Oh my Arceus! I can't believe I'm actually updating this! I'm so sorry it's taken so long (it's already Halloween!). I've been working hard to update everything. So if you've been hanging on with me, I thank you!

So, chapter 1 was technically a prolouge. So this is offically chapter 1.

Anyway, let the story commence!

It's always strange, coming to a new region..

The trainer stood alone, gazing up at a stunning golden figure in the centre of Miare City's plaza. It's prism like windows occasionally emitting thin slivers of rainbows as they caught the fading sunlight. The cobblestone beneathe his feet were neatly arranged, creating swirls and curves, hugging the plaza's contours comfortably.

He had arrived earlier that day, and had enjoyed wandering through the streets, exploring and gathering supplies for the long journey ahead. But now that his first day was coming to an end, he couldn't help but feel a little lonely.

The boy tipped his head, smiling at his best friend.

"Hey Pikachu, this is gonna be pretty cool." Kalos was huge region, and having no one else accompanying them, felt strange after traveling with friends for years.

"Pika-pi." The electric mouse chimmed, munching on a strange new treat (a fluffy orange pastery).

In silence, his mind began to stray, thinking over all the new Pokemon he had seen up until this point. Strange pink flying ones, a few looked like squishy desserts, and even Pansy's Onvern still lingured in his thoughts.

As dusk approached, streetlamps, with a similar golden glow to the tower, began illuminating the City.

We oughtta get going. It's been a lo-

"Hello." a voice broke through his thoughts. Curiously, Satoshi turned, his bright amber eyes catching sight of a boy he had never seen before.

At first sight, he felt his heart skip a beat, the newcomer seemed to have an almost electrifying pressence.

The boy seemed around his same age (give or take a year), and perhaps only two inches taller. The light of Prism Tower draped his soft features in a beautiful glow. Something about the way he was dressed gave off a very timeless (but very distinctly Kalosian) vibe. He wore dark pants and a navy raglan, his sleeves folded up at the cuffs. A pale ribbon kept his gold coloured hair back, allowing his eyes to really shine through, despite having large lenses covering them.

Coming up just behind him, Satoshi was able to recognize as a Rentorar. It's massive eyes glimmering through the dark. The lion took a seat, and purred deeply as his trainer greeted them.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" He smiled gently, turning his face towards the Tower. Gracefully, he leaned against the iron fence beside Satoshi. His voice was friendly and (although he wouldn't admit it) lovely. Although he spoke English clearly, a faint Kalosian accent had managed to slip through.

"Pika-pi?" The mouse looked up at Satoshi, then at the two new comers.

"Y-yeah.." He stammared, slightly taken aback. Something about this boy felt weird. Well, to put it more accurately, something about the boy made SATOSHI feel weird. The odd knots twisted and formed in his stomach were unfamiliar. A peachy pink blush creeped across his cheeks.

"..I'm sorry.." the boy began again. "I was just out on an evening walk, and thought maybe I'd strike up a conversation." He turned towards Satoshi, giving him a small bashful smile. "I'm Citron." The blond held out a hand.

'Citron'.. nice name..

"I'm Satoshi, this is my partner, Pikachu." The trainer introduced himself and his Pokemon, taking Citron's hand and shaking it firmly, noticing his soft skin and oddly navy painted nails. Perhaps it was common in Kalos for guys to do that too..

"You must be new here, huh?"

"What gave me away?" He chuckled, knowing the obvious answer.

"You have a certain.. unique look about you." His pale blue eyes shone in the dark, catching the Prism Tower's light. The trainer felt himself blush harder. He must have noticed, because the blond gave a soft smile. "Hey, what do you say we get a bite to eat?" he recalled his Rentorar. "I know a nice place off of Juane Avenue that stays open past midinght."

"S-Sure."

Like that, the two boys set off, enjoying the atmosphere of a beautiful Miare evening.

Time seemed to pass so fast. They spent hours chatting, sharing stories of trainers they had once battled and Pokemon they had befriended. All the while, Satoshi began noticing something rather strange..

There was something about Citron that drew him in. His sweet demenour, his undenyable intelligence, every little thing about him was so fasinating.

After passing through the local Art Gallery and battling a few rounds at a few different cafes, the teens returned to the Tower, it's golden glow illuminating the otherwise dark plaza.

"-nd I couldn't believe it! It had these huge wings completely of fire!" Satoshi jesticulated, grinning broadly as he finished his story.

"That's amazing!" Citron commented, his face full of awe.

"I know!"

..

For a moment, the boys stood, calming down from their late evening out together.

"S-so, you know.. if you're not busy tomorrow.." the blond started again, running a shy hand through his hair and refusing to look the trainer in the eye. "M-my shift ends around seven..maybe I can give you a tour.." He jestured to the gleaming tower behind them, then shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Really?!" The trainer's eyes lit up, shining bright like amber.

"Yes." Citron replied, looking slightly taken aback. No one ever seemed to be interested tours, only getting in to get their badge and getting out. He shuffled his feet again. "It's pretty state of the art.. I like tinkering around..you know, like inventing stuff.."

"Like robots?!" Satoshi seemed even more enthused.

"Actually, yes. His name is Citroid. I made him to cover the gym when I need some personal time.." Perhaps it was just the lighting, but Satoshi could swear there was a breif flush of pink across the boy's pale face.

"No way!"

"See you tomorrow, then?"

"Sure." The trainer grinned. This was going to be so cool! Robots, Pokemon, maybe even a battle. The boys stood, rather akwardly trying to find an exit point for the night.

..

"W-well.. " The blond took a small step closer, his pale eyes peering though his bangs. His voice was soft, gentle, and perhaps a little timid. Shyly, the boy leaned in, giving his new friend a kiss on the cheek.

A fierce blush invaded the trainer's face. When was the last time he blushed?! Infact, was he even capable of it before meeting Citron? Why was he blushing?!

He..he kissed me..HE KISSED ME?!

"Goodnight, Satoshi." Citron took a step back, his expression rather coy.

"G-Goodnight.." His face got even hotter, burning a deep pink. Despite his best attempts to push the feeling away, the eruption of Butterfrees that bursted in his stomach sent his mind into a haze.

Seemingly satisfied with his reaction, the inventor waved politely before entering the tower, leaving the trainer in his confused daze. After what felt like hours (but was really moments), Satoshi gathered enough of his composure, turning to Pikachu for reassurance.

"P-Pikachu.. did he just.."

"Pi-ka." The little electric mouse nodded, crossing his tiny arms with a knowing smirk.

"..come on, it's really late." Satoshi ran a hand through the back of his hair and leaned over, allowing his Pokemon to ride atop his shoulders. "I saw a centre just not too far away. They'll probably have rooms available."

The two started walking, neither saying a word: Pikachu being tired from the evening and Satoshi in deep contemplation.

He kissed me..that means he likes me, right?

Do I like him? I mean, I never really thought of guys that way..wait..I've never thought of GIRLS that way either..

His brain wondered, thinking about their evening together. So the last two hours have been a date? Could it be considered one if he didn't know at the time? If Citron liked him, and he invited him back the following night, than should he try to make the next move?

The trainer and his Pokemon casually walked through the cobblestone streets. The image of the blond kept invading his mind. The smallest details seemed to captivate him at every turn. His sweet demenour, his intelligence, those eyes..

He's nice guy.. but maybe I shouldn't rush into things..

But was there anything wrong with rushing in? Satoshi was, after all, more driven on emotion. Hell, he had thrown himself off buildings without a second thought purely on instinct. Why should this be any different?

Surely it wouldn't hurt (if he really did like him), to flirt a little, right? Although he wasn't terribly knowledgable in the relationship department, he stood a little taller, feeling confident with his decicion.

"Pi?" Pikachu perked up, his cheeks sparking as he became suddenly alert.

"What is it?" The trainer was pulled from his thoughts. The empty stone streets echoed back his voice. A gentle breeze carried the far away scent of baking breads as people prepared for the following day.

.. it's nothing..

"It's okay, Pikachu." He reassured his pokemon, patting him on the head. "Look, there's the centre."

The two entered the brick building, greeting the nurse and reciving a key into their room for the night. All the while, Satoshi just couldn't shake the feeling that something big was going to happen. Something was going to change.

Now, wheather he should have been anxious or excited, he didn't know. All he could think about was what lied ahead in the next day. What sort of new experiences lied in Kalos? What would be waiting for them just a few hours away?

Thanks for reading! I'll try to update again soon! and Happy Halloween!