Seashells and Secrets
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon. I do, however, own this story.
Epilogue
Everyone was resting safely at the Pokemon Center. The group had successfully teleported back to Brock, who had used the boat to get them back to the Lake Valor shore.
Ash, Misty, Brock, and Dawn were all enjoying a warm meal. After finishing, they sat in silence, reflecting on the events that had just occurred. Suddenly, Ash interrupted the quiet.
"Misty, can I talk to you privately for a moment?"
"Sure, Ash."
Ignoring Dawn's "Awe," Ash and Misty slipped away from the table and entered the bedroom the group was sharing.
"So, Ash, what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Um, well...I guess I was just wondering why you never told me about your parents."
A small "Oh" escaped Misty's lips.
"I mean, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to," Ash added hastily.
"No, it's OK, Ash. I guess it was just too painful; I didn't want to think about it. Besides, I was...embarrassed," Misty finished.
"Why were you embarrassed?" A puzzled look made its way across Ash's face.
"Well, I guess because I didn't want anyone to know that my father had left us. I mean, I know it was our circumstances that led him to do so, but it's still embarrassing somehow to think that our own father had just up and left us."
"I don't think it's anything to be ashamed of," Ash stated in a small voice.
"Why not?"
"Well, because my father did the same thing," Ash finished timidly.
Misty stared at him blankly.
"When my father found out that my mother was pregnant with me, he walked out on us," Ash stated simply.
"Oh, Ash, I didn't know. I didn't mean to imply..."
"No, it's OK, Misty. Like you said, you didn't know."
"Wow, Ash. I never knew. That must have been so difficult for you."
"It was, at least when I was little. I always wondered why I didn't have a father like Gary and the other kids. Of course, Mom waited until I was older to tell me why, and I was so angry for a time that I hated my father for leaving me and Mom. Over time, though, my hatred abated because I realized how lucky I was to have such a special mother who loved me so much. I can't imagine how painful things must be for you, Misty, without a mother or a father," Ash finished.
Misty looked away. She didn't want Ash to see the tears that were forming in her eyes. It was too late, though; he had already noticed them.
Ash had been sitting on the bed across from Misty's and slowly made his way towards hers, sitting down next to her. He gently put his arm around her, moving delicately to make sure she was comfortable with it. Instead of flinching like he had imagined she would, Misty leaned against Ash.
"It's just so hard, Ash. I lost my mother and my father, and my sisters don't really care about me. It's like I have no one."
"That's not true, Misty. You have me," Ash stated softly, as if he were embarrassed (and he was—had Misty seen his face, she would have noticed the faint blush across it).
"Thanks, Ash. You're a great friend."
"Well, it's easy to be a great friend to you, Misty."
Now it was Misty's turn to blush.
"Oh, before I forget, I have something for you," Ash began. The funny feeling he had been experiencing was at its strongest, almost making him sick, but he figured it was now or never.
"Hmm? What, Ash?"
Ash slowly reached into his bag and pulled out a small box, overwhelmed by the strange feeling.
"Here. It isn't much, but I wanted to give you something to thank you for being my friend and to remind you of me when we're far away from each other. Go ahead, open it," Ash finished lamely.
Misty could hardly believe her eyes. Inside the box was the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. A silver seashell pendent was attached to a dainty silver chain.
"Oh, Ash, it's perfect!" Misty exclaimed, hugging him. "Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome, Misty," Ash stated, blushing. He felt as if the funny feeling was going to make him explode, but somehow he also liked it.
It was time for Misty to head back to Cerulean City and to say goodbye to Ash, Brock, and Dawn.
"Bye, Misty," Dawn began. "It was nice meeting you!"
"Bye, Dawn. It was nice meeting you, too. Look after Ash and Brock for me!"
"Bye, Misty," Brock exclaimed, offering his hand.
"Bye, Brock. Take care! Don't flirt too much!"
"Well, Misty, you know I can't promise you that," Brock stated, a goofy grin on his face.
"Well, Ash, I guess this is goodbye for now," Misty began sadly.
"I guess so. Take care of yourself, Misty. Don't forget to keep in touch."
The pair embraced for a long time, as Dawn gawked. Then it was really time to say goodbye.
Ash, Dawn, and Brock slowly walked away from Lake Valor when they heard someone approaching. Turning around, they found themselves face to face with Misty.
"I forgot something," she stated, a huge blush making its way across her face. She then approached Ash and kissed him on the cheek.
A shocked but happy expression remained on Ash's face hours later. Dawn had been teasing him relentlessly, but he didn't care. It was worth it.
"Hey, Ash, I heard that Paul already got his badge from Crasher Wake. We'd better head there fast, or else you're going to fall way behind him," Dawn stated.
Ash simply stared ahead, a dreamy look on his face.
"Hello, earth to Ash!"
"Huh? Oh, sorry."
"Didn't you hear what I said about Paul?"
"What? Oh, yeah."
"Well, don't you care?"
"Hmm? No, not really." All Ash could think about was Misty and the feeling associated with her.
Misty made her way back towards Kanto, gently fingering the seashell necklace. Maybe there was hope after all.
Author's Note: Well, it's finally done. I'm sorry that it took so long for me to post this whole story. Thank you for sticking with me.
I'm not sure how much time I'll have to write with school in session and with this semester being exceptionally busy, but I do have some plot bunnies floating around in my head for a couple of one shots as well as a couple of chaptered fics. In fact, I just had a dream this morning that could make for a nice, long, juicy fic.
Thank you for your time. :)
