What Fathers Do

Sapphire looked up to earn a better view of the dojo-looking gym and shielded her eyes from the rays of the sun which is still high at the west. She opened the wooden doors and walked inside, following the loud sounds spilling out of the room where the battlefield is located. The slid the doors open, revealing two identical men, one is older and the other is younger, just about the same age as her.

"It seems that you got a visitor," Norman spoke as he pointed his pokéball to his Vigoroth. It released a red beam of light, enveloping the pokémon. In a matter of seconds, the loyal creature got pulled back into the round capsule. He stepped out of the battlefield and waved a hand, signaling his son that the training's enough for the day.

Ruby also held out a pokéball and called his Delcatty back who just released a cheerful mew. She was his first normal-type pokémon ever since it was a Skitty, followed by the Castform that he received from Steven's father after the old man learned that his little friend became fond of Ruby's team. Recently, Ruby was also able to catch a Zigzagoon at Route 102 and they've been training during mornings to detect its weaknesses and cover them up with possible strengths. He had to admit that he must invest in normal-types to be the next Gym Leader of Petalburg. Despite that, he never forgets to also train the rest of his old Contest Team and he's glad that they understand him. After surpassing Wallace in the contest rankings years ago, Ruby moved on to his new goal—to surpass his father.

"Good afternoon, Ruby," Sapphire cheerfully spoke as she approached the boy. "You really should wipe that sweat off, you know?"

"Yeah," Ruby grabbed the towel that's been hanging over his shoulders. "What brought you here?" he muffled, rubbing the towel on his face.

Sapphire grinned, "Guess what."

Ruby turned his face to her as he raised an eyebrow. "What?" he asked.

"Seriously," Sapphire sighed, "you never take guesses each time I tell you so."

"Well, how would I know?" Ruby scratched his head while letting out a nervous chuckle. Soon, he realized that Sapphire's been staring at the scar at the corner of his forehead. He quickly shifted his hand over the scar, covering them as he blushed. "D-Don't just… Y-Y-You always stare at it each time I don't wear my beanie," he stuttered.

Sapphire giggled. "But isn't it the proof that you protected me when we were kids?"

Ruby has turned red from pink. He turned around in attempt to hide his face from Sapphire. The girl, on the other hand, kept on giggling at the sight of Ruby's flushed ears.

"J-Just tell me why you're here already."

"Oh right!" Sapphire zipped open her waist bag and took out a notebook. "Last time you told me that you were trying to figure out your Zigzagoon's weaknesses… so, here," she handed the item to Ruby.

The boy turned around to receive the notebook. He flipped through the pages, skimming over the contents. Aside from the short paragraphs, there are some drawings, tables, and graphs showing the data about Zigzagoons in general.

"Wow," Ruby uttered. "You made this?" he asked as he folded it close.

"Mm-hmm," Sapphire hummed, her eyes beaming out of pride. Finally, she's able to use her talents in the field of research to help Ruby. "After you told me about your Zigzagoon, I looked for the copy of notes that I gave dad long ago. I also observed a lot of them around Route 101, 102, and 103. I put everything in that notebook for a quick reference."

"You didn't have to go that far," Ruby spoke.

"W-Well," Sapphire began to fidget. "I kinda wanted to help you and… I really enjoy being outside the house so… Well… I got permission from dad to let me stray from my assignments for a while."

Ruby chuckled, causing Sapphire to blush.

"You two," Norman called out, "why don't you get out?"

"Dad? What?" Ruby flinched.

Norman sighed as he dropped his head. "I mean, the café by the next block is now having a sale. You might want to bring Sapphire there," he explained, pointing out his thumb towards the direction of the said café.

Ruby palmed his face, sighing, "Dad…"

"Anyway, just go. I bet Sapphire likes the idea."

Ruby then turned his face to the girl and noticed her sparkling eyes. "Alright," he spoke. "I'll just go change my clothes."

"Yay!" Sapphire bounced as she exclaimed.

Moments later, Ruby and Sapphire stepped out of the gym and walked side-by-side. The boy once again wore his white beanie to hide his scar. He took out his glasses from his pocket and slipped it on.

"You know, you kinda look cool with your glasses. But I prefer seeing you without it," Sapphire remarked.

"Really?" Ruby spoke. "Sometimes I wear it to see y—uh… I mean, to see better." He turned his face away, pretending to look at the signs around the street. He almost spilled his new secret to Sapphire. Ruby really can't deny it to himself. He's always able to recognize people with his near-sightedness but he wants to see the face of the girl he likes well and clear.

They confessed to each other long ago, during the clash between the two Super-Ancient Pokémon. They liked each other since they were five-year-olds and the parents of both sides really don't mind the development between them. In fact, they support them. Both of them are now eighteen years old, just the right age to be dating. Sapphire has developed into a fine girl. Her fitted clothing traced her soft curves. Ruby, on the other hand, formed a lean and toned physique due to all of the training and battles he did with his father.

The two of them arrived at the café. Ruby pushed open the door for Sapphire and they stepped in. The aroma of newly-baked pasty wafted all throughout the shop, inviting each customer to buy. Sapphire pulled Ruby to a round table and they settled themselves opposite from each other.

"Hiya miss! We're eating here," Sapphire wave out her hand to a waitress and she walked to their table.

"We have a different menu today," the waitress spoke, handing each of them a menu, "since were having a sale with the cakes and croissants."

"Oh, oh, oh! Ruby! I like this strawberry croissant!" Sapphire spoke. She's obviously excited to eat. "I'll have two, and please add a cup of hot chocolate," she ordered to the waitress.

Ruby fixed his glasses and looked down on the menu. "Mine's gonna be… Oh, two chocolate croissants and… Black coffee."

"Is that all?" the waitress asked, smiling at the two.

"Yes," they replied in unison.

The waitress took back the menus and walked away.

"This feels like a date," Sapphire spoke, resting her chin on her palm as she settled her elbow on the edge of the table.

"I-Is it not?" Ruby once again fixed his glasses.

"Is it?"

"What else do you think?"

"Oh…" Sapphire lifted her chin from her hand and shifted her fingers over her lips as she blushed. "Well, thank you for bringing me here."

There it is. He witnessed her flushed face once again. It made him happy, somehow. "You're welcome. It's gonna be my treat by the way," Ruby replied. He thought of thanking his father later on.

"Really?" Sapphire snickered. "Then I'll add a cake," she said, waving an arm to gain the attention of the waitress once again.

Ruby sighed, but then, he smiled.

Sapphire turned her face to him and smiled back, which later on turned into a giggle.

"Oh, would you look at them," Professor Birch has been looking through the window from afar, secretly watching the young couple. He repeatedly poked Norman's arm. "Hey, hey… Buddy, look at them!"

"What?" Norman dropped his folded arms and separated his back from the wall. He looked at the same window, trying to conceal himself as much as he can. "They're having fun, huh."

"Isn't it nice?" the professor asked as he turned his face to the gym leader. "Oh, look at my Sapphire, growing up," he returned his eyes on his daughter, which is currently laughing with Ruby.

"Hmph, what can you say about my son then?"

"Well, none of us can deny that they both have grown so well."

"We better go. Unless you want to be found out," Norman began to walk away.

"Wait, wait. Look, they're feeding each other. That's my girl! Charm him!"

"Hey now… Once they learn that we're behind this, who knows what they'll say," Norman scratched his head.

Professor Birch finally gave in and walked with his friend. "I don't know. But we're not doing anything bad, are we?" he asked. "And besides, isn't this what fathers do? I mean, supporting their growing kids."

"Heh, only if they trust the other party," Norman smirked.

"Right," the professor replied, "I wouldn't entrust my kid to your kid unless I'm confident."