[Sylvia Lane]

Sylvia looked expectant as she waited for Sophia to reveal the answer to her question. The thought had occurred her while she was asking that the other girl may just have a Pokemon in her team that landed in the Flying egg group. She somewhat regretted asking without considering the question a bit more, but thankfully this was discounted fairly quickly – she hadn’t dabbled in the Flying egg group all that much yet. So her question still stood. This, too, was promptly discounted when Sophia released a Pokemon she recognized. A Ditto. Sophia had mentioned using a Ditto in breeding as another option that the fell outside of the assumed limits of breeding.

Her mouth curled into a small, astonished ‘o’ while she took in the rest of Sophia’s explanation, “Now that is curious,” she breathed, now looking down at the Ditto. “To think that such a cute blob had those capabilities. I’m impressed…if not bewildered.” she laughed softly. But although soft, her laughter was apparently loud enough to stir the Noibat in her arms out of his sleep. His eyes fluttered open and looked around drowsily for a moment. Then, realizing that everyone’s attention was on the ground, he followed suit, dropping his unsteady gaze down to the Ditto. He stared for a moment, squinting, clearly unsure of what to make of it.

Meanwhile, Winnie had hopped back to her feet. She, too, wasn’t entirely sure what to make of what she was looking at right now. Her signature grin had shrunk slightly, and she was tilting her head from side to side, examining the Larvesta. Then, without warning, she waddled over and took a seat right up against the warm bug. She let out a long, content sigh as she relished in the warmth he gave off and shut her eyes. Since she couldn’t tease him, she could at least get some use out of him.

“Well now that I’ve learned something new, and our terms have been solidified,” Sylvia started, the excited smile from before lighting up her face as she looked at Sophia. “Shall we begin?”

[Sophia Schuster]

Silk had entirely adapted to. . . whatever it was that his current position was. Then again, he didn't seem to have too many goals at that point in time. He'd be put to use in the near future, though. Of that, he was sure. There was always something that could use some nice, hot buggy loving. For now, it seemed like that Wooper was going to be receiving the radiating waves of love warmth.

”Certainly. Let's just head up to the front desk and take care of the official business. After that, the. . . busybody bits.” It was breeding, and it was a professional field, but it was still something awkward to just say in a conversation when the actual act was coming up. It was like newlyweds, in a way. They could joke about the sex, when but the actual act was coming up, both parties usually got bashful and embarrassed. At least, if fiction was anything to go by.

Some time and some hot, steamy action later.

”Now then.” Sophia let out a slight sigh as she finally situated the new eggs in her grasp. Cotton, the Flaaffy, stood by her side, also holding two. The fifth was nestled- trapped?- in Silk's mane. Somehow. Maybe some Larvesta-specific adhesives? Sophia wasn't going to question it. She was still wondering how Dittos fit in with basic physics, so there was still plenty to consider before that.

”Like I said, I'll take care of the hatching part for now, if only because I can cut the time down with Silk. I'll likely call you and invite you to my room around the time they're ready to hatch. At that time, I'll have the others ready, too.” She shifted a bit until she managed to sit at a nearby bench, then she smiled up at Sylvia. ”And, to think, you came here for information, and, instead, you got a promotion.” Her laughter was neither teasing nor jocular, but almost praising. Despite the fact Sophia had contributed, it was still Sylvia's choice to accept the terms and engage in the activities.

”Well, after they hatch. Still, the groundwork is completed, at least.”

[Sylvia Lane]

Sylvia couldn’t help laughing along with Sophia. It really had been a very strange, but welcome turn of events. If she had decided to stop by even a little earlier or later, things may not have turned out the way they had. Considering how often the other girl frequents the breeding center, though, she probably would’ve had a conversation with her at some point. But would they have had the same conversation? Having gotten the information from the staff by that point, she probably wouldn’t have had the same degree of urgency to learn more from her.

“I’ll leave you to the hatching process, then,” she clasped her hands behind her and smiled down at her. “It looks as though you have enough hands for carrying those eggs, but if you do happen to need an extra pair, I’d be happy to assist you.”

Sylvia fell silent after saying this. The corners of her mouth curved downward into a thoughtful frown, “Also, and this is a bit off-topic, but since everything is settled for the time being I suppose it’s fine,” A smile returned to her face. A kind and slightly hopeful smile. “I know this qualifies us as business partners, but I can’t help feeling that leaving it at that would feel a little…cold. So I hope you’ll, um…also find it in your heart to see me as a friend as well.”

Her immediate reflex was to stick her hand out, but she resisted. Force of habit. It wouldn’t make much sense at all to shake the hand of a person you were trying to make friends with. She probably already seemed pretty strange from Sophia’s perspective – no need to show anymore of her quirks. To distract herself, she tugged at a strand of her hair and looked at her feet, “So, feel free to use that number I gave you to message me outside of business matters. O-Only if the impulse hits you, of course!” she added quickly, holding up her hands.

[Sophia Schuster]

Ah, Sylvia was a nice kid. It was probably odd, or even rude, for Sophia to think that way, since their ages couldn't have been more than a year or two apart at most- and Sylvia might have even been the older of the two! But, still. Such a polite and friendly kid. It was for that reason that she had a twisted desire to tease her. Nothing harsh. Just enough to get a momentary start out of the girl. Of course, she'd quickly rectify the issue.

”Why, whatever are you talking about, Sylvia? This is a one-time venture, unless you want to become partners.” Her smile was impish. ”So our business dealings will be over after this, unless you seek to follow them up.” She purposefully let a pause sink in before her smile turned playful- noticeably warmer than that purely mischievous curl of the lips. ”Of course, while I do mean that, I wouldn't be lying, either, if I said I had had every intention of pursuing contact afterward, as well, business or no.” She wasn't sure if her words had the teasing impact she had sought after, but, either way, she was sure her following words conveyed her desires.

”If nothing else, we're classmates in a variety of subjects. It'd be good if we could get along. Of course, I don't think we'll have any issues doing just that.” She relaxed, letting either egg sit at her sides. ”Rest assured, I'll be certain to use that number plenty when I'm not busy doing research.” She stuck her tongue out ever so slightly.

”Regardless of whether it was business or not, I wouldn't contact someone on my personal phone if I didn't feel comfortable with it, after all.” Then, Sophia tilted her head to the side. ”I won't bite, though. That's more of Silk's thing. Don't worry. No need to act so nervous.” She was pleased with her joke. After all, the Larvesta knew Bug Bite.

[Sylvia Lane]

Sylvia wasn’t usually this ruffled when bringing up the topic of friendship. In fact, Sylvia couldn’t recall very many times where she had to actually offer such a thing. For her, friendships either occur in one of two ways – either immediately after conversing with a compatible person, or gradually over a series of interactions. Either way, these things happened without actually making an offer. But, because the two of them had met under semi-serious circumstances, she felt that it was necessary for her to voice her desire for friendship. It occurred to her suddenly as she waited for a response, wringing her hands, that she may have come off a bit strange again. Oh well…

One time venture? Those three words made her heart sink down to her stomach. Before she could recover from the blow, Sophia shot a few more at her. Over…? The cold air of business wafted around Sophia’s words, chilly enough that Sylvia almost felt as though she was going to shiver in response. So, she thought, smiling sadly, there relationship couldn’t move past simply sharing a project. Not only that, but she had made the assumption that they were actually business partners – that they actually had a bond to begin with. How unfortunate.

Shame crashed over her, but she was careful to keep it from her face. Instead, she smiled an apologetic smile before opening her mouth to say something. But what could she say in response to that? Yes, please let’s continue working together? Just so she could continue conversing with her? A laugh almost rumbled in her chest. But, thankfully, Sophia saved her from saying anything stupid. Saved her from wallowing in her sadness, in fact. Sylvia blinked while listening – so she did want to keep in contact? Business or no?

For a few moments, she could only listen in silence as Sophia continued. All the while, her heart gradually swelled with reassurance and happiness. By the time she’d finished, a blinding smile lit up her face. “Oh, I’m so glad,” she breathed. She placed her hands on her cheeks, as if to keep her smile from breaching the confines of her face. “I’ll be sure to refrain from sending you too many messages, then, in case you’re busy.” She nodded, then added after a beat of silence. “T-Thank you.”

[Sophia Schuster]

Sophia had to tilt her head slightly at being shown gratitude. She wasn't entirely sure why something simple like that was worth a word of thanks. Had her attempt to scare her been that terrible? Doubtful, but, either way, she wouldn't touch too much on the issue. She just smiled slightly. Then, slowly, she shook her head. Ah, she wasn't normally meddlesome, she just felt like she needed to say something. It wasn't guilt, either. She just had an urge.

”You shouldn't be too afraid.” She slowly nodded. ”I won't ask, or assume, what things were like at your home, but the world. . . is filled with people of all sorts.” She folded her hands together in her lap. ”Maybe I'm meddling, but you seemed. . . especially distraught for a moment. And then your gratitude. I'd like to think there are other, normal people that won't be mean for no reason. I'm sure you'll find some more friends here.” She nodded.

”Just be sure to try your best, okay?” And that was all a person could do- and all she needed to say. Those that tried were rewarded for their efforts, in a number of ways. ”That was probably annoying, though, so if I said something unnecessary, just forget it.” She stuck her tongue out and winked.

[Sylvia Lane]

Sylvia resisted the urge to flinch when Sophia mentioned her previous distraught. Had she let herself be that easily read? The thought was an unnerving one considering how she always tried to conceal emotions like that. It seems as though her guard had slackened in the face of her excitement - that would most definitely not do. But she was grateful for Sophia's assurance that she wouldn't pry. Her life back home hadn't been...unbearable. A bit lonely. A bit suffocating, yes. But it hadn't been awful, she chanted to herself, as usual.

But yes. There were so many different types of people out in the world. She'd learned that back at home, when she was away from home, that is, and she was learning that even more rapidly as she spent her time at the academy. She was always overjoyed to meet other people for that very reason. It was almost abnormal. Meeting Sophia was a prime example of why she loved it so much. She was immensely glad that the two of them had met.

Sylvia's smile toned down to a simpler one as Sophia's words of encouragement met her ears. She let out a light laugh, then gave her head at her following remark and the added wink, "It wasn't annoying at all. I'm just a little too sensitive today, it seems." Then, she gave Sophia a wink of her own. "I'd rather not forget a single moment of our meeting if possible."

She glanced up at a clock that hung above reception then, "I suppose I've held you long enough, though. I...hope I didn't ruin any time sensitive plans that you may have had," There was a touch of concern there, and it reflected in her eyes.

[Sophia Schuster]

Well, it seemed like there was nothing extensive done. In terms of damage, anyway. Sylvia seemed like she'd be fine. And then she tried to be playful, leaving herself open to teasing once again. Fortunately, Sophia wasn't a terrible person. At least, she was convinced that she wasn't. That was why she'd just give the girl a tiny bit of innocent teasing in addition before departing.

”Well, I suppose I'm running a little late for saving the world, but it'll work out one way or the other.” Her smile was mischievous, but not cold in the least. ”But, no. When I have something I need to do, you'll likely know it. It's one of my. . . faults.” Slowly, she stood, carefully carrying the eggs in her hands once more.

”But, yes. Let's go ahead and part ways for now. I'll call you when they're about ready to hatch. Though. . . you'll likely see more than just these by that time.” Her ambitions waited for nobody. The last batch had been around eight or so total. Before that, three. Maybe the next would be more than a dozen? That'd be a laugh.

”Regardless, I'm happy to have met you today, Sylvia. And not just because of our exchange, either. I hope you have a pleasant evening.” Though they had been on friendly terms, the maiden still bowed slightly. It was formal- more so than anything she offered Seraphina, for certain- but she felt it was appropriate. Naturally, that smile never left her face.

[Sylvia Lane]

Sylvia couldn't help smiling admirably at Sophia. She wasn't surprised to hear that she predicted her egg numbers to increase by the time the two of them reconvened. So far, she had made it clear that she was aiming to be the best. Or, at the very least, the best that she could possibly be. She really liked that attitude, and felt that she could learn from it. That isn't to say that she didn't hold ambitions of her own. But, somehow, she felt as though Sophia's were on a more elevated level.

She returned Sophia's bow with a small one of her own. A small glimmer of joy flicked on in her heart again at hearing her parting words.Although she was assured now that her presence hadn't left the other girl feeling too unpleasant, it was nice to hear that it had even pleased her in some way. It comforting, knowing that she wasn't the only one feeling that way.

"I hope your evening is pleasant as well. Despite having world saving on your agenda," she smiled sweetly, then started to to turn. "I'll be leaving first, then. I've learned quite a bit from you today, but I think I'll see if reception can direct me to any books that I may be able to check out for studying tonight."

Her eyes darted over to the clock again. Quite a bit of time had passed - it wouldn't be long before evening began to set in. That didn't leave her with too much time to gather sources, but she'd take what she could get, "Until next time, then, Sophia," Still smiling, she gave her hand a small wave before turning and walking towards the reception desk.