Ethan's life did change drastically after becoming a living legend, after all he defeated 16 Pokémon gyms and two regional champions
And so, after six years ever since he conquered both the regions of Kanto and Johto, Ethan was now on his way to Blackthorn city to meet with his former opponent Clair, the last gym leader he faced on his home region.
He felt somewhat excited once he reached the city, after all, Clair was an unique person in his opinion, for him she was fascinating, an extremely talented woman, really passionate, prideful and somewhat mysterious, that driven him to crave to be close to her as much as he could and to get to know her better and so he couldn't help but smile once he saw her outside of her gym.
"It was a good battle, I hope to fight a stronger version of you and your Pokémon in the future" the gym leader said with an encouraging smile to a young trainer, who left defeated but with her resolution renewed along with her Feraligatr.
Ethan couldn't help but smile, Clair changed for the better ever since he first met her, and he felt somewhat proud for being a key part of that change, especially because she seemed more laid back, yet as strong and proud as ever.
"Hey Clair"
"Ethan! it's great to see you again" Clair began walking towards him and embraced him in a hug, which he quickly reciprocated, leaving aside the traveling bag that he was carrying.
Ethan's sense of space and time abandoned him at that moment, losing himself in a warm feeling that grew on his now accelerated heart, he wished he could stay in that position forever, yet he let go to not make Clair uncomfortable.
"So, what do I own the pleasure of having my champion visiting the only trainer stronger than him?" Clair said jokingly, yet the expression of my champion made Ethan blush lightly.
"We-well, I... Uh... You know...I was...asked by Black to travel to Unova, as a representative of the Johto region for some Pokewood charity event... And...I'm supposed to go with someone else for some double battle demonstrations, and well, I... Couldn't think of a stronger or more fitting partner than you"
Clair felt pride and happiness after hearing such compliments from no one else but a guy who she considered one of her best and few friends, a guy who also was considered one of the best trainers worldwide. How could she possibly be able to deny his request?.
"It would be an honor to accompany you Ethan, and I gotta compliment you on your undeniable strategic planning skills, partnering up with the world's greatest Dragon tamer?, that's the recipe for victory" Clair said proudly before adding "you've already asked me, so there's no backing out now, when do we leave?"
"Tomorrow morning, so I should probably leave you to prepare yourself. I'll come to pick you up so we can leave together" Ethan said before pulling out a Pokeball, but Clair stopped him by grabbing his arm.
"Why don't you help me pack? I'll even let you have the honor of having dinner with me as a thanks". Clair said with a smile
"I'm always glad to help out a friend, so it sounds great" Ethan said, and as soon as Clair let go of him, he offered her his arm and she took it, they both walked to Clair's house at the edge of the city, once they arrived, they went straight to Clair's room.
Ethan had never been in a girl's room besides the one of his friend Lyra, so he was kind of nervous, also given what he knew about Clair he also wasn't expecting what he was seeing, her room was pretty much like his was. There was Clair's king-sized bed, a clock on the wall, some training schedules attached to the walls, a couple of pictures, a TV and even a videogame console. Nothing out of the ordinary. So, Ethan relaxed a little. "I'm going to get the food prepared, so it can cook while we pack, I'll be back in a minute, make yourself comfortable" said Clair with a smile.
Once Clair went downstairs, Ethan relaxed and placed down his luggage, which made the pokeball containing Typhlosion roll out of his bag as a result, making its way under Clair's bed. He bends over to pick it up, but he couldn't reach it, fortunately for him there was something under Clair's bed that could aid him, with the darkness enveloping he couldn't quite make what it was, but it felt soft. And so, he pulled out both his Pokeball and the mysterious object. It was curious to say the least. Clair had a Cyndaquil plush, it was kinda weird given that she was a dragon tamer, but Ethan didn't make much of it and placed it back where it was, smiling now that he knew that Clair liked the type of Pokémon that he choose as his first partner.
While he was securing Typhlosion's pokeball back in his bag, Clair stepped into her room.
"Hey, sorry for making you wait, shall we begin packing?"
"Yeah, just tell me what you need and I'll get it"
"Great, I'll toss you everything I need and you make sure to organize it"
"Sure"
And so, Clair threw Ethan some of her jumpsuits and capes, along with a one piece dark blue swimsuit that made Ethan blush profoundly at the thought of Clair wearing it, some informal clothing and finally some blue pajamas.
"Thanks Ethan, you're a charm... But.." Clair's eyes went from him to the floor, and she began playing with her ponytail a little, "now I got to pack some... More.. .. Private items, so wait for me downstairs and I'll be right there"
Wanting to be polite, Ethan nodded and went downstairs, although he gained a deep red blush at the thought of what Clair meant.
Meanwhile Clair took out a dark blue one pieced swimsuit, and some underwear. Once she did, she took a never used piece of clothing from her wardrobe collection, looking at it she hoped she could get the opportunity to use it, smiling at the idea she quickly packed it and went downstairs, hearing Ethan's laughter.
Peeking she found Ethan playing with her Dragonite with it wrapped up in Ethan's neck while nuzzling her face to his check and him petting her head gently in return, over the years and during many rematches both trainers have developed some friendships with each other's Pokemon. And it warmed up her heart seeing such a tender moment between her friend and her Pokemon companion.
~Not in vain he's said to have a soul of silver and a heart of gold~ Clair thought and smiled.
"Ok Ethan, play time is over, now is dinner time, so take out your team. After all they are my guests as well, it would be rude not to give them something too" Clair said with a smile.
After giving Pokemon food to all of the twelve creatures that compromised their teams, both master level trainers went to the kitchen, Clair took out some food that she made a couple of hours before Ethan's arrival. ~I hope he likes it~ said a nervous voice in Clair's head.
Serving some lemonade, onigiris and ramen for two, Clair made sure that they would have to sit together on her black zabutons.
"Thanks for the food" said Ethan with a smile before biting an onigiri. "Wooooooow!, Clair this is the most delicious onigiri I've ever eaten, and that ramen smells like a gift from Arceu's itself."
"Why thanks Ethan, I mean I'm not just a talented trainer, I also excel at many other fields such as cooking" said Clair with pride. "Now open wide". She had him spellbound.
He complied and let her feed him, he felt blessed at getting to know this more caring side of her, hoping to get to know her better on their awaiting adventure.
Their meal passed by with jokes and games, and after he was finished with his food, Ethan had a couple of broth stains on his cheeks, that Clair gently wiped out with a handkerchief, and in return he feed her some rice.
Once Clair was done, they both went to wash the dishes, their hands touching every once in a while, none of them said anything about it, but they were both deeply enjoying it.
When the chore was taken care of, they went to different rooms to change into their pajamas, Clair was wearing light blue shirt and shorts with Dratini's on it, while Ethan was wearing a dark blue stripped pajama with some Cyndaquils on it.
Clair was going to sleep on her bed and Ethan went to lay on her couch, they were both replaying the events of the day on their minds and found themselves smiling because of it. As they drift to the realm of dreams, it was almost as if Cresselia itself blessed their dreams, both dreamed of one another and what the future would hold for them once they reached Unova.
