Under the Mistletoe
Snow blanketed the Petalburg City streets as Ash Ketchum, Brock, Misty, Drew, and Gary trudged up the stone pathway to the Maple residence. The air was crisp, their breaths visible as they carried a variety of gifts in their arms. The large house, adorned with twinkling lights and wreaths, was warm and inviting, its windows glowing with a cheerful amber light.
"Wow, they went all out this year," Misty said, adjusting the scarf around her neck.
"May did mention her mom loves decorating for Christmas," Brock replied with a smile, balancing a box of homemade cookies.
"Let's just hope she saved some of her energy for the cooking," Gary joked, earning a chuckle from Ash.
Ash stayed quiet, staring at the house with an odd flutter in his chest. It wasn't just the holiday spirit, something about seeing May always stirred feelings he struggled to name.
The front door swung open before they could knock, and Max Maple's excited face appeared.
"You made it! Mom's been checking the clock every five minutes!" he said, stepping aside to let them in.
Inside, the warmth of the house wrapped around them instantly. The scent of cinnamon, pine, and freshly baked cookies filled the air. A massive Christmas tree stood proudly in the living room, its ornaments shimmering under strands of colorful lights.
Caroline Maple rushed in, her apron slightly dusted with flour. "You're here! Welcome, everyone!" She gave each of them a warm hug before directing them toward the living room.
Norman Maple followed, his handshake firm but friendly. "Merry Christmas, everyone. Make yourselves at home."
But it was May who drew Ash's gaze as she entered the room, her face lighting up at the sight of her friends. Dressed in a red sweater with a snowflake pattern and a matching Santa hat, she looked every bit as festive as the house itself.
"Ash!" she exclaimed, running over to hug him tightly. "I'm so glad you came!"
Ash hugged her back, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."
May beamed at the group. "Come on, guys. Let's get your gifts under the tree and enjoy some hot cocoa. Dinner's almost ready, but we've got plenty of snacks to tide us over."
The group settled in quickly, exchanging playful banter as they placed their gifts beneath the tree. The evening unfolded with cheerful chaos as Max challenged Gary to a video game match, Brock serenaded everyone with carols on his guitar, and Misty tried (unsuccessfully) to teach Drew how to make snowflakes out of paper.
Ash found himself by the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa and watching May as she flitted between tasks, checking on the cookies, adding more marshmallows to the hot chocolate, and teasing Drew when he accidentally tore his paper snowflake in half.
"You okay there, Ash?" Brock asked, nudging him with a knowing grin.
Ash blinked. "Huh? Yeah, why?"
Brock smirked. "You've been staring at May like she's the only Christmas decoration in the room."
Ash nearly choked on his cocoa. "What? No, I wasn't!"
"Sure," Brock said with a laugh.
Ash hesitated, his hands gripping the edge of the recliner. "I've got a lot on my mind."
Brock leaned back, a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Let me guess. It's about May."
Ash's head snapped up, his eyes wide. "What? How did you—"
"Come on, Ash," Brock said with a laugh. "You're not exactly subtle. The way you look at her, the way your face lights up when she talks to you… it's obvious to everyone but her."
Ash groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Is it really that obvious?"
"Yep," Brock said, taking another sip of his cocoa. "So, what's going on? You've liked her for a while, haven't you?"
Ash let out a deep sigh, his breath forming a small cloud. "Yeah, I have. Ever since we started traveling together. At first, I didn't know what it was. I just thought she was fun to be around, you know? But over time… I don't know. She's just… different."
"Different how?" Brock asked, genuinely curious.
Ash leaned back, staring up at the roof of the two story home. "She's funny and smart and so determined. She always gives her all in everything she does. And she's… she's kind. She makes me want to be better, like I have to step up my game just to keep up with her."
Brock nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like she means a lot to you."
"She does," Ash said softly. "But I don't know what to do about it. I mean, what if she doesn't feel the same way? What if I ruin everything?"
Brock placed his cup down and turned to face Ash, his expression serious. "Ash, let me ask you something. How do you feel when you're around May?"
Ash thought for a moment, his brow furrowing. "I feel… happy. Like nothing else matters. Even when things are tough, just seeing her smile makes everything better."
"And when you're not around her?"
"I miss her," Ash admitted. "I think about her all the time. I question what she's doing, if she's okay. And when we're apart, it's like something's missing."
Brock smiled knowingly. "Then I think you've got your answer. If you care about her that much, don't you think it's worth the risk?"
Ash frowned, his hands clenching into fists. "But what if I mess it up? What if she doesn't feel the same way and things get awkward between us? I don't want to lose her as a friend, Brock."
Brock placed a reassuring hand on Ash's shoulder. "I get it. You're scared, and that's normal. But think about this, what if she does feel the same way? What if she's been waiting for you to say something?"
Ash looked up at Brock, his eyes uncertain. "You really think so?"
"I do," Brock said with a confident nod. "May isn't just some random girl. She's your friend, and she cares about you. That much is clear. And from what I've seen, I think there's a good chance she feels the same way."
Ash leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "But how do I tell her? What if I say the wrong thing? I'm not good at this stuff, Brock."
Brock chuckled. "That's true. Subtlety has never been your strong suit. But you don't have to be perfect, Ash. Just be honest. Tell her how you feel, straight from the heart. She'll appreciate it, no matter what."
Ash sat quietly for a moment, mulling over Brock's words. The thought of confessing his feelings to May was terrifying, but the idea of never knowing how she felt was even worse.
"You're right," Ash said finally, determination flickering in his eyes. "I have to tell her. Even if it's scary, I can't keep this to myself anymore."
Brock grinned, clapping Ash on the back. "That's the spirit. And hey, no matter what happens, you've got us. We'll be here for you."
"Thanks, Brock," Ash said, a small smile breaking through his nervousness. "That means a lot."
"Anytime," Brock said, picking up his cocoa again. "Now, let's wash up and get ready for dinner before Misty comes and asks us what we're talking about. You know how she gets."
The kitchen was a lively place, filled with the aromas of turkey roasting, mashed potatoes simmering on the stove, and freshly baked pies cooling on the counter. May, Dawn, and Misty stood around Caroline, who was expertly guiding them in preparing the rest of the Christmas feast.
"Dawn, can you pass me the cinnamon?" Caroline asked, stirring the pot of cranberry sauce.
"Got it!" Dawn said, handing over the spice.
"May, honey, could you check on the rolls in the oven?" Caroline added.
"On it, Mom!" May said, bending to peek inside the oven.
Misty, who was chopping carrots, glanced over at May and grinned. "You seemed extremely excited to see Ash, May."
Dawn smirked as she whisked the gravy. "Yeah, what's up? You've had this dreamy look on your face all day."
May straightened up, her cheeks flushing. "What? No, I haven't."
Caroline chuckled softly. "Oh, leave her alone, girls. I think it's sweet that she's excited to have all her friends here for Christmas."
But Misty wasn't convinced. She exchanged a knowing look with Dawn.
"Or maybe she's excited because a certain someone is here," Misty teased, raising an eyebrow.
"Someone whose name starts with A and ends with sh," Dawn added with a playful grin.
May groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Okay, okay, fine! I've been thinking about Ash. Are you happy now?"
Dawn and Misty burst into laughter, and even Caroline smiled knowingly.
"Aw, May," Dawn said, setting the whisk down. "It's obvious you like him. So what's the problem?"
"The problem is," May began, pulling a stool over to sit down, "I don't know if I should tell him. What if it ruins our friendship? What if he doesn't feel the same way?"
Misty put the knife down and joined May at the counter. "First of all, you'll never know unless you say something. Second, have you seen the way Ash looks at you? I think he's into you too."
May blinked. "He does? You really think so?"
"Absolutely," Misty said with confidence. "He might not be the best at expressing his feelings, but trust me, Ash doesn't look at just anyone the way he looks at you."
"Totally agree," Dawn chimed in, sitting on the other side of May. "He's always smiling when you're around, and don't think I didn't notice him sneaking glances at you during dinner."
Caroline turned from the stove, her expression warm. "You know, May, love is about taking risks. I remember when your father and I first started dating. I was terrified to tell him how I felt, but I'm so glad I did."
May sighed, resting her chin on her hand. "I guess I'm just scared. What if I mess it up?"
"You won't," Misty assured her. "Ash isn't the type to let something like this ruin your friendship. He values you way too much for that."
Dawn nodded enthusiastically. "And who knows? He might be waiting for you to make the first move."
"Really?" May asked, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
"Absolutely," Dawn said, patting her shoulder.
Caroline smiled at her daughter. "You have wonderful friends, May. Listen to them. But ultimately, it's your decision. Just follow your heart."
May took a deep breath. "Okay. Maybe I'll tell him later tonight. But… how should I do it?"
"Well," Misty said, leaning back, "you could go the direct route. Just tell him how you feel when you get a quiet moment alone."
"Or you could make it festive," Dawn suggested. "Like under the mistletoe! That's classic and romantic."
"Mistletoe? Dawn!" May's face turned red.
Dawn laughed. "What? It's Christmas! When else are you going to get a chance like this?"
May shook her head, smiling despite herself. "I don't know if I'm brave enough for that."
"Then keep it simple," Caroline said. "Sometimes the best way to express your feelings is just to speak from the heart. You don't need anything fancy."
May mulled it over, her fingers tracing patterns on the countertop. "I'll think about it. Thanks, everyone. You've really helped."
"That's what we're here for," Misty said, giving her a reassuring smile.
"Yeah, and no matter what happens, we've got your back," Dawn added.
May smiled, feeling a little more confident. "Thanks. Now, let's finish up dinner before the guys start raiding the kitchen!"
The three girls laughed, returning to their tasks with renewed energy, while May's heart felt a little lighter, ready to take a chance on the feelings she'd kept hidden for so long.
Dinner was a feast fit for royalty. Caroline's famous roast turkey sat at the center of the table, surrounded by mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a dozen other dishes that had everyone salivating.
"Dig in, everyone!" Norman said, carving the turkey.
The meal was filled with laughter and stories. Misty recounted a particularly embarrassing moment from Ash's childhood, much to his dismay. Gary boasted about his recent achievements, earning playful jabs from Drew. Max kept trying to sneak extra dinner rolls until Caroline finally gave in and let him have his fill.
Ash couldn't help but glance at May throughout the meal. She caught him a few times, her cheeks reddening as she smiled shyly at him.
After dinner, the group moved to the living room for a round of games. They played charades, with May's exaggerated gestures leaving everyone in stitches, and Pictionary, where Ash's terrible drawing skills somehow managed to convey "Christmas tree."
"Okay, last game of the night," May announced, holding up a wrapped present. "White Elephant time!"
The group exchanged mischievous grins as the gift-swapping game began. The room erupted in laughter when Misty ended up with a pair of socks featuring Psyduck's face, and Gary unwrapped a ridiculously oversized candy cane.
When it was all over, May clapped her hands. "This has been so much fun. Thank you all for coming. You've made this Christmas really special."
"Thanks for having us," Ash said, smiling at her.
As the night wound down, Norman and Caroline retired for the evening, and Max fell asleep on the couch, clutching his new video game. Brock, Misty, Gary, and Drew moved to the kitchen for a late-night snack, leaving Ash and May alone by the fireplace.
The crackling fire cast a warm glow over the room. May sat cross-legged on the floor, staring into the flames, while Ash settled beside her.
"Tonight was amazing," Ash said softly. "Your family really knows how to make Christmas special."
May turned to him, her eyes reflecting the firelight. "I'm glad you think so. I was really hoping you'd have a good time."
"I did. Best Christmas I've had in a long time."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before May spoke again, her voice quieter.
"Ash, can I tell you something?"
"Of course."
She hesitated, playing with the hem of her sweater. "I've been wanting to say this for a while, but I didn't know how. And now that you're here, it feels like the right time."
Ash's heart began to race. "What is it?"
May took a deep breath, her cheeks turning pink. "I like you, Ash. Like, really like you. More than just a friend. From the moment that Pikachu barbecued my bike I knew that I felt a special connection towards you, I know it sounds silly but I cannot hide it any longer!"
Ash stared at her, his mind reeling. She had beaten him to the confession. He had always wanted to let his feelings be heard but hearing her say it out loud made his chest swell with a mix of relief and happiness.
"I… I like you too, May," he said, his voice steady despite the fireworks in his stomach. "I have for a while now. And if I'm being honest I was getting ready to make a confession of my own." Ash responded rubbing the back of his head.
May's eyes widened in surprise and delight. "Really?"
"Yeah," Ash said, smiling. "I just didn't know how to tell you."
May laughed softly, a mix of nerves and joy. "Guess we were both waiting for the right moment."
Ash reached out, taking her hand in his. "Well, I'm glad it's now."
As everyone else reentered the living room Dawn took a moment to glance around the room, her eyes lighting up when she noticed something above Ash and May. A mischievous grin spread across her face.
"Oh, would you look at that?" she said loudly, pointing upward.
Everyone turned to see what she was talking about. Dangling just above Ash and May, perfectly positioned, was a sprig of mistletoe.
May froze, her eyes widening as her heart thudded in her chest. She hadn't even noticed it earlier.
Ash blinked, looking up at the mistletoe, then back at May. "Uh… I guess we're under it," he said, scratching the back of his neck.
Dawn clapped her hands together, clearly delighted. "You know what that means!"
May's cheeks turned bright red, and she could barely meet Ash's gaze. She felt every pair of eyes in the room on her, waiting to see what she'd do.
"Go on, May," Misty encouraged softly, her voice teasing but kind.
Ash, for his part, looked just as flustered as May. "We don't have to, uh, if you're not—"
But before he could finish, May took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage she had. "It's okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
She stepped closer to Ash, her heart pounding. His brown eyes meeting her blue, and for a moment, the rest of the room seemed to fade away.
Ash smiled at her, a warmth in his expression that eased her nerves. Slowly, he leaned in, and May closed the distance, their lips meeting in a soft, tender kiss.
The room erupted into cheers and applause, with Brock wolf-whistling and Dawn practically bouncing in place.
"Finally!" Gary exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air.
"About time," Misty said with a grin.
May pulled back, her face flaming but her heart soaring. Ash looked just as red, but he was grinning from ear to ear.
"Wow," he said softly. "That was… really nice."
May laughed, still a little breathless. "Yeah, it was."
The others gave them a moment to themselves, their chatter blending into the background as Ash and May looked at each other, both feeling the start of something new and wonderful.
"Merry Christmas, Ash," May said, her voice full of emotion.
"Merry Christmas, May," he replied, his smile growing.
As the fire crackled and the snow fell softly outside, May knew this was a Christmas she would never forget.