Hello my readers! Happy Negaishipping Day! Yep, even though I'm two days late, I've decided to post the last chapter of Give Me Your Hand in honor of my OTP! Really hope you all enjoy this chapter, might be a bit rushed and in need of some editing later since I rewrote it three times, but I got it done! And thanks for enduring through the two long years it took me to write this! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Pokemon Company

Ages: Ash: 12, Iris: 12, Cilan: 14

Chapter 20: Shy Emerging Love

The morning sun hung rather high in the clear blue sky. It's bright rays illuminating the earth and filtering through the green leaves of the trees that overlooked the path a trio of friends treaded upon. It was a path similar to the one from six days ago, however, the atmosphere that hovered over the area had a stark contrast to the previous one. There was no loud shouting, or laughing or two young trainers running about in pursuit after each other because of a stolen hat and there was no green haired connoisseur and two small pokemon attempting to catch up. The journey down this path was tranquil and quiet.

'In fact it's almost too quiet…' The words went unspoken but dwindled curiously in Cilan's head and caused him to look up from the book he held in his hands. However there was no noise or any form of distraction to keep him from the last chapter of his mystery book, ironically it was the absolute lack of activity and sound that was keeping him from focusing on who the criminal of the story was. Heaving a heavy sigh the connoisseur snapped the book closed, besides it wasn't safe to read and walk anyway, before glancing behind him. "Come on you two, we don't got all day."

The soft conversion that was accruing between Ash and Iris went silent as both trainers to look up at their tall green haired companion.

"There's no need to rush, Cilan," Iris said rolling her brown eyes. "We still got five minutes until it's eleven."

"Yeah, and I doubt Elesa will mind if her 'Shining Stars' are just a little late." Ash agreed, nudging Iris who did likewise before exchanging a smile and continuing on with their conversation.

"Shining Stars are not, it's important to be punctual when you agreed to..." Cilan let his lecture die on his lips as he realized neither of the two were listening.

(Looks like our two lovebirds are too captivated by each other to listen to you babble.) Pikachu muttered with an annoyed grunt.

(Or let us walk with them.) Axew added with a childish pout.

The green haired connoisseur glanced down at the two Pokémon that ambled alongside him. "Well they're still not very happy with the rather rude awakening you have them, you two pranksters." He scolded.

The two Pokémon gave sheepish grins, knowing that their previous actions were a bit uncalled for and resulted in unnecessary discomfort to their trainers. However their combined surprise attack of Thunderbolt and Scratch to the faces successfully awoken Ash and Iris from their tranquil slumber and got them moving in order to conquer the day. Once they had ceased in their angered protests of being woken up and saw what time it was the two trainers frantically got dressed and managed to get something to eat. However, as they were preparing to rush out the door Nurse Joy stopped them with the wonderful news of the Sticky Repel's arrival! Cilan half expected the two trainers to be overwhelmed by joy, but to his surprise Ash and Iris only turned to each other with looks of bewilderment. It was then revealed that the two of them had sort of forgotten all about the Sticky Repel over the past few days. How they managed to do such a thing was beyond the connoisseur's comprehension, but now that he thought about it he recalled only a few moments of happiness as they watched the specially ordered item eat away at the Combee honey and String Shot that bound Ash and Iris's hands together, and allowed them to finally pull free from one another. Cilan's two friends had shared relieved grins as they stretched their stiff fingers and thanked Nurse Joy, but after a while of regaining their freedom of movement Ash and Iris went gone silent. Doing nothing but sharing a few looks, exchanging a few smiles and playful nudges. It wasn't until they proceeded in going outside and started their trip down the path that lead to the Starlight Circus grounds, that it dawned on Cilan the two had also longed to maintain the close bond they had shared during the past seven days, unwilling to let it come to an end. In fact it seemed like the two young trainers were so used to being so close to one another that they hadn't left each other's side. At this very moment Ash and Iris walked next to each other with only a few inches separating them almost as if they had once again forgotten they now had the freedom to move and run about as they pleased.

(It's silly how they spent so much energy company complaining about how they wanted to be unstuck.) The little green dragon type pointed out as he to turned back to see his trainer laughing about something her close friend had said.

(Yeah, and now they're acting like being stuck together all week wasn't a big deal at all.) Pikachu added with a small grin at the sight of Ash sheepishly rubbing his head as Iris playfully punched his shoulder. They both then glance at each other exchanged another string of words before a pink color dusted each of their faces. (Oh, looks like the conversation just got a bit more interesting.) The electric type gave a sly smile as he turned to get closer to hear the two lovebirds conversation but was stopped as Cilan scooped him up from the ground.

"Oh, no you don't. No more eavesdropping for you." the connoisseur said, knowing that electric mouse's previous experiences only lead to unnecessarily loud exchange of words and the occasional Thunderbolt.

(You're one to talk!) Pikachu protested as he attempted to squirm out of the the taller teen's grip. (Weren't you eavesdropping just the other day?)

Cilan sweatdropped as he thought back to his rather rude behaviour on the day his two friends patched things up before heading out to go see that Swanna Lake ballet, however before he could protest against it an interesting sight caught the connoisseur's sharp green eyes.

Despite the two's conversation, Ash and Iris's hands seemed to be moving freely without being instructed. Shly they brushed up against each other and then sloppily hooked their littlest fingers together but then after a moment, the trainers still oblivious of their hands independance, the other fingers followed until the raven haired boy and and the purple haired girl held hands. Cilan stared, wide eyed at this action for a long moment, shocked to see that holding hands hadn't interrupted the casual conversation that was being shared between the two.

It wasn't until Cilan, being the aspiring S class connoisseur that he was, suddenly exclaimed. "It seems like it's evaluation time!"

"E-Evaluation time?" Iris asked, slightly startled by the sudden outburst of noise.

"What for, Cilan?" Ash question, sweatdropping at the ridiculously dramatic pose his green haired friend had struck before them.

Smirking slightly the connoisseur went on to say. "Ah, it seems like you're love makes you two rather obvious does it not?" Cilan then pointed dramatically to the two holding hands of their own free will. "This new form of affection you two seem to display without as much as a second thought shows that your love is sweet and innocent but at the same time strong and genuine!"

"Sweet and innocent?!" Iris repeated.

"Strong and genuine?!" Ash shouted.

"No it's not like that at all!" They both declared as they quickly retracted their hands and attempted to hide their burning faces.

"I-I just...took her hand without thinking!" Ash protested.

"Ye-Yeah that's right, he did it because he was to use to it!" Iris added in a rushed manner.

"Exactly!" Cilan said. "That right there, is solid evidence that your young love is blossoming and-"

"CILAN, STOP IT!" the two trainers shouted, both too embarrassed even look at each other.

However their two mischievous Pokémon didn't want the fun of watching their embarrassed trainers to end.(So in other words Cilan your saying Ash and Iris holding hands just proves how lovey dovey those two are!) Pikachu said teasingly.

(Yeah lovey dovey!) Axew agreed with a giggle. (Ash and Iris sitting in a tree!)

(K-I-S-S-I-N-G!) Pikachu finished

"You guys!" Iris shouted her face turning even more red as anger boiled inside her chest. "you're gonna get it now!" She took off after the two teasing Pokemon.

"You get back here!" Ash added running as well.

Cilan sighed, "Looks like silence is just as filleting as those two's on and off love moments." He said picking up his pace in order to catch up with them as well.

"Don't worry Cilan, we promise not to take too long," Iris reassured her green haired friend.

"Yeah, how hard can it be to pick some berries?" Ash added as he waited for Iris to collect the basket she would always use for berry picking from her bag.

"Says the little kid who got Stun Spored the last time he went to get berries," The dragon loving girl said with a playful wink.

"Hey that was just one time," Ash protested, thinking back to that horrible incident that left him sick and terribly weak.

"And to make sure that it doesn't happen again I'm going with you this time." Iris said in a matter a fact tone.

"That's great and all, but let's also make sure it can get done in a timely fashion," Cilan said as he placed some cut up vegetables into a pot he had over the outdoor stove. "Last time I had to make dinner without those berries, so get to it, I don't want to disappoint you two or the Pokemon again." He indicated to the creatures as they played about in the nearby field, and made a mental note to keep an eye on them. "Try not to get lost alright?"

"Okay, okay anything else?" Ash asked, beginning to feeling like a child being forced to follow rules.

Cilan tapped his chin thoughtfully before added. "Oh, make sure to steer clear of honey and String Shot, we don't want to get your hands stuck again," he said with a humorous tone.

Iris laughed, "Yeah, there's no way we're letting that happen again." Now having the basket she nudged her raven haired friend. "Come on let's go, Ash."

The raven haired boy nodded and the two headed off into forest that surrounded the clearing in which they had decided to camping out in for the night. As they went they didn't say much and mostly admired the sun that was starting to set filing the expanse of sky with lovely streaks of orange, pinks and purplish hues.

"I really wish the dress was that pretty purple color in the sky," Iris said her finger pointing to a hue of purple that ranged somewhere between lilac and mauve from above their heads.

"Why purple?" Ash questioned thinking back to the dress Elesa had neatly placed in clothing bags and Iris in turn had neatly folded hers into her bag and left back at camp. "I think the white color is nice."

"Nothing's wrong with white," Iris said with a shrug. "It's just that once I trip and fall in the dirt or spill something on it, that dress it's ruined. At least with a darker color like purple the stain wouldn't be so noticeable." Giggling she added, "Knowing me and my bad luck I think it might have actually been better if I had given my dress to Jill after all,"

The two thought back to how Elesa's twin cousins had begged for the outfits, saying that the whimsical design of Iris's dress and the heroic but simple persona Ash's outfit gave off would have been the perfect ensembles for their next trapeze performance. However, the fashion model refused, saying that if they really wanted the outfits that they shouldn't have dropped out of the fashion show on her at the last minute. In the end the fashionmodel insisted Ash and Iris take the clothes before Jill and Will thought up some silly scheme to guilt trip them into giving the clothes to them.

"I mean I can't even think of one place where I can wear that dress, it having such a big flowery hood thing and all." Turning her eyes away from the sunset she muttered under her breath, "People will probably think I'm a clown or something."

"Aw come on, Iris, don't put yourself down like that." Ash said, tucking his hands behind his head and flashing a grin he added. "Besides you look great in that dress, makes you look like a princess." Iris felt her face reddened, but quickly turned it away, however Ash noticed. Giving a laugh he nudged her. "Made ya blush didn't I? Must be my impeccable charm."

"Impeccable charm?" Iris questioned hearing Ash use such a big word made her snicker. "No need to give yourself a big head little kid. Now come on, those berries aren't going to pick themselves." the girl indicated towards the rocky mountainous area that was before them. "I remember seeing a bush with those Lum berries Cilan wanted on one of those cliffs faces." Ash frowned, the cliffs edges weren't really high but the thought of having to climb and such didn't really appeal to him, "Hey, Ash race ya to the top! Whoever wins get the leftover berries!"

Ash smiled,he might not want to climb but did want to spend time with his beloved Tree Fairy, "You're on!" He declared getting a running start towards the rocky area.

The two friends scaled the cliffs with little difficulty and thankfully found the bush on one of the highest cliff faces. The climbing was tiring yes, but the wonderful view of the sun's rays giving one last smile over the first was a sight to behold.

"I win!" Iris exclaimed as she pulled herself up before striking a victory pose. As she caught her breath Iris glanced over her shoulder she grinned down at her Zigzag face. He was out of breath, had dirt smudges on his clothes and look about fed up with all the climbing and Iris couldn't help but tease. "You need some help there, Slowpoke?" She held out her hand and flashed a haughty smirk.

Ash's only response him sticking out his tongue and a playful grin. "No need, besides, I know when I'm beat." He said grasping the cliff's edge and hoisting himself up. Flopping onto his back to take a few breaths he stared up at the dark chocolate eyes that looked down at him. "No extra berries for me, I guess."

Iris rolled her eyes. "Don't worry I'll share with you," She dropped the basket down on his stomach, "Now come on let's get those berries before it get too dark out,"

Ash nodded, knowing that it wouldn't be safe to be out in such a mountainous area when the sun completely vanished from sight. The absolute last thing he wanted was for one of them to get hurt on the climb back down. Basket in hand Ash approached the Lum berry bush and started to pluck the fruit with Iris examining each one before placing them inside their basket. As they worked the two chatted, their conversation revolving around the hectic week they had endured and how happy they were to be able to use both of their hands again.

"It was nice being close to you and all," Ash said. "But I can only take so much you know?"

"I guess," Iris agreed. She reached for another berry but then stiffen slightly when her hand gently brushed against Ash's . However, instead of jerking back like usual, she let her hand linger there, allowing that electrified feeling to rush through her veins and blush to warm her face. There was silence for a moment and it wasn't broken until Iris mumbled. "What's next?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Ash asked, he never taking his eyes off the hand that linger on top of his.

"I mean...what's next for us...our relationship?" Iris question slowly pulling away and pressing a cupped hand to her chest.

Ash stiffened. Their relationship?! Feeling panic swell in his chest he blurted, "Uh...I guess anything we want it to be!"

"No...Ash I'm serious," Dark chocolate eyes looked at him, they were filled with what he could only depict as concern. Ash sat there feeling oblvious and rather dumbfounded, he had never thought this far ahead and now that Iris had confronted him about it, he had no words to say. "We've already tried going on a date...well sorta…" She picked up the basket now filled with the green circular berries. "A-And..I'm not really comfortable with the idea of dating…"

"Me either, if I were to be honest," Ash admitted, "I mean were only twelve and we got a whole lot more life to live and tons of new people and Pokemon to meet."

"Yeah...I mean there's no guarantee that five or ten years down the road our...I guess close friendship...will be the same...or even exist at all." Iris said, her voice not even ranging above a whisper as she turned her eyes downcast.

"Wh-What are you saying Iris?" Ash asked, wondering where this sadden tone derived from. "I like you...I mean...a lot...more than any other girl I've ever known."

"I know...you said that up in that tree after you recovered from Stun Spore incident." Iris said, keeping her eyes on her feet as she thought about that joyous moment when her crush admitted his love towards her. "But...that doesn't insure that'll you'll be at my side forever...I mean we're only kids...silly little kids…"

"Iris…" Ash began. He didn't like her disheartening tone. The Tree Fairy was almost acting as if his attraction for her didn't exist and wouldn't be the same as time went on. But as Ash thought back to the argument he and Iris exploded into a few days ago and had left the purple haired girl in tears, it was clear that it didn't take much for their close relationship to go south and possibly fall apart. With that in mind Ash couldn't help but ponder on the thought, 'Could these feelings I have for Iris really go away one day...and could she stop liking me at some point to?'

"I didn't mean to upset you, Ash..." Iris hurriedly said however her words along with her apologetic sounding tone were directed to her feet as that dull ache from years ago reappeared in her chest."I mean I really enjoy all the time we spend together and I-I like you a lot...I just...I mean I don't know..." Iris let her voice fade off with a sigh.

"You don't know...what?" At the sound of Ash's question Iris finally lifted her face to look at her Zigzag face and couldn't help but feel her cheeks warm at his lopsided grin and curious look gleaming in those bright amber eyes.

"I...I-I... " Iris started, feeling confident in her upcoming words, but suddenly all those thoughts flooded her mind. Closing her eyes against them the aspiring dragon master knew she couldn't. She didn't know if he would understand.

"Iris you can tell me anything ya know. " Ash said gently as he got to his feet and playfully nudged her shoulder, thus earning a small smile. "I mean that is why we're such good friends."

"I know." Dark chocolate eyes opened again and that small smile widened but before Iris could say anything more a loud sound erupted into the air.

Both trainers cried out in alarm as the sound resounded in the air before fading away as if it had never made itself known.

"What was that?" Ash breathed, his heart accelerating with in alarm. Scanning the area for any signs of life or anything that could produce such a loud and intimidating sound, but with the sun quickly retreating and the dark of night setting in he couldn't see farther than a few feet in front of him.

"I do-don't k-know." Iris stammered, not even noticing how she had rushed over to Ash's side. "But whatever it is... It sounds close."

The purple haired girl was right because at that moment a bright orange orb of fire illuminated the dimming light before bursting into a powerful Flamethrower attack. Iris gave a scream, abandoned the basket she held and broke off into a run, Ash followed suit, getting out of the way just as he felt the flame's heat on his back.

"Iris slow down!" Ash shouted at the running girl. Catching her by the arm and slowing her pace he try to reason with her. "Running this fast down this mountain will only get us hurt-"

"DDDRUDDIGGGON!" The sound of the large spiny dragon type's cry rang loudly through the air and sent a jolt of adrenaline through the two trainers.

"What's that Pokemon's problem?" Ash questioned as the Pokémon stomped angrily after them.

"Ash that's a Druddigon! Their super territorial and we must of gotten too close to-" Iris cut herself with a scream as another stream of fire was shot right above their heads.

And although it missed then the same couldn't be said about the foliage that had been growing a few feet before then. The plants quickly ignited into flames and lit up the darkening evening. Taking a sharp turn Ash and Iris attempt to find another way to avoid both the fire and the enraged dragon type. Thankfully, after dodging a few more Flamethrowers they were able to outrun the wild Druddigon, and an escape route came into view. All they had to do was scale a small ledge and they were home free.

"Iris come on!" The Tree Fairy had fallen behind, it was odd considering she was the faster one out of the both of them. But the fire that was blazing behind them seem to disorient her for some reason. Grabbing hold of the rocky surface Ash started to climb but stopped at the horrifying sound of Iris's scream. His heart dropping in his stomach Ash snapped his head around, but was relieved to see that she had just been startled by a tree, cloaked with flames, falling behind her, the impact throwing her back. "Get up Iris! We gotta get out of here!"

But Iris didn't react, well not in the way Ash expected. She just sat on the ground staring at the bright flames. And even though he couldn't see her face Ash could hear Iris muttering something inaudible as she frantically shook her head and covered her face with her hands.

Leaping down and rushing to the girl's side he gave her a strong shake. "Iris stop it!" Ash knew that they had to get out of this area. The smoke was suffocating and the heat was too much, but Iris had gone stiff and when Ash looked at her face he was stunned to see tears trickling down her cheeks. "Iris...?" Why was she crying now?

Pop! Crack! Went the fire.

There was no time to find an answer, the raven haired boy grabbed the purple haired girl by the arm and got her to her feet. This seemed to jar her from her state of immobility and allowed her to follow Ash up the cliff. "Iris, give me your hand!" Ash called out, extending his hand to help her as he noticed her struggle to climb.

Without hesitation Iris clasped her hand with Ash's. Amber eyes met dark chocolate ones, that were brimming with tears. Seeing her fear and desperation to get away from the situation Ash hoisted Iris up the cliff and blindly lead her a few feet away from the cliff's edge before allowing himself to collapse onto the ground.

With both of them gasping for air and recollecting their strung out energy neither trainer exchanged any words. Just dwelt on the relief of being safe.

"A-Are...are you ok-okay?" Ash wheezed as turned his head to look at the girl.

There came no response from Iris. Just heavy breathing that was so strong and labored that her body shook. Disliking this odd behavior, Ash crawled over to her side but even after he called her name without a reaction he reached out a hand only to have the Tree Fairy abruptly sit up and look at him.

Those wonderful pools of dark chocolate looked apologetically saddened."Ash...I'm sorry...I didn't mean-"

"Hey, Ash!Iris! Are you alright?" Turning their attention to the sound of the voice the trainers saw a panicked Cilan rushing out from the surrounding forest.

"Yeah, we're both fine," He responded, even though he couldn't really be sure with the girl he felt strongly for still sitting on the ground staring up at him. He tried to give her a lopsided smile but she turned her attention back towards the flames that illuminated the night. "Thanks for coming to find us, Cilan."

The connoisseur only gave a nod as he surveyed the burning area before him. "You two were taking quite a while to get back to camp so I figured…" The rest of the green haired friend's words went unheard by his two friends. With the raven haired boy concerned for Iris's behavior and the purple haired girl still staring aimlessly at the bright flames, consumed with her thoughts.

'I should be helping.' Iris thought, as she watched the fire be combated by the torrents of water being emitted by Oshawott, Palpitoad, Stunfisk and their flying types as they poured water they collected by a nearby pond from overhead. 'But how could I...I'd just end up breaking in from of my friends and Pokemon...and that's the last thing they... or myself for that matter needs.'

With that thought a flood of unwanted memories bombarded her mind. Iris tried to ignore them but all that did was make her feel throughout the rest of the evening. She didn't talk during dinner, and barely noticed how that lack of the Lum berries made the stew Cilan made taste incomplete. She forced fake smiles that she hoped no one could see through and got ready for bed and climbed up in a tree without putting a single thought into the actions it took to do so. Now resting in her sleeping bag, with a snoozing Axew in her arms, the girl with purple hair watched the star filled sky, hoping that such a beautiful distraction will assist her in falling into a peaceful sleep but suddenly the purple haired girl was distracted.

"Hey, Iris are you up there?"

It was Zigzag face, Iris quickly masked her ponderous expression with a more happier one before responding in a teasing tone. "Well where else would I be, ya little kid?" Upon looking down through the branches of the tree saw that he was dressed in his blue t shirt and matching blue and striped sleeping shorts. But to her surprise she saw that he had his sleeping bag and pillow tucked underneath his arm. "You're planning to sleep under my tree tonight?" Iris questioned.

"No, but I am hoping that you won't mind a little company tonight," Ash answered with his goofy grin.

Dark brown eyes blinked. "You...you want to sleep up here...with me?" A nod was her answer. "But, after what happened last time, you said you'd never sleep in a tree again!"

Ash sweatdropped and gave a sheepish laugh, "Well my mom always told me to give things a second chance. So why not?"

A small smile, a real one this time, tugged at the corners of her mouth. She couldn't say no to him and beckoned him to come on up."Well alright, as long as you don't fall out of the tree this time."

As he tossed up his sleeping bag and pillow Ash laughed, "I'll do my best, but I can't make any promises."

Iris couldn't stop Ash's contagious smile from infecting her and felt her sadden heart rise in her once heavy chest.

"Sorry for invading your space and all Iris," Ash said as he started to climb up.

"Oh, no it's absolutely fine." Iris said as she placed his sleeping stuff on a nearby branch.

"Really? Cause you seemed kinda out of it earlier and I was really expecting you to say no." Iris blinked, but said nothing. Allowing an unwanted and awkward silence to settle between them. She could see that it was making Ash uncomfortable and was about to say nothing was wrong when he blurted. "But I really wanted to sleep up here cause...it's sorta feels funny not being beside you anymore."

A laugh escaped the girl. "Really? I thought sleeping next to you was the worst! You talk in your sleep and kick, ya know!"

"Hey!" Ash retorted, blushing red at the thought of his embarrassing sleeping habits. "It's not my fault I-Gah!" His statement was cut off when his foot slipped forcing him to lunge forwards and latch onto the tree's trunk. He breathed a sigh of relief, having saved himself from falling, but frowned upwards when he heard the Tree Fairy's giggles. "Iris! Not everyone is as good as climbing trees as you are ya know!"

Iris rolled her eyes. "Okay, I'm sorry, but if you need help all you have to do is ask, you silly little kid." She teased as she gently set her small dragon type down and climbed out of her sleeping bag to go help the raven haired boy.

"I don't need help!" Ash insisted as he removed himself from hugging the tree trunk and tried to steady himself. "Just some direction on what tree branch to grab onto, that's all."

"Well if that's the case grab onto this one." Iris indicated to the said branch by effortlessly hopping down onto the branch above him. The raven haired boy tried to follow the directions given but couldn't follow through when the purple haired girl instructed him to jump to reach it.

"Aw come on, it won't be that bad."

"Yes it will, besides it's too dark and I'll probably miss and fall!"

"Okay, here," Iris knelt down and extended her arm, holding out her hand. "Give me your hand."

And like before there was no hesitation and the boy's hand clasped the girl's slightly smaller one. It was a simple action, but resulted in a surge of warmth rushing through the two's entire beings. It was a nice feeling one that they shared together and equally enjoyed.

"Thanks," Ash said once she had helped him up to where they'd be sleeping.

"Your welcome." Iris responded as she returned to her sleeping bag and gathering Axew in her arms. As the sounds of Ash getting settled on his branch resounded in the quietness of night, dark chocolate eyes returned to the sky allowing Iris to once again to take in the sight of the twinkling stars and the opalescent full moon.

"Looking for shooting stars again?"

"...What? Shooting stars?"

"Yeah, like last time."

"Oh, right." It was only a few days ago when she and Zigzag face were sitting in a tree and watching the sky because the latter couldn't fall asleep.

"Oh, what am I saying? There's no need for a shooting star since your wish was already fulfilled."

"My wish...oh yeah," the aspiring dragon master's voice came out as a whisper as she remembered the words she had uttered when she had saw the small burst of light in the sky.

She had wished that this week would go well for them.

"Yeah, we had our ups and downs but I'd say this week was pretty good. And one I'd never forget." Ash said, with a laugh.

Iris let a smile decorate her face. "I guess you're right." She turned to look at the aspiring Pokémon Master before taking his hand once more. "And I'm glad that being stuck with you will forever be in my memories, Ash." She gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

Returning the gesture with a bit of pressure of his own Ash stared into those big eyes and smiled in agreement.

With that, the boy and the girl directed their attention back to the display in the sky. No more words were exchanged. There was no need, because despite the silence Ash and Iris knew that this week had been something that would forever be just for them. And the support needed for that single seed of love, that had been planted just a while back, to start it's growth. Allowing its green stem to curiosity emerge from its seed, eager to know what kind of beautiful flower could bud from it.

~The End

Well that's it, the last chapter of Give Me Your Hand! I really, really, really enjoyed this fanfiction! This took me way longer than I had expected it too and I sorta laugh when I think back to how I had planned for this to be shorter that Sick With No Cure. But with twenty chapters, I think I did a good job. Anyway I'm not sure when the third instalment of the Perfect Together Collection will be published but until then my dear readers:

Lots of Virtual Hugs and Kisses: Toadettegirl2012

Review, Favorite and Follow if you so feel the need to!

Perfect Together

(A Negiashipping Collection)

By: Toadettegirl2012

Title:Sick with No Cure

Summary: Ash likes Iris and Iris likes Ash but neither of them know it. But after Ash gets hit with stun spore and there's trouble finding a cure will the two finally be able to admit their feeling for each other? Negiashipping: AshXIris My first story ever!

Chapters: 15

Rating: K+

Word Count: 85,400+

Total Reviews on completion date: 63

Total review as of 9/23/15: 150

What you should have got out of it: Ash and Iris confess their love to each other and they start linking pinkies

Title: Give Me Your Hand

Summary: After the Stun Spore event the two newly found lovers find themselves growing closer to each other. But what happens when their hands get stuck together? But being connected to someone can be a major problem! Will Ash and Iris's nerves get the better of them or will the two actually find it nice being so close to one each other? 2nds story in the Perfect Together Collection.

Chapters: 20

Rating: K+

Word Count: 130K+

Total Reviews on Completion Date: 101

What you should have got out of it: Ash and Iris learn more about each other and become comfortable with holding hands.