Author's Note: So I know this chapter is a bit short. But I hope you enjoy nonetheless.

Gloria held onto Bede's arm firmly as they entered the restaurant and approached the host. After affirming who they were, the man politely escorted them to their table. A nice seat for two with a charming centerpiece of small roses in a tiny glass vase.
The food, while quite delectable, was absolutely not what she had ever experienced before. Gloria was never one for fancy events such as these, but she had to admit it was not at all unpleasant.

Bede noticed her demeanor and chuckled, which caught her attention.

"What's so funny, Bede?" She grinned.

His response, "That look in your eyes. It's funny."
She could tell right away that he was teasing her about how out of place she felt, "Hey, come on… Is this payback for bringing you to the Dojo?"

Bede was playful, "Hmm... perhaps."
That smile he gave was telling her otherwise.

She noted, "You know, I've only seen places like this in cinemas or on the telly. Everyone here looks so fantastic."

"But of course. That is the standard here. Anything else would be unacceptable."

Gloria had to bring this up, "Bede, I'm surprised you wanted to come here. Considering who founded this place…"
He acquired an irritated look on his face, but it was only for a split second. No doubt she would've missed it if she had blinked.

"I'm capable of separating a creation from the creator." He stated bluntly.

Gloria nodded, "I see, that makes sense. I do wonder though, who's running it now? I doubt it's Leon." She chortled at her suggestion, "As great as he is as a trainer, he wouldn't have it in him to run a place like this."

Bede shook his head, "Never say never. Some people are just full of surprises." He reached over to place his hand atop hers, "Like yourself."

Gloria's face reddened, she looked down at their hands, then back at Bede, "Haha… Um, Bede?"

"Hm? What is it?"

"I had been thinking, the next time we have a Galarian Star Tournament. How about you and I partner up?" She turned her hand upward to clasp his.

Bede gasped lightly, "Wh-what? You'd… I… I mean…" He quickly composed himself, "Did you forget I'm supposed to be trying to defeat you? How could I do that if we're on the same side?"
The truth was, he was actually happy Gloria suggested that. And she could see right through him, it made her feel so giddy.

"I think it would be fun!" She winked.

Bede was fighting the overwhelming urge to grin, "I guess…" He squeezed her hand, focusing his attention elsewhere. At the same time, Gloria was turning away with the widest smile. She felt like she had him in the palm of her hand.

With an unspoken agreement that the two would team up at the next tournament, they finished their meals. Afterward, the two decided they wanted to sneak away from the busy crowd. Neither were prepared for the surprise that awaited them when they got to the exit.

When the front doors opened in front of them, Gloria was shocked to see Leon and Sonia in formal attire before them. Leon was in a navy suit with his hair tied back in a low ponytail, and Sonia was in a mint green one-shoulder midi dress that slightly hugged her figure. Her hair was pinned up neatly in an elegant style.

Both couples stared at each other with shocked eyes before Sonia spoke nervously, "Gloria! Ah… what a coincidence! Hahaha!" She immediately took her hand away from Leon's.

"Sonia? Leon?" A confused Gloria replied.

"Ahaha! Hey there, Gloria!" Leon greeted with a smile, "Fancy seeing you here! Huh, I guess what Hop was telling me turned out to be true! Congratulations to both of you!"

Gloria became embarrassed, "Leon…"

Bede muttered, "Thanks…"

Sonia nudged him, "Leon, I told you didn't I? Don't tease them so much!" She seemed like she was trying to move him along, tugging on his arm.

"What are you two doing here?" Gloria inquired.

Leon answered in a carefree tone, "Sonia asked me to come to the restaurant here with her! Luckily, I was able to get some free time!"
Sonia flinched, trying to gesture to Leon to be quiet with a finger to her mouth.

Gloria looked at a now mortified Sonia, "Oooh, I see." She spoke with a rising intonation.
Sonia was blushing, "It's… not what you think. Hehe…"

"If you say so." Gloria teased, "Well, we won't keep you for much longer. Have fun, you two. Hehehe!"

"R-Right back at you!" Sonia retorted.
Leon just looked happy to be there, "All right! Let's go fulfill our reservations! I'll be seeing you guys later!"
Good heavens he was so clueless. Is what Gloria thought to herself.

After watching the pair leave, Gloria and Bede stepped outside into the cool evening air. Streetlights brightly lit the lot around them.
Gloria was laughing about what had happened, "I can't believe we ran into them like that! Do those two have a thing for each other?"

"Not sure..." Bede answered stiffly.

"Ahaha! Maybe I inspired Sonia or something!" Gloria perkily suggested, "If that were the case, then I'm honored!"

Bede shrugged, "Could be…"

"I'm not surprised really, those two have known each other for a long time! Anyway, let's go hang out!"

The couple ended up in the Wild Area, in a peaceful spot atop a hill, overlooking miles of grassy plains that was only slightly illuminated by the moonlight. A refreshing breeze gave Gloria goosebumps. Rillaboom and Flareon were out of their pokeballs, casually pacing around behind them.
Gloria took note of Bede's curious expression and explained, "I have them out to keep watch. Can't be too careful, right?"

"Good idea." He agreed, "Considering…"

"I wonder what she was doing in the Crown Tundra. That's the last place I would've expected to find her."

Bede thought about something, the took the pokeball he had his beloved Hatterene, "Hatterene, go!"
The humanoid Pokemon appeared to glow under the moon, her hypnotizing eyes taking in their surroundings. She sighed in relief upon realizing they were in a quiet place.

Bede noted, "I thought it would be a bit unfair to have your Pokemon doing all the work. So she's going to help them out. Besides, she can detect unpleasant feelings a lot quicker than most."

"Good thinking." Gloria praised, "Plus, she's beautiful."

Bede looked away and faintly whispered, "She's not the only beautiful one here…"

"Hm? Did you say something?"

"N-No!" Bede denied quickly.

Gloria remembered something, and looked up at the stars, "You know Bede, when I first started out on my journey. Truth was, I was really scared."

Bede was quietly surprised, "Is that so?"

Gloria nodded, "The idea of being so far away from my family and hometown… Just that alone got me tense. I put on a brave face for Hop, and I knew he was going to be with me, so that helped. Overtime, it got easier. Now here we are! Hehe…"

This inspired Bede, and now it was his turn, "I had no reservations about starting my journey. It's what I wanted. I was more than ready to show everyone who I really was. I wanted the world to know that I was not that weak little child that came from an orphanage. Instead, I was someone worthwhile. Someone who wasn't just a part of the best, but who was the best."

Gloria looked at him, and he looked back at her, "The more I think about it, the more I ask myself. What would have been the point? What would it have even meant if I became the champion? I know now that I wasn't truly in it for myself. I was only trying to prove myself to people who never cared about me to begin with…"

Gloria could see that he was getting emotional, she assured him, "You've done so well Bede. Even if you didn't become the champion. You're a Gym Leader now, and that's amazing! And you've found your own path."

Bede smiled softly, "I'm glad I did. Being a Gym Leader has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. Not only do I still get to battle and show off my skills, I get to show off how amazing Fairy-types are. I don't need to be a Champion to know that I've come far."

"And there are so many people rooting for you." Gloria encouraged.

But he wasn't finished yet, "And the best part, now I get to see you all the time. And I've gotten to see you so beautiful."

Gloria's eyes widened and her face flushed several shades of red within seconds, "Wha!? B-Beautiful!?"

There was not even a slight hint of sarcasm in his voice. He was being completely sincere, and that made his compliment all the more flustering, and he found that hilarious. Evident by him laughing out loud.
She wasn't about to let him get the best of her, "You… You dork! I'll have you know you look quite handsome!"

Now it was Bede's turn to become embarrassed. Both teens were now red-faced, looking at each other in the eyes.
Gloria cleared her throat, "I'm… being serious. My breath caught in my throat.." She squeezed her eyes shut. She could not believe that she just said that out loud.

Bede shifted just a little bit closer, making Gloria's heart race. He placed one hand on her cheek and leaned in for a kiss. A kiss that she readily accepted. They continued looking at one another, that exciting explosion of new emotions that both were experiencing for the first time was something hard to describe. Both trainers were fully absorbed in the shared enthusiasm and sense of wonder.
Gloria's brown eyes sparkled and she smiled a dazzling smile, "That went much better than last time."

Bede remarked lightheartedly, "And we'll only improve from here."

Rillaboom, Flareon, and Hatterene all watched their trainers from a small distance away. They had decided to give the couple some space while still keeping watch for any possible danger. Rillaboom and Flareon exchanged a look that said they were proud of their trainer. Then they looked at Hatterene, she looked back with pure joy on her face. She definitely was super happy for Bede, especially after everything he's been through. Either that, or she was just pumped up from the romance. Hatterene's are like sponges to emotions after all.
Looking up at the sky, heaven was putting on a show. The stars glittered above, cheering for the couple.

Everything was as it should be.