EPILOUGE
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Turn out the lights now
To see is to believe
I just want you near me
I just want you here with me
And I'd give up everything only for you
It's the least that I could do

And now as I lay here in my bed, staring up at the ceiling, I reflect upon the events that took place three months ago. I'm back in my house in Pallet, in my room. My mother had insisted that we stayed for a while, Jessie and James, along with Meowth, were currently guests in home as well as the usual three of us. Mom had been shaken terribly by what had happened, partially blaming herself. She cried a little when we talked, but all was reassured between us and we even discussed some dark issues we had feared to ever mention in the past. Our bond as mother and son had grown stronger but I still knew she would not feel comfortable until I stuck around for a while.

Pikachu is sleeping in its own little bed near the corner. It too had been upset to learn that it had not been there to help during the terrible ordeal. I had a long chat with him, and like Mom, my little buddy was reassured.

I glance over at my alarm clock which read 1:00 AM before looking back down. Misty's head rests on my bare chest, one arm by her side, and the other one snaked over the waistband of my boxers. I play with a lacy strap of the light, skimpy nightgown she has on and the smallest grin forms on my face as I think back to what we had been indulged in for the first time together about an hour ago.

Frankly, I had been surprised that she had not been more scared for the situation. I was nervous, since it would be my first time and I expected her to be extremely anxious, especially considering what had happened. To my surprise she was calmer than I was, and she clearly explained to me that it was the situation she had wanted to lose her virginity in, and she trusted me completely with her body that had been violated at one point.

I run a lone finger down her porcelain cheek, her bruises are gone and the rest of us are pretty much completely healed from the gruesome actions Team Rocket and Giovanni took upon us.

Giovanni.

I found it utterly disgusting that I was sickened by even the speaking of his name. My own father. My own father had tried to murder me and the people I cared about. I still could not believe it nor could I understand it. The story had been advertised over the news along with the downfall of Team Rocket. The public had been horrified as well and the circumstances of my birth were a shock to them. I know it is something I am going to have to carry on my shoulders for the rest of my life but I have gotten through it this far and I know that I can go all the way.

I sigh to myself contentedly and once again look back down at Misty. I move a crimson strand of hair from her face so I can get a better look at her beautiful features. The simple gesture is enough to make her stir from her sleep, however, and I feel the slightest bit of guilt for waking her. She always has been a light sleeper.

"Go to sleep," she mumbles to me, in her half-sleeping, half-awake state.

I chuckle slightly, wrapping my arms around her; she snuggles closer to me as I do so. "I will soon," I inform her, ruffling her hair. "I'm just... thinking..." I trail off.

"About?" she questions, her words are muffled and her eyes closed.

"Everything that's happened since these past three months."

Her eyes open and she shifts her weight to gaze up at me with her aqua orbs. I can see the hidden pain reflected in them. It will always be a sore spot for the both of us. "Don't think about it too much, honey," she tells me seriously. "We've been through enough hell to then add the burden of it constantly being on our minds."

I draw her body even closer to mind and sigh again. "I know," I say, rubbing her shoulder slightly. We remain in silence after that and Misty begins to fall back asleep. "But then again..." I suddenly start out of nowhere. She opens her eyes once more and waits for me to continue. "If it weren't for everything that happened... I may have never been able to find the courage to tell you how I feel."

A small smile forms on her face and she presses her head against my chest more. "Me neither," she admits softly.

I lean down and kiss the top of her head. "You don't know how long I've been waiting to be with you."

"Probably as long as I have," she says sincerely. We linger in the sweetness of the moment without saying anything before Misty breaks the silence. "I love you so much, Ash."

Her words are pure music to my ears for they are what I have been dreaming of hearing for so long. I rest my head against hers. "I love you too." It still amazes me that the words I had such a difficulty with can now roll so easily off my tongue. I make eye contact with her before speaking seriously once again. "And frankly, when it comes between losing you... and loving you... I'd much rather be in love."

A smile forms on her face and she leans up. We embrace in a gentle kiss before we break apart. She moves her lips so they're right by my ear. I can feel her soft breaths along the nape of my neck and hear her whispers so distinctively. "I couldn't have said it any better myself."

On that note, she moves herself back down and snuggles back up against my chest with my arms still securely around her. Her eyes close for the night and mine are soon to follow as I drift off into a well-needed sleep. I lay there, still holding her contentedly when suddenly something happens as I gaze down at her.

My breath gets caught in my throat and my head is spinning. My stomach drops and it is almost as if the wind has been knocked out of me. I open my mouth momentarily but I find it has run dry and I am beginning to feel faint at the mere sight of her. And then it hits me, it has happened once more.

I have just fallen in love with Misty all over again.

'Cause when there's you, I feel whole
And there's no better feeling in the world
But without you I'm alone
And I'd rather be in love with you

And I feel you holding me

Why are we afraid to be in love?
To be loved
I can't explain it
I know it's tough to be loved

And I feel you holding me

And when there's you, I feel whole
And there's no better feeling in the world
But without you I'm alone

And I'd rather be in love
Yes, I'd rather be in love
Oh, I'd rather be in love with you

END

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A/N: Well, that's it, the story's over ;)  I want to take this time to thank everyone who has reviewed this fic and gave positive support towards it even because of its overdone plot.  I greatly appreciate all the positive comments from everyone.  I have several other long stories in the process of being written and some one-shots waiting to be posted.  Thank you again to all who reviewed this fic and any of my other ones. =)

Oh and one little thing I know that Misty wouldn't be willing to jump in bed with Ash right after she's raped so take note that this does take place three months after that so it is possible she would be more willing since more time has passed ;)