Work Text:
“This is the last of the delivery, Mr Jones,” Alice called to her boss as she carried the final crate through to the storage room at the back of the Wedgehurst Berry Grocer.
The familiar earthy scent hit the back of her throat. Baskets of organised berries lined the timber shelf stacks, and wooden boxes stood in a teetering pile by the back door. But Alice's attention was elsewhere as she placed the crate on the workbench and prepared to sort the berries. If I head to the lake straight from work I should be able to watch the Wild Chewtle and –
Crash!
Alice jumped as the stack of wooden boxes tumbled onto the hardwood floor. Wiping her hands down her red apron, she cursed. I don't have time for this if I want to get out on time.
But as she trudged towards the back door and the scattered boxes, a flash of grey fur darted past her to the workbench. Alice whirled, breath held as a Skwovet leapt up next to the crate and began stuffing berries into his cheek pouches.
Arms waving, she raced towards the workbench. “Hey, hey, get out of here you little menace!”
The Wild Skwovet paused, cheeks bulging, an oran berry gripped tightly in his right paw. He's so cute. Alice shook her head. No, he’s a Wild Pokémon. He doesn't belong in here with me.
“Come on Mischief, let's go.“ As she took another step forward, the Skwovet crammed the berry into his mouth and tilted his head to look at her.
It was Alice's turn to pause, the corners of her lips twitching at the Pokémon’s wide eyes and innocent expression. Rubbing her forehead, she turned and opened the back door, pointing. “Out. Now.”
Skwovet’s large bushy tail looped around her ankles on the way past. Alice pushed the door closed with a sigh. How did he even get in?
*
After she had collected the fallen wooden boxes, Alice searched the walls of the storage room for any holes or gaps that the Skwovet may have taken advantage of. There's nothing here. Maybe whoever locked up didn't check the back door? She tucked her hands into the pocket of her apron as she stared around the room. Everything was in order, apart from the delivery crate on the workbench.
Berries sprinkled the surface of the worktop, and the floor beneath. Some, partly crushed, leaked brightly coloured sticky goo. Who'd have thought one Skwovet could make such a mess?
Huffing out a breath, Alice got to work, discarding the dirty and damaged berries in a separate box, and sorting the remaining berries into the right baskets.
*
Just one final check and I'm out of here! Alice brought in the sign from outside the front of the Berry Grocer and locked the shutters, before making her way back to the storage area.
But as she double checked the back door, a rustle above her head caught her attention. Sure enough, the Skwovet was back. Hands on her hips, Alice stared up at the Pokémon. “Why are you back again?”
The Skwovet dropped from the rafter, his soft tail briefly brushing her arm before it paused to sit just in front of her, ears flicking.
“Skwo…”
“Fine, look, I'll put these outside,” Alice gestured to the box of berries the Skwovet had damaged earlier. “But you have to keep out of here, OK?”
As she expected, the Skwovet followed her, and the box of berries, outside to a small cluster of trees. As soon as the box touched the ground the Skwovet jumped into it, again filling his overlarge cheeks. Alice suppressed a giggle on her way back in, firmly locking the door behind her.
Another job then I suppose. With a quick glance at the clock, and a sigh, she dragged a set of short wooden ladders across to where the Skwovet had been and peered around. In the corner, a small patch of light glowed between the roof and the wall. A tile must have blown off in the winter storms. I'll leave a note for Mr Jones.
*
The warm evening air danced across Alice's skin and her shoulders loosened as she finally walked away from the berry shop, all tasks complete. And in good time to see the Wild Chewtle again. Long grass tickled her ankles as she made her way to the lake, while above, horse chestnut blossoms swayed in the gentlest of breeze. As she took her usual seat in the soft grass, she focused on the surface of the water.
Thud.
A stick fell from a tree to her left, followed by a shower of pink petals that settled on her shoulder. Brushing them off, Alice peered into the treetops. What was that?
But then a soft grey tail trailed across her crossed legs and she jerked. A bright-eyed Skwovet sat in front of her.
“Skwo, Skwovet!”
It can't be? This is the same Skwovet from earlier!
“I haven't got any more berries for you, Trouble, I left them back at the shop.”
But the Skwovet crept closer, nestling into her side. Alice raised her eyebrows.
Placing his front paws on her leg, Skwovet cocked his head. “Skwo…”
“No. More. Berries.” Alice held out her empty hands. “Sorry, Bud, you're cute and all but I really don't have anything for you.”
Leaning forward she reached out and tickled Skwovet's ears.
“Skwoooo.” Skwovet cooed, and hopped into her lap. His bright eyes seemed hopeful somehow.
Really? That can't be what he wants…Alice rubbed the back of her neck. “Look Skwovet, I can't be your trainer. Look at me, I'm 25 and I've never had a Pokémon. I'm not cut out for it.”
“Skwo, Swko, Skwovet!”
The corners of Alice's lips twisted up. “Well you're certainly persistent.”
Skwovet's bushy tail waved from side to side and he pushed his head under her hand. It sank into his soft fur.
Taking a deep breath, Alice's voice came out barely louder than a whisper. “I guess, if you're sure?”
“Skwovet!” He curled up in her lap, tucking his tail beneath his chin and closing his eyes.
Alice broke into a grin. “OK. Well, I'm going to call you Oran.”
Her grin faltered for a moment but then she laughed. “I think I might need to find a new job.”