[While Dragonite was certainly one of the easier Pokemon for Joey to "Duel Monsters"-ify the size of him was certainly more in-line with his adult form of Thousand Dragon. The wrinkly skin and mutton chop sideburns just wasn't in the cards though so, especially after their experience in Alexander's Pyramid, he was perfectly content to settle for his little orange friend instead. Riding on the real-deal had worked out alright back in the day, but the bigger size of its Pokemon iteration had definitely given the unforseen benefit of being able to be a two-seater.

Joey just sort of nods to himself in surprise at how things worked out, still trying to do his best to poker-face the seating arrangement, but Mai's sultry accentuation of the situation only made it more difficult. Her particular phrasing before choosing to sit in front filled Joey with panic (not that he wouldn't have panicked either way things worked-out) but he manages to just nod robotically in acknowledgement of her decision despite the sea of conflciting alarm bells and jubilation going-off in his head.]

Dat, uh, dat sounds like a plan Mai! Can't have ya fallin' off on ya first flight can we?

[He manages to eak out a totally-not-awkward "haha" afterward before continuing.]

You don't gotta worry about climbin' da big guy. He knows da drill real good.

[Directing Baby Dragon would give him something to turn his attention to before the inevitable need to board brought all his panic back harder than ever, but that was a battle to be fought in a few minutes. For now he was happy to fake it til' he makes it.]

Go ahead and lay down der' bud so we can get on. We're gonna be headin' ta Cherrygrove!

[At his direction the towering dragon lazily flops onto his belly, assuming the laziest of postures but making it easy to climb aboard.]