And So We Meet Again

by Silent Melancholia

How could she lie there on the bed she shared with Brock with her thoughts and heart focused on another man? A man that had once been a best friend to both of them. -- My take on a realistic Ash/Misty/Brock triangle

1. Will you still be there in the morning?

And So We Meet Again…

Chapter One: Will you still be there in the morning?

* * *

I wanna know that

Feeling that's from way back

A time when it was true that

Love was sweet and innocent

When you and I could still be friends

Make all the wrong be right again

Where true love never has to end

* * *

Misty Slate happily breathed in a fresh breeze of air as she stepped out of her home and onto the plush grass of her lawn. She could detect a faint hint of ocean in the wind, as she often did in her small hometown of Cerulean. It was comforting, awakening her senses more than her cup of coffee had. There was nothing she loved more than the smell of the sea.

Checking again to make sure she had everything, she adjusted the strap on her purse and set forth towards the market. It was early Tuesday morning, her weekly shopping day. Usually she would be required to drive due to a heavy load, but today was different as Brock was out of town on business and without her husband she only needed food for one. Wanting to take advantage of this opportunity she had decided to take in the pretty scenery and do her errands on foot.

Cerulean had expanded since her childhood years, filling with more people and new businesses. The little town had long since become busy, but never too crowded for her tastes. It was fitting for her. She finally felt at home here, with its charming houses and friendly people. Now the only Waterflower still living there, she had made quite a good reputation of herself. She was a respectable gym leader, and a skilled water pokémon trainer.

A few years ago her sisters had moved to different cities to pursue their dreams of making it big in performing, and while she missed them occasionally, she was glad she now had the gym to run as she pleased. As for her mother, she could care less where the old woman had ended up. She and her new "lover" hadn't even bothered to show up for the wedding. Misty regretted ever letting Brock convince her to send the invitation.

Brock, her husband of seven months, was now a worldwide famous breeder, having opened chains of his own centers in many different cities. He made a great living and was quite happy with his job, but Misty wished he didn't have to be away from home so often, as she missed him dearly when he was gone. He felt the same way, doing everything he could to keep in touch with her while on his business trips. In fact he had just called that morning, knowing she would already be awake. She supposed the habit of rising early she had gained from their journeys as kids had never quite rubbed off.

Their journeys. She grimaced at the painful throb in her chest it brought to reminisce. She usually refused to let herself think of the past, but it looked like she had stupidly let her thoughts wander. Walking faster, Misty struggled to distract herself with her surroundings. She just had to keep going and everything would be fine.

Without thinking she let herself focus on the nearby trees. Big mistake. The wispy willows were part of the forest she dreaded seeing, and had been avoiding for years. Were part of the forest she had been in with him. She desperately tried to push the incoming thoughts away, but they rushed upon her like a raging river, swallowing her whole. Wave after unwanted wave of nostalgia swept over her, bringing more unwanted memories along with it. Misty finally wearily gave in as her mind drifted back towards that day.

It was a day she would never forget…

~*-*-*~

Begin Flashback

~*-*-*~

Ash Ketchum slept peacefully in his bed, dead to the world as usual. With each breath, his loud snores rose and fell in unison with his chest. He was contently lost in a world of dreams, and anyone who had ever tried would know that waking him up was almost impossible. He was just as stubborn asleep as he was when he was awake. In fact, Ash was such a deep sleeper that he didn't even stir when Misty charged through his bedroom door, nearly taking it right off the hinges.

"Rise and shine!" Misty threw open his curtains, hoping the brightness of the morning would rouse him. Ash, however, only continued to snore even louder. She should have known it wouldn't be that easy. Misty blew out a breath of frustration and began to shake him, resisting the strong urge to jump on his head. When he didn't respond, she shook him harder, but even with his body snapping from one side to another, he still did not wake up. Misty sighed. It would have been so much easier if she could just use Pikachu to shock him awake, but the little electric rodent had long since headed over to the Professor's laboratory to help them get ready for the party.

"I swear Ash Ketchum," she began menacingly, dropping him back on his mattress with a less than gentle thump, "that if you do not wake up this instant, you will regret it!"

"Hmm?" Ash finally opened an eye sleepily, squinting in the sunlight that poured onto his face. "Oh, it's just you." With an easy yawn, he dismissed his red headed roommate and rolled to his other side, ignoring the scowl she threw in his direction.

"Well good morning to you too!" Undeterred, she flopped down onto his mattress, her mouth lifting into a smirk at seeing his exasperated expression.

"Go away."

Much to his annoyance, Misty did the opposite, yanking his blanket out from under him. "Unfortunately for you I am not leaving until I get your lazy ass out of bed." She jabbed his side with a finger, "So save me the trouble and get up and shower because I have things to do. You see, unlike you, I have a life that doesn't consist completely of Pokemon, food, sleep, and TV."

Still half asleep, Ash covered his head with a pillow, unable to think of a comeback. He moaned, "Since when are you so cheerful in the morning?"

"Never," she fought to wrench the pillow from his grasp, "But today is special remember?" At his blank look she clucked her tongue, succeeding in pulling away the pillow with one last hard tug. "How could you forget, Ash? Brock is finally coming home!"

Ash immediately perked up at that, no longer feeling all that tired. "Really?"

"Yes, really. And your mother needs us to run to the store and pick up a few final things for the party, remember?"

"I can't believe I forgot! I guess I've just lost complete track of time lately with training and battling and making appearances and everything."

Misty's face darkened at that. "Guess so."

Ash was oblivious to this, as being observant was not exactly one of his strong points. "Is there anything else we need to do?"

She brightened up again; nagging Ash was always a fun thing to do. "Not anymore. You can thank me for cleaning up this pigsty of an apartment. It took me hours to clean everything! Oh and may I add that you are a complete slob. I mean you're already twenty-three years old and you still can't even pick up after yourself!"

"Gee. Which should I thank you for first, cleaning or insulting me?"

She grinned at his sarcastic tone. "Cleaning will do."

Ash stuck out his tongue, not about to let her win this match. Without warning, he whacked her with his remaining pillow, catching her off guard. Before she could react, Misty lost her balance, and tumbled to the floor with his blanket twisted around her legs. Ash cheerily got out of bed as she struggled to untangle herself. Daggers were shooting from her eyes as she glared up at him, her hair and clothes now disheveled. He paused at his door to look back at her, his voice full of laughter.

"Thank you, Misty. Oh, and while you're at it, could you clean my room too? Thanks again!"

With that, Ash smugly sauntered off to the washroom with Misty's enraged shrieks and death threats shaking the walls behind him.

~*-*-*~

Ash's head shot up the moment he heard the sound of wheels crunching gravel further up the road. Misty instantly knew what the excited look in his eyes meant; Brock was finally here. Sure enough, as she followed his gaze she could see Brock's old, rusty Chevy in the distance. Two loud honks blasted in the air, fulfilling the ritual they still carried out, even though they all traveled less often now. Ash and Misty exchanged ecstatic grins and turned to face the approaching vehicle.

The truck slowed down to a crawl as it neared the house, turning into the driveway. After a moment, the engine was turned off and the door swung open. Brock stepped out onto the pavement and happily surveyed the house and yard. Everything looked almost exactly as it had the day he had left. Even the flowers he had helped Misty plant near the front porch were still there, blooming proudly. No longer having to feel homesick, he turned and waved like a fool.

"Brock!" Delighted, the redhead ran from her spot on the lawn and into the waiting arms of the older man. He grinned and twirled her for a moment, her laughter floating throughout the yard as her feet were effortlessly lifted from the ground. When they stopped, she kissed him soundly on the lips and stepped back to examine him. "It's so good to see you again!"

"Likewise." He made a point of looking her up and down, pleased when she narrowed her eyes at him for it. "Why, Misty, I do think you get prettier each time I see you. So much better than the scrawny girl I remember from our journeys!"

She laughed and poked him hard in the ribs, pretending to look angry. "Quit while you're ahead, Brock. I'll only give you a warning this time because I'm feeling nice."

Ash made his way over to them, an amused look upon his face. "That would be a warning I advise you to follow. Last time I called her scrawny, she must not have been feeling very nice. I earned myself a black eye."

Brock turned, his face lighting into an even broader smile as he pulled his other best friend into a large bear hug. "Ash, buddy! It's been too long."

Ash grinned and slapped him on the back. "That it has. Welcome home, Brocko."

Home. A place he had thought about every second he was away. It felt so good to be back, to see his friends again. Each time Brock came back it made it even harder to leave again. And at the rate this was going, he didn't think he would ever leave again.

"You weren't gone very long this time," Misty remarked, watching him closely.

He gave her an exaggerated pout. "And what's that supposed to mean? Didn't you miss me?"

"Are you kidding?" Ash cut in, still grinning. "We only missed your cooking!"

"Ash!" Misty hissed, "That's not true!" She faced Brock and couldn't help but smirk. "Don't worry. We missed your cooking and your desert making!"

"Yeah, love you too, guys." Brock lazily slung an arm around both of their shoulders, feeling worn out from his trip but very content. "Now let's go into the kitchen—which I'm sure hasn't been put to proper use since I left—and I'll remind you exactly just how much you did miss me."

~*-*-*~

"Hurry up Misty, we're going to be late!"

"Hold on, Ash! Why do you always have to be so damn impatient?"

"If you didn't take so long all the time, I wouldn't have to be!"

"Well you can't just go somewhere without being fashionably late!"

Ash threw up his arms in exasperation, "Women!" Beside him, Brock chuckled merrily. Some things never changed.

Another ten minutes passed by; Misty had yet to come downstairs. Ash stopped pacing the floor and looked at his watch for the millionth time. "Come on! What are you even doing up there?"

"What do you think? I'm getting ready, you idiot. And I'm not coming down until I look absolutely gorgeous!"

He groaned loudly, "Brock, she's never going to come down!"

"I heard that!"

The boys exchanged amused glances.

At last, they heard the clicking of Misty's heels on the stairs. "Finally," Ash muttered to Brock, a smile in his voice. They both turned to watch her descend towards them, each step taken ever so deliberate and dramatic. She stopped when she got to the bottom and twirled in a small circle.

Ash smirked, "I'm so glad you decided to finally grace us with your presence."

She ignored him, "So, what do you think?"

"You look beautiful," answered Brock. "And, hey, it only took you three hours this time!"

Misty punched him cheerfully, "Thank you! And for the record it only took two hours and fifty-one minutes. Ash?"

Not quite comprehending why, he found he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Sure, she had grown from her tomboyish years to become fairly pretty, but now as she was dressed up with makeup and all, she was almost breathtaking. "You are absolutely gorgeous, Misty."

She beamed and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

"Hey," protested Brock, "I give you a compliment and I get punched, but he gets kissed? How fair is that?!"

She laughed gaily and kissed Brock too.

"That's more like it!" he grinned. "And now I'll be right back, I just need to go to the washroom really quick, okay?"

They nodded their response in unison.

When Brock was gone, Misty turned to Ash, studying him with a smile. He looked rather handsome in his new suit, almost sexy. It surprised her. Over the years he had changed so much from the skinny, annoying, little kid he had been when she had first met him. Okay, well maybe he still was skinny and annoying, but at least it was to a lesser extent. He had grown up in his own ways, and was much more tolerable. He still had his moments when he acted like a ten-year-old again, but sometimes it was kind of cute—in a way that made her want to smack him.

He interrupted her thoughts, "You wouldn't happen to be checking me out now would you, Misty, dear?

She flushed and shook her head in wonder. "I just can't believe how much you've changed."

"Changed how?"

Misty struggled to find the right words. "You… you just matured, I guess."

He raised an eyebrow. "Me? Mature? Well I never thought I'd see the day that happened."

"Me either…" She smiled softly, "When did you grow up on me, Ash Ketchum?

He smiled back, "Apparently the same time you did."

Her breath caught at the almost subtle change in his voice. She said nothing, studying him for a moment. Ash watched her carefully, his eyes hinting at something that his placid expression did not.

Misty stepped towards him, uncertain. "Seems we've been pretty blind all these years."

He stepped towards her; it had only took him a few seconds to understand what she was talking about… about what had gone unspoken between them for too long. "Don't forget stubborn."

Another step. "Immature."

And another. "Afraid…"

Misty suddenly realized how close to each other they stood, their faces now nearly touching. Her heart raced, "A-Ash?"

"Yes?"

Before she could respond, a loud cough interrupted her, causing both their heads to shoot up towards the sound. Brock had re-entered the room and now stood there, leaning against the wall, an unreadable expression on his face as he watched them. Embarrassed, they backed off from each other, trying to look casual, despite Misty's red face and Ash's disappointed one.

Clearing her throat, Misty smiled brightly and pushed away her own disappointment. "Took you long enough!"

"Looks like it's a good thing I didn't take any longer," Brock muttered softly, his eyes on hers. Neither Ash nor Misty heard him clearly enough to catch the meaning of his words, falling into awkward silence again. Ash didn't notice this, his own eyes also on Misty. Brock was grateful.

Needing a distraction, Misty turned away from Brock's intense gaze and Ash's questioning look. She happened to catch a glance of the clock hanging above them on the wall. Seeing the time, she gasped. "Oh, the party! Come on! Hurry up you two, you're going to make us late!"

Ash, who was also trying to act as if nothing had happened, decided it would be useless to remind her that it had been her that had kept them waiting for over an hour. Instead he only rolled his eyes. "Yes, your highness."

"Oh shut up and get a move on it."

She grabbed her jacket and lead the way out of their house. For once Ash didn't comment on her acting as if she was the boss of them and followed her without complaint. Brock silently brought up the rear, lost in his own thoughts. Misty sighed at the lack of excitement displayed in their faces. Tonight was supposed to be a happy night to celebrate Brock's return. Deciding that the current tension between them was foolish, she linked arms with Ash on one side and Brock on the other. They had to try and forget about whatever it was that had just occurred and go have fun.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go party!"

Both boys couldn't help but inwardly smile at Misty's attempt to lighten the unexplainable dark mood that had fallen between them. She looked at them hopefully. In response they both gave a grin that was only a little forced, allowing her to pull them back into higher spirits.

Satisfied, Misty moved forward, nearly knocking them off balance in the process. She happily pulled them in the direction of the lab, ignoring Ash's protests about her taking charge.

They were all going to have a good time. She would make sure of it.

~*-*-*~

"So how have you been? Fill me in on everything I've missed since I've been away."

"Nothing interesting has happened. I've just been tending to the gym and Ash has been wishing he could enter that tournament in Johto. Same old boring story." Misty grinned as he gave her a twirl and then brought her back towards him. "Tell me about what you've been up to instead."

"Well there was a small problem with one of my branches in Saffron, but I took care of it. Otherwise everything is moving quite smoothly. Soon my chain of breeding centers will be open to everyone, everywhere." His face glowed. "My dream come true."

"That's wonderful, Brock. I'm so proud of you. We all are."

He dipped her. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without your support. You and Ash have been so great, always encouraging me."

"Oh it was nothing. We knew you could do it, you just needed a little push. I mean what are friends for?"

"That's something I kind of want to talk to you about."

Something in his voice had her examining his face closely. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but it was almost if…

"Can I cut in?"

Brock dropped his gaze and turned to their friend with slight displeasure that quickly changed to a grin. "Of course you can dance with me, Ash," he batted his eyelashes with a high-pitched coo. "I've been waiting for you to ask all night!"

His younger companions laughed, Ash patting him on the shoulder. "Well while you are very pretty, I think I'm going to have to make do with this young woman instead."

Misty put her hand on her hips. "Make do, will you? Is that a challenge?"

"You up for one?"

"Always if you are." She accepted his outstretched hand and with a little wave at Brock, allowed him to lead her further into the dance floor. Brock watched them sadly as they were swept into the music, laughing. Even though he was very close to both of them, he still couldn't help but envy their bond. Maybe it was just his imagination, but they had this chemistry between them that he had always feared would turn into more. Sure they fought constantly, but that was part of what held them together, part of the charm.

Why did Ash always have to be one step ahead? With a sigh Brock turned and made his way through the swaying bodies to find Tracey.

"Isn't it great to have Brock home again?" Ash grinned happily, not having noticed anything wrong with his friend.

Misty agreed with a thoughtful smile, keeping her feet in time with the music. "I wish he didn't have to travel so much. I mean even you have been travelling less than him."

"Speaking of travelling, I've decided I'm going to go to the tournament."

Her mood dropped. "What? But Brock just got here, and we had plans!"

"I know, I know. But this tournament is important! Plus it's not like there's anything special. I'll see you guys when I get back."

"You don't even remember, do you?"

"Remember what?"

She glared at him, hurt. "Sunday is the anniversary of my father's death."

"So? Brock can go with you."

"That's not the point, you jerk."

"Well don't get mad! It's no big deal."

"How can you say that?" She stopped dancing and pulled away from him, her voice cold. "You know it's funny how even with such a big heart, there is never any room in it for me."

"Now what are you talking about?"

Misty made an impatient noise, as if he should already know. "You don't care for me, especially no where near as much as I used to care about you! And don't try and pretend you do Ash. I'm tired of excuses."

Used to? He winced inwardly at that, but tried not to let it show. "If that's what you believe, then maybe you don't know me as well as I thought you did."

She whirled around to face him again. Anger glistened in her vivid blue eyes that were now more intense than he had ever seen them before. "No, I think it's the other way around. You don't know me as well as I thought you did! I cared for you even after I tried so hard not to, only to have you too involved with your pokemon and becoming a master to even notice anything else around you. You just showed now that you would rather go off and battle than be here for something that is very important to me!" She stopped for a moment and took a breath to steady herself.

Ash stood there, his temper rising, unsure of what to say. He had had no idea that she thought that about him. It was true that other people had told him similar things. Over the years there had been many jokes and teasing about him being obsessed with pokémon, and he had always just shrugged it off with a laugh. But as he heard it now, coming from one of the people he loved the most, it hurt more than he would have ever guessed it could. He felt compelled to provoke her, not only wanting to hear all of the truth about what she thought of him, but needing to.

It was his nature to strike back without thinking.

When he didn't respond she threw up her hands in frustration. "Ugh! I was so blind!"

He gave a half-hearted sneer, knowing that what he was probably a bastard for what he was about to say. "Or maybe you just weren't worth noticing."

A childhood of rejection sprang back to her. She recoiled, as if slapped. How dare he attack her defenses like that when he knew the story of her past? After her father died, the only person of her family who had truly loved her, there was no one to stop her mother from constantly berating and beating her because she wasn't more like her beautiful, talented sisters. No one to stop her mother of telling her how she would never amount to anything, of how she was not only a disappointment, but a mistake as well. And in spite of how strong Misty had tried to grow up to be, Ash's words still struck and exposed a weak spot, making her feel like the helpless child again. The runt that no one had wanted.

She would prove she was more.

"Well you know what? You weren't worth anything either! You're still just a stupid obnoxious little boy with goals he'll never reach. I'm really lucky Brock came in when he did, or I might have done something as stupid as kiss you. I can do much better! Why I even stick around is beyond me. And I realize now I should have never let myself have feelings for anyone anyway, especially someone as immature and incapable of returning them as you!"

An expression she didn't recognize flickered onto his face as she said those words. Ash's voice grew quieter, but not quiet enough to erase the hint of sadness lacing his words. "You've never asked me how I felt about you, Misty." He paused, looking at her in a way that made her knees momentarily feel weak. "If you had asked you might have been surprised."

With that he turned and walked away. Absolutely speechless, Misty could only stand there stupidly and watch him until he disappeared from her sight.

~*-*-*~

Brock took a sip of his drink, pausing to examine his two friends that sat gloomily on either side of him. Ash had seemed fine, chatting to him about his latest achievements and battles until Misty had walked into the room. Instantly Ash had grown strangely quiet, and her face had fallen, as if her hopes had just been dashed. Brock could still feel the tension hanging between them. Neither had said a single word to each other, nor had they so much as even met each other's eyes. He couldn't put his finger on the exact time it had started, but he was sure something had happened at the party. There was definitely something going on, and Brock had a feeling that it wasn't just one of their usual little quarrels.

There was also the matter of what had happened before the party, or should he say what would have happened if he hadn't walked in when he had. But Brock's heart gave a dull pang at the reminder of Ash and Misty almost kissing, so he quickly pushed away any thoughts that were heading in the direction.

"So… really nice weather we're having, don't you agree?"

His attempt at starting a conversation failed once again, his only response being a strange look from Ash, as it was currently storming outside. Brock sighed inwardly, a growing sense of worry nibbling at his mind. He had tried everything he could think of to get a word, a laugh or even any kind of sound out of them, but so far nothing had worked. He was troubled over what could have possibly happened to make them sit there… Ash looking so hurt, Misty looking so lost.

Brock cleared his throat; it was time to bring out the heavy artillery. "Okay, it's now or never… Guys, I have something really important to tell you that I've wanted to say before but have never found the courage…"

Both Ash and Misty gave no signs to acknowledge that they were listening. Brock continued anyway, trying to sound and look as serious as possible. "You see, the truth is… the truth is I'm gay, and I think I am falling in love with Gary."

They distractedly gave identical grunts, no reaction appearing on either of their faces. Brock fell over in disbelief and frustration, his hand wringing in the air. After a moment, he pulled himself up and smacked the table loudly with one fist to get their attention. Startled, they looked up from their almost untouched dinners.

"Okay, I've had enough, this is driving me crazy! Will one of you please tell me what is going on?"

"There is nothing going on." Ash's voice was brisk, and though he still refused to look at her, it was clear his words were directed at Misty, "At least not anymore, that is."

A wounded expression crossed her face. Misty angrily sprung up from her chair, not caring that she knocked it over in the process. Looking as if she wanted to say something but stopped herself from doing so, she ran from the room, slamming the door behind her.

Brock listened to her footsteps as they pounded up the stairs, most likely heading for her room. He wanted to go after her, but figured it would not be a good idea at this point. He turned to Ash, who sat there, in regretful silence, once again lost in thought. However, before Brock could speak, Ash cut him off.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"But--"

"Sorry, Brocko. I'll see you later." Ash got up from the table, stopping for a moment to pick up Misty's chair. He then quickly grabbed a belt of pokéballs, and without another word, left the house, and disappeared into the woods.

Brock slumped dejectedly in his seat; some welcome home this was turning out to be.

~*-*-*~

Misty ran blindly through the woods, straining to see through the pouring rain. It came down in sheets from what felt like all directions, plastering her hair and clothes to her body. From somewhere behind her in the horizon a low roar of thunder filled the air, a warning of the vicious storm to come. She cursed under her breath. If only she had received the warning earlier, then maybe she would have thought to grab something to attempt to shield herself. Instead she had foolishly left the warmth of the house with nothing but that clothes she had been wearing.

Why did she always go running after him? He was impossible to reason with once he had his mind set on something. She was wasting breath on deaf ears; he'd never change. Yet time after time again, Misty continued to do so anyway.

Maybe she should just turn back and go home. Ash would surely come to his senses eventually. Not even with his thick skull would he be stupid enough to stay in the forest on a night like this. He was supposed to be a grown man. He didn't need a babysitter. Besides, who was to say she would even find him in this weather? On second thought, it was probably more likely that he would be too stubborn to come to his senses on his own. After all, he had been pretty mad, and when he was angry he tended to be even more irrational than usual. Add to that a tendency to somehow put his life in danger everywhere he went and you didn't get the most comforting image.

No, she had to keep looking. Perhaps she too was being fatuous, but Misty would not go back home until Ash did too. At this point it didn't even matter if he was upset with her. She just needed to know he would be safe. Ash was everything to her.

A long stream of obscenities burst from her mouth as she found herself flying through the air and landing not so gracefully in a large puddle. When she regained her senses she whirled around to seek out the culprit. The upturned root she had tripped over seemed to laugh back at her in triumph.

With a vicious snarl she pulled herself back to her feet. Great, now not only was she soaked, but dirty too. She kicked the root in revenge, resulting in another rush of swears as she injured her foot. "Today just keeps getting better and better!" She seethed, screaming at the dark, gray sky in an attempt to feel better. Another roar of thunder was its only response as it began to rain even harder. Now even the sky was taunting her. Misty gave a frustrated howl and began to stomp around like a madwoman; screaming alone just wouldn't give her the same satisfaction.

"My how dainty and lady-like you are, just like always."

She stopped in surprise and embarrassment at the dry, mocking voice, forgetting about the throbbing pain in her toe. Even with the sarcasm and unusual harshness it was easy to recognize whom the voice belonged to. Her heart turned over in her stomach, relief filling her as she turned to face him. "Ash."

He sighed, his amusement from watching her little hissy-fit washing away. "If you're not planning to leave anytime soon then you might as well follow me. I found a little spot where we can at least be dry."

The little spot turned out to be a cranny in-between some fallen rocks that provided a sufficient space for shelter from the unrelenting rain. It seemed safe enough, without a word she followed him inside.

Ash regarded her for a moment, his annoyance at her coming after him evident. "Why were you out here in the rain anyway?"

"Isn't it obvious? So I could find you, dimwit!" She flinched at her words, wanting to kick herself.

He scowled. "Just go back to the house. I don't need this right now."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Does it really matter? You'll just twist around what I say to suit your own purposes anyway."

Her tone dropped icily. "I guess this proves to me I really was wasting my time trying to apologize and make things right. You'd rather be a stubborn jerk."

"Yes that's right. Oh but don't forget obnoxious and immature, with goals I'll never reach. Just a stupid boy, remember? You could do much better."

Her expression softened a bit, feeling guilty. "Look... I'm sorry for everything I said. I didn't mean it."

"I don't want your apologies. We both know you did mean it, no use pretending you didn't. Probably a good thing that it's finally out in the open anyway. Otherwise I might have done something as stupid as kiss you back."

"You're not exactly the innocent victim here, Ash Ketchum! You said a lot of things that hurt me too." Her voice broke as she continued, and she hated herself for giving into her weakness. "You knew how much it would hurt me to attack my past like that. You knew about my emotional scars from my abuse! You knew!"

He lowered his head at that. She was right. He had known, but he had gone ahead and said something anyway. It had been low of him. Very low.

"Not so smug now, are we?" Misty brought herself to her full height so their faces were level. "And for your information, I can do much better. As in someone that actually meets my standards."

"Now I get it." His voice rose in anger. "You have this unrealistic view of what I should be, how I should act to meet your "standards". Is that why you always reprimand me and push me to my limits? Because nothing I do is ever good enough for you and your idea of this perfect guy? Well you can't just mold a person to be what you expect them to be. I am who I am, and you either love me for me, all my faults accepted or you don't. And if you don't, well then I don't think there's a point to continuing this friendship, let alone something more."

Misty wasn't sure whether she was more surprised of the words themselves or the fact that Ash had spoken them. Of all the years she had known him, Ash had never said something so intelligent or deep. Nor had he used such a big word as 'reprimand' in the right context and understood the meaning at the same time.

"I didn't know you felt that way…"

"Yeah, well, there's a lot of things you don't know. Never stopped you before."

Her eyes narrowed again. "I've only ever been looking out for your best interests all these years."

He nearly snorted. "My best interests? Are we talking about someone else here? Because the Misty Waterflower I know never does anything that doesn't benefit herself!"

"Is that really what you believe?"

"Sometimes."

It saddened her to hear that. "Well then, did you ever think that maybe seeing you succeed and be happy did benefit me?"

Ash stopped short of what he had been about to say. "What?"

"Sure, at first I did join you on your journey because I was looking for my own adventure and had no where else to go once I ran away. And sure I was hoping to make something of myself, but don't even think for one second that I stayed with you for the purposes of using you. Why would I still be here after all these years? I stayed because you're my best friend, you and Brock are like the family I never really had, and I've never cared about anyone as much as I care for you, Ash."

Flabbergasted he gawked at her as if seeing her for the first time. "Jeez Mist,' I… you know I care about you too," he finished simply.

"Do you even understand what I mean when I say I care about you? I want more than our friendship. I want you." She stepped closer, seeking a long waited answer. "So I'm finally asking you now. You said I might be surprised, so come on and surprise me. How do you feel about me? Just tell me the truth."

It was now or never. "There's never been anyone else. Only you. Always you."

Before she could lose her nerve, Misty ran and threw herself around him. Her lips found his intimately for the first time in all the thirteen years of their friendship and after closing her eyes, kissed him like no other. He kissed her back, making up for his lack of practice with his unanticipated skill.

Indescribable waves of emotion flooded through both of them. Head spinning, Misty ran her hands down his lean body, nipping at his soft lips slowly, teasingly. He responded, running his own fingers through her hair that now hung in wild waves as it naturally did when wet.

Ash gently broke the kiss. She stopped tugging his shirt upward, lifting her gaze to his face. "What's wrong?"

He caressed her cheek. "You're absolutely sure this is what you want? I mean after all, you can do better."

"I've already apologized for that. You know I don't mean a lot of things I say when I'm angry. Plus you've seen the scum I've dated before," she joked, laughing lightly.

"I'm serious."

"And so am I when I say I mean this." She kissed him again. "I am sure."

He couldn't help but grin, his chestnut eyes dancing. "Well then, I guess I should be a Good Samaritan and help you out of those wet clothes."

"My hero."

~*-*-*~

Outside of their haven the rain continued to fall, now reduced to faint drizzle. Misty serenely listened to the sound of birds singing in the distance. She had found paradise.

Beside her Ash stirred, murmuring her name. She turned in his arms to face him. He looked so rumpled and cute lying there, nothing covering him but dirt. She giggled and placed a kiss on the tip of his nose.

He snuggled her closer. "You're so beautiful, Misty. I don't understand how I didn't see it before."

"Maybe because you were blinded with your stupidity?"

"So it was the blind leading the blind, then? No wonder we didn't find each other until now." He smiled. "And I've never been happier to open my eyes."

She gazed at him, idly tracing an imaginary circle on his bare chest with a slender, pointed finger. "Promise me your heart?"

He gently cupped her face in his hands. "Forever."

She smiled dreamily, a contented sigh escaping her lips. Ever since her dad had died she had vowed to never love anyone or be loved by anyone again. She had been so afraid of losing the people close to her that she had lashed out at everyone to push them away. But now as she lay in the arms of the person who had taught her to love again, she knew that she didn't have to ever worry about losing him.

Ash Ketchum never broke a promise.

~*-*-*~

End Flashback

~*-*-*~

But he had broken a promise, and broken her heart as well.

Misty blinked back the stinging tears that always followed after the memories. She had woken up that morning, naïvely full of love, happiness, and hope for the future. Had opened her eyes and expected to see her best friend, and now something so much more, curled up beside her as he had been before she fell asleep. Instead she had rolled over to be greeted by the cold, empty air.

Ash was gone.

She had panicked, frantically trying to make excuses for him. He must have headed back to the house so Brock wouldn't be worried, or had taken a walk, or something. She didn't want to believe, couldn't believe the conclusion her mind had immediately jumped to. But it had turned out to be the truth.

Ash had left her to go to that damn tournament. Had chosen his career over her.

He hadn't even had the decency to give an explanation or write a bloody note. He had just left, left her there alone in the forest, stripped from her clothes and her dignity. Left her and never came back.

A few weeks later she had caught a news report about the young trainer wining the final battle, seen pictures of the fight where he had unsurprisingly used Pikachu. There had been a short interview after, in which one of the reporters had asked him if it was hard to travel so much, being away from his friends and family. Ash's response had been that everything he wanted he had with him there: his pokemon and his fans. She had thrown the remote at the television in fury, wishing him to hell.

Misty had never explained what had happened to Brock, only accepted the comfort he had kindly held forth without any questions. The older man had been baffled and hurt deeply, never understanding why Ash had left and then never called, wrote, or contacted them in any way. Hurt even more every time Ash didn't answer any of his letters or ignored his phone calls. Their best friend had cut off any tie with both of them, avoiding them by travelling around the world as he pleased, throwing himself into every competition and tournament he could find. He made it clear he no longer wanted to see them.

Finally, after two years, Brock had done just as Misty had long before; he gave up.

And during those two years he had offered Misty not only the strong friendship they had always had, but offered her a gentle and tender love. A love he had held for her for years. He never once tried to force her to feel the same way, only patiently waited instead. Gave without demanding to receive.

And eventually Misty had pushed away thoughts of Ash and grown to love Brock as well. A year later he had proposed to her. She accepted.

Everything was wonderful and Ash was out of her life for good. Was not welcome to ever come back in it.

Or so she tried to convince herself.

Misty gave a heavy sigh and continued walking, trying to re-focus her mind. There was no point wasting her thoughts on the past, it only brought her more unnecessary pain anyway. And hadn't she experienced that pain enough already? It wasn't doing any good to think of what might have been. She was happy now, with a wonderful and loving husband who always put her above everything else. Misty was never second best with Brock.

She twirled her wedding ring around her finger, her husband's handsome face appearing in her mind. He was everything she had wanted in a man and she felt so lucky to have him. Felt so lucky that he had still chosen her and stayed by her even when she hadn't returned his feelings at first.

As her thoughts drifted to their wedding, a smile lit her face. It had been perfect. The beautiful ceremony had taken place only seven months ago, in the lush gardens of Cerulean. Being somewhat famous people themselves, there had been quite a turn out, causing them to extend their already large guest list. Brock had wanted a small wedding, but she had convinced him they should go all out instead, give the papers something to talk about. And so they had. It had been one of the most talked about weddings in years.

And somewhere inside of her she had secretly hoped that Ash had read about it and been devastated.

~*-*-*~

Misty walked out of the store, many bags in hand, feeling quite pleased with herself. It had been a madhouse in there just like it usually was once the sales hit. There had been quite a commotion, but she felt pretty sure that she had once again shown that she had come out on top over everyone else. There had been a few women who had tried their luck in wrestling certain items away from her. The nerve of them! Hadn't they seen that she had noticed the clothing way before their greedy hands had so much as grazed the material? But it had been no problem for her skillful technique and she had been the victor, as always. No one messed with the fiery redhead when her mind was set on something. Especially if she got angry.

Well what could she say? When you got it, you got it.

Humming a familiar tune she strutted down the sidewalk, bags swinging proudly. It was a warm spring morning, the sun shining brightly. Spring had always been her favorite season of the year. It wasn't too hot, not too cold; it suited her just fine. She loved seeing the start of new beginnings as the first flowers bloom and the ice melted from the lakes. Loved seeing the animals return, hearing the birds start singing again, and smelling the dew after a gentle rain-shower.

Pretty things had always caught her eye, and springtime was full of them.

Misty gave her watch an impatient glance. It was already nearing ten a.m. and she still had a few more stops to make. Quickening her pace she headed towards the corner of Main, waving cheerfully to some people she knew. There currently wasn't much traffic rushing down the pavement; the morning work rush was by now almost over. Perfect timing.

Waiting until the roads were clear, she began to cross the street, still humming lightly. She wasn't going to let her earlier thoughts and memories bother her. Nothing could ruin her good mood today. Nothing at all.

"Misty?"

Hearing someone call her name she looked ahead to the other side of the street where an attractive, dark-haired man stood. She squinted, trying to make out who he was. He certainly seemed familiar, but she was sure he wasn't from around here, otherwise she would have seen him walking around the town before. Puzzled she tried to think of how else he would know her. Deciding he was probably just some tourist who knew her from magazines and such that she had been featured on, she ignored the strange tingling in her stomach. He was no one important.

But then why did she feel as if she knew him from somewhere?

As she got closer he smiled at her, a slow and hesitant but friendly smile. The realization came, instantly clicking in her mind. She froze in pure shock as her eyes widened in recognition, and nearly dropped her newly bought merchandise. It couldn't be, it just couldn't. It had to be someone else. She studied him carefully, trying to tell herself it was a mistake, but her heart plummeted through her chest; she knew her instincts were right.

For try as she might, she would never be able to forget his smile.

The man standing in front of her was Ash.

~*-*-*~

End Chapter One.

~*-*-*~

Disclaimer: The only thing I own is the idea for this fanfic. The lyrics used in the beginning are from "Fairy Tale" by Toni Braxton.

Author's Notes: Yes, I know Ash seems like a huge jerk in this, but keep in mind this chapter was more in Misty's point of view and thus biased. Also, as she has yet to hear his reasons, we don't know them either.

You've probably noticed that this chapter was more based around Misty and Ash so if you were hoping to have Brock play a bigger role or want more BAMR you will find it further on into the story. But don't worry AAM fans, there's plenty more of that coming as well.

~*-*-*~