Had to do this.

Pasio

*Phew!*

Victor leans back, wiping the sweat off his brow. He then looks around, a smile growing on his face.

Things had just started out well, Victor and Candice bringing Maylene and several other Fighting-Type Trainers a warm meal as they trained out in the cold. But their appetites were more than the chef's anticipated, and the pair were almost overwhelmed. 2 vs 7 aren't great odds. Thankfully, some Gigantamix spice added to the stew was enough to hold off these physical guru's stomachs. Everyone was then enjoying being full and having a good time out here in this frozen area.

Well, almost everyone.

Not that Victor isn't happy about the way things turned out, but he's lost in thought. Seeing all the happy consumers, and the friendships that were growing, had him think about something. Or rather, someone. Stirring the small bit of stew that's leftover, a "..." appears over his head. Candice eventually noticed that something was wrong with him.

"Is everything okay?"

Victor wasn't really listening, mumbling something to himself while having a taste of the stew. Candice then noticed Victor was adding some things to the dish, his appearance alternating between annoyed, and excited. It seems like he's plotting something.

Candice smiled, "Thinking about her, aren't you?"

That got Victor's attention. He dropped his ladle, and blushed. "W-what are you talking about?"

Candice giggled and nodded, "Just go, I'll take care of things here."

"...are you sure?" When she nodded again, Victor grinned. He quickly gathered what he had been working on, and then took off. Candice watched him disappear, a relaxed smile spreading on her face. She knows the memories Victor has with his special someone will come out loud and clear in his cooking.

A little later

Victor had run all over Pasio looking for one particular girl. He had searched high and low for her, but with no success. It was now nighttime on the island. Defeated, he collapsed onto a nearby bench. He runs his fingers through his hair, ruining his appearance.

"Victor."

The young chef almost leaps into the air when he hears his name being said. Turning to look, Victor is greeted by a wonderful sight: the girl in black and pink. But she's not wearing her normal outfit, but a different black and pink dress, one that Victor hadn't gotten to see yet. The Dark baker-style outfit she's wearing reminds Victor of Candice's Ice one. He thinks this punk girl looks great, while she thinks he looks cute and handsome. Victor finally spoke. "Marnie!"

Marnie gave him the tiny smile she can usually muster. Little did Victor know that while he and Candice were busy cooking for others, Marnie had been busy preparing herself to show off for Victor. She had been waiting for so long for him to see her like this. And seeing how he loved her Champion outfit, then this was going to be a sweet treat for him as well.

But after getting dressed, Marnie went looking for Victor, looking to hopefully spend some time with him, and make something special for him. She finally did find Victor but saw that he was spending time with Candice. Flashbacks of a year ago of Victor and Mallow together, and now, almost broke her heart. Thankfully, Marnie had overheard what was going on. And just like back then, Marnie hearing about how sweet and kind Victor was, only made her fall deeper in love with him.

This year was supposed to be the year she confessed. Marnie would have done it a while back in Galar, but with Victor being the champ, and Leon and most of the region's top Trainers inexplicably drawn to Pasio, she didn't get a chance to. Even when Victor followed Marnie here a while later, situations and events kept getting in the way. But now Marnie wants things to change, she just hopes Piers won't overreact.

Marnie then spoke, "Victor, I-"

"Wait!" Victor had cut her off, pulling her down to sit next to him. "Before you say anything, I made you something!" He then held up a fancy-looking container, filled with some delicious smelling food inside of it. One whiff of it brought memories back to Marnie's mind.

"Could it be," Marnie said excitedly, "That curry stew you made when you became the champ?" It was quite unusual for the champ to do such a thing, but that was how Victor wanted to celebrate, with those close to him. And he obviously missed that Marne had been makin' eyes at him during that dinner. But one bit of the stew confirmed what Marnie had already guessed. But this one tasted just a bit different. The previous curry stew was made with friends in mind. This one? It was a dish made with "focus and love" in mind.

And so, Marnie had something to tell Victor. Feelings that had been on her mind for so long. Something to get off her chest, and as a thank you for Victor being who he is.

"I love you."

I just had to do this. DeNA knew what they were planning!

If this hasn't been enough Victor x Marnie for you, then-