Night settled slowly. Outside the window, a biting wind was already blowing, and a layer of condensation had formed on the glass.
In the brightly lit hall, the Pokémon gathered on the living room carpet.
Gary brought out his stock again and piled the Pokéblocks into a little mountain on the picnic blanket laid out in the living room.
The big and little Pokémon huddled together, eating dinner and chatting happily.
Togetic ran all over the place with Jirachi. Dusknoir, who was in charge of babysitting, was drenched in cold sweat, terrified that the two little darlings might bump into something or hurt themselves.
Dusknoir: Was my senior's usual job really this difficult...? To think he could handle such complicated work. That's Senior Gengar for you...
On the coffee table facing the home theater sat a steaming pot of soup. The white bone broth was already bubbling away.
Lorelei and Gardevoir helped carry over the prepared seasonal vegetables and meat dishes, setting them on the table.
Young Master Mao took off his apron, wiped his hands, and came into the living room. With the heating off, the villa wasn't particularly warm on these nights after the start of winter. It was even a little cool.
"Dinner's ready! Just dip whatever you want to eat into the pot." Sitting cross-legged on the sofa, Young Master Mao covered himself with a blanket.
Smiling, Lorelei drew her lovely legs together and slipped under the blanket with him. Young Master Mao immediately felt something cool, smooth, and soft settle against his side.
"What movie would you like to watch?" Completely oblivious, Lorelei rested her chin on Gary's shoulder as she asked.
"Anything's fine. I like comedies." Gary stared at the beef in the pot and answered casually.
"Comedies? Why?" Lorelei asked curiously. "I feel