Asahi laughed as Hyourin told a joke about a meeting between a Gengar and a Trainer. The Breeder always enjoyed his best friend's jokes, especially if it was a new one he hadn't heard before. Asahi had met Hyourin when they both got their starting Pokémon from Professor Birch. The pair had been inseparable ever since.
Overhead, Asahi's Beautifly flew in the warm summer breeze, enjoying it's short freedom. Hyourin was heading towards the next Gym, which was in Fortree City. Asahi was searching for more Pokémon to add to his growing collection, and also supported his friend in his dream of battling the Elite Four.
"So, what do think of my team? Is it ready for the next Gym?" Hyourin asked worriedly, coffee-coloured eyes gazing at his companion. With short black hair and tan skin, the Trainer often worried about how good he was compared to his younger brother. Asahi, on the other hand, had pale skin and light blue hair, matched by deep blue eyes. Having no other siblings, he was free to do as he pleased, as long as he didn't break the law.
"Don't worry so much. You're team is well prepared for the next battle. Besides, Kumo can't touch you when it comes to battle strategy, Hy-chan. You should know that by now."
Smiling, Hyourin nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I suppose you're right...thanks for the support, buddy."
"That's what I'm here for, pal." Asahi smiled in return, glad that his friend was happy once more. He knew that Hyourin had feelings for him, and Asahi accepted and returned those affections as often as he could. Although other people stared and whispered, the duo didn't care at all. After all, it was their life; they shouldn't be bound by what other people thought of their actions.
Moving closer, Hyourin slung his arm over Asahi's shoulders and pulled him close. Sighing with content, the Breeder leaned against his friend as they continued to walk down the road.
- - -
"Absol! Use Razor Wind on Altaria!" Hyourin called at the Bird Pokémon dove at the Dark-type. Eyes glowing, the Absol leaped into the air an instant before the Altaria slammed into the dirt. Swinging its head around in a circle, the Pokémon pointed the curved horn on its head towards the dazed Altaria.
"Dodge, Altaria!" the Gym Leader called, but the bird was too stunned by the impact to move. Up in the air, a tornado formed at the tip of the horn and shot towards the Altaria.
"ALTARIA!" the opponent shouted in despair as the torrent of wind engulfed her Pokémon. The glow fading from its eyes, the Absol landed on the ground in front of the wall of wind. Slowly the shards of air slowed and died away, leaving a knocked-out Altaria lying on the ground.
"Altaria, return. Good job, pal." the Gym Leader said, holding up the red-and-white Pokéball. Walking over to the smiling Hyourin, she shook his hand and handed him the badge for winning against her.
"Keep up the good work, Hyourin. One day you'll become a excellent Trainer."
"Aw, thanks ma'am. I'll be sure to keep that in mind." Hyourin replied, chuckling. He was ecstatic that he had won another badge, but slightly saddened by the fact that Asahi wasn't there to cheer him on. Due to a family emergency, Asahi had stayed glued to the computer at the local Pokémon Centre and had only wished Hyourin luck when the Trainer had left.
Hurrying back to the place where he had left Asahi, the Trainer poked his head into the room they shared to see Asahi lying on his bed. Fearing the worst, Hyourin rushed forward, but stopped as his friend looked up and saw him there. The boy smiled, and his friend sighed with relief. Hyourin had been friends with Asahi long enough to know that everything was fine.
"Don't worry, everything's fine." Asahi reassured his friend, getting up and walking over to the Trainer. "Hy-chan, how did the match go?"
"It went great! I have a new badge!"
"That's great new, pal. Shall we celebrate?" the blue-haired teen asked in a low voice, embracing the other boy lightly. Hyourin smiled and retuned the hug, murmuring, "The usual, right?"
Spending the night together had become a routine thing the pair did after every Gym battle. At first they had been hesitant, but now both welcomed the opportunity to express their feelings for each other.
"Of course." Asahi replied, snuggling closer to his companion. Now that everything as back to normal, they could plan where to head next and what Pokemon they were going to capture. Pulling back slightly, Hyourin gave the other teen a long, passionate kiss on the lips.