Chapter 7

Disclaimer: moi-moi819 does not own Pokémon, or any of their titles therein. This is a nonprofit fan fiction. No copyright infringement was intended. Please support the official release.

Moi-Moi: Okay. I know that I wrote it but whenever I think about the last chapter, I get hit with so much feels. I ship Gaul so hard that it makes me upset that these two aren't canon. I genuinely want to write to the show's creators and give them a few suggestions. So anyways, I had to wait until I thoroughly recovered from the massive amounts of feels hitting me (as well as got some actual free time) before I was in any condition to write this chapter. But, I think I'm okay now. Just as long as Gabi and Paul don't do any cute, fluffy, couple stuff.

Let's get started! ^.^

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"Don't hold back. Give it everything you've got," Paul told Gastrodon. Gastrodon nodded its blue head before charging up another Water Pulse to launch at Magmortar. As the light blue orb flew across the field, Magmortar was able to easily side-step the attack and ready itself once more. Gastrodon slumped in defeat. "Try again," Paul commanded.

Paul had been at it all day with his Pokémon. He'd already picked out his six and had decided to spend the day fine tuning their attacks. Fully immersing himself in his training gave Paul no time to think. Normally very quiet and meticulous, it was an odd feeling to purposefully avoid his thoughts. If he ever got a moment alone to his thoughts, they were quickly rerouted from whatever he had been thinking about to much more embarrassing thoughts. Paul narrowed his eyes at the sight of Magmortar dodging another one of Gastrodon's Water Pulses.

"Instead of one, powerful Water Pulse, maybe you could try several of them," Paul heard a voice suggest from behind him. He refused to turn around. He had been intentionally avoiding all thoughts of Gabi today. His refusal to acknowledge her didn't make much of a difference when she decided to embrace him from behind. So much for his focus… "It would make it harder to dodge. Go ahead and try it Gastrodon," Gabi suggested from where she was resting her chin on Paul's shoulder. The sea slug nodded once before taking the advice to heart. Gastrodon shot off a stream of smaller, blue orbs at Magmortar, giving the Fire type less chance to escape and causing several to hit. For the first time in hours, Gastrodon seemed pleased with the results of its training. "I'm surprised you didn't think of that," Gabi told Paul.

"It hadn't crossed my mind," Paul replied honestly.

"Too busy thinking of me?" Paul heard Gabi's teasing voice ask. He stiffened in her embrace as a blush began to dust his cheeks. When she started laughing in his ear, Paul let out a sigh and relaxed slightly. "No need to worry, Paul. I've been thinking about you too," Gabi said in a cheerful voice while turning Paul's face towards her. Paul was pleasantly surprised when she pressed her lips to his, but the surprise was short lived. Paul felt his heart thump in his chest as he returned her kiss wholeheartedly. So much for training…

"…ke up…" Paul frowned. What had Gabi said? "Paul… Paul! Wake up!"

With a start, Paul's eyes shot open. In a daze, he scanned his room while trying to gain his bearings. "What kind of training is this?" Paul heard a voice exclaim. With a still-surprised expression, Paul turned to his guest. "When you said that you had training to do, I figured you'd be up and- I don't know- training?" Gabi questioned with folded arms. She had Luxray with her at his bedside.

"You have terrible bedside manners," Paul mumbled before removing his covers and getting up.

"And you have morning breath. But I suppose I can overlook that since you're wearing the pajamas I got you," Gabi grinned and tugged on the pajama bottoms that had pictures of various Pokémon' faces on them. With a slight blush, Paul tugged his leg away from the girl. "No need to be embarrassed, Paul. Here: I'll put out your clothes for you," Gabi said before starting to sort through Paul's drawers for an acceptable outfit.

Paul let out an exhausted breath before running a hand over his face. What was Gabi doing here? A part of him should feel mortified that she was standing in his room after the dream he just had. His eyes slid over to watch where she stood. She was currently trying to decide between two of his shirts. He couldn't tell her. Not only was it extremely embarrassing, it was inappropriate. Gabi may have kissed him first, but that didn't mean that she would appreciate hearing about his… dreams. At the sound of Gabi's small squeak, Paul raised a brow at her back. Realization set in when he noticed which of his drawers she was going through. Eyes widening and blush deepening, Paul quickly stuck himself between Gabi and his underwear drawer before closing it.

When Paul faced her again, he rolled his eyes at Gabi's poor attempt at stifling her laughter. "I'll get dressed by myself. Thank you," Paul dismissed. Gabi shrugged once with a small smile before turning to leave. However, before taking a step away, Gabi turned back to Paul and held his face between her hands. Paul's eyes widened just as his breath hitched in anticipation. He kept still, waiting for Gabi to make the first move. It felt like forever, but Paul eventually felt Gabi press her lips to his forehead in a small peck.

He only felt slightly disappointed at that, but refrained from showing it. Gabi let out a laugh when she saw his face, however. Some of the disappointment must have slipped through. "Sorry, Paul. Maybe after you brush your teeth," Gabi teased. Before Paul could reply, Luxray let out a growl and slipped himself in between the two teens. Luxray continued his growling while headbutting Gabi's calves. "Geez, Luxray. Relax. I'm going. I'm going," Gabi said before leaving Paul's bedroom with Luxray dutifully following behind. Once they were gone, Paul scoffed and rolled his eyes.

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When Paul had finished dressing himself for the day, he made his way downstairs. He surprised himself with how much attention he had paid to detail while getting ready. He'd never fussed over his hair or… morning breath so avidly before. What was she doing to him? Before Paul could reflect on this, he stepped off the final step and looked around his living room. Gabi was sitting on the sofa with Chimchar sitting on her lap and a bowl of some sort of soft-serve, pink food. Luxray was resting at her feet. The large cat spared Paul a glance before staring him down. Reggie was nowhere to be found.

"Reggie's out back getting a Pokémon ready to be dropped off for its Trainer," Gabi called out while spoon-feeding Chimchar.

"I don't remember asking about-" Paul started.

"I know," Gabi cut him off. "I figured you'd be wondering where Reggie was." How did she do it? How did she wriggle her way so deeply into his life? This must have been her plan all along. 'Step 1: Annoy and pester continuously for several years while feigning innocence,' Paul thought to himself with a smirk. Gabi blinked at Paul curiously. "What did I do this time?" she heaved a sigh. Paul raised a brow in question. "You only get that look on your face when you complain about something I've done."

Paul's eyes widened. "I-it's nothing," Paul shook his head and headed towards the kitchen. He ignored Gabi's scoff in favor of grabbing some fruit and tea for breakfast. Rather than sit at the table, Paul chose to sit next to Gabi. To occupy his thoughts, he turned on the television. He purposefully sat next to her after the night he'd had. Yet, he wanted to keep his mind off of her. Paul nearly rolled his eyes at his own pointless logic.

"-escape the spotlight for a while by taking a trip to Kalos. Sources say that our Flint took this little vacation in order to see a special girl in his life," Rhonda winked on the television screen.

"He did go to see Malva. He wanted to relax a bit before his match with you," Gabi said while finishing off the puréed berries that she was feeding to Chimchar.

"Shouldn't he be training?" Paul questioned and took a sip of his tea.

"He said that he was ready and that he wanted to spend some time with Malva. He missed her," Gabi smiled fondly. Paul adjusted himself in his seat while keeping his eyes front. He understood Flint's motives fully. It was terrible when you missed someone important to you. "All done, Chimchar. You can head out to play now," Gabi said and ushered the newly hatched infant away. With a gleeful cry, Chimchar fled the house to explore the backyard.

"Not that your presence is unwelcome, but why are you here?" Paul spoke up once they were alone. Well, mostly alone. Luxray's low purrs served as a reminder that he was still resting dutifully at Gabi's feet should his Trainer need his assistance or protection.

"I came to talk to you," Gabi started. "It wasn't until after you'd left, that I realized that I had no idea what had happened. Well, I know what happened. I just don't know what to make of it. We didn't really discuss it before you left…" she explained. Paul felt his face warmed slightly. She was right. He'd left before they could breach the topic. You can't kiss your best friend and pretend that it doesn't change anything. The truth was: he didn't want to talk about it. Talking would require revealing emotions and thoughts that Paul wasn't quite ready to share just yet. Risking a glance at Gabi, Paul swallowed thickly. She was staring at him expectantly. Paul's eyes widened slightly at the same time that he frowned. "Paul?"

Paul nearly scoffed at himself. There was no going back now. He'd already had a small taste of Gabi- both literally and figuratively. There was no way he could expect things to return to the way they were with him before. His subconscious was already telling him as much. He cared about Gabi immensely, but it would be a lie to say that he wasn't feeling even the slightest bit selfish. She deserved more than him. He knew it, but he doubted that she realized it. Paul steeled his expression before facing Gabi head on. What was the harm in being a little selfish every once in a while?

He would be selfish. He would take whatever affection she showed him despite know that he didn't deserve it. With flaming face and neck, Paul pulled Gabi to him. When he really thought about it, it was pointless to keep secrets from Gabi. She always found out about them sooner or later. She was excellent at reading him. He might as well tell her how he felt in the best way he knew how.

Contrary to Paul's introspective actions, Gabi's mind had gone blank. He could see it in her sunned expression. He had surprised her. While she was quiet and he still retained an ounce of courage, Paul spoke, "You are my best friend. I'm not sure what this is, but I do know that I want you around me. I need…" Paul stopped. His mouth stilled now that his confidence was dwindling. This would be easier to say if she weren't staring at him with such a wide eyed expression.

Paul started to panic when he noticed tears gathering in Gabi's brown eyes. He hadn't mean to make her cry! "Paul, you jerk. Why couldn't you say that before?" Gabi said with a small laugh. Panic changed to confusion when Gabi suddenly embraced Paul tightly. She alternated between kissing his cheek and calling him names ranging from "jerk" to "dork". Slowly, Paul returned the embrace with a small smile. His heart had started to pound heavily in his chest, but now the organ was returning to normal. His hands felt cold and clammy, his face too hot, and he felt like he was about to throw up his breakfast. But, Paul still managed a small smile.

"What do we have here?" a sly voice interrupted. Both teens froze before turning to see a slightly sun-flushed Reggie standing in the doorway with Electivire. Reggie raised a single brow as he folded his arms. Electivire was busy making low growls in his thick throat. "Don't tell me that I can't even trust you two enough to leave you alone for a few minutes?"

"I'm sorry, Reggie. I couldn't help it. But, when your boyfriend decides to be romantic, there's really no other way to respond," Gabi shrugged with a small laugh. Both of Reggie's brows rose at that. His eyes jumped to Paul quickly. Reggie stared at his brother for several seconds, waiting for the inevitable. Paul met Reggie's stare before looking away and refocusing on the television that he and Gabi had neglected. No denial? Reggie let himself latch onto a bit of hope.

"-and next week, I'll be dropping in on Wallace to get his thoughts on the recent Wallace Cup as well as what we can look forward to in next year's Cup! Until then, ciao my lovelies!" Rhonda smiled. When the commercials started, Reggie decided to leave them be. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Gabi scooting closer to Paul on the sofa. What he hadn't expected was for Paul to actually open his arm for her. With wide eyes, Reggie left the room with Electivire.

Honestly, Reggie felt that perhaps it wasn't the best idea to leave two teenagers alone together. But, he couldn't bring himself to contend his younger brother's newfound relationship. This was what he had wanted for Paul all along. Anyone could see that Gabi made Paul happy- a task not easily done by the average person. But she did it. That's all that Reggie wanted for his brother. Besides, they were only watching tv. It was all harmless really. Reggie could remember how he was with the fairer sex when he was Paul's age. Cuddling on the couch while watching television? It could be far worse. Yes, it was all harmless.

Reggie turned to the kitchen entrance at the sound of low growls. Reggie spotted an irritated- and slightly pouty- Luxray stalk into the room before plopping down in the corner of the kitchen in a heap. Reggie raised a brow. Luxray never went anywhere without Gabi. He couldn't bear to leave Gabi alone. Why now? Carefully, Reggie peered into the living room. His eyes widened at the sight of Gabi and Paul's comfortable- ahem- lip lock. Reggie quickly averted his eyes, only to be met with Luxray's harsh (and slightly accusing) gaze. Reggie sputtered uselessly to the large cat with his shoulders rising and dropping once. He hadn't done anything. Maybe Paul was more like him than Reggie had originally thought?

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Later that evening, the sun was just starting to set in Veilstone City. Paul was sitting in the living room with a notebook on his lap. He was drawing up and sorting out battle strategies and possibilities. Gabi had gone home not too long ago. It definitely wasn't too long, yet Paul could already feel the loss. Gabi was definitely much warmer than any blanket he had in the house.

"Paul?" Paul heard Reggie's voice call out. Without a word, Paul turned a questioning gaze to his brother. "You have a visitor at the door."

Silently, Paul left his battle strategies on the couch before heading to the door. Who had come to see him? Gabi had just left. Even if it was her, she probably would have let herself in as if she owned the place. Pushing back the long sleeves of his sweater, Paul reached for the door knob.

He had been right. It definitely wasn't Gabi. "Hello Paul," Stefan nodded once in greeting from where he stood on Paul's doorstep.

Paul returned the greeting once the initial surprise had worn off. What was Stefan doing on his doorstep? Wasn't he supposed to be back in Unova by now? "Do you want to come in?" Paul asked when he remembered his manners. No matter how much he disliked the guy, he wasn't about to be outright rude to him. (What would Gabi say?)

"No, thank you. I just wanted to talk to you. It won't take long," Stephan said. Paul waited patiently. From the serious expression on the taller boy's face, he could tell the Stephan had something rather important to say and most likely wouldn't leave until he'd said it. "I just wanted to talk to you about Gabi."

Paul frowned at Stephan, but didn't say anything. When he saw that Paul was still listening, Stephan continued. "Look, Paul. I know we haven't always seen eye to eye where Gabi was concerned, but I just wanted to let you know that I only have her best interests at heart. She's not just some crush to me. She was at first, but then I really got to know her. She's a really good friend, too. I just want her to be happy," Stephan said.

Slowly, Paul unfolded his arms and relaxed his posture slightly. From the look in Stephan's eyes, the boy looked earnest- earnest and slightly embarrassed. He could sympathize. It was hard enough talking about his feelings for Gabi with Peggie, his own brother. Yet, Stephan had come to him. "Why are you telling me this? Why not tell her?" Paul questioned.

"You would rather I give your girlfriend a confession of love?" Stephan offered an incredulous grin. If this were a few days ago, Paul would have felt a whirlpool of emotion at Gabi being called his "girlfriend". Now, he only felt smug pride. He tried to keep this pride off of his face, however. "It's not that I have anything against you personally, Paul. I'd dislike anyone that I was in competition with for Gabi's affection. You know?" Stephan sighed.

A smug part of Paul wanted to ask, "What completion? I already won". But, he restrained himself. Best not to rub salt into fresh wounds. "I understand. It's nothing personal," Paul nodded.

"That doesn't mean that we're instantly friends, though. We're still rivals," Stephan said with a large grin. "You have the advantage in that you've known Gabi longer than I have, but I know her a lot better than you do."

Paul glared a Stephan. Just like that, the boy had landed back on Paul's bad side. Despite a slight height difference that had Paul looking up at Stephan's much more muscular form, he didn't back down when Stephan's eyes took a hard edge. Stephan had lost the weight he had been known for when they were younger. Now, he had a more muscular build. Paul had heard that he had been practicing kendo and playing football. "Do you now?" Paul challenged. The air between the two had instantly gotten thick with tension. The sparks could almost be felt between them.

"Yes. Did you know that she doesn't like fish? Or that she's wanted to be Champion since she was six?" Stephan started. Paul narrowed his eyes. The memory wasn't coming to him at the moment, but he was sure that Gabi had told him that before. "She hates the color orange. Her favorite meal is a cheeseburger with fries. She's thought about working as a teacher in a school where she can teach kids about Pokémon Training and proper Pokémon care once she's no longer Champion."

Paul frowned. He was sure that he'd never heard Gabi say those things before. Was Stephan making this up? The determined stare Stephan held made Paul doubt that. "I told you, Paul. She's not just some crush to me. I love her," Stephan admitted. Paul's frown deepened. Stephan lost his hard edge as he stared down at Paul with an expressionless face. "How can you love someone, if you don't know them?" Stephan said before turning to leave. Paul watched Stephan go for several seconds before returning inside and shutting the door.

It was as if everyone knew Gabi far better than he did. Even Reggie knew things about her that Paul hadn't even thought of! Paul frowned. He was sure that Gabi knew him better than anyone gave her credit for. But what had he learned about her? Did he even know her at all? Suddenly, his infatuation with Gabi was dwarfed by the sheer emotion Stephan held for her. Maybe that's all it was? An infatuation? Paul frowned deeper than before. "How pathetic," he whispered to himself.

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Moi-Moi: Hey guys! Can you say Spring Break!? I sure can. Please review!

Edited: 28/2/15