Seven

"BROCK, you just have to wear this tonight!" May squealed excitedly, shoving a black blazer in my face that I didn't even knew I owned.

"No, it's too formal, May! Brockasaur, will you promise me you'll wear this tonight, pretty please!" Dawn demanded, giving me a puppy face that could win over any unsuspecting guy. She fluttered a green plaid flannel shirt in my face till I swatted it away in annoyance.

"Guys, seriously, I don't need your help. I'm twenty, I think I can dress myself by now."

The twosome rolled their eyes dramatically at me, but still continued to raid my pathetic excuse for a closet. Misty, who had been leaning nonchalantly in the doorway, sensed my distress and shooed the girls away.

"Hey guys, chill. I'm sure Brock appreciates it, but I think he can handle picking out an outfit by himself."

Dawn and May pouted but, nevertheless, exited the room to my relief. I raised my eyebrows at her and golf clapped her accomplishment as she bowed gracefully.

"Thanks, Mist. I owe ya one."

She just smiled carelessly.

"Yeah, I know."

I peeked into my closet with uncertainty and bit my lip. Wow, I so did not know what I was going to wear. I actually began to wander if maybe I did need Dawn and May's help when Misty hastily pushed me aside and began rummaging through the rack of clothes.

"I knew you'd need some help." Misty said plainly with a grin.

"You're still the same old Brock who'd wear a vest and hiking boots to a pool party." I blushed, remembering Max's tenth birthday party at a luxurious pool that I had accidentally worn boots and a vest too. Ah, the sweet embarrassment that comes with unexperienced adolescence. Misty pulled out a white v-neck and the black blazer May had picked out.

"Try this."

I took off my shirt and slipped on the v-neck and blazer before returning to the full body mirror in the closet door. It looked...good, actually. It was definitely me.

"Hm, your shorts look dorky with the rest of your clothes. Here," she threw me some jeans, "get these on. It'll look much better."

Misty ducked out of the room while I changed and popped back in when I said I was done. The jeans were dark, and slightly fitted, but were baggy enough for my liking.

"Since it's a beach party, you should roll up your jeans once or twice when you get there, otherwise, you can wear those raggedly old converse of yours."

I grinned at her as I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

"Thanks, Misty. I appreciate it."

Misty just rolled her eyes and smiled before strolling out of the room.

"Have fun tonight, Brock."


I arrived at Ava's house at 7:45, excited, but also nervous. Heaven knows what could happen tonight. Then, as I approached her door, something occurred to me. This was something like a date. Whoa. My nervousness evolved into a ballet of butterflies that danced throughout my stomach as I knocked on the door and heard a thunder of footsteps down the stairs.

What opened the door was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen in my life.

Ava beamed as she twirled around in a sky blue dress and a grey and white striped boyfriend cardigan. Her eyes glittered with excitement as she asked, "How do I look?"

"Beautiful." I breathed as I gazed like an imbecile at her in awe.

She giggled and blushed.

"Oh, why thank you, Brock. You look rather dashing yourself."

Dashing, I thought humorously. Only she would say that.

"Thanks, shall we head off?"

She grinned.

"Absolutely!" We linked arms as she lead the way to Horsea Beach that was just a block away. Curiously, I looked at her feet again to find them bare and shoe-less.

"No shoes?"

"Nope! Never! Just not for me!" She sang with a giggle. I laughed too as we strode down the boardwalk to our destination.

"So how's your Grumpig?" I asked.

She rolled her eyes and sighed in exasperation. "Fine, but very, well, grumpy. He's always griping about something."

I chuckled and nodded. "Yes, they are very grouchy, but they make up for it in loyalty, don't they?"

"Oh yeah, most definitely. I trust him with my life; we've known each other since we were little. What about you? What was your first Pokemon?"

"Mine was an Onix. He's a great friend." I smiled fondly and ruffled my hair.

"Whoa, an Onix? That's incredible! They're huge! Wasn't it hard, you know, training him?"

"A bit. In the beginning he was very stubborn and thick-sculled," she laughed at the irony which made me grin, "but once I got through to him, he's a very powerful friend to have."

We were both quiet for awhile as we walked until I noticed an orange light in the distance about the size of my thumbnail that flickered feverishly as people threw things into it. Ava squealed and grabbed my hand as we sprinted towards the beach. Her face was radiant in the crescent moonlight as she grinned a huge, toothy grin.

"Oh my goodness, it's all so, stunning!" She murmured at the sight of the navy blue sea and the horizon painted with a mixture of black and twinkling stars. When we neared the bonfire and the sound of music lilted to our ears, we slowed down and took in the sight: about twenty or so people who hung around the fire, talking, eating, dancing, laughing, some people cooking food over the flames, and a girl who manned the turntables a little ways off. She seemed extremely immersed in what she was doing or listening to because Ava startled her when she hugged her from behind.

"Alright, Wes, I am gonna- Ava!" The girl had lilac hair pulled up in two buns and long sweeping bangs, amber eyes, and a brightly coloured mix-matched outfit. She laughed and picked Ava up, swinging her around. Ava laughed hysterically and hugged her friend for dear life.

"Alyssa! It is sooo good to see you! You look HOT!"

"Oh Avey, you look so friggin' gorgeous. Like ho-ly crap!"

I waited awkwardly for them while they giggled incomprehensible compliments until Ava introduced Alyssa and I. Alyssa gave me a great smile and a firm handshake before steering an unsuspecting Ava behind her audio equipment. I inched towards them and caught the last bit of their conversation.

"Avey, he is absolutely sexy! I mean, seriously! You guys going out, cause, trust me, you should! I can sense a strong cosmic connection-"

"Alyssa, shut up. Not here! My God."

I glimsped a punch from Ava before she stormed over to me and linked our arms and leading us to the group of people. "Stupid, stupid, stupid." she muttered under her breath.

My heart sank a little in dissapointment. I had hoped that Ava had agreed with what Alyssa had said.