Gloria dreamed that night. It was the most pleasant dream she had in a long while. She was dressed in all pink, a sleeveless dress that seemed to float around her knees. She was walking through Glimwood Tangle. Then she saw Bede standing on the path, he turned to face her. Without a word, he approached and embraced her. She was shocked, but not in a bad way. After only a moment's hesitation, she returned the hug.
They stayed like that for a long while, as little Pokémon scampered in the woods around them. Glowing mushrooms nearby illuminated brightly, giving them a bit of a spotlight. He then looked at her and gave her a gentle, slow kiss on the cheek. Her eyes sparkled and her heart fluttered. It was like the entire world turned into a magical fantasy land with that one act.

Back in reality, Gloria was in bed under the covers, giggling in her sleep. Her mum sneaked into her room to gather the clothes she was wearing last night for the laundry. She paid no mind to her sleeping daughter at first, until she heard something.

"Bede…"

It was Gloria, muttering in her sleep. Thea successfully stifled a chuckle before exiting the room with the clothes in a basket, closing the door behind her. Minutes later, the alarm on Gloria's rotom phone sounded. She slowly roused awake, opening her eyes to see the light shining in through her window. The sounds of Wooloo could be heard from the fields outside.

The dream she had emerged from had made her feel giddy. She had to take a few moments to calm down before pushing the covers off and stepping out of bed.

"I didn't want to wake up from that dream…!" She whispered to herself. Still feeling joyous from that, and from last night's date. She was also so utterly bewildered, what a contradiction this guy was turning out to be! Who would've thought that the prideful and rude boy she knew from the beginning of her journey could possess such a kind and gentle side to him? And surprisingly bashful too. If she had to be honest with herself, it was making her all the more crazy about him.

And this confused her, "Why am I feeling so much about him?"

Indeed, she couldn't understand nor why or how she could be feeling such affection toward a boy she couldn't stand during her journey. It was no secret that he reviled her and never missed the opportunity to get under her skin. But she couldn't ignore the change she saw in him now. It was like he was a completely different person! She didn't want to lie, but she didn't want to admit her feelings either. It was a struggle with a mix of excitement.

"I guess Opal's training really has an effect on people, huh?" Gloria chuckled to herself, "Even for someone like Bede."

Pushing those thoughts aside, Gloria hurried to dress. She put on her normal outfit today. A gray hoodie with brown triangular buttons over her magenta button-up dress, tartan green socks, and brown boots. She also put on black modesty shorts and her usual green hat. After checking her appearance in the mirror, she left her room.

She found her mother in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

"Good morning, mum." Gloria greeted.

Thea turned around with a smile, "Good morning, darling. The eggs and ham are almost ready. Do sit down for breakfast before taking off Gloria?"

Gloria smiled back, "Sure thing, mum." Then went to go sit at the table. It was then she noticed her father was nowhere to be seen, "Did dad leave for work already?"

"Yes." Thea confirmed, "He had to take a meeting early today. He told me he'd get breakfast on the way. I hope he remembers…"

Gloria giggled, "Hope so…" She imagined her dad going into a hangry rage whilst destroying everything. That wouldn't be a good thing…

Thea came to the table with two breakfast plates and placed one in front of her daughter before having a seat across from her.

"So Gloria, how was your date last night?" Thea inquired.

This made Gloria blush, "It was good mum. He and I had tea and coffee at the café before we went to hang out at route seven." She took up her fork and had a bite.

"Oh, that's sounds lovely dear." Thea replied, "I suppose he was a gentleman to you?" A degree of concern in her voice.

Gloria became nervous, "He was. It kind of surprised me to be honest."

Thea giggled, "Because of how rude he was before?"

Gloria nodded, "Yes. It's the strangest thing to see him act so differently now."

"Hopefully he'll stay that way." Thea winked, "So, are you going to see him again?"

"I want to." Gloria admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed, "He told me he would have to check his schedule first. I hope he gets back to me…"

Thea assured, "Just be patient love. If it's meant to happen, it'll happen."

Gloria hesitated before responding, "You're right, mum."

Once Gloria finished her meal, she took her now empty plate to the kitchen and put it in the dishwasher. With her mind on yesterday's date, she couldn't hold in her pent-up energy much longer. She thanked her mom hastily and ran to her room, almost slamming the door behind her. She let out a short laugh before springing onto her bed.
She laid there for a moment to let the joy build up again, before she vaulted onto her feet and grabbed her rucksack. Speeding through the hallway, she called out, "Mum! I'm going out!"

"Be careful out there sweetheart!" Thea called back, she didn't even finish the sentence before she heard the door slam shut. Thea simply smiled knowingly and shook her head.

Gloria took off running to the fields. She spotted the hill that her and Hop would play around when they were children and ran like crazy toward it, reaching the top at the speed of light. It was a chilly morning, the cold air chilled her face as she ran. She stumbled which caused her to topple over and land onto the grass. Recovering quickly, she sat up and dusted herself off while breathing heavily.

"Wow…" She whispered to herself, "So this is what it feels like to have zoomies! What a wonderful feeling!"

After watching the semi cloudy sky for a moment, one of her pokeballs popped open. Out came her Indeedee, the maid Pokémon bowed with a cheerful smile to greet her trainer.

"Good morning Indeedee! You're always checking up on me, aren't you?"

Indeedee kept her pleasant smile and used her hands to brush Gloria's dress, which still had a bit of grass on it from her little fall.

"You're such a sweetie." Gloria praised. She noticed that there was something peculiar about the way her emotion Pokémon was looking at her, "What is it Indeedee?"

Indeedee touched Gloria with one of her horns and waited for a moment. The Pokémon then smiled brighter and made a heart shape with her fingers.

Gloria blushed, "Aha! Indeedee, don't! It wasn't anything like that!"

Indeedee just smiled in a comforting way as if to say that there was nothing to be embarrassed about. Gloria thought to herself, "Ah… I forgot that Indeedee can sense emotions… Ah! Wait what am I thinking about!? Does that mean… Oh, who am I kidding it does!"

"Okay, you got me… I think I'm starting to fall for him." Gloria admitted, much to Indeedee's joy.

"Do I understand it? Not at all. I mean he's my rival for heavens sake! But my goodness I would be lying if I said I didn't… Oh my… I think I've got a crush… and on Bede of all people!? What is wrong with me?" She fell backwards, covering her face with both hands, "Oh no… this can't be happening…"

Indeedee became concerned and walked up to where her trainer's face was to check on her. That's when Gloria looked at her, "I don't get it! I wasn't feeling this way a few days ago! Now it's just… happened. I can't believe it…"

That's when she remembered something, "I should go talk to Sonia. Maybe she can help me."

Getting to her feet, she began to make her way to Sonia's lab with Indeedee faithfully following beside her. At the door to the lab, Gloria's heart raced with nerves. It crossed her mind that Hop might be in there, but deciding to take a chance, she opened the door, "Sonia? Are you there?"

"Yip! Yip!"

Sonia's little Yamper came dashing around the corner and up to Gloria. It excitedly greeted her with his front paws on her legs.

"Hi little guy! Look at you!" Gloria exclaimed, "It's always wonderful to see you!" She crouched to pet the electric canine. Yamper licked her hands before rolling over, which was him asking for a belly rub. Gloria laughed and obliged.

That's when Sonia appeared, "Oh, Gloria! Good morning! Is everything okay?"

Gloria got to her feet, "Oh Sonia! I've got tell you something! But first, I gotta ask. Are you alone?"

Sonia replied, "Yes, I am. Why?" Her face lit up with realization, "Oooh, I get it. Is this about Bede?"

Gloria nodded excitedly. Sonia immediately returned the energy, "Oh! All right, spill the beans! What happened?"

Gloria felt embarrassed saying this aloud, but she did, "Bede and I… we went on a date yesterday evening."

Sonia just about jumped out the roof in excitement, "Are you serious!? Oh my gosh Gloria, Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!" She rushed up and took her by the arm eagerly.

Gloria blushed, "It wasn't a big deal… Heh… It's not like winning the champion cup or anything!"

"But that means you've made some progress a little right? That's something to be happy about!"

"It was like I was talking to a whole new person. He was so… sweet. And he was so shy… It was so…so…" Gloria looked at Sonia's face and saw how intrigued the Professor looked, but that wasn't all. She also had this knowing glance.

Gloria immediately grew more embarrassed, "Don't say it!"

Sonia laughed, "Ahaha! I didn't even say anything silly!"

Gloria retorted, "You were making a face!"

Sonia kept smiling, "Oh Gloria, I'm just joking with you! So, I'm guessing the date went well then?"

"Yes, it did." Gloria promptly replied, "As I was saying before, he was acting like a different person. It was hard to believe that I was with Bede."

Sonia chuckled, "Oh, that's so funny to hear!"

"And can I tell you something Sonia?" Gloria lowered her voice.

"What?"

Gloria braced herself before saying this aloud, "He looked cute!" She immediately buried her face in her hands afterward, giggling with embarrassment.

"Aww, Gloria!" Sonia didn't have to think too much about it. And she certainly wasn't born yesterday. Whether Gloria wanted to admit it or not, this was the beginning of a certain kind of chemistry. Now as wise as she was on the subject of Pokémon, she had no idea how to approach this particular topic.

"It's true!" Gloria fawned, "My breath caught in my throat when I saw him! He looked so dapper!"

"Haha! Just keep it up Gloria! You've got this!" Sonia encouraged; it was all she could think of to say.

Gloria was pleased at Sonia's support, "Thank you Professor! I'll let you know on any new developments!"

Just then, the door opened. In came Hop with a few books in hand, "Hey Professor! I brought those books you were asking for!" His eyes widened seeing his childhood friend, "Ah, Gloria! I didn't know you were here!

Gloria was flustered, "Hey Hop! How's it going?"

"Fantastic mate!" Hop gave a thumbs up, "I'm doing great! What about you? Also, what brings you to the lab so early? You're usually never here before I am! Haha!"

Sonia and Gloria exchanged a nervous look before Gloria answered, "Oh, nothing really. We were just talking about… you know… girl stuff." She twisted a strand of hair around her finger nervously. Sonia nodded along.

Hop shrugged, "Heh… I see. Well, all right then! Hopefully I didn't interrupt!"

"No, no, you're okay Hop!" Gloria assured, "We were just wrapping up here."

Sonia spoke up, "Yeah, we were!"

"Anyway, I better get going. I'll see you both around okay?" Gloria excused herself, before leaving the lab. Hop and Sonia smiled and waved as she walked away. Once she was gone, a suspicious Hop turned to his mentor before asking, "What's going on, Sonia?"

The fluster Sonia felt was immediate, "Uh, what are you talking about Hop?"

"I know something's going on with Gloria." Hop smiled mischievously, "Did you forget we've been friends since we were little kids? I know her more than anybody."

"Ah! Well… um…" Sonia fumbled, not prepared for the sudden interrogation, "I'm… not sure what's going on with her, Hop!"

Hop raised an eyebrow, "Hmm… is that so? Strange…"

"I'm sure it's nothing Hop." Sonia attempted to dissuade him, "She's just having moments that's all." She cringed at her obvious weak excuse.

Thankfully, Hop decided to let it go, "I suppose she'd tell me if it's something she wants me to know. Anyway, here are the books you asked for."

Sonia quietly sighed in relief and took the books, "Thank you Hop. This will help me a whole bunch!"

Unknown to Sonia, Hop was still skeptical, "What are you hiding, Gloria?"

In Ballonea, Bede was in the office of the gym unable to focus on his work. The date from last night kept repeating in his mind, and it made his face burn with embarrassment. Heaven help him, he didn't know if he was going to be able to look her in the eye the next time he saw her. He acted like a complete nervous wreck. Still, she did not seem to mind at all. As a matter of fact, she obviously enjoyed being with him. Despite his nerves, it was a night he would've been more than happy to repeat.

A knock at the door jarred him out of his thoughts, "Yes?" He called out.

"Bede! It's me, Opal!" Opal's voice carried through the door, "I'm coming in!"

Without waiting for his response, she pushed the door opened and immediately entered the room.

"H-Hello, Ms. Opal…" Bede greeted her nervously.

Opal closed the door behind her, "I understand it may not be right of me to ask this, but I must know. How did things go with Gloria?"

Bede put a hand on his reddening face, "It went fine, Miss Opal."

She smiled warmly, "Oh, I'm happy to hear that child. I'm guessing you both enjoyed yourselves?"

Bede was hesitant, "Y-Yes…"

Opal was eagle-eyed to Bede's state, she assured him, "No need to be so bashful child. I can tell you're overjoyed."

Bede hesitated before responding, "We just… went for drinks, that's all." What Opal said was the truth however, he was delighted to spend time with Gloria like that. And he couldn't wait to see her again.

"I was nervous the entire time." He admitted, "I don't want to be like that."

Opal chuckled, "Oh, it's always like that the first date. I'm sure she was just as anxious as you were."

"She was so beautiful too…" Bede shyly praised, "I couldn't believe it when I saw her. She looked so refined..."

Opal was pleased to hear that, "Oh child."

"She asked me if I wanted to meet her again. I told her I would check my schedule and let her know when I was available."

Opal expressed excitement, "Oh, how lovely! See? I told you she's taken a liking to you!"

"Ms. Opal…!" Bede reacted, "I… would say it's still too soon to say that. I'm going to ask her if she wants to meet again tomorrow evening."

Opal smiled and encouraged him, "That sounds wonderful Bede. With that, I'll be taking my leave." She turned around, "I wish you the best of luck, child. Do let me know how things go, okay?" She exited the room, leaving Bede with his plan.

Not allowing himself to hesitate, Bede picked up his phone and called Gloria's number. He waited nervously as her end of the line rang.

She picked up, "H-Hello?"

"Gloria, it's me, Bede." He replied.

"Hey Bede! What's going on?"

"Gloria… I was wondering if you were available tomorrow night?"

She answered, "I… I am!"

Bede smiled, he was thankful that she couldn't see him, "Wonderful. Did you want to meet again?"

He could hear her joy over the line, "I would love to!"

"That's great. I'd advise we go somewhere where there's less people around." Bede suggested, thinking of preventing rumors from being spread.

Gloria realized that, "Oh, that's a good idea. People won't see us then. Hmm… how about the Isle of Armor? We can walk through the forest. I don't see a lot of people there whenever I hang out there, especially during the evening."

"Hmm, interesting." Bede replied, "Very well, so it's settled. We'll meet there tomorrow evening. How about at seven?"

"Great! That sounds good!"

"Wonderful."

Once the two concluded the conversation and hung up, Bede was finally able to exhale. His heart was pounding, but he was proud of himself for having gotten through that conversation without embarrassing himself. As far as he was concerned, he had redeemed himself from the last one.

With his mind cleared, he was able to focus a bit better.

Author's Note: Haha! We're picking up the pace here! Fasten your seat belts dear readers!

See you next time!