Setting one's Xtransceiver to the maximum volume will increase one's chances of catching a notification as soon as it happens, as will having it close by (that's easy because it's on the wrist!). If one wishes to go a step further, they could even make their notification sound something unique that cannot be ignored or mistaken for something else. Unfortunately, this all has no effect on when the message will be sent. Of course Iris knows this.

But…

But.

But!

But…!

If that's true, then why can't she stop checking it every two minutes? Especially when she said that she had understood. No, no. She hadn't been lying. It was just—she really wanted this date to happen! Seeing each other at the Gear Station is always a treat, but lately Iris finds that she wants their relationship to be a little more intimate.

A flush of red engulfs her face. With a groan, she lets herself fall onto the couch, surrendering herself to that train of thought.

They flirt as they battle on the Super Single line, but anything too physical is out of the question. Iris doesn't want to risk Ingo to getting in trouble at work due to inappropriate conduct. If she's lucky, she eats lunch with him if the conference room isn't being used. Once again, there's that issue of the setting being the workplace. Then there's the fact that she has to disguise herself, so that she doesn't draw attention.

The only real time they get to spend alone together is when they're in the maintenance car, once in the morning and once in the evening. It only happens on those wonderful days in which Ingo doesn't have to work overtime and can escort her. While it would be possible to engage in something then…

Iris shakes her head. It's too much of a sacred time. Being able to talk about things deeper than "How's the weather?" without fear of anyone eavesdropping. Getting to sit side-by-side, feeling joy and comfort just from his presence. Each time revealing another fragment of self.

He and Emmet fled to Nimbasa when they were seventeen.

She was an orphan before Drayden stepped in.

He enjoys singing, but is too shy to do it in front of others.

She finds grocery shopping relaxing.

He is afraid of heights.

She has never dated anybody before.

So many precious moments. Yes. Definitely keep it like that. Pushing herself up, she takes a breath. She would save those desires for the date. Enough worrying about the exact day and time! There are still things within her control. What to wear, for instance. Dialing two of her four new contacts, Iris gets ready to head out.

/

Iris is thankful that they decided to meet in Caitlin's villa rather than a cafe. She had planned to remain vague, but when a person asks about what to wear for a date, there are naturally some follow-up questions. It wasn't that she and Ingo were trying to keep their relationship a total secret; they just wanted to be able to keep it from the tabloids. Considering what they had expressed yesterday in her apartment, Iris had decided to trust in their discretion.

The result was a flustered Shauntal and an amused Caitlin. "Dating a Subway Boss, huh. G-g-goodness! You've certainly matured beyond Drayden's little apprentice." She looks at Iris with a mix of nervousness and interest. Her mouth opens, then suddenly shuts as if she can't think of what else to say.

"It looks like Grimsley was halfway right," Caitlin declares.

What? Iris is certain that she never mentioned the subject of dating or the Battle Subway to him, or anyone else for that matter. "What do you mean?"

"You've been noticeably happier recently. Grimsley was just trying to put a reason to it, in his usual tasteless way. His words were 'sordid love affair,' but it seems that only the 'love' part is true. From what I know of Ingo, and from what I know of you, I can't imagine you two having that kind of obscene relationship."

At that, Shauntal interjects. "Exactly! You and Ingo haven't done anything indecent, right Iris?"

…

…

Iris is stunned speechless. Is she seriously asking about whether or not they've slept together?! After a few lengthy seconds, she manages to stutter out a coherent sentence. "U-um, no. I m-mean I do kinda want to, but, ah, um, nothing yet."

Caitlin stares at Shauntal disbelievingly. "Your question itself is indecent. Weren't you the one who scolded Grimsley for his lewdness?"

With Iris's embarrassed response and Caitlin's reprimand, it dawns on Shauntal what exactly she had just asked. Eyes widening, she leans back as if distancing herself from the question, and frantically waves her hands in defense. "Oh my goodness! That is not what I meant to say! I was thinking about how worried I was. That you weren't being taken advantage of, I mean! It just seems so sudden to me, and considering the age gap…I wasn't specifically referring to that," she rambles.

"Except you kind of were." A little miffed, Caitlin crosses her arms. "I know it can be difficult to discuss personal matters such as relationships, and I have my concerns as well; however, you should take your own advice and ask directly. Roundabout conversations are a pain." She sighs. "As I said earlier, I want to believe that you and Ingo are in a healthy relationship, so please let me confirm a few things. Have you two talked about the nature of your relationship, specifically the age gap? With that sort of thing it's easy for there to be an imbalance of power, skewed in the favor of the older person, of course."

"You are eighteen, you know. And isn't Ingo twenty-eight? With how young you are, it's a significant difference," Shauntal adds nervously.

Iris's first instinct is to yell. The words "You don't understand!" are at the tip of her tongue. And in a way, she is right. It's because they don't know the context, the foundation of their relationship; that's why they worry. But they're right too. Age makes a difference, affecting where one is in life and their maturity. So, instead of yelling, she breathes in slowly, ready to respond.

"We have talked about it—not about sex or anything like that yet, but we've accepted our difference in age. I may not be as mature as him, but in terms of where we are in our lives, it's pretty even. Career-wise we are both accomplished individuals on arguably equal footing, and we each have financial independence, so it's not like this is a mentor-pupil or partner-as-parent kind of relationship. Also, Ingo respects me. He has never acted inappropriately towards me, or pressured me into anything. He's shown true concern for me."

"Alright. Who else knows about your relationship? Even with the acknowledgement of the age discrepancy, there could still be that allure of 'forbidden love,' so to speak." Caitlin continues.

"W-well, Emmet knows, and um, that's it so far. You guys understand why we wouldn't want our relationship to be super public, right?" Iris falters a bit. That aspect couldn't be entirely ruled out, though she honestly felt otherwise.

Shauntal gasps, bringing her hands to her mouth. "You haven't told Drayden yet?"

"I'm not sure how to bring it up," she admits with a sigh. "Growing up, there was never really a big discussion on dating. It's not that Drayden was overprotective. It just...never came up." Drayden had taught her many things. How to cook balanced meals, financial responsibility—basically the skills needed to become an independent adult. Of course there was the grand focus on training her to become the Champion. Had he been so focused on this that he forgot? There was too much uncertainty for her to feel comfortable enough to ask.

"Sounds like it will be an awkward conversation, but I think you should tell him as soon as possible," Shauntal advises. "The more you wait, the harder it will be."

"I know. Look, I'll tell him today, okay? I just hope he takes it well." Iris groans and slumps in her seat.

"Good. If you need someone to support you, I would be happy to assist." Caitlin gently clasps Iris's hand in hers. "From what I can tell, this love is true, at least from your end. I'll talk to Ingo about this as well in order to confirm."

"Hey! Don't leave me out." Reaching over and placing her hand on top of Iris's other hand, Shauntal gives a small smile. "We'll help you navigate through all this stuff, okay? I'm just glad that you two have given this some thought."

"Thanks."

Iris feels drained. What was supposed to be a light-hearted brainstorming session about clothes has turned into a serious talk about relationships. And now she has to do the thing she's been dreading and procrastinating on. Steeling herself, she slips her hands out of theirs and scrolls down to Drayden's name on her contacts list. As she presses the 'call' icon, she holds her breath.

Dialing… Dialing… Dialing… Dialing… Dialin—

"Iris! What a pleasant surprise! It's rare for you to call twice in one month. Did something big happen?"

Well there goes her hope of him not answering. Drayden had a reputation for being intimidating, and, to most people, that would mean fearing his rage. Iris knew better though. He had always believed in her, calling her 'a bright future.' Jovial, hopeful, and endlessly encouraging. But that didn't mean he was indiscriminately accepting; he was a principled man, Opelucid's mayor. He believed that those who lead must set an example for others to follow, and Iris was Unova's Champion.

Would he be disappointed? Would he judge of her? At least with rage, she could convince herself that any words said, feelings expressed would be due to the heat of the moment. Disappointment seemed far more concrete and unchanging. It was time to find out.

"Yeah. Um, I am dating someone now. Well, actually, I have been for the past two months, and I'm sorry for not telling you sooner. I just—" She pauses, taking a deep breath. "I don't want you to think less of me. I understand the concerns you may have about it, but I stand by my decision. Ingo and I are a couple!" Iris lets it out all at once, afraid that she will lose her nerve otherwise.

Scooting over to Iris's side, Caitlin and Shauntal make themselves known. "We've talked to her about the obvious concerns like the age disparity and whether or not they've engaged in any significant 'physical' activity," Caitlin begins.

"And they haven't!" interjects Shauntal.

"Judging by her answers, we believe that this relationship is acceptable. The two seem conscious of any potential problems and are being proactive in addressing them. I'll be following up with Ingo himself, of course. I expect you'll do the same." With everything explained, the three wait for his response.

"This is certainly something big." Drayden sighs, closing his eyes and massages his temples in deep thought. "There's much I want to ask, and yes, I'll go talk with Ingo later today, but for now...I'll accept it. I do trust you and your judgement Iris, and it saddens me to hear that you might think differently. Considering the fact that Shauntal and Caitlin have chosen to support you, I can feel even more confident in that trust."

He opens his eyes and focuses on Iris with a serious expression. "Both of you realize how the public and such might view this, correct? Are you two prepared to face it when the time comes? Will you two be able to stand tall and proud, side-by-side, secure in your love?"

"I'm honestly still scared." Iris remembers the hellish first year of being Champion. The feeling of rejection had been at its strongest then. All the spiteful rumors and harassment had almost made her give up. Could she really face that again? "But I want things to be different this time. I won't be forced into thinking that I constantly have to defend myself. I love Ingo, and I know he feels the same. They can think what they want. Our relationship will speak for itself!"

Drayden smiles. "That's a good answer. With that passion, I think anyone would be hard-pressed to reject it." He clears his throat. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must pay Ingo a visit. I expect him to show the same level of strength, if not more, regarding your relationship. Stay strong, Iris."

"Thank you, Drayden."

With that, the call ends. Iris lets herself fall back into the plush cushions of Caitlin's couch. The day has been way more trying than she had hoped, and there was still half of it left. She decides that after she informs Ingo of his upcoming visitors, she'll just go home. Reluctantly tearing herself away from the cozy cushions, Iris sends off the text before addressing Shauntal and Caitlin.

"Can we do the whole outfit thing tomorrow? I want to be available for Ingo after he gets his daily dose of love interrogation. I guess we have a few more things to talk about."

Caitlin nods. "That works for me. I suppose I'll meet up with Drayden, and we'll stop by the Gear Station together. How efficient."

"I'll be counting on you and Drayden then. While you're gone, I can watch the villa," Shauntal offers. Turning her attention towards Iris, she shoos her away playfully. "As for you, feel free to run away now. We'll talk some more tomorrow."

Being sure to thank the two for all their help, Iris takes her leave.