another not-date

[arcanefog]

Characters: Morty and Falkner
Date/Time: December 20th
Location: Ecruteak City, Bellchime Trail
Warnings: None

Comments

[soaringcall]

With Morty's encouragement, Falkner's smile widened and he continued to the next floor unaware of flashing anyone oopsies with a slightly faster pace. The third story, the fourth story, Falkner started to lose count. He knew the tower had many floors where it was visible from even outside the city, but to physically climb up to each one, the realization was even more apparent

[arcanefog]

"God I'm getting old..." Morty huffed as he made it to the floor where Falkner was waiting. "I remember when I could make it all the way to the roof without breaking a sweat." His legs were starting to burn too, but there was also the problem that he was wearing too many layers for such a steep climb. Honestly, he should have known better. Realizing there were more important things he should be thinking of, Morty moved over to where Falkner was hovering in the middle of the room.

He stood behind Falkner, quietly, with his hand on the other gym leader's side across his back. But just for a moment before he nodded over to one of the screen doors. "Over there. When you're ready. It's not quite the roof, but it might be too windy up at that height." And as he took his hand away, it brushed against Falkner's lower back unintentionally. He backed up against one of the walls, waiting for the other to make the next move.

[soaringcall]

Falkner felt his body jolt a little when Morty's hand was gently on his back. He heard Morty speak while coming up to the floor, but hadn't expected the sudden touch and froze on the spot. Morty's voice was so close, but Falkner could barely comprehend the words because he could only feel that hand

[arcanefog]

The seer merely gave him a funny look at his reaction to the touch. That sort of reaction was ...interesting. Almost the same as when he had refereed to this outing as a 'date.' Even if he never really thought about these things when he did them (sometimes) Falkner made it too much fun to tease him. But alas, Morty didn't have much time to dwell on how cute it was for Falkner to light up like that before he was out the screen doors.

Morty leaned in the open doorway, enjoying the fresh air, but still keeping an eye on Falkner. "I told you the view was breathtaking."

He lifted himself out of the doorway and next to Falkner's spot, now leaning on crossed arms on the railway. The move was followed by a deep breath. "At night you can see all the lights, too. It's really something."

[soaringcall]

Falkner had not planned to stay past sunset, but a part of him reasoned that there would not be a chance like this again anytime soon. If the view at night is as special as Morty implies, perhaps he should not rush this visit. It was difficult to get today off; he should fully enjoy it

[arcanefog]

Yes, Falkner should definitely enjoy this not-date since he left his poor Wailmer. All. Alone(okay, with obviously less competent than momma staff members) for this not-date.

"Really?" Morty frowned. Just slightly before it was replaced with his usual relaxed smile. "Well, now you know."

He stayed leaning against the railing while Falkner set up on the floor, watching him over his shoulder and then laughing a little. It was rather cute how Falkner always came prepared for this sort of thing. Well, maybe not prepared, but he certainly thought ahead. And had cute tendencies. He'd make a better wife than a husband.

A 'pfffft' escaped, and Morty quickly clamped his hand over his mouth. "Tea and a snack sounds perfect right about now." He tried to play it off as the beginning to that sentence. He sat down next to the bird master, in a similar position, and felt the small bump of the package in his pocket hitting the floor. Right. That. Well. Tea and snacks first.

[soaringcall]

With Morty's approval, Falkner pulled open the bag, took out and placed beside him a thermos, two small cups, and a box of cookies (which was obviously store-bought). He opened the box first, then uncapped the thermos and poured the tea with care. After replacing the cap, Falkner motioned for Morty to take a cup. "It's green tea. Not only is it healthy, but it will keep us warm while we enjoy the view." He held up his cup in a traditional fashion, blew on his tea, then took a sip

[arcanefog]

Morty's favorite flavors of tea were actually (1) vanilla flavored black tea and (2) green tea, so he was not at all bothered by this choice. He made a soft hum of approval when he took the cup, handling it carefully.

"Mmm. Of course." Morty took a sip of his drink. "Do you have to return to Violet City before dinner? Or are you staying here ...?" He wasn't prompting Falkner to stay that long; he knew the other gym leader had responsibilities of his own to take care of (and would probably insist on taking care of). "It would probably be best if you didn't, huh?"

He left that hanging in the air while he thought about Falkner's last question. What did he think about when he was up there. Everything. Nothing. ... Morty brought his knees to his chest, resting his head over his knees so he was still facing Falkner. "A lot of things."

That was it. Another sip of tea.

[soaringcall]

Falkner resisted the urge to turn and scowl. Was Morty teasing him again? He had a good point that there was work to be done at the gym. Falkner could feel his heart sink a little realizing that as a leader, your gym was your greatest responsibility, but it wasn't everything. Those were his father's words, he recalled. The elder flight master had also supported caring for friends... and wasn't Morty a 'friend' now?

He closed his eyes and took another sip. "I shall depart shortly after nightfall, then." He made a side glance at Morty. "I heard someone say that the view 'was really something' at night." Falkner couldn't help but make a smug grin. "It should not be much longer. If you have other duties to perform or... 'a lot of things' to think about, I can take my leave at your word." He munched on a cookie while feeling a little embarrassed that his sense of humor slipped out. He didn't meant to pry, so he will leave Morty with his private thoughts where they were.

[arcanefog]

It took him a moment, but Morty picked up on his humor and started laughing. Oh, he was calling him out. "Someone did say that, didn't they? Alright then ..." What a wise-ass; he continued to snicker into his knees and between another sip of the warm tea.

He opened his mouth to speak again, but then decided against it. Honestly, if Falkner waited for Morty's word to leave, he'd be stuck in Ecruteak - in this tower - for an awfully long time.

A comfortable sort of silence settled over them as the sun continued to hide behind trees and the cityscape. The orange of the sky followed, slowly but surely, leaving hues of red and purple in it's wake. Seeing it set, and more lights flicker to life in the city, Morty snapped out of his little daze.

"Oh, before I forget, I have something for you." He fished into his pockets, grabbing onto the parcel and pulling it out.