Silver barged out angrily, exiting the Olivine City's gym. He grumbled sourly. And just when I have the mood to crush somebody. Stupid weak pokemon! He stomped furiously; his eyes were avoiding everyone around him. Before Silver could curse some more, he bumped into a person.

"Kyaa!" The girl almost fell on her back – only to be caught by Silver.

Silver focused his gaze on his bumping victim. He wanted to open his mouth and yell at her – to release his anger all on his stranger. But his mouth stayed rigid as he saw the woman in his arms.

It was Kotone.

Oh great!

Kotone held her forehead. She felt slightly dizzy due to her unfortunate impact. Slowly, she opened her eyes. Kotone couldn't believe who was gawking in front of her. "S-Silver?" she muttered unwarily.

Silver was still holding her in his arms. Reality snapped back at him and as soon as he realized their position, Silver quickly released his grip – causing Kotone to fall flat on her butt.

"Ow!" Kotone cried in pain. She glared at the Silver. "What was that for?"

Silver kept his mouth shut. He didn't know what to say. Heck, seeing the girl's eyes were making him uncomfortable. "Watch where you're going, punk," he muttered. His feet were about to move away – only to be halted by a giant fire breathing creature. "Wahh!" Silver yelled. His eyes gawked in shock as the pokemon growled fiercely at him.

You little prick, Typhlosion growled. Sometimes the way the redhead treated his trainer can really piss him off.

Silver took a few steps backwards. He shivered lightly – afraid that the fire pokemon will burn him into ashes.

Kotone stood up and patted her butt. She sighed as the trainer saw her angry Typhlosion threatening the redhead. Ever since Typhlosion evolved, he began to develop a hothead attitude. An attitude similar to another hothead she knew. "Typhlosion, come here. Don't scare the poor man."

Obediently, Typhlosion walked towards his trainer. His eyes glared at Silver – stabbing deep into his soul. Silver frowned. He faced Kotone with a low scowl. "I wasn't scared."

Kotone chuckled. "Sure, you weren't."

He clenched his fist angrily. But Kotone just smiled and ignored the man's rage. Her eyes focused on the city's gym, then back at Silver. "You challenged the gym?"

Silver scoffed. "I wanted to. But then the dumb doorman said that the leader went to the lighthouse to treat some weak pokemon. Heh, what a waste of time." He pierced his silver eyes at Kotone. "Weak pokemon are useless. And if they are useless, they should just die than being a burden to others."

A frown was flashed on the female trainer's face. Typhlosion growled scornfully at his words. But before he can plunge an attack, Kotone stood behind Typhlosion. As much of a jerk he is, she didn't want him to be turned into dust.

"Look, Silver. What you said just now was just plain cruel and despicable. Pokemon aren't weak or strong. They're all the same like us. And if a pokemon is sick, it is our job to attend to their aid." But Silver just stood there with his hands in his pockets – snickering like Kotone had just told a joke.

"Pathetic wimp," he muttered. Suddenly, his eyes focused on the red cloth that was still tied neatly on his palm. Silver faced Kotone. "Alright, if you care about pokemon so much, why don't you go to the lighthouse and see what's wrong? Besides, they are all the same," he said while waving his hands sarcastically. Kotone gripped her fist and barged through him, not meeting his gaze. Typhlosion snarled at Silver and followed behind his trainer.

Silver sighed acidly. That woman is really getting on my nerves! His eyes focused on the red material again. He felt his chest slightly tighten as the thought of Kotone helping her swirled in his mind. Silver scowled. As much as it pains him to admit it, but thanks to the brunette, he can move his fist freely and the wound was almost gone. The redhead shook his head and walked around the city. "Stupid girl…"

Kotone finally came out of the lighthouse. She groaned tiredly. Oh my Arceus! Who knew they'd be so many stairs in the lighthouse! She held her hips and panted faintly. Well, that's my exercise for the whole year.

She felt a small nudge of her shoulder. Kotone looked to her left – it was Typhlosion. Her starter looked at her in confusion. Kotone sighed. The pokemon had more energy than she'll ever have. Suddenly, her mind clicked to why she went out in the first place. Get medicine at Cianwood for Amphy! Right!

But her feet went to a halt as her eyes caught a glimpse of a man she knew. "Silver?" Kotone asked unwarily. Silver was facing the ocean – his thoughts wandered into pure wonderland. Her eyes wandered in shock. She had never seen the boy daydream. That was mostly her job. Slowly, Kotone paced her steps towards Silver. Her heartbeat began to race as she saw a rare expression on his face – a calming expression.

"Silver?" Her soft voice muttered slowly – breaking Silver's trance. He turned his head to his left – only to find a pair of brown eyes close to his face. "Wahh!" Silver jumped and moved his feet backwards. She was so close to him, it almost gave Silver heart attack.

"W-What the hell woman? Does the word 'personal space' mean anything to you!" he stammered. He felt a faint blush on his cheeks. Silver cursed under his breath as Kotone giggled.

"Sorry," she chirped happily. "It's just…you look so peaceful a few seconds ago. I thought you were someone else."

Silver frowned. He hated it when other people see him daydream. It made him feel weak. And the fact that Kotone just saw it made it ten times worst. He focused his gaze at the ocean – never meeting her eyes.

"What are you doing here anyway?" Kotone asked after a few minutes of solitude.

Silver didn't answer her. And it irritated Kotone.

Then, her mind clicked. She sneered naughtily at Silver. "Did you come here to see me?"

That caught his attention and glared at his rival. "Pfft, in your dreams, pigtails. There are trainers in this lighthouse. So I thought I might kick some ass." He chuckled arrogantly. "The battle was too easy though. Weaklings."

Kotone held her hips and glowered at Silver. "You're mean. They aren't weak. All of them are good challengers. And one more thing –"

CHAKAOWW!

"Kyaa!" Kotone jumped and held anything close to protect herself. She looked into the dark sky. Thunder and lightning were booming everywhere into the city – it was about to rain.

"G-Get…off…"

Kotone snapped back into reality when she heard a stutter. She looked forward – only to see Silver's face inches from hers again – and her clinging onto his neck. Her face blushed a deep crimson.

The minute he felt Kotone's touch and breath on his neck, his whole body shock with excitement. Silver gulped. His lips trembled in both fear and need. Kotone was staring at him in disbelief. Before any unneeded hormones kicked in, Silver pushed Kotone away. His heart was about to break out of his chest.

Kotone took a few steps backwards – embarrassed. Her face was red as ever. But her eyes stayed glued to Silver who was also as red as her – almost as red as his hair. "S-Sorry…" Kotone muttered faintly. Silver kept his trembling mouth shut. His body was shaking and it wasn't because of the cold weather.

Thunder was still crackling from the skies. Can this get any worse? Silver mumbled in his heart.

Unfortunately, it can. Heavy rain began to pour on the two trainers.

"Aww, no!" Kotone placed her hands on her head. She heard a low grumble and looked behind. Typhlosion was trying to find shelter from the rain – he hates getting wet. Kotone reached for his pokeball and returned him. "Sorry, boy," she whispered to her starter and placed the ball in her satchel.

Silver cursed silently in the heavy rain as the two teenagers ran for the pokemon center.

"Aww man! I am soaking wet!" Kotone nagged when they reached the center. It was a full house that night. Silver rolled his eyes and focused his attention outside the window. The ocean was raging with waves due to the thunderstorm. Even the boat and fishing schedule had to be delayed because of the dangerous weather. Silver groaned. He knew he's not going anywhere as long as the storm was brewing.

"I have to go to Cianwood City asap!"

Silver faced his attention to the brunette trainer. His eyes widen in shock as Kotone picked up her satchel and stood up. "Wait…what?"

Kotone sighed without looking at Silver. "The pokemon of the lighthouse is extremely sick. And the only cure is at the pharmacy in Cianwood City. I want to help, so I'm going there now." Without waiting for an answer, she began moving her way to the exit.

Unconsciously, Silver chased Kotone and held her arm.

"Are you crazy! It's raining Meowths and Growlithes out there!" The redhead shouted at the stunned girl. Kotone froze as she felt his grip and turned around. For the first time in her life, she could actually see a glint of concern in his eyes.

But knowing Silver, Kotone thought that it might be her imagination. "Let go." She tried to wriggle her way out of Silver's grasp. Man, this dude is strong!

Silver tighten his grip. He didn't know why he acted so sudden. But the thought of Kotone walking and surfing through the harsh and deadly weather made his heart stop. He slowly growled – cursing his confused self.

Kotone frowned. With her free hand, she held Typhlosion's pokeball – ready to release him if the redheaded did something stupid. "Look…" she muttered vilely. "I know you don't care about pokemon. Or humans. Or anyone for that matter, but there's a dying Ampharos at the lighthouse and I want to save her."

The words felt like venom to Silver's ears. If it was any random trainer, he'd already smack him/her right on the face. But since it was Kotone…he didn't know what to do. "Even if you go out there…it won't be sure if you've arrived at Cianwood all in one piece…" he stuttered rottenly.

The female trainer stared at her rival – more confused than ever. He sounded more and more worried. But as much as she hates to admit it, what they boy said was true. Even if she can cross the sea with her Poliwhirl, it can't be guaranteed that she will arrive to the next city safely. A huge crackling thunderstorm hit Kotone's earshot. Unwarily, she gripped Silver's arm – scared.

The redhead sighed heavily. He harshly shook Kotone off – although a slight part of him wanted her close. Silver scoffed and went to the center counter.

Kotone pulled a frown and followed suit. She sighed. Like it or not, helping Amphy will just have to wait. With arms crossed, Kotone stood in front of the counter. "Two rooms please," she asked politely to Nurse Joy – causing Silver next to her, shudder. He scowled and looked away.

Kotone just stared at her rival in nuisance. What's his problem now?

"I'm sorry but there's only one room left. The storm is brewing horribly so many people are staying in tonight."

Both the trainers gawked at the nurse in disbelief. Their mouths were opened like two retarded Magikarps.

"B-But…" Kotone stammered. "Isn't there any rooms left? Anything?"

Nurse Joy shook her head. "I'm sorry. Even the guest section is filling up." She flailed the room key in front of them. Kotone sighed heavily while Silver growled. Nurse Joy just stared at the odd couple in confusion.

Great. I don't wanna be stuck in a room with Silver. Kotone looked at the window. But I don't wanna go out too. It's raining so heavily and I hate the sound of thunder…

The awkward moment got worse when Nurse Joy said, "I'm sure you two cute couples wouldn't mind sharing the room for the night."

Silver felt like banging his head hard on the wall. Embarrassed, he quickly turned his back and walked away.

Kotone was flushed herself. But she immediately gripped Silver's wrist – preventing him from escaping. "Where are you going?"

"I'm sleeping outside," he answered without looking at her.

Kotone frowned. "Oh no you won't! You talked me into this and you're staying in a room too!" She felt her feet being dragged as Silver kept moving. Okay, he really is strong!

"Come on, Silver! Like you said, it's raining Meowths and Growlithes. And it's dangerous! I don't know why you're suddenly worried about me back there –"

"I am not worried!" Silver scowled. He was still in motion.

Before his hands could touch the doorknob, Kotone yelled, "If you're sleeping in the damn rain, then Arceus so help me I will swim by myself to Cianwood tonight!"

That halted his actions. People in the center were now focusing their attention to the bizarre couple. Silver sighed heavily. If they've met for the first time, Silver would think that she was kidding. But after all the weird incidents they've been through and knowing Kotone's crazy dedication, he'd doubt it.

Without a word, he turned around and strode to the counter – dragging the clinging Kotone along. "One key please…" he muttered sourly. With a sweet smile, Nurse Joy handed him the key. Silver took the key and walked to the elevator – Kotone still hanging on his sleeve.

Nurse Joy giggled silently as the young couple disappeared out of her sight. "What a cute couple." Her smile stayed in place as she heard the redhead yelling, "Good Arceus woman, let me go now!"

When they finally found their room, Kotone plunged herself to the bed. "Ahhh! There's a bed! Oh my Arceus, I have never lain on something soft like this in my entire life since I started my journey!" she yelled happily – ignoring the man that was gawking at her on the front door. Silver facepalmed. Pesky woman.

His eyes scanned the room. There was a desk, a long mirror, a red couch on the other side of the room and a toilet across the bed. Suddenly, his mind clicked. Wait…there's only one bed?

"Oh, damn!" Unconsciously, he snapped – catching Kotone's attention.

"What?"

The redhead stared at the confused trainer. "What are you, dumb? Look at where you're sitting."

With a frown, she said, "It's called a bed, Silver. We use it to sleep."

"Yeah, but there's only one bed, you dumbass."

That brought Kotone back to reality. She looked around. Silver was right – there was only one master bed. "Oh," was all she could muster.

A few awkward silences later, Silver sighed. "I'll sleep on the couch. It looks more comfortable anyway," he mumbled faintly. Kotone's cheeks began to shade a fade colour of red as Silver moved his feet to the sofa. What Silver did was actually…thoughtful.

"Ah!" Kotone jumped of the bed, which startled Silver. "I'm going to the toilet first!" Before Silver could open his mouth, the female trainer barged into the bathroom. His eyes gawked at the bathroom door. Silver shut his eyes and massaged his temples. Stupid…weird…woman…

Thankfully, Silver didn't need the bathroom much. Heck, he hates getting a shower. During his journey, he'll just find a lake or a public bathroom to wash himself off now and then. He opened his jacket and hanged it on the sofa. His ears caught the sound of the loud thunder. Silver looked outside the window. Chances of the weather calming down sooner or later were very thin. The redhead sighed. "It's gonna be a long night…" he mumbled.

His ears caught the bathroom door creaking. Silver looked up – only to see a petite brunette in a red shirt and black shorts. Her hair was free from her pigtails – showing a beautiful flowing brown hair touching her shoulders. No pigtails. No overalls. No stupid fluffy hat. Kotone actually looked mature for her age.

Silver gulped. I take it back. It's gonna be a very long night.

Kotone stared at Silver – oblivious by the boy's thoughts. "You gonna use the bathroom?"

Silver shook his head fast. He gazed his attention away from her. Unfortunately, Kotone could see a faint colour on his cheeks. She moved her feet towards Silver and placed her palm on his forehead. "You okay? You're all red."

The redhead froze at her touch. But he quickly regained his senses and swatted her hand away. "Don't touch me, pest."

His rude tone aggravated Kotone's patience. But due to her tired body, she stuck out her tongue and skipped to bed. Silver frowned. Her cheery personality was pissing him off. With a scowl, Silver lay his body on the sofa and shut his eyes – wishing that he actually is dreaming right now.

CHAKAUWWW!

The loud boom woke Silver up. He quickly sat up. His hand held his chest – shocked by the loud noise. Silver glanced at his Pokegear. It was 2 in the morning. And it was still raining like crazy. Silver grumbled and went back to sleep – only to be interrupted by a scared whimper.

Silver sat up again and turned his back. His eyes saw a shaken brunette hugging her knees and wrapping herself with the bed sheets. Although it was dark, Silver could see her eyes sparkle under the dark moonlight.

Kotone was crying.

As if his body was acting on his own, Silver stood up and slowly walked towards Kotone. He froze on the edge of the bed. His mouth stutteresd as his head tried to function some words. The girl was shaking and sobbing quietly.

With one deep, slow breath, Silver opened his mouth. "Ko…Kotone?"

Kotone looked up. Unwarily, she jumped off the bed and hugged Silver. The redhead froze in complete dumbstricken shock.

"Silver! I'm scared!" she cried loudly. Another thunder flashed outside the window, causing Kotone to tighten her grip. She hid her face on his neck. Silver could feel wet hot tears on his skin – causing his own skin to tingle uncontrollably. Silver gritted his teeth – trying to calm both her and himself down.

Silver led out a huge breath and pulled the frightened girl away from him. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Silver tried to control his voice – masking the nervous emotions he was feeling.

Kotone sat on the bed and twiddled her fingers. What am I suppose to tell him? That I'm afraid of a little thunder? Oh that's great, Kotone. Then he'll have some more excuses to say that you're we-

KACHAUUWW!

"Wahh!" Kotone cried again and gripped Silver. He felt like his soul had flown away – leaving a dead body behind for torture.

After a few minutes of pushing her away and calming down, both the teenagers sat on the bed. Silver hang his head low while Kotone was biting her hair nervously.

"You must think I'm weak…" Kotone muttered sadly between bites.

Silver looked up. He chuckled silently as the girl kept chewing her own hair. It's kinda…cute...Wait, what? Realizing what he'd just thought, Silver quickly shook it away and stared at her. "Heh, my rival is afraid of a little thunderstorm. I feel so proud," he said sarcastically – hoping to find Kotone snapping back at him or pushing him away or even smack him on the head.

But Kotone just sat there in a quiet sorrow.

Silver sighed vilely. He was getting uncomfortable. It's bad enough he's all alone in a room with Kotone. But the cold weather and dark skies are really tempting him. Silver scoffed angrily and stood up. "I'm going back to sle-"

Before he could even move, Kotone gripped his wrist.

Silver looked down – wanting to scowl at the girl. But he remained silent as he saw the tears in her eyes. His heart began to beat faster every waking minute. Damn it! What the fuck is wrong with you! Just swat your hands away and get out, Silver!

Silver gritted his teeth. He wanted to yell – to tell the girl to lay her hands off just like he usually does. But something deep inside him told him to shut up.

Kotone bit her lip. She was still gripping his wrist. Her hands were still shaking from the cold and fear. Slowly, Kotone faced the ground and whispered, "Can you…sleep with me tonight…"

Silver felt like he had been shot on the head.

Shakingly, he wriggled his hand free and stared at Kotone as if she was a Mew. "WHAT?"

Kotone clutched the bed sheets tightly. She was beginning to regret the words she just said. "I…It's not like…that…I…I'm scared. Yes…I'm scared of thunder…and…lightning…I need…I need someone…to hold me…Telling me it's…its okay…" she stammered the words nervously. Her voice was so faint that Silver could barely hear it all.

The two froze. Only sounds of water pouring on the roof were heard. Kotone fought back the tears that were about to fall down. She regretted everything she'd just said. It's Silver for crying out loud! Congrats Kotone! Now you're gonna be the biggest laughing stock of your life! Kotone swiftly laid her body and hid under the covers – hiding her humiliating face from the worst rival she could ever have.

My life is over…

Her thoughts went blank as she felt the covers being lifted off her. Kotone didn't turn her back. She didn't want to face the snickering Silver. Kotone shut her eyes and closed her ears with her hands – afraid of the next thunder booming…

Suddenly, she felt a light pressure on the bed next to her. Before Kotone could shift her position, she felt a pair of warm hands pulling her into a tight hug. Kotone froze. Silver was hugging her.

"S-Silv…"

"Just…" Silver stammered shakingly. She could feel the warm breath on her head. "Go to sleep…Your constant chattering will eventually disturb my sleep anyways…"

Her whole face was blushing madly. Kotone could feel the heat in her cheeks. Her hands were removed from her ears and were placed on her chest. Kotone could barely move since Silver was also locking both her arms. She felt his warm chest against her back. Slowly, Kotone flashed a small smile. "Thank you…Silver…" And after a few minutes, she finally fell asleep – feeling safe.

Silver sighed heavily under his breath. He has no idea why he'd suddenly embraced Kotone. Why he'd suddenly feel sorry for her when he saw fear in her eyes. Why he'd suddenly agreed to sleep next to Kotone – his most hatred rival – just so she can feel safe. Silver gritted his teeth. All his life, he never cared about other people. To him, love was pointless. But when he saw Kotone – the way she looked – all sorrow and scared tonight. Silver could feel his heart go ballistic.

And now she was in his arms, sleeping soundly. Silver could feel the warmth of her body. The smell of her berry-scented hair. The sound of her soothing snores. The softness of her skin.

It drove Silver crazy.

Damn it… he stuttered vilely – his eyes were awake the whole night.