Ash and Dawn: Together

Ash's Birthday Week, Part 1: A Friendly Favor

The salty air of the sea filled Brock's nostrils as his squinty eyes saw over the blue horizon. He couldn't help but be nostalgic as he looked upon his destination: Cinnabar Island. It seemed so long ago that he, Ash, and Misty last visited the volcanic island for the Pallet town trainer's 7th badge in the Kanto league. He could remember the feel of the heat from volcano as he battled with the gym leader, the riddle loving Blaine. The second battle between the two, pitting Ash's Charizard and Blaine's Magmar was the stuff of legends that he always remembered. It was a hard fought battle but it was one of his most well earned victories in those early days. Now, they were back again for the next leg of Ash's training tour to prepare for his elite four challenge. A lot has changed for him and his friends and as he casted a glance to the front of the ferry, one of those changes was very apparent.

Ash and Dawn were at the head of the ship, standing rather close together and talking about something that he couldn't really hear but he could guess. The way the boy outstretched his arm, pointing to the island let him know that he was regaling her of his past visit to the island, getting a wowed expression on his face. Seeing this was enough to give him a strong grin, remember how he was with Misty and how the two of them would fight for no real reason at all. This is part of the reason why he enjoyed having the bluette around; less fights. Sure, they had their share of shouting matches but they never remained mad at each other for long and always made up minutes later. Who would've thought that the closest friend to Ash would be a girl? But then again, after the last few weeks, nothing surprises him about those two any more. It was there; the whispers in her ear, the casual touches of his arms, the way his eyes watched her every so intently when she walked, and the flushed giggles she tried to keep quiet when Brock wasn't looking. He didn't know how far they had gotten in this strange relationship but whatever it was, it was good for the both of them. He didn't seem to mind now when they snuck off to "train" because really, who did they think they were fooling? Pushing off the railing, he began to advance upon the duo, catching the tail end of their conversation.

"...and that's when Charizard dropped him right into the volcano with a seismic-toss," the black haired boy finished with a triumphant smile. His companion was almost swooning at the thought of the battle. Say what you wanted about Dawn, the one thing she had in common with him was a love of battles. Brock always thought he'd never meet someone who was excited by Pokémon battles as Ash.

"That's incredible! I can't believe you had a battle in a volcano! I hope I get to see a battle like that."

"Maybe you will soon," announced the breeder, making his presence known to the duo.

"Do you think Blaine is still in the volcano?" asked Ash.

"Maybe. It was a good challenge for challengers using water Pokémon against his fire types."

"Then there is nothing left to do but go in and show him how strong I've gotten!" he proclaimed, feeling a small kiss on his cheek.

"And I'll be there to cheer you on!" she added with her brilliant smile.

"And when it's all done, I'll show you to the hot springs. I didn't get a chance to really enjoy them last time we were here."

"Why not?"

"Let's just say Misty didn't like us seeing her in a bathing suit."

Brock's comment caused Dawn to put her hand over her mouth with stunned expression on her face.

"Ash Ketchum, did you peek at her?"

"No! It was an accident! The wall blocking the male and female sides came down! I swear I didn't peek."

"Ok, I believe you but don't think you can get away with the same stunt. I'm not Misty, remember?" she threatened but her eyes told a different story. Sure, she was a bit jealous of something like that happening but she wouldn't have minded if Ash peeked in on her. It's not like she hadn't seen her in the nude before. And it didn't help that Ash had that look in his eye again. She was gonna have a great time after his gym battle. Although there was something else on her mind lately; Ash's birthday. She only discovered it yesterday during a dinner conversation with Brock. He had mentioned that his birthday was coming up in a few days but Ash didn't make a big deal of it so he didn't really mention it all that much. Afterwards, she had been racking her brain on what to get him.