Bead

On their second "anniversary" he decides to get her a gift. This act of random generosity surprises him; it's rare that he would spend so much time on something so trivial. They're an unorthodox couple. Time spent in stuffy dojos and gyms rather than restaurants and parks, League Federation paperwork instead of poems, feathers instead of flowers. She never complains and always takes it in stride, eyes glinting with amusement and happiness when he comes to her, those rare moments when they have free time to bask in each other's company. Socially required rituals don't concern them, holidays, birthdays, anniversaries all go by with no gifts or cake or surprises. Just a whisper and a hesitant declaration and a small display of affection and then back to their lives of discipline and regulation and poker faces, restraining secrets that threaten to crack their masks and reveal everything.

He paces and gnashes his teeth, heavy in concentration. He wants it to be special, meaningful, something that isn't just some shallow gesture or pseudo-symbolic trinket that will be forgotten in a box or attic years from now. He glances at his Pokémon sitting to his left, a large bird with glossy feathers, ruffling its wings before smoothing the down with its beak. His mind reels, shifting through information and details about her. Her smile. Her eyes. Hobbies, lifestyles, quirks, interests. Things said in the dark, the feel of her against him. He shuddered slightly. Too much. What's meaningful to her? Her Dad? Of course, that's where it all starts with them, arguing about their parents. Her Pokémon? Yes. She has compassion and intelligence and all of that. She is a Gym Leader after all. Her appearance? Maybe not so much, considering the disguises she utilizes in her work her actual appearance meant little to her.

This kind of thing was not his strong suit. He was used to battling, strategizing, sacrificing his childhood to learn the skills becoming of a Trainer, not much time to pursue romance and crushes. It wasn't rare that he would receive a love confession but it was guaranteed that he would reject the proclaimer. He checked the clock on his wall, Hoothoot shaped, charming, a whimsical gift she had given to him as a joke. He was meeting with her in an hour. Mild anxiety and panic took over. What does he do? What does he do? What does he-

x.X.x

"Oi, Falkner! What took ya?" a dark haired girl clad in black and red waved towards him. Falkner gave a slight wave back. The two exchanged pleasantries, quickly worked their way toward a food court and sat down with their respective plates. The two ate in tranquil silence, relishing the food and company.

"Janine," Falkner said suddenly. Janine looked up from her bowl in mild interest.

"What's up? Finally admitting my dad's way cooler than yours?" she teased, her teeth glinting and eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Ha ha. You're hilarious." Falkner snorted, pushing back the melting sensation in his gut. Digging through his haori he pulled out a sloppily wrapped box and pushed it to the middle of the table.

" What's with the box?"

"It's," he hesitated, "for you."

She kept quiet and poker faced as she reached for the box and began rhythmically shredding the paper. To Falkner the silence was stifling. After what seemed like an eternity the gift was held up to the light. A slim silver bracelet but instead of a charm or a bead there was a Zephyr Badge with the letter J carved spikily on the back.