Author's Note: This chapter was so tough to write (or type) ... I almost X_X ...nevertheless, I hope you all will enjoy it because I took a week to write this just for all of you! It is a full Ikarishipping chapter! (I am sorry for the Contestshippers for this chapter) They will be back in action next chapter! I recommend reading this chapter though because I thought it was one of the most significant chapter for the Ikarishipping's story. And cause I really really try really hard to not make Paul OOC which was so so soooo hard. I hope I did not screw up!
IMPORTANT NOTE: My angels, OblivionWings had given me a wonderful suggestion and how I could improve my Chapter 13 - Warmest Embrace. I edited it a bit. There was a slight change to Drew and May's conversation at the ending part but I did not change the very last part. I am sorry for the editing. Please forgive me. And please give me your opinion if this editing had make the chapter better or not! I did appreciate that so much.
Lola xp: So glad u like it so much! Ikarishipping is here! I am not sure if you like this shipping but do give this chapter a try! Thank you so much for your amazing review and love you for dedicating your time for this story!
OblivionWings: Thanks for your review and suggestion! I am not sure the newer version will sit well with you or the rest of my angels but I tried my best. Thanks for the love and helping me!
Lilyy: Hehe. Nope, it is not the end of the fanfic! There are a feeeewww more chapters! Here you go with your interest - Paul and Dawn are up next in this chapter! Thank you for giving me an encouraging review! Please continue to give your support for this story. Love you!
Sterlingstarz: I know you reviewed my chapter 12 but still, I would like to thank you for giving me this lovely review! Thank you so much and please continue showing your love for this story! Really loved having your support!
P.S Look out for magic in this story! ;)
P.S.S It is THAT type of love, my reviewers! *Ahem* Not...not something weird! Not THAT type of love! Ok, I sound even more suspicious now. I will shuddup.
My Secret Rose
Chapter 14 - Wishes Brought To You!
"A Heart Is Made Of Wishes And Love Makes Those Wishes Come True" - Unknown
"I made some dinner (don't worry…it was kind of pre-made) and stock up the grocery before I left. Heat the dinner up and it will be delicious!"
Paul pressed the button to end the house phone message. It was the only message Dawn left behind. He was about to get up and go to the kitchen when a new message came beeping in. He reached for it, almost too eagerly, hoping that…
This is the Winter Festival Contest's organizer, Vivian. I would like to extend my most sincere invitation to Dawn Berlitz, our favorite top coordinator alongside Drew Hayden. Please give us a reply soon! Please note that you will also be most welcome to join the contest alongside with hundreds more coordinators! We look forward to your presence!
"Tsk, what presence…" Paul scowled at the phone and deleted the message. He slumped against his sofa and stared at the television screen blankly. It was not switched on but it does not matter. His heart was not in it. Drew had called him earlier on and told him to take a short break from work. But Paul knew that the longer he stay at home alone, facing these walls and furniture, the more he will think of the midnight hair coordinator.
Every single piece of furniture reminded him of her. And their memories together. Annoyance stabbed. It was over. They were over. He walked over to the kitchen island and stared at the ring he had placed there earlier on.
The diamonds caught the lights of the kitchen spotlight and glittered. He wrapped his hand around it and walked to the rubbish chute. However, something caught his eyes on his way.
It was a gold plate engraved with his and Dawn's names in italics. There was a key lying beside it. It was the key to his surprise for Dawn a few years ago. A ballet studio.
Slowly, he reached forward to grab it and swapped it in place with the ring. Staring at it for a moments, he surveyed his surroundings.
He could make a trip down the lane of memories or trapped himself into the current painful situation. Grimacing at both of the unappealing choices, he made do with the former and stuffed his feet into a pair of branded leather boots.
Paul unlocked the door to a white color building that spanned half the perimeter on the land. Inserting the key into the lock, Paul clicked the door opened. A dusty smell greeted his nose. It had been ages since they had come here. Probably because it brought up bad memories from them.
He stared at the mirrors surrounding him. It was a very typical ballet studio and it had been his surprise for her during their first year anniversary. It was something very shocking for Dawn – and for his friends – because he was hardly someone who expressed romantic gestures. He smiled absentmindedly as memories of that day came surfacing back.
"Wow!"
The midnight blue hair gasped as Paul loosened the handkerchief he had tied around her eyes. "Is it a…?" She looked at him, eyes wide and fringed with excitement.
"Go ahead and see," Paul said in his usual monotone voice. Dawn giggled like a blushing schoolgirl would and Paul suppressed the urge to kiss her. Hard on the lips.
She unlocked the door and flung it opened, revealing a wide spacious ballet studio. Dawn widened her eyes and stared at Paul incredulously.
"What?" He raised an eyebrow at her, confuse as to why she was acting like that.
"Oh…My…" Dawn trailed off and she glanced up at Paul, eyes shining with unshed tears.
"Wait…why are you crying?" Paul looked taken aback. What the hell did he do? "Oi…oi…I don't know how to manage you if you cry…"
Dawn broke into a breathtaking smile that momentarily stunned Paul. Then she laughed. Her voice was like a soft melody that soothed Paul every time he heard it. "I am just so happy…thank you so much," she closed her eyes as tears started slipping down. "Thank you… I always thought...you did not love me as much as I did because you seem to…not be as into me like knowing my interests and stuffs. Thank you for noticing that… I am so into dancing."
"Tsk… it is kind of obvious that you love dancing with a passion. I love watching you dance," Paul said and he looked away, feeling self-conscious. Only Dawn could make him feel that way. The midnight hair girl laughed bubbly.
"I love you," her soft voice resonated in his ears, spreading a warm glow into him from his very fingertips to his very core.
"I love you too," Paul said, looking away.
Dawn smiled and beaming, she twirled toward the center of the room with such a grace that would break all the hearts of the ballerinas – or it might just be Paul being bias.
"Shall we dance?" She grinned and extended a hand to him.
Paul scowled. "I don't dance."
But the midnight hair girl pretended not to hear that and pulled him along with her. "Hmmm… Is there music?"
"I have installed a control room at the back," Paul replied.
Squealing with joy, the midnight hair girl dashed to the said room to the amusement of the obsidian orbs' owner.
And as they started their first dance…Paul thought he was the luckiest guy in the world.
I might never be your knight in shining armor
I might never be the one you take home to mother
And I might never be the one who brings you flowers
But I can be the one, be the one tonight
"I love you. More than you ever know," Paul said quietly, surprising the midnight blue hair beauty.
She was silent for a moment, as though as absorbing his words. Then, tilting her head, she mumbled, "I want to know more then," and she leaned in for a kiss that will seal their fate together for eternity.
Paul stared into space as the ghost of their memories haunted him. He walked out of the building and stood at the edge of the land. He could see mountains from afar. He planned for the building to be somewhere private after all. Other than a ballet studio, there was a small cottage attached to the back of it. Sighing, he was about to retrieve his car as twilight fell over the sky when something shining caught his eyes as it was coming closer from the direction of the mountain.
He paused, eyes sweeping the horizon to inspect what he saw.
He could hardly believe his eyes.
On its head it has a large, yellow structure with three points extending outward: one from the top and one on either side. It has short, stubby legs and comparatively longer arms.
It was a…Jirachi.
The usual calm and composed Paul blinked hard, losing his composure as excitement surged into him. It is a mythical Pokemon and was extremely rare to be seen.
He flipped opened his Pokenav.
Jirachi, the Wish Pokémon. Reputed to have the power to grant wishes, Jirachi only awakens for seven days every thousand years.
Paul widened his eyes in shock as it drifted almost cautiously in front of him.
They stared at each other for a long while and as Paul was about to react, an Eevee suddenly came out from nowhere. He stared at it. He had always found Eevee a weakling and a pokemon unworthy of his attention.
Hence, so disgusted when Dawn called her sister by the nickname "Eevee".
"Eeeveee!" The Eevee practically shrilled and Paul jumped. He stared at it and realized the hind leg was injured. He bent down, matching its eye level.
But… slowly, he learned from Dawn how to care for every single pokemon and how every single pokemon had its strength. It is just up to the trainer to place faith in it.
"Let's go to the Pokemon Center," Paul mumbled and surprisingly, the Eevee allowed him to scoop it up without much of a fuss.
But as he did, something strange happened.
Jirachi bobbed in front of him and used something like a skill…
Paul realized it was "Doom Desire".
He blinked. Never had he seen a Pokemon used it on a human but there was nothing happening and as he glanced down at Eevee, he realized Jirachi must had used it on Eevee. Anyway… he needed to get Eevee to the Pokemon Center.
But as he was about to leave, sparing another glance at Jirachi and still being amazed, Eevee shrilled again, louder and more urgent this time. Paul started. He glanced down at the small Pokemon. He would have been annoyed with this situation last time…but he had changed.
Dawn came into his mind.
It was like his entire system know that Dawn was the one who had changed him – for the better.
He shook his head and as he glanced up at Jirachi, he suddenly thought of a brilliant idea. Jirachi grant wishes! Does that mean he can see his sister?
"Jirachi?" He inhaled shakily.
The mythical Pokemon stared at him with wide innocent eyes.
"Can I make a wish?"
Said Pokemon blinked cutely and bobbed its head.
"I want to see my sister!" Paul said, his desire shining brightly. Almost immediately, Eevee sank her teeth into his skin and Paul winced. What was that for?
Jirachi stared at him for a moment before shaking its head sadly. "Ji ra chi…Jirachi Jirachi…" (I can only desire someone or something to be here if it exist…now. Not in the past…")
"Oh…"Paul trailed off then nodding, he smiled gratefully to the Pokemon – an act he would not even consider if he was his past self. "Thanks. Got to go quickly. Eevee needs help."
Giving the Jirachi one last look, he hurried with Eevee into his car and to the nearest Pokemon Center.
"Nurse Joy!" He ran in, reminding himself of Ash when he always rushed in when one of his Pokemon got injured. Tsk…when had he himself became such a softie?
A certain midnigth hair girl came popping in again but…
No time to think of it now, Paul scolded himself.
The pink hair Nurse was attending to a familiar couple and Paul realized why.
It was a brunette and a green head.
He raised an eyebrow. So they were finally together. Dawn matched make seem to work…He shook his head as the sound of her name stabbed him painfully.
"Paul," Drew said in surprise as Nurse Joy quickly instructed Chansey to prepare a room as Paul held a feverlish Eevee.
"It seem to have been infected with its leg's injury, thus the fever…" Drew said in concern.
"Congratulation on being together," Paul said as he watched Nurse Joy instructing Chansey with a new set of order with a sense of urgency.
The green head and the brunette blushed and Paul almost guffawed except that he was concerned with Eevee.
"Ah!" May blinked as she looked carefully at the Eevee.
"What is it?" Drew asked her. May watched, fixated with the Eevee, as the said Pokemon was passed to Nurse Joy and sent into a room hastily.
She glanced at Paul then back at her boyfriend. "Nothing…" she trailed off thoughtfully.
"Ah…Paul, I see you are still here. Is the Eevee your Pokemon?" Nurse Joy smiled warmly at the man sitting uncomfortably outside the room on a plastic chair.
Paul shifted, rousing from his sleep. His eyes darted to the clock. It was well past midnight. "No."
"Oh," Nurse Joy looked surprise. "You are certainly very nice," she commented. "Not many people would do that for a wild Pokemon."
"A girl would had wanted me to do this," Paul smiled then his smiled faded away. "How is Eevee?" He swiftly changed the subject.
"She is perfectly fine!" Nurse Joy beamed. "She can be discharged in the morning. In the meantime, do you want to visit her? You can sleep inside her ward for today."
Paul nodded and entered the ward. Eevee was lying on a metal table, sleeping soundly. Paul allowed a ghost of smile to surface on his face before he sat down on a sofa, watching Eevee carefully until sleep overcame him.
Paul opened his eyes and realized he was standing in the middle of a snowy town. He glanced around and noted that it was TwinLeaf Town. However before he could even comprehend if this was a dream or not, he was being pushed forward, almost by an invisible force, to the forest.
Half sprinting in, it was like he knew what was going to happen. Something unpleasant. Something ominous.
As he snapped off branches, he saw a midnight hair girl sprawled on the forest floor.
Paul widened his eyes. He could recognized her anywhere.
"Dawn?" He asked but there was no reply from the girl. Fear crawled into him. Was she…was she… he glanced at the small hill sloping downward steeply. She must had fell from there… as he approached, he saw blood stained on the leaves and Dawn's head…
"Shit!"
Paul startled awake. He was breathing harder than normal. Standing up, he glanced around wildly. What was that dream? It was so real. Suddenly, a dreaded feeling rushed over him. Shit, it was real! Or at least it was going to be real!
Dashing to the reception area, he caught Nurse Joy sleeping soundly. He booted on Nurse Joy's computer without permission anyway. He did not feel like waking up the pink hair nurse since she even looked tired in her sleep. Checking the duration from this city to TwinLeaf Town if he leave the very next morning, Paul hurriedly made a few calls and got his private jet ready for the next morning.
He decided to leave Eevee to Nurse Joy for a little while since he could not possibly bring the still-recovering Pokemon there. Scribbling a note to Nurse Joy along with his contact number, he departed with dread and urgency mixed in him.
Twinleaf Town was the definition of beautiful. Snow coated the trees in the forests, turning them a blinding white with their bare skeletons' hands stretching out to the sky, as though as reaching for the snow that slowly drifted down that winter evening. Mountains were covered in soft white as they looked protectively over the peaceful town where a certain midnight hair girl had emerged from the forest.
Dawn shook her head as snow slides down her hair. She smoothed her damp hair over as she stared at the town stretching in front of her.
She was back. She was back to her childhood place. A wave of nostalgia crashed into her and she relished in it, almost savoring it like the last piece of chocolate melting on her tongue.
"I miss my pink bike," Dawn said softly to herself as Piplup interrupted her.
"Pip pip lup?" (Are you okay?)
"Hmm?" Dawn looked down at her companion and realized that her vision was getting blurry. A lone tear slides down her cheeks before she swiped it away, along with the rest that had not fallen down.
"I am just too happy to be back!" Dawn smiled but it did not reach her eyes. Gathering a concern Piplup, she started making her way to the Pokemon Center.
Checking in quickly as not much trainers were around due to everyone returning home for Christmas, Dawn was able to regain signal on her Pokenav after a few days' trip. Immediately, her phone shrilled, reminding her of reality as calls after calls from her friends piled in. She set Piplup down and scrolled through the missed calls and messages.
Skype Call from LeafyLove: 10 times
Missed Calls from Leaf: 53 times
Voice message: 6 times
Message: 48 times
Missed Calls from May: 23 times
Voice message: 3 times
Messages: 48 times
Missed Calls from Misty: 39 times
Message: 50 times
Missed Calls from Ash: 15 times
Messages: 30 times
Missed Calls from Drew: 51 times
Messages: 8 times
Missed Calls from Gary: 10 times
Messages: 10 times
Her Pokenav had to switch itself on and off for a while before Dawn was able to slowly listen to the many messages. All were asking where she was and that they were worried and could she please call back and stop worrying them.
She held her Pokenav tightly. Even though she really appreciated her friends…the one person she wanted…she truly wanted… did not call or text her. Smiling sadly to herself, and chiding herself for being a fool, she left her Pokenav to charge and went to shower to end the long day.
The next morning dawned bright and clear as Dawn headed out of the Pokemon Center after a cheery good morning from Nurse Joy. She had donned herself in a pink winter coat with black elegant lace trimmed on the hem. She was glad that she had brought it with her because it was really cold despite the sun shining. Taking in a breath of crisp cold air, she started exploring her childhood place with Piplup in her arms.
She had not returned for ages. There was no need for it anyway because she had lost her reason to come back. All it ever do by coming back was ripping her wound opened again and sprinkling salt to it. However, Dawn had, in a moment of recklessness, decided to make her way back here after leaving Paul.
She wanted to let go.
She made her way around the town for a few hours, looking at her old house which was now occupied by an elderly couple who kindly invited her in after she explained to them that she was the previous owner's daughter. Nothing much had changed. The couple had only made the house more elderly-friendly and photos were replaced.
The town itself had not changed much either. Just a few shops here and there that Dawn could not recognized.
Late afternoon watched Dawn as she sat alone in a cozy bar, nursing a glass of whiskey. The bar was almost empty, saved for a few people here and there due to the timing.
"Dawn!"
Hearing a familiar voice calling her name, she startled and looked over her shoulder.
It was Kenny.
"Kenny!" Dawn exclaimed in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"What are you doing here?" Kenny asked the same question as they both laughed.
"Just…drinking," Dawn said lamely as she shrugged. She gestured to the empty seat beside her as Kenny gladly slides onto it.
"Where is Paul?" Kenny asked, oblivious and ignorant.
Dawn almost choked on her Whiskey and a fire-like sensation burned her throat. She coughed. Then, regaining composure, she inhaled sharply, braving her own answer.
"We broke up."
For a minute, Kenny was too stunned to speak. Then, rearranging his face in an apologetic expression, he said, "I am sorry."
Dawn thought that there was a hint of happiness, of hope but she quickly dismissed that thought. She watched as Kenny ordered his alcoholic beverage and swirled her own in her glass.
"Dawn?" Kenny started as he took a sip of his cider. "Are you going for that Winter Contest Festival?"
Dawn stalled. "N-no." She paused thoughtfully, churning the content in her glass. "I was actually invited to dance."
Kenny looked impressed. "Then, why are you not going?" He asked curiously.
Dawn shrugged. "I just don't feel like," she lied.
"Because of Paul?" Kenny asked.
Dawn's hand tightened on her glass. "No."
"Dawn…" Kenny said softly. "I heard all about it the night I met you again. Someone was talking about it in the ball, about why you are not dancing anymore…"
Dawn widened her eyes before a slash of anger lashed out on Kenny. "Stop saying! You don't know anything!" She rose her voice. She was aware that she was causing commotion but she did not care at that point – she was losing control. Slamming the bill on beside her unfinished drink, she ran out of the bar.
As the bitter evening air slapped her across the cheeks after the beery warmth of the bar, she half stumbled half ran clumsily until she collapsed on a bench. Panting, she glanced up. Fresh tears leaked out of her eyes. Shit, she missed him. Missed him so much. She wanted him beside her. Now.
"Paul, I want you here so bad…" she whispered as she tried and muffled her sobs fruitlessly.
A shadow fell upon her. She looked up.
It was Kenny who had chased after her.
"Hey…" he trailed off, looking remorseful. "Sorry for prying." He glanced down at his shoes. "It is a pity though… not attending this well-respected contest for that guy…"
Dawn looked up, as a burst of protectiveness rushed up into her. "Paul's not any guy!" She shook her head furiously, as though as trying very hard to deny that very fact. Midnight locks slapped her cheeks painfully, as if giving her a wakeup call. As if reminding her that Paul and her would over. Just. Like. That.
And it was all her fault.
It was all because she was so bloody selfish.
"I…" she trailed off as the agony overwhelmed her and she leaned against Kenny, resting her head against his stomach as she sat down crying and he standing up, helpless.
For a long while, Kenny did not say anything and let the beautiful former dancer ruined his clothes with salty water. Dawn was well aware of the time that had passed, of the winter night settling and the street lamps lighting up. Sitting under a pool of bright light, Dawn realized how cold she was. And realized further that Kenny would had been cold and tired with standing up too.
Embarrassed, she stole a glance at him. He was not looking at her but feeling her gaze on him, he lowered his gaze to meet hers.
He stroked her hair. "It is okay." Bending down abruptly to match her eye level, he stared intently at her. "Dee Dee, he is not worth it."
Feeling a snap of shock at his old nickname for her, she widened her eyes at him.
As though as encouraged by her reaction, Kenny continued. "I mean…He does not even care about you that much. He was always so cold." He paused. "But…I can make you happier. I care about you Dee Dee. Give me a chance. Again."
Dawn blinked. His confession shocked her. She broke their eye contact and glanced into the dark. "Shall we get going? Are you staying in the Pokemon Center?" Dawn asked quietly, moving to safer ground.
Kenny looked disappointed but otherwise shook his head. "I am going home for Christmas. Are you staying in the Pokemon Center?"
"Of course. I have nowhere else to go," Dawn thought her own voice sounded sad even to her. Kenny took notice of it.
"You are always welcome to celebrate Christmas at our house. And even spending the few nights here. How about we travel together again? I heard that a new region is opening up Coordinating." He glanced at her, eyes hopeful.
Dawn glanced at him thoughtfully. "I will give it a thought," she replied, smiling thinly.
Kenny grinned. "That did be great! I have always wanted to travel with you. Have you been travelling?"
Dawn shook her head. "Not since…that accident. I stopped Coordinating the same time as my dancing career."
"You look beautiful dancing, Dee Dee. You should try again; let the past go. And how about Coordinating? You are super good in it. You are still so famous even after you retired. Bet if you go back to the Stage now, you did still be radiant." Kenny said then measuring her expressions, he quickly added, "Just a thought."
"Thank you, that is very kind of you," Dawn smiled, feeling a bit cheered up. "I shall consider."
"Please do," he stared at her intensely. "I like you, Dee Dee. Consider giving me a chance too."
Dawn nodded slowly then sighed. "Thank you, Kenny for accompanying me today and sorry for the tantrum I threw at you…along with your clothes," Dawn gestured sheepishly to the wet patch on his clothes. Kenny chuckled. "You are welcome. It is getting late and very cold. Shall I walk you back now?"
Dawn shook her head. "It is okay. I want to walk around. It is safe here anyway," then pulling on a smile that seemed to momentarily stunned Kenny, she waved goodbye and set off. She had left her pokeballs in her room before she headed for the bar and even though it was safe in the town she grew up in, it was still unsettling to be spending a night outside alone. She would usually be with P…
She stopped in her train of thought, slamming a brake on it forcefully. Stop it, she chided her mind. Bitter wind snatched at her locks and she fought a shudder that was threatening to overcome her body.
Her mind began to wander to the auburn hair guy. He had shocked her with his bold confession but… Dawn sighed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. It was impossible for her to love another guy for at least another few years or decade. Paul would be in her mind – for now, for…maybe, forever.
She was about to reach the Pokemon Center when something caught her eyes. It was a movement in the dark. She turned in that direction. What was that? A trick of an eye?
No sooner had the thought entered her mind, when another rapid movement stole her attention. She stood there for a while, wondering what it was. Then, shaking her head she was about to leave when a small sound resembling a voice of an Eevee drifted into her ears.
"Eee vee!"
The cry sounded painful and urgent – like it was calling for help or attention. Over the course of years, Dawn had started to understand Pokemon more and went from an inexperienced and overconfident Coordinator to a mature and knowledgeable one. Hitching the straps of the pink bag she had brought with her higher up her shoulder, she hurried toward the sound.
It was getting really dark and she wished Piplup or any of her Pokemon are here but knowing that she had no time to go back and retrieve her Pokeballs, she went toward the bush.
And saw a tiny Eevee curled up and whimpering almost pitifully.
"Oh…Poor you," Dawn whispered as she advances toward the Eevee warily, trying not to scare it. "I need to bring you back to Nurse Joy."
But as she was about to curl her arms over the Eevee, it suddenly lifted itself from the ground and stood on all four of its tiny legs. Dawn noticed that one of its legs was injured. Then, it started limping away and even though it was injured, its speed was fast.
"Wait, Eevee!" Dawn exclaimed in surprise. It was injured! She chased after it. It was running deeper into the bush and Dawn realized it was headed for the forest.
"Eevee! Please! You need treatment!" Dawn shouted as cold wind whipped her locks over her eyes. Pushing them away, she continued to venture deeper into the wood. She almost tumbled over when she tripped on a twig. It was getting really cold and as Dawn fought back a shiver, she tripped and fall, rolling down a small hill.
Dawn gasped. Help! Her mind cried but the falling was inevitable already and she could only feel the rough cuts of the wood on her skin. Scratches here and there. Pain filling her. She felt herself rolled to a stop but every part of her body was screaming in pain and she just could not find the strength to get out. The cold on her skin was biting.
Paul… Paul…I want to see you…
She felt herself getting dizzy and as she clung onto the edge of her consciousness, she saw the Eevee and something yellow. It was…they were approaching her.
You are forgiven. I love you, Skitty.
When she opened her eyes, it was to the quiet beeping sound of something and the soft whirring in the background. Machines…? Her hazy mind thought. She breathed, inhaling the smell of disinfection thingy… It burned her throat. She swallowed and it hurts. Her ears were ringing and her head…
As if on cue, a sharp stab of pain was felt. She winced. She blinked, allowing her sight to adjust to the bright light.
She glanced up and saw a hazy silhouette.
She blinked, trying to focus.
"Paul…?" The name slipped through her mouth effortlessly like her mind already determined that it was him – like her mind yearned so much for his presence.
But that was just her being foolish… Paul was hating her…is hating her…
She felt hot tears slipping down her cheeks before…
"What's wrong? Why are you crying? Are you in pain? Oi oi…I don't know how to manage if you cry…"
"Paul?" She asked in disbelief.
There was the familiar tsk before his voice, "Is there anyone else, troublesome?"
She glanced up before a sharp sting of something made her cringe.
"Don't anyhow move! You hit your head pretty bad."
"What happened?"
"You roll down a hill, probably and hit your head…geez. What are you doing in a forest at night? Arceus, you are really troublesome."
"I was…" Dawn frowned. "I was chasing after something…a Pokemon. I can't remember…" She trailed off.
I love you, Skitty.
She widened her eyes before agony filled her again.
"You should rest."
"How did you find me?" Dawn asked as Paul gently pushed her down on the bed. It was becoming obvious that it was a hospital.
Paul explained everything to her, about the Doom Desire Jirachi casted on him and him helping an injured Eevee.
She stared quietly at him before placing a hand on his right cheek. "Thank you, Paul."
He stared back at her, obsidian orbs intense and locked with her almost fiercely with a passion. "Don't do that again. I was…I almost died at the mere thought of you lying on the forest ground."
"Didn't you hate me?"
"Maybe I do… but that time I wish Jirachi actually granted my wish to see my sister…Eevee bit me and at that moment, I realized perhaps…" he trailed off. "Perhaps I had not wanted that wish. Sure, I would love to see my sister. I love her…but…" he looked down.
"But?" Dawn glanced at him.
"I am not good with words," Paul sighed. Stretching, he glanced at Dawn and then without warning, swoop down and crashed his lips on hers.
Dawn was taken aback but slowly relaxed. When they broke apart, Dawn continued to glance at him.
"But I want to see you more," Paul finished and looked away awkwardly. Dawn laughed and she did not know if it was out of relief, out of happiness or what but she laughed as tears spilled out of her eyes.
"Oi oi…I don't know how to manage if you cry."
"You can be discharged tomorrow," Paul said as they walked side by side. Their hands brushed against each other but never touched.
Dawn nodded but sadness cloaked her eyes. "Thank you for everything."
Paul nodded.
Silence.
The silence was broken by the sound of "Ji-ra-chi!"
Dawn and Paul snapped their heads up as the exact same Jirachi Paul saw drifted over to them. It had a happy expression on its face.
"Jirachi!"
"W-wow…Paul! It is a Jirachi!" Dawn widened her eyes as she took out her Pokenav.
Paul chuckled at her enthusiasm. It seemed like such a long time since he heard it. He missed it. But…this may be the last time he heard it. Sadness rippled in him, spreading into his entire system.
"Hmm…you can make a wish if you want," Paul suddenly said.
Dawn glanced at him for a thoughtful second before shaking her head. "How about you?"
"I won't either," Paul said. He glanced at Dawn. "You can make a wish to start liking dancing again."
"You can make a wish to hate me fully, instead of having mix emotion," Dawn said back and Paul detected a note of hurt.
"No. I can never hate you as much as I love you…" He glanced at Dawn. "I have had a dream of my sister. She… she told me to love you and don't hate you. She doesn't blame you at all. And…even though it was a dream, it felt real. And anyway, before I had that dream, I already made up my mind."
Dawn held her breath as Paul closed all the distance between them and kissed her. It was a gentle kiss that brought tears to Dawn's eyes. Paul pulled back. "I said I am bad with words and I won't – and never will be – a romantic guy. I am not perfect; I am grumpy most of the times and I sometimes lack empathy. But would you still marry me?"
Paul pulled out a velvety box and snapped it opened. Dawn realized it was the same ring as that night. She hesitated. "But…I…"
"I don't hate you anymore. In fact, I probably just put all the hate that I had for myself – for losing my sister like that – to you because I had taken you from granted. It was stupid. I was being a bastard over it. You suffered as much as me, maybe even more because you lose two people you loved at the same time."
"I love you," Dawn said softly and it was like music to Paul's ears. "I take that as an "I do"?" He teased and Dawn laughed as he pulled her toward him, sliding the ring onto his finger.
"Shall we dance?" Paul said, eyes fixed on her.
Dawn widened her eyes and then, giving a thought about it, slowly nodded.
"Dancing here is weird… in front of the hospital," Dawn commented and Paul shrugged, not caring.
"Actually, even without Jirachi, a wish of mine can true," Paul mumbled but Dawn caught it nonetheless.
"Hmm? What's your wish then?"
He pulled her in and she stared at him, blushing at their proximity. He smirked.
"To be with you forever."
Author's Note: So Ikarishipping check! How was it? Did I screw it up? =( Did you all manage to guess the magic in the chapter? :)
Also, the bold words symbolising the lyrics is the song Perfect by One Direction. I only wrote the first Paragraph of the lyrics. Do check it out! And well, if you are a fangurl of them, you probably have already! The song does not belong to me, by the way. (Hehe, stating the obvious!)