His Tenderness, Her Remedy

His Tenderness, Her Remedy

Love can cure anything... That certainly applies to Dawn as a surprise visit from Ash during her lowest point in life will be what she needed. (AshxDawn) (Pearlshipping) (SatoHika) (One-Shot)

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon and the cover image.

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"Dawn, please just let me help you," Johanna, Dawn's mom pleaded, knocking on the blonde girl's bedroom door.

"I'm fine. Just leave me alone, mom," Dawn's voice was barely audible, yet you could just hear the sadness dripping from her words.

The mother can only sigh worriedly. Her daughter had been in such a state ever since returning from Sinnoh for the Contest Cup's end of season break like she usually would. Yes, Johanna knows that Dawn, unfortunately, lost during the finals, which would undoubtedly bring her confidence down a little. But, she has never seen her so empty, devoured of energy to do anything. Seeing her baby girl so down when she returned hurt a lot.

Since then, Dawn would lock herself in her room, only coming out for food and showering. Johanna and Dawn's pokemon tried to think of a way to help her, but none of that worked as Dawn tried to avoid every possible conversation with them.

(Inside Dawn's room)

Dawn was lying face down on her bed motionless, like a deflated balloon, crying into her blanket.

Everything was a mess in her room, including herself. Her hair was messy, something she usually will go crazy about, and her puffy eyes from all those tears shed. Those glaucous orbs have lost the shine they once had, now dull and lifeless.

She felt numb and empty. The last thing she wants is to see or talk with anybody. Nobody could understand her.

Losing was painful, but losing in another final was just too much. She already lost once before. How could she have lost again? How could she disappoint her mom, her pokemon and her friends?

As she lay there, she wondered what went wrong? When did it all go wrong? Memories of how when she and Ash travelled surface in her mind. She used to be so happy. Together, they would do their best, never giving up, even when they knew they couldn't succeed, knowing losses are stepping stones to success. Now though, the only thing she does is worry about victory.

Her room's door creaked open and a familiar voice softly spoke, "Dawn?"

Dawn was startled by the sudden voice and hid under her blanket.

"Why are you here, Ash?" She asked.

"Your mother told me -," Ash was interrupted by Dawn who snapped at him, "You can't help me with this, just leave me alone!"

Ash didn't back off and instead walked towards Dawn's bed and sat down beside her. "I won't until you let me help you with this! Please, Dawn, at least let me see you," Ash said desperately, he wanted to help her no matter what, he cares a lot about Dawn.

Dawn could hear that Ash was becoming more concerned with each word he spoke, his voice filled with concern.

It made her heart ache, as guilt filled her. There's her again making another close one worry for her. With his upcoming Master's Eight matches, Ash already has enough things to worry about, she was certain she was just adding to the pile of troubles.

Dawn finally peeked out of her blanket and looked at Ash for the first time. He was looking directly at her with eyes showing nothing but concern, care and tenderness.

"I'm sorry..." Dawn said with her head down as tears streamed down her face, onto the blankets.

"Don't be, don't apologise for feeling this way or that way. I just want you to know," Ash grabbed both of her hands and gently rubbed them before continuing, "Losses are inevitable but we are here for you. Your pokemon, your mom, I will always be here for you. So, don't lock yourself out from us, okay?" He spoke with a soothing tone, wiping some tears off her cheeks with his thumb.