As you finished your tale, there was a brief silence as the sound of the crackling fire was the only noise made. Leon's face was shrouded in sadness as he processed your words. A slight stir of panic bubbles up inside you as you start to second guess your decision of telling him but he finally speaks. "That must of been terrifying and at such a young age too. I'm very sorry to hear you went through that. I've heard of wild Pokèmon being territorial at times, but...man I would've never thought..." His words trail off. You give a small sigh as you absentmindedly pet the Grookey on your shoulder. "I know I've already said this, but considering what you've just told me I think you are so brave. I have no doubts you have the makings of a fine Pokèmon trainer." You smile at his words as he looks back at you. There's warmth in his eyes along with something else but you can't quite determine what.
You raise your hands and carefully lift the Scorbunny from Leon's head, cradling it in your arms as the rabbit nuzzles into your chest. You return Leon's hat from the cheeky Pokèmon's paws. "In honor of my Fennekin I think I'd like to take this little one home..." Scorbunny squeaks as if in agreement and Leon breaks into a wide smile as he hands you it's Pokèball. The fire type hops down from your arms and looks up at you, a twinkle in it's amber eyes in understanding. With that you throw the ball and Scorbunny is captured. The ball shakes then 'clicks' affirming your new partner was safely inside. You turn back to Leon who has also returned the two others back in their balls. "I really can't thank you enough, I'll treasure him with my life." You stare deeply into eachothers eyes and your heart starts to pick up the pace. "It's my pleasure. I think if anyone is the most deserving of this (Y/N) it's you." The mood noticeably shifts as you find your eyes slowly drifting to his lips. He was so close. Is this it? The moment you've been dreaming of ever since you set foot in Galar? Your heartbeat hammers as you both inch closer and you worry he might be able to hear it. Your (E/C) eyes flutter shut and just as the gap is about to close...your rudely interrupted by the blaring of your phone alarm.
You both jolt apart, as if zapped by a Pikachu. Your ears burn as you swear under your breath, tearing into your bag to shut off that blasted noise. Leon clears his throat, scratching the back of his neck and you finally get a hold of your phone. The alarm was to remind you to get ready soon for your night shift at The Love Ball. It was a Saturday evening after all. "Sorry about that." You sheepishly mumble as Leon shakes his head. "No not all. Your good." He replies with a boyish grin that makes you want to grab him and pick up from where you left off. 'If only I had the guts...' You stand, stretching your legs as Leon starts to pack away the camp. "Thank you for today, I had a great time." Your both now standing by the taxi bay as you prepare to head off. "Same here, we should do this again sometime." You give an enthusiastic nod and there's a small, somewhat awkward pause as you both wonder how to leave this off. "W-well see you in work!" With a small rush of bravery, you tiptoe up and give him a small peck on the cheek before practically throwing yourself in the back of the taxi. Leon stands, slightly dazed, as his hand slowly reaches up, his fingers brushing where your lips had made contact. He chuckles to himself and heads off into the night of Wyndon.
LEON'S P.O.V
Shit. He had it bad for you. Fuck. Now back in his lavish city apartment, he sinks down onto his sofa. Burying his face into his hands, he lets out an audible groan. Ever since he saw you up on stage that night he had been captivated. The more he saw, the more he wanted to know about you. At first what had been curiosity, had manifested itself into a crush. You were so fascinating to him. So adorable, hard-working, entrancing, sexy... He sits up as his mind whirls back to the kiss that almost happened. His heart yearned for more, there was a strange pull that he had never felt before and all these new feelings proved a tad overwhelming to the ex-champ as it wasn't something he had ever come across before.
His thoughts drift to the subject of your evening...work. Despite talking quite regularly, he just couldn't think of a way to bring it up or ask you directly. Judging by the fact you never brought it up yourself either, he got the feeling it wasn't something you would openly share which he could understand. Also the question would surely arise of how he even knew in the first place and THAT would get awkward. A soft chime sounds from his phone and he checks to see a message notification from his little brother, Hop.
"Hey Bro! You still coming to the party in December?"
Leon's brow furrows for a second before he realises what his sibling was referring too. Every year in December, a gathering was held for all the Gym Leaders and reigning Champion to celebrate their achievements and allow socialising to ensure good realtionships were maintained between everyone. Leon was still included as he was still very much involved with everyone who would attend and to represent the Battle Tower itself. A quick check of the calendar told him the occasion was looming upon him, due to take place two weeks from now. Everyone was allowed to bring a plus one if they wished and in that moment he felt a light bulb 'ding!' on top his head. This would be the perfect opportunity to invite you along. That way he could introduce you to all his friends and deepen your growing bonds. He quickly texts back Hop.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world :) See you soon!"
With that he places his phone down and heads to take a shower before bed. All that was left was to ask you out.