The shopkeeper obviously knew that he meant business. Ren could hear the touch of fear in his voice, and his smug grin returned. Once he was sure that the danger had passed, he returned Genesis’ pokeball to his belt. He listened to Skye stumble across her words, and watched as Jimmy backed down from the altercation. Ren couldn’t say that he blamed him, it was obvious that this odd man realized that his own skill in battle was a little lackluster. There was no doubt in his mind that his own team would have dismantled the other trainer’s in little more than a second. This odd fellow was obviously very distraught that the annoying girl had a boyfriend. 

Ren chose to remain silent and let his new acquaintance handle the rest of the conversation. The strange cashier mentioned something about all of their items for free of charge and Ren felt himself shake his head with a small laugh. There was not a chance in hell, he was taking this stuff for free. Eventually the store clerk backed down completely, and they were allowed to finish their shopping unbothered. The blonde allowed Skye to drag him down the aisles, pausing only to pick up his basket that he had dropped so carelessly before. Once they both had all the items they would need for their respective journeys, he reached into his pocket to pay for all of it. Imagine his surprise when she hastily paid for his items too. 

[i]“We're already running late, and my darling Ren here doesn't like tardiness, now do you babe?”[/i]

Ren grunted in agreement, seemingly unable to speak. His chest felt awkward, it was almost as if his stomach had grown a pair of wings. Her hand was warm in his, and he was shocked when she took it a step further to rest her head on his shoulder. He wasn’t used to the feeling of another person against his skin, who knew that it would feel so… good? Pushing that thought out of his head, he made his way to the door. This time he pressed it open for the both of them. Once the duo was clear of the pokemart, he felt her release his hand. She made her way over to the closest bench.

Skye took a moment to get her emotions back into check, and Ren took the opportunity to do the same. He felt his face sink back into a half frown. He felt her gaze upon him, and for a moment their eyes connected. Something inside him clicked, but he ignored it pointedly. Instead he broke the eye contact as Pig came to rest on his shoulder with a content coo. The trainer was glad that his pokémon had forgiven him. It would save the embarrassment of having to apologize to the pidgeotto later.

[i]"Thank you."[/i] Ren heard her say. He fiddled with his hand for a second before returning her gaze once more. “Don’t mention it. Seriously.” The platinum haired boy responded gruffly. “I just knew that a weakling like you couldn’t handle it alone.”