Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon and I assure you I'm only borrowing its amazing characters from the manga to write a story they deserve. I hope I did write a story they deserve.

Chapter 5 - Confrontations, Part II

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Sapphire dragged Ruby away from Lilycove City on to Route 121 as fast as she could. For once, she did not hear Ruby complained about the possible dirt that could lurk in his clothes as she ran in a certain distance from the city. He must be that busy to ignore it regarding with the early circumstances. She stopped once they reached the location of the soft, loamy soil where it was filled with different berries planted on it.

After a few seconds of gasping, she took a glance at their clasped hands. She thought about shoving it away from his grasp like what she did when they reached the Cave of Origin years ago. However, before she could do the act, Ruby squeezed her hand gently. It seemed he didn't want to let go of her hand. Even if she did try to shove it off again or tell him to let it go, he would just hold her hand tighter. Guess I don't have any choice.

She thought about calling Troppy to fly them home, but a thought came into her; some citizens might spot the flying Pokémon with them on its back. If those certain citizens did spot them, they might shout another embarrassing statement(s) about their ride home especially if they saw Ruby wrapped his arms around her waist. In another note, their secret base was miles away from Lilycove. It looked like teleporting is their only option. Letting out a heavy sigh of frustration, she sent out her Gallade. Once the Gallade was out, he did a little warm-up exercise and looked at his trainer. Sapphire smiled at the Pokémon and told him to teleport them to their secret base.

Kirly understood what his trainer told. But before the Blade Pokémon could use its move, she added he should do it more carefully, unlike the last time he used teleport on them. The Gallade nodded at his trainer's request and used his move on them. In a matter of minutes, they arrived at their secret base.

"Thanks, Kirly." Sapphire patted the Pokémon's shoulder while he simply gave a smile to his trainer. She returned it to its Poké Ball and anxiously took a glance at the boy beside her. Now that they were here, how should they start their conversation? Based on the circumstances earlier, she was too timid to even look at him in the eye.

"I... I'll go change my clothes first." Ruby finally said with an anxious tone after what it seemed like an eternal silence. He let go of his hold and went farther from her to change his clothing.

Sapphire let out a grumble and rolled her eyes at him. Never mind about what she said earlier with regards to ignoring the dirt on his clothes. Although, in spite of her sarcasm, she knew he only said that to break the silence. Letting out a heavy sigh, she plopped on the Wailmer bean bag and turned her gaze somewhere else to give him some privacy. Knowing Ruby, it would take a while for him to change. She suddenly had an interest in the cave's walls once she heard some unzipping noises. It brought a slight pink hue on her cheeks. The idea of him changing his clothes several feet away from her was totally uncomfortable. He better be done quickly.

"Sapph?" Ruby cleared his throat to get her attention.

Her interest in the wall vanished once he called her. She looked up and saw him now dressed in clean clothes. "Yeah?" She asked in a tedious tone.

"May I?" He politely asked and gestured the empty space next to her. Before she could respond, he already sat down next to her. "Well, this is comfortable."

"Ya know there's another bean bag in this base!" She retreated from their proximity, but his left arm encircled around her waist prevented her. She shot him a pouted look while his lips curved into a smile. He pulled her closer so that she was now sitting on his lap. Despite her protests and squirms, he was too stubborn to let go. She let out a groan seeing she had no other option and tried to make herself comfortable from their position.

"I guess we just let bygones be bygones, huh?" He finally managed to say after their total silence while he received a quick punch on the chest. He winced in pain. "Ow, Sapph..."

She responded with a soft, sincere yet sarcastic 'sorry'. She knew what he was talking about; it was a good thing he had the guts too.

"Listen," He pulled her closer until their faces were a few inches away and finally looked into her eyes. "About... About what happened earlier... where... I..."

"I-It's okay." She managed to say in spite of her rapid heartbeat. "I know ya didn't intend it."

"It's not that as well." His right hand cupped her left cheek. She flinched on the contact, but he managed to pull her closer. "I mean, I've put us in an embarrassing position back then, so I'm sorry for that."

The temperature on her cheeks rose the longer his soft, warm hand cups her cheek. What happened earlier was definitely humiliating. However, she didn't regret it and she didn't know why. "I-I told ya. It's okay."

He intentionally kissed her forehead, which did nothing but to increase the pink blush on her cheeks to the shade of red. Her reaction brought a smile on his face. She looked absolutely adorable. He felt more than a hundred percent blessed to have someone like her. The last part made him mentally shook his head. She was not yet his girlfriend, yet he was already thinking about that! Well, it did make sense that he had her in his life, but it would be nice to be her boyfriend; it would be nice to exceed the boundaries of their friendship. They did say they loved each other based on what he recalled. Wait, what am I thinking?!

"Anyway, is it true?"

He snapped out of his thoughts and looked into her eyes. He was clueless at first, but he later got what she meant. He opened his mouth but immediately closed it when no words came out. It was best to tell her. He wanted to tell her. But how come he was very nervous to even say a word? He blamed Zach and his constant teasing.

Sapphire affectionately held his hand that caresses her face to ease his anxiety. After a few seconds, he managed to calm down. She gave him a toothy grin. It looked like being there for him totally lessened his anxiety. She felt happy just by helping him. "Ya feel alright now?" Her question sounded more like a statement; she knew him too well.

He responded with an affectionate smile and by kissing the tip of her nose. It made her flinch from him again. Regardless, he pulled her closer.

She was expecting he would kiss her on the forehead again, which she finally got used to, but on her nose was unexpected. She couldn't imagine kissing him often once they were together as a couple. The thought only made her blush deepen its red-like color. Now was not the time to think about it.

"I thought you heard everything." His tone was conceited. He wasn't expecting that kiss would let her guard down.

She gave him a light punch on the chest, though, in reality, it was one percent below her normal punches. There he goes and his arrogance again. "I was just reassurin', and yes I did hear everythin'."

He winced in pain from her punch. He may be used to it, but he couldn't help himself from wincing. "I-I guess there's no need to talk about it?"

She pouted at his response. His smile returned because of her cute gesture. It was like it's normal for her to be adorable. "If yer not anxious about it, then we ain't talkin' 'bout it. But ya are, so we have to talk about it."

He didn't know what exactly was this positive emotion he was currently experiencing, but he liked it. Her concern gave him that unknown, warm feeling forming in him. "You're right. We should... talk about it."

She nodded sharply and unintentionally took a peck on his lips. The action surprised them both, but his hold on her didn't budge. They never kissed each other that way. The last time they did it was after their second confession, but it's only a bit longer than before. What was with their kisses lately? Could it be their time to finally be together more than friends? The thought made their faces turn crimson. This must be the effect of the Luvdiscs they saw together last month. They mentally cursed that *belief when a couple unintentionally saw a Luvdisc together.

Ruby blinked a few times before registering what really happened. Sapphire had kissed him, and it felt great. It would be better once they got together, but now he's just savoring the early circumstance. "Sapph, I—"

"H-Heard ya were jealous. Is it true?" She immediately asked with an anxious tone. It was obvious she just wanted to change the topic to help ease the tenseness.

His mouth fell a bit from her question. She heard everything alright, but how come he didn't notice she was there? It was best to ask her. "Hold on, Sapph, before I answer, how come I didn't notice you were in there?"

Sapphire admitted she did follow Ruby several minutes after he and Rara teleported to Lilycove. What was her reason? She just wanted to know whether or not things would be alright between the guys, especially if Ruby's jealousy gets out of hand. "I was on the farthest table from ya. I left when I've heard enough." She responded with a blunt tone and gestured him to continue.

Ruby nodded at her answer. He completely understood it. But when exactly did she leave? Was it before he told Zach he loves her? Maybe, maybe not. He wasn't focused on anything back then besides his rampaging emotions and his annoyance/jealousy towards Zach. It was best to let this conversation go smoothly. He might get his answer afterwards. Going back, now that she had answered his question, it was now his turn. Was he really that jealous? He already told Zach and his master that he isn't. Therefore, the answer was negative. "I'm not."

She gave him a faltered look. She didn't believe his answer. She knew he was, but he was just too stubborn to admit it. She was oblivious about it at first, but she later noticed it when she asked him that favor. "Yer kiddin'."

"I-I'm not. I swear I'm not." He immediately refused with his tone sounding like an innocent child.

She responded by giving him a glare with her fangs sticking out. "You're jealous. Just admit it."

Ruby let out a sigh of defeat. Was he really that jealous? It was true he was annoyed from the beginning, and he still thought he was until now. But was he really jealous? It was a different topic. He already told Sapphire, his Master, and Zach that he wasn't. However, why did he still have that negative emotion in him whenever he remembered Zach asking her out on a date or even by the fact that he liked her? Was he annoyed? Was it he angry? Was he scared? In his perspective, the answer was negative. No, they were not that specific emotion. It looked like he couldn't deny it any further.

Sapphire was right. Wallace and Zach were right; he was jealous. He was jealous because Zach liked her. He was jealous because Zach made an effort to ask her out on a date twice. Most importantly, he was jealous because Zach had the guts to ask her out. It should be he who was doing that. "I... I am." His tone was sad and sincere. He couldn't believe he let go of his stubbornness just to admit it. But honestly, it made him feel a bit better.

Sapphire stared at him with sympathy. He finally managed to say it. She was both glad and worried that he did. She was glad because he could finally feel better from that negative emotion. She was worried because why did he have to be jealous? He knew that she loves him. She didn't even care about Zach. She felt nothing for that peculiar guy. "Why?"

He expected she would say something like 'I told you so' or 'Finally', but her question made him wonder. "I don't know... I guess I just hate it that he likes you. I... I should be the one saying that out loud, if... if I had the chance."

She averted her eyes at him. The mere thought of what would be her response was already enough to bring a light pink color on her cheeks. Well, she wanted to make him feel better; she had to say it to fully reduce his jealousy. It wouldn't hurt to tell, right? "Y-Ya know..." She bit her lip. Now was not the time to stutter. "T-There's only... only one guy I... like."

"I-I know," His tone is also anxious. It is he whom she was talking about.

"Ya don't have to be jealous 'cause I don't like him. I... ya know... I like ya... I like ya a lot."

Hearing her said those words again brought Beautiflies, Butterfrees, Dustoxs and even Ninjasks and Shedinjas in his stomach. What she said truly brought happiness in him. It made him feel better. In fact, it felt like he was in heaven now. "I love you too." He genuinely whispered in her ear. His breath was warm and tickled her left ear. He then wrapped his arms around her for a hug. It surprised her at first, but she returned the hug with the same enthusiasm and rested her head on his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat.

Both were stunned at their sudden confession; it was unexpected. Who knew his jealousy made them confess to one another for the third time? It did have its pros and cons.

Sapphire let go of their hug to prevent the heat on her cheeks from rising. She gave him a warm smile and said, "Just don't be jealous, okay? Ya already know why ya shouldn't be."

Ruby smiled back and nodded. "The truth is it's hard but okay. I-I'll do what I can." In spite of his word, he wasn't a hundred percent certain he would not get jealous. It might depend on the circumstance. It might depend on whether or not Zach would ask her out on a date again.

"Ya better." She placed her hands on his chest and gently gripped the fabric of his shirt. "'Cause I hate seein' ya in a tense situation. I... can't help but worry." She mumbled the last words and buried her head on his chest. What she said were true; she couldn't help but worry whenever something was troubling him. In this case, it was his jealousy. He may be good at hiding his feelings, but she could perfectly see it in his eyes. The least she could do was help him in any way possible.

"Thank you, Sapphire." He mumbled in his most sincere tone. He didn't know it would affect her as well. All he wanted was her safety. He never wanted to taint her crystal heart again. "Thank you." He protectively placed his arms around her and placed the tip of his nose on her head. Her scent smells like berries and the forest. It may be an extraordinary smell for a woman, but in his perspective, it perfectly suited her.

"Sapph?" A sudden thought on his head made his heart beat faster than the usual. He suddenly had the urge to kiss her. He wanted to kiss her. However, he couldn't just do it because he wanted to. He needed her permission first since he respected her privacy. Besides, he didn't want to ruin this moment.

"Yeah?" She removed her head on his chest to meet his gaze. It seems like she didn't know what he would ask yet.

He brought his right hand again to cup her cheek. She trembled a bit from his touch but didn't flinch from her spot. He placed his forehead on hers so that their faces were a few centimeters apart. "May I?"

She finally got what he meant. It was true she's not yet used on kissing him, and she didn't know when. Regardless, she approved his question by nodding slowly.

Ruby didn't waste any moment once he got her permission. He leaned in closer, feeling her warm breath touch his nose. They closed their eyes for the next move and the gap between them; their lips finally met. Their second kiss felt like the first, but better. It brought a deep blush on their faces and an unknown warm feeling forming in their chests. Ruby pulled her closer to deepen the kiss which made their heartbeats be in total sync. There was no doubt it brought bliss in them. After several seconds, they slowly pulled apart and gasped for air. Ruby didn't and would never regret kissing her.

"It's getting dark." He said after several seconds of gasping.

Sapphire's lips curved into a frown with one fang sticking out. She liked their affectionate time together, honestly. She wished it would stay longer for a little. It was disappointing time was not on their side. "Come on," She stood up from his lap. "We better get home."

"Right." Ruby nodded and stood up as well. He held her left hand and used his free hand to stroke her hair. "Don't worry." He reassured with an arrogant tone and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. "We'll continue this tomorrow."

She clenched her right fist and punched his chest. He certainly had a way of teasing her. "Silly."

He winced in pain for the nth time of the day. "Ow! Sapph?"

She responds with a slight blush and a pout on her face.

Noticing it, his wincing expression was replaced with an affectionate smile. Her adorable gesture is more than enough to remove the pain on his chest. Beautiful.

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They made it to Littleroot Town before the clock would strike six in the evening with Sapphire leading the way. Well, it was more like she was dragging the Charmer on their way home. Her main reason was none other than Ruby's so-called dirt problems. According to the charmer, he had to be cautious on his steps on the dense forest for it lets dirt, twigs, and dry/dead leaves stay on his clothes. As a result, Sapphire became irritated and impatient at his 'slow paced' walk which lead her to grab his hand and drag him home as fast as she could.

Her deed brought a successful smirk on his lips. His plan worked in spite of his compromise to let some dirt, dead leaves, and twigs on his outfit. He always wanted to hold her hand on their way home. It was a good thing Sapphire didn't notice it.

Sapphire stopped on her tracks and released her hand on him. She spun to face him and folded her arms across her chest. His plans for affectionate gestures were becoming way too obvious for her. The thought resulted in a pouty look on her face. "If y-ya wanna hold my hand, ya could have just asked."

His smirk was replaced with a frown. She just always knew whether or not he was pretending. He kind of liked it honestly. "How?"

"Yer smirk." She responded with a blunt tone and by rolling her eyes. "Anyway, I'll see ya tomorrow."

Ruby grabbed her left hand again before the conqueror took her first step. "Wait, I'll walk you home."

Sapphire let out an exasperated sigh and gave him a sullen look. "Ruby, we're neighbors and my house is literally several meters away from yours! There's no need."

"Come on Sapph," He gently squeezed her hand and smiled. "I insist."

Sapphire let out a sigh in defeat. Just like earlier, he would be just too stubborn to disagree. "Fine."

"Ah, there you are, kids!"

The jolly voice made Sapphire immediately shove her hand away from Ruby and a slight blush appear on her face. There was no way her father was going to see them holding hands. It might lead him to ask a ton of questions that would make them feel uncomfortable. She wondered how her father found out her feelings for Ruby.

"Dad?"

"Professor?"

Professor Birch approached the teens with a smile on his face. "Anyway, I need to talk to you, Ruby."

"M-Me?" Confusion was written all over his face. Why did the professor need to talk to him? Was it another data distribution journey? No, that couldn't be right. If it were about that, he would tell his daughter first. Or maybe it would be about a new and adorable Pokémon? That could be it, but he was still uncertain.

"Him?" Sapphire was shocked and anxious to hear that. If it was about her feelings for the charmer, then that would be a totally humiliating topic. She had the sudden urge to drag her father away from him. Better yet, she hoped a stack of paper works would get his attention from whatever he was going to talk about with the Charmer.

"Yep," The Professor nodded, unaware at the teens' reactions. "Let's talk to my lab. Oh and Sapphire, this is sort of a manly talk so you can skip this one." He ruffled his daughter's hair who rolled her eyes and pouted in return. He did know this gesture was only applicable to kids who were ten years old or younger.

Seeing she had no other option, she let out an exasperated sigh. If it was a so-called man talk, then she respected it. They better tell it to her afterwards. "Fine, but don't take too long or else I'll destroy that lab's door again."

"We will; don't worry." Professor Birch reassured and placed his left hand on Ruby's shoulder. He patted the Charmer's shoulder a few times. The confusion on Ruby's face grew intense. He found it very awkward when the professor patted his shoulder. "Right, let's go my lab." He removed his hand on Ruby's shoulder and started walking to the lab.

Ruby reluctantly followed him with a lot of questions in his head, but all asked the same thing; what would they talk about?

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"Do you want a drink, son?" Professor Birch grabbed a can of lemonade juice on the table and popped it open.

"N-No thanks, professor." Ruby denied politely and properly sat on the chair as he scanned the place. He felt anxious and he didn't know why.

"Okay then," The Professor took one sip on the can and placed it on the table. He stared at the Charmer in front him.

Just like always, the lab was a hectic place filled with paper works, data, and files on every shelf, table, boxes and even on top of a laptop or computer along with a few scattered chairs. Most of the virtual data and files were neatly organized in the professor's laptop.

"First things, first," Professor Birch placed his left hand on the back of his head. He smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry about the mess. I know how you hate disorganized places. It's just a lot of work's going on here."

Ruby instantly shook head his head at the professor's apology. "N-No it's okay, professor. I understand you're busy and all." He let out a sigh to ease his anxiety. Talking to the professor somehow increased it.

The professor responded with a faint chuckle. He held on to the can of lemonade and took another sip. In spite of his busy schedule, he was glad he managed to have an appointment with the charmer. His relationship with his daughter was starting to pop up in his mind lately. He certainly trusted the Charmer since he was his friend's son and his daughter's best friend. Nonetheless, he needed answers on his questions.

He asked Sapphire about it once, but she avoided the question no matter how many times he repeated it. He also asked Emerald about it, but the answers weren't enough for his satisfaction. His only option was Ruby. He desperately needed an honest and complete answer from the Charmer. "So..." He started, causing the Charmer to be tense every second. "What's going on with your relationship with my daughter? Do you... like her?"

The questions almost made the chair he'd been sitting on to topple on the floor. Why on earth would he ask that kind of question?! Wasn't it clear that he and Sapphire were 'still' friends? He felt a pang of regret flood in his heart. Sure, they were still friends, but he wanted them to be more than just friends when the time comes. He opted not to tell that part to the professor. "P-Pardon?"

"I'm sorry. I guess my question was very direct." The Professor smiled sheepishly and gestured the Charmer to calm down. Ruby did his best to remain calm in spite of his rapid heartbeat and his now burning cheeks. "Nonetheless, I need an honest and complete answer, Ruby." He gave him a stern, fatherly look.

It brought shivers on Ruby's spine. Professor Birch was known as the jolly, good-natured and loving father of Sapphire. Seeing him in his strict mode was new to Ruby. Do fathers often get strict whenever their daughters would have a romantic relationship with someone? He mentally shook his head. Just to make things clear, he and Sapphire were not dating yet. He let out a sigh of defeat and nodded. What else could he say? He didn't have any choice but to tell him the truth.

"Good. Our suspicions were right."

Ruby gave the professor a terrified look. "Wait, what? How—"

The Professor responds with a chuckle. "You know my answer is funny, but maybe it's that so-called parent's intuitions or parent's instincts."

"I..." Ruby closed his gaping mouth. The professor's answer doesn't seem completely reasonable. Did Sapphire even know about this?

"Anyway, you only answered one question." Ruby did his best to swallow his anxiety. He thought he had forgotten the other question. "You and Sapphire are still friends, right?"

The professor's fatherly tone surprised him. What was with all these questions?! It felt like the professor was interrogating him whether or not he was worthy for his daughter. A part of Ruby's head felt this as a very embarrassing situation and the other part was desperate to make him worthy for a certain wild girl. "Y-Yes... w-we are professor... I..."

"Hey," The Professor cooed and gestures him to calm down. "Don't worry, Ruby. This isn't an interrogation. I just want to know about your relationship with my daughter. There's no need to be tense about it."

The Professor's reassurance lessened his anxiety for a bit. Now the usual Professor Birch was back; he could finally breathe again.

"I'm just curious about your relationship with my daughter. Are you guys still friends or not? Don't worry. I won't be mad if you guys are already in a relationship."

"W-We're not. I... I mean, we're still friends, professor. I..." He mentally did a face-palm. He regretted using that word. He planned on saying 'just friends' instead of the previous one, but his mouth betrayed him, unfortunately. "W-What I meant to say is—"

"Still friends? In that case, you have my permission."

"Wait, what?" Ruby was taken aback by the professor's interruption. He had what?

Professor Birch stood up from his chair and approached the charmer. He placed his hand on the Charmer's shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile. "You have my permission to ask her out, Ruby."

Ruby was both happy and confused at the situation. He was glad he had the professor's permission to date his daughter. At the same time, he was confused. Why was he giving his permission so early? He thought he might have it before he picks up his girl for their date. Wait, what was he thinking?! They were still friends and he was absolutely certain they were not yet ready. "T-Thank you, professor. B-But isn't it too early? I haven't asked her yet."

"I know," The Professor patted the charmer's shoulder again. "But I've never seen anyone who has serious feelings for her. Because, you know, Sapphire is no ordinary girl."

Hearing the wild girl's name brought a smile on Ruby's face. Somehow, the rest of his anxiety was completely gone. "She is... She's extraordinary, unique from all the people I've met. She... stood up the most." He could go on with his compliments for a long time, but he opted not to since he's speaking to her father.

"Which is why you have to take of her. She may be capable of taking care of herself, but she also needs to know that someone cares for her. I always do my part as her father, I suppose. I think I do."

"Don't hesitate, professor. She loves you. Sapphire couldn't ask for a better father."

Professor Birch could feel some tears of joy forming in his eyes. He often felt like a terrible father. After all, he did manage to let trouble come to them since the day she became a Pokédex Holder. She may be capable of taking care of herself but as her father, he couldn't help but worry when she and the others were trying to risk their lives to save Hoenn and/or the world. "I... I'm glad to hear that. Sapphire doesn't show much affection, but coming from you also feels like it comes from her."

Ruby smiled and nodded at the professor. This so-called manly talk wasn't that bad after all.

"Anyway," Professor Birch started to reduce the tears from falling. "I know you two are still friends, but you have my permission, Ruby. Just take care of her."

"I assure you professor," Ruby's tone, smile, and gaze were desperate and confident. "I will."

"Thank you. That means a lot... Now," Professor Birch glanced on his wristwatch. Their talk took a short amount of time than he expected. "I think we should head to our houses. It seems dinner has arrived."

"I guess it is, professor."

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Ruby was the first one to approach the door, followed by the professor with some paper works in his satchel. Before they began their separate ways to approach their respective houses, Ruby gathered all his courage and told the professor, "I'll... uh... ask her when the time comes, professor. I don't think we're ready yet."

"I understand that." Prof. Birch responded with a smile. He wasn't expecting they were not yet ready to exceed the boundaries of their friendship. He thought they were now a couple since he hardly saw them bicker. If they were bickering, then it was a result of their misunderstandings. "Time will come, I suppose. Just, don't be shy when that time comes."

His gaze suddenly became interested in the floor. The professor's statement did make sense. Maybe they were too shy to go beyond their friendship. They just needed to be brave enough to get through it. But that was easier said than done. This is reality after all. "I... uh... I will, professor."

*From the Pokémon Alpha Sapphire game, Luvdisc's Pokédex entry is: "Luvdisc's heart-shaped body is a symbol of love and romance. It is said that any couple meeting this Pokémon is promised a loving relationship that never ends." So, yeah, I kinda do that for a hilarious take on them. I was literally laughing when I wrote that part. *got hit by a gigantic rock thrown by Sapphire*

*Well, if Ruby can lift Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, then he'll be worthy. I'm kidding. Haha

Okay, guys, I'm terrible at writing those kissing scenes, so please forgive me. I blame my bitterness with regards to real-life romance. Oh, and can you feel the love tonight? Haha. You know, The Lion King pun since they had that moment? No? Okay.

The next chapter will be the last and longest one.