Happy Holidays everyone!

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

Piplup POV:

"Pi-KA!" The wood training log splintered upon the impact of Pikachu's Iron Tail attack, the fragments flying across the yard in all directions. I ducked behind a conveniently placed trash can as the wood shards shot past me.

"Nice job, Pikachu!" I heard Ash say. "You're getting a lot stronger!"

"Pi Pikapi! (Thanks Ash!)" Pikachu replied.

I poked my head out to make sure it was safe. Seeing that it was, I emerged from my shelter. Pieces of wood littered the training ground; Pikachu sure did a number on that log!

It was a relief to be outside and away from Dawn. She had coddled and pestered me ever since I left the Pokémon Center yesterday! She kept asking me why I fainted and basically demanding an answer. There was no chance I'd tell her about my past, and really there was no way to. It's not like she could understand my language!

Ash turned to Oshawott, who was a few feet away and brandishing his scalchop with another wood training log in front of him. "Your turn Oshawott. Use Razor Shell!"

I sighed as I watched him slice through the log effortlessly. We hadn't had a chance to talk since we kissed because Dawn was always there. It was frustrating, I needed to ask him who he wanted to know, what he wanted us to do together, and other related things.

Not to mention I wanted another kiss.

"That's some good power, Oshawott!" Ash cheered enthusiastically.

"Osha! (You know it!)" Oshawott exclaimed as he held out his scalchop proudly. The training log was cut cleanly in half, and he was panting from the exertion and his whole body was shining with sweat.

"Let's take a break, guys" Ash said. "It's hot and you've worked hard."

'Hot is right' my mind added.

I watched Ash walk away and Pikachu and Oshawott started walking towards me.

Well, apparently not just me.

"They're so hot when they're all sweaty, aren't they Pipsi?" I jumped in surprise at hearing Buneary's voice next to me. I spun around and saw her standing right next to be with a sly grin on her face.

"When did you get here?!" I exclaimed. I hadn't even heard her coming! Buneary giggled and put her paw up to her mouth.

"I've been standing here for several minutes, but you've been too busy staring at Oshawott" she explained. I felt my face heat up in embarrassment at being caught. "It's like I said on the beach, being sweaty is sexy. Now you understand, huh?" I turned away to hide my increasing blush. I could only imagine what I looked like right now.

"Yeah, you're right" I admitted, embarrassed. "Him being all sweaty and flushed is very alluring."

"So, you like me sweaty?" I heard. I quickly spun around again and saw Oshawott standing in front of me with a wide grin on his face. His flush, sweat-covered face.

"I-I, um..." I stuttered. He was so close that I could see the beads of water rolling down his furry cheeks. It was kind of gross, but SO hot. Oshawott smirked heavily, his canines protruding out of his mouth.

"You're cute."

The next thing I knew, his mouth was on my beak in a passionate kiss. I melted into it, holding his sides with my flippers as I let him lead.

A loud squeal sounded from behind us, reminding me that we were not alone. I quickly ended the kiss and spun around and saw Buneary jumping in place. She was holding her paws over her mouth and sporting a grin so wide that it covered her entire face.

She squealed loudly again. "You two are so CUTE!" she exclaimed, causing me to blush harder. "I'm so happy for you! I told you he was into you!"

I turned and looked at Oshawott, but I was surprised to see he was not blushing at all. Instead, he had a goofy smile, and his eyes were sparkling with happiness. He was not embarrassed at all about being caught kissing me. I realized again how much he wanted me and didn't care who he had to face or what he had to do to keep us together. He truly felt confident in who and what we were, that King Steelix be damned.

Thank Arceus I decided to listen to my heart and not my mind.

I felt my face cool off and I gently grabbed Oshawott's arm with my flipper. He looked down at our now-joined limbs and back up at me and smiled deeper. I smiled back before turning to Buneary.

That's when I noticed Pikachu standing in the background. He looked conflicted, like he was not sure what to say. I felt a chill go down my spine as I realized he might have a problem with Oshawott and I dating.

"Is there a problem, Pikachu?" I asked cautiously. Pikachu nodded slowly before turning to Oshawott.

"You know Emolga's going to get enraged when she finds out" he said plainly. I watched in confusion as Oshawott's expression darkened.

"I know she'll flip out on me" he sighed as his head fell. "And I know she'll attack me constantly." I listened, totally confused as to what they were talking about. "But it doesn't matter what she does." He pointed at me. "Because he's the one I want, so she can shove it!"

I felt my heart warm when he said this and smiled. But I wondered; why would Iris' Emolga have a problem with us?

"What's the problem with Emolga?" I asked. Pikachu turned to me before turning back to Oshawott.

"I'll let you tell him" he told Oshawott. Buneary jumped over and grabbed Pikachu's paw with her own.

"Yeah, Pikachu and I have things to do" Buneary cut in. She started dragging Pikachu off towards the nearby trees.

"What are you-Buneary? Where are we going?" Pikachu questioned as he was dragged away, leaving me and Oshawott alone.

I turned to face him as he did the same, and he grinned.

"I think she meant things to do to each other" he said, making me chuckle.

"So, what's this problem with Emolga?" I asked. Oshawott's grin quickly fell and was replaced with a nervous smile.

"Um, can I tell you later? Honestly, I haven't thought about her until Pikachu brought it up. I'd like to think it over first." I nodded without hesitation.

"Sure, I trust you" I answered. Wait, that sounded very familiar.

"Hey, you wanna go swimming in the ocean? I need to go rinse off in the water, I'm all hot and sweaty."

He turned around before I could answer and began walking towards the beach. I gulped as I saw his entire damp body.

"Yes, you are" I whispered to myself before joining him.

/

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