WARNING: CONTAINS SOME RELIGIOUS MATERIAL. IF YOU ARE OFFENDED BY SUCH MATERIAL, PLEASE TURN AWAY NOW
It was December 24th and Ash, May, Max, and Brock were on the road near Pallet town. Delia was going to host her annual Christmas party. The air was cold and frigid and they were in their winter attire.
"I can't believe this will be our first Christmas together!" May said excitedly. "Yeah, sure beats spending Christmas alone." Ash agreed. "Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu followed.
"I can't wait to see my all of my old friends!" Ash replied. "And the best part is that our parents are coming." May continued. "Well we better get there quick because I'm freezing!" Max whined as he blew into his ice cold hands.
A soft breeze past them, sending chills down their spines. "We should get there in a couple of minutes." Brock said, trying to speak over the breeze.
In just a few short minutes, they were presented with a view of Pallet town. The small town was always a paradise but in the winter, it was a sight to behold. Christmas lights illuminate from afar, children playing in the snow, and so much more! When the gang reached Ash's house, Mr. Mime was putting up Christmas decorations outside of the house with psychic.
"Hey Mr. Mime!" Ash waived. "Mr. Mime!" Mr. Mime greeted. "Pika Pikachu!" Pikachu greeted. "Mr. Mime, where's Delia?" Brock questioned. "Mime, Mr. Mime!" Mr. Mime answered pointing to the road. From afar was Delia, carrying some grocery bags. "Hi Ash!" Delia greeted in a tired tone.
"Here, let us help with the bags." The gang said in unison as they took the bags from her hands and took them inside. "Thanks a lot! I've been carrying those a long time!" Delia said relieved. "Sure thing Mrs. Ketchum, We're happy to help!" Max happily replied. "After all isn't it Christmas?" May replied. "Oh yeah, that reminds me I have to get the party decorations up." Delia said with strings of worry in her voice. "That's okay Mom, I'll set up." Ash replied. "Can we help?" May and Max said in unison. "Sure!" Ash answered.
Ash quickly rushed to the attic and came back with two boxes of decorations. He gently dropped the boxes on the floor and opened them. "Wow, they're really dusty." Remarked Max, slightly tapping on one of the boxes. "Cmon guys let's get these up before the guests start arriving." Ash said, who was in the process of throwing away the tape that held the them closed.
Ash and Pikachu took one box, and Max and May took the other one. As Ash, May, and Max set the decorations, Max noticed that May kept staring at Ash. "Ash…" May uttered softly. He at this time was suspecting that May possibly had feelings towards Ash.
I always had a feeling that she liked him. Max thought to himself. She has always been shy when it comes to love… Maybe I should do something to help her out. After all, I do owe her a lot. He pondered.
In the box Max saw just what he needed: Mistletoe. He grabbed a chair from the kitchen, tied a bit of string to the end of the stem, and hung the Mistletoe over the fireplace. As his curiosity increased to different intervals he wanted to know more and more about his sister's possible infatuation towards her beloved friend and mentor: Ash. He approached May from behind and tapped her shoulder to get her attention.
"May, what do you want for Christmas?" Max asked. "Me!" May said surprised. "Umm uh," She uttered. "I… want … uh…" May stuttered, trying to avoid her brother's question. "I really don't know yet." She lied. She wanted a certain somebody to love her. That somebody was none other than Ash. She loved him ever since they met but she has been too shy to declare herself to him. Something told her that this Christmas was going to be quite different than her previously celebrated Christmases…
Ash and Pikachu where finishing setting up the Nativity scene. May approached the Nativity scene to look at the job that Ash and Pikachu have done. The figures were positioned overlooking the figure of baby Jesus. There was a star and several lights surrounding the scene with a banner that said "Peace On Earth."
"Wow Ash, this is beautiful!" May complimented. "Thanks May! It means a lot to us!" Ash replied. "Hey, I was wondering something" She started. "Yeah May?" Ash said. "Can you go with me to the department store?" May said sheepishly. "Sure!" I was going to head there anyway." Ash answered. "Pikachu, can you keep an eye on things while we're gone?" Ash asked. "Pikachu!" Pikachu said giving Ash a thumbs up.
Ash and May headed to the department store. By this time it was beginning to snow. It wasn't a lot but enough to make anybody cold. When they reached the store, it was filled with to the brim with people. It was nearly impossible to get in but they managed to fight their way in. Inside the store, there was a feeling of controlled chaos.
"So where do want to go first? "Ash asked. "We'll just go to the different sections." May answered. Knowing her, this gonna take a while. But I don't mind. Ash thought to himself.
While May was browsing through the different sections, Ash managed to get gifts for his friends. But one question remained in his mind: what to give May.
"Let's see, what should I get her." Ash uttered while looking for the perfect gift. He stopped at the jewelry section and spotted just what he was looking for. It was a gold heart-shaped necklace that would look beautiful on May. He approached the counter to look at it closely.
"I see that you're interested in that necklace." The cashier said." Is it for someone special?" He asked. "Sure is!" Ash replied. " How much does it cost?" Ash asked. "Well it isn't cheap, I'll tell you that. "Well how much is it?" Ash asked again, anticipating the price. "500 Poke dollars ." The cashier answered. "What!" Ash said surprised. " Oh well, I'll keep looking then."Ash said disappointed as he stepped away from the counter. " Wait, is she really important?" The cashier questioned. "She is." Ash said. "Besides I think I love her." "Listen, I'll sell you the necklace 100 Poke dollars, how about that?" He said. "Really?!" Ash quickly lighted up his defeated look. "Sure, why not? it's Christmas!" The Cashier replied. Ash paid the 100 Poke dollars and had the necklace wrapped and engraved with May's name.
"Ash, where have you been?" May questioned as she came back with bags and boxes full of gifts. " I was a little busy." Ash said sheepishly. "Good luck, my friend!" The cashier murmured as Ash and May left the store.
Ash and May made their way back to Ash's house. On the way back, there were many Christmas carolers singing Carols. Some of the songs were so catchy, Ash was starting to sing them himself. May thought it was cute and was glad that Ash was in the Christmas spirit.
When they returned, some of the guests have arrived. Misty, Tracey and professor Oak were sitting on the chairs in the living room. " Sorry to keep you waiting guys." Ash apologized. "Don't worry about it Ash, We just got here!" Professor Oak joyfully explained. "Well that's a relief." Ash sighed. "Have my parents arrived yet?" May inquired. "I haven't seen them." Professor Oak answered. May sighed in worry. "I hope they're alright though." "Don't worry, May." Misty started. "They'll get here. Hopefully pretty soon." She ended. "Yeah, May, let's just enjoy the party. After all, it is Christmas." Ash said reassuringly. "You two are right…" May smiled.
Christmas music filled the room with cheer and laughter as for the fireplace provided heat. May was talking to Misty about some of their general interests. Fashion, travel stories, battles, and boys. One boy in particular was topic of their conversation: Ask Ketchum. "So he was singing on the way over here?" Misty said surprised. "Yep! He kept singing and singing!" May said, remembering the silly manner that Ash sang in. "So what did you get him?" Misty asked. "Oh that's a secret!" May said as the two girls went into the kitchen to get a cup of hot chocolate. While the girls were busy with their activities, the men were busy as well with their own conversation.
"Ash, how have you been in your journey?" Asked Professor Oak."It has been great Professor. " Ash replied. "So is there anybody special that you... you know." Tracey questioned. "There is somebody." Ash responded. "Who is it?" Tracey curiously asked. "What!" Ash exclaimed and blushed furiously. "It's… uh… it's-" Ash was interrupted by the phone ringing in the other room. "I'll get it!" Ash announced. He picked up the phone and answered the call. " Hello?" Ash spoke. "Ash it's Caroline." The voice on the other side of the line said. "Caroline!" Ash said surprised. He was a bit puzzled by the call. "Where are you and Norman?" He asked. "We're still at the airport. LIsten, Norman and I are not going to make it to the party. Our flight was delayed because of the snow and we're not going to make it until tomorrow. I'm sorry Ash." Caroline said disappointedly. "That's okay, as long as you two get here safe and sound." Ash said. "Could you tell May and Max so they won't be worried?" Caroline asked as Ash heard her teeth chattering."Don't worry I'll tell them." He promised. Then ended the call. Better tell them. He thought.
Suddenly, May and Max appeared on opposite sides of him. "Ash, who were you talking to? Was it my parents?" May said in a very worried tone. "Yeah, it was them." So, what happened? Are they coming or not?" Asked Max. "Their flight was delayed. They said they won't come till tomorrow." Ash explained to them."Well we're gonna wait until tomorrow to see them." Max said sounding a little disappointed. "But at least we'll be together as a family for Christmas!" Max happily said.
As the night progressed, the guests had a delicious meal of turkey, prepared by Delia and Brock. After dinner, they gathered in the living room to pray the anticipation prayer. The prayer was short but moving. At 11 o'clock it was time for the guests to leave and to go to sleep. Brock, May and Max would be spending the night in Ash's house. Brock and Max would sleep in the guest room, and Ash, May and Pikachu would sleep in Ash's room. Pikachu slept immediately while Ash felt a little weird sharing a room with May but was even weirder was that the extra cot was missing.
"So are we going to share your bed?" May questioned. "If you want I'll go sleep in the living room." Ash spoke. "No!" She blurted out. "I mean it's your room so shouldn't you sleep in your bed?" May argued. "I… suppose so." Ash said sounding a bit skeptical. May hopped into the bed and got into the blankets. Ash came close behind. They were both in the bed, only inches from each other.
Around 11:50 PM, May felt the bed a little empty. She turned around only to find that Ash was missing. She saw that the door was wide open. May got out of the bed being careful not to wake up Pikachu. She stepped out the door and into the hallway. There was a small glimpse of light coming from downstairs. She slowly stepped down the stairs to see the source of the light. What she found was Ash putting a log in the fireplace. Ash turned around to find May in the stairwell.
"Hey May." He yawned. "Hey Ash, What are you doing up so late?" May said as she rubbed her eyes. "I couldn't sleep so I figured I would warm myself up." He said sounding tired. "Well it was a good idea!" May said while chattering her teeth. "Why don't you come warm yourself by the fire?" He walked over to the fireplace and sat in front of it. Ash sat down beside her. The living room was dark. The only sources of light were the fireplace, the Christmas tree, and the Nativity scene since Ash installed lights around it. Gifts were stacked under the tree along with a couple of pine needles scattered on the floor.
"May, since it's almost midnight I want to give you give you your gift." Ash said as he took out a gift from under the handed the gift to May and sat back down. May ripped the red wrapping paper very slowly leaving nothing but the small velvet box that held her gift. She opened the box to reveal the gold necklace with May's name engraved on it. "Ash…" She uttered. "It's beautiful! Thank you!" May said as she wrapped her arms around Ash. "I'd knew you'd like it." Ash smiled. "Oh wait I still haven't given you your gift." May remembered. She stood up and got his gift to him from under the tree. He opened the box to uncover the gift: a silver watch. "Thanks May! I love it!" Ash said happily. "Thanks Ash!" May said as she smiled. "You did mention that you had trouble keeping track of time." She said.
After they exchanged gifts, they lay in front of the fireplace for a little longer. The crackling of the fire was a symphony of love and tranquility filling the room with its delightful melody. They could feel each the warmth of the roaring fire and each other's warmth. Ash knew this was the time to tell May how his feelings for her. He worked up the guts and proceeded with his confession.
"May, there's something I want to tell you," He started. "What is it?" She asked. "May, in all of my journey I have never met anyone like you. You're nice and kind to everyone, and you always have that perfect smile on your face. You are my everything. I would do mad if anything ever happened to you." "Ash." May uttered as he kept hearing him."What I'm trying to say is, I love you." Ash said, putting his whole heart into those words. "It's okay if you don't feel the same. I just wanted to tell you." He said, sadly fearing that rejection would be may's answer. "Oh Ash, I feel the same way! I love you too!" May said happily while she embraced him. He smiled as he returned the hug. May looked up at the ceiling; she saw small green leaves hanging on from a peace a string.
"Ash, look up." May said as she pointed at the ceiling. "Is that mistletoe?" She asked. "Yeah that's mistletoe." He answered. "You do know what happens when two people are under it?" Ash questioned. "I know exactly what happens." She said as she leaned closer to him. Ash's heart raced as he heard those words. They leaned closer to each other slowly, embracing once again. They closed their eyes and their lips slowly touched. Moments later they departed and the bell from the clock in the living room started ringing. The clock read 12 o'clock midnight, Christmas day.
"Merry Christmas May." Ash smiled. "Merry Christmas Ash." May said as happy as can be with a smile to match it. "C'mon let's go back to sleep." Ash said rubbing his eyes. That night was one that both Ash and May will never forget. By morning it was snowing and both of them were cuddling one another. Both did not want to leave each other's warm embrace, but alas, it was a joyous day. Christmas Day! The young lovers opened their eyes to see one another.
"Good morning Ash!" May yawned. She was wearing the necklace that Ash gave her while Ash was wearing the watch that she had given to him on the previous night. "Good Morning May!" Ash said while trying to control his bedhead. "Pika!" Pikachu happily arose. After Ash and May woke up, Brock, Max and Delia were already downstairs. "Merry Christmas everyone!" Both of them said in unison."Look who's finally up!" Max joked. Just at that moment there was a knock on the door. "I'll get it!" Ash said as he walked to the door. He slowly opened the door to try to avoid the snow coming in through the door. "Norman! Caroline! Come on in!" Ash greeted.
"Where's, May and Max?" Norman questioned. "They're in the living room." Ash answered. Norman and Caroline went into the living room only to be bombarded with hugs from both of their children. "Mom, Dad, we missed you!" May and Max said unison. "We missed you too!" Norman and Caroline said in unison as well while they reached their children for a heartwarming embrace. "The important thing is that you're both here!" Max said still embracing his parents. "Hey May, who gave you that necklace?" Caroline curiously asked. "Ash gave it to me." May smiled as she recalled the events from the past night. Caroline was delighted to see her daughter so happy and so cheerful.
After that heartwarming family reunion, they sat down and caught up on what happened while Norman and Caroline weren't there. Ash sat down next to May and talked for a while. This talk however was different than the ones that they have had in the past. They were talking with more profoundness and understanding for one another. "May there's something I want to ask you," Ash started. "Yeah Ash?" She said as waited for Ash's response. "Will you be my girlfriend?" He said reaching for May's hands. "Yes Ash! A million times yes!" She answered with tears of joy and her trademark smile. They both leaned closer to one another. Their lips met very slowly, forgetting the world around them. When they departed, they forgot that they were in the living room, and most importantly that everyone was there and overheard the conversation.
"I was right! You do have feelings for him!" Max remarked. "Congratulations you two!" Caroline congratulated. "Take care of her." Norman followed."My little Ash is growing up so fast!" Delia replied. "They grow up so fast!" Brock added."Pika-chu!" Pikachu said running to Ash's lap. "I love you Ash!" May said happily. "I love you too!" Ash replied.
The new couple leaned over to share another kiss being careful not to squish Pikachu who was in Ash's lap. May's premonition of this Christmas being different was indeed correct. She and her new boyfriend received the greatest gift of all: The gift of true love.