"So you're dating Dawn now?" Mom asked Ash as he was sitting in front of her, like a puppy. He nodded,"Yes."

"Why?" Mom asked again and signalled me to keep quiet. As if I could even muster a word after she was giving me those 'stay out of it look.'

Ash shifted so he was facing Mom and I watched as he spoke,''Because.. I.. I like her.."

"That's it?"

"More or less," Ash admitted.

"Just love isn't enough you know," Mom said, exhaling deeply,"Feelings do change. What will you do then? Then above everything else, she is Dawn? Are you really sure you want to date someone like her?" I am not sure if I should take it as an insult or just ignore it.

"I've no idea, honestly," he said, scratching his neck as he hid a grin,"But I know we will make the right decision when time comes. And yeah, I want to date this Dawn." He was pointing at me, this time grinning widely.

"Why am I getting the feeling that both of you are treating me as if I am retarded or something?'' I had to ask. Seriously, why am I being insulted? I saw the look on both of their faces and knew they were just joking with me. Mom ruffled my hair and then turned to Ash again, this time with a more serious look.

"I respect your feelings," Mom said and looked at me,"And yours too Dawn but.. Both of you know right, I work for your mother, Ash. So anything you do, will effect my relationship with your mother."

"We will try not to cause more trouble," Ash said again, bowing his head,"And I promise I will cherish your daughter. So can I please date her?"

"I didn't say I was against dating," Mom laughed and placed a hand on his head, taking him by surprise,"I just don't want to see Dawn or you hurt. Relationship will test your limits, put you at your edge, either knowingly or unknowingly. Some people break and some move on from it. Will you both be okay? Because I don't think I can see Dawn passing out again like that."

"We will try to," Ash said,"I can't say anything for sure now. We don't know anything about love or dating but we will learn. I know it will be hard sometimes but I'm ready to accept it despite everything. And well, Dawn has poor health, I can't guarantee that."

"Hey!" I pouted,"Why are you ganging up with Mom and teasing me like that?" There they go again.

Mom laughed and slowly patted my head,"You remind me of your Dad so much. Well then, I hope both of you don't regret anything."

"I promise I won't," Ash said, holding my hand,"What about you?"

"Me too."

"Okay then," Mom smiled again and we let go of our hands, quite embarrassed. Mom started again,"But I've some rules you must keep in mind. These applies to you too Dawn."

"Yes!"

"You both won't neglect your studies," Mom stated sternly,"Being mushy-mushy is okay but don't let it spoil your education. Understood?"

We both nodded,"Yes."

"No sneaking out or going anywhere without informing your parents. Being in love is great but telling lies to be with each other is not," Mom stated again and we nodded again,"Okay."

"Since both of you are together now, make sure not to do things impulsively. Having grandchild will be great but I would prefer if you both wait before doing anything," she said,"It is the first time for both of you so I'm sure you both are curious but, maintain limits. Okay?"

I could feel my entire body heating up at what she was implying and I hissed,"Mom, that's going way too far into the future." I can't even look at Ash in the eye now!

"Understood." I turned to see Ash who said that. He was blushing too and his lips were quivering. Mom!

"Haha," she laughed,"And don't forget you've social life and friends too. Don't neglect your friends just because you've someone else now."

"Yes," we said in symphony,"Thank you."

"Well I'm stepping out for buying some supplies. Ash, stay over for dinner," Mom said as she grabbed her bag and left,"And whatever you do, make sure to support each other."

Mom left and Ash sat on the bed, taking deep breaths and I couldn't help but giggle,"How do you feel now, Ash?"

"I feel like I was giving marriage interview," he took a deep breath again and turned to face me,"So, how did I do?"

"You were honest," I said, taking a seat near him,"Thank you."

"You should seriously stop with all the formalities," he said, laughing as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear,"Dee-Dee."

"How did you know?" I jumped,"How did you know that nickname?"

"I heard once while you were in my house. Johanna called you so," he grinned again,"Anyways, what do we do until your Mom returns?"

"Wanna watch a movie?" I asked him,"Though I have all lovey-dovey types."

"Anything but that!" He groaned,"Please."

"Now I really want to watch a romantic one!"

"No!" He groaned again,"Please."

"Fine.."

At the end, we ended up watching a movie where the male protagonist who worked as a tour guide ended up helping a female tourist to search for her lost engagement ring and eventually they fell in love. Somewhere during the middle of the story, I saw Mom returning with a big bag as she began preparing dinner.

We abandoned the movie midway and went to my room, to get some privacy and though we both were feeling awkward at first, we quickly adapted and ended up talking for a long while.

.

When I woke up next morning, I tried to look extra cute. I tied my hair in a pony tail and decided to set the bangs free. I put a little lip gloss on my lips and powdered my cheeks a little.

"You woke up quite early, didn't you?" Mom asked me as I sat down for breakfast.

"Yeah."

"And you spend almost an hour to get ready," she said, wiggling her eyebrows,"Ahem."

"Mom!" I said, blushing,"I feel like doing it once in a while."

"Yeah, yeah," she smirked again,"I understand why now all of a sudden."

"Mom!"

"Anyways, I'm off to work. See you at night," she said as she loosened her apron.

"Oh, Mom?" I stopped her,"You said Ash carried me that day. Well, did I really yell that loudly?"

"You looked horrible when I found you. I have no idea why you yelled or anything but yeah, that was loud," she laughed,"You got strong voice."

"Oh God!" I could feel the embarrassment coming,"My mind was a mess. I was having a hard time and couldn't speak and when I finally could say anything, it came out as a shout."

"Haha," Mom laughed again,"It is okay now. I gotta leave or I'll be late! Good bye!"

"Bye!"

.

There are really some advantages when you date someone who know well. When Ash and I were alone last night, before we went down to have dinner, we didn't run out of things to talk about. We were just like we used to be and things rarely got awkward, like when I unintentionally put my hand above his. Both of us had gone silent for a while then jumped and joked about it.

Even when he left, I could feel my heart beating a little faster than usual and my stomach was feeling all giddy inside. It was as if someone was tickling me at all the right places. I wonder if its what they call being in love and feeling butterflies.

I received a text from him when he reached home.

Ash: I'm home.

Dawn: That's good :D

Ash: I really miss you.

Dawn: We just parted. ;)

Ash: I still miss you.

Dawn: That made me blush. ^.^

Ash: I sound so cheesy and lovestruck.

Dawn: Yes, you do. :)

Ash: Wanna go to school together tomorrow?

Dawn: Sure. What about Red and Leaf?

Ash: I'll ditch them. Lets leave earlier than usual.

Dawn: Sounds good. See you near the bus stop at 8. ;) Don't make me wait.

Ash: Yeah. Are you sleepy?

Dawn: A little. What about you?

Ash: Nah. I am not.

Dawn: Can I call you? :/ Please?

Ash: Wait. I am calling.

I saw the text and smiled. I quickly sent an okay and kept staring at my phone like it was some precious antique piece, wanting to be admired. With every passing second, I felt my heartbeat rising in anticipation and my heart getting more impatient. It wasn't long before I received a call from him and hastily picked it up.

"Hello?"

I smiled on hearing his voice and replied,"Yup, hey."

"Before I forget, let me ask you. Why do you keep adding those emoticons with each text you send?"

I giggled on hearing that and asked,"Is it bad?"

"No," he said, sounding cheerful,"Looks like a thing you would do."

"I like those emoticons," I replied as I laid on my bed,"It feels like adding expression and emotions to blank texts."

"That's true," he replied,"So..."

We kept chatting for a long while and to be honest, we would had kept going if he hadn't fallen asleep.

"Hello?" I asked and got no reply,"Are you there Ash?"

No one answered and all I heard was a light snore. I guess he had fallen asleep. I rolled my eyes,"You stupid. You said you were not sleepy at all and then you're the first one to sleep. Well, goodnight."

I was half expecting to hear a reply from his end but there was none. I really wanted to disconnect the phone but it felt like he was right there, by my side, snoring away soundly.

"Goodnight Ash," I whispered to the phone,"I love you." Then I disconnected the call, feeling embarrassed.

.

I knew Ash told me we would head earlier than usual but I was excited as well as nervous. Who wouldn't be? I never dated anyone my entire life! Should I hug him as soon as he arrives or should I just go ahead and hold his hand? Wait a second, would doing that be labeled as clingy?

Would he stay silent even if he dislikes my clinging attitude would he say something?

I checked my watch. 7.55 AM. What the hell was wrong with me? I couldn't just calm down. My eyes were wandering in every direction, hoping that the next person to pass by would be him.

"Yo." I heard a voice and felt someone hitting the back of my head lightly. I didn't have to turn to know it was Ash.

"You should say good morning instead of hitting me," I said, turning at him with a grin.

"Someone is happy to see me," he said and inhaled deeply,"Whats with this getup?"

"Do I look weird?" I twirled then realized he wasn't talking about my school uniform. "Ah! I'll get rid of the makeup."

"You're fine," he caught my hand, grinning,"I was just messing with you."

"You're awful," I pouted.

"So, lets get going?" He grinned and began walking. I caught up to him, still sulking,"I am still mad you know."

"Ahem. Are you talking to me?" He said and grinned again.

I just want to wipe that stupid smirk off his handsome face.

.

"Leaf!" I hugged the girl as soon as I reached school,"Good morning."

"Someone is cheerful today," Leaf said and patted my head,"Everything good?"

"Best," I said, grinning ear to ear.

"Hey guys- whoa! Congo Dawn!" May tackled me into a hug,"I am so happy for ya!"

"Thanks May," I said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Where is Gary and Drew?" May asked as she kept her bag on the desk,"Where is Ash?"

"No idea," Leaf shook her head,"So tell me, did Ash and you come to school together today? When I woke up, he was already gone."

I felt embarrassed on hearing that. "Yeah."

"He is such a smooth player," May giggled,"So what did you do?"

"Ehh?"

"She means what did you two do as a couple?" Leaf wiggled her eyebrows.

"We just talked and for a minute held hands," I admitted.

"That's it?" May pouted.

"First of all, its been just a day since we started dating and secondly, we were walking, on a public road. Stop your perverted ideas," I said, shaking my head.

"Yeah, yeah, party pooper," Leaf teased.

"Now the only one who has to man up, I mean speak up is you Leaf," I said and May highfived me on hearing that. Leaf, who was red on hearing that, crossed her arms over her chest,"Really? I can do it anytime."

"Do what anytime?" Drew asked as he entered the room with Ash and Gary. On seeing Gary, Leaf's confident smile was replaced with embarrassment as she sat down.

"Actually, Leaf had something to tell you, Gary," May spoke, taking all of us by surprise. Smooth May, clever!

"No!" Leaf heated up even more if it was even possible,"I.. I.."

"Okay," Gary shrugged,"Lets walk home alone today then."

All of us were silent, our eyes switching between Gary and Leaf. Both of them were looking nervous and excited.

"Okay..." Leaf slowly muttered.

"Okay class, settle down," Tracey walked in and put our attendance sheet on the table. Then he dropped an explosive on us by saying. "Everyone, we have a transfer student. Red, come in."

I almost forgot Red was supposed to be in our class. I stole a glance at Ash, who was staring outside the window with a frown on his face. I couldn't blame him. And I couldn't help but roll my eyes on hearing hushed whispers about him. Is this how everyone reacted when I moved here too?

"I am Red," Red introduced himself,"I transfered due to personal reasons and hope that I make good friends here. Thank you."

"Okay Red," Tracey pointed at the seat beside Serena,"Serena, stand up. Red, go and take the seat beside Serena."

Red walked over to Serena but gave me a wink. Surprised at that, I kept staring with my mouth agape as he settled down and passed me a grin. That stupid idiotic moron!

"Stop staring at him." I heard Ash say to me in a low voice.

"I wasn't. He winked at me and I was surprised," I whispered back. That didn't wipe the frown on his face. Even though he was sulking, he looked adorable. Until he whispered again,"Stop staring at me!"

Stupid Red.

Stupid Ash.

Stupid me.

.

During break, Ash was busy with his club activities while I was sitting in our classroom, enjoying with May and Leaf. Until I felt an ominous presence behind me.

I turned slowly and sweatdropped on seeing Serena standing there, with an angry look on her face and I could clearly guess why. She was pissed. Beyond pissed.

May and Leaf were staring at her too but didn't say anything. I slowly waved,"Hey Serena.."

"What?" She narrowed her eyebrows and looked at me with menacing eyes,"What's this rumour floating around?"

"Ehh?"

"That you're dating Ash now?"

I gulped. My boyfriend's ex girlfriend was asking me something and I had lost my voice and all vocabulary. I slowly mustered to say,"Y-yeah."

"Is it really true?" She narrowed her eyes again.

"Yes," my voice was more stable now.

"Oh man... What's this," she groaned and sat down in front of me,"Why you? Why not me?"

I wasn't sure how to answer that. Should I sympathize with her? Or should I be more confident? A part of me wanted to hit her and the sane part of me wanted to just ignore that comment.

"Serena," I muttered, my head spinning,"I am not sure about what I should say!"

"Fine," she said, shaking her head,"I wasn't expecting any sympathy or reality check either. So he finally made a decision huh?"

"Seems so."

"But... I won't give up you know," Serena got up and stretched,"I love him and even it makes me look bad, I will take any opportunity to make a move on him. So hold him tight or I will snatch him."

"I am not sure if you're threatening me or advising me," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Obviously I am threatening you, My love rival," she playfully stuck out her tongue at me,"There is no playing fair in a love game."

Serena walked back to her group and I looked back to see May and Leaf hiding their giggle. "What's so funny?"

"Your face," May let out a giggle,"You looked ridiculous."

"Yeah, yeah," I sat down,"Keep tormenting this innocent girl."

"Hahaha," Leaf laughed then waved at someone behind me,"Hey Red!"

"Hey Leafy, hello ladies," Red said in a flirtatious tone as he took a seat beside me.

"Hey," I half heatedly wished him. Where is Ash now!?

"Are you done with all the legal and paper works?" Leaf asked him and Red nodded.

"Sounds good," Leaf said and stretched her arms.

"Okay," I spoke up,"Tell me why did you run away after I fainted that day?"

Red stared at me then laughed. I could feel myself getting more angry on seeing his stupid smile.

"You were unconscious and I was beside you. Anyone would have gotten the wrong idea," Red laughed,"I am not so eager to be judged or be labelled as a pervert, you know."

"You're just a coward," May said, playfully hitting him. I rolled my eyes at his answer. He laughed again.

"Actually I was gone looking around for help. Before I arrived with a passerby, you were already in Ash's arms," he replied and I could feel my heart beating faster on hearing that.

"Serves you right dumbass," Leaf grinned,"So, how do you like the school?"

"Its good," Red replied then turned to me again,"Are you really dating Ash?"

"Yes."

He looked kind of hurt but maybe I was imagining things,"Have you really moved on? Our promise means nothing to you?"

"Stop this Red," Leaf said as she placed a hand on Red's shoulder,"You shouldn't prick the past."

"I was just asking," Red got up,"Because I thought maybe someone was waiting for me. All in vain."

I could not say anything to him. All I know is..

I love Ash.

.

*Normal POV*

Once the last bell rung, Leaf was almost thrown into Gary's arms by Dawn and May. Leaf was almost at the verge of exploding while Gary looked embarrassed as he helped her to straighten up.

"May, Dawn," Leaf waved them goodbye, feeling lost,"I am doomed."

"Do your best," Dawn said and gave her a thumbs up. May did the same.

"Playing matchmaker?" Ash asked, placing his right arm around his girlfriend's shoulder. Dawn leaned into his touch, saying,"That's giving the girl a push. She and Gary would stay still, waiting for the wind. I just gave them a little push."

"That's playing matchmaker only," he said, grinning.

Outside, Leaf was fumbling with her bag pack strap, feeling out of place. Gary, who was silently walking beside her, wasn't doing any better

"So?" Leaf began,"How's life?"

Gary gave her a weird look,"Is that the best greeting you could muster?"

"Excuse me?" She walked with hands crossed over her chest,"I started a conversation atleast."

"I am so not moved," the brunette grinned,"What did you want to talk about?"

"Ummm," there was this choking feeling again. She knew her feelings would be reciprocated but still talking about it made her feel constricted.

"Leaf?"

"Doesn't Ash and Dawn make a cute couple?" Leaf asked, feeling embarrassed to say anything else.

"Yeah. Ash finally got his childhood love," Gary said with a grin,"I hope Red and Serena gets someone too."

"And me?" She whispered.

"What?" Gary stopped walking,"Say it louder. I didn't hear it."

"Nothing," Leaf shook her head,"Its nothing."

"Leaf.. You look conflicted," Gary cupped her cheek,"Are you okay?"

Leaf could feel her heartbeat. It was pumping so wildly and fiercely that she was afraid he would be able to hear it too.

"I am conflicted!"

He was taken aback by her serious tone. "What happened?"

"It's you!" Leaf could feel her eyes getting misty,"Its you I don't understand. You care for me so much, make me feel so loved but still flirt with other girls. Why Gary?"

"Leaf..."

She was finally letting all her emotions come out and now it wasn't going to stop. "You're a big puzzle to me Gary. Every time I come closer to decipher you, you add a new part to you. I tried to move on, because I can never be that girl who can keep you happy still I couldn't move on. Why Gary? Why do I keep loving you even after it hurts so much?"

"I am sorry," he hugged her,"I am sorry."

"You're not," she finally weeped. She wanted to push him away but at the same time didn't want to let go of his warmth.

"I was a big flirt before I met you Leaf. I still am. The problem isn't in you, its in me because I have those ugly sides which I don't want any one to see."

"Let me see them," Leaf cried harder,"I love you so damn much that it hurts!"

"You will be hurt," Gary spoke,"And you will leave if you see my ugly wounds, Leaf. I don't want to lose you, even if it means that our feelings aren't reciprocated."

"Gary!" She gripped his shirt tighter,"You're pushing me away unknowingly! If you won't let me in, show me your scars, how would I stay?"

"Leaf..."

"We don't have to open up straight away Gary," She finally looked into his eyes,"I want to get to know every part of you. I want to show you my weakness and make you believe I love you. I want you and me to be us. I want to build everything bit by bit, little by little."

"I..." Gary wiped the tears off her face and placed her forehead above hers,"Be my girlfriend."

"You won't look at other girls, right?"

"I will try," he shared and they laughed.

"You will not run away, right?"

"Only in races."

"You will not leave after seeing my ugly sides, right?"

"Never."

"I will be your only girlfriend right?"

"Of course."

"You love me, right?"

Gary smiled and kissed her forehead,"Yes."

.

.

No. I am not dead. And yes, I am really sorry for updating after two months.

The thing is, I started a new pearlshipping story since this story had only a couple of chapters left, I was just lazing around. This chapter isn't that long but I really didn't want to add anything extra to make it over dramatic.

And that aside, it means that the next chapter is going to be the last one.

*weeps silently*

~ darkestlightofhope signing off!