A/N: Hello! My motivation/time/energy for writing isn't great at the minute, as I have a lot on in terms of uni work. So, I've decided to do an Alphabet Challenge so I can post short one-shots, because I do miss writing, I just don't have much energy to think of plots! My boyfriend gave me a list of prompts and some of them are, uh, interesting... This one is pretty short, and it's mostly implied Pokeshipping, but I hope you enjoy it! Also, sorry if there's any messages - my brain is mush at the minute!
A is for Ash
Misty tightened her coat around her as she exited to the outdoors, noting the bitter Autumn breeze, before turning to face the person still in the house.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay the night, sweetheart?" a concerned Mrs Ketchum asked from the doorway, rubbing her arms for added warmth.
"I would love to, Delia, but I really need to be at the Gym in the morning for that delivery; Daisy's still in the Orange Islands visiting Tracey's parents," Misty explained, completing her sentence with a sad smile.
Delia reflected the young woman's expression. "Well, I'll see you on Friday, won't I?"
Misty's smile became joyous, giving Delia a toothy grin. "As always."
With that, the pair said their goodbyes and Misty went to get into her car that was parked on the road in front of the quaint Ketchum home, where she had left it two days previous. As she opened the door, however, she paused, noticing something in the distance. A great tree stood far in the distance, but was still clear due to its size, its leaves dancing round the trunk as they fell from the branches, causing sprinkles of red, orange and yellow around it. Misty smiled wistfully, as memories came flooding back to her.
She appreciated the warmth of the sun's rays on her milky skin, but also the light breeze that caused her orange hair to flutter lightly. She was sat beside her best friend. He had messy, black hair with a cap on his head that was slightly worn from adventure. Leaning against the large tree behind them, said cap was covering his eyes as he rested them. His Pikachu and her Togepi slept peacefully next to one another in front of their trainers.
"You know something, Ash?" Misty asked suddenly.
Ash grunted, and then said, "What?" his voice vacant and sleepy.
"This tree is an ash tree," Misty said, looking up at the large branches above her head, dressed in luscious green leaves. Ash sat up slightly and pushed his cap away from his eyes.
"Someone named this tree after me?" he said, looking at her, perplexed. Misty rolled her eyes at him.
"No, Ash, it's the type of tree."
Ash looked up, like Misty was moments earlier. "Whoa…" he breathed, taking in its height, strength and beauty. "Pretty cool tree to share a name with. It's tall and strong and great… Like me!"
Misty scoffed. "Okay, I might allow you strong, great is a maybe, but tall?! You're still a good few inches shorter than me."
The boy scowled and folded his arms defiantly. "So? I'm only twelve; I'll beat you, you'll see. You're just freakishly tall."
Misty giggled, pulling down his cap over his eyes, causing him to yell out in disagreement. "Jealous, much?" she winked at him and he flushed red, turning away from her to avoid her gaze. A few moments of silence passed, Misty was no longer focused on her male companion, instead looking out over the quiet town before them. She sighed heavily, causing Ash to look at her expectedly.
"Something wrong, Mist?"
She smiled softly, keeping her gaze on Pallet. "Ash… Can we do this every summer?" she paused, as she collected her thoughts. "You know, just… sit here, together?"
Ash was a little confused, not by the request, but the fact she felt she had to make it. "Of course, Misty!" he beamed. "Wouldn't have it any other way…"
Misty smiled fondly at that very tree before her, the affectionate memories hugging her and suddenly she no longer felt cold. Giving the falling leaves and large branches one last look, she grinned softly and got into her car, a happy thought floating in her mind.
When the leaves returned, so would he.