[ greetings, Route. you may or many not be experiencing brainbreak at this moment, because Suzaku looks pretty happy. smiling and everything! great googly-mooglies, I know. he doesn't seem to be aware that he's being recorded, currently encased in a pile of Pokemon--Persian, Growlithe, Togetic, Riolu, Kingler, Skitty. the whole team. you betcha.
they're off to the side in the Violet Pokemon Center, catching a few glances with what appears to be a celebration. ]
You all did great; thanks for all the hard work. I'm proud of you.
[ there's a chorus of Poke-cries from his team and that cuddle puddle wiggles a little, lasting on the screen until Scuttle the Kingler accidentally steps on the 'Gear. ]
[ and about half an hour later, Suzaku appears again, back to his Serious Business self--although there is definitely still a trace of exhilaration in his eyes as he holds up his trophy: ]
I was able to earn the Zephyr Badge, after a lot of training. It was a close battle, but my team pulled through. ... I didn't expect it to be so--thrilling.
[ looking a little doubtful at his choice of words, but he doesn't know how else to describe the feeling, still wearing off even though the challenge ended some time ago. as he tucks his badge away again, he begins to look even more unsure, glancing almost shyly toward the screen. ]
Yukari, Matsumoto-san... do you feel up to dinner tonight? I'll pay, of course.