January 10th, Sunday. Light snow.
It was the coldest time of the year.
Peering outside the window, Natsume watched as a drizzling mix of rain and snow fell, the streets shrouded in a hazy white mist.
A freezing Sunday.
Too lazy to move, Natsume lounged on the sofa with a book.
His eyes traced the lines of text, drifting slightly downward to where a pink bow rested.
Sylveon leaned against his chest, facing away, also "reading" along.
Natsume knew Gengar could read, but whether a Sylveon could…
He chuckled to himself and moved the book farther away—no need to risk the little one straining its eyes.
"Sylveon~!" Sylveon pawed at his arm with a tiny mitt.
Hey, I was reading that!
"It's not a picture book…" Natsume stroked Sylveon's back fur, earning a pleased stretch.
"Sylveon~~"
Sure, having a Pokémon standing on his chest made breathing a bit harder…
But who could resist the cuteness?
Kanto winters were damp and bitter, thick clothes barely enough to keep the chill out.
His upper body fared fine, but his feet always froze.
Luckily, his "doggo" was nearby.
Natsume rested his feet in Arcanine's warm, fluffy mane, sighing in contentment.
"Arcanine (O_o)??" Arcanine tilted its head, confused.
I might not be human, but you're definitely shameless.
Fire-types came with fire hazards, but their perks—winter warmth, camping coziness, travel convenience—were undeniable.
Really, what Trainer wouldn't want to camp with their Pokémon?
Sitting by a crackling fire, stargazing under the night sky…
Plus, post-evolution, his once-Husky-like Growlithe had become a fluffy Arcanine—basically a living heater.
(Or maybe the Husky phase was just its winter hibernation mode…)
Natsume yawned, shifting into a comfier position.
"Sylveon~"
Sylveon hopped down, trotting off to its hamster wheel.
After flipping through more pages, Natsume checked his phone, skimming a group chat.
Auntie Lorelei: Winter's perfect for training at Seafoam Islands. Give it a shot!
Gold: Pfft, I'm not walking into that trap. I'm heading to Mt. Silver to challenge Senior Red!
Red: Welcome. Training at Mt. Silver with hot springs after? Sounds good.
Silver: …@Gold, you going there to die?
Gold: Never mind. Too cold. Staying in Johto.
Yellow: Sprout Tower's monks do winter training. Try that, Gold.
Gold: Oho! Decision made—I'm going there!
Natsume blinked.
That "low-level dungeon" won't cut it for real training!
Lance: Too cold for overtime…
Blue Oak: Can't deal with the Gym today. Let the Pokémon handle challengers.
Red: Come to Mt. Silver?
Blue Oak: Deal.
Natsume-sensei silently lurked.
Is this how the big shots chat?
If Sprout Tower was a beginner's dungeon, Mt. Silver was straight-up hell mode!
Winter hit hard.
Lance, the Dragon/Flying-type Elite Four member (quad-weak to Ice), sighed and stuck to busting criminals.
Meanwhile, Auntie Lorelei buzzed with energy, off to spectate the Champion Cup at Sevii Islands.
(The Sevii Islands—aka the anime's Orange Archipelago—were supposedly home to Lugia and the Legendary Birds.
Spin-off Legendaries never get the respect they deserve…)
Natsume shrugged, remembering Pallet Town's absurdly tough residents. Makes sense.
Noon approached, the light snow still drifting outside.
Natsume stood up and pushed open the window, letting the crisp, damp winter air rush in.
"Gengar," he called out.
"Gengar?"
His gaze fell on the potted plant by the windowsill—its leek leaves a vibrant green, the stalks white as polished jade.
"How about hot pot for lunch?"
...
Of course.
He wouldn't actually use the leek as broth.
Though fragrant and perfect for dipping sauce, it was, after all, Sirfetch'd's exclusive item.
"Sirfetch'd~_"
Sirfetch'd lay sprawled on the carpet, pondering the meaning of duck life—completely unaware it had just dodged a bullet.
So tired today~ Don't feel like training~
Maybe tomorrow~
Even though it hadn't done anything, making decisions was exhausting enough.
Sirfetch'd nodded to itself, eyes closing contentedly.
"Let's go buy hot pot ingredients." Natsume ruffled its feathers.
"Sirfetch'd..." Yawning, Sirfetch'd grabbed its leek and shield, eyes sharpening instantly.
Destination: supermarket. Full assault!
A large grocery store stood near the villa district.
"Blastoise..." Blastoise first boiled water, then brewed a cup of tea.
The bitter "Energy Root" tea could restore a fainted Pokémon to fighting condition.
"Blastoise..." It blew gently across the steaming surface.
Natsume's eye twitched.
Blastoise, you're at full health! Why the potion?!
Or is cold air considered a special attack now, requiring HP top-ups?
"Alright... Blastoise, guard the house."
With its aura talents and steady temperament, Blastoise was the perfect home guardian.
Natsume called out, "Togepi, you coming?"
Hearing its name, Togepi—mid-video call with Mew—waved goodbye and scampered over.
"Togepi doo-ee~ヾ"
I'm coming~!
In the end, Natsume left with Arcanine at his side and Sylveon twining around him.
Gengar floated behind, cradling Togepi.
"Sirfetch'd!" At the forefront, Sirfetch'd brandished its leek toward the supermarket.
"Let's go." Natsume smiled.
We'll return them to their Poké Balls at the store.
He cherished these moments of companionship during the journey.
"Blastoise ヾ(■_■)"
Just then, sensing a familiar aura, Blastoise raised a hand in warning.
The click of heels echoed at the entrance.
Click— The key turned.
A golden-haired beauty stepped in, her绒-lined black coat dusted with snow. A black hairpin held back strands that framed delicate features, her pink lips exhaling white breath.
She lifted her gaze, steel-gray eyes meeting Natsume's. "Heading out?"
Natsume nodded, surprised. "Work finished early?"
"Can't I come back unfinished?" Cynthia countered.
"Of course you can."
Noticing the snow melting on her shoulders, Natsume added, "I was just missing you."
"Drop the 'just.'"
"Really?"
"..."
Cynthia hung her coat, revealing a black sweater that accentuated her figure.
"Fine, keep it." She murmured.
"Gengar!" Gengar took the coat to steam-press.
Seated on the sofa, Cynthia propped her chin on slender fingers, silently studying Natsume.
"Perfect timing." Natsume admitted. "We were about to leave."
"For what?"
"Uh... grocery shopping. Hot pot for lunch."
Cynthia's lashes fluttered, eyes glinting.
Natsume sighed. "Want to join?"
Smiling, Cynthia called upstairs, "Gengar, fetch my other black coat."
"Gengar!"
"Bundle up—it's freezing."
Cynthia nodded, then frowned. "Why aren't you wearing the clothes I gave you?"
"Too expensive to risk staining."
"Wear them. I'll buy more."
"Roger that."
The wool overcoat fit perfectly—latest style, cashmere turtleneck underneath.
Natsume checked the mirror, satisfied.
Another day being devastatingly handsome!
Before leaving, he hesitated. "Won't we get recognized?"
"There's a self-checkout supermarket." Cynthia dangled sunglasses.
Natsume eyed her golden hair. This won't hide much...
But their relationship was an open secret anyway.
The Sinnoh Champion's shyness... understandable!
Outside, sleet fell through misty streets.
Arcanine could use Sunny Day...
But then we couldn't share an umbrella.
The cold wind bit.
Glancing sideways, he saw Cynthia's petite ears, flushed pink at the tips.
Their arms brushed with every step.
"I want to hold hands." Natsume blurted.
"Just 'want'?"
"Correction: desperately want!"
Cynthia smiled faintly, interlacing their fingers without breaking stride.
"Don't get ideas."
"Impossible—ow!"
Despite the chill, her palm was warm.
Might get bruised from her grip though.
At the automated store:
Selecting ingredients. Comparing prices. Self-checkout.
Live shrimp. Crisp cabbage. Assorted meats and fish balls.
After thirty minutes of deliberation, Cynthia chose... a tub of ice cream.
Natsume likewise pondered the vegetable aisle before grabbing leeks.
Better not use the potted one!
"These go great with grilled chicken."
"You're making yakiniku too?" Her eyes lit up.
"Whatever you want."
An elderly clerk restocked shelves nearby.
Thud—
"Gengar!" It caught a falling can, returning it.
"Oh! Thank you, dear." The woman beamed.
"Gengar..." It scratched its head, embarrassed.
Togepi played hide-and-seek with Sirfetch'd.
"Sirfetch'd?" After hiding fruitlessly, it found Togepi staring longingly at chips.
"Sirfetch'd!" Using its leek, it knocked a bag down.
"Togepi doo-ee~(｀▽｀)"
Clutching the prize, Togepi grinned.
"No chips! Hot pot first!" Natsume lifted the protesting Togepi.
Cynthia intercepted the falling bag.
"It's just snacks. They won't spoil dinner." She rolled her eyes.
"...You're spoiling it!"
Technically, Togepi knew Extrasensory.
But Natsume had banned move usage indoors.
Hence the good behavior.
"Sylveon~" Its feelers wrapped around Natsume's arm.
Whether Natsume was walking Sylveon or vice versa... depended on perspective.
Bags in hand, they exited.
Cynthia took one, then gripped Natsume's hand to avoid slush puddles.
Fresh snow lined the sidewalks.
The sleet had stopped. A jet's contrail split the clearing sky.
...
Returning home, Blastoise cautiously scanned the aura in the vicinity.
"Blastoise..."
Only after verification did it lower its primed Hydro Cannons.
When Natsume opened the door, he was greeted by two ominous metallic barrels pointed his way, making him break out in a cold sweat.
"Lucario..." Cynthia's Lucario exchanged glances with Blastoise, clearly puzzled.
Why... after just a few days apart...
Does this human feel so familiar now?
Lucario coughed awkwardly when Natsume met its gaze.
Must be imagining things!
"Gengar~（-﹃-）" Gengar wiggled its hips while washing vegetables, drooling uncontrollably.
Hot pot time~!
The rectangular dining table accommodated most of them, though a few Pokémon had to sit out.
Cynthia helped arrange dishes as rich aromas wafted from the kitchen, accompanied by the rhythmic bubbling of broth.
"The base is ready—just cook whatever you want in it."
Natsume finished preparations, wiping his hands on his apron before calling out:
"Chow time!!"
"Sirfetch'd~" "Sirfetch'd!" "Garchomp!" "Togepi doo-ee~"
Eyes gleaming with hunger, the little ones gathered around the table, swallowing hard.
"There's yakiniku after this," Natsume said with an amused sigh. "Pace yourselves."
Fresh dew-kissed vegetables and steaming Doduo slices filled the table, their fragrance permeating the room.
Cynthia inhaled deeply, clasped her hands, and smiled warmly:
"Let's eat!"
...
Through the rising steam, Natsume noticed Cynthia's flushed cheeks.
"Haa..." She tucked golden strands behind her ear, blew on her food, then met Natsume's gaze with steel-gray eyes.
Her crescent-moon smile prompted him to ask:
"What?"
"Nothing." Her eyes crinkled further.
Tearfully, Sirfetch'd grabbed chopsticks and dipped a leek leaf into the pot.
"Sirfetch'd??"
This... actually tastes good?
Post-lunch, tranquility settled over the afternoon.
"Gengar~" It floated off to clear the table.
Natsume and Cynthia remained in the living room for some co-op gaming.
"Is slacking off to game really okay?" Natsume fretted.
"Waiting for you to take over my duties?" Cynthia teased.
Natsume stroked his chin.
His Celadon University work would conclude after winter break.
Come spring... Sinnoh travel sounds perfect.
"It's the weekend anyway."
Cynthia stretched, her sweater outlining alluring curves. "Any plans these days?"
Natsume pondered.
"Might... visit Galar soon."
After his explanation, Cynthia nodded thoughtfully.
"I'm coming too."
"Huh?"
"Lucian can handle Sinnoh League affairs." She stated. "Your business takes priority."
"...You just want to slack off, don't you?"
Cynthia averted her eyes with a faint smile.
...
Dusk fell.
Outside, snow thickened abruptly.
Indoors, springlike warmth persisted.
An afternoon of intense gaming had drained them.
Natsume yawned lazily.
"Let's continue tomorrow."
"No. One more round!"
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