-Little Light by Halfdis Huld-
Chapter 6: Attract
The students at the academy didn't quite know what to make of Juliana's change. Director Clavell explained (without including any mentions of time travel) that an accident near Area Zero had caused her to age three years. The teachers and gym leaders were all informed of this as well and took the news in stride, but most of the students began to treat her like a pariah.
If it hadn't been for Arven and Nemona, she would have probably just kept doing independent study in Levincia to avoid confrontation, but the pair began shielding her from unwanted conversation like a pair of guard dogs, albeit - one far more hyper and intense than the other.
Penny was busy fixing the Pokemon League's code to secure it from further hacks and helping her Team Star friends set up new training facilities, but she helped from time to time.
They helped her move back into the dorms, so Juliana was able to see them during the day. It felt good at least to have her friends back.
Still, wanting to prove that she was still useful, she offered to tutor Arven, who had fallen behind in a few too many classes. At first he'd refused, but gradually he came around, and they agreed to study in the library.
But when they walked into the library early one afternoon, Juliana remembered just how limited the study spaces were.
Arven scratched the back of his neck. "Let's just study later."
"We can't put this off." Juliana nearly raised her voice. She couldn't let Arven fail. "You'll be 18 in a few months. And I want to help you."
"Well, when you put it that way…" He followed her to the only open desk and sat down.
Juliana stared at the cramped space. "Um… I'll just stand."
Arven looked around for extra chairs, but finding none his face flushed with embarrassment. "We could… share."
The thought of trying to share the small seat with Arven, or worse - to sit on his lap in front of everyone else in the library made Juliana's breath grow shallow.
"H-how about we study in the cafeteria?" she offered.
"That's perfect!" He shot up from his seat. "There's plenty of room to spread books out on the tables."
They hurried to the cafeteria, and Juliana tried to ignore the thought of what it would have been like to share a seat with Arven.
"Are you okay?" he suddenly asked as they sat at the table. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"Heh," she turned away from him. "No, I'm just looking forward to studying."
He shook his head. "I wish I could feel that excited about studying."
"Well, maybe you could help me too." She turned back to face him and lifted her gaze to his ocean blue eyes.
"With what?" he scoffed. "You're perfect at everything."
Heat rose in her cheeks again. She was never prepared when he said such nice things to her.
"Not everything," her eyes fell on his yellow vest. "I'm not used to talking to people anymore. Sometimes… it's hard."
"I'm not so great at talking to people either, if you haven't noticed," he said with a scowl. "Nemona would be better."
"I'm not asking Nemona." The hint of the shy smile quirked on her lips. "I'm asking you."
Arven said nothing for several seconds, the surprise clear in his face. "Well, that changes things." Then he slowly reached out, took her hand and smiled broadly. "Maybe we can help each other."
"I'd like that," she whispered, and as they discussed lessons, his hand never strayed from hers.
–
Nemona crossed her arms, a melodramatic pout firmly planted on her face. She and Penny stood out in the fields, waiting for Ms. Dendra's Battle Studies class to begin.
"If you do that too often, you'll get wrinkles," Penny remarked matter-of-factly without looking up as she scrolled on her phone.
"It's just not fair," she whined. "Juliana's been spending all of her time with Arven, helping him study. When is she going to start pokemon battling again?!"
"She'll start battling again when she's ready," Penny said, completely unbothered by their friend's absence. "And they like each other. The studying is just an excuse."
"Well, I like her too!" Nemona hmphed.
"That's not what I meant." Penny finally looked up from her phone. "Haven't you seen the way they look at each other since Juliana came back? They… really like each other."
"Whaaaaaaaat?"
She'd never noticed. Suddenly Nemona felt like she'd missed so much.
"Give them time," Penny smiled. "And don't worry. There's room in Juliana's heart for all of her friends."
"Juliana and Arven…" Nemona trailed off, still in shock. "I guess she is 16 now… But Juliana… and ARVEN?!"
–
Arven had to hand it to Juliana, she was a great tutor. If their sessions continued at this rate, he'd graduate on time, no problem.
"I just have to drop off my books in the dorm. Then we can grab something to eat."
They went up to the dorms together, but he waited at the door when she went inside. Now that he knew he liked Juliana, he didn't want her to feel pressured into anything.
"Okay," she reappeared after a few minutes, her bag looking much emptier. "You ready?"
"Definitely," he grinned, and they made their way back to the entrance hall and outside.
When they reached the top of the academy steps, Juliana pulled out Miraidon's ball, and it popped out instantly.
"You coming?" She climbed onto Miraidon's back and motioned for Arven to join her.
"Of course I'm coming," he huffed lightheartedly and clambered behind her, and like they had in Area Zero, he placed his hands on her waist, only this time it felt so much different. This time he was keenly aware of the subtle curve of her hips. He could feel the warmth of her skin through the fabric.
They sat there for a moment, and Juliana leaned back against his chest. Arven's heart pounded so heavily, he was sure she could feel it.
"Where do you want to eat?" she tipped her head back, and his nose almost grazed her hairline.
He cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly. "Wherever you want."
"Okay," Juliana grinned widely, a hint of mischief in her expression. "Then hold on tight!"
Miraidon blasted down the steps, and Arven held on to Juliana tightly.
Thank you for your reviews and feedback! And thanks for being here. :) -V