Blues and Purples begin to take the sky as they chat and though the smoke from the volcano hides the stars above he can’t help but feel like he’s being blessed by one in particular. Her next question is complicated and he's resolved to be as honest as he can be knowing that the entirety of the truth was an unacceptable answer and moreover one that could put her in danger. Much like the question the answer too was complicated and moreover filled with sadness. To linger on that right now when they'd been enjoying themselves so thoroughly was a disservice to the mood. That said what it was exactly they did and who they were, were topics that needed to broach. Certainly, she was curious of him as he was of her, Indeed the thought crossed his mind a number of times over the course of the week.

“Working across the region. A surprise I'm sure, but I’m a researcher, and the nature of my research has me traveling far and wide generally.”  He begins thinking best on how to word his career.

“My goal is to house and develop free energy specifically for those displaced by the various calamities in the region. When we spoke in Slateport we spoke about my fears, well my goal is to help all those people who are powerless to change the state of things. Those citizens and bystanders who are set and labeled as unfortunate casualties to wars and calamities they had no choice but to endure." his voice unconsciously gains an air of sobriety continuing on. "I want.... I need to be able to do something for those people, and I’d be willing to do almost anything to help them. I don’t want them to end up like…” He pauses only now realizing how passionate he’d become. “I just want to be able to help people who have nowhere else to turn.” He calms himself that intense focus directed into the night sky would fade slowly. It wasn’t a night for that.

“And so.." The laxness returns to his voice although it's something manufactured now. "I travel and attempt to solve problems that most aren’t interested in solving.” He was as truthful as he could be even if the answer seemed slightly vague in his eyes.

” What about you though, how do you find yourself spending these tumultuous days Stormy.” In truth they knew so little about each other, other than the fact they enjoyed each other's company, or at the very least he enjoyed hers. He wanted to know more about the Mysterious Stormy who’d burned her way into his life like a phoenix, and this seemed as good a time as any to start.

While it wasn't a fossil per-say Miles admittedly had an affinity for Binacle and its eventual evolution Babaracle, however, if he chose to capture and add the water-type to his arsenal the man would be left with three pokemon who shared that typing, in turn making him an easier target for any who wished to take him down, or even any conflict he happened to get into. And it's for this reason he chooses to avoid the cooler pokemon of his trip thus far making sure to give it a wide berth as they were known to be quite territorial. And so his journey through the route would continue for the moment.

"As good a reason as any." That much was true despite his feelings on the league as an organization. Miles listens to the man quietly allowing him to gush about his position and how it came to be more than content to let his acquaintance talk. His cheerfulness was pleasant in spurts and he'd more than earned it. When the fossil comes he pulls a Pokeball only to hear the fossil gym leader cheer about the very odd-looking fossil pokemon. He minimizes his own ball with a good-natured huff and allows the leader to snag the quarry, though he wouldn't let up on the next. His eyes watch a rimbombee pass through unleashing an aromatherapy perhaps as a means to pollinate the wildflowers in the area, regardless the move was soothing and Miles had no reason to combat the fairy-type pokemon. It reminded him of a Milcery's Aroma Veil almost.

"I absolutely loathe to say I told you so, after all, I'm not so petty a man to weigh it over you of course." He notes the gym leader's former disbelief concerning fossil pokemon existing in this area, "However, if I were one named Glitch Maverick I'd be very quick to apologize for any possible misconceptions about what pokemon are found here." He teases lightly waiting to see if Glitch's pokeball was sufficient.

"Oh I have a piece of good news as well." In truth it was this news that kept the man's spirits up for a good portion of the week. "I have something of a... date this weekend." He says it casually hesitating momentarily before revealing the news to his coworker returning the unused pokeball to his pocket.

"Hmm, I suppose it can't be helped." For once he's able to play it cool filling the two wine glasses all the while. He can't help but roll his eyes as the woman spoiled the Anorith if only she knew how he was caught limping for a solid week after the capture, not to say she was wrong. His injury had only been tangentially related to the Anorith. "You keep that up and she'll be going home with you."
Cime feeling a little more confidant after the woman's behavior would scuttle closer rubbing her body up against Stormy's leg. If Miles wasn't so focused on the meal he'd be a little jealous.

She hadn't started waiting for the man to settle in himself a sentiment he found sweet if a little unnecessary, if the situation had been flipped he would have done the same he supposes. He waits for her to have the first bite before taking his own, a modicum of pressure waiting for the woman's reaction. Her response confirms the evening thus far had been a success on all accounts, despite his generally awkward demeanor. In truth, he wasn't much of a cook, but he was a scientist and following formula was oft most of his job.

"Well my compliments to the real chef, the cornucopia of knowledge that is of course the internet." He'd take a bite of the meal he prepared nodding to himself, it wasn't too bad if he said so himself. The next few minutes he's silent allowing the meal to speak for him stealing glances at Stormy whenever he could. Watching someone who was quickly growing in his heart elated about the meal, warmed him almost as much as her touch. As the sun falls lower finally he decides to open the door that was conversation.

"It's nice to have someone to share this with. If I can be completely honest I haven't been back in months. You've given me a reason to come home." His gaze is focused on the almost set sun now, a glass of wine in hand. It was a quizzical statement certainly, but it was true.

"Thank you, Stormy, for deciding to take a chance on me, at least this evening."

The mood returns and for the moment things are as casual as they could be on a first date. She's more than pleased to dine in the outdoors and so he retrieves the already set plates transporting them to a small picnic table beside the back door. There'd be a full view of Miles' team spread out across the sunlit field.

As Miles went back inside to grab the final amenities needed for dinner, leaving the exceptionally good dancer with a "Don't wait up!" various pokemon would open an eye observing the raven-haired newcomer before returning to what it was they were doing prior. The Tyrantrum in particular would lazily open an eye obviously debating something or another internally before closing that very same eye deciding his nap was more important than whatever the two trainers had going on at this point. She'd see an Aerodactyl perched in a tree too small for itself, a Metagross elevating its own vibes in the center of the battlefield, as well as a Carracosta wandering by the steamy spring off to the side. The Kabuto as seen earlier had simply found another wall to cement itself on, but one pokemon had decided to act upon their curiosity approaching the woman in question, an Anorith would scuttle within five or so feet of the woman passively.

Miles returns with a bottle of middle-of-the-road red wine, to enjoy alongside the meal.

"If memory serves heroes generally enjoy a glass of wine, If this one enjoys white over red I have a bottle in the fridge." He hadn't known which she preferred and couldn't bring himself to ask after his series of faux pas over text earlier in the week, and so he'd resolved to pick up two bottles in spite of his bank account's vehement protests. It's when he sits that he notices Cime.

"I hope she hasn't been bothering you, she's a curious one, and believe it or not, she also cost me my ankle when we met so watch out." It's more a joke than anything the bug type simply scuttled a few feet away content to keep her eye on the two trainers, and whatever it was they'd be consuming this evening.

"Is the meal to your liking?" A final question before taking a bite himself.

Now, what possessed her to say such a thing? What ghost had whispered in their ears ever so slightly pushing them deeper into each other? Eyes locked and heartbeats synchronized oven timers be damned. His body seems to move on its own now her approval all it needs to warrant his next action. His head tilts forward and the second ding from the oven sounds, still Miles remains stagnant his body like stone. He notes how warm her touch is almost akin to the fire just behind her irises. The deal is millimeters away from being sealed however a clicking against the screen glass is finally enough to break whatever wall stood between the two and reality. Almost comically the once cemented Kabuto had managed to climb the glass window finding his new resting place in the middle of the screen door sunlight replaced with a beady red-eyed gaze into the home. Miles would have been impressed by the pokemon's sheer ability to disrupt the mood if it hadn't been a mood he'd enjoyed so much.

He doubts the pokemon is cognizant of what he's done but it doesn't matter. Still, he doesn't let the moment go to waste his lips reaching the woman's forehead before finally letting her go. Thankfully the night was still in its infancy and there was more time for an assortment of affairs, the first of which was dinner, which he hopes needed that extra minute in the oven.

It's a bit of an awkward moment, but in an attempt to bring back a bit of normalcy he'd ask a favor of the woman, "Sorry to ask, but could you grab the Ziti from the oven, I have to deal with my voyeuristic friend who lives best on the sea FLOOR." He emphasizes the last word his gaze moving to the kabuto who only moved when the door it rested on opened. The rock type just as quickly scuttled into its trainer's arms as if it were a poochyena wanting to nuzzle. Being outside, however, gave the man an idea, one that he'd bring to his date after allowing the horseshoe pokemon to scuttle off toward the hot springs.

He steps back inside the light tunes coloring his voice, "Would you be opposed to doing dinner outside? Oh and if you have pokemon you care to let out feel free the yard is more than spacious enough."

It's an odd feeling, respect.

As far as records went Sharp was still just a grunt bridging on associate, but word of his work with the underboss Chu-e Choi , his burgeoning friendship with glitch maverick , the associate turned gym leader, and the fact he reported directly to oscar clayton had left impressions among many in the base. Even if the respect garnered was only given proportionally due to the names surrounding him it was respect all the same.

He navigates through the north wing pointedly each turn memorized hallways once foreign and mazelike had become something of second nature to the man. Today he'd get to work with someone he'd admired in the organization he scientific acumen was arguably unparalleled and today he was set to work alongside her a privilege not many scientists knew and one Miles planed to take full advantage of.

He enters her lab cautiously eyes darting around to see what exactly his fellow scientist had been holed up working on, preemptively attempting to figure out his use to the good doctor. That said his focus and guard were in his own eyes warranted, He'd only heard the woman talk in passing admonishing Glitch for bathtime shenanigans. Even in a scenario that outlandish the woman radiated intensity. Still, his voice rings even, his words to the point.

"Miles Sharp, I'm your second today Dr. Flint."

Lulu Flint

Slate eyes, follow an agent through various hallways of the Lilycove department store. The first part of the operation had been a success as Miles currently sat comfortably in the security room behind him an unconscious security guard lay tied up and gagged. His partner for the evening was tasked to grab a certain jewel from the department store in question a freshly cut ruby that'd sell for an untold amount of money in the public and even more in underground markets across the region. The jewel wasn't even for sale in the store and would be auctioned off in the coming days it was simply being displayed in the time until the said auction. Miles had been chosen for the mission because he was good with computers and while he had better things to do in terms of work, he hadn't quite reached a level in the organization where he could shrug off a direct command from the brass. That said, the job had been easy enough this far and the infiltration had proved to be relatively easy.

His job now was to watch for other patrolling guards and guide his partner to safety. It was a job the required trust and precision from both parties involved, and while he lacked the former he had more than enough of the latter, and hey if the job went well perhaps a share of the former could be gained.

"Stop. Make your way to the pretzel stand, and wait for my signal, two guards coming from the easternmost hallway. Do you copy?" He speaks calmly into the comms device placed snug in his ear. Hopefully, they'd be in and out within the hour.

A Diamond in the Rough

Pokemon were mysterious creatures, a fact tested through time, Some were more physiologically standard, Pokemon Like Sharpedo, Charizard, Rapidash. But then there were those that were oddities a little more complex to dissect and understand. One such oddity was Milcery a pokemon Miles knew had appeared due to its scent that permeated areas where it strolled. Its scent was also known to permeate the area for minutes after it was gone, something the researcher had to look forward to seeing as the one that'd appeared before him was most likely on its way out. The pokemon after all had wanted a fight despite its usually passive disposition. And so Miles would call out his Kabuto to strike the enemy down, Had he used any of his stronger pokemon the man feared the cream puff-like being would simply be eaten, and Miles wasn't one for taking life so casually under any circumstance.

Kabuto finishes the pokemon quickly its tiny clause becoming like water and striking the fairy type twice over, liquidation was more than strong enough to knock it out after a time or two allowing Miles and today's partner of choice to continue on their early morning excursion.

Though Miles was frequently found on route 117 it was rare that he found himself any further than that rarely if ever venturing into Rusturf Tunnel. But there was a note of a swarm of pokemon, that while Miles found particularly spooky due to the nature of their being and how eerily reminiscent they were to Kurozuka. Creatures mentioned in old folk tales around Lavaridge particularly to keep children from wandering jagged pass at night. Tales that still made the full-blown researcher uncomfortable when he thought about them for too long. Thankfully it's not too long a stroll until the rocket finds his eyes locked on another set of beady ones. A few liquidations from kabuto hopefully put the pokemon out of commission temporarily at least.

lEBFwYOz

"Then we share another commonality." His wit strikes playfully to the hunk. Watching his wink and turn. He doubts this is the last time he'd see Kazimir Wynter he just hopes the terms of their next meeting wouldn't be quite so chaotic. Tyrantrum spots Miles just as the blond trainer turned to leave and soon Miles too would fade into the burned wildness avoiding the rangers who'd most assuredly be looking for answers. All in all, for the trouble it'd been a decent evening it was rare he felt able to do something unequivocally good, a feeling he wouldn't mind working towards again.

mission complete

"Exquisite..."

He says, eyes not moving from the keystone in hand inspecting the marble noting its pale coloring and searching for imperfections of which he'd fine none. It's amazing how something this small could hold the key or at least a piece of the key to eternal energy. It had the potential to change the human experience as a whole if he was bright enough to put the pieces together.

"It would help tremendously." his focus returns to the underboss "Whenever you plan to train please don't hesitate to reach out." There was an addendum to that, but he'd introduce it later more focused on the conversation at hand.

"Very important note." He scrawls Chu-e's analysis in a particular notebook listening to him discuss the sensation of mega-evolving all the while. "Physical contact must be emulated to undergo mega-evolution." He places the pen to his forehead before looking back at the box-shaped drawing before him.

"I'm confident we can work around that..." he places the pen to his chin for a moment leaning back in his chair all the while. "If I were to isolate the stone and have something inside the box jump-start the activation sequence, an electric impulse or something of the sort? In the metaphor used prior, this would be akin to hotwiring the vehicle. "Using shock to emulate the synaptic impulse..." His scribbles become more furious as do his mumblings, before answering his current benefactor's next question.

"Not only would it be safer my friend, but it would also allow for that specific use you were looking for. If the second stone were to activate and take its energy from the battery pack you'd unlock the secrets of dual-mega evolution, in theory at least."

The compliment is noticed bringing a smile to the forefront of the man's features, "Well I'm not one to disagree, but if they hadn't we wouldn't have been able to meet you Chu-e, and forgive me for saying, but that's worth something in the grand scheme. Wouldn't you say?"
He offers the man his own compliment. He'd decided to take a chance on this grunt researcher, something Miles hoped to pay off one day even if the favor now seemed negligible to the underboss.

He moves from the compliment quickly, not quite letting the moment rest. "Are there any others in the organization that would willing to practice mega-evolution tactics with you, or rather any that you'd be comfortable asking for this project?"

Chu-e Choi