Sapphire couldn't help but think that, although years had passed, Ruby hadn't changed at all. Sure, they had remained close friends, and sure she enjoyed their time together. Even so, despite all her prodding and subtle hints, he still claimed that he had no memory of what had happened before the final battle.

To put it subtly, Sapphire was ticked.

She sighed, looked over at his sleeping form. They were sitting on a grassy knoll that they'd become partial to over the years, and Ruby had slipped into a nap. She scowled, tempted to kick him out of it, but decided against it. She had just lain down and closed her eyes when she heard a murmur come from Ruby. Cracking open a single blue orb, she held her breath.

"Sapphire…"

The said girl sighed. So he was awake after all. With a groan, she rolled over.

"Waddaya want?"

Silence. A sigh.

Wait a second… Sapphire blinked. He was sleep talking! With a muffled giggle, she held her breath and waited.

"Sapphire… I… you…" He turned to face her, eyes closed, and his hat pulling up a little. The girl blushed a little at what that might have meant. There was a short pause, and then Ruby continued, "You smell." With a growl, she raised her arm to deck him, and then realized that his scar was showing. Not without a frown, she traced it gently.

Suddenly, she was jerked towards him.

"Wha-wha?" She managed to yelp out, surprised, before realizing that Ruby was holding her tightly in his arms. She turned as red as his eyes, squirming a little, but giving up. "For a sissy boy, yer sure strong…" Sapphire grumbled. To her surprise, she felt him chuckle quietly, his warm breath blowing down her neck. She blushed hard this time, and tentatively asked, "Are you awake, Ruby?"

"Mmm…" His arms around her loosened, but she didn't bother to get up. Grudgingly, she admitted that she liked his warmth. She sighed.

"Ya know… I really meant what I said back at Mirage Island."

Silence. He didn't answer. Then again, she didn't expect him to.

"I wish you could at least pretend that you remembered," She smiled softly, enjoying the light breeze that was playing with her tawny hair. "I really meant every word." Her eyes, which matched her name, closed slowly as she remembered. In a light, lilting tone, she quoted herself; "Initially, I found you detestable, rude… pretentious. Twisted…a liar… a fashion freak and full of hot air…" She laughed. It sounded odd to her, in comparison to her usual wild laughter. This sound was relaxed and gentle. She continued, "I got to know you a lot better though. I like to battle with you. I like the way you brush your pokemon's fur. Although you always pretend to be insensitive, there's a soft spot hidden somewhere deep inside you…" She blushed, remembering where those words had led her. "…and when I realized that, I also acknowledged my feelings."

The boy behind her let out a jagged breath, but didn't respond. He didn't remember, after all, Sapphire thought grimly. Suddenly, she realized that her words would be like a confession all over again. Jolting up, she whirled around to see his reaction…

…only to see Ruby's eyes closed. The raven-haired boy had been asleep all along. Sapphire smiled bitterly, knowing that she'd probably never muster up the courage to repeat those words to him again. Gently, she pulled his hat down, covering up the memories, and slowly began the walk home.

Behind her, Ruby's crimson eyes opened. The boy cautiously sat up, then grinned to himself.

Tomorrow was her birthday. He'd be sure to get her something extra special.