Work Text:
It's the earliest hours of the morning when Allister breathes a sigh of relief, just now finished with the last vase of roses, purple and black. He can only hope his customers will pick up on the theme he was trying to achieve...
Ah, right. Customers. This time of year was always particularly busy, wasn't it? Upon that thought, he groans. He really wants to close up shop this year — save for one person — but that wouldn't be very good for sales, would it?
'Worried?'
A small voice, from upon the counter. A scribbled-on face stares up at Allister, his eyes trained on the beady eyes instead.
'Why don'tcha just go early? 'M sure he won't mind if the treat's sweet enough.'
Allister's frowning a little from behind his mask. Was that Mimi's attempt at wordplay?
"He'll shoot me down before I get the chance. No one likes waking up at 5:00 AM..."
'And yet, here you are, right?'
"I never said I liked it."
Ignoring the unamused stare, he gives in. It's really his best chance, isn't it? Walking over to his Rotom Phone, on the other side of the counter, he taps it awake. There's a small buzz under his finger, before the screen lights up.
Well, here goes! Perhaps the worst decision he's made in his whole life, he's already betting. Dialing up the number, and...
Ring .
Ring .
He fidgets with his sleeve, leaning against the counter. Come on...
Ring . . .
"...Might I ask what it is you want from me at 5:00 in the morning?"
A groggy voice comes in through the phone. Bingo! He feels pretty bad, but this is his best option, right?
"I guess I woke you, huh? Sorry..."
There's a beat of silence, as he hwars something shift on the other end. Taking a deep breath — c'mon.
"...Whatever. It's whatever. What did you want, anyway?"
So grumpy..! He giggles, yelping just as quickly. Oops.
"I — Ah — Sorry, I—"
Though the other can't see it, Allister shakes his head. He's glad he's being so patient, despite being so rudely woken up.
"Could you... visit the shop? I woulda called later, but it's gonna be busy today, so..."
How eloquent, Allister. The many eyes he feels on him really aren't helping his nerves.
"...Might as well, if I'm going to be awake. Do give me a moment. I haven't exactly prepared."
That's a yes—! Internally laughing at the blatant sarcasm, he nods — wait, he can't see him—
"Ah — alright..! Eh.. he. I– I'll meet you here? At the shop?"
"Meet you there."
...And then the call was hung up. Leaning forward on the counter as he whines, burying his face in his arms. He was doing — well, he wouldn't say good, but — it was going at least somewhat okay, by his standards! Before he fumbled at the end, and completely messed it up.
He can feel his Pokémons' presence as they surround him, encouraging him, one even patting him on the back. He can't say he's paying any attention, however. For now, Allister just have to wait nervously until his guest arrives. Great.
°○• ☆ •○°
Allister's anxious leg swinging is abruptly interrupted by a knock on the door. That would be him — who else?
Peering through the glass door, the tell-tale pink and blue swirls confirms it all. Don't have to tell him twice — he's rushing right over to open the door!
Stepping in, Bede brushes his hair back, and — haha, wow. Yep. Completely platonic Valentine's Day gifting. He's doing this as a show of appreciation for a friend. How wonderful.
...The invisible stares he's receiving aren't helping him any. Nuisances.
"Uh— hello! Sorry for... y'know..." Allister gestures vaguely — he's sure he doesn't have to explain it all.
"I already said, I don't care — I don't... mind."
Despite the admittedly harsh wording, Allister understands what Bede's trying to say. He's been working hard on improving his speech! How admirable...
"Um— right... aha..." Nervous laughter as he steps forward, and then behind the counter. Reaching onto a shelf that he can barely reach, he plucks the bag off, now turning back around. Ah — looks like Bede has taken the liberty of walking up to the counter himself.
Allister slides the bag forward, eyes not meeting the other's. How to say this..?
"...For you." Obviously. "Th... thanks. For being my fr– friend." Twiddling his fingers, his heartbeat is only getting faster and faster — jeez, how do people do this?
For a moment, Bede's silent. Oh dear, did he mess up—? Was this a weird thing to do? He can't gage the reaction, considering his head is still facing the counter-top...
"...Thanks." At the word, Allister's head slowly starts to lift. Don't get too hasty, now. "It's, err... nice of you. Really."
Raising his eyes, and — oh. Oh, he's never quite seen Bede so... shy-looking. Blue eyes trained on the chocolates in he held in his hand, ever-so gentle. Ignore the quickening heartbeat, ignore it—
"It's... nothin', really. 'M glad you like 'em..."
It seems there's a million thoughts going through Bede's head — not that Allister's the one to decide such a thing, of course. Even so, he can't help but be curious...
"...Of course." A smile, and — wait, a smile? Bede was capable of that? Bede could smile? "I really ought to go, so that old hag doesn't get upset, but... Again. Thanks."
Allister rushedly nods, exchanging a few more words, before waving Bede goodbye when he leaves.
It was the longest hour he's ever had, but... It was the nicest one, too. A smile on his face from behind his mask, he's simply glad it didn't end in disaster.
What a nice way to start the day.