N Author's Note: Thank you for all of the reviews and favs so far. I have been extremely busy working on my Aerialshipping fic, had a touch of writer's block, various pieces of fan art plus school have eaten up way too much of my time. Now, I'm finally going to make the effort to finish this fic.

Unexpected Respect, Part II

A few hours had passed since Ash and Co. arrived at the site of the Pink Triangle contest. Dawn and Brock, after losing sight of Ash some time ago, decided to find seats in the Contest Hall to view the preliminary round of the singles entries. Undoubtedly, many gay and bi male coordinators are among the best on the circuit as both the budding coordinator and the wanna-be breeder (in both meanings of the word) were dazzled by the appeals made. Dawn took this time to even take down a few notes about how to improve her techniques for future contests. Brock was impressed but also confused, as there were many drag queens in the audience and performing in the contest. Many of them, he actually thought were ladies and pretty attractive since they were so convincing.

The singles appeal round ended to enormous applause from a packed hall. Dawn turned to Brock, commenting on the performance.

"I am really impressed, Brock. In some respects, I am glad I was prevented from entering."

"Because you don't think you could match the other guys' abilities and skills?"

"Mm-hmm. I'd feel out of my league competing against some of these guys. However, it is a good experience simply observing and watching; taking down ideas for my next contest and hopefully for the Grand Festival."

Brock looked at the stack of notes and sketches Dawn made. "I can see you've learned quite a bit." Brock picked up one of the drawings, but it wasn't just of a Pokemon appeal move- the trainer in question was also featured in a very flattering light. Dawn quickly saw what picture Brock was looking at and grabbed it back.

"Yes, I have. Such finesse and style is needed to be a successful coordinator!" Dawn giggled like someone had their hand caught in a cookie jar.

"It's okay to like gay guys Dawn. Just don't become too much of a yaoi fangirl." Brock sniggered.

Dawn just sweatdropped.

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It was just about time for the doubles appeals round. The entrants gathered backstage for last minute preparation and encouragements before their debuts to the packed audience. Ash and Drew were busy finishing up their lunch as they planned what their appeal would look like.

"If we finish off with a move like that, that will almost guarantee us top points from the judges." Drew explained to Ash, waving his arms around for added emphasis and flair.

"Sounds great!" Ash exclaimed as he was finishing off his third and last cheeseburger. "We'll show those other coordinators not to mess with the masters!"

Drew couldn't help but chuckle a bit at Ash's wild enthusiasm. "I hate to break it to you Ash, but we're far from being considered masters here. See that couple over there…" Drew pointed to two guys about about five years older than they were, "They are Mel and Duke. They've been lovers for the last five years, and champions longer than that. Duke first won the Sinnoh Grand Festival when he was 10 and won two more times after that and Mel has won the Johto and Hoenn Grand Festivals on several occasions. After Robert and Wallace, they are probably the best coordinators in the country," Drew then flipped his hair, "After me, of course."

Ash laughed a bit, in what could almost be considered a giggle. Nearby, Mel and Duke overheard this little conversation and both sniggered.

"Those two sure are cute aren't they?" Duke commented with a slight hint of sarcasm.

"Don't they remind you of us when we were that age?" Mel commented.

"A little bit, although I am most certainly not as arrogant and suave as Drew and you aren't that clueless."

"What do you mean, sweetie?" Mel asked with one eyebrow raised.

"I mean, even though you were naïve, you at least got the hint that I was in love with you. It's obvious Drew has a thing for that black-haired kid but he's so clueless that he just doesn't quite get the hint."

Mel playfully punched Duke on the shoulder. "I'm sure he does! Otherwise, he wouldn't be partnering with Drew in this contest, right?"

Duke smiled. "You're right. Say what was that kid's name again?"

"His name is Ash, if I remember correctly. He's a trainer, not a coordinator, having placed in the Top 16 at the Indigo League, won the Orange Cup, in the Top 8 at the Johto Silver Conference and the Hoenn Ever Grande Conference, plus championing the Kanto Battle Frontier. But he also has taken part in a few contests in Sinnoh as well, like the Wallace Cup and the Hearthome Collection."

"Hmm," Duke paused. "An interesting career to say the least. They should be fun and entertaining challengers, my dear."

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Author's Note: Really short chapter, I know. I've been on major writer's block lately, so I wrote what I could down. I just haven't been in the mood to write. Must be because it is summer and I am in a lazy mood.