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one.
Reggie prides himself on a lot of things. Helping his brother open up from his closed-off self is not one of them, as hard as he tries.
He hasn't seen Paul in over two years now, as his younger brother has taken to traveling to new region in hopes of learning about Mega Evolution, like Cynthia has recently. Reggie feels a little bad that the fact that he hasn't seen his brother in a while doesn't bother him, but there's a lot on his plate anyway. After all, he's been trying to propose to Maylene for the past two months, and it's consuming every waking hour now.
So when Maylene pops the idea of vacation in Kalos, where Paul currently is, Reggie decides that it'll be the best way to hit two birds with one stone—see his brother again, and propose to Maylene in a romantic region.
In the last letter Paul wrote to Reggie, dated about a week ago, he was heading towards Anistar City to challenge its psychic type gym. Luckily, Maylene also wants to go there, as the sundial is supposed to be gorgeous this time of year.
Reggie and Maylene arrive in Anistar City on a Thursday afternoon, and head straight for the gym in hopes that Paul has passed by at some point. It must be their luckiest day, because Reggie immediately spots a familiar head of purple standing on the challenger's side of the field, with a familiar Torterra and Aggron on the field.
“Stone Edge!” Paul calls, as the Gym Leader's Meowstic fall to the ground from a move that Aggron seems to have landed. Torterra acts immediately, and the rocks hit the opposing Meowstic with remarkable speed, before the Gym Leader can react.
“Seems like your brother is doing well,” Maylene comments, squeezing Reggie's arm as they watch.
The Meowstic hit the ground hard, and are officially eliminated. “Both Meowstic are unable to battle! Torterra and Aggron are the winners, which means that Paul, the challenger, is victorious!”
Instead of returning his Pokemon to their Pokeballs like he normally would, Reggie watches in surprise as Paul walks up to them and pats them with some sort of affection. “Great work, guys. Thank you for your assistance,” Paul says, much to the appreciation of his Pokemon.
“Did Paul just unlock gratitude as a part of his personality?” Maylene asks.
Reggie agrees with the tone of surprise in Maylene's voice. Somehow, Paul has learned this crucial step in being a Trainer (and a decent human being) in less than two years, when Reggie was unable to do so in the past eighteen. “How-” he begins, only to notice the streak of blue entering his peripheral vision, answering his unasked question.
“You guys did it!” Dawn Berlitz, Top Coordinator and former pain in Paul's ass, sprints onto the field, her Piplup following behind. “Here, have some Poffins.” She holds out the pink cookies to Torterra and Aggron, who gladly accept and eat their treats with smiles on their faces. While they eat, she slides her arms around Paul, hugging him tightly.
Even more surprising that Paul would let his Pokemon eat Poffins and his acceptance of Dawn's hug is the way he buries his face in her neck briefly before pulling away. Reggie isn't sure when this happened, and he is definitely surprised, but he can't say he's disappointed. The girl's clearly a good influence.
Maylene laughs softly at Reggie's side. “How did that happen?” she asks.
“That's a great question,” Reggie says, shaking his head in disbelief at the pairing in front of them. “We should wait outside for them, babe.”
“Paul!” Reggie calls out, as he sees his brother and Dawn step out of the Gym.
Paul looks over Dawn's head, and raises an eyebrow. “Reggie? Maylene?”
The four of them gather closer. “We saw the ending of your battle. Congrats, Paul,” Maylene offers.
“Thanks,” Paul says, genuinely grateful. “It’s been a while.”
“It has!” Dawn exclaims, rushing over to hug Maylene. “What are you guys doing here?”
Reggie looks over at his girlfriend, then at his brother and his girlfriend. Or girl friend. He's not sure. “Vacation, and we wanted to visit. So, how did this happen?” He points between Paul and Dawn, the latter of whom blushes.
“We ran into each other a little over a year ago in Kanto,” Dawn says, beaming. “Then we decided to travel together to Kalos. I'm entering Showcases, and Paul's challenging the Kalos League.”
“Showcases, huh?” Reggie asks, nodding in approval.
“Yeah, she's great,” Paul says, shocking Reggie even further. His brother doesn't compliment people, ever. Damn, this girl is a keeper. “We're heading to Laverre City next, if you want to join us. There's a Showcase there in a week that Troublesome wants to enter.”
Contrary to its meaning, the nickname seems to genuinely be affectionate. “Interesting offer, but we have to pass,” Reggie says. “We're actually off to Lumiose City tomorrow. But we're here tonight.”
“Ooh! Paul, we should take them to that café near the sundial for dinner!” Dawn says excitedly, her hand animatedly tapping at Paul's arm.
Paul simply agrees with her, despite Reggie knowing for a fact that his brother does not like cafés. “We can meet at 7 if that’s alright with you guys. I need to take Torterra and Aggron to the Pokemon Center.”
“Sounds great,” Maylene says, smiling. “See you at 7.”
“Yay!” Dawn grins, and heads off with Paul and Piplup, downtown towards the Pokemon Center. Before they leave his line of sight, though, Reggie watches as Dawn slips her arm in Paul’s, who simply gives her a fleeting look of admiration before turning back ahead at the road.
Maylene laughs softly next to Reggie. “Your brother's in love .”
“He's not the only one,” Reggie says, slipping a hand into his pocket and letting his fingers skim across the velvet box. “Hey, Maylene. Wanna see the sundial now? It’s supposed to be gorgeous around this time.”
two.
“Dawn? Is that you?”
The blue-haired woman turns around, confirming Zoey's suspicions. She puts her phone down, and Zoey realizes she must've been taking a call. “Zoey! What a coincidence!”
Zoey smiles at her friend, hugging her briefly before adjusting her sunglasses. “Yeah, it's crazy. I'm just passing by on my way to see Miss Senior,” she says. “How about you? What are you doing here in Pastoria?” Running into Dawn Berlitz outside a Pokemon Center was not on her bucket list, but it's nonetheless exciting.
“Oh, Piplup wanted to try battling in a Gym battle, and the gym here in Pastoria City specializes in Water-types,” Dawn says, peppy as ever.
“That's cool! I would love to come watch, if you don't mind,” Zoey says, wondering how Dawn's Piplup would act in a battle.
Dawn grimaces slightly. “The battle already ended a little while ago. Piplup lost by just a margin, and he's being treated right now. I had to take a call though, so my boyfriend's waiting on him.”
There's a lot of information in that sentence that Zoey needs to revisit. “What? Boyfriend?”
“Yeah!” Dawn grins brightly, clearly enamored by this boy. “He's actually gone through all the gyms in Sinnoh before, so Piplup wanted to go challenge a Gym with him. But I guess the battle atmosphere doesn't work for all Pokemon.” She shrugs. “It's okay though! Both Piplup and Paul had a great time.”
Paul. The name rings a bell somehow, but Zoey can't place it until the doors of the Pokemon Center slide open and a familiar purple-haired boy walks out, stony faced as she remembers. In his arms is Piplup, surprisingly content where it is. “Here you go, Troublesome.”
Paul hands Piplup over to Dawn, who takes her penguin Pokemon with a smile and turns to Zoey. “I'll reintroduce you guys! Zoey, Paul. Paul, Zoey.”
Zoey's head is still spinning with this new information as the boy who was formerly an absolute jackass is introduced as Dawn’s boyfriend. “Hey,” Zoey greets, not sure if she's hesitant or not. Paul definitely seems to have changed, with his softened expression towards his girlfriend and his respectful gaze at Zoey as he nods in acknowledgement.
“Hey,” Paul returns, cautiously. He seems to be paying more attention to Dawn and the Piplup in her arms than anything though, and Zoey’s not sure if she wants to applaud Dawn for being such a good girlfriend, or gag at how Paul’s showing emotions for once.
“It was really great seeing you, Zoey, but I’m afraid we’re heading the opposite way of Snowpoint. Maybe we’ll see each other around again!” Dawn says, apologetic. She twists her lips in a way that must be a common occurrence with her apologies, because Paul raises an eyebrow at her and she immediately rests her face to reveal less of her guilt.
“Of course,” Zoey says, still in shock of what she’s witnessing. “Next time we meet, let’s battle!”
Dawn beams at that. “You’re on!” She turns back to Paul. “We should get going, babe.”
The term of endearment must be common, because Paul is unfazed as he slips an arm around her waist, listening as Dawn continues to chatter about the battle he had with Piplup.
three.
Ash runs his fingers along the rim of his cap, and Pikachu squeaks out a happy greeting as Cynthia steps closer. “Hey, Cynthia!”
The Champion waves back at the young man. “Ash. Pikachu. It's been a while now, hasn't it?” She scratches Pikachu's ears, and it lets out a noise of happiness. “I'm glad you two could make it.”
“Of course! We wouldn't miss this,” Ash says. It happens to be the Sinnoh Pokemon League, of which Ash has been invited as the Alola Champion to participate in an exhibition match. “By the way, who am I battling?”
Cynthia smiles, and leads him into the currently-empty stadium. It's extremely early, and competitors aren't arriving for at least another two hours. “It's Paul.”
Ash turns his head, probably too fast. Pikachu yelps with his movement, as its balance on Ash's head isn't reliable with that sudden jolt. “Paul? Paul Rebolledo?”
“Yes.” They make their way down a hallway that Ash recognizes as dressing rooms for competitors. Rooms like these are limited and usually only used for celebrities performing in the stadium, or for finalists in the League. In this instance though, they're used for Ash and Paul ro stay in and prepare for the match, even if it is just for fun.
Still, Ash can't shake the fact that he's battling Paul again, after nearly half a decade of no contact. “Why Paul?” Ash asks. He's not up to date on Sinnoh news, as he's busy with Alolan and other affairs.
Cynthia guides Ash to his room, pausing in front of the steel door. “Bertha retired a few months ago, and she named Paul as her successor. He hasn't been in the public much since his inauguration into the Elite Four, so this is a good way to do so.” She unlocks the door for Ash, and a dressing table and couch enter Ash's periphery. “Remember, it's a one on one match. Five minutes. I'm sure you'll find a bit of a trip down memory lane.”
“Is Paul here?” Ash asks, peering down the hall.
“I believe so,” Cynthia responds. She looks at her watch, and turns quickly back to Ash. “I have to meet with the League Director. Feel free to wander, but stay close. A staff member will prep you in an hour.” She quickly nods her head and turns down the hallway.
“Looks like it's just us, bud.” Ash walks into the room, dropping off his backpack and allowing for Pikachu to jump onto the couch. “What do you say we go say hi to Paul?”
If Pikachu is skeptical, it doesn't show it. The mouse Pokemon simply stands up properly and hops onto Ash's shoulder, and perks its ears up to signal its readiness. Ash easily leaves his room and heads down the hall, spotting a door that's slightly ajar.
He knocks twice, and a familiar, yet aged voice responds. “Yeah.”
Ash pushes the door open more, the cold of the steel in the door burning into his skin slightly. “Hey, Paul. It's been a while.”
Paul's sitting on the couch, legs apart as he rests his elbows on his knees. A Pokeball is in his hand, being spun around carefully, as if Paul isn't positive he wants to use that one yet. A bottle of strawberry tea rests on the coffee table in front of the couch, only half filled.
It's weird. Ash doesn't really assume Paul's the type to drink strawberry tea, but it has been years.
Years prove themselves as Paul looks up at Ash with a surprising fondness in his eyes. “Ash.”
There's surprising warmth in that. “You ready?”
Paul shrinks the Pokeball in his hand, and stands up. His full height would be intimidating if it weren't for the relaxed stance. “I've been ready for five years.”
“I won't go easy on you.” Ash holds a hand out, and Pikachu peeks out further. The fingerless gloves are still a staple to his outfit, something that Paul twitches his lips at in amusement.
He shakes Ash's hand. “Wasn't planning on it,” he asserts.
After a short moment Paul lets go, and Ash takes his cue to leave. He offers a wave and exits, still wondering how kindness became a part of Paul’s lifestyle.
Pikachu exclaims before Ash reaches his door, ears perking up in recognition.
Ash turns, facing the direction his partner is gesturing, and raises his eyebrows in surprise. Dawn Berlitz is standing in the doorway, her Piplup in her arms holding a haphazard bouquet of purple wildflowers. “Dawn?”
Dawn looks up. “Ash!” She hurries over, coming to a stop as Piplup and Pikachu greet each other. “It's been so long. How are you?”
“I'm great! I'm battling Paul in the exhibition match, if you can believe that.”
Weirdly, Dawn doesn't seem surprised. “I heard. Good luck.”
Ash nods, and gestures to the flowers. “Nice flowers.”
“Oh!” A blush rises in Dawn's cheeks. “Piplup and I found them outside when I was looking for Flint.” She smiles down at them. “They reminded me of Paul. For good luck.”
Flowers probably aren't going to be of much importance to Paul, but Ash decides not to mention it just in case. “I didn't think you and Paul still talked,” he says instead. From what Ash remembers, Paul was never able to remember Dawn's name, much less give her the time of day. The same went the other way, especially with Dawn's temper when it came to his nonchalance.
Crimson floods into Dawn’s face, past her cheeks and even in her nose and forehead. “Yeah! He’s my boyfriend, actually.” She says it as if it’s a tried and true fact, and Ash realizes that they must be making headlines in Sinnoh. Their relationship has to be high-profile, so it’s no wonder Dawn would blush when talking about it to a friend, rather than if she were to the media.
That definitely explains the strawberry tea. Ash raises an eyebrow at that, and Pikachu is visibly surprised with the information as well. “Wow! That's great, Dawn.”
“Thanks,” Dawn says, still blushing. “I'm gonna drop these off to him now, so I'll see you later!”
Ash watches with amusement as Dawn opens the door to Paul's room, flowers in hand. He opens his own room just in time to hear Dawn cheerily greeting Paul.
Pikachu hops onto the couch again, lying on its stomach while Ash sits down next to it, scratching its belly. It squeals in comfort, and closes its eyes.
“Paul and Dawn. I didn't expect that, Pikachu. Did you?”
His Pokemon responds with a shake of its head.
Ash shrugs. “Well, it might make sense. Paul's less uptight now, isn't he?” He pats Pikachu’s head. “Either way, I'm sure our battle will be great. You're with me all the way, right?” Pikachu reacts with an excited nod, and electricity sparks out of its cheeks. “Great! Now we’re both ready.”
The battle is intense, even for an exhibition match. Pikachu and Paul's Aggron put up a strong fight, and neither back down. At one point Ash is almost positive it might end in a loss, but the timer runs out with both Pikachu and Aggron still standing, albeit tiredly.
Ash is surprised Paul isn't using his Electivire. Though he supposes that if that were the case, he'd be using his own Infernape.
The stadium roars with excitement as the match comes to a close and Ash and Paul shake hands in the center of the field.
Cynthia officially announces that the League has begun, and Ash and Paul make their way back to their rooms to clean up and get their Pokemon healed.
The hallway is empty, just like it was earlier when they'd first entered. However, Ash knows as well as Paul does that there will be media outlets swarming the doors outside this stadium the second they step outside to prepare to leave and see Nurse Joy.
Partway down the hallway is Dawn, who’s standing with such excitement she's shaking. “Hey, Troublesome,” Paul calls, at a normal decibel that manages to echo down the hall.
Dawn breaks into a grin and jogs over to Paul, jumping into his arms and wrapping her legs around his torso as he holds onto her tightly. When he puts her down, dark red floods his cheeks. Dawn presses a chaste kiss to Paul's jaw, then pulls back to talk about the battle.
It definitely isn't the strangest thing Ash's seen, but it's one that isn't expected, necessarily. He watches as Paul holds her closely, closer than arm’s length. Dawn's chatting animatedly as Paul listens, a grin on his face as he watches his girlfriend's antics.
“Good weird,” he tells Pikachu, watching as Paul slips an arm around Dawn's waist in guiding her back to his room.. “That's a good weird.”
+one.
“Tea?”
The kitchen walls are dark blue. Dawn says the blue is a vivid accent in their home, and it was all it took for Paul to request their interior designer to get the blue painted in accents all around their walls.
Dawn’s hair matches the walls too. Paul sees it as a bonus.
He watches as Dawn looks up from the movie rerun on TV, and peers over to look at him. “No, thanks,” she calls.
That response may mean no, but it also means that Dawn will drink most of the tea Paul makes for himself. So he makes a larger mug, and carries it over to the living room, placing it on the coffee table in front of the couch.
“Is that wintermelon?” Dawn gasps, reaching for the mug all of two seconds after Paul places it down. She blows at the hot liquid softly and drinks it. “Mm. It's so good,” she sighs, smiling at Paul while she speaks.
Paul can't particularly tear his eyes away from her, all bundled in a Piplup patterned pajama set. She places the tea back down on the coffee table, and turns to face him fully.
Midnight. That's the shade of blue in her hair. Paul's not sure he can ever get enough of seeing it. He watches as she keeps going back to drink more of Paul's tea, and ultimately decides to just make another mug.
When he returns to the living room with his mug, Dawn's is already empty. “I knew you'd want some,” he says, taking a sip of his tea and placing it next to Dawn's mug.
“What can I say, babe? You make the best tea.” Dawn leans up to press a kiss to Paul’s cheek, and moves over so he has space to sit.
There's so much warmth in her presence that Paul opts to settle in her lap instead. “I'm flattered,” he responds, settling onto the couch so he can lie down.
Dawn giggles as she makes way for Paul. “I love you,” she says, her fingers slipping through Paul's hair as he lies down in her lap. He's always safe around her, no matter how hard he tries to be without. Especially lying like this in her protection, there's something about the feeling of home in her arms.
He softly smiles as he kisses her hand. “I love you too.”
Dawn’s motions freeze, and Paul realizes with a jolt that he's never said it before. It's run through his head a million times like shocks going through his body. He's said it in his head every day, every hour, every second for as long as she's been in his life, but he's never said it out loud. “You've never said that before,” is all his girlfriend whispers, as she looks down at him. Her hand traces his cheek. “But you just did.”
The first time Dawn told him she loved him was over a year ago, back around the time they were coming back from Kalos. She knew he wasn't ready to say it back yet, not ready to open up like that. Paul expected her to grow impatient, but she continued to say it, making him feel more accustomed to this sort of goodness in life.
He wasn't ever able to say it back though. Until this mundane moment of tea and a movie at ten at night.
“I say it all the time in my head,” Paul admits to her, reaching up for her hand and caressing it with his. He sits up slowly, moving so he's sitting next to her. “Whenever you're asleep, and before you wake up. I say it when you're washing dishes and I'm sitting on the couch watching you dance in the kitchen. I say it in my head when you perform. I say it when-”
“I believe you,” Dawn says, cutting him off. “I know it's hard for you to open up like this, babe.” She smiles down at him, her eyes glassy. “Thank you for trusting me to help you do so.”
“Thank you for being patient and helping me,” Paul replies. “I love you, Troublesome.” He can't seem to quite stop saying it now.
Dawn presses a kiss to his cheek, and Paul reciprocates with a kiss to her lips, holding her firmly as he kisses his way down to her neck and jaw. “Wait!” Dawn yelps, as Paul slides his hands around to her back, slowly guiding her to lie down on the couch. “Here?” she asks, incredulous as Paul pulls back to hear her protest, not quite entirely listening as his fingers start busying themselves with the buttons on her pajama top, the first three of which Dawn’s left undone.
“We’ve done it here before,” Paul says, deciding to suck at the sweet spot on her neck. Dawn easily gives in at that, letting out a soft moan in response. “You okay, Trouble?”
“Mhm,” Dawn gasps out, her hands coming around to reach into his hair. She’s been loving the way it’s growing lately, starting to grow past his shoulders. Paul knows they’re only days away from her begging him to let her style it for fun, and he also knows that they’re days away from him begrudgingly agreeing. Somehow he can never say no to her, and he thinks of it as a weakness that he’s not ashamed of.
“I love you,” Paul says, mumbling into her neck as she laughs, the sound vibrating through her body.
He’s pretty sure that laugh is what got them here in the first place.