Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Taunie stood outside the entrance of Hotel Z, her posture relaxed yet guarded as the building loomed behind her—a shadow of its former glory since the events of the Infinite Battle Royale. She believed she had made the right choice; it was a deeply personal decision, one she felt compelled to make. However, that didn’t make it any easier for her, especially as she remembered Lida and Naveen's initial, crestfallen expressions when she shared the news with them. Even though they had promised to always be Team MZ, the weight of her decision still lingered. It wouldn't get any easier. Just as she gathered the courage to walk away, she saw her rival—and more importantly, her dear friend—approaching. Just the sight of her friend brought a smile back to her face, although it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Well, well, look who we have here! Fancy meeting you, Harmony," she greeted. However, her expression quickly shifted to one of shyness. "I know I asked you to announce my departure, but I realized it was irresponsible of me to put that responsibility on you. So!" She placed her hands on her hips and concluded, "Here I am! What's up?"

Harmony gave her friend a smile, but it also didn’t quite feel like the sort she was usually able to offer. “Hey. I’m guessing you told everyone already?” She let out a small laugh. “Thank you, either way. I could’ve done it but I think they would’ve appreciated it more coming from you.” The girl sighed. “Still, it’s really not going to be the same without you, you know. There won’t be nearly as much chaotic energy!”

"Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of ways to keep things interesting without me around to stir the pot." She responded with a soft chuckle, her expression softening as she studied her rival's face. "But yes, I did let the others know. I figured it was only fair, considering how much they’ve done for me over the years." She glanced back at the hotel with a wistful look in her eyes. "It wasn’t an easy decision, you know? Walking away from something that has been such a big part of my life." Turning back to the girl in front of her, she tried to lighten the mood by playfully punching her arm. "But hey, don’t sell yourself short! You’re a force of nature all on your own."

“In a good way, I hope?” Harmony asked, wringing her hands. Even when facing down the mutated Prism Tower, or any of the challenges before it, she hadn’t felt this nervous. All she needed to do was get her words out, regardless of what the girl’s response would be. So why did it feel like such a monumental task? “When…when do you think we’ll see each other next?”

Taunie's brow furrowed slightly. After spending a significant amount of time together, she could clearly understand her friend’s emotions. However, she chose not to pry, recognizing that this situation must have been just as difficult for her friend. It was only natural for her to have a lot on her mind. Therefore, Taunie stepped closer and spoke in a gentle yet firm tone—

"I promise I'll come visit you as soon as I can," she replied honestly, reaching forward to place her hand on her rival's hair and ruffle it affectionately, her touch lingering a bit longer than usual. "Listen, no matter where I go or what I do, you will always be important to me. Everything we've experienced together—from stopping the rogue mega evolutions to subduing Ange—will never fade away just because I'm no longer wearing the Team MZ badge. Those are memories I will always cherish with you."

Harmony felt herself hesitating, especially as Taunie pulled her hand away. A moment of silence stretched between them, and after that, it seemed Taunie was preparing to leave. Yet as she shifted, Harmony spoke up.

“I…there are still memories I want to make!” she shouted louder than she meant to. “I-I mean…there’s still so much for me to say, but…for some reason, even though I want to say it, some part of me…is scared.” She looked up to meet her eyes. “But I would hate myself if you left before I could say it.”

Taunie froze mid-step, her body tensing as the brunette's words hit her like a physical blow. She turned to fully face her friend again, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion.

"Memories to make? Things to say?" she repeated, meeting Harmony's gaze with her soft blue eyes. A flicker of vulnerability emerged, accompanied by a cacophony of emotions—hope, fear, and anticipation—each reflecting her uncertainty about what to expect. "Harmony, what are you trying to tell me? If there's something on your mind, something you need to get off your chest, I'm all here to help."

Harmony continued to fidget as she had to take a few deep breaths before she found herself able to speak again.

“What…do you think of me? Just…as a whole?” she asked tentatively, hoping her friend would pick up on her tone.

Taunie’s breath caught in her throat at the question, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She took a moment to compose herself, her usual quick wit momentarily leaving her in light of this unexpected situation. Although she didn't know what to expect, this possibility had never crossed her mind. Even still…

"Harmony, I..." she began, then paused, searching for the right words. "You're not just anyone to me; you never have been. From the moment we met, you have been an incredible force in my life. Your courage, reliability, and kindness, along with your unwavering commitment to standing up for what is right, are truly inspiring." A smile, this time filled with reverence, tugged at her lips. "Beyond all that, you're my best friend—the person I trust the most in this world."

Harmony let out a dry laugh. Her cheeks were flushed from such praise, but Taunie could still tell it wasn’t what she’d wanted to hear, and her saddened expression only made that more clear as she looked right into her eyes. “Just…” She bit her lip, not wanting to finish her thought at first. But knowing she needed to say it now or she never would, she continued. “Just…friends?”

Taunie’s heart skips a beat at Harmony’s question, the implication hitting her like a tidal wave. For a long moment, she simply stared at Harmony, her expression a whirlwind of shock, realization, and barely restrained emotion. In that moment, she fully recognized what Harmony was truly asking. It dawned on her the depths of her own feelings, the way her heart raced whenever she was near, and the ache in her chest at the thought of leaving her behind. However, that was exactly why she wasn't sure if she wanted to take that next step, fearing it would only hurt both of them more.

"I..." Taunie took a shaky breath, gathering all her courage to express her feelings. "No. We’re not just friends. At least, we haven’t been for a long time." The words poured out of her, like a dam breaking loose, and her cheeks flushed crimson as she looked away. "After you beat me in front of Prism Tower, I realized it... but I was too stubborn to admit it—too scared of ruining our friendship. I'm sorry it had to come out now, of all times..."

Harmony’s eyes went wide at the realization of what she said, having had to take a moment to process it. “You…you mean you…feel the same? Truly?” Harmony shook her head. “Because if you’re just saying it to be nice I don’t want to hear it.”

She took a step forward and gently took Taunie’s hands in her own. “Because…I mean it. Every word of this when I say it: I…I love you. And I think for a long time now…I’ve wanted more than what we have. So if you’re also serious…” She took a deep breath again, flushing deeply, “…then kiss me.”

Taunie felt her heart soar at Harmony's confession as she gazed into her friend's eyes, knowing this moment was fleeting. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a complete loss for words. In the next instant, a wave of joy washed over her, causing a brilliant smile to spread across her face. Although the blonde could be dense at times, she was currently perceptive enough to realize that this was about to be the happiest moment for both of them. Whatever happened in the future could wait; she didn’t want to ruin this moment. Most importantly, she didn’t want to break the heart of the person closest to her—her friend, the savior of Lumiose. Therefore—

"I mean every word. I love you, Harmony." With those final words, Taunie closed the gap between them, pressing her lips softly against her lover's in a tender kiss.

Despite being the one to ask for it, the kiss still surprised her. She almost took an involuntary step back as her eyes shot open. But when it hit Harmony in full force, the softness and warmth of her lips against her own, her eyelids fluttered closed. Her hand reached up and gently cupped her cheek as she kissed her back, not giving a damn if anyone saw them. Not when she felt more comfort in this single moment than she’d ever felt in her life. Not when her body felt like it was electrified from the inside out.

It was fleeting, but even seconds turned to hours as they kissed, and when Taunie pulled away, it felt like a piece of Harmony’s soul left, but even so, she felt heat cascading throughout her entire body as she breathed a single word. “Wow…”

“Yeah, wow indeed,” she murmured, a breathless laugh escaping her lips as her eyes sparkled with joy and affection. For Taunie, what had just happened felt like something out of her most wonderful dream. Yet, the warm, tingling sensation, the heat coursing through her body, and her desire to experience it again made it unmistakably clear: this was reality. “That was... incredible—better than anything I ever imagined.”

“So…you really…” Harmony felt light on her feet, but a crushing reminder brought her back down. “And now…we won’t see each other very much, huh?” She let out another weak laugh. “So much for making memories, huh? Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to treasure that kiss, but…I wanted to make more.” She sighed. “Guess…I should’ve told you before, shouldn’t I?”

Even though Taunie still felt light on her feet, she quickly pulled her new lover into a tight embrace, resting her chin on her head as she stroked her hair soothingly.

"Hey, none of that now. Don’t you dare blame yourself for anything. And if you do, at least blame me too!" Pulling back just enough to tilt her chin up and force their eyes to meet, she continued, "We both had our reasons, but that doesn’t matter. The distance between us doesn’t change how I feel. If anything, it makes me want to cherish every moment we have together even more." Moving her hands to Harmony’s cheeks, her thumbs ready to wipe away any tears that might fall, she firmly vowed, "We’ll make it work. You and me."

“I mean…you say that but…” Harmony nuzzled against the girl’s hand. “I want something else to remember you by. Something else…spectacular, something I could never forget. But I’m not sure what that could possibly be, at least not something in such a short time.” She reached up and grasped her hand, squeezing it tightly.

"Harmony, I want nothing more than to create a memory that you will cherish forever—something beautiful and meaningful," she confessed, her free hand moving to gently caress her cheek as Taunie considered her options. It didn't take long for an idea to form in her mind, inspired by her natural enthusiasm and boldness, along with the setting sun casting a lovely orange glow over the plaza, enhancing the emotions she had kept in check for so long. Still, despite their limited time together, she wasn’t sure if Harmony would be open to her consideration, and Taunie respected her too much to rush into anything. After a brief internal debate, she decided to ask, "Since we’re dating now, how does sharing a room tonight sound?" she suggested before adding hurriedly, "Only if you’re okay with that, of course!"

The girl’s eyes once again shot open, and she beamed. “That sounds wonderful! B-But only if you’re comfortable with that too! It’s not exactly a king-sized bed or anything, we’d be pretty close…” As she said it, the thought of them spooning each other made her cheeks burn all over again, and she let out a giggle to try and offset it.

Taunie's face lit up with joy and relief, her eyes twinkling with mirth and anticipation before chuckling softly at her lover's adorable giggling, finding her bashfulness utterly charming.

"Close quarters with you? That sounds like pure bliss to me," she responded warmly. "I would happily spend the night wrapped around you in a twin bed if it meant I could hold you closely." Leaning in, her lips barely brushed Harmony's ear as she whispered, "Besides, being snug as a bug in a rug with you all night long... now that's the kind of cozy I could definitely get used to~" Finally, she pulled back and shot her a playful wink. "Shall we get started, then?"

Meanwhile, Harmony had sort of short-circuited, not only from the thought of being held closely by the girl she’d crushed on for weeks now, but also the closeness of her lips. It took her a moment—and a look from Taunie—for her to regain her senses. “Y-Yeah! I-I suppose we should…” She turned and whispered quietly to herself. “Oh my Arceus…”

"Hey there, Earth to Harmony?" she teased, a playful giggle escaping her lips. Her voice was warm with affection as she reached out to take Harmony's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Just remember, we don't have to do anything you're not completely comfortable with. This is all new territory for both of us, and that's okay. We'll take it one step at a time—no rushing, no pressure. Just you, me, and whatever feels right in the moment."

“YES I WANT TO CUDDLE WITH YOU!” Harmony shouted, before her cheeks turned bright red. “I-I mean, yes I’m ready, ready to go lay in bed with you…” She let out a nervous laugh. “S-Sorry, I just…I’ve never…liked anyone like this before.”

"It's okay! I completely understand," she reassured, gently rubbing her thumb in circles on the back of Harmony's palm. "I'm honored to share this experience with you, Harmony. So, without further ado~"

True to her word, she led Harmony back toward Hotel Z. Once inside, the lobby was empty, which thankfully spared Taunie from having to explain why they had returned so soon and why Harmony seemed to be struggling to control her breathing. They then stepped into the elevator and rode up to the second floor.

"Brings back memories of when I brought you here, doesn’t it?" Taunie chuckled as the elevator door opened shortly afterward. "Please, after you."

Despite the fact that what they were doing was rather innocent, it still made the girl’s heart pound in her chest as she stepped out of the elevator, with Taunie following close behind. The two made their way toward Harmony’s room, the space suddenly feeling far more intimate as they stepped inside, with Harmony closing then locking the door behind them. She usually did it on reflex but this time she double checked that it was locked so they wouldn’t be interrupted.

As Taunie stepped further into the room, a playful smirk pulled at her lips, although it was hidden since her back was turned to Harmony. A moment later, before her brunette lover could fully settle in, Taunie suddenly exclaimed, "Okay, it's time for us to take our clothes off!"

It took a moment for the words to register, but when they did, Harmony stopped dead in her tracks. “H-Huh?” Her face burned hotter than she could ever remember. “I-I…wha?! I-Isn’t that a little fast? I mean, I wouldn’t exactly be opposed but we just started dating and I’m not sure if—”

"We need to change, don't we~?" she teased, another light giggle escaping her lips. "Or, what? Would you rather have us sleep together like this? That might be a little uncomfortable."

Harmony stared at her with a blank expression. “Oh. Yeah, that’s…that’s a good point. I’ll…uh…go change in the bathroom.” The girl walked over to her closet, grabbed her clothes, then made her rather awkward move to the bathroom.

"Take your time!" Taunie called out to her, waving. She then began to undress, humming softly to herself, filled with joy and contentment she never expected to feel today. Since they headed directly to Harmony's room, the blonde didn’t have a chance to grab her pajamas. However, she didn't mind being in just her underwear in front of Harmony. She quickly slid off her jacket, then grabbed the hem of her cropped red top and pulled it over her head. After that, she took off her shorts, stepping out of them and leaving most of her toned body exposed, except for what was covered by her matching white bra and panties. Finally, she neatly placed her clothes on a nearby seat and awaited her lover's return.

After a moment, Harmony stepped out of the bathroom with a sigh, dressed in a cropped tank top and long, comfy-looking pants. “Well, I don’t know if you were already tired or not, but if you aren’t, we could watch some videos on my phone or—”

She paused as she noticed Taunie was clad in only her underwear. Her tongue caught in her throat as she couldn’t stop from looking her up and down, her body shaking violently as something rushed through her.

“A-Ah! S-Sorry, I thought you were done, I can—!”

"Oh, hey! Welcome back!" Taunie greeted, her heart racing at the sight of her adorable Harmony's reaction to her near-nakedness. It was incredibly cute, and she couldn't resist teasing her further. With a wink at the brunette, Taunie added, "You arrived at the perfect time; I just finished up, but I can put my top back on if that makes you feel more comfortable?"

“YOU’RE SLEEPING LIKE THAT?!” Harmony cried, and as Taunie moved, her barely-clad chest shifted, drawing the girl’s eyes. Catching sight of her cleavage, Harmony shuddered once more and turned away, trying to be respectful. “H-How are we going to cuddle like that?!” When she realized what she said, she hesitated. “I-I mean…unless we weren’t cuddling? Sorry for assuming, I just thought we would…you know…” She trailed off as Taunie stepped toward her.

"Of course we’re going to! And I don’t mind if you look; we’re dating now, after all," Taunie said confidently as she approached the girl. She stopped when she was just within arm’s reach, tilting her head with a mix of concern and curiosity. "What’s wrong? Don’t you want to cuddle while I'm dressed like this?"

“I do! It’s just…I don’t want to overstep boundaries,” Harmony admitted, still nervous to look. “I mean I’m fine with it if you are, but I want to be sure. A-And…” She glanced over. “I can really…look?”

"Of course," she replied gently and without hesitation, giving an encouraging nod and placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "The purpose of this was to create as many pleasant memories as possible, remember? Besides, I want you to always feel comfortable and at ease with me!"

Harmony swallowed the lump in her throat and took a deep breath. She faced the girlfriend, and let her eyes wander down, down, down, to the cleavage now clearly visible between the cups of her bra. Within only a few seconds, Harmony could already feel herself trembling again, her legs feeling weak. So, to try and offset it and make a move, she opened her arms and pulled the girl into a tight, underdressed hug, hoping it would hide her blush.

Taunie gasped in surprise at first, but soon a delighted laugh escaped her lips. She enthusiastically wrapped her arms around her lover, pressing her nearly bare body against her and holding her as tightly and warmly as possible.

"That's more like it," she said cheerfully, nuzzling her face into the crook of Harmony's neck. "It's so sweet of you to be considerate of my feelings and boundaries. Honestly, it makes me feel even more like I've won the jackpot in the girlfriend lottery!"

But Harmony couldn’t concentrate on her words. She was far, far too focused on the feeling of their chests pressed together, and the pleasant smell of Taunie’s hair as they embraced, both of which left her feeling dizzy.

“God your boobs feel nice~” Harmony blurted out before she could help herself.

Taunie's eyes widened in surprise at her lover's blunt statement, and a deep blush spread across her cheeks once again. For a moment, she was at a loss for words, her usual confidence faltering in response to such a direct compliment. Then, slowly, a mischievous grin spread across her face, her blue eyes twinkling with delight and barely suppressed laughter.

"Oh my, how bold!" she teased, her voice low and playful. She then pressed herself even closer, deliberately allowing her lover to feel every curve of her body. "Though, I must say, I'm very happy you approve~"

“D-Did I say that out loud?” Harmony asked, her face paling. “S-Sorry, I didn’t mean it! I mean, I did mean it, it’s true, they are, and I wanna feel them more and oh my Arceus they’re so soft, but…” Harmony stopped herself as she realized she was rambling once again. “How about we just get in bed?”

"There's no need to apologize for speaking your mind! I'm flattered that you find me attractive," Taunie replied reassuringly. Then, she leaned forward and placed her mouth beside Harmony's ear, before teasingly yet lovingly whispering with genuine sincerity, "If you wanted to feel more, I wouldn't mind if it were you~" After pulling back and winking again, she finally released Harmony from the embrace. "Anyway, sure! I’d love to get in bed. After how eventful today has been, I'm exhausted!"

Left with that image, Harmony was once again frozen on the spot, letting out a small laugh. “Like…me…t-touch? Oh…” It took Taunie giggling at her for her to snap out of it again and shamefully climb into bed, nearly burying herself under the covers.

Taunie let out a light laugh before climbing into bed beside the brunette. The mattress dipped slightly under their shared weight as she scooted closer, draping an arm around her lover's waist and pulling her snugly against her. The warmth of her nearly bare skin seeped through the thin fabric of Harmony's tank top, feeling warm and inviting.

"No need to feel embarrassed!" she assured her. "Remember what I said: we'll go at whatever pace feels right for you. I'm here to help you feel loved in whatever way you need—whether that's just cuddling like this or exploring more intimate touches." Although she was tempted to tease her further, noting how her reaction suggested a preference for the latter, she mercifully decided to spare her this time.

Harmony, once again, felt like she could barely breathe. Her heart was beating so fast it felt like it would explode through both skin and clothes to break free of her own nervousness. Not that it didn’t feel amazing—she hadn’t realized how large Taunie was until now—but it was somewhat intimidating, in the best possible way. However, she did latch onto one specific thing she said while panicking under her touch.

“Intimate…touches.” Harmony said it softly, testing the words in her mouth. “I think…I’d like that.”

The revelation shouldn’t have come as a surprise. After all, all the signs had pointed to this moment. Still, when Harmony spoke those words aloud, Taunie felt her breath catch almost imperceptibly at Harmony’s soft, tentative voice. Her blue eyes darkened with desire as a thought that she had briefly considered while they were outside resurfaced in her mind—a thought she had since tried to push away. Now, however, it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

"Are you sure about this, Harmony?" Taunie asked softly, her hand gently gliding up Harmony's arm in a comforting caress. As far as Harmony’s descriptions of 'something spectacular' and 'something they could never truly forget' went, there was no better option. However, Taunie wanted to be absolutely certain, emphasizing, "Before we do anything... I need you to be completely sure."

“Oh don’t get me wrong, I’m nervous as hell,” Harmony said with a laugh. “But…I love you. I meant that, and…I meant it when I said I wanted to make memories I’d never forget. Sure, some might say that’s moving fast but…I trust you. You’ve already shown me that you respect my comfort zones so much already.” Harmony smiled. “So yes, I want to do…that with you, if you would be willing to, because I’m sure something like that truly would be something I’d never forget in three thousand years.”

Taunie's heart swelled with emotion at her lover's heartfelt declaration, tears of joy prickling at her eyes due to the power and sincerity of her words. "Oh, Harmony," she breathed out, her voice now thick with love and barely restrained passion. "You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say that. I love you too, so very much. More than I ever thought possible."

With that statement, she once again takes the initiative to close the distance between herself and her beautiful, adorable girlfriend. She captures her lips in another kiss that starts off soft and sweet. However, as she pours more of her emotions into the gentle connection of their mouths, the kiss steadily grows more heated with each passing moment.

Harmony, being completely inexperienced, decided to let her girlfriend take the lead. Of course, she wouldn’t stand by and do nothing, and so she closed her eyes and kissed the girl back. She did her best to match the girl’s passion, but she felt almost weak in comparison. Even so, she poured everything she had into it, and within less than a minute, she felt drunk off the tingling sensation now coursing through her. Without even fully meaning to, her hand slowly slid up her stomach, and grazed the bottom of her bra, touching the lower crest of one of the girl’s breasts.

A soft moan, the first of the night, escaped Taunie's lips. The fleeting touch of someone other than herself, brushing against her breast, sent electricity coursing through her body and filled her with profound joy—one that was impossible to find anywhere else. She couldn't have chosen a better person to share this moment with. Fortunately, that same joy inspired her to make her beloved girlfriend feel as wonderful as possible. With that in mind, she was more than happy to reciprocate her lover's advance. Her fingers trailed up the front of her girlfriend's tank top, eventually reaching and wrapping around her smaller, yet undeniably beautiful bust. Finally, she gave it a gentle experimental squeeze.

The girl then let out a moan of her own, though far less quiet than her girlfriend’s. Unaware that her chest was as sensitive as this, she leaned into the touch as she tried to keep her breathing under control. With Taunie taking the lead there, she felt a little more confident to cup the girl’s breast entirely, able to feel just how soft it was once more, even with the fabric between them. She smiled at her lover as she too gave it a much more firm squeeze.

Taunie's breath caught in her throat as an unfamiliar yet delightfully pleasant sensation pulsed through her core. She let out a low, husky moan as her back arched, pushing her chest further into Harmony's palm before she pulled away from the kiss. Even though she knew it was only temporary, an overwhelming urge to capture her girlfriend's soft lips tugged at her. Still, despite her excitement and deeply rooted love, Taunie managed to restrain herself. Instead, she gave an encouraging smile and said—

"H-Harmony," she breathed, unbothered to hide the arousal now lightly coloring her tone. "Just like that; that feels wonderful..."

“S-Sorry if I’m not…very good at this,” Harmony said. “I don’t have much experience, but I’ll do my best.” She leaned in and once again pressed her lips to Taunie’s, melting into her warmth as she moved her other hand up to squeeze her other breast as well. She felt her girlfriend’s nipples already peaking through the fabric, but she focused on just squeezing them first, wanting to draw out more sounds from her, even if they would be muffled by the kiss.

Just as Harmony wished, her lover's sounds grew louder and more urgent with each squeeze. The pressure and friction sent jolts of pleasure throughout her body, leaving her inexperienced yet sensitive form shuddering. Taunie found herself becoming overwhelmed, feeling as if she couldn't get enough. She craved more of this sensation and desired more of her lover, wanting as much as she could have.

"Hahhh... You're doing wonderfully, my love," Taunie encouraged after briefly pulling back, only to press their lips together again a moment later, giving Harmony's breast a hearty squeeze in return. The blonde felt completely content in that moment. She was immersed in its heavenly embrace and wished it would never end. However, as time went on, her desire to explore their boundaries grew stronger. So she extended her tongue, tracing the seam of Harmony's lips, seeking permission to deepen their connection.

In response, Harmony parted her lips enough to let her do what she wanted. The entire experience was already intoxicating, and Harmony could barely think of anything else other than the woman before her as she started to rub her fingertips against the nubs of Taunie’s nipples, feeling them twitch against the confines of her bra. Her own body trembled with every squeeze and touch of Taunie’s nimble hands.

Strangled cries of ecstasy flooded from Taunie's mouth one after another as her mind became clouded by the fog of desire. Her actions were now a puppet to the long-held cravings she had for her girlfriend. Though a part of her urged her to remain still and allow her lovely partner to explore and pleasure her, she knew she still had a role to fulfill. With that in mind, she gracefully accepted Harmony's invitation. Her tongue delved deep into her partner's mouth, entangling with hers. The taste was intoxicating, and she drank it in greedily, savoring the sweetness of her lover's kiss. Her arm, seemingly guided by its own will, slid down from her chest, traced her hips, and finally found her butt, giving it a firm, energetic squeeze.

Unable to resist any longer, Harmony grabbed Taunie’s bra and lifted it, exposing her breasts as they jiggled, but only for a moment before she latched her hands onto both and squeezed. She could feel her hands sinking into her soft skin, and the sensation only furthered to muddle her mind beyond all sense and clarity. She felt her toes curl from Taunie’s grasping of her behind, and she gasped into her lips, her body trembling so hard it almost hurt as tendrils of pleasure snuck through her body with every grasp.

Taunie gasped sharply, feeling her girlfriend's gentle touch on her bare skin. With no barriers between them, the blonde could now fully experience her lover's warmth and passion, and to say it was heavenly would be an understatement. Her hips bucked involuntarily as she felt a growing heat between her thighs, her arousal rising once again. However, she was determined to prolong the experience for as long as possible—for both of them. After a few extra seconds of their passionate kiss, Taunie pulled back slightly, but not far enough for her lover to see her face, which was undoubtedly filled with longing.

"Let's remove these pesky clothes, shall we?" she suggested, her hands sliding back up her lover's hips and finding their grip on the hem of Harmony's crop tank top.

The trainer allowed her to do as she pleased, feeling her cheeks bloom with heat as her clothing was removed, leaving her chest now entirely exposed. She felt the instant the to cover them, but fought it off as she could feel Taunie’s eyes on her. If she wasn’t already aroused, that alone would’ve been enough to make her nipples harden in response. “Wh-What do you think?”

Taunie's eyes sparkled with a mix of adoration and amusement at the question. Her gaze wandered over every curve and dip of her upper body before a slow, wicked grin spread across her face. With a teasing tone, she replied, "What do I think? Love, you're the most beautiful person I've ever seen in my life. What do you think~?"

Before doing anything else, the blonde reached behind her and unclasped her bra, shuffling it off and tossing it aside. Then, she repositioned her hands and wrapped her fingers around the contours of her lover's mounds. Finally, flashing a subtle, mischievous smirk, she leaned down and planted a gentle kiss against one of her sensitive peaks.

“A-Ah! That’s…s-sensitive!” Harmony cried. With the momentary pause, she’d regained some clarity and now felt completely embarrassed at the situation unfolding, feeling like steam was coming out of her ears. And yet that single kiss sent her spiraling all over again as she grabbed Taunie’s head with a gasping breath.

Taunie chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she glanced upward, taking in her girlfriend's adorably embarrassed expression. "Oh, is it now?" she cooed, before giving her nipple a playful nip. "You're so responsive; it's adorable~"

To prove her point and give her Harmony as much bliss as possible, she continued to shower attention on the brunette's breasts, alternating between gentle kisses and teasing flicks of her tongue. Simultaneously, her hands roamed over her lover's body, exploring every inch of her newly exposed skin.

“Y-You’re…you’re gonna make me…f-finish before you even…!” Indeed, she almost felt faint with how good the pleasure felt. Her body twisted and turned and thrashed with every little tease of her nubs, leaving her feeling tingling between the legs.

She once more reached out her own hands up and in an attempt to keep things even, she grasped Taunie’s breasts in her palms and squeezed, pulling in close to start kissing her cheek, moaning all the while as she found herself getting lost in the clouds once more.

Taunie’s breath hitched, the sudden pressure sending another jolt of pleasure straight to her core. Unbothered, she let out another moan, her sounds mingling with those of her lover, overwhelmed by the sensation of the hard nubs scraping against Harmony’s perfect, unblemished skin. Still, she maintained enough clarity to tilt her head, granting her lover easier access to her cheek for kisses.

"Hahh... I love feeling your hands on me," the girl admitted. "Don't worry, I won't let you finish until we're both ready to cross that threshold together. Sound good to you, Harmy~?"

“H-Harmy?!” the girl cried, briefly breaking contact. She shuffled around for a moment before she giggled. “That’s really cute…now I need one for you~”

She resumed kissing her cheek, speaking between kisses. “Then…do you want to…um…go the rest of the way?”

The blonde's eyes sparkled with even greater delight than before, and her lips formed an even wider grin—so wide that it hurt. However, Taunie didn't mind. Although she felt a twinge of embarrassment at the thought, the excitement and bliss coursing through her body made that feeling insignificant by comparison.

"Absolutely!" the girl replied eagerly. "Let's show all of Lumiose who we belong to, shall we?"

Harmony nodded eagerly, then paused as once again, clarity returned to her enough to feel embarrassed, and she let out a nervous laugh. “I-I think I’m too nervous, you really should go first.” Another pause. “I-If that’s okay, of course! I mean I’d understand if you wanted to do it second or maybe even together, if you think that would make it more comfortable for—”

Taunie gently placed her finger on the brunette's lips, silencing her worried ramblings. "Shh, there's no need to overthink it, Harmy. I'm perfectly fine with that."

With those words, albeit reluctantly, the second-strongest Mega Evolution trainer moved off of Harmony and stood up. Her confidence unwavering, she grasped the waistband of her panties—the last piece of clothing on her toned body—and slid them down her legs before stepping out of them. Afterward, she turned back to face her girlfriend, smirking playfully, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"Here we are, all bare and beautiful for you," she teased, gesturing to her nude form. "Now it's your turn~"

“Oh my god, holy shit, god it’s smooth, it’s so pretty, fuck I’m gonna die—!” Harmony muttered before having to mentally slap herself to get back to it. She swallowed hard as she reached for her own bottoms with trembling hands, simply unable to tear her eyes away from her lover’s beautiful sex.

But try as she might, she couldn’t muster the courage to do it. She whined to herself, then looked up at Taunie’s face. “C-Can…can you take them off for me?”

Taunie giggled playfully, her expression one of understanding as she climbed back onto the bed for a moment to lean forward and plant a tender kiss on her lover's forehead.

"I'd be happy to," she assured Harmony with a warm smile after pulling back. Then, she carefully shuffled off the bed and positioned herself in a way that allowed her to comfortably disrobe her lover. Gently hooking her fingers around the waistband, she glanced back up at Harmony one last time before slowly tugging down her pants, making sure to move at a pace that would provide her lover with as much comfort as possible.

Harmony covered her face, somewhat scared of her lover’s reaction to seeing her entirely bare form for the first time, letting out a small whimper of embarrassment as she fought the urge to squeeze her legs as tightly together as possible. And yet, she couldn’t keep herself from peeking through her fingers to check Taunie’s expression.

Taunie's expression remained unchanged, radiating warmth, love, and appreciation as she continued at a steady pace until the final article was completely removed from Harmony's beautiful body. Afterward, her eyes lingered on her lover's form in admiration, savoring the sight of her naked body before her gaze returned to Harmony's face—or what was visible, at least.

"Beautiful," Taunie began again. It was just one word, but it carried so much sincerity and weight that it could have been an entire sentence. Then, the blonde placed her fingertips against her lover's leg and slid her hand upward toward her thigh. "I didn't realize how much I needed to see you like this until now," she confessed. "But... I couldn't be happier to recognize that tonight."

Harmony felt she could barely breathe, but it was in the best possible way. She finally removed her hands from her face as she looked into the eyes of the one she truly loved. Hearing those words make her think back to all the pleasant moments they’d shared together, all the battles they fought, and she suddenly felt overwhelmed with emotion. Tears filled the corners of her eyes that she tried to restrain, not wanting to give the wrong idea. Still though, she allowed the words she wanted to say flow through her.

“I love you.”

Taunie's hand froze. Although she had heard those words earlier and was already aware of the unbreakable bond they shared, hearing them again from her lover's lips—delivered in a heavenly tone that conveyed the utmost sincerity—made her heart swell with joy all over again. The emotion was so overwhelming that tears began to build in her eyes, prompting her to blink hard and shake her head lightly to dispel them.

"I love you too, Harmony," Taunie replied, her voice filled with emotion. "More than words can express." With that, the blonde climbed back into bed and pressed her lips against Harmony's once more. The kiss was brief, but with what Taunie said next, both of them knew it would mark the beginning of a new and beautiful chapter. "Let's make tonight truly unforgettable for both of us."

“Please…touch me however you want, Taunie,” she said softly, almost begging. “All I want, all I’ve ever wanted…was your touch.” She reached up and caressed her cheek with one hand as the other slid down her side, making its way to her waist, then finally sliding over her thigh and coming to a rest just at the edge of her sex, Harmony unsure if she wanted to be the one to touch first when she so desperately craved Taunie in ways she never thought she’d get to indulge in. “Please…show me your love.”

Taunie didn't need to be told twice; hearing those words was the final confirmation she needed. Silently, she nodded. Fully allowing her hands to become bolder, she began trailing her fingers along Harmony's inner thigh. Her touch was light and teasing, building anticipation with each pass before finally reaching the edge of her lover's sex.

"Please do with me as you wish," the blonde pleaded, her voice trembling. She knew these would be her final words before her ability to speak faded, replaced by moans filling the bedroom. Only a second later, her fingers made contact with her lover's damp folds, and she began to rhythmically slide her digits in a small, circular motion.

“Oh…ohhhhh~!” Harmony gasped as her body bucked, and she had to grip Taunie tightly to keep herself steady as unimaginable pleasure overcame her entire body. She shuddered with pure ecstasy as her form erupted in bliss, trembling with anticipation—if this was only the start, what would the rest entail?

“T-Taunie…!” Harmony nearly screamed her name before she shot her head back and moaned. Drool was already forming as her lower lips tingled with the girl’s gentle touch.

A wide grin once again spread across Taunie's lips. As the sweet scent of her arousal filled the air, the blonde reveled in the power she held over her partner—the ability to bring such intense bliss. Mischief danced in her eyes as she leaned down. Deciding to continue from where she had previously left off, the girl placed her mouth over her lover's breast again. Only this time, she gently sank her teeth into the hardened tip, savoring the taste and texture of her beloved's skin.

“N-Noooooo~!” Harmony cried, her voice slurred and her mind a mixture of clouded lust and the desire to hold off her climax as long as she could. She could already feel it building from inexperience, but she wanted this feeling to last forever.

She pulled Taunie closer and clamped her legs together as if that would stop her. Her finger movements only continue, pushing her further and further as she moaned into her lover’s ear, which she only heard as joyous, blissful music. “N-Nooo…! D-Don’t…stop…!”

Taunie giggled softly against Harmony's skin, the vibrations of her laughter sending shivers down Harmony's sensitive body. She was acutely aware, both from her own actions and the tone of her lover's voice, of the impact she was having on her. The desperation in the brunette's pleas only intensified her desire to push her lover to new heights. With that at the forefront of her mind, the blonde bit down on her nipple again. However, that was far from all; she ensured the movements of her hand gradually increased in speed until her fingers were drenched in her lover's essence. Taking that as a sign that she was ready, Taunie pressed her index finger down, parted her sex, and began exploring the heat and slickness within.

“T-Taun…I-I can’t…much longer…!” Harmony cried, accidentally giving her lover a nickname as well. Her body was beginning to tense up in preparation, but she didn’t want it to be over yet. She wanted nothing but this feeling to go on forever. She knew it couldn’t, but at least she wanted it to go as long as possible. “A-Ahhhh~!” Her tensing body meant she clenched tightly around the girl’s finger as it explored.

A wave of triumph and joy washed over Taunie's being as she heard not only the beloved nickname that Harmony had given her but also the unmistakable signs of her lover's approaching orgasm. Although the brunette's cries made her feel overwhelmingly hot in her own arousal. She didn't allow that to deter her from redoubling her efforts as she continued to pump her finger into Harmony's quivering depths.

"That's it, Harmy," the blonde encouraged after finally releasing her breast with a satisfying pop. Her voice was low and sensual. "Let it happen... Come undone in my arms~"

“Nnnng~!” She resisted, not wanting to finish just yet, but hearing her lover’s words so adorable coo her into finishing, she couldn’t hold it back any longer. “T-Taunieee~!” She called out her name as she climaxed, spraying her juices onto Taunie’s hand as the waves of pleasure crashed over her like water on the beach. She trembled violently, holding onto her love for support as everything went white from the pure bliss of the sensation.

Taunie believed she had reached the peak of her triumph; however, she was greatly mistaken, watching with pure satisfaction and glee as the storm of pleasure she unleashed unfolded. The blonde kept her fingers deep inside, drawing every drop of ecstasy from her lover's body as the adorable brunette's cries filled the room.

"Oh, baby, you're so beautiful like this," Taunie sighed, her voice soft yet filled with affection and satisfaction as she finally withdrew her drenched fingers. Gently, she pulled Harmony into her arms, cradling her close as the aftershocks of her lover's orgasm rippled through her body. Despite knowing the brunette likely couldn't understand her, she cooed softly, "Truly, you’re just the most adorable thing!"

But that wasn’t the end of it, of course. While for a moment, Taunie was comforting the girl, in the next second, she was suddenly being shoved down onto the bed in surprise. Her confusion was resolved as she looked up to see Harmony looming over her, a determined look on her face, one she hadn’t seen since Prism Tower came to life.

“It’s your turn~” she said with a voice like silk.

For a brief moment, Taunie was genuinely surprised. Her eyes widened as the mere sight of her lover's determination made her heart race. She hadn't expected her charming partner to take charge so quickly, but it sparked a newfound desire in her that she hadn't anticipated. But feeling the heat of her own body and the ache of her folds for Harmony's touch, she welcomed this change wholeheartedly.

"Then let's see what you can do, Harmy," she suggested, a playful smirk spreading across her face as anticipation sent a shiver down her spine. "I'm all yours, but don't expect me to go easy on you~"

With those words, the girl nodded and moved in, placing her lips over Taunie’s breast as her hand groped at the other, immediately putting pressure on both nipples as she gently bit down on one and pinched the other. She wanted to make her partner scream her name if she could, and even if she didn’t have experienced, she was going to do her best.

"AHHHH~!" Taunie cried out loudly, her body jerking involuntarily as an unfamiliar sensation sent sparks flying through her. She arched her back in response to the dual assault of her lover's touch. A raw, unfiltered moan escaped her lips as she instinctively grabbed Harmony's hair, gripping it possessively in a desperate need to hold onto something. "Hnnn...! O-Oh Arceus, that feels...!"

Harmony didn’t let up. She slid a hand down the girl’s body, tracing a careful line with her fingertip down to her belly, tracing a few lazy circles around her belly button. She enveloped the girl’s nipple in her mouth and flicked her tongue against it, enjoying the taste of her wonderful nub as her hand finally slid down once more, and finally settled against her pussy, finding it damp and waiting. She began to rub her sex, drawing more out of her lover, as much as she could.

Taunie’s entire body trembled under Harmony’s skilled touch, her breath coming in ragged gasps as the younger girl’s fingers traced slow, deliberate patterns against her sex. As she finally received the attention she had desperately craved, waves of ecstasy flowed through her slender frame with every movement of her lover’s finger, causing her moans to grow louder in the room. She could feel her ability to express herself slipping away, but she vowed to remain true to her word. Despite her inexperience creating a pressure that was beginning to build within her, she refused to let it end so quickly.

"A-Arceus, you're so... good at this," Taunie managed to say between moans, before spreading herself wider, offering herself completely as her body begged for more. "Don't... Please, don't stop!"

Harmony’s finger wiggled inside her lover’s entrance, feeling her clench around her digit in such a way that Harmony was even beginning to feel tingly all over again. She forced herself to focus however, as she slowly thrusted in and out, all while continuing to suck on her breast. Despite being nothing more than skin, in the motions of what they were doing, it felt like Taunie’s taste was intoxicating, and she happily licked and licked all she could while gently pulling at her other nipple.

The blonde trainer's body writhed beneath Harmony's skilled touch, her sounds transforming into guttural, animalistic noises. Each thrust of the brunette's finger drove her mad with bliss as fresh waves of pleasure crashed over her. Her sense of control faded completely, and her body moved erratically, chasing the delicious friction and surrendering entirely to her lover's expertise.

"Harmony... Harmy~!" Taunie gasped, involuntarily but happily granting the brunette's wish as her nails dug into her lover's back, trying to pull her in closer, desperate for more.

Harmony sped up her movement as added another finger, getting the sense that she’d be able to handle it. She broke her kiss off from the girl’s nipple to instead latch her mouth onto her neck. She planted kisses up and down her skin as she grasped her entire breast once more. She would give her lover everything she needed to finish, as much as it took. She could tell she was getting close, but she would continue to push until she too could experience that bliss.

"GYAAAAA~!" Taunie screamed in sheer ecstasy at the sensation of another finger entering the tight crevice. The heightened sensitivity of her body made every kiss from Harmony feel like a fire igniting within her, sending her senses spiraling into another dimension. Every thrust brought her closer to the edge, and the blonde could feel it—the inevitable, glorious collapse approaching rapidly. But, like the trainer before her, it felt so good. It felt too good. She wanted it to last; she wanted to keep feeling this way forever! "B-Baby... I...!"

Harmony pulled away her lips from her neck to whisper directly into her ear.

“Cum for me, Taun~”

Right as she pulled at her nipple once more and plunged her fingers back inside, as deep as they would go, hooking her deep.

A violent shudder rippled through her body as her eyes fluttered shut and her mouth parted in a silent scream. The world narrowed down to the searing pleasure pulsing through her veins. And then—

"OH ARCEUS—HARMY!" Taunie shrieked, her voice cracking as her body erupted in a cascade of blinding light. Her hips slammed down against her lover's hand, her muscles clamping down around the finger as the blonde came undone. Her fluids splattered across the bed and against her lover's hand as waves of ecstasy crashed over her, each one stronger than the last, leaving her trembling and gasping for air as she rode her orgasm to completion. After nearly half a minute, her body settled down, leaving her wheezing and twitching sporadically.

Harmony gathered the girl up in her arms and curled around her, planting several soft kisses against her forehead as she stroked her hair. “Feel better~?” She giggled. “You made the most adorable face, you know. It’ll certainly be something I’ll remember forever at this rate~”

Despite feeling disoriented, Taunie managed a dazed smile. Although her body continued to tremble from the intensity of her release, she summoned all the strength she could muster—which wasn't much. However, with her lover's face so close to her own, she leaned in for a tender kiss. The contact was slow, sweet, and filled with quiet affection—there was no urgency, no rush, just two lovers savoring the aftermath of something truly beautiful.

"Mmm…" the blonde murmured against Harmony's lips, her voice hoarse yet warm as she managed a small smile. "You're better with your fingers than I imagined... We definitely need to do that again, and soon."

“Well…I know we won’t be seeing each other as much, but hopefully that gives you enough incentive to come visit~” Harmony said with a small laugh as she pulled the girl in closer, already feeling the exhaustion of the night beginning to set in. Though despite usually finding nude sleeping uncomfortable, in Taunie’s arms, nothing ever felt more natural.

Taunie let out a soft, tired chuckle as her fingers traced idle patterns along Harmony's back, feeling the weight of the night settle over her as well. Although the reminder of their separation stung, the warmth of her lover's presence and the certainty of their future together kept those feelings at bay. She tilted her head to meet the brunette's gaze again, her expression serene and almost dreamlike.
"Yeah," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "But knowing I'll see you again, especially with an incentive like that, I can promise you'll be seeing me again very soon—and quite often, at that." With her strength now restored, Taunie held her lover tightly against her, their bare bodies pressing together in a promise. "No matter where I am or what I'm doing, I'll always come back to you, Harmy. Always."

“That makes me happy beyond words to hear,” Harmony said, giving the girl yet another kiss before she let out a loud yawn. “I think…today is starting to catch up with me though.” She curled up even closer to Taunie, burying her face in the girl’s chest. “And you’re just so warm…and comfortable…I could fall asleep in your arms just like this, and I’m sure it would be the best sleep of my life.”

Taunie's fingers gently sifted through her lover's hair as the weight of the day—its emotions and passions—faded into the calming rhythm of their shared breaths. She pressed a soft kiss to the top of Harmony's head, her voice low and steady, filled with the kind of calm that only someone who truly loves her can provide.

"Rest, my love. Let me take care of you for once," she said softly, her grip on her lover tightening just a bit, a silent promise woven into the gesture. "I'll be right here when you wake up tomorrow."

And so Harmony did. She smiled and got herself cozy in her new girlfriend’s arms. Within minutes, she drifted off into a land of dreams that only the comfort of a lover could provide.

And she hoped it would truly only be the first of many.

Chapter Text

The next morning, as Harmony stirred beside her, Taunie opened her eyes and blinked away the fog of sleep. Memories of the previous night rushed back, stirring a mix of emotions: pleasure, fear, and excitement. She looked down at her beautiful new girlfriend, her heart swelling with love and affection anew.

"Good morning," she whispered gently, brushing a stray lock of hair from her lover's face. "How did you sleep?"

“Nnng…” Harmony groaned. “Five more minutes…” She rolled herself over and buried her face in Taunie’s chest once more, finding it subconsciously more comfortable than any pillow in the world.

Smiling, Taunie pulled Harmony closer, wrapping her tightly in a warm embrace. She ran her fingers through the brunette's hair, the soft strands gliding smoothly between her fingers as a sense of peace washed over her. For now, they could simply exist in this moment—together, safe, and loved.

"Five more minutes it is," she murmured, her voice soft and soothing. "Take your time, Harmy."

Harmony indeed rested for a while longer, but as light streamed through the window and struck her eyes, she found herself stirring. Her arms stretched out as she let out a loud yawn, her eyelids fluttering open. When the sleep cleared from her eyes and she settled her gaze on Taunie’s face, she found herself smiling. “Hi~” Her voice was sleepy and soft, her smile the most radiant thing in the room.

"Good morning!" Taunie said, leaning in to plant a soft, tender kiss on her lover's lips. Afterward, she let out a gentle giggle and continued, "Now, let's try this again. How did you sleep? Are you ready to face the day ahead?"

“Hmmm…no, I’d rather just snuggle up with you for the rest of the day.” she replied, showing no same in nearly motorboating the girl’s breasts with a small giggle.

Feeling her lover's laughter resonate through her chest, Taunie couldn't help but join in, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. She playfully swatted her lover's head, her smile unwavering and radiating warmth. However, despite the joy of the moment, a hint of melancholy lingered in Taunie's eyes. The reality of their situation loomed large, casting a shadow over the otherwise blissful morning. Still, she pushed those feelings aside for the time being—there was plenty of time to worry about work later.

"Oh, you~" Taunie replied, feeling perfectly content as she ran her hands through her lover's hair in the meantime. "Let's enjoy each other's company for as long as we can, then."

“How long is that?” Harmony asked, not noticing the subtlety of the situation and instead divebombing straight into it. Yet she still gave her love those wonderful eyes of innocence that Taunie had come to love and adore with all her heart. “Because I don’t have anything today, so…I can stay as long as you can.”

Instantly, the blonde's heart tightened. She always knew this moment would come sooner or later, which was precisely why she had hesitated the day before, realizing that it would make separation—even a temporary one—all the more painful for both girls. Still, hearing it spoken aloud hit her harder than she expected. Despite that, she glanced at the clock, then closed her eyes, letting out a soft sigh. When she opened them again, she met the brunette's gaze.

"An hour..." she answered, her tone returning to a murmur. "But..." Taunie then added, forcing cheerfulness into her voice. "We'll make the most of it, okay? No moping allowed!"

“Right!” Harmony cried with genuine enthusiasm, as apparently the full realization of what was going to happen hadn’t hit yet. And maybe because of that, but something about her smile was infectious, Taunie being unable to keep from smiling back. “So…what do you wanna do?”

"What do I want to do?" she mused, her fingers idly tracing patterns on Harmony's arm before she quickly came to a decision. So swift was her response that it raised the question of whether she had truly thought about it. "How about whatever you want, Harmy? We can stay here or go out and explore the city together! Whatever you desire, love."

Harmony stared at her for a long time as she seemingly contemplated the options. After what felt like several seconds, the trainer finally nodded to herself. “What if…we just have more sex?”

At the brunette's suggestion, Taunie couldn't help but smirk. A playful glint appeared in her eyes, and her usual confidence returned.

"More sex, huh?" she teased, nudging the girl lightly. "I suppose I can agree to that." Then, her hand, which had been resting on the girl's arm, trailed forward to find her lover's chest again, caressing it gently. The mere touch caused the heat between them to flare back to life as she smirked. "Just remember that you asked for this~"

And so the pair went at it again. The hotel was rattled by the sounds of their moans through the old walls, and by the time they finished—having gotten so into it that they only had ten minutes to spare—Harmony finally, if not begrudgingly, got out of bed to get dressed for the day, with Taunie following soon after.

And yet as they got dressed and finally stepped onto the elevator together, Taunie couldn’t help but notice her lover’s demeanor had shifted, and she stood stiff and rigid, even as the two held hands.

Taunie couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sorrow wash over her. She understood the implications of the situation for both of them. Despite her desire to help, she realized that there was little she could say or do to ease their pain. With a sigh, she pursed her lips in frustration at her own helplessness and squeezed her lover's hand, hoping that this small gesture would provide some comfort, even if it felt ultimately futile.

"Harmy..." she began, her voice steady despite the turmoil churning within her as the elevator came to a grinding halt. The door leading into the lobby opened in front of them. "It's okay. You're stronger than you realize; I promise to return as soon as possible."

“You…you better!” Harmony cried, trying to push some cheerfulness back into her voice. “Because if you don’t, I’m going to come to Quasartico, and you know I’ll cause a ruckus until you come out and smooch me!” To emphasize, the girl leaned in and pressed her lips to Taunie’s cheek, then moved to whisper in her ear just as the doors opened. “And then I’ll make sure you make a ruckus in bed again, Taun~”

Despite the sadness overwhelming her, a blush crept onto Taunie's cheeks as a shudder coursed through her slender frame before she let out a bashful, albeit weak, giggle. "You really know how to make a girl blush~"

The two stepped out of the elevator, with Taunie leading the way. They paused just inside the doorway, within arm's reach of the exit. The blonde let out another pained sigh before turning to look back at her beautiful companion once more.

"Don't miss me too much, okay?" she requested, forcing a smile and winking. "I promise I'll make up for our lost time when we're back in bed~"

In response, her girlfriend leaned in and planted a long, passionate kiss onto her lips. By the time she pulled away, even Harmony herself felt a little bit woozy, and she laughed to try and shake off the rising blush in her own cheeks.

“You’ll do great. A-At the company I mean. Well…in bed too, I suppose. You’re just all around great, at everything, including being hot. I’m not nervous, why do you ask?”

Deciding not to respond verbally and instead asserting her dominance, Taunie leaned in and captured her lover's lips with another passionate kiss. Hearing Harmony let out an adorable squeak of surprise filled Taunie with warmth, triumph, and a sense of accomplishment. However, there was another reason behind her action: Taunie hadn't touched Harmony at all during the kiss. And she would soon discover why after she pulled back.

"You're an amazing kisser~" the blonde teasingly giggled, before lifting her arm to show Harmony that she was now holding her Mega Bracelet. "Here, I want you to have this."

Harmony’s smile fell as she stared at the bracelet. She blinked a few times before looking up in Taunie’s eyes, her face suddenly set into a determined frown. “No.”

Taunie's eyes widened in surprise, but it was brief; she couldn't deny that she had anticipated this possibility, prompting her to lightly pout instead. "It's something I want you to remember me by while I'm gone. I won't be participating in many Pokémon battles at Quasartico anyway, and even if I do, my team is more than capable of handling whatever comes my way!" Then, Taunie brought her arm closer in insistence. "Please, Harmy?"

“I refuse,” Harmony said sternly. “I appreciate the sentiment, I really do. But I refuse to let you give this up, especially after how hard we worked to get them together. Seeing you give it up…it would only make me feel sad every time I saw it. So please keep it.” She tried for a weak smile. “At least like make a cool display in your office or something.”

When her lover continued to refuse, Taunie felt a wave of disappointment wash over her. Nevertheless, she understood and chose to respect her lover's decision. "Alright," she sighed. "If that's what you want..."

Taunie then slipped the bracelet back onto her wrist, which brought some relief to her brunette lover. However, her desire to leave something meaningful behind for her partner didn't end there. Taunie reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out the Team MZ badge, revealing that she had kept it with her even after her resignation. She then offered another memento. "At least take this, then," she continued, before shooting a playful smirk. "And no, I won't let you refuse this time!"

At the second attempt, Harmony’s genuine smile returned somewhat, and she reached out and gently took the badge in her hands. “This…feels much more comfortable. I’ll treasure it as long as I live. Thank you.” Her voice broke on the final word, however, and tears began to build at the corners of her eyes, though she tried her best to hide such a fact from her lover by turning her face down, clutching the badge just a little too tightly.

Seeing Harmony's reaction, Taunie was overwhelmed with guilt. She understood that this goodbye was tough for both of them, but she also recognized that they had to persevere.

"I'll miss you, Harmony," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Leaning forward, she pressed a final kiss to the girl's head, their shared warmth enveloping them despite the distance that lay ahead. "Take care of yourself in the meantime," she continued, her voice cracking. "I love you."

With those parting words hanging heavily in the air, and knowing that neither girl wanted to see the other cry, Taunie turned away. Her heart was heavy, but her resolve remained unyielding as she left the hotel.

After the girl left, Harmony felt her body sink into itself as she let out a long, deep sigh. At first, she wasn’t quite sure what to do, and glanced around the empty room. It seemed Naveen and Lida were still sleeping, so Harmony decided that maybe getting some sunshine would be good for her.

And yet, she felt listless throughout her walk. It didn’t take long for her to zone out as she wandered the streets. She avoided the Wild Zones, but nothing seemed to be able to snap her out of her funk as she could do nothing but think of Taunie and their time both last night and that morning. It was all she’d ever wanted and more, but…

After some time had passed, though Harmony wasn’t sure how long, she stopped, familiar surroundings coming into view. She snapped back to clarity enough to recognize that she was in front of the Looker Bureau. And having nothing better to do, she decided to go inside.

Inside the room, Emma sat at her desk, bathed in sunlight as she fidgeted with a pen, trying to appear nonchalant. Her Espurr, Mimi, was sleeping on the chair next to her desk. Emma's violet eyes shifted to Harmony as she entered, and a hint of a smile played on her lips at the familiar sight. However, the smile faded somewhat as she noticed that her friend seemed to be feeling under the weather. Emma leaned back in her chair, her dark skin glistening in the soft light.

"What brings you to my office today? I wasn't expecting you to drop by," the detective inquired.

“Oh…” Harmony said, almost to herself as she blinked. “I…I don’t know why I forgot you’d be in here.” She let out a dry laugh. “Ah, sorry for bothering you, I can leave if you want me to…”

Like an oscillating pendulum, the woman's smile widened again as she tilted her head in interest. "Oh no, don't be silly! You're never a bother." She leaned forward slightly, her expression shifting to one of concern as she recognized her companion's tone. "But what's this about forgetting I was here? Did something happen?"

“I…I just…” Harmony hesitated, but seeing the eager look in the girl’s eyes, she sighed. “Emma, have you…ever been in love before?”

Her expression faltered for a moment, caught off guard by the suddenness and unexpectedness of her friend's question. Then, she laughed softly, shaking her head with a grin. "You really know how to hit me with the big questions, don't you?" She leaned back again, crossing one leg over the other, her combat suit clinging to her curves as she studied Harmony with a mix of newfound amusement and curiosity. "Love? Yeah, I've been in love before. Not sure if it was real, though. Love's tricky like that." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Why? Are you asking because you think you're in love? Or because you think I am?"

“I…Taunie and I…we confessed to each other. Last night,” Harmony admitted, though doing so left her cheeks feeling hot even still. “And it was wonderful, we started dating, and it was all I ever wanted…but…well…” She hesitated, unsure if she even wanted to say it aloud. “You were there. She has…a lot more responsibilities now. Lot less time for me. I’ve never…had to deal with this kind of thing before.”

Emma's demeanor softened as she processed Harmony's words, her violet eyes widening slightly. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk, her expression thoughtful yet warm.

"Oh, Harmony..." she exhaled gently, her voice softer than usual. "That sounds beautiful—but it's also complicated. Love isn't always easy, especially when people have a lot going on." She paused and gave her friend a small, knowing smile. "I used to think love was all about fireworks and butterflies, but it's not just that. It's about showing up, even when things get messy or someone is busy." She paused again. "And yes, it hurts when someone you care about gets pulled away. But you know what?"

“What?” Harmony asked, meeting the girl’s eyes, sometimes intimidating, but at this moment, warm and understanding.

"You both confessed your feelings because there was something genuine between you. That doesn't just vanish overnight. Taunie might need some space to sort things out, but that doesn't mean she cares about you any less." Emma's voice was steady yet warm as she stood up from her desk, walked around it, and sat on the edge. "Have you really talked to her about it? Sometimes people just need to hear how much they matter." The detective glanced at Mimi for a moment before focusing back on Harmony. "And remember, you're amazing just the way you are. If Taunie can't see that because of all her responsibilities, then it might be worth having that conversation."

The girl slumped against the wall and let out a deep sigh, placing her hands on her face. “You’re right. We really should just…talk about it. But it’ll have to wait until we can see each other again. I could call but it’s better face-to-face, yeah?” Harmony sighed again as she lowered her hands and looked over at Emma. “Hmm…thank you, Emma. I think I just…needed someone else to tell me.” She laughed. “Though I have to say I’m interested to hear who you were in love with, sounds like a fun story.”

A soft laugh escaped her lips as she shook her head again, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, trust me, it's not as exciting as you might think," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "It was just some guy who thought being mysterious made him interesting. Turns out, he was just bad at texting back." She then focused her gaze on her friend in the room. "But enough about my failed romances! Let's talk about yours. So, you and Taunie... you're officially a couple now? That's huge!" Emma then hopped off the desk and stretched, her combat suit hugging her frame perfectly. "We should celebrate! How about we grab some ice cream later? My treat. It's the least I can do after you spilled all your secrets to me."

“Sure! I would have to be truly depressed if even ice cream from Lumiose couldn’t cheer me up!” Harmony said with a small laugh, feeling genuine once again.

Her face lit up with a bright smile, clearly pleased with the response. "Perfect! There's a little shop near the park that makes the best mint chocolate chip ice cream you've ever tasted. Trust me, it's life-changing." She grabbed her coat from the back of her chair and put it on, adjusting the collar casually. "Give me ten minutes to finish up here, and then we can head out. Sound good?"

The girl nodded, and played with Mimi while waiting for the detective to clean up and take care of anything she needed to before the two walked out of the bureau. However, once they were outside, Harmony gently tapped her shoulder, and when Emma glanced over, she saw her holding out a bent arm.

“I’ve always wanted to take a walk with a friend like this! I just remembered it now, so why don’t we? It would help cheer me up some more.”

A surprised but delighted laugh bubbled up from her throat as she gazed at her companion's offered arm. "Well, aren't you just full of surprises today?" Emma said with a grin, looping her arm through Harmony's without hesitation. "You know what? This is actually pretty nice," she admitted, falling into step beside the brunette as they strolled down the street. "It feels like something out of one of those old movies," she thought aloud, then looked back at Harmony, her expression softening again. "So, what else is on your mind besides Taunie? Any other troublesome thoughts you need to share?"

The girl gave it some thought, but nothing came to mind. She did have another thing to mention though. “Well, considering we’re both girls, why not engage in that totally-not-cliche gossip I’ve seen in old 80s high school movies?” She smiled. “You know, last time I went to visit Gwynn, I heard something verrryyy interesting, something you’d probably want to hear.”

Her eyes widened with intrigue as she leaned in closer. Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, "Ooh, do tell! What juicy gossip did you hear from Gwynn this time?"

The two continued their leisurely stroll, passing various shops and Pokémon Centers, with the bustling city life providing a lively backdrop to their conversation.

"I swear, if this involves anyone from the gym or the police, I'm going to lose it," Emma added with a dramatic gasp, her free hand flying to her chest. "Gossip is practically my favorite hobby!"

“A few things actually! First of all, Gwynn finally confessed to Canari, though Canari apparently thought they were already dating,” the girl said with a laugh. “But no! I overheard that Ivor was asking Gwynn…to get your number~! And it wasn’t just for another case or anything, Gwynn even asked why, and he said he wanted to invite you to Le Yeah sometime! I…don’t know where he gets the money and he might just want to invite you for the fights, but still!”

Emma paused for a moment, her eyes widening in surprise before she burst into laughter. "What?! Ivor wants to invite me to Le Yeah?" She shook her head, still chuckling. "That's... unexpected. I mean, Ivor's a nice guy and all, but inviting me to a club? That's a whole new level of boldness. Maybe he just wants to show off his dance moves. Who knows?" A sly grin spread across her face. "But hey, if he does ask me out, I might just take him up on it. For research purposes, of course."

“If you do, you gotta tell me everything, alright?” Harmony said. “Ever since I met the guy and we saw him break that lock in the sewer, he’s made me so curious about so many things…” She shook her head. “How about you? Heard anything interesting lately?”

Emma paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Interesting news... There has been talk about some unusual Pokémon activity near the outskirts of the city. Nothing concrete yet, but it has everyone buzzing." They rounded a corner and found themselves standing in front of the ice cream parlor Emma had mentioned earlier. "Speaking of which..." She pushed open the door and gestured for Harmony to enter first. "Let's grab our ice cream and find a quiet bench. Then I'll fill you in on all the juicy details."

“Yes, let’s!” Harmony said. The two went inside and Harmony got her favorite: a wonderful blend of chocolate and vanilla with a bit of whipped cream on top, dotted with sprinkles. It looked childish, but she didn’t care, as it was absolutely delicious.

Emma ordered a mint chocolate chip cone for herself and led the group to a nearby bench overlooking the park. As they sat down, she took a lick of her ice cream before turning to Harmony.

"So, about that Pokémon activity..." she said, leaning in closer and lowering her voice. "Rumor has it there have been sightings of rare Pokémon lurking around the abandoned factory district. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it's got the local trainers all worked up." She took another lick of her ice cream, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I might have to check it out myself soon. You know how much I love a good mystery."

“I’d love to help!” Harmony replied before taking a lick. “I mean, I have three legendary pokemon now, I feel it would be a disservice if I didn’t at least try to help, you know?” Another lick. “WOW, this is good stuff! I need to come back here with Taunie sometime.”

Emma smiled more broadly at Harmony's excitement. "Of course, you'd want to help! With your legendary Pokémon on your team, we'll make quite the duo." She leaned back against the bench, enjoying her ice cream and the enjoyable company. "And if we end up exploring the factory district together, I promise to buy you another one of these afterwards. Just think of the stories we'll have! 'The Day We Solved the Mystery of the Abandoned Factories'—it has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

“It sounds wonderful!” Harmony replied, then sighed. “You know, we really should hang out more often. You’re quite fun to be around. I mean I kind of already knew that, but this just solidified it for me.” She beamed at the girl. “I know you’re probably very busy, but now that Taunie’s gonna be a bit taken up, let’s try to hang out some more, alright?”

Emma's heart swelled at Harmony's words, and she reached over to give her arm a friendly squeeze. "Aw, thanks, Harmony! You're pretty fun yourself." She finished the last lick of her ice cream cone with a satisfied smile. "And you're absolutely right—I'm busy most of the time, but making time for friends is important, too." A determined glint appeared in her eyes. "Consider it a date. Maybe next week we can go to the park or catch a movie—whatever you're in the mood for." She then stood up, brushing off her pants. "For now, though, I should probably get back to work. Duty calls and all that jazz." She turned to Harmony and extended her hand to help her up. "Ready to head back?"

Harmony nodded as she finished off her cone as well, letting out a satisfied sigh. She took the girl’s hand and carefully placed her trash in one of the nearby cans. She couldn’t help but notice how surprisingly soft the detective’s hand was through her thin gloves, but that only reminded her of Taunie, and how soft and gentle her fingers had been during their time in bed. It made her cheeks flush, which she hoped Emma wouldn’t notice as she cleared her throat. “I’ve got a lunch date with Taunie so hopefully the ice cream didn’t make that too bad, heh.”

Although Emma, being a detective, easily noticed the slight blush on Harmony's cheeks, she chose to ignore it and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze instead. "Don't worry about the ice cream. Besides, a little sweetness never hurt anyone." Emma released the brunette's hand and placed her own on her hip. "I'm glad you're getting to spend time with Taunie. Just remember what I said earlier—communication is key." Finally, upon receiving a determined nod from Harmony, Emma smiled at her and then turned back toward the bureau, waving goodbye. "Well then, I'll see you soon, hopefully!"

Quasartico Inc.

Feeling the familiar buzz of her Rotom Phone, Taunie couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Could it be...? She pulled up the message and read Harmony's coordinates, causing her heart to skip a beat. It was from her. Without hesitation, Taunie grabbed her belongings and headed out for her scheduled lunch break. This time, instead of her usual brisk walk, she broke into a sprint, the thrill of seeing Harmony again propelling her forward.

"Finally..." she murmured under her breath, "...some much-needed relief."

Harmony eagerly awaited her girlfriend’s arrival, and upon seeing her round the corner, she absolutely beamed with joy. She waved at the girl, feeling her body becoming lighter with each step the girl took toward her. Harmony even stood up as she approached and met her halfway, embracing the girl in a tight hug and a wet, sloppy kiss to the cheek.

As Taunie felt her lover's arms wrap around her, she melted into the embrace. The tension and stress of the day faded away as she passionately returned the hug, burying her face in Harmony's neck. The familiar scent of Harmony's perfume enveloped her, calming her racing heart. The simple act of touching her again brought Taunie a sense of calm and a feeling of homecoming. A moment later, she leaned back slightly and kissed the brunette deeply on the lips.

"Oh, Harmy," she gasped, pulling back to gaze into her partner's eyes. "I've missed you so much!"

“After you left, I basically wandered around Lumiose half-catatonic, so I think I’ve missed you more!” Harmony said, then cleared her throat, looking bashful. “N-Not that it’s a competition.”

The blonde laughed softly, her sheer adorableness always managing to charm the girl and warm her heart. Indeed, Harmony's words brought an overwhelming sense of comfort, immediately erasing any guilt and grief the girl had felt since stepping out of Hotel Z earlier that day.

"Oh, I definitely think it is a competition~" she teased, a mischievous smile already playing on her lips as she reached up to playfully tousle her lover's hair. "But I suppose I can be satisfied with the title of 'Most Missed,'" she continued, winking. "Still, I think we can both agree that being apart is no fun at all. So let's make the most of our time together, shall we?"

“Sure! I ended up eating ice cream with Emma so I don’t think I can hold a lot, so I’ll get something lighter if that’s alright!” Harmony laughed. “Though I suppose the actual food doesn’t matter, I’m just so happy to see you! I don’t know how much time you have, but there’s so much I need to tell you, since some really exciting things have happened!”

Although Taunie was initially surprised when Emma's name was mentioned, she smiled at the trainer's enthusiasm all the same. She then squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Looks like someone has been having fun without me," she replied with a playful pout as they began walking hand-in-hand. "But seriously, that's absolutely fine!" However, as they continued walking, Taunie couldn't shake her curiosity about what her girlfriend wanted to share and had experienced. "Time to spill the beans! What has my girlfriend been up to while I've been away?"

“So Gwynn and Canari are officially dating now and Ivor might be interested in Emma!” Harmony cried, then paused, staring blankly with a smile on her face. The moment stretched out as they walked, and the girl’s face didn’t change at first, until finally, she snapped her fingers. “Oh, and I need to take you to the ice cream place Emma showed me!” Another long stretch of silence as Harmony stared blankly at Taunie, until finally she spoke again. “Okay that didn’t take as long as I thought!”

Amused by Harmony's antics, Taunie shook her head in wonder after she finished. "Oh, Harmy, you're such a dork," she giggled.

Despite the brevity of the updates, Taunie was genuinely happy to hear about her friends' developments. Gwynn and Canari's relationship, as well as Ivor's interest in Emma, were all positive news, especially regarding the detective who had been immensely helpful in providing closure about her mother. However, she realized that this also meant they had less time to spend together. Taunie quickly dismissed that thought, reminding herself that she was overthinking and wouldn't let herself feel down now, of all times.

"Well, I'm glad everyone's doing well. And hey, an impromptu ice cream adventure sounds perfect to me! Lead the way, Miss Excitement!" she suggested.

“But…I thought we were getting lunch?” Harmony asked, and Taunie could almost see the question marks above her head.

Taunie quickly recognized her mistake and, laughing sheepishly, said, "A-Ah, right... Lunch! I got a bit carried away with the excitement of the reunion." After a moment of thought, she added, "Since you prefer something lighter, do you have any suggestions for where we should go?"

“Le Nah sounds good about now, don’t you think?” Harmony asked. “I know they have larger meals but I’m sure they’ve got smaller options, or we could just do a cafe.”

"Le Nah would be perfect!" Taunie exclaimed, eagerly leading the way to their destination before the girl even finished speaking. Upon reaching the halfway point, though, the blonde looked back and offered, "Since this is our first outing, how does me treating you sound?"

“Sure, I don’t mind! That’ll just make the food taste extra good~” Harmony cooed as she leaned in and kissed the girl on the lips, softly at first, before it quickly became passionate and loving.

Like all of their kisses so far, Taunie melted into this one as well. She released her lover's hand and turned to face her completely, wrapping her arms around her again and deepening the embrace. The world around them faded away as they lost themselves in the tender moment. It lasted a little longer than they both would have liked, but neither minded.

"You always know how to make me crave more than just food," the blonde said, reluctantly unraveling her arms to take her girlfriend's hand again. "But for now, let's nourish our bodies as well as our souls before we burn off all that energy tonight, alright?"

“Burn off energy tonight?” Harmony asked, the question marks appearing again. “What, are we doing a battle zone together? Because I mean sure, but I think if we teamed up for that, we’d just wreck everybody, don’t you think?”

Taunie blinked idly, clearly surprised by her love's dense reaction, and then playfully rolled her eyes. "No, no battle plans tonight, Harmy. At least, not in the literal sense." They continued walking. "I was thinking more along the lines of a different kind of 'battle.' You know, the kind where we're the only ones fighting... to see who gets to win." As they approached the restaurant, Taunie lowered her voice and turned to face her lover again at the entrance with a light smirk. "Care to join me in this private tournament?"

Harmony blinked at her a few times as she tried to process that information. When she finally did, she gasped, her entire face turning bright red.

“Y-You mean sex?!”

She’d accidentally raised her voice more than she meant to, and the pair got a few strange looks as Harmony, realizing what she’d done, curled in on herself like a turtle, her face burning. “Wh-Whoops…”

In contrast, Taunie couldn't help but laugh at Harmony's flustered reaction, unable to contain her amusement. "Oh, Harmy, you're so cute when you're flustered~!" she teased fondly, shaking her head. She reached forward, cupping one of Harmony's blushing cheeks and offering her a warm smile. "Don't worry, love. We can talk about this in private later. For now, let's just enjoy our lunch and relax, okay?"

“Y-Yeah, yeah, that’s probably a good idea, yep. Let’s just get inside and forget I ever screamed out sex in public, please?” Harmony hid the rest of her face as the two entered the restaurant.

With a nod, Taunie led the girl inside, keeping a protective arm around her as they navigated through the bustling restaurant. Once they reached their table, she helped Harmony slide into her seat before taking her own.

"Are you feeling better now?" she asked with a reassuring smile, reaching across to tuck a stray lock of hair behind the brunette's ear. "Now, shall we order and try to behave ourselves?"

“Taun, looking at you is all I need to feel better,” Harmony replied as casually as if she was talking about the weather, before turning to the waiter and speaking. “I want a diet cola, please! We’ll need some time to figure out what we actually want to eat, right, love?”

At her lover's question, an idea suddenly occurred to her, and she had to bite her tongue to keep from giggling, knowing it would likely lead to questions from her partner. To distract herself, she turned to the waiter and ordered a diet cola as well. Then, she nodded in agreement with Harmony's assessment of their meal decision-making process. "Yeah, give us a minute to decide. We'll be ordering soon!"

After the waiter left, Taunie leaned back in her chair, a content smile gracing her lips as she looked over the menu.

“You’re making a weird look,” Harmony pointed out, her girlfriend’s smile infectious as she could help but grin back. “What’s up? Did you just remember how amazingly lucky you are to be dating the savior of Lumiose~?” She pulled off a rather luxurious, boastful pose even though both girls knew Harmony was one of the humble people they knew.

"Just about all the time! Nothing much, really," Taunie replied in a teasing tone, although her words held sincerity. She looked back across the table at her love, and her eyes turned warm and sparkling. "But you're not wrong. Whether you're saving the day or simply being your amazing self, you've already brought so much light and love into my life. I don't say it enough, so thank you for being my rival, best friend, and girlfriend." Finally, she leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Harmony's lips, making a silent promise of everlasting devotion.

The girl froze up, then fidgeted in place, blushing once the kiss was finished. “W-Well when you say it so genuinely…you’re just gonna make me fall in love all over again…” She beamed at the girl nonetheless. “I-I feel the same. I’m blessed that you were the one to greet me to Lumiose all those months ago. Without you…I wouldn’t be where I am today, and that sounds like a much less fun life.”

Touched by the brunette's heartfelt words, Taunie reached out and cupped one of Harmony's hands in her own. "You and I both, Harmy. If I hadn't stumbled upon you that day, I would never have known the joy, laughter, and love that you bring into my life." She then curled her fingers around Harmony's hand, giving it a gentle yet soothing squeeze. "After everything we've been through together, I can confidently say I will always cherish you, no matter what challenges we face. We can overcome anything, together."

Harmony squeezed her hand back, her smile falling and her expression changing to look as though she was about to say something extremely serious.

“Including the challenge of deciding what the hell to order?”

Taunie couldn't help but let out another brief but beautiful laugh before releasing her partner's hand and returning to the menu. "Of course! We have to support each other through a task more difficult than any Pokémon battle we've faced, you know?" she replied, grinning as she leaned back again. "While nothing is nearly as appetizing as my specialty, is there anything that stands out to you, Harmy?"

“Burger.” She said, emphasizing the word. “Burrrrgerrrr.” She nodded fervently as she examined the specific options, then nodded one last time as she decided which one she wanted, and set the menu down to find Taunie staring at her. “What? Don’t judge me.”

"I didn't say anything," Taunie teased as she set her menu down. Just in time, too, as the waiter returned shortly afterward. She stayed quiet while Harmony placed her order, and then, with a grin, added, "I'll have the same!"

After the waiter left to process their orders, Taunie turned back to Harmony, who was now gazing at her with a look of clear curiosity. It was obvious that Harmony was wondering if Taunie's funny face earlier was related to what had just happened. This suspicion was confirmed when the blonde winked at her girlfriend and playfully stuck out the tip of her tongue.

"What a coincidence that we had the same idea! Now I know exactly what you enjoy," she played off, before finishing with her own, "What? Don't judge me~"

“Copier! It’s my borgar!” Harmony cried as she grabbed the salt shaker and sprinkled some specks onto her girlfriend’s hand. “Take my salty assault, you fiend! Perish from too much sodium as the water is sucked from your very cells!”

Taunie gasped in mock horror as the salty attack hit its mark. She would have shrieked if they weren't in a public setting, but instead, she dramatically clutched her hand. "How dare you subject me to such a heinous crime against culinary decency!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms wide. "But alas, I fear my body may already be succumbing to the insidious effects of your wicked saltshaker sorcery! So!" Rolling her eyes playfully, the trainer then extended her tongue and licked a bit of salt from her skin. "There, I've neutralized the threat. Your evil plan has been foiled once again, villain!"

Only the playful look on Harmony’s face vanished, having watched the girl lick away the salt. When Taunie gave her a look of concern, Harmony swallowed, seemingly struggling to catch her words. “Oh, sorry, it’s just…something about that was like…really hot?” She laughed nervously. “Ah, I shouldn’t be getting bothered in a freaking restaurant of all places, huh?”

Instead of the reassuring response she expected, Taunie's lips curled into a mischievous smirk before she leaned closer and quickly demonstrated that she had no qualms about expressing her thoughts in public. "Oh, is that so?" she inquired, lowering her tone to a husky whisper that sent shivers down her girlfriend's spine. "I'll make sure to remember that for our little 'private tournament' tonight, then~"

“O-Oh…d-don’t do that to me when our food is about to get here, I won’t be able to focus!” Harmony cried, then her eyes shot open. “Unless that’s your play?! You trying to distract me from my burger, ohhh, you ghoul!!” Harmony pouted, but Taunie could still see the flush in her cheeks.

Taunie's smirk widened, clearly pleased by the effect her words had on her lover. She leaned back slightly, enjoying the show as the girl attempted to regain her composure. "Awww, come on, Harmy! You know I just can't resist teasing you a little. You should be thanking me for adding a bit of excitement to your meals~!"

“Is this gonna be a regular thing? Making me…like this in public?” Harmony asked as the waiter started to approach with their food. “I’m simultaneously excited and dreading this.”

"Well, since you asked so nicely, I suppose I could make it a special treat for you—a little pre-meal foreplay to get us both in the mood," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of pride as she watched Harmony squirm under her teasing. Just then, the waiter placed their burgers on the table, setting one down in front of each girl. Concluding with a playful wink, she picked hers up first and took a bite, her eyes closing in bliss as the flavors exploded on her tongue. "Mmm, delicious. You made an excellent choice, love~"

“Damn it, you even make eating look sexy,” Harmony said with a pout as she also took a bite. Feeling the cheese and meat blend in her mouth into something delicious immediately made her perk up though, and the girl couldn’t stop from moaning. “Arceus, this place makes the best burgers!”

"Perhaps it's the perfect blend of flavors, or maybe it's simply better when shared with someone special," Taunie thought. "Whatever the reason, I have a feeling we'll be coming here more often in the future, even if it's just to see your reaction when you want another burger."

“Heh. Anything with you is special, Taun.” She couldn’t help but giggle. “I’m still not used to the cute nicknames. But it suits you. Taun~” She took another bite, letting out a loud moan as if she’d never eaten anything more delicious in her life, though the thought made her smirk as she swallowed and turned to her girlfriend. “This burger may be good, but it’s nowhere as delicious as you~”

"Mmf!?" Taunie muffled, nearly dropping her burger as her cheeks flushed a deep crimson at her girlfriend's bold declaration. A mix of embarrassment and delight swirled within her, especially since she hadn't expected to be caught off guard so quickly. Swallowing with increased difficulty this time, she replied, "Well, aren't you skilled with words? I'm not sure whether to feel flattered or intimidated by your talent for rendering me speechless with just a compliment."

“Both. It’s part of the natural charm you chose to date, so get used to it~” Harmony replied as she finished off the burger with glee, licking her fingers in the process. “That was delicious! I can’t wait to visit all sorts of restaurants with you. Though preferably without as much horny?”

"I always look forward to exploring new dining experiences with you, Harmy," Taunie said sincerely, finishing her burger shortly afterward. "Maybe we will discover new ways to add excitement to our meals along the way, too." She smiled as she reached across the table and gently wiped a crumb from the corner of her girlfriend's mouth with her thumb. "Still, if nothing else, as long as I'm with you, I know I'll be satisfied."

Harmony nodded as she grabbed her girlfriend’s hand and gently kissed it as though she were royalty. When she was done, she looked up into her eyes. “So then, what’s next on the agenda, love?”

Taunie's mind raced with different possibilities as she thought about activities they could enjoy together. Unfortunately, with her lunch break almost over, many of those ideas would have to wait for later. Instead, she curiously asked, "Are you in the mood for dessert? I would love for you to take me to the ice cream shop you visited earlier, if you're still craving more!"

“I’m not really hungry, but I need to show you this place so you can experience its pure creamy delight~!” Harmony said. She and her girlfriend quickly rushed to the front desk and paid for their meal before they took off. They ran hand in hand, but Harmony moved so fast that Taunie almost couldn’t keep up.

"Alright, alright, slow down a little, speedy! I want to arrive at this fabled ice cream haven in one piece, not as a crumbled heap on the sidewalk!" Taunie cried playfully. Still, although the blonde struggled to match her girlfriend's energetic pace, she found joy in being guided to a beloved spot by the person she cherished most. At the speed they were moving, it wouldn't be long before they arrived. "So, is this the place?" The girl asked once they eventually stopped, noticing Harmony's proud, infectious smile. "Emma really knows her way around the city, doesn't she?"

“I mean she’s a detective, so I’d hope so. We even explored the sewers to find Gwynn a while back,” Harmony said as they walked up to the window. “Nnngg…I’m getting tempted just by seeing it, but I’m sure I’ll get sick if I try eating a cone!”

"Oh, come on! Don't let me have one all by myself!" Taunie whined. "Why don't we go for smaller servings or even sundaes instead of cones? That way, you can still enjoy the flavors you love without the risk of an upset stomach."

Harmony considered this for a bit and then nodded. “A smaller serving should be fine. What do you want?”

Taunie scanned the menu board, her eyes glancing over the eclectic mix of flavors. Everything looked delicious! How was she supposed to choose just one? Fortunately, there was an easy solution. "Since you've proven to have such great taste, I think you should surprise me again!"

“How about…cookies and cream?” Harmony offered, knowing the girl rather enjoyed that flavor. “I think they actually include the cookie chunks!”

Her partner's face lit up as a delighted smile spread across her features, and she nodded enthusiastically. "I knew I could count on you! Yes, please!"

Harmony ordered them the ice cream and they sat down at a nearby table, the ruins of Prism Tower looming in the distance as they each took a bite. Once it hit Harmony’s lips, she squealed at just how delicious it tasted, and the crunch of the cookies in her mouth only further added to the beauty that was cookies and cream ice cream.

Beside her, Taunie hummed with joy as she savored the rich, creamy texture of her dessert, enjoying the satisfying crunch of the cookie chunks as well. "Mmm, this is absolutely heavenly!" she exclaimed, taking another generous scoop before offering, "Here, try mine!"

Her attempt at flirting was as subtle as if a legendary Pokémon had casually walked across the street, given that they had both ordered the same flavor. However, the trainer didn't mind; she was swept away by her affection and felt perfectly satisfied with that.

Harmony opened her mouth wide and absorbed the ice cream into her mouth, doing her best to hold the spoon in her mouth, and rub it with her tongue as passionately as she could, not-so-subtly looking up at her girlfriend all the while.

Caught off guard by the girl's sensual display, Taunie's cheeks flushed with heat. She attempted to smile but could only manage a small, shy grin. "Hey, Harmy, you shouldn't reveal everything you plan to do with me tonight before the sun even goes down, you know?" She chuckled, then retracted her spoon and casually added, "Oh well, I guess that just means I need to step up my game for next time, too."

“Oh I’ll step it up too. I’ll be all the way on the second floor, and I’ll take you to an entire new building with the pleasure I’m going to give you!” The girl paused, not moving before she leaned back, her face shifting. “Is…is that good dirty talk? I don’t know, I’ve never done it…”

Initially, Taunie could only stare in disbelief, her mouth agape as she took a moment to process what the girl had just said. Once she did, a wicked grin spread across her face as she stuck her spoon in her ice cream and set it aside. With her hands now free, she placed them on her girlfriend's shoulders and said, "Well, well, I didn't know you were capable of that..." She leaned in closer, brushing her ear against Harmony's earlobe. "As for your dirty talk… it's raw, genuine, and sexy. Trust me; I'm more than willing to climb to the second floor—and beyond—for an experience like that~"

Harmony sat frozen in place for a while before her face turned bright red and she shuddered, letting out a weak gasp. “H-How do you do that?” she spoke so quietly Taunie almost couldn’t hear. “Just like that and I want to just jump into bed with you right now, how do you do that, how are you so damn sexy?!”

"Ah, ah! A girl has to have some secrets! We wouldn't want them to come back to haunt me, would we?" Taunie replied, unable to suppress a triumphant smirk as she stuck out the tip of her tongue and winked playfully. "But if you really want to know, it's all thanks to you, Harmy. Your beautiful, vulnerable reactions make it impossible for me to resist!"

“Really?” Harmony asked. “Because you make it look so easy, but then when I try, you just turn it around so easily!” She whined. “I wanna make you squirm and stuff because I bet you’re super cute when you do!”

"You're too sweet, love. But don't underestimate yourself! I have no doubt that you can leave me breathless with desire. You've already done it several times before!" she openly admitted, then added sensually, "That's why it was so easy for me to feel energized this morning, after all~"

Even though she wanted to keep the conversation going, Taunie's Rotom Phone suddenly flew out of her pocket and appeared in front of her. She didn't need to look at the screen to know what it was displaying; with a resigned sigh, she stood up.

"Well, it seems my lunch break is finally over, but I'd say this was a successful break, wouldn't you agree?" she said with a smile.

“Yeah! Felt like way longer than it actually was!” She smiled. “At least we know we can have a wonderful time even with just a lunch break, right?” She embraced her girlfriend tightly. “Do you think you can stay if I just hug you tightly enough?”

Taunie closed her eyes and let out a contented sigh before she eagerly returned the hug. "As much as I'd love to stay here forever—or at least until night falls—I'm pretty stubborn when it comes to fulfilling my duties." Pulling back just enough to look into each other's eyes, the blonde then closed the distance again and planted another loving kiss on the girl's lips. Once that was done, she let out a pained sigh and stepped back. "Well... I should get going. But hey, don't miss me too much, alright? I'll be holding you to your word about that dirty talk from earlier, tonight~"

“I-I’ll do my best to sex you right!” Harmony cried, louder than she meant to as a few people near them turned to stare, though Harmony was so focused on Taunie that she didn’t even notice. “I’ll do lots of research on different positions for girls and maybe practice the motions and everything…”

Taunie immediately blushed furiously at the girl's declaration, as lewd thoughts began to flood her mind, causing a familiar warmth to wash over her. This feeling tempted her to suggest heading back to the hotel right away. However, she managed to regain her composure and cleared her throat, feeling both embarrassed and anticipatory. "I can't wait, then," she said shyly, giggling and offering one last bright smile before reluctantly turning and leaving her once again.

As Harmony watched the girl walk away, she sighed. Now alone again, she found that creeping sensation of loneliness coming in. She knew she could let it take her again, but instead she decided to face it head on, and went to the same place she did last time.

This time, she made sure to properly knock on the door, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the detective.

At first, Harmony could hear light groaning and shuffling coming from inside the room. However, after a few seconds, the sounds suddenly stopped, and the door swung open to reveal the detective once again. This time, she looked much more tired and disheveled, as if she had just woken up from a nap. Her sleepy blinking at Harmony only confirmed this impression.

"Back so soon?" Emma replied with a yawn, rubbing her eyes and stepping aside. "Come on in."

“Sorry, did I bother you?” Harmony asked as she stepped inside, resisting the urge to point out how oddly adorable the usually so well-kept detective looked when she was like this. “I can come back if you need to…sleep, or whatever. Uh, do you have an apartment? Not that I’m asking to like, visit, just because I mean why are you sleeping here? I guess you could’ve just gotten tired or something, heh heh, can you tell that I’m nervous, because I’m nervous!”

Despite her fading drowsiness, she chuckled softly before reaching forward to give Harmony's hand a reassuring squeeze, only to release it a moment later. "Hey, relax; you could never bother me. That's what friends are for," she said. Then, she moved in front of her desk, leaned back against it, and crossed her arms. "To answer your question, yes, I do have an apartment, but it's easier to crash here than to trek all the way back," she explained, her cheeks flushing lightly with embarrassment before quickly shifting the topic. "Anyway, is there anything you need?"

The girl tried to think of a way to broach the subject lightly. She wasn’t even sure this was the best person to ask, but she really couldn’t think of anyone else. And so, as she tried to carefully eke the words out, they instead erupted in a rush. “DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR SEX?!”

Emma's eyes widened in shock, the remnants of her exhaustion fading in light of her friend's outburst. Her mouth fell open for a brief moment before she quickly composed herself. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks again, but she maintained her poise and cleared her throat awkwardly.

"Sex advice, huh? As I mentioned earlier, communication is essential. Always talk openly with your partner about your desires and boundaries. Consent and comfort are paramount," she explained, her smile widening slightly. "This is about Taunie again, right?"

“Th-There’s no chance you can forget I said that, is there?” Harmony asked, and when Emma shook her head, she sighed. “Yes. We were flirting today and some of the stuff we talked about, it made me worried I won’t…perform as well as she deserves. Like we did it once…already…” Her face burned as she shook her head. “Wow I’m on a roll today saying things people didn’t need to hear. Anyway! It was great and she seemed to like it but I want to make sure she’s getting the very best, because she deserves it.”

"That girl is quite lucky. Not many partners are willing to go above and beyond for their significant other like you do, Harmony. But I expected nothing less from you," Emma complimented, offering a warm, encouraging smile. "First off, the fact that you're even considering this shows how caring and attentive you are. That alone is incredibly attractive." She paused for a moment, carefully choosing her next words. "As for performance anxiety, it's more common than you might think. The key is to focus on the connection with your partner, not just the physical aspects. Show her affection and let your passion guide you."

Harmony groaned. “I’d feel better about it if I had someone to practice on, but that would be cheating so obviously I can’t do it!” She leaned against the wall. “Have you ever been intimate with someone? I mean, not to say that’s not good advice, but do you have anything…specific I could use?”

Emma's eyes widened slightly at her friend's bold question, and a deeper blush colored her cheeks. She hesitated briefly, seeming to weigh whether to deflect the question. Finally, she sighed, and a small, almost wistful smile played on her lips.

"Yes, I have been intimate with someone. It was a while ago, but I still remember the basics: trust and focusing on mutual pleasure," she answered honestly. She then rose from her desk and moved to stand beside Harmony. "As for specifics, start slow. Tease and build anticipation. Use your hands, your mouth, and your whole body to explore and excite her. Pay attention to Taunie's reactions and adjust accordingly."

As Emma spoke, Harmony’s eyes seemed to sparkle. She took mental notes of every single word, though once she was done, the thought of actually doing everything Taunie flashed through her mind, and a blush overtook her face again as well. She giggled as she looked away. “R-Right, I’ll try to keep that all in mind. Use my…m-mouth more…” She shuddered as she imagined Taunie’s delicious moans from that morning and started to daydream, only snapping herself out of it when Emma started to stare. “A-Ah! Thank you!”

"You're welcome! I'm glad I could help, even if it was a bit embarrassing to talk about," she said with a self-deprecating chuckle. "Just remember, confidence is key. If you approach this with love and care, Taunie will appreciate it more than any technical skill." Emma then stretched languidly, seemingly unconcerned about how the movement highlighted her curves in the tight combat suit. "Now, as much as I enjoy these intimate chats, I should probably get back to work. Do you have any other burning questions before you go?"

Getting briefly distracted by the girl’s rather tight outfit, it took her a moment to remember she’d been asked a question. “O-Oh! Uh…I don’t think so. Other than…well, since Taunie is gonna be busy from now on, would it be okay if we hung out more? Like we did today? You’re just…kinda fun to talk to.”

"Aww, does that mean you actually enjoy my company? I thought I was just the funny sidekick in our friendship dynamic," she teased, her tone light and affectionate, a warm and genuine smile lighting up her face. "I'd love to hang out more. You're pretty fun to be around yourself, you know." She continued, then glanced down at her watch with a small frown. "Tell you what—how about we make this a regular thing? Maybe we could meet up for lunch or coffee a couple of times a week, when our schedules allow. We can swap stories, give each other pep talks, or just enjoy each other's company without any pressure. Does that sound good?"

“Yes, please! You’re very fun for someone who usually seems so stoic and serious!” Harmony said, walking up to her and holding out her fist. “It’s a deal then!”

Emma grinned widely and bumped her fist against Harmony's in a gesture of agreement. "Stoic and serious? Me? Never!" she declared, placing her other hand over her heart. "I prefer to think of myself as 'mysterious and alluring,' personally." Her grin softened but remained genuine as she held her position for a moment longer. "On a more serious note, I'm really looking forward to seeing what our future holds. It's nice to have a friend who can make me laugh and see past the tough detective façade."

The girl’s smile was so warm that Harmony couldn’t help but blush a bit as she pulled her fist back. “R-Right. Well then, I’ll see you later. I have some stuff I need to take care of, I’ve still got some research tasks for Mable to do. But I will be grilling you on who you got intimate with sometime, alright? That sounds like a fun story. And I’ll also report on how it goes.” She paused, then blushed again. “Th-Though, probably avoiding specifics…”

Emma laughed, her rich, melodious sound echoing through the office. She walked Harmony to the door, her hand resting gently on the small of Harmony's back. "Oh, I have no doubt you'll be grilling me for details. Just don't expect too many juicy stories—a lady has to maintain some air of mystery, after all," she responded with a playful smile. As she opened the door for her companion, the detective added, "And please do report back; I want to know if my advice helped at all. Though I might need to invest in some noise-cancelling headphones for my desk, just in case." She gave a teasing wink, reminiscent of Taunie, but her expression turned serious, though her violet eyes remained warm and inviting. "Whatever happens, take care of yourself out there. Remember, no matter what, you've always got a friend in me."

Harmony nodded as she gave the detective a smile in return, and finally left the bureau.

Time passed as she made her way around Lumiose working on research tasks and various requests in the city until finally night fell, and Harmony sat waiting in front of the door to the hotel, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her lover.

Fortunately, the brunette didn't have to wait long. It was only about five minutes after she sat down when she heard her lover's voice calling out to her. She saw her girlfriend running into the plaza at full speed, coming to a stop in front of her with her hands placed on her hips.

"Well, isn't this the most beautiful entrance mat I've ever seen?" the girl teased. As soon as Harmony stood up, Taunie moved in and captured the girl's lips in another kiss, pouring out all her pent-up emotions from missing her. It was a passionate kiss, but the bold trainer didn't mind at all. "Hopefully, that was a sufficient greeting~!"

“Hmmm…nope, we should do it for longer!” Harmony then grabbed the girl and dipped her as she delivered an even more passionate kiss to her surprised lips. It lasted several moments before Harmony pulled away, her face flushed, but still pulling a confident smile all the same. “That’s a bit better, don’t you think~?”

Taunie found herself momentarily stunned, her senses reeling from the unexpected display of passion. However, as her initial shock faded, a broad grin spread across her face, mirroring her girlfriend's confident smile.

"Well, it seems I have no choice but to concede this time," she said with an embarrassed chuckle, rubbing the back of her head. Shaking her head in amusement as she regained her composure, she stepped back and offered her hand to Harmony. "You have a natural talent, my dear. Shall we take this inside and see where the rest of the evening leads us? I have a feeling it's going to be a memorable night."

“Yes, please! But after you, my wonderful darling~!” Harmony said as she gestured dramatically toward the door, bending down low as she smiled up at her lover with a wink.

"Alright, I see what you're aiming for—you want to play the role of the gentlewoman tonight, huh?" she replied with a smirk. Leaning forward, she gave the girl a light peck on the forehead. "Very well then, my chivalrous lady." Although she listened to Harmony's request, Taunie took her hand and led her inside. She walked toward the elevator and finally pressed the button to go upstairs. "Got any more fun stories to share with me before we begin our exploration, Harmy~?"

“Emma had sex with someone apparently, but I don’t know much more than that. Oh, and you probably shouldn’t tell her I said that, okay?” Harmony said with a nervous laugh. “I’m going to grill her about it soon, but other than that, pretty standard day.” She fidgeted. “I’ve…actually been thinking about you basically all day, heh.”

As Taunie's mind was still unraveling from her work, she was unfortunately observant enough to notice two things: first, that Harmony had been spending more time with Emma—something that would have made her very happy if not for the second observation. She found herself wondering what could have prompted Emma to share something so personal. Fortunately, since she was in the lead, Harmony didn't notice the brief moment when Taunie's brows furrowed in concern, quickly fading away. No, it was nothing. Instead, Taunie chose to let her earlier enthusiasm and joy take over once again.

"That makes two of us," the blonde replied cheerfully. "Did you have anything specific you wanted to try with me? I'm open to suggestions!"

“Oh, well, I…uh…I want to…” She fidgeted, struggling somewhat with the words. “I want to…lead? If I can? I want to pleasure you tonight, make you happy. I’ve been learning a lot online and stuff…and other places…about how to better pleasure my partner, and I really want to try out some stuff on you. So, please let me take over, and tell me if I’m doing a good job because I really want to do a good job and make you happy and make you moan because it’s really fucking hot when you do and I—”

"Harmy, sweetheart?" Taunie interrupted, squeezing her hand tightly as the elevator door opened in front of them. They stepped inside, and after the girl pressed the button for the second floor, she turned to look at her lover. "I'm really touched by your enthusiasm. It's incredibly endearing, so please, lead the way and show me everything you've learned. I'm more than a little eager to experience your newfound skills!"

“Right! Right…right!” Harmony reassured herself several times as she shook her head as she grasped Taunie’s body and pulled her in close and embraced her, their hearts racing together. “Anything is perfect when it’s us together, right? So I have no reason to be worried.”

"Absolutely. Being with you and sharing these moments is always perfect, no matter what." As usual, she wrapped her arms around Harmony and held her closely. "You're right. We have each other, and that's all that truly matters." Just then, the elevator stopped, and the door slid open, prompting the two to release each other and for Taunie to take the lead again. "So, let's get right to the fun part, shall we? I can hardly wait!"

“I am ready to have the sex with my lovely partner~” Harmony said before kissing the girl’s cheek. The two stepped inside and locked the door as Taunie made her way to the bed. Harmony turned around to face her and swallowed the lump in her throat. She twiddled her thumbs as she tried to summon her confidence. “So…first order of business…may I remove your clothes?”

"Of course, love. Please undress me however you wish; I have complete faith in you."

The girl stepped forward, feeling nervous but also intensely excited as she reached out and gently pushed Taunie onto the bed. She took a deep breath to steady herself before she started the process.

She removed each article one by one, starting with her jacket, slipping it from her shoulders in such a way that even though it was a nice, simple gesture, it still left Harmony feeling dizzy. She wouldn’t let it distract her however, as she then grabbed the hem of her top and lifted it, her face blooming in heat as her beautiful lace bra was revealed in all its glory, far more sensual than the pair she was wearing last.

“Th-That’s…I can almost see through it…” Harmony choked.

"Oh, you like it?" Taunie replied innocently, a seductive smile playing on her lips as she enjoyed the effect she had on her lover. She winked, adding, "But that's part of its charm, wouldn't you agree?" Then, with a slow and deliberate motion, she slid her hands across her body in a sensual way. "Luckily for you, I'm all yours tonight~"

“Oh, stop that! You’re gonna distract me!” Harmony said, reaching out her hands, and nearly straddling Taunie as she grasped at her bra. Even getting in this position left Harmony feeling tense and nervous, especially with the way her lover smiled at her so warmly. She frowned, then smiled as she had a wonderful idea. She further leaned against her body as she pushed forward and pressed their lips together in yet another passionate kiss.

After the initial surprise, Taunie closed her eyes and passionately returned Harmony's affection. She was more than eager to be a willing participant, as indicated by her soft moans against Harmony's lips, enjoying the embrace for as long as her girlfriend wished it to last.

With their lips locked, Harmony was almost too distracted to continue, but she managed to pull herself into enough mental clarity that she once again worked at her bra. After only a slight struggle, she pulled the bra down her arms and off her body, leaving her topless. While still kissing her, Harmony wasted no time in palming her lover’s breasts beneath her hands, moaning back into the kiss as their softness overwhelmed her. Even just a single day had left her desperately wanting more, and she knew in that moment even if they went until sunrise, it wouldn’t be enough to fulfill her love. Even so, she continued to squeeze her, enjoying how her skin melded under her fingers.

Like waves crashing against the shore before receding, the euphoria Taunie felt with every gentle squeeze of her girlfriend's fingers against her sensitive breasts was intoxicating. After a day filled with stress and separation, she craved this connection more than anything else. The blonde let out a soft whimper between tender moans, her body instinctively arching towards her partner, unable to suppress the heat pooling in her core anew.

"Ugh... You're going to kill me, you know that?" she murmured, pulling back for air as her fingers lightly dug into Harmony's shoulders, holding her close as she reveled in the intoxicating sensation. Despite having experienced this twice before, such bliss was overwhelming, and she wanted to indulge in it forever. She cradled her girlfriend's face in her hands and breathed out, "Arceus, I missed this... missed you."

Harmony laughed softly in response as she leaned in and gently nibbled at her earlobe for a moment. “Do you want me to skip to the main course then? Or do you like the tease, my love~?”

The other girl's breath hitched in her throat as she struggled to suppress a soft moan that escaped her lips. Her body trembled with anticipation, causing her to squirm against the bed. She let out a quiet laugh, light with excitement, but Harmony, being close to her, could easily sense the underlying desperation in it.

"Oh, Harmy, I could go either way," she admitted with a sincere shrug, despite her deeper feelings. "But I won't lie... experiencing you take the lead for the first time is already quite intoxicating. So, why don't we start slowly and gradually work our way up to the main event?" Finally, she pulled back just enough to place their foreheads softly together before finishing with a wink. "Maybe I can pick up a thing or two from you tonight~"

Harmony nodded with a smile as her lips returned to the girl’s neck. She started to gently bite her soft skin as her hands slid back over her breasts and gave each a hearty squeeze. She slowly moved them up and down, left and right, sliding the tips of her fingers across her skin all the way to the tip of her mound before moving back to squeeze the entire thing again. In all honestly, she could see herself playing with these the entire night if she really wanted.

Every stroke and squeeze of the brunette's fingers sent sparks of electricity through Taunie's body, making her squirm even more intensely beneath her girlfriend's touch. Despite this, she maintained enough composure to lift her head, giving Harmony easier access to the full length of her neck. Sounds of pleasure escaped her lips one after another as the trainer's hand roamed over her mounds, which were growing gradually warmer by the minute, reflected in the girl's growing arousal.

"Nnngh, you're driving me crazy," she gasped, arching further into Harmony's touch. "Arceus, your hands feel amazing..."

“Then why don’t I show you what else these hands can do~?” Harmony whispered as she opened up the front of the girl’s pants, not even bothering to fully pull them off before she slid her hand into her panties, finding her already wet. With a smile and a small chuckle, she began to stroke the girl’s lips, enjoying every tiny noise she made, every little shudder. She continued playing with her breast with her other hand, but shifted to start rolling her thumb over her hard nub as she bit down gently on her neck, giving her three points of stimulation.

In response, Taunie's breathing hitched in her throat, and her attempts to breathe became erratic after the sharp gasp that involuntarily escaped her lips. Her body began to tremble at the girl's skillful touch, her muscles tensing and relaxing rhythmically as she tried to adjust to the sudden onslaught of bliss amidst her now louder moan. Even though she had experienced this from the girl before, she felt utterly helpless against her advance—not that it was anything bad. Not at all; her body craved more.

"F-Fuck... H-Harmy," she stammered. She had no idea how she had become so good—so bold—at this in just a day, but she wouldn't question it now. It wasn't like she had the mental fortitude to do so at present, anyway. Instead, her hands found their way under her lover's shirt as she gripped her hips tightly for support, grinding against Harmony's palm in search of more friction. "Don't stop... Please don't stop."

And so the girl didn’t. She continued sliding up and down her neck as she placed love bites along her skin. She switched to directly pinching the girl’s nipple, twisting it lightly in her fingers as she felt Taunie jolt underneath her, and lastly, she started to gently thrust a finger inside her, moving slightly deeper with every insertion as she moved even closer than before, wanting to feel her heat.

Every touch, every pinch, every thrust of Harmony's fingers quickly turned what started as mere jolts into shockwaves, making Taunie feel as if she had been struck by a thunderbolt instead. Her moans quickly became cries, and she would have fallen off the bed from the way her body arched if her lover hadn't been right in front of her. Still, she felt an all-too-familiar fog enveloping her mind, accompanied by a similarly familiar loss of self. Once again, her vocabulary became a puppet to her brain's desires, overwhelmed by intense euphoria as she shouted—

"Oh Arceus, yes~!" Her voice was high and desperate, heightened by the sensation of her lover's skillful fingers gradually probing deeper into her velvety depths. This caused an immense pressure to build from within her, intensifying with each moment. "H-Haaah! More! Pl-Please, more!"

From here, Harmony pulled away, teasing her for just a moment before she pushed her down onto the bed. Before Taunie could question it, she yanked her panties and panties down her legs with ease, and climbed onto the bed herself. She slid her knee against Taunie’s, using it to spread her legs as she plunged her entire hand between her legs once more, her middle finger finding its way inside her.

Meanwhile, up top, she instead pressed her mouth to the girl’s breast as she resumed groping the other. Her kisses now were nonstop against the soft mounds upon her chest, every touch of her warm lips sending a jolt of ecstasy through her lover’s body.

Although Taunie was momentarily taken aback, she didn't have time to whine before Harmony resumed her role. This, of course, didn't lessen Taunie's intense arousal; in fact, it only heightened it, as would anyone's complete exposure for their lover to enjoy. Her thighs quivered as the pressure within her folds built with each passing second. In preparation, she moved her hands to the back of Harmony's shirt, grasping the fabric with such urgency that, if she had nails, it would have likely torn open.

"L-Love! I-I...!" Taunie continued to stammer, as the rest of her sentence was lost in a slur of incoherence; but Harmony knew, from how tightly the blonde's walls clenched around her finger, how close she was.

“Come to me, Taun~” Harmony paused to speak into her ear before she leaned down and placed her mouth around her nipple, gently biting down. To lay it on as thick as possible, she pushed her finger inside as far as it would go and twisted her other nipple, pulling at it as she moaned against her skin.

Obediently, Taunie's body convulsed as an intense orgasm rippled through her. Her inner walls clenched tightly around the woman's finger, and with a loud cry, Taunie's juices flowed from her body in waves. The blonde had no idea how long it lasted, as in those fleeting moments before she collapsed back onto the bed, the entire world had turned white. Once she emptied herself, though, her breathing was ragged and shallow, with her chest rising and falling rapidly as she rode out the remaining waves of bliss.

Once the girl was finished, Harmony removed her finger and embraced the girl, burying her face against her chest as she laid across half her body, sighing with contentment.

“Well…you seemed to enjoy that~” Harmony said with a smug smile as she gently kissed the girl’s cheek.

Initially, Taunie was too disoriented to respond. But, eventually, when she could, she let out a soft giggle, even as her body trembled from the aftershocks of such an intense release.

"I can't deny it," she quietly admitted, her voice breathy and filled with satisfaction. After a few attempts, she successfully wrapped her arms around her girlfriend, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. With a light giggle, she added, "I suppose this means I need to look into your sources of information to catch up to you, don't I...?"

“Well, we’ll see. As you can tell, I’m quite a talented lover, so it might be hard for you to match up to my skills~” Harmony said with faux confidence, giggling at the look her girlfriend gave her, before slowly going silent as she squeezed the girl tightly against her.

“How is it that…this hug…is the most comfortable and safe I’ve ever felt in my entire life?”

"Because this isn't just about physical comfort, my love," Taunie began, her voice soft and sincere. "It's about being with someone who understands you, accepts you for who you are, and loves you wholeheartedly." A smile spread across her face, and she felt tears welling up at the corners of her eyes. "And I truly feel so incredibly lucky—luckier than everyone in Lumiose, luckier than anything in this vast world out there..."

Harmony smiled as she basked in the warmth of the girl’s almost nude form. “Yeah. I feel lucky too. Out of all the people I could’ve met when I got here, I feel so grateful that it was you. I love you, Taun. More than anything.”

"I..." Taunie started, but her voice trembled on the verge of breaking. She cleared her throat and lightly shook her head before wrapping her arms even more tightly around her lover, holding her as warmly as she could. Fortunately, she had enough energy to express such deep emotion—but she was certain that even if she didn't, her next words would carry as much weight as if she were in perfect condition. "I love you too, Harmony. More than I've loved anyone."

Neither of them exchanged formal vows or solemn promises, but the absence of such declarations felt inconsequential. Because in the depths of their hearts, they understood a profound truth: regardless of the challenges that life may throw their way, the bond they shared was unbreakable.

"Lifelong commitment, huh..." Taunie murmured to herself before her lips promptly curled into one of the brightest smiles she'd ever formed. "That has a nice ring to it~"

Chapter Text

The sun rose over Lumiose City, casting golden light through the windows as Taunie and Harmony walked hand-in-hand down the hallway, laughing over a joke that only they understood. They shared a quick kiss before parting ways for the day. However, they would reunite during lunch and later in the evening, enjoying a relaxing night in each other's embrace. This routine continued for several days, and there was truly little either girl could have wanted more.

However, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, at least not for Taunie. Over the course of those several days, Harmony spent most of her time with Emma and not with anyone else. Usually, that would be fine; naturally, she wanted her girlfriend to be happy. But Taunie couldn't help but feel worried. Despite the love they had shown each other, their interactions seemed to grow more distant, and goodbyes became easier with each passing day. Additionally, Harmony frequently shared personal information about Emma, and the things they did together were similar to the dates that Taunie had with Harmony. It was undoubtedly concerning. However, Taunie always dismissed it, attributing it to her mind being overwhelmed by work every time.

And so, a new day began as Taunie pulled away from a kiss with her lover just before heading to her job at Quasartico Inc. With a smile on her face, she asked, "Are we meeting at the same place for lunch, my love?"

“Nah, why don’t we try the new cafe that opened up in the Vert District? I heard they’ve got a killer magikarp sushi bar imported directly from Kanto,” Harmony replied. “It’s supposedly at a decent price, too~”

Decent? A new place—even though they had always met in the same location before? These thoughts raced through Taunie's mind, but she pushed them aside. It was perfectly natural for her girlfriend to want to explore different cuisines, so Taunie's lips curled into a warm smile before she nodded in agreement.

"That sounds delicious! I can't wait to try out more places that my partner, who has the most exquisite taste, picked out," the blonde teased with a wink before taking a step back. "Alright, send me the coordinates on my Rotom Phone. I'll meet you there during my break, as usual!"

“Alright, I’ll see you then, darling~” Harmony replied as she leaned in and gave the girl a loud, wet, dramatic kiss on the cheek before giggling. “You run that company like the boss girl you are~”

"I'll do my best for both of us," Taunie promised, placing her hand on top of Harmony's head and affectionately ruffling her hair—just like she had done on the night they confessed their feelings. The memory brought a wave of warmth to the blonde as she recalled that special evening. "See you soon, then. Love you, Harmy~"

Finally, Taunie turned and walked out of the hotel, just as she always did, ready for the day ahead. However, despite her outward calm, a subtle tension she couldn't quite identify coiled within her—a nagging sense of unease that today would be different from all the others. As usual, she reassured herself that this feeling was irrational. After all, Harmony loved her, and Emma was just a friend and a fellow trainer. That was all there was to it.

Harmony waved the girl off with a smile. For the first few days, every goodbye had felt painful, and she was always left depressed and sad. Emma had been a huge help, but even so, it had been a bit difficult. Yet, she was thankful that their relationship had entered a steady rhythm, and even if wasn’t as much time as she wanted, they at least had weekends and breaks, as well as their…time at night. Everything felt good.

And yet a moment later, her phone went off with a text from Lida. She pulled it out and examined it, though at first she didn’t believe what she was reading. “No way…he actually did it?!”

Having skimmed the text several times, she knew she needed to tell someone else now or she’d completely burst with excitement. Thankfully, she knew exactly who would be willing to listen, and she immediately rushed toward the bureau.

“EMMMAAAA! THERE’S SOME INSANE GOSSIP SHIT I NEED TO TELL YOU!” Harmony cried and, being far too excited, she busted open the door without knocking. “You won’t believe what—!”

But she froze completely as she took in the sight before her.

Inside, Emma sat frozen, her eyes wide with shock and embarrassment, as she never expected an intrusion. Her combat suit had been completely removed and was laid out on the chair beside her, where her Espurr, Mimi, usually slept. The front of her jacket was open, leaving little to the brunette's imagination. For several seconds, she remained still, as if hoping the scene would somehow disappear if she didn't move. But eventually—

"H-H-H-Harmony!? What are you doing here?" she stammered, her usual stoic composure completely absent. It was as if she had transformed into an entirely different person. A deep crimson blush spread across her face and down her neck, eventually disappearing beneath the collar of her hastily closed jacket. She quickly attempted to regain her dignity, tightly crossing her legs and sitting up straight in her chair. However, the damage was done—there was no mistaking the compromising position she had been caught in. Knowing full well how ridiculous her words would sound if she followed them, it was, unfortunately, all she could say, as she let out a weak, "I... this isn't what it looks like..."

“Wh-wh-wha…a-are you…?” Harmony couldn’t pull her eyes away. The image of the girl’s breasts and lower body was now permanently etched into her mind, leaving her feeling dizzy as she leaned against the wall for support. “Th-That’s…I mean it’s really freaking hot but I don’t think I’m allowed to say that right?” Harmony babbled as she slowly backed up, still unable to stop from staring at her exposed skin. “I mean you’re very pretty and of course you’d do that kind of thing but maybe you shouldn’t do it here but also maybe I should actually knock instead of barging in, do you want to get dressed, yeah you probably do, I’ll be outside, let me know when you’re good okay god that was hot, uh I didn’t say that, okay let me know hahahaha HAHAHAHAHAHA!”

And so she slammed the door behind her as she stepped outside. Her face burned red hot as she pressed against the wall, trying to calm her now racing heart. And yet even when she closed her eyes, she couldn’t see anything except the wonderful image of Emma…

Before she reached out her hand and slapped herself across the face hard enough to make her stumble.

“Not your girlfriend, stop. Doesn’t matter if it was one of the hottest things you’ve ever seen, not your girlfriend.” She slapped herself again, getting a funny look from someone walking their Furfrou next to her. But it was enough, and once again leaned against the wall, taking a few deep breaths, doing her best to focus on Taunie’s face.

After several moments of stunned silence following the trainer's sudden departure, Emma slumped back in her chair, covering her face with her hands. Mortification and disbelief battled within her as she struggled to process what had just occurred.

"Of all the people to walk in on me like that, it had to be her," she muttered to herself, her voice muffled behind her hands. "And of course she had to pick the one time I decided to indulge myself during a break."

With a heavy sigh, Emma forced herself to sit up and begin the process of getting dressed again. Her movements were stiff and mechanical. As she pulled on her discarded clothes, her mind raced with thoughts on how to handle this incredibly awkward situation. Once she was appropriately covered, Emma took a deep, calming breath before calling out—

"Harmony? Are you still out there?"

The trainer jumped in surprise before turning to face the door, her face still red as the image flashed through her mind again before she could stop it. “Y-Yeah? What’s up? You…uh…d-dressed again?”

Emma cracked open the door, peeking out cautiously. At the sight of her friend's flushed expression, she felt a pang of sympathy mixed with lingering embarrassment.

"Yes, I am. And I... I owe you an apology. My behavior was completely inappropriate, especially in a workplace setting," she said, her voice uncharacteristically subdued. "I never intended for anyone to see me like that, least of all a close friend like you." She then stepped out, maintaining a respectful distance. Her voice was tense, but her violet eyes reflected a sincere, almost pleading look. "I understand if this makes things awkward between us. Believe me, I'm mortified beyond belief. But... I hope it doesn't ruin our friendship."

“W-Well, to be honest, it does make it a little hard to look at you right now, but I’m sure that’ll pass.” Harmony said, giving a small laugh that died down into her swallowing hard. “So…uh…why exactly were you doing it at the bureau? And not…your apartment? I mean, I know I should’ve knocked but still…”

Emma winced at the question, a fresh wave of embarrassment washing over her. She rubbed the back of her neck, looking anywhere but directly at her friend. However, she knew she owed her an explanation, if nothing else, regardless of their friendship.

"It's... complicated," she began, her voice strained. "Sometimes, when a case becomes particularly stressful or frustrating, I need a way to blow off steam. And lately..." She paused, biting her lip. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself. "The truth is, I haven't been able to fully relax at home. There are too many memories and reminders of why I sought distraction in the first place." Her gaze finally met Harmony's, revealing a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. "I know it's not ideal, but in a way, the bureau has become my sanctuary. I thought I was alone, that no one would catch me..."

Harmony didn’t break her gaze, instead letting out a sigh. “Right. I can’t exactly fault you for that. Just…maybe lock the door next time? Just in case?” She tried for another laugh, but it still felt hollow, and she dropped it quickly. “Either way, it’s fine. I’m sorry for barging in. Maybe at some point you can barge in on me and make it even!” It took a moment, but when she realized how that sounded, she blushed again. “A-Ah! N-Not that I really want you to see me like that! That’s only for Taunie! Though we haven’t even done that yet…I-I mean, uh forget you heard that!” Harmony shook her head. “P-Point is…yes, our friendship is fine, so please don’t worry.”

"Well, well, well... looks like the pot is calling the kettle black," she teased gently, her usual playfulness beginning to return. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. And hey, I admire you for being so open about your relationship." She reached out and gave Harmony's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Thank you for being so understanding about all this. I know it couldn't have been easy to walk in on your friend in such a compromising position. But your friendship means the world to me, Harmony."

Harmony laughed again, this time for real. “I think you’re a great friend too. Having you around while Taunie’s been busy has been a lifesaver, you have no idea. Though…maybe you should consider finding a partner too if you really need some relief. Take it from me, it helps.”

Emma laughed, her laughter rich and warm despite the awkward circumstances. She playfully rolled her eyes at the girl's suggestion, though a hint of wistfulness lingered in her expression.

"A partner, huh? Easier said than done, my friend. Dating in this line of work is... challenging, to put it mildly," she replied, her tone wry. However, she didn't dismiss the topic entirely. Instead, she pursed her lips and glanced downward for a few seconds before meeting Harmony's gaze again. "I appreciate your concern. For you, I promise I'll think about it."

The trainer nodded, then flashed the detective a warm smile. “Well…if you’re still up for it, I wouldn’t mind still going out to eat, especially since I have more juicy gossip to share with you. That’s why I barged in, after all.” Her smile then turned into a smirk. “Unless you still need to finish~?”

Emma couldn't help but laugh at her friend's cheeky remark, the tension from their previous encounter fading away like smoke in the wind. She playfully swatted at her friend's arm, her violet eyes sparkling with mirth.

"You minx! Trying to tempt a lady with the promise of juicy gossip?" she teased, waggling her finger at the brunette. "While I'm flattered by the offer, I think I've had quite enough excitement for one day. Let's save the gossip session for somewhere less... charged, shall we?" She grinned, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "How about we meet up at that new café on Route 7? The one with the cute outdoor seating area? My treat, as an apology for putting you through my little… indiscretion earlier."

“Ah, can we go somewhere else? I actually wanted to visit that with Taunie,” Harmony said. “How about we go to the one we went to on Thursday? The one that had that super delicious cake?”

Emma's face lit up at the mention of the familiar café, a fond smile gracing her lips. "That's a brilliant idea! Their desserts are absolutely divine—almost as sweet as you are," she added with a playful wink. Noticing how flushed her friend's cheeks became from the sudden compliment, Emma chose to ignore it and glanced at her watch, mentally calculating her remaining free time. "Tell you what—let's meet there in about an hour. That should give me enough time to wrap up a few loose ends here and freshen up a bit," Emma concluded, gesturing vaguely at herself with a self-deprecating chuckle.

“So you ARE going to finish up, huh~?” Harmony teased. “Alright. I’ll meet you there then, just gotta find something else to occupy myself for an hour. Maybe I’ll check up on Gwynn and Canari after what I’ve learned.” She smiled. She knew she was absolutely teasing her friend, but she didn’t care much, and rather reveled in it. “See you then~”

The detective groaned dramatically, rolling her eyes again but unable to hide a grin. "Ugh, you're incorrigible! Get out of here before I change my mind and drag you along to help me 'finish up,'" she playfully threatened, making air quotes with her fingers as Harmony turned to leave. But Emma wasn't done yet and called out to her, "And don't you dare breathe a word of this to Gwynn or Canari! I have a reputation to uphold, you know!" Despite her stern words, there was no real anger behind them—only affectionate exasperation as she watched her friend walk away, shaking her head in amused disbelief. Finally, she checked her watch again, before the woman nodded decisively and stepped back inside the bureau.

Harmony finally left. She made her way over to check on Gwynn and Canari, who were streaming together at the warehouse. When they recalled the story—with the stream muted—they all had a good laugh about it, not making fun of Naveen, but simply laughing at the way he reacted to the whole encounter. He had apparently been a good sport about it when she’d explained, but even so, it was quite something to behold.

After that, Harmony wasted the rest of the time completing more task and receiving another TM in the process before making her way to the cafe once time had sufficiently passed.

Exactly an hour later, Emma pushed open the door of the cozy café, her nose twitching appreciatively at the aroma of freshly baked goods and brewed coffee. She spotted Harmony already seated at their favorite corner table and made her way over with a warm smile on her face.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting," she said, sliding into the seat across from her friend. She signaled the waiter for two menus and then turned her attention back to Harmony, her violet eyes sparkling with mischief. "Now then, my dear, I believe you promised me some gossip. Lay it on me—what secrets have you uncovered today?"

The girl’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned in close. “Alright, so do you know Naveen, the guy who likes to make clothes on Team MZ?”

Emma nodded, a flicker of recognition crossing her face. "Naveen? Yes, I know him vaguely. He's the fashion designer, right? Always dressed in those elaborate outfits." She leaned forward, mirroring Harmony's conspiratorial stance, genuine interest shining in her eyes. "What about him? Has he been up to something interesting?"

The waiter arrived with their menus, but Emma barely glanced at them; her attention was fully focused on her brunette friend and the tantalizing promise of gossip. She absentmindedly toyed with the Mega Stone hanging at her throat as she waited for Harmony to continue, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

“So he’s been a huge fan of Canari forever apparently, and the moment he learned she and Gwynn started dating, he apparently ran all the way to her, barged in on her while she was streaming, and confessed his love for her!” Harmony said as she absentmindedly opened the menu while keeping her eyes on her friend.

The detective's eyes widened in shock as her menu slipped from her fingers and landed on the table with a soft thud. She momentarily found herself speechless, but then erupted into a fit of giggles that attracted curious glances from nearby patrons.

"No way! Naveen actually did that?" she exclaimed, her voice rising with excitement. "Oh my Arceus, that's both hilarious and incredibly brave! Or incredibly stupid, depending on how you look at it." She leaned back in her chair, shaking her head in amazement. "Can you imagine the scene? Poor Canari, minding her own business, pouring her heart out to her fans, and suddenly—BAM! A love confession from the fashion department!" Emma mimicked the actions with her hands, grinning widely, though her cheeks flushed a light pink toward the end.

Harmony nodded eagerly. “But that’s not even the kicker. Apparently, Gwynn just so happened to overhear it as she was walking in, which only made everything more awkward. But the absolute best part?” Harmony giggled. “Canari, point blank, turned to him and said just ‘sorry, I’m gay,’ and left it at that. Apparently Gwynn burst out laughing, which considering she never laughs like that, it must’ve sounded beautiful.”

A small, knowing smile played on Emma's lips as she envisioned the scene unfolding in her mind. "Oh wow, that's perfect! I can totally imagine Canari delivering that line with a straight face—no pun intended," she chuckled, her gaze drifting to the nearby window. After a moment of contemplation, she snapped back to Harmony. "You know, sometimes I think about the stories these walls could tell, considering how we detectives end up entangled in the most bizarre situations," she mused, a hint of wry humor in her voice. "But hey, it keeps life interesting, right?"

“Oh please, I’m sure you’ve got plenty of stories of your own merit, both personal and in Lumiose in general.” Harmony said with a hand wave. “I mean, you’ve never even told me who that one guy on your wall is! Like seriously, who is that?”

Emma lowered her head, her smile faltering slightly but remaining genuine. A nostalgic glint shone in her eyes as she recalled the memories associated with what Harmony referred to. "That's Looker," she explained, her tone warm and affectionate. "He's a fellow detective, and we've worked together on several cases over the years. Looker and I have a strong professional rapport, built on trust, respect, and a shared passion for justice. Our partnership has yielded remarkable results, and I consider him a valued colleague and friend." Her gaze softened, but a hint of longing flickered beneath the surface. "Despite our close working relationship, however, we've never pursued anything romantic. Our focus remains on solving crimes and protecting the innocent above all else."

Harmony suddenly slammed the table rather loudly, not only making the glasses tremble and Emma jump in surprise, but also startled the people around them as the girl stared directly into Emma’s eyes.

“THAT’S WHY IT’S CALLED THE LOOKER BUREAU?!”

"Oh, Harmony, you clever thing," Emma chuckled, her gaze returning to the trainer's. Her initial shock shifted into a mix of amusement and exasperation as she leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Yes, it's true. The 'Looker Bureau' isn't just a nickname; it's a direct reference to Detective Looker himself. His exceptional skills and dedication to justice have inspired countless trainers and investigators throughout the region."

“He sounds special. What happened? I mean I know you said you weren’t with him romantically but did he just like…leave? Did he go to another region, or did he…” She hesitated before continuing, “…die? What’s the story?”

A shadow crossed Emma's face at the mention of Looker's disappearance, and she fell silent for a moment, lost in thought. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft and tinged with bittersweet nostalgia. "Looker vanished under mysterious circumstances during an investigation. His last known location was the Battle Frontier, but despite extensive searches and leads, neither his body nor any conclusive evidence of his fate was ever found," she recalled, her eyes distant as if reliving the events. "The official inquiry concluded that he likely met with an untimely demise while pursuing a lead, but the truth remains a frustrating enigma. Over the years, many theories have circulated, ranging from foul play to a tragic accident, but none have been proven conclusively."

“Oh…oh, I’m sorry,” Harmony said, feeling slightly defeated as she fell back into her chair. “Sorry for pushing them, I was just curious, you know?” She sighed. “Do you…miss him a lot? Like, clearly you two were really close so…”

In response, Emma reached across the table and gently placed her hand over the other woman's in a comforting gesture. "It's okay, Harmony. I understand your curiosity, and I appreciate your empathy. Missing someone doesn't diminish the positive aspects of our relationship or the impact they had on our lives. I'm sure you feel the same way about Taunie," she reassured, her voice warm and soothing. "While Looker's absence leaves a void, I cherish the memories and lessons he imparted during our time together. His dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to justice serve as constant inspiration in my work as a detective." Her smile grew softer, with a hint of melancholy lingering in her eyes. "Of course, there are still moments when the ache of his loss feels overwhelming, but I try to focus on the joy and fulfillment his presence brought, rather than dwelling on the sorrow of his departure."

Almost without thinking, Harmony grasped her hand back and squeezed it tightly. “Right. Well…now you have new people to rely on, to be friends with. And I don’t just mean me. Taunie and Team MZ would be happy to help whenever you need it, and there’s so many other people in Lumiose that I’m sure would lend a hand if you just asked. But, even if not…I’ll be here, however you need.”

Emma felt a warmth spread through her chest. She lowered her gaze again as a delicate blush crept up her neck and faintly colored her cheeks. "Thank you, Harmony," she responded softly, her voice barely audible over the hum of the café. "Your kindness means more to me than you know. Having friends like you and the others makes all the difference in the world." She took a risk and glanced up at the brunette through her lashes, her violet eyes shimmering with unshed emotion. "Sometimes, I forget how lucky I am to have such wonderful people in my life; you remind me every day why I love being part of this community." Finally, the detective cleared her throat, subtly trying to regain her composure.

“Ah, sorry, didn’t mean to make such a serious mood, heh,” Harmony replied, trying to recover. “Anyway, why don’t we actually do what we came here to do and check the menu to see what we want to order, yeah? I’ll probably just get a borgar…” The girl paused when she realized what she’d done, and blushed. “Ah, sorry, inside joke with Taunie, it just kind of slipped out.” She hastily picked up the menu to hide her face.

"Borgar, huh? That sounds intriguing," she teased, the tension between them easing into a familiar comfort. She then picked up her own menu. "I think I'll stick with something more conventional—perhaps a slice of apple pie à la mode?" Emma mused, stealing a glance over the top of her menu at the trainer across from her. A playful smirk spread across her lips as she added, "Unless you'd like to share yours? I hear that two heads are better than one when it comes to enjoying a delicious meal."

“Only if you let me have some of that pie! I saw it on a table coming in and Arceus it looked delicious!” Harmony replied, and Emma could almost see the sparkles in her eyes.

The detective laughed, the sound light and carefree as she set her menu down. "Deal! If you share your burger with me, you can have half of my pie," she readily agreed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "But I should warn you," she added with a teasing wink, "my appetite is legendary among my colleagues. They say I can eat enough food to feed a small army after a successful case closure." Leaning back in her chair, she then stretched lazily. "Don't worry, though; I'll make sure to save room for dessert if there's time. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water."

“You eat a lot and stay skinny? What’s your secret?!” Harmony teased as the waiter came by. The two gave their orders and chatted about whatever came to mind as they waited. Harmony couldn’t help but notice that conversation never flowed this easily with anyone by Taunie. She felt a little guilty thinking that but waved it off, as she knew there wasn’t exactly anything wrong with that. Plus, it wasn’t like she had any feelings for the girl, even if she had a feeling the thought of her pleasuring herself would likely invade her nightly sessions, at least the ones she’d have alone, which wasn’t often anymore.

Then finally, their food arrived.

The black-haired woman's eyes brightened at the sight, and she quickly took action. As the older of the two, she cut both of their meals in half before placing each half on the other's plate. Then, without hesitation, she dove in, taking a big bite of her companion's burger and letting out an appreciative moan.

"This is incredible," she mumbled with a mouthful of food, her eyes closed in bliss. "The flavors melt together perfectly." This led her to another thought that piqued her curiosity. "How often do you and Taunie share meals with each other?"

“Basically every time we go out!” Harmony said with a laugh, then paused. “That’s…not weird, is it? I mean, I’ve always shared food with my family so I figured that was something normal to do, oh no have I been weirding her out and she was just being nice, because that sounds like something she would do—”

"Not at all! Sharing food is a wonderful tradition, and I'm honored that you feel comfortable enough to do it with me," Emma assured, shaking her head vigorously to cut off her worried rambling. "A good meal is meant to be enjoyed with good company. Besides," she added, as another playful smirk reappeared on her lips, "it gives me an excuse to take bites from your plate without looking greedy."

“I suppose so. I just think it’s nice to get to sample more than one thing. That way, when you come back, you feel more comfortable about ordering something you wouldn’t have been as sure about otherwise, and know you won’t be wasting your money on it.” Harmony nodded to herself as she took a bite of the pie, and moaned with delight. “Sho good~!”

The woman's eyes widened for a moment, her heart skipping a beat as she imagined that same noise escaping her lips under different circumstances. But then she blinked hard, and in the next instant, her thoughts faded as she looked away and focused on her own pie to compose herself.

"That's very true," she replied. "Trying new things can be intimidating, but sharing experiences helps ease that fear." She took a few deliberate bites of her pie, savoring the flavors as a distraction from her thoughts. "This is really good; I wouldn't mind coming here more often with you in the future."

“Same! Honestly just going out to eat with friends is always a fun time in my book!” Harmony said with a smile. “And discovering new places to eat is also incredible. It’s why I’m so excited to go to that new place with Taunie, especially since I heard they make an intense chocolate cake. Super sweet and moist and delicious~!” She gave a chef’s kiss before diving back into her food, already almost finished.

"That sounds amazing! I love trying new restaurants too," she said, her excitement growing at the prospect. Then, another thought crossed her mind, making her enthusiasm flourish even more. "Maybe we can all go together sometime?" Emma suggested tentatively, hoping she wasn't overstepping. She took another bite, having nearly finished her portion, too. "I'd love to join you and Taunie someday!"

“I’d have to ask, but I don’t see why she’d say no!” She paused. “Well, maybe she’d want me all to herself. She makes that clear enough when we—” She stopped and cleared her throat as her cheeks flushed. “Wow, I really need to stop doing that, I just find it so easy to talk to you it just slips out, I’m sorry.”

"It's alright," the detective reassured her, keeping her expression neutral even though her pulse quickened. "We all have our private moments and secrets, so there's no need to apologize for letting your guard down." She reached out and brushed her fingers against Harmony's hand. "I value our friendship greatly, and I hope you know you can always be yourself around me."

Harmony giggled. “You’re very ‘hands-on’ today, not that I mind! Just…I’m not used to you being so comforting. It’s…nice.” Harmony let her hand rest there for a moment before she pulled it back. “I’m happy to be myself around someone other than just Taunie.” She sighed, digging back into her food. It didn’t take much more time for them to both finish.

"So," Emma began after they finished their meals, "should we head out? Maybe we could grab a coffee somewhere else before going back to the station?" She stood up, smoothing her coat. "Or would you prefer to take a walk around the city for a while?"
“I wouldn’t mind walking around, we might see something interesting! Maybe even a rogue shiny~” Harmony said, though her laugh indicated she didn’t really believe that. The two paid for their food and headed out, once again with their arms linked.

As they stepped outside, the late morning sun cast a beautiful glow over Lumiose City. Emma took a deep breath, enjoying the crisp air and the lively activity around her.

"This is one of my favorite times of the day," she remarked, her voice relaxed and content. "Everything seems so vibrant and full of possibilities."

“It’s also just the right amount of warmth!” Harmony said, then turned to the girl as they walked. “What’s Winter like here, by the way?”

"Oh, it's magical," she began, her voice softening. "The streets are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Snow falls gently, blanketing the city in a pristine white layer." Emma gestured vaguely towards the skyline. "From certain vantage points, you can see the entire city glittering like a jewel box beneath the starry sky. It's truly breathtaking."

“That sounds absolutely beautiful,” Harmony replied with a wistful look on her face. “I can picture it the way you describe it. I can’t wait to see it.” She sighed happily. “I always like Winter the most. It’s so pretty, even if the ice is a bit bothersome to deal with.”

"Perhaps we can plan a winter outing together," the woman suggested, her voice filled with hope. "There are plenty of cozy cafes and charming shops to explore during the holiday season." She paused for a moment, carefully considering her next words. "And if Taunie is unavailable, I'd be more than happy to accompany you if you ever need someone to brave the cold with."

“That sounds wonderful, Emma,” Harmony replied, flashing her a smile that could melt the very snow they were discussing. “Walking around Lumiose and taking in the already beautiful sights made even more beautiful…it sounds like a magical day.”

Emma's breath caught in her throat at the intensity of the girl's smile. For a moment, she was lost in those sparkling eyes, her heart pounding wildly against her ribs. However, with the willpower she had gained from her experience as a detective, she managed to tear her gaze away and focus on the path ahead. Why was she feeling this way? She wasn't... No, that was impossible.

"That sounds like a great plan," Emma promptly replied enthusiastically, glancing at her watch. "By the way, didn't you have lunch plans with Taunie today? I don't want to hold you up for too long."

“Perfect timing, actually! I do have to meet her in a few minutes, but it’s not far from here, if you don’t mind us leaving off?” She unhooked her arm and smiled again. “Thank you for joining me, as always. It’s never boring with you!” She checked her phone again just to be sure of the time. “I’ll see you later, alright?” And with that, she ran off, leaving the detective waving back.

"See you later, Harmony," she called out after her, her voice barely audible above the city noise.

Once the girl had left, the woman sighed and turned to head back to the bureau. As she walked, her mind replayed the highlights of their time together. She couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them—a subtle change that left her both exhilarated and uncertain. However, she was convinced that she was only imagining it.

Meanwhile, Taunie stood outside the restaurant that Harmony had mentioned wanting to visit earlier that morning. With her arms crossed loosely over her chest, she waited impatiently, tapping her foot and checking her watch for the third time in just a few minutes. The delicious aroma of food wafted from inside, mingling with the crisp morning air. Just as she was about to step inside to secure a table, she spotted Harmony approaching from down the street. A familiar flutter stirred in her chest at the sight.

"Hey there~" Taunie greeted her with a smile, her tone light despite the lingering knot in her stomach. Teasingly, she added, "I was beginning to think you stood me up."

“Yeah, sorry, I found this really hot girl. She’s about your height, blonde hair with pink highlights, got an incredibly sexy midriff, you know, just the absolute most perfect babe,” Harmony responded with a smirk. “Oh! And apparently…” She leaned in really close to whisper. “Apparently, she’s really killer in bed~”

Taunie's eyes widened in mock surprise, a grin spreading across her face before she laughed—a sound that was beautiful, pure, and one that Harmony had come to love so very much.

"Wow, sounds like a real catch," the blonde replied, feigning ignorance. She took a small step closer, her voice dropping to a sultry murmur. "I guess I'll just have to try even harder to impress you next time, then," Taunie continued, her grin widening with mischief and promise. "Can't have any competition on my watch~"

The girl shuddered despite showing smug confidence only a moment earlier, and she chuckled. “W-We should probably go inside. Don’t want to waste any time when there’s delicious food to eat!” She then spoke to herself. “Good thing I can hold a lot of food…”

"Oh? Have you already eaten?" Taunie teased curiously, following her girlfriend toward the restaurant entrance. She held the door open for her, allowing her to enter first before stepping inside herself. The warm interior enveloped them, and the hum of conversation along with the clinking of cutlery filled Harmony's ears once again as they were led to an empty table near the back. "So, what's on the menu today? Besides me, of course."

“H-How do you say that with such confidence?!” Harmony cried, then shook her head. “And yeah, I ate with Emma, but it’s fine, I’ve got a large stomach, and I can always make room for you, Taun~” She gently booped her nose as the two sat down. “I’m excited to see what this place has~!”

The mention of the detective stirred a faint twinge of discomfort in Taunie, but it was small enough that she didn't notice it this time. Instead, she focused on the present moment, reaching over to cup the brunette's hand.

"As always, you're adorable when you're flustered," the blonde sighed dreamily. "And don't worry, I won't hold it against you for eating without me."

“Yay! Alright, let’s see what we got,” she said as she opened it up, and immediately almost all of the meals looked incredibly delicious and mouth watering. It became hard for anything specific to stand out other than the chocolate cake, which she wasn’t sure if she should order on its own. However, she decided to ask. “Is it alright if I just order the cake?”

Taunie peeked over the menu, amusement sparkling in her eyes as she asked, "Ordering dessert before the main course? That's a new one." She set the menu down and leaned back in her chair with a relaxed smile. "But hey, if you're that eager for something sweet, go for it! Just don't blame me if you fill up too quickly and miss out on the rest of the meal."

“No, I mean, I think that’s all I want. It’s the thing I want most, but I don’t think I can have it AND another full meal, if that’s okay?” Harmony asked softly.

Taunie tilted her head slightly, studying her girlfriend with a mixture of curiosity and concern. It didn't take her long to realize that Emma must have already taken her to eat quite a bit, leaving her with only an appetite for dessert. This revelation didn't make the blonde very happy, but there was nothing she could do about it now. There was no need to dwell on it—but it did intensify the swirling emotions in the blonde's stomach, which once again she chose not to acknowledge.

"Are you sure?" she asked gently. When she received a nod of confirmation, Taunie sighed. She figured that what mattered most was spending time with her lover, no matter what. "Then that's alright." She then looked back down at the menu and asked, "So, apart from what you already mentioned, have there been any other exciting developments?"

“E-Exciting developments?” Harmony asked, the event from earlier flooding into her mind. Her face burned as she looked away, laughing nervously. “I-I mean, there may have been a few things that happened today that one could call interesting, or perhaps indeed exciting, yes yes.”

Taunie's brows creased slightly as she sensed a change in her lover's mood. She looked back up at her girlfriend with newfound curiosity and asked—

"What happened?" Her voice was soft yet insistent as she tightened her grip on Harmony's hand, revealing her anxiety. "Was it something to do with Emma?"

“Yeah, but I’m…not sure if I should say. It was rather embarrassing for her,” Harmony replied, rubbing the back of her neck.

Taunie furrowed her brows further, her curiosity growing stronger. She glanced down at her hand, still resting gently on her lover's, then back up at her girlfriend before leaning closer. Normally, she wouldn't have pursued the topic any further, but this time, as her emotions swirled in her stomach, she felt compelled to press on.

"Harmy," she said, her voice low and steady, "you know we don't keep secrets from each other, right?" Unfortunately, Harmony didn't respond immediately and merely chewed on her lower lip for a moment of contemplation, prompting the blonde to sigh. "Look, you don't have to share anything. If it doesn't directly involve you, then—"

“I accidentally walked in on Emma masturbating!” Harmony cried, whimpering. “Apparently she works so much that she doesn’t go home very often, and when she needs to let off some steam, she does it at the bureau, and I just happened to walk in on her, and it was really awkward and weird, but we talked it out and I apologized for barging in and she apologized for letting me see something so bad…so…yeah…” The girl trailed off, her face red.

For a moment, Taunie was completely silent as her mind struggled to process the information she had just received. She was caught between disbelief and a growing sense of irritation. What was an appropriate reaction to the news she had been given? Gradually, however, a slow burn of anger began to spread from her stomach to her chest, her jaw tightening as she absorbed the words.

"What did you just say?" Taunie asked, managing to keep her tone steady, although a blend of amusement, frustration, and disbelief seeped through her voice. She exhaled slowly and ran a hand through her hair, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside her. It was just an accident, she reminded herself. Still, this had gone too far. "Even if it was an accident, that's not something you should simply brush off."

“I didn’t! She apologized, and it was my fault for barging in without knocking too!” Harmony urged. “I mean it is weird for her to not do it at home but I mean do we have room to talk given the stuff we’ve done every night? I don’t know, I just don’t like holding onto stuff like that.” She paused, then tilted her head. “Although…um, no offense, but I was the one who saw it, and if I say I forgive her, isn’t that enough?”

Taunie took a deep breath. She knew her girlfriend meant well, but the nonchalance in her voice and the comparison to their own intimate moments only served to heighten her irritation.

"I understand that it was an accident," she responded, choosing her words carefully. "However, that doesn't, shouldn't, make it any less uncomfortable for both of you." She paused for a moment before asking, "Do you still find her image in your thoughts?"

“Taun, that kind of image is going to be hard to just forget!” the girl exclaimed. “Look, can we please just drop it? It’s really not that big of a deal. It happened, we can’t change that, and we talked about it and reached an understanding.” Harmony couldn’t understand why her girlfriend was getting so upset about it, and she was worried her own ignorance might just make it worse.

The blonde's shoulders slumped slightly as frustration built within her. She felt that Harmony wasn't grasping the severity of the situation. Realizing that there would be no resolution to this, she retracted her hand and placed it against her temples, rubbing them to try to let go of her tension. While this did bring some relief, her ongoing frustration regarding Harmony and Emma made it clear that things wouldn't be that simple.

"I can't forget about this so easily," Taunie replied, her voice tinged with exasperation. A similar frustration grew within her as she wondered why the girl was getting so upset over her questions about such a moment. Deciding to clarify, she asked, "I don't understand what all the fuss is about. You and Emma have been spending a lot of time together, haven't you? Is it so improper for me to ask?"

“I think so, especially when we’re trying to enjoy the little time we have together! I barely get to see you, and so I’d rather not spend my time with my lovely girlfriend arguing over something that shouldn’t be a problem in the first place!” By the time she’d finished speaking, her voice had raised far more than she’d meant for it to. “All I wanted was to have an amazing lunch with my girlfriend, and you’re the one who’s…” She hesitated, then her voice became sad. “…who’s ruining it.”

Taunie's eyes widened in shock at the sudden increase in Harmony's tone. It was the first time since they had known each other that Harmony had raised her voice at her. Initially, Taunie didn't know how to respond; instead, she felt a pit in her stomach expanding outward. When she finally spoke again, her tone was still carefully controlled, but the hurt was now evident.

"Ruining it?" she slowly repeated. "I... I'm not trying to ruin anything. I was only trying to process what happened and to ensure it doesn't happen again; to make sure that what we have remains strong and healthy." Her fingers curled into fists in her lap, and with sincerity and emphasis in her voice, she finally expressed her feelings. "I care so deeply about us, and the thought of anything coming between us, even unintentionally, scares me!"

Harmony took a long, deep breath, closing her eyes. When that wasn’t enough, she took a few more, and finally she stood up, and immediately Taunie’s expression changed as Harmony opened her eyes again.

“I love you, Taun. But I’m not going to sit here and have us argue when we should be enjoying ourselves. I’m gonna go. See you tonight, okay?” Her tone was soft, melancholy as she didn’t wait for a response before she turned and headed back out through the door.

Still seated, Taunie stared blankly at the menu, her appetite completely gone. The once cozy atmosphere of the café now felt suffocating and oppressive. Despite her many attempts to close her eyes, she couldn't shake the memory of her lover's hurt expression. Tears welled in the corners of her eyes as she stood up and walked out of the restaurant. Finally, took a slow walk down the path back to Quasartico Inc., each step feeling as if her shoes were made of concrete.

She could only hope that everything would be resolved by nighttime…

Chapter Text

Harmony tried to hold back the tears that wanted to form in her eyes as she jogged down the street, not really paying much attention to anything around her except where she was going. Thankfully it wasn’t far, and given what had just happened with her girlfriend, it probably wasn’t the best idea, but she didn’t have anyone else she felt she could talk about this with.

So despite her somewhat better judgment, she walked up to the Looker Bureau. She almost went right in, but paused with her hand on the doorknob. She took a deep, shaky breath, and wiped her eyes as best she could before finally knocking, hoping it wouldn’t be obvious.

Within seconds, Emma opened her door, and her violet eyes immediately caught sight of the girl's red-rimmed eyes and shaky demeanor. Concern furrowed her brow as she stepped aside to let the girl in. Wasting no time, she asked—

"Harmony, what's wrong?" The detective's voice was filled with concern as she quickly guided the younger woman to sit in a nearby chair before taking a seat across from her. Her heart ached at the sight of the girl in distress, and she wished more than anything to wrap her in a comforting embrace. However, considering the circumstances and aiming to maintain a sense of professionalism after what had happened earlier, she decided to respect Harmony's boundaries. "Can I get you anything? Water, tea, or would you prefer a quiet space to collect your thoughts?"

“The last two would be nice,” Harmony replied quietly. “Is it…is it normal for something so amazing to turn so sour so fast? Or am I just…bad at all of this?” She knew she wasn’t giving enough context, but some part of her had a feeling Emma would be able to figure it out.

Indeed, just as she suspected, Emma found it easy to understand the meaning behind the girl's question. Silently, she stood up to fetch the beverage requested by the trainer, leaving Harmony in silence for a few moments. When Emma returned, she set the tray containing the tea in front of Harmony. Then, after pulling her chair closer, she reached out and gently cupped one of the girl's hands, deciding that Harmony needed comfort the most.

"No, sweetie, it's not normal for wonderful things to turn sour so quickly," Emma said, unaware of the term that had slipped out during her moment of distress. "Relationships can be complex and challenging, as I've told you before. But that doesn't reflect on you or your abilities."

“Don’t call me sweetie, please,” Harmony snapped, and when she saw Emma wince, she frowned. “Ah, sorry, it’s just…I…” The trainer sighed. “Nevermind. I’m sorry. Thank you for the tea.” She reached down and picked it up, blowing on it softly before she took a few sips, but once she was done and had it set down again, she still hesitated to speak. She had to take a few seconds before she could. “I um…told Taun about what happened and…she got a bit upset.”

"I see..." Emma began softly, then cleared her throat. "First, I want to sincerely apologize for my slip; I didn't mean to overstep." She paused for a moment before her voice became heavy with sympathy. "I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to navigate that situation. It's never easy when a partner reacts negatively to honesty and vulnerability." Finally, she lowered her head. "Your girlfriend's feelings are valid, but yours are absolutely valid too."

“We’ve never argued like that before. And to do it in a public place…it felt weird, and wrong.” She took another sip. “Wow, this is delicious.” She shook her head. “Ah, distractions. I just…she wouldn’t stop bringing it up and pushing me so I just decided to leave. Does that make me a bad person? A bad partner?”

"No, absolutely not. Walking away in that situation is actually a healthy boundary," the other woman replied firmly, squeezing Harmony's hand in reassurance and comfort. "Leaving to protect your emotional well-being is an act of self-care, and a good partner understands your needs and knows when to give you space." Emma's voice then softened with empathy. "Please don't blame yourself for this situation. Your actions demonstrate maturity and respect for your own limits. That's admirable, not something to condemn."

Harmony gave it some thought, then nodded. “You always sound so knowledgeable about these sorts of things, always finding a way to make me feel better about it all.” She looked up to meet her eyes and finally squeezed back. “I feel like you’d make a really good partner. It’s surprising to me you don’t have someone already.”

Emma's breath hitched at her companion's unexpected compliment, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks as she maintained eye contact, her heart fluttering traitorously in her chest.

"I... Thank you, Harmony. That really means a lot to me," she said softly, her voice a bit husky with emotion. "As for not having a partner, well..." She paused, carefully choosing her next words. "I guess I've been waiting for someone special. Someone who understands and appreciates me for who I am—quirks, flaws, and all."

“And you’re saying you haven’t met anyone? I mean I know you’re busy and stuff, but surely you’ve met someone! I mean…you’re so pretty, you could easily get any man or woman! Hell, if I wasn’t madly in love with Taun, I’d consider you as a potential partner!” Harmony cried, then smirked. “Especially after seeing the freaky stuff you like to do in your office~” She hoped that joking about the whole thing would help make her feel better, but she was surprised at the woman’s reaction.

Emma took a deep, shuddering breath, steeling herself before giving the girl a bittersweet smile, even though it should have been much wider, seeing the adorableness of Lumiose's savior and the joy reappear on Harmony's face.

"Actually... I've met someone. Someone I really liked," she admitted softly, her voice filled with longing and regret. Initially, confusion and surprise crossed Harmony's face as Emma continued. "You're an incredible person, and under different circumstances, I would have loved to explore the connection I felt with you, too." The detective paused, suddenly realizing the implications of her words, and a blush crept across her cheeks and down her neck. "O-Oh, I'm so sorry!"

“Huh? Huh, wait, do you…?” Harmony stared at her and blinked a few times. “Y-You don’t mean…you…” Her face slowly became more and more hot as she the girl before her seemingly fidgeted in embarrassment. “O-Oh…wait…oh…” She swallowed the lump in her throat, then jolted. “Wait, does that mean you…on purpose? Or like…?”

Emma's face turned an even deeper shade of crimson as she squirmed slightly, averting her gaze while struggling to find the right words for the situation.

"I meant myself," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've tried to keep my feelings buried because relationships in my line of work are difficult. That wasn't a lie. But..." Her voice trailed off, and she shook her head ruefully. "The time I've spent with you has been unlike anything I've ever experienced before." Finally, Emma dared to meet the girl's eyes, her own filled with sincerity as she concluded with conviction, "However, I won't be the other woman; I won't come between you and Taunie."

Harmony was still having a hard time processing that the gorgeous woman in front of her—who she’d seen pleasuring herself—was saying she was in love. Not only that, but she was being so good as to proclaim she wouldn’t get in the way, which only made her more attractive. “I…I see. Th-Thank you. But still that’s…” She swallowed, then let out a dry laugh. “W-Wow, two beautiful girls, huh? Am I really that desirable?”

Despite the situation, Emma chuckled softly. "Desirable doesn't even begin to cover it," she murmured. "You're stunning inside and out, and any girl would be lucky to have you." The detective then cleared her throat, gently pulling her hand away from the other girl's grasp and leaning in conspiratorially once more. "It's not every day that a girl gets hit on by two beautiful girls in one day, you know." She winked playfully, trying to lighten the mood despite the tension still crackling between them. "Though I must say, I'm flattered to be considered. I may have to reevaluate my self-image now!"

Harmony leaned back in the chair. “Well…I…” She shook her head again. “I’m sorry you had to fall in love with someone already in love.” She let out a sigh. “Is it…silly of me to ask you what I should do, then?”

"Asking for advice in difficult situations demonstrates wisdom, not weakness," she assured. "I wish I had a simple answer for you, but only you can decide what feels right for your heart." She placed her hand thoughtfully against her chin. "That said, I believe it's important to be honest with yourself and Taunie. If you're questioning your feelings, it might be worth exploring those doubts openly and honestly with her." Throughout this, her gaze remained locked on Harmony's, filled with warmth and sincerity. "But ultimately, you deserve to be with someone who cherishes and supports you fully."

“Well…even if that’s the case…it looks like things are going to be kind of rough.” Harmony groaned. “And the fact you have a crush on me means she was kind of right, wasn’t she? Should I just apologize? I mean, I don’t like the way she treated the situation, but…”

"I truly understand your predicament. While apologizing might help ease the situation temporarily, it shouldn't come at the expense of your own truth and well-being," the detective cautioned softly. Taking a deep breath, she continued by saying, "Perhaps you could approach this by having an open and honest conversation. Explain to her that you value both her and your relationship, but that you felt blindsided by her accusations and the aggressive way she pursued the issue in public. Make it clear that your loyalty lies with her, but also express that her behavior hurt and confused you."

“That…sounds wonderful. I just hope she’ll actually be willing to listen.” The girl hesitated. “And what if she doesn’t? What if she doesn’t want to listen to me and things just fester and get worse?”

Emma nodded in understanding. She truly wanted to protect Harmony from the pain of facing potential rejection or dealing with a troubled relationship. However, she recognized that it wasn't her place to interfere; her role was to provide guidance and support, nothing more.

"You've raised a valid concern. If the possibility you mentioned does come to pass, it could indeed lead to further resentment and conflict," she replied earnestly. "In situations like these, it often depends on whether both parties are committed to resolving their issues together." Then, the woman tilted her head. "You have known Taunie longer and better than I do. I trust that you understand best how she would react."

The girl took a deep breath. “Right. You’re right.” She stood up, stretching, a renewed look of determination on her face. “I’ll talk to her tonight. I just have to hope she’ll be willing to listen.” She paused, then shook her head. “No, she’ll listen. I know she will.”

Emma stood up, mirroring the girl's determined stance as she stepped closer, radiating warmth and support. "That's the spirit, Harmony. Believe in yourself and your ability to communicate effectively," she encouraged, her voice filled with admiration for the trainer's courage. "You're strong, and I have complete faith in your ability to navigate this challenge with grace and integrity." After a brief pause, she turned her head to the side, and a faint blush colored her cheeks. "Besides, it's partly my actions that led to this situation in the first place, so I should take some accountability, too."

Having gotten a reminder of both the event in question and the previous confession, Harmony blushed again, turning away. “I-If it’s any consolation…if I wasn’t madly in love with Taun, I would date you in an instant.” She shook her head, then turned back to the woman and smiled. “But you’ll find someone. I mean, if Ivor does ask you out, try to enjoy it, okay?”

Although Emma's heart skipped a beat at Harmony's words, causing her to meet the trainer's gaze once more, she managed to maintain her composure this time, and a bittersweet smile tugged at her lips.

"Thank you for your kind words and support, Harmony," the woman replied, her voice filled with appreciation. "While I can't promise anything, if Ivor does ask me out, I will keep an open mind and an open heart."

Harmony nodded, and with one last small smile, she finally left the bureau, confident everything will be alright.

Though she’d have to wait until nighttime to find out, sitting on her bed in her pajamas, scrolling on her phone as she awaited her lover’s return.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Lumiose City transformed into a glittering canvas of lights and shadows. The setting painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, reflecting off the towering skyscrapers and casting long, dramatic shadows across the streets. It would certainly be a beautiful and calming scene, if not for the unresolved tension that lingered in the air. Unfortunately, it would be a few more hours until—

"Harmony? Are you in there?" Suddenly, a familiar voice called from outside the brunette's room, accompanied by a series of light knocks. That was strange; Taunie usually didn't return this early.

Within moments, she heard bouncy footsteps and then the door opened, revealing her girlfriend dressed in an adorable matching pair of pants and a sleeveless t-shirt. And to Taunie’s surprise, she was smiling.

“Hey! You’re off early.”

"Y-Yeah, I got off a bit early today," Taunie replied, her voice, in contrast, the weakest it had ever sounded to Harmony's ears.

It wasn't difficult to see why the girl was affected; the conversation they had at lunch still weighed heavily on her heart and mind. This undoubtedly impacted her performance after returning to Quasartico, leading either to her requesting to leave early or to her being dismissed earlier than usual due to poor efficiency.

However, the sight of her lover's beaming smile and adorable outfit nearly made Taunie smile instantly. Yet, that sudden happiness almost brought tears to her eyes again, at a time she was currently trying to suppress them. Just as Harmony opened her mouth to speak again, the other girl suddenly stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around the brunette, the sudden gesture surprising Harmony and nearly causing her to fall backward if Taunie hadn't had her feet planted firmly on the ground.

"I'm sorry," the girl blurted out a moment later, uncaring about the potential embarrassment if Naveen or Lida happened to step out of their rooms at that moment. Taunie had carried those words with her since they went their separate ways, and she needed to express them as soon as possible. "I'm so sorry."

Harmony was stunned for only a moment before she felt her smile return, and she embraced her lover back. She sighed, enjoying her wonderful warmth as she rubbed her back, burying her face in her neck. “I know. And it’s alright, I promise. I’m sorry for not taking it as seriously as I should’ve. I’m open to talk about this more if you want us to.”

Almost instantly, Taunie melted into the embrace of the other girl. The familiar scent and warmth of her girlfriend surrounded her like a soothing balm. Consequently, despite her efforts to hold back, tears of relief and gratitude stung at the corners of her eyes as the blonde squeezed the brunette close, savoring their reconnection.

"You don't have to apologize, Harmy," she replied, her voice thick with emotion, even more so than Emma's earlier today. It was clear that this topic was not open for debate. "You have no idea how much it means to hear you say that. I was so afraid I had pushed you away when that was the last thing I wanted." Then, Taunie pulled back slightly but stayed close enough for them to feel each other's breathing as she gazed into her lover's eyes, her own shimmering with unshed tears that threatened to spill. "Could we please talk this through? I know I'm not in any position to make requests, but our relationship is the most important thing in the world to me."

The girl flashed her usual beaming smile, leaning in to softly kiss her cheek. “Yes! Please, I’d love to talk about this so we can clear it up and move on. That’s what a good relationship is, right? Communication?”

Taunie nodded, and a genuine smile spread across her face before she returned the same gesture, pressing her lips tenderly against her girlfriend's cheek as well before pulling back a moment later.

"You're absolutely right. Open communication is the foundation of any strong relationship," she readily agreed, much to Harmony's internal relief and joy—though she had anticipated a response like this even before leaving the bureau. And so after brunette unraveled her arms and stepped aside to welcome Taunie in, the blonde cupped one of her girlfriend's hands and led her over to the bed, guiding her to sit beside her. Finally, she turned to face her girlfriend, her expression open and attentive, and began, softly and encouragingly: "Please, tell me what you're feeling."

“I…was feeling really hurt that during some of the little time we had together, while we were in public, you and I were having an argument,” Harmony started. “Regardless of what it’s about or who’s in the right and wrong, it was not the time or the place, and if we ever have to have that kind of argument, we can’t let it be like that.”

"You're completely right, Harmy. I lost sight of what was truly important in that moment because of my own insecurities," she admitted, her voice soft with regret. "Our quality time together, especially in public settings, is precious. I shouldn't have let my emotions spiral into an argument that took away from our enjoyment of each other's company." Squeezing her girlfriend's hand, her eyes shone with both remorse and determination as she promised, "So from now on, I'll do my best to be more mindful of the time and place when discussing sensitive topics."

Harmony smiled and couldn’t help but hug her again, squeezing her tightly enough that she felt reassured more than any words could ever make her feel. Though they certainly didn’t hurt. She pulled back again and sighed. “Alright, your turn. Please tell me exactly what was making you upset, and how we can resolve it, as well as prevent it in the future.”

"Well..." Taunie began, her voice soft yet resolute. "It's not so much about what happened specifically today, but rather a broader concern related to our relationship." She swallowed nervously, though the comfort of the embrace and her girlfriend's presence continued to envelop her. "My worry is that because we don't have much time to spend together, we may become complacent in our routine. And I want to prioritize our emotional connection amidst all the hustle and bustle of everyday life." Taunie paused, her gaze steady and sincere. "What I want most is to maintain a deep, meaningful bond with you—one that thrives even under pressure or challenging circumstances. Because I need you to know that I cherish our bond above all else. No matter how busy we get or how stressful our personal lives become, I don't want us to lose sight of what brought us together in the first place."

Harmony smiled. “Of course. I understand your concern, and it certainly feels rough not being able to see you as much as I want. I continue to beat myself up over not confessing earlier,” she said with a dry laugh. “But I assure you, I cherish our bond as well. Even when I’m with Emma, hanging out or eating or whatever, I’m thinking of you. You are always on my mind, and the time I do spend with you makes my heart happy. So please don’t worry. Nothing will come between us unless we let it, and I’m sure once things settle down, we’ll have more time together. We just have to get there, right?”

At Harmony's words, an overwhelming sense of peace washed over Taunie. She smiled warmly, tightening her grip on her girlfriend's hand further in reassurance.

"That's... that's exactly what I needed to hear," she responded, her voice filled with even greater relief and gratitude. "Knowing that you're thinking of me even when we're apart makes everything seem brighter, truly. And you're right; we just have to get through this, and everything will be alright. So let's continue to support each other and strengthen our bond moving forward, alright?"

Once more, Harmony hugged her. “I would love that, Taun. I’m really really happy we’re able to talk like this.” She didn’t feel anywhere safer than in the arms of her best friend and girlfriend. “I was really worried earlier, but I’m glad Emma was to calm me down.” She pulled away. “I know you probably won’t like her as much given what happened and her feelings and everything but you really should go to her for advice sometime, she’s amazing at it, advised me on how to approach you with this and everything. Though you made it so I didn’t even need to worry.” She beamed, unaware of what she’d just let slip.

"I appreciate your confidence in Emma's abilities, Harmy. I promise to reach out to her for help whenever I need it in the future as well," she replied, maintaining a neutral tone. After all, it was only with Emma's assistance that she found some closure regarding her mother. However, she couldn't help but notice what Harmony let slip. And after a brief hesitation, she continued by asking, "When you mentioned 'her feelings,' did you mean something specific?"

“Oh. Did I say that? It’s…it’s not important,” Harmony said at first, turning toward the bed before she stopped. She considered it for a moment, and then turned back to Taunie. “Right, communication. Um…well, she…accidentally confessed that she sorta maybe had a crush on me?” She smiled shyly before throwing her hands up and speaking quickly. “But! But, she said she had no intention of getting in the way of our relationship and therefore wouldn’t pursue it, so there’s no need to worry.”

Regardless, Taunie's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation, but this time, a light smile formed on her lips. She had no reason to doubt her lover, especially after their recent conversation, nor did she have any reason to question Emma, whom she had always known to be true to her word. Instead of dwelling on her thoughts, she scooted closer to her partner.

"Then it's fine. We've got each other, and that's all that matters," she replied, even though a small flicker of discomfort stirred in her stomach again. Thus, as a means of distraction and to find happiness, her gaze moved down to her girlfriend's soft, pristine lips before returning to her eyes. "So, um... now that all that's cleared up..."

“Yessss~?” Harmony asked, teasing her with her single word as she leaned in, moving as though they were about to kiss, only to stop with their lips and inch apart. “What is it, Taun~?”

The blonde trainer's cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment, even though they had already been intimate before. Perhaps it was the sudden shift in the moment that made her think of reconciling, which was one of the most comforting and enjoyable experiences Taunie had ever had. The warmth of Harmony's breath against her lips felt utterly intoxicating, especially since they hadn't shared a kiss on the lips all day.

"Well... I..." Taunie stammered, fidgeting adorably in place before blurting out in a single, hurried breath, "Couldwepleasekissplease?"

Harmony laughed, and Taunie could feel her breath on her lips as she did so. “Alright, fine~” Finally, she leaned in, and for what felt like the first time in ages, despite only being a short time, they kissed. Immediately, the kiss turned from soft and gentle to passionate and fiery as Harmony cupped her cheek to try and pull her closer.

In that moment, a soft moan escaped Taunie's lips as her hands instinctively found their way to Harmony's waist. The passion of their kiss ignited a fire within her, intensifying her desire to deepen their connection. She became completely lost in the intoxicating taste of Harmony's lips while trying to balance control with surrender. Every gentle brush of their tongues sent waves of pleasure coursing through her body, making her yearn for more. Yet, despite her body urging her to push her lover down onto the bed and take her, she felt that the mood wasn't quite right. Still, she was perfectly content in the present moment. When they finally broke the kiss—only because they desperately needed air—Taunie continued to gaze into Harmony's eyes, her own filled with raw, unbridled affection.

"I missed this so much..." she mumbled, her voice dreamy.

“I missed you,” Harmony said. “Even when we argue for only a short time, it’s still enough to make me crave you like this.” She kissed her again. “But if I’m being honest…I think I’m feeling tired after such a whirlwind of emotions today. I’m sorry, but I’d rather go to bed and save all this for tomorrow, if that’s alright?”

Taunie nodded in agreement once again, her heart still racing from the intense kiss they had shared. She fully understood her lover's exhaustion, as she felt the same sensation coursing through her own body.

"Let's get some rest tonight. We have plenty of time to pick up where we left off tomorrow," she said as she stood up and quickly undressed. Together, they slipped under the covers, lying side by side in the dim light. Taunie curled up next to Harmony, feeling a fresh wave of contentment wash over her. In Harmony's arms, she found solace and comfort, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in the morning. Finally, Taunie whispered, "Please sleep well, my beloved."

“I’ll always sleep next to you, darling~” Harmony replied, leaning in and planting a final gentle kiss atop her nose before she closed her eyes and snuggled deep into her girlfriend’s arms. Her breathing steadied as she smiled, and within minutes, she was asleep.

The comforting presence of her lover by her side and the reassurance in her words still weighed heavily on Taunie's mind. However, sleep did not come as easily for her as it did for her lovely girlfriend. Now that she was left alone in silence, thoughts of Emma and the revelation of her crush on Harmony flooded back into her mind.

No, there was no reason to worry; it was just her mind playing tricks and imagining the worst-case scenarios again. However, it wouldn't hurt to ask, would it? Maybe tomorrow, since it was the beginning of the weekend, she could accompany Harmony on a visit. After all, it had been a while since she last saw her. But regardless of what happened, she was confident that once she cleared things up, everything would turn out okay from then on.

And with that comforting thought in mind, Taunie swiftly drifted off into a blissful rest, one that only sleeping next to the love of her life could offer.

Chapter Text

Harmony was the second to rise that morning. As the light flooded into the room, it gently eased the girl out of her slumber, her eyelids fluttering as she yawned, stretching with a loud groan. Her clothes, as usual, were as haphazard as the sheets around her. When she glanced to the side to greet her lover, however, she was surprised to not only already see her out of bed, but she was also pacing.

Taunie paused her movements when she heard her girlfriend stir, turning to face her with a mix of anxiety and anticipation in her eyes. She ran a hand through her disheveled blonde hair, a nervous habit she had never quite shaken off.

"Good morning, sleepyhead! I hope you slept well," she chirped, casting a loving smile in her direction. However, the smile didn't quite reach her eyes, a detail that Harmony immediately noticed, causing a flicker of concern to cross her face. This prompted Taunie to take a deep breath, steady herself, and continue, "Harmy, I need to talk to you about something important—something that has been weighing heavily on my heart since our conversation yesterday."

Harmony stretched again as she sat up, her brain still not yet fully awake. “What’s up?” she asked, despite this fact.

Taunie took a hesitant step toward the bed, her heart pounding in her chest as she prepared to share her deepest desire. She met Harmony's gaze, her own eyes glimmering with a mix of emotions—love and unrestrained hope being the most prominent.

"What I'm trying to say is... I want to build a future with you, Harmony. A real, lasting future," she began, her voice trembling slightly under the weight of her words. "I know we both have our own paths to follow, but I can't imagine walking that path without you by my side." Understandably, and predictably in Taunie's mind, Harmony's expression shifted to one of confusion, wondering what had brought this on all of a sudden. But that question would quickly be answered after Taunie reached out and took Harmony's hand in hers, silently marvelling at how their fingers intertwined as if they were always meant to be joined. "What I'm really talking about is... marriage, eventually."

“M-Marriage?! I-I mean, I’m not opposed but isn’t that a long way off?!” Harmony cried, her face at first flushed, then burning as she imagined her girlfriend dressed in an utterly beautiful wedding dress as they leaned in to kiss one another in front of all their closest loved ones.

A soft, melodious laugh escaped Taunie's lips as she witnessed Harmony's reaction. She gave her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze, her thumb tracing soothing circles on the back of Harmony's palm before speaking.

"Hey, hey, breathe for me, Harmy," she began again, her voice warm and comforting. "I know it's sudden, and yes, it is a long way off. This isn't me proposing right here and now." She moved to sit on the edge of the bed, facing her girlfriend with a tender, loving expression. "But I truly mean it. I want to be with you and grow old together, and marriage is the ultimate symbol of that commitment." A brief silence lingered in the room before Taunie smirked and teasingly leaned in. "Although... if you're eager, I wouldn't mind the whole proposal thing sooner rather than later for you."

“I…I…” She shook her head. “I-I mean, I don’t think we’re ready yet. As much as I love you, we don’t get to see each other often, and this whole with Emma was something neither of us were prepared for, so…” She gave a small smile. “I will probably say yes, but…I think we need to wait until our situation changes first, and things calm down a little.”

"Of course, my love," she replied with a nod, a gentle smile returning to her lips as she softly cupped her girlfriend's cheek with her free hand. "I completely understand, and honestly, I wasn't expecting an answer right now. What matters most is that you're open to the idea and can envision a future with me as well."

Harmony cupped her own hand over her girlfriend’s, and smiled. “Of course I can, Taun. I’m sure we’d have a lovely future and…maybe one day, even have a lovely family together.”

Taunie's breath caught in her throat, and her heart soared with joy and love. Though this feeling was not new to her, it still brought tears of happiness to her eyes. Leaning in, she captured her lover's lips in a tender, emotionally charged kiss, pulling back just a few seconds later.

"A family with you... That sounds beautiful," she murmured, trying to keep her voice low to avoid breaking in the moment. She shook her head and took a deep, albeit shaky, breath before beaming and concluding with, "We'll get there, one step at a time."

“What brought all of this on, Taun?” Harmony asked. “I mean don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to think of the future, but why is this coming up now?” Harmony asked softly as she reached out and squeezed her lover’s hand.

"Because... because I realized how fragile our time together can be," she explained softly. "The incident involving Emma yesterday, combined with our hectic schedules, made me understand how easily I could lose you if I don't fight for us every single day." She gently caressed her lover's perfect skin as she continued, "And I don't want to waste a single moment, Harmy. I want to cherish every second we have and build a foundation strong enough to weather any storm."

Harmony took a deep breath and nodded. “Alright. I think we should too, then.” She flashed a smile again, bigger this time. “I’d love to build that foundation with you, darling. Whatever you need.”

Taunie eagerly nodded, her blinding smile radiating warmth as she pulled back slightly. She continued to gaze into her lover's eyes with pure adoration. However, before their conversation about a potential future could become a reality, Taunie knew there was something she needed to do first. Noticing that her partner still didn't seem ready to get out of bed, she decided not to disturb her so early in the morning. Therefore—

"Well then, sweetheart," she begins again, reluctantly pulling away completely before standing up. "There's something I need to take care of this morning. It might sound strange, but I think it's important for me to have a conversation with Emma to clear the air and make sure there are no misunderstandings between us."

With that, Harmony’s smile fell somewhat. “H-Huh? What do you mean? I thought we had everything figured out already.”

"Please don't worry," Taunie reassured her, glancing back. "Everything is fine between us, I promise." However, when she noticed that Harmony still looked unconvinced, the trainer let out a sigh and decided to elaborate. "Last night, I couldn't stop thinking about Emma having a crush on you. Since I haven't seen her since I took on the role of CEO, I feel it's important to have a conversation with her about it to ensure we're all on the same page."

“O-Or we could just let it go? I mean, she said she didn’t have any intent on getting between us, and she’s a good person, so I think it’s fine, right?” Harmony asked, but she could tell by the look in her girlfriend’s eyes that she wouldn’t feel comfortable until she’d talked it out with the detective.

"I understand your perspective, Harmy, and I appreciate your kindness toward Emma," Taunie responded gently, turning to fully face the girl again. "But as your partner, I feel it's important to address this directly. I'm not acting out of suspicion or distrust, but rather to protect what we have and ensure our stability remains intact." Leaning in, she placed a tender kiss on the girl's forehead before continuing by saying, "Just give me a couple of hours, okay?"

Harmony sighed. She could understand why her girlfriend felt this way, and she wanted to make her feel better as well. So, she wouldn’t stop her. “I’m coming with.”

Without any hesitation, Taunie nodded. This was not only within her expectations, but she also felt that everyone in the bureau would be more comfortable speaking openly in this manner. Additionally, it was clear from the brunette's tone that this was not open for debate. Thus, to avoid potentially risking repeating yesterday's events, the blonde trainer smiled warmly instead.

"That would be perfect, sweetie."

“Alright, then lead the way,” Harmony said. “Just, please be civil, okay?” She was sure the girl would be, but she wanted to remind her just to be sure regardless.

"I'll approach this with nothing but civility and respect," she assured, her voice steady and resolute. "Emma deserves that much, for how much she helped both of us."

With words of encouragement, the two of them set off toward the Lumiose City Police Bureau, each step purposeful and determined. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the bustling streets, but Taunie hardly noticed; her mind was focused solely on the upcoming conversation. As she walked, she mentally rehearsed what she wanted to say, carefully balancing honesty, clarity, and diplomacy. The last thing she wanted was to create more tension. Eventually, they reached their destination and paused at the entrance. This time, Taunie took the initiative and knocked on the door.

Sure enough, within seconds, the door swung open, revealing Emma with her usual tender smile. Although she was initially surprised to see Taunie with Harmony this time, she didn't allow that to diminish the professionalism she typically displayed, even after the prior day's incident.

"Good morning, ladies," she greeted, her tone neutral and polite. "Taunie, I didn't expect to see you here so early. Is there something I can help you with?" Although she directed her words at the blonde trainer, she kept Harmony in the corner of her eye, using her peripheral vision to look for any clues about how their conversation had gone.

“Good morning, Emma,” Harmony replied, somewhat nervously. “Sorry to bother you so early, but Taun really wanted to talk to you…” She hesitated, then her face flushed. “Since I might have accidentally told her about your confession…”

Emma felt the color drain from her face, and the temperature around her dropped a few degrees, along with her stomach, as the gravity of the situation sank in. Her smile faded, but she tried her best to maintain a neutral expression despite her inner turmoil.

"I understand," she said as she turned to face Taunie, bracing herself for what she needed to convey. "Taunie, what Harmony shared was just a moment of vulnerability between us—nothing more. I care for you deeply, and I would never intentionally disrespect our friendship or your relationship."

Taunie listened intently, but the revelation in the woman's words made her heart sink. So, it was true, then? She glanced at Harmony, who seemed to be fidgeting nervously, before returning her gaze to Emma.

"I believe you," she replied, her tender smile still on her face despite the whirlwind of emotions she felt. Both trainers could see Emma's shoulders visibly relax in relief; it seemed that an argument wouldn't break out after all. "Can I ask how long you've felt this way?"

"A... little while ago," Emma replied quietly, taking a moment to gather her thoughts as she cast a quick glance at the brunette trainer, both of their cheeks flushing pink. Taking a fortifying breath, she continued, her voice low and earnest. "At first, I tried to ignore my feelings and push them aside, especially after I learned that you and Harmony began dating. However, as I got to know her better—her brilliant mind, compassionate heart, and unwavering dedication to justice—I found myself experiencing feelings I never thought possible. Please understand that I'm not trying to steal her away; I'm simply acknowledging a profound connection that I can't help but feel, despite my best efforts to suppress it."

“And I still question what makes me so desirable,” Harmony said, hoping a joke would help to ease the tension in the air somewhat, yet it didn’t seem to be as effective as the girl wanted, and when neither girl responded, she leaned back, rubbing her neck.

Taunie let out a sigh, her expression shifting as she closed her eyes, trying to process the woman's explanation.

"Taunie, if this has caused you any distress, I'm truly sorry," the detective said, continuing on. "That was never my intention. I value our friendship immensely, and I never want to jeopardize it or your relationship." She glanced at Harmony again before breaking into a warm smile. "Harmony has been sharing with me everything you two experience together. I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel envious sometimes," she admitted, then shook her head. "But I have the utmost respect for you, and I would never pursue her without your consent."

"'My consent,'" Taunie murmured softly before opening her eyes and asking, "I assume you and Harmy will continue to spend time together while I'm busy at work, right?" When Emma nodded slowly in response, Taunie continued by asking, "If just a few days have led you to feel this way, how can I be sure it won't keep developing?"

At that moment, Emma was at a complete loss for words. The truth was, she couldn't offer any guarantees because Taunie was right; there was no denying the impact Harmony had on her. However, just because she felt that way didn't mean it would become a reality. Still, she could understand why this situation felt unsettling for the trainer. But before she could respond, Taunie continued.

"In my opinion, there is a simple solution to this."

“And…what’s that?” Harmony asked. She had a feeling she already knew what the answer would be, but even so, some part of her felt anxious at whatever words would next come out of Taunie’s mouth.

In response, the girl reached for one of the Poké Balls on her waist and held it up high for all three of them to see. Emma stared at Taunie for a few seconds, knowing the answer already, but she decided to ask anyway—

"What are you proposing?"

"Isn't it obvious? I'm fighting for my Harmy's love, of course." Taunie's expression changed to one of greater determination, although a hint of amusement remained. "And now that I think about it... I've never fought you before. So what do you say, Emma? Will you accept my challenge?"

“I knew it,” Harmony said with a resigned sigh. “Please don’t get too intense with it, okay?” She once again turned to Emma. “Sorry for bothering you!”

"No apologies are necessary, Harmony. I expected this would happen sooner or later," Emma said, shifting her full attention back to Taunie. The detective let out her own resigned sigh before a confident smile spread across her face. "Battling the second-strongest Mega Evolution trainer in Lumiose is quite a challenge. But this time, I refuse to lose to you, no matter what!"

"We'll see about that," Taunie replied, stepping back to allow the detective to exit. The two took their positions on opposite sides, with Harmony standing between them. "It was your actions that caused quite the quarrel yesterday, after all. Now, I can finally settle the score!"

“Alright. I really don’t think this is necessary, but sure,” Harmony said, and stepped back to give them clearance. “Just play fair, alright?” She knew both of them would, but she felt obligated to say it regardless.

The battle began with intense energy as Emma and Taunie sent out their initial Pokémon, filling the air with tension and anticipation. The two trainers clashed back and forth, each pushing their Pokémon to their limits throughout the ordeal. Although Harmony, who had faced Taunie several times, expected her girlfriend to soundly defeat Emma, that wasn't the case. Instead, the battle turned out to be much more evenly matched than even Emma had initially anticipated, despite her strong resolve to win.

What was Taunie doing? Her commands were as fierce as ever, and it didn't seem like she was holding back—so it didn't appear that she was taking Emma lightly. Perhaps it was because of her frustrations that her commands weren't as strategic as usual, which meant that Emma, being smarter than Taunie, could take advantage of that. And, indeed, it was exactly for that reason that the detective was able to stay on the same combat plane.

Regardless of her intellect, however, Taunie was far more experienced, and that became evident as the battle reached its climax. By that point, both trainers were visibly tired, their faces flushed with exertion and adrenaline. The Pokémon were also showing signs of fatigue, looking on their last legs. One more attack should—

"Poison Jab!" Emma shouted, pouring all her remaining energy into the command as the tendrils of the woman's Mega Malamar shot out. Although she knew that Taunie's last Pokémon was capable of using Protect and was therefore prepared to lose after the girl exploited her last resort, the move never activated despite the blonde having more than enough time to give the command.

Consequently, the woman's final Pokémon fainted following the direct hit, resulting in Emma's victory.

“And Emma wins!” Harmony cried as she lifted one of her arms, pointing it toward Emma like she was a referee before lowering her voice. “I’m…kinda surprised, though…”

Indeed, Harmony wasn't the only one caught off guard; Emma was, too. Breathing heavily and covered in sweat, she and Taunie recalled their last Pokémon. Although the blonde trainer initially knelt in defeat, after taking a brief moment to catch her breath, she promptly proceeded to stand and stretch.

"Mmm... Ahh, that felt good," Taunie breathed out, before letting her arms fall afterward.

"Taunie?" Emma managed to say between breaths, prompting her opponent to look curiously at the detective and immediately pout.

"Hey, don't get the wrong idea!" the girl cried. "I'm just more athletic than you, that's all. You won because you're a strong woman and a great trainer, and that's all there is to it, got it?" Before Emma could respond, Taunie turned her attention to her girlfriend and smiled. "Though, I have to admit, you really know how to pick them, Harmy~"

Although she didn't say it openly, it was clear that the trainer was feeling much better now. This change might have been because she finally let go of the pent-up frustrations and stress she had been carrying, especially since the battle lasted far longer than expected. However, subtly, her final comment also made it obvious—particularly to Emma—that she was happy to let the two spend more time together moving forward.

“So…does that mean everything is good now?” Harmony asked as she studied her lover’s expression. “I mean you did lose, but it’s not like that really mattered all that much right? I mean the outcome didn’t matter to me much so I wanted to make sure…” She paused, realizing she was rambling. “…make sure…you’re good. Yeah.”

"Slow down there, sweetheart." Taunie laughed, her voice warm and soothing. "I appreciate you checking in on me, but I've been perfectly fine all day!" When Harmony just stared back at her blankly, the blonde trainer tilted her head, crossed her arms, and pouted slightly. "Hey, you didn't really think I was going to create another scene, did you? After what we talked about last night and this morning—especially so close to a police station, no less?"

“Well when your girlfriend challenges someone to a Pokemon battle for your honor, you can’t help but get just a smidge worried,” Harmony replied with a small laugh.

Taunie could only groan and briefly shake her head. She then lowered her arms and explained, "Isn't a Pokémon battle the best way to solve problems? It was clear that Emma and I weren't going to reach a conclusion with the way the conversation was going, so I decided to settle things another way and see her strength for myself while I was at it." Finally, she placed her hands on her hips and tilted her head toward Emma. "But that's enough about me. Shouldn't you at least congratulate the winner?"

Harmony smirked, but found herself blushing as she stepped forward, wrapped her arms around the girl’s neck, and leaned in to give long, drawn out kiss. She was happy when Taunie, after a moment, kissed back, and when they pulled away, Harmony laughed at Taunie’s confused expression, speaking before she could.

“You’re always the winner to me, Taun.”

While Taunie blushed fiercely and lowered her head in a desperate but vain attempt to hide her embarrassment, Emma merely watched the scene unfold with a soft smile, having finally regained her breath. Although she felt a slight pang of envy, genuine happiness for the couple overrode it. In that moment, even though she had never personally experienced true love herself, Emma understood that true love meant wanting the best for those she cared about, even if it didn't include her.

With that acceptance, she stepped forward and clapped her hands together, drawing attention to herself. "Harmony, Taunie, I am truly happy for both of you. The depth of your connection is a beautiful spectacle to witness," she began sincerely, her voice filled with emotion. Her gaze then locked onto the still-flustered blonde trainer. "As for our battle, you put up a formidable fight. Your skills as a trainer are impressive, and I have no doubt that the same tenacity will continue to serve you well in your personal life and your relationship."

"T-Thank you…" Taunie stammered, briefly turning her gaze from her lover to face the detective. She offered a genuine smile of her own as she continued, "My Harmy is the most important person to me. So, while I'm away, please continue to take good care of her. I know that with you, she'll be in good hands."

Emma nodded and smiled broadly as she extended her hand, which Taunie took without hesitation. "You have my word. I promise to continue doing my best for both of you."

“So we are all good! Yay!” Harmony cried as she threw her hands in the air and twirled around dramatically, to the delight of both other girls. “Good, because to be honest, all this drama stuff is just a little bit tiring, don’t you think?”

"Yay, indeed!" Taunie exclaimed, being the first to respond, even though both girls had watched the infectious display of enthusiasm with delight. She then released her hand from the detective's grasp and fully turned her attention back to her lover. Playfully, the blonde trainer booped her nose, her expression softening into one of tender affection. "I agree, so from now on, let's focus on the simple joys and adventures we can share together. No more needless complications or worries—just us, loving each other and living life to the fullest, deal~?"

“Deal!” Harmony replied with as much enthusiasm as she could muster before both girls turned to Emma.

"What a beautiful sight to see! I'm so glad we were able to resolve everything amicably," Emma declared, her violet eyes shining with warmth and sincerity. "After all, in a world as vibrant, yet unpredictable as ours, having a strong support network is invaluable."

As her two dear friends nodded in firm agreement, Emma's smile broadened, remaining unwavering even when Taunie lowered her head in embarrassment. "Taunie," she said gently, cutting her off, "there's no need to apologize; you didn't do anything wrong." After offering her reassurance, Emma then turned her gaze to Harmony. "And I want you to know that seeing you happy and loved means everything to me." She paused, glancing back at Taunie before returning her attention to the brunette. Finally, she briefly adopted the blonde's teasing demeanor and concluded with, "Otherwise, if things go wrong, I have to admit I'm curious about what it's like to be with Lumiose's savior~"

"Wha—H-Hey!" Taunie gasped, her cheeks flushing bright red. "Harmy is—!"

“Calm down, she’s only kidding,” Harmony said as she grabbed Taunie by the waist and pulled her to face her, silencing any objections with a deep, passionate kiss. The method was very effective, and after only a few seconds, she was completely entranced.

“Don’t you have a job to get to?” Harmony asked once she pulled away, giggling as she took in how flustered Taunie suddenly was. “You better hurry or you’ll be late.”

Even though Taunie could barely manage a coherent thought due to her flustered state, she still remembered that it was the start of the weekend. She opened her mouth to respond, but suddenly recalled that she still had to work for a few hours, even on the weekends. It was one of the consequences of being the CEO of a major corporation.

"Why did you have to remind me?" the blonde trainer whined out before visibly sulking. A few seconds later, she sighed dramatically before straightening up. "Let's meet at our usual spot today, okay?" When Harmony nodded confidently in agreement, Taunie smiled and then turned to Emma. "Would you like to join us this time?"

Due to her surprise, Emma's smile briefly faltered. However, her tender smile returned as swiftly as it had disappeared before she answered, "Yes, I'll make time for it."

"Then neither of you had better be late!" And with that, brimming with energy, Taunie dashed off in the direction of Quasartico.

Harmony sighed as she left, and turned to Emma. “Again, sorry about all that. I think I’m gonna head around and do some more research tasks, and then I’ll see you later?” Harmony offered.

"There's no need for you to apologize, Harmony. Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes we find ourselves navigating unfamiliar emotional territories," she reassured with a light chuckle, her voice warm and soothing. "Just remember to take care of yourself, as you always do, alright?"

The trainer nodded, flashing the detective one more warm smile before she departed, leaving her behind as she ran off to hopefully finish one of the few tasks left remaining.

The day unfolded like any other, with no particularly exciting events until the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. The earlier moments of the day—the heart-to-heart with Emma, lunch with her girlfriend, and the encounter with the detective—still lingered in Taunie's mind as she approached and re-entered Hotel Z. However, unlike the previous few days, she felt no concern or worry, only pure happiness. Finally, after reaching the second floor, she knocked on her lover's door, just as she had many times before.

However, when the girl answered the door, while Taunie was expecting to find her in her usual adorable pajamas, she instead found her girlfriend wearing a set of lacy black lingerie that only just barely covered up her bits in some places, the sight of which immediately stunned Taunie as Harmony smiled widely at her. “Hello, darling~”

Taunie's jaw dropped, and her eyes widened in surprise. Her pupils dilated with instant desire as she took in her girlfriend's curves, barely concealed by the sheer lace. A deep blush spread across her cheeks and down her neck as she struggled to form a coherent response.

"H-Harmy..." she stammered, her voice at first a breathless whisper as she subconsciously stepped closer, her hands twitching at her sides with the urge to touch. "You look... absolutely breathtaking. Like a dream come true."

“Oh yeah? Then if this is a dream…how do you want it to end~?” Harmony asked, leaning in and cupping her cheek as she pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. It only lasted a moment, teasing the girl as she pulled back, grabbed her hand, and pulled her into the bedroom, shutting the door behind her with a foot.

Taunie's pulse raced in her ears, quickening as she glanced around the dimly lit bedroom, the curtains drawn tightly shut. This was undoubtedly part of her lover's plan to rattle her, an attempt to make up for their lack of intimacy the previous night. By Arceus's name, her partner had done an impeccable job. Taunie's gaze drifted over her lover's figure, taking in the captivating beauty before her, causing her heart to race even faster. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. It was only with considerable effort—and the need to pinch herself lightly—that the trainer murmured in a trance-like tone—

"I want you, Harmy. All of you."

The girl stepped back and sat down on the bed, spreading both her legs and her arms, smiling wide, her usual beaming grin tinged with lust.

“Then come and make me yours, Taun~”

The other trainer surged forward, nearly leaping into her lover's arms. Although Taunie barely managed to restrain herself, the force of their lips crashing together was enough to push the brunette back against the plush fabric behind them. As the blonde was utterly enthralled, she decided to forgo the typical build-up, instead kissing her lover with a dizzying passion. Soft, muffled moans escaped her lips as her tender fingers explored the other girl's body, marveling at how the delicate fabric molded to Harmony's curves and emphasized her irresistible feminine allure.

Harmony’s own hands began to move as well, sliding down to Taunie’s front and undoing the buttons on her pants before sliding them down her legs, kissing back with as much passion as she could possibly muster. She would give herself entirely to her girlfriend tonight, and there would be no regrets.

The cool air against Taunie's heated skin only intensified her arousal, leaving her mind enveloped in a haze of intense desire that guided her actions. This feeling was completely acceptable for her, as she longed to surrender herself entirely to her lover, hoping to make up for everything that had transpired over the previous two days. Thus, as soon as they needed to take a break and catch their breath, Taunie reluctantly sat up and quickly removed all her clothing except for her undergarments. She decided to leave those for her lover to take off, acknowledging that she enjoyed the anticipation that came with it each time.

"H-Harmy, please," Taunie whimpered, her voice filled with need, reminiscent of their first night together.

The trainer nodded, acknowledging that she knew exactly what she wanted. She flipped their positions so that Taunie was the one underneath, and Harmony had a feeling they’d be taking turns like this all throughout the night. Regardless, she reached underneath her and easily undid the straps of her bra, and as Taunie laid back down, the garment was slipped off her body, leaving Harmony to stare hungrily down at her chest.

“You never stop being wonderfully beautiful,” she said softly as she reached down grasped both breasts in her hands, squeezing them gently in her palms.

Taunie's breath caught in her throat as she reveled in the warmth and tenderness of the woman's hands. The gentle caresses molded her sensitive skin, and the combination of those warm hands with the cool air made the girl's nipples harden further. She couldn't help but arch into her lover's touch, seeking more of that delightful, intoxicating sensation.

"Oh, sweetie…" Taunie whispered as she reached up to thread her fingers through her lover's hair, before trailing her hand down until it reached her lover's stomach, seeking the waistband of her lingerie. Her voice trembled with anticipation for the night ahead as her chest rose and fell. "You always make me feel so cherished and desired; your touch never fails to drive me wild... You truly are the perfect woman, you know that?"

“Well then we must be a perfect couple, because I feel the same with you, despite you thinking otherwise,” Harmony replied, before removing a hand from her breast and sliding it down over her stomach. She leaned in, placing soft kisses along the curves of her breast, all while the hand slid further and further south until it eventually reached her panties. Once it was at its destination, it slid over then and she slowly rubbed at her groin over the fabric.

Taunie's eyelids fluttered as Harmony's digits worked their magic, the teasing fabric providing just enough friction to drive her crazy, and with every stroke, the article became increasingly damp in tandem.

"I love you, my darling," Taunie breathed out encouragingly, rolling her hips in time with her lover's skillful touch. "So, so very much..."

Harmony responded by settling her mouth over her nipple, swirling her tongue around the hard nub as she moaned into it. She continued the movements on the girl’s panties, speeding up a bit to further push the fabric against her rapidly dampening slit.

Taunie could only cry out in ecstasy, unable to resist the overwhelming dual sensations of pleasure; the wetness of her panties was a clear testament to how close she was to the brink. Although the girl was hesitant to finish first—primarily due to her pride, especially since it had been a while since Harmony had been able to do so—she wholeheartedly welcomed the familiar, intense sensation. As her hips pressed harder against Harmony's hand, the increased friction brought her closer and closer with each passing second.

"H-Harmy...! Oh, Arceus, yes, just like that~!" Taunie gasped, her voice strained with desperation as she buried her fingers in her lover's hair.

Feeling her lover tensing up, and knowing she was close to finishing, Harmony stopped rubbing at her panties and instead dove her hand into them, pressing her hand to her groin directly. She pinched the girl’s clit between two of her fingers, giving it a final light twist at the same time she gently bit down on the girl’s nipple.

Perhaps it was due to a build-up of emotions, or maybe the full day of absence from this sensation had heightened her sensitivity. Whatever the reason, the combination of Harmony's oral attentions and the relentless stimulation of her body proved overwhelming for the poor trainer. Following the trainer's intense onslaught, a wave of pleasure surged through her body, sending shockwaves to her core. A moment later, the blonde trainer let out a cry as her mental resilience crumbled, replaced by the overwhelming intensity of her approaching orgasm.

"H-H-Harmy~! I-I'm...!" Taunie attempted to speak, but it proved unnecessary as the girl then let out a sharp cry, her upper body arching as her arousal promptly erupted from her folds.

And as her lover came in her arms, she rested herself still, allowing herself to become awash in the sounds and sensations of Taunie’s climax. Her moans were like music to her ears as the juices flowing from her coated her hand and wrist, all while she waited for her lover to finish, only releasing her bra so she could continue planting sweet kisses across her breast.

It was only once the woman had finished that Harmony pulled her hand back and, right in front of her girlfriend’s eyes, she gave her fingers a long, sensual lick, never breaking eye contact.

Despite her disorientation, Taunie watched, transfixed, as the erotic display sent a fresh wave of desire coursing through her veins. It had only been seconds since her climax, yet she felt an overwhelming need to bite her lip, stifling a moan at the very thought of the taste.

"You're so lewd, Harmy~" Taunie managed to breathe out, fully aware that she was responsible—and unrepentant, at that.

“Oh yeah, am I~?” The trainer teased. “Are you going to punish me for it~?”

Taunie chuckled, a mischievous glint sparkling in her eyes. Despite still feeling exhausted, the adrenaline coursing through her as she thought about what she wanted to do to her lover overshadowed her fatigue. With surprising strength, she pushed herself upward, grabbed her lover's shoulders, and shoved her down, taking the top position. She then flashed her a smirk.

"I suppose that depends on your definition," Taunie purred, her voice even now sending a chill down Harmony's spine before the trainer decided it was time to remedy what was long overdue by deftly removing her lover's lingerie. "I certainly have a few ideas in mind... but, it depends on how rough you want your 'punishment' to be, really~"

Despite the sudden embarrassment she felt at the words she’d spoken, the situation she was in, her sudden nudity, and the general vibe in the air, Harmony smiled up at her love, going for her best lewd expression. “Don’t hold back, love…please do whatever you want to me. Be as gentle or as rough as you want~”

She didn’t care what her lover did, for she knew as long as it was her dear Taun doing it, any of it would feel good.

"Oooh, you're going to regret saying that~" Taunie teased as the blonde dove into lovemaking, her hands roaming her lover’s bare body with an almost possessive hunger. Gripping her lover's hips and pulling her closer, she claimed her mouth in a passionate kiss, their tongues entwining in a sensual dance.

But that merely scratched the surface, as moments later, Taunie trailed her lips down her girlfriend's neck, nibbling and sucking at the delicate skin along the way. As she made her way down, she ensured to brush her soft lips and warm breath across her shoulder, collarbone, and curves of her breasts before they finally perched atop her nipples, which she wasted no time in gently biting down on the hardened nub.

Almost immediately, Harmony felt her body shifting as pleasure shot through her. Even such quick touches left her body wanting more, and lewd noises began to escape her lips as she placed a hand on her lover’s head, pulling her in closer.

“Mmmm…yes~! More~!”

Taunie was more than happy to oblige, as she promptly lavished attention to the nipple her mouth was presently placed over, alternating between gentle suckling and firmer bites. However, that was just the beginning; there was much more to come. With both hands still ready to be used, she was determined to make Harmy lose all thought except for her name. And so the bold girl quickly sprang into action, placing one hand atop her other breast and the other hand on her butt, before giving both a firm squeeze simultaneously.

“F-Fuck! T-Taun~!” Harmony gasped out her name, which was already on the right track for what Taunie wanted. Her toes curled as Harmony’s hands reached out to grab something, anything, one hand latching onto her wrist as the other moved from her head to her back, her moans continuing to fill the small room as Taunie lavished heaps of love onto her girlfriend.

"That's it, baby, let me hear you~" Taunie coaxed after releasing her nipple for just a moment, only to dive straight back into her ministrations with a smirk.

Even though Taunie knew her lover wouldn't be able to tell, especially not at that moment, her eyes sparkled with unparalleled satisfaction and glee at the sounds the blonde trainer could never quite get used to. However, it still wasn't enough for her. She wanted to hear more! After all, she had expressed her desire to experience all of Harmony. She knew exactly how to do it. She proceeded to pinch her lover's free nipple with her index finger and thumb, and then, after another squeeze, her other hand moved upward; tracing her inner thigh before finally reaching her lower lips.

As the trainer was becoming lost in the sensation of pleasure, rather than seeing her lover moving her hands, she could only focus on the transfer of feeling. And that feeling now touching her lower lips sent shivers down her spine as more moans escaped her lips. “Taun~! Ahh~!” She gripped the bedsheets tightly as she gave in to the pleasure wholeheartedly, her mind emptying of everything else but the intense pleasure as she could barely open her eyes.

To say that the noise was music to Taunie's ears would not do justice to how she felt at that moment. Even though it had only been a few days, hearing the love of her life call out her name in that adorable voice filled her with happiness that nothing else could match. It was clear to her that, even if Harmony wanted to continue this all night, Taunie would be more than happy to oblige. For now, after she reluctantly released Harmony's nipple with a satisfying pop, she immediately returned to kissing her neck and occasionally planting playful bites, all while her digit gently slid against her lover's slick folds.

"Do you want it, darling~?" Taunie teasingly purred in a sultry whisper against her lover's ear. Of course, the answer was obvious. But she was certain that simply hearing her response would make her heart swell with even greater joy.

Harmony nodded eagerly, her voice almost pleading. “Y-Yes! Give it to me, Taun~!” The girl could tell she was already feeling the pressure building, and it likely wouldn’t be long until she caved completely. She wanted more, as much as Taunie could give her, until she felt nothing but pure bliss, even if she had to beg. She had nothing else on her mind, anyway.

Taunie beamed with such brightness that her cheeks began to hurt, and her heart swelled with so much joy and love that she felt light-headed. But this wasn't the time to faint; her Harmy took priority above all else. And so after giving her lover a quick peck on the cheek, Taunie happily gave her exactly what she wanted and slid her digit deep into her sex before she began to rhythmically thrust.

“AHHHH~!” And Harmony’s moans increased in volume in turn. Her body lifted up as she thrusted, and her grip on the bedsheets tightened. “Oh, Taun~! I-It feels…!” She could feel herself beginning to approach her climax faster and faster. “I-I’m almost…!”

"It's alright, baby, just let it happen," Taunie cooed before giggling. "You're just too adorable~"

Just like her girlfriend before her, Taunie could feel how close Harmony was, sensing the way her walls tightened around her finger. However, she was determined not to let it end without giving her lover one last, overwhelming sensation of bliss—one that would pale in comparison to her own. Thus, she decided to launch her final 'Tri-Attack.' In a grand finale, Taunie pinched and twisted one nipple while biting down on the other one once more, in addition to simultaneously jamming a second finger into her lover's folds.

In a single instant, Harmony felt herself overwhelmed by pleasure, gasping for air as all other thoughts and feelings eddied from her mind, replaced with a singular sensation of ecstasy. She gasped and trembled as all of a sudden, she came. In a moment, she let out her loudest moan so far as she released everything she had.

The waves of bliss that hit her were unimaginably amazing, something only her lover could have ever provided to her, and her eyes rolled back from the sheer immense bliss, which felt like it lasted ages before she finally collapsed back down onto the bed with heaving breaths, unaware that she’d been missing her lover’s touch this much.

Taunie remained still until her lover finished her climax. Once it was over, Taunie happily settled beside her, occasionally twitching in delight. She pulled her lover closer, cradling her gently in her arms. Taunie gazed into her eyes with a tenderness that spoke volumes about the depth of her love, although words would never fully capture how she felt. But at that moment, nothing else mattered to her except spending every moment of the night with her perfect lover, as she planted a gentle kiss on top of her head.

"And that's for being such a naughty girl, brought to you by yours truly," the trainer chirped.

“I’ll be the naughtiest girl in the entire world…” Harmony replied, her words slightly slurred as she flipped over and placed half of her body over Taunie’s, wrapping her in a side hug. “I want to feel that good every night, darling~”

"That can easily be arranged," Taunie said, holding her even tighter—just snug enough to ensure her lover's utmost comfort. After planting another brief kiss on her lips, she added, "I know I could never get used to seeing my sweetie like that, personally~"

Harmony giggled, snuggling up against her. “Me neither. You’re already beautiful, but when you look like that…you look radiant~”

The girl let out a loud yawn. “But I’m tired…I wanna sleep…”

Taunie nodded before pulling the covers over them both and saying, "Let's get some rest, darling. We can pick up where we left off later."

Her lover nodded, snuggling up against her, their nude bodies warm as they wrapped around one another, and it didn’t take long for Harmony to fall into a deep, peaceful sleep.

Taunie remained still, her fingers dancing lazily across her lover's skin, tracing patterns of love and contentment. A constant, serene smile graced her lips as she listened to the soft breathing of the angel in her arms. She felt a profound gratitude and love for this wonderful woman, knowing they had discovered something truly special in each other.

Despite uncertainty about the future, the trainer felt confident that it would be bright and colorful. With that blissful thought, within moments, she, too, drifted off easily into a blissful rest.

Some time in the not-so distant future

On the sun-drenched patio of Hotel Z, surrounded by nearly all of Lumiose and many of those whom the couple had helped throughout their numerous quests and adventures, Taunie stood before Harmony on this very special occasion. This was the long-awaited moment for everyone who knew about their relationship. The wedding ceremony, a beautiful blend of tradition and personal touches, had reached its poignant climax.

Taunie radiated an otherworldly happiness in a simple yet elegant white dress adorned with delicate lace and featuring a sweetheart neckline. Her blonde hair cascaded in loose waves, framing her face and highlighting her bright blue eyes, which sparkled with barely contained tears of joy. A slender silver band rested on her left ring finger, symbolizing her commitment to the love standing before her.

"Harmony, my love, my soulmate..." the woman began slowly and deliberately. "From the very first moment we met, I knew there was something extraordinary about you. Your strength, your kindness, your unwavering spirit—all of these qualities drew me to you like a moth to a flame." She reached out, gently taking Harmony's hands in her own. "Through every challenge we've faced and every adventure we've shared, my love for you has only grown stronger. You are not just my partner, but my best friend, my confidante, my home." Finally, unable to hold back the tears streaming down her cheeks but still smiling dazzlingly, she concluded her vow with, "Today, I stand before you, ready to pledge myself to you completely. Every day, I promise to ensure that you receive nothing less than the best the world has to offer."

Harmony’s eyes sparkled as she squeezed the girl’s hand in return, tears beginning to build in the corner of her eyes. “Taunie, my true one and only…you were the first person to greet me when I came to Lumiose, and it was the luckiest thing that could’ve ever happened to me. You gave me a home, friends I never could’ve imagined, and a love so deep that no words could ever truly describe it, even if I’ll spend the rest of my life trying.” The girl’s voice wavered as she spoke, betraying her. “You are my light, my love, and my happiness, and I’ll do everything in my power to make you smile every day, because that is all I need to feel truly fulfilled. You are my everything.”

The priest, a kind-faced man with twinkling eyes, turned his attention to Harmony. His voice was warm and gentle as he addressed her.

"And now, Harmony, do you take Taunie to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her, so long as you both shall live?"

He paused, allowing the gravity of the question to sink in, the weight of the lifelong commitment hanging in the air between them. The assembled guests held their breath, eager to hear Harmony's response to this important query.

Harmony found herself glancing over at Emma, who was sitting in the front row, and as their eyes met, the detective smiled and nodded her head. The girl turned her eyes back to Taunie, who looked ready to burst into happy sobs at any moment.

“I do.”

The priest then turned to Taunie and asked her the same questions. Like her lover before her, Taunie's gaze drifted to Emma, who wore a beaming smile that seemed almost as bright as her own. It was as if Emma was silently saying, "This is right; this is always meant to be." Feeling bolstered by her loved ones' support, Taunie returned her gaze to Harmony, her eyes shining with unwavering devotion.

"I do," she replied, her voice clear and strong despite the emotion thick in her throat.

Upon the woman's enthusiastic affirmation, the priest finally smiled warmly and raised his hands in blessing.

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you wife and wife. You may seal your union with a kiss."

Taunie didn't hesitate. She pulled Harmony close and kissed her tenderly, lovingly. It started softly, a sweet promise of forever, but quickly deepened with the passion and intensity of their bond. The crowd around them erupted in cheers and applause, the sound washing over the newlyweds like a tidal wave of support and celebration.

After what felt like ages of the most beautiful kiss Harmony had ever experienced, she pulled back, struggling to catch her breath in the most wonderful way possible. Her face almost hurt from smiling.

“I love you, Taun. More than anything.”

Overcome with overwhelming emotion, Taunie found herself unable to hold back her tears any longer. They streamed freely down her face as she gazed at her wife. Though her vision was blurred, her heart was crystal clear. Her lip trembled as she tried to speak, her voice cracking under the weight of her feelings.

"I... I love you too, Harmy," she managed to choke out. The words were barely audible above the thunderous applause of the crowd. But for Harmony, standing so close, they rang out like the most beautiful melody.

Unable to resist, Taunie surged forward, capturing her lover's lips once more in a searing kiss, filled with reaffirmation of the promise of a lifetime of love, shared dreams, and unbreakable bonds.

Despite the overwhelming noise of their surroundings, the newlyweds found themselves immersed in a blissful state that was solely theirs.

For Taunie and Harmony, the two strongest Mega Evolution trainers, saviors of Lumiose, and, most importantly, lovers, they knew this was the happiest moment of their lives.