cambox | subways part 3

[So... today's the day! Emmet spent his morning today making sure he looked proper. Shaved his face and trimmed his sideburns, gave his hair a good comb-through, made sure that his all-white outfit didn't have any spots or stains...

The meticulous nitpicking was helpful in keeping Emmet's anxiety from rising too high, though it was certainly there. He was well aware at just how unprofessional and not ideal it was for a 28-year-old to be dating a 16-year-old, and even with the most patient parents in the world he could only imagine that he'd be met with suspicion at the very least.

But... he cared about Hilbert. He loved Hilbert. So he would do his best to make a good first impression, and to convey to Hilbert's parents just how honestly and romantically he felt. Phew. Okay. He could do this. He could fail, maybe, but he could last through it...

Emmet finally adjusted his tie, before heading out of the apartment to meet Hilbert.]

[Hilbert is just chilling outside the station, looking about as worked up as he always does (which is to say not at all). Riding the subway to Driftveil would probably be better than flying there... less wind, and maybe staying in familiar surroundings for as long as possible would help Emmet's nerves.

He's staring off into space while he waits, thinking about his mother's conversations regarding today's events and other (more? less?) important things, like the constant strategy train of thought he has, but when Emmet approaches he comes back to attention and smiles.]

Morning. [Hiya, boyfriendo!]

Hilbert! Hello. Good morning to you, too.

[Emmet calms down just at the sight of Hilbert, looking positively smitten.]

Are you ready?

[Aah, Emmet. So enamored.]

Yeah, I am. [He offers a hand-- since they're still a ways away from their destination, Emmet can accept it, right?] You too?

[And immediately, hand holding restores his confidence. It's that contact - it's a connection, making him feel immediately less stranded. He's so ready for this!]

Yes! All ready. Let's follow the schedule!

Got it. [A-hah, the subway-speak is so... cute.

To the train they go!! Will they sit, or will they stand....? Hilbert is content with either, so long as he can still hold Emmet's hand. ]

[Sitting is fine! That way, they don't have to worry about swaying back and forth as the train goes. Aaaah, trains... nothing quite as relaxing as the 'click clack, click clack' of the tracks!]

[The tracks are very rhythmic, to be sure! It doesn't help Hilbert's whole spacing-out thing, though....

Though they're in public, Hilbert can't help but lean against Emmet's shoulder a little bit. He's simply happy to be in the same space as Emmet, so while he'd be glad to talk he doesn't think to start up a conversation.]

[That's what's nice about this relationship - it's calm, quiet, and relaxing. Emmet, normally a very talkative sort of fellow, is able to mellow out and just enjoy Hilbert's company. Cats have coma-waves, but Hilbert has calm-waves.]

[Hilbert is a special kind of cat. Yes.

The Subway ride is pretty short, since Driftveil is fairly close by; they roll into the station sooner rather than later. Ok! Can't miss the stop! Yaaayyyy hometown.

... Oh, come to think of it...] Hey, Emmet? Since Clay works underground a lot... did you guys have to work with him to build the Subway?

No, the subway is actually quite a bit older than that! Clay works with us sometimes on renovations or moving tracks, but the subway itself has been in place for a long time.

Huh. [He nods. Okay, cool beans.] Been around a while, then... So it's just the battling part that's newer?

[Hilbert leads the way through town, still linking his hand with Emmet's. His house is on the other side of town, but it's not too far a walk... ]

[Emmet follows diligently, happy to have a hold of Hilbert's hand all the way through.]

Absolutely! Ingo and I, we were the ones who implimented it! We thought it would increase the subway's popularity and its use!

Say, Driftveil is undergoing a lot of construction, I see!

You thought right, seems like. [And he's glad you did!!]

Yeah.... Clay is setting up an attraction kind of thing, I think. [Hilbert grins a little, sheepishly.] It'll be good, but... right now it's kinda noisy.

Hahah, well, it won't really get less noisy if there'll be a lot of people here. I hope that's not what you're trying to avoid!

It's not people noise I mind, but jackhammers get a little jarring to wake up to, is all. [He laughs a bit.

Let's see.... a left down this road, and.... ]

Over there. [HOUSE IN SIGHT! (Don't freak out.) It's a bit big for only three people, but they have their Pokemon too, so...]

Ah, well! I guess it's time, isn't it?

Mmhmm. Brunch is kind of odd mealtime, but whatever Dad makes is good, so it should be fine. [Hilbert is so unconcerned about this... ...

Even so, he does notice Emmet's sudden apprehension. Hilbert squeezes his hand gently, trying to reassure him. Hey.]

Don't worry about it too much, Emmet. [Gonna be fine. Really.]

I'll do my best...

[Okay no, let's... let's just go. Lead the way, Hilbert, you introduce him pretty please.]

[Don't worry he's got this. Leading the way like nobody's business!

He doesn't bother knocking, just going ahead and opening the door, but he does call out a questioning "Mom?" into the foyer. There isn't an immediate answer, but an older-looking Archeops appears around the corner, happily fluttering toward Hilbert for headpats and then checking out Emmet with equally happy curiosity. Hilbert's father can be heard before he's seen, gently chiding the Archeops. "Don't go bothering them right away, now..."

When he rounds the corner and Archeops relents obediently, he greets his son first with a quick hug and a pat on the shoulder.] Hilbert, welcome back!

[He turns to Emmet next, offering him a handshake and a friendly smile. He looks just as calm as his son-- it's easy to see where Hilbert got it from.] And you must be Emmet. M'name's Blake, nice to meet you.

[Alright, gameface on! Emmet smiles right back, giving Blake a firm handshake in return.]

Yes. I am Emmet. I am a boss of the Battle Subway! It's a pleasure to meet you.

[Firm handshakes, so manly.

Blake welcomes them into the house, chuckling over the mention of the Battle Subway. Ah, yes, the place Hilbert tests himself at! It sounds like quite the facility-- really, he's quite envious that Hilbert has such a place at his disposal during his Trainer years. It's a very commendable setup!

When they enter the dining room, Hilbert's mother looks up from finishing the table setting and beams, coming over to introduce herself as well.] Ah, Emmet! I'm Gwendolyn. Hilbert's said a lot about you...

[Hilbert looks only mildly put out by this, as if he's used to it. He should have warned you, Emmet-- his mother is a gentle tease....]

[...Honestly the teasing doesn't throw him off. Come on, he's best friends with Elesa...]

You must be his mother! It's nice to meet you, ma'am. Though Hilbert didn't warn me about how lovely his mother is!

[It's not necessarily flirting, he's just teasing back. ELESA, YOU TAUGHT HIM WELL. And for all his worrying before, he was doing just fine right now.]

[She titters at his response as she ushers them to the table, pleased.] Well, I'd think he would have better things to talk about than his mother! Right, Hilbert?

[Hilbert rolls with it and just shrugs, focusing instead on making sure he sits next to Emmet. It's hard to get ruffled when there's food in front of him.]

Thanks for brunch, Dad. [can he eat it now. (His father laughs. Yes, yes, you're welcome; and go ahead and eat, he knows you're eager.)]

[Mmm good food! Emmet remembers his manners, putting his napkin in his lap. He removes his gloves, too, just for a better impression.]

Yes, usually our casual conversation involves battling. Your son is one of my very best challengers, after all!

GETTING INTRODUCED TO THE FOLKS

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject