Chapter 12: Date Distraction

Chapter 12: Date Distraction

It wasnt my alarm the next day that woke me up but rather the flash of a teleport. Sabrina? I said groggily.

Bro she paused as her face went red, even as her eyes darted down and then back up before dipping down once more. I pulled the sheets up feeling oddly exposed. Sabrina twitched before turning her head. Ill give you another ten minutes. I shall order you breakfast.

Juice and tea! No coffee for me! I called out to her back as she walked into the lounge of the hotel room Id taken for my stay. It wasnt quite the penthouse but it was still more than enough room for me, and a few of my mid-sized pokemon if I desired.

I smacked my lips and lay back in bed. Id allotted myself another hour of sleep and planned to My waking mind prodded me. I really wanted to ignore it but it was operating on a level of experience with little siblings. It was like having an all too quiet house with little children in it. Or perhaps it was the prodding reminder that I should be doing something. Reacting in some way. Like I had failed to smile at Suzie or pat Sabrina on the head and offer her a spot next to

I sat up. Sabrina was in my hotel room. I burst out of bed and cursed as the sheets snagged. I fell in a tangle before shooting back up to jump to the doorway where Sabrina was ordering breakfast. Urgh damn it, I sighed as I ran a hand over my face.

I fully expected that the bellhop would sell the story that a woman visited my room and ordered breakfast to the news before they even gave me said breakfast. Sabrina tilted her head, unaware of what shed unleashed and perhaps, in a way, unable to understand. Her eyes raked over my form once more and I recalled how shed earlier checked me out.

Part of me wanted to really perk up at having a beauty like Sabrina checking me out while I only wore shorts. I turned away cursing my hormonal body. Im going to have a shower! A cold one I mentally added to myself... I felt a prodding of memory and sighed. Just ask them to leave it at the door please?

I can do that. I have also ordered my own breakfast.

I waved at her, the gossip would already be out. Instead of worrying about it, I slipped into the shower in an attempt to get my mind up to speed for the rest of the day. At the very least, it was breakfast with my ex.

Sometimes I really cursed past mes ideas and decisions. I could only blame hormones and lack of foresight when Id agreed to be her boyfriend years ago. Shed been so innocent in her reasoning that I hadnt seen the harm. Id tried to be innocent about it, but a mature mind often led to different thoughts than that of a child. Id been forced to discover the difficulty that came with having Sabrina as your girlfriend due to this.

I still cringed at having to explain what holding hands and kisses meant.

Then again, this was something that I could place at the seemingly societal issues of poor parents. Or maybe I was projecting my own issues with Sabrinas admittedly lesser issues with her mother still being around, but being terrified of her when we first met? Her dad giving her space to sort things out hadnt really helped, but then again it would have been hard to interact with her being able to read your mind if she wanted. Shed intimidated most people until I came along.

I switched the shower off and chose some normal clothes to greet the day. I entered the lounge to find the breakfast that Sabrina had ordered floating towards a table where said woman was seated. The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñòv€l-B1n.

Anyone out there? I claimed a seat across from her with the small table between us.

No, they were lurking down the hallway hoping to film me. I made them sneeze when I took our breakfast.

Good, thats good I suppose. I wasnt really sure how to tell her that might have made it worse. I wasnt sure Id understand their reactions and couldnt really account for it, so I instead pushed it aside for future Brock to worry about. Food first. Between bites of the meal, I looked up to find her own meal untouched. What brings you over? I asked, deciding to be direct with her. She always seemed to react best to direct questions.

I was concerned you might have been freaking out after yesterdays events.

Huh. I took a sip of my juice and made a face at the pulp to water ratio the hotel used. Thanks but I'm actually feeling fine. If anything, it feels like a weight has been taken off my shoulders. Just getting to throw it in his face like that. I grinned as I recalled the way his eyes had widened. Another sip, another grimace. Ill probably freak out a little before the match but I plan to treat it like any other match at a tournament. I looked around the room. Id probably still need to find some form of distraction, however. I pointedly did not look towards her as I thought of ways to stay out of trouble and distract myself.

That is good. If you need, I can be there for you, Sabrina said earnestly.

I nodded and considered asking her to help with some PG distractions, before also considering who it was talking to me.

For all that she appreciated me being direct, she sometimes came at things like a hopped-up Pikachu or seemed to overthink things to such a degree that she actually looked slothful in her reaction, or she suddenly appeared next to you like her psychic types were known to do. Sabrina, you know were no longer dating, correct?

Sabrina nodded slowly. Yes, your reasoning was accepted at the time.

I relaxed before feeling a niggle over what shed just said. I was about to question her further, but a knock on the door made me glance there before looking back at Sabrina. She glared at the door before clicking her tongue and teleporting away. I stared at the spot shed vanished from before understanding what it meant

Okay, so theyre important enough that youre saying I cant ignore them eh? I stood and walked to the door, opening it to reveal a hotel bellhop that looked past me, gaining a glare from me, before I noticed the other people with them.

Erika? I stared at her in surprise. We didnt really know each other, so for her to seek me out raised some questions.

The small woman smiled up at me. Despite it being early in the morning, she was wearing a formal kimono that gave her the traditional beauty look she was famous for. It was immaculately styled and really worked for her. In her hands was a towering bento box that I was more used to seeing in manga.

Annnnnnd me! Drawled another voice that I was very familiar with. I looked up from the smaller grass specialist to see the Electric Gym Leader looming to the side with a grin. Howdy Brock!

Hello Surge, I said with a sort of fond exasperation you only get when you realise you have a friend that is way higher energy than you were. But simply shutting the door would result in something that was way, way, more energy-consuming than just relaxing into things until you needed to fight against the flow. I looked back at Erika who I wasnt as familiar with, beyond the basic interactions over general check-ins with other Gym leaders during annual meetings.

Meetings that were, typically, a simple conference call with everyone reporting how the circuit was going for them. Also, something that usually was done quickly with little time for actual interaction. Gym Leaders were busy people after all.

Hello, Brock! She rushed to say while bowing only to stop as her bento box tipped precariously. I came for the conference, but when I heard about your challenge to Lance I She paused for a moment to think about what she was going to say before continuing, I thought I better come and talk to see how youre doing! She offered a smile but when I merely raised an eyebrow at her, she hurried to continue, As a fellow Kanto gym leader, that is! She rushed to add.

Heh! Kanto represent! Thatll make at least four gyms united against Johto pricks! said Surge with a pump of his fist.

Erika gasped. What?! No Thats not what Im here for at all! She honestly appeared a little sickened by the idea.

Surge searched her expression for a moment before waving it off. Eh, me too, don't worry about it! He gave a wide, easy smile to show he meant no harm but Erika didnt seem to know what to say. I remained standing in the doorway watching the byplay with a raised eyebrow.

Sooooo you both came to check in on me? I said, to move things along.

Yup! Erika was interested in getting to know you. He waggled his eyebrows at me and I glanced at Erika who had stiffened. Surge huffed and continued, So I brought her along. Surge walked past me and into the room. Im gonna order in some food! Erika! You want anything? Surge started making himself so much at home, he had already lifted the phone and popped open his signature Raichu to claim a chair.

She shifted back and forth, eyes sliding from me to Surge. She proffered up the towering bento box. May I, Brock?

I sighed and stepped to the side, Sure, sure, come on in. I looked to Surge who sprawled onto the couch, his huge frame taking up most of the space.

I dont mean to impose? Erika said, still glancing from me to Surge.

I was just about to have breakfast. I gestured in and she happily trundled into the room. She set her bento box down on the table and looked over my meal.

Oh you ordered a lot, you must be hungry? She asked. I glanced at the second plate and noted that the bacon and eggs had been arranged into a smiley face that made me chuckle.

Growing lad! Growing appetite! He then gave me a wink that garnered a flat stare from me. I looked back to Erika before returning to Surge. What on earth was he doing?

Erika gave me a confused glance before I waved her off, an excuse coming easily to my lips. Actually, its just that Im used to eating with my family around and needing more food than just a meal for myself.

Ah! Of course! She chirped, happy to accept what I had said at face value.

Would you like to have some of it? Manners drilled into me from a previous life warred as they considered the issue of offering what had been Sabrinas food to another. But she had left, hadnt she? I looked around surreptitiously but Erika caught me glancing around as she sat.

Is something the matter? Surge narrowed his eyes before giving the room a sharp look over. I even saw his nose twitch as though he was sniffing quietly. Raichu stood and started sniffing the air, making me mentally curse at Surge for bringing it out.

Nope! Just thought I left one of my pokemon out but they must have put themselves back last night while I slept. I waved at the food. Lets eat, I'm starving! With food in my mouth, Id even have a reason not to talk so much and not appear so odd. I threw myself into Surges side and pushed him to one side.

He didnt accept that without a fight though and tried to eject me from the chair. I now knew what he was up to though and was expecting him to use his weight only for my Rock energy to come to the fore and make me way too tough to handle. He huffed and leaned back, slightly dejected that he couldnt make me sit in the other chair that happened to be next to Erika.

I pointedly didnt offer him any of the food I had. But it didnt take long for the hotel to bring up some food for him along with a small tray to pick from that Erika selectively partook from. While waiting, Surge decided to take up the slack. The man apparently abhorred silence.

So! I got a call up from one of my girls and she was all keen to meet up only she also brought along this here cutey! He gestured towards Erika who looked slightly grossed out from having a man twice her age call her cutey. I gave Surge a look to calm it down which didnt seem very effective.

So I decided Id bring her along! I was always gonna come check in on you of course Brock! And I thought, well, twos friendship but threes almost a party! I sighed at him.

Thank you for that thoughtful gesture Surge but Im fine.

Heh! Fine he says! Nah Brock, youve got a huge match coming up! No way youve not got the jitters.

I dont, I said firmly. One of the worst things you could do was think about how nervous you were supposed to be before a match. I just had to work through my own methods to stay calm. Which was usually just kicking back and watching some comedy. Surge nodded seriously before winking at Erika dramatically.

I can see you doing that, I said seriously, pointing to his eyes.

Youre supposed to! He said without any shame.

Erika giggled at our back and forth. Her laugh was like the tinkling of a little bell. You two are obviously good friends.

Oh heck yeah! Let me tell you of the first time I met little boy Brock here! Crowed Surge.

Oh Darkrai take me now, I said pleadingly. I glanced towards the bedroom. If I thought hard enough and pushed as much Dark energy out as possible, could Sabrina save me? Sadly that wasnt an option, even if she was still lingering nearby. Surge alone would see her closing off due to being shy. She wouldnt come out with Erika here as someone she wasnt used to.

As much as it wasnt her fault, I was starting to feel like I should have just ignored Sabrina, well-intentioned as she had been, and stayed in bed.

Thankfully it didnt take long for to start digging into his own plate, and with food in hand Surge shut up somewhat.

Erika ate with small nibbling bites while I cut through chunks of my breakfast before pausing to enjoy a drink. I was thankful I had already finished up my meal which helped me cut him off when he made too ridiculous a claim. Please, I was not at all worried about facing you! Most of my team was Rock or Ground pokemon at the time!

Surge sniffed and waved away the comment. I huffed before turning to Erika. Dont mind Surge, he loves working stories for everything theyre worth And then some.

She swallowed before nodding stoically. I drew in a breath before nodding. I turned back and squared my shoulders before walking to the front of the shops, readying myself for another mini-press conference. I already knew what the first question was going to be.

Gym Leader Brock, are you and Gym Leader Erika on a date?

Called it.

Id denied the insinuation between myself and Erika, not that it would stop the tabloids from printing their own theories on what wed been up to. I just knew they were going to ignore that wed been chaperoned by Surge for all intents and purposes. Other questions had flown, which were expected, such as my chances against the Champion. And others such as what my lineup would be, which I refused to answer. Theyd repeatedly asked me, in various ways, throughout the ordeal If I was sure this wasnt a date I was on. The more they asked for it, the more theyd likely get to print on it was my assumption.

Id spotted Celia during this and nodded at her, shed brightened up and given a huge wave. Shed initially started to approach only to balk when she registered all the reporters and cameras surrounding me. That had caused her to about-face with huge eyes. That had gotten a chuckle out of me which Id then had to explain to the reporters.

When Id ended the impromptu interview, Id stepped on one of the landmines I really should have avoided. Id announced I was going to go have lunch. Erika had then poured fuel on the fire by collecting her towering bento box. That had merely solidified my previous thoughts on this whole day. That it was too complicated to be worth getting out of bed.

When wed gotten away from the reporters and found a quiet spot. Erika had the bento box that wed brought along with us down and began to lay out the various tiers. Steam wafted off offering the scents of well cooked and spiced curries with small dividers of rice. I could see multiple simple sushi dishes made up that made my mouth want to water. Erika had some serious skills in the kitchen if shed cooked all of this herself. I was finding myself rather impressed with how Erika had rolled with the rather tumultuous day.

Erika saw my gaze on the food and seemed happy. She went about setting up a tasting tray as I got to lay there. Sadly I couldnt enjoy it without my traitorous mind supplying all the ways today could work out. I found myself less than pleased with a few of them.

I let out a sigh before rubbing my eyes. In some ways, it was easier to be ignorant of the implications and possible overtures. It was easy to walk through a landmine field when you didnt know it was there. I was probably overthinking things but I should probably not set future me up for any more issues.

Erika Ive got to be honest, today's been a lot of fun and Im probably making an ass of myself by saying this but Im not looking to get into a relationship with anyone right now. I kept my hands over my eyes so I didnt see the blow coming. If I saw it coming I might flex and use aura to block it out of habit. She might end up breaking her hand.

I fell silent expecting a slap only for the wind to quietly blow through the garden. I decided to risk a peek at her and found her blushing and tottering as if she was about to faint. She swept her hands up to hide her face when she saw me peeking at her From the depths of the fabric she said.. I-is! Is that H-how it looks? She sank into herself and like a flower closing up,.her kimono seemed to fold up over her hiding her from view.

Uhmmmm, I said intelligently. It did until now? When she merely curled her legs up so her face could push into them and sigh loudly I decided to keep talking I apparently have been reading way too much into this? I gestured at the secluded garden with the towering bento that shed hand prepared herself.

Erika sprouted out of her hiding place and flapped her hands back and forth her face still red. Thats not what I was intending at all! I just wanted something to give you to make a nice first impression! She glanced around and noted the picturesque gardens and our privacy. Oh Bellsprouts, this does look like a date doesnt it? She put her face into her hands and groaned.

So you werent trying to get me alone?

She sighed hugely into her sleeves. No. Yes? Im not sure anymore. I think I was reading into it too much. I listened to my girls when they were gossiping and heard all the people cheering for you and cheering for Lance and thought it might cause tension and I wanted to know if you were doing that deliberately so I needed to meet you but I didnt know you so I had one of my girls call up Surge to introduce us She sucked in a huge breath before continuing And youre not like that at all youre doing this all because what Lance said affecting your family.

O-oh uhm yeah? I scratched my cheek at that and found myself now blushing.

Erika didnt look up. It it was kind of obvious. You check your phone for messages from or about them while we were walking around. You even said as much. You outright didnt even bother looking at light-toned clothes because theyd get so many stains on them.

Ahaha? Did I say that? I dont recall?

She huffed turning her head and looking at me her blush having calmed down. I am really bad at this even when Im not trying to date someone

Had some troubles? I said, more to make conversation than to pry.

She flapped her hands about, her sleeves flapping about in frustration. Yes! What is up with some of the guys that ask me out! They all get cold feet and ditch me on the first date! Do you know how embarrassing it is to be stood up and have half your gym know?

Wouldn't know, Im a bit too busy these days to do anything like go on dates. I looked up at the sky, it was a beautiful crisp blue today. Only a few clouds ambled along. I could see a few pokemon with riders on them. I exhaled and looked down to find Erika watching me.

Well thats a shame for some girls She blushed and straightened. Not that Im I know its fine Erika, I said with a chuckle as her blush returned.

She grumbled into her knees. Ill have to tell the girls that youre not looking for anyone, I know a few of them were talking about seeking you out. I snorted amused by the very idea.

Anyone that tried would run into a very firm turn down. Id had to explain as much to Sabrina of all people that I didnt have time for a relationship when Id started being a Gym Leader.

Yeaaaaah, I have way too much on my plate these days. I started ticking things off on my hands, Theres this whole like challenge I have to deal with tomorrow, dont know if youve heard of it? She giggled at my antics but remained silent to watch as I continued ticking things off. Theres going to be a lot of drama over this, win or lose for the next few months at least. I also have my gym, my pokemon, the trainers that are part of my stable. Hmmm what else? I made a show of waving my hands before appearing to remember something, Oh! Right! I have to look after my nine younger brothers and sisters. I lay back and looked once more to the open skies.

I love my family but its not something I can or will drop. For so, so many reasons beyond anything Im willing to get into here.

I sighed again, I cant date anyone right now and really make it work. I give her a small grimace, Sorry for reading into things so much. My bad.

Erika hummed thoughtfully at that before accepting my words. Well, I cant say that Im enjoying such insinuations, she drew herself up and sat primly, turning so her legs rested underneath her. I shall have to forgive you this time. She stared at me but the look was rather ruined by her twitching lips.

That look doesnt work if I know youre holding yourself back from laughing. Ive seen that on Yolanda too many times for it to work.

She giggled at me before shaking her head. Youre very mature arent you? She glanced at her towering bento box. I wanted to meet you and see what you were like. This this was a bit much wasnt it?

I could only shrug at her. I eventually went with, I mean, I liked it but it seems like a ton of effort? She didnt respond beyond a hum. I glanced at the bento box. That had probably been the biggest thing that made me think date. Id read way too many manga in my past life not to connect dots into the wrong shape. Apparently, she was just a very traditional girl?

Well, now that weve cleared that out of the way, we can eat, I suppose! she said cheerfully.

Thankfully nothing else occurred after that. The food was good and I made sure to politely compliment her. We enjoyed our lunch together and I asked after how shed felt the circuit went for her before we eventually drifted back to the hotel. Before she left, Erika patted me on the hand.

Dont put yourself too down Brock theres going to be a lot of people cheering for you and I think youll do wonderfully.

Thanks Erika, today was great. Ill see you tomorrow. She bowed in farewell and I watched her walk off before heading up to my room.

Tomorrow, the symbolic flame of Moltres would be lit and the trainers would march before the assembled host to be welcomed officially.

And then I would fight Lance. I entered my room and called my family to check in on them. Id do the same tomorrow before my match. It was good to hear their voices and hear that everything was going fine. Part of me unclenched. Id half expected to have to fly back home tonight.

I lay on the lounge for a few minutes after that before closing my eyes and cycling through my rock and dark type energies. After half an hour I rose and decided to head to bed, but not before making sure the door was locked and barred. I entered the bedroom fully expecting to be able to lay down and go to sleep. But I didnt find myself too surprised when Sabrina teleported into the room. She turned a serious gaze upon me.

I failed as a friend. She slumped slightly.

Huh? I replied, confused about how this wild Sabrina encounter was going, a somewhat normal state of affairs all told.

Today when you said you were fine, I did not understand the significance. She looked into my eyes and I noticed how tired she was. Her hair, usually so straight, was out of place. She had small bags under her eyes and they were clearly a little red from strain. I tried to stick around today but the crowds and all their emotions and thoughts were too much. Im sorry, I couldnt help as a friend should have. She looked thoroughly put out. I relaxed a little, comprehension of Sabrinas point of view on this entire day now laid out.

Thats not a problem, it looks like just staying nearby was rough for you. I know you have a hard time of it with crowds, so dont stress yourself on my account.

I will be there tomorrow in the stadium I should be able to handle the match but there is something I can help you with tonight.

Tonight? Concern settled in as my mind slowly clicked on what she might be alluding to. Had anyone explained sex to her? Surely she had picked up thoughts of people and looked into it right? Or had she ignored those thoughts and decided they werent important enough to look into? Sometimes you could never really know with Sabrina. This also fell at the feet of bad parenting. Did I need to have 'The Talk' with her? That felt vaguely wrong.

While I was pondering on this, she grasped my arm in her hands and tugged me over to the bed before pushing me onto it with gentle hands. My throat bobbed as I felt my body freeze and my mind began to race. Was she going to? She joined me on the bed, walking on her knees before positioning herself behind me. She then rolled us both on our sides so that I was the little spoon to her big spoon.

There, you may relax well as we will sleep together, she said with a slightly triumphant tone.

I turned my head. Was she? She actually looked smug. I felt suddenly disappointed with how this was turning out. That was quickly followed by guilt. Sabrina was naive. I shouldnt exploit her. It wasnt quite the same as sleeping with a drunk or drugged girl, something Id always steered clear of but it still felt skeevy to contemplate.

I also didnt need the complications of mudding the waters once more with Sabrina.

Sabrina rubbed my head gently. What are you doing?

Something my mother has started to... try to do with me." she remained silent a moment before continuing, "I have to not be creepy with her and not tell her what shes thinking." I sighed. For a psychic as powerful as Sabrina that was a tough ask. Surface thoughts could sometimes feel like people were shouting at her. Emotions that were attached to them must have made it like an Escher painting that held so much more context than I could understand. Sabrina continued. "Its not as nice as now... but I understand the intention. She's trying, I don't like having to ignore her thoughts, but the physical sensation is nice, no?

I felt my desires wither in the face of that reveal. Is Isnt that progress for you and her? It sadly was from what I knew of her home situation.

Sabrina nodded from behind me. Am I doing it right?

Snice, I grunted and thought about that. It was nice. And it was also the only hug Id received in ages. My siblings liked to get and give hugs but was this different? When was the last time I, as Brock, had been hugged by my Mum or Dad?

In that light, the hug was actually way nicer for the lack of them. Thanks Sabrina. I bit my lip before tapping her arms. Hey, when this fight with Lance is over, come over and Ill explain what Surge meant.

I know what he meant. I stiffened in her arms. But I know you as well, Brock. You didnt need that. She rubbed my head again. Rest Brock, I dont mind. And Ill make sure youre not disturbed tonight.

I felt my heart thump a little at her words, her hands continued to rub and I slowly relaxed. Youre a good friend, Sabrina, I said back to her. Her hug tightened in response but she didnt say anything. I knew if I turned to look shed have a large smile.

I went to sleep that night and found myself relaxing easier into the sleep than I had in many, many nights. Some part of me that usually stayed clenched relaxed more as sleep claimed me.

I didnt see Sabrina sit up slightly and squint at my front door, her eyes glowing blue for a few moments. Just as I didnt I hear the screams of shock or outrage from people down the hall. Another part of the hotel also got rather loud, Id later learn. I heard nothing of this. Instead, I enjoyed the hug and comfort she gave.

I didnt see her leave before I woke up.

I awakened with a small indent in the bed and vague thoughts about what I should do. I rolled my shoulders and found them oddly loosened and ready.

Shed been right, I had needed that. It felt strange to be the one that got comforted. Usually, it was Sabrina that was overwhelmed with too many thoughts, her mind turning on her and her reaching out to me for a calm focus to centre herself lest she reverted to how she was so long ago. Shed been so calm, shed been scary and unemotional. And fragile. She had obviously been rather stressed from the days events but shed been able to push through her own stress to offer me comfort instead. If tonights reversal didnt show me how shed grown as a person, I couldn't think of a better example.

I resolved to do something nice for her in the future. She was a good friend to have. I smiled to myself as I stood, ready for the day and the coming match with the Champion.