Chloe hummed happily as she and Gladion left the Sushi High Roller, the most high-class restaurant in Malie City. "That was so yummy! Thanks for treating me to some Z-Kaiseki." She smiled at the blond.

"You're welcome," Gladion replied with a small smile of his own. "I figured you might be hungry after our little aquatic adventure. Besides, a meal is usually involved with any kind of date." He quickly cleared his throat, his face heating up. "I mean...if you want to consider it a date."

The redhead laughed lightly, taking his hand. "Of course, it is kind of a date. There's nothing wrong with that."

After leaving the Secluded Shore behind, they had flown out to Malie City for a bite to eat. They still had a while before sunset, so they decided to start their date off in the most bustling city on Ula'ula Island. They had walked the streets and seen the sights, and after eating, there was only one place left to go.

"On to Malie Garden then," Chloe urged, tugging on Gladion's hand. "I love how beautiful that place is, and there are pokemon everywhere."

The boy chuckled. "Definitely your kind of place."

The two walked hand in hand to the east side of the city, entering the garden from there. The different smells of both grass and flowers immediately met their noses. They walked in a comfortable silence, enjoying the pretty sights and the serene sounds of nature around them. They spotted all kinds of pokemon, from Petilil basking in the sun to Cottonee drifting in the breeze. There were quite a few Masquerain hovering above the water as well. When the pair stopped on one of the bridges for a break, they could see groups of Magikarp and Goldeen swimming through the water below them.

"Places like this," Chloe began, leaning forward with her elbows on the railing, "always put me at ease. I could stay here for days and not get tired of it."

Gladion nodded, standing beside her. "Yeah. Seeing things like this again makes me miss traveling. I've been cooped up at Aether Paradise ever since my mother and my sister left months ago. Someone's got to keep things in order."

The girl looked at him with a kind smile. "What was your family like, Gladion? The one time I met Lusamine, she was cruel and crazy. Was she always like that?"

"Believe it or not, my mother used to be very kind, to people and pokemon. It was when she learned of the Ultra Beasts that she began to grow obsessed with them and started neglecting everything else. That was also when...my father...disappeared through an Ultra Wormhole." He frowned, a distant look in his eyes. "I think that was the last straw for my mother. She just wasn't the same since then."

Chloe frowned, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I didn't know about your father."

He rested his hand over hers. "It's okay. I still have the memories."

"And what about your sister?" she inquired.

The thought of Lillie made the boy smile. "Lillie---she's a kind, caring girl. She was never really much of a trainer, but she cared about pokemon, kind of like you do." He chuckled. "She sure toughened up after making so many friends, in fact, she was the one who talked some sense into our mother. Now she's off in Kanto, making sure our mother gets proper treatment after a Nihilego possessed her. But I hear they're both doing well." He met her crimson gaze and smiled. "I hope you'll get to meet them when they return."

The redhead blinked at him. "Well, your sister I don't mind, but Lusamine?"

"I promise she's changed. She's not the person she was."

Chloe sighed. "If you say so. I suppose everyone deserves a second chance." She paused, thinking back on what the grunts had told her earlier. "I guess...even my dad."

Gladion nodded. "Yeah, even him."

He scooted a little closer, a soft smile on his lips as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. His blush was apparent, but so was Chloe's. The thought of her lips against his flashed through his mind, and he wanted nothing more than to do it again. And yet, he couldn't seem to make himself go for it. Chloe didn't exactly know why he was suddenly acting that way, but she wasn't complaining. It felt nice being close to him. At this point, she admitted to herself that she liked him, and she decided to show it. She abruptly leaned in and planted her lips on his cheek, pulling back with a nervous smile.

"C-Chloe..." the boy stuttered out, a bit stunned by her gesture. He couldn't stop his lips from stretching into a wide grin.

"Chloe?"

The two swiftly pulled apart, their faces bright red. The redhead met the familiar golden gaze of someone she hadn't seen in a long time. "Big Sis? It's been so long... What are you doing here?"

With her hand on her hip, the older girl nodded toward the tea shop located at the center of Malie Garden. "I come here sometimes when I want to kick back with a cup of tea. It's surprisingly tasty." Her gaze landed on the blond and turned into a slight glare. "Gladion."

The boy narrowed his eyes right back. "Plumeria."

Chloe looked between them. "You know each other?"

"Didn't he tell you?" Plumeria answered. "He worked for Team Skull, for a short time anyway."

Chloe looked to Gladion for confirmation, in which he quietly sighed and nodded. "Just for a very short time. All I really did was a few errands, all so I could get stronger."

Plumeria gave an amused smile. "You were the worst underling we had. Always the rebellious loner." Her focus shifted to Chloe. "It was long after you left. But what a surprise seeing you two out together now." Her statement made them both blush. "I don't suppose you've told Guzma about your little boyfriend here."

Chloe crossed her arms, frowning. "No, it's none of Daddy's business. I don't have to tell him if I decide to go out with a boy." She huffed, but after a moment, sighed softly. "Speaking of Daddy...is it true? Has he really changed after disbanding Team Skull?"

Plumeria chuckled lightly. "Why don't you go see for yourself?" She noticed the hesitation in Chloe's expression, and decided to answer honestly. "He's trying his best. Kahuna Hala's straightening him up. That adamant, power-hungry mindset of his isn't so strong anymore. He's actually been a bit down lately. When he's not training, he's usually at the Shady House. He really misses you, Chloe." She paused briefly, watching the girl stare at her feet in thought. "You're going to go see him, aren't you?"

Chloe looked up at her, smiling a little and nodding. "Yeah, I will soon. It's time I stop running away from the past."

The redhead slowly approached the older girl, and surprised her with a hug. Plumeria's eyes widened slightly. "Maybe Guzma's not the only one who's changed. You were never much of a hugger before."

Chloe calmly smiled up at her. "Well, it has been a long time. I've missed all of you, every single knucklehead in our team." She released Plumeria and stepped back. "I'll go visit Daddy soon, it's time we finally talk things out like family."

Plumeria nodded in satisfaction. "Glad to hear it. Well, I'll let you get on with your date or whatever. Oh, and Gladion?" The boy hummed for her to continue. "You happen to be going out with Guzma's precious princess. Treat her right or he'll have your head."

"You've got nothing to worry about." The blond stepped forward to stand by Chloe, taking her hand again.

Plumeria chuckled. "Good luck telling that to Guzma. Anyway, see you around." She turned and walked away, giving a slight wave.

Once she was out of earshot, Chloe looked at Gladion with a mischievous smile. "Did you really mean that? Are you really okay with telling the former leader of Team Skull that we went out like this?"

The boy lightly squeezed her hand. "Of course. It's not like I'm afraid of Guzma." He took her other hand as well, turning to completely face her. "Besides, the only people I've ever felt this way about are family...and you." Chloe's sly expression turned to one of shock as she listened to him. "I've grown to like you Chloe, as more than a friend, and I hope that this is just the first date of many. Despite the circumstances that brought us together, I've had a great time getting to know you. So now..." A blush covered his face. "I want to know...if I may consider you...my girlfriend?"

He nervously waited with bated breath for her answer. Chloe broke out in a bright, joyful smile, and she let go of his hands only to wrap her arms around him in a hug, her head on his shoulder. "Yes, Gladion. I'd like it if you called me your girlfriend." She giggled softly. "I'll admit, everything you just said applies to me too. I never thought anyone other than pokemon would bring out this side of me---this side that cares." Like before they were interrupted, she leaned in to peck his cheek, causing his blush to darken. She playfully smirked and laughed lightly. "You look so cute when you blush."

Gladion chuckled, accustomed to her teasing. "And you're as mischievous as a Misdreavus. Yet, you're also pretty like a Milotic."

It was her turn to blush at his compliment. "G-Gladion..."

The boy grinned a little, pleased by her reaction. "Let's continue our stroll. We don't have that long before we need to go."

The redhead nodded, smiling as she laced their fingers together. "Then let's be sure we see everything we want to see."

The pair walked along, happy about their new relationship. Their pokemon even joined them for a short time, excited to see their trainers together at last. And that was only the beginning of the date, they still had a Minior shower to watch later that night.