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The breeze rustles the grass, tickling Nate’s skin while the sunbeams tickle his nose. He’s lying on the ground, limbs stretched out like he’s making a snow angel, his Pokémon partners resting and playing around him. The sound of footsteps is coming closer and his lips curl up in a smile hearing the voices of Hugh and his little sister.
Shadow lays over him and he opens his eyes, looking right at his best friend’s face, upside down above him, leaning toward him.
“Hey,” Hugh says, lips pulling into a smile that makes Nate’s heart race. “Had a feeling I’d find you out here.”
“Were you looking for me?” Nate asks, half-teasing, half-curious, heart skipping a beat at the idea.
“He said we’re going to Floccesy Ranch just to meet you,” Hugh’s sister chimes in.
“Hey, don’t spill all my secrets,” Hugh says, flopping down on the grass right next to Nate. “Alright, you got me. I was looking for you, Nate.”
Nate’s heart thumps in his chest. This isn’t for a battle; as his rival, Hugh would challenge him right away. Hugh also didn’t call him on the Xtransceiver, or not that Nate noticed, anyway. Does he have something important to talk about?
“Got a reason for that?”
“It’s a secret,” Hugh says, smiling mysteriously. “But maybe I’ll tell you later.”
Nate pouts. “Alright. Don’t think I won’t remind you.”
Hugh laughs and Nate could swear he ruffles his hair, making his heart flutter. “Did I wake you from a nap?”
“I wasn’t napping,” Nate says. “Just resting a bit.”
“Makes sense after all the adventures I’ve pulled you into. Between Team Plasma, becoming the Unova League Champion, and being a movie star, you barely took a break.” Hugh pauses in consideration. “Keep resting and we’ll keep you company, okay?”
Nate almost protests that no, he doesn’t need to rest, that he wants to chat and play, but Hugh’s gentle gaze makes the words die in his throat. He nods, watching Hugh’s Pokémon and his sister’s Liepard joining to play and nap with Nate’s Pokémon. He closes his eyes again, yearning for Hugh to stroke his hair and hold his hand.
He can’t just say this out loud, can he? Is it foolish to hope? He’s asked himself these questions too many times to count, all while knowing his thoughts may come out unfiltered one day.
A soft smile remains on his lips as he rests, listening. Eventually, Hugh’s sister goes to play with Liepard and the farm’s Mareeps.
Gentle fingers caress Nate’s hair, placing something on the top of his head. “You’re so beautiful, Nate,” Hugh says.
Nate opens his eyes, looking up at Hugh’s face. “Was that your big secret just now?”
“Part of it.”
Nate releases a breath. His previous overthinking unravels in an instant, just like that. “I love you.”
“How did you guess what I wanted to tell you?”
“That wasn’t me guessing, Hugh.” Nate reaches up for Hugh’s cheek, pulling a stray strand of hair behind his ear. “That was me telling my own secret.”
“Really?” Hugh lets out a laugh. “Cool. I want to kiss you right now, Nate.”
“How did you guess my thoughts now, huh?” Nate teases, echoing Hugh’s words and earning him an affectionate nose-boop.
“I’m gonna kiss you, okay?”
Nate nods in affirmation, smile on his lips. Hugh leans down and kisses him, softly, oh so softly. Nate’s eyes flutter shut and he kisses back. When they part, smiles split their cheeks from ear to ear.
“Wow,” Nate breathes.
“Wow, indeed.” Hugh laughs. “I love you, Nate.”
Nate giggles softly and sits up. Reaching up, his fingertips find the soft texture of petals between his hair. He raises an eyebrow at Hugh. “Did you put flowers in my hair? What for?”
“A flower crown,” Hugh says. “You don’t have your visor on and the flowers are pretty, so…”
“Aww, that’s so sweet,” Nate says. “I want to make one for you so we can match!”
“Go right ahead,” Hugh says, smiling. After a pause, he asks, “So, we’re boyfriends, right?”
“Totally. Boyfriends,” Nate says, matching his smile. “I like that sound.”
“Cool. Me too.” Hugh takes his hand, fingers entwining. “But just to let you know, as your rival, I’m not gonna hold back in battles against you.”
“I wouldn’t want it any other way, Hugh.”