Turning slowly, Tate gazed at the woman. There was only one person who would ever refer to him as “Walking Buddy” and he had long since put her to rest in his mind. But there she was. And though he was far from the tongue-tied eighteen-year-old he had been then, Tate was still flabbergasted that she had even recognized him.
Of course, he had hoped, and maybe dreamed a little, like any young man would do when a young lady like Dawn - Hikari? - gave him the time time of day. Surprisingly, the smile came easily to his face as he extended his hand in greeting.
"It’s great to see you," he greeted. "But, you can call me Tate," he added with a wink. He still worked as a Gym Leader, though Liza had moved on, soaring for new heights while her twin brother was more than cozy with the space-themed gym. "How have you been?" His words were tentative, afraid that they would prove her to be no more than an apparition.
“You have certainly grown, Tate.”
Hikari attempted a smile, but it was more like a half-smile. It really didn't matter to her, showing her emotions was hard and took too much effort. Lazily, she shook his hand and returned the wink.
“Eh, I'm probably way better than from when we first met.” She said, shrugging a bit. What she said probably made no sense, but it was mostly true. Really, it was funny how she was way more successful as a child and as an adult, a complete nobody. Hikari wasn't mad about it, rather she enjoyed it a lot. It was as if she were finally free from it all, at last...
“And yourself? Seriously, I don't remember you being this way.” Letting out a small laugh, she considered taking him out for a drink. They weren't close or anything, Hikari just wanted to actually get to know him. This time was going to be different, no lies, no secrets, no holding back.
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