Gladion stood alone in his room for a long moment. He stared at the wall and thought about Sabrina.
He had been putting off this moment for a long time. Every time he thought about asking her out, his stomach twisted. He had rejected her before. That memory made him feel awkward and guilty.
How do you ask someone on a date after you said no to them once? It felt strange. He worried she might still be hurt. He worried she might laugh at him. He worried she might say no just to get back at him.
He even worried she had moved on and found someone else. All these thoughts kept him quiet for weeks. He told himself he was too busy with Gym duties, business, and recovering from the Moltres fight. But the truth was simpler. He was scared of making things weird between them.
He took a deep breath and made up his mind. 'I think it is finally time to spend time with her,' he thought. "She has been patient. She has been kind. She deserves better than me hiding forever."
With a quick focus of his psychic power, he teleported outside Sabrina's house in Saffron City. The moment he appeared, Sabrina sensed his presence. She teleported to the door in a flash of light. She wore a simple purple dress and her hair was loose. Her eyes lit up when she saw him.
"Glady!! What a surprise," she said happily as she stepped forward and hugged him tightly. "It is always me who appears teleporting to you. Are you trying to copy me now?"
Gladion hugged her back. He felt warm and a little nervous at the same time. "Well, I thought it would be a nice way to change things. Anyway…"
He pulled back slightly and looked at her face. His voice became quieter and a little hesitant. "Umm, would… you like to go on a dinner with me?"
Sabrina tilted her head and smiled slowly. "Are you asking me for a date?"
Gladion felt his face heat up. "Ye…s."
Sabrina's smile grew wider. "Oh. Then I refuse."
Gladion's expression froze. His mouth opened slightly. Silence stretched between them for a few long seconds. His mind raced. Did she become angry after I rejected her? Is this payback? Did I wait too long? Does she hate me now? Is she serious? His thoughts spun faster and faster.
Sabrina watched his face and could not hold it in anymore. She burst out laughing. She laughed so hard she had to hold her stomach. "I was just joking! You should have seen your expression! Hahaha!"
Gladion blinked. Relief washed over him, followed by embarrassment. He rubbed the back of his neck. "That was mean."
Sabrina wiped a tear from her eye. "Of course I will go on a dinner with you, silly."
Gladion let out a breath he did not know he was holding. "You do not seem surprised that I asked you out."
Sabrina gave him a cheeky smile. "My father said you would come around eventually. He told me you would realize I am the best choice for you. And it looks like he was not wrong."
Gladion raised an eyebrow. "Your dad said that?"
Sabrina nodded proudly. "He said, 'That boy is stubborn, but he is smart. He will figure it out sooner or later.' Looks like sooner won."
Gladion chuckled softly. "I guess I owe him thanks."
Sabrina flipped her hair dramatically. "Besides, no one can resist my beauty. My mom said so."
Gladion looked at her and thought, 'Well, she is not wrong. She might be in the top five most beautiful women in this world.'
He cleared his throat. "Great. Let us get going. I have booked a reservation."
He took her hand. They teleported together in a gentle flash of light.
They appeared inside a quiet, elegant restaurant in Saffron City. The lights were low and warm. Soft music played in the background. Candles flickered on every table. A waiter led them to a private corner table by a large window.
Gladion pulled out Sabrina's chair for her. She sat down with a small laugh. "Such a gentleman tonight."
Gladion sat across from her and smiled. "I am trying."
They ordered quickly. Sabrina chose a light pasta with cream sauce and fresh vegetables. Gladion picked grilled steak with herb butter and roasted potatoes. They also ordered a shared dessert, chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream.
While they waited for the food, Sabrina leaned forward. "So, tell me honestly. What made you finally ask me out?"
Gladion looked down at his hands for a second. "I was scared before. I did not know how to fix things after I said no. I kept thinking about it. Then everything on Mt. Silver happened. Tengen got hurt. I almost lost him. It made me realize I cannot keep wasting time. Life is too short. I want to spend it with people who matter."
Sabrina's expression softened. "I am glad you did."
The food arrived. They ate slowly and talked about small things. Sabrina teased him about his new fame. Gladion joked that she was just jealous of his legendaries.
Sabrina told him about her Gym duties and how she missed their old adventures in Hoenn. Gladion listened carefully and promised they would travel again soon.
After the main course, the chocolate lava cake arrived. It was warm and gooey. They shared it with two spoons. Sabrina took a bite and closed her eyes. "This is dangerous. I could eat this every day."
Gladion laughed. "I will add it to the gym menu just for you."
They talked more as they finished dessert. Gladion leaned back in his chair. "You know, I am quite free right now since the League tournament is about to start. Would you like to watch it with me? My sponsored trainer is going to be a part of it."
Sabrina tilted her head. "Is that Professor Oak's granddaughter?"
"Yes," Gladion answered. "Daisy Oak. She is strong. I think she has a real chance."
Sabrina smiled. "I would love to watch it with you."
Before Gladion could say more, his Pokédex rang. He looked at the screen. It was Charles Goodshow, President of the League Competition Committee.
Gladion answered the call. "Hello, Mr. Goodshow."
After quick pleasantries, Charles went straight to the point. "Due to your popularity, we would like you to have an exhibition match at the start of the tournament."
Gladion's heart beat faster. "Against Lance?"
Charles chuckled. "Sadly no. While it would be a spectacular match to see, we cannot have the Champion defeated by a Gym Leader. Not that I am sure Lance would lose, mind you. But it would be bad for the region. The Champion is supposed to be the strongest. If he loses, there would be debates about replacing him with you. I do not think even you want that responsibility right now."
Gladion nodded slowly. "I understand."
Charles continued. "You will be fighting against someone who really wants a shot at you. Bruno of the Elite Four."
Gladion felt a spark of excitement. "I accept."
Charles laughed. "I knew you would. We will announce it soon. Prepare well, Gym Leader. The region will be watching."
The call ended. Gladion looked at Sabrina with a grin. "Looks like I have a match against Bruno."
-----Author Notes------
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