Chapter 2 - Dawn (pt 1)
Dawn breezed down the streets of Veilstone City, indulging in some light retail therapy. She felt a tingling sensation as her pokétch vibrated on her wrist. Surprised to see an incoming phone call, she answered to hear an all too familiar voice.
"Dawn! Hi!"
"Ash! It's so amazing to hear from you! What have you been up to since becoming World Number One?"
"Well, I'm getting married."
Dawns eyes widened and her pupils shrank. "You're … getting … wha … … Oh. My. Arceus. … that … is … ... AMAZING! Ash! What?! Who? Where? When?!"
"Remember Misty?"
"Misty? … The lure girl! Oh Ash that's so great."
"Yep she's the one. The wedding is in Kanto, Cerulean City in two months. Can you come?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world. … Hey Ash? Can I get a plus one?"
*** Flashback 4months ago ***
17 year old Dawn found herself trapsing through the woods searching for a good spot to set up camp for the night. She was once again competing on the Sinnoh circuit but without any travelling companions this time, except for Piplup of course. Right now he was tucked away in his pokéball save tiring him out with the endless walking.
Coming into a clearing she thought she'd finally found the perfect spot, only to quickly see the area was already occupied.
"… No way … Paul?"
A young man with purple hair turned from his sitting position taking in the girl who knew him. She did look familiar … then it clicked she was the girl that travelled with Ash back when.
"How did you? … Oh it's you. That girl who's usually with Ash."
Dawn narrowed her eyes and pouted. "Nice of you to remember me … So what are you doing here?"
"Training."
"Figured that much, I mean what for?"
"I've recently become a Gym Leader, figured I'd have an excursion to sharpen my skills." Paul looked past Dawn behind her shoulder. "Where is he anyway? Don't tell me he's here."
"Who? Ash? No idea I haven't heard from him since he won the world series. And for your information he's not my boyfriend."
"Finally saw sense and dumped the dead weight?"
"What? Dumped him?" Dawn giggled. "No, we were never a couple. Ash is just a very good friend."
"Oh." Paul felt a lightness in his chest. He wasn't sure why, or why he even asked. Honestly he didn't really care, but hearing that this girl and Ash were not or ever romantically involved made him feel better for some reason.
Dawn blushed slightly. She wasn't sure why the conversation got her a little flustered, but it did. "Well … I better get going. I was actually looking for place to camp out and it's getting late, there won't be much light left."
Paul looked around the open space. "You may as well set up here."
"He… here … with you? "
Paul gave Dawn an odd look. "You said yourself it's getting dark. No point getting yourself into trouble." With that the young man turned his back on Dawn and carried on setting up his gear.
The two set up their stations separately, Paul barely interacting with Dawn despite her incessant small talk.
After what seemed an eternity of babbling from the coordinator, the purple haired teen felt himself getting more and more irritated. Arceus will this girl ever shut up … He was beginning to regret inviting her to stay. Paul turned to give her a glare but got distracted by the sight of her bending over. If only the view came with a mute button. He shook his head. What am I thinking?!
Dawn finished pulling items out her backpack and glanced over at Paul, who had already turned away, his focus now entirely elsewhere.
She scowled. He's completely ignoring me … why is he so rude? … I have to break the ice! He's got to want to talk about something!
"What was your first pokémon Paul? Mine was Piplup. It's a funny story how we became partners." She saw Paul's frown deepen. Reading the room she changed tactic "… But I won't go into it now … He refuses evolve, my Piplup. Everyone says I'd fare better in contests, but I disagree, contest battles aren't exactly the same as brawling. There's an art to it. The style of the moves are just as important as the impact, if not more."
Paul closed his eyes tightly and gritted his teeth. I can't listen to this anymore! "Do you want some food?!"
Dawn looked at Paul with surprise at his random outburst. It was the first thing he'd said to her since they started setting up camp. "Uhh yeah sounds great. I'm actually pretty hungry."
Paul pulled out his camping stove. She can't talk with food in her mouth … He looked at the bluenette. I hope …
The two ate in near silence, with Dawn making the odd polite comments over the meal. Paul pulled out a couple of beers. Dawn nodded and accepted the drink.
The sky turned pitch black, illuminated only by the moon and stars above. Paul and Dawn sat in front of a roaring campfire, the alcohol even relaxing Paul into a pleasant mood. The conversation turned to Ash's recent achievement in Galar.
"Being in that stadium … when Pikachu flew back and landed on his feet and then Leon's charizard went down. Seeing Ash and Pikachu do that … Wow!"
"Hm. I suppose it is flattering knowing I've beaten the champion of the world in battle." Paul smirked. "Who'd have ever thought I'd become a Gym Leader and that muppet a Pokémon Master. Can't say he didn't deserve it though."
Dawn giggled. The soft light of the fire lighting up her features giving the beautiful girl an alluring glow. Paul couldn't take his eyes off her.
"Well it's getting late." Dawn got up to excuse herself. Paul stood up and followed.
Paul lowered his voice to a seductive tone. "So, he was never your boyfriend."
Dawn stopped in her tracks and looked back at Paul with a raised eyebrow. "… No."
"No hidden feelings? Secret crush maybe?"
The girl smiled and shook her head. "No chance."
Dawn took a step back and slumped back against a tree. She took in Paul. He hadn't lost that brooding charm that made him so alluring to her. His layered chin length purple hair falling effortlessly perfect around his intense dark eyes and defined facial features. His complicated and deep personality enriched by his idol-like looks.
Dawn couldn't help herself, he was hot and she was drawn to the boy like a moth to a flame.
Paul looked Dawn up and down, he couldn't help it. He'd always admired her style. The way her vest top accentuated her perfect figure and curves. That cute flared skirt that hung tantalisingly short just covering but never revealing more than it should. Knee high socks with contrasting shin high boots.
He couldn't deny it. Dawn was hot.
"Never even … kissed?"
Dawn shook her head and smiled at Paul.
Paul took a step forward and placed his hand on tree at the side of the girls face. Staring intensely into her deep dark blue eyes, the pokémon trainer leaned in as Dawn grabbed his shirt and pulled him against her gently. Paul dipped his head down and catching her lips in a fiery kiss, all the tension between the pair pouring into the embrace. He moved his hands up and gripped her jawline. They pulled apart staring into each other's eyes, a mixture of confusion and lust running through their bodies. After a moment Dawn grabbed Paul pulling him back into her kiss once more, Paul placed his hands on the girl's slim waist, the bluenette placed her hands on top of his and guided them lower as she deepened the kiss.
*** End ***
Dawn stood up and smoothed down her skirt. She looked over at Paul pulling on his shirt and putting his shoes back on.
Since opening Pandora's box 4 months ago the two had hooked up each time they ran into each other, which seemed to be happening more and more frequently.
Dawn fixed up her hair, giving it a quick brush before placing on her signature hat. "So that was …" She turned her head to Paul.
Paul looked over at Dawn, his dark eyes meeting her pools of blue for a fleeting moment before turning away not saying a word. The beautiful coordinator also turned away deciding to change subject but keep conversation.
"Did you hear about Ash? He's getting married to the Kanto Water Gym Leader, Misty. He told me she was his first travelling partner, and now it's come full circle for them. Isn't that romantic? …"
Paul remained silent.
Undeterred Dawn continued. "Anyway, he's given me a plus one to the wedding and I was wondering if …" The bluenette looked back at Paul to see him leaving the hotel room without saying a word.
Her heart broke.
Dawn trudged down the city street, still reeling from Paul's rejection.
So … he doesn't want to be my date for my best friend's wedding. Big deal. No need to worry. It's not like we're dating or anything … it's just hooking up. Casual fun. Really, really, good, passionate, fun. I'm an independent single woman, I have needs … Dawn turned and looked at her reflection in the large glass window. Due to the reflection of the sun half of her face was missing … And he doesn't fill them. She turned away sadly.
Treating herself to an ice latte frappe to try and chase away the blues, she casually counted the sugar packets on the café table.
"He loves me … he loves me not … he loves me … he loves me … not … … no, of course he doesn't."
Dawn sighed and pulled out an old dog-eared picture and sighed. It was a picture of her, Ash, Pikachu and Brock when they were younger and carefree. I know Ash is older than me, but I was always way ahead of him on the maturity scale … all he cared about was pokémon and battling, clueless about love and romance. I didn't really think he'd matured that much either last time I saw him. How has he found his soul mate before I'm even out the gate? Getting married … wow … he's lightyears ahead of me, at this rate I'll be the only one left on the shelf. She casually thumbed the picture of them back when they travelled through Sinnoh together. … Once again I'm wayyy behind.
Deep in thought Dawn didn't notice a young man approach her table.
"Hey! Fancy seeing you here."
"Hm? Oh my! Kenny is that you?" Dawn looked up at the young man before her. He'd grown since she last saw him, his height now eclipsing hers by a good few inches. His auburn hair still styled to perfection and his clothes pristine. She smiled brightly at her childhood friend.
"Yeah, long time no see Dee-Dee."
Dawns face fell. "Don't call me Dee-Dee!" She hated that old nickname.
"So what's going on in your world? I haven't seen you at any contests for a while."
"I've been competing in Galar. After seeing Ash win in the Masters Eight, I decided to stay and try my luck in the contests there. I made it to the semis of the Grand Festival. Got knocked out by Dubwool that went on to win the whole thing, and our battle was closer than the finals. So overall I'd say I did pretty well."
"Nice. So, what's next for you?"
"I'm actually taking a trip to Kanto, Ash is getting married so of course I have to be there for him."
Kenny's face fell with shock. "Ash? As in Ash, Ash?! Champion of the world Ash? That Ash … is getting married?!"
"Yeah, I'm as surprised as anyone too. Happy. But surprised." Dawn pulled out the invitation and handed it to Kenny. He took the card and read it out loud. "You are cordially invited to the wedding of Miss Misty Waterflower and Master Ash Ketchum. Miss Dawn Berlitz and … a plus one!" The young man leaned against the café wall and looked the beautiful bluenette in the eye. "Sooo, who are you taking? Anyone I know?"
Dawn sighed and grumbled. "Doesn't look like I'm taking anyone."
The teenager couldn't help his big wide smile. "Welllll if you haven't got a date, I guess I could put myself out for you and be your arm candy."
"Well you do look good in a suit. I'll give you that." Dawn beamed. "You'd do that for me? Oh, Kenny that would be great!"
Kenny smiled. "Sure, why not. It would be nice to see Ash get married anyway and I'd hate for you to be sat all alone." His voice lowered, and demeanour became serious. "I'm always here if you need me Dee-Dee. You know that."
His childhood friend gave him a big dazzling smile "I do, and I appreciate it. But Kenny. Don't call me Dee-Dee. … Later." Dawn traced a finger across her old friends face and walked away. Kenny watched Dawn leave the café. I have a date … with DAWN! I can't wait to tell Barry!
A man with chin length midnight green hair popped his head out of his hiding place, also watching the young lady leave. "So Dawn is going to a wedding in Kanto. Then guess I know where I'm going too." He adjusted his glasses and slunk back down behind the large potted plant which he emerged.
Dawn walked down the street an almost skip in her step, completely contrasting her mood before the café.
Fantastic I have a date the wedding! Although not really a date … Kenny is just a friend … but at least I know he can pull off a Tux. We'll look good on the pictures. … still I can't help but wish I'd be having pictures coupled up with that special someone … I wonder what Paul would look like in a suit? I bet he scrubs up really well. I wonder if he'd brush his hair back? … I bet he would look totally hot with a man-bun. … Wait what if Paul changes his mind and wants to come to the wedding as my plus one? But I'm already going with Kenny?! Paul would be totally put out. … Humph! Well too bad, it's Paul's loss! Serve him right for how he treats me!
Dawn stopped in her tracks and looked up to the sky wistfully.
But am I cutting off my nose to spite my face …?
The weeks dragged on by for Dawn, she waited and waited but never heard anything more from Paul. Giving up on the notion of a romantic getaway, it was time to go to the ferry dock bound for Kanto.
"I thought you wasn't going to make it!" The boy shouted as he saw the bluenette approaching.
"No need to worry! There's still at least another … 10 minutes before departure, plenty of time."
"Yeah plenty ..." Kenny grumbled under his breath before changing his tone to loud teasing. "Looking forward to the wedding Dee-Dee?" Kenny stood waiting for Dawns arrival on the ramp before boarding.
Dawn stomped up with her luggage. Piplup trailing behind carrying more luggage for the trip. "Kenny. For the duration of the weekend, and for the rest of my life. STOP CALLING ME DEE-DEE!"
The three friends boarded the boat and watched as the shoreline grew smaller. They were off to Kanto.
Landing in the Vermillion City harbour, the pair from Sinnoh vacated the large boat to be greeted on the docks by none other than Ash himself and with him Pikachu and his fiancé Misty. As Dawn and Ash locked eyes they ran to each other and exchanged their signature high five greeting.
"Ash!"
"Dawn! I'm so glad you made it. Oh and you brought Kenny along! Hey Kenny! Long time no see!"
Kenny leaned forwards and shook Ash's hand. "Congratulations Ash. For … well … everything!"
Ash grinned. "Thanks Kenny."
"Pipi Pikachu!" "Piplup piplup pip" The two old pokémon friends ran up and greeted each other.
Misty smiled warmly and stepped forwards. "You must be Dawn, I've seen pictures and Ash has told me loads about you but it's great to finally meet you in person." Misty knelt down to the pokémon. "And this must be Piplup! Oh how cute, I'm absolutely obsessed with water pokémon."
"Piplup piplup" The little penguin lapped up the attention from the water trainer.
Dawn took in Ash's fiancé. She was tall with a slender frame, just a model. Natural fiery red hair worn in a loose side ponytail and crystal blue eyes. The tomboyish mermaid had matured into a real beauty, more than rivaling her famous sisters.
"Misty! It's so great to meet you too!" Dawn clasped Misty's hands and took a step back to take in the red headed water trainer. "Wow you're much prettier in real life than in plastic form."
"Huh?" Misty squinted an eye in confusion.
"Oh. Ha." Dawn sweat dropped and giggled. "Ash used to take out your mini Misty lure when we were fishing, he was soooo possessive over it! You have no idea, he'd never let me near it!"
"Oh Mew is that true?!" Misty beamed and looked over at Ash with glassy eyes. The Pokémon Champion placed his head behind his head and blushed with embarrassment. "That's so cute!"
Quickly changing the subject Ash looked to Dawn and Kenny. "You guys made it in great time. We're having an engagement party tonight at the Cerulean Gym. Should be a lot of fun!"
Misty looked sadly at Ash "I really would have liked to wait for May, Max and Drew to get here …"
"I know, me too, but the wedding is in a few days, this is the last free night we can have the party." Ash noted his fiancés slightly glum face and gave her a brilliant smile. "Don't worry. They'll have loads of fun at the wedding party."
Misty cheered up hearing this. Ash could always cheer her up.
"Since when is Ash the responsible one?!" Kenny muttered to Dawn, she grinned at her friends comment before turning back to Ash. "So May's not here yet?"
"Not yet. They'll be arriving in a few day's time."
Dawn couldn't hide her disappointment. "Oh that's too bad, I was really looking forward to catching up with her … Oh well! No need to worry. Who else is here?"
The group began walking away from the dock as Ash continued his conversation with Dawn.
"Oh everyone. You know Iris, Cilan, oh and Brock's here too of course. He's my Best Man."
"Pika Pikaaa!" Pikachu chirped at Ash angrily.
"Oh um acting Best Man. After Pikachu of course."
"Pikachu." The little mouse beamed.
Dawn beamed at her friend. "I can't wait!"
Kenny knocked on Dawns hotel room. "Hey are you ready yet? The party started a half hour ago!"
"No need to worry! I'm just finishing curling my hair then I'm done."
"You said that 5 minutes ago …" Kenny grumbled to himself softly. Donning smart dark jeans, a silk dark green shirt and styled gelled hair, the coordinator from Sinnoh had been ready for a while.
Dawn stepped out. "Well? How do I look? Worth the wait?" Dawn gave a twirl and a wink.
The boy stood speechless. Dawn was a sight. She donned a dark purple skater dress with soft pink roses, the dress form fitting to her top half and then flaring out just above her knees. Her usually polka straight blue hair was curled into soft beach waves falling effortlessly around her shoulders.
Piplup appeared at his trainer's side, adoring a little bow tie matching the pattern of his trainers dress.
"Umm … we better go."
"Don't you think I look pretty Kenny?" Dawn continued to twirl and playfully flirt.
The teenage boy couldn't help but blush crimson. "… Sure … yeah … but we're … we're already really late! Let's go!"
Dawn smiled knowingly. She loved how she could always get that reaction out of Kenny. Wish I could get that reaction out of someone else I know … Putting the Sinnoh Gym Leader to the back of her mind, Dawn took Kenny's arm, and they left the hotel.
When the three arrived, the party was in full swing. The venue was packed with all Ash and Misty's friends and family. Never one to shy away from playing host, Delia Ketchum and Mr Mime could be seen filling up platters of food.
Kenny looked over to the food table. "I'll go get us some punch." Dawn smiled and nodded. Ash, Pikachu and Misty were over the other side of the room making rounds talking to people. They'll be pretty busy tonight.
"Pipluppiplup piplup" Piplup wriggled out of Dawns arms and ran over to join Kenny at the buffet table.
"Piplup! Oh alright it is a party, but go easy on the desserts!"
"Hi Dawn! Long time no see, it's great to see you again! I see Piplup hasn't changed." The man noted as the small penguin ran past his shins.
"BROCK!" The bluenette flung herself at the older man, giving him a big bear hug. "I've missed you! We have so much to catch up on!"
Brock nodded "Yeah, I can't wait to tell you. …" and was about to start conversation when Misty's fellow Gym Leader friend Erica walked by. "THAT I'VE JUST SEEN THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!"
"But Brock?!"
"We'll catch up at the wedding Dawn! Oh sweet Erica how the hands of fate have played us …" With that the pokémon doctor in training went chasing after his best friend's friend.
Dawn deadpanned. "Same old Brock … Oh Chloe!" Dawn rushed over to the Maroon headed girl and greeted her with a friendly hug. "Chloe! It seems like 5 minutes ago that we were in Galar together. How are you?"
"Dawn! I know time is flying by right? I'm doing really great. How are your contest battles going?"
"I got to the semis of the Grand Festival in Galar, knocked out by the ones who went on to win it, so can't complain at losing to the best. Now I'm doing the Sinnoh circuit again. You should come compete too!"
"I am! I've won a ribbon already here in Kanto."
"You have? Oh awesome! So, are you looking forward to the wedding? Have you got a date? Is it Goh? Speaking of where is he?"
"No, I haven't got a date to the wedding, and Goh …" Cloe's expression turned sad. "… I'm not 100% sure I'll be making it."
"WHAT?!" Chloe you have to come. It's ASH'S WEDDING!"
"I know, I really want to, it's just … Goh. He won't be coming to the wedding, and going without him, seems wrong."
Dawns eyes widened in surprise. "Not coming?! Why?!"
Chloe looked at Dawn and sadly shook her head. "I can't really say" The Kanto teen looked over Dawn's head. "Oh is that my Dad calling me?"
Dawn looked around. "I didn't hear anything …?"
The maroon haired girl quickly excused herself. "Sorry Dawn, got to go, we'll talk later!"
Dawn blinked in shock as Chloe zipped away from her. "… Weird."
With that the bluenette was on her own again. She scanned the room for people she knew. Spotting Iris and Cilan she was about to go over and converse when someone else caught her attention. A young man stood brooding in the corner dressed in a dark purple shirt, smart dark charcoal grey trousers and chin length purple hair worn loose. It can't be?!
"Paul!" Dawn marched over and pulled the young man away by his shirt. "What are you doing here?! You didn't tell me you were coming?! I brought along Kenny as my plus one, not you!" She hissed annoyed.
Paul expression remained stoic. "I know. I'm not here with you." Paul reached into his pocket and pulled out his own invitation to the wedding.
The girls anger turned to astonishment. "Ash … invited you?! Why?!"
Paul shrugged and walked away leaving Dawn stood speechless.
He never even told me he was invited ...
"My my Dawn Berlitz given the brush off? Could such a thing occur?"
Dawn froze at the familiar voice behind her. Her face paled in fear as she slowly turned around. "Conway! What are you doing here?! I know Ash wouldn't have invited you!"
"I don't wait to be invited when it concerns you, Dawn. Knowing you'd be here was all the invitation I required. I just witnessed your unsavoury bout with that ruffian, so now I'm here to offer myself and defend your honour. Consider me your Sir Fetch'd." With that Dawn's stalker gently bowed.
Paul looked back to see the interaction between Dawn and Conway, he gritted his teeth slightly, but continued walking away without reacting further.
"Conway. You really shouldn't party crash! And I don't need to be rescued like some damsel in distress, least of all by you!" Dawn turned her back on Conway and walked over to where Kenny stood waiting with drinks.
Conway adjusted his glasses and smirked. "You need me here more than you realise Dawn." He looked straight at her and Kenny, as the auburn-haired teen gave his date a drink which she gratefully accepted but then turned sideways, looking away from him as she sipped the liquid through a straw. Kenny gazing longingly at his beautiful friend. The light of the room reflected off Conway's glasses. "After all, this is a place for romance. No one wants to be friend-zoned at a wedding." The man stepped back into the shadows and out of sight.
"Dawn … DAWN!"
"Huh?" Dawn spun round with her drink to face Kenny. "What is it?"
"You've not listened to a word I've said since you came back over, you've just been staring into space."
"I have not been staring into space!"
"Well, somethings got your attention that isn't me." He looked in the direction Dawn had been staring and saw Paul in her eye line. … "Oh …"
Dawn flushed red with anger and loudly sipped up the last of her drink before placing it down angrily. "Can you believe him?! I invited him to come here with me and he said no, but then showed up anyway! To my best friend's wedding?! The nerve! Him and Ash don't even get along!"
Kenny's heart broke. "You … you invited Paul?"
"Yeah, I told you, he wouldn't be my date for the wedding."
"No. You didn't. I just thought you had no one to ask … I didn't know I was your second choice …"
"Second choice? Kenny you're my friend." Dawn raised an eyebrow at Kenny, who continued to look straight ahead. He frowned deeply. "You know I like you, Dawn. You know I really like you. More than just a friend. I'd do anything for you. I … I'm in love with you."
Dawn's jaw dropped. "You're in ... love ... with me?"
"I am ... But I'm nobody's silver medal. Not even yours." He looked at Dawn. "It's all or nothing. You have to make choice." With that Kenny walked out the party.
"Wha?! Kenny!" Dawn called after her friend, but he continued to leave the venue.
"Dawn!" A blonde teenage boy approached her. He donned a striped shirt accentuating the orange of his eyes and smart grey trousers. "Great to see you here, where's Kenny I heard he was with you?"
"He … just left." The girl replied, a bit crestfallen.
"He left without speaking to me?! I'm gonna fine him!" Barry turned to see which direction Kenny had gone.
Dawn turned to her old Sinnoh friend. "Barry, what are you doing here? Not that I'm not happy to see you or anything …"
The trainer pointed to himself and puffed his chest. "Well as I'm Ash's main and all-important rival, of course I'd get an invite."
"Ash invited his rivals?" Dawn turned to look over at Paul again.
"That's Ash for you. Probably wants to battle on the dance floor."
She couldn't help but giggle of the imagine of Ash battling for the first dance at his wedding. That would be so like him! "Speaking of rivals." Dawn stood on her tiptoes and looked over the crowds. "I haven't seen Gary here yet."
"Gary?" Barry lifted an eyebrow, unfamiliar with the name.
"Yeah Gary Oak. He and Ash go way back, he's the grandson of Professor Oak. I'd have bet money he'd be here. He is Ash's main rival after all."
"Um no Dawn, I think you'll find I am."
The pokémon coordinator simply sweat dropped and nervous giggled at her friend's comment, not wishing to be on the end of one of Barry's "fines." "So Barry, who are you here with?"
"Who me? Well you." The blonde looked around seeing no one else they knew around them and then back to Dawn. "Obviously."
The coordinator giggled. "No not here now, I mean who's your date for the wedding?"
"My date?"
"Yeah, you got one?"
"Well I did ask this girl I liked ... but she hesitated .. So I had to fine her. So now I'm going alone. You're going with Kenny right?"
Dawn looked at the door sadly. "I thought I was …"
"Oh … we can sit together if you want. But I'm not dancing. I draw the line there."
The bluenette grinned and sweat dropped at her comical friend. "Thanks Barry."
"Piiip lup." Dawn's pokémon stumbled over to her, his stomach bloated, and beak coated in chocolate.
"Piplup! You ate too many sweets again, didn't you?!"
"Piiiiiiiplupppp." Piplup slumped to the floor, his face turning green.
Dawn slapped her forehead. If it wasn't boy drama it was pokédrama. "Ok time to go!" She recalled her greedy pokémon into his ball.
Bidding goodbyes to everyone and once again congratulating Ash and Misty, Dawn left the venue to go back to her hotel. Turning a corner she felt a hand grasp her wrist. Gasping and turning around she found herself face to face with … Paul?
"Hey." His voice was low, face serious.
"… Hi." Dawn couldn't help but blush.
"Just for the record. I never said I wasn't coming here with you."
Dawns eyes widened and her heart raced. "… Does that mean?"
"You're here with someone else." With that Paul turned and walked off.
"Only because you didn't …" It was pointless Paul had already walked away without looking back. Why does it always have to be so complicated with him?
Authors note - This story is in no way intended to slut shame Dawn. She's actually grown to be one of my favourite pokégirls and I love her design. My issue is I don't really ship her with anyone. Her and Paul I think look good together design wise, but there's not enough between them in the anime. Kenny I think was created to be the Drew to her May, but I just can't get behind Kenny, he's just a bit ... meh. Then there is Barry, more of an in-game ship but again no real evidence there and lastly Conway who's hilarious but a damn creep.
There is one other person I quite like for Dawn - sorry Pearlshippers it's not Ashy Boy ...