" A bit late, I'm sorry. But here. You were eyeing this back at the mall a few weeks ago. I had someone add a finishing touch to it. " He passed her over a pink and green bag that looked similar to a Bounsweet. " Hoshi put her gift in there, too - and Chikko got you something. " Inside the bag was an apron that resembled a Steenee in colors with oven mits that were designed to be leaves. Hoshi's gift was a headband with roses like her Roselia and Chikko's was a freshly picked berry.
“Don’t worry about tha–” she began to reassure, not really minding that it took Kiawe a couple days to get things ready. But it caught her by surprise so much so that she couldn’t finish her sentence. Starry eyes were locked onto the bag that had an oh so familiar colour scheme, and she snatched it out of Kiawe’s hands to have a closer look at it. It wasn’t meant to come off as rude or anything; she simply couldn’t contain the excitement she was feeling.
And who could blame her? When Kiawe hinted at it being something he knew she wanted, it only made her all the more giddy. Tanned hand reached into the bag to pull out an apron, and her starry eyes were quickly replaced hearts. A gasp was all she could eek out; the gift had taken her breath away. The apron was definitely something she’d been eyeing up, and had wanted ever since she saw it a few months back. She never bought it since any spare money she had was being reimbursed into the restaurant or her Pokemon. Mallow simply didn’t have the money to treat herself and get it, without feeling guilty.
In a lunge, the captain ran up and hugged her friend. She could swear that a few tears were rolling down her cheeks, but honestly? Mallow’d never admit that was the case. It was quite possibly the most thoughtful gift she’d gotten. Not to mention that the addition of the oven mitts was a nice touch. She’d have been happy with just the apron. “This– this is amazing! I love it. Tiana will as well, I’m sure.” And as if on cue, her Steenee managed to escape from her Pokeball. The Pokemon had a beaming smile, seeing her trainer so happy. Had it not been for the fact she remembered more gifts were awaiting her, she would likely have kept the embrace going for at least a little longer.
Once again, her hand dove into the bag, and this time, pulling out the berry and the headband. And immediately, a hearty chuckle parted from the captain’s lips. She quickly put the headband on, and shot a small pose at her company. “Does it suit me?” she asked, rather rhetorical in manner. To show it, she got down on her knees and gave Hoshi a hug too. After which, she patted her on the head lightly. “Did you make it yourself? It’s really cute. Thanks Hoshi.”
Finally, attention went to the mischievous one of the three. The newest addition of her team (that still spent a lot of time with Kiawe): her Chikorita, Chikko. And emerald hues looked at the Pokemon who seemed so proud, so full, of himself. Mallow couldn’t help but let out an amused chuckle at his antics. With the berry in her hand, she broke the fruit in half, offering one of the halves to the leaf Pokemon. “Here ya go, Chikko. Half’ll fill me up just fine,” she said in a soft voice, Stroking Chikko’s back lightly.
At the very end, she stood back up. Eyes were red from the crying she still wouldn’t admit to. But still, she wore a smile that went from ear to ear. She couldn’t be more thankful right now; the gifts she’d always wanted were right in front of her, and more. “…Thanks you all. I loved all these gifts. I can’t really say it that well, but thanks.”