CHAPTER 10
Autumn Romance
Finale! I thank you all for your support of this story. My first PearlShipping fanfic, you're all amazing!
October 10, 2015
Sootopolis Boulevard
Contest Hall
Since the contest Season was up and running many coordinators were gearing up to show their improved skills and techniques to the judges. Ash had gotten a lifetime backstage pass from Wallace when he, May, and Brock had helped save the region from certain destruction thanks to two evil organizations messing with the forces of nature! So here he was waiting for his girlfriend to finish getting ready for her appeals.
"Never thought I'd see you back here Ketchum." Said a familiar voice.
Ash turned to see a tall boy with green hair and dark purple eyes, it was Drew Hayden! Ash smirked, the boy had given May a lot of grief in Hoenn, Kanto and Jonto but after a sound beating from May he finally learned to respect her talents as a Coordinator, they were good rivals and somewhat friendly with one another. The Jonto native would still flirt with May which the girl would respond to with an eye roll every time. But Ash could tell that the girl had feelings for the Green Haired Teen.
Ash replied, "I got a VIP Pass from Wallace so I can get in here anytime. I'm just waiting for my girlfriend."
"G- girlfriend..." Says the green haired boy in surprise, having somewhat forgotten of the event that happened three weeks prior to this Contest.
And May enters the fray sternly eyeing the boy, "Drew you better not be messing with Ash again. I turn away for one..."
"Now, now Ms. Maple hold that spark. He hasn't done anything wrong at all. I'm just informing him of a certain development that he has somehow forgotten. Well either that or he had go over his head these few weeks." Ash says eyeing the two with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
May felt a foreboding feeling come over her. She was reminded of what had happened between Serena and Richie on that same day, how she was told about how the blonde girl and brown, spiky haired boy got together. May had been toying around with her own feelings for the green haired Coordinator for two years now, sadly it seems like the boy is oblivious to the signs she has been giving out! For someone who constantly flirts with girls, Drew fails to notice the obvious signs that a girl returns the gesture. Ash was throwing her a cherry she had to take.
Another feminine voice asked, "Soo... how do I look?"
"Dawn, I'm sure that..." Upon seeing her in that pretty pink dress his voice left him.
She had worn this dress during the Jonto Grand festival two years back. Seeing her in the dress up close was something else, she looked like a Princess. He approached her slowly keeping his eyes on hers, once he was just a hair's breath away from her he placed a hand on her cheek and brought her lips to his. She smiled into the kiss, her hands holding onto his opened jacket keeping him close. The latter pair just looked at them; Drew looked a little green feeling slightly envious of Ash when he wanted so badly to be with the young Hoenn Princess, May just smiled but also felt a bit of jealousy towards the blue haired girl since she wanted to do the same thing with Drew.
The pair ended the kiss with their foreheads coming together. Dawn saw the sparkle in his eyes as he asked, "Does that answer your question Ms. Prodigy."
"Oh you..." She says her face a little flushed with a sweet smile on her face.
Ash chuckled taking a stray hair and tucking it behind her ear, "You'll do great today I just know it! I'll be seated on the front row cheering you on."
"You charmer! Thanks all the same though." She responds fixing the collar of his shirt.
He grinned letting her go, "I'm just saying the truth. And giving a certain boy some hints."
Dawn caught his glance shifting towards the Hoenn pair and shook her head smiling. It was obvious how the two were into each other, it was just a matter of time. But the friend group all agreed that they should get together before prom. Same with Leaf and Gary, who's obvious banters could be seen as nothing but pant up emotions and some denseness (on Garry's part). She often wondered how it was that Richie, Ash, and Kenny weren't cursed with the obliviousness that often plagued boys their age. For Ash she copped some of his insights in emotions to his aura powers, he could sense what people were feeling.
"Are you trying to give them that extra push?" Dawn asked him sweetly caressing his cheeks.
He leaned into her hand, "More on Drew's end. May has been trying to get his attention for so long it seems like all the hints she has been giving him is going over his head!"
"Maybe we just need to give May an extra push instead. Like what we did for Serena. Sometimes it is better to have the girl do the work if the guy can't figure it out. Then all that is left is to set Leaf and Gary up." The bluenette replies in thought.
The intercom sounded, "Dawn Berlitz is up next."
"Good luck Dawn. Knock them off their feet!" Ash says smiling as he gave her one last kiss.
The girl giggled and nods, "You bet I will! Good luck with you as well."
Ash chuckles nodding, Dawn knew he was thinking of ways to give the Hoenn girl a little push. She shook her head and focused on her appeals, something she had worked on with Ash in the past few weeks. She'd been surprised to note that he's been in a few contests as well, he also taught her about offensive defense tactics something she had yet to master. She got the basics of the idea, and incorporating that into contests with the right combinations would make it look great for the battle rounds.
Dawn's appeal was flawless! Everyone loved the combinations she made. The judges made positive remarks, insuring her spot in the Semifinals. There was never any doubt to begin with. She looked like some kind of noble lady in a ball with the way she gracefully moved on stage, the Pokemon League Association had decided to add performance as a criteria on Pokemon Contests to make it a challenge. Not only would the Coordinators have to make their Pokemon look presentable and their moves shine but they themselves would have to Perform with their Pokemon, this was done to showcase the bonds they had formed with their partners during the Appeals as well as in battles. Similar to what Pokemon Performers did during Pokemon Performances in the Kalos Region. Ash kept to his promise and went to the front to cheer his girlfriend on and teleport back backstage to meet her.
"She dances very well." May says smiling at the backstage screen.
Ash nods a soft look on his face, "I remember back when we were kids, her and Serena would always dance. They joined the Camp's dance club later and found common ground. I guess that's where Serena's appreciation for performing took hold, Dawn was a natural at the art. Joanna would often have me practice dancing with her back then, oddly enough I've enjoyed those moments. I would pair up with her for ballroom dancing and such so I know how dance fairly well."
"Lucky you. I've got to enroll for those dance lessons in school. Their holding those for the Prom." Drew informs with a dry tone.
May grins excited at the prospect, "I can't wait for those! I heard Joanna and Grace got asked to teach those classes."
Ash chuckles, "Oh boy, won't that be interesting. Both mothers can be slave drivers when it comes teaching something. Joanna being a performer would surly want the best her students can offer. Better bring your A-Game Drew Mrs. Berlitz isn't one to mess around." Ash warned giving the green haired boy a glance to which he responded with gulp.
"Stop scaring him Ash! My mom wasn't that bad.," Says Dawn as she approached them from the tunnel area.
Ash laughs, "To us she wasn't but ask Gary and he'd tell you something different. He claims to still have nightmares about those classes. But he'll sooner say they were worth it as they'd help him during Prom night."
Dawn giggles giving him a one armed hug, she stayed there for the time being.
"Well you were easily one of best students. We both were, Serena was a natural of course. Gary was.. being Gary and just being a dunce about it all. My mom didn't care of his complaints, Professor Oak and Uncle Blue just told him to take it like a man. Aunt Sarah would tell him to stop sulking because it'll be useful one day. Guess even she knew that they both had a crush on each other." Says the blue haired girl smiling.
May laugh, "I actually guessed that they had the hots for each other the moment I saw them. Maybe that's a bit of a stretch, I saw that they had lots of chemistry between them though."
"But you and Ash hit it on quickly. I wouldn't have thought that you were separated for almost a decade seeing how fast you both reconnected." Drew continues in wonder.
The couple shared a caring glance, smiling at each other. The last contestant came in and stared at the couple, she knew them. Of course, she did she had seen them soar at their careers and wanted to be like them. Daniella Brooks was an avid fan of the two and just a two years younger the Dawn, she had seen the battle between Ash and Paul a few weeks back, and had heard about what happened afterwards. She was happy that the menace was booted off campus, but also felt bad for Professor Brandon. She was also glad Ursula had finally gotten what she deserved after having been in cahoots with the thug that day. Though the shrew wasn't expelled, she had been suspended and placed in a separate classroom from her classmates.
"What's up Danny?" Asked May looking at the girl curiously.
Said dark haired team yelped at being called out. Surprised that she had been noticed, not that they never took notice of her in the first place though, the group would always greet people politely as they passed the hall of the school everyday. Daniella had been one of the younger girls who the boys of the group had shielded from Paul's advances, she had been a Freshmen when the thug and his buddies would harass her and her friends in the halls.
The younger girl shook her head and replied, "Nothing at all. I just thought that you guys are so cool."
The four of them shook their heads chuckling. They knew what most of the student body thought of them, but no one was seeing the full picture. The four knew that very few of the students of the school knew about their real track records as trainers. Drew started out as league competitor trying out the league in Jonto when he began his journey, but hard battling wasn't really his scene, it was Whitney the Goldenrod City Gym Leader who directed the green haired trainer to the Contest Scene after giving him tips on how to train his Pokemon. Dawn knew she wanted to be a Coordinator like her mother and set off to do just that gaining success during her run in Jonto the year after her debut. Ash and May had similar beginnings, but Ash's pitfalls were worse then the young Maple's. After a rough time in Kanto where half of his badges were given to him out of pity, he soared to the tip in Jonto later landing a win in the Orange Islands even beating Master Drake! May had Ash as her mentor which made her pitfalls a lot less horrendous, but she had crashed and burned in her first contest. But bounced back a year later when Ash invited her to travel with him in Kanto for his Battle Frontier Challenges. Though she got beaten by Solidad at the time May got a spot in the top four which made the lose worth it!
"We are not as perfect as most of the school makes us out to be. We've got our own mishaps as trainers to prove that. We didn't get to where we were today without some draw backs. Our experiences truly made us who we are today, along with the people we've met our friends and rivals the world over." Ash replies in a humble tone.
Dawn giggles running her hand over his hair, "That is so very true. I hate to admit it, but having Ursula as a rival helped me hone my skills as a Coordinator. Zoey and Kenny were great rivals as well as amazing friends to travel with. Having May as a rival was unexpected though, knowing now that it was Ash who mentored her I can see where she got the rough battle style from but the added elegance is her own kind of flare."
Drew nods, "I've never seen someone who blends the elegance of contest moves and those of league battle techniques as seamlessly as May does. And to think I gave her such a hard time back in the day. She proved me wrong when she beat me in Jonto a year ago."
May flushed at the complement he had unwittingly graced her. She may have been immune to his charms in their earlier days but once she gotten to know him better she had began seeing him as a friend, then about two years ago she fell for his charms. She really thought he has been the playboy type back then, but she began seeing that while he would flatter ladies with his words and gestures, he would only really openly flirt with her.
"She was a pretty attentive student when Brock and I mentored her. I wanted her to avoid the reckless mistakes I made when I started out as a trainer, gave advice when she needed it but mostly let her figure out what to do on her own." Ash says smiling at the young brunette girl.
May smiled at her mentor and friendly rival, "You did. It was hard at first, I would often beg Ash and Brock for help and Ash would keep on saying that if they both always stepped in to help me when I struggled with something then I wasn't really learning. They would would only guide through something once then if I'd have to figure my own way out of it. Learned that the hard way when I lost to Solidad."
"Hey now. Don't be too hard on yourself. Harley and I lost to her as well, honestly, the fact that you are the first and last Coordinator to win against her and take her place as Hoenn's Top Coordinator is a testament to your talents. I wouldn't be where I am today of I hadn't lost at least once in my time as a trainer, and my loss against Agatha won't be the last time. I used to believe me winning the Silver Conference had been a fluke, a twist of luck, but earning those Frontier Symbols changed my opinion of myself." Ash explains smiling at his student and best friend.
They all shared smiles. As the hours ran the contest quickly went into its final round with Dawn against Fiona, the blue haired girl won in a landslide. After the resounding celebration between the four friends they went the separate ways with Ash taking Dawn for an evening walk. With her hand on his arm they walked towards the Park.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Dawn asked giving Ash a curious side glance.
Ash chuckles kissing the side of her head, "Well. As you know Homecoming is two weeks from now..."
She smiled nodding, "Yeah..."
It was then that she recognized the area they had stopped in. It was her favorite place in the park; the large tree being the looming centerpiece among the minuscule smattering of marigolds within the trimmed grass, she spotted the hung lights above and around them. The lake near by was sparkling under the glow of the newly risen moon, she turned to see Ash who was smiling softly at her. Taking her hand in his and kneeling on one knee.
"Ash..." She trails off gasping.
He grinned his eyes shining, "Will you go with me to the homecoming dance?"
"Oh Ash..." She sighed pulling his hand signaling him to stand.
He did without question taking her into his arms as placed hers around his neck. Their foreheads against the other's, their noses rubbing. Dawn grazed her lips on his in a soft yet chaste kiss.
"I would love to go with you!" She responds smiling.
He smiles in return, "I'll pick you up at six then."
"That'll give me enough time." She says nodding.
They spent to rest of their walking talking about the dance and what they were planing to wear. Ash walked Dawn up to her porch and kissed her cheek bidding her goodnight.
Time Skip
October 31, 2015
Blue Lanes Street
Meanwhile, we go to Ash who is currently picking up Dawn from her house, at the time they agreed on two weeks before. He go off his Rang Rover and approached the front door, softly knocking on the whitewashed Maplewood. It opened to reveal a smiling Joanna who let Ash in.
"Good evening Ash! Right on time as always, Dawn is almost done getting ready. Wait for her in the living room." Says the blue haired mother ushering the young man into the aforementioned room.
Ash chuckled following the matron, "Good Evening Joanna! Don't worry, I'm not it any the others are still on their way to school as well."
"Alright. Would you like some tea?" She offers with a smile.
Ash nods grinning, "Yes please. Thank you."
It was another fifteen minutes when he heard the soft clip-clop of heals. He turned around and was struck speechless! She wore a powder pink dress, her hair was down with only two thin braids tied to the back. She looked stunning, and he was captivated by her.
"So how do I look?" Dawn asks after a moment.
He stood slowly approaching her slowly, his voice completely lost to him at this moment so he was going to have to let his actions speak for him. Once he was in front of her his arm went around her waist pulling her towards him, while his hand reached up to cup her cheek slowly bringing her lips to his. The kiss slow but held enough passion to it that made her head spin a little, he made sure to be careful about her hair. Once they pulled apart he looked into her eyes still caressing her cheek while her hands came up to clutch at the lapels of his blazer, their foreheads stuck together.
He spoke his voice low, "You look dazzling Dawn..."
"If that kiss wasn't obvious enough. Thanks." She tells him positively flushed and giggling.
Their little moment was interrupted by a flash. Now both teens were flushed as they turned towards Grace who had a camera in her hand and a wide smile on her face.
"Mom!" Dawn exclaimed a little embarrassed at having their moment documented by her mother.
Ash chuckled shaking his head, "Don't worry Dawn. I bet you'll share that with my mom."
"You looks so adorable together! But you best get going you'll be late." Grace says smiling at them.
Ash nods putting Dawn's scarf around her, "Indeed. Serena is going spar with Leaf and Gary's arguing. And Richie is doing his best to calm hee down, along with May and Drew. Zoey and Kenny are already enjoying the part, Zoey even had a contest battle with Daniela!"
"That's great! Let's get going so we don't miss all the fun." Dawn says smiling as she took his arm.
"You both have fun! Should I be expecting you home tonight?" Grace responds walking them out with a smile.
Ash shakes his head, "I don't think so. It is going to be a late night. We will be home for brunch tomorrow."
"Alright then. Do enjoy yourselves." Says the blue haired mother waving to them as they got into the car.
They wave back before speeding off. It was easy drive to school, they conversed and laughed at the latest antics of their friends.
Scene Shift
Evergrand High
Gardens
The party was in full swing as everyone ate, conversed, danced, and drank. As Ash and Dawn entered the fray they saw a table with all of their friends rounded up. They saw a more relaxed Serena who was being tended to by Richie. They saw Carrie, Miette, and May whispering to one another, while Drew just listened to their scheming. While Zoey and Kenny were talking with Richie and Serena. The only ones missing from the table were the two brunettes.
"Ash, Dawn! Finally you're hear!" Exclaimed Carrie who saw the couple approaching.
The rest of the group greeted the pair. They sat in between Serena and May.
Dawn greeted the group, "Good Evening everyone! So... where are they?"
"Leaf has gone near the lake, while Gary had decided to be an absolute prick and treat himself to a drink. I don't know what she sees in him honestly." Says Richie scowling at the beverage table.
Carrie shakes her head, "They are childhood friends. Some would say it's latent physical attraction, others would say they are mistaking their arguing for affection."
Serena giggles, "They do care for each other very much, and yes... the physical attraction is definitely there. But, their pig headedness and pride is getting in the way of their feelings."
"We knew they'd be completely ridiculous about this. But... but this is another kind of ridiculousness! Can't they just get off their high horses and admit their feelings. They'd be happier that way." Complains Zoey shaking her head in dismay.
Dawn laughs leaning onto Ash's shoulder, "They would never admit it themselves. Ash..."
Said raven haired boy leans his head lower as she began to whisper onto his ear. Richie and Drew saw his smirk and felt a foreboding chill run down their spines. Gary was about to get a touch talking to by his best friend.
As Ash stood up to leave Serena merrily says, "Don't be too harsh on him Ash!"
"Don't worry I won't..." Ash says laughing as he slowly approached the table his best friend was standing by.
Back at the group's table the rest of them were watching as Ash walked towards the brunette boy.
It was Miette who voiced her worry, "Should we be worried?"
"Nah, Gary will be fine." Says May who grinned.
Dawn giggles shaking her head, "If anyone could get Gary off of his high horse it is Ash. Gary will take a little beating from him, then the latter will give the former a stiff talking to. It isn't going to be pretty but yeah, Leaf is going to be all the happier for the outcome."
We shift the scene to the drink table, Ash had accepted a drink from Gary who was slightly tipsy. Ash chuckled, he knew what he had to do. Though, he'd have to keep his face in tact for Leaf's sake. The girl would appreciate that, again he chuckled... she'd probably thank Dawn for setting this up, well Dawn can take the credit he'd be fine just doing the dirty work.
"Sooo... the last time I checked you and Leaf were on good terms. What happened to put you two at odds with each other?" He says as a form of greeting his childhood rival.
Gary scoffs taking a sip of his sparkling punch, "She wanted to dance with me."
"And..." Ash says raising a brow.
The young Oak said, "I said no and she decided to dance with some other boy."
"Let me guess you in your jealous rage decided to pull her out in the middle of her dance with this boy and then proceeded to berate her for doing what she wanted." Ash says goading his friend by patronizing him.
Gary glared at the raven haired teen clearly in denial about his feelings, "Why would I be jealous?"
"Why indeed?" Ash wondered sarcastically.
Gary's glare darkened as he stood up straighter his fists clenched, "Don't you take that tone Ketchum! At least I didn't spend years pining after a girl who was on another region. You were as dense as I am!"
"Sure other girls liked me, but I never acted on their feelings. Yes, I pined for Dawn and didn't date another girl. But that didn't mean that I didn't find them attractive, I am a teen age boy after all. But unlike you at least I know when I have something worth keeping. All you seem to be doing is going around in circles." Ash says still keeping his cool as he took a sip of his drink.
Gary threw his fist at Ash but the other boy was able to block it, "She can dance with anyone she wants but I don't want her to be onto some other guy. She can't just..."
"Gary, Gary, Gary... you say that like you own her! Well news flash boy genius, you don't! You've been chasing other girls since we all began our journeys, she has not dated any other boy over the years. Have you ever wondered why that is?" Ash explains trying to get to his rival and best friend's thick skull.
Ash pushed him into a secluded corner away from prying eyes. He did not want to air any of Gary's dirty deed to their peers, even through their friends already knew about most of it the rest of the school didn't. Well not the full extent at least. And he was about to give the aspiring researcher a very rough wake up call.
Gary looked confused at Ash's pronouncement, "What?"
"While you were busy dating and going through half the females in Kanto and Jonto Leaf has never dated. Oh sure, she would flirt or tease other guys but she was never interested in getting any kind of relationship with them. She called me once you know..." Ash tells him seeing the anger Ebb off of his friend.
Gary breathed out a long breath, "About what?"
"It was when your relationship with Sabrina was all over the news. And she told me to tell you congratulations. That was two years ago. You know I had noticed back then..." Ash continues pausing as he studied Gary's countenance.
Said brunette just shrugs looking peeved, "What?"
"She sounded rather hesitant to let those words out. Her voice cracked and it sounded a little shaky. I asked if she really was happy about your new relationship and she quickly - a little too quickly - affirmed her statement. I didn't push her any further and left her be at the time." Ash finished.
Gary just stared into nothing of a possible comeback, wanting to deny his best friend's claims. In truth he knew why he had done what he had at the time, he had wanted to make Leaf jealous and though he had succeeded it had been at the expense of another person who should not have been part of their petty squabbles. Ash looked at him, really studied his facial expression, he saw the uncertainty and he understood it. Even this connection between him and Dawn didn't exterminate the thought of her possibly not returning his feelings.
Gary finally shook out of his thoughts, "Well at least it worked."
WACK!
The punch was quick and hard. There was no way the brunette haired future professor was going to get away form this night without a bruise to the face. Ash shook his fist, with the aura encasing his hand the punch still hurt his knuckle. He looked at the other boy with a distinct scowl on his face, on that told Gary to stop being an ass.
"If you think that way then you'll never get her Gary. She is a saint for having put up with you shenanigans for the past decade and half! If you don't go out there and apologize to her, then another punch your way... or better yet a real beating, I am sure you'd love explain to Professor Oak and your mother as to how you got bruised all over tonight. Though, I think Aunt Sarah would not reprimand me for my actions in this regard. I dare say she would even thank me, and Uncle Blue would laugh and say you deserve it." Ash points out.
Gary sighs sitting up shaking his head, "I won't argue with you on that one. Gramps and Mom having telling me a haul up my ass an just ask her to be my girlfriend since Sophomore year, they'd definitely thank, you. Where is she?"
"Well... the one place she always goes after one of your argeuments. I would advise you to bring a peace offering of sorts, flowers or her favorite drink maybe. And for all of our peaces of mind, when you two get back you better be holding hands and smiling." Ash says helping him up and pointing to the direction where he knew Leaf walked off to.
Gary smiled and hugged his once rival and said, "You are the greatest friend anyone can ask for Ash Ketchum. But, you know I can't make any promises about the future."
Ash chuckles, yeah the raven haired teen knew that the aspiring Pokemon Researcher would do more stupid things in the future. That's what he and their friends thought, they might be growing up but bouts of immaturity and pettiness would rear its head here and there. But he'd always be there to knock some sense into Gary or any of their guy friends if they did something the warranted a reminder of why shouldn't be petty and stupid.
"Don't we all. But we aren't friends just for the fun of it you know. We will always help you out of your ass." Ash says chuckling as he saw Gary rub the back of his head.
Gray walked of to the direction Ash pointed towards, he was a man on a mission. Ash watched as the brunette disappeared into the night. He sighed shaking his head, praying to the Kanto Bird trio for this to be resolved and that his two best friends would finally get together. He turned and smiled to himself, he was going to get drinks for their table and dance with Dawn. He walked towards the beverage tables and picked up everyone's preferred drinks and went back to their table across the gardens. Seeing the fiery lights hanging along the trees, giving the area an enchanting air, he knew this was Dawn's suggestion, he saw Serena's touches through the purples and whites and even May's emeralds and brown (the carfted pumpkins and lamp cases) were up as well. The garden really did look like a celebration of autumn and Halloween.
Dawn was the first to greet him, "Your back. That took awhile."
"Gary was being a stubborn again I'd bet." Serena says shaking her head.
He nods pass the drinks around the table before taking his seat in between Dawn and Serena.
"Well, I got through to him. Gave him a hard talking to and then a good fist to the face for emphasis. Hopefully, where they get back in here they'll be holding hands and finally be together." Ash says with an exasperated sigh.
Richie chuckles, "They're the only two left. I am sure Leaf will make the first move in this situation. Her patience is amazing."
"Well, us girls can only wait so long for a guy to finally make the move. But Leaf takes the win here, I mean waiting five years in between having her heart broken over and over and also having hope that he would finally open his eyes was painful to see. She's a real trooper!" May says with wide amazed eyes. I am glad that Dawn actually gave us that extra push, and that Ash with his aura abilities also gave the guys that extra insight." May says smiling to couple as she hugged Drew's arm to her.
The couple smiled and Dawn says, "Well, what are friends for-"
"All that shenanigans and some good advice. Of course, we can't all be you two. Your relationship is like a real life trip through a sappy romance novel! We can all be hopeless romantics." Drew points out chuckling.
Serena giggles lean into Richie's shoulders, "Well life is not complete without a little romance."
The conversations around the table veered away from relationships and spiraled into talks on thee year's expectations, studies, and what they were going to do during the Christmas holidays. A slow song came one and Ash smiled facing Dawn, he slowly stood and offered Dawn a hand.
"Can I have this dance?" He asked smiling charmingly.
Dawn placed her hand on his and nodded, "Of course."
He gently pulled her up and walked them to the dance floor. They swayed to the beat of the song, it was Dawn's favorite song when they were kids. She was surprised to here it play here, but she looked towards her young man and knew it was his doing.
She giggles a pulls him in closer and tiptoed to kiss his cheek, "How did you manage this Sir. Ketchum?"
"Well, it was actually Serena's doing. Leaf is in charge of the playlist, and Serena suggested this song, remembering it was your favorite from back then." Ash explained smiling.
She shakes her head before placing it on his shoulder, "I should thank her. This song brings back so many memories, great ones. I also remember mom playing this song when ever we did dance practice. I always felt like it was Our song."
"It has a great vibe. I would play this song to feel better whenever I lost a battle. I had a horrible downward spiral during my time in Kanto and felt really down. It was just after my loss in the Cinnabar Gym, Charmeleon had just evolved into Charizard and it was there I learned that I wasn't prepared to handle a Pokemon of that level, I had overestimated my skills. He got frozen, nearly his entire body was encased in ice. I felt guilty for that, my inexperience caught up to me again, so I spent a whole evening defrosting him, my hands were burned after an hour of rubbing his icy body." Ash tells her smiling sadly as he narrated his earlier blunders.
Dawn rubs her thumb at the back of his hand, "We all have our low moments Ash. I would probably done better when I started out on journey as well. Thankfully I was able to find good company in Kenny and then later Zoey, they really helped me out."
"Brock and Misty were a great help as well. Both were Gym leaders at the time, but both had left their jobs to travel with me and find their true callings in life. I was such a kid back then, even Pikachu didn't like me! But I got over that and eventually worked on my bad habits and matured." He responds as he spun her our of his hand.
That song slowly came to its end as she spun back into his arms. She saw a quick streak of brown from the corner of her eyes before spotting a giddily Leaf and a slightly flushed Gary. She turned to see Ash smiling towards the duo, Leaf gave the couple a thumbs up with a big smile on her face.
"Looks like it worked, eh?" Asked the raven haired boy with a raised brow and a satisfied smirk.
She laughed tapping the back of his for his rhetoric, "Yes well, it is about time! I thought it'd take another decade give or take a few years to see them together. They are more stubborn then you and I combined after all, plus, Gary's pride needed a bit of a break in. I hope he'll buckle down and learn humility."
"Leaf has taken strides to tamper he own pride. I struggled with that over my journey for sure, but after Kanto I finally got an eye opener. In Jonto there a few moments where I would fall back to my bad habits but Brock and Misty, even Pikachu would remind me that my pride was getting in the way of my dream." Ash responded looking slightly ashamed with this admission.
The Homecoming dance went off without a hitch, by the end of the night the group were scene laughing, joking around, and talking their peers about their journeys and experiences together. The King and Queen were crowned, it was Ash and Serena to the joy of their friends. May joked that Ash had better not be cheating on Dawn, and the couples took that in with good humor knowing that the Hoenn native meant no harm with the jest. As the night came to an end the couple excused themselves to the dorms and walked through the nice garden on the way.
"I hope you enjoyed tonight Dawn. It really is the most amazing feeling to be with you like this." Ash says smiling his eyes shining.
Dawn smiles pulling him in for a hug, "You know, I feel the same way about you. After many years of pining and wishing this almost seems like a dream. Thank you for waiting for this moment."
"I would have waited ten decades more just to be with you Dawn. But we still have a whole world to see and new experiences to live through. And I would love to be with you thought it all." Ash responds cupping her cheek and rubbing his thumb on the soft skin.
She leans into hand, "I know. And now we'll have decades in our lives to go through more adventures together. We can start now."
"Sure..." He says smiling as he leaned in and kissed her.
There they stood under the moonlight basking in their growing bond. Both teens knew that their relationship was going to be tested but they were going to push through all the hardships and come out stronger with help of their family and friends.
What will the future bring?
No one knows but one thing was for sure, it would be a very eventful one.
And close! Wow, this story seems rushed to me. I know you guys were expecting more out of this and so was I, honestly. Hehe, I kind of took a really huge leap with this one, but ultimately I think this came out well enough. But I will probably edit this story one of these days to make it better and enlarge the plot line and all. I've got no regrets at all.
Thank you! Thank you for your support for this story and my other writings. As always, feel free to comment of privately message me through ffn for any suggestions for future stories or for the future chapters of my on going ones. I would like to acknowledge the many concept artists who have been messaging me to offer commissions for story covers, you are all awesome individuals for this! I was surprised by the messages and the positive comments, I was glad to read that I had inspired concept artists in their art through my stories. I would like to know which stories really inspired you guys. I think I'll think about those offers.
For now Breaking Free is officially at it's end! And I can work on the three other stories on my belt right now. I am also posting this sotry and the other on Wattpad, so for those who use the site more please feel free to find these fanfics there. For now all updates for my other stories the updates will be posted on my profile, so check that out.
Signing out,
WL_17