Rosa's breathes came in low, ragged rasps as she trudged through the foot-high snow towards the upper mountains, and more importantly, Chargestone Cave.

Sprinkles of snow fluttered from the darkened clouds overhead, saturating Rosa's buns and loose hair. The air was too cold for the flakes to melt, so instead they remained attached to her brunette strands like crystal hitchhikers. She was bundled in the winter coat, scarf, and gloves Ella had given her, but the sound of her chattering teeth still echoed against the rocks and remained her only company as she hiked.

Her only company aside from Gaston, that was. Despite her insistence that he remain inside his Pokeball where he'd be warm and safe, the little fox had outright refused to return. It was like trying to fit a couch in a car. At one point, she'd forced him inside the ball and stuffed it inside her bag to try and keep him inside, but he simply broke free and snapped at her fingers like he was chastising her.

Following several long days of bribing and begging and threatening, she'd finally given up. It wasn't worth the hassle to try and control his every move, and if he trained hard and respected her commands during battle, that was enough.

After all, he'd done well fighting the trainers guarding Drieftveil's gym leader Clay, despite his lower level. They'd spent days powering through route 6 to get him caught up to her other team members, and he'd lasted clear up until her final match before Clay. But even after he'd been knocked out, the snot still wouldn't return. He broke free from his ball the second he'd come too, forcing her to break from battle to heal him. Afterwards, he'd insisted on sitting on the sidelines to watch. The Quake badge was eventually hers, but Gaston's clingy nature was going to take some getting used too.

But aside from that, it had worked out fine, for the most part. Except the snow in the mountains was too deep for Gaston to walk through, so instead, Rosa carried him in her arms. He looked small, but by stars, he was heavy.

"I do not feed you enough pokeblocks for you to weigh this much." Rosa panted as she paused to lean against a tall Aspen tree. Fire scorched her lungs as she pulled air in and out, and despite the chill, she could feel sweat forming around her chest and collarbone. If she had the candies to do so, she'd evolve Gaston then and there just to keep herself from breaking her back.

She just needed to make it to Chargestone Cave. He would walk once they got inside.

The top of her head brushed a low hanging branch on the tree, and a clump of snow dumped from the dried leaves into her hair.

"Ah!"

Ice slipped down Rosa's warm neck, and she instinctively released her grip on Gaston to smear away the burning liquid. The fox fell into the snow with a thump. A startled bark burst from his chest as his body was instantly buried, but just as quickly, it cut off.

He wriggled and attempted to make a wild leap back into her arms, but Rosa had already stooped down to snatch him back up and caught him midjump.

"Sorry!" She said. He sneezed violently as she tucked him back against her chest and brushed her fingers though his midnight fur to comb out any snow clumps. "I was startled, okay? It's your own fault for avoiding your pokeball. And for making me carry you up the mountain. You're super needy."

Gaston glared at her, and as his ears flattened in distaste, the fox flipped his head away to stare callously into the nearby trees. For all the sweetness he'd shown her at Rood's, he could sure be a sour apple.

Rosa rolled her eyes. "Stop sulking. It was an accident and you know it. Besides, my arms are tir-"

A vibration on her wrist cut her off, and Rosa nearly dropped the fox again in her haste to silence the buzzing. An avalanche so high up in the mountains would be very, very bad. Gaston gasped and clung to the front of her shirt like being dropped meant dying, but she was too busy answering the persistent Xtranceiver to stop him.

"Morning, Rosa."

"Curtis?" Rosa asked, cautiously settling against the Aspen tree's trunk again so she could balance Gaston's weight. "The sun's hardly risen. What are you doing up so early? And why are you whispering?"

There was a break from the other line, followed by a whooshing noise that sounded like wind. At last her friend replied, "I'm traveling on the battle subway right now, but I don't want to be caught by all the trainers. They're circling like Sharpedo looking for meat. That and I'm avoiding my mother – she's probably still asleep in our compartment, but she doesn't know I'm . . . Anyway, I was wondering if you had the day off today. My boss finally let me off work, and I wanted to ask if we could meet up in Nimbasa so I can get my Xtransceiver back. You're probably sick of carrying it, and I promised to pick it up before the end of harvest season. Which obviously ended a while ago, since it's snowing. I know it's short notice, and if you're too busy that's fine, but if it's okay . . .?"

Rosa glanced down at the bundle of fur in her arms, curiosity squeezing her stomach. She'd been traveling towards Chargestone Cave for two days now, there was no way she could reach him within a few hours! It wasn't like she owned the HM fly, or even a flying type to teach it too.

But she'd never had the chance to meet Curtis before. He'd always been a supportive (and sometimes exasperating) voice through a receiver, like a conscience formed outside her own mind. There was little she truly knew about him. Meeting the man would be like meeting an imaginary friend.

And today was the only day off he'd had in months . . .

"Fine!" She sputtered, hardly knowing what she was saying as she pushed against the tree to face her taken path. Her feet seemed to move her down the mountain on their own; they slipped and stumbled awkwardly in the snow to find register in the prints she'd already made. "I'll meet you in front of Nimbasa's Ferris wheel in two hours. You'd better look nice though – I don't do dates often, so you'd better make a good impression! And I'm collecting on your debts too, so don't think you're going to get off for making me drag this Xtransceiver all over Unova. I'm not your personal secretary, you know!"

She clicked the "end call" button before he had the chance to say anything else, but the realization of what she'd promised had already hit her, and her knees felt weak.

What was she doing? She needed to get to Chargestone Cave! She needed to get to the next city so she could hunt down Ghetsis. How could she throw away an entire day when the region was in danger?

And Nimbasa was a week away by foot. Five days if she ran the entire way. Clearly neither options were viable.

Tugging irately at the tangled strands of hair by her shoulder, Rosa pulled up the contacts list on her Xtransceiver and punched the call button next to her newest contact's number.

The device rung twice, and then Rosa asked, "Ella, are you busy? I need a favor."

***

Nimbasa was as alive with activity during the winter months as it had been just a few weeks prior. A thin layer of snow had covered its glistening mosaic walkways, but workers were bustling around the city hanging twinkling lights to make up for it. Every branch on every tree in the entire city had been strung – or was being strung – with lights, and as the workers moved about, travelers watched in awe and disbelief.

Rosa was a bit disappointed the early sun dampened the effects of the lightshow, but perhaps she would stick around until evening. She was on a tight schedule, but watching volunteers and Pokémon place floating candles into a nearby wading pool made staying until nightfall too tempting.

The view would have been truly spectacular from the back of Ella's Unfezant. Her ex-plasma friend had been kind enough to send the bird out into the snow-packed mountains to find her, and even though they'd reached Nimbasa in record time, Unfezant was eager to return to its trainer. So, after tying a thank-you note to its foot, she sent the Pokémon on its way.

She felt bad asking Ella for help after only being friends with her a short time, but she'd been desperate, and Ella had sounded delighted over the phone. It had been years since she'd had a girlfriend to rely on – her only friend in high school had been Hugh – and it was . . . well. It was nice.

Gaston stayed close to Rosa's heels as she wandered the streets towards the amusement park. The fox had been less than enthused by their flight across the region, but since returning to solid ground, he'd brightened. His teal eyes were wide and curious as they walked, and every so often, he'd become so enraptured by a person or Pokémon that he'd unconsciously morph into that creature. Rosa had forgotten Zorua was considered the "tricky fox" due to its ability to shapeshift into almost anything it wanted, and Gaston was no exception.

She just wished he'd stop freaking her out every time she turned back and saw a stranger following unnervingly close.

The Ferris wheel was visible from almost every block in the city, so she had no problem finding her way. Her heart skipped uncomfortably when she crossed under the flashing neon arch separating the park from the city, but she tucked her clenched fists into the pockets of her silver coat and kept moving.

"I don't know how I'm supposed to find him when I don't even know what he looks like." Rosa muttered absently. "We could have passed him already, and I wouldn't even know."

The fox grumbled and flicked his tail in a "that's your problem, not mine" kind of way, and she frowned. "Thanks for the support. I feel loads better."

Rosa swallowed hard and stared intently at the neon-colored Ferris Wheel at the other end of the park, but suddenly her trainer sneakers squeaked, and her stomach flipped as her feet slipped out from under her. Passerby froze to look as she gasped and flung her hands out to catch herself, but her panicked movements caused her body to pivot, leaving her hip to connect with the icy concrete.

Suddenly she was staring up at the storm covered sky, snow swirling around her. The nerves around her hip bone stung, but more severe than the pain prickling her side was the burning humiliation that filled her chest. The people who had stopped continued staring at her, like she was an act in a circus, and for several heartbeats, her mind flipped through a dozen excuses that explained how she'd so masterfully fallen on purpose. Rosa didn't mean to be vain, but she didn't much like the ocean of curious expressions looming over her.

She squeezed her eyes shut, wishing fervently that they would all just move along.

And then there were hands around her waist, lifting her up from the concrete with gentle precision. She was lifted clear off the ground for a moment, so easily it was as though the person holding her thought her weight nothing. Her feet were placed softly back on the asphalt, and her rescuer moved away.

It was a relief to be off the cold ground. Rosa touched her aching hip, and managed a breathless "thank you".

The crowds started moving again, returning to their business. The warm presence beside her stayed.

His tenor voice was laced with concern as he asked, "Are you alright? You didn't hurt your hands when you caught yourself, did you?"

"Of course not, I'm perfectly-" Rosa's body became rigid, and she paused brushing the snow off her pants. She knew that voice. Knew the pattern like the melody of her father's song.

Hardly daring to believe, she slowly turned her head to face the man. His face was like a winter smile, pale and indecipherable. Rosa skimmed the gist of his features, but was pulled to the forest-colored eyes that regarded her with a mix of concern and amusement. His shoulder-length hair blew freely from underneath the black and green ball-cap on his head. He was young. Nineteen maybe.

Tentatively, as if unsure her mind was playing tricks on her, Rosa whispered, "Curtis?"

Curtis's face contorted in confusion. "How do you . . .?"

Realization dawned on his face, and as it sparked through his eyes, they warmed. "Rosa?"

"Yeah."

How embarrassing, to meet him with her face in the snow and her feet in the air. Not that she cared what he thought, but . . .

Before she registered what was happening, Curtis's arms were around her shoulders, and he pulled her into a tight hug. She gasped and stiffened like a board as his warmth cocooned and sheltered her from the winter breeze. The hug was a simple gesture – affectionate, but not in the ways she was used too – and although Rosa's mind reeled with uncertainty, she didn't pull away.

It only lasted a few seconds. Curtis pulled back, a radiant expression dancing across his face, and Rosa swayed and brushed a self-conscious hand through her hair. This was strange. She knew him. She didn't know him. If rational thought were the ocean, her emotions were ashore.

"Well, you clean up nice." were the first words of which Rosa was fully conscious of speaking. "I guess you took my threat about impressions seriously. Here's your Xtransceiver, as promised."

She ripped at the velcro material fastening the watch-like device to her wrist and shoved it at him with unnecessary roughness. Her arm immediately felt naked without it, but such a feeling was silly, as it had never belonged to her in the first place.

"And uh, thank you for helping me up." Rosa muttered sheepishly. "I'll consider that payment for the debt, since it was so embarrassing. You don't owe me anything."

Curtis carefully accepted the Xtransceiver from her outstretched hand. She'd expected him to immediately put in on and check to see if everything was in working order, maybe tease her a little about not polishing it up before returning it, but he didn't. Instead, the teenager dropped it inside his coat pocket without a word of reply to her mumbled chitchat.

His reserved behavior further frayed Rosa's nerves. He was willing to hug her, but not talk to her? Were they not friends after all?

"So, I uh . . . I guess I'll be going then. I'm sure there's a lot you wanna do on your day off, and I've got training to do anyway. The league isn't going to beat itself, right?" She shot him her best smile, and near her foot, Gaston snickered. "It was good to meet you, Curtis. Just . . . uh, make sure you don't work so hard all the time, okay? Take care of yourself."

"Rosa?"

She paused, caught off guard by his sudden response. "Yeah?"

"Would you ride the ferris wheel with me? I've never been."

Slowly, as if again seeing him for the first time, Rosa looked over her shoulder to meet his intent stare. He was wearing a ridiculous smile.

". . . Yeah."

***

"They weren't kidding. The view of Unova really is beautiful from up here; it's like looking into a snow globe."

Curtis nodded. "Yeah. I wish I would've known about it sooner – Sophie would love seeing this. I would've taken her for her birthday."

Rosa glanced away from the snowflakes shimmering outside the sphere-shaped window to shoot Curtis a questioning look. He was leaning against the plush leather seat opposite her, the same gentle smile on his lips as he stared down at the winter landscape below. It was warm and cozy inside the ferris wheel compartment, and although Rosa had the distinct feeling she'd ridden the enormous amusement park ride before, something about being on the machine twisted her stomach into knots.

Gaston didn't seem to mind. He was tucked into a fluffy ball on the corner of her bench, shamelessly asleep.

"You've never told me about Sophie." Rosa said, tilting her head. Was he really letting her into another piece of his life? He guarded his personal affairs so seriously. "You never tell me much of anything, really. Who is she?"

"My younger sister. She's attending a performing arts academy in Castelia right now, so I haven't seen her in some time, but she's always loved things like this. She used to stare at the city behind our house for hours, back when we lived in Opelucid."

"Oh." She hadn't known he had younger siblings. He'd never mentioned living in Opelucid either, though she'd spoken to him many times about Aspertia. "She must be talented, to be enrolled at a music academy. How old is she?"

"Eleven." Curtis placed his chin in his palm and leaned against the window. He looked relaxed. "My mom enrolled her a year ago, as she did for my brother Levi and I when we turned ten. Sophie's got more of a knack for her instrument than we ever did, though. She plays the harp."

Rosa shifted and returned her eyes to the flickering flakes outside the window. It was surprising that Curtis and his siblings had attended institute rather than going on Pokemon journeys. In Unova, children were expected to choose their career shortly after leaving home. Trainers, coordinators, and rangers usually found themselves while traveling the region.

But then again, she'd been in institute at the time of her coming of age as well.

"And you?"

"What?" He asked, seeming taken aback.

She shot him a sideways glance. "You said you attended an elite academy of performing arts. Unless you're classically trained in voice, I assume you played an instrument. What was it?"

Curtis looked hesitant for a moment, like they'd reached another topic he'd rather not discuss. He shifted slightly in his seat and absentmindedly rubbed the skin just above his wrist, but just when Rosa feared she'd asked too much, he said, "I was trained in Viola. My mom started me on it when I was four, and I practiced every day up until I graduated two years ago."

"Were you any good?"

"Of course."

"So I'd be impressed if you played for me?"

"Of course not. I've already learned you're impossible to please."

An amused sound caught in Rosa's throat, and despite his previous discomfort, the noise pulled at Curtis's mouth as well. His eyes returned to the Unova skyline, but it was a relief to feel the tension surrounding him melt away.

Curiosity about his time at school still picked at her, but she decided to curve the conversation to keep the atmosphere light. It was easier to talk to him when he was smiling. "Thank you for telling me about your sister. We've been friends for a long time, but you never gave away that secret. Not until now."

"Hm?"

She grinned. "You think I didn't notice?"

"What do you mean?"

"You keep everything in your life a secret." Rosa clarified, earning her an astonished look from Curtis. "Dunno what it is you have to hide, but when we first met, you wouldn't tell me anything. Your job, your family, your hobbies, your life - nothing." It had been like talking to a ghost - she could hear him speaking to her, but the real Curtis wasn't really there. Had he been afraid of her knowing him? She still couldn't tell.

"But lately you've been opening up to me more, and . . . it's been nice. I still don't know what your job is, or if you're secretly the new Unova champion or something, " She said, running her finger's over Gaston's silky ears to give her somewhere to look other than his stunned gaze, "but honestly, I don't care. I've liked having another friend to talk to. The world feels much smaller when you have people to rely on, you know?"

She chuckled at herself, wondering where she'd been going with this. Was this usually how she made casual conversation, telling people she appreciated them? Maybe four years with Hugh had ruined her social skills.

They were quiet for a long time after that, and even after their descent ended and the wheel paused to allow them off, the silence between them lingered.

It wasn't uncomfortable, however. Rosa was content walking through the snow with Curtis, her eyes trained on the sea of lights still being strung from the rooftops. She wished they had met in the evening, when the lights would shine brightest, but she was enjoying herself regardless.

They were strolling past the artfully decorated Pokémon center when Curtis broke the silence. He paused on the square, his hands in his pockets, and in a hesitant voice asked, "Rosa?"

She stopped walking and glanced back at him. "Yeah?"

His benign eyes were planted firmly on the sidewalk, like he was nervous to look at her. "I'm leaving for Sinnoh tomorrow, so I won't be able to see you again for some time. And since I have my Xtransceiver back, I know there isn't a reason for me to call you anymore. But you're right. The world is smaller when you have people who care about you. I was wondering, if it isn't too much trouble . . ."

Rosa's eyebrows drew together. It seemed like a long time before Curtis lifted his gaze.

"Can we still be friends?"

The breath in her lungs formed fog in the crisp air, and like the tension between them, it hung in the atmosphere for several long seconds before it dissolved. The two stood perfectly still, regarding each other openly, a cacophony of emotions falling like rain between them.

"Yes."