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"Another shift almost over," Cyllene thought as she wiped the sweat off her brow.
It has certainly been busy for the Galaxy Expedition Team now that they are in somewhat of an alliance with both the Diamond Clan and Pearl Clan. All thanks to you, the new traveler that fell through the space-time rift. She gave one last look over at the Pokedex information for Zoroark before straightening out the papers and placing them in a filing bin. Another courtesy from your recent survey corps trip to the Alabaster Icelands.
Cyllene couldn't help her mind but wander to you since your arrival. A distraction from her work, the captain scolds herself. But she couldn't help herself. Such a fair face and a delicate stature. But beneath that is a determined spirit and drive to please. A kind soul on the surface but stubborn if provoked. Wait, why did she call you delicate? Cyllene sighs in frustration.
It becomes more and more difficult to focus on the mountain of paperwork on her desk that needs to be completed. However, the perfectionist within her screams quality over quantity. Some sleep after a nice soak in her ofuro sounds alluring. It would clear her mind and relieve all the tension she can feel in her muscles. But then again, hours were wasted that could have been utilized on finishing her documentation. Cyllene rubs her temples and groans.
A chattering sound from her Abra in the corner of the office grabs Cyllene's attention. It scrunches its nose and lets out a noise of disapproval.
"You're right. I should go home," the captain said while affectionately stroking her partner's ears. "Will you meet me there? I'll need a few minutes to pack up."
Abra let out a cry of joy before teleporting away. Cyllene couldn't help but laugh to herself seeing her partner's overabundant enthusiasm. She straightened out the paperwork on her desk one more time and stored away her fountain pen. Once she was finished, she extinguished the paper lanterns in her office and shut the door, locking it behind her. Not that it would make a difference since she is always the first to come to work and the last to leave. As Cyllene stepped out of the main Galaxy Team headquarters and was locking the front door, she did not notice someone approaching behind her.
"Hi Cyllene!" you shout.
The usually stoic captain let out a yelp of surprise and dropped her keys. As she turned around, her face turned a blushing red as she was confronted by the one that has captivated her imagination for the past few weeks. Cyllene quickly recomposed herself, taking her usual stance with her arms crossed behind her back.
"Yes pleasant evening, young recruit. Did you need me to rate your Pokedex? I'm afraid I am heading home for the day."
"Actually, I was about to have dinner over at The Wallflower and was wondering if you wanted to come?"
"You want… To have dinner… With me?" Internally Cyllene was in a panic which she attempted to not break her facade. She has never been asked to dinner by anyone, rarely even going out herself. Most of the time, even during her surveying days, she was content with some roasted berries and mushrooms.
"Of course! It would be a shame to miss out on celebrating a successful expedition!"
She certainly is persistent , Cyllene thought.
"I don't know. I'm feeling… under the weather." Real smooth.
"You do look a bit flushed. But that isn't anything Beni's potato mochi can't fix! Professor Laventon swears that eating thirty of them cured his flu last month."
"Of course, he would…" Cyllene spoke slightly annoyed at herself and the mention of the professor.
"Please Cyllene… usually I eat with Professor Laventon and Rei after explorations. And they are nice but… I would appreciate some more feminine company."
Your demeanor became timider as you looked down at your feet. Cute.
Panic switched more to flattery as Cyllene realized out of anyone else in the village you could have picked, such as Arezu or Zisu, it was her. That is if she was reading the situation correctly.
"Well then. How could I decline such a generous offer?" Cyllene spoke in a low tone.
"Great, let's go!" you shouted as you looped your arm through Cyllene's and began to drag her towards the restaurant. Not noticing a stammering, shocked captain.
You and Cyllene met with Rei and Professor Laventon at the table and exchanged formalities. Beni quickly brought out the food soon after, anticipating the group's usual orders along with a potato mochi for Cyllene.
"Go on, try one!" you poked her shoulder. Awfully touchy.
Cyllene carefully picked up a mochi with a pair of chopsticks and closely inspected it as if it was a sample from the field. She then slowly parted her lips and put the cake in her mouth. The captain chewed slowly as she cataloged each layer of flavor that her taste buds detected. Sweet… Salty… A bit of umami.
Oh… my…
Cyllene quickly began shoving one potato mochi after another into her mouth. She could not clear the plate fast enough. This was the best home cooking she has had in years. Each bite led to a satisfied moan. Professor Laventon and Rei both laughed across the table.
"Ha! I have never seen the captain eat like a Munchlax before!" Rei called out.
Cyllene immediately stopped and bowed her head in shame for acting out so uncharacteristically. I'm such an idiot. Why did I bother coming just to make myself look like a fool...
"Hey!" Cyllene glanced at you next to her. "How rude of you to be disrespectful to one of your colleagues. Let alone your superior. You two need to brush up on the Five Principles," you shouted defensively.
Rei and Professor Laventon immediately fell silent and instead focused on finishing their meal. Cyllene couldn't help but stare after the brave display. Why would anyone stand up for me? You held onto Cyllene's arm tenderly and smiled.
"It's okay. You have as many mochis as you want," you spoke softly, stroking the captain's arm.
Cyllene had butterflies in her stomach from the contact. An unusual sense of shyness overcame her. She wouldn't consider herself prideful but being treated with such fragility was unusual for her. How the tables have turned.
The group ended up finishing dinner, but you and Cyllene ended up staying up late chatting. Discussing interests did calm the captain after the events earlier.
"I didn't know you used to be a swordsman!" you squealed with eyes sparkling
"Hmph. Onna-Bugeisha, yes. I still practice occasionally. I can certainly show you sometime." Cyllene spoke with a rare sly smirk. I would like to spend more time with her.
Eventually, the two of you departed from the Wallflower and made ways to the Galaxy Team quarters. You both stopped in front of your respective doors.
"Hey, I have a question."
"What is it?" Cyllene mused.
"Did you choose my place to be next to yours on purpose?" you asked inquisitively.
"No," Cyllene said plainly. Lies .
"Alright… Well, I did enjoy spending time with you today. And I… You know what? Forget it."
You suddenly step forward and give a quick kiss on Cyllene's lips. Before Cyllene could register what was happening you pulled away.
"Same time tomorrow?"
"Uh. Yes. Very much so," the captain spoke dumbfounded. Her face froze in shock. Her facade was broken.
You gave one final teasing wave before entering your quarters.
Cyllene immediately entered her own living space quickly slamming the door behind her and leaning against it. Abra did not notice as it has since fallen asleep while waiting for its partner to return. Cyllene's entire body was flushed, a contrast to her typical blue hair and attire. Her heart raced rapidly in her chest and her lips managed to still tingle where yours connected seconds before. You in one day have somehow managed to break down all of her defenses and discipline that she had built up for years. And yet it felt good. A myriad of emotions that she has never experienced. But one stands out the most. Love.
Be still, heart. Tomorrow is another day.