Story number four! Hope you guys are having a nice Christmas Eve. The following is a SoulSilverShipping story, my second favorite pairing in all of Pokemon. If you are not aware, today is also Silver's birthday, according to the Pokemon Wiki. Enjoy your day and thanks for reading. Happy Birthday Silver!

Festive music blared out of the overhead speakers, blending in with the chatter of guests mingling with one another. The dj spun a few records and shot off lasers on the dance floor. Many were dancing close to the fresh pine tree decorated with lights and multicolored ornaments. A few huddled over the food table and grabbed a snack while laughing and joking amongst their group. Drinks were scattered throughout and lowered many of their inhibitions. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, as was expected of a Christmas party.

"You're so quiet, Silver."
He snapped his view away from the crowd and turned to face the voice that spoke to him. A smile appeared at noticing who it was.
"I thought you'd at least try to talk to me tonight." Lyra's stunning brown eyes teased him.
"You're always bouncing around. I can't find you most of the time."

She held a red cup in her hands with the contents hidden from view. Every time they met up she would try to make him uncomfortable with flirty comments. And every time it failed to work. He instead chose to play along and received a mixed reaction that left him frustrated rather than uncomfortable. She liked to touch his arms and chest to push the boundaries as well, but he was afraid to reciprocate. Over time it just added a new layer to their odd relationship and almost became a habit to flirt with each other without taking it seriously.

"I'm here now. How are you enjoying your party?" She beamed a brilliant smile at him, tilting her head to the side.
He took a quick look around once more and bobbed his head to the music. "Not bad, could be better."
His quip resulted in a series of playful slaps to his arm and mock hurt from the tiny girl. "You're so mean. I planned this for a really long time."
Taking a quick swig from his own cup, he swallowed and shrugged. "I know and I appreciate it, but come on…you know me." He closed the distance and leaned in to be heard clearly. "I don't like these big celebrations. I'd rather spend it with you and Ethan. Maybe just you."

The blush she turned away to hide was new to him. Other instances had her laughing it off and changing the subject. He found it cute and an opportunity arose from it.

"I know but sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone. Oh, I have to check on something. Sorry, I'll be right back."

And just like that she was off again to tend to the guests. Sighing deeply, he decided to walk around and talk with some of the people. He recognized only a few of the guests with some being gym leaders and others important figures they had come across in their journey. Many wished him a happy birthday and moved on. Some stopped and had a short conversation about mundane things, each one draining his energy the longer it went. He knew they were just being polite for Lyra's sake. After all, he screwed with many of them and only now were they starting to forgive him.

The hours flew by and some of the guests were preparing to leave. He was grateful for the party, especially with Lyra being the one who organized it. Not many people bothered with him but she was one of the few who accepted him. Hell, she cared enough to throw him a surprise party. Any other year he'd spend his birthday at home and then meet up with his friends for Christmas the next day. They were the only people he liked to have around since most of his family moved on to the other side. Only his father remained and even he was too busy with his business to bother with frivolous celebrations. He was glad to have at least one person who cared.

"Hey, how's everyone doing tonight?" Ethan grabbed the microphone away from the DJ and addressed the remaining crowd. "First off, I'd like to thank Lyra for hosting this party. You really outdid yourself this time." He clapped for her and others followed his cue.

"We're here obviously to celebrate Christmas, but today's also an important day. Silver, where are you? There he is." He signaled to the DJ to fix a light on top of him. Everyone turned around to see him and he became the center attention once more. He nodded his head in acknowledgement and turned his attention back to Ethan.

"I'll keep this short. Silver, I know we didn't get off on the right foot, but I'm glad we're friends. Happy birthday, man, you deserve it." Another wave of clapping broke out and Silver nodded again in Ethan's direction.

He honored the fact that he didn't go into a long speech detailing their past. Too many stories of their rough encounters would make people question why they were even friends in the first place. Of course, the answer was always Lyra. She was a natural peacekeeper and solved any conflict between him and Ethan. He saw Ethan run around and talk to the other guests before coming his way.

He walked up and extended a friendly handshake. "Hey, man, before I forget," he checked his watch and looked over at a young girl standing alone by the exit, "Lyra's out on the balcony waiting for you. I have to get going, so happy birthday, merry Christmas, Kwanzaa, whatever. I'll see you guys tomorrow." He patted him on the back as he walked past and towards the girl.

Funny that he didn't see Lyra at all when Ethan was talking. He assumed she was busy with something important and was still assisting. Thanks to Ethan, he didn't have to wander around the building and stumble across her like earlier. He drowned the remaining liquid in his cup, placed it on the table, and cleared his mouth of any residue with the back of his hand. People once again acknowledged him as they headed home and he walked to the back of the building where Lyra presumably was.

The cold winds attacked him as soon as he stepped out onto the balcony. His hands went into his coat pockets automatically. Christmas lights ranged all across town and lit up the night sky. Even their balcony had a row of colorful lights dangling over the edge of the railing. That's where he spotted Lyra hunched over and overlooking the festive displays below them.

He took a moment to admire her figure silhouetted by the moonlight. Long, slender legs were crossed over each other, a big leather coat covered up the rest of her body. She had on a wool cap that partially covered her loose chestnut colored hair. He liked the times she would occasionally let her hair down instead of tying it in her usual pigtails.

Quietly, he walked over and joined her side at the railing.
"It's so pretty this time of year." She addressed him without looking his way. "I love being out when everything is so quiet."
"Then you should visit Viridian. It's peaceful all year around." He caught sight of a short smile followed by a quiet laugh.
She adjusted her cap and coughed into her hand, still turned away from him. "Is that why you live there?"

He copied her stance and leaned over the railing, sighing into the cold night. His breath came out in a small puff of white. "It's part of the reason. Really it's because I grew up there and I'm too lazy to start over somewhere new."
"Well, I should visit you more often. It must be such a hassle traveling to see us." She adjusted her arms and rested her palms under her chin. Her continued avoidance of his gaze was puzzling, to say the least. Something was off in her voice, like she was off in her own world and worried about something.

He kept that in mind as he crept closer to her. "I don't mind. I get to see you at least."
She finally turned to her side and met his eyes. "You're such a charmer, Silver." A slight giggle and a playful shove seemed to pull her away from her troubles momentarily. She stood upright, hands still on the rail, and arched her back while sighing. "I told you that I planned months for this right?"

Silver recalled her mentioning it earlier in the night and nodded in response. She turned around and reclined against the rail, folding her arms and staring intently at the ground.

"I sent out the invitations, made a few ornaments, decorated the entire house, but I completely forgot about the cake. I snuck away for a few minutes to look for one but all the shops were closed. I was too embarrassed to show my face when Ethan got up to talk. I've been out here thinking of ways I can make it up to you."

As she talked, he could hear her tone wavering with her regret. She already did more than enough to make this day a special one. She had no reason to feel this way, but he knew it was the way she was. Her generosity was unmatched. It could almost be described as her only flaw. Being too nice would invite ungrateful people that could take advantage. In the past he'd be one those people, but since meeting her he'd punish anyone who would dare mess with her. All she did was bring a little good into people's lives. She shouldn't have to suffer just because her plans didn't pan out exactly how she wanted. The sentiment still meant the same.

"You don't owe me a thing, Lyra. Just knowing that you went to such lengths for me has already made this birthday the best one." He gave her a sincere smile. Every word he said was the truth. She was a nice person and deserved nothing but praise for all the good she did.

"Really?" She lifted her head and stared right at him. Her eyes brimming with tears were brought to his attention by the flickering lights of the building behind them. He immediately felt the urge to hold her and ease her pain. Why she was crying, he had no idea. He wasn't anybody important. He wasn't worthy of the tears she shed.

Instead of preying on her sorrow, he reached out and held his hand to her and smiled. "Come on, let's grab some coffee and get out of this cold."

After wiping away her face, a freezing hand landed on top of his and grabbed on tight. Just as they reached the entryway, he looked up and found a familiar green and red ornament dangling over the archway. He couldn't contain a mischievous grin from appearing on his face. He stopped both of them and turned to face her.

"If you really want to make it up to me, look up."
"Her brow furrowed in confusion. "What are-oh! It's a mistletoe." Her quick gasp turned into a fit of giggles as she shielded her face into the arm of her coat.

Lyra placed her elbows on either side of his head, taking full advantage of the situation. Her head tilted to the side, big brown eyes glittered under the lights. Silver leaned close and kissed her. One of his cold hands slid behind her neck and he put more force behind it. They molded together, fitted against one another with stunning perfection. This was how they should've always been. Neither of them would deny it.

They held each other after pulling away. Her hands ran through his maroon hair as he bumped his head against hers.
"Thank you, Lyra. You're the best gift I could've asked for."