"two jobs, and yeah, it's rough. can't lie."[break][break]

but it's not all that bad. it keeps him busy, makes him feel like he's actually doing something productive and worthwhile with his time rather than being home and doing nothing. it's a rather toxic mentality to have, he realizes as much, but he just can't snap out of it.[break][break]

just because of how quiet it is around them, he does hear her, and it's what prompts him to tilt his head back over at her.[break][break]

"how are you really, penny? like, i know i ask that a lot but i just want you to know i'm here for you, you know? i probably can't help but i can listen."

[attr="class","ooc"]PENELOPE LIVY[break]

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

a secret. of course it is.[break][break]

still, he's looking forward to it.[break][break]

"you could get me one, you know. i'm usually a size medium or large, depending on the brand."[break][break]

as the pan heats up, he drops the steaks in, not minding the small splashes of oil that might come his way.[break][break]

"you can get yourself one, too, so we can match!"

[attr="class","ooc"]Abigail Mikhaylov[break]

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

"well, to be fair, it's not like it could run very far with the doors closed and all."[break][break]

but he understands her sentiments. james is just really bad at accepting compliments.[break][break]

"okie dokie. stand back a bit."[break][break]

a push of a button starts the x-ray machine, and after an undisclosed amount of time, james is off to the computer to run the tests.[break][break]

"this shouldn't take too long."

[attr="class","ooc"]Melody Miro[break]

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

"hell yeah. i love charja-cola."[break][break]

not that he drinks it often just because of all the sugar in it, but when he does, gods does he love it.[break][break]

"yeah, they kinda are. not me, though. i'm just an intern."[break][break]

but that may change eventually. hopefully. no, it will, he tells himself.[break][break]

"would you jump ships? given the chance?"

[attr="class","ooc"]Quinn Riley[break]

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

she probably could if she were to ask because there's little chance of him asking any time soon. he may be smart and confident but he is definitely shy when it comes to this.[break][break]

it's pretty much uncharted territories.[break][break]

"that sounds nice. what dessert are you gonna make?"

[attr="class","ooc"]Abigail Mikhaylov[break]

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

"something with caffeine would be great! i'm sure you brought some seeing how you hauled so much stuff. need a hand with that, by the way?"[break][break]

there is nothing condescending nor judgmental behind james' words. he's merely speaking in jest as he sees quinn as a colleague and a friend despite having only met one time. it doesn't take much for james to get along with people, honestly.[break][break]

"i appreciate you coming out here, by the way. was it the title of my email that caught your attention?"[break][break]

LEDYBA TINDER was the title, if he recalls correctly.[break][break]

up ahead, his manectric leads the way.

[attr="class","ooc"]Quinn Riley[break]

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

"well, i'd suggest checking anyways. i'd hate for it to be in constant pain and the only reason we missed it is because we didn't bother to check."[break][break]

that's where james falls on the matter. in his pursuit of science and discovery, making sure pokemon stay safe and sound is also a huge priority for him.[break][break]

"just for your peace of mind, of course. and mine."

[attr="class","ooc"]Melody Miro[break]

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

not expecting it, james almost flinches at the hug but once he realizes, he quickly leans into it, appreciating the gesture as his cheeks flush.[break][break]

"uh, of course! don't mention it, abi."[break][break]

he tilts his head back though he isn't quite able to see her. still, he smiles.[break][break]

"i'm more than happy to cook for you."

[attr="class","ooc"]Abigail Mikhaylov[break]

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

"that's fair."[break][break]

some would say it's almost expected.[break][break]

"it must be hard after losing his arm. i mean, i can't imagine what he and the others went through."[break][break]

but as they near the docks, james knows better than to speak of such topics. so, with a smile, he points out at the large ferry that awaits them.[break][break]

"could be boring and go on that or we can rent our own boat. thoughts?"

[attr="class","ooc"]iseult babineaux[break]

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

while she busies herself with slicing up the veggies, james focuses on dunking the potatoes into the water before covering the pot, letting it cook for a few minutes.[break][break]

peering over at her work, he takes a moment to hum in thought, considering.[break][break]

"not bad! not bad. but could be better."[break][break]

he chuckles in jest.[break][break]

"just kidding. you're like a pro. way better than me."[break][break]

he grabs a pan and sets it on the stove, letting it heat up. now it's time for the steaks.

[attr="class","ooc"]Abigail Mikhaylov[break]

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

"that sounds so cute! i'm glad the ranch's been treating you well."[break][break]

he really is genuinely happy for her and it shows in the way he beams with a smile.[break][break]

with her help, he finds a pot, fills it up with water, and places it down on the stove to start boiling. he takes a fork and pokes holes in the potatoes, ready to boil them as well.[break][break]

then, he turns to look at her as he holds some greens in his hands.[break][break]

"wanna help me cut up these vegetables?"

[attr="class","ooc"]Abigail Mikhaylov[break]

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

as he's setting up the x-ray machine, james looks over his shoulder as melody asks her question.[break][break]

"mmm, almost all living things respond to pain. i'm sure if your relicanth was in pain, he'd let you know. he'd likely flop around or not eat."[break][break]

and considering its size, not eating is definitely an issue.[break][break]

"but i can check for sure after this, if you want? check its pulse and reactions and whatnot."

[attr="class","ooc"]Melody Miro[break]

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

"oh! cool. is your boss here, then?"[break][break]

which in itself isn't too strange. sootopolis has history and it's difficult to just uproot and move away even if a criminal organization has overtaken the city.[break][break]

but then again, it's not like things are very different. it's just insanely more difficult to get in.[break][break]

nodding, james reaches up for the pan.[break][break]

"and i guess you work here, right? what do you do?"

[attr="class","ooc"]jayden cross[break]

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