Hey, everyone! I know I'd said this is a one shot, but after getting a couple messages about this, I decided I wanted to see a resolution to the plot, just as much as everyone else!

This chapter takes place during the events of DP191 – Memories Are Made of Bliss.

Enjoy! I'd love to hear your feedback!

A model.

She was going to be a model.

Could she have even dreamed of this, months ago?

A common Buneary – apart from that fantastic Ice Beam – hopping around Route 202. A feisty one, sure – one who always loved to show off. Usually, that came in the form of a fight. She hadn't too carefully considered showing off her beauty until, well…

Until that darling of a mouse caught her eye.

She instantly felt the urge to show off her charm, and maybe catch his eye. That could've been a fleeting romance – who knew? But, it couldn't hurt to try.

Indeed, it hadn't.

She'd met Pikachu, and Ash. She'd met Brock, and Piplup. Most importantly, she'd met Dawn. The girl who would change her life forever.

She'd found she quite liked the stage life. Hell, she was cute. Why shouldn't she let everyone else enjoy her talents? Why not enjoy them, herself? Pokemon Contests were a lot of fun.

Over the span of roughly a year, she and Dawn had come a long way. They'd made it to a Grand Festival, and passed the Appeal round with flying colors, with the help of their teammate, Cyndaquil. Dawn had made it to the finals.

Here she was now, with the offer to become a model – she had to keep repeating it, it sounded surreal – under a big name like Paris, no less. How thrilling! She had big things ahead of her!

It was funny, where life decided to take you sometimes, off one seemingly small decision.

…But, why did she feel like something was missing from this beautiful picture?

There was no reason to lie to herself. She knew why. That one seemingly small decision had been to follow him. The enduring object of her affections.

Her heart belonged to her career, and her team. But, a large part of her heart still belonged to him.

It was painfully frustrating – she still didn't have closure to that little dance of theirs. She'd chatter, she'd swoon, she'd nuzzle. Sometimes Pikachu would smile, others he'd look a bit uncomfortable – he didn't quite like public displays of affections, it seemed. If she was lucky, she'd see a cute streak of red cross his nose, about the same shade as his cheeks.

He'd occasionally reach out to her, and congratulate her. Praise her performances.

Then, one night, things were a little different.

He'd acted a lot like she tended to. Unnaturally so – it seemed too good to be true. It was too good to be true. He'd been imitating her.

She still recalled the fury she felt, in that moment. It subsided quickly – the whole thing had been a poorly thought-out venture by Pikachu and Piplup, to… get a better grasp on his own feelings, it seemed?

He was a genius as a leader, and as a battler. But, with his feelings, Buneary had to admit that he was pretty dim.

She didn't know how he felt about her, and there was an awfully good chance he didn't even know how he felt about her.

Was there a chance, for them? For a romance to blossom?

Sure, he was leaving today. But, it couldn't be forever. She believed in true love – it could overcome any distance. But, it's only true love if it's reciprocated, right?

It was then, that Buneary decided. She at least wanted to know.

She wouldn't find out, sitting cozy in her pokeball. By her own will, she popped out, materializing in a flash of light.

"Buneary!?" Dawn startled at her sudden appearance. They were back in her room. "What're you doing out, girl? We found Piplup – no need to worry about that!"

"Bun, Bun." She shook her head. She'd roughly overheard what was going on, from her ball. Piplup had thrown his fit, and was consoled. No one wanted to say goodbye. But, they'd all see each other again.

All the more reason to try.

"So, you know. Right – I forgot pokemon can sense what's going on from their Pokeballs, sometimes!" Dawn chuckled, her face taking on a light flush. Regaining her composure, she tilted her head. "Then, what's up? It's not like you to pop out of your Pokeball like that."

"Bun…" The rabbit hummed, crossing her paws over her chest. How to explain this? Dawn couldn't understand her, word for word. "Well…"

"You're sad they're leaving, too, aren't you?" Dawn gave a sad smile. One she often put on, when she didn't want to show her vulnerability. She crouched beside Buneary, petting her head. "I know. But, it'll be okay. No need to worry!"

"I know," Buneary would nod. "It's just… I've got something I want to do, first!"

"Hm?" The girl furrowed her brows in thought.

She sighed. Suddenly having an idea, she uncurled her ear, bending both of them inward, to form a heart.

"…Oh!" Dawn's mouth took on an 'o' shape. "I get it, now! This is about Pikachu!"

"Bingo!" Elated, Buneary nodded her head furiously.

"That does stink, that you won't see him for a while… but, I think I understand. You want to at least give it a shot, don't ya?"

"You got it!" Buneary hopped on her nimble feet, punching the air. "I have to try!"

Dawn smiled, winking to her companion. "Well, if that's what you want, I'm behind you – go get 'im, girl!"

"I feel lonely, too. Pikachu doesn't want to say goodbye, either."

Pikachu groaned, shaking his head. Dawn's words had been recycling through his mind for the past hour, like one of Team Rocket's schemes that seemed to persist through the day. It was just as annoying.

Arguably more painful, even.

He'd thought himself composed, after many years of traveling. He's said his goodbyes to friends, before. He always knew they'd reunite. Why would this time be any different? He was an adult.

But, in his own hysteria, Piplup had broken down the banks that he seemed to be forcefully holding up.

He didn't want this family to separate, either. He really loved traveling as a group. He loved the many friends he'd made. He loved waking up each day, to whatever exciting thing they'd come across, or whatever nonsense his teammates would drum up.

Goodbyes never really got any easier.

He hopped up to the guest bed he and Ash had been generously lent, grabbing the side. He kicked his feet furiously, pulling his weight over the side. Flopping down on the mattress, he sighed.

They'd had a wonderful adventure. Somehow, he felt something was unfulfilled.

But, what?

Was it the league? Maybe. Their performance had been great – their best, yet!

But, losing the fourth league in a row was a little bit depressing.

…But, that didn't make him feel empty. He'd done his best, and he could try again.

He'd had plenty of time in Sinnoh. He'd seen all sorts of people and pokemon, experiencing a myriad of natural and manmade wonder. He'd seen the entire region.

So, that was out.

"…Pika!"

He sat upright, suddenly. He remembered, now.

That night at Lily of the Valley!

When he'd made an absolute fool of himself, and thrown Buneary for a loop. He swore to himself, that night, that he'd make it up to her eventually. He said he'd follow up on that talk, soon.

Well, today was the last day that could qualify for 'soon.'

"Pikachu? What's up, buddy?" Ash woke the mouse up from his inner monologue. He was busy packing his bag. "You've been spacing out and sighing a lot, since we got back. Are the split-up blues hitting you, too?"

"Well… kind of." He shrugged. That wasn't exactly the issue.

"If not that, then what's wrong?" Ash cocked a brow.

Great. How was Ash, of all people, supposed to understand this issue? Even if he could understand him, to the letter, he'd still probably be clueless.

"Pikachu, you know you can tell me anything," Ash continued. "Whatever it is, I don't want to leave you hanging."

Pikachu smiled softly. Ash always did his best. He could at least honor that, and try. "It's not that we're leaving… there's just something I have to do, first," Pikachu mimed as he spoke, patting a fist into his other open paw.

"You… want to do something?" Ash tilted his head.

He nodded, then placed a paw over his heart.

"…You have heartburn?"

"Ugh!" Pikachu collapsed, face-first. "Not quite…"

"Then, what?"

"I just… have these feelings," Pikachu spoke, gesturing to himself, "that I want to make sense of, and get out in the open!" He'd throw his arms out in front of him.

Ash hummed quietly, but didn't speak.

…Oh! Duh.

He stood up, puffing up the fluff around his torso, down to his feet, and curled one ear inward, letting the other stand up. Stretching his face into one suiting a rabbit, more than a mouse, he did his best imitation. "Pika-chu!'

"…That looks like Buneary!" Ash snapped his fingers, his face lighting up.

"Exactly!" Pikachu let the imitation go, nodding his head. He then made a heart with his little fingers, holding it up to Ash.

The trainer squinted. "A heart… huh… oh, I get it!"

Pikachu gawked. Did Ash really understand!?

"Everyone always said that Buneary has a crush on you, right!? Is that what this is about?"

"Yes! Exactly – well, close enough!" Beaming, Pikachu nodded his head furiously. Just in case Ash decided to be extra dense, today.

"So it's about her crush… and we're leaving today – you're worried she'll be sad when you leave?"

Pikachu rolled his shoulders. "…Kind of. But, that's not the whole story."

"She took the news pretty well, didn't she? I'm sure she'll miss you, but she has her career, right? You'll see each other again," Ash reasoned, "so I'm sure she won't be too upset! I think you're worrying too much."

Pikachu sighed heavily. So close, yet so far.

But, if they'd made it halfway…

"…If it's not just that…" Ash was staring at Pikachu. Hard.

What in the world was he thinking!?

"Ah!" Ash shouted, loud enough to make Pikachu fall on his rear. Arceus, he was loud, sometimes.

A finger was pointed in Pikachu's face, and Ash was gawking at him. "Are you saying you have a crush on her, too!?"

"Not so loud!" Pikachu hissed, holding a finger in front of his mouth to shush Ash. Fiddling with his paws, he shrugged. "I'm not sure. That's what's bugging me. I want to give her an answer!"

"It looks like… you're not sure? I don't know, bud, these things usually go right over my head." Ash frowned. "I wish I knew how to help you out."

Huh. So Ash was self-aware. Good to know.

"But, still." Ash slapped his palms down on his knees.

Pikachu cocked his head.

"Whether I get that or not, I do know one thing – that nothing in life is worth approaching half-hearted!" Looking awfully determined all of the sudden, Ash smiled, pounding a fist into an open palm. "If we go home without doing anything about that, you'll probably be disappointed, right? It'd be like if we went to a new region, and didn't get our eighth badge?"

Pikachu nodded. He was… surprisingly on the money.

"Then, that settles it. The only solution is to give this everything you've got! You owe it to yourself to do something about it – and I'd say you owe it to Buneary, too!"

"You don't know how right you are." Pikachu rubbed the back of his head, suddenly feeling awfully sheepish.

"Listen, buddy." Ash crouched down before the bed, so he was eye-level with Pikachu. "I don't know a lot about these things. But, I do know that, as your best friend, I want you to be happy." Beaming, Ash winked. "So, you do whatever it is you need to do, okay? And, don't have any doubts!"

Pikachu felt a welcome warmth fill his heart. He couldn't keep himself from smiling. "Thank you, Ash!" He couldn't stop himself from throwing his body into his trainer's arms, hugging him to the best of his ability. "I can always count on you."

Ash's advice wasn't anything elaborate, or down-to-the-detail. It didn't tell him exactly what he felt.

Somehow, though, he felt a lot more confident.

He felt Ash embrace him, before setting him back down. "Now, why don't you go talk to her? I'm feeling kinda hungry, so I'm hoping Johanna has lunch ready," he chuckled.

Pikachu shook his head with a snort. Typical Ash. "Sounds good."

"Do your best." Ash held a fist out.

"You got it!" Pikachu grinned, bumping his paw against Ash's fist.

He exhaled. Now, it was time for the real challenge.

Down the hall, Buneary emerged from Dawn's bedroom, hopping along in search of her mouse.

At just about the same time, a yellow, slightly rotund rodent exited Ash's room. Pikachu stomped down the hall. Buneary was probably in Dawn's room, right? He'd just walk over there, get her pokeball, and-

"Pikachu!"

"Buneary!"

The two came to a sudden halt, pointing at one another.

Each hesitated, admittedly stunned.

"I was looking for you-"

Again, they'd parroted each other.

"Can we talk?"

The normal type and electric type studied one another, each tilting their heads.

Were this a cartoon, this would be about that moment where they started mimicking each other, to check if they were merely looking at their own reflection.

But, this wasn't a cartoon. How ridiculous would that be?

"You first!"

They'd done it again!

"Maybe we should find somewhere more private?" Pikachu finally got the first word. "We look a little silly, doing this in the middle of the hallway." Laughing nervously, he rubbed the back of his head. He was already sweating.

"Yeah, I guess we do!" Buneary laughed, kicking at the polished floor. "Where to?"

"I'd definitely like to avoid a repeat," Pikachu whistled. He hoped he didn't need to be more specific.

"…Agreed."

Thank Arceus.

"Well, Ash went downstairs." Pikachu gestured his thumb towards the guest room.

Not the most romantic of places, Buneary mused. But, it did have a window view, at least. She'd bite. "Yeah, sure." Following Pikachu, she hopped along.

Pikachu entered first, leaving the door ajar, until Buneary hopped through. Wanting to avoid more snooping, he nudged the door most of the way shut with his tail.

"What a gentleman," Buneary cooed.

Sheesh. There was that odd feeling in the pit of his stomach again. "You're exaggerating," he chuckled.

Buneary studied him. That was a bit looser of a reaction than usual.

Pikachu scurried over to the bed, hopping atop it. "If we're going to be talking, should probably take a seat," he offered, patting the spot beside him.

Buneary beamed. The spot beside him!? This had to be a good thing, didn't it? "Y-yeah! Definitely." Hopping up with ease, she sat down beside Pikachu.

There was a bit of space between them – a gap that neither dared to close. Their feet hung over the bedside, absently kicking. It felt as if all the oxygen had suddenly been sucked out of the room.

Pikachu was battling a pounding heart. He wondered how much more severely Buneary ached.

…Maybe she should get to express herself, this time. "…You wanna go first?" Pikachu's voice cracked.

"Thank you." Buneary sharply inhaled, then exhaled. "This is gonna sound silly, but… I wanna hear it right from you. You know how I feel about you, right?"

"I do, yeah." That was an easy question. At least, it was now. His denial had withered, long ago.

"Okay, good." Buneary avoided eye contact, for the moment. "I l… I like you a lot." She decided against using the 'L' word. That might frighten him. She couldn't afford any more lost time. "I know I act a fool, when I'm around you. Get up in your face, and say all sorts of goofy things…" She pulled her fluff up, covering her mouth. "I know it makes you nervous-"

"Listen, Buneary-"

She stopped.

Pikachu suddenly felt meek. He shouldn't have interrupted. "Sorry, you finish."

"No, no. I'm just spillin' stuff you already know. If you got somethin' to say, I wanna hear it."

"Right." Pikachu nodded, twiddling his thumbs. "It does make me nervous," he admitted. "But, it's not like I hate it or anything. It's just… it's embarrassing. Not of you!" He rushed to clarify. "I'm embarrassed. It makes me feel funny. Especially when it's in front of everyone…"

"You're not the only one who feels shy, y'know."

Pikachu turned towards Buneary. "I'm not?"

"Of course not!" Buneary balled her fists. "Goin' out of my way, to shoot my shot, all the time… it's nerve-racking, Pikachu! I can't help being a little afraid…"

Pikachu absently drew lines in the bedsheets. This was awfully uncomfortable. She really felt like that, the entire time? "What were you so afraid of? You didn't do anything wrong."

"Y'sure? Because, sometimes it feels like you're gonna shoot me down!" Buneary shouted, gripping her fluff. Her lip started to quiver, before she rushed to cover it with her cottony fluff.

Pikachu felt like his heart was caught in his throat. He wanted to say something – but, his mind was blank. It only fed him shame.

"Look, I'm a big girl. If you don't like me that way, I'll…" Sniffling, she wiped her eyes. "I'll manage. I don't wanna make my problems yours. But…"

Pikachu's mouth felt terribly dry. He could only squeak out "but, what?"

"But, you're gonna be gone by the end of the day, and I want to know!" She shouted in his face, her voice hoarse. "I don't want to start my career with any regrets. I want to know whether to move on, or not! So, the…" She sniffled. "t..the least you can do, after all that junk… the least you can do is tell me what's on your mind, Pikachu."

…Arceus, she had been holding this in. Pikachu painfully acknowledged that Piplup had been right, all along. The fact that she'd caused her this much pain… over his own cowardice, no less. He hated it.

"You're right," he squeaked out. "You deserve an answer. Especially after… that. The league's over. I said, we'd talk later, and that's what we're going to do."

Buneary was silent, retracting to kicking her feet again. He had to wonder whether she was fearing the worst.

He felt the overwhelming urge to kick those feelings like a bad habit. To do anything he could to console her. To apologize to her.

Ash's advice rung in his ears. Nothing was worth approaching, half-hearted.

"That day… I really owe you a full explanation. I could barely focus on the battle with Paul, that night. You… the way you act with me… it had my head all-over the place, and mixed up. When you act like that… you're not annoying me. It's… actually pretty nice."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw, Buneary peek up from her fluff.

"It just… ties my stomach in knots. I don't know what to say – what to think! It's kind of overwhelming. I actually… Piplup, you know, said that whatever I'm feeling has to be bothering you ten times as much. To tell you the truth… when he said that, I didn't want to let that linger. I wanted to figure it out, there and then!"

"Y'were really thinking of me, huh…" She fiddled with her paws. "You should've just said that."

"Yeah," he agreed, shamefully. He couldn't make eye contact, then. He'd acted like a total moron. "I'm sorry I messed with you… I really hope, one day, I can make that up to you."

'You can,' his own internal monologue shouted at him. 'Right now.'

"…I feel that way a lot. You make my mind go blank, when you do all those things. I never know what to say! On the other hand, though…" His heart hammered in his chest, anticipating what would come next. His face felt incredibly warm. It was probably red as could be.

"…It makes me feel good. It makes me feel confident. Like, you have all the faith in the world in me… for whatever I did."

"Whatever you did," she parroted. "You've done plenty! Just by… just by being you. When you're not tugging this girl's heartstrings… you make her feel awfully great. You've got all that kindness, all that confidence, and charisma… this is gonna sound embarrassing, but it makes my heart go wild!"

If he hadn't been red before, he definitely was, now. So, that was how he made her feel?

"I just… I just wish I could see all those things, just the same, just…" Buneary's voice quieted to a whisper.

"…I wish I could see those come back to me."

Oh.

Oh.

"…Gosh, Buneary." Pikachu scolded himself immediately – what a stupid answer.

Time to give this all he had.

The sadness in those ordinarily exuberant brown eyes was something he never wanted to see.

"Then, maybe it's time I start giving them to you."

She slowly lowered her fluff. Were her ears working right? They usually did.

"…Pardon?"

"I don't know these things, Buneary… honestly, you're the first person who's ever acted this way with me. I've never known what to make of it."

Now, that brought a few puzzle pieces into place. She supposed it wasn't entirely fair to hold it against him, for having absolutely no experience.

"…But, I know that I enjoy your company. I know that I want to see you happy. Earlier, after Piplup was taken care of… I thought about that night. I thought about you being left hanging. That hurt. I had to come talk to you, and make sure you were okay…"

That really should tell him everything he needed to know.

She swallowed heavily, clutching her fluff. "Pikachu…" Where was he going with this? It couldn't be what she thought it was?

"When you give me attention… at least when it's not in front of everyone, it makes my head spin. It makes me feel… good." Turning to his friend, he continued. "I need to ask you a quick favor."

Her breath hitched in her throat. "What is it?"

"The way you feel about me… I mean, what I've been saying, just now – does that sound like how you feel?"

Buneary suddenly found she couldn't stop herself from smiling. Smiling like an idiot, even. "You dope."

Pikachu recoiled in offense. "Hey, I'm trying hard, here!"

"You're trying too hard, doofus. Everything you said – you've had your answer, all along!"

"…I have?" He tilted his head. "I'm not following."

"Stop me if I'm being cocky, but…" She quickly patted out her fluff, grooming and adjusting her ear on the spot, to look her best. Putting on the smuggest smile she could manage, she leaned into Pikachu's personal space. "Sounds like you've liked me, all along~" For added effect, she batted her eyelashes.

Was she right? Please let her be right. Her heart was screaming.

Pikachu tensed, leaning back just a bit. She was barely an inch from his face, staring right at him. His heart was pounding, like a Close Combat. This awfully intense, dizzying feeling… His eyes widened.

"…Oh my Mew, you're right!"

"Really!?" Buneary squealed, leaning further towards his face. Her eyes were glimmering with absolute joy.

"Really!" Pikachu nodded his head, turning to lean back a little more. She was getting awfully close. But, he couldn't keep himself from smiling!

"Really, really!?"

"Really, really, really!" He was leaning back against the mattress, at this point, but her face wasn't getting any further away. Despite his reflexes, he didn't really mind. He was laughing.

He'd finally made sense of this!

"AH!"

An ear-splitting shout startled them both.

"Arceus, that is adorable!" Dawn squealed, standing in the doorway. She seemed to catch the mortified look on both of their faces, forcing a polite smile. "Sorry for intruding – I just thought I'd let you guys know that Cynthia's match'll be on, soon! I'll leave you alone!" With that, the coordinator was gone.

A tense silence followed. Both pokemon tumbled onto their backs, perpendicular to one another.

"…Buneary, can I borrow your fluff?"

"…Eh?" She sat up. "Why?"

"Because I think I'd like to hide my face for the next ten years." Still brick-red, Pikachu covered his eyes in shame. He perked up, suddenly. "Not to give the wrong idea-"

"No, no," Buneary stopped him, "that was pretty awkward."

"No kidding." Pikachu sighed, and let his arms fall to his side. Staring at the ceiling, he let his mind wander, for a moment. "…Wow, I'm dumb."

"You said it, not me," Buneary teased.

"Okay, rude." Pikachu pouted, feigning hurt.

Buneary chuckled, and stuck her tongue out. Now, this was good. This felt natural.

"I can't believe it took us until now to figure that out…" The mouse sat up, rubbing the back of his head. "I wish I could make all that lost time up to you."

"Hmmm…" Buneary cupped her paw under her chin. "I think I could think of a way…"

Pikachu cocked his head. "Oh? Do tell."

Buneary sat up, just enough to pose dramatically, leaning back with a paw in the air. "Tell me what ya like about me!"

Pikachu flushed. That… was a pretty reasonable request, actually. But, where would he start? "Alright! Well… ummmm…" She had a million good qualities, didn't she?

Eager, Buneary sat up, leaning forward with her paws in her lap. What did Pikachu like about her? What'd hooked his fancy before he'd even known it!?

"Well, I've always admired your strength!" Pikachu chirped.

"My strength?" Buneary giggled, flexing her ears. "Coming from the guy who just went head-to-head with a legendary?"

"Well, yeah! Even when we first met, you put the moves on Piplup. And, then you helped me fend off Team Rocket! I was already impressed, that day."

"Gosh…" Buneary fiddled with her paws, smiling from ear-to-ear. "To think I could've been wooing you that way, all this time."

"I guess you already were." Pikachu sat up, scooting towards Buneary. This was fun, when he wasn't putting on an act. "Your personality's a big plus, too. You've got a cute way about you, but at the same time, you're real… rough-and-tumble, I guess?" Embarrassed, he averted his eyes. "You're really down-to-earth, too. You're easy to talk to, when I'm not tongue-tied."

"Look at you! Man's got a way with words," Buneary cooed, nudging Pikachu's side with her elbow. "Is this what happens when I'm not all over ya?"

"Hm…" Pikachu hummed, crossing his arms. "I'm alright with that, when it's just us."

"In that case…" Buneary sighed dreamily, resting her head against Pikachu's.

Acting on instinct, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

Her fluff really did feel nice, up against him. The way her ear coiled around his was pleasant, too.

"…It's a shame we can't do this longer." Pikachu frowned. "I'm starting to like it."

"You and your excellent timing," she teased. When she saw the guilt on his face, she pat his shoulder. "Hey, I'm kidding! Really… I guess we'll both just have to be patient, huh?"

"Yeah, guess so." Pikachu figured he could do that. He really wished he'd gotten to this point sooner, though.

"Really, don't feel bad. If I'm guaranteed to have you… any wait is worth it. I'll get to wake up, every day, knowing that you're in my future." Buneary pulled her fluff over her face. "Gosh, that sounds corny…"

"It's sweet, though!" Pikachu chirped. Turning away, he offered his tail. "Then, one day, when we meet up again, we'll be a thing. Wanna shake on it?"

"Darling," Buneary smirked, taking a hold of Pikachu's tail. "We're already a thing."

"Works for me!" Pikachu chuckled, completing the shake.

"Good luck with your adventures!" Buneary cooed. "You'll be the strongest, in no time!"

"Thanks." Pikachu turned her way, rubbing the back of his head. "Good luck with your modeling! You'll be on all the cover pages!"

"You flaterrer," she giggled, playfully shoving Pikachu. She went quiet, holding a paw to her chin.

Curious, Pikachu tilted his head.

"Tailshakes are nice, but I've got somethin' better, to send you off."

Pikachu lowered a brow, puzzled. "What's tha-"

Buneary's pink nose brushed over his, as she gave the meekest peck on the mouth. Each of them felt their heart skip a beat or two.

Pikachu sat up, frozen. Some people said that, if you kissed the right person, you'd feel fireworks going off in your head.

He was pretty sure he felt an Electrode's Explosion go off.

Buneary giggled wildly, covering her face with her fluff, before hopping off the bed, towards the door. At the threshold, she turned to wink at the mouse. "See you, hot stuff!"

Euphoric, giggly, and full of pride, she was content to hop off.

Pikachu, however, was left sitting in the same spot, in a daze.

"Pikachu!"

"Huh!?" He startled, snapping back to reality. Ash stood at the doorway.

"Come on, the match is about to start! You won't wanna miss it." The trainer winked, offering his arm.

"Right!" Elated, Pikachu sprinted towards Ash, leaping onto his shoulder to giddily nuzzle his cheek.

"Hahaha, hey!" The trainer laughed, his hat and hair disheveled. "You're giving me static, there."

"Sorry," Pikachu sheepishly smiled.

"So," Ash resumed, whispering to his partner as they neared the stairs. "How'd it go?"

"Perfect!" Pikachu chanted proudly, pumping a fist.

"That's what I like to hear!" Ash grinned. "Now, you can focus on what's ahead of us. Good job, buddy!" He was already rushing down the stairs, desperate to catch the beginning of the Champion's League title match.

"Thanks, Ash! You've got it!" Pikachu laughed, clinging to his best friend's shoulder, hoping to avoid another crash landing.

Yeah, he could work with this. Now, he could go and see the world, and head out on more adventures, on their quest to become Pokemon Master. His heart was free of doubts and reservations.

One day, they'd see Dawn again. He and Buneary would have their shot at being together, then.

He'd decided he liked that idea.

Until that day, he could keep his eyes on the road ahead.

Up in Dawn's room, she stood in front of a long vanity mirror, flexing, cycling through a variety of poses.

Yeah, she'd make a pretty good model. She was a looker!

"Well, Bun," she spoke aloud, striking a dramatic pose, winking, with one arm raised.

"You did it!"