She’s always had a soft side, silly! I grew up with her after all!
[ A big smile. ]
I’m surprised how fast you found it, though! Hilda doesn’t slow down for many! I always knew you were special.
[ He notices, but chooses not to acknowledge it. Folding his arms, he nods with a little smile. ]
I mean… You’d be surprised! Hilda can have a bit of a soft side I’ve come to see… Although it takes a lot of insisting to slow things down, haha…
Like trainer like Pokémon!
[ Oops! Did she say that out loud? Deflect, deflect! ]
I mean, to say—that’s so crazy! Who would have expected her to do that! Maybe Emboar’s learning how to relax, finally! Not sure Hilda knows how to do that either, but I can relate!
I know right?! I mean… you didn’t hear it from me, but I think her Emboar’s kinda… smitten with him.
Hilda tells me she gets all fussy when Samurott won’t hang out with her. He even let her pet him…
I didn’t do thaaat much…certainly not compared to you!
[ A little smile, adjusting her glasses. ]
But thanks for the credit anyways! You and Cheren were always so cool when you teamed up against them. I still think you’re both the coolest!
[ He sheepishly laughs at her words, hiding behind his hat. He was never too good with compliments… ]
I dunno… I think you and Cheren had equal shots at that too. I can just be a bit stubborn at times.
Besides. You helped me fight Plasma. That was a team effort.
[ Gushing and squealing! ]
Aaaaw! That’s because of your love for him! He opened right up to you, and—
No way… SERIOUSLY? Hilda’s Emboar is one of the most energetic Pokémon I’ve ever seen! Those two are truly a perfect match. But Samurott? I mean, WOW!
Not at all!! I mean, he still puts on the tough act… but he’s a total softie, especially when we’re alone.
[ He closes in a bit, talking in a whisper. ]
It was actually cuddling with Hilda’s Emboar the other day… I couldn’t believe my eyes!
That’s so like you, Nate!! Always striving to improve and see the world—I really admire that!
How’s Samurott doing these days, by the way? Still standoffish?
I… didn’t really want to be! At least… not now. I dunno. I feel like Champion is a bit too big of a title for somebody like me…
I like being on the ground with everybody else. Plus I got waaaaaaay more to learn and see! I’m not gonna risk a title like that stunting my growth!
Ahh, I love fall! So many young new trainers start out their journeys around this time. I have my hands full handing out starters on behalf of Professor Juniper!
Probably the latter… Nobody’s budging no matter how many times I ask!!!
It’s easier to become Champion here than it is a Gym Leader… isn’t that messed up?!
[ Fully face planting into his chest, grabbing onto his arms as he catches her. ]
Woah—! Oh, hey Cheren! Phew…how lucky am I that you were here?
[ Adjusting her glasses, then patting down his shirt where she face planted so it wasn’t all crinkled. ]
Now that’s an idea! I’ll try, but I can’t promise I’ll remember!
[ Beaming at him, patting down her clothes. ]
I’d say you’ve changed even more than me, Hilbert. You used to be so shy. Becoming the Champion, stopping Team Plasma…I really admire you, you know that?
Maybe you just need to pace yourself— why not try speed walking?
[ He can’t help but laugh a little, only now letting go of her hand. ]
…You’ve really changed since we took those first steps together on Route 1. You look so much more comfortable… it’s really nice to see.
I wasn’t always assisting the professor, but I’m so happy I do now! It really gives me a sense of purpose.
What I don’t understand is how people can keep so still all the time! I’m always falling over!
People call you those things? That’s weird… I always just saw you as fast-paced and hard working. You’re bound to trip up a few times… that’s why I’m here to catch ya!
Ditzy especially is crazy… Given you’re a professor’s assistant and all that!
[ She holds onto him as she steadies herself, laughing sheepishly. ]
It’s definitely never been called charming before, but that’s better than clumsy and ditzy…!
[ He lifts the brim of his hat with a smile, pulling her back upright. ]
It’s alright! If anything it’s part of your charm at this point.
I got your back like you and Cheren have mine!
Seriously? No one? I could’ve sworn Drayden said he was going to retire soon…or, did Marlon say he was swimming all the way to Alola…? Hmm! Can’t remember!