Lambency (Ingo x Reader)

55. Left or Right

"Sweetiiiiie, come on, let's go shopping!", Elesa pulls you closer.

"Uh?! You want to go shopping with me?", you repeat, dubious, yet excited at the prospect.

"Absolutely! When I'm with you, I get happy so naturally! Tee hee, that last Pokémon Battle stunned me senseless! I really wanna grab a bite somewhere and have some fun! I know! Let's go to the mall in Nimbasa Town! What do you say?"

"I'm up for it! I live nearby!"

"Shocking! By the way, you wanna come too, besties?", she turns to Ingo and Emmet.

The four of you have left the Multi Train after a hard-fought battle and are heading to the main hall. The Subway Bosses look composed, standing up straight with their arms crossed behind their back.

"My heartfelt thanks for your kind offer, however, my brother and I must politely declin--"

"Yup, I, Emmet, am in!", he interrupts and happily hops in your direction.

"Yaaaay, you've brightened my day!"

Ingo gapes at his brother.

"B-but Emmet, we've still got office work to do!"

"You do. I don't. I was done with paperwork before heading to the Multi Train!"

"Surely you jest! You've barely leafed through those reports I gave you earlier!"

"Pokémon Battles are my top priority! Admin work can wait! I promise I will double-check, no, triple-check as soon as practicable! Besides, I cannot pass up the opportunity to go to Nimbasa Town and see where (Name) lives!"

"I BEG YOUR PARDON?!", Ingo's face clouds over.

"Actually, you're brilliant, Emmet! (Name), let's have an afternoon tea or coffee at your place to recharge! I'll get the cakes! My treat!"

"That's okay, right? Hu-uuh! How generous of you, guys! I'm looking forward to it!", Emmet hums happily.

"W-what has gotten into you?! You can't show up uninvited of the sort at people's place! You two ought to behave!", rebukes Ingo.

"Hehe, so typical of a big brother. You think we're ill-mannered!", Emmet chuckles.

"Huuugh...", Ingo groans.

"Zap it! We're not showing up uninvited! (Name)'s toootally onboard having me and the Subway Bosses over! Aren't you? Remember, I'll get the nommies!"

How could you say no to those faces? Emmet and Elesa look like they are going on a thrilling adventure.

"Yes! I'm happy to have you come over!", you accept.

Their eyes are filled with stars.

"Thanks, sweetie, you're fabulous! We promise to behave and stay grounded!", she hugs you and subtly winks at Ingo, who exhales disapprovingly at her sarcasm.

"Nggh! You're forcing (Name)'s hand...!", he feebly complains, defeated.

"Too good!", exclaims Emmet. "What do you say, Ingo? Are you really, really sure you want to stay behind, all alone, left on your own tidying tedious files up, while the rest of us is having fun in Nimbasa Town at (Name)'s place, enjoying delicious pastries without you...?"

Emmet's tone vaguely ressembles mockery, but it could be genuine concern as well. It is hard to tell.

You decide to step in.

"I would love for you to come as well, Ingo! B-but only if you want to! I understand you're very busy..."

Ingo's face turns redder than a Cheri Berry.