3 Days

by MagCat

AU: Paul Andreas took his life for granted; everything he had he deserved. Then, when one night sends his life into chaos, will he use the chance given to him to change it for the better?

2. Day One

"…": Characters talking

'…': Characters thinking to themselves

(…): Extra facts about the story/inner thoughts

A/N Notes: Graduate school is a pain in the ass, and is making writing and updating very difficult. Thesis is not helping either… Anyway. As mentioned earlier, the story's divided up into the days that Paul will be experiencing, hence the chapter titles. Enjoy!

Chapter 2:Day One

Room #43, Pokémon Center, Eterna City, Sinnoh Region, 21 December 2010, 11:45 PM

Paul's eyes snapped open and his movements, jerky as they were caused him to fall out of the single bed, covers wrapped around his frame awkwardly. Barry, from the other side of the room grunted and turned in his sleep, light snores soon overtaking the silence.

'What, what the hell?' Paul thought as he untangled himself, cursing at his clumsiness, an uncommon action. Glancing around, he was struck with the sense that he'd been in this exact room before; the painting of a Gallade and Gardevoir in a meadow met his eyes, as did the slightly dented clock, which took up a spot of honor above the sole desk. Next to his bed was a nightstand, a Pokébelt with eight slots reclining silently, eight types of Pokéballs resting in their place. Clothes were folded neatly on a chair a few feet away (Barry's were strewn all over the place without a care in the world), and his backpack hung over said chair as well, the edge of his laptop sticking out.

'Why is this so familiar?' Paul thought for a moment before his mind caught up with the present and his eyes widened. 'Dawn, the accident, that ass of a driver… her death. The locksmith, no, Celebi… was it true?' Scrambling for his backpack he dug around inside, searching desperately for his Pokégear, breathing a sigh of relief as he found it. Flipping it open, he ignored the flashing signal stating that he had five Voicemails and hit the button that would open his calendar. His breath caught.

'December 21, 2010… so it was true. I'm in the past. That means that Dawn… she's alive.' His heart began to beat furiously. 'She's alive, sleeping back in Veilstone, safe.' Snapping the Pokégear closed he sat at the edge of his bed, burying his face in his hands. His shoulders silently shook. 'She's safe.'

After taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Paul breathed deeply and began thinking. 'Okay, so I'm in the past. I have three days to prove that I love her… but if I come out and tell her what's going on she'll think I'm insane.' He grimaced. 'Yeah, not the way to go.' His mind willingly supplied him with memories of an incident when Gary Oak, while celebrating Ash Ketchum's birthday had embarrassed his then-girlfriend Misty Waterflower and, when confronted had tried to blame it on the alcohol and the insanity that resulted from it. Needless to say, Misty hadn't been pleased, and to this day Gary willingly abstained from any kind of alcohol unless forced; no way was he going to get near it to get the bright idea to use it as an excuse for some action of his ever again.

He snorted. 'Okay, I've got three damn days, at least according to Celebi. That means that I probably should head back to Veilstone and spend them with Dawn.' He suddenly remembered the voicemails he'd glimpsed earlier and, flipping open his Pokégear silently listened, smirking at the ideas that popped into his head.

'Perfect. Let's see… Day One: Arrive home early, head out to the contest in Hearthome that I remember Dawn lamenting that she wished to enter but couldn't get there in time, then dinner at Chez Plume. Day Two: Head out to Oak's Christmas Party in Pallet Town that I'm sure she bitched about how we were going to miss it about two weeks ago when the invitation came.' Paul winced; no way was he interested in heading to Oak's thrice-damned Christmas Party (he knew that Oak himself wasn't a big fan; it was his wife who hosted them, and really, on the premise of keeping up old and new friendships… bah humbug!

'Then, hmm, what to do on Day Three?' Paul's mind registered the urgent need to keep Dawn away from Veilstone City on Christmas Eve, despite the fact that he knew she'd be pissed at him. 'I can deal with a pissed-off Dawn as long as she's alive.'

'I'll wing Day Three.' Paul flipped the Pokégear closed once again and, satisfied that he had a plan in place drifted into a light sleep, a smirk gracing his face.

Of course, no one likes to be woken up two hours later by a hyped up, blonde-haired idiot who's tossing paper balls at his face.

"What?" Paul snarled eyes flashing. Barry merely smirked.

"Call for you," he stated nonchalantly looking annoying awake at almost two in the morning.

Growling under his breath, Paul stalked over to his laptop (he could have sworn that it was in his backpack before…) and sat down in the desk chair, arranging his features so that his face held his usual stoic expression. "Andreas."

"Agent Andreas, Head Commander Thorn has requested that you and Agent Rowan accept the following mission." An automated voice reported the case details and Paul realized with a shock that it was the case in Canalave City. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see that Barry was sulking, sure that he was going to accept it, which meant that he would have to miss yet another Christmas with his father and uncle in Twinleaf. Paul inwardly smirked; maybe he could cause chaos as well as saving his wife.

"Request 45987 for Agents Andreas and Rowan," Paul commanded and he smirked when Barry's jaw dropped.

The automated voice processed the command and responded almost instantly, "Stored vacation time totaled at 4 months, 3 weeks, 2 days."

"Excellent." Paul paused to gather his words then plowed ahead, "Please give our regards to Head Commander Thorn upon informing him that we refuse this mission in favor of taking some of our stored vacation time for time with our families and friends." He stopped to allow the computer program to record his words before continuing, "We recommend that Agents Ikushi and Izumi be sent in our stead for practical experience and the fact that based upon current evidence this mission is below us."

'There,' Paul thought smugly. 'That should convince Thorn that we're only refusing because this mission is below us, and Arceus above it really is… not that anyone but me knows this.'

There was no reply from the computer for a moment, during which Paul was positive Barry was praying for the request to be accepted. He really, really did not want to go to Canalave City over Christmas.

"Processing… Head Commander Thorn has logged onto the network. Processing… Head Commander Thorn is contemplating request… has accepted reasoning and has asked to talk with Agents Andreas and Rowan." Paul cursed in his head at this development; damn it, why couldn't he accept it without question?

Soon enough, a blurred image of Head Commander Lance Thorn appeared onscreen, looking a bit too awake for Paul's liking (then again, Kanto was ahead of Sinnoh by at least five hours, placing Thorn at the nice time of seven in the morning, not two). "Paul, Barry. Mind telling me in your own words why you've refused a mission?" The former Champion of the Kanto and Johto Leagues sounded and looked amused that his two best agents (well, two of his best agents, as Ash had more field experience and had been operating incognito since his time in Johto years ago) had requested time off, especially Paul, who never asked for anything.

"I just feel like I need a break, Commander," Paul answered truthfully crossing his arms across his chest. "Not to mention that I'm needed back in Veilstone; my brother has called and requested my aid." Barry was mouthing something about how he was sure Reggie hadn't called, and if he had, why hadn't he heard Paul bitching about him while on their last mission, which had ended a mere twenty-four hours before.

Lance considered this before nodding and responding, "Very well. You two are awarded two weeks of vacation time during which you shall only be contacted in case of global meltdown." He smirked before adding, "In addition, you must attend the party in Pallet Town, Kanto Region as a consequence of refusing this mission. Capice?"

Paul growled before curtly nodding, Barry copying him. 'Perfect. This is the perfect excuse to attend Oak's damn party without raising Dawn's suspicions.'

Lance raised an eyebrow at Paul's agreement and debated on whether or not to ask him why (for that matter, Barry did as well) before shrugging and ending his conversation with the two agents. "You know the rules for attendance, so be on your best behavior." The Dragon Master smirked before nodding and signing off.

As Paul shut the laptop down, he knew that Barry was wondering just what the hell was wrong with him.

"What the hell's wrong with you?" Barry demanded and Paul gave himself a point. "Since when have you turned down a mission, and especially on a holiday that you yourself have proclaimed is stupid?"

Paul sighed. "Look. It's not my choice, okay? Reggie needs me home, and in case you're wondering when he contacted me there was a text about two hours ago that was damn urgent. I told him that I'd fly back early in the morning, which is why I had to turn down the mission."

Barry, though, was like a Snubbull with a bone; he wouldn't give up. "Ok, but really, what's the reason? When Reggie contacted you about a trainer's out-of-control Shiftry and Bronzong, you told him that he could handle it. What's different now?"

Paul inwardly cringed. Damn, he had said that, hadn't he? 'Think fast… ah.'

"He said something about a herd of Tauros that aren't behaving well, and the trainer's denying all accusations that he's deliberately provoking them into damaging the business even though Reggie's got evidence." Barry's face wasn't as accusative anymore, but Paul knew that he wasn't convinced. "Look, if I get Reggie to talk to you, would that get you off my back?"

"Yeah. I guess," Barry replied and Paul snorted not particularly pleased that his usually nonchalant and hyper partner was all of a sudden too damn curious for his own good.

"Fine. Call about noon tomorrow and you'll get him. That's when he's home from his round of errands." Barry slowly nodded as he watched his partner stalk back to bed and set his alarm. "I'm leaving in about two hours, so I'll be gone when you wake up. Good night."

As Paul drifted off to sleep, pleased that phase one was successful he gritted his teeth when Barry cheekily amended his previous statement. "You mean good morning." He chucked a pillow at him.

En Route to Veilstone City, Sinnoh Region, 22 December 2010, 7:30 AM

As Paul and Honchkrow flew over Hearthome City, he couldn't help but let his mind wonder. 'She's alive, safe, and if I can get there and back in time, she'll be here to register by 10 AM. She'll have fun, I'll be there in the audience cheering her on and that alone should mean something considering how I never come to these things voluntarily.'

Grimacing at the large crowds he was going to be forced to wade through to even find a decent seat in the Hearthome Contest Hall he continually reassured himself that he was doing the right thing. 'This is definitely a good sign, a good start.'

As Honchkrow cleared the city limits, Paul's eyes narrowed as he passed over the Solaceon Town Ruins. 'Almost there… why the hell am I so anxious to see with my own two eyes that she's okay?'

After another half-hour's worth of travel, a tired Honchkrow gently touched down on the back lawn of Reggie's Breeding Center. Looking around, Paul couldn't help but shiver at the fact that he had unconsciously landed where he had that time he'd come back from Canalave City… damn, why the hell had he done that?

Recalling his exhausted avian, Paul scoffed at the pair of Nidoran nuzzling each other a few feet away from him. "Rookie trainer's latest acquisitions, no doubt."

"Reg, you here?" Paul called not registering that he'd used a nickname for his brother that had rested in storage for years. A few minutes later, a curious Reggie poked his head out from a glass greenhouse, where various Grass-types made their (temporary) homes.

"'Reg'? Haven't heard that in a long time," Reggie commented lightly smiling at his younger brother. "Is there some occasion I forgot about?"

Paul cursed his absentmindedness before shooting back, "Slip of the tongue." Tossing Honchkrow's Pokéball at his brother he continued, "I need both Staraptor and Pidgeot, stat."

Reggie caught the ball easily and motioned for his brother to follow him. "Is there a reason? I thought that you and Barry weren't done with your mission until tomorrow."

"Caught the thieves early through their own stupidity." Paul grabbed an apple from a basket on the table and, biting into it continued, "Got vacation time from Thorn until the New Year as long as we attend Oak's party."

Reggie smirked as he withdrew his brother's other two Flying-types. He knew that Paul was likely cursing Lance Thorn's name for forcing the party onto him. "I see." Handing the balls over, he tilted his head and asked, "Any reason that you need both Pidgeot and Staraptor?"

Paul stared before scoffing and replying, "Dawn wants to attend some stupid contest in Hearthome."

"You're going?" Reggie's raised eyebrow gave away his thoughts on this subject.

Paul snorted. "Not like I have a choice. Blackmail." With that, Paul tossed the apple core into the garbage and, walking back outside lifted a hand in farewell, not bothering to catch nor answer Reggie's last minute question as to whether or not he and Dawn were coming for Christmas dinner.

Andreas Residence, Veilstone City, Sinnoh Region, 22 December 2010, 8:20 AM

Dawn felt something lightly brush against her face and, reacting as she was wont to burrowed further underneath the covers. A moment of silence was then followed by the sudden intrusion of cold air.

"What the," Dawn began but when she sat up her eyes popped wide open. "Paul!" She leapt at her husband, his arms wrapping around her automatically. "You're home early! Did your mission go well?"

Paul didn't reply instantly, too focused on reassuring himself that his wife was, indeed, alive and in his arms. After a moment, he replied, "Hmph. Idiots made it too easy to catch them. Releasing her he added, "Surprise."

Dawn's grin stretched a mile wide then slightly dimmed as she thought of something. "How long are you here for?"

Paul smirked. "Until after New Years on the condition that I go to Oak's party tomorrow." He looked at her sideways. "Interested by chance?" Dawn's face lit up as he suspected it might and before she moved he grabbed her hand and placed something in it.

"What's this?"

"One entrance pass to the Hearthome City Contest, starting today at noon." A crumbled flyer that had been smoothed out as much as possible advertising the annual Christmas-themed contest met Dawn's eyes. His smirk faded into somewhat of a genuine smile as he saw the shocked look on the blunette's face. "If we leave in the next twenty minutes, we'll get there in plenty of time for you to register."

Silence enveloped the couple, with Paul starting to get that niggling worry in his mind, which went something like this: 'Damn it, she doesn't like it… I was prepared to give up my entire day for her, and she's just standing there like some freaking Lombre. What. the. Hell?' Hence, Paul was taken aback when Dawn leapt at him again, knocking him off balance and to the floor.

"Thank you! This is so awesome! Oh man… I'm not even dressed yet! I don't even know what outfit to wear or which Pokémon…" Dawn kissed Paul on the cheek in thanks before diving into her closet and quickly changing into jeans, thick boots and a sweater to travel in, followed by piles of clothes that were thrown onto the bed, with everything ranging from summer dresses to baggy jeans (a look that Paul favored on his petite wife), jean jackets to evening gowns. One of these, a dark red number that was knee-length with a halter top, complete with a pale green, gauze-like shawl caught Dawn's attention.

"This is it!" Quickly wrapping it in plastic, she grabbed a pair of silver flats, the necessary jewelry and accessories before racing out of the bedroom, dress in tow. An amused Paul followed in time to save his wife from beginning to cook.

"Breakfast's on me," he said and Dawn's head shot up, then her eyes narrowed.

"What's going on, Paul? We never eat out anywhere for breakfast, really, at all. Why are you being so nice to me?" She stood on her toes to look into her husband's eyes (despite the passing years, Dawn was still shorter than Paul by a good seven inches).

Paul shrugged, answering, "Waste of time here to actually cook something then rush to Hearthome. Consider it a good luck charm, I guess."

"You, you mean you're actually coming to watch?" Dawn asked incredulously, memories of how she'd had to previously trick Paul to watch her perform flashing across her mind.

Paul shrugged. "Guess so." He stuck his hands into his pockets and continued, "Consider this part of my Christmas gift."

Dawn caught the key word – part– and her curiosity spiked. Before she could even phrase a question Paul dumped her bag and all her Pokéballs into her arms. "Paul, I haven't even practiced any maneuvers or combinations!"

Paul fixed the blunette with a blunt stare. "Seriously, that's bugging you? For Palkia's sake, you could perform in jeans and a ragged tee shirt without practicing in six months and win." He turned on his heel and marched towards the front door, grabbing both pairs of keys and his trench coat, which he'd taken off earlier. "You coming or not?"

Dawn didn't even hesitate and, grabbing her pale pink jacket flew out the door, her dress, accessories and bag in her arms. As Paul locked the door he smirked. 'Day One: Progress at 20%.'

Chez Plume, Hearthome City, Sinnoh Region, 22 December 2010, 8:20 PM

That evening, after Dawn had come from behind to win the Christmas-themed contest with her Quilava and Girafarig, she and Paul were eating dinner. Her loyal Pokémon had used a Psychic and Flame Wheel combination to knock out her opponent's Bayleef and Raichu without a problem. As promised, Paul had been in the audience, a smirk gracing to his face to anyone else; Dawn, on the other hand, could tell that he was smiling, however small it was. That genuine smile had meant more to her than the red and green ribbon presented to her at the end of the contest.

Paul hadn't stopped the surprises there. A dinner at Chez Plume, followed by a quick flight back to Veilstone to pack then catch a eleven o'clock plane from Hearthome to Saffron City in Kanto in preparation for the Oaks' annual Christmas Party in Pallet. Dawn had called Barry to confirm that he was also going to the party (he was, though he had asked her if she thought Paul was behaving oddly; she hadn't known how to respond), and honestly, it was all a bit suspicious.

Dawn picked at her shrimp scampi while Paul attacked his steak. He glanced up and sensed that something was off; his wife wasn't bouncing off the walls as much as usual.

"Something wrong?" Sipping her white wine spritzer, Dawn didn't answer but smiled at him, sending warning bells off in Paul's mind. 'Crap. Now what?'

"Paul, as much as I love that you were here to watch me win a contest that I thought I wouldn't be able to compete in and took me out to this great restaurant," she paused before plowing ahead, "what's wrong? You've never done this much for me in so short a time, and though you act like nothing's wrong, I can tell that something is. What?"

Paul didn't answer for a moment, sipping his red wine to gather his thoughts. Clearing his throat, he answered, "I thought that you deserved something nice for Christmas, considering that I, uh, missed some other holidays because of my work." This was true, as the purple-haired G-Man had missed both Reggie and Maylene's birthdays (Maylene was not only a close friend of Dawn but a pseudo-sister to Reggie), his hometown's birthday celebration where he'd been asked to give a speech, Valentine's Day (he'd gotten a tongue-lashing for that) and a few others. Work was too damn important to miss for some stupid heart-shaped holiday.

Dawn looked at him oddly before shrugging, vowing to get the real truth from him at a later point. As the two finished their dinner, Paul glanced around the restaurant, content with how the day had gone. 'Day One's a success. I think I showed Dawn how much I love her by willingly going to one of her contests and not complaining, I paid for this really nice dinner and have actually conversed with her in words (this was a big achievement to Paul because usually a series of grunts were intermixed with small or monosyllabic sentences in place of the elaborate phrases like he'd used today).' Sipping his red wine, his monologue of thoughts continued, 'I've saved her.'

"Not bloody likely," came a voice and Paul's eye twitched, the only sign that something weird was going on. Luckily for him, Dawn's attention was drawn by another couple a few tables away, eyes wide as she saw Fantina on a date with a gentleman dressed in blue, the two smiling and speaking softly.

'What the hell?'

"Arse. Arceus above, you sure are stupid," the voice continued and in his mind's eye Paul saw Celebi in his human disguise, wagging a finger at him. "You're an idiot, Andreas. Just going to a contest and not complaining to her does not mean that you've proved that you love her. You need to do more."

'Like what?' Paul mentally snarled eyes flashing. 'We're heading to a party that normally I'd never set five feet within; hell, I'll be nice to Ketchum if that means it makes her happy. Isn't that enough?'

Celebi smirked before shaking his head. "'Fraid not. You've got a lot to learn if you hope to prove to Dawn that you didn't just marry her because she's the only girl who gave you the time of day." Ignoring the snarl of rage sent his way Celebi winked and snapped his fingers, vanishing in a gust of leaf-filled wind.