As May's eyes fluttered open, her breaths came in panicked gasps, her heart pounding against her chest like a drum.

"KYUREM!" Her voice pierced the air, resonating with horror as she sat up, jolting awake in the dimness of the cave. Startled by May's sudden movement and cry, Ash, who had been trying to wake her up with gentle shakes, fell back, his own heart racing with adrenaline.

"Ack!" he exclaimed, a mix of surprise and concern etched on his features. "May…?!" With trembling hands, May placed a hand over her chest, trying to steady her erratic heartbeat as she panted, her eyes wide with fear and confusion.

"Ash...?" she whispered hoarsely, her voice barely audible above the echo of her own screams. "Where are we...?" Sitting up beside her, Ash rubbed the sleep from his eyes, his gaze focused on her with great concern.

"The cave," he replied softly, his tone tinged with uncertainty. May's breathing gradually slowed as she took in her surroundings, the reality of their situation sinking in.

"Right," she murmured, her voice still shaky with residual fear. A rare sound for her which gave Ash great concern.

"Bad dream?" he ventured, his concern evident in his furrowed brow and gentle tone. May nodded slowly.

"It was awful," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. Ash's eyes widened at May's uncharacteristic vulnerability, a greater pang of concern tugging at his heart. Without hesitation, he enveloped her in a reassuring hug, holding her close as she leaned into him, seeking solace from the remnants of her nightmare.

"You're okay," he murmured softly, his lips brushing against her hair in a tender gesture of reassurance. "I'm here…"

"Thank you…" May said, her voice barely audible as she spoke. "Are you ok…?"

"I'm fine," Ash assured her, planting a gentle kiss atop her head. "As long as you are."

"Just... rattled me a lot," she murmured. She wasn't sure what to make of her dream yet, and the concern on his face already made her feel bad, so she kept quiet for now so as not to make things worse.

"I'm here," he added, his arms tightening around her in a silent promise of support. May leaned into his embrace, her breathing gradually steadying as she found comfort in his presence.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice laced with gratitude. Their intimate moment was continued by a soft moan that escaped May's lips, her body instinctively responding to Ash's tender touch. In response, Ash's own breath hitched, his gaze meeting May's with a mix of desire and affection. As their lips met in a tender kiss, a wave of warmth washed over them, momentarily banishing the lingering shadows of May's nightmare. Lost in the sweetness of the moment, they surrendered to the gentle rhythm of their shared embrace, each kiss a silent affirmation of their love and devotion. But as the weight of reality pressed in upon them, Ash reluctantly pulled away.

"Come on..let's get you out of here. You've done enough for one day,"

"Just...let me do one more check…" she answered, her gaze lingering on the sleeping dragon beside her.

"Okay…" Ash agreed, though still hesitant. With his approval given, May gently let go of him, except for holding onto his hand, and turned towards Kyurem. She began gently stroking his head, trying to gently rouse him.

"Kyurem...?" she whispered. However, Kyurem continued sleeping peacefully despite a few more attempts.

"Let him sleep May…maybe it'll help make him feel better." Ash offered.

"Well, I...I guess I can come back and check later…" she conceded.

"Exactly." Ash nodded as he stood up and helped her to her feet. With her free hand, May stroked Kyurem's head one more time.

"I'll be back soon…" she promised in a gentle whisper. With that said, she squeezed Ash's hand and returned her attention to him. "Alright…"

"Ok…let's go." Reluctantly, May nodded, her fingers intertwined with Ash's as he led her out of the cave.

As they emerged from the cave, the weight of May's recent experiences hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over their normally lighthearted banter. Sensing May's lingering unease, Ash turned to her with a concerned expression.

"You okay?" he asked softly, his voice laced with genuine concern. May offered him a small, albeit weary smile.

"I will be," she replied, her tone tinged with a hint of resignation. "Heh, maybe being a Princess is just making me soft..." A gentle chuckle escaped Ash's lips as he reached out to gently brush a stray lock of hair from May's face.

"I think you're cute this way," he admitted, his affection for her evident in his warm gaze. Tilting her head slightly, May regarded him with a playful glint in her eyes.

"I'm cute when I'm worried?" she questioned, a hint of amusement coloring her tone. A blush crept onto Ash's cheeks at her teasing remark, but he quickly recovered with a self-assured grin.

"You're cute when affectionate," he replied, his voice soft yet sincere. May raised an eyebrow, a mischievous twinkle dancing in her eyes.

"Then why do you complain so much when it's directed at you?" she countered, a playful smirk playing at the corners of her lips. Caught off guard by her retort, Ash stammered for a moment before muttering a response under his breath.

"Because I'm not cute…!" he complained.

"That is strictly a matter of opinion Aura Boy." she giggled.

"One of these days I'm gonna get you flustered," Ash declared, determination evident in his tone even as he grumbled it. A soft smile tugged at May's lips as she met Ash's gaze with a playful glint in her eyes.

"I look forward to it," she admitted, her voice filled with genuine affection. Ash's blush deepened at her response, but he quickly masked his embarrassment with a dismissive groan.

"You're not supposed to…" he complained. Undeterred by his protests, May leaned in to press a tender kiss against his cheek, her lips lingering for a moment before she pulled away with a playful glint in her eyes.

"I know one thing that would make me feel a lot better," she teased, her tone laced with playful mischief. Ash's eyes widened in surprise at her boldness, his cheeks flushing crimson at her suggestive implication.

"Does it involve seeing me naked again?" he blurted out, his embarrassment evident in his tone. May's laughter bubbled forth at his flustered response, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she batted her eyelashes playfully.

"Now that you mention it..." she teased, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

"Maaaaaaaay!" Ash protested, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. Giggling softly, May leaned in to press a passionate kiss against his lips, her laughter fading into a contented sigh as she savored the warmth of their shared embrace. But as Ash hesitated to reciprocate her affection, May pulled back with a slight pout, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"I know you too well," Ash admitted, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Do you now?" May countered, a hint of playful curiosity in her tone. Ash nodded, his expression tinged with affection.

"Unfortunately," he replied, his voice soft yet sincere. A frown flickered across May's features at his response, a hint of hurt flashing in her eyes.

"You think it's unfortunate to know me...?" she questioned, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Realizing his mistake, Ash quickly backtracked, waving his hands frantically as he attempted to clarify his words.

"Nonono! That's not what I meant!" he protested, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"Then what do you mean...?" she prompted, her voice gentle yet curious.

"I just know when you're thinking deviously," Ash admitted, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. A playful glint danced in May's eyes at his words, a mischievous smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

"Is there a problem with that?" she teased, her tone laced with playful amusement. "Especially when it's for an activity we both enjoy?" Ash's cheeks flushed crimson at her boldness, and he quickly ducked under his hat in a feeble attempt to hide his embarrassment. Reaching out to gently lift his hat, May offered him a reassuring smile, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Don't do that," she chided gently. "I love your beautiful brown eyes." Reluctantly, Ash opened his eyes, meeting May's gaze with a bashful smile. "I don't want to force you," May assured him, her voice gentle yet sincere. "I just thought it'd be nice to do together after the day we had yesterday..."

"May…"

"Tell me what you want Ash...I can't read your mind…" she whispered. Taking her hand in his, Ash squeezed it gently, his gaze filled with warmth and affection.

"But I can read yours," he murmured, his voice soft yet resolute. A blush spread across May's cheeks at his words, her heart fluttering with affection as he lifted her into his arms. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she nestled against him, feeling a sense of safety and security in his embrace. A soft smile graced Ash's lips as he held May close, the weight of their shared affection filling the air with a sense of warmth and contentment.

"You mean that...?" she asked, trying to make sure she understood the meaning of his sudden action.

"Yes. But maybe we could start with something a little smaller..?" he requested, giving her a sheepish smile.

"Like...?"

"...A bath..?"

"Together?"

"Yeah."

"I'd like that…" May said as she gave a small smile. Ash returned the smile as May added her own flare as usual. "Can you throw in this mode of transportation too...?"

"Sure thing." he chuckled. May smiled a little and rested her head under his chin.

"Mm…My beloved Aura Boy…"

"Beloved huh...?" Ash murmured, his cheeks flushing crimson at May's endearment. May nodded, her gaze softening with love as she met Ash's eyes.

"With all my heart and soul," she replied, her voice filled with unwavering devotion. With a gentle smile, Ash carried May back to the castle, keeping her close and protected in his grasp.

A few days later, Ash stepped through the door of his childhood home in the Kingdom's village, a wave of warmth and familiarity washing over him as he saw his mother, Delia, hard at work in the kitchen.

"Mom!" he called out. Delia turned at the sound of his voice and immediately rushed to him, abandoning her work in the process.

"Ash honey!" she grinned as she hugged him. "Oh welcome home!" A smile spreading across his face as he was enveloped in his mother's embrace.

"Good to see you!" he happily replied. Delia's hug around him tightened with enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with affection.

"How are you, sweetheart? Is May with you?" she wondered as she finally released him from the hug.

"No not right now," he replied. "I'm about to have a lunch date with her, actually."

"Aw, that's just wonderful!" she exclaimed, her smile widening. "But if you have a date soon, what are you doing here? Don't tell me you ran out of clean uniforms again." Ash scratched the back of his head sheepishly, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"I wanted your input on something," he admitted, his tone hesitant.

"Oh? Of course honey. What's going on?" she wondered.

"I'm a bit stumped on trying to find a good way…to propose…" he carefully explained. Delia's eyes widened in surprise at his words, a gasp escaping her lips.

"You're going to propose?!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement as she pulled him into another tight hug, this one even tighter than the last. "Oh honey that's wonderful!"

"Mom, air!" Ash gasped, his cheeks turning slightly pink as he struggled to catch his breath. Realizing her mistake, Delia quickly released him, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Oh, sorry, sweetheart," she apologized, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm just so happy for you! Wait right here!" With that, she darted up the stairs, leaving Ash blinking in bewilderment as he caught his breath. After a minute, Delia returned, a small jewelry box clutched in her hands. "Here, honey, this is for you," she said, pressing the box into Ash's hands. Ash's eyes widened in surprise as he looked at the box.

"For me...?"

"That's right. It's been waiting for this moment." Delia smiled. More curious than ever, Ash opened the box and to his shock, it revealed a stunning diamond ring nestled inside.

"What the…?" he whispered, his voice filled with awe.

"It's your Grandma Rin's ring," she explained, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Your Grandpa Aaron gave it to her when they got married." Ash's eyes glistened with emotion as he gazed at the ring, the weight of its history settling over him like a comforting embrace.

"I-I can't take this..." he protested softly, his voice filled with uncertainty.

"Of course you can," Delia insisted, her smile gentle yet firm. "It was left for you. That's what an heirloom is for, sweetie." A soft smile graced Ash's lips as he met his mother's gaze, his heart swelling with gratitude.

"Wow…Thank you, Mom," he murmured, his voice filled with emotion. Delia returned his smile, her eyes shining with pride.

"And I think it'll suit her just fine," she added, her voice filled with confidence as she showed him the ring. "It would make them both so happy if you'd give it to someone you really love too." Ash nodded, a sense of purpose settling over him as he gazed at the ring in awe.

"I will," he promised, his voice filled with determination. Delia enveloped him in another hug, her embrace filled with love and support.

"I'm just so happy for you," she murmured, pressing a tender kiss against his forehead. A blush tinged Ash's cheeks as he returned his mother's embrace, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love. "When do you plan to ask her?" Delia inquired, her voice filled with curiosity. Ash shrugged, a hint of uncertainty flickering across his features.

"I don't know... or how..." he admitted. Delia offered him a reassuring smile, her eyes sparkling with wisdom.

"Well, I certainly know she's eager, so if you feel you're ready, I don't think you'll need to wait long." Ash chuckled softly, his mind racing with possibilities. "There's always the classic over a nice dinner," Delia suggested, her voice filled with warmth. But Ash shook his head, a determined glint in his eyes.

"I really want to do something special," he confessed, his voice tinged with excitement. Delia nodded, her gaze thoughtful.

"Or maybe go off what you know about her," she suggested, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Like what are the things you love about her?" A soft smile tugged at Ash's lips as he thought of May, his heart swelling with affection.

"She makes everything an adventure," he admitted, his voice filled with fondness. Delia's smile widened at his words, a playful glint dancing in her eyes.

"Is that right?" she teased, her tone laced with amusement. Ash nodded, a fond smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Yeah... I love that about her," he confessed, his voice filled with warmth.

"Hm... she finds you chasing her around to be fun, doesn't she?" Delia mused, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "That's an adventure for her?"

"Sure is." Ash chuckled softly, a hint of amusement coloring his tone. Delia's smile widened into a grin as an idea began to form in her mind.

"Then maybe that's what we should be reversing," she suggested, her voice filled with excitement. "Her birthday is in a few days, isn't it?" Ash's eyes widened in realization as he considered her words, a smile spreading across his face.

"Yeah, it is," he confirmed, his voice filled with anticipation. Delia returned his smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Then I think you should consider sending her on a birthday adventure," she suggested, her voice filled with enthusiasm. Ash's smile widened into a grin as he felt a surge of excitement coursing through him.

"Heh... I should get going," he replied, his voice tinged with anticipation. "But I will..." Delia enveloped him in one final hug, her embrace filled with love and pride.

"You call if you need anything," she murmured, pressing a tender kiss against his cheek.

"I will, Mom," Ash promised, his voice filled with gratitude.

"Say hi to May and her parents for me," Delia called as she waved him off. As he made his way out the door, Ash's heart was filled with excitement and anticipation, his mind racing with plans for the special day ahead. As Pikachu flashed a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling with excitement, Ash couldn't help but return the smile, a surge of anticipation coursing through him.

"Nice ring," Pikachu remarked, his voice filled with admiration.

"Yeah..." Ash replied, his smile widening as he gazed down at the ringbox nestled in his hand. Pikachu's smile grew wider at the sight of Ash's excitement.

"You're getting excited," he observed, his tone tinged with playful teasing.

"Heh..." Ash chuckled softly, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. Pikachu's expression softened with affection as he reached out to pat Ash's hand reassuringly.

"No matter what, I get to help, right?" he declared, his voice filled with determination.

"Of course," Ash replied without hesitation, his gaze meeting Pikachu's with unwavering certainty. Pikachu's eyes sparkled with excitement at Ash's words.

"Yes!" he exclaimed, his tail wagging eagerly. Before Ash could respond further, however, a familiar voice interrupted their conversation, causing him to startle in surprise.

"Help with what?" May's voice chimed in, her upside-down figure dangling from a nearby tree by her knees. With a startled yelp, Ash jumped back, his heart pounding with adrenaline as he tried to catch his breath and quickly stuff the ringbox in his pocket before she could see it. Giggling softly, May hopped down from the tree with ease, her laughter filling the air as she approached Ash with a playful grin. Taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart, Ash managed a sheepish smile as he met May's gaze.

"I thought you were at lunch..." he admitted, his voice tinged with relief. May's smile softened with affection as she reached out to gently pat Ash's arm.

"Got worried about you," she confessed, her eyes shimmering with concern.

"I went to talk to my mom real quick..." Ash explained, his voice trailing off as he glanced back at Pikachu, who was watching the exchange with amusement. May's expression brightened at the mention of Ash's mother.

"Aw, you should've told me! I would've loved to say hi!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. A soft chuckle escaped Ash's lips as he followed May's lead.

"I'm sure you would have," he replied, his smile widening at her infectious energy. May returned his smile with a playful grin. "You sure have energy," Ash remarked, his tone tinged with admiration.

"So it's a normal day for me?" May countered, a mischievous twinkle dancing in her eyes. Ash chuckled softly, a sense of warmth filling his chest at May's playful demeanor.

"Fair enough," he conceded, his gaze softening with affection.

"Besides, it's a lunch date for us," May continued, her voice bright with excitement. "Which means big, big portion sizes!" Ash couldn't help but laugh at May's enthusiasm, his heart lightening at her infectious joy.

"I suppose the chef knows that by now," he remarked, a fond smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I'm ready when you are,"

"Ok!" With a playful grin, May reached out to grab Ash's hand, her fingers intertwining with his as she dragged him towards the entrance.

"Whoa!" he gasped, stumbling inside after her.

To be Continued...