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Growing Up & Getting a Job

It was time, Tulip had been living off of handouts and stealing for far longer than she liked. She needed to find a job so she could help satiate her incredible appetite for clothing. Luckily, that was really the only thing she needed money fore. She was able o get everything else she needed from the forest around her home. Food was provided by the various berry bushes and nut-bearing trees, water by the clear lake, and companionship by her childhood and new friend that lived close by. She was grateful for all he blessings she was given, but felt she needed to start fending for herself. Not to mention, her clothes right now were fitting a little too snug for her liking, since she’d grown. Donning her nicest, best-fitting outfit and her usual “scarf,” Tulip prettied herself up as much as she dared before heading out. She greeted the different Pokemon that were here to work on her house as she walked out the door and started the long journey to town.

It was a long walk, but thankfully it was a nice temperature, not too hot, not too cold, so Tulip arrived in the city looking and smelling just as nice as when she’d left home. Granted, if she smelt bad, she had that covered with her own “perfume,” so to say. She, like many Grass-types, had the special move Sweet Scent that caused a wonderful smell to waft from the closed flower on her back. This smell also hand a bit of a hypnotizing affect on most creatures, including humans. Despite this advantage, Tulip was determined to find a job without using the move.

Perusing through the streets, she couldn’t find any “Help Wanted” signs in any of the store or restaurant windows. The Ivysaur teen was feeling discouraged and was about to give up and go home when someone ran into her from behind. Both her and the other person fell forward, nearly face-planting into the pavement.

“Oh, my goodness! I’m so sorry!” came a bubbly apology from the other person as she lifted herself and helped Tulip up. She spoke quickly, with genuine sympathy in her tone. “Really, I’m sorry, can you ever forgive me? It was totally my fault, I know! I’m soooooooooo sorry!”

“It’s okay, really,” Tulip quickly interjected, fearing she’d never get to talk for the energy this girl had. Her red eyes finally fell on her assailant and she was surprised to see such and interesting-looking creature. Tulip had the strangest feeling that she was a changed Pokemon, like her, but she definitely never seen any that remotely looked like her. She had really fluffy white hair, but the rest of her was very colorful. She also had little bat wings that were sprouting out of her head, which looked a little odd to Tulip. The girl looked like she’d been heading to work too, judging by the uniform she was wearing. Tulip had an idea. “Um, I don’t suppose you were heading to work, were you?”

“Oh! I definitely was!” the girl sounded surprised. “However did you guess?”

Tulip paused, was this girl serious? She could plainly see the work uniform and even her name badge. Speaking of the badge, the Ivysaur teen read it, “Cotton Candy.” A confused expression came over her face. “Is your name really Cotton Candy, or do you work at a theme restaurant?”

“Oh, no silly, that’s my real name.” The girl giggled, “But I do work at a restaurant!” My, you’re really good at guessing stuff! Oh! You can call me Cotton or Candy or CC. What’s your name?”

“I’m Tulip,” she answered tentatively, still unsure what to think of the girl.

“Oh! What a gorgeous name! I love tulips, so I bet I’ll really like you!” Cotton Candy chirped.

Tulip smiled, she couldn’t fault the girl for having good taste. “Not to change the subject, but your work, they don’t happen to be hiring, are they?” tulip had hope in her heart, if this girl’s workplace was hiring, maybe she’d put in a good word for her there and her search would be over.

“Oh… um…” Cotton thought for a moment, “I dunno if we are or not, but surely I can aks! Do you happen to know what time it is?”

“It’s a little after noon. What time do you need to be at work?”

“Oh dear! I’m late!” Candy’s tone suddenly went from cheerful to panicked. “I was supposed to be there at 11:30!” She whimpered, “He said this was my last chance!” Grabbing a hold of Tulip’s wrist, she pulled the other teen along with her as she sped off towards her place of employment. As she ran, she seemed to be muttering something to herself that Tulip couldn’t make out. Tulip figured she was cursing herself for being late. Truthfully, Cotton Candy was blind, in the conventional sense; she was using echolocation to navigate through the lunchtime crowd. Despite her ability, since she was nearly dragging the Ivysaur girl behind her, Tulip was narrowly missing running into people and was having to apologize to them all. Lucky for her, the restaurant was fairly close by, so they stopped before Tulip’s arm was ripped out of its socket.

They walked in together, more because Candy was still holding Tulip’s wrist. It seemed like a fairly standard establishment, nothing fancy and judging by the smells that were coming from the kitchen, they served a little bit of everything. As soon as they walked in, an older gentleman in a suit came storming up to the two.

“Cotton Candy, I need to see you in my office, now!” he sounded more disappointed than angry with her. As CC whimpered, he looked at Tulip, noticing the grip on her wrist. “I’m sorry, miss, you are?”

“Tulip. Cotton Candy said you may be hiring?” she replied in her welcoming tone.

“Well,” he sighed, “We very well might.” Looking at Cotton, he gaveher a very stern look. He turned and motioned for the two to follow. “You might as well come with me too.” He began to walk towards the back, through the kitchen, and into a small, rather crowded office. During the entire walk, Cotton Candy kept hold of Tulip’s wrist, but Tulip was the one leading. Candy kept her hanging her head, whimpering, while Tulip felt hopeful that her search was over. “Please shut the door behind you.” The man went behind his battered wooden desk and had a seat. He motioned for the girls to have a seat as well in the two other, hard plastic chairs he had crammed into the small space. Each girl squeezed into a seat, Cotton having a much easier time of it than Tulip. Once situated, the man first turned to Candy, “Cotton Candy, you are a fantastic server, we have regulars that come in and specifically ask for you because you’re always so pleasant and helpful. But, I’m sorry, you’ve just been late too much, I’m going to have to let you go.” The man sounded genuine and it broke Tulip’s heart when the girl finally released her vice-like grip, burying her face in her hands. Tulip could hear faint sobs comeing from the girl. The man frowned and turned his attention to Tulip. “I can offer you a position miss-“

“Whoa, sorry,” Tulip held her hands up in front of her, cutting the man off. “I don’t feel right taking Cotton Candy’s job. I do greatly appreciate the offer, but it’s just not right!” As the Ivysaur spoke, CC looked up from her hands, touched by this near-stranger’s kindness. “If I may be so bold,” she continued, “You said she was your best server, her only problem is being late, right?” The man nodded as he leaned forward in his chair, curious where this girl was going with this. “How about we make a deal? Hire me and keep Cotton Candy on, giving us the same schedule. I’ll make sure she gets to work on time and is never late again. If I slip, you can fire us both without any fuss.” The man stared hard at Tulip as Cotton listened carefully and silently.

“No funny business?” he asked after several minutes.

“None whatsoever. If need be, we can put it in writing.” Tulip’s voice was firm but not commanding. She was confident in her decision, and if need be, she had Sweet Scent.

The manager looked at CC quizzically. “Do you agree with this deal, Cotton Candy?”

“Oh! Most definitely!” She squeaked, wiping her eyes with her sleeves.

“Alright then,” he spoke decisively as he turned back to Tulip once more. Standing, he extended a hand, which Tulip immediately shook. “Welcome to the team, Tulip. When can you start?”

“Right now.”

“Okay then,” he grinned, “Cotton Candy will be your trainer, she’ll show you where everything is. She really is a great employee… other than her tardiness. For both of your sakes, I hope you can change that.”

Tulip gave a nod, “I will, you can count on that, sir.” He returned the nod and left the office.

Once he’d left, Candy latched on to Tulip in a big hug, a giant smile on her face. “OH! Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She wiggled in delight as her arms stayed curled around her new best friend. “How can I ever repay you?”

“Well, you can train me,” Tulip giggled.

“Oh! Right!” CC released the Ivysaur girl and straightened her apron, the smile still on her face. “Let’s go!” And with Cotton Candy leading the way again, Tulip began her first day on the job.

What's that yummy smell?
Cotton Candy, Cupcake, Sasha, and Alexis PD

As Fate Would Have It
Cotton Candy and Cupcake PD

First Date
Cotton Candy and Cupcake PD

Sleigh Ride Surprise
(Cupcake proposes to Cotton Candy!)


Cupcake:
Cupcake had been planning for awhile…it was a very important plan at that. He’d taken what he’d learned in his time as Kelsie’s pokemon, and applied it to his own business opening up a bakery that made food that while edible by humans, was actually geared towards pokemon, and business was booming! He’d done a small tv ad for it, and his shop had been swamped by young women both human and changed like himself oohing and aahing…though mostly over him. ‘You should be a model!’ was one he heard a lot and it made him laugh and shake his head with a simple ‘I leave the modeling to my girlfriend, but thanks.’

His life had gotten better, and he was happier and of course it was all thanks to Cotton….so much so that this was why his planning had started….and he asked her out on a date as was customary despite them living together. Date nights hadn’t ended just because of that. He’d told Tulip to help her dress warm, because they were going on a sleigh ride through the snow, and he didn’t want her to be cold. That, was step one of his plan.

Cotton:
Though she enjoyed the visits from Tulip, Cotton Candy thought she was being oddly pushy about what to wear for her date night tonight. She’d moved out quite a while ago, but she still saw her old roommates at work, and Tulip usually came over at least once a week. They’d finished their photoshoot for the day and Tulip had walked her home, while Cotton was going on about how Cupcake had been super secretive about tonight’s plans. Normally she knew the routine, dinner, then some activity, whether it be a movie, a concert, or even dancing. But not tonight, she was completely in the dark, and more so than normal. Tulip, meanwhile, wore a knowing smile.

“No, no, no, don’t wear that, it’ll be too cold tonight!” Tulip mother henned as Cotton tried to find things to wear for the night.

“Oh, but Tulip, I really liked that one!” Cotton half pouted as Tulip grabbed a shirt out of her hand and threw it on the bed. “Oh, and why does it matter? You act like you know what we’re doing…”

Tulip stopped in her tracks, holding a red and white smock that matched the long, winter-weather dress Cotton currently had on. “What makes you say that?” she gave an uneasy chuckle. “I’m simply not wanting you to get sick.”

“Oh, okay,” Cotton smiled and shrugged, draping the smock over her shoulders, completely oblivious to what Tulip knew.

Tulip looked at the clock, almost time for her to make her exit, Cupcake would be home momentarily from work. “Alright, sweetie, call me later and let me know how the date went. Chao, love!” Tulip gave Cotton a tighter-than-usual hug and excused herself from the home that the Flaffbat and Eevee shared.

“Oh, okay… bye!” Cotton waved goodbye until she could hear the heavy “thud” of the front door and the Venusaur leaving.

Cupcake:
Cupcake came up the walk to the house he and Cotton lived in as Tulip was making her exit, and he winked at her with a grin as she took off, a quiet ‘thanks!’ given as he hugged her before stepping inside. “I’m home sweetie!” he hung his coat up on the coat rack and made his way up the steps, taking in Cotton as he entered their room a warm smile on his face.

“You look beautiful as always tonight. Let me clean up from work real quick and change and we’ll be on our way.” He paused by her however and rested his hand on her hip, kissing her softly, before he broke away to go wash up. He knew he smelled of sugar and baked goods. One quick shower later and he was dressed in some decent jeans, a tshirt, and his favorite long sleeved shirt layered over top.

All he needed was down in his coat, so he was good here, and instead grabbed both of their scarves, as well as her knit hat, and went to locate her. “Here you go, it’s pretty chilly out right now, I have your scarf and hat so you stay warm. I have mine too for that matter.” Carefully he tucked some of her hair into the hat then wrapped the scarf around her, stealing another kiss before donning his own hat and scarf. He had gloves for both of them tucked into his jean pocket, in case.

There was a knock on the door then, and he grinned. “Come m’lady, our chariot awaits.” He wasn’t exaggerating much either. In front of their house was a carriage decked out for Christmas, and two large horses standing there waiting patiently, the sound of bells on the sleigh filling the air. “Hope you’re not against a carriage ride.”

Cotton:
Tulip hugged Cupcake tightly, a happy tear sliding down her cheek. “Go get her, tiger!” She chuckled softly, wiping under her eyes to prevent more tears from flowing and messing up her makeup. She was so happy for the couple, it was hard to express and she wore the smile all the way home.

Cotton had just sat on the bed she and Cupcake share when he’d entered, his usual call ringing out, causing her to stand abruptly and her head wings to perk. A broad grin met the Eevee boy as he entered the room. “Oh, welcome home,” she cooed, her cheeks darkening as he complimented her. It never failed; she always blushed when he called her beautiful.

The smell of the bakery honestly didn’t bother Cotton in the slightest. It wasn’t like everyone got to say their significant other smelled so sweet. Cotton chuckled, reminded of their private pet names for each other as Cupcake was washing up.

Once cleaned and ready to go, Cotton followed her man down the stairs and playfully huffed as he put her cap and scarf on her. “Oh, I swear, between you and Tulip today, you’d think I couldn’t take care of myself!” It was all said with a loving tone. Cotton really couldn’t ask for two better, more loving friends. She definitely considered them both family, even if there were no blood relation or anything.

“Oh my gosh!” Cotton gasped as he opened the door and she could make out the silhouette of the carriage with her echolocation. “Oh, Cupcake! This is so romantic! I don’t mind the carriage ride at all!” This time she stole a kiss form him, making her way to the carriage. She looked like she belonged in the little sleigh, her Christmassy dress and shawl with the decorate ride. Her hands touched to side gently, giving her a sense of how the thing was decorated better than her “eyes” could. “Oh, this is so lovely!” No doubt in her mind that she’d be saying that more and more this night.

Cupcake:
Cupcake couldn't help the grin at Tulip's words and snickered. "Yes Ma'am!" he was glad he and Cotton had such a good friend in Tulip.

Cotton's huff was adorable and it made him chuckle as he grabbed his coat and slid it onto his shoulders, double checking his pocket and locking up behind them as he followed her down the walk, and carefully pulled the warm blanket up over their laps.

"And now you know why Tulip was here and helping you out. I let her know I wanted to surprise you with a sleigh ride, and that I wanted to make sure you didn't get too cold while we were out here."

Once on the seat fully one arm wrapped around her shoulder and pulled her close, pressing another kiss to her lips. "I'm glad you like this, I wasn't sure if you would or not. I have our gloves too if your hands start to get chilled." he wasn't leaving anything to chance!

Cotton:
“Oh, I should’ve known you two were in cahoots!” she giggled. “Well, you got me!” She really had no idea what tonight actually entailed.

Cotton nuzzled into Cupcake as he pulled the blanket over them and put his arm around her. He really outdid himself this time! She always had a great time on their date nights, but something told her tonight was going to blow the others out of the water. Oh! If she only knew!

As the driver cracked his whip and got the horses going, the carriage jostled a little, making its way on the predestined path. Cotton didn’t mind the ride, the carriage was a smooth as they came and it was something new to experience, not like she could see the scenery, really. It was always best to do something that appealed more to her other senses, that’s why she didn’t care much for movies. She usually got lost as to what was happening. “Oh, Cupcake, this is so nice!”

Cupcake:
“Of course we were. I knew she tends to walk you home so I talked to her days ago about tonight so she could make sure you were good to go.” He brushed a finger over her cheek before leaning in and kissing her again softly, feeling the icy wind whipping around them.

There was a change of sound as the horses clopped over a bridge and continued on its way. He’d mapped it all out with the driver, having explained his purpose for the night and paying accordingly. The sleigh came to a slow, and the driver came around then and handed them each a cup of hot chocolate. “Here, a nice warm drink, before we continue on.” He drank carefully at the hot liquid so he wouldn’t be scalded, and before long his drink was done. One hand had at this point slipped into his pocket and as quietly as possible pulled out something he’d put in there. “Oh, your hands are looking a bit pink. Are they cold? Let me warm them a little…”

Carefully he took her hands in his, rubbing first at her right one, making sure they weren’t cold, brushing a kiss over her knuckles as he made sure each finger got a rubbing to warm them, then he slipped her glove onto that one, before he was rubbing and blowing hot air onto her left. As he rubbed her fingers, he carefully slipped a little something onto her finger there, and placed a kiss onto the diamond ring there, waiting for her to realize the addition. Especially as that glove was not put on.

Cotton:
She really was enjoying the ride, even if it was a little cold out. At least her fluffy fur and hair helped keep her warm, not to mention the clothing both Tulip and Cupcake had instructed she wear. Cotton chuckled at the thought and how much they fussed over her well-being. She was blind, but not helpless. She had managed without them for quite a while before she’d met them. Still, it was such a nice feeling knowing they cared for her so much.

When the driver stopped, she lifted her head from its resting place on Cupcake’s shoulder. “Oh, yay!” she squeaked at the offer of hot cocoa. She loved hot cocoa; and it even had marshmallows in it, just the way she liked it! “Thank you!” she eagerly spoke, taking hold of the warm cup. It was a welcome feeling on her chilled fingers. She didn’t want to say anything though; it had only been a minor discomfort. She sipped her chocolate, so as not to burn the roof of her mouth or tongue. Still, it seemed to cool much faster than if she’d been sitting at home. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted… at least could enjoy it and drink it faster at the same time.

Cupcake knew that the cold was getting bitter as the night drew on, and she silently thanked him as he warmed up her hands. She welcomed the warming breath and the comfort of the soft glove. When he left her left hand, however, she was a bit puzzled. And why did her ring finger feel like there was something on it? A confused expression stole over her face and she took off the glove that’d been so lovingly placed on her hand not a moment before. With her right hand she carefully felt the cool metal and gem that now encircled her finger. A look of surprise struck her. “Oh…” she began quietly. “Oh… Oh, C-Cupcake? Is… is this what I think it is?!” Her voice cracked, not sure if she should cry out of happiness or shout her excitement to the whole world.

Cupcake:
Oh good, she’d noticed he’d deliberately left her left hand ungloved. He watched her face intently, as the realization washed over her, and he couldn’t help but feel relieved that she was apparently happy by the addition of that ring to her finger!

Taking her hands in his own he held them both close, pressing soft kisses to her fingertips. “Cotton, I’ve not been able to think of anyone but you since that day I met you in the café. I wanted to grow up as quickly as I could, so I could hopefully have a chance at dating you…and now…I don’t want to spend my life without you. Will you marry me sweetheart?” his own voice cracked softly as the sound of the sleighbells filled the air, the horses tossing their heads about as he waited for her answer.

He held his breath, waiting for confirmation in some way as he kept her hands held and warm within his own. He couldn’t stop staring at her, thinking yet again just how utterly beautiful she was, and just how lucky he was to be a part of her life. She’d saved him, after he lost his trainer, kept his soul from falling apart. He didn’t know what he’d do if she said no.

Cotton:
Saying no was the furthest thing in Cotton’s mind. As he held her hands in his, and as he spoke all her will power was being used to keep herself from crying. Still, her eyes began to water and her lip began to tremble as he continued. By the end, she was speechless. She knew if she even tried to utter a single syllable, the tears that contented themselves on the edges of her lashes would begin tumbling down her cheeks.

The sleigh bells and the sound of the nervousness in his voice, however, were the last push she needed. Tears began flowing and she pulled her hands from his to cover her mouth. She nodded vigorously, still unable to speak for once in her life and threw herself on to him. Her arms wrapped around him tightly as she sobbed, so extremely happy. She nuzzled her face deeply into his neck managed and soft, squeaky, “Yes!”

Cupcake:
He could see the tears forming in her eyes, and he would have reached up to brush a thumb under them to catch the yet to fall droplets but he instead waited, not wanting to break the moment as he continued to wait, even if she couldn’t see him looking away from her, or anything else. This was important after all!

Her reaction thawed him and his arms wrapped around her tightly and pulled her close, a pleased laugh coming from him as he let out a whoop of delight and a “SHE SAID YES!!” the driver hearing that began to slowly move the sleigh again, reversing the path they’d taken, and before long they were pulling up in front of the house they’d left a mere hour ago. “Lets go inside and warm up a little, and then you’d better call Tulip and tell her your answer to me. She’s been as excited about this as I have been since I told her I was planning to propose to you.” He paid and tipped the driver handsomely, before he kissed his girlfriend…no fiance deeply as he lifted her into his arms, and starting for their house, grinning like an idiot. He couldn’t remember ever being happier than he was now!

Cotton:
The Flaffbat managed a choked laugh as Cupcake shouted his excitement, repeating her answer with all the enthusiasm he could muster. The whole night had been so lovely; it was like it was right out of a movie. The ride home even seemed to be a blur as her mind raced and replayed what had happened not moments before.

If Cotton had a spiteful grain in her body, she’d probably be mad at her best friend for keeping something so big, like this a secret. But all she could think about was how happy she was and that her and Cupcake were going to get married and that they’d have to start making wedding plans. It was all so surreal.

The call to Tulip didn’t feel anymore real, there was so much squealing and cheering and happy crying. It also lasted over an hour, but seemed like only a few minutes. It wasn’t until she could hear Tillie complaining about the noise in the background that the whole thing seemed to click. She hung up, promising to come over to the house sometime the next day to show off the ring.

Sitting on the bed, Cotton fiddled with the ring on her finger, feeling the delicate cuts. She could tell it was meant to look like a flower, and although she couldn’t see it, she could feel how it looked well enough.

This had to be the happiest day of her life, by far.

Cupcake:
He had let her gush to Tulip while he put up their extras from the sleigh ride, and closed the house up for the night while he went about getting the small cake he’d brought home cut up and served, bringing her a slice on a plate and a fork, and bending to kiss her softly. “Some dessert to celebrate our engagement, then some cuddling to warm us up, and then if you want I’ll make us some dinner.” He settled on the bed nest to her and leaned in to kiss her neck softly. “I love you so much Cotton.” He wished Kelsie were alive to see this moment, but she had plenty of family he could inform. Eventually. He didn’t see them much anymore, by choice. It was just easier on himself that way. For now, he opted to focus on the gorgeous creature next to him, and nothing more.

Cotton:
“Oh, dessert before dinner? You spoil me!” She kissed him back on the cheek as she accepted the cake and he sat next to her. “I love you so much too, Cupcake.” Her voice cracked a bit and she took a bite cake to keep herself from crying a third time. She nosed him on the cheek affectionately. “You’re the best thing in my life… but don’t tell Tulip, she’d be so mad!” She chuckled. “I’m so glad we found each other.” She finished her cake and wrapped an arm around his waist as she waited for him to finish as well. “Oh, this night as been so perfect, and cuddling and dinner sounds to lovely!”

Cupcake:
“There’s still plenty we can have after dinner if you want, but I thought a little snack wouldn’t be so bad.” He brushed his hand through her hair laughing softly at her asking him not to tell that to Tulip. “My lips are sealed, I won’t tell her you said that.” Once his plate was done, he set them both on the side table to wash up later, and pulled her close kissing her again softly. “Now, some cuddling to warm up, and then dinner.” He licked a bit of frosting from her lips with a smile as he settled back on the bed holding her close. Yep, his life was pretty perfect now.

Not What You Were Expecting?

It had been a couple weeks since Cotton Candy had married the love of her life, Cupcake. They were still living in martial bliss and had used their Christmas holiday time as their honeymoon. Neither was particularly adventurous, so they’d spent the majority of the time at home, cuddling under a blanket, and watching movies. They’d also added another activity to their lives that was new to the both of them; but it didn’t matter since they were madly in love. They were enjoying their solitude and Cotton was dreading going back to work and confronting Tulip about ditching all the wedding planning.

But the day was here when they both had to return to their respective jobs. Cotton clung on to the goodbye hug and kiss that Cupcake gave her before he headed to the bakery. She waved him off, a little sadness in her heart at seeing him leave. This was the first time they were going to be more than a room apart since they’d said their vows. Cotton silently hoped it wasn’t going to be a long day.

She winced as a twinge hit her stomach. That was weird, she thought as she headed back inside their cozy little apartment. She took a few more steps and her stomach churned, causing her to double over. Not good! She hurried to the downstairs bathroom, just in time to just all the sick in the toilet. Worried more than disgusted, she flushed it away and cleaned up. That seemed to come out of nowhere. She thought back on what she’d eaten the past day, but there was nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing should be making her sick like this. And for it to come on so suddenly; it was definitely worrisome.

Cotton’s first instinct was to call Cupcake. She hurried to the house phone that was about to dial the number for the bakery when she paused. Best not to bother him until she had in idea of what it was, not to mention that he probably wasn’t even there yet. It’d only been a few minutes since he left.

Her next thought was to call Tulip, but she was probably on her way to work with Tillie. Cotton sighed; everyone was busy. She swallowed hard, resigning to call and make a doctor’s appointment. If she felt better, she could always cancel, she thought. So, she dialed the number for her family doctor and got a spot as soon as she could. It was a few weeks out, but at least it was something. And she would let Cupcake know as soon as she got home from work. Speaking of, she needed to get ready!

~*~

The following days and weeks passed and she got worse. It had started a just a little bit of an upset stomach here and there, maybe throwing up a couple mornings, to something more frequent and intense. She was beginning to feel nauseous everyday, as soon as she woke up. It would subside around lunchtime, which she was thankful for. Missing out on breakfast was causing her to have a voracious appetite when she could manage to eat something. And despite the sickness, she seemed to be gaining weight. She was thankful her doctor’s appointment was the next morning. And poor Cupcake, he was running himself ragged trying to find something, anything to help! Cotton felt so bad for her sweet husband and promised to let him know right away what was causing her so much discomfort.

The two left the house at the same time; Cupcake gently hugging his wife, careful to not upset her already delicate tummy. She assured him several times over that she’d be fine on her way there and promised again to come directly to the bakery after the appointment and tell him everything. Cotton was thankful to have such a caring spouse, but she wished he wouldn’t fret so. He would worry himself sick if he wasn’t careful.

They parted ways once the door to their apartment was locked and goodbyes were said; Cupcake had to go one way and Cotton another. A brisk wind gently blew along, rustling the tree branches as Cotton walked along. Her stomach wasn’t bothering her too bad this morning, she even manage to eat some toast. She chattered away, careful to have some sound going so that she could “see” where she was headed. It was still too early for the normal hustle and bustle of the city to do any good.

Once she stepped into the doctor’s office, the sterile smell caused her stomach to turn. She groaned, taking deep breathes, trying to calm it rather than having to run to the bathroom. It worked, but it gurgled in protest a few times before settling down. With that out of the way, she approached the Receptionist at the counter in front of her. It was a small office, but Cotton liked it that way. All the staff knew all the patients and they were always friendly and cheerful.

The woman behind the desk gave Cotton an inquisitive look as she approached. “Don’ look like yer us’l self t’day, dearie.” She was an older woman that had been there since before Cotton was a Pokemon and was coming in with her trainer. “Wassa matta?” she asked, bringing a clipboard and pen into view to jot notes. “And da us’l info fer when ya come in fer checkups.” Cotton responded with her name, birth date, and then what issues she was having and for how long. At the listing of symptoms, a knowing smile crossed the old woman’s face. “A’ight, thank ya dear. Go ‘head an’ have a seat, Dr. Jones’ll see ya in a bit.”

Cotton thanked the receptionist and had a seat, rubbing her stomach and trying to coax it to behave. She had missed the smile the woman had and was not missing the excited, yet hushed gossiping she was doing with one of the nurses that had taken Cotton’s file to the back. It wasn’t long before Dr. Jones, a man well in his sixties, opened the waiting room door and called Cotton to the back.

“So, you’ve been having morning sickness, eh?” he grinned and spoke slowly once in the room and Cotton had hopped on to the examining table. The closed the door behind them and shuffled over to a chair facing Cotton.

“Oh, yes, I’ve been sick almost every morning.” Cotton responded, not taking the hint.

The old man chuckled softly and wagged a finger at the Flaffbat. “Sometimes I think you have cotton candy in you skull, young lady,” he joked, all in good humor. “I’ll ask ya again. Are you having morning sickness?” There was a very thick emphasis on the words. He smiled at Cotton as she processed what he was saying, her mouth parting as the words, just above a whisper, slipped out, “Pregnant?” “Well, that’d be my opinion, but I’d like to do some tests to be sure. After that, we’ll discuss options.”

The rest of the visit went by in a blur. She remembered them drawing blood and doing a few other tests. Then the nurses all came in with congratulatory words and various pregnancy pamphlets. Another appointment was set up, this time with the clinic’s pregnancy specialist. And she was sure other things happened, but she just couldn’t process it all. She didn’t even realize she was back outside until a gust of cold air hit her in the face, causing her to come to. “Oh…. I need to tell Cupcake!” a smile burst forth and she hurried to the bakery.