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Post by DataNinja on Dec 15, 2021 0:48:47 GMT
"I know that I don't fit in there," Thel says, shaking his head. "That what I value isn't necessarily the same as most of the other girls there. But... those aren't the ones that I learn from. I learn from people like Violet, and Jazz, and Jesse."
"I know that I'll never quite do things the way that they want me to there. And... I think the most valuable thing that I've been taught is... that's okay. I'm still learning things, but it's my way." He smiles. "But I think learning about those things, it's helped me figure out who I am. Even if who I am isn't necessarily what they value."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Dec 15, 2021 1:12:35 GMT
"I just don't know what I will do in the meantime.". Her eyes slid from his and considered the ground to one side. "Going into that place makes my skin crawl. There is a lot of unexpressed hostility between rivals, and I find it hard to even enter the building.". Em admits with a long, slow exhale.
"I might try to find employment here, but nothing will really be the same as the Tea House.". She seems at a loss, the grip on his hands gentle but not releasing.
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 15, 2021 1:24:41 GMT
"Ah... I see," Thel says, nodding. He understands now. "If it's too much, I'll bow out from school. I don't want you to be distressed."
"I... don't really know this town well enough to suggest something. I know that I was going to help Jasmine with the Gym... well, before the rains came. Not sure if she could use more help with that, or if that's something you're interested in. Even if not... she would probably have a good suggestion."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Dec 15, 2021 3:08:33 GMT
"Better we don't trouble her again today, you've done enough Thel, remember, rest?". She chides playfully, taking his arm in the crook of hers as though she were escorting him, and starts towards the beach. Her steps are relaxed and her pace is casual, but her expression becomes worryingly distant. The more he notices it, the more trancelike her movements. It isn't until he speaks or nudges her that she seems to find herself again.
"Sorry, it felt like there was something I was forgetting, just our of reach, and far, far away."
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 15, 2021 3:31:46 GMT
"I didn't mean today," Thel giggles, taking the remark in stride.
The walk is nice, even if the water is a little too close for his liking, and he finds himself relaxing... at least until he notices Em's expression.
"Well, it's okay," he says, gently, squeezing her hand. "If you need to take time to think about it, I'll be right by your side. But I think you, too, could do without needing to worry tonight. Tomorrow is another day, and we can figure things out then."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Dec 16, 2021 2:12:03 GMT
Em managed the best stern look she could, struggling not to crack a smile. "Sure, you say tomorrow now, but all too soon it will be one thing into another.". A playful poke to the end of Thel's nose. "School and three jobs, Pokemon, heroics, and so on and so on... What will you do when we have children?". She fretted in mock exasperation.
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 16, 2021 2:19:54 GMT
"I'm sure I'll make do somehow," he says, laughing. "I've seen visions of us raising a child, so apparently I'm not completely hopeless at it."
The thought brings an odd tinge of melancholy to him, though. But not at the thought of that future. Just... a child. It brings to mind Family.
"...Em," he says, quietly. "This is just reminding me that... I've been thinking a lot about family recently. It... keeps being brought up that, well, I don't exactly have one. I never did. And that's been... occupying my mind. But... you did."
"I... don't know if this is presumptuous, or is going to hurt a happy night but... once we leave here, whether that's in a few days or a few weeks, would you like to set out to try and find your dad? To let him know that... you're okay? To see him again?"
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Dec 16, 2021 2:33:56 GMT
"Oh...?" The girl's smile faded into a neutral expression while her fiancee posited his thoughts. There was a long, slow inhale, held for a three count and then released. "As much as I would love that, Thel... And it is really sweet of you to offer. It would be futile.". She wrung her hands, taking a small step to put a gap between them.
"I don't know... What region it was, if it was an island or a mainland... Or... Or... If he's been captured or eaten... It's the sort of thing I could spend my whole life doing and never resolve.". Her eyes dropped to her feet. "Even if I found him... I wouldn't know him... And he wouldn't know me."
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 16, 2021 2:45:15 GMT
"I will see if I can dream on it," Thel says quietly, letting her make her space. "Maybe trying will come to nothing, and... that's that. Maybe it won't, and we can see how you feel."
"But wouldn't he? Your outside may have changed, but your soul is still the same wonderful person that I fell in love with. And you mentioned something about him and aura, right? I'm sure he could tell."
"If you want to let this go, though, I won't speak of or pursue it further."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Dec 16, 2021 3:14:24 GMT
"It's a lovely thought, touching and dear to me. I just don't want to get my hopes up on chance meetings or unlikely events.". Her hand moved to her breastbone and curled there as though seeking something. "It will be a lovely surprise, should you bring it to fruition. Do as you will Thel, just don't spread yourself too thin."
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 16, 2021 3:21:43 GMT
"I understand, dear. I'll be careful." And in a moment, he understands a little more. Memories come to him as she gestures, of the time that he saw her as a Gardevoir, and the time that he saw himself as one.
"It's... your horn, isn't it, my love? You still don't feel... entirely right without it, do you?"
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Dec 16, 2021 3:32:53 GMT
"..." Her eyes lidded and she gave a slow nod. "When I evolved enough, grew up... being in proximity with someone would've been more intimate than any relationship you could imagine. That I can feel so much for you without it, brings me a sadness I can't put into words. Like... Describing a tree to someone who has never seen one before. The ability to feel, truly feel like I did before... Knowing you as I know myself?" Her shoulders sag, frustration clear in her eyes.
"How can humans talk about matters of the heart when they have no concept of what it really is...?"
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 16, 2021 3:46:22 GMT
"I'm sorry, Em…" He feels like he might have some idea, being able to feel the feelings of his Pokémon, but he also knows that bringing that up would only hurt. She needs comfort.
"I don't have words or actions that can fill the hole in your spirit. I have only myself, and my heart. And both weep for you, seeing what they've taken away from you." Indeed, he's crying, though he's not sure when he started. "It's not fair to you. I would give up so much just to know that you were truly happy. But the unfairness of the world is that I can't..."
"I love you, Em, and I dearly, truly wish that some day we will find a way so you can feel exactly how much." If someone like him could obtain the abilities he does now... surely she could get what she needed. They would find a way. They had to.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Dec 16, 2021 19:02:43 GMT
"I would never question that Thel, but it's all so surreal without the ability to know it for myself." She settled her head on his shoulder and let herself fall into his arms once more.
"It may not be anything that can be fixed. Something I will have to live with. Forever." Her breathing shaky and uneven, she clung to him. "You make me happy, you've never failed to do that... But I can't promise it will always be easy, or.. or fair... Or sensible..."
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 17, 2021 0:37:50 GMT
"I've learned that life isn't necessarily easy, or fair, or sensible..." Thel says gently, holding her close, doing his best to protect her from the world. "But I will love you and be there for you no matter what happens. Through easy or hard times. Through fair or unfair."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Dec 17, 2021 21:41:22 GMT
"Relationships should be.". She protested gently. "I don't ever want to give you the impression you aren't trying hard enough. Not with how eager to please you can be. I can't change how I'm feeling. Maybe if, or when circumstances change, then I can appreciate everything that you are to the finest detail."
Sighing heavily she settled her forehead against his. "May we go somewhere private? I'm feeling tired, and very exposed. This talk has been taxing."
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 17, 2021 21:50:03 GMT
"I know I'm trying exactly as hard as I can," he says with a smile. "I just... want you to know that I'll be there for you, no matter what. That's all. Nothing will change how I feel. So... don't worry about that, okay?"
"And of course. We can go anywhere you'd like." He brushes his hand down the side of her face. "I'm sorry that I brought up such an emotional topic... especially after today. It's not fair to you."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Dec 18, 2021 0:42:44 GMT
"It's alright. Some things there is never a good time to discuss them."
Try as they may, the couple found privacy a hard sought commodity. Most of the places Thel had frequented in his time in Olivine were bustling, even the lighthouse again drew travellers. Their stroll took them from town and into the fields once more, with little besides the farm animals for company. It would have to do.
"...Maybe I should return to Goldenrod. There is a lot of fuss happening there. People that could use a warm meal and a soft word. I don't doubt Whitney has a lot on her plate."
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 18, 2021 0:49:53 GMT
"If you go, I'll go with you," Thel says, before looking up at the night sky as he holds her hand. "It's a big world out there and... I don't want to be separated from you again. So, if returning to Goldenrod is what will make you happier, that's where we'll go."
He sighs, looking back at Em. "Much as there's never a good time to discuss some things, some things just... don't have a right answer. We can just make the most of what we're given."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Dec 18, 2021 2:19:28 GMT
"What about your schooling, Thel? Or Patience's specialist." She knelt in the grass, resting her head in his lap as they got comfortable together. "Or Muku, Terra, Omega, and Kursz?". She looked up into his face, and beyond at the starry sky, the moon spilling silvery light across the fields.
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