Champion's Heart: Leon x Reader Pokemon

Chapter Eighteen

You grit your teeth, seething with anger. You could barely look at Leon without remembering how he deceived you. Hop locked eyes with you, stunned about your sudden anger. Leon was grinning, unaware to your fury.

You took a deep breath to calm down. You were going to confront him later, when Hop wasn't around. You didn't want any interruptions.

"(y/n), how about we head to the Pokemon Center and grab a bite to eat? I'm starving!" Hop exclaimed.

"Sure," you said shortly, refusing to look in Leon's direction.

"I'll tag along, I want to catch up with the both of you," Leon said.

You really didn't want to be around him at that moment, but you couldn't just tell him to leave. That would likely upset Hop and you didn't want to reveal how you feel just yet.

---

As you ventured through town, the citizens tried to crowd around Leon. However, Charizard glared at any approachers menacingly, effectively giving your group the space you need. You were worried about your newly evolved Bolthund because of its status condition, but you knew you were close.

"Lee, what's the Gym Leader of this city like?" Hop asked.

"Well, he's a Ghost-type trainer," Leon began. "His Pokemon are incredibly strong. I won't spoil what Pokemon he has, but you both will have difficulties against him."

"Nothing we can't handle!" Hop exclaimed.

"He's also the same age as I was when I began my journey," Leon explained.

Both yours and Hop's jaws dropped.

"He's that young?!" you exclaimed.

"He is just as talented as I was at his age!" Leon continued. "He could definitely go through the Gym Challenge with ease, but instead chose to uphold the Ghost Gym here in Stow-on-Side instead. He is fascinated in Ghost-type Pokemon."

"(y/n), that sounds like you and Electric-type Pokemon," Hop teased. You glared at him playfully.

"You know, you could take over a gym one day if you wished," Leon said to you. "Usually, the trainer that inherits leadership to a gym is supposed to use the same Pokemon as the last leader, with approval from the board, the gym can change typing."

"Ya here that?! You can be an Electric Gym Leader!" Hop exclaimed.

"What're you going to be?" you asked sassily.

"The next Champion," Hop replied enthusiastically.

You rolled your eyes and smiled. You thought about what Leon said. It would be nice to become a Gym Leader, though in the end, the job wasn't for you. You didn't want to be forgotten. You wanted to become memorable. Back in Kalos, it was your dream to either become the Champion or one of the Elite Four. However, Galar didn't have an Elite Four. There were rumors that they were planning on establishing one, along with the multiple trainer battles, to spice up the league. If this were true, you'd be one of the first to sign up to try out for one of those positions. LIke Gym Leaders, they could only specialize in one type of Pokemon.

You chose to specialize in Electric-type Pokemon because they have always interested you. It left you in wonder how Pokemon were able to master the power of pure, shocking energy. At first, it was unintentional you kept catching Electric-type Pokemon, but now you wouldn't have it any other way. You knew eventually you'd replace Thievul with an Electric-type Pokemon.

You finally made it to the Pokemon Center. You gave your Poke-balls to Nurse Joy and headed to the side where they were serving fresh beverages. Leon paid for you, Hop, and himself to have some juice.

"Are you guys excited for your fourth gym battle?" Leon asked.

"Definitely! I'm going to battle first thing tomorrow," Hop replied.

"How about you, (y/n)?" Leon asked, looking you in the eyes.

You reverted your gaze back to your cup and started fiddling with the straw of the cup. "Well, I guess..."

Leon nodded quietly. "So, do you guys want to camp together tonight?"

"Sure!" Hop replied.

"Do I get to share a tent with you again, (y/n)?" Leon asked.

You stayed silent this time. Hop looked jealous, and crossed his arms to pout silently. You didn't know if he was jealous Leon was staying with you, or if it was because Hop wanted to stay with you.

"Riiiight, I'll just ask later," Leon sighed. "I suppose you think Diantha wouldn't approve."

"You said so yourself, Diantha wouldn't care," you said a little too carelessly and loudly.

Leon looked shocked. "Where did that outburst come from?"

Some patrons were staring at you and Leon, overhearing you get angry. Your face turned red from embarrassment and you looked down at the ground.

"Can we talk somewhere private?" you asked.

Leon nodded and got up, beckoning for you to join him. "Hop, we'll be back in a bit."

Hop stared after the two of you silently, realizing what was going on. You saw some guilt on his face as he obviously thought his words last night were the reason for your anger. You felt bad, as actually you were grateful someone told you the truth.

Leon lead you to an alleyway by the Pokemon Center. "Are you alright? You seem to be in a bad mood today." Faking kindness wasn't going to suppress your anger.

"You've been lying to me," you replied, getting straight to the point.

"What could I even lie about?" Leon asked, though he looked nervous.

"You can't even admit it?!" you exclaimed angrily.

"I don't even know what you're talking about," Leon shrugged. "How about we change the subject? Diantha wants to meet up with you again."

You scowled. "This is about her. I know about you two."

Leon took a step back, a shocked expression on his face and he used his hat to cover his expression. "What, that we're together? I thought that was clear, I'm sorry."

You stomped your foot angrily. "I know that you're not together!"

Leon sputtered and laughed nervously. "I don't know what you mean. She's my girlfriend and I, uh, like her very much." You could tell he didn't mean those words.

"You know it's pointless to try to keep lying," you huffed.

Leon's shoulders sagged. "I don't know why this is an issue."

"Why couldn't you have told me the truth?" you asked.

"I didn't think it was that big of a deal," Leon said, trying to make excuses to defuse the situation.

"But why did you guys lie in the first place?"

"Well, it wasn't up to me. My sponsers and Diantha's manager made a deal for us," Leon explained. "This deal is supposed to bring more attention to Diantha's movies and the Galar League."

"But why couldn't you tell me?" you asked, voice cracking. "I thought we were friends. I thought we-"

I thought we had something. Was what you wanted to finish saying. But if you said this, more problems would arise.

"I mean, no offense, but we only knew each other for a few weeks and half of that time you hated me," Leon replied. "And I didn't want to make you hate me more... I truly am sorry."

You clenched your jaw and tears sprung in your eyes. He didn't trust you. You let yourself fall for him, only to be returned with coldness. Without another word, you turned around and started running away. Leon called after you, but you didn't want to listen. 

1194 words. Shorter chapter but meets the mark.

Happy Valentine's Day y'all! I wouldn't forget. Tomorrow, I'll be posting my Valentine's Day special. Didn't release it today due to editing issues.

Thank you for the read and don't forget to vote!