[[ Melody ]]
Melody breathed a sigh as she stepped into her room. Lux had just dropped her off in front of the door after he caught her and Eva having a high time in the kitchen after curfew. The Eevee's words echoed in her head. "Why don't I show you around later?" Melody smiled to herself. With each passing hour, I grow more attached to this place. I'm not even sure why I wished to leave... she thought, shutting her door behind her.
She had not bothered to cut on the lights, so as soon as the doorknob made its signature clicking sound, she was surrounded by an impenetrable darkness. However, though she could not see, her ears picked up on gentle breathing. Her sensitive nose breathed in that ever-so-familiar aroma of water lilies wafting through the air. He's been here...? she realized. How long has he been waiting for me...?
"Andreas," she spoke, facing the blackness.
"Melody..." came the reply. "I just wanted to apologize for earlier... I did not listen to all of what you had to say. It was childish-"
"I am the one that should be asking for forgiveness," Melody interrupted, shaking her head somberly. "I hurt your feelings. I was stupid enough to spit something out that I should have known would have dealt you a blow. It was very selfish of me to accept your gifts for the dance, and then turn around and talk about how Hon had invited me to be his partner. Will you accept my apology, Andreas?"
There was a pause. He exhaled rather slowly before responding, "I do not see reason for your expression of regret, but nevertheless, I shall forgive you. And don't worry about the dress and the accessories," he laughed, "for it seems that you won't be able to wear them this time anyway. Keep them for later. Now, the only problem now is finding a new outfit for you that complies with the new 'dress code'..."
"It's okay," the female Mudkip said hurriedly. "I-I've decided not to attend the ball anyway. I shall fix delicacies for the party-goers in the kitchens instead. I must show off my culinary gifts at some point, so why not seize the opportunity now?" A hint of a grin, though unseen, tugged at the corners of her mouth as she uttered this. Andreas considered her suggestion, then expressed his approval. "That's very thoughtful of you, Melody dear," he commented. "Why don't you turn the lights on so you can find your way over to your bed and so I can take my leave? A master chef needs her rest before she can start her day of preparing her scrumptious meals."
"But... I like talking with you... and the light being off is a nice change too," Melody replied in a small voice. "Can't we sit down and converse for a little while longer?"
Andreas heaved a sigh. "It is not in my character to deny my Melody's wishes," he finally said. The gijinka girl gave a tiny squeak of delight and felt for the human scientist in the inky blackness. After a few moments of awkward bumping and shuffling, the two managed to settle down on the floor, seated back-to-back. They both said nothing for a while and simply basked in the other's presence rather peacefully.
Andreas broke the silence first. "Lovely Melody... there has been a question sticking in my mind," he voiced quietly.
"Mm...?" she answered, her eyes slipping shut.
"What does Hon mean to you?"
She stiffened at the probing inquiry, knowing there was no way to weasel her way out of giving feedback. His fingers interlaced with hers, urging her on. She bit her lip, deep in thought. "H-Hon..." she eventually murmured, "I have reason to believe... that I hold feelings for Hon."
"I see..."
"B-b-but," Melody cut in abruptly, the fear of her friend walking out on her evident in her shaking voice, "that doesn't mean I don't love you too-"
"Shh," Andreas whispered. "I am content knowing that the person I care about most has been able to connect so deeply with someone else besides me. Naturally, I am horribly jealous as well." He twisted his body to make himself face her. His hand found its way up to her face; he brushed a thumb across her cheekbone. "But it is best to let Melody do what makes Melody feel best. If she is in love with someone else as well as me, who am I to intervene?" With that, he leaned forward and only barely brushed his lips against the corner of her mouth. The female felt her face heat up, but a wave of fatigue that was suddenly overcoming her prevented her from reacting any further. She gave a hum of satisfaction and slumped forwards against Andreas' shoulder, drifting off into a tranquil slumber.
+
Melody awoke to the bright, early-morning sunlight streaming in through the flimsy, blue-green curtains covering her bedroom window. She groaned rather loudly and sat up, stretching dramatically. It was then that she realized she had been sleeping on the floor the entire night. She blinked in confusion, wondering how she had been unable to make it to her bed. As if on cue, her memories from the previous evening flooded back into her mind. She gasped suddenly, her fingers automatically moving to touch the side of her mouth. She felt her face turn a thousand shades of crimson. Get a hold of yourself! she scolded herself. That wasn't even a real kiss! I... I don't think it was... was it...?
As she shifted her position, her hand brushed up against a small sheet of paper. Curious, she picked it up and read it.
Good morning, dear. I hope you had a refreshing slumber. After you fell out asleep, I did not have the heart to move you to your bed, for fear of waking you up. Sorry if my decision ended up causing you joint cramps. I'll be in the kitchen, surveying everyone to get their opinions on the preferred food for the Valentine's Ball. When I'm finished, you should get a good idea on what to cook. If you want me to, I'll be happy to stay with you and assist you in the food preparation.
Andreas
(P.S. I can bet my wallet that Hon's most likely scouring the entire mansion for you right now. Let's not disappoint him, okay? Ha.)
Melody smiled, pressed the letter to her chest, and then strolled over to the dresser, placing the sheet of paper on top. After a few extra stretches and yawns, she exited her room and headed down the corridor of the girl's wing, making a beeline for the kitchen. Having nothing more than vanilla pudding for dinner had taken a toll on her stomach...
~ * ~ *
[[ Luis ]]
The male Lucario glanced up as his Hitmonlee acquaintance set his empty teacup onto the table they were sitting around. It was a refreshing experience to converse with such a thoughtful individual after spending so much time dealing with crude, inconsiderate people when he was on the run. Not to mention Lee was the first Fighting-type Pokemon Luis had encountered since his days as a Riolu. The pair sat in silence for a while, each one immersed in their own thoughts.
Just as Luis took a final hearty swig from his cup, the sounds of people moving around and voices drifted across the lawn. "Ah," he sighed, placing his mug down. "It seems that the heavier sleepers have finally awoken. I believe we shall be left in peace for now, though."
"You think so?" Lee muttered.
"Well, I am simply taking the fact that we have both been here for barely a day into account. I would think that it is safe to assume that not many people even know we exist yet," came the reply. There was a pause, before Luis continued, "I am unsure if me continuing to talk to you is hindering your efforts to reunite with your siblings by spending valuable time. I just thought I would speak to you for a moment because your Aura is rather inviting; it reminds me of my own. Anyway, I shall take my leave now, for my stomach is hungering for something more filling than fluids." He stood up and yawned, displaying his slightly-pointed canines. "I wish you luck on your quest, Lee. Please remember that no one is forcing you to stay or leave; however, if you do go, it would be nice if you decided to stop back by sometime. It was a joy talking to a fellow Fighting-type gijinka." With that, Luis strolled across the yard back towards the mansion, resisting the temptation of looking back over his shoulder.
Once he reentered the building, the serene feeling dissipated instantly as he was met with the hustle and bustle of the people preparing for that Valentine's Dance he had overheard some gijinkas conversing about. Luis had never quite seen the holiday as something special. It was nothing more than a day filled with violently bright reds and pinks, a day where the chocolate and flower markets got a temporary boost. He had no plans of attending the ball, either. For one, it was too short of a notice for him, having just arrived as a fugitive fleeing the Bounty Hunters. Secondly, even if he wished to participate, there was no way he could afford the proper attire. After all, the gaudy flier the information about the party was posted on had clearly stated for outfits to be red, white, or pink, or you would not be allowed into the celebration.
Luis shifted uncomfortably as the other gijinka rushed around him. He took a deep breath, shut his eyelids, and activated his Aura-sensing ability. I need to find someone relatively calm to talk to, he told himself. As he "looked" around the room he was in, he was disappointed to discover that everyone in the immediate vicinity had Auras bursting with energy. However, as he spread his reach a little further, he stumbled across an Aura that contradicted the others greatly. In fact, this person seemed a tad bit glum and irritated. It's better than no one, Luis decided, heading towards the spot where he had picked up on the Aura. He turned a corner and saw the very gijinka he had sensed leaning against the wall, staring at the floor.
Continue?
Melody and Luis.
---
Hooray, long-ness!
I made each story open for anyone. Feel free to run into Melody while she's in the kitchen, cause chaos, etc.
For Luis's part, I decided to try and get more interaction to go to the Valentine's-Day-hating-gijinkas! :D Luis can't be around energetic people all the time, you know.
