A/N: The song later on I used is called Fall for you by Secondhand Serenade please listen to it. I do NOT own the song or the lyrics. Just making that clear. I just thought that the song kind of suits May and Drew.
Chapter 10- Second round
Drew's POV
I waited close to the stage door for May to come out from the bathroom with Solidad. She had gone to change and had requested Solidad to help her. I tapped my foot impatiently. It hadn't taken me this long to change, but then again, I had only needed to change my t-shirt from a white one, to a dark red t-shirt. Solidad came giggling to Harley and me, where we were waiting. Ash, Brock and Max had gone back when the announcement was made that the contest would start soon.
"What are you giggling like that for Solidad," I asked, suspiciously.
"Just wait until you see May," she giggled again, "close your eyes Drew."
"Do I have to," I groaned, "I know what she's wearing, it's not a surprise." She nodded and I closed them. Anything to get them to hurry up.
"Come on May," she called.
"This is weird Solidad," I heard her complain.
"You're not backing out on me now," Solidad growled. I heard her stomp away. Soon the footsteps came back.
"Wow," exclaimed Harley, "Solidad you sure do know how to pick it."
"Stay here," Solidad said, presumably to May.
"Alright Drew, open your eyes and prepare to be amazed," she giggled. I opened them and blinked a couple of times, adjusting to the light. My jaw dropped and my breath stopped short when May finally came into focus. She was wearing what I'd picked for her, Solidad's birthday present. She wore a bright red, short sleeved top that stopped just above her belly button. It had silver glitter in swirling patterns, forming a large heart. The edges of her sleeves, waist line and neckline were trimmed with silver silk. The skirt matched in a similar fashion. The waist line was red, with swirling silver designs and the rest of the silky skirt flowed down in a darker red to halfway down to just above her ankles. She wore the slight red strappy heels with glittering, silvery, fake diamonds set into the buckle around her ankle. She wore Harley's charm bracelet on her right wrist. She also wore the jewellery I gave her, the ring on her middle finger on her left hand, the earrings bumped gently against her the side of her head and the necklace rested comfortably around her neck. She still only wore silver eye shadow and a bit of mascara. Her hair had been brushed out again and it shone beautifully. The rose I gave her before had been tucked neatly behind her ear. To finish her look, a silver tiara rested on her head. She blinked and looked up at me and I remembered that I still needed to breathe. I closed my mouth and composed myself. That was twice she'd taken my breath away in the same day.
"What do you think?" Solidad asked, giggling as she nudged me.
"Wow," I breathed, "You look amazing."
"Thank Drew," May blushed, looking away slightly, "do you really think I can do this?"
"Of course you can," I assured, "we practised this a million times. You'll be fine."
"Besides," added Harley as I jumped almost forgetting he had been beside me, "I think they'll be too captivated by your looks to notice if you mess up." I shot him a dark look.
"Next up, your favourite pair," yelled Lillian, "Drew and May." I took her hand in mine and squeezing it reassuringly before I led her onstage. I bowed and she curtsied as the crowd screamed. I heard a few wolf whistles of appreciation heading in May's direction. I felt somewhat comforted that May was my partner.
"For this round," Lillian continued, "we've had a special request for no one to be talking, so if you don't mind, please keep the screams held in until after." I took my Pokéball out.
"Absol, let's go!" I yelled.
"Glaceon, take the stage," May called. Our Pokémon popped out. I gestured to Lillian on the side of the stage. The roof closed over, covering the stage in darkness. I got into my position on the other side of the stage. Three lights flickered on. One on me and my Pokémon, one on May and her Pokémon and a large one in the middle of the stage. I nodded slightly again. The music started to play.
The best thing about tonight's that we're not fighting
Could it be that we have been this way before?
I called for Absol to use water pulse at the same time May called for Ice beam. They collided in the middle.
I know you don't think that I am trying
I know you're wearing thin down to the core
The two moves formed a massive solid ice block where the centre light was. Our Pokémon ran to it at our gestures.
But hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
My cue and I started dancing slowly towards the middle, the light following me as I moved
Over again
Don't make me change my mind
I called to Absol to use Iron tail. It scratched a chunk off the ice
Or I won't live to see another day
I swear it's true
May's cue. I stopped in my position as May started dancing closer to the middle.
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
You're impossible to find
She called to Glaceon to use shadow ball. Another section of ice broke off.
This is not what I intended
I always swore to you I'd never fall apart
I moved again, calling to Absol to use razor wind. Another piece of ice broke away.
You always thought that I was stronger
I may have failed
May moved again, calling out to Glaceon. More ice broke away.
But I have loved you from the start.
We met up in the middle and our hands meeting and our fingers entwined.
But hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night that I fall for you
Over again
We danced together, calling to our Pokémon to use another attack. The ice was chipped at again.
Don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day
I swear it's true
I swung her out and we called another attack. Again the ice was chipped at.
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
It's impossible
I spun her back into my chest and put my arms around her as the lyrics kept going
So breathe in so deep
Breathe me in
I'm yours to keep
I called another attack over her head
And hold onto you words
Cuz talk is cheap
She called an attack as I released her from me body. We had a rough outline of the shape we wanted.
And remember me tonight
When you're asleep
I called for a softer attack.
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again
We danced some more as she called out a softer attack
Don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day
Again we both called an attack each. We were getting there.
I swear it's true
Because a girl you is impossible to find
I led her, starting to dance around the sculpture together, as another two attacks were called.
Tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again
Another attack. So close. Don't mess up now.
Don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day
We were down to the fine details, soon we would be finished.
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
I spun her out away from me, holding one hand as we called our last attack
You're impossible to find
I spun her back to me and dipped her as the attacks and lyrics finished. I looked to the side slightly. I sighed, we had done it. The sculpture in the middle was an ice form of the exact same position we were in right now, me dipping May down, looking into her eyes as she stared back. The last note rang out, everything freezing in place. Then a cheer erupted from the crowd. I grinned at May. She smiled back. We were centimetres from our lips touching, but I couldn't bring myself to close the gap. I swung her back upright as the roof opened again. I looked to see everyone had stood up from their chairs.
"Wow!" exclaimed Lillian, when the crowd finally died down, "that was an impressive display. Let's skip straight to the judges."
"I thought that the song choice was very appropriate," the first said, "That was quite a presentation you've given. Well done."
"That's so romantic," squealed the second judge, being a female. I blushed.
"I agree, quite the romantic piece to show off," the second female agreed.
"I would say that you have done an amazing job of blowing me away with the coordination bond that you two have formed," the last judge complimented, "The whole point of the doubles contest was to form a teamwork between coordinators while still being able show off skill. You two have set an excellent example to all the others. I especially liked the creative way you chose to show off the moves of both Pokémon. Good job."
"And now let's see the score, it's bound to be high," Lillian said. The numbers started scrolling across the screen. It finally stopped with a beep and my eyes widened.
"One hundred points!" exclaimed Lillian, "A perfect score! These two have just outdone their last performance and gotten a full score. There is no doubt that these two are the ones to beat and-." The rest of her voice was drowned out by the screaming of the audience. The next thing I knew, May's arms were around my body and she was squealing loudly. I put my arms around her, liking what was happening. May was so happy and so I shared her excitement.
May's POV
When we finally came back off the stage, we were instantly surrounded. We had been the last performers, due to us being first on the list. The battling part of the contest would start tomorrow. Too many people were crowding us. I tried to hold onto Drew's hand tighter, but we were slowly being pulled apart. As my hand was ripped from his, I was pushed around, hands trying to grab me and turn me to face them. Questions were yelled at me. Drew's fan girls' nails came at me, trying to tear at my outfit. They scratched at my arms and I held my hands over my face in defence. The rose in my hair fell and it was suddenly dived on. I spotted the bathroom door. I dashed to it and shut the door, crushing someone's hand in the process. I winced as I heard a cry of pain and the hand withdrew. I fiddled with the lock. The push on the door was strong and it wouldn't be long before I was knocked back. I twisted the lock and slid the bolt across the door. I sighed as I sat against the door. That was a too crazy for my likings. Luckily the bathroom was empty. I grimaced, seeing scratch marks on my arm. Drew was still out there somewhere. I felt sorry for him. I stood up and looked at myself in the mirror. My hair was a bit ruffled, but all my jewellery was still there. Somehow, my outfit hadn't been ruined. My clothes hadn't been ripped despite tugs at the fragile material. I heard the banging stop on the door. I quietly unlocked it and opened it a crack. Everyone had turned away from me and was looking at someone who was yelling. I took this as my chance and slipped out. I crept along the edge. Suddenly someone grabbed my arm. My cry was muffled when someone shoved their hand over my mouth.
"Watch your back princess," a rough grating voice whispered in my ear. Something was pressed into my hand and I was released. I turned to see who it was, but there was no-one there. I looked up, over the crowd and spotted Harley's tall figure at the edge near the door. His hands were waving in the air. I put the thing in my bag and made a dash towards him. He saw me coming. When I got to the door, he ran out, pulling me by my wrist. I cried as I stumbled, my ankles twisting painfully as I tripped in my heels. Harley yanked me up and lifted me into his arms. Couldn't help but notice how his arms weren't nearly as warm or soft as Drew's. Drew!
"Where's Drew?" I asked frantically trying to look back.
"Running for his life from crazy jealous boys," Harley answered in a hiss.
"Where are we going?" I questioned.
"Back to your room, where the others should be," he replied. I nodded and decided it was best not to say anything else. We came into my room. Drew looked up from pacing the room.
"May!" he sighed in relief, "You're here. I was worried." Harley put me down on my bed. I winced as my ankle moved. Brock came towards me.
"Where did those come from?" he asked, gesturing to my arms.
"Drew's crazy fan girls wanting to rip me to pieces," I replied.
The door opened and Solidad swept in, quickly closing it behind her. She locked the door and then turned to us.
"Are you alright Solidad?" Harley asked.
"Stupid crazy obsessive fans," she muttered under her breath.
"What happened?" I asked.
"I held them off for as long as I could," she panted, "to give you some time to escape."
"Thanks." Harley had wrapped his arms around her waist. I sighed. I took my earrings out and replaced them with my normal ones again. I unclipped my necklace and put it on the bed side table, along with the ring, the tiara and Harley's bracelet. We were congratulated on our perfect score and then we all went about doing our own thing. I carefully opened my bag, making sure no-one else could see. I hadn't been in danger so far and I didn't want to worry them. Sitting on top, was a black rose. I closed it and quickly zipped it up. No one needed to see that. Even I knew what a black rose meant; death.
"Hey May," Drew said turning to me, "where's the rose I gave you?" He looked almost disappointed.
"Destroyed by obsessive fan girls trying to get a piece of something from Drew," I sighed.
"Oh." I swung my legs out of bed, feeling a bit better, but as soon as I touched the ground, I yelped in pain, bringing my legs back up.
"What's wrong?" Drew asked, quickly coming over and standing beside me.
"My ankle," I moaned, "I twisted it when I was running in these stupid heels." Drew bent down and gently slipped my shoes off.
"Which one?" he asked. I pointed at my left foot. His hands gently caressed the skin around the affected area.
"It's definitely swollen," he sighed, "and you'll need to stay off it for a while. Anything you need?" His eyes locked on mine. A kiss I was tempted to say. When he had dipped me down at the end of our performance, I really had wanted him to move forwards those last few centimetres, but he didn't. Drew moved closer, like he had read my thoughts and brushed some stray hair away from my face. He leaned slightly over me. I could feel my eyes starting to close, and then my stomach growled. My face flushed bright red as he quickly moved away. I was aware of what we had just been about to do.
"How about some food?" I sighed.
"Sure," he said. He moved into the kitchen and I groaned loudly. Max, who had been focusing on Solidad's story like the other boys, turned to me.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing, just tired," I lied. He nodded and turned back.
Drew's POV
Stupid! I thought, stupid. I slammed the pot of water noisily on the stove in agitation. I had been so close to kissing her. That was the fourth time today I had been tempted, only this time I knew I would've gone through with it if her stomach hadn't growled. May and I were getting dangerously close. Every minute I spend with her, was another minute I would spend, digging my emotions deeper. They were bound to come out soon if I couldn't learn to control myself. I chucked the spaghetti in the hot water and took a pan, setting it on another burner. It had been so easy to control my emotions when I had kept my distance. I tipped a packet of mincemeat into the pan, listening to it sizzle. I stirred it around, breaking it up into smaller pieces. It had been a bad idea to ask May to be my partner. It let me get too close to her. Not that I didn't mind it, it was just so hard to control myself. The meat had cooked through so I tipped in the tomato paste and the vegetables. I knew May hadn't had her first kiss yet. I'd overheard her talking about it to Ash. She wanted it to be special. With someone who she really loved. I just couldn't do it. I thread my hands in my hair, tugging at it in exasperation. I think I was starting to go insane. I finished cooking and turned the stove off. I drained the spaghetti and forked some into two bowls. I then scooped bolognaise over the top. Finally I grated some cheese over it and grabbed two forks.
"Food's in the kitchen if anyone's hungry," I called. Ash, Harley and Solidad jumped up and headed in the kitchen.
"We've already eaten," explained Brock shaking his head, "but those two haven't and Ash is always hungry." I handed May a bowl and fork. She smiled gratefully. I finished first and had nothing else to do but watch her. She licked her delicate pink lips after each mouthful. My eyes were drawn to them constantly. I turned away. She didn't even realize how crazy she was making me.
"Drew, I'm done," she said. I took her bowl from her, but she grabbed my arm, forcing me to stay sitting.
"Are you ok?" she asked, "You're acting funny." I gulped.
"I guess I'm just tired," I lied, "I think we should get an early night." She nodded. I headed into the kitchen and took a deep breath. It's alright, I told myself, you're overreacting because of her outfit and how close you were to her. By tomorrow you'll be fine, I assured myself. Yeah, that was it. I placed the dirty dishes on the sink. When I came back in, I saw that May had limped into the bathroom to get changed. She came back out, wearing her PJ's and my hoodie. My eyes widened. She saw me.
"You don't mind do you?" she questioned, shyly, "It's so comfy."
"No, I don't mind at all," I said quickly. I hurried into the bathroom after her, scooping up my sleeping clothes on the way. I changed slowly and deliberately, taking my time so I could calm down. I took another deep breath, opened the door and quickly flew into my bed. I buried my face in my pillow. I kicked the quilts over my body and pretended to go to sleep.
"What's wrong with Drew?" I heard May ask.
"I dunno, maybe he's stressed or something," Solidad replied.
"I hope he feels better tomorrow," she sighed.