Chapter Text
Bede does not like camping.
He hates the stench of the outdoors, the humidity in the air. The numerous bug Pokemon, all too eager to swarm. He hates when he's forced to camp and it's too quiet at night and he shivers whenever something moves in the dark. Hates the memory of camping during his gym challenge, when he was a different person, driven by something that now leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.
And right now, he dislikes the look on Hop's Dubwool's face as it watches him across the camp.
Goodness knows why he agreed to this. He's rejected Gloria's numerous attempts to drag him out camping before- he's grown less and less patient with each passing answer, but yet her invitations continue to come. This time, however, Opal caught wind of the Champion's invite, and of course, the old lady kicked him out of the house and locked the door, insisting that it's healthier for him to 'spend time with children his age' and that she wasn't going to cook dinner.
So here he is, listening to Gloria and Marnie babble on about something involving Nessa's latest photoshoot, while Hop's Dubwool stares in his direction.
Bede is not afraid. Unnerved, sure, but not afraid of a Pokemon. Especially not one like Dubwool, a species better known for its ability to run away than as an actual threat. Still, he's unsettled when Hatterene's not by his side. His Pokemon is, instead, choosing to be entertained by Gloria's Gengar halfway across the camp. And Dubwool is across the fire, a foreboding look in its eyes.
"You okay there, Bede?"
The last member of their party interrupts his thoughts. Hop stands nearby, stirring the pot of curry on the fire, his face lit with the warm firelight. He smiles in Bede's direction, all friendly and nice, sending pricks of irritation down the gym leader's skin.
"I'm fine," he snaps, breaking his gaze away from Dubwool. He folds his arms, trying to sit up straight. But the log he's sitting on is uneven, and his skin is sweaty from the heat of the fire.
"Could've fooled me." Hop chuckles, and Bede's cheeks warm. He tries very hard not to let a scowl show on his face.
Really, this is a farce. He doesn't even like these people. Sure, Gloria's probably the only person he'd tolerate (if only because she's his rival), but he doesn't even remember interacting with Marnie, and his interactions with Hop, well... Bede doesn't understand how Hop can stand so close to him, with nary a hint of anger or distaste in his manner. He knows he wouldn't, in his place.
The irritation grows on his skin. He doesn't need friends; never had, never will. His previous dealings with his 'peers' usually ended up with his fist on their bloodied noses, their crying wails at his feet. He really doesn't want to deal with people who are troublesome, meddlesome, and all too much annoying.
Then his eyes flick back to the Dubwool, lurking at the edge of camp. It's still watching him, and Bede's lips curl in disdain.
His ruminations are interrupted when Hop says, "Hey Gloria, Bede's lookin' a bit left out."
Bede turns. Finds Hop's cheery grin as he watches him, a sneaking suspicion creeping down his spine. "What are you doing?" he asks.
But before either he nor Hop can respond, Gloria is beside him, her big, doe-like eyes peering into his face. "Oh Bede, I'm so sorry," she says now. "This was supposed to be a friendly gathering, but we've left you and Hop out."
"No, it's nothing," Bede sputters. He takes a second to compose himself, tries to ignore the look in Gloria's eyes. "I'm fine."
There's a worried silence, filled only by the crackling fire. Then Marnie's giggling, and Hop joins in with a laugh. Gloria's eyes warm up.
"That's great to hear," she chirps. "I've always wanted you to join us for our camping trips. Just a friendly break from the Gyms, and the League. It's nice, isn't it?"
No, it isn't, but Bede doesn't say that aloud.
"Well, chit-chat will have to wait," Hop says. His grin is bright when he shoves a plate of curry in Bede's hands. "Grub's up!"
Bede accepts the plate with muttered thanks (Opal did, at least, teach him that a fairy gym leader needed to have poise), but it takes all his effort not to scrunch his nose at the smell. While curry might be a trend in Galar, that's all it really is, and Bede's not a big fan of it. Pushing the rice around the plate, Bede is sure he doesn't want to know what exactly went into the making of the dish- he can see bits of berries, and maybe even the hint of... bone?
He hides a sigh, ignores the uncomfortable churning of his stomach. By his side, Gloria and Marnie are already doling out their share of curry, nattering on about something involving Raihan and Piers. Quietly, his eyes drift back to Hatterene, now sharing a plate of curry with Marnie's Grimmsnarl. The rest of the Pokemon are likewise enjoying their dinner, save for one.
Across the clearing, Dubwool is still watching him. The fire casts an ominous light in its serious eyes.
"Curry not to your liking?" Hop's voice teases.
"I didn't-" Bede begins, but before he can protest, the other boy settles down next to him. Bede tries not to curl away from his cheerful grin, but judging from the slight frown on Hop's face, he fails.
"What's wrong?" Hop asks.
Many things. The atmosphere. The curry. The fact that Opal would probably not let him back in and leave him without dinner if he left now. The company.
"Your Dubwool," Bede mutters, jerking his head towards the offending Pokemon. "It's been watching me all night."
"Oh." There's a soft sigh in Hop's voice as he follows Bede's gaze. Pokemon and trainer watch each other, neither making a sound. Finally, Hop gestures, and with quiet steps, Dubwool approaches, eyes never leaving Bede's face.
"He's harmless, really," Hop says, resting one hand on Dubwool's horns. He turns to Bede with a smile, but it's muted, not quite as bright as before. "He's just wary of you."
Bede arches an eyebrow. "Wary? Of me?" There are many reasons why people should take him seriously, but a Pokemon like Dubwool? They normally wouldn't care.
"Well, sorta, yeah," Hop mumbles. He glances down at the Pokemon, stroking Dubwool's head. "I- we don't have many... fond memories of you."
Bede frowns. He's only really talked to Hop a handful of times, and seen Dubwool only once- the first and only time they ever fought, during their Gym Challenge, when it was still a Wooloo.
"Because I beat you back then?" Bede snorts, dismissively turning back to the curry on his plate. Pathetic, he thinks. If Hop held grudges to every person he loses to, then-
"Because you said we were weak."
Hop's voice is quiet, soft enough that the girls don't hear. Bede doesn't turn, but a shiver runs down his spine at the uncharacteristic tremor in Hop's voice. "You told me that I was just dragging Lee's reputation through the mud. That we should have quit."
Bede forces a scowl. "You obviously didn't listen."
Hop chuckles. "But, see, Bede... I kinda did."
The self-deprecating tone is enough to catch his attention, and when he glances at Hop, the other boy isn't even looking at him. Instead, he's stroking Dubwool's head, a strained smile on his face.
Dubwool bleats softly, and Hop continues, "After that battle, I... left Dubwool behind. I think that's why he remembers you."
Bede frowns. The implication is clear, and despite himself, a strange knot twists in his stomach. The image of Reuniclus and Gothitelle, sitting back at home, always makes him feel uncomfortable.
"I just told you the truth," Bede mutters. "You were blinded by your own delusions of grandeur, and whatever you did was your own decision. And I was right, wasn't I? Look at you, now."
"I'm not denying it," Hop agrees. "And yeah, I appreciate what you told me- it was definitely a wake up call. I know it was my decision. But I think Dubwool doesn't... quite understand." He chuckles lowly as the Pokemon lets out a soft, sharp bleat, its gaze still focused on Bede.
Bede purses his lips. Despite Hop's words, his golden eyes aren't as bright as they were earlier. Something similar burns in Dubwool's expression. Anger, resentment? No, Bede knows it too clearly to mistake it.
Regret.
It curls in Bede's gut, a worm of a memory that keeps him unsettled at night. Back then, Hop was different, but so was he. And unlike Hop, even with everything Opal's taught him, he remembers the bloody fists and cries of the other children in the orphanage and school. Remembers how proud he was that Rose recognized him. How he let that excuse everything he did.
How, in some ways, he and Hop were the same, back then.
"I'm sorry about this, Bede," Hop begins, standing up as he shuffles Dubwool away. "I'll make sure he won't bother you any more-"
"Battle me."
Hop freezes. Bede's words echo through the campsite, and he's aware of Marnie and Gloria's eyes, trained on them.
"Bede-"
"You're stronger now, aren't you?" Bede sets the plate of curry aside and stands up, resting his hands on his hips. "I'm not hungry yet. Maybe a quick battle will whet my appetite."
Hop frowns. Scratches the back of his head. "You don't have to do this," he mumbles.
"No," Bede agrees, lifting his chin. "We both do."
Even now, Hop hesitates. Finally, he glances at Dubwool. It's only when it bleats that Hop finally turns to Bede and nods.
"Alright," he breathes, a quirk of a smile on his face. "You're on."
It's a quick match, one Pokemon apiece. Gloria, Marnie, and the rest of the Pokemon are watching by the side of the small space they've cleared for the battle, and Hop flexes his fingers across the clearing.
Bede nods at Hatterene, who's already prepared for battle. She stands poised and calm in front of him, but her fingers are twitching with anticipation.
Across the field, Dubwool stands firm. The Pokemon doesn't move, its serious eyes still watching Bede with the same fixation as it has all night. But it does glance back at Hop, and something unsaid passes between Pokemon and trainer.
"Everyone ready?" Marnie asks, glancing to both sides of the field. Satisfied, the Spikemuth gym leader shrugs. "Go for it, then."
And without a moment's hesitation, Hop yells, "Headbutt, Dubwool!"
Dubwool charges, thundering down the field. It's faster than Bede expects, but even so-
"Dazzling Gleam."
Hatterene spins, flashes of light appearing at the end of her fingertips. They pulse purple and pink, and Dubwool bleats as the attack blinds it. Still, it manages to turn, avoiding the full impact of the blow.
"Plow through it!" Hop yells out.
Bede's surprised at the reckless command, but as if on cue, Dubwool rights itself and continues through the light, running straight at Hatterene-
Except the Psychic Pokemon glances at Bede, and without even a command, she floats out of Dubwool's way, the ram's horns grazing only empty air.
Bede narrows his eyes. Hop's attacks are straightforward, just like the last time, trying to overcome the Psychic Pokemon with sheer brute force-
"Double Kick!"
"Hatterene!"
Dubwool reacts instantly, lashing out with its hind legs. Despite Bede's warning, it catches Hatterene by surprise. She lets out a soft cry of pain as she thuds onto the grass. She growls as she gets up, and looking at her, at Hop and his Dubwool in front of him, something ignites in Bede's gut.
"Headbutt, again!" Hop commands, and Dubwool spins, lowering its head once more-
"Dark Pulse!" Hatterene lashes out with a wave of dark energy, and this time, it catches Hop and Dubwool off-guard. It's harsher, knocking Dubwool off its balance, and the Pokemon bleats in pain as it staggers backwards.
But as it shakes off the attack, Bede's eyes are drawn back to it. Instead of the dull, serious look on its face, its eyes now mirror its trainer's- bright and eager, burning in the night, as they watch him and Hatterene.
Despite himself, Bede smiles.
"Headbutt!" Hop's command comes.
"Careful of its legs," Bede cautions Hatterene.
She nods in affirmation. The Psychic Pokemon easily dodges Dubwool's charging attacks. One after another, the attacks come, Hop and Dubwool not letting up for a second. It's too simple, Bede thinks. Now that he knows what Dubwool can do, he can keep Hatterene out of its reach, just wait for the right second to attack-
Then, abruptly, Hop yells, "Double-Edge!"
To his surprise, Dubwool pivots. The realization clicks- Dubwool was just trying to close the distance, but now, this was their perfect opportunity. The real attack. Dubwool bleats fiercely, and instead of charging, it jumps through the air, launching itself at Hatterene.
Bede cries, "Psychic!"
The Psychic Pokemon screeches, energy gathering around her in a burst of power. Dubwool's so close, and in the blinding flash, Bede can only hope Hatterene pulls the attack off in time. But then the dust clears and the wind settles, and Bede breathes a sigh of relief.
Hatterene stands in the middle of the field, a look of mild disdain on her face as she dusts herself off. Dubwool lies on the grass in front of her, just a few feet away, fainted.
Adrenaline turns to exultation, and Bede realizes he's panting, grinning, his gaze moving to the other end of the field-
"Dubwool!"
Hop rushes to his Pokemon, picking Dubwool's massive head off the grass and into his lap. At his touch, the Pokemon stirs, letting out a soft bleat as it looks up at its trainer's face. Bede sees the relief, the pride-
And he remembers the words he said to them, once.
It doesn't feel right when he approaches Hop. He isn't sure what to say, what to do. There was no way he'd hold back in a fight, but still...
Hop's golden eyes meet his. There's caution in them, and no doubt he remembers the last time they stood like this, just as keenly as Bede does.
"Why did you choose Dubwool?" Bede asks at last. "I've seen your team on the video logs. You have Pokemon much better suited to fighting Hatterene."
Hop runs a hand down Dubwool's back. His smile is soft when he speaks. "Maybe, but... win or lose, I think Dubwool needed this the most."
It's a foolish idea. A stupid concept. Bede would once have crinkled his nose in disgust, at the idea that Hop would let sentimentality cloud his judgement in a battle.
But they aren't the same children they were anymore. And watching Dubwool nestle against Hop's hand, a calm feeling settles over Bede's heart. The ram lifts its head to look at him, its eyes calm and serious, but no longer quite so threatening. Bede agrees, "Winning isn't everything."
Hop's grin is wide. "You're just saying that 'cuz you won."
"I'm being charitable," Bede corrects him. He holds out a hand, one that Hop takes to pulls himself off the grass.
"Well that was a spectacular match," Gloria says. Behind her, Marnie and the rest of the Pokemon let out soft cheers and claps, and Bede glowers at them all. Hop, in contrast, laughs sheepishly, ducking his head.
"If y'all are hungry," Marnie says, jerking a thumb back to camp. "We've still got some curry. Might be a good idea for the Pokemon, too."
As if on cue, Dubwool picks itself off the grass and charges into camp, followed closely by Hatterene. Hop laughs, and it's an easy one, bright and warm and unfamiliar.
"You know, you're a good guy after all, Bede." When Hop looks at him, it's as if they're next to the fire already, warmth radiating off his skin.
Bede arches an eyebrow. "And I wasn't before?"
Hop stammers, and Bede chuckles. "I'm teasing," he says at last. "I know my interactions with other people, including you, have been far from... polite."
"That's one way of putting it," Hop agrees. "But... you didn't have to battle me again. And even if it ended the same as last time, I appreciate it."
"It didn't end the same as last time," Bede points out. He chews his lip, choosing his words cautiously. "Both you and Dubwool have definitely improved from when we first fought. Based off that battle, I could never call you weak, or skilless, or tagging on to Leon's name. You're good enough, on your own."
At first, Hop doesn't respond, and Bede wonders if he's misstepped. But then, quietly, almost lost in the happy cries of Pokemon and the campfire, he catches, "Thank you, Bede."
Bede doesn't know how to respond. He's had people thank him before- gym challengers after a battle; Opal, when he passes her a cup of tea. But this time, the words feel different. He ducks his head, isn't sure whether the heat on his face is from the fire or his hunger or something else entirely.
"We should get back," Hop says with a grin, tugging his hand. "You still haven't eaten, have you?"
"Hop, what-" Bede can't even protest before he's dragged back to the camp, forced to sit down and pick up the plate of curry. It's not as bad as he expected, and Hop laughs when he says his cooking is passable.
And as Bede eats, surrounded by the happy banter around him and Dubwool curled up by his feet, he wonders.
The heat is still annoying, and he's sure the bug Pokemon will swarm any time soon. But as the sky turns to a midnight blue, he doesn't feel quite so nervous in the company of the others.
And when he catches Hop's warm, encouraging smile over the fire, no longer guarded and wary, Bede thinks maybe he wouldn't mind taking Gloria up on more of her camping offers after all.