Awwweh. Thanks you :3. *blush* I think you're awesome too. :3.
Now that you bring this up, I suppose we have two favorable options (beyond Dawn staying obviously). If Ash gives Dawn his soothe bell, and Dawn gives him something, I don't know, (besides Buizel), it would have to be on the same level as the soothe bell. That's some pretty heavy stuff, at least in the anime.
I was originally thinking Dawn would give him her first ribbon, like her mom did for her, and I'd still be okay with this, but I think that it needs to be something completely different from May. Perhaps her scarf? That seems to be the most tangible, display of affection/love/friendship, and very visible. It could be another Misty's lure: In Isshu (if Dawn leaves), Ash + Iris(?) + whoever else if any are in a cold area, and Iris(?) wants Ash's scarf, and he freaks and snuggles it or something. x3.
However, we also have the intangible option, the sign that they've progressed beyond tangibles, as a symbol of progressing beyond normal friendship. A kiss would display this, obviously. If they play it up well, they can get both in (and still send Dawn to Isshu *shot for continuous mentions*) Here's to hoping they do both.
After looking at the picture again, I noticed a few things.
First of all, Ash's hat seems engorged and lopsided and the OCD side of me is kicking in and it's bothering me.
- Conway is obviously explaining something.
- Dawn is embarrassed, but it's not like in DP182 where Piplup has an initial reaction as well. So he may not understand/be confused.
- It looks to me like Ash is having a realization, perhaps a la Dawn in DP076 (when Wallace mentions love)
- Brock's expression can easily be construed as being jealous that Ash and Dawn have somebody to love... *shot*
- Either way, he's obviously shocked/dumbfounded in some way. (or disturbed, but I doubt that, usually Ash is too.)
- Dawn's blush is not on her cheeks, but more towards her nose/eyes.
- Dawn seems to be turned away from Conway, can't see through the letters at the bottom (*wishes for X-ray vision*) but she may be holding onto him.
- Conway seems self-satisfied, or at least the common garden variety satisfied. Perhaps he has pointed out, matter-of-factly per usual, that it is scientifically obvious Dawn and Ash are in love due to x reasons... :3
- DigitalUpkeep needs to be shot.
Oh, and does anyone know what I do with my one-shot? I have it written, but I have no clue how to supply it to pokefan/Katsu. Dx. And the deadline's in two days! I'm going to fail... Dx.