If it wasn't obvious, Slice of Life is a big theme here.
Don't forget to drop some power stones!
*****
"Oh, I'm sure Lillie is a deep sleeper. You can turn on some music, right?", Serena asked.
"I will. I did that on the way here. Got a genre preference?", Ricky asked. He wasn't too sure of the music Serena likes, so he decided to be direct and asked her.
"Smooth jazz.", Serena instantly replied.
"Haha! Got it. Some Jazz music coming right up.", Ricky replied with a laugh. Perhaps this was Serena's way of wanting to set the mood for what was to come later? He wasn't sure. Still, he listened to Serena's request, and he switched to a popular jazz icon. The car soon was filled with classy music. Serena took this time to lean back in her seat, and turned silent, wanting to enjoy the car ride.
Ricky wanted to do the same, but he had to keep his hands behind the wheel, following the rules of the road.
"Just make sure not to fall asleep, okay? If you do, we won't be able to do what you want.", Ricky said, teasing Serena.
"I am very well aware of that.", Serena replied with a giggle. She knew to stay awake, so she made herself at home inside the car, and enjoyed some sightseeing in Viridian City. She has been to Kanto a couple times before this unlike Lillie, so the sights weren't as new to her. She still enjoyed what she saw, a very vibrant and colorful nightlife. Many folks were out having fun, happily chatting away or drinking with their friends. There wasn't a single Team Rocket member they saw during the ride.
The thirty-five minutes passed by uneventfully, and before long, a gigantic hotel atop a windy hill came into view. There were still some cars going in and out of the hotel, likely having returned from being out and about for the day.
"Sheesh, this place really is ginormous. It's a shame we can't stay here forever.", Serena said, admiring how big the hotel complex was.
"Right? I even got us a room on the upper floors. It has its own veranda to enjoy Viridian City's view. Lillie and I used it earlier to share a drink. I can share a drink with you too, if you want.", Ricky suggested.
"You two shared a drink? Now it's starting to make sense why Lillie's passed out. She probably isn't a heavy drinker. I am not sure if I am one, but I'll pass on the drinks. I don't want that to spoil our fun. I want this to be a night we remember.", Serena replied, smiling at Ricky.
"Serena...", Ricky uttered. His heart thumped seeing Serena's heartfelt smile. If they were going to truly do "that", it would seem Serena wants to remember it all. If they shared a drink over it, that could potentially make her mind foggy, so Ricky understood where she was coming from. Ricky nodded his head.
"No drinks it is. We'll be heading into the garage shortly. The elevator won't be too far away.", Ricky explained.
"Got it.", Serena said. Just like that the two continued along, driving into the hotel's basement, where the garage was. Most spots were filled, but the upper floors were able to reserve a parking spot, unlike the lower floors. Once Ricky saw his spot untouched, he pulled in. Coming to a complete halt, Ricky powered down his car, and the two proceeded to step out. Ricky then got Serena's bags, and carried them for her.
Serena thanked Ricky, and the two went to the nearest elevator, and went all the way up to the floor Ricky had checked a room out.
"Lillie should still be sleeping. Amber and Snowy are also sleeping, so try not to make too much noise, okay?", Ricky warned Serena.
"Got it.", Serena said. She heard the ID Card reader sound off, surprising her as it did to Lillie earlier. The card Ricky used verified their IDs, and the hotel room unlocked. Opening the door, Serena was able to see the inside. Two bedrooms, an entire kitchen, and a bathroom attached at the side. A large desk could be seen off to the left with a large TV attached to it. The two beds were to the right. Serena saw some bags and suitcases placed down already. Ricky headed inside, and placed Serena's bags down next to theirs.
Once Serena got comfortable, she was quick to both beds being occupied, just like Ricky had stated. To their surprise, they saw Lillie now propped up against the bed, and was no longer curled inside the covers. Even the TV was currently on.
"Lillie!", Serena happily said, seeing the platinum-blonde haired girl now awake. It was closing on 1AM now, but Lillie could presently be seen awake. Serena rushed over near the side of the bed, and greeted her.
"We didn't wake you, did we?", Ricky asked, seeing Lillie awake now. It would seem she was just enjoying some quiet time to herself while watching the TV. Not a lot of shows were on, considering the present time, but she was able to find a program to enjoy.
"You didn't. I woke up not too long ago. I knew you would be back with Serena, so I didn't go into a full sleep yet. I am feeling much better than before. It really is nice to see you again, Serena.", Lillie happily responded, greeting her.
"Uh-huh. From now on, it's going to be the three of us!", Serena responded.
"That sounds nice...", Lillie uttered. Serena meant what she said. They were about to start a whole new adventure, and it was going to be together, with all three of them! Even Ricky was happy at the notion. Sure, travelling around alone did offer its own fun, but it was also fun to go on a journey with a group. Ash had different travelling partners, depending on the regions he went to. Here in Kanto, he would travel around with the first and second Gym Leaders, Brock and Misty.
That hasn't happened yet, so Brock should still be the Gym Leader of Pewter City. Misty likely wasn't the Gym Leader of Cerulean City yet, considering she would assume that post later on in the anime. Right now, the Gym Leader, or in this case, Gym Leaders, should be Misty's three sisters.
It would be cool to see if all three of Misty's sisters would challenge the three of them at the same time. That would be a fun Gym battle!
Thinking that, Ricky looked at Lillie.
"At least you're feeling better. You were super tired after we enjoyed the view outside. Don't push yourself, okay? If you want to go back to sleep, you can. I have this room booked for Tuesday too, which is today now. We don't have to head to Pallet Town until tomorrow.", Ricky explained.
"We have this room for today too?", Lillie asked, surprised.
"We sure do. That means we can play around later and go see the rest of this place! Ricky said you already had a look around some areas, but this hotel his massive. I'm sure you haven't explored the entire thing yet.", Serena wondered.
"I didn't. We mostly checked out the bottom floor, and enjoyed a buffet. There's still a lot left unexplored. I also heard there is a large pool on the rooftop. Given the time, I don't mind going for a dip.", Lillie said.
"A rooftop pool? Now that sounds nice.", Serena replied with a nod.
"You two have your bathing suits, right?", Ricky asked.
"Uh-huh. I made sure to pack mine.", Lillie nodded with a firm nod.
"Me too. I don't know if we'll get a lot of chances to use them, considering there aren't many bodies of water in Kanto compared to other regions, but it would be foolish not to take one entirely. Taking a dip later in the day does sound nice.", Serena nodded.
"We'll plan for that then. For the time being, if you are more awake now Lillie, you should go freshen up in the bathroom. I had realized we had that little bit of fun without taking a shower after. I already had mine, but you passed out before you could take yours.", Ricky explained.
"Oh I was very aware of that after I woke up. I was pretty sweaty when I did. It was good that you weren't around. I already took the liberty to take a shower while you went to pick up Serena.", Lillie said. Her cheeks turned slightly red out of embarrassment. Ricky paused, and observed Lillie. He could see that her hair was still slightly wet.
On the other hand, Serena revealed a playful smile after she heard Lillie say that.
"Sweaty huh? That wouldn't happen to relate to the fun you shared with Ricky earlier, does it?", Serena teased, causing Lillie to stare at her.
"E-Eh?", Lillie responded, not expecting Serena to suddenly ask that. She only glanced back at Ricky. Ricky simply nodded his head.
"Serena knows about how we advanced our relationship earlier. I told her.", Ricky explained.
"So Serena knows...", Lillie uttered, shifting her eyes back at Serena.
"I do. Sorry I teased you back there. Ricky told me everything. I'm surprised you were able to muster the courage to do that!", Serena explained.
"It was scary at the beginning, but I was able to overcome it. Since you know what happened "back there", do you have interest in it, Serena?", Lillie decided to ask. Serena smiled hearing that question.
"Of course. Just like how you resolved yourself, I too have come to a resolution. It won't be long until we start doing something naughty~", Serena teased again.
"D-Doing something naughty...Like, right here?", Lillie questioned with a surprised look. Her cheeks turned red hearing that.
"That's the plan. We were going to move to a different spot if you were still asleep, but you're awake now. I don't mind doing it next to the bed.", Ricky suggested.
"That doesn't sound half bad. This will depend on you though, Lillie. Do you want to go back to bed? If you do, we'll change areas.", Serena questioned.
"You two are serious...", Lillie uttered in surprise. It wasn't just Serena who was suggesting such a thing, even Ricky was now. Still, Lillie was quick to answer. "But I don't mind. I won't be disturbed if you do such a thing near the bed. I don't have a lot of energy still, so don't expect me to join in. If it is really going to turn that way, I do want to watch.", Lillie continued to utter. Her blushing remained on her cheeks.
"Oh?", Serena questioned, not expecting Lillie to say that. "If it's a show you want, then it is a show you will get~", Serena teased.
"Don't make things hard on Lillie, Serena.", Ricky retorted.
"I know that. But seeing as you two already got freshened up, is it okay if I go ahead and do that real quick? We didn't have a shower on that flight so I'm really smelly, like you were.", Serena said as she glanced at Lillie.
"Be my guest. We'll proceed with this conversation once you're cleaned up.", Ricky responded. Lillie also nodded, and became quiet again.
Serena was quick to do what she had just said. She immediately went to go hop into the bathroom, and it didn't take long for the sound of running water to reach their ears. Ricky knew what was going to come next. Lillie just watched on, staring at Ricky with swirling thoughts of her own. She wasn't going to join in on the fun that is to come this time. She didn't have much energy, and was still very tired. At most, she wanted to watch the resolution that Serena reached.
For the time being, Serena was well underway in taking a hot and relaxing shower. Lillie decided to bury herself into the covers, making her body extra warm and cozy. Ricky took this time to unwind and calm down, taking a seat near the edge of the bed. He didn't have anywhere else to go for the evening. The sands of time began to churn again without them knowing. Ricky's gaze shifted to where the TV was, trying to find something interesting to watch.***
*
Were you readers able to find the ***?
That means, go check out Patre0n ! Sadly, lemon scenes are now locked over there, but I made it super cheap. I might add a Chapter 0.5 in Vol 0 back over here in the future, where it only displays the lemon scenes taking place.