The last streaks of sunlight painted the Stone Manor's yard in warm golds and oranges.
Albert and Steven sat cross-legged on the grass, a modest meal laid out before them, surrounded by the content hum of Eevee relaxing after the day's festivities.
Steven poked at his food, glancing at Albert. "So… all these Eevee running around… doesn't it ever get overwhelming?" he asked with a small grin.
Albert, carefully arranging some of the smaller Eevee near him, shook his head slightly. "Not really. They're…predictable in their needs if you know how to observe them. And I enjoy seeing how each one reacts differently. It's… calming, in a way."
Steven leaned back on his hands, eyes tracing the horizon where the sun kissed the treetops. "I guess… I never thought about Eevee like that. They seem like a lot of work, but… I can see why you like it."
Albert glanced at him, his amethyst eyes softening. "It's not just work. Every one of them is… unique. Each personality, each affinity—it teaches me something about kindness, patience, life...and sometimes myself."
Steven nudged him playfully. "So, you're saying… even though you 'recruited' them for experiments, you've… learned to care for them?"
Albert paused for a moment, a faint blush coloring his cheeks as he watched a pair of Eevee playfully chasing each other near the fading sunlight.
Slowly, a genuine smile spread across his face—bright, open, and unguarded. The kind of smile that seemed to capture the fading sunlight itself, momentarily blinding Steven with its intensity.
"Yes," Albert admitted softly, voice warm. "At first, it was only curiosity, for research. But over time… I've learned how to really love them. To care for them individually, to understand their moods, their preferences, and their well-being. Even the ones I thought were just for study… they've become…important to me.
Steven's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the sheer sincerity in Albert's expression. "Wow… that's… really touching, Albert."
Albert chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I never thought I could feel this way about Pokémon that I only intended to study. But seeing them happy, seeing them trust me… it's...rewarding in ways research alone could never teach."
Steven grinned, nudging him again. "I guess all those late nights in the lab weren't just for science, huh?"
"No," Albert said, still smiling fully, the warmth in his expression radiating to all corners of the yard. "They've taught me sincerity, empathy… and the importance of connection. I care about them as much as I care about the results of any experiment, probably more."
Steven leaned back slightly, still caught off guard by Albert's radiant smile. He felt a faint heat rise to his cheeks.
Albert tilted his head, his eyes confused. "Why are you staring? Is there something on my face?"
"Oh!" Steven's eyes widened in surprise, not noticing that his gaze have stayed too long on his friend's face. "It's nothing!" He blurted out, faintly blushing, not knowing the reason for his embarrassment.
Albert let out a soft, genuine laugh that made the fading sunlight seem warmer. "Well...alright...if you say so..." he appeased gently.
Steven nodded in satisfaction, a small, reluctant smile tugged at his lips. "Yeah, I was just...thinking about somethting," he muttered, not noticing that the heat in his cheeks remained.
Albert reached out to ruffle his hair lightly, still smiling. "You know… It's good to enjoy these quiet moments. Not everything needs to be work or study."
"I should be the one saying that!" Steven outright exclaimed. "You're the one who's all work and study!"
Albert gave a sheepish smile, scratching his head. "Well, I guess I'll try to tone it down a little. With the watch you gifted me and all."
Steven just silently smiled in return, both of them enjoying the company of each other and the Eevee contentedly nestled around them.