[ lance has a sense of humor and he is definitely capable of fun, but as blue laughs and tells him that was year ago, it's fairly obvious that lance is not joking. his jaw tightens, his fingers curl into his forearms, as his arms are still folded over his chest.

and, instead of, you know, entertaining blue: ]

Years . . .

[ it's murmured to himself, as he tunes blue out to think, casting his gaze toward the burning building. ]

I was defeated, in Johto, weeks ago. Ethan moved on to explore Kanto and to seek new challenges . . . I was packing and talking to Koga. About you, incidentally. [ and lance glances toward blue, his brow furrowing, as if he's remembered blue is still there. ] We were going to travel to Kanto together, to make sure you had the support needed if Team Rocket chose to return to Kanto, but I wanted to go to Blackthorn to train first.

[ lance had assumed blue could handle it. or would tell them, if something had happened. ]

I returning to my chambers in Champions Hall when I wound up here. I don't remember why, or how.

[ he pauses before he returns his attention to the burning building, expression shifting from confused to thoughtful. ]

Either time is in flux or you [ and lance inclines his head toward blue ] have a severe concussion.

[ those are obviously the only two answers. celebi fuckshit or blue being a moron. ]