Gladion clutched his chest. What was this feeling? He was losing! He should be upset! But somehow...the fire in his opponent's eyes, the sternness in her voice, the sureness of her moves...it all made his heart pound faster- and not in the way a battle usually did. He could feel his ears getting warmer, despite the frigid mountain temperature.

Never in a million years had he pictured her this way- as someone he wanted to be close to. Just hours ago, he was certain he could live without her. But right here, right now, he would follow her to the ends of the earth.

The thud of his fainted partner hitting the snow finally brought him back to reality. He rushed to his Pokémon and returned it to its Pokéball where it would be safe and warm.

"Everything okay, Gladion?" His opponent asked, suddenly standing above him. She shoved her hands in her puffy jacket pockets.

Gladion blushed and stood up quickly, "Y-Yeah. I'm fine."

His opponent smiled softly, "Okay...You can tell me if something is up you know."

Gladion turned his back to the girl, "We're not friends, Moon."

Moon sighed, "I know..."

Something about the sad tone in the girls voice twanged in Gladion's heart. He didn't know why, but he wanted to turn around and apologize for every horrible thing he had ever said to her. He pushed that feeling down and gave Moon a small smile over his shoulder.

"But...We aren't enemies anymore either."

Moon's usual smile returned, and the ache in Gladion's heart ceased. He turned to face Moon again, "Good luck in the league."

He began to walk away, but stopped when they were shoulder to shoulder, "And thanks...for all your help." He continued his exit, feeling heat rise to his cheeks.

He didn't turn to see the girl's reaction, but he doubted it was significant. The moment he was out of her sight, he panicked.

He was sure he found her annoying. She was pushy, stubborn, and painfully optimistic. She was at least entertaining to battle with, allowing him to gain skill. She'd always had a fire in her eyes, but for some reason it caught his attention this time. He could live in that battle- that moment- forever. There was no way. He wouldn't allow it.

There was no way in hell he was going to like Moon.