cambox | subways part 3

[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!

That so? Hey, Hilbert, good for you! [THAT'S HIS BOY. Hilbert smiles in response-- aah, so one-track-minded when it comes to battles.]

Archeops helps a lot. [Referring to his father's Archeops. --Oh, and that reminds him--] Emmet has an Archeops, too.

[(they are a very pro-Archy household, considering that Hilbert uses four of them....])

[Emmet lights up, himself. He's also very fond of Archeops!]

I do! She's a sweetheart, and she's never a sore loser. She's perfect for taking on challengers on the Subway!

Yeah. And they like the same kinds of petting. [Hilbert smiles up at Emmet, recalling the time he'd tried it out on Emmet's Archeops. Blake and Gwendolyn exchange a knowing look.]

They're certainly very cute, aren't they. [She's talking about the Archeops, but... ...] What other kinds of Pokemon do you train, Emmet?

The rest of my party consists of Garbodor, Durant, Galvantula, Crustle, Klinklang, and Eelektross! Though sometimes I share my brother's Excadrill, Haxorus, and Chandelure. My team is, of course, structured around what line and how far into the line the challengers reach!

Oh, you share Pokemon with family members too, then! [Yay, similarities!] And you've fought against all of them, Hilbert?

[He nods.] Some more than others, but.... [Yeah. That sounds about right, huh Emmet?]

He's gotten to know my team's strategy in and out! Even when we switch things up, he's very quick to realize where I turn in the tracks!

Every now and then I still get thrown for a loop, though. [Like just recently. because Luceti.] So I still have a ways to go.

Well, you're certainly over there enough to get it down completely soon! Though I suppose you have more than a one-track mind over there, now.

[MOM........ mmnrrr, finishing off his drink and pretending he didn't get that last bit!! (His father laughs.) ]

Actually, Hilbert has gone above and beyond to be helpful in the Battle Subway. Because of a recent incident with my brother, we nearly closed the Subway - but my son and Hilbert both stepped up to temporarily take our places until Ingo recovers. And he's done an excellent job! He's shown a lot of devotion to the Battle Subway itself, it's wonderful.

Really? [Blake raises his eyebrows in surprise, and both his parents look impressed. (The addition of a son into the equation is an interesting one, however. Well, everything will be explained in time.)]

That's wonderful! I'm proud of you, Hilbert. That was very responsible!

[Aaah, aah, praise from both sides..... and he finished his food oh no what does he do to avoid looking bashful]

I just... wanted to help out how I could, is all.

Hahah! No need to be so humble, your help is much appreciated, Hilbert.

[yes, but-- ashdkjsfhkfs...!!]

If you want to be even more helpful, you can help me out with dishes. Eh?

[YEAH OKAY. STOP LAUGHING AT HIM. Here, Emmet, if you're finished he'll take your plate....

Gwendolyn stays in her place and smiles at Emmet as the two other members of her family gather things off the table.] Thank you for coming to eat with us, Emmet! I hope everything tasted alright.

It tasted wonderfully! Thank you for so graciously having me over.

Of course. You're always welcome to join us.

[She pauses a moment, still smiling gently. When she speaks again, her voice is softer and holds nothing threatening or judgemental.]

I hope you can forgive us for being inquisitive. We think Hilbert is old enough to make his own decisions, and who he decides to date falls under that category, of course-- this was just unexpected.

The situation may be a little uncommon, but... I can't see anything wrong beyond that. [The fact that Emmet even showed up here means something.] If it's what he wants, I hope you can continue to be a source of happiness for Hilbert.

Thank you, ma'am. I promise I will take care of him, no matter how strange and unconventional this situation is. You've been very courteous and patient, so thank you. If you have any other questions of me, I'll answer them! I want no secrets between us.

[Other questions?... Well, let's see!] Could you tell me about your son? Do he and Hilbert get along? I know you said they worked together...

Yes! My son's name is Silver. Although, he's more of Ingo's son, in a way, but since we both took care of him we both ended up as "dad". We've adopted him, and given him a real home. ...Admittedly, it's a bit strange since he's about Hilbert's age.

[Whoops. It looks like that just occurred to Emmet. Good job, Emmet.]

But he's a good kid...

[Gwendolyn pauses for a long moment, thoughtful. Well, if he has a son Hilbert's age... sure, it's kind of strange on first thought, but... if he's being honest-- and it really seems like he is-- it at least means he's not going after Hilbert because of his age, right?.... Poor Emmet, that makes for an awkward situation, though. But he means well.... and this clears up the possibly equally awkward "past wife" scenario as well.]

...I see. I'm glad they get along, then. [Yep, still smiling. Hilbert's parents either have the patience of saints or are off their rockers...]

[...Honestly the "past wife" scenario is a lot more awkward and horrible.]

They do just fine. It's a strange situation, as a whole, but... well, perhaps I can convince Silver to come meet you all, sometime! It would do him good, I think.

We'd be happy to have him! And anyone else in your family you'd care to bring, as well.

[Hilbert and Blake come into the room again, the kitchen clean. Gwendolyn looks up at her husband and smiles more brightly before focusing on their guest again.] Thank you, Emmet. We do appreciate it.

And thank you, ma'am. Here, I'll give you the phone numbers for the Battle Subway and for our household, in case you need them for any reason.

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