What made a friend a friend?

That was what Rygone thought as his glowing ringed tail swished behind him on the park bench. In front of him, a Raichu named Renchu and an Espeon called Tofu were busy playing catch with a ball one of them had brought. It was a simple activity, throwing the ball back and forth, but judging by the electricity sparking on the Raichu's grinning cheeks and the subtle glow of happiness coming from the Espeon's fur it was enough.

He licked at the ice cream cone he held in his black paw, the sweet white soft-serve leaving a stain on his muzzle. Above, a generous sun radiated down, giving the park a chance to flourish in the afternoon sun and his ice cream to melt even faster. The shiny Umbreon wondered. What would he remember most from this outing? The treat he had bought? Or maybe the smiles of his friends? It was hard to tell but he hoped it would be the latter.

Rygone jumped as Tofu sat down beside him with a thump, the Espeon smiling a tired smile, his pink fur glistening with sweat. "What are you thinking about ya old flashlight?" The Umbreon frowned slightly at the undesirable nickname but his mood, and rings, brightened immediately at the chance to convey his thoughts.

"I was thinking about what having friends means. Is it the memories and good times that we share?" Rygone bit down onto the rest of his ice cream, finishing the cold treat left on his muzzle with a satisfied lick. "Or is it that we bring out the best in each other?" Tofu pondered this for just a moment before his red gem on his forehead glowed briefly and he smiled. Something that happened every time he had a good idea and an aspect that Rygone always loved to see.

"Why can't it be both? Friends have good memories with each other because they bring out the best in each other I think."

"Exactly!" shouted a familiar voice. Renchu sat down besides Tofu with a broad grin, his ball underneath his arm. "Friends shouldn't be a part of life you overthink! You just go with the flow! Find those who you feel good to be with!" Forgetting his ball momentarily, the sphere bouncing away with a soft rubber thump, the Raichu's lightning bolt tail whipped with an electric crackle. "Like you guys! ...Infact!-" he took out a digital camera he had kept in his pocket. "As friends, let's commemorate this moment!"

Wrapping his arm around Tofu, he pulled him close with a grin. Rygone on the other hand, with barely any time to prepare himself, raised his hand in a pointed gesture that said 'hey' as he cooly smiled at the camera.

"Saaaay Arceus!" laughed Renchu as he held the camera out.

SNAP!

---

Memories made are memories earned.

When it comes to friendships, it's important to take the time and enjoy them. After all, they may be gone and faded before you know it. But that does not mean they never were. Like a photo, it will last to bring a smile to the future. No matter how old they get.

#Selfie

Art by  Haychel

Renchu the Raichu belongs to  RenChu

Tofu the Espeon belongs to  tofubread

Rygone the Umbreon belongs to  Rygone