Lysandre, I meant what I said, you know! I'll happily clear my schedule for you. I'm not really doing anything, anyway. Just wandering through PrismaPlace! I would like to buy some more clothes, you see.
[With the tap of a few buttons, the camera of the Holocaster switches around, to show...a rather interesting display of clothing in the window of a boutique.]
What do you think? Which one would suit me? I'm attracted to the white, for obvious reasons, but there is a lot of potential in the colourful one.
[The camera quickly switches back around in time to catch Sycamore's laughter; that was the exact reaction he was expecting, and frankly, the reaction he deserved.
...it's also the first time he's really laughed like this in quite a while, so, um. Anyway!]
Désolé, désolé, I don't mean to tease! What if I came and found you in the Groves? It's been a while since I've had a good wander through them, and my Pokémon could use the fresh air.
Ah yes, the goats! Such delightful little things, I know exactly where you are! Wait for me, I'll be there soon!
[Travelling from Level 1 to Level 2 used to be a bit of a process, but Sycamore has spent enough afternoons exploring the city that he's got the distance covered quite quickly; he's not exactly jogging his way through the streets, but there's definitely a spring in his step. He's joined by his three small Pokémon as he passes through the gates of the Groves, and they're so excited for the grass and trees that he does end up having to jog after them.]
Slow down! We have all day!
[So Lysandre will likely hear him before he sees him, and notice the three Kalosian starters scampering into view as their (long suffering, but highly amused) trainer comes running up behind them, everpresent labcoat trailing out behind him.]
Ah, here you are! Sorry, these three always get excited when the Groves are involved!
[they're all currently rolling around on the grass, so he'll just. leave them for a moment, and instead treat Lysandre to another sunny smile.]
[...All of this is absolutely adorable and well worth the call to bring Sycamore out here to begin with. Lysandre himself seems relaxed enough; a bit overdressed for the area, maybe, but that's just how he tends to be regardless of what he's doing.]
Likewise, of course.
[His attention is given to the Pokémon for a moment, however, watching them roll around.]
Perhaps I'll let mine out once we're a bit further from this area. Apparently they intimidate the goats.
[Not like he can see why they should, but again. Simple creatures.]
As it is, I can see why they enjoy it so much. It's not entirely unlike being on the routes; it has a similar feeling to it.
It's been a while for me, I've been appreciating it.
[...ah. Pyroar is the only one of Lysandre's Pokémon that he's seen so far, but he knows the ways of the goats well enough to know that...yeah, they would be terrified.]
I'd love to see them, although I think my little friends would love it more. They've been missing having contact with other Pokémon.
[The dogs and goats don't quite make up for that particular gap. Speaking of which...]
You like the goats, then? I must admit, I enjoy their noises. They're absolutely hilarious to watch.
[...we could definitely go and pat the goats if that's. a thing you want to do. no pressure though.]
Oh, trust me, I'm not at all surprised that you're interested in this sort of thing.
[God, why didn't we think to bring fruit or puffs or- ...what...do these things eat, anyway.
...
It's a moot point anyway, the point is that they're here and they're cute as hell, and once again despite the fact that he's decidedly overdressed for it, he's entirely willing to get on the ground and play with some animals.
It's been a while since he's had much experience with particularly young ones, but the older ones are likewise fine and just as eager for attention, and it isn't long before he's got one that he's lavishing a fair amount of pets and attention on.]
[Well, they've made the crucial mistake of getting on the ground and being openly willing to dispense pats, so now they've got a small collection of goats impatiently waiting for their turns. It makes Sycamore laugh, as he tries to split his attention across a number of them.]
Look at this, we're certainly popular-
[He's turned to face Lysandre as he's speaking, but he finds the rest of the words die in his throat as he watches his friend, dressed in all his usual finery, kneeling on the ground and clearly enjoying lavishing attention on that rather lucky animal. It hits him, hard, the fact that this shouldn't be happening, couldn't be happening, yet he's here and despite their painful discussions it means they can be here together, just enjoying the company of numerous cute animals and not thinking about anything else.
For a moment, he can forget everything that's happened, and just enjoy the sight of Lysandre - not the Team Flare leader, or the passionate CEO, or the fiery chosen one, but Lysandre, his friend - happily engaging with his chosen goat. ]
...
[...it's probably embarrassing, the way that's he's so obviously fallen silent and is...kind of staring, so much so that the goat he's patting nudges his hand where it's come to a rest against its horns.]
[We have made the grave mistake of offering pats and also being on the ground and also just like. Existing, honestly, these things are reasonably docile and will come over to see anyone that's on their level and willing to make eye contact.
He seems rather content, though, and for the record so does the goat; it takes him a moment to look up, to notice the small crowd they've got going and then to let his gaze drift a bit toward Sycamore. He hasn't missed the way he fell quiet like that, though he doesn't return the staring; he just continues paying attention to the goats, his expression still clearly pleased.]
I may have spoiled a few of them earlier. It's easy to get caught up in it.
[That's enough to get Sycamore to stop with the...staring, at least; laughing softly, he returns his focus back to the multiple goats he's got clamouring for his attention, gently detaching one of the small ones from where it's been chewing on his lab coat (at this rate, he will actually need a new one...).]
Why am I not surprised...although I certainly can't blame you. I've been coming here a lot myself, mainly when I want to think. You're right in that it's reminiscent of the routes. Peaceful, and the animals make for nice distractions.
[Especially when they're so many of them...they won't be leaving any time soon, at this rate...]
Thank you for indulging me, by the way, especially if you were here earlier. It's...really nice to do this with you, Lysandre.
[...look, he's definitely not staring, but he's also definitely ensuring his eyes stay on the goats.]
[Thankfully Lysandre's own clothes are close enough against his body that they aren't encouraging any interest, to say nothing of the leather not being appetizing...
The second part of that gets him to look over a bit more properly before he lowers his gaze again; he finds himself uncertain of what to say. It's an odd feeling in response to such a simple sentiment.]
...Whenever you'd like, Augustine. You know I'll always make time for you.
[It's something he's said often. It hits differently now.]
[It does hit differently now, and that's the problem. Or, well, perhaps 'problem' is too strong of a word; the fact that Lysandre is still offering is wonderful, it's just that Sycamore's emotional response to said offer is stronger than he would prefer.
But on the whole, if he has to be honest...he can handle the emotions. They're a small price to pay to be able to contact Lysandre again.
(He definitely won't be moving him off the home screen, at this rate.)]
Likewise. Especially if you're offering cute animal time.
[...yes, yes yes yes he's still patting, good lord-]
Although I will get you into one of those boutiques with me, at some point. I've got some outfits I know you'll love.
You might be right about the coat; give me a moment...
[It's awkward to do when surrounded by So Many Goats, but Sycamore manages to shuffle his lab coat off his shoulders, before balling it up and shoving it under his shirt. The result is...definitely something, but at least now he won't have to watch it being eaten.]
There we are! I will be able to survive these dangerous beasts a little longer now.
[They seem to like his new belly, anyway, judging by the way some of the babies are shoving their faces into it. So...cute....
...anyway, as for those comments on clothing-]
You know we can't all be as fashionable as you. Are you sure I can't convince you to add some Lunatia shine to your outfit? Perhaps a shimmery red cravat?
[...It's been a while since he's seen this particular brand of ridiculous; it's nice, honestly.]
I'll pass with regards to Lunatia's taste in fashion. If I end up accepting any of it, it's going to be on my own terms.
[Because everything else is kind of gross, honestly.
That said, though, He's quiet for a moment; thinking and focusing on the goats as he does so, it's nothing terrible. Just...]
I hadn't realized how much I had missed doing things like this. Just spending time somewhere out of the way like this, where I don't have to concern myself with acting a certain way or being anything in particular.
It's peaceful, in a way I haven't been able to experience in a while.
[...how does he phrase this without immediately sending them back to the emotionally-fraught moments of their Holocaster-repair conversation...]
...it's something I'm glad you're able to experience again. There are plenty of reasons to find Lunatia confronting, but one of the best features, I think, is the fact that you arrive here without your reputation, be it good or bad. You're just another person on the street, free to just...be. No one expects you to act in any exact way.
[Thinking and focusing on the goats really does seem like an excellent plan, at the moment.]
So...I'm delighted the goats have helped you come to remember that freedom.
[And that will actually make him laugh, but it's soft. Gentle.]
Said as though I'm doing you a favour. We're going to get stuck in a cycle of thanks, if we're not careful.
[We're getting very good at that, lately....not that he's complaining. It actually makes him think of something, as he runs a hand down a particularly shaggy goat's neck.]
Let's make a deal. If we ever...I don't know, get into a fight, or end up upset or anything like that, let's return here and just...sit for a bit. Ground ourselves. What do you think?
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Lysandre, I meant what I said, you know! I'll happily clear my schedule for you. I'm not really doing anything, anyway. Just wandering through PrismaPlace! I would like to buy some more clothes, you see.
[With the tap of a few buttons, the camera of the Holocaster switches around, to show...a rather interesting display of clothing in the window of a boutique.]
What do you think? Which one would suit me? I'm attracted to the white, for obvious reasons, but there is a lot of potential in the colourful one.
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[It's fond, though.]
Now I'm going to insist that we meet up, simply so I can save you from your own questionable decisions.
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...it's also the first time he's really laughed like this in quite a while, so, um. Anyway!]
Désolé, désolé, I don't mean to tease! What if I came and found you in the Groves? It's been a while since I've had a good wander through them, and my Pokémon could use the fresh air.
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I would like that, actually. I haven't gone far from the, ah...goats? I think that's what they're calling them.
video -> action
[Travelling from Level 1 to Level 2 used to be a bit of a process, but Sycamore has spent enough afternoons exploring the city that he's got the distance covered quite quickly; he's not exactly jogging his way through the streets, but there's definitely a spring in his step. He's joined by his three small Pokémon as he passes through the gates of the Groves, and they're so excited for the grass and trees that he does end up having to jog after them.]
Slow down! We have all day!
[So Lysandre will likely hear him before he sees him, and notice the three Kalosian starters scampering into view as their (long suffering, but highly amused) trainer comes running up behind them, everpresent labcoat trailing out behind him.]
Ah, here you are! Sorry, these three always get excited when the Groves are involved!
[they're all currently rolling around on the grass, so he'll just. leave them for a moment, and instead treat Lysandre to another sunny smile.]
It's so good to see you!
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Likewise, of course.
[His attention is given to the Pokémon for a moment, however, watching them roll around.]
Perhaps I'll let mine out once we're a bit further from this area. Apparently they intimidate the goats.
[Not like he can see why they should, but again. Simple creatures.]
As it is, I can see why they enjoy it so much. It's not entirely unlike being on the routes; it has a similar feeling to it.
It's been a while for me, I've been appreciating it.
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I'd love to see them, although I think my little friends would love it more. They've been missing having contact with other Pokémon.
[The dogs and goats don't quite make up for that particular gap. Speaking of which...]
You like the goats, then? I must admit, I enjoy their noises. They're absolutely hilarious to watch.
[...we could definitely go and pat the goats if that's. a thing you want to do. no pressure though.]
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[...Do you want to go pat the goats, Augustine.]
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[...he absolutely wants to go pet the goats, Lysandre.]
Would you mind visiting them again, with me?
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[Come on, Augustine, let's go pat some goats.]
It's good of you to join me on such short notice. I know we've always said that we'll make time, but even so.
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[look look look mon ami look at the goats...they're here...why didn't he think to buy some fruit on the way...
Well, nevertheless, he'll happily get on his knees and play with the two cute babies that are trying to eat his labcoat.]
Besides, you know I'm rather weak when cute creatures are involved. Pokémon or not!
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[God, why didn't we think to bring fruit or puffs or- ...what...do these things eat, anyway.
...
It's a moot point anyway, the point is that they're here and they're cute as hell, and once again despite the fact that he's decidedly overdressed for it, he's entirely willing to get on the ground and play with some animals.
It's been a while since he's had much experience with particularly young ones, but the older ones are likewise fine and just as eager for attention, and it isn't long before he's got one that he's lavishing a fair amount of pets and attention on.]
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Look at this, we're certainly popular-
[He's turned to face Lysandre as he's speaking, but he finds the rest of the words die in his throat as he watches his friend, dressed in all his usual finery, kneeling on the ground and clearly enjoying lavishing attention on that rather lucky animal. It hits him, hard, the fact that this shouldn't be happening, couldn't be happening, yet he's here and despite their painful discussions it means they can be here together, just enjoying the company of numerous cute animals and not thinking about anything else.
For a moment, he can forget everything that's happened, and just enjoy the sight of Lysandre - not the Team Flare leader, or the passionate CEO, or the fiery chosen one, but Lysandre, his friend - happily engaging with his chosen goat. ]
...
[...it's probably embarrassing, the way that's he's so obviously fallen silent and is...kind of staring, so much so that the goat he's patting nudges his hand where it's come to a rest against its horns.]
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He seems rather content, though, and for the record so does the goat; it takes him a moment to look up, to notice the small crowd they've got going and then to let his gaze drift a bit toward Sycamore. He hasn't missed the way he fell quiet like that, though he doesn't return the staring; he just continues paying attention to the goats, his expression still clearly pleased.]
I may have spoiled a few of them earlier. It's easy to get caught up in it.
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Why am I not surprised...although I certainly can't blame you. I've been coming here a lot myself, mainly when I want to think. You're right in that it's reminiscent of the routes. Peaceful, and the animals make for nice distractions.
[Especially when they're so many of them...they won't be leaving any time soon, at this rate...]
Thank you for indulging me, by the way, especially if you were here earlier. It's...really nice to do this with you, Lysandre.
[...look, he's definitely not staring, but he's also definitely ensuring his eyes stay on the goats.]
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The second part of that gets him to look over a bit more properly before he lowers his gaze again; he finds himself uncertain of what to say. It's an odd feeling in response to such a simple sentiment.]
...Whenever you'd like, Augustine. You know I'll always make time for you.
[It's something he's said often. It hits differently now.]
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But on the whole, if he has to be honest...he can handle the emotions. They're a small price to pay to be able to contact Lysandre again.
(He definitely won't be moving him off the home screen, at this rate.)]
Likewise. Especially if you're offering cute animal time.
[...yes, yes yes yes he's still patting, good lord-]
Although I will get you into one of those boutiques with me, at some point. I've got some outfits I know you'll love.
['Love' might not be the word you would use.]
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[...There are so many goats.]
Do you want to stay here for a while longer, then? I'm entirely willing, though I'm not sure your coat is up to much longer.
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[It's awkward to do when surrounded by So Many Goats, but Sycamore manages to shuffle his lab coat off his shoulders, before balling it up and shoving it under his shirt. The result is...definitely something, but at least now he won't have to watch it being eaten.]
There we are! I will be able to survive these dangerous beasts a little longer now.
[They seem to like his new belly, anyway, judging by the way some of the babies are shoving their faces into it. So...cute....
...anyway, as for those comments on clothing-]
You know we can't all be as fashionable as you. Are you sure I can't convince you to add some Lunatia shine to your outfit? Perhaps a shimmery red cravat?
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I'll pass with regards to Lunatia's taste in fashion. If I end up accepting any of it, it's going to be on my own terms.
[Because everything else is kind of gross, honestly.
That said, though, He's quiet for a moment; thinking and focusing on the goats as he does so, it's nothing terrible. Just...]
I hadn't realized how much I had missed doing things like this. Just spending time somewhere out of the way like this, where I don't have to concern myself with acting a certain way or being anything in particular.
It's peaceful, in a way I haven't been able to experience in a while.
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...I know what you mean, mon ami. It's...
[...how does he phrase this without immediately sending them back to the emotionally-fraught moments of their Holocaster-repair conversation...]
...it's something I'm glad you're able to experience again. There are plenty of reasons to find Lunatia confronting, but one of the best features, I think, is the fact that you arrive here without your reputation, be it good or bad. You're just another person on the street, free to just...be. No one expects you to act in any exact way.
[Thinking and focusing on the goats really does seem like an excellent plan, at the moment.]
So...I'm delighted the goats have helped you come to remember that freedom.
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[That said, though, he doesn't sound distressed or upset in saying it.]
It seems like something I want to continue to experience for a while longer, though. And I'm... It's good that you're here with me.
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[He'll actually look up from the (admittedly very addictive) baby goats, then, giving Lysandre a warm smile.]
I can't say there's anyone else I'd rather be doing this with.
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Said as though I'm doing you a favour. We're going to get stuck in a cycle of thanks, if we're not careful.
[We're getting very good at that, lately....not that he's complaining. It actually makes him think of something, as he runs a hand down a particularly shaggy goat's neck.]
Let's make a deal. If we ever...I don't know, get into a fight, or end up upset or anything like that, let's return here and just...sit for a bit. Ground ourselves. What do you think?
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