least. learning how to train might be good for my pokemon too."

her mind is eased away from worry at the reciprocation. he's alright and that's enough for her to settle back into comfort. loss can come in waves and sometimes, it can be soft laps against sand or it can be overwhelming to the point of drowning. it seems to be easier to handle with the presence of another providing comfort and perhaps that had been enough for him to overcome it in the moment.

a leap of faith can pay off in an instant and this one has. there's an easy sense of acknowledgement that comes with it, of understanding the implications laced in their words. part of her wants to offer something that reveals more and yet, words fail her. they fail both of them in the end and perhaps this moment doesn't need words. in the end, just their connection is enough and she's smiling a little wider, content and happy. a giggle escapes despite herself as mild bliss settles. the thought of nugget and galahad having more exchanges, more time to bond, fills her with a fondness she can't quite describe. "i did promise more nugget to him, after all." and she never goes back on her word.

the colors of the sky shift into darker tones around them and by the time the familiar buzzing of bug types begins to rise, she's noticing the concept of time returning. stars now glimmer overhead against a dark backdrop. her eyes roam briefly, constellations being noted in the mind before alexander's muttering beside her and drawing her attention back in as if it had never left. illeana hums in response, sparing one last glance toward the starry night. it's funny, they seem brighter now than they have in previous nights even with city lights threatening to outshine them. "yeah," she murmurs. before her stomach can growl at the thought of food, she's offering a smile. "that sounds lovely. what kind of restaurant is it?" her thoughts are already drifting toward types of dishes before he can even answer and without considering actual options for dinner, she's muttering, "i hope there's cake."

[attr="class","illieicon"]

[attr="class","illie b"]she's humming agreement without a second thought. there's so many different ways to learn, to retain, to understand. of course, it all depends on the individual and their specific set of skills in the end. what works for her might not work for him. although... they might be more alike than they realize. pouring herself into all of the information at her disposal and picking apart the fundamentals until she can recite them from memory tends to be her method of learning. it's easier to memorize and retain than actually going through the motions until it's second nature.

his explanation allows her to paint a clearer picture in her mind, to string together meanings until it's all making sense. it seems her theory had sort of been correct in a sense. people, pokemon, and nature all adapt to the environment around them. on a cellular level, the body changes to reflect its surroundings over time and from what he's saying, the mind is no different. "oh so it's basically like surrounding yourself with those who have the mindset you want to have?" there's a light giggle that follows before she's flashing a small smile. "it makes sense. hopefully it's not easier said than done." doubt lingers in her words as it always does, in halves and sometimes whole. she hasn't found the solution to not allowing it to cloud her mind but with him here, it's a little easier to put her faith in attempts toward dispelling the insecurity. her smile widens a fraction with the words of reassurance, of confirmation that she can go at her own pace. "thank you," she murmurs. she doesn't have to rush into anything, doesn't have to force herself to be a trainer until it's comfortable. "i might need some time to think about it."

the atmosphere around them feels like their own personal bubble in a way. it's almost as if they don't need to fill the spaces with words because there's no need to. his hand in hers, his presence, his feelings are enough to keep her content with the silence. it's comfortable and easy and she doesn't feel that incessant need to scramble for conversation to hold his interest. the concept comes with a warmth that's spreading from her fingertips against his skin to the tips of her toes.

"yeah," she whispers back and there's a familiar sense of admiration in her bones at the sight of the stars. "you'd think they'd be dimmer with the light from the city." and yet, they're almost too bright against the outline of rustboro, against the darkness of the night. it's beautiful. her lips curl further and she's glancing toward him as he's explaining the restaurant he has in mind. "if you've been missing this place after experiencing the delicious food in sinnoh then it must be good!" a wink and then a giggle follow before the tips of her ears flush a soft pink. her mumbling had been heard and she's caught in the act. the sweet tooth she possesses is a bit too strong to ignore sometimes but he chuckles and she's letting out a small bout of laughter. "perfect," she chimes, her hand returning the squeeze a moment later. illeana's head bobs slightly with agreement before she's following his lead. the length of the walk doesn't bother her much, not when there's cake on the line.

as they approach the building, she's letting out a soft coo. it's adorable! something about it reminds her of sipping hot chocolate by a fire and perhaps it's the warm, homey ambiance that seems to exude mary's. and then, alexander's holding the door for her and she's showing her gratitude with a fond smile. the inside of the restaurant is even better than the outside. it's warmer than she had first believed. the soft crackle of fire in the fireplace mingles with slightly muted tones of pleasant music, offering a peaceful environment to the patrons within. while she takes a moment to glance around and absorb the entirety of the room, an elderly woman is approaching with a rush of words escaping her lips. her eyes abandon the task at hand to drift back toward him as the woman speaks further. there's a fondness that creeps over her at the sight of a reunion and it only grows as he turns toward her. "hello," she smiles. the expression widens when mary takes her hand and an amused giggle escapes soon after. "really? that's adorable! it's nice to meet you, mary." the scientist gives a soft squeeze to mary's hand. "you have a lovely place here," she comments and then with a glance toward alexander, she's offering a nod in response. "yes, please!"

[attr="class","illieicon"]

[attr="class","illie b"]there's a slight shift in the way she holds herself at the mention of family. it's barely there, just enough that she stays quieter than he's come to experience. she shouldn't withdraw in such a way but family's a sore topic and she's unable to ignore the mixture of feelings that rise with the mention. mild jealousy seems to give way to a bitter taste that lingers in her mouth and she hates it. just because she had awful parents doesn't mean everyone else experiences the same. it shouldn't bother her, not anymore. but it does and she's trying a little too desperately to shove it all away. "that's lovely," she murmurs and for the most part, it's genuine and not reeking of bitterness. there's still a hint that leaks into the words that has her speaking further, if only to cover it up with questions as she always does. "their support must have meant a lot to you while you were figuring out what you wanted to do." the ghost of a smile rises, there enough for her to overcome the pressure of negative emotions. they're shoved back into the box they came from and locked away in the recesses of her mind to collect more dust until they escape again. and then, she's humming with a grateful bob of her head. no rush. she can take her time and he'll support her through it. the thought leaves her warmer than before.

warmth lingers and weaves itself through the air around them. the bubble they're within has a natural ease that lends itself to the situations. even when mary draws him, and then her, away from their own little world, they still find their way back as if it's the same concept as coming home. part of her wonders if it's meant to be as simple as this, as warm and comfortable. and then, she's hoping it never leaves, never fades.

illeana flashes him another smile as mary moves to lead them to their table. the window offers the perfect outlook over this part of rustboro. a few pedestrians linger in the streets, basking in the glow of the streetlights. compared to the slight business of the city from earlier, this section is quieter, peaceful even. she spares another glance toward the window before the squeeze of her hand draws her back in. mary's adorable, precious, must be protected. the woman is chirping out a thank you with a bright smile when mary places their menus on the table. and then, they're returning back to their bubble when she leaves. the knowing look sent in alexander's direction is missed by the scientist as her eyes drift to scan the menu briefly only to return to him as he chuckles. "she's so sweet," illeana coos, smile growing wider. "i can see why you've been missing this place." fondness lingers in her words, half toward him and half toward the older woman.

the hard part comes, now, as her attention shifts back to the menu. oh god, there's so many choices and they all sound delicious. the pleasant aroma that seems to fill every inch of the room certainly doesn't make her decision any easier. pasta would be amazing right now but... her eyes focus on one particular line of text and she's confident in her choice now. cake, just like he promised. more than one, even, and she's delighted at the prospect of trying each one. there's a flush to her cheeks when she glances back up toward him, smile slightly sheepish. "don't laugh but," she giggles. "i might clear her out of all the cake she has."

[attr="class","illieicon"]

[attr="class","illie b"]perhaps later on, skeletons will be unfurled from closets and put on display for him to see. that time isn't now, however, and she's spared the explanations, the recounting of memories. if he notices the shift, he doesn't touch upon it, and for that she's grateful. it's too much to unload onto another person, too much to expect them to understand, and she hasn't found the right way to even understand it herself. ah, but she feels the slight settling of awkwardness and she fidgets beneath the weight of it pressing into her shoulders. and then, he's murmuring with a nod and slipping into the pretense that everything is okay. she knows that eventually, she'll have to expose what lies behind her but for now, it's left in boxes to collect dust a little while longer.

the bubble provides a warmth and comfort as they settle in their own little corner of the room. even the views of the window fade after a moment, becoming nothing more than a backdrop. in the end, everything falls away until it's just them and this moment and really, she wouldn't have it any other way. "do you sometimes wish that things hadn't changed?" the question is soft as it leaves her lips and she's glancing toward him with a curiosity that she can't hold back. change always seems so inevitable and with it, the concept of wanting things to go back to the way they used to be. she has no concept of what changes he's been through, what trials he's had to endure, but that doesn't stop her hand from seeking his again. her gaze drifts toward the direction mary went as she murmurs. "we all need someone consistent in our lives, i suppose." it's a comment that leaves her silent a moment later, features morphing into a more pensive expression.

her flush deepens as his laughter filters into her ears. it's a lovely sound, really. one she wouldn't mind hearing more of, she realizes as her body warms at the thought. "hey," she pouts, cheeks puffing slightly at his teasing tone. "it'd be rude to eat her entire cake selection." she can't decide, however, so she just might throw caution to the wind and do it anyway. a laugh of her own joins his after a brief pause and she's unable to hide the way her pout dissolves into a shy smile. "will you?" it comes out a little more teasing, maybe even more flirtatious, than she intends but he started it and it feels natural to respond in kind.