Anticipation

The blaring sound of the boat's horn, as it docked next to the pier, echoed loudly through the vicinity.

Steven and his family were already standing by the docks near the Battle Zone when the boat taking them to Snowpoint City arrived just on time.

The day of departure for both Wallace and his parents had finally come, which meant their vacation in Sinnoh was coming to an end. It was almost hard to believe that the day they arrived on his doorstep for a surprise visit happened just weeks ago. Time just flew by too fast for his liking.

And while he wished they could stay longer, he knew they could only leave their duties off for so long, what with a gym and an entire company needing to be tended to once they returned to Hoenn.

"We'll all just be a phone call away, Steven," his mother reminded him, patting his arm gently.

Steven sighed, but put on a smile. "I know, Mother," he replied. "But I'll still miss not getting to see you all every day."

"Well, I certainly wouldn't mind coming back to visit. Three weeks has certainly not been enough time to see all of Sinnoh." She glanced at her husband standing just behind her. "Of course, we'll have to see if your father can find some more time off before we can."

His father chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure we can make some arrangements."

Steven shifted his gaze between them. "If that's the case, feel free to give me a call first," he said and directed his stare towards his mother, "and skip the surprises visits altogether."

The idea of having been surprised out of his wits after seeing them at his door, after having just woken up that first day, was still fresh in his memory.

His mother smiled deviously. "I'm afraid I can't promise you on that, dear."

Steven grimaced and nearly said something in response had his father not put a hand on his shoulder, grabbing his attention. "Or perhaps you and Cynthia can come by for a surprise visit yourself," he suggested with a wink.

At that, his mother's eyes brightened with excitement. "Oh, now that's a lovely idea!" his mother exclaimed. "Wouldn't you agree, Steven?"

The former champion grinned and said, "It is, indeed. I'll be sure to run that by her."

If the opportunity were to ever arise, Steven was certainly willing to gladly take part in going back to Hoenn with Cynthia to visit his parents and travel around his home region with her. Granted, of course, that she would able to take a leave of absence for a little while from her League responsibilities.

As passengers hurried past them to board the boat, Steven couldn't help but glance around them in confusion when he realized their other companion was still not with them.

"Is Wallace not back yet?"

His eyes wandered the area until he managed to spot a crowd of people down the end of the pier, many of them squealing and chattering loudly as they formed a circle around a person in the center.

And it was the familiar sight of a white beret and light blue locks poking out from over their heads that told Steven just who it was that was signing and taking pictures with the people surrounding him with so much excitement.

The former champion sighed in exasperation at the sight. It didn't surprise him much to know that Wallace had a large fan base nearly everywhere he went, even in a foreign region like Sinnoh.

When the boat's horn blared once again, it was only then that the gym leader finally took notice towards the fact that his ride home was about to leave very soon.

Wallace struggled to extricate himself from the crowd of people around him.

"Alright, my good people," he said to all of them as he edged his way through. "I hate to ruin the fun, but I've got a boat to catch, which is going to leave any second now and – well, hello there…oh, all right, just one more photo and then I've got to go…okay, sorry, sorry, I've got to get through here...yes, thank you it was a pleasure to see you too – I'm sorry, I don't think I can do that…ah, an autograph? For you, love, of course, let me just grab that pen…"

Steven frowned. "I wonder if he's still aware that there's a tight schedule here," he muttered as he watched his friend stop to sign for someone once again.

Thankfully, once he finished, Wallace quickly bid farewell to the crowd where collective sounds of disappointment and simultaneous farewells were directed towards him once he left. But there was still a bright smile on his face as he waved and blew kisses to them all.

The former champion raised a brow once he was in proper speaking distance. "You looked like you were enjoying yourself over there," he mused, noticing from afar that his fans were slowly beginning to disperse.

"They just can't seem to get enough of me, I know!" Wallace exclaimed dramatically. "Ah, the life of a renowned celebrity is a hard one."

How his friend seemed to have enjoyed the experience was beyond him, for he was never fond of big crowds, much less the size of the one Wallace had just been in. Even though Steven was a big name around the world himself, what with his previous career as Champion and current heir to a largely renowned business, Wallace still managed to garner the most attention of the two which, in the long run, he didn't mind in the slightest.

His father then cleared his throat to grab everyone's attention. "Well, we mustn't delay any further, now," he told all of them. "We should all get –"

It came as a sudden shock when Wallace suddenly threw his arms around Steven, clinging tightly to him and squeezing the air out of his body. The former champion felt an odd sense of déjà vu when he did.

"Oh, I hate saying goodbye!" he heard Wallace cry, quite literally.

Steven tried patting him on the back in an act of comfort, despite his arms being trapped to his sides. "Y-Yeah, me too, Wallace," was all he could manage to say.

But once he was let go from the bone crushing hug (and after regaining the ability to breathe), Steven turned to all of them with a bright smile. "I hope you all have a safe trip back."

Each of his parents came up and hugged him tightly. His mother was first, putting her hands on his cheeks to kiss his forehead and told him softly, "Take care of yourself, dear. And please send Cynthia our best regards."

"I will, Mother," he replied, hugging her tightly in return. "Thank you for coming to visit."

His father pulled him in for a strong hug, next. "Don't forget what I told you now, son," he heard him say. "Everything will work out just fine."

A look of surprise crossed Steven once he said it but before he could ask, the boat's horn blared once again, urging for its passengers to all board on the last call. His father let go and the three of them started up the plank leading onto the boat.

A twinge of sadness struck him as he watched their retreating figures. But they were sure to all stand within clear view to wave him goodbye (he could have sworn there were tears running down Wallace's eyes). The boat's engine and turbines started up moments later as people working the docks and deck threw off the ropes and reeled in the anchor.

Soon, the boat was off and moving.

It was all rather bittersweet for him as he watched the boat sail off to Snowpoint City, ultimately putting more distance between him and the ones he was closest to. He only had just become accustomed to the fact that they were all located only a few doors down in his villa, rather than how they were going to be miles away overseas from him once again.

It was a saddening thought but while he wished he could be with them, he couldn't say that he regretted making the decision of wanting to stay in Sinnoh.

After waiting for the boat to disappear off into the horizon, Steven aimlessly wandered through the streets of the Battle Zone before deciding on heading towards the local park, just next to the boat pier, which had the view of the ocean.

There was not much planned for him for the rest of the day, as it was already mid-afternoon once Steven saw them off. And while he supposed he could have found something worthwhile to do back at his villa, he felt more inclined to just simply be outside instead.

Gazing out towards the ocean before him, as he stood against the guard railing, brought about a series of nostalgic memories to come back to him.

The familiar, salty scent that wafted through the air, to the sound of the powerful waves crashing against the rocks below him all reminded him of Hoenn – of his personal home in Mossdeep and how it was an island surrounded by the ocean just like this. If he wasn't somewhere exploring a cave, he often had the privilege to wake up, on most mornings, to such a relaxing atmosphere just from being by the ocean. During those times, he found that such an environment helped him think clearly and ponder aimlessly about anything that came to mind – even today.

It didn't surprise him much that his thoughts were mostly about Cynthia, nowadays.

Steven recalled how saddened she was to find out his family's time in Sinnoh was over. He remembered her saying how she wanted to be there to see his family off when they left, but her schedule unexpectedly conflicted with her plans and had her busy all day regarding some League matters.

Though, it was hardly an issue for any of them since they understood that being champion called for sudden changes. While it might have been an unfortunate predicament, his parents simply voiced how wonderful it was to have gotten the opportunity to introduce themselves and to have all spent time together.

And though their time in Sinnoh was short, their visit wasn't all for nothing. Having them there in such close quarters again, reminded Steven of the love they held for one another and how he had always longed to experience such a love like theirs.

He learned by observation that his parents were the definition of a healthy relationship, even from their unwavering support in difficult times. His folks were the best role model he had, and was keen on wanting to follow in his own future.

Theirs was a love based on mutual trust and deep understanding, which was still going strong even after all these years.

And for all Steven was aware, he already held much of that for the Sinnoh champion, herself.

His blue eyes wandered aimlessly from staring at the rolling waves below, to the occasional Wingull and Pelipper that flew over from the pier, when he felt a sudden rhythmic vibration from inside the pocket of his pants. Steven took out his phone and upon reading the caller's name, an immediate smile graced his lips.

He wasted no time in answering the call. "Well, hello," Steven said once he pressed the phone up to his ear, "I was just thinking about you, you know."

He was met with the sound of light laughter that reverberated through the speaker. "I'm sure you were, Steven," he heard Cynthia say, practically imagining her smile as she said it. Simply hearing her voice brought about the strong warmth in his chest. "I take it that Wallace and your parents have boarded their boat already?"

"Not too long ago, actually," he replied and leaned against the railing.

"I see." He heard her sigh. "I still really wish I could have been there to see them off, you know."

"It's fine, Cynthia," he assured her. "They knew you were busy with the League and your other responsibilities, so it really was no problem to them and neither should it be any of yours. Besides," he added with a small grin, "they said they'd love it if we visited them in Hoenn some time."

"Did they really?" He could hear the enthusiasm in her tone.

"They did," he said. "Of course, I could make no promises since I'm well aware it depemds on your schedule."

"Oh, I'm sure I can work something out with the League, one day."

Then, there was a pause and he suddenly took notice of the large amount of background noise on her end, almost as if she were somewhere in an area gusting blasts of wind.

"By the way, is everything all right over there? It's rather loud on your end…"

But the noise suddenly ceased. He listened to a fair amount of shuffling before he heard her speaking once again. "Yes, don't worry, I was just flying on Togekiss," Cynthia said.

"Ah…all right then." Though his suspicions were confirmed, he still felt somewhat skeptical over her short response. Regardless, he decided not to comment any further. "Was there, uh, something you needed, perhaps?"

"Not particularly," she replied. "I just thought I'd let you know I've finished my business with the League for today."

Steven grinned. "I take it that you're free for the rest of the day to come visit, then?"

She hummed in agreement. "I suppose I am," Cynthia replied. He could hear her smiling through the phone. "Though, what makes you assume I'm willing to spend the rest of my day with you? Are you missing me too much already?"

He had a sheepish look, but he was glad she wasn't there to see it. "Well, I mean…"

"Because you look like you could use some company, seeing as how you're standing all on your own, right now."

His flustered expression was soon replaced by utter confusion. "Pardon me?"

That was when he heard the familiar clicking of heels against the pavement, resonating from somewhere behind him.

Turning around to the source of the noise, it took him completely off guard to see the Sinnoh champion standing several feet away from him next to a large tree (which would have completely obscured his view of her had she concealed herself behind it). Steven saw the amusement in her eyes over his stunned reaction.

His smile mirrored her own as she walked over to him. The warmth from within had spread through his entire body like a fast river, erupting first from his chest and out.

It was a similar kind of feel to the first time he laid eyes upon her all those months ago at the gala, except this time around it was coupled with a wonderful kind of thrill that brightened his mood for the better.

"How did you know I was here?" Steven asked.

Once she got close enough, he welcomed her into his arms for a tight hug which lasted for no more than a fleeting moment.

Their interactions in public were never more than that which, to the untrained eye, made it appear as if they were nothing more than friends simply meeting up with each other. Their agreement to keeping displays of affection to a subtle minimum still needed to be upheld for both of their sake's, if they were out together in public.

"Togekiss and I happened to spot you from the skies," she explained, letting her arms fall to her sides after she let go of him. "We were on our way to see if we'd make it in time to bid your family farewell, since business happened to end a bit early at the League. Though, it appears we were a bit too late on our arrival."

Steven grinned. "Well, you definitely caught me by surprise," he said to her, having to resist the urge to wrap his arms around her again. He then raised a brow as she looked around them with concern in her eye, most likely checking to see if there were others in the vicinity. He was quick in telling her, "There hasn't been anyone passing through this area since I got here, don't worry."

He wasn't lying when he said it. Their current position in the park grounds was considerably further away from the main area, where most of the visitors usually vacated. Though they could hear the chatter of others and playful cries of children and pokémon in the distance.

"But if you'd like," he started, "we could always head back to the villa, instead, if you don't feel sure."

Cynthia turned to him with a small smile and shook her head. "I'd prefer if we stayed here, actually," she said reassuringly. "It's been a while since we've been out together like this in broad daylight."

She was right, of course. The last time they'd ever spent time together alone and out during the day might've been way back when they visited the gardens in Celestic Town a few months before. Much of their time spent together in intimate quarters was usually reserved for evenings or somewhere indoors, where they could have the utmost seclusion from others, since seeing people like them out in the general public often garnered much attention from those who recognized them.

It was unfortunate, but despite those circumstances, he still enjoyed all the time spent with her, either way.

He moved with her to stand against the railing, to stare out at the ocean view as she went forth and informed him about all the happenings and upcoming events over at the League. But while she did, Steven's mind had unintentionally wandered over matters that had been plaguing his mind day and night, and even now while he was with her.

The strong feelings of adoration that he held for her, that is.

For he never would have predicted nor expected that upon meeting her that night at the gala, he would realize he'd fallen in love with her, over a year later.

From something as obvious as her intelligence and beauty, to the small things he took note of, such as the way her grey eyes would light up with excitement whenever she shared her interests – simply everything about her was what he'd come to love so much.

She wasn't just a regional champion or another person to him, but rather a partner he could place his utmost trust in, someone whom he could truly be himself around. And coming to terms with how he felt for her had brightened up his mood considerably, more so whenever he was around her.

Though, he still had yet to tell her and the thought of what the best approach should be, still had him at a loss.

He'd contemplated on his father's advice by just outright saying it as he had done to his mother in the past – but Steven had been close to doing just that before. Yet every time, his nerves and second guessing (as well as interruptions by Wallace on one occasion) got to the better of him.

He was never the best at expressing how he felt, he was well aware, for it took him a while and a good push from his mother to realize and accept that he even felt something for Cynthia in the first place.

And similar to the time he had confessed even those feelings to her, he knew he would need that same courage again to sort this out on his own.

"…and, thankfully, the others seem to agree, but what do you think, Steven? Steven?"

That was when the former champion was brought out of his thoughts when she called his name. Immediately, he turned his attention back to her.

"Yes?"

Cynthia leaned against the railing, bearing an amused smile. "You seem distracted," she mused. "Did you hear what I was saying?"

Steven deadpanned. It wasn't the first time he'd gotten lost in his thoughts for her and lost track of what was happening around him, but he felt some embarrassment realizing he had diverted his attention from her.

"Oh, I…I'm sorry, I was distracted," he admitted, feeling remorse by even saying it out loud. "Could you repeat that, maybe?"

But she turned her head away from him to stare out towards the water and brushed off the matter. "Never mind, it wasn't all that important, anyway."

There was a silence and Steven thought he might have offended her in some way. Though that was hardly the case, for out of the corner of his eye he saw her turn to him again with a grin.

"Although," she started slowly, "I'm more curious to know what you were just daydreaming about."

His blue eyes widened in alarm. He stared forward as he sought out a plausible excuse to explain his distracted behaviour.

That was when he remembered the setting around them, where they were alone and together in a quiet space with hardly any interruptions that could possibly come by. Surely, he could make do with this situation?

Steven cleared his throat.

But before he could even reply, it was in that given moment that a gust of wind sailed past them towards the sea, rustling the leaves of the trees in its wake, crashing the waves harder against the side of the cliff below, and even causing his tie to be set free, from where he had it tucked within his blazer jacket. The wind had caused air to funnel up from the waves below.

It took him by even more surprise when the red cloth suddenly flew up into his face, effectively cutting him off from whatever it was that he was about to say.

He could only grimace and curse his own luck once again.

Cynthia laughed at the sight. "Here, let me," she said as she reached out to tuck the offending cloth back into his jacket.

In different circumstances, he would have felt some embarrassment over something as ridiculous as a piece of cloth hitting him in the face. But, right now that didn't seem to be the case.

Perhaps it was her amusement, or even the determination in her concentrated expression that had, instead, lit his entire being with gratitude and such fondness for her.

Steven couldn't help but think that there was no way he could have ever deserved to be with someone like her, to be good enough to receive her love.

She stepped back to admire her work once she set it back into place. "There, I think that's fine now," she said. Her eyes met his and her lips curved into a smile.

He wasn't sure what had compelled him to do it, nor did he take a moment to think about it.

Despite all his second thoughts and long nights where he simply lay there thinking – and without as much as a plan in mind or an intake of a deep breath for good measure – it was in that moment, seconds after she spoke, that he finally decided to just let the words he'd been longing to say to flow out from his mouth.

"I love you."

Silence followed right after.

They were just three words – three words that held a deep and complex meaning, which could either be accepted or overlooked completely. Steven had taken a giant leap of faith by admitting it like that on impulse.

And Cynthia hadn't expected any of it. Her eyes had widened and her cheeks had instantly grown pink in colour.

But although she was at a loss for words, she would be lying if she said she didn't feel the same as he did.

She'd only come to terms with how she felt only recently, that the warm feeling she'd feel in her chest and the smile that would light up her face whenever Steven was around was exactly what it was. But before she even did come to terms with it, the whole matter was somewhat troubling to her.

It was the first time she'd ever felt so strongly for someone in such a way, and she truly wondered if she interpreted her feelings correctly.

But it was only when she had gotten the chance to speak to his mother, during their trip to Lake Acuity together, did it finally sink in.

His mother had commented offhandedly how she had an intuition that her son harboured strong feelings for her, when Cynthia confessed her troublesome thoughts. The older woman had said that there was nothing to worry about because love was simply a beautiful thing.

And having heard Steven speak those three words to her, told her he truly meant it.

A swirl of Butterfree soared within her.

But Steven's cheeks had already flushed red, however, moments after he spoke.

And he was the one to break the silence. "Sorry, that was uncalled for," he managed to say, lowering his gaze. "You don't have to, ah…say anything you don't want to."

Cynthia blinked once before letting a smile grace her lips. "Wait, what are you talking about, Steven?"

Steven glanced back at her quizzically. "What are you talking about?"

It was then she placed her hands on either side of his face to bring him down for a kiss, not giving a care that they happened to still be out in public. She surprised him, she could tell, but his arms had wound around her waist soon after, bringing her closer as she pressed into him.

And when she pulled away, she could still see some confusion set in his gaze, but also an inkling of hope as she stared back at him.

She could only smile over the fact that he hadn't figured it out yet. He truly was something special, she thought.

"Don't fret," she said softly. "I feel the same way."

Steven's surprise was obvious. "You do?"

"Is it really so shocking?"

"Well…no, but…" He stared down at their hands when he laced his fingers together with hers. "…you are ten times the person I will ever strive to be, Cynthia," he spoke quietly to her, "and yet, out of all the people in this world, you would choose me to be the one you love…"

But as soon as his words trailed off, Cynthia leaned up and pressed her lips to his again, more gentle and passionate than the first time around, as a sign of reassurance that her words rung true. That she truly did love him with all her heart.

For even she would never have thought that the man she met that night at the League gala, whose first conversation with her had ended up being on the topic of rocks, would end up being the same person she'd fall in love with a year later.

Steven gently pushed back her fringe aside from her eyes, just as she told him, "I love you, Steven. I mean it."

Saying it out loud left the warm feeling inside her chest to ignite stronger than ever. And saying it seemed to be all the confirmation he needed before a soft smile came over him and he pulled her back into his strong arms.

Cynthia grinned and leaned into him again, embracing him longer than they normally would out in the open – though neither of them could give much of a care to that.

For the most part, there was silence between them once again, save for the sound of the crashing waves and the light rustles of the leaves on the trees swaying with the wind. However, it was quiet moments like these, where they simply held each other without any worry, that she happened to love so much.

She could already tell that she would cherish this memory forever.

Inspiration and motivation has been an enemy to me, as of late, but I'm so, so, so glad I got this one finished! In all honesty, I'd have to say that this one was the most difficult to write thus far because of the constant changes I had to make all throughout. But, even though it was a pain for me to write, I still really hope you all enjoyed this one. So thank you for reading! :)