“Excuse me.”

Oh.

The first thing that popped into his head was to run at her, hug her, greet her like an old friend........ it took him a long moment to remember that she.. didn’t actually know who he was. Not like this.

So instead, he approached slowly. As though they were merely strangers, crossing paths by complete accident. He didn’t want to admit it, but... he wanted to talk to her again. He just didn’t know how on earth he could make her stay when she didn’t know him.

@deltahoenn​ liked for a starter!

The little Spritzee had always been easily excited - but it was unusual for her to charge up to a complete stranger the way she just had, hovering inches from the human’s face with - almost - literal stars in her eyes. For a long moment, her trainer was struck speechless. However, upon recovery, she wasted no time in leaping into action.

“.......Lulu??!”

No way - that was impossible. He hadn’t seen her in such a long time.... there wasn’t a chance this could be the same person.... was there?

“I meant pick me up, Ms. Peach.”

Blink.

“....oh.” Of course that was what she had meant - that only made sense. The princess let out a tired laugh, “I’m sorry! I’m not totally here right now.... long day.” She’d been far too busy lately - all kinds of political nonsense and events to coordinate, and she’d barely been sleeping to top it all off; it was amazing she hadn’t come down with something yet. Knock on wood.

“Of course I can pick you up!” The girl was perhaps a little big to be asking something like that; but Peach knew how important it was to show little ones affection and love, and Penelope never seemed to be accompanied by her parents, so surely that was an area in which she was lacking. She bent down and pulled the girl into a hug, then scooped her into her arms with a little smile.

“Oh, hello!” Peach didn’t recall ever making the acquaintance of this interesting-looking man, but she did remember seeing him at her birthday party, and offered him a sweet smile at his greeting.