I don't own Pokémon or the Outsiders.
Full Summary: It's 1966 out in Pallet Town. There's a huge war going on between Socs, the aloof, rich kids, and greasers, the bad hoodlums. Ash and the gang are greasers while Misty is a Soc. One day, on a strange stroke of destiny, Ash and Misty meet. After that, it's them against the unbreakable social difference.
Defiance
"Ashy-boy. Come on, wake up!" Gary shook me hard from my slumber.
"Leave me alone," I grumbled, waving him off and digging my head into my pillow. I wasn't exactly that tired, but I didn't feel like getting up right about then.
"No, you gotta wake up now," he continued to pester me. This time, he started jumping on the bed. I learned over the years that the hopping on the bed is just one more shout until ice cold water on your face.
"Okay!" I screamed at him, now fully wide awake. I got up from the bed, moving away from Gary's feet near me, and stormed into the bathroom.
"Brock told me Misty's comin' over this morning, so we invited the rest of the gang. I know they wouldn't normally come early today, but we can all see Red together. Is that okay?" Gary asked. But what was the point? My say didn't have any effect.
"Yeah, sure. That's cool," I agreed half-heartily before beginning to brush my teeth.
"Okay, well good 'cause she's here right now with everyone," Gary told me as if he was saying the weather. Accidentally, my toothbrush went too far down my throat, causing me to gag.
"W-wha? Right now, as in right now?" I managed to say through my coughs.
"Yeah, right now, as in right now," he rolled his eyes and left the room. I brushed faster after I got myself together. I took an incredibly short shower, and then I went back in the room to change. Gary was lounging on his bed, seeming to admire the cracked ceiling.
"Your clothes are over at the desk. Misty brought back your jacket. It's over there too," he pointed, still keeping his gaze upwards.
"Thanks. Why didn't you wake me up sooner though?" I questioned, putting on my jeans and a plain white shirt under the leather outerwear.
"I tried, but I couldn't seem to wake you up. I just thought you were too tired or something, so I let you sleep, but seeing you choke right there was nice," Gary smirked at me as he got up. I playfully punched him.
"Thanks a lot," I rolled my eyes.
"You're welcome. Come on, Misty's waiting for you." He exited the room with me following shortly behind.
"The princess is now awake! He just needed his beauty sleep for awhile, but it seems like he needs more," Gary announced to everyone at the dining table. I blushed, not at all comfortable with all the attention.
"Hey, you guys. Sorry. Idiot Gary didn't wake me up," I greeted everyone sheepishly. Misty got up from her seat immediately, and walked over to me to give me a gentle kiss.
"Good morning, Ash Ketchum," she smiled. Golly, that girl was breathtaking. With her hair down and a simple dress that hugged her body, she was absolutely, downright gorgeous. But that didn't really matter to me. It was just her. Her wits, personality, stubbornness that could match mine, and basically everything about her.
"Thank you. Good mornin', Mist," I grinned, melting in her eyes. Things couldn't get any better.
"Get ready for breakfast, Ash," Brock softly reminded.
"Oh, uh, right," I stuttered, making Misty giggle sweetly. I took my seat next to my girlfriend. It was a bit tight with an extra person, but I wasn't complaining; I was near her, and that's all I can ask for.
"There you are," May responded kindly.
"Yay! Ash is here!" Dawn yelled gleefully. Paul grunted and Drew nodded slightly in my direction. So much of a reaction, but by then I was used to it. You get used to things after a considerable amount of time.
"So what were you guys talking about?" I glanced at everyone, hoping - pleading to them all together through my eyes- if they accepted Misty. I mean, sure, they have met before, albeit Paul and Brock, but when they are all together, things can change. There's always a possibility.
"Dawn just said sorry to Misty," May told me. I tilted my head in confusion and turned my head to face the blue-headed girl. Dawn apologizing?
"Heh, yeah, because I was being mean to her before during lunch. It's just that Ash loves her, so... I just needed to," Dawn shyly replied to my surprised stare.
"Thank you. Means a lot," I gave her a big smile smile, to which she gladly copied.
"Misty's awesome, so it wasn't that hard. Plus, I was being a bitch. I like her though," Dawn approved, speaking everyone's feelings aloud, based on their nods and grins.
"Thanks, you guys," Misty blushed at the compliment, looking towards me.
"Told you they would all like you," I stated confidently, sounding totally opposite from a few minutes ago when I just came in.
"Yeah, uh huh, as if you weren't worried before. I saw panic in your eyes," Misty responded sarcastically.
"I wasn't!" I argued merrily.
"Was!"
"Wasn't!"
"Was!"
"Wasn't!"
"Was!"
Wasn-" I was cut off by a clearing of throat noise. It was Brock. I heard Dawn tell Paul that "this sort of thing happens a lot between them".
"Aha, time to eat now, yeah?" the older greaser awkwardly chuckled, getting a slice of toast.
"S-sorry," Misty and I both muttered in unison, faces tomato red.
"So, eggs and toast all your favorite breakfast food?" Misty inquired, piercing a small bit of scrambled egg on her plate and then bringing it gracefully into her mouth.
"Yeah, pretty much, but everything Brock cooks is delicious," May answered before taking a sip of her juice.
"Wow, this is really good! I wish I can eat this every day!" Misty complimented.
"Aw, it's nothing," Brock modestly brushed it off.
"No, really, I wish my sisters can make this. Even though I cook everything..." Misty continued to commend him.
"Your sister is the one who drove her here right?" Brock questioned.
"Yeah. That was Daisy, the oldest. She couldn't stay because she got a date."
"Y-you mean... she has a b-boyfriend?" Brock looked crestfallen, and I chuckled inside my head.
"Yeah, Tracy," Misty nodded, unaware how the news is affecting him.
"Noooooooooo!" he cried out, banging his head on the table hopelessly.
"Uh, I'm sorry?" Misty patted his shoulder, as she was sitting next to him. She threw me a confused look.
"Don't be, it's just Brock has certain problems. Okay, you little player, let's get you somewhere else," Gary grabbed Brock by the ear and led him out into one of the rooms. Misty cracked a laugh.
"He's just like in the dreams isn't he? Except I'm usually the person who does that. Or one of the Pokémon too and-" Just before she could say his name, I clamped her mouth shut. She glared at me, but I shook my head solemnly. She then nodded, not completely understanding, but knowing I would explain later. I let go and then pecked her cheek and murmuring a "thank you" in her ear.
"Ash! That was rude. You shouldn't put your dirty hands on a girl's face," May reprimanded. Ah, the irony. Wait, "dirty hands"?
"I'm sorry, Mist," I apologized, ignoring the insult and praying that would be enough for May. I gave a regretful glance at the brunette, which she seemed to accept. Yes, I was safe.
"You said Brock was like in the dreams? What do you mean?" Paul spoke up. Leave it to him to notice. Misty turned to me, unsure if she could tell him. I shrugged back. Sure.
"Oh, um, I sort of dream of all you guys. I don't know, it's weird," Misty revealed to them.
"Like when Ash dreams about us?" Dawn wondered.
"Yeah, exactly like that. Apparently we dream about the same stuff," she clarified.
"Wow, that's cool! You guys are made for each other!" Dawn declared.
"Hm," Paul replied, not even remotely amused as his girlfriend.
"He does that a lot," I whispered to my special redhead.
"Oh," Misty acknowledged, gazing at Paul curiously. She had guts. No stranger ever looked at Paul in the eye.
"Brock's just taking a little nap," Gary came back, wearing his signature smirk. "He'll wake up - later; when everyone is gone. He said he really likes Red." Before he took a "little nap", I finished silently.
"What did you do to him?" I asked out of curiosity. He cocked a brow.
"Do you really want to know?"
"No," I shuddered. It's better to be left in the dark with things like this. He probably just knocked him out, anyway.
"So, let's continue eating. I'll save some for Brock," Gary decided, putting food onto Brock's plate and then putting it aside. We all ate together smoothly without any more big incidents. I noticed it felt right with Misty. A new member of our family, and I'm sure everyone else agreed. Because of that, I was beyond happy. After we finished, Gary saw us out the door, grumbling about how lucky we are because we didn't have to wake Brock up. I'm sure it wasn't that bad. Brock was a pretty mellow person.
"Why did you stop me before?" Misty brought it up once we left the house and we far enough away from the others. I was still in the middle, but Misty was walking next to me.
"May ran away from home. That's how May and Drew met. She doesn't talk about her old family. That includes Max," I clarified.
"What happened?" Misty interrogated, her tone only one decibel above a whisper.
"I don't know the whole story; probably the only person who does is Drew. I just know they didn't treat her right," I admitted, barely able to keep anger out of my words. I wasn't mad at Misty. God, no, but I was mad at May's old family. May didn't deserve them. She's too sweet, too caring. How Drew didn't go and hunt them down is beyond me. Probably May begged him not to.
"Oh, I'm sorry. At least she's safe now. She has Drew, and they look too cute together," Misty observed them from behind, her thoughts probably still on May. The two really bonded, despite the little time they spent alone together.
"Yeah.." I trailed off. The couple really did look good together, and I was very excited when two of my best friends got together.
"Dawn sure is nice - apologizing like that, just for you," the redhead commented.
"No, it wasn't just for me. Deep down, she already liked you, even if you were a Soc. But her pride and stubbornness," I shrugged.
"Yeah, but everyone's nice here. Exactly like a family - supportive. I don't think my 'friends' would like it if I introduced you to them. I haven't been talking to them much lately though," Misty noticed.
"You could hang out with them today, if you want. I don't mind," I partly lied. I kind of did mind. Not because of the Socs, but because I wouldn't be around Misty. Surprisingly, Misty gave out a laugh.
"No, it's okay. I like hanging out with you and your friends much more. I love you, you know," Misty smiled.
"I love you, too," I declared, grinning ear-to-ear. It was so easy to be with her.
"So, they didn't scare you, did they?" I questioned.
"Of course not! They ought to be the nicest people I've ever met," Misty defended.
"Oh really?" Even Paul? Misty is such a strange Soc.
"Uh huh," she confirmed confidently. "Um, do you think I can eat with you again?" Her voice getting slightly soft because of her shyness. I chuckled, making her angry. "Stop laughing, Ash Ketchum! It's not funny!"
"I'm sorry, and of course you can. You don't have to ask, everybody likes you already."
"Thanks, Ash."
"Any time. Forever." Our fingers looped together as we both smiled. Forever.
When we arrived at school, the two of us said our goodbyes to the rest of the gang and began walking to Misty's first class, once more ignoring the annoying stares. You would think they would get used to it by now, but no.
"So I'll meet you at your locker again, right?" I made sure.
"Hmm, I guess so. Not many other places are there?" she wondered rhetorically. There really wasn't, unless we want some unnecessary trouble bound to happen if more people see us together. Sure, we didn't care what they thought about our relationship, but it would be too much work to deal with them now.
"I guess not. Well, see ya later," I leaned down to cover Misty's lips with my own. God, they tasted so damn good. Usually, with one touch, I could forget everything going on, and things just stop. However, there was a thought lingering in the back of my head. And it wasn't a nice one.
"Don't look so sad," Misty caressed my cheek, gazing at me with big, green eyes.
"Bye, Mist," I delicately kissed her forehead. "I love you. Have fun in class."
"Have fun in class? Good one," she perked an eyebrow. I couldn't help but give a laugh at her remark. "There you go. Love you too, Ash." With that, she entered her classroom. I ran a hand through my hair and sighed before heading out to my first class.
"Stop there, greaser," a couple of Socs surrounded me. I knew they weren't going to do anything drastic, seeing as there were some girls and it was school after all. I heard the bell rang. Damn. And I was barely halfway to Mr. Mathison's too.
"I'm late, ya happy?" I stated dryly, although not really caring. It wasn't the end of the world.
"Shut up, greaser," one person ordered. I glared at him. He was Rudy. The ex. "I see you're getting comfy with Misty." Silence - a very long, awkward silence at that. "Talk, greaser!"
"First you say 'shut up', and then you stay 'talk'. Make up your mind, Soc," I rolled my eyes before seething out the last word.
"Don't act so smart! Anyway, don't get too comfy," Rudy warned. "She'll be back with me before you know it."
"He doesn't deserve her. Misty isn't a greaser. Why couldn't he get his own kind?" I heard someone whisper.
"Why would she want to even talk to you?" a girl looked me up and down. I stiffened at her gaze.
"I don't know. Why would she want to talk to you?" I countered lightly.
"Just shut up, greaser! I told you-" Rudy started.
"Yeah, yeah. 'Better watch out'. Blah, blah, blah. Do you say anything different or are you just a broken record?" Rudy flared up in anger and grabbed my leather jacket. I glanced down at him coolly, eyes revealing nothing. We stared at each other for a few seconds, the redheaded boy not doing anything.
"Hey! Ash? Are you there?" a familiar blue-headed girl poke her face into the circle, causing the Socs next to her jump back at her sudden presence. Gotta love Dawn and her random appearances.
"Yup, over here," I waved nonchalantly, as if I wasn't around a bunch of Socs.
"What are you doing over there?" Dawn inquired, oblivious to the heavy tension.
"Absolutely nothing. Will you let go now, Rudy?" I smirked smugly. He just glared at me.
"Why does she keep doing that?" I saw a boy slap his forehead, obviously frustrated. Dawn eyed him, obviously confused and obviously not remembering him from that other time at the mall.
"C'mon, Rudy. Let go. Dawn's here. Paul's girlfriend, and I hear she ain't too bad at fightin' either," some person urged.
"Aww, thanks," Dawn beamed at that complimented. The group dispersed when Rudy gave me one last scowl and released his hold on my collar. I strolled smoothly away with Dawn.
"Ash?"
"Yeah?" Out of nowhere, Dawn hit me on the head. "What the hell was that for?"
"I told you before! We can't keep bailing you out of trouble all the time! Ya lucky I was late for class!" I rolled my eyes. Yeah, "late".
"I didn't need your help anyway. It's school. Those Socs ain't that brave," I grumbled, still rubbing my injury.
"Still! Why can't you be more careful? May an' Gary an' Brock an' Drew an' Paul an' me an' Misty would be really worried if anything happened to you. Why would you do that to us? Huh?" Dawn frowned. That girl had a point. A lot of crazy things are happening lately.
"I'm sorry. I'm trying to be careful! I really am!" I insisted.
"Just try harder, okay?"
"Okay. Wait, even Paul?" Dawn punched me again. So uncalled for.
"Yes, even Paul! Why would you even ask?"
"N-no reason! Aha... Anyway, don't you got a class to get to?"
"Er, I'll walk you to class first. Don't want any more Socs getting to you." She gave me an innocent smile. Like I would fall for that. I didn't believe her. Not in a million years.
"Yeah, sure, whatever. Let's go, but you better go to class after. Paul's gonna be mad," I continued my pace. After skipping school yesterday, I thought work piled up.
"Paul. He don't need to know," Dawn had a devilish glint in her eyes.
"Dawn... Paul's gonna find out. Sooner or later, and I don't want him poundin' on me because I knew," I responded. She pouted, but knew I was right.
"I know. I was kiddin'," she showed me a big smile, which I returned. I couldn't help it. That girl sure is sunny.
"Right," I chuckled. My thoughts wandered to what the Socs had said. I didn't deserve her. I couldn't get my own kind. Why would Misty even talk to me? Why did she give me a second thought after I helped her? If she was a Soc, then why? Why am I, a juvenile delinquent, dating her?
I knew I didn't deserve her. I knew. Nobody did. She was too good for anybody, and I came to terms to that. I accepted that and was beyond happy that she could actually love an imperfect person like me. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks.
She was a Soc with feelings that she's willing to express openly. Some people say that Socs don't feel at all - emotionless even when fighting. Some people say greasers feel too violently - holding grudges and hating. How we feel, our emotions, our appearances, the music we liked, how much money we have - it's those differences.
A Soc with feelings. I bet that's rare. Probably unheard of.
"Ash, your class is over here right?" Dawn's voice managed to break through my trance.
"O-oh, right. Thanks. Get to class safely, okay, Dawn?" I patted her head.
"Sure, I'll do that." I rolled my eyes.
"I sure hope you do," I muttered before opening the door and entering the room where Mr. Mathison was explaining about parabolas.
"Ah, Ash, glad you cared enough to join us," Mr. Mathison narrowed his eyes at me.
"Uh, glad to be here," I stood awkwardly at the door, completely aware everybody was staring at me.
"Sit down, Mr. Ketchum. Make up your work from yesterday. You were sick, yes?" my teacher said as he wrote equations on the blackboard.
"Uh, well-" I wasn't sure if I should lie or not, but I figured I shouldn't because I was no liar. A greaser, yes, a hood, some may think, but no liar. Plus, I sucked at lying. Anybody who ever saw me attempt to knew that I had no talent for it. That would include all my teachers.
"You were sick, yes?" he interrupted, quirking an eyebrow. I smiled in my head. It's nice to have a math teacher like him.
"Yes, I was sick, sir," I nodded, playing along.
"Good, now, write these down and graph them everybody," Mr. Mathison ordered, tapping the board with the chalk to get everybody's attention. After, the bell rang, and everybody went to their next class. I went over to Mrs. Langart without much action. Thankfully, the Socs didn't circle me again. If I was late for her class... Oh boy, I wouldn't know what would happen.
I sat at a desk, and Mrs. Langart didn't waste a second once the bell rang a second time to explain what we were about to do today. Someone behind me poked my back as soon as the teacher turned around. I took a glimpse back, only turning my head slightly. You didn't want Mrs. Langart catching you talk. It was Duplica. I knew her. She was a school friend, and we had a couple of classes together. We would chat sometimes, but not much. Duplica isn't a greaser or a Soc either - more of the middle-class.
"Yeah?" I whispered, gazing straight ahead thoughtfully and acting like I was paying attention.
"Yesterday, there was a sub, and we didn't do nothin', so you're free for this class," she informed, using the same hushed tone.
"Thanks," I replied.
"No problem. Oh, and good luck with Misty." I could hear a hint of a smile in her voice.
"Er, yeah..." I muttered, blushing. Word sure spreads fast. However, it was a couple of days... I shook my head, and focused on the lesson.
Physical education wasn't too hard. I went over to Misty's locker, my excitement building up and blocking the things that the Socs told me. It was bugging me the whole day, but work seemed to get my mind off of things.
"Hey, Ash," Misty greeted me with a touch of her lips.
"Hey, Mist," I instantly smiled.
"We meetin' up with the others?"
"Yeah." I took Misty's hand and began guiding her to the meeting place. Instead of ignoring the looks like I usually do, I glared in return.
"Ash? You alright?" my girlfriend broke the silence when we left the campus.
"Mhm. What would make you think I'm not?" I asked, silently praying she wouldn't press the issue.
"You seem a bit tense. Did something happen?"
"No. Nothin'. Nothin' happened." Misty raised an eyebrow.
"You're lying!" she insisted. My prayers clearly weren't answered.
"No, I'm not," I shook my head stubbornly.
"Yes, you are! Ash, please," Misty pleaded, flashing me her puppy-dog eyes. How could I say no to that? It's impossible to.
"Argh, okay, fine. Your "friends" and Rudy talked to me when I was walkin' to class." Misty stopped walking and searched my appearance.
"Are you alright? Did they do anythin'?" she questioned, her eyes full of worry and some hysteria in her words.
"Calm down, Mist. I'm fine. They just talked to me," I soothed, embracing her in a tight hug. We parted and I noticed there were some water on her soft cheeks. "Aw, Mist, don't cry. I told you, they didn't do nothin'." I brushed it away her hair gently and started kissing away her tears.
"I-I'm not cryin'!" Misty mumbled, letting me continue with my "work".
"Okay," I murmured between the pecks. "All done!"
"Thanks, Ash... You're the best, you know?" Misty smiled softly.
"No, I'm not, but you are. C'mon." I captured her lips with mine before we continued our way.
"Yes, Ash, you are!" She frowned. "You're the best, and you don't know it! Ash... What did they say?"
"Nothin' important," I answered shortly. Misty punched me hard. "Okay, okay! I'll tell you. Golly, Mist. They said I didn't deserve you, and told me not to get so comfy with you. Well, Rudy told me that."
"You don't believe that, do you?" It took me awhile to form an answer, which made Misty mad. "Ash! You can't believe that! Dawn said we were made for each other! Why can't you believe that? Ash... I love you."
"I know, and I love you too. I don't believe them, but it got me thinking. You're a Soc with feelings, you know that?" The redhead seemed puzzled at my blunt observation, but she swiftly recomposed herself and formed a grin.
"Thanks, Ash." I grinned back, happy at her reaction.
"Glory, you lovebirds know how to walk slow," Drew drawled when we got closer. He was leaning on a fence, all calm and cool. That nonchalant jerk. May quickly smacked the back of his head.
"Drew, you're so impatient!" she reprimanded, a scowl clearly visible on her face.
"Sorry," he grumbled, glaring at me as if it was my fault.
"Let's start movin' now," I smiled nervously, taking a gander at Drew's intense stare. I flinched once I met his eyes. I could see myself burning through them. I heard Misty laugh next to me and felt her squeeze my hand jokingly.
"We goin' or not?" Dawn tugged on both mine and Misty's sleeves. We let her pull us as Drew and May trailed behind. I felt Drew's glower blaze a hole on my back. Why couldn't he walk in front of us?
"So how was class, Dawn?" I struck up a conversation.
"Oh, it was fine. I learned more about equations," the blue-headed girl nodded.
"But you were supposed to go to P.E." I lifted my eyebrow accusingly.
"Er, I learned the equation about... how to run faster? Okay, I got nothin'," Dawn slumped her shoulders, clearly sad about not being able to make up a good lie.
"Dawn! You gotta stop doin' that! Paul's gonna be pissed!" I groaned.
"I'm sorry, but who needs P.E. anyway? I'll handle Paul. Just don't talk to him for a while," she waved her hand dismissively. "Plus, I wouldn't be talkin'. You weren't at school yesterday."
"Argh... Oh, great." I slapped my forehead. I had to now avoid Paul, and even Dawn knew I ditched. How long was "awhile"? I don't talk to Paul much, but doesn't mean I have absolutely no contact with him whatsoever.
We went over to the store and bought our food and drinks before sitting down somewhere.
"Ash, do you want me and Paul and Gary bash the Soc-boy's head in? It'll be fun, and you can help. Actually, I can do it myself. Hell, I want to do it by myself," Drew suggested, gulping some soda down his throat. Seems like he wasn't mad anymore. I think he just wanted a reason to pound someone.
"How do you know?" Right after I asked that, I looked to Dawn.
"Word travels fast, don't it?" Dawn commented sheepishly. I rolled my eyes. That girl and her mouth.
"Don't you gotta 'be good' though, Drew?" I inquired.
"Hmph. Just shut up if you don't got anything good to say," Drew threw his empty can at me. I raised my hand to block the bottle. Boy, he can throw hard.
"Aw, you're just grouchy because he's right!" May giggled as she smooched her boyfriend's cheek. "Don't worry, only a few more days, and you can beat up people again! Anyway, Dawn said she saved the day."
"I did!" Dawn insisted.
"Yeah, she actually did. Nobody wants to get in a fight with Paul's girlfriend," I confirmed. "They weren't gonna do nothin' anyway."
"Are you being careful, Ash?" May questioned.
"Yes, of course I am! What makes you think I'm not?" Everybody turned to me, their faces showing they were skeptical of my stupidity. "Okay, okay, I know. I was kidding! I'll be more careful, but it's not like I could have done anything. They surrounded me!" Misty slapped me. She was quiet throughout the whole conversation, so I was surprised. "M-Mist?" There was a deathly silence. She was hiding her eyes under her bangs, so I couldn't read her.
"Ash, you're joking around, and we're here worried sick about you?" she whispered.
"Wha-" And before I knew it, Misty had gotten up from her seat and stormed off. "Mist, wait!" I didn't take any extra time to go after her. I saw her turn the corner and I followed her. "Misty!" I lurched forward and grabbed her hand softly to stop her.
"Let go!" she struggled. I didn't listen to her. Instead, I pulled her into a tight hug. She eventually stopped wiggling in my arms and I felt her embrace me back.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," I repeated quietly.
"You changed the subject before," she muttered in my chest.
"I know, and I'm sorry, but it's not always going to be so easy," I responded, pecking her head lightly. "I'm sorry for worrying you."
"May, Dawn, and Drew too."
"Drew? If you say so." Misty pushed away to hit me again.
"He's worried too! He even offered to beat up Rudy!"
"Yeah, I guess..."
"In his own way, he's worried." My fiery redhead was right. She always is. "Let's go back. I'm sorry for hurting your beautiful face." She giggled and gently touched my now red cheek with her delicate fingertips. Misty got up on her toes to kiss it. For some reason, I felt myself get red. "All better?"
"U-uh, yeah," I stammered before taking her hand and leading her back.
"Aw, Ash, you're so cute when you blush."
"S-shut up!"
"Stupid!" she sing-sang.
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are-"
"I'm glad to see you two are back," May interrupted, smiling kindly. Drew scoffed and flipped his hair.
"You guys didn't even finish your food! It's not good to waste!" Dawn playfully scolded. The two of us sat back down and listened to Dawn and her ramblings while chewing our sandwiches. Everything was back to normal.
~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~
We all walked back to the school before the bell could ring. I pulled May away to talk to her alone.
"Sorry for worrying you guys, May." If I told Dawn or Drew they would probably laugh in my face. Well, Drew would probably just smirk.
"It's okay." She flashed me a grin.
"I'm going to hang out with Misty again, so tell Brock I might be late if we fall asleep again."
"Got it. Have fun!" May jogged back to Drew and the two went to their classes with Dawn. I walked over to Misty and my hands unconsciously intertwined with hers.
"You apologized?"
"Yup."
"Good boy. I'll walk you to class now. Come on!" Misty huffed.
"What? No, I'll walk you!" I insisted. My girlfriend gave me a puppy-dog look. I groaned. "Fine!" She laughed. I was whipped, but I already knew.
We kissed goodbye and I told her I would meet her at the locker. I watched her leave and then entered the room. Sighing, I stared at the clock. Time couldn't go any slower.
~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~
Finally, school was done, and I made my way over to where Misty was waiting.
"Hey, where do you want to go today?" I inquired as I quickly touched her lips with mine.
"Um, how about the river again. I'm missing that place."
"Let's go then." Together, hand-in-hand, we exited the school. "I feel like drinking some soda. Do you think we can take a short stop on the way?"
"Yeah, sure. I think there's one down the street. Oh, look, there it is!" Misty pointed. I ran towards the glass doors and held it open for her. She thanked me and I went in after her. I didn't exactly see where I was going and accidentally ran into a pair of greaser girls on the way out.
"S-sorry!" I helped the two up.
"Ash?" one of them gazed at my face. She had short, green hair and dark gold eyes. The other one had lilac locks and matching eyes. Then, all at once, I remembered who they were.
"A-Angie? Anabel?" I stuttered. I haven't seen those two in a while.
"It is you!" they pounced on me to give me a hug. I didn't know what to do, so I just stood there, awkwardly immobile. I didn't return the gesture. A loud clearing of a throat can be heard, and I instantly knew who it was.
"Er- Misty! Um-" I couldn't finish because Misty pushed them off me harshly to the floor.
"What the hell do you think you guys are doing to my boyfriend?" she demanded.
"Your boyfriend? Aren't you a Soc?" Angie retorted.
"Yes. What's it to you?" Misty glared.
"Hey, Ash? Is this ugly broad really your girlfriend?" Angie questioned, her tone softening when she faced me.
"She's not ugly, and yes, she's my girlfriend," I confirmed confidently. I watched as Angie steamed in anger.
"Let's go! Ash is dating a Soc. Hmph," Anabel led Angie away, but not before a sending Misty a glower (which the redhead returned with twice the malice) and saying bye to me sweetly.
"Sorry about that..." I rubbed my head. Out of nowhere, Misty pulled me into a lip-lock. "M-Mist? What was that for?"
"You're mine," she all but growled. Misty had a somewhat scary tint in her eyes. I gulped. Was she the same girl that was worried about me a few hours ago?
"O-okay," I nodded.
"Now let's go get your damn soda!" She stomped towards the refrigerator aisle and grabbed a random bottle from the cold shelves. With an ice cold Coke in hand, she approached the cashier, who, with nothing better to do, had watched the whole thing. He seemed a bit frightened himself. After Misty bought it, she threw it to me and then strode outside.
"Uh, sorry about her," I apologized to the owner before chasing after Misty. I slowed to a normal pace once I reached up to her.
"So how do you know them?" Misty asked. It seems like she calmed down.
"Angie and Anabel? Well, I'm not entirely sure. They just came up and talked to me once and now they are hugging me every time they see me. I don't know why though," I shrugged.
"You don't know why?" Misty rolled her eyes. "They like you! You got fangirls!"
"Really? That makes sense. You know I thought those two were boys at first? But then Gary said they were girls." Misty giggled at that remark.
"You are so clueless!"
"Yeah, I guess I am..." I couldn't argue with that if it was so obvious that I really am. I opened the bottle and took a sip. "You want some?" I held out the soda.
"No, I'm not thirsty," she declined.
"You know, you got fanboys," I accused blankly, gulping down some more carbonated liquid.
"I do?" Misty raised a brow.
"Yeah. Every guy at school," I pointed out.
"Hmm..." she hummed. We walked in comfortable silence then. It wasn't long until we reached the place where we met in our dreams.
"You know, in my dreams, I'm forever ten. It's weird," I spoke when we both got situated near the river bed.
"Yes, and you're forever immature in the real world," Misty laughed like wind chimes.
"Hey!" I pouted.
"Just kidding! Touchy." It was my turn to chuckle.
"I don't like them, you know." I turned to her. She seemed a little taken back and confused at the statement, but she soon realized what I was talking about.
"Yeah, I know. I don't like them either," she smiled. I leaned and kissed her. This kiss was different though. I felt her mouth open up and her tongue slipped out, barely grazing my lips. I separated my own and invited her in. After that, it was a battle of dominance between the tongues. Misty moved closer and straddled me, gripping my t-shirt. I wrapped my arms around her petite figure and rubbed her back with my thumbs unthinkingly. After a couple of good minutes doing whatever we were doing, we separated, panting.
"Um, did we just make out?" I inquired. You know, just to make sure.
"I think so. That was pretty fun," Misty commented absently.
"Mhm," I agreed. The redhead rested her head on the crook of my neck, still sitting on my lap.
"It sure is nice here," I breathed in the scent of fresh air and running waters along with the sweet aroma of my girlfriend.
"Mhm..."
"Mist, try not to fall asleep again. I had to carry you all the way back! And you're heavy," I smirked. Misty's head darted up and she punched me.
"Shut up, Ash Ketchum. Maybe you ain't fun enough to keep me entertained, and I got bored," she threw back.
"Oh, that's a good one," I complimented.
"You are so idiotic." Much to my relief, Misty went back to her rightful spot on my shoulder. We spent much of our time like that, just in each other's arms. I would say I spent the day well. The sun descended after a while, and I knew I had to walk Misty back soon.
"Mist? You're awake right?" I shook my shoulder lightly.
"Yes, I am!" she puffed, seeming a bit annoyed.
"Okay, okay, I won't ask anymore! It's gettin' late. I'll walk you home again. Get offa me," I laughed. Misty jumped off my lap, and I was already beginning to miss her close presence. I attempted to get up, but I found out my legs were numb from not moving for a long time. "Glory, how much do you weigh?" Misty rolled her eyes, and I chuckled once more. I hit my feet a couple of times before Misty helped me up.
"You are such a baby," she muttered.
"Hey, it's not my fault I can't feel my legs right about now!" I argued. "I just need to pace it out." Letting go of the redhead, I took some steps and small jumps. It felt safer to walk now. "See? All better."
"If you say so... Come on," Misty tugged on my jacket to get me into the right direction. "Gary's alright, right?"
"Yeah, we cheered him up real good," I confirmed.
"That's good."
"If I don't know any better, I would think you loved Gary," I joked.
"It's like you get stupider every second," Misty frowned. "I'm yours, too."
"I know," I replied cheekily. But I was really thinking about how Misty was too precious to be owned by anyone.
We conversed effortlessly about our day after that. Being at the West made me a bit uneasy once more. Misty calmed most of my nerves, but something was nagging me in the back of my head. I childishly thought it was May, and she somehow learned to talk to me through thoughts. What an imagination.
"Bye, Ash," Misty gave me a deep kiss before going in.
"Bye, Mist." I watched her until she fully disappeared behind the door.
Looking up at the sky, I determined I had enough time to go to the lot once more. After arriving there, I glanced around, thinking back at all the precious memories that were made at the place. All the laughs, surprises, fights. Good times, good times.
"Hey again, Ash!" a nasty voice broke into my thoughts. I cursed mentally. Should have seen this coming sooner. I mean, I really should have. The red mustang. I truly was an idiot to ignore all the signs.
"Rudy," I acknowledged. "Along with some more Socs I don't know." Out of the corner of my eye, I searched the area for a bottle or something to use as a weapon. Nothing, absolutely nothing. I swore again. What are the chances of a person getting this much screwed?
"I told you not to go get so comfy. You making out with her was the last straw."
"You watched? I didn't know you were a jerk and a pervert!" I gasped mockingly. Don't forget stalker.
"You don't got the best position to be making jokes," Rudy glared.
"Whattaya want now?" I questioned, making sure there was irritation showing in my face. I already knew the answer long ago, probably even before he came.
"Are you really that stupid, Ketchum? Do you really not know? Oh well, I'm taking Misty back by force." He lunged forward, along with everybody around me. I wasn't going down without a fight, even though it was inevitable that I would loose. At least they didn't have blades right then. I punched a few guys, but others had some good hits on me in return. My side was throbbing from a kick, and I spent less than one second wincing in pain. In that moment, Rudy pinned me down and sat on my chest. Man, he was heavy. I felt something cold against my neck. Oh great, now they decide to pull out the heavy weapons. I thrashed around, but then the other boys grabbed hold of my legs and helped Rudy clench my violent arms.
"What are you gonna do now?" I heaved.
"Just go to sleep, little Ash," Rudy responded icily. I couldn't believe the last voice I would hear would be Rudy's ugly one. I blacked out at the impact of someone's fists. I wondered faintly why I didn't keep Drew's switchblade.
~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~
"Ash! Damn it! Ash, speak to me! Wake up!" I heard Gary in the background, but everything was too dark, so I couldn't see him. I sighed in my head. At least Rudy wasn't the last thing I heard. It was weird to be called "Ash" by Gary, but I had other things on my mind. "He's over here!" I was so tired.
"Sleepy... Good night... Mist... Gang..." I mumbled.
"What the hell? I just told you to wake up! You never listen..." he faded into the faint light, and I went back to the darkness, letting fatigue take over.
Was this pretty predictable? Almost everybody expected it. I would think it would be since the mustang that was trailing Ash around in the first few dates. I kind of made it sort of obvious... XP The mustang didn't appear for a while because Ash's attention is all on Misty, and he didn't notice. At least that's what I tried to do. :) I also feel like this chapter is a bit choppy.
I don't think I should stretch out May's past. I mean, she was abused and ran. Simple, and I don't feel the need to make it all complicated. And Max... Well, I guess their parents didn't beat him, only May, so he didn't run away with her. Maybe I'll make a one-shot when May and Drew met, I don't know. I'm planning to make one on Paul and Dawn's first encounter.
Annnnnd Duplica made her appearance. :D I just wanted to fit her into the story, even if it is an extremely small role. XD I liked her episode because they were Team Rocket for a change. :] Sucks because they reused that idea for a newer season.
Also, this story reached about 40,000 words. Dang...
AND I APOLOGIZE SO MUCH TO ANYONE WHO THINKS THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS MOVING AT LIGHTNING SPEED. And special thanks to FollowingTheWind for saying I didn't need to worry, even though I can't help but do. It's the thought that counts. :D If you didn't like that tiny make-out scene, I'm so very sorry. It's just that Rudy needed a trigger, and that was all I could think of. :( Plus, they got teenage hormones, and it's just not that realistic without some tongue action from two teenagers after a few days of going out. It's 1966, so things are a bit different. XD I'M SOOOOO SORRY. D: If you guys have a BIG, BIG problem with it, I can change it, if you like. Although, if you guys tell me it's fine, that's even better. X]
Only five reviews. Almost to seven, but not quite. :( Oh well. Thanks for everyone who reviewed though. :D You guys are the best.
Pablo and Bobboo: Thanks! Writing the whole thing takes a long time, so I'm glad you appreciate the length. I was beginning to think that the story was too long and everybody was too lazy to read it all. :D
AshAndMistyLove: I try. :) Thank you, and hope to hear from you again.
Looketh: It's fine! No need to worry about it. I love your suggestion. I'll probably add her at the end as like a cameo or something. A small spoiler. XD Well, now you know. :) And thank you for the compliment. It means a lot because I was aiming for that. I tried not to make it so complex because Ash is more of a simple-minded person. It's not annoying at all! I absolutely love long reviews!
FollowingTheWind: Thanks... You're sooo nice. :') I liked the bonding scene myself. XD Again, thank you so much for the encouragement. Really made me more confident. :]
School is coming up, so I hope I won't be so behind and that people will still read and review. :D You guys make me happy. I was writing like crazy for the last days before school. Big thanks for everyone who dropped a review and read the new chapters despite homework and crap like that.
