Green's eyes blinked open. He'd dreamed about the ruby-eyed boy yet again. He yawned and stretched, wondering why he hadn't bothered to visit Red since the teen went off to Mount Silver. Rubbing his eyes, he told himself the same thing he did every other time he had dreams about the champion. Red killed his Raticate, stole his title as champion, and most of all he had ripped his grandfather's love away.
Although this time, Green couldn't help but think, telling himself the same thing every morning just a little bit childish? Green had been the one who announced them as rivals, along with being the one who teased Red since they'd gotten their first Pokémon. He was the one who had ended their friendship, so Red had no reason at all to go easy on him. Obviously, he hadn't held back at all.
'I'm going to have to see the guy sooner or later,' thought the Viridian gym leader, 'So why don't I just get it over with?'
This is exactly why at this very moment, at 6:30am sharp, Green was on his way to Mount Silver. Pidgeot had quickly adapted to flying in the extreme blizzard-like conditions of the tallest mountain in all of Kanto, so they were there in no time. Pidgeot landed at the bottom of the snowy steps, and the emerald-eyed teen couldn't help but shiver. Not because of the cold, but because everything that had happened so far was like a replay of his dream.
There Red was, of course, he was still standing at the top of the stairs, similar to his dream once again. There was one thing that differed. Red hadn't turned around yet. So Green took it upon himself to walk up the stairs and look at the black-haired teen.
He was asleep. Not to mention standing up while sleeping. Who does Red think he is, a Rapidash? The former champion blinked at him, stunned to the core. Why was Red sleeping now, of all times? Green would have sworn that Red would never, in a million years, allow himself to be vulnerable. Ever.
Then the brown-haired male decided to consider what to do next. He had 2 choices:
1. Wake Red up and force him off Mount Silver, and take him to breakfast.
2. Take Red while he was asleep, and take him to breakfast.
Okay, so Green was hungry. He hadn't ate breakfast yet, and he always is hearing everyone say 'Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!', so why not? The gym leader really didn't want to fight Red, and what with how thin the champion of Kanto was, who knew when he had last ate one decent meal? A rocky cavern had caught Green's eye. He went inside and there was a sleeping bag, Red's backpack, and a few stray pokeballs lying around. After gathering up Red's belongings, he set them down beside his waiting Pidgeot. Then, Green proceeded to pick up Red, carrying him down the steps, somewhat surprised by how light the ebony-haired teen was.
Green sat down on Pidgeot's back, and told the giant bird to fly back to his house. Pidgeot unfurled his strong wings taking off. Once they had came to his house, he dropped Red's stuff off in his living room, coming back in a flash. Red was still sleeping, laying with his face buried in Pidgeot's feathers. The emerald-eyed teen hopped back on Pidgeot, promising a long rest once they reached Vermillion City.
When they had ascended into the air again, Green finally decided to take a good look at his rival. Red's skin was still as pale as it had ever been, but the teen's black, silky hair seemed to frame his face perfectly. His cheeks were slightly flushed, probably from the cold. All of his features were completely relaxed, and Green found himself glad that he hadn't woken the frail boy up.
He also realized that deep down, he really did care for the champion, no matter what they'd been through in the past. Green decided that he was going to show Red how he felt, even though he was asleep. If the Pokémon master had been awake, the gym leader would never consider to do anything like this. So he bent down, and just like that, pressed his lips gently on Red's. It was a soft, cautious kiss, and Green was surprised that Red's mouth was moist and damp, even after being in the cold for who knows how long. The brunette had pulled back, letting out a breathy sigh, blushing at what he'd just done.
That was when Red woke up. Although he was no welcoming Sleeping Beauty. He rubbed at his eyes groggily, in a manner that made Green smile, until the other teen had opened them. Red's eyes had locked with Green's almost instantly, he wanted to know why in Arceus's name he was lying in Green's lap on a flying Pidgeot.
The Viridian gym leader suddenly felt his throat close up. He tried to shove a word out of his mouth, except the only thing he managed to get out was a puff of air.
"I...uh...well..." Green stuttered. Red was gazing up at him expectantly.
"You were asleep," Green stated, as the champion looked at him encouragingly, "and you looked cold, so I'm taking you to breakfast."
What breakfast had to do with being cold, Red had no idea. Although, it was a good thing he had decided to install video cameras around Mount Silver in case he was ever forced to leave. Then he'd know if any challengers came. He wasn't thrilled to be leaving the highest peak in Kanto, but at least he had made preparations if something were to ever happen. Green trying to steal him away for breakfast really was something, Red had to admit.
"We're almost there," Green said, watching cities and routes pass by beneath them. Then they had finally came upon Vermillion City and the gym leader hopped off Pidgeot, returning him.
"Put me down," were the first words Red had spoken since he had woken up.
Green had blushed, setting Red down on his feet. Red had brushed himself off casually, straightened out his hat, slung on his backpack, turning to finally look at Green.
"Where to?" asked the ruby-eyed male.
"Follow me," the other said, leading the way to a fancy café that was across the street.
Red was amazed at how fancy the restaurant looked, it seemed as if it had been stolen from France and placed by the beachside, adding a nice flair to the area.
Green held the door open for the champion, and a bell rang softly above them.
"Welcome to Summer Paradise," a polite hostess said as she led them to a table by the window, where light was gleaming in from outside, enhancing the inside. The café wasn't packed, much to Red's relief. If it had been, chances are that someone would have recognized him. They sat down across from each other, and the champion automatically opened his menu, trying to decide what to get, when a waiter came over.
"I'll have pancakes and eggs with milk please," said Green.
"Same," the ruby-eyed teen answered, just as their waiter's gaze had turned to him. The man had the walked off with their orders, leaving them to chat.
"So Red, how have you been doing lately?" Green asked.
Red wondered if he should give the gym leader the long answer or the short answer.
"Fine," Red replied, going with short.
"Anything new?" Green questioned.
"Nope," The ebony-haired male said, but at that moment, something had flashed deep in his crimson eyes.
"You are lying," Green stated. Red looked at him not denying or confirming anything, but at this point, the other trainer could tell he was covering something up.
"Red, why are you lying to me?" The brunette's voice had gone up an octave.
"Tell me, please," Green pleaded, giving the Pokémon master a look that he couldn't say no to.
"There's this recurring dream I've been having is all..." Red murmured truthfully.
"What kind of dream?" Green asked, wonder, shock, embarrassment, and confusion mingling on his face as he finally listened to the boy who hadn't spoken a word since leaving his best friend.
A/N: The cafe's name was inspired by one of my MANY favorite songs Summer Paradise By Simple Plan. Thank you to Dragonliched who helped me with ideas for this next chapter. Also much thanks to my partner in crime, who has always been by my side supporting me. You know who you are ;) This chapter was pleasantly longer than I had planned, so please enjoy!
