A/N- Welcome to chapter eight! Please enjoy! Sorry there wasn't a lot of advanceshipping in the last chapter, I'll add some more to this one.

I do not own pokemon or any songs I mention.

Ash and the rest of the outcasts walked to the record store, which was owned by Gary's grandpa. They invited Barry to come along with them.

"So, Paul," Ash asked, "Why were you late for practice? Usually you're the first one at practice."

"I told you it was none of your business." Paul said.

"I'm just curious."

"Well stop being curious."

"Shit, okay…" Ash muttered, annoyed at Paul's temper.

They walked for a bit longer until they reached the record store. Paul put ear buds in and started playing 'London Calling' by The Clash. They walked inside to see Dawn and May. Dawn looked up and saw Paul.

"Hey, douche bag."

"Hey."

"Whoa! You didn't call me a slut!" Dawn said, surprised.

"Do you want me too?" Paul asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No thanks." Dawn giggled.

Ash and the outcasts just stood there in awe as Dawn and Paul talked to each other without raising their voices. Ash looked over and saw May was just as shocked as they were. Ash was about to say something but Gary's grandpa, Samuel, walked in.

"Hi, everyone! How's the band?" He asked.

"It's going well." Brock said.

"That's great! I hope you guys make it big someday!"

"Thank Mr. Oak!" Ash exclaimed.

"I was actually wondering if you boys could play a few songs here. It'd be a great way to attract customers."

"We'd love to! Thank you so much, Mr. Oak!"

Samuel chuckled. "You're welcome, Ash. Show up back here at six o'clock."

"You won't regret it, Gramps!" Gary exclaimed.

"I know I won't." Samuel assured him. He walked to the back of the store to let the band-mates browse. They all headed over to the classic rock section. Except Barry, who noticed one of his friends behind the counter.

"Tracey! I didn't know you worked here!"

"Yeah. Mr. Oak gave me a job here."

"Well that's great!"

"Hey, Barry!" Ash called. "Get over- Hey, Tracey!"

"Hey Ash!" Tracey called back. "Go on ahead, Barry. My shift ends in five minutes. I'll catch up with you guys."

"Thanks." Barry smiled. He made his way over to where the band-mates were, but tripped on his own foot and fell in front of a girl with blue hair. He stood up and brushed himself off. "Sorry about that! I'm such a klutz!"

"It's okay." Dawn beamed. Barry's worried face lightened up a bit. He realized what he was doing and he started to blush. Dawn giggled at him. "Well, see you around."

"Seeya." Barry said softly.

Meanwhile, Ash was looking through some Led Zeppelin CD's when May walked up to him.

"Hey Ash!"

"Uh, hi May…"

"My mom was wondering if you wanted to come over for dinner tonight, as a thank you for… y'know."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because, I shouldn't be rewarded for something that should be done willingly."

"Are you sure? My mom's a good cook."

Ash thought a moment. He'd never turned down a meal in his life. "Okay, fine. I'll come over. What time is it?"

"Seven." May replied.

Ash remembered his gig that was supposed to be at six. "I might be a little late. Our band has a gig tonight."

"That's okay. Just don't be too late!" May called as she walked out the door.

"Wohoho! Ashy-boy's got a date!" Gary exclaimed. Brock, Paul, Barry, and Tracey all chuckled to each other. Ash blushed and went over to slug Gary in the shoulder. Just then, Misty walked in. She noticed an annoyed Ash, and the rest of the social outcasts laughing.

"What are you making fun of Ash for this time?"

"Ashy-boy's got a date with May!" Gary exclaimed.

Misty's face turned red, and there was a hint of jealousy in her eyes. "I thought you guys hated each other!"

"First of all, it's not a date. Gary's just being an asshole as usual." Ash said, looking over at Gary, and then back at Misty. "She told me her mom told her to invite me over as a thank you for saving her life."

Misty raised an eyebrow. "When did you-"

"Last Thursday."

"But, why? She's been a bitch to us over the years."

"She has. But it seems like she's maturing in a way."

"Whatever." Misty said, rolling her eyes.

"Guys, it's four-forty five. We should go grab our instruments." Brock announced.

"Seeya Mist!" Gary said.

"Good riddance." She smirked.

Meanwhile…

'Do I really like Ash?' May thought to herself. 'I mean, he's an okay person, and his crazy hair is kind of cute- WHOA! No! You've always made fun of him for his hair. You can't start liking it now. Besides, it'd be social suicide to hang out with him. I'll have him at my house tonight and then things can return to normal!'

"Are you okay, May?" Dawn asked.

"Wha- Yeah! I'm fine. I just spaced out."

"Whatever." Dawn giggled.

"So…" May smirked, "You seem to be getting along pretty well with Paul."

Dawn blushed. "I-It's not like that!"

"Sure it's not. Say, who was that blonde kid that bumped into you?"

"I don't know. I've seen him around school. He hangs out with the nerdy crowd. And the nerdy crowd hangs out with Ash, Gary, Brock, and Paul so that explains why he was there. I think his name is… Harry? Or was it Brad? Eh, doesn't matter."

Back To Ash and Friends…

The band-mates arrived back at the record store and started to set up. Barry put his saxophone together, Gary grabbed his keyboard and microphone, Ash and Brock grabbed their guitar and bass, and Paul put his drums together. Samuel walked into the room.

"Hey, you guys! I know you'll do well tonight. What songs are you going to play?"

"Sorry Mr. Oak," Ash grinned. "It's a surprise."

A/N- The end of chapter eight! I've decided I'm going to make the chapters longer, so it might take a little longer to upload the chapters. I'm also sorry there weren't many band references, I'll put more in next chapter. Anyways, please review and rock on! \m/