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“Just to be clear,” Steven began while he straightened out the wrinkles in his shirt, “if I win, we’re going to visit the Dragonspiral Tower first.”
“And if I win,” Wallace chimed with an enthusiastic tone, “we’re going to visit the famous Marine Tube!”
Steven chuckled before shaking his head at his husband’s competitive demeanor. To be fair, Steven was expecting for them to have a Pokémon battle at some point during their trip. “You do realize that we have plenty of time to visit both things, right? Our vacation isn’t ending anytime soon. There’s no need to make a game out of where we visit first.”
“Oh? Why not?” Wallace sneered. “Besides, I think we could both use a little warm-up before the upcoming tournament!”
Ah, how could Steven forget? The reason why the couple was on vacation in the first place was because of the grand Pokémon World Tournament in Unova. The stadium lived up to its name, as countless of gym leaders and champions across multiple regions came to show everyone their strength and prowess.
Wallace was ecstatic when he and Steven got invited to the tournament. All they had to do was officially accept the invite and find some tickets to Unova, which took some convincing. For weeks on end, Wallace talked Steven’s ear off, either mentioning how the two need a vacation or how they should go prove themselves among many dignified trainers.
Steven didn’t feel the need to prove himself to other trainers. He was the champion of the Hoenn region, and that was good enough for him. Just like the rocks he collected, Steven was contempt with living a still, quiet life. He believed that this was the best way to age, leading a life that will age into diamond. But then there was his husband Wallace. Like the rain, Wallace wanted to travel across oceans and touch base in foreign lands. He wanted to see where the currents of life would take him. He led his life like the graceful waterfalls he viewed as his mentors; bold and beautiful.
Sometimes, Steven wondered how they ended up together, but then he was reminded through the heat of a battle. They were opposites, yet they compliment each other in every sense of the word. Steven was the humble to Wallace’s flamboyance, the awe-struck wonder to his joyous amazement, the earth to his water. It’s like they simply clicked together, despite their differences.
Steven chuckled as he shook his head. He turned his attention back to the battle before him. Both parties were close to victory, as they each had one Pokémon left. It was Metagross versus Milotic.
“Milotic, use Scald!” Wallace shouted. His Milotic shot a powerful blast of boiling water at Steven’s Metagross. While it wasn’t super effective, it did leave the Metagross with a burn.
Now it was Steven’s turn, and he knew just what move to use. “Metagross, use Zen Headbutt!” The Metagross charged forth with a mighty fervor and rammed into the Milotic. The Milotic recoiled in pain as it slowly fell to the ground, letting out a weak cry of defeat. Milotic fainted, leaving Steven and his Metagross victorious.
Wallace returned the Milotic to its Pokéball before clapping in applause. No matter if he wins or loses, Wallace always made sure to applaud his opponent for a wonderful match. The courteous act made Steven blush as he tried to shake off how humbled he felt.
“Still as graceful as ever I see,” Wallace chimed. He strutted over to his husband and put an arm around his waist. “You know, it’s an honor to call you our champion of the Hoenn region,” he started before giving Steven a quick peck on the cheek, “and it’s an even greater honor to call you my darling.”
Steven burst into a fit of laughter as the kissed grazed his cheek. It was all too flattering, and Steven being the shy man he is, was bubbling with euphoria. To think he was blessed to standing side by side, bound hand in hand, with the ever-graceful Wallace.
Steven returned the kiss, this time on the lips, while relishing in Wallace’s warmth. Feeling his husband’s comforting warmth brought him back down from his euphoria, taking him back to his surroundings as he calmed down. Wallace would never understand how he was Steven’s rock, something that grounds him.
“Well dear, you won the battle, so I guess we should visit the Dragonspiral Tower?” Wallace inquired. While reading some brochures to learn more about Unova, Steven was planning on visiting the Chargestone Cave. That was until he learned about the Dragonspiral Tower, an ancient monument with rich history. If there’s one thing Steven loves as much as rocks, it’s historic sites with a story.
Steven hummed as he thought about it. He could picture it already; pillars jutting into the sky, like it was reaching for the heavens. The past lives forever trapped within the carved stone. The fierce dragon Pokémon who call the tower their home as they swarmed it like gargoyles. Steven wanted to feel it, to embrace the past of Unova…
But what about the present? The Marine Tube Wallace wanted to visit was a modern marvel, just like the Pokémon World Tournament. The underwater route connected not only Undella Town and Humilau City, it connected people and Pokémon. Some people state that the Marine Tube is like an aquarium, but it was more than that. It was an experience that made you feel like you were a part of the ocean.
Wallace adores the ocean. He believes that it’s a world of its own, one that you can only experience with your own eyes. The Marine Tube made you feel like you were a part of the ocean. What would it be like to experience this world Wallace talks of?
“Actually, I think I want to see the Marine Tube first.” Steven couldn’t help but smirk as he saw Wallace’s expression shift to confusion. “But— Are you sure?” Wallace responded, a lace of confusion in his tone. “You came out as the victor…”
Steven draped an arm around Steven as he leaned his head into his shoulder. “Please? I think… I think I’d like to see your reaction when we get there. I know you’ll love it.”
Wallace wanted to protest about how Steven won the match, how it was his choice that deserved to win. But how could Wallace say no to his darling? If that’s what he desired, then Wallace was willing to comply. Steven was Wallace’s pride and joy, just as much as Wallace was Steven’s. They were dedicated to each other, devoted even.
So that’s why they went to the Marine Tube first. Even though Wallace lost, the pair made their way to Undella Town. Because they love each other.