Two days later, the sun filtered through the curtains of their cozy cottage as May tried to shift on the couch where she’d been resting. Her face twisted in pain as she hissed, “Ow! Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!”

Drew, who had been in the next room, rushed in, alarmed. Aipom and Jigglypuff trailed behind him, looking concerned for once.

“What happened?” Drew asked, crouching beside her.

May winced and pointed at her cast-covered leg. “It still hurts. Worse than before. It’s been two days, Drew, and it’s throbbing.”

Drew’s brows furrowed in worry. He gently rested a hand near her cast but didn’t touch it. “It usually doesn’t take this long to heal… May, I think it’s infected.”

Her eyes widened. “Infected?! What do we do?”

Drew stood up quickly, running a hand through his hair. “We need to get you back to the Pokémon Center—immediately. Nurse Joy will know what to do.”

May groaned, her voice laced with both frustration and fear. “But it’s so far… and it hurts to move.”

“I’ll carry you,” Drew said without hesitation, moving to lift her.

“You’re not strong enough to carry me that far!” she protested, though her cheeks turned red.

“Watch me,” Drew retorted, sliding one arm behind her back and the other under her knees. He lifted her with a grunt but managed to steady himself. “See? No problem.”

May bit her lip, unsure whether to be grateful or embarrassed. Before she could argue further, Jigglypuff waddled over, tugging at Drew’s pant leg, while Aipom darted around excitedly.

“You two are going to help, right?” Drew asked, glaring at the duo.

Jigglypuff gave a determined nod, puffing out its cheeks as if ready for battle, while Aipom saluted with its tail.

“Good,” Drew muttered. “Now let’s go.”

The group hurried out of the cottage, Drew carrying May as carefully as he could. Aipom scouted ahead, leaping through the trees to ensure the path was clear, while Jigglypuff stayed close, occasionally humming softly to calm May.

Despite the pain and worry, May couldn’t help but smile weakly. “You’re really going all out for me, aren’t you?”

Drew glanced down at her, his face serious but tinged with a hint of softness. “Don’t get used to it. This is a one-time deal.”

May chuckled, despite herself. “Sure it is.”

When they finally arrived at the Pokémon Center, Drew pushed through the door, panting from exertion but refusing to let May see how tired he was. Nurse Joy immediately noticed the strain on his face and the way May clung to him.

“She’s in pain,” Drew said quickly. “I think her leg is infected.”

Nurse Joy’s expression turned serious as she called for Chansey. “Bring her in. Quickly.”

As Chansey helped guide May onto a stretcher, Nurse Joy looked at Drew. “You need to come with us.”

Drew blinked, taken aback. “Me? Why?”

Joy’s voice was calm but firm as she began wheeling May toward the back rooms. “She needs you now more than ever. In cases like this, it’s not just about physical healing. Emotional support is just as important.”

May, her face pale and covered in a sheen of sweat, reached out for Drew’s hand. “Don’t leave me,” she murmured, her voice trembling.

Drew felt a pang in his chest and quickly grabbed her hand, walking alongside the stretcher. “I’m not going anywhere,” he promised.

Nurse Joy led them into the examination room, where she and Chansey began working on removing the cast. “It’s going to hurt a little,” Joy warned, glancing at May.

May grimaced, gripping Drew’s hand tighter. “Just… just do it.”

As the cast came off, Drew saw the swelling and redness around her leg, and his stomach tightened. It was worse than he had imagined.

Joy examined it closely, nodding grimly. “It’s definitely infected. We’ll need to clean and treat it immediately. Chansey, prepare the antibiotics and sterile bandages.”

May gasped as Nurse Joy began cleaning the wound. Drew leaned in close, his free hand brushing her hair out of her face. “You’re doing great,” he said softly, squeezing her hand. “Just hold on, okay?”

“Easy for you to say,” May managed through gritted teeth, her eyes brimming with tears.

“You can yell at me all you want later,” Drew replied, his voice lighter to ease her tension. “I won’t even argue.”

May let out a shaky laugh, the corners of her mouth lifting just slightly.

Nurse Joy worked quickly, her practiced hands ensuring the wound was thoroughly treated and dressed. When she finished, she looked at May with a reassuring smile. “The infection should clear up in a few days with proper care. But you’ll need to stay here for monitoring.”

May nodded weakly, leaning back against the bed.

Joy turned to Drew. “You can stay with her. She’s going to need you to help keep her spirits up.”

Drew nodded, pulling a chair close to May’s bedside. “Like I said, I’m not going anywhere.”

May looked up at him, her expression softer now. “Thanks, Drew.”

“Don’t mention it,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.

As Nurse Joy and Chansey left the room, Drew settled in, ready to be there for May as long as she needed him. Aipom and Jigglypuff peeked in through the door, their earlier mischief replaced with genuine concern. For once, the world seemed to slow down, giving them all a moment to breathe.

The Pokémon Center was quiet as the moonlight filtered through the curtains of the recovery room. May and Drew lay on the bed, having dozed off together after a long, exhausting day. Despite the chaos that had led them there, the peaceful rise and fall of their breaths seemed to hint at a temporary truce with the world.

May’s head rested lightly on Drew’s shoulder, their arms naturally draped around each other. Drew’s other arm was tucked under his head, his face turned toward her, a faint look of concern still etched into his features even in sleep.

Nurse Joy quietly opened the door, stepping in with Chansey close behind. The dim light from the hallway spilled into the room as she approached the bed, holding a clipboard and a flashlight. She smiled softly at the sight of the two young trainers, recognizing how much they had endured together.

“Chansey,” Joy whispered, gesturing toward May’s leg.

Chansey nodded, carefully peeling back the blanket just enough to expose the bandaged area. Joy crouched down, her practiced hands gently inspecting the wound. She shone the flashlight briefly, checking for signs of improvement.

May stirred slightly, murmuring something incoherent, but Drew’s arm instinctively tightened around her, as though protecting her even in sleep. Joy’s smile deepened at the gesture, and she continued her work in silence, her movements careful not to disturb them.

“Chaaaan,” Chansey whispered softly, nodding to indicate that the infection seemed to be improving.

Joy exhaled quietly in relief, re-covering May’s leg and adjusting the blanket to ensure she stayed warm. She stood, glancing at the sleeping pair once more. They looked so peaceful, so intertwined with one another, that she felt a pang of respect for the bond they shared.

“She’s healing well,” Joy whispered to Chansey as they tiptoed out of the room. “They’ll both be fine. With each other’s support, I have no doubt about that.”

The door clicked softly shut behind them, leaving May and Drew undisturbed in their shared slumber, their quiet breathing filling the room. For now, all was calm.

Morning sunlight streamed through the window, painting the recovery room in warm hues. May blinked awake, her body stiff from the uncomfortable position she had been lying in. Her leg throbbed with an intensity that made her grit her teeth. It felt worse than ever, a sharp, unrelenting ache that pulsed with every beat of her heart. 

But as she turned her head and saw Drew still asleep beside her, his face calm and relaxed for the first time in days, she decided to stay quiet. She didn’t want to wake him. 

May bit her lip, shifting slightly to try and ease the pain, but the movement only made it worse. A sharp gasp escaped her before she could stop it. She froze, hoping Drew wouldn’t hear. 

He stirred almost instantly, his green eyes fluttering open as he turned toward her. “May?” he asked groggily, his voice thick with sleep. “What’s wrong?” 

“Nothing,” she said quickly, forcing a smile. “I didn’t mean to wake you.” 

Drew sat up, frowning. “May, you’re a terrible liar. What is it?” 

Her resolve cracked under his concerned gaze, and she couldn’t hold back anymore. “It’s my leg,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “It hurts… it hurts so much, Drew.” 

He was instantly alert, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?” 

“I didn’t want to disturb you,” she said softly, looking down. 

Drew sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “May, come on. You’re more important than my sleep.” He moved to the side of the bed, carefully lifting the blanket to look at her leg. 

The bandages were still in place, but her leg was swollen again, the redness creeping further than before. Drew’s chest tightened at the sight. 

“This doesn’t look right,” he muttered, his voice tense. “I’m getting Nurse Joy.” 

“No, Drew, wait—” May started, but he was already on his feet, heading for the door. 

He stopped and turned back, his expression softening as he looked at her. “May, I’m not going to sit here and watch you suffer. Just hang tight, okay? I’ll be right back.” 

May watched him leave, her heart twisting at how worried he looked. Despite the pain, she felt a flicker of gratitude. She might have been stubborn, but Drew was even more so when it came to her well-being. 

Moments later, Drew returned with Nurse Joy and Chansey. Joy’s face grew serious as she examined May’s leg again. 

“It looks like the infection might not be responding to the treatment as we hoped,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “We’ll need to try a stronger antibiotic and monitor you closely.” 

May winced as Chansey began reapplying fresh dressings, but Drew was right by her side, holding her hand. 

“You should have told me sooner,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with worry. 

“I didn’t want to bother you,” she whispered, tears prickling her eyes. 

Drew squeezed her hand gently. “You’re never a bother, May. Don’t ever think that.” 

She looked up at him, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Thanks, Drew.” 

He smirked faintly, trying to lighten the mood. “You’re welcome. But next time, tell me. I don’t care if it’s the middle of the night—I’ll always be here.” 

May smiled through the pain, her grip on his hand tightening just a little. Even in her worst moments, she knew she wasn’t facing it alone.

The afternoon sun streamed into the Pokémon Center room, casting a warm glow over the table where Drew sat beside May. A tray of food sat in front of her—soup, rice, and a side of fruit—but May was poking at it with her spoon, her appetite seemingly absent. 

Drew crossed his arms, leaning closer with a teasing smirk. “Come on, sweet pea, eat your food. You need your strength.” 

May blinked at him, startled by the nickname. “Sweet pea?” she echoed, her cheeks turning pink. 

Drew shrugged nonchalantly, though his smirk widened. “What? You don’t like it? I think it suits you.” 

May rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips twitched into a faint smile. “I’m not hungry.” 

“You have to eat,” Drew insisted, his tone soft but firm. “Nurse Joy said you need proper nutrition for your leg to heal faster. You don’t want me spoon-feeding you, do you?” 

May glared at him playfully. “You wouldn’t dare.” 

He raised an eyebrow, picking up the spoon and dipping it into the soup. “Try me.” 

“Drew!” she exclaimed, laughing despite herself as he brought the spoon toward her mouth. 

“Open up,” he said, grinning. “Here comes a flying Beautifly.” 

May swatted at his hand, but she couldn’t hold back a giggle. “Fine, fine, I’ll eat!” 

Satisfied, Drew set the spoon back down and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms smugly. “See? That wasn’t so hard.” 

May shook her head, rolling her eyes again as she took a bite of the soup. “You’re impossible, you know that?” 

“And yet, here I am, taking care of you,” he shot back, his smirk softening into a genuine smile. 

May looked at him for a moment, her heart warming despite her earlier stubbornness. “Thanks, Drew,” she said quietly, her voice sincere. 

He waved it off, though there was a faint blush on his cheeks. “Just eat your food, sweet pea.” 

May chuckled, focusing on her meal. Even in her pain, Drew’s determination to keep her spirits up made her feel just a little stronger.

After lunch, Nurse Joy walked into the room with Chansey following close behind. She offered a warm smile but had a clipboard in hand, clearly here for business. 

“May, it’s time for me to check your foot again,” Joy said gently, setting the clipboard down on the nearby table. 

May’s cheerful expression faltered slightly as she glanced at Drew, who gave her a reassuring nod. “Alright,” she said quietly. 

Joy pulled up a stool beside the bed and carefully removed the blanket covering May’s leg. She unwrapped the fresh bandages with practiced hands, revealing the area around her injury. Drew hovered nearby, his brow furrowed as he watched. 

Nurse Joy examined the wound closely, her expression becoming more serious. “May,” she asked, her tone calm but probing, “are you sure you haven’t felt any unusual pain at all?” 

May’s heart skipped a beat at the question. She hesitated, then glanced at Drew, who immediately noticed her reluctance. 

“May,” Drew said softly, his voice urging but not accusing. “You’ve felt something, haven’t you?” 

May bit her lip, looking down at her hands. “I… I didn’t want to say anything,” she admitted. “It’s been hurting more than before, but I didn’t want to make a fuss.” 

Drew groaned softly, running a hand through his hair. “May, we talked about this. You can’t just keep quiet about this stuff!” 

Joy held up a hand to calm Drew. “It’s okay, Drew. I understand why she might hesitate, but May, it’s important to tell me everything you’re feeling so we can help you heal properly.” 

May nodded, looking apologetic. “I know… I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to be a bother.” 

“You’re never a bother,” Drew said firmly, his gaze locking with hers. “We’re doing this to help you.” 

Joy gave her a reassuring smile as she continued her examination. “It looks like the swelling has gone down a little, which is a good sign, but the pain you’re describing might mean we need to adjust the treatment plan. I’ll prepare a stronger anti-inflammatory and something for the pain.” 

“Will it heal okay?” May asked, her voice small. 

Joy nodded confidently. “It will, but you need to be honest with me—and with Drew—from now on. Deal?” 

May smiled faintly, glancing up at Drew. “Deal.” 

“Good,” Joy said, standing up. “I’ll be back with the medicine shortly. In the meantime, May, rest that leg and let Drew help you if you need anything.” 

As Joy left the room, Drew crossed his arms and gave May a pointed look. “Next time, you’re telling me if something’s wrong. Got it?” 

“Got it,” May said with a sheepish smile. 

“Good,” Drew said, his tone softening as he pulled the blanket back over her. “Because I don’t plan on leaving your side until you’re 100% better.” 

May’s heart warmed at his words, even as she rolled her eyes playfully. “Alright, alright. You win, Sweet Pea General.” 

Drew smirked. “That’s more like it.”

The evening settled in as the smell of warm food filled the recovery room. Drew sat beside May with a tray of steaming soup, grilled vegetables, and a small dessert. Nurse Joy had insisted May eat a balanced meal to aid her recovery, but May wasn’t cooperating.

“I can feed myself, Drew,” May grumbled, crossing her arms.

Drew smirked, holding up a spoonful of soup. “Can you? Because last time I checked, you were struggling to even sit up without wincing.”

May glared at him. “That doesn’t mean I need you to treat me like a baby.”

“Oh, come on, Sweet Pea,” Drew teased, leaning in with the spoon. “Open wide.”

“Stop calling me that!” she hissed, but her cheeks were already turning pink. “And I said no!”

Drew ignored her protests, moving the spoon closer. “May, you need to eat, and I’m not leaving this room until you finish every bite. So, what’s it going to be? Spoon or no spoon?”

May groaned, leaning back against the pillows. “You’re impossible,” she muttered.

Drew raised an eyebrow. “That’s not an answer.”

“I can’t believe I’m letting you do this,” she said, reluctantly opening her mouth.

“See? That wasn’t so hard,” Drew said smugly as he fed her the first spoonful. “Now, was it?”

“It’s humiliating,” May mumbled as she swallowed. “I feel like a little kid.”

Drew chuckled, scooping up another bite. “If it makes you feel any better, you’re a very stubborn little kid.”

May glared at him again, but the faint smile tugging at her lips gave her away. “You’re lucky I’m too tired to argue.”

“Lucky? No, this is pure skill,” Drew quipped, feeding her another spoonful. “Besides, I think you secretly like being pampered.”

“I do not!” May shot back, though her blush deepened.

Drew smirked, shaking his head. “Sure, whatever you say, Sweet Pea.”

“Call me that one more time, and I’ll—” she started, but Drew cut her off by holding up a piece of grilled vegetable.

“Threaten me after you finish dinner,” he said lightly. “Now, open up.”

Despite her embarrassment, May complied, letting him feed her. By the time the tray was empty, she was too full to keep arguing, and Drew looked far too pleased with himself.

“There,” he said, setting the tray aside. “All done. That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

May sighed, leaning back against the pillows. “Fine, I’ll admit it. Thanks, Drew. Even if you’re a pain.”

“You’re welcome,” he said with a grin, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “Now, rest. I’ll clean up.”

As he stood and carried the tray out of the room, May watched him go, her heart feeling lighter despite the pain in her leg. She hated being taken care of like this, but with Drew, it wasn’t so bad.

As Drew returned from cleaning up, Nurse Joy stepped into the room, carrying a fresh set of bandages and a clipboard. 

"How's everything going in here?" Joy asked warmly, glancing at May, who looked visibly tired but content. 

“She ate, finally,” Drew replied with a teasing smirk, earning an eye-roll from May. 

Joy chuckled. “Good. May, let me check your leg one more time before you settle in for the night.” 

Drew helped May shift into a more comfortable position, holding her hand as Joy carefully unwrapped the bandages. The swelling had reduced slightly, and Joy gave a satisfied nod. 

“It’s looking better. You’re healing, but remember, no unnecessary movement, okay? Rest is key,” Joy advised as she applied fresh bandages. 

“I’ll make sure she listens,” Drew said, earning a playful glare from May. 

Once Joy finished, she packed up her supplies. “Alright, you two get some sleep. I’ll check in again in the morning.” 

“Thanks, Nurse Joy,” May said with a small smile. 

As Joy left, Drew helped May lie down, fluffing her pillows and pulling the blanket over her. He climbed into the bed beside her, careful not to jostle her injured leg. 

“You don’t have to stay,” May murmured, though she didn’t mean it. 

“Not a chance,” Drew said, settling in and wrapping an arm around her gently. “Now, rest, July.” 

May blinked, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “My name’s May!” she said, glaring at him. 

Drew smirked, clearly enjoying himself. “Oh, I know. But you’ve been so moody lately, July seemed to fit better.” 

“Drew!” May huffed, though her pout didn’t last long as a yawn escaped her. 

“Relax, May,” he said softly, pulling her closer. “I’m just kidding. You’re my Sweet Pea, remember?” 

May’s face turned pink, but she couldn’t help smiling as she nestled into his chest. “You’re impossible.” 

“And you’re stuck with me,” Drew replied, his voice soft as his hand rested lightly on her back. 

May let out a content sigh, her eyes fluttering closed. “Fine. But only because you’re nice sometimes.” 

“Sometimes?” Drew teased, but she was already too drowsy to respond. 

As the room fell into a peaceful silence, Drew tightened his hold slightly, his heart calming as he listened to May’s steady breathing. “Goodnight, May,” he whispered, a faint smile on his lips.