"Of course. I'm assuming Sushi will be sticking with you as your 'starter' for this trip? I'm going to use the PC to send the rest of my team to your family. I'm sure Aurora and Midnight will enjoy the attention hanging of with your Pokémon."

Clover purred, happy to receive so much love and attention from Lumia and Rosa. Lumia eventually took out a Pokéball, holding out to the cat. "If you want to come with me, I would love to have you on my team, Clover." The cat looked back at the employees, then at the red and white ball. She tapped+

Oh, sorry, I didn't hear anything you said. I just saw Officer Jenny and her Arcanine do the sickest thing ever.

The attendant nodded. "She was meant to be, but the family was... not suited for raising her." That was a generous way to put it, Lumia thought, but she didn't want to get frustrated and upset her. "We were applying for the gym challenge here already," she pointed out, slowly offering a poffin+

Lumia was so clearly feeling for the little kitten. But Rosa suggested she approach the Pokémon and she felt nervous. "I'm not sure if I'm allowed..." The employee behind the counter was listening, and seemed to recognize the champion. "It would be okay, if you can approach gently. We want her to+

"I haven't gotten to properly check out the school yet, but I look forward to it!" A thought occurred to her. "If I'm really taking that job, it's like we work together. I like the idea of helping you make the league better." The idea made her smile and nervously fidget with her pen. She returned+

You know, I was living with family, then I went traveling for a long time. This is the first time I've really had a place to settle and live in that feels like it's mine. It's cozy, but I am obsessed with the view. And all the space for my ridiculous collection of romance novels.

The pair of trainers made their way to the Paldean League offices to officially qualify themselves for the local league challenge. That meant a lot of paperwork. Lumia sat next to Rosa, idly playing footsie while she filled out information. "I didn't realize how organized they'd be in Paldea. I+

She was digging and digging, and they were only getting redder in the face. It was too early to point out what was going on here. She was trying so hard to give it time. "Rosa, I think we want the same things on this trip." That was all she would say for now, squeezing Rosa's hand to reassure her.

She clearly didn't consider her words that carefully, or she wouldn't have worded it like THAT. Or would she? Lumia tried to ignore the heat in her cheeks. "I'd love to have more sleepovers," she agreed, because that was definitely what Rosa meant. "We'll have to see; they may object to you+

"Sure! It'll be nice to have a reason to come back home," she admitted. She hadn't visited her father since leaving on her journey, since things didn't end on good terms. But would be nice to revisit their hometown with Rosa. "It's something to look forward to," she agreed, smiling at the thought+

Lumia didn't love the idea of leaving all of her Pokemon in the Box long term either. "Maybe we can leave them with your family? Not that I want to impose. My father wouldn't be thrilled if I sent a bunch of Pokemon to live with him, sadly."

Lumia finished her last bite of potato and cleaned her hand with a napkin so she could grab Rosa's hand. "Like a true rival. Like we always wanted. I would love that, babe—er, Rosa." It was a slip, as was apparent from her red cheeks. "So we catch a starter and send the rest of our team back until+

"Honestly? It already feels like things are how I remember them." Like Rosa never left. But they weren't teenagers anymore; they had to figure out what their dynamic we again. Lumia relished the challenge. They finished their shopping and packed their bags tight with food for the trip. Lumia+

Lumia laughed and tucked one bottle into the basket. "We won't hit the bottle too hard, then. I want you to actually remember our picnic," she joked. "Is it lame that I'm really excited about camping with you?" she admitted. "It feels kind of nostalgic. Like when we had sleepovers in school."

I didn't realize the dress I got from The Trendy Trainer was so nice! And these cute heels, too! I guess it's Fancy Friday?

It was nice to see Rosa still thought about the old days. "You are correct. I love when they put chocolate on things that aren't chocolate. Like... these chocolate-covered pretzels. Classic." She added a small bag of pretzels to the basket. "And... are these chocolate-covered potato chips? I+

Lumia knew what she was going to say. "Yeah. I think so, too." Rosa didn't have to admit it out loud yet. "Honestly, I'm giddy thinking of all the chances we have to share time together again." She crouched to look at artisanal chocolate treats. "You still like milk chocolate, too, right? I hope+

That was comforting, knowing they were on a similar page. "I get it. I was just thinking back to movie nights and chocolate and snacks." They were so young when they dated, but those memories were sweet and wholesome. "You know, we really should get chocolate. I think we deserve it, don't you?"

Lumia could see she caught Rosa by surprise. She really should be nice. "I'm just teasing. You're cute when flustered." A true statement. She tossed a bread loaf and a carton of eggs into their basket. "That's totally fine. Just know we can chat if you have things on your mind. Like the old days."

Lumia was excited to have company visiting the flat she was staying in during her Unova trip. With a full kitchen at her disposal, she was simmering sauce, boiling pasta, toasting garlic bread, and had something chilling for dessert. Knock-knock! "Door's open, babe!" @saffroncedar.bsky.social

Lumia picked out a bunch of ripe bananas, knowing they would be ready once they were on the road. She also grabbed the largest jar of peanut butter she could find. When she looked back, she noticed Rosa turning red. "You look like you have something on your mind. Is it something naughty?" she joked.

Lumia's mind went back to their sleepovers and all the snacks they would eat watching movies together. "You did always have a sweet tooth. Some sweeter sandwiches sound great. Maybe we got some peanut butter and bananas? The superior peanut butter partner."

The little hand squeeze was reassuring. It was nice to just have little reminders that she was really here, taking this trip with Rosa after so long. Peppers and onions probably would be good. Green peppers are a little bitter, which I don't love, but I think they should be fine with chorizo."+

Lumia got goosebumps holding hands with Rosa in public. She felt bad that her friend had to go through a breakup, but selfishly, she was glad they could be a little more affectionate around people without potentially creating a tabloid incident. "Oh, I would love some chorizo. Something savory+

It wasn't her first time in Paldea, but getting to see the region again with Rosa was an exciting new opportunity. She was well-rested, perhaps because she got to sleep on the flight with her head on Rosa's shoulder. Before they started traveling and camping, then needed supplies. That meant+

"That sounds perfect to me." If they wanted to journey around Paldea, there would be a lot of items to buy, and the Paldean League would probably want some heads up that a Champion was visiting the region. "But we don't have to rush. I'm very, veeeery comfortable." She rested her head on Rosa.

At least now she was firmly secured in place. And she got a nice compliment out of the deal, All Things Considered. "Well, I'm glad you're a fan," she teased. "And I guess we can try for two miles, but you better be ready to carry me if my legs go all jelly in mile two."

Lumia scrunched her nose. "You know, a lot of girls think my 'jammas' are pretty nice." She looked down at the bandages tying her down. Chiyo did a good job; somehow, she didn't feel strangled. "But this should be enough to handle a jog, don't you think?"

This was the kind of second chance Lumia never thought she'd get. Another chapter in her Pokémon journey, exploring at Rosa's side. "I'd love that, ma fleur." She didn't stop Rosa from pulling her in tighter. Despite the unfortunate road that got them here, Lumia was still content.

Now it was so much easier to understand. Exploring the caves on the island was a real taste of Adventure. The kind of Adventure they could have had if things played out differently. And here, Rosa was trying to give them a second chance. Lumia leaned in and pressed their foreheads together.+

"Mm?" Clearly Lumia needed to wake up a little bit more, because Rosa had something real to discuss beyond breakfast. "Camping? Paldea? Adventure?" It was a surprise plan, and probably needed real consideration. But she met Rosa's eyes and her heart melted. "I mean... I'd love to camp with you,"+

The smile crept across her face. "Really well. I don't think I've had a bad night of sleep next to you," she admitted. In no rush to leave bed, she pulled the blanket up further to cover her shoulders. "I love camping, but it's nice to spend some time in a nice bed. This is what sleeping like a+

They were slipping into a routine. A routine that involved sharing a bed, which Lumia was not upset about. She always preferred to sleep with someone beside her, and despite still just being friends, Rosa was an exceptionally affectionate bed mate. Lumia was getting used to waking up with Rosa+

Lumia nodded. "Get the table ready, and I'll get the curry." She was just there to support Rosa as a friend. But she could not pretend dinner with her did not feel like a picture of wives enjoying their evening together. A picture of what could have been. And maybe, with time, what could be again.

Lumia was trying and failing not to read into that. For now, she'd just let herself be happy. "That's all I want you to be right now, ma fleur." Lumia took some off the curry with the edge of a wooden spoon and offered it to Rosa. "Now let me know if this is enough spice so we can finally eat."

"Yes. Giving one person love doesn't mean there's less love for another. That's how I view it, at least." But what about another partner? Was that meant to be as loaded as it sounded? "I have, and I might. It's the kind of thing I don't want to rush. Girlfriends aren't Pokémon. I don't need to+

"No, it was a totally normal question. I don't mind talking about it." She smiled, letting the pot simmer. It really was filling the house with amazing scents. "I just think love isn't a finite resource. I can give Wendy love, and still have love for... another partner." Another word almost slipped.

Okay, she might have added a healthier dash of garam masala than intended. What an interesting question. "So right now, I'm just seeing Wendy. But I am open to other partners. I dated a couple of girls back in high school," she admitted. But if Rosa wanted to get a better understanding of Lumia's+

That question made Lumia blink as she processed what she meant. "Of course. She knows I'm here to support you after what happened. Besides, our relationship doesn't really leave much space for jealousy. She was just with another partner, too." Not that Rosa was her partner.

Lumia gestured toward the spices she needed that were on Rosa's side of the kitchen. "With Wendy?" She didn't fully get the question yet. "She travels with me, and we adventure together and do all the things you probably expect girlfriends would do together." She blushed, leaving that open-ended.

After three days of being there for @idyllicrose.bsky.social , it was amazing how easy it was to fall into a rhythm with her. Sharing a space, sharing a bed; it all felt easy. Which seemed to make what Rosa was going through a little easier. Ultimately, that was why Lumia stayed.+

She smiled, feeling the familiar butterflies Rosa gave her. She'd keep those under control. "I'll stay as long as you need me to, ma fleur." She would let Wendy know she was staying in Unova a little longer; Rosa was a good reason to extend her trip. Besides, she still had a big offer to consider.

It was, in fact, inevitable. There wasn't much room on the couch, but Rosa found the space to nestle under the blanket with Lumia. She felt her heart beating hard in her chest, but she took a deep breath or two to calm down. Rosa wasn't used to sleeping alone these days. She'd need time to feel+

Movies and ice cream were great because you didn't have to think too much about things when you're just watching a movie. Rosa deserved to get her mind off of things for the night. But then night time came, and that was probably the time when it was difficult not to think about what she was going+

"Of course. I'll go get..." She looked down. She had promised not to leave or let go. "I'll order some ice cream and we'll pull up something on streaming." She released Midnight and Aurora from their balls and they immediately understood the assignment. Midnight curled up in Rosa's lap and Aurora+

"Sometimes that happens no matter how hard you try to avoid it." She caught the screen in the corner of her eye looking at apartments. She could guess that was a remnant from before things ended. "Would movies and ice cream soften the blow? It's cheesy, but it's classic for a reason."

That little request broke Lumia's heart and made her hang on tighter. "Never again." She wouldn't regret that a second time. "We can talk about what happened if you need that. Or if you need to just sit silently with me, that's fine, too." Today wasn't about her. It was all for Rosa.