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Thea finds herself watching him discreetly, glancing away if ever his gaze settled on her. She's smiling, though, generally at ease and thrilled that he's so visibly excited to be here. [break][break]

It had been some time since she had been to a fair for herself, and not for her students. She was typically attending as a supervisor
for school trips, in charge of a small group of students. Their activities for the day were predetermined for the children's enjoyment, not for her own.[break][break]

So it was refreshing and downright exciting to stop at the food stalls first, likely bypass all of the tedious minigames, and enjoy the night as an adult. The lights were awfully pretty, and there was sure to be fireworks.[break][break]

"Anything, huh? Hmm.."[break][break]

She pauses to look around, but is acutely aware of how focused his attention is. Thea follows his gaze to a nearby cake stall. The smell of sugar and fresh-baked sweets is subtle but tempting. It smells like chocolate and strawberries and... what was that last smell?[break][break]

"I promised you something sweet... so why not try the cakes first? We're adults, we can make educated decisions like cake for dinner."[break][break]

The woman chuckles, taking a step away from his side to approach the cake stand. Upon arriving, she peruses the choices but ultimately doesn't know what to pick, given the overwhelmed crease in her brow.[break][break]

"Hmmm..."

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Her mouth feels dry and it makes her feel like such a giddy teenager. All it had taken was for him to smile and happily agree with her request and she had felt a spark of uncomfortable and hibernating butterflies to weakly come to the surface, as if they had forgotten how to fly.[break][break]

She quells them quickly, wiping away the brief flash of warmth in her cheeks in favor of a polite and even smile. Even still, the ever rigid and perfect Thea Rhodes had crumbled, given light to a less composed, less stoic and cold personality. [break][break]

"Wonderful," is the breathless response she delivers in return. And then she moves aside to gather her purse and gravitate back to his side. [break][break]

But what had originally been plans for a simple cafe 'date' of sorts had quickly turned into the spontaneous decision to visit the ren-faire. It was passing through Slateport park, and it seemed to be the last day for the week. It was moving onto a different part of Hoenn in the morning, and it seemed like fate.[break][break]

So she had quickly redirected them to the fair instead of a quiet cafe. It was out of character for even her - but she was positively brimming with a long-buried, youthful spirit.[break][break]

"I promised you something sweet, so we can start at the food stalls if you'd like?"

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It causes the Delphox great strain and as soon as Lance's feet gather under him and he is able to get to his feet, the Delphox pants, releasing her hold and crumbling in composure for just a moment. She's exhausted.[break][break]

So while Lance sprints back, Delphox takes her time, dizziness slowing her return. But ultimately, everyone is safe and reunited.[break][break]

Thea's face relaxes from creased worry to immense relief as Lance's face comes back into view. She exhales, shaking her head with disbelief.[break][break]

"You're insane."[break][break]

He returns the Nincada and the owner is even more relieved, perhaps even sobbing. It's heartwarming as much as it is heartbreaking. In the background, rangers continue to brave the flames, but they're making progress.[break][break]

However, Thea's concern is renewed when Lance asks for help. A medic comes to his aid and he speaks over the persons shoulder to thank her. She sighs, shaking her head.[break][break]

"I'm just glad you're safe."

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"Ah.. there you are."[break][break]

She chuckles, slowing her eager pursuit as she spies one of the other Dreepy that had separated earlier. There had been three, and, while the third appears to be missing, Thea is willing to pause her search to gather this one in the meantime.[break][break]

It responds as she expects it to, performing a convincing ASTONISH in order to propel its quick getaway. Unfortunately, it only slows Thea for a moment, as the attack goes right through her Mimikyu's DISGUISE, and the following SHADOW CLAW hooks the Dreepy before it can escape.[break][break]

Thea wastes no time capturing the tiny Pokemon before pursuing the last one.[break][break]

capture attempt on DREEPY

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The final visiter Thea stumbles across is a young Magmar. By her observation it seems recently evolved and full of energy and rowdy vigor. She ultimately gives the Pokemon what it seeks, a heated battle.[break][break]

It utilizes controlling-tyle moves, wrapping her Drifblim in FIRE SPIN and stunning it with CONFUSE RAY. She ultimately is forced to switch Pokemon half-way through, the Magmar's energy and resilience outmatching her Drifblim. [break][break]

Mimikyu's DISGUISE proves unsettling for the wild Pokemon and she takes advantage of it, bringing the Pokemon to its knees. She captures the Pokemon - fairly certain she had seen a request from the head scientist illeana reyes directed to the academy looking for a Magmar or something of its evolution line.[break][break]

And Thea enjoyed lending a hand and learning more about Pokemon herself, so it didn't bother her in the slightest to offer her assistance this time.[break][break]

capture attempt on MAGMAR

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Everything happens so quickly that Thea feels like she's been pulled through the wringer. She's hyper-aware, working hard to keep an eye on her easily distracted students, pay attention to the fact that the 'assistant' had just vanished, and catch the scientist character... catch the Slowbro?[break][break]

"Wh---"[break][break]

The children coo in awe and Thea lunges forward to catch a child wandering too close to the pool. She sweeps him behind her leg and squeezes his hand, a subtle reminder to mind his manners. But then the Slowbro is caught and the scientist is coming up with an on-the-spot excuse for catching a wild Pokemon.[break][break]

Part of her is bewildered by the entire ordeal, especially when the man's assistant reappears so suddenly talking about Zubat. The woman blinks in surprise but ultimately dips her head in understanding - even if she doesn't - because what is she supposed to do, exactly?[break][break]

"Yes.. yes, thank you for your time, Professor. It was a pleasure listening to your explanation and observations. The children are thrilled."[break][break]

She is ever polite, though, even as she regards the assistant with cold scrutiny. There's something slightly suspicious about the two of them. It's not obvious and not something she can even resolve or understand. There's nothing inherently wrong, after all. Professors study Pokemon all the time - several work hard at understanding evolution. But even still... she would think about this for a while, surely.[break][break]

Especially the way that blonde young man laughed.[break][break]

Regardless, Thea ushers the children back through the entrance and offers the two young men a polite wave as they begin to head back. She would likely pause at the entrance to educate the children further.

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"Yes. Hoenn is beautiful, I like to take my time appreciating it."[break][break]

The woman's gaze follows his as a Ponyta observes them from a distance. It spooks, however, as a Salandit appears near its feet. With a kick and a squeal, the Ponyta disappears.[break][break]

"Are you? Sightseeing?"

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The smile she returns is warm as she folds her hands into her lap. But there's a slight tick to the way her thumb taps at the back of her hand. Something is on her mind. It only pauses when Kosuke speaks, offering her a compliment. To her surprise, it finds a warm spot in her chest that makes her respond with slight surprise. Flattery, and she shrank under the weight of it.[break][break]

"Lucky might be too generous a word, Kosuke. I'm no different than any other qualified teacher at the academy."[break][break]

But now she feels spurred to follow through with the intent nagging at her fingertips. Her thumb smoothes over the thin bones of her knuckles.[break][break]

"I-- Kosuke.. would it be too forward of me to surprise you a second time?"[break][break]

She finds herself losing her edge, aware of how uncharacteristic of her this was.[break][break]

"I was hoping to treat you to coffee and something sweet, since you were kind enough to offer me your time as it is."[break][break]

But if you're busy... I'll understand. [break][break]

The last sentence remains unspoken because she's aware she's already rambled enough. Thea holds his gaze, however, despite how daunting an ask she's convinced she's making.

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