I do not own Pokémon or The Reason by The Hoobastank
Dawn
She couldn't believe what her eyes were seeing. Her cheeks blazed as the girls cooed at a picture that flashed on screen.
"That is so precious Dawn you look adorable as a ballerina!" Esme gushed.
Ashley smirked, "I'm more impressed that you managed to get Paul into that Nutcrackers outfit."
Dawn giggled, "Trust me it was not easy!"
She had to beg him for an entire week before he finally consented to wearing the costume, but only under the condition that he would get to pick next year's Halloween costumes, which in the end simply meant he could ware his normal attire and Dawn was the one who dressed up.
"Dawn you should get closer to the stage after all he is doing this for you," Misty said standing up, "In fact I think I'll go up myself."
Alexis giggled, "Ten bucks she just wants to be closer to Ashy boy," she teased making the red head blush.
Dawn bite back her laughter, "Come on girls come with me I'm going to need the moral support," she stated slightly nervous.
"You girls go ahead I'm going to go find Sky and Charlotte," Esme responded.
The girls waved goodbye to Esme before making their way to the front of the stage. Dawn smiled nervously up at Paul who for a brief second dropped his guard and gifted her with a smile. He tore his eyes away and nodded towards Ash and Gary who began the steady beat of piano and drums. Drew slowly began to strum the guitar all three instruments created a slow melodic tune.
Dawn gasped as Paul locked his eyes on her and began to sing. His voice sent shivers down her back as she soaked in the sincerity of his words.
(Paul)
I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
Dawn nodded understanding the depth of his words. They both handled the situation immaturely and allowed it to get further out of hand. As Dawn watched the slideshow of images and listened to him confess his feelings she gained a new sense of understanding. Neither of them was perfect and they never would be, but perhaps they could be perfectly flawed together.
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
(ALL)
I've found the reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
"It's crazy to see Paul be so romantic," May said as she swayed on the balls of her feet.
Misty nodded in agreement, "Well people do crazy things for love."
Dawn blushed hearing her friend's whispers. They were right of course Paul definitely was not the type of guy to wear his heart on his sleeve, and she wouldn't deny that at first that had annoyed her. However, as time progressed this slight annoyance vanished. Every genuine smile he ever gifted her with, every laugh were tokens she had earned. That made them special because Paul was not the type to give away smiles and laughs, and to know that she could bring those out of him made them special to her.
"Oh looks like lover boy is coming down to meet you Dawn," Alexis remarked pointing at the stage.
Paul still singing walked down the steps and onto the dance floor. He slowly began walking towards Dawn who trembled with an overload of emotions. The crowd slowly parted making way for teen and forming a protective bubble around the couple.
I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish I could take it all away
Dawn sniffled as a tear slowly made its way down her cheek. He was so close she could smell his familiar sent, and feel the heat that radiated from his body. All she wanted was to throw her arms around him and bury her head in his chest. Dawn smiled slightly as he gently wiped her tear away. His hand felt soft and cool on her cheek and she savored his touch and sighed sadly as he took his hand away.
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear
Slowly Dawn began to close the space between them as she reached up and embraced him. She inched up on her toes and whispered into his ear, "I love you Paul."
Paul chuckled kissing her chastely on the forehead, "Love you too Troublesome."
He grabbed her hand and twirled her around making her laugh before pulling her into his arms.
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new and the reason is you
And the reason is you
May and Esme gushed in excitement as Paul sung the last verse of the song before kissing her full on the lips.
Ashley covered Charlotte's eyes, "Sorry kid you're too young for that."
Charlotte giggled, "But I saw Big Brother and Esme do-," the little girl was quickly cut off by Esme yelling it was time for the Sweethearts to prepare for their show.
The girls burst into laughter, "Esme not in front of the kids," Misty teased before walking off towards the backstage followed by May.
"Why is Esme's face so red?" Dawn asked walking back towards the girls a large smile on her face. Paul had returned to their table where he was joined by the rest of the guys, and Alexis.
Ashley handed off Charlotte to Jaycie, "Oh we'll tell you later but right now we got to get ready for our performance," she replied already walking off.