A/N: Apologies for the late update orz I got caught up with school assignments. I initially had little idea for the chapter but somehow managed with this.

Anyway, enjoy!

After what happened at the garden, Riley often found himself stealing glances at Steven. For one, he wasn't exactly experienced with parties, and being left alone felt awkward. He saw Steven socializing with other nobles from afar, talking smoothly with a genuine smile.

Now he understood why he was popular with the ladies.

He sighed and got up, going to the balcony. He rested his arms on the rails and took off his mask. He absently swirled his glass around, staring intently at the liquid following the motion of his wrist. Steven took notice and approached him, tapping lightly at his shoulder.

"Not used to parties?" He smiled, leaning against the rails beside him./N

"Ah…yes, I'm sorry." Riley responded, suddenly snapped out of his thoughts. "I'm not really fond of crowds."

"No, it's alright." Steven chuckled. "I'm not exactly fond of them myself, either."

"You seem comfortable with them though." Riley raised a brow.

"There are things that can't be helped," Steven pointed out. "But… I guess I'm just used to it."

"Oh…" Riley looked down. He couldn't imagine being tied down by duties and things of the like, perhaps it was because he led a carefree life. If he was able to get by with the limited amount of resources he had, then that was enough for him.

"I've made arrangements for your stay here," Steven continued. "I'll show you around after the party."

"Hang on, you were serious?"

"Yeah," Steven beamed, before it faded into a frown. "You don't want to…?"

He actually intended to go back home after the whole party. He didn't want to impose any trouble on nobles like them – he was contented knowing Steven still remembered him after all those years, but seeing his frown made him change his mind.

"Only if it's for a while…I guess that'll be fine."

"Splendid, make yourself comfortable, alright?" Steven smiled, before making his way back to the crowd.

Riley sighed. There was no way he'd he comfortable in a mansion this huge. He's notorious for his bad sense of direction, and he wasn't the kind to know what it meant to live in the lap of luxury.

He shuffled his feet uncomfortably. He felt something strange, like something was amiss, and he sensed something malice among the crowd.

"No…" He muttered harshly under his breath before turning back, manoeuvring his way through the crowd.

He had to find Steven.

His eyes darted around for any sign of the silver haired man. The longer he stayed in the crowd, the more he felt his sanity slipping. The hall was overflowing with aura that gave away the emotions that emanated from each person, and he was probably the only one who felt that way, being one of the few that was blessed – or cursed – with the ability to read aura.

Riley forced his way through, breaths short and heavy. He was reminded of the reason he was here – to return the cloak, even though Steven no longer had use for it. If he declined, then he wanted to at least make sure he returned the favour.

Amongst the crowd, he finally saw Steven, but he was still a little distance from him. He saw a suspicious figure approach him from the back and gritted his teeth. The malicious presence was him.

Riley caught a glimpse of a dagger, concealed under the figure's sleeve. It was definitely sharp, but not polished enough to reflect around bright surroundings to attract the wrong attention. He was probably an experienced assassin to take notice of small details like that, but it won't go unnoticed by Riley.

Without hesitation, he jumped in behind Steven, stopping the attacker's arm when he raised it, dagger in hand. The assassin raised a brow, surprised by his reflexes. Riley took the chance to disarm him and pin him down, glaring daggers at the attacker.

Steven, along with the rest of the crowd, was alerted by the clatter of the weapon when it was dropped. Women screamed and backed away from the assassin, giving them space. Steven called for the guards and they immediately had the man dragged into prison.

"…that was too close," Steven sighed. "Thank you, Riley."

Riley was still absorbed in his thoughts, his brows knitted into a frown. Steven looked at him with worry, waving his hand to catch his attention.

"…huh? My apologies, you were saying something?" He shook his head before trying to gather his thoughts.

"You saved my life," Steven smiled, giving him a light pat on the back. "I owe you one."

"No, it is I who owes you." Riley corrected. "Had you not given me this cloak…I might not live to see today."

"You jest, Riley." Steven chuckled. "It was but a cloak I gave you."

"…and that was but a dagger I stopped." Riley teased, smirking.

"…touché." Steven crossed his arms and smiled. "You still owe me an explanation about how you got in here."

"I'll explain to you on the way to the garden, it's quieter there." Riley gestured, bowing slightly. "After you."

"No need for such formalities, friend." He laughed, and walked ahead. "Too uncomfortable with crowds? The party's going to end anyway. After what happened, we do not wish to put any of our guests in danger."

"Tis's a decision most wise," Riley nodded. "You see, I am able to read aura. Too many people means too much aura cluttered in one place."

"Ah…" Steven stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Something like seeing too many colours at once?"

"Something like that," Riley looked up and closed his eyes for a bit while they walked. "Think of it as moving colours, and being actually able to hear them."

"I can't imagine, it must be hard for you." Steven shrugged. "Aura reading is an incredibly rare ability, you know. I always thought it was a myth. Was that how you managed to catch that assassin?"

"…I think so, since I tried to focus hard on that one malicious presence." Riley looked at him. "You ought to be careful, I doubt this would be the only and final assassination attempt."

"I will be, but thank you for the reminder." Steven smiled, stopping at the garden's fountain.

Riley sat on the edge of the fountain, and Steven followed suit. He removed his mask and set it aside before taking a deep breath. He told Steven how he got in, and he listened with utmost interest. When he finished, he glanced at Steven.

"…you're not angry?"

"I'm more surprised than angry, actually." Steven sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "It was interesting, but no, I'm not angry."

"That's a relief, then." Riley sighed.

"In fact, it was intriguing how you got here with such conviction and determination, with only one goal in mind."

"…it is?"

"It is to me, at least."

Riley noticed it was unusually quiet. He looked around for any signs of the two eon pokemon, only to feel a strong gust of wind. They're probably asleep, since it was rather late. He stole a glance at Steven.

He wouldn't mind staying out with him like this though, although the both of them should really get back inside.

"…Riley?"

"…yes?"

"You've been staring at me with that look for a while now. Is something the matter?"

"Ah…no. It's rather cold, don't you think?" Riley blushed, trying to change the subject.

"You're right. Come, I'll show you to your room."

Little did they know, the eon pokemon had been silently watching them, giggling gleefully when they were out of sight.