Epilogue
1 Year Later
"This sucks." mumbles the annoyed purple haired man as he tugs at his red tie.
"You're still such a grouch." giggles his girlfriend who comes over to straighten the tie.
"I'm not getting married." he tells her while looking at her focused blue eyes.
Although Dawn has always dreamed of a wedding, she knows it's unlike Paul to have one. Besides, she's happy with them just the way they are because true love doesn't need an elaborate party. Finishing with his tie, Dawn taps his cheek with one of her hands and pecks his lips. "I guess I'm not either then."
After Paul entered her life, the two helped out at her mother's bakery for some time until Paul sold his cabin and bought a small house in Twinleaf Town where he and his small family live. Liam and Paul have hit off their relationship well, which Dawn is happy to see. Even Johanna has started to take a liking to Paul, but she is still wary around him. Of course, he understands why Johanna doesn't trust him yet, so Paul does take time to get along with her.
Paul currently helps out at the bakery full time while Dawn is taking her interior design work full time. This allows him to spend time with Liam and Johanna. Paul plans to sell his homes in Veilstone City once the market there goes up high enough. With the new redevelopments, he knows he'll earn a lot of money off of those properties. Plus he already has money saved up from when he worked for the Hayden Family, so he doesn't need to work.
Dawn has told him to keep his family home in Veilstone City, but Paul isn't sure about it yet. He doesn't plan to ever go back to that city, so Dawn suggests he can just pass it down to Liam. It's Paul's family home, and he should keep it even if he doesn't use it since it means a lot to him. Paul will come to that decision later when he has to think about it though. For now, he's been enjoying his time with his family he loves.
He's never thought he could be this happy; although Dawn makes him feel emotions he's never normally felt. Thus, of course, he'd be happy when he's with her. Now with Liam, Paul finds himself even more content with his life that he will fight for. Fortunately, he doesn't need to fight anymore since no gangs are after them, but Paul would fight if he had to.
With everyone all dressed up, they hop in the rental car to drive to the Petalburg City wedding hall. "I can't wait to see Marie!" he exclaims. Being in the wedding party, Liam has been playing with Marie Ketchum for the past two weeks.
When the group first met up two weeks ago for the wedding rehearsals, everyone was ecstatic to see Paul in person. They had talked to him over the videophone with Dawn, but it's different seeing each other in person. Much to Paul's annoyance, Ash hugged him, and Drew teased him. May and Misty just smiled at him. Paul had learned from Dawn that Gary left when Paul had left years ago.
Hours Later
After the three year old Marie walks down the aisle spreading all of her rose petals everywhere in the beginning of the aisle, Ash and Misty walk down the aisle. Next, Paul and Dawn, the best man and maid of honor follow. Drew is already standing at the altar watching his friends and their children walk down the aisle. Yes, these people are his friends now. He's grown to accept that.
The youngest Ketchum, 1 year old Sato, short for Satoshi, is being watched by Delia in the seats. Because Drew and May want to keep their wedding with just close friends and family, there aren't many people there. Besides for some people May's parents invited, Drew and May only know about ten people at the wedding. This is all they want though, so they're happy with the turnout.
When the doors open for Norman and May to walk down the aisle, Drew's breath hitches in his throat. She looks absolutely stunning, and he just wants to run over to her right now because she's walking too slow to his liking. The once extremely nervous man is now happily gazing at the beauty he's about to marry. He used to think life was unfair, but it's fine now that he has her. He knows he'll be able to overcome anything with her by his side.
Once May finally reaches the altar, Drew extends an arm to her. "Wow." He gasps, making her blush.
As Norman reluctantly passes off his only daughter, he whispers to Drew, "Don't make me regret this." Drew used to be terrified of May's father, but now Drew is just a little scared. He knows Norman cares a lot for May, which makes Drew respect the man immensely. Thus, Drew will treasure May even more. He had asked May's family before asking for her hand in marriage though, so he hopes Norman is still okay with it.
Soon, Liam skips his way down the aisle with the rings, making everyone aw at him like they had Marie. He takes a seat in the front next to Marie and his grandmother while Delia is sitting on the other side of Marie with Sato in her arms. While May and Drew shyly stand at the front of the altar, they find comfort in each other's eyes, like always.
"The couple would like to take a moment of silence for their last bridesmaid and groomsman." the officiator announces once the music dies down. "Leaf Green and Gary Oak, wherever they may be, will always be in our hearts."
After a minute of silence, the music softly plays again as the officiator speaks. Drew and May each give their vows and they both say "I do." which causes the guests to cheer enthusiastically as the couple share their first kiss as husband and wife. Drew and May truly deserve this happiness after everything they've gone through together, and Drew knows his parents are smiling down on him.
Hours Later
After many pictures, per the older mothers' requests, the wedding party has danced and eaten. Now, Paul and Dawn are taking a break while Liam is playing with Marie. "Can we go yet?" groans the man, making Dawn giggle. He's already loosened his tie, especially after Dawn forced him to dance with her.
"I'm having fun." she playfully whines.
Grumbling, Paul just sips his drink defeatedly. He knows he can't win an argument against Dawn, but he also just gives in to her since she always seems to know what's best for him. Besides, a happy Dawn usually equates to a happy life for Paul. Else he has to deal with her pouting, and he's already taking care of one child.
"I forgot how exhausting this is." mutters the redhead sitting down next to Dawn.
The raven haired man sits beside her and nods. "How did we stay at our whole wedding?"
"We barely made it." Misty recalls while slipping off her heels.
Smiling at the two, Dawn says, "I'm sorry we weren't at your wedding."
Ash returns the smile since he knows it's not their fault. "We didn't send you guys an invite, so it's okay."
"Yeah, just invite us to yours." Misty tells her. This past year of working on May's and Drew's wedding has really allowed the six to get along without the fear of the Hayden Family. They've all became good friends, especially since they share the same traumatic experience of the Family.
Sheepishly rubbing the back of her head, Dawn replies, "I don't think we'll get married."
Sensing her sadness, Paul sighs. "If you want to get married, we can."
"I don't wanna force you to marry me!"
"You already force me to do everything else." he knowingly responds, making her face heat up in anger.
"What do you want, though, Paul?" she exclaims.
"A happy troublesome woman." his smirk irks her more, so Misty has to hold her back before Dawn can lunge at Paul.
"Whoa! Calm down, Dawn!" Drew Maple chuckles as he makes his way to the table. Because Drew hates the Hayden name, as well as what it reminds the world of, he chose to change his last name to May's. Her family, although somewhat scary, has been the closest family he's had since his parents' deaths. Plus, if a woman can take on the man's last name, then Drew can take on his wife's.
"What's going on?" May asks while her and Drew sit down at the table. Fortunately, the grandmothers and Caroline are watching Marie and Liam. Drew and May, noticing their friends had sat down, decided to take a break and join them. Everyone else is having a good time at the reception, and there's still a good two hours left.
"Paul's being a prunehead." Dawn mutters annoyedly at the smirking man.
"What do you want?" he mocks back.
"For you to be nice."
Paul chuckles because that's all she ever asked of him 5 years ago. "This is the best you're gonna get, troublesome."
"My name is Dawn!"
Before Paul can say some snide remark, they hear a new male voice. "Damn! Did our invitation get lost in the mail?" Everyone turns around and their eyes open wide at the couple walking towards them. Beside the handsome auburn haired man stands an elegant brunette who winks playfully, which makes Ash, Dawn, and May tackle her in a group hug.
"Leaf!" They exclaim as tears fall down everyone's faces.
Once the three let go of her, Paul stands up to smirk, but Leaf pulls him in for a hug. "Stop trying to act cool, Paulie."
He hugs her back while whispering in her ear, "I should've known you'd fake your death." He is very grateful to see her alive, though, because the last time he saw her, she was dead in his arms.
When they pull away, she winks at him before hugging Drew and congratulating him. She then gives Misty a hug despite not really knowing the former detective too well. Although, their little time together in Hayden Corporation did seem to make their relationship stronger and more positive.
Misty eyes Gary who sheepishly rubs the back of his head. "Hey, Red."
Tackling him in a tight hug, Misty breathes out, "You should've called, Gary!" Since she is the closest to him, she's feared for him a lot. Fortunately, the news occasionally would share his whereabouts because he's famous. Last she heard, he was in Unova, but that was almost two years ago.
"How?" May gasps at the new couple.
Putting his arm around Leaf's waist, Gary smirks at them. "Assassins never reveal their secrets."
Leaf rolls her eyes while she and Gary sit down at the table too. "It's a long story, but we're back."
"Where are you staying?" Ash eagerly asks because he's missed Leaf tremendously. He really thought she had died years ago, and he's missed his friend.
"We're in Goldenrod City." Gary replies because he's working as a research head at his late grandfather's lab. Leaf is working as a social services worker for youth like her, and with her knowing how to fight, she doesn't fear entering abusive households.
"So we're all in different regions." Dawn mutters, causing everyone to nod.
Leaf smirks at Paul. "I heard you have a son."
The man just chuckles because he knows nothing can be hidden from May and Leaf. Nodding over to the two children trying to dance, Paul says, "His name is Liam. Dawn named him after you."
Blinking at them in shock, Leaf then shyly smiles at Dawn. "Thanks, Dawn."
The bluenette also smiles back shyly. "No, thank you, Leaf!" Leaf had saved Dawn years ago, so Dawn found it fitting to name Liam after her with an L name. And Dawn never got to thank Leaf for her sacrifice because Junior had started chasing Dawn.
"She's our daughter Marie!" Ash chimes in while motioning to the little girl Liam is dancing with. "And my mom has our son Sato!"
Gary grins at Misty. "Damn, Red! I'm gone 5 years and you pop out 2 kids and get married? But the whole time I knew you on the force, you wouldn't give anyone the time of day."
Shooting him a glare, Misty replies, "Because I love this idiot." She motions to Ash who gives her a hurt expression.
"Mist!"
"Wait!" Drew shouts, getting everyone's attention. He then looks at Leaf and Gary. "Why are you two together?" Even though Drew has an idea that they're a couple, he wants to hear confirmation.
Blushing slightly, Gary admits, "We're engaged."
"Stop being shy, Gare." Leaf playfully pinches his cheek, making his blush deepen. She then returns her gaze to the rest of the table. "And we're expecting!"
"What?" Misty shouts excitedly. "Gary Oak is having a kid?"
"Leaf is having a kid?" Paul asks too because he doesn't see the flirtatious former assassin as a parent.
"C'mon, guys. Look more happy for us." Gary says in embarrassment.
"I am happy!" Dawn exclaims because she's always hoped for everyone's happiness. After everything they've gone through, they deserve to be happy, especially Leaf who has sacrificed so much for them.
Leaf diverts her attention to the newly married couple. "So now we're just waiting on you two to pop out a kid." When she winks, they both blush profusely.
"Leaf!" Drew shouts in embarrassment, making her laugh.
"You guys make it too easy. I missed how fun this is." Leaf manages out through her laughs. After meeting Gary in Unova, Leaf and Gary left for Goldenrod City because Gary's grandfather's home is there, although Gary is originally from Viridian City in Kanto. They've built their life in Johto for the past year, and Leaf also found out about the Maple wedding. Deciding that crashing it would be the best way to announce their return to civilization, the couple booked a flight to Hoenn.
"This is the first time we have all been together." May grins at the group happily because their first time together is also at her wedding. When they'd first meet, Ash was missing and they were trying to rescue him. After the Hayden Mansion incident, Ash was there, but Dawn and Leaf were missing. And then the day after the Hayden Corporation battle, Paul, Gary, and Leaf were gone. All eight of them have never been together like they are now.
Everyone seems to realize May's thinking as they all smile at each other. They've really come a long way from a group of strangers wanting to take down a notorious gang. Therefore, they all deserve to be happy. They've paid for their sins through risking their lives for the well being of Veilstone City, and while none of them ever want to go back to that city, they know it still holds a deep place in their hearts. It's the reason why they're all together now. The reason they have friends. The reason they're finally happy.
Looking over at Paul, Ash grins mischievously, causing the stoic man to glare. "Still wanna kill me, Paul?" Ash has always wanted to ask Paul this, but due to the wedding, he hasn't had a chance. Being with everyone now reminds him of when Paul threatened him years ago.
Scowling, Paul doesn't respond, even though he knows he made many mental notes years ago to kill that dumbass who called him. The dumbass who got to his conscience and sent him to that field where he met this troublesome bluenette. The dumbass who caused him to fall in love with the troublesome woman and now he has a child with her. Yeah, he wanted to kill this dumbass, but how can Paul do that after Ash's stupid phone call is the reason he's so happy today?
Seeing Paul remain silent just makes Ash's grin grow, adding to Paul's annoyance. Chuckling, Drew says, "Stop teasing Paul."
"Yeah. He's a grouch." Dawn giggles and pokes the unamused man's cheek.
"I feel so normal." May mutters, causing them to look at her. "After joining the Family, I felt like a criminal."
Nodding, Leaf adds, "Are we really normal now?"
"Can a group of former Hayden Family members really be normal?" Gary inquires even though he was only in the gang for a few weeks.
"I think you guys are normal." Misty pipes in because she was never in the gang despite being on the run for some time. Misty does see where May is coming from with her question though. After everything this group has been through, are they really normal now? It's only been five years.
Sighing, Paul says, "Stop thinking about the past, dumbasses." When Dawn shoots him a glare, he continues, "Our past doesn't matter. It's our lives now that do." Reaching his hand across the table, he grabs Dawn's soft small one. "I'm happy, so I'm gonna stay happy. You guys do what you want."
Ash smiles warmly while putting an arm around Misty's shoulders. "You're right, Paul! I'm happy too!"
"Same here!" Drew grins and holds May's hand, causing her to blush.
Resting her head on Gary's shoulder, Leaf adds, "Me too."
Hours Later
"You're so troublesome." mutters the purple haired man as he carries his girlfriend into their hotel room. Liam wanted to sleep over at the Ketchum's hotel room, which Paul welcomed because he has to watch this drunk woman.
"My name is Dawn!"
Scrunching his nose at her breath, Paul lays Dawn down on the bed. Before he can fully stand up again though, she wraps her arms around his neck, keeping him above her. With her lustful blue eyes on his grey orbs, she pleads, "Can we have another?"
As much as Paul enjoys his fun with Dawn, he is not going to entertain the idea of another child with this drunk woman. Prying himself away from her, he replies, "Go to sleep."
"You're still mean."
"Good."
After showering off the sweat from the wedding, Paul enters the bedroom where he spots his dozing girlfriend, which makes him smirk. Checking his phone for messages before he goes to sleep, Paul notices the time. Is it really 3 in the morning already? Since it's summer, the sun should be rising in a few hours.
Looking outside the window, Paul sees the night sky. He and Dawn have watched a couple of sunrises together, but they usually sleep through dawn. Smiling, Paul reflects on how Dawn has really changed him into this happier Paul. He sees a purpose with life again, and it's thanks to her. Every day Paul wakes up next to this woman, he finds himself truly grateful for this once unfair life. In the end, it brought him to her.
Laying down beside the sleeping woman, Paul brushes a strand of hair out of her peaceful face before planting a soft kiss on her lips.
That's it! This is my longest story yet, and I'm not sure if I'll ever type a longer one. It took me a while because my chapters got longer and longer, but I'm pretty satisfied with it. There was a decent amount of romance with some action. Plus, there's a happy ending. Catch you in my next story!~