Chapter 10: What is a Goal?

It's been exactly two months since Adam had his life returned to him. He already established some normalcy after having officially moved in with Seth. They decided together that Adam would continue to help with chores when he could, and Seth would pay him the normal amount that he pays Klaus and Howie. Adam was astounded by the amount they earned in an hour, and thought it was too much since he wouldn't be doing anywhere near as much work as they do, but Seth insisted. Seth said that if he wasn't going to stay there for free like he'd rather him do, he's at least going to pay him fairly.

As such, when Adam returned to school, he had a good amount of money to bring with him. The compensation money he received from Chief Hogan and the Mauville Police Force was enough to cover the rest of his college tuition, so he used the money Seth paid him to buy himself a new computer for school, much better than the laptop Seth bought him almost a year ago, as well as a mini scooter, so Klaus wouldn't have to drive him there every day.

He made sure to keep a low profile, feeling nervous that someone would recognize him for being the recently absolved ex-criminal, but he forgot people his age didn't really watch the news. Other than having to reconnect with his teachers, and start his previous semester over, his school life was essentially the same, except the one friend he did have apparently moved away, so he basically was starting from scratch.

He usually got back home around 6 pm, which he did again. He typically took care of his schoolwork, and had the rest of the day for himself. But today would be different. He pulled his mini scooter into the driveway, and walked up to the door, before unlocking it and walking in.

Klaus, like usual, was waiting to greet him when he got home.

"Ah, good evening Mr. Stonehide. How were your classes today?"

Adam smiles and begins walking to the garden, where Seth usually was.

"Normal. I kinda have some assignments piled on today, though. I'll have to let Seth know I'll likely be busy today."

Klaus chuckles and adjusts his monocle.

"Ah, he'll surely be disappointed, considering how much time the two of you have been spending together as of late."

Adam laughs, trying to hide a growing blush.

"I'm sure it's just cause he's not used to having me gone throughout the day is all. It's an adjustment for sure. He just wants to hang out when I'm home."

Klaus gives Adam a sly look, and circled behind him to float on his other side.

"Ah yes. An adjustment that requires the two of you to spend hours together playing video games, and watching movies, and hehe…cuddling."

Adam turned red.

How does he- Did he see us asleep on the couch that one time?

But the Blimp Pokemon was right. Seth had gotten a little more adventurous with how they interacted. He would hug him when they watched movies together, which usually they did in Seth's room, but the one time they watched a movie on the couch because Adam was too tired to play video games that night, they ended up falling asleep on the couch, spooning. They never spoke about it, but after that night, Seth moved to the seat right next to Adam's at the dinner table.

Adam had no complaints about any of this. It gave him a small amount of hope that the Zoroark had some sort of romantic feelings for him, but he couldn't help but realistically question if all of those actions were platonic. After all, they haven't actively flirted since Seth chased and pinned him on the beach. He admittedly, thought of that moment a lot, alongside the mild disappointment he felt when Seth caught him and actually tossed him into the shallow water. He wasn't sure how to approach it. But he had all the time in the world to think about it now.

They reached the garden door amidst those thoughts, and Adam handed Klaus his bag with a blushing squint, alongside a smile.

"Sh-shut up Klaus. Can you take my bag to my room for me please?"

Klaus nods with a chuckle, and floats back toward the foyer.

Adam finds Seth playing tennis with his illusion self, and the illusion disappears as soon as he sees him. The Zoroark drops his tennis racket and runs up to Adam, giving the Lycan a tight hug.

"Adam! You're home! Usually you go straight to your room though, is everything alright?"

Adam nods and pats the Zoroark's back with a smile and a chuckle.

"Hehe, yeah everything's fine. I was just letting you know I have a paper to write. I'll probably be busy most of the evening, which means we'll likely only have time to watch a movie before I have to go to bed."

Seth releases him, and crosses his arms.

"Oh- alright! Don't worry, I understand that your schoolwork is important!"

Adam smiles, and starts walking back into the manor, m

"Good. I'll be in my room. I have a few days to turn in my paper but I wanna get it done as soon as possible."

The Zoroark only nods and turns to go back to the tennis court, and Adam makes his way to his room.

He boots up his computer, and starts the quick work. He usually gets his Poke Science and Calculus work out of the way first, but today he got it all taken care of in his last class, which was a free period. He opened up an empty document template, before turning around to grab his phone charger.

"Here you go."

He was handed his phone charger, and plugged it into the computer.

"Thanks- wait a minute."

He turns around to see Seth sitting on his bed, and he silently waves at the surprised Lycan. He turns his game system on and turns the TV volume down. Adam chuckles, and waves back.

He must be bored. As long as he doesn't cause too much of a disturbance he'll be fine.

He turns back around and starts on his paper, focusing immensely.

After about an hour of silence, Seth pauses his game and looks over at Adam.

"Hey Adam, how much work do you have to do?"

Without turning around, Adam responds as he continues typing.

"Well it's a paper, Seth. It'll likely take me a few more hours, and if I don't finish today I'll have to get it done tomorrow."

Seth looks at the clock and sees that it's already almost eight.

"Hm. You think we'll have time to watch a movie tonight?"

Adam sighs, and turns around, giving him a sad look.

"I'm not sure. My Literature Professor has always been expectedly demanding when it comes to writing assignments. That's why I try to get them done as soon as possible."

He turns back around and continues typing, while Seth tries to hide his disappointment.

"Oh, alright."

He flops on the bed, and begins to roll back and forth. It creates a creaking sound, and after a few minutes of it, Adam speaks up again.

"Hey, um, you mind being a little quieter? That's a little distracting."

Seth stops, not realizing he was even making any noise.

"Oop! Sorry."

Adam goes back to typing, and Seth looks around the room for anything else he can do without disturbing him.

He eventually eyes some of Adam's textbooks sitting on a shelf hanging over his dresser. He's never been to college or even High School, so he's never even owned a textbook. He tries to reach for one so he could look inside, but instead of grabbing it, his claw brushes it, and he knocks it over. It lands on his head, and he falls off of the bed, taking the rest of the textbooks with him.

He groans, and Adam turns toward him with a sigh. As if on cue, Klaus floats in holding a tray with coffee on it. Upon eyeing the Zoroark covered in textbooks, he could already surmise what happened.

"Here Adam, I've made you some coffee to drink while you work. And Master Seth, I believe today is a good day to go over employee complaints sent in by your management team. They've really piled up."

Seth panics hearing that, and tries to crawl away, but Klaus wraps him up with his appendages, and picks him up. Adam chuckles seeing him struggle as they float through the door, taking a sip of his coffee as they leave.

"Hehe, thanks Klaus."

Seth struggles, and fails to free himself.

"Noooo! I hate employee complaint reviews! Adam, help me!"

Adam only laughs more as the Zoroark is dragged down the hall to his study.

Adam turns back to his work, and continues typing away.

(Later into the night)

Seth groaned as he stepped out of his study. He had finally finished his work, having reviewed and responded to all of the complaints from his management team. Mostly about break room problems, and petty squabbles.

He began to quickly walk down the hall back to Adam's room. It was a little after midnight, so plenty of time had passed for Adam to have finished working on his paper for the night. He peeks his head in through the doorway and finds the aforementioned Lycanroc asleep at his computer.

He sighs, being disappointed that he wouldn't be able to watch a movie with him, but upon seeing his sleeping face, his heart warms. He makes sure to save all of his progress so he doesn't lose it, leaving a note saying he did so, before shutting off the computer. He picks Adam up, and places him in his bed before putting his blanket over him. He turns to leave, but Adam shocks him by grabbing one of his paws.

"Nnn- stay…"

Seth turns red, and turns back around. He sits on the bed next to him, and Adam pulls him more, making him lie down next to him. Adam groans, half asleep and curls up against him.

"Sorry….too tired for movie. Early classes tomorrow…"

Seth blushes more, Adam clearly wanted him to lay with him. They've fallen asleep like this twice, but Seth still wasn't sure if it was okay.

"I-it's fine. We can always watch a movie another time. Do…you really want me to lay here?"

Adam's response is to grip onto Seth's chest fur, causing the Zoroark to fully lie down.

Jeez, you're way too strong you know that?

The drowsy Lycanroc nuzzles up against him, hugging him tighter, and Seth is at a loss for words once more. Adam drifts off to sleep, holding onto Seth as if for dear life.

Suddenly, he doesn't mind not being able to watch a movie together.

(The next Morning)

Seth yawns as he wakes up, and realizes he was alone. He sighs, assuming Adam must have already gone to school.

Normally I get to see him before he leaves… It really sucks that he's hardly been home lately, save for the weekends. I wish he wasn't so busy…

He isn't there for too long before Klaus peeks through the door, and floats in.

"Ah, Master Seth. Mr. Stonehide mentioned you'd fallen asleep in here. I figured you'd be awake by now. He said he's sorry he didn't wake you, as you were sleeping so peacefully and he didn't wish to bother you."

Seth nods and gets out of Adam's bed.

"Oh. Alright. What's on the schedule for me today?"

Klaus opens the curtains and then follows as Seth leaves the room.

"As per usual, there's nothing much on the schedule aside from basic confirmation details for special orders. Though your management team did send you a thank you for going through all of the employee complaints and resolving the issues for them. I do believe you should do something nice for them, as they do a lot of work on your behalf, giving you such an empty schedule."

Something clicks in Seth's mind once Klaus says that. He turns towards Klaus and smiles widely.

"You're absolutely right Klaus, since you're better at planning, you mind whipping up something for me? I'll take care of everything after that."

Klaus nods, and begins to float down the hall toward the study.

"I'll get started right away. I've prepared a bath for you in your room as well, and given Howard the breakfast order for the day."

Seth nods, before heading downstairs.

"Great work as always Klaus. Thank you."

He smirks as he makes his way to the dining room, an idea forming in his head.

Later that day, when Adam gets home, he's greeted by both Seth and Klaus. Though this time instead of going off to do his own thing, Seth follows alongside Adam to his room. He chuckles as the Zoroark quietly walks behind him.

"Hehe, something on your mind? I would've woken you up when I left this morning, but I couldn't bring myself to. I tried to remember how you got there in the first place, but then I remember you putting me in bed, which means I fell asleep at my desk…again. But you did save my work, so thank you."

Seth waves away the idea, and smiles in response.

"Oh don't worry I understand! And it's fine, I don't mind helping. I know you must have been tired."

Adam nods in agreement as they reach his room, and walk inside.

"Yeah, writing papers is exhausting, I'm glad I'll be able to finish today."

Seth nods, Adam had given him the perfect segue for his idea.

"Yeah, I couldn't help but notice you've been kinda busy and tired lately. I actually had an idea that could help with that."

Adam chuckles as he sits down and turns on his computer.

"Oh? Heh, you gonna do my work for me, smart guy?"

Seth laughs nervously and rubs the back of his head, he takes a seat on Adam's bed.

"Well kinda. I was gonna suggest you get someone to go to your classes for you, and summarize the notes they took for you so you don't actually have to go to classes, and you'll have more free time!"

Adam raises a brow, and turns around.

"Are you messing with me again?"

Seth shakes his head.

"Well no, I just figured you'd want more time to do the things you want while also getting an education."

Adam squints and tilts his head to the side.

"Everyone wants more time to themselves but I agreed to sacrifice that when I decided to go to school in the first place."

Seth is taken aback, he didn't think Adam would react this poorly.

"And wouldn't that defeat the purpose of me going in the first place? If I wanted to sit at home all day I would've just signed up for the online courses. Plus I wouldn't want someone to do my work for me, I know I said it before but I was joking."

Seth feels himself growing disheartened, and slightly frustrated. He didn't understand why Adam seemed to get upset over him trying to help.

"How come you want to do it yourself? I'm confused."

Adam sighs and looks back at the Zoroark.

"Have you ever gone to normal school growing up? You know, aside from when you were a kid?"

Seth shakes his head.

"No, not like you have. Klaus taught me what I needed to learn to be a businessman, as well as how to be a normal functioning adult."

Adam turns back around and loads up his work.

"Then you wouldn't understand. You've had your future set in stone since you were born, and even as an adult other people do most of the work for you. I know that's only the case because of what you achieved all those years ago, but still, I wouldn't want that right now. I enjoy working for myself, and I'll feel all the more accomplished once I get my degree and finally finish."

Seth was at a loss for words, he never imagined that Adam felt so strongly about it.

"But-"

"Please, I want to finish my paper."

Adam turns around completely, and Seth clams up. He silently leaves the room, and walks by Klaus, who was holding another coffee for Adam, and no doubt overheard the whole conversation.

Seth walks to his own room, and flops on the bed, sighing in the process. Klaus floats in after a little bit, and pats his shoulder.

"It was a noble effort sir."

Seth rolls over and throws his arms up in frustration.

"I don't get it…why's he so insistent on doing it all himself? I was only trying to help…"

Klaus plops on the bed next to Seth, and pats his head softly.

"Well Master Seth, Mr. Stonehide wasn't raised like you were. He isn't accustomed to "having things given to him on a silver platter", as the saying goes. He's used to living the life of most common folk."

Seth looks over at the silver platter on his desk that held his lunch for the day, before looking back at Klaus. The Blimp Pokemon continues.

"They often have to work hard and remain diligent in order to achieve the things they want. You may have worked hard in your early years to bring up your father's business, but where would you be if he hadn't generously passed down a portion of it to you in the first place? Common folk like to be the creators of their own achievements. And when they grow old, they can brag to their grandchildren about said achievements."

Seth groans and ruffles his hair.

"But Adam was right, I've only lived the life my father handed me. I haven't set any other goals other than to make my father proud, which I've already done. I've stopped having to work hard for anything ever since I made my branch successful."

Klaus adjusts his monocle.

"You may have also come across as insensitive, as we both know the amount of work Adam has done to get where he is. I believe we should respect someone who works as hard as he does, especially considering he still takes it upon himself to help around the house during his free time."

Seth covers his face with his arm and sighs. He knows he was trying to help, but he still feels guilty. If what Klaus says is true, he didn't want Adam to feel like he didn't respect his work.

"What should I do Klaus?"

Klaus crosses his tendrils and looks up.

"Hm. I'd first suggest that you apologize to Mr. Stonehide, and make him aware that you were not making the suggestion solely so that he would have more time to spend with you throughout the day."

Seth turns pink and looks to the side.

"That- that wasn't why-"

Klaus shakes his head.

"Surely not sir. Next, I'd suggest you try setting a goal for yourself. Something you could work towards and achieve on your own. Somewhat like baking that cake for Mr. Stonehide's birthday."

Seth looks up on thought.

"Well, what would count? I've never had to set a big goal before. Even at work my management team set the goals for us."

Klaus floats again and helps Seth up.

"It should be something you really want to do, or have for yourself. Something that will help you feel fulfilled or accomplished after you obtain or achieve it."

Seth paces back and forth, thinking of something that would fit either of those categories.

"Hm. I wonder what that would be…"

Klaus floats next to him and pats his shoulder.

"*ahem* Maybe it could be communicating how you feel to someone. You could work up the courage to do so, and even if it doesn't end up working out, you'll still have taken a big step for your confidence."

Seth brightens, and an illusionary bulb glows above his head.

"I know! I could ask Adam what his goal is and gain some insight!"

Klaus mentally rolls his eyes and uses Psychic to stop the excited Zoroark from sprinting down the hall.

"Well then I suggest that you wait to do so after apologizing. And that you also give him some time to finish his work after your interaction today. That way the two of you can speak amicably."

Seth flops, having completely forgotten that he might have angered the Lycanroc.

"Oh…right."

He slumps back against his bed, and sighs. Klaus floats to the door.

"I'll fetch the ice cream."

(The next day)

Seth finds Adam humming as he sweeps up the pathways outside the manor. He hides behind a tree, too nervous to approach him. The Lycan seemed to be in a good mood, but he wasn't sure if he was still peeved at him for the day before.

What if I go over there and ruin his good mood? I don't want to make him angry on his day off… Maybe I should just forget it and wait another day… Yeah, that way I have more time to think about-

"What are you doing?"

Seth turns to see the Lycanroc staring right at him. He has a hand on his hip and is holding the broom. Seth steps onto the pathway and turns red, embarrassed.

"U-uh…I was just…um…"

Adam chuckles, and sweeps that spot.

"If you want to talk, that's fine, I'm not gonna bite you. You don't need to be so nervous, I'm not mad haha!"

Seth sighs, and rubs his arm.

"Well I wanted to say sorry anyway, I wasn't trying to undermine all your hard work. I'll respect you when you're trying to focus from here on out. I also wanted to ask you something."

Adam nods.

"Apology accepted. I'm sorry I've been so busy lately. It comes with college, but just because I'm busy doesn't mean we can't have fun together when I do have time. I just so happen to have the day off today, so once I take care of my chores we can hang out. What'd ya wanna ask me?"

Seth tries to formulate his words while looking around a bit.

"I just wanted to ask, what's your goal, Adam? Why are you going to school? I've never had a real goal set for myself, so I wanted to see what drives you, and maybe gain some insight."

Adam leans on the broom, and gazes upward.

"Hm….I guess the simple answer is that I want to be a guidance counselor for children. But not the ones that make you sign up for college and stuff, I want to actually make a difference in someone's life."

The two take a seat on nearby tree stumps, and Adam places the broom on the ground.

"When I was younger, my father and mother realized that their relationship wasn't healthy, and had the mutual agreement to end it. They decided it'd be more beneficial for my mother to raise me, but she refused any of his support. As a result, she ended up working constantly to raise me, as well as keeping a roof over our heads, and food in my stomach. As I got older, I had to depend on myself, like cooking when my mom wasn't home, and making sure I got to school on time. Even things like teaching myself the harsher lessons in life, and being my own emotional support. It made it difficult to rely on others for anything, and I became someone who was entirely dependent on themselves.

It got even worse when my mother passed away, and I was actually alone, as I had no way of contacting my father. She had worked herself to death, at the age of 45, and I was 19. From what I remember, she worked every single day, and hardly had any time to spend with me. I actually harbored some resentment towards how much she had to work, though I tried not to. I hated how she would say she would do one thing, or make time for me when I needed her, but work always called. She was always tired, and it was common for her to miss special days like my birthday, or family days at school. And when she passed away, it opened my eyes.

There must be other people out there like me. Who have a hard time relying on others. I wanted to make a difference in this world, I wanted to do something that I felt passionate about. At first, I simply wanted to be a therapist or psychiatrist. I had spent so long relying on myself that I would never talk about my problems, and only ever listen to someone else's. So I wanted to do something like that.

That was until I met you. I realized that, if you hadn't gotten me out of that situation, and gave me a place to stay until it was over, I would've had to survive in prison. I would've repeated the cycle of having to rely on myself to ensure nothing had happened to me there. You showed me that there are people out there who you can rely on in your worst moments. I can of course thank the Detective for clearing things up on my behalf eventually, but still, you saved me."

Seth looks at Adam in astonishment. He had never heard any of this before, likely because as Adam said, he wasn't used to talking about himself or his problems. It felt nice to hear that Adam genuinely appreciates him, despite him having only done what he felt was right.

"So I changed my mind. I decided that on top of helping people, that I would take it a step further, and be there for kids who grow up like me. In rough homes, homes with parents who don't have time for their children. I want to be a shoulder for them to lean on, to show them that even in this world, there are people they can rely on, and reach out to when they need help. People who care about what they have to say, and want to help with whatever they're going through.

I wouldn't limit myself to one school either. I'd go to different places every day. Schools, orphanages, public spaces, all over. Heh, when I say it like that, it sounds more like a dream than it does a goal. But, I won't call it a dream. I'm gonna make it a reality no matter what."

Adam's confident smile warms Seth's heart. In that moment, he was glad that he was in love with someone so…pure.

"That sounds wonderful…I think… I think I understand now."

Adam nods and picks the broom back up.

"That's great! I'm glad I could help…and…thanks for listening. We can hang out soon."

Seth smiles and walks away, leaving the Lycanroc to his own devices.

He felt like he was in a dream-like state. It made him glad to hear that he had helped Adam realize his goal, and his heart beat even faster when he thought about how Adam's goal became so innocently noble.

He made his way to his room, and thought about what he learned from Klaus and Adam.

A goal should be something I'm passionate about, that I can strive to earn or achieve that I can be motivated to work toward.

He feels his heart beating quickly, thinking about what he just learned about Adam. Then he remembers what Klaus suggested, about him telling him how he feels.

The steady fast beating in his heart was getting harder and harder to ignore. The Lycanroc drove him up the wall with how often he made his face red, and often left him feeling warm inside, and if he wasn't sure how he felt before, he knew now that this is what love feels like.

He thinks that Adam is cute yet handsome, a genuinely wonderful person, and that his personality makes him respectable. Not only that, but he's strong mentally and physically.

Seth touches his chest once more, and his illusion self appears on his bed next to him.

"I see you're at a crossroads again. Let's look at the criteria. Who motivates you to be better and has caused you to grow as a person? Adam."

Seth nods as he listens, and his illusion self holds up a digit as he adds more to his point.

"Who makes you feel passionate? Adam. You would take on the world if it meant you could keep him by your side."

Seth chuckles sheepishly and looks over at himself.

"Thaaaat kind of makes me sound obsessed."

Illusion Seth shrugs and looks up.

"Hey I'm not the one writing this dialogue. But that's besides the point. I think it's time we let go of our fears and finally tell him. Or show him. Show him how much we love him, how much he means to us. Even if he doesn't feel the same."

Seth sits up, brimming with determination. He isn't sure how he'll go about it, but that doesn't matter.

He has a goal now.

(End Chapter)