Levincia was full of people and noise, as usual. All the bright, colorful lights that were illuminating the otherwise dusky evening were blinding. It was almost too much for Brassius's tired eyes. He'd been working on a project almost nonstop. And while Levincia wasn't his preferred destination for a break, he couldn't decline his old friend Hassel. The older man had a lot to do, after all.

"I'm glad you were able to make time to lend me a hand, Brassie. I know you're busy on your newest project and all." Hassel smiled at him, carrying a large bag of supplies.

Brassius carried one as well, and took a glance at the items within. There were lots of pencils, paint brushes, paints, and paper.

"I needed a break anyway. Besides, I'm always grateful for the chance to catch up with you, Hass." A slightly crooked smile graced his lips. "All these art supplies are for the new school year, aren't they?"

"Indeed they are. Need to be prepared for all the new students taking up art."

"Ah, so many young minds open to being shaped by the world of art. It is truly avant-garde."

Hassel suddenly stopped in his tracks, causing the Gym Leader to pause and give him an inquiring look. The blond's mouth hung open and his eyes were slightly wide, as if mesmerized by something. When Brassius followed his gaze, a gasp left his lips. One of the large electronic billboards was showing a new advertisement. It was a clip of a pair of pokemon standing together atop the observatory in Alfornada. One was a Persian with a pink ribbon around her neck. The other was a shiny Gardevoir with a silver, diamond-studded tiara on her head. A woman, with her back to the camera, approached the pokemon. She wore a long, flowing red dress and carried an elegant parasol that made her look like a princess straight out of a fairytale. Her brown locks were lightly curled and fell against her upper back. When she stopped in front of the pokemon, she turned her head just enough to peer over her shoulder at the camera with a lovely smile. The ad ended with the title "Amour: A Heather X Tulip Collaboration".

"Well I'll be a dragon's uncle," Hassel uttered. "It seems the famous Heather has come home to Paldea. I heard she'd gotten so popular in other regions, I'm surprised to even see her here." He turned his gaze to his friend when he didn't hear a peep from him. "Brassie?"

"A…Avant-garde!" Brassius nearly dropped his bag of supplies. "Such elegance! Such grace! Such beauty!"

Hassel gave a hearty laugh. "Ah, that's right. You and Heather were quite close back before your careers took off. It's been…what, six or seven years now? You must be thrilled."

The Gym Leader gave a nod, finally turning his attention to his friend. "'Thrilled' is an understatement. Heather was the reason I began my pursuits in the art world."

"Intriguing. I don't believe I've heard the humble beginnings of you and Heather."

Brassius turned his head away. "There's nothing to tell. When Heather's modeling took off, whatever began to blossom between us swiftly wilted." He began walking again, masking his feelings behind his focused facade. "Now, let us be off. I must return to my work before this new inspiration dulls."

Wearing a curious and knowing smile, Hassel followed after him. It was silent between them, at least until they called a Flying Taxi and were confined in the small, private space for the duration of the ride. Hassel leaned forward with great interest, staring over at the younger man who gazed absentmindedly out the window with his arms crossed.

"Are you thinking about her?" he daringly asked.

"Of course I am." Brassius sighed. "It has been…far too long."

"Care to talk about it?"

Brassius narrowed his eyes at the teacher, noting the interest in his expression. "You'll pester me like a bug if I don't, won't you?" The slight widening of Hassel's smile gave him a clear answer. "Then what do you wish to hear?"

"The beginning. What happened with you and Heather?"

With a tilt of his head, the Gym Leader hummed as he reached into his memories. "It all started shortly after Heather's 20th birthday…"

~~~~

Heather was practically sprinting through the streets of Artazon, a big grin on her face. She could hardly contain her excitement in her search for her boyfriend. While they had only started dating recently, she and Brassius had known each other for years and even graduated from the academy together. It didn't take long for her to spot the young man in the garden. He was on the boardwalk that took viewers on a walk around the pond and the countless purple flowers. There was an easel and a large canvas in front of him, and he held a palette of various paints in one hand, and a brush in the other.

"Brassie!" Heather called, out of breath when she reached the boardwalk. The artist turned his attention to her, and just in time to move his tools behind his back before she jumped on him for a hug. "I have big news! Big, big news!"

Brassius laughed lightly. "Great, but do watch out next time. I'd hate to ruin your clothes with paint." He waited for her to release him before setting his things down and meeting those pretty brown eyes of hers. "So what's this 'big news'?"

Heather did well in straightening her posture just as she'd been taught. "All my practice has finally paid off. I've been offered to model for the fashion designer Valerie in Kalos!"

Instead of the smile she expected, a frown made its way to the young man's lips. "Kalos? So you won't be staying here in Paldea?"

The girl's smile faded as well. "Well, no. But we talked about this before. If I ever got job offers outside of Paldea, I would take them. This is my big chance."

That was true. They had talked about the possibility. Brassius had been nothing but encouraging, but now that it was really happening, he wasn't nearly as ecstatic as he should've been. Instead, he could only feel his heart breaking. After he'd spent so long admiring the lovely young lady, and finally got to be with her, he had to watch her leave for who knows how long.

With a shake of his head, Brassius forced a smile for her. "You're right. I'm being ridiculous. This is your dream we're talking about. I'm happy for you, Heather. Congratulations."

Heather's expression brightened again. "Thanks! Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to go start packing. I'll see you later, Brassie!"

She left as quickly as she'd arrived. The artist set his gaze on his painting in progress, his vision blurring with tears that threatened to fall. "What utter rubbish…"

He reached for it, eager to rip up the image, but he paused before his fingers could snatch the edge of the canvas. In her excitement, Heather hadn't even noticed the picture he was creating of her. It was his girlfriend standing among the flowers in the painting. As much as Brassius wanted to discard it, he couldn't bring himself to do it. He loved her too much. And so, a couple of days passed until it was time for Heather's departure. The girl had barely seen Brassius since the big news. He'd apparently confined himself to his studio. That's exactly where she found him…along with piles of crumpled paintings and partially completed sculptures. The studio was a mess.

"Brassie?" He barely gave her a second glance, absorbed by his current painting. He looked fatigued. "Have you slept at all?"

"A little, yes." He took a moment to rub his tired eyes. "Forgive me, I've been trying desperately to get this right."

Heather smiled. "You will. If I can succeed at modeling, then you're going to become a great artist. I'll come back just to see all your wonderful work."

"Will you now?" Brassius smiled ever so slightly. "Then I shall strive to make the greatest pieces of art you've ever laid eyes on." There was a brief silence before he spoke again. "So, today is the day, huh?"

"Yeah…" Heather took a deep breath and turned her gaze to the floor. "I'm sorry, Brassie, sorry I had to leave so soon after we…"

"It's alright. No need to apologize. You've been practicing modeling for years now. I was foolish to ever think I could keep you here."

Heather approached him and wrapped her arms around his neck for a hug. The gesture took him by surprise, and he had to suppress the urge to cry right then and there. Nevertheless, his arms wound around her in return, savoring the moment. He was really going to miss holding her like that.

"I enjoyed all the time spent with you," she mumbled. "It was because of you that I never gave up."

"I feel the same. And I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors." He pulled away to lock eyes with her. "If you don't mind, may I…could we perhaps indulge in our first, and probably last, kiss before you go?"

That question made her blush, but Heather slowly nodded in response. Brassius leaned in ever so slowly, and their eyes closed when their lips met. It was gentle and sweet, and Heather suddenly felt a pang of sorrow knowing she may never feel it again. Her quivering lower lip forced her to part from him, her eyes full of tears.

"Now, now, you needn't cry, my dear." Brassius managed a smile. "You're about to make your dreams a reality. Make me proud…to have known the wonderful model Heather."

Heather nodded, forcing back her urge to cry. "I will. And you'd better never give up on making beautiful art." She gave his lips one last peck before rushing to the door before she could break down in tears. "Farewell, Brassie."

She was gone in an instant, leaving Brassius to finally shed his tears. His chest felt tight like he was suffocating. His heart shattered like glass. He never even got to express his love for her, and now he may never get to at all. He went to his work desk, digging under the piles of discarded paintings to find the image of her.

"My sweet Heather…" he sobbed, holding back no longer. "May you find happiness in your career…the memories we shared…shall always have a special place…in my heart…"

He was glad to be in his studio and out of the public eye, for his breakdown could've been seen as disgraceful. His young Pokemon were the only ones there to comfort him.

~~~~

"That must've been shortly before you fell ill," Hassel guessed.

"That is correct. I worked diligently in desperation to make a name for myself as an artist. If Heather could achieve her dreams, then I could, too. But as you know, I worked myself into a slump. I exhausted myself until I grew sick, and depression hung over me like a dark cloud."

"I'm glad we met when we did so I could help you out. I had no idea the events that drove you to such a state." Hassel suddenly burst into tears and tried in vain to cover his distraught face. "Bwuh huh huh! I had no idea how tragid your pasd was! I'b so sorry for you!"

Despite the incessant bawling and babbling of his friend, Brassius turned his gaze to the view out the window. To think, he never would've imagined Heather's return would stir so many feelings thought to be buried. But even now, her image was making his heart yearn for her. He so desperately needed to get home and begin on some new pieces while her beauty was fresh in his mind. Although, he couldn't help letting his thoughts wander to a time when Heather wasn't traveling abroad…and what might've blossomed between them had she stayed in Paldea.