Update May 2013: This chapter has been updated and revised from its original version. Past errors have been fixed and adjustments have been made but the plot of the chapter, characters, and events have remained the same.

I have nothing to say for once except that you guys aren't going to like the contents of this chapter very much. We have an unwanted visitor and some major disappointment approaching, I'm just saying. ;P Regardless, please review and happy reading!

Responses to Reviews...
chocolatehell: Lol! I was so tempted to do that, but then I was like, 'Eh, it's the last book. Might as well just suck it up and get it over with.' :P Drewis! But we like him that way! And I wasn't going to include Alec, but I figured it was a good enough way as any to shamelessly advertise my other fanfic. xP And you are correct! As of this chapter, we are officially half of the way through. That is, if I don't suddenly think of any other ideas and end up extending the fanfic. I only want 40 chapters. :P By the way, are you getting my reviews? I use an app on my phone and I'm not sure half the time if all of my reviews go through. -_-
The Last Poison Apple: Alec is annoying! But I love jealous Drew, too! He's adorable ;D
Pear-Shaped: Awkward how? :) And thanks! I was worried that no one would like the battles!
EeveeTransformed: I LOVE it in purple. There's apparently another celeb who wore the same dress except in a blue color, but I think Selena's version was better! And I like how she shortened the hem, too! The original was too long in my opinion :\ Lol! Sorry about your laptop!
lyrical-harmonies: They're going to make a cameo. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with what I have in mind for their cameo...hopefully. ;) Thanks very much for your kind words!
Pokemaster: I don't think Giratina had a counterpart! But I may be wrong, don't quote me on that! :P
Sora-May: Thanks! I have a hard time getting into legendary shippings to be honest. I much prefer human shippings. :\
Claudette14: Hahaha! You're funny! Which is why you are! :D I wish there was a real life Drew for every girl. :( Lol! I've always liked that name, too!
Fprmr1: Lol! I think he let his anger slip out for a little too long. ;D
LuvPeaceCandy: I know! :D
FlygonFan: Lol, do you want to make a cameo in one of the future chapters? I have another contest planned. :) I really need to check out Love in the Strangest Places. I've never read it before but you're the second one whose said that to me! (or the same on, I don't really remember hehe. :P) And oh! Don't worry! My cousin decided it'd be a good idea to show me The Seed of Chuckie and Anaconda when I was a small kid. Then, last year, my friends decided to tie me down and force-show me this other horror movie which name I do not remember! Evil people, eeeevil people. Dx
Chi-Chiwawa: Unfortunately, Gary's going to be coming back. Haha, near the end, he'll be making a lot of appearances. He is the guy that May's in love with still, isn't he? He needs to appear in order to disappear from her heart. xD Thanks very much!
Monochrome13: My mom thinks I am, too. You should see the looks she gives me when I randomly bust out laughing when I read a review from my readers or something. Just like when I read your last one! :D
LoveLoverGrl: Thanks! :)
BulbaBabe: Thank you very much! :D
Jace'sVampiress97: Hehe, maybe or maybe not. Don't forget that that certain brunette she loves another certain brunette. One that happens to be very hott and one of my favorite male characters in the entire anime. He's bound to stick a while! ;D But not too long, don't worry! And thank you! I'm glad you're reading it!
Shadow Lillies: Lol, I understand. :)
KK: You're never late if you still review! :D And you got it right, it's twenty. See? You don't suck at math. ;D
Pear-Shaped: Well, I don't know about that but it makes me extremely happy that you're taking time out of your day to read and review! :D And thank you! I was just inspired by some scenes, that's all. More inspired by the Hunger Games though, considering my unhealthy obsession. ;P
OrangesAreAwesome: No, I don't believe you reviewed twice. It's fine that you're late though. Better late than never, eh? :D

Love Unexpected chapter 20

"My feet hurt so badly right now," May complained to Drew as she bent her knees slightly in order to reach her ankle without having to bend all the way down.

Even so, the hem of her dress had begun to rise up her thigh, inching dangerously higher and higher, revealing more and more skin. She immediately used her free hand to pull it down, removing her hand from the table behind her and began to lose her balance.

Drew reached out just in time to grab her around the waist before she toppled over. The last thing he needed was for her to fall over while she was wearing such a mini number; no one needed to know if she was wearing panties or not. As little as he would have minded to find out, he preferred to keep that part secret for everyone else.

Watching as she massaged the back of her ankle through the patent leather of her pumps, he rolled his eyes.

"Why'd you wear such high shoes then?" he asked her.

"Because they go with my dress?" May snapped as if it were a crime that he would even ask such a thing. "And get off me—I can stand perfectly well on my own."

Drew reluctantly withdrew his arm from her waist, feeling rather dejected.

"Well, someone's snappy," he muttered sarcastically.

May's facial expression instantly showed signs of guilt at his tone, but Drew waved a hand dismissively.

"Whatever. We're leaving in another couple minutes or so, anyways, you'll live," he insisted.

May mumbled something about inconsideration and lack of concern.

"Oh, come on, May. If you're capable of walking miles every day, then you're capable of staying on your feet in your heels for another half hour or so. Then, you'll be in your room and you can do away with them any way you'd like."

"A half hour? These are pumps, Drew—I can't survive that long!" she exclaimed and Drew rolled his eyes at her hyperbole. "Why can't we just leave now?"

"Because it's pointless to leave when there's only about five more minutes of the party," he insisted with an exasperated sigh.

Why couldn't she have asked to leave earlier? He found no point in leaving when the party was practically over.

Besides, the last slow dance was going to start soon. He would like to dance with her one last time for the night; he didn't know when the next chance for him would be.

"And plus, the last slow dance is about to start," he pointed out hopefully. "Can you please just endure the shoes for a little bit more and dance with me?"

May bit her lip for a moment and shifted her weight from one foot to the other, wincing as the leather rubbed against the blister on the back of her foot. Feeling the pain, she opened her mouth to refuse, but Drew quickly inserted a "pretty please?" followed by a pout, and she found herself unable to say no.

"Alright, let's go," she groaned defeatedly.

Drew smirked gleefully and allowed her to lead them to the dance floor.

"The strands in your eyes, that color them wonderful stop me, and steal my breath. And emeralds from mountains, thrust towards the sky, never revealing their depth," the singer's voice sang, flowing from the speakers placed up in the corners of the room. "Tell me that we belong together, dress it up with the trappings of love. I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips, instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above."

"I think this has to be the best song they've played all night," Drew said to May as they swayed in an effort to make conversation and to keep her awake. Her eyelids were drooping far too low for his liking. He decided teasing her would help as well. "You could fall asleep on my shoulder if you'd like."

"I'm not falling asleep," May protested in a mumble, her voice thick with drowsiness and her facial expression resembling a sleepy toddler's. "I want to keep myself awake so I'll fall asleep right away when I get into bed."

Drew had to smile; it was adorable seeing her as sleepy as she was. Of course, he had to tease her again, too, considering how she left herself wide open for it.

"Whose bed? Yours or mine?" he asked.

May went from a sleepy toddler to a feisty young woman in a split second.

"You're going to be kissing your future children goodbye if you keep suggesting things like that," she threatened.

Drew pulled a fake innocent look on her. "What are these things that you think I'm suggesting? I never said I would be joining you in either bed."

May opened her mouth, but no words came out. The flush on her cheeks said them for her, though.

Drew smirked wickedly.

"Oh, is that what you thought I was suggesting? How very naughty of you, May. That was the furthest thing from my mind," he insisted, his voice oozing faux innocence. "Or was it?"

"You're really hoping to become an eunuch tonight, aren't you?" May growled.

Drew simply laughed. At least she was awake.

And rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed.
You're my survival, you're my living proof.
My love is alive and not dead.
Tell me that we belong together.
Dress it up with the trappings of love.
I'll be captivated,
I'll hang from your lips,
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above

And I've dropped out, I've burned up, I've fought my way back from the dead.
I've tuned in, turned on, remembered the things that you said

May sulked as she swayed with Drew. Her movements were rigid and her feet barely lifted off of the ground. Drew's recent joke had certainly left her in a grumpy mood. Normally, a joke like that wouldn't have, but considering the drowsiness that was plaguing her and the ache in her feet, it pressed more buttons than usual.

"Come on, May—cheer up. I was only joking," Drew urged, seeing how agitated she was.

When she didn't do so, he dipped her backward playfully. He was pleased to see her lips tugging upward after he pulled her back up.

"There. See? You know you can't stay angry at me," he said smugly.

"I could if I tried," she insisted.

Drew chuckled. "Sure you could."

I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older,
I'll be the greatest fan of your...
I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older,
I'll be the greatest fan of your life.

The greatest fan of your life.
...greatest fan of your life.

The lights returned to the room after the music began to die down. May let out a sigh of relief as the host of the party made his way onto the stage to thank everyone for attending and wish everyone a good night. A round of applause followed afterward for her to congratulate her on the ribbon that she had won. However, she only accepted it half-heartedly due to her increasing fatigue.

"The party's over. Can we leave now?" she asked Drew immediately after bowing gratefully at everyone and shaking some of the hands of attendees.

Drew turned back to her after glaring at Alec for daring to attempt to approach them after what he had threatened earlier, even if the guy was just planning on congratulating May. He chuckled at the disapproving, half-lidded eyes look that she gave him and took her wrist.

"Yeah, we can leave now," he told her.

Then with her in tow, he began to lead them out of the party and back to the Pokémon Center.

The sun rose early the next morning, illuminating the small town of Lavender and stirring early risers out of their slumber. Drew was among the few who had actually gotten out of bed. He had contemplated just sleeping in at first, but decided against it. He and May were supposed to set out on their journey to Fuchsia City, and early morning was a good a time as any to get going. There was going to be another contest in a less than a fortnight, so Drew needed to make sure that they made it there early rather than late. He needed to make up for missing the Lavender Town contest.

Not that he minded very much about missing it, of course. May had won the contest and earned herself a ribbon, so in a way, he had still won on some level. Getting to see her perform live had been a treat and being able to avoid having to risk battling with her had been a relief.

But he would have to face her in a contest eventually. There was no way around it, considering they were traveling together, so it was nice to have been able to put off the inevitable for a little while longer.

However, there was no guarantee that he would be able to avoid it at the Fuchsia City contest. He didn't like the idea of having to compete against her in a contest, but he wasn't about to sit out of every contest to avoid that, either. Just so long as she didn't hold a grudge against him if he ever beat her.

"May, can I come in?" he asked once he made it to the door of her room, rapping on the door twice for good measure.

A muffled response came from behind the door right after, its tone beckoning him to precede through the door with caution.

The room was dark when Drew entered it. The curtains were drawn over the windows and the lights were all off. The only source of illumination came from the wall-mount television that was exhibiting a rather tragic-looking movie.

A guy was bleeding from his mouth, his face swollen and bruised as he was beaten to a pulp by an even bigger guy, but he still maintained a protective stance over a girl that Drew assumed to be his girlfriend. Losing interest quickly, he let his eyes trail to the bed, where he made out May's silhouette, and eventually, the balled up tissue that she held to her nose.

"Are you crying?" he gasped as he saw sniffle into the tissue, her cheeks gleaming with tears. He spared the television one last glance as a gunshot rang through the speakers before he hurried to her side and sat beside her. "Why are you crying?"

"It's a sad movie," May sniffled in response.

A lone tear leaked out of her eye as she watched the lead female character clutch the corpse of her newly deceased boyfriend.

Drew couldn't help but chuckle at her. It was so out of character for her to be crying over a movie, when she was always so hyper and cheerful.

"How long have you been watching this?" he inquired while he wiped the tear away with his thumb.

"Long enough for me to care about the characters enough to cry for them."

"I'm guessing that means you saw the whole thing, which means you've been up earlier than I have?"

The police burst in at that moment to take away the criminal before he could do any more damage to the girl. May whimpered as the mother of the guy and his girlfriend clutched at one another, grieving over the loss of the most important person in their lives, while the jerk was handcuffed and taken away.

"Maybe," she hiccuped.

"I think yes."

"Fine—yes. I got up earlier than I should've, so I turned on the TV to pass some time until sunrise," May admitted, and chucked the balled up tissue in her hand into the trash can as the credits rolled, while raking the other through her brunette waves.

Drew marveled at how perfectly they fell back into place behind her back, but didn't comment on it. Instead, he slid an arm around her waist to give her a comforting squeeze.

"It's okay. The movie's over now—you can stop crying," he soothed playfully, while she scowled at him.

Chuckling as he removed his hand from her side, he reached for the remote sitting against her thigh to turn the television off. She startled him, though, when she flinched as his fingers accidentally grazed her side, tickling the tiny sliver of exposed skin along her hip.

Thinking he had imagined what he had just saw, he brushed his fingers over the same area of skin to coax the same reaction out of her. He smirked wickedly when she squirmed and wriggled under his fingertips as he preceded to run them up and down her side.

"You're ticklish?" he asked.

"No," she lied instantly.

Drew simply cocked an eyebrow at her disbelievingly. She was so obviously lying by the way she was backing away from him, her arms wrapped around her midsection to protect it. She glared at him warningly when he lifted his legs onto the bed and shifted into a crouching stance.

"You wouldn't dare," she growled.

"Oh, but I would," he told her, a wicked smirk spreading across his lips.

And then he lunged.

May's back hit the bed with a thud as Drew tackled her. Then, he climbed over her, trapping her beneath him as he began his tickling. His fingers danced all along her sides and over her stomach, discovering areas where she was ticklish and lingering on the spots that tickled her most.

She squealed his name as he did so, begging for him to stop, but he wouldn't. He was enjoying the giggles he was getting out of her. They were cute and contagious, making him laugh along himself. He wouldn't be stopping any time soon.

She tried escaping a few times, attempting to crawl out from under his arms, but he had gotten her back every time. The tickling would then intensify, his fingers roaming all over her midsection with a vengeance as punishment for daring to try and escape. Her squirms and curls would multiply in harmony with the tickling as she struggled to protect her midsection, but it was of no use.

She even tried to put more distance between them by propping her knees up against his stomach to force him away, but that only served to give him more access to her belly. He laughed as her giggles grew louder and more breathless, her pleas for him to stop more desperate.

Then, she let out the most adorable giggle that he had ever heard from her, and he had to stop to look at her. He could see her glowing from all of the laughter, even in the darkness of the room. She looked so gorgeous and adorable that he couldn't help but laugh at her as she struggled to catch her breath. He panted as he waited for her giggling to die away to the occasional hiccup.

It seemed to take an eternity, but even if it did, he wouldn't have minded. Seeing her so happy pleased him to no end. He even considered tickling her again after she stopped giggling to start it up once more. Unfortunately, they had to leave soon. He would have to do it another time.

May hadn't realized that she had been supporting all of Drew's weight on her knees until he fell on top of her when she let her legs fall flat to the bed. His body covered hers entirely, pressing her further into the mattress and trapping her beneath him. Both of them let out a startled gasp before he pulled away to stare at her in horror. The horror in his eyes vanished as quickly as it had come once they met hers.

How they got where they were then, Drew would never know. One moment, they were having the time of their lives, both of them laughing as he tickled her senseless. The next moment, he had fallen on top of her, his body pressing against hers in ways that made his react against his will. They were pressed so closely together that he swore he could feel her heart pounding against his chest. But then again, it could have been his heart instead of hers.

The loveliest blush he had ever seen on a girl bloomed across her cheeks as she realized the position they were in, how sexually tense the atmosphere around them had become. She looked so gorgeous with the pink popping against her ivory skin tone, her brunette hair perfectly splayed out behind her head. Too inviting—too damn enticing for him not to want to lean down to kiss her.

To hell with waiting for her, he wanted a kiss now. Needed it. Who was to say that a kiss wasn't what he needed to get their relationship started? It could be an eye-opener for her, an epiphany to help her realize her feelings for him, the feelings that he knew she had. Otherwise, she wouldn't have let them get as far as they had gotten.

Yes, a kiss could do that. A kiss would do that.

With that thought in mind, he began to lean down closer, ignoring the nervous feeling in his stomach because she wasn't moving, wasn't pushing him away. He was prepared to throw all cautions to the wind at that moment to see where a kiss would take them. He wanted to know, wanted to feel what it'd be like for his lips to be against hers. The moment was perfect, the opportunity presenting itself so willingly and eagerly. He had to take it.

But then May turned her face and his lips ended up stroking her cheek instead.

And just like that, the moment was gone.

Rejection stung like a beedrill. It hurt so much that Drew only froze for one moment before he pushed away from her as if she were made of molten lava. The instant his feet touched the floor, he began to back away to put as much distance between them as possible.

"I'll meet you in the lobby," he muttered after it became obvious that she wouldn't be speaking first. Then, he turned and left through the door.

May breathed in and out for a moment after he left, her eyes glued to the ceiling as she tried to make sense of what had just happened. When she did, she began to hate herself, allowing the current of guilt to wash over her and drown her in its torture.

How could she have let that happen? Why did she let it happen? She liked Gary! She wasn't supposed to let things like that happen between her and Drew! She had been leading him on throughout that entire tickle session, tricking him into believing that she felt something for him because she'd let it happen. Because she'd almost let him kiss her.

But then the question came: did she like him? If not, then why had she allowed all of that to happen? Why had she allowed him to get his lips so close to her? Why had she allowed him to tickle her for so long? Why had she even allowed him to touch her in the first place?

But most importantly, why was she suddenly so confused about her feelings towards Gary, when she had been so sure of them a mere week ago?

Dozens of answers came to mind, but none of them managed to please her. With a frustrated sigh, she pushed herself off of the bed, grabbed her bag that was resting against the end table, and forced herself to leave her room. She found Drew waiting for her at the end of the hallway with his back against the wall beside the elevator. He looked up from the rose that he was twirling absentmindedly in his hand when he heard her approach.

"Uh...," May began awkwardly, not quite knowing what to say and struggling to form any words. "About what just happened...I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have let that go so far. I'm not ready—I mean, I shouldn't have let you get close to kissing me if I'm still not sure of my feelings for you."

Well, that certainly sounded a lot dumber than she would have liked.

Drew eyed her with a mild expression, searching her eyes, while his flickered all over her face for what seemed to be forever.

The silence became so nerve-wracking that May accidentally asked if he were mad at her without thinking. She bit her lip nervously as she waited for his answer.

Please don't be mad at me, she begged in her mind.

"No, I'm not mad at you," he told her eventually, supporting his words with a reassuring smile. "If anything, I'm mad at myself. I shouldn't have tried to kiss you—you were caught off guard and not ready for it. Our first kiss would've been meaningless if I went through with it. I'm glad you stopped me."

May felt herself letting go of the breath that she had been subconsciously holding.

The elevator doors opened beside Drew, then, and he pushed off the wall to get to her. Putting a hand on the small of her back, he ushered her into the elevator and slipped the rose into her hand.

"Just be sure to let me know when you are," he added.

May said nothing in response.

The elevator ride and walk to the front desk had been painfully silent for May. Drew had distanced himself from her as much as possible in that short amount of time in order to get over the rejection that he still felt. It was still something new for him, which meant it still stung like an absolute bitch.

Meanwhile, May's guilt ate away at her as she watched him fight to keep his face impassive, while his eyes betrayed him as they smoldered with the pain that he was feeling. He couldn't hide that, and it killed her.

"The contest's really over?" a girl with short red hair asked Nurse Joy at the front desk.

Drew and May watched as Nurse Joy gave her the answer that made her shoulders droop: she was a day late. The look on her face was so forlorn when she turned around that neither Drew or May had expected for her to brighten up the way she did when her eyes fell on them. Her dark teal eyes flickered with excited recognition.

"Oh my Arceus, you guys are Drew Hayden and May Maple, right?" she exclaimed, her voice barely containing the squeal that threatened to rise out of her throat.

Drew nodded and eyed her oddly. "Yes, we're Drew Hayden and May Maple."

"Oh my Arceus...sorry, I'm just so ecstatic to be meeting you guys. I've always admired you guys as coordinators ever since you guys stepped foot onto the stage. I've been so inspired by you both. I just never thought that I'd have the chance to meet either of you, let alone both of you at the same time," the girl gushed, her eyes still twinkling with excitement.

May smiled kindly and stepped forward from her awkward distance behind Drew. Extending her hand, she introduced herself.

"Nice to meet you," she said in greeting. "What's your name?"

The girl wore an expression caught between shyness and elation as she placed her hand in May's and shook.

"Hi, I'm Brianna, Brianna Lawrence," she informed.

"Hi Brianna," May greeted, beaming back at Brianna in a friendly manner.

Drew took after her by smiling at the girl as well, nodding her way in acknowledgement.

Brianna smiled back at him timidly, a slight blush blooming on her cheeks.

"What was that about missing the contest?" he asked.

"Oh, I got the date messed up and thought it was tomorrow. Turns out I'm a day late," she explained, looking rather disappointed and forlorn again.

May sympathized her.

"It's alright, there'll be others," she offered in the hopes that she could cheer Brianna up a little.

"I know, but the next one is being held in Fuchsia City. I'd have to set out right now if I want a chance of making it there before the contest starts. I don't want to miss two in a row."

"Oh, you're headed to Fuchsia City, too?"

Brianna nodded, not appearing to be the least bit thrilled about having to set out on another journey after just reaching Lavender Town.

"That's perfect, then! How about you travel with us? We're headed there, too."

Brianna and Drew looked at May in surprise. Neither of them had expected for her to suggest such a thing, but she was more than willing to do so. With Brianna traveling with them, she could avoid any awkward situations with Drew for a good week or so, at least until they got to Fuchsia City. She needed some time that didn't involve being alone with him. She was glad when Drew remained quiet as Brianna debated on whether or not to agree.

"Are you sure that'd be okay with you guys?" Brianna eventually asked hesitantly.

Drew couldn't say anything to respond. Or rather, May beat him to it. Why was she so eager to have Brianna join them?

"Of course it'd be okay! We're all headed in the same direction, anyways, you'd might as well come along," she insisted enthusiastically. "What do you say?"

Brianna hesitated another moment.

"Yeah, come along—the more the merrier," Drew inserted unenthusiastically after seeing that May was pretty set on having Brianna travel with them.

He wasn't going to deny her the company if she wanted someone to join them on their journey. It would only be for a few days, after all; he would be able to endure it. Perhaps it would be good for them if May received some time to think over her feelings without having him constantly giving into the temptation to try and influence her any further. Perhaps the results would be worth the wait.

Drew's approval seemed to be all Brianna needed.

"Alright, I'll come along," she told May with a cheeky grin.

May breathed out in relief and yanked the girl out of the Pokémon Center before she or Drew could blink.

There. Hopefully with Brianna coming along with them, she could have some time to herself to figure out her feelings for both Gary and Drew. To figure out whom it was she liked exactly.

Or at least, get herself together first.

Author's Note: Hehe, that tickling scene was fun to write. Hope I didn't disappoint you guys too much by preventing the kiss from happening. It'll happen eventually, don't worry! :D Hope you liked it! Please review!

I'll Be
Song by Edwin McCain