#electricblack

"Just leave me ALONE!" Hilbert cried, frustration and tears building in his eyes.

"Why?! Just tell me what’s wrong!!" Rosa pleaded.

"It doesn’t matter! You wouldn’t understand! You couldn’t!"

He stormed out of the Pokémon center and into the cool, evening air of Striaton City. They had been visiting the Striaton gym brothers Cress, Chili, and Cilan, and were spending the night before heading onwards in their trip.

Furrowing her brow, Rosa gazed down awkwardly at her shoes. The stains of time and countless adventures covered every inch of them. Most of those had been made with Hilbert as they traveled Unova, together. Still, close as they were, and despite the feelings they felt, he always held back from completely opening up to her.

Sighing, Rosa followed him outside to see him sitting on the curb. She sat beside him, sliding her arms around him gently, breathing softly on his neck.

"Rosa… I’m sorry I’m like this. It’s just…"

"What..?" she whispered in his ear.

"It’s only ever been my mom and I. I mean, we’ve always had each other, and Hilda, Cheren, and Bianca have always been great…"

"But…?"

"Everyone eventually leaves. My childhood friends all have their own lives and we don’t really keep in touch anymore. My own father left me for Arceus’ sake! I… I love you Rosa, but I’m worried that someday… we’ll just drift apart."

Tears hot in her eyes, she let go of him for a second and backhanded him.

"Damn it Hilbert! Don’t you DARE think that for one single second! I’ve been by your side through thick and thin! Do you really think I’d leave?!"

As the city grew darker with the fast approaching night, Hilbert sniffed aloud, his own tears shrouded by the darkness.

"I believe you. I trust you." He said, his voice suddenly firm, stretching out his hand to Rosa’s.