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The Sunny Day Festival came about once a year for the city of Viridian and the students of the PCA. A popular place to go for couples, first dates were also a common occurrence. Some first dates go well and some do not; while others are yet to see their full ramifications.
Xiao Bai belongs to
bittenhard
All other characters that appear named or otherwise courtesy of their creators
Pokemon owned by Nintendo
Xiao Bai belongs to
bittenhardAll other characters that appear named or otherwise courtesy of their creators
Pokemon owned by Nintendo
Category Story / Pokemon
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 120 x 120px
File Size 46 kB
One of the more amazing things about the PCA was that the student body was so fluid in its makeup. Given that it was a private academy that accepted the best and brightest there were many situations in which a student might be moved into the school after their freshman year had already passed. Circumstances could change for a student where they might suddenly gain the money to go or the aptitude; or in some cases patronage. One of the interesting side effects of the situation was that students in the same grade could go months without even seeing one another in the halls; the fact that there were a few thousand students in the school certainly didn’t help matters. Every now and again a chance meeting across the halls or someone spots another in a battle that could lead to interesting times.
Salofa Polintomah had one of those experiences when he’d scouted other senior teams along with his team leader, Joshua Garkirl. They’d been settled into the stands to watch a few battles when Team Strike had come out for their match. A popular team, both for their beauty and for their ability, Team Strike usually commanded attention; in this case a certain Poliwrath had definitely found himself interested. He watched the battle along with his captain, though they watched for different reasons, as a plan hatched itself in his head. He waited until after the battles were done before he picked his way down to the exit from the locker rooms and waited for her to come out. She was the last to leave though it hadn’t deterred him from going up to her in to ask if she’d like to go to the Sunny Day Festival. She’d been caught off guard by the question given that they’d never really met before, even if she wasn’t unfamiliar with his battles either since he was on a well ranked team. Despite her misgivings and shy nature she agreed and the date was set.
Xiao Bai wasn’t the most adventurous member of her team, that title probably belonged to Portia who never had trouble making friends nor did she fear going places. Her shyness was enough that she asked herself a couple of times why she’d agreed to get on the vehicle she was on after Salofa had picked her up to take her to the fairgrounds. He’d picked her up on his ride and despite the fairgrounds being close enough to the school to walk he decided to bring it with him to make sure it was safe. So she’d gotten his helmet and went on her first ever motorcycle ride. The Zangoose pressed herself in tightly against his back despite herself to make sure she didn’t fall off; not that Sal objected overly much.
“We’re here!” He called over his shoulder once they’d come to a stop. Xiao slowly opened her eyes once the roar of his engine had come to a less than quiet stop. She pulled herself away from him with a blush and reached up to her helmet.
“Sorry about that,” She apologized as her voice timbered with a slight Japanese accent. Sal just chuckled and took the helmet to put it away.
“Weren’t like I was gonna complain,” He teased her a bit as a fresh blush came to her cheeks. He didn’t press it and still offered an arm to her, “Shall we den?” She nodded and took his arm before the two strode towards the gate. Xiao looked around as she took the festival in and thought about how it compared to the ones she remembered from back home.
“Ever been to da Festival much?” Sal asked her to snap her out of her reverie. She looked up towards him and shook her head.
“I’ve been around for a few,” she answered, “But I never really went before,”
“Huh, why’s dat?” He asked as he pulled out his wallet in order to pay to get them in. She moved to protest for a moment but a smile from him in assurance stopped her.
“Oh, I never really had anyone to go with,” Xiao responded. She took her wristband that granted her re-admittance before she headed in with him, “I mean there were my teammates but, I never really wanted to hold them back from having any fun,”
“Pffft! Gotta feelin’ your teammates wouldn’t have viewed ya like dat, Xiao,” He grinned at her, “Thought ya were gonna hold me back I wouldna asked ya out to dis, ya know?” She blushed at the compliment but he did bring up a couple of points that made her think for a moment.
“Why did you ask me out?” She asked as she gazed up at him.
“Ya mean besides yer really hot?” He asked in turn with a grin. Again color came to Xiao’s cheeks as she looked away a bit.
“I’d hope you ask me for a reason other than my looks,” she responded and was almost hurt by the initial response. He reached down to give her hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance.
“Ta be honest I don’t know a ton ‘bout ya,” he admitted, “but I saw ya fight, and dat was fascinatin’ to watch,”
“Fascinatin’?” She shook her head as she just butchered the word, “Fascinating?”
“Yeah,” He nodded, “My own cultures a warrior one even if we ain’t actually done any warin’ fer quite a while. So watchin’ ya battle wit’ dat leek and not like most Zangoose was, well…fer lack of a better word fascinatin’.” She wasn’t sure how to respond to the answer. The two made their way over towards a concession stand and stood in line to get some drinks before they went on further.
“My adoptive father taught me how to fight with a leek since he’s a Farfetch’d,” She told him, “He wanted to pass along his knowledge to someone and I happened to be the lucky one,”
“He must be awfully proud of ya,” Sal said with a wide grin, “Ya move very well with yer leek,” Xiao blushed again and looked away; she never did like to have a lot of attention brought to her.
“Oh he always has some pointers on how I can improve my form,” she countered in hopes to brush it off. Salofa just laughed it off.
“Yeah, all teachers do,” He countered, “Don’t mean dey ain’t proud,” Xiao shrugged but none the less smiled.
“Does your culture have a weapons style then, Salofa?” She asked before she put in an order for a drink. The Poli nodded his head and did the same before he paid and waited.
“Yeah, somethin’ anyone dat wants to evolve has ta go through,” He explained, “it’s called Taosiva,” He pronounced it ‘towa-see vah’, “Roughly translates inta Spear Dance.”
“You come from a tribal island culture, yes?” She asked as they grabbed their drinks.
“Yeah,” He blinked a bit in surprise, “How’d ya know? Didn’t think I’d mentioned anythin’ ‘bout dat,”
“I looked up some information on you after you asked me out,” She blushed, “Or had some of my teammates help me with that I should say. Portia talked about you some from your time at camp this summer,” Salofa laughed in response and nodded.
“Yeah, Portia was a barrel of fun at dat camp,” He said before he settled into a chuckle, “But yeah, tribal culture. Ain’t really done much tribal stuff other dan some traditions in ‘bout a hundred years. Don’t mean we don’t enjoy the one we do!” He motioned to the tattoos on his arms. She looked at them with some interest though she couldn’t picture herself getting any.
“I take it your people do a lot of those?” she asked before she quietly took a sip of her soda.
“Depends,” he answered, “I’m learnin’ to take over for da tribes as da official artist. So I’ve got more’n what most do. My cousin Vince ain’t got many more’n what ya git fer passin’ the Trials,”
“Trials?” Another sip of her soda.
“Series of tests my people gotta go trough in order ta earn da right to evolve,” He answered, “Ain’t like they’re as important as they used ta be and they technically ain’t able to hold water but ya still get most from the tribe doin’ ‘em,” Xiao nodded in response as she looked around the fair and took in all the sights. She remembered the ones from her youth where there were similar booths though not quite the same ones. The food was definitely different and there weren’t as many rides like what there were here.
“Always wondered a bit what it’s like to evolve,” she commented as she stopped and watched a little Tyrogue kid get his face painted. Xiao smiled as she saw just how much fun the young boy had.
“It’s different fer most,” Salofa answered as he watched her enjoy the sights, “Fer me it was a great experience since dey were both under controlled sitches. I mean it ain’t like it’s this mystical feelin’, ‘least fer me it weren’t, but it was still a good one,” She nodded as she turned away from the face painting booth and took in more of the festival.
“Gotta feelin’ yer folks don’t care ya ain’t gonna evolve though, probably prefer it,” Xiao glanced up curious to Salofa’s proclamation.
“Why would you say that?” She asked curiously.
“While I’m sure dey’d be more’n happy to spoil ya if dey thought dey could get away wit’ it, they might have to go and git ya a whole new wardrobe if ya did,” Xiao blushed at the mention of her folks.
“My adoptive parents are both wonderful people,” Xiao lit up as she started to talk about them, “They run a small inn at a hot springs back in Hoenn,”
“Dat’s a bit of a change from swordsmon to inn keeper,” Sal commented as he glanced towards one of the booth games.
“Papa always said that there was more to being a swordsmon than simply knowing how to swing a leek,” she answered.
“Sounds like he and my uncle’d get along pretty good,” Salofa answered with a grin, “Couple-a veteran guys dat like sharin’ what they’ve learned to dose they find worthy,”
“Papa and mama both have been very good to me,” Xiao continued with a fond smile, “Mama also makes the best tea you’d ever have.
“I’m surprised you went to that much trouble for this date,” Xiao admitted to him after a moment. He looked towards her and sipped some more of his drink as they headed towards some contest areas.
“Why’s dat?” He asked curiously.
“Portia also told me about how you had a girl hanging all over you at Camp,” she admitted before she looked away. She’d been reluctant to go out with him after she’d heard about what happened over the summer since she was afraid he was only after her for a conquest. The concern on her face and in her body language surprised the Poli who reached out to take her hand again.
“Hey now, yeah, at da Camp I had some fun, but dat don’t mean I’m out here wit’ ya to just try and score,” He tried to assure her, “We Island Poli’s love our fun but we ain’t bad guys,”
“How do I know that for sure?” She asked pointedly, though Xiao regretted the sharpness of her tone as soon as it came out. Salofa just smiled in return.
“Ya don’t,” He admitted and then grinned at her, “Least ya don’t without givin’ me a chance to show ya dat I’m more interested in havin’ fun wit’ ya, and dat requires you havin’ fun too,” She flushed at his words and his smile. There definitely seemed to be asincerity in his voice, one she couldn’t deny. The girl looked hard at the ‘wrath for a long moment before she had another question come to mind.
“And if this ends and we don’t go on any more dates?” She had to know for her own sake.
“Den I hope I at least made a friend,” He said with that grin of his. She eyed him for a good long moment before she nodded and offered a smile in return.
“I could definitely live with that,” Xiao admitted as she looked up at him still. She had to admit there was something about his openness that was refreshing compared to her past issues with dating.
“Way I see it, Xiao,” He explained further as they started to walk again, “If we both have fun, and become friends den this has all be worth it. If somethin’ more comes of it, den even better,” She giggled a bit at his full thoughts as it put her at ease some more. She hoped that the trust she was going to put into those words would be rewarded; Portia hadn’t spoken badly about Salofa, just that he’d been very close with another girl but obviously that hadn’t gone anywhere.
“Hey, dat looks like fun,” Sal suddenly said as Xiao was yanked out of her thoughts. The Zangoose blinked a few times before she looked over to where he motioned. They looked towards a long booth of some kind where a barker called out for participants.
“C’mon over and join in!” the Barker called, “Join with your boy or girl to race other couples and win a prize!”
“Ya wanna try it?” Sal asked as he turned towards his date. Her cheeks regained a bit of color in response and eyed the competition with some uncertainty.
“You…think we can do well at it?” She asked in response. Xiao looked back to see some of the other couples that’d already stepped up which included an adorable looking Togekiss and a well dressed Milotic who were being tied together for the race. Both of them seemed to be about as nervous about it as Xiao was feeling at the moment. Another couple stepped forward as a tall and well muscled lady-Umbreon with stark red haired moved up with a Roserade in a lab coat by his flower to join in on the contest.
“I gotta feelin’ we won’t embarrass ourselves...to much,” Salofa answered as he took her hand and lead her over. Xiao didn’t resist as she was drug along though she was still nervous about it all. Things didn’t get any better when one of the assistants started to tie her leg to his after they’d entered the contest. The Poli tried to give her a smile of reassurance as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Xiao took in a few deep breaths to calm herself as her arm went around his waist in preparation; something Sal didn’t seem to object to. The three couples waited as one more joined them, a Venomoth and Forretress duo that looked to be at ease with each other even if the steely ‘mon seemed a bit nervous to have so much attention on him.
The four sets of pairs waited at the line as they set themselves to race one another. Each watched the barker for the signal to go, their muscles tensed in preparation. Some of the apprehension melted away as the natural desire that most ‘mon held inside themselves to compete started to take over. A few times there looked like there was going to be a false start as the ‘mon in charge almost gleefully teased them with the signal. Finally, he gave the sound to start and the four couples began to tear off down the line.
If there was anything funnier than watching four sets of individuals try to work together despite size differences it didn’t come to mind for the cheering crowd. The eight ‘mon stumbled along with each other as they tried to reach the finish line inside the booth before the others were able to make it. The top-heavy Forretress was the first to stumble as he pitched forward in the mad dash to get to the end. The Venomoth attached to him took a tumble as well as he weighted her down, though afterwards she comforted him rather than scolded him. Soon afterwards the Milotic and Togekiss got mixed up in his tail and quickly collapsed into a heap. The Milotic was quick to check on the Togekiss and give her back her glasses that’d fallen off; the Togekiss thanked him with a kiss to his cheek which surprised him a bit though he seemed to like it.
The race came down to the final two couples as the Poliwrath and the Umbreon looked to win it all. The two moved forward as quick as they could without yanking the legs off of their companions. The Roserade seemed to have the hardest time keeping up with the pace as he clung to the Umbreon to keep from falling and followed her lead; she certainly was strong enough to keep him up and going and the fact they were the same height didn’t hurt. Xiao kept close to her teammate and would’ve done better if her legs weren’t so short compared to his own. The Poli and the Umbreon were caught up in the race when Sal noticed that Xiao was being jostled around harder than he should’ve been as he tugged her along. With a small smile he started to slow down so she’d be more comfortable and Xiao was very grateful for it. While they tapered the Umbreon and Roserade surged ahead as the latter tumbled forward and crossed the line face first.
The crowd roared their approval as a winner was named. The Umbreon quickly scooped up the Roserade to make sure that he was okay; he looked to be a bit out of it but smiled when he heard they’d won and hugged her tight. The Umbreon blushed a bit at the public affection but happily returned the hug none the less. Sal and Xiao came to a stop once they’d finished and allowed themselves to be untied before they congratulated the winners. Once that’d all been cleared up the pair exited the booth and headed towards some place to get some food.
“That was a lot of fun, Salofa,” Xiao admitted to her date which caused the large ‘wrath grinned down at her.
“Dat’s what I like hearin’!” He exclaimed before he laughed again as Xiao watched him while he walked along side her and exuded merriment. Dozens of thoughts ran through her head at the moment as she recalled how everything had gone. She hoped that it’d continue as well as it’d started as she reached with her hand to take his. Sal looked down in surprise at first but certainly didn’t seem to object as he gave her hand a squeeze with his own. The two strolled towards the funnel cake stand hungrily and enjoyed themselves immensely at the moment; the moment they put their attention on for now.
“Well, hope ya had as much fun as I did,” After a few hours at the Festival Salofa had brought Xiao back to her dorm. The two stood outside the silver roofed building amidst the stars and smiled at one another, “Cause I had an absolute blast,” Xiao blushed at the compliment and looked away for a moment.
“I had a lot of fun as well, Salofa, though I wasn’t sure if I was going to or not,” Xiao told him. Sal just grinned and reached for her chin to pull her gaze back to his. She didn’t fight the gesture and looked up towards the much taller ‘mon.
“Am I gonna see ya ‘gain soon?” He asked hopefully. Xiao smiled a bit playfully and shrugged.
“I suppose I wouldn’t mind spending more time with my new friend,” She answered and looked for his reaction. His smile didn’t lessen as he nodded.
“I’m lookin’ forward ta next time,” Sal responded. He gave her a quick hug, one she returned and started to pull away to say his final good-bye before she suddenly reached up to kiss his cheek.
“I’ll let you know when, and for what, I’m ready to do,” Xiao explained before she disappeared into the dorm and closed the building’s door behind her. Sal stood there in surprise before he laughed once more and started to walk away. The night had gone well, as well as he could’ve hoped for. He wasn’t sure what was next between the two of them and neither did Xiao at the moment. The flushed Zangoose made her way up the stairs towards her room and prepared for the twenty questions; some of which she had to answer herself first. Her smile was as bright as Salofa’s outside, because in the end at least they each had someone else they could spend time with and enjoy their company.
Salofa Polintomah had one of those experiences when he’d scouted other senior teams along with his team leader, Joshua Garkirl. They’d been settled into the stands to watch a few battles when Team Strike had come out for their match. A popular team, both for their beauty and for their ability, Team Strike usually commanded attention; in this case a certain Poliwrath had definitely found himself interested. He watched the battle along with his captain, though they watched for different reasons, as a plan hatched itself in his head. He waited until after the battles were done before he picked his way down to the exit from the locker rooms and waited for her to come out. She was the last to leave though it hadn’t deterred him from going up to her in to ask if she’d like to go to the Sunny Day Festival. She’d been caught off guard by the question given that they’d never really met before, even if she wasn’t unfamiliar with his battles either since he was on a well ranked team. Despite her misgivings and shy nature she agreed and the date was set.
Xiao Bai wasn’t the most adventurous member of her team, that title probably belonged to Portia who never had trouble making friends nor did she fear going places. Her shyness was enough that she asked herself a couple of times why she’d agreed to get on the vehicle she was on after Salofa had picked her up to take her to the fairgrounds. He’d picked her up on his ride and despite the fairgrounds being close enough to the school to walk he decided to bring it with him to make sure it was safe. So she’d gotten his helmet and went on her first ever motorcycle ride. The Zangoose pressed herself in tightly against his back despite herself to make sure she didn’t fall off; not that Sal objected overly much.
“We’re here!” He called over his shoulder once they’d come to a stop. Xiao slowly opened her eyes once the roar of his engine had come to a less than quiet stop. She pulled herself away from him with a blush and reached up to her helmet.
“Sorry about that,” She apologized as her voice timbered with a slight Japanese accent. Sal just chuckled and took the helmet to put it away.
“Weren’t like I was gonna complain,” He teased her a bit as a fresh blush came to her cheeks. He didn’t press it and still offered an arm to her, “Shall we den?” She nodded and took his arm before the two strode towards the gate. Xiao looked around as she took the festival in and thought about how it compared to the ones she remembered from back home.
“Ever been to da Festival much?” Sal asked her to snap her out of her reverie. She looked up towards him and shook her head.
“I’ve been around for a few,” she answered, “But I never really went before,”
“Huh, why’s dat?” He asked as he pulled out his wallet in order to pay to get them in. She moved to protest for a moment but a smile from him in assurance stopped her.
“Oh, I never really had anyone to go with,” Xiao responded. She took her wristband that granted her re-admittance before she headed in with him, “I mean there were my teammates but, I never really wanted to hold them back from having any fun,”
“Pffft! Gotta feelin’ your teammates wouldn’t have viewed ya like dat, Xiao,” He grinned at her, “Thought ya were gonna hold me back I wouldna asked ya out to dis, ya know?” She blushed at the compliment but he did bring up a couple of points that made her think for a moment.
“Why did you ask me out?” She asked as she gazed up at him.
“Ya mean besides yer really hot?” He asked in turn with a grin. Again color came to Xiao’s cheeks as she looked away a bit.
“I’d hope you ask me for a reason other than my looks,” she responded and was almost hurt by the initial response. He reached down to give her hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance.
“Ta be honest I don’t know a ton ‘bout ya,” he admitted, “but I saw ya fight, and dat was fascinatin’ to watch,”
“Fascinatin’?” She shook her head as she just butchered the word, “Fascinating?”
“Yeah,” He nodded, “My own cultures a warrior one even if we ain’t actually done any warin’ fer quite a while. So watchin’ ya battle wit’ dat leek and not like most Zangoose was, well…fer lack of a better word fascinatin’.” She wasn’t sure how to respond to the answer. The two made their way over towards a concession stand and stood in line to get some drinks before they went on further.
“My adoptive father taught me how to fight with a leek since he’s a Farfetch’d,” She told him, “He wanted to pass along his knowledge to someone and I happened to be the lucky one,”
“He must be awfully proud of ya,” Sal said with a wide grin, “Ya move very well with yer leek,” Xiao blushed again and looked away; she never did like to have a lot of attention brought to her.
“Oh he always has some pointers on how I can improve my form,” she countered in hopes to brush it off. Salofa just laughed it off.
“Yeah, all teachers do,” He countered, “Don’t mean dey ain’t proud,” Xiao shrugged but none the less smiled.
“Does your culture have a weapons style then, Salofa?” She asked before she put in an order for a drink. The Poli nodded his head and did the same before he paid and waited.
“Yeah, somethin’ anyone dat wants to evolve has ta go through,” He explained, “it’s called Taosiva,” He pronounced it ‘towa-see vah’, “Roughly translates inta Spear Dance.”
“You come from a tribal island culture, yes?” She asked as they grabbed their drinks.
“Yeah,” He blinked a bit in surprise, “How’d ya know? Didn’t think I’d mentioned anythin’ ‘bout dat,”
“I looked up some information on you after you asked me out,” She blushed, “Or had some of my teammates help me with that I should say. Portia talked about you some from your time at camp this summer,” Salofa laughed in response and nodded.
“Yeah, Portia was a barrel of fun at dat camp,” He said before he settled into a chuckle, “But yeah, tribal culture. Ain’t really done much tribal stuff other dan some traditions in ‘bout a hundred years. Don’t mean we don’t enjoy the one we do!” He motioned to the tattoos on his arms. She looked at them with some interest though she couldn’t picture herself getting any.
“I take it your people do a lot of those?” she asked before she quietly took a sip of her soda.
“Depends,” he answered, “I’m learnin’ to take over for da tribes as da official artist. So I’ve got more’n what most do. My cousin Vince ain’t got many more’n what ya git fer passin’ the Trials,”
“Trials?” Another sip of her soda.
“Series of tests my people gotta go trough in order ta earn da right to evolve,” He answered, “Ain’t like they’re as important as they used ta be and they technically ain’t able to hold water but ya still get most from the tribe doin’ ‘em,” Xiao nodded in response as she looked around the fair and took in all the sights. She remembered the ones from her youth where there were similar booths though not quite the same ones. The food was definitely different and there weren’t as many rides like what there were here.
“Always wondered a bit what it’s like to evolve,” she commented as she stopped and watched a little Tyrogue kid get his face painted. Xiao smiled as she saw just how much fun the young boy had.
“It’s different fer most,” Salofa answered as he watched her enjoy the sights, “Fer me it was a great experience since dey were both under controlled sitches. I mean it ain’t like it’s this mystical feelin’, ‘least fer me it weren’t, but it was still a good one,” She nodded as she turned away from the face painting booth and took in more of the festival.
“Gotta feelin’ yer folks don’t care ya ain’t gonna evolve though, probably prefer it,” Xiao glanced up curious to Salofa’s proclamation.
“Why would you say that?” She asked curiously.
“While I’m sure dey’d be more’n happy to spoil ya if dey thought dey could get away wit’ it, they might have to go and git ya a whole new wardrobe if ya did,” Xiao blushed at the mention of her folks.
“My adoptive parents are both wonderful people,” Xiao lit up as she started to talk about them, “They run a small inn at a hot springs back in Hoenn,”
“Dat’s a bit of a change from swordsmon to inn keeper,” Sal commented as he glanced towards one of the booth games.
“Papa always said that there was more to being a swordsmon than simply knowing how to swing a leek,” she answered.
“Sounds like he and my uncle’d get along pretty good,” Salofa answered with a grin, “Couple-a veteran guys dat like sharin’ what they’ve learned to dose they find worthy,”
“Papa and mama both have been very good to me,” Xiao continued with a fond smile, “Mama also makes the best tea you’d ever have.
“I’m surprised you went to that much trouble for this date,” Xiao admitted to him after a moment. He looked towards her and sipped some more of his drink as they headed towards some contest areas.
“Why’s dat?” He asked curiously.
“Portia also told me about how you had a girl hanging all over you at Camp,” she admitted before she looked away. She’d been reluctant to go out with him after she’d heard about what happened over the summer since she was afraid he was only after her for a conquest. The concern on her face and in her body language surprised the Poli who reached out to take her hand again.
“Hey now, yeah, at da Camp I had some fun, but dat don’t mean I’m out here wit’ ya to just try and score,” He tried to assure her, “We Island Poli’s love our fun but we ain’t bad guys,”
“How do I know that for sure?” She asked pointedly, though Xiao regretted the sharpness of her tone as soon as it came out. Salofa just smiled in return.
“Ya don’t,” He admitted and then grinned at her, “Least ya don’t without givin’ me a chance to show ya dat I’m more interested in havin’ fun wit’ ya, and dat requires you havin’ fun too,” She flushed at his words and his smile. There definitely seemed to be asincerity in his voice, one she couldn’t deny. The girl looked hard at the ‘wrath for a long moment before she had another question come to mind.
“And if this ends and we don’t go on any more dates?” She had to know for her own sake.
“Den I hope I at least made a friend,” He said with that grin of his. She eyed him for a good long moment before she nodded and offered a smile in return.
“I could definitely live with that,” Xiao admitted as she looked up at him still. She had to admit there was something about his openness that was refreshing compared to her past issues with dating.
“Way I see it, Xiao,” He explained further as they started to walk again, “If we both have fun, and become friends den this has all be worth it. If somethin’ more comes of it, den even better,” She giggled a bit at his full thoughts as it put her at ease some more. She hoped that the trust she was going to put into those words would be rewarded; Portia hadn’t spoken badly about Salofa, just that he’d been very close with another girl but obviously that hadn’t gone anywhere.
“Hey, dat looks like fun,” Sal suddenly said as Xiao was yanked out of her thoughts. The Zangoose blinked a few times before she looked over to where he motioned. They looked towards a long booth of some kind where a barker called out for participants.
“C’mon over and join in!” the Barker called, “Join with your boy or girl to race other couples and win a prize!”
“Ya wanna try it?” Sal asked as he turned towards his date. Her cheeks regained a bit of color in response and eyed the competition with some uncertainty.
“You…think we can do well at it?” She asked in response. Xiao looked back to see some of the other couples that’d already stepped up which included an adorable looking Togekiss and a well dressed Milotic who were being tied together for the race. Both of them seemed to be about as nervous about it as Xiao was feeling at the moment. Another couple stepped forward as a tall and well muscled lady-Umbreon with stark red haired moved up with a Roserade in a lab coat by his flower to join in on the contest.
“I gotta feelin’ we won’t embarrass ourselves...to much,” Salofa answered as he took her hand and lead her over. Xiao didn’t resist as she was drug along though she was still nervous about it all. Things didn’t get any better when one of the assistants started to tie her leg to his after they’d entered the contest. The Poli tried to give her a smile of reassurance as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Xiao took in a few deep breaths to calm herself as her arm went around his waist in preparation; something Sal didn’t seem to object to. The three couples waited as one more joined them, a Venomoth and Forretress duo that looked to be at ease with each other even if the steely ‘mon seemed a bit nervous to have so much attention on him.
The four sets of pairs waited at the line as they set themselves to race one another. Each watched the barker for the signal to go, their muscles tensed in preparation. Some of the apprehension melted away as the natural desire that most ‘mon held inside themselves to compete started to take over. A few times there looked like there was going to be a false start as the ‘mon in charge almost gleefully teased them with the signal. Finally, he gave the sound to start and the four couples began to tear off down the line.
If there was anything funnier than watching four sets of individuals try to work together despite size differences it didn’t come to mind for the cheering crowd. The eight ‘mon stumbled along with each other as they tried to reach the finish line inside the booth before the others were able to make it. The top-heavy Forretress was the first to stumble as he pitched forward in the mad dash to get to the end. The Venomoth attached to him took a tumble as well as he weighted her down, though afterwards she comforted him rather than scolded him. Soon afterwards the Milotic and Togekiss got mixed up in his tail and quickly collapsed into a heap. The Milotic was quick to check on the Togekiss and give her back her glasses that’d fallen off; the Togekiss thanked him with a kiss to his cheek which surprised him a bit though he seemed to like it.
The race came down to the final two couples as the Poliwrath and the Umbreon looked to win it all. The two moved forward as quick as they could without yanking the legs off of their companions. The Roserade seemed to have the hardest time keeping up with the pace as he clung to the Umbreon to keep from falling and followed her lead; she certainly was strong enough to keep him up and going and the fact they were the same height didn’t hurt. Xiao kept close to her teammate and would’ve done better if her legs weren’t so short compared to his own. The Poli and the Umbreon were caught up in the race when Sal noticed that Xiao was being jostled around harder than he should’ve been as he tugged her along. With a small smile he started to slow down so she’d be more comfortable and Xiao was very grateful for it. While they tapered the Umbreon and Roserade surged ahead as the latter tumbled forward and crossed the line face first.
The crowd roared their approval as a winner was named. The Umbreon quickly scooped up the Roserade to make sure that he was okay; he looked to be a bit out of it but smiled when he heard they’d won and hugged her tight. The Umbreon blushed a bit at the public affection but happily returned the hug none the less. Sal and Xiao came to a stop once they’d finished and allowed themselves to be untied before they congratulated the winners. Once that’d all been cleared up the pair exited the booth and headed towards some place to get some food.
“That was a lot of fun, Salofa,” Xiao admitted to her date which caused the large ‘wrath grinned down at her.
“Dat’s what I like hearin’!” He exclaimed before he laughed again as Xiao watched him while he walked along side her and exuded merriment. Dozens of thoughts ran through her head at the moment as she recalled how everything had gone. She hoped that it’d continue as well as it’d started as she reached with her hand to take his. Sal looked down in surprise at first but certainly didn’t seem to object as he gave her hand a squeeze with his own. The two strolled towards the funnel cake stand hungrily and enjoyed themselves immensely at the moment; the moment they put their attention on for now.
“Well, hope ya had as much fun as I did,” After a few hours at the Festival Salofa had brought Xiao back to her dorm. The two stood outside the silver roofed building amidst the stars and smiled at one another, “Cause I had an absolute blast,” Xiao blushed at the compliment and looked away for a moment.
“I had a lot of fun as well, Salofa, though I wasn’t sure if I was going to or not,” Xiao told him. Sal just grinned and reached for her chin to pull her gaze back to his. She didn’t fight the gesture and looked up towards the much taller ‘mon.
“Am I gonna see ya ‘gain soon?” He asked hopefully. Xiao smiled a bit playfully and shrugged.
“I suppose I wouldn’t mind spending more time with my new friend,” She answered and looked for his reaction. His smile didn’t lessen as he nodded.
“I’m lookin’ forward ta next time,” Sal responded. He gave her a quick hug, one she returned and started to pull away to say his final good-bye before she suddenly reached up to kiss his cheek.
“I’ll let you know when, and for what, I’m ready to do,” Xiao explained before she disappeared into the dorm and closed the building’s door behind her. Sal stood there in surprise before he laughed once more and started to walk away. The night had gone well, as well as he could’ve hoped for. He wasn’t sure what was next between the two of them and neither did Xiao at the moment. The flushed Zangoose made her way up the stairs towards her room and prepared for the twenty questions; some of which she had to answer herself first. Her smile was as bright as Salofa’s outside, because in the end at least they each had someone else they could spend time with and enjoy their company.
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