smashacademy | [006G

[Video feed shows a pot of gracidea flowers upon an otherwise empty windowsill. And no green-haired willowy girl in sight, but she can at least heard.]

I think it's a little interesting how something can be gone and consequently missing, and yet sometimes it can still be present. I planted these with Professor Cyrus almost two years ago. These flowers, I mean. And I remember the day that I did vividly, because it was one of those times that we were arguing.

We don't really ever forget the people we crossed paths with, I guess, even when we want to. After all, there are things I want to forget too. But I'm beginning to think that I'm going about it the wrong way. Instead of wanting to escape a past, or to pretend people from the past don't exist, I think I should at least be embracing the time I spent with them while they were here.

[It doesn't take a genius to put together that she means both Sonny and Cyrus when she speaks. Except those who didn't know either.]

It's better to be thankful than it is to be held back. Smash Academy, can you tell me what you're thankful for? It doesn't have to be a person. It can be a thing, an ideal, a belief - whatever you want. I'm simply curious.

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[His posture stiffens, but he still keeps his eyes off the computer screen.]

My teammates, you know, they come and go. My trainer, too. No matter how long I have to get over it, I'm always still a little upset when he's- they're- not around.

So, I guess, like, I'm just trying to say I sorta know how you feel. Sometimes I feel like I just need to grow up and... whatever. [Another shrug. He's clearly getting a little embarrassed.] Act like I'm okay, like you said.

That doesn't help you, I know... But, like, I dunno.

[She takes what he says seriously and with a good amount of thought. And in hindsight, Voile wonders what's made her think it's okay to goad Marie into being publicly open with her. Not that she's necessarily 'goaded' him, but the wiser path might have been not to make himself come across as so vulnerable.

The features in her face soften as she watches him, attentive and almost hanging onto each word he offers to her.]

No. It does help. [A small smile.] It's better to know that you aren't alone, then to tell yourself that you are. I... feel better knowing I'm not the only one who feels that way. It helps more than you can possibly know, Marie.

[Marie's nature tends to make him come off a little extra vulnerable. The sweetness in Voile's tone, though- and he can tell she's smiling, if only a little- and what she says seems to lift some of the anxiety from the turtle's shoulders. He glances up halfway to return an awkward smile of his own.]

Well... that's good. I don't want you to feel like you're alone, or whatever.

[When he finally looks her way, her expression brightens just a little bit more. She's never said it, but Marie's infrequent gentle mannerisms made him endearing - like he's someone she wants to protect. Perhaps it's in her nature as the 'embrace' Pokémon, but Voile isn't free of the stereotype.]

I think you understand me better than anyone else here, actually. I've simply never said as much.

[He pauses, really not sure how to feel about that. His expression doesn't shift, but the fluff on his head flattens back a little.]

Really?

[He's not entirely convinced that that's a good thing.]

[She nods.]

In some ways, yes, but not all avenues, Marie.

[Voile gives him an encouraging tip of the head.] You look uncertain.

[There's an awkward half-laugh.]

Yeah, I dunno. I'm not used to hearing that sort of thing, I guess?

I've always been more upfront about that kind of thing. Perhaps it's because I already hold so much to me that I feel like if I hold anymore, I may burst.

[She pauses and gives a sheepish smile.] If it makes you feel any better, I think Professor Cyrus really, really disliked that about me.

[He shrugs.]

I think it's nice. I mean, it's good to be upfront about that kind of thing, probably.

...You do?

[She thinks about that for a moment, perhaps a little too surprised by the notion. Marie's the first and only person to tell her that.]

I hope you're right. [She smiles.] I've talked so much about me, though. How are you doing, Marie?

Yeah...

[He gets a little tenser again, although not uncomfortably so.]

I'm okay, I guess. We don't have to talk about me...

[Her features soften and she remains quiet for a few moments. Well. Many long moments.]

I just wanted to make sure you were doing okay. It wouldn't be right for me to dominate so much of the conversation - even if you thought it was.

[The silence makes Marie feel even more awkward, and like maybe he might have said the wrong thing. He fidgeted a little bit until Voile spoke again. To which he shrugs again.]

Well, yeah, I'm okay. ... Thanks for asking.

[Wow. Voile is the worst at this. Really, she is.

So she decides on a different approach.]

Do you want to go visit the botanical gardens with me?

[It's okay, Voile, Marie's just difficult. He hesitates before answering... She must have picked the one place Marie couldn't ever imagine wanting to go to. But when he does respond, he sounds fairly sure of his answer.]

Yeah, sure. That'd be nice...

[marie what are you doing]

[She likes flowers. She can't help that. It has nothing to do with you being weak to grass types. Really, Marie.

For a moment, she thinks she has to explain herself. But then he accepts and she brightens.]

Great! Also... Uhm. [Voile blinks.] Do you like Pokéblocks?

Yeah, I guess so. Sweet ones, mostly. [Marie blinks back.] Why?

[That's food for thought.]

Oh! Just curious.

[She has plans, Sir Turtle.]

... Okay.

Well, you can text me whenever you wanna go out, or whatever, okay?

[She nods.]

What about this Friday?

That's fine.

[Nervous!]

What's your last class? I'll wait for yours to get out if mine's finished first. Then we can go.

[But she's harmless!]

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