When The Sun Sets (Moon X Gladion)

A Story About Sun Orion

It was that precise moment the four friends left the Fuchsia City Hospital that Gladion decided he would stop at nothing to help Moon. For almost two weeks, he noticed that something was wrong. Moon went from a sweet, caring angel to a distant echo of herself. He wasn't sure what had happened, but he was sure that it happened at Haunter's Hollow. But what went wrong, exactly? It was nothing Dale or Haunter did, he knew. Then, what was it?

As they walked towards the bakery, Gladion heard Green's voice somewhere beside him. Clenching his teeth, he remembered the conversation that him and Green had only seconds beforehand.

"I know what you're doing, golden boy," Green had said. "You're trying to make her fall for you."

"What?"

"You heard me. You like Moon and you want her to feel the same." He smirked at Gladion and got closer, practically whispering in his ear. "But there's something I have with Moon that you don't: childhood memories."

"You have no idea what Moon and I have been through together," Gladion snapped, the blood rushing to his ears.

"You're right, I don't." Green backed up and raised his hands in surrender. Then, he laughed. "But that's probably because I didn't even know you existed until this trip."

Those last words still stung, but Gladion couldn't worry about that now. The only thing that mattered to him in that moment was to find Moon some water.

He pushed past the doors and into the bakery, taking a moment to breathe in all the new, intoxicating aromas that filled the air around him. The walls of the little shop were lined with displays of freshly-baked bread and he counted at least eighth tables decorated with the magnificent-looking cakes. However, none of that mattered to him. Walking past it all and standing before the glass bakery counter, the rang the silver bell beside the cash register and waited.

The kitchen door behind the counter swung open, revealing a stout man in a denim-blue apron. Form head to toe, he was covered in flour. It was even stuck in his beard, which clung to his face like a scarf.

"Thanks for stopping at Dratini's Donuts! How may I help you?"

"May I have a cup of water, please?" Gladion asked the baker.

The baker looked him up and down, his eyes narrowing. "You'll need to buy something first, boy. I don't run a charity."

"Oh," Gladion started, looking behind him as Moon, Hau, and Green entered behind him. "My friends here are planning on buying something. I just need water for now."

The baker looked at the trio of teens behind Gladion, who were eying a particularly tasty-looking lemon meringue pie. Then, he gave Gladion a satisfied glance. "One water, coming up." He bumbled back into the kitchen, disappearing for only a moment before emerging once again. Approaching the counter, he handed Gladion a clear, plastic cup of water. Gladion thanked the baker before motioning Moon forward. Tearing her eyes away from the lemon meringue pie, she walked towards him.

"Here you go," He spoke gently, handing her the plastic cup. "Drink this."

Moon flashed him a shy smile before accepting the cup. "Thanks," she replied. Then, with Gladion waiting, she drank the entire cup of water.

"Do you feel better...?" Gladion tilted his head as he studied her beautiful skin. Although he didn't say it, he was waiting for the light rosiness of her cheeks to return to her physique.

"I never felt bad," Moon told him, placing the empty cup on the counter for a moment. "Just dehydrated."

"Well, if you need more water," Gladion continued, "Just say something. Even if we're in the woods or wherever, I'll find you some." Moon looked down in such a manner that Gladion could've sworn she was blushing. A warm feeling erupted in his chest, making him want to speak further. "I'll even sacrifice my favorite tea in your honor."