Lambency (Ingo x Reader)

46. Falls

You and Ingo meet with Melli at the front of Moonview Arena.

The young warden's irate expression reminds you of Lord Electrode's. On the other hand, Ingo clearly is in a good mood.

"Gooood morning, Warden Melli and Lord Electrode! I hope--"

"What is wrong with you, Warden Ingo?! Baying from the top of your voice to wake the dead! You're such a disrespectful lout!", he rebukes.

Ingo is so stunned that he stops abruptly. You take a step forward.

"Hey! Are you implying that you died last night and Ingo brought you back to life this morning? Sounds like you could show him some gratitude!", you grin insolently.

"Shut up, you moron! The two of you have ruined our day! Look at my poor Lord Electrode! The exhaustion on his face! He needs his beauty sleep, too!"

Lord Electrode shakes a little, as if he was indeed about to fall asleep. Lady Sneasler sniggers and pokes him. Startled awake, he accidentally electrocutes her, prompting her to hiss. She rubs her paw due to the pain and shows it to her warden, falsely whimpering to get his attention.

Ingo delicately pats her paw as to comfort her before inviting you all with a clear and loud voice to get the ball rolling:

"Warden Melli! (Name)! Shall we begin and fix the woven baskets? The sooner we accomplish our tasks, the sooner we will rest!"

And there starts your day of work in the Coronet Highlands alongside Ingo and Melli, with its fair share of unsuspected, special moments.

***

You giggle observing Cyndaquil rolling playfully in the pile of discarded natural scraps and bamboo fibres. Rhyhorn comes closer and sniffs her with interest.

"Aaw, how cute!", you tell her.

"Focus! We don't have all day!", scolds Melli, sitting on the opposite side. He is very skilfully weaving a big basket that he holds between his legs.

"Leave me alone...", you mumble.

You must say that you are a little frustrated right now, as you did not expect Melli to be so good at weaving. His fingers are deftly moving and he is already done fixing a few containers. After all, he complained to you the day before that Ingo was the most dexterous of the two...

Your friend is currently prunning and thinning some stems with a sharp knife.

"Oh, you're both doing an excellent job!", he compliments you and Melli.

"Naturally! I'm very talented!", the young man retorts as if it was obvious.

You sigh in all response and continue weaving.

Ingo stands up and comes to you.

"Is something the matter? I see you being very focussed and applying yourself in weaving! You're doing very well with basketry!"

"Thanks, you're very kind! But look, I think it's too soft and fragile compared Melli's..."

He slips the knife into the sheath on his belt, stands near you and leans forward to inspect your work. His shoulder is brushing yours and his face is fairly close to yours...

"Allow me! Hmm... All you need to do is tighten it slightly more.", he runs his fingers over the part you mentioned. "You see, the fibre is very supple, so don't hesitate to pull hard on it! If you do, then..."