Chapter Two: Best Friend
It has been a month since Claire and Amber moved into Mineral Town. She never had time to walk around the town due to the fact that she still had work to do in the farm. But time to time the town people would visit her but the one that visited her the most, was Gray and Blaze. "Oh Regina, are you okay?" Claire said, tending to her sick Miltank. "You have a fever. "Amber walked towards her with some medicine. "Thanks Amber…" She gave Regina the medicine and Regina licked her face. "You're welcome sweetie, you get some rest." She made sure that Regina had hay to eat and walked out the barn with Amber. The farm was clean and beautiful. It was filled with berry trees of every kind and crops. I think I am doing a descent job here. I thought I would never fix up this place but with Amber around, I can do anything. "Well Amber, we are done for today. What do you want to do?"
"Can we visit Blacksmith Saibara?" Amber asked.
"You want to see Blaze again. Well, I don't mind. We can give Saibara blueberry muffins. He loves blueberries." Claire said. I know that Amber wants to see Blaze but I don't know how to face Gray. He only sees me as an acquaintance. He visits me often but somehow I feel it is only for Blaze, not for me. She then let out a frown. I wish… I mean… I don't know…
"Are you okay, Claire?"Amber asked, looking concern.
"I am fine sweetie." Claire said, giving her a fake smile. "Let's start baking."
"Okay." Amber cheered.
Gary was sitting at the Inn, eating his breakfast. It was a Thursday so he doesn't need to go to work. Blaze was enjoying is Tamato berry cookies while Gary was eating baked corn. "Hey Blaze, we had an order today. We have to find a topaz at the mines."
"Awww… I wanted to see Amber today." Blaze pouted. Gray let out a small chuckle.
"You can see your girlfriend later but we have business to take care of." Gray teased.
"At least I have one. You are afraid to be near Claire." Blaze teased back, sticking out his tongue.
"I am not scared of her. She just makes me feel weird." Gray snapped, blushing in front of his partner. She makes me feel very weird inside.
I visit her every single day because of Blaze. She always makes me lunch which honestly tasted really good. She always makes me baked corn which was my favorite. She even gave me some corn she ordered from the mainland. It was still spring so it is impossible to grow corn here and I am still wondering how the mainland manage to get corn.
"Hey Claire, how are you?" I asked. She was banging her hammer at a huge boulder.
"I am trying to get rid of this rock so I can make a garden." Claire said, letting out a sigh. "But I am not very strong."
"How about I break it for you?" I said. She smiled at me and it made me feel so weird inside. It made me want to see it again. I grabbed the hammer from her and hit the boulder hard. In no time, it crumbled away.
"Wow Gray, you are so strong." Claire said. I blushed again and when I stare into her sapphire eyes, it was inviting me to come closer to her. She pulled me into a hug and I was shocked. She felt so right and warm. I didn't want her to let go. "I am so happy. Thank you so much Gray. You are the best."
"Yeah…" I said. "Hey Claire, I am always here to help you…"
"Thank you…" She said, kissing my cheek. She is so straightforward and doesn't know anything about personal space but then again, I think that is why I like about her. Wait… like her… Come on Gray, it has been a month since she was here. I can't possibly like Claire. "Gray, what am I to you?"
"What?"
"What am I to you?" She repeated, staring at me with her glimmering sapphire eyes. I was shocked with the sudden question.
"You are an acquaintance." I answered. Her sapphire eyes were devoured by gloomiest and she had a frown.
"Okay…" She said, grabbing Amber. "Goodbye and thanks for the help…" She walked away from me and I felt like I hurt her. What did I said wrong?
"Are you okay?" Blaze asked.
"I am fine…" Gray said. Then Cliff and Bolt walked downstairs and stretch his arms. "Morning Cliff..."
"Morning…" Cliff said. "I am so beat."
"Morning Cliff, do you want some breakfast?" Ann asked, smiling sweetly at her. She had orange hair as well but was braided. She had green emerald eyes and always blushes around Cliff. Cliff smiled back.
"Sure Ann, I would love that." Cliff said. "Can you give me the usually plus Bolt wants an apple today?"
"Sure, I would cook you something right away." Ann said.
"You are so sweet." Cliff said. Ann blushed and let out a sigh of awe. He sat at the same table with Gray and Blaze.
"You do know that she likes you right?" Gray said. "I really don't see what my little sister sees in you."
"Really?" Cliff said. "I think she is just being nice."
"You are very dense. It is obvious that she likes you." Gray said, letting out a sigh. "So what are you plans today?"
"I was going to visit Claire. Her berries are so good and Bolt loves them so much so I have to visit her today." Cliff said.
"Is it that good?" Gray asked.
"Well yeah, she put a lot of work and effort to grow those berries." Cliff said. "Every time I visit her, she looks so happy." He then blushed. "She is kind a cute when she is happy."
"Stay away from her, she is mines." Gray snapped, gritting his teeth. There was an awkward pause after that. What did I just said? "I mean…" Blaze was laughing as he watched his trainer blush in embarrassment.
"So you have a flaming crush on her." Cliff teased.
"WHAT IF I DO!? WHAT ARE YOU FUCKING GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?!" He snapped. Cliff started laughing to his reaction. If eyes can kill, you would already be dead.
"It is so weird to see you like this. I think it is great that Claire came here. You only talk to me and Kai but since Claire came here, you talk to her like you two were best friend since childhood. You two look cute together." Cliff teased. Gray hid his blush with his cap. "Come on, I am just stating the truth. She is always coming to visit you at the Blacksmith Saibara so there got to be something going on."
"She is only doing that because Amber wants to see Blaze. She doesn't come to see me." Gray said, letting out a sigh. "But I have to admit she is fun to be around with."
"She told me earlier that she likes hanging around with you. You are her first friend in Mineral Town." Cliff said.
"What? She really said that?" Gray asked. She considered me as a friend and I just see her as an acquaintance. Is that why she was sad that day and when she save me from the mines? She wanted to be more than that. "You better not lie to me asshole."
"Why would I lie to you? I think you have nothing to worry about. I think she likes you." Cliff said, smiling. He is so worked up over a girl. It is kind a funny to see him like this. I finally have something to tease him about. "You can be very dense."
"Speak for yourself…" Gray said, rolling his eyes. "You are the dumbass here." She likes me… I like her too but… I don't know… What happens if Cliff is wrong? I don't want to risk what we have. But… What do we have? Then Ann appeared with Cliff's breakfast.
"I made you scramble eggs with bacon plus got Bolt an apple. I sliced them to pieces if that is alright." Ann said, placing his meal in front of him.
"Again Ann, you are so sweet. You are the best." Cliff complimented. Ann blushed once more and smiled. "I can't believe no one snatched your heart yet, you are too kind and pretty. I would be happy to have a girl like you." She blushed even more to the point that she was red like lobster. "Hey Ann, are you okay? You look like you have a fever."
"Oh, I am fine…" Ann said, looking away and hiding her blush. "Hey big brother, do you need anything?"
"No, I am fine sis." Gray said. "Thanks…" She swiftly left them and Cliff let out a small grin. "You are pushing it. You should be grateful that I am not like Rick. I trust you if you ever date my sister. But I won't give you mercy if you break her heart."
"Thanks for the warning." Cliff said. Then Claire and Amber entered the Inn. She was carrying a crate filled with berries. "Hey, your girlfriend is here."
"Do you want to fucking die?" Gray said, glaring at him. He then turned his gaze towards her. She was sweaty yet she still looks pretty. She was always working so hard on her farm. If I tell her that I like her, I wonder what she would say. It has only been month. But it has been the best month of my life.
"Morning Claire…" Ann said, smiling.
"Oh hi Ann, I brought your berries. I hope it is enough for the week." Claire said placing the crate of berries on the counter. "I had a lot of berries from my harvest today so I thought I should share some with everyone."
"It is more than I expected. Thank you Claire…" Ann said. "Cliff would be pleased with this. He always love how rich and juicy your berries are." Amber spotted Blaze and walked up to him. Blaze jumped of his chair and pulled her into a hug. "How cute… They are getting along very well."
"Well, I wish their trainers were like that." Claire said.
"What do you mean?" Ann asked.
"I have been trying to be close to Gray but he always pushes me away. I think he only visits me because of Blaze." Claire said, letting out a sigh. "It has been a month now I can't seem to get close him. Ever since I kissed him on the cheek, he has been very jumpy."
"You kissed him on the cheek…" Ann said, staring at her with shock. "You kissed my big brother on the cheek."
"Yes, I was so happy. But I think I went over the boundary with him." Claire said, frowning. "I didn't mean to. I was too happy. Also he sees me as an acquaintance. "
"He is just shy." Ann said, giggling. "I have never seen him like that before. I mean, he is very grumpy and distanced but ever since you came here he starts to act social especially towards you. I am so jealous because I am his sister and he doesn't open up to me."
"Really?" Claire said, blushing. He changed? Because of me… That can't be right. "I don't think I am the reason for his sudden behavior."
"Oh Claire, you are so cute when you blush." Ann teased. "You like Gray…"
"I do but…" She said, cupping her own cheeks. She can feel the heat coming from her cheeks. "Gray doesn't see me like that."
"I don't see you like what?" A voice said. She turned and found Gray. She was blushing viciously in front of him.
"As a friend…" Claire said. "I mean, you don't like me. You just deal with me because of Blaze and Amber. I don't want you to be forced to something that you don't want." His eyes widened as she turned away from him. "We are acquaintances and nothing more."
Claire, if this is how you feel I am so sorry for making you feel that way. Gray thought, letting out a frown. Did I hurt her this much? I am such an asshole. "Claire, you are right that I only see as an acquaintance." He said. Claire heart sank and tried her best not to cry. "But I think there is more to it. Right now, I see you as my best friend." She turned to him and found him smiling. "I mean well… You have been very nice to me even with the constant yelling. I even run away from you time to time because I am confused of what I am supposed to do. I am not use to be near a girl. And at the mines, you were pretty cool. You saved me from Shark Fin and well, I am very grateful that you did. If you didn't, I would be toasted." He then grabbed her hand. "I am happy you don't see me like a stranger. You come to see me for me right? When you come to Blacksmith Saibara, you come to see me."
Ann and Cliff's jaws dropped. They have never heard Gray talk so sincere before and even smile, a real smile. Claire blushed even more and their charmanders were smiling and cheering.
"I do come to see you Gray. You make me very happy." Claire said, smiling. "Oh yeah…" She pulled out a small box out of her bag. "Amber and I made you cornflake with honey chocolate bars. I hope you like them."
"Thanks Claire, this would really hit the spot when I go to the Mines today." Gray said. "I would see you later best friend."
"I can't wait, best friend." Claire said. I am so happy. Amber tugged her partner's overalls. "Oh right…" She pulled out a tamato berry poffin and gave it to her. Amber walked towards Blaze and gave it to him. Blaze was so happy that he licked her cheek. You can see Amber blush with a smile.
"It is like Claire got promoted." Ann said, giggling.
"I wonder how far she can go." Cliff said. "She is in the same rank as me now."
"Can you say hi to Shark Fin for me?" Claire said, smiling. "I don't have time to visit him today so can you do that for me please?"
"Sure, as long he doesn't try to kill me." Gray said. She started to giggle in front of him. Wow, she is very cute when she laughs and smiles. She should be like this more often. I am so happy that I was the reason for her happiness. Wait… stop it… What am I thinking? "What's so funny?"
"I would make sure to save you again." She teased.
"That won't happen. You got lucky." He pouted, crossing his arms.
"Is it me or Gray and Claire are getting alone very well?" Ann whispered.
"Come on, its love… I wouldn't be surprised if they got married." Cliff whispered back.
"Well, have a good day Gray." Claire said.
"You too Claire…" Gray said, walking away. Blaze kissed Amber one more time before he left with his trainer. Best friend… I feel happy just thinking about it.
It was passed noon and Gray and Blaze just came back from their trip to the mines. Those bars were awesome. I couldn't get enough of it. I wish Claire makes them for me again. Gray was tired and dirty but he kept on walking until he reached the Inn. I did promise to visit her after my trip to the mines. I guess I should. I might get more of that Honey Chocolate Cornflake bars again. When they got to the Inn, he took a clean shower and also Blaze. He made sure not to get his tail wet. After they got refreshed, they headed out to see Claire. He wasn't wearing his usual clothes. He was wearing baggy jeans and a dark blue sweater with his UMA hat.
"I am happy that you made Claire happy today." Blaze said.
"It wasn't that hard. I mean, she is a happy go lucky girl." Gray said. "You can make her happy in an instant."
"But you like her." Blaze teased.
"You can be very nosey." Gray said, letting out a sigh. Even if I do like her, she won't like me. I mean, I am a loser.
"It is my job to make sure my trainer has a suitable mate." Blaze explained.
"Where did that come from?" Gray snapped.
"Well, I don't want my trainer to be a loner. I want him to be happy. I don't want him to be an old geezer and have no one to love." Blaze asked.
"Thanks for your concern." Gray said sarcastically. Then Rico appeared out of his pok'eball. "Rico…"
"It is also my job to make sure you found the perfect mate, master." Rico said.
"You two are annoying." Gray said.
"Well, we notice that you don't even engage in a relationship with a female. You are pretty close to Kai and Cliff but Claire is the first female you ever socialize with besides Mistress Ann." Rico said.
"I hope you are not gay. Are you?" Blaze teased.
"I AM NOT GAY THANK YOU VERY MUCH!" Gray screamed. "I HAPPEN TO BE ATTRACTED TO WOMEN ESPECIALLY CLAIRE!"
"Great, I hope you two get married." Blaze said.
"I would protect your children with my life, master." Rico said.
"Again, you two are annoying." Gray said. "I don't even know anything about her except being a Farmer and Berry Master."
"Then use this time to get to know her more. I think she is nice." Blaze said.
"We owe her our lives since she saved us. I believe she is very brave when she faced Shark Fin on her own." Rico added.
"Fine, I would get to know her more." Gray said. "I don't have a choice do I?"
"Nope…" They both replied. Gray made it to her front door and knocked on it. The door opened and he froze with a blush on his face. Claire wasn't wearing her usual attire. She was wearing jean shorts with a pink fitted shirt with a picture of a pok'eball.
"Hey Gray… You came just in time. I was cooking dinner. I hope you love baked corn with fried chicken." Claire said, smiling.
"Baked Corn!" Gray said, holding his drool. She made Baked Corn for me… I am in heaven. His pok'emon let out a small chuckle.
"Yup, I knew you would come here so I made you it. It is your favorite dish." Claire explained. "Please come in…" They walked in and Claire stared at Rico. "Wow, what a strong and handsome Lucario. I haven't got to see him after that incident in the mines but he looks pretty strong. You raised him well."
"Thanks…" Gray said, hiding his blush with his hat. Amber raced towards Blaze and hugged him tightly. Lucky Bastard… Getting all the love… I wish Claire was like that with me… What? What am I thinking? "Hey Claire, after we eat, can I ask you something?"
"What is it?" Claire asked, petting Rico. He seems to enjoy it so much that he had a huge smile on his face.
"Well, I don't know you very well and I gave you the title of Best Friend so I have to know more about you." Gray explained shyly. Claire let out a giggle and smile.
Well, Ann warned me about this.
"Hey Claire, there is something I have to tell you." Ann said.
"What is it Ann?" I asked.
"Well, it is about Gray. You see he has thing with labeling people. I mean with the status of the relationship. I was labeled as Little Sister while Cliff was labeled as Best Friend. I just don't want you to get offended."
"I won't." I said, smiling. "I don't mind. I mean… I am happy that I am not an acquaintance anymore."
I really don't mind. If this is how Gray gets close to people then I am going to try my best to get promoted so I can get even closer. And just maybe, he might like me… "Sure Gray, I would tell you everything about me if you do the same. I want to know you more too." Claire said.
"Then it is a deal." Gray said. They ate dinner together. Blaze, Amber, and Rico were eating pok'emon food while they were eating baked corn, fried rice, and fried chicken. This taste all so good. She is a good cook. Then there was a knock on the door.
"I would get it." Claire said. I wonder who it is. She walked to the door and found a man in a uniform with a huge red letter R. "Hello sir, is there something you want?" Gray also stood up from his seat and peak at the door.
"I was wondering if you know where I can find the Goddess of Hoenn." The man said. Claire was shaking as she heard that.
"I don't know what you are talking about." Claire said. "I am sorry but I don't know who that is."
"You are Claire Maple right? You are the Goddess of Hoenn, the top contest coordinator." The man said.
"Again, I don't know what you are talking about." Claire said. Oh no, I got caught. It has only been a month. How did this happen?
"I need you to come back. My boss needs you back." He said.
"Tell him that I don't want to be part of his stupidity." She snapped. "I am never working for him again." Then the man grabbed her hand. "LET GO OFF ME!" No, I am not going to that life again. I am not going to be like that again… She kept pulling herself away from with tears but he was strong. Then suddenly Gray punched the man on the face. It was a strong punch considering the man tumbled away from them. "Gray…"
"Are you okay?" Gray said, cupping her face. She was still crying and scared. He gritted his teeth and stare at the man. That asshole made my Claire cry… My Claire? Where did that come from? "WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?! HOW DARE YOU HARM A LADY LIKE THAT?"
"You should stay out of this." The man said, forcing his body up. "She is our property and we want her back."
"Property? She is not a thing, she a woman." Gray snapped. Claire blushed as she stared at him. "You are not taking Claire away from me." The man pulled out two pok'eballs and tossed it in the air. A Crobat and a Mightyena appeared.
"I am not leaving without her." The man said.
"Rico… Blaze…" Gray said. Rico and Blaze jumped in front of him and was ready to battle.
"Gray, this is my fight not yours." Claire said.
"It is my fight. I would never forgive anyone that makes my Best Friend cry." Gray said. Claire blushed even more. "Don't worry okay…" She nodded her head but Gray still hugged her tightly.
"Crobat used Screech… Mightyena used Bite…" The man ordered. Crobat filled the air with a loud disturbing noise and Mightyena was about to bite Blaze.
"Blaze, counter with Fire Spin." Gray said. "Rico, used Power-up punch towards the ground." Blaze fired a powerful flaming fire spin. It stopped the noise and hit Crobat. Crobat was now burnt. "Great shot Blaze…" Rico punched the ground very hard, allowing the dirt to burst upward and shield them from Mightyena's jaws. "Rico, finish up with Auro Sphere… Blaze use Flamethrower." Rico charged his energy and launch a powerful sphere and with Blaze's flamethrower, it became a powerful attack. It not only hit Mightyena but also Crobat and his trainer. They were blasted upwards and disappeared without a trace. "Good job you guys… Great teamwork…"
"Wow, you are pretty good." Claire said. "You are an amazing trainer." He then cupped her face again. "Gray?"
"Are you okay? Did that jerk hurt you?" Gray asked, giving him a concern look.
"I am fine Gray. Thank you so much." Claire said.
"So tell me what was that all about." Gray said. Claire pulled away from him. "You promised that you would tell me everything about yourself. We are Best Friends now so you can tell me anything."
"I guess I can…" She said, letting out a smile. "Please let's get back inside. I need to show you something." They walked back inside and he sat on the sofa. "I would be right back." She went to the closet and pulled out a huge box. She carried it to the sofa and placed it on the table in front of them. She sat beside him and let out a sigh. "I guess I have no choice but to tell you who I really am. I am Claire Maple and I am from the Hoenn Region. I recently moved here to the Unova region to start over."
"That asshole earlier, he mentioned his boss wanted you back and called you the Goddess of Hoenn. What did he mean by that?" Gray asked.
"Well, when I started my journey I was completely clueless of what I should do or be. Usually you get a Torchic, Mudkip, or Treecko as starter pok'emon from the Hoenn Region but I was late for my orientation and they didn't have a pok'emon for me. But luckily Professor Oak was there and gave me my first pok'emon, Amber…" Claire explained. Amber rubbed her face on her leg. Claire carried her and placed her on her laps. "We weren't really good in battling when we first started but when I was introduced to a Pok'emon Contest, I was amazed how Pok'emon can be so beautiful and vivid so I became a Pok'emon Coordinator."
"Is that when you show off your pok'emon with their moves in a very unique way?" Gray asked.
"Yes, but there is more to it than that... You have to have a strong bond with your Pok'emon and well… have fun with them." Claire said. "I ended up being very good at it and became a top coordinator. My nickname was the Goddess of Hoenn."
"That actually suits you." Gray said. Claire paused and stared at him. "I mean… You must be good right?" He started blushing in front of her but she let out a sigh.
"I was really good and very naïve. I ended up signing a contract with a man called Giovanni and every time I win a contest of Grand Festival, all my money and assets go to him." Claire said. "I didn't mind at first but it got out of hand. Coordinating to me was all about fun and love with your Pok'emon but it ended up with something ugly. I became a famous celebrity and was forced to make appearances. I couldn't continued my journey or even visit my family. I was trapped. Amber here doesn't like cameras and gets very shy to the point that she blasts people with her flames. I told Giovanni that I had enough and wanted out of his contract but he refused and told me that I had three years left. I knew that I can't get out even if I tried so I waited and continued obeying his every command. After my three years, Amber was still unsettled with cameras and Giovanni threaten me to get rid of Amber if I still wanted to be Top Coordinator." She then pet Amber. "I chose Amber because she was like family and retired. I moved here and started a new chapter in my life. Even with the contract being expired, Giovanni still wanted me back."
"I am glad you did. I mean, if you didn't I wouldn't have met you." Gray said.
"Aww… So sweet…" Claire said happily. "I am happy that I met you too."
"Yeah…" He said, blushing. She is happy that she met me. I feel so relieved. Gray looked inside the box and saw all her ribbons, trophies, and even photos. He pulled out a framed photo of her with Amber. But there were three other pok'emon with her. There was a Buneary, Snivy, and a Feebas. He then turned his eyes on her. She is so cute and pretty… Why didn't I bump into her during my pok'emon journey? She had short blonde hair which was covered with a brown Lopunny hoodie with black tights and brown boots. "You look very cute here…"
"Thank you Gray…" Claire said, blushing.
"So this is your team?" Gray asked.
"Yup, Lola is the Buneary. Yori is the Snivy and Bella is my Feebas. They were always there for me and we had so many adventures together." Claire said.
"Where are they now?" Gray asked.
"Well, my grandfather is a Berry Master in Hoenn and he is getting old. So I decided to leave them with my grandpa so they can help him with the berries." Claire said.
"That is how you know so much about berries."
"Yup, you see my parents died from a sea voyage. They were Pok'emon rangers and were heading out to their mission by ship but the ship sunk and they didn't make it. My twin brother Claude and I were devastated with the news." She said, letting out a frown. "My grandfather took us in. Claude pursued his dreams of being a Pok'emon ranger and enrolled into the academy while I became a Contest Coordinator."
"I am sorry about your parents." Gray said.
"It is alright." Claire said. "So tell me about you."
"Me? Well, there is nothing to talk about." Gray said.
"That can't be true. You were quite amazing and one with your pok'emon during that battle earlier. I was quite impressed." Claire said.
"Well, I am originally from the Kanto Region and Blaze was my first pok'emon. Rico, Romeo, Juliet along with Blaze were my teammates and friends. " Gray said.
"Romeo and Juliet?"
"Yup, Romeo is my Gallade and Juliet is my Gardevoir. They are actually brother and sister. Romeo is very outgoing while Juliet is shy but together they make a pretty good team. Those two was my first pok'emon I have caught in the Hoenn Region and they were pretty fun to be with." Gray said. He pulled out two pok'eballs and threw it in the air. A gallant Gallade and a beautiful Gardevoir appeared in front of them."Hey you two, I would like you both to meet Claire. She is my new best friend."
"They are so adorable." Claire said, standing up from her seat and staring at his pok'emon with awe. "Romeo is so handsome and Juliet is beautiful." Romeo strikes a pose and gave her a flower. "For me… Thank you… I wonder why he called you Romeo, you can be such a flirt." She then turned to Juliet. "I hope we can be good friend Juliet." The shy Gardevior smiled. "They are amazing and I bet they are also very strong."
"They are. All of my pok'emon would train every single day and night in order to be the best." Gray said. "I always wanted to be the Champion of Kanto. I was pretty good as a trainer and won a lot of battles. I even made it to the Pok'emon League. I was this close of reaching my dream but I lost to a guy named Green."
"Even with that, I am sure that your parents are proud of you." Claire said.
"Well, my dad left me, Ann, and my mom when I was little so I don't remember much about him." Gray said. I can't believe I am telling her this. I am not even mad or scared to tell her. It is like I can tell her anything. "So my mom was the only one there to take care of us. I was blessed though but then she got sick and died. I made it a point to watch over Ann. The old man was the only family we had so I gave up my Pok'emon journey and became a Blacksmith apprentice while Ann opened up the Inn. My mom was a Blacksmith and she was pretty good so I wanted to continue that bloodline."
"I am very sorry about your mom." Claire said, walking back to her seat. However, she was much closer to him than before. She grabbed his hand and let out a smile. "It must be hard for you."
"It is okay…" Gray said, smiling. "Look at the bright side, I wasn't the only one raised by an old man." Claire started laughing and he joined in. "You know, I have never told anyone about my life before."
"Really?"
"I never trust people but I feel like I can trust you." Gray said. "I know it only has been a month and I did treat you like shit but I feel like I can trust you."
"Oh Gray, I am happy you trust me." Claire said. He is opening up to me… I am so happy. I can't believe he trust me. "I feel the same way."
"Then I am happy too." Gray said. "Well, let's finish dinner. Your baked corn was really great."
"Then I would make you it every time you come to visit me." Claire said.
"You are even going to make cornflake with honey and chocolate bars." Gray said, again holding his drool. Claire let out a giggle.
"Of course, anything for you…" She replied. After dinner, Gray walked out door with Rico and Blaze, Romeo, and Juliet. Amber kissed Blaze and again, he swirled around with love and passion. "I am happy you came tonight. We should do this again."
"I would love that." Gray said.
"Gray, thanks for saving me." Claire said, smiling and blushing at the same time. Gray let out a chuckle. "What is so funny?"
"If that man comes again, I have to save you again." Gray teased.
"You just got lucky…" Claire pouted. He was still laughing and she couldn't help but smile. I would live a happy life if I entered the Mines. I guess I know what the Harvest Goddess was talking about… "Hey Gray…"
"Yes…" Gray stopped laughing and froze as she moved towards his cheek and kissed it lightly. He blushed viciously as he felt her soft rosy lips on his skin.
"Goodnight…" Claire said, smiling. "I hope you get to the Inn safely." As she closes the door in front of him, he touched the spot that she kissed him.
"Good job Gray… " His Pok'emon cheered. Gray blushed even more. Claire kissed him again kissed him on the cheek and he didn't felt disgusted or mad. To make matters worse, he loved it. He wanted more.
"I guess being Best Friends is not so bad after all." Gray said, walking away happily.