Springtime for Union

[bravenewmods]

After an unusually long and cold winter, the land is finally beginning to stir in the anticipation of spring. In the forest, the first flowers are beginning to peek out of the ground, the hum of Bug Pokémon begin to be heard, and of course, the first wisps of pollen begin to incite misery amongst the more sensitive of the population. The sun sets later and later each night, and at the end of a long workday, the prospect of escaping early to enjoy a stroll out in the brisk spring air becomes more and more enticing.

The pall cast by Team Evolution has long faded into little more than a distant cloud on the horizon. Though the mystery of 'Mega Evolution' remains unsolved, it seems inconsequential in the face of the strength that Union itself is gaining. All damage from the earthquakes has finally been fully repaired, production of iron and steel has been greatly enhanced by the discovery of the mine, there were plans to build a new port and to enhance the range of the Signal Tower, Enlightened and Pokémon everywhere were evolving one after another... On the whole, morale was high.

The city takes it upon itself to reflect this.

When the people of Union begin to stir early one spring morning, they will awaken to discover a cheerful city, indeed. All of Union, overnight, has become covered with vines and shrubs and flowers - plant life, everywhere the eye could see. Though the majority haven't yet begun to flower, the rainbow assortment of buds promises a lovely sight to come in the near future. A few citizens, annoyed, set to work removing the intrusive flora from their properties, but the majority simply take the unusual sight for what it is.

And for the particularly observant, dotted here and there among the landscape, the occasional large pink blossom can be spotted already in full bloom...

((You may use this post as an IC mingle if you wish!))

Comments

[globetrotting]

[ And as she said, much later Flynn will receive a message about spending some time together, first checking to see if he was still free and then sharing the spot picked.

In the day, the location is usually busy with people coming and going, or with those meeting with friends and companions for whatever task they had ahead of them. Now, with the quietening of the night, there's a nice sound of distant chatter and, though people were still passing through, it was not as lively.

There was a small fountain in the middle where the water pokémon swam and played, themselves hushed now by the dark that had settled in, only interrupted by the lit lamps. Very nice - which was exactly why Blue had picked it.

How punctual will Flynn be? Blue may be a minute late from the time said, but she'll be quick to set everything up - a bag full of food and even a blanket to settle down onto the ground, with her houndoom and nidorino accompanying her. If he doesn't arrive early but not late enough, he might just catch her as she's setting everything out. ]

[choseneutrality]

[He appears just as she finished setting up the area.]

Did I keep you waiting?

[globetrotting]

[ Hearing him she looks over, smile crossing her face right away. ] You're just in time, actually! Come on over!

[ Blue takes a step back from the blanket, motioning to the picnic with arms out. ] Ta daa. Picnics are my speciality.

[choseneutrality]

I can see that; it looks delicious, Blue.

[Fran waddles on over and sits herself down, Flynn following in suit.]

[globetrotting]

Thank you!

[ She smiles, giving a quick and mock curtsey at the compliment, and then sits down herself. ]

Tuck right in with whatever you want! [ She stretches out her arms before her. ] I'm just glad the day is nearly over...!

[choseneutrality]

[A curt nod and Flynn settles down. He picks out a sandwich and takes a small bite.]

Busy day?

[globetrotting]

[ She takes a sandwich herself, giving a small sigh. ]

Sorta. I was kind of here and there all day, and I was helping around the habitats too. It wasn't too bad, but my feet could do with the rest!

[choseneutrality]

Don't push yourself too hard.

[Takes a bite out of his food.]

[globetrotting]

I know, I know. But a lot of areas got covered. [ Ah. ] Do you know if the cemetery is okay?

[choseneutrality]

[The cemetery... At her mentioning it, Flynn goes still. A few different emotions run across his face but they're fleeting at best.]

I don't know. I... haven't gone that way.

[globetrotting]

You haven't...? [ Out of anyone she knew, she would've suspected him to be the one to go. She watches him carefully, her voice turning softer. ]

Aren't you worried?

[ Had he just not considered how far all the greenery had gotten everywhere? Or... ]

[choseneutrality]

[Fran looks up at him from where she had seated herself, a sandwich in both of her hands. The small Pokemon had a sad and worried expression on her face since she knew all too well.

Flynn took another small bite, chewed, and then swallowed.]

It's not that I'm not worried. I just...

[He trails off here.]

[globetrotting]

[ It's not just the way he acts, but the way Fran does as well. It makes her think - how much does he speak about his parents? But maybe it's an unfair thought; who would want to speak about such a thing? She's not one who knows how to deal with grief. Would she want to talk about it at all? ]

... Would you like some company? Some extra company. [ Can't exclude Fran's presence, of course. ] I could come with you tomorrow. I'm sure it's okay, but it'll be nice to see. Won't it?

[choseneutrality]

...

[Fran places one stubby hand on his arm and looks up at him firmly.]

... Yes. I would like that.

[globetrotting]

[ Blue hums, smiling at him as brightly as she can, but keeping it from reaching obnoxious levels. ]

Good. I'd like that too.

[ Maybe Flynn could do with more company in general, she thinks. Though she already tried to see him when she could, and he always humoured these times with her.

She picks up her flask, unwinding the top and pouring out the soft sweet apple juice from inside and handing it to him. The biggest of her two flask cups, of course. ]

Here. We can go in the morning, or whenever you like.

[choseneutrality]

[He smiles in return, even if there are hints of strain to it. But he really does want Blue to know he is thankful.]

Thank you.

[globetrotting]

[ She touches his knee, following it with a pat. ]

No thank you's necessary.