Vulnerable (Victor/Masaru x Hop)

Vulnerable

Author's Note: I'm using Victor's (male Pokemon SwSh mc) Japanese name, Masaru, in this story.  

*****

Months have passed since Masaru became the champion of the Galar region and Hop had decided to become a researcher. Despite this, however, he's still eager for Pokemon battles and even went to the extent of promising Masaru to steal his title someday.

"Sure! I'm looking forward to it, Hop."

Sitting by the research lab, he cannot help but space out after thinking about his best friend.

"I really can't read him," he'd think from time to time. Sonia would eventually notice her troubled apprentice and tell him to focus. But this time, she decided to let him off for the day as he really makes no progress when she sees him like that.

"Go on," she permitted. "I heard your boyfriend's coming home today, too."

The boy's face burned bright red as he heard those words. He turned away and mumbled, pouting, "It's not like that..."

The professor sighed and gently slammed her palm to her face.

"You two are starting to irritate me, holding back both of your feelings and all."

"You said something?" Hop asked, unable to hear what Sonia just said.

"Ugh, just forget about it. Go home for today and I'll take care or everything here."

Noticing the pile of books scattered around the lab, Hop felt guilty of leaving Sonia to clean everything up.

"I'll hel-"

"No! Just. Go. Home. And. Leave. Everything. To. Me. Capiche?" Sonia exclaimed, her frustration visible in her expression. Again, she sighed, "Augh, I'm doing this for you, okay? Don't worry about me."

Knowing nothing he'll say will get through her anymore, Hop just nodded at her and left, heading straight back to his place. He still couldn't help but feel guilty as soon as he stepped out of the lab, though. And, even then, he completely forgot what he was so down for to begin with.

*****

As he was walking by the bridge towards Postwick Town, a strong gust of wind blew out, almost dragging him along, followed by a huge shadow that towered above him. Struggling to look up, he saw a Corviknight rushing through the same direction he's going in, but it was carrying no cars whatsoever so he thought it was a wild one that plans to roost in the slumbering weald.

Unbeknownst to him, it was Masaru riding his Pokemon, heading back home. Sighing, he continued with his slow pace and eventually got home.

The sun had almost completely set when he arrived. To his surprise, the same Corviknight he saw earlier was sitting idly by their garden; and, on closer look, he noticed the Galar Champion and Tower Master ribbons attached to its jet black feathers in its chest. Quickly, he approached it and gave it a friendly welcome.

"Hey there, little guy!"

The gigantic bird cheerfully rose in response to the boy's call, snuggling closer to him.

"Hahah! I guess you're no longer little, after all!"

A sudden realization came up this head.

"W-wait if you're here then does that mean...?" The door to their house creaked open, his mom coming out of it.

"Hop, dear, is that you?"

"Yes, mom! I'll be right there."

She smiled seeing his son being friendly with the Corviknight.