Chapter 4 - Put It Into Action, Part I
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"Wait, what do you mean by that, Sapphire?"
Sapphire plopped onto her bed with an exasperated sigh as she covered her face using her left palm.
It was exactly twenty, eight in the evening, and she was emotionally and physically exhausted.
Why wouldn't she be?
Blue literally came into their house at eight in the morning, without her consent, and told her it was their girl's day out. She asked why they have such a thing to which Blue responded with a silly giggle, although she felt that there was some mischief behind that giggle, and simply told the conqueror that she missed hanging out with her.
Sapphire pondered about it since Blue just visited Hoenn several months ago for a vacation. In that span of Blue's one month vacation, she treated them at Café de Slateport every Saturday, which the lovebirds didn't have any complaints, and teased them about their relationship. The teasing would often lead the lovebirds to either feel mortified, emotionally flustered or both, if Blue's teasing became a bit intense.
Sapphire was used to every Pokedex Holder's teasing, since literally all of them know about the charmer and the conqueror being a 'thing' from the beginning of their relationship whether it was their rivalry, friendship or their romantic, mutual feelings. However, she just couldn't prevent herself from being flustered and she didn't know why. She thought it might be a normal feeling for a person to have whenever he or she loved someone romantically. It could also be the effects of the bug Pokemon in her stomach or the school of Luvsdiscs she and her boyfriend unintentionally saw five months ago.
Mentally shaking her head at those thoughts, she sat up in her bed as another infuriated sigh escaped from her lips. She cursed those thoughts. "I mean... I love acceptin' their challenges and all, but I don't wanna work on Friday next week since..."
"Hm... Let me guess. You have another date with Ruby?"
The response made her cheeks heat up. Honestly, she didn't know whether or not Ruby would take her in another one of his perfect romantic dinner dates. Last year, she just celebrated her birthday with her father where they go into the woods and had a little adventure and a Pokemon battle. That was one of the father-daughter bonding moments she yearned for a long time, and she was glad her father got the time to spend the whole day with her. "I-I don't know... We only have dinner with my dad and his parents last year. I... don't know 'bout this year."
"Well... who knows? Maybe he'll take you on another date this year?"
Sapphire shook her head. One could dream about that as the best birthday present. Regardless, what mattered is she would spent her birthday with the people she loved. She was not asking for anything fancy or lively to happen whenever it was her birthday, let alone a grand birthday present! A simple feast with her loved ones was enough for her satisfaction. "We're busy with our own careers, in case ya forget."
A soft chuckle escaped from Steven's lips. It seems like she had no idea about what Ruby has in store for her. Her cluelessness made him conclude that Ruby hadn't proposed yet, which was weird since it'd been a week when he unexpectedly saw the charmer at Lilycove's jewelry store. What was taking the guy so long? "Right, right, I forgot. Alright then, I'll tell them. I'm sure they wouldn't mind not seeing you for a day."
"Thank ya, mister Steven." Sapphire said, relief and satisfaction present in her voice, and exhaled deeply.
"It's the least I can do, Sapphire. Good night. Send my regards to Ruby and Emerald, by the way."
"I will, and good night." Sapphire ended the call and placed her Pokegear on the table next to the bed.
Exhaling deeply, she plopped and sprawled on her bed. She gazed at her Mega Bracelet.
Blue's sudden return on her Mega Bracelet made her wonder. She was expecting she would return it on her next visit, which was scheduled next year. The evolver's sudden visit was surprising though. It was not that she hated seeing her senior, she was glad to see her again in fact, but Blue's visit meant the mocks and mortifications have also returned. Regardless, it sure was nice to see it returned safely. People often mistaken her Mega Ring as an engagement ring regardless of which finger it was worn on. That alone was enough to make her feel embarrassed. Why would someone think that a Mega Ring and an engagement ring were totally the same?
She snapped out of her trance and turn her gaze to her right. That was odd. She could have sworn she heard someone knock on the window, but who could that be? It was definitely not Blue since she was staying at Fortree city's hotel. Her father was unlikely to tap on the window since he's already asleep in his room judging on the loud snoring she was hearing from the hallway. Her eyes widened in shock as she sat up in her bed. What the heck was Ruby doing out there with Troppy? Wasn't he supposed to be in his house?
He genuinely smiled at her from outside and gestured to open the window.
Still confused, Sapphire reluctantly went off her bed and approached the window. He better had some good explanation why. She released an exasperated sigh and opened the double hung window upwards. "Ruby, what are—"
Ruby quickly hopped into her room once she opened the window, and not a moment later, he stole a kiss from her lips. She was taken aback from his sudden move with a blush painted on her cheeks. She did not expect that.
An arrogant, sly smirk appeared on Ruby's lips. He knew that would surprise her. Her reactions were adorable just like he predicted. He should do this more often. That is, if she was comfortable at it. He didn't want to force her after all.
"Ya idiot!" She half-whispered and playfully punched his chest. Her blush still present on her face. Once again, he made her flustered and she didn't know how to currently deal with it. It looked like she needed White's help. The president and manager of the BW Agency didn't seem flustered whenever she and Black have their own `romantic moment, especially during their wedding three years ago.
"Ow." He backed off a bit from the pain and released a soft chuckle. He placed his right palm on his chest to soothe the pain. It may be just a playful punch, but her inhuman strength caused that punch to apply a bit of pressure on his chest. Frankly, it was worth it. Her reactions after that kiss just kept on getting cuter. He released a contented sigh. She didn't seem stressed at all based on her eyes, which is good. It was one of the reasons why he stole a kiss from her.
"What are ya doin' here, anyway?" She asked, not making an eye contact with him and looked at Troppy instead. She noticed a picnic basket on the Pokemon's back. Could that be...? She mentally shook her head. It could be anyone's picnic basket since Troppy was sometimes mistaken as a tree by some travelers in the forest, especially those who hadn't seen an actual Tropius yet.
Ruby wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled his head against her neck. It made her more flustered while her heart started pounding rapidly. She could feel it can get out of her chest any second. "I haven't seen you all day."
She shot him a glare. Really? That was his reason?
Her aggressive glare made Ruby swallowed hard. He should not have said that. "Too much?"
A smile formed on her lips at his light reason as she elbowed his chest. He winced in pain a bit from her strength. Regardless, his arms around her waist remain. "Silly. That ain't a good reason."
Her smile made him release a sigh in relief. Oh good, she was just correcting his mistake. He thought his reason displeased her. "I guess you're right about that."
A comfortable silence surrounded their vicinity as they listened to some night Pokemon's movements and nature's cool, night breeze pass through the leaves of the trees and the earth's grass. Ruby placed an affectionate kiss on her cheek while Sapphire gave his arm a soft squeeze. This was one of the moments they cherish whenever they were alone from everyone's attentions and teasing. They were already contented with just the two them in each other's warm embrace and a comfortable silence accompanying them. This type of moments often helped them remove the stress and other emotional problems they were having. They were able to open up their problems and help one another in dealing with those whether it was from their work or personal ones. They barely had any arguments and misunderstandings throughout their relationship with the help of certain moments like this. Maybe that's why their relationship just kept on getting stronger as time passed by.
Still flapping its wings to keep itself in the air, Troppy smiled at the two trainers. They really deserve each other. Both Ruby's and Sapphire's respective Pokemon team agree that the two were happier from the time they were officially dating. They couldn't be more contented at seeing the two happy.
"Come on."
"Eh?"
Ruby removed his arms around her waist and mounted on Troppy's back. He offered his hand to his future wife with a smile. "We're gonna do a little stargazing, and... maybe a picnic under the stars would be nice. I have the professor's permission, don't worry."
Sapphire released a sigh. It turned out her intuition was right. He was taking her to have a picnic. "I know that. Besides, ya won't be doin' this if my dad disagrees."
Instead of taking his hand, she mounted herself on Troppy's back and closed the window.
A soft chuckle escaped from his lips. She just wouldn't accept his hand. It was not that he hates it, actually. He knew she could do a simple task like getting onto Troppy's back. Frankly, she did somehow ruin that moment when he offered his hand to her. He released another chuckle. She is so independent.
"What's funny?"
Her question made him chuckle again. She gave him an irked pout. "You just ruined another possible moment, Sapph." was all he could respond, with a smirk on his face, and told the Tropius to take them to their destination.
Sapphire rolled her eyes at him and lightly punched his left arm. "Idiot."
Her light punched caused him to wince in pain for the third time. He wondered if the Salamence incident didn't happen. Would she still have her inhuman strength? Would she still be that wild, cute, strong, smart, independent and beautiful woman he loved? He mentally shook his head. He should not have thought of that. He regretted for drifting his mind back to that certain incident. They'd already put it behind them. Their Salamence trauma no longer existed since both took the courage to face and overcome it. Their childhood trauma no longer affected them. They were already free from it. He snapped back to reality when he felt a pair of soft, warm lips pressed against his cheeks along with a pair of strong yet gentle arms placed around his chest. Did she just kiss him?
He exhaled deeply and links his left hand on hers. She did kiss him, but why?
"Ya seem tensed." She spoke with her face pressed on his back. "What's the problem?"
"I..." He swallowed hard. It looked like he couldn't hide it. Regardless, they did make a promise to never keep any secrets from each other, and he swore to keep that promise for as long as he lives. He sighed in defeat. This was going to be a difficult topic for them to discuss. "I just thought... w-what if..."
"That... Salamence didn't attack us…?"
He was taken aback at her answer. How did she know? "Exactly, but... how did you...?"
"It was... on my mind recently as well." He could feel her hold on him is getting a bit tight. He didn't mind it, for he too was curious about the possibility. "If it didn't happen, things will be..."
"Different."
"Exactly."
Another moment of silence passed through their flight as Troppy descended down and landed on Route 103. Sapphire removed her arms around her boyfriend and hopped down from Troppy's back. Ruby took the picnic basket and told the grass-flying type to pick them up on or before the clock would strike at twelve midnight. The Tropius nodded at the charmer's words, then flew somewhere north of Route 103 to leave the lovebirds alone.
"But I know one thing..." Ruby continued after setting up their picnic place a few meters away in front of the `pond. He took a chocolate chip cookie in the jar and looked at her with an affectionate smile.
Sapphire stared at him curiously. That was pretty random of him to continue a statement.
"I believe... no matter what happens, we'll always end up together despite the circumstances. Whether I'll still be a snotty boy who loves Pokemon battles or a prissy guy who loves Pokemon contests, I'll always choose you... t-to be with you until the last moment." He mentally sighed in relief. It was too early for him to ask her that question, according to his plan. It was a relief he managed to pause before continuing his statement. He just hoped she didn't notice it.
Sapphire swallowed the cookie she just finished. His last statement seemed odd. Was there something else he wants to talk about? She mentally shook her head. He probably thought those weren't the perfect words to say. Knowing Ruby, he guaranteed their time together was somewhat magical like those fairy tale stories in a book, in an animated or live-action film. Regardless, it turned out he continued the what-if scenario they confessed earlier. His response returned her thumping heart and the blush on her cheeks. His statement did make sense, and a bit cheesy if she were someone else. That's what she also thought of, frankly. The incident may not happen and make them remain to their old, childhood personalities, but she knew she would still have feelings for him. "Yer right... I... I feel the same, honestly."
"Sapphire," She flinched at his sudden proximity, but Ruby managed to place his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. Sapphire's heart thumped faster when she felt his warm breath from her burning cheeks. Their noses were almost touching and his lips were a few centimeters apart. She was absolutely flustered yet comfortable at their current position.
Beautiful. Her adorable reactions never cease to put a smile on his face. He noticed the cookie crumb on her lower left lip. He removed his right arm around her waist and used his thumb to remove the cookie crumb on her lip. He thought about teasing how uncivilized she was while eating that cookie, but his mind thought of something else. He cupped her left cheek and strokes it affectionately. "May I?"
Sapphire responded by nodding slowly. His blood-red eyes met her ocean-colored eyes. Their eyes fascinated each another. It felt comforting that they couldn't help but to stare at it.
She's so beautiful.
Ruby leaned in closer as they both closed their eyes and the gap between them for a kiss. Sapphire placed her arms on the back of his neck and pulled him closer to deepen the kiss. Their kiss increased passionately along with the heat coming from their cheeks.
After a moment, Sapphire gently pulled away to gasp for air with Ruby's lips still lingering on hers. Despite she pulled apart, she could still feel their heartbeats following the same rhythm. He pulled her close again and pressed his lips against hers. The cold, night breeze contrasted along from the sensations in their passionate kiss and the increasing temperature they were feeling. Ruby gently strokes her left cheek as he felt every ounce of love they share. He exhaled contentedly through their kiss. Passionately kissing her under the starry night sky was definitely an amazing feeling. He can do this all night.
They later pulled apart to gasp for air with Ruby's left hand linked on hers. He smiled contentedly. "Well, that was amazing."
She rolled her eyes at him and punched his chest. He winced from the pain again.
"Ow! Sapph? What was that for?"
"Idiot." She responded in a hoarse voice, still flustered from their kiss. "I hope no one sees us. It'll be embarrassin' if someone..."
"See us and... gossip about this." He finished for her and smiled. She nodded slowly, hiding her face in the darkness due to shame. "Don't worry. I know no one comes here at this hour. Nobody saw us." He gave her hand a soft squeeze and planted a kiss on her forehead. He understood her. After all, it would be quite embarrassing if anyone saw their passionate `moment together. It wasn't a surprise that news about them being a couple would instantly come out everywhere. They did save the Hoenn more than once, so they expected a number of people would recognize them.
There was one time where Gabby asked Ruby for an interview about their relationship, but he responded to the journalist he wouldn't have an interview unless Sapphire was comfortable to do it with him. Gabby and Ty thought he was such a gentleman, and absolutely sweet, for thinking about his girlfriend's feelings. They understood the charmer and told him they would be ready for the interview anytime. He mentally thanked them for understanding his reason. For a bunch of journalists, they seemed to respect their privacy.
"It'll be alright." He said softly, gently squeezing her hand again, and planted another affectionate kiss on her forehead.
"I-I know, but... I... just don't know when will I be... comfortable..." She rubbed her hands on her arms and stared at the pond in front of her. It's true she often felt flustered from every romantic moment they shared in fact she didn't know when she would not be flustered, but she just wished she could just drift her mind off from the thought of the public seeing them having a romantic moment. She just wished she could focus on just the two of them, enjoying each other's company, and not caring about whether or not the public would see them. "We've been together for a long time now, and I should have been used to it."
He tucked a loose hair behind her ear and gently squeezed her hand. His gaze was filled with sympathy. She may have accomplished most of her goals in life, but she still had her insecurities. He understood it, for it was their childhood trauma that caused her insecurities in the first place. It worried him whenever she doubted herself sometimes. He knew she was capable of great things, but seeing her hesitate at her own skills made him want to hug her insecurities away. Her self-doubt needed to leave his girl at once. She didn't deserve it. "Sapph, it's okay, don't worry. It's normal for us to be flustered at it. I'm… still not yet comfortable too, actually."
She wrapped her arms around her chest and bit her lip. She could see it from his eyes that he was still not yet comfortable, but hers felt like it was their first time whenever they share a kiss or confess their respective feelings again. "Mine is worse, Ruby."
"It's not. I love you for who you are." He said with the most heartfelt tone he could muster and plants a soft, affectionate kiss on her cheek. He fell for her before he found out she was that cute girl from his childhood. He loved her for who she was and knowing she was that girl he'd been thinking of after all those years made his feelings for her grew deeper. Words couldn't express his happiness when she and his childhood friend were the same person. "I always do."
His confession brought a slight blush on her cheeks and her rapid heartbeat. She was always right about him being a good guy underneath. Sometimes, she wondered why he fell for her. He could have deserve someone better. She was glad his feelings for her keep on growing, regardless. It often motivated her to make him feel happy and contended whenever they were together. "I love ya too. I… always have."
Ruby couldn't help but to notice her gesture. The way she rubbed her hands on her arms served as an indication that she's cold. Well, it was recently getting a bit breezy in Hoenn, especially at nighttime. The sudden drop of the temperature was also making him feel a bit cold. It seemed like embracing her is a good choice for them to warm up from it. "You feel cold? I... can embrace you... if you want."
"I..." Sapphire bit her lip and swallowed hard. It's so nice for him to ask her permission for a hug. He often does this every time they're together: thinking of her condition first before his, just like she often thinks of his condition first before hers. It's quite a sweet gesture for a [former] selfish guy like him. Who knew he had that in him? Ruby may have his flaws, but she couldn't ask for a better boyfriend. "I guess... a hug would be nice..."
Once he got her permission, he quickly scooted on her left and wrapped his arms around her waist for a hug. "You feeling better?"
Sapphire gave his arm a soft squeeze. The bitter cold from her skin was instantly gone once she felt his arms wrapped around her waist. "I am, but are ya feelin' better too?"
Ruby placed an affectionate kiss on her left temple. Her cheeks were now burning from their current position. It may be mortifying when someone sees them, but she was absolutely comfortable at it. "I'm definitely feeling better."
Sapphire exhaled contentedly and looked into the starry sky. Stargazing was one of her favorite childhood pastimes. It was one of those miniature bonding times she shared with her father and she loved every one of it. She was happy she got to experience such a relaxing pastime with Ruby. The provincial type of region may not be his cup of tea in the beginning, but he was currently enjoying his life in Hoenn especially whenever he's with her. "I'm glad it's not that cloudy tonight. We get to see these amazin' stars and constellations."
Ruby looked into the sky and smiled. Gleaming stars with diverse sizes were spread all over the dark sky. Each of the star's glow reminded him of his heart's rapid beating from every moment they shared. The glittering night sky also reminded him of the meteor shower they'd seen in space: a familiar yet breathtaking sight. However, he thought this was slightly better from what they've seen in space. It was better because she's in his warm embrace and he could make her feel safe. There wrere no death battles between two legendary Pokemon and he could reassure himself she wouldn't drift away from his embrace. He exhaled contentedly as he turned his gaze at her. She looked so happy and peaceful searching for some new constellations. "Sapphire... can I... tell you something...?"
Sapphire removed her gaze into the sky and turned to her right side. The heat from her cheeks increased its temperature once their noses touched. She could smell the sweet chocolate scent coming from his breath. "W-What is it?"
Mentally releasing a sigh, he removed his left arm on hers and grabbed something in his pocket. His plan was working perfectly, and now's the perfect time to ask her that question. Here goes nothing. "You see, lately... I-I've been—"
"WHOA THERE BOY! WHERE ARE YOU GOING AT THIS HOUR?"
The eccentric yet familiar voice sent shivers through their spines. They thought they were alone on this route. Why the heck would someone, at this hour, yell so loud and interrupt their intimate moment?!
Sapphire instantly recoiled herself from their hug to refrain themselves from getting embarrassed. Her cheeks were now burning from the possible embarrassment that might happen.
On the other hand, Ruby's face darkened from frustration, irritation and mortification once they heard that eccentric voice. No. No. No! My perfect plan is ruined! No!
"I've caught up, thank Arceus. Man, you just love going to this pond, don't you?"
The Rockruff stopped on its tracks and barked happily when it saw its trainer. Happily wagging its tail, it pounced at its trainer's left leg while the trainer crouched from his position to give the Rockruff a pat on the head. "Yes, buddy, I know, but it's late and you can't just go outside at this hour."
Ruby and Sapphire blankly stared at the trainer and his Pokemon. Great, it may take a while for them to be alone again. They better leave soon.
"Alright, alright. Time to..." The trainer released a yawn and carried the Rockruff like a baby. He stopped once he noticed the lovebirds staring at them. "Wait, don't you guys..." His eyes widened in shock. "Holy Arceus! Ruby and Sapphire? Long time no see! How's life? Oh, and this is Rich, my Rockruff. I got him when I was traveling around the Alola region months ago. Why don't you say—"
"What are ya doin' here?" Sapphire interrupted, sounding rather irritated, with her arms folded across her chest. Out of all the people around this area, why did it have to be him? Could it be just the Rockruff roaming around this area?
Ruby, on the other hand, just folded his arms across his chest and glared at the peculiar man. What the heck was Zach doing here? He hadn't seen the peculiar guy in years, and his presence was enough to awaken his annoyance towards him. This is just great. My plan was working perfectly until he and his Pokemon showed up!
"I'm visiting my relative. I forgot to tell you guys they live here in Oldale town. I wish I could stay here a bit longer though, but I'll be going back to Unova by tomorrow afternoon. Rich here just wandered off. It loves roaming around Hoenn. Maybe its weather reminds him of Alola." `Zach adjusted his glasses and let out a light cough to gather his voice. "Anyway, I should stop talking. Aren't you guys having a date or something? Oh wait, based on the scenario, your proximity and that threatening glare you guys are giving me... Yeah, we ruined your date. I'm so sorry though. Hey," He scanned their fingers. "Shouldn't you guys be wearing your wedding rings? I mean, that's what I've recently noticed... Okay, Rich and I gotta go. See you guys!"
Zach ran away as fast as he could. He couldn't stand their growing glares at him. He had to admit it was quite scary. Maybe that's why the people at Hoenn television didn't get an interview from them. He shook his head at the thoughts. Well, it was his fault for ruining whatever moment they have. He was glad he has Rich with him. His Pokemon's cuteness might have resist them to give him a punch. "Rich, buddy, this is going to be a long night."
Rich gave him a confused look. He had no idea what just happened, but it seemed like those two trainers scared Zach to death.
Once Zach took his leave, Sapphire released a relieved sigh. She's glad that was over with. If Zach stayed here a bit longer, she might have given him another punch in the arm or literally throw him back to Oldale town. "Ruby, he's gone now. Ya don't have to be mad anymore. Ruby...?" She placed her left hand on his right shoulder. The look in his eyes were ambiguous, but she could perfectly tell he was mad, jealous, confused and... miserable? Wait, why would he be miserable? Was it because Zach ruined the moment and interrupted them? No, that's not it. Ruby was not a spoiled child to be sulking on such a simple, ruined task. What was wrong with him? She hoped he was alright. "Ruby...?"
Ruby snapped out of his thoughts and blinked. He looked at Sapphire whose right palm was caressing his right cheek. Her eyes were filled with anxiety. Sapph, what's wrong? He released a sigh and held her right hand.
"Are you okay?"
"Are ya okay?"
They said at once in a worried tone which made him release a soft chuckle. "Don't worry. I'm okay now." He reassured sincerely and kissed her forehead.
She looks at him discontentedly. She was absolutely certain he's partially fine. Did Zach's presence bring back his jealousy? If he were, then why would he be jealous? "Ya sure?"
"Eh?" He blinked a few times and swallowed hard. She just had this ability to know what he feels despite how it was flawlessly hidden.
Sapphire released an exasperated sigh. He was definitely jealous. The look in his eyes proved her statement. She just didn't understand why he gets jealous. Blue told her it was normal for a guy or a girl, and any person, really, to get jealous, but Ruby was no ordinary guy. He was a prissy guy who loved Pokemon contests, and those were some of the qualities she loved about him. "Don't tell me yer jealousy is back."
His eyes widened in shock. It was no surprise she would know the truth sooner or later, but her sarcastic tone just made him anxious. "W-Wait, what? N-No... I..." He averted his eyes at her. He could no longer deny it. He was not only annoyed that Zach ruined his perfect plan and time to ask her that certain question, but he was also annoyed at the way Zach looked at his girlfriend. He could feel that Zach still had some feelings for her. That alone was enough to bring his jealousy back from the dead. He knew that Sapphire often told him to never get jealous because he was the only guy she loved. He had nothing to worry about, in fact. But he just couldn't help it. He released another sigh. He was ashamed at his jealousy. Whenever he's jealous, he felt like he didn't even trust her where in reality he trusted her wholeheartedly. His jealousy just ruined everything. He thought he made it go away, but it turned out he hasn't. "I am... I'm sorry. I—"
It was now her turn to steal a kiss from him. He was taken aback from her unexpected act, but he later closed his eyes and melted into the kiss. He pulled her closer to deepen their kiss as he felt every bit of her love and forgiveness in it. He exhaled contentedly. He was glad she forgives him.
They slowly pulled apart to gasp for air. He looked into her eyes. She seemed alright now based on the hint of happiness in it. He smiled at that. "Ya just couldn't help yerself from bein' jealous."
He swallowed hard as his lips formed into a sheepish smile. She knew him too well. "Yeah… I thought I buried it in me, but Zach's presence just brought it back."
"Ruby," She placed her left palm on his chest and gently gripped the fabric of his shirt. She gave him a sincere yet worried look. "I'm... I'm not gonna say ya have nothin' to worry about. Instead, I'll just help ya... in any way I can just to get rid of that jealousy of yers."
A smile formed its way on his lips as he grabbed her left hand and linked it to his. She was so kind and considerate. He couldn't help but to wonder why she chose to fall for a prissy guy like him? She could have deserve someone better. "What did I do to deserve you?"
His question made the heat rise from her cheeks as her heart started beating rapidly. She averted her eyes at him and bit her lip. His question was enough to make her feel flustered and speechless. What else she could say? What were the sweet words she could respond? She mentally shook her head and swallowed hard. There is something else they should talk about, and she wouldn't be alright if he's still partially fine. "Anyway... w-what else's troublin' ya?"
Her question made him swallow hard. As much as he wanted to tell her about his problem, he just couldn't because that certain problem is related to his marriage proposal. He couldn't spoil such great surprise for her. He needed to give her a perfect proposal she deserved and now was definitely not the time for it. "I-It's not that serious, actually… W-We don't need to fret about it."
She bit her lip with one fang poking out. Her discontented look made him release a sigh in defeat. Dear Arceus, he loved this girl, but he couldn't continue his first marriage proposal plan now that Zach ruined it. "Just tell me when yer ready to talk about it... please?"
Ruby nodded slowly and placed a soft, affectionate kiss on her cheek. He swore to keep their agreement, and he would tell her about his problem after the proposal. For now, he was glad she understood he was not yet ready. His desire to give her an unforgettable marriage proposal just keeps on expanding. She deserved it, after all. "It's not that serious, but alright. Thank you... for... understanding."
"Ruby," Sapphire placed her arms around his neck and looked at him sincerely. What she is about to say caused to paint a blush on her cheeks. She mentally shook her head to get rid of her hesitation. He needed to know about this. "I-I'm not just yer girlfriend. I'm also yer friend. I won't feel better unless ya are."
Ruby could feel some tears form in his eyes. What she said brought a warm feeling forming on his chest. He felt blessed to have her in his life. He couldn't ask for a better girlfriend. "I love you too, Sapphire." He placed his arms around her waist and pulled her closer until their noses were touching. Their proximity synced their heartbeats and breathings. It may be embarrassing when someone sees them or let alone try to interrupt this moment, but being in each other's arms made them felt more safe and comfortable. He titled his head a bit and slowly closed the gap between them for a passionate kiss.
.
.
.
Five days left before the deadline!
*I can finally state the full headcanon that made this story a reality: Ruby plans to have the "perfect" and "beautiful" wedding proposal to Sapphire but his plan often fails since Hoenn's natural disasters and/or its people are ruining its "perfection".
`I hope you guys like the mention of Agencyshipping here, and yes, they got married before Ruby and Sapphire in my story. Hey, they were fourteen when the BW arc started. Hehehe
`Remember that pond in the opening of the RSE and ORAS games and somehow it was pointed out by gameverse Brendan/May when you defeated the elite four for the first time? You know, that feels part in the ORAS games? Yep. I kinda made a little reference there.
`*cough* *cough* "Moment" (Okay, why am I laughing at it?)
`Zach is actually my OC in my first franticshipping fan fic. Oh, you don't need to read it if you don't want to since this is set in alternate universe to Perks. I just made him appear to ruin Ruby's "perfect" plan and tease a certain friend of mine. (I'm so sorry dude. Your reaction to Zach is just hilarious. I couldn't help but to put that guy here.)
PS: ROCKRUFF IS SO ADORABLE! ^^