***Author's Note***

Thank you all for the wonderful reviews! This chapter is the halfway marker for the fic, not including the Epilogue. ^_^ Thanks for sticking around this far and hope you continue on with me till the end!

Also, to all you HP fans, I loved the movie!!!! Yes, they did keep out a lot but that's to be expected. I enjoyed the humor. ^_^

Disclaimer: Same as always.

Misty the Matchmaker

Chapter 9: Enter the Male Model

"I know you've always wanted to beat Gary at everything but I really did not expect this from you Ash," Brock said shaking his head as the two men stood in Brock's kitchen Saturday morning. "Pitiful."

Ash opened the fridge and pulled out a carton of eggs. "I know, I know!"

He felt bad enough as it was without Brock rubbing salt in his wounds. If he had even suspected that he would make such a mess of things, then Ash would never have stepped foot outside of Pallet!

"What's done is done," Brock commented taking the carton from Ash and placing it on the counter.

Ash glared. "Thank you Mr. Obvious."

"Hey you're the one who came to me for advice."

"Something I'm beginning to regret," Ash muttered pulling out the bread next. He went over to the toaster oven and tossed in a few slices.

To say he had been sucked into a spiral of mass confusion would be an understatement. He hadn't just been sucked in. He had created the spiral and dove in blindly. He hadn't known so many emotions could run through a person all at the same time and make them crazy.

That's what girls were made for.

But apparently, guys could experience ambivalence too as Brock told him after Ash relayed the events of the past few days to his friend.

Worse, his first formal dinner date with Melody had been thoroughly enjoyable. The only problem was that the entire night, Ash kept seeing Misty's face superimposed atop Melody's. He never really thought hallucinations were real but now after experiencing it himself, he was a firm believer. It wasn't until Ash was dropping Melody off to her hotel and when she gave him a hasty and shy peck on the cheek did he truly understand the black hole of misfortune he had created single-handedly all thanks to his wonderfully stupid brain.

Wasn't college supposed to help you get rid of that part of yourself that made you do dumb things?

"What do I do?" Ash wailed pulling out the breakfast plates as Brock chopped an onion to add to the egg mix.

"Okay first off, let's take a step back and take a look at the situation," Brock suggested dumping the onions into the bowl. "And get me a tomato."

Ash heeded and as Brock cut into the red fruit, Ash leaned against the fridge. "Well. Misty and Melody both think I'm Alvin Ketter, desk boy at Oak Tech when I'm really Ash Ketchum, Junior VP. There's a big difference in status, earnings, and fame right there. Misty told me I was her first crush when we were kids, so when I saw her the other day, I felt like kissing her and almost did. Even though I guess I'm sort of dating Melody who I think might really like me because she kissed me on the check last night. Misty is the one who set up Melody and me. And um, I have another date with Melody tonight and haven't spoken to or seen Misty since Wednesday."

"You sound like some character in a soap opera!" Brock said as he calmly slid the tomato cubes from his cutting board into the bowl. Then without warning, he whirled around to face Ash and pointed the knife at him.

"All we need now is for you to knock up Melody and find out your best friend in actually in love with her and she wants to abort the baby because she doesn't want to be reminded of you even though you're anti-abortion while Misty runs off with your rival who ends up being your long-lost brother leaving you to wonder about your sexual orientation."

Silence.

A ray of sunlight stretched in through the vented blinds and reflected against the knife's sharp edge, giving it a dangerous gleam.

Finally, "I am perfectly aware of my sexual orientation and have no need to wonder,"

Brock lowered the knife. "You're worried about that over the fact that Misty could run off with your rival and Melody be pursued by your best friend?"

"Seeing as how Gary Oak is both my best friend and rival, then that would be one nauseatingly twisted plot. Believable because it's Gary, but nauseating," Ash said evenly then his voice rose as he shouted. "What is wrong with you!? I ask you for advice and instead you want to make things more complicated? And why do you know so much about soap opera drama?"

Brock shrugged and turned back to his bowl, picking it up and mixing its contents. "It's a way to connect with the chicks."

"Like it's done you any good."

"I'll have you know, Jenny has only rejected me twice this week."

"How many times did you ask her out?"

"Twice."

"I rest my case."

Ash went over to the small table and pulled out a chair. "Look, are you going to help me figure this out or not?"

"It's simple really."

"Okay."

Ash watched Brock start pouring the omelet mixture into a large frying pan.

"Hello?"

"I'm not telling you," Brock replied covering the pan with a lid.

"What? Why not?"

Brock joined Ash at the table.

"Listen, Misty is a friend. I haven't seen her in a while but she's still like a little sister to me. Not that I need any more siblings but whatever. Point being, you got yourself into this mess. You have to get yourself out. Analyze your situation. Think about each woman and your feelings for her and sort it out. Not being honest has gotten you into this mess so maybe being honest will get you out."

The two men stared at one another.

"That's it?" the younger one said.

"What do you mean 'that's it'? That's some of my best stuff!" Brock exclaimed.

"No wonder you have girl troubles."

"Hey, I wouldn't talk if I were you. In fact, another word out of you and you make your own breakfast."

"Shutting up now."

Truthfully though, Brock was right. Maybe it was time to start being more honest with his feelings and with the women before things really did turn into a soap opera.

~*~

Melody felt like she was floating on a cloud. High above the city in the clear blue skies with angels playing harps in the background. In reality she was walking around an outdoor shopping center. The warm morning weather was just perfect for her cheery demeanor. Last night's date with Alvin had been delightful. He had been so attentive and never took his eyes off her face. At first Melody had thought maybe her makeup was messed up or she had something stuck in her teeth. But then she realized he wasn't staring at her with eyes of disgust but rather, something softer, something almost vulnerable.

It made Melody's insides positively melt when she realized a man could actually look at her with such fondness.

The best part was, Melody's grandfather had been beyond thrilled with her rehearsal earlier this morning. He said she had a glow he hadn't seen since the time he told her they would be traveling to help boost her popularity. And that was quite a while ago.

Therefore, Melody decided to treat herself to a little shopping spree. Tonight Alvin was taking her to one of the most expensive restaurants in Viridian. Apparently it was on the absolute top floor of one of Oak Tech's office buildings. She had heard the nighttime view was amazing and for a full enjoyment, the entire floor rotated slowly!

If he were taking her someplace so special, then it had to mean he was becoming serious about her, just as she was about him. Especially since he was willing to spend so much on her when he only had a desk job. This certainly called for an entirely new outfit from head to toe.

As she walked, Melody hummed a few bars from a favorite song of hers when suddenly she heard, "Excuse me. Miss? Excuse me."

Turning, she saw a tall, lanky, yet built young man approaching her holding out a bill. His tousled strawberry blonde hair gave him an almost childlike appearance and Melody giggled to herself, deciding it suited him.

He stopped a few feet away, arm outstretched. "You dropped this," he said, his voice certainly not childlike.

Melody looked at the bill quizzically then down at her purse. It was zipped tightly. "Thank you but I'm sorry. I don't think that's mine."

The man pointed to her jacket. "I saw it fall out of there."

Oh, well that was quite possible, the singer thought. Since she was little, she had a habit of stuffing everything into her jacket pockets and finding money in them before doing the laundry was always a nice surprise.

She smiled up at the man and accepted the money. "Thank you very much! It's always nice to see people being so helpful to one another."

The man smiled back slowly and then squinted at her. "Hey, didn't I see you performing last night at The Indigo?"

"Yes I was there. Though, I'm sorry, I don't know you," Melody said apologetically.

He stuck out his hand once more and Melody shook it. "I'm Ritchie. I was there with a few friends and we were all really impressed by your voice! Me especially. I've never heard such power."

Melody felt a slight blush rise to her cheeks at the compliment. "Oh thank you so much! It makes me feel so good to know I have a few fans."

"Well I speak the truth. You were great! I could feel the raw emotion behind the lyrics."

Wow. Grandfather Kei was right! She grinned. "I guess you can thank…a man I'm currently seeing." She didn't want to be presumptuous and call Alvin her boyfriend but after tonight, she was sure things would change.

"Is he your voice coach?"

Melody shook her head. "No. But when I'm with him, I feel so happy and at ease! And I guess it comes out in my songs." She giggled. "Tonight he's even taking me out to a really great place and I think I might even be in love with him!" Another giggle escaped and she failed to notice the man struggling to keep a smile on his face.

"Anyways," she continued. "I'm sorry for just randomly spilling information about my love life."

Ritchie waved a hand. "No worries. I'm glad you're happy and that it's helping your performances."

"Thank you!"

"You take care and good luck with your singing and um," Ritchie coughed. "Your date."

"Thanks. And you take care too. Nice meeting you Ritchie."

Melody shot one last smile at the young man before heading towards a boutique she spotted, feeling even better than before that a fan recognized her on the street! This day was turning out to be amazing already!

~*~

Determined to not be late for once while meeting with Serena, Misty made sure to close up her shop early Saturday afternoon and head to the local mall where they were to meet. She was tired but energetic. The night before had helped immensely. Her crazy friends, noting something was off with Misty but not verbalizing their suspicion, had dragged Misty around from The Indigo, a popular downtown lounge, to The Orange Crew, a club for the 21 to 30 crowd. There Duplica forced Misty to get up and dance until Serena decided she wanted to see the beach at night which led the girls to an empty and slightly chilly shore to attempt to build sand castles.

All in all, it had been a wonderful, mind-relaxing night. And the best part was, no men approached them because Ritchie was their unofficial bodyguard. Misty didn't want any more complications with men and at the moment, Ritchie was the only one she was willing to associate with on a social level.

Finally entering the mall, Misty headed for the food court. She spotted Serena sitting at a small table finishing a tall pink smoothie.

"Just how long have you been here?" Misty asked sitting down across from her friend.

Serena glanced at her watch. "Probably an hour. I was bored at home since you and Duplica left for work so I browsed a bit before grabbing this."

"Are we looking for anything particular today?"

"Nope. You?"

Misty grinned. "Window shopping it is!"

"Let's get to it!"

Serena sucked up the remainder of her smoothie then dumped the plastic cup in a trashcan. The two women linked arms and delved into the depths of the mall.

Despite their assertion to only "window shop," two hours later both women emerged from a department store carrying shopping bags.

"I love sales," Serena sighed in satisfaction.

"Me too," Misty nodded in agreement.

"Let's sit down. My feet hurt."

"We can sit by the fountain."

The two set their heavy bags on the floor and plopped down on the cool marble as the water gushed up behind them. They discussed where they might wear the various outfits they had bought when a shadow blocked the sunlight that was streaming in from the sunroof above.

Looking up, Misty saw a tall young man grinning down at them. Or more specifically, Misty realized, he was looking at only her. He ran a hand through his auburn hair and flipped it back. "Hello. I'm sorry to be a bother but, I couldn't help but notice you."

Oh no. Not another weirdo. She was about to tell him off when she noticed Serena was gaping at the stranger. Well if her friend really wanted this guy, she was welcome to him. But apparently he was only interested in Misty.

He continued, "You probably don't remember me but I believe you're Misty of the Waterflower Aquarium?"

Misty couldn't stop the look of shock from spreading on her features. Who was this guy? She stood up. "I am. How do you know me?"

The man flipped his hair again with a smile. "I visited your aquarium a few years ago at the end of summer and you were the star of the water show at that time. I went back the next day to try and talk to you but your sisters had said you had left for college."

Misty remembered the water show with a blush. The one her sisters had tricked her into doing. They had convinced her to stay home for the summer instead of her apartment saying that they had all contracted a contagious disease only caught by the beautiful people and Misty would just have to take over the show. Instead, what they meant was that Misty would have to dress up in a ridiculous mermaid get-up for some play they wrote in hopes of boosting sales.

Mortified that such a handsome man had seen her back then, Misty could say nothing except. "Ah yes." Of course he remembered her. Who wouldn't remember such corn?

"I really liked the show and I recognized you instantly. Being a dancer, I love watching and learning about other performing arts and yours was exceptionally unique being in the water."

"Thank you," Misty replied. A dancer? No wonder he looked toned. "I'm sorry, but you are-?"

The man stuck out a hand. "Rudy Trovita."

Misty took his hand to shake it and blushed when Rudy lifted her hand to his lips and gave it a light kiss. Rudy Trovita. Rudy Trovita. She tested the name out in her mind, riffling through her memory for any recollection.

"Wait a minute," Misty said, a spark of recognition finally igniting. "The model?"

Rudy winked. "The one and only!"

"Now I remember! There was all this hype at the aquarium because you attended. I didn't meet you but I remember seeing you enter. You were blonde back then."

Rudy laughed and flipped his hair once more. "Yes well, that was just a phase I was going through. I'm happy that you remember who I am though. Listen, I, um, don't do this often but since I finally got to talk to you after all this time, if you're free tonight, then maybe you'd like to have dinner with me?"

Misty stared at him open-mouthed. She couldn't help it. He had seen her in that mermaid suit and still wanted a date all these years later? And he was asking her in the middle of the mall of all places? She suddenly felt like a high-schooler.

She opened her mouth to say she was sorry but she'd have to decline because she was swearing off men for the time-being when she felt Serena shoot up from her sitting position and clutch her arm, her nails digging into her skin painfully.

"Do you think you can excuse us for one moment, Mr. Trovita?" Serena said and before Misty knew what was happening, her friend pulled her away out of ear-shot of the man.

"You're about to reject him, aren't you?

"Yes. Why not?"

"He's a hot male model! I saw him modeling some jeans in an ad in a magazine and let me tell you, the boy knows how to work it. Plus, he can dance."

"Since when are you so boy-crazy?"

Serena shook her head. "Misty, Misty, Misty. I am not. But think about it. He said he saw you perform. In the past. You didn't know who he was because he changed his hair. Disguise. Any of this ring a bell?"

"You don't think – "

"Oh but I do. And he's much better than Garrr – aggravating men like your client."

"But…I don't think this is such a good idea."

"I know that's what you think which is why I dragged you over here. Stop thinking for once! Look, he's getting impatient. Just go over there and accept! As far as I know, he's got no scandalous rumors, he's not a playboy, and hello, he's a model for goodness sake! What better mystery man could you get?"

Misty thought about it as she shot a quick glance back at the man who was watching them. He smiled when their eyes met and Misty returned it. She had to admit, he was appeared physically flawless and definitely knew how to dress. It couldn't hurt to have dinner with such a man. Besides, what was she waiting for? Really. Alvin Ketter was long gone from her mind. The burning sensation on her palm he had kissed was now just a tiny tingling!

It was time to forget the past and move on.

She walked back to Rudy and said, "I accept."

Rudy let out the breath he had apparently been holding. "I'm really glad that you agreed!" he turned to Serena and shot her a smile. Misty couldn't help but grin when she beamed back. "Since you were so helpful in convincing your friend to have dinner with me, why don't we make it a double date?"

At this, Serena's mouth fell and Misty saw a pink tinge spreading over her cheeks. "Um, no, that's okay. I uh…don't have anyone to go with. You two kids have fun."

"Nonsense! Come with us! I have a friend who is in town. I'm sure he'll be thrilled if I ask him," Rudy offered.

"Well," Serena drawled. Misty knew she was hesitating because it would mean she was going on a blind date and remembered Serana never appreciated those. She grinned. Too bad. It was payback time.

"She accepts," Misty said and before Serena could protest, she exchanged information with Rudy who said once he got reservations at a restaurant he had in mind, he would text her with the details. "Sounds great," Misty replied.

Rudy grinned and walked off with a wave, leaving the two young women staring after him. "He has a nice –"

"I can't believe you said 'yes' for me!" Serena interrupted sitting down at the fountain's edge once more.

Misty joined her. "C'mon it'll be fun!"

"But…a blind date? You know I hate those! Remember Damian?"

Misty did. Damian had been a friend of Misty's high school boyfriend who had agreed to take Serena to the senior prom. He had been great at first. But an accidental eavesdropping on a conversation between the guys revealed much. Serena had learned that her date not only stood up another girl for her because his original date was slightly overweight thus calling Serena "a prize," but he also had plans to not let Serena go home that night.

Needless to say, prom for them had ended in something slightly less than chaotic. Misty hated to admit it but it was partially her fault Serena still had some reservations about dating, especially a blind date. And because it was partially her fault, she felt it was partially her responsibility to help Serena get over it.

"Look, Rudy seems like a nice guy and if he's bringing a friend of his, it's probably someone equally nice and attractive," Misty reasoned gathering up her shopping bags and standing. "Besides, Damian was ages ago."

Serena bit her bottom lip looking thoughtful then picked up her own bags. "True true. Maybe he'll bring Danny Navel!"

"Who?"

As she walked in the direction of another shop, Serena called back, "Really Mist. You need to brush up on your celebrities. He's another model!"

"Where are you going?"

"You think I'm gonna show up for my possible date with a model dressed in rags?"

Misty laughed as she followed Serena, glad her momentary negativity had been wiped away by the prospect of a date with this Danny Navel. Misty herself was surprised to find that she too was excited about her spontaneously made date with someone who could quite possibly be her mystery man.

Serena was right. If Rudy was her true love, she would definitely need something new to keep a hold of him.

***Author's Note***

Cookies for AzureKite4 for seeing that one comin! If you noticed the brief mentioning of Rudy back in Chapter 7 and thought of him when you read this chapter's title, then props to you! As for Damian and Danny, who remembers them? Danny you all probably remember but Damian was in one of the waaaaay earlier episodes. I hope you all like the references to the old Pokemon world. ^_^

Please review!

Angelicfairy aka *Maura*

Preview of Chapter 10:

"I'm glad you asked too," Misty said with a soft smile. "So, where's your friend?" she asked finally as Serena sidled up to make her presence be known.

Rudy looked around in confusion. "Hm. He was here just before you two ladies got here." Upon seeing Serena's frown he quickly said, "Oh don't worry. He hasn't left. I think he went – oh here he comes now!"

Misty looked around, trying to figure out which of the many men in the room might be Serena's blind date and hoping beyond hope it would be someone decent both in personality and looks.

"I guess I should thank you Rudy, for inviting me along. I've been dying to come here!" Serena gushed with a smile just as a man walked over. Before Rudy could make the introductions, Misty had beaten him to it, stepping up to the man.

Review Responses – Much thanks!

AzureKite4: Well Ash's cover is still not blown as you can see. But…we are certainly coming closer! Nice job picking up the clues to Rudy's appearance! ^^

shut up and read or go away: Thank you! And we are getting closer to Misty finding out who Alvin really is but not just yet. I've still got a few more things planned on the way. ^_^

ShadowMario45: Haha wow you pretty much summed up all the craziness right there in your review! And this chapter will give you even more to add to that list. We're getting closer and closer to Misty knowing!

Ronmione x3: I've actually never read any D/Hr. If Ron didn't exist, I prolly would support that since I love love/hate romance! Your'e right, the ending of the movie was a bit rushed but still decent…Haha you are totally allowed to kinda love Gary. In fact, he wants you to love him. He wants everyone to love him! I'm glad you liked the funny bits!

tuneless melody: If you were excited for this chapter, I bet the next one's got you even more excited since it's date time for Misty! I hadn't originally thought to bring in the "Rocket Team" but while writing, I was like, hey why not? Though they will not officially be making an appearance. Unless I get some new crazy idea to throw in…I don't quite remember the 5th HP movie mainly because I watched it front row IMAX which I vow to never do again. Lol. My movie experience this time was much better!

Death's Serenade: Oh yes. Lil Emma is all grown up. Tho I feel bad for her cause I was reading an interview and Daniel Radcliff was saying how as soon as Emma turned 18, the paparazzi went open season on her, even trying to take pics under her dress!...Haha good that Gary makes you wary. He's an interesting one to keep an eye out for…I dunno where I came up with the idea of Ritchie/Melody. Lol. It's in my other fic. I'll try to make it bearable if they end up together…As for your guess about Gary getting some sense knocked into him…you'll see. ^^… and yes. Everyone is super dense. I've come to realize that in real life too and brought it into the fanfiction world. Haha.

Steveaaml: Thank you thank you! I do love that tension which is only going to continue escalating as we get into the dates. ^_~

GreenGoblin15: Thank you! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

licoricejellybean: You want my Ash? I lend him out on an hourly basis. With a fee of course. ^^ Haha. I feel like if Gary's not a playboy, he's no fun. You know what I mean?

Tohsaka-Rin91: Yeah I was sorta expecting a bit more Oomph for Snape's revelation but otherwise it was still a good movie!...Glad you enjoyed the long chapter and the beginning with Serena and the idea of Ritchie/Melody. I dunno how I came up with that pairing or why but I did for my first AAML and I just went with it!..As you can see no collision of characters this chapter. We are still getting to some more good stuff!

PokeshippersShadow1: Bet? Grounded? Certainly sounds like an interesting story right there! Glad you're back tho and thanks for the reviews!