Work Text:
Out of breath, both Juliana and Arven made eye contact as the crystal encasing Mabosstiff shattered. He was quickly returned, sweet nothings whispered to the ball.
Meowscarada's terastallization ended more gently, fading away. She turned and trilled happily to her trainer, grinning, before being returned to her respective Pokéball as well. Whispers of thank you's too soft for anyone else to hear were spoken, before putting the Pokéball away.
“Well, there's my answer. I think I held up pretty good against a champion… so we'll head to Area Zero. Expected nothing less from my little buddy!”
Juliana smiled, nodding; the nickname giving her a weird mix of emotions.
“We have a lot to prepare for, so I’ll work on supplies if you work on gathering the other members of our team.” He nodded to himself, not waiting for a reply. He was used to carrying their conversations for the most part.
Juliana was a quiet girl; she’d speak when necessary but was overall happy to let others do the talking. She was highly expressive though, and it wasn’t hard to figure out what she was thinking.
He waved back to her, starting to sprint off.
“I’ll call you when I’ve gathered everything we’ll need, message me when- whoa!”
He was suddenly pulled backwards, Juliana’s grip on his backpack tight.
“W-what’s up? Why’d you stop me?”
She gasped slightly, and let go when he turned around.
“I… er…”
Arven raised an eyebrow, and spoke a little calmer, quieter than before.
“Hey, it’s just me. No reason to get all nervous.”
She avoided his eyes; looking over his shoulder.
“I… wanted to tell you something.”
Arven hummed questioningly in response, patiently giving her time, studying her face.
“It’s…” She paused again, gripping Koraidon’s Pokéball in her shorts pocket. She could feel her face heating up, and it only added to her overwhelming feeling of nervousness.
A few more moments and she released the giant reptilian Pokémon, hopping onto his back with practiced ease.
“S-sorry, nevermind…!” She blurted, eyes squeezed shut, face red. She gripped his handles but- nothing.
“Koraidon…!” She whispered, pleading for the Pokémon to go.
Unfortunately for her, Koraidon was also good at reading the girl and knew something was up. He wasn’t going to allow her to run from this.
“Juliana, hey.” Arven patted her shoulder, making her squeak in reply.
“I had something I wanted to talk to you about too. I just… was thinking later might be a better time.”
She sighed. “Me first.”
“Sure.”
“But can we… go to the top of the lighthouse first?”
--
The two leaned over the railing, gentle breezes blowing their hair.
“The first time I ever came up here was the day I first met you.” Juliana had her gaze fixed on the school in the distance. “We’ve only been in Paldea a short time. I barely had a chance to settle into our new house before school started.”
Arven hummed again, letting her talk.
“I thought you were kind of a jerk that day, y’know?”
“Wha- no, I don’t know-!”
Juliana turned to him and laughed. “I know now you’re the opposite of a jerk. I’m just telling you what I thought.”
He groaned. “Somehow that doesn’t make it better. But… I guess I assumed you be more like Student Council girl.”
Juliana chuckled, turning back towards the school. “I love Nemona, but no. Never.”
A comfortable silence floated between them. Juliana’s nervousness from before still sat like a pit in her stomach, but it had shrunk. Arven was right- there was no need to be so nervous with him.
“I’m really happy Mabosstiff has recovered and is fighting fit again.” Juliana mused softly. “I’ve done a lot during the treasure hunt. I’ve caught a team of partners I adore, disbanded Team Star, and become the newest Paldea Champion.” She let out a shaky breath. “But I think… helping you, and the time we’ve spent together is what I treasure the most.”
Arven’s eyes went wide beside her, and he turned to look at her.
“Arven, I…” Her face flushed, and she turned to avoid his questioning eyes.
“I feel the same.”
“Wha-“
He reached a hand up to cup her cheek, a soft expression in his eyes. She closed her eyes and the distance between them was closed, a small, hasty kiss leaving a tingling feeling on her lips.
“That’s what I wanted to tell you.”
“Mm?”
“That you’re my greatest treasure.”