A/N: This fic is written in response to beastmode953's request. I'm really sorry for the delay (it's been days since the request), but I really did try to write it as fast as I could.

Anyway, it's an advanceshipping fic, and the story rotates alternately around Ash and May's views. Since I don't really have much knowledge about Pokémon and I've never tried writing a fic for this fandom, I hope that little factual inaccuracies can be overlooked or corrected via review (or PM). Oh, and excuse me for the occasional OOC-ness.

Well, that aside, I present to you, (whoever is reading this), my very first Pokémon and soon-to-be multi-chapter fic! :D

Disclaimer: This author has no claims on Pokémon, or any of its associated trademarks.

Fall Leaves and Shopping Sprees

by: CompactedLetters

Chapter One

It was a long day. The autumn breeze blew across Ash's yard. It seemed intent on bringing down all the crisp brown leaves from the branches of the large oak tree that stood at one of the corners of his yard for many years.

Ash Ketchum, aged 17, had just come home from one of his long journeys. It was by far the most tiring, too. It involved getting a paranoid Lapras out of an office building (don't ask), looking for Brock after he suddenly disappeared (turns out he was ogling this young female researcher who he claims to be in love with), and getting dragged into one of May's, ahem, shopping sprees.

Ash shuddered at the memory. At least a dozen girls knocked him over when the announcer told everyone that everything was at 50% off, and he had just the luck to stand in front of the first display rack. He went home black and blue, vowing to never step foot in another store with a sale. It'd probably be weeks before he could look at the mall without flinching.

Oh yes, he was glad to be home.

The wind whistled past his ear, snapping Ash out of his thoughts. He shivered lightly at the cold. He wanted to get back inside and drink some hot chocolate to warm his system, but first he had a job to do.

His brown eyes swept over his little garden. Orange and brown leaves littered around in piles. Ash sighed. If it was up to him, he'd be more than okay to wait a little bit longer before doing any work. Especially since he had just returned. But he knew better that to question his mother's first order.

The things I do for her, he thought defeatedly, getting ready to arm himself with a rake.

"Aw, c'mon! Please?" With knees bent and hands clasped together, May begged. "Please? Just a few minutes!"

"No way!" Brock covered his ears and turned away from the pouting female. "Can't you ask someone else?"

"I've already asked my brother. He won't budge." May moved until she was in the male trainer's line of sight again. "Pleeeease? Just this once!"

"Well, I guess I can't blame Max." Brock ducked just in the knack of time to avoid a whack to the head. "But really, May, I'm serious! No!"

"Then who'll go with me?" May asked, waving her arms dramatically.

"Uh." Brock frantically looked around for someone to use as a substitute. He was pretty sure May wouldn't leave him alone until then. "How 'bout..." His eyes widened as someone caught his eye. "That guy over there? He looks like Drew!"

"Huh?" May turned to see what her friend was looking at. "Drew? Where?"

While the Pokémon coordinator's attention was focused elsewhere, Brock used this golden opportunity to break into a panicked run and get as far from May as possible.

"Hey, I don't see any green-haired person anywhere!" May complained. And just about then, she realized that Brock was gone. She stared in disbelief at the empty space before her. "Brock! You... !" she screamed at the fast disappearing figure until it completely vanished from her line of sight.

"Great. Now there's nobody else left to convince," she said with a sigh. "What a waste of time."

Once she made up her mind, May began to walk down the road to Mrs. Olive's house, where she and her brother were staying for the time being. Maybe I could bother Max until he caves.

She strolled down the sidewalk, occasionally glancing to her sides to look at the various houses that lined the streets. Her mind was occupied with thoughts. How should I bribe Max this time? Maybe I could bake him a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

Then suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a head of familiar, unruly black hair.

I think I know just who else to ask. Letting a smile work its way to her face, May started towards the Ketchum's backyard with a skip.

The last few minutes had gone by like a blur. Ash found himself raking the last few fall leaves to the big pile in the center. And finally, he was done.

He raised his arms over his head and gave them a little stretch. Boy, that was tiring. He put his hands on his waist and inspected his work.

About all the fallen dead leaves in his yard were gathered in one place. It was pretty neat by this standards. Ash gave it a triumphant grin.

The black-haired teenager slung the rake over his shoulder and started to walk to the garden/tool shed.

"Hey Ash!"

"Wha-?" he blinked, twisting his head to the source of sound.

May approached him and gave him a cheery wave. "Hi! I didn't know you were here already."

"Oh, hi, May." He gave her a smile. "You staying here for a visit?"

She shook her head. "I'm just stopping over. I'm going to Hearthome after this."

"Oh. You're going to continue adventuring?"

She gave him a nod. "Why? You aren't coming?"

"Uh." He scratched his head sheepishly. "I think I'm going to take a break for a little while."

"All right... Anyway!" May clapped her hands together. "Wanna go shopping with me?"

Ash noticeably paled. "S-shopping?"

"Yes. Did you see all those bazaar tents by Route 2? They were set up by traveling merchants who came here from the other side of the globe. And since today's the last day they're staying here, they're having this huge sale!" The way May's eyes sparkled when she spoke made it very clear that the topic was something she loved. "So are you coming with me or not?"

NO! Ash wanted to scream. There's no way I'm going to step foot in a hell hole! Except that he didn't, partly because it was rude to yell at people's faces, and partly because he didn't want May to unleash her evil side.

And so he gulped instead. "Um. I know you love shopping and all, May, but I really don't think it's a good idea-"

"You will? Great!" May grinned. "I'll give you ten minutes to get ready. See you until then!"

"What? No! I never said- Wait! May!" Ash panicked.

But it was too late. She was already gone.

Ash stared, dumbfounded, at the direction his traveling companion disappeared to. Then he turned to gaze sullenly at their backdoor, beyond which lay the cup of hot chocolate he will never have the chance to enjoy.

A/N: Daaaaaamn, my back hurts from staying in this position for nearly an hour, typing. Ugh.

Well, back pain aside... Another finished thingy! And this time, it's over a thousand words. 8D
I can just imagine an announcement going, "Tun tun tun taaaaaa! Personal milestone reached!" XD

Oh, and by the way, I apologize for the lack of action in this chapter. It's sort of an introduction, and I didn't want to rush things. Hopefully there'll be fluff by chapter two. XD

Anyway. Reviews? :D