smashacademy | [013] - Audio/Video

Oh-ho! You're in for a treat. I think. Hopefully. Um, I booked us a table at The Bomb Flower. It's Goron Ramsay's restaurant in Final Destination. I don't know if you ever see any of his shows, but he's a pretty famous celebrity chef. Gorons only normally eat rocks, but he made a name for himself by learning the cuisines of different cultures and perfecting them.

[Really, it had been lucky for him that he'd called right after another party had cancelled. Usually, it took a while to get a table here and you had to book well in advance.]

The Bomb Flower... [And while she didn't really watch the black box, Voile had been known to read and to cook. Goron Ramsay wasn't foreign to her and she did perk up a bit at Sonny's announcement.]

Really...
That sounds super fancy. How did you even manage that? Why? That's way too much, Sonny. Really gorgeous barrettes and now this. I don't know how to compensate for that, Sonny. I never do anything fancy like that for you. Or anyone, really.

[She frowned prominently, mostly disappointed with herself.]

I managed it by calling this morning. I sort of just tried it on a whim? I know normally it takes a while to even get a reservation but I thought I could at least give it a try. You don't know unless you try, right? And I don't expect you to compensate for it - this isn't... I'm not trying to buy anything from you. 'Here, you take this and that's what I get in return.' That's not... I'm not like that. You know that, right?

[He wasn't exactly happy with her reaction. Not because he was upset WITH her or anything! But because it seemed like he'd somehow upset her by trying to do something nice.]

Why would you need to ask why...?

[Wasn't he obvious enough? Transparent enough? Maybe he'd somehow not been plain with her. Actually, the more he thought about it, the more.... plausible that seemed. What with leaving for a year, coming back, stuff with Marie, stuff with clone Red, stuff in general. Too much stuff.]

I love you. I'd wrap up the world and give it to you for your Birthday if it was mine to give. But it isn't and probably won't ever be and it would probably be kind of a nightmare to wrap it all anyway. So, I just get what I can afford. Jewelry that I hope you'll like enough to wear, and a nice meal somewhere you might not normally get to go and maybe a movie after if we're not too tired. I just... I just wanted to show you that I love you enough to do something that I hope you might enjoy. That's all. I just want you to have a lovely evening.

[Upset? No. Surprised beyond belief, yes. And when he had something more to say to it, she admittedly just felt...

Uncomfortable? Was that even to the point enough to properly convey how she felt over it? She didn't like it so much when he pointed in the direction of him loving her. Not because she didn't love him on some level, but because she was under the impression she'd never be in a position to love him—or anyone else—the way he deserved or needed.

And that was part of the reason she'd told him not to wait for her. That if he had found someone, he had her blessing. It was all making her think of that show she'd heard of. Boy Meets Universe Where All Worlds Conjoin.]

You don't need to go out of your way. That's all I meant. It's flattering that you think of me so. I just don't want you to think you should be impressing me. That isn't necessary...

[The thing was, on some level he did understand that it was a little unfair to say it. She had told him not to wait. He did understand that she needed a little space from his feelings - feelings which were only exactly one half of their combined emotional back-and-forth, after all - but...

...he could hardly help it. It was a personal failing, if anything. And if he were a more mature or experienced person in these matters, he'd understand that sometimes being honest and making sure you were open and transparent to the point of discomfort wasn't for the best. Being understood wasn't as important as being kind. There was a lot he had to learn.

And so, he was waiting. He was the man who would not be moved. And noting the expression on her face as he spoke before made him regret it... but he didn't know how else to be.]

....I'm sorry, Voile. I know I don't. I probably shouldn't. If you don't.... You know, I can cancel the reservation! It doesn't cost me anything and really, if you're not going to enjoy it, there isn't much point, right? We can do something simpler? It's your Birthday! We should do something you're going to find fun, right? Just tell me what you want to do, OK?

[He squished his face into a smile and shrugged like it was no big deal.]

Pancakes? Pizza? Bowling? A cup of tea outside a café?

[She shook her head quickly.]

No. No. You went through the trouble, so I want to go. I don't mind surprises. I really don't.

[The concept of a surprise wasn't what got her. It was usually the value of said surprise. But that was difficult to say. And if she could be honest, she didn't want to have to say it, because it sounded cruel.

Leaning over, she reached up and pinched his chin between thumb and forefinger gingerly.]

Believe me. It'll be fine. Just try not to strain yourself too much in the future. [I'm not worth it.] Simple things are okay too, all right?

[But simple was stuff that they could do any time. Birthdays were supposed to be more than that.

...but he didn't want to argue. He didn't want to make a fuss or complain or correct or struggle. That wasn't his job right now. What he needed to do was concentrate on the Birthday Girl and making sure she had as great of an evening as was possible for him to provide.]

OK. Next year? I'll make sure that if I take you somewhere? It will be somewhere simple. Cross my heart.

[While she didn't reply immediately, she did raise an eyebrow at him. Some mirth found its way into the one eye that wasn't hiding beneath grain hair and she almost snorted. Except that would have been too unlike her to give into.]

I'm interested to know what makes you think either of us will still be here next year. I mean, I applaud the optimism, but still.

Well, because I'm a college student, now? I'm going to finish my schooling! Plus, my job will keep me here while His Burliness is still in Final Destination City.

[Really, he hadn't planned on leaving any time.... well. Ever. Which was strange considering how much was there for him in Pallet town...]

Are you thinking of going somewhere? Back to Lillycove, maybe?

[Voile eyed him very plainly, almost thinking his question was ridiculously insensitive. But it dawned on her that she didn't tell him anything about... much of anything to do with her. And she never really had. He knew the bare minimum and not much else beyond that.

So she looked aside and shook her head.]

There is nothing for me in Lilycove, or Hoenn. One day it would be interesting to go visit other worlds, however. Worlds completely different from Hoenn or the other regions, or here.

Ohhh! Right! We did talk about going to see what your Trainer's world was like that one time. I'd like to see some different worlds too. Places with different kinds of creatures and different ways of doing things. And different foods, of course!

Those poor other worlds wouldn't even have any food once you left.

[She gave Sonny a close look and snorted.]

We'd have to put warning signs on you, Sonny. 'Don't feed this man. He'll never stop eating.'

That's not true! I stop sometimes!

[Wwwwwwait for it.]

I have to sleep for twelve hours a day too! Haha! That's plenty of time for my hosts to make some more sandwiches, right? Or whatever they serve in their world. Did you ever go to that planetary theme park out in space that was really popular for a while a few years ago? There was a whole planet made of candy and cheeseburgers..... maybe I'll just go back there.

[Voile snorted.]

Okay, so you sleep for twelve hours a day and spend the rest of those twelve hours eating. I got it. We can handle that here, but we can't handle that anywhere else. You would put places out of business. Beds. Restaurants.

[But then she offered a casual shrug.] I still think you'd need a friendly disclaimer. You would have to tell people beforehand you were troublesome.

Maybe I should have a waiver printed on a T'shirt and everyone I meet has to sign it in sharpie to prove they've been made aware of how much I eat and that I can't be held responsible for any damages caused?

[Voile, have Phoenix draw it up OK?]

[Hearing him made her laugh.]

Perfect. That will solve all of your potential problems. A professional disclaimer.

Snorlax terms and conditions! That's a really good idea. I'll make sure to have something drawn up before I go on vacation again!

[Actually, it might be a good idea for some other species as well. Charizard terms and conditions could be useful. Squirtle terms and conditions would be smaller but also useful.]

Speaking of eating, we're just about at the restaurant!

[He pointed it out to her - it was an understated looking place. There was a valet standing outside behind a little booth and a doorman with a book of names. Other than that, it didn't stick out or announce its presence. Quiet and classy. The only reason to give it a second look in a city filled with restaurants was if you knew its name and who owned it.]

[The restaurant must have been there as long as Voile had been. Maybe longer. Probably longer. She'd loved the Hanging Garden, but to be honest after one of the waiters had been murdered by the now fencing instructor, Voile had every reason to be wary around it. And she rightfully was.

Goron Ramsay. Just his name was inspiring. Voile wasn't anywhere near his potential in cooking. She simply enjoyed spending her time with just such a pastime. The artsy part in her suited her well. She could make almost any dish at least look good, but that didn't necessary mean it would taste good.]

Thank you again. [She looked over to him and gave a short little nod.] I know I didn't act it too much before, but this is actually really cool. I can't wait. I bet everything he has made is amazing and I feel like this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

[Sonny grinned widely at her, happy to hear her opinion on things. Not that he didn't appreciate her earlier honesty. But the idea that she really WAS looking forward to it bolstered his spirits.

He approached the doorman and gave his name.]

Mr... Snorlax. Yes, you and your Plus One are on the list. Enter and wait to be seated, if you please, Sir. Madame.

[Sonny turned to mouth at Voile 'Sir and Madame!' because he could kind of get used to that. Sir. He could count the number of times someone had called him Sir on exactly no hands.]

[Some people would have been irritated to be known as 'Plus One' as opposed to by name. Voile didn't seem to mind, however. Most things didn't bother her like that. She wasn't so petty. If anything, she was wearing a bit of a sly smile.

'Madame.'

Her eyebrows lifted at Sonny, as if she didn't know what to make of that. She stayed at his side, though, and as she looked around, she continued.]

Fancy. Absolutely. I might be under dressed for this.

You look wonderful. Me? I wish I would of worn nicer shoes.

[Regretfully, he was wearing sneakers. At least they were clean.

A smiling young lady greeted them and took them directly to their table and presented them with a wine list. There were prices per glass and per bottle and they weren't terribly priced on the first side. The second side of the one panel menu was another story.]

Voile, did you want wine?

[He was right. But in comparison, Voile almost always looked nicer than Sonny, even when she only had a few hours of sleep. She thought about protesting, but also thought better of it.

After taking a seat, Voile did take a look at the wine list, mostly out of curiosity. Wine was a special occasion thing and while she knew there was some kind of rule about the age of consumption, she didn't know what it was at the academy and no such thing existed in Lilycove. Because Pokemon didn't drink wine, as far as she knew.

What would that even do to the system...?]

Ah... If you would like. I don't have too much of a preference. I don't know anything about wines, honestly. There was some prom one of the years, like two years ago, maybe. Might have been last year. Something like that. The punch was spiked, I guess. Marie was all kinds of sick. I've never had anything like it, or wine, so I guess I'm slightly concerned about how it would affect me?

Or maybe it wouldn't. [She shrugged, unable to truly say one way or the other.]

Woah, Marie got sick on prom punch!? Aww... I wish I would of known about it.

[Sonny would have LOVED a genuine reason to dote on little broter for a bit. Not that he particularly relished the idea of Marie getting sick. Still, he'd have enjoyed having an excuse to be there and be the Mother Hen he was inclined towards being.]

How about we try a sweet one? We'll tryyyy.... a Moscato?

[He looked at the waitress a little imploringly because really? He had no real idea about Wine either. Just what he'd picked up on cooking shows. He knew Moscato was a sweet white wine that paired nicely with dessert and spicy food.

The waitress nodded and took the menu back.]

Oh, and some water, too. Just in case.

[Because even if they didn't like the wine? Water would work to wet the whistle.]

Yeah... You weren't there. I mean, you were here at the academy, but you didn't go to prom. That was probably best.

[Mostly she remembered Marie being all kinds of jealous and going back to her room. Getting a little grabby. Asking her to stay by him. And him waking up in her bed the next morning when she was in the shower.

And inevitably freaking out about what he did the night before, to which Voile never actually defined. Just that he was 'fine,' mostly.]

And I'll try whatever you intend to get for us. [She flashes the waitress a little smile, who seemed to get Sonny's request without much issue.] Hopefully I don't do or say anything to make you regret that decision. It's like a learning experience for us both, too.

[He just nodded at that. Yes, he remembered skipping out on Prom. He hadn't wanted to make things awkward for anyone so had decided staying at home was the best idea. Apparently, judging by her comment, he'd been correct in that assumption. It had been a lonely night, but thankfully he'd spent most of it asleep.]

Hopefully this one will be a good choice!

[He laced his hands in front of him and looked around the restaurant. It really WAS fancy in here. And the waiters were dressed so nicely and the food smelled so good! He picked up the food menu and glanced through.]

There's a few really nice sounding dishes - Do you see anything you might want to get?

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MOSCATO IS THE BEST CHOICE. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME BEING AT THE BOTTOM OF A BOTTLE OF IT.

I love Moscato so, so much. X)c