Part four! I feel like I am speeding through this story. Sorry for the spelling and grammar errors guys, sometimes I tend to speed type and not read what I wrote so yeah. You might be wondering about the title of this chapter, it is poking a little fun how Ash used be dense when he was younger while also referring to another character who seems to be suffering from the same emotional block.
I do not own the characters or places mentioned in this fanfic. They are all in the creative rights of Satoshi Tajiri and Co. Any songs or literary references mentioned are owned their designated artists or writers.
Lumios City
Grand Ballroom
Third Person
After three songs our two lovebirds decided to take a break and got off the dance floor. Ash lead May back to her seat kissing her cheek much to the surprise of the others around the table. Ash glanced at Dawn who was looking towards the buffet table, or rather who stood by said table. His brow rose clearly thinking about this, may saw his perplexed face and followed his line of sight also spotting a certain purple haired trainer by the food area.
She tugged on his sleeve, "What are you thinking Ash?"
"I might be wrong, but Dawn seems like she wants to dance with Paul." He whispers to her.
May glanced at the blue haired Sinnoh girl, spotting the longing look in her eyes. Her eyes widened a fraction surprised at this development. But she thought about the time Dawn told her about the blunette's travels with the now mild mannered Paul, and how considerate he was towards her during their time on the road. From the way Ash's eyes softened May knew that Dawn must've have told him about their travels as well.
She shook her head smiling sweetly at her crush, "No you're not wrong. Seems to me that the man needs a little push in the right direction. He clearly cares for her well enough."
"Right you are Princess. I'm not sure about this, if only to make Dawn smile." Ash says squeezing her hand.
Dawn was none the wiser about their conversation of course. As Ash walked to the buffet the ladies surrounded May.
Misty grinned at the Hoenn native, "You guys were practically cuddling on the dance floor! You guys would totally make an adorable couple."
"You know, I thought I'd feel jealous seeing you and him so close but all I feel is joy that he has found happiness with a girl as sweet as you. You two truly do deserve each other May." Serena say hugging the her.
May hugged her back smiling, "Thank you Serena! And dancing with him was one of the best things I've ever done in my life. I've wanted to dance since our trip to Rota."
"What was he whispering to you back there?" Dawn asked curiously.
This caught the other twos attention.
"Oh... just small complements and what nots. He also asked me on a date." May says feeling her cheeks warm for the fiftieth time that evening.
All three girls squeezed and then grinned at this new.
Dawn spoke first bouncing, "Oh wow! I didn't think he'd ask this soon, but then again... Ash is one unpredictable person. I am so excited for you."
"Good going Ketchum! He really is growing up, but where is he going now?" Misty says looking at back of her best friend's head.
May saw Serena narrow her eyes, "Mm, maybe he's going to talk to that Purple haired guy by the buffet table."
May's smiled, she hit it right on the bull's eyes for sure. The burnette watch scene unfold waiting for her man to come back successful and with their refreshments as well. The scene shifts to the buffet table near the drinks area.
Ash quietly approaches Paul who was sipping a glass of whiskey. The man looked as if he was just observing the festivities, but Ash knew his eyes were on a certain blue haired Sinnoh girl. He smiled knowing what to say.
"Hey there Paul. Never thought I'd see you here." He greeted him placing a hand on his shoulder.
Paul chuckled, "Hey Ash. Never thought I'd get an invite to your victory party. But here we are."
"Glad you could come. And I'm certainly glad that you shedded that surly attitude of yours as well. I hoping we became friends after the Sinnoh League." Ash says filling a glass with Sakura wine and another with Petcha Berry liquor.
Paul shook his head, "You really left an impression on me after Sinnoh. I realized the way I was training my Pokemon was wrong and changed my ways. And I might have seen how wrong my methods were because of another person as well."
Ash hid a small smile, guessing that he was talking about Dawn. Paul had given the Pallet Town native the perfect opening.
"Why don't you ask her to dance Paul?" Ash asked waiting of his reaction.
A purpled haired teen stiffened, "Now. Why would I do that?"
"Because it'd make her night." Says the raven haired teen.
Paul shook his head, "I'm pretty sure she wouldn't like to dance with me."
Ash sighed, this might take awhile.
"I don't know about you but she seemed to say great things about you during your travels together the past year." Ash says trying to ease Paul into the idea.
Paul's eyes widened at the unexpected reply, "Really?"
"Yeah. We call each other when we can and share our travels. She happened to call me before I cam to Kalos and told me about your short Journey together in Hoenn and how considerate you were towards her." Ash explained.
Paul smiled at this news, "I'm glad to hear that."
They stood in silence for a moment. Paul was thinking about asking Dawn to dance, he had taken a liking the bluenette during their travels together but was uncertain that she liked him back. He was hesitant he didn't want to scare her away if he assumed wrong.
"What was she like when you traveled together?" Ash asked trying help the other trainer out.
Paul thought, "She was hesitant at first, I was a duche back when we were rivals so I understood her uncertainty. But as time passed we both comfortable in each other's company, she would even cheer me on in my Gym challenges. She would give me little treats and hugs when I won. She comforted me when I lost, would tell me that I did my best that my Pokemon did their best."
Ash smiled, it was just like how May would cheer him on back in their own travels together. He knew Dawn had feelings more then friendship for Paul, and it seemed like said boy also returned them. But of course he had uncertainty and doubt on his mind. This much the raven haired teen knew.
"You know she might do those things because she thinks of you as more of a friend." Ash says trying to hint at Dawn's actual feelings.
Paul chocked on his drink at this, "What?!"
"She might have developed a crush on you during your time together Shinji." Ash stated bluntly this time.
Paul shook his head, "What would she even see in me Ketchum?"
"Oh, I don't know really. But you'll never find out if you don't make a move." Ash tells him.
Paul shook his head again, "Hmph."
Ash sighed at this. Placing the glasses on the table and crossing his arms. How was he gonna get through to this guy?
"Boy, and people said I was a clueless guy. But even I took notice the hints May was giving me back in our travels around Kanto! Have you even noticed how she acts around you outside of Gym battles?" Ash responds the last part in a query.
Paul sighed, "She would hold my hand when we walked, lean on my shoulder, tug on my jacket if I ever lost my temper, or hug me if I need comfort. But isn't that what friends do?"
Let's queue the facepalm guys. Ash rolled his eyes, no wonder people used to say he was clueless! That was until he met May that is. Gosh, the girl really was something; she might have hoodwinked him into letting her join his travels in Hoenn but she was slowly making her way into his heart in middle of their journey.
"Now I really see why people called me clueless when I was younger. Paul if you wanna find out for yourself, you won't find out doing nothing. Trust me on this one, she wants you to dance with her don't waste your chance while you still have it." Ash says taking the glasses and going back to their table.
May saw Ash facepalm and knew that Paul had said something pretty stupid. She was just glad Ash shook off his cluelessness when they were younger, she had suspected that he had feelings for her after the adventure with Manephy! But had confirmed her suspensions during their time in Rota. She saw Ash walking back to their table with two glasses. She took the one with the Sakura wine in it, her favorite drink.
"So how did it go?" She asked sipping the beverage.
Ash shook his head, "Mr. Clueless is not getting the hints she's giving him."
"Gosh! That must be a new record. I was hoping he would dance with her tonight. Here I thought you were a clueless boy back then, but he takes top prize at this rate." May says shaking her head.
Ash takes a sip of his drink, "Here's to hoping beyond hope at this point that he'll man up and ask her for a dance then. I know she really wants to dance with him tonight, but with how he is being at the moment..."
Ash runs a hand through his hair making a mess of it, the boy was feeling slightly frazzled at the situation at hand. What were they to do? May could only smile, she found him so attractive at that moment that she took the hand that was running through his hair and rubbed it against her cheek. He smiled and flipped his hand to cup her cheek brining his face to hers only to kiss the tip of her nose.
She giggled then pouted, "You tease."
"All in good time Princess. All in good time." He tells her winking.
She chuckled at his antics, but knew he was right about it. The others around the table were none the wiser about the topic of their conversation, but Serena knew they talking about Paul. While Ash went to get drinks the the ladies and the guys told Serena about Ash's history with the purple hair Sinnoh trainer. Dawn then added how after losing to Ash in the Semi finals at the Lily of the Valley Conference had changed Paul's view of how he should treat his Pokemon and others. She then shared her travels with him which surprised Gary a tad, seeing that Paul was the harshest rival Ash has ever had even he and Trip didn't train their Pokemon the way Paul did.
Gary's gasped of surprise caught the group's attention, "Look who's coming this way?!"
Upon seeing Paul approaching their table Dawn immediately straightened her posture and played with a loose lock of her hair. Obviously nervous about his approach despite trying to keep the emotion off of her face.
May subtly whispered to Ash, "Guess you were right."
"All it takes time and little bit of a push after all. But hopefully, he doesn't stay oblivious to hee feelings for him forever and lose his nerve. Knowing Paul he'll probably make a mistake and miscalculate certain things. I know where he's at, I've been there for a long time after all. Took the better part of a year to notice the little hints you were throwing my way, and another year and half to figure out my own feelings!" Ash sighed once again messing his hair.
May kissed his cheek, "Now, now. The important thing is that you noticed and eventually did something about it. Those sweet moments in Sinnoh were some of the greatest times of my life, it made me sad to say goodbye again."
"Mm... looks like he did ask after all." Ash says once again looking at the Sinnoh pair.
May looked their way as well and thought, well then looks like that push worked out after all. And just in time too, Conway was about to make move and I have no patience for the guy right now. We listened to the duo's conversation.
Paul asked with a bow, "Ms. Berlitz would you honor me with dance."
Dawn looked surprised at first but then smiled timidly, "Of course Mr. Shinji."
They walked onto the dance floor, and began to sway to the song that was currently playing. Serena looked at us and winked letting us know that she knew we had something to do with it. Gary looked to be considering something, before he stood from his spot and approached Serena.
"Em, Serena would you like to dance?" He asked scratching the back of his head.
Serena looked surprised but then let out a small smile, "Sure Gary."
The pair took a spin at the dancefloor, they looked to be conversing. Ash grinned at the sight, despite his joke about Gary having settled down he knew that the aspiring researcher had no girlfriend as of yet, he was glad that his best friend had ended his player ways. He was really ticked when he found out what happened, Gary had shamed Sabrina because she wouldn't do what he wanted. That was after his adventure to Hoenn, and said raven haired boy had beat him it taken May's - who had came with him to celebrate his placement in the Hoenn league - words and touches to calm him down. Gary apologized to Sabrina whom had thanked Ash for his defense of her after she had found the beating he had given Gary.
"Mm, that's interesting. I hope Gary isn't up to his old trick again." Comments Ash a little worried for Serena.
May patted his cheek, "I don't think he is. From what I can tell, this is out of a friendly gesture."
"You're right May. I am glad Gary has grown out of his playboy ways, though I think Professor Oak wouldn't have tolerated him longer if had stayed in that lane any longer. Much lest his older sister Daisy." Says Ash smiling.
Brock who was listening in smiled, "Maybe this could be good for him. Serena might be the one to help him settle down into a steady relationship."
"Look you at you Broko! All those years chasing other pretty girls and you finally settled down with one who finally fell for your charms." Ash teased gaining a blush from the young adult doctor.
May giggled, "Poor Lucy had to endure five years of loneliness before you finally asked her out! I am glad for you both though."
The three friends laughed at their banter catching the attention of the crowd. The champions who knew them smiled at their close bond, their families hearts warmed seeing their children happy. There were some young trainers approaching their table asking for pictures and autographs from the famous teens seated there, Ash and May had taken photos with loads of fans, some awestruck to meet the Princess of Hoenn in person and even more so to know that the Kalos League Champion knew her.
Sawyer came by to greet the group after Serena, Gary, Paul and Dawn returned from the dance floor. Tierno, Trevor, Miette, and Shauna were with him also to greet them. Miette and Shauna noticed Ash and May's closeness and glanced at Serena surprised to see a smile on her face.
"Hey Ash! Congrats on the win!" Exclaimed Sawyer hugging Ash who patted his back.
Ash chuckled, "Thanks Sawyer!"
"Who's this pretty girl you've got here?" Asked Tierno giving May a curious gaze.
Shauna's eyes widened as of recognizing May, "Oh my gosh! It, it's the Princess of Hoenn May Maple!"
Dawn looked perplexed, "I thought Contests weren't common round these parts..."
"No way! Dawn Berlitz, the Prodigy of Sinnoh!" Says Miette in complete shock.
Serena giggles, "While Pokemon Contests aren't really done in Kalos, out Pokemon Showcases are inspired by the Contests commonly known in Sinnoh and Jonto. Diantha wanted to create something unique when she became champion, it was after her visit to Sinnoh and seeing a contest that she thought of the Showcase circuit."
It was Trevor who said, "Wow Ash. You didn't mention that you traveled with Coordinators."
"And pretty ones too." Adds Tierno eyeing Dawn and May.
Ash shook his head and smiled, "Well, I like to surprise people once in a while. And these two are two of the greatest friends I've ever met in my journeys throughout Hoenn and Sinnoh."
"Don't forget we were your students during the start of our journeys as well. Boy, I wouldn't have gotten through the first half of my journey without Ash's help. I may have had a goal in mind, but hardly even knew how to catch a Pokemon." Dawn says smiling at Ash who grinned back.
They did their trademark high five much to the amusement of Brock, May, Misty, Gary and Paul. Serena knew it was a sign of their close friendship and smiled at the gesture. May then leaned in and kissed Ash's cheek much to surprise of the Kalos group not including Serena of course.
May then said, "He was the one who inspired me to love Pokemon. When I started my journey in Hoenn I had only wanted to travel the world no clear goal in mind, I had a fear of Pokemon due to an experience I had as a child. Then I met Ash, who had to save me from being attacked from a pack of Mightyena. During the rest of of our Journey along with my brother and Brock I grew to appreciate Pokemon and eventually fell in love with them."
"It wasn't all on me you know. Your appreciation for Pokemon when you allowed yourself to bond with Torchic. That guy turned into one amazing Blaziken!" Ash says patting her head.
Shauna then said, "You guys seem really close."
"You've got no idea! I think May is still the only one out of all of us that can battle Ash into a draw." Comments Dawn.
Tierno then Proclaimed, "I want to see that!"
"You'd be surprised for sure. I'll never forget that Contest Battle in Terracotta Town all those years, now that was spectacular!" Comments Brock.
Misty then speaks up, "I saw that one on TV. The tie between Sceptile and Blaziken was truly awe inspiring."
"How about it May? Up for a long awaited rematch?" Ash asked eyes shining with excitement.
May grinned nodding, "You're so on Ash! How about a three-on-three battle?"
"You've got it." Ash says agreeing to the terms.
Gary then inquired, "Where would you have it though?"
"I'm sure Clemont would allow you to use the gym oroviding that you don't destroy the grounds that is." Says Serena smiling.
Then Paul says, "When are you going to hold the battle?"
A moment silence passed, and the two shared a look as if communicating without words.
"How about tomorrow afternoon?" Ash asked.
Trevor nods, "That seems fine to me."
"Pika!" Pikachu says from under the table jumping on to Ash's shoulder.
"There you are buddy! You're all better now right?" Ash says scratching the back of his starter's ear.
Pikachu let out a contented "Chaa" at the sensation. Seeing May he rubbed his cheek on hers sending her into a fit of giggles.
"Hello Pikachu! Long time no see. You're looking great." May greets the electric rodent happily.
Ash then says, "Hey buddy, can you send some electric waves to Dedenae and let it know that we want Clemont and Bonnie to come over?"
"Pikachu." Says the mon nodding.
Waves of electricity passed through the crowd, the group soon saw the blonde Lumios siblings approach the table with Max in toe.
"What's up guys? What have we been missing?" Asked Bonnie curiously.
Ash smiled, "Hey guys. Clemont, could we please use the gym for a battle tomorrow afternoon?"
"Yeah sure you can Ash. Besides I don't think there will be anyone going in since the league just ended." Says the older sibling.
Max pushed his glasses up, "Who's battling who?"
It was Serena who answered, "Ash and May agreed to having a three-on-three battle."
Max whistles lowly, "Wow, that's one battle I don't wanna miss. It's been nearly a decade since I last saw them battle each other and that battle they had in the Terracotta Town Contest back then still blows my mind!"
"Then we'll be expecting an amazing match then!" Comments Miette.
Shauna then jumps, "Oo. I'm excited! I wanna see how Ash matches up with a coordinator."
The old crew chuckle at the comment, they knew Ash's raw battling style and creativity on the battle field better then most after all. Dawn and May especially knew how his ability to create move combinations for battles can be on par with that of any coordinator's skills for creating Contest moves. Ash's moves can be as flashy as they can be brutal.
Paul chuckles, "This will be interesting for sure."
As their friends look at the pair, they all see the excited and determined shine in their eyes.
And that's all I wrote! Oh wow, I thought I'd cut it here. Next chapter is gonna be full of fluff, with Ash and May switching perspectives. Their battle will be in the chapter after next. What did you guys think about this chapter? Hope you all like it. I'll probably get get some mixed reactions for pairing Dawn and Paul, for the record I kind of changed up Paul's personality for this fan fic gave him some Character development.
To the new followers of this fan fic, thank you for your support! I gives me great joy to know you guys are are enjoying the story. Any suggestions are welcome, feel free to drop them in the comments or send them to me through the DMs. Thanks to those who drop their suggestions and opinions through the comments.
Guest (Scooby Doo 150): Thank you for the support. As for any future Poke Fics, I have another one for this year. Your suggestion is an interesting for sure, I'll see what I do about the new female characters and exploring their relations with Ash. I am working pairing Serena and Gary together for this fic, that was something I considered doing when thought of doing an Advancedshiiping fic, I'll play it out slowly as the story progresses.
Alrighty then the journey continues!
Signing off,
WL_17
