How Gallade threw out the Trash

Gallade had always been cautious when it came to relationships. As a demisexual, he needed an emotional connection before he could feel any attraction. In a world that often seemed obsessed with quick flings and superficial connections, this made dating challenging, to say the least. But Gallade had always held out hope that he would find someone who understood him, who would value the deep connection he needed.

So when Gallade met Garbodor, he thought he had finally found that person. Garbodor was charismatic and seemed genuinely interested in getting to know him. They spent weeks talking, sharing their thoughts, dreams, and fears. Gallade opened up in ways he never had before, believing that Garbodor was doing the same. It felt like they were building something real, something lasting.

But as their relationship progressed, Gallade began to notice things that didn’t quite add up. Garbodor would sometimes say things that didn’t align with what he had shared before. He would disappear for days at a time without explanation, only to return with excuses that seemed flimsy at best. Gallade wanted to believe in the connection they had, so he ignored the warning signs, convincing himself that he was just being paranoid.

One night, after weeks of what felt like a deepening bond, Garbodor invited Gallade over. The evening started off well enough, with laughter and easy conversation, but as the night wore on, Garbodor’s behavior changed. He became more insistent, pushing for something more physical, something Gallade wasn’t ready for. When Gallade tried to express his discomfort, Garbodor brushed it off, saying that they had been talking for weeks and that it was time to “take the next step.”

Gallade felt cornered. He had trusted Garbodor, had believed that they had something special, and now that trust was being used against him. In that moment, Gallade realized that Garbodor wasn’t interested in the emotional connection they had built—he was only interested in what he could get out of it. Gallade tried to pull away, but Garbodor was persistent, using the emotional intimacy they had shared as a weapon to get what he wanted.

The experience left Gallade shattered. He felt used, betrayed, and deeply ashamed. For weeks after, he withdrew from everyone, too hurt and too afraid to let anyone in again. The idea of dating became a source of anxiety rather than excitement, and every time he thought about putting himself out there again, he was haunted by memories of Garbodor’s manipulation.

But Gallade wasn’t alone in his pain. His friends, Lucario and Gardevoir, noticed his change in behavior and gently encouraged him to talk about what had happened. At first, Gallade resisted, too embarrassed to admit that he had been taken advantage of, but eventually, the weight of carrying the experience alone became too much to bear.

One evening, after much coaxing from his friends, Gallade finally opened up. He told them everything, from the initial excitement of meeting Garbodor to the devastating realization that he had been used. As he spoke, Lucario and Gardevoir listened without judgment, offering only understanding and support.

“That wasn’t your fault, Gallade,” Lucario said softly when he finished. “You trusted someone who didn’t deserve it, but that doesn’t mean you’re to blame.”

Gardevoir nodded. “You have every right to feel how you do, but don’t let this experience define you. You’re stronger than you think, and you deserve to find someone who will value and respect you for who you are.”

Their words were a balm to Gallade’s wounded heart. For the first time since the incident, he felt like he could breathe again. The pain was still there, but it no longer felt like it was crushing him. With his friends by his side, Gallade began to take small steps toward healing. He started therapy, where he worked through his feelings of betrayal and learned to rebuild his self-esteem.

Slowly, Gallade began to regain his confidence. He started going out with his friends again, and while the idea of dating still scared him, he no longer felt paralyzed by it. He knew that it would take time, but he also knew that he wasn’t alone. Gallade realized that he deserved a relationship built on trust and respect, and he was willing to wait for it.

Garbodor had taken something from him, but Gallade refused to let it define his future. He knew now that he was worthy of love, and that one day, he would find someone who understood the depth of connection he needed. And when that day came, Gallade would be ready, knowing that he had emerged from his past stronger and wiser, with a heart that was still open to love.