Blushing, May took the roses she had bought at Frontier Flowers & Co, the only flower shop in the Battle resort, and handed them to Drew - who watched quizzically.

"Roses, May? What's this for?"

May took a deep breath, "They're for you, Drew."

"From….who?"

"Me."

"...Oh?"

May smiled, "Drew. I like you. Honestly, I even love you. I can't explain it, but you're the person I like seeing the most. And I want you to be in my life forever. Will you go out with me?"

He laughed in surprise, "May, is this a prank?"

His kind laugh sounded more sarcastic and incredulous then usual. And he wouldn't stop. Drew was doubled back in mirth and gasping for breath. And May...

May woke up in a cold sweat. It was just a dream. She let out a deep sigh of relief, and checked the time. 5:57 AM. She had not told Drew how she felt last night - she simply couldn't - though she had so confidently told Dawn she would. During dinner, it was all she could think about. She had spilled water all over the table the moment they had sat down. She remembered he had asked her if she was feeling alright, as her usual talkative self was both quiet and jittery. Instead of the practice session they had planned to do together before the Battle Factory, she had apologized, saying that she was feeling a bit funny after dinner and wanted to go back and rest. He had walked her back, eyebrows furrowed, eyes filled with concern, and every now and then squeezing her hand and asking if she was okay. May felt guilty that she was worrying him so much over this. This...confession. Why couldn't she just say what she wanted to without losing her words? She had arranged to meet up with Drew at 7:30 in the morning in order to grab breakfast before the Battle Factory challenge at 9, and with that they parted ways. And now it was morning. Deciding that she could no longer sleep anymore after that, May opened the blinds, saw the pinkish hues of the new day and decided to go for a run.

As she put on her running shoes, she thought to herself… why do I like seeing Drew the most? She was unable to get him out of her head, so May decided that she might as well be meditative on this. Perhaps knowing the why would help her plan out just exactly how she would ask him out.

May was running back towards the harbor they had docked at yesterday. The sun illuminated the water as if the ocean were a great fir tree and Christmas lights had been strewn about it. Well...Drew inspires me. When they had traveled together from Goldenrod to Ecruteak, she had woken up due to rumblings of a thunderstorm to find him training with Absol - a text from him on her Pokenav detailing his plans for breakfast and when he would be back. She had unconsciously worked twice as hard then too. The way his eyes glimmered when he spoke of contests, and the proud look on his face when she pulled off a combination she had spent months working on always made her do a double take. I think that's part of it. May had finished her run and strolled peacefully along the quiet streets, enjoying the hustle and bustle of the Battle Frontier coming to life as the facilities began opening up for the day. May had briefly forgotten but...she was rather nervous about the Battle Factory challenge as well. It was 7 when she came back to her lovely temporary home - a cottage with a rounded yellow door and a multitude of daisies lining the pathway leading to it. She quickly showered, then changed into a modified contest outfit she had used back in the most recent Wallace Cup - where May had emerged victorious. The deep blue bandana Drew had given her for her most recent birthday was used to tie her hair up into a ponytail. She brought a few Rage Candy Bars for the road and then knocked on Drew's door, conveniently situated roughly ten steps from her own.

"Almost ready!" yelled Drew. A minute later, he emerged - forest green blazer in hand and a half buttoned black button down that made May repeat, don't blush, don't blush.

"Sorry I'm running a bit late today," he gave May a giant hug.

"You look nice," he smiled cheerfully as he flipped his hair - a habit that had been so ingrained in him he barely noticed when he did it. She saw this and chuckled quietly, "You do too! How was your morning?"

"Good, good. I was actually calling my grandma. She was telling me about how well her garden is doing, and how she can't wait to see Roserade again. I think she actually misses Roserade more than she misses me," he laughed, jubilant and carefree.

May smiled at seeing Drew so relaxed and happy, "That's amazing, Drew! I'm sure she misses you very, very much."

He smirked, "Yeah, I'm sure she does. I miss her too. Oh, and she also wanted me to tell you she'd love to have tea or coffee with you the next time you're in Fallarbor."

"I'd like that too." May hummed as she thought, this is part of it too. The way his face lights up when he talks about the people he loves.

They smiled at one another as they walked over to grab breakfast at a local coffee shop - Snubull's - a cute shop at the corner of two quiet intersections with a rather gruff but kind old man as the sole barista.

May stepped up to the counter, "Morning! Can I get one iced black coffee, one iced mocha, and let's see … one cinnamon roll please?"

Drew smiled as May handed him his coffee, "Thanks, May."

She grinned, "Consider it a really small thank you to all those times I couldn't sleep and you took me to the diner to get pancakes at 5 in the morning. Even though each time I would pour the maple syrup you would snort. Everything besides that I really appreciated and still appreciate."

He couldn't help but give a little snort for old time's sake but also because May Maple? Maple Syrup? She couldn't help but laugh at his uncharacteristic snort.

As they sipped coffee, they shared their nervous jitters about the upcoming Battle Factory challenge.

May sighed, "I know there's no shame in not getting the Knowledge Symbol the very first time, but...it'd be a great start to our whole adventure if we did."

Drew stood up as he polished off his black coffee, "We'll do well. I'm confident. And also...thanks for taking me on this strange and new journey in the first place. I don't think I would have attempted the Battle Frontier by myself...or with anyone else, for that matter."

"I wouldn't go with anyone else either, Drew. I've had so much fun already," she laughed as she recalled their race to the Frontier, as well as that disastrous curry making lesson.

Drew's ears tinged ever so slightly red as he helped throw out the cups and the few crumbs that remained of the quickly devoured cinnamon roll.

And with that, it was off to the first challenge that awaited them. May's mind raced with two thoughts in the forefront. I will claim the Knowledge Symbol and then tonight when we celebrate...tonight I'll really say everything I've been wanting to.

A/N: Next time...I promise a love confession:) And really truly the next chapter will have the first battle frontier challenge that I have put off writing. Also, thank you so much to the sweet people who reviewed the story...you absolutely made my day!