Taming A Dragon

An Old Friend

Raihan lead me out of the stadium, his fingers still intertwined with mine tightly. I looked down at our hands and remembered when he would do this when we were children. I blushed gently when people began to stop and stare. 

"Don't mind them" Raihan mumbled lowly so only I would hear him. I wasn't enjoying the sudden attention I was receiving but it was worth it, I was finally with Raihan, something I had been wanting for years. 

My curiosity soon got the better of me. "Where are we going?" I asked confused as he lead me onto the streets of Hammerlocke. I looked up at him and noticed a gentle smile was on his face and a wave of calmness hit me. I had forgotten how safe I felt when I was near him. I had forgotten how one smile could push all my troubles away.

We walked into the Battle Cafe and made our way up to the counter. I gave Raihan a confused look and he laughed letting my hand go. "I'm not asking you for a rematch, people can come here to just enjoy each others company, it functions as a normal cafe too" he grinned and began to order us some coffee. 

Obviously Mugi come on.

I noticed a table for two opened up and I quickly sat down before it was taken. I began to fidget with my fingers nervously and felt my anxiety start to build up. Raihan joined me with two coffees in his hands and placed them in front of us. He looked over at me and reached his larger hand across the table and placed it on both of mine. "Hey...it's just us, there's no need to worry Mugi...you're all right ok?" he smiled worriedly and I nodded letting out a deep breath before I asked the question I had been wanting the answer to for years.

"Why did you leave?" I asked moving my hands away and staring straight into his teal eyes.

"Straight to it huh?" he smiled bringing his hand back to his side of the table.

"Answer the question" I mumbled feeling myself get emotional, I swallowed down any sign of weakness, this wasn't the time to cry, it was time to be strong and to get the answers I deserve.

"My dad was called to takeover gym leader duties here in Hammerlocke. The previous gym leader fell ill and was a long time friend of my father. The old gym leader kept his illness a secret from everyone other than his wife. When the call came to my father, he had hours before...before his friend passed away" he quietly said.

My heart felt heavy as I listened, I could see he was hurting despite the laid back smile he was showing to me, to the camera, to the city, to everyone. I reached over and held his hand causing him to jerk up surprised. "I'm sorry about your loss" I said squeezing his hand for encouragement.

"I...yeah... my father took over for his friend and we moved here. I couldn't explain it to you because we only had hours before...I wanted to tell you, I really did but there wasn't enough time and I had hoped to move before you found out I was leaving. I didn't get in touch because I knew I had hurt you. It broke me seeing you chase after the train. I couldn't live with myself for what I did. You deserved an explanation and I was the jerk who didn't give it to you, but know, I never forgot about you...how could I have?" he smiled looking up. "You were one of my closest friends and I enjoyed every moment I spent with you" he grinned brightly and I felt myself blush as I stared at the table. 

"Please forgive me Mugi, I want us to start again, stay here with me...at least until you beat me" he winked and I rolled my eyes making him laugh. His laugh was like music. Music that never failed to turn my mood from sadness to happiness. I had wanted to hear that laugh for so long.

"I forgive you...idiot" I mumbled smiling and his grin grew. 

"Thank you, let me make it up to you" he smiled as he finished his coffee. 

"How?" I laughed gently.

"You'll see" he smiled. 

There was a moment of silence between us as we looked at each other. Raihan reached over and placed a strand of my hair behind my ear, his hand lingered for a moment and I felt my cheeks start to burn. I wanted him to hold me again. I wanted to feel him against me, the scent of his clothes, the way his chest rose and fell with every breath.

Suddenly his phone began to ring. "I'm sorry Mugi, I have to take this, gym leader duties" he winked and answered the phone. His face turned serious and I began to feel worried. "All right, I'll be there" he said quietly and hung up the phone. "I have to go Mugi" he mumbled sadly.

"It's fine, don't let me keep you" I smiled. 

We got up and thanked the owner before leaving the cafe. Raihan looked down at me and I looked away blushing. He placed his thumb under my chin and forced me to look at him. "Don't be shy around me blondie, it makes me feel like you're not comfortable with me, and I want you to feel safe with me, ok?" he smiled lowering himself closer to my face.

My eyes widened and I felt my face heat up more. He got closer and my mind began to race. He closed his eyes and I felt my stomach explode into groups of Butterfree. This was it. This was really happening. He's going to kiss me. I closed my eyes in anticipation. Then suddenly I felt his gentle deep voice in my ear. "Got you blondie" he whispered and I opened my eyes as he pulled away. "Y-You...what" I froze.

"Don't be embarrassed Mugi, I know you like me" he winked and I felt my embarrassment turn to anger. 

"As a friend you idiot!" I yelled angrily pushing him but to no avail.

He burst into a fit of laughter and I looked away annoyed. He noticed this and lowered himself to my ear once more. "Don't worry...I like you too" he whispered and when I turned around to give him a peace of my mind, he was gone. I let out a yell of annoyance attracting the attention of people passing by but I didn't care.

"What an idiot" I mumbled and despite my annoyance, I felt a smile form on my lips.

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Hey guys! 

So sorry this took so long! It's been a long time since I sat down to write so apologies if it wasn't up to standard >.< I hope you enjoyed this small chapter, I will continue writing this story because I really do feel proud of it! Mugi finally got her answer! It wasn't Raihan's fault he had to leave, but now they can focus on repairing their relationship and maybe...evolving into something more? hehe~ 

Thank you all for your amazing patience and support! You guys are amazing! x