Metallic Bonding (Steven Stone x Reader)

Chapter 5

It's been about a month since everything happened, and a peaceful one at that. Wallace hasn't shown his face at all, and you and Torchic have been training more. She's probably going to evolve soon, actually.

And what's more, it feels like you and Steven have been closer than ever! Speaking of Steven, actually, he's been especially busy lately. But he's not distant at all. When he comes home from work, he eagerly gives you your fill of kisses and affection, and of course includes you in his rock hobbies.

Today, you and Torchic are doing some training in the small battlefield in Steven's yard, when Skarmory lands nearby with Steven on its back. Torchic runs up to him, filled to the brim with energy. She runs around him in circles as he returns Skarmory to its Pokéball.

"Hi, Steven," you say, picking Torchic up and holding her still as she starts to squirm.

"Hello, love." He gives you a quick kiss as a greeting, then the two of you head inside. He sets his briefcase down in his office, then lets Metagross out of its Pokéball so it can curl up in the corner with Torchic.

He chats for a bit about how work was, then asks about your day.

So, naturally, you fill him in on all the training you've been doing, flashing your PokéNav to show him that Torchic is at level fifteen.

"That's wonderful! You're growing stronger." He flashes a cute smile, then shifts awkwardly. "Ahem, I've been meaning to ask you something, actually."

You tilt your head to the side, and Torchic looks up from her nap.

Steven lets out a short breath, his confidence returning. "Well, in a couple days, the League is hosting a grand party for all the Gym Leaders, Elite Four, certain trainers, and of course, the Champion. We're allowed to bring a plus one...so I was wondering if you would be mine." He holds his hand out for you.

You take it. "Yeah, I'd love to go with you! Obviously!" You wrap him in a hug which he warmly returns, as if he was worried you'd say no.

So, eventually, the day of the party arrives. Steven has to work that day, but the two of you agreed you'd just meet up in Ever-Grande City, where the party is being held.

You clip a little bowtie in Torchic's feathers, then you go and change into some fancy formal clothes. You look pretty good, if you do say so yourself.

There's still a few more hours until the party starts, but you want to get to Ever-Grande early just in case you have trouble finding your way around.

Just as you and Torchic are about to leave, though, there's a knock at the door.

Is Steven home early, or something?

Nope. Worse. You open the door to see who could possibly be there at such a late hour, and it's Wallace.

You've half a mind to shut the door in his face.

He's wearing a white waistcoat, cropped up to reveal a bit of his stomach, with a long scarf fading from blue to green wrapped casually around his shoulders. His pants are also white, hugging close to his legs and showing a strip of skin on the sides of his thighs. He's still got his signature beret, and he's wearing slightly more makeup than usual.

"Why are you here?" you ask flatly.

He plays at being offended. "Wow, can't I just drop in to say hi?"

You narrow your eyes, Torchic doing the same. "When have you ever wanted to drop in and say hi?"

He rolls his eyes. "Where's Steven? I wanted to ask him something." He peers into the house over your shoulder, which seems a little rude, but he's probably just acting out of habit since he's been there before.