Well, here I am with chapter 2 as promised. I think this story will probably be 3 chapters or more. I apologize for my particularly long absence. Let's just say I had a particularly bad experience that had me shaken up for a while. I plan to get on here more often, so please continue to bare with me. I promise, I won't let ya down :) Anyway, on with the story.

Chapter 2: Pains of Growing Up

Misty sighed as she leaned back against the tall Oak tree she was currently sitting under. After a late lunch, she had decided that a relaxing afternoon at the park was definitely in order.

The red-head smiled. Ash would be looking for her soon enough. He had been extremely flighty after lunch, and had gone off to the Pokemon Center to check on his Pokemon.

"Azurill!," the baby Pokemon chirped, interrupting her mother's thoughts.

Misty smiled again. "What is it, Azurill?"

The baby Pokemon chirped happily again, waving her arms in excitement.

Misty bit back a giggle. She knew that gesture all to well. It usually meant that Ash was near. The red-head had no more time to think on the matter, however, when two hands popped up to cover her eyes.

"Came to find me already, huh, Ash?," Misty teased, giggling when she heard the person behind her give a shocked gasp.

"H-how do you do that?," Ash inquired as he removed his hands from the girl's eyes, moving to sit beside her.

Misty gave a radiant grin.

"I'm just special that way."

Ash rolled his eyes playfully.

"Oh, haha."

Misty giggled again before leaning against the boy's shoulder with a soft sigh.

"I think Brock's on to us."

Ash gave her a rather nervous glance out of the corner of his eye.

"What do you mean?"

Misty rolled her eyes at her boyfriend's denseness.

"I mean that I think he knows that something is going on."

"You didn't say something, did you?," Ash inquired in a rather nervous tone.

Misty quirked an eyebrow.

"Why? It's not like it's THAT horrible to admit, is it?"

Ash swallowed nervously at her dangerous tone, and held his hands up in a rather defensive gesture.

"No, no it's not that. It's just that...well, I didn't know if you wanted everyone to know about us is all. You do realize that we'll probably never hear the end of it, right?"

Misty relaxed, and let out a long sigh.

"I guess you're right. We can't hide it forever, though. Sooner or later, someone's bound to find out, right?"

Ash gave a sigh in response.

"I guess you're right. Hehehe! I still haven't told my mom. Not exactly looking forward to that."

Misty gave him a questioning glance.

"What do you mean? I thought your mom liked me."

Ash placed a hand to the back of his head in nervousness.

"Oh, it's not like that. Sure she likes you. She'll probably be embarrassing about it though."

Misty gave a shy smile.

"I, uh, never thought about that."

Ash smiled briefly before wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

The pair fell silent for a moment.

It was then that a thought occurred to Misty that she hadn't thought of in the past couple of hours. What would she tell her sisters if they called now? Sure, she had planned to stay all along if Ash accepted her confession of love, but what other reason did she really have? She knew that there was a chance that her sisters would understand, but what if they didn't? What if, when she refused to return, they called her reasons selfish?

Misty let out a long sigh.

"What's wrong, Misty?," Ash inquired at his girlfriend's shift in mood.

Misty took her head off his shoulder and gave him a rather conflicted look.

"Well, I was just thinking...you know...about my sisters. What if they call me home tomorrow, or something?"

Ash bit his lip lightly. Why hadn't he thought of that earlier? He had been so caught up in the excitement of her returen that it had never really occurred to him that she may have to leave again.

"I...I really don't know what to say to that, Misty. We'll...we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, okay. No matter what happens, I'll love you either way," the boy finally replied with a sad smile.

Misty instantly felt the tears prickle in the back of her eyes. She couldn't start crying now! If she cried now, she knew she'd never stop.

It was in that moment that Misty began to re-think her decision to become the gym leader of Cerulean City. Sure, she had the skills, but what was it really worth if she had to give up her happiness in return?

"Th-that was really sweet, Ash. And I'll...I"ll always love you too," the red-head murmured as she felt a few of the tears escape her, sliding down her cheek.

Ash gave a small smile, and brushed the girl's tears away before leaning forward to kiss her.

As he pulled Misty closer, Ash couldn't help but think that, yesterday, everything had been so different. All he had worried about up until now was training very hard for the Pokemon League, and being a good friend to his pals. Now, however, things were beginning to shift in importance. He supposed it was all part of growing up. Ash smiled slightly. Ready or not, they WERE growing up...

A/N: Well, there's the second Chapter! :) I hope you guys are enjoying this, and I'm sorry it took so long to get up. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you :) I would like to request that, if you ask a request fanfic from me, that you read and review it when I post it please. I've noticed that this story has gotten more reviews than its prequel story. Anyway, I hope everyone had a cheeful holiday season. As always, feel free to leave feedback. Catch ya later :D