Hi everyone,
Sorry for the wait, but here's an update, hope you like it!
Chapter 31'That was an impressive battle, May,' Iris beamed at her friend, who flushed darkly at the compliment, much to Dawn's amusement. The Sinnoh woman nudged May suggestively, though the Johto woman only sent her a sheepish grin in response.
'What are you looking so shamefaced like a Mareep for? I'm being serious, you know!' Iris scowled before crossing her arms and muttering about May being 'like a kid.'
'Oh Iris, you know I don't mean to be rude, or like a kid. Thank you, though, you honestly flatter me far too much. Besides, I have my pokémon to thank for it,' May flushed as she saw her other friend's grin.
'She's always so modest whenever anyone compliments her! Isn't she just adorable?' Brendan teased, pinching May's cheek painfully as he pulled her into his chest in a slight hug.
'Brendan!' May muttered as Mr Goodshow Junior beamed at her, 'and she deserves every one of those compliments! Wattson had nothing on her!'
Hearing this, May flushed darker, pouting at her friends as they giggled at her, appearing mostly oblivious as the gym leader and his Aid joined their little group.
'Tell me, May, will you be visiting anyone while you're here?' Wattson questioned as he and Watt met them in the front of the gym. The man was obviously alluding to her father, though May wasn't certain she could bring herself to face him.
'I'm not too sure,' May grimaced, poking her fingers together awkwardly. She didn't know if she could handle seeing her parents, knowing just how they'd worry about her being so far from Petalburg. The company of Brendan, Iris and Dawn would do next to nothing to appease their concerns, either, especially with the rumours of Brawly circulating BuzzNav. If her father heard, she knew it would just affect his recovery, especially with how worked up he could be over protecting her. She'd always been his starter pokémon, and he always did his best to support and nurture her and Max.
Yes, she'd definitely gotten herself into a fine mess again, and she wasn't at all sure about how to resolve it. She wasn't at all like Ash, who blindly pushed his way on, testing the realms of possibilities. No, she needed to think and be more rational, and that meant heading into battle when she was ready.
'I suggest you stop by, May. You know that your mother has been worrying about you,' Watt whispered in her ear, though May could only shake her head in response. She didn't want them to get any ideas, especially since her parents could put words in her mouth when males were involved.
'I'm sorry, Watt, Wattson, but I think I should return to Petalburg. I haven't had much of a chance to be at home lately, as I've been running quite a few errands. I promise I'll try to come back soon,' May smiled, though she knew it fell flat when the man blinked at her in response.
With a sad smile, she led her friends away, feeling the disappointment of her colleagues as she left them behind.
'Hey, wait for us!' Iris scowled as May walked ahead, her mind reeling with guilt.
'But I want to go shopping!' Dawn pouted, scrambling after them.
'Then go, neither of us will stop you. In fact, I think it's best you stayed away from May for a while. She has a lot going on and I don't want her wasting her few moments of relief with worrying about whether or not you're enjoying Hoenn,' Brendan scowled back, rushing after his childhood friend as Dawn and Iris glared at his retreating back.
Hope you liked the update, I'll update again ASAP, though I will be heading overseas for a bit. Please do let me know what you think of the story so far, any feedback would be very much appreciated :)