Chapter Text
"I met the professor working as a tutor in Naranja Academy." He told her, dead inside, in a monotone voice.
"Professor Maple?" Geeta adjusted her gloves.
There was an ongoing match in the Academy Ace tournament. Typically, she doesn't observe these things, not unless she's the one battling, but today she felt like observing Poppy in her endeavors. After all, as the chairwoman of the League, she does need to keep a close eye on her. Alas, this also let her finally catch up with other members of the League. Specifically, Larry.
"I remember her resume. Met her briefly. She made a good impression on Director Clavell."
"She's–" Larry scratches the lapel of his suit, "–Nice."
Something seems to click for Geeta. Larry is nervous. Just showing a sign of nervousness is rare for him. And him scratching his lapel was no way just an itch this time. "Just nice? She's quite intelligent too, isn't she?"
"Studies Pokémon psychology," His gaze is towards the ground, "But tutors every subject in the building. She's very knowledgeable."
"You sound impressed."
"I am."
Geeta smiles. There's more to this. She knows they met weeks ago. Larry has asked for his schedule to be blocked off for the same times on Fridays because he's spending his time somewhere else. Somewhere else, somewhere she expected Larry to be with someone else. "How long have you both been talking?"
A pause from him. "A while."
"You've made time for her?" He doesn't answer. So she tries a different question. "You enjoy her company?"
He confesses, quietly, adjusting his tie, "I do."
"Forgive me for being blunt, however," She tilts her head, her eyes gazing back at the battle. Poppy's Bronzong is holding up. Even her opponent seems stressed. "What's stopping you?"
"Stopping me from what?"
"I'm not exactly oblivious, Larry. You like her enough to change your schedule for her. What's stopping you from asking her out properly?"
"It's not possible."
Geeta frowns. "What do you mean it's not possible?"
"She's too young for me. It's not appropriate."
"You act as if it's a crime like someone who happens to be, what, ten years younger than you?"
"Twelve years younger."
Still a decent gap, but, "You're both adults."
"It's still inappropriate."
"For you to get with someone who makes you happy?"
"To get with someone people think I would exploit."
"Do you want to exploit her?"
"No, no, never." A quick denial. Larry would never.
"Then why are you worried?"
Silence. That was the main point.
Oh, Geeta knows, she knows it'd be a feast for the media. But honestly, she doesn't care, she genuinely shouldn't. After all, this is the first time in years Larry seems relatively happy, and if that woman is the reason why, then damn her for wanting to support whatever relationship they have.
"She needs someone her age." Larry persists.
"But what if she's happy with you?"
"She shouldn't settle for me."
Geeta pressed the question again, "But what if she's happy with you?"
"She doesn't feel that way."
"You don't know how she feels until you ask her."
A drawn out sigh. So he's been caught. Perhaps Larry should do something with the only person who's made his world feel a bit better just by being in it. "Understood."
Geeta's arms cross behind her back and she looks in a mild awe. Out of all of the things he could fight her on, despite putting so much on him for work, it is his love life. And now he's being compliant now that he's out of points? That's it for this conversation?
Her smile returns. That reasoning should be more than enough for Larry to confess. He's already done so much just to spend time with her; They're both adults enjoying each other's time, what's stopping him now?