Chapter 27

Once Paul and Dawn arrive at his second house, Paul does an inspection of the place where he finds nothing suspicious. Dawn showers first while Paul stands guard outside the open bathroom door. Even if the Hayden Mansion is blown up, that doesn't necessarily mean that the Hayden Family is demolished. Plus, they had left Lucas alive.

When Dawn is out of the shower, Paul goes in next. She sits on the toilet seat, like she has been doing lately whenever he showers. Though, Dawn hears Paul hiss loudly, getting her attention. "Are you okay, Paul?"

"Yeah." he gruff back.

Dawn knows better than to pry because Paul will tell her things eventually. Besides, she's glad to hear he's okay. She's glad that they're both okay after this dangerous night. Although, Dawn is surprised at how fearless she was when she didn't even hesitate to go after Paul. It really must be love. This thought makes her blush, and soon, Paul's quick shower is done.

She turns around for him to grab his clean clothes before he changes to step out of the tub. With his black shorts and light grey t-shirt, Dawn can make out the muscles on him. Gosh, this man is very attractive. However, he attention is caught on the red starting to seep through the side of his shirt. Quickly grabbing his arm, much to his annoyance, Dawn exclaims, "You're bleeding!"

Paul shrugs and continues walking with her holding onto him. They enter the bedroom where he grabs a white kit from the closet before tossing it on the bed. Removing his shirt makes Dawn blush, but then she sees the cut on his side as well as the many bruises throughout his body.

"It doesn't hurt." Paul tells her when he spots the concern on her face.

Taking a deep breath, Dawn approaches the bed to open the kit. While patching up Paul, she says, "Thanks, Paul."

"Hn."

Dawn can't help but giggle at his short responses, like when they had first met. Finishing up the wrapping, she closes the kit and looks into his grey eyes. "You're always saving me."

"You saved me today."

"And then you saved me again after."

Letting out a breath, Paul mutters, "I said I'd' protect you." They both find it hard to look away from the others' eyes as blushes tint their cheeks.

"I wanna help you too though." pouts the woman, so Paul grabs her hand.

He doesn't know if it's the fear of almost dying tonight or the possibility that he could've lost her, but Paul Shinji is feeling very honest tonight. Even though they're not sure if they've taken down the Family just yet, he already feels relaxed at knowing they made a huge dent in the Hayden Family's operations. With a warm small smile on his lips, Paul replies, "You make me happy, troublesome."

Before Dawn can shout about her name, Paul kisses her. Everything will be okay now, so he can finally indulge in this woman he loves. This woman who has brought light into his life since he met her. This woman who is his greatest strength. Paul is finally happy, and it's all thanks to her.

Dawn kisses him back passionately too because she loves him, and after the fear of almost losing him, she never wants to regret a moment with him. She's held back for far too long now as she waited for Paul to realize his feelings, but now that he's initiating the kiss, Dawn will enjoy it. This man is nothing like anyone she's ever met before, especially the men she used to be attracted to. He's Paul Shinji, and he's got the kindest most tender soul she's ever seen.

Before Dawn can push Paul down on the bed, he gently lays her down while slipping off the oversized t-shirt he gave her. His lips don't leave hers, like they're a drug he needs to have for survival. Dawn doesn't mind though since she's wanted this for a while now, so she wraps her arms around his neck pulling him closer. "I love you, Paul." she manages to say between kisses as they undress each other.

Knowing Paul isn't one for words, Dawn doesn't expect a response. Instead, he just pauses to gaze into those midnight blue eyes of hers while a small warm smile appears on his lips. He then lowers his face to kiss her passionately, and to her surprise, he mutters, "I love you too, Dawn."

When Paul feels the woman beneath him tense up, he stops because he never wants to force her to do anything she doesn't want to do. Giving her a concerned look, he sees the shock on her face. "Are you okay?"

The man shifts away from her, but Dawn quickly grabs him to keep him on top where she pecks his lips with a giggle. "You called me by my name!"

A dark blush flushes his face, making him curse himself for talking so much around her. However, Dawn pulls him in for another kiss as she slips off the rest of her clothes and then tugs at his boxers. "No need to be nervous, Paul."

He can't help but smirk while taking control again. Of course he's nervous. This is the woman he loves. She makes him feel emotions, especially the ones he never wants to feel, like fear. She makes him scared of losing her or losing himself because he always wants to be with her now. Without Dawn, Paul would still be living his peaceful life on the outskirts of town being the Hayden Family's dog. He was content with that lifestyle and never knew he'd ever want to or get to live a life with someone like her. Dawn Berlitz is very troublesome indeed, but she's his troublesome.

Drew's Shelter

May has been nervously waiting at the shelter Drew told her about last night. It has a lot of supplies and looks like a normal home, but May knows this place is equipped for a gunfight with the bullet proof glass and weapons hidden inside. She had wrapped up her wounded leg enough, but May is too scared to take out the bullet. There's only one code to get into the shelter, so when May hears the beeping of the keypad outside, she holds her gun pointing at the door while she stands behind the couch.

When his shocked emerald eyes meet her scared teary sapphire ones, Drew raises his hands in defense. "Whoa, May! It's just me!" He had just dropped off Gary who isn't too injured. Gary said he will be meeting Leaf at the abandoned warehouse near where Drew dropped him off, though Drew isn't sure which one. However, it is for the best that Drew doesn't know where anyone is, although he does know where Dawn and Paul are.

Letting out a relieved breath, she puts the gun away while he closes the door. Before Drew can do anything else, he feels small strong arms wrap around him, making him smile. Holding her close, Drew buries his nose in her hair. He was so scared when he lost connection with her, but Drew is proud that she made it out. Despite not knowing how to fight, May is still here, especially if she encountered any troubles. Of course, Dawn was with her, but Drew is proud of this technician.

When he hears her sobbing voice, Drew's embrace on her tightens. "I was scared! Why didn't you meet with us!"

He can't help but smile at this woman crying over him because she really must care about him enough to shed tears about him. Gosh, he doesn't know what he did to ever deserve her, but Drew Hayden will be selfish, like he's always been. "I went out a different exit."

"I was worried!"

"I called." he chuckles at how cute she is, but this just makes her angrily look up at him.

"It's not funny, Drew!" although she's upset, she doesn't let go of him, which he appreciates.

Resting his forehead on hers so that their eyes are close together, Drew smiles warmly at her. Not smirk, but smiles. Seeing those tears of hers, these emotions of hers that he welcomes. He really is lucky to have met her all those years ago. "I'm here now, May. It's okay."

"You were supposed to stay outside with Paul!" May scolds him. "Paul got attacked by Lucas, and I lost contact with you! Do you know how scared I was?" her angry tears fall, so Drew brings his hands up to wipe them.

"Do you know how scared I was? Leaving you all alone with Dawn who's only had a week of training." Drew takes a deep shaky breath and closes his eyes while his heart pounds.

After a few seconds of silence, May whispers, "You're such a grasshead."

Opening his eyes, Drew is met with those sapphire orbs he loves. He is surprised that she's calling him that name at a moment like this, but that's why Drew likes May. She treats him like a normal human being. Before Drew can playfully retort, May says, "I love you, Drew."

Those four words are all it takes for Drew to close the space between them with a kiss that he hates separating from because May kisses him back. It took a couple of times of him confessing his feelings, but now he finally has her. Nevertheless, he doesn't expect anything else less from the woman who managed to steal his heart. She obviously doesn't like him for his charms or power or money. Rather, May Maple likes him for him, which Drew knows he doesn't deserve.

"I love you too, May." He grins once they pull away for air. The hope of seeing her again is what kept him alive tonight anyway, so he needs her to know his feelings.

She smiles shyly as a dark blush appears on her face. Reaching a hand up to the swollen cheek he got from Matthew, May says, "Let's patch you up." She's pretty sure he's got more injuries too, but she just can't see them with his clothes on. Her blush intensifies while thinking about having to possibly see Drew with less clothing.

When the two pull away, though, Drew finally notices the limp of hers, so he grabs her arm. "What happened to your leg?"

May's heart beats faster from the concern he is showing her. "I got shot in the leg." Seeing him get more worried causes her to quickly add, "But I took care of it! Don't worry, Drew! I'm fine."

"Did you get the bullet out?" he furrows his brows while his heart aches because she really just got severely hurt with him. It's not fair, and he's never wanted this to happen to her. Even Drew doesn't have a bullet wound, but May does. The person who doesn't know how to fight and who he promised to protect.

"No." She sheepishly rubs the back of her head, making him hate himself even more.

Picking up May causes her to blush profusely, and Drew sets her down on the bed. "Sorry."

His pained voice causes May to reach her hands out to cup his face gently. Her sincere blue eyes meet his upset green ones where she responds, "Don't be, Drew. I'd take way more bullets for you."

He can't help but kiss her again. Once he pulls away, he smiles back at her. "Please don't. Seeing you hurt pains me more than anything Matthew could've done to me."

Blushing, May gives him a weak smile because she knows the amount of pain that's about to come. "Have you ever taken a bullet out of someone before?"

He sighs as he examines the wrapping on her thigh. "No, but I am pretty smart."

"I feel so much better knowing that." May nervously rolls her eyes, but Drew can tell she's anxious.

He walks over to the kitchen area and comes back with a bottle of vodka. "I'll wait 'til you're passed out."

Frowning, May says, "I was supposed to be patching you up!"

"Too bad, June. I can patch myself up though." He then takes a swig from the bottle before handing it to her. "Drink up."

With a glare at him, May chugs down some gulps from the bottle. "I'm trusting you, grasshead."

The man flicks his hair while giving her a smirk. "I never fail a lady."

A Different Shelter

"You're really good at first aid." mutters the man as the woman splints his ankle.

"I'm a former detective. I have to know this stuff." she replies without taking her eyes off of the splint she's working on.

"And you used to be a full time lifeguard." he knowingly says because Misty's family owns a pool in Cerulean City.

This comment makes her stop with the splint as the emotions of all her painful Kanto memories hit her. After leaving the scene of Hayden Mansion, Misty had brought Ash to this shelter she was hiding out in before she met May. The two didn't talk much because they were trying to focus on their surroundings, especially if someone was following them. However now that they've arrived at the shelter, Misty is patching up her heavily injured childhood friend who somehow has energy to converse with her.

"Mist?"

His voice shakes her from her thoughts as she didn't realize she'd started crying. Misty Waterflower rarely cries, and the last time she cried was when he had left back in Cerulean City. "Huh?"

"Are you okay?" that overly concerned voice of his always tugs at her heart. Ash Ketchum's kindness towards everyone constantly gets her to forgive him while making her forget the reasons she's supposed to be mad at him to begin with.

When Misty doesn't answer, Ash sits up to grab her chin with one hand. Seeing those teary blue eyes causes him to worriedly hug her. "I'm sorry, Mist! Did I say something wrong?"

Shaking her head as the tears start flowing into his shoulder, she exclaims, "I was so worried, you idiot!" After not hearing from him for months, Misty had started becoming discouraged from ever seeing this absent man alive again. What if Ash was dead? What if she found his dead body downstairs instead of him breathing like now?

When her parents had abandoned her and her sisters, Misty grew cold to the world, but this man right here opened her heart, like he always manages to do. Even when he leaves her, causing her to feel more pain and build her walls stronger, his return always crumbles them down again. Therefore, she was scared of the Hayden Family taking away someone so important to her and the world. Ash Ketchum is not only her best friend, but he means so much to many people too.

"I'm sorry! I never meant to get caught." he panics because Ash hates seeing a crying Misty, especially when it's due to him.

Hugging him tighter, Misty can't help but think about how Ash is the reason she finds purpose in life. He's the reason for her hope and happiness, although he causes her the most pain too. "I love you, dumbass."

With a warm smile on his lips as a blush tints his cheeks, Ash replies, "I love you too, Mist." It took him awhile to realise it, especially when he was tied up in the basement of Hayden Mansion, but Ash Ketchum knows these feelings for his childhood friend are real. It's the reason he always found himself reaching out to her periodically, even when they were at the most inconvenient times. He knows his consistent absences have caused her a lot of pain, but the fact that she still accepted him with open arms every time he returned must mean something, right?

"Why do you keep leaving, Ash?" the question has been on her mind since the first time he left over a decade ago, and she feels like she deserves to know the answer now. She needs to know the reason this man she loves keeps on leaving her, even if he doesn't want to tell her.

Sighing, Ash hesitantly looks away while taking in a deep breath. He knows he'd have to tell Misty everything eventually, especially if he wants to be with her. She needs to know about his life, so he can't keep her out because he wants her in it. "My mom got sick, and we went to Johto for treatment." he finally tells her.

Since Misty views Mrs. Ketchum as a mother figure, she can only nod. Of course Ash and his mother would disappear then. "You should've told me."

Shaking his head, Ash replies, "What if she didn't make it? I didn't wanna burden you too."

"We're best friends! Whatever you go through, I go through too, Ash! You're not in this alone!" insists the woman. "You know how much I care about your mom!"

"That's why I couldn't tell you." his pained chocolate eyes meet her caring blue ones as he says, "Your parents left you, so I couldn't have my mom leave you too."

"It's not like it would be your mom's choice to leave me!"

Sighing, Ash replies, "I know. I just thought it'd be better this way. You know? For you to hate us for leaving than be sad about my mom not making it."

She reaches out to grab his hand while letting out a deep breath. "Don't ever decide anything without me again, Ketchum. We're a team now." Those intense blue eyes of hers stare at him, which makes him smile.

Of course they're a team now, especially after Ash reached out to her a few years ago to take down the Family. Squeezing her hand, he softly says, "I know, Mist."

As his thumb rubs her hand, Misty can't help but blush. She had kissed him out of happiness earlier, and he had kissed her later too. Are they still best friends? Although she has admitted to herself that she's had a childhood crush on him for years, does he feel the same way about her now? The fear of not knowing anything about this man the past few months have started to eat away at her, so she won't regret another moment with him. "I love you, Ash."

Now it's his turn to blush while meeting her gaze. Gosh, he loves her cerulean blue eyes. Actually, he loves everything about her, especially after realizing she risked her life for him. He really doesn't deserve her because he's left her many times already, but he won't do it again. She won't let him; plus, Ash doesn't ever want to be separated from her anymore. With a sincere nervous smile, Ash softly replies, "I love you too, Mist."

The two share a passionate kiss before Ash winces, causing Misty to shyly apologize and finish patching him up. They can make out and do other things later once they know they're for sure safe. For now, though, they need to heal and rest in case the Hayden Family is still standing.

Abandoned Building

After Drew had dropped Gary off nearby, the auburn haired man sprinted to the building he told Leaf about. He's really worried about her because he hasn't seen her since she left him to run after Matthew. Drew said he last saw Leaf right before finding Gary, and she was on the rooftop. That must mean Leaf escaped, right? She was already outside before the bomb blew, and Drew had warned her.

However, Gary's heart is pounding in fear because there's no one in the warehouse but him. Maybe it's due to him having a car ride from Drew and Leaf is on foot? She is injured too. Gosh! Gary is kicking himself for letting her separate from him. Even if she is the best fighter and a stealthy assassin, she can't just leave him like this!

Why does he care so much though? She killed his sister! Now that everything is over, he's supposed to kill her or turn her in to the police. Although, Gary is scared that he won't get to do either of those. As much as he hates to admit it, he's grown to care about that woman these past few weeks while on the run together. Yes, she's a woman rather than an assassin now.

"C'mon, Gary! Get it together!" he tells himself angrily. Leaf is a professional assassin who can accomplish a lot of incredible feats normal people can't. She can take care of herself, so he just needs to be patient. Though, would Leaf leave him? Would she abandon him?

After everything they've been through, Gary finds it hard to be separate from her because he's never met someone like her before. Yes, she is an assassin, but that's not what he means. They seem to understand a lot about each other even though they never speak about their feelings. It's like they both flirt to hide their pains, yet the flirting has been pretty fun too. Moreover, Gary appreciates how Leaf would continuously protect him, so he would try to help her best he could, despite her not asking for help. He knows she hates killing, and with the amount of killing she's done tonight, Gary doesn't feel well leaving her alone.

Thus, he waits. He waits the whole night without even batting an eye at fatigue because he needs her. She's the closest person to him since Daisy passed away, which is ironic since she took Daisy from him, but he needs her. Leaf can't leave him too. As the time ticks by, Gary mentally vows to tell her his feelings once she shows up. About how he cares for her and he doesn't ever want to be apart again. About how he doesn't want to kill her anymore and that he's not mad. That he forgives her, so she should forgive herself too.

"Please come back." he whispers inside the abandoned building while fighting the lonely tears. "I don't like being alone either, Leafy."

Paul's Second House

"Hn." the annoyed purple haired man grumbles as he feels the soft warm fingers of his partner tracing his face.

"You're a lot cuter when you're sleeping."

"I'm not sleeping."

"Obviously, Paul." she rolls her eyes and then giggles as he groans.

"You're a lot quieter when you're sleeping." he mutters, causing her to poke his cheek, adding to his annoyance.

"Well, lucky for you, but I'll be getting out of your hair for a while."

This statement causes Paul to open his eyes in surprise because he thought she was staying with him until everything is settled. "It's not safe yet."

Sighing, Dawn replies, "I need to go back to work, Paul. I've been gone for so long, I know they're worried. At least let me go today."

"So what if they're worried? It's your life, and the police can't do anything right now." he sits up to face her where she sees his shirtless torso, making her blush.

However, Dawn needs to keep her strong resolve. "I know, Paul, but they're also my friends. And I'm worried about them too."

Sighing, Paul runs a hand through his hair in frustration before meeting her blue eyes again. "Fine, but I'm coming with you."

She shakes her head at him while a warm smile appears on her lips. "You should go to the meeting with everyone." Dawn then sits up and holds the sheet over her naked chest. Leaning over, she pecks his lips. "And then pick me up after."

The man blushes at the kiss and as he remembers the events of last night. While he's upset at himself for losing control, he's not too mad because he enjoyed it. He enjoys every second he spends with this troublesome woman. With a frown, Paul replies, "Fine."

"Thanks, Paul!" The chipper response she gives him normally would make him cringe, but Paul just pulls her close to hug her.

He still can't believe that they're alive and fortunately completely safe now. Everything is okay. Paul is happy because of this woman who he can't live without. As he takes in her scent, Paul mumbles, "You're troublesome."

"I know you know my name." she pouts in his arms since he had said it last night.

"Troublesome suits you better."

"Prunehead suits you better."

Chuckling, Paul lets go of her, which makes her see that little dimple by his lips. "Let's get up."

Although Dawn would like some morning fun, she catches the time on the clock. Had they really slept in that long? Well, they didn't get to fall asleep until very late last night. Technically this morning. Stretching her arms out, the blanket falls, causing Paul to blush at her. Smirking at him, Dawn taunts, "You're drooling."

"Am not." he grumbles back.

Giggling, the woman turns around to grab one of Paul's shirts, but she feels his hand on her shoulder blade. He traces the little blue penguin, which he still finds very stupid, but this stupid little tattoo is perfect for her. It's cute and little and the penguin looks bubbly. How can a tattoo look bubbly? And did Paul just call it cute? Inwardly groaning, Paul removes his hand and lays back on the bed.

Dawn turns to face him with a flush on her cheeks at his touch. "Don't you like it?"

"Sure." his arm is covering his eyes since he's still embarrassed to look at a naked Dawn.

Bending over to plant a light kiss on his lips, Dawn tells him, "You're cute." She then leaves to the shower.

Once Paul hears the water running, he lets out a deep breath. While this morning has been annoying so far, he doesn't mind it. Getting up to put on some clothes, well just his bottoms since Dawn took his shirt, he finds his phone. It had died last night because he forgot to charge it, so he sticks it on the charger while tidying up the room and bed. Soon, he hears vibrating as the phone is back to life, but this confuses Paul because he normally doesn't get this many messages.

Walking over to the device, he sees a few missed calls from Drew. Since they don't ever leave messages or voicemails, Paul isn't sure what these calls are about. Maybe the meeting time got moved up? Because Dawn is still in the shower, Paul decides he should call back Drew now in case something is wrong. He doesn't want to worry Dawn, and she's been involved enough.

After a few rings, he hears Drew's panicked voice on the other end. "We can't find Leaf."

Paul sighs because he knows the assassin does what she wants. Besides, this is very Leaf-like. "She'll turn up."

"No, Paul. Like it's serious."

"What makes you say that?"

"She was supposed to meet up with Gary, but he hasn't heard from her. Dude, you know Leaf doesn't go back on her words when things are serious."

Groaning, Paul replies, "Let's talk when we meet up later."

"Okay. I think that's best."

Paul ends the call and lets out a frustrated breath. He has no idea what Drew is talking about because the Leaf he knows doesn't care about others, which is why he was surprised to learn she wanted to rescue Ash. While Leaf is talkative and flirtatious, Paul can tell she doesn't attach herself to anyone. Therefore, he's not concerned with her absence right now.

Hours Later

After dropping off Dawn at work, Paul drives off to the meeting location. Dawn told him to share with her the news of the meeting later when he picks her up. Although Paul wishes he could've came inside to make sure everything was safe, Dawn encouraged him not to be late to the meeting. She even told him, "No need to worry!" before skipping off inside. Moreover, Paul doesn't want to scare her coworkers, and him coming inside would invoke more questions.

By the time Paul arrives at Buneary Place, the restaurant near the field where all of this started, he spots Drew's car in the parking lot. Walking inside, he sees everyone but Leaf is there. Paul nods to the group as he sits down.

"Where's Dawn?" inquires May because she's grown to really like the fearless bluenette.

"Work." Paul shrugs.

"Are you sure it's safe?" Drew asks.

"She wanted to go. I'll wait for her after we're done."

Letting out a breath, Drew replies, "Even if it's not, we did put a halt to their operation." He refers to the Hayden Family, who he hopes is completely demolished now.

"Let's make this quick." Paul mutters after their food arrives. Drew had ordered for him, and luckily, Paul isn't a picky eater. Although, he does prefer Dawn's cooking the most.

Nodding, Gary says, "Leaf is still gone." Despite trying to sound nonchalant, Gary's heart is aching due to this assassin's absence. He knows she wouldn't just up and leave, just like how he knows she wouldn't kill him.

"Maybe she's ran away?" Misty suggests.

Gary shakes his head, but Ash speaks, "She wouldn't." He's spent enough time with Leaf to know she won't make them nervous like this. As much as Leaf likes attention, she wouldn't do something cruel like this. With Ash's words, since everyone but Gary knows he's the closest to Leaf, the group solemnly looks down at their food. Leaf has to be okay, right? She can't be gone.

After a few silent minutes, Drew says, "She killed Matthew on the rooftop, so she has to have escaped." He had told her about the bomb, and she was outside the last time he saw her. Leaf must've escaped.

Clenching his fists, Gary glares at his uneaten food. Leaf is still alive. She has to be! He won't believe it until he sees her dead body. "We need to go back."

Shaking her head, May replies, "We can't. That's suicide. Besides, there are a bunch of police there."

"I don't care! We have to go back for her!" he exclaims, so Misty puts a hand on his shoulder.

She's never seen Gary this upset before, and now she's starting to realize how important the assassin is to him. "Did you check the police logs, May? In case she got arrested?"

The brunette lets out a defeated breath. "I found nothing, but that could also be because they don't have her information."

"Maybe she got arrested then!" Ash eagerly chimes in. He knows Leaf can easily escape jail too, so she'll join them soon.

This information seems to calm Gary down as he remains hopeful. The assassin he knows won't go down that easily. "I'll ask my connection." Since he used to be an officer, Gary does have a few people in law enforcement he can bribe for intel.

Before the group can move on to their next steps, Paul's phone starts ringing, which surprises him because everyone who would call him is right here. Pulling out his phone while the group curiously looks at him, Paul's eyes the caller ID, which is Dawn's number. Why is she calling him? Does she want to get picked up already? Is she wanting to listen in on the meeting? He told her to keep her phone off in case they're not fully safe yet.

Sighing at the troublesome bluenette's carefreeness, Paul picks up the call. However, before he can speak, she does. "I'm sorry, Paul."

Groaning, he asks, "For what?" For interrupting the meeting? For calling? For being troublesome?

"No need to worry."

Hearing her shaky voice worries him, so immediately asks, "What are you talking about, troublesome?" Worry about what?

"You took something I love, so I'm taking something you love." That cold smug voice sends chills down Paul's neck.

He knew he should've never left her side! "Don't you touch her, Junior!" Paul shouts, but Junior has since hung up.