"Ash, have you ever kissed a girl before?"
It was completely out of left field that she'd asked such a question, and Ash almost choked on his soda.
"What?"
"I'm just curious," Misty said, but as Ash turned to look at her he could have sworn she was blushing. "I know we're only twelve, but sometimes kids...you know, they experiment with this sort of thing."
"Why, have you?" he asked; her blush deepened and she glared slightly at him.
"That's none of your business!" she snapped.
"Oh, and it's your business if I have?" Ash shot back, and Misty blanched.
"You have a point," she muttered. "I'll tell if you do, how's that sound?" she asked. "So, have you ever kissed a girl?" Now it was Ash's turn to blush as he looked away.
"Well, not a girl, but..." He trailed off and she tapped him on the shoulder. "I-I just don't know if I should say it, it's kind of embarrassing and-"
"I won't tell anyone, I promise!"
He took a deep breath and clenched a fistful of grass.
"Gary."
"Gary?!" Misty snorted. "You mean the guy who whips you up into a frenzy every time you see him?!"
"We were seven and we were just playing around!" Ash cried defensively. "That doesn't mean I'm...you know..." His grip on the grass tightened. "Remember, you promised you wouldn't tell!"
"I know, and I won't," Misty said, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "I think it's cute, actually. Two little boys who don't know anything about love and romance..." She smiled. "Okay, my turn. The first and only person I've ever kissed was this little boy I met in the woods one day. He rescued me from a Beedrill, so I kissed him as thanks...I don't think he liked it much, though."
Ash nodded.
"Do you remember his name?"
"No, I was only six and I never saw him again after that," Misty said. "So..." She rubbed the back of her head. "I think I'm gonna go swimming for a while, okay? See you later!" She let him go and began to walk away.
"Misty, wait." He went after her and gently grabbed her shoulder.
"Hmm?"
He took a deep breath, leaned over and gently kissed her. Misty's face turned as red as an apple, and she stumbled a bit.
"W-what was that for...?"
"For saving me when I fell in the river. Remember, when I-"
"I remember." Misty's flabbergasted expression became a smile. "Then in that case..." She leaned over and kissed him back. "That's for rescuing me from the Squirtle Squad before they made my hair purple!" She paused. "Would...you like to come swimming with me, Ash?"
"S-sure, I'd love to!" They hurriedly changed into their swimsuits and rushed to the stream.