Chapter Text
With a fond farewell and a promise to return, Steven headed back to Hoenn.
As soon as he got back to Evergrande he got a large earful from Drake about his sudden trip. Thankfully Glacia, Phoebe, and Sidney weren’t as harsh.
Wallace was there too. He couldn’t describe the amount of discomfort he held knowing he was teaching a long-time rival to be his replacement, but thankfully Wallace said nothing about it.
And a few days later he found himself outside Devon Corp, staring up at the small windows he knew were his father’s office. A quick word to the secretary and in minutes he was in front of his father, the long, glass table the only thing between them.
What started as a calm conversation quickly became loud and commanding.
Steven flopped onto his bed, a huff escaping into his phone.
“And to top it all off I’m stuck in my house because those dang paparazzi follow me around like Volbeat! It’s insane!”
“Wow,” said Riley on the other end, speechless. “I’m not sure how to reply to that?”
“Ah, don’t worry Ri,” Steven reassured. “Having someone listen is more than enough.”
Before he could say more he heard a stifled yawn. A quick glance at a clock and a mental calculation told him why.
“I shouldn’t keep you longer,” Steven smiled. “You should get some sleep.”
“Very well. Have a good day gem, I love you.”
“Goodnight Riley, and thanks. I love you too.”
-
The day of the press conference was overwhelming. A drove of reporters and cameras and flashing lights were poised, waiting for the event to begin onstage. Steven was up there with Wallace, the Elite Four, and even the League President. What was supposed to be an announcement of a new Champion was only a thinly veiled interrogation of what he did since he left.
Yet it meant nothing to the uneasiness that had settled into his stomach.
“I’m fine, really,” Steven assured, rubbing an eye.
“You need sleep,” Riley said, unconvinced. “Please get some sleep, I know its 2am for you right now.”
“It is, but I don’t feel tired at all.” He appreciated the concern, but he really didn’t want to get off the phone and face tomorrow.
Riley sighed on the other end. “Ok, follow me on this. Close your eyes.”
Steven scoffed a little but complied.
“Are they closed?”
“Yes.” He had to hold back from using a mocking tone.
Riley began softly describing Iron Island; it was like Steven was there. He could feel the tension slip away as he imagined the soft rush of waves, the tang of salty air, the striking stone.
And suddenly the alarm on his phone went off, signaling a new day.
When did he fall asleep?
-
Fog hung thick over the ocean when Steven met with his father again. Drake had invited the two of them onto his ship to discuss things privately.
Steven desperately wished Riley were there with him.
His father didn’t understand where he was coming from; Steven didn’t understand why he was pushed so hard to excel already insane standards. Drake had to intervene more than once to keep things civil.
Yet before the sun dipped down and out of sight, an agreement was made.
“Steven!” Riley greeted when he came onscreen.
“Hi Ri,” Steven replied.
“How are you?” he asked.
He felt the corners of his mouth turn up. “Better now.”
“So, what’s the verdict?”
“Once everything with the League is finished within a month or two, I’ll have to assist my father at Devon Corp for 3 months.” He rested his face on his hand, pouting. “It’ll mean another 5 or 6 months here, sorry.”
“Think about it like this: once those 6 months are up…”
"I’ll be back on Iron Island with you!” Steven finished.
Riley’s smile grew wider. “There we go!”
-
Steven watched as Iron Island slowly came into view in the vast ocean.
The ship wasn’t going fast enough.
He jumped onto the dock when it landed into port, running straight for the cabin. Someone was already waiting for him at the entryway.
Riley wrapped his arms around him, crushing him into a hug. Steven staggered as he was smothered in his favorite scent and warmth, clutching onto that broad back.
“It’s so good to see you,” he whispered.
He felt Ri nuzzle into his shoulder, happy hums rippling through his body. Steven could only smile wider.
With one last squeeze, Riley leaned back enough so their faces were inches apart. Blue eyes glanced down and Steven became conscious of the heat spreading on his cheeks.
“…Can I?” Riley murmured.
Steven licked his lips in nerves before nodding.
A brush of hair on his forehead made him close his eyes and –
It was only the soft, warm pressure on his mouth.
It was just them.