Lambency (Ingo x Reader)

65. Waiting for a Sign

Today is your day of rest.

You decide to go out and enjoy it at one of your favourite spots in Nimbasa City. But first, let's go to the subway!

A train has just entered. The sound of wheels screeching on the rails, the noise of the engine, and the tumult of people hurrying off in and out are deafening.

You suddenly hear a whistle and see Ingo standing at the end of the train.

Your heart does a little dance.

You get closer and call out, "Ingo!". But obviously, he cannot hear you with all that ruckus.

You then glimpse Emmet on the opposite side, making gestures to Ingo. The latter turns around, and you notice that his cheeks are flushed, as if he was surprised and happy.

"Good day, (Name)!", he greets, but you can barely hear him.

"Hello!", you chirp, though your voice is completely drowned in the hubbub.

He replies but you do not understand what he says.

You place your hand behind your ear to show him you are having trouble with all the noise.

"I can't hear you!"

He leans into your ear and says, "I asked how you were doing today!"

Such closeness makes you blush. You nod in return to confirm that you are good, staring at your feet.

Emmet blows his whistle to attract your attention and enthusiastically waves at you. You wave back and smile wide. He signs at Ingo, who replies energetically with his hands.

"Is that sign language?", you ask as loud as you can.

Ingo politely raises his hand to ask you to wait while he and Emmet blow their whistles at the same time, point at a striped board to communicate with the conductor at the head of the train, who gestures at Ingo before entering the cabin.

A signal sounds in the station to signify imminent departure and to announce that the doors are closing. The last passengers are scurrying over.

The Subway bosses shout, "ALL ABOARD! DEPART!"

The train leaves the station. When the sounds fade away, Ingo explains:

"To answer your question, yes, we're using sign language, sometimes simultaneously with pointing-and-calling."

"For occupational safety?"

"Precisely! It is very useful, especially in noisy environments such as this one. Moreover, we may be able to assist deaf or hearing impaired passengers. Emmet and I always motivate our employees to attend trainings in sign languages for customer service and official purposes."

"Wow! That's brilliant! Is sign language different in every region of the Pokémon world?"

"Yes, it is! You do find that some gestures are the same or similar in one or the other, but overall, these are all mostly very different languages!"

Your eyes are twinkling with excitement after learning something new.

"Can you teach me a word, or maybe a sentence or two? Like, 'Hello!', 'How are you?' or 'How may I help you?'... When I was confronted with hearing impaired people in the past, I had to write in a notebook to communicate, but I suspect that isn't enough..."

"Bravo! It's admirable you want to learn sign language!", he congratulates you with a delighted expression. "I hope to be an adequate teacher..."

"I'm sure you're great, Ingo! I believe in you!"