Two chapters in two days? The world must be ending.


"Brock!" Misty calls out, smiling for the first time in what must be months. Brock wraps his arms around her, hugging her closely. "It's been years! I've missed you so much!"

"You look amazing, Mist! How have you been?" He falters suddenly, his eyes going soft. "Oh, Misty. Are you okay?" Regardless of how long they've been apart, Brock will always know when something is bothering Misty. She had always considered him her older brother and loved him as such.

Misty unwraps herself from his warm embrace and smiles up at him sadly, tears attempting to well in her sea-green eyes. She is determined to not let anyone see her cry this week. "I'm okay. Coping. Let's just say that the Cerulean bar had to literally drag me out of the building three hours after closing when I got the wedding invitation." Brock smiles at her sadly and pinches her cheek.

"It'll be okay. You can always come to me, you know? Both of you are my best friends and I won't take sides but I am always here to support you both."

"I didn't even know they were dating. After we broke up, he just up and left. He didn't even say goodbye. And now here we are, two years later at his wedding." She sighs, picking up Azurill and cradling it in her arms. Brock leads her out of the port and towards the hotel the wedding party will be staying at. Ash and Dawn spared no expense.

"You had met her before, right?" He questions, smiling at the receptionist at the front desk. "Misty Waterflower." He says kindly.

The hotel was disgustingly fancy and over the top in Misty's opinion. Since when was Ash ever a fan of a place so prim and proper? Whenever they would go out, it would be to hole-in-the-wall diners or run down bars. He loved the history and homey feeling that each place gave. He would always joke about how so many people wasted money going to expensive restaurants for bad food when they could go to a dive for delicious, home cooked meals.

Brock thanks the receptionist and hands Misty her key card. Written on the tiny envelope was the number 928. Did this place really have nine floors? The only hotels she stayed at had four or less. "Yeah, I met her a few times when we were younger. She definitely had a crush on Ash but I never thought that he liked her, too." She says flatly. Walking with him to the elevator, she nearly chokes when she sees that this hotel doesn't just have nine floors, but fifteen to be exact. "How can they even afford a place like this?"

"Dawn's grandparents are insanely rich apparently. They were more than happy to pay for all the expenses so their little Dawn could have her dream wedding." He mocks, prompting a hearty laugh from Misty. "Well, here is your room." He smiles stopping in front of room 928. "So, I suppose I will be seeing you tonight at the hotel bar?"

Misty furrows her eyebrows. "Why would I be there?" She questions, opening the door and allowing Azurill to scurry inside to jump on the bed.

"The wedding party is going for dinner and drinks to go over all of the week's plans and activities. Since you are one of Dawn's bridesmaids, it's kind of mandatory that you show up." He chuckles, shaking his head fondly.

A low grumble leaves Misty's throat. "I was the last bridesmaid she chose and I am pretty sure it was out of pity. She doesn't like me at all but probably feels like she owes something to Ash. Honestly, I'm surprised I was even invited to this wedding." She pouts, leaning against the door frame.

Brock rolls his eyes. "Misty, you know Ash would never not invite you. You two may not be together anymore but you both have a bond that none of us will ever really understand." When she doesn't respond and keeps her eyes trained on the floor, he sighs. "Well, I better get going. Suzie is waiting for me."

At the mention of the beautiful breeder, Misty smiles. "How are you two? Will I be attending another wedding not too far off?" She teases.

A wide smile spreads across Brock's face. "We're great. And who knows? Maybe you will." After a quick wink, he is off towards the elevator. With a small sigh, Misty walks into her room, slamming the door behind her.

...

All eyes are on Misty as she walks down the winding staircase leading to the hotel's luxurious restaurant and bar. She wears a deep ocean blue, off the shoulder dress with the tiniest bit of sparkle and a long slit going all the way to her mid-thigh. It is probably the most sophisticated dress she owns. To compliment it, she wears gold platform pumps. It took her a few failed attempts but she can now confidently walk in them. Despite her current situation, that's how she feels right now: confident.

Lovely lighting makes it feel as if the room is dimly sparkling. White columns stand large and wide, breaking up the space evenly. Everyone is dressed so stylishly and although she is dressed just as nicely, Misty can't help but feel slightly out of place. This really isn't the scene of a hot-headed tomboy. She scans through the many people; trying to find someone from the wedding party so she can at least be part of a group. "Misty!" She hears her name being called not far off to the side. May jumps up and down excitedly, waving her arms back and forth.

With a genuine smile gracing her lips, Misty makes her way over, only to be shoved to the side by someone backing up. Her ankle buckles, sending her falling to the side until sturdy hands quickly latch around her waist. Her wide eyes meet dark viridian. A small breath passes her parted lips as she stares up at the strikingly familiar face. "G-Gary?" She murmurs in shock.

"The one and only, Red. I see you're already falling for me." He winks, helping her steady herself.

"Not yet." Misty laughs with an eyebrow raised. "Not to be rude or anything, but what are you doing here?"

Gary can't help the chuckle that falls past his lips. "I can't remember a time when you weren't trying to be rude." Misty rolls her eyes, but grins anyway. He isn't wrong. "Ashy-boy invited me. Didn't you hear? We are apparently besties now."

"Liar."

"Fine, okay. He invited Gramps and my sister so Delia forced him to include me as well."

"There we go, that's more believable!" Misty casually crosses her arms. "Gosh, I can't remember the last time I've seen you. You look good, Gary." She is slightly shocked by her confession.

Gary seems surprised as well but only for a brief moment. "Thanks, Red. You're looking pretty damn good yourself. I believe the last time we were all together was when Gramps had that cookout at the laboratory. We were about seventeen at the time." His eyes catch someone in the crowd but he quickly focuses back on Misty.

"Yeah, that was quite a long time ago." She murmurs, rubbing the back of her neck.

"You were with Ash at the time. I really thought you two were going to last forever, but I guess that was short lived." As soon as he says it, he freezes, obviously not meaning to say it out loud. His eyes go wide and his mouth parts slightly. "Misty… I didn't mean-"

"You haven't changed a bit, Gary. You're still the arrogant prick you've always been, and that's probably what you'll always be. Enjoy the wedding." She spits in disgust, refusing to show him any weakness. She spins on her heel and storms off towards May. Her stomach drops and tears desperately try to fall but she refuses to let someone as self-absorbed as Gary Oak make her cry.

Misty finally reaches May and is engulfed in a giant hug. "Misty! You look amazing!" She gushes, holding onto Misty's shaking hands. She is so furious her body is struggling to keep calm. All she can do is bite her tongue and try her best to keep from punching someone. "Was that Gary Oak you were just talking to? I can't even remember the last time I've seen him." She says distractedly, trying to look over Misty to spot him.

"You know what?" Misty speaks up after taking a deep breath. "Who cares? How about you and I find the bar before we have to sit through this stupid dinner?" She asks hopefully.

May gives her a sad smile before looping their arms together. "Let's go loosen up."

...

"Are they actually going to show up? I could be taking a hot bath and ordering room service." Misty pouts, leaning back in her chair. Brock pats her shoulder, his other arm resting against the back of Suzie's chair. "Would it be unbridesmaid-like to leave now?" She questions looking at May and Suzie hopefully.

"Yes, Misty." Suzie giggles softly. "I'm sure they'll be here so-"

"Hey everyone! Sorry we are late!" Ash and Dawn approach the table, looking just the slightest bit disheveled. Misty can feel her cheeks redden immediately as her eyes cast downwards, not wanting to make accidental contact with Ash. "We got a little… distracted." Dawn grins, nudging a chuckling Ash.

May immediately senses Misty's discomfort, so when no one is paying attention, she makes a gagging face. The sweet gesture does little to make Misty feel better. She takes a deep breath and pours herself a glass of wine, sure to fill it to the top. This is going to be a long dinner.


I literally had to rewrite this chapter three times but I'm somewhat happy w it. Hopefully anyone who read enjoyed (: