Chapter 3:

Sapphire POV

So it's already been 8 months since I left. 8 very long months. Each day more of a struggle than the previous as thoughts of him constantly invaded my mind. Only extensively training every day and working hard in assisting those in need serve as temporary relief from a certain crimson eyed boy. Now I'm resting in Meteor Falls. It is quite a spectacular place, very much worthy of being named as one of Hoenn's finest attractions. Its peaceful and calming atmosphere helps soothe my mind of at least some of my troubles. That is until a loud roar accompanied by a blood curdling scream breaks the silence. Swiftly, I call out my Pokémon and dash in the direction of the sound but nothing could prepare me for what I saw.

A Salamence. An angry Salamence that is. I freeze, petrified by the sight of it. Horrible, repressed memories float to the surface of my mind. I see Ruby, holding a bloodstained hand to his head telling me it's going to be okay. I see myself, so pathetic and weak. Another scream snaps me away from memory lane. I peer over to see a young girl on the ground, bloody and trembling as this monstrous Salamence hovers over her. Something inside me snaps. No way am I gonna let this girl get hurt anymore. I will be strong. Just like Ruby. Calling my Pokémon, I charge forward.

Ruby POV

Oh no, please god no. Please don't let that be Sapphire. Fear continues to rise in my body as I zoom towards Rustboro city. Please, don't let it be her. I practically park the car in the middle of the street as I desperately run towards the hospital doors. Suddenly they swing open and I smack straight into someone. I'm about yell every swear word I know at them when the most perfect sound in the whole world enters my ears.

"Ruby?"

I look up into clear azure eyes. Eyes widening, I trace her whole muscular yet slender body, noting several bandages. I hungrily take in her perfectly sculpted face, framed by light brown bangs and those azure blue eyes. Oh how they make my heart skip. We both stare at each other in a daze.

"Sapphire," I murmur, the name music to my ears.

She jerks to her senses and her eyes widen, taking on the look of a wild Pokémon that has been caught in the headlights. Suddenly, she dashes past me, heading north with me on her heels. No way was I gonna let her go again. We play a game of cat and mouse until finally we reach the beach and in a last desperate attempt, I jump and tackle her to the ground. Sapphire jumps up quickly and starts to run again when finally I snap.

"SAPPHIRE BIRCH! YOU STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'VE BEEN DOING? HOW COULD YOU PUT YOURSELF IN DANGER LIKE THAT! DID YOU EVER THINK OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO YOU? DID YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT HOW WORRIED EVERYONE HAS BEEN? DID YOU EVEN THINK HOW WORRIED I HAVE BEEN! HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU FOR 8 MONTHS! How dare you, how dare you…..

I turn away, unable to finish as my mind and heart are just a mess at the moment. But I know one thing for sure, I have to tell her. I must absolutely tell her that she is the one who I love most in this world. Or surely, I feel I will lose her forever.

Sapphire POV

I stare at Ruby, stunned in silence at his extreme outburst. He was worried for me? Why Ruby, why were you worried for me? The little ray that has been extinguished for so long slowly flickers to life. Yes Sapphire, go for it, just ask him, ask him what you want to know.

"Why," I hesitate, "Why are you so worried for me Ruby?"

His head swerves back, eyes blazing like flames as he slowly but confidently moves forward, closing the gap between us. His crimson eyes hold mine and I find myself unable to move, trapped by his intense gaze. He reaches out and pulls me into his chest. I gasp as he wraps his arms around my waist and blush furiously as he leans his face into my hair. He whispers into my ear.

"Sapphire Birch. I'm sorry for every bad thing I've done for you. I'm sorry for lying about remembering our confession. Of course I remember confessing my love for my most special girl but I was just too immature and embarrassed about the whole thing. I'm sorry for hurting you so much. Do you want to know why I worry for you so much Sapphire?"

Automatically, I nod my head, praying to hear the words that I wanted most.

"I worry so much because… I love you. I love you Sapphire Birch. And it's not just love, I need you. I need you because you complete me. You are my most precious person in the whole entire world."

For a second, I try to hold things back but nothing can stop the tears from flowing. I wrap my arms around his waist and pull him closer. I whisper so low but I know Ruby would hear.

"I love you too Ruby. More than you'll ever know."

He pulls back but I keep my head on his warm chest, not wanting him to see my tear stricken face.

"Let me take a look at you Sapphire, I haven't seen you properly for almost 8 months now."

I feel his fingers under my chin and he slowly lifts my head. I stare into flaming ruby eyes that pierce my soul. Ever so slowly, he leans forwards and kisses my tears away from my eyes while his hands move from my waist to caressing the tears off my cheeks. I shut my eyes as he kisses my nose and then finally, I feel his soft lips on mine. The contact was only brief, but in that moment, it was like I could feel his love for me. I open my eyes to a soft, gentle face, highlighted by his small content smile and slightly blushing cheeks. His hands on my cheeks smooth my bangs off of my face as he whispers.

"I belong to you Sapphire."

A smile flickers across my face.

"As I belong to you Ruby."

He embraces me tightly for a second, only to let go and step away. He turns to me with a slight smirk and holds out his hand.

"Well I was thinking of heading back home."

I smile and take his hand.

"Funny Sissy Boy, I was thinking about the exact same thing."

How and when we were going to get there didn't matter as in that moment all that mattered was that we were together again.