All was peaceful in Wigglytuff's Guild. With the threat of the planet's paralysis gone and a heartfelt graduation of the youngest, but undoubtedly talented, exploration team, everybody went back to their jolly hard work and routines.

Despite the peace and prosperity, there was one Pokemon who was but content. Quite honestly, these feelings of great dissatisfaction have been prevalent for a rather long time, but Chatot wasn't as disturbed by them until recently. Alas, being the single wave of silent dissonance in the calm inevitably leads to such revelations. Or rather, he would now have the time and leisure to actually do something about his unhappiness, since the crushing weight of worldwide danger was vanquished. After all, Chatot only just realised how much his emotions were taking a toll on his own mental well-being during the incident in Brine Cave.

A trio of fierce bandits took refuge in the cave, and they would ruthlessly attack any newcomers before they could fight back. As Chatot accompanied the guild's pair of talented recruits into the depths, the bandits pounced down from the cave's ceiling to attack at the exact moment when Chatot got the briefest of glimpses of their high-up hiding spot. In a burst of selflessness and a desire to protect, Chatot rushed forwards and took all of the deadly blows himself, allowing for the rest of the team to recover from shock and chase the trio away.

His act ought to have made him admirable, heroic even, to the guild recruits. And, in a sense, he was even moreso, considering he saved the lives of the two Pokemon who had literally saved the world. No, that wasn't the thing that bothered him so. It was the fact that Chatot had made the exact same sacrifice years ago, for Guildmaster Wigglytuff. The memory was forgotten, as he had suffered from severe injuries to passing out on the spot before he could register his own actions. But later on, after repeating history, when he lied on the hard, damp stone of Brine Cave, Wigglytuff, through his tears, briefly explained to him that Chatot had also saved his life in the same manner. It was then when he said it.

"Chatot you're my… most invaluable partner."

And for that short moment, Chatot was complete. He was invaluable- irreplaceable, special- to the Guildmaster. He had said that he owed his whole life to him. And, in spite of his weak condition, Chatot was able to breath out words expressing his happiness before fainting.

But now, with the time to ponder, Chatot couldn't help but feel slightly unsettled by the whole ordeal. Something was missing. Deep down, he knew what that something was, but how was he to bring the topic up?

"If I were to say such a thing- well! That would be highly inappropriate," Chatot squawked in disapproval, flapping his wings.

Perching on the guild's entry ladder and thinking out loud was one of Chatot's normal habits. It helped him make difficult decisions many times.

He continued his monologue, "If I did manage such a confession, without doubt the whole affair would get in the way of our duties. That should never happen!"

The issue was just as stated. Chatot actually had relationships with other Pokemon in the past, making confidence in himself not a concern of the matter. It was the contrary, actually. Chatot was a dutiful Pokemon. He was unyielding to his serious work, which may have made him out to be "boring" to some, but the head of intelligence was proud of his position. And if keeping his own dignity meant strictly forbidding himself from acting upon any "unprofessional" desires that he had, well, Chatot was just one of those kinds of people.

But recently, Chatot had been having second thoughts. Those second thoughts then turned into second options of action , and now, are well-within possibility. It can be reasonably assumed that Chatot had been trying to talk himself out of making such a choice.

It seemed that he had finished convincing himself for now, since Chatot straightened his posture on the perch, looking out of the guild's entrance with a focused stare. He dropped his gaze for only a split second to lightly graze his chest plumage with the tips of his primary feathers before taking off to the skies. He was definitely going to be back to lecture himself sometime soon.

Night fell upon the peaceful Treasure Town, and there were errands to perform. Wigglytuff was waiting on his Perfect Apple, which was to be delivered- or, more accurately, smuggled in- by Chatot. He was most likely rummaging through the guild's food storage, finding the delicacy of a fruit.

Little did Wigglytuff know (or maybe he did- it's rather difficult to figure out what the airy guildmaster was thinking) that, ever since the incident with Team Skull, Chatot often took daily trips to the Apple Woods in order to pick out several Perfect Apples for him. Wigglytuff was known for falling into terrifying hysterics when he didn't get one. But Chatot also did so because he cared so very strongly about Wigglytuff.

It was the depth of his feelings that gave Chatot the strength to spring out and shield Wigglytuff that day.

Having found a Perfect Apple, a silent knock on the door to the guildmaster's room could be heard. Wigglytuff recognised Chatot's voice and opened the door let him in.

"Sooo, Chatot! Did you bring it?" asked Wigglytuff in his usual playful voice.

Chatot, who carried a large red apple on his back, with one wing holding it steady, slowly took a few slow steps into the room before setting it down. "I did, guildmaster. Here's your Perfect Apple," he said with a hush, as he gently closed the door behind him. He heard the guildmaster let out an exclamation of "Yay! Thank you!" before lifting the fruit off the ground. Chatot watched Wigglytuff balance the apple on his head despite the protruding curl of fur that rested there. His beak couldn't help but let out a muffled churr of amusement which he buried underneath his wing's feathers. Seeing that the guildmaster had nothing to say, Chatot headed towards the door and declared, "I'll leave you to it, guildmaster. If you need anything, simply let me know!"

"Okay," replied Wigglytuff. But before he could make his leave, Wigglytuff said, smiling, "But, you don't always need a reason to stay... right, Chatot?" His question was met with a frozen hesitation, so he pressed on, still beaming, "Stay here! Stay here! You can keep me company."

Chatot backed away from the exit, "If you insist."

"Also… I actually wanted to show you something," said Wigglytuff.

"What is it, guildmaster?" asked Chatot, hopping closer to him.

As he approached the guildmaster, Chatot's heart was not racing so much as it was opening. It was melting a layer of long-cold oblivion. A heart that was long still began to stir, and eventually, the stillness was to be replaced with a warmth that throbbed and pulsated with such a severity he wasn't used to. The energy from his heart was overwhelming that Chatot almost had to clutch his chest, but instead he opened up to the guildmaster, letting all his feelings flow freely.

"Come with me!" exclaimed Wigglytuff, after quickly devouring the remains of his apple. He took Chatot's wing before giving him a choice to speak, and they were outside and at the beach in Treasure Town before Chatot could even come up with a reply.

"Look at the ocean, Chatot!"

It was at this time when the tide was calm. The surface of the ocean was gently rippling, and the beam of light from the moon were splattered over the surface of the water like white paint on a dark canvas.

"It certainly is a beautiful sight," remarked Chatot. And then, for the first time in a long time, he smiled genuinely. It was nothing like that cheery boss act he often pulled off, for the real happiness he was feeling was an energy that tingled all the way to the tip of his feathers. Chatot gazed at his companion, and he spoke with a gentle voice, soft enough to sing a piano aria, "Thank you, Wigglytuff."

"Anything for my dearest, most invaluable partner."

His large eyes flooded with emotion. The white light of moon shone on Wigglytuff's features, and Chatot knew that he was shedding tears. They weren't ones of just sadness or joy alone. Rather, Wigglytuff was crying out in a mix of many feelings: relief, guilt, remembrance, and hope.

Mild surprise sent a slight ruffle through Chatot's feathers. "U-um? What could be the matter?" he squawked.

"It's been a long time since I've heard you say my name," Wigglytuff smiled, not with any particular feeling.

"Wh-Huh?" exclaimed Chatot, "I was trying to maintain formality in our guild, like we agreed! Surely you don't take too much issue with that!" Lowering his volume, he added, "If it does bother you, gui- Wigglytuff, I can discontinue…"

"Nope! That's all right!" said Wigglytuff, "I just wish there was more time between us."

"If I'm not mistaken, guildmaster, it was you who stated that I was, erm, 'boring' to be around," Chatot drily remarked, somewhat perplexed. Sometimes, his guildmaster was a little difficult to figure out.

"Oh, did I say it like that?" Wigglytuff tilted his head, "Well, I guess it's true because you always talk about plans when we go into a mystery dungeon together. That is boring!"

"Pardon?"

"I want more time that's about us. Like we used to!"

"I… I see."

Chatot understood now, and he glanced down, somewhat guilty. It was true, wasn't it? Before they set up the guild, they were more than just a pair of explorers. They were trusted partners, a wonderful team. But as more responsibilities came from opening a guild, they adopted into professional roles as teachers. Wigglytuff, of course, kept his carefree spirit, but Chatot… Chatot indulged in his role as the head-of-intelligence. He was formal, (he always was diligent and well-versed, but at least back then…) and eventually the time Wigglytuff and Chatot had together as friends and equals dwindled into the short hours of night. Their guild had thrived and earned great reputation, but they both played a part in neglecting what started it in the first place.

Well, all moping aside, the best time to change was the present, right? Feeling his heart flow with emotion again, Chatot slowly spread his wings out and wrapped them tentatively around Wigglytuff. When Wigglytuff pulled him closer, Chatot's hug became certain. He was about to preen soft pink fur, but his beak felt otherwise. It turns out Wigglytuff's fur was hard and clumped.

Ah.

Chatot let go of the embrace, and realised his wings were sticky.

That confirmed it.

"Guildmaster, you are going to rinse the apple juice off of your fur at this instant!"

Wigglytuff glanced down at his fur and then looked back up, grinning widely, "Oops! Great idea, Chatot! But you're going to need one too."

Lifting his wings, Chatot peered at his body, and he saw his feathers, which he always made sure were well-groomed and sleek, were matted and covered in fruit juice that was made more apparent under the moonlight.

"I guess I got you all sticky!" Wigglytuff giggled at the sight of his companion, who was also letting out a few bemused chuckles of his own.

"No, Guildmaster! How could you! As punishment, your bath is going to be especially cold!" cried Chatot in mock anger, flapping his wings with perhaps a little too much grandiose. His little act was met with a laugh, a taunt, and a guildmaster who was skipping away.

So, he glided a short distance of the ground and took chase after Wigglytuff. Running over the silver sand, both Chatot and Wigglytuff laughed as they headed towards the shore with a light splash.

The water was somewhat on the chilly side, but the pair cleaned themselves out nonetheless. As Chatot was fixing his feathers, he saw water hurl towards his direction. His face was dripping wet soon after.

He could hear the playful chortling of Wigglytuff, who was undoubtedly the source of the splash. He suddenly threw the water at Chatot again, but this time, he was able to shield off the attack with his wing. Chatot was certain the guildmaster was going to do it again, so he hopped over the shore's surface and hovered over Wigglytuff's head. Fluttering his wings, drops of the ocean showered the Pokemon below him.

After the short spray of rain ceased, Wigglytuff looked up at his assaulter. "Chatot, you know that's not fair!" he giggled with glee.

"I suppose you can't reach me up here. Hee hee! That's too bad!" chimed Chatot.

It was a start, at least. Chatot still wasn't sure if he was ready to truly express what thoughts he harboured to the guildmaster. The notion was oh-so scandalous! But he was willing to make these moments of friendship (or, as the guildmaster would say, "time with my friendly friend!") with Wigglytuff.

The two Pokemon who had played at the night beach had returned to their guild. The chilly air, however, resulted in Wigglytuff prompting Chatot to stay in his room near the warm fire. So he did.

Chatot thought he had made sure to keep a considerable distance between himself and the guildmaster when they slept, but little did he know that they both drifted off while nuzzling into each other's comforting presence. What a highly inappropriate thought that would be!