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It started off as what Gladion just thought was his and Moon’s collective pokemon getting along, which made sense. They were spending more time together. Moon hung out with Lillie a lot, which meant she was around Gladion more. Eventually, she started volunteering at Aether after Lillie went to Kanto, which meant even more proximity around each other. Somewhere between all of that, Moon started asking Gladion to have battles with her.
Moon’s battling instinct was getting sharper, and their fights were lasting longer. They had decided on Ten Karat Hill as a good place to train without disruption, and Moon also had a chance to gather plants and berries after the fight. The ‘elder siblings’ of their teams, Milotic and Silvally watched over the resting Pokemon and their Trainers alike with calm, expectant gazes. Crobat and Lucario had finished their respective fights with Lycanroc and Comfey.
His Weavile was launching a barrage of Fury Swipes at Moon’s Primarina, while the rest of their Pokemon watched or rested on the sidelines. Moon’s Primarina was actually dodging most of the hits, and it made Gladion swell with pride to see how Moon’s battling skills had improved since the two started having battles. She might even be ready for somewhere like the Battle Dome, he thinks.
Primarina had gotten a good hit on Weavile using Sparkling Aria, and the match would be over if he didn’t take out Primarina before she could use Moonblast. He didn’t notice the quiet murmurs between Lycanroc and Crobat, the giddy snickers from Comfey and an occasional interjection from Lucario.
Primarina dodged the last sweep of Weavile, giving Moon enough time to call another attack.
“Mari! Moonblast- Go!”
Gladion foresaw the attack, yet Moon and Primarina still managed to knock Weavile out. It stumbled backwards and Gladion recalled his exhausted Weavile before he could start trying to antagonize and start another fight with one the other Pokemon. Weavile was a sore loser, and it had a certain rivalry with Gladions own Lucario. However, they listened and worked together when it really mattered, so Gladion wasn’t stressing too much about them not being best friends.
“Good work Weavile.” he said, before pocketing his pokeball.
Moon looked stunned for a brief moment before the victory seized her and she started jumping and flailing her hands about. Gladion felt a smile tugging at his lips looking at her ridiculous reaction. “We did it! Mari!” Moon jumped, hands out as her Primarina clapped her fins with equal enthusiasm. She bounded over to her trainers, nuzzling against Moon's face as she stood up on her tail to hug her.
“You’re so giddy despite the fact you only won one out of three matches. I hope you don’t get an inflated ego over this.” Gladion said dryly.
“Don’t ruin my moment! This is my first big win against you!” Moon giggled between being smothered by her affectionate Primarina. Milotic eventually chirped something, and Primarina got down and started to drag herself over to where she and Silvally were resting. Milotic nuzzles Primarina affectionately and Comfey lays itself on her head and nuzzles Primarina.
Gladion began his approach, but was halted by Crobat tugging on the back of his jacket, then tugging on his ponytail gently.
Gladion glanced back, giving Crobat a quizzical look but the Pokemon just returned it with his usual glare, but there was a sparkle in his eye this time. Gladion returned his gaze to Moon, who was starting to approach him. He saw her Lycanroc moving behind her, and suddenly shoved her with both front paws.
She was taken by total surprise, Moon didn’t have enough time to catch herself when she started stumbling. Gladion lunged forward, catching her by the waist. Her head bumped into his chest, but he was strong enough to break her fall without toppling over himself.
“You okay?” Gladion asked. Moon started dragging her head up against the fabric of his sure to look up and the sensation made him unable to focus on any other part of his body except his chest. There was a residual warmth left behind by Moon's face, and he quickly shut down where his thoughts were traveling next.
He was just touch starved, anyone would get a little excited if someone's face was buried in their chest, he thought.
She gave him a slightly embarrassed smile while keeping her head perched on his sternum and he certainly needed to shut down any and all thoughts forcing his way into his brain. He remembered his hands were still gripping her waist and he felt himself get more excited, more warm.
He removed his hands quickly, and Moon pulled away, standing up. She glanced down at her Lycanroc, who was looking overly proud of himself. She attempted to glare, but Gladion could tell from how the corners of her lips were struggling to stay down and she was trying to suppress a laugh.
“Now you! What was that about? Did you get too caught up in the excitement? I guess you could still be hungry, but I gave you a good snack after our match. Still, you should be careful! I could've knocked over Gladion! He could’ve been hurt!”
Gladion let out a dry laugh “I don’t think you weigh enough to actually knock me over. I’m sure you would’ve been more hurt than me if that did happen.”
“Hey, I’ve packed some muscle! I’m more dense than you think!”
Despite the rational side of him telling him not too, Gladion couldn’t help but scan Moon up and down. And it was true; Moon had grown a lot from when she first arrived in Alola; a bit taller (taller than Lillie, but not as tall as himself or Hau, who had an exponential growth spurt much to Gladion's envy, though he’d go swimming with a colony of Tentacruel before ever admitting that outloud), Moon had filled out a more, grown stronger and more healthy too. She kept her hair shoulder length, because it was what suited her best, at least that's what he heard her say to Lillie when he overheard the two of them discussing Moon growing it out. Gladion was inclined to agree, though he’d never admit that, nor that he enjoyed the warmth of her hair when she’d spent a long day in the sun, how it always remained so soft to the touch, how it framed her face.
Gladion shook his head and rolled his eyes. He was not going to have sappy, rose tinted thoughts about Moon. Not today.
“You’re ridiculous. We’re done for the day. You’re pokemon are too tired”
Moon gleams at Gladion, and he feels a warmth spread in his chest “that’s fine, I think the others are too tired anyways. Good thing I brought lunch!”
He puts the incident in the back of his mind after that.
--
The second time it happened, they were at Aether Paradise.
The happy chirps and cries coming from Liligant were confirmation that Gladion made the right choice in bringing Moon to Aether to help take care of Lusamine’s pokemon. It helped that they developed a certain level of comfort about the Moon after seeing her with Gladion and Lillie so much. Lusamine was still in Kanto with Lillie, recovering, and aside from Clefable, they all remained in Alola at Aether Paradise with Gladion and Wicke.
Moon had spent the trip going on about an idea for an improved antidote to Mareanie’s venom, how she needed to catch a Mareanie to test it, but they’re not easy to catch and isn’t sure if she’ll be able to find one quick enough. Before he realized, they were in the conservation area, Moon with clippers and some fertilizer, Gladion with soap and a brush. Moon’s stream of consciousness starts turning into gushing and praise for how beautiful Liligant is, and how she’s such a sweetheart. Gladion doesn’t need to be a Pokemon expert either to see how pleased Liligant is with the compliments.
He considered it a miracle that none of Lusamine’s pokemon weren’t affected by Nihilegos neurotoxins. Moon took to trimming and tending to Liligant’s flowers while Gladion busied himself brushing Milotic’s scales. She didn’t necessarily need it, she was as pristine and spotless as always, but Moon had suggested it. Moon’s own Milotic apparently enjoyed the feeling of a brush on her scales, and it seemed his mothers was no different. She hummed every time the brush and soapy water made contact. Maybe she’d get along with Moon’s Milotic Gladion though. That would be good. They could use some more socializing.
Despite her horrible treatment of her own children, Lusamine’s pokemon were no reflection of that. They were still deeply loyal to their trainer, but still held the affection for Lillie and Gladion that Lusamine had rejected. Perhaps what affection Lusamine had for her children only lived on through her pokemon.
He caught movement in the corner of his eye and glanced over. Moon’s Comfey babbling to Mismagius, who said something back. On que, the two looked back over at Gladion. Mismagius said something else, prompting Comfey to fly over and hover by Milotic. Reading the body language and gestures of Pokemon who weren’t his own wasn’t his strong suit, but he could tell that whatever Comfey was conveying, it got Milotic excited enough to make a pleased trill and start splashing her tail excitedly.
Gladion didn’t even have time to react before Milotic quickly spun around, knocking Gladion right off his feet and directly into the pool she was residing in. The pool itself was shallow, two feet at most, since its purpose was primarily for cleaning up dirty pokemon.
He was in a bit of stunned shock at first before recollecting himself and starting to get up, where a jolt of pain shot up his knee. He gritted his teeth and glared up at Milotic, who held her head up high, pleased with herself. Maybe Gladion was wrong and at least one of Lusamine’s pokemon held contempt for him.
Moon had quickly dropped the poke toy she was entertaining Liligant with and shouted his name in distress. Milotic was glowering down at him, a giddy expression on her face. Gladion saw her tail rise slowly out of the water as Moon stopped short of the edge and reached her hand out for Gladions.
“Wait, Moon! Don’t-!”
He’s not quick enough, and Milotics spins again, and her tail collides with Moon's waist, launching her face first into Gladion, knocking them both back into the cold water. Not an arctic chill, but still cold enough to leave someone shivering.
Yet, there was a burning feeling on Gladions face and neck that the water couldn’t quite quell.
The difference between them was so much more apparent when she lied atop of him. His knee ached and he was sure he had a bruise developing on his back somewhere too. He hoped at least he didn’t have water trapped in his ear. The thought of going through Aethers paperwork with an earache was dreadful.
Moon squirmed a bit and only then he realized he had wrapped his arms around Moon without thinking when breaking her fall.
Despite taking her fall into Gladions chest, Moon was not spared from the cold water. Her clothes were soaked, and Gladion’s brain momentarily shut down when Moon's light colored shirt clung to her chest for dear life. He attempted to keep his expression cool and neutral, but he felt the heat spread to his ears and neck, and he was surely red in the face now.
Did she not realize? He averted his gaze quickly. Of course. Of course. She’d wear a loose, light colored shirt and of course she’d wear a… what color was it? He glanced back over only to chide himself again.
“Wow, that’s cold!” Moon shivered, getting up and beginning to wring out the water in her shirt “I wonder if it's too cold, and Milotic is uncomfortable? I’m not sure what the ideal temperature for a Milotic is. Feena has never fussed over water before, but maybe Lusamine’s is more picky and delicate.”
“Something tells me she’s perfectly comfortable” Gladion shot a glare at Milotic who was looking sincerely not upset and not at all guilty over her previous actions.
Moon stuck out her hand again and smiled up at Gladion. His heart didn’t flutter, because that would be stupid and his heart doesn’t flutter. Not at all. But it certainly made his chest feel tight, and instinctively Gladion averted his gaze down, only to feel his brain shut down upon seeing the slightest flash of pink. He took her hand firmly
“Whew- sorry I need… Do you have a spare uniform somewhere? Wow, that water's cold.” Moon shivers and Gladion quickly turns around and strides over to where he and Gladion dropped their stuff off. He yanked his jacket that was laying on Moon’s bag and thrust it at her.
“Wear this for now, okay. I’ll call someone and see if we have a spare uniform. You’ll be useless to everyone if you suddenly catch a cold because Milotic couldn’t resist playing a dumb prank.”
--
The third time it happened, Gladion had realized what he and Moon’s pokemon were doing.
They were out in Malie Garden. Moon had wanted to try a new restaurant that opened up in the city, and Gladion realized he was more hungry than he realized. It was decent enough for a hotpot. Moon certainly enjoyed it but Gladion has never seen Moon ever look disappointed eating food.
Moon asked if they could walk around the gardens after their late lunch, and that's how they ended up in one of the further corners of the park with their Pokemon out and playing.
“Oh hey, have you ever had shaved ice here? Wanna get some?”
Gladion shoots her a look. “Didn’t you just eat? Aren’t you full? Also, who hasn't shaved ice before?”
“Do you want some then?”
Gladion replies with a noncommittal grunt. “We did just eat, so why don’t we get one and split it? That way nobody gets uncomfortably full and wastes a perfectly good dessert. I hate it when that happens, like with pudding or cake. I guess I could just put it back, but I don’t wanna put an almost empty cup of pudding back in the fridge. And I guess I could put the cake in the fridge, but that feels worse somehow. Also I’m pretty sure the fridge might dry it out”
“That was one hell of a tangent. If you’re craving shaved ice that badly, I suppose we could split it.” Gladion nods “No peach. I don’t like artificial peach flavors”
“What flavors do you like? And I’m paying by the way” Moon held a hand up to Gladions face “I know what you’re gonna say. You paid for lunch though, so let me buy dessert, okay? So, preferred flavors?”
Gladion clicks his tongue, half annoyed at how right she was in knowing he was about to insist he pay and that he can pay for himself. It had been years since he'd enjoyed shaved ice, maybe not since he was young and went to the beach with Lillie and Lusamine. He wasn’t against sweets, but Gladion would usually defer to chocolate or caramel over something fruity.
“Orange or pineapple”
Moon beamed at him and got up in one swift motion. “Great! I’ll be right back, Stay there, watch the babies”
Their lunch ended up being quite late, and was more like an early dinner if anything. The sun was already going down over Malie. Gladion returned his attention to him and Moon’s Pokemon.
Weavile and Lucario were battling each other, Milotic and Primarina had found a shallow pool of water to splash and swim in while Crobat and Comfey floated and fluttered about them. Lycanroc was roughhousing with Silvally. Occasionally, one would drag over a stick and Gladion would throw it, causing the two to charge after it in a tumbling mess.
Seeing them all out, especially Silvally, just playing like normal Pokemon made Gladion’s shoulders sag in relief. Years ago, they wouldn’t be out in public. Back when he was functionally homeless, either staying in the motel on Akala, or hiding out in caves and staying out of sight until he got caught up with Team Skull, doing odd jobs for them.
Now, he had three more Pokemon and Silvally was at a point where he could be out in the open and interact with other Pokemon with ease. Occasionally, they got a strange look or an overly curious trainer asking questions, but Gladion could deal with it better now.
Reconnecting with Lillie made things better. Having his Pokemon made things better. Moon made things better.
He took a look around again and realized Weavile and Lucario were now approaching Gladion. Despite all the fighting, the two seemed to have an excited energy about them. Lucario looked around and let out a noise of confusion, he was probably looking for Moon. “She’s getting us shaved ice. Us as in, for me and Moon. You’ll get treats when you return home”
Lucario simply nodded but Weavile let out a huff of frustration.
On que, he hears Moon calling his name and waving, two small spoons in one hand and an, admittedly, tasty looking cup of shaved ice in the other. Lucario gave a nod at Weavile and in a flash, Weavile leaped over the bench Gladion was sitting on and darted over to Moon, yanking the shaved ice from her hand and turning tail, all without dropping it.
“Hey-!”
“Weavile!” Gladion shouted, but Weavile broke off into a sprint heading deeper into the park, with Lucario following behind. Lycanroc and Silvally dropped the stick they were playing tug of war with and followed after the duo without hesitation. Crobat, Comfey, Primarina and Milotic followed suit, with the two water types diving into the water and following the connecting stream further into the park.
Gladion was frozen in shock for just a moment but soon caught up with Moon who was already chasing after them.
“Do- do they-” Moon said between heavy breaths “do they ALWAYS play pranks like that? I- I can see that for weavile but- but Lucario?”
“No! Never!” Gladion shouts back “Weavile gets fussy sometimes but he’s never just- taken off with food that wasn’t mine before!”
Gladion stops hard on his heels with Moon stumbling behind him to catch herself. Neither fall over, but her head rests on his back for a second as they stop and look around. They're still within Mallie; the golden roofed pavilions can be barely seen over the large groves of bamboo. And the stream must be right by, as Gladion can still hear the rushing of water. The sun has set substantially more, and the cerulean sky is turning into a dark blue.
It’s a perfect clearing within the bamboo, where the cloudless sky and the now more visible moon can be seen without any obstacles. The quiet lull of wild Pokemon can be heard filtered through the grove; Petilil chirping, Cottnee’s humming and floating along. A few Masquerain flutter by without paying much mind to Gladion and Moon.
It’s not quiet, but it's peaceful. Moon gently nudges against him, her gray eyes sparkling. The smile on her face makes Gladion’s lips twitch. It’s endearing, seeing her so taken in by Alola, even if she’s already seen Malie Gardens numerous times, her reactions are always the same; unabashedly in awe. Gladion would’ve believed Moon lived in Alola all her life with reactions like that.
His hand twitches and he wants to grab her empty hand. He wants their fingers to lace together, to feel the beat of her pulse against his own wrist.
Movement within the bamboo catches Gladion’s eye, and he catches the flutter of Crobat’s wings, Lycanroc mane, Milotic’s tail; all their pokemon ducking out of sight, but so close by watching them intensely. What’s their deal? All the shoving and playful aggression, stealing their snack and leading them on a chase to a secluded, romantic area of the park-
Gladion’s face bloomed a bright red.
There was no way.
He glanced back into the bamboo, where Silvally was poorly attempting to hide and staring at Gladion with big, hopeful eyes.
Nevermind. It’s for real. Their pokemon were playing matchmaker.
Gladion turns his gaze back to Moon, who must’ve started babbling while he was having a small crisis. “Masquerain are really pretty aren’t they? It’s funny that their wings are meant to intimidate predators, but I guess we aren’t really hunting and eating Masquerain so it makes sense we wouldn’t be affected by their patterning. Oh, did you know antennas are super absorbent? So when it’s rainy, they need to take shelter or else they’ll be too heavy to fly”
“Moon.”
“I know, I know we have to look for the others! Maybe they wanted to play hide and seek? I used to play that with my mom, Fae and Feena when I was younger, so it makes sense they would’ve taught the others. That doesn’t explain why Weavile took our treat-”
“Moon!”
He grabs her by both shoulders and spins her to be facing him. She shakes off the shock of the sudden movement quickly, and gives him a soft smile. Gladion feels his heart pounding in his chest and in his wrists. He can still feel Silvally, Crobat, Lucario, all of their collective Pokemon staring at the both of them. His legs feel stiff, his face hot.
“I..you…ugh, fuck it” he wastes no more time.
He closes the gap. One hand stands on her shoulder, one hovers, unsure if he should touch her cheek or run his fingers through his hair. He knows it’d be desperate if he and Moon’s first kiss was an aggressive, open mouthed makeout session, but he doesn’t kiss her gently by any means. Gladion is firm and deep when he kisses Moon.
It feels good, immensely good. Before he has time to pull back, apologize and potentially regret his actions, Gladion feels a hand on his back, sliding up to grab his shoulders. He feels Moon cuddle in ever so closer, pressed as close as their bodies would allow. She returns the kiss with equal fondness and firmness. Moon’s embrace makes him feel lighter,
Moon pulls back, and Gladion resisted the urge to dive back in and kiss Moon until they were both devoid of oxygen, but Moon was smiling and laughing and it made his chest feel light.
“I think I like this more than shaved ice… I think Silvally agrees…”
He hadn’t even registered. Silvally was behind Gladion, nudging him with his beak and looking up at Gladion with bright eyes.
“You must be satisfied with yourself.” Gladion sighs and shakes his head. “You know you’re not getting any treats for this!”
“Treats?” Moon tilts her head.
“Nevermind. I’ll explain later.” Gladion will worry about the scoldings later. He dips his head, angels his head just right to kiss Moon. Her face quickly shifted from confusion to happiness as she closed her eyes and returned the affection.