As May slowly opened her eyes, the soft glow of the evening sun cast a warm hue across the room, and her gaze met the smiling countenance of Glaceon, her faithful companion. With a gentle stretch and a yawn, she greeted the evening, rubbing away the remnants of sleep that clung to her eyes.
"Evening," Glaceon chimed in cheerfully.
"Hi, Glaceon... What time is it?" May acknowledged her with a hint of surprise as she noticed the sunset.
"8 PM," Glaceon replied.
"Geeze, it's late..." May chuckled softly. Carefully stretching her limbs, she reminisced, "I guess my body just needed some serious downtime..."
"Seems like it." Glaceon nodded understandingly. Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door, drawing May's attention.
"May?" a familiar voice asked, checking to see if she was awake.
"Oh. It's open Ash," she called out as the door creaked open. Entering the room with a familiar stride, Ash closed and locked the door behind him, ensuring their privacy. May greeted him with a warm smile, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her at his presence. "Hey, you..." she said softly as Ash approached.
"There's my Princess..." Ash remarked, returning her smile.
"You're a nice sight to see when I wake up…" she flirted.
"Heh. I guess that's good." he chuckled, "But I'm actually here because I wanted to bring you some food Brock made."
"Aw... you bringing me food is an even better sight." May's smile widened at the mention of food.
"But you have to pay up for the food," Ash added, chuckling.
"Oh? What currency do you accept, sir?" May inquired, playfully curious.
"Something that tastes like strawberries." Ash's eyes sparkled mischievously. Blushing slightly, May played along.
"Well, strawberry shakes are always pretty sweet." she teased. Ash shook his head with a grin.
"Nope. Something else that tastes like strawberry that you always have on you," he smirked.
"What could it possibly be...?" May pondered, teasingly. With a tender gesture, Ash lifted her chin, drawing her gaze to meet his.
"I believe you know the answer to that already," he assured her. Their eyes locked in a silent understanding as Ash leaned in, closing the distance between them until their lips met in a tender kiss. May melted into the moment, savoring the warmth of his embrace and the sweetness of their connection. As they parted for a breath, their smiles mirrored each other's affection.
"I love you so much," May whispered softly. Ash's response was equally tender.
"I love you too..." he smiled, finally handing her the food.
"Can you stay for a bit? I'd love some company." she requested as she accepted the tray of food.
"Sure thing." Ash agreed with a nod and a smile, "Heck, I could feed you if you like." May's laughter filled the room, mingling with the warmth of their shared affection.
"You can, huh?" Ash nodded, his eyes alight with playful enthusiasm. "I'd be curious to see that..."
"So is that a yes?" he teased. With a soft laugh, May accepted his offer.
"Yeah..."
"You got it." May's smile softened as she shifted over, inviting Ash to join her on the bed. With a reciprocal smile, Ash settled beside her, their proximity fostering a sense of intimacy between them. Returning the food to Ash with a grateful smile, May let out a soft chuckle.
"I didn't know you took such good care of your patients." she teased.
"Only if the patient is my secret girlfriend." Ash chuckled, his eyes alight with affection. He gently fed her a spoonful of stew, eliciting a chuckle from May as she swallowed.
"Lucky me then," she quipped with a grin.
"Very lucky," he replied as a warm smile graced his lips. Their easy banter continued as Ash fed her another spoonful, and May expressed her satisfaction with Brock's culinary prowess.
"Mm... glad to see Brock hasn't lost his touch." she giggled.
"He sure hasn't," Ash agreed warmly.
"I'm surprised there was enough left for me if everyone else already ate. Including you." May teased him with a lighthearted smile. Ash shrugged with a grin.
"Heh. Well, you better know that to make sure there was enough left for you, I had to use all the self-control I had." he jested. May laughed softly, touched by his consideration.
"Well, aren't you the sweetest?"
"I do my best for my girl," Ash replied with a tender smile, causing May's cheeks to flush with warmth.
"Aw…Ash Ketchum, you are the best secret boyfriend ever." she smiled. Her comment however caught Ash's attention, reminding him of a conversation he needed to have with her.
"Actually, about that, there's something you should know." he hinted, catching her attention.
"What is it?"
"Brock kinda…knows about us." he revealed.
"What? How? You didn't tell him, did you?" she asked, completely surprised.
"I didn't tell him. He figured it out on his own." Ash reassured her, shaking his head for emphasis. Concern etched May's features as she questioned him further.
"Well, is our... secret still safe?" she wondered.
"Yeah. He won't tell anyone." Ash nodded reassuringly.
"How did he find out anyway…?" she inquired.
"He deduced it based on how I behaved when you were taken away..." Ash admitted sheepishly.
"How you behaved? How so?"
"...Like a piece of myself had been ripped away from me," Ash admitted quietly, his gaze locked with hers. Understanding dawned on May as she reached out to caress his cheek gently.
"Oh Ash…" she whispered. Moved by his confession, May leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. Ash responded eagerly, their kiss deepening as passion ignited between them. Lost in the moment, May moaned softly into the kiss, her desire mirrored by Ash's own fervor. Their lips moved in a delicate dance, tongues intertwining in a shared exchange of affection. As they reluctantly parted for air, May gazed into Ash's eyes, her hand lingering on his cheek. "Thank you for caring so much about me..."
"You're welcome, May... I would do anything for you..." Ash returned her gaze with unwavering sincerity.
"I'd do anything for you too..." she whispered, a soft smile gracing her lips. As May nestled closer, her head found a comfortable perch on Ash's chest. "I don't know how I got so lucky to have you in my life..."
"Maybe we were destined to be together..." Ash's arms enveloped her in a tender embrace, holding her securely against him. May's cheeks flushed with a mixture of bashfulness and joy.
"You believe in destiny...?" she asked.
"I do, especially when it comes to you." Ash's smile was soft and reassuring. A gentle smile curved May's lips as she snuggled closer, seeking solace in his presence.
"So I don't have to worry about losing you someday to another pretty face?"
"Not at all." He shook his head, his expression earnest. "You're my girlfriend, my Princess, my May."
"Wow…" Her smile widened, touched by his words. "Does that mean I'm your destiny too...?"
"You sure are..." Ash confirmed as his eyes met hers with unwavering sincerity. May's heart swelled with affection as she nestled closer to him.
"Bold statement..." she chuckled.
"I speak the truth." He returned her smile with equal warmth. Their playful banter was punctuated by May's soft laughter, a sound that filled the room with warmth and affection.
"Never known you to speak anything else, I suppose..." she teased gently.
"Only time I can't is when a certain princess keeps my lips occupied with her own," he replied, his smile tender and affectionate. Her laughter softened into a contented sigh as she looked up at him.
"Is that a request?"
"Yes, it is," he confirmed with a smile.
"Well, why didn't you just say so?" May teased before leaning in to meet his lips in a tender kiss. Their kiss was filled with a shared passion, each movement a testament to the depth of their affection for one another. Moans of pleasure escaped their lips as they surrendered to the intimacy of the moment. May wrapped her arm around his neck, drawing him closer as their kiss deepened. Their breaths mingled in a shared rhythm, the world around them fading into insignificance as they lost themselves in each other. Finally breaking away for air, they exchanged breathless smiles, their affection palpable in the air between them.
"That's my girl…" he smiled.
"You somehow always make me fall even more in love with you..." May confessed, her gaze filled with adoration.
"I'm just being me," Ash replied modestly, his smile warm and genuine.
"And I love you for it..." May whispered softly, her cheeks tinged with a blush. Their exchange was interrupted by a soft yawn from May, a reminder of her need for rest.
"I saw that," Ash remarked, his gaze softening with concern.
"Sorry...guess I still need more rest…" With a hopeful smile, May asked, "Would you... consider staying? You could protect me from any nightmares..."
"I'll always be happy to protect you May," Ash reassured her with a grin.
"Thank you..." May replied affectionately, snuggling closer to him as she settled in for the night. As they drifted off to sleep, entwined in each other's arms, their love served as a beacon of comfort and warmth in the darkness of the night. And as May's breathing steadied into the rhythm of sleep, Ash watched over her with a smile, his heart overflowing with love for the precious soul in his arms.
As the soft hues of dawn crept through the room, casting a serene glow upon the scene, Ash found himself waking to the sight of May still nestled in his arms. Her peaceful expression and the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed in sleep filled him with a sense of tranquility. Yet, the tranquility was short-lived as an urgent knock resounded at the door, disrupting the peaceful morning atmosphere. Ash's brow furrowed in confusion as he lifted his head from the pillow and looked towards the door, trying to make sense of the abrupt interruption.
"Hmm? Who is it?" His voice was groggy with sleep as he turned his attention to the source of the disturbance, completely forgetting that no one knew he had spent the night with May. And that forgetfulness immediately bit him in the butt.
"Ash?!" The voice on the other side of the door belonged to Serena. Ash's eyes widened in alarm, his mind racing to find an explanation for their unexpected encounter.
"Oh, crap..."
"What are you doing in May's room?!" Serena's tone held a mixture of shock and accusation, leaving Ash scrambling for an answer.
"Uh..." He hesitated, searching for words to deflect the suspicion that hung heavy in the air. As Serena's persistent knocks grew more insistent, May stirred slightly beside him, roused by the commotion unfolding around them. Sensing the need to act, Ash gently shook May awake, hoping to prepare her for the impending confrontation.
"Mm..." May's response was a sleepy murmur, her eyes fluttering open as she slowly emerged from her slumber.
"May..." His voice was soft, laced with urgency as he sought to alert her to the situation at hand. The knocks at the door continued, growing louder with each passing moment, demanding a response.
"What in the world…?" she wondered. With a sense of apprehension, Ash met her gaze, silently communicating the need for her assistance in navigating the impending confrontation.
"Ash!" Serena yelled again, demanding the door be opened. May's eyes widened in understanding as she processed the situation, her mind quickly assessing the best course of action. Taking a deep breath, she made her decision.
"Help me up...I'll handle it…" she assured him. Ash nodded in agreement and with his help, she carefully extricated herself from Ash's embrace, ready to face whatever awaited them on the other side of the door. With Ash by her side, May approached the door, her expression composed as she opened the door. Once she did, she was met with Serena's incredulous stare, her friend's expression a mixture of shock and frustration.
"What is going on?!" Serena's voice was tinged with urgency, demanding answers to the questions that lingered in the air. May's gaze met Serena's, her demeanor calm yet resolute as she sought to defuse the tension that had arisen between them.
"I just needed some help getting up to use the bathroom a little while ago... Ash was kind enough to come help me," May explained, her words measured and deliberate.
"That's right." Ash nodded in agreement, offering his support to May's explanation. But Serena remained unconvinced, her suspicion palpable as she continued to scrutinize the pair standing before her.
"How dumb do you two think I am?!" Serena's frustration boiled over, her voice rising with each word she spoke. "I've just about had it with this!" Ash's brow furrowed in concern, sensing the depth of Serena's emotions and the strain that had crept into their friendship.
"What do you mean?" Ash's tone was gentle yet earnest as he sought to understand the source of Serena's distress.
"I mean you two! I know something is going on, and I'm tired of guessing what it is!" Serena's voice cracked with emotion, her frustration evident in every word she spoke. "What is she to you, Ash?!" Her accusation hung heavy in the air, demanding an answer. May's eyes widened in surprise, her gaze shifting between Ash and Serena as she processed the weight of Serena's question.
"She's my best friend!" Ash's response was immediate, his voice unwavering as he affirmed the bond that existed between him and May. But Serena remained unmoved, her suspicion lingering as she continued to probe for the truth.
"Liar! Tell me the truth!" Serena's voice was tinged with desperation, her frustration reaching a boiling point as she confronted Ash with her accusations. May's heart ached at the tension that had arisen between the two of them, the weight of Serena's accusations worrying her as the blonde was getting dangerously close to their hidden truth.
"Serena, we're not—" May began, seeking to offer an explanation and dispel the doubts that had arisen between them. But Serena cut her off, her anger palpable as she directed her frustration towards May.
"Not a word out of you! This is all your fault in the first place!" Serena's accusation stung, leaving May speechless as she struggled to find the right words to respond. Luckily for her, Ash was quick to jump to her aid.
"Don't talk to her like that! I am telling the truth, Serena! May has done nothing wrong! And you have no right to treat her that way!" Ash's voice was firm. But Serena remained unmoved, her anger simmering beneath the surface as she confronted Ash with her doubts and suspicions.
"You've been acting differently ever since she showed up! And every single time you two are together, it looks like you two are flirting and trying to go on dates! I'm sick of it!" Serena's accusation hung in the air, casting a shadow over the room as the weight of her words settled upon them. Ash's brow furrowed in frustration, his attempts to reassure Serena met with resistance as she continued to question the nature of his relationship with May.
"We're not flirting! And we're not going on dates!" Ash's protest was met with skepticism, Serena's doubts lingering despite his assurances.
"The Space Center trip is a complete date! If anyone should be going on dates with Ash it's-" Serena tried to argue once more, but May had heard enough, her resolve firm as she sought to address the source of Serena's frustration head-on.
"That's enough!" May's voice cut through the tension, her tone commanding as she sought to bring an end to the accusations and doubts that had arisen between them. Ash's gaze shifted to May, his expression softening with admiration as he watched her confront Serena with a sense of resolve and determination.
"May…?"
"Serena, if it bothers you so much, I'll make you a deal," May proposed, her voice calm yet firm as she sought to find a resolution to the conflict that had emerged between them. "Ash loves battles, doesn't he?"
"So what?!" she demanded.
"So, we have some time before tomorrow. Let's have a battle. Winner will use the second ticket to go with Ash to the show." May offered. Ash's eyes widened in surprise at May's proposal as the room fell silent. Serena processed May's proposal, the weight of their unspoken tensions hanging heavy in the air. Ash watched with bated breath, hoping for a resolution to the conflict that had arisen between his friends. And as May stood her ground, her determination unwavering, Ash couldn't help but admire her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
"Fine! It's a deal!" Serena finally spoke up once again.
"Fine. We'll meet out back after lunch." May informed her.
"Fine! That ticket will be mine!" Serena growled before she begrudgingly stormed off to prepare for their upcoming battle. Sighing in relief, May closed the door and her attention returned to Ash, who was looking at her with a worried look.
"Uh... you think it's a good idea for you to be battling while still this injured...?" he wondered.
"I'll be fine…" May assured him, a small smile gracing her lips as she addressed his concern. "Besides, I didn't win that Grand Festival just by luck..."
"Right. That's true." Ash nodded in understanding, his expression softening a little. "But still…why a battle?"
"I figured maybe what she really needs is a chance to blow off some steam... and what better way to do that than a battle...?" May explained her reasoning. "I just hope it's enough for her to let it go..."
"I hope so…" Ash sighed, a furrow creasing his brow as he pondered Serena's recent behavior. "I really don't know what has gotten into her lately..."
"Well, you know better than most that a battle can clear one's head. Hopefully, it'll be just the thing..." May offered reassuringly, seeking to alleviate Ash's concerns. Ash returned her embrace, holding her close as they shared a moment of quiet intimacy. "You know I wouldn't put our first date on the line if I wasn't confident I could win..."
"Right," Ash murmured softly, his gaze filled with warmth as he looked into May's eyes. "Just promise me you'll be careful…I love you so much…"
"I love you too…" She replied with a contented sigh. Shifting her position, she leaned in to kiss him, their lips meeting in a tender embrace as they shared their affection for one another. As they pulled away, May rested her forehead against Ash's, her voice soft as she whispered, "Mine..."
"Always..." Ash chuckled softly, his heart swelling with love for the girl in his arms as he kissed her temple.
"Well I guess I should get ready...I'll send Glaceon if I need help." she decided, taking a deep breath. "I'll catch up with you soon."
"Alright. Don't hesitate to come get me." he reminded her
"Promise. I'll be fine," she assured him, her gaze unwavering as she prepared to face her opponent.
"Alright." With a final smile, Ash headed off to grab some breakfast, leaving May to prepare for her upcoming battle. Alone with Glaceon, May couldn't help but reflect on the depth of her feelings for Ash, her heart swelling with love and gratitude for the man who had captured her heart.
"I love that man..." May sighed happily, her gaze drifting towards the door where Ash had disappeared.
"How much do you 'love' him?" Glaceon grinned teasingly at May's admission, eliciting a blush from the young trainer.
"Glaceon, please, I'm 15..." May protested, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Glaceon giggled as May was unable to stop herself from smiling at the thought. "...Though I guess...I wouldn't be opposed to it someday…"
"Someday huh?"
"There's still a lot of time before we ever get to that stage... and a lot can happen..." May admitted, her voice tinged with apprehension. "But... if he feels about me the way I feel about him... then there's hope..."
"You two are going to make it. I know it." Glaceon assured her trainer. May's gaze softened with gratitude as she thought of Ash's unwavering devotion.
"I hope you're right... he's certainly embraced the boyfriend role more than I expected him to... that must be a good sign, I would hope." she chuckled.
"For Ash of all people, it's an amazing sign." Glaceon pointed out.
"True...I just can't believe he's done all this for me...to put off his Gym Battle so we finally have the opportunity to go on a date..." May acknowledged, a fond smile gracing her lips.
"Then let's protect that date and win this battle." Glaceon resolved.
"Right." With a shared nod, May and Glaceon braced themselves for the challenge that lay ahead, determined to emerge victorious in just a few hours' time.
To be Continued...