Here's the newest chapter, enjoy!

Update: I tried a new word system and didn't realize the text would be all bunched together. So enjoy!

"I missed the fatty smells of Miltank Burger..."

"I don't," Black wrinkled his nose as he poked at his burger. "I hate fast food joints now." White plucked at mushy french-fry from her brothers side and raised an eyebrow. "It's just that, on the road, the band gets a lot of junk food."

White hummed. "Everyday?"

"Everyday."

"That kind of seems like it sucks."

"It does," Black added with lacking enthusiasm. "Makes me wish you could cook some chicken and rice."

White laughed as the thought of a 9 year old Black running to the dinner table popped into her head. Black would pull back the dining chair in anticipation, because he knew that White would always manage to write some cryptic message on his rice with ketchup. He could never interpret it, yet it entertained him.

"Hey," Black waved a hand in front of his sisters face. "Where'd you go?"

"Outer space." The brunet sighed and leaned back into his seat, whilst sipping at his overly sweet tea in frustration. White frowned a bit and rested her chin in her palm. "Are you okay, Black?"

Black silently nodded and pulled out his X-Transciever. His fingers ran across the touch pad seamlessly. A small ding alerted the duo that his message had been sent.

"Are you talking to a girl or something." It wasn't a question.

Black's eyes ducked down for a brief moment before he shook his hands out in front of him. "I'm not a little kid, White!"

"Hey, I'm not patronizing you," White lulled as she took a long swig from her cup. "What's she like."

"She's black."

White froze a bit before giving him a blank stare. "Is race that important to you, that you have to mention it first. I was just asking about her personality and such."

"Oh."

"Well?"

"She's pretty."

"Cool?"

"Now you don't have to be sarcastic..."

"I'm not, I don't even know what she looks like!"

A loud screech of a rubber shoes against pavement caused their conversation to end abruptly. "White, sorry I'm late! Cheren was too busy saying his farewells to his underage girlfriend."

White smirked as Cheren slinked in from behind Bianca. His high-tech cellphone clutched firmly in hand. As soon as Cheren saw the look on White's face, he skipped the formalities. "Now why the hell are you looking at me like that?"

"Underage girlfriend...huh Cherry?"

Cheren blushed darkly and pushed up his glasses. "She's not underage..."

Bianca snorted and adjusted the satchel on her shoulder. At Cheren's firm glare, she switched her bag to her other shoulder. "What? She looks like she can be a Middle Schooler."

"I haven't met her yet," White uttered darkly. Cheren gulped.

"Maybe because I'm on the other side of Unova and-"

White crushed her cup till the soda inside squirted. Sprite hit Cheren square in the eyes. At the sight of Cheren dropping to the floor and screaming profanities, White couldn't help but kneel over in her seat and laugh long and hard. Black on the other hand barely looked up from his active chatting session. Bianca who usually didn't laugh at others misfortune stuck to her good nature and stepped over Cheren to take her place besides White.

"So what's new, White?" The blonde asked cheerfully.

White wheezed on her laughs a bit more before shaking her head and mumbling. "Nothin' much."

"I'm going to go wash my face," Cheren whined as he scurried towards the restroom.

"Well I am bored..." White muttered irritably as she stroked Dewotts whiskers absent-mindedly. At Dewott's discontented growls, White apologized half-heartedly.

"This tour bus can not move any slower..."

Black slouched in his seat besides White and ran his fingers through his hair. "Do you want to play some video games?"

"I've been playing for 8 hours straight."

"And you call yourself a gamer?"

White sniffed in a hurt manner. "I beat all the games you have."

Black hummed and turned in his seat for a bit before petting Excadrill roughly. "You want to go try getting our flying licenses?" White raised an eyebrow at him. "I know I failed last time, but Braviary won't be so flap-happy this time." White smirked and turned on the PS3 once more. "Ugh, White. You fly on Unfezant better than anyone else I've seen. Every time Cheren visits and sees you soaring on Unfezant he turns a little red with jealousy."

The brunette snorted and motioned for Black to pick up a controller. "What do you feel like playing?"

"Skullgirls. Anyway, why don't you feel like getting your license? We can't fly above citys without them." Black fingered his bangs and sighed before saying sarcastically. "I miss my girlfriend sometimes White."

"How is that my fault?" White droned, as her fingers expertly claimed combos on Black's character. "We can go get the licenses if you want, I just don't want to see you cry again."

Black was silent for a moment. "I thought you were just paranoid about your pokemon."

"...I can leave them alone for a couple hours..."

Black hummed. "That's way different from your attitude at the beginning of this journey."

"Well, they're trained now, and I'm trying to get rid of this phobia," White glanced at him from the corner of her eye. "I'm just kind of hoping I'm making progress."

The brunet nodded and stretched. "With that N guy, you did make progress."

"Shut up." White groaned. Her thoughts lingered a bit too long since the time that they were adventuring together. But he was the human form of death, and no one hangs with death. "Don't you have anything better to do?"

"We've been playing video games for hours in our pajamas. I don't think we have anything planned." Black responded slowly as he raised himself off the floor to grab a bottle of water. "Do you want anything?"

"Nah," White said quietly. "After the exam today can we hit Pikachu's Anime and Game shop?"

"To get the next edition of Lucky Star?" Black said quickly, excitement filling his eyes. White laughed at him and told him that she wanted a new video game instead.

"Oh, bummer. I guess I'll get something there too."

White scratched her head and motioned for Black to help her with her cast. "Now it's time for you to help me with my shower so I can get dressed."

Black sighed, his brown eyes downcast. "I don't think any brother wishes to see their sister naked every day."

"Well I bet some guy wishes to see your sister naked." White bursted out laughing and kneeled over. Black swept her onto his shoulder and groaned in unamusement.

"Do you see what I did there, Black?"

"Yes, and I don't like it. Ya nasty."

"Saddle or no saddle?" The mustached mans grumbly voice echoed.

"Saddle," White said as she stroked her Unfezants feathers tenderly. Her little Pidove had grown up so much and at the moment was just as strong as Dewott, who was awaiting her evolution with bated breath. As the man roughly slung the saddle upon Unfezant's back, White glared at the man a bit. "Watch it." The man surprised at White's commanding tone uttered his apologies. After the saddle was securely fastened, White thanked the man.

"You're not nervous White?" Unfezant asked cautiously as the man left the preperation area.

"Nope," White said nonchalantly as she placed her belongings in a locker adjacent to where her pokemon were sitting. "Are you?"

"Of course not," Unfezant said quickly in defense.

"Well then wish us luck guys," White said to her other pokemon. They gave her smiles and cheers of anticipation. "Make sure you don't fight against the air, don't bite the current, also-"

"Don't get in the way of that dumbass Braviary I know."

"Language," White said simply as she hopped onto Unfezant's back.

"Watch yours first, White."

"I already do sassy McQueen."

The man popped his head into the room and glanced around before speaking to White slowly. "Were you, um, saying something Ms. Ochi?"

"Just giving myself a pep-talk," White said with a bright smile. The man nodded and motioned for White to follow through the door he had left open. White clutched Unfezant's neck feathers gently and urged for her to follow. Unfezant trotted obediently after the grumpy old man.

"We'll let you guys go together," The instructor, a kindly older man, said politely. "This will get the process over quickly."

"Yes..." Black hissed in delight, causing Braviary to nervously tap at the ground. "Oh calm down Braviary it'll be cool."

The area in which the exam took place was a used battling field, with nothing but wide open skies and trees in the far distance. With each step Unfezant took toward the center of the battle field, dust rose and tickled White's face. Her hair bounced wildly about her face as the wind rose, sending tight curls to wave in the air like the sea. The light voice of the elderly man called out to White from his position in a golf cart. "Are you prepared, Ms. Ochi?"

White patted Unfezant's head. "You ready?"

"It's flying, I've been doing it my whole life," Unfezant scoffed.

"Yeah, you're nervous," White laughed and turned to give a thumbs up to the instructor. "Yes sir!"

"What about you, Black?" The elderly man yelled, losing all formalities.

Black ran a hand through his hair and adjusted his cap firmly. "I guess."

Braviary took this cue to trot up besides Unfezant. His tongue clicked in a flirtatious matter. "Attract~"

Unfezant kicked dust in the other Pokemon's face.

"Sand-Attack," Unfezant said sarcastically.

"If you are all ready, please proceed with hovering at approximately 5 feet." The instructor blew his whistle for the trainers and their Pokemon to continue.
Unfezant and Braviary unanimously flapped and levitated at 5 feet with minimal flaps in-between. White and Black swapped cheeky grins. "Excellent! Now do a spring jump into the air, about 25 feet, and hover." The instructor commanded, his Mario-like mustache twitching in the breeze.

"Come on big-boy," Unfezant whispered to Braviary. "Catch up." Her feet hit the floor smoothly, and with a powerful flap, twisted her wings downward to propel her body upward. The wind sailed briskly across White's face, causing White to let loose a cheer of joy. Unfezant cooed in unison.

"Can you guys be quiet you're making Braviary nervous!" Black hollered as Braviary was too busy fidgeting to actually propel himself upward. "C'mon Braviary, you can do it!" Braviary glanced back at Black and nodded in determination. Black nodded in response, his fist clutched dramatically.

"Jesus look at those stereotypical anime nerds," White drawled-even though she was very much a closet otaku.

"YES! FINALLY!" Black skipped around clutching his license close to his chest. "White, you can come see my girlfriend now!"

"Excitement." White said as she studied the isles of the game and anime shop tentatively.

"At least sound a bit more excited..."

"I am, I am."

"Jelly?"

"Sh," White said with a wide grin. "Help me find Bayonetta."

"I'll check on the other isle," Black chirped as he twisted on his heel. His hands dug into his pants pocket for his cellular device. "I'm going to call Iris to tell her we're coming over first...okay?"

"That's fine," White whispered, as she tried to push Unfezant away from ripping open a bag of popcorn from a stand. "Stop, stop, stop, drop it-ouch don't peck me, jeez you're so violent. You have menopause or something?" Unfezant merely rolled her eyes and motioned for White to slide onto her back. "Oh, what a kind bird you are all of a sudden. Mindful of my bad leg eh?"

"You're a whiny child." Unfezant quipped. "I don't even know how we were allowed to take the flying test with your leg busted up."

"Pull the strings like a puppet," White made a scissor-cutting motion with her fingers. "Can you take me to the candy isle?"

"Whatever," Unfezant sighed as she trotted along toward the overly bright isle filled with cavity feeding goodness.

"I'll just fill up a few bags. "

10 bags later filled with assorted colors and different shades of brown, a voice called out.

"White?"

"Huh?" White said absent-mindlessly. She spun on her good heel and took a hobbling step forward, still trying to tie up her last bag of candy. The plastic wouldn't stick. She bumped into whoever called her name. The bag fell to the floor along with White. Shades of indigo littered the isle like a row of gems. "I-I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."

A big hand with overly long fingers was offered to her. As White placed her hand in it, green locks became visible. Her heart dropped. Her eyes moved upward, and she found that somehow, his face had matured in the time that they had been a part. His face was more sculpted and slender. In general, he lost some femininity and gained masculinity. Maybe her eyes were messing with her. A light blush was apparent on his cheeks, and his eyes were trying their damnest to focus on her face. Her eyes looked down from his murky grey ones, only to be met with the clear sight of her cleavage saying hello to the world. "Oh god..."

N heaved her up and took the bag of candy from her hand. He tied it quickly and set it besides White's other bags. With a tilt of his hat toward Unfezant, his eyes finally met White's. His blush was gone and what was left was a apologetic grin. "It's...um...It's been a while, huh?"

A breath left her too quickly. She had a feeling Black had left the store to have more privacy talking to Iris. She was alone, with the man she feared. "Yeah, yeah it has." She placed her hands inside her hoodie's pocket.

"Are you angry?" N asked quickly. Almost so quickly that White wondered if he even talked at all.

"Come again?"

"Are," N shuffled his feet and offered a weak smile. "...I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it," White almost whispered. Her voice was breaking. If he was the personification of death, he could kill her at any moment. Didn't he already try?

"I have to get going..."

"You're the personification of life...aren't you?" N said hurriedly as if he was scared.

White shrugged and sat on top of Unfezant, whilst piling the bags of candy onto the saddle of Unfezant. "Seems like it, I don't know." Unfezant watched everything quietly. "I don't even know what it means to be the personification of life. This mumbo jumbo has hit me kind of hard."

"We don't have special powers if that's what your thinking."

The brunette watched him silently for a minute before adjusting her hoodie and ponytail. "I would say we-well I have supernatural sensations..."

N bounced his weight onto his other foot, taking the most informal posture that White had ever seen on him. He spoke quietly with no sign of threat in his pitch. She relaxed a bit. "You seem more tense than the last time I've seen you."

"You're death." White said unabashedly. "I'm kind of stressed out."

"I'm not like the last "Death"," N reasoned sadly. "My name is Natural Harmonia, I am 19 years old, and I am confused."

White bit her lip and scooped her curly bangs to the side. "...Confused...?"

"I'm not the brightest with relationships."

"Neither am I. I don't think anyone is."

"I miss you."

White coughed into her sleeve and motioned for Unfezant to back up a bit. "My name is White Ochi, 16 years old, and I believe I'm smart enough to stay away from you."

"You're the only friend I have from the real world." N said this a bit too loudly, causing a woman from an opposite isle to peer over curiously. White caught the ladies stare and offered an apologetic smile, to which the lady ignored. As the lady turned away, White motioned with her head for N to follow. They made their way over to Charmander's Hot Java-a popular coffee shop distributed throughout the whole world. The cafe inside of the store was calm and quiet, as everybody sipping their coffee was too busy reading their manga's or having their eyeball's buried into their portable console.

N pulled out White's chair and extended a hand for White to lean on as she rose off of Unfezant. White's eyes hardened yet she accepted his hand. His grip was firm and sturdy, and his eyes were just as firm when they met hers. Not firm with annoyance like hers, but firm with apology. An apology he wanted her to accept. After he had pushed her chair in and they both ordered their respective drinks, he turned to her.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for making you think I tried to hurt you. I'm sorry that you had to find out I was death. I-I," N bowed his head and went quiet, his forearms rested on the table. White watched him silently, struck by his solemn burst of apology. "I-I-I'm sorry for making it seem like I was throwing my friend away."

"N-" Suddenly White was filled with remorse, and her throat hurt.

"White," N raised his head. His face was filled with affection. White felt scared at the amount of affection she was shown. "I care about you."

"Thank you." White said after a beat of silence. Her heart tightened.

N's face softened and a tired smile slowly rose to his face. "Of course."

"I can't believe you're talking to that creep again."

White studied the look of disgust on her brother's face and frowned. "It might very well sound crazy to you, but I don't think N is out to harm me, at all."

"Oh, so you think it's one of those wrong time wrong place kind of thing?"

"Yeah I do," White sniffed. "Everyone on that train died except for me and a small boy, and we were incredibly lucky. He's off living with his new brother and sister in a very loving home. I got to live and be with you for another good 80 plus years. I'm not doubting anything or anyone, Black. The guys that actually bombed the train are to blame."

Black heaved an annoyed sigh and ran his fingers through his hair roughly. "Look, I'm only watching out for you. That Team Plasma is bad news and that N guy that goes on the news a lot and talks about liberation and shit is their king. Their KING."

"That's just a stage name."

"I bet you my life it isn't."

"Black," White barked. She bit her lip and sighed angrily. "I asked him if he was actually the leader of Team Plasma."

"Pshft, you're such a liar." Black sneered and walked over to the tour bus's huge fridge. "Look if you want to believe whatever that freak tells you, go ahead."

The brunette watched Black sadly, struck by his sudden turn of not caring at all. Ever since they had been reunited, he'd only cared about Iris, and whenever White would try to hang out with Black after his concerts, she would be treated like an annoying third wheel. Suddenly the back of her neck heated and her cheeks flustered with an angry pink dust. She wanted to make him regret not caring about her. Out of pure love, she stayed with Black, but now it seemed like she was just a burden. "Black..."

Black ignored her and popped open a bottle of Gatorade. "Look White all I'm trying to say is-"

"I'm leaving with N...on Saturday."

"What."

"That's...that's right I'm leaving on Saturday."

The honey eyed male dropped his tightly capped bottle and glared at White. "You're running off with him now?! How many plans can you fit into an hour conversation?! What do you even intend to do? You told me you were fine with the amount of badges you have, what, are you going to challenge the Elite Four now?"

White stepped in and swooped his bottle off the floor. At her sudden movement, Black flinched backwards a bit, still intimidated by the amount of power she held in her small structure. Her eyes focused on his and Black had a hard lump in his throat. Fights hit him hard emotionally. "Black," Her blue eyes grew clearer, like clouds dispersing from a dull sky. "I'm not running off with N. I'm going to call him again tonight to talk about stuff. We just talked about my future, and he feels really bad about my janked leg, so he's offering to pay for my schooling. If I can become an MD, I can open up my own daycare for Pokemon."

The spiky-haired males eyes widened, and an unconscious smile rose to his face. "That'd be amazing." White nodded in affirmation. "Well if it's actually going to be that fluid...then...I still don't know. I don't have any control over you, so do what you like."

White hugged Black tightly and smiled into his chest.

"That girl is like 6 years younger than you, Cheren, are you out of your mind?" Bianca flicked the juice from her Popsicle into Cheren's glasses.

He aggressively wiped at his glasses, making sure to glare at Bianca from his spot on their train. With a tilted eyebrow and wink from Bianca, Cheren began squawking. "SHE'S NOT EVEN 6 YEARS YOUNGER THAN ME, WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT LOVE?!"

"If you spit on my face one more time I'm going to kill you."

"Ah...sorry."

Bianca grunted and made a threatening motion towards Cheren. The cerulean eyed male in turn teared up a bit and scooted over several seats.

"Hello?"

"Uhh..." White smacked herself mentally. How do guys sound more attractive on the phone? "Hi."

"Oh, salutations, White. What did you want to talk about?"

"Just what we talked about in the cafe." White sighed exhaustively.

"Uhm...yeah no problem." N was audible as he excused himself from someone. A high pitched whine from a female was clearly audible. It whined for N to sit back down and tell the person on the phone to call back later. White debated to herself on whether or not the voice belonged to N's partner, yet decided to keep her own curiousness at bay. After a moment, the sound of a door clicking led to N groaning tiredly and rough clearing of his throat. "Did you decide to take up my offer?"

"If it's not too much trouble," White said quickly, humbly.

"It's no problem, I wanted to make up for the accident with your leg."

For some strange reason, White felt a lump grow in her throat. "It's not your fault...don't worry about."

"Well, alright. Is this Saturday okay?"

"Yeah," White blinked her eyes roughly. "It's perfect. I'll be waiting inside the local Sneasel Diner."

N grunted in affirmation and then paused for a moment. Just as White was about to close the call with a farewell, N spoke quickly. "You looked lovely tonight."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

White's cheeks flushed and she gulped heavily. "Thank you."

"N, who is that you're talking to?"

The sound of N muffling the phone with his hand was barely heard by White, and distorted warbles of conversation met White's ears through difficult concentration. Finally a loud, agitated groan from N was finished with the clearing of the receiver. "Sorry White, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Oh, alright, see ya'."

A high pitched squeal of delight was heard coming from N's side. "C'mon Babe, we got a movie to watch! Dr. HootHoot's 50th anniversary is going to start soon!"

"Alright, alright my love." N cleared his throat. "See you, White."

In that moment, N had never felt so unfaithful to his partner. White sat a distance away, her elbow on the table, and her chin rested in her upturned palm. Her eyes were half-lidded, taking in the beauty of the pond that was was sparsely filled with Basculin and Tirtouga. Over the course of time that they had been apart, freckles had become laced over the bridge of her nose and cheeks. Her eyes turned more pure in blue, probably due to the essence of natural life flowing through her. Through the brisk breeze that flowed through the patio of the diner, her curls moved gently up and down, caressing the back of her neck. N suddenly felt very self-conscious of his own appearance, something he didn't care all too much for when he associated with humans. Her hardened eyes met his figure, and resolved to a more softer stare. "N, over here!" She waved energetically. Her healthy Pokemon-considerately bigger may he had-waved at N as well. The green-haired male smiled naturally and proceeded to jog over towards the table.

"Good morning," N managed to get out as he slid into the seat across from White. "Good morning! You guys look exceptional!" He directed towards her Pokemon.

Dewott cast a glance over at White before greeting N as well. The rest of the Pokemon followed her lead.

"Good day, N." White held her bag to the side and offered a strong but precocious smile. "Uh...Are you going to eat anything?"

"I'm not very hungry this morning, if you don't mind. Will you?"

"Nah," White said softly with a casual wave of her hand. "I packed a few sandwiches for the road. Diners are kind of a rip off."

"I wouldn't say that exactly," N said with a coy smile. "On our plans about the University, I suggest we make a beeline towards it. It's located in Liberty Garden; I already got us a ticket for the Liberty boat."

White nodded in appreciation. "When we get to the University?"

"We're allowed a week to stay in their dorms. They go over our resume's, look at our past achievements and grades."

"...You're staying too?"

N sniffed mildly. "Yes."

White stared at him for a bit.

"Yes?"

"It's just..." White scratched her head a bit. "Why?"

"I'd like to be an MD as well." N said quickly and sharply, as if it was obvious.

"Ah," White began to play with the forks and knives folded in a paper napkin. "Well, okay."

The green-haired male nodded slowly and studied the freckles lacing White's nose. Her large, critical eyes met his, and he was forced to look away. "I'm sorry for snapping at you." Her eyes softened and she smiled, signing that there was no harm.

His obvious care with his words touched White emotionally, and she took his hand and pulled him up and out of his seat gently, whilst adjusting her bag on her shoulder. "Let's go, N. We're burning daylight. It's safer to fly when the sun is out and everything is visible."

"We're...flying...?" N paled considerably till there was a greenish hue to his cheeks and forehead.

White turned around and stepped closely to N, rising to her tip-toes to study his face closely. N naturally stretched his head backwards in embarrassment. "Yeah we're flying, N. You have Unfezant right?" His throat dried suddenly and he only nodded, his greenish hue fading to pink. She was all the more lovely up close. "Don't look so nervous, you have your flying license right?" N managed a barely audible, "Uhuh." White nodded slowly and lowered her worried gaze. A taunting smirk tugged at her lips. "You don't happen to be...scared of heights, right, Mr. Harmonia?"

"Of course not." N answered so quickly that his lips were a blur.

"Well...okkkaaaayyyyy." White said with a chuckle. "You can ride with Unfezant and I if you'd like. She's quite strong, and while I'd normally be hesitant to make her carry two people, I think she could handle it."

"Easily!" Unfezant scoffed quietly as she bit into another oran berry.

"There's my girl," White said proudly. She then smiled at N and motioned with a tilt of her head for her Pokemon to start heading outside. With N stood frozen in his place, White paced back over to N and looked at him curiously. He merely stared back at her, seemingly helpless. "N..." White began, and slowly, she picked up his hand-that hung loosely from his side-and looped her small hand around his wrist. "It'll be fine. It'll be quick. Don't worry, alright?"

With childlike eyes, N could only reach with his other hand and hold hers, almost desperately. (In the most platonic way may I add) "I am deathly afraid of heights."

"I'm here, don't be." With that, hand in hand, N helped a limping White outside and onto the waiting back of Unfezant. With her Pokemon already in their respective balls, N swung himself cautiously onto the strong, muscled back of Unfezant. "You can put your hands on the saddle handles if you want."

"I hear that it's safer if my arms are around the rider."

White threw a cocked eyebrow back at her passenger.

"I'm not hitting on you here," N said with a sheepish smile and a shrug. "I'm to scared to court you at the moment."

The brunette tossed her head back and laughed at his phrasing before adding her own input. "I'll suppose you'll court me later then."

And Unfezent was soaring in the sky.

His lips met hers hungrily leaving little time for breathing in-between. As they separated their honey-colored eyes twinkled lovingly. "I missed you."

Her poofy chocolate hair swished side to side as she swayed in delight to his words. "I missed you too, Black. How's your sister doing?"

"She's going to a University now." Black replied as he pulled Iris towards him and rested his head on top of hers. "Going to become an MD to open up a Pokemon Daycare."

"That sounds wonderful."

"It is," Black agreed, enjoying the feeling of Iris's warm hands rubbing at his cold arms. "How's your family?"

"Sucky as always," Iris said with a pinch of bitterness. Her hardened eyes were immediately softened at the feel of Black kissing her softly, a soft chu~ echoing as a result. "But they always act a bit nicer when you're around."

Black nodded appreciatively and then leaned down, his face overcome with an incredibly serious mask. "I have something to tell you. You're a professional dragon tamer, so I hope that you should know what this is." Black pulled out what seemed to be a large white stone from his backpack. "I got this from Lenora in Nacrene City..."

Iris's eyes stared blankly at the stone and took it gently from Black's hands. "I almost called it an egg...but don't listen to me I'm kind of dumb."

"No you're not," Black dismissed quickly. "Lenora called it a Light Stone. Some Team Plasma thugs were trying to steal a Dragon's Skull from her museum. I helped out in defeating them and she started saying a bunch of stuff. Like how this stone could revive a legendary Dragon-Type Pokemon. I thought you would of studied it."

"No...sorry..." Iris said apologetically as she carefully placed the pearl-colored stone into the waiting hands of Black. "There's a lot of stuff I don't know, y'know?"

"It's alright," Black said, holding her tightly to his chest, marveling at the beautiful dark tone of her skin. "I just needed to tell someone about this stuff actually...it's been on my mind."

"I'm glad you feel open with me."

Black nuzzled his head into the curve of her neck and shoulder, and let out an exhausted sigh. "I love you a lot."

"Have a nice voyage." The ticket inspector said gruffly with a tip of his hat.

"Thank you," N and White said in unison. N picked up White's bag and his backpack, managing both easily. White tossed him a thankful smile and ran her hands through her windblown hair. Her nose and cheeks were both a peachy hue from the cold air rushing past them, and N's hair stuck up from adorable angles.

"Hmm..." White studied the tickets in her hand and checked the room number. "N, these have the same room numbers on them..."

"Oh," N said nonchalantly, obviously uninterested and un-bothered in what White had just told him.

"N."

"Yes?"

The brunette was met with a blank and oblivious stare from her companion. She sweat-dropped and sighed heavily. "Never mind."

"This is strange..."

"What is?"

"You can feel the boat rocking," N said quietly, as if talking loudly would make the boat stop. "Can you feel it?"

White paused too, then nodded in affirmation. "I'm sure you've been on a boat before, right?"

"Much sturdier vessels."

"Blah, blah, blah," White said, obviously uninterested. "What time is dinner?"

Mentally, N smiled at how comfortable White was speaking to him. Her body position also gave off a a confident and comfortable vibe. He could feel their friendship growing back quicker than he expected. He turned around and sat onto his bed properly. Taking the ship's planner from his backpack, N licked a finger and flipped through the pages briskly. "It's at 8."

"That's kind of late."

"It's also formal. They're providing attire for us." N added, impressed by the luxurious benefits of the yacht. "Sounds nice."

"You're telling me," White said excitedly. "So, we have enough time. Tell me about your lady." The brunette plopped down on her respective bed and closed her eyes peacefully.

"My lady..." N snickered.

"Yeah..." White opened one eyes and peered at N from an angle. His eyes were saddened and a filmy gray. His bangs hung fluffy in front of his eyes, and his jaw was set stiffly.

"She's okay."

"Okay?"

"Uh..." N breathed in awkwardly and ran a hand through his hair. For some reason he didn't feel comfortable talking about Clara with White.

"You don't have to tell me about her."

"Sorry."

"Don't worry about it."

After a moment of silence, White rolled over onto her side, so that she faced the elegant wood paneling of the wall. N's deep, husky voice broke the silence. "Have you met anyone special...?"

White's cheeks flushed, and she was thankful to have been already facing the wall. "No-no I haven't."

"Can I respond to that?"

"Sure?"

"I'm surprised," N began, not knowing where to take his sentence. "...I'm completely surprised..."

The brunette's chest tightened and she shifted slightly. N studied he curvy body, with just an extra bit of meat on her sides, she was plump, and beautiful, even from behind. "Why are you surprised?"

"You're a wonderful woman..."

White sighed, and N slightly flinched, closing his eyes in response. He hated how his heart began to beat faster. He was in too deep to back out. Their whole evening would be ruined. "And you're beautiful."

There was a beat of silence, until White responded, albeit meekly. "Do you really think so...?"

"Yes," N breathed quickly.

"If only other guys thought like you," White said with a satirical giggle. "I'd have a boyfriend..."

"I'd date you-" N had to whole his hand down from smacking himself. He bit his cheek and cussed himself out mentally over 100 times.
The cerulean-eyed girl turned over to face him, her eyes brighter than ever. "I'd date you as well," A giant smiled filled her face, and she never faked anything more perfectly in her life. "Too bad you're engaged."

N offered a weak smile that didn't reach his eyes. His heart tightened, as did White's. In that moment, their undercover confession of physical attraction was ignored, and they prepared themselves for dinner.

"Wow it's really cold," Bianca shivered and huddled close to Cheren. "Do you have a spare jacket?"

"Nope."

"Can I have yours?"

"No, I'm cold too."

"Is this how you treat your girlfriend?"

"Survival of the fittest."

Bianca stepped away and charged toward Cheren, landing a powerful 1-2 elbow to fist combo on his head. Bianca walked away rubbing at her fist and smiling triumphantly, his coat strung tightly about her shoulders. "Survival of the fittest indeed."

Cheren slept in the snow that night.

Dinner was held in a classy jazz lounge, musicians of high caliber played soothing melodies on alto saxophones, double basses and small drum sets. The maroon-carpeted floor held not one crumb and any child in the dining area was on their best behavior. Everyone ate with their heads high and they're legs properly folded about the chair.

White sipped her hot tea and took a delicate bite of the cake on her fork. N rubbed his eyes tiredly and sampled some of White's tea, only to cringe and put the cup back down. White smiled bemusedly to herself before turning and staring in awe at the musicians on the stage.

"They're quite excellent." N commented, dabbing at his mouth with a red cloth napkin.

"I know right?" White said happily in response. "I wish I could play an instrument again."

"I know how to play the cello." N decided to share with White. He was met with an amazed gaze, that made his heart tighten and jump.

"You really do?"

"Mhm."

"I can play the viola," White said excitedly. "We can play together, sometime, maybe."

"I'd like that," N responded, her smile made him smile even harder. After an hour or so of talking and enjoying each other's company, they decided that it was about time to retire for the night. After retiring to their room, White left to change inside of their bathroom whilst N changed inside of the main cabin. The wood paneled floor was so cold it stung N's feet and he hopped around a bit to get his fleece pajamas on. As soon as those were on, he flung himself underneath the covers and shivered and sighed at the same time.

"Did you finish changing yet?" White called from her place in the bathroom.

"All clear," N joked as he turned over and buried his head inside of his pillow.

"Gah, this floor is so cold!" White shut the door carefully behind her and sprinted for her bed. once there she let down her hair and brought up the covers to her chin.

With a sigh, they talked for a bit, over their day and over the weather. "Well, I'm about to pass out. Goodnight, N."

"Goodnight, White."

"Don't let the bed-bugs bite."

"Ew. That's gross, painful, and unsanitary."

"Blah, blah, blah."

White brushed her bangs out of her face and placed a hand on the handle of the Dean's doors. Butterflies dropped in her stomach and she turned back nervously for direction from N. He offered a gentle smile and proceeded to open the door for her, willing her to keep going. "It's your interview first, Ms. Ochi." At N's words, White felt a lump grow in her throat. Her future lied beyond these doors, and N had managed to hold her hand and easily waltz her to its doorstep. What he'd done for her in two days was much more than she could accomplish in a year. Without thinking she rushed into his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. N's heart tightened and with one arm, wrapped it around her waist. As White pulled away her lips met his for a brief moment, when there was a gap between their lips, smiles spread on each of their faces. Until N and White realized what they had done.

White held a hand to her mouth in shock at her actions. "N, I-"

"Ms. Ochi! You're up for your interview in five minutes," A man with a thick beard and balding head said gruffly as he stuck his head out the door. He then quickly retreated back into the main lobby.

"Ah, yes sir!" Just as White turned to leave, N grabbed her hand, spun her around and pressed his lips to hers once more. As White's body relaxed, N began to caress her lips with his, resulting in White grabbing onto the collar of his coat, pulling him into her. The scent of his cologne was intoxicating and made White light headed. She didn't know her lips could be this sensitive, yet they were, and each kiss from him felt like a tiny fuse was being lit in her core. She didn't want it to stop. Each pause for a breath left them to eagerly join their lips again. Their hair flowed lightly in the wind tickling their noses and each other's forehead.

At last they separated and were both breathing a bit harder than usual.

White blushed a bright red at what they had done and retreated her eyes to look at her X-Transceiver. "I-I-I better get going for my interview...thank you for everything, N."

Once more N grabbed White's wrist and whispered desperately in her ear. "We have 3 more minutes, and this is the most happy I've been in a year...If you would make me a happy man, and allow me to enjoy this, for just 3, simple, minutes..."

The walk to their dorm was quiet yet not unpleasant. They walked more closely, and stayed preoccupied over the thoughts on their previous kiss. Or make-out session-whichever they preferred. When they talked, their responses were short and sweet, to the point. They didn't look at each other's face, in fear that if they looked at their lips they'd be overcome with the urge to-suck faces.

When they got to their dorm, no one was present, even though other rooms were obviously occupied. They finally reached their room and plopped their luggage down onto the floor besides their own respective beds. The room was bland and a sort of run-in blue. N sat on his bed and White sat on her bed facing him. Their backs were slouched yet their eyes were filled with all sorts of mixed emotions. Worry and no doubt-affection.

White gulped and pulled at one of her curls. "How deep are we?"

"So deep, I don't even want to get out." He managed after a moment. A boyish smile lit up his face, making him handsome. "I'm too happy with you."

Please review! Sorry for the wait, thanks for your patience.

~Edriana