The warmth felt soothing in the tent.
Slumber released its grip on Bede first. A yawn escaped his mouth. One arm stretched to the side, in which he then flinched to feel the ache on his back. Though the tent was perfectly cosy, the Gym Leader groaned stubbornly to feel a faint flash of light through the clothed window.
Right. Right!
Realization of last night dawned upon him like a splash of cold water. Quickly he looked to the side, pupils shrunk then dilated at the sight of snoozing woman. Her head comfortably rested on his bare chest. One arm was draped around his stomach, while the other stretched downwards between her body and his.
That might be numb later, he chuckled.
Arceus, his body ached. But not once did regret flash across his face. Instead a goofy smile curled each corner of kissable, bruised lips. His left arm draped above her head. Thankful that his other arm was free, Bede took the chance to take all of it in.
She was beautiful. Ethereal. Magnificent in every way. From the passionate way she battled to the confident way she brought herself, there wasn’t a single fault the man could find when it came to her.
Maybe this was what’s it like to fall in love, he wondered.
A finger gingerly traced the side of her face, down, down until he stopped at her lower lip. How soft. How kissable. Warm air brushed the tip of his index finger. His smile broke down to faint, silent laughter.
“I love you too…”
Joy rang in his heart. “I love you, Gloria…” He wished to say it to her. Again and again so that she could never forget. Carefully he placed a soft, lingering kiss to the top of her head.
Those words would forever play in his mind and heart until the end of—
‘Gloria! Breakfast time!’
Oh fuck.
Without waiting for a response, the flapped entrance of the tent was ripped open. Shock immediately had Bede jolt upright. Startled by such an aggressive wake-up call, Gloria fumbled herself awake and sat in complete stupor.
“Wha—?” Like a sleepy fool she stared blankly at her impatient starter.
Ares merely kneeled in the entryway, head tilted and eyes blinked at the two naked humans before him. ‘I said it’s breakfast time!’ But that didn’t bother him much. As long as his best friend was safe and happy, that’s all that matters to him.
Besides, it was about time anyways.
His nose twitched at the scent of sex and afterglow that thickened the air in the tent. ‘Oof…’ Quickly he shook his head, growing quite uncomfortable at the natural smell. ‘Well…’ Fiery eyes stared at the human who seemed more awake than his trainer. ‘When she wakes up fully, can you tell her it’s breakfast time? I’m starving and Dimitri is more than ready to knock down the closest berry tree.’ And with that, Ares left.
With a message that Bede had no idea considering all the man heard was chirps and squeaks.
“Mmm…”
Stupor popped to shock, and Bede turned his attention to the slightly sleepy woman.
Her body was free from any blanket. Every hickey, every mark could be seen in board daylight like a form of art.
Ah, his body felt hot again.
Rubbing her eyes to bring her back to reality, Gloria finally looked at the tall man. It took her a few seconds to realize that he was naked, that she was naked, and that they had slept together—figuratively and literally—last night.
This was surely one of the days where she was awake the fastest.
Red splashed their faces once reality kicked in full. None said a word. Both looked away.
“Um…” She laughed shortly, dumbly, before biting back in fear that it might offend him. “I—morning.”
“Morning.” Was all he managed. Good. She was just as shaken as him.
Shaken. And hopefully thrilled too.
“Listen—”
In unison they both spoke, then stunned to silence as they stared at each other.
Silence was now their favourite form of communication.
Feeling nervous of such a gaze, Gloria brought her arms up.
“No…”
Before she could cup her chest, the Champion instead blinked in surprise at the touch of his hands.
And just when she thought he was done with surprises, Gloria squeaked a meek squeak at the feel of her body being pulled to an embrace. “Bede…?” Confusion lulled her bruised lips. Face now nuzzled on his neck, she peeked up, trying to cast a glance at the now blushing man.
Man, was he so cute.
“First off,” he started, voice muffled on her hair, “I didn’t regret what we did last night. I never will.” Carefully he positioned himself until he crossed his legs. Taking the opportunity of her surprise, Bede ushered her until she sat cosily in his lap.
She was warm.
“I…” Arms tightened around her. Hands lovingly caressed up and down her back, her arms. “I love you, Gloria. A lot…” More than he ever expected. “I don’t know exactly when it started, but I figured it’s long when we were rivals in our gym challenges.” Here it was again; the shameless act of him pouring his heart out to no one but her. She truly did have such a talent on him, didn’t she?
He wouldn’t have it any other way.
“You were always there for me. You always supported me even when I was being such a prick in the early days.” Lips kissed the top of her head again. “And in time, you made me stronger and showed me ways to learn to be better.” Traced down to her forehead. “You showed me my future.” To her eyelids. “You showed me my new path.” To her nose.
“You taught me how to love…” He stopped in front of her face, finally staring at the eyes he forever loved. “You made me love you…” Chu… “so take responsibility…” Chuu…
His confession was a million arrows that pierced her heart. She trembled. Shook. Positively vibrated with excitement at the knowledge of his feelings.
Without a moment to waste, she returned his kiss. Just as blissfully. Just as overjoyed. Arms wrapped around his neck, slightly surprising him with her exuberance but never once planning to break their kiss anytime soon.
“I love you, Bede…” She confessed between kisses. Lightly she brushed the tip of his nose with hers. “I love you a lot.” She was bad with words; they both knew this. But Gloria was more than happy to know that she got her emotions through him.
His smile was so genuine. So charming.
“In that case,” He pulled back, yet arms perfectly locked around her bare waist, “I know this might sound stupid considering very recent events, but Gloria,” A smile, so confident and cheeky, curled his lovely lips, “will you be my girlfriend?”
Her giggles were so cute. So adorable.
“On one condition.” She lifted one finger, though hand still mindlessly caressing his bare neck and chest.
A single eyebrow raised in curiosity.
Both eyebrows however raised in a matter of seconds once she surprised him with a peck on the lips. “You get to be my boyfriend.”
Oh how lively their lives would be around each other.
The smirk mellowed back down to one of a sincere smile. “Deal.”
END
