She was at her wit's end.
The internet was a wild place and not one she frequented at all in terms of social media, she didn't even have any accounts anywhere, but she did know it as a place where it was easy to gain access to various information sources. She's used it many times for homework.
But, for a matter like this? Spending a couple of hours researching what relationships were like, and what being a girlfriend was like, had only left Alysa with more questions than answers. Never mind that much of what she saw was directed towards mature adults, so there was...questionable content that had her zipping past with flushed cheeks, there wasn't any thorough advice or tips for teenagers or even young adults she could see. Aside from the typical 'just have fun and live a little' spiels.
It was either those, or stories of being in relationships that sounded closer to vivid nightmares than anything a person could've experienced in real life. The internet made teen boys seem like they were horrific, but she knew deep down that didn't apply to Drayton.
He was far too carefree and slothful to behave in the ways most other boys do. He not rushing her for an answer proved that, as did his small mention of she being the first person to interest him in years. Many people apparently expected teens to not take things seriously and have superficial relationships as a result, but did that apply to Drayton? What was even his own experience with dating? Based on the way he was talking to her before, she assumed he actually had experience.
She could always ask him, and the girl knew she should. After everything she's read, she needed better affirmation.
Closing the browser app and locking her phone, Alysa laid back on her bed with a heavy sigh. Next to her, Tari had been observing quietly, and huddled closer to the girl. She begun to gently pet his cotton fluff, and one of her fingers brushed against his Mega Stone necklace he loved wearing. She involuntarily stared at it, deep in thought.
"This is tough...I'm not sure what to believe or what to do." She spoke to her dear friend, the one who's been with her since the near-early days of her childhood. The darker days.
"Dating sounds frightening, but I can't just ignore how Drayton makes me feel..." Turning her head on her pillow, she looked into the Altaria's eyes. Despite how he couldn't physically speak languages humans used, she could more or less accurately tell what Tari was thinking – or what he was trying to get across, and communicate with him more effectively as a result.
Alysa could see the question. 'Well, how does he make you feel?'
"...He makes me...happy. For sure. And all warm and tingly inside, like I become weightless almost." She fell back into her thoughts.
"It's like whenever I look at him, and when I'm around him, the world itself changes. It gets more vivid. No one's ever made me feel like that."
Tari laid his head down to rest on her stomach. 'That's a good thing, right?'
"It's a really nice feeling. One I haven't ever really experienced? And it's not just Drayton who treats me better. Everyone in the Elite Four is great. Lacey's so friendly. Crispin's so generous. Amarys's so polite...but Drayton. It's like he goes the extra mile, you know? He's been really sweet to me."
She was growing warmer, just envisioning the boy. The way the spikes of his white hair bob and sway when he moves. The leisurely yet weirdly graceful way he walks. His golden eyes and velvety smile...with his sharp teeth...
"And...all of the things he's done, and said. It's surreal in a way."
Tari trilled. 'Why is that?'
"I don't get why he treats me the way he does. Or I guess, I didn't. I know now that he-" She gulped, pulse picking up. "Likes me. Enough that he wants to date me. Gosh..."
The storm threatened to form again. She already had a nice, long scream in her pillow when she got back to her dorm last evening, she couldn't risk another one without injuring her voicebox or something.
"But I'm still scared. I mean, what if I'd make a terrible girlfriend? What if I make him uncomfortable or gross him out? What if he realizes that I'm not as...appealing as he thinks I am? There's so many 'what ifs'."
She whined. The fluffy dragon nudged her with his beak.
'You're overthinking again.'
"This isn't like a battle problem or an assignment though! I need to take this seriously, and I don't want to hurt Drayton or offend him in any way. He's too important to me."
Just the idea of him ever looking at her with anger or like she's some freak made her want to puke. She rubbed Tari's head to distract herself from the rising nausea. He cooed.
'Think of your own happiness. It's important too.'
Alysa furrowed her brow, unsure of what her friend intended with his gaze. She didn't have much time to ponder it before her phone suddenly rung from an incoming call. Perplexed, she first checked its caller ID. Then, she shot up so fast that Tari had to scramble backwards.
"I-It's Drayton! Why is he calling...?"
She looked at Tari as if he would know the answer, but the dragon just stared incredulously. Not wanting to accidently miss the call, Alysa immediately answered it, trying to rien in her flayed nerves.
"H-Hello?"
"Hey there." The Dragon Tamer's voice held a more rough sound due to it being transmitted, but there was no drowning out the enthusiasm in it. Her heart was doing flips.
"What're you up to right now?"
"Uh..." She shook her head, to try and disperse the thoughts of what he was currently doing on the other line. Was he in the clubroom? At the Polar Plaza? Laying on his bed in his own dorm, that she hasn't been in yet?
"Nothing much. I don't have more classes today, so I'm just...in my dorm, cuddling with Tari. Staring off into space."
"That so? Weeeell, since the party doesn't start for another two hours-"
She pulled her phone back just to check the time. It was already 1pm?
"-Would you mind if I came by? Just to hang out, until it's party time."
"Sure! That's fine." Alysa automatically said with no pause. It didn't dawn on her what she just agreed to until she actually registered his next words.
"...Cool. I'll be there in about 5."
"O-Ok."
The call ended. She was left gaping at her phone with wide eyes, pink filled with fear.
"He's...! HE'S COMING OVER?!" Dropping her phone to let it fall onto her bed, her hands flew to her face. In frenzied desperation, she then buried it in Tari's fluff.
"Drayton's coming over. To my dorm. To hang out with me. In my dorm. For the first time. Just the two of us."
She breathed deeply.
"For two hours. Tari, I might die."
He crooned, nuzzling her head. Sitting back up, she did her best to steady herself.
"Ok...ok. Plan time..." She glanced around her dormitory. She had done a little bit of cleaning earlier in the day, so things were neat and presentable enough. She didn't even have a lot going on in the dorm as it was; just some pokemon figurines on her desk as decoration, and the plushies sitting at the far corner of her bed. All she bought from the school store a while ago.
"What can we do? Watch TV? That's about it." Her eyes went to the small couch in front of the electronic device, an order she put in around soon after her first week of school just so she could have a cushiony place to sit down and relax that wasn't on her bed.
She and Drayton could sit there. On...the loveseat. How obnoxiously fitting.
"Yeah, watching TV. That's solid. What should we watch though? I don't want him to get bored..." The girl thought out loud, and jumped when the sound of knocking came from her door.
"He's here already...?!" She cried in a hushed tone, a hand flying to her chest. This was it. Time for her to hopefully not make a fool of herself. As she slipped off of her comforter, taking a few seconds to smooth it out, Alysa approached the door.
"Hi." Drayton looked as stunning as ever, even though he looked the same as he did on a daily basis. His smile spurred her own, but it was accompanied by a flare of heat surging throughout her body.
"Hi." Her returned greeting was much softer, almost inaudible. He must've heard it though, and have been amused by her demureness, if that twinkle in his eyes was a hint.
Stepping away from the door, Alysa allowed Drayton to enter her home away from her non-existenthome. Heart hammering away, she observed as he stepped inside.
"Me being here is ok, right?"
The inquiry was a surprise. "Why do you ask?"
"Earlier, I noticed you said yes almost instantly. I don't want you to feel like you're forced-"
"I don't." She was quick to cut him off, stomach twisting at he maintaining her gaze with evident concern.
"I'm ok with it. Really."
It was enough to soothe his concerns. "Alright."
He closed the door behind him, and kicked his shoes off, pushing them near where hers sat near the door. The act made it click that Drayton was here in her dorm. With her. By themselves. Closed off from the outside world. No fans of his to intrude, nor unwanted stares sent her way.
She was snapped back to full awareness upon he grinning and waving to something behind her. It was Tari of course, who was cutely waving back with a wing. As if she wasn't already turning into goo internally.
Drayton then started looking around. She mentally bashed herself.
'Idiot, be a host! Your plan!'
"D-Did you want to...sit down with me? Watch TV or something?"
"Sure." Was all he said. Drayton went ahead to move forward and plop down on one side of the loveseat. Grabbing the remote from her bed, she joined him, sinking down onto the other cushion.
"What kind of shows do you like watching?"
Right, them just talking and having a conversation would of course follow. She just needed to keep her cool.
"Mainly the ones focused on or around pokemon to be honest. Most human-focused content usually bores me..."
Turning the TV on, she paused. "But uh, did you want to watch something?"
"Nah, I'm good with whatever you pick. TV's not my forte, I default to just watching stuff online."
So, he wasn't into television all that much. She genuinely found that interesting, some new information. With more confidence, Alysa punched in the channel number of her favorite station to watch. The familiar tune of the station's eyecatch played almost on cue, and she had to resist humming along.
"The 'Pokemon Channel'?"
"Mhm. The station basically has all of my favorite shows." She peeked at Drayton, who was staring at her in his usual languid fashion.
"That's sweet. I've seen a few shows, but only in clips." He chuckled, the rich and smooth sound making her breath hitch. The commercial break ended to begin a quiz game show hosted by a Wobbufett. Alysa glanced behind at her bed to check on Tari, who was staring intently at the TV screen.
"So, you enjoy watching TV...what else do you like doing? Play any games?"
Was he asking these things because he wanted to learn more about her too? The prospect was flattering.
"There's this online battle simulator I like messing with. There's a few browser games, and some games on my phone too..." She fidgeted with some strands of her hair. "But that's about it. I don't play like...console video games or anything, my parents never got me any of those."
"Not even for birthdays?"
"No..."
"I see." His tone gained a different inflection, and she feared she somewhat said the wrong thing, but he made no further comment. She was greatly thankful for that, as the subject of birthdays was a highly sensitive topic.
Instead, he watched the broadcast. It made her feel better to see Drayton was actually enjoying it, laughing some at the silly or incorrect answers the pokemon contestants would give. She did feel a guilty though, being so on edge around him. She still didn't know what to say or think.
Unfortunately for her, he did soon pick up on her unease.
"Something up, 'Lys?" He asked her, once the show went on commercial break. Train of thought broken, she sat up straighter.
"Huh?"
"You've been nervous since I came in." He quirked a brow. Quietly she cursed herself for wearing her heart on her sleeve, unable to maintain any strong outward sense of composure.
"I...there's nothing wrong." She fidgeted with her hair more.
"I've just...I'm sorry. I still don't have an answer for you."
~x~
"Oh? That's all?"
Here he was thinking that he messed up somehow.
He truthfully hated Alysa being so guarded around him, it implied he was putting her on edge. But if it's just the little proposal he gave her yesterday, then it made sense.
Drayton's smile returned. "Again, there's no rush. You can think on it however long you need."
Her pink eyes, so vibrant and lovely, meet his gaze for a split second before she aimed them down once more. "I know..."
She kept fidgeting with her hair, and he wondered what he could do to help her calm down. Alysa herself said it before, but he knew she was a ball of anxiety and probably had a problem of overthinking. He's seen it in her types before, spotlight effect firing off in all directions and being quite the pest for their social skills.
There wasn't much you could do, but help them feel relaxed.
"I even...looked up things." She stated, and his curiosity shot up.
"About?"
"Dating. What it's like, and whatnot."
"Heh...!" He broke out into a grin, stifling the laughter that was close to bursting out.
"You must've seen some crazy stuff!"
That was cute. Real cute. The embarrassed look on her face, dark skin dotted by freckles being a richer hue from a blush, was even cuter. He supposed it made sense; if you didn't know a lot about something, then what's the harm in doing a little research? But he just knew that she stumbled across advice or tales that wouldn't do her any good.
"I kind of did." Alysa switched from fiddling with her hair to her hands, rolling and squeezing her fingers. Adorable.
She was adorable.
"Most of what you read didn't give you a lot of material to work with, am I right?"
"...Yes..."
"Figures. No relationship is ever the same, since the people in them are what define them. Tons of folks are pretty bad at giving advice to boot." He snickered, terribly amused.
"I know you don't have any experience, but you really don't have to worry about that. It doesn't matter to me."
She shifted her head in a way so her hair could create a veil over her face. She was getting more and more precious by the minute.
"Do you have experience?"
"Yeah. I've visited the market a few times."
This made her look at him finally, and he could see her intrigue. He continued, indifferent to speaking of past ventures with her at least. Maybe he could help her muster up confidence.
"All of them were in my early years in the academy. A few girls and a few guys, here and there. None of them were ever that serious on my end, since things usually didn't...click. Especially after the first few, when my partner made it obvious they were attracted to my skills as a trainer. Or my looks. Not me. There was barely anything of worth that kept me hooked."
A rapid-fire of memories flashed behind his eyes, all of the old annoyances and some regrets. His younger self had approached dating so frivolously, driven to go along based off of shallow attractions on both sides, plus the smaller desire to just make his suitor happy. His lack of earnest attachment bit him in the end, fueling dramatic conflicts that ended with burned bridges.
It didn't help that he tended to not be the kind of boyfriend people wanted. Lovey-dovey stuff never felt impactful. Sometimes he didn't mind doing more and having someextra fun but even those moments were cast the illusion that he was repulsed by them, when that was the furthest thing from the truth. The spark just wasn't there, but he getting vilified for it got stale.
It got exhausting. After one particularly bad breakup with someone he considered a good friend close about two years ago, he was done. Spontaneous romances weren't worth the stresses involved.
"It was easier to not get too invested, but after a while, dating in general lost its appeal for me. I got tons of gifts and love confessions, especially around Valentine's Day-" He huffed. "I still do even, but it's all the same old same old. None of it means anything. Nobody was enough for me to start caring."
"...Then, what makes me different?" Her mouth twisted up. In truth, he was waiting for her to ask that. He leaned against the couch, eyeing her up and down.
"You're genuine, for one. You got my attention the first day I met you, but then Lacey brought you to the clubroom. The rest was history from there, not gonna lie."
He was flustering her. A smile spread her lips, but she turned her head away.
"No offense 'Lys, but you barely keep anything hidden. I can tell that the kind of person you are is the person you come off as. 'What you see is what you get', type of deal."
"I-I guess?"
"You have that up on most other students in this place. Lots of 'em prefer being two-faced, or do anything for positive attention. You got it in the looks department too."
He smirked, folding his arms behind his head. Time to really fluster her.
"Not only are you beautiful, you're cute as a button. Talk about a two-for-one deal!"
"...?!"
Just like he wanted, she was absolutely shocked by his claim. A hand went to cover her mouth, and she shook her head in disbelief. He meant it though, and he knew that she knew he did.
"You are different. And I like different. I like you. A lot, like I said before. I know I'm serious about you, and I'm serious about what a more intimate relationship between us could be. It's why I want you to make sure you've made up your mind before we commit to anything, so we're both on the same page."
She kept messing with her fingers, so Drayton decided to try something. He reached out, tugging her nearest hand away from the other, so he could hold it. Alysa made no attempt to stop him, and while she stiffened, she tightened her grip almost instantly.
"But just to remind you again: there's no rush. You're the only person I have eyes on, and I'm willing to wait as long as I need to for your sake."
Until she outsight says 'no', it'll stay open. Alysa stared at their interlocked hands, and then up at him. Drayton was starting to wonder if pink has been a secret favorite color of his for all this time, maybe Lacey's influence was rubbing off on him, because he could get lost in Alysa's eyes if he gazed long enough in them and he'd never want to find his way out.
...He also could swear that she was staring at his mouth too...
"Thank you, Drayton..." Her voice carried a similar hypnotic effect, so soft but melodic in its own way. She never speaks that loudly, even while giving commands to her pokemon in battle. He does wonder if he could get her to be louder, to get her to come out more of her shell. In time, perhaps.
"I do want to say that...I do really care about you. What I've gotten to see of the real you." Meekly, she maintained eye contact.
"Even with how much you like to joke around, I can tell you're a kind person on the inside."
Oof. Was it his turn for the butterflies now?
"And...you are really handsome..."
"Heh heh. Aw, shucks." Yep, it was his turn. He's been told many times in the past that he's hot by many different people of many genders, but the compliments all blended together into an unmemorable noise. It coming from her though, from Alysa, made him feel like it was the first time he's ever heard it.
"The Drayster's glad you don't think he's ugly, at least."
"N-No. Far from it." She giggled, and it about put him into a stupor.
"The idea of dating you doesn't repulse me at all. It's just..."
He stopped her by squeezing her hand. "You don't have to explain yourself to me. I understand that it's weird territory, especially if you've never been in it. Don't be hard on yourself, ok? And don't worry about me losing interest anytime soon. I'll be here."
He might've said the perfect thing for once, since he's never seen such bright light in her eyes before. She seemed contemplative, but then started to inch closer to him on the sofa. He eagerly tugged her in until she was snuggled up into his side, letting go of her hand so he could drape his arm around her.
She rested her head against his collarbone, and he took advantage of the moment to nuzzle her, inhaling the subtle floral aroma wafting from her curls. He didn't know how long they sat there together in blissful silence, letting the TV become background noise, but Tari eventually jumped over to sit on the edge of the furniture.
He trilled, looking at the both of them. Drayton wasn't sure on what the dragon was trying to convey outside of getting their attention, but Alysa was awakened from her own trance.
"What time is it?"
Riiiight, the party. Drayton used his free arm to pull out his Rotom phone from his back pocket, scanning the screen as it rose to float to eye level.
"...2:55pm." When did time fly by so fast?
"Shoot. We should leave, before we're late."
"Heh, sure." The party wouldn't start until she at least showed up, but of course she wanted to be punctual. They both stood up, Alysa turning the TV off before recalling her Altaria. They both slipped their shoes on, and she ensured the lights were off before they left her dorm.
Walking down the hall, Drayton noticed that she was eyeing his hands as they went. He used his nearest to bump against hers, urging her to hold it if she wanted to.
She did so, and part of him wished he could snap a photo of how endearing her smile was.
Drayton and Alysa entered the clubroom hand-in-hand, as multiple pairs of eyes landed on them. He knew they probably should've ended the hand holding before walking in, they weren't official (yet?) and their associates getting the wrong idea could be more trouble than it's worth, but...he didn't feel strongly enough to do so.
She didn't either, obviously.
"There she is!" Lacey clapped. Crispin and Amarys were present, the former grinning widely while the latter nodded. Various other club members were there too, a lot of them familiar faces.
"I was afraid you'd be late Alysa! Probably because of Drayton."
"We're here, ain't we?" He pouted, while Alysa surveyed the room in shock. The large table was stocked with a large spread, dishes containing food positioned around paper plates and plastic silverware.
"Now we can start the party!"
Crispin cheered, and everyone moved to hover around the table. The red head urged Alysa to come try the food, and Drayton let go of her hand to place his own on the small of her back, nudging her forward with a smile. Bashfully she returned it, and fulfilled Crispin's request. Drayton took a moment to stand back and observe while the others got their plates situated first.
Susan and Alex were all too happy to congratulate Alysa personally, and he overheard them mentioning that she's formed a name for herself in the entire club. Her happiness at that is clear to see, but naturally she's humble about it, cupping one of her cheeks and only stating she just does her best and that she's happy their battles have helped her further improve.
He liked seeing other people treat her well. She deserved good things, he believed.
Once the table was clear, the Dragon Tamer went in to see what was left. Crispin's cooking was usually a hit if he didn't go too crazy with the spice, so he wasn't feeling picky. When his plate was assembled to his liking, he took up his usual seat at the table, and idly ate forkfuls of his meal while resuming his people-watching.
His attention was mainly fixed upon Alysa though. He could tell that everyone being here to celebrate her own achievement was touching for the girl, how soft her eyes were implied as much. She looked positively radiant in the moment, hard work and talents getting recognized. It was very cool to see that despite them all technically being competitors, Susan and Alex losing to her didn't stick to them negatively.
Sportsmanship wasn't rare in their club, but it wasn't common to see anymore. This event reminded him of the old days, where they had way more members and the clubroom was usually bustling multiple times every week. He could remember the younger members being so rambunctious and leaving equipment scattered around or general messes. His Champion self and the Elite Four at that time had to clean up the clubroom almost daily...or really just the Elite Four did. He was as lazy then as he is now.
He did truly miss those times. This party was like an echo of what once was, but it was something that could be properly revived. If only...
The sound of the room's doors opening quieted the ambience. Inside stepped another familiar face, but one he hasn't last seen for sometime.
"Zeph!" Lacey greeted the dark-haired boy with a wide smile. "I'm happy you could make it!"
"Yeah..." The teen immediately seemed off, weariness cloaking him, causing Drayton to tilt his head.
"Is something wrong? You seem down..." Lacey's expression fell. In the background, Alysa looked on in confusion. Drayton remembered that she hadn't met Zeph in person yet.
"I'm sorry if I rain on the parade here." He rubbed his neck. "But I need to tell you all that I'm not in the club anymore."
"What?! Why?" Crispin gasped. The Dragon Tamer stiffened.
"I found out earlier that I was resigned, because I broke a new rule in the code of conduct."
Lacey and Amarys shared concerned stares. Drayton dropped his fork onto his plate, eyebrows knitted.
"What new rule?" He addressed the girls, as they clearly knew something. Before they or anyone else could respond however, the doors to the clubroom opened again. Drayton's tension reached a high it normally didn't. He honest to the Twin Dragons did not want this visitor to show up, not today.
The current Champion and President of the League Club stood at the entranceway, bleak yellow eyes glaring at them all.
