Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or the places here. All I own is the idea of the story for this fanfiction. :))

A/N: So! Here I am again. Long time no update. I'm really really sorry. I have lots and lots of things to do that I can't even fit some sleep in my schedule. But now that I got a chance to at least write, I grabbed it and so here it is, the new chapter. Yay!

This chapter's all about Red and Yellow's preparation to go to the ball. I guess it's already obvious what the pairing is. ;)

So, anyway, even though I update super late, you guys still read my fic and give me reviews. Thank you so much for that, guys! :")

Again, sorry for anything that is wrong here, grammar and all.

I hope you enjoy!

Date for the Night

IV. Red's Way

"Red!" Yellow exclaimed as she saw her date standing at her doorstep.

Red was in the middle of wiping his forehead with his coat sleeves and taking off his goggles that has a close resemblance to what Gold always wears on his head when Yellow opened the door; one of his hands holding the goggles, the other one brushing his hair. As a result of trying to fix it, his hair got even more unruly and cute in some way.

Yellow just stood there, mouth ajar.

There wasn't really anything that is so shocking about Red. I mean, there's really nothing at all. It was just Red who looks so attractive at the moment in his suit; white polo which is loosely fitted to him with the top most buttons still undone plus his coat still unbuttoned. He isn't even wearing his tie. His hair a bit messy and sticking to all directions. It somehow looked like the wind had fun playing with his hair. It made it kind of even more attractive than to destroy his look.

"Um," Red looked down at himself while running a hand to his bangs; he notices nothing wrong. "Is something the matter with how I look, Yellow?"

"No. No, it's nothing. It's just… maybe I'm still in a daze about all this," Yellow said before heaving a sigh then giving a huge, awkward smile.

"In a daze, as in a bit dreamy? What do you mean? Why is that so?" Red asked, completely puzzled.

Yellow slightly scrunched up her face, her mind battling with itself if to continue this conversation or just let it pass. Their talk wouldn't get them anywhere so she just shook her head and opens the door wider and steps out of the way and said, "Why don't you go inside first? You know, relax for a bit. It's still early and the place where the ball will be held is not really far from here. It's just a ten to fifteen minute walk actually."

"Really?" Red asked as he turned to look around. That's when he first notices the place where the ball would be held being a bit too near to his date's house. A grand looking building stood not far from where they were standing, its attractive lights on. It looks some kind of a cross between a hotel and a millionaire's mansion.

"That's the place?"

"Well, yeah," Yellow said stepping out to also look at the building "it's written in the invitation. Haven't read it?"

"I've read it. I just didn't know it's this close from your house."

"Oh…" Yellow muttered thinking a bit before continuing "Red? Isn't that the place where they held most of your awarding and other ceremonies when you won the Indigo Leauge? I… I was actually there," Yellow said lost in her memories of those days when Red was still just a famous person oblivious of her existence. Now he's not only her friend but also her date for this ball.

"Well, yeah, you're right. I guess I'm just out of myself because of thinking too much about this ball so it would be nice and perfect for you." Red answered nonchalantly. This silenced Yellow; she didn't know how to reply.

Silence followed.

"I think I'm not really paying much attention at all," Red said as he shrugged his shoulder. He then looked at Yellow to say something but quickly forgot it when he saw her figure finally under the light.

Under the moonlight, Yellow seems to be glowing. She looks so pretty in her simple beige colored ball gown which she got just the day before from a boutique near their place right after her 'date' with Red. The 'date' was really only a discussion about the ball. But it was clear that the two were so distracted they can't even remember what they really talked about.

Yellow's long blonde hair is down from her usual ponytail. The sides were pinned and curled up. The curled part flowed and combined greatly with her long flowing hair that it made a very pleasant look. Small gems hides the pins and glittered making her hair shimmer. She has a simple make-up but it suits her perfectly that her face lit up with simple elegance and radiance.

"Red?" Yellow waved a hand in front of him and Red blinked a few times before finally responding.

"Oh, sorry. It's just that you look so…" it took him a few seconds to think of the right adjective before continuing "beautiful… no, I guess you look so gorgeous tonight I almost forgot that I always mistook you for a boy for a very long time."

Yellow was flustered. She only managed to utter an almost inaudible 'thanks'.

A very awkward silence followed.

"So," Red started "what were you telling me again?"

"I'm asking if you want to come inside."

"Oh, yeah, sure," Red answered in a bit of daze.

Yellow turned her back at him and started for the door. Red spoke again saying, "Are there anyone home?"

"Just some pokemons who'll look after the house. Why do you ask?" Yellow answered looking back.

"Nothing," Red quickly said then grabbed her shoulder and turned her to look at him. He stared at her from head to foot then back again before saying, "If you don't mind, I need your advice about this decision that I made which concerns you."

"I don't think I follow you, Red. Could you repeat it?" Yellow answered; her body stiff from Red's grip.

"Just come with me." Red took her wrist and led her to the side of their house.

There she saw a really cool looking big black motorcycle. The bike looks so amazing especially under the moonlight. But in Yellow's head, something isn't right about this so she didn't react yet.

"So, what do you say?" Red asked her with an expecting look like of a child, his hand still wrapped around her wrist.

"Well… it looks so cool and…." Yellow bit her lower lip. She doesn't know what to really say about this.

"And it's out of place," Red continued as he released Yellow's wrist and walked to touch the motorcycle.

Yellow opened her mouth to speak but quickly closed it again because she has absolutely no idea what to say to comfort him. She may not be good at these things they call as dates and fancy parties but she surely knows that a motorcycle is a no-no when it comes to choice of transportation. How can a girl wearing a ball gown, petticoat and all plus the hair and make-up, ride a motorcycle? She couldn't even imagine wearing the helmet. Maybe the goggles will do; but how about her hair?

The train of thoughts of Yellow was broken when Red spoke, his voice a bit sad and really guilty, "I'm sorry…" not to mention a little too soft to be heard.

"Red…" Yellow took a step forward and tried to reach for Red's arm but he recoiled so she just quickly took her hand back and bent down her head. "What is it you're apologizing for?"

"This… this mess. I'm really sorry Yellow," Red said, throwing his arms up.

"Why –"

"I'm so naïve I didn't realize it. The moment I saw how… how elegant and fancy you look tonight, I quickly thought, 'How can a girl wearing those," she pointed her clothes with her arm then her hair "and that hair arrangement rides a motorcycle?' I'm so stupid." Red looked down to hide his anger.

"Don't you ever say that!" Yellow shouted.

Red quickly looked up at her, bewildered.

Realizing she just yelled at her friend, she quickly covered her mouth. But then, she placed them down and raised her chin. "You heard me right; don't ever call yourself stupid or anything that will degrade you. You are not stupid."

"But, I'm bringing a girl to a ball and I've brought a –"

"Then let's just think of something else. Maybe you're better with an impulse decision rather than having it thinking it through," Yellow said with a smile.

Red scratched the back of his head. He threw his head back and just looked at the moon and the stars. He was so tall that only his chin was visible to Yellow. When he lowered his head down, he was smiling.

"Yeah, I think I'm just a bit too naïve or I just really am out of myself. Or maybe I just want to ride a motorcycle. You know, so I would look cool and a little bit of a modern knight in shining armor." Red snorted a laugh to himself. Yellow can't help but smile.

"So," Yellow said clapping her gloved hands "what now?"

There was silence.

"Actually…" Red said slowly and walked a few steps, his back at Yellow "I have no idea." He looked back at her and gave her a huge, innocent smile.

"Wow," Yellow said as her shoulders fell in disappointment "Great. We're actually the same."

Red chuckled and scratched the back of his head. Yellow continued, "So, why not just stick to what I have thought and let's just have a nice stroll under the stars. We could have a good chat on the way, I guess."

"Yeah… maybe we don't have any choice now. I'm really sorry that I had screwed this up."

"No, it's alright. I'm absolutely just fine with this. The evening's pretty nice and the sky is mesmerizing. They could compensate with it." She smiled at him and started to walk for the door. "I'll just get some of my things and then I'll be all set. Don't you want to come inside and have some tea, Red?"

"I'm just fine. Thank you for the offer."

"Okay. I'll be right back."

Yellow looked back again at Red before going inside. He didn't see her looking back because he seems to be in deep thought so Yellow just shrugged it off and ran back inside to make some last touches and grab her purse.

Yellow's heart was pounding hard when she reached her room. She collapsed on a chair and heaved out a great sigh.

After a moment of rest and contemplation, she looked at a nearby mirror. Her face is flushed but a big smile is plastered on it. She's so happy! Well, who wouldn't be if your long time crush asks you out on maybe one of the most glamorous events you'll ever attend?

She made some retouches on her face and hair before walking out of her room and went rushing back outside.

When she came back, Red still seems to be in deep thought. He was mumbling to himself. He didn't even look at her when she stepped behind as she called his name.

"Red?" Yellow whispered as if afraid to wake up a little boy in deep slumber. Red jerked up and turned to look at her. His face relaxed and he gave her a smile.

"So, let's go?" Yellow asked him again when he just stared at her but as if not seeing her at all. She took a step forward but Red grabbed her hand and she stopped dead on her track. Her heart was pounding so hard in surprise that she was afraid Red could already hear it.

"Yellow…" Red spoke her name so softly that it sent a chill down her spine. She inhaled before looking at him with a nervous smile.

He was smiling brightly. "I've got an idea."

He pulled her aside and took a pokeball out of his pocket. Before he released the pokeball, he looked back at Yellow and said, "I really don't know why I even brought this pokemon along. But now I think it all became clear to me."

He immediately turned his face back in front but Yellow could swear she saw him blushing. His cheeks were so red even under the night sky!

Red cleared his throat and continued. "This is a little cheesy and all but I can't think of any more ideas. And besides, you really look like a princess tonight, Yellow."

Before Yellow could even answer anything, Red threw the ball into the air and released the pokemon inside.

It was a Rapidash. Its blazing fire gave a soft light that lit the spot where it was standing.

Yellow can't help but get amazed by its beauty that she run towards it and gently touched its mane. Rapidash lowered its head in obedience. Yellow squealed in delight and hugged it.

"It's so beautiful, Red!" Yellow exclaimed, still brushing its fiery mane. Its warmth making her feel warm and cozy.

"I'm glad you liked it," Red said as he walked towards the pokemon and also touched its mane.

"So," Red started, "I think we should get going now, don't you think?"

Without a word, he grabbed Yellow's arm and the next thing she knew, she was on his arms.

"Hey, Red, what are you doing?" Yellow said, her face burning with embarrassment.

"Helping you up," Red answered with a smile. Before she could even react, Red lifted her up and sat her at the back of the pokemon. She hugged it tightly. It is only then that she noticed that the pokemon was already wearing a rein.

Red then helped himself up and sat comfortably behind her, grabbing the reins.

"Oh, so this is what you really planned?" Yellow asked, not knowing where to place her hands.

"What?" Red turned to look at her head.

Yellow didn't look up when she answered, "This. You said you wanted to be somewhat my 'knight in shining armor' that's why you took Rapidash so we could act like some characters right out of a fairytale. This is very sweet, though," Yellow said while a smile was starting to creep onto her face

"What? No!" Red exclaimed with a laugh.

Yellow looked up in confusion. They were sitting so near to one another that when Yellow lifted her face to look at him, she accidentally brushed her nose to his. She was so shocked that her body froze.

But instead of getting flustered, Red just smiled at her while pulling his face a little away to give their faces some space apart. He smiled and said, "Like I told you, I don't even know why I brought this pokemon. I really planned on riding that bike, not this Rapidash. I'll just look silly and childish with this. But what choice do I have more, right?" He laughed again as he closed his eyes in delight and amusement.

"But… but it's already wearing a rein!"

"Oh that? Well, I've put it on him a long time ago so that when I want a ride around a small area, I could call it and ride my way. It's very convenient and useful at times, like now." Red gave a big innocent grin.

"Oh… okay. I-If that's what you say." Yellow looked away, still embarrassed.

There was a moment of silence. Nobody's moving. Even the forest seems to have stopped breathing.

"Yellow…"

"Yes?" This time she didn't look up. She just moved her face a fraction towards his direction to show him he has her attention.

"You're right, huh."

Yellow surreptitiously lifted her eyes, but not her face, to look at him. He was looking up at the sky. She couldn't see his face but she could feel that he was really mesmerized by what he's seeing.

"The stars really do look beautiful tonight."

Yellow smiled. She's so happy. They have this little moment of peace, of just being with each other. She, too, looked up and stared at the lovely view of the clear, cloudless sky. The stars were really dazzling.

"But you know, Yellow?"

"Hmmm?"

Red looked down at her. They were so closed to each other now. The stars were reflected on Yellow's big bright eyes. Red smiled to himself as he took in how beautiful she is. She smiled back.

Yellow's heart was hammering hard in her chest. But she doesn't care. She knows it's not about being nervous. It was more like what she was waiting for a long time has finally arrived – this is excitement.

"O all, you are the most beautiful that I've seen tonight, even more beautiful than the night and the stars. And it's true, Yellow, it's all true."

Yellow's eyes widened in surprise. Is this really Red talking? Yellow thought to herself, Is he possessed? When did he learn to say these things?

Red saw the confusion in her eyes. He chuckled lightly. "Surprised, eh?"

"Oh, I… it's just… I just can't believe it's you who's talking. Maybe Gold would, but you… I just can't –" She was cut off by Red as he planted his lips on her forehead. It stayed there for only a couple of seconds but Yellow felt like the world had already somersaulted on that short span of time. She could feel her face burning.

When Red pulled away, he smiled at her and said, "Let's go?"

Yellow wanted to say something. But then she thought about it and then dropped the idea. She just closed her mouth and gave him the warmest smile she could muster. She doesn't care if he sees her blushing or anything. She just wants him to see how happy she is. She gave him a nod and looked in front.

Red ushered Rapidash to start moving. The pokemon started to trot and then they're on their way.

Yellow noticed that they were moving slowly. But before she could ask, Red already started explaining about it.

"Let's travel slowly so we could appreciate the beauty of the forest and we could also talk to each other. It's just like we are walking but at least we won't get tired and you don't have to walk with those heels."

"Thank you, Red."

"You're welcome."

They talked and talked about anything they could think of; Pokemons, their friends, the other guests, the ball and even their old adventures together. Just plain anything that comes into their minds.

As Yellow listened to Red and sometimes lifting her eyes to him, she noticed that Red talks to her as if he didn't just kissed her on the forehead or said those words to her. She smiled to herself. Maybe he didn't think what he did was that big of a deal, that what he did was just normal for two best friends. Well, whatever it is to him, it is a very different story for her and somehow, it's just ok with her since… well, since its Red she's talking about. He's different in a lot of ways.

What a naïve guy.

Not so far where the two were riding, somewhere on a smooth road, Gold, in his coat and neon yellow tie, was peddling a bicycle.

Lyra is sitting behind him, her dress and hair flowing with the wind. She's staring at the sky with a smile on her face.

"Gold…" Lyra whispered softly, her head resting on Gold's back.

Gold halted and turned to look at her.

Without looking up, Lyra muttered, "This is wonderful."

Thank you for reading! :D

So how was it? Review please, but no flames. Thank you. :))

A/N: The next stories would somehow be like this one. Snippets about the other characters' preparations. But I don't think they'll also be this long or if I could write about them all. You see, even though I've wrote about them, it's a bit hard to write just about them. Maybe if you'd give me some suggestions or anything, I could think about them and maybe, if I'll get inspired, write and insert them. You know, about the other pairings.

The only written story in my mind now were about, as what was in the preview, GoldxLyra and my other favorite, the Sinnoh Trio, DiaxPlatinaxPearl. If you want to suggest for the other pairings, feel free. But I can't promise that I could insert them. But I'll try. :)

So, thank you again for reading and see you next chapter!