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Isolde's Chatot did its best to soothe him, but its efforts were in vain. Still, when Seamus took the bird into his large hands and removed it from his shoulder, he was careful with it. Though his frown remained, it lessened as he gently pressed the Pokémon into Isolde's arms.[break][break]

Only when she teased him with a grin did his frown finally vanish, replaced instead with a troubled expression. It was rare for Seamus and Isolde to have a private moment alone, just the two of them, without Vivienne. And though his sister had lain unconscious in front of them mere moments ago, her mere presence changed the dynamic between them. It was as if she could still see, hear, speak, and think even though the doctors had declared her unable to sense her surroundings.[break][break]

But in that hallway, Vivienne's assertive energy no longer filled the space between Seamus and Isolde. He could give the white-haired woman his full attention for what felt like the very first time since they'd known each other.[break][break]

"I guess I haven't," he admitted as the corner of his mouth turned up again in a crooked, barely-there smirk. Then he paused, but only for a moment. "Listen, after visiting hours, do you want to get something to eat? The fish market isn't far and it has some good street food."[break][break]

How long had he wanted to ask her out? Was it wrong of him? It wasn't like Vivienne was dead. Isolde likely still loved her and wanted to be with her.[break][break]

No, it was more likely that Isolde would interpret his offer as a kindness and nothing more. She and Seamus had grown up together in a way. They were friends, tied together by their shared adoration of Vivienne.[break][break]

And besides, what kind of brother would he be if he stole his sister's girlfriend, coma or no?[break][break]

Nevermind that Vivienne had been the one to steal Isolde from him all those years ago, after he'd confided his feelings to his sister. But love made people blind, and no one — except Isolde, perhaps — loved Vivienne like Seamus did.

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