Lambency (Ingo x Reader)

38. Palentine's Day

It is that time of the year.

When love is in the air, along with commercials aired all over the city, trying to sell you chocolates, flowers and glistening baubles and jewellery promising you eternal happiness in your ever immutable relationships.

You have been doing your best to avoid this festive flurry, after being tempted too many times to give in to the mood because of the ads overflowing for the past weeks. Not to mention your colleagues and clients chattering daily about it, and even your own Pokémon have been looking forward to getting a special treat! Normally you all cook together, but since it is your first time celebrating it in Unova, they are called by the taste of novelty...

"Fine, I know all of you want some sweets from that well-known bakery in Nimbasa City! I'll pick your favourite flavours!"

Your partners rejoice at the prospect.

Although offering presents to your Pokémon on Palentine's Day has never been out of the question, you feel that this year is a little unconventional for you.

After all, this time, you cannot get out of your head the Subway Boss Ingo.

Lately, you have realised that your heart skips a beat every time you pass by a chocolate confectionery shop, and your mind is constantly fluttering with thoughts of you gifting him a box of those delicious bonbons he is so fond of. The two of you are surrounded by a bunch of Roselia swaying their arms and Luvdisc floating around you. Lulled by the sound of the harp, Ingo, deeply touched by your gesture, reverently yet passionately takes you in his arms and invites you to go out with him.

As soon as you two begin to dance a romantic waltz, this is when you usually wake up from your delusion and try to conceal your face flushed with shame and embarrassment as your Pokémon point at your crimson red cheeks with a silly grin.

And of course, you overthink it.

Is it suitable to give him chocolate? Surely, that seems a little suspicious, right?

It would be even more suspicious if you were offering chocolates only to him, right? What about Emmet? Oh, Emmet would probably be upset for not getting anything, but what about Ingo? Would he be disappointed about his dear brother being ignored by his so-called friend? Isn't it about the friendly attention?

But... but that takes the message out of it, doesn't it? That Ingo is special to you... more special than just a friend...

It is definitely better to do it on Palentine's Day rather than Valentine's Day. After all, Valentine's Day is for lovers. The real ones. Or at least the ones trying to be...

You refuse to be too conspicuous about it either, especially because you are not a couple yet (and this is when you bang your head on a hard surface, too ashamed to admit that you have so wrongly used the word yet). Furthermore, the idea that Ingo may not accept your feelings gives you a lump in the throat.

Moreover, he and his brother are superstars. They must have so many admirers and receive loads of gifts and confessions yearly... Maybe this day does not mean anything to them any more...

... More importantly - home-made or store-bought chocolates?

Aah! Racking your brain that hard hurts so much!

If you want to show Ingo that he is special to you, then it is the gesture that counts, is it not?

All your Pokémon embrace you to cheer you up and help you muster the courage to do anything your mind is set to.

Thus, on Palentine's Day...

"Dear Pokémon Trainers and Railway Enthusiasts! Today and tomorrow mark a special event! Since Palentine and Valentine's Days celebrate love in all its forms, including the love for Pokémon Battles, we have decided to organise a little surprise that will win the hearts of young and old alike! So, in order to enjoy those important days in the best possible way, all trains departing Gear Station will exceptionally allow Double Battle and Multi Battles! Yes! Double and Multi Battles on every single line! We therefore encourage you to come with your friends, siblings, relatives, significant ones, and if you are unaccompanied, we will be happy to introduce you to other Trainers looking for a partner! Who knows, perhaps beautiful feelings could bloom out of this encounter! Thank you for riding the Battle Subway!"