Ruby's POV

"Begin!" my dad announces the whole class and began scribbling the printed paper sheet of our quiz on his subject.

Perfectly, when I went back to class, dad was just about to enter the classroom. When he was about to scold me for being late I reasoned first that Sir. Steven called for me to talk about something. It sounded reasonable since I got 'day dreaming' problems.

He took it as my reason and went both inside to start his 'impossible-to-perfect' quiz. But I'm now confident that I'll perfect his quiz once and for all!

I'm in very good mood of what just Sir. Steven has just said.

Those words almost making me melt of happiness with my mad heart beating so fast in my rib cage. At that moment, I couldn't breath properly like I'm about that oxygen and die for good until he snapped me back to reality by giving me a small kiss on the forehead. I panicked and back away - I forgot that I cannot 'cause I was leaning on the railings of the rooftop.

HE kissed ME! K - I - S - S! It's so fast! What happened?! I literally dumbfounded! I just confessed to him like yesterday! And I didn't expected that he'll answer my confession so quickly. And IT IS IMPOSSIBLE - I MEAN IMPOSSIBLE AS HELL - that he even have feelings for me!

I almost fell good thing that he caught me on time. Sir. Steven lets out a small chuckle before mentioning; "You're so cute, Ruby."

Obviously, I blush on his words.

"Wh-what?! I-I almost f-fell!" I snapped but I was stammering.

"It's because you get startled easily."

"I won't get startled if you didn't kissed my forehead!"

"Why? You didn't like it?" I went frozen and stood still with his eyes on mine. No muscles of mine dared to moved even an inch from that question.

Did I liked it? Of course I did liked it so why would I lie about that? Not like I could say it straightly. I averted my eyes off of his gaze when I felt I could move now. It felt like we've been staring at each other for years, which I really would loved to until we passed out.

"I'm going to back to class, sir." I muttered, so audible maybe he didn't hear it. I avoided making any more eye contact with him and got off from my spot, passing to head at the rooftop door. Ignore that rampaging heart inside your rib cage, Ruby! You must be mistaking of what you've heard so later better remind your dad to go to the doctor to have that ears of yours a check-up!

I yelped when my arm got pulled back, bumping onto something muscular and to be specific a chest, until I just realized that I was in Sir. Steven's embrace. His head on side of my head, arms warped around my chest. It was a little uncomfortable position, but I managed to get used to it even though it's just for a moment when he suddenly spoke.

"Ruby..." he whispers with husk and... pain?

I cautiously tried looking up to see his face if my suspicions were right because there is not way that Sir. Steven is ...

When I was about to move a muscle, I felt something wet dripped on my shoulder. Oh, he can't-

"Ruby!" I flinched and shot my head up to face my dad in front of the class. I must have been dazing outside of the window while thinking that. And, in fact, I also know that I'm in very grave danger just looking on the expression that my dad's making.

Expression that you cannot - I mean never - defy no matter what you do.

I paled and slowly gulped a lump. I gazed a little on my side on see my classmates' curious eyes were on me. I sure get so famous of being scolded many times. Reason? Obviously, daydreaming. But I'm not dumb for them to judge me, I'm quite smart that I forgot to mention I'm in Class A.

When my dad began to speak again, I glance to him. "I. AM. GOING. TO. CONFISCATE. YOUR. POKEM-" I felt that paled more than I expected I could be hearing those slow word by word towards me. But cut him before he even finished that I'll finish the quiz without daydreaming again. Not.

Not like I could promise him that I won't do it again in a few days or later on. I can't risk not being able to with my buddies because of my idioticness. I'm gonna put Sir. Steven aside for the meantime and focused on my current situation. But I'm going to use him as my inspiration.

He calmed down, a little - what a hotheaded one -, and commanded me to start my quiz or else he'll take my quiz with an automatic failing grade. And I fear that.

I began to scribble my answers on this 50 item quiz sheet on every questions that really looked familiar. The quiz's in identification. I scanned the other questions before smirking. The feeling of getting this quiz once and for all perfect.

(N O T E : Did some researching. Correct me if I'm wrong.)

Q. #16'What type of Pokemon that Normal-type attacks were no effect in?'

Answer: Ghost-types

Q. #17'A rare kind of Normal-type Pokemon that can be found in Route 114.'

Answer: (Pokemon Ruby) Zangoose

Q. #21'A Pokemon that has 4 forms.'

Answer: Castform

Hey, dad said that our quiz is all about where Pokemon that are Normal-type can be found and about their weaknesses. Well, at least I know the answer on this one.

Q. #29 'Slaking is tied in what Normal Pokemon type in Attack and Speed base stats?'

I felt that my eyebrows met from reading this question. I eyed it like it's my enemy. Okay, dad never mentioned this one in class but it really looked familiar. The other questions were easy, some were mind testers, but this a tricky one.

Glancing with my eyes on my sides I could see my classmates are getting this problematic faces on. It seems that this question really does makes us more challenged to know if we did study or not.

Then another questions that's been bothering me.

Q. # 33 'Is the only Normal-typed Pokemon with the base stats of 445.'

Q. # 42 'A Normal-type Pokemon with the ability of 'Multitype'.'

Biting my ballpen's tip, I thought with focus. 'I don't know why it's hard for all I know that I've studied and I planned to perfect this for at least once. Dad never failed surprising us with these questions that seemed unrelated to the discussions he discuss.Oh dear Arceus, why is it har-!'

My eyes suddenly shots open, froze on my mental panic -that's really out of character -, and I have to prevent myself for celebrating now that I discovered that answers in these questions. It's so easy that I didn't realized it.

I continued scribbling my answers on the sheet until I was finished in everything.

Sapphire's POV

I dreamily eyed Ruby from his back as he passes his quiz sheet on Sir. Norman with a grin plastered on his face. He directly grin on his dad and it looks like he just mouthed 'tried my best' or something with a confident aura. It was the first time for Ruby to pass to quiz sheet before the whole class does.

Ruby's so cool in every angle and I still admire him even if he day dreams in class, scolds every time or what.

I was also finished with my quiz and it was a piece of cake. Not literally 'cause it's hell hard. Did you know that Sir. Norman might look a normal person with a fatherly attitude on his only son and that's a gym leader in Petalburg City then you're mistaken. When it comes to studying and discussing to his subject, better be ready at all times 'cause he's full of surprises. And by surprises I mean in quizzes and examinations.

He'll suddenly include some questions that's out of the topic but related to it at the same time. Don't get it? I do too.

He also let us memorize such hard stuffs that's for juniors to do in this school. We're just freshmen! For Ho-oh's sake!

Maybe Ruby cheated and saw Sir. Norman's quiz sheet before he gave it to us? Nah! Ruby wouldn't do that.

"Hey, Sapphire." I changed my gaze to Wally who has this exhausted face.

"Yeah?"

"Do you think Ruby cheated?" he questions with suspicion in a whisper tone. I raised an eyebrow with grin mischievously at him. Great, we're thinking the same thing. I'm not alone and I think the whole class we're also thinking the same thing. But I know that Wally didn't mean it in a bad way. We're just both curious.

"And it's usually Emerald that passes first when it's Sir. Norman's quiz or examination."

I gave him a slight nod and glance on my right side, that 2 seats away, Emerald with the expression of disbelief on his face.

"I know. Ya know it's like impossible for him to perfect the quiz! No one even perfects Sir. Norman's quiz..." I exclaimed but still in whisper tone and looked at Ruby who was about to go back on his seat. Shoot.

"So, what's up in his sleev- Ittai!" I was about to warn him about Ruby getting near us when he got a chomp on his head. In the end, I let out a giggle at them while Ruby remind us that he didn't cheat and that he really did just studied hard on this one.

I formed a smirk on my face; "Why? Did you have some inspirations why you're so confident on this 'impossible-to-perfect' quiz?" I asked when he finally sat down on his seat. I scanned his reaction and weirdly he froze with pink blush(?) on his cheeks. I raised an eye brow as well as Wally does too.

Ruby began his little obvious panic while waving his hand. "Nah, I don't have any." he stammers, "Maybe it's because dad threatens me that I can't be with my Pokemon if I don't do my best in his quiz..." his chuckles were trembling that made Wally and I more curious.

What a liar.

"Clearly, you're lying." Wally says as a matter of fact.

We looked around the whole class that some were still busy finishing their quiz and some are passing their quiz to Sir. Norman. Emerald came in front of our teacher to give his quiz then returns back on his seat while faintly glaring daggers on Ruby.

Emerald's always the one who always passes quizzes and examinations at first in every subject. But there's this one subject that he always loses to Ruby and that's the Steel-type Subject of Sir. Steven.

"I'm not." Ruby retorted rather abruptly to Wally that startle him a little. The corner of my lips curved down sadly. We both knew that Ruby has an inspiration and it's not like I'm jealous...

We told Ruby that we're going to pass our quizzes first to Sir. Norman and he just gave us a nod. Wally stood up and I followed him in front of the class.

It's impossible for Ruby to perfect his dad's quiz or examination. I wonder if Ruby answered questions number 29, 33, and 42...

Ruby's POV [Time Skip]

It's already dismissal and dad told the whole class that he'll check to quizzes and give it to Sir. Steven before he lets us dismiss. Sitting on my seat, waiting for his arrival, I silently looked outside of our classroom on the window.

My eyebrows quirked when I saw Sir. Drake letting his Pokemon out of their Pokeballs. I land on eyes on the Salamence who's flying freely in the skies. I unconsciously touched my scar on the right side of my forehead. I formed a smile on my face thinking that if that Salamence didn't showed up in that moment then Sir. Steven and I wouldn't be like this.

Dad told me that since Sir. Drake is the only dragon trainer he knows that can train that wild Salamence he lets him catch it. And as years passed by and now that Pokemon did became trained Salamence thanks to Sir. Drake. He sure is worthy to be called one of the elite four.

I slumped myself on my arms crossed on the desk. When can I defeat my dad in a Pokemon battle? Even if we're students in here in - I forgot to mention - Rustboro City we still battle in gyms. Sapphire, Wally and I started few months ago and both of them are in the lead. I'm still in dad's gym while they're now in Ms. Winnona's. It really pisses me off that I couldn't catch up to them.

We actually made a bet before all this started. And that is who will be the first one to beat Sir. Steven, the Champion of Hoenn, is the real winner.

Speaking of Sir. Steven...

I can feel my cheeks getting flustered when a fast replay played inside my head. It's about earlier in the rooftop. I just cannot believe that Sir. Steven did.. no. I don't want to even think about it. However when I compiled all my courage to look at him I was too late. He turned around and wiped his tears. Not like I wanted to see him crying but I'm just interested.

I just stood there for a moment until he finally came to face me. I look up to his steel blue eyes with admiration, it's still watery though. Wondering why he did that?

I can still remember that smile on his face. It wasn't fake or any thing. Just a normal smile.

"Sorry about that. So then again, Ruby," he began then kissed my forehead that took me by surprise. "my answer is 'sure'."

"And you're so cute when you're flustered." he chuckled and pat my head. I looked down so I won't make contact with him. I pursed my lips when I had jump into a conclusion. I'm not yet sure but it's scaring me to ask...

But I have to. "Sir. Steven, are yo-"

"Now, now. Better hurry down or else Sir. Norman's going to get mad at you." he cut me off and that made me panic. I said my goodbye to him and ran off the rooftop.

And that's how it ended.

I lift my head when I heard the door opening. Revealing our stunni- I mean Sir. Steven with paper sheets on his hands. I eyed him until he reached the table in the front middle then the whole class became quiet.

At there, he announced that he'll now distribute our quizzes. I can feel all of my classmates gulped in intense. Well, what can I say? A lot of us wanted to perfect that quiz.

I jolt when Sir. Steven's glance came on mine. He made a smile; "Your dad said that I'll let yours be the last." I just gave him a nod as the whole class turn their heads on my spot. I do get a lot of attention, do I?

I wondered why dad said that. Did I failed? It's not like he wanted me to get embarrass when I have a failing score or maybe I got the highest and manage to beat Emerald? He always gets the highest in my dad's subject. But only with 1 or 2 mistakes.

Ruby keep dreaming.

As our adviser called out each names, classmates going infront to get their paper, he also says their scores.

"Dan got 38."

"Yuuki got 41."

"Topaz got 33."

"Sapphire got 45." he announces then Sapphire went in front to get her paper. When she returned she had this 'I-failed-to-perfect-this-quiz' look. I cheered her up and after two person being called, it's Wally's turn.

"Wally got 46." Wally walks in front to get his paper with a little happiness on his face. He came back then I heard Sapphire muttered 'Good for ya...' grumpily.

"Emerald got 48." we all turn our heads to Emerald who stood up to get his paper with a grin on his face. So he got the highest among of us. I still don't know mine so I can't say for sure. Yeah, Ruby keep dreaming.

"So my only mistakes were Q #29 and Q #33..." Emerald says rather defeated then returns back on his seat.

"And here's the last one," Sir. Steven suddenly announces that took all of my classmates attention. I snapped and began to sweat buckets. This is kind situation sure is tensing.

He looked at me with a gentle smile and instead of calling me to get my paper he showed it to the whole class, proudly.

My eyes widens and my jaw dropped.

M-my sc-score is 50? A perfect score?!

The class went into a moment of silence after they gasped before Emerald himself speaks out. "H-how is that even possible?" I turned to look at his shock face. But my shock was more than his.

I'm sure dad's made a prank on this one! No, dad won't do such a thing. But I should at least had even one mistake! Wait, why am I doubting my hard work? But I'm not that doubting 'cause I can feel that my smile stretched ear to ear.

"How did Ruby got the answers Q #29, Q #33 and Q #42?" Topaz exclaimed in disbelief. I was too stunned to answer his question so Sir. Steven instead was the one who did. Those were the hard unrelated - but related - to the quiz topic that confuses us.

He looked at the said questions and scanned them. "Well, " he began. "The answer in question no. 29 is a legendary Pokemon." he says with 'as-a-matter-of-fact' tone. He asked the class if anyone did have the right answer on that question but no one did nor raised their hand to answer.

I was really surprised that no one really knew the answer on the question. Truth to be told that I just remembered dad mentioning that in his class one time when he talked about his Pokemon. He said a fact that most of us didn't care that much but I got interested in.

"The answer in this question is Regigigas." he announced when no one said a word. Few made gasps sound and some nodded. "Their total base stats are 670. However only their Attack and Speed stat are the only similarities they had. Attack is 160 and Speed is 100." he explained further and added; "Slaking is also tied with Groudon and Kyogre still in this question it is asking what Pokemon that's a Normal type tied with Slaking. So, I know some of you answered Groudon and some Kyogre which is why you're wrong." Sir. Steven let's out a chuckle then glance at the class.

I saw few raised their hands and I also saw Wally raised his hand. They admitted that they did answered one of those two.

After that, Sir. Steven explained the other two questions. In question no. 33 the answer was Audino. Audino is a Pokemon that can be found in Unova region. And as for question no. 42, the answer is - for Ho-oh's sake - Arceus. When most of my classmates didn't get why Arceus is the answer Sir. Steven explained so all of us could understand, besides me since I had few research about that Pokemon when I was a kid.

Sir. Steven isn't only a strong Champion but also a very darn smart teacher that all students admire. I can hear most female students in this school talking about him. Those ones who liked Sir. Steven.

All of us laughed softly and after that he dismissed us completely. I fixed my bag as well as Sapphire and Wally does when only the three of us were left in the room. They both headed to the door calling for me being a Slowpoke. I was about to leave when Sir. Steven spoke; "Ruby, " he called out and because of that I was left there completely frozen and flustered.

It's not like I'm planning on avoiding him or anything. It's just that I'm scared that I might ask that question to him...

I turned slightly on my back to make contact with him so he wouldn't suspect anything if I was avoiding him or not.

I should be happy that he answered my confession but what am I doing now? It's like I'm ditching him. Right? It should be the opposite? Sure, a lot of girls in this school - and let's just say even in other region that a lot of tourist just came to Hoenn just to witness his handsomeness - loves him. I have the feeling that I'm starting to doubt that he's only doing this for fun.

I know, I know! I know that he's not that kind of person to do that! But even so, it was so fast! Maybe I was the first guy that confessed to him that he thought of trying me out?

RUBY! STOP! STOP BEING SO RIDICULOUS! HE IS NOT LIKE THAT, YOU HEAR ME?! YOU'RE JUST BEING LIKE THAT BECAUSE YOU'RE DARN NERVOUS!!

"Y-yes?" I tried not to stammer but failed miserably. I saw him eying me with suspicion before it disappeared quickly. Sapphire and Wally were still at the door waiting for me. "I'd like to talk to you. Mind if we have some privacy, Sapphire, Wally?" he looked at them with a smile so that won't come out rude.

They both nodded in agreement, "Get ready to be scolded, Ruby." Sapp whispered on my ear the left with Wally. "Well then, we'll leave first." Wally informed us then left in a dash, slamming the door shut. Knowing that whenever someone scolded me - for example my dad - it take some time before he finishes so the two of them got tired of waiting so they leave first.

I gulped in tense, my back was still on his view so I have to turn around to look at him of course. Easy said but hard to be done. Feeling myself shaking in nervousness, I flinch when I was suddenly hugged in those pair of strong arms. I noticed that I began to relax when I can smell his alluring smell.

His head was on the left side of mine then he spoke; "What's wrong, Ruby?" he asked with husk on his tone sending few shivers on my poor spine. My heart rate sped and I was becoming nervous again of what he might do.

I pursed my lips and turn my head to my right side to avoid seeing him on the corner of my sight. "W-why are you doing this?" I asked him in low tone when I gained the courage after some moments of staying in that position. "I'm just hugging you 'cause I'm happy." he simply said with a hint of happiness on his tone.

Why am I getting all negative?

"No." I said strongly and I felt him jolt at that. "What do you mean?" he lets go of me and turn me around to face him straight. "D-do you dislike this?" I was taken aback, but didn't move an inch, when he said that with pain on his tone. I don't want to hurt him but what am I doing now?

"No, it's not like that..." I muttered and looked on my side to face the white board. "It's just that... I thought you would think it's stupid for a kid like me to like a teacher. And I thought you would just ignore my dumb confession that I have for almost 10 years..." I made that part in audible tone yet I know he did heard that.

Now I'm having a lot of second thoughts! What if someone discovered us? If he really do have the same feelings then that means he is... he is a pedo- No. I don't want to even think about it. It doesn't matter right?

"Ruby. " he said in a stern manner. Now it's my time to jolt and so I did. I was surprised that he suddenly grab a hold on my chin and forced me to face him. And what did next surprised me more.

Sir. Steven crashed his lips on mine. I stood there dumbfounded. Oh, how I missed this feeling even it just happened yesterday.

I didn't respond on that kiss but that didn't mean I hated it. I was just unsure of this feelings in me.

He broke the kiss after some moments. His eyes pierced on mine; "Don't ever think about it." he said with threat but with sound more assuring. He crashed me again on his pair of arms then my cheek on his oh-so chest.

Just. What. Is. Happening.

What happened to the Steven Stone everyone knew? Where did he went? Who is this person hugging me now?

My body completely gone stiff when I heard him whisper something on my ear.

"I love you, Ruby."

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