foolishwren | 64. [Voice/Action for Goldenrod] Backdated to Friday/Thursdayish.

_{[It's probably been a week and a half or so since anybody's heard a whole lot from Heather's end of the line-- given the recent turn of events, coupled with catching up on things with her father, she just hasn't been talking much.]

[But if anyone missed the sound of yet another ranty teenager on the 'Gear network, well, today their wishes and hopes will be realized.]

[A crackle of interference precedes her voice, and in the background there's the steady rumble of a Steelix making headway on a dirt path.]}

Heeeey Johto, what's crackin'?

Totally fell off the face of the planet for a bit there.

Anyway, for those who care, Goldenrod just came into sight over the hill, so Dad and I'll be strolling into town within a couple hours, probably.

I'll be lookin' for a few of you as soon as we get checked in and stuff-- you guys know who you are. _{[She's lookin' at you, Kaito. Dinner plans aside, she still needs to give him that hug.]}

And uh-- Snake, you still in the hotel? I'll heal Solid up at the Center first if you want me to, but otherwise, I'm sure he'll be glad to see his Trainer. Sorry the trip wound up takin' so long.

Anyway, uh-- ... see you guys in a few hours.

... Feel free to call me up and chat, though, the road's dusty and it's a real bore to look at for hours on end.

_{[ooc: For Action, feel free to encounter Heather in the hotel lobby or Pokemon Center healin' up her monsters after arriving.]}

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[He turns, face flashing with recognition before greets her with a look of irritation.]

That may be one way of putting it. Personally, I find it more inconvenient.

[His expression changes into a slight smile, at least he hopes it does. He's still not mastered this whole 'pleasant expressions' thing.]

It's good to see you, Heather. Was your journey a safe one?

Yeah, safe and slow.

_{[She hadn't wanted to rush her father-- besides, they'd had a lot to talk about during the trip.]}

Nothing really eventful happened. S'always funny to watch a Steelix go through a bunch of Sudowoodo like bowling pins, though.

_{[She nods to the egg.]}

So, any idea what's IN that thing?

[He glanced in the direction of the small planet before giving her a straight faced answer.]

A whale.

[He does a quick assessment of the area, trying to spot her parental figure before return his mismatched gaze to her.]

How is your father?

A... oh.

_{[... WELL then.]

[In any case, Harry's not with her at the moment.]}

He's fine. S'in the hotel. I'm just over here to heal up my Pokemon real quick. It was a long trip.

I can imagine.

I'm sure he recognized you despite your desperate attire.

[Artemis tapped the top of his clear cheek meaningfully.]

Some things are just memorable that way.

[Artemis couldn't resist that small jibe, not after not seeing her in so long and not after worrying for her. Not that he'd tell her.]

[He brought a hand up to smooth back his hair, semi-conscious of smart attire clashing with her rugged road-worn look, making them look an odd pair in the middle of the center, but he's ignoring such trivial things.]

[He's unsure how to continue down the line of conversation he wishes to, finding it a bit unsettling and possibly not his place but he presses on anyway out of concern.]

How are you, Heather?

_{[First, she was gonna ask what he meant by 'desperate attire'. And then the second part of his little jab hit her. Her eyes narrowed.]}

You're lucky I'm tired.

_{[... And he was! Because she doesn't have the energy to take too much offense to that. ... For the moment.]}

I'm-- ... good, actually.

Better than I've been in awhile.

[He just cocked an eyebrow slightly, not doubting his luck at all. Thank goodness for good timing.]

[He relaxed visibly at that, just slightly. He shoulders didn't seem as stiff at least. Before his cool eyes studied her face, searching for a lie.]

That's--

Good to hear.

_{[Heather may not have been entirely truthful all the time, but that was one thing which she didn't usually lie about.]}

Pretty happy about it, myself.

There was some rough stuff, but it happens.

_{[She... just wants to appreciate the time she has with her father, for the moment...]}

[His expression softens, feeling relieved. He gives a nod, not needing anymore elaboration or confirmation.]

You know how to contact me, if it's needed.

[There. He'd offered help. Why had that been giving him such a apprehensive feeling? Such things made him feel uncharacteristically awkward. He hated it.]

[Wanting to drop the subject for both their sakes he moves the conversation back to something more positive for her.]

So, you father, is he so similar to you that I should be worried?

Yeah. _{[Not that she... really planned on contacting Artemis for help unless it was a last resort. It wasn't necessarily that she didn't trust him, but her pride just wouldn't stand for it.]

[In any case, she accepts the subject-change happily and with a devilish smirk.]}

Depends. Are you worried?

[He smirks back.]

Exceedingly worried.

In that case, since that's hilarious, I regret to inform you that no, he's a mild-mannered mystery author who likes drinking tea and watching corny old TV shows.

And he won't throw you down the stairs.

_{[Like his daughter sort of did.]}

Ah, well, thank goodness.

It seems I finally have someone to report your horrendous behavior too other than ineffectual police officers you enjoy tormenting.

He's heard it all before, believe me.

_{[... But just in case, she'll make sure to tell him not to listen to what the snooty rich boy says about her.]}

64. [Voice/Action for Goldenrod] Backdated to Friday/Thursdayish.

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