A/N: This was first written as a prologue for a longer story, but it turned into a short Christmas story. I hope you like it :)
It was cold outside when Drew arrived in the new region on Christmas Eve. Maybe it hadn't been the best idea to leave so early, but he wanted to be ready for the first contest. However the Christmas spirit around him gave him time to think about someone special. May.
When had his playful teasing turned into flirting? When did his admiration for her never giving up turned into affection? When had he started liking her? Drew couldn't pinpoint the moment, all he knew was that he was falling hard and fast for the most unlikely person. The dense airhead and his rival. He had traveled alone all this time to not get attached to anyone, so he could fully concentrate on the contests. It hadn't helped. He was in love with his rival.
Drew sighed and looked at the ocean in front of him. A new region and a new chance to win the festival.
'A new chance to see her again.'
The young trainer could have hit himself for that thought. He should really concentrate on the contests and not on-
"May." Solidad's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
Solidad must have had the same idea as him to be here early, but hearing her voice and especially hearing which name she had called made him turn around. Not only did he see Solidad, but also the reason for his conflicted feelings. May was smiling brightly when she embraced Solidad and her eyes shone with excitement. He tried to look away from her, but he couldn't take his eyes off of her. May must have felt his eyes on her, because her eyes met his and her smile widened.
"Drew." He heard her calling him over and his heart skipped a beat.
Trying to act as cool as always, he made his way over to his two rivals.
"Solidad, it's good to see you." He greeted the older coordinator before turning to May. "Ready to lose against me, airhead?"
"I beat you at the Grand Festival."
Before the bantering between them could start, Solidad spoke up.
"Are you traveling alone, May?" When the brunette nodded and her smile dimmed, Solidad continued. "What do think of us traveling together, at least for the first few weeks? We can also spent Christmas together tomorrow."
"What a great idea. I'll join you too." Harley showed up out of nowhere and lay an arm around Solidad's shoulder.
"What about you, Drew?" May asked hopefully.
Drew didn't really have to think about it. For her, he would put up with Harley. For her he would start traveling with his rivals, who were also becoming friends now.
"Fine. Someone has to keep an eye on you and your clumsiness." He smirked at her and flipped his hair.
"I'm not clumsy." She frowned.
"Sure, you aren't."
Drew watched her while she got worked up about his words. It was rather cute. He didn't know how or when, but he had really fallen for her and to his surprise he didn't mind it. May was special and even though she didn't win the Grand Festival, she won something even harder to achieve. His respect and heart. He couldn't wait to not only spent Christmas with her but also travel with her.
A/N: Merry Christmas :)