I yawned sleepily as I entered my brother and his friend’s hotel room and sighed.

I had to sleep on the floor.

Because frankly, he was sprawled all over the bed.

I sighed. Honestly, who would think THE Red was so messy in his sleep?

I grabbed a towel, layed it on the floor next to the bed, and lay on it.

But the grout kept poking my ribs.

So I turned on my back.

Now my back wasn't very comfortable.

I sighed and grabbed a small pillow from the couch to lay my head on.

I would have went back to my own room, but Misty and Erica and my Pokemon were peacefully sleeping.

And my Pokemon took ALL the space on the bed.

I sighed, closing my eyes and drifting off into a fitful sleep.

But it was cold.

Did I forget to mention Red, Blue and Leaf loved to turn the AC on, even in winter?

I glanced at the thermostat.

Sixty one.

I shivered slightly and scrunched my body together, conserving body heat as I drifted to sleep.

________

When I woke up, I could feel my body shivering.

But I also felt something warm draped around me, and two warm arms holding me close, one hand pressing my ear to whoever's chest and the other on my back.

I could also smell Red.

I squinted an eye open to see Red frowning, looking ahead with a thoughtful expression. He was wearing his normal clothes, which was surprising considering he was usually wearing his Sygna suit these days.

He also didn't have his hat on, so I could see his messy dark brown hair.

I yawned. " Mornin'." I mumbled, snuggling closer to Red. " What's for breakfast?"

Red looked down at me with his brown eyes, and for the first time I saw worry in them.

I saw pain.

I saw hurt.

But most of all, I saw love.

Red gently kissed my forehead, and I froze.

He hadn't kissed me since....

Well since he was twelve.

It had been two long years.

Twelve was also the time he decided to start becoming silent.

I blinked at him with sleepy eyes. " What gives?"

I heard the door open, and I turned to see Leaf and Blue enter with food.

When Leaf saw me, she sighed. " She's awake."

Blue looked over her shoulder and grinned. " Oh, good. Morning Mia."

I closed my eyes. " Mmm.... What's with the usual niceness? Leaf's smiling, Blue's not cocky, and for once Red isn't standing in the Pokemon center petting Charizard and looking at me disapprovingly. And hey, what am I doing on the bed?"

Red tightened his grip on me, and Lead sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. " Mia, you were shivering."

I nodded. " I know." I said innocently.

The older kids froze.

"W... Wait, you knew you were shivering?!* Blue exclaimed. " Yet you didn't decide to even sleep in a proper bed, or even turn the AC down?!"

" You guys were too cozy. I didn't want to." I replied. " Also, I know Red loves snowy mountains. And he loves to cold. I know all of you do. So I just slept."

" Chuuuu!"

I looked on the bed to see Pikachu rubbing my leg.

I smiled. " Oh, Pikachu.... Chuchu I'll be fine. It was just one night."

" Why weren't you in your room in the first place?" Leaf asked.

I sighed. " Well let's see. Misty and Erica were sprawled out on their beds, and the Pokemon were on mine. I had no choice."

" So you decided to sacrifice your life for Red's love of the cold?!" Blue almost yelled.

Red shot him a look.

I looked unfazed. " Yeah, so? Red told me never to complain."

Red looked shocked. " Mia I didn't mean it for a situation like this!"

I blinked. " Red.... Look, it's not a big deal."

"' Not a big deal?!'" Leaf and Blue yelled.

I nodded. " Yeah. It's not like I haven't done this a gazillion other times before."

They all froze again.

The room fell into an almost deafening silence, the kind where you could practically hear everyone processing what I’d just said. Red’s arms tightened around me protectively, and I felt his chest rise and fall as he took a deep breath. He didn’t say anything at first, but I could feel the tension radiating off him.

Leaf was the first to speak, her voice sharp. “Wait—hold on a second. A gazillion other times?”

I yawned again, feeling too tired to really grasp the weight of their reactions. “Yeah. Sometimes I can’t find a spot, or I don’t want to bother anyone. It’s not a big deal.”

Blue ran a hand through his hair, looking completely baffled. “Mia, what in the world?! Why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you ask for help?”

I shrugged, snuggling a little closer into Red’s warmth. “Because Red always says not to complain and to figure things out on my own.”

At that, Red stiffened completely. He gently pulled back, enough to look me in the eyes. His face was a mix of frustration, guilt, and... something softer, something I couldn’t quite name. “Mia,” he said, his voice low but firm. “I didn’t mean you had to suffer. I never meant that.”

His tone caught me off guard, and I blinked up at him. “But you said—”

“I didn’t mean this,” he interrupted, his expression softening as he cupped the side of my face. “I would never want you to freeze on the floor just because of me.”

The guilt in his voice was enough to make me feel bad for even mentioning it. I opened my mouth to protest, but Leaf cut in. “Red, this is on all of us. None of us even noticed she wasn’t in her room. We should’ve checked.”

“Yeah,” Blue added, his cocky attitude nowhere in sight for once. “We were so caught up in ourselves we didn’t even think to ask where she was.”

“It’s fine, really,” I said, trying to ease the awkward tension. “I’m okay now, right? Besides, I didn’t want to ruin anyone’s sleep.”

Red looked at me like I’d just said the most ridiculous thing in the world. “Mia, your well-being matters. You matter.”

I froze at his words. The intensity in his eyes, the way he said it—it was like he was trying to hammer the point home, as if he needed me to understand just how much I meant to him.

Before I could respond, he pulled me into a tight hug, his hand resting gently on the back of my head. “You’re my sister,” he said softly, his voice trembling ever so slightly. “I don’t care what it is—you can always tell me. Always. Got it?”

My throat tightened, and I felt my eyes sting. It wasn’t often Red showed this kind of vulnerability, and it made his words hit even harder. I nodded against his chest. “Okay,” I whispered.

“Good,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

Blue and Leaf exchanged a glance, their expressions softening. “Well,” Leaf said, breaking the silence, “we brought breakfast. Mia, you’re eating first.”

“And you’re getting the comfiest bed tonight,” Blue added. “No arguments.”

I smiled faintly, feeling warmth spread through me—not just from Red’s embrace, but from all of them. “Okay,” I said again, my voice steadier this time.

As I sat there in Red’s arms, surrounded by my friends, I realized something I’d somehow missed before: I wasn’t just someone tagging along in their lives. I was cared for, deeply, even if I didn’t always see it.

And that, more than anything, was enough to keep me warm.

I yawned sleepily as I entered my brother and his friend’s hotel room and sighed.

I had to sleep on the floor.

Because frankly, he was sprawled all over the bed.

I sighed. Honestly, who would think THE Red was so messy in his sleep?

I grabbed a towel, layed it on the floor next to the bed, and lay on it.

But the grout kept poking my ribs.

So I turned on my back.

Now my back wasn't very comfortable.

I sighed and grabbed a small pillow from the couch to lay my head on.

I would have went back to my own room, but Misty and Erica and my Pokemon were peacefully sleeping.

And my Pokemon took ALL the space on the bed.

I sighed, closing my eyes and drifting off into a fitful sleep.

But it was cold.

Did I forget to mention Red, Blue and Leaf loved to turn the AC on, even in winter?

I glanced at the thermostat.

Sixty one.

I shivered slightly and scrunched my body together, conserving body heat as I drifted to sleep.

----------

When I woke up, I could feel my body shivering.

But I also felt something warm draped around me, and two warm arms holding me close, one hand pressing my ear to whoever's chest and the other on my back.

I could also smell Red.

I squinted an eye open to see Red frowning, looking ahead with a thoughtful expression. He was wearing his normal clothes, which was surprising considering he was usually wearing his Sygna suit these days.

He also didn't have his hat on, so I could see his messy dark brown hair.

I yawned. " Mornin'." I mumbled, snuggling closer to Red. " What's for breakfast?"

Red looked down at me with his brown eyes, and for the first time I saw worry in them.

I saw pain.

I saw hurt.

But most of all, I saw love.

Red gently kissed my forehead, and I froze.

He hadn't kissed me since....

Well since he was twelve.

It had been two long years.

Twelve was also the time he decided to start becoming silent.

I blinked at him with sleepy eyes. " What gives?"

I heard the door open, and I turned to see Leaf and Blue enter with food.

When Leaf saw me, she sighed. " She's awake."

Blue looked over her shoulder and grinned. " Oh, good. Morning Mia."

I closed my eyes. " Mmm.... What's with the usual niceness? Leaf's smiling, Blue's not cocky, and for once Red isn't standing in the Pokemon center petting Charizard and looking at me disapprovingly. And hey, what am I doing on the bed?"

Red tightened his grip on me, and Lead sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. " Mia, you were shivering."

I nodded. " I know." I said innocently.

The older kids froze.

"W... Wait, you knew you were shivering?!* Blue exclaimed. " Yet you didn't decide to even sleep in a proper bed, or even turn the AC down?!"

" You guys were too cozy. I didn't want to." I replied. " Also, I know Red loves snowy mountains. And he loves to cold. I know all of you do. So I just slept."

" Chuuuu!"

I looked on the bed to see Pikachu rubbing my leg.

I smiled. " Oh, Pikachu.... Chuchu I'll be fine. It was just one night."

" Why weren't you in your room in the first place?" Leaf asked.

I sighed. " Well let's see. Misty and Erica were sprawled out on their beds, and the Pokemon were on mine. I had no choice."

" So you decided to sacrifice your life for Red's love of the cold?!" Blue almost yelled.

Red shot him a look.

I looked unfazed. " Yeah, so? Red told me never to complain."

Red looked shocked. " Mia I didn't mean it for a situation like this!"

I blinked. " Red.... Look, it's not a big deal."

"' Not a big deal?!'" Leaf and Blue yelled.

I nodded. " Yeah. It's not like I haven't done this a gazillion other times before."

They all froze again.

" Pika Pika pi?!"

I looked at Pikachu. " Chill, Chuchu. It's not a big deal. You know teenagers. They're ALWAYS sooooo dramatic. And besides, Red told me never to complain, and to be the best ever. Or else he would slap me."

At that Red hardened.

I looked at him, confused. " What?"

The room fell silent, the kind of silence that made your ears ring. Red’s grip on me tightened slightly, his body tense against mine. His brown eyes, normally calm and guarded, were wide with shock and... anger? No, something deeper. His lips parted slightly as if to speak, but no words came out.

Blue, however, broke the silence with a choked laugh, though there was no humor in it. "Wait, what did you just say?"

I blinked at him innocently. "I said Red told me to never complain, to be the best ever, or else he would slap me."

Leaf gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, and she turned to Red. "Red, what?!"

Red’s face darkened, not in guilt but in sheer disbelief. His mouth opened and closed like he was trying to process the absurdity of what I’d just said. Finally, he shook his head, his voice low and steady. "Mia, I never said that."

I frowned, tilting my head. "Yes, you did. Remember? Two years ago when you were training Charizard? You said, 'Mia, stop complaining, or I’ll—'"

"That was different," Red interrupted, his tone sharp enough to make me flinch. He immediately softened, taking a deep breath. "I wasn’t serious. I’ve never—would never—hurt you, Mia. Ever."

His words hung in the air, heavy and resolute, and for the first time, I saw something raw and vulnerable in his expression. He wasn’t just angry—he was hurt that I’d even think it was possible.

Leaf reached over and gently placed a hand on my arm. "Mia, do you really believe Red would... do something like that?"

I shrugged, still confused. "I mean, no... not really. But he’s always so serious about training and stuff. I just figured he wouldn’t care if I... I don’t know, pushed through things like this. It’s what he does."

Blue groaned, rubbing his temples like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. "Kid, you’ve got it all wrong. Yeah, Red’s intense, but he cares. Probably more than anyone I’ve ever met."

"Exactly," Leaf added. "Mia, if Red didn’t care about you, he wouldn’t have been the one to carry you to the bed when he saw you shivering. He wouldn’t have held you like this all night just to make sure you were warm."

I turned my head to look up at Red, whose face was still etched with concern. He met my gaze, his eyes softer now, but still filled with that unshakable resolve.

"Why didn’t you just wake me up?" he asked quietly.

I bit my lip, feeling a little sheepish. "Because... I didn’t want to bother you. You looked so peaceful, and I didn’t want to make you mad."

Red’s shoulders slumped, and he let out a heavy sigh. "Mia... you’re never a bother. You’re my sister. If you’re cold, hungry, tired—anything—I want you to tell me. Always."

"But—" I started, but he cut me off, his voice firmer now.

"No buts." He leaned down, his forehead gently pressing against mine. "I don’t care if it’s midnight, or if I’m sleeping, or if I’m halfway up a mountain. You matter to me, more than you realize. And if I’ve ever made you think otherwise... I’m sorry."

I blinked up at him, my chest tightening. For a moment, I couldn’t speak, the lump in my throat making it impossible. All I could do was nod.

"Pika!" Chuchu nuzzled against my leg, her little face full of worry. I reached down to pat her head, smiling faintly.

Blue cleared his throat, breaking the emotional moment. "Well, now that that’s settled... can we please eat? This food isn’t getting any warmer."

Red finally let go of me, though his hand lingered on my shoulder for a moment, as if reassuring himself that I was okay. He helped me sit up, and Leaf handed me a plate of food with a kind smile.

As I ate, I couldn’t help but glance at Red every now and then. He was quieter than usual, even for him, but every time I looked at him, he was already watching me, his eyes filled with that same protective warmth.

For the first time in a long while, I felt something shift between us—something I hadn’t realized I’d been missing. It wasn’t just love. It was trust, the kind of trust that only a brother and sister could share. And I knew, deep down, that no matter what happened, Red would always be there for me.

I yawned sleepily as I entered my brother and his friend’s hotel room and sighed.

I had to sleep on the floor.

Because frankly, he was sprawled all over the bed.

I sighed. Honestly, who would think THE Red was so messy in his sleep?

I grabbed a towel, layed it on the floor next to the bed, and lay on it.

But the grout kept poking my ribs.

So I turned on my back.

Now my back wasn't very comfortable.

I sighed and grabbed a small pillow from the couch to lay my head on.

I would have went back to my own room, but Misty and Erica and my Pokemon were peacefully sleeping.

And my Pokemon took ALL the space on the bed.

I sighed, closing my eyes and drifting off into a fitful sleep.

But it was cold.

Did I forget to mention Red, Blue and Leaf loved to turn the AC on, even in winter?

I glanced at the thermostat.

Sixty one.

I shivered slightly and scrunched my body together, conserving body heat as I drifted to sleep.

---------

When I woke up, I could feel my body shivering.

But I also felt something warm draped around me, and two warm arms holding me close, one hand pressing my ear to whoever's chest and the other on my back.

I could also smell Red.

I squinted an eye open to see Red frowning, looking ahead with a thoughtful expression. He was wearing his normal clothes, which was surprising considering he was usually wearing his Sygna suit these days.

He also didn't have his hat on, so I could see his messy dark brown hair.

I yawned. " Mornin'." I mumbled, snuggling closer to Red. " What's for breakfast?"

Red looked down at me with his brown eyes, and for the first time I saw worry in them.

I saw pain.

I saw hurt.

But most of all, I saw love.

Red gently kissed my forehead, and I froze.

He hadn't kissed me since....

Well since he was twelve.

It had been two long years.

Twelve was also the time he decided to start becoming silent.

I blinked at him with sleepy eyes. " What gives?"

I heard the door open, and I turned to see Leaf and Blue enter with food.

When Leaf saw me, she sighed. " She's awake."

Blue looked over her shoulder and grinned. " Oh, good. Morning Mia."

I closed my eyes. " Mmm.... What's with the usual niceness? Leaf's smiling, Blue's not cocky, and for once Red isn't standing in the Pokemon center petting Charizard and looking at me disapprovingly. And hey, what am I doing on the bed?"

Red tightened his grip on me, and Lead sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. " Mia, you were shivering."

I nodded. " I know." I said innocently.

The older kids froze.

"W... Wait, you knew you were shivering?!* Blue exclaimed. " Yet you didn't decide to even sleep in a proper bed, or even turn the AC down?!"

" You guys were too cozy. I didn't want to." I replied. " Also, I know Red loves snowy mountains. And he loves to cold. I know all of you do. So I just slept."

" Chuuuu!"

I looked on the bed to see Pikachu rubbing my leg.

I smiled. " Oh, Pikachu.... Chuchu I'll be fine. It was just one night."

" Why weren't you in your room in the first place?" Leaf asked.

I sighed. " Well let's see. Misty and Erica were sprawled out on their beds, and the Pokemon were on mine. I had no choice."

" So you decided to sacrifice your life for Red's love of the cold?!" Blue almost yelled.

Red shot him a look.

I looked unfazed. " Yeah, so? Red told me never to complain."

Red looked shocked. " Mia I didn't mean it for a situation like this!"

I blinked. " Red.... Look, it's not a big deal."

"' Not a big deal?!'" Leaf and Blue yelled.

I nodded. " Yeah. It's not like I haven't done this a gazillion other times before."

They all froze again.

" Pika Pika pi?!"

I looked at Pikachu. " Chill, Chuchu. It's not a big deal. You know teenagers. They're ALWAYS sooooo dramatic. And besides, Red told me never to complain, and to be the best ever. Or else he would slap me."

At that Red hardened.

I looked at him, confused. " What?"

Leaf shook her head. " No.... Mia no he's your brother. I don't -"

" Wait." Red said softly. " Let me handle this."

I looked up at him, shoked. " Red..... I'm not a big deal. You didn't have to break your streak of not talking for me."

Red's face hardened. " Who told you you didn't matter?"

I shrugged. " Dunno. I just picked it up on my own. The older ones matter and the younger ones are just there."

The room went still. Even Pikachu stopped fidgeting, her little ears twitching as the silence pressed down on everyone. Red’s grip on me tightened, and when I looked up, his face was like stone. But his eyes—those deep brown eyes—burned with something I couldn’t name.

"Who told you that?" Red repeated, his voice low but trembling ever so slightly.

I blinked at him, not understanding what the big deal was. "No one told me, Red. It’s just... obvious, isn’t it? You, Blue, Leaf—you guys are the heroes. The older ones. Me? I’m just... here."

Leaf sucked in a breath, and Blue actually looked uncomfortable, which was saying something. But Red? Red looked like I’d just punched him in the stomach.

"Mia," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper, "you think that because we’re older, we’re... more important than you?"

I nodded slowly, confused by the way his hands trembled slightly on my back. "Well, yeah. You’re Red. You saved the world like... twice. I’m just your little sister. I’m not special."

For a moment, no one said anything. The weight of my words seemed to hang in the air like a storm cloud about to burst.

Then, in a single swift motion, Red sat up straighter, pulling me closer against him. His arms wrapped tightly around me, and his head bent low so his lips were near my ear.

"You matter more to me than anything," he said, his voice shaking with a raw intensity that I’d never heard before. "More than my Pokémon. More than my friends. More than saving the world. You’re my sister, Mia. Don’t you ever—ever—think you don’t matter."

I froze, my brain struggling to process what he’d just said. Red didn’t talk—he never talked. But here he was, spilling words like they’d been bottled up for years.

Leaf leaned forward, her voice gentle. "Mia, he’s right. You’re not just here. You’re important to all of us. To him, especially."

I blinked at her, still not fully convinced. "But... Red never shows it. He’s always so distant, and he never—"

"Stop," Red interrupted, his voice firm. He pulled back just enough to look me in the eyes, and for the first time, I saw tears threatening to spill over. Red never cried. "I don’t show it because I’m scared, okay? I’m scared that if I get too close, I’ll fail you. That I won’t protect you. But I love you, Mia. More than anything in the world. And it kills me that you think otherwise."

I stared at him, my chest tightening as the truth of his words hit me. Red didn’t talk because he didn’t care. He didn’t talk because he did care—so much that he didn’t know how to handle it.

"Red..." My voice wavered, and I felt my own tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "I didn’t know."

"I know," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. "But you know now, okay? You’ll always matter to me, Mia. Always."

I couldn’t hold back anymore. I flung my arms around his neck, burying my face in his shoulder as the tears came. He held me tightly, his hands steadying me as I clung to him like a lifeline.

Blue cleared his throat awkwardly, breaking the silence. "Well... this is new. I didn’t think you had that many words in you, Red."

"Shut up, Blue," Red muttered, but there was no heat in his voice. He just kept holding me, his hand gently rubbing my back.

Leaf smiled softly, her eyes misty. "You’re lucky to have him, Mia. He’s always been like this—you just didn’t notice."

I sniffled, pulling back slightly to look at Red. "I’m sorry I thought I didn’t matter," I said quietly.

"You don’t need to apologize," he said, his voice filled with so much love it made my chest ache. "Just promise me you’ll never think that again. Promise me."

I nodded, my voice breaking. "I promise."

Red kissed my forehead again, his lips lingering for a moment. "Good."

And in that moment, wrapped in his arms, I finally understood just how much I meant to him. To all of them. I wasn’t just "here." I was family. I was loved. And that was more than enough.

I yawned sleepily as I entered my brother and his friend’s hotel room and sighed.

I had to sleep on the floor.

Because frankly, he was sprawled all over the bed.

I sighed. Honestly, who would think THE Red was so messy in his sleep?

I grabbed a towel, layed it on the floor next to the bed, and lay on it.

But the grout kept poking my ribs.

So I turned on my back.

Now my back wasn't very comfortable.

I sighed and grabbed a small pillow from the couch to lay my head on.

I would have went back to my own room, but Misty and Erica and my Pokemon were peacefully sleeping.

And my Pokemon took ALL the space on the bed.

I sighed, closing my eyes and drifting off into a fitful sleep.

But it was cold.

Did I forget to mention Red, Blue and Leaf loved to turn the AC on, even in winter?

I glanced at the thermostat.

Sixty one.

I shivered slightly and scrunched my body together, conserving body heat as I drifted to sleep.

--------

When I woke up, I could feel my body shivering.

But I also felt something warm draped around me, and two warm arms holding me close, one hand pressing my ear to whoever's chest and the other on my back.

I could also smell Red.

I squinted an eye open to see Red frowning, looking ahead with a thoughtful expression. He was wearing his normal clothes, which was surprising considering he was usually wearing his Sygna suit these days.

He also didn't have his hat on, so I could see his messy dark brown hair.

I yawned. " Mornin'." I mumbled, snuggling closer to Red. " What's for breakfast?"

Red looked down at me with his brown eyes, and for the first time I saw worry in them.

I saw pain.

I saw hurt.

But most of all, I saw love.

Red gently kissed my forehead, and I froze.

He hadn't kissed me since....

Well since he was twelve.

It had been two long years.

Twelve was also the time he decided to start becoming silent.

I blinked at him with sleepy eyes. " What gives?"

I heard the door open, and I turned to see Leaf and Blue enter with food.

When Leaf saw me, she sighed. " She's awake."

Blue looked over her shoulder and grinned. " Oh, good. Morning Mia."

I closed my eyes. " Mmm.... What's with the usual niceness? Leaf's smiling, Blue's not cocky, and for once Red isn't standing in the Pokemon center petting Charizard and looking at me disapprovingly. And hey, what am I doing on the bed?"

Red tightened his grip on me, and Lead sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. " Mia, you were shivering."

I nodded. " I know." I said innocently.

The older kids froze.

"W... Wait, you knew you were shivering?!* Blue exclaimed. " Yet you didn't decide to even sleep in a proper bed, or even turn the AC down?!"

" You guys were too cozy. I didn't want to." I replied. " Also, I know Red loves snowy mountains. And he loves to cold. I know all of you do. So I just slept."

" Chuuuu!"

I looked on the bed to see Pikachu rubbing my leg.

I smiled. " Oh, Pikachu.... Chuchu I'll be fine. It was just one night."

" Why weren't you in your room in the first place?" Leaf asked.

I sighed. " Well let's see. Misty and Erica were sprawled out on their beds, and the Pokemon were on mine. I had no choice."

" So you decided to sacrifice your life for Red's love of the cold?!" Blue almost yelled.

Red shot him a look.

I looked unfazed. " Yeah, so? Red told me never to complain."

Red looked shocked. " Mia I didn't mean it for a situation like this!"

I blinked. " Red.... Look, it's not a big deal."

"' Not a big deal?!'" Leaf and Blue yelled.

I nodded. " Yeah. It's not like I haven't done this a gazillion other times before."

They all froze again.

" Pika Pika pi?!"

I looked at Pikachu. " Chill, Chuchu. It's not a big deal. You know teenagers. They're ALWAYS sooooo dramatic. And besides, Red told me never to complain, and to be the best ever. Or else he would slap me."

At that Red hardened.

I looked at him, confused. " What?"

Leaf shook her head. " No.... Mia no he's your brother. I don't -"

" Wait." Red said softly. " Let me handle this."

I looked up at him, shoked. " Red..... I'm not a big deal. You didn't have to break your streak of not talking for me."

Red's face hardened. " Who told you you didn't matter?"

I shrugged. " Dunno. I just picked it up on my own. The older ones matter and the younger ones are just there."

There was silence.

And then I heard a sob.

And I looked up.

Red was crying.

Red never cried.

And then he hugged me tighrer.

And though I was confused I hugged him too, but I couldn't help myself.

" Red, what happened?" I asked.

Leaf shook her head, dabbing her own tears. " Mia.... We're just heartbroken."

My heart stopped.

" What?! D... Did I do something wrong?! Red, I'm so sorry! I... I just-"

" It's not you, Mia." He whispered. " It's....."

Red's voice broke as he tried to continue, his grip on me tightening as if he feared I might disappear. His face was buried in my hair, and I could feel the tremble in his arms.

"It's us," he finally managed, his voice low and raw. "We... We failed you."

I froze. "What? Red, no, you didn't—"

"Yes, we did," Leaf interjected, her voice shaky as she placed a hand on my shoulder. "Mia, you thought you didn’t matter, that you weren’t a priority, and that’s on us for making you feel that way."

Blue, for once, wasn’t smirking or being sarcastic. He looked as serious as I’d ever seen him. "You’ve been putting up with things no one should ever have to. Sleeping on floors, putting everyone else first, thinking you don’t deserve better... That’s not okay, Mia."

I blinked at them, confused. "But... But I just thought it was normal. I mean, you’re all older, more experienced, stronger... I just didn’t want to be a burden."

Red pulled back slightly, cupping my face in his hands so I was forced to look into his tear-filled eyes. "You’ve never been a burden, Mia. Not once. You’re my sister, and you’re the most important person in my life."

My breath caught. "Red... I didn’t know..."

"Exactly," Leaf said gently. "And that’s why we’re so upset. You didn’t know because we didn’t show you enough how much you mean to us. We’ve been so caught up in our own stuff that we didn’t notice what you were going through."

"But it’s not your fault," I argued, trying to keep my voice steady. "I didn’t say anything—"

"That doesn’t matter," Red said firmly, his voice regaining some of its usual strength. "I should’ve noticed. I should’ve asked. And I definitely shouldn’t have said things like ‘don’t complain.’ I never meant it the way you took it, Mia, but it doesn’t change the fact that I hurt you."

"You didn’t—" I started, but he shook his head.

"I did," he insisted. "And I’m sorry. I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you if I have to."

I stared at him, my eyes wide. Red never talked like this. He barely spoke at all, and now here he was, spilling his heart out to me. It was overwhelming, but also... comforting. For the first time, I felt like I truly understood how much he cared.

Leaf leaned closer, her voice soft. "Mia, we love you. You’re not ‘just there.’ You’re family, and you matter just as much as anyone else—maybe even more."

Blue nodded, his expression uncharacteristically kind. "You’re the glue that keeps us together, kid. Don’t ever forget that."

I felt my throat tighten, tears welling up in my eyes. "I... I didn’t know you all felt that way."

Red smiled faintly, brushing a tear from my cheek. "Well, now you do. And I’m going to make sure you never forget it."

I hugged him tightly, feeling his warmth seep into me as I clung to him like my life depended on it. "Thank you," I whispered. "I love you, Red."

He kissed the top of my head, his voice soft but steady. "I love you too, Mia. More than anything."

As I pulled back, Leaf handed me a cup of hot cocoa, and Blue ruffled my hair with a grin. "Alright, enough of this sappy stuff," he said, though his tone was lighthearted. "Let’s eat breakfast before it gets cold."

I laughed softly, wiping my tears. For the first time in a long time, I felt truly warm—not just physically, but in my heart. I wasn’t just "the little sister" or "the tagalong." I was loved, I was valued, and I mattered.

And that was a feeling I never wanted to forget.

I yawned sleepily as I entered my brother and his friend’s hotel room and sighed.

I had to sleep on the floor.

Because frankly, he was sprawled all over the bed.

I sighed. Honestly, who would think THE Red was so messy in his sleep?

I grabbed a towel, layed it on the floor next to the bed, and lay on it.

But the grout kept poking my ribs.

So I turned on my back.

Now my back wasn't very comfortable.

I sighed and grabbed a small pillow from the couch to lay my head on.

I would have went back to my own room, but Misty and Erica and my Pokemon were peacefully sleeping.

And my Pokemon took ALL the space on the bed.

I sighed, closing my eyes and drifting off into a fitful sleep.

But it was cold.

Did I forget to mention Red, Blue and Leaf loved to turn the AC on, even in winter?

I glanced at the thermostat.

Sixty one.

I shivered slightly and scrunched my body together, conserving body heat as I drifted to sleep.

_____

When I woke up, I could feel my body shivering.

But I also felt something warm draped around me, and two warm arms holding me close, one hand pressing my ear to whoever's chest and the other on my back.

I could also smell Red.

I squinted an eye open to see Red frowning, looking ahead with a thoughtful expression. He was wearing his normal clothes, which was surprising considering he was usually wearing his Sygna suit these days.

He also didn't have his hat on, so I could see his messy dark brown hair.

I yawned. " Mornin'." I mumbled, snuggling closer to Red. " What's for breakfast?"

Red looked down at me with his brown eyes, and for the first time I saw worry in them.

I saw pain.

I saw hurt.

But most of all, I saw love.

Red gently kissed my forehead, and I froze.

He hadn't kissed me since....

Well since he was twelve.

It had been two long years.

Twelve was also the time he decided to start becoming silent.

I blinked at him with sleepy eyes. " What gives?"

I heard the door open, and I turned to see Leaf and Blue enter with food.

When Leaf saw me, she sighed. " She's awake."

Blue looked over her shoulder and grinned. " Oh, good. Morning Mia."

I closed my eyes. " Mmm.... What's with the usual niceness? Leaf's smiling, Blue's not cocky, and for once Red isn't standing in the Pokemon center petting Charizard and looking at me disapprovingly. And hey, what am I doing on the bed?"

Red tightened his grip on me, and Lead sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. " Mia, you were shivering."

I nodded. " I know." I said innocently.

The older kids froze.

"W... Wait, you knew you were shivering?!* Blue exclaimed. " Yet you didn't decide to even sleep in a proper bed, or even turn the AC down?!"

" You guys were too cozy. I didn't want to." I replied. " Also, I know Red loves snowy mountains. And he loves to cold. I know all of you do. So I just slept."

" Chuuuu!"

I looked on the bed to see Pikachu rubbing my leg.

I smiled. " Oh, Pikachu.... Chuchu I'll be fine. It was just one night."

" Why weren't you in your room in the first place?" Leaf asked.

I sighed. " Well let's see. Misty and Erica were sprawled out on their beds, and the Pokemon were on mine. I had no choice."

" So you decided to sacrifice your life for Red's love of the cold?!" Blue almost yelled.

Red shot him a look.

I looked unfazed. " Yeah, so? Red told me never to complain."

Red looked shocked. " Mia I didn't mean it for a situation like this!"

I blinked. " Red.... Look, it's not a big deal."

"' Not a big deal?!'" Leaf and Blue yelled.

I nodded. " Yeah. It's not like I haven't done this a gazillion other times before."

They all froze again.

" Pika Pika pi?!"

I looked at Pikachu. " Chill, Chuchu. It's not a big deal. You know teenagers. They're ALWAYS sooooo dramatic. And besides, Red told me never to complain, and to be the best ever. Or else he would slap me."

At that Red hardened.

I looked at him, confused. " What?"

Leaf shook her head. " No.... Mia no he's your brother. I don't -"

" Wait." Red said softly. " Let me handle this."

I looked up at him, shoked. " Red..... I'm not a big deal. You didn't have to break your streak of not talking for me."

Red's face hardened. " Who told you you didn't matter?"

I shrugged. " Dunno. I just picked it up on my own. The older ones matter and the younger ones are just there."

There was silence.

And then I heard a sob.

And I looked up.

Red was crying.

Red never cried.

And then he hugged me tighrer.

And though I was confused I hugged him too, but I couldn't help myself.

" Red, what happened?" I asked.

Leaf shook her head, dabbing her own tears. " Mia.... We're just heartbroken."

My heart stopped.

" What?! D... Did I do something wrong?! Red, I'm so sorry! I... I just-"

" It's not you, Mia." He whispered. " It's....."

He buried his face in my shoulder.

I pat his back, though I had no idea how to help. " I'm sorry Red. I... I could win battles and make you proud. I-"

" Mia." He whispered, his voice pained. " Sweetie, can't you see? I am proud."

I shook my head. " You're just saying that. You wouldn't be crying if I made you proud."

" We're not crying because of you." Leaf choked out. " We're crying because.... Because of our own stupidity."

I froze again. " Wait! I'm sorry! Leaf k promise I'll do whatever you want! Just don't abandon me, please!"

Everyone froze.

The room fell eerily silent. All eyes turned to me as my panicked words echoed in the space. I clung tightly to Red’s shirt, my breathing uneven as I tried to understand what was happening. My heart was pounding, and I was terrified of what they would say next.

Red was the first to react. His arms, which were already wrapped around me, tightened even further, almost as if he was trying to shield me from something invisible. I felt his breath hitch, and I realized he was struggling to hold back his tears.

“Mia,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “What makes you think we would ever abandon you?”

I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. “Because… because I’m just… me. I’m not as important as you, or Blue, or Leaf. I’m just… the kid in the background.”

“Mia,” Leaf said softly, her voice breaking as she reached out to place a comforting hand on my shoulder. “That’s not true. Not even a little.”

I shook my head, my eyes fixed on the floor. “You don’t have to lie to me. I know I don’t matter as much. It’s okay. I’ve gotten used to it.”

Blue let out a frustrated groan, running a hand through his hair. “For Arceus’ sake, Mia, who put these ridiculous ideas in your head?”

“Nobody did,” I said quietly. “I just… figured it out. You’re all so amazing, and I’m just… me. I’m not special.”

Red’s voice broke as he spoke again, and the raw emotion in it made me flinch. “Mia, stop. Stop saying that.”

I glanced up at him, startled. His face was etched with pain, and tears streamed down his cheeks. I had never seen him like this before—never seen him look so vulnerable.

“Do you really think I’d cry over someone who doesn’t matter to me?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. I didn’t know what to say. Red cupped my face gently, forcing me to meet his gaze.

“You’re my little sister,” he said firmly. “You’ve always been important to me. Always. And I’m sorry if I’ve ever made you feel like you weren’t.”

I blinked up at him, my own tears starting to spill over. “Red…”

“I’ve been an idiot,” he continued, his voice cracking. “I thought staying quiet and keeping my distance would protect you. I thought it would make you stronger. But I was wrong. I’ve only hurt you, and I hate myself for it.”

“No, Red,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “You didn’t hurt me. I promise. I just… I thought I was doing what you wanted.”

“I never wanted you to think you didn’t matter,” he said, his voice filled with anguish. “Mia, you’re my world. I love you more than anything, and I always will. Please don’t ever doubt that.”

Tears were streaming down my face now, and I threw my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. “I love you too, Red,” I sobbed. “I’m sorry for thinking I wasn’t enough.”

“You are enough,” he said softly, stroking my hair. “You’re more than enough.”

Leaf and Blue were both wiping their eyes, trying to keep their emotions in check. Even Pikachu was sniffling as she climbed onto the bed and nuzzled against my side.

“We’re all proud of you, Mia,” Leaf said gently. “You don’t have to prove anything to us. You’re already amazing just the way you are.”

Blue nodded, his usual cocky demeanor nowhere to be seen. “Yeah. And for the record, if you ever need anything—anything—you can come to us. Got it?”

I nodded, a small smile breaking through my tears. “Got it.”

Red pressed a kiss to the top of my head, his voice soft and full of love. “You’ll never be alone, Mia. Not as long as I’m here.”

For the first time in a long time, I felt truly safe. Wrapped in my brother’s arms, surrounded by people who cared about me, I knew I wasn’t just “the kid in the background.” I was part of their family, and I always would be.

I yawned sleepily as I entered my brother and his friend’s hotel room and sighed.

I had to sleep on the floor.

Because frankly, he was sprawled all over the bed.

I sighed. Honestly, who would think THE Red was so messy in his sleep?

I grabbed a towel, layed it on the floor next to the bed, and lay on it.

But the grout kept poking my ribs.

So I turned on my back.

Now my back wasn't very comfortable.

I sighed and grabbed a small pillow from the couch to lay my head on.

I would have went back to my own room, but Misty and Erica and my Pokemon were peacefully sleeping.

And my Pokemon took ALL the space on the bed.

I sighed, closing my eyes and drifting off into a fitful sleep.

But it was cold.

Did I forget to mention Red, Blue and Leaf loved to turn the AC on, even in winter?

I glanced at the thermostat.

Sixty one.

I shivered slightly and scrunched my body together, conserving body heat as I drifted to sleep.

------

When I woke up, I could feel my body shivering.

But I also felt something warm draped around me, and two warm arms holding me close, one hand pressing my ear to whoever's chest and the other on my back.

I could also smell Red.

I squinted an eye open to see Red frowning, looking ahead with a thoughtful expression. He was wearing his normal clothes, which was surprising considering he was usually wearing his Sygna suit these days.

He also didn't have his hat on, so I could see his messy dark brown hair.

I yawned. " Mornin'." I mumbled, snuggling closer to Red. " What's for breakfast?"

Red looked down at me with his brown eyes, and for the first time I saw worry in them.

I saw pain.

I saw hurt.

But most of all, I saw love.

Red gently kissed my forehead, and I froze.

He hadn't kissed me since....

Well since he was twelve.

It had been two long years.

Twelve was also the time he decided to start becoming silent.

I blinked at him with sleepy eyes. " What gives?"

I heard the door open, and I turned to see Leaf and Blue enter with food.

When Leaf saw me, she sighed. " She's awake."

Blue looked over her shoulder and grinned. " Oh, good. Morning Mia."

I closed my eyes. " Mmm.... What's with the usual niceness? Leaf's smiling, Blue's not cocky, and for once Red isn't standing in the Pokemon center petting Charizard and looking at me disapprovingly. And hey, what am I doing on the bed?"

Red tightened his grip on me, and Lead sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. " Mia, you were shivering."

I nodded. " I know." I said innocently.

The older kids froze.

"W... Wait, you knew you were shivering?!* Blue exclaimed. " Yet you didn't decide to even sleep in a proper bed, or even turn the AC down?!"

" You guys were too cozy. I didn't want to." I replied. " Also, I know Red loves snowy mountains. And he loves to cold. I know all of you do. So I just slept."

" Chuuuu!"

I looked on the bed to see Pikachu rubbing my leg.

I smiled. " Oh, Pikachu.... Chuchu I'll be fine. It was just one night."

" Why weren't you in your room in the first place?" Leaf asked.

I sighed. " Well let's see. Misty and Erica were sprawled out on their beds, and the Pokemon were on mine. I had no choice."

" So you decided to sacrifice your life for Red's love of the cold?!" Blue almost yelled.

Red shot him a look.

I looked unfazed. " Yeah, so? Red told me never to complain."

Red looked shocked. " Mia I didn't mean it for a situation like this!"

I blinked. " Red.... Look, it's not a big deal."

"' Not a big deal?!'" Leaf and Blue yelled.

I nodded. " Yeah. It's not like I haven't done this a gazillion other times before."

They all froze again.

" Pika Pika pi?!"

I looked at Pikachu. " Chill, Chuchu. It's not a big deal. You know teenagers. They're ALWAYS sooooo dramatic. And besides, Red told me never to complain, and to be the best ever. Or else he would slap me."

At that Red hardened.

I looked at him, confused. " What?"

Leaf shook her head. " No.... Mia no he's your brother. I don't -"

" Wait." Red said softly. " Let me handle this."

I looked up at him, shoked. " Red..... I'm not a big deal. You didn't have to break your streak of not talking for me."

Red's face hardened. " Who told you you didn't matter?"

I shrugged. " Dunno. I just picked it up on my own. The older ones matter and the younger ones are just there."

There was silence.

And then I heard a sob.

And I looked up.

Red was crying.

Red never cried.

And then he hugged me tighrer.

And though I was confused I hugged him too, but I couldn't help myself.

" Red, what happened?" I asked.

Leaf shook her head, dabbing her own tears. " Mia.... We're just heartbroken."

My heart stopped.

" What?! D... Did I do something wrong?! Red, I'm so sorry! I... I just-"

" It's not you, Mia." He whispered. " It's....."

He buried his face in my shoulder.

I pat his back, though I had no idea how to help. " I'm sorry Red. I... I could win battles and make you proud. I-"

" Mia." He whispered, his voice pained. " Sweetie, can't you see? I am proud."

I shook my head. " You're just saying that. You wouldn't be crying if I made you proud."

" We're not crying because of you." Leaf choked out. " We're crying because.... Because of our own stupidity."

I froze again. " Wait! I'm sorry! Leaf k promise I'll do whatever you want! Just don't abandon me, please!"

Everyone froze.

" Oh Arceus it's worse than I thought." Leaf muttered.

I froze.

" Red,let me go." I said, trying to push my way out. " I'm just making things worse and it won't be much better if I went."

Red’s grip on me tightened instantly, his arms locking me in place as if I’d vanish into thin air if he let go. His head was still buried in my shoulder, his tears dampening my shirt. His voice, so rarely used, came out rough and broken.

"Mia, don’t say that," he whispered, his words shaking.

I blinked, confused. "Say what? Red, you don’t need to—"

"Stop," he interrupted, pulling back just enough to look me in the eyes. His expression was raw, his usually stoic face completely shattered. "Stop thinking you don’t matter. Stop thinking you’re a burden. Stop... Stop trying to leave us."

I stared at him, my heart pounding in my chest. I had never seen him like this before, so unguarded and vulnerable. For once, Red wasn’t the unshakable, legendary trainer everyone admired. He was just my brother, and he looked like he was falling apart.

"Red..." I whispered, unsure of what to say.

"You're not making things worse," he said firmly, his hands gripping my shoulders as if to make me understand. "You never have. You don’t need to prove anything to me, Mia. You’re enough just by being you."

I blinked rapidly, my throat tightening. "But... but I’ve always thought—"

"You’ve always thought wrong," Red interrupted, his voice filled with a quiet desperation. "I’m sorry if I ever made you feel that way. I’m sorry if I ever made you think you weren’t important."

"You didn’t," I mumbled, trying to shrug it off, but Leaf’s voice cut in.

"Mia, you’re not listening," she said, her tone gentle but firm. She sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Red loves you. We all love you. And seeing you think so little of yourself... It’s breaking our hearts."

Blue, standing near the door, crossed his arms and sighed deeply. "Look, kid. I don’t do the mushy stuff, but... I’m gonna say this once. You’re a big deal. To all of us. Got it?"

I opened my mouth to protest, but Red silenced me by pulling me into another hug. This time, his voice was steadier, though still filled with emotion.

"Mia," he murmured against my hair, "you’re my little sister. You’re my family. You’ve always been my biggest deal. Always."

I couldn’t hold it in anymore. Tears welled up in my eyes, spilling over as I clung to him tightly. "I... I didn’t know," I choked out. "I didn’t think... I thought I was just there, Red. That I didn’t matter..."

"You matter more than anything," Red said, his voice fierce. "Don’t ever forget that. Promise me."

I nodded against him, my tears soaking into his shirt. "I promise."

"Good," he whispered, his arms still wrapped around me protectively. "Because you’re not just my sister, Mia. You’re my everything."

Leaf and Blue were both wiping their eyes, trying to play it cool, but the emotion in the room was overwhelming. Pikachu, who had been sitting quietly on the bed, climbed onto my lap and nuzzled me comfortingly.

I smiled through my tears, stroking Pikachu’s fur. "Thanks, Chuchu," I whispered.

Red finally pulled back, his hands cupping my face as he looked at me seriously. "No more sleeping on the floor. No more thinking you’re not enough. No more thinking we don’t care. Okay?"

I nodded again, my heart full in a way it hadn’t been in a long time. "Okay," I whispered.

"Good," Red said softly, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

Blue clapped his hands together, breaking the tension. "Alright, enough with the waterworks. Let’s eat before the food gets cold."

I couldn’t help but laugh as Leaf swatted at him. But for the first time in a long while, I felt truly loved. Truly seen. And as I sat there with my brother and our friends, I knew one thing for certain: I mattered to them. And that was enough.

I yawned sleepily as I entered my brother and his friend’s hotel room and sighed.

I had to sleep on the floor.

Because frankly, he was sprawled all over the bed.

I sighed. Honestly, who would think THE Red was so messy in his sleep?

I grabbed a towel, layed it on the floor next to the bed, and lay on it.

But the grout kept poking my ribs.

So I turned on my back.

Now my back wasn't very comfortable.

I sighed and grabbed a small pillow from the couch to lay my head on.

I would have went back to my own room, but Misty and Erica and my Pokemon were peacefully sleeping.

And my Pokemon took ALL the space on the bed.

I sighed, closing my eyes and drifting off into a fitful sleep.

But it was cold.

Did I forget to mention Red, Blue and Leaf loved to turn the AC on, even in winter?

I glanced at the thermostat.

Sixty one.

I shivered slightly and scrunched my body together, conserving body heat as I drifted to sleep.

_____

When I woke up, I could feel my body shivering.

But I also felt something warm draped around me, and two warm arms holding me close, one hand pressing my ear to whoever's chest and the other on my back.

I could also smell Red.

I squinted an eye open to see Red frowning, looking ahead with a thoughtful expression. He was wearing his normal clothes, which was surprising considering he was usually wearing his Sygna suit these days.

He also didn't have his hat on, so I could see his messy dark brown hair.

I yawned. " Mornin'." I mumbled, snuggling closer to Red. " What's for breakfast?"

Red looked down at me with his brown eyes, and for the first time I saw worry in them.

I saw pain.

I saw hurt.

But most of all, I saw love.

Red gently kissed my forehead, and I froze.

He hadn't kissed me since....

Well since he was twelve.

It had been two long years.

Twelve was also the time he decided to start becoming silent.

I blinked at him with sleepy eyes. " What gives?"

I heard the door open, and I turned to see Leaf and Blue enter with food.

When Leaf saw me, she sighed. " She's awake."

Blue looked over her shoulder and grinned. " Oh, good. Morning Mia."

I closed my eyes. " Mmm.... What's with the usual niceness? Leaf's smiling, Blue's not cocky, and for once Red isn't standing in the Pokemon center petting Charizard and looking at me disapprovingly. And hey, what am I doing on the bed?"

Red tightened his grip on me, and Lead sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. " Mia, you were shivering."

I nodded. " I know." I said innocently.

The older kids froze.

"W... Wait, you knew you were shivering?!* Blue exclaimed. " Yet you didn't decide to even sleep in a proper bed, or even turn the AC down?!"

" You guys were too cozy. I didn't want to." I replied. " Also, I know Red loves snowy mountains. And he loves to cold. I know all of you do. So I just slept."

" Chuuuu!"

I looked on the bed to see Pikachu rubbing my leg.

I smiled. " Oh, Pikachu.... Chuchu I'll be fine. It was just one night."

" Why weren't you in your room in the first place?" Leaf asked.

I sighed. " Well let's see. Misty and Erica were sprawled out on their beds, and the Pokemon were on mine. I had no choice."

" So you decided to sacrifice your life for Red's love of the cold?!" Blue almost yelled.

Red shot him a look.

I looked unfazed. " Yeah, so? Red told me never to complain."

Red looked shocked. " Mia I didn't mean it for a situation like this!"

I blinked. " Red.... Look, it's not a big deal."

"' Not a big deal?!'" Leaf and Blue yelled.

I nodded. " Yeah. It's not like I haven't done this a gazillion other times before."

They all froze again.

" Pika Pika pi?!"

I looked at Pikachu. " Chill, Chuchu. It's not a big deal. You know teenagers. They're ALWAYS sooooo dramatic. And besides, Red told me never to complain, and to be the best ever. Or else he would slap me."

At that Red hardened.

I looked at him, confused. " What?"

Leaf shook her head. " No.... Mia no he's your brother. I don't -"

" Wait." Red said softly. " Let me handle this."

I looked up at him, shoked. " Red..... I'm not a big deal. You didn't have to break your streak of not talking for me."

Red's face hardened. " Who told you you didn't matter?"

I shrugged. " Dunno. I just picked it up on my own. The older ones matter and the younger ones are just there."

There was silence.

And then I heard a sob.

And I looked up.

Red was crying.

Red never cried.

And then he hugged me tighrer.

And though I was confused I hugged him too, but I couldn't help myself.

" Red, what happened?" I asked.

Leaf shook her head, dabbing her own tears. " Mia.... We're just heartbroken."

My heart stopped.

" What?! D... Did I do something wrong?! Red, I'm so sorry! I... I just-"

" It's not you, Mia." He whispered. " It's....."

He buried his face in my shoulder.

I pat his back, though I had no idea how to help. " I'm sorry Red. I... I could win battles and make you proud. I-"

" Mia." He whispered, his voice pained. " Sweetie, can't you see? I am proud."

I shook my head. " You're just saying that. You wouldn't be crying if I made you proud."

" We're not crying because of you." Leaf choked out. " We're crying because.... Because of our own stupidity."

I froze again. " Wait! I'm sorry! Leaf k promise I'll do whatever you want! Just don't abandon me, please!"

Everyone froze.

" Oh Arceus it's worse than I thought." Leaf muttered.

I froze.

" Oh, Leaf, I'm sorry!" I cried. " I.... I'll just go! I'm sorry.  I'm sorry for even being alive!"

Red's breath hitched.

" What have we done?"

" You raised a disgrace." I replied. " But that's fine. Because soon the disgrace will no longer be alive."

Red just cried harder, and I could hear his painful sobs.

The room fell into an unbearable silence after my words, broken only by Red’s heartbreaking sobs. I had never heard him cry like that before—not even when we were younger. It wasn’t just a cry. It was a sound that carried years of guilt, pain, and something I couldn’t quite place.

I sat there frozen, staring at my brother as he clutched me so tightly it almost hurt. His tears soaked my shoulder, his body trembling against mine. I didn’t know what to do.

"Red," I whispered softly, my voice barely audible. "Please don’t cry. I didn’t mean to make you upset."

He pulled back slightly, just enough for me to see his tear-streaked face. His hands cupped my cheeks, holding me in place as his eyes bore into mine. There was so much emotion in his gaze—love, sadness, anger, and desperation—all mixed together.

“Mia,” he began, his voice cracking. “Don’t you ever say something like that again.”

“But—” I started, only for him to cut me off.

“No!” he said firmly, shaking his head. “Listen to me. You’re not a disgrace. You’re not nothing. You’re my sister, and you mean everything to me. Everything. Do you understand?”

I blinked at him, confused. “But, Red… You always look at me like you’re disappointed. Like I’m just… there.”

Red’s eyes widened in horror, and a fresh wave of tears spilled over his cheeks. “Is that what you think? That I’m disappointed in you?”

I nodded hesitantly, unsure of what else to say. “I mean, yeah. I’m not as strong as you, or as smart, or as important…”

“Mia,” Leaf interrupted, her voice choked with emotion. “Stop. Just stop. You don’t see what we see, do you? You’re so much more than you think.”

“Exactly,” Blue added, his usual cocky demeanor completely gone. “Kid, you’re incredible. You’re brave, strong, and you have a heart bigger than any of us. Don’t you dare think otherwise.”

I looked between them, my chest tightening. Their words didn’t make sense to me. “But… you’re all so amazing. I’m just… me.”

Red tightened his grip on me, his hands shaking. “You’re more than ‘just you,’ Mia. You’re my little sister. You’ve been through so much, and yet you still care about everyone else more than yourself. You’re selfless, kind, and stronger than you realize. I look at you with pride, not disappointment.”

I swallowed hard, tears threatening to fall. “But I’ve failed so many times. I’m not perfect—”

“No one’s perfect!” Red exclaimed, his voice rising with emotion. “Not me, not Blue, not Leaf, not anyone. And you don’t have to be. I don’t love you because you win battles or because you’re perfect. I love you because you’re you, Mia. And I always will.”

His words hit me like a truck, breaking through the wall I had built around my heart. I didn’t know what to say, so I just buried my face in his chest and let the tears fall.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I didn’t mean to make you worry. I just… I didn’t think I mattered.”

“You matter,” Red said softly, stroking my hair. “You matter so much more than you know. And I’m sorry if I ever made you feel otherwise.”

Leaf and Blue sat on the edge of the bed, their own eyes red and puffy. “We’re all sorry, Mia,” Leaf said. “We should have done more to make you feel loved.”

“You’re not alone,” Blue added. “Not ever.”

I clung to Red, my body shaking with sobs as I let their words sink in. For the first time, I felt the weight of all the pain I had been carrying lift just a little.

Red pressed a kiss to the top of my head, holding me as if I might disappear. “I’m never letting you feel like this again,” he whispered. “I promise.”

And for the first time in a long time, I believed him.

I yawned sleepily as I entered my brother and his friend’s hotel room and sighed.

I had to sleep on the floor.

Because frankly, he was sprawled all over the bed.

I sighed. Honestly, who would think THE Red was so messy in his sleep?

I grabbed a towel, layed it on the floor next to the bed, and lay on it.

But the grout kept poking my ribs.

So I turned on my back.

Now my back wasn't very comfortable.

I sighed and grabbed a small pillow from the couch to lay my head on.

I would have went back to my own room, but Misty and Erica and my Pokemon were peacefully sleeping.

And my Pokemon took ALL the space on the bed.

I sighed, closing my eyes and drifting off into a fitful sleep.

But it was cold.

Did I forget to mention Red, Blue and Leaf loved to turn the AC on, even in winter?

I glanced at the thermostat.

Sixty one.

I shivered slightly and scrunched my body together, conserving body heat as I drifted to sleep.

When I woke up, I could feel my body shivering.

But I also felt something warm draped around me, and two warm arms holding me close, one hand pressing my ear to whoever's chest and the other on my back.

I could also smell Red.

I squinted an eye open to see Red frowning, looking ahead with a thoughtful expression. He was wearing his normal clothes, which was surprising considering he was usually wearing his Sygna suit these days.

He also didn't have his hat on, so I could see his messy dark brown hair.

I yawned. " Mornin'." I mumbled, snuggling closer to Red. " What's for breakfast?"

Red looked down at me with his brown eyes, and for the first time I saw worry in them.

I saw pain.

I saw hurt.

But most of all, I saw love.

Red gently kissed my forehead, and I froze.

He hadn't kissed me since....

Well since he was twelve.

It had been two long years.

Twelve was also the time he decided to start becoming silent.

I blinked at him with sleepy eyes. " What gives?"

I heard the door open, and I turned to see Leaf and Blue enter with food.

When Leaf saw me, she sighed. " She's awake."

Blue looked over her shoulder and grinned. " Oh, good. Morning Mia."

I closed my eyes. " Mmm.... What's with the usual niceness? Leaf's smiling, Blue's not cocky, and for once Red isn't standing in the Pokemon center petting Charizard and looking at me disapprovingly. And hey, what am I doing on the bed?"

Red tightened his grip on me, and Lead sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. " Mia, you were shivering."

I nodded. " I know." I said innocently.

The older kids froze.

"W... Wait, you knew you were shivering?!* Blue exclaimed. " Yet you didn't decide to even sleep in a proper bed, or even turn the AC down?!"

" You guys were too cozy. I didn't want to." I replied. " Also, I know Red loves snowy mountains. And he loves to cold. I know all of you do. So I just slept."

" Chuuuu!"

I looked on the bed to see Pikachu rubbing my leg.

I smiled. " Oh, Pikachu.... Chuchu I'll be fine. It was just one night."

" Why weren't you in your room in the first place?" Leaf asked.

I sighed. " Well let's see. Misty and Erica were sprawled out on their beds, and the Pokemon were on mine. I had no choice."

" So you decided to sacrifice your life for Red's love of the cold?!" Blue almost yelled.

Red shot him a look.

I looked unfazed. " Yeah, so? Red told me never to complain."

Red looked shocked. " Mia I didn't mean it for a situation like this!"

I blinked. " Red.... Look, it's not a big deal."

"' Not a big deal?!'" Leaf and Blue yelled.

I nodded. " Yeah. It's not like I haven't done this a gazillion other times before."

They all froze again.

" Pika Pika pi?!"

I looked at Pikachu. " Chill, Chuchu. It's not a big deal. You know teenagers. They're ALWAYS sooooo dramatic. And besides, Red told me never to complain, and to be the best ever. Or else he would slap me."

At that Red hardened.

I looked at him, confused. " What?"

Leaf shook her head. " No.... Mia no he's your brother. I don't -"

" Wait." Red said softly. " Let me handle this."

I looked up at him, shoked. " Red..... I'm not a big deal. You didn't have to break your streak of not talking for me."

Red's face hardened. " Who told you you didn't matter?"

I shrugged. " Dunno. I just picked it up on my own. The older ones matter and the younger ones are just there."

There was silence.

And then I heard a sob.

And I looked up.

Red was crying.

Red never cried.

And then he hugged me tighrer.

And though I was confused I hugged him too, but I couldn't help myself.

" Red, what happened?" I asked.

Leaf shook her head, dabbing her own tears. " Mia.... We're just heartbroken."

My heart stopped.

" What?! D... Did I do something wrong?! Red, I'm so sorry! I... I just-"

" It's not you, Mia." He whispered. " It's....."

He buried his face in my shoulder.

I pat his back, though I had no idea how to help. " I'm sorry Red. I... I could win battles and make you proud. I-"

" Mia." He whispered, his voice pained. " Sweetie, can't you see? I am proud."

I shook my head. " You're just saying that. You wouldn't be crying if I made you proud."

" We're not crying because of you." Leaf choked out. " We're crying because.... Because of our own stupidity."

I froze again. " Wait! I'm sorry! Leaf k promise I'll do whatever you want! Just don't abandon me, please!"

Everyone froze.

" Oh Arceus it's worse than I thought." Leaf muttered.

I froze.

" Oh, Leaf, I'm sorry!" I cried. " I.... I'll just go! I'm sorry.  I'm sorry for even being alive!"

Red's breath hitched.

" What have we done?"

" You raised a disgrace." I replied. " But that's fine. Because soon the disgrace will no longer be alive."

Red just cried harder, and I could hear his painful sobs.

I looked at Leaf. " On second thought, the abandoning idea was a good one. Just leave me somewhere and forget all about me."

Red tightened his arms around me, shaking his head violently. “Mia, stop. Stop talking like that,” he whispered, his voice trembling. His tears soaked my shoulder, and I froze, not used to seeing my brother this way. Red—my Red—was breaking right in front of me.

Leaf wiped at her eyes and moved closer, sitting on the bed. “Mia,” she began, her voice wavering, “you’re not a disgrace. You’re not unimportant. And we would never abandon you.”

I blinked at her, confused. “But… you’ve all got so much going on. I just figured… you wouldn’t have time for someone like me.”

Blue ran a hand through his hair, pacing the room. “ Darn. How did we let this happen?” he muttered under his breath. Then, louder, “Mia, you’re wrong. You’re so wrong. Do you have any idea how much Red talks about you? How proud he is? How much he loves you? You’re his whole world.”

I shook my head, looking back at Red. “But he never says anything. He doesn’t even—”

“Mia,” Red interrupted, pulling back just enough to look at me. His brown eyes were red-rimmed and filled with raw emotion. “I thought you knew. I thought you understood. I didn’t think I had to say it. But I see now I was wrong.” He cupped my face gently. “You mean everything to me. Everything. Do you hear me?”

I stared at him, tears blurring my vision. “But… but you’re always so quiet. You’re always with your Pokémon or Leaf or Blue. I just thought I was…” My voice broke. “I thought I was in the way.”

“You’re never in the way,” Red said firmly. His voice was shaky but filled with conviction. “You’re my little sister, and I love you more than anything. If I ever made you feel otherwise, then I’ve failed you. And I’m so, so sorry.”

I started crying then, big, uncontrollable sobs that shook my whole body. “I didn’t know,” I whispered. “I didn’t know…”

Red pulled me close again, cradling me against his chest. “You matter, Mia. You’ve always mattered. And I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it to you if I have to.”

Leaf leaned over, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Mia, we’re all here for you. You’re part of our family.”

Blue stopped pacing and sat on the edge of the bed, his usual cocky demeanor gone. “Kid, you’re not just some tagalong. You’re part of the team. And if you ever need anything—anything—you come to us, okay?”

I nodded weakly, still crying. Red rocked me gently, his hand stroking my hair. “No more thinking you’re a burden,” he whispered. “No more thinking you’re not important. You’re my little sister, and I’ll never stop loving you.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt safe. I felt loved. And as Red held me close, I realized that maybe—just maybe—I wasn’t as alone as I’d thought.

I yawned sleepily as I entered my brother and his friend’s hotel room and sighed.

I had to sleep on the floor.

Because frankly, he was sprawled all over the bed.

I sighed. Honestly, who would think THE Red was so messy in his sleep?

I grabbed a towel, layed it on the floor next to the bed, and lay on it.

But the grout kept poking my ribs.

So I turned on my back.

Now my back wasn't very comfortable.

I sighed and grabbed a small pillow from the couch to lay my head on.

I would have went back to my own room, but Misty and Erica and my Pokemon were peacefully sleeping.

And my Pokemon took ALL the space on the bed.

I sighed, closing my eyes and drifting off into a fitful sleep.

But it was cold.

Did I forget to mention Red, Blue and Leaf loved to turn the AC on, even in winter?

I glanced at the thermostat.

Sixty one.

I shivered slightly and scrunched my body together, conserving body heat as I drifted to sleep.

When I woke up, I could feel my body shivering.

But I also felt something warm draped around me, and two warm arms holding me close, one hand pressing my ear to whoever's chest and the other on my back.

I could also smell Red.

I squinted an eye open to see Red frowning, looking ahead with a thoughtful expression. He was wearing his normal clothes, which was surprising considering he was usually wearing his Sygna suit these days.

He also didn't have his hat on, so I could see his messy dark brown hair.

I yawned. " Mornin'." I mumbled, snuggling closer to Red. " What's for breakfast?"

Red looked down at me with his brown eyes, and for the first time I saw worry in them.

I saw pain.

I saw hurt.

But most of all, I saw love.

Red gently kissed my forehead, and I froze.

He hadn't kissed me since....

Well since he was twelve.

It had been two long years.

Twelve was also the time he decided to start becoming silent.

I blinked at him with sleepy eyes. " What gives?"

I heard the door open, and I turned to see Leaf and Blue enter with food.

When Leaf saw me, she sighed. " She's awake."

Blue looked over her shoulder and grinned. " Oh, good. Morning Mia."

I closed my eyes. " Mmm.... What's with the usual niceness? Leaf's smiling, Blue's not cocky, and for once Red isn't standing in the Pokemon center petting Charizard and looking at me disapprovingly. And hey, what am I doing on the bed?"

Red tightened his grip on me, and Lead sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. " Mia, you were shivering."

I nodded. " I know." I said innocently.

The older kids froze.

"W... Wait, you knew you were shivering?!* Blue exclaimed. " Yet you didn't decide to even sleep in a proper bed, or even turn the AC down?!"

" You guys were too cozy. I didn't want to." I replied. " Also, I know Red loves snowy mountains. And he loves to cold. I know all of you do. So I just slept."

" Chuuuu!"

I looked on the bed to see Pikachu rubbing my leg.

I smiled. " Oh, Pikachu.... Chuchu I'll be fine. It was just one night."

" Why weren't you in your room in the first place?" Leaf asked.

I sighed. " Well let's see. Misty and Erica were sprawled out on their beds, and the Pokemon were on mine. I had no choice."

" So you decided to sacrifice your life for Red's love of the cold?!" Blue almost yelled.

Red shot him a look.

I looked unfazed. " Yeah, so? Red told me never to complain."

Red looked shocked. " Mia I didn't mean it for a situation like this!"

I blinked. " Red.... Look, it's not a big deal."

"' Not a big deal?!'" Leaf and Blue yelled.

I nodded. " Yeah. It's not like I haven't done this a gazillion other times before."

They all froze again.

" Pika Pika pi?!"

I looked at Pikachu. " Chill, Chuchu. It's not a big deal. You know teenagers. They're ALWAYS sooooo dramatic. And besides, Red told me never to complain, and to be the best ever. Or else he would slap me."

At that Red hardened.

I looked at him, confused. " What?"

Leaf shook her head. " No.... Mia no he's your brother. I don't -"

" Wait." Red said softly. " Let me handle this."

I looked up at him, shoked. " Red..... I'm not a big deal. You didn't have to break your streak of not talking for me."

Red's face hardened. " Who told you you didn't matter?"

I shrugged. " Dunno. I just picked it up on my own. The older ones matter and the younger ones are just there."

There was silence.

And then I heard a sob.

And I looked up.

Red was crying.

Red never cried.

And then he hugged me tighrer.

And though I was confused I hugged him too, but I couldn't help myself.

" Red, what happened?" I asked.

Leaf shook her head, dabbing her own tears. " Mia.... We're just heartbroken."

My heart stopped.

" What?! D... Did I do something wrong?! Red, I'm so sorry! I... I just-"

" It's not you, Mia." He whispered. " It's....."

He buried his face in my shoulder.

I pat his back, though I had no idea how to help. " I'm sorry Red. I... I could win battles and make you proud. I-"

" Mia." He whispered, his voice pained. " Sweetie, can't you see? I am proud."

I shook my head. " You're just saying that. You wouldn't be crying if I made you proud."

" We're not crying because of you." Leaf choked out. " We're crying because.... Because of our own stupidity."

I froze again. " Wait! I'm sorry! Leaf k promise I'll do whatever you want! Just don't abandon me, please!"

Everyone froze.

" Oh Arceus it's worse than I thought." Leaf muttered.

I froze.

" Oh, Leaf, I'm sorry!" I cried. " I.... I'll just go! I'm sorry.  I'm sorry for even being alive!"

Red's breath hitched.

" What have we done?"

" You raised a disgrace." I replied. " But that's fine. Because soon the disgrace will no longer be alive."

Red just cried harder, and I could hear his painful sobs.

I looked at Leaf. " On the second thought, the abandoning idea was a good one. Just leave me somewhere and forget all about me."

Blue cursed under his breath. " How did this happen?"

" It's because Red didn't whip me to death earlier." I said earnestly. " But that's okay. I'll just find someone who will."

The room was silent after my words, as if the weight of everything I’d said crushed the very air. Red’s grip on me tightened, his hands trembling. I could hear his shaky breaths against my shoulder, and when I glanced up, I saw Leaf wiping tears from her cheeks, while Blue looked away, his jaw clenched.

“Mia…” Red’s voice cracked, and for a moment, I thought I was imagining it. He spoke so rarely that hearing him now felt almost surreal. He pulled back slightly, just enough to look me in the eyes. His face was streaked with tears, his usually stoic expression shattered. “Don’t ever say that again.”

I blinked up at him, confused. “Say what?”

His voice dropped, low and rough with emotion. “That you don’t matter. That you’re better off gone. That I... that we don’t love you.” His hands moved to cup my face, forcing me to meet his tear-filled eyes. “You’re not a disgrace. You’re not a mistake. And you’re not a burden.”

Leaf sniffled from the side. “Mia, we’ve failed you,” she whispered. “We’ve made you feel like this... and it’s not your fault. It’s ours.”

Blue finally spoke, his voice uncharacteristically quiet. “You’re not the problem, Mia. We are. We’ve been so caught up in our own lives that we didn’t see how much you were struggling.” He ran a hand through his hair, looking away. “I... I don’t know how to fix this, but Arceus, I’ll try.”

I shook my head, my own tears spilling over. “I’m not worth it,” I whispered. “You guys are better off without me. I just get in the way.”

Red’s hands dropped to my shoulders, gripping them firmly. “Stop,” he said, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and pain. “Don’t you dare say that. You’re my sister, Mia. I love you more than anything in this world. And if I ever made you feel like you weren’t important, then I’m the one who’s failed, not you.”

I stared at him, my mind racing. “But you’ve always been so distant,” I mumbled. “You never talk to me, you never—”

“I didn’t know how to,” Red interrupted, his voice breaking. “I thought I was protecting you by staying quiet, by letting you grow strong on your own. But I see now that I was wrong. I’ve hurt you in ways I never wanted to.”

Leaf reached out and placed a gentle hand on my arm. “Mia, you don’t have to be strong all the time. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to need us. That doesn’t make you weak.”

I shook my head again, the weight of their words almost too much to bear. “But you’ve all done so much for me. I don’t deserve—”

“Stop,” Red said firmly. His voice was steadier now, though his eyes still shone with tears. “You deserve everything. You deserve love, support, and happiness. And from now on, I’m going to make sure you know that every single day.”

I looked up at him, my vision blurred with tears. “Red... you mean that?”

He nodded, his expression softening. “I do. And I’ll prove it to you, no matter how long it takes.”

Leaf smiled gently. “We all will. You’re not alone, Mia. You never were.”

Blue stepped closer, his usual cocky smirk replaced with a rare look of sincerity. “You’re family, kid. And family sticks together, no matter what.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a glimmer of hope. I wasn’t sure if I could believe their words just yet, but the warmth in their voices and the love in their eyes made me want to try.

Red pulled me into another hug, his arms wrapping around me like a shield. “I’m sorry, Mia,” he whispered. “For everything. I promise I’ll do better. I promise I’ll be here for you.”

I clung to him, my tears soaking into his shirt. “Okay,” I whispered. “Okay.”

And for the first time in a long time, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t alone after all.