An AU where Green runs the Oak family café that's in a coastal town, and Red is a world renowned surfer that trains and competes all over the world with his partner Pikachu.
Green, growing up near the ocean, was always intrigued and interested in surfing, but his grandpa never allowed him to focus on anything but preparing to take the café over. There was always tension between them because of this, but ultimately Green loved running the café and eventually never saw a want to pursue surfing himself. He loves running the café with his Eevee, and loves preparing all the baked goods before the morning rush, including Pokemon treats and poffins for all the companions that join their trainers when they stop in.
Oftentimes surfing tournaments are hosted nearby, and the latest was one Red would be competing in. His participation is highly anticipated, which makes him dread this competition just a bit. Red competes solely for his love for the sport and the training and often hates the crowds and paparazzi that he unwillingly attracts due to his skill. Due to this, during his downtime throughout the tournament, he often sneaks away to the quieter parts of the town, and ends up finding his way to the café.
Taking refuge in there, he finds the café cozy, and is relieved when Green is able to communicate with him (in this AU Red is selectively mute, but it's very difficult for him to speak with strangers so he often relies on sign and writing initially with new people), easing some of his anxiety.
Red ends up visiting almost every day after that, and he and Green grow closer. Green is slowly becoming fond of his new regular (even though he has no idea just who Red is), and Red really wants to spend time with Green outside of his work.
Leaf, a fellow Kantonian surfer, teases and pesters Red to invite Green to a bonfire a lot of the surfers are going to tonight so he can break the ice of hanging out with him without it being too much pressure. Green finally realizes that the cute guy he's been talking to is in fact a world renowned athlete, but doesn't really treat Red any differently. Now knowing this though, he does mention to Red that he's always wanted to try surfing, but his duties at the café always got in the way.
Red, excited at the idea of sharing his love for surfing, jumps on the idea and mentions that the following day has no events for the competition, and if Green is free they can go out on the water tomorrow? Excitedly, they plan a time and just enjoy the bonfire for the rest of the night; as it gets colder, Red lends Green his jacket.
The next day Red takes Green out on his board with Pikachu, and slowly teaches him the basics. He's pretty hands on with helping Green balance, and by the end of it they just are coasting on the water, sitting on the board, Red embracing Green from behind. They share their first kiss that day.
As the tournament wraps up, Green gets sad knowing that Red will likely train and compete wherever the wind takes him next. It's bittersweet, and Red feels the same way--Red knows he will be back soon, and may even finally settle, but at this point in his life he knows now is not the time. Red gives Green his jacket to keep in the meantime so that he "has to come back" eventually, and throughout the months traveling, he always finds his way back to the coastal town every month or so to see Green. As the years pass, his visits become more frequent until eventually they move in together above the café!
*Yeah the "ending" of this blurb I couldn't find a better way to tie it up; I want the boys together but knowing Red as a character I know he wouldn't just settle in and plant his roots right away!*
