So y'all had been a while, but I was at church camp and I didn't really get all that much sleep so sorry that I haven't toasted anything lol

But anyways, another contest shipping one shot because it's like my favorite ship if you haven't already noticed, but with the one shot.

The sun, a benevolent giant in the clear blue sky, bathed the lush green field in its warm, golden light, creating a shimmering haze that danced across the grass. May, her youthful brow creased in a focused frown, intently observed her Skitty's graceful movements. The small, feline Pokémon twirled and leaped with an almost ethereal lightness, its delicate paws barely disturbing the dew-kissed grass. "Alright, Skitty, now try the Double Slap, but aim for those moving targets!" May called out, her voice a cheerful melody in the tranquil air, a sound that harmonized with the gentle rustling of the leaves. She pointed towards a series of wooden cutouts, each shaped like a different Pokémon, swaying gently in the soft breeze, their painted faces seeming to watch Skitty's every move.

Skitty, with a determined "meow" that echoed May's own spirit, launched itself forward. Its paws became a blur of motion, striking the targets with surprising accuracy, each "thwack" a testament to the Pokémon's diligent training. May's face lit up with a radiant smile, a sense of deep satisfaction washing over her, a feeling that warmed her from the inside out. "Perfect, Skitty! You're getting so much better!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands in delighted applause, her voice ringing with pride. She paused for a moment, allowing herself to fully appreciate the serene beauty of the field. The gentle rustling of the leaves, the distant chirping of bird Pokémon, and the comforting warmth of the sun on her skin created a perfect tableau of peace and contentment, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. It was a good day, a normal day, a day filled with the simple joys of Pokémon training, a day she wished she could hold onto forever.

Nearby, the soft rustling of leaves hinted at another presence. Drew, his signature green hair gleaming in the sunlight, was engaged in his own training regimen. His elegant Roselia, perched gracefully on his shoulder, was the picture of poise and precision, its delicate petals swaying in the gentle breeze. With a graceful sway of its delicate petals, Roselia unleashed a flurry of Razor Leaf attacks, each leaf slicing through the air with pinpoint accuracy, a testament to the Pokémon's honed skills.

"Looking sharp, Drew!" May called out, her voice ringing with a playful warmth, a sound that carried across the field. A wide, friendly grin spread across her face, reflecting the genuine camaraderie she felt, a feeling that went beyond their rivalry. Drew turned, his green hair catching the sunlight, creating a halo of shimmering light around his head, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "And you're looking... intense, May. You're going to wear Skitty out if you keep pushing her like that," he teased, his voice laced with a gentle affection, a tone that made May's heart skip a beat.

May chuckled, shaking her head, her cheeks flushed a rosy pink. "She loves it! Besides, we've got the Verdanturf Ribbon Contest coming up, and I'm determined to win." Her eyes sparkled with a competitive fire, a reflection of her unwavering dedication to her craft, a passion that burned brightly within her. She genuinely looked forward to the friendly rivalry, the way it pushed her to improve and strive for excellence, a challenge that she welcomed with open arms.

"Oh, is that so?" Drew raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, a hint of playful challenge dancing in his green eyes, a look that made May's stomach flutter. "Well, I wouldn't underestimate Roselia. We've been working hard too."

"We'll see about that," May retorted, a competitive glint in her eyes, a spark that ignited a fire within her. "May the best Coordinator win!"

"Agreed," Drew said, a genuine smile spreading across his face, revealing a flash of his pearly white teeth, a smile that made May's heart race. They resumed their practice, the air filled with the harmonious sounds of Pokémon moves and friendly banter, a symphony of their shared passion. It was a typical afternoon, a perfect snapshot of their shared passion for Pokémon Contests. They were rivals, yes, but they were also friends, bound by a mutual respect and a deep understanding of each other's dedication. May always cherished these moments, the quiet understanding they shared, the unspoken bond that connected them, a connection that was growing stronger with each passing day.

Later, as they packed up their training gear, Drew offered May a small, perfectly formed Cheri Berry, its skin glistening in the sunlight. "For Skitty," he said, extending the berry towards her, his eyes filled with warmth. "She earned it."

May smiled, her heart warming at his thoughtful gesture, a feeling that spread through her like a warm embrace. "Thanks, Drew. That's really nice of you."

"No problem," Drew said, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief, a playful glint that made May's cheeks flush. "See you at the Pokémon Center later? I'm starving."

"Sure," May said, her stomach rumbling in agreement, a feeling that mirrored her excitement. "I could go for a snack."

They walked side by side, the setting sun casting a warm, golden glow over them, painting the field in hues of orange and pink, a breathtaking canvas of color. Little did they know, their peaceful routine was about to be disrupted by a whirlwind of media attention and unexpected emotions, a storm that would test the very foundations of their friendship and reveal hidden depths of their hearts. The media, like a relentless tide, was about to crash upon their peaceful world.

The Digital Deluge and Growing Confusion (Expanded)

May's Pokégear, once a source of convenience and connection, had become a constant source of anxiety, a relentless stream of notifications that seemed to mock her every waking moment, a digital echo of the chaos that was unfolding. The headline, "Rising Stars May and Drew: Contest Rivals or Secret Lovebirds?" was seared into her memory, a constant reminder of the media's insatiable appetite for sensationalism, a hunger that seemed to feed on their every interaction. Penelope Quill's article, a masterclass in twisting facts and creating narratives out of thin air, had transformed their friendly rivalry into a romantic saga, a story that was as far from the truth as it could be.

Photo 1: Drew offering a rose, his eyes twinkling with amusement, a gesture that was meant to be playful. Quill's caption: "Romantic offering, or affection?" The caption twisted a friendly gesture.

Photo 2: May's focused gaze, her brow furrowed in concentration, a look of determination. Quill's caption: "Admiration, or infatuation?" The caption misread her concentration.

Photo 3: Their animated argument, a clash of competitive spirits, a moment of passionate debate. Quill's caption: "Passion, a prelude to love." The caption ignored the competition.

Photo 4: Skitty and Roselia playing together, their playful interactions, a reflection of their trainers' bond. Quill's caption: "Pokémon connection, a reflection of their trainers' bond." The caption exaggerated the bond.

Photo 5: Drew catching May as she stumbled, a moment of accidental physical contact, a simple act of assistance. Quill's caption: "Heroic rescue, undeniable chemistry." The caption was overly dramatic.

Photo 6: Their casual lunch at the Pokémon Center, a simple meal shared between friends, a moment of relaxation. Quill's caption: "Secret rendezvous, a clandestine meeting of hearts." The caption created a false narrative.

Photo 7: Their backstage conversation, a discussion of contest strategies, a moment of planning. Quill's caption: "Deep conversation, or sweet nothings whispered in the shadows?" The caption added a romantic undertone.

Photo 8: Their Pokémon eating together, a shared meal between companions, a moment of camaraderie. Quill's caption: "Shared meal, shared bond, a symbol of their growing affection." The caption implied a romantic connection.

"This is a nightmare!" May exclaimed, throwing her hands up in exasperation, her voice laced with a mixture of frustration and disbelief. Her loyal Glaceon nuzzled her leg, its cool fur a small comfort in the midst of the digital storm, a silent reassurance that she wasn't alone.

Solidad, her mentor and friend, placed a comforting hand on May's shoulder, her eyes filled with understanding. "May, try not to let it get to you. The media loves to create stories, especially when they can twist a little truth into something sensational."

"But it's not true!" May protested, her voice rising in indignation, her cheeks flushed with anger. "We're just friends! We're rivals! They're making it seem like... like..." She trailed off, unable to articulate the feeling of violation she felt.

Drew, seemingly oblivious to the chaos he had unleashed, posted the rose picture with a winking emoji, fueling the flames of speculation, adding fuel to the fire. May felt a surge of anger, a burning resentment towards the media's intrusion and Drew's seemingly careless actions, a feeling that made her want to scream.

May found Drew leaning against a wall in the Contest Hall, his posture relaxed, his expression nonchalant, as if he were completely unaffected by the storm he had created. "Drew!" she called out, her voice echoing through the vast hall, her anger barely contained, her footsteps echoing.

"May, you seem tense," he said, a playful smirk dancing on his lips, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Did you forget to stretch? You know, flexibility is key in contests."

"You did this!" she said, shoving her Pokégear towards him, the screen displaying the offending article, the images a stark reminder of the media's manipulation. "You and your winking emojis! You're making it worse!"

"It's just fun," he shrugged, his eyes twinkling with amusement, a carefree attitude that infuriated May. "Don't tell me you're taking it seriously? It's just a bit of harmless fun."

Suddenly, Harley appeared, his flamboyant presence filling the space, a wide, mischievous grin plastered across his face, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Oh, darling, the drama!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with theatrical delight, his hands gesturing wildly. He showed May a barrage of comments, each one fueling the fire of speculation, a digital echo chamber of gossip.

"They're so cute!"

"I ship #MayDrew!"

"They're totally meant to be!"

May's cheeks flushed crimson, a mixture of embarrassment and frustration, a feeling that made her want to disappear. "I hate this," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes filled with despair.

Drew, ever the showman, offered her a rose, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief, a gesture that seemed to mock her distress. "For you, May."

"Why the roses?" she asked, her voice laced with exasperation, her eyes filled with confusion. "Why are you playing into this? Why are you doing this to me?"

"Because they remind me of you," he said, his voice soft, his eyes locking with hers, a look that made May's heart skip a beat. "Beautiful, delicate, and a little bit thorny."

Harley gasped, his eyes wide with theatrical surprise, his hands flying to his cheeks. "Oooooh, he's smooth!"

Harley, ever the opportunist, arranged a "Pokémon playdate" for Skitty and Roselia, orchestrating a scene designed to fuel the media's narrative, a carefully crafted performance. Reporters snapped photos from every angle, their flashes creating a blinding spectacle, their voices a constant barrage of questions.

"Look how well they get along!" a reporter exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement, her eyes sparkling with delight. "It's like their trainers! They are so cute together!"

"Maybe they're trying to tell you to make it official," another added, winking suggestively, her voice laced with mischief.

Drew, ever the charmer, played along, captivating the reporters with his wit and charisma, his words carefully chosen to maintain the ambiguity. "Maybe they're just good friends," he said, his voice laced with playful ambiguity, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Or maybe they're trying to tell you to make it official," Harley interjected, his voice dripping with mischief, a twinkle in his eyes that spoke of his love for drama. He seemed to relish the chaos, like a conductor leading a chaotic symphony.

May playfully shoved Harley, her cheeks flushing a warm crimson, her eyes filled with a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Stop it!" she said, her voice a mix of exasperation and amusement. The whole situation was becoming increasingly absurd, a surreal blend of reality and media-fueled fantasy. She felt like a character in a poorly written play, trapped in a narrative she couldn't control.

Suddenly, a large group of reporters, tipped off by Harley's theatrical whispers and the rapid-fire spread of rumors online, began to swarm them, shouting questions and snapping photos. The air buzzed with the frantic energy of a hive, the reporters hungry for a scoop. "May! Drew! Are you two officially dating?" "Tell us about your secret relationship!" "What's the real story behind the roses, Drew?" "May, are you and Drew planning a secret getaway?"

Drew, sensing the escalating chaos and the growing unease in May's eyes, grabbed her hand. "We need to get out of here!" he said, his voice urgent, pulling her through the throng of reporters. The crowd was a sea of flashing cameras and outstretched microphones, their voices a relentless barrage. They dashed down a hallway, turning corners and dodging reporters, their footsteps echoing through the Contest Hall like a frantic rhythm.

They found themselves in a backstage area, a labyrinth of costumes, props, and stage equipment. The air was thick with the scent of fabric, hairspray, and the faint metallic tang of stage lights. It was a chaotic jumble of creativity, a world hidden behind the polished facade of the contest stage.

"Quick, in here!" Drew said, pulling May into a small storage closet, a cramped space filled with costumes and stage equipment. They squeezed into the darkness, the door closing behind them with a soft thud, shutting out the clamor of the reporters. The sudden silence was almost deafening, a stark contrast to the cacophony they had just escaped.

The closet was dark and quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. The only light filtered through the thin gap beneath the door, casting long, distorted shadows across the cluttered space. The air was thick with the scent of old fabric and the faint aroma of the stage makeup. "They're not going to find us in here," Drew whispered, his voice close to May's ear, his breath warm against her skin.

May's heart was pounding, both from the chase and from being so close to Drew. The air was thick with tension, and she could feel his warm breath on her cheek. The close proximity, the darkness, and the shared adrenaline created an intimacy that was both thrilling and unnerving. "This is crazy," she whispered back, a nervous laugh escaping her lips, the sound muffled by the close confines of the closet.

"Tell me about it," Drew said, a playful grin spreading across his face, even in the darkness. "We're like secret agents on a mission, trying to evade a global conspiracy." He chuckled softly, the sound echoing in the small space.

They stayed in the closet for a few minutes, listening to the reporters searching outside, their voices echoing through the backstage area like distant thunder. The reporters, frustrated by their inability to find their quarry, eventually dispersed, their footsteps fading into the distance. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with unspoken emotions.

When the coast was clear, they slipped out and made their way back to the contest hall, their hearts still racing from their close escape. They shared a look, a silent acknowledgment of the absurdity of the situation, and a shared understanding that had deepened in the close quarters. May felt a strange sense of closeness to Drew, a feeling that went beyond their rivalry.

The Verdanturf Ribbon Contest and the Lingering Aftermath (Expanded)

The Verdanturf Ribbon Contest loomed, a beacon of competition amidst the swirling chaos of media attention. May, more determined than ever, poured her heart and soul into training Skitty. She wanted to prove that her skills were genuine, that she was more than just a face in a fabricated romance.

In the preliminaries, Skitty and Roselia gave dazzling performances, a testament to their trainers' dedication. They both advanced to the final round, a clash of talent and strategy. May felt a mix of excitement and nerves, the thrill of competition mingling with the pressure to perform flawlessly.

Before the final round, May found Drew practicing in a quiet corner of the Contest Hall, his Roselia gracefully executing a series of complex moves. "Nervous?" she asked, her voice soft, breaking the silence.

"A little," he admitted, his eyes searching hers, his expression uncharacteristically vulnerable. "You're a tough opponent, May."

"You're not so bad yourself," May said, a smile tugging at her lips, a genuine appreciation for his talent shining in her eyes. "I'm just glad we both made it this far."

The final round was intense, a whirlwind of dazzling moves and strategic maneuvers. Skitty, witha breathtaking Blizzard that filled the stage with a swirling spectacle of ice and snow, sealed the win. May felt a wave of relief and triumph wash over her, a sense of accomplishment that went beyond the ribbon itself. She had proven to herself and everyone else that she was a skilled Coordinator, not just a media sensation.

Drew congratulated May, his voice sincere, his eyes filled with admiration. "You were amazing," he said, extending his hand.

"You too," May replied, her cheeks flushed with a mix of excitement and gratitude. She took his hand, their fingers briefly intertwining, a fleeting moment of connection that sent a shiver down her spine. May felt a sense of accomplishment, and a feeling that she couldn't quite place when near him, a warmth that spread through her chest, a feeling that was beginning to feel like more than friendship.

"Accidental" Moments and Growing Feelings (Expanded)

Harley, ever the master of manipulation, arranged an "accidental" movie date, ensuring that May and Drew were seated next to each other in a darkened theater. The movie was a romantic drama, filled with emotional scenes and dramatic declarations of love. During an especially poignant moment, Drew glanced at May, his eyes filled with a warmth that made her heart flutter. She looked away, her cheeks flushed, unsure of what to make of the moment. She felt a strange pull toward him, a feeling that was both exciting and confusing.

They attended a local festival, a vibrant celebration of music, food, and culture. They were quickly swarmed by fans, their presence drawing a crowd of eager onlookers. They managed to find a quiet corner, away from the noise and the crowds, a moment of respite from the constant attention. The air was filled with the sweet scent of festival food and the gentle strumming of a guitar, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

"This is nice," May said, taking a deep breath, savoring the peace and quiet. The colorful lanterns that hung overhead created a warm, inviting glow, casting a soft light on their faces.

"Yeah," Drew