Blue Heaven

By Spruceton Spook

Part 2

Hesitance

It had only been a half an hour since the kids were kicked out of the house—barely. Still, they made their way leisurely home, holding hands, gabbing about how "productive" the reception planning was going. It wasn't entirely a joke; although there was quite a bit of bickering, much had already been decided on unquestionably. The food was going to be the toughest to agree on, but Ash, Misty, and Brock knew that no matter what was to be selected, it was going to be one heck of a meal. Nothing short of delicious was ever expected from Delia's restaurant, that was for sure.

They were surprised to see Jay sitting out on the front stoop upon their return. Ash found it hard not to smile.

"Mom kick you out, too?" he assumed. The three stopped before him, paying no regard to the fact that their hands were still joined.

Jay simply arched his eyebrows and let out a chuckle at the odd sight. "Um, hehe, no. But, uh, what—what is this?"

Their eyes widening, the three looked down at their hands and giggled.

"I knew you guys were good friends, but..." Jay said hesitantly, leaning away from them.

"Oh, Brock just felt lonely," Misty explained, blushing as Brock jiggled her hand and let go.

Jay laughed and shook his head. "Geez. Well, better look out for your girl, Ash," he said, winking at his son. "Don't know whose hand she'll be holding next!"

Ash shut his eyes embarrassingly. "Yeah." He turned to Misty. "Come on, let's go out back," he suggesting, and the two were off in an instant, leaving Brock smirking gently at Jay.

"So...what were those two up to?" he asked, a glint of slyness in his eye.

Brock smiled. "Oh, nothing," he replied. Noticing Jay's impishness, and taking into mind the man's witty sense of humor, something that was always fun to play around with, he sighed. "Just harmless stuff—ripping off each other's clothes, sharing some tongue..."

"Aaaaah, I see," Jay nodded and grinned, joking along. "The good stuff."

Brock gave him an appealing look. "Ooh, yeah."

The two broke out in vigorous laughter, applauding their clever banter. It lasted for only a moment, however, as Delia suddenly burst out the door, grabbing Brock forcefully by the arm and yanking him into the house.

"Hey! Wha—?" Brock yelped as she dragged him in. She abruptly halted and held him before her, glaring anxiously at him.

"Tell me! What were they doing? Were they really doing that?" she frantically asked, the whites of her eyes flaring.

Brock faltered, disoriented. "Wh-what? No, no! They weren't!"

Delia shook him, a look of pure distress seizing her face. "Brock, please tell me!" she insisted. "What were they really doing?!"

"Delia, calm down!" Jay laughed, coming to help Brock out of her tight, crazed hold. "It's okay, he was kidding!"

"Yeah, I was just kidding!" Brock repeated hastily.

Squeezing his arms, Delia gulped softly. "Yeah, but what were they doing?" she demanded.

Catching his breath from the sudden disarray, Brock put on a promising face. "They weren't doing anything bad," he told her, tugging at her arms tenderly to get her to loosen her grip on him. "They were sitting and talking and holding hands."

Delia took deep breaths. "Really? That's all?"

Brock smiled reassuringly. "That's all they were doing."

Finally letting him go, Delia produced a weak smile. She brushed some hair out of her face, which was just a faint shade of pink.

"I'm sorry. It's just..." She chuckled, her voice cracking a bit. "Don't say stuff like that, Brock. About them...sharing tongue and stuff."

"I was just playing around," Brock maintained, grinning at Jay. "I don't think I'll ever see Ash and Misty doing those things."

Delia smiled and looked down, wishing with all her might the equivalent. "So they weren't doing anything...that they shouldn't be doing?"

"Those two aren't going anywhere," Brock continued, hoping to make her feel even more confident. "Heh, you should see them! There's practically two feet between them when they hug even! Trust me, you have nothing to worry about, Mrs. Ketchum. They're fine. I promise."

Delia had to admit she felt a whole lot better after hearing that. Even though she figured the things Brock was saying were unbelievable, she had to make sure. This was Brock after all—he wouldn't lie to her, but she wasn't momentarily crazy about his sense of humor.

"Well, I believe you," she said sincerely, patting his shoulder. "But you'll still do what I asked, right? You'll watch out for them?"

Brock grinned happily. He loved how Delia trusted and relied on him so much. It flattered him that she put so much faith in him, and he had absolutely no intentions of ever letting her down.

"Of course I will," he said, sticking out his pinky, which she playfully roped with her own.

"Thanks, Brock," she smiled. "Go on, get outta here."

Brock slid past them and headed for the backyard. As the door slammed shut behind him, Delia sighed and shuffled into the kitchen. Jay watched her conscientiously before following languidly behind.

"Hey," he whispered. She stopped and turned, raising her eyes in reply. Taking notice of her husband's inquiring gaze, she squinted confusingly.

"What's the matter with you all of a sudden?" he asked tenderly. "That's the second time today you went all crazy over Ash and Misty."

Delia flinched, looking away. "Oh."

"What's the matter? Are you really that concerned about them?" Jay asked, folding his arms around himself. He was honestly curious about her rash behavior towards the two kids. He knew that Delia was aware that Ash and Misty were slowly passing the "just friends" stage; it was way too obvious. But it wasn't as if she had shown any objection towards it, no more than sneaking a quick look whenever they were with each other. Now that she had practically gone mad over it twice that day, he was starting to wonder if she didn't want to be as quiet about it as she had been.

"Well... she started, lingering on the word as she stared into Jay's expectant eyes. "It's not that I am—I really shouldn't be. I know Ash and Misty are fine together, they're not doing anything wrong..."

"But?"

She shook her head, bringing a hand up to rub her temple. "I don't know," she admitted. "It's not that I have a problem against them...you know, becoming interested in each other. I just don't know if it's...too soon."

"Too soon?" Jay echoed. "What, that they're too young?"

Biting down on her lip, Delia nodded. "Yeah, kinda. They're...they're still kids, the two of them. I mean, Misty's thirteen, she's a teenager, but Ash... He's only eleven."

"He's gonna be twelve soon," Jay replied, smiling matter-of-factly.

"Oh, now you sound like him," Delia put her hands on her hips, giving him a reproachful look.

Jay laughed. "Oh, come on, is that why?"

"Don't sound like it doesn't make a difference," Delia frowned at him. "He's a kid, Jay. He's just a little boy... I—I don't know if he's ready for such a thing!"

"Well, the fact that he's an eleven-year-old boy with a girlfriend doesn't bother me, it kinda makes me proud! He's not that much of a little kid anymore, Delia."

"Well, he still is to me," she responded sadly. "He has a lot of growing up to do, and right now I don't think he really knows what's happening between him and Misty. Sure, they may like each other, but—but it's just a crush! I don't think he knows it's anything beyond that."

Jay sighed, rolling his eyes slightly. She took notice of this, and scowled.

"What? I don't think this is nothing, Jay!"

"But it is nothing!" he contradicted. "Del, it's no big deal! Really, it's not! Ash and Misty—they're just discovering young love. It's cute, it's sweet! I don't think that's anything to go all psycho crazy over."

Delia slumped. "I'm not going all psycho crazy," she mumbled, turning away from him and making her way slowly to the window by the sink.

She gazed out into the backyard, getting a perfect view of the three kids. They had since collapsed on the lawn—well, two of them had. Brock and Misty were sprawled out on the grass relaxingly, large smiles spread across their faces as they watched Ash, who was on his feet and jumping around friskily. Delia followed her boy as he made a rambunctious sprint towards the towering maple tree, leaping and grabbing hold of one of the branches and propelling himself into the air. He soared a few feet and landed squarely on his side, proceeding to roll another few feet as his friends laughed hysterically.

Delia couldn't help but smile happily as she watched her son's deliberate mishap, observing him with utmost motherly love. He was doing what she loved to see—playing and having fun, acting like a kid. He was a kid. That's how she wanted him to be, free and unrestrained and engaged in the prime of his youth. Having a girlfriend and getting involved in a relationship for him was too soon. He already had enough responsibilities in his training that she didn't entirely support. She felt her stomach sink as she watched him rollick, wondering how he could possibly understood what he was getting into.

Jay came up beside her, glancing out the window along with her.

"Is it because of what Brock said?" he wondered, kneading her side. "Is that what you're worried about? That they're making out behind our backs or something?"

Delia cringed, not wanting to even imagine it. "No," she replied, ashen. It still succeeded in sending a chill up her spine. "I—I know they're not doing that. I hope they aren't doing that..."

"Then why don't you feel good about it?" he asked, tilting his head sympathetically.

Delia continued to watch Ash, studying his spirited smile and messy black hair flopping about his head. She took a deep, affectionate breath. "Because he's still my boy," she muttered inaudibly. She looked at Jay with glistening eyes. "He's still my baby, Jay. And...and the moment I lose him to a girl...that's it. He won't be mine anymore."

Jay gawked at her, shaken with her sullen tone and forlorn expression. Gradually, his face lightened, and with a compassionate smile, drew her into a hug. She embraced him strongly, burying her head into his comforting shoulder.

"Aw, sweetheart," Jay sighed, stroking her silky auburn hair. He tipped her chin to look up at him. "That's why?"

Glancing down, Delia nodded. "I know, it—it's ridiculous. I...I should be happy for Ash and Misty. They're such good friends; it's not like Ash found this girl I don't even know, or like..."

"I know you like Misty," Jay asserted. "I like her, too. But...but it's not ridiculous how you feel, Delia. I understand."

Delia smiled weakly. "You do?"

"Of course," Jay replied warmly, running his finger up and down her face lovingly. "But it's gonna happen one day, you know." He peered out the window at Ash. "He's going to grow up."

Feeling tears brim in her eyes, Delia nodded reluctantly. She didn't want to think about that yet, but it was reality. First sending him out into the world on his own, and now this... It was happening all too quickly. A shudder of depression wracked her.

"Besides, you shouldn't let it get you too down," Jay continued, stepping back. A furtive smile curved to his lips. "You'll have someone else soon to baby all over again."

Delia was snapped from her gloomy mood as Jay went to tickle her stomach. She giggled, shrinking away from his torturous fingers. "Oh, stop it, stop it!" she said, swatting his hands. She hated when he took advantage of how ticklish she was.

"So?" Jay beamed, his teeth gleaming. "Is...is there someone special in there right now?"

He stopped tickling, to her relief. Delia regained herself, wiping away her negligible tears. She looked down at her very flat stomach and shrugged. "I don't know," she replied, giving him a sassy look. "What are you trying to do, Jacey Ketchum? Get me pregnant, or something?"

Jay grinned viciously at her remark, rubbing his hands together in a devious manner. "But of course, my dear."

Delia snickered, charging at him playfully. Jay held out his hands and blocked her, the two bursting into laughter. Both had high hopes of having another child. Ever since they had reconciled, they wondered incessantly and eagerly if a baby would eventually follow. Though they weren't desperate, they felt it would be the perfect addition to their mending marriage, and just thinking about the simple miracle gave them ecstatic shivers.

"Well, I'm not sure yet," Delia said peacefully. "With all hope, maybe."

Jay's brown eyes sparkled. "Wow. I get so excited thinking about it."

"Me too," Delia replied. "I want more it more than anything."

Jay nodded, leaning over to give her a kiss. Delia kissed back, cherishing the amazing feeling of his warm lips on her own.

"I'm still worried about Ash, though," she said after pulling away. "It's not that I'm entirely upset over losing him; it's just that I want what's right for him. I want to make sure he knows what he's doing."

Jay nodded, blinking agreeably. "I know. I do, too. But I also want him to have fun and enjoy himself."

Wrapping her arms around Jay's waist and feeling him squeeze her in return, Delia glanced once more out the window. Ash was now sitting beside Brock and Misty, conversing. She sighed inaudibly.

Just please don't go too far, Ash, she told him. Please don't...I won't be able to take it.

Out in the backyard, repose was the general theme of the late afternoon. Ash, Misty, and Brock couldn't feel any better laying out on their backs under the shade of the tree, staring off at the clouds as they floated lazily by. Ash was in the process of calming down after running around the yard like a lunatic, and it was certain now all his energy was drained. Misty and Brock had the joy of watching him tire out, which was enough to make their own bodies weary.

"I can't believe I can be so tired after doing nothing today," Brock said with a determined tone of disgust. "I'm getting way too lazy here."

"Hey, you had to go and fetch me and Ash today," Misty reminded him, to which he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, and don't think I'm doing that a lot from now on," he replied, folding his arms behind his head. "If you two are going to go running off, then don't even wait up for me. I'm perfectly happy sittin' under this tree and doing absolutely nothing."

Misty smiled inwardly at his remark, reminded of what happened when she and Ash had run off just an hour before. Raising her head from the ground, she smirked at Brock.

"Well, then you might like the news that Ash and I have to tell you."

Ash rose immediately, grinning at Misty secretly and then at Brock. This certainly intrigued Brock, who cocked his eye at them before rising himself.

"News?" he asked. "What news?"

Misty beamed excitedly, nudging Ash. He giggled and nudged her back. The two simply stared at Brock, who began to smile curiously. They joined hands, building the suspense deliberately.

"What? What is it, guys?" Brock implored, becoming restless rather quickly.

"We're gonna go out on a date," Misty announced, holding back a shout of glee in doing so. Ash nodded zestfully, his eyes radiant.

Brock's jaw dropped. "Did you just say what I think you said?" he said after a short, incredulous pause, narrowing his eyes.

"Yup," Ash replied, flashing a brilliant smile. "We're going out on a date! Me and Misty!"

Brock felt his ears were playing a dubious trick on him, but nevertheless his shocked expression soon lifted into one of pure awe. Seeing the two of them looking so happy before him was enough to confirm that they weren't fooling around with him.

"Really? That's great!" he exclaimed elatedly. Ash and Misty glanced contentedly at each other as Brock continued to blurt out in utter surprise. "I can't believe it! You guys going on a date...that's just so...so... Wow!"

He laughed, and Ash and Misty easily followed. They didn't quite know what to make of it either, but both knew how remarkable it made them feel. Fervor to spread the word and let everyone know was exciting in itself, but the thought of the actual event was an even more incredible thing to perceive.

Brock quelled his laughter, and smirked at his friends before him. "Man, I knew you guys were starting to really like each other, but I had no idea you were actually that serious about it!"

They both shrugged. "Well, don't look at me," Misty said, pointing at Ash. "Ash was the one today who told me he considered me his girlfriend."

"Ash?" Brock gasped, gawking at the boy, who was now waving modestly. "You told Misty she was your girlfriend?"

Ash didn't even have to respond to that before Brock's hands flew to his face. He sat there for a moment, speechless and still, occupied in his own world of thought. Ash uttered a small laugh, and leaned forward to catch a peek at Brock's expression, wondering what he was thinking. But Brock remained as he was, and Ash gave Misty a baffled shrug. Neither one of their smiles was absent.

"Um, Brock?" Misty chuckled, ready to ease the shock of this seemingly phenomenal revelation for him. She reached over to tap his shoulder, but pulled her arm away hastily.

"Why?" Brock suddenly cried, startling a yelp out of the other two. His eyes were shut closed in desperation. "I don't understand! You two barely had any idea what you thought about each other, and yet this all fell into your laps so perfectly!" His head hung. "Why? Why can't that ever happen to me?"

Ash and Misty collapsed backwards on the grass as Brock began to moan.

"Oh, Brock," Misty sighed as she sat back up again.

Brock held his head for a few more seconds, then looked up at them with a glum face. "Oh well...at least I'm happy for you two." His expression rapidly gladdened. "So, when is this big date?"

Ash shrugged. "We didn't think of a day yet," he said. "We don't even know where we're going."

"Yeah," Misty said, smiling. "It came up so suddenly we didn't have a chance to even discuss it yet!"

"But I'm sure we'll just see a movie or something," Ash said, turning to Misty for a nod. "I mean, nothing big or all."

At the sound of that, Brock perked. His head jerked up at them, eyes wide and aghast.

"Nothing big?" he repeated with a clear tone of appall. With a jolt, he was on his feet. "Nothing big? Are you crazy? This is your first date! You can't just go anywhere and do anything!"

Ash and Misty fidgeted, alarmed at his inflexible glare. Brock couldn't believe the amount of nonchalant undertaking they were putting into this special event. A first date was not to be taken lightly, and he knew that more than anyone. Years upon years of fantasies and dreams had perfected the ultimate date in his mind, and nothing but the best was to be in store for his two dearest friends.

Arching his back and lifting his head proudly, Brock looked down at Ash and Misty, whose faces were strewn with bewilderment, with a cunning glint in his eye.

"There's no way I'm letting you guys think casually about this date," he said resolutely. "This is the first time you're going to go out as one, as a couple. It has to be special, distinct. Something you'll remember for the rest of lives as the beginning of a wonderful and blissful relationship!"

Ash and Misty widened their eyes in surprise, regarding each other oddly for a moment.

"Um...you have some advice for us, Brock?" Ash asked nervously, feeling as though he was beholden to do it.

Brock suddenly lurched and came before them, holding his fist before their faces determinedly. They cringed slightly.

"Of course I have advice! You're incredibly lucky to know someone who holds such wisdom for a delicate and important subject!"

Misty narrowed her eyes. "Ooh, lucky us," she said sarcastically. Togepi trilled beside her.

Brock smirked. "Okay, listen you two. If you truly want to have the most memorable first date, take my word. Somewhere private is the place to go, somewhere dim and romantic—a stroll in the park at night, a candlelight dinner at a fancy restaurant—"

"A movie theater," Misty suggested impassively.

Clearing his throat, Brock glowered at her. "As I was saying, somewhere quiet and not busy, where your attentions are fully on each other." His voice then dropped, and his teeth gritted in emotion as he stared up at the sky. "Then, at the end of the night, under the heavenly night sky, beneath the bright stars and moon, you'll look into each other's eyes and profess your young and undying love to each other!"

He viciously swooped down and grabbed Ash roughly by the collar, bringing the recoiling boy to his face.

"Ash! You have no idea how important this night is!" he screamed fervently, shaking him. "There's absolutely no way in the whole wide world you can screw this up, you just can't! 'Cause if you do, you'll lose her forever and live in complete and utter misery for the rest of your life!"

Ash flinched. "Uhhhhh..."

"Brock!"

Brock yelped as Misty seized him aggressively by the ear, bringing him face-to-face with her rigid snarl.

"This date is for me and Ash, not your dumb fantasy world!" she cried, watching Brock cower and wince.

"Ummm..." Brock said, managing an apprehensive smile. "Movie theater sounds fine to me..."

He gave a shaky thumbs-up, inducing her to release him. Misty brushed herself off, huffing. Ash, who had been watching the whole thing with an amused smile, stood as well.

"Thanks for the advice, Brock," he laughed, "but I think me and Misty are going to go to the movies first. Maybe we'll try that stuff out later on."

Brock nodded gently, while Misty smiled in agreement. Of course we'll try that stuff, she told him in her mind. Her stomach fluttered at the thought of Brock's very enticing visions, hers being very similar. But she knew that was all too out of their league for the time being, as the simple conception of going to the movies exclusively with Ash was pure satisfaction for her.

All of a sudden, Ash's face brightened with excitement. "Hey, I'm gonna tell Mom!" he squealed. "I can't wait to hear what she thinks about this!"

"Yeah!" Misty agreed just as enthusiastically, grabbing Togepi and taking off with Ash as he made a stimulated beeline for the house.

Brock's eyes suddenly glazed over. Tell...Mom? he thought, gulping. His face falling, he gave chase not a moment later. He couldn't even fathom how Delia was going to react to this, and truthfully, he didn't think he wanted to know.

"Ash! Wait!" he cried, only to be ignored. Ash and Misty were well on their way to the house by now to pay any heed to him.

Ash did hear Brock as he ran towards his back door, but it didn't phase him one bit. He was too thrilled about letting his mom know about his big night to care about anything else, even Brock asking to wait up so that he would be present for the announcement. His blood raced and his stomach jumped to his throat with tumult and pride, and each second that it took to make it clear to his kitchen was too long.

"Mom! Mom!" he shouted as he burst through the door, skidding on the floor. He nearly crashed into his two startled parents, making a screeching halt just in time.

"Whoa, slow down there, squirt!" Jay laughed, holding out his hands in case Ash was to slide another inch.

"What is it? Calm down!" Delia said, reaching over to tenderly brush the side of her exhilarated boy's glowing face.

Ash bounced around, unable to control his aroused limbs. Misty and Brock arrived not a second later, Misty's face lit up with joy and Brock's knitted in uneasiness. It was indeed a varied array of facial expressions, one that fascinated Jay and Delia immediately. But it was Ash's that drew the most attention; his exuberant grin and clenched fists made it hard to overlook him.

"Mom! Guess what?" Ash cried, hopping up and down in place. Misty sniggered at his silliness.

"What is it?" she grinned in reply, indulging in his pristine rapture. There was nothing else in the world that made her more satisfied than to see Ash so happy. She could only ponder what it was that was making him so stirred up.

Ash and Misty gave each other another one of their trademark reserved grins before Ash proclaimed, "Misty and I are going to go out on a date!"

Delia suddenly paled, drawing back slightly. In an instant, the smile was wiped clean off her face, and she stood stone still, watching as Ash began to laugh with delight over his announcement. Brock was the only one to notice this; it stuck out as a sore thumb that she wasn't thrilled with this, but Ash and Misty were momentarily too delirious to see it.

Jay was a completely different story. "Hey, that's great! All right, buddy!" he chimed, clapping his hands and giving Ash a friendly shove.

"Yeah!" Ash said. "We're really excited!"

"Well, you should be!" Jay smiled. "First dates are always fun!"

Ash and Misty nodded, and in a flash Ash turned to his mom. Despite her discontented look, he continued to smile nonetheless.

"How about it, Mom? Cool, right?"

Delia looked up into her son's cheerful face, swallowing uneasily. "I...oh, I don't know, Ash."

Ash's face promptly fell. "Huh?"

His interrogation of quandary wrenched her, and she shut her eyes against it. What was she going to say to this? She couldn't think, couldn't formulate her thoughts. A date? Where did this come from all of a sudden? She looked down at him with an austere arch of her eyebrow, the war between her fret and compassion for her boy's disheartened stare raging.

"Wh-where are you going?" she decided to ask. She retained a rigid stance, one that instantly baffled Ash and Misty. She needed information, and more importantly, conviction that this was going to be acceptable and appropriate. "What are you going to do?"

"Why? W-what's the matter?" Ash stuttered, flustered. "We just wanna go on a date. Ca-can't we?"

"Well, I want to know some stuff first," Delia replied firmly. Ash watched his father slump behind her and shake his head, looking noticeably perturbed.

What's going on? Ash wondered, troubled, giving his mother a face to express just that.

"We just wanted to go to the movies one night," he answered.

"Uh-huh," Misty piped in quietly.

"Mom, what's wrong? Can't we do that?"

Delia felt her heart sink at the sight of Ash's face being taken over with disappointment. This wasn't like her, and she knew it.

It's just the movies, she told herself. He's gone to the movies before. But...it's a date. He's going on a date? Oh my God...

"W-well," Delia started, wringing her hands. "I—I guess you can...maybe..."

"Maybe?" Ash gasped incredulously. He didn't understand—why wasn't she happy about this? He would have thought she'd be gushing over it by now. She was usually up for anything he wanted to do with Misty and Brock. This was undoubtedly bizarre.

"Mom, why can't we go to the movies?" he whispered, begging for the approval he craved—and needed. Seeing her indecisive look made him uneasy. "What's wrong with that?"

"Ash, you can go to the movies," Jay suddenly said, coming up beside Delia. His face was serious yet lively. He wasn't in the mood to hear this dilemma of Delia's all over again, especially if it was going to hinder Ash and Misty's excitement. "There's nothing wrong with that."

Delia conveyed her censure to his input with a quick narrowing of her eyes. Jay gave her just a look and light jab in response that told her to simply snap out of it before smiling back at Ash and Misty again.

"It's okay, kids," he said. "I'm excited for you, you're gonna fun. No problem at all."

"Um...o-okay," Ash said hesitantly. Something was wrong, though. He couldn't tear his eyes away from his mother. Even though Jay was delighted and definitely favored the date, he never really did anything unless his mom said it was okay. He needed her to smile and tell him it was all right, and he wasn't going to be satisfied until he got just that.

"Ma, what's up?" he exclaimed. "Why aren't you excited over this?"

"Because," Delia replied immediately, hushing herself to rethink what she was going to senselessly blurt out. Because you're my little boy and I don't want you to go out on a date yet. No, she couldn't say that! She winced at the thought of it. Jay was right; he was a lot more grown-up than she thought. And she couldn't imagine what he would say in response to that. Nothing cheery, that was for sure.

"Because...it's just a bit of a shock, sweetie," she managed to say, forcing a smile to her face. She could do this; she could make him understand. "I mean, it seems like yesterday you were learning to tie your shoes, and now...now you're going on a date."

Seeing him blush made her smile genuine in a heartbeat. She shrugged, her hand wandering over to grasp his shoulder gently.

"It's not that I don't want you to go on a date, it's just that it's so sudden," she explained, her tone heavyhearted. "I have to be honest, honey, I pictured you going out on your first date when you were a lot older. And even then I don't know how I'd get used to it. It's a big step, and it's just as affective on me as it is on you, believe me."

Ash chuckled quietly, searching for Misty's hand. He found it and held it tightly. "Yeah. I didn't think it would happen so soon either, but..." He looked over at Misty and smiled. "I'm sorry to surprise you like this, but me and Misty...we really want to do this. And...and I would really, really love it and appreciate it if you would...let us go?"

"Yeah," Misty said.

Oh God, how can I say no to that? Delia thought, mentally shaking her head. I can't... She breathed comfortingly. "Aw, sweetie. If that's what you really want, then sure...you can go. It's okay."

"Really?"

"Yes. But...you promise me that you'll be okay?"

Ash was positively luminous now. "Of course we'll be okay!" he replied assuredly.

"Promise!" Misty added, feeling a rhapsodic chill fly through her body. She quickly turned to smile at Brock, who gave her a sanguine nod in return.

"Thanks, Ma!" Ash said graciously, giving her a big hug. His mind rid itself completely of his mother's temporary, unusual hesitance, putting his joy before that. "Thank you so, so much!"

"You're welcome," Delia replied softly. Ash broke away from her, and she meandered backwards, bumping into Jay and reclining into him. She held her breath as he put her arms around her, giving her a quick, praising embrace. He was relieved she had finally put the nonsense of her concerns behind her, and she felt it. She just prayed she did it for the best.

TO BE CONTINUED . . .