Behind Closed Doors (Ivy Chateau Workers)

Frappe paces back and forth in the lobby, watched by three sets of mouse eyes and her lounging human at the desk. <Okay.> She says into the air, pausing to take a deep breath. <Let's review.> With a cheerful chirp, she turns towards the trio. <What are we going to do when Ketzal lets them out?> <Say hi!> Talon squeaks, bringing her paws to her cheeks in excitement. <Respect their space, Talon!> Ursa corrects, flicking her tail at Talon to get her attention. <We don't want to come on too strong!> <But we're tiny! If we're quiet they'll look right over us!> She protests, crossing her arms. <Don't call them scary.> Mighty concludes in a hushed tone. <Thank you, Mighty. I know we're excited - I'm excited too! I don't think any of us have even heard of a... whatever they both are before.> Frappe checks with the audience, getting a pair of quick denials and a single head shake. <But they need to feel comfortable, right? So yeah. Respect their space, be friendly...> She gestures to the two as she speaks, finishing with a wince. <...let me go first. Start out of sight, and when you feel ready, come say hi. Does that - can you do that?> <Yeah yeah!> Talon chirped, striking a happy pose. <Ursa and I can spy from the piano bench!> The second mouse gives her a suspicious look, but shrugs and nods. <I... I'll be in the kitchen.> The male mumbles, starting to walk past Frappe. <Yell if something happens.> He gives her a small salute as he passes, the other two assistants quickly breaking rank to scramble to the piano. She looks back at Ketzal, who's once again tapping away at his phone. With a quick chirp his attention is hers again, and she gives him a hesitant thumbs-up. The time it takes him to draw the two Pokeballs from the desk is used to preen, using the comb in her scarf to correct any minor imperfections in her coat. "Whenever you're ready." <You both are ready, right?> She calls over to the grand piano, from behind which come two waving paws that disappear as soon as they appear. <Alright. Okay. Everything's fine, everything's ready, we're prepared for this. They're gonna love this place.> Replacing her comb and running her claws down her cheeks she laughs nervously, giving a quick full-body shake. <Okay!> She cries to Ketzal, determined and smiling. <Do it!> The room glows brightly as the energy beams zig-zag through the air, gathering into two luminous forms in the center of the room.

As soon as the light dispersed from Vales eyes, his posture went from relaxed to nervous. Where was he again? He took a quick look around and relaxed again. Oh, right. The hotel. He shook his head and took a deep breathe in. He did, however, almost jump when He heard Pepper mutter a hello next to him. Pepper, who had noticed the several pokemon in the room, leaned down into a low bow and muttered a hello as politely as he could muster. He did not want to scare them. He leaned up after a minute and glanced at Vale to do the same. Vale, who had seen the glance, tapped his side before bowing elegantly. "Greetings," He started, feeling the pressure of eyes on him made his throat dry up, but still continued, in the pokemon tongue, "I am Vale, and this is Pepper." Pepper smiled. "Who may you be?" Vale asked, looking at everyone one by one. Pepper tilted his head after seeing the pokemon on the piano. Was this a normal occurrence in this hotel? This confused him. He was not used to seeing this.

Pepper's glance would be met by two starry-eyed stares peeking out from opposite sides, and of course the massive ears giving them away. The one on the left ducks back after only a moment, but the one on the right stays her ground, completely focused on Vale. <He's... adorable!> She whispers to her compatriot, who gives some muffled response before pulling her out of sight as well. Ketzal stands silently behind the two, leaning against the wall to watch Frappe's reaction. For her part, she maintains herself rather well, though as the flames follow Pepper's polite gesture, her stance becomes subtly tense. With a forced breath she smiles widely, waiting for their introductions to end before she begins her own. <It's a pleasure to meet you, Vale! And Pepper as well! I'm Frappe, the manager here at the Ivy Chateau!> Their looks askew had not escaped her notice. She points to the piano with some embarrassment. <Aaaand they would be Ursa and Talon, my friends. Them, and Ketzal behind you. He's my friend too!> She fakes a laugh, trying to shake off the nervous energy. The human gives a wave, but clearly isn't interested in running the conversation. <I didn't want you two to be surrounded straight out of your Pokeballs, so I asked them to give us some space... it seems like you're in good spirits though!> She offers, hopeful. <How were your travels?>

Pepper almost laughed at the others comment about Vale. She had not been the first to say something similar. His composure remained, however. He would laugh about it later, when he would comment about it to Vale later that night. He did find it a little awkward to hear about it, though. She had only just met Vale -and she knew nothing of his struggles. Pepper was silently cheering for Vale to keep going but he could tell he was getting overwhelmed. Vale cleared his throat, nodding along to Frappe's words. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He said. Half of his words twisted into the humans' tongue, much to his hatred of it. Clasping his claws together, he calmed himself once more. He looked at Ursa and Talon for a second before looking back to Frappe with a smile. Forcing himself to smile was second nature to him at this point. Having to hide his true emotions and nerves was much easier now than it was a long time ago. Pepper stepped in front of Vale, covering most of his body, as he spoke, "We appreciate it, truly! I will make sure that your generosity will not be unrewarded, though. My friend here, however, is feeling a little overwhelmed, so I will talk for us both." Pepper looked at Vale and nodded. Vale whispered a thank you. Pepper looked at Frappe and smiled warmly, his flames flickering gently on his head. Quickly reminding himself of her question, he paused for a second to thought. "Oh, our travels? They were.. Nice." He glanced at Ketzal, noticing their pokeballs in their hands, and noticed another reason why Vale was nervous. "Sorry. We're not that.. Accustomed to staying in a pokeball. Our trainer hardly has us in them, as we were allowed to roam around freely in his daycare." Vale nodded. "My apologizes, I have nothing more to say on the matter." Pepper felt saddened by this realization. Would it be okay if he would fake it? Would they notice? He was not that good at acting, not like Vale was.

Frappe's reserved disposition seems to melt as the newcomers speak, though the switch in language shocks her just as much as Ketzal. "Ah, nice to meet you too." He only looks up from his phone for a moment while she gasps audibly, awestruck. She tries to cover it up with a single faked cough. <Oh! I completely understand - I...> She releases a shaky breath, rubbing her eyes with a small, but finally genuine, laugh. <Let me back up. I want to apologize for the time you spent in your Pokeball. Originally I wanted to let you all get an idea of what this place was like during the day, but your Trainer said you don't like crowds. So the trade happened a little while earlier, I know. Not... that we're crowded, exactly. But we do have a couple of guests with us today, so I asked Ketzal to wait until they'd turned in for the evening. I'm really sorry if it was uncomfortable, I've never been in one myself. The Orcalot I asked said he didn't mind his, but...> She crosses her arms, her tone disappointed. <We didn't know either way, basically. So I'm sorry for that. It's on me. We won't need them again. But the other thing! I don't want you to feel the need to talk now, or make an impression, or anything like that! If you need some time to get your bearings, please. Take it. Your comfort is important to me, even if I'm not off to the greatest start here. But! That means if there's anything bothering you, you should let me know!> Frappe bites back an excited grin, managing to tame it into a quiet smile. Her paws sit together against her chest, a hopeful lilt to her squeaks. The two mice at the piano peek back out from their cover, one standing to peer over the lid and the other hanging from the right again. The former opens her mouth briefly, preparing to speak, but hesitates.

Vale looked at Ketzal, blinking twice and almost talking to him, before looking at the others again. He noticed the two mice hiding and felt uneasy. Many others who had met them before often hid from them, or ran away screaming. Seeing a demon and a fire beast approaching would be terrifying. It was a logical approach but it still made his heart squeeze. No, no. He shouldn't focus on that. Closing his eyes, he focused on listening to Frappe and Pepper's words. Much better to focus on them. Pepper nodded along to her words. He noticed her change in emotions and felt confused again. "You really shouldn't apologize. You did nothing wrong. It was not your fault of what happened. Our trainer probably thought we would be not kept in a pokeball for very long." He thought of their trainer fretting over this and laughed quietly. If only Frappe knew their trainer was very forgiving. Maybe then she wouldn't feel this way. He'd have to think of a way to make her feel better. Would she even like a fire display? He didn't know. Pepper calmed himself before he got too worked up over it. Shaking his head, he smiled. "I'll be sure to let you know if anything is wrong." He noticed the other wanting to talk and motioned for them to talk. "If you have something you'd like to say, please, go right ahead." He paused, placing his hands in front of him. Was he rude saying that? He sure hoped not. "The metaphorically floor is yours." He said as calmly as he could despite his worries.

Frappe follows the conversation over to the piano, finding the pair of eyes seeking her approval. She nods to them, and then the antics begin. Immediately the right Minccino springs off the side of the bench, only to be snagged by her tail and land unceremoniously in a heap on the ground. She glares up at the hidden figure pinning her to the bench, then kicks off the foot of the piano, propelling herself forward and dragging the attached other Minccino off the bench to join her in the pile on the ground. After a short tussle punctuated by annoyed grunts and squeaks they manage to regain their feet, jogging over to join the group chatting. They keep a safe distance from the pair, but are clearly pleased to be allowed to join. The right Minccino introduces herself eagerly. <Hi hi! Pepper and Vale, right? So nice to meet you! We've been getting ready for your arrival aaaaaall day!> Her quick note ends in an exaggerated curtsy, practically bouncing in place while she waits for her partner's piece. Once the attention shifts to the latter Minccino, she smirks and shakes her head. <Wow Talon, no pressure, right?> Talon rolls her eyes in response, but quickly returns to her excited watch over Vale. <Sorry, we didn't mean to interrupt. But, it seemed weirder to just watch after you know we're there, right?> <You're right.> Frappe agrees, seemingly distracted. <Yeah, exactly. So hi! I'm Ursa! I handle the little things.> She takes a step forward, raising her paw halfway to meeting Pepper's branch, only to very quickly retrace her step and motion. <OH hot! Okay! That-that's real fire, ha ha!> Frappe raises a paw, trying to offer some excuse, but falls short and just ends up brushing her claws through her scarf awkwardly. <That's fine though!> The manager finally adds, turning her gaze back up to the scarecrow. <It's just new to us! We'll get used to it. We've had Fire-types here before, after all. We're ready.> She states with an undeserved certainty.

Pepper grew instantly worried once he realized that his fire had hurt someone. Oh, how awful! Had he forgotten to lower his fire temperature? No, he did. They wouldn't be able to be near him if he didn't.. How odd. "Oh, my goodness I am so sorry! Are you alright? I swear I didn't mean to hurt you, little one!" He leaned down and gently ushered to see the burn, if there was one. "Oh, that must have really hurt.. I am so terribly sorry." Closing his eyes, he focused on condensing his fire and the heat his flames cause to surround his heart and condense it into a protective barrier for it. "Here, now it shouldn't hurt if you touch me." It did make him feel like he was sweating now though. Too hot of fire condensed in one area.. Even he was having troubles dealing with it. Vale had leaned down, too, focused on the conversation. He had gotten enough mental energy to talk again. "Yes, we are Vale and Pepper." He talked in a hushed tone now, speaking the pokemon's tongue once more. "I do apologize for the.. burn. Pepper is quite hot." He paused. "As in.. Temperature wise." He coughed, clearing his throat. Pepper was fretting over such small things. He was standing right next to him, touching him, without troubles. Was this because they grew up together? He didn't know. Vale felt uncertain for his friend's worries. Then again, Pepper was the more emotional of the two. "It's nice to meet you, Ursa." He smiled, hoping it would brighten her mood. He turned towards Frappe and said, "Pepper can control his flames, so there won't be an issue. The little ones we met back in our trainer's daycare climbed all over him without issue." He looked at Pepper and met his gaze for a split second. He was worried over him and Ursa. Pepper felt a wave of worry wash over him. Pinpointing why, he knew that Vale was worried. Over him. How sweet of him. "I'm okay, Vale, I promise. I'm more worried over this little one than any.. Unwanted heat differences it may cause for me." Pepper said and groaned quietly. Pepper tried hiding his face in his arms but struggled. He was jealous of Vale for that ability to move his arms in such a way. "Oh, it's all my fault.. I'm so sorry."

Both of the older Minccino's paws come up, flashing front and back with a quick twist. She quickly tries to interrupt them, replying <Hey hey hey, you didn't hurt me! I'm totally fine, I just thought it was fake! Like an illusion!> She shakes her head, putting a paw on her hip. <You don't have to baby me, I've dealt with far worse in the wild than a pair of friendly strangers.> She pauses, then has to break off a laughing fit with, <Oh, ah, you guys, I've dealt with worse in the KITCHEN! Ah, hahaha!> Talon giggles, adding on, <Yeah, part of our preparations was figuring out if our coat oil is flammable! We all put a paw over the range - and then when we were done testing we started playing snowdrift!> Frappe and Ursa both look down at the smallest mouse. Ursa slaps a paw to her forehead and Frappe replies in a dead tone, <Oh, we're gonna talk about who's allowed to use the oven after this.> <Welllllll, now I do have something to fear here.> Ursa mutters to break the quiet, deliberately too loud. She gives Frappe a bright, innocent smile, then turns back to look up at Pepper. Frappe, while obviously displeased, maintains her polite disposition. <I appreciate the care - it's cute! But yeah, Talon, Mighty, and I are wild, so we've dealt much harder times before coming here. Buuuut, ever since we've teamed up with Miss Frappe here, things have been great! We have accidents here and there, but it's so much better then things were, you know? A normal day here is a beautiful day outside! Soooo... hopefully you come to feel the same way!> She chirps, curtsying and nudging Talon so she follows suit.

Pepper felt relieved after knowing he didn't hurt her. He still made sure to keep his fire condensed and to try and keep his temperature down as much as possible. "I.. Still apologize. Usually, anyone is able to touch me without much issue, but it seems being inside that pokeball made my usual.." He tries to come up with the proper word but fumbles for a few seconds. "Heat.. Arise again." He tapped his arms. His worst fear almost came true.. How could he let that almost happen? He would never forgive himself if he burned anyone horribly. If his heat rose too high, it would be awful for everyone around him. His worries caused his fire to slowly seep out from his core and crackle. Vale pulled Pepper back a little to stop him from burning anything. If he had been any slower he may have seen Pepper light aflame. His claw tapped Pepper's back in a pattern, trying to calm him. "Pepper is very strong, and his flames are just as strong." He told them. "His emotions make them unstable." Vale shook his head. "Sorry." Pepper, who had been pulled back, was too confused to concentrate on the others. It took him until Vale started to hum that he calmed down. "I- I am sorry." Pepper leaned back upright. "Usually I am not like this. I.. I guess my worries of hurting someone got a little.. too intense." Pepper leaned forwards to a bow. "I am sorry for the inconvenience." Wonderful. Just wonderful. He almost burned everything because of his worries. Flinching at the crackling sound his flames made, he rushed to pat them out. Pepper looked up after he stopped all the flames. "I do want to thank you for being so.. Kind. We're not exactly the most friendly looking pokemon. And I know that."