A/N: Hello again lovely Pearlshippers! :D

Sorry I haven't been updating, things are going tits up atm for this story D:

Anyway I'm back on track, but this chapter may disappoint you. It's not my personal best :/

We're back to Ash's POV, happy reading :)

I woke to a cool breeze that travelled my skin's surface, bringing the scent of the salty air of my surroundings. My hands traced along tiny grains of sand, as I moved them from behind my head. The sound of the very near ocean soothed the scene that I couldn't yet see. Until I reached for the tongue of my hat that covered my face and place it beside me. My vision was exposed to the deep colors of the clear but dark orange sky. I sat up and rubbed my eyes to admire the sight before me, it was like a computer background, it didn't seem real.

I inhaled the fresh atmosphere that filled my lungs and wished that feeling would last forever. As the sun retreated behind ocean I settled myself back down on the sand and closed my eyes. My right hand searched my side to find my hat; I pushed my eyebrows together when I realized it was no longer there. After scanning the area I left it in like a blind man, I finally came across a new surface.

The sand wasn't there anymore; this new surface was smooth and warm. My eyebrows rose forcing my eyes wide open, I didn't turn to my side until the surface made a sound.

"Hey you." It whispered softly in an angelic voice.

I snapped up quickly and followed the familiar voice. I now realized my hand was on the surface of the voice's thigh. It was pale, with a slight tanning to it, I rose my hand up along the slim body that wore denim hot pants and a bikini top, until I reached her cheek. I smiled when I noticed she was wearing the hat I was looking for, it was worn on the side and just covered her left ear, and it was way too big for her.

The sun was nowhere to be seen now; it was hard to make out who the girl was to a stranger, but deep in my heart I knew who she was.

I leaned in slowly to graze my lips against hers; she mirrored my actions and bit my bottom lip lightly that indistinctively forced me to brake away. The girl giggled softly and smiled at me through the darkness.

"I love you." She said in a musical voice, and rested her head in my shoulder.

"I love you too… Misty." I whispered back, and kissed the top of her head.

We sat there and embraced the scene before us.. Until the loud bleeping sound of an alarm clock caught our attention.

Wait. WHAT!?

My eyes immediately shot open to the piercing sound of the flashing clock beside me. I lifted my head to turn it off, but got distracted by a trail of saliva that connected from the corner of my mouth to a puddle on my pillow.

Urgh gross what the hell was I doing making out with a pillow in my sleep. Wait a second.

What the hell was I doing making out with MISTY in my dream!

I turned my pillow over then sat up to rub my eyes and scratch my head, then swung my legs to the floor and finally turn off the deafening noise.

"What the hell was that all about?" I mumbled to myself. "Geez that dream was messed up"

"Ash stop talking to yourself and come down for breakfast."

I jumped up and rushed over to my door frantically waving my arms around, and tripped over some boxes I hadden't unpacked yet. Hoping my mom wouldn't come in. I only sleep with boxers on, somehow my mom doesn't find it embarrassing when she see's me like it. Maybe after all the years of her catchphrase- "Make sure you have clean underwear dear" She likes to see I do actually listen to her.

"Err... I'll be down in a second!"

I listened for her to return downstairs then exhaled against the door and got dressed.

After breakfast I lounged on the coach to watch my routine of Saturday morning T.V. It was the same old crap, cheesy games shows and flashy colorful presenters. Still, there was never anything better on.

"Oh by the way, Misty phoned before you woke up!" Mom yelled from the kitchen. "It's really good to hear from her after all this time."

I almost choked on my orange juice as she said it, it was all down my shirt but I didn't care. I stayed in shock as I blinked repeatedly.

What the hell is she calling me for? It's like she purposely climbed into my brain last night.

Explanations were screaming in my mind, but there had to be a good reason, right? I nervously stalked to the kitchen and sat at the table preparing for the worst.

"Wha-What did she want?" I coughed.

Mom paused from the dishes to answer. "She said you left your hat at Dawn's last night, is that one of your new friends honey?"

Ohh thank god.

I breathed a long sigh and relief and relaxed to the chair.

"Oh, right. I must have I forgot it… And yeah I guess she is" I rolled my eyes at my answer realizing I've gone and dropped myself in it. I'm gonna be questioned about my new.. 'friend'.

"That's great sweetie, so what's she like?"

"Well err..." I started to say.

I have no words to describe her. Every waking moment I think about her, even her name makes me dizzy. She's everything I want in my life..

"She's great Mom" I nodded. "Yeah she's… pretty cool" I finished with an awkward smile.

My mom's mouth turned sideways as she sympathetically looked at me, I guess she could see right through me and knew exactly what I thought of Dawn.

"Oh Ash honey what's that all down your shirt?" She complained; hopefully she could see far enough into me to see the empty dark hole in my chest that Dawn needed to fill.

"Oh" I sulked looking down at my shirt. "Sorry about that, I'll go change and go get my hat back then."

The journey to Dawn's house was gut wrenching. I felt like an American Idol contestant on their first live show. Not that I watch it or anything…

I stood awkwardly against the door frame after knocking, I heard loud laughs coming from inside before it was opened by Dawn. She looked at me as if to say; "Not you again. Go away please?"

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

"Err hi sorry, but Misty called this morning and said I left-"

I got cut off by an orange blur pushing Dawn out of the way.

"I thought it was you! Is this what you're looking for?" It squealed at me.

I stood there for a second trying to calculate what just happened, and saw Dawn reappear behind the orange head, which was now a sharp image. I shivered at it, seeing flashbacks from the dream last night.

"Thanks.. Misty" I took the hat back, but didn't bother putting it on. God knows what they've probably done to it.

"Oh look it's the happy couple!" May joked as she wedged between Dawn and Misty. "You should come in Ash, get to know your new lover here a little better." She winked, nudging Misty who just blushed.

"HUH!?" I gasped.

I wanted to scream in her face and run down the street.. With continues yelling. Maybe jumping in front of that bus passing by wasn't such a bad idea, no. That's too dramatic. I'd rather be dragged away by the crazy red haired girl from school, that's gotta be better than being romantically linked with Misty.

I shuddered and pushed my eyebrows together, trying to force a smile for the joke.

"That's fine I'm good." I forced through my teeth. "Ima go anyway."

"Aww sorry Misty, I guess he's a little shy" May smirked. I scowled back at her, starting to walk down the path. Was there any need of this?

"OH WAIT!" Misty called back; I grimaced and stopped at the end of the path waiting for her to catch up to me.

"It's Dawn's birthday next Sunday, we're all going to the beach. Do you wanna.. maybe come?" She asked.

Sure I'll come. I thought. Just let me bring an oxygen mask and sew my mouth shut and I'll be happy to tag along. Wait a second, THE BEACH!? Screw the dream, THIS is the nightmare!"

I couldn't say no, as much as I wanted to. I knew I couldn't keep up this stupid charade forever. Besides it could be the perfect way to come clean to Dawn.

"Uhh sure" I smiled back. "As long as it's alright for her?"

"Of course she wouldn't mind, it'll be great! Anyway you're friends now; she'd love you to come."

"Okay great, thanks I.. Guess I'll see ya at school" I nodded.

She tilted her head and sighed at me. Urgh. I knew that look..

Please don't hug me, please don't hug me, please- oh great.

Yep. She had to hug me, swinging the both of us side to side. It was like hugging a sack of potatoes, for sixteen she was a well built girl. But not fat.. You know what I mean.

"It's so great to see you again Ash" She whispered in my ear, giving me goose bumps.

I know what you're thinking, but not because this is all sweet and everything. It's the just the whispering, it was kinda creepy.

This is a bit, long. It's like she thinks I'm dying or something. Okay, this needs to come to an end, things are getting a bit too intimate here.

"You too" I forced through my crushed lungs before breaking away from her.

She blushed at me before returning back into the house. I sweat dropped and shuddered the feeling of her off me, after she closed the door I began walking down the street.

In all the years I've known her she'd never given me a hug like that before. It was.. way too close. No, I think the word is; affectionate. Maybe this was kinda like déjà vu, linked to the weird dream I had last night. Misty wouldn't have feelings for me, would she? I mean she's one of my best friends, if she did feel something for me it would've come out by now, right? Or am I that blind…

I got lost in my train of thoughts until I seen a glint from the corner of my eye, in a jewelry shop window. It was a silver charm bracelet with a tiny lock and key incrusted with diamonds.

I thought about Sunday; how I could try confessing to Dawn with the perfect gift. Would overpriced jewelry be too much though? I couldn't just give her flowers or a teddy bear, to me she's priceless.

I stood there for a while staring into the window arguing with myself.

She's worth every dime, even if she does turn me down.

I paraded into the establishment to find every customer and worker stare at me like a bull in a.. Well, a jewelry shop. They were all pretty high class people, obviously thinking the same thing. "We don't serve your type in here". Until a young looking woman behind the counter questioned me. She had blonde hair and wore ragged jeans and a casual shirt; she certainly didn't fit in with the other shop assistants.

"Can I help you sir" She enquired politely.

I looked at her, then back at the 'high class' people, who were still judging me.

"Don't mind them" She interrupted. "We just don't get many young guys in here" She smiled.

I smiled back at her awkwardly scratching my head.

"I was looking at that bracelet in the window an-" I started to say till she stopped me with her finger and went over to get it.

She came back with it in a gift box and held it out in her hand.

I raised an eyebrow at the shop assistant. "How did you-?"

"I saw you looking at it through the window" She smiled. "I'm guessing it's for a special girl?"

I stared at her in disbelief. "Again, explain please?"

She shook her head and smirked.

"My mom owns this store, and since I was a kid I've seen it all. I know just by looking at a customer who they're buying for."

"Are you sure you're not just in the wrong profession? Maybe you should go into being a psychic"

"Yeah" The store owner's daughter laughed. "I get that a lot."

"So, how much is it?" I asked anxiously.

"Kinda pricey" She paused with a painful look. "One hundred and ninety nine dollars."

"Ouch" I sighed.

"Sorry, I could hold it for you until come up with the cash?"

I stood there silently. I was so bummed, basically being told I can't have it made me want it more. So with a snap decision, I took a sacrifice.

"Screw it; it's going on my bank card"

Mom is gonna kill me.

"Wow, are you sure?" The lady warned, she didn't stop to take my card though. "Whoever it is, she's a very lucky girl."

"Believe me, I think she's worth it" I smiled.

I took the bracelet from the box and examined it closer as the shop assistant handled the purchase. Suddenly a loud screeching noise from outside the shop window caught my attention. It was Gary and the other guys pulling faces on the glass, actually Gary wasn't he was in his normal retardedness and was licking the window.

Crap. What are they gonna think seeing me in here!

I stuffed the bracelet away and hid the box behind my back, before all three of them busted through the door like more bulls in a china, oh sorry, 'jewelry' shop.

Tracey greeted me with a punch in the arm. "Hey Ashy man what're you doing here?"

"NO! It's Ashy BOY! How many times man?" Gary complained.

Kenny's shifty eyes were eager to try look behind my back. "Getting a gift huh? Someone special?"

"Umm not really, It's my uh.. Aunt's birthday next week, so I thought I'd.. yeah." I lied.

He squinted back at me looking unconvinced.

"Is that so? Because yano It's Dawn's birthday next week too."

My nose was about to get bigger. "Oh really? I had no idea.."

"Ahem, excuse me?"

The shop assistant returned with my card and receipt, as I took it back from her I zipped my mouth as a gesture so she wouldn't drop me in it. Gary grabbed the box from my hand as I signed the receipt with the other.

"Common let's see what you bought then"

Tracey took it from him and began to examine it. "Hey that's pretty nice man"

"Pretty nice? That's two hundred bucks I'll never see again, so stop man handling it and give it back" I joked.

"Then why did you buy it? It's just your aunt" Kenny eyed me. "Or is it..?"

I nodded silently; maybe if you lie without talking it's not so bad.

"Would you like if gift wrapped?" The assistant girl offered.

"No thanks" I just wanted to get it home before the guys ended up trying it on and breaking it.

"Thanks for dropping by, come back soon"

"Sure, and thanks for your help" I smiled, as she winked back at me.

"Look guys ima shoot off I'll see ya at school kay?"

"Alright, see ya Monday Ashy boy" Gary nodded, as did the other guys.

When I got home I stuffed the box in my sock drawer to keep it safe, guess all I could do now is hope everything turns out.

Before I knew it, it was a Monday morning again. Fun. But I was eager to get to second lesson; games, since I 'skipped it' last week I had a chance to redeem myself for soccer training and tryouts.

I grimaced as I strolled through the locker room passing the 'jocks'. Kenny's comment from Friday was ringing in my head, the words "egotistic losers" he used fitted with these guys perfectly. They were guys that didn't have the body strength or stamina to make it to the football team, but still thought they were superior to everybody else in school.

I stopped at the end to get changed into the blue and white kit, as I tied my boots the room was empty since everyone started to warm up and stretch outside. I glanced along the lockers as I came out; most of them had pictures of the crazy red haired girl stuck to them. Damn, I really need to remember her name, not that it would actually be worth it I just feel a little guilty.

The class retreated into a row as Coach Dyke blew sharply on the whistle. I know it's immature but as soon as I heard that name, I had to bite my tongue to stop from laughing.

"Alright listen up ladies we gotta new team member!"

My stomach dropped as he pointed at me.

"Ketchum, get over here!"

I heard laughs and sniggers from the team as I walked over to the coach's side. They could tease me all they wanted; because I was determined to make the real team and show I could kick all their asses!

Warming up was a nightmare. The teasing continued, only physical now. They took every chance of purposely kicking the ball at my head during penalty shoots, and tripping me up in the 5 aside game. I know what you're thinking. Poor Ashy getting bullied, No. Okay then yes but what could I do? Tell the teacher like in kindergarten and just get laughed at? Or think before doing and letting my anger get the better of me? I just laughed it off and let it go over my shoulder.

"Hey Ketchup!"

"Ketchum" I firmly corrected the dim headed captain.

"Whatever man, you listen to me.."

I carried on passing the ball to the other guys around the circle and ignored every other word he said. I just got the gist of it, something like "Don't bother thinking about making the team, you're not good enough" Blah, blah, blah the whole stupid macho 'I'm the captain so you do what I say' speech.

I paused to recognize a class that just came out of building one.

Isn't that Dawn's science class?

A/N: AMG I feel so relived posting SOMETHING, even if it's REALLY short and sucky. T_T I'm sorry.

I bet Ash's dream caught you out? ;] I don't condone Pokeshipping! (Anymore) D: But it's just one sided so PHEW :D

The jewelry shop was so cliché I felt stupid writing it, but that's going to be linked to a major plot line so look out ;]

Am I not the only one who just wants Ash and Dawn to hurry up get it on tbh? lolz xD

But I have a good idea on how that's gonna happen, so be patient ;]

Till next time!