After the cocoa mishap the cafe was filled to the brim with reporters and news stations wanting an interview with Gladion. Of course this was no surprise, he literally set a world record, he's taking over the biggest company in Alola, and he set a standard that seemed unsurmountable.
"Ughhhh" Moon yelled from behind the cashier register. Moon pouted. Hau might've been carefree and fun outside of work, but here he was too serious for her liking.
"Hauuuuuuu" she groaned "look at all the people I could be serving!"
When Hau didn't reply yet again she let out yet another groan. "Hauuuuuuuuuu"
"Moon." he placed his clipboard on the cash register table with a sigh. "You literally spilled Tapu Cocoa all over Gladion. THE FUTURE OWNER OF THIS BUILDING!"
A week ago Hau put Moon on a serving probation. He told her it was a precaution in case Lusamine demanded an answer as to why her son came home soaked. Moon knew he meant well, but she hated it, so she continued to pester him. She loved waitressing, she hated the cash register and with Hau not budging she didn't know what else to do. She was bored, she was frustrated, she was losing money, and she couldn't help but to feel a little ticked off at the boy who really had no fault in her mistake. They hadn't even come in for a cup of coffee since then so she couldn't even formally apologize to the guy.
There was a lull in the crowd as the cafe began to empty out, seems reporters wouldn't hang around for too long if their source wouldn't come by. She turned to face Hau.
"Fine then, don't let me serve tables. You can at least tell me how you know them on a first name basis" she asked.
"I went to Pokemon Camp for several years. The Foundation ran it so it was no surprise to see them there. Lillie was always sweet, Gladion was always moody" he smiled "I'm actually amazed Gladion didn't say anything when he saw me".
Moon curiously looked at him not understanding what he implied.
"You can't tell me you didn't notice?"
"Notice what, exactly?" Moon lifted an eyebrow.
"That the Aether family is literally blessed with great genetics." Hau grins. "Gladion knew I had a thing for Lillie when we were little and the glares he would throw me were like daggers."
"Pretty sure I felt the direct consequences of that glare after I ruined his clothes" she sighed, while also taking a mental note to ask about Lillie later.
"Yeah, well. He's not a bad guy, just protective of his family and Pokemon" Hau shrugged.
Moon's curiosity was piqued. Someone that moody, that mysterious, that edgy was supposed to take over Aether? She couldn't understand. She heard rumors of Lusamine being less than perfect for the foundation's overall goals. Something about being cruel to Pokemon under the facade of an organization meant to protect. She heard she was asked to step down, but with her two children gone there was no one to take over. Moon didn't know much about the Foundation beyond that and she couldn't help but to wonder if there was something more to why they were back.
"Is he strong, Hau?" Moon whispered hoping that he was still listening.
"He was the strongest kid at camp."
Hau went on to explain how Gladion would win every year's mock trials at camp. How he created deep connections with the Pokemon he just met for those two weeks in summer and how Gladion used to vow to get stronger to protect those around him.
Moon leaned her back against the table, still facing Hau. She didn't know why she felt so hopeless. Someone like that was bound to take on the challenge. Someone like him was destined to defeat her and yet she wanted to learn more about his goals, his training regimen, his thoughts on the trial, and his story. "Do you think Gladion's going to challenge the L-"
*DING*
Moon jumped and a squeal came out of her mouth. She turned around and was met with intense green eyes once again. Gladion was standing in front of her. His black attire switched out with all white, clearly matching the Aether aesthetic. His hair was cut shorter, well kept, and with his wallet in hand and a scowl on his face anyone could clearly tell he didn't want to be there.
Hau cleared his throat, taking Moon out of her thoughts, as he walked to the kitchen.
"Welcome to Cafe Tapu would you like to dine in or take out?"
"I'm here for an order that was placed about an hour ago. 22 drinks?" He said flatly.
"Oh, yes. Hau will bring that right out." Moon rings him up and glances at Gladion who was now looking through his wallet.
"Gladion...right?" she says while grabbing his card.
He lifts an eyebrow, prompting her to continue. "I'm sorry about the other day."
His eyes grow just a smidge softer. "It was an honest mistake. Don't worry about it." A soft blush graces Moon's face as he grabs the order from her. He looks around the cafe before putting on some sunglasses. "Thanks" he mutters as he walks away.
"Gladion is totally avoiding the media" Hau chuckles.
"Yeah…" Moon replies as she watches Gladion walk away.
"If only he brought Lillie with him." Hau glances over at Moon. He smirks "What's with that look, Moon?"
"Oh!" She's taken out of her daze. "Nothing" Moon says looking away as she closes the cash register.
