Things can change.
I swear I saw her walking out the house.
Maybe I should ask first
« Hey, Travis! »
My voice probable couldn't reach him. He was still staring at the TV screen, watching that movie Leon brought before he instantly left. On the screen, a Latios rushed to stop a tsunami. Maybe it's an important scene. Nessa's quite hooked up as well. I should leave them be.
I tried to sneak out the house as fast as I could. That's where I remembered how cold the countryside was every time the year is ending.
Not only was it cold, but also it was noisy. Gloria's Snorflax was snoring so loudly I'm still surprised it was never mentioned in the touristic magazines. Focusing on other things, I noticed the sound of footsteps.
« Oh, Rosemary!
It was Hop, wearing his lab coat as your usual jacket because he thought it'd be alright tonight.
— Hello again...
— Has the movie ended yet?
— Uh? I don't think so, but these are kinda short today so maybe?
— Nah, that's an old movie I remember watching with my bro' before I even befriend Wooloo. This one's not a scam. »
He laughed at himself, letting loose his attention for a moment. Well that's how he seemed like when he tried to regain his composure.
« Ahem... You were skipping it too, then?
— I'm not so fond of movies. Besides, I think I saw Gloria heading out not so long ago. Did you see her?
— Oh yeah. She asked me if I knew where Sonia was. Man, I feel like a third wheel sometimes! »
Once again with that awkward smile he tries to hide in the darkness of the night.
« Oh! I'm sorry, he stuttered, Didn't mean to be rude.
— You weren't. I guess this night is quite strange for both of us. You alright on work?
— Ah. That's not something I worry a lot these times. You don't have to look worried about that.
— I don't look worried. I was just curious about where Gloria was headed, and I stumbled upon you. You look like you may need some help, so I'm offering mine while you have your guard down. »
He sighed loudly.
« Gloria's on Route 1. Sonia was already there, so that's where she might be as of now.
— Thank you. But you're not answering my question. You know, it helped me to have someone who would ear what I had to say... »
He definitely wants to say something. I can't clearly see his face, so I can only assume he's trying to hide a blush behind the hands he's sticking to his face.
« You... his voice was still shaking with a higher pitch this time, you had a crush on Gloria, right?
— I had. And now, it's more than a crush to me. Even after these years, it was so easy to feel it again. I know I mustn't let my chance escape or she won't look my way. »
... But that's still not the answer to MY question! He could have gotten away using that!
« Maybe you too, I pursued, have a crush on her? Maybe I'm quick to link both your reaction and whatever you're trying to hide, but then just say so. Unspoken words are way to heavy; they leave their weight down in your mind.
— Look... I don't really want a lecture from you. I understand what you mean, but... now his whole body was shaking as if he only wanted to move out this unpleasant conversation, Let's just say I feel lonely. And it doesn't help when I feel you two will end up together. »
He sighed once more. Even with the shadow, I could see his puppy eyes, asking if I was satisfied with this revelation of him.
« End up together?...
— You've changed, Rosemary. In a good way. I think you've become the person Gloria needs to get better and rebuild herself. That person never existed to her. She only feels alright talking to more mature persons like Sonia. But theey are solely her mentors, you know? You're on an equal footing with her today. You have much more resolution than her. »
All of a sudden, the loud snore I no longer cared about stopped. Snorlax yawned, gritting its teeth together, its saliva making a weird and almost gross noise...
I lanced at Hop once I was sure the Pokémon wasn't awake, and it kinda made me laugh; both of us were so consternated by this big boy we totally forgot about the other. It made me feel awkward. In a really good way. It felt refreshing, maybe for him too.
« Anyway, he groaned softly, can I get back in? It's really chilly tonight.
— Yeah. I will find Gloria now that I feel good. Have fun with the others. And don't hesitate to ask me for help, now that you told me a bit about your feelings. »
He glanced sideway. I didn't want to bother him.
Once he left, I thought of something.
Unlocking my phone, I looked back for his number Gloria had given me before this birthday party. Meh, I don't think he minds someone directly talking to him like that. Let's just type it this way.
« You know I work as a teacher for young children, right? Would you be interested in taking part in one of our classes? Children tend to enjoy pedagogic documentation about Pokémon. I'm sure it'll make up for tonight. ;p »
And sent.
Well, let's head for Route 1.
« Failed to get the signal. Try reaching for a better access to the connection spot. Your message will be sent as soon as possible. »
Eh. Countryside.
After a short walk, I arrived on Route 1. There, I heard a strange noise in the air; I would usually expect Nocthowl noises coming from the farms at night, but that wasn't the case. It sounded like something was frying... Oh no! Like one of these old computers when those started going nuts and the sound was distorted with bugs and this beeping noise.
« Well! I guess I collected enough data tonight. Thanks for sticking with me. »
I heard Sonia's voice from not so far away. Looking around I found those two were strolling on the fields, Sonia was using one of these weird devices I've seen scientists using on some ads for movies. Well, it's a tablet with a specific app. I just don't have a clue what's for.
Anyway, I did felt like meeting Sonia there would ruin my moment. I stayed put near the fence. A Skwovet was sloppily snoring there, in the middle of the field. Its belly sticking pretty much as anyone's sight to behold. I'm pretty sure there were Noctowl there, though...
I glanced once more at the path Sonia was walking on. Yup, she's definitely off for Gloria's home. Now I can-
« Uh? Spying on rodents like a Thievul? »
I realised Gloria was right in front of me. While I go back on my feet, she slouched on the fence, the little Skwovet still snoring despite the giant girl just above it.
« You skip out on your birthday party? It's no good coming out on a november night.
— You say that, but pretty much everyone was hanging outside.
— Well, Hop felt bad for enjoying the party while his boss was trying to record some of the Orbeetle's psywaves. Surely one around my house is able to Gigantamax and the nights its actually on the move are fascinating. Did you notice the big guy Snorlax? He sleeps a lot usually, but these nights, it just keeps waking up. Pokémon such as Noctowl seem unable to fly, and are kinda drowsy at that hour. You'll find them hunting on the morning. And this little guy's definitely safe. Except if some Thievul lady expects a midnight snack! »
She was talking so fondly of what she studied with Sonia, I just couldn't find a way to talk. It looked really interesting. By the way, I don't think a Thievul might be a Pokémon that suits me.
« You don't mind the comparison with that Pokémon, by the way? Your brother kept yours when you quit after all.
— If I minded, I would even less like being remembered I couldn't raise her properly after I got sick of training Pokémon. »
Gloria stopped halfway — surely she was about to talk about Morpeko — She seems to draw quite a weird line when it comes to that topic. I don't really mind, thanks to the help I was given. Yeah... Well, Morpeko's a different story.
It felt awkward, feeling the silence. I noticed her glance, looking for something to say.
« They say you don't need to always fill the void when talking to a friend, it's only natural. »
That what she said, not looking so sure about how true such saying is. Her wording kinda helps me find a way to get out this situation.
« About that. Thank a lot for what you did today.
— Uh? Well, you didn't want to invite everyone in the city and your tiny apartment, after all. I felt it was fun; I was really happy Travis wanted to hang out.
— He's a lot more sociable than he used to be.
— You kidding? This guy is the most social among us. He has so many people to talk to, so many people who listen to him, a fanbase rivalling with the champion and a backstory that would surely hit a top 3 galarian redemption. »
She laughed at her last one. Those vids sure are a hit, for someone shoving their thought down your throat in a 20 minutes-long video.
« I also thank you for that, I pursued, I guess I may become even less awkward than Hop someday.
— Ah, that. Seriously, you climb back that hole faster than I thought. Hop's getting way too deep these times. It's hard being a defeatist.
— I'm not so different, so I can agree with that. I wanted to invite him for a class with the children, but the phone isn't passing through. Can't they put a decent Pokénet connexion in the village where lived two of Galar's most famous champion?!
— You sure it's not the Orbeetle before you accuse me of not paying that expeeeeensive bill? »
Surely she doesn't pay that! She chuckled and continued talking with a weird voice
« I don't want to bother you...
— Uh?
— The children know everything about galarian trainers, maybe Sonia would be better than me to explain how Pokémon acts...
Oh! I get it!
— But Sonia's currently working! I tried to mimic myself scolding a child, isn't your schedule as white as your Wooloo's hair?!
— But... You know how's work at the lab. There always something new to learn...
— And that's also the case for these children! They need your help!
— But, Rosemary... I'm not so sure that... »
It felt wrong, I was grinning at the thought of such a scene...
« Do I force him to do that? I asked
— You won't just force him. You'll see how obedient he is once you get him a lash!
— You're horrible...
— Eh! It worked for you! »
My phone lit up, with a message this time
« I'm rather free nowadays. Tell me when and I'll try to be up the task. »
Wow. He's actually doing it with no afterthought. He jumped on the message, even!
« Arf! All wrong. That boy will sure learn faster than you did! »
Gloria laughed heartily, straightening her position and stretching her arms as the wind rose.
A big round figure floated in the night sky, its shiny blue dots showing what was that UFO passing though.
« Anyway ! she roared as her stretchings finished, I'm glad you think I helped you. I hope you didn't feel like I was dragging you along.
— Nuh-uh... I needed a push before I choose to do things my way. You were the person I needed. »
Sheesh. Is that the moment? Her head lowered, her eyes focusing at the ground. The Skwovet disappeared. I couldn't hear the frying-tech noise anymore... Maybe it was chilly. I think I've grown accustomed to the cold. Or maybe I couldn't feel it...
Is that the moment her guard is down?
She expected me to fall in her arm as soon as she would be back in my life anyway...
But this time, I'm the one with the strongest feelings, aren't I?
Maybe it will lift all of that stuff dragging on my mind.
« Rosemary? I'm sorry, I spaced out a little. »
I shook my head. Yup. I shouldn't be nervous. Not only are my feelings stronger, but my resolve is something I know I can believe in now.
I know she's expecting me to fall for her at some point. I can't give her a say.
I extended my arm toward her. Opening my palm for her to claim.
« So... It has come to this. »
Her voice was wavering, in doubt for sure. Even through the night. I focused my eyes on hers. Our closeness was just enough me to see that. She was in doubt, but I had none of those.
« I really mean it, Gloria. It was like this back then, it's certain now. You mean a lot to me, and I owe you so much today. So yeah. Give me an answer and take my hand. Shoo it off if you're uncertain.
— And you're the one giving me a lecture about doubts?
— I am. I believe it's one of our strength. You helped me when I was down. And in the end, it was me who helped you when your mother was sick. I didn't give much more thoughts. I know I feel connected to you. And I know I want you to feel the same.
— So overly dramatic... What would a Rosemary darling expect from her lover, then?
— Sorry if my approach's bad. It felt natural to me. Why do human breathe, anyway? Why did you become champion, after all? I don't really care about these questions; I feel like I might find an answer moping my house, even. I just know I have these feelings. And I want you to understand them. To share them, of course. Maybe I could have stopped at "I want you". That's pretty much all there is to it. I don't think more is necessary.
— Eheheh... No thoughts, head empty and a bold Rosemary, then... »
Keep avoiding my gaze; I see you're not moving. And I won't either.
I'm dead serious.
« When you say "I want you", you know what it means? We won't be serious at all. We'll live our own life. It's more of a physical attraction than love, right?
— I don't mind that part. I feel both. Are you perhaps more interested in the later attraction?
— I must say I have nothing against a curvy Rosemary. Especially when I leave her hand hanging like that. It certainly pleases my ego to have this much power.
— Just try to reach for this hand, then. I'm pretty sure you'll have none of these curves near you if you don't bite the hook. I'll reel you later.
— Gloria the fish... »
Finaly, she moved. She shaked her hand in the air as iif to shoo away its numbness, maybe from the tension.
Now, her hand rested atop mine, I could see her smiling almost bashfully
« Was caught. »
I felt the perfect course of action was to reel.
I stretched my arm and caught hers, to bring her closer. So her eyes meet mine. Well, she's one head taller than me, but I knew I had this power right now.
« Confidence's kinda hot, she snickered, I'll gladly take you on this offer. »