Chapter Text
Really? Now of all times I have to leave? Go back to the academy?
Those were the three questions that ran through Carmine’s mind as she was lying down on her bed, deep in thought, reminiscing about all the memories she’s made recently in her home.
“Does anyone in Paldea have any proper manners, or were you raised to be that much of a sassmouth?”
“Were you raised to be that much of a whiner?”
“Be proud of every, little sassy joke you make, I’m sure you’re real popular at home with ‘em.”
It shouldn’t have happened. None of this should’ve happened. She wasn’t meant to be able to bond with someone who at first thought was nothing more than a mindless tourist intruding on her home, the place that she took extreme pride in being from.
Why? Why him?
To Carmine, all he was was just a mindless tourist, just another boy from the city who couldn’t even comprehend the beauties of Kitakami, or in her own words; an outsider.
And yet…it happened.
Carmine had been able to find a connection in someone who she didn’t think she would find a connection in.
It wasn’t just any type of connection, though.
“I actually, uh... Sheesh, this is awkward to tell you, but I—"
Curse that stupid interruption from her teacher. Curse Arceus for even allowing such a thing to occur.
"This is NOT good-bye, OK? We're definitely gonna see each other again!"
His laugh, his smile, his cheesy and sassy jokes as Carmine put it, all those things led to the gradual build-up of her attraction for the Paldean boy that had entered her hometown a few days ago.
But of course, this was the real world after all, and the world wasn’t kind to everyone.
Carmine had just finished packing her bags, already set and ready to head back to Blueberry Academy.
And yet here she was, alone in her room, lying in her bed, behaving like a typical teenage girl would over their crush, brooding over them.
All Carmine was doing now was going through the recently taken pictures of her Rotom Phone, some that were sent to her by Florian as she had requested.
One featured a picture of her giving the finger to the camera, visibly being annoyed at the person who took it.
Yet at the end, the photo still filled Carmine with joy, giving up her fight to smile slightly at the photo.
However, as Carmine went through the countless photos taken over the last few days, a gloomy thought washed over her.
That’s all those photos would be within time. Just photos. Nothing more, nothing less. Soon they would simply exist within her phone.
And now, Carmine wanted more. More of what those photos in her phone exuded. She didn’t want to wait days, weeks, months, years, or even centuries.
How about one last time?
Carmine: Hi, wanna spend some quality time with your favorite leader :)?
Florian: Nothin’ I’d rather do 🙂
Carmine: Oh my, I knew you wouldn’t turn me down, my second in command. I’m such a glorious leader, aren’t I?
Florian: Keep telling yourself that. I’m sure you need that ego boost since I already crushed it beyond repair 🙂
Carmine: HEY! Take that back if you know what’s good for you right this instant!
Florian: And if I don’t 🙂?
Carmine: I’ll feed you to a pack of Midnight Lycanrocs! I know they grow hungry for sport this time of year!
Florian: Y’know what? I’ll listen. Only because I feel like hanging out with you too :).
Carmine couldn’t help but giggle at Florian’s text, while also feeling content that he was willing to spend time with her too.
Carmine: Ok, see you there soon if you know what’s good for you :).
After jokingly threatening her second in command, Carmine immediately lifted herself off her bed, feeling her spirits grow high as she headed out the door of her room, looking forward to the next few moments that awaited her.