Pokémon One Shots

The Festival of Lights - Florian & Carmine

The twilight sky over Kitakami was painted with vibrant shades of orange and pink as the Festival of Lights began. The air buzzed with the scent of street food and the sound of laughter as Pokémon and trainers filled the bustling streets. Lanterns swayed gently, casting a warm glow that illuminated the joyful atmosphere.

Florian stood at the entrance to the main square, adjusting his glasses as he took in the sights. The festival was a whirlwind of activity, and while he was excited, a sense of apprehension lingered. He had promised Carmine he'd meet her here, and he hoped to keep pace with her unmistakable energy.

"Florian! You're finally here!" Carmine's voice cut through the noise, laced with her signature sass.

He turned to see her striding toward him, her kimono a riot of colours that matched her vibrant personality. She tossed her hair back dramatically, a playful smirk on her lips. "You look like you just got caught in a wild Snorlax stampede! What took you so long?"

"Just taking it all in," he replied, trying to mask his discomfort with a smile.

"Taking it all in? More like staring into space! Come on, let's make the most of the festival before I get bored," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Alright, what's first?" Florian asked, already bracing himself for whatever whirlwind she had planned.

"Games, of course! Let's see if you can actually win something for once," she teased, pulling him toward a nearby booth.

As they approached the target game, Carmine's confidence was palpable. "Watch and learn, Florian. This is how it's done!" She picked up a ball and tossed it effortlessly, knocking over the targets with precision.

"Nice shot!" Florian praised, feeling a mix of admiration and pressure.

"Of course it was! Unlike some people, I actually know how to aim," she shot back, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Your turn, champ."

Florian stepped up, trying to shake off his nerves. He aimed carefully but missed completely, the ball landing far from the target. The nearby crowd erupted in laughter, and he felt his cheeks heat up.

"Oops! Looks like you need a little more practice!" Carmine giggled, leaning against the booth as she grinned at his embarrassment. "Maybe you should just stick to watching."

"Ha-ha, very funny," Florian replied, trying to keep his composure. "I'll do better next time."

"Next time? You mean next festival!" she quipped, her voice dripping with playful mockery. "Just admit it, you're better at standing around looking serious than actually having fun!"

Florian sighed, shaking his head, but a small smile crept onto his face. "Alright, let's see if you can keep winning. I'll just... cheer you on."

"Damn right you will!" Carmine shot back, grabbing another ball and throwing it with exaggerated flair. She knocked over a few more targets, claiming yet another plush Pokémon as her prize. "This one's mine! I'm naming her Flora! And you're buying me takoyaki for my efforts!"

"Sure, just don't get too full. I still need a chance to redeem myself," he replied, rolling his eyes.

As they made their way through the festival, Carmine's mood shifted quickly. She spotted a dance floor where trainers and Pokémon swayed under colorful lights. "We have to dance! Come on, it'll be fun!"

"Dance? I-" Florian started, but before he could finish, Carmine had already pulled him toward the crowd.

"Too bad! You're dancing whether you like it or not!" she declared, laughing as she dragged him onto the dance floor.

As the music pulsed around them, Florian felt completely out of his element, but Carmine's enthusiasm was hard to resist. She twirled and swayed, her movements bold and confident. "Just loosen up! You look like a Machop trying to dance!"

"Maybe I should take tips from you then," he replied, finally relaxing as he attempted to mimic her moves.

"Please! You could never keep up with my amazing rhythm," she teased, her laughter ringing through the air. "But it's adorable that you're trying!"

After a few moments of dancing, Florian felt a rush of excitement. He finally caught the rhythm and began to enjoy himself. "Okay, I admit it! This is fun!"

"See? I knew you had it in you! But I should warn you... I'm the star of the show!" Carmine said, striking a dramatic pose.

Florian rolled his eyes playfully. "Sure, as long as you don't let it get to your head!"

"Too late for that! Now, watch me steal the spotlight!" she announced, breaking into an exaggerated Mochi dance that drew amused glances from the crowd. "Florian, if you can keep up, maybe I'll let you be my sidekick!"

As the music slowed, they found themselves standing close together, catching their breath. Florian glanced at Carmine, her playful bravado still shining through. "You know, I really enjoy spending time with you. You make everything more exciting, even when you're being... well, you."

Carmine smirked, "Well, someone has to keep you on your toes. You'd probably spend all night standing in one spot if it weren't for me!"

"True, but I wouldn't trade this night for anything," he said, feeling a warmth in his chest.

"Good answer!" she replied, nudging him playfully. "Now, let's grab those takoyaki before I change my mind!"

"Alright, but I'm getting something for myself this time!" Florian said, finally finding his confidence.

"Sure, but if you order something boring, I'll just order for you!" Carmine teased, already striding ahead with a mischievous grin.

As they made their way through the festival, Florian couldn't help but feel grateful for Carmine's lively spirit. Despite her petty antics, she brought a unique energy to his life, making every moment together memorable.

And as the night continued, he knew this would be a night they both would cherish - a festival filled with laughter, playful bickering, and a budding connection that promised more adventures to come.

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A big thank you to my friend Ninjastar567 who reminded me one-shots exist. This one was a lot of fun to write. Hope you enjoyed it too, see you in the next one!
~Golf