city mouse, country mouse [kai]

[Susanna Rosenbaum]

Summer storms were intense. Thunder boomed across the land miles ahead of the approaching rains. The air, hot and sticky, pressed down heavily on all those who traveled hours before the relief of the downpour arrived. It was such a shame! The news had promised it was unlikely the rain would come today. It was supposed to roll in tomorrow. Perhaps someone had been battling too much with certain moves nearby and called down the downpour too soon? High-level trainers ought to be more considerate.

After all, Susanna had really been hoping to use this visit to the cabin to up his incredibly lacking camping skills. While some of his team were content with city life, others liked the great outdoors. He wouldn’t be much of a trainer if he denied them the opportunity to explore the wilderness.

So, that brought us to the present moment: Susanna powerwalking to the cabin’s front entrance with Koda fluttering behind and a small pastry box in the man’s hand. Afraid of dropping his precious cargo, Sue balance on one leg with ease and used his knee to knock on the door.

“Hey, Kai!!” Though they no longer worked on the same force, Susanna hoped that former camaraderie was enough for them to be on first-name basis even now. “It’s gonna start pouring any minute! Let me in, man!”

The baggy clothes Sue wore were not going to be comfortable once wet.

[Kai Kaitos]

notes: Now for some chaos || "Kai Speech" || Susanna Rosenbaum

---

Now while it would be more than true that maybe people were not exactly that keen on storms - especially ones that involved thunder and lightening - or at least those who may have liked such only preferred them when somewhere dry and comfortable there would be one who would be relishing the prospect of there being a storm and one that was likely to be a day earlier than anticipated. It would indeed be something of an understatement to say that Kai would be eagerly awaiting such an arrival, it would be a more than welcome distraction from all that had been happening recently that combined with the fact that he had so much to do around the camp grounds that surrounded the main cabin in which he resided above.

Thankfully however and for the most part it had seemed as if his team of pokemon had done quite well in ensuring that not only were the supplies from the produce garden were well maintained along with other supplies that got delivered every few days when needed but also a great deal else were being well looked after so that any visitors and campers that came here didn't have to worry about anything.

All the same however it would in no way stop the gijinka male from wanting to make completely sure that everything was alright and as such would have gotten him moving about the large main cabin checking over the last few more minor things that needed his attention before the knocking at the door combined with the all too familiar voice that would come from outside. For of course he recognised the voice of one of his now ex comrade's that was Susanna it were more than enough to get him deciding that it would be just fine to leave whatever else he needed to do for later, thus this would bring the gijinka male to the door and flinging it wide with a surprisingly broad grin upon his features as he looked between Susanna and the darkening sky.

"I know! Isn't it great? I love a good storm . . . . . Though maybe not you so much in that outfit, come on before you do get soaked." Kai spoke in a surprisingly child like manner as a grin fixed on his features before he eventually stepped aside enough to allow the pair entry.

---

[Susanna Rosenbaum]

“I’m happy for you, man, but it’s not my element.” The coordinator scurried in, depositing the pastry box on the nearest surface… Before realizing he hadn’t wiped his shoes. He’d get to that once Kai closed the door. Talk about poor house manners. He was so focused on getting in that he’d forgotten that bit…

Koda, meanwhile, immediately took to the high ceiling and made himself comfortable hanging off the roof. “Whoa! The wood feels funny on my feet!”

The pale-haired man grinned up at his partner before refocusing his attention on Kai. “Thanks. I won’t complain about the weather since you like it, but it’s gonna make what I came out here to do harder.” He leaned against the table he’d set the box down on, just as open about pouting as Kai had been with his child-like glee.

Though, there was an additional bit of good news that next slipped from Sue’s mouth. “You’re still into sour stuff, right? I stopped by that bakery in Polade before I came here. Lemon curd tarts sound any good to you?”

[Kai Kaitos]

notes: Now for some chaos || "Kai Speech" || Susanna Rosenbaum

---

Oh right, he did occasionally forget that people as a whole - human or gijinka - didn't all like storms like he did.
This in itself were the main reason that despite his excitement - of sorts - regarding what was to come would Kai make a great effort to try calm himself and be less of an annoyance to Susanna given the other man's evident mild discomfort regarding the possibility of getting drenched, this would at the very least more than enough of a reason to cause Kai to offer the other man something of a cheerfully apologetic look. With that would Kai briefly turn away frmo the pale haired man and allow the other along with the little Woobat that were with him to make themselves comfortable while Kai went about closing the door behind the pair, only then would Kai turn and wander back inwards to join Susanna with head tilted upwards at hearing Koda speak.

"Yeah? You like it though? Wanted to make sure there were was something comfy for anyone who wanted to sit up there." Kai would find himself curiously asking the little Woobat as ear's twitched about in a surprisingly cheery manner, but that could be explained in many ways. It would be from here that Kai would come to turn his attention back to Susanna before looking faintly guilty in time. "I'msory . . . . . What have you come out here for then? Doesm't seem like the usual place you would visit." Kai would come to ask in a genuinely curious manner as the gijinka male would tilt his head to one side for an age.

Though when Sue would come to make mention - well more accurately ask and otherwise clarify - his enjoyment of sour things would be more than enough to quite literally cause his ears to perk up and face forward towards the other man moments before a almost child like look of delight would come to replace the curiosity even if there were a part of him that were slightly suspicious. "Do Combee and Vespiquen make great honey? Wow you remembered that? . . . . What's? up? Almost like you are sweetening me up for something." Kai asked in a almost joking manner

---

[Susanna Rosenbaum]

Koda remained perched upside down, little nose wriggling. “Didja really? Huh! That’s new!” The idea of puzzling through how someone would think to do that kept Koda occupied while the two on the ground spoke. The concern of whether it felt good wouldn’t strike him to answer for a few moments.

Pegged correctly! Susanna put on a lopsided grin, looking guilty to the side. Though, Kai’s surprise at Susanna having remembered his preferences made the coordinator huff. Not actually insulted, of course, but playing along to keep things lively. “Of course, I remember. I kept up with everyone’s tastes.”

How observant.

At any rate, Susanna welcomed himself to a stool and drummed his finger son the surface. “Well, what I wanted to do was see if I could have you show me some of the basics on, uh, outdoorsy crap.” He rubbed the back of his neck, a touch embarrassed to admit this weakness of his. “I didn’t really… do a trainer’s journey as a kid, and all my work kept me in real urban spaces, y’know?”

He sighed, moving to now play with the tips of his white hair. “My feebas—er, milotic, now, he, uh, agreed to evolve after I did… okay at that recent contest. That’s a big change, and he likes more natural bodies of water, so, uh, y’know.” The human shrugged. “I wanna learn about camping and stuff so we can maybe go for a weekend at a lake to say thanks to him for doin’ that for the team. But, with the rain...” He shook his head.

And, then, Koda called down. "The ceiling does feel good!"

[Kai Kaitos]

NOw while Koda wouldn't think anything of it to answer KAi's own query, the gijinka male in turn would in no way be offended by the lack of an answer from the WOobat, after all it were not exactly all that important at the moment was it? Especially when Kai needed to focus upon his other guest rather than ignore his former comrade, especially when there were so many tempting things that had been brought along too. . . . .

NOw this would be the reason behind the gijinka male's almost child-like twitching of his ears as he made great efforts to not only prevent himself from drooling over the goodies that the other man had brought. Of course upon hearing Susanna's explanation would come as little surprise to Kai himself, for the other man certainly had so often been good at remembering the little details about people so to remember something as minor as this were of no surprise.

NOw when the topic of conversation would move onto the reason for the human man having come here would - thankfully - focus Kai's full attention upon the other man, taking all the time needed to listen to what the other were asking of him. Of course KAi were only faintly aware of what Susanna spoke of and as such would offer a small nod to show that he had heard what the other were saying. "Sure, I can at least try right Even if it's a little or at the very least enough to help you in whatever way i can so it serves you well." Kai would find himself agreeing in time, well it only seemed fair that he helped the other man where he had helped the gijinka on some occasions in the past right?

To further hear the other pale haired man's reasoning when it came to one fairly significant reason in the form of the large water type that were within the possesion of the other and it's preference of natural water area's, this got the gijinka nodding his understanding - after all he knew that some of his own pokemon had similliar preferences for where they wished to spend their time.

"Then congratulations for having achieved such a thing as your now Milotic having evolved, am sure we can figure somethign out." KAi agreed offered his congratulations and agreement in equal measures.

[Susanna Rosenbaum]

Kai could still help! Susanna perked up at that news. He hadn’t the faintest idea how they would do that with the weather, but he was excited to find out. (That wasn’t true. Susanna knew how they could. They could go out and brave the weather, but one of the few things the former cop would whine about would be paperwork and getting sopping wet in his baggy clothes.) Sue even fist pumped, letting out a little, “Yes! Score!” to punctuate his happiness. “Thanks, man.”

“How’s your team doing, by the by? I remember you had the li’l one with the hearing issues. It was…” Sue tilted his head. “Darn, I wanna say it was a li’l psychic type, but I keep gettin’ the image of a kitten-like pokemon in my head now that I mention it.”

Very observant, as always, on Susanna’s part.

[Kai Kaitos]

notes: Now for some chaos || "Kai Speech" || Susanna Rosenbaum

---

Now of course under any other circumstances it would have seemed more than a little strange that Kai would be quite so chatty and friendly to anyone else especially a human, but at the same time given the mere fact that himself and Susanna had worked together enough in the past certainly would have in some manner helped the gijinka male warming up to the guy. And that were certainly saying something given Kai's tendency to avoid people mostly even despite the fact that his job required him to deal with people, but there were always exceptions to the rule so to speak.

But pushing such thoughts aside Kai would be aware that although he had indeed offered to help the other man there would be a faint flicker of thoughtfulness and uncertainty as to how would be best to go around such a thing given the other man's dislike of getting wet - well maybe they would be able to figure something out for when the weather improved or the like? Well that was gonna be a tough one, all the same though seeing how happy Susanna was made Kai feel better about the whole thing.

With a twitch of his ears would Kai be pull out of his thoughts and come to focus back upon the other man as he began to speak and make his queries, it would take a few moments and a momentarily puzzled look before a look of realisation would pass over Kai's features upon coming to realise just who the other man would actually mean before smiling broadly. "Well, your actually right on both counts. Though it's probably Sarabi - my Litleo? - you'll probably be remembering the most, she has hearing issues but can mostly hear but do need to use signs in some situations. Though I have a little shiny Ralts who is completely deaf." Kai clarified.

---

[Susanna Rosenbaum]

The author will now take an indulgence. Susanna, socially preoccupied creep that he tends to be, was likely keenly aware of his status as one of the exceptions to Kai’s tendency to avoid humans. Given both Susanna’s intense loyalty toward anyone considered a friend or an ally as well as his nigh compulsive people pleasing habits, this knowledge likely put Sue on cloud nine. There were probably a number of instances where that might have led to Sue going out of his way to assist Kai out of gratitude for this favorable view (taking over front desk duties, manning the phone, public relation nonsense, etc.) but that was neither here nor there. The author simply could not resist clarifying that if Kai so bothered to view Susanna warmly, he had unwittingly gained himself a ride-or-die accomplice to quite a lot. And, this concludes the author’s indulgence.

Susanna snapped his fingers at the correction. He’d remembered, it seemed, but had second guessed himself into merging the two pokemon into one. It was unusual that one person had more than one pokemon like that; then again, the general population didn’t keep a full team, nevermind however many Kai had.

Law of large numbers and all that.

“My bad,” Sue quipped. “I guess I got ‘em mixed up.” He looked around. “Actually, it’s pretty quiet in here. All your li’l buddies roaming around?”

Oh, right. Didn’t Kai take training a little more seriously than the average officer? Maybe they could do that. It’d be a good bonding moment. Though, in the rain… They’d have to go out and face it, wouldn’t they?

Ugh, he was going to have to brave that eventually. Maybe he could find a polite way to ask if Kai had a dryer here and just deal with everything after. Between the officer’s appreciation for the storms and his own darling pokemon’s enjoyment for the water nature offered, it would be better for his social life if Sue got over this little issue with being wet. Or, if he stopped wearing clothes that felt so awkward when drenched.

… No, no, he’d just dry off after. Giving up his comfortable, baggy clothes was out of the question for now. Besides, how else would he hide his little frame?

Drumming his fingers on the table, Susanna looked out of the window. "... They're not outside, are they?"

[Kai Kaitos]

notes: || "Kai Speech" || Susanna Rosenbaum

---

And of course there would indeed be another who would feel much the same as one such distant 'authoer', for it were indeed more than true that Kai were not exactly the most social around others - mostly humans tis true - but there were indeed a select few in which the Jolteon gijinka would actually like. Of which Susanna were most definetly one such individual even despite the sweet / sour treat's that the human man had brought with him today KAi had certainly more often than not been drawn to the other man which were a good thing since it at least showed that he were making progress regarding making 'friends'.

now, of course kai would feel a little bad at correcting the other man as he had regarding the pokemon that the other man had been referring to, but taking into consideration that Kai did have a fair few pokemon and it were not exactly every day that people had a single shiny pokemon in their team let alone two that had quite similliar that shared a defect to varying degree's."Don't feel bad, how often do you get someone who has a pair like them anyway?" Kai would offer in an attempted reassuring and cheerful manner before plastering a grin on his face and shrugging in turn.

"Oh. . . . yes some of them are around in here, my smaller ones at least. Though not my Rhyhorn or onix, their too big and with the rain their resting in their pokeballs for now. Someone's bound to turn up eventually." The gijinka male would soon come to add in time as subconciously ears would begin twitching in order to try locate or otherwise listen out for any who may come to be heading the way of the two males.

not that Kai would be able to do such for all too long as it wouldn't take much time for his gaze to follow Sue's to look out the window and at the heavy rain that were starting to fall as an audible groan would eventually escape him.

"Three of them are likely to be, my Piplup and Frillish it's not so much an issue for, they'll come in eventually when they are bored of being outside. . . . . . It's Kevin that's going to be the annoying one. Love the little guy but for an Eevee he is large and loud with extra fluff. Takes so long to dry him off even when using a dryer and towels."

---

[Susanna Rosenbaum]

That made sense. As big as this cabin was, it was built with a human scale in mind. Susanna had to wonder how many residential buildings were made with the inclusion of such large pokemon in the home… Oh well, a topic for another day.

The matter at hand was getting up his nerve for what he was going to offer. “Well, if they like it so much, we could go out to join ‘em.”

He’d really offered it! Determined not to lose his nerve, Susanna stood. “I’ve gotten pretty good with grooming fluffy pokemon as of late! I mean, I’m not a pro or anything, but… Uh, yeah.”

As good as Susanna was at faking things, it might take someone as familiar with the former officer as Kai to detect that he was putting on a front. At least, it was a front with his enthusiasm. He was determined to do this, to get over his issues with the great outdoors and get used to the things his team liked.

“So, whaddaya say? Let’s go join’ ‘em outside! I’m bet all three are havin’ a blast! Makin’... mud pies or somethin’.”

Koda the woobat fluttered down. “... I don’t wanna do that. I’ll wait here while you do that.”

The bravado was dropped instantly as Susanna squatted down to address his starter. “No problem, buddy!! You hold down the fort here, okay?”

[Kai Kaitos]

notes: || "Kai Speech" || Susanna Rosenbaum

---

Now, as the conversation would continue to progress, Kai could not exactly make sense of or otherwise explain it right now - more so taking into consideration that he were not psychic by any means - but there were jsut something about the whole situation that gave the gijinka male the impression that the pale haired man before him were less than keen on wanting to go out into the rain. So needless to say when Susanna would have come to make his offer would come as something of a surprise to the point in which the gijinka male's ears would begin twitching about in an inquisitive manner before tilting his head to one side in the progress as he stayed quiet for an age before he would dare to speak.

"Only if you are sure . . . . . Wouldn't want you to get all uncomfortable if you are not wanting to? But I can make sure there is plenty of warm blankets, drinks and even a fire going for when we get back? Can even make sure you have your own personal heater? You remember Ali? - he was a little Cyndaquil when you last saw him but is a Quilava now - he'll be happy to help you out no doubt?" Kai would find himself offering in turn, after all he were aware enough that this were a big step for the other man therefore it only made sense that he in turn would make efforts to make things as comfortable for Susanna afterwards right?

Strange as it would come to be the comments about his skill with grooming fluffy pokemon would be more than enough to get Kai smiling in a cheery manner before looking uncertainly awkward for a short time before making his own counter offer. "And I know this is going to sound weird but if you end up needing help with drying up after then I am happy enough to help, got plenty of practice myself with siblings with long hair and such. . . . . . . . Oh wait that does sound super weird huh?" Kai would find himself saying before coming to cringe somewhat and attempt to chuckle and laugh it off as much as he could under the circumstances.

Now, Kai would just be glad when Susanna would move the conversation onto what he would think regarding just what he would think in turn about heading out would the gijinka male find himself grinning slightly before offering a nod of confirmation, though before he would have made a move towards the door would a thought seem to come to him. "Let me try find you a decent coat first? To at least try keep you dry if need it? And see if can find some company for Koda?" Kai would attempt to offer as a curious gaze for a few seconds before he would hurry eagerly off.

It would only be a few minutes but it would likely feel both along and short period of time before the yellow haired gijinka would come hurrying back with a coat in his arms and - amusingly - a Noibat upon his head and little hands literally holding his hair in order to remain balanced in the gijinka's rushed walk back to where Susanna were. "Ok so it's not great but I found something - oh and Arya here heard we had guests. Thought you might like some company Koda?" Kai would offer, strangely looking something like an over eager child as his gaze moved from Susanna to Koda in turn.

---

[Susanna Rosenbaum]

The blankets, drinks, and fire sounded delightful. Though, Susanna did grin at the offer of Ali. “Actually, I’ve got my own fire type now! I’ll show you her when we get back. … I would appreciate a little help blow-drying all this though.” The man gestured to his long white hair. Despite all the trouble it gave him, he rather liked it.

(Susanna never found much of anything weird if he was doing it with a friend.)

When they got back! They were really doing this. “Sounds good, man!” While Kai went to fetch a coat suited to the rain, Susanna begrudgingly shed himself of his comfortable hoodie. The thing was ironed. Actually, all of Susanna’s clothes were iron and starched. It was an odd combination given his casual style, but they had minimal wrinkles thanks to it! One could only imagine how crisp his uniform had been…

Upon spotting the other bat-like pokemon, Koda took to the air. “Whooa! Hey, hey!”

“Dude, you think of everything!” Sue praised. “Seriously, I can’t thank you enough.” Then, if Kai handed it over, he’d slip on the rain coat and…

Well. There was nothing left to do except brave the weather.

“Koda, play nice, okay?”

Yeah, one last piece of advice. He could do this! Koda was busy making a new friend, so Susanna could open the door again. He stepped out into the rain and blinked against what droplets made it past the raised hood.

“Alright, Minilla! Come on out!”

In a flash of light, Minilla was released before the porch that Susanna remained on for the moment. The milotic looked around, taking in the setting, and then let out a happy little cry. He lifted his face to the sky. Nice weather!!

[Kai Kaitos]

notes: || "Kai Speech" || Susanna Rosenbaum

---

Now when it would come to appear as if the other man that were Susanna would not have minded in any way the offers Kai had made for when they would eventually come back inside after their little excursion would certainly be more than enough to give Kai reason to relax a little more now and genuinely mange a smile to be directed towards the pale haired man for a time. This combined with the fact that ears would flick slightly in an interested manner at hearing the other's offer to introduce his own fire type when they would return would be more than enough toget the gijinka male looking forward to when they did get back, the added comment about the human man taking Kai up on the offer of helping with drying the other's hair would make him glad to know it had not come across as anything other than the offer to help. "Really? Then will look forward to meeting her." Would come the surprisingly cheery response in time.

Of course now needles to say though Kaiwere indeed looking forwardto heading outside in order to help him with what he had come all the wya out here for there would indeed be a part of Kai that would continue to feel somewhat guilty for dragging the other man outside in the inevitable bad weather but also would have him looking forward to spending some time with the other man also. Especially taking into consideration though they hadn't worked together much in the past to have the chance to spend some time with the other was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Now it would not take long before the little Noibat would take to the air herself with eyes brightening at the thought of having a friend that were - in a manner - like herself to enjoy the company of for as long as the two males were to be away for. < New friend? Can't wait! > would come the excited squeaks from the Noibat female in time as she climbed further up into the air to join Koda happily.

When it would become apparent that they were to be ready soon enough would Kai make great efforts to keep himself still and generally not making a nuisance of himself from getting over eager at the prospect of heading outside in general, after all he couldm't let himself behave like an oversized child while in the company of the other - rather he would need to make efforts to focus for as long and as much as he could. But despite mentally reminding himself of such things it would be difficult for the yellow haired gijinka from ever so slightly bouncing about on his feet with an almost ridiculous smile on his features.

Only when it were obvious that Susanna were as ready as he were ever going to be before turning to head outside and the gijinka male would eventually come to follow, a faint grin on his face at seeing the rain as he stepped outside and came to momentarily stand alongside the human man for an age before a faint sense of awe formed upon his features at the sight of the Milotic that would be released. Though Kai were aware of the sheer size, scale and general appearance of these pokemon it were a different thing to see them in the flesh and were for the moment more than enough to get him going almost awestruck for a time.

Just a shame that the momentary 'peace' that would come over the little group it would not come to last all too long before just above the sounds of the rain gently tinkling and thudding on the various surfaces there would come to be the unmisstakable sounds of running footsteps that would get progressively louder before an exceptionally loud voice would precede the arrival of a drenched yet clear form of a Eevee charging towards them all. < KKAAAIIII! IT'S RAINING!!!! . . . . . . OHHHH BIG FISHY! >

Yep, that was Kevin alright - loud.

---

[Susanna Rosenbaum]

While Susanna was adjusting to just letting himself experience the rain, he realized that Kai was standing beside him. Didn’t he like the weather? It struck the pale man that the other might be waiting on him.

Right! Couldn’t let a friend down! Just as he was about to encourage Kai to let loose and enjoy the weather regardless of how much of a, pardon the possible pun, stick in the mud Sue might be about it, Kevin’s arrival caught the coordinator’s attention.

Minilla had been thoroughly enjoying the rain on his scales, going so far as to slither like a serpent through the water puddling on the ground, when the eevee arrived. The water type’s fins spread before he recognized the other pokemon wasn’t hostile.

“A milotic,” he corrected, all sensible and calm despite the fact he was very quickly caking himself in thin, watery mud. “Minilla the milotic. You are?”

At least the noise didn’t bother him.

The coordinator chuckled, stepping forward. Okay, yeah, yep, water starting to splash back from the jacket onto his cheeks and lips. Nevermind what dripped down from the edge of his chin onto his nose. No biggie! He could endure this! It was just like a very tepid shower! … While clothed… And with others?! So nothing at all like that.

“C’mon, can’t let them have all the fun.”

Though, hopefully, Kai would show what fun there was to be had… outside… in the rain. Sue was certainly at a loss.