Money to Burn

Jack’s lips still taste of another woman when she kisses you. “Congrats,” you tell her, “You were amazing out there.”

“Jack! Jack!” Dede calls out to your girlfriend.

“Sorry, one second,” Jack says letting your hand slip from hers.

You stay back, not wanting to be anywhere near Dede. You hear Jack trying her best to be professional, mentioning her new employment with the Laurels. You wonder if she was required to do as much.

Snow passes you and Opal and makes her way to the men waiting for her. The group of 7 short men surround the defeated girl. She towers over them, having to bend down to kiss them, her fingers running through most of their beards, except the one clean shaven guy who looks a little dopey compared to his peers.

Opal stares at Snow and the 7 men, you wonder if she’s comparing their relationship to the one she’s entered. After her interview, Jack rejoins the two of you and walks with her arm around you as you return to your seats.

Ashley’s Mawile is already 3 pokemon deep into her opponents team. You should really prepare for the possibility of meeting her in the finals, assuming you beat Jack. “We want to stick around for Blue’s match?” Yuruki asks, she has Paris pulled close to her side.

“We might stay,” Daisy puts out there, pointing at Paris. “Cheer on our brothers.” She gives a half smile, revealing she’s still not completely used to the pluralization.

“Well, I was thinking shopping. I know Amber’s got some extra dough,” Yuruki teases. “You two can meet up with us later?”

And just like that you split from Daisy and Paris for the time being. John walks with an arm around each of you and Opal. Jack holds your hand, and Yuruki bounces with unbounded energy.

Yuruki’s phone buzzes as you exit the stadium. She answers it, “What do you want?” She mimes a talking motion with her free hand, rolling her eyes. “Wait! This really needs to happen today? I, yea, I can make it.” She hangs up and groans. “Sorry, I’ve got to go. They need me in Saffron for some kind of photo shoot. I’ll be back for your match tomorrow.” She gives you a not so quick kiss, her tongue attempting to find your tonsils. When she finally removes herself, she tosses out her Swanna and climbs atop the flying pokemon.

At the Department Store, you and Jack split off from the bug crew. They have some kind of bug exhibit they want to check out. Meanwhile you want to replace the dress Ashley tore, and perhaps new camping gear with your newfound cash. After depositing your purchases in a nearby pc, you and Jack decide to grab a bite to eat on the roof.

“So you ready to lose tomorrow?” Jack teases.

You push her, “I’m not about to go easy on you, just because you’re hot.” Jack’s lips taste of sweet and sour.

And then her phone rings. “It’s Cindy. I should get this.” She walks just out of ear shot. Before returning, “I guess they need me, some kind of team business.” And before she can say anything else, Cindy’s Braviary lands on the rooftop.

“Get on,” she calls out.

“One sec, I just need to escort A downstairs.”

“I’m sure a Rookie Tournament Semi-finalist can manage to go down some stairs all on her own, let’s go. NOW!” she barks when Jack still pauses.

“I’ll be okay. John and Opal are just 2 floors down I should be able to make it just fine,” you reassure her.

“See she’s all good, hop on we’re already late.”

Jack gives you a kiss, “Straight to John, okay?”

You nod, letting her hands slip from yours. She climbs on the bird and Cindy takes off. You’re alone on the roof. No reason to lollygag. You pull out your phone ready to text John that you were coming to meet up. You’re about to hit send as you enter the stairwell, but as you pass through the door you run into someone. Your phone skitters across the ground, falling down the stairs with a clatter.