This side chapter was inspired by the guest reviewer. I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

Oshawott POV:

It didn't matter how much I wanted to sleep; it was not coming easy tonight. My body was stiff and aching, as if I had been rolling around. I groaned in both annoyance and frustration, opening my eyes for what seemed like the hundredth time that night. I rolled over and saw everyone else sprawled out on the beds or the floor, fast asleep. 'This is pointless; I'm not going to sleep' I thought. Not after all the events from the past day. 'Oh well, might as well get some fresh air. Maybe that will help.'

I stood up, silently opening the door and making sure I didn't wake anyone. It turned out good I had slept next to the door in case Piplup came back. I quietly slipped out of the room, closing the door behind me without latching it so I could get back in quietly. Turning, I walked down the hallway, opening the door to a balcony. I stepped outside and was immediately greeted by cool night air, surrounding me and filling my lungs. My fur kept me warm with its insulation, so I was comfortable.

I let out a long sigh, reflecting on the day's events. It seemed like emergency trips to the Undella Town Pokémon Center were becoming a theme. Well, at least this time it was for Pikachu, not Piplup. Pikachu had fainted soon after Piplup ran off and had remained unconscious. Upon seeing him, Nurse Joy had immediately halted the paperwork she was doing and rushed him off into the intensive care unit, several Audino in tow. He was still there, with no word on his condition.

Pikachu deserved what he got after calling Piplup a runt. The pain in his eyes was so great, more than I had ever felt. He had told me the word 'runt' was his trigger word, like 'clown-face' was mine. Knowing that, I couldn't blame Piplup for attacking Pikachu, even though it was surprisingly vicious.

I knew Piplup was my soulmate. The first time I saw him, I knew he was different, and not just because he was a boy. The way he carried himself, knowing who and what he wanted, it was something I never had.

Not to mention he was super cute.

But did I really deserve him as my partner? He was so strong, redirecting electricity despite his water-typing. Unpleasant memories of Pikachu frying me with his Thunderbolt came to mind. If it wasn't for my scalchop, I'd be toast every time; just like I was when I lost it before.

That Iapapa Berry sure did not work.

On the other paw, I was never strong and very insecure, the exact opposite of Piplup. Stupid Servine's bullying made sure of that.

"Such a worthless, clown-face Pokémon!" I growled hearing Servine's stupid voice in my mind. He was wrong; I am not an unlovable, clown-face Pokémon! Piplup loved me!

Right?

Well, at least I was never rejected like Snivy had rejected him! I snorted at the thought, grinning to myself as I recalled her rejection. "I have no interest in being stuck with an arrogant Pokémon like yourself. Leave me alone, it will never happen." I snickered; the look of shock on his face afterwards was priceless.

I heard footsteps coming from behind me. Turning my head, I saw Snivy walk onto the balcony, heading towards me. I was surprised she was awake.

"Can't sleep, Snivy?" I asked.

"You woke me up, Oshawott" she replied bluntly, staring down at me. "You're not as quiet as you think."

"Your ears must have been burning" I joked. She gave me an unamused look.

"I don't have ears" she deadpanned, causing me to snort. She started to shiver violently, wrapping her arms around her chest. "Besides, it's too cold out here to have anything burning." I rolled my eyes, shaking my head; I should have expected that response.

I reached out and tugged her towards my lap, intending to share my natural warmth. I felt her resist at first. "It's just us up here, you can relax" I told her. She glanced around her, presumably to double check. Seeing nobody else, she relented and allowed me to pull her into my lap. I held her close in my warm embrace.

"Better?" I asked, not expecting a reply. Snivy was never one to show emotions. She did stop shivering, however, so that answered my question.

I smiled to myself; I could feel her snuggling deeper into my chest. Nobody else ever saw this side of Snivy. She only let her guard down alone with me. I could share anything with her and not be afraid of being mocked, berated, or told how stupid I was. Well, at least cruelly; sometimes it was helpful to hear I was being an idiot.

"I was just remembering your rejection of Servine" I told her. She snorted, something she rarely did around anyone else.

"I know you loved it" she replied. "He is a despicable Pokémon. It still hurts to hear about how he treated you. You never deserved that abuse."

"It's nothing compared to what Piplup went through, though" I responded. Snivy gave me a quizzical look.

"What do you mean?" she asked. I hesitated; Piplup did ask me to keep his story a secret, and I wasn't about to betray his trust. I had probably already said too much.

"You should ask him" I replied. "He asked me not to say anything, and I'm not going to break my lover's trust."

"You lover?" she questioned. "So, now you like Piplup?" I frowned, not liking how she said that.

"This time is different" I shot back.

"I've heard that before" she countered. "You always say it's different, that she's the one for you. Then you get rejected, sulk for a day or two, find another girl to chase after and start the cycle all over again. How is this any different?" I opened my mouth to argue but shut it after realizing it was pointless to argue.

"It just is" I stated, sighing sadly. I knew there was no way to explain it. At least one that she would understand.

"Hey, don't get upset" she consoled. "Maybe I'm wrong and he is the one." I smiled; this was the positive side of Snivy that only I saw.

"You should meet Piplup's mom" I said without thinking.

"What are you talking about?" she asked, sounding confused.

"She would prove boys are not better fighters than girls" I stated. She stiffened in my arms, a sign she did not like what I said.

"Don't bring my old trainer up, Oshawott" she growled. "I don't need to be reminded why he released me. Why would you even bring that up? You know it still upsets me."

"I know it does" I told her. "I have seen what his mom can do, and what she has already done. It's beyond comprehension, the power she has. Maybe she can help you."

"I don't want to talk about this, Oshawott" Snivy warned, restrained anger in her voice. "I can take care of myself."

"Okay, I'm sorry I brought it up" I apologized. Snivy didn't reply, but she did relax in my embrace again, no longer tense. I sighed to myself, adjusting my grip to be more comfortable.

It didn't take long for her to fall asleep in my lap, her breathing slow and rhythmic. I couldn't help but feel a little bit jealous she could sleep so peacefully. It looked like I was done sleeping for the night.

I looked up at the stars overhead, viewing the various planets and constellations written about in the books at Professor Juniper's lab. I wondered if Piplup was looking at the sky like I was now.

I hoped he was okay.

/

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