7/26/2016: Edits!

Sleepless Nights on Lake Valor

Chapter 5: He Knew After All!

Ash's Point of View

I leaned in for a kiss. Dawn didn't move; she closed her eyes and anticipated our connection. Our lips touched and we stood there for a few seconds. After what seemed like an eternity, the two of us separated.

"Whew… what a day." she chuckled.

"Yeah…" I smiled. "Let's go back to the beach, together."

Dawn grabbed my hand. I reciprocated by holding hers tightly. We walked back to the beach hand-in-hand, playfully swinging our arms.

Upon seeing the two of us holding hands, Brock exclaimed, "Oh! And what were you two lovebirds doing over there?"

Sarcasm. Nice one, Brock.

"Um," Dawn let go of my hand. "We weren't doing anything!"

"Except for playing Twenty Questions." Just then, I realized I completely ruined the surprise.

Dawn facepalmed and lectured me about not telling Brock about her liking me... blah, blah, blah. As much as I loved Dawn, I couldn't stand another lecture. So I kissed her on the lips once again to silence her.

"There," I said. "That's better."

"Oh, I see," Brock said slyly. "You finally told him Dawn? I was right after all."

"What do you mean?" Dawn asked Brock, stunned.

"It's quite elementary, my dear Dawn." Oh, great. Very funny, Brock. "People don't spontaneously begin to blush, stutter, act shyly, or unwaveringly admire others. There is one reason, and one reason only, behind those reactions: realizing one's love for another. I, for one, should know!"

"So... you knew all this time." I stated after a moment of silence.

"Yep, that's pretty much right." Brock smirked. "I'm sure you're glad it's off your chest now, Dawn. Good thing, too, because the Grand Festival is… IT'S TOMORROW!"

"Then let's pack up and head back!"

The two others nodded. I turned towards all of our Pokémon.

"Everyone, return!"

The Pokémon were sent back into the safety of their Pokéballs. I ran and gathered all of our belongings and carried them back to the cabin.

"Do you need any help, Ash?" Dawn asked from behind me.

"Nah! I'll be fine! Just make sure we didn't forget anything!"

I ran into the bedroom, dumped all the stuff on the floor, and started to arrange them neatly. Brock came into the room and removed his clothes from the pile. He went into the bathroom and changed out of his wet beach attire. Following suit, I grabbed my clothes and entered the second washroom. After switching to some clean and dry clothes, I headed to the kitchen to grab a snack. Dawn was just coming in through the front door as I walked into the kitchen.

There were some rice balls wrapped in banana leaves on the top shelf. Delicious! I grabbed some, put them on a plate, and sat down at the table to eat the delectable treats. After I sat down, Brock came in and walked over to the kitchen sink to wash his hands. Soon after, Dawn also entered the kitchen wearing her normal outfit.

"Are you ready for the Grand Festival, Dawn?"

"I-I honestly don't k-know," her voice faltered as she looked to the floor.

"You'll do great!" Brock and I assured her.

"Yeah," Dawn said with more confidence. "We'll do just fine! Right, Piplup?"

"Pip!" Piplup squeaked.

"Remember, there's no need to worry."

I grinned cheekily at her. She laughed and smiled back.