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

[actsmagnificent]

It's contested property. [ She takes her bite and sits back. You're making that plant sad, though. What a cruel woman.

Now everyone at this table is watching the spoon - even Sewaddle, whose cheeks are still full of his own portion. Where's that headed, Michiru? ]

[incousinswithyou]

Is it? [she sets the spoon on the edge of the plate again.] You're welcome to the rest of it.

[Michiru is now nonchalantly sipping at her water. Somebody has to be the bigger person, after all. Though if Budew is now turning a plaintive look up towards Haruka...]

[actsmagnificent]

Generous. [ ....The plant, too? What do you teach your Pokémon? If it's anything like what the child is picking up via osmosis, she's doomed from all angles.

Haruka stirs the mush forming at the bottom of the ice-cream dish, drawing a spoonful out of it. She brings it halfway to her mouth, then pauses. Don't look at her like that, Budew.

And then, a second pair of eyes meet hers. ] Wad....

[ ...Oh no. ]

[incousinswithyou]

Buuu.

[looks like Budew is quickly losing all hope of getting any more ice cream. Even her buds droop a little.

Michiru just smiles prettily and watches with hidden amusement.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Sh-she's not feeding this spoonful to Budew out of weakness or anything. It's to teach Sewaddle that pleading expression won't work on her. This is a lesson for Sewaddle.

Anyone who thinks otherwise is stone cold wrong. ] It's just a snack.

[incousinswithyou]

[!!!

Budew wiggles excitedly and noms enthusiastically on the proferred ice cream. Aand she's back to beaming at Haruka.] Buuu!

[Michiru, on her part, is studiously looking anywhere but the scene unfolding before her. She's definitely hiding a smile behind that hand though.]

[actsmagnificent]

Wad.

[ That was the last of the ice cream. Even Sewaddle can see that much, and now it is gone. Happiness for his friend cannot quite erase the sadness this revelation provides.

Fortunately for him, his Trainer then offers him a sleeve to climb up, which is close enough to attention that all is forgiven. He waddles up happily and silks himself to Haruka's shoulder. ] Sew.

[ Haruka gives Budew a smile in return and then pushes her chair away from the table. ] Shall we head back? If anything else happens I doubt it'll be subtle.

[incousinswithyou]

[she waves the waiter over for the check. See? They have bills. Sort of.]

That sounds like a good idea. [now if every mild crisis would present an opportunity for an impromptu date.

And she'll scoop up the flowers, as well as the happy and content Budew. Best day ever.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ You mean they don't? Haruka adds a tip to the bill to make up for their Pokémon crawling all over the table and getting ice cream here and there, then waits for Michiru to join her. All set? Then let's go home. ] I might even nap.

[ You're welcome to join her for that, as well. ]

[incousinswithyou]

[...alright, fine. They probably already do.]

Somebody's feeling indulgent.

[maybe she will]

[actsmagnificent]

Maybe. [ Ice cream. That's all Haruka has to say on the matter.

Sewaddle, unused to sugar rushes, is already basking on her shoulder. What an exciting day. Now he sleeps.

....With a little silk spit bubble and everything. Charming. ]

[incousinswithyou]

[Budew is settling contently back into her flower nest. At this point, she probably thinks it's her own personalized bed.

Michiru smiles and leans in towards the shoulder without the bug or the bug spit, as cute as Sewaddle is.

...They're probably trailing petals.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ LULLABY learned IKUHARA!

Haruka does not blame you for that arrangement. Today's taught her she actually should train the bug, but that can wait. Why spoil the moment by thinking about anything?

Off they sweep in their cozy little tableau, bringing that much more spring to everyone who sees them. A+ subtle investigation, ladies. You go. ]