Interrogation room:

May's heart felt slightly jittery after hearing Drew repeat that line from Mechaman. She couldn't exactly recall when he had taken on such a warm presence in her life, but she was certain that something about his smile when they'd meet for breakfast and the way he laughed were warmer than they used to be- he was now like sunshine.

She was suddenly jolted from her thoughts by an angry harumph - one she could recognize anywhere. A loud bang on the door.

"May! It's me!"

May had sensed that it was Dawn, and not just because if it wasn't Dawn then it had to be Paul - whose voice register was far lower - but because of their close-knit relationship that had withstood the tests of time and space, naturally. She quickly opened the door for her friend and began her solemn, "you may enter," but was stopped just as soon as she began by a bear hug. They stood silent for some time before May asked, "Dawn, what's wrong?"

In response, Dawn's voice - muffled by the red sweater May was wearing - replied, "stupid jerk, stupid jerk, Paul Shinji is a stupid jerk!"

May chuckled, "Can I guess what happened?"

Dawn nodded and so the girl thought for a moment. "Alright. I got it. He said that you were being too loud and that he was trying to sleep. And then he probably said something kind of rude afterwards."

Dawn pulled back from their hug, mouth agape, "May, you're a genius! How'd you know?"

May smiled proudly, ignoring the fact that the same argument had happened twice before already, "Well...some people call me the "Great Detective May" for a reason, my dear friend."

Dawn's eyes shined, "Well, you were right on the money! I was asking him if he and Torterra would be willing to model for a Pokedesign exhibit I'm working on, and then he was sassing me for being too loud and disrupting his sleep."

May's eyes glimmered, "So why'd you ask him to model for you in the first place?" The girl leaned forward attentively as Dawn rolled her eyes as she reclined on the chair, "the man has nice features, but unfortunately his personality is unbearable."

May nodded, "he does sometimes act like me when I skip breakfast, I will say…"

well...he's not THAT bad, Dawn thought to herself begrudgingly, before involuntarily shuddering at having recalled the time their lunch had been stolen and May was so furious she seemed to be surrounded in flames - metaphorical, but unmistakable flames nonetheless. Dawn's impression of her sweet friend had changed drastically after that day - although her affection for her fellow coordinator had only grown from then.

The brunette suddenly jumped up from her chair in realization. "Dawn! I almost completely forgot the interrogation process! Name and occupation please!"

"No need to worry, May! Dawn Berlitz. Coordinator! And love consultant for May Maple"

May smiled at the addendum, but pressed on, "Where were you when my liechi berry ice cream cone was stolen between the time of 3:45 and 3:55?"

"I was out shopping for contest ribbons for Mamoswine." The girl from Twinleaf town dramatically paused for a moment before winking, "I also got you a lil something, but it's a surprise for later."

A giddy May took her hand, "Dawn, have I ever told you that you're my favorite person?"

Dawn giggled, "Yes, but it doesn't get old. You're my favorite person too, May!"

"Well...I think it's clear that you're off the hook!"

As May helped hoist Dawn up, and as the Sinnoh girl headed for the door, she turned around and saluted the detective, "Give him hell, May!"

Waiting room:

The gang was lounging on the couch, with Ash video calling Misty all too loudly, and Gary and Leaf occasionally chiming in their own responses. Drew and Paul were in the midst of a focused discussion on Pokemon daycares when Dawn arrived. She frowned, as Paul wordlessly got up and passed the Sinnoh girl on the way to the door - pausing for a brief second beside her as if in anticipation or hesitation - so brief that he was out the door by the time Dawn processed the words that came out of his mouth, "I'll think about it." Dawn Berlitz couldn't help the smile that illuminated her face. Drew noticed this, and was about to make a remark as the girl sat down besides him, before she said, "I know. But don't say it. Otherwise it'll feel too real." She was nervous at how a single sentence could set her heart ablaze.