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“– And would you believe it if I told you that Sonia wants me to work on the project?” Hop’s features pulled into an excited grin as he clutched his clipboard with tight fingers. The prescription glasses that he now wore were perched on the bridge of his nose, and his lab coat fluttered as he walked briskly toward his desk, sending papers and pens and notes all scattering. “Me! Professor Hop.” He placed his clipboard down on the desk and grinned, clenching his fists and shaking them up and down in a way that was so boyish, so like the old Hop she once knew as a child.
Clasping her hands behind her back, Gloria followed him back to the desk, tilting her head so that she could see him properly. She dropped her bag onto the ground, hands drifting toward her belt to make sure that all her Pokéballs were still strapped there.
Hop continued speaking more about the special project he'd been assigned by Sonia, but Gloria was only half listening. He mentioned something about his brother and then something about ancient legendary Pokémon in the Crown Tundra and then something more about how he couldn’t believe he’d been awarded such an incredible opportunity.
When he finally turned to look at her, balling his fists before shaking them up and down in enthusiasm, Gloria had to bite back a laugh.
Hop almost looked crestfallen. “Gloria!” His brows knit together, and his glasses slipped a bit down the bridge of his nose. “What’s so funny?”
“I’m sorry,” Gloria managed to say between gasping bits of laughter, “but that was adorable.”
Hop’s cheeks flushed slightly, and his eyes dropped to his hands, still fisted. “Oh.” He cleared his throat, reaching up to scratch the back of his neck. “Was it, really?”
Gently cupping his face in the palms of her hands, Gloria nodded, “Yes. You’re adorable, Hop, and I’m very proud that you’ve been selected to work on this project.” She pressed a soft kiss to the tip of his nose.
How Hop could manage to be flustered after months of dating and years of knowing each other was beyond her, but he blinked once, then twice. “Oh.” He cleared his throat. “I appreciate all your support, Gloria.”
He hesitated by the desk.
She didn't.
Tugging him into her arms, Gloria smiled when he leaned into her touch. “Always, Hop.”