I absolutely love the train robbery mission with Arthur, John, Charles and Sean.
Sean being cocky and challenging Arthur to give his best shot at a bottle and losing dramatically, then insisting on coming on the raid and somehow managing to wriggle his way into going, Sean roasting Arthur and calling him old, Arthur then throwing a rock at him while he was sleeping, John asking Arthur if he's sure about bringing Sean along and getting the most deadpan, blank and exhausted "no" as a response, the three of them all simultaneously begging Sean NOT to talk about what his "Da once said", Charles getting frustrated and wondering why Sean has to talk so much all the time, then finally Sean proceeding to call them all old again - shit cracks me up every time.
Easter's coming up here next week! We modern vikings look for eggs (non-explosive) that are laid by a giant rabbit. These eggs are either dyed chicken eggs, made of chocolate, or plastic with money inside!
The holiday has a religious significance to it as well, as a lot of us celebrate the Son of God conquering death after being crucified by the Romans.
The correlation between the eggs and crucifixion is very odd, honestly.
Does Berk have any festivals or holidays this time of year? How do you celebrate?
"...A rabbit that lays eggs? I don't know, that doesn't sound quite right... Well, at least you seem to have a variety."
"Conquering death, huh? That's no small feat! I could see that alone being a reason to celebrate! Those Romans sure are tough as well, I've dealt with a few myself."
"We do. Each spring, we have a couple different celebrations, and of course, being Vikings, both include large feasts. Last month, we celebrated Ostara, which is the marking of new beginnings and the start of planting crops. Coming up, we have Walpurgisnacht, which really isn't too different, just another way to celebrate Spring coming. Warmer weather, no more fear of dying from the frigid temperatures... just have some hail to look forward to, really!"
OOC. Yo, I don’t know who made this playlist but I’m listening to it as I shelve books at my work and this is the happiest shift I’ve had since I started.
I just finished writing an idiots in love starrison fic. Except that they don't confess. They remain idiots. They keep going like this forever. They don't ever suspect the other's feelings.
Summary: Naomi is a simple girl in the simple town of Postwick. Though, today wouldn't be so simple. Not when she has a champion and twin cousins to pick up! ( She totally didn't forget. Nope)
Word Count: 1,855
Notes: This is my first chapter of my first ever fanfic! Well, long term fanfic anyway. It took me while to get to this point and I'm proud that I am! I hope you all enjoy!!! Also check tags if you want to hear my post writing rambles lol.
" Welcome, one and all, to the world of Pokemon-"
" Hey, Rotom? Could you lower the volume for me?"
A quick "bzzt!" from the phone and Chairman Rose's voice lowers down to what would be a whisper. Naomi smiles at her phone, lightly tapping its frame.
"Thank you!" she says, earning another happy "bzzt!" from her phone. She then puts on back her headphones, bobbing her head to the beat from her tape recorder. She already knows what's coming anyway; Rose makes his grand speech, then Leon makes his grand entrance, then his opponent appears, some quick smack talk for the crowd, and then they battle. And just like every battle Leon has been in before, he always wins. Admittedly, each time was different from the last, and it was always fun to see what strategy Leon would use. But today, right now, Naomi just wants to listen to her music and vibe.
She closes her eyes, letting the music flow through her body. Soon her limbs move on her own, swaying and bobbing to the beat. The rhythm takes her as she dances in her room, now in her own little world. Just her, her song, and no one else. She can feel herself hum to the music, and she smiles to herself. This is bliss.
The song is about to reach the best part and turns for a spin- only to be greeted by a familiar set of golden eyes and a cheeky grin.
" Hop!" she shrieks, jumping back a bit. She can feel her face flush as she takes her headphones off. Hop grins, mischievousness shining in his eyes.
" Well, don't stop because of me," he snickers, which does nothing to qualm Naomi's embarrassment.
"Out!" she yells, rushing towards Hop, pushing him out of her room.
" But you're so good, Nomi!" he compliments, but she furiously shakes her head.
" Thank you, but OUT!" she stutters, giving the final push and slamming the door behind her.
" Don't forget we're picking up Lee and your cousins from the train station today!" The embarrassment she felt just a second ago quickly vanishes as she swings her bedroom door open, staring at Hop wide-eyed.
" What?! That's today?!" she panics. Hop nods, the cheekiness of his smile growing.
" Yep! Better hurry!" he grins as Naomi scatters around her room, trying to find her boots and hat.
" Why didn't you say something?!" she exclaims, hopping on one foot putting on one of her boots.
" You were dancing, and I didn't want to disturb you," he says matter-of-factly, clearly teasing her, " Also am I allowed in your room now?" Naomi glares at her friend.
" No! Wait outside!" she points out of her room, and Hop gives her a salute, then quickly runs out of the house.
"Yes, ma'am! But hurry, we don't want Lee getting lost!" he yells behind him, and Naomi hears the outside door slam shut.
"Well, that was eventful," her mum's head peeks from the side of her bedroom door frame, a kind smile on her face, " Are you ready to go, Naomi?"
"Yep!" she nods, hoisting her bag- which used to be her mum's- over her shoulders, " Got my bag and everything!" Her mum moves into full view, leaning against the doorway.
" Yes, I see that, " she gives her a concerned smile, " But I'm talking about how you're feeling, dear. I know the topic of your cousins has always been...confusing for you-"
" I'll be fine, mum," Naomi shrugs, ignoring the way her heart sank, " It's like you said; I haven't seen them since I was 5, so it would make sense I wouldn't remember them!" she forces a smile.
" I'm fine, mum! Really!" Naomi's mum eyes her septically but lets out a sigh.
" Alright, if you say so," she steps to the side, " Now move along then! Hop is waiting for ya!"
"Okay! Bye, mum! We'll be back later! You too, Toby!" The sleepy Munchlax only yawns.
Waving her mum goodbye, Naomi opens the front door to Potswick Town proper. It's beautiful, as always. The sky is a wonderful bright blue, and the soft fluffy clouds roll in the sky as the Wooloo do on the freshly green fields. Naomi feels a soft thud in the side of her leg, and looking down she sees her mum’s Budew, Valentine. Valentine looks up at her and gives her a small smile.
' Hopefully, today will be a good day,' she thinks to herself as she bends down to give Valentine a little pat on her head, er, bud. She looks down the stone steps to see Hop standing idly by the front gates. He glances upwards towards her, a welcoming smile on his face...before looking behind her and bursts out laughing.
" Ha! You're really going to carry that big lug on your back, Nomi?" he laughs, but his face then distorts into one of mild horror as Naomi's cold glare reaches his vision.
" U-uh, I mean- you look great!" he chuckles sheepishly, giving Naomi two thumbs up.
"Thank you!" she says cheerily, her icy demeanor vanishing instantly, much to Hop's relief.
" Nomi, have I ever told you that you are scary?" he sighs as Naomi walks down the steps.
" I have no idea what you're talking about," she teases, sticking out her tongue. Hop huffs but smirks.
" Well, you will be.....when you lose! The last one to my house is a kantonian Slowpoke!" and he dashes off, leaving Naomi stunned once again.
"H-hey! Wait for me! Hop!" she calls out, running as fast as she can to catch up with her speedy friend. Though, as always, she ends up last.
" Hop, " she paints, the palm of her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breathe, " That wasn't fair, you got a head start!" she points her finger at Hop accusingly, who snickers.
" Not my fault you're a slowpoke!" he grins, causing Naomi to puff out her cheeks.
" Yeah, yeah," she Naomi groans, straightening her back, "Let's just head inside,"
Hop's house is like Naomi's, but bigger; a staircase, multiple rooms for more family members, but has that quaint, cozy feel of her home. It's no wonder they have so many sleepovers- some planned, most of them not. Always feel right at home.
" MUM!" Naomi jumps a bit at Hop's sudden yelling, " Mum, is he here yet?! Is he?! Oh, I bet you're hiding him in the cupboard, aren't ya!" Hop runs into the kitchen, practically hovering over the ground. His mum sighs, putting down the dish she was cleaning. She gives Hop a stern but playful look.
" For the hundredth time, Hop, no Leon is not here yet," she glances to Naomi, " Neither are your cousins, deary," Naomi felt a little sigh of relief come up her throat. She quickly suppresses it, giving Hop's mum a nod.
" But, they all should be coming soon. Well, Leon, at least. I'm not sure about-"
" Well, we best not keep them waiting!" Naomi interrupts, grabbing Hop's hand and rushing out the door, leaving Hop's mum in their wake.
" Woah, Nomi-"
" Hey, you said we have to hurry!" Naomi cuts Hop off, speed walking to the bridge. She can already see the crowd near the train station. All that noise, those people. She pushes down her sense of dread, " So lets just-"
" Naomi!' Hop tugs her to a stop, effectively turning her around to face him. His face is stern, if not painted with worry.
" Naomi, what's going on? You're being antsier than usual," he leans it a bit, speaking in whispers, "Is it your cousins,"
Typical Hop. Always reading her like a book. Though, just like her mother, she must make it easy.
" Y-yeah, kinda," she looks down at her boots, " I haven't seen them since....you know," Hop nods, giving her hand a comforting light squeeze.
" And, well, I don't know," she sighs, " It's already hard to remember Dad, but now I can't even remember them, and I just- I don't-"
" Hey, it's alright, Nomi! " Hop gives her hand another squeeze, " It's okay if you do not know how to feel about your cousins. Especially after...that, " She grimaces at his implication.
" But hey! That just means you can create a new path for yourself! New memories!" Hop cheers, " They'll love you, Nomi. You're amazing! How could they not?" Naomi's cheeks flush at the compliment, and she nods.
" Thanks, Hopscotch. That means a lot-"
"OI! Are you two having a heart-to-heart without me?!" a familiar voice, Carol, shouts at them. The two of them turn to see a peeved Carol, hands on their hips, tapping their right foot impatiently on the bridge.
" Carol!" Naomi and Hop cry in unison, rushing towards them.
" I thought you two ditched me!" Carol fumed, arms now crossed.
" Sorry, Carol," Naomi apologizes, fumbling with her fingers.
"Yeah, sorry, mate," Hop apologizes as well. Carol looks between the two of them, not saying a word. Then they smirk.
" Gotcha," they tease with a wink. And to believe she felt sorry for them a second ago.
"Carol!" Naomi and Hop shout, glaring at her friend. Carol just shrugs their shoulder, the teasing grin never faltering.
" Ah man, you two are so easy!" they laugh, " Though it is sweet that you two were actually sorry, haha,"
" Well, of course, we were! We really didn't mean to keep you waiting, Carol!" Hop said. Carol's grin softens a little, less cheeky and teasing than it was before.
"Yeah, I know. I just saw you two looking all stressed, and I wanted to make ya feel better!"
"By pretending you were angry with us?" Naomi huffed.
"Yep! It worked, didn't it?" Naomi pauses for a moment. The stress of seeing her cousins again was admittedly less than before she'll give them that. Naomi gives Carol a grateful nod, to which the beam at.
"See? No harm, no foul!" They turn around, pointing to Wedgehurst, and consequently, the big crowd forming in front of the train station.
" Now, let's hurry and get to the train station! Unless we want to miss The Great Champion Leon," they say, waving their hands sarcastically. Hop frowns at this a bit, probably not liking Carol's tone, but Carol simply winks at him, " Unless you want him getting lost, eh?"
' Nice save,' Naomi thinks, as she sees Hop's frown turn into a cheeky smile.
"Ha! Yeah, Lee is pants at directions," Hop giggles, and Naomi does too, remembering all the times they had to point him in the right directions somewhere. Then again, Leon coming home seems to happen less frequently than he used to...
" Come on, then! You two are already slowpokes, eh?" Carol teases as they run towards Wedgehurst.
"Hey! I'm not slow, that's Naomi!" Hop counters running after them. Naomi just sighs, choosing to ignore Hop's comment, before realizing the two are far ahead of her.
"W-wait! Hold on! Wait for me!" she cries, running as fast as she can to keep up, her bag sloshing around on her back.
Okay, maybe Hop had a point about the bag. But he doesn't need to know that, does he?
