[IMPORTANT] Minor warning: rating had gone up from a K+ to a T due to implied innuendos/potential situations. However, there will not be any explicit material.

Chapter 6

The fashion show hall was huge, bright lights shining around it. A private garden stretched around it, a large fountain erected in the centre, trimmed hedges near flower beds. Vibrant banners were placed around the area, smartly dressed security guards standing vigilantly by the entrance. Limo after limo rolled in the driveway, one celebrity after another. Paparazzi lined up, clicking as much times as possible, desperately wanting a perfect picture.

"Welcome to the Kalos Kouture Fashion Show!" Rhonda said, facing the camera, the microphone dangling dangerously close to her face. "I'm your host Rhonda, giving you all the live updates right here in Jubalife City." The media crew were in charge of the coverage of the event, reporting for Sinnoh's most popular television show, Sinnoh Now. Rhonda was dressed in a white gold dress, rather than her usual yellow uniform. "Valerie of the Kalos region seems to have just arrived! And she is just one of the the famous people we'll see in this star studded show!" The camera zoomed on Valerie as she stepped past the line of paparazzi.

"May, will you be quick?" Gary called from the door. "We're going to be late if we don't leave now."

"I can't find my bandanna!" she shouted back, throwing every single drawer open in her room.

His ear leaned a centimetre closer to the wooden door. "Have you checked under the bed?"

"Yes!" No she didn't. May crawled through the mountain of clothes she was trapped in and looked beneath the bed. She spotted the blue bandanna with the pokeball logo printed on. "I found it!"

"I told you." Gary zipped his jacket up. It was quite chilly outside. May opened the door, wearing her usual blue clothes (a/n: like the clothes Sapphire wears in the manga).

There was no one outside the venue except a few men in suits and dark glasses. Bright lights gave the venue a soft glow in the darkness. Gary raised a skeptic eyebrow, rereading the tickets. "This is the right place," he said. "I thought they'd be more people.

"They must all be inside!" A huge grin covered May's face as she overly enthusiastically looped her arm with Gary's, dragging him with her. After showing security the two tickets, they checked for their authenticity. One security guard scanned the pairs' outfits with an odd look.

They went through the glass double doors, Mays eagerness becoming stagnant. Gary's eyes busily skimmed over the vast room. A model walked down the catwalk wearing a ridiculous dress, a gardevior walking behind. Seriously who'd wear that? It was basically a white flimsy outfit that looked as though a breeze could blow it right off. Is that what people fawn over? A look of disgust came over his face, reminding him why he didn't bother about these kind of stuff. Gary was so involved in his thoughts that he bumped into May. She was frozen on the spot, glancing at the people sat in the chairs, elegantly dresses in famous brands. Cynthia, Fantina, Diantha and Wallace were just some of the famous personalities she instantly recognised. She glanced at her own clothes and the people back and forth rapidly.

"We're underdressed, Gary," she squeaked in shame. Her blue clothes paled in comparison to the extravagant dresses the others wore.

Gary shook his head, not really understanding why it was a big deal. Instead he searched for a certain designer. "I see Dawn."

They sat in the reserved seats near Dawn as she flashed a small glare, clearly unhappy about their tardiness. "I was beginning to think you forgot!" she whispered under the music. "Nice to see you, Gary."

"Sorry. May's fault," Gary muttered, leaning back on his chair with a blank expression. He was going to have a long night. May gave an apologetic smile.

"At least you're just in time for my fashion line," the blue haired designer said excitedly. "I'm up on stage in a minute. Gotta go."

"Good luck!" May wished as Dawn hurried onstage.

Drew thought he imagined it at first.

He watched the slim models walk up and down with solemn expressions, as if they were going to a funeral. That was what it looked like to him. No smiles whatsoever, like they weren't happy about their careers. Unlike him, Aria loved it. He was seated between Palermo, Arias agent and top producer, and his girlfriend. Arias attention was fixed on the outfits that were modelled, occasionally asking Drew if he liked it, to which he responded with a general hum. Aria loved fashion a lot, and though Drew was not a fan, he was willing to compromise.

As another scantily-clad blonde woman walked on stage with a gardevoir, Drew could hear guests arriving at the hall through the doors. His eyes flicked to his watch. Pretty late. The show started over an hour ago. It was curiosity borne from boredom that urged him to look at the latecomers. He looked once, and then did a double-take, shock suddenly forming on his face.

That was May.

Wasn't it?

Yes. The hairstyle was unmistakable. The outfit he hasn't seen in a while belonged to one person he knew well. Her face was etched in his mind permanently. It was definitely May. A spiky-haired brunet was with her. Drew knew better not to jump to conclusions, but that didn't mean he didn't feel an inkling of jealousy. He recognised the face: he was Professor Oaks grandson, but the name eluded him. The two were dressed casually which was strange for such a prestigious event. Drew himself wore a suit with a green bow-tie. His eyes trailed after them as they took a seat near one of the pokemon designers. So they were invited. A prod in his ribs tore his attention away, facing Palermo.

"The show is in front of you," she said, her eyes filled with a knowing look. Drew nodded curtly, watching as presenter introduced Dawn Berlitz, a new designer. A bizarre feeling scratched his mind, as if he should know her; his mind clicked finally. She was a former coordinator. A Wallace Cup winner.

"She's designs outfits specifically for pokemon," Aria said quietly, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Her buneary is just adorable!" Drew, who hadn't really listened to a word Dawn was saying, silently thanked Aria for the information. He could feel Palermo's gaze digging into his face; he gritted his teeth.

"This can help your pokemon in performances, Aria," she said, her voice drained of youthfulness. "And perhaps you as well, Drew."

"I don't need to dress my pokemon in silly clothes to make them stand out," he threw harshly in Palermo's direction.

"Drew!" Aria whispered, offended.

"Sorry." And he meant it. His condescending slip-ups were brutally honest, but he didn't like indirectly causing continuous hurt to Aria. She didn't deserve such treatment.

This fashion line was strictly pokemon, much to his pleasure; no more thin, tedious models. A machop walked with a fluffy jacket, and after that, a luxray with a diamante collar. This was better, Drew thought.

His mind still drifted to May. A semblance of joy and excitement surrounded him at the fact she was here. They were literally in the same room. How long had it been since he'd even talked to her? Too long to even remember.

May left the hall, unable to let go of her paranoia. What was her problem? She had never been so bothered by media this much before, yet in crowded high-profile gatherings, her anxiety swelled exponentially. She could feel stares hitting her as she tried to focus on the show. She tried to smile as Dawn blathered about fabrics, whilst the heightened sense of tension threatening to eat her up. Gary's dissatisfied complaints were drowned by her deafening worry.

"I need to use the restroom," she lied.

May stood on the balcony outside, her anxiety dying as the cool wind touched her face. She looked at the view, her mind growing calmer. May leaned against the rail, taking deep breaths in and out. Her sapphire orbs observed nature's serenity; trees rustling secretly, the stars starting to peek out, and pokémon flying freely in the deep blue sky.

"It's great to see you again," Drew said, bringing May out of her reverie. She looked at him for the first time, fully taking in his appearance as he joined her outside. May couldn't help but think how different he was. The way he acted, the way he looked. It wasn't bad, but it didn't feel exactly good either.

"Yeah," she agreed. "You went Kalos after the Celestic Town contest."

"My father's annual charity gala," he noted stiffly. His eyes overlooked the view, but May could see a resentment lingering in green orbs. "You look beautiful." If May wasn't used to his personal compliments, she would be blushing as red as a tomato.

"You look great too."

"Don't I always?" He asked, his voice full of conceit. His attitude would have angered May years ago, but now she understood him better. It was simply his personality. He smirked and in that instant, she felt like she was talking to the real Drew. She laughed wholeheartedly as he flashed a boyish smile.

"You do," she said back coyly. It was normal; she grinned at their banter. Something she didn't know she missed until now. The breeze swirled past them as they continued to look in the distance; the snow-capped mountains, fresh forests and hills curved beneath the horizon. May could almost see Eterna Forest from up this high. "How's Aria?" A general question to restart the conversation.

"She's fine." The short reply made May inwardly frown. Gary's theory rang in her head. She didn't truly believe it but it was now time to test it.

"Her Kalos master rank performance was awesome," May glanced at his stoic face. "I guess you show her some tricks, huh."

Drew stayed silent, staring at the sky. May wanted him to reply, but continually asking him would seem too eager. So she waited, despite patience being a virtue she didn't not always possess. Unlike Gary. She admired the patience he had when observing wild pokemon, crouching behind trees or rocks. While he quietly examined their behaviour, May tried to stifle her yawn beside him.

"Aria is amazing. She's unique. She's generous. She knows what people like; she's smart," he said. Envy seized May as he continued to praise Aria. She tried to ignore it. "She doesn't need my help. Arias flair is her own. That's why people are love her so much."

"She sounds... wonderful," May said, forcing a smile. "You two are perfect for each other." It was harder to say than she had thought.

Drew clenched his jaw, folding his arms. "She deserves a good person," he said, an air of ambiguity around his words.

"And you are, Drew. I'm really happy for you." May took a deep breath, looking at the hall behind her, full of famous people from all around the world. Dawn and Gary must be wondering where she went. "If I don't go back, I'm going to get an earful from Dawn," she joked.

"Take this." May turned around to see a red rose presented to her. As a natural reaction May reached out but then froze, her eyebrows knitted together in doubt. She remember the fiasco last time she accepted the rose. It was cute at first. Her friends and family teasing her about them. She denied, blushing from embarrassment. It continued. Drew gave her roses and she gleefully kept them. But then reporters began writing toxic articles. Cameras, photos, lies. Everything May despised suddenly watched them like vultures.

Drew's face dropped, slightly confused as May withdrew her arm. "Maybe you should give that to Aria."

"It's for you," he said firmly.

"Why?"

"As congratulations," he said casually. "For winning the Alamos Town contest." It was a crap excuse, he knew.

"A congrats would do just fine," May smiled, an effort to make the tense atmosphere dissolve away.

"Why won't you take it?" Drew's tone had a hard edge, stung by her rejection. What was happening? May would always accept his gifts. she'd give him a secret smile, one that made him feel the best person in the world. The flower that was solely reserved for her. He'd heard the news and seen the magazines, but he refused to believe the rumours. Of May and him. He couldn't fathom the ludicrous story they talked about. But was it true? "Is it because your boyfriend is going to get mad?"

May's eyes widened, taken aback by his question. "This isn't because of Gary, if that's what you mean."

"It sure seems like it." He looked angry, but his voice stayed normal. May could tell that he was struggling to rein his aggravation.

"It's not." An exasperated sigh flew from May's mouth. "I just don't want it, Drew. That's it. Maybe Aria likes roses."

Drew dropped the flower on the floor. Her eyes followed the beautiful flower fall onto the stone ground, sadness and shock plastered on her face.

"You've changed." His face was expressionless.

The small flame inside May suddenly exploded. "So have you," she seethed. How dare he have the audacity to say that to her when he never bothered to tell her the truth!

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Do you like Aria?" May shot at him. "Really like her?"

Drew's fury disappeared, replaced with surprise. Then he glared. "That's none of your business." He suddenly barked a laugh. "Are you jealous?"

It was May's turned to be surprised. "What? No, I am not jealous."

"Yes you are."

"No I'm not!"

"May, stop lying." He was taking delight in May's rage. He found it oddly cute when she was steaming mad.

"I already have a boyfriend!" May accidentally blurted, annoyed by his partly true accusation. Drew stopped laughing and May immediately covered her mouth with her hands. His eyes widened imperceptibly.

"So it's true," he said nonchalantly. As nonchalantly as he could manage with something cracking inside him. "Why did you want to hide it from me? Don't think I can keep a secret?"

"Don't you think I can keep a secret about your publicity stunt with Aria?" May asked back evenly.

Drew stepped closer to May, only a few inches away from her face. His eyes darkened as he whispered coldly, "You don't even know the half of it." He abruptly walked away from her, a sense of regret and worry wrapping around May's mind. What did he mean by that?

Gary scanned the crowd, his eyes alert. He'd left Dawn minutes ago when she starting meeting a bunch of fashion critics, bothered by May's disappearance. He finally spotted her beside the food table, trying out a sample of caviar. Of course! Food- why didn't he check the most obvious place first? After jostling past several people blockading his way, he finally approached May.

"Ya know, for something so darn expensive, you'd think they'd taste nicer," she remarked, scowling at the caviar. For her, food was always the best distraction and the fastest way to feel better. Food made her forget her worries, her brain soothing in the sumptuous flavours that burst in her mouth.

"I suppose it's not for everyone." His mom loved caviar, though he wasn't fond of it.

"Rich people food," she said, repulsed by the caviar too much to try something else.

"You were real long in the restroom," Gary said, a questioning tone clear in his voice. He had followed Dawn around as she chattered to people high up the social ladder in the fashion industry. He had to endure almost an hour of people calling him 'Professor Oak's grandson', acknowledged his family tree but not his hard work.

May picked up a glass, sloshing the plum coloured liquid about. "I went to the balcony to get some fresh air."

"You drink alcohol?" Gary asked, wholly flabbergasted as she took a gulp.

"It's blackcurrant juice," she corrected. "I don't drink. Do you?"

"No." Gary shrugged. "I don't like the taste of alcohol." He hadn't had an alcoholic drink since the incident where where got drunk, waking up with a girl beside him (wasn't she a brunette too? he couldn't remember properly) the next morning. Shame enveloped him, abandoning the girl without so much as a small peek at her face. Gary Oak was disgusted with himself to the degree that he refrained from drinking from that day onwards. It was a secret that managed to pass by under the media's nose. It was a secret he thanked Arceus that no one knew about. It was a secret tucked in the dark corners of his mind; a secret he intended to never disclose.

The funky tune stopped and the music became more mellow and soft. A gentle melody played as the lights dimmed, assisting the romantic ambiance. Couples began slow-dancing in the centre of the hall, transforming into something akin to a ballroom minus the ball-gowns. May clapped her hands at the romantic display.

As the couples rotated, May spotted Drew and Aria twirling around in each other's arm, nearly every camera facing them. May couldn't explain the horrid emotion bubbling violently inside her, twisting her stomach, making her swallow a lump lodged in her throat. Her clapping subsided as she watched the two staring at each other, unblinking as they danced under the spotlight. They really were perfect together; Arias pink hair glistened in the light and Drew looked immensely handsome in his suit. A lovely match.

"Wanna dance?" Gary asked, holding his hand out.

By the way she looked at the couples, he assumed she wanted to dance as well. Her eyes yearning for something he couldn't fully understand. Gary wasn't the most talented dancer, but he wasn't clumsy either. May gazed at his outstretched hand, her emotions spinning a seemingly neverending tornado. She smiled at his request, putting her gloved hand over his. Gary was naturally sympathetic, it was one of the many qualities she appreciated greatly, even if he didn't know it himself.

One hand on her waist, one hand on his shoulder and one held by the other. As they swayed together, May's discomfort faded away, finding herself enjoying the slow dance more and more. May giggled as he spun her around, reciprocating her joy with a chuckle of his own. They glided across the floor, elegantly dancing past the others. A bright light suddenly shone of them, forcing May to squint her eyes momentarily.

"I guess we stole the spotlight," Gary murmured. It almost made May want to stop and hide in the crowd. Almost. Gary gently squeezed her hand, a sign of comfort. May smiled; he could read her without even trying.

The music increased speed, a loud, catchy beat played loudly. Apparently it was the start of a new dance. Both perplexed, they watched as other couples began swapping partners and dancing with others and then swapping again with the nearest pair. May gasped in surprise when she was pulled away from Gary by a stranger, reluctantly breaking contact. She moved awkwardly with him, glancing at Gary hopelessly as she lead the dance with a ginger haired girl. May swapped again, and again. She laughed unexpectedly as her dance partner did a dip. Gary spun with a blonde, smiling as she bobbed her head with the thrilling tune. This wasn't so bad. May eventually began to enjoy the random dance steps, jumping into a different pair with a laugh as they skipped in a circle together. Her next partner twirled her around so fast that dizziness began to cloud her eyes. As he let go, she fell into the arms of another boy, ungracefully.

"Sorry," she mumbled, her mind still disorientated.

As her vision cleared up, the blurry image of the boy was in fact Drew. He held her hand firmly, a sharp look in his eyes as he swayed with her. Her jaw slacked in shock, eyes automatically searching for Gary in the midst. She couldn't see him. May felt panic rise inside. Drew stared at her, his lips shut. May couldn't fathom his expression. As other coupled swapped partners, Drew swept her away quickly, avoiding a possible exchange.

"What are you doing?" May hissed, trying to extract herself. She heard the clicks of cameras, the hubbub of the crowd grow louder, eyes staring at their direction. The hideous paws of anxiety crawled on her skin, her lungs tightened in apprehension.

"Stop, May. Please." he said, hardly moving his mouth, his voice low. "You're helping me."

May paused in her struggle, looking at his eyes, trying to figure out what he meant. His emerald eyes were imploring her to believe him. She hated his obscure notions and talk. But she trusted him, so she carried on dancing, all too aware of the cameras and whisperings.

Palermo cast a displeased look at May and Drew, shaking her head at him. He saw her over May's shoulder, faintly happy. As the music stopped, the dancing came to a halt, the hall erupting in applause. Drew swiftly let go. She wanted to ask Drew why he acted like so, however an arm turned her around, not allowing her to dwell on her thoughts. Dawn wore a bright expression with Aria beside her.

"That dance looked like good fun!" Dawn chirped. "May, I haven't introduced to you the Kalos Queen."

Aria blushed humbly. "It's Aria. Dawn has mentioned you before, but it's nice to meet you, May."

Aria: Drew's girlfriend, May automatically registered. "May. I'm May." May suddenly shook her head, realising how stupid she sounded. "I know you know I'm May. What I meant to say was it's nice to meet you too." She rambled, glancing sideways at Drew for a second. "I would have met you earlier if Drew bothered to introduce me to you."

"You know Drew?" Aria asked, surprise colouring her tone.

"We-"

"We're coordinators," he interrupted monotonously, "so we've battled against each other in some contests."

"Oh, like rivals?"

"Yes-"

"-No," Drew cut in again. Aria looked at Drew and May back and forth, confused as did Dawn. May stared incredulously at Drew's white lies, sliding off his tongue.

"Am I intruding?" Gary piped up behind May. She subconsciously smiled at the sound of his voice. "Gary Oak, pleased to meet you."

"Wow, Professor Oak's grandson," Aria said, ecstatic. May saw the split-second flash of fiery irritation in his eyes. "I'm honoured!"

"Likewise," Drew added shortly. He felt resentment stinging him as he observe Gary. May's boyfriend, his mind registered.

"As much as I'd like to stay, I'm heading home," he said. "May, you coming?" She immediately agreed, suddenly feeling the urge to lie on her bed. It had been a emotionally driven night.

"What about the after-party!" Dawn moaned. "Please guys! Stay a little longer!"

"Maybe next time." May waved bye as she and Gary walked away from the group, giving one last glance at Drew. She couldn't decipher his expression as he stared intently at her.

"Smell ya' later." Gary said, tucking her hand in his pockets as he turned his back to them. Drew's stare clung on the pair as they left, his heavy gaze on May as she wrapped her arm around Gary's forearm, beaming brightly at him. He had to accept it; envy simmered beneath the surface of his eyes. He was jealous.

Aria looked at Dawn, oblivious of her boyfriend's emotional plight. "I love your clothing line!" she gushed. "My agent really wants to see you!"

"No way!" Dawn gasped, "Palermo? The Palermo?"

Aria nodded in excitement."Drew, isn't this a great opportunity?"

"Fantastic." Though his voice didn't quite match the optimism in his face.

"My friend Serena may also be interested!"

"Awesome!" Dawn exclaimed. "I can't wait to meet her."

A quick update because of the amount of reviews! This was a lengthy chapter :/ Do you like reading long chappies? Or should i shorten them?

Little fact: I used to be a contestshipper so i didn't want to make Drew look like the bad guy. I also love sticking to the original characters' personality, so i avoid the cliche portrayals. I also haven't really watched the XY series so I hope the way i wrote Aria wasn't OOC. The only thing i myself don't particularly like about this is that Gary was almost like a background character. I really need to write more on his point of view (which will probably be next chapter!) Do you agree? Imma explore the consequences of the fashion show in the next update. Pretty excited about it!

Constructive criticism is liked. The only way i can improve writing/ story-telling for you is via you beautiful people pointing out my errors. I've read the reviews and I have to say that i'm blown away by them! Thank you so much and I am certainly keeping in mind some of your suggestions and corrected mistakes you may have said. Any more ideas/hopes, don't doubt and write them down in the comments.

If you have any questions about me/story, I can answer them in the next chapter's author notes section at the end like normal. I know some of you are guests (don't have a fanfiction account) which means you can't PM me, and i don't want to leave you out ;)