Chapter 2

I opened my eyes with a start, the smell of home made soup filling the air. "Hey there sleepy head." I jumped as i heard a voice from somewhere to my right. "Ash." I breathed, smiling at the sight of him. He smiled back. "Brock, he fixed your ankle. And your nose wasn't broken, so no worries about that either." I didn't know what to say. I remebered everything that happened yesterday, and my face burned a deep red. "I meant it." His voice was smooth and calm, he didn't seem nervous or embarrassed at all. "Meant what?" I asked, trying to act like i didn't know. But he knew i did. "Everything i said yesterday. I was. I was scared that i wouldn't get the chance to tell you, you almost died. You needed to know right there and then. And i've been soaring ever since i did, because i found out that your feelings were mutual to mines. And i want you to be my girlfriend, Tess." I blinked at him, my emotions going crazy. I nodded, unable to speak, unable to do anything but smile. He smiled back at me with his twinkling brown eyes. "Good." He whispered, and leaned in closer to me, kissing me on the forehead. He seemed to do that a lot. "I'm staying here, in Pallot town, for a few more months before going off again. I've got to save up money again, but. Winning all those badges, winning the Sinnoh leage. It was amazing. But i found out, that what made it more amazing was the journey. I'm going to travel the rest of the world, battling every trainer i meet. I'm going to be the strongest and best Pokemon master, that dream of mine will never go." I nodded. That was months away, i wouldn't have to worry. "Oh! Ash!" I said, suddenly remembering something.

"What is it?!" He asked, sharing my worry.
"My Charmander! Where is he? I think i dropped him!" I was more than worried now. Charmander had been my first Pokemon and i'd had him for 6 years, given to me by my mentor at school. I'd prevented him from evolving by using an Everstone. Ash's worried expression faded. "It's fine, hes here." He handed me my pokeball, and i let him out. Charmander wasn't a big fan of the Poke ball. "Charmander!" I grinned, and he grinned back. Jumping on the bed, he came up to me, giving me a hug. I giggled, and then i noticed Ash was looking at me, his smile as big as mine. "What is it?" I asked quietly, still smiling, but afraid i had something on my face. "Nothing. You're just so beautiful." He breathed, and although i didn't think i was, i could tell by the way that he said it, that he meant it. Charmander saw Pikachu sleeping on Ash's lap, and jumped on him. "Pika!" Growled Pikachu angrily, but he soon got over it and was running around with Charmander. "Cute!" I squeeled, looking over at Ash who had the same look of awe on in his face watching the two pokemon. Charmander was my only Pokemon, and he very rarely went in his Pokeball, if at all. I hated to battle with him, as i didn't like seeing him getting hurt. I mostly just had him as my companion. "Hey, i was going to ask you later, but i may as well the now. Would you like to stay with us? Me and Brock, i mean." I looked around Ash's room. He and Brock shared an appartment, which Brock's mother had bought him for his 18th birthday. She knew that Brock would be travelling again soon, but seeing as him and Ash always came back for a few months, she thought it was a good investment, to rent it out while he was away too. It had two bedrooms, and it was in really good condition. I looked uncertain. I didn't want to 'intrude' on them, seeing as me and Ash had only been dating for about 10 minutes. "Please. I don't like the thought of you living in that big house, on your own. And, you don't need to keep forking out for the rent each month. Please." He pleaded with me, and i must admit, i thought it was a pretty good idea. I nodded slowly. "Only if Brock doesn't mind.." I started, but Ash interuprted me.
"Who's idea did you think it was?" He smirked, taking my hand in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze.