Chapter 1: The Bet
Crystal was sitting at the edge of the waters, gazing at the rest of her family chasing each other around the field. She watched as her two sons run circles around their father and couldn't help but smile at the sight in front her. Something warm wells up inside her as she thought about how it it all began through the hands of fate. It was a little amusing too, to think that Crystal and Green got together all because of a bet. And it was all because of Gold...
...
"What did you say?! Gold Hibiki Ethan I dare you to say that again!" screamed Crystal.
"I said," shouted Gold in response, "that no wonder you can't find a boyfriend! Because you are such an annoying person!"
Crystal's face was contorted in a rage, as she and Gold stood with their faces inches apart, screaming each other's head off. It was one of their arguments they have every now and then, but this time, Gold had touched on a nerve by bringing up the b-word.
"How dare you say I'm annoying when you are the most annoying idiot I have ever met! And who said I can't get a boyfriend? It's just because I have not been looking for one!" raged Crystal.
"Oh yeah," taunted Gold, "I bet you can't even find a boyfriend if you tried!"
With a swift action, Crystal caught Gold unaware by pummeling him with her fists until he fell to her floor with a loud thud.
"Hey, what-" began Gold.
"Don't you what me, you, you JERK!" huffed Crystal. "I had enough of you and your inconsiderate behaviour! Just you wait. I will prove you wrong and show you a boyfriend in one week!" And with that, Crystal stormed off, leaving behind an annoyed yet bewildered Gold on the floor behind her.
It took a while for Crystal to cool down, as she speed-walked all the way from New Bark Town to Violet City. Despite trying to release all her pent up energy through speed walking, she still had to aim a few tens rounds of kicks at Pokeballs in order to fully calm herself down. At the back of her mind, she thanked Falkner for teaching her how to make boomerang Pokeballs, which have proven to be invaluable tools in helping her whenever she has the urge to kick something to control her emotions.
As the last of her boomerang Pokeballs returned to her, Crystal slumped down on the grounds at Route 36, suddenly aware of her exhaustion as the last of her frustration faded away. She is still angry at Gold though, but her mind had cleared up enough for her to think about their fight and realise the weight of her words.
Feeling panic rise up in her, Crystal regrets the bet she had made to Gold in her anger. She cursed herself for being so stupid and making the bet, a bet she knows she will not be able to fulfill. Crystal is painfully aware of how she had never dated anyone before, much less have a boyfriend. Adding on to that painful awareness is how every female Dexholders have gotten attached already, all except for Crystal - Yellow and Red, Blue and Silver, Sapphire and Ruby.. What have I gotten myself into, groaned Crystal.
...
6 more days to deadline
Crystal had spent last night thinking of nothing but the problem she has landed herself in, and is strategising her next course of action as she heads to Professor's Oak 2nd Research Centre in Cherrygrove City for work.
Maybe I should go to Gold and tell him to call off the bet. Should I? No I shouldn't, he's the one who needs to find me and apologise! I will not take a step a back and look for him until he apologises to me, thought Crystal firmly. Doesn't solve my problems though, where and how should I start to get myself a boyfriend? I'm completely clueless as to this.. Maybe I can ask Blue for help? But.. then everyone will learn of my stupid bet with Gold.. No I shouldn't, they will just make fun of me.. I guess I'm stuck on my own..
Crystal was so preoccupied in her thoughts that she didn't notice the door to Professor's Oak lab open in front of her, thereby crashing into the emerging figure from the lab. Caught by surprise, she let out a "Oof" and would have landed on the ground if not for the quick reflexes of the figure she bumped into.
"Oh, um, Green, sorry about that. Didn't see you coming out of the lab," apologised Crystal.
"You ought to be more careful," stated Green, his expression unchanging. "I need to head back to my gym now, see you around."
"Oh, um, right. See you around," Crystal replied awkwardly.
As Crystal watched Green walk away from the lab however, something clicked in her mind. "Green, hey Green! Wait up!" cried Crystal, as she ran towards Green. Turning around to give Crystal a questioning look, Green waited for Crystal to approach closer. Mustering up all her courage as she stopped in front of Green, Crystal blurted, "Will you be my boyfriend?"
Green looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "I mean, you don't have to be my real boyfriend but can you pretend to be my boyfriend or something?" added Crystal hastily.
Folding his arms, Green asked, "Let me get this straight, you want me to pretend to be your boyfriend? Don't you think there would be better people out there who would be more suitable in a boyfriend role?"
"But I don't know anyone else! Red is attached, Silver is attached. Ruby is attached. And Emerald.. Emerald is just too young! Who's going to believe that Emerald is my boyfriend?" pleaded Crystal.
"How about Gold then?" suggested Green. "You guys sure hang out together more than the both of us do."
Crystal who was already expecting such a question, began sheepishly, "Um.. you see, I um, can't asked Gold because.. because this um, has something to do with him."
In response, Green brought his hand up to his face, giving off a sound that is both a groan and a sigh. Shaking his head, Green asked, "Do I want to know what's going on here?"
"Well.. um that depends on what you don't want to hear?" offered Crystal.
"Let me guess, Gold got you angry again, and in your anger you agreed to do something stupid," sighed Green.
Crystal's eyes widen in surprise as she hears the highly accurate guess Green had just made. "You're rather sharp huh. Well, um yes, that's basically the main idea. During our fight, I um made a bet with Gold that I will find a boyfriend to show him." Crystal said, as she chooses her words carefully.
Green's eyebrows were raised again. "Basically? Is there something else I need to know?"
"I um, might have told Gold that I will show him a boyfriend in a week..." Crystal trailed off.
Green shook his head in resignation, his hand still covering his face. "I hope I don't regret this," he muttered.
Crystal's eyes widen in delight. "Really? You would do this to help me?"
"Yes I will, seeing that there is no one else left that could help you and both of you will be too stubborn to call this off. And also, this is probably the most utilitarian solution, seeing that you will likely have a hard time finding a random stranger to act as a convincing boyfriend within a week. Who knows what kind of problems will arise if you get a stranger to do this. We can start tomorrow," replied a slightly irritated Green.
In Crystal's excitement of finally solving her problem, she jumped forward to give Green a tight squeeze, saying, "Oh thank you so much Green! When this is all over I'll be sure to return you a favour!" As she became aware of what she is doing, Crystal stepped back with a light flush on her cheek and continued, "I don't have to come to work tomorrow so I'll be free in the afternoon after doing my rounds at the orphanage. Where shall we meet?"
"Great. My house should offer us some privacy tomorrow, if you could make your way to Pallet Town," Green replied, slightly surprised at Crystal's sudden hug.
"Alright then, see you at 2pm?" Crystal asked while flashing at him a smile.
"2pm. I'll head back to my gym now." Green confirmed, as he took out his Charizard before flying off in the direction of Viridian City.
Notes:
I needed a full name for Gold and I remembered a story that I have read in which the story used all the default game names to form Gold's full name. I can't remember which story it is now, but the name sounds rather nice as I imagine Crystal actually shouting it out. Hibiki is the default name for the Japanese version for HGSS I believe.
It is stated in the GSC arc that Professor Oak has a 2nd Research Centre in the north of Cherrygrove City (Chapter 117).
In case it is unclear, sentences in italics represents character's thoughts.
A/N:
Well that's the first chapter! I'm planning on doing up a handful of chapters for this stories. Can't tell how often I will update because I only have the draft for the second chapter up, and I don't get much time each week to write.
Doing another JadeCrystalline shipping because at the moment I feel that I can relate more with their characters. And also, I found that the story gives me a chance to explore more deeply into Crystal's and Green's personalities. Besides, the shipping is so rare in the fanfic world I want to give my take on it. So this is dedicated to all the readers out there who like me, like to indulge in less orthodox shippings and pairings. Hope you enjoy (:
