foolishwren | 015, Action

_{[So aside from a few fleeting times she's run into somebody in town or popped up on the 'Gear's network to sass someone, Heather's been a little scarce lately-- ever since the aftermath of her drinking escapades with a certain clone and dweebish scientist. Where's she been? Not far, just... not really around anybody. Why? Well, she sure hasn't been talking about it, whatever it is-- though it wouldn't be too hard to imagine that she'd want to keep her head down after likely incurring the wrath of owners of kicked-over trashcans and whoever'd had to deal with the mess made after Liquid took out a line of lawnchairs while trying to flip over them.]

[But today, instead of being off by herself in the woods or wherever it is she's been staying, she's sitting off out on the water, legs dangling off that long wooden boardwalk that lead to Sprout Tower. Boots and bag are discarded, sitting off to the side in a jumble. Her Pokemon aren't out-- apparently company is not on her chosen menu today.]

[She's not wearing her usual array of cheeky grins or pissed-off-teenager expressions today, either. In fact, her face is somber .... almost blank as she stares down at the water while pondweeds wrap around her ankles and the occasional curious Goldeen ventures up to investigate her toes.]

[Should anyone actually decide to approach the brooding blond kid (although she couldn't be called this much longer-- her black roots are starting to show through OH NOES), the reception they'll get... depends.]}

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[ and in response, Rise smiles quietly. She recognizes that tone. ]

Good. I thought you would be.

_{[She lifts her leg out of the water, hauling a dripping mass of weeds with it, which she observes, a slightly more genuine smile on her face.]}

I always am.

_{[Then, after a thoughtful pause, she takes on a mock solemn expression and scoots around so that she can somberly offer Rise the very attractive freshwater bouquet. With her foot.]}

For you.

...

[ Rise just stares at that soggy mass of loveliness with a slightly dismayed look, before her lips twitch in a "OH HEATHER" smile. This is certainly one of the more original presents she's gotten, and she neatly plucks the weeds from Heather's foot with the grace of one accepting a bouquet of roses.. ]

Thanks. I think I've got a vase that they'll look just gorgeous in!

_{[RISE, FOR NOT SQUEALING AND GOING ALL 'EW', YOU HAVE PASSED THE BRO TEST. CONGRATULATIONS.]

[Heather beams and lets her foot drop back down to the water, looking very pleased with herself.]}

I give the best presents. Do I get a gold star?

[ AFTER YOU DEAL WITH SQUISHY RAINBOW STRIPPERS AND BEARS OF DEATH, YOU KIND OF LEARN TO HOLD IT IN. ]

Two gold stars. [ she places the weeds in a little heap on her free side. ] For being so thoughtful.

_{[Someday Heather would need to hear this story because squishy rainbow strippers sounded like prime epic story material. And also a fantastic band name.]}

Two? Sweet, I am a champion!

[ "SO I KIND OF GOT KIDNAPPED AND THROWN INTO A TELEVISION AND ALMOST DIED AT THE HANDS OF MYSELF, IT WAS SPLENDIFEROUS." ]

It'll be harder next time, just wait!

_["GROOVY!"]

Oh, don't worry, I am up for the challenge.

Next time, I'll bring toadstools.

Make sure it's not a Pokémon first.

[ because Heather presenting Rise with a Paras would be all kinds of God Why. ]

... Man, there would be mushroom Pokémon. _{[... Which brought to mind the question, did people here eat them to get high? INQUIRING MINDS MUST KNOW.]}

Don't worry. I'll make sure they're 100% animal cruelty-free, dolphin-safe toadstools.

I appreciate it!

[ please don't try, Heather. Please. ]

_{[Cue an epic salute.]

[And don't worry, she won't. She learned her lesson about ingesting unknown substances after drinking Liquid's magical garbagebag moonshine and spending the next day feeling like someone had backed over her head with a semi.]}

015, Action

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