answering machine

[rivalappeared]

"Hey, you've reached Green Oak. If this is League business, leave a message. If not, I've got caller ID. What are you, 70? Whatever.

BEEP."

[Feel free to leave Green a voice message or a text message here, with date and time.]

Comments

[rivalappeared]

[That caught him slightly off guard. Solo sojourns were not in Bulba's bag of tricks usually.]

Back to Kanto... ?

[His eyes drifted over to his desk, landing on the box of green tea. Oh. Oh! Right.]

Oh. Is it... the Garden thing?

[rivalsweetscent]

[Yeah, solo ventures were definitely not a Bulba standard. This would have marked the third time in five years. Bulba followed Green's look to the tea, but the gold eyes flicked back to him as he spoke.]

... Yeah.

[rivalappeared]

[Green sat up to look at Bulba better.]

As long as you got something out of going last time, I don't see why not. It's important to you, isn't it?

[rivalsweetscent]

[Bulba, meanwhile, bit his lip lightly. He should have been more immediately relieved that Green seemed okay with it, but while he was actually sitting there he was starting to have his own doubts.]

It is... I feel like I should go but... going now would be really selfish of me, wouldn't it?

[rivalappeared]

[Green furrowed his brow, and leaned over... to flick Bulba lightly on the forehead.]

Go. You're being ridiculous. You know you're being ridiculous, right? This is something you have to do.

[rivalsweetscent]

[Two for flinching.]

I'm not...

[He paused, thinking about it. He'd been falling back into staying glued to Green's side, hadn't he? This was supposed to be taking a step away from that. Bulba took in a breath and glanced down at his hands.]

... No, I guess I am being kind of ridiculous, huh?

[rivalappeared]

[His expression of unease was quickly replaced by a warm smile. Good.]

Make your next choice for you, not for me. Do you want to go?

[rivalsweetscent]

[That struck him pretty hard. Being okay with doing something for himself was still a lesson in progress, and he might not have realized it, but this was probably the critical first step.

Bulba bit the inside of his lip and glanced back up at Green.]

... Yes. I want to go.

[rivalappeared]

[He did a little wavey motion with his hand.]

Then you'll go. Right?

[rivalsweetscent]

[He stared at him a moment more, and then he nodded with a small smile.]

Right. I'll go.

[He reached out to take Green's hand though, cupping his fingers around it.]

... Just... promise you'll try to stay out of trouble? I don't want to lament being too late any more than you do.

[rivalappeared]

[Green brought his other hand up to touch Bulba's, giving him a long look in the eyes.]

Promise. No trouble, not 'till you get back. Wouldn't want you to miss it, after all.

[rivalsweetscent]

[He squeezed his fingers lightly, but he finally laughed a bit.]

Thanks. That's very thoughtful of you.

[Bulba leaned over a bit to give Green a small nuzzle.]

I know the urge will be strong, so I'll try not to be too long.

[rivalappeared]

[Green returned the gesture]

Good. I'll see you soon, then.

[rivalsweetscent]

[There. Proper smiles.]

What, you're not going to let me walk to the station on my own, are you?

[rivalappeared]

Obviously. Are you leaving right now?

[rivalsweetscent]

The sooner I go, the sooner I can come back, I guess. Probably in a little bit, once I get things in order. I'll come get you when it's cool?

[rivalappeared]

Sounds like a plan, buddy.