Hello everyone! First off, I'm sorry about last month. I thought I updated, but I didn't. The holidays were chaotic and I must have lost track of time.

Secondly, even though I wrote this chapter months ago, my update schedule was timed almost perfectly for Valentine's Day! Now I"m glad I didn't update last month. You'll see later in the chapter!

Now that's all out of the way, let's do reviews!

Redfire .18: Ariel knows that Ash and Red are related. I'm sorry if that wasn't clear, but Ariel knows the truth. Out of all the Joys, she's the only one who knows about the Ketchum family since she was stationed at Mt. Silver.

And that's it! So not many reviews, but I deserve it. If I'm honest, I'm getting less motivation to write nowadays since I'm just so tired. However, ideas for all sorts of stories keep swirling around my head. I just need to write them down eventually.

Enough of that, here's the disclaimer so you can enjoy the chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own any part of Pokemon or anything I refer to. I only own my OCs.

Chapter Fifty-Five

White's POV

Get yourself together, White! It's just giving chocolates, that's it!

Yeah, but it's not like you have a show to think about too. The opening day is today!

One thing at a time! Please! I think giving a bag of chocolates is way easier than running an entire show, right? Right?!

Arceus, I'm talking to myself again. And not even out loud!

"Arceus," I groaned as I slammed my head on the counter.

"Geez, White! Are you okay?" Martin asked me. I lifted my head to see him looking down at me. "I still have customers, by the way."

"I bet you're happy," I muttered. "Girls keep coming in, ordering something, and then leaving chocolates for you and Black."

"I mean, it's good for business." He laughed. "Wait, you're not upset over other girls giving Black candy, right?"

"I'm not." I sighed as I sat back straight. "If anything, it'll give him an energy boost when he's working." I looked over to see him running from table to table, taking orders and giving them out. "I'm just nervous."

"About what? I thought your group already did your exchanges this morning." Martin pointed out.

"Well," I said nervously. It's true that the rest of the girls and I gave our chocolates to the boys. It was a long exchange so we had to wake up early for it, but seeing how Black and I are going out, I thought it would make sense to personally make him some myself. I'm not a great chocolatier or that experienced with cooking, but Yellow helped me. It wasn't much. I made a small batch with a marbled white and dark chocolate shell with caramel filling. It was decorated with small dark and white chocolate beads.

I fidgeted with my bag on my lap. I didn't want them to melt in my hands, so I placed them in there before I entered the Blancblack café. I opened it slightly, looking at the small bag with the chocolates in it, tied with white and black ribbons.

"I just wanted to do something special for him." I finally finished.

"I can never understand you two." Martin sighed. "Black has a break coming up and I know that he's just going to spend it hanging around you. I'm just glad I got more people to help out now."

Suddenly, I heard the sound of a plate smashing from the kitchen. Martin simply ignored it and sighed.

"How's your new chef doing?" I asked, jokingly.

"Cerve? She's fine. It's just one of the waitresses." He sighed. "I still don't get how she became Professor Juniper's assistant. She's so clumsy."

"Bianca?" I asked. I've seen her around campus a few times, usually running between buildings, delivering paperwork. If I recall, she and Cheren are both teaching assistants and they used to be friends with Black until he changed his looks. They don't recognize him at all now.

"She's friendly but still clumsy," Martin explained.

I had a few hours until the premiere of the play, although I do have to go in early and take care of everything before any audience members can arrive. I need to get this over with as soon as I can.

Soon, Martin called Black for his break. Like the jerk he is, he left the counter, leaving Black and me by myself. I had to resist the urge to throw my drink at him.

"Ah!" Black sighed as he sat down next to me. "It's so busy today." He leaned forward, an elbow on the counter, and placed his chin in his hand. He turned towards me and smiled.

I turned the other way, hiding the blush. "I thought that would be a good thing! You get more tips!" I exclaimed. "You can pay off your debts faster!"

"I'm not really in it for the money." He sighed. "Working with you is better though!"

I couldn't help but flinch when he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "That's working 'for'!" I corrected as I playfully smacked him with my bag. Unfortunately, it was open and the bag of chocolates fall out. "No!"

"Here!" Before I could reach out for it, Black already caught it in his hand. "What's this?"

That was not how I wanted to give it to him. "Uh, those are your chocolates," I muttered, turning away.

"Chocolates? I thought you gave them this morning?"

"Well, those were made by the other girls since the rest of us didn't have time and I wanted to make you some myself," I muttered again. I coughed, trying to not face him in any other way.

"Wow."

I could hear the disbelief in his voice. I know that I'm not known for my skills in the kitchen, but he doesn't have to sound so surprised! "I need to go now!" I said quickly, trying to grab the bag back without looking at him.

"I love it!"

Wait, what?

"Huh?" I turned back towards him. He was smiling and was already opening the bag. "You like it?"

"Of course! You made these even though you were busy directing the play." He took one out and observed it. "These look good!" he said before biting into it.

I didn't know why, but I was waiting for his reaction. I leaned forward, seeing how he would react to it. I guess I spaced out a bit because I felt a poke on my forehead, pushing me back. "Huh?"

"They're good!" Black smiled at me. I could only sigh and smile back. I didn't know why that filled with me with relief.

"If you two love birds are done, don't you have a show to go to?" Martin walked up to us.

"The show! I nearly forgot!" I groaned.

"What about my shift?" Black asked.

"You got enough to deal with. Go early, I'll save your tips until tomorrow." He waved it off before walking away.

"I'll save these for later." Black placed the bag of chocolates away. "I'll just get my stuff and we'll head out, okay?"

"Yeah." I nodded. Black stood up and went to the back to change and get his stuff.

"Heh, both of you are hopeless." A gruff voice said.

I turned around. I narrowed my eyes once I saw Grey sitting two seats next to me. "What the hell? Spying on your own kid?"

"Spying? I'm just here for a cup of coffee." Grey laughed.

"Sometimes, I wonder if you actually work here." I sighed. Neither Black nor I have talked much to Grey ever since his initial reveal. I still don't trust him, but Black had talks with him about I don't even know what. I assume Grey knows what's going on with Black if he got in contact with Satoshi.

"I see why you don't trust me, but I am going to be your future father-in-law, so let's try and get along, already girly?" Grey smirked.

"Excuse me?!" I nearly shouted. "Future daughter-in-law?!"

"Yeah. I see you getting along with my son. I think you two will work out." He shrugged.

"You -!" I stopped mid-sentence when Black walked back out. I glared one last time at Grey before standing up and storming out.

"Hey, what's the matter?" Black asked as he caught up to me. "Was that my dad back there?"

"I don't want to talk about that bastard!" I snarled. Future daughter-in-law?! What was that man thinking?! We're still in school, for one! Secondly, me marrying Black? Of all the things!
I mean, it's not like I don't mind the idea of staying with Black. He may be rowdy and loud sometimes, but it's always interesting with him around. I enjoy his company and I'm never bored with him around me, but I still have my entire life in front of me. I want to be able to explore and travel the world. When I do, I'll meet more people and who knows where that may lead me…

"Hey! Stop!" I snapped out of my thoughts when I felt Black's hand on my shoulder. He turned me around until both of his hands were on my shoulders and I was looking directly at me.

"Huh?" I asked. When I looked at him, his eyes were serious, but filled with concern.

"Are you sure you're fine? You're worrying me." He said softly.

"I'm sorry." I sighed. "I was just worked up by your dad. I can't stand him." Suddenly, I was pulled into a hug. Black had his arms around me, but I just stood there. Eventually, I wrapped my arms around him and gripped his jacket tight.

"Just forget about him," Black said. "Ignore him."

"But he's your dad," I replied.

"Who I haven't seen in years. I haven't even talked to him myself much. Don't force yourself to try and get along with him. I can't stand seeing you upset."

"Black," I said softly. He pulled back from our hug. "I want you to at least get along. You have a chance with your dad. I never had that choice…"

"Hey, let's not think about anything like that today." Black hushed me. "This is our day. More importantly, this is your day. You have a big show coming up and you can't disappoint people."

I sighed. He was right, I do have a show to do and I can't focus if I'm thinking about the past. I smiled as I looked up to him.

"See!" he laughed. "I'll make sure you're not distracted anymore!" With that, he gave me a kiss on my forehead.

I laughed and leaned up to kiss him on the lips. He kissed me back. After a few seconds, I pulled back and started running, holding his hand.

"We're already late!" I exclaimed. "Don't forget that you have to sweep the stage!"

"Of course!" I heard him laugh behind me as we ran towards the Lounge. I felt him let go of my hand, but before I could turn around, I felt arms around my waist as Black spun me around before setting me on my feet and running off again.

I had to take a moment to process what just happened, but once I saw him looking back with that cheeky smile on his face, I could only smile, my heart beating faster.

"Don't think I'll let you off easy after the show just because it's Valentine's!" I shouted, running after him.

Yellow's POV

"Hey, what's the matter, Yel-san?"

I nearly jumped. I turned my head to see Moon staring at me with Lillie at her side. "I'm fine." I was able to say. Honestly, I'm a nervous wreck. I know all the boys got their chocolates, but since Valentine's Day is a day when girls give chocolates to their crush, I thought I would give some to Ash.

I mean, I'm sure it's not a secret to the rest of the girls to know that I do like him. It's not a secret to the guys either. Aside from Ash himself. As Serena said, he really is dense as a log when it comes to feelings!

"If you hold onto those chocolates any longer, they'll melt." Moon pointed out.

"No!" I yelped, dropping them accidentally. I spent all last night making them for Ash while the other girls were asleep. Apparently, they were having trouble waking me up since I slept on the couch last night.

As soon I dropped them, I instantly regretted it. I made Ash's chocolates look like pokéballs with a candy rose in the hollowed middle. There were six of them in the plastic bag I tied with a red and yellow ribbon. When they hit the sidewalk, all of them broke open.

"Oh Arceus." Lillie gasped. I immediately picked them up. They were all broken; I could see the candy roses hiding among the chocolate shards.

"I'm so sorry, Yellow!" Moon exclaimed.

"No." I sighed. "It was my fault. I overreacted."

"But didn't you spent all night on them?" she asked.

"I made them to give to Ash, but I guess fate had different ideas." I sighed. I was about to place the bag of broken chocolates in my school bag when a trio of boys walked up to us.

"Hi Hau. Sun. Ash." Lillie nodded. I looked up and saw the three of them standing in front of us.

"Hey Lillie." Ash nodded back. "Are you excited for the show?"

"Definitely!" Lillie nodded.

I saw Moon give me a look as I stood frozen. "Actually, I need to run and get some flowers to give to Crystal and the others! Sun, Hau, do you mind if you go with Lillie and I to get them?" she asked.

"I have nothing else to do." Hau nodded.

"But I thought we already-!" before Sun could get another word out, Lillie slapped a hand over his mouth.

"Alright boys! Let's just get going! Someone needs to give someone else some chocolates!" Lillie said as she glared at Sun's direction.

"Uh, yeah! We'll be going!" Sun nodded as Lillie removed the hand from his mouth.

The four of them walked off, leaving me alone with Ash.

"Well, that was odd," Ash remarked. Arceus, he is dense. If he didn't notice that obvious comment from Lillie, then what can make this guy see that I like him? "I wonder what was up with that. Knowing White, I thought she would have made them get flowers earlier." He looked toward me. "What's that in your hand?"

"Oh! Uh…" I tried to hide the bag of broken chocolates, but it was too late. I couldn't hide it in my school bag nor could I just say it was for one of the other boys. It was rude to give them shattered candy.

I just sighed and held the chocolates out to Ash. I don't know why, but I did. It was like my body moved on its own, my arms in front of me. "These are for you, Ash," I said.

"Really?" he asked. "I thought you girls gave the chocolates to us this morning."

"But I really like you!" I blurted out. I immediately froze.

What.

Did.

I.

Just.

Say?

I thought I would faint from the rush of blood that came to my head. My face felt so hot as I stared up at Ash. He was just staring at me and the chocolates in my hands. It felt like hours passed as we just stood frozen, looking at each other.

"Really?" Ash asked. I was so close to passing out. I felt like I wasn't breathing. "Thanks a lot!" he accepted the chocolates.

Wait, what?

I straightened back up after Ash took the bag from my hands, slack-jawed at Ash.

"It's really nice of you to give me these chocolates after you already gave me some this morning. I heard you also helped make them all too." He said as he examined the contains of the bag.

I couldn't even say anything. He accepted the chocolates. He actually accepted them.

"I can give them to Pikachu. I'm sure he'll like them. Especially since he's mad at me for not sharing any of the ones I got this morning with him."

What?

"O-oh." I said, dejected. What else did I expect? He'll never learn on his own. Not even if I say it myself. "Well, we should get going to the show, right? We should save seats for the others."

"Okay." He nodded He placed the bag of broken candy in his bag before we walked side-by-side with each other. I didn't even care if he was that close to me. Even when I told him what I felt, he brushed me off. I was a fool to think any different.

Kate's POV

"Come on Keith! The show is about to start!" I shouted.

"You yell at me, but you don't yell at your own cousin, who I remind you is also late?!" he exclaimed.

"That's because Summer is holding him up. She's giving him chocolates." I replied.

"Didn't she give him chocolate this morning?"

"This time, it's personal," I smirked.

"I hope you don't do anything like that for me. After all, you can't resist me." He ran a hand through his hair while flashing me a flirty smile.

I frowned and rolled my eyes. "The only kinds of girl you attract are the crazy stalker kind."

"So you?" he asked.

"Why am I friends with you again?" I replied.

He laughed it off while we waited. Kellyn was already at the theatre with Rhythmi. She needed help with something, so she dragged Isaac and Kellyn with her. Poor boys. That left me with Keith. Summer told me about her plans to confess to Ben, so I gave her my blessing. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if she was part of the family.

I don't even know why it's taking her so long. Summer is a straightforward kind of girl. Maybe they're having a make-out session. I snickered at the thought.

I looked in my bag for a bottle of water and found a bag of chocolates in there. I thought back and remembered that they were the ruined ones from when we helped make them with the trainer girls. I have no use for them since I ate so much while we were making them. I don't want to melt in my bag during the show. I might as well give them to someone.

I took them out and handed them to Keith.

"Oh, you're personally giving me chocolates now?" he smirked, looking smug.

I rolled my eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. Yellow gave me these when we were making chocolates. These are the rejected ones. Since I already ate a bunch, I'm giving these to you."

"What about your brother?" Keith asked. "He's more of a Tepig than I am."

"I don't want them melting during the show," I replied. "I can only see him after the show. Ben and Summer are off kissing somewhere and you're the only other person here."

"Fine." He accepted them. "But I still believe you have a crush on me."

"In your dreams." I playfully punched him in the arm. As he opened them and ate one, I looked over to see Ben and Summer walking towards us. I could see that they were holding hands. I smirked.

"Now that we're all here, let's head over to see White's play!" I said. I closed my bag and walked with the others to the Lounge.

May's POV

"Blah! Hairspray!" I complained.

"Aren't you the one using it?" Blue asked me.

"Just because I use it doesn't mean I like it!" I retorted. "Besides, your hair needs this much to stand up."

"If you say so." She shrugged. I shook the can of hairspray a few more times to get the last few drops in there and covered Blue's hair with it.

"And done!" I exclaimed as I put the can on the table.

"How many performances do we have?" Blue asked as she stood up, brushing out her dress.

"White said at least one every day for a week." I shrugged.

"Damn, I thought she would limit these shows." She sighed.

"Since she became the director at the start of the year, a lot of more students are coming out to see the shows!" I explained. "Before, we would barely fill half the room, but now, the shows are all selling out! White is going on a demand basis." I explained.

"You seem to know a lot about this." Blue raised a brow.

"Dawn and Serena talked a lot about the productions." I shrugged. "I just listen in to their conversations."

"We have less than half an hour left!" Whi announced as she walked through the dressing room. She was wearing all black, as she was in charge of the stage crew. At Whi-Two's every demand was Black. White made him help her. I knew White placed Rhythmi in charge of lighting and microphones in the sound booth. She was doing a great job directing that and making sure we had all of our cues.

My only job was Blue's style, but I still had to touch her up every scene. I liked it though; at least I was able to play around with the make-up. Dawn and Serena were finished with Crystal and Lyra.

"Okay, time for mics." Rhythmi walked in. She was carrying three mic packs with her. Blue and the others sat down as Rhythmi put the mics on them.

"We already checked them I just need to put them on." She explained as she taped the mics on Blue's face. She stuffed the pack in the back of Blue's dress.

"I still get a regular mic, right?" Scarlett asked. I almost forgot she was part of the play too. She was voicing Yellow's Chuchu so she didn't have to go rehearsals a lot. She was just reading off a script.

"I got it right here." Rhythmi headed her a mic. "White wanted me to make it into a necklace so you can have your hands free while reciting your lines. I didn't have any time though."

"Isn't there a mic stand for that?" she replied as she took the microphone from Rhythmi.

"It's also so you can walk around." She shrugged. With everyone ready, Rhythmi left the room.

"Since everyone is done and it's almost curtain call, let's head to the stage." Crystal said. Blue, Lyra, and Scarlett nodded as they headed out. Whi and Rhythmi followed them out.

It was just Dawn, Serena, and me left in the dressing room. I sat in one of the chairs. I picked up the empty hairspray can and shook it.

"We need more hairspray," I remarked as I placed it back down.

"That's because you use an entire can every time we have to do make-up and hair." Dawn pointed out. "Blue's hair doesn't have to be that stiff."

"I think it fits her character," Serena responded. "Also her name."

"And thank you so much for teaching middle schoolers how to curse in another language." Dawn rolled her eyes.

"Wait, Salope is a curse word?" I asked.

"It means 'bitch' in Kalosian," Serena explained.

"Another more curse words?" I asked.

"'Merde' is shit." She answered. "Or crap. Whichever fits."

"Serena! Stop giving May more words to yell at Brendan!" Dawn exclaimed.

"Come on! It's not like he's gonna know what it means!" I protested.

"Is everyone decent?" we all looked towards the door to see Lucas covering his eyes as he walked in. Barry was right behind him and slapped him with a paper fan.

"They're all on stage!" Barry exclaimed.

"I was just making sure." Lucas shrugged.

"You girls are just staying in here?" Brendan came in next.

"Yeah. We already saw the show too many times." Serena nodded. "What are those two doing here?"

"They wanted to see Dawn," Brendan answered.

"I almost forgot!" she exclaimed. "I promised to see the shows with you guys." She stood up from her seat.

"We saved seats near the front," Lucas said.

"Cool!" she exclaimed. She turned towards us. "I'll see you girls after the show."

"I'll take care of Lyra's touch-ups while you're enjoying the show," Serena said.

"Thanks!" Dawn waved and smiled before walking out with Lucas and Barry.

"I should go and check on backstage," Serena said as she stood up. "Whi may need some help." With that, she also left.

Now, it's just Brendan and me.

"So uh, how was your day?" I asked him.

"It was fine." He answered. "The chocolates the girls gave this morning were good. Though, I'm not sure if I could finish them all by the end of next month."

"Well, you have to do the same thing next month to us girls." I pointed out.

"I know." He sighed. "We've just been buying chocolates for you girls, but seeing how much work you put in now, I'm starting to feel bad."

"To be fair, we have people who can actually cook without burning anything." I pointed out.

"Don't tell me you made any of those chocolates."

"I did not!"

"Good. Or else they would be burnt."

"Hey!"

We sat in silence for a few more minutes. I still couldn't forget about what happened that day in the café, but Brendan seemed to have brushed it off like it never happened. Sure, we've been on good terms since then, but I could tell that he was still pissed at me. We had different things going on in our personal lives, but it's still weird to see him.

I could hear the announcements from the stage. I suddenly remembered that I had some chocolates in my bag. Max apparently got a few from some random girls and he gave them to me since he didn't want them. Usually, I would eat them, but I didn't want to take the day away from the boys. I was thinking about saving them until tomorrow, but I wasn't really craving anything sweet.

I grabbed my bag and dug around in it. I found the bag of chocolates and threw them at Brendan.

"Hey!" he exclaimed as he caught them. "What's this?"
"Max gave me those. Some girls gave them to him, but he didn't want them." I explained. "I'm not going to eat them anything soon, so I'll give them to you."

"Well, thanks." He said. I smiled. It felt good to do something nice for him. Maybe it's the start of a new beginning.

Crystal's POV

"Thank Arceus it's finally over!" I exclaimed as I walked backstage after the curtain closed.

"Crys! Be careful, your mic make till be on!" Lyra said.

"No, it's not," I told her. "Rhythmi turned it off for the bows."

"At least I can take off this dress now." Blue sighed.

We all got back to the changing room and took off our dresses. I changed back into my uniform. We didn't have a chance to go back to our houses to change before coming here. I got my bag from my make-up table and waited for the others to get ready.

"You know, you have to go out there in costume on the weekends." Scarlett pointed out.

"I know." I sighed. "I'll do it for the kids, but I'm not going to like being in that hot dress for any longer than I should."

Dawn popped in for a quick second to tell us that everyone was waiting in the auditorium for us to get out. She left as soon as she did. It was my first time performing in front of people, but I enjoyed it. There were frustrating moments, but I endured those.

The others got changed quickly as we walked out of the dressing room. I saw Yellow, Red, and Gary there. X, Silver, and Gold just came out from their dressing room.

"Where are the others?" Lyra asked.

"They went ahead," Gary answered.

I looked over and saw Yellow holding Chuchu close to her. She kept looking to the floor, but occasionally to Ash.

"What's the matter, Yellow?" Scarlett asked her.

"Oh, it's nothing." She said quietly, looking away.

"Ash, what did you do?" Gary glared at him.

"I did nothing!" he said. "She gave me chocolates earlier and I took them! I was planning on sharing them with the rest of the guys."

Now it makes sense. No wonder Yellow looks so upset. Arceus, I had to resist facepalming. Unfortunately, Blue did slap her face.

"Oh, you poor, poor boy." Gold sighed.

"What?" Ash asked.

"Listen, it's Valentine's Day, right?" Blue replied.

"Yeah."

"And what do girls do on Valentine's Day?"

"Give chocolates to a boy they like."

"And what did Yellow do?"

"Give chocolates to me."

"What did she say when she did?"

"She said-" that was when Ash stopped. I could see the look of realization popping up on his face. "Oh."

"Yeah. 'Oh.'" Blue nodded. She was rising her voice with each question.

"Well, Good luck with that," I said. I walked away with Lyra, Silver, and Gold. I didn't want to be there when both Ash and Yellow are trying to apologize to each other.

"Ah, man. I knew Ash was dense, but not that dense." Gold sighed.

"Although, I do have to give Yellow credit for gathering enough courage to give him the chocolates." Silver noted.

I nodded in agreement. We walked out of the Lounge and started walking to our houses. Before the show, White made arrangements for there to be a party in our joint backyard even though it was still a bit cold outside. It was dark, but I'm sure Emerald has set up some lights.

"Hey Crystal." Lyra nudged me. "D you mind heading ahead with Gold? I need to tell Silver something. Alone." She added the last part quietly.

I already knew where this was heading. Lyra hasn't been subtle with her infatuation with Silver, but it wasn't like those rabid fangirls. She's actually civil with it. I respect her for that at least. "Sure." I nodded. I grabbed Gold's wrist and speed-walked ahead.

"Hey!" he complained, but I didn't stop until we were out of sight of the other two. "I know you want to be alone with me, but there's no need to just drag me along!"

"Would you just stop flirting for a second?" I told him. "Lyra wanted to talk to Silver alone. I'm interested to see if she could." We continued walking towards the house. There were still a few student milling around campus, but most went back to their own houses.

However, I was thirsty from the play so we stopped by a store in town so I can buy a bottle of water. Gold waited outside while I went in and brought a bottle of water. There was a small box of chocolates at check out, so I just added that to my purchase. I walked out of the store taking a drink of the water.

"What else did you buy?" Gold asked.

"Just some candy," I told him. I mean, I didn't lie technically. I closed the water and placed it back in my bag. I felt the box of chocolates in there.

He shrugged it off and started to walk away.

"Actually," I stopped him. I pulled out the box as he turned around. "They're for you." I held them out to him.

"Really?" he asked as he took them. "I thought you weren't interested."

"Don't take it that way!" I exclaimed. "It's just," I sighed. "Out of everyone in our group, you've always been the one closest to me and despite your advances, I do actually like you. You may be annoying at times, but I tolerate it. When I was alone, I had no one but you to help me. You supported me with every step I take. It's just to thank you for what you do for me."

When I was done, I was met with a smile on Gold's face when I looked up. "You know that whenever I tease you about stuff, I really do mean it, right?" he smirked. "I do go around flirting with other girls, but you're the only one for me, Crys."

I was left speechless. I never thought I would see the day where Gold would be serious about anything. I didn't even say anything when he closed the gap between us with a kiss.

Scarlett's POV

"Wait, so how long did it take him to realize it?" Serena asked. Everyone was in our joint backyard. It was a bit chilly out, but today was actually a warmer day. I saw almost everyone paired up, although Emerald and Max look ready to puke at any second. However, they were just enjoying the extreme embarrassment on Ash's face.

"Blue had to break it down for him," Gary answered. "Then he was just silent for two minutes."

"I couldn't even imagine how Yellow was feeling when he first accepted those chocolates." Kate sighed.

"She was up all night on them too," Moon added. "We found her asleep on the couch this morning."

"Oh my Arceus." Dawn gasped.

"And when I thought he was dense before," Rhythmi added.

The party White set up was nice and small. It wasn't too late and our backyard was big enough to accommodate everyone here.

The rest of the night on, although people who were in the play had to go in early so they can rest. I could go in, but all I was doing was reading off a script. White was pretty lenient about it. I just rehearsed in my own time.

As the party was winding down, the Almians and trainers went back to their houses, leaving the rest of us to clean up. Halfway through the party, Yellow fell asleep so Blue made Ash carry her up to her room. I wasn't sure if it was for blackmail or a picture to add to her scrapbook. It could always be for both.

Eventually, I was the only one left outside, cleaning the tables and chairs. Emerald had already taken down the string lights, but the porch light was still on. Before X went back in, he gave me a kiss and wished me a 'good night'.

I could tell from the backyard that everyone else was asleep. The lights in their room were all off. The only light left was the porch light and the light coming from the girls' kitchen.

Right as I was about to head back in, I heard a tap at our gate. I looked over and saw Mason standing there. He waved at me.

It's no lie to say that I froze when I saw him. I haven't really talked to him. I did make chocolates for him, but I gave them to Cynthia so she can give him them. Against my better judgment, I walked over to the gate to meet him.
"Hey." He said when I got there.

"Hi," I replied. "What are you doing here?" I wasn't trying to come off as rude, but it's been a long day already and I wanted to go back in and sleep.

"I just came by to say, 'thanks' for the candy you made."

"It's no big deal," I said as I turned back around.

"But why?" he asked.

I stopped. I turned my head back to him. "Listen, I don't want our friendship to be messed up because of one thing. I want to be able to stay friends. I don't hold anything against you, but I hope you respect my wishes."

"Right." He sighed.

"Mason, you're not a bad guy, but you have to now that our agreement is strictly professional. I like having you as a friend. I value that. After, you can hate me for everything I'm doing now, but I don't hate you. If this arrangement continues, then I want to be able to get along with you. I don't want things to be awkward." I turned back around to face him.

"I don't want us to just remain strangers forever either. It was wrong of me to suddenly make a move on you especially when you're dating X. I guess I was just frustrated at my own feelings. I'm sorry about that." He spoke up.

"I accept your apology." I nodded. "And I'm sorry for acting as I did. It was all on impulse and I shouldn't have lashed out." I stuck out my hand to him. "So, are we still friends?" I asked.

He stared at the ground for a moment, before sighing and shaking my hand. "Friends." He said with a small smile. I smiled back.

I parted ways with him and went back inside. I left my bag in the kitchen, so I grabbed it and headed upstairs to my room. I sent Mew up here with my pokémon before going to the party so they can rest. I could see that most of them were sleeping; Mew was the only one awake.

"What took you so long?" she asked as she floated towards the bathroom door. I turned on the lamplight and dropped my bag to the ground and grabbed my pajamas. I went into the bathroom to change.

"I had to clean up," I told her through the door. I brushed my teeth and cleaned my face. Once I was done, I exited and saw Mew sitting on my bed. I sat down, trying to avoid waking up Pika.

"Are you feeling okay?" Mew asked me as I lied down on my bed. She sat on my stomach.

"Migraines," I answered. It wasn't a lie. I was getting headaches almost all day and my vision has been randomly getting blurry. I hope this wasn't because of how much time I had left.

I grabbed my pokégear and started playing a song on it. I turned it down to its quietest setting. The music helps me sleep these days. I reached over to grab my eye mask and put it on. Mew floated up for a bit as I grabbed my blanket and pulled it over myself. She settled back on my stomach when I was comfortable.

Before I even closed my eyes, darkness covered my vision.

I enjoy having multiple POV in one chapter because it challenges me to write in different mindsets while also showing all fo you what's going on beyond the main issue. Although, I will slip into writing as just one character sometimes. However, that's only when I have a clear path in mind for them.

On another note, we have a few more couples confirmed here. That's neat. Unfortunately, we also got Yellow and Ash. Honestly, they're fun to write about. Outside of the main cast, Martin may be my favorite character. He's the one who's saying what we're all thinking.

I think that's it for now. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, especially since Valentine's Day is almost here. Leave a review about what you think and I'll see you until next time, everyone!

-AKCC, signing out!