A/N: I wrote these three drabbles for Mizz Nikki for the Second Annual Serebii Yuletide. Like everything I've written, these drabbles will eventually be rewritten during my Rewrite Months (Februaries).
"I still can't believe I did it," Brendan breathed as he placed his last Poke Ball into his bag. He and his Pokemon had just been recorded into the Hall of Fame, and Brendan was feelings many things at once - exhilaration, anticipation, and relief, among others. He looked up and met the warm gaze of the only other person in the room - Steven Stone, son of the President of the Devon Corporation and, up until a few minutes ago, the Champion of the Hoenn League.
"Well done, Brendan," Steven said, smiling. "I knew from when I first met you that you were something special. And now you've proven it to me, in a spectacular battle that I'll never forget."
"Th-thanks, Steven," Brendan stammered, looking down, his face feeling hot. Ever since Brendan was a young boy, he had had a massive crush on the amazingly skilled, friendly, and famous Steven Stone. Meeting and getting closer to Steven during the course of his journey was a dream come true for Brendan. He had hoped to prove himself to his idol for so long. And now he'd finally done it.
"The reporters are probably dying to interview you," Steven stated, "since you're the new Hoenn Champion as well as the Trainer who saved the Hoenn region." He looked at Brendan with concern. "Are you sure you can handle it?"
This question took Brendan by surprise. "Of course I can!" he exclaimed. "I'm so happy that I'm famous now - aren't you?"
Steven sighed. "I can't be prouder of you - I really can't. But fame isn't for everyone," he warned. "Personally I find that it gets tiring after a while. To be honest, at this point I'd sacrifice my fame for a peaceful life of traveling the world and collecting rare stones."
"Oh," Brendan said softly, disappointed. "Will we still be able to call and see each other?" The words tumbled out quickly from Brendan's mouth. "S-sorry. What I meant to say was…" He trailed off, unable to find the right words.
"Brendan," Steven said gently, gazing sadly into the young Trainer's eyes, "let's wait a couple of years, okay? Enjoy being famous, and until then, let's be friends. And of course we can call each other."
"Oh," Brendan said, disappointed but not surprised. He looked down. "How did you know? You know, know that I had a huge fanboy crush on you?"
Steven beckoned with his finger. "Follow me. Let's walk while we talk."
Brendan nodded and followed Steven towards a door at the side of the room.
"Brendan," Steven said, "when I first met you, I noticed how nervous you were when you talked to me. At first I thought you were just shy, but as I got to know you better I realized how much you look up to me." He and Brendan reached the door, and Steven opened it, revealing a luxurious, snow-covered garden. They stepped outside into the weak winter sun. "I've known for quite a while now, but I decided not to bring it up to you because… you're a smart kid. I'm pretty sure you know."
"I understand," Brendan said. "Well… I'm glad I can still call you." He stretched his arms above his head. "Where are we going, by the way?"
Steven smiled at Brendan. What a handsome smile, Brendan thought dreamily.
"We're going to the front room of the Pokemon League for our press conference," Steven told Brendan. "Are you ready for your first taste of stardom?"
"Ready's my middle name," Brendan said confidently as he and Steven reached a side door to the Pokemon League building.
"That's wonderful," Steven said warmly, smiling. Then he bent down, took Brendan's face in his hands, and kissed the young Trainer lightly on the forehead.
-END-