Panting filled the silence of the early morning air as a figure in a state of disturbed sleep began to return to a state of consciousness. Stars twinkled against the sunrise as midnight blues gave way to dawn pastels of purple and rose. Kriketot's chirps began to fade with the night as the clock in the room seemed to tick indefinitely with deafening clicks in the near muted silence. The breathing escalated as though drowning; face almost pressing against the surface of the water as the last bubbles had ceased to exist, the air no longer present but the end as ever present as the salvation the victim could clearly see. What were they trying to escape?

With a final choked gasp the figure rose abruptly, his body in a layer of sweat despite the coolness of the room. He looked around and found himself in his room, alone. His hand came to meet the upper corner of his face, sliding down as he closed his eyes to slow his breathing. It was a dream… again.

He skeptically raised the comforter to peer beneath it. Mortified, he let his free hand pass over his bare thighs and stomach collecting a smear of the viscous goop. Blushing profusely he hid his face in the crook of his comforter gripping arm.

Again, Again! Every night this week, his conscious practically sobbed.

Awoken to another wet dream of Pearl, he just couldn't get him out of his mind. He was afraid to pursue things or think about them even though that's all he could seem to think of lately. All he thought about was being with him and it was more than obvious that his little crush had blossomed into a subconscious obsession with the blonde he could hardly stand to try and explain to even himself. The feelings were there, he couldn't fight that any longer but what was he going to do? He couldn't keep living like this. Every time he had met up with Pearl since the other day had just made him more afraid of how… normal it felt to have these feelings, like they had always been there. He had no idea what to do about it but when he was with Pearl he couldn't help himself.

Huffing determinedly he grabbed the phone from the receiver and punched in the numbers without caring to double check. The rings drew on and on until at last someone answered. They yawned and sounded like they were stretching before replying with a dazed, "hello," sleep heavily lacing their voice.

"It's me…"

"Dia?" Pearl rubbed his eyes and sat upright instantly. "What's wrong? What's wrong?"

"I'm fine, relax," he cooed.

"…Good." Pearl sighed in relief laying back again, propped on an elbow as he looked at the clock. Arceus… he groaned, I guess I had to wake up eventually. "Don't scare me like that, I thought…"

"Sorry," he smiled a bit to himself, toying with the comforter. "You don't need to worry about me though."

"Yes I do," he assured. "So what's u-"

"-I need to see you."

"Me?"

"Yes, of course you. It's really important, can you meet me today?"

"Sorry, I have to go into the city with my mom to go shopping with her…" He sounded thrilled, clothes shopping in the city? Oh joy… He'd much rather be with Diamond, he wanted to see him which made him excited but nervous as well.

"Oh…" He looked around the dimly lit room, his elbow propped against his raised knee as silence ensued.

"Are you sure you're ok? I could go over now if you want," he sounded worried and was already fishing around for his clothes.

"No no, I don't want to trouble you if you're busy."

"What about tomorrow then? You can have my undivided attention for as long as you want. We can even go to the lake just like old times."

They each smiled to themselves at the thought.

"It's a date."

The sun lazily sat just below the horizon as though a child undercover, reluctant to rise as it painted the sky in roses against the transitioning atmosphere in compensation for a few more moments of rest. But Pearl didn't need the extra sleep; he rummaged through his drawers for clean clothes. He pulled out a small pair of briefs with a pokeball on the rear and some faded lettering, rimmed in a matching red. Why does anyone trust their mother to dress them for so many years? He pushed the briefs aside as though he had never seen them and he picked up a pair of black boxer briefs. The color was a bit dull from being washed. He shrugged, These'll do.

He didn't even bother to close the blinds as he slipped out and into his clothes. No time for modesty today, he had a "date." Or so Diamond had said. He danced into his khakis, impossibly tight as always and took his shirt with him to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth extra vigilantly and even used mouth wash, twice.

Is the mint supposed to burn my mouth? He let his eyes casually pass over the label on the bottle, I guess it means it's working.

Pearl examined himself in the mirror; his lean body wasn't blatantly muscular but toned. He combed his hair skillfully, inspecting it carefully after he pulled his shirt over his head.

Pearl stealthily conquered the stairs with only a few creaks, he'd hate to wake his mother so prematurely. He spent his entire childhood doing just that; racing up and down the stairs, inside and outside and inside and back outside again.

His eyes passed over the room stopping at the island in the kitchenette where a box of cereal with an empty bowl and spoon waited patiently with a note. He curiously inspected the display and read the note silently.

Pearl,

If you're up before me, please eat some breakfast before you go. If I get up first I'll be sure to make you a nice breakfast when you get up. Be safe and don't forget your scarf, it's cold outside.

Love you,

Mom

I don't have time to eat! I gotta go, he thought anxiously. Ok, ok. He grabbed a handful of cereal and crunched it as he hurried to the fridge where the milk also had a note on it. What now?

Pearl please don't drink from the carton. You know I hate when you do that.

This woman has a sixth sense I swear. Carefully as he could with the precision of an Aerial Ace he took a swig of milk, he didn't even touch his lips to the rim. If he was this careful all the time then there probably wouldn't be all these little notes everywhere. Probably. But enough distractions, he pulled his shoes on and crept out of the door like a soft flash of lightning.

Diamond was just waking as the first hint of light began seeping through his curtain. From his travels with Pearl he learned that any ounce of light was a signal to jump start the day, but Diamond had never been a morning person and with some hindrance, he sauntered out of bed. He stretched and let his bare feet touch the hardwood flooring that felt like ice. Maybe I should've worn something to bed, he thought.

I wish I had more nights like that. He had had a peaceful uninterrupted sleep thankfully though he was a bit nervous about today. He stood up and the air sent a chill through his body that made him shudder. The boy wiped the sleep from his eyes with a yawn and dressed himself as quickly as he could, which was at a fair pace but not considerably fast. He finger combed his hair before tucking it under his beret. He descended the stairs casually, with his luck if he tried to be quiet then every sound would end up amplified considerably.

His stomach rumbled, Food. A quick glance at the clock, Damn there's no time to cook. So he grabbed a berry and some juice from the fridge and tried not to choke on them in his rashness; he knew Pearl was probably ready by now.

He started toward the door, and quickly evaluated himself in the bathroom mirror one last time, searching for any imperfections. His wide blue eyes searched his face with an innocent intent as his lips puckered slightly in his concentration. He adjusted his shirt, hand coming up to rest on his chin as he shifted his head to each side a few time. After several moments he gasped, remembering that precious time was escaping him. When did I start caring about my looks anyway? He rushed out the door in time to bump into Pearl who was pushed back as he took on the force of Diamond's body nearly falling atop him. The boys stood there dumbfounded by the closeness.

Behave yourself, Pearl. Your noses are just touching, no big deal. Don't let him fall. He fought with a visible effort the urge to kiss him. His heart raced, Diamond clung to him as he held him securely to keep him from falling.

"You look cute today," Diamond whispered daringly, hoping his heart's feeble voice had been caught by the breeze, swept away from human ears. Pearl's orange orbs burned into his friend's soft blue eyes like a fire on still waters, the faintest hint of blush creeping across his cheeks as his heart fluttered more.

"Huh?" was all he could manage in response but he had to be certain those words were real.

Diamond, embarrassed, took a few steps back and watched his friend shyly as he brushed himself off casually as though he had fallen.

"Uh, nothing. Just… nothing," he gave up. The dead blades of frosted grass never seemed so intriguing.

"Oh… Well, let's go then." They started toward the lake side by side, their path lined with fragrant trees. "Thanks," Pearl whispered back, his voice alone causing a smirk to befall Diamond's face. Nothing? I think not. The boys exchanged side glances; something was different between them but what?

With some acrobatics, the boys cut through the woods. Abandoned leaves and small twigs crunched beneath their feet with each step. The sun was finally rising, and straying rays peered through the tangled branches, illuminating the path. The atmosphere was almost haunting for Diamond, If I close my eyes… It's like I've always been here. Like nothing's changed. Except everything had changed, his best friend wasn't the same guy either, in his eyes or in general. He had grown up, softened some but was flirtatiously mischievous and in his prime, body exuding the allure of teenage finesse. And yet he followed closely behind Pearl, like he always had chased after him when they had raced towards their dreams. Today he hoped that Pearl would slow down long enough to hear his feelings, feelings that weren't terribly deep in theory or even very apparent to him before their separation and that until a week ago he had no intention of pursuing. And maybe he could even reciprocate them. Pearl had always taken charge of things and Diamond was never one to make the first move. Frankly, he had no idea how to even address the topic especially with Pearl.

I sort of had a huge crush on you… No, no. Uh, I want to kiss you? No… Uh, So crazy dream about you the other night. You, uh... He looked over at Pearl who was walking attentively ahead, chancing a longing glance at his lips at the thought. He bit his lip with a shudder, No, I can't go there. At all. Ugh, nothing sounds right even in my head. He shook his head with a frown as he trotted ahead to catch up to Pearl. They weaved their way through the trees and through the brush until at last they reached the water's edge.

Lake Verity… The boys couldn't suppress their childish excitement as they took in their surroundings. The water's surface glistened in the morning sun, it stood still nearly frozen in time just as it always had. The pine trees casted a familiar aroma on the breeze, the gusts off the lake played with Pearl's silky hair while nipping at Diamond's exposed ears. The patch of grass in the distance housed sleeping pokemon indifferent of the cold and just below the water's serene surface were more pokemon in hiding. Pearl hugged his arms to his chest, trying to tuck his exposed hands into the folds of his shirt and trying to restrain his shivers. It's still November, it's too cold!

Diamond wanted to tell him what he was feeling not that he had any words to say at all now that he had the opportunity. Pearl was waiting patiently for him which only made him feel more self conscious. Staring straight ahead, he moistened his lips nervously. He was desperate and he went to grab onto the only thing that could ever make him feel grounded. But at the contact he flinched, Pearl's hand was alot colder than he anticipated and he felt humiliated for even trying to hold his hand.

Pearl on the other hand, was undaunted by his friend's gesture. He knotted their fingers loosely like icy thread, ravishing the contact with an unspoken affection.

"Sorry, I'm a bit cold if you couldn't tell," he sniffled. He looked at Diamond who blushed lightly and looked desperately back at him. He was elated, he didn't know what it meant to Diamond but he didn't have to. He could see it in his eyes, he felt something different. He smiled gently, "Are you okay, Diamond?"

Diamond… He hardly ever used his full name but he loved it when he did. And he played it off so coolly like it was the most natural thing in the world. He wished that he could be that smooth for even a second so that maybe he would think he was as untouchable as Pearl was in his eyes. Words died on his lips as they moved, attempting to speak but failing miserably.

Pearl wished he could read minds, he knew there was so much going on behind those walls of steel he was looking into. He was listening carefully to him breathing, and staring into his eyes that had never looked lovelier, like how he imagined the winter sky in Sunyshore to be over the ocean. He felt uneasy, like he wasn't sure what to do. He wanted to run off the nervous energy but abstained, remaining as calm as the anticipation allowed. He was enjoying holding his hand and was curious to see where this conversation was going. He extended his other hand and they stood facing each other, hand in hand.

"You can tell me anything," he said softly. He didn't fare well with these situations normally, he liked to have control and to know what was going to happen next, but he was managing to be extremely patient much to even his own surprise.

"Pearl… I honestly don't know how to say this or even what I'm trying to say."

"Then don't say anything."

"I have to… Bear with me." He took a breath, "Pearl… about the other day… it's had me thinking. Actually, you're all I've been able to think about lately…"

"Me? But why?"

"Pearl I'm sure you don't need to hear it from me but you're very… charming? And passionate and confident and so… handsome," he breathed. "I want… you to know how I feel about you but I'm not entirely sure. Something just feels different, I feel strange. I want to hold your hand, not just at the lake when your hands feel like ice," he smiled a little halfheartedly. "And… I want to kiss you."

He wasn't sure what he was saying, it was just coming out with half the grace he had envisioned when he planned his speech that he had now forgotten entirely. What he was sure of was how much his face felt like it was burning and how Pearl's reaction, for him, was completely unreadable. He wanted to die at Pearl's incredulous look, feeling a lump in his throat as he started to pull away. "I sound like an idiot. I shouldn't have said a thing, I'm sorr-"

"No!" He gasped.

Pearl was dumbfounded, was he hearing things? Was he even alive? Was Diamond truly confessing feelings for him?

"Don't be sorry. You didn't regret it when you said it so don't start now…" He clasped his hands between his own, bringing them up to their chests and leaning in closer. He stared him hard in the eye; he wasn't going to think about what to say, he had to wing it. "Diamond… I can't say what I've been needing to say now. You're not ready, and you're afraid to feel these things. But it doesn't feel new to me, I've always felt this way about you."

"…No." It was impossible, he couldn't even get a girl to feel this way about him how could he have managed catching Pearl's eye? It was absurd.

"Yes. I mean it, I do."

Diamond shied away, disbelievingly. Pearl let him go, giving him a moment before slipping his arms around Diamond's waist in a tight embrace. Diamond buried his face in his shoulder, arms around his neck, clinging to him for comfort.

"It's… it's all so strange. But I… I really like you, Pearl! I-I…" He stammered, shaking a bit in Pearl's secure arms.

Pearl smiled wide, breathing heavily as his heart nearly burst at the words. He sniffled, partially readying to cry though resisting, the cold hiding this truth well. "I know, but I'm not afraid to love you, Diamond."

They stayed in each other's arms, the sounds of waking pokemon chirping in the forest around them and the breeze blowing in their ears. Diamond's thoughts were racing but couldn't grasp a single thought to cling to. If he thought the world was spinning beneath him before then now it felt like someone had pulled the rug out from underneath him completely. He didn't know which way was up or even where he was anymore. He had put Pearl on such a high pedestal that he wasn't sure that he deserved his adoration. It all seemed too good to be true. It never worked out like this, the other person never returned his feelings and certainly not stronger than his own. How did he not realize it sooner? How long had Pearl been standing right there in front of him, waiting for him to notice him? He didn't know how to feel anymore. All he did know was that despite the overwhelming uncertainty, everything felt wonderful in that moment.

"Pearl?"

"Diamond…" He breathed, almost lustfully into his neck causing him to shiver. He smiled, releasing Diamond from the embrace and rejoining their hands.

Diamond kicked at the ground, a few stray pebbles disturbed the vast pool sending ripples out in overlapping rings like sound waves. He tried to sort his thoughts but they were very much like the ripples, overlapping and disoriented. He walked over to the water's edge, his hand leaving Pearl's, and crouched down, peering into the depths. His reflection returned his usual apathetic look but he knew there was something going on behind the soft blue eyes. He looked happy but also unsure of himself.

He looked over his shoulder at Pearl and he looked back down at him with a side smile and a raised eyebrow. Poor guy was visibly shivering but seemed not to mind anymore. Neither was sure what to say and how long they stood without speaking was debatable. Pearl sighed, not the cinematic moment he had envisioned but there was potential which was all that mattered. Glancing at his poketch, the date and time were visible and he blinked indifferently at it before he grinned wide. Of course, perfect timing to make a bold statement he figured.

"What do you want for your birthday, Dia?"

Diamond had been in deep contemplation and shook his head to attention. That's right, it's almost December, he reminded himself. How did you forget your own birthday was coming up? "You don't have to get me anything, Pearl. Let's just have a movie night or something."

"But I want to and we've already done that. I know there must be something you must want," he pried.

"Honest, I don't want anything."

Pearl looked at his friend pointedly. You can't expect me to believe that. What could he possibly want that he thinks I can't get?

"Fine, surprise me; get me whatever you think shows you care. Anything at all." He returned the blonde's pointed stare.

"I'll do just that!" He gestured at the boy as though accepting a challenge. "So, I guess you don't know what you want for Christmas either?"

Diamond shook his head with an amused sigh and Pearl snickered as he rubbed his hands together, almost wishing they'd catch fire as he looked across the lake. "What would you like for Christmas, Pearl?"

His eye brows raised thoughtfully, I don't know… But feeling confident, Pearl didn't really think as he spoke with an almost premeditated precision as his voice was just the right tone, delivered in just the right way that made Diamond's heart leap into his throat.

"You," his tone was low, almost hungry but longing.

Diamond's head nearly jerked off its axis as he looked at the boy with stunned wide blue eyes.

"Relax, I was just joking," he raised his hands in mock surrender with a feeble sigh. "'Just get me anything that shows that you care'," he echoed his friend's words, fingers implying air quotations around it.

While Diamond let that preoccupy his thoughts, Pearl tried to think of what to get Diamond, fist pressed to his lips in thought. He wanted nothing more than to get Diamond something amazing. But Diamond will probably give the best reaction to something amazingly simple. It was a challenge no doubt and he wanted to charm Diamond into feeling an ounce of what he felt for the boy, it didn't have to be love at first but feel even a bit of the adoration he felt. More importantly he wanted to show him how strongly he felt for him. What to get him though?

"We should head back. I don't have a ton of time before your birthday. I need all the time I can get to get your present."

He helped Diamond up and he led him by the hand through the path. Just like old times, they thought. And they ran all the way home, the midday sun overhead and the discarded pieces of trees and plants crushed so mercilessly beneath them. As they approached the town they slowed up and Pearl peeped behind him to make sure Diamond was still there following. But why wouldn't he be? He was always right behind him.

"I'll see you in a few days, I've got to do a bit of travelling. I'll give you a call when I get back."

Diamond felt a bit helpless knowing he would be home just waiting around, Just like my mother… he shuddered. "Actually, can you meet me at my house on my birthday instead? Bright and early, just come right over."

"It's a date." And with that he winked as he jogged over to his house, the door creaked shut behind him as Diamond watched him disappear.