I felt a presence next to me, and I knew without looking that it was Blue. He sighed, pulling out a chair and sitting down with a loud thud.

"Mia," he started, tone exasperated. "I swear, kid, you have to be joking."

I sniffed, wiping my eyes on my sleeve. "What do you mean?"

Blue groaned, leaning back in his chair. "I mean you! Sitting here, overthinking yourself into a hole—again! I told you Red cares about you, but you refuse to believe it. And now, what, you think I’m angry at you, too?"

I hesitated, staring down at my lap. "...Your smiles always seem fake."

Blue blinked. "Fake?! Kid, my smiles are awesome. I’d never waste a fake one on you."

I let out a small, shaky laugh, but the doubt in my chest didn’t go away. I glanced at Red, who had been standing silently next to Blue. His arms were crossed, and—just like always—his expression was unreadable.

Red’s brows furrowed, and he let out a small grunt. "... ... ..."

Blue huffed. "He says—Mia, look at him."

I did.

And for the first time, I actually looked.

Red wasn’t angry. His brows weren’t furrowed in frustration—they were pinched in worry. His eyes, sharp and calculating, weren’t filled with judgment—they were filled with concern.

I swallowed.

Red stepped forward, and before I could react, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug.

I froze.

"... ... ..."

Blue sighed, softer this time. "He’s saying, ‘You’re my sister. Of course I love you, you idiot.’"

I squeezed my eyes shut, gripping Red’s jacket as my breath hitched.

Finally.

Finally, the words I had always wanted to hear. Even if they weren’t spoken, I heard them.

Red held me tighter, and I couldn’t hold back the sobs anymore.

Blue, meanwhile, leaned back in his chair with a smug grin. "See? Told you so."

Blue froze in the doorway, his usual smirk vanishing as he processed what I had just said.

Red, standing beside him, clenched his fists. His brows furrowed—not in anger, but something else. Something I couldn't quite place.

I kept my head buried in my arms, sniffling quietly. "I don’t get it… Why do you both even bother with me?"

Blue let out a sharp breath and stomped into the room. "Okay, that’s it. Kid, you have got to be kidding me!"

I flinched but didn’t lift my head.

"You seriously think Red—Red—of all people would ever want to abandon you? Have you even met your brother?!"

I didn't respond.

Blue groaned, rubbing his temples. "Unbelievable… Red, help me out here, man!"

Red stepped forward. I could feel his presence looming over me. For a second, I thought he’d leave me alone.

Instead, I felt his hand land firmly on my head.

I peeked up, sniffling. He was glaring at me, but it wasn’t anger. It was frustration. Sadness. Maybe even hurt.

"... ... ...!" Red shook his head sharply, then crouched down so we were at eye level. His hands moved in quick, firm gestures, signing words I had long since learned.

Why would you think that? Why would you say that?

I swallowed. "Because… because it makes sense, doesn’t it? I always mess up. I overthink. I doubt myself. I'm nothing like you, Red. You don’t struggle like I do."

Red’s eyes softened, and his hands moved again.

That’s not true.

I blinked.

Blue sighed, folding his arms. "Kid, Red’s angry a lot, yeah. But not at you. Never at you. His face just does that."

I hesitated, glancing at Red. "But… you always look so mad…"

Red exhaled through his nose and looked at Blue.

Blue snorted. "Yeah, he always looks like he’s about to punch someone, but that’s just his face. Trust me, if Red was mad at you, you’d know. And news flash, he’s not mad—he’s worried. Always has been."

I wiped at my tears, still not fully believing it. "But… but why?"

Red’s hands moved again, slower this time.

Because you’re my sister. Because I care about you. Because you’re important.

I stared at him.

Blue grinned and clapped Red on the back. "See? There ya go. He does care about you. You’re just too stuck in your own head to believe it."

Red sighed and did something unexpected.

He pulled me into a hug.

It wasn’t long—Red was never one for prolonged affection—but it was firm, warm, and real.

I let out a shaky breath. "... I just wanted to hear it."

Red pulled back, placed his cap on my head, and gave me a small nod.

You heard it. Now believe it.

Blue smirked. "Alright, pipsqueak. Feeling better?"

I sniffled and nodded.

Blue ruffled my hair. "Good. Now, let’s get you outta here before you start overthinking again."

I let out a tiny, tired laugh. Maybe—just maybe—I could start believing them.

I flinched at the voice and quickly wiped my eyes, even though I knew it was useless. Blue and Red were standing by the door, and Blue had his arms crossed, watching me with a tired but knowing look. Red, as always, was silent, but his expression was softer than usual.

"Seriously, Mia," Blue sighed, walking over and sitting across from me. "How many times do we have to have this conversation?"

I swallowed hard, refusing to meet his eyes.

"You're overthinking again."

I let out a shaky breath. "I just... I don’t know, Blue. I just feel like no matter how hard I try, I’m not enough."

Blue ran a hand through his hair. "Mia, listen. Really listen, this time. You are enough. You always have been. And Red—" he gestured to my brother, who was still standing there, quiet as ever. "—Red doesn’t show things the way other people do, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. You know that, right?"

I bit my lip, still avoiding eye contact.

"... .... ...."

I looked up, surprised that Red had moved closer. He was kneeling next to me now, watching me with that same unreadable but gentle gaze. Then, without a word, he reached out and pulled me into a hug.

I froze.

Red never initiated hugs. Ever.

Blue let out a small chuckle. "Well, look at that. The guy does know how to express emotions."

I buried my face in Red’s shoulder, the warmth of his jacket making me tremble even more. "Red... Do you really—"

He squeezed me tighter.

I didn’t need him to say anything. That was my answer.

For once, my overthinking mind fell silent.

The fish swam in lazy circles, their tails flicking with an elegance I could never hope to have. My lemonade was half-finished, condensation dripping onto my fingers as I held the cool glass.

Pikachu tilted her head, her big brown eyes full of concern. "Pika?"

I sighed, leaning forward and resting my forehead against my crossed arms. "You know, Pikachu… sometimes I think Blue’s angry at me. And Red."

She let out a small noise, nudging my arm. "Pi?"

I sniffled, my voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, think about it. Blue's always smiling, but what if that smile is just… hiding something? What if deep down, he’s sick of dealing with me? And then there's Red. He doesn’t talk, so how do I know he actually cares?"

I clenched my fists, staring at the water through blurry eyes. "I just want to be loved. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. For Red to just one day… hug me, look me in the eyes, and tell me just how much he cares."

Tears dripped onto the table, my breath shuddering as I wiped at my face with my sleeve. "Because no matter how many times Blue says it, I can’t bring myself to believe it. How can I?"

Pikachu let out a soft whine, pressing herself against my arm. I bit my lip, trying to hold back a sob.

Then, a voice cut through the silence.

"Why are you crying again?"

I stiffened, my body freezing like a Deerling caught in headlights.

Blue.

I didn’t lift my head, but I heard the scrape of a chair being pulled out. Then another.

"She’s crying again?" That was Blue’s voice, exasperated yet laced with concern. "Red, man, say something to her."

Silence.

Then the familiar sound of a chair creaking under Red’s weight.

I kept my head buried in my arms. "Go away," I mumbled.

"Not happening," Blue replied. "We’re staging an intervention, kid."

I let out a small, bitter laugh. "An intervention? For what?"

"For you and that messed-up brain of yours," Blue shot back. "Red and I are tired of you running away into your own thoughts, doubting everything, and making yourself miserable."

I finally lifted my head, rubbing at my puffy eyes. "I can't help it, Blue. My brain just… does this."

Blue exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down his face. "Yeah, I know, but you don’t have to let it control you."

I sniffled. "...Then how do I stop?"

A chair shifted, and suddenly, I felt warmth wrap around me.

Red.

I went completely still.

His arms were around me, firm yet gentle, his chin resting lightly on top of my head. He didn’t say anything—of course he didn’t—but the message was clear.

I squeezed my eyes shut, my breath hitching.

"See?" Blue’s voice softened. "Red doesn’t do things unless he means them. And right now? He’s telling you exactly what you wanted to hear."

I trembled in Red’s embrace, gripping his jacket like a lifeline. "Then… why doesn’t he ever say it?"

Blue let out a short chuckle. "Because, dummy, he doesn’t have to. He shows it. He’s always been that way."

Red shifted slightly, his arms tightening around me. "... .... ...."

I hiccupped. "That better not mean ‘shut up and stop crying,’ or I swear to Arceus—"

Blue burst out laughing. "Nah, kid, that means you’re important."

My lip quivered. "...Oh."

Red hummed softly, resting his chin on my head again.

Blue leaned back in his chair, smirking. "So, feeling loved yet, or do we gotta spell it out with fireworks?"

I let out a small, watery laugh, gripping Red’s sleeve.

"Yeah… I think I get it now."

A chair scraped against the floor behind me, but I didn’t look up. I didn’t need to. I already knew who it was.

Blue.

I sniffled, burying my face further into my arms as Pikachu nuzzled against my shoulder. I wanted to stop crying—I really did—but the tears wouldn’t stop.

"Why are you crying again?" Blue asked, his tone a mix of exasperation and concern.

I didn’t answer.

Blue sighed. "Mia..."

Still, I didn’t look up. I knew if I did, he’d see everything I was trying to hide.

"Red, say something to her," Blue muttered, and I heard a soft shuffle as my brother stepped closer.

Silence.

I waited.

Nothing.

Of course.

I let out a bitter laugh. "See? That’s exactly what I mean," I whispered, my voice hoarse. "Nothing. He never says anything."

Red was still as a statue beside me.

Blue groaned. "Mia, come on. You know how he is. He’s always been like this. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t care."

I wiped my eyes furiously. "Then why can’t he just say it? Just once? Why does it have to be me who always assumes, who always just has to believe without hearing it? I’m tired, Blue."

Pikachu whined softly, pressing against me.

Blue sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I get it, okay? You want Red to say it out loud. But you’re not hearing him, Mia."

I scoffed, rubbing my temples. "Hearing him? Are you serious?"

Blue rolled his eyes. "Yes, I’m serious. You think Red doesn’t care just because he doesn’t say it? Newsflash, Mia—Red’s actions scream it louder than words ever could."

I blinked. "...What?"

Blue leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "You really don’t get it, do you?" He gestured toward Red. "Who was there every single time you needed someone?"

I bit my lip.

"Who made sure you never had to go hungry? Who carried you on his back when you fell and scraped your knee? Who—who—dropped everything to be by your side when you were sick?"

I squeezed my hands into fists. "But he never says it, Blue. Not once. Not once."

Blue shook his head. "Because he doesn’t have to, Mia! He’s Red! He’s never been the kind of guy to spell things out, but everything he does is for you. You’re his sister, and he loves you more than anything."

I swallowed thickly, my eyes flickering toward Red. He was still silent, his hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable as always.

But… was Blue right?

Had I been so focused on words that I ignored the things Red had done all along?

I bit my lip. "I just… I just want to hear it. Just once."

For the first time, Red moved.

He stepped forward, placing a hand on my head.

I stiffened.

Then, softly—so softly I almost missed it—he gave the tiniest nod.

"... .... ...."

I blinked.

Blue smirked. "That’s Red for ‘You’re an idiot, but I love you anyway.’"

I let out a shaky laugh, fresh tears welling in my eyes—but this time, they weren’t out of sadness.

I leaned into Red’s touch, gripping the edge of his sleeve. "...Thanks, Red."

He didn’t say anything.

But this time, I heard him loud and clear.

The gentle hum of the water filter in the fish tank filled the silence of Bellis’s lab. I sat hunched over, my arms wrapped tightly around myself, my head buried in my arms. Pikachu rested beside me on the table, her small paws pressing into my arm as if to comfort me.

I hated feeling like this.

I hated that no matter how many times Blue told me I was strong, I couldn’t believe it.

I hated that no matter how much I knew Red cared, I still couldn’t feel it.

Tears dripped onto my sleeve as I trembled. "I just... I just want to be loved," I whispered. "That’s all I’ve ever wanted. For Red to hug me, just once, and tell me how much he cares. Just once."

Pikachu nuzzled my arm. "Pika..."

The sound of footsteps made me stiffen.

"Why are you crying again?"

I knew that voice.

I didn’t lift my head, didn’t move. I just sniffled, wiping at my eyes. "...Go away, Blue."

But, of course, he didn’t. Instead, he sighed and pulled out the chair across from me, spinning it around before sitting on it backward, his arms crossed over the backrest.

"You’re doing it again," he said. "Getting stuck in your own head, convincing yourself of things that aren’t true."

I didn’t answer.

He leaned forward, resting his chin on his arms. "Mia, listen to me. Red does care. He just... he’s just Red. You know how he is."

I swallowed hard. "But... but what if he doesn’t? What if he just—"

Blue groaned and slapped a hand on the table. "Mia, come on! He practically raised you! You really think he did all that because he didn’t care?"

I flinched.

"...Mia." Blue’s voice softened. "Red’s not good with words, you know that. He’s never been. But actions? Actions say more than words ever could. You think he doesn’t love you? Then explain why he always makes sure you eat, why he’s always got your back, why he even let you come here to begin with?"

I bit my lip.

"Red’s not the type to just say things," Blue continued. "But he shows it, in every little thing he does. You just gotta pay attention."

I sniffled.

A moment of silence passed before Blue sighed again. "Alright. That’s it. I’m calling him in."

My head shot up. "Wait—Blue, no—!"

But it was too late. He turned his head and shouted, "RED, GET  IN HERE RIGHT THIS INSTANT!"

The door creaked open, and I immediately looked away, my heart pounding.

I could feel Red’s presence as he walked in. He was quiet as ever, but the moment he saw my face, I heard his footsteps quicken.

He crouched beside me, and I barely had a second to react before I felt his arms wrap around me, pulling me into a tight hug.

I froze.

Blue leaned back, smirking. "Told ya."

Red’s grip was firm but warm, solid. His head rested against mine, and I could feel his steady breathing.

He didn’t say anything—he never did.

But he didn’t need to.

I clutched his jacket, squeezing my eyes shut as fresh tears spilled down my face. "Red..."

He squeezed me tighter.

And in that moment, I knew.

I didn’t need words.

I never did.