Sitting abruptly, Ryoga ran a hand through his hair and his expression became one of deep contemplation. Maybe he was giving up too soon. He'd just met the girl and here he was thinking of calling it off without even trying. Not only was it defeatist, it was inconsiderate. That wasn't like him. Besides, it wasn't like he had to make a decision right this second.
So... what to do in the meantime? He had no idea.
After thinking on it a moment longer, he relented and flopped down on his back with a sigh. For a time, he seemed to stare a hole in the ceiling, but his eyes made it clear that his thoughts were a million miles away. In his mind, he saw her, haunting him with those dark, alluring, eyes. He sighed again, lamenting not knowing the name that went her face.
The walk to school seemed longer than usual, for Sakaki, that morning. The entire time, she tried to ignore the lustful stares being sent her way. It wasn't all of them, only a handful; a few of them were outright brazen. They were whispering too and you can guess what about. It was the most shameful thing she'd had to endure. They didn't even have the decency to refrain with Chiyo present. Thankfully, the pint sized genius couldn't hear what they were talking about. Too bad Sakaki couldn't say the same.
That was fine. If they wanted to look, let them. It was as close as they were going to get. She didn't care what the law said, she didn't belong to anyone. When and if the time came, she'd be the one to chose. At least... that's how she hoped it would be. But she knew better. In the back of her mind, was the growing concern that plagued nearly all of Pokekind: the fear she'd fall victim to an abusive Tamer.
If only there were a good Tamer. A kind one. For a moment, her thoughts drifted to that boy from before. Sakaki recalled her impression of him. For reasons she didn't understand, a part of her had seemed drawn to him. She even found herself thinking of him now and then. Sakaki's finger curled beneath her chin, thoughtfully. Maybe he's a good one. her inner voice reasoned.
Chiyo wasn't completely oblivious to what was going on. She noticed the stiff way Sakaki was carrying herself and the way her eyes narrowed. Something was making her uncomfortable. She gazed up at her with those wide eyes, wondering what it could be. Being so young, she wasn't fully aware of what all being a Pokegirl included or what it would eventually mean for her friend; despite her intellect. Still, she wished she could say something to lift her spirits.
She noticed something else too. They way the look in Sakaki's eyes seemed to change. Chiyo could tell something was weighing on her mind and, whatever it was, it was different from what she'd been thinking about before. This look was speculative, whereas it'd been almost angry moments ago.
At some point, Sakaki seemed to realize Chiyo was watching her. She turned her head to the side and blinked. The utter child-like innocence of Chiyo's stare nearly melted her heart.
"Ms. Sakaki...?" the girl asked tentatively.
"Hai?"
Chiyo seemed to hesitate before saying, "I'm glad you're back."
Those simple words stopped the taller girl in her tracks as they faced each other. In a barely audible tone, she asked, "Really?"
Smiling brightly, eyes closed Chiyo replied, "Hai. Welcome back, Ms. Sakaki."
For awhile, Sakaki could only stare at her in amazement. Cute, loveable Chiyo. Leave it to her to brighten her day. Her eyes grew moist, making her gently wipe at them with the back of her finger. Finally composing herself, Sakaki smiled faintly and said, "Thank you, Chiyo-chan."
The Mihama girl giggled happily, "Shall we?"
"Mm." Sakaki replied in her usual manner. Turning toward the school again, the two resumed walking. They conversed as they went, their voices trailing off as they left, behind them, a small gathering of confused and forgotten Tamers.
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(Posted Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:00)
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