Her back hit the door as soon as Morty closed it, saw the wisp of familiar blue vanish into the camera. (Something he usually never condoned but, well, diminished risk took priority over ethics right then.) He was careful not to outright pin her - just put his hands on her shoulders gently, tried to keep his tone calm and not accusatory. “Are you alright? Did someone put you up to this?”

She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, looked him right in the eye. “Just me, Morty.”

They stared at each other for long pause as Morty let the realization sink in, as Catherine didn’t (hopefully) cave and find someone else to blame for this. Jaw tensing, he sighed in relief, in frustration, and let his hands drop as he stepped away - turned and made his way behind his desk as he shook his head. Silence reigned as he sat down, fetched all the proper paperwork, the pen, the badge. Catherine watched as he laid it all out, her voice quiet when she finally spoke up.

“Morty.”

He wouldn’t have it. “Congratulations, Loki, on winning the Fog Badge. Due to your victory at Ecruteak Gym, you will also receive a complimentary TM for Shadow Ball. It causes damage and can reduce special defense. Please continue to use it if it appeals to you.”

She inhaled sharply, her hands gripping each other tight. “Morty, I - it was the only way we’d have a chance to talk - “

“What, about the fact that you sent a clearly under-trained Espeon into a sixth badge fight?” He looked up. “Whatever else I have to discuss is with my girlfriend, Catherine Hart. Not Loki.” He slid the paperwork to the other end of the desk and gestured at her. “Sit, please, and sign the usual lines.”

Catherine grimaced, but slowly took a seat and the pen. Morty went on. “They’re going to expect us to wrap up paperwork in about ten minutes tops, and then we both walk out happier than usual because I got to fight a great opponent and you’re a step closer to fighting the champion. Now that you’re only two badges away, the media’s really going to start hunting you down. All the ghosting just makes the hype even bigger around you.”

“I’m done now, though.”

“You said that after Norman.” He steepled his fingers. “I suppose it was wrong of me to assume you really meant it after Chuck and Blaise. If you wanted to talk, you could’ve just said.”

“I didn’t -” She stopped herself with a sigh but continued filling out the forms. “This was... admittedly for more than just a chance to talk to you. Half of it, though. You said so yourself that there wouldn’t be time to really just... talk. When we’re both awake and aware for it.”

“You could’ve just [i]asked[/i] and I would’ve made time for you.” He sounded more tired than he would’ve liked. “Just - now isn’t the time or place for this. Where would be better for you?”

Catherine didn’t answer at first, her eyes steadily downcast as she finished the forms and slowly slid them back over. “...Your place. I think your place would be best, if I’m not interrupting something with Burgh.”

“He can handle himself for a night, wanted to go check out Goldenrod and that’s more Norman’s deal anyways.” He waved it off and double checked the uncharacteristically blocky handwriting, the signatures and initials - nodded to himself and slipped it into Loki’s folder before standing. “And alright. Ready to go, then?”

Her head snapped up. “Right now?”

“The gym can survive half a day without me,” he deadpanned, already making his way to the door. “Give me ten minutes and I’ll meet up with you. Don’t forget your badge.”

She didn’t.