Eight and Beyond!

Claire spoke quietly to Oak, "You know like I do that the journey that Jay and I have chosen is about to come to an end. "
"Indeed."
"Professor, I have a younger sibling back home and I feel as if I should go back home after the journey to teach her. She's getting about the age to go on her travels now and I don't trust her with my mother."
"Go on."
"I don't know what to do. If I should call it quits on my journey after this or continue on with Jay. He wishes to challenge Johto, and he won't do it without me."

JayJay began to wonder what was going to happen after the last gyms in Kanto were defeated and he could head home to take on those gyms. He also had to wonder if it would even happen. He wouldn't do it without Claire, but he wouldn't dream of forcing her to continue the journey. So much had happened, it was mind boggling to think about

Professor Oak pondered the thought for a moment. "Well, dear, I think you two need to talk it over together. It's a team effort. You two need to come to a conclusion. Maybe not now, but before you take on the Indigo League."

Claire sighed. "I suppose you're right."

JayJay decided to go nap

Upon the end of the conversation with Oak, Claire went on her own way outside. She needed time to think and breathe. It was late afternoon, but she didn't care. If she spent an evening outside she wouldn't even care.

JayJay was quick to fall asleep

Claire spent most of her afternoon outside under the setting sun. She walked down the road to calm herself a bit. She lost track of the time and eventually the moon was just a couple of hours from being at its peak.

JayJay woke up around midnight and decided to go for a walk to get himself sleepy again. He started heading down Route 1. He was glad there weren't any trainers out at this time of night. He called out Typhlosion to walk with him. They made their way on the route

Claire began to hear footsteps down the path and immediately took shelter up one of the trees. It startled her, being that she thought she was alone. It was very dark outside and the trees were blocking some of the light from the moon.

JayJay and Tyhplosion were too tired to hear Claire hide in the tree, they didn't even know she was out here this late. As the moon shone brightly on them in a clearing, they felt relaxed and at ease. The midnight stroll was a great idea

Claire glanced out of the branches but couldn't see anything behind the brambles. She tried to make her way down slowly to get away without notice. Her heart was pounding in her chest. Claire questioned if another Rocket member had come to fight for revenge.

Without knowing it, JayJay and Typhlosion stopped within hoping distance of the tree Claire was in. Typhlosion could smell her, but he didn't think anything of it. JayJay stretched and just stood

Claire made her way down and ducked down into a bush. She tried to pull a set of leaves back to see who was nearby.

JayJay was oblivious to Claire behind him, and Typhlosion didn't think of her sneaking about

When Claire was sure she was clear of the person's sight, she stayed concealed behind the trees and tried to make her way back to Oak's home as quickly as possible.

JayJay heard some rustling, and turned to look

"Claire?"

Claire jumped. "For the love of Mew, JayJay. You scared me. I thought you were a grunt or something."

JayJay blushed a bit, though he didn't know why

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I was just going on a walk to wear myself out for sleeping"

Claire didn't notice him blushing, though she was sure her face was red hot from embarrassment. "I just needed to get some things off my mind."

"I'm sorry, I'll head back so you can finish"

Claire sighed. "It's fine. I don't know why I'm still out here. I can't sleep, I can't think." She turned to leave. She shrugged. "Well, whatever." Claire looked away from Jay's view and began her walk back to the lab.

Jay was visibly sad, he simply stood still as Claire walked back to the lab. Typhlosion seemed to share his sadness

Claire could tell that Jay was picking up on her vibe, but she thought it was best left alone and to put the thought behind her. She left for the lab, choosing to go alone.

Realizing he made an awkward situation for her, he decided it best if he stay out longer so she could get home alone

Upon arriving back to the lab, Claire went to her own room and shut her door. Despite her efforts, she couldn't sleep. After an hour she gave up trying and just sat in bed, gazing at the ceiling.