ditto, still TRANSFORMED as delphox, looks over its shoulder and nods; its pout only growing longer.[break][break]

"of course i would," he huffs, clapping his hands together. "let's do it!"[break][break]

a smile grows, excited as the prospect of training together.[break][break]

"nice. let's get to work so we can get the hell outta here."[break][break]

pTtZrKLv

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

the basket feels tiny in his hand, but adorable, all things considered. it's with a smile that he watches her pick out what they need, appreciating just how efficient she seems to be.[break][break]

"hm?"[break][break]

oh. it's too high. his lips curl into a grin as he takes a step closer to her.[break][break]

"of course."[break][break]

with ease, he reaches up for the stock, then leans in to kiss her cheek before dropping it into the basket.

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

the poor baby? yes! ditto even pouts, its long snout twitching.[break][break]

"don't believe it. it likes being called that."[break][break]

with the right side of the path illuminated by both their torches, it allows him a glimpse into what awaits them: a wall made of ice, crystal clear and pristine.[break][break]

"yeah? do want my help with it?"

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

"'fuck you', probably. i imagine pink shit's got the mouth of a sailor."[break][break]

one more sip and he's done with this drink. he sits it back down, taking a moment to breathe and compose himself after.[break][break]

"this shit's strong."[break][break]

he chuckles.[break][break]

"recommend another drink for me."

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

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

is this a date?[break][break]

niko's never been one to put labels on things, but this might be the first time he's seriously considered. still, he makes no comment on it as they walk down the many aisles of the store.[break][break]

"uhh, how much do you need?"[break][break]

he reaches out for the little basket, offering to carry it for her instead.[break][break]

"i got, like, one or two we could use."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

"lead the way, finn."[break][break]

to be safe, niko cracks a pokeball open, calling out his ditto.[break][break]

"you too, pink shit."[break][break]

the ditto is aptly named because the first shape it takes is similar to poop. it slowly morphs, shifting to TRANSFORM into a delphox with a torch of its own as well.

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

"we can go together."[break][break]

grocery shopping together. such a mundane thing to do that it almost feels unnatural for him. undeserved. but he favors the warmth it brings, choosing to focus on it as opposed to anything else.[break][break]

up ahead, finally, the path splits into two, branching off both left and right.[break][break]

"which way?"

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

her bed is definitely too small for him seeing how he's mere inches away from falling, but he finds that he doesn't quite mind it. it just forces him to be that much closer to her, to hold her against him as she slowly succumbs to sleep.

"i'll be here."[break][break]

a promise in more ways than one, perhaps.[break][break]

"you can wake me up if i snore."[break][break]

when he snores.[break][break]

he presses a kiss to her forehead, then quickly falls asleep himself.

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

as playful as it is, niko is surprisingly insightful enough to understand how his comment may be interpreted. the thought lingers as he nods, stepping into the dressing room with her.[break][break]

"you know, luka..."[break][break]

he extends the dress over, helping remove it from the hanger.[break][break]

"i'm really glad you came with me today. i like your company."

[attr="class","ooc"]luka chêne[break]

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

"shit. it'd be pretty scary if any pokemon could talk. just imagine what they'd say."[break][break]

the thought sends chills down his spine. he shakes it off, shuddering before taking another sip.[break][break]

"imagine what your togepi would say..."

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

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

"great. my place or yours?"[break][break]

on the one hand, his place's bigger, more spacious, but it definitely lacks any cooking materials they'd need. he could always buy some, of course, but that'd be a trip in itself.[break][break]

"it'll be a date. kinda. maybe?"

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

as much as he'd like to admit otherwise, his eyelids feel heavy when he blinks, and there's no denying the exhaustion he feels.[break][break]

"a little, yeah."[break][break]

one kiss later and he's pulling away with a sigh.[break][break]

"i'm sure we can continue this later. you should get some rest, jessie."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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