,Chapter 4
The snow beneath our feet crunched and sloshed as we walked to our desired place, looking to fill our bellies and get the day started and end the uncontrollable sound of my stomach. Eating had become less and less important for me these past few months, but with todays workout and me completely forgetting to eat last night I desperately needed something nutritious in me before I passed out on Misty. And neither of us wanted that.
We came upon a small corner coffee shop, a little confused as I had thought we were getting breakfast, but MIsty had explained they had the best Panini's and desperately needed a coffee. I laughed at the way she explained her favorite drink and how it seemed she was would die without one, her reply being she would.
The early morning was beautiful and had a crisp air about it so we decided to eat outside while we caught up some more and planned out the rest of the day
"So Ash, who are you traveling with nowadays? Any new friends or Pokémon for that matter?
"Well, as I told you the other night, I recently traveled through Sinnoh and, yet again, came up just a tad bit short in the League" Rubbing my chin and cheeks and looking to the side, thinking about the
"You know Dawn of course, but other than her no new 'human companions' haha"
"Well that's good" Misty mumbled into her cup as she took another sip
"What's that?" Snapping my head back, her last words a complete blur in my mind
"Nothing!" She perked up, giving a sweet smile with a slight turn of her head
"Uh huh. Anyways, I've mainly kept Pikachu, of course. But as of late I haven't been traveling with a full team anymore, with each battle I just feel as though it's missing something. Something important."
Silence.
"I feel that with each battle I don't go in with the full me anymore, ya know? I used to be confident and outgoing, always going headstrong into battle knowing that I couldn't lose. It's not like I stopped battling, but I just can't bring my full game so to speak" I let out a long breath as it turned into steam and whipped across the air between me and Misty. Her face changing, but only in the slightest.
"Halfway through the League tournament I actually questioned myself on competing in another one after that." My eyes drifting to my hands that were now enclosed with each other
"I know what you're thinking. Am I really Ash? Trust me, I've asked myself that plenty of times over the past couple of weeks and I still get the same conclusion"
The two of us looked at each other for what seemed like minutes.
"I don't know anymore."
"What?"
"Forget it, just me going on a rant! Haha!" Throwing her my trademark grin
"But to answer your question I have Charizard here with me as well as Heracross and Donphan."
"Oh, I see"
"What about you? I don't see you with your Azurill."
"She's doing great! She has her own little playground at the gym and has really grown onto the other members of the Cerulean Gym. She's very much like Togepi if you think about it, my own little baby." Smiling and hiding a small blush with her cup of coffee
"Baby huh? You miss Togepi?"
"Of course I do! She was my first baby, and I miss her everyday"
"Woah Mist, one child, now a second? What have you been up to while I've been gone?" I crossed my arms and leaned back, raising an eyebrow to try to get a rise out of her, and boy did it work.
"What was that Ketchum? Do you want to run that by me again? Be very careful with your next choice of words." Her voice growing colder than the air around us and the ferocity in her eyes that could almost literally burn holes through me if she tried hard enough. Oh god, is it getting hotter out here?
"Uhhmmm, so about today"
"Good idea."
"Well what if I helped you with your gym duties today, take some of the heavier duties and lighten the load for today? And then we go out later tonight on that date I promised?" I leaned forward a bit and closed the distance from my face to hers, I half expected to her to pull away from eating her Panini or for her to pick up her coffee cup to only further the distance, but she only pushed forward herself. Our lips were a breath apart, the silence and tension between us growing, rapidly spiraling in a path I'm not sure either of us were ready for, but in this very moment, it felt too right.
This.
This is what I was missing. These feelings welling up inside me now sparked and shattered the wall I had built up in the time Misty had left, it all came flooding forward like a wave and hit me fully head on without warning. I shot back in my chair with my face as red as the crimson sun. Misty's eyes had been closed and slowly fluttered open, instantly following suit to my previous action. I scratched the back of my head and chuckled, trying to speak but only having a blabber of nonsense blurt out.
"I have to go." Nearly knocking the chair over, Misty stood there with her face as red as her hair, eyes darting back and forth from me and the chair she just bombarded
"Uhhh, sure,no problem. I have to run a few errands actually, but I'll be at the gym within an hour. Sound good?" I threw her the best fake smile I could muster and she did the same.
We parted ways after that awkward moment.
I scratched my head as my mind went from a cluster storm of confusion to it's somewhat normal peaceful state. All of this confused the hell out of me, but I didn't want to trek those waters yet.
"Alright buddy, let's get going before they sell out of tickets." Could have sworn I heard a small squeak of approval, but the way he bundles himself up in my backpack I couldn't be too sure.
I walked downtown, taking every which way I could possible think of, not really caring if I got lost and just wanting to be alone to myself for a moment. As much as I wanted to NOT think about what had just happened with Misty, I obviously couldn't pry it from my brain. The thoughts stirred around like a crazy swarm of Beedrills that kept stabbing my brain in every possible area they could find. Those feelings I felt were definitely the ones I have been missing ever since she left. Was it love? Affection? Lust? I couldn't possibly choose one, they all seemed to morph into one 'thing'. I wasn't completely dense when it came to girls, not like I was in the past, but I wasn't some love guru that could do this in his sleep.
I've known Misty for the better part of nine years and each time we talk my stomach churns and I have the sensation of floating with each step I take. Everytime we see each other and we have to say our goodbyes, it was more unbearable than losing a League tournament or saying goodbye to my mother. It's really hard to explain, especially since I am not a genius in this category either.
I focused my attention on the big stadium coming into view ahead of me, my thoughts instantly becoming more and more positive and less confusing, hopefully tonight would get things going on the right track and help us figure out what we were. If we were anything I suppose?
I walked up to the enormous arena, having to stop just to take in all the splendor, it had definitely been awhile since I've stepped foot in any sort of arena that didn't have to deal with Pokémon battles, tournaments or a contest. To my right there was a small ticket window with a lass who looked as bored as ever, her head resting on her hand and her eyes drooping down to the point that I thought she was sleeping until she noticed me and perked up instantly.
"Hit there! How may I help you today?" Said the bubbly young woman sitting behind the glass.
"Hey there, I'd like two tickets to the Shellshock and Ember's game tonight" Reaching for my wallet and grabbing a couple of bills.
"No problem sir, what level would you like? Glass, lower premium or upper reserves?"
"Is there any other seats other than those?" Frowning at the minimal choice.
"I'm sorry but no, this is a big game for us, being how the Embers are our rivals, I hope you understand" Her face toning down to a moderate level of sadness for me.
"No no, it's fine. I'll take two in the lower premium."
-MISTYS POV-
My pace back to the gym was faster than anticipated, my heart was pumping blood quicker than normal and my brain was scattered into a completely different universe.
How did all of that happen so fast? One minute we were talking and then the next minute, we were mere inches away from kissing! That's right, kissing! I don't know how we got to that point and yet, I would be lying if I said I wish it didn't happen. Right?
Ugh.
I don't need to be thinking about this, I have gym duties to attend to. I have to look after the Pokémon, and battle challenging trainers who have come in packs lately. The other day though, one group stood out more than the others. After taking one look I could tell they were all really good friends, one was a young boy who had a confident aire around him that reminded me so much of Ash and his old ways, the other boy was almost a spitting image of brock and acted exactly like him! And finally there was a young girl in the group, antagonizing the boy with every word he said and sometimes even made comments while were battling which in turn got him fired up and an argument sparked between the two, I of course couldn't help but giggle.
This little group of trainers acted exactly like us and it kinda made me feel a little old. I frowned as I thought about this until I felt a small tug on my shirt
"Uhm, miss? Can I ask you something?" The boy who I had recently just been challenged by and defeated
"What can I help you with sweetie?" I knelt and got to eye level with him.
"How did you get so strong? I want to train harder and defeat you one day!"
I smiled at him sweetly, knowing he would definitely keep true to his word one of these days.
"Too be honest, I couldn't have done it without my friends. Those ones over there will help you become the strongest trainer you could ever imagine, you three will go on countless journeys and experience many things and become closer with each passing day. Rely on each other and you will succeed."
The boy looked at me in the eyes and I swear I saw a sparkle, he had the determination of Ash alright, minus the hat.
"I can do that! Just you wait and see! One day I will be back and I will beat you!"
I stood up and rubbed his head
"I count on it squirt"
"Hey!"
"Come on Jacob, we might as well get to the next town so you can lose to yet another gym leader?"
"I will not lose! I will beat Surge and move my way on up! You'll see!"
"Whatever."
"Soon you will be addressing me as Master Jacob! Isn't that right Sean?"
"Whatever you say man,"
"Ahhhh you guys don't know anything. I'll become the greatest trainer ever!"
My head leaned against the door as I watched them walk away, arguing with each other and then laughing. It was weird seeing them act just like us.
I was about to turn back into the gym when I saw Jacob jump up and down and speed off towards the main gates, and then I saw him.
Ash turned the corner only to get bombarded by his now 'biggest fan' who spewed a million questions a minute. Ash looked at me and we both shrugged and laughed, him getting 'attacked' like this wasn't uncommon, but it certainly had been awhile.
I stood there and looked as he knelt and asked the boy his name and what Pokémon he had with him, impressed that he had some certain Pokémon with him for such a young age, which in turn led to the boy looking at his friends with a smug look. He turned around again only to have Ash tussle his hair similar to what I did and give him a few words of encouragement that I could barely make out.
"Don't ever give up, don't ever give in. Just remember, as long as you have your friends with you, you can accomplish anything." And with that
All three of the kids stood there with their mouths ajar, almost like they had just seen Arceus descend from the skies above and stand before them.
Ash bid his farewell and the trio whispered upon themselves with new found energy and rushed off towards the city, leaving me and Ash standing there. He waved and started walking towards me I felt a warm feeling rush through my body, making my face heat up and my hands become sweaty, I did my best to not make eye contact but with those gorgeous chocolate brown eyes how could I not? I felt as though I was staring straight into his soul and that we connected with a sudden spark. It was weird getting this feeling, it was one that I never experienced before and I loved every moment of it.
"Hellloooo anybody home?"
"Huh? Oh! Sorry!" My blush spreading across my face like a wildfire
"You ok Mist? You look a little red, do you have a cold?"
Please tell me that was a joke Ash.
"No no! I'm fine! Are you ready for today?"
"You bet! What do you need me today?"
I let Ash in and handed him a list of simple tasks I needed done before we closed the gym down for the day. He took everything in stride and didn't complain about a single thing the entire day! I could get used to this.
-ASH'S POV-
Helping out at the gym was a breeze honestly. Time at first was slower than a Muk on a bad day, but gradually picked up after me and Misty went out to lunch. I loved spending time with her and just talking about anything with her, I had forgotten how easily I could open myself up to her and just be myself. She took me to a place down the street she was very fond of, which she mentioned repeatedly. We sat in silence most of the time enjoying each others presence, and I honestly loved that I could look over and see Misty sitting there right next to me, almost as relaxed as me.
It wasn't long before she caught me staring and in return stared right back at me. I'm not sure how long we were sitting there looking at each other like a couple of goofs, but I really didn't care. As the growing seconds passed, our faces moved closer, each of us knowing what was happening but neither of us giving a damn if it happened.
4 inches.
I could see her face turning a darker shade of crimson as our faces grew closer together
3 inches.
She let out a small nervous laugh, one barely audible but enough for me to finally know this is what she wanted.
2 inches.
I closed my eyes along with Misty's as I could feel her lips gently graze against mine at the slightest.
*RING*RING*RING*RING*RING*RING*
The sudden blare of a ringtone bombarded the air and broke us out of our trance with each of us expanding the distance of ours lips and looking seperate ways
"Hello?" She could barely sputter the words out as she pulled the phone up to her ear
"Oh? Yes ok. I'll be right there."
"Everything ok?"
"Yeah. Ummm. I have to get back to the gym actually, there is another challenger there for me right now."
We both sat in silence, unsure of how to end yet another awkward moment.
"Listen, i'll give you a call once I close down the gym ok? I appreciate the help Ash" She threw me a smile, got up and walked away.
I will never understand woman, and I hope to god that I never will. My mind was yet again another blur of emotions on what just happened, but why were they happening? They are seeming to become more frequent now and without notice. Guess we would just have to wait until the time comes to explore further into 'us', if there even was an 'us' to work on?
(SC)
Misty had given me a call half an hour ago letting me know she was about to close the gym down, so I made my way from the warm Pokemon center to the shrill cold of the outside world. With Pikachu on my shoulder and the cold air to keep me company I made my way towards the gym on the northern part of Cerulean. It was a peacful walk, most of the shops were closing down due to the game or even playing it on the big screens that adorned their walls. To say I was excited for tonight was an understatement because I finally get to go on an official date with Misty and I couldn't even remember the last time I went to a hockey game honestly. I smirked and pulled my jacket closer which held a small Pikachu that wished he was back at the Pokemon center wrapped up in blankets in a nice cozy bed, but he was just as excited as I was.
I rounded the last corner and saw a lone figure standing outside the main gates to Cerulean City Gym looking around until spotting me and motioning for me to come quicker. I hurried my pace to see her holding a larger jacket and hat
"What's that?"
"This is for you! Silly!" Handing me the clothes she pulled her jacket up a little over her mouth
"When did you get these?"
"I've had them for quite some time, just figured you'd need them more than me tonight."
"This jacket is huge, why would you need one this big?"
"Don't worry about it. Let's just go! We're going to be late!"
I let it slide and thought nothing of it, girls usually had large jackets to snuggle up in right? Or am I getting this weird feeling for some reason.
The line to get inside wasn't too terrbile, but it was also unbearable in this cold and to make it worse it was only colder inside! Thank goodness Misty gave me this jacket and hat.
We found our seats just before the players came out onto the ice, in the middle of the opening ceremoney a Blastoise led the Shellshocks onto the ice, skating just as well as the players did which was weird being a Pokemon of a heavy weight class. But it was all ended soon when a deafening roar came from the visitors tunnel and a Charizard zoomed out and circled the rink, letting loose smoke from his nostril and small sparks of fire. The crowd went absolutely nuts when this happened and only grew in noise when the Pokemon squared off at center ice.
The Pokemon were called back and everyone settled down.
"Does this normally happen?" I leaned over asking Misty, near impossible to talk with how loud everyone was
"No, but like I said, we don't really get a long with the Cinnabar Flames. It's kind of like playful banter, just wait until you see the players."
And boy was she right. The emotions throughout the game were beyond heated. The amount of body checks and fights between the players astounded me, never before have I ever seen two teams hate each other with such passion. I could even spot a few high sticks and some tripping, but most of them were not called for penalties which only heated the tension between the teams.
The second period was about to come to a close when I started to get a little hungry, I leaned over to a captivated Misty
"Hey Mist, I'm gonna grab something to eat, you want anything?"
"What's that? No I'm ok."
"Alright then."
"Oh! Wait Ash!" Grabbing me arm and pulling me back down
"What?!"
"Just wait ok! They always like to have little games in between periods, just like the puck toss during the first one, just wait until we see what it is ok?"
I groaned just as loud as my stomach did, but Misty gave me a pair of puppy dog eyes and I was stuck
"Fine."
She squealed with delight as she leaned her head on my shoulder and watched the period come to a close. The players went to their respected tunnels and locker rooms while some of the people in the stadium got up and went about their business. It wasn't long before a voice came from the jumbo tron.
Kiss cam.
Perfect.
I wiggled my arm out of Misty's grasp and got an inquisitive look from the red-head next to me
"What's wrong Ash?"
"Nothing! I'm just really hungry!"
"Can't you wait?" she grabbed my arm again
"No!"
But before I could get up everyone around us began whooping and hollering, pointing and cheering at us. Dammit.
I looked up and saw Misty and I on the jumbo tron with a heart around it. Both of our faces flashing a deep red and looking away, the stadium booing and chanting
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
Misty and I looked at each other giving off our own little shy smile until I felt a hand behind me push my head forward with force and before I knew it my lips were locked with Mistys.
Both of ours eyes went wide but neither of us wanted to pull away until I felt a hand land on my shoulder and a loud laugh creep its way into my ear. Our heads snapped back to see two people standing behind us taking bows and waving to the crown for their 'big accomplishment'. The stadium went ballistic after the deed was done and left us looking at each other, confusion and embarrassment warped onto each of our faces.
I thought she was going to explode at the people behind us and possibly bring out the mallet on the poor jokers, but no, she didn't. She simply smiled. A smile I have yet to see before.
She grasped my arm again and laid her head on my shoulder, almost as if nothing had happened just moments before.
I was going to say something, anything but I couldn't get the words out, when I opened my mouth to speak nothing came forth and I was at a loss for words.
The players soon took the ice again and after a grueling third period we managed victory! A late goal brought us up three-two with only minutes to spare and the defense was able to keep the puck out of our zone until the final buzzer went off. The crowd went nuts and food went flying as everyone literally jumped out of their seats, screaming at the top of their lungs and yelling out random slurs to the Embers.
Man did I miss hockey.
Misty and I waited for the crowds to die done before making our way out of the stadium. We were almost out the door when. . . .
"Misty?" A strange voice came from behind us
"Huh?" She turned around and her face instantly became masked with a mix of joy and confusion
"Ethan! WHat are you doing here?" She flew from my side and wrapped the man a few feet from us in a giant hug. Fairly friendly.
"I wasn't going to miss this game for the world, by the way, I saw you on the kiss cam" Giving her a wink and making her blush uncontrollably. I guess i'm just invisible over here
"Is that your boyfriend?" Nodding his head over to me
"Huh? Oh no! He's just a friend"
"Oh I see, well it was great seeing you."
"You too Ethan!" They parted with another hug as I stood there watching like a complete jackass.
"Ready?" She came back, gathering herself up and looking at me
"Friend of yours?" I crossed my arms, getting a wave of jealousy wash over my body
"Yeah, me and Ethan used to be close until my gym duties became a little more difficult."
"Ah. I see."
"Ash, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, just tired. You ready?"
"Sure."
The entire walk to the gym was done in complete silence and a barrier of 2 feet from Misty and myself. I couldn't quite place it, but something just didn't feel right about that Ethan guy, it's not like her irked me or anything, I just didn't like him for some reason.
"Well, we're here. Would you like to come in for some tea?"
"No thank you, I'm gonna go back and hit the hay. Here" I pulled off the jacket and hat with haste and handed it to her
"What are you doing? You can wear this to the Center. You'll catch a cold Ash."
"It's fine, I don't feel like wearing it."
"Why not?"
"I just don't, ok Misty?"
Her face twisted into sadness and confusion
"Oh, ok then. Well will I see you tomorrow then?"
"Possibly, I was thinking of taking it easy for a few hours by myself if you don't mind."
"What's gotten into you Ash? You were perfectly fine just a few hours ago, and now you're mister grouchy pants."
"Yeah, well I don't particularly like wearing your ex boyfriend Ethans clothes to our 'date', if you want to call it that."
Her sad and confused face quickly changed into rage
"Excuse me?! Where do you get off Ketchum?"
"Look. it's obvious you two had 'something', just his voice alone gave you a blush that a Jigglypuffs attract couldn't possibly give."
She scoffed and looked to her side
"You know, you're an asshole"
She stormed off through the gates and down the road to her house, leaving me to myself with a sleeping Pikachu in my pack, why the hell was he always asleep or doing something when stuff like this went down?
I grabbed my hair and let out a low growl, I didn't even want to see a Shellshock poster on my way back to the Center for fear I would lose it and go insane. I was halfway back to the Center when my phone began to go off, I check the caller ID to see Misty's name pop up.
I sent it to voicemail. I was in no mood to talk at the moment.
Just when things were looking up for the lovable two, they quickly spiral down! What will happen next?
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