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[ Based on the way he looks, she'd assume that he's mostly alright and hasn't been harassed the same way he had been last time. She'd have to have words with Archie if it kept up since Nanu wasn't likely to... She was sure the other man didn't mean to get under Nanu's skin the way he did, but she was also certain that Nanu wouldn't approach him directly unless truly provoked.

This one time, she can see things from his point of view: what a hassle. ]

My, you look lovely as ever, Persian. [ She shoots him a look, but she's not at all bothered that he's not wearing his "costume" still. ] I've been looking for you for some time. I suppose "stay where you are" really is the best tactic when someone is lost. How has your evening been?

[At her look, he gives a shrug in Persian's direction as if to say it was her fault his headband ended up on her head. The pairs are a little lop-sided, fanning the redundant ears out like a weird half-Pyroar's mane.]

Sorry. Been wandering for a while. [Another small shrug, faintly. He hadn't gone many places, to be honest.] Been alright. They could use some lessons on real terror.

[Of course, he avoided the curses running rampant across the festival and didn't bother to go into some of the worst attractions, but still.]

You?

[ Wrong, it's definitely Nanu's. What a spoilsport. He'd worn them for even a moment to entertain her whims, so she can't complain. Although... perhaps she should for Persian's sake, although the feline pokemon doesn't seem to care about it.

Perhaps she's getting deserved attention for it? ]

So have I, so there's no need to apologize. [ But she can appreciate it. ] I don't know. Isn't the scariest thing your own thoughts?

[ She'd avoided the curses, but went through the mirror maze with Steven and relived some things that left her a little shaken, but... she was alright. ]

I've just had a few reminders of why I'm glad to be here.

[ With him.

Unfortunately, she does pluck the cat ears off her own head and settles them onto his. Lucky day! ]

[Less of a spoilsport and more of a boredsport, truthfully... He'd kept them on for most of the duration of the carnival, to his credit. It was only recently that he had a chance to sit down for a few minutes and relax, at which point he was scratching the underside of Persian's chin and had an idea.]

[Nanu snorts when she mentions the true "scariest thing", because kidding or not she's probably right. But what Anabel says next has him frown for a moment, looking at her as if trying to decide if she'd been through something worse--]

[Oh. Well. Clearly she's in a good mood regardless. He fixes the headband's position on his head a little, and gives her his own Look.]

That's pretty specific. But I guess I'm not surprised you'd be reminded of that at a horror festival.

[Of course, he won't outright ask, as long as she doesn't seem bothered by the experiences... Still, it intrigues him. At this point, even his will to return home is...questionable.]

[ If only he'd vocalize that, but he's not the sort. She doesn't really mind either way, otherwise she'd be making a big deal of it. It had the bonus of seeing Persian in them, though she has to wonder why she hasn't pawed them off by now.

She ignores the Look in favor of splaying a bright smile on her face. ]

I appreciate your consideration, but do not go into the House of Mirrors and keep your eyes from the graves. [ Being cryptic isn't like her, even if it's his MO and sometimes she enjoys getting the upper hand on him that way. ] The mirrors reflected the past; worries, regrets, and fears. I entered it with Steven and -- what happened in Hoenn... his Hoenn. [ Their Hoenn? Not the one she came from, it's there, lingering and edging into her expression. ] I cannot help but wonder if the worse events there came to fruition where I came from. As for the graves, they seem to show the future or the possibility of them. Equally harrowing and... and it's just I never considered...

[ The possibility of failure. Of losing Nanu or Looker. Disappearing, returning where she came from. Perhaps that place being a vast nothingness, earth razed.

That wasn't the worst part of potentially going back to where she came from. ]

[Cripes. That stunning smile of hers really contrasts with what she goes on to explain. His face displays that much, going from amused to concerned in record time—with plenty of bitterness thrown in. He bends the arm entangled with hers a little to draw her in a bit closer; the bag in his other hand crinkles as he tightens his fist around it.]

[There's a moment of silence that he leaves after Anabel trails off and before he replies. Despite what she may do or say to reassure him, Nanu finds this serious, and his lip curls.]

......The people here don't seem to be aware of the difference between frightening for fun and crossing lines they shouldn't even have access to.

[Yeah, there's...there's an edge to his voice where that bitterness leaks out. Still, he's still looking primarily concerned for Anabel. When he speaks up again, his voice is softer.]

Are you...alright?

[ It doesn't, really. It had been rough, but it opened her eyes even further to some things. To her feelings, to the reality of things both here and back home. ]

No, they don't. [ For the arehtei, she supposes? It seemed to make sense on that sort of thing, especially when it includes extreme emotions. Her voice is still soft, but there's a hint of positiveness to it and not a mote of hurt. ] I'm fine. I just have some things to think about in regard to the mission back home. Overall, I'm... well, I'm hopeful. It reminded me how fortunate I am, despite the recollection of feelings.

[He's always been one to look on the negative side of things. Though her reassurance eases him out of it, at least in regards to her immediate well-being.]

'Hopeful'... [The word lingers on his tongue. Nanu's not quite sure what she means, nor is he going to press about what she saw or heard or...hallucinated, as he thinks of the tricks going on. So his features soften back to normal, and he gives Anabel a quick nod.] ...Okay. If you're sure.

[Though to be honest, the idea that Anabel's come to be grateful for being in this world isn't the best feeling, not to mention his own encroaching acceptance in light of recent...understandings.]

[The bag in his hand is a sudden weight, reminded by her own words.] Uh. Here.

[He hands her the small bag; it seems to be the type that the food stalls put their food in, except there's no food. Inside are some small trinkets that the carnival's game stalls give out for prizes. There's an intricately carved little skeleton figure with a windup mechanism stuck in its back; a pair of plastic vampire teeth, unused; and an admittedly adorable stuffed ghost doll, white with a shoddily drawn-on smiling face. The latter is even wearing a stereotypical "witch hat", making it reminiscent of Mismagius despite its nondescript bedsheet design.]

[ Anabel doesn't address it, though she can feel those rusty cogs turning in his mind. ]

Yes. I've not always found myself plagued with thoughts of my past, but they creep in at times. What I don't know, what I may never know. But the past I can recall has what matters in it. [ You. ] I am able to fully see things from another perspective now, though I'm not sure that was the intent of it.

[ She's grateful for the feelings that have come to fruition, for the life they've been able to lead together. It might not have happened back home, let alone in the same way. To be able to wake up and watch the sunrise and then share breakfast with him and their pokemon is something she never knew she needed. ]

"Here"? [ She suspects it's perhaps a doughnut. A gift is entirely unexpected, even if it was just little things he'd won or had been given to him. She unfolds the brown paper and pulls it wide open to look down at it. From what she can tell it's a bit of this and that; prizes or perhaps little toys he'd found from the gift areas. She dips her hand in, lifts each thing halfway out until she hits the plush -- which she pulls out entirely. ] ...for me?

[ Like she's confused that he thought of her. ]

...Hmh. [He's silent for a moment, taking in what she says...and implies. If this place muscled into her own mind just for a carnival thrill, Nanu's still bothered enough to be pissed. But...if she's alright—no, even content with the outcome. Well, he can't really complain.] Never thought I'd be grateful for this place for helping with that chip on your shoulder.

[A chip he certainly didn't help at the time, he knows. Still... He's got to stop wandering away from Anabel when they go to these things. Something always happens.]

[When she looks in the bag, he knows it's akin to firing Confuse Ray at her. Of course, he's a little bothered by the fact that she gets confused because it's a gift coming from him, though he can't blame her in the least. It's his own damn fault. So he's just a little bothered. Not hurt...definitely not hurt. It might help if he stops sabotaging himself, hey? And yet...]

...Yeah. Unless you don't want 'em. They're, uh...those little baubles they give out as poor excuses for prizes at the game things. [Nanu shrugs.] Helped some folks cheat the rigged ones. Wouldn't let me leave without taking a prize or somethin'...

[It's a flimsy excuse and he knows it, and he knows she'll know it. Especially since the ghost doll isn't one of the "one-time winner" prizes.]

[ She's grateful. Not just for what she experienced and was able to share, but the gift. She's deeply touched and she can't hide it from her eyes, from the way she looks down and back up to him. The plush, definitely, feels like it might've been... the way he phrases it all.

It has her brighten up the area quite literally, all those stringed lights flickering a touch brighter around them. ]

I'm not surprised you did that, but... you chose this one for me specifically, didn't you? [ The way she says it, slow, not quite confused, but having it slowly dawn on her that he really put thought into what she may want. Perhaps he'd even went with intent of getting for her after seeing it? ] You thought of me.

[ It's almost accusatory and she goes for one of his hands and gets to the tips of her toes so her nose can reach his.

And she gives him a Nuzzle. ]

[Boy, is he still not used to this. It's hard to think he ever will be, but that's mostly because he's never expected to.]

[Nanu clears his throat, successfully finding himself not avoiding the touch; though whether or not the way he lowers his head is intentionally leaning into the affection or if it's just part of his stiff, awkward stance, is up for debate. Unaware to him, the feeling of warmth and comfort that stems from Anabel's gesture isn't just confined to him.]

[...He shrugs again, despite the jig being completely up.]

Just random prizes. They weren't too happy with me beating them at their own game. [After a moment, though, he scratches the back of his neck and ends up relenting. Sort of.] ...Might've made them hand over one of those in particular.

[ The territory is foreign to her, as well, but she doesn't mind navigating the backstreets and rocky dirt roads with him at her side.

Perhaps he'd wanted to pull away instinctively, but she has no sense of it nor would it have bothered her had he. If anything, it might feel like a success if he had -- that would mean he'd know exactly her intention behind the gesture.

There's something pleasant about it, as quick as it is to pass. She doesn't let it carry on in public nor does she push too hard. It's a small "thank you" riddled with a feeling that's so precious and rare for her. ]

I'm not surprised you treated it as a challenge. [ Delighted, perhaps, not just with the plush but his actions. Anabel repeats herself, brighter still. ] You thought of me.

[ Not that she's shocked or anything, but it feels good. It's a nice, pleasant thing. ]

Thank you, Nanu.

[Really, it should be telling how quickly he misses it once she pulls away. But, yes, they're in public of course, and PDA will never be Nanu's jam. Still, the warm feeling lingers, much like the first one he'd felt the day he gave her the milkshake. Like a comforting blanket that only she can provide, but only within their bubble of personal space.]

[Her smile is enough to expand the feeling all on its own, honestly.]

[Normally this is the part where he makes light of his actions, or the gratitude he's receiving. Play it off as no big deal—which it isn't! To him. Instead, this time, Nanu takes one look at Anabel's earnest and joyous expression and hears her heartfelt thanks, and decides to reply sincerely in kind.]

...You're welcome. [And it feels good to him, too.] Glad you like it.

[Holding eye contact as he says so, he lets his arm drop from his neck and gives a short nod. The awkwardness and embarrassment will be there for a long time, but Nanu realizes that seeing her this happy is very worth it.]

[...Of course, he goes right back to his old ways a minute later.] Hope Mismagius isn't too offended.

[ It's a strange feeling she can only miss once it's gone; the absence of it. It's wonderful, really, and she doesn't know why she hadn't indulged before now. The answer is simple and she knows it: because it had to be him. ]

It's cute. [ But there's a bounce to her words, it's not just a dismissive statement so he knows she likes it. She doesn't quite notice the awkwardness or the embarrassment because she's focused on her own feelings. That's how this sort of thing goes, though, right? She'll have to get him something soon now that apparently she's been given permission to do so. ] Oh, I'm sure she'll let you know -- she does like you rather a lot, though, so perhaps she'll be forgiving.

[ She swoops up his arm so they can carry on toward home. She's almost literally glowing still, though. ]

[The glow doesn't go unnoticed, but it paints her in a beautiful light. When she takes his arm, he hesitates moving forward because he's caught himself staring at her, a literal bright spot in the dusk. He knows he's being obvious, though, so he doesn't even try to hide that he'd been staring. Slowly, he turns away, in the direction of the nearest path out of the carnival and homeward bound.]

Hmh. I'll believe it when I see it. You know she's still got a streak against me.

[But Nanu's smiling and his tone is light, so it's not a serious complaint. It's what makes him respect her Mismagius, to be honest, aside from just having the honor of being Anabel's pokémon. He loves a good Mean Look contest.]

[As they walk, he slips his other hand back into his pocket as per usual; his other arm, however, he gently guides with hers so they're holding hands instead of Anabel just holding his arm. He brings no attention to it. He figures while they're on such a good streak, he might as well try to... well, work on this whole thing between them. And the warmth, hey, that's a nice bonus.]

[ When it comes to herself, she tries to ignore whatever might be happening. She's aware of it and she knows he is, too, but sometimes it's just all the easier to simply not see it. With him, it's easier to wear her heart on her sleeve as-is; all that really matters is he knows. ]

Oh, no! That's just how you know she likes you. You should see the things she does to Looker... [ It's just in her nature to be a troublemaker, although she takes a very different attitude toward Anabel even when it comes to teasing. The perks of being the trainer. ] She'd love to phase through walls, especially of the break room. She was the office's first defense against third and fourth helpings of doughnuts.

[ She doesn't need to paint the picture of Looker going for another and her poking her head up through the box and scaring him, she thinks.

It takes her a moment to settle into his hand, a Sweet Scent flittering about the air the very moment his hand hits hers. Fingertips scratching against his palm before she pushes them between his fingers. It's a very simple gesture, but it speaks volumes for Nanu. He's not a PDA sort of guy and not one to talk about relationships, even if they're just friendships. Him doing this in plain sight means a lot to her. ]

[That elicits an unusually hearty laugh from him; the type that makes his head tilt back and his shoulders shake. He can imagine it perfectly, of course. And he's glad that her pokémon picked up the role of antagonizing Looker in Nanu's absence.]

Heh...! Priceless. [The laughter tapers off, but the smile lingers. Especially once he sees they're nearing the edge of the carnival's perimeter.] She's got the right instincts. Oughta rent her out to the restaurants he terrorizes.

[The best part is, strolling along with their hands entwined... it feels natural. As does the dim glow accompanying them home, the warmth across their shoulders like a blanket, and the soft purrs of Persian as she rubs up against their legs.]

Oh, Weavile picks on him, too, and poor Looker... he tries so hard to get Raikou's approval, but he simply wants nothing to do with him.

[ Raikou didn't dislike Looker, though. She could tell he was just playing hard to get and occasionally might do a little preening when he became aware that Looker was going to try to pamper him in exchange for a bit of affection. ]

I'm not sure she could move as quickly as he does between each location. Sometimes I think he can use Teleport.

[ Anabel shifts in how she walks from time-to-time or dips her head so Persian knows her company is as valued as ever. It's hard to take her eyes off him, though. Like this, all that weight that seems to be carried by him when she's not around seems lifted. The burden not just shared, but lighter and with a finish line in sight. No longer endless. ]

Hm. I'll have to wear my gloves a little less often.

That's because he doesn't speak Raikou's language. [Though Looker becoming distressed that the giant feline isn't responding to his affection is another entertaining image.] Either that, or Raikou's using him for bribery.

[Also something he can imagine... Persian used to act the same way, except their breakthrough was centered around her primarily vain personality. But he wouldn't be surprised that Raikou plays hard to get. He makes a note to himself to give the legendary some attention when they make it home, and bring up these little incidents.]

Hey, he's got to be Stockpiling up for something. [buffet fuel for pokémon moves?] Maybe he trained under your Alakazam.

[Stockpile, Teleport, Transform... Looker's one technique short of a very bad moveset.]

[Nanu glances Anabel's way, though not nearly as often as she. It's enough to hear the lilt in her voice and feel her hand against his. He doesn't think of himself as particularly sappy, but right now he might as well have the Sap Sipper ability with the way she's feeding his own mood. Pushing back his negativity is exhausting, but it's well worth it tonight.]

Hmh? Thought you already were.

[He'd noticed. It was hard not to, with how she rarely took them off before.]

I hadn't known you were fluent in it enough to know that.

[ She suspects it's a bit of column A and B there because Raikou enjoys attention regardless and certainly appreciates any gifts, attention, and affection even if he turns his nose up at it. She always assumed he liked Nanu due to the respect he offered that wasn't combined with noise -- and there was permission. Nanu didn't act over-eager and let everything go at Raikou's pace. ]

Alakazam's certainly more fond of him than Raikou; he gave Looker one of his spoons, you know. [ A rare gesture of affection and trust from the Psychic type. Anabel thought it was sweet. ] Unfortunately, I think Looker is more of a Normal type like Snorlax...

[ She doesn't think the comparison is lost, even without the extra effort put into describing why. Jokes aside, she trusted the man with her life and he was perfectly capable... but it's hard to let the teasing go when you catch the guy shoving three malasada in his mouth all at once in an attempt to hide that he bought several instead of just one for each of them.

When she considers it, she really was fortunate to meet the men that she did when she woke up. Fate, maybe? ]

You noticed. [ She twists to look at him more directly, cheeks red both from the cold and realization. It shouldn't surprise her, though, knowing how he is. ] I meant...

[ Anabel shows more than speaks now, squeezing his hand ever-so slightly. It's a strange kind of warmth she'd never come to expect from the gesture, perhaps one that comes exclusively because it's him. The reality of it all... It's difficult to put into words how she feels about a moment like this. Silence might be better. ]

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