"Unova's a nice place, right?" I asked my friend, Red.

He shrugged with his usual quiet responce. 

"It's just like Mt. Silver; half frozen." I laughed. "You're used to that!" He cracked a small smile at my pun.

We knew each other from when we were younger, but then he became the Champion. Instead of staying at the league, he became a wandering trainer, training at Mt. Silver's peak. I became a Gym Leader, so I never had much time to visit him. But we both got the invitation to come to this 'World Tournament' in Unova, and here we are.

We were just south of some city known as Driftveil, where the tournament was located. The current challenger was battling Blue, so the two of us decided to go outside for some fresh air. 

"Do you know what today is?" 

His red eyes looked at me questionably. I smiled; most people would find red eyes intimidating and evil, but his were kind and caring.

"Today's your birthday silly, you don't even remember your own birthday?" I giggled. "So I thought maybe we could go somewhere nice tonight?"

Red blushed, his face matching his name. 

"N-Not as a date!" I shouted, my face turning pink as well. "Only as friends! W-We can do that, r-right?" 

He nodded with his usual small smile. 

"Hey Red, you're up next!" Blue shouted, walking over to us. "I'd get in there before people think you're backing out." 

The black haired trainer silently walked back inside, with a good-bye wave.

"Good luck!" I yelled before he was in. I stood there with a slight smile, until it hit me.

"I need to find a nice place to go!" I ran off, leaving Blue there alone with a very confused look across his face.

~~~

"This is nice, right??" I asked, worried if he liked it or not.

We stood at the deck of the Royal Unova. The moon was refecting off the water, the ship was lit up brightly, and nice music was playing. I wore a charcoal colored dress that went down to the floor, with gemstones and sparkles along the sides. I somehow managed to get Red into a nice suit, other than that worn down red hat and jacket he always wears. 

He gazed out at the ocean, nodding a bit.

"Is it not enough??"

He looked at me wide eyed, shaking his head no. 

"This is really ok?"

"...Its actually a little too much." He said quietly, looking back out to the ocean.

"Do you not like that?" I asked.

He shrugged. "I wasn't asking for much."

"What did you want then?" 

Red turned his gaze back to me, placing his finger under my chin lightly. Leaning in, he placed his lips on mine, kissing me gently. Although I was surprised, I kissed back a little. Soon after, he pulled away with his finger still under my chin.

"W-What was that for?" I asked, a light blush making its way onto my cheeks.

"...That's all I wanted." Red said, taking his hand back.

I stood there quietly, still shocked, and probably staring at him with this blank look on my face.

"You ok?" He asked.

"...Yeah. I'm great!" I said, smiling.

He chuckled, placing an arm around me. 

"Happy birthday, Red."

~

August 8, 2012