[This misassumption of his proficiency in dueling was due in no small part to his own encouragement of it. Maybe he shouldn't have pushed the limits of believability as he had but when you wanted someone to like you, it was hard... not to respond to that desire like a total moron. Besides, it seemed to be working so who was really being harmed here?

Feeling a sense of elation as she continued to pile on the praise, he stood up a little taller and tried to fight the dopey grin spreading over his features.]

.. And I'm so humble about it too!

[Don't forget that part. Seeing her kneel down to greet his monster, Tristan shot it an imploring look that seemed to say Don't do anything to hurt her. His relationship with his chimchar was still new so he didn't know how they were going to get along.

Chimchar for his part, also delights in the praise and returns the high five gesture easily with his smaller hand.]

That wasn't entirely what I meant.. [He breathed out with a defeated sigh, but he didn't bother to explain it further.] It's more than wonderful, it's terrific! Uh.. but I guess we shouldn't keep just standing around here with all these wild Pokémon just waiting to spring on us. You better stay close to me until we find the next town. [And... maybe stay close after that too. His face wanted to flood with color and betray him but he shrugged it off for now]

Say uh... how long have you been here anyway?