My love of Pokemon, Advanceshipping, and Romance literature has been renewed! I don't know what it is, but summer always makes me think of Ash and May somehow making it together. Sorry for the delay. I didn't really have too much inspiration, but here's the next chapter. I'm planning on finishing it and maybe writing a sequal. Enjoy! Please read and review.
"Wake up, boys! You're the only two that are still sleeping!"
"There's only four of us in this house, Joanne!" barked back Jake.
Ash did his best to regain consciousness. It had been a while since they had slept in comfortable beds because most of their most recent nights were spent on the floors of the woods, albeit underneath the stars.
"Alright, Ash. We've got to get up. Trust me, she won't stop yelling until we get down to breakfast."
The two struggled down the steps still half asleep. May looked bright and perky as usual.
"Joanne, you're lemon tea was delicious. The perfect morning pick-me-up."
"Thanks, May! I've been working on it. I used it throughout high school and college on days I had tests because I'd usually have been studying all night before."
"Oh really? That's not exactly why. I remember you always used to catch the newest movies on opening night at midnight and come home exhausted."
"Oh, that's all in the past. Point is it worked."
May looked toward Ash and looked at his completely dishelved hair. Although he looked a complete mess, she thought he looks kinda cute.
"Good morning, sleepy head."
"Morning May."
The morning sun was seeping through the glass doors that lead to the yard. As the rays shone through the glass, they struck May and illuminated her figure. Being in front of the light, May looked almost angelic. She was wearing simple pink pajamas and her hair wasn't exactly fixed either, but there was something about her that made Ash blurt, "May, you're pretty...."
"Why, thank you, Ash."
"Err...I mean. You're pretty early."
"Now, Ash we all know she's gorgeous. Why not admit that's what you meant?"
"Um...well.....Joanne. The thing about that is."
Ash put his hand behind his head and laughed nervously. Even a Pokemon Master in the making still has a lot of challenges to face, on and off the battle field. Expressing and sensing feelings was not exactly Ash's forte, but he had a sincere heart in all things, a sincere heart to constantly drive him never to give up.
"We're having some fettuccine Alfredo for breakfast!"
"I know I woke up late, but don't you think that 10:00 is a little early for lunch?"
"Sorry, guys. I never liked eating breakfast food for breakfast, but I promise that it'll be delicious. Joanne's the best cook in Kanto."
"Thanks, Jake. OK everyone. Enjoy!"
Joanne brought a large plate of pasta still steaming. The aroma caused everyone seated to begin salivating and look with expectation. Ash and May were instantly reminded of Brock's culinary skills. They prayed that he was doing well as they said grace. Jake and Ash both ravenously began to devour the food while May stood back in shock.
"I thought you guys were tired."
"May, this is the best plate of pasta that I've ever had. That tends to wake a man up. Plus, there's a lot, and it'd be a shame to waste."
"Aw thanks, Ash. I'm glad you like it. I'll make sure to give you a lot before you leave Kanto."
The boys were finished in about 5 minutes. While May and Joanne were eating at a normal pace. In her younger days, Joanne cooked this pasta for Jake whenever he was feeling down, whether it be because It always made him feel instantly better. It was a recipe that she learned from her aunt, Jake's mother, before they left to travel around the world.
"May, would you like to go to the spa with me? Jake gave me some gift certificates for one, but my friend can't make it today, so I have one extra."
"Oh yea! That'd be great! What about the boys?"
"We'll be ok, May. We've got stuff planned too. I'm planning to show Ash around.
The boys quickly set off for upstairs to shower and rushed out the door after they were ready.
"My, they sure were in a hurry. Well, hurry up and get ready for an entire day of R&R, May! Prepare yourself to be completely pampered."
"Haha. That sounds good."
Instead of walking around the neighboorhood, Jake lead Ash back to the mall.
"What are we doin here? I thought you were gonna show me around a bit?"
"That's all part of the plan, Pokemon Master. Now May won't suspect her surprise."
"Surprise? What are we talking about here?"
"You'll see when we get there. I called a contact. She'll be able to help us out."
Ash's look of suspicion was accompanied by an underlying uneasiness of uncertainty. However, Pokemon Masters do not quiver at the prospect of any challenge, even ones that would test the heart. They took the escalator up to the Kay Jewelers that May was previously looking at a very expensive diamond necklace. It was early, so the entire mall wasn't completely open. Jake sent a text on his cell phone and the gates in front of Kay were lifted. An attractive young lady stood at the counter smiling at the two young gentlemen that had just entered the store. Ash heard the gates begin to lower and finally return to their lowered position.
"Hello, Mr. Higurashi and Mr. Ketchum."
"Mary, you can call me Jake and this is Ash. Come on after that little skirmish with Team Rocket I think we can stand to be on familiar terms with each other. I mean I did save your life about 3 times."
"Two and a half. I could've taken that little puppy."
"It was a Houndoom! They had taken all your Pokemon. You're lucky I keep CHAR's Pokeball in a secret pocket. They grabbed our belts and bags, so we would've been done for. Granted it was CHAR that saved both of us, but still."
"Who's CHAR?"
"My Charizard. My first Pokemon ever. Never leave anywhere without him."
Mary let out a slight giggle of amusement and then went on to offer assistance.
"Well, what can I do for my rescuer and his idol?"
"Ha. We're actually looking to get that necklace that his lovely companion was looking at yesterday."
"Oooh big spender. You know that was $2500 right?"
"Was....but I'm sure the owner who has had such an upsurge of sales due to the ball would be magnanimous enough to assist Ash on his valiant quest for yonder fair maiden's heart."
"Haha. Yeah alright, Mr. Chivalry. You can cut the poetry. You I owe ya. I can put it on a plan for you and drop it to $1000, but don't say I never did anything for ya."
"Great! We'll take it!"
"Thanks a lot!"
Mary reached for her key by the register and rang up the sale. She polished the necklace with a microfiber cloth and carefully placed it in a leather case. The ceiling light shone as she placed it in its case and reflected light in infinite directions. Ash could only imagine May's smile as he placed it on her. She'd teach those diamonds how to really shine.
