Where'd You Go
Disclaimers: I don't own Pokémon or the characters. I also do not the song "Where'd You Go" by Fort Minor. So please don't sue me!
Warning: Swear words
"…" Talking
'Italic' Thinking
Bold Font: The lyrics to the song
A/N: (2/10/14) Been working on this off and on for a while, but never got a chance to fully finish it until now. So this is major revised version from 2006, still the same plotline (to those who remembers it) but a lot of the sectional parts we're taken/changed out and added in. Just so the flow is better and makes more sense. It ended up being a bit longer than the original one, so I decided to break it up in two parts. Well enjoy!
"Where'd You Go – Part 2 of 2"
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone.
Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone,
Please come back home...
Close To Another Full Year Gone By - Ages: Ash & Gary - 22 & Misty - 21
** 9:30 A.M. – In the Main Lab at the Oak's Residence **
Misty ran to the video phone and answered the Oak's phone with a few piece of papers in her hand that she didn't have a chance to read yet. "Oak's residence, this is Misty speaking, how my I direct your call?"
"Happy anniversary, Mist."
"Happy anniversary to you too, Ash. And happy birthday!"
"Thanks. I can't talk long, so how's work? Are the Oak's and mom treating you well?"
"Well of course they are. But work has been tiring since you adding more addition to your team. Haha, kidding. Umm so, are we still up for our picnic at our little park tonight?"
"Of course, I'll see you tonight. But I got to go now, there's a meeting I have to attend ASAP. I Love you, bye." Ash did his usual heart shape gesture, followed by a wave.
"Love you too, bye-bye!" Misty blew a kiss at the screen and waved.
After the screen went black, she went through the papers in her hand, but intensely stared at a certain fly memo that has been going around town. The little park they marked as their special spot is set to get demolish for future homes to be build. Of course with Misty's luck, construction process starts tomorrow. A little shocked at the fact tonight was going to be their last night at their park; she placed down the flyer next to the phone and walked away.
** 10:50 A.M. – In the Main Lab at the Oak's Residence **
The phone rang for three times before Gary ended up answering it. "Oak's residence, Gary speaking."
"Hey Gary, can I speak to Misty?" Ash asked on the other video line.
"Yeah, hold on while I'll go get her." Gary walked off to search for Misty.
About few minutes later Misty finally came to answer the phone. He decided to stand from afar to eavesdrop on their conversation. Hoping this isn't another cancellation phone call because the last few cancellation calls has taken a major toll on her willpower to continue on. Especially when the two have not seen each other in person close to a year now and he wasn't sure how much more tearful breakdowns he could handle.
"Hey, Ash." Misty answered happily.
"Hey. I—Uhh, can't make it today for our anniversary; I'm really sorry Mist."
"What? Why? But you have to make it today, Ash. Because our little park is going to be no mor—" Ash interrupted Misty.
"I'm sorry, but the League just scheduled a Pokémon Battle during the meeting and other important meeting came up for today. But they told me that I can make it on your birthday."
"You're going to believe that? You do realize this is the same repeat for our last anniversary, right? I'm getting really fed up with all these false promises. And what's the point of approving your leave of absent if they weren't going to let it actually happen on the day of?!" Misty shouted and threw her hands in the air. Calming down and thanking the heavens for not having any data files in hand, she looked straight at Ash. "Gawd Ash, I beg you of all days not to cancel, please make it today. I don't care if it's night time, just make it tonight, that's all I'm asking and begging of you." Misty said passionately.
"I don't know Mist." Ash said, as he wasn't sure of what to think of why today is such a big deal when he has already missed two of the their anniversary visit in the past years.
"Please, Ash." Misty pleads and reflected on a decision she's been debating on and really hoped it won't come down to it.
"I—Ok, I'll let them know that I'm leaving for Pallet this evening or so." Ash gave into Misty.
"No matter what?" Misty asked uncertain.
"No matter what, I will see you tonight, for you Mist. I promise but now I'm going to go and get ready. Love you, bye now."
"I'll be waiting Ash. I'll see you tonight at eight o' clock my place. Love you too." Misty hung up the phone and looked down at the flyer memo with a weak smile. And Gary from afar had let out a heavy sigh before walking back to his section.
** 2:45 P.M. – In the Main Lab at the Oak's Residence **
"Come on gramps, do I have to go to both of tonight's meetings? I know it's the biggest research project they want to talk to us about, but why do I have to go both?" Gary asked and gave Professor Oak an annoyed look, missing Misty had entered the area.
"Because those other Professors want you to be there for both meetings to fill you in on all those other important meetings you missed." Professor Oak paused after he still saw Gary's annoyed look. "I'll let you in on a little secret. Tonight, those Professors are going to make you an official Pokémon Researcher and let you take over the Project X under your name. But they want to test you on what you know first in tonight's meetings. So you have to be at both meetings, first one's at five o' clock and the other one is going to be at eight o'clock. Don't be late my boy." Professor Oak said, as he patted Gary's back and walked off leaving Gary and Misty by themselves.
"Congratulation, Oak!" Misty said excitedly and ran up to Gary giving him a big hug. "You're finally an official Pokémon Researcher."
"Thanks, Waterflower. But I'm not a Pokémon Researcher yet. I still have to go the meetings this evening and pass their tests." Gary said, as he grabbed the paper files out of Misty's hand.
"Oh please, you know you got it. You've been in this lab studying like crazy, your Pokémon knowledge is about the same level as Professor Oak. And I'll let you in a secret as well. Earlier today after you left Professor Oak with your explanation on his project, I overheard him admitted out loud to himself that both your guys' knowledge level being equal." Misty smiled at Gary's absolute stunned expression. "So just don't miss out on either of those two meetings tonight, ok?" Misty demanded with a smile. "I seriously don't know why you missed those other meetings, but just don't miss tonight's. Go be that Pokémon Researcher and take over Project X. Go for that one thing you've been wanting the most, Oak." Misty gave Gary a wink before walking out the door.
"Right. The one thing I want the most is what I can't have." Gary said in a sad tone looking at the direction Misty had disappeared through.
** 7:50 P.M. - In One of the Conference Lab Room at the Oak's Residence **
"It is almost eight o' clock and no sign of Professor Oak. We can't start without him." Professor Green said to the other Professors and Gary at the table.
"I'll go look for him." Gary offered and got up from his seat and walked out of the room. He went straight to the main research lab and the moment he got to the door, he heard two familiar voices.
"Alright, is that going to be all Ash?" Professor Oak asked.
"Yes, that would be all. Thanks and please give Misty the letter that I just faxed."
"Don't worry, the letter is on her desk and I'll be transferring you the Pokémon you asked for your battle coming up. Good luck, Ash."
Gary slowly stuck his head through the door to see Professor Oak headed towards the back to the Pokémon transfer machine. Quietly sneaking in off to Misty's desk, he grabbed the letter and quietly disappeared back into the hallway to read what it had to say.
Mist-
I am so sorry that I had to cancel again. I know that you're upset but the League told me that I had to defend my Pokémon Master title. I don't know if it was because of how heated our conversation got, but I don't fully understand what you meant by us being done, like our park? Is this one of our usual fights? Whatever it is, please try not going to bed angry tonight. We'll talk more tomorrow when I call in the morning. Love you.
Ash-
Gary folded the piece of paper and stuck it in his pocket and headed out the door into his car heading towards Misty's house. Knocking on Misty's door like there was no tomorrow, the door finally opened. Seeing Misty's questioning puffy eyes; of why he's at her doorsteps, Gary lost his voice. He too was in his own agonizing world when it came to Misty being in this state. Before he could say anything, he got pulled into the house and Misty started crying into his chest. No words were said, Gary just held onto Misty, rubbing the back of her head until she was ready to talk.
The two stayed in their position for five minutes before Misty finally pulled away and went over to the couch. Gary quietly followed and sat down next to her. After wiping away her tears, Misty rested her head onto Gary's lap, covering her eyes with her forearm.
"I—broke it off —with Ash. I couldn't—compete with his title—He promised he'll come, no matter what. Our park is—no more as of tomorrow. I'm so—tired of being hurt—I've been debating on this decision for a while—and I used today's meeting as a sign. If he didn't come tonight—I was done. Done trying. He's in his own world—and I needed to let him go."
Tears started coming down again and with the comfort of Gary being there, she curled up; head still resting in his lap, and cried her heart out. She felt more at ease when she felt Gary cresting the side of her hair and before she knew it, she fell asleep.
Sometime later, Misty finally opened her eyes to see Gary staring at something into the distance. Of course his gaze returns to her when she got up from his lap. And she couldn't help but looked into the direction he was looking at. He was staring at a bunch of picture frames, where three of them had group shots. In those three photos, Gary and Misty were happily next to each other. Her attention returned back to Gary when she heard a 'yo'.
"—Feeling better after that nap of yours?" Gary asked, as Misty rubbed her eyes.
"Yeaaah and it seems like I really needed to cry my heart out. Umm, how long was I asleep for?"
"Oooh about an hour, or so."
Misty looked over at the clock. "Its nine-fifteen, I've been asleep since about eight ish—" Misty then freaked realizing the time situation. "Oak! Wasn't your meeting at eight? Why did you come here?! I didn't even call for you this time! Why? What about becoming a Pokémon Researcher? Wasn't it important to you?"
"I would be lying saying that I didn't want the official title, but with what went down, I couldn't leave you be by yourself. Besides, you told me to go after that one thing I want the most. As you can tell, it wasn't the Pokémon Researcher title." Gary looked Misty straight in the eyes with a serious look. "I never picture this ever happening, and what crapping timing. But I'll be blunt about it. What I want most in my life is you. Over the years seeing how much dedication you put in your long distance relationship, made me want what you were giving out. And somewhere along the way, I ended up fallen in love you, Misty."
Gary's confession blew her mind into pieces, but it was soon recollected when she realized something. "So all those time that you got yelled at for leaving to meet up with that friend was me? Why didn't I realize it?! It's clear as day that those missed meetings were on days when Ash couldn't make it."
"Why would you have realized it? You were so in your world with Ash. I'm the best friend on the sideline who happen to kept you company. Even though I couldn't have you, I just wanted to make sure you were at least happy when Ash wasn't around." Gary stared at Misty's mystified expression and fought with himself to find the right words to say next about them two. But nothing, so the next best thing was to move on. "Ash wrote you a letter and faxed it to gramps. I took it and read it, just to let you know. And you should read it too." Gary then pulled the letter out from his pocket and held it in front of Misty.
Misty unfolded the paper and read it, as a sigh followed afterwards. She then looked over at Gary, lightly shaking her head.
"I know, Ashy-Boy is still lost as ever when it comes to your guys' relationship. But he loves dearly though. Just because your guys' park is gone, doesn't mean your guys' future together is gone either. Even though you two don't get to physically see each other as often, your guys' mind and soul are always connected."
"I—"
"Waterflower, this is not a request, this is an order from your best friend. You need to at least have a proper talk with him tomorrow. Clear things up and make the decision from there."
"I don't want to. Ever. I said I was done and I meant it."
Gary gave Misty a stern look. "What? Are you going to ignore him from here on out until he visits you on your birthday?"
"Well, it seems like someone was eavesdropping on this morning's phone call." Misty commented aloofly.
"Hah, seems like someone just got busted. Anyways, I'm serious about you needing to talk to Ash tomorrow. Now, I think it's time for me to face gramps' wrath. I don't think disappearing suddenly and not answering the thirteen missed calls isn't going to fly over well." Gary started laughing like a mad man and got up from the couch. He then looked back down at Misty when she had grabbed a hold of his shirt.
"What about us?" Misty asked, still hanging onto Gary's shirt.
"What about us?"
"Well. Umm. You did just confessed to me and knowing the fact you threw away your chance to become a Researcher, I—"
Gary grabbed a hold of Misty's hand and squeezed it. "We're the same as always? That is if you want it to be and ok knowing about my feelings. But if you want me to stay away, I'll understand."
"Umm, well, it is a shock to me but surprisingly I'm ok with it? I think. But with me currently being single at the moment, wouldn't you have jumped at the opportunity?"
"And be your rebound? Nah, I'll pass on that." Gary said genuinely, finally letting go of Misty's hand.
"Heh, the old you would have."
"Hah, yes. The old me would have it. Just to show you how much an influence you've done over me. Besides, I'm no match when it comes to Ash. I've seen how you look at him whenever he visits. So I meant what I said earlier, talk to him tomorrow. I really got to go now."
Misty silently nodded and walked Gary to the door. "Thank you for being there for me all these time," Misty let out a smile and kissed Gary on his right cheek. "You're the greatest, Gary."
Gary touched his cheek for a brief second and pulled Misty into a hug. "Anything for you, Misty."
After returning the hug, Misty pulled away and opened the door. Bidding him a good night and commented that she'll see him tomorrow, Gary suddenly laughed. 'Only if I'm still alive in one piece', was all he could muster in between laughs. Knowing it's the horrible truth and have seen Professor Oak's wrath, Misty humored Gary and laughed, wishing him all the luck in the world. Finally calming down, the two parted and went their separate ways, wondering how their relationship will be from there on out.
I want you to know it's a little fucked up,
That I'm stuck here waitin', no longer debatin',
Tired of sittin' and hatin' and makin' these excuses,
For why you're not around, and feeling so useless,
It seems one thing has been true all along,
You don't really know what you got 'til it's gone,
I guess I've had it with you and your career,
When you come back I won't be here and you can sing it...
Several Months Later – Ages: Ash, Gary & Misty – 22
** Friday Morning - Misty's House – Bedroom **
Misty sleepily rolled over onto her side and slammed down on her alarm for the snooze button. With another fifteen more minutes in bed, Misty stayed on her side and did some reflecting. She couldn't believe that just last month was her birthday and she had officially broken it off with Ash.
After that heart to heart chat with Gary that 'night', Misty did have a long talk with Ash the next day. And things between them smoothed out for themselves and continued onwards with their relationship. However it wasn't the same. Not because of the acknowledgement of Gary's feelings, it was her. She no longer lived in her hopeful-world she wanted with Ash. Have letting that mindset go, she faced reality and let it took its course. Whenever they got a chance to talk; three times a week, she no longer pleads for more personal calls or visits. She was content what she got, especially knowing Ash's busy schedule. But somewhere along the way, Ash felt he didn't have to try hard anymore on his end. As the phone calls lessen to twice a week for a while, after that it went down to one phone call a week and before the two knew it, one phone call for that month.
Being so busy with the Oak's Laboratory, time flew by and Misty didn't realize her birthday was just around the corner, A.K.A. the next day. Ash had called that night informing her he'll be flying in late on her birthday. With the same old tune playing in her ear, she didn't plan on holding her breath of Ash's actual arrival. Somewhere along the way, she made up her mind to use her birthday as a test of fate of their relationship. If Ash cancels due to the League, it was the end. If by all miracle he shows up, she intend to hold onto the last shred of hope she had left for them.
Ash never showed up nor called on her birthday and surprisingly, it didn't upset her. With no heartache or tears, she finally felt she could move on with her life without Ash. It was confirmed in her heart when Ash finally called the next day apologizing. After hearing out the same story, she forgave him and nonchalantly broke it off. The only thing she felt at the time was how liberating it was to be free. Definitely a sign of her flame for Ash has gone out but she still valued their friendship. So she gave the 'let's still be friends' speech, which wasn't a smart move, for it left Ash thinking they were on a 'break'.
The snooze alarm finally went off, causing Misty to hit her alarm again, this time switching it to the radio setting. Getting out of bed, a big smile appeared on her face when she replayed a voice mail from yesterday in her head. She could no longer hide her excitement of her new inner self-emerging, as she danced her way out to the living room to replay the voice mail on the machine.
'Waaaterflower, guess whose back. And if you can't tell by the sound of my voice, I don't blame you. I have been gone for a while. Hahah, anyways Tracey told me you were going to be out late, but I had to call so you can swoon over my alluring voice. Conceited? Not at all. Anyways, jet-lag is catching up, so I'll catch you tomorrow? Oh and I hope you had, like, a grrreat time with, your sistaaas! Hahaha, Oak out.'
Timing couldn't be better, after a long talk with her sisters yesterday; she had all her sisters support to be able to move onward with her life. With a new attitude and make over by her sisters, she knew which direction to take it in. With Gary been gone for nearly three months on Sayda Island with no contacts, she never realized how much she took Gary's presence for granted. Now that he's back, she wasn't going to let it go.
After freshening up and attaching a long wig to hide her chin length haircut, she went straight to her video phone and dialed the Oak's number. A beaming smile appeared on her face when she saw Gary; with a slight tan, on the other screen.
"Yo, welcome back, Oak."
"What up, and good to be back, Waterflower."
"I want to introduce you to this girl. I think you'll love her." Misty said nonchalantly.
"Yeah?" Gary asked with a raise brow.
"Man, she's so fine, Oak." Misty said in a serious tone.
"For real, Waterflower?" Gary asked confusingly, not sure if their conversation is a joke or not. For the first time in a long time, he couldn't read Misty. But the two has always started off their phone conversation with some 'out-of-the-left-field' topic. So assuming that's the case, he went along with it. "Alright, when am I meeting this chick?"
"Wait, are you serious?"
"Yeah. I think it's about time I brush up on my skills again. You know, a little charming here, a little wooing there, and then bam, bedroom." Gary said arrogantly with his infamous seductive smile. His tune changed when he saw an unfamiliar expression. "What's wrong, Waterflower?"
Misty's scowl remained on her face and it stayed like that for another five seconds before she spat out the word 'whatever' and suddenly ending the call. Not moments later the phone rang and she left it ringing. The repeated calls went on for a couple of more rounds before it became completely silent in Misty's house.
She wasn't really mad; she pretended to be just so Gary will show up at her doorstep. However one thing did nagged at the back of her mind, Gary's seductive smile. That infamous smile has not been seen for many years now and all of a sudden it appeared out of the blue. It definitely didn't sit well with her. She's seen it many times in her life but never had fallen for it and now that she has, she wasn't happy. Not because she has become one of many victims, it was due to the fact he brought it out when she mention about a 'new girl'. And she had instantly fallen for it as it was meant for her. Thanks to that notion, she realized her feelings for Gary went deeper than she thought.
Gary marched up to Misty's front door, utterly pissed at her disruptive action. Being on little sleep, the last thing he wanted is to receive is Misty's wrath over a joke she started and couldn't take his tag-along-response. After had banged on the door to make his presence known, he started lashing out when the door slowly crept opened. Before he could continue on expressing his outburst, he suddenly became dumbstruck. Right in front of him, Misty stood confidently in her made-up lab assistant outfit. Noticing the now, short hair and wearing one of his open lab-coats; exposing a tight black mini-tube dress underneath, the idea of being mad stayed outside of the house when he got pulled inside.
"Meet the new and improved, single Waterflower." Misty twirled in a full circle before smiling back at Gary. "Whatcha think? I thought it would be fun to play a little dress up for you."
"Definitely liking what I see, but most of all, I love how much you are beaming right now." Gary stated, as he was right earlier. He wasn't imaging the aura he felt from Misty during at the beginning of their conversation.
Misty giggled and placed a hand on her hip. "I told you that you'll love this new girl," Misty playfully stuck out her tongue. "No longer weighted down by Ash, I will always love the guy. But just not as soul mates and I'm finally ok with that."
"Well before I congratulate you on that, I got a confession. Don't be mad at May, but she sent me a letter about your guys' break up. But I just didn't have any time to be able to write back to her or you for some over-the-sea comfort. I was really worried though. But all seems I worried for nothing. So congrats on moving forward, Waterflower."
"Thanks, Oak. Now, about that response of yours from earlier…" Misty slowly crept towards Gary and let out a sly smile. "…I've already seen the charming side. I've definitely been wooed. So let's just go straight to the bedroom." Before let Gary response, Misty pulled him into a kiss. Indicating that's she's finally ready to be in a relationship with him.
The kiss deepened on his end, for it's been one of the many things he wanted to do with her. In between the nonstop make-out fest, both their bodies naturally moved in the direction of Misty's bedroom. Before entering in, Gary pulled away and stared at Misty. "Would you be my girlfriend, Misty?"
Misty beamed once more. She has always loved the way they have called each other by their surname but she loved it most when they address each other by their first name. It may be only once in a blue moon during their friendship relationship, but when it happens, it's a sign they were way above their friendship level. And that's all about to change. "I thought you'll never ask. I would love to be your girlfriend, Gary."
"Good. Because I don't want what's about to happen behind this door to be a fling."
"Oh, you just know how to just sweep me off my feet don't you?"
"Well words are one way, but I do know of another way."
Before she knew it, Misty was being carried into her room over Gary's shoulder, like he was King Kong. She couldn't help but to laugh out loud. After a line like that, in a normal situation one would be carried in like a bridal or a princess style but deep down, the two of them we're really never normal. And that's just the way she liked it.
Several Months Later – Ages: Ash & Gary -23 & Misty - 22
"Where'd you go, Misty?" Ash asked parked in front of the vacant house that Misty was renting. Petting Pikachu on his head, he gave him a reassuring smile. "I know that she still works at the Oaks. I just didn't know she moved elsewhere. Well let's go back home to everyone." Ash said to Pikachu as he drove home. And greeted at the door, was none other than his mother.
"Ash, honey! What a surprise! Are you here for a visit?" Mrs. Oak-Ketchum asked while welcoming him in and then pulled him into a hug.
"Not really. I'm actually back here for good. I've been defeated and lost my Pokémon Master title last week." Ash said, as he pulled away, letting Pikachu jump into his mother's arms.
"I'm sorry to hear that honey. But why didn't you just challenge the new Pokémon Master to get your title back?" Mrs. Oak-Ketchum asked, petting Pikachu's head.
"I was going to but it was time to return back home. I want to spend time with Misty and finally be able to do boyfriend-girlfriend stuff. We haven't been able to talk in the last some months. So where's Misty living now?"
"Well honey, Misty lives here now. It seems like you're out of the loop. I don't know how to break the news to you." Mrs. Oak-Ketchum hesitated, as she saw Ash's questioning stare.
"What is it?"
"It might be best if you go talk to Misty. I don't think it's my place to fill in the gaps. Last time I saw her was at the main labs. But—"
Ash didn't wait to hear what else his mother had to say, he ran straight towards the main lab. Causing a loud ruckus by asking every employee he saw if they've seen Misty. All of them had the same answer; none of them has seen her. One employee did send him in the direction of Misty's desk area. While making his way towards her desk, his calling still continued on, in hoping Misty will response.
"She has stepped out for the moment." Gary nonchalantly replied in between reading his research files. He didn't recognize that it was Ash until he finally looked up. "Ash?"
"Yup, in the flesh. So you finally can call me by just Ash now?" Ash asked, as the two did a stare down. "So when's my girl coming back?"
"Excuse me? Your girl? Ash, I don't know what time period you're living in but your guys' relationship has been over close to a year now."
"Not completely, we're on a break."
"Ok, now I don't know what parallel universe you're living in. But there was no break between you two." Gary stated, as he closed his folder. "If that's the case, than you have no idea that Misty and I are going out now, correct?"
"Cut the bullshit, Gary. Why would Misty go out with a player like you? You'll end up hurting her!"
"Cut the bullshit with you? From what I can remember, ever since Misty and I became friends, I have never hurt her as much as you had. Open that thick head of yours and realize that things aren't the same anymore."
"You don't know shit, Gary. I know Misty a lot longer than you have and I know very well that she still loves me and I'll be there for her!"
"Then where the fuck, have you been all those time when you cancelled out on her? Did you know that she always end up crying because her boyfriend didn't make it to their once in a blue moon date? As a supported friend, I've been there for her way before you two got together."
Ash grabbed Gary by his collar. "Then it only means that you fucking stole her from me!"
Gary dropped his folder to the ground and grabbed a hold on both of Ash's arm, gripping it tightly. "I never crossed that line! I waited and she came to me on her own. And it's only because your drove her away and she had it with your Pokémon Master career."
"I couldn't leave! If I missed or leave a Pokémon battle, what kind of example would I have set? I would have to forfeit my title." Ash roughly let go of Gary and glared at him. "It's not like you had to go through something like that as a Pokémon Research—"
"Ash, don't yell out things when you don't know the whole truth." Ash and Gary looked over at Misty with Azurill in her arms.
"So what's the truth than? What had happen to us?" Ash asked Misty.
"Let's go talk up at the Suite room. All will be explained." Misty said calmly and handed Azurill to Gary before heading out.
After entering the Suite, Misty brought Ash out on the balcony and pointed in the East direction. She asked what he saw in that specific location. 'New homes being built' was the response, as Misty gave him a sympathetic stare.
"That was our park, Ash. They started the construction the day after our anniversary. The one you promised to come no matter what. That day, when you choose the title over me, I knew I didn't stand a chance. So I gave up on any hope for us that night. But Gary, he talked me through it like always and slapped some sense into me and told me to continue on. And I did, but my heart just wasn't in it any longer. Didn't you ever notice how our conversations were back then?"
"I noticed it was less than before. But that was only because you didn't pressure me anymore, so I thought you finally understood how busy I could be."
"Yeah, that's true and I finally did. So when my birthday came around and if you didn't show up, I planned on ending our relationship. Which did happen, so I don't know where your mind was at when I spat that message over the phone?"
"Well I do remember it, but didn't you say you still wanted to be friends? Normally most couples when they break up they don't remain friends. So I thought it was our way of being on a break."
Misty let out a pitiful chuckle to herself. "You're still silly as ever and in your own world. Ash, let's get this straight, we were never on a break. We officially have been broken up since the day after my birthday."
"I'm back home now. Let me make it up to you. And when your birthday hit next month, we'll celebrate like it's the end of the world to make up those other time."
"Ash, you're finally back home only because you are no longer the Pokémon Master. Your mom just informed me. I'm not blaming you for our failed relationship. I know you tried your best. It was me who couldn't take the loneliness and be the second trophy in your life."
"I'm sorry that I made you felt that way. But you know that I still love you and you are my pride and joy." Ash pulled Misty into a hug.
Misty returned the hug no problem. "I will always have some sort of love for you. Don't forget it."
"Than that means there's still hope for us. I'm ready to give it my all."
"I wish I heard those words like years ago." Misty pulled away with a sad smile. "It's way too late for us, Ash. You know I'm with Gary now."
"I—Tell me why him of all people? Gary has always and will be egotistic and loves the attention. If you put him in my shoes and he were a Pokémon Researcher, do you think he would have dropped everything to meet up with someone? Knowing the fact that he would lose his title?"
"You really have no idea what happens around here do you? Gary gave up his title of being an official Pokémon Researcher and Project X before even getting it. It was the night you left me alone on last's year anniversary. He knew we were having issues and he came to make sure I was alright and encouraged me on. Since he blew his big break none of the professors, including Professor Oak, can't rely on him just yet." Misty then looked away into the landscape distance. "You may not believe it, but Gary has been in both our corners to make our relationship work. I'm sorry that we didn't work out but I'm not sorry that I have fallen for him either. He's really a great friend."
"I can't believe it. We're really over, aren't we? Weren't we supposed to be together forever?"
Misty looked back over at Ash. "We still are? Just not as soul mates though, we're more like friends forever now. That is, if you only want to be. If you want to end our friendship because of the current situation, I understand. But fair warning, we'll still be connected like it or not."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
Misty raised her left hand showing an engagement ring on her ring finger. "I'm going to be an Oak next year."
"You really love him, don't you?" Ash asked hesitantly. He got his answer instantly when he saw an unfamiliar beaming smile.
"Who would've thunk, huh?" Misty stated trying to light up the mood. "Anyways, not to be rude Ash, but you did come unexpectedly, it's time for me to end our conversation. Gary and I have a lunch date, which I am late for. We can catch up later tonight if you'll like?"
"I, well, not sure I'm ready to accept everything?"
"Oh, right. Everything was thrown at you at once, major shock-age on your end. Well like I said earlier, however you want to define our relationship from here on out is up to you. And whenever you are ready to talk, I'll be around. Until next time, I'll see you around I guess?" Misty headed back towards the door and before completely returning back inside, she took one last look at Ash. "And welcome back, Ash."
"Thanks, Mist." Ash said quietly and wondered how he's going to deal with Misty and Gary from here on out, if he decided to stay. Since he knew there's no chance for the two of them getting back together, ever.
Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone.
Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone.
Please come back home...
Please come back home...
Please come back home...
Please come back home...
Please come back home...
Back to Present Time – Ages: Ash, Gary & Misty – 24
** Reception Party in the Backyard of the Oak's Mansion **
"Well, were to start after that," Ash chuckled and took in a deep breath. "For the Best Man's Toast, I'm not going to drag this out. I'm going to try, keyword try, and make it quick and simple. So here we go. At first, I did not want to become the Best Man for my long term ex-girlfriend and my ex-rivalry and slash friend. Because let's face it, I was still in love with Misty. But living under the same roof with these to love birds, days after days, months after months, I finally realized there were a lot of things that I never knew about Misty over the fourteen years of knowing her. Gary on the other hand knew every little thing. Her knacks, flaws, habits, you name it, and Gary knew it. I've known Gary since two and while growing up, I knew his personality and when it came to the women in his life, he was the Casanova. So when I first heard the two are dating, I instantly assumed he would cheat or hurt Misty. But damn, I'll be a Mankey's uncle, as I was sure hell wrong, sorry Gary…" Ash said and looked at Gary, both sharing a laugh, which got the crowd to join in on their laughter. "…Never thought I'll see the day where Gary's stuck to one chick like superglue. Everywhere I go in the mansion or the labs, there I see Gary and Misty together, laughing, smiling, goofing around, you name it they did everything together. Seeing these two all lovely-dovey towards each other twenty-four, seven, got me sick to my stomach, for sure." Ash laughed and raised his glass higher. "Anyways congratulation on the both of you, may you guys find more happiness with each other as husband and wife. Gary, I know that your wife will love you to the day you die," Ash said, as he patted Gary on the back and then walked over to Misty side. "And Misty, I may have lost you as my soul mate but I am glad we're still best friends. I will always have some sort of love for you 'til the day I die." Ash kissed Misty on her cheek and pulled away with a smile. "So yeah, I think I am done. So toast to the newlyweds!" Ash yelled out as everyone cheered for Gary and Misty. "Now go cut that cake!"
Gary and Misty laughed alongside with Ash, as the both of them got up and walked to their white and baby blue wedding cake. The two shared their first bites the traditional way by fork and within seconds, Misty and Gary both had the same idea and smeared frosting against each others cheek. Misty won, since she managed to grab more of a handful. Laughing with the crowd, the two stepped to the side for the servant to take over to cut the cake and serve. While in the process of wiping away the frosting off his face, Gary leaned in towards Misty's ear.
"Let's go clean up and then you can switch into your reception dress."
"Brilliant idea. Would you lead the way?"
"Certainly." Gary took Misty by the hand and heading towards the staircase to the inside of the mansion.
The two made it to Gary's former bedroom. 'Former' because the two no longer live at the mansion. The two had purchased their own house on the coastline just a few days ago and will be starting their own happy little place. After washing up in the bathroom, Misty went to the closet and grabbed her reception dress, only to have it taken out of her hand and placed back by Gary. Looking over her shoulder at Gary, she felt his arms wrapped around her waist.
"Let's not return just yet."
"Gary, but we can't just leave the guests to themselves. They're here to celebrate with us and—"
"Come on Misty, they're not going to care or even notice. Trust me, with an endless amount of food, booze and entertainment, we won't be missed. We'll return back, I just want to fulfill the thrill of doing the deed while you're still in your wedding dress." Gary grinned and picked her up in a bridal position.
"Gosh, you are so horrible! But yet, I'm like, on board with that idea. Once this wedding dress is off, I don't think I'll be wearing it again."
"Then I won't be holding back." Gary said laughing, as he placed Misty onto the bed and lay next to her. On his side, he brushed the strands off her face. "You're beautiful as always, Waterflower."
"Silly, I'm not a Waterflower anymore."
"I know. It's just that this is the last time I'm ever going to call you that because you're an Oak now. Misty Oak. That definitely has a nice ring to it. Misty Oak. Misty Oak. Mis—"
"Shut up, Oak." Misty bluntly told Gary with an unpleasant stare.
"Oh man, it's been so long since you last called me that. Got to say, it's still music to my ear the way you say it. I love you so much, Misty." Gary leaned in towards Misty's lips.
"I love you too, Gary." Misty whispered back and pulled Gary down into a passionate kiss.
The two knew they weren't going to return back to their own party any time soon and they were perfectly fine by that. All they wanted was each others company and nothing more.