"What am I wearing?..." Skye spoke to herself at 9 a.m. the following morning while pushing aside clothes hanging in her closet over stacked boxes. She'd choose a casual outfit among the extravagant options as the occasion was home supper, but she wanted to sport something cute at least.

Skye pulled a white long-sleeved tee from a hanger with the outline of a pink poké ball on its chest area. "...Yes." She laid it neatly across her bed. Ruki was still asleep, so she was considerate with her movement. Skye also grabbed a pair of light pink jeans with silver-zippered pockets to complete her getup. They went well with most of her outfits. Now, she had to shower and lightly shave in select areas for tonight, especially her legs.

Before leaving her room, she kneeled by her bed and pulled the bag from underneath. Her face heated up while sifting through it. Skye wasn't sure if she should wear the dress and choker tonight. This was mostly her being diffident, but what would Aaron think of her? Maybe she'd bring it— the choker, but it would be odd if she dressed up at all for him for their first time, right? Maybe they should take it easy before getting that intimate. It excited her at first, but Skye felt unsure now that she thought more about it.

She pushed the bag back under the bed and would ponder it further in the shower. She went and chose a new pair of panties and a bra from her dresser, along with a white tee and shorts to wear after it, gave Ruki a soft enough kiss on his head not to wake him, and closed her room's door when she was out in the hall. Fortunately, her parents were still asleep, mainly her father. Skye didn't have the energy to see or talk to him and wanted a decent morning.

She went into the restroom, shut the door, set her clothes to wear after the shower on the towel rack, and then took off the outfit she had on yesterday. Skye turned the shower's nozzle to run the water and adjusted it so it was lukewarm, sticking her hand under it for a second to ensure. Afterward, she unclipped her bra, slid off her panties, and then turned to the mirror to study her eyes, which were slightly swollen from lack of sleep. Skye ran her index finger over the affected area. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too noticeable.

She turned around, pushed aside the curtains, and put her foot under the running water to ensure it wasn't too hot or cold before stepping into the shower. "You'll have fun tonight." Skye let the water fall over her hair and shoulders, running her hands through its strands. "But I can't wear that dress. Gosh, and the choker… Like, maybe he'd like it, but these are first impressions, and you're a good girl." She grabbed blindly for the shampoo on the rack beside her among two Viriclean bottles. Skye had ordered the special shampoo online for Ruki in bulk shortly after returning from Sinnoh, so she had eight more in her closet.

She popped her shampoo's lid after finding it and drizzled it over her hair, then set it back. "It's not like I can ask him upfront." She'd have to gauge how the night went, which also meant Skye would have to bring the bag or choker and... not tell him what was inside?

Ruki yawned and stretched his legs after waking up moments ago. He heard the shower running and noticed that the door was shut, then saw Skye's outfit on the bed. She was preparing early. He was glad to see her eager to spend time with someone other than him, but Ruki wondered if he'd soon miss their bond the closer Skye got to Aaron. She had to live, but it would differ from what he knew.

Life changed, though. Ruki wasn't getting any younger, and neither was she. While he knew he'd belong to Skye forever, they more or less had to start creating their own lives within each others. That would take some getting used to.

After she washed and shaved in the shower, Skye dried off, did her hair in front of the restroom mirror, applied concealer, then dressed and went to her room to call Aaron. She shut the door and sat on her bed beside Ruki, who was now wide awake. "Hello?"

"Hey. What are you up to?" Aaron already had an outfit ready for later. He was in jeans, for now, sitting on his bed with Sylmi in his lap.

"Not much. I just showered, so waiting on tonight."

Aaron didn't hear the usual ring in her tone. He ran his fingers over one of Sylmi's raised ribbons. "Everything alright?" She sounded plaintive.

"I'm tired, is all." Skye wasn't completely lying. She hadn't gotten much sleep the past two nights. "I'm excited about tonight. It's crazy how rapidly this is all happening… It feels like we met just yesterday." She was still mindful of their pace but only wanted more as they went.

"I am too, and Sylmi is excited to see Ruki again. I just hope I'm not anxious." Aaron would improve, but Skye's parents were tough to approach. He was ready this time, however.

"Ah, you'll be fine. It went well last time, didn't it?"

"Yeah… but this is different. I know I'll have to answer crucial questions and stuff." Ones that he could not afford to screw up on.

Skye giggled, "don't overthink it. My parents aren't too difficult, especially not my mom."

"I'll do my best," he grinned. He could never help it after hearing her giggle. "See you soon?"

"See you soon. Call me when you're near." Skye ended the call and set her phone aside. "I hope I'm right..." She lay on her back while yawning. She needed a nap before six.

"Nn." Ruki raised his rear to stretch his hind legs before lying beside her and licking her cheek.

Skye looked at him. "I know… I shouldn't sweat it so much." She picked up her phone again to check the time. It'd be ten soon, so she had a lot of sleepy time. "I'm going back to sleep for a while. Do you want me to let you out?"

Ruki shook his head. More sleep was far from problematic, and he had no reason to be in the living room. Besides, he wanted to keep Skye company more than ever after last night. He felt like he had let her down by not being present.

She got under the sheets and covers after he stood and pulled them up to her chest. "You can lie back now."

He did and curled up next to her, feeling her palm on the side of his head. Even if he didn't fall asleep, Ruki would be here to ensure Skye did comfortably, and he'd likely end up dozing off anyway.

"Thanks for staying." She turned onto her side and closed her eyes, soon pulling her hand from him and slipping it under the blanket. She'd have trouble sleeping while full of anticipation for this evening, but she'd try to push it away. She felt so tired.

However, before Skye had the chance, she heard a knock at her door and sat up.

Ruki lifted his head to look as well.

"Come in!" When it opened, Skye saw her mother, which brought her relief.

"Hey," she said, entering and closing the door behind her. "I wanted to apologize about last night and see how you were holding up. I know it got quite out of hand." Her mother sat at the bottom of Skye's bed and turned to face her with a leg crossed on the mattress.

Quite? That was a disaster. "I'm okay. I'm just hoping it doesn't repeat itself tonight."

"We talked. You know he would never do anything to disrupt your relationship on purpose. We were your age once upon a time."

Then he'd back off. "So… am I getting the whole night?"

Her mother sighed. "Well, I'd allow maybe an hour or two more because we still aren't completely decided, but I believe you are still getting a few hours. You'll have to be back before midnight."

Skye held her breath to prevent a scoff and instead pouted. She found it hard to believe he wasn't trying to sabotage her happiness at this point, and she really wasn't helping. Why did they need to keep deciding for her? "Mom… dinner alone will take an hour. The ferry to get there takes another, and the ferry back takes another— not to mention walking and wait times to board. I'll have three hours if I get lucky."

Ruki also thought that was unfair, but he wouldn't involve himself verbally.

She shrugged and threw her hands up. "I don't know what to tell you, hon. He's not going to budge, and I would prefer you take this slower too."

Skye looked down and bit her lip, dispiritment spelled on her face. She nodded, not saying a word in response. It was her best option, as she didn't want to end up saying anything regrettable. Understanding only went so far. Her mom barely tried for her. Skye was close to not caring for their wishes anymore. She wanted to be her own woman and felt like the stark opposite. Neither of her parents were getting better.

"But it won't be the last time you see him." Her mother stood and walked to her door. "And you'll still have fun. Try to see it positively. Give it some thought... Breakfast is waiting in the microwave if you would like any." With that, she left, shutting the door on her way out.

"Positively…" Skye mumbled and held her temple. She lay on her back again. It could very well be the last time if they kept acting like this, and she wouldn't blame Aaron for it. As against the situation Skye was, she couldn't speak out while living under her parents' roof. "I'm not gonna be able to sleep again." She had a headache that wasn't here before that conversation. Now Skye wished she would have bought a plane ticket. She would have so much more time that way.

Ruki knew what would come of this, and it could happen faster than he thought. He just hoped it would end on a good note.

Skye had claimed her round-trip ticket to Akala at 5:40 p.m. and from it at 10:30 p.m. She was in her outfit and white socks for tonight, standing in front of the restroom mirror, perfumed up and cute. She ensured her hair looked presentably wavy since she'd spent a lot of time helping her mother in a hot kitchen, and Aaron's ferry had docked minutes ago. "Okay…" Skye exited and went to the kitchen, where her mother was still busy cooking. Ruki was sitting by the dining room table and stopped grooming his tails to look as Skye entered.

"Someone looks pretty tonight," her mother said, grinning.

"Thank you." Skye returned it shyly.

"Dinner will be ready in thirty, soon after Aaron gets here."

"That's fine. It'll give time to settle. Let me know if you need more help." Skye went and sat on the couch to rest, watching commercials play on TV and taking a deep, tired breath. The current one showed a pre-teen boy throwing a frisbee in a yard covered in verdant grass, and the camera panned to an absol jumping up to catch it mid-air with a pleased expression while a woman voiced the scene over, advertising a new prescribable medication for severe anxiety.

The scene cut to another of a young woman wearing wired earphones with her phone in a holster on her hip, jogging in slow motion down a residential sidewalk with a midday lycanroc trotting beside her.

Skye leaned her head back against the cushion and shut her eyes. She spent so much time ensuring she looked as perfect as possible. She always did, but there was an extra push for Aaron.

Ruki walked over from the table and sat by her feet, chewing a leftover cookie her mother gave him. He was excited to see Sylmi again. He'd tried to grant Ruki a genuine friendship here and in Sinnoh.

Skye's phone vibrated in her pocket. She sat up and opened her eyes, taking it out and seeing Aaron's number. She answered it and held it to her ear. "Hey… Oh, you two are walking now? I'll see you in ten. Just knock." After Skye hung up, her father walked into the living room after getting ready in his room. He wore a dress shirt and jeans.

He sat beside her and grinned slightly.

Skye tried not to appear tense in his presence. She couldn't yet forgive him for last night and didn't know when she could. Every time she thought about the curfew made her upset.

"How are you feeling?"

Goodness, the small talk already. "Fine." She glanced at him but mainly kept her eyes on the screen ahead. "Excited to go out." Mostly that she'd be away from home at this point.

"I'm sure Ruki'll miss you."

Ruki glanced at him. He missed her every time. Granted, they were usually together— but still.

"He might, but I'll be back in a few hours, not long." Skye didn't take a jab intentionally if it was perceived that way, but she wouldn't care if so. There was a beat of silence before his next reply.

"Going to go see if your mother needs help." He stood and walked to the kitchen. He knew Skye was unhappy with his decision, but it was for her safety. She'd see it one day.

Ruki looked behind at Skye. Even he felt it, and it was something she shouldn't have to deal with at home. There was no communication or release, perhaps because her father never reasoned or found a middle ground with Skye. His word was final.

"I'm fine. I'm gonna wait out front." Skye stood and walked to the door, slipping on her flip-flops and opening it. The climate was warm, and streetlights illuminated the populated pavement. She went down the steps and looked west down the road vehicles people were on, taking in fresh air to calm her. Skye easily made out a colorful sylveon and its owner in the distance, which caused her to grin. She was just in time.

She raised her hand with hesitance and slightly waved, hoping she didn't single out the wrong pokémon, but she received it back from the person and saw Sylmi speed up to a trot. Skye had to get Ruki. She jogged to the door, which Ruki shot his attention to. "Ruki, come out, quick!"

Were they here? He walked over and brushed past her legs while slipping out the door.

"Be a sec. They're here!" Skye said.

Got it!" her mother replied.

Skye shut the door and looked back to see Sylmi already giving Ruki's chest an affectionate nuzzle, Ruki grinning while he did. "Awe, hey, Sylmi."

"Syl." He looked up at her. His night was made already just by seeing and touching Ruki.

Aaron lagged but caught up in moments. Skye was dressed adorably as usual, and he looked over her outfit and figure multiple times. He had on a casual one as well: black jeans and a blue and white thin jacket. "Sylmi was really anticipating this."

"So was I." She met him halfway, embracing his waist and pressing her cheek to his chest. She sighed and shut her eyes.

Aaron hugged her with his arm, his free hand on her upper back, holding her closely and smelling the sweet perfume he missed. "You sure you're okay?"

"Yeah…" She needed that hug more than anything, was all. Skye broke it and stepped back, watching Ruki and Sylmi conversate for a moment. "Wanna come in?"

"Of course. Let's see how bad my nerves act." He ran his eyes over her several more times and broke a smile.

"What is it?" Skye giggled while watching him.

"Sorry. You... just look amazing is all. It overwhelms my eyes."

That caused her to smile, bigger than his. She was glad her efforts weren't in vain. "You're so sweet. Thank you." After a moment, she turned to Sylmi and Ruki. "C'mon, you two." She interrupted them while walking up the steps and pushing open the door.

Skye's mother glanced from by the refrigerator after they all entered, her father beside her. "Hello, Aaron." She paused what she was doing and smiled.

"Last name?" Aaron whispered to Skye.

"Amory," she grinned.

"Hi, Missus Amory," he replied. Aaron turned back to Skye. "Beautiful last name, by the way…"

"You can sit if you'd like. Dinner will be a while." Her father finally spoke and came off friendly, fortunately. It'd hopefully stay that way.

Aaron nodded. "Thank you, sir."

"Nin." Meanwhile, Ruki hopped onto the living room couch and prompted Sylmi to join him.

Sylmi wasted no time jumping up and sitting beside him, his ribbon brushing against Ruki. "Vee, sylve." He told Ruki he was glad to be able to spend some hours with him, though he was unsure what they'd do, but that didn't matter. Sylmi was happy enough simply being in his vicinity and would work with whatever ideas Ruki came up with.

Ruki had no ideas, though, at least not yet. They wouldn't even be able to go outside this late, which would make for a wonderful experience since there was a lot to show Sylmi. "Nine." They'd have to let the night play out and see. For now, they could watch what was playing on TV, which happened to be the middle of an entertaining pokémon contest after fifteen minutes of commercials. It was Ruki's favorite series since he grew up on it with Skye. They had never missed an episode once upon a time.

"You wanna see my room? I don't think you have yet," Skye offered. There wasn't much to see, but it would kill time and allow them to be alone.

Aaron nodded. "Of course." He followed her down the hall to its end while looking around. This was a cute place in a convenient spot with a beach right outside. He had no clue how Skye didn't act entitled even slightly, but it was admirable.

She pushed open her door and grabbed his wrist, leading him inside. "I'm not the most decorative… Maybe when I get my own place. I've got all my stuff packed in my closet." Truthfully, she was never happy enough to find pleasure in spicing her room up more than it was in her younger days despite spending a good portion of her time at home.

Her room used to be filled with souvenirs and various items. Skye had decorated shelves and more, but she took everything down around two years ago and stuffed the materialism away. It was when reality and resentment hit her. Even gaming only functioned as a band-aid.

"Uh, this is pretty decorative to me. It's cute... I like it." It screamed a cute girl's room. Skye. Aaron's eyes shot around the room momentarily, at her framed hearts and 'LOVE' logo on the wall, her cute carpet and lava lamp, and cuter assortment of plushies before moving to something out of the ordinary: a premier ball sitting atop her dresser. He approached and looked at the unique 'R' engraved into it. "Uh, do you have a second pokémon I don't know about?"

She went and picked it up. "No… It's what I caught Ruki in on top of Lanakila. I don't use it, but it'll always mean everything to me." Skye placed it back in the indentation she'd made on the dresser for it and turned to him. "Are you nervous? I can feel it."

Aaron swallowed, "ah, there's no fixing that. I'm just glad I don't stutter under pressure."

Skye giggled and whispered, "here." She leaned up, taking his cheeks into her palms and kissing his lips.

The connection sent a chill throughout his body, and Aaron couldn't help but hold her hips, leaning down slightly to complete and deepen it.

She kissed him once more and let him return it, then pulled away. "Maybe that'll help… You'll do great."

"Dinner's ready!" That was Skye's mother.

Aaron looked toward her mother's voice, then back to Skye after he felt her poke his stomach.

"You'll do great..."

Everyone besides the pokémon were seated around the table in minutes with fried finneon that Skye had helped prepare.

Skye was in the chair closer to Aaron, and her mother and father were across. She was excited for Aaron to try the dish for the first time. One could never go wrong with her mother's recipe.

Her father took a sip of water after taking a forkful of finneon and dabbed with a napkin. "So, Aaron, glad you're here. You attend college, correct?"

Skye shot between them while taking a timid bite of her meal. She hoped he wouldn't go off the deep end with this as he did with almost everything else. She sought hope from any deity she could here.

"Uh, yes, I major in business part-time at the moment since I'm trying to get a small job too," Aaron replied while looking at him, trying his best to keep a steady tone.

Skye's father nodded. "Hm," he muttered. It seemed he had an idea but what was on a questionable path. "I assume you're still with your parents, then?"

"With my mom. I'm not situated and won't be for a while." That was understandable, right? Aaron hoped this family's standards weren't too high. He'd do his best to provide for Skye if they had a future together and wanted to be financially stable at that point.

"What happened with your father?"

Skye stopped chewing for a second. She wanted to say something but was intimidated by her father and didn't want to make it any bigger. He truly had no care about others' feelings.

That's when Skye's mother intervened, to Skye's relief. "John, that's... a bit personal."

Her father nodded. "But I think it's fair. I want to avoid unnecessary abandonment in the future, but that's alright. He doesn't have to answer." Aaron didn't come across as a bum, but he wouldn't allow any boy to use Skye. Why would he be here if he couldn't afford her? "And... I would like to know your primary reasoning behind pursuing my daughter— your intent?"

Skye kept holding her tongue to avoid a scene and glanced at Aaron, who wasn't even eating. Her father couldn't control her relationships like this, and how could he know what the future held?

Aaron didn't want to be on either of Skye's parents' bad sides and was starting to wonder what he'd gotten himself into. He may not belong, which he was beginning to realize. "I... well, I want to care, protect, and provide for her with all my heart, sir. One of those I... I can't do the way I want to yet, but it's what I'm actively working toward."

"Okay. I appreciate that," Skye's father said. "You seem like a kind boy, but do you believe you are ready to take a woman of this caliber on? I'm not sure I understand why you would pursue this if you aren't in a position to provide for and support Skye adequately in the near future. It's selfish to try claiming a woman when it will Indubitably end in tears and be a mutual waste of time, is it not? That stolen time could have been used for a man to have done all of that and more for her and for you to find fulfillment in your lane or wait until you achieve that status."

"Uh..." Aaron couldn't help but look away at that point. Those words felt like the heaviest weight dropping on his chest, and he now concluded this was a massive, twisted mistake on his part. His world spun. He wasn't ready and didn't deserve to date a girl like Skye. He was just starting out in life, after all, but he was in love with her to no end. He wanted Skye to be a part of him for eternity, but perhaps that love, desire, and poor judgment clouded reality.

Meanwhile, Skye was attempting desperately to catch her mother's eyes, who wore a slight grimace and a side of disappointment. Skye was boiling. Her father wouldn't know how or if they'd end. She didn't need this from him, and this would surely turn Aaron away or run him off.

Her mother glanced and saw the pleading in her daughter's eyes, then turned to Aaron and smiled, attempting to rid of the present awkwardness. "Why don't you tell us about the classes you're taking, dear?"

The hour went somewhat better than Skye expected, but she was mildly annoyed by several more questions asked by her father, like if he'd been with any girls before Skye. It was an embarrassment of a dinner that she was glad was over with.

It was five minutes past seven by the time everything was cleaned up, so she and Aaron had to get going. Skye currently stood by the door with him after he'd said his temporary goodbye to Sylmi. He and Ruki sat by the couch. "I'll be right out."

"Take your time," Aaron said.

Skye closed the door behind him and went to her mother cleaning off the stove. Her father was on the couch. "We're gonna go now, Mom. Thank you for dinner." She hugged her from behind and kissed her cheek.

"It was fun. Go have more of it… but remember to be safe and watch your surroundings, and hon." She looked back at her. "Don't bring home a baby," she grinned.

"Mom," Skye giggled quietly. "I won't. I'll be safe, and I'll be safe with him. Promise." Skye squeezed her and pulled away, walking over to Ruki. She crouched and placed her palm on the side of his neck. "I'll be back soon, baby." She planted a kiss between his eyes and grinned, "be good. Love you."

"Nn." He nodded, nuzzling her arm with his cheek. Ruki would miss her but wanted Skye to go have fun. He would have to get used to her having it without him.

"Keep him company, Sylmi," she said before standing and walking toward the door, putting on her shoes before reaching for the handle.

"Midnight, Skye," her father said.

Her hand stopped, and she turned her head. "Yeah…" Skye visited the thought of getting the bag from under her bed, but it wasn't worth potentially being questioned or shamed. Plus, she just wanted to leave. She opened the door and walked out to meet Aaron. "Ready."

They started the walk, strolling in silence beside each other among rows of sleeping homes lit by streetlights, few cars, people at upscale bars or outdoor eateries, and ambiance. The shopping district was lit up, as were the hotels and businesses. Psyduck, tirtouga, mareanie, and more occupied the vacant beach and ocean in search of food.

"Can't believe he asked if we thought we'd be long-term realistically…" Skye couldn't contain the lingering thought. So much about dinner bugged her.

"I guess I could see why. It's not like we would know the answer, but he can't expect much from a long-distance first relationship while we're in our teens," said Aaron.

"But it's hurtful. Where's the optimism… or– or at least some faith? Like, we're meeting in person, we're happy, and I'm his daughter. I've done too well by him to deserve this."

"...Skye, is this what's been bothering you?"

She paused before nodding. "I wasn't going to say, but I have a curfew tonight because of him too. Midnight... It's degrading."

Aaron glanced at her. "Seriously? There's no way he'll be like that forever. You're more of your own person than you were before, and he'll accept your decisions if he cares for you."

"I don't know… They're so nit-picky. Took a lot from my teens to raise me as if I weren't my own person, and they're keeping it up, slithering into my relationships like I'm some clueless dumbass." Skye brought her hand up slightly and touched his. "Sorry..." She didn't mean to curse.

Aaron took and gave it a comforting squeeze. "I get it. I'd be more than over it too."

"I want to forget... even if just for a few hours."

There were only twenty people and some pokémon waiting at The Marina, so the boarding process progressed quicker than usual. The ferry started its journey after everyone was on ten minutes later, and most passengers were standing by the railing on the lit-up front deck, including Skye and Aaron.

She pulled out her phone. "It's going to be close to nine by the time we get to Hano," she said, slipping it back into her pocket.

Aaron watched her and smirked a little. "You'll probably be less stressed if you don't keep track of time constantly."

"I mean… probably." Skye looked to the ship's rear, where no one was present. "You wanna go watch the waves, then?"

He followed her eyes. "That'll work." Aaron walked with her across the narrow side of the deck. Fewer lights were lining the walls at the back, providing a darker environment.

Skye leaned over the railing when she got to it, holding the bars while watching thrashing dark waves that the ship disturbed under a starry night sky.

Aaron glanced at her. "And... for the record, my father left when I was around thirteen, but I promised myself never to do the same to my partner or if I ever had a kid." He shrugged. "A lot of my mother's money is going to me attending school right now, so we don't have much. That's why I want a job for more stability." Aaron may as well spill everything. "Also, could I tell you something?"

"Of course."

"From the day we met, I... kind of felt like you were out of my league."

She looked at him.

"I don't like thinking that way, but the longer I was around you, I heard you say things, like where you lived and found out more about you. I loved everything I learned, but Skye..." He turned to meet her eyes. "I really don't know if I'm good enough for you, a-at least not where I am in life now, like your dad said. Your parents think I'm a joke for trying to be in a relationship with you at my current level. There's just nothing to respect yet, and maybe I should have backed off after I saw the signs, chasing someone who I can't keep up with."

Aaron wanted to cry thinking about letting her go and another guy doing all that he wanted to experience with her, and a part of him didn't even want to bring this up, but it daunted him. He didn't want it to become an issue in her life later down the line.

He must have felt obliged to say these things after her father belittled him. "...Look, I'm sorry my dad acted like that. He really shouldn't have asked something so insensitive or piled all that guilt onto you, but don't say I'm out of your league... What makes me any better than you? I was born into money and raised in a great area. I have it easy by default. Working for a good life and wealth is more admirable, and I think going through the journey— those hardships and troubles you endure makes you value and appreciate that life more. You'll have more respect for it because you understand..." Unlike most people in this city.

As appreciative as Skye was, she knew better than to get too comfortable or grow to be a condescending person because all that she had could be taken in an instant, and if that day came, she wanted to enjoy life without it.

Skye continued. "My parents want to protect me and want me to be with someone with a successful mindset. They want me to have guaranteed financial stability in my future so I never struggle..." She understood. They didn't raise her how they did for her to progress in reverse, although they overdid it. "You have the mindset, and I'd definitely support it. You're doing great in life, father or not. It'll become something grand."

"I sure hope so. I feel like it's hard to manage in situations I've never received guidance in. I feel weak or incapable." Especially this one with Skye and her parents. He felt almost clueless. He wondered what his dad would say about this, whether to stay or back off. Aaron felt Skye was perfect for him, though. His intuition told him to stay. He'd talk to his mother about it when he got back home and get her thoughts.

Aaron wanted success to become a reality even more now with Skye in his life. He wanted her like nothing else, and it encouraged and pushed him harder than ever to endeavor and prove to her and her parents that he could take care of her on top of him wanting to care for his mother. "But the moment I give up, I know I'll start falling behind, and I see what that does to people. They lose it, become homeless, or take their own life. It's... rough."

Such is life. "You're doing the best with what you have, and you'll see change as long as you keep learning and applying. I see strength in that." She only liked him more with his every word. She didn't need her parents' approval. "Money is important. It's important to many people that want a greater experience in society, but not everyone requires it. Some are happy in the lower or middle classes with friends and family. Neither are anything to be ashamed of. Where are you?"

"Uh, hm..." Aaron took a moment. "I don't need to be rich. I just want to be financially comfortable and ensure my mom is taken care of. I want to accomplish things, and the respect that comes with it is worth something too."

"I agree. I mean, it's not for everyone. Life is different for the individual, and I get it. I'm grateful for my parents because I'd say my life was always near perfect due to their runaway success. I never bought my happiness, but it's nice to be able to enjoy anything I want."