Author's Note: So… I started this a few weeks ago, but I didn't finish it until this morning.

Hope you all enjoy! Despite me focusing on Kitakami stuff for now…

Gloria woke up the next morning with the biggest grin on her face. She could not take her mind off the date she had with Bede last night, her heart was fluttering with joy. Thinking about being in his arms made her cheeks burn with embarrassment, but she was so happy she thought she would burst.

"Wow… I was in his arms…" She whispered. She fell backwards on her bed and began rolling back and forth, "Ahh…! I'm so embarrassed….!"

Rillaboom and Flareon were out of their poke balls, watching Gloria with confused faces. They didn't understand why Gloria was feeling this way about someone that was such a pain during their journey. But they were happy for her nonetheless. They had been by Gloria's side since the beginning, so they knew she had good judgment. But that wasn't going to stop them from being wary of him.

Gloria sat up and faced her Pokémon, "I can't wait to see him again!"

Rillaboom and Flareon looked at each other with unsure expressions.

Gloria could tell how her Pokémon were feeling, "Oh, you guys! I'm sure you'll warm up to him soon."

Rillaboom approached Gloria and made a few grunts and snorts. Gloria sighed in response, "Yes, I know how he was when we first met. Give me some credit Rillaboom, I remember."

Rillaboom grunted once more. Gloria shook her head, "Trust me, it's not like I'm forgetting about that. Or how he treated Hop. I just… ever since he interrupted the championship tournament, it had me thinking what in the world is going on in that fluffy head of his? Mind you, I still thought he was just an enormous jerk. Then we met after the Galarian Star Tournament and… well…. You know. I mean, come on, I know you heard how kind he was. And how kind he's been the past couple of…. Okay, I'll say it, dates. He's been different now and I know he's being sincere. And if I'm being real…"

She inhaled deeply, held in in for a few seconds, then exhaled before speaking in a low voice, "I think… I'm starting to really like him a lot… if you know what I mean by that."

Rillaboom remained resolute in his dislike for Bede, he told Gloria this by letting out a low growl.

"Rillaboom, please give him a chance. The guy that gave us so much trouble in the beginning. That wasn't the real Bede. I know that. The real Bede is the one I've been meeting up with recently."

Rillaboom looked into his trainer's eyes and saw her conviction. There was no changing her mind. Nonetheless, he wasn't ready to accept Bede just yet. Plus, there was another issue. He vocalized once more, yet in a less confrontational way.

Gloria looked down, "No, Hop doesn't know."

She felt fear, she knew in the back of her mind that she wouldn't be able to hide it from him forever. But she had no idea how to approach the subject with him. As long as the two have known each other, she couldn't recall a time when they had ever talked about something like that.

Flareon took a step closer and made a short barking sound, Gloria looked at her, "Yes Flareon, you gave him quite the lip last night, didn't you?"

Flareon looked at Gloria mischievously. Gloria noticed this and chuckled, "I think the two of you just need some time. I know you both saw Bede when he was at his worst. As I said before, give him a chance, you'll see what I'm talking about."

Rillaboom and Flareon both looked at one another again and shrugged in reluctant acceptance. Gloria smiled, "That's the spirit!"

She knew that it would be a slow process, but she was determined to help them see Bede in a more positive light. No matter how long it took.

Meanwhile in Ballonea, Bede was in his apartment preparing for the day ahead. His mind clouded with the memory of last night's date. It wasn't just that, it was the fact that Gloria had also hugged him. His heart would race just thinking about it. She HUGGED him.

As much as he tried to avoid acknowledging this, he could tell he was falling hard for her.

He shook his head, "I can't believe this!"

His Hatterene was nearby, and she could sense the intense emotions her trainer was going through. She approached him with a warm smile. He looked at her, and she giggled.

"I could never tell her! She'd not only reject me on the spot, she'd laugh at me too!"

Hatterene looked confused, Bede responded, "I just… I just know she would, okay!?"

Sure, he knew why deep down, and why wouldn't he? He had put her down so many times during their journey, telling her she would never make it far. Constantly boasting about how much better he was than her. She may have proved him wrong, but that doesn't erase how he acted toward her in the past. Not only that, she was beautiful. A champion with a wonderful family and a support system.

As for himself?

He kept thinking about all his life experiences so far. He was abandoned by his parents at an orphanage and bullied by the other kids while there. And the adults that were supposed to help completely ignored his struggles. He recalled one instance where one particularly cruel worker even outright blamed him for everything happening to him despite having no control over what others did.

The final straw? Rose and Oleana.

After all that he had gone through, he just needed someone, anyone to believe that he was a worthwhile human being. They showed him kindness, and he believed in them. He truly thought that they saw something in him that others refused to see. At last, he had someone there for him.

Only for that to turn out to be a complete lie.

Rose didn't see something in him. It was just an act of charity that he had done without a second thought. He never cared about him. Looking back on it now, it was obvious now why he didn't remember who he was.

Oleana was the worse of the two. He would never forget how she whispered lies into his ear which got him disqualified from the one thing he had going for him. She forced him to do her dirty work only to throw him away and take all the credit.

Bede clenched his fists tightly and had to fight back tears. There was no telling what he would do if he crossed paths with that woman again.

He took a deep breath to calm himself down. He wasn't going to get emotional over this. He was ready to move on from the past. Focusing on the present, he was grateful to have met Opal and all the gym trainers he knows now. He was finally surrounded by positive influences and people who truly care and want the best for him.

But even with that, love was still the last thing on his mind. Especially with Gloria.

Bede turned to Hatterene, "I don't… I don't deserve her… Hatterene."

Hatterene sighed, she knew trying to push it would only cause him to double down further. So she chose to let it be. But being a Pokémon that can read emotions, she knew her trainer was fearful.

However, Bede seemed to forget that she can sense all emotions, not just his. Because of that, she was confident in Gloria's feelings too.

She just had to encourage him somehow…

Meanwhile in Postwick…

Gloria was sitting on the hill overlooking Wedgehurst, as she had done many times before. She wasn't in the present though, she was daydreaming away…

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop thinking about Bede… her mind was bubbling with all sorts of possibilities and emotions. Before she could stop herself, she was imagining he and her were under a starry, moonlit sky in a grassy meadow, holding onto one another tightly. Neither one would have a care in the world.

"Bede…?"

He would look into her eyes, and she would hesitate. Thinking about those three words put together in a sentence. The thought of saying it aloud terrified her, but it was agonizing to keep it to herself. She had to say it.

"I… I L-"

"Gloria! Mate! Wake up!"

Gloria snapped awake to see Hop sitting in front of her, "Ah! Hop! H-How long were you…?"

Hop was smiling, "Haha! You scared me there, mate!" That's when he appeared concerned, "Huh? Gloria, your face is really red. Are you okay?"

Gloria was flustered, "Uh…! I'm not uh… I'm just…! Um… I was…"

"Hey guys!" Leon's voice caught their attention, "I'm back for a bit!"

Hop began to wave him over, "Bro! Come on over man!"

Leon immediately obliged and took a seat alongside the childhood friends, he immediately noticed Gloria's state, "Gloria, are you all right? You're all red! You aren't ill, are you?"

Gloria jumped up, "I'm not!" She yelled before taking off. Hop was shocked and leapt up to run after her, shouting her name. But she was too fast and disappeared quickly. A confused Leon stood and approached his brother.

Hop wondered, "What's up with her?"

Leon was feeling awkward, "Heh… Okay bro, you're going to have to help me out here. What did I walk into?"

"I have no idea." Hop explained, "I found her here. She was staring off into space. She was smiling and giggling. It kind of scared me to be honest. Once I got her awake, I noticed she was blushing. I asked her why and well… you saw the rest."

Leon pondered, "I see…"

Hop suddenly became worried, "Aw man! I hope it wasn't anything I had done! What if she's mad at me for something? What should I do?"

Leon knew better, "Calm down little bro. I think I know what's happening here."

"What?"

Leon grinned, "Now, I'm not too good at this kind of thing. But I think Gloria might have some kind of secret romance going on in her life. Somewhere."

Hop was baffled, "Wha… what?"

Leon chuckled, "Okay bro. Here's the truth. The reason why I came back here was because I wanted to talk to Gloria about that. I had overheard some whispers among the wind that she and… uh… a certain someone, might have a uh… secret relationship going on."

"I knew she was hiding something!" Hop declared, "She was acting so strange at the lab the other day. But why would she hide it? I'm her best friend! We've known each other since we were so little!"

"Uh…" Leon uttered.

Hop grinned, "I would love to meet whomever the lucky chap is! So come on bro, spill it! Who's the guy? Tell me everything you know!"

Leon put his hands up defensively, "I uh… I would love to speak with Gloria about this first Hop, heheh… I'm not sure how you'd react."

Hop raised an eyebrow, "Huh? Why not?" His eyes widened, "Oh no, don't tell me…"

Leon began to sweat, "Oh no… he's figured it out."

"She's not seeing Piers is she!? Hop freaked, "Because if she is, I will seriously question-!"

Leon sighed in relief, "No, she's not seeing Piers."

Hop froze, then exhaled sharply, "Oh, thank goodness. Heheh… you scared me so bad bro! I was about to question her sanity! Hahaha! I mean, don't misunderstand me! She's my best friend and I'd be more than happy to support her no matter what, but some things are just… Never mind! So, who is she seeing?"

Leon repeated, "I would still like to speak with her first, Hop. Before I say anything else."

Hop dropped his head and shoulders, "Aw man…"

Leon assured him, "It's gonna be okay. I just don't want to overwhelm her that's all. She's probably overwhelmed enough as it is."

This comforted Hop, "Yeah, you're right! I just…. I just want to be there for my pal, that's all!"

"You're a good friend Hop." Leon replied, "I'll let you know what's going on. But first, let me speak with her."

Deep down, Leon was terrified about letting Hop know who Gloria's secret man is. Sure, Hop is an amazing friend to Gloria, but what would he think of Gloria having feelings for Bede? He was unsure, and the thought of that was nerve-wracking.

But he couldn't leave it alone. He wanted to help out. Anybody and anything he could do.

It was of course, his big brother instinct.

"Keep me updated, all right?" Hop called to him as Leon walked away.

Leon smiled back, "Don't worry, I will!"

After that, he set off to find Gloria. Not entirely sure how he was going to go about this. But he wanted to help, and that was enough of a reason for him.