[note: this begins with Ethan's POV. may change later in the story, but I wanted to start it off this way ~_~]

ETHAN POV

He wasn't very good at hiding his disappointment with himself.

Recalling his depleted Pokémon, he turned sharply to leave, without any usual insults or promises of revenge.

Actually, it looked like he was about to cry.

Compelled, I pursued him. No attempts to push me away this time.

"Look, I'm sorry. I took this too f-"

"Don't." His voice was breaking and he paused, trembling. "Weak. I'm weak. You're weak. Why do I bother."

I couldn't see his face, but his words told me everything.

Drawing nearer, I decidedly took a step forward and laid a hand on his shoulder. He flinched, and I stood for a moment, the air silent save for his restrained sobs.

I wasn't sure what to say. "You don't have to feel like this. You shouldn't have to feel like this." I worded calmly.

"Why do you care! All I've ever done is hurt you! My Pokémon! Nothing else matters to me besides being strong, and I've failed again and again!" He cried out, and it was then I realized this was the first sign of vulnerability I'd seen from the boy.

"You're admirable. You're trying your best, whether the intentions be good or bad. And I've watched you grow throughout our battles. Silver…" I stopped myself, awaiting a response to continue.

"Yeah, loser?" He whimpered, turning to face me, tears coursing down his cheeks freely now.

"You're strong. Strong for chasing your dream. Strong for getting this far. Strong for letting yourself cry." I finished, reaching to wipe a tear from the corner of his eye, brushing scarlet hair aside to look him in both.

"Why…" He choked out, burying his head between my neck and shoulder.

"We don't need to fight like this anymore, you know." I whispered in attempt to soothe him.

"How…am I going to get stronger…every battle with you taught me something! I don't want it to stop! Why else do you think I keep seeking you out and challenging you!" He yelled, my jacket muffling his desperate cries.

I sighed, stroking the back of his head and playing gently with his hair.

Violence was all Silver had ever known.

"Next time, let's battle as friends." I offered, and gradually, he stopped shaking.

It seemed like forever before he collected himself to look at me, tears drying.

No words. I took his hand, and we walked to the Pokémon center.

I'm fine with Ethan, but I've never felt better being called loser.

[ how was that hehe? my first story on fanfiction in years. it's kinda short but i'm working on it! lemme know what ya think! ^_^ ]