[attr="class","lance"]

[attr="class","lance b"]

[attr="class","lance i"]it doesn't bother him as much as it maybe should: the fact that they both have secrets they're unwilling to share with each other. they might someday, but for now, he's more than content with what they have.

"i know you can't," he repeats, affirms, and shrugs a shoulder. "but you have an entire weak to learn now. you didn't think i'd be doing all the cooking, did you?"

he's smirking as he splashes water at her, playful. "i mean i will, but i'll also teach you." he pauses for a moment, pondering on something before asking:

"you think we can sneak off this island and come back later?"

Katherine Fairburne
mission!

[attr="class","lance"]

[attr="class","lance b"]

[attr="class","lance i"]steal his thunder! that's cute. he chuckles, accepting defeat if only to let her have this one. he actually really likes cooking for her. cooking for two has always been easier for him, anyways. he smiles at the thought and at the memory of the breakfast they shared.

"lilycove eventually, but there's something i want to show you before that." he peers back at their stuff on the beach. "do you have a pokemon that can fly?" and large enough to carry both of them.

eventually, they make their departure from the deserted island to venture to what appears to be... another deserted island, but one much more beautiful.

they are immediately met with the sight of a large waterfall that cascades off a side of a cliff right into the ocean. the way the sunlight glistens off it almost makes it sparkle with beauty. there's a small patch of earth near it for them to land on, giving them a perfect view.

"i saw it on the way to the other island." he turns, smiling. "i thought of you then. about how nice it would be to share the moment with you."

Katherine Fairburne
mission!

[attr="class","lance"]

[attr="class","lance b"]

[attr="class","lance i"]it really is beautiful. he had been hesitant to give hoenn the credit it deserves, perhaps out of fears he'd rather not face right now, or ever, but hoenn has its merits. it has its beauties and intricacies that lie beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered. he feels thankful that some of them have instead found him.

her words have him tilting his head towards her, drawn in by how her voice almost breaks. but before he has a chance to respond, she's pulling him into a kiss that holds for so long. he relishes every moment of it, returning the kiss in full. he pulls away eventually if only to whisper:

"of course." he doesn't forget, but decides not to bring it up. "we can stay for as long as you'd like."

Katherine Fairburne
mission!

[attr="class","lance"]

[attr="class","lance b"]

[attr="class","lance i"]"i wanted to surprise you," he confesses, slipping his hand into hers to be led away. she takes him towards the edge of the cliff, and much like her, there's no hesitation in how he sits down on the edge, falling into place right next to her.

"it can be our little secret."

ours — it's funny how a simple word can hold so much weight. the thought is a little scary if he's being honest: the idea of sharing parts of himself he never thought he'd ever be able to share again. scary, yet exciting.

"i'll be able to spend more time in slateport soon," he starts, shifting his gaze out to the waterfall. "i have a couple of assignments in the area which will keep me busy for a while."

Katherine Fairburne
mission!

[attr="class","lance"]

[attr="class","lance b"]

[attr="class","lance i"]"i have to be careful, kat. i can't be feeding your ego too much." his words are said in jest and the chuckle that follows supports it.

his legs sway slightly as a breeze flows past them, cool in temperature. below, waves crash into the side of the cliff, and the sound is almost mesmerizing.

"other things?" he asks, feigning innocence. he turns to look at her with a grin that's so telling. "and what might those things be, katherine?"

Katherine Fairburne
mission!

[attr="class","lance"]

[attr="class","lance b"]

[attr="class","lance i"]"not even a hint?" he feigns a small pout, tilting his head ever so slightly.

the two of them appear to be on the same wavelength, and the thought of it warms him. it feels nice to both understand and be understood. in fact, they almost make it look effortless.

"surf and turf," he responds. "we'll cook at my place in lilycove. if we leave soon, the patio has a great view of the sunset over the beach. i think you'd like it." he is quick to correct himself. "actually, i'm sure you will."

Katherine Fairburne
mission!

[attr="class","lance"]

[attr="class","lance b"]

[attr="class","lance i"]"i don't think that's possible."

lance laughs at the mention of his place being messy, deciding not to respond to it if only to let her be surprised later. he pushes back off the edge of the cliff before standing, just in time to see the running garchomp that could have very easily taken them both off the cliff if it hadn't stopped in time.

and with that, the two of them are off to lilycove.

it takes them a while but he appreciates the journey because it's still time spent with her. he directs garchomp to land on the beach, conveniently not too far away from his house. he waits for her before reaching for her hand.

"come on. it's not that far."

they eventually come across a small flight of stairs that lead up to his patio that is directly connected to the beach. outside are chairs, tables, and a grill, but he ignores them for now as he opens the door for her.

he lives in a single-story house on the beach. its design is modern and clean, definitely cleaner than her apartment. glass windows surround them, providing a clear view of their surroundings.

"this is what a clean home looks like, in case you were wondering."

Katherine Fairburne
mission!