#dawnxbarry

******PART 5*****

Barry’s POV:

“Sounds like a plan,” Dawn said, as she hung up the phone. Barry stood dead still, the ring of the dial tone humming in his ear. Why was he still so hesitant about going through with telling Dawn his true feelings? He knew he needed to do it, or it would drive him insane. It felt like his mind was at a constant tug of war with itself, one side wanting to stay comfortable, and the other wanting more… wanting Dawn. 

“I need to get out of my head,” Barry whispered, as he set his phone back on its stand. “All this overthinking is starting to give me a headache,” he groaned, softly massaging his temples. Despite knowing that he needed to calm down, Barry couldn’t help but focus on all the outcomes that could possibly happen with Dawn, especially the ones that ended in disaster. He sighed and flicked his hair in a haphazard motion, as his feet set pace around his room. “Ok, ok calm down. There’s no need in worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet.” Barry tried to convince himself. 

Barry belly flopped on his bed in utter panic for his meeting with Dawn. Just as he buried his head in the crater of his pillow, a light rapping came from his bedroom door. 

With a loud groan, Barry forced his body to move as he plopped off of his bed. 

“Who is it,” Barry squeaked as he dragged himself to the door. 

“The one who birthed you,” Barry’s mother answered.

“Coming,” Barry muttered, finally making his way to the door. 

“Yes?” Barry grumbled, poking his head out of the small gap that the door formed.

“Well, look who woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.” Barry’s mother shook her head, taking notice of her son’s lethargic demeanor. “I just wanted to talk to you about the details of your birthday party. We have the location and catering and all figured out,  we just need to go over who has RSVPed.” 

“Oh yeah, that’s right.” Barry shuffled to his bedside table and picked up a hap-hazardly folded piece of paper, and handed it to his mom. “Here’s the checklist so far,”

His mom scanned over the slip of paper, before folding it back up, and placing it in her pocket. “Ok, looks like there’s going to be anywhere from around 50-75 people, friends and family and all… Oh! I see you’ve finally invited Dawn” her smile growing wider. 

Barry gulped down his uprising nerves. If there was one thing he was most nervous about, it was whether or not Dawn would actually still show up to his party. 

What if after my meeting with her, she never talks to me again! She might feel awkward about our relationship and fall silent to me. Of course, that means she’s gonna miss my party too…” his thoughts were now racing in and out of all the case scenarios once again. 

“I see I struck a nerve there, honey. Sorry about that!” Barry’s mom chuckled, taking notice of her son’s silence. “Ok, I’ll leave you be,” she finally huffed, walking to the door, before turning to her son one last time. “Oh, and be sure to wear something nice dear. It doesn’t have to be fancy, maybe just a nice vest or something?” his mom said before marching off to her room. 

****PART 4 (RATING: CUTE/FLUFF)****

MEANWHILE

“Hey, Dawn. Long time no see. Even though we can’t see each other because we’re talking on the phone and all haha… ugh no that sounds even dumber than the last line!” Barry spoke to himself whilst urgently pacing back and forth in front of his phone. It was only yesterday that he had gone fishing with his good friend Lucas, and ever since then, their conversation has saturated his mind. 

“You’re gonna be 18 soon for crying out loud. You’re gonna have to man up sometime...” Lucas’s words echoed in Barry’s mind, making him cringe.

Ugh, I hate it when he’s right. I do need to tell Dawn how I feel at some point, but I don’t even know how to start out the conversation, let alone what I would even say when it comes to how I feel. Her smile ties my tongue, her humor pounds my heart, and her laugh sends chills down my spine… She makes me nervous, and yet I still want her to be all mine.

Barry shook his head clear, as he reached for the phone. “Ok, I’m thinking way too much. I just got to do it.” 

With each dialed number, Barry’s fingers struggled more and more. He couldn’t believe his actions. Where in the world did this nerve come from? It’s like some kind of secret urge woke up inside of him, and he needed to satisfy it- he needed to tell Dawn the truth of his feelings. 

His thoughts raced as the first ring fell silent. Oh boy, I’m actually doing this… 

‘RINNNNGGG,; The second ring came and went, still no one. Maybe no one is home right now… Barry silently hoped. Just as he was about to hang up, he heard a familiar voice on the other side of the line. 

“Johanna speaking, who might I be talking to?” Dawn’s mom answered.

In response, Barry seemed to freeze in fear. He totally forgot about the option of her mom answering the phone. “Uh hi, this is Barry,” he managed to croak out. “Uh, I would like to talk with Dawn. Is she home by any chance?”

For only a moment, there was a slight pause on the other end, before he heard a slight giggle, and an answer “Yeah, she’s home. Let me get her for you…” 

********

Dawn grinned “You have yourself a deal!”

Just as Dawn and Ash had finished shaking hands, the front door of the house opened revealing Johanna. “Oh hi Ash and Pikachu! It’s nice to see you again. Your mom told me you might be coming by Sinnoh.” Johanna greeted.

Ash and Pikchu smiled in return “Yeah,” Ash took off his hat, running his fingers through his hair. “Pikachu and I wanted to do some special training before we head off to the next region, and we thought Sinnoh would be a great fit.” 

“That’s great! Actually, I was planning on making some lemonade pretty soon. You and Pikachu should come inside for a glass, before you go and train.” Johanna offered.

“That sounds awesome, doesn’t it buddy?” Ash turned his head to ask Pikachu, who was already squealing with excitement.

“Cool! C’mon inside then. You know the drill, take your shoes off at the door.” Johanna explained, holding the door open for everyone to come inside. Being as discreet as possible, she pulled her daughter aside “Oh, and Dawn.” she whispered “There's a certain blonde waiting to talk to you on the phone. If I were you, I would act normal.” she encouraged patting Dawn on the shoulder. 

Dawn’s heart skipped a beat. “What? You actually told him I was home? Sometimes I hate it when you tell the truth.” she whined. “Ugh, but I get it.” 

Dawn sped over to the phone. She was unsure of what had gotten into her, but she needed to be on the other end of the line. A terrified curiosity had overtaken, her strides getting larger with each step. She tried not to think about how the next 5-10 minutes of her life would play out. Ugh, what if I slip, and end up saying something wrong? What if he tells me how he feels, what will I say then? she could feel the deep blush on her cheeks, as she finally reached the phone, slightly putting it up to her ear.

Dawn quietly breathed out one last time in an attempt to get rid of any last minute butterfrees that might have built up in her stomach. As much as she wanted to hear what Barry had to say, she equally wanted to be 6 feet underground, away from everyone. Ok, if Barry has the guts to call me, then I should have the guts to see what he has to say. With that thought, she found the courage to speak “Hey, Barry. What’s up” Dawn asked politely. 

“Oh, not much,” Barry started “I just wanted to see if you could hang out sometime in the next couple of days. I thought it’s been a while since we spent time together, and I wanted to do it before my birthday party this weekend.” Barry explained. 

Dawn held her breath in anticipation, contemplating on how to respond. Yes, of course she wanted to hang out with Barry, but she already had plans to give him his present during that time. Just as she found herself at a loss for words, her brain hatched a brilliant plan. “Yeah, actually. I would love to hang out with you. It’s Sunday now right? How about we hang out Wednesday? Come by my place at around noon? ” Dawn suggested. 

A slightly audible sigh of relief could be heard on Barry’s end, which only made Dawn’s smile widen. “That sounds good,” Barry said. “See you then!”

“Sounds like a plan,” Dawn said as she hung up the phone. 

Oh my God, what just happened? Dawn tried to suppress her snowballing thoughts as she sauntered to the kitchen table. She took a seat next to Ash, who was busy working on his third glass of lemonade. 

“So, was that who I think it was?” Ash asked, wiping his mouth dry. Dawn’s quiet demeanor and lack of response gave her away instantly. Ash continued. “Ok, so how did it go then?” 

Dawn face palmed to hide her ever growing blush “I don’t know. We set plans to hang out Wednesday,” Dawn explained whilst pouring herself a glass of lemonade. “ But I didn’t tell him that I arranged a scavenger hunt for him. Now, I’m going to be scrambling for time as Wednesday reaches closer. Everything needs to be in order for this to work out. This is all so stressful!” Dawn put her head down on the table. “Oh, and Ash.” she looked up to look him in the eyes “I also found out… I really like the idea of me and Barry being more than friends… I really don’t know what to do.” 

Ash saw the confusion in Dawn’s eyes. He gave a knowing look to Pikachu who only nodded in return. “Dawn, it looks like you need some really good friends right about now. So, me and Pikachu are willing to forgo training in order to help you figure out every end of this. We want things to work out for you.” 

A glimmer of hope flashed in Dawn’s eyes, and strength found its way back into her body, as she stood up from her seat. “Wow, Ash. You would really do that? Thank you. I mean, I have some ideas of what I want to do, but there are still so many things up in the air.”

This is another multi-part story. Tbh, I honestly don’t know how I busted this part out so fast, I guess it’s considered pretty short, but I don’t know. With this story, I wanted to be able to have a choose your own story format, so this is the first part. After this depending on your preference, you can choose to read whatever part 2 that you would like. Hope everyone enjoys!

*Also, if you like my content, be sure to follow for more!*

****PART ONE**** (RATING:CUTE/FLUFF)

Dawn scratched her head and stared blankly at the clean piece of paper in front of her, sighing at the reality of her situation. Her mind, fried from thinking so much, was ready to shut down. Giving into her fatigue, she closed her eyes, and rested her head in her arms, that already found their way to the table in front of her. Just as she was about to doze off into a peaceful slumber, the thump of the kitchen door opening  jostled her awake. She glanced over wearily to her mother, who had just returned from the grocery store. Her mother stared back at her with a knowing expression. After all, she didn’t need a rosetta stone to interpret her own daughter. 

“Honey, I know that face all too well. What’s up?” Dawn’s mother finally spoke up, breaking the silence between them.

Dawn shrugged her shoulders in mere defeat “Ah, I don’t know,” she groaned rubbing her eyes in a careless fashion “It’s just that Barry’s birthday is in a week, and I wanted to get him something good this year.” she sighed her figure slumping further into her chair “So, I decided to sit down and brainstorm, but nothing is really jumping at me, ya know? Nothing is really screaming ‘Happy 18th birthday!’.”

Nodding at her daughter’s words, Dawn’s mom proceeded to put away the groceries that she had brought in with her “Well, you could always ask him what he wants,” her mom stated simply.

Almost instantly, Dawn’s eyes widened in disbelief “Ask him? I can’t do that. Sure maybe if our friendship was still fairly new, but I’ve known this guy my whole life. If I ask him what he wants, what will that say about me as his friend?” Dawn replied.

“Well, honey, I don’t know what to tell you then,” her mom looked at her with an apologetic expression “Good luck in your endeavors though.” She stated.

“Thanks, I’m gonna need it,” she murmured, getting up from her seat “I think, I’m just gonna go for a walk. Maybe I’ll get some inspiration outside. I’ll see ya later, mom,”

“Ok, dear. Just try to be back before dinner” her mom called out just in time for Dawn to hear before she left the house.

Closing the door, Dawn was immediately hit with an intoxicating scent; it was the wildflowers that bloomed in the grass every spring. She smiled as she breathed in the pleasant aroma, and exhaled all the tension that she had built up in the kitchen. Nature always had a way of calming her down, especially during this time of the year. She started down the familiar road that connected Twinleaf to a nearby forest trail. This is where she usually went when she needed to implement some good old fashioned problem solving. The woods provided the perfect escape from her mind, and that’s exactly what she needed. Within minutes of listening to the Starly and Bidoof of the forest, Dawn’s motivation was fully recharged. I wonder if Barry likes being in nature as much as I do. Maybe I could take him on a camping trip? Or maybe I could build us a secret hideout out here… Dawn’s thoughts were finally starting to take some shape, something that she was grateful for, to say the least. Just as she was about to turn around to head back, she saw two familiar looking objects a couple hundred yards ahead of her. She walked a little closer to ensure that her eyes were not deceiving her. She gasped, as she finally got close enough to clearly see the subject of her curiosity. Her heart beat raised as she realized she was looking at the bikes of none other than Barry and Lucas.

Immediately, Dawn was hesitant to go any further. What are Barry and Lucas doing all the way out here. Huh, maybe they’re having one of their famous ‘bro times’. But, where did they go? Dawn thought to herself looking around for her two friends. Just then, she heard two familiar voices coming from the woods behind her, their pitches getting louder with each word. Barry and Lucas were coming back to their bikes. Panicking a little, Dawn ran behind a bush and crouched down. The last thing she wanted was for them to think that she followed them. 

“You’re right Lucas, that was a great fishing spot. I can’t wait to show off my new Magikarp to everyone.” Barry smiled pridefully.

“Yeah, man who knows, maybe it’ll even impress Dawn,” Lucas laughed unchaining his bike from a nearby tree. 

“Dude, not funny. Don’t make me fine you for that comment,” Barry snapped back quickly.

Lucas shook his head “I don’t know, it’s kind of funny to me how you’ve liked her for so long, and yet you still haven’t told her how you feel. You’re gonna be 18 soon for crying out loud. You’re gonna have to Machamp up like they say,” Lucas scolded lightly.

Barry sighed knowing full well that his friend spoke the truth. “Ok, first off, no one says Machamp up, it’s literally only you. Second, I know you’re right, but I’m just not sure how she’ll react to it. She could laugh in my face, I can’t have that!” 

“Yeah, I guess you’re right, take your time I guess,” Lucas grinned as the two hopped on their bikes and pedaled back towards Twinleaf Town. 

Dawn stood up from her hiding spot once she was sure that the boys were long gone. “Well, I don’t think I was supposed to hear that,” she stated bluntly in minor shock, her cheeks burning a bright shade of pink. Barry was right, she didn’t know how to respond to this new information. Dawn remained quiet, standing completely still for what seemed like an eternity. For the life of her she couldn’t find any words to describe what she was feeling. 

Barry likes… me? Dawn constantly rolled the thought over in her mind, as she made her way back to her house. That boy can be so elusive with his feelings I would have never known. Who knows, maybe he’s trying his best, and I’m just being extremely dense. Searching the idea of her and Barry as a couple was a completely new concept that brought a host of undiscovered feelings along with it. Feelings of excitement,  curiosity, and weightlessness.

Finally, upon returning to her house, she mindlessly sat down in her front yard, wanting to soak up the last vestiges of the sun before night fell. She laid down in the grass, and gazed up at the dusk’s magnificent display of faded orange, intense fuchsia, and deep violet. Just like the day, who knew that someone could have so many colors to them? Moreover, I would've never guessed that person to be Mr.Busy-body… Dawn giggled at the ever so realistic image of Barry running around always looking for his next purpose. That boy truly is amazing, he never stops… and now I can’t stop thinking about him… Dawn hardly realized she had lost all track of time, in thought of the blonde haired boy, something she never imagined was possible. Nevertheless, she enjoyed being whisked away from reality in thought of her and Barry together. If only I could make Barry to forget about his busy schedule...  a smirk slowly edged its way onto Dawn’s lips. That’s it, I know what to get Barry for his birthday!

****PART 2 (RATING:CUTE/FLUFF)****

The next morning, sunshine peeked through Dawn’s window, warmly greeting her to the new day. Dawn rubbed her eyes, and giggled as memories from the evening before wisped by her. Stretching her body and sliding off her bed, she grabbed a pokeball from her bedside table, and effortlessly called out the pokemon inside. 

“Piplup-lup” her long time friend smiled at her, gluing himself to her legs.

“Hi Piplup! Guess what? I finally found the perfect gift to give Barry!” she erupted in excitement “Do you wanna help me out?”

“Pip,” the penguin churned with gusto.

Dawn laughed as she hoisted Piplup, and spun them in a smooth circle before setting him down on her bed. Gliding over to her closet, her eyes skimmed over her clothes. “What to wear, what to wear,” Dawn’s hands traveled to her hips. 

If there was one thing that she took pride in, it was looking her absolute best. Dawn turned around to Piplup as she held two outfits up to her body. 

“What do you think, Piplup, should I go with green and white, or blue and pink? she asked.

Piplup grinned as he held up his left fin, jumping up and down in confirmation of his choice.

Dawn nodded at his input “Yeah, you’re right, pink and blue is definitely the way to go.” 

 As Dawn got dressed, her mind drifted hopelessly to Barry. I can’t believe he likes me, and not just as a friend. How can one boy be responsible for taking all of my attention? I’ve never felt so weightless before… but still... This is Barry I’m thinking about. Dawn’s perception spiraled as sound judgement and confused passion wrestled for control. 

Trying to maintain composure, Dawn straightened her shirt "Uh, ok Piplup, I’m ready to get out of here. Let’s go!"

Dawn and Piplup raced downstairs all the way to the kitchen, their earnestness for the day ahead growing stronger. A familiar sweet aroma lingered throughout the hallway, inviting their legs to propel faster.

Turning the corner, they caught a glimpse of Dawn's mom at the table, quietly sipping her morning coffee. 

Her mother grinned “Hi sweetie, I made french toast this morning! I know it’s a favorite of yours.” 

“Thanks, mom!” Dawn breathed, walking over to the cupboard.

Johanna gaped, as her eyes observed her daughter. Her overly-smooth gate and extra glossy gaze were supplemented with a rosy complexion. Trying to hide a chuckle, her mother continued watching. Quietly humming an improvised melody, Dawn poured herself a glass of water, and rummaged through the cupboard for a plate. Finally sitting down, she grabbed herself three slices of the sweet bread and positioned them next to a small bowl of syrup on her plate. Lifting her eyes to the window, Dawn stared outside, and silently sighed in defeat. Everytime, I try to think about something else, my mind always leads back to him… her attention redirected when she heard her mother finally express her amusement. 

“Hah, Ok, I’m sorry Dawn, but I must ask you. Who is it?” her mother laid her elbows on the table, and leaned forward.

Dawn eyes doubled in size “Wha, what do you mean,” she stuttered, trying to dismiss the question. 

“Oh don’t give me that Dawn. I know that look in your eyes. It’s the same one I had when I was your age, and in my experience, it came from a boy…” Johanna’s voice lifted higher with each word. 

“Is it really that obvious?” Dawn stared at her lap in slight humiliation.

“Honey, I’ve never seen you grin like that before,” her mother confirmed “I mean, you have a right to privacy... but at least tell me, do I know him?”

“Well,” Dawn contemplated her position. “If I say, you can’t tell anyone. This information wasn’t even intended for my ears… erm at least just yet,” Dawn dipped a piece of french toast into syrup before tucking into it. “I found out by accident,” 

“You have my word,” Johanna held her hand over her heart

"Well, you definitely know him…" Dawn stuffed her mouth with more toast "but up until yesterday, I didn’t know him well enough to think of his birthday present," Dawn simpered.

Silence enveloped the room at her confession. Without warning, Dawn’s mother squealed in elation “Ahhh, Barry? I honestly didn’t see that one coming,” she shook her head. She addressed Dawn with concern “I know so many emotions can surface out of the blue, and if you need to talk about it with someone, I’m always here honey.” 

Temperature surged over Dawn’s body, her facial hue mirroring that of a vibrant ruby. Her thoughts folded back and forth on each other, altering with every second. It was strange to think of her best friend in that way, and yet there was no denying the turbulence revving down her spine. She wanted to respond, but her tongue refused to move. 

“Hmm,” her mom nodded knowingly “No need to say anything. You’ll know what to do with your relationship when the time is right. I know life can be bizarre at times, but that’s what makes it truly breathtaking. It’s important to take your time with your feelings…” 

“Thanks, mom. I just…” Dawn thought about what to say next “I never thought that excitement and hesitation could exist in the same thought process, last night I felt alright about it, but...”

“I know all too well,” her mother related, before attempting a slight subject change “Anyway, what about his gift?” 

Dawn regained some poise “Yeah, there is something I really wanna do for him, but I have no idea how I’m gonna be able to pull it off within a couple of days. I might need your assistance.” she drank some water, to clear her throat “Don’t worry, your job is minimal.”

Her mom laughed “Sure, whatever I can do within reason.”

Dawn’s hands planted themselves on the table in command “Awesome! Welcome to operation ‘clue the crew’. Aha, I just came up with that name, and it’s actually pretty brilliant. It’ll make more sense when I explain it to you,” Dawn rambled. “But anyway I’m getting side tracked. Here’s what I was thinking...”