Hi all,

So sorry for the long update, I have been working on another project.

Another story I have recently published on my profile- It's a Pokeshipping fic, but it has a few other ships within it!

This chapter is a bit longer than usual (sorry about that!), but think of it as my gift to you all for being so patient.

Hope you enjoy!

Please review

Thank you : )

…

"Mom, please tell me why exactly we have to do this… We haven't spent thanksgiving with the Maples in like six years…" an irritated Drew groaned, downing some coffee from the mug in front of him.

It was Sunday morning, well… more like lunchtime, but he'd just woken up; his mother was frying some bacon for the two of them, his dad long gone, an apparent work drama pulling him into the office at 8am that morning.

"Five actually… and well honey, Norman hasn't been home for the holidays in quite a while and I bumped into Caroline at the grocery store and we got to talking about how long it had been since we'd all spent some time together…"

Drew groaned again, his mother offering him a smile.

"Oh Drew! Don't be like that, your brother won't be home for the holidays this year, don't you think it'd be nice to spend thanksgiving with people other than your parents? You used to love when the Maples came over!"

"Yeah Mom… used to being the main words here…"

"You and May don't talk at all anymore?"

Drew shook his head.

"You used to be inseparable… I find it hard to believe those years of friendship have gone to waste."

"You know what they say Mom… friends from your past aren't always friends for your future… I'm going to have a quick shower, don't eat without me!" he said, pecking Natalie on the cheek and leaving the room.

"Boys…" Natalie sighed to herself, flipping the bacon in the pan before her.

She knew Drew and May weren't exactly the best of friends these days but she didn't think he'd take the news of their holiday plans this badly. Natalie assumed that with everything going on with his father, Drew would appreciate spending thanksgiving with some new faces. With Thanksgiving a week away, she hoped her son would come around, but with stubbornness hereditary in the Hayden family, she highly doubted it…

…

"Dad's going to be home for Thanksgiving?!"

"Yes Max! No picnic lunch in the gym this year, Dad will be home for a homecooked meal! Isn't that exciting?!" Caroline gushed, Max grinning and nodding from the chair next to her.

"May? Did you hear me sweetie?"

"Huh- Oh, sorry Mom! Yeah, Dad's back for the holidays, that's great…" May smiled, looking up from her phone to meet her mother's eyes. The brunette was distracted by a conversation unfolding within her cell. Melody and Serena had added her to the infamous popular girl group chat and the gang were discussing who had the worst hangover from the night's big birthday bash.

"I might have left out one tiny detail though…" Caroline added, lifting her hand and demonstrating just how tiny a detail, with the use of her thumb and index finger.

May's head whipped up, her Mom had her full attention now. Usually when Caroline delivered such a line within any conversation, the detail involved was more than 'tiny'. Okay, it was always much bigger than tiny. May bit her lip, nodding her head as a means of encouraging her mother to continue with the conversation.

"Well… not only will Dad be home for Thanksgiving, but…"

"But…"

"But the Haydens will be joining us for lunch too!"

"Yay!" Max exclaimed, practically leaping out of his chair.

"Mom, no!" May groaned, her forehead connecting with the table in front of her.

Caroline offered May a sympathetic look. "Oh honey! It'll be fun. I've missed having Natalie over, and you've all grown up so much… next year it'll probably just be Max here for the holidays, with you and Drew taking off after high school!"

"Yeah May! And I like Drew, he's cool!"

"When was the last time you spoke to Mr Cool, Max? He's more like Mr Jerk now!"

Max huffed, causing May to regret her words. She knew Max used to love having Drew and his brother around… they were sort of like the brothers he wished he had. May used to be super close with Max too, when they were little. Now the twelve-year-old basically only had Caroline for company… and Norman, when he wasn't super busy with the gym.

Their dad would hop between the gym and their house these days. Training was a lot more rigorous for Norman now that May and Max were a little older and most of the time he was bombarded with trainers four-five-six matches a day. It was because of this that the past few Thanksgivings and Christmases, (a part from two years ago when they were surprised by Grandma and Grandpa Maple visiting from Johto), were spent on the floor of the gym, a feast of sandwiches laid out atop a picnic blanket for the Maples and Norman's pokemon.

"Oh May… you and Drew were best friends a few years ago. Isn't there a small part of you that wants things to go back to that?"

May bit her lip. Sure, she had thought about what it'd be like… being friends with Drew again someday. But now, so much had happened and that thought was more like a dream… impossible. Shaking the idea from her mind, May was brought back to reality. She had a new bunch of friends… Drew Hayden wasn't exactly part of her future, she would be glad when graduation came and they'd both be able to get the hell out of each other's lives.

"No… I don't. Can we stop talking about him now?" May spoke up, finally pushing thoughts surrounding green-headed boys, from her mind.

"Sure honey…" Caroline frowned, May's ringing cell phone, excusing her from the conversation.

"Gotta go Mom… it's Melody asking about the Biology test…" the brunette said, tucking in her chair and making her way up the steps to her bedroom.

"Teenagers…" Caroline sighed more to herself than anyone.

Somehow the girl before her looked and sounded exactly like her little May, but was a completely different person altogether. May used to share everything with her mother, but lately it was like they were living on different planets; and Caroline just hoped May would come back to Earth soon.

…

"Hey May!"

"Hiya girl, how are you?"

"Love the outfit May May!"

May smiled brightly as she walked through the school courtyard at lunch on Monday. Her weekend appearance at Melody's party had done a lot for her image at Petalburg High. As she walked arm-in-arm with her beau, to a table under the shade of a tree, she found all eyes on her, girls and guys alike greeting the couple with admiring eyes. When they got to their spot, May and Brendan were welcomed by Serena and Melody; Cilan and Ritchie, who were on the basketball team, and their girlfriends Iris and Katie. May had met them all at the party and with her inclusion to their group chat, the brunette felt like a real part of the gang.

"So, how are we all on this magical day?!" Melody enthused, twinkling her fingers for extra affect.

"Meh- it's Monday, school is shit, so same old…" Brendan shrugged, throwing a lazy arm around May.

The group continued chatting about their days, the boys discussing Coach Surge's crazy training drills and the girls obsessing over Serena's new Italian heels. May took a bite of her sandwich, her eyes wandering over the sitting area, Brendan's arm still protectively draped over her shoulders.

The yard looked pretty much the same. Students digging into their lunch, a few cheerleaders practicing a new routine, some freshman studying a textbook unknown to May.

Before she knew it, her eyes fell on the entrance to the outdoor area. It separated the cafeteria and her current space, most young adults exiting the room after grabbing their trays of food.

Still munching on her lunch, May noticed a familiar mop of green hair, exit the cafeteria, followed by a few other boys. May tried to stop herself from staring, but she couldn't… she was too curious to see how close to her they'd end up sitting. When they had all made their way out of the room, her stomach dropped when Misty and Dawn's familiar faces came into her view.

Brushing shoulders with Ash, Misty laughed at something he had said, Dawn chatting happily away to Paul and Gary. May was shocked at the sudden formation of the new gang, and a little annoyed at the fact that the girls were spending time with Drew, after all he'd said to her. The group walked passed her table, Drew's eyes connecting with May's for a split second, before she shot him a glare, and fake laughed in order to insinuate that she was having the time of her life.

The boy sighed, shaking his head and making his way over to a vacant table. If this is what their run-ins were going to look like nowadays, he would have to get used to it… Thanksgiving would be even more interesting, if he happened to make it till Saturday that is.

"Would you look at them…" Misty began addressing the group, as they sat around the circular table, opposite May's in the courtyard.

Dawn frowned, drowning her sorrows in her salad on the tray in front of her.

"What d-you suppose they're talking about?" Ash asked innocently, throwing a fry in his mouth.

"Well look at them closely Ashyboy… I know what- more like who- Serena and Melody are talking about," Gary smirked, offering Ash a wink.

The two girls were bright-eyed and giggling as they attempted to steal a glance or two at the dark-haired boy. Ash chuckled, returning his attention to the food on his plate.

"If they're that obsessed with you, why don't you make a move?!" Misty spat, her random burst of anger startling Ash.

"Well… b-because I don't want to make a move…"

"And why not…" Paul prompted, Dawn giggling from beside him. No one was aware of their conversation from the other night, but she knew that Paul was trying to get Ash to spill his feelings for Misty right here and now.

"I-I don't know! They aren't exactly the type of girls I'd go for… too needy and obsessive…"

"Oh… as opposed to what?" Drew joined in, a simper present on his face too.

Ash blushed, shovelling some more fries into his mouth, his eyes glued to the table in attempt to hide the blush arising upon his cheeks.

"Shut up," he mumbled, the guys laughing at the state he was now in.

"They're still staring, should we do something? Wave? Or move?!" Misty voiced irritably. Although she attempted to hide it, nothing made her madder (but IN NO WAY JEALOUS), than when someone sat there gawking at Ash. First of all, he wasn't even that good looking, and secondly it was distracting and rude and she just wanted to eat lunch in peace. Who did he think he was sitting there in such a tight sweatshirt; his arms were basically on full display… oh who was she kidding. He was gorgeous, but not just in looks… and that's what made her mad. She appreciated Ash for all he was, his dense head and all, but they just looked at him like a piece of meat. Oh okay… maybe she was a little jealous.

"I have the best idea!" Dawn piped up, trying to stifle the excitement brewing in her stomach. "Something to really rile them up!"

"Well…" Misty added impatiently.

"Kiss him!" Dawn continued, gesturing to Ash, far too calmly for Misty's liking.

"WHAT!?" Ash and Misty both exclaimed in unison, Gary cracking up loudly at the suggestion.

"Oh my gosh! Not a full on hook up! Just a quick peck on the cheek! Trust me!"

"What harm could it do guys, seriously… just imagine the reaction if it works out." Drew shrugged, Paul nodding in agreement.

"I'm down if you are Mist…" Ash mumbled, offering her a smile.

Misty blushed a deep crimson, shaking her head. "No way—"

"Oh come on Red! Just kiss the guy on the cheek or I will!" Gary cried out, before a wicked expression crossed his face; "Unless you're, you know… scared," he winked, Misty practically growling in response.

Dawn laughed, Paul joining her. There was no way Misty would decline a challenge.

With a loud groan, the red head spoke up again. "Fine! But you gotta tell me when they're looking…"

Ash's eyes lit eyes, causing him to blink a few times as a means of concealing his enthusiasm.

"Already on it, girl," Dawn enthused; "three… two… one… NOW!"

Wrapping an arm around him, Misty leant over, planting a kiss on Ash's cheek. Her eyes closed for effect, she allowed her lips to linger for a few seconds longer than planned before her eyes darted in the direction of Melody and Serena.

The girls sat staring, their eyes wide, mouths agape; this causing the entire group to break out in hysterics. All apart from Ash that was…

The chance to see Misty laugh was something he wasn't going to miss. He smiled at her tenderly, in awe of the way her shoulders shook, her hair cascading beautifully down her back as she threw her head back in glee. With closed eyes, he took the plunge, planting a kiss of his own on her cheek, jolting her out of her fit of laughter, meeting his gaze with confused eyes.

"What was that for?" she asked bashfully, Ash offering her a sweet smile.

"No reason," he said, shaking his head, "just thought I'd pay you back… there, we're even."

Misty smiled in response, biting her lip before returning to her lunch tray.

Oh gosh this boy was going to kill her.

Why can't I just admit it already… she thought to herself, unaware that in his own mind, Ash was thinking the exact same thing.

…..

"May?! I thought you said Misty what's-her-face, was NOT dating Ash Ketchum!" Melody blurted, interrupting the boys' conversation.

"That Misty… is a total babe!" Cilan began, a nudge in the side from Iris prompting him to change his words; "Not as much of a babe as you are though…" he saved himself, Iris smiling ridiculously to herself.

"What are you talking about? They aren't dating…" May retorted, a confused look on her face.

"Well, what does that look like to you!?" Serena exclaimed, gesturing to the table across the courtyard.

May turned around, watching the group in fits of laughter, Misty planting a kiss on Ash's cheek, as he held her close to him. Internally, May squealed, hoping that it had finally happened for them, that they were finally together.

"I'm not sure… Misty's always liked him- ahhh, I mean, they've always been close friends… I don't know what could've happened?!" May burst, covering her mouth with her hand to save herself from another unfortunate slip up.

Serena and Melody exchanged mischievous looks.

"Oh… right! Close friends… All good!" Melody began, the lunch bell cutting their discussion short and causing the group to disperse until only she and Serena remained at the table.

"Obviously she's holding out on him… Aww! Someone's too scared to share their true feelings!" Serena mocked.

"You know what that means S…" Melody added, "looks like little Misty needs an extra hand in the boy department…"

"With a face like that, who could blame her!" Serena jeered, Melody cackling at the comment.

Now all they needed was the perfect time to strike.

…..

"Shit, I'm sorry, I didn't see you—"

"Maybe watch where you're going then, Maple…"

"Maybe walk a little faster then, Hayden…" May spat, when she realised the boy she had almost bowled over was Drew. When she noticed… she didn't care as much about repeating her apology.

Drew scoffed, standing in the doorway to Biology.

"Move!" May demanded, pushing him to the side so she could make her way to her seat.

As she walked away from him, Drew let his eyes rake over May's body. Her new look screamed cheerleader and less girl-next-door, like he was used to. The brunette had replaced her trustee jeans for a black denim mini skirt, a cropped red t-shirt putting her flat stomach on show. Her shoes were bright red and sky high, a red scrunchie pulling half of her hair away from her face. As hot as she looked now, she was a lot more beautiful to him when she was herself. He barely recognised her these days… It killed him that he had triggered such a bold change.

"So, rumour is we will be spending Thanksgiving together…" Drew voiced, making a quick pit stop at her desk on the way to his.

May looked up from her phone and huffed.

"I thought you didn't want anything to do with me… Why're you talking to me?"

"I may have been a bit rash last week… and besides, you know I can't resist the urge to piss you off… So… Thanksgiving?"

May screwed up her face in disbelief, her gesture causing a cocky smirk to make its way onto Drew's face.

"Don't remind me" she said. "It's bad enough I have to see you at school, let alone play happy families with you over the holidays…"

As much as he hated to admit it, her comment had hurt Drew slightly. It was obvious that he too, hated the idea of spending the holiday with Serena 2.0, but, he still held a glimmer of hope that things would be bearable.

"Well, so long as you have that phone to keep you occupied it shouldn't be an issue, I'm sure!" Drew rolled his eyes, May shaking her head.

"Surely that's not the best insult you've got… You and I both know we've heard worse from your mouth…"

Drew gulped, clenching his jaw slightly at her words.

"Whatever Maple…" he spoke, walking in the direction of his desk. He had no way of answering her, but he wasn't about to let her have the last word.

May rolled her eyes, glancing back down at her phone screen.

"Hey May…" a voice sounded, May's eyes darting up from her phone.

Leaf Greene had made her long-anticipated return, after close to a month off school. May internally sighed, relief flooding her body. Leaf had begun at Petalburg High a few months ago. The girl didn't have many friends, but somehow, she had clicked with May and they were paired up in Bio together. However, her absence had meant that May was paired with a random peer every single lesson. Most of the time she was either stuck doing all the work, or she'd spend the class dodging the wandering eyes of her male partners.

"Hey Leaf! Long-time no see, where have you been?" May gushed, a glimpse of her former self reappearing as intrigue laced her words.

"Oh… I-I had some family stuff going on, I needed to be at home…" Leaf frowned.

May offered her a sympathetic smile. "Anything I can help you with?"

Leaf shook her head. "Not unless you're a miracle worker…"

May's head cocked to the side in question, causing Leaf to sigh.

"It's my Dad. He hasn't been well, we were in a bad spot for a while, but now we're just taking every day as it comes…"

May's stomach dropped. She felt so bad for the girl. Even though her father was away a lot, May always knew she could count on Norman for anything. She didn't even want to think about the day when he wouldn't be in her life… the thought itself was enough to make her cry.

"Oh Leaf… I'm so sorry. If there's anything I can do, at all… Please let me know!"

Leaf smiled in reply.

"Besides catching me up on Biology, you can fill me in on how you turned into a complete fashionista in such a short span of time!"

May laughed… "Oh man, that's one long story!"

"I've got time," Leaf retorted, prompting May to continue with the tale, which she obliged.

From his seat, a row across and down from hers; Drew eavesdropped on the girls' conversation. Smiling to himself, he opened up his notebook, ready to begin his class. He hoped, that the May he had grown so fond of in their younger years, the one who had just reappeared for such a split second in her conversation with Leaf, was on her way back to Earth.

…..

Thursday morning had arrived, meaning Thanksgiving was upon them. The Maples were scurrying around the house, Caroline ensuring everyone was helping out with the cleaning so Norman's big welcome would be absolutely perfect. It was currently 10am and her husband was due back from the gym any minute. He had requested five weeks off in order to spend some quality time with his family for the holidays; the Pokémon League approving his request and sending in a first-class replacement to look after Petalburg Gym, a man named Lance.

"Max honey, remember we're dressing fancy today. Go upstairs and put on the dress shirt I laid out for you," Mrs Maple requested, her son huffing before racing up the steps to his bedroom to change.

May on the other hand had been dressed long ago. Finishing the final touches on her hair and makeup she made her way down the staircase, meeting her mother at the foot of the steps.

"Does this look okay, Mom?" she asked, placing her hands on her hips and giving Caroline a little twirl. The teen wore a maroon dress that fell at her mid-thigh, the sleeves running till her wrists. Black tights dressed May's legs, a pair of black pumps on her feet. Her hair was out and in its natural waves falling just below her shoulders and apart from a bit of blush, mascara and lip gloss, her makeup was all natural.

"Oh sweetie, you look beautiful!" Caroline gushed. "Your father will be here any second do you mind checking on your brother for me?"

"Sure Mom, no problem…" May replied, smiling warmly before heading up the steps once again.

"You okay Max?" she called when she made it to her brother's room.

"Yeah! But can you help me tuck my shirt in, I can't do it!"

"Of course, come here!"

May helped Max with his outfit, brushing down his hair while she was at it too.

"You know, you are actually a good sister May…" Max began, his sister chuckling at the compliment.

"What are you trying to get from me, shortie?" May enquired, folding her arms and raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," Max laughed, "I just wanted to tell you, because I feel like a never have time to talk to you properly any more… you know, you are always so busy with school. Just wanted to tell you that I still think you're a good sister."

May frowned a little. Max was a kid and she'd be leaving home soon, meaning he wouldn't have her for company for a while. She wished they'd be able to spend more time together, one way or another… She owed him that much.

A doorbell brought her attention back to her brother for a moment.

"Thanks Max. You're great too… But! The real question is, can you beat me down the steps? DAD'S HERE!"

And with that, May bolted out of the bedroom, Max laughing all the way down the steps. May's heels gave her a great disadvantage and her brother had won the challenge; not that she cared, his smile was prize enough for her.

"Hello?! Anyone home!" Norman called, knocking on the front door to his family's home. His wife rushed to greet him, pulling open the door and embracing him excitedly.

"Dad!" May and Max shouted in unison, virtually tackling their father when he was free from their mother's grip.

"There you are! You both look wonderful! What's been happening around here?" Norman asked, returning the hug and holding May and Max tightly in his arms.

Caroline was busy fussing with Norman's suitcase, pulling it through the door so she could shut it, leaving the cold, winter air outdoors.

"Well I got a new Pokémon action figure! It's a Vigoroth, like yours!" Max gushed, his father beaming with pride.

"Well, I'm sure Vigoroth will like it very much, we'll have to show him after lunch!"

Max grinned happily, nodding in agreement with his father. May smiled at his excitement. She could tell Max missed having their father around regularly, being the only male in the house was tough for him sometimes.

"So Dad, are we going to watch the Pokémon Challenge Championships! You know they are only on TV during Thanksgiving," the young boy cried, his joy evident as he jumped on the spot, pumping his fist into the air.

"Of course!" Norman exclaimed, "We've missed watching the last four, live. You don't think I'm going to miss watching them with my boy, do you?" He ruffled Max's hair, earning a gleeful laugh from his son. "Why don't you go turn on the TV, the practice battles will be starting soon…"

"Okay Dad!" Max scurried off into the lounge room, Caroline giggling to herself.

"And how's my princess doing these days?" Norman asked, turning to May with a smile.

"Dad…" she said smiling, "we video called yesterday!"

"I know we did, but a lot can change in a day!"

"Not in this house it hasn't…" May replied, shaking her head.

"Hmmm… okay, well now that I'm here, when can I meet this boyfriend of yours?"

May blushed, Norman chuckling and wrapping an arm around Caroline.

May hadn't deliberately tried to delay her father's meeting with Brendan, but she was nervous about it. Norman was so protective over her sometimes… especially if the guy interested in his daughter displayed any signs of being overly cocky or a player. Mr Maple was so busy, May really didn't want to take him away from the gym, for some pointless meeting that would last all of twenty minutes.

"Soon…" she responded, giving him the answer he wanted and walking with her parents to the living room.

Soon was a good enough response… she just wasn't sure when exactly soon would be.

…..

"May, can you set the table for me dear?" Caroline called from the kitchen; "The Haydens will be here soon". The rest of her family had planted themselves on the couch, waiting for the Pokémon Challenge Championships to commence, after helping Caroline with lunch of course.

"Sure Mom," the brunette replied, moving from the sofa and into the kitchen to complete the chore she had been assigned. Usually her response to a request like this would start with her requiring Max's assistance, but he was having such a good time talking to their dad, she was happy to skip the gesture. Rolling her eyes subtly, May began to dress their dining table, ensuring enough plates were laid out for their unfortunate guests. She wanted to be anywhere but here, knowing that Drew would be sharing a meal with her in less than an hour's time.

Almost as if the universe had heard her thoughts, the doorbell rang, just as she finished placing the last glass in its place on the table.

"Could you get that May?" Caroline asked nonchalantly, May sighing in response.

"Do I have to Mom?"

"My hands are a little full here dear… please?" the woman asked again, guilting May into doing what she'd asked.

"Yep. Fine."

Walking through her front foyer, May's heart began to race, causing her to take a few necessary deep breaths, her hand clenched firmly around the door's handle.

With a final sigh, she pulled it open, offering the warmest smile she could muster to the guests on the other side.

"Happy Thanksgiving," she began, "come on in…"

"Hello May, it's been quite a while dear! Happy Thanksgiving," Mrs Hayden gushed, pecking May on the cheek, trying her best to hold onto the pot she had in her hands.

"You look lovely May, thank you for having us. Now where is that father of yours?" Mr Hayden beamed, following his wife through the front door.

"Thank you, sir," she replied, "he's in the living room with Max, go on in."

Mr and Mrs Hayden followed May's instruction, heading towards the living area. The kitchen overlooked the lounge and dining room, meaning Natalie would be greeted by Caroline in no time.

"April…" Drew voiced, his face emerging from behind his parents. Their absence from the room meant that he and May were left alone, much to their dismay.

"Andrew…" she threw back, knowing he hated being called that.

Drew scoffed, a smirk appearing on his face. "Let's just try to get through today, then we can go back to hating each other again. Sound fair?"

"Yeah, whatever," May retorted, turning her back on him and making her way into the kitchen. Drew following her lead, but moving into the living room instead.

"Mom, do you need a hand…"

"Oh Caroline, can you believe they'll be finishing high school in less than six months!"

"I know Natalie, it's crazy how quick the time has flown; seems like only yesterday they were running around here, driving us both crazy!"

"Mom…" May spoke again, trying not to sound intrusive.

"Sorry dear! No, we're okay in here, lunch is in the oven we're just waiting… you go and enjoy the Championships, I know the Coordinating section is going to start soon!" Caroline informed, May offering her a tight smile and excusing herself from the kitchen.

In the living room, the men were sat around talking about their picks to take out the championships in the battle component. May could tell that Mr Hayden wasn't as interested in the competitions as her father and brother were; but out of respect to Norman, he joined in with the conversation anyway.

"Ah May," her father began, noticing her enter the room; "you're just in time… the Coordinating is about to begin!"

Looking around the room, May noticed the only empty seat on the couch. Drew smirked, shaking his head when her eyes fell on the empty spot next to him.

"Umm actually Dad, I should go help Mom in the kitchen…"

"Nonsense sweetie, come sit down, you love this time of the year!"

With a nod and a fake smile, May took the seat next to Drew, crossing her legs and avoiding his eyes, fixing her own on the television in front of them. The conversation her dad was having with Max and Robert started again, and she tried her hardest not to look like sitting next to Drew was making her feel both irritated and awkward at the same time.

"What's wrong April?" the boy whispered, leaning in to her so his words only filled her ears.

May stood her ground, ignoring him and continuing to focus on the screen before her.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say that sitting next to me has got you… all hot and bothered…"

"You are not that hot Drew!" she snapped, mentally cursing herself for breaking her focus on the tv.

"Ah-hah! Got you to speak," he teased, the cocky grin on his face indicating the pride he had in himself at the present moment.

May rolled her eyes.

"And our first component of today's challenges will commence in a few minutes! This Coordination round will consist of 24 challengers, each showing off their skills in the Presentation Stage before making it through to the Battle rounds…" The presenter, Dexter, spoke through a microphone as his image filled the TV screen.

"Awesome!" May exclaimed, shuffling in her seat impatiently.

"So, who do we think is going to take it out this year, honey?" Norman enquired, smiling in his daughter's direction. Norman wasn't really into Coordinating, being a gym leader and all, but he did enjoy hearing May speak about it. Ever since she became interested in Pokémon, May wanted to be a Coordinator; the passion she displayed for the task, was the same he showed when battling and he couldn't be prouder of his little girl.

"Well Jasmine is looking good this year, and her Roselia has a killer magical leaf… but I feel like it could go to anyone!" May enthused, shooting her Dad a bright smile.

"What about you Drew? May says you're one of the best in your class; who do you think will take out the championship?" Norman continued.

"Oh—umm, I'm liking Travis and his Beautifly… They took out first place in the Slateport contest with an amazing Silver Wind. But like May said, it's anyone's game," Drew returned.

"So, being at the top of your class, is Coordinating something you're hoping to pursue after you graduate?" Mr Maple enquired, Drew biting his lip nervously; a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by May.

"Well- uhh- maybe-"

"Andrew will be going to law school, he'll be taking over Hayden and Partners one day," Robert interrupted, Drew sinking lower into his seat. His fists were clenched, his jaw tensed as he attempted to keep from making a scene.

"Oh! Lovely! By the way congratulations on your firm, Robert…" Norman spoke up, sparking a new conversation which the two men got lost in. Max sat beside his father, studying his new Vigoroth action figure, uninterested in the discussion.

May frowned, she knew what their relationship was like as kids, she couldn't help but feel bad about what Drew was probably dealing with now that he was in the more serious part of his life.

"So… you're rooting for Travis and his Beautifly huh?" she asked, changing her tune and smiling at him. Drew seemed to relax at the sound of her voice, his face easing slightly.

"Yeah… I guess so," Drew began, returning her smile.

For a moment, the two had forgotten that they weren't supposed to be talking to one another… Their conversation continuing as the competition began. When they were called for lunch, an awkward smile graced May's features as she removed herself from the living room.

"C'mon Maple, he's the enemy…" she mumbled to herself, under her breath.

Taking her seat between Caroline and Max, she ensured Drew was well enough away from her, to stop her from forgetting why they weren't friends anymore.

For the rest of the afternoon, that's how they remained… strangers; for that's what they had become. And if May wanted to give her relationship with Brendan a real shot, she needed to make herself believe it.

…..

"So… Andrew, you seemed to know quite a lot about the Coordinating component of the Pokémon Challenge Championships today," Mr Hayden remarked when they'd returned to their home that evening; "any particular reason why?"

Drew shrugged casually, taking off his jacket and hanging it on the coat rack in the front foyer before deciding to answer his father's query.

"I don't know… we've looked at a lot of the challenges in class I guess…" he stated, lying through his teeth.

Drew knew where this conversation was headed, it was the same one they'd had a million times. His father would ask some condescending question and Drew would answer with a sarcastic remark, his father scolding him about giving attitude and showing respect to his elders; and so on. Deciding to save himself the energy, he gave his father the answer he wanted to hear, rather than admitting that he'd been following the entire contest season.

"Oh… good," Robert retorted, the sound of his voice causing Drew to stop in his tracks, as he attempted to climb the stairs to his bedroom.

"Good?" he threw back, curiosity getting the better of him; and regret instantly taking over his body.

"Yes. Good to see you've been paying attention in class. I suppose you need to know those sorts of things for exams and such; not because you plan on pursuing a career in something as pathetic as Pokémon Coordinating," his father announced, quite bluntly.

"Robert…" Mrs Hayden muttered, trying to get her husband to take back his words before a battle broke out between the pair.

"And what if I am planning on a career in Coordinating?!" Drew spat, his voice raised in volume. Automatically, his eyes turned cold, a glare hitting his father directly.

"Don't you dare take that tone with me!" Robert roared, Drew rolling his eyes in response, a loud huff emitting from his mouth, which only caused his father to become more enraged.

"Considering the behaviour you've been demonstrating lately… getting drunk and destroying the living room, speaking disrespectfully to me in my own home and wasting your time on such ridiculous extra-curricular activities; I think I may have to give that school of yours a call to remove you from any activities that will deter your focus-"

"You've got to be fucking joking-"

"Drew!" Natalie snapped, Drew shaking his head.

"Starting with Football and Coordinating!"

The words had pierced Drew's heart like a knife. Determined not to show any weakness in front of his father, he stormed back down the steps, pushing past him in order to get to the front door. With his hand gripped around the handle, he took a final look at his father, deciding against giving him a piece of his mind.

"You aren't even worth it!" he hissed, thrusting the door open and slamming it behind him. He paced his front porch for a few moments, before deciding to sit on his family's front steps, his face sinking into his hands before his emotions got the better of him.

Two months off eighteen, two months away from being an adult and his dad was still controlling his life.

He was well and truly over it.

…..

Despite the day's events, May's evening was going pretty well.

The Hayden family had just left and the house had been tidied, ready for their tradition of a Thanksgiving movie marathon to commence.

May was pretty surprised with how the day had gone. She and Drew were amicable and she found herself enjoying his company at times; before she had the chance to remind herself not to. Watching him today, laughing with her brother and complimenting her mother kindly on her cooking, was wearing May down. She knew that she'd jumped into a relationship so quickly after everything had happened and even though she told herself that she didn't have feelings for him anymore, the charm that lured her to him initially was so hard to ignore.

The brunette sat quietly on the bottom step of her family's staircase, alone with her thoughts. She really like Brendan… and it was nice, having a boyfriend, but part of her wondered if she had made the right decision, accepting his request to become his girlfriend… The same part of her was reluctant about introducing the pokemon-disliking jock to her dad… and funnily enough, it was this same part of her that prompted her to question whether or not she had overreacted in her argument with Drew.

"May, can you take the trash out honey?" Caroline called from the kitchen, pulling May out of her trance. The brunette was thankful, because her mind had begun to swim in some uncharted waters, a place that was dangerous for her to venture… especially when thoughts of her green-haired neighbour lurked there constantly.

"Yeah— got it!" May replied, grabbing the bag from the kitchen and heading for the front door. She hadn't changed into her pyjamas just yet, but she'd ditched her heels long ago, so stepping into a pair of ballet flats, the brunette pushed open her front door.

Pushing towards her waste bin at the edge of her driveway, she was startled by a loud crash coming from across the road. Placing the bag in the trash can, May's eyes fell on Drew who had thrown himself on his porch steps, clearly quite upset.

May bit her lip. She hated seeing anyone so down… and she couldn't exactly go back inside now; she'd feel way to guilty about leaving him alone… or what if he'd seen her, that'd be worse.

She didn't know what exactly had convinced her to do it, maybe it was because he had so recently happened to dance across her mind; but before the girl could tell them not to, her feet had carried her across the road and she was quickly approaching the green-haired boy before her.

Her footsteps were soft, but loud enough for her not to have to introduce herself, upon arrival.

"What do you want May… Here to brag about your wonderful new life as Miss Popular?" Drew spoke up from his place on the Hayden's front steps. May knew his words acted as a coat of protective armour, a defence mechanism he had always possessed… pushing people away, before they had the chance to get close enough to see him so vulnerable. They didn't really faze her. His eyes were red and puffy; she could tell he had been crying. Seeing him like this, before her, she couldn't help but feel sad too; especially since she had a pretty strong feeling about why he was acting this way… she had seen it all day, she knew all too well what his dad could be like.

Moving towards him, she sat beside him on the step, Drew's eyes darting up from the ground to meet hers.

"I know we aren't exactly friends… But, I'm not a complete bitch. What's wrong?"

Drew tried to look away, but the concern in her eyes had pulled him in. He couldn't escape it.

With a sigh, he began to fill her in on his problem.

"My Dad is threatening to pull me from the Football team and any Pokémon-related classes…" the boy began, his eyes darting back to the ground.

"What— why? He can't do that… Drew you're literally at the top of every practical lesson," the brunette voiced, clearly outraged at what she was hearing.

"Yeah… but my future has been laid out for me remember… My Dad and I aren't exactly getting along these days. He refuses to see anything besides a law degree in my future. Football and Coordinating, both just as pointless as the other…" Drew's shoulders shook, he tried to hold it in but he couldn't, silent tears fell from his eyes, May frowning in response.

"Hey— listen to me," she began, grabbing his hand, a gesture that shocked Drew enough to meet her gaze with his own, once again. "You are in charge of your life… you, no one else. If your dad thinks he gets to decide on your path, screw him- run! Leave and live your own dream. You are so much stronger then you think Drew…"

"But May… the whole point of varsity football was to get a scholarship and go to college, to prove to my dad that I am capable of a future other than the one he's planned for me… That I can do it on my own! How can I do that, If nobody sees me play…"

"But you don't even want to go to college… right?"

Drew gave her a look of perplexity. He hadn't mentioned that to her, how did she know anything about what he wanted to do. It had taken him so long to score captain on the football team, the only reason one would do that was to get a scholarship… What was his doing that would lead her to think anything else?

May smiled kindly.

"Drew… I've known you since we were like 2… The only thing you've ever wanted to do was become a coordinator. You are literally acing our class, you were born to do it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Drew didn't know what to say, his heart began to swell inside his chest and the feeling of butterfree in his stomach that he hadn't felt in so long, had returned. Locking eyes with her for a moment longer than he should've, he offered her a warm smile to match the one she had just given him.

"Thanks April…" he began, May blushing at the nickname, knowing very well that he used it to tease her (and flirt with her… at times). "I really needed that… I still don't know what I'm going to do with my dad, but— well, thank you…"

May's smile widened, nodding gently at his statement as their eyes met once again. But compared to all the other times she had found herself staring into his green orbs today, this was different. Emerald fused with cobalt and May was finding it hard to focus on anything else, aside from how beautiful his eyes were… were they always this green?

Taken back by her kindness, Drew found his eyes flicking from her pools of blue to her lips, wanting nothing more than to repay her, in the best way he knew how; all animosity between them forgotten on his side. May's heart began to race as she noticed what he was doing, leaning into him slightly herself. Her hand still held his as she inched closer to him, before it finally hit her.

'What am I doing,' she thought to herself… 'Dammit Maple! You have a boyfriend!'

Clearing her throat awkwardly, the brunette stood up from her seat.

"Well—umm, anyway… If you need to talk or anything l-let me know."

"Uhhh, y-yeah, thanks, I-I will…"

"I'm going to get going… see you at school?"

"Yeah… see you then."

"Bye…"

"Bye…"

May offered him one last awkward smile before folding her arms tightly in front of her chest and pacing down the Hayden's driveway, her own house in her line of sight.

"And Maple!" Drew called from his front porch, May turning around rather too quickly than she'd hoped, to face him.

"Yeah?" she uttered, her heart still racing from their meeting moments ago.

"It was nice to talk to you…" Drew breathed, the light blush on his cheeks unable to be seen from May on the other side of his front yard.

"You too…" she smiled, giving him a small wave before crossing the road and disappearing behind her front door.

Drew smiled to himself, walking up his front steps and entering his own house. He had no idea what had just happened or what it would mean for them… but he was liking the feeling it had brought to him. He was worried he would never feel it again.

…..

Through the upstairs window, a confused Mr Hayden took in the view of his front yard. The top window was slightly ajar and he could only just make out the shadows of his son and the girl next door who seemed to be in a deep discussion.

He thought about moving from the window, but something told him the conversation was important, and considering he and Drew had just had a rather large fight, he found himself glued to his spot, taking in what they were discussing.

Listening to his son get upset about the threats he had thrown at him half an hour prior, had felt like a tonne of bricks, falling on the older man's shoulders. Did Drew really think his father had no faith in him? Did he not realise the reason he was so tough was because of the potential the boy possessed? With a regretful sigh, Robert took a step back from the window, May Maple's voice filling his ears; "You are in charge of your life… you— no one else." The strength of her voice had done it.

Unless he wanted to lose him, he needed to at least attempt to see things from Drew's perspective.

But Robert Hayden was a stubborn man… perhaps it was best to sleep on it.