You're perfect

Partner

NARRATOR

After washing both his hands, Nate dons an apron and gathers the necessary ingredients for cooking. He has a craving for a high-protein meal today. He looked into the fridge with a chuckle escaping him, satisfied at the sight of the fridge full with options that could last him for weeks. Compared to his colleagues, the Institute treats him better.

The evening progresses swiftly as Nate continues with his cooking, eventually completing the task. He serves himself a high-protein meal, which he knows will be beneficial for his sore legs. Nate has always possessed excellent culinary skills, even before becoming a researcher. Although he's aware that his colleagues don't appreciate his talents and probably conceal this fact, he shrugs it off. He shrugs, thinking that being reminded of their obnoxious faces only ruins his appetite.

Sitting alone in the dining room provides the satisfying isolation and tranquility he seeks before he starts eating. The steam wafting from the freshly cooked meat carries a revitalizing aroma that makes his mouth water. Inhaling it fills his lungs, warming his chest and further stimulating his appetite. He's all set to relish his cooking.

However, just as he's about to begin eating, a ruckus arise from the living room. It's a roar or perhaps a muffled growl, emanating from the Pokémon he had treated earlier. Nate's senses heighten in response to the daunting sound. He abandons his food and cautiously tiptoes into the living room.

There, he observes the Pokémon awakes, struggling to move freely. The Pokémon stands up straight, bipedal-like, as accurately as what Nate had prescribed it from his examination before. However, the Pokémon appears barely capable of maintaining its balance. Its steps are slow and deliberate, accompanied by shivers that travel through its legs whenever it lifts a foot to take a step.

Nate stands by the entrance silently. He only watches from a far, thinking the sight before him is one worth studying.

The Pokémon's eyes dilate as it becomes aware of Nate's presence. It immediately adopts a cautious stance, arms extended and shoulders squared. Nate thought to himself, 'For it to immediately resort to battling me, that's some terrifying survival instinct. Or should I call it a "she" now? Maybe I should...'

"It's alright for you to be cautious, okay? But could you do me a favor and not move too much? You're still injured," Nate sighs, addressing the Pokémon. He continues talking to her, even though he's well aware that wild Pokémon wouldn't comprehend human language. Yet, upon hearing this, the Pokémon seems to be slightly intimidated. She stops, standing motionless, locking her gaze onto Nate with a poker-faced expression, as if she grasps his words.

Nate raises an eyebrow, thinking that he just got understood by her.

"Did you... understand what I said?" Nate grows increasingly curious, yet there's no purpose in asking the Pokémon any unimportant questions. If she does indeed understand, it would certainly make his task easier. "Okay, you know what forget that. What really should matter is you need to rest." Nate claims as he begins to regain his calm. Her bandaged arm looks better than it used to, but due to her constant excessive movement, the knot is coming loose. He'd prefer it if the Pokémon would let him reapply the bandage.

The Pokémon remains stationary, unresponsive except with a flick of her ear at the sound of Nate's words. Nate rubs his face, realizing that explaining concepts to a being without a common language is going to be a challenge. He attempts a slower explanation, combining verbal instruction with expressive body language.

"You... Need... To... Rest. Get that?" Nate mimics sleeping, his hand forming an imaginary pillow as he acts out someone sleeping. "This sofa... Lie down on it."