May nearly threw her phone down in frustration after attempting to call Drew's cell. Every time, her phone was routed to his office where his secretary, Solidad would relay the message every time that he was unavailable at the time. Already, she had left a message with her saying that he needed to call back as soon as possible. That was more than an hour ago.

It was only one night before the enormous bash at the Maple manor and every second felt dreadful to her, knowing the chains would be put back on when she was in the presence of him and her father. If it were up to her, the gathering would instead be herself, Dawn, Ash, his Jets team and a few friends over a barbeque and beer. Maybe even watch Petalburg's pro basketball team if they were playing that night.

Instead, the guest list numbered almost a hundred people, some of which she had never known and the rich kind of food that stuck in the stomach after eating maybe a spoonful.

Never had she wanted to contract a cold or something to opt out this much in her life. And canceling the party would be absurd in Norman's eyes. Supposedly the bash was for her and Max for their accomplishments over the years and just to have fun, but she easily knew that it was a ploy. More importantly, it doubled as a front to Norman's wealth so that he and Drew could conduct business while at a leisurely pace.

She was staying with Dawn tonight in her small condo since her best friend was kind enough to offer a place to crash if she got fed up with her own father.

"What's wrong?" Dawn came around the corner holding a cheese strudel. She set the pastry down next to May, but the girl had no appetite.

"I can't seem to get ahold of Drew."

"You're overreacting."

"No I'm not. Every minute he doesn't respond is one more moment he's going to be more pissed off than a Ninjask. I told Ash I planned to break it off with him the other day, but the party's drawing closer."

"Was Ash invited?"

"Yeah."

"It'll be easy to keep the two of them away from one another," Dawn chided, "Like the party does every year, Drew will probably be busied with all his business associates and Ash will be with me, since I'm probably the only one he will know there besides you and Max. Don't worry, we'll work this out."

"I don't even want Drew at the party!"

"How did your dad take that?"

"Not too well," May lowered her head and sighed, "Oh Arceus, what have I gotten myself into?"

Dawn started to giggle like a little schoolgirl.

"What's so funny?"

"Think about it this way," She said, holding out her hands, "Over here," She lifted her left one, "You have this cute, wealthy, overprotective businessman and over here," She lifted her right palm, "You have this badass Commando turned policeman who loves to thrill you and is head over heels over you."

May laughed with her, "I sure have it going on don't I?"

"Boy magnet much?"

"Really. Don't worry about anything, I have a feeling that Ash will be in your corner no matter what. Maybe even in your bed one day without any clothes on."

"Dawn!"

"What? He's probably amazing rolling in the sack! Is he at least a good kisser?"

May smiled to herself, "You have no idea."

"You're falling in love May. I can't believe it. Just weeks ago, the idea of something like this would never have crossed my mind, but now I'm happy for you. Now go out and follow those feelings. Don't listen to anyone else around you."

"Thanks Dawn."

She hugged her back, "That's what best friends are for."

"Hey, has May invited you to her party tomorrow?" Decker stuck his head into the interrogation chamber.

Both Ash and their suspect, a young woman looked back over. The JETS had been on her trail after she and a group of cash hungry college students had turned to hostage taking of precious metal refining in order to get themselves out of debt.

It was both comical and sad at the same time.

"I'll be back," Ash menacingly told her as he exited the place.

Once the door was shut, he nodded in affirmation, "Yeah, she did. I even got a present. Why?"

"It's tomorrow."

"Shit. I'm not even ready."

"You sure it's a good idea to go to it?" He folded his arms.

"Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"What if it's not about her?" Brendan inquired, "What if it's because she wants to use you as leverage over her father? Ash, she's using you!"

"Using me as what? An excuse?! Hardly!"

"Why else would she want you there? You're clearly not her father's favorite person and he goes over the guest list. Last time I checked, you got a restraining order placed on you and even if it wasn't, you'd be the first name to be scratched off."

"What's your point?"

"Whatever it is, the outcome could seriously shake the integrity of the JETS. Another falling out with Mr. Maple could damage or even terminate us as a unit and I do not want that to happen. We are essential for the country's security and there are more vicious enemies to fight than one of our own businesses."

"Then what the hell am I supposed to do?"

"Don't go to the party. I know May invited you, but it's just asking for trouble."

"I've already accepted," Ash told him, "I can't back out now. It'll break May's heart."

Brendan thought over it for a moment before nodding, "Fine. I'm sorry I came off as accusing there, just be careful in what you do. Okay?"

"You got it."

"I'm in your corner man. That's what partners are for."

After finally regaining the urge to eat, May and Dawn had a small dinner just as her phone rang.

"Is it Drew?"

May picked it up out of her pocket and read the caller's name. It was Ash.

"Ash."

"Answer it and ask him how fast he can take off your clothes!" Dawn busted.

For a moment May wanted to throw the phone into her forehead, but she hit the answer button anyway.

"Hello?"

"May," Ash's calm voice flooded from the other side, "How are you doing?"

"Great," She blushed, thinking about Dawn's earlier statement, "Thanks to hearing your voice."

"I'm glad to hear that. Listen, I just wanted to double check and let you know that I will be in attendance to your party. I got your present and I think you are going to really like it."

"I'm excited," May lied, "You're going to be there."

"May, I have to ask. Why do you want me there?"

"What?"

"Why are you inviting me to your party with your dad already aware of what's going on? Is it because you truly want me to come over, or is it to spite him?"

"Both." May said after a moment of silence, "I want him to know that you are now a part of my life."

"And if he doesn't accept me?"

May held back tears, wondering for the hundredth time why her father just couldn't put aside all prejudice he had and see Ash for who he really was. HE could be very stubborn, but at the same time if he sat down and finally got used to Ash's presence, maybe the one-sided tension between the two could finally clear.

"He has to."

Ash wasn't sure about that. Norman didn't seem like the guy who would conform to whatever his children wished. Only time was able to tell, but he had spent a good period of time reading people. It may have come off as hostile because most of the time he was observing the populace in a Commando or JETS uniform.

May stood, invisibly next to her father as elegantly dressed guests filed into the house.

Housekeeping staff hired for the event had spent hours preparing and making sure that all decorations and the overall layout of the house was presentable. Of course the party was off limits upstairs, where their personal quarters were.

At the front door, Archie was validating people and checking their identity with a guest list. Of course word of the party would spread and sometimes people would try to sneak in. He had already caught and dismissed three trespassers claiming to be good friends of May.

Everyone was all in good spirits, giving their host and his daughter cordial greetings before mingling with everyone else in the main rooms. Platters of delicious appetizers were laden on the counters and every couple of mines, one could hear the cork popping from a bottle of wine. Soft classical music drifted from that direction, thanks to a five man strings ensemble that had gotten the top ratings at the Lilycove Musical Gathering.

Drew walked up to them as he entered the house before gently cradling May's hand and kissing it.

"You look beautiful May."

She wished Ash was here now, but still couldn't help blushing. "Thanks. Listen Drew, I'm sorry about all this. We need to talk though,"

"It's alright. Hang on, I see Mister Thomas over there and I've been trying to get ahold of him on some business contracts."

"We need to talk Drew," May pleaded.

"We will, when the party's over. Trust me, I want to talk to you about things too."

"Okay,"

"Good." Drew gave her a chaste kiss before moving off, "I'll see you later."

She made a move to follow him, but felt her father's hand on her shoulder, "May, just let him go. Don't worry, he'll be back."

So then she had to stand there and greet guests while Max, who was extremely bored of these parties had two of his friends over and dashed upstairs earlier to play on his game consoles. It was all painstakingly long and it felt like an eternity until Ash had showed up. In reality, it was only a half hour later.

"Pleasure to see you Mister Maple," Ash's commanding voice pierced the flurry of chatter and the music like a knife. He was dressed in a handsome charcoal colored suit with black slacks and a blue tie. His face was free of any hair and May could feel the warmth radiating from his eyes as they drifted onto her.

For him, it took a lot of his strength to not put any venom in it, but he was here for May and not Norman, who was probably less than pleased to hear he'd been extended an invitation. The Lieutenant extended a hand out, which was hanging for several seconds without a response from the host. Every moment passing made Ash feel as if he wasn't an invited guest, but rather an intruder.

Finally Norman extended his hand out and shook his. Ash gingerly squeezed it. As much as he disliked the guy, he did save May's life. "Lieutenant."

"Hi May," He reached up and kissed her hand, "You look stunning."

She giggled, "Thanks. Dad, is it okay if the Lieutenant gets me a drink?"

Norman nodded and Ash looped his arm around hers, leading her to the kitchen. He found a bottle of Pinot Grigio, her favorite variety and poured them both a chalice.

As they walked though, people couldn't help but turn and admire their appearance. With May's dress and Ash looking sharp in his suit, they made a very striking couple.

"Who's that with May?" Ash heard someone ask.

"Is he a lawyer?"

"Nah, he has to be a model of some kind!"

He had to admit that he enjoyed the mystery vibe he gave off to the other guests. The less they knew about him, the better.

"Thank you so much for coming." She said as they leaned on the balcony to overlook the cityscape, "I don't know how much longer I could have lasted with all that scrutinizing." May was wondering how Ash was going to take on how she hadn't broken it off with Drew yet. She wanted the opportunity, but it always seemed to be swallowed by her father or some other guest who wanted to chat.

"I think half the city is here."

"And the party's for me and Max, yet he's upstairs playing video games with his friends and I don't even know four people here."

"How about when this is all over, we go to one of our places for a cookout, where all the important people in your life will be in attendance." Ash reminded her. "Oh yes, I forgot," He took out a box from his suit pocket. "This is for you."

"Ash you didn't have to-"

"Just open it."

May carefully slid the box open to find sunglasses? She looked over at Ash, puzzled.

He chuckled, "NAVSpecs, essentially a heads-up-display that can pick up signals from almost any satellite even when you're a hundred feet underground. No matter where you are at, just by voice command, it will guide you to wherever you want to go. We Commandos use these, except this one is modified for civilian use. Even if you're lost in the wilderness, it will give you the quickest and safest route back onto a road or nearby town. Even if you come to a barrier like a river, just redirect it and it will have an alternate path for you in thirty seconds."

May stared wide eyed at the eyewear. The things she could do with it were amazing. Now she would never ever be lost again. "What if it's dark?"

"The lenses have adjustable tint that can be automatic or manual and it even has somewhat of a night-vision ability too."

"I love it!" May enveloped her hands around Ash in a truly genuine hug, "This is something I've wanted my whole life and it's really fashionable too!"

"No more losing your way,"

"Ash I have to tell you something," May started, but was interrupted by the footsteps of Norman behind her.

"There you are May!" He sounded relieved, "I've been looking everywhere for you!"

"I haven't moved here since Ash escorted me away," She annoyingly huffed.

He ignored it, "Could you come with me please?"

"Dad?"

Ash put an arm on her shoulder, "I'll be right here when you come back okay?"

She nodded and let Norman escort her back to the foyer. He had rallied the majority of partygoers there and something spiked a bit of curiosity in Ash, so he followed.

After calling for everyone's attention and thanking them for coming, Norman did the thing Ash least expected.

He gestured towards the Commando, who stood amongst the crowd, "And to help me, I would like to salute Lieutenant Ash Ketchum of the Joint Enforcement Tactical Specialst Urban Warfare Team for saving my daughter from Syndicate members, saving me from grieving for the rest of my life." The room erupted in cheers and Ash held up his glass of wine in acknowledgement.

"Wonder if he has a bucket I can throw up in," He muttered under his breath.

"As a big thanks to all the gifts you have given my daughter and son, the biggest one for May came not from her family. Well yet."

Ash was curious to see what he had meant by that and he witnessed Drew emerging from the far side of the room. He was dressed in a tuxedo and the Commando spotted a black box hidden behind his hand.

It took him a split second to realize what had happened. What May was going to confess to him. She decided to stay with Drew. His heart stopped.

The man got down on a knee and opened the box to reveal the most beautiful ring he had ever seen.

"May, my life changed forever when I met you-"

Both Ash and May couldn't hear what he was saying, only their thoughts on the other person and what they would think in the aftermath.

"May, will you join me in marriage?"

She felt hundreds of eyes on her and tried to respond, but could only gasp.

"Say no," Ash breathed quietly.

"Yes…" She barely whispered, "I'll marry you…"

"She said yes!" Drew exclaimed, grabbing May and kissing her. The crowd cheered and toasted the new couple. Even Ash's normally stoic expression had faded and he was in complete shock.

Norman saw him in the crowd and reveled when the two of them made eye contact. One of them grinning and the other frowning.

This was long overdue, hope everyone can forgive me for the long gap.

Thanks for reading and reviewing, you give my writing purpose.