Safe Haven

A Date?

Reina darted across town, her damp fur glistening in the reflection of the sun above. She felt her fur still dripping with water and decided to move to a grassy area--away from any other 'mons--and shake off to release any loose droplets. After getting a good shake, she returned to the stone pathway, rough beneath her paws. 

A voice sounded behind her. "Hey, Reina!" It called, and Reina turned to find an excited Erin stumbling towards her. A smile started to form on her muzzle, amused by the 'mon's clumsiness. 

"What's up, Erin?" Reina asked politely. 

Erin smiled wide as he spoke. "Nothing much! I was actually wondering if you wanted to hang out?" He asked shyly, a sound that surprised Reina. 

"Oh--of course!" Reina answered truthfully, thrilled to spend time with her friend and teammate. She played with her paws nervously, unsure of what to say next. She blushed when she noticed his tail wagging back and forth. 

"So, wanna start heading downtown? Erin asked casually, and Reina nodded in response. They began to pad off, the Guild growing farther away with each step. 

"What's with the wet fur?" Erin asked, but not with malicious intent. Either way, Reina looked away in embarrassment--she wasn't too fond of how she looked with her fur wet. 

"Oh, I bathed earlier, and it still hasn't dried fully," Reina explained, still looking away.

Erin hummed. "No need to be embarrassed! I mean, I look like an angry zigzagoon when I'm soaked." He explained humorously, garnering a giggle from Reina. She felt a little less sheepish about it after that. 

"I suppose if you're a soaked zigzagoon, then I'm a drenched sentret!" Reina exclaimed, laughing afterward. Erin joined in, cackling at the joke. 

Erin looked at her nervously before saying, "So... cute?" It was only a whisper, but Reina heard it. Oh, she heard it. Her cheeks flushed, and she could only hope the darkness of her damp fur would cover the redness of her face. 

Erin looked away with embarrassment, too, likely regretting what he said. Reina looked down as they continued walking on the mossy stone pathway--had he really meant it?

"So, uh, where do you want to g-go?" Reina asked him shyly, and Erin perked up. He seemed to be glad to change subjects.

"Oh! Maybe we could go to the cafe?" Erin suggested voice tinged with enthusiasm. Reina nodded, ears twitching with enthusiasm. She had never been to the cafe, before--only seen it from afar, when she went to the dojo or the kecleon market. 

"That would be nice," Reina responded finally. Her tail swished with nervousness, trying to figure out what this meant to him. A visit to the cafe... Alone, with just the two of them. 

Reina had never had friends, aside from her dad. That didn't mean she was oblivious, though. She had watched her fair share of romance plays, growing up. She lived in the middle of nowhere, but her dad always tried to get her out there. At least, place-wise--she didn't exactly venture out for contact with other 'mons. 

Soon enough, the two 'mons had walked all they had to. They now stood in front of the cafe, and Reina could only gape at the exterior design. She had seen it from afar, but never this close. The brickwork astounded her, being so delicate and precise in placement.

The two eevees walked inside, and Reina became even more amazed. The interior was bustling with the white noise of 'mons in conversation, seated at tables sipping drinks and nibbling on pastries. The floor beneath them was a beautiful paved bricked, gloss shining over top of it. It felt smooth beneath her paws, a nice contrast to the gravelly sidewalk outside. There were potted plants all around them, some even loose and growing on their own.