Chapter Text
It had been a nasty divorce between your parents. Your father being someone your mother and yourself couldn’t rely on. Leaving the family for days, weeks, even months with no word. Spending the family money on luxury items instead of needed utilities. Someone as self absorbed as your father didn't deserve to be in you and your mothers life. A resentment towards him formed in you from a young age.
Your mother eventually filed for divorce, and gained full custody of you once she had enough. Not that you didn’t mind any of the divorce situation until your mother announced the both of you were moving to a smaller farm town, away from the bigger city you currently resided in. Away from all your current friends that you spent time with frequently. Away from all the fun events that were held often. Away from what you had grown up knowing as home for the past six to seven years.
A month after the divorce was finalized, your mother packed everything that belonged to the two of you and left for the new house she purchased with her savings that was hidden from your father. The home was warmer and more welcoming than the apartment you were previously living in. This one had a basement and more space for you to play both inside and outside. The fields surrounding were filled with fluffy wooloo and sweet budew. You were excited until you realized you had no friends, no one to play with except your mothers munchlax and whatever pokemon roamed about the area that were fairly tame. Your concern was brought to your mother rather quickly.
“Oh baby doll, don’t worry. The neighbors have a little boy your age! We’re going to be meeting them for dinner tomorrow night!” Your mother soothed her child’s fears of no longer having friends that were human. You hugged your mom, then began helping set up your home. Most of your time was set decorating and sorting your own room with your mother. It was generally well kept, your toys organized, and various posters of pokemon you found cute.
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Your mom put you in a clean outfit. Something simple for a 6 year old , but something you could easily roughhouse and play in if you were to get along with the neighbor boy. A F/C t-shirt, dark colored overalls, and your favorite pair of sneakers was the outfit your mother had picked out. The outfit was comfortable and easy to move about in and that's all that mattered to your young heart.
“Mommy… what if we don’t get along… what if their son is a Pokémon!” you made goofy outlandish claims as the pair of you made your way over. The young child in their solid black over walls clung to their mothers hand, nervous butterflies growing in their stomach as they approached closer. What if this neighbor kid hated you? What if they became your mortal and sworn enemy?
“I’ve already met him. He is a very charming young boy… his name is Hop!” You stared up at your mom as the two reached the door. Your mother gently knocked on the door and there was a thumping sound on the other side. The door slowly opened and the smell of warmth and food hit the two of you with a comforting feel. A woman around the same age as your mom opened the door, greeting you.
“Oh M/N!! I’m glad you were able to make it! “ she then looked down at you and bent down, “and you must be Y/N! Your mother has told me so much about you!”
You gave a shy smile and hid behind your mothers leg. A high child's voice then called from behind the other women.
“Mom!! Is that the new neighbors ! ?” A small boy around the same height as you came sliding into view.
“It is! They’re joining us for dinner. Now move to the side a bit so they can come in!” Hop's mother moved and motioned for the two inside. You clung to your mother , feeling nervous about meeting new people. You stared at Hop, who excitedly bounced around a bit before stopping when he caught sight of you. It was quiet and a long pause while the two stared at each other.
“Go on sweetie say hi..” Your mother put a hand on the back of her child, edging you towards the young golden eyed boy. Quickly Hop stood straight and held out his hand, a furious blush crossing his face.
“H-hi!! I’m Hop!!” He didn’t make eye contact, he only stared intensely at the ceiling. Both mothers chuckled, whispering to each other.
“Looks like someone’s got a crush already.” They giggled to each other then left the area to go to the kitchen, making sure the door was shut before they left. You watched nervously as your mother walked away, then stared at Hop with a look of fear and curiosity. Hop looked at you and tilted his head. He noticed how you hugged yourself while watching his hand, fear across your face. He gently smiled and slowly moved closer to you.
“Let's be friends! I won’t let anything hurt you!” He gave you a wide, friendly smile, his hand still held out. You watched him, curiosity getting the better of you as you slowly reached out and shook his hand. He gripped yours and then pointed up the stairs excitedly.
“I have lots of toys! I can show them to you and we can play with them! “ he said and guided you up to his room. You followed Hop willingly, feeling less nervous and more calm around this excitable boy. Something about him made you feel less nervous to be meeting him.
“O-okay…” You said softly, letting him guide you up the stairs. He checked back on you every few steps, making sure you were following him despite him holding your hand carefully.
“What’s your name? I’m Hop!” He asked, making sure he wasn't going to miss his step at the top.
“Y/N…” You said, making it the last step and following him into his room.
“You have a nice name! I like it!” Hop paused and went to his toy chest, taking out some toys, “ I think we’re going to be best friends forever, Y/N!” You smiled at that thought. He liked your name and offered to play with you. Maybe you didn’t have anything you needed to be worried about. Any of the silly thoughts you had on the way over flew out of memory as you decided to make this boy your friend.
“Yeah!!” You exclaimed, cheerfully running over to him and his toys. Hop handed you a toy, chattering away about each one he took out. He explained where he got them and what their names were. You nodded along, holding each one he handed to you with care and setting them down when your hands were full. Occasionally you'd ask a question about one and Hop would make up a story for them. The young boy before you felt immense joy to be sharing his things with someone his age. He had a good feeling he would be sharing stories of the adventures you both would go on to his brother in the near future when his brother returned from the Gym Challenge.