Distraction

Disclaimer - Do you think I own it?

Summary - Hikari searches for the cause of her recent Contest failures, with some help from Satoshi. [ Pearlshipping, Twoshot. COMPLETE

Author's Notes -

Well…dang. It took me a while to update, didn't it? O.o I took a break from fanfic writing… But…here it is! The second part!

Thanks for the reviews/faves too, guys sparkles And thank you to xoxo.blanca, she helped me tons with this chapter! (even after that Carlton remark, you rock girl! ) And I'm glad everyone is liking the Pearlshipping! Now you guys all have to write a Pearlshipping fanfic (those who haven't already) to spread the love! XD

This is more blatant Pearlshipping bytheway :D

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Five Months Later

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"Nozomi! Can I have your autograph?"

"Nozomi, would you mind sharing some of your training methods?"

"Where'd you get your Nyaruma? It's so cute!"

"Everyone, everyone, please." Nozomi said nervously, backing away from the large crowd of people in her face. "One at a time!" But nobody listened to her, everyone wanted a chance to talk to the winner of the Shinou Grand Festival.

Hikari observed the scene from afar, Satoshi and Takeshi standing behind her.

"I guess there's a price to pay for fame." Hikari commented, although she couldn't hide the hint of jealousy in her voice.

Satoshi placed his hand on her shoulder comfortingly.

"You'll get your turn Hikari. Third place is still incredible, this was your first Grand Festival too!"

"You must've inherited it from your mom." Takeshi commented.

"Aww, guys," Hikari laughed, turning to face them. "You both are too sweet! You know I couldn't have gotten so far without you both cheering me on."

She embraced them both in turn, and Takeshi noted that she lingered in Satoshi's embrace longer. Satoshi must have noticed too, because he became a bit flustered.

Hikari finally realized how uncomfortable he was and blushed.

"C'mon, guys," she spoke up, interrupting the tense silence. "Let's go out for ice cream! To celebrate my almost-victory."

Satoshi perked up instantly at the thought of food.

"You don't think we should try and rescue Nozomi?" Takeshi asked, seeming reluctant to leave the pretty red-head stuck with a mob of crazy fans and reporters.

"That's part of the Grand Festival-Champion package," Satoshi insisted. "Now c'mon, I don't want to wait any longer than I have to for that ice cream!"

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Later that day, after Hikari's almost-victory celebrations were completed, the group had hit the road for an hour or so before setting up camp.

Darkness soon cloaked the forest clearing that the trio was in, and Hikari took this as her cue to sit down in front of the campfire next to Satoshi while Takeshi fixed dinner.

After traveling with the two boys for a while Hikari felt extremely comfortable around them, and this was their usual routine each evening.

She rested her chin in her palms as she stared into the glowing campfire, the flames reaching up towards the dark sky. It was shrouded in smoke and only a sprinkling of stars were visible.

The sight jogged her memory, and briefly she remembered that time she and Satoshi were talking out on the balcony…

It was a pretty long time ago, Hikari thought wistfully. I was so eager to impress him - and back then it was just about friendship. Five months ago, I would've been telling myself I would be crazy to feel this way about him…

Here she blushed slightly as she glanced at Satoshi out of the corner of her eye. He was sitting next to her on the log, polishing his badge case.

Her gaze flicked to Takeshi, who was completely absorbed in preparing dinner. It was stew, as always. But he seemed to be putting extra effort into it. Probably on account of me, Hikari realized. Takeshi is so nice to me…he's like the big brother I never had.

She sighed softly, smiling a bit as she redirected her eyes to Satoshi once more. His badge case was polished to perfection, and he was grinning widely (most likely examining his teeth) at his reflection.

He didn't notice Hikari watching him in amusement and looked up at Takeshi impatiently.

"I'm starving!" He complained. "When is dinner going to be ready?"

Takeshi shook his head.

"Grow up, Satoshi. You're almost fifteen. Dinner's going to be ready in a minute, I'm making Hikari's favorite." He grinned at Hikari and she grinned back appreciatively. Satoshi, a bit miffed, went back to admiring his badges.

After a few minutes the delicious smell of the stew wafted over the campsite, and Satoshi groaned with anticipation. Hikari could've drooled, she had eaten very little all day and she, too, was ravenous; although too polite to admit it.

Finally dinner was served, and Takeshi sat down across from the pair as they ate in silence. Satoshi was messy, and Hikari pulled a face as he continued to slurp the stew down.

But the atmostphere was cozy nonetheless, here with her friends.

"This is nice," Hikari remarked happily.

Satoshi barely nodded. "Yeah, this is delicious!"

"That's not what I meant," Hikari laughed sternly. "But it really is Takeshi, thank you."

Takeshi waved a hand at her dismissively. "No problem."

After a while they finished eating (guess who finished first) and Hikari graciously offered to do the dishes.

Takeshi was feeling tired and took her up on her offer, stating that he was going to turn in for the nice. After mumbling a sleepy "Night, guys," to his friends, he disappeared into his tent.

This left Satoshi and Hikari, Satoshi sprawled out on top of his sleeping bag. Hikari noticed that he hadn't set a tent up.

"Sleeping under the stars tonight?" She inquired, scrubbing a bowl with a soapy rag.

"Yep. You know me," He replied, staring up at the sky. A breeze had blown in from the north, blowing the smoke away from them so the brilliant stars were visible.

After a while of unawkward silence, Hikari finished her task and walked over to Satoshi, lying down next to him.

They observed the stars in silence for a while, until Satoshi spoke up; causing Hikari to flinch in surprise.

"I was proud of you today," He commented, still staring up at the sky.

"Satoshi!" She groaned laughingly. "You're embarrassing me."

"But I mean it!" He laughed. "Remember our talk a while ago?"

How could I not? Hikari thought. She was silent, so Satoshi continued.

"You were so insecure. But today you really showed everyone that you have your mom's touch."

Satoshi obviously didn't realize just how kind his words were, because he acted so casually. Hikari, on the other hand, was blushing up a storm.

"Yeah, well, beginner's luck." She said humbly, although she was squealing with happiness on the inside. Finally Satoshi turned to look at her.

"You're too modest," He replied, grinning devilishly. Hikari glanced at him.

"What are you smiling about?"

"This," Spontaneously, he reached over and began to tickle her mercilessly.

"Aah!" Hikari squealed, trying in vain to escape him. "S-Satoshi! Stop it!" She cried inbetween giggles.

"Not until you repeat after me : I did good today!"

Hikari was laughing to hard to speak, almost in tears. "I…did…goodtoday!" She blurted, and Satoshi stopped tickling her, satisfied. He looked back up at the sky.

Hikari poked his arm. "Weirdo." She stated teasingly.

"Hey, don't make me tickle you again." He threatened. Giggling, Hikari pretended to shrink back in fear. Satoshi…you're so adorable sometimes, and you don't even know it…!

They were silent for a while again, and this time it was Hikari who spoke.

"Satoshi?" She began hesitantly.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you," She said quietly.

"For what?"

"For being there! You and Takeshi, I mean." She added quickly. I almost forgot about Takeshi! Ah! She thought ashamedly.

"Don't sweat it. We're buddies, right?"

"…Yeah." Her heart sank as she replied. Just buddies.

Satoshi quirked an eyebrow at her tone before yawning heavily.

"I'm exhausted, Hikari."

Hikari exhaled sadly, picking up on his cue. "Yeah…I should be getting to sleep."

She sat up, stretching a bit. "Goodnight, Satoshi."

"Night," He murmured, and Hikari suppressed a sigh. He actually looked contemplative in the moonlight - it was a change to see him so serious.

Satoshi must've sensed her eyes on him, because he looked at her. "What?" He asked a bit self-consciously.

He looked so cute, and Hikari couldn't help herself. Before she thought twice she leaned down and brushed her lips against his cheek fleetingly.

"Thanks again," She whispered with a smile, before awkwardly retreating into her tent.

Frozen in place, Satoshi gingerly brought a hand to his cheek where Hikari had kissed before he smiled ever so slightly.

"You're welcome, Hikari," He whispered.

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Author's Notes - UGH I totally screwed up the ending! ;; I'm sorry, I just really wanted to get it done because I honestly made you guys wait to long.

What a rip-off, right? It was so OOC arrgh…I'm really sorry. I'll try to get around to revising it later.

I'm thinking about making a sequel, Pearlshipping has really grown on me after writing this. J I have to admit it's quite adorable. :3

Some parts might've been confusing, in case you couldn't tell Nozomi won the Grand Festival. XD And obviously Hikari was very close, third place woo! Lol.

I know that was like totally unreasonable for her first ever Festival - just bear with me and pretend that she inherited her mom's skillz. XD

…Oh crap I just realized I forgot about Pikachu. Sorry xD

Please review, I adore feedback dahlings ;D