He was told to relax more, to unwind, and to relieve some of the stress and tension that has began to make it unable to sleep comfortable at night. With the hot topic of the season being some kind of glamorous sauna in Lavaridge Town that people from around the world are flocking too, the scarred man decided to give it a shot. He wasn’t normally the type to do this kind of… pampering. But hey, only live once right?

“I- I think I’m ready.” His cheeks turned a bright shade of red, hand rose to scratch the back of his neck feeling embarrassed. The other hand was in a tight fist, firmly holding the white soft towel that covered most of his lower portions. The man felt strange being practical naked in front of complete strangers, not seeing how this would help anyone. Not to mention, his burn scars across his chest being so visible. He turned to the receptionist, unsure of what to do next. “Where do I-“

The man turned to the sound of a familiar voice, brows rose in surprise. “Selena?” He hadn’t heard from her in a very long time, assuming that she was either too busy or has moved to a different region. “Is that you?” If his cheeks could be even more red, they would be now. His gaze flickered over her, noticing something different. But yet, still seemed very familiar. “You look-“ different was what came to mind, but quickly changed it to “good.” Free hand moved to cover his mouth in a fake cough, feeling uncomfortable already. “Uhhh- Yeah. Sure. I honestly don’t know where to go. I have never done this before.”

[attr="class","wizzcred"]❤ wizz

So many questions he wanted to ask her zipped through his mind all at the same time. He hasn’t heard or seen her in so long. What happened? Why did she vanish? Was she purposely ignoring her? Did he scare her away? Was there someone else in the picture? Is she in some kind of deep trouble? Did she go on vacation? Etc. Etc. Of course, none of these many inquiry the man wanted answers too came out. In fact, his facial features remained in the slightly confused yet content matter.

And when she mentioned being a sauna virgin, his face only got redder. If, the was even possible. He let out an uncomfortable chuckle, letting the woman pull him along without any resistance to her demand. He wasn’t even in the sauna yet and he already felt hot and sweaty. Great. “Yeah,” he manages to get out after a hard swallow, an amiable grin on his face, “Sure. Let’s go.” Yet again, so many thing raced through his mind yet his mouth remained silent. Maverick was thankful that Selena knew his silence was just who was was. Though maybe, he would ask a few once in their hot room.

[attr="class","wizzcred"]❤ wizz

The silence between them was strange, but oddly welcoming. And despite the unexpected first inquiry, it felt more natural then he would have ever thought. One brow rose, a hint of a smirk tugged the edge of his lip looking awfully smug. Has she been keeping tabs on him? “And who told you that?” He teased, following her to the sauna without hesitation, “I could ask you the same question.” She too, as least as far as he knew, stepped down from the ranks of gym leader.

The man paused for a moment as if he was waiting for her retort but only chuckled, responding before she could offer one. “I have my eyes on a bigger prize.” Playfully, he eyed her. Only to roll his eyes jokingly and look forward, feeling comfortable already despite the time away from each other. “I wanted more than a gym leader title.” It wasn’t fame, he cared less about that. Maverick wanted to be something bigger. At first, his target was an Elite Four. But now, not even the thought of being Champion seemed satisfying enough. “The problem is, I don’t know what it is that I seek.”

The trainer wasn’t the type to tell just anyone this. So the fact that he admitted this to her, meant he was closer to her more than he would care to admit. Which was strange because honestly, he hardly knew her.

[attr="class","wizzcred"]❤ wizz