So since I'm on a Pearlshipping trail, I decided to write something like a drabble series.

Enjoy!

A Pearl In The Ashes

Will You Go Out With Me?

Ash was nervous. She could tell that much.

Wondering why he was so nervous as they walked together behind Serena, Clemont and Bonnie (now that she joined them on their journey, her goal being to check out all the newly built contest halls in honor of coordinators like herself and May), the bluenette turned to looked at his trusty Pikachu, as always on his left shoulder, and smiled somewhat in question. The yellow mouse just shook his head while murmuring his name sadly but it did cause Ash to look at his new (old?) travelling companion and attempt to grin.

"What's wrong, Ash?"

The black-haired boy winced. As blunt as always, that was the Dawn he knew.

"N-Nothing..."

"Oh really?" the bluenette arched an eyebrow when she noticed Serena looking back at them, likely thinking as to why they slowed down in their walk. She waved at the blonde in a silent manner that said she would deal with it. Receiving a nod and a turned back in answer, she faced the Pokemon Master in training again. "Because I don't believe you."

"Do you ever?" the boy joked, making her pout and poke him in the shoulder.

"Just spit it out. How bad could it be?"

Ash just shook his head and began walking faster but Dawn didn't miss the bright red blush gracing his face as he did. It only served to make her more confused and worried about whatever the other was hiding.

Said boy was meanwhile thinking about how to ask her out.

And failing... miserably.

So this is the first drabble in a series. Thank you for reading! :)