Midsummer Nights

by Trish

The third instalment to the Midsummer Series. Chapter Thirty Nine now up.

37. Chapter 36: Say It' True

Midsummer Nights

By Trish.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon, nor Puck. I wish I did. All the original characters and storyline created by me, belong to me. The Chapter Title comes from the song "Runaway" by the Corrs.

Dedication: To my most patient fan, Rin. I hereby appoint you as my Official Prodder!

ooo

Say it's true

There's nothing like me and you.

Runaway – The Corrs

Chapter Thirty-Six – Say It's True

Jenn studied herself critically in front of her mirror. The dance was due to commence in about one and half hours and she had finally finished getting ready.

The dress she had chosen, after a second couture shopping trip, was an elegant halter neck in silver number which hugged her figure in all the right places, with a thigh high split on the right side. Her shoulder length black hair had been styled in soft curls that were pinned up at the back with one or two flowing free at the side. Jewellery was simple, consisting of diamond dusted silver hoop earrings.

The former blonde went to nibble at the side of her nails, but found her hand suddenly caught in mid air.

"Oh no you don't," Trish warned with a glare. "You are not about to ruin the wonderful manicure that you had done."

"I wasn't about to," Jenn snatched her hand back. "I had a hangnail thingie."

"I bet."

"Trish, chewing nails isn't my thing. I don't do it. You're thinking of Jaime or Mia," Jenn wrinkled her nose. "I know the value of a good mani pedi."

"A mani whati?"

"Mani pedi!" Jenn rolled her eyes, "A manicure and a pedicure." She wiggled her French manicured toes, which were in open toed black high heels, "Duh."

"Silly me, of course," Trish smirked. "Well let's get going then, shall we?"

"We shall?" Jenn turned a little pale. "Do we have to?"

"Yes, we do have to," Trish said firmly, "And if you don't, I'll have Puck turn you into a Magikarp with no chance of evolving."

"You wouldn't!"

"Don't even try daring me," Trish shoved Jenn out of her room. "Now move it!"

"Yessim."

ooo

"This is gonna be so great!" Brock enthused as he gazed out the window of the limousine.

Ash wished that he could be so sure as his friend. The Grand Master had invited his oldest friend to share his limo ride to the Convention Centre for two reasons. One for company and two for moral support.

Ash couldn't remember being so nervous about a function before. He had attended so many over the years as Grand Master that it was a regular part of his life. So why all the nerves now?

'It's because this time, I'm a very publicly single man and every female at the dance tonight will know it. Now I'm wishing I did ask Pik to come along tonight. At least she could have shocked them if they all become too much.'

His reverie was interrupted as the limousine glided to a halt outside the red carpeted entrance to the Convention centre. Ash could see that hundreds of people lined either side of the long walkway, with security guards posted at intervals to stop them from spilling onto the red carpet. Flashes went off sporadically from the crowd as the press tried to get the multimillion dollar shot.

"How did…all of these people get here?" Ash murmured. "There must be a million out there."

"Close to that, but I'd bet it's closer to thousands," Brock straightened his jacket. "James told me that someone had told him that every ticket sold out within twenty minutes."

Ash whistled his appreciation. Those tickets had been priced at a range of $100 to $8000 a ticket. The higher the price, the better chance of getting closer to Ash. All proceeds were going to the hurricane relief, but still, it was a surprise to see how fast all of the tickets had gone.

"But how did they all get here?" Ash gestured to the people. "The airport isn't that big, even though it is international. Neither are the ports."

"Airplane, boat, pokémon," Brock grinned at Ash. "You name it, they used it. They want to see you, Ash."

"That's what I was afraid of," he groaned good-naturedly. "I'm single, rich, and powerful."

"Wow," Brock blinked, "I mean, wow."

"What?"

"Oh, nothing," Brock said, "Just, you know. That's a way to really plump up your ego."

Ash smiled thinly. "Trust me, I need it."

The door to the limo opened then and, in the midst of a barrage of camera flashes going off, Ash took a deep breath. He really, really needed a big ego.

And a pair of sunglasses.

ooo

The Grand Ballroom of the Pummelo Convention Centre looked absolutely amazing. The event organiser and his team had done a fantastic job of decorating the room just as girls had envisioned. Large ornamental flower arrangements in tall vases stood in the four corners of the room with smaller arrangements of flowers on each table. The tablecloths were cream with gold ribbon around the edges. The chairs had cream covers with alternating gold and silver bows around the back.

The gold and silver theme carried through to the dance floor where hundreds of gold and silver helium balloons hung around the ceiling.

Jenn would have been pleased to see that all their hard work had come off, had she not been too nervous to even notice.

The former blonde was a bundle of nerves, and had been ever since they had left the villa. Trish had made sure that Jenn travelled with her and Drake so that Jenn couldn't turn tail and run the other way. Though Trish's plan for Jenn to accompany them down the red carpet t quickly became unstuck as the press clamoured for photographs of the Orange Crew Leader and his fiancée.

But Shannon and Jaime soon came to the rescue and dragged Jenn down the rest of the way with them to join Ben and Chris, who were looking bored and probably were.

Now Jenn was standing with the rest of her friends, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach. Luckily for her, Trish did not notice; for she was leaning against Drake, trying to blink away the bright spots before her eyes as a result of all those flashes.

Suddenly loud and excited screaming could be heard from outside the Convention Centre.

"What the heck is that??" Jaime asked.

"I'm guessing the man of the moment has arrived," Trish grinned. "Grand Master and Now Eligible Bachelor Ash Ketchum."

The Aussie looked over at her friend, but her grin didn't cease. Jenn was silent and looked rather reserved, but Trish knew Jenn was thinking about Ash. Most likely she was wondering if Ash had arrived with anyone.

Jenn was indeed thinking about Ash, though her thoughts had drifted back to teenage memories of being at boy band concerts. The decibel level was around the same, and the press had delivered the same media circus that she'd felt back then. Of course, she had to remind herself that this was no Floridian Five that had just arrived. It was Ash and he was way more powerful than the Backstreet Boys could ever be.

She looked at her friends and picked on Chris. "Hey kilty, you wanna go get something to drink?"

And so it began.

ooo

"Man, now I know why so many celebrities wear sunglasses all the time," Ash groaned as he and Brock managed to get inside the Convention Centre without walking into any walls or doors. "Those flashes can really blind you."

"Yeah, I'm still seeing bright spots in front of my eyes," Brock admitted.

"Hey, Ash, Brock," a familiar voice greeted them. "Glad to see you managed to survive the media circus out there." Drake had come up to greet them along with Trish.

"Yeah, me too," the Grand Master sighed. "I think I still need to recover from all those flashes. But it's all for a good cause so I can't really complain."

"Nope and all that money raised will really be appreciated by the islanders," Drake smiled. "I should know. I'm not just the Orange Crew Leader, I'm an islander myself. Help them get back on their feet and back to a normal life."

Ash groaned at the bad pun, only to see Brock acting as goofy as ever.

Brock was smiling goofily at Trish. "Did anyone ever tell you how beautiful you look tonight?"

The Australian merely grinned at the Pokémon Breeder and wrapped her arm around Drake's waist. "Yes, Drake did before we left, didn't you, honey?"

"I sure did," the Orange Crew Leader smiled.

Brock visibly deflated and Ash patted his friend's arm soothingly. "Cheer up, Brock-o. Just think of all those single women here tonight. And they'll be all after you."

"Actually, I think that they'll be all after you, Ash," Trish chuckled. "Once that screaming started outside, some girls in here starting screaming in excitement too."

"Oh, great," Ash smiled weakly.

"You're really looking every inch the lady killer tonight," the Australian noted. "You certainly won't be short of willing dance partners all evening."

"Speaking of dance partners," Ash said, looking beyond Trish for a sign of a certain blonde best friend. "Where's Jenn?"

"Oh she's gone to get a drink with Chris," she informed him. "Jenn was feeling a little thirsty."

"So she is here."

"Oh yes," Drake chuckled. "Trish made sure of it."

"So where is our favourite blonde?" Brock asked.

"I'm afraid you won't be able to say that anymore," Trish said with a grin.

"What do you mean?" Ash paled a little. "Did something happen to her? She's not an Absol again, is she?"

"You'll see."

"You know, Pikachu said something similar earlier. I have a feeling like I should be really worried," Ash shook his head. "I didn't get it then and I don't get it now."

"Like I said," Trish grinned. "You will."

"Something about that grin is very scary," Ash said, then frowned. "Wait. Didn't you say that Jenn went to get something to drink? And with Chris?"

"That's what she said," Drake said, holding Trish in a cosy hug as a group of giggling girls rushed by. "Why not go find the bimbo…Ow!!!"

"She went to get a drink," Trish said, ignoring Drake – who was rubbing a very tender stomach – and trying not to gasp from a poke from a pointed elbow, "And yes it is non-alcoholic. Even Chris knows better than to even try to slip her something with bubbly in it."

"Yes, yes," Ash nodded. "Jenn and alcohol…not good bedfellows."

"Did someone say bedfellows?" Brock, who had been eyeing the girls all around them, suddenly picked up on their conversation.

"This isn't a meet and mate, Brock," Shannon said, walking up with Jaime in tow. "Why not find out what table you're going to be at before you start trying to hit on girls?"

"Oh please tell me I'm sitting with beautiful women on all sides of me!"

Trish stifled a laugh. This was Brock, after all, who was just about as bad as Chris. No…Maybe Brock was the one who'd taught Chris. Or maybe had given him some pointers.

"Don't worry, B," Ash said reassuringly, "I'm sure Trish, and whoever else planned the party, has seated everyone accordingly. Right, Trish?"

"Right," the Aussie confirmed. "However we weren't able to seat you on the table with the Pummelo Island Officer Jenny or Nurse Joy. They specifically requested not to."

Brock looked crestfallen. "Why? I would have been the most perfect gentleman. Oh why, oh why have they forsaken me??"

"Cheer up, Brock. You'll have some girls on your table. Like Drake's two sisters Becca and Liana, as well as a few others."

"Just don't try anything that you'll regret with my sisters," Drake warned the Pokémon Breeder. "Otherwise you'll be answering to me outside."

Brock gulped slightly and nodded. While Brock had always considered himself to be fit and muscular, he was no match for Ash, let alone Drake. The Orange Crew Leader had a toned physique of a top athlete and the strength to match.

"So what table am I at?" Ash asked the Australian.

"You're on the main table of course," Trish informed him. "Along with Drake, myself, Jenn, Chris, Shannon, Ben, Jaime and Danny."

"Great," Ash smiled and gave an inward sigh of relief. At least he wouldn't have to spend the evening on a table full of total strangers who would be gawking at him the entire time and perhaps too afraid to say even 'boo' to him.

The mention of Jenn's name again brought the blonde to mind. Ash wondered how long it would be before he found out what Trish and Pikachu meant by their cryptic comments.

ooo

Chris and Jenn made their way through the crowds to the bar and lounge areas just outside of the Grand Ballroom and to one of the high tables and bar stools that were dotted around the room.

"How about you wait here and I'll get our drinks," the Scot told his friend. "Don't want to lose our spot with all this crowd."

"Okay," Jenn nodded and tapped her fingers against the steel surface. "Can I just have a soda please?"

"Sure," Chris dug out his wallet from his pockets. "One soda coming right up."

However, as he made his way to the bar, an idea wormed its way into his mind. Chris had noticed that Jenn had seemed jittery all day and especially since they had arrived at the function. She needed to relax otherwise she would never enjoy herself at all, and the whole idea of the evening was to let one's hair down and have some fun. He thought he knew what would get the former blonde to relax and not be so uptight.

"Can I help you sir?" The bartender at the counter asked him.

"Yes, could I have a In Bru and a soda please, but put a shot of vodka into the soda."

"Certainly, sir."

Once the drinks were in hand and he was walking back, Chris congratulated himself on a job well done. Vodka had no taste or smell to it and would really help Jenn unwind. Whether or not she'd ever drink another beloved Pepsi again if this backfired, well…that remained to be seen. Besides, there was nothing that could go wrong. There were no drunk fairies, no evil magic users, and absolutely nothing out of the ordinary.

It was just a dance with nothing but people all around him.

"Here you go, Jenn," Chris put the drink down in front of her.

"Thanks," she said and picked it up.

He sat down and held his breath a moment when she first drank the soda. Then, to not look completely suspicious, he drank his beverage.

"This tastes a little off," Jenn made a face.

"Oh, uh, well, I think the same tap was used for the diet as well. You know how these bars are." Chris said it nonchalantly, but inside he was wild. Oh, come on! Your taste buds can't be that good! I'm toast if she figures this out. She'll string me up and…

"Hmm, not really," Jenn shrugged and took another sip. "You know I don't do the bar scene. I'll have to take your word for it."

"I'm the bar master," Chris said smugly. He chugged down his drink, watched as she took deeper gulps of hers, and felt satisfied. Someone finally pulled one over on her. Hah! Score one for Chris. Zero for Jenn! This almost covers all that trash talk on my poor kilt. Almost.

ooo

Trish was talking to Mia, Puck, Callie, and Shannon, when Jenn returned from the bar with Chris. She was pleased to note that her best friend now seemed a lot more relaxed and open, smiling and talking animatedly to Chris. The Scot had a big grin on his face, though whether it was from Jenn's jokes or the fact that he saw Callie was wearing a tight little black dress that showed off her long legs, Trish couldn't be sure.

"Well look who's in a much happier mood now," the Australian said to Jenn who sauntered over.

"Yeah, guess I just needed that soda to settle my nerves," Jenn grinned. "And it's a party to celebrate our survival of Hurricane Lulu, so I thought I might as well have a little fun."

"That's the right attitude!" Trish was pleased.

Jenn looked around the room before turning back to her friend. "So where's Ashy Boy?"

"He's right over there," the Australian grinned, pointing to where the Grand Master was busy talking to Cissie, Prima, and the President of the Orange League.

"Ohmigod, he is the picture of ultimate hotness!" Jenn breathed, not caring that she was openly gawking at him, like most of the other girls in the room. "Trish, you were here from the get go. Did he walk in with anyone?"

"Only Brock."

Jenn made a face. "I thought Ash was straight."

All around her, jaws almost hit the floor. Trish was the first to recover. "Jenn, he is very straight!"

"You sure? I mean, if he came to a dance with Brock, it just leaves a lot to be questioned."

"Are you for real?" Mia snapped, "How can you possibly think that Ash, who practically sweats manliness, is gay?"

"Uh, Mia, way to hurt my lil bro's ego," Callie fanned Puck, who was looking faint.

"Sorry, babe," Mia said soothingly, "It's just that Jenn is being more blonde than usual."

"And considering she just got her hair done, that's saying something," Shannon joked.

"She got her hair done?" Puck asked in a vaguely clueless manner.

"Yes, Puck," Mia shook her head. "She used to be blonde, but now her hair is black."

Puck frowned. "Females."

"Careful, brother," Callie teased, "You're surrounded by them."

"Okay, enough with the banter!" Jenn said exasperatedly. "I want another Pepsi."

"Uh, Jenn, I don't know if you should have any more caffeine," Chris said, "You look kinda peaked."

"I think I can handle Pepsi, Chris," Jenn rolled her eyes.

"Shan, how about you and me go get her one?" Trish said. "I'm kind of thirsty myself."

"Sure," Shannon said, getting up to follow the other girl. "I'm good for it."

Ten minutes later, Jenn had her Pepsi, Trish had a Fluffy Duck, and Shannon was trying out a Strawberry Daiquiri.

Jenn took a sip and made a face. She pushed the soda away and shook her head. "No, no, this isn't right." She looked up. "You sure you went to the right place?"

"There's only one bar area," Shannon said slowly, "So, yep, we went to the right place."

"Well this sucks. It tastes like diet."

Oh, here comes the biting me in the ass part, Chris thought wearily. He stood up and grabbed the soda. "I'll get you another one."

Jenn beamed at him, "Thanks, Chrissy! That's sweet of you!"

Chris winced at the name, both at the looks people closest to them gave him and at the memories it conjured up. He threaded through the people and got to the bar in record time. He managed to get the attention of the same bartender, as there were four others, and nodded to him.

"Hey, this soda needed a little shot of Vodka in it," Chris said and handed over the drink. He was sure that Shannon and Trish had gotten the right drink. It just lacked the magic touch that he'd had put into it.

Seconds later, the drink was back in his hand, along with a second one for himself, and he was on his way back to their table. There were a bloody huge amount of people around and he considered himself very lucky he hadn't bumped into anyone.

"Hey, Chris!"

The Scot slowed down with a wince. It was Ash.

"Chris, where's your table?" Ash caught up with him. "I've been looking for it all evening, but I've been caught every five seconds by someone who wants to talk."

"Didn't Trish tell you where the table was?"

"Yeah, but I got all turned around," Ash gave a little laugh. "I barely know where my own table is!"

"Why not use your freaky Chosen One powers?"

"Well, I was trying to keep things from being weird," Ash sighed. "So I didn't want to use them."

"Uh huh."

"Who's the other drink for? Callie?"

"I thought you were psychic."

Ash shook his head, "Only when I want to be. I don't want to be right now."

"It's for Jenn," Chris said tentatively. "She was thirsty."

"Mind if I follow you back?" Ash asked, "Everyone keeps saying she looks different or did something.

Chris sighed, but shrugged, "Sure, whatever."

ooo

Ash couldn't put his finger on it, but something felt a little off tonight. Chris was acting weird whenever he had been talking about Jenn. Trish and the others had acted weird about Jenn earlier. Pikachu shocked him earlier and Charizard almost roasted him.

What was going on?

As Chris threaded through the crowds, most of which looked as if they wanted to stop Ash but didn't, the Grand Master was relieved to find out that there wasn't long of a way to go before reaching the table everyone else was at.

The girls were all talking among themselves, and Ash was glad to see that everyone looked happy and chatty, but he didn't see Jenn at all. One girl got his attention in particular. He barely saw her in profile, but her long black hair was piled up high in soft curls, a few cascading free down to her shoulders. It complemented the tan she had, and both of those complemented the dress she was wearing.

For a second, Ash wondered if he could juggle having two girlfriends, then berated himself. He hadn't even thought about asking Jenn to go out with him, and yet here he was thinking about having two girlfriends at once.

He was really hanging around Brock way too much.

Chris walked around behind the new girl and Ash followed. The closer they got, the more he thought he could smell one of Jenn's many favourite perfumes, Vera Wang Princess, and then thought he could hear her voice.

When Chris set the drink down in front of the new girl, he was really confused. The girl drank almost half of it in one gulp, put it down, and looked up. Her eyes widened and she laughed. "Ash!"

"Yes, yes, that's me," Ash said with much confusion. Then the girl got up and had him in a hug faster than a quick attack Pikachu could've used.

She stepped back and looked him over, "My, my, you are looking fine tonight! I bet you're getting hit on by all the ladies."

It only took Ash a second longer, then realization dawned on him. "Jenn?!"

"Don't wear it out, Ashy boy," Jenn tsked. "A girl might not feel welcomed."

Trish was watching this exchange with interest as she knew that Ash had not seen Jenn's new look yet. She only hoped that the Grand Master wouldn't botch things up by making fun of Jenn's hair.

"I didn't recognise you at first!" Ash was amazed as he looked Jenn up and down. "When did you have this done?"

"Just the other day," Jenn beamed. "What do you think? Cute, huh?"

"It's more than cute, you look really beautiful!" Ash grinned. He meant it, and if this was the change that Trish and Pikachu were referring to, then he approved of it whole-heartedly.

"Really?" Jenn breathed, looking at him with wide blue-grey eyes that seemed bluer against her dark locks.

"Really."

Jenn threw her arms around him in a tight hug. "Oh thank you, thank you for that," she whispered fiercely in his ears. "You have no idea what it means to me that you've said that."

The Grand Master hugged her back, enjoying the closeness. Jenn normally didn't go in for such public displays of affection, especially towards him, so it made for a nice change. "I meant it."

"So did I," she grinned and stepped back. She patted the empty seat next to her. "I saved this spot especially for you."

"Uh…okay," Ash smiled, but as he went to comply with the former blonde's request, he paused by Trish's chair and leant over to whisper in her ear. "Jenn's quite relaxed and friendly tonight. This is really not like her."

The Australian grinned. "Hey, don't question it. Maybe she's finally learned to relax around you. About time too."

"Yeah, it is," Ash said, but as he looked over, he felt a swift stab of unease. There was something wrong about Jenn that tickled at his gut. Her eyes were a little wider than usual as she talked animatedly with Jaime and Shannon, and she looked a whole lot perkier than a couple of days ago. Could it be his reaction to her hair?

Ash let out a low sigh. He'd never understand women. Not his mom, to Misty, Pikachu, and even Jenn. Women were far more mysterious than anything he could possibly think of.

ooo

As the night wore on, the eating commenced and talking increased. The numbers of teenaged girls and their mothers, along with single women his age and even some as old as his own mother, walked by in ever growing numbers. So many that Ash eventually called for security to ring a small, yet invisible Psychic barrier around them, thanks to an Abra and an Espeon.

"Chris," Jenn laughed out, "Will you pwease Pepsi me another get? I mean, get me another Pepsi?"

"Don't you think you've had enough caffeine?" Chris sounded a little irritated.

"There's no such a thing," Jenn flicked her fingernails against the crystal and it chimed. "Please."

Chris sighed, but grabbed the glass and stood up. Ash got up and followed.

Once they got to the bar, Chris shoved the glass at a bartender.

"Same as before?" The bartender asked. "Or is the lady getting bored yet?"

"Bored?" Ash raised an eyebrow. "Chris, is there something you forgot to tell Jenn?"

"Uh, better make that a watered down Pepsi," Chris said, "And nothing else."

"Whatever you say," The bartender complied and handed back a watered back Pepsi. "Anything for you?"

Ash shook his head, grateful that someone hadn't noticed who he was. Instead he mentally pinned Chris to the bar.

"Hey! I can't move!"

"Just for a second," Ash said quietly. "What's been going on with her Pepsi?"

"I swear, Ash, I just had the bartender put a splash of vodka in it to relax her," Chris said, "I didn't think she'd get hooked on it."

Ash sighed, "I figured something weird was going on with her." The Grand Master shrugged and let Chris go. "C'mon, let's get back before they think something's up."

"Like they'd notice we were gone longer than we shoulda been," Chris muttered.

ooo

When they returned to their table, everyone was still talking away, though it seemed Jenn was monopolising most of the conversation, gesturing every so often to emphasise her words.

Drake had his arm draped around Trish's shoulders and the two were listening to Jenn with slightly raised eyebrows.

Ash only hoped that Jenn, in her tipsy state, was not committing one of the three conversational taboos to get such a reaction. Never ever talk about sex, drugs or politics if you wanted a civil conversation. But then again, he had heard from Drake that Trish had talked about at least one of those subjects on their very first date.

Chris placed the Pepsi in front of Jenn and she paused in her monologue to beam up at him. "Thanksh, Chrissy Wissy!"

The Scot inwardly winced at the nickname and blocked out the snickering he heard from Jaime. If he ever needed a reason why he shouldn't get Jenn drunk, this was it. Of all their friends, only he seemed to get the short end of the stick when it came to nicknames when Jenn was not her usual self.

Chris then felt a tug on his sleeve, and saw that Trish was giving him a Look. The Scot gulped. He really hoped that it didn't mean what he was thinking – that Trish had figured out that he'd spiked Jenn's drink.

Public celebration or not, his life would end that very night if Trish found out the truth. While the Australian was very protective about all her friends, there were two people in particular with whom she was ten times worse than a momma bear with cubs. Drake of course, and Jenn.

'Then again, with the amount of scrapes that Jenn gets into, can you really blame Trish?' Chris thought.

:I promise, I haven't told her anything.:

The voice was Ash's and it startled Chris more than a bit, but to his credit he jumped only a little.

:I can take the alcohol from her system, gradually but within the next half hour or so.:

Chris met Ash's eyes across the table, and the Grand Master looked at him sternly before looking over at Jenn, who was telling a very loud and not particularly funny story.

:If you give in to her pleading for any more special Pepsis, I'll personally make sure you think you're a Skitty for at least one week out of a month for the rest of your life.:

:You're so cruel, man. Really.: Chris saw Ash bite back a laugh. :Just do your thing, Ash. I swear I won't ever try to get Jenn to relax ever again.:

Ash gave a barely perceptible nod and Chris sat back. For some reason, his own drink didn't seem particularly attractive at the moment.

"You doing okay there, Chris?" Callie's bell like voice shimmered over his skin and his arms tingled.

"I'm fine," Chris said, "I just feel a little tired." He shrugged, "It's nothing."

"Nothing?" Her pretty face narrowed in a frown. "This is a party and it's for a good cause. How could you, of all people, be tired?"

"Ah, it's nothing, Callie," Chris grinned, "Stop worrying about me and let's try to gloss over this boring table chit chat."

"Who said I was worried about you?" Callie said with much amusement. "Silly Chris!"

But he knew she was. He could see it in her eyes. Chris grinned to himself. Maybe there was hope for him after all.

Just then Jenn's voice pierced his internal musings. "Hey Chrishy!"

"What?"

"Would you pwease go an' get me anover Pepshi?" the former blonde giggled. "I'm really thursty."

Chris gulped as he saw the Grand Master glaring at him out of the corner of his eye. But before he could speak, Trish put a hand on her best friend's arm.

"Uh…Jenn, I don't think you should have another Pepsi," the Australian said gently. "You're on a Pepsi hyper."

"A Pespi what?" Jenn looked confused. "You are talking weirder than normal, and that's pretty darned diddly weird."

Chris considered himself a pretty fortunate guy in that he hadn't been drinking anything when Jenn had opened her yapper and said that line. He'd have either choked on anything he'd been drinking or he'd have spit it up all over Callie, since he'd been looking at her most generously displayed bosom at the time.

:Ash, if you're thinking of doing your little whammy thing, now may be the time to start doing it.:

:What d'you think I've been doing for the past twenty minutes?: Ash sounded irritated. :I've been cleaning up this little vodka mess all that time, but it's like she's getting worse.:

:Then maybe you should try a little harder, Chosen One.: This voice, female, was horribly familiar to both males, and this time Chris did jump.

"Chris, what's wrong?" Trish asked with concern.

"N…nothing," Chris stuttered, looking over at Callie who had the most smug look on her face that he'd ever seen. "I just thought I felt a Pokémon run over my foot."

"That's real lame, Chris," Puck muttered, "Really lame. Can't even admit that you're playing footsie with my sister. Ugh."

Chris ignored the Fae and nodded to Trish. "I'm okay, Trish, really."

"If it was just footsie, that's all you had to say," she winked at him and turned back to Drake. Apparently, there was some sort of sale at Starmiebucks and she wanted him to buy her something.

Chris sighed, bit back his irritation, and looked across the table, through the centrepiece at Jenn. The dark strands were escaping the carefully done updo and her eyes had the sparkle of someone seriously into her drink. How the heck was he supposed to know she couldn't hold her alcohol?

:Because she doesn't drink, Chris,: Callie again, though her voice was tinged only with certainty and no ill humour. :I sense that she hasn't ever had a drink, with only a very, very light occasion during family occasions. And even then, I think she plays it off and pretends to drink.:

:Oh, great, a virgin drinker,: Chris shook his head and rubbed at his temples. :Ash, can you fix this? Preferably without her knowing I was behind it?:

:Callie, can you help me out a little? I don't really know everything about stuff like this.:

Callie gave that little chiming laugh of hers, :Not a problem, Ash.:

It was both amusing and a relief for Chris to hear Ash admit something like that to Callie. He might be the Chosen One, but he didn't know everything and he didn't have all the magical power in the world. However, being on the non-magical end of this three way phone call was getting a little taxing.

He tried to tune out the babble around him, from Mia and Puck talking about wedded bliss even though they hadn't even figured out a wedding date, to Trish and Drake talking about buying a Starmiebucks, even Shannon and Jaime were talking about the benefits of torturing pokémon a la dressing them up in "the most ca-utesiest little clothes you could ever possibly think of!!!!"

It was enough to make a single guy want to puke, then go and get drunk enough to puke again.

Then he felt Callie take his hand in hers and squeeze it gently. He looked over at her and saw that her light amethyst eyes were looking over at him.

Don't hold your breath, Chris. It's gotta be too good to be true. Look at her, man!

Then she winked and he felt himself go weak in the knees and, quite frankly, didn't give a damn if it was too good to be true or not.

ooo

With Callie's help, Ash was finally able to fully take all the alcohol out of Jenn's system and breathed a sigh of relief. Now the former blonde wouldn't be able to do anything potentially embarrassing for the rest of the evening, nor would she suffer from a nasty hangover in the morning.

Trish and Drake had got up to dance, and Ash turned to Jenn with a smile. "Say, how about I go get you a water or soda, before taking you up on that dance you promised me?"

"Um, yeah. I'd love to dance with you," Jenn looked a little pale, but smiled back. "You're sure nothing happened earlier? I really feel like the night went by in a blur."

"Not a thing, Jenn." Ash said reassuringly. "Quit worrying."

"Okay, then, water please," Jenn gulped. "I'm a little thirsty."

"Think nothing of it," The Grand Master smiled as he rose from his seat. "I'll be back."

He was looking back at Jenn as he was walking about, and a result walked right into someone.

"Oh, sorry!" Ash apologised, completely embarrassed and hoping that he had not caused any drink or food to be spilled.

"Oh don't be sorry," a soft feminine voice purred. "Because I'm not sorry at all."

The Grand Master turned to see a tall, willowy blonde standing before him, in a classic little black dress which showed off her best assets, namely her chest and her long legs.

"Uh…hi there," Ash said weakly. There was no doubt in his mind that this was one of the many eager female fans that had been wanting to see him all night.

"Hi," she flashed brilliant pearly whites at him. "I'm Emily, and I've been one of your biggest fans for like forever!"

"Okay, well, that's great," Ash tried to step around her. He was dismayed when Emily dodged in step with him. "I'm sorry, I don't have a Sharpie or anything on me."

"That's a…shame that you haven't got a Sharpie on you," Her gaze flickered down for a second, then back up.

"I'm sorry, Emily, but I have to go and get something to drink."

"I'll buy it for you."

"No!" Ash said, a little sharper than he intended. He softened his tone, "Emily, I really have to get something to drink and I need to do it alone. Okay?"

She pouted lusciously, but nodded. "Okay."

It was a great relief to Ash when he walked away unimpeded, but he didn't see the wicked look that crossed the blonde's face.

ooo

Jenn scanned the crowds, which were still thronging even though dinner was almost over and dessert was being served at most of the tables. "Where is he?"

"Gosh, Jenn, you worried about him?" Trish teased her friend.

"Hah, hah, very funny," Jenn rolled her eyes, "No, I'm just thirsty."

"Well be patient," Shannon said. "He'll be back."

Jaime nodded. "Yeah, he said so, so just trust him."

Jenn bit at the inside of her lower lip in irritation. "C'mon, Drake, we're going to go find him."

"What?!" Drake choked out, "You can't just take me like I'm your favourite purse or something!"

"No, but you're big and muscular and the best thing to a bouncer I can find on short notice."

"Hello, what am I over here?" Chris sounded annoyed. "Chopped liver?"

"No, genius," Jenn said, "But for some reason I can't pinpoint, I just don't trust you."

Chris settled back down without a complaint.

Jenn looked over at Trish, "Can I please borrow Drake? I'll give him back."

"I'm not something you can borrow!"

Trish shrugged, "Sure, I don't see why not."

"Trish!" Drake's jaw dropped. "I…but…"

Jenn stood up and smoothed down her dress. She looked over at Drake, who was still sitting down, "Well? Come on."

Drake grumbled incoherent threats, but stood up and followed Jenn anyway. It didn't take them long to find out what was taking Ash so long to get back to the table. He was only about five tables away, between the bar and their table, drink in hand and talking to a model tall blonde.

His back was to them, but both Drake and Jenn could see the blonde woman. She was gorgeous, with a dress that hugged her every curve, and stiletto heels that made her look even more slender than she must've been without them on.

Jenn frowned and figured that whatever she'd gone through earlier that resulted in that big blank area in her memory must've made her a little stupid. Ash had come here alone, then there was the blank area, then the not blank, then Ash asking me to dance with him, then the drinking, and now she's kissing him…

"Oh, that's not right," Drake said.

"That's so not right," Jenn gritted out. Waves of intense jealousy began to well up inside her as she watched the blonde bimbo kissing Ash. She never wanted to admit it, but she felt like it should be her kissing Ash and not some stranger.

Even though she couldn't see much of the girl's face, since it was currently (grr) mashed against Ash's, what little she had seen wasn't familiar at all. She didn't want to assume that the girl was a gold digger, but that was the only obvious thing to come up with. And quite personally, Jenn hated the thought of a gold digger getting her claws into Ash.

If someone asked her why she cared really deeply about Ash, she'd have to say that it was because of who he was, and not just because of what he was or how much money he had. There was no way in the world that she'd let a bimbo trap Ash into a loveless marriage, especially after what he had been through with Misty.

But first she needed a drink.

Jenn stalked out of the Ballroom and over to the bar area, with Drake trailing close behind. The Orange Crew Leader had a niggling feeling that the former blonde was up to something, so thought that he'd better keep an eye on the hot-headed American girl. Trish would never forgive him otherwise.

She waltzed up to the bar and banged a fist on the counter, gaining the attention of one of the bartenders. "I need one of those special Pepsis you've been serving all night." She frowned over in the direction of where the Grand Master was (talking and not kissing, but still too close to the blonde). "Actually make that two." Jenn looked over at Drake. "You want anything?"

Drake shook his head.

"Certainly, ma'am." In fact, this was the very same bartender who had taken care of Chris's orders, and so, dutifully put a shot of vodka into each glass of Pepsi before placing it in front of Jenn.

Since she'd been staring at Ash making small talk with the unfamiliar blonde, Jenn didn't notice the alcohol. Drake did, but was unaware of the earlier happenings and said nothing. She gulped down the first glass in two gulps, and the second followed in quick succession. "Man, that really hit the thirsty spot," she grinned at Drake. "Let's go back and save Ash."

To Jenn's dismay, Ash was still within the clutches of that blonde creature, with the girl's arms now wrapped possessively around him and her hands moving to rest on his toned behind.

Unfortunately Ash had his back to them, or Jenn might have seen that he was trying his best to get out of the blonde vixen's clutches.

"That filthy, skanky ho," Jenn seethed before grabbing Drake's arm and pulling him to her. "C'mon…you and me are going to get even."

"What?" Drake was really confused, and in such a state of confusion didn't realize that Jenn had manoeuvred him into a spot where they were right in Ash's line of sight. "Jenn, what the hell is going on?"

"You'll see," Jenn purred and trailed a finger down his chest. Her eyes flicked over towards Ash in a second before she did something that even a psychic couldn't foresee.

She kissed Drake.

ooo

Chris looked over into the crowds and immediately wished he hadn't. He looked away as casually as he could. He didn't want to draw attention to this at all. Oh god, oh god, please someone tell me I'm just in the middle of the most realistic nightmare ever.

But when he looked back, it was worse. She was still kissing Drake, even though he had gone pale and was trying his best to get out of it. Chris grabbed his glass of water and drank it, hoping fervently that no one would notice what he'd noticed.

"Hey, isn't Jenn back yet?" Jaime asked, and started scanning the crowds.

Chris feigned ignorance and stared at Callie's hair. It was really pretty, with chestnut strands merging into copper and gold. There was even a bit of sparkle in it, like glitter of some sort. He wondered if it was something that she'd gotten here or if it was magical.

"You really should just ask my sister out," Puck grumbled at the Scot. "Instead of staring at her like some lovesick puppy all the time. It's making me want to go puke."

"Puck!!" Mia slapped her fiancé on the arm. "Don't be so mean! You were like that once too, you know."

"Yeah but this is my sister he's hitting on!" Puck defended himself. "When you have a sister looking like Callie does, of course you're extra protective and grumpy."

Mia's response was cut off by a horrified gasp from Jaime.

"Um…guys I think we have a major problem here."

Chris winced inwardly. He knew that Jaime had just seen Jenn with Drake. He quickly glanced over towards Trish and was relieved to see that she was turned the other way, talking to Danny and Cissie. Hopefully she would stay like that until everything was sorted out.

But alas, Trish had heard Jaime's statement, and if there was one word that was sure to grab the Australian's full attention, it was 'problem.'

"What major problem?" she asked with a slight frown as she turned to face the table once more.

"Oh it's nothing, really," Chris said quickly, hoping to avert what would be World War III if Trish ever found out.

"You sure?" Trish asked again as she scanned the crowds. Chris's heart plummeted to his stomach when those dark eyes suddenly came to rest on a kissing and groping Jenn and Drake. "Oh…"

Oh god, here it comes, Chris mentally braced himself. But to his utter astonishment, Trish merely grinned and took a sip of her wine.

"Nothing to worry about," was all she said.

Everyone around the table nearly choked on their drinks or dessert.

"Trish!!! Are you insane??" Mia gasped out. "Jenn is kissing your fiancé in public!!!"

"No, I'm quite sane," Trish said smoothly, "It's just that I had this set up. The thing that started all of that kissing was Jenn seeing Ash kissing another woman."

"You set her up to get her jealousy meter off the roof?" Jaime gaped. "That's awesome!"

"TRISH!" Chris sat back in his seat, "I can't believe you just put me through that!"

"Through what, Chris?" Trish sat forward, "Did you see or do something that no one noticed?"

"Fine," Chris sighed, "I saw Jenn kissing Drake and I didn't say anything. Satisfied?"

"A bit," Trish said, "I'm happier knowing that Jenn really does care enough about Ash to retaliate like that."

"Looks like Drake's winning," Mia pointed out. "He's fighting back."

They all looked over to see that Drake had indeed untangled himself and was running back to the table. The Orange Crew Leader had a look that was a mix of horror and terror.

"Trish, whatever you saw, it wasn't what it looked like!"

"Don't worry, honey," Trish patted his hand, "I know."

Drake sat there for a few seconds, breathing hard, "What?"

"Trish set Jenn up," Mia shrugged, "I guess you weren't the only one she didn't tell."

"Huh?" Drake wiped at red lipstick, which was smudged over his mouth. He looked down at his hand in disgust. "Oh, I hate lipstick."

"Yeah, man," Chris snickered, "That shade really isn't you."

Trish handed Drake a tissue and he wiped the offending lipstick off. "So what do you mean, Jenn was set up?" He looked down at the tissue. "Has she never heard of lipstick that doesn't move?"

"You know how Jenn will never admit to being madly in love with Ash?" Trish grinned. "Well, I thought I'd just give love a helping hand by making her so jealous that she will admit it."

"So who's the girl? She looks kind of familiar…" the Orange Crew Leader mused.

"So she should look familiar," Trish chuckled. "I was very ably assisted in my plans by Emily, one of your personal assistants."

"That was Em?" Drake grinned. "You've already got her working for you and we're not even married yet."

"The only thing I didn't expect was the fact that you would be dragged into it," Trish said with a grin. "I honestly thought all Jenn would do is stalk over to Ash, grab him from Em and start kissing him herself."

"Yeah you really owe me for this," Drake mock grumbled. "I could be have been traumatised for life! I could still be traumatised for life."

"I'll make it all up to you later," Trish winked as she turned her attention back to the dance floor.

ooo

Jenn silently cursed Drake's escape when she heard a shocked voice behind her.

"Jenn, what the hell did you think you were doing?"

She turned around to face a visibly confused and concerned Grand Master. He frowned, "You can't kiss Drake! He's engaged to your best friend! Trish is gonna kill you!!"

"Not if I kill you first!" Jenn snapped back, "What did you think you were doing?"

"What?!"

"I saw you kissing that…that…"

"Emily," The blonde said helpfully.

"You're not helping!" Jenn said and glared at the blonde. "And as for you, why don't you leave before I do something irrational."

"Why? It's not like you're going out with him."

Jenn, who had her back to the area where her friends were at, didn't see Trish and just about all of her friends sneaking up behind her. She rubbed at her temple as if a headache was coming on. "I'm not, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to!"

"Oh really?" This from an amused sounding Ash.

"I mean, you seemed really wrapped up in kissing that other guy," Emily said smoothly, "So how could you be upset if I took my turn with Ash? I mean, face it, I could marry the guy and I'd be set for life!"

"That's so not going to happen," Jenn said, unconsciously moving so that she was between Ash and Emily. "See, if you're not far, far away from him in about ten seconds, I'm gonna lay the hurt down on you so bad, your great grandchildren are gonna feel it."

"Whoa," Emily sounded pleased. "Sounds like someone's got the hots for him like I do."

"No, I don't," Jenn said flatly, "What I've got is something deeper than you'll ever have. Love goes way deeper than hots, and it lasts a lot longer, too."

"Like wedding longer?" Ash whispered in her ear from behind her.

"No shit, Sherlock," Jenn rolled her eyes, then blanched at the cheers from behind her. Slowly she turned around and paled a little further.

It wasn't just her friends from the table. It looked as if just about everyone in attendance had heard her admittance.

"Gotcha," Trish winked.

"What do you mean, 'gotcha,'" Jenn looked confused for a moment before it finally dawned. "You mean…this was all a set up?"

"Guilty as charged," her best friend grinned. "I knew there was no way in the world that you would ever voluntarily admit your real feelings for Ash, even if doing so would make you happy. So to save you from yourself I decide to give things a helping hand." She gestured towards the blonde. "Emily is one of Drake's personal assistants and agreed to assist me. She played her part very well, you have to admit."

"Triiiiiiiisssssssh!!" Jenn groaned as waves of embarrassment washed over her. "I can't believe that you would do this to me!!!" She paused. "Actually I can, but you're not supposed to do something like this to your best friend!!"

"Aww but I did it for you, not to you," the Australian was most gleefully unapologetic. "I think it worked out for the best, don't you?" By this she meant the fact that Ash had come up next to Jenn and slipped one strong arm around her waist.

"That's really not fair," Jenn sighed, and she didn't lean into Ash, but – to Trish's eagle eyes – she didn't pull away either.

Progress, the Australian thought to herself. Now to get things back to normal. I wonder if either of the two Fae could help?

Callie came a little closer to Trish and nodded to her. :We can cast a little mind muddling to the people. Have them think that this happened a few hours ago, instead of minutes.:

:Why?: Ash broke into the conversation.

Trish and Callie looked over and saw he looked confused.

:Because Jenn will be more comfortable,: Trish explained. :If she sees all of these people staring at her, she's going to freeze up faster than as if an arctic breeze had hit her. She doesn't like being in the centre of attention unless she's brought it on herself. This wasn't.:

:I could just use my Grand Master powers and have them settle down.:

:Nice try, Ash, but that will not work,: Callie said gently, :You humans are most single minded, especially when something in the media comes up. The magical way will be more convenient.:

:Okay, if you say so,: the Grand Master conceded.

:Trust me, Ash when I say that it's the best way,: Trish grinned. :Jenn doesn't like feeling pressured or trapped into anything. Everyone staring will make her feel trapped. Just don't rush her and take it slow and your relationship will flourish.:

:Callie, go right ahead then.:

The female Fae closed her eyes for a few minutes, then opened them. "All done," she smiled.

Sure enough people were moving away back to their tables with a puzzled look or starting to dance. All the audience that Jenn and Ash had left was their small circle of close friends.

As the pulsating beat of Latin American music came over the speakers, Drake grinned and took Trish's hand. "How about we show everyone our smooth moves on the dance floor?"

"Sure," Trish grinned back, and the two moved off.

Ash looked at Jenn with a smile. "How about I take you up on that offer to dance right now? I promise that nobody's looking."

"That's easy for you to say," Jenn looked pained. "Everyone was staring at me a second ago, Ash! I haven't felt that uncomfortable since I was in high school."

"Well, I hate to say it," Ash said, walking closer to her and causing her to move backwards, "But if you're with me, you're going to have to get used to it."

"It would be really horrible to just fall into that. I don't know how you managed it."

"I had time," Ash shrugged, "I've been doing the limelight thing since I was ten."

"Yeah, that's right," Jenn mused, then gasped when someone bumped into her. She started to stumble over the long hem of her dress, but Ash dropped one hand around her waist and got her hand with the other one.

"Oopsie," He grinned, but held on.

"Uh, yeah. Thanks," Jenn looked at his hand interlaced with hers, but didn't move to snatch hers back.

Ash cheered to himself inwardly and continued walking her backwards, then to the side.

"I don't think I want to dance though," Jenn said, "I'm sorry, I know I said I would, but I'm not good at it. I've never really danced."

"Why not? I bet you'd be great at it."

"I'm too tall. Anyone I've ever tried to dance with was shorter than me. It ended up looking like I was the guy and he was the girl," Jenn made a face. "It was horrible."

"Well I'm taller than you," Ash said musingly, "And since we're dancing now, I'd say it couldn't be as horrible as you think it is."

"You son of a bitch!" Jenn gasped, "You tricked me! You knew I'd be too busy being worried to notice we were out here."

There was a twinkle in his mahogany eyes, "And you're doing fine."

ooo

The Grand Master was not the only one who thought that Jenn's dancing was just fine. Trish and Drake were surreptitiously spying on the two from a distance as they danced. "Jenn's dancing is pretty good," Trish smiled as she watched her best friend dance with Ash. "I don't know what she was so worried about. Maybe all she needed was the right partner."

"True, and Ash is a very good dancer," Drake agreed. "Hard to believe he used to be such a klutz. But Jessie made sure he got lessons from a champion ballroom dancer from the moment he became Grand Master."

"The lessons have paid off," Trish agreed. "He looks so comfortable out there."

"But Jenn doesn't look so comfortable," the Orange Crew Leader noted. "Do you think that you should have made her admit in such a public fashion?"

"If I hadn't, then she would never have admitted it and would have stayed miserable until her dying day, and you know it," Trish countered. "This was the only way, and anyway if anyone can get her to relax, it's Ash."

"Are you sure?" Drake grinned, "Maybe we should get Chris to slip her another Pepsi or two. That really relaxed her!"

Trish slapped at Drake, but it was half-heartedly. She knew him well enough to know that he was kidding, yet speaking the truth. It was almost frightening to realize that it would take alcohol laced soda to get her best friend to unwind and relax from the tightly woven façade she felt she had to show to the world.

With a sigh, Trish leaned her head against his strong chest and took comfort in his presence. "She really does need to learn to relax."

"Yeah, she really does," Drake agreed.

ooo

Jenn was unaware of her friends' discussion however. All she was aware of was the close proximity of Ash, and the fear of making a fool of herself on the dance floor. She kept her eyes glued to the floor so that she wouldn't step on Ash's feet with her heels.

"Jenn," Ash said gently.

"Uh huh," Jenn said as she steadfastly looked at her feet.

"Jenn…" the Grand Master gently lifted up her chin so that she was looking into his dark eyes. "Relax…you're doing just fine."

"You're not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?"

"No, I really mean it."

She looked into his eyes and narrowed hers. "I almost believe you."

"You should do that more often," He said patiently. "You might find that most people actually tell the truth instead of telling stories."

"I want to believe, it's just really hard." Jenn sighed. "After Gary totally dissed me at that club, I pretty much didn't trust anyone. Except for my closest friends, and even with them I didn't tell them everything I was feeling."

"Things'll be better. I promise."

Just then the current dance ended and the opening strains of a seductively slow song began to play.

"What is this?" Jenn looked around at all of the dancers. Women had begun swishing the hems of their dresses and the men were alternating their steps.

"Uh, I actually know this song," Ash said, looking a little sheepish. "It's called Mongo Bongo. It's kind of salsa and tango-ish."

"Uh huh."

"You wanna dance it?"

"I'm not feeling that open with dancing, Ash," Jenn gave him a wry look.

He grinned and led her to the bar.

"What are we doing here?" Jenn looked around quizzically, but took a seat on one of the stools. "Hasn't this place caused enough damage?"

"Au contraire, Jenn," Ash said, sitting next to her. "I think it's given you a chance to open up and be a little more you."

"A little more me?" Jenn raised an eye brow. "When am I not me?"

"When you're hiding yourself from the world."

"Oh come on! I don't hide from the world!" she laughed at that. "I…I get out plenty."

"I'm talking about that little façade you have," Ash said and chucked her gently under her chin. "It's cute, but it can be taken as snobby by people."

"I'm just…being quiet," Jenn said. She sighed and bit at her lower lip. "Can we just get something to drink and save the therapy session for later?"

Ash nodded and motioned for the bartender.

ooo

Chris sighed as he watched the crowds enjoying themselves. He had been deserted by all of his friends who had either paired off with their love interests or had gone off by themselves.

Trish and Drake were dancing close together, talking and occasionally sharing a tender kiss. Chris was glad to see things had finally worked out for his eldest friend. He certainly planned to take her offer up of 'open house' after she was married. Any excuse to spend time in a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

Nearby, he saw Mia and Puck dancing together. The two were laughing and having fun over their various missteps and near accidents. Chris chuckled. Those two were really a perfect match, both just as klutzy as the other.

The Scot was also glad to see things had worked out for Mia and Puck. While he didn't know about how Puck coped, he knew that the past two years had been extremely difficult for Mia. As Puck was not only not human, but also in a different world altogether, Mia had difficulty just trying to convince her family and other friends that he even existed, let alone, was coming back.

So much love around, and he wasn't able to share in it. Chris sighed and downed the last of his drink. Sometimes he wondered whether he was doomed to be single for the rest of his life. He had all these female friends, but they were just that. Friends.

'Why can't any girl see me as more than just a friend?' he thought miserably. 'Am I that repulsive as a potential lover?'

"Chris, are you okay?" a familiar female voice asked with concern.

The Scot turned around in his chair to see Callie had sat down in the next seat. She smiled at him and he almost melted inside.

"Why such a long face, Chris? Everyone else here is having fun and you are ruining the almost perfect atmosphere by being the only glum face in the entire place."

"Oh it's nothing really, Callie," Chris gave what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "Just that it's no fun being single and dateless at a big function like this."

"But it troubles you that much?" She looked perplexed. "You huma…" Callie paused. "Chris, don't worry about it. I'm sure there's someone out there for you."

"Yeah? Where?" Chris snorted, then shook his head. "Never mind, Callie. I doubt you should worry about this."

"I'm not," Callie tilted her head to the side. "Why are you so concerned?"

"I…I'm not!"

"Yes, yes you are."

The Scot sighed. "Okay, okay, you got me there. It just seems that every girl out there just wants to be friends with me. Just friends, nothing more. And that really sucks, you know?"

Callie looked puzzled. "No I can't really see what sucking has to do with it."

Chris sighed. Callie may be an all powerful Fae, but she really had no clue when it came to humans.

ooo

Meanwhile Ash was staring at a giggling Jenn who was snuggled against him. She was not herself again and the Grand Master couldn't understand why.

'She only had two Pepsis,' he thought to himself. 'Unless…unless someone slipped her two of those special Pepsis again.'

Ash inclined his head closer to Jenn and he could smell the rum on her breath. "Oh…boy." A different kind of alcohol but same effect as the vodka.

Slinging one arm around her waist, Ash supported Jenn on her feet as he looked for any sign of her friends. Unfortunately he couldn't seem to spot any of them in the massive crowds.

"Man, I'm getting so sleepy," Jenn yawned as she leant her head against his broad shoulder.

"How about we get you home then," Ash suggested. "Then you can sleep in a nice warm bed."

"I'd rather sleep in yours."

Ash froze, then a thought most evil occurred to him. Could it be possible that she would tell him an honest answer to anything he asked her? He looked around, but didn't see anyone that he recognized from Jenn's group of close friends. He recognized several of the upper Gym Leaders, but no one from the Orange Gyms.

Unfortunately, there were also a lot of other people around as well. Luckily, Drake and Trish had most effectively banned paparazzi from the area in a ten mile radius, thanks to psychic and other pokémon. It was the people who had paid good money to be in the same room as him that bothered him the most.

While he knew he should, on good moral standing, get Jenn out of here as soon as possible, he knew it would be a horrible reflection on himself to leave so soon. It was only just shy of midnight. If he left now, he'd be a proverbial Cinderella, leaving before the clock struck twelve. Ash would also be letting down all those fans who had forked out money to be at this event with the Grand Master.

But he also didn't want to expose Jenn to any potential embarrassment while drunk and in his company. That would really shoot down any possibility of a relationship between them succeeding once she sobered and found out.

"How about we get some fresh air and go outside for a bit?" he suggested to the former blonde.

"Mmm, okay. I'd go anywhere, as long as it's with you," Jenn beamed and hung onto his arm even tighter.

From his previous experience with functions at this place, Ash knew where there was a small private balcony with a table for two, away from the rest of the crowds on the main balcony. He guided Jenn through the crowds until he found the particular French doors that opened onto the balcony in question. To his relief, no canoodling couples had taken up residence there yet.

He led Jenn to the wrought iron seat and she sat down. Ash then drew up his chair next to her.

"So, Jenn, are you enjoying yourself so far?"

"Awwwyeah," she smiled. "But especially now that you're here."

Ash smiled back and decided to test the 'truth'. "Jenn, did you really mean it when you said that you were in love with me?"

"Duh, I always mean what I say," she made a face, "Except for those times when I teased you. Then I was kidding."

Ash grinned, thoroughly enjoying this. Even so, he knew that he didn't dare take this too far, or else he would regret it. "Okay, Jenn, how are you feeling?"

"Uh, honestly? Like I want to puke and then go to sleep for weeks."

"I can arrange one part of that, but you're going to have to close your eyes."

"That's not hard," she murmured, "It's opening them again that'll be hard."

Ash sighed, hoped he was doing the right thing, looked around to make sure no one was around, and then teleported the two of them from the party.

ooo

Jenn slowly opened one eye, then the other. She could see cream curtains fluttering in a breeze from the open windows. Brilliant sunlight cast shadows on silken looking light yellow walls. Light yellow walls….Jenn sat straight up in bed in a panic. This was most definitely not her lilac shaded room and she had no idea of where she was or how she got here.

Wherever here was.

It was then she realised that she was still dressed in her silver gown from the dance. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and noticed that someone had placed her high heels under a bedside chair, alongside a pair of sneakers. A pile of neatly folded clothes lay on the seat of the chair, which upon further inspection, turned out to her favourite lilac coloured shirt and jeans.

Just as she was pondering the latest pieces in this puzzle, a sharp knock sounded at the door.

"Uh…come in," she called out with some hesitation and looked around for a possible weapon she could use just in case Lu had made a miraculous return or it was just a random kidnapper.

The door swung open and Ash walked in, fully dressed and carrying a fluffy towel and robe over one arm. "Good Morning, Jenn. Did you sleep well?"

"Uh…yeah," Jenn managed to nod. "Ash, even though this goes beyond my normal behaviour, I really don't want to be rude when I ask why am I here and not back at Drake's villa?"

The Grand Master laid the towel and robe on the end of the bed. "Well, it turns out that the bartender gave you another two of those special alcohol laced Pepsis. You were fairly drunk and it was more than obvious that you were getting sleepy. I couldn't find any of the others to take you home, so I brought you here."

"Why didn't you just use your Chosen One powers and teleport me straight to my room?" Jenn raised an eyebrow.

"Jenn! I couldn't have done that!" Ash was aghast at the very suggestion. "That would have been trespassing!"

"No one said you had to go with me. Couldn't you have just snapped your fingers and teleported just me?"

"I would've had to been holding onto you," Ash said patiently. "I would've had to been in your room. I didn't want to invade the privacy of your room without your permission."

"So you brought me back here so because it was your place and you didn't need permission to invade?"

"Jenn!" Ash was once again gob smacked. "I would never, ever take advantage of a woman when she's drunk. That's beyond wrong. It's immoral."

"It's good to know there's still some decent guys around," Jenn smirked.

"Jenn, not all guys are like Gary," Ash said patiently. "Don't let him be the yardstick by which you measure all things in life. There are much better role models around."

Jenn's smug look faltered. "Yeah, well, try it sometime, then come back and let me know what you think. It's one of those things that fall under easier said than done."

Ash shook his head and motioned to the towel and robe, "There's a bathroom adjoining this room. There just weren't any towels or robes."

"Any chance that there's any shampoo or soap?"

"Uh…Yeah," Ash said with a slight smile, "Now there is."

"You just did the freaky Chosen One thing, didn't you?"

Ash grinned, "Yup."

Jenn grabbed the towel and robe on her way to the bathroom, but then paused just before entering. "How did my clothes get here? I mean, they are mine aren't they? They look like it."

"They're your clothes," Ash confirmed. "I rang Trish when I got up this morning and she sent some of your clothes over with her Espeon."

Jenn's eyes widened. "You're telling me that Trish knows that I'm here?"

"I had to tell her," the Grand Master grinned. "Because you know that she'd be raising hell if she didn't know where you were."

"That's true," Jenn sighed. "Course I'm gonna get teased like no one's business when I get back. I hate being teased." She wrinkled her nose a little. "Couldn't you have told someone else?"

"She was the first to answer the phone," Ash shrugged. "And I don't think she'd be the only one out of your friends who would tease you."

"Shannon wouldn't," Jenn said knowingly. "She's shy and too afraid of making people mad at her to tease anyone."

"Well, the cat's out of the bag," Ash shrugged, "You go do your girlie thing and I'll go make some breakfast."

"You make breakfast?" Jenn's eyes widened. "Why did Misty let you go?!"

"Your guess is ever as good as mine," Ash left the room and closed the door behind him.

"Because she's an idiot, that's why," Jenn muttered as she walked into the bathroom.

ooo

Drake stared at the newspaper and sighed. "I still don't get it. What am I looking at and supposed to be getting all weirded out over?"

Trish pointed her finger at a small paragraph on the front page with the heading, 'Grand Master Leaves With Mysterious New Lady.'

"That," she said. "That's what you're supposed to get all weirded out about. That's about Ash and Jenn. We barred all press from the event and the surroundings, so how did news of this get out?"

"Somebody attending must have seen them leave," Drake shrugged as he read the article. "Don't worry about it, Trish. It was bound to happen sometime sooner or later. It's just that it happened sooner instead of later."

"That's not funny," Trish said.

"I didn't mean for it to be," Drake said, "Face it, Trish, you know that Jenn's got a huge hang up about admitting anything. It doesn't matter if it's a headache or something else. Something like admitting to possibly being in love with someone like Ash would take a situation like this to break the ice."

"It surprises me that there are times when you're uncannily perceptive," Trish finally said. "It's almost scary."

"Come on now," Drake said teasingly, "I'm not an airhead."

"No, but you're male which is nearly the same thing at times," Trish teased right back.

"Evil woman!"

"Yes, but you love me for it," Trish smirked.

"That I do," the Orange Crew Leader leaned over and kissed her on the lips. He then pointed to the article in question. "This might be just the thing Jenn needs to get her talking candidly to Ash about her feelings."

"I know but I don't like to push Jenn too far at once," Trish frowned. "If Jenn sees this, she might take fright and run."

"I know, but she does have to get used to the spotlight eventually. If she's dating the Grand Master, she'll be in the public eye for the rest of her life."

"Who's doing what for the rest of her life?"

"Hey, Shan," Trish pushed the paper in question across the counter towards the sleepy brunette. "Take a look at that."

"Trish, it's a little early for reading."

"Trust me, you'll get a kick out of this."

Shannon looked down, and what bleary look she had in her eyes vanished in a second. "I'm guessing by the lack of total chaos that Jenn hasn't seen this."

"You're guessing right," Trish said, from over the rim of her mug of coffee. "Care to notice something else?"

Shannon looked around and shrugged, "I give up."

Trish prompted her with, "It's quiet."

"So everyone's still sleeping."

"Since when does food stop someone like Jenn from sleeping in?"

"I guess she…" Shannon looked down at the paper, "…wouldn't…" She looked back down at the paper and then back up. "She's not here, is she?"

Trish looked over at Drake then back at Shannon. "Nope."

Shannon's jaw gaped. "She slept with Ash?!"

"Not precisely," Drake winced. "And gross for the visuals so early in the morning."

"Sorry," Shannon flushed, "But what else could I guess?"

"She slept at Ash's villa," Trish explained. "He told me that she'd accidentally been served a special Pepsi, or two, and when she started to pass out he teleported them to his place. Obviously someone saw them vanish and told the first reporter they could get their mitts on."

"That's not good at all," the young brunette clicked her tongue. "Jenn is gonna have a fit!"

"Maybe, maybe not," Trish said. "I mean it doesn't mention Jenn by name so obviously no one recognised her with her new do."

"But she'll still know that it's her."

"Easy enough to discredit the witness," Drake grinned. "It says there that they saw the Grand Master vanish. Now no one outside our group and the Shamouti Islanders knows that Ash is the Chosen One. But even the Shamouti Islanders don't know that Ash has his full Chosen One powers. I'll just get my media people to say that the witness had a bit too much alcohol to drink and was seeing things."

"Better get onto that right away," Trish warned. "I just hope that Ash keeps the paper from her."

ooo

Jenn came down the stairs to the wonderful smell of cooking wafting up from the kitchen. She followed the scents through the villa (which felt like a hella long way) until she reached the kitchen.

Ash was standing at the stove, watching something cook in a frying pan while Pikachu watched over the toast. The electric mouse's ears pricked up at Jenn's entrance and she turned with a happy chirp.

"Heya Pikachu," Jenn greeted the small Pokémon and scratched her gently behind the ears. Pikachu leaned into her touch and purred. "So what's for breakfast?"

"Scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast," Ash answered. "Don't worry, Jenn. Trish gave me strict instructions over the phone on exactly how you like your scrambled eggs done. Finely shredded cheddar cheese was mixed in before the eggs went into the frying pan and only real butter was used in the cooking."

"Not too much, I hope," Jenn said, "Too much butter isn't good for anyone."

"She's such a diva, right, Pik?" Ash teased both females.

"Piiika," the mouse sighed with a little annoyance. She'd heard all the bad jokes before, but learned to deal with it. She could always shock him later. Not now, not when he'd been working so hard over this breakfast thing.

Pikachu looked over at the used to be blonde but now wasn't female. She didn't know why Pikapi's wanting to be intended had dyed her hair like that, but human females were so fickle. She knew that Pikapi liked the hair in any colour, even the silvery colour it was when it was Absol colour. Not that Pikapi had liked her as an Absol, but he did like her heart and her fighting spirit.

At least, that's what Pikapi had told Pikachu.

"…and you can take a seat right over here. Just let me grab the paper and there you go…"

Jenn sat down and stared at the arrangement of food. Golden yellow scrambled eggs, lightly tinged orange with cheddar cheese, lightly toasted toast with butter, bacon that wasn't crispy but wasn't raw. She couldn't have gotten a meal this good if she'd have gone out and had it at a restaurant.

"Wow, Ash…This almost looks too good to eat."

"Please, eat it," Ash said, sitting down in a chair opposite of hers with a plate of food of his own, "Otherwise it wouldn't make any sense to make it, and then all that time watching Brock make food would just go to waste."

Jenn laughed at that, "Yeah, I guess so."

The first bite was heavenly.

The second was out of this world.

The third…found an eggshell.

"Oh well," Ash chuckled. "I guess you can't win 'em all!"

The rest of the meal, eggs included, was just as good as the first bite. Jenn wiped her face with her napkin and sighed. "That was divine, Ash. Thank you."

"You're welcome," the Grand Master said as he cleared their plates from the table.

"I never knew you were such a good cook," Jenn marvelled as she sipped her orange juice. "I knew that Brock did a lot of cooking but not that you did."

"Brock's a great teacher, but actually I have an even better teacher than even him."

"Who?"

"My mom, of course!" Ash grinned. "Mom's always been a fantastic cook, and I often helped her get the meals ready when I was little."

"How is your mom?"

"She's well," Ash poured himself a mug of coffee. "I spoke to her yesterday afternoon."

"So…what happens now?" Jenn drummed her fingers on the table. "You do your Freaky Chosen One thing and whisk me back to Drake's villa?"

"Nah, not yet," Ash rose from the table and moved towards the doorway. "I doubt that most of them would be up yet. I thought that we might just relax in the lounge room and talk a while."

"Okay…" Jenn said warily and followed the man from the room. She could hear Pikachu scampering at her feet, but didn't look back to confirm it.

"You sound nervous."

"The fact that you have a lounge is intimidating," Jenn said. "I'm expecting a piano and all sorts of sleazy things."

"I have nothing of the kind," Ash protested and led her into a room that had nothing of what she expected.

Where she expected heavy velvet curtains over every wall and window, she found three sage coloured walls and the fourth a wall of floor to ceiling windows facing the ocean. Where she expected a bar, she found a large entertainment centre with a huge plasma screen TV. And instead of a piano, she saw a very high tech computer system.

"Okay," Jenn said begrudgingly, "This isn't what I expected."

He led her to a khaki coloured leather sofa and sat on one end of it. Ash grinned as she sat down at the middle part and let Pikachu jump up to sit between them. "I won't bite you, Jenn."

"Duh," she snapped reflexively, then bit at her lip. "I mean, I know that. I'm not a moron."

"Can't we just talk?"

"Aren't we already?"

"I think I'm falling in love with you."

Jenn's eyes widened exponentially at the unexpected words. "I think I wish I had teleportation powers of my own."

"So you can just run away, huh?" Ash raised an eyebrow. "Don't you like what you heard?"

"No…" Jenn's eyes widened. This was not going how she wanted it to. "I mean, no that I like what I just heard."

"Then why do you want to run away?"

"I don't…I…Ash, no guy, no man has ever said that he was falling in love with me," Jenn said. "Not even Gary."

Ash was incredulous. "Not once in two years of dating?"

"He came close," Jenn shrugged, "But nothing close enough to the real thing. That's why I never really let myself try to get too attached to him."

"You can attach yourself to me," Ash said with a wink. "I won't break your heart."

"I know you won't, Ash," Jenn bit at her lip. "You've given me so much already. A Pichu, a Rapidash…"

"I'd give you the world if I could."

Jenn grinned wryly, "I think that's already been done."

"Aww…yeah," Ash shook his head. "Puck and his magic beats out my natural finesse."

There was a beat of silence that Jenn broke. "So what happens next?"

Ash looked at her with that magnificent mahogany gaze of his, "Whatever you want."

ooo

"Jenn spent the night at Ash's place?" Jaime's eyes were as wide as saucers. "Ohmigod that is so awesome!! Have you heard from her? What do you think she's doing?"

"No, I haven't heard from her, and no I don't know what she's doing," Trish laughed off the rapid fire questions.

"Do you think they've slept together?!" Jaime squeaked in excitement.

"Ewwww, gross, don't make me sick," Chris groaned from where he was nursing an icepack against his aching head.

"What I hope Jenn and Ash are doing is talking," Trish grinned at the unfortunate Scot. "And I hope that Jenn is being honest with him as to her real feelings for him."

"Why is it that all you girls want to do is talk?" Chris muttered, "It doesn't make any sense. There are better things to do."

"Normally you guys are fixated on sex talk," Trish said casually. "I don't know why the thought of any of your friends having sex would suddenly be taboo."

"Friends are like family," Chris said. "You just don't want to hear it."

"So it's okay if we don't want to hear about your next sexual conquest?" the Australian said with a wicked gleam in her eyes.

"No!" Chris sat up and winced at the movement.

"How so?"

"Because that's…different?"

"But you are my friend," Trish smirked. "And friends are like family, so I don't want to hear about it!"

"It's really unfair for you to throw my words back at me when I'm so fragile," the Scot groaned as he reapplied the ice pack to his throbbing skull. "Hangovers are no fun."

"If you know that, then you shouldn't drink so much," Shannon said as she brought over a glass of water and two aspirin.

"But I'm a Scot!!!" Chris protested. "And a true Scot loves his drink!"

"Who cares what a true Scot does or not," Jaime waved her hand dismissively. "I wanna know what Jenn and Ash are up to!!"

ooo

"Whatever I want?" Jenn repeated.

"Whatever you want," the Grand Master smiled. "I've been truthful in my feelings towards you, so now it's up to you to decide whether you want to make something of it. If you want to go out with me, then I'd be the happiest guy on the Islands. If you don't, then I won't say anything more about it and we just stay friends as always."

Jenn bit at her bottom lip. If it was one thing that she wasn't good at, it was making decisions. Especially momentous decisions like this that felt like they were on the spur of the moment, and especially when they'd impact on the next course her life was going to take.

The man that she been seriously crushing on, even possibly loved, had just admitted that he was falling in love with her. Her answer had to be easy, right? It should be, though a tiny part of Jenn was still doubtful as to whether Ash was telling the truth.

All those years she had thought Gary had loved her, even though he had never said to her those three important words. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize that Gary never really loved her. It just took Jenn a little longer than that to realize it.

Another tiny part of Jenn was afraid that if a celebrity like Gary couldn't love her, then it would be nigh impossible for someone like Ash, who was ten times more famous, to notice and fall in love with a girl like her. Yet here he was, saying that he did notice and he did like her enough to say the love word.

It was times like these when Jenn wished Trish was here to give her advice and guidance, or at least for that little chibi voice of reason in her head (which sounded suspiciously like Trish) to make an appearance.

But then again, she knew what her friend would say. The Australian would shake her head with a smile and tell her that it was not her decision to make, but Jenn's. Follow your heart, Jenn.

Pikachu was quietly watching the exchange between Pikapi and Pikapichu from her position in between them on the sofa. The electric mouse had her tiny claws crossed that this talk would result in only happiness.

She knew that Pikapi would be beyond crushed if Pikapichu knocked him back. Especially after what had happened with Pikachupi.

"You say that you care, right?" Jenn asked, and Pikachu could hear a nervous twinge in her voice. "How can I be sure?"

Ash looked over to Pikachu for a second and the little mouse nodded. "Piika."

"What'd she say?"

Ash gave a little sigh and grinned, "This. Just…hold still, okay? I promise that you won't be hurt, transformed, or teleported to the moon."

Jenn sighed, but sat still.

Pikachu could sense a rise in power as Ash activated a fraction of his powers. The hair at the back of her spine rose and her ears twitched. She watched as Ash placed his hands on top of Jenn's, and then Pikachu could sense a rush of power as it left Ash and surrounded Jenn. It flowed around her for a second before gently running through her.

Even though she held still, Pikachu could see that the former blonde wanted to get up and possibly run. It was a weird sensation, Pikachu was sure of it. But what Ash just did, was reveal his feelings for her, unhindered by possibilities of Jenn's uncertainty.

"Well?" Ash looked at Jenn with a fixed stare.

She looked shocked, then her face crumpled. "No one's ever done something like that for me before! Ash…you really do care about me like you say you do!"

When she started to cry, Ash looked at Pikachu. This was not the intended reaction! Pikachu made little shooing motions.

"Go on and hold her, Pikapi!"

Ash did, taking her into a hug. She surprised him by grabbing onto him as if he was the only thing in the world. As if she was in danger of drowning in an ocean and he was the only thing floating on the surface.

"I can't believe no one's ever done something like that before," Ash said gently. "All I did was let you feel my emotions for you. How deeply I feel for you."

"No one ever has. My friends show me that they care, but there's a love that's different from friends than there is from loved ones like boyfriends or blood relatives," Jenn sighed into his shirt. "My family wasn't ever very open with me, emotional wise, after I turned 25."

"Feel better now?"

"Yeah," She turned eyes at him that lost all their grey and were pure turquoise, "But if you tell anyone I cried like a baby, I'll have to kill you."

"That's sweet," Ash grinned, "I promise, I'll let you try."

"We'd better be careful," Jenn shook her head. "Or else people are gonna call us Mr. and Mrs. Smith."

"What, don't you want to be compared to Angelina?" Ash asked with twinkle in his eye.

"Not if they think that I stole you away from Misty like people know that Angelina stole Brad away from Jen," Jenn shook her head again. "I'd be hunted down by rabid Misty fans."

"Then they're stupid," Ash said as he held her close. "It's a well known fact that Misty ruined the marriage all by herself by cheating on me with Gary. You're not the one to blame at all."

"I'm also not as hot as Angelina is," Jenn added somewhat absently, too focused on enjoying such closeness with Ash.

The Grand Master merely smiled then kissed her tenderly on the lips. "To me you are."

Jenn sat back and her eyes were wide with shock, "I can't believe you just did that!"

Ash grinned wider, "I can't believe I waited."

"I can't believe you did, either," Jenn muttered, and then looked horrified. "I can't believe I just said that!"

Ash just silenced her with another kiss.

ooo

Kigali yawned and stretched her little legs before crawling out of the small dog basket that Jenn had placed at the foot of her bed for the Pokémon to sleep in.

She trotted around to the head of the bed but her human mom wasn't there. In fact, it looked like the bed hadn't been slept in at all. A little whimper started to rise from Kigali's throat before she realised that perhaps Jenn was already downstairs having breakfast with the other humans. Perhaps it was just that Kigali was the last one up.

The little Absol ran down the stairs quickly and followed her sensitive nose towards the kitchen. However, when she got there, she was dismayed that she could see no sign of her beloved human mom.

Kigali felt a little distressed. Where was Jenn? Surely her human mom wouldn't have gone off and abandoned her. Would she?

Ophelia glanced up from her food dish to see the Absol puppy standing in the doorway looking more forlorn than usual. The Growlithe left her breakfast and trotted over to the youngster.

"What's the matter, Kigali?" she asked gently.

"My human mom wasn't there when I woke up, and I can't find her anywhere!" Kigali whimpered. "Do you know where she is?"

Ophelia shook her head. "Sorry, but I haven't seen her at all since last night when they all left for that human party."

Kigali whimpered again and the Growlithe nuzzled her gently to calm the pup down.

"I'm sure your human mom is okay," she reassured the little Absol. "If she wasn't then you could be sure that my human would be kicking up a real fuss until Jenn was found. But my human has been nice and calm all morning."

Kigali looked over to where Trish was sitting, and saw that she was quite relaxed and drinking from a mug as usual.

"I guess you're right." she looked down at her little paws. "When do you think she's coming back?"

"I don't know," Ophelia gave a Growlithe shrug. "I guess when she's good and ready to come back."

ooo

Jenn thought she must be dreaming. Here she was in Ash's strong arms and being kissed passionately by him. Not only that, Ash had said that he was falling in love with her without any prompting.

It all just had to be a dream. There couldn't be any other way to describe it. Things like this just didn't happen to her. And if they never happened to her before, why would they happen now?

Ash looked down at her with a questioning look. "What are you thinking about?"

"You're the psychic," Jenn said teasingly, "Can't you guess?"

"I could, but I'd rather hear it from you," he shrugged. "Besides, I'd guess it's the same old thing."

She arched an eyebrow, "The same old thing?"

"How on earth could someone like me possibly have romantic feelings for someone like you."

Jenn flushed, "See, you are psychic."

"It gives me a headache sometime," Ash gave her an encouraging smile. "Oh, open your heart to me, Jenn. I've already shared my feelings with you."

"Ash, geeze," Jenn sighed. "Use a line from one of my favourite movies, why don't you."

He grinned, "I know."

"So, when do we break the news to them?"

"Them?" Ash asked. "Them as in your friends, them?"

"No," Jenn gulped and looked a little pale, "Them as in the whole world, them."

ooo

"I'm dying to know what's going on!!!" Mia huffed as she flopped down on the leather sofa in the great room. "Trish, why don't you give Jenn a call on her cell?"

"I'm not going to do that!" the Australian frowned. "For one thing, I don't know if she even has her cellie with her or even if she has it turned on. Secondly, I don't want to possibly interrupt her in the middle of something important."

"As long as it isn't sex," Chris muttered as he sank into one of the plush recliners and lowered the back down. "Don't want to make me ill here."

"Too late for that," Jaime smirked. "Looks like you made yourself sick without anyone's help with your heavy drinking last night."

"No sympathy for the sick."

"Nope."

"So you're not going to call Jenn at all?" Mia ignored the Scot and addressed Trish. "Aren't you dying to know what's going on with your best friend?"

"Of course I want to know," Trish grinned. "But I also know that you can't rush Jenn into telling you anything she doesn't want to. She'll tell me in her own good time."

"But why wouldn't she want to tell you that she's dating Ash?" Shannon was mystified.

"Despite that big mouth of hers," Trish ignored the snort from Chris's direction, "Jenn is a very private person. She doesn't like to have things she likes to have kept private flashed all over the evening news."

"Boy did she fall in love with the wrong guy," Jaime shook her head.

"That's for sure," Shannon nodded agreement.

ooo

Author's Note: She's back!! No I'm not dead, still very much alive and kicking. However, the procrastination bug kicks in as well as real life stress with work and family often happens when you're well into adulthood. The creative fire sputtered to embers, but I do plan to bring it to life. There is a new fic in the works. Watch this space!

Flamers will be dealt with in a civilised manner.