A/N: Sorry this took so long to finish. This is the second chapter to Under the Moonlight. If you haven't read it, I suggest you do as it will explain some things.
Prelude to the Unexpected
By SalvaR
Ch. 2
"Ahh, I can't believe we're a couple. This is so exciting." May jumped on Ash, who sat next to her, and hugged him so tight he couldn't breathe.
"We won't be if you crush me to death." He was only joking of course.
"I can't help it. I'm just so happy." She loosened her grip only slightly, but still kept her arms locked around his neck.
The two trainers were relaxing by the lake with their bare feet in the cold water. Their Pokemon were out-and-about either playing in the water or resting under a shady tree. Having gone through a roller-coaster of emotions the night before, it was nice having some peaceful time alone together.
Something kept nagging Ash, though. He didn't want to say anything considering it was only a day had passed, but she called them a couple. It couldn't have been a better time. "Are we going to tell the others?"
She was quiet for a few seconds. He wondered what she was thinking about. Finally, she raised her head and spoke, "We will. But for now," she rested her chin on his shoulder before continuing, "It'll be our little secret." She finished by giving him a small peck on the cheek.
She unhooked her arms and reached for his ungloved hands. Once he felt it, he gave it a small squeeze and lowered his head on top of hers.
The two lovebirds continued their private time, for another half hour or so, before calling back their Pokemon and heading back to their campsite.
"Where to now?" Ash asked. Our young trainers found themselves at a fork in the road.
"I don't care as long as we get something to eat." May wailed from the back.
Max whipped out his trusty PokeNav and checked each option.
He looked to the west first. "Hmm, this road leads to the Indigo Plateau."
"Isn't that where the Grand Festival is being held, May?" Brock asked.
Her ears instantly perked up. The mention of the Grand Festival revitalized her spirits.
"What are we waiting for?! Let's go!" She took off running in that direction without warning, leaving the others to chase after her.
The Pokemon Center was filled with eager coordinators. Those who managed to win all five ribbons were now able to enter the Kanto Grand Festival.
"Hello and welcome to the Pokemon Center." The always cheerful Nurse Joy greeted them as they entered the Pokemon Center. As usual, Brock tried and failed hitting on Nurse Joy.
"Let me show you to your rooms." She led them through the crowded halls of the Pokemon Center to where the rooms were located. "These are your rooms. Once you're settled in I can give you more information about the contest."
The trainers talked amongst themselves trying to decide who sleeps where.
Ash looked over at May and saw her giving him a look he didn't understand. She nudged her head forward as if trying to tell him something. He raised his shoulders in complete confusion. He quickly narrowed the possibilities of what she might be telling him. He thought about it and it finally came to him. She wanted to be alone with him. It all made sense to him now.
He cleared his throat, capturing the attention of the others. "I don't really care who I share it with." Even before the words left his mouth, he knew it was the wrong thing to say. He looked over at May and his assumptions were correct. She hung her head and proceeded to shake it from side to side.
Luckily for Ash, Max saved him. "Well, I'm not bunking with May. I can't spend another night listening to her snoring."
"What do you think, May?" Brock asked her. All three of them waited for her response. "I, I don't mind sharing with Ash." Her answer was surprisingly shy. This timid side of May caught Ash off guard. After all, she was the one who made the first move.
"Okay. Let's take some time to unpack and we'll meet up in the lobby. Sound like a plan?" Brock instructed the rest of the group.
They all nodded their heads in agreement before entering their respective rooms; Brock and Max to the left, Ash and May directly across the hall from them.
Pikachu jumped off its trainer's shoulders and stopped at the door.
"Pika, pika-chu." The little mouse said to both trainers, telling them to go inside.
"I guess we should go inside." Ash suggested causing her to giggle quietly.
May strolled in and sat down on one of the two beds that filled the compact room. Ash leaned back against the door after closing it. Another silence fell upon them and again it was Pikachu who had to break the tension.
Getting behind Ash's legs, the yellow mouse attempted to push him forward. "Pikaa-" it strained, urging its trainer forward. May could only laugh. The tension was definitely reduced.
Ash wandered towards her and took a seat next to her. She was acting different and he wanted to know why.
"Is everything alright, May?"
She tilted her head sideways onto his shoulder and exhaled loudly. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"Earlier you were so full of energy, running all the way here. Now it feels like your mind's elsewhere. Are you nervous about the contest?"
"That's part of it, but I just have a lot going on right now. It's a bit overwhelming." Her head never left his body.
He searched for her hand, entwining his fingers with hers.
"You are going to do great. As for everything else," he twisted his head to face her, "I promise to make things easier." She automatically smiled. Her smile was something he always admired.
"Thank you, Ash." She embraced him in a loving hug and kissed him tenderly.
"Mmm, you're getting better at this." She whispered.
His face grew increasingly warmer. "I'm only doing what feels right."
"And it's working." She kissed him again.
A knock interrupted their session followed by a booming voice.
"Hey, are you guys ready?" Brock asked through the door.
Ash looked to May for an answer.
"You go ahead. I'll be out in a minute."
Nodding his head, he stood up and headed for the door.
"Come on Pikachu. We'll wait in the lobby."
Pikachu had fallen asleep on the bed across from them.
"Pikaaa." Pikachu yawned and jumped off the bed.
He took one last look at May before walking out. Her smiled had reappeared for good.
Upon reaching the lobby, Ash noticed that it was practically empty. Except for Brock and Max, who were sitting on a bench by the wall, only a few trainers roamed the halls.
"Finally. We've been waiting forever. Where's May?" Max said as he approached them. Pikachu climbed up to his lap, curling up into a ball before closing its eyes.
"She'll be out in a bit. You know, pre-contest jitters." He tried to sound believable as possible.
He took the empty space at the far end and exhaled loudly.
"She's been acting weird lately, hasn't she?" asked Brock.
"Yeah, even more than usual if you ask me." Max added.
Ash plopped his hands on his knees and reiterated, "Like I said, it's the contest."
He was afraid they knew of their relationship.
"Are you sure? Ever since she walked off yesterday she's changed." Brock continued.
"I..I don't see it." His voice stuttered as he tried to avoid saying something that revealed their secret.
Max petted Pikachu as it napped. "I grew up with her and she never acted this way."
Brock nodded his head understandably.
Ash was getting uncomfortable with all the questions. He looked around and spotted May coming towards them.
"Will you guys relax? Look, here she comes."
Any sign of trouble wasn't present. Her cheery self had returned.
"Hey, what's up?" She sat next to her brother and scratched Pikachu's ear.
They all stared at her like she was crazy.
"May, are you all right?" Brock asked.
"Never better, why?"
Brock stood up in front of them and crossed his arms.
"No reason."
They all went silent.
Ash was the first to speak. "Come on guys, what do we have planned for today?"
"We have to sign up for the contest first." May jumped to her feet, seemingly ready to take on the competition.
"I'm starving." Max slumped into his spot, making sure Pikachu didn't fall off. "Can't we get something to eat?"
"We will as soon as I'm registered." May said as she headed for the exit.
The Grand Festival was only days away. No doubt the competition would be stiff, but May didn't plan on losing. With the support of friends (and boyfriend) and those watching her from Hoenn, she would give it her all to make them proud.