Hi all,

Hope you are all well!

Without further ado, here is chapter four.

PLEASE REVIEW! (:

Enjoy!

…

For May, the disagreement with Misty and Dawn had been long forgotten by the time she walked into Melody's 18th birthday party that night. With Brendan on her arm, a blue, figure hugging dress covering her body; the brunette was expecting to feel quite nervous when she entered the crowded house, but she actually felt quite comfortable.

"You alright?" Brendan whispered in her ear, as they made it out into the backyard of his cousin's extravagant home.

May smiled at his concern, nodding her head and offering him a small kiss on the cheek in return for his obvious care towards her feelings. She found herself scanning the area, watching girls stare at the pair, guys whistling at Petalburg High's new 'it couple', who'd made it to the 'hottest party of the year'- or so it was described by Melody earlier that day, at the mall.

"Yo Brendan! Get over here!" a voice called across the yard, the loud music making it hard for May to make out who it was. Brendan's gaze fell on the group of jocks, clad in their letterman jackets, on the opposite side of the pool to them.

"May-May! You made it!" Serena gushed, making her way to the brunette's side.

"You going to be alright babe?" Brendan asked, facing May and waiting for an answer before going off to join his friends.

"Yeah, I'll be fine! Go, have fun!" May giggled, gesturing over to the group of his basketball teammates, who were calling out to him once again. Brendan pecked her on the cheek, moving over to the group, winking at May once he got there.

May smiled to herself; she still felt like she was dreaming, but it wasn't the case… Things were actually this damn perfect for her right now.

"You guys are just the cutest couple!" Serena enthused again, snapping May from her thoughts. She had almost forgotten the girl was there.

"Thank you, Serena, that's sweet of you to say…" May replied, offering her a grin, which Serena proudly returned. Without a second thought, the new it girl found herself arm-in-arm with Serena, who had whisked her away to join the rest of her group, mostly consisting of the girlfriends of the guys on the basketball team. May felt like she really belonged there; and her boyfriend, was the best of the best, right at the top of the chain.

"May! Heeeeey, thank you so much for coming- cousin," Melody slurred, giggling to herself before throwing her arms around May.

"Oh, someone's had a bit to drink since I left her," Serena piped up, causing Melody to laugh once again.

"I couldn't help it! Someone made shots and they are deee-licious!"

May laughed, resulting in Melody to turn and face her instantly.

"May! We are all about to play never have I ever! You have to play too!" the birthday girl exclaimed, grabbing May's hand and pulling her in the direction of the house; the rest of the group followed the pair as well.

"Oh! I don't really drink…" May began, only to be cut off by Melody.

"It's my birthday! You have too! Pleeeeeeeease!"

May blushed a little. She wasn't opposed to a drink here and there, but they were still so young and she thought of better ways to spend her time, than hungover. But then again, she had never really been to many parties, so drinking wasn't really something that was offered to her either…

Perhaps one or two wouldn't hurt, would they? She thought to herself, Melody finally dragging her into the home's living room, where a bunch of others had gathered around the coffee table. Brendan reappeared, sitting on the couch and pulling May away from Melody, gesturing for her to sit next to him on the sofa.

"You don't have to play if you don't want to… I understand," her boyfriend spoke, directly to her.

May took a glimpse of the teenagers littering the room, around her. All seemed to be enjoying themselves, laughing and drinking and 'living in the moment'. It was about time she did the same thing. She felt a sense of determination… to prove everyone wrong- she had felt a lot like that lately.

Shaking her head, she assured Brendan that she was in.

"Honestly May, you don't have to!" he continued, May meeting his eyes, with her own.

As if to hit back at his statement, she took the cup, that was glued to his hand, and chugged it; the liquid burning her throat as it went down. It was awful, but there was no way she was telling him that.

When the cup was empty, she handed it back to him, causing Brendan to chuckle.

"Okay, I guess you are playing!" he said, May nodding in response.

"Hell yeah, I am!"

…..

When Misty and Dawn and their new gang of friends made it to her house, the girls practically sprinted to the living room.

Misty was just so excited to watch Dirty Dancing, Dawn feeling the exact same way. Pulling into her own driveway, the red head, accompanied by Dawn, jumped out of the car, locking it and gesturing to the boys to hurry up and come inside.

"Gee Mist, calm down a bit will ya! Your sisters will kill you if they come back tomorrow to a broken door!" Ash said, watching the girl frantically try to unlock her front door.

"Yeah Red, Swayze isn't going anywhere!" Gary added. What it was with girls and this movie, he would never know…

When the door finally opened, the group followed the red head in, Dawn locking the door behind them all.

"Welcome to my humble abode!" Misty announced, leading the group to the lounge room, the girls' snacks, pillows and blankets still present in the space, the movie on pause and ready to resume with the click of a button.

"Make yourselves comfy… we'll be back in a second," Dawn continued, leaving the room with Misty. She was practically a permanent resident at the Waterflower house, so she didn't feel out of place giving the guys such an instruction.

Ash ditched his shoes, jumping on the couch, occupying a corner, Gary sitting in the armchair to his left. Leaving a gap next to Ash, with the intention of saving some room for Misty, Paul sat on the other side of the five-seater, Drew making himself comfortable on a beanbag on the floor.

Misty and Dawn reappeared, the duo scattering a few extra cups, cans of soda and bottles of water over the coffee table in the centre of the room.

"Cute pyjamas Mist," Ash teased, a cheeky smile appearing on his face; his words earning a gasp from Dawn.

"What did we say! No dissing of the pjs!"

"I wasn't dissing, I was complimenting!" Ash defended, a smirk still on his face.

Paul chuckled too, causing Dawn to blush as she sat beside him.

"Oh shut up," the bluenette spoke, unable to control the grin adorning her face.

Misty had returned to the room in a pair of blue pyjamas. Her pants were navy and long, cuffing at the ankle, pictures of Staryu and Starmie scattered over the fabric. Her top was long and blue also, a single image of a Starmie covering the back of it. On her feet were a pair of fluffy, white socks to keep them warm.

Dawn on the other hand, chose a pair of grey bottoms covered with clouds, also cuffed at the ankle. A pair of black Ugg boots hugged her feet, an oversized t shirt with an image of her cheer team's logo (a Pachirisu with a pom pom) covering her upper body. The bluenette took a seat next to Paul, cuddling into a blanket draped over the lounge, as she waited for Misty to start the film.

"Dawn's correct! You said no dissing of the outfits! Now- where is that remote? Oh got it!"

Chucking a cushion at Ash, Misty pressed play on the remote, sitting beside him and using his arm as a head rest.

"Now no one talk till this is done, or I swear, you will regret it!"

"Wow, if I knew movie night was going to be this scary, I would've made Brock take me on date night with Joy!" Gary joked, Misty shooting him a warning glare.

"I wouldn't joke Oak, I once borrowed this one's bike to go to the park when she told me not to, and she never let me forget it!"

"That's because you literally destroyed it Ketchum!"

"Oh gosh… not this again! Seriously guys, it's been eight years!" Dawn intervened, Paul shaking his head from the spot beside her.

"Did you at least get her a new one, Ash?" Drew piped up from the floor.

Dawn groaned. "Oh, here we go!"

"You'd think that'd be the decent thing to do, but nooooo- not Ashyboy over here! I had to save for a new one, and even then, he asked to borrow it again!"

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Not-"

"Will you two shut up!" Paul bellowed, "We're going to miss the start!"

Dawn grinned, Ash laughing awkwardly at Paul's outburst, Misty whacking the raven-haired boy in the chest for good measure before leaning into him again.

Sitting uncomfortably still, Dawn's eyes were fixed on the screen, as the film began. She could feel Paul's gaze on her every now and then, which caused her to blush intensely. This was so unlike Dawn, boys hardly made her nervous… but somehow, in some way, Paul was different from the rest. Deciding to bite the bullet, she relaxed into her seat, brushing up against him slightly.

Paul's skin erupted in goose bumps, as a blush dusted his cheeks too. Deciding to push the nerves away, he found himself draping his arm over the back of the girl's seat; an invitation for Dawn to get closer to him, one which she anxiously took.

When the couple were comfortable, their eyes found each other's, exchanging half-smiles before finding the tv screen once again.

Movie night had never been better.

…..

After several rounds of 'Never have I ever', May found her cup to be… still embarrassingly full.

Sure she was proud of the fact that she'd never had a drunken kiss with a girlfriend or skinny dipped at the beach, but it wasn't a great feeling being the one people shot looks at when her cup remained stuck to her hand.

Unlike May, Brendan had basically drank from his cup every time a question had been asked.

Never have I ever sent a naughty pic- check.

Never have I ever flirted with a co-worker- check.

Never have I ever had a friend with benefits- check.

Never have I ever received a lap dance- check.

Never have I ever given a lap dance- check and check.

The game had revealed more about her boyfriend than any conversation they'd ever had. May began to see that they really were quite different… which brought her to thinking about why he was interested in her in the first place.

Surprisingly good at handling his alcohol, Brendan pecked May on the cheek, rising from his seat and pulling her with him.

"What're you doing?" the brunette questioned curiously. Despite hoping the game would end sooner rather than later, the girl was pretty comfortable in her place on the couch.

"I'm over this game…" he said nonchalantly, "let's dance!"

May smiled warmly, "Okay…" she replied, "but I have to warn you… I'm the worst dancer- like, well ever!"

Brendan laughed, intertwining his hand with hers.

"That makes two of us… this shall be interesting."

Leading her out into the middle of the backyard, Brendan pulled May close, swaying with her amongst the sea of drunken teens and empty beer bottles. The music was anything but slow or romantic but somehow it worked.

With a gentle sigh, May rested her head on his shoulder, allowing her boyfriend to lead their bodies following his own rhythm as opposed to that, that the music provided.

"Are you having fun?" he murmured in her ear, the feel of his breath on her neck sending chills down her spine.

Was she having fun? Maybe she was now… but, it was funny, she thought parties were meant to be celebratory, but no one seemed to care about it being Melody's birthday… only about who could win at beer pong, or hold the longest keg stand. For the first time that week, May found herself feeling a little out of place… this wasn't her idea of fun. Not really.

"Yeah… I am," she said, lying through her teeth, grateful that Brendan couldn't see the expression on her face. It would be a dead give-away.

"Good," he replied, sighing happily and leaning back slightly, enabling himself to place a kiss on her forehead.

She'd get used to it, she supposed. Her new group had a very different way of entertaining themselves as opposed to her old one. But even when she'd attend parties with Misty and Dawn, they'd go out and dance while she was more comfortable sitting back and watching… alone, in a corner, with a good book or her phone to entertain her.

For the new May Maple, that wasn't going to cut it. It was about time she began living in the moment. No hiding behind her 'hotter' friends. She was that girl now. Time to live a little.

…..

"Augh this is my favourite part…" a mesmerised Dawn mumbled to no one in particular, as she leant forward in her chair. She sat cross legged on the couch, resting her arm on her knee, her palm holding up her face as she took in the image on the screen in front of her. On the television, the final scene of the movie began to play.

"Now I've… had… the time of my life…. No, I never felt like this before...

Yes, I swear it's the truth…. And I owe it all to you-oooo…."

Dawn sighed happily as the two dancers came together, completing steps way too complicated for any layman to perform.

Beside her, Paul was mesmerised too. But unlike the girl next to him staring intently at the TV, he was stealing a glance or two at Dawn rather than the movie; intrigued with the obvious excitement it brought her.

"I'd love to be able to dance like that… wouldn't you?" Dawn turned to him, her eyes fluttering open as she looked up at him, catching Paul off guard.

"I bet you'd be better at it than I would…" he chuckled, Dawn smiling and turning back to the screen.

"This could be love…. Be-cause… I've had the time of my life… No, I never felt like this before… Yes, I swear it's the truth… And I owe it all to you…" the speakers sang, the infamous Dirty Dancing jump sequence unfolding on the television in front of them.

Dawn smiled to herself once again, picking up the pillow on the floor in front of her and hugging it close to her chest. When the two main characters shared their climactic kiss, the teen couldn't help but subtly glance at the young man beside her.

Paul on the other hand, was sure to keep his eyes on the screen, his jaw tensed as he gritted his teeth together. He knew that one look at Dawn during such a big moment would turn him the darkest shade of red he'd been all night… He honestly had no idea why she had this affect over him. Something to do with the way she held herself he supposed. Sure, there were girls in his past… not many, but enough to count on one hand; but each of them were more beauty than brains, unable to hold his attention when they decided to open their mouths.

Dawn was different. Yes, she was captain of the cheerleading squad and had looks that would turn any guy's head, but unlike the other girls, she was smart and witty and Paul couldn't get her out of his mind. Being part of Ash's gang meant that Misty was usually close by; and because May and Dawn were joined at the red head's hip, they'd cross paths often, at school. Dawn would stand her ground in conversations with the guys (her knowledge of all things from pokémon to sport proving her intelligence), throw a smart-ass insult at Gary when he needed it, and ask how everyone was doing, as if she genuinely cared about their days. Paul regretted taking so long to have a one-on-one conversation with her, especially considering the feelings that would grow in his stomach when he saw her, started to arise months ago.

"Oh man…" he heard her say, her soft voice pulling him out of his trance.

"What's wrong?" he enquired, watching her rise from her seat and face him casually.

"Everyone's asleep… they missed the best part!"

Paul chuckled lightly, glancing around the room. Sure enough, Drew had passed out on the beanbag on the floor, Gary asleep and sunken into the armchair he'd claimed before the film had begun. Perhaps the most interesting position was that of Misty and Ash, who looked like much more than just friends as they slept peacefully on the opposite end of the couch Paul and Dawn had been sitting on.

The raven-haired boy was outstretched, his arms wrapped protectively around the waist of the girl beside him. Misty was cuddled into Ash's side, her head on his chest and her legs draped over his in a way that did not look at all comfortable to anyone else but her. The best part of the picture, was the way Ash's head rested lovingly against hers; his chin a top of her head, her red hair surely tickling his nose as he breathed heavily.

Dawn seemed to have been watching them too, because her voice broke the silence that had fallen over the room.

"They're so cute…" she started, Paul moving from the lounge and standing next to her.

"I wish they'd hurry up and tell each other how they feel… Ash practically talks about the girl every chance he gets… It's kinda annoying really."

"Misty pretends she doesn't have feelings for him at all… but we can see her checking him out at school and we know it's so much more than just physical attraction…"

Paul nodded, agreeing with her statement. Misty and Ash were both so stubborn… They had known each other forever and been through so much as a pair; it was obvious that seedlings of love had been planted years ago, but both were way to obstinate to accept that their friendship had blossomed into something deeper throughout their teen years.

"I'm going to let them all sleep… we can wake them once I've tidied this place up…"

"Here… I'll help you," Paul acknowledged, taking a bowl of chips and a stack of cups from Dawn's hands.

"Oh- thanks!" She smiled, accepting the help before reloading her arms once again.

Dawn led Paul to the Waterflowers' kitchen, tidying up the plates and half-filled glasses of soda; making sure everything was in a condition as pristine as the one she found it in.

Dawn was drying the glassware when Paul's voice called for her attention from where he leant against the counter, adjacent to her.

"Why is it we've hardly spoken until now?" he asked. Dawn could sense some nervousness in his voice, but she knew there was no chance she could ever make him feel such a way.

Placing the newly-dried glass in its cabinet, she moved closer to him, pulling herself onto the countertop, before she answered his question.

"I don't know… It kinda feels like we've all known each other forever-"

"I guess we kinda have…"

An awkward silence filled the air after he finished his sentence, Dawn unsure how to continue the conversation. Looking down at her feet, dangling over the side of the counter top, she was thankful when his deep voice reached her ears once more.

"But… I-I guess I sorta meant, why is it you and I have hardly spoken until now…"

Dawn's head snapped up in a haste, meeting his gaze with curious eyes.

"Well, uhh- I'm not sure… I guess I've never really known you to be much of a talker. I didn't want to annoy you with some irrelevant conversation…"

Paul was taken aback, was he that unapproachable? She was right in saying he wasn't much of a talker, but he hoped she didn't find him self-absorbed.

"You'd never annoy me-"

"Really!?"

"Uh- I just mean that I've never heard you say anything even close to irrelevant…"

"Oh… well that's sweet of you, but clearly you haven't heard us girls talk about Zac Efron; those conversations are full of irrelevancy!"

Paul laughed, causing a blush to dust Dawn's cheeks. She loved his laugh; laughter seemed to be a rarity for the purple-haired boy, so she was honoured that she was able to hear it.

"So… what did you think of the movie?" Dawn asked, changing the subject.

Paul shrugged, "It wasn't half bad… but if you tell the guys that, I'll deny it."

Now it was Dawn's turn to laugh.

"I promise you, I won't! But you sure you're not bummed about missing out on Melody's party? I mean movie nights are great and all, but that could've been better…"

"Are you kidding? What could she have that'd be better than Mr Patrick Swayze himself?" Paul joked, Dawn shrugging slightly.

"Well… I guess there'd be a few pretty girls there, I'm sure that's always fun…" she replied softly. She hoped he wouldn't hear her, but considering they were less than two feet away from each other, she strongly doubted it.

Paul bit his lip, moving it between his teeth before inching closer to her. If he spent most of tonight being brave, he may as well keep it up now.

"Those girls are fine… But trust me, I've got someone in mind who's much prettier…" he uttered, clearly alluding to the girl in front of him. His voice was low and deep sending Dawn's heart into her throat; the colour red rushing to her face when his eyes connected with hers.

Deciding to go for it, Paul turned to face her, placing his hands on the counter on either side of her so she sat between both his arms as he stood in front of her.

"W-what do mean?" she asked bashfully, acting as though she had no idea what he meant. Her eyes flickered from his eyes to his lips and back, Paul's doing the exact same thing. She wanted nothing more than to feel his lips on hers. She craved his kiss more than any other she had received in her life. Usually, she wouldn't be so nervous and would go for it herself. But this was Paul, and he was different to anyone she had ever kissed before. The butterfree in her stomach proving it.

Paul smiled tenderly, moving closer to her face; close enough that Dawn could feel his breath against her skin. She closed her eyes, longing for the gap between them to become non-existent.

"Hey guys! What are you- woah,"

Paul jumped away from Dawn, the bluenette leaping off the counter at the sound of the voice disrupting the moment they were about to have.

"Gary," Paul spoke through gritted teeth, "we thought you were asleep."

Gary smirked, "Clearly! Hope I didn't interrupt anything, Marino. I was just searching for a bottle of water."

"Here," Dawn snapped, thrusting a bottle into his hands and making her way out of the kitchen, angrily.

"Was it something I said?" Gary teased, Paul rolling his eyes and flipping the brunette the bird.

Of all things that could have ruined their perfect kiss, it had to be Gary fucking Oak.

…..

"Thank you so much, Mrs Williams," May spoke confidently as she stepped out of the vehicle that had just pulled in to her driveway. Brendan had convinced May to stop being so polite and let his mother drive her home when she came to collect him at the party.

Brendan's mother was a young-looking lady, with straight black hair and piercing blue eyes, enhanced by the ring of eyeliner drawn around them. She had a petite figure and dressed in clothes more expensive than anything May owned. Needless to say, when she pulled up to Melody's in her shiny, silver Mercedes, May was intimated. What if she didn't approve of her son picking such a girl as is girlfriend? What if she thought May's clothes were cheap-looking? What if she didn't want to take May home? So many thoughts clouded her mind, May insisting she could call Caroline, instead.

In the end, Brendan persuaded her, and 15 minutes later it was home-sweet-home for May.

"No problem at all, doll!" Brendan's mother chimed, winking at May and offering her a wave as the brunette exiting the car.

"I'll walk you to the door," Brendan insisted, stumbling out of the car and resting his hand on the small of May's back as they made the short journey to the Maple's doorstep.

"You know, you've met my mom… When do you think I'll be able to meet your parents…"

May gulped. Were they ready for that? Sure, they had been dating for a month or so, but May still had doubts about introducing him to her family and she had no idea why.

"Soon… I promise," she said, Brendan smiling in reply. Being a bit tipsy (or a lot tipsy), he hadn't noticed the awkward expression on May's face and pecked her of the cheek, leaving her alone on her doorstep.

The brunette waited for the Williams' to drive off, waving at them before opening her front door. The clock had just struck 12, but she knew Caroline would be waiting up for her.

"May?" she called, coming out of the living room, adorned in a fluffy, pink robe.

"Hey Mom, it's just me… hope I didn't wake you."

"No, not at all, sweetie. I was waiting for you anyway. How was the party?"

"It was good…" May began, shrugging as if to say 'nothing important happened'.

"That's good! Who dropped you home, Misty?"

May shook her head, taking a deep breath at the mention of her 'former' friend's name. The brunette was still so frustrated about the whole fight, she didn't want to talk about them anymore today. Especially considering Serena and Melody had basically interrogated her for details, all afternoon.

"No, Brendan's mom dropped me off… I'd tell you all about tonight, but I'm pretty beat. Thanks for waiting for me Mom. Love you." With a kiss on her mother's cheek, May ended the conversation, making a beeline for her bedroom.

"Goodnight honey, love you too," Caroline returned, smiling at her daughter before disappearing into the living room once again.

When May made it to her room, she kicked off her shoes, throwing herself back onto her bed.

Her stomach held a strange feeling… a mix of guilt and sadness and outrage. Pushing Misty and Dawn from her mind, her mind began circling reasons why she hadn't introduced Brendan to her family yet.

Subconsciously, something was holding her back from doing it… and that made her nervous. Changing out of her party clothes and tucking herself into bed, she attempted to clear her mind.

She was finally able to crush Drew's words about being boring… average compared to her friends. She was at the top of the chain… why did she feel like something was missing?

'Just something you need to get used to,' she told herself, before closing her eyes, letting her head hit the pillow.

Falling into a deep sleep, May's head danced with pictures of her new life. She just hoped getting in with the most popular kids in school was all it was cracked up to be.

…..

"Misty- hey, Mist. C'mon girl, wake up…" Dawn murmured, shaking her friend's shoulder slightly in attempt to bring her out of her slumber.

Misty whimpered slightly, clearly unimpressed with being pulled out of such an enjoyable snooze. This just resulted in Dawn shaking her again, the red-head's eyes fluttering open, taking in the sight before her.

"Mmmm, what's up Dawn…" she groaned, still tangled with Ash on the couch (not that she seemed to notice).

"You all fell asleep, the movie's over…"

"Oh… Right- Ketchum, wake up!" Misty voiced, tapping Ash's cheek softly with her hand.

"I don't want to wake up…" Ash whined, pulling her closer to him, resulting in a giggle from Dawn.

"Oh shush you!" Misty hissed at the girl, "Ash seriously, time to get up!" she continued, nudging him in the ribs.

"Augh- fine!" he groaned, his eyes opening too and his hands releasing Misty from his hold on her.

"You two did look quite cute, it killed me having to wake you," Dawn teased, earning a glare from Misty. The glare however, wasn't quite able to hide the blush on her cheeks, Dawn satisfied with the reaction she received.

"Thanks Dawn, we all know that I am quite the looker!" Ash piped up, Misty rolling her eyes.

Paul and Gary entered the living room; a smirk still evident on the second boy's smug-looking face.

"They aren't the only cute couple here tonight, are they?" he teased, Paul slapping him across the back of the head.

"Ummmm- ow!"

"Then shut up, or I'll do it again," Paul spoke through gritted teeth.

"Woah… someone's touch-eee!"

Misty and Ash exchanged confused looks, Dawn dismissing them with a wave of her hand.

"So," the blue-haired girl began, "who gets to wake Drew?"

"No need Berlitz, I'm up…" Drew muttered, his voice thick with sleep. "What time is it?"

"Just after twelve," Paul stated, checking the watch on his wrist.

"No wonder I'm so beat," Misty spoke up. The red head had such a jam-packed week; between swimming practice and friendship drama, she was long overdue to catch up on a couple of hours of sleep.

"Yeah, I'm pretty dead too," Drew said, "we better get going soon guys. If we leave any longer, chance are I'll fall asleep at the wheel!"

"Sounds fair to me, Hayden," Gary retorted, the rest of the boys nodding in response.

Ash shrugged. He literally lived down the road from the Waterflowers, he could walk, but there was no way he'd mention that… the teasing from the boys about him wanting to spend more time with Misty would be endless. Ultimately, he got where Drew was coming from though, it was late and before he knew it, he was yawning himself.

"Well, thanks for the invite Misty, tonight was actually pretty fun," Drew said, a genuine smile appearing on his face, the first the group had seen all night.

"No problem! I actually enjoyed it too," Misty returned, Dawn sending her a wink and Misty nudging her in the ribs with her elbow knowing quite well what she was insinuating.

Leading them to the door, Drew walked outside, followed by Gary; Ash giving Misty a tight squeeze before he walked out too. The red head pretended she was revolted by the gesture, and tried to 'push' him away, eventually caving and hugging him back moments before quite literally kicking him out of her home's entrance with a boot in the back of his jeans.

When it was Paul's turn to exit the house, he found himself pausing in the doorway. With a deep breath, he turned around, catching Dawn off guard as he planted a soft kiss on her cheek. Misty gobsmacked as the purple-haired boy offered her a wave saying goodbye before his disappeared down her front steps.

It wasn't until Drew's car engine roared to life that she turned and faced the girl beside her.

"Ummm- what was that?!" she practically squealed, Dawn grinning with excitement.

"Oh Mist- I have so much to tell you!"

With a beep of their car horn, the boys sped off into the distance, Misty locking her front door and meeting Dawn halfway up her family's staircase.

"Well… are you going to make me beg?!" the red head cried, her friend still beaming.

"No, but it's a long story, I have to make sure we're comfortable!" Dawn replied, skipping into Misty's room and throwing herself onto her bed.

Misty laughed, following suit taking a seat next to Dawn.

"Okay Berlitz, spill!"

"Well…" Dawn began, filling Misty in on everything that happened during the night. The subtle leg brushes at the pizzeria, the arm he placed around her during the movie and finally their almost kiss. As Dawn's voice filled her ears, Misty too was grinning brightly, so happy about what had just gone down for her best friend.

"Oh Dawny, that's fantastic! It sounds like he really likes you!"

"Yeah- I don't know Mist, I don't think I've ever felt this way… well not since Kenny, but even then, I don't remember feeling how I feel now…"

"Yeah, but that guy was a jerk in the end… Paul seems different… I like this Dawn! Let's just hope he makes another move!"

"I hope so… that Gary Oak… grrr, I swear I could've smacked him!"

Misty laughed, that would be something fantastic to witness! Dawn hitting someone… the girl wouldn't hurt a fly!

Too immersed in her own thoughts, it took Misty a little while to realise that Dawn's expression had changed from excitement to sadness, in a matter of moments. The blue-haired girl's head was low, her eyes on the blanket in front of her as she sat cross-legged on Misty's bed.

"Dawn?... what's wrong?" Misty enquired, her voice soft and curious, but laced with kindness.

"I-I just, oh…" Dawn choked, the tears falling freely from her eyes as she met Misty's gaze.

Misty's cerulean eyes held sadness too, she hated seeing anyone upset, she was more sensitive than she cared to admit, but seeing her best friends this way was torture. Dawn felt stupid for crying, she had tried so hard to stay strong, not letting her emotions get the better of her, and when there were people around her… it was easy. Now that it was just her and Misty, it was obvious that something was missing. She hated being in such a place with May. She hated conflict… she missed her girl gang. After trying so hard all night, her emotions had caught up to her.

Dawn cleared her throat, trying to speak again.

"I-I… I feel stupid for getting so emotional, but it feels weird getting so excited over a boy…"

"Wait, what do you mean?" Misty enquired. They always spoke like this about boys, this conversation was no different.

"I just… it feels weird getting so excited and not having May here to swoon with…"

Misty nodded sadly.

"Aw sweetie, don't cry," she said, wrapping Dawn into a sisterly hug. "She'll come to her senses and things will go back to normal…"

"But what if they don't?"

"They will… I promise you, they will," Misty continued, more so trying to convince herself than Dawn.

Things had changed so much, so quickly. It had been a lot for them to deal with all at once.

"Okay…" Dawn mumbled, wiping her eyes with the sleeves of her pyjama shirt.

"Okay! Now… tell me- what's the plan with Paul?" Misty added, trying to change the subject.

Dawn smiled brightly.

"Well…."

…

There we have it!

What did you think of part four?

Please review, pretty please!