Ally stood behind the counter, humming quietly as she prepared the evening meal. Her knife rose and fell in even strokes, cleaving through a carrot. She put the utensil down and turned, stirring a large soup spoon through a simmering pot. She smiled, dropped the carrots in and stirred it a little more.

"It's nearly ready!" She called, hoping Kellyn could hear her.

In response, a door clicked open and Kellyn walked from the bathroom. Grey sweatpants sat loosely on his waist. A wet towel hung over his shoulders and his messy hair glistened with the water still hiding there. His bare torso showed a flat stomach and powerful chest. Several small scars could be seen running across his body.

Ally inhaled sharply as he strolled across the room, reaching for a shirt. She stared blankly at his muscular back as he slipped the clothing over his head. He turned and noticing Ally's expression tilted his head in an unspoken question.

Ally parted her lips to say something but found herself nodding and she quickly closed her mouth. "Uh-Hm," she mumbled awkwardly.

Kellyn didn't know where to look and his eyes flicked aimlessly around the room. Once the silence had stretched too long, he looked up and spoke. "So... Dinner?"

"Ah, yes!" Ally said, grateful for the excuse to turn away. She hurried about serving the meal, setting it upon the countertop.

Kellyn exhaled and brushed off the awkward moment. He ducked into the laundry room, placing the towel in a washing basket. He grabbed the Pokémon food and set out several bowls before sitting on a barstool by the countertop.

Ally stood in the kitchenette, a steaming bowl of soup in her hand. Kellyn licked his lips as he reached for the bowl. Watching in angst as he raised a spoon to his lips and gratefully swallowed the hot meal, Ally crossed her fingers. Kellyn's eyes went wide as he gagged and coughed. After a moment he swallowed the food but hurried to reach for water.

Ally couldn't believe it; she'd made this meal plenty of times and it had always tasted great. She looked around in a nervous panic and spotted a key ingredient lying on the bench. In the awkward moment she'd forgotten the most crucial part of the meal!

She chuckled nervously and took Kellyn's bowl from him. "Sorry, forgot something." She tried to look innocent which only caused him to deadpan.

Ally turned to pot, still sitting on the stove and turned the heat back on. She hurried to correct her mistake and fix the meal. Her burned in embarrassment and she thought of drowning herself in the broth.

"So," Kellyn began, pausing when he saw Ally tense, "Seems like you're all better."

She was caught off-guard by the comment and nodded aimlessly. "Ye-yeah. I feel great, thank you."

"I suppose you'll be leaving soon," he said, ignoring her gratitude.

"Uh, yeah, I will," she replied with a nervous frown.

"Good luck with that, gym challenge and all," he said, nodding dumbly

Ally stopped what she was doing and stared into the depths of the pot before her. "Thanks," she whispered.

They lapsed into another awkward silence. Ally dragged the soup spoon through the pot and Kellyn gazed distantly out the window.

Ally had thought about this a lot the last few days and now she was certain. "Kellyn?" She muttered.

"Hm?" He asked, his attention being drawn to her.

Ally swallowed and closed her eyes. Please, don't think I'm weird. Please say yes, she thought to herself. "When I go, will you come with me?"

The resounding silence was deafening. Ally's shoulders tensed and she waited impatiently for his answer. When he finally did respond, she was bewildered.

"Why?" He asked.

Ally's eyes shot open and she turned to face him. Confusion was written all over her face and she gestured wildly. "You said I need a partner."

Kellyn frowned, but his expression was curious. "I didn't mean me," he said, as if it were obvious.

Ally felt her hopes plummet. "Oh," she said quietly, crestfallen.

"That's not what I mean," he said, sounding annoyed. "I just... I don't think that I'm the right choice."

Ally bobbed her head in quiet sadness. In the weeks Kellyn had nursed her, she'd grown quite fond of the young man. He was funny and witty, although annoyingly sarcastic. She'd truly hoped that he would agree. Now, he'd said no, and she was back to square one. That is, if it weren't for one small detail which he'd forgotten: She's as stubborn as a Snorlax.

"Well, I think you are the right choice," she answered, spinning on her heel and crossing her arms. Leaning to one side, she looked him in the eye with determination.

Kellyn's head tilted and he looked at her weirdly. "Again, why?"

Ally looked around, unable to understand his question. Her response was filled with exasperation. "Because you nursed me back to health. You obviously know a thing or two about travel. It's not like you're busy. Should I continue?"

Kellyn rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. "I'm not sure about this," he said nervously.

"Well, I am, facial hair!" She shouted, pointing the ladle at him and flicking soup across the kitchen.

Kellyn frowned at the mess, but then his eyes were drawn back to her. "Facial hair?" He asked.

"We're doing this, bushy eyebrows!" She yelled, stamping her foot and once again splattering soup across the bench.

"Stop doing that!" Kellyn said, reaching for a wash cloth.

Ally smacked his hand with the ladle. Flinching away, he looked at her, hurt. Rubbing his hand gingerly, he raised his brows and gestured for her to continue.

Ally rolled her eyes. "You're practically perfect so I'm picking out the little things to make me feel better about myself. So, are you in or not?"

Kellyn was already shaking his. "Look-"

"Make a choice, fat head!" She interrupted.

With that comment, Kellyn's patience snapped. "Fine! I'll go, happy?"

"Very," she answered proudly. There was a quiet pause before she added, "I'm surprised that worked."

"I'm disappointed in myself," he replied, waving it off.