Chapter Text
Kieran’s birthday was coming up soon.
Juliana was surprised to hear it was coming up next week when she was casually chatting with Carmine after she and Kieran had returned from their break from Kitakami.
Ugh.
The less they talked about what happened back then, the better.
Anyway, that was how decided to make Kieran’s next birthday the best birthday celebration he ever had. And why she had assembled Carmine and the BB Elite Four members to help her with planning it all out. She wished her friends from Paldea could be here too, but they were busy with their own matters and it’s not like she wanted to ask them to travel to another region just for a single birthday.
“I’m surprised.” Carmine commented. “You’re taking Kiki’s birthday very seriously when he’s been fine with the little celebrations he’s had every year. Wonder what’s your motivation for trying so hard, hmmmmm?”
Carmine gave Juliana an all-knowing smirk, making the new Blueberry Champion want to immediately leave the League Clubroom to prevent them from seeing the huge flush on her face.
“It’s just…Kieran’s been a bit down lately after coming back and trying to apologize to everyone for his attitude when he was the school’s champion. I just thought…he’d appreciate a special birthday that would make him happy again.”
And that was the truth. They had reforged their friendship after they made up after the Terapagos incident, their bond stronger than ever. It was slow, but they’re relationship was starting to return back to how it was before. Which was why she wanted to do all she could to ensure her friend was happy and make their friendship bloom even more when he was currently having trouble with his past mistakes.
That was the only reason.
Really.
Truly.
Right?
Drayton gave a self-satisfying smirk. “Is that really it? Because you sure sound very passionate about the ex-champ, aren’t ya? Maybe Carmine’s right and there is more to this than just making Kieran happy, huh Juliana?”
Seriously, we’re they trying to make her as red as a tomato with all their teasing?!
“Both of you, please!” Lacey chided, assuming her signature ‘X’ pose. “Juliana wants to do something nice for Kieran and you two prodding her like this is just not right!”
Thank you, Lacey! At least someone here was sensible.
“Aww, but we just wanna know how deeply Juliana’s feelings for Kieran are with this cute gesture. You’re all about seeing the cuteness of things Lace, so I’m sure you’d understand.”
Lacey simply ignored him before turning to Juliana. “How would you like us to help out?”
“I’ve got a few things planned out, but I just need to decide how to split up the roles and how it’ll play out.” Juliana replied. I was hoping we could make an amazing cake, some fun games we can all enjoy, and presents that would knock Kieran’s socks off!”
Amarys nodded. “That sounds reasonable. And I’m sure Kieran would be overjoyed at all the things you suggested when the time comes. We should start deciding who will be responsible for the cake.”
At that point, Lacey immediately raised her hand with literal sparkles in her eyes.
“You can leave the cake to me! I’ve spent a lot of time making different types of sweets, so I’m sure I can handle making Kieran the sweetest and most delicious cake he’s ever had!”
“If it’s food you’re lookin’ for, I’m the right man for the job!” Crispin added. “I’ll help Lacey with the cake and other food for Kieran’s B-day party. I can even make some amazing sandwiches to go along with it! Ones so spicy, he won’t know what hit him! I-if you don’t mind us working together, Lacey?”
He flashed the biggest puppy dog eyes Juliana had ever seen towards the Fairy-type trainer before Lacey happily accepted.
“Of course we can work together, Crispin! I know the food will be in good hands with you by my side. Just…make sure to lay off the spiciness for my sake, at least. I’m still not very good with handling really spicy foods.”
“You got it! I’d do Anything for you, Lacey!”
Juliana silently chuckled at their little display. Lacey was once again oblivious to Crispin’s crush on her that it was a little sad. He should just take the courage to confess his feelings toward her and be done with it, instead of bouncing back and forth between indecision.
I mean, you would never catch Juliana being so out of touch with her feelings.
“Guess that means we should move on to planning the schedule and itinerary.” She continued.
This time, Amarys raised her hand to offer her support. “You can leave all of that to me, Juliana. I swear I shall strive to make Kieran’s celebration within our expectations so that he will have the best birthday he ever had.”
“I’m sure Kiki and Juliana will appreciate your meticulous planning.” Carmine commented.
“Of course. For Kieran’s happiness, I will do my utmost to ensure that it is achieved.”
The Steel-type trainer opened her pocket watch to highlight her commitment towards perfection and commitment towards her friend.
Juliana was glad Kieran had such a great friend looking after and supporting him. Though, somewhere deep within her heart, she felt pangs of jealousy over such thoughts.
Alright, looks like the cake and the schedule was handled. Now they needed to figure out the venue where the birthday party would take place.
Considering Kieran wasn’t the most outgoing person, she should avoid places where lots of people would gather. But it would also have to be a big enough location where their little group could set up everything and have fun.
Drayton must have known what she was thinking with that same, devious sparkle in his eye. “If you want to find a place to hold Kieran’s party, why not just use the League Clubroom. It’s pretty spacious and since you’re the current champ, you’ve got the authority to use it as you like.”
Juliana hesitated. “I don’t know. I’d feel bad if we barred other people from using the clubroom just for this.”
But Drayton kept his gaze towards her. “I thought you’d do anything to make the ex-champ happy. Isn’t that what you said? Sometimes you gotta make tough choices for that to happen. Take it from me, the Drayster has got plenty of experiences making these choices. Besides, you’re the prez and technically what you say with the League Club goes, so don’t sweat the small stuff.”
While Juliana was unsure about the validity of Drayton’s advice, he was right that she would do anything to make Kieran happy.
“Alright. I guess I’ll close the clubroom for the day and if anyone has any complaints, I’ll tell them to take them straight to Drayton.”
“That’s the spirit! Wait…what?”
“In that case, I’ll handle the decorations. With my amazing aesthetic sense and the fact that I’ve done decoration for Kiki’s parties before, I’ll be your MVP supporter.” Carmine suggested.
Though, Juliana thought Carmine could tone down her smug and prideful look a bit.
She didn’t have to wait long when Carmine’s face suddenly turned into an annoyed one once Drayton made his suggestion.
“Guess I better make myself useful by helping out with the decorations and providing some snacks too. Doesn’t that sound like a lot of fun, Carmine?”
Carmine immediately raised her fist. “Do you really want my honest answer to this question?”
Juliana really wanted to move on now.
“I know you and Drayton have history, but I’d appreciate it if you and Drayton could work together to handle the decorations. If not for me, then for Kieran’s sake.”
Carmine pulled her arms together in silence before letting out large huff.
“Fine! But only because you’re my friend and Kiki’s happiness means a lot to me.”
Amarys adjusted her glasses in thought. “Now that Carmine has calmed down, what are you planning to do, Juliana? You are the only one who does not have a role yet.”
“I’ll handle distracting Kieran while everyone sets everything up. I’m sure we can spend the day together long enough for the preparations to be complete.”
“Oho! You look really excited to be spending the day with little Kiki, aren’t ya? You sure this isn’t an excuse to go on a date with him?” Drayton inquired.
Prompting Lacey to lecture him about having more tact afterwards and Carmine to threaten him by grabbing him by the collar for teasing her brother when only she was allowed to do it.
But a date, huh?
Juliana felt her heart skip a beat just thinking about it.
Kieran felt another sigh coming.
Honestly, he had been sighing a lot this past week after resuming his studies at Blueberry Academy with Carmine. Though, he knew the reason why.
He knew it wouldn’t be easy regaining everyone’s trust after how tyrannical he had been with the League Club, but there were still quite a few students who would avoid him whenever they saw him.
With eyes that looked like they were staring at a monster.
A demon.
Someone you shouldn’t even deign to interact with.
Another sigh came out…
Maybe he needed a distraction from all this doom and gloom he’s been feeling.
At least he was able to make up with most of the Elite Four members, though Drayton still wouldn’t lay off with the ‘ex-champion’ comments.
He was especially grateful that Juliana was willing to give him a chance after how particularly rude and condescending he had been to her since the reunited back then.
And they were in good enough terms to start hanging out together as friends.
Which was why he was currently standing in the Savanna Biome, waiting for her to show up so that they could explore the Terarium together.
Kieran knew she had spent a lot of time exploring the four biomes since her enrollment here, either catching new Pokemon or doing BBQs. But this would be the first time they would be doing it as a duo. It was even more unique considering they would be spending time together during Kieran’s first birthday away from Kitakami.
Every year, he would celebrate with his sister and grandparents before Carmine enrolled at Blueberry. Though, even then, she would always call to tell him ‘Happy Birthday!’ and to take care of himself while she wasn’t with him.
He didn’t miss hearing that last part.
Though, it was strange that Carmine didn’t even acknowledge his birthday today when he knew she wouldn’t forget.
Something strange was going on. Was Carmine planning something?
He didn’t have any time to ponder about it when he saw Juliana’s gorgeous face as she rushed over to him with a radiant smile.
“Sorry if I made you wait!” She chirped.
The mere sight of her made Kieran’s chest ache with excitement. But was that because he was happy that they were friends again…or was it something more?
The violet-haired boy tried calming himself down, so he wasn’t acting like a total dork. “It’s cool. I wasn’t waitin’ long anyway. I’m just glad we can spend the entire day as just the two of us.”
Nailed it!
Juliana blushed a little. “Yeah. Just the two of us. All day together…”
“Huh? Did I say something wrong?”
The girl frantically waved her arms back and forth. “Nononono! You didn’t do anything wrong at all. I’m excited we get to spend this time together after everything that happened to us. Honestly, I’ve been looking forward to it for a while.”
“Same here! I’m glad we’re friends again, Juliana!”
They silently laughed together in content before moving towards the various corners of the Savanna Biome, grasping each other’s hands throughout their little adventure.
Kieran enjoyed his time with Juliana as they kept moving from biome to biome, exploring the different environments. Even though he had been here for a while now, Kieran never had the time so spent exploring its artificial lands so intensely. He was so focused on getting stronger and surpassing Juliana that he had missed out on seeing such beauty.
And now, he was seeing it with the girl he thought was his greatest treasure.
Along the way, they managed to catch a few rare Pokemon that recently shown up thanks to a certain someone donating so much BP to the Biodiversity Club. Juliana caught a Fennekin, while Kieran had managed to catch a Rowlet.
He thought the two Pokemon represented them well.
But their time together soon came to an end once they returned to the Terarium entrance. Kieran was about to thank Juliana for every awesome moment they had today when his friend immediately stopped him. She gripped her hand tightly towards his, the feeling giving Kieran a sense of ecstasy.
It was warm and kind, just like her. Just like how she had always been to him even when he succumbed to his obsessions.
And he loved her for it. Though, he didn’t know why she needed to hold him so tightly. It was starting to hurt, to be honest.
Owww.
Sensing his discomfort, Juliana immediately let go. “Sorry! There’s something I wanted to talk to you about and I wanted it to be somewhere private. Do you mind if we stop at the League Clubroom before we head back?”
“You need to talk to me alone?”
Well, that was certainly weird. What would she need to talk to him about without others overhearing? But despite his suspicions, he didn’t want to be rude to Juliana, especially since she made the effort to rekindle their friendship.
Which led to the two of them standing outside the League Clubroom, with Kieran staring at a very mischievous Juliana, along with a sign saying that the clubroom was closed for some reason. And was that her handwriting on the sign?
His suspicions were getting stronger by the minute.
“So…we’re at the clubroom and no one’s around. What was so important that you needed to talk to me about here.”
Juliana giggled with a teasing tone. “Well…let’s just say I’ve got a special surprise for you waiting on the other side. I want to know if it’ll make you excited once I show you.”
A surprise? Was it for his birthday? Did Juliana even know that his birthday was today?
And ignoring that, what sort of surprise did she have planned. The way she said it was making his mind think of…less savoury things.
Wait!
Wait! Wait! Wait!
Did Juliana want to do something intimate with him?! Was that why she was so adamant that she wanted the two of them to be alone?! Away from prying eyes?!
No! Juliana wasn’t like that.
I mean, did she really see him that way?
Kieran wouldn’t have a problem with that if she did. After all, he was quite smitten with her from the beginning, even after everything that happened between them in Kitakami and when she started enrolling at the academy.
Well, thinking about such possibilities would only freak him out even more. Juliana had been nice enough to stay by his side, so it was only fair to indulge her with whatever she needed from him.
“Okay. Let’s go.”
Juliana beamed. “Then, let’s head in. Get ready.”
She opened the door and once they were inside, Kieran saw…
Absolutely nothing because the room was pitch-black.
Huh. That felt anticlimactic.
But his disappointment soon turned to surprise when the lights suddenly turned on, familiar faces with smiling faces saying the same phrase.
“Happy birthday, Kieran!”
Kieran turned to see Juliana walking up to him with the same radiant smile his sister and the Elite Four members gave him, a look of content and satisfaction evident over his shocked look from before.
The clubroom itself had been altered with an array of decorations that reminded him of home. No doubt Carmine had a hand in this, given how much he knows about his likes and tastes.
The table was filled to the brim with snacks, sandwiches, and a whole assortment of other dishes. Even from one look, Kieran could tell Crispin and Drayton were responsible for all the food laid out before them. And in the center rested a large cake in the shape of a Dipplin, the top filled with lots of sweet syrup along with an array of adorable figures on top. This had Lacey written all over it.
There were also a variety of party games and video game consoles scattered in neat little areas for them to play to their heart’s content. There was even a space for all the presents to be stacked. Considering how detailed and organized they were placed, Kieran assumed Amarys was the one who had a hand in making it so.
And as the birthday boy admired the effort his friends clearly made towards this surprise party, he turned to face the still beaming smile from the mastermind behind this event.
“Happy birthday, Kieran! Sorry for keeping this a surprise, but I hope you enjoyed it, and I hope you’ll enjoy everyone single moment we’ve done to celebrate your birthday.”
Now it was Kieran’s turn to give an appreciative smile. “Yeah, I sure am surprised. But it sure was amazin’ you guys took the time to do all this for my birthday. I guess I should’ve expected this when Sis didn’t wish me a happy birthday like usual.”
Carmine smirked. “Obviously. You think I would forget your birthday after all these years celebrating it with you? But you can thank Juliana for really putting in the effort to make it a really special one this year. She really wanted to make you happy, you know?”
Juliana blushed. “Well, it’s just that you’ve been feeling down lately, and I didn’t want to see you so sad. So, I figured I’d do something that would turn that frown upside-down.”
He flashed her another appreciative smile. “Thanks, Juliana! I’m glad that you’re in my life!”
“Ehehe! Same here! I’m happy we’re together, Kieran!”
They locked loving eyes towards one another before Drayton interrupted their little moment.
“Alright, lovebirds. I get you two are having a deep moment, but let’s get this party started!”
“Yeah! You guys are gonna love the food I made so much; it’ll make your jaws drop!” Crispin excitedly added.
“Will you two show some tact! They were having such an adorable moment before you two ruined it.” Lacey complained. “That’s just not right!”
“Don’t make me have to smack you, bozo!”
Amarys sighed. “Please show some restraint, Carmine…”
And so, Kieran and the others spent the rest of the day enjoying good food, playing games that led to friendships being tested, and loving presents given that made the boy grateful he had such wonderful people in his life.
He received a variety of presents, ranging from a Granbull plushie from Lacey, some rare ingredients from Crispin, a pocket watch from Amarys, an elegant tea set from his sister, and…that purple skirt thing Drayton always wore for some reason.
Oh wait, it was supposed to be a cape.
But Kieran was surprised that Juliana hadn’t given him anything, considering she was the one who planned their entire party. When he asked her all she said was:
“I thought it’d be extra special if I saved my present for last. And…if I could give it to you somewhere where it’s just the two of us. Is that okay?”
She looked so surprisingly shy when she said that, it was making Kieran’s heart skip a beat. All he could do was wordlessly nod before they continued celebrating his birthday in earnest.
Now he really wanted to know what she was planning.
After enjoying every moment of the festivities, Kieran and Juliana decided to wrap his birthday up with a leisurely walk towards the Coastal Biome, before finding a nice spot at the beach area to sit and relax.
Though, he could’ve appreciated Carmine and Drayton refraining from teasing them about spending quality alone time together. He swore his cheeks were still red from the amount of embarrassment he felt from their words.
They sat on the sandy ground, smiles on both of their faces as they stared at each other’s eyes with immense adoration for one another. Juliana looked as beautiful as ever as the simulated moon illuminated her perfect skin and face.
“I had a lot of fun. It was probably the best birthday I ever had!” Kieran happily remarked. “Thanks again for doin’ all this for me!”
Juliana chuckled. “I’m happy that you’re happy. You’re really precious to me, after all. And now that it’s just the two of us, it’s time for me to give you my present to you.”
His heart started beating quickly again. Excitement fueled his mind as the girl he treasured took something out of her pocket. Kieran felt his jaw drop over what he saw.
It was a pair of bracelets with an Applin design on both, its beads filled with a mix of scarlet and violet.
“When I was thinking of a present to give you, I remembered a legend from Galar about Applin and how they symbolized two people being together.” She stated, her cheeks growing more flushed as she spoke. “I…want the two of us to stay together too, so I thought I would make us matching bracelets to demonstrate that. Would you want that too?”
Kieran couldn’t help but get a little teary-eyed over the gesture. “I want us to be together forever too! You’re precious to me too and I never want to let you go! So please stay with me for as long as you can!”
He gently grabbed the bracelet she made for him and put it on his wrist, a joyful smile shining towards the girl who stuck by his side for so long.
They pressed their hands together with bracelets clanging from each other’s touch before spending the remainder of the night enjoying each other’s company admiring the beautiful, simulated sky in front of them.
They would never let each other go again.
That was a promise.