- Chapter 9: Karaoke -

The time on the clock read 05:01 AM. Haru stood looking at himself, forcing himself to deal with the imagery of one who slumped away from his bed and had yet to become fully 'awake' as a hand lazily is caressing a blade across a tiny bit of facial hair near his chin. The events of the other day persisted in his head all night, and parts of him were at a mental battle within itself.

/I was...so incredibly un-cool in that moment. Nessa probably thinks I'm not nearly as ready to move on as she'd like me to be. It was such a lame reaction, even if I ended up managing to do something. I know I'm ready...so why did I just leave her hanging like that? She even apologized, too.../ his inner monologue would be shouting at himself as his hands combed through his messy hair and pulling a bit on his eyelids, cleaning the razor of leftover facial hair. There wasn't much at all, but he enjoyed a clean shave. Him and Nessa talked it out like perfectly reasonable adults on where they were currently standing, but Haru knew they were actually comfortable enough to go a little further. For some reason a part of him panicked in the moment of being so overwhelmed by how turned on he got, and was regretting it.

/Nessa is clearly capable of holding her own when taking the initiative on anything, be it business or pleasure. I love how she's like that, and I'm good on the business part, but since I was the one who asked her out, I should also be a man about this and make her realize I'm not backing out. There's no need to be like this anymore./ he'd think over, as his glance to his reflection hardened, as if speaking to the man in the mirror. Haru grabbed a toothbrush, toothpaste, and started slowly on getting his daily routine on, all the while still 'coaching' himself through what to go on with next.

/It's enough that she makes me melt so easily because that domineering part of her transforms me into putty...but I know more than anyone that relationships are strengthened by communicating strongly; a give and take. I'm already well on my way to becoming more comfortable around her, so I should act like that's true. I need to show that to her. If everything else goes smoothly too leading up to it.../ his eyes glance to a tiny calendar hanging that had their 6 month anniversary circled by a red marker, and the words "CLASS!" and "SWIM!" labeled for that day.

/...no. It will go smoothly. It's time I put down that side of myself that overthinks on the smallest of details when it comes to these things. I should give myself more credit to how far I've gotten. I've become Champion, have a good number of Pokemon; 7 of which I consider my extended family...and the most beautiful girlfriend on the planet./ spitting out the toothpaste, then washing his mouth, his mind goes to Nessa. In his own way, he was initiating a 'Calm Mind' move that he knows Masako, his Gardevoir, would be using in such a situation.

With a few slaps to both cheeks, Haru looks at himself straight on. "Whatever psyche lock I have within me is going to be destroyed before we reach that moment. There won't be a need to hesitate or feel afraid. There's no reason to do so. You got this, Haru." pointing to the mirror.

/She wants to feel sexy to me just like how I want to feel sexy in her eyes. It's only natural, with how deeply we've connected up until now. I won't make her feel like she made a mistake like that again./ was his last thought before heading downstairs, freezing on the last step.

/I should bring her something, as I get ready for swim lessons./ The thought came to him, turning then to a fishing pole that was last used when she took him fishing way before they ever dated. It was during a time when he had trouble getting certain fish Pokemon to bite and ended up spending some time hanging with her. The flashback gave Haru an idea to go looking through his kitchen cabinets to look for something before pulling out a small container with an 'aha!'. Looking at the clock, he would waste no time then getting ready.

- - - - - Hulbury - - - - -

- - - - - Water Gym, Indoor Pool Staff Area - - - - -

The sounds of agony came from one Haru being whistled at loudly by his coach on the sidelines. For once, Haru was thankful none of his Pokemon were there to see him like this since the 2 he brought with him were in their balls at the moment sitting inside his backpack.

"C'mon babe, show me that stamina! Show me that spirit!" Nessa shouts, standing by the poolside with a whistle in her hand having blown it, timing Haru. Part of the exercise she had him doing was swimming from one side of the pool to the other, and the poor guy was tired from doing it to just one side.

Haru wasn't an athletic swimmer like she was, but being able to maintain the action itself, albeit slower than her by far, it put a smile on her face seeing him trying. He was gasping for air and doing his best to maintain the rhythm so that fatigue wouldn't take over. Kneeling down to the edge of the pool where he'd have to 'tap' to indicate he did a lap, Nessa sticks her hand out. "C'mon babe you're almost there! YOU GOT THIS!"

He couldn't manage a reaction to say audibly but Nessa watches him clumsily, however eventually, get to her spot. The second his hand hits hers, she clasps around him to help him stay up so he can rest. Nessa is able to see he was past his limit but was beaming. "Look at you love! Both on this and the exercise we did together in The Wild Area you weren't looking forward to either of those due to your strengths but you still managed to do so much!"

Haru took a bit to answer, now leaning against the wall of the poolside where Nessa's hand now just rested against his face. "Part of me feels like doing anything other than my absolute best would look uncool to you, so there's that too." he says before coughing, trying to catch his breath. Nessa lends him a hand to just help him out of the pool with more ease since he was tired out; grabbing himself a towel.

"You know, you don't have to do that much just to impress me or anything. Watching you try your best is , and thank you for the custom feed you brought: I'll see if this helps boost any of the stats of my water babies." she said, sitting down with him with her legs hanging off the poolside, and him joining her.

"You're welcome love. But about the whole 'not needing to impress'...I'm aware. Still, I like putting my best foot forward, and beyond. You've probably had people you've trained not having as much willpower either quit or down themselves too much right?" He'd ask back, with the towel hugging over his shoulders and one hand holding onto one of her own.

Smiling and clenching her hand to his, she'd go on to think back on people she'd train with, or help in the past. "Every person has their own limitations. Some people just choose whether or not to keep going once they hit them so that they can break them." she turned her head to him. "I think that's what drew me to you once I started to have feelings."

His eyes widened a bit, but would press on. "How do you mean by that?"

"Well for one thing...there's been plenty of times where you weren't comfortable doing very new things but still didn't let that stop you. You never once shied away from asking me for help, and if I'm honest that's more than some trainers ever do. For goodness sake, you came to me one time when you wanted to 'look more manly' since I have a model's creative eye. It was one of the first times anyone who was a Pokemon trainer saw me for being who I was outside of this job and it was one of the first times we got to really chat together too. Things like those are why I was able to feel like I can be Nessa, the person, rather than just whatever titled position that was needed." with the aqua blue eyes of hers looking back at his as if remembering the past.

"That's weird to me honestly. Sure there's a lot of you Gym Leaders, but trainers rely purely on them for growth. To me that alone is the entire point of Gym Leaders. If you're just in the Gym one moment and then never look back afterwards as if it's just another step in the road...then did you really learn anything?" the still wet redhead would say back. This caused Nessa to frown a bit, going on the topic another way.

"Being a Gym Leader is mostly a thankless job, Haru. You're basically one of the main reasons trainers come to do what they want to do, so you're the reason they wake up. You fight them. You hand them a badge, and they leave. I imagine stuff like that is why you pushed yourself to the point you're at now, right? Being Champion, that is." she asked him, to which Haru nodded. Nessa continued "Some days you win, some days you lose. You're expected to lose so you can pave the way for more possible Champions and create a healthier world where more people understand how Pokemon can benefit our lives by living mutually with them. I know where I stand in the whole challenge: I'm only Gym Leader #2 out of all of us. I have no illusions about what my numerical value is...so I do my best to not let it get to me and think of the better picture: what it does to benefit others. It's like...think back of your mom."

"My mom? How does she fit into this?" as the mentioning of Lana caught Haru by surprise that he stopped trying to dry his hair with the towel.

"Well, it's a hard job. She has to help take care of, diagnose, medicate, heal, and repair Pokemon on a daily basis on top of any clerical duties. It's a job that nobody really asked her to go out of her way to do, and yet she knows she wouldn't give up the position at all. It's the same with being a Gym Leader. I wouldn't give this up for all the riches in the world." she said with her feet swaying a little, as her voice echoes in the empty pool area.

She saw Haru smile after all that, and look back after bringing her hand up to his lips and kiss it. "Similarly to what I told Leon: I feel like being a Gym Leader is my calling so I can help be a new example to new trainers. One day I was going to lose my title. It may be with the next trainer, it may not be. Plus there is one much better reason for me to be a Gym Leader." his eyes went half lidded in a smug expression back to Nessa.

Her head tilted, trying to figure out where he could be leading with this but came up with no answer. "Okay, I give, what is the 'much better reason'?"

His free hand that wasn't holding hers gave a definitive point to the ceiling. "A -much- better song to play as I'm fighting trainers." she ends up laughing, making Haru give a sheepish grin. "Hey, it's the truth."

She shook her head. "I know but GOSH you're a fucking dork. A dork I love, anyway."

He let go of her hand to shrug. "Hey, I'm serious. Gym Leader Theme is WAY BETTER than the Champion Theme. I heard the crowds chanting it when I fought Leon. I know my musical tastes."

"Speaking of your musical tastes, when am I going to hear you sing again? Your lady here wants to be serenaded still you know." Nessa would say stretching her arms above her head and relaxing both hands on her knees.

"Very soon." Haru replied without a shred of hesitation.

The quickness in his reply caught Nessa off guard but a hint of interest sparked in her eyes. "Really? Anything ELSE I can expect 'very soon'?"

His mind briefly went to earlier's monologue within himself. "You'll see. I'm working on something, actually. Something I've been hard at work for a bit. Also, I wanted to get off my chest that I was REALLY uncool the other day to you, Nessa."

Her eyes showed some concern where he was leading; mostly that he was apologizing even after they talked it out. The thought of him feeling bad over his hesitation right in the face of her sexually taking charge made her sad. "Honey, it's okay. You don't have to feel bad."

"Still, at this point you should know that you're not the only one who feels like we can move on forward even further. I reacted instinctively, and to be frank you make me melt when you are so..." he fumbled on a word, with Nessa moving her head alongside his own as if to follow his thought process. "...domineering."

Her face flushed a bit with red. "I'm sorry, is that bad?"

"ARCEUS No! I rather get an immense rise out of it, actually! I love it! But...If I can...if I can.." He began to say, looking at her, then the pool, then her again.

"Haru...what is it?" she pressed him.

Something deep within him told him that it wasn't the time to dilly dally on this any longer, and as their eyes met his body reacted, moving towards her as the towel from his shoulders slides off.

"h-Haru!" she yelps, with herself being laid down on her back suddenly.

There's a soft sound of impact as Haru is leaning over Nessa who's looking back up at him. Due to the position, she had to open her legs a little with one leg bent. She really had no idea what to do, and for him, neither did he. But he felt sometime egging him to move on. For a moment neither one of them spoke, with him taking on the role of someone who was being on top. Seeing her expression drove a deeper part of him to come out a little, but had landed mentally back on everything they spoke of up until that moment. As two adults, and as two deeply in love, one of them took action first. Nessa's eyes close when Haru leans down to her body while still above her on the ground kissing her deeply. They had kissed many times before this point, but Haru's position itself and what suddenly led up to it was the first time that she actually felt on the receiving end of such a romantic 'assault' of the senses. Knowing that he was being so bold made her heart leap out of her chest. That he would suddenly 'attack' her drove a new thrill in her heart. He was using his hands to lean over her as one elbow propped him up before the other hand rested near her stomach. He broke the kiss to look at her, gauge her face and could not help but find it satisfying.

Her face showed her looking far softer than before: he wondered if this is the exact same type of face he showed her when she took on the same role he is in right at that second. All those times when The Raging Wave would say a certain phrase, or physically do a certain action that made him stutter just to get another reaction for her amusement; it made sense to him. The understanding of what drove her to fish for those sorts of moments dawned upon him.

"...Babe...?" he asks, taking a breath.

"...hmm..?" is all she manages to say.

Wordlessly his hand just starts snaking up her torso slowly, as if trying to figure out the consent level they were both comfortable at with each other. He didn't want to rush this, and was figuring her out with any signs given to him. He had gotten a glimpse of where they stood thanks to such physical contact being teased in the past: once on accident, and the other deliberately in her office. Both of them felt this had a much stronger implication of intent, and her face was fixated on just letting the tiniest of sensation of his touch illuminate her senses. Working himself up her torso towards the middle, with her breathing quickening, their eyes met and he knew with a simple smile. He was given the 'okay' by her.

Nessa's eyes close instinctively as she let out a small, cute moan the second she felt a hand of his slide over her chest. Feeling the full mound in his hand over the fabric of the Water Gym colors itself and giving it a few small squeezes causes her to let out some noises Haru never heard her make. "Oh my gosh..." was all she said weakly, lips quivering a little. Groping her slowly, and the texture of the swimsuit top aside, Haru felt exhilarated putting Nessa in such a position. Going slowly to enjoy it and not overdo the moment, his eyes fixated on her face.

"Never knew these were so incredibly soft..." was all he said.

Nessa gives a cute, whimpering "mm-hmm" as a reply. Even if he was feeling them on the outside of her top and not the bare skin, it took him by surprise how bulbous it was to cup his hand around them. He leaned up again to her already very reddened face as their lips met again, noticing this time she was giving him an even more passionate kiss due to what he was doing.

Their tongues would make their way to each other as the drive to enjoy wherever this was going to go became more the center of attention. Her reciprocating his physical advances with such passionate kissing paid her in kind with a rhythm of gentle and not-so-gentle groping. Nessa tenses up while kissing her lover before biting a little bit of his lip before pulling away as Haru looked into her eyes deeply. "Hon you're making me go absolutely nuts here...a-and I'm sensitive there you know.."

She brought him back down to kiss her just as deeply, now with both of his hands groping her chest. Even with the swimmer outfit she wore, his palms and fingers could feel nearly everything that her body had to give underneath it, and it drove him insane. Feeling her tongue swirling against his own; the passionate aggressiveness had only gone up.

His eyes then briefly look at the clock behind her and sighs. Nessa worries she did something wrong until Haru nodded to the wall behind her. She lets out a loud grunt of dissatisfaction. The two noticed the time: her Gym would be opening soon. Trying his best to coax her so they wouldn't get caught, Haru kisses her again and helps Nessa sit up with him.

"Aw...fuck...You're going to leave me soaking wet it seems..." Nessa whined a bit, noticing the timer with her face more red as a result of what happened. Giving him the puppy eyed treatment and a pout, Haru rubbed his neck before reaching across to her cheek trying to cheer her up.

While giving a weak chuckle, his only response was. "Well...there'll be time for more, my sweet Hulbury Goddess."

She looked none too happy being reminded she was there for her job for the day, but was noticeably much happier knowing the two of them were that much closer. The lightning strike of pleasure that coursed through her veins the second they got to that level of intimacy drove her absolutely wild and would no doubt be thinking about it for a bit. The two of them had a few things to work through, but Haru breaking through his shell to 'take the lead' as it were had come out with very positive results. It was a big stepping stone for both of them. However sexually frustrated they both would end up being from this, jobs had to be done.

The two would kiss before he left, with her telling him that she'll let him know on when they'll meet up for the upcoming date during their anniversary. The idea of having an interim Gym Leader struck her, but would have to ask around about it. Going back to her office when he left, her face scrunches up noticing how excited he got her physically and muttered. /Damn...I never would have guessed he would have such magnificent hands that knew how to 'work' me.../

- - - - - Wyndon - - - - -

Haru winces, with another voice instructing him to follow his lead "Yes darling, you're doing great. Remember to slo~w it down. And! Follow me, deary~"

"ah...ah okay.." he'd say with a slight apprehension in his voice.

When he happened upon what looked like a class to learn how to dance on one day, Haru ended up actually taking the plunge. In secret, he was taking lessons for his own health and to hopefully surprise Nessa when his lessons were over one day. The only thing he had trouble with was keeping balance on one part, and was slowly moving to a point he could succeed. Footwork was a different beast altogether compared to throwing a pokeball properly or jogging a lap around The Wild Area, but Haru mentally now wondered if those in Alola had to do crazy things 'such as this' in order to unlock the ever curious 'Z-Moves' Hop told him about one time. At this level within the class, Haru was no expert, but felt with more practice he'd master being able to pull this off without thinking too hard.

The gentleman talking to him was his personal teacher, bearing a black-and-magenta striped shirt, stretchy leather pants that shone brightly in the lighting of the dance room and its floors, short jet black hair styled so it covered one eye of his at a neutral glance, and heels. Despite him looking so extravagant, and the slight height difference of the two, Haru was able to follow along throughout the several weeks he had been going.

"Gorgeous! Absolutely stunning, darling!" his teacher said again, as Haru would finish the set he was practicing.

"Hey...can we break before we try doing the partner dance portion? I need a minute." Haru said, trying to stretch a little but also relax. Having done both swimming in the morning and now this, the day was already weighing heavy on him when it came to the physical aspect.

Knowing how far he had come since the first day, the instructor clasped his hands together and nodded. "Sure thing honey let's take 5. Got your water?"

The now very messy from sweat redhead walked to his bag that he carried with him at all times, nodding to the Hatterene he brought with him, and pulled out a big water bottle with a small bag he could mix with it for protein. Sitting next to his teacher, Haru started mixing the contents and looked up at the man sitting next to him.

"Hey Matias? How long have you been a dancer for; was it something you always wanted to do?"

One hand goes to Matias' lips in thought, looking back at Haru. "For quite some time now but I can't remember! Pokemon training isn't my thing exactly, but I adore how they have such a large array of ways to express themselves in the universe. I suppose because I had that thought come to me, that I wanted to help others realize they can be just as beautiful as these creatures are to us. Just like you." winking back at Haru.

The Champ took the compliment in stride, taking a drink of the bottle. "I have another question and this one is more personal. Feel free to opt out though if you don't have an answer."

"Shoot, I'm all ears for you." Matias spoke up.

"After I finish my lesson here and can pull this off, how would you go about, say, romancing someone with this? You know the reason why I came here awhile back and why I took this class." closing the bottle with a twist of the cap, the bespectacled man looked to his senior with some slight worry.

The mere idea of his student asking for any sort of romantic help made him giddy. "As I recall, you came here to learn a new skill set that could spark new flames in your relationship with the Water Gym leader herself, yes? Are you asking about how to set that up?"

Haru nodded back, looking to the wall that showed nothing on it other than bars hanging from the wall to help students balance themselves on more advanced moves. "Currently there's a general idea running in my head that I have, but I want to know if you'd think it'd be that..." his right hand made a fist and he thrust it forward horizontally. "..you know. The 'oomph' that is a perfect finish to an evening or something."

As the shine in his pants glistened a bit across Haru's eyes, Mathias would cross his legs and lean back. "Tell me what your plans are for this 'perfect night' then. I'll be the judge."

- 5 minutes later -

"...and I'm hoping when I finish with that, that it'll make everything worth it in the end. It's not too cliche is it?" Haru would finish explaining, after putting away his drink and looking to the effeminate man.

The teacher, fired up from hearing his plans for the 'perfect night', leaped back up and helped Haru to his feet. "Matter of fact? I think it's so good, that I've decided your break is over and we're moving onto the practical application. Embrace me, and show me what you've learned!"

A spark ignited in Haru's eyes looking to the other man and smiled wide. "Before you know it, I'll sweep you right off your feet, master!"

- 1 hour later -

The end of Haru's dancing lesson would conclude with him being able to properly apply the lessons and teachings he took up to that point with a single standing ovation from his teacher. Teasing that Haru indeed 'swept him off his feet', the light flirting just bounces back off of him. The man would be standing near the entrance with the intention to exit the building with his Hatterene floating next to him. "Thanks, teacher, but you know I'm loyal to my lady. But I'll take the compliment that you think I'm so dashing to heart. If that whole 'thing' I said earlier was good for you and that I should go through with it, then surely it'll work out!"

Mathias lightly tapped him on the shoulder with a fist, beaming with pride. "You'll come back again right? Even after this? I have to know how it goes, and I don't think you'll find anyone else who knows how to get your feet moving like I do!" striking a pose at the end of his statement, Haru got a laugh out of it.

"There's a good chance I'll come back here, yes. Sorry to have kept you from your other students today. Stay fabulous, Mr.M.!" he said with a wave, pushing the door open and exiting with Yuri floating by his side.

Outside in the streets of Wyndon it was far less chaotic than it had been months ago. The repairs to the stadium were going along well, and while security had amped up considerably for a bit the general hustle-and-bustle of those in the streets had returned to normalcy as if nothing happened. Yuri uses her large hand-like appendage to tap his shoulder and point to his pants pocket.

"Oh, right, my Rotom Phone. Had it on silent the whole time. Thanks, Yuri." as they'd walk past a few benches and sat down. A few texts came by with one being a spam that was advertising how to 'get free Master Balls in bulk' that he'd ignore, but a few stood out.

[[NESSA: Damn it Haru, you made my heart stay pounding the entire time that I almost couldn't concentrate during a few battles already this morning! Not that I mind, but earlier today it was like seeing that same fire you had battling as a challenger. Just, you know, in a different way for the two of us. For my eyes only. Got to go, they're sending in another Challenger who's rematching with me from the other day. Love you, 'Ruby!' XOXO ]]

It made Haru smile reading that message, as it just reinforced to himself that they stronger than before. Sliding his thumb over to the other message, however, made him raise his eyebrow. Yuri peered over his shoulder as her master gestured for her to look at the message with him.

[[AGENT S: Sir the Pokemon League Chairman Oleana is asking for your presence whenever you can meet us. If you find time, please contact me immediately. There's a problem we have to inform you. Wasn't given any details but it may be your first assignment as a Champion in terms of defending the nature of Galar as a region for Pokemon trainers.]]

"...huh. Wonder what that's all about. What say you, Yuri, we're here in Wyndon anyway: fancy some more time here?" looking at the Fairy Pokemon with an equally quizzical expression that she had, with the two turning to a shuttle bus that drove by that he got on with her.

- - - - - Pokemon League HQ - - - - -

- - - - - Oleana's Office - - - - -

Sitting at her desk, Oleana handed Haru a folder that was somewhat thick. Inside it were police reports of witness accounts alongside anecdotal evidence for something Oleana starts to explain while he sat in the opposite of her desk.

"Roughly since the start of your time of being Champion there has been a gradual rise of a unique set of problems that may or may not link to a bigger issue. It's gotten so out of hand that it's reached my desk, and I've come to you now for assistance. To date, there's numerous reports from folks who have seen an interruption of Gym Challengers, and people who stop the challenge altogether."

His eyes look over the paper, reading it thoroughly but still commenting back to her voice. "You mean like their scheduling of Gym Challenge matches is now thrown out of whack? Both the Sword AND Shield goal set variants? Is it because the trainers lose their will to continue after losing the battles to the leaders? Lack of attendance?"

She exhales after taking a drink from her freshly brewed tea. "Quite the contrary: it seems they happen to stop not long after some people finish battling Gym Leaders."

His glance shot up from the folder to her. "What...? But that doesn't make sense. Getting an endorsement is required. It's not easy, and to just stop if you're making progress is not natural."

"That's correct. That's because some people are reported talking about someone who is out there sabotaging Pokemon battles and Max Raids. Say that they are utilizing something that, while not entirely illegal, is something we haven't had a problem with in a long while. As you know, we rely on the general cycle of the Gym Challenge to help our economy thrive. It's one of many ways Pokemon's relationships with humanity is a mutual benefit, but it is the main draw people have to them: to see them fight. Pokemon help Pokemon Center staff members, Pokemon are hired for small jobs, hired for big jobs. You know all this, but thanks to this whole 'event', the natural rhythm seems to be thrown astray. Certain Gyms are getting more repeat losers who come back with an entirely different team just to go to another Gym to breeze through it. Trading has gone unaffected, but haven't you noticed how other Gym Leaders are still being challenged by what feels like the same set of Challengers for awhile? Even in YOUR tenure doing such a thing, we had more going for it." setting her cup of tea down, Oleana started to pace a little around the room.

Haru just shook his head, confused and kept on reading. "You bring up some valid points, but you mentioned some 'method' earlier...what exactly is that method?"

The office lady would continue to pace, but slower. "Are you familiar with the term 'Nuzlocke', Haru? It's a strict set of rules that require people to capture Pokemon that they run into, no matter the order, and if they faint once in battle they don't revive them whatsoever. Leaving them to die. It's not something we've been able to make exactly illegal, but it's frowned upon because it's deemed cruel and unusual. It upsets the balance of taking care of Pokemon like they're our equals. Some trainers still do it. However, there seems likely that a sect of trainers out there take the same 'one and done' principal of that type of run and applies it towards another aspect." she would stop in front of her desk, settling herself on one side facing Haru with her arms crossed.

"Let me guess, instead of giving up the Pokemon by letting it die, they give that Pokemon away to the victor?" Haru said, taking a shot in the dark while looking up from the folder to Oleana.

She held up a finger decisively. "Bingo. We don't know of what means this person may be doing this. There's unsubstantiated rumors that this person may be using illegal technology, and there's just as many unsubstantiated rumors they may be simply agreeing to do what you proposed. We don't know if it's for personal gain, or simply to get a 'rise' out of the defeated. Those of us who gathered this information together are thinking this person is gambling the rights of Pokemon away by defeating them in battle."

Oleana would be handed back the folder after Haru had taken out some blurry photos that were taken of the suspect. In every single shot they were wearing masks to obscure their face, and had their hair either very short, or hidden somehow to make it harder for them to be able to be spotted.

"Why would anyone do this? Why not just catch and train Pokemon like the rest of us? Hell, just set up a Surprise Trade post and sit there for a few hours and you'll most likely get some amazing trades. I've done it myself! Breed a few eggs and see if you'll get a perfect IV Pokemon! I only have one myself of course, but still; I managed to do it and it increased my appreciation for the act alone. My mother raised me to take care of Pokemon like they are an extension of your family...except if that family had hundreds of brothers and sisters, and maybe one or two who never call you like Mew or Mewtwo. You may not even know exactly if some other brothers or sisters or uncles even exist like Giratina or the Ultra Beasts...I think that's what Hop told me they were called." he animatedly said looking to Oleana, who only looked back with an even more half lidded expression. "Okay my analogy fell apart there in the end, but Ms. Chairman, this is just wrong! Someone out there is doing this...but one thing I didn't see in those papers was a motive. We only had our 'maybes' to go on. Do you have a clue?"

Oleana snapped her fingers with a hand as if finalizing on a thought, before going back to her chair at the desk. "My hunch is that this person has an intense grudge to settle with someone, and for them, it's not about the means: only the end result matters. They're doing what they can to get as many Pokemon as possible and building up towards some sort of goal. None of us can pin it, and that was only a guess I had. It's not so much that the others disagreed, but they all had different perspectives. Some of them think this person is doing it because of a job, and if that's that case we may have an even bigger problem. Do you get what I'm alluding to, Haru?"

His eyes scanned her and the room for a short moment before finalizing on a thought that made him go pale. "...that this person may be related to whoever it was that did the attack on the Wyndon Stadium because of how unnatural and sudden this has been?"

A small smile spread on her lips. "Right again, Champ."

"...what if it's the third possibility? What if it's all of these, or none of these?" handing her back the photos he took out from the folder as Oleana retrieved them, neatly tucking them away.

She would then lean forward with her elbows propped up on the desk and hands clasping each other; eyes peeking just a little above them. "Then consider what I'm about to tell you. For this moment, with you as our designated Galarian Champion, I, Oleana, Chairman of the Pokemon League, hereby request your help to find this troublemaker. Look for any unnatural battles occurring on your daily routine. Listen for anyone mentioning this person that's responsible for these actions. I can't grant you investigative powers like our policemen and detectives have, but I can formally ask that if you find this person to deal with them however you see fit."

"As your Champion of the Galar region, I'll do just this. Whether I find them before my defending title match as Champion, or afterwards. I'll bring them in." Haru said, standing up and looking her in the eyes.

Her olive-colored eyes looked back at him, with her face unchanging in seriousness. "Good. Meanwhile, I've successfully arranged for your Gym to be fully funded and will require you to send me your plans within the week. I have a team ready to meet with you so we'll have to start on this so within a few years you'll have your Gym. Any later and it may be a little difficult to work it in the scheduling. Our region has a lot on our table, such as currently working on some plans with our brethren in the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra."

"Thank you, !" extending a hand for a handshake. She merely looks up at him, then his hand, then him again with a smirk.

"Always so formal with me...but that's fine. You've been nothing short of dependable thus far. Make sure those plans meet my desk: within the week either by proxy or in person." shaking his hand after standing up to meet him.

Yuri watched the two shake hands and wondered if there was something she could do to help in this whole 'rogue Pokemon trainer' business that could assist her master better. For the immediate future all she could hope for is to be the best help he'd require for any given battle or otherwise.

- - - - - The Wild Area - - - - -

- - - - - Near Dappled Grove - - - - -

"So you're telling me that someone attempting to go after your target dressed up as us, so that at a first glance they wouldn't be identifiable?" Giovanni said, while on a video call with Syra. She was inside her tent while having some curry that was made earlier; hudding up to it for warmth due to the current cold air that was enough to bite outside.

"It wasn't a really solid plan because it turns out they were just some really really big fanboy of Nessa and had been trying to see if they could do something to hurt Haru really badly. Fucking stupid, honestly. The worst part about it, is that not everybody believes him even though he went on testimony to say so; some going so far as to say that Team Rocket 'told him to say this to deflect blame'. You realize the problem with this situation?" she pointed a spoon at the screen.

"It means that with the explosion, and this, some authorities may be onto your movements. Especially if rumors have begun circulating on some of your methods on increasing your Pokedex logs. Your goals may be endangered." The man replied, folding his arms and turning his chair a bit to the side.

"...what do we do? If I have to lay low, I'll do it. Of what I have left...I can simply find the remainders and continue sending the good ones towards you. But now I'll have to stop doing what I've been doing up until now to get some of them. I'll have to 'be legitimate'." she complained, gesturin air quotes with a hand.

"Syra, I believe it's time I put forth the last shipment." he began to say before Syra spat out her curry to the side.

"The LAST?! Are you NUTS?! You can't cut me off like this, I didn't even do ANYTHING!" yelling at the screen.

He put a hand forward trying to calm her down, not being put off by her aggressive nature. "You didn't let me finish. This last shipment coming is going to be the last but we'll make it the best. You're still missing a particular Pokemon that I believe will be key to your team. You may already have it, but one doubts that you'll find one as good as this one. Catch what I'm saying?"

She huffed softly in frustration and looked at him as such. "Suppose it can't be helped, then."

"Expect it within 2 days to get to you. At the level you're at, you have plenty of money to drown in so supplies won't be an issue that you'll need us anymore. Your report tells me you'll be facing Raihan soon, yes? Seems you really held off on facing him until you are fully ready. Hmm. Let me just say there's a 'trump card' we've yet to send you...and if it brings the connection of Team Rocket closer, with you as its upcoming Champion, then it'll be all the better." Giovanni smirked, hoping she caught on.

Feeling a little better on the situation, and trusting in him, the girl nodded. "Okay then. Sorry for shouting. I'm grateful for your assistance, Boss."

The video call ended, and Syra dug out her Pokedex within the Rotom Phone while finishing the curry while the winds outside her tent blew more intensely. In her mind, she had already assembled some very top tier fighters that may be key to defeat Haru if he was going to assemble 1 out of 4 possible teams. "He may be from Kanto, and failed numerous times in his plan for domination but he hasn't let me down yet...so trusting in him shouldn't be a problem." she re-assured herself.

Her Rotom Phone made a signal that it received a message, and upon going to it just looked a little uneasy. It was her dad.

[[DAD: Syra, just checked the mail. Money was received that you sent back to me. Thank you. Been busy making sure nobody makes connections to you to our family. Take care.]]

"Tch...not even a 'miss you' or 'love you' or anything? Just wanted to say that? Fuck. " she muttered to herself in a morose manner, looking at the ground for a little in silence. She decided not to venture out again like she had previously planned on doing so; instead choosing to put her phone, finished curry bowl, and the cooking tools up so she would be able to nap. Her arms wrap around one of her pillows while flashbacks played of the past that led her here, as well as other memories she hadn't thought about in a long time. Part of her knew this was the right choice for herself in order to move forward, but despite her progress it felt like she was moving further away from the things that mattered. The girl couldn't figure out if it was brought on to her by homesickness, or just the sum of all the moving parts of her life at that second that did made her feel that way.

Syra's consciousness faded. /I miss Mom.../

In a few minutes, she broke a little out of her stupor while trying to sleep feeling something going down her cheeks. While in her confusion, it came to her that they were tears. Without truly knowing why, she just started sobbing to herself and clutching the pillow to herself with nobody else but her gear, clothes, the sounds of the outside weather and the 6 PokeBalls warmly tucked away in her bag to keep her company.

- - - - - Motostoke - - - - -

- - - - - Haru's Home - - - - -

As his body ached from the exhaustive morning routine, the Champ himself would be home putting his nose into organizing everything that was formally logged about his Gym. Oleana had sent him contacts on people who could help him scout for Gym Trainers that would be his staff for his Gym, and was filling out tax information. He wasn't exactly the best at figuring those out, so he made a video call to Nessa when evening arrived for more examples. Using multiple tools to let her see what he had already gotten done, it was making more sense.

"I should honestly be paying you for assisting me with this much. Never been good with numbers on this sort of thing, and I probably would have made an error or two and wasted Ms. Chairman's time..." Haru had said with a pen nestled in his ear after writing down some information on some blanks in the paper.

On the screen, Nessa is seen in one of the shirts he 'leant' to her: ergo she had owned it for awhile.

"You can pay me back by giving me more of that attention you did earlier, babe." wiggling her eyebrows in a near comedic manner but meaning every single word said.

His eyes met hers on the webcam and blushed, thinking back. "Oh, that was going to come back to you regardless of my asking for help. Sorry to have left you like that though, but we both left that scene frustrated."

She's heard sighing and seen slumping in her seat. "Nice to know I can get a 'rise' out of you. But...yeah. Adulting CAN suck sometimes. Oh, but that also reminds me, dear. I feel bad because I told you I would show you the raws of the photo of a shoot that will be published soon and I never got around to it."

"Babe, you're a Gym Leader and a model. You're also a fisherwoman, and, for your staff, counselor and extended family. That's a lot on anyone's plate to manage. It's no bother that you couldn't do just one thing like that for someone like myself." Haru said, readjusting his glasses then taking them off when he saw that they were dirty.

Nessa didn't seem to take his answer 100% to heart. "It's just...I guess I got busy lately and forgot. But I don't ever do that. On top of that, I tried to see if we could have time off for our anniversary coming up. So far, it's no dice until I get off at the usual time...which really sucks if I can't manage."

Haru went a little silent at first, but looked at her with patience because he saw her face expression showed stress on keeping up on so many tasks. "Honey...if we have to, we can do it the day before or the night after-"

"It won't be the same, Haru! We don't -get- another first time for our 6 months!" she shouted, then realized what she did as Haru leaned away from the computer a bit.

"I...I'm sorry. Shouldn't have shouted." Nessa hung her head a little and looking back at him through the video window feeling guilty.

"Nessa, if there's more on your mind you can talk to me, you know. We never hide anything from each other. Also, it's okay. I'm not hurt or anything." trying to sound as understanding, Haru put away the business papers on the desk and gave Nessa his full attention.

Giving a few breaths, Nessa would go on. "I've been having some thoughts..."

/...oh no. Please tell me this isn't what I think it is...did I go too far earlier? Is something wrong with us..?/ was the immediate first reaction in Haru's mind as his face showed panic.

"Thoughts about what?" He asked with visibly tense eyes looking back.

He'd see it put to rest immediately as Nessa waved her hands. "Oh no no no nothing with us like THAT! You're fine love! WE are fine! Trust me! It's actually a more positive thing I wanted to discuss!"

/Felt like I just lost a year off my life panicking like that for no reason. I really ought to stop that../ Haru thought, with his heart slowing back down to normal rhythm. "Okay, I trust you. Do you mean, like earlier today?"

"Well, no. We've been getting even closer than before and I had wondered what your thoughts were about...moving in?" she would ask with a cute half smile.

"I'd be up for it." He answered without a second of hesitation.

The speed at which he replied so definitively threw her off her guard, and blushed. "W-wait, really? How can you say that so immediately without thinking?"

"Nessa, if I would have to give up everything I had to move in with you? Whether it's your home or us finding a new place together? I'd give it all up. I'd give everything up. 'Course, I'd have to make sure there's space for my Pokemon to live comfortably, but I can easily get rid of the fancier stuff here. What we have is more valuable than whatever roof I have over my head. It's just STUFF. You're irreplaceable. " he took the pen out of the folds of his ear and pointed to the screen to her.

The Raging Wave bit her lip a bit as her face turned a little red. "You'd do that? But I didn't...I wasn't even going to ask you to do that necessarily..or not yet anyway. I suppose I was just..I-i mean it was hypothetical."

He stood up from the chair while still in view of the webcam. Nearby, Mirukon was playing a card game with the other 6 Pokemon in hand and looked up at Haru. He saw his master gesture to the house he stood in, as some of the other Pokemon started to look with him. "Nessa, I don't think you understand just how much I am willing to sacrifice. When..." he looked at the floor a bit, then back to her. "When Hiro died, a large part of me felt uneasy. Directionless. Pointless. At times, I wanted to die. Hop would come over and suggest one day we both actually stop fussing about and do the Gym Challenge if we could get Leon to endorse us together. Hop went out of his way to do that for me, and it's why I'll stand by him. He was a great friend when I needed one, and it's thanks to that moment that I am where I am now."

Nessa hung onto every word he said, awaiting for him to continue as Haru sat back down to face her on the webcam window.

"I decided to go for the number 1 spot of becoming Pokemon Champion because one day long ago as a kid, I promised Hiro that I would do just that and then show him how cool of a world this place can be. But he never saw that world. He could never leave: he was held up in his home the whole time, and always dreamt of a better world beyond his scope of understanding. By being who I am, I'm trying to live for himself and I. When I came to YOU for help, you pulled me out of a dark spot that once again felt directionless. Pointless. Uneasy. I already attained my goal and people would be, and probably are, jealous that I'm the Champion. There technically shouldn't have been a reason for me to feel so awful. I sought answers within myself again, and came upon you for some reason that escaped my mind at the time. We already hung out several times before then, but it wasn't until I reflected on those moments that I started to feel for you. When you gave me a hug at the lighthouse it was probably my first sign to myself 'oh geez what is this feeling why is my face so red'. Because of you! You're the most intelligent person I've ever met, on top of being damn beautiful and a great trainer. You could have..." Haru gestured his arms halfway juggling due to him trying to make up a statement.

"I don't know, you could have shoo'd me away once you understood maybe I was having thoughts and feelings for you that I myself didn't realize I did. You could have just let whatever I said to you when we hung out bounce off of you like rubber to glue and just let me talk to myself. 'Oh Great now I have another person in the League hitting on me. Better let him off nicely as a friend and then maybe slither away so I'm not bothered.' I know you don't think that way at all, but that's what I was worried about initially just before going to communicate more with you. You COULD HAVE done any of those things. But you never did. You stood by me. With where we're we're at now...?" his eyes had watered at this point with a tear going down his cheek having worked himself up. Haru takes a second to use a thumb to wipe it off and look back at Nessa on his computer. "As we are right now, my mind's never felt clearer. This is why I can say these things so definitively and boldly to you: like the fact I would do -anything- for you. That's how much I love you."

Her face looked like she had been hit by the biggest emotional gut punch in a long time with her lips quivering a little, as the couple just sat there in silence smiling.

Once again, even though there was no need, he apologized to her. "Sorry, I went off on another tangent again."

"You really do have a way with words, Haru. Don't be sorry." she'd finally say to him after a minute.

"I try. But I mean every single word. If..." he breathes deeply, noticing all his Pokemon are now looking back at him and hang on the words he say just like she was currently. "If the possibility of moving in together is something you'd like to discuss later some day, then I'd be for that when possible. You know where I stand."

The dark skinned water trainer seemed to beam brightly more than he was with giving that answer, and just looked ready to shout for the heavens. "heheh...that makes me happy. Are you open for another big question that's similar to what I asked then?"

"Shoot." he answered right away.

"Have you ever considered having kids?" tilting her head to the side looking at him.

Haru looked back as his focus slightly faltered, but not due to outright shutting down the thought. "I actually never thought about it. I guess being an only child in the family and without a father it's not something that came up to my mind. Hmm."

"Is it something you're afraid of because you didn't have a dad?" she asked him.

"...I don't know. But I don't think I'd ever be against it." shrugging off the hesitation his mind briefly held, she'd see Haru was being honest. It was a much better answer than she expected at the current point of their relationship. "Where did that question come from, if I may be bold as to ask?"

"It wasn't my intention to ask you that, but rather my mom and dad were curious. I told them that you and I aren't that far into our relationship just yet. It's not something I'm against either, but it would be something to think about considering my jobs." both of Nessa's hands folded over each other while her blue eyes met his own.

"That makes sense. They want to make sure I'm looking out for you and your best interests rather than giving the ol' rumpy pumpy. They're being how parents should be. In any case...maybe it's time we set up a day to see them?" he suggested with a hand uncurling towards the camera in her direction.

"I think I can manage this Saturday, how does that sound?" she asked while getting out her pen and notepad on her side.

He took one glance at the calendar and then back at her. "Saturday it is. It's time I met the parents that made it possible for me to meet the loveliest woman on the planet."

"Just so you know going in, their names are Tilia and Armstrong. My dad will probably initially mess around with you to make you think he's uneasy but then let down his guard. It's probably my mother that will take a bit to get around to you. We BOTH know what that's like, right?" giving Haru a wink with one of her eyes and giggling.

He rolled his eyes a bit remembering when his mother met Nessa out in public and couldn't help but put a hand to his forehead as if a headache came upon him. "Right. Okay so now it'll be my turn to feel the heat like you did back then."

Both of them wrote down the date, and Nessa would put Haru on mute while giving her mother a call right there. Haru saw that the other Pokemon were looking at him still studiously since the part of the conversation when he brought up Hiro and had all gone closer to him. "Don't worry guys, I'm fine. I just got a little worked up. You're all family to me, and I'm grateful how far I've gotten up until now. Nessa needed to know what I felt, and you all too."

They embraced him in a group hug, as Nessa unmuted herself and hung up her Rotom Phone. "They said they're looking forward to meeting you and will be making a big dinner for 4. So there we go!"

"Wonderful. I'm looking forward to it!" the Champ said with full confidence and possible naivety, all things considered. He had no clue what her parents would truly be like until they actually would end up meeting but since the shoe was on the other foot and he'd have to experience what Nessa dealt with his mom it couldn't be that bad.

Right..?

- - - - - That Saturday - - - - -

- - - - - Nessa's Parents' Home - - - - -

Haru sat at the dinner table in silence as he was looked upon by the one at the head of the table; the man of the house himself, Nessa's father. Being brought into the cozy small home did little to help him relax considering that it only meant being in shorter proximity to two adults he was doing his best to assure he was 'right' for their daughter. Multiple pictures of trophy-awarded fish Pokemon caught, charity auction commemorative photos, family pictures, and Nessa's achievements when she was growing up all hung around the house. The dining room/kitchen area would be much smaller than Haru's own but had an air of comfort that wasn't too far removed from visiting one's grandparents...at least that's the comparison Haru drew mentally. It was one of the many things he tried to focus on while in his position.

Right from the start, Haru would be introduced to both parents by Nessa herself with short but well-intention greetings. For the moment however more time had to be 'killed' in order to make the food that was being prepared fully ready. It appeared Haru found difficulty making conversation, as the older man looked at him with a studious expression. The man looked to be in his late middle ages with a salt-and-pepper beard, aqua eyes, short hair, and seemed to be rather dapper of a gentleman.

"Mister Haru I'll be blunt with you. I love my daughter dearly, and I know she spoke very highly of you for awhile. But you make one wrong move one day and we're going to have a 'chat' and go fishing. Do you catch me? That smile she's wearing now is something I haven't seen on her in a long time, and I don't want my baby girl crying. Do you follow me?" as the gentleman folded his hands over the other.

Haru nodded rather quickly with multiple beads of sweat going down the side of his face. "Y-yes sir. Understood! I have no intentions of leading her astray or anything, and have been doing my best to be a good person that's able to provide and have a good foundation...! I love your daughter very very dearly, and am thankful for the invitation here. You and your wife have been very welcoming so far." he spoke as confidently as he could, with the look never breaking away from her father.

There was some silence again as the two kept their eyes locked to each other even as Haru felt a little shaken on the inside. Suddenly, her father burst out laughing. "I'm just taking the piss, my good boy! No need to feel scared or anything: I just wanted to judge your character for a moment."

The Champ sitting at the table with him was seen visibly exhaling like he was able to put off some weight from his shoulders, as his face was pale up to that second.

Nessa is seen poking her head around the corner from the kitchen. "Dad you're not hazing Haru are you? I asked you not to!"

"I know, I know, but I just had to check on him for myself when you weren't in the room! It's okay. We understand each other now." gesturing to himself and Haru, who looked like death just passed by his home.

She pouts a little at him and then looks at Haru. "Hon don't mind him, you'll see he's almost as big a goofball as you can be while having the hard exterior."

"Y-yeah...exterior." He replied, readjusting his red-and-dark-violet plaid dress shirt that he wore for the occasion.

Her father extended an arm holding the pot of brewed tea from earlier, offering a refill to Haru's cup; he took it in kind. "As my girl introduced me to you earlier, you can call me 'Armstrong'. It is a pleasure to meet you. I've kept up with your career right about when you battled Nessa in the Gym Challenge and past that! You're quite the decorated trainer."

Finally Haru was able to relax and sighed contently. "Thank you sir. Er... . Yes, it took a long while for me to do it but I feel pride in how far I've came and where I plan on going. There's things in place as we speak that I'll be able to formally announce to the public when the time is right, but rest assured, I'm at least guided by smarter people than myself that have helped me here."

"Is your mother a former trainer herself?" Armstrong asked while taking another sip of his drink.

Nessa would come in cheerfully humming and going "It's do~ne." to herself starting to set the table's main dishes and contents.

Making sure he was out of Nessa's way, Haru would answer her father's query."No sir. She's actually a caretaker; a vet for Pokemon. I learned all that I have about going the extra mile to look after Pokemon thanks to her, and I became a trainer as a means to pay respect to my big brother."

"Your big brother? Nessa told me you were a single child...did I remember wrong?" Armstrong took to putting a thumb to his chin in thought, as Nessa caught the last few words what her beloved was saying.

"Hon..." she began to say wondering if he planned to have that answered.

He just smiled and looked to Armstrong. "DID, have a big brother. Best friend who I knew for a large part of my life. He passed away a little over a year ago, before I ever started my career so to speak."

"I'm very sorry to hear that, son." Armstrong spoke in reverence but Haru handwaved it politely.

"Thank you, but it's fine." with his eyes looking to Nessa who came back with another pot of food and setting it down since she looked worried at the mention of Hiro. "I'm fine. But yeah, it's why I also chose my number on my uniform. Cuz in the end, to my eyes, HE was #1, not me. I'm just trying to mimic him and pay respects." giving a wide smile of pride.

Another voice came from a slightly taller lady who bore a resemblance to Nessa herself but with her hair much longer so it would be in a dolphin-tail split; containing blue in it like her daughter but far less. Herself bearing piercing golden eyes, the woman sat down with the last, and biggest pot. "Not to interrupt the lovely chat you gentleman are having but dinner is now served! Haru, I'll have you know that I made this from a unique family favorite recipe so please tell me if you like it."

Across the table Haru's eyes lit up and scanned over the selection. Special Homemade Tropical Curry (the family recipe), some Razzberry Scones, Kedgeree, steamed vegetables, and fish-n-chips.

"Darling it smells wonderful" her husband said as she sat down next to him.

"No kidding it does...I'm kind of overwhelmed at all the different things I'm smelling. I gotta say I'm probably going to dive into that curry first considering my preferences." the redhead would say as Nessa joined him with everyone filling their own plates.

He took one bite and immediately knew what his personal 'grade' would be. Nessa seemingly got the more 'aggressive' parts of her DNA from her mother because the second Haru went in for something new on the table she'd be eyeing him in a similar manner that his girlfriend did before Pokemon battles. A few seconds after he chews his portion and swallows, Haru lets out a contented sigh.

"Thank Arceus this is so delicious...and it goes down so smoothly. Every single part of it compliments the other. Sort of like pineapple on pizza, which I also love." he said having an almost comical expression on his face.

"Well I'm so glad you like it, Haru, but pray tell why were you curious about it first over everything else?" Tilia would ask before taking a spoonful herself.

Nessa held up a finger, answering for him. "The last time he had something home-cooked that was curry was at a get-together with myself and all the other Gym Leaders, and Leon our ex-Champion. Kabu made his own curry extra spicy considering -someone- here really likes spices and demanded he go all out." putting emphasis on the 'someone' part, her eyes narrow to her beloved right beside her.

Both of the parents saw Haru's lament as plain as day. "Kabu's curry was so delicious but it was so spicy that I was in pain for so long. It made me feel like I evolved into a Charizard right on the spot. Yet despite that pain, I ate the entire bowl given to me."

"Well Haru, we've got plenty here so please feel free to eat up. Hubby here caught the fish meat from Pokemon that swim in Hulbury, so in the kedgeree and fish-n-chips provided it's all locally caught! Nessa did the de-gutting herself." Tilia proudly exclaimed, as Haru looked at Nessa with surprise.

"Oh wow, I had no idea! Then again it makes sense because I understand you took Nessa under your wing to learn how to fish, . Guess we all took something unique from our parents at the table hmm?" eyeing Nessa on the side, Haru just whispers again how delicious it was making her blush with pride.

"Now, I must ask Haru, and please let me know if you're not allowed to say but, what does a Champion actually do?" Armstrong would propose the question, putting something in his kedgeree.

Haru let out a small laugh at that, taking a scone for a moment and looking at Nessa, then both parents. "Honestly for a lot of it, I'm just doing public relations as some sort of mascot/talk piece. I get asked to basically be an extra arm that the police or other authorities rely on for help since I'm the current number 1 trainer of the whole region. But, with it, the fame, the promotional deals, I'm also given new opportunities that are exclusive to myself. Several that I...actually had to rely on your daughter for help on."

That seemed like a good answer enough to get Armstrong to take down a few more bites of his portions, as Tilia would chime in. "Can't imagine it myself, honestly. I don't even know how Nessa does it sometimes with her careers. Are you planning on doing anything like that?"

"Like what? Modeling?" Haru ribbed a bit for humor.

Tilia chuckled a bit but shook her head. "No, I mean something more than just what you're doing now. As I understood it, your job only truly requires you to be in a Pokemon Battle when you're either doing expedition matches to promote the region or defending your title. I'm sure you're aware but my daughter is a very headstrong person who can take on a lot, so what are you bringing outside of that?" eyeing him a little different than Nessa's dad did.

Her boyfriend met the glance that Tilia was giving him, and thought about the answer he'd be giving. It was either a choice of giving the professional answer that provided no clear information, or something 'under the table'; off the record. Haru took a look at his curry bowl serving, emptying it with one more spoonful and held it towards her to ask politely for another serving.

"Well, there is -one- thing I have in mind but I haven't even discussed it with Nessa here."

Nessa's eyes enlarged a little in genuine surprise, turning to him. Tilia took the bowl from him and refilled it while still keeping her eyes on him as she handed it back.

Haru continued. "See, there's a project I'm working on that I'll formally announce when I defend my title. Win or lose, I'll be announcing it either way. But there's something else that I'm working on that will have to be proposed to Chairman Oleana...a safe haven of Pokemon."

All 3 of them at the table had their attention now fully immersed on what Haru was saying, with Nessa the first to speak up. "Hon, you mean like what your mother does?"

He nods in agreement. "I can't say I'm a veterinarian. There's no schooling for me to back up the knowledge that is necessary to make sure Pokemon are taken care of on a scale for such a task. However, I can easily get others who do know. I plan on having it be like the caretaker stations you see in several cities. Take The Wild Area for example, or our Pokemon Boxes. How long do you wager those Pokemon get attention? What about the ones who are let go, left to fend for themselves after being attached to a trainer but really only know how to act in lieu of a master they're imprinted on? It's just an idea I'm working on, but the idea of something in-between what the other places are is something attractive to me. It's something I'd love to see be made and if possible, the man you see before you would be managing it."

Tilia had a look of being impressed and felt more comfortable from the straightforward nature of the answer. "Haru, I'll be honest, I'm not like my husband and wasn't nearly as sure about you up until that point just now. I don't trust easily and I hate sharing Nessa with anyone."

The bespectacled trainer looked back at the mother with a neutral glance. /Deja vu.../

"You should understand that when I hear about her having a boyfriend that I want to make sure you're prepared and aren't just going to parade the fact since she's so unique and beautiful. Just hearing that from the Ponyta's mouth feels reassuring that you're not in this relationship willy nilly. You have goals in mind. I feel much more comfortable now that you're dating Nessa now." Tilia's face softened to a wide smile.

Haru felt humbled and gave a small bow at the table. "Thank you both. Again, I feel honored to be here enjoying this meal with you folks."

He was elbowed a little on the side by his lover. "Haru~ I think it's a great idea: that whole safe haven thing. But let's start with the other thing you can't say just yet, eh?"

"Oh of course. That has to be settled in first. When that time comes, I wonder if you two would be able to help direct me to some folks who could help?" Haru said after taking a bite of a scone looking to her parents.

"What will you be needing us for?" Armstrong asked him.

"Well you both are in different areas of expertise than I know anything about, and have knowledge that could help me expand my horizons. Sir, you're a fisherman, and ma'am, since you're in the marketplace I imagine you both could help me make sure how to reasonably accompany the needs of aquatic Pokemon. Be it their food or...climate. I'm kind of just shooting this idea at the side here of course but it would be of great help."

Armstrong took off his glasses and got out a silk cloth to clean them. "Considering the options before me? I could see a benefit to this. Imagine if more people got to enjoy our locally caught fish Pokemon. It would only benefit Hulbury."

"I'll have to think on this one, Haru. But the offer is nice." Tilia replied with a half smile. "Surely you understand that I'm not that immediately inviting."

Haru would wash down the bite of fried fish with the tea from earlier before answering. "Yes, yes, understood. Thank you again at least for listening."

"Although I would probably be more open to more talks like this as long as you don't leave any curry left." Tilia would say with a hint of a scary aura around her.

Around his part of the table Haru still had a lot left to eat and just sweat a little. For a second he considered how his workout regiment had been going lately and then realized it was his 'cheat day'. /Screw it. As long as I pace myself and everyone else has a decent amount I can finish this no problem!/

"Heh...sorry love. My mom has an immense pride in her cooking and we almost never have leftovers since she knows how big of portions to prepare." Nessa apologized, seeing how Haru was scanning what much he had left.

Haru held up a fork and quoted himself from the party. "Now my beloved Sea Goddess, I'm not about to sit here and disrespect this family's legacy as your Galar Pokemon Champion, and NOT finish what I've started." giving her a grin afterwards.

"Oh Good! Then you won't mind if I refill your plates then?" Tilia said reaching over the table to his side with her 'aura' gone. All of his plates, sans curry, were halfway done.

"Ah...I uh.." he began to protest but her eyes shot open and looked right back at him with that scary aura immediately flaring back up around Tilia.

Putting down the hand he was holding up to protest, Haru felt defeated. "Y-yes! Go right ahead!" /I guess I know where Nessa gets it from huh..? I can almost hear Hiro laughing nearby seeing me like this./

Looking nothing like the overpowering person she appeared microseconds ago, Tilia resumed eating and glanced to everyone else. "There~ you go, eat up. You're still a young man after all."

Putting another spoonful of curry in his mouth, as Haru saw Armstrong commenting to his wife about something related to family friends only they knew, Haru pondered in quiet. /Nessa's family is something else, but I can see just how close they all are: not to mention how different they are to my expectations. Nessa's family is a lot like how mom and I are together, even if the way they go about things is different./

Looking at Nessa while the 4 of them continued dining together, his heart felt light as the evening turned into night time. After dinner, all of them would sit together in their living room exchanging stories from their side on Nessa growing up, how the parents met, and what brought them to Hulbury together. They found out about Haru's mother's background a bit more, and Haru told them he was only partially Garlarian, with 1/4 of his blood being Alolan. When it came to her father's stories, he previously wanted to go into what he thought would be a 'comfortable office job' to get away from his own father taking him fishing. One trip turned into many more trips, and thus it became more than habit forming and into a way of life. The shoe would meet the other foot, however, with Nessa trying to not get Haru to see older pictures of her much younger self that were still hanging along the hallways. He'd cheekily just answer that his score had gone up 'yet again', with her pinching him by the left ear.

The biggest surprise of the evening is that Nessa finds out her father shares another trait with Haru: their mutual love of the collectible vintage cars that Kanto had that he spoke about on their first date. The two would excitedly start talking about several things they both did getting one, as Tilia manages to just mutter 'Boys with their toys...' with a bemused expression. The conversation ended with Haru saying if he finds the model her dad is looking for, he'll give him a Shiny Tympole. The two men shook hands, and Nessa laughs.

"Haru did you honestly just make a deal with my Dad over toy cars with a Pokemon?" she said, only lightly teasing him.

"Why not? As a kid I traded my rarest Pokemon card for a video game!" He exclaimed, sitting back down with them on the cushioned seat of the couch; Nessa to his side.

"You did that? Those can be expensive can't they?" Tilia asked, remembering a few times Nessa wanted one growing up as a child.

She'd see Haru nod in agreement, pulling up a screenshot on his Rotom Phone of what the card looked like to show it to Tilia and Armstrong. "You're correct but it was worth it. First print, first edition Lugia to a buddy from school way back in the day." grinning from ear to ear.

It felt really good to have some more people to share these memories with, and when he had the chance he'd tell Hop all about the night. He knew it had been a long while since they got a chance to hang out together, but understood as an assistant to Sonia at her lab and himself wanting to become a professor one day how important it was to be by her side. Nessa kept to Haru's side with her arm around his, and the rest of the night went without a hitch. Upon leaving, Haru is given a firm handshake by her father, and a warm hug by her mother. It's at this point walking with Haru that she pulls one final surprise.

- - - - - Hulbury - - - - -

- - - - - Nessa's Home - - - - -

"Wait, really?!" he asked, as his face went wide with even more happiness than what the evening brought to him.

"Yes, really. I explained everything to the others and not only did they decide to let me take off, they said 'Are you crazy? Why didn't you ask?'. When I told them that none of the schedules for them lined up to any possible changes and I would have to be there anyways, they just told me to not worry about it." the blue eyed woman looked at him with an expression that made Haru's heart melt.

The two embraced each other and kissed softly, while Haru gives her a squeeze. Their 6 month anniversary was a confirmed personal day to just themselves: she had successfully gotten the majority of the day off and they'd be able to do everything both of them planned on doing. To have the time from the previous few weeks pay off the next day just sent a 'Hyper Beam' attack to whatever remained of a burden off of Haru's shoulders.

"Nessa I'm so happy. You're going to love what I have in store. At least I hope so...gosh. Man what a way to end a night!" he couldn't help but smile and kiss her again.

"Also they're giving me the day afterwards too...so in case I drink a little too much celebrating with you I can be assured I won't be battling with my Pokemon hung over." Nessa would say, pulling some hair behind her ear.

He would give her a half confused look. "But love, you're not really a heavy drinker."

"Maybe not, but you know how loud the stadium gets." she counter-pointed.

His face faulted. "Oh. Okay, point given. Screw it. We can both sleep in or whatever: couch or whatever if we party too hard! Considering that it's us two and I don't want anyone disturbing us I'm probably only going to bring Zamazenta to guard. Masako can make sure everything at the home stays nice and tidy. Oh! I know JUST the movie to bring, too!"

"Which one?" she head tilted.

"Oh it's a REALLY stupid one that you're probably going to be SUPER mad at me for bringing. Which will make it even better." eyeing her expression.

"Haru it's not that dumb movie you saw with Hiro is it...?"

"Nope, but just as cheesy!"

For some reason she couldn't stay mad at him professing such an odd thing for their date night and just sighed before embracing him in her arms. The couple stayed like that together: Ruby and Sapphire. Both inseparable. Both equal. The moon shone brightly its reflected rays onto the Hulbury skies as plans would be set in motion.

- - - - - Hammerlocke - - - - -

- - - - - Hotel - - - - -

Huddled in front of a computer, Syra was doing last minute prep before her match against Raihan the next morning with herself having been fully refreshed from the night shower and dinner she got delivered to her room. Having brought out her laptop, she was looking at the screen with a satisfied grin. Leaning back in her chair and a leg crossing, a laugh started to come out from deep within her as if the most enjoyable joke had been dropped on her. Onscreen her research had brought her to finding out one thing: Hop, the assistant to Sonia, who grew up in Postwicke, was not only close friends with Haru but was one of the two people responsible for what happened to her close friend. He was the other person that put her through ruin and also the Pokemon trainer to the other purported legendary Pokemon, Zacian.

"Well then...that's really funny. Considering tomorrow's badge is all but guaranteed, I'd say that I ought to make a trip down to Postwicke. Let's see if Haru's other best friend can put up a better fight than he did not long ago." holding out her hands together like a camera lens. "You're going to pay for what you did to me, Hop of Postwicke, and I'll take that Pokemon of yours, too."

- - - - - Motostoke - - - - -

- - - - - The Next Day - - - - -

As the morning settled in, and Haru woke up knowing exactly what the day was, he took one glance to the calendar and set out to make sure it would be the best day of his life possible. '6 Month Anniversary' was written on the calendar hanging on the wall, and his heart made a leap to his chest. Time was not to be wasted that day, so he would be seen halfway power walking past his Pokemon who were waking up within the house to make sure they were fed, get his own breakfast, showered; the whole morning routine.

"Masako not many things leave me feeling this anxious, and you should know since we faced a few Gym Leaders together and went through so many battles before..." He spoke in the reflection of his mirror as his Gardevoir was helping him look as dapper as possible. She was helping to assist him in making his tie around his neck. She looks at him once it's tied up and stepped back to hand him what he needed for his hair...tilting her head when he made the comment about past battles.

"Be that as it may, I suppose it's because this time the goal is different. I'm not fighting for anyone or trying to have some sort of 'victory' out of this...but trying to make my beloved as happy as can be. I suppose you can relate now, right?" he said, looking at her within the reflection while applying some gel to slick his hair back. The Pokemon had a soft smile with some blush going on her cheeks and nodded. Unbeknowns to Haru, the relationship she had been in with his Lucario was going on much longer than he was led on to believe from Nora's answer a bit ago. Then he believed it to be a little over '2 months' but the truth was the pair had been together for slightly longer.

There would be some silence as once he got finished applying whatever he could to make him smell and look better, he went to the closet and got out a different suit from before. Instead of going 'white and red' like he did before, a certain pull was making him choose the just simple straight black. Without saying much, Haru slips it on as Masako goes to his side to help pat it down straight. He turns a bit in the mirror, fully clothed but with no shoes and stands straight.

"Well? How do I look? Like the next Gym Leader?" he asked, posing. The Gardevoir looks to him with a slight hesitated judging glance, and waves a paw at a 'halfway' point.

"Okay, how about...do I look like a proper gentleman befitting of Nessa's presence? A proper man?" He'd ask again, to which the Gardevoir gave an immediate thumbs up. Haru laughed a little.

"Okay that makes sense. Guess I would need more business-like clothing to be a Gym Leader, like a Steel-type Gym Leader uniform. I don't have that yet. In any case, I'm going to see when Nessa is ready but head out myself. Look after the house: make sure everything's fine yadda yadda. You know the whole spiel by now." Giving her a big hug, though upon letting go she looked confused. "Oh, well I'm going to get something for her fi-OH! Right! I just remembered!" he said, cutting himself off and going hurriedly downstairs; Masako following him. Mirukon is in the middle of enjoying a Potion drink when he sees his master whizz by him and looks at the Gardevoir that followed. Neither of them know where he's going in such a hurry.

Haru is seen being at his computer and finds on the tower of it a small jewel case with a blank CD inside it. "Can't forget this! This is essential for tonight! Anyways, I gotta go fellas." giving headpats to his Pokemon before putting the CD in his inside suit pocket and putting on nicer dress shoes that were a deep maroon color.

- - - - - Turffield - - - - -

The weather outside was thankfully cooperating with the errand of gathering something 'traditional' for the date. If it had been storming or any less nice outside Haru would have to rethink where he was going to go with it. Not having a whole lot of knowledge on flowers wasn't doing him any favors but the main thing he did want to do was to have a nice looking bouquet that seemed to compliment the receiver of it.

"Here's what I was hoping for, if you have them. I'm not good at arranging where I'd like these in a bouquet but I saw pictures of them online and they're very beautiful. To me it's perfectly suited to whom I'm giving these as a gift." He explained handing a small note of a few flower names he written down.

"Let's see here...blue delphinium, black roses, tye dye dendrobium orchids...anything else? I'm guessing you just need something like these together as soon as possible hmm?" came the voice of the shopkeeper who was assisting Haru.

"Yes ma'am. I'll wait, but I would like it done now. If it's extra, I'll pay no problem." showing he needed it now but without pushing it.

"For you Champ? Anything." the lady smiled, heading somewhere in the back where she'd disappear for a short moment. A text came up, and it's a photo of a close up of Nessa's face. Only showing her lipstick and part of what she was applying to her face.

[[NESSA: Getting ready for you as we speak, darling. See you in an hour?]]

The tease of a picture got him flustered as he responded quickly.

[[HARU: You got my heart blazing, and yes! In an hour!]]

- - - 20 minutes later - - -

The florist would come back out with a beautifully ensembled bouquet of the choices he requested, much to Haru's delight. She'd be paid in full, plus some as a tip to show his thanks for her patience and ignorance on flower decorating before leaving.

"...say, ma'am?" he asks. "You wouldn't know of any nearby grocers would you?"

There was another local marketer that had set up shop not far from the florist spot and would direct him to the location; with no time to waste, Haru grabs some last minute necessities and finds an Air Taxi to call down.

Equipping himself with only one PokeBall on his waist as 'security' for the day, the only thing on his mind was getting an Air Taxi to Hulbury to see the woman waiting for him.

/It's funny how focusing on the anticipation of someone's reaction to something inherently increases your giddiness leading up to it. Couldn't stop doing that when Hiro was around, and guess I've gotten back to that. 6 months huh? He'd probably would tell me that I'm overdoing it to a degree...but screw it, in the end for me, she is all that matters./ He thought to himself while sitting inside the casket. Doing his best to set down the bouquet in his lap while holding it, his heart weighed heavy with the constant cycle of happiness.

"...bollocks, did I get the...?" muttering to himself checking one of the bags of groceries for something. "Ah, good. It's here."

- - - - - Hulbury - - - - -

"Here ya go, chap. Keep the change." Haru says cheerfully paying the Air Taxi pilot before walking off with a grin.

"Thank you Champion! I'm indebted to you!" the pilot said, getting another customer right as Haru hopped off.

Some people took notice that they had the Champion showing up in public with two small bags of groceries and a large bouquet while wearing a fancy suit. A few would call to him as he would only be able to then respond in kind with a simple nod of his face in their direction, while not stopping for anyone along the way. It may have been a little past an hour due to the time it took to fly there was delayed from gathering something extra before heading to her house...it would be worth it. It had to be.

He pressed the doorbell ring and took one long deep inhale. Exhale.

'Comi~ng!' he hears from inside the house. There's some shuffling and seemingly quiet muttering that Haru assumes is her second guessing whether she looks good or not. The door opens, and Haru is greeted by the same beauty that he saw before. Nessa wore the same dress as she did on their first date but was also now sporting a blue flower similar to the corsage he gave her around her neck instead of the usual Water Gym amulet. Before she could even say so much as a "Hello dear" she's cut off by Haru leaning forward and presenting the large bouquet to her.

"A splendid day we have upon us, my love. This is for you: I hope you like it." with her eyes fixated on the assortment of colors and multiple different flowers.

"Haru they're absolutely gorgeous! Thank you" she said with her eyes lit up. "Please come in, handsome." bringing him in with one arm going around his waist, half embracing in a kiss before she walks to the living room to find a perfect spot for the vase. There's a short few seconds before she holds up a finger in a 'eureka' sense of way before jolting to one that held some fake plants she kept for scenery. Now it had the new bouquet given to her from him and was beaming.

"You didn't have to do that...but I can say that for a lot of things by now, now couldn't I?" turning to him with a smile, then seeing the bags he was holding. "So what else did you bring?"

"Dinner." he responded, chuckling.

"W-..really?" blinking twice.

"I told you a bit ago that I would cook for you remember? What ended up happening was I slept past my alarm and was so intimately woken by some lady who kissed me awake to serve up breakfast." Haru said cheekishly while going to the kitchen area with a smug grin.

Nessa had one right back; recalling the memory as a fond one. "That's true, I did do that for you. I'll do it again too!"

"Which I invite you to do, but fair is fair. I figure I prepare us a dinner for two and brought several things. Not just the food and flowers mind you. Today marks 6 very long months we've been together. Things have changed...but I couldn't be happier. SO!" he'd begin to proclaim while taking off his suit slowly and taking one of the two things out of his suit pocket. A small card addressed to her.

She looked at the card and back to Haru as he was setting several of the things he bought for food on the counters. "Gosh...and here I didn't get you anything fancy other than one back. Well, that, and I did my hair and makeup extra well for you." setting it down and then going to get his card.

Once he received it, he set it down and would start prepping the food while getting the cutlery out. Even if it was meant to be just him cooking for her, Nessa couldn't sit still and decided to help him. Initially having a back-and-forth playful argument on the fact he wanted her to relax since she was always so headstrong and active, he settled on one her being his 'soux chef'. There's a moment when he's marinating the meat and is rubbing it all together when Nessa surprises him from behind bringing her arms around him; hands clasping.

He doesn't turn around since he feels her on his back. "Planning on helping me with this step?"

She's heard giving a 'hmm' and felt shaking her head. "Just wanted this for a bit. But if you don't mind, I could make sure it's -really- done well."

For a moment Haru was unable to criticize her decision or say anything of merit.

"You're saying I can't enjoy how well your hands work something? Or see how you do this up close?" her voice would say in a lowered tone while having a mischievous hint of sexual tension.

Haru's face goes red from the implication and just continues in the makeshift dual-meat-prep mode that he was set in now. Once it was done, he'd slightly turn his head to the woman embracing him from behind without having to make her move away from the spot, saying "I have to set this...aside to prepare the sauce, Nessa.."

So he did, but Nessa would follow all the same; herself hung on his back like a Slakoth. Getting the sauce ready, he snickered whilst his lover continued to cuddle him from behind. "So is this sort of like when someone is in the middle of baking cookies and is trying so badly not to ask for a taste of the dough without being rude right?".

She appeared all too pleased with herself that he was either acting too innocent or was still doing his best to be a gentleman. "Hmm. I suppose so, sure. Let's go with that, then." Nessa replied while humming a small tune to herself. Moving along with him at any point when switching from one space to the next was necessary, Haru eventually attempted a look behind himself while holding a small ladle. "Just you wait: before either of us can recite all 151 Pokemon from the Kanto Dex, we'll have ourselves a feast, love!" holding up the spoon and gestured as if asking if she fancied a taste.

The lady chuckled calmly but shook her head. "You know, Haru...your hands really are something else." Nessa said before letting go of him but continuing to stand where she was as he turned around. "Mind if I take a taste test by the way?"

"Sure, let me get another spoon so we don't cross contamina-" He looked at Nessa as she now presented herself with a fierce glare at him that reminded him of how she looked at the poolside not long ago.

Before he could ask what was going on, she took one of his hands and slowly brought it to her face after dipping it in the sauce he had just conjured up. "uhhh...?"

"Like I said, your hands ARE something else...and I'm sure this sauce will be finger-licking good." her tongue going over his thumb on one of his hands and sucking one his fingers a bit with a quiet 'pop'.

The drastic nature of this shift, as well as complete confusion as to why this was sexually arousing had completely confused and mind broken Haru that his face reverted back to the insane levels of red blush from before and just stood there as Nessa was tentatively cleaning his hand herself.

Sucking on one of the fingers before popping it off, her eyes glance to the side. "Well now I know the sauce is perfect! That was good! 'kay, you can keep going on now." satisfied with herself, she walks off giving one devilish grin.

Being unable to speak and now having a raging 'problem' of his own kind, Haru just haphazardly manages to nod before continuing his prep.

/Holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit what was that and why did that turn me on? Fingers?! Who does that with fingers? That's a thing?! How did I never know that was a thing?! What other secrets does mortal man possess I've yet to uncover? Screw filling out the PokeDex for my own completionist sake, I would be way more interested in figuring out more things like this! Arceus have mercy on my humanity.../ Haru would think to himself while starting to make the sauce and just looking over to where Nessa finally got wind of what movie he brought.

She's heard making a disgruntled noise of confusion, holding it up to his vision. "Babe REALLY? I heard this movie was bad. Are you sure?"

He couldn't help but get a big laugh out of that."Hey I liked it! Saw it in theaters once and didn't really understand what made people hate it. Sure it's overly crass at points, and it's essentially some taxi driver who gets a cop who's half blind for comedic reasons but I thought it was funny! You may come around to it, may not. If you're not digging it in whatever time you ain't, we'll just watch something else."

Nessa makes a sideways pout, but gives way to a smirk. "Well, you haven't steered me wrong just yet. I'll trust you on this. Even the few really bad ones you own we both got a kick out of making fun of them together."

"I mean...remember Pocket Monster Squad?" he chimes.

"The Center Intelligence" she answers, adding to the list immediately.

He stops for a second to think of another, looking at her studiously. "Defriended"

"Quiet Hill Revelation." Nessa has one hand out counting the bad movies now.

"Combat Annihilation?" He says, mixing the sauce in the bowl while getting ready to add the rest of the ingredients together.

"Mother...you're alive...?" Nessa begans to quote, standing up.

Haru points with the ladel in his hand to Nessa. "Too bad you...WILL DIE!"

The two of them break out laughing due to the absurdity of the lines of bad movies they've watched before but still found enjoyment in together.

"Yeah okay you have a point, hon. If I'm going to have a laugh then it might as well be with my adorable boyfriend on my anniversary who got really red a few seconds ago and gave me these pretty flowers. The color red and blue very much having strong play today don't you think?" the gym leader would tease him sticking her tongue out.

The delivery of her line almost gave way to the physical embodiment of seeing his ears emit smoke from it...but after getting the meat ready to cook and setting it, he joins her on the couch. "Now then there's some time. How about you see the card I got you, and I'll open yours?"

Going right along with that, Nessa would take his but let Haru read hers first. On the front of the card was some stylized painting of a couple sitting by a lighthouse, and inside would be the simple words "Being with you makes my heart skip a beat. I love you so much" and a small letter inside from her that was hand written.

Haru takes it out and reads out loud as the girl beside him would lay her head on his shoulder reading it with him.

" ' Dear Haru. 6 months have come by for the two of us and it's really interesting how things have changed so drastically for the two of us. From the first time you came up behind me in Hulbury at the lighthouse, and we met, it felt like something locked us in place. I don't believe in fate necessarily, but that you exist for a reason. Learning more about you and your past, I'm certain that you don't seem to know how valuable you are to others, much less me, because you may undercut your own achievements and value. To me, you're more than a Champion. I jokingly called you a 'hero' before but I truly do mean it.

When I look back at our past I see how initially scared I was before becoming the first one of the two of us to take action; kissing you as my 'reward' for beating you in my Gym's stadium. I say this of course, knowing I that if I acted on my heart and if I was honest then there would be no regret. There was always something egging me on to reach out more to you and I suppose in the end that happened without my even knowing it. You always make me feel comfortable to be around you every day we're together, you're funny, very handsome, an excellent Pokemon trainer, and I feel so lucky to be dating you. I know that sometimes my nature can be intimidating but ever since you told me you don't mind (and rather invite it), I've done my best to not feel as bad about it anymore since you've never made me feel bad for being myself. Others felt intimidated, but not you. You saw me for who I am deep down. These are just a few of many things that got me to fall in love with you before realizing it myself. You can blame Bea, Sonia, and Melony for assisting me to realize it before it was too late by the way. There's not much else here I can write to tell you how I feel so I'll just say it plainly: I absolutely love you Haru. You being Champion just makes me feel more proud that you 'chose' me like you chose your team of Hall of Fame Pokemon. I choose you right back.

- Your darling 'Sapphire' Water Gym Beauty

Nessa'

On the last part of the letter there's an imprint of her lipstick near her name. Haru's face softens when he finishes due to the emotional impact the words leave him and gives a kiss to her.

"Nessa I...fuck. You probably outdid me on this one. 4-3 now. Point to you." wiping an eye of his while grinning ear to ear.

"Awww c'mon sexy." giving him a gentle hug as the two held each other for a quiet moment. After which she'd give him a peck on the lips before opening up his card he got for her. This one had a cover of some Pokemon running in the fields together with the words 'You make me feel alive' and the insert part of it having the words 'Alive with the love you have given me every single day. You're my 'Shiny' Pokemon.' and a handwritten letter to her.

"Oh, so you did the same thing then?" she asked taking the letter out as Haru chuckles a bit.

He had to readjust his glasses after cleaning them for a second. "It's why I was a little surprised when I saw what you wrote. Kind of dwarfs my own. It's not even a competition but you know...you're a powerful writer in your own right."

Nessa takes the letter out and begins reading it, now turning so she became the little spoon and him the big spoon. His arms wrapped around her with both of them reading it together.

"' Dear Nessa, My how these 6 months have passed by so quickly, it feels dream-like. One wouldn't be able to find ways to describe how amazing this time has been getting to know you and falling head over heels for you...but I wanted to tell you upfront in this letter why you mean so much to me. The fact that when we met you were a very forthcoming and supportive Gym Leader who never looked down on me, and became my own sort of 'rival'; when I saw you were the first opponent in the Pokemon League I was ecstatic because it meant more time and that my journey was only reaching its apex. I almost accidentally let it slip that I'd like to see you again right after the tournament whether or not I became Champion but considering I was a challenger back then wasn't sure how that would be taken. Of course, I say that the moment there was my apex but then again, that's a bit of a lie since my apex is right here at this moment having you read this. I love how wide your smile gets when you show absolute genuine affection for the things you enjoy, or when I tell a really stupid joke that you find funny. I love your eyes. I love your smile. I love your dedication to your staff and your water babies that are your Pokemon you take care of and train. I love your hair, your skin, your striking presence and the way you speak with such astute clarity. You were given the nickname 'The Raging Wave', but the only thing I find myself washed away..."

Nessa had to pause, reading the next line as she bit her lip as her eyes glazed over.

"...the only thing I find myself washed away is that all of that is attached to you. You're the woman that made me realize I could actually be 'imprinted' to look beyond dimension, beyond appearance, beyond reason and see what the meaning of the words 'true beauty' is in actuality. Holding back my infatuation, I did my best to remain professional when we were friends of course. But the more we kept talking and merely hanging out the more I found myself hanging on every word you spoke. Looking at you twice. The simple way you laugh a bit more when I visited your games. How you carry yourself. I love the fact we have such an open communication with each other when I had trouble just figuring out how to respond to a mere hug months and months ago. You've never made me feel stupid or responsible for a problem, and have never talked down at me with the intention of hurting me or making me upset. When I was at my lowest moment on that day in Wyndron and showed you my vulnerability despite being Champion, you made me feel safe. The realization now has hit me that this letter is long so I'll wrap this up. The point I ultimately want to get at, is that every single day I'm with you makes me feel just as filled with Butterfrees in my stomach like -that- day near the lighthouse. It has never gone away, and I don't think it will. I may have defeated you in Pokemon battles before, but you defeated my heart and have claimed it yours. Honestly, I wouldn't give it up for all the Shinies, Legendaries, Mythicals, or Ultra Beasts that exist in this or the other dimensions. I love you so much, my dearest, bluest Sapphire of the Sea.

- your loving 'Ruby' Champ

Haru' "

Her hands were trembling a little finishing reading it as his own clasped over hers. "Damn..."

"See? Told you, we both wrote ve-MMHH!" Haru began to say before Nessa quickly 180'd her direction and straddled him to the couch in a deep kiss. The two would sit there together with both of their lips caressing the others'; skin on skin with the calm sounds of the outside weather and the food cooking being the scent that filled the house. Both of her arms cling to him, as Haru felt herself press against his chest. As their bodies pressed against each other, Nessa practically lays on him looking down from above feeling an obvious 'rise' coming from her assault.

Her body pulls away as she looks down with a satisfied smile. "...you wanna try finishing that sentence?" she asked him with a finger pressed to his collar.

His eyes dart a little back and forth, needing a second to catch his breath and assess the situation.

"...we both wrote very well-MMH!" he was cut off again by another deep kiss as she yanked him by the collar with both hands up to her level, now both of her legs propped on the couch cushions and basically putting him at her mercy. She let one last kiss happen before slowly departing and taking special notice of his eyes when she did.

"...well in our letters to surprise the other." Haru finally finished.

"Good boo~y!" she snickered, as a bell sounds off nearby. He had the food timed for him to flip the meat so it wouldn't burn.

The rest of this would have to wait until later, as the food had to be completed otherwise the rest of the evening would have to involve take-out which he didn't want.

- - 2 hours and 35 minutes later - -

Dinner went without a single hitch: Chicken Tikka Masala was a hit with them both, and Nessa wound up eating more than Haru did. To him, that was the best compliment he would get out of all the prep from before. Following their private dining, the two managed to find some comedy in mocking, but also enjoying the movie he brought over together. Nessa couldn't quite get into it the same way Haru did, but it was fine since his commentary in between scenes made the movie better. To her what made it best was any line Haru superimposed on the character who had surgery for his eyes that got gradually 'better' as it went on to the point they had to pause the movie due to laughter.

Things wouldn't come to a stop just there however, as he got up to take the movie out his head turns to Nessa. "Say hon, I know it's night now, but I do have one final thing for you."

"OH COME ON honey! Really!?" she says in fake protest, and honest surprise that he even had anything else.

"All I need are two things; for you to help me move the couches back so we have more room, and for you to help me find the music player function of this." he would say pointing to her player. Honest curiosity hits her face, while she gets up and helps him scoot the couches with him beside her.

"So...what exactly requires us to have more space? Now there's just enough for us to play Twister or any big party game..." She would ask, looking around. Haru had hopped over to where his suit was hanging in the hallway and came back with what looked like a CD, inserting it into the player. Grabbing the remote to 'pause' it so it doesn't start immediately, Haru would gesture her to sit on one of the couches even though it had been moved far far back from where it was just a moment ago.

"Okay so...my dear. You asked me awhile back to sing for you again? I said I would do it on the basis it would be just you as my audience. Well, I wanted to find something more personal this time. Something better suited for an audience of 1 person. So this track comes courtesy of someone going by 'B.P.'. It's a cover of an already popular song and I asked Piers to help me make this track completely vocal free so that YOU can appreciate my singing it. I hope you don't mind." he would explain, gesturing to her with a pointed hand.

There's a second and she gets really excited,leaning forward a little hearing him say that and goes "Oh yes please! Sing for me Haru! I want to hear you do it again!" rather giddily while giggling.

"Then allow me to serenade you, my dear."

/It's now or never, Haru./ He thinks to himself pressing the 'Play' button. A song track starts to play that is primarily just acoustic guitar and piano, as Haru takes a few deep breaths.

Inhale. Exhale.

/Now is the time to give Nessa everything I have./ His mind tells himself, and he starts singing.

'?When the rain is blowing in your face

and the whole world is on your case

I could offer you a warm embrace

To make you feel my love '

Nessa is 'thrown back' by the very different tone that Haru is singing, feeling like this is the true voice he has deep down. On another level entirely from before, as her heart starts beating a little faster.

Haru gestures briefly to the windows near them, moving along to mime the song.

' When the evening shadows and the star appear

And there's no one to dry your tears

I could hold you for a million years

To make you feel my love '

He gives a wink to her as his arms have held onto himself before continuing and eyeing her as he continues.

' I know you haven't made your mind up yet

But I wouldn't ever do you wrong

I knew it from the moment that we met

No doubt in my mind where you'd belong '

' I'd go hungry I'd go black and blue

I'd go crawling down the avenue

Nothing in the world I wouldn't do

To make you feel my love '

He sees that Nessa is just as, if not more captivated by him doing that before and takes the moment as the piano solo kicks in to kneel slightly extending an arm.

"May I have this dance?" he asks, as her eyes widen. Double shock.

"Y-yes!" is all she manages to get out taking his hand. Haru pulls her up gently, embracing her as he was learned by his teacher and is now using the extra space they made with the couches more-so out of the way to slow dance. One hand clasping hers, another hand around her waist holding her to him: his feet perfectly match the rhythm needed to mirror her own.

"So...having fun, dear? I hope the dinner was at least good enough for you." He teased, talking to her while sharing the dance floor so to speak in her home.

"It's all so lovely. You uh..you're really full of surprises tonight, sweetheart." The Water Gym Leader was finding it hard to come up with the proper way to express the intense beating in her chest. Somehow it was like falling in love with him again.

"I try to do things that keep you on your toes. Like this of course!" it was a bad joke, but since he made it with the intention of being super literal, she couldn't help but giggle. The whole moment was romantic, and made her feel like she was floating on air.

"H...Haru you didn't tell me you knew how to dance..." she began to say, flustered quite thoroughly and finding trouble looking him in the eyes. The man before her had an intense charisma; the same kind that got her to find him attractive in the first place.

"That's because I didn't, originally. I went and learned how to dance." He said softly, before uncurling the arm that was on her back letting her spin in place before bringing her back to him.

"Yes, I quite see that you do. How long have you been doing this? I never even had the idea you were doing this at all. You sneaky jerk!" his girlfriend said in a huff.

"Several months actually. Went every other day to practice my balance and my breathing. Took the class in private and now I get to tell my teacher that I was able to apply it finally. He'll be happy. It's only fitting that I also had training by someone else too hmm? Help my stamina? Wonder who that was...?" he teased Nessa letting her spin again before reversing the stance with her back facing his front, kissing her cheek and then going back to the regular stance but switching which hand they were holding together.

Before she can respond knowing that it was also thanks to her coaching and exercising with him that he got better at this, he actually continued singing while dancing as he faces her and adds an extra part to the song at one line.

" The storms are raging on the open seas

And down the highway of regret

The winds of change are blowing wild and free

My dearest Nessa, You ain't seen nothing like me yet'

Haru changes again so that they're back to the first stance after spinning her and retracting back again delicately. Her heart is pounding, with her eyes looking back at him in a somewhat daze.

" I could make you happy, make your dreams come true

Go to the ends of the Earth for you

Nothing in the world I wouldn't do

to make you feel my love..."

He stops and then dips her properly as one should, with one arm to properly support her as one of her legs lift up a little.

"To make you feel~ my lo~ve~"

He sings as the song finally ends, bringing her back to standing straight with him embracing her.

The two of them stand in silence for a bit with the only sound coming after it was Nessa's breathing. Haru took it initially that she simply hadn't practiced dancing as much as him, even though she could definitely keep up. She had been staring at him nearly without blinking when they finished dancing together, with one of his hands going up to her cheeks. Taking a hold of the hand and then yanking him towards her, Haru's met with her lips and tongue near immediately. Nessa starts to aggressively push against where he's standing making him have to walk backwards... until the back of his foot hits the couch and he ends up falling onto it.

Her body follows his and pins him to the couch with herself straddling him and both of her hands going to his face kissing it over and over. Feeling the sexual tension rising, Haru took the way she was going at him and let his hands go to her hips then lower to her ass before giving a hard squeeze. He hears her moan into the kiss before she pulls away, and start trailing kisses down his neck's right side before finding some spot that audibly makes him whimper.

She takes that as an immediate sign to attack and Haru feels her teeth bite down on a certain spot of his neck. For any normal person, being bitten would be painful and a turn-off, but Nessa somehow finds the one spot he himself didn't know he had as one of his eyes closes reflexively and lets out a rather loud unbecoming moan. Her biting him after kissing one very specific spot got him incredibly turned on.

"ha...a...okay that's new..." Haru said in a breathy tone as the way she's pressed against him while on top has advanced to him leaving one hand on her ass to give another squeeze while another trails up to her chest.

Nessa breaks away from the kiss to gasp; letting out a whine. Her face is wincing and looks deep into his eyes.

"Haru..." she says before leaning forward to one of his ears.

His hand is felt being grabbed by one of her hands, then moved underneath her dress top while it was still on her body so that his hand goes to feel the actual skin of her breasts. Making his eyes go wide. "Nessa..?"

"Take me. Please..." she begs.

The two would almost halfway wrestle trying to get up to her bedroom without it looking like they were trying to force the other one off their balance but the fact of the matter was that the last willpower to hold back had completely decimated by the events of that evening. Upon reaching her bedroom she locks the door and pushes him onto her bed so he's on his back.

Nessa pushes herself onto him as the two finally have seemingly no more boundaries that either one wants to keep from the other, as Haru feels her fingers going into his dress shirt unbuttoning him from the bottom upwards. Her lips going down his stomach up to his chest before pulling it off, leaving him in just the tie before she helps him undo that as well. At this point, instinct helps instruct Haru where this would be going, and feeling himself slowly become bare to her with his top gone set his spirit aflame. Every single tiny kiss, every single touch of a finger made him shiver.

Nessa's delicate fingers glide over his chest and stomach, wanting to feel every inch of him before both of her own hands go up feeling her own chest to emphasize them for his eyes only, then circle back to her own back. She'd see Haru's eyes were fixated on her as her hands went to her dress top.

"Just follow my lead, darling, and this raging wave is going to help you ride the whole tide~" she purred with her eyes half lidded looking at him.

Haru gulps when the zipper is heard being undone, slumping to her shoulders before taking it off. She gets up, taking the dress off while leaving her heels on, and goes back to straddling him again as her clothes hit the floor silently; panties and all.

Her dark frame stood bare before his eyes, as he took in the imagery that was right in view. "You're so beautiful..." is all he says quietly. Nessa smiles, leaning forward towards him. The two kiss deeply as the dimly lit bedroom would only be accompanied therein by the sound of some soft rain hitting the windows from the outside, and the sound of two lovers meeting each other mutually to their fullest. Their hearts exposed bare to each other, like a nerve ending or a fresh wound. This however, was an intense moment of acceptance. Beauty. Intensity. Understanding. Everything with nobody but the two of them. Neither one would end up stopping; showing each other exactly to what extent they loved each other. In this case, there was no extent that could be calculable: they just were.

- - - - - Next Morning - - - - -

Morning would come, and it would come early. The distinct noise of an alarm clock going off at the break of dawn would sound off, and Haru's first visit back to his consciousness had several questions. The first was 'Wait this isn't my alarm clock, did I change it without realizing I did?' and the second was 'Why is my bed a different size than it normally is, I don't even feel Nora at my feet'. All of these would be non-verbally answered with him laying there as he feels an arm that wasn't his lazily lean over him and slam down on the clock to turn off the alarm.

/'Oh. Right.'/ He thinks.

His vision comes to slowly and looks upon the scene that shouldn't even be real, but is: a dark skinned beauty lay cuddled up to him in bed with her hair undone, messy, and hand lazily placed on his stomach as the covers kept them both warm.

"nnggh...I forgot to change the alarmmmmmnn.." Nessa would say sleepily while right beside him but not opening her eyes as he feels her face nuzzling his chest.

"Morning, sexy. Good thing you got the day off, hmm?" One of his hands would go to her back and just stroke it softly, causing Nessa to curl up to his side moreso than before.

She lets out a cute yawn.

"Les' just go back to sleep, hmm? You're very warm and comfyyyyy~" she replied in a kittenish manner.

He wasn't one to argue with that, and for once he actually wanted to stay in bed of his own volition without worrying what the rest of the day would be like. Gazing upon her bare skin and the memory of the other night coming back while awake, Haru just smiled softly.

"Yes, I also agree you're comfy too, dear. Sleep is good." agreeing with her.

No further counterpoints to be made, she just turns her face up to him in her bedhair look and smiles. No words had to be said, because the smile said it all, and so did his.

- - - - - END CHAPTER 9 - - - - -