One Month Later...

Today was the day.

It was the day of the finale for our school dance competition. It was the day that I had worked endless hours for, the day for which I had constant disagreements with my mom for initially being against dancing, but most of all...it was the day where a winner would finally be declared...and hopefully, with my dedication and passion for dancing, that winner would be me.

I was currently backstage, getting the rest of my makeup done as I applied a pink tone of blush to my cheeks, mentally preparing myself for the finale to commence. I glanced towards myself in the mirror, admiring my finished look. A sigh of satisfaction escaped my lips once I realized what an insane yet thrilling journey it had been to reach this point.

To think it had all started when I first stepped into Unova High...and bumped into the Dancing Legend...and instantly hated his guts.

I giggled slightly to myself; things had been so different back then. If someone had told me that I'd wound up being his girlfriend, I probably wouldn't believe it.

Speaking of the so-called dancing legend, I heard Ash call for me from a few feet away. "Dawn?" I turned around, only to see him stop walking in his tracks and leaving him with a stunned expression. I raised an eyebrow in a questioning manner and he shook his head in response. "I can never get over how beautiful you are."

I smirked in response, walking over towards him and placed a light kiss on his cheek. He grinned and placed his hand around my waist. "Nice try Ash, but flattery will get you nowhere. I may be your girlfriend, but I'm still going to kick your ass. I haven't reached this far in the competition just to lose, you know."

He chuckled in response, his hand tightening around my waist. "Oh yeah? We'll see about that. I'm not going to go easy on you either, no matter how cute you are. I'm still the dancing legend."

I placed my arms around his neck and provided him with a coy smile. "Not for long," I replied cheekily.

His eyes darkened as he pulled me closer towards him, as a slight yelp escaped my lips. My heartbeat started to accelerate and my breaths were a bit shaky now due to our proximity. "Have I mentioned I love this competitive side from you?" He kissed the corner of my mouth repeatedly in a teasing manner. I resisted the urge to let out a groan before he closed his lips on mine.

An obnoxious clearing of the throat was heard, allowing us to split apart, but we still kept our hands around each other. "You know, I'm really happy for you guys ever since you became a couple a while ago and all," May said, while wearing a not so subtle smirk, "But based on the track records of how long you guys make out, you're probably gonna miss your own performances."

Zoey, who was currently standing beside May, sported a small smirk as well. "Yeah and if you miss your own performances, that wouldn't be fun for those that are watching now would it?"

I found myself blushing in response while Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. Ash released my waist and took my hand in his palm. "Dawn, whatever happens tonight, I want you to know that...you're always going to be a winner for me. You're always going to be my little dancing legend."

In the past month or so of officially being Ash's girlfriend, I had realized how lucky I was to have someone like him. He had proven that he could be incredibly sweet and supportive, and this was just one of those examples. I couldn't help it when I let out a wide grin. "Thank you. No hard feelings if you win tonight, honestly." I admitted. Sure, six months ago, I'd be desperate to crush Ash in this competition, but now all I really wanted to do was show how much I loved dancing like I always did.

Though that didn't mean I still wouldn't try to win. "Still doesn't mean I won't try to mop you on the stage later though."

Ash smirked in response. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

"Alright students, welcome to the very last round of the dance competition here at Unova High! Tonight, we'll finally have a student being crowned the winner and being declared as the official dancing legend. Along with that title, we'll also award the winner with some very cool prizes! In fact, we're happy to announce that this year...the first place winner will be awarded a full ride scholarship to our prestigious University of Lumoise in Lumoise City, which has one of the best dance programs in the Kalos region."

My desire and dedication to win this competition increased by a mile upon hearing the announcement. If I were lucky enough to win and receive that scholarship, I'd be one step closer to making my dream of being a professional dancer a reality. I internally squealed to myself in utter excitement.

"Dawn?"

I directed my attention to my mom and David, who were kind enough to visit me backstage. "Mom!" I exclaimed in happiness as I reached out to hug her tightly, ecstatic that she was here to support me just like always. I pulled back before looking at the wonderful father figure who I've come to really appreciate the last few months. "David, thank you so much for coming. It means a lot."

"Of course, Dawn," David said, a genuine smile forming. "I'm sure you'll do great just like always."

My smile grew bigger before I looked towards my mom, who rubbed my shoulders affectionately.

"Good luck, my little bunny. You've got this," she said, placing a loving kiss on my forehead. I giggled in response at the pet name that I eventually grew accustomed to. "Break a leg...well, actually that wouldn't be so helpful in a dance competition...I wonder why that's considered a helpful idiom anyway," she said, beginning to ramble.

David and I both started laughing in unison before Marion spoke again, effectively cutting our laughter. "Alright, as you all know, tonight is the finale, with just two contestants left, and they are our undefeated dancing legend himself, otherwise known as Ash Ketchum, and someone who's recently been on equal footing ever since she moved onto the finale, Dawn! One of these two contestants will be crowned the winner. So, you both have one final solo dance performance that you have to portray to the judges, so make sure to impress them. Okay, I'm sure I've kept you guys waiting long enough...so let's decide who's going to perform first with a coin toss. I'd like to call both contestants on to the stage now."

"That's my cue!" I frantically told them before I clumsily ran towards the stage, my heels clicking from behind. I could hear cheers of encouragement from both my mom and David from behind faintly.

The audience roared in excitement, and I grinned in response at seeing May, Zoey, Misty, Gary and Drew in the front row seats. I looked towards my right where Ash was now standing across from, and the cheering grew louder. We both acknowledged each other with a friendly smile.

"Alright you two, before we get to the coin toss and officially get started, I have a few questions for both of you. How are you both feeling right now? And if you were to win tonight, what would it mean to you?"

She directed the mic over towards me. I cleared my throat before responding, "Well, as for how I'm feeling right now, I can't even begin to contain my excitement. I'm really grateful to be here in the final round. If I win this competition, well honestly, it would mean the world to me. I've always loved dancing, ever since I was a little girl, and I've always wanted to be a professional dancer. Going to the University of Lumoise would be an absolute dream come true."

"Well good luck to you Dawn! And what's your response, Ash?"

Ash chuckled before speaking into the mic, "I'm really psyched to be here. It really has been great to be in the final round yet again." I rolled my eyes at his conceited reply, but bit her lip to prevent myself from laughing at his typical mannerisms. "But I will be honest. If anyone deserves to win this competition, it'd have to be Dawn." I glanced towards him in awe, never expecting for him to admit that to our audience. My heart warmed as my smile grew wider. "Dancing means a lot to her, and even though I love dancing as well, she deserves it way more than I do. Plus, I've won this competition a number of times. I really wouldn't mind if I lost tonight."

"Whipped!" Gary commented from the audience and sure enough, the entire crowd laughed in response, including Ash and I.

"Okay, settle down now," Marian said before the crowd eventually ceased their laughter. "Alright, we've kept you guys waiting long enough. Let's finally commence. Alright, Ash and Dawn, what will it be: heads or tails?"

I glanced over towards Ash, shrugging in the process. "I'll choose heads." Ash decided.

Marian smiled satisfactorily before speaking, "Okay, it's settled. Whatever this coin lands on will perform their dance routine first!" She exclaimed before tossing the coin in the air before it eventually landed on the ground. She picked up the coin before observing it carefully. "Looks like it's heads, which means that Ash will be performing first."

I couldn't wait to witness his last performance. I wasn't afraid to acknowledge that Ash was tough competition. That didn't mean that I didn't want to be supportive though. "Good luck, Ash!"

He smiled before stepping towards me and caressing my cheek. "Then I'll need a good luck kiss," he whispered lowly before planting his lips on mine. I eagerly kissed back, placing my hand on his shoulder, ignoring the wolf whistles and loud cheering from the crowd.

"Get to the dancing already!" I heard Drew yell faintly from the crowd and I pulled back, unable to resist laughing out loud.

"He's been an undefeated dancing legend in Unova High's competition for a while now, you know him, you love him...please welcome, Ash Ketchum!"

Deafening cries and wolf whistles were heard, as I observed with anticipation as Ash made his entrance onto the stage, his confident strides carrying a chair in his grip. Clad in a crisp, long-sleeved white shirt buttoned to the collar, paired with sleek black pants, he exuded an air of polished elegance. A black fedora perched atop his head added a touch of mystery. Taking his place on the chair, Ash settled in, his forearms resting gracefully on his kneecaps, while his head hung low in contemplation. With a subtle yet rhythmic tap of his left foot against the floor, he established an entrancing beat before lifting his head, his gaze connecting once more with the audience. In a fluid motion, he rose from the chair, elevating his hat skyward before it descended gracefully back onto his head, punctuating the gesture with a swift and elegant spin.

The initial moments of Ash's performance had already ensnared my attention, his poised demeanor casting an enchanting spell. I was already familiar with his previous dances, but this style held a unique allure. It was no wonder he won this competition multiple times before. His energy surged as he launched into a leap, his hat taking flight only to land seamlessly back upon his head as his body formed a fleeting split in midair, a testament to his impeccable control. My amazement grew as he harnessed the momentum, catching his hat and nonchalantly tilting it to veil his eyes, while employing his feet to initiate a smooth glide backwards, a sequence that oozed both artistry and precision.

A shift in focus led him to confront the chair directly, his knees guiding him into a seamless slide across the stage. Seizing the chair with a flourish, he orchestrated a series of spins, intertwining performer and prop. Perched on the chair, he elegantly balanced, utilizing its leg to pivot gracefully, alternating between delicate tilts to the right and left. His skilled hands and arms traced waves through the air, ushering forth a cascade of fluid motion. And then, the pinnacle – a handstand, executed with unwavering poise. Palms pressed firmly against the chair's handles, Ash held the position in defiance of gravity, an embodiment of control and mastery. A few heartbeats passed before his descent, a perfect landing that punctuated a performance that had transformed the stage into a canvas of movement and grace.

Some audible gasps were heard from the audience, mesmerized.

His elegant and poised dance quickly shifted gears as he rapidly extended his legs a bit further. With swift fluidity, he crouched low, a single palm gracing the stage before launching himself into the air. The pace intensified, yet the inherent delicacy of his chosen style persisted, a captivating fusion of dynamism and elegance. In an impressive display of agility, his body contorted as he initiated three consecutive spins, the rapid rotation a testament to his impeccable control. He transitioned seamlessly into a split position before expertly maneuvering himself to raise himself upright.

The performance ended when he retrieved his fedora, his magnetic stage presence radiating through a charming smile he directed towards the audience, before throwing the object to the crowd.

Silence ensued, emphasizing the stunned expressions from the countless faces from the audience before a resounding applause was followed. I found myself cheering loudly for him, ecstatic he was able to execute his last performance flawlessly.

"What an incredible performance by Ash! Though I'm sure it comes across as no surprise," Marian said before Ash grinned and exited the stage.

He immediately crossed paths with me backstage as I excitedly reached out to hug him tightly for a job well done. "You were amazing!"

I could hear him chuckle as he returned the hug, caressing my hair. "Yeah? Thanks." He pulled back to look at me. "I know you'll be great too."

I giggled, responding with a sweet smile. "I can't believe it's finally come to this. It feels like only yesterday when I bumped into you and your arrogant ass."

"And now you love this said arrogant ass," he replied smugly. I punched him across the shoulder in a playful manner but was unable to deny his statement, because it was a fact. He laughed briefly before he continued. "Hey, speaking of, do you remember that bet we made when we first met?" I raised my brow, indicating for him to elaborate. "You know, that if I win this competition, you'd admit how great I was to the whole school and vice versa?"

The bet had completely escaped my mind all this while. Frankly, it was the least of my worries. We already had acknowledged how talented we were so this seemed to be pointless. "Yeah, I do remember it now. Though it really doesn't concern me anymore." I shrugged.

Ash nodded in agreement before he rubbed his chin in thought. "What if we make it slightly more interesting?"

I narrowed my eyes, intrigued in what he had to offer. "I'm listening…"

"Winner gets a reward from the loser – any reward."

My smile grew; I definitely wasn't opposed to that. It seemed more intriguing than the initial terms, at least. "Okay, sure!"

"Now it's time for our very last performance of this competition. Everyone, please give a warm welcome to none other than…Dawn!"

Approaching the center of the stage, I observed the crowd, glancing towards my mom and David who were seated besides each other. I smiled when my mom bestowed me with a thumbs up gesture; David mouthed the words "good luck" towards me and I nodded, acknowledging them.

I closed my eyes, mentally preparing myself to start. The stage lights adjusted accordingly, and I felt my heart pumping in sheer exhilaration. I had been looking forward to performing this style of dance ever since I entered this competition. Going back to the roots of where my love for dance surfaced, I knew this was going to be the performance of a lifetime.

The music commenced, my presence emanating a magnetic pull. With a gentle plié, my feet caressed the floor in a tender reverie. My arms rose in a graceful port de bras, my frame forming into the delicate wings of a swan. The music continued with its enchanting melody as I embarked on a series of fluid tendus, my pointed toes tracing intricated patterns upon the polished surface beneath me. With a controlled lift of my leg, I effortlessly performed an arabesque penchée, my back arching in a sublime display of flexibility. The arch of my foot accentuated the extension of my leg, forming a striking line.

Transitioning to a rapid allegro section, I engaged in a flurry of entrechats, my feet crossing and uncrossing in a rapid succession of beats. The rapid pitter-patter of my pointe shoes against the floor, my expressions shifting from focused determination to fleeting moments of joy.

I felt my movements transition seamlessly, evolving into a series of elegant développés that extended my limbs. My body seemed to be guided by an invisible force as I executed swift piqués with precision and poise. My pirouettes were a testament to my unwavering dedication as my form spun around with controlled elegance, making sure to maintain and steady my gaze. The music was beginning to crescendo, as I entered a sequence of intricate allegro steps, as my feet executed the steps similar to the beats of a heart. I embodied the rhythm with joyous exuberance. In a final breathtaking tableau, I ascended into an arabesque en l'air, my body defying gravity for a suspended moment, exuding grace, and commitment.

I wasn't merely dancing; I was a living embodiment of art.

The room erupted with cheers as multiple individuals rose to their feet, offering a thunderous applause for my performance. The magnitude of the grand gesture caught me off guard, and I struggled to contain a quivering breath. I covered my mouth with my palm; tears of joy welled up and threatened to cascade down my cheeks.

"Incredible! A standing ovation from our audience – I'd say that's well deserved for a performance like that one."

After gradually emerging from my state of stunned trance, I made my way backstage, where an immediate ambush of hugs and squeals from my friends enveloped me.

"Dawn, you were amazing!" May squealed in excitement; I bit back a laugh at her enthusiasm. "I know you're gonna win."

I smiled, appreciating the supportive words. "Thanks May, but Ash was incredible too. I bet it's gonna be a tough decision for the judges."

Gary shrugged. "You're right, but I don't know, I think yours was just slightly better."

"Yeah, I mean, ballet is like one of the most difficult dances to do, and you made it look so easy!" Drew added.

I thought it was ironic that Ash's friends were supporting me rather than Ash himself. "Well, it does help that I've been dancing since I was four. I actually discovered my love for dance through ballet classes, and that's exactly why I wanted ballet to be my last performance." The two boys nodded in understanding. "By the way, why do you want me to win and not Ash?"

Drew shrugged once more. "Eh, it'd be nice to see someone else win for a change. I mean, it gets boring to see the same results, you know?"

"Wow, thanks so much guys," Ash said as he approached the group from behind, sarcasm oozing from every word, resulting in the group laughing. Once he glanced towards me, he grabbed a hold of my palm, gently rubbing his thumb against my knuckles affectionately. "I will agree on one thing…you deserve to win. You were amazing as usual."

A shy smile graced my lips as I lowered my gaze to the floor, feeling a tinge of embarrassment. However, I was interrupted by a chorus of groans and coughs. Turning my focus, I noticed the two boys making exaggerated vomiting gestures. I couldn't help but laugh at their immature antics while Ash rolled his eyes at their typical behavior.

"Can I have you attention please? The judges have decided their winner."

Ash and I glanced at each other hesitantly, but eventually we both smiled to reassure each other. We knew that nothing would change between us regardless of the results. Whatever happened, we were going to be happy for each other.

"Ash and Dawn," Marion began, pausing for a slight moment before continuing. "The fact that you both made it to the final round is already an achievement itself. You both demonstrated tremendous performances tonight, which made choosing a winner that much more difficult. But the judges have decided."

May walked towards me and offered a supportive hand. I took a deep breath and held hands with May.

"The winner of the Dance-Off is…"

Pause.

Heartbeat.

Slow, shaky breaths.

"Dawn!"

I could hardly believe it; I was too stunned to move. The rush of emotions surged through me as my friends gestured for me to walk towards the stage while they rejoiced for me. The applause and cheers of the audience were echoing in my ears, a melody of affirmation that fueled my passion even more. A trophy was awarded to me, serving as a reminder of all the hours spent practicing each move and step. The stage lights now seemed to dance along with joy; this victory felt like the culmination of countless moments of dedication and perseverance.

"Congratulations to our new dancing legend: Dawn!" Marian bellowed in excitement before turning to me. "You've officially surpassed our undefeated champion. How does it feel?" She pointed the mic towards my mouth, indicating for me to speak.

I remained paralyzed, however, still in utter disbelief. I looked towards the audience, making eye contact with my mom. She looked like she was holding back tears; she had a proud look on her face. After what felt like forever, I took a hold of the mic.

"I...I can't believe this is actually happening," I managed to say, escaping a lame laugh. I heard a couple members of the audience join me in the laughter. "I've wanted to win this competition ever since I entered Unova High." I directed my attention towards Ash, who I spotted seating in the front row, watching me with a genuine smile. "At first I wanted to win because I wanted to prove myself towards Ash and knock down his ego a peg." I admitted sheepishly, grinning as he matched a grin of his own. "But…things have changed. I knew I wanted to win for different reasons…and the main reason is because I wanted to show how much I love dancing. I've been dancing since I was really young, and I knew I always wanted to a dancer when I grow older. I can't even begin to describe how much winning this competition means to me. So…thank you."

I returned the mic to Marion, who spoke once again. "We really appreciate those words. You'll also be awarded a full scholarship to the University of Lumoise, just as promised. I'm sure that'll be handy to get your dancing career started."

I nodded, not trusting my voice. Happy tears started to form in my eyes, threatening to fall down my cheeks. I was over the moon, absolutely elated.

"Let's give Dawn a hand for the very last time!"

I didn't hesitate to sprint down the stage and into the audience, the cheers of the audience fading away, as I approached my mom. She instantly stood up and reached out to hug me tightly, and that's when the tears finally ran down my cheeks. "Dawn, I am so proud of you. Congratulations, sweetie!"

I tightened the hug a bit further. "Thank you so much, mom. You have no idea how much that means to me…" I probably sounded like a blubbering mess, but I couldn't care less.

"Congratulations, Dawn." I pulled back to hear David's heartfelt words. He spread his arms apart, gesturing for a hug. "I know I'm not exactly family yet, but-"

I didn't let him finish, reaching out to hug him. He chuckled, his arms resting warmly on my upper back and my head. "Thank you, dad."

Wiping my tears away, I pulled back, a smile still formed on my lips that matched David's. I could tell he was proud of me as well. Before I could say anything, I heard someone call out my name. I turned around to see my group of friends who all seemed to be happy for me based on the smiles on their faces.

"Dawn! Oh my god, you actually won, I'm so happy for you!" May exclaimed excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

I embraced her in a warm hug to which she reciprocated. I was really grateful for having such a supportive friend like her. "Thanks so much, May."

Gary and Drew, who were behind May, both approached me to award me a congratulatory hug. "You fucking did it, you kicked Ash's ass!" Drew exclaimed, and I snorted in reply.

"Dawn, I know you're really blown away by your victory and all, but you forgot your trophy," Zoey said, pointing towards the trophy on stage.

I chuckled sheepishly, not realizing I had forgotten the prized possession in the heat of all the celebrations. I approached the stage, reaching for the trophy, before I felt someone bump into me.

It was Ash. I noticed his smile widening as he took the chance to observe me. I raised a brow quizzingly.

"Oh, you're that girl that bumped into me earlier."

My confusion didn't falter…that is until, he lips stretched further to form a grin. It was coming back to me. I played along, mirroring one of our first conversations we had six months ago. "And you're the legend."

"The dancing legend is more appropriate."

"Yeah? I bet you're not even that good of a dancer."

"Please, you're just an amateur."

"I've been dancing since I was four. I'm the real talent here."

"Really? Did I mention I've never lost?"

"Did I mention that I'm gonna be the future winner?"

"Is that a challenge I hear?"

I bit my lip to prevent myself from laughing. But when I noticed Ash raise an eyebrow with that irresistible smile plastered on his face, I couldn't resist breaking out into laughter. He laughed with me before he reached out and interlocked our fingers together.

He stepped closer, locking eyes with me, captivating me. His free hand caressed my right cheek. "I knew you could do it. No one deserves this more than you."

I smiled, taking the opportunity to appreciate the fact that I wounded with someone special like him. There was no doubt in my mind that he felt the same way. "Have I mentioned that I love this soft side from you?"

Ash shrugged, pressing a soft kiss on my forehead, allowing me to escape a relieved sigh. "Maybe a few times."

Tossing to my right, I rested my palms happily against the side of my head as I adjusted myself to my bed for the umpteenth time this night. I was struggling to fall asleep, memories of today still repeating in my mind. My cheeks were hurting due to the innumerable number of times I smiled today. I closed my eyes again in an attempt to fall asleep.

An obnoxious knocking against my bedroom window forced my eyes open. I narrowed my eyes annoyingly before escaping an irritated sigh, having an inclination of who it could be. Slowly, I sat upright on my bed before the knocking continued. I shook my head disapprovingly but smiled, admiring his persistence, as I walked towards the window before opening it.

Ash revealed his charming grin. "Hey there, dancing legend."

I rolled my eyes at the comment. "Seriously, Ash? It's one in the morning. What are you doing?"

Ash gasped dramatically. "So, you don't want to be the dancing legend? Well, guess I'll have to steal that trophy from you," he said in a joking manner, hinting towards the trophy sitting on my shelf a few feet away from me.

I smiled sarcastically. "Nice try. You keep talking smack and I'll close this window."

Ash chuckled before revealing why he was here. "Remember we said that the winner gets a reward from the loser?"

I couldn't help my curiosity. "Did you get me a gift?" I asked, not being able to contain my excitement.

"Maybe."

"Well, show me already!"

"Hmm," he said, pretending to think. "Actually, I don't really feel like you deserve it anymore-"

"You get your ass in here already!"

"Oh wow, so you only love me for my gifts. That's good to know."

I ignored his sarcastic words but couldn't help but to let out a girly giggle. I grabbed his palm so he could grip the window before eventually help him climb inside my room. His hand remained enclosed in mine while his other hand seemed to be carrying something wrapped in gift wrap. "Let me see it already!" I exclaimed immaturely as I attempted to reach for it, but he just stretched his arm up further, using his height to his advantage. His lips formed a smirk when he witnessed me groan childishly. "Come on Ash, this isn't fair!"

He eventually admitted defeat, escaping a few chuckles. "Okay, okay," he said in defeat before handing it towards me. "But you should probably change into it. I wanna see how beautiful it looks on you."

I grinned ecstatically before grabbing the gift. "Okay!" I kissed him on the cheek as a thank you before heading for the bathroom and locking it behind me.

Frantically opening and tearing the gift wrap, I slightly gasped to see what was resting before me; it was a long, silky dark red dress. What was even more appalling was that this dress had a similar appearance to the dress in my dream. I internally squealed; this was almost too good to be true.

After a few minutes, I exited the bathroom, now wearing the dress. I watched as Ash looked towards my direction, as his nonchalant expression slowly morphed into an intense daze. His eyes travelled from my eyes towards the ground until they landed on my eyes again.

I smirked. "Take a picture, it'll last longer."

Ash laughed, shaking his head in disapproval. "How are you so stunning?"

"How did I end up with someone as supportive and wonderful as you?"

He didn't respond with words, but simply smiled. He glanced towards my lips and started to approach me slowly. "I think it's time for your other reward," he whispered softly, not taking his eyes off me.

My heartbeat quickened and my breaths were beginning to grow shallow as I found myself walking backwards as he continued to walk forward. I didn't realize when my back had hit the wall, allowing Ash to invade my space, just being a few inches apart. Our breaths were mingling together; my body was on fire when I felt his hand go around my waist, pulling me closer before he closed the distance and kissed me hungrily.

My groan was muffled as I easily reciprocated, relinquishing the feeling of his soft lips. My hand automatically reached out to the back of his head, massaging the scalp. His hand tightened around my waist before it dragged upwards to yank my hair down, drowning the yelp I escaped as he deepened the kiss. Our mouths were battling for dominance.

He peppered small kisses near the corner of my mouth before planting more on my jaw, before eventually reaching my neck. I resisted the urge to let out a moan. "Ash…my…my mom – ah!" I yelped when I felt his hot tongue on my neck, the back of my head hitting the wall. My cheeks were flushed and I was panting heavily.

I felt him smirk against my neck before he lifted his head and placed his mouth next to my ear as he whispered huskily, "You like that, don't you?"

Before I could complain about him being a tease, he returned to his delightful torture on my neck, as his hot tongue trailed and licked a longer side of my neck. My eyes rolled to the back of my head as I managed to let out a slight moan. "Ash…my mom is in the other room. Who knows if she can hear us?" I whispered, trying to ignore his sinful mouth.

He didn't seem to care and nibbled on my neck. "Then be quiet, baby," he said before sucking on that part of my neck.

Pounding was heard against my locked bedroom door, and we both instantaneously froze. Our eyes were as wide as dinner plates as we remained too stunned to move. "Dawn, are you okay?" my mom's voice was heard on the opposite side of the door.

Panicking, I frantically looked around before I gestured for Ash to hide under the bed. Once he was secured underneath, I unlocked the door before settling into my bed and lying under the covers so my dress wasn't visible. Closing my eyes, I heard the door open. "Dawn, sweetie?"

I removed my head from under the covers but ensured to hide the dress under the covers. I proceeded to rub my eyes before opening them and fabricated a soft yawn. "Mom?"

She looked at me concerningly. "I'm sorry to wake you. I thought I heard voices. Are you okay?"

I sheepishly smiled, attempting to hide the blush on my cheeks with the covers, realizing she most likely heard me. "O-Of course I am, mom. No need to worry."

She nodded approvingly. "Okay, sweetie. Goodnight, love you."

"Love you too!"

The door closed, and I sighed a breath of relief before running towards the door and locking it. When I turned around, Ash was beginning to remove himself from underneath the bed and stand up. "Okay, you have to go now," I said, my voice low.

"Alright, alright, I can see when I'm not wanted," he cried dramatically.

"You know what I mean!" I whisper-yelled, rolling my eyes.

Chuckling, he walked over to my window and was preparing to climb outside before I stopped him. "Wait!"

He turned around and looked towards me in a curious manner. "Yeah?"

I caressed his cheeks with my palms in a loving manner, scanning his entire face. I conveyed to him how much he meant to me. "I love you."

He grinned in response and swiftly kissed my lips for a brief second. "I love you too, dancing legend."

Heyyyyy, yes I'm still alive everyone! I'm sorry this took four years, but life got in the way during these past few years especially with covid, university and work. Plus I didn't have any motivation to write anything for a few years as well. I think it's finally safe to say that I do have motivaiton to write and at least complete these stories.

By the way, I had initially planned to have the dance competition end with both Ash and Dawn winning it. I decided against it while writing this chapter though, and I felt this was more of an appropriate ending.

Side note: I cannot process the fact that this story was published nearly ten years ago! I randomly looked at the published date and was in shock lol. That being said, I certainly do want to finish this before next year.

Speaking of which, this story is...basically done. The next chapter will be an epilogue and that will mark the final chapter for this fic. It's been an inconsistent ride with questionable writing and story decisions, but I won't say that I didn't have a blast writing this because it was a lot of fun. For those that are still reading, thank you so much for sticking around. Let me know what you think with a review and I'll see you guys next time for the epilogue :)