Pokémon Fool's Gold | Orre & Galar Fanfiction

Chapter 56: Happy Family

Pretending was dangerous, yet so easy when Lyndon asked Trip to call Wyatt for dinner. Rosen only allowed friends to visit if they were so poor or neglected they wouldn't raise eyebrows at their cramped, dirty home. Trip knew now she was living it up in The Under, probably sleeping in Znider's comfortable apartment, when she was 'working nights' and he was left to fend for himself. Now here he was, with his real, loving father cheerfully inviting his friend. Wyatt shuffled in like a statue reluctantly brought to life. A rejected lettuce rolled out of the bare fridge. Lyndon apologised and jogged out to buy groceries. Then he peered back in to invite Trip and Wyatt. Trip said yes. He couldn't resist the opportunity to feel like he was part of a regular family going grocery shopping.

Wyatt put his helmet back on. Trip didn't bother. Everyone recognised him by his crutches. Lyndon was a rare sight. He usually had groceries delivered. Scattering people stood to attention. He didn't tell them not to call him Grand Master. He ignored them altogether. It was less openly cruel than Znider's blatant superiority complex, but quietly and uncomfortably cold, in a way that was far more imposing and frightening. Trip felt guilty. At the same time, he was proud. He wanted to tell everyone, for Rosen if nothing else, that his dad did care. He was loved. He even had another grandma who cared.

The supermarket doors slid open. Security saluted. An assistant fumbled to hand Lyndon a basket.

'Grand Master! Welcome! Is there anything I can do to assist you? To make your visit more pleasant?'

'No.'

It was impossible to tell what Wyatt was thinking. He was silent under his visor. This was Trip's first visit to the supermarket. He admittedly knew nothing about cooking. Previously, he imagined his dad as a deadbeat, smoking and eating convenient food from greasy cartons stacked up in corners. Instead, he bought ingredients for healthy meals and frequented the gym.

Brynlee's #1 song tinkled over speakers. People might have stopped to cheer and dance before. Now they tensed up. As mayor of The Under she imposed cruel schedules and restrictions, but it was her brutal punishments people feared most. They whispered that one woman never returned from her office.

'She's fucking awful. Total psychopath. I swear, if I can prove she killed that woman, she's out. They've all got too big for their boots.'

Lyndon didn't lower his voice for the cashier's benefit. She composed her startled face. He wasn't stupid. He had to know she'd repeat that. A man outside begged Lyndon to sign his Cipher tattoo. He proclaimed he was 'just so cool' when he refused. A part of Trip almost agreed. Even Wyatt relaxed at the dinner table. They hadn't eaten decent food since they visited his parents. The pasta Lyndon cooked was delicious.

Brynlee's voice echoed outside. She announced the day's curfew. Wyatt hastily stood.

'Thanks so much for your kindness, Grand Master. I should go...'

'You can go if you want to, of course, but if you want to stay... I only have one spare bed, but you're welcome to sleep on the couch, Wyatt.'

He was pale. Being invited into the Grand Master's apartment, let alone being offered a clean couch to sleep on, was so overwhelming it was exhausting. Trip knew he wouldn't want to stay... but deep down, he did. He whispered when Lyndon went to the bathroom.

'Do you want me to go back with you? Or do you mind if I stay?'

'I mean... I am kinda sick of that shithole. I don't think I've ever been in an apartment this size in my life...'

'Then stay! Even if... if we, you know... this might be a good base.'

'Yeah... if I don't shit myself. Surely we can't stay here permanently?! He's the–'