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[ It's frustrating in some ways, but if she had to do this -- and she does -- she's glad it's with a friend rather than being alone. Although she knows some of the others from their world by reputation or as files tucked away amid criminals and public figures, she's certain she'd never trust anyone beyond him to live with aside from Looker.

She's never lived with anyone before, so it is stressful if not worrisome. She can't help but consider that they may not get along long-term and that their relationship may suffer for it. Some strain was already felt from time-to-time and they'd only managed a few weeks.

She wanted to think that's just how it is with Nanu. He was probably nervous in his own way, as well. Right? She tells herself that, at least. It makes this an easier task. ]

Oh, don't be so sour about it. [ She brightly looks toward him, voice now not easy for anyone but him to hear; private. She starts to inspect the room ever-so slightly, looking for any issues in the roofing. ] I'm not so sure your pokemon would enjoy that and if you believe that I'd allow you to make your home in one of those, you would be sorely mistaken.

[ Anabel walks around, now dragging fingers at the window to make sure they won't need to be replaced. Opening, closing it. No creaking or difficulty, no sticking when it's up or down. She dips her head out when it's open, just to take a peek at the yard before they go examine it. She makes sure to lock the windows when done and give it a tug to make sure they lock, as well. ]

Shall we check the bathroom before we head into the yard? [ Small movement with her hands, gesturing toward the bathroom so he might go with her. This is already the forerunner for her, primarily because of the space in the yard and the land all around it. Not just privacy, but the comfort of allowing their pokemon a place to play and run if they wanted. ] Or, we could go outside first? Whichever you might prefer.

[Nanu's never lived with anyone, either - even on assignment back in the day, they could manage two rooms somewhere discreet, or they didn't slow down to sleep at all. But this? Actual house hunting, with a friend who keeps being mistaken for a spouse? Wildly, profoundly different.]

[And he hasn't even begun to think what the actual living part might entail.]

I'd take that as a challenge if I weren't so tired to lift a shovel. [And really, where would he find a good enough spot for a makeshift grave? Though, honestly, even the joke sounds half-hearted.]

[With a sigh, Nanu glances around the kitchen - really, as long as appliances work, he doesn't care about the rest of it. While "living in a hole" was exaggerated, he doesn't have nearly as many standards as the normal person, and so he's leaving a lot of the judging up to Anabel. His eyes are open for obvious issues, of course, but if it functions correctly then he's already set. But, like Anabel, his primary concern is the comfort of their pokémon, and she's got the largest. Looking out the nearest window, he pauses further before answering.]

You can look if you want, but it doesn't really matter to me. [The bathroom, he means, briefly sparing a look in its direction. Again, functionality is his only standard. Then, he nods outdoors.] Yard's gonna be the dealbreaker, I think.

[His way of leading them in that direction first, of course.]

[ There's that cold grip of nervousness and fear within her, and yet somehow it is silenced by an inexplicable excitement. It feels right in its own way, as if they should have done this ages ago. ]

Very funny. [ But she does laugh, with a little puff of air attached to it. Although she feels it would only be natural to take his arm and drag him around with her, she can tell that this makes him more uneasy than it does excited like she feels. ] I just want to make certain if we are paying for it that it works. I do not mind home improvement work, but it would be better if it is functional as possible from the start.

[ She wouldn't mind doing some herself, but anything that might need a crew -- for example, a poor foundation -- she imagines would really frustrate Nanu. She doesn't like strangers in her personal space, either.

She follows him, trying not to laugh again with how he responds. She'll give it a go on the way out, but he's right. ]

Mm, especially with how creatures roam about. Although I'm sure our pokemon can handle themselves, it's still worrisome. [ There's a bit of a dip on the way out like there was once a step or two there but it's been removed. Overall it's a little overgrown but it's plentiful; most of it fenced in, but the rest of the property stretching. A toolshed, a barn, and a variety of little things that seem to have been left behind. Most, she imagined, would be given away or thrown out. ] It's suitable compared to the last one, don't you agree?

[ When she puts her hand on her hip, her elbow grazes his side. Intentional, of course. ]

You got me there. [He can't argue with functionality - it's everything else that doesn't matter to him. Anabel at least deserves a decent place to live for the foreseeable future. What's bothering him alongside everything else is the way she's referring to the improvement part. Like it's their final home, or close to it. Enough that she'd consider the place fit to be fixed up.]

[He won't mention that, though. Between the two of them, he's got the pessimism streak, and he knows it might as well be their last place to live. For months, for years.]

[The way she tries not to laugh is a good distraction, and Nanu gladly takes it to shift his mind off of eternal purgatory and onto their pokémon's needs. That's important.]

[Contrary to inside, he looks around the yard with a little more of a critical eye. It's perfect for pokémon, really, especially some of hers on the enormous size. For the smaller ones, such a big yard will be all the more enjoyable. And for Nanu - well, the fact that the house is a little bit out-of-the-way is a gold star for him.]

Mmn. Sableye's still a little too interested in them. [She's always been a handful, but she'll listen, in time... Aside from that, though, the native creatures aren't even close to a match if they get in a scrap with pokémon. He falls silent for a moment, lost in thought. Then, he nods.] Yeah. I do. This is more than enough.

...I think we oughta ask their opinion outright though, hm?

Oh, Nanu, I'm not trying to best you. Don't be silly.

Theonly "best" she's trying to do is the best not only for her team but for him. Perhaps he's content in something even less than basic, but to have some space and at least a room for research is preferable. She does not, howeve, take not that it might feel that this is oo serious between them. As if their life is now definted, their relationship meaning just this. ]

She's the curious sort. I imagine the company of my pokemon may mellow her down, though. As will allowing yours to be more present. [ She may say it now, yet she knows her Weavile relishes in causing trouble. As if negative attention is her preference. ] The house is rather big and I suspect if my team cannot be called out in the yard that individual rooms they may be comfortable with. I understand that... acommodating me may not be the ideal.

[ That is putting it lightly in her opinion, but she shifts so her hands meet her pockets, the cool touch of the Ultra Balls soothing against her hand. ]

If you think it is worth it, of course. I... suspect Raikou will have a lackluster response regardless, though. He's always been that way.

[ A lot like Nanu, she supposes. ]

Why not? You're winning.

[Deadpan as always, it's still clear he's joking. She is right, though, so going along with her is the best plan right now. The house is quaint and not too-too big for his taste, with enough rooms between them, so functionality and space for pokémon are his top, if only, points.]

[At least he doesn't have to worry about Sableye trying to eat any of the animals... as long as there aren't any made of rocks or gems. The rest easily and obediently will refrain, even if he knows Krookodile would love to go and hunt.]

Well... they're about as happy to be here as we are. But they ought to at least be comfortable in a new living space.

[Thinking aloud - it's not like she doesn't know that already. He, too, finds comfort in the ultra balls gracing his pockets, and even more in letting them out.]

Alright, everyone. We'll need a rating on a scale of one to ten and a full comment card, let's go.

Winning? I'm not sure what you mean. I thought the goal was for the two of us to find somewhere we might both be comfortable in?

[ Sure, he's joking, but it's hard to just leave it as-is. Sometimes when he teases, she feels as if she must double down and be more serious. Anabel is quick to let her team out and about, half of them blinking widely like they'd been taking a nap and the rest more curious about the reason they're all out at once than anything else. ]

Please feel free to enjoy yourselves for now, everyone. And let us know what you think.

[ Raikou's reaction is to pad around and Lucario sticks near her; it's Mismagius, Weavile, and Salamence that take to really exploring. ]

It is. You're winning. [Figure that one out.]

[Upon release, Sableye rushes to Weavile's side so the duo can explore together. Persian sticks close to Nanu, though she's smelling around; while Honchkrow and Absol opt to look outdoors.]

[Krookodile starts opening and closing any kitchen cabinets he can reach.]

Well. Doesn't look like anyone dislikes the place. [Scratching the back of his head, he glances between each pokémon within eyesight.] Hope they don't spook the realtor...

I do suppose I tend to have the upper-hand. You can't be blamed for that, though.

[ Her Weavile immediately perks up at the company of the other handsy little devil and chatters about with a wide and devious grin, as if she's already suggesting something that will meet Anabel's disapproval -- and as if on cue, Anabel shoots her Dark type a look and her pokemon seems to at least pretend to have lost interest in the barn out in the distance. Lucario makes a sound as if to back Anabel up, following with his own sharp stare while deciding its his job now to be the babysitter.

Mismagius is floating up and through the ceiling, twirling around gleefully as she dissipates but Anabel figures she's just happy to be out and about. ]

I imagine one might not know what to think if a Mismagius came floating through the walls. I can only hope she can contain herself. [ Considering he does love to spook people and even more so, let her songs of misery bring her joy. At least she doesn't pick on Nanu or his pokemon. ] It's a good thing we have House Inspector Krookodile on the case to help us.

[ And then Weavile is crawling into the cabinets that Krookodile opens, fantastic. ]

I've created a monster.

[Passing on his stealth and wit techniques was going to come back and bite him in the butt someday... And that day is today... While house-hunting... Just as he always predicted...]

[Sableye chatters right back and grins widely, vigorously shaking her head yes yes yes. She tries to play it cool after Weavile is admonished, but she just holds her hand to her mouth and tries not to giggle. None of her fellow teammates step up like Lucario does, either too uninterested or thinking about mischief themselves.]

[Nanu watches the duo, looks fondly as Mismagius disappears, and ends with sights on Krookodile. The croc doesn't seem to be looking for anything in particular. He just likes to manipulate anything he can get his hands on. Doors on hinges are fun, apparently?]

Probably not. Only half of our teams have functioning self-control. [Not that he minds after they've made a decision on the house; then, the scare factor will be appreciated to keep people away, frankly. Then, directed at Krookodile:] You find anything, Snoop Patrol?

[Of course, Sableye immediately follows suit with Weavile, and their chattering can be heard as Krookodile closes them in and runs to another cabinet.]

I'm afraid I've always been one. Perhaps you look at me with rose-tinted glasses?

[ Naturally, she's always had a bit of a bite. Just because she was demure most of the time didn't mean that she couldn't tease with the best of them -- and her quick wits would always be put to the test when it goes against him.

Anabel means to say something else, but it's easy to let them play. They haven't really spent time together since she was a Sneasel, after all, and even if they were going to be troublesome. Just this once she'd allow it in full, they deserved to cause a ruckus.

Raikou is off in the yard, inspecting it and the treeline in the distance, as if he might have room to explore or have a running start and poor Lucario is making small talk trying to keep the three cupboard fiends in line. ]

I think they're just tired of being in their balls. [ She feels she might be fond of this one, in particular. ] Do you like it, you five? [ Mismagius comes through the cupboard that Sableye and Weavile were in, giggling gleefully. She turns toward Nanu, wide smile. ] ...six.

That right? You sure fooled me.

[Her biting wit doesn't make her a monster, though... well, except around him. He's alright with that. It's more fun this way.]

[Persian, finding her immediate surroundings satisfactory, saunters off into an adjacent room to continue her inspection. Nanu can already tell she'll be fine here, but he's never one to stop her from what her mind is set on. Meanwhile, Honchkrow and Absol seem to be enjoying the yard as well; there's plenty of places for the crow to roost happily, and Absol likes the amount of space they have. He looks to be communicating with Raikou about the area, in their own way.]

Yeah. I feel bad, not letting most of them roam out and about normally. [It shows in his voice, too; keeping them tucked inside their poké balls is something he's always hated for long periods of time. But, with this place...]

[Nanu snorts as Mismagius appears, and then chuckles when Sableye also reappears...from an entirely other cabinet. Abandoning the one he was currently toying with, Krookodile runs for Sableye's cabinet as she closes it, only to find it's now empty. Giggling can be heard throughout the room.]

They've moved on to hide-and-seek, apparently. [But he's enjoying the impromptu show. He leans his hip on one of the counters, watching for a moment, before turning to Anabel.] I think this is their answer.

That's quite a compliment, in that case.

[ He just brings out the best in her, that's all.

Anabel takes a bit of detour, a few steps just toward the window so she might peek in on the pokemon outside. She makes a point to spot each one and see how they're doing out there; they all seem comfortable enough that she almost feels guilty about not moving in immediately. It's nice to see Absol, in particular, getting along with Raikou. He often seems to be more solitary, even among the more serious pokemon. And Raikou seems as happy as he ever really does. ]

I understand. I would settle down somewhere with a larger yard or places to wander, but it is inconvenient in regard to work. [ He had to keep them near like she did, so having them out running around could be dangerous. ] Perhaps whenever I retire...

[ Then again, Nanu hasn't really retired, either. Maybe neither of them ever really would. Now would be a good time to try it out, right?

Mismagius seems to be playing a game of tag, cheating by phasing through the cupboards back and forth, teasing all three of the pokemon. Anabel covers her mouth as she lets out a string of soft chuckles, smiling wide. ]

I'm not sure they can carry on like this once we actually have furniture and the like inside, but I'm sure we could find a way to keep them entertained if they can't find it first. [ He looks happy, too. She doesn't say that out loud, but she really likes how he looks right now. Comfortable, without any troubles. Anabel sweeps a hand toward the front room. ] Shall I go take care of the boring details while you keep an eye on them?

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