Prologue
THE PROPOSAL
"Ay me! For aught that I could ever read,
Could ever hear by tale or history,
The course of true love never did run smooth."
— Lysander, Act 1, Scene 1
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Heavy snow befell the busy streetscapes of Hearthome City. It was unusually cold this winter night and yet amidst the big freeze, a thrilling and joyful sense of seasonal affairs surround the city. The scent of pine, roasted chestnuts, and peppermint chocolate filled the air. Christmas was just a few days away so stores were open until the latest hours, slippery roads bustled with traffic, and narrow streets crowded with people who came out-and-about the stores carrying several boxes and paper bags filled with would-be presents for friends and family.
Just across the famed Lila Donohue designer boutique was a smaller store that showcased clothes, handbags, and accessories of crisp colors complemented with playful sophistication. From the other side of the glass door, a young woman with long navy locks flipped the sign from open to closed. After making sure she had securely locked the door, she emerged out into the snow-filled streets, immediately greeted by the expected winter chill. She tugged on to the collar of her wooly garnet trench and adjusted her scarf, letting out a warm breath as she trudged on.
It was thirty past eight. Dawn Berlitz gave her Pokétch a quick glimpse before rushing off to her car parked at the back of the building. Sitting down the cold leather seat, she felt her cheeks warm as she revved up the engine and let out a tired sigh. Being a renowned Pokéstylist, she was always on the move—creating new designs, managing the deliveries, attending fashion shows, having photoshoots, and even doing beauty commercials. On the downside, she rarely got to spend quality time with family, friends, and even Pokemon.
But for tonight, she closed up early this since it was one of the more special days; Not because it was almost Christmas; it was her fourth anniversary with her (quite official) boyfriend, Paul Rebolledo.
Earlier this morning Dawn was greeted with a call from Paul, asking if she was available to meet him that same evening in one of their favorite local spots—a small café just by the corner street of their shared condominium. According to Paul, he wanted to have a simple celebration over coffee and cake. Years before the two began dating, the local café was their typical meeting place. While it was Dawn's pick-me-up before her work at the boutique, it was Paul's morning peace before some rigorous daily training. Albeit not exactly the special or atypical place one may expect, the café carried some sentimental value for the pair.
Dawn eyed the small digital display on the dashboard. 08:56 PM. A red light shone brightly on the stoplight. Dawn slowed her car down to a full stop. A low buzz came from her cellphone. It was a text from Paul.
Where are you?
She was about to reply when her phone died out. "Oh shoo—! Damn it," she cussed before tossing the device aside and accelerating once the stoplight shone a green. She shifted her gaze over to the blurry horizon, releasing a held sigh when she saw the familiar lights of the café.
"She's taking a while." Paul Rebolledo peered through the blinds of the dimmed café, masterfully concealing his impatience and worry. It was the night he finally found the courage to urge himself to do what he had considered something he should have done sooner—ask for Dawn Berlitz's hand in marriage.
Paul had requested the assistance of the entire staff with the preparation of his proposal. Being a regular customer as well as the respected Sinnoh Champion immensely helped capture the staff's immediate favor. Not being the romantic type and too proud to ask for help from his brother, Paul had pathetically resorted to some 'love guru' from a television show.
"It should be witty," one adviser from a TV show commented. "With some kind of strategic charm to it. That would leave it interesting!"
His companion spoke up. "It must be romantic! But not too overwhelming. It should be memorable for the both of you."
Considering some specifics from the advice, Paul decided to push through with the idea suggesting something simple, yet not cliché, and with one extraordinary surprise. This should be the trick to make it seem witty, strategic, romantic, and memorable. He wore the white scarf and jet-black coat he received from Dawn the day he battled for the title of Champion four years ago. It was one of his favorite gifts from her. Clutched on one of his hands were three yellow tulips, his phone on the other. Two of his Pokémon, Weavile and Froslass, were by his side. Some of the café staff were hidden behind the counter while the others waited silently in the backroom and kitchen.
Twelve minutes past nine. It was getting quite late and the snowstorm seemed to have gotten worse. Paul couldn't help but feel a burgeoning tinge of worry even if he knew Dawn was strong enough to brave such blizzards.
The tiny silver bell of the café door suddenly jingled, the light chime beckoning everyone in the room that someone has just entered the café. The staff gave a silent gasp, whispering amongst themselves and hiding their heads lower. Paul bit the inside of his left cheek, his sweaty grip on the tulips tightened. He closed his eyes as he monitored his breathing. Froslass glanced to her trainer, sensing the heat from his body significantly rise.
The thought of delaying his proposal grew all the more enticing but he quickly shook the thought away, believing Dawn deserved this. She deserves someone who would be there for her throughout a lifetime, for better or worse. Someone who could always make her smile and laugh in ways only he can. No other person would better qualify to be her husband than him.
"Oh! Uh, h-hello, is anyone here? Is the café closed?" Dawn's trembling voice was heard throughout the darkness as she spoke to no one in particular. "I am so sorry if I came at this time! I saw that your sign was still on and I was supposed to meet someone, but it looks like he's... Um, y'know? Never mind. I-I'll be taking my leave now."
One by one, red, yellow, and purple lights from small electric candles suddenly lit up the room. Dawn watched as each candle begin to glow—from the floor to the tables, and even the walls, each candle was strategically yet artistically placed, emitting a warm and romantic atmosphere.
The young woman nervously gripped her sling bag muttering, "What's going on here?" Shifting her gaze across the room, she saw a smiling Froslass float towards her.
The white Snow Land Pokémon glistened like diamonds as the lights shone against her frame. She held up a paw, gesturing for their guest to follow her towards the center of the café. Somehow feeling that she and this Froslass were acquainted, Dawn complied.
Nearing towards the center of the café, Dawn saw a shadowy figure of a man. She narrowed her vision, trying to make out whether it was someone she knew or if she was about to be mugged in two seconds.
"You're late."
Dawn smirked to herself. Now she totally knew who she was facing against. "Oh, I'm sorry. There was this blizzard coming and I'm not exactly the fastest person to drive through snow," she rebutted, folding her hands. "You could be a little nicer to me you know. It's our fourth anniversary?"
"I know," Paul said as he stepped out from the shadows to reveal his face. He handed her the three yellow tulips to which she received with gleeful eyes. Dawn gave one of the flowers a quick sniff, smiling cheekily towards the young man in thanks. Paul's unwavering eyes locked on hers. "Still doesn't change the fact that you were late."
Dawn puffed her cheeks. "Okay, mister grumpy—I said I'm sorry, all right?" She playfully slapped the tulips against the back of his arm.
Paul could not stifle his small smirk. "Fine, go sit down. I want to tell you something."
Behind them awaited a small round glass table adorned with a glass figurine of a Swanna. Froslass, who was tonight's escort, gestured her ghostly white arm towards the chairs. As the two took their seats, a young waiter placed two cups of hot mocha lattés and a single red velvet cupcake topped with a salted caramel whip on their table, executing his service with a reserved grace and a small bow.
Dawn thanked the waiter and took a sip of her coffee. Gently patting her lips with a soft napkin, she then placed both hands under her chin and gazing into Paul in the eyes, she smiled brightly, "So, what was it you had to tell me?"
Her question caught him off-guard and Paul tried not to awkwardly squirm in his seat. Taking in a huge breath and releasing it through his nostrils, he parted his lips attempting to speak. His stomach churned and considering he was just too nervous, forced the thought away. "I—uh, I forgot," Paul said nonchalantly. He distracted himself, looking away to the candles surrounding the room and doing his best to keep his gaze averted from hers. Weavile and Froslass shared a surprised look before shooting their trainer a glance.
Dawn's loving gaze turned into a raised-brow frown of disbelief. "Really, Paul? Are you serious?"
"...I'll try to remember it."
The young woman chuckled. "All right, it's fine. Hey, lots of people tend to forget what they have to say sometimes, right? No need to worry!"
Staring at the cupcake, Dawn asked if Paul would like the first bite to which he insisted she takes. Gleefully taking the cupcake, she took a huge bite, making sure she had a mouthful of that delicious salted caramel whipped cream.
After just a few chews, Dawn's eyes widened in puzzlement. She felt her tongue wriggle something solid within her mouth.
Looking over at Paul, she mouthed an "excuse me" with a pointed finger. She bent down below the table and let out her tongue out, taking the solid item with two fingers. Examining it carefully, she suddenly realized exactly what it was and what it is was for. She gently placed the item on her palm, feeling her eyes begin to glisten. To her surprise, the typically talkative Pokéstylist found herself at a loss of words.
The engagement ring was simply spectacular—the silver band, embossed with an intricate design, cradled a brilliant princess-cut diamond that dappled little specks of color on the surface of her palm. Her initials were even engraved inside.
The soft music continued to play in the background as the young woman carefully examined the ring. While Dawn could not help herself but smile, Paul remained stiff in his seat. "I remembered what I had to say now," he coughed out.
Dawn looked at him as her cheeks warmed up, eyes unblinking with a promise of tears. "Yes...? Paul?"
The Pokémon Trainer closed his eyes. "We have been together for a long time—a really long time. I have met you when you were only about to begin your journey. If that's right." Dawn nodded silently as she kept her gaze locked to his. "…And you have been with me through so much. You know that I've told you this a lot before, but I would never have become Champion if it weren't for you. I would never have reached my dream."
Some heartfelt and giddy expressions could be heard from the staff and the Pokémon at the back. Paul felt his neck grow warmer as he continued. "That's... all I have to say, I guess. But now, I want to ask you one question..."
Dawn then abruptly straightened up and leaned forward to hear him carefully. Even the Pokémon and café staff leaned in close enough to hear what he had to say. Dawn parted her lips in an attempt to speak until Paul narrowed his eyes and with the flashbacks of all their moments together, he softly asked.
"...Dawn, will you marry me?"
The room grew quiet, the string and piano instrumental seemingly faded out into the background. Dawn faced down and felt her heart speed up. Placing a hand on her chest, she found herself getting dizzy and quite out of breath. Slowly looking up at Paul, she gave a sheepish smile and her eyes suddenly flooded with tears that silently streamed down her rosy cheeks.
Paul pursed his lips, thinking that maybe it was a mistake. "You know, it is all right with me if you think it's too soon or—"
"No."
The sound of a dropped coffee mug came from over the counter.
The Sinnoh Champion looked straight at her when she spoke those words. He need not express it but he felt the burning sting of rejection. "I see…" he said, shifting his gaze to avoid looking into her eyes.
Dawn let out a giggle that gradually blared into laughter. There was an awkward and puzzling atmosphere. Now Paul, the Pokémon, and the café staff were all confused. Recovering herself, the blue-haired woman then took the engagement ring and stood from her seat. Walking over to beloved, she held onto his broad shoulders and requested him to stand with her. Paul, despite the confusion, obliged silently. Taking one of his warm hands with her colder ones, Dawn took the ring and placed it on his palm. She looked up at him with loving eyes complemented with a tender smile.
"What I meant was… no, I don't think it is too soon," she clarified. "Actually, the timing is just perfect."
Paul and the others felt relieved after hearing this. But they were all still confused as to why she 'returned' the ring. Sensing the confusion, Dawn chuckled once more and faced her boyfriend as to explain. "When you propose to someone, you have to get down on one knee and have them wear the ring."
A smile then graced her lips. "But if you all need more clarification… Then yes! Yes, I would love to marry you, Paul."
Shared loud cheers and congratulations from the café staff and Pokémon were heard from all corners of the room. Piplup and Lopunny jumped out from their Pokéballs to join in the merriment. Everyone was incredibly happy, most especially the blushing bride-to-be.
Tapping on his side, Lopunny signaled Paul to get down on one knee and have Dawn wear the ring. Paul disliked the idea of having to get down on one knee so he straightforwardly asked Dawn if he could just slip the ring on to which she fairly agreed to.
He gently took hold of her now warmer hand and slipped the silver engagement band on her finger, watching her admire it once more from a distance. As much as he tried, Paul couldn't help but stifle a small but genuine smile. He had never felt this type of happiness (and relief) before—it was different from when he had defeated Cynthia and received the title of Champion. He wasn't just happy for himself but he was happy for Dawn as well. Though new to him, he knew it was something he could get used to, now more than ever that he has (successfully) proposed to her.
"Dawn," he reached out to her, fighting the lump in his throat.
"Yes… Paul?" Her voice shook, not with nervousness but with an overwhelming sense of joy and love.
"I hope you are happy... and that you will be happy with me."
She closed the gap between them and slightly tiptoeing to reach his face, tenderly placed her soft lips against his. The two rarely kissed, but when they did, the magic was undeniable. All kinds of memories they had with one another resurfaced, synchronizing their thoughts as though they were one. The cheers seemed to have faded out into the background. All that Dawn and Paul could focus on was each other.
After they parted, Paul thought he had heard Dawn whisper, "I love you". Nonetheless, even if she did not do so, he was happy.
A/N: I highly recommend reading "Lock and Key" by Down-the-Line before this story. It would shed light on how Dawn and Paul's relationship developed throughout time. Thanks!