It's funny how long I've been writing this fanfic. Time sure does fly by. I started this project back when I was 13, about to be 14 because of another fanfic which, unfortunately (to my knowledge), is no longer around. I was about to finish middle school when I began writing this, and now I'm 20. I know my writing creativity has dropped dramatically, the wild imagination I had as a teenager is there in moments, but that won't stop me from finishing this story, no matter how long it may take. I'm going to be trying to wrap this story up soon, hopefully before I graduate college, and will probably be rewriting some aspects of it in a revised version of the story. I've reread the entirety of the story and, as cringy as it was for a 20-year-old me to read what past me thought was awesome and cool, I've seen a lot of things that could be rewritten in my current, more realistic, style and a few things that could be shortened. Either way, I've found things that would better the story if explained further and things that would be better if forgotten about.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who's been here since the beginning, and everyone who's joining along the way. It's been a while since I wrote a proper Authors Note, time-wise, and chapter-wise, and I just wanted to take the time to write out a few words before I get started.

So, without further ado.

The lunchroom, as usual, was buzzing with conversations. Everywhere you looked you could see different people yelling, smiling, arguing, and overall enjoying the atmosphere. All except for one, well perhaps more than one but one we care about.

Dawn was just exiting the lunch line with her tray in hand before she stopped in her tracks. She looked over to her normal table, seeing as how that'd be the obvious choice before she saw May's glare directed her way with Ursula looking over her shoulder to see what caused the brunette's ire. Upon making eye contact, the two Sinnoh natives looked away from each other, and Dawn began to survey the rest of the room in search of Zoey.

Spotting the redhead at a table with people she didn't know all that well, Dawn hesitated in heading there. What would the reactions of that group be? It wasn't as if the student body had just up and forgot the shouting match that had gone on between May and herself, and she wasn't expecting to just be welcomed to a table of people she barely knew. Sure, Zoey was her friend and all but things were still a bit patchy between them after the whole discussion thing.

Having stood for more than normal, people began to take notice of Dawn's hesitation and the conflict in her movements. It started with only a select few people taking notice, but soon enough whispers began to spread like wildfire, glances being thrown in the direction of the bluenette. Not everyone chose to partake in the ongoing drama between two of the top coordinators, but a good majority of the students had begun to take sides, the majority siding with May.

The longer Dawn stood in her spot, the louder the whispers seemed to get, and the more the ball of anxiety in the pit of her stomach grew. Dawn felt as if she was almost suffocating, panic starting to settle in. Her breaths began to hitch in her throat and she was quickly thinking of the quickest path to take to the furthest and most secluded bathroom. Just as the tears were about to overflow from her eyes, someone bumped into her softly.

Dawn's eyes snapped to the person who stood next to her. She first saw chocolate before slowly eyeing the rest of his features as the panic began to fade. Raven hair, zigzag birthmarks, and a smile she knew all too well which was quickly fading.

Ash.

She took a deep breath to calm herself, eyes closing as she gulped in the air, quickly being brought back to earth as Ash looked at her worriedly. She didn't miss the frown that he wore as she shook ever so slightly.

"You alright there, Dawn?" She wasn't. But she didn't want to worry him.

"Y-yeah... just yawning is all." She averted his gaze. Cursing at the stutter she had let out.

"You sure? I saw you shaking." She wanted to vanish.

"It's just a little cold in here, is all..." She trailed off. He eyed her expression with a glint of concern on his own. Before he could respond, he was asked politely if they could move from the person who was coming out of the line behind him. He quickly apologized and began to steer Dawn towards their table. Dawn, however, didn't move.

"A-actually, Ash, I have a meeting with a teacher today- now actually." Ash continued to look at her with that clouded expression. For once in the 8 years she had known him, Dawn couldn't read his expression. He simply let go of her arm, his own falling to his side. He was about to speak until Dawn turned on her heels and briskly walked out of the lunchroom. He couldn't manage to make a sound as he watched her leave, concern clear in his body language.

Nova chose this time to enter the lunchroom, having actually had a meeting with a teacher. He just barely managed to get out of Dawn's way, noticing the tears streaming down her face and how white her knuckles were from the grip she had on the tray. His shocked gaze quickly turned in towards the room to see Ash staring back. A grim expression was all the Kanto native got in return.

It wasn't until later that day that Ash was told that Dawn had left school early. Nova had gone to talk to her after the whole lunch ordeal and hadn't discussed what Dawn had told him to anyone. Though everyone knew it was Ash-related no one was willing to bring up that conversation for one reason or another.

The ride home wasn't as pleasant as it normally would be, but there was nothing the group could have done to brighten the mood. Even Nova didn't crack any jokes.

As the bus came to a stop, May stood, looking at her friends with a guilty expression. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow, guys..." She trailed off, gripping at her bag tightly. The rest of the group replied in kind. Ash got up and waved to everyone as he followed May out of the bus. As the bus drove away, the two longtime friends watched the vehicle round the corner out of sight and stood silently for a few minutes.

May was unsure how to start the conversation so she just waited until Ash did, anxious with what they would talk about.

Johanna wasn't a bad parent. Far from it, in fact. But even now she knew that nothing could help her daughter aside from time. It wasn't that she couldn't help, but there were some things that could only be learned the hard way, and Dawn was currently going through the stages of said 'hard way.'

Dawn was beginning to see how her world was crumbling. Everything she had built was falling apart, and she was helpless to do anything about it. She didn't blame Ursula- at least not anymore. She knew, deep down, it wasn't her rival's fault that things had turned out the way they did. She had to make up with May before anything would be fine again. Zoey was also owed an apology, Dawn noted as an afterthought.

Johanna sighed as they pulled into the driveway. She knew Dawn didn't want to talk about what was going on, and she wouldn't pressure her daughter to tell her. Dawn would come clean on her own time. All Johanna had to do was wait. Dawn appreciated her mom's sentiments, grabbing her mother's hand with a feeble attempt at a smile. Johanna could see the hurt in her daughter's eves even as Dawn gave her that catchphrase Johanna couldn't remember where she picked up.

"There's no need to worry, Mom. Everything's going to be a-okay." But they both knew that statement only made Johanna worry more.

A knock was heard at the Berlitz household later that evening. When answered, Johanna let a sad smile adorn her features, worry, and stress washing away slowly. She allowed the visitors to come in, asking if they would like any refreshments. When both teens refused politely, Jo sat down with them. She knew something was going on at school, but Dawn hadn't come out of her room yet, despite them being home for the last few hours. The mother's worry had only increased as the clock ticked by. The food set outside the room had gone cold. Even Piplup wasn't allowed into the room, his own worry about his trainer growing as Glameow attempted to calm both Mother and Starter.

The two teens comforted the mother, letting her know that they would attempt to fix the issue before getting up and making their way to where they knew Dawn's room was.

When the knock on the door went unanswered, the two glanced at each other before the shorter of the two knocked again. When no response came, the two sighed and pressed their faces against the door.

"Dawn. Please open the door." A soft "...go away..." was heard, earning two sets of pitiful eyes at the door. Having had enough of her moping the taller of the two placed their hand on the door handle. A moment later there was a soft 'click' and then the door was opened, much to the alarm of the inhabitant of the room.

Dawn quickly bolted up and attempted to shut the door with all her might, fighting any attempt the two made to enter. But, as with many things, two is better than one and they two eventually were able to force their way into the room. Dawn, after having given up on the door, was curled into a ball in the corner furthest from the door, hiding under her blanket. Her sobs and gasps for air were the only sound coming from the room, the door being closed after the two had come in.

"Leave me alone... please... I don't want to talk to anyone right now." The ball said, the strain in her words making one of the two pause on their advancement.

"Berlitz..." The taller of the two spoke. Nova sighed, running a hand through his hair. He sat next to the ball, being careful not to sit on her feet. Dawn didn't respond, which worried the other figure in the room. When Nova waved them over, they did so reluctant in their steps as the two continued to listen to their broken friend. It took a while before Dawn had eventually calmed enough to speak, hiccups lining her words as she struggled to get her breathing under control.

"I thought I told you to leave." Dawn croaked out, still refusing to move from her ball form. Nova laughed, hollow and sad.

"See I could do that. We both could." He made eye contact with the other person. "But that wouldn't be very good for you. Besides, since when have I listened to anyone?" He felt along the blanket until he found her ankle and squeezed it lightly. Dawn squirmed under the blanket and used her other foot to get his hand off. This elicited another hollow laugh from her friend, who fell quiet rather quickly after.

The three teens sat in silence, each waiting for the other to speak. Dawn, growing frustrated at her peace being disturbed, sat up but remained under her blanket.

"Can you please leave?"

"Not until you eat. You have poor Jo all stressed because you haven't eaten. You know she of all people is hurting just as much as you are and she doesn't even know what's going on since miss top coordinator hasn't spilled the beans about anything." Nova picked up the plate of food, which was quickly losing its heat from the recent trip to the microwave. Dawn slipped an arm out, expecting Shade to just giver her the plate and leave.

"That's not going to work, Berlitz, and you know it. You're gonna have to get out from under there first." He spoke as he handed the plate to his companion. Dawn attempted to get back into her ball, fighting against Shade as he tried to pull the blanket from her. This battle went on for a few seconds before Nova gave up, another sigh escaping him.

"You try something." He spoke to his companion, who only looked at him in alarm and shook her head.

"What do you mean, 'no'? Just fucking talk to her. Arceus, you girls are so fucking complicated. This is why I don't deal with the affairs of the fairer gender." Nova huffed before grabbing a hold of the blanket once more.

"And you," he spoke as he tugged, "don't think I'm done with you. Didn't your mom teach you to face your guests when they come to see you?" Dawn squirmed a bit more under the sheets before the top of her head poked out.

They were making progress.

Earlier

As soon as Dawn had rushed off, Shade had made the decision to follow after her. He nodded towards Ash, who he could see was greatly concerned, and turned to go after Dawn. There were few students in the hall at this time, so he was able to keep pace with her as she ran through the unusually empty halls, despite her lead on him. Unfortunately for him, however, Dawn's final stop was going to be somewhere where he couldn't get to without needing outside help or getting in trouble. Though, in this case, he'd be willing to risk it all for one of his friends.

Just as the bathroom came into view for Dawn, Shade caught up and gently took a hold of her wrist. He made sure to only grab her attention instead of yanking her back towards himself, which would only serve to build more walls in this sensitive time. Berlitz, for the life of her, wouldn't simply just go with him and he knew that. He had to be as gentle as he could in order to deal with the situation properly.

"Berlitz," Shade spoke to her, voice unusually soft. She had stopped in her tracks, trying to pry her wrist from his hand. She was struggling to get his fingers open, leaving visible scratches all over his arms and fingers. Let it be known she wasn't trying at least.

"Berlitz," He spoke once more as the tear marks were becoming evident and the panic in her eyes was only growing by the second.

"Dawn!" Nova barked, finally getting the girl to look at his face. She was surprised by what she saw in his eyes. It wasn't hate nor disgust. What she saw in his eyes could only be described in the one emotion she least expected to see.

Fear?

Shade was scared? Shade was scared? Shade was scared?

Whatever Dawn had planned to do in her futile attempt to escape was cut off by just the sight alone. He gently, slowly, let go of her arm. She had calmed down, at least, so that was something. Taking a small breath, Nova ran his fingertips along her own and indicated with his head for her to follow him. He took a few steps before looking back, seeing the panic flash in her eyes briefly but otherwise seeing her follow along.

He lead her to a secret spot he had found, hidden from most of the populace by a short hallway, and perfectly within student limits, as the roof had been closed due to the weather growing colder recently. It was sort of like a cubicle in structure, 4 walls with an exit off to the side of the wall behind where the desk would normally be. Nova pulled out a chair he had coaxed from one of the janitors and set it against the far wall after entering before pulling out a stool that sat slightly lower and placed it between the wall and the exit. He urged Dawn to sit in the chair from his position on the stool and pulled out a small notepad and a pair of glasses which, upon further inspection, had no lenses in them.

This earned a look from Dawn as she sat down. It was only replaced by confusion as a cup of hot tea was placed next to her on a small ledge that extended from the wall.

"Welcome to Therapy." Nova began, Dawn almost getting up and leaving right after. Luckily, or unluckily depending on which side you were on, Nova had thought of this beforehand and was guarding the only exit. He clicked the release button on one of his pokeballs and soon an imposing Primeape sat down beside his trainer, who handed the faithful pig monkey pokemon his own cup of tea. You should never allow a Primeape to go berserk, and tea was something this particular Primape enjoyed.

Dawn could only see her chances of getting out of here without talking dwindle at the arrival of the Pig Monkey who looked more relaxed than Dawn had experienced from any other specimen of the species. Even as Nova cleared his throat, urging her to speak, Dawn avoided his gaze.

"Dawn. The longer you stay silent, the longer we'll be here." He confessed. He hated being the therapist, but sometimes the help of a friend was greater than that of a relative or a close friend. Shade knew, by all means, there was a slim chance he and Dawn would ever become best friends. They thought completely differently from one another and Nova wouldn't enjoy placing more people in danger, especially innocents.

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So I was thinking of writing another fanfic (despite not having finished any of my current works) that would be a series of one-shots that revolved around a story idea I had. It was inspired by a video game I found recently called Coffee Talk. I would definitely recommend the game, as its very heartwarming and deals with some touchy topics despite being set in a fantasy world. As a result, I've added this tiny section to see if anyone would be interested in reading a fic such as this one. It probably won't update as much as this story, seeing as how it'll mostly be written to get around any writer's block I may have, but it's still something I wanna work on. So, here is a tiny bit I've written. Hope you enjoy it.

Ash smiled as he heard the familiar jingle of the bell above the entrance. He had been wiping down the counter in preparation for the night and was pleasantly surprised to see Misty, a girl who had found this place by chance and had been coming almost every night since. She had a glowing smile on her features as she moved towards the counter, notepad in hand.

Ash eyed her curiously as she swiveled onto one of the chairs set up at the bar. She only smiled further and practically threw her notepad open on the counter.

"Someone must have had a good day at work." Ash mused as he grabbed a mug and a saucer. Misty only let out a "hehe" in response affirming his suspicions. Plugging in the coffee machine as he scanned over his ingredients for the night, he called over his shoulder on what she would like. It was with a bit of contemplation before Misty ultimately shrugged her shoulders and smiled brightly again.

"Well, I'm in a great mood today. Might as well continue it with a good cup of ol' reliable." An espresso it was then.

"So, you gonna tell me the haps or will you keep your secrets to yourself?" Ash asked idly, leaning against the counter. Misty mimed a zipper across her lips, her Cheshire smile growing infectious. "All right, then. Keep your secrets." Ash smiled back, a meme crossing his thoughts.

The two chatted idly for a bit, the machine signaled its completion with a soft 'beep.' Ash turned to grab the cup, hearing the jingle above the door once more. He turned just in time to spot a girl with a bandana on her head enter and freeze at his gaze. She was slightly flushed from the run over and had a dress shirt clutched in one hand.

"You're late again, May," Ash muttered with a sigh just loud enough as he searched for any creamer Misty might decide to put into her drink. May at least had the decency to look ashamed. The untold words of 'this is the third time this week and it's only Wednesday,' hung between them as she walked into the bathroom to change into her 'uniform' quickly.

"Don't be too hard on her, Ash. She's the reason you've managed to haul in so many new customers." Ash had to begrudgingly agree, though money hadn't ever been a problem with the shop to begin with.

"Though," she paused in her writings to take a sip of her drink, sighing in content. That sweet sweet brew was the best after a long day at work, no matter how enjoyable it was. "I do tend to miss the good ol' days where this place wasn't as crowded as it gets sometimes."

So yeah, let me know if you'd be interested. I doubt there will be any romance between Ash and May in this, though I make no promises as I know myself pretty well, and the story will focus mainly on those who come into the shop, much like Coffee Talk does. So anyway, see you guys next time.

Just wanted to add I had this section finished before Pokemon released the news of their own Cafe style game, but the two are also different enough where this doesn't really matter but it bugged me enough to point out. Until next time, whenever that may be.