Pokémon BW: Rise of Clarity (book 3 of the HBoD series)

Chapter 21: Their First Date

"Would you go on a date with me?"

Alex looked speechless, her mouth hanging slightly open. I began growing nervous. I know we're technically dating and all that, but maybe this was a step too quick!? What if she says no!? Wait, would she say no!? Would-

"Yes."

I blinked once, my heart still racing. "What?"

"Yes," Alex repeated, taking my hands and giving me a warm smile. Even though the sun had gone down, it felt as if my world had never been brighter.

...

We walked hand-in-hand down the street, the festivities well underway. Paper lanterns hung from the tops of the festive tents that lined up and down on both sides of the main street. Kids were begging their parents for the stuffed Pokemon plushie prizes, food stalls were serving delicious festive snacks, and other couples were walking about. And it was just the two of us enjoying the festival together.

"So this is our first date," Alex leaned into my side. "It feels like we've been journeying together for so long that being like this doesn't feel that much different."

"I know what you mean," I said, my mind unwillingly clinging onto what she had just said.

"So this is our first date."

For you, I suppose it is, I thought. But with Willow, I... No, don't think about her. She's dead and I have Alex now. I can't afford to think about you, Willow. I'm sorry, but I should make the most of what I have now in life.

I gripped Alex's hand a little tighter. I was determined to make this date a memorable one. But...

I stopped walking and looked at Alex. "It's... been a while since I've done this." I really hoped she couldn't see my nervousness. "But, what should we do on a date?"

Alex chuckled. "Oh, Zeno." I felt myself grow red. Her smile, it was... She tugged on my hand, glancing back with that affectionate gaze. "That's so like you."

I let her drag me over to a booth where a couple of kids had just moved on from. A tubful of Goldeens swam within and the booth guy held out a large bowl and paper tools with a handle.

"Oh!" Alex grinned. "I've done this kind of thing back in Hoenn." She took a bowl and tool from the guy and crouched next to the tub. I watched her narrow her eyes, growing very still, tool hovering just inches above the Goldeen infested water. Then with a quick scoop, she had a Goldeen in her bowl.

"Nice!" The booth manager clapped his hands. "That's one of the fastest scoops I've ever seen!"

"Let me try," I said and Alex moved over. I moved the paper tool, getting a feel for it. Basically weightless, paper just strong enough to hold a Goldeen for barely a second, and a bowl that was just slightly bigger than the Water types. I slowed my breathing, watching them swim around, not a care in the-

SPLASH

I stared, dumbfounded at the broken paper, the Goldeen I had failed to nab glaring at me from the tub. Alex burst out laughing as I sighed, handing the bowl back to the man and tossing the paper tool in a trash can.

"Sorry," Alex wiped away a tear from her eye as we walked away. "You just looked so serious, it was just really funny to see you fail."

"Glad to hear it," I said drily, but I couldn't help myself from laughing with her. I noticed her empty hands. "You didn't keep the Goldeen?"

"No," Alex shook her head. "Not really my kind of Pokemon. Plus, I'd feel bad just taking one."

"I know what you mean," I nodded. "If N was here, I'd think he'd have something to say about that game."