AHHHH sorry it's been ALMOST TWO YEARS WTF. I just had no idea what to do with this story lol. But hopefully this will make up for it, if only a little bit. I wanted to show I was still active even though I hadn't updated any story on this account for about a month T.T Sorry about that. I'm still planning Assassin Guardians, Long Live, and Isshurui Academy's rewrite, so don't worry!


"Oh I'm so happy for her!" Dawn's pretty face filled the screen of May's laptop. May was in a cozy little cafe, sipping a mug of hot chocolate. It wasn't terribly cold outside, but the weather had taken a turn for the worse the day after her fateful meeting with Drew on the beach. Not surprising, as it was September. May wore a red jacket and a white scarf to ward off the cold. She hoped Misty's wedding wouldn't be ruined by bad weather.

May glanced wistfully behind her friend at Dawn's home It was spacious for a small place; Dawn and Paul had decided to remain in Paul's studio apartment to save money while they both pursued their goals. Paul's logic was that there was little need for a larger space if it were only the two of them, although May recalled fondly how Dawn fought back every opportunity as the blunette wanted more room for more belongings. Despite the minimalistic decor and simple color scheme, evident to be Paul's choice, there were touches that was clearly Dawn's influence. The flowers on the coffee table, carefully chosen in color and arrangement; sheer, gauzy curtains covering the plain windows; decorated rug in the living room. It wasn't so much of jealousy rather than May longed to have someone to love, to live with, and to do mundane activities such as decorate their home together.

"Me too! Honestly I'm kind of surprised it didn't take longer," May joked, tucking a stray lock of brown hair behind her ear.

"Misty texted me a few minutes ago actually," Dawn said, as if she just remembered. Her sapphire eyes were wide as she looked down at her phone to reread the message. She was sitting on a black couch in her living room, and her phone had been on the seat next to her. It wasn't surprising that the blunette was wearing a strapless navy dress in the cold weather; that girl could stand in the middle of a blizzard in summer clothes. "Who's your plus one going to be?"

"My what?"

"Your date! The guy you're coming with to the wedding!" Dawn glanced up and peered at May curiously. "You're not coming alone, are you?"

"Haha, o-of course I'm not…" Sweat trickled down the side of her face as she laughed nervously. "I've totally already asked someone. I'm ready to go, of course I didn't forget that I had to bring someone! It's not like I don't have anyone in my life, r-right?" Her voice went an octave higher at her last sentence, and she cringed.

Dawn looked at May like, Sis, you've gotta try harder than that.

"Okay, fine, I don't have someone to ask," May admitted. She picked up her mug and sipped it, attempting to hide behind the red ceramic. "Unlike the rest of you, I'm not married; I don't have a boyfriend or a date or anything."

"Hmm…" Dawn thought for a moment. Then her eyes widened, and May could almost see the light bulb flashing above Dawn's head. "I've got it!" The blunette pounded her fist into her other hand in realization. "You bumped into Drew yesterday, didn't you? Ask him!"

"What?" May shrieked. Then she straightened and glanced around sheepishly at all the other customers who stared at her. May ducked down and lowered her voice. "I can't just ask Drew that! What, do you think I'll just go up to him and be like, 'Hey Drew, be my date to Misty's wedding because I don't have one'? Does he even know who Misty is?"

"He doesn't have to know who Misty is," Dawn replied matter-of-factly. "His purpose is just to serve as your date, since he's someone you're comfortable with. And hey-" At this, Dawn's eyes sparkled. "You like him, don't you? Maybe in the spirit of the wedding, he'll confess to you he likes you too!"

"Yeah right!" May rolled her eyes.

"The wedding is in two months," Dawn mused. "Think about it, May. It's not that long away."

May grumbled. "I knowww."

Dawn stuck her tongue out at her friend in a playful gesture. "You'll thank me later," she sang out. "Anyway, I should probably go now. I promised Paul I'd clean the apartment and I only have half an hour left to do that."

"Good luck," May laughed. "See you!"

The screen flashed to black as the call ended, and May watched her reflection in the screen for a few moments. She watched the people go by behind her; couples hand in hand, children running, people working.

A green-haired young man walked behind her, reflected in the computer screen. She turned in surprise. "Drew-!"

A slender teenager with short light green locks looked at her curiously. "I'm sorry?"

"N-never mind." May sank back down in her seat. Two more months until the wedding…


"How do I look?" Misty twirled in front of the women happily. Her dress was a strapless white mermaid gown, with a flowing train and the material gathered on on her left hip by an intricate golden brooch. It had a sweetheart neckline, accentuating her upper body and toned arms. It laced up the back and bunched right above her knees to flow out in the mermaid style of the dress. The gold hints brought out the best tones in her hair and skin.

"You look gorgeous!" May exclaimed, jumping up from her seat. She had waited patiently with a few other women for Misty to show them her chosen wedding dress and gather their opinions. Amongst those waiting were Misty's three older sisters and a young woman named Lucy. Dawn and Leaf had stepped out to grab them coffee, as they were thirsty after walking up and down a boutique strip mall in search of the perfect shoes. Misty had confided in May earlier that she, as being a tomboy, had few female friends and treasured the few she had.

Misty's bridesmaids would be her sisters and Lucy, Brock's wife, and the groomsmen were Gary, Tracey, Cilan, and Brock. Misty's maid of honor was Daisy, her favorite sister; her 'man of honor' was Gary, Ash's longtime rival and oldest friend.

May and Dawn had flown in from their respective regions a month early to help Misty with decorations and dresses. The other five girls resided in Kanto, so it only made sense for the only two non-Kanto residents to come there.

"Like, I look totally great in like, white and gold, so it's totally, like, fine," Lily said cheerfully, emphasizing her valley girl accent to make her little sister roll her eyes.

"It looks great," Daisy agreed, smiling at Misty. Over the years, Misty and Daisy had softened their strange sisterly relationship to the point where they were significantly closer and no longer name-calling each other. Misty's relationship with Violet and Lily had improved as well, although those two sisters continued teasing Misty nonstop. It was what older siblings did; after all, May understood the need to tease. She loved making fun of her little brother.

"Ohmygosh, Misty!" Dawn shrieked in excitement, appearing through the doorway with a coffee traveler holding four steaming cups. She had the foresight to situate it in a safe place before running forward and examining the dress critically. As an aspiring fashion stylist, Dawn had been the one to suggest this specific wedding boutique to Misty, and was a perfectionist when it came to design.

"What do you think?" Misty asked nervously.

"Dawn, if this doesn't pass your examination, I quit," May warned exhaustedly. They'd been out for the whole day; it was nearly eight at night and their group was weary after hours of searching.

Lucy picked up her drink and took a sip, not saying a word as she watched Dawn inspect the gown. Her eyes shone in amusement.

"White and gold is a good color scheme," Leaf interjected, coming through the doorway with a second traveler in hand. "It would suit both the bride and groom without clashing with how they look."

Dawn nodded. "It passes."

Misty sighed in relief. "Thank Arceus."

The next hour was a whirlwind of activity as Misty tried to find bridesmaid dresses for her sisters and Lucy. Misty didn't want each bridesmaid to have the same dresses, so she adhered to the idea of only a shared color scheme as the rule. Dawn ran around giving suggestions and picking out articles of clothing that would work with Misty's dress yet would make Misty stand out, while Leaf and May leaned against the wall and tried to stay out of the way.

"I'm glad it's not my wedding," Leaf said, laughing as she watched Violet throw a fit because the dress she wanted wasn't in her size.

"Same here," May concurred, sipping her cinnamon dolce latte. "Hey Leaf, who are you coming to the wedding with?" she asked suddenly.

May didn't know Leaf very well; Misty had explained earlier that Leaf was a girl Ash had met on his travels and they had become fast friends. Leaf had been manipulative and took advantage of Ash's gullible tendencies, but had been won over by Ash's honest approach. They had become fast friends, and Leaf had prevented Ash from falling into several traps due to her intelligence and lack of trust. Ash had also saved Leaf by his unwavering loyalty in her talents. He'd introduced Leaf to Misty, and the two girls had become fast friends.

"I'm going alone," Leaf answered with a grin. "I don't mind being single; there will probably be some guys at the wedding party to dance with anyway."

"Oh, that's true…" May tilted her head and frowned as she turned that idea over in her head.

"Are you going with anyone?" Leaf asked, tossing away her finished cup of coffee in the trash a few feet away.

"Not yet." May's frown deepened. "I don't want to go alone, not that there's anything wrong with that," she added hastily, not wanting to offend Leaf. She shrugged. "I don't have anyone to go with though."

There was only a month left until the wedding, and Misty was wrapping up the preparations. The dresses had to be decided on that day, and the color scheme finalized. Music, decorations, and site had been chosen already, as well as the guest list and additional people to be hired. The only thing left unchecked was the cake.

"No one at all?" Leaf raised an eyebrow.

"I guess there's this one person that's an option," May mumbled, self-consciously poking two fingers at each other. "Although we haven't seen each other in years up until a month ago."

"You sound as if you like him," Leaf teased. "You're blushing."

"I-I am not!" May protested. Her face felt hot. "I don't like that arrogant jerk, even if he'd changed in the time we didn't meet up! I stopped liking him after he told me we'd keep in touch, even though he never did! I spent years wondering what happened to him, and looked at the roses he gave me all the time! I got over him though, I know I did. I mean, I met him at the beach where we first met, and I guess he was a lot nicer and had gotten a little more attractive, but I don't like Drew!"

She stopped, breathing hard. Leaf smirked slightly at her, twirling a long strand of brown hair between her fingers.

"I think you've got your answer," the long-haired brunette told her cheerfully.

"May! Leaf! Come over here and tell Lily that this dress looks stupid!" Misty screamed from the other side of the boutique.

The two brunettes looked at each other and mouthed, yikes, before hurriedly scrambling towards their friend.


May yawned. She had taken the ferry back to Hoenn, and was regretting it as the time she arrived in her home region was nine pm, when it was already dark. If she'd taken a plane, she would have reached Hoenn five hours earlier.

She sighed. At least Misty was paying for the tickets.

Stomach growling, May headed for the nearest open restaurant. It had a fairly casual atmosphere, yet the decor was modern and brightly lit. The aroma of freshly made Italian food made May even hungrier, and she pushed open the door eagerly.

"Welcome to Delizioso!" a middle-aged woman greeted cheerfully as the bell rang once the door opened. It rang twice. "For how many?"

May opened her mouth to respond, but someone interrupted. "Two," a male voice answered for her. "Thank you."

"Right this way." The woman extended a hand in the direction of candlelit tables and picked up a couple of menus before walking towards the indicated area.

"E-excuse me?" May spluttered, turning around to face the man who had taken control of her situation. "Who do you think you are, butting in like that? Who-"

Her voice died in her throat as she stared at Drew. He smiled back at her, making no movement to flick his hair or do any other arrogant mannerism. His outfit consisted of a light gray jacket over jeans, with a dark blue scarf wrapped around his neck. He looked amazing, and May self-consciously smoothed her wrinkled jeans and straightened her red cardigan. She was too aware of her disheveled hair and the fact that she probably smelled strangely like salt after being on deck for hours.

"Well? She's waiting." Drew took her hand, guiding the shell-shocked brunette towards their designated table.

"Would you like anything to drink?" their waitress asked with a pleasant smile as she placed the menus upright in front of them.

"Water is fine for me, thanks," Drew replied, picking up his menu and scanning its contents.

"W-water for me too, please," May added, still surprised at Drew's sudden appearance and decision to eat with her. Her face turned red as she realized that the waitress might think she and Drew were on a date.

The waitress nodded and went to bring them their drinks.

"Um." May stared at her menu, not sure what to say. Unable to relax, she stared at the menu without seeing.

"How have you been lately, May?" Drew tilted the menu down to make eye contact. His emerald irises had a teasing glint in them.

"Y-you did that on purpose!" May declared.

"Did what?" Drew laughed at her expression. "My god. Your face is as red as your shirt." May's face turned a deeper shade of scarlet.

"Why are you here?" she demanded. Drew shrugged in response.

"I saw you at the docks." Drew picked up his menu again, not looking at her as he spoke. "I just wanted to talk. Why the hostility? I figured this would be a nice way to get to know each other again."

"Why you-!"

"Here are your drinks." The waitress returned with a pitcher of ice water and poured it into their glasses. "Do you want to start with any appetizers?"

"What do you think of bruschetta, May?" Drew asked her.

"Bruschetta sounds fine," May muttered.

The waitress nodded and left them alone. For a late dinner hour, there were several people dining in Delizioso. May hoped that meant the food was good.

Drew struck up a conversation, and May was eased into relaxing by his friendly tone and interesting topics. He had changed, May realized. Drew was kinder, funnier, more real than the pretense of arrogance he'd had over ten years ago. She found herself laughing genuinely at his jokes and dramatic stories, and sharing her adventures over the years they'd been apart. The atmosphere around them became more relaxed, friendlier, even as he started gently teasing her. May appreciated the person Drew had become. They ordered their main courses easily, and shared a slice of tiramisu for dessert.

Once they finished, May insisted on paying, unwilling to owe Drew. He protested, and they decided to split the bill. They left the restaurant, content.

May told Drew she was staying in a nearby Pokemon Center overnight before heading back home, and was pleasantly surprised when Drew said he was doing the same. They walked around the town aimlessly, conversing for the next few hours.

"Whoa, it's really late." Drew looked down at his Poketch. "We should probably go back to the Pokemon Center. I have to go early tomorrow."

"Oh, so do I." May was shocked at how disappointed she felt that their time together had come to an end. "Alright, let's head back."

They walked in silence as the Pokemon Center came closer and closer. He held the door for her as she entered. She smiled back at his chivalrous action. They headed up the stairs to the second floor, where May was staying. Drew's room was on the fourth floor.

"I guess this is goodbye," Drew remarked as they reached May's floor.

"I guess it is." May shifted nervously.

"Good night, May." Drew smiled at her again. "Oh, I have something for you. Remember this?" He pulled a beautiful red rose from behind his back and handed it to her.

A rush of giddy joy swelled in May as she accepted it and inhaled its aroma. "Thank you." He turned to leave, but something compelled May to chase after him. "Wait, Drew!" Drew looked back at in her, waiting for her to speak. "U-uh. Will you be my date to Misty's wedding?" she blurted out.

A look of surprise crossed Drew's face, and May cursed herself for ruining a perfect night. Then she was the one to be astonished at Drew's reply.

"Sure, May. I'd love to be."


Uh, there you have it. It's longer than the other chapter at least haha. Drew was so OOC, I'm sorry! I wanted to show he was older and more mature, and that's why he was so appealing to May, and… Idk. -is shot- Hopefully it's not too much of a stretch and it still works.

Next chapter is the wedding! Idk what it'll be titled yet, but I think it's going to be the last chapter. Thanks for reading!