Steven became increasingly curious as to why he hadn't seen any of Ruby's pokémon around for a while. It had been over a week since he had seen any of them except Kiki, who spent her days lying on their lounge or bed, unless Ruby was grooming her on the mat he had bought sometime that week.

He walked over to Ruby who was sitting on the lounge, reading a Pokémon magazine (possibly an article on contests or the like). Kiki was lying next to him, looking at the articles every now and again. Steven kissed the top of Ruby's head. "What are you doing?" he asked casually.

"Reading about some contest idols" he shrugged. "Maybe one day my pokémon and I could be in a magazine like this."

Steven nodded. "Of course you could. Speaking of pokémon, where are yours? Did you lend them out or something?"

"Don't be silly Steven, of course I still have them with me."

"Did you compete in a contest the other day?"

"Uh… no, no. I uh… just checking the competition" he shrugged.

"You… wouldn't lie to me about these things, would you?" Steven asked, feeling slightly nervous. Ruby had gone out a couple of times without telling Steven where he was going. It wasn't that Steven was keeping tabs on Ruby, nor did he usually worry. But lately he couldn't shake the feeling that Ruby was either lying to him or keeping something from him.

"No." He turned the page in his magazine.

Steven swallowed hard. "Uh… you… um… wanna go for dinner tonight?"

"Yeah, that'd be nice." He didn't look up.

"Ruby… are you seeing someone else?"

Ruby looked at Steven, wide eyed, mouth open. "What? No. Hell no. Steven, what the-?"

"Well, what am I supposed to think?" Steven cut in. "We don't have sex, you disappear for hours at a time, you haven't disclosed to me where you go, you don't even let your pokémon out anymore. Hell, I'm starting to miss Mumu, and that's saying something! Ruby, just… be honest with me, please."

"I'm… not good enough yet."

Steven frowned. He felt even more confused and out of the loop than before. "What are you talking about? You're perfect."

"I… I haven't been seeing anyone else, I promise Steven. I love you." He set his magazine down. "But… just thinking about me… and you… and you are so powerful and I wanna be your equal." He patted Kiki distractedly. She purred and rubbed her face against his hand.

Steven sat down next to Ruby, holding his hand. "Ruby-"

Ruby kissed Steven. "I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you, how about that?" he purred, rubbing Steven's crotch though his pants. "We could fu-"

Steven pushed Ruby's hand away.

Ruby sat up straight, shocked. He swallowed and looked around, confused. "Uh… what the fuck Steven?"

"Ruby, please tell me where you've been going?"

"Is that what this is about?" Ruby sighed and rubbed his temples. "Okay, whatever. I've been going to the areas around here and training my pokémon."

Steven hadn't been expecting that answer. "I thought… you didn't battle?"

"Well, when your fathers a gym leader you have to expect to learn. I used to battle a lot when I was younger, and when I finished school I travelled for six months and trained then too. I just… sometimes I just want to battle and verse gyms and eventually challenge you. But I knew I couldn't until I took battling as serious as I once did. My pokémon… are all at quite high levels. I just… wasn't sure if I wanted them to evolve. But… the other day I knew it was time." He got up and walked over to his bag that was hanging on the hook and retrieved the pokéballs. He released them one by one. Swampert, mightyena and gardevoir.

Steven was impressed. "Ruby, your pokémon… wow…"

Ruby smiled. "When I was younger I…" he sighed, seeming to decide what words to use. "I screwed up when I was younger and that was when I decided I just wanted to have beautiful pokémon and not worry about battling. But when I do battle it reminds me of when I was younger and how much fun I had."

Steven smiled. "I can see you have done really well." He pulled Ruby close to him.

Ruby straddled him. "I love you Steven. I'm sorry that… I made you feel… well, bad, I guess. I just… I was always so adamant about not battling and training my pokémon around you that I didn't want to sound like a hypocrite."

Steven chuckled. "What if I think you do?" he teased.

"I do not wanna hear it" Ruby smiled back.

Steven kissed him, running his hands up Ruby's back. "I love you" he kissed the younger trainer. "And I don't think you are a hypocrite."

"Thanks." Ruby rubbed his nose against Steven's. "I love you too." He pulled Steven close and kissed him.

"How about we go to the Battleground?" Steven suggested.

"I am not battling those other trainers if that's what you're suggesting."

"I just like the noodles" Steven shrugged.

Ruby chuckled. "Okay, let's go then."

Steven smiled. "Maybe you should battle-"

"No."

"Maybe we should-"

"Steven! That was the least romantic thing you have ever said to me."

Steven grinned. "It probably was" he shrugged. "But it wasn't intended to be romantic. I think we should."

"Ugh, I don't want to. I don't want you to hurt my pokémon."

"One on one match. I will use metagross."

"Obviously" Ruby rolled his eyes. "I will choose Mumu, but I haven't agreed to battle you!" he exclaimed quickly.

Steven chuckled. "I think you just did."

Ruby thought about it. It wasn't like he had anything to lose. Well, maybe he did… Mumu's pride would be crushed if he lost because of Ruby's self-believed incompetence. "Fine. I win, you shout noodles, you win, I'll shout noodles."

"Deal" Steven smiled.

Ruby didn't smile. He didn't think he could. He got up and walked outside. "C'mon Mumu."

Mumu followed him outside, looking eager.

Steven picked up his metagross' pokéball. He wasn't placing bets on who would win, he wasn't sure how strong Swampert was now. He walked outside. Ruby looked nervous, he was paler than usual and had a light sheen of sweat covering his body. He made eye contact with Steven and nodded.

Mumu looked at Ruby and nodded.

Ruby smiled at his pokémon, pushing his glasses up his nose.

Steven gracefully released metagross. He felt confident. He stood straighter.

Ruby inhaled and exhaled. Steven could see his mouth moving, but either nothing came out, or he was the whispering type.

Swampert knew exactly what was expected, attacking straight away.

Ruby was better than Steven expected, but Steven retaliated in perfect timing, although metagross took some damage he was sure Mumu did too.

Ruby wiped his forehead. "We can beat Steven, we can" he said to Mumu.

Mumu nodded and readied itself for Ruby's next command.

Steven felt a shiver of excitement through his body. This was going to get interesting. "Meteor mash" he commanded.

"Mumu, avoid it!" Ruby pleaded.

Steven seemed taken aback by Ruby's cries.

"Earthquake!"

Both attacks hit at the same time.

The ground trembled from impact.

Ruby stepped back and fell over. "Oh!" he grasped. Mumu looked around at Ruby.

Steven saw this as the perfect time to attack. "Metagoss- whoa!" Steven fell backwards as Mumu's earthquake shook the ground again. Unlike Ruby, he quickly stood up, regaining composure. "Meteor mash."

"Hydro pump!"

Steven raised a brow at Ruby's choice. He was expecting metagross' meteor mash to end this, but when he looked he realised that, although Mumu was battered, metagross had fainted. He blinked several times, wondering how it happened. "Ruby… you are a lot stronger than you let on… aren't you?"

Ruby stood up, panting. "We got lucky." He returned Mumu. He walked back inside. He couldn't even tell if he felt good for beating Steven. He was surprised more than anything.

Steven walked in and sat on the lounge. "Are you okay Ruby?" he asked, concerned by the teens silence.

Ruby nodded. "Yeah, of course…"

Steven pulled him down onto his lap. "Ruby, you should be happy."

"Mumu got hurt… and I just… hope he is okay."

"I am sure he is fine. You go shower, I will heal him."

Ruby nodded. "Okay. Thanks." He passed the pokéball to Steven and walked onto the bathroom.

Steven released swampert. "That was a great battle Mumu. You should be proud" Steven smiled, using a full heal on Mumu's injuries. "You should be proud to have Ruby as a trainer too."

Mumu nodded.

Steven sat down on the lounge as Mumu wandered around the villa. Steven started to flick though the trashy contest magazine. Did Ruby really aspire to want to be in this rubbish? He had to chuckle to himself.

Ruby walked over to Mumu, towel wrapped around his waist. "I should get you some food" he smiled. "I am so proud of you by the way.

Mumu growled happily, rubbing his face against him.

Steven smiled. "Maybe you should battle at the Battleground tonight."

"Not happening" Ruby chuckled. Pouring food out into a bowl and setting it on the table. "Are you gonna battle?"

Mumu noisily ate the food.

Steven stepped past Mumu. "If someone wants to battle me I will. If Volker is there I will challenge him" he chuckled. He walked over to Ruby and hugged him from behind.

"And win?"

"Of course."

Ruby smiled. "Good."

"Maybe you should fight him."

"Nah. I have had enough battling for one day."

"You sure? We could double battle."

"Steven-"

"We'd make a great team. Metagross and me and you and Kiki."

"Don't underestimate Kiki! She could kick your ass!"

At the mention of her name, Kiki made her way out of the bedroom and rubbed her face against Ruby's towel covered legs.

"Don't underestimate Kiki just cause she is so cute. She is super strong too."

Steven smiled. "I wouldn't dare."

"Good."

Steven kissed the top of Ruby's head. "I'm gonna shower. How about we leave in fifteen?"

Ruby nodded. "Sounds good."

…

The Battleground was quiet. Steven and Ruby were the only ones there.

"Looks like there will be no battles tonight" Ruby said, stretching his arms.

Steven chuckled. "I guess you are right."

Within seconds of Steven saying that, Sapphire walked through the door. "Ruby?" she sounded surprised to see him.

Ruby ginned. "Sapphire?" he got up and hugged her. "I'm sorry about the other night" he said into her shoulder.

She sighed. "Don't worry about it." She rubbed his back. "What's been happening?" she asked, breaking the hug.

"Ruby beat me in a one on one pokémon battle" Steven piped up.

"Wow! Great work Ruby!" she grinned. "Guessin' ya finally evolved your pokémon."

He nodded. "Yeah. Just thought it was time. So, care to share? Are you going out with that guy from last week?" he grinned.

She flushed. "You're so nosey" she joked.

Ruby shrugged and chuckled. "C'mon, let me know."

"No, we aren't dating."

"What?!" he was shocked. "But you two seemed just right for watch other."

She smiled. "You think? I think we are just great friends."

"Do you kinda even like him? Or are you friendzoning him?"

"Ruby" she frowned.

"I need to know!"

"If you must know I do like him, but… he is local to Sinnoh, and one day I will, be going back to Hoenn."

"I am sure the two of you can just take turns in visiting each other. Steven, tell them."

Steven chuckled at being brought into their little argument. "Ruby, don't pressure Sapphire into a relationship with him." He looked at Sapphire." Well, Sapphire, you can stay friends with him first, of course. One day you might want to go out with him, but not right now. And that's okay. Being in a relationship isn't the end of the world, nor is not being in one. But I can say that you and Buck seem to get along well. But like Ruby and you are friends, you and Buck can be too."

Ruby looked at Steven. "You're meant to agree with me."

Steven smiled. "I did."

Sapphire smiled. "Thanks Steven."

He nodded. "You're welcome. Well. Since we are all here I ordered us all noodles while you were arguing."

She smiled. "Thanks Steven."

"I wasn't sure where you have been staying the last little while, but you are more than welcome to come back to the villa whenever you want. Please know that."

She nodded. "Thank you."

Ruby smiled amd touched her hand. "I kinda missed you."

She rolled her eyes. "I kinda missed ya too. I still can't believe ya beat Steven."

"Did you battle Buck?"

She nodded.

"Did you win?"

"What do ya think?"

"Yes?"

She chuckled. "Well, we never finished. His older brother came around to see him here so we just said til next time." She shrugged. "His brother seems nice. We all had lunch here."

"Was Volkner with him?" Steven asked.

"No. Flint was alone that day. But I have met him too. Buck introduced me… two nights ago?"

"That guy is weird" Ruby groaned.

Sapphire chuckled. "When Buck said I knew you Volkner looked confused. Maybe he thinks everyone from Hoenn is moving here."

Steven chuckled. "Well, we are still deciding how long we would like to stay here."

Ruby nodded.

"But it is nice here" Sapphire smiled.

"Maybe you can live here with your boyfriend."

"Ruby, he isn't my boyfriend" she hissed.

He shrugged.

"You-"

Steven placed the bowl of noodles in front of Sapphire.

"Thanks Steven."

He nodded. "You're welcome. Ruby, stop hassling her."

Sapphire chuckled. "Thank you Steven."

Ruby frowned and moved his bowl of noddles close.

Steven ruffled his hair. "You got to stop picking on her" he chuckled. He kissed Ruby's cheek. Otherwise I hope she picks on you."

"What?!"

Steven smiled and continued eating.

Ruby leaned against Steven. "Thanks for buying dinner."

"Well, you said if you won I had to shout."

Ruby chuckled. "Well, I wouldn't have minded." He kissed Steven's cheek. "Thanks though."

Sapphire finished eating and looked around. "It's quiet here tonight. Usually I can hear people battling 'til the early hours."

"Were you sleeping here?" Steven asked.

"No, I have been back for two days. I went around some of the cities challenging gyms. I have four badges, but I have been catching new pokémon too. I only came back here because I wasn't sure where I wanted to go next." He rubbed her eyes. "Tired today" she shrugged.

"How about you some and stay at the villa tonight?"

"You sure?"

"Yes. You're welcome anytime."

She smiled. "Thanks. I'll take you up on that offer. I might head over now. Is it locked?"

"Steven doesn't lock his houses" said Ruby, frowning.

"In Hoenn everyone is trustworthy. Its only cause you're from Johto where everyone is suspicious."

"People in Johto aren't suspicious."

Sapphire laughed. "I'll see you guys back at the villa." She got up and walked out.

Ruby yawned. "It's contagious."

Steven smiled. "Do you want to head back too?"

"Yeah, maybe."

"Let's go then."

Ruby nodded. He stood up. They said thanks to Buck's grandfather and walked out, Ruby walking straight into Buck.

"Oh, sorry" said Ruby.

"You're alright" said Buck. "How are you?"

"Good."

"Have you seen Sapphire lately?"

"Yeah, she just left here."

"What? I was hoping to catch her. Never mind."

"She is staying at our villa" said Steven. "You're more than welcome to come by and stay the night."

"Okay, thanks. I'll follow behind you guys."

Back at the villa, Ruby walked in quietly in case Sapphire was asleep. He soon realised that she wasn't asleep because Kiki was purring loudly. He walked around and Sapphire was sitting on the floor, Kiki sitting in front of her.

She turned around. "Hi Ruby. I swear I only just walked in." She frowned. "Who is Steven talking to?"

"Buck. He wanted to see you so he came here with us."

"He did?" she flushed a little.

"You are so in love" he murmured, teasingly.

"Get out."

"You're in Steven's villa."

She rolled her eyes and stood up. "Well, I better say hi-"

Steven walked inside, Buck following behind.

"Hi Sapphire" he smiled.

"Hey."

"Please make yourselves at home" Steven offered. "Sapphire you know where everything is?"

She nodded. "Yeah, thanks Steven."

Ruby pulled the air mattress out of the cupboard. "Steven, where is the pump?"

Steven shrugged. "I don't know where it is."

Ruby sighed. "Can you get the hairdryer?"

Steven nodded and walked into the bathroom.

"Hairdryer?" Sapphire asked.

"Use it like a pump for the mattress."

"No way!"

"Well, you and Buck are welcome to take turns blowing it instead" he smirked.

She turned bright red. "Ruby!" she exclaimed, embarrassed.

Buck actually laughed.

Steven walked back in, passing Ruby the hairdryer. "I heard that."

Ruby shrugged.

Sapphire took the hairdryer from Ruby. "I will fix it. You're just embarrassing me" she sighed.

Ruby smiled. "I'm sorry. I'll get you linen." He grabbed sheets from the cupboard and walked back. "There you go. Well, I will see you guys in the morning."

"Night Ruby."

"Thanks for letting me stay the night" Buck smiled. "It's appreciated."

"You're welcome" smiled Steven.

Ruby walked to the bedroom and undressed to his underwear.

Steven walked in and hugged him. "You are so cheeky to poor Sapphire. She was so embarrassed."

"Just think about the shit she has pulled on me, like the panties and the condoms…" he grinned. "I should give the condoms ba-"

"No."

"It's not like we use them."

Steven sighed. "You should leave Sapphire alone."

"You're boring" he joked.

Steven lightly bit his neck. "I am sure I can make things interesting."

Ruby raised a brow, smiling. "Oh yeah?"

Steven nodded. "Yeah, I can. How about we play one of your board games tomorrow?"

Ruby chuckled. "Sounds good Steven. We will so have to get Sapphire and Buck to join."

"Good idea." He changed out of his clothes and into his pyjamas. He lay in bed, Ruby climbed in and cuddled up to him. Steven looked at him. "I'm still hungry."

Ruby chuckled and opened the bedside table drawer, retrieving a small box of cookies. "Eat these." He rolled over.

"I had no idea you hid food in here."

"Well, there isn't anything wrong with a midnight snack."

Steven ate a couple of cookies and set the box on the bedside table. He wrapped his arms around Ruby. "I love you."

"I love you too." He pressed his body close to Steven's. He was half asleep when he heard voices. "Steven?" he murmured.

"Hmm?"

"What's going on?"

"What are you-?"

"Steven?"

Sapphire?

Steven looked over his shoulder at the doorway. "Sapphire? Are you okay?"

"I think the air mattress has a hole in it. It just deflated."

"Okay." He rolled over to the edge of the bed. "Ruby, roll over."

"Why?"

"We are gonna have a couple more join."

"What?"

"You'll be right. Sapphire, you and Buck can just sleep in here. I don't mind. Ruby's opinion doesn't matter."

Sapphire chuckled. "Okay. Buck?"

"Yeah?"

"Over here."

Within seconds Ruby had Sapphire pressing up against him, Buck's arms wrapped around her body. He blushed when he realised that she was only wearing her bra and panties, but smiled when he realised they were the ones he had made for her. He rolled over to face Steven. "Good thing you have a huge bed" Ruby yawned, finally falling asleep.

A/N: I really wanted Steven to say something about Kiki (Delcatty). When I was battling Steven for the first time in AS, he meteor mashed my swampert, eventually knocked him out and my last pokémon was my delcatty who beat Steven's metagross (still have no idea how, but I was super proud ^_^). Moral of the story, don't underestimate cute Pokémon 3