I survived my first week! Even though it was only two days! Baby steps.

Anyway, it's time for the newest chapter! Who is Bella's father is our current question at hand. I looked over the reviews, and a few of you actually got it right! But who? You'll find out...now!

For the Love of Brock

Chapter Four

"Do you remember back in Johto, when we entered the Pokémon breeding competition as a team?"

Brock nodded wordlessly at Suzy's question, not wanting to speak but just to listen.

"And you remember my childhood friend Zane, right?"

Once again, Brock nodded. How could he forget about the blond boy who had all but taken Suzy from him?

"Well, shortly after that competition, we began working as a breeding team," Suzy explained, her voice steady. "And it was pretty obvious that we both had feelings for one another. We were eighteen at the time, but still not very open about our feelings. It took us two whole years to start dating."

"So…Zane was your boyfriend?" Brock asked slowly.

"Yes," Suzy confirmed, her answer not at all confident. "After that, we dated for a very long time. Until we were about 25. Then we had a big falling out, and broke up. After that, we were on and off for a good five years until finally, we got engaged."

Brock bit his lower lip. He knew he should have seen it coming.

"So…Zane is Bella's father," Brock concluded.

"Yes," Suzy once again ratified. "But, you have to remember, she wasn't born until Zane and I were 36 years old. We didn't get married until we were 32, because even our engagement was plagued with problems. But we were sure we loved each other. Being Pokémon breeders involved so much travel that we could never pinpoint when a good time to have a child was. But I really wanted a baby. Once I turned 35, I told Zane I couldn't wait any longer, and that's how Bella came to be. But even after she was born, Zane and I noticed the cracks in our relationship growing wider and wider."

Brock just continued nodding, his whole head feeling numb.

"We were just two different people," Suzy sighed. "I didn't really want to travel anymore. I still loved being a breeder, but I would have preferred to settle down and open my own breeding center. I wanted to have a house and a few more kids. But Zane just wanted to go, go, go. He loved traveling. And he didn't want to stop."

"So you both grew apart," Brock breathed, coming to realization.

"Yes," Suzy said once again. "Our goals were just too different. We were no longer compatible. So, after a lot of consideration, Zane and I decided to split up."

"Oh," Brock murmured, letting out a long breath. "So you're…you're…"

"Divorced," Suzy finished for Brock, smiling sheepishly. "Yeah."

"There's nothing wrong with that, Suzy," Brock quickly replied.

"No, I know," Suzy sighed, shaking her head. "And it could have been so much worse. Zane and I are still friends. Bella still sees him and knows him. The split was amicable. No one was blindsided or left angry. And that's the most important thing."

"Especially for Bella," Brock added.

"Especially for Bella," Suzy agreed. "I mean, we tried to make it work for her sake. We didn't want her to feel torn or like it was her fault. But fortunately for us, she's pretty much the smartest four year old in the entire world. She understands she's not to blame. And she's okay with the separation. She loves going to visit her daddy. It's very sweet."

"That's great," Brock chuckled. Because he had already met Bella, all he could picture was the little girl's sweet face, so happy and smiley. "So, where do you and Bella live? In the Kanto region?"

At this, Suzy's face fell. "Well, that's the thing."

Brock arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Zane and I officially divorced shortly before Bella's birthday," Suzy explained. "So…a few months ago. We were travelling together up until then. But because the divorce was only a few months ago, I still haven't found a suitable place to live. Bella and I are still travelling from place to place for breeding competitions and showcases."

"Wait…" Brock began, his eyes shifting. "Does this mean that Bella…Bella's never lived in a house before?"

"No," Suzy finally admitted. "All she knows are hotels and campers. She's never even had her own room. I feel so awful…like I've been depriving my daughter of some fundamental need."

"But you haven't!" Brock rushed to assure Suzy. "Sure, it's not a typical life, but she still had shelter and love…you weren't depriving her of anything."

"Maybe not, but that's how I feel," Suzy sighed. "That's why I wanted to settle down and have a home. For Bella's sake. But…it's just been so hard. Between the divorce, and her birthday, and the competitions and showcases…you must think I'm a terrible mother."

Brock's jaw dropped at this. He was stunned that Suzy could even come up with anything like that. Despite his brain telling him not to, Brock reached across the table and held Suzy's face in his hand, bringing back the breeder's explosive blush.

"You're definitely not a terrible mother," Brock assured, his voice soft and caring. "From all I've heard today, I know that you love Bella more than life itself. You would never hurt her, or do anything wrong. You're looking out for her best interests. And right now, you're just stuck. Is she happy?"

"The happiest little girl I've ever seen," Suzy giggled sadly, her eyes filling with tears. "Nothing ever seems to bother her."

"Then that's all that matters," Brock concluded, sitting back down in his seat. "You've obviously raised her extremely well. You and Zane."

"Thank you," Suzy murmured, still blushing. "But…that doesn't change my mind. I still want to settle down with Bella. In a permanent home. But I haven't looked anywhere yet, and this is my last showcase for the season."

"Where were you going to go after this?" Brock asked.

"We were just going to keep staying in the hotel," Suzy sighed. "I don't like it, but Bella doesn't mind. She loves having a pool right there."

Brock laughed at that.

"But I…I just don't know," Suzy groaned. "I'm so sick of bringing my daughter back to a hotel every single night."

"Well…I'm with you. I think Bella's had enough of the hotel life for now," Brock hummed.

"But I don't know what else to do," Suzy concluded. "Do I rent an apartment? I'm just so lost."

"You don't have to be," Brock murmured. "Because I have a plan."

"You do?" Suzy questioned.

"Yeah," Brock replied confidently. "You and Bella are going to stay at my place. For as long as you need."

Suzy's eyes widened at this. "Brock, I couldn't…"

"You wouldn't be imposing at all," Brock jumped in. "Trust me. I have a really nice house, and I'm the only person living there! I could use some company. I have rooms for you and Bella, you two could have home cooked meals…and I know that Bella loves swimming, so if she ever wants, I can just take her over to Misty's gym! There's a nice, big pool there for her to play in. And she could even meet Ash and Misty's younger daughter! I know Bella is two years younger, but I bet she and Elizabeth would get along wonderfully. Elizabeth is a very sweet, friendly girl. She'd take to Bella in a heartbeat."

Suzy seemed very overwhelmed by the offer. "Brock…this is too much…"

"It isn't, I promise," Brock once again grabbed Suzy's hands. "Until you get yourselves situated, or whenever you feel like leaving, my home will be your home. I think it's time for Bella to experience that."

Suzy smiled at that. "You're right, Brock. It is time she experienced that."

"Perfect," Brock breathed. "We'll go to your hotel right after the showcase and get your things."

"Thank you so much, Brock," Suzy wheezed, getting up from her seat and giving the surprised Pokémon doctor a tight hug. "This means everything to me."

"Don't mention it," Brock whispered, hugging the breeder right back.

Yes, Suzy was married to Zane, and therefore, he is Bella's father. I was trying to hint at it with her dark blonde hair :)

So now, Suzy and Bella are going to be staying at Brock's house for a little while! Can this only lead to trouble? Hmm. We'll see!