nexus_crossings | (no subject)

(no subject)

Harley is sitting cross-legged on a random Nexus couch today. She has found a pamphlet from the Pokémart and is looking through some of the Pokémon that could be adopted and trained.

She seems in a good mood today. Twirling her hair, as she reads the pamphlet. And there is a huge bag of caramel popcorn at her side.

"If you could have any kind of pet, what kind of animal or creature would you have?"

"What do you think qualifies as being a suitable pet owner?"

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"I can handle any kind of bullshit your life has to offer."

"But if you ain't ready for that. I will still be your friend, Majima. No matter what happens." She grins again.

"I ain't sayin' ya can't, just that it ain't fair. Ya had enough dealin' with ... everything ya went through." He runs the flats of his knuckles along her cheek. "You deserve somethin' better after all that."

He'd be relieved to hear it, although right now is not the time. All he can think about is how he's going to explain any of this to Adia. She's so goddamn trusting, she's not going to want to hear this about a friend of hers.

"No kidding." He rolls his shoulders, trying to let out some of the tension. Harley's on his side here. "When do you think you'll head back?"

Harley can guess what he is thinking about. "Hey Caspar. If it helps, I can talk to Adia about what I saw. After all... I was the one who followed him."

And then if Adia gets mad at anyone, it is Harley... and not Caspar.

"I got to get ready first. And that includes finding my own Pokémon."

"Majima..." Harley takes a moment to reflect on his words. It means the world to her that he is worried about her deserving something better.

"What if it could be something better?"

Caspar's gaze shifts away in embarrassment. Is he that easy to read? "If you don't mind. She'll take it more seriously from you." He thinks about suggesting that they talk to her together, but that feels like too much.

Maybe when he's more comfortable with his arithmancy studies, he can ask the runes what to do.

He looks to the display again, frowning at the screen. He only knows the basics of pokémon battles. "You need something strong against dark type. It wouldn't hurt to have one that can get you out of a jam fast, too."

Did he forget she used to be a psychiatrist. She can read him.

"No problems Caspar."

"Maybe another Dark type. Is it like one of those paper can defeat rock, but ties against paper things?"

"Thank you." He takes a couple of breaths and regains a neutral expression.

The display flickers again, presenting a general fact sheet on dark type pokémon. "You're right, dark is weak against dark. It's weak against fighting and fairy as well."

"Caspar... I got this. You take care of Adia. And I will let you know if I learn anything else."

"And I will speak to Adia about everything. I promise."

"You sure?" He presses his mouth into a thin line to hide his nervousness. He'd rather do something than go back home and wait for Adia, sitting on what information Harley shared with him. But he knows she's right. Their roles in this investigation, if it can be called that, are pretty clear.

"I'll let her know you want to talk to her." He turns to head out of the store, then pauses and looks Harley in the eye. "You're a good friend to her. I appreciate it."

And then he leaves, briskly, determined to find Adia as soon as he can. The Nexus just got a little more dangerous.

"What, you really wanna stick it out for that 'something better'?" he arches an eyebrow. "'cause I ain't makin' any promises that 'better' is a guarantee in my future. I'm just cleanin' up as much'a the damage that's already been done before someone decides they've had enough of me bein' alive."

"I ain't asking for promises. I can't really handle promises right now."

"Besides, you do realize that in addition to protecting the other girls at the club, I am also invested in protecting you." Harley points out.

Harley slides off the couch, and then moves so she is leaning over him. She presses a kiss to his forehead. "You will figure it out, Majima."

Majima sighs and rests his hand on her shoulder when she leans in for the kiss. "Sorry to turn this into a big fuckin' thing, Harley-chan."

He pauses, then gives her shoulder a squeeze and looks her in the eye. "Oi, oi. You don't gotta use my family name. You can call me 'Goro' if ya want."

"Well, many people keep other Pokemon around as friends. Some Pokemon like to battle or participate in contest shows and trainers help Pokemon achieve those goals."

He ponders on her comment for a moment, while Poochyena takes a seat near her feet.

"It could happen, so be mindful of how Poochyena acts around any wild Pokemon you may find. I trust you'll do what's best for him though."

Harley shrugs. "Like I said, I am still going to be your friend."

"I can do that. Goro." She winks. Then she sets the bag of caramel popcorn in his lap. Before she turns to head back to her apartment.

Harley carefully reaches out to scratch Poochyena between the ears. "I am sure he will tell me what he wants. Right, Poochyena?"

"Thanks. Guess it's pretty obvious that's what I need right now," Majima says with a wry smile.

"Seeya at work, darlin'." He tosses a couple of pieces of caramel corn into his mouth and chews thoughtfully as he watches Harley leave.

The Pokemon gives off a happy bark, then nudges Harley's leg, as if asking when they can leave. Professor Madrone merely smiles at the scene.

"Of course. You're welcome back here anytime, Harley."

"Thanks Professor!" Harley holds out her Pokeball so that Poochyena can decide if he wants to go inside of it.

"I will be back. I will want to visit Bulbasaur."

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