UPDATE: Kind of spontaneous, but I decided to do some major editing to the Pretend Date sequel. My writing has grown since I first posted this, and I hope it reflects well with the rewrite. Enjoy, guys.

Curtains!

*Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any of it's characters, plots, etc.*

"Mother, I require your assistance."

I stepped into the kitchen, all serious and ready for battle. My mom was sitting at the table reading. I waited for her to acknowledge me; if I wanted her to take me seriously; I couldn't pester her like I usually did. She took her sweet time, turning the page and placing her marker in the crease before directing her attention on me. She was smiling. "Another midlife crisis. What happened this time?"

I sighed and walked to the table, plopping down heavily in the chair across from her. "I refuse to go to homecoming stag."

She looked confused for a moment before making an 'O' with her mouth. "Oh. I forgot that you and Paul broke up."

I whined. "No! We went over this mom. We didn't break up. He cheated on me. It was a one-sided break up scheme. "

"Sometimes I wonder where all this dramatic mess comes from," she said, shaking her head. "Well, what do you want me to do?"

"I need you to help find me a date mom." I paused. "One that isn't so…nerdy."

She giggled a little. "I guess I'm not much help then. Seeing as I'm not in school myself, it would be hard keeping up with all those non-nerdy, cool boys." She paused, tapping her chin. "You know, a smart young man wouldn't be such a bad idea. I won't have to worry about him getting intimate with you. Guys like Paul on the other hand…"

I held up my hand. "Stop. Just, no."

She grinned. "Don't be like that. You asked."

I should have known this would be a bust. Mom, although she never said it, hadn't liked Paul much. She preferred the social awkward boys. The more they didn't know what to do with a girl, the better.

I was forcing myself to accept that Kenny would have to be my date when my mom slammed her hands on the table. "What about Ash?"

Ash? Ash.

Ash!

"I just had the best idea! What if I asked Ash? I'm sure he'll be willing to help me again. Yes!"

I leaned over the table to peck her cheek before running to my room to find my phone. She was yelling something about stealing her idea, so I closed the door and found his contact. Nervous and jittery, I pressed a button to make the call. It rang a couple of times before he finally picked up.

"Hello?"

"Hey Ash. It's Dawn."

He laughed a little. "Caller ID would have never known."

I ignored the remark. "I need your help."

"How's life Ash? You doing okay? How about another date?"

"Ash! Be serious. We don't have time for pleasantries, especially when I need your help.

He sighed. "With?"

He sounded tired, almost annoyed. It surprised me, but I didn't dwell on it. "Well, you get another date."

"Ash, I don't think this is working."

He looked up from his drink. "Don't think like that Dawn. There are plenty of stores we haven't been in yet."

I swirled my straw in my own drink. My plan wasn't working out like I hoped it would. I guess it was fault, since I decided to wait the day of Homecoming to go shopping for outfits. It was the only day Ash had free though, and I was desperate.

"I doubt we're going to find something. We only have a couple of hours before the dance starts, and the time it takes just to get ready-"

Ash cut me off. "Stop talking. You don't want to look like a loser tonight, right? "

I nodded.

"You want to show Paul just what he's missing out on, right?"

I nodded again, this time with more determination.

"You want me to kiss you tonight, right?"

Nod.

What? "Ash!"

He laughed. "Chill Dawn. But seriously, if you want to show that douche who's boss, then stop with the pity party. We're going to find something, and you're going to get what you want."

Something in his tone made me really look at him. He was smiling like always, but it wasn't reaching his eyes. I bit my lip. Come to think of it, Ash had been moody since we met up earlier. "Are you okay? You've been off since we met up."

He nodded, brushing her off. "Yeah, I'm good. Now let's go before you start getting all depressed again."

I nodded and stood, following him to our next destination. It was one of the bigger department stores, and I dragged Ash to the dress section. I felt bad for not having this figured out already. I didn't know what color I wanted, which would've help Ash a lot and he could have gotten his outfit, and I didn't know what type of dress I wanted either. Short or long? Cute or sexy?

I was searching through another rack when Ash called for me. When I turned, he was holding up a bright red dress. The whole thing was feathers. I cringed and shook my head.

"Do you need help with something?"

I turned and my jaw dropped. "Zoey! What are you doing here?"

She smiled. "That's not how you properly greet your best friend."

It was an invitation; I latched onto her and squeezed the hell out of her. I only released her when I heard her struggling for breath. I noticed Ash had come around closer to us, no doubt curious about my friend. "Seriously, what are you doing here?" I asked before fully taking in her appearance. I blinked when I noticed she was wearing a uniform. "Oh wow! You work here? You never told me that!"

Zoey rolled her eyes. "I did. You just don't listen much anymore. You're always talking about that guy Ash you met."

At this, Ash came to stand directly next to me. "She does?"

I blushed. "Zoey! Really?"

It was Zoey's turn to be left speechless. "Are you Ash?" She whistled. "You are as cute as she says."

I groaned. "Zoey, no. Don't scare him away."

Ash laughed and nudged me. "Not at all Dawn. So, how often do you talk about me?"

I was sure I was as red as a tomato now. "I am not doing this right now. We still need to figure out what we're wearing."

He nodded, but he was still grinning. He seemed more like his usual self. Was it because of what Zoey said? I made a note to ask about it later.

"Is he your date for tonight?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Everything is so last minute and we're kind of clueless right now."

Zoey blinked, and then motioned for us to follow her. She began leading us out of the dress section. "It's going to be impossible to find a dress on such short notice, but that's alright. We can still find you something cute to wear."

"No dress?" I repeated stupidly. My vision for the night dimmed again. I was supposed to look amazing and knock Paul of his feet.

Zoey stopped in the junior section and began plucking random things off the display tables and hangers. "It's cool Dawn. I'm not wearing a dress either. Actually, a lot of the girls aren't." She pressed a couple of things into my hands before guiding me to the dressing rooms. "It's becoming a trend to actually dance at dances rather than standing around because we can't move."

She pushed me into a stall. "Let me know how that fits. Ash is coming with me."

She closed the door before I could resist. Ash don't, please don't…

"So, how many of your other friends know about me?"

I pulled at my top, suddenly wishing I had just picked a dress. Ash gave me a look. "Alright Dawn. What is it?"

I shook my head. "I just need a minute."

"Another one?"

I gave him a look, which he shrugged at. "I'm just nervous," I said, pulling at my top again. "Do I look alright?"

Ash laughed a little. "For the millionth time, yes. Dawn, you look amazing."

"No. I mean, do I look alright?" I emphasized the word, hoping he would get it.

He did. Sighing, he cut the car off and slumped in his seat. "Is that what this is about?"

"This is what it's been about the whole time!" I wailed, letting my head fall in my hands. "I wish I was wearing a dress! What is Zoey got it wrong? I bet more than half the girls will be dressed up."

He didn't say anything for a moment. When he did, it sounded like he was trying to control his temper. "Can't you just have a good time? Forget about Paul, forget about what he thinks."

"But this has been the whole point of this!" I waved my hands around, pointing at him and then me.

"Alright, fine." Ash turned in the seat to face me. He wasn't smiling, but he wasn't frowning either. He looked completely serious, and almost a little sad. "Say you do get the effect you want. Paul sees you, realizes he made a mistake, and comes to talk to you. What then?"

I blinked. I honestly hadn't thought that far. "Oh."

"Yeah."

I frowned. "What's your deal? You've been acting funny since I asked to come with me."

He shook his head. "It's nothing."

I pressed on. I wasn't going to let this slide. "Yes it is. It's not hard to tell when something is wrong with you."

He stopped looking at me and turned his attention on the building where the dance was being held. The door was open, and we could see some of what was happening inside. "We don't hang out."

"What?"

He continued, like he hadn't heard my question. "You didn't call me because you wanted a date to the dance. You wanted someone to hang off your arm in an effort to get back at Paul."

I chewed on my lip, feeling bad. I could see why he thought this, but that hadn't been my intention. I just wanted his help. And I actually appreciated him being my date. I had gotten so caught up in wanting to make Paul jealous that I forgot to think about Ash. Frowning, and feeling a new type of determination, I pushed the passenger door open. "Well, come on then."

Ash blinked. "What?"

I smiled at him. "You're right, and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel like that. Let's go in and have a good time." Out of character, I smirked. "And you can meet the friends who I told so much about you."

That seemed to lift his spirits. He hopped out the of the car and dragged me to the entrance. As soon as we made it in, my previous apprehensions went away. Zoey had been right. Enough of the people had come dressed down for a regular party that it didn't look weird.

I stood on my tiptoes, scanning the crowd for bright orange hair. Ash was the one who spotted her and guided us through dancing bodies over to them. Once Zoey spotted us, she alerted the rest of the group. Kenny was the first to approach us. He walked right up to Ash, giving him his famous evil eye. Ash was taller, and seemed amused looking down at him.

"So you're Ash."

"I guess. Who are you?"

I giggled. Kenny puffed up his chest. "Your competition."

My face did its thing and began heating up. "Kenny!"

He turned to me, realizing I was there. "Dawn!" He looked me up and down and nodded. "You look good. Like, really good."

I was just about to thank him when Ash cleared his throat. "Yes, my date looks great, courtesy of Zoey."

He smiled at her. Kenny whined. "You knew she was coming with this guy Zoey?"

Another girl pushed past Kenny and got right up into Ash's face. "Yeah! He's a hunk! Why didn't you say anything?"

Zoey sighed and nudged her out the way. "Really Holly? That's Dawn's date!"

Holly smiled sheepishly down at me. "Sorry Dawn. You know how I get. Is this the guy you've been talking about? He looks good."

I smiled. I did know. She was boy crazy, but completely harmless. "Thanks Holly. And it's all thanks to Zoey!"

She nodded. "And I did pretty well, if I say so myself."

I couldn't help but to agree with her. While I was a dress and skirt type of girl when it came to these things, Zoey put together an outfit that I couldn't refuse. I had on a red cropped bralet that just stopped above my naval and black high waist shorts over black leggings. So I'd be more comfortable, I wore a black blazer over it. Ash matched me, wearing black slacks, a red button up, and his own black blazer. I was nervous about it at first, but after seeing Ash practically drooling over me once we were dressed, I was feeling good.

Kenny snorted. "Yeah, whatever."

Holly waved him off. "Calm down Kenny. Stop trying to cause a scene!"

He was about to retort when a loud, upbeat song started blaring over the speakers. Kenny grabbed Ash by his jacket and started dragging him to the dance floor. "You, me, dance battle!"

I chased after them. "No Kenny! That's my date!"

We ended up sharing Ash as a dance partner for most of the night. It was annoying, but turned fun, especially when Zoey and Holly joined in. At some point Ash got a little too excited and started a mosh circle, which eventually included the whole room.

I almost forgot about Paul. Almost. I didn't realize he was approaching me until it was too late.

He tapped my shoulder and I turned around, the unsuspecting victim I was. He was standing there, looking amazing as ever, even by himself. "Hey, Dawn."

I blinked and stopped jumping around. "Um, hello." Be confident, idiot!

"You look good."

I didn't realize the others had stopped dancing until they were right behind me. Paul glanced at them, and his eyes rested on someone directly behind. Recognition flashed through his eyes and I figured he was looking at Ash. I spoke before he said something. "Thanks, I guess. What do you want?"

His gaze shifted back to me. "I was hoping to talk to you. Alone."

"You can talk to her here."

I had never felt so grateful for Ash. However, my gratitude was short lived.

"Back off. I was asking her."

"You back off. She doesn't want anything to do with you."

Paul ignored him and grabbed me by the elbow. He was tugging me away when Ash stepped in and pushed him off me. I don't know who threw the first punch, but soon it turned into a full-fledged fight. Other students started noticing when Ash threw Paul into the speakers. They were excited and egging them on. I was feeling the complete opposite. It wasn't like the petty girl fights that happen occasionally. Boy fights were much more scary and violent.

Once I started freaking out, Kenny and some of his friends jumped in and pulled the two off each other. Angry, I stepped around the boys and grabbed Ash by his collar, dragging him out the building. However, I didn't anticipate Paul attempting to come for Ash again. I also didn't expect him to have the big bowl of fruit punch with him. Or for him to toss it over the both of us.

Everything around us stopped. Zoey and Holly resembled deer caught in headlights, and Kenny looked a little nervous, mumbling under his breath. "Uh oh. Her hair…"

Ash looked down at me. "Dawn?"

I reached up to run my fingers through a couple of strands. My hand came back wet. I let Ash go and turned to look at Paul. He was still holding the punch bowl, looking as guilty as he did that day in the park. "Sorry Dawn."

I screamed.

"Dawn, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen."

I coughed. "Stop apologizing please."

"Sorry. I mean- never mind."

"Mhm."

"Is your throat okay?"

"Of course. Are you noting the sarcasm?"

He took the hint and stopped talking, instead finding something interesting about the grass. I refused to stay inside. We probably should have been heading home, but I didn't want that either. I made him come out and sit with me and enjoy listening to everyone having fun inside.

I pushed my punch soaked hair out of my face.

"Are you sure you don't want to leave? You're starting to smell."

I lost it. I reached over and pushed him off the bench. "Maybe that's your upper lip, you idiot!"

"Dawn! That hurt. Is that what I get for helping you out?"

I glared at him. "Helping me out? You embarressed me!"

He stood up, towering over me. "I was trying to defend you from that jerk!"

I huffed. "Well, look where that got us. We smell like juice and we're missing out on the fun."

I turned away, dismissing him. He sighed.

"Dawn, c'mon. Let's go back in."

I crossed my arms. "No."

"Why not?"

"Why?"

"It'll make you feel better."

"I don't think so."

"Stop moping."

"Stop bothering me."

Ash yanked me from behind and forced me to spin in circles with him. Being stubborn, I forced him to drag me across the ground, but then I got into it. Soon we were laughing, and I almost didn't care that my hair was messed up.

Afterwards, Ash pulled me down into the grass with him. He propped himself up onto his elbow and stared at me. His eyes were intense, and I looked everywhere but him. "Could you stop looking at me like that?"

He cocked his head to the side. He was smiling. "Like what?"

"Well...like that."

He laughed and shook his head. I stuck my tongue out at him. "Thanks for helping me out."

He shrugged. "Any time." He paused. "This might sound weird, but I'm glad your friends know about me."

I poked him. "Why?"

He gave me a look and sighed. "Nothing, Dawn."

I hated it when he did this. Now I was curious. "What are you talking about? Why does that make you happy?"

He held a finger up to my lips, shushing me.

"How long before we go on a real date?"

I swear I love Pearlshipping. It makes me all squishy on the insides. Reviews are love guys! ^.^