Destined for each other

Chapter 8 geting to know you

Shade's P.O.V.

I woke up with a start the next day as there was a loud knock at the door. I walked over to my window and peeked through a gap in the curtains where I could see the front door. I usually keep them closed because I like it dark in my room. I feel slightly worried as I recognize the Cinderace at once. I grabbed my money bag and hurried out of my room carefully making my way downstairs.
'I hope I made enough this month. I'll have to help my sister get another job.
I opened the door at once and greeted him. "Flitz nice to see you," I say he looked a bit cheerful which was pretty normal for him. "Good morning Shade, has it been a good month for you?" I nodded my head.
'Well other than our annoying neighbour that is. But I wasn't going to mention Solstice to Flitz. It doesn't seem important enough anyway. Then he began talking again. "So have you and your sister got jobs yet?" I smiled and pulled out my money bag. "Yup," I replied then paused. "Well eh, I did anyway. My sister, er..." I hesitated for a bit. "Well her shop kind of got broken into and now so now It's closed." I finally finished. "Oh, yes I heard of that through the paper.. wait. THAT WAS YOUR SISTER?? IS SHE OK?!" Then my ear pricked up at the creak of the stairs. We both turned around to see her. I felt a bit surprised she was very well clean and was wearing a fancy pink scarf her friend Kaylee had gotten her for her hatch day."
I felt that something was up. "You seem pretty dressed up today," I commented and she blushed a bit, looking nervous. Flitz ran over to her. "Oh, I'm glad you're ok Vera." He paused for a bit. "That's a very nice scarf you got there. going out?" Her face turned red in embarrassment. "Just out for some coffee like I always do." I frown because I know there's something she's not telling me. She was looking at Flitz. "I'm, sorry I didn't make much money." He raised his paw. "Say no more Vera, your shop was broken into so that's understandable." I dipped my head. "I'll help her find a new one but for now here you go" I passed him what I made. To my surprise, the Cinderace took only half of it. "You'll need some to buy food for yourselves." He winked. "But Flitz. I just go out in the wild for food. Berries are free, are you sure?" He nodded. "Relax, you can't pay the full amount right now because of the whole incident." Then he padded for the door. "Take care now, I'll see you again next month."
"Thank you Flits!" Me and my sister called after him as he left. Vera began heading for the door. I placed a paw on her shoulder to stop her. "Vera, I know you only dress up on special occasions."
"Well.. i... we..." she was stuttering then I raised an eyebrow at her. "What is it? Come on Vera! I'm your brother. We don't keep secrets from each other." She then looked a bit shameful. "Oh, alright but promise you'll be cool about it?" Hearing her say that made me worried. "Oh No! Don't tell me! You're not going out with Solstice are you?!" She looked shocked. "No! Never he's a weirdo and a creep."
"THEN WHO??" She now looked mad. "Clam down shade! I never said I was going on a date!" I calmed down a bit. "Oh.. "
*phew*
"Had me worried there" Suddenly her eyes narrowed. "Wait, why do you care if I go out with someone?" I frowned. "Vera, you know I care about you, I just do-" she interpreted
"Sooo! I'm not allowed to ever have a boyfriend, is that it?!"
"Well no that's not what I'm saying. I just want you to be careful is all."
"What if I told you I made new friends? Do you have a problem with it?" I placed a paw on her shoulder. "Clam down Vera, I'm not trying to control you, don't make it out like that." She backed away. "Then what's your deal?"
"I just want to know why you dressed up today I know there's a reason for it." She shrugged. "I told you I made a few new friends." I frowned "Oh? Trying to impress someone?" I asked. "Shade, I'm allowed to wear nice clothes if I want to, now stop it."
"I'm sorry Vera but I worry about you.
You do know that you are one of the best-looking females in town right?." She shrugged. "Am I though? Or is it just because I'm shiny and shinies are rare?"
"You get my point, Vera! You shouldn't go around drawing attention to yourself, there are some bad mons in this town you know."
She nodded. "Well, that's why we stay away from the downtime side, Shade you don't think I know that?" I growled, feeling frustrated. "Ahh forget it. You're right, maybe I am being too paranoid." She sighed. "Look I'm going out for coffee with a few new friends ok, nothing too serious." then I watched her leave. I sat in thought for a bit as I grabbed my gym bag. 'New friends?
I shrugged and then headed out the door myself. I noticed Solstice was watching Vera from his front yard also looking confused. I try not to growl as I go jogging down the road. Wondering if I should go check up on these 'new friends' of hers.
But then I think it's better not to.
'Maybe I shouldn't, that will only upset Vera. Better to stay out of it.
As I get to the gym I head to the male's locker room and put on my uniform. The course I'm training in is an exercise class where everyone does pushups and such and we also practice battling techniques. I put my whistle around my neck and then pad on over to the class. I see everyone there except my friend Zane who is in my class."
'Hmmm late as usual.
I shake my head as I write it down on my clipboard then blow my whistle. "Ok glad to see everyone here today. We start with some stretches." I get onto my floor mat and begin guiding everyone through.