It doesn’t.

The boy, who looks a bit older than you, raises his eyebrows in surprise, then shrugs. He caps his canteen and stands, allowing you a good look at his full form.

He’s tall, 6’3”, and has lightly sun-tanned skin. His hair is pitch-black and shoulder length, tied in a loose ponytail, and his eyes are a deep purple in coloration, like amethysts. He wears a long black coat over his gray shirt and black pants. An easy smile graces his handsome features as he calls back to you.

“Alright then, sounds like fun!” His voice is easygoing and friendly, but that won’t fool you. This is an enemy! He will be crushed!

“Go! Squirtle!” You lob your Pokéball forward, not even thinking about what the terms of this battle would be. You can only really do 1v1 anyway.

He appraises your Pokémon, then turns to you in concern. “You uh, sure about this? You-“

You cut off his ridiculous rambling. “Squirtle is ready for anything you can throw at him!” Your tiny turtle puffs out his chest.

“Ooooookay.” The man holds out his Pokéball. A beam of red light shoots forth from it, releasing his Pokémon. The light grows and takes shape revealing… a Charizard!? UM.

The orange scaled lizard stretches out its wings and roars ferociously… before noticing its opponent. It then turns to look back at its trainer as if to say ‘Really?’ and your opposition merely shrugs in response.

Your poor Squirtle is trembling, terrified by the monstrous opponent placed before him. He turns back to look at you with tears building in his eyes, and you shout out at the black-cloaked man.

“Stop! Stop! I surrender! Please, don’t hurt him!” You plead, tears welling in your eyes as well.

Thankfully, the man replies with a calming smile. “Easy there, no need to panic. Charizard, return!” The not-a-dragon huffs, clearly annoyed at having its time wasted, and returns to its ball. You cradle your poor terrified partner, then return him as well. You gulp, looking up as the victor approaches you.

“Hey there. So, uh, what did we learn?” He asks gently.

You flinch at his words. “…Ask how many badges someone has before challenging them?” You respond quietly.

“Very good! I have seven, by the way. On my way to Viridian for my eighth. Oh, and you should also ask your opponent’s name. What’s yours?”

Right, saying your name and hometown before a battle was pretty customary. Oops. “I’m Blue Oak, from Pallet Town.”

“I’m Gabriel, from Cinnabar Island. An Oak, huh? Nice to meet you!” His charming smile and relaxing voice start to put you at ease. Everything about him seems to make him almost exude a calming aura. He’s very handsome too, and looks like he’s pretty muscular… STOP. NO. BAD BLUE.

Gabriel offers you a hand up, which you accept, and pulls you close to him. Oh, right… you did technically just lose. You can’t let him take control though! Even if you’re the one offering the forfeit, you can- He presses one hand against the small of your back, the other resting lightly on your neck with his thumb tilting your chin up. Your stare into his eyes, those beautiful purple eyes. What is it you wanted to try and do?

…Oh, make out with the hot guy. Duh. His lips lock with yours and you wrap your arms around him in passion. He’s so warm, it feels wonderful to just be next to him. So tall, so handsome, so strong too. You can feel his muscles pressing against your body. You could spend hours like this…

He breaks the kiss. “Done!” He releases you and steps away, smiling that easy smile of his.

“Huh?” Is all you can manage through your mixed arousal and confusion.

“I’ll try and make the explanation brief.” He says, grinning. “A kiss is all I take as my forfeit. Anything else, the girl gives. I don’t enjoy forcing ‘em like most guys, or other girls come to think, so I just kiss the ones I beat. Either they get in the mood and want me, or they get off easy. I only take full forfeits when it’s a gym battle or tournament, since televised matches require that the forfeit happens. Otherwise, I prefer my partners willing. Any questions?”

‘Any questions’!? His words are nearly incomprehensible! Is this just the world’s nicest man!? Nobody acts like this when they win, man or woman! You’re beyond confused, but… is this two losses and two successful dodges at getting fucked? That’s good… right? What even is today?

The kind-hearted boy before you grins knowingly. “Yeah, I get that reaction a lot. And yes I’m serious. And yes I know I’m weird. I don’t care.”

You let out a small laugh, relief overtaking you. “Well, alright then, Gabriel. Thank you. I’m sorry for being in such a rush earlier, by the way. Can I ask you something though?”

“Shoot.”

“Why are you walking to Viridian? Surely you can Fly or Teleport at this point, right? Have you not been there before?” You ask.

“Oh, yeah, I have been. So I could. I’m not in a rush though. Just got my seventh badge from Bedelia back home, and decided to take the scenic route to Viridian. I’ve been taking it slow and steady since I started. This is my third year as a trainer, after all. Some get all the badges in less than one, then enter the Pokémon League Tournament in their first year. I’m planning on entering this year, but it isn’t for another 6 months. So I can take it easy for a bit.” He explains.

“I see…” 6 months. That’s how long you have to get your badges if you want to take part this year. 6 months. You look the carefree boy up and down, remembering his earlier statement. ‘Either they get in the mood and want me, or they get off easy.’ Which are you… he definitely turns you on… No! You’re resolved to hang on as long as possible. Even if you do end up getting deflowered by some random asshole in alleyway or something! You aren’t giving it up for free!

“You heading to Viridian too? We can walk together if you want.” Offers the black-haired boy.

“Sure, but I’m done with my forfeit, remember?”

“Of course. Just figured we could chat.” He holds up his hands in a show of innocence.

“I’d like that. Company sounds nice.” Hopefully talking to him will keep your mind off your fantasies… and not encourage them. The two of you set off down Route 1, getting to know each other on the walk to Viridian City. It’s… fun.