[attr="class","lance"]by the end of it, all he can do is let out a chuckle of disbelief at how well she handled them. he breaks into a smile as he looks at her.

"damn."

then it's his turn, and with ease he scoops the youngest boy up into his arms before turning to the others.

"alright come on. your parents will be home soon and think of how impressed they'll be if you're all ready for bed."

and so off he goes, disappearing to the second floor to tend to the kids.

not long after, he returns, sighing as he descends the stairs.

[attr="class","noodles"]@emi

[attr="class","lance"]"don't think i've seen you smile before."

he chuckles, nodding.

"don't mention it."

too distracted by their interaction, lance doesn't notice the shift in demeanor before it's too late.

jack gets a little too close for comfort, and the flash of the camera is what tips the ghost-types over the edge. one haunter, in particular, emerges from the shadows, materializing only to LICK jack.

the scream that follows is startling.

[attr="class","noodles"]Sol Edelman

[attr="class","lance"]the display is amusing, powerful, and he's left in the wake of salamence's departure as dust and dirt cloud around him.

"salamence are quite proud creatures."

but then again, so are most dragons.

he turns then, nodding as he follows suit, mounting with trained ease despite the flare of discomfort in his leg.

"i'll follow your lead."

[attr="class","noodles"]freya morningstar

[attr="class","lance"]"asking the tough questions; alright."

he chuckles, sipping as he considers his answer.

"i would, yeah. the busy helps me stay sane. not sure what i'd do without it."

not sure if he could live without it, really, but he leaves this unsaid.

"i don't think hoenn will ever not be busy. but that's a good thing for us, isn't it?"

[attr="class","noodles"]@tallulah

[attr="class","lance"]lance could've helped out but it looks like derek has it all handled. his pokemon seem more than capable enough, so he simply watches, observing and taking note.

"that's a strong machamp."

and it becomes clear that derek's no newbie. he should rise through the ranks in no time.

his gaze drifts back to the waterfall, noting the clear absence of the exeggutor.

"depends what you mean by real, i guess. the first thing i ever did as a ranger was help a purrloin out of a tree."

it's not the flashiest thing, but he still appreciates it all the same.

"but sometimes the small things mean just as much."

[attr="class","noodles"]DEREK HOFFMAN

[attr="class","lance"]and not long after, the smile quickly fades, replaced with a sense of urgency that almost sweeps him off his feet.

words catch in his throat as he struggles. he reaches a hand up to hers, pulling to resist.

"k...kat—"

barely audible, he continues to force words out as if his life depends on it.

actually, it does depend on it.

"—it's me..."

blood drips, rolling down the skin of his neck. he glances down then and does his best to gesture at his pockets: his pokemon, his wallet, anything that might save him.

[attr="class","noodles"]Katherine Fairburne

[attr="class","lance"]it's not her coffee, but in hindsight, he probably should've brought something. it's a little too late, however, as the door soon opens.

a pause.

"...kat."

and finally, after too long, a genuine smile forms.

"elite four now, huh?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Katherine Fairburne

[attr="class","lance"]having been in obscurity for the past few months, he's almost afraid to step back out into the spotlight. it's been an experience to catch up on the events of hoenn, on what he's missed since the war, and while he thought he could simply move on — it seems like everyone else has — he finds himself approaching a house in slateport.

it's unfamiliar to him, as the person on the other side of the door may soon be.

taking a breath, he rings the doorbell and waits.

[attr="class","noodles"]Katherine Fairburne

[attr="class","lance"]"none either."

for once, he has the day off, which might just allow him to live out this memory a bit longer.

"would you like to spend it together?"

[attr="class","noodles"]nina larson // [x]

[attr="class","lance"]familiarity breeds comfort, content, and he loses himself in it, enjoying the moment for what it is: a memory, and nothing more.

a few bites and a sip in, he looks back up to ask:

"do you have any plans today?"

[attr="class","noodles"]nina larson // [x]

[attr="class","lance"]it doesn't take him long to finish cooking. he soon approaches the table with two plates of scrambled eggs on toast with a bit of greens on the side, and glasses of orange juice.

"sorry for the wait."

he moves to kiss her once more before sitting down.

[attr="class","noodles"]nina larson // [x]

[attr="class","lance"]muscle memory gained from repetition kicks in and he soon finds himself lost in memories as he continues to tend to their food. it isn't until he feels her presence on him that he's pulled back a little; thankfully, not enough.

"no, my dear. everything's almost ready."

he turns then, shifting in her arms only to plant a kiss on her forehead.

"i'll be with you in a sec."

[attr="class","noodles"]nina larson // [x]