Hey readers! Happy New Year! Are you ready for 2020? Why not celebrate the end of 2019 with this exciting chapter. Where I live it is already New Year's Eve so this is literally one of the last things I'm doing to send off 2019. I feel like this chapter is the perfect way to end 2019 for this fic and next chapter will be perfect for starting the new year. I hope you enjoy chapter 64.

This chapter was beta read by my regular beta reader Killer_Squids (they are also back from their vacation). You can find their work on AO3 here ( /users/Killer_Squids). They can also be found on tumblr under the name land-banana. They have done a wonderful job with betaing for me so if you have time please give there page a look.

Any Artwork you may see associated with this fic (on AO3, or Tumblr) has all been created by my good friend SlothyClaws. That is their instagram also have a website ( .com). They do commissions and their commissions are open to anyone that is interested. Go and give their page a look if you are interested.

Chapter 64, I choose you!

The Final Day

Yamaguchi and the others whipped up a wonderful berry pasta curry that evening that Yamaguchi had come up with a few months ago while traveling with Tsukki. The meal reminded him of how much he missed being with his best friend, and how the mere thought of Tsukki made his heart flutter. Talking with him on the PC was good and all but it was nothing compared to being with him in person. At the same time, he didn't know if his heart could handle speaking with him in person without revealing how he truly felt.

He had a sinking feeling that the moment he reunited with Tsukki he'd not be able to hold himself back. What if Tsukki didn't feel the same way? What if he scared Tsukki away? What if Tsukki never talked with him again? Yamaguchi knew these ideas were absurd. Even if Tsukki didn't like him back romantically, Tsukki was far too logical to cut him off completely like that.

At the same time, Yamaguchi couldn't help but get the feeling that Tsukki did like him back. He caught Tsukki's eyes following him for a while now and the way Tsukki is so gentle with him, it had to be more than just a feeling of friendship, right? That's why Yamaguchi made up his mind.

Yamaguchi was not going to meet back up with Tsukki until he and Riolu had mastered this routine. He needed more to show when reuniting with Tsukki. He needed to prove that he had grown and was worthy of a relationship with his best friend. He knew Tsukki would call him silly for thinking like that, but Yamaguchi had decided for himself, not for Tsukki. That was why Yamaguchi made sure to find a seat with Sugawara once dinner was served.

"Wow, I totally expected you to avoid me after mothering you so much today," Sugawara joked as Yamaguchi took a seat next to him. The others at the table were Daichi, Yaku, and Noya. Kageyama had surprisingly decided to sit with Yachi, and Yamaguchi couldn't help but feel happy for the two of them.

"I have a request," Yamaguchi began, catching the curiosity of everyone at the table. "Well, maybe it's more of a question…" He corrected.

"What is your question?" Sugawara asked.

"I was wondering if you'd know of any showcases that might be happening in the next few days?" Yamaguchi asked.

Everyone at the table seemed a bit surprised by the question. Yamaguchi's cheeks went pink from all their staring.

"Getting right into the fray after a long training week," Noya cheered. "That's what I like to see!"

Yamaguchi smiled at his enthusiasm.

"There are bound to be several I'm sure," Sugawara hummed in thought. "How about after dinner we take a look to see what is coming up."

"If that's not a problem…" Yamaguchi nodded.

"None at all. Anything to help one of my favorite new students," Sugawara smiled.

"Th-Thank you," Yamaguchi blushed. Being complimented by Sugawara set his heart aflutter. The man was as beautiful as an angel.

After dinner, the two contestants, along with Daichi and Kageyama, headed to the Camp PC to research upcoming contests.

"I promise this won't take long," Yamaguchi told Kageyama. "Then we can get to battle training."

"Take your time," Kageyama nodded as he took a seat on the couch by Daichi.

Yamaguchi dragged a chair to the PC to sit beside Sugawara. With a few clicks of the mouse, Sugawara pulled up the showcase calendar. He went through the list of upcoming showcases trying to find ones that were close to were camp was located.

"Hey, it looks like there will be one in about four days just outside Shalour city," Sugawara said, scooting over a bit so Yamaguchi could see the details.

Yamaguchi scanned the information. It seemed like a basic contest. Upon reading it, he couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed by its description. Then, something caught his eye. A banner for another contest flashed just below the Shalour city's contest banner. Yamaguchi's eyes shone as he examined the banner. Pictures of pokemon fossils decorated the banner for the prehistoric themed contest. At that moment Yamaguchi knew this had to be his next contest, it just had to.

"What about this one?" Yamaguchi gasped as he clicked on the banner.

"Oh, well that one is kind of a specialty contest celebrating paleontology and ancient Pokemon," Sugawara said, his tone unsure. "It's a bit far from here."

As Yamaguchi read the description he couldn't help but whisper aloud "It's perfect." Not only did the winner get a key, but it looked as if they would get some sort of grand prize. What could the grand prize be? Maybe a behind-the-scenes trip to a museum or an invitation to a fossil dig? Regardless, Yamaguchi's mind was set.

"You never really struck me as a fossil kind of guy," Sugawara hummed.

"With Tsukki as my best friend, I know practically everything there is to know about fossil Pokemon," Yamaguchi bragged.

"Well in that case maybe this contest is one you should try," Sugawara said with one of his bright smiles.

The two read the rest of the description. It looked as if the contest would take place in Ambrette Town just two days after camp had ended. Sugawara had mentioned the location being a bit far away. He wondered if he'd be able to make it there by foot in just two days.

Perhaps seeing the trouble in Yamaguchi's eyes, Sugawara gave him a light pat on the back. "If you have your heart set on this contest I'm sure we can work something out to get you down there in time."

"A-And Tsukki…" Yamaguchi mumbled wanting nothing more than for Tsukki to see him in person.

"I'm sure we can work something out for him to arrive there as well," Sugawara said with one of his bright angelic smiles.

Yamaguchi felt overwhelmed with gratitude. Sugawara was far too kind and Yamaguchi didn't feel in the least bit wrothy. "Th-Thank you!"

"Anything for one of my favorite contestants," Sugawara laughed as he ruffled Yamaguchi's hair affectionately.

Yamaguchi really was lucky to have met so many kind people on this journey. Once they got the details ironed out, he'd have to tell Tsukki about his decision. He hoped Tsukki didn't mind waiting a bit longer to reunite.

"So, did you and Sugawara find a suitable Showcase for you to join?" Kageyama asked as the two headed towards the battle field for a bit of practice.

"Sure did!" Yamaguchi practically cheered. "It's a fossil Pokemon themed showcase taking place in Ambrette Town." Yamaguchi couldn't contain his excitement. Yamaguchi knew this was the perfect setting to win his next ribbon and confess his love to Tsukki.

"That's good to hear," Kageyama replied with a sad smile.

Yamaguchi couldn't ignore the sadness he saw in Kageyama's eyes. "How about you, Kageyama?" He asked, his tone much calmer now. "If you're thinking of going off alone again-"

"I talked with Yachi," Kageyama cut in. "I am going to join back with her. She insists I talk it out with Hinata."

Yamaguchi couldn't help but smile softly. He was happy for the three. He hoped they'd be able to work it out. "That's good to hear. I bet Yachi is super happy to have you back."

"I guess," Kageyama shrugged, blushing a bit.

"It was really great doing all this training with you, Kageyama," Yamaguchi admitted. "Thank you for everything. I'm going to miss having you around," he said with a small laugh at the end.

For some reason, Kageyama's cheeks went bright red. He looked as if he was going to explode. "I-It was nothing," he stuttered. "I-I'm sure we'll meet up with each other plenty more in the future."

"With the number of times I've run into Hinata and Yachi, I'd expect we'd see each other maybe once a week," Yamaguchi joked.

"Yeah, that would be nice," Kageyama hummed.

Kageyama seemed lost in thought as the two arrived at the battlefield. Yamaguchi couldn't help but feel a loneliness coming off of Kageyama. Why did he seem so sad? Maybe he was sad camp was almost over? It had been so much fun, despite almost being kidnapped a day ago.

"Well, what will we practice today?" Yamaguchi asked, deciding to turn the conversation away from their parting.

"How about we just have ourselves a good old battle?" Kageyama suggested. "Show me all you've learned!"

Nodding, Yamaguchi squared off against Kageyama. Despite his misadventures last night, he felt a fire burning within him. He was ready to move forward more than ever.

The next morning was his last day at camp, and he knew he needed to contact Tsukki about not coming to meet with him tomorrow. He'd made arrangements to stay with Sugawara until the Showcase in Ambrette Town. He felt bad imposing like this but Sugawara seemed more than excited to have him around longer. Yamaguchi just wondered if Tsukki would be upset at him for prolonging their meeting.

Before breakfast, he sent a message letting Tsukki know he wanted to talk with him before the day's events started. Fortunately, Tsukki replied saying he'd be free, so after breakfast Yamaguchi found himself in front of the computer waiting for Tsukishima to pick up on his end of the line.

With a static click, Tsukishima's face popped into existence. Upon seeing his best friend Yamaguchi felt a wave of nervous energy run through him. He was excited about his upcoming showcase but wanted so badly to be with Tsukki yet again. He wondered how Tsukki felt.

"Hey," Yamaguchi greeted, his voice weaker then he meant for it to be.

"What's up?" Tsukishima asked not missing how awkward his friend was behaving.

"I just wanted to talk to you about tomorrow, since it's our final day at camp and all," Yamaguchi started.

Tsukishima gave a quiet nod, waiting for Yamaguchi to elaborate.

"Right…" Yamaguchi signed more to himself then to Tsukki as he tried to gather his thoughts. "Tomorrow I won't be meeting up with you."

Tsukishima's eyes grew wide in what seemed to be shock. His head tilted to the side in mild confusion.

Quickly Yamaguchi shook his head realizing that it had come out wrong. "What I meant to say is, I won't meet up with you until after I have performed at my next Showcase."

"Okay…" Tsukishima replied, still looking a bit lost and confused. "And when would that be?"

Yamaguchi felt his cheek go pink. Why was he so bad with words. "It will be in Ambrette Town in two days from tomorrow," he explained doing his best to keep his head on his shoulders. "And you have to come and see it, okay!"

Tsukishima once more looked a bit shocked but this time his eyes held interest. "Ambrette Town… It's a bit far from here" he hummed. Yamaguchi knew Tsukki was familiar with the town, since it was known for fossils in Kalos.

"Y-Yeah," Yamaguchi stuttered. "Sugawara said he could get you a ride there so please come." Was he sounding too desperate? "I would like you to see my new routine," he quietly added. He also had something he needed to tell Tsukki.

Tsukishima didn't seem to think long before answering with a "Yeah, I suppose I can make it." He sent Yamaguchi one of his antagonistic smiles before adding "What's got you all flustered?"

Yamaguchi went beet red at this. Was he really that obvious? "I-I don't know what you're talking about!" He shot back, doing his best to collect his dignity. He wanted so badly to be with Tsukki once more. It was hard to control his feelings.

Tsukishima silently studied him from the other side of the screen. He seemed to enjoy the pink on Yamaguchi's cheeks.

Yamaguchi didn't like being studied to closely. With a sudden rush of adrenaline he shouted. "That's all I needed to tell you! Sugawara will contact you with travel details!"

Before Tsukki could reply Yamaguchi hung up the call. The last thing he saw was Tsukki's shocked eyes gazing at him. Yamaguchi stared at the computer screen. His heart was racing a bit. He hoped Tsukki wasn't upset.

A bit shaky from the rush of adrenaline, he stood from the seat and headed over to the performance hall for their last training exercise. He didn't want to be late.

It wasn't long before Yamaguchi's heart was beating normally and his jitters had subsided. Once at the hall he took a seat next to Kageyama. He had made it just in time for the lesson.

The last day of camp was everything Yamaguchi could have asked for and more. For the morning practice everyone was in good spirits and excitement for the future filled the air. The final class was a free for all where everyone was able to share their ideas and ask questions to help tie up loose ends. Questions were asked and excitement-heightened laughter filled the auditorium. Even Kageyama and Yachi spoke freely to one another as if they had never been in any sort of argument days prior. Yamaguchi felt blessed to have met such a wonderful support group.

In the afternoon, Yamaguchi and Riolu gave it their all as they practiced their routine once more. Each trainer and Pokemon took turns performing, and for the first time Yamaguchi and Riolu were able to get the moves down almost perfect.

"Wow, in such a short amount of time you and your team have grown so much," Yui said as Yamaguchi and Riolu took a bow.

"I'm just lucky to have such amazing Pokemon by my side," Yamaguchi replied, bushing from the compliment. He couldn't help but feel proud of his and Riolu's hard work.

"It's more than just luck! Hard work and talent are a big factor as well," Sugawara said with one of his large shining smiles. "I'm so proud of you."

This caused Yamaguchi's cheeks to go from pink to red.

"Oh, Suga, always proud of his adopted children," Daichi joked, causing the group to dissolve into laughter.

"Only the best of the best kids for me," Sugawara said proudly as he gave Yamaguchi's back a hard pat.

The afternoon carried on pleasantly. Yamaguchi felt his heart filled with joy and warmth, surrounded by so many people who not only cared but shared similar passion to his own. He was sad that the camp was almost over but the prospect of seeing Tsukki soon took the edge off their parting.

For dinner Yamaguchi and the other's whipped up a scrumptious barbeque outside. Music played while Yamaguchi and Sugawara manned the grill, passing out food to anyone who passed by. Jokes and laughter filled the evening as the sun set and the stars came out. Yamaguchi wished the night could last forever.

It was almost midnight once Yamaguchi and Kegeyama arrived back at their cabin. They were both exhausted but filled with warm satisfaction from the nights events. Yamaguchi felt fortunate to have grown so close to the grumpy awkward trainer in this short time. Kageyama had really played a key role in helping him grow so much in just a week.

"I can't believe today is the last day," Yamaguchi sighed as he sat beside Kageyama in their bed. "It feels like we just arrived here yesterday."

Kageyama gave a quiet nod of agreement. His cheeks were pink as he glanced Yamaguchi's way.

"I want to thank you, Kageyama, for all you've done for me this week," Yamaguchi carried on as he relaxed into his side of the bed.

"I didn't really do anything," Kageyama grumbled.

"If it wasn't for our nightly battle training, I don't think I'd be where I am now," Yamaguchi pointed out, looking to Kageyama with insistent eyes.

"It's all because you're a hard worker," Kageyama retorted, his cheeks still pink from the way Yamaguchi looked to him with such ernest.

Yamaguchi smiled softly. His long fingers stroked Eevee's mane as she slept beside him. "You need to give yourself more credit," he laughed as he studied Kageyama.

"You're one to talk," Kageyama accused, glancing to Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi stifled a giggle. "Touché. I guess we both need to work on that."

Kageyama shifted stiffly in his spot at the sound of Yamaguchi's giggle. The light sound sent an odd flutter through his normally tight chest.

"So, you'll be heading off with Yachi tomorrow?" Yamaguchi asked, relaxing against the headboard.

Kageyama gave a quiet nodded. "What will you do? Meet back up with Tsukishima?" he asked, his tone soune stiff at the question.

"Well, I'll travel with Sugawara for a few days but will eventually meet with Tsukki in Ambrette Town," Yamaguchi explained, his tone relaxed and a bit wistful at the thought of meeting back with Tsukki.

A moment of silence filled the air. While Yamaguchi may have been relaxed something stirred in Kageyama at the mention of Yamaguchi meeting back with Tsukishima. "I would have expected you two to meet back here to take on the Gym," he grumbled, trying to ignore the odd feeling swirling in his chest.

"There is a showcase in Ambrette Town that I have to participate in. I didn't give Tsukki a choice," Yamaguchi replied with a giggle.

As far as Kageyama was concerned, Yamaguchi's soft laugh could heal any wound. He hated Tsukishima for keeping it all to himself.

"So you'll be joining back up with Yachi and Hinata," Yamaguchi repeated, unaware of the war taking place in Kageyama's chest. "Things are bound to get lively for you three once back together."

Kageyama gave a quiet nod of confirmation causing Yamaguchi to smile brightly.

"Yachi is probably so happy to have you back by her side." A soft giggle escaped Yamaguchi's throat once more. "I'm happy you guys were able to patch things up."

Kageyama was happy too but at the moment he was too focused on the way Yamaguchi's smile made him feel to really focus on anything else.

"Well, we should probably get to sleep," Yamaguchi sighed as he settled into his side of the bed. "We have to be packed up and ready to go early tomorrow."

"Oh, yeah," Kageyama replied absentmindedly. As he too lay fully down in bed he became acutely aware of how warm the bed was with Yamaguchi laying next to him.

"I'm sad that camp has ended, but I'm also so ready to move forward," Yamaguchi sighed speaking his thoughts aloud. Exhausted and filled with the prospect of tomorrow his heavy eyelids fluttered shut.

Kageyama lay stiff beside Yamaguchi, still too focused on the warmth of the bed to succumb to sleep. Rolling a bit he faced Yamaguchi to find the other facing him as well. The freckled trainer had fallen asleep in a matter of seconds. A small smile graced Yamaguchi's lips as he rhythmically breathed. With the moonlight filtering through the window, Yamaguchi's freckled cheeks looked smooth and soft and for reasons he couldn't understand, Kageyama wanted to reach out and brush them with his fingers.

As Kageayama studied Yamaguchi peacefully sleeping beside him he suddenly became aware of what these feelings were. Love was something new for Kageyama and he didn't know what to make of it. As he rolled onto his back, he couldn't help but wonder why life was so cruel.

Author Note:

Well, no better way to end 2019 then with making Kageyama sad. Hahaha... Oops. I never intended to hurt him this badly. I wonder if he will ever reveal his newly found feelings to Yamaguchi? What will this development do to the already blooming Tsukkiyama romance? Will both Yamaguchi and Tsukishima make it to Ambrette Town in time for the showcase? Will Yamaguchi be able to win his next key? That and more will be answered if you stay tuned.

Hey all! I hope you are all having a great New Year's Eve/New Year. While I am not born the year of the rat my favorite animal are rats so 2020 is bound to be a good year. I was born the year of the dragon, rawr! I want to thank you all for hanging around reading this fic for so long. The fic is about the hit the two year point now that its 2020. I can't belive it's been going this long and I hope that you all still enjoy it into 2020. My resolution for 2020 is to keep up with this fic no matter what and also have better spending habits hahaha. (I feel like keeping up with this fic will be easier then the spending habits thing :P) Do you have a resolution?

I want to thank everyone for the kudos, follows, bookmarks, comments and reviews. I love to hear from you all so if you have time, please leave a comment or review down below and let me know your thoughts.

This past week I've been on holiday and have been able to write so many chapters for this fic. I'm so excited for the upcoming events so I hope your ready for some game changing.

Anyways, I hope you all have a happy New Year. Stay safe to anyone who is going out to party and see you next chapter!