Oneiromancy Is The Loneliest Number (Thel)

"You have a good eye for this sort of thing," Thel says, appreciatively, as the outfit comes together. "I'd like to do this more often when... when we have the time."

"So a light purple stone..." Thel muses, looking over things. "Something floral would be nice, because I always think of you when I see flowers, and this one I could always have with me... but there are other nice things. Really, if you're happy, that's what makes me happy." He scans the selection.

There's an icy shock through Thel's heart as he sees the ring, sending the warmth that the afternoon had accumulated spiraling down into an abyss. Things would be perfect, were it not for the association with that.

He tries to calm himself, but he has no doubt that Em can feel his distress. This isn't the time for this. This is supposed to be a happy time. Is he not allowed to have that?

...No. No he isn't. Not unless he makes it so. And he will. He won't allow what comes tomorrow to sap any more joy from him. He will make the rose a reminder of the endurance of their love, through even that hardship. He's hidden from that which causes him ill for too long. In this, he can make a small step towards taking control of his own life.

Well... that's what he tells himself, at least. Even just making that internal declaration seems to help, though. He's shrunk from too much. He won't shrink from this.

"What do you think, Em?" he asks her, a little calmer now. "They seem nice, would you like to get them?"

"I think I'd like that..." Thel says, before looking at Em. "What do you think, Em? I think it would be sweet. Something like 'Two souls bound by love across time and space.' Or something. I don't know." He flushes, a little embarrassed. "I'm not good at this kind of stuff."

"I like it," Thel says, smiling and giving her hand a squeeze. "You always know the right thing to say."

"We'll take them, and the dress and things, I think," he says to the clerk. "Ah... assuming I have enough, I guess." He... hasn't really been paying much attention to costs. Been too busy enjoying the time.

Oh, oh that's a lot compared to everything else that he's seen around. ...maybe there's something to be said for not bothering with human traditions, no matter how sweet they sound.

He very much wants to protest Em shouldering it all... but, she's right. This means a lot to her, and he does need to prepare for the weekend. "We can discuss it on Monday," he teases. His way of accepting, and letting her know that he fully intends for there to be a Monday.

"We should probably start making our way back," he admits, as much as he's loathe for the time to end. But, he's got obligations, so he should start doing that. "But... this has been fun. Hopefully next time it'll be beach weather, though."

Hand in hand, he makes his way back to the school. The kitchen would be the first destination. Just checking in with Jesse, Jazz, and Patience, before starting the parts of dinner that needed to be prepped or cook longer. Then setting up the dining area with seating and utensils. Then back to cook for a bit longer, then changing into his new dress and actually being a hostess.

But first... checking in.

Thel's glad to be able to give Jazz some respite, though misses Patience and his Pokémon already. Their company really made things more engaging. But... another time. Or, at least he hopes there will be, at least.

Jazz had given him some advice before on who would be best near whom, but putting the seating chart into action with the proper setting... it's sure something to try and keep in his head. He needs to try and not screw up... but, is definitely nervous.

As he walks around, he notices some places where people have been less than diligent cleaning. He has to do some dusting and sweeping (making sure his clothes remain spotless), as well as replace a stained tablecloth. That one is a little annoying, because it means that he needs to re-set the whole table.

But, hopefully now everything is as it should be. And he can have a smooth dinner.

"It's just... stressful," Thel admits, laughing. "Just making sure everything's ready, and trusting that everyone else will do their job, and not even knowing if I'm doing it like I should."

"It helps knowing that you're here, though," he says, squeezing her hand. "But... I guess I should ask, are you wanting to stick around, or go back to the Gym with Patience?"