--Triangle Shaped Heart--
Part I- Confessions
I don't own pokémon. They aren't real. They're cartoons.
You know, Brock babbled, his eyes glazed over in infatuation as he spoke, you're so beautiful and smart, I bet you could give us a great tour of the city when you get off work.
Joy seemed to be in a stupor, an eyebrow raised, not knowing how to respond. However, her anxiety was not needed as a young girl soon grabbed the ear of Brock and pulled him away from the counter.
Ash rolled his eyes at the sight. He used to laugh when Misty would somehow stop Brock from his woman-chasing efforts, but somehow watching someone a year away from being a grown man get pulled away by a teenage girl that weighed at least fifty pounds less than him was getting to be a little old.
Brock acted unhappy about the fact that he was being pulled away from Joy, but even through his disheartened complaints it was easy to tell that a smile pulled on the corners of his lips, and that his feet were definitely moving on their own volition.
They walked out of the pokémon center in outwardly good spirits.
The town was fairly small, and was just a stopover on their way to the next destination. They walked down the sidewalk into the twilight which had settled upon the landscape, and the cooling fall air felt nice against their lungs. Old, huge trees hovered beside the old, huge homes which lined the street, and brown and green was all that sunk into Ash's head for a short time.
A slight, blonde-haired girl came walking towards the group along the sidewalk. She was obviously getting home from some college classes, and Ash groaned as he could already depict the scene of what was to come next in his mind.
Excuse me, the girl mumbled, clutching her books to her chest more tightly as she waited for the three friends to part.
My pleasure ma'am! Brock grinned, his face taking on a familiar crimson hue as he moved into the road and held his arms out in a chivalrous gesture as he left a path for her travel.
the girl grinned awkwardly,
Don't thank me, Brock sighed, thank you for asking so nicely if--
Why don't you just ask her out on a date, Brock? Misty chortled, her eyes narrowing mischievously. You know, she could be your soul mate Brock, you don't want to let her get away!
Brock's face still flushed crimson, but now in anger rather than infatuation.
Um, ignore my friend here, she's, um, special, Brock tried to cover up.
Ash rolled his eyes as the girl laughed halfheartedly and walked off.
Hey, why do you always have to embarrass me like that? Brock pouted as the girl was out of sight.
Awww Brock, I was only trying to help you, Misty giggled.
Brock raised an eyebrow, a strange grin overspreading his lips. I'll teach you to help me, Misty!
Misty eeped as Brock jammed his hands under her armpits and began tickling her for all he was worth. Misty almost capsized with laughter, and she slapped his arms weakly as she tried to keep her own down so he wouldn't have open access to her most ticklish spots.
Give up? Brock laughed, not relenting. Misty was almost fallen to the floor at this point, and Brock had to lean over as not to let go.
Misty screamed. Mercy! Lemme go lemme go lemme go!
Brock released his grip and crossed his arms. At least you know better than to help' me from now on, right Misty?
Oh yeah? Misty grinned, then piledrived Brock.
Brock fell to the ground, although it was an awfully soft landing. He curled up into the fetal position as Misty tickled him back.
Ash gritted his teeth and grumbled. He knew Brock could easily escape, and he was not amused.
Would you two knock it off? Ash shouted, loud enough so that they stopped instantly. God, you're making me sick! Can't we just get out of here?
Brock stood up quickly, chortling. What's the matter, Ash? Can't handle it because Misty is fighting with me instead of you for once? Can't I get one shot out of a million or so?
Awww, shut up, Ash sighed.
Pikachu pouted from where it sat atop Ash's shoulder. It didn't like to see Ash in such a bad mood.
Brock shrugged.
Misty rolled her eyes. Get a grip, Ash.
Ash was about to turn around with a retort that was sure to have lit her bra on fire, but decided that it wasn't worth his time. He pulled his hat farther down on his face, shoved his hands into his pockets and started walking.
Misty and Brock soon followed. Misty seemed relatively unfazed by Ash's mood swing, as she didn't see it as being different from any other of his. Of course she could relate, she suffered from the same ailment at times.
Brock, however, became strangely worried. He didn't usually even get a chance to flirt with Misty, and it vexed him that Ash would throw a tantrum because of it. Brock's heart felt leaded as they walked, and it showed in his feet as he began to linger behind.
He imagined a scene that could only come straight out of a dream, where a giant, frosty lake nipped at a grass-lined shore, and the field was almost covered in wildflowers rather than grass. Brock would have felt too girly if anyone could read his thoughts, but luckily no one could.
The fantasy played itself again as it had a million times. Brock stood by the water, a lily in hand. His heart skipped a beat as Misty walked over to him, a satisfied glint in her eye.
Come on, Brock, she would say, we're about to leave!
Of course Brock would reply, then come closer to her. He would then gently the flower behind her ear, and take one of her hands. And, as dreams go, no rhyme or reason had to take place between this statement and a warm embrace. Brock always kissed her the same way, first running his hand through her hair, leaving her ponytail to fall on the ground, then putting an arm behind her neck and leaning in, his warm lips feeling hers, his stomach knotting into--
Hey Brock! Ash grumbled, as Brock accidentally slammed into him, not realizing that Ash had stopped.
Sorry Ash, Brock scratched his head nervously. I wasn't paying attention.
Ash shrugged cleanly, and they walked to the hotel that the town's gym leader had recommended. It wasn't too costly, but Ash wasn't all too happy about having to pay the bulk of it because he'd just won a gym battle.
It was a two bed room, much like all the rooms they'd had to stay in before. Brock didn't complain about having to sleep on the sofa, especially since he could watch TV until he went to sleep. All three sat on the couch for a while before bedtime watching some random anime. Sailor Moon was just what happened to be on.
They should have a red-haired senshi, Brock mused to himself as he was glued to the television screen.
Yeah, red heads are the b-- Ash began to say, but cut himself short in a frenzy.
Cut it out you guys, Misty snapped, blushing a little.
Brock laughed nervously, and edged away from Ash, who was in the middle. He only intended on edging away from both of them because of his embarrassment, but he ended up nearly vaulting over the arm rest.
They continued watching, and Ash almost imagined that Misty had edged closer to him.. He grinned inwardly, a flush of some sort of love-struck chill fluttering from his spine to his stomach. He continued to stare vacantly at the television, but was truly daydreaming of Misty in Sailor Moon's outfit.
His thoughts gave way to a nonsensical fantasy of Misty posing over the cadaver of some miscellaneous youma. Ash walked over to her, dressed as Tuxedo Kamen. As with any and all fantasies, there didn't have to be a reason before the making out commenced--
Ash reeled as he realized that he'd been staring at Misty for a good deal of time rather than the show. He began to sweat as he tried to find a way to assuage her uncomfortable fidgeting.
Ash narrowed his eyes, the black haired one kind of reminds me of you, Misty.
Misty brightened, a little flattered that she would be compared to Rei.
Yeah, you both have such bad tempers, Ash laughed.
Why you! Misty shouted, then playfully pretended to wring Ash's head off his neck. Ash played along beautifully, his eyes bugging out and his face turning red.
Oh stop that you two, Brock said in a mocking tone, obviously referring to the incident on the sidewalk. You're making me sick!
Jealous, are we? Ash raised an eyebrow. Gee Brock, I didn't know you liked Misty so much.
Brock's jaw dropped, and he was vermilion by the time he could think of a reply.
I never said I liked her--in that way, he shouted.
So you're saying you don't? Ash cockily grinned.
Brock frowned, feeling as if he was backed in a corner. He would either have to flat out lie, or give some lame, weak response.
Maybe I do maybe I don't, he snorted, all I know is that you get jealous whenever I even say a word to her, so maybe I'll leave you thinking I like her!
Brock cringed. That didn't even make sense to himself.
Oh yeah? Ash growled, standing up and facing Brock. Maybe you just make me sick! I'm not jealous! And besides, why would she like you? You try to jump anything that moves and is female!
You two knock it off! Misty shouted, standing as well as she added her sentiments into the fray.
But both Brock and Ash ignored her wishes.
At least I-- Brock began, but was too mad to think of a good comeback. Oh, bite me you wannabe!
Ash grinned. And besides, your rock pokémon got their asses kicked by a pikachu!
Brock gritted his teeth, your pikachu can kiss my ass!
Brock knew his quips were just getting weaker and weaker, but he wasn't used to searching Ash for faults for with to insult him. It surprised him that Ash knew exactly how to roast him, surprised him enough that he lost his wits for a time.
Screw you both! Misty fumed, stalking off to the bedroom. I'm going to bed.
Ash and Brock disregarded this and stared daggers at each other.
So Brock, Ash crossed his arms. Do you like her? Do you really?
Brock frowned, and replied in an equally snappish tone. Not any more than you do.
Ash looked at the floor.
Brock said softly, trying to keep their friendship intact. We can't have all this tension--it's been weird lately. And, well, I think we should just call it quits.
Ash looked up snidely. I agree.
Brock smiled, and tried to hold out a hand in a truce-making gesture, but he hadn't phrased his peace-making speech right, and Ash took its connotation in total opposition of its intention.
So you gonna leave? Ash snorted.
Brock blinked, putting his hand back to his side.
You said you wanted to call it quits, Brocko, Ash frowned.
Brock staggered, not knowing what to say. I didn't mean--you really want me to--leave?
Ash laughed. You suggested it, not me.
Brock's face completely fell, and he looked at Ash in a pained manner. Ash's face fell as well, and he looked at the floor.
Look, Brock, I didn't--
Brock put a hand to his lips. I probably shouldn't be here anyway, I just tagged along after you--after our gym battle--you have every right to want me to leave. I guess--I guess we just don't get along. I'll get my stuff.
Ash's eyes widened, let's talk about this, we just got in a fight, friends fight all the time, Brock, it's no big deal.
Brock looked up at him, stone-faced. We really haven't been getting along lately. And why? Because face it, his voice became almost inaudible as he continued, we're both in love with the same girl.
Ash bit his lip. You're not in love with her. You want everyone.
Brock gritted his teeth. I don't really--I have always acted that way, and I guess after I started to fall for Misty, well, old habits die hard.
Well maybe we should ask her who she likes best, Ash sighed. Put this to rest.
Brock shook his head furiously. I don't want her to know! She can't know! God, I'd die if she found out, I'd never be able to live with myself if she didn't like me back--
I feel the same way, Ash shook his head sadly.
Brock put his hands on his hips.
Ash shrugged.
At least we have something in common, Brock tried to lighten the atmosphere. Why do you like her?
Ash looked at the ceiling. I dunno, she's cute, she flirts with me, I can't explain it. Why, do you have some million page long list of why you like her?
Brock blushed. No, it's just, she really gets into the things that concern her. And she's cute. When she get's mad she's cute, and when she plays with togepi, and when she throws a pokéball--that's really cute--and--
I get the picture, Ash muttered. Yeah, I noticed all that too. You're too old for her!
Two years! Brock sputtered. Big deal! It's weirder to date a younger guy than an older one anyway, Mr. fourteen year old who has the hots for a fifteen year old.
Big deal, Ash growled.
They stood in silence for a moment, just trying to will each other to like someone else. Ash finally broke the silence.
You know, Ash sighed. Now that we've confessed this, we're just going to try twice as hard to keep each other away from her.
And you can say goodbye to my flirting with any other girl, Brock cringed.
Ash looked up at Brock, a glint in his eye. Does this mean war?
I'm afraid so, Brock shrugged. Let's just hope we don't end up killing each other and then find out that she has a thing for Gary .
Don't even think about that! Ash shouted.
Brock laughed in a detached, Machiavellian manner.
Or Ritchie, Brock taunted further.
Shut up!
Or James--
You're crazy!
Silence entered the room once again, Ash bathing in it with a scowl on his face, Brock relishing in it with a smirk on his face.
They stood this way momentarily, until Brock's smirk collapsed into a look of seriousness once again.
Let's just not let her get between our friendship, though, Brock advised.
Ash agreed, sighing. I could see how this turn us against each other.
It already almost did, Brock frowned, but we talked it over. We can fight a war and not end up hating each other, right?
Ash blanched, not so sure of it. We can sure as hell try, I guess.
Good boy, Brock smiled. Now let's go to bed so we can wake up refreshed for battle. You already have a leg up on me, though, because you get to sleep in the same room.
Ash grinned. Well I guess that makes us even, because you're taller than her, and I'm not, which was a point on your side.
You have a point, Brock yawned.
The two boys slept in their respective places, though sleep didn't come easily as they wondered who would ultimately end up with Misty, if either of them at all. It seemed wrong, to be so bellicose over something that should be sweet and innocent, but they let their fantasies carry them into dreamland, into the morrow, where God knows what could happen.
*****AUTHOR NOTES!!!******
Soooooo. . . should I continue this? Was it cool? Was it different? Tell me! And you can give me ideas if you really want to. :) Don't be sure sure who I'll have her end up with. . . don't assume it will be Gymshippy because, if you've read all of my stories, you would know that I do AAMR as well, just not as much. :) Maybe she'll end up with James. Who knows. You don't know. I have an idea. And it's gonna involve a lot of--ice cream! And no, that wasn't a good hint. Tell me whatcha thought, in any case. I don't *think* anyone has done this before. And, if someone has, I didn't copy! I never read it, I swear! Later