codeforhope | Voicemail

[Oh thank goodness, Komasan isn't sure what he'd do if it got lost in transit. It was expensive.

And super sentimental.

But he liked it, he actually liked his bizarre chocolate computer idea. Like everything else, it was a huge worry, some people might have found the whole thing weird. That's where it normally turned to, isn't it? Weird. And yet every single time, Chihiro finds a way to surprise him. Just by accepting it for what it is.]

Yeah? T-That's great, I'm so glad you—

[Woah woah woah, what? The book never mentioned gifts for him.]

Y-You...you did, zura?

[And now it's his turn for his cheeks to turn a light pink.]

[Chihiro nods, reaching into his bag and pulling out...well, another bag.

Only, this bag might look a bit more familiar to Komasan. Not exact, of course, but...it's very close.]

When you came here during that weekend...you had a bag like this with you. I thought you might like to have another one, since you're going to be here for a while.

[Yes, he's saying that because Komasan isn't allowed to leave. Not yet. ...not just yet.]

[Of course, Komasan's first thought is that Chihiro is pulling some sort of matryoshka doll stunt, and he waits half a second to see if he's going to pull out another bag. It's amazing, he can't believe Chihiro has a bag that looks just like...

...his.

That's when it hits him, that's...it's really his bag. He can't even remember how long it's been since he's had it, who would've thought someone could miss something so simple? His hands tremble slightly as he reaches out for it, and he gasps a little when he finally touches it. It's real, Chihiro actually went through the effort to make it real again. Sure, it's not the exact same thing, but as long as it's green and covered in swirls, that's really all that matters.

He wastes no time throwing it on, shuffling it under his scarf and wearing it on his back. He's ecstatic, feeling it against his back again lights up his eyes, and he's already forgotten he was dealing with horrible teenage-related nervousness.]

M-Monge~!! It...it fits perfectly, zura!

[Komasan's excitement is positively infectious. Chihiro can't help but giggle softly, which turns into a real laugh when he quickly wiggles the backpack onto his shoulders. Isamu lifts his head from where he was asleep on Chihiro's bed, blinking drowsily at the two standing near the door. Who is, why noise.]

I'm glad you like it! It's not quite the same, but...

[It's close enough, and that's what counts.]

[Overcome with joy and unable to contain himself, Komasan throws his arms around Chihiro. Enjoy the show, Isamu, because the noise is only going to get worse.]

T-This is the greatest thing anyone's ever given me, zura~!

[It's not easy being so vastly different from what you are, but any little reminder he can get is good enough for him. But besides that, Komasan has never once brought up this bag to Chihiro since he "got" here, which means that the magical weekend he's somehow forgotten must have really happened. It's physical proof and that's...comforting.]

Thank you so much, zura...

[Although he continues to smile, his enthusiasm finally starts to dwindle. Tears slowly begin to gather along the side of his eyes as he tries to keep himself together. You can do this, Komasan, it's just a bag. Remember, this is supposed to be a date, no need to...embarrass yourself...so soon...]

Oh-!

[Chihiro gasps a little at the sudden hug, but it only takes him a second to return it. It's amazing how such a simple little thing can make someone so happy. He'd been hoping that Komasan would have liked it, but this exceeded all expectations. He didn't just like it. No, it was something that he clearly cherished from the moment he laid eyes on it.]

You're very welcome.

[Chihiro gives him a little squeeze before moving to pull back, right about the time that Komasan's smile falters and tears well in his eyes, causing Chihiro's own smile to fade ever so slightly. His expression turns a bit warmer, and instead of letting go, he pulls him back into the hug again with his head hovering just over Komasan's shoulder.]

[The second hug snaps him back into reality, feeling Chihiro's head near his shoulder makes him realize how bad the situation got.

...Wait? Is it...is it really that bad? If this were any earlier, Komasan might have freaked out, a part of him still kind of wants to. ...But Chihiro is doing this all on his own, there's no need to freak out, is there? Komasan likes this, why...why does it have to be bad?

He doesn't want to be afraid anymore, just like that weird guy over the 'gear said. Why should his feelings be scary? He'll still blush a little, but he doesn't stiffen or tremble, but rather softly hugs back.

Did Chihiro see him cry? He didn't mean to, let's not ruin things right off the bat.]

H-Heh, I-I guess it really is the greatest thing if it's making me this excited, z-zura... [He sniffles a little, pulling back so he can wipe his eyes.] C-C'mon, I can buy lunch as a thank you, zura.

[He was going to buy lunch anyway, but now it only seemed appropriate.]

[Chihiro did see, but he's not going to make any mention of it. In fact, he pretends it didn't even happen at all, nodding when Komasan pulls out of the hug. He adjusts his bag back onto his shoulder just as his Linoone collapses onto the bed again with a long sigh, preparing to sleep for another three hours or so.]

Okay. Where are we going?

[He's curious to see where Komasan decides, especially since he's been to most of the places that Goldenrod has to offer. Chihiro also plans on treating Komasan to something else later on, but...well, that will have to be for dessert.]

Ah, right, one second, zura!

[Would be nice if he actually remembered his plans.

Komasan quickly turns around and pulls a tiny notebook from his coat pocket, the same one he's supposed to keep for breeding notes. It never gets used for its intended purpose. Ever. He flips through the pages, mostly notes he's taken over past conversations and doodles, until he finally gets to his dating plans. Most of them are pretty by-the-book, especially considering he took them...from a book. When he finally finishes glossing over them, he turns back around in a quick hopping motion.

Hopefully Chihiro wasn't expecting something amazing.]

Coffee!! I-I mean... [Calm down, CALM DOWN. No need to shout.] T-There's a cafe I've been wanting to go to, z-zura...

[Chihiro waits patiently for Komasan to face him again, just barely able to catch a sparing glance at his notebook. He can also hear him frantically flipping through the pages...sounds like he prepared for this.]

A cafe...that sounds good. Coffee will warm us both up.

[It's a pretty chilly Valentine's Day, which is why Chihiro is already so bundled up.]

[Oh thank god, he likes coffee.

Because the last thing Komasan wanted to do was take him somewhere he might not like. His eyes light up at his first "success" for the day as he hastily stuffs his notebook back into his pocket.]

Hah! We should go now before it gets too busy, zura!

[And he takes Chihiro by the hand as he starts to lead him out. It doesn't even occur to him that maybe, just maybe, that might've been a daring move, it's normal as far as he's concerned. He used to lead Komajiro by the hand all the time! What do you mean this isn't a normal friend thing?]

[Komasan takes hold of his hand so fast that Chihiro is out the door and heading down the hallway with him before it sinks in that, oh, he took him by the hand. He wonders if Komasan sees the possible implications himself, but only briefly. Chihiro is glad that he seems comfortable enough with him to do that, reflexive or not. As it stands, he lets Komasan lead the way as they head back down the stairs with the Eevee horde watching curiously from where they're dotting the halls and various places on the stairs themselves and beyond.]

Okay! Lead the way.

[Lead the way he does, sorry Eevees if he doesn't stop to say goodbye, he's stalled long enough. He'll be sure to give them all the pets when he returns. Instead, he jolts outside, Chihiro still in hand, as he makes his way for the cafe.]

You've been here waaay longer than I have, so have you ever gone to this cafe before, zura?

[After all, he's yet to object. So either Komasan picked a good spot or Chihiro's going somewhere new. The fact that multiple cafes could exist doesn't even cross Komasan's mind.

He...he's just really excited.]

Well...that depends on which one we're going to.

[Because yes, as cool as it would be, Chihiro in fact cannot read minds. And he doesn't have anything with him right now that can.]

I don't think I've been to one in Goldenrod that I haven't liked, though.

[...oh.]

There's more than one cafe, zura?

[Amazing, do you think the cafe owners get into horrible turf wars? Or maybe they're all friends. Maybe there's some kind of cafe club he isn't aware of, one where owners from across the world gather once a year and talk about coffee.

But enough about his dreams, eventually Komasan leads Chihiro to a small, but fancy place. One he's passed many times before. It's definitely not hidden, or anything obscure, but Komasan is convinced it's a "Big Deal"]

Of course! Goldenrod probably has more cafes than most other towns, actually...

[And if Komasan stays in Goldenrod long enough, he may get to visit most- if not all- too.

When Komasan brings them to their destination, Chihiro can't help but be pleasantly surprised. He hasn't had reason to visit cafes this nice before on his own, so it's a little exciting to be able to go to one now. Though, he wonders if Komasan has an idea as to how expensive the place might be...oh well, it probably won't be that bad.]

Oh, how nice...I haven't been to this one before.

[Well that deserves a double-take.]

A-Are you serious, I picked a new one, zura?!

[Thank you whatever luck youkai is on his side. Probably Noko, he's gonna say it's Noko. The flower she gave him must of been a good luck charm of some kind. Such a good snake, she'll be getting so many puffs after this.

But until then, Komasan can't control himself and eagerly hurries Chihiro inside so they can experience this new ...experience together. And right away, he can't help but marvel over the interior. It's...that basic cafe look, but maybe today just made it look a pinch more special than it would've if he went alone.]

Monge~!

Mhm!

[Komasan's eagerness is infectious. Even though the cafe really isn't too different from the standard, it's impressive all the same. Chihiro adjusts his bag on his shoulder as they enter, staying close by Komasan's side as one of the waiters leads them to an empty table.]

A lot of these cafes have certain Pokemon that they base their dishes on. I wonder which ones this one has...

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