[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/260705/7be63461.png[/img][/center]

[@PlatinumSkink] [@Yankee]

Stella’s expression softened when Victor’s attention shifted from her to Fantasia. Compliments directed at Stella were pleasant. Compliments directed at Fantasia were simply correct.

[color=pink]“She is a Galarian Ponyta,”[/color] Stella said proudly. [color=pink]“Her name is Fantasia.”[/color]

Fantasia’s ears perked at the sound of her name. She turned toward Victor and the Budew perched on his shoulder, studying them both.

At Victor’s request, Stella glanced down at her partner rather than answering for her. [color=pink]“If she allows it.”[/color]

Fantasia stepped forward and gently sniffed in Victor’s direction. Her attention briefly settled on Bud, earning the little Grass-type a soft neigh, before she lowered her head within Victor’s reach.

Stella folded her hands neatly over her handbag. [color=pink]“Please, do be careful. Her mane was brushed before I left this morning.”[/color]

She looked past him toward the edge of the room. The anxious girl from the airport had once again positioned herself against a wall, trying in vain to make herself disappear. She had seen the girl’s strange reaction earlier, but had not yet decided what to make of it.

Now, with everyone waiting for Professor Camphor and the girl looking as though the room itself might swallow her, Stella made a decision.

While Victor was with Fantasia, Stella approached the girl. [color=pink]“You needn’t remain attached to the wall all afternoon, darling.”[/color] A small pause followed as Stella considered how that might have sounded. [color=pink]“Attempting to disappear will only make people notice you more.”[/color]

That was probably not much better.

Stella cleared her throat and adjusted the strap of her handbag, briefly glancing back toward Fantasia before returning her attention to the girl.

[color=pink]“You’re Hazel, correct? Frieda mentioned your name.”[/color] She gave Hazel a look more carefully. The girl seemed ready to either apologize, run away, or somehow do both at once.

[color=pink]“I’m Stella,”[/color] she added, though introductions felt redundant after the airport. [color=pink]“Stella Gold.”[/color] Her voice was softer than one she would use with some of the others. [color=pink]“Fantasia is currently occupied, but I’m sure she would be pleased to meet you once Victor is finished.”[/color] Stella gestured toward the nearby seats. [color=pink]“There is room over there, if you would prefer not to stand.”[/color]

Then, after another pause, she added, [color=pink]“You needn’t worry. I’m not trying to embarrass you.”[/color] Her eyes flicked toward the crowded room. [color=pink]“There are already far too many people here doing an excellent job of embarrassing themselves.”[/color]