[@StarfrostedFox]

Liam had not planned on stopping in the flower fields.

Well. That wasn’t entirely true.

He had planned on making good time on the road to Jubilife, but the moment Floroma’s flower fields came into view, any serious intention of walking past went out the window. A place like this practically demanded appreciation, and Liam Anwell had never once in his life denied anything pretty the attention it deserved.

So here he was.

He carefully avoided muddy patches to prevent his pink shoes from getting dirty. His messenger bag slung over one shoulder, Liam made his way along the path with the sort of confidence that suggested he had never considered the possibility of being out of place anywhere. His invitation, still tucked inside its glossy purple envelope, rested inside his bag beside a compact mirror, a sketchbook, and enough emergency fashion supplies to survive a crisis.

At his side shuffled Boo. The Mimikyu shuffled along through the flowers, his Pikachu disguise bobbing with each step, Every so often he lagged behind just enough to stare curiously at a flower before hurrying to catch up, sticking close to Liam’s heels as if the entire field might swallow him if he got too far away from his trainer.

Liam glanced down at him and smiled. “Don’t look at me like that, darling. You’re the one who wanted to come.”

Boo tilted his head up at him.

“Yes, well, if you see anything prettier than me in this field, do let me know. I love competition!”

Boo’s head slowly turned toward a particularly vibrant patch of pink blossoms.

Liam gasped softly. “You are unbelievable.”

A screech and a violent rustling of petals broke the peaceful atmosphere before Boo could be scolded further.

Liam blinked.

Then blinked again as a Zoroark tackled a Talonflame out of the air in an explosion of blossoms.

Boo startled hard enough to bump against Liam’s leg.

“…Well,” Liam said. “That is one way to make an entrance.”

His violet eyes followed the tumbling Pokémon to the trainer nearby, an auburn haired young woman, surrounded by a small collection of Pokémon with varying levels of concern about the ongoing chaos.

Liam smiled. He lifted a hand in a friendly wave as he approached, Boo sticking close at his side for the first few steps before peeking around behind one of Liam’s legs at the unfamiliar trainer and Pokémon.

“Please tell me,” Liam called, voice warm and bright, “that this level of drama is normal around here, because if so, I may never leave.” He slowed a polite distance away, smiling as though introducing himself in the middle of a flower field full of commotion was the most natural thing in the world. “William Anwell,” he said cheerfully, “though Liam is much cuter, so everyone calls me that.” He gestured lightly downward with one hand. “And this,” he added, glancing fondly at the Mimikyu half-hiding behind him, “is Boo. He’s shy until he decides he likes you, then he forgets what personal space is.”

Boo gave a tiny wiggle beneath his disguise, then ducked a little farther behind Liam’s leg again.

“And unless my timing is truly terrible,” he continued, eyes flicking toward the familiar envelope in the young woman’s hands, “I’m guessing you got one of those fancy invitations too?”