Chapter 21
That night, Ash and Misty are still in Ariel's room as neither parent wants to leave her side. Of course, they haven't talked to each other for fear of arguing in front of her again. Now, as Ariel sleeps, they realize they need to sleep somewhere too because no one wants to leave the room.
"You can take the couch." Ash tells Misty as he sees there is only one small couch on the edge of the room.
She shakes her head. "No. I want to hold her hand." Misty replies from the seat.
"You can't take care of her if you're not well rested." Ash knowingly says.
"Then where are you gonna sleep?" Snaps the redhead. If this is Ash's way of trying to be the only one holding Ariel's hand, then he's wrong.
Obviously, her tone irks Ash, but remembering that Ariel is here, he doesn't want to argue. Letting go of his daughter's hand, Ash lays on the uncomfortably small couch. "Fine. But don't say I wasn't a gentleman and didn't offer it to you first."
"You were never a gentleman." spats Misty.
Ash sits up to glare at her. "You're really gonna argue now? In front of our daughter?"
"I just hate you so much."
"Well, I'm glad we agree on something for once."
Before Misty can retort, the slight unconscious squeeze from Ariel's hand makes her look at her sleeping daughter. Mew, she can't keep doing this to Ariel. The girl has suffered enough, so Misty owes it to her to at least give her what she wants, which is both of her parents together. They don't have to like each other or be a couple again, but they should at least tolerate each other enough to be in the same space as Ariel.
"Fine." Misty looks back at her annoyed ex-husband. "We both know what we need to do now."
Sighing reluctantly, Ash nods. As much as he hates this woman, he loves the little girl more. And Misty is a major part of Ariel's life. "We need to figure out how to get along again."
"Brock always helps with that. And Pikachu." suggests the redhead.
Ash's chocolate brown eyes meet Misty's cerulean blue ones. "From this moment on, I will stop arguing with you." It hurts Ash's pride heavily to say this, but he needs to say it. For Ariel's sake.
Although Misty should be feeling victorious right now, she doesn't. Her heart somewhat aches as she gazes into those concerned brown eyes. "Same. From this moment on, I will stop arguing with you too."
"Can you really do that?" Ash asks as he knows she's very hotheaded; however, her glare she shoots at him confirms it because her mouth is shut. He gives her a tight smile before saying, "I wasn't trying to argue. Sorry."
Sorry. Misty has longed for that word from him for so long, but she feels guilty hearing it now. Looking at the ground, she mutters, "How about we have a monthly family dinner when Ariel gets out of here?"
Ash finds himself giving her a genuine smile. Glancing over at his sleeping daughter, he replies, "How about every week?"
"Are you sure you can do that?" Misty asks the man. Despite not looking for an argument, she doesn't trust his commitment.
"I'd do anything for Ariel." He already sees her every weekend in Pallet Town, so he has the time for her. Maybe they can alternate weekends now so that Misty doesn't need to drive all the time? Though that does mean Ariel won't see the Oak siblings often.
"What about Melody?" Misty replies with disgust. Mew, she hates that woman who only gives Ariel a hard time. Moreover, Misty knows Ash tries to spend time with Melody too, which really irks Misty because Ash wouldn't find time for her.
Ash rolls his eyes at her tone. Of course his ex would be resentful because he's found someone while she hasn't. She can use Ariel as an excuse, but Ash knows Misty just sucks at relationships. "I see her during the week. We do live together." Ash reminds his ex. Melody and him share an apartment at the Indigo Plateau.
Misty shoots him a glare, and she's glad his eyes are closed so he can't see. That'd just start another argument they shouldn't be having. "How would she feel knowing you're hanging out with your ex-wife?"
The man groans and resists the urge to open his eyes to show her how annoyed he is. "I'm not gonna cheat on someone when I was cheated on."
Okay. Misty Waterflower is done playing nice. Letting go of Ariel's hand, the woman storms over to the couch so that she's towering over him. "I never cheated on you!"
Sensing the shadow in front of him makes Ash open his eyes. He knew she couldn't keep her temper in check for long. She's always been hotheaded. "Why would I believe you?"
She shakes her head in disbelief. Obviously he shouldn't believe anything she says now. Mew! She doesn't believe a word from his mouth either, but they should trust the words they spoke to each other when they were married. Deciding that this is not a fight she needs to get into, especially with her stupid ex, Misty returns to her seat by Ariel. "Screw you. I'm not hanging out with Melody."
"I'm not hanging out with you." Ash snaps at her. "I'm just hanging out with Ariel, and you'll be there. Melody will be too."
Misty glares at the man who has closed his eyes again. "No way. Ariel hates her."
"Ariel doesn't hate her."
"Have you ever asked your daughter? Do you even listen to Ariel?" Misty knows Ariel has spoken up about Melody in the past. Ariel told her a few times years ago. Also, if Ariel wasn't scared to speak about Rudy, then Misty knows the girl has spoken about Melody too. Ash, though, is too dense to notice anyone else's but his own feelings.
Ash chuckles in annoyance. "Worry about your own relationship. Oh wait. You don't have one."
"Look at you. Telling me we need to get along but you keep picking fights!" hisses the woman.
Ash opens one eye to look at her angry face. "I just hate you so much. It comes natural."
"Whatever. Ariel isn't hanging out with your girlfriend."
"Melody's gonna be Ariel's family some day. She'll be hanging out with us." Ash knowingly remarks.
"Over my dead body."
"Don't tempt me."
Misty's glare on him intensifies. "I fucking hate you too."
"Good." Ash mutters. With the argument ending, he soon drifts off to sleep while Misty remains worriedly awake.
Her focus is on the girl still hooked to many machines and tubes. Sighing, Misty knows she needs to control her anger better for Ariel's sake. What if Ariel was awake right now? She would've heard her parents arguing, which could've sent her machines off again. Misty rests her head on Ariel's bed and groans. This really sucks, but it's for Ariel. Misty will do anything for Ariel, even put up with that asshole on the couch.
The Next Day
Delia and Brock had left last night after hearing Ariel is okay. They dropped off Pikachu at the Pokemon Center just in case his wounds are more serious than he lets on. Brock, Delia, and Melody plan to return today, but the doctors aren't sure if they'll be allowed to see Ariel yet. They want to wait until she's in more stable condition before letting people other than her parents see her.
Despite sleeping early this morning, Misty still wakes up a few hours later since it's her usual time she gets up for the gym. The League is very well aware of Ariel being in the hospital, thus Ash and Misty are excused from their duties for the time being. Everyone is curious about the two's interaction because Misty hasn't gone to the Indigo Plateau in years. She attends all the meetings virtually with her camera off, and Ash makes sure to never be on screen either.
Although tired, Misty can't go back to sleep. Her body aches from sleeping on the hard chair, but it's worth it for Ariel. The redhead decides to use the time to watch her daughter sleep. While Ariel does look pretty bad, Misty is happy to see the girl's breathing is steady. That's always a good sign, meaning Ariel will recover. How long will it take? Only the doctors should know.
Irregular snoring makes the redhead remember they're not alone. She closes her eyes as she mentally groans knowing full well who that snoring belongs to. Opening her eyes, Misty looks at the small couch where she spots her ex-husband sprawled out on it. Ash's long legs are over the armrest of the couch, and his neck looks twisted. Nevertheless, it seems like the man is sleeping just fine. He can always sleep anywhere.
Misty then notices the bloody gray shirt and shorts on him. Even though he pisses her off, she's grateful he was here to rescue Ariel. Without him, their little girl most likely wouldn't be here right now. No matter how unreliable he was to Misty, he has shown to pull through for Ariel. All she ever does lately is talk highly about her father.
The redhead pulls out her pokenav to see texts from Brock and Delia. Ariel had taught Delia how to text, so Misty isn't surprised the woman sent on. Since Misty wasn't planning on staying in Pallet Town overnight, she doesn't have extra clothes. Maybe she'll ask Brock for some? Or ask him to buy her some from the pokemart. She should probably tell Brock and Delia to bring Ash clothes too.
"Don't go."
Misty curiously looks over at the muttered voice where she frowns. The only time he ever talks in his sleep is when he's having a nightmare. However, it's not her place to console him anymore. Returning her attention to the sleeping girl in the bed, Misty rubs her thumb over Ariel's back of her hand.
"No." The woman closes her eyes as she takes in a deep slow breath. She then lets it out her nose to calm herself. "I'm sorry, champ." That last comment causes her to shoot her attention at him again. It was a whimper, and it tugs at her heart. She hates him, yet she can't just let someone in need suffer.
Mentally cursing to herself, Misty gets up to walk over to the man with his brows furrowed deeply. She uses a foot to kick one of his legs dangling off the couch. "Wake up." Of course he's a light sleeper, like always, so she kicks him again. "Wake up, dumbass."
"Don't go, Ariel!" Ash cries out, so Misty figures this nightmare must be about their daughter. He must still be worried because of what happened last night.
Deciding to kick his leg a little harder requires Misty to lift hers higher. "Dumbass!" She loses her balance, thus she reaches out to the nearest object to catch her. This object just has to be the couch her ex-husband is currently sleeping on, causing her to land on him and wake him up. Well, he's awake now.
"What're you doing?" Ash exclaims while shoving her off of him and to the ground. He quickly sits up to glare at her. How dare she try to do something to him when he's happily taken? Just because she cheated doesn't mean he will too!
She glares right back at him and stands up while rubbing her sore side she fell on. "Psh! As if I'd wanna do anything with you." Walking back over to Ariel's bed, Misty tells him, "You were talking in your sleep. It got annoying, so I woke you up."
Ash gets off the couch to sit on the other side of Ariel's bed. "You didn't have to throw yourself at me to do it."
She pretends to vomit. "I don't want you anymore. Get that through your big head."
"I don't want you either." Ash shoots back at her. Mew, he hates being near her, but they're both here for Ariel. Ash won't leave his daughter's side, even if it means he's stuck in this room with his ex-wife for days. Unfortunately for them, Misty is thinking the same thing.
A Few Hours Later
Delia had arrived with clothes and food for the two. The doctors allowed her to enter the room because she's Ariel's grandmother, but Brock and Melody have to wait outside. Ariel had woken up to holding both of her parents' hands. She wanted to speak to them, though she's still recovering. Plus, the parents are grateful they don't need to play nice with their words in front of her just yet. Since they know they can't say anything nice to each other, they've made a silent agreement to not talk to each other whenever Ariel is awake.
The good thing about being the champion's daughter is Ariel has her own room with its own bathroom and shower. Ash showers first since he's the dirtiest. After putting on some clean clothes his mother brought from home, he exits the shower. Misty had been talking to Delia about Ariel's condition. Seeing that Ash is out, the young woman excuses herself to shower next. She feels disgusting after all the sweat from yesterday's arguments and stress.
What Misty didn't account for, though, are the clothes Delia brought her. Brock and Delia were too worried about Ariel to buy clothes for Misty. Instead, they grabbed some they already had, and with them being at the Ketchum house, these clothes are a certain Ketchum man's. How did Brock and Delia manage to pack Ash's clothes for Misty in front of Melody? They must've told Melody they're grabbing Ash clothes for a few days.
The young woman groans very loudly in the bathroom. She doesn't even care that Delia and Ariel can hear her. This sucks. Should she be disgusting and wear her clothes from yesterday? They aren't too dirty. She only wore them yesterday, and all she did was drive in them. And run through the clinic. And argue with her ex. Okay, they're pretty nasty.
"Is everything okay, Misty?" Delia asks. She is happy to see her son and his ex getting along for Ariel's sake, but she wishes it was under better circumstances.
Faking a smile, Misty responds, "Just great, Delia. Thanks." The redhead then looks at the clothes again. She'll be disgusting.
Walking out of the bathroom, everyone obviously notices Misty wearing the same clothes she walked in with. She places the clean clothes on the couch by the bag Delia brought for Ash. "These are yours." She mutters to no one though they know it's directed at Ash.
The man now seems to understand why Misty groaned earlier. Mew, he's glad she didn't wear his clothes. That'd be really annoying and hard to explain to Melody. Looking back at Ariel, Ash squeeze her hand. He gives her a warm smile. "Feeling better, champ?"
She giggles as she gives him a light squeeze back. Through her mask, she tells him, "Yeah. Thanks for saving me, dad."
He lets out a breath. Even though he's glad he saved her, the image of her bleeding in his arms still scares him immensely. "I'll do anything for you, Ariel."
Misty can't help but feel her heart ache at the scene. Ash was nonexistent when they were married. The few times he would be around and actually have time to spend with Ariel, he was a great father. However, Ash was rarely around enough to make an impact on the young girl's life. Now, with Ariel seeing him every weekend, Misty can tell something has changed in him, making him more prevalent in her life. It seems like their bond is way closer than Misty ever expected it to be. Maybe there was something good out of this divorce?
After softly speaking with her grandmother for a bit, Ariel notices her quiet mother. She gives the redhead an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, mom." Ariel chokes out, making Misty rush to her side.
"No, Ariel, I'm sorry, baby!" Misty's eyes gloss over when Ariel sheds a tear. The woman has no idea what Ariel is apologizing for, but she hates seeing her daughter sad, especially right now. "Don't cry, sweetie. I'm not mad at you."
Ariel tries to not cry more because the sobs will only hurt her. After calming down a bit more, she replies, "No, mom. I lied to dad. I got Penelope and Jackson to make you pick me up late." Misty raises her eyebrows in surprise. "We were gonna pop one of your tires and then have dad come help you." Regretful tears are flowing down Ariel's face now, so Misty wipes them away.
"Shhhh. Ariel, it's okay. All I care about is that you're okay. I love you, baby." The girl can only nod through her tears.
Ash watches in amazement at how good his ex is at soothing their daughter. He was rarely around when they were married, and when he was around, Ariel would usually be having a good time with him. He rarely saw her cry or upset. As much as he hates his ex, he appreciates the motherly relationship she has with Ariel. Like with Togepi, Misty really has a knack for parenting.
"When will she be discharged?" Delia asks the adults.
Misty looks over at her former mother-in-law. "They said she's healing fast because she's young. They plan for her to be discharged in a month."
"How will her school handle that? She can't do homework." Delia is concerned her granddaughter will be held back and then Ariel will need to wait a year to travel. Only those who graduate from trainer school can go on their journeys in the fall.
"She'll be fine, mom." Ash consoles his worried mother. He has never been a fan of school. There's only so much you can teach about Pokemon training in school. He's learned best during his journeys.
"We'll work on it." Misty reassures the woman. She then winks at Ariel, making the girl smile slightly. "Ariel's smart, like me."
Ash rolls his eyes. "She's got her Pokemon knowledge from me."
Misty shoots him a glare. "You're so dense, you rely on Dexter all the time."
"You only know about water pokemon! There are more types of Pokemon than just water!"
"Ahem!" Delia coughs loudly between the bickering adults. She noticed Ariel's heartbeat monitor picking up speed, so she intervened. Ash and Misty still argue like when they were children. At least they're not arguing about whatever drove their divorce. "I will watch Ariel rest for the next couple of hours." Delia looks at both young adults. "You two will go rest and eat something. You cannot take care of someone if you can't take care of yourselves!"
"But, mom!" Ash whines.
"Delia!" Misty chimes in.
"No buts!" Delia narrows her eyes at them. "You are not allowed back in this room until those eye bags are gone." She then ushers both of them out of the room.
"Listen to grandma, Ariel!" Misty calls into the room. "I love you!"
"I'll be back, champ!" Ash yells too before Delia closes the door in their faces.
Sighing, Misty knows Delia is right. She needs to rest, and Misty trusts Ariel in Delia's care.
"Where are you going?"
The woman curiously looks at her ex husband. "Why do you care?"
He rolls his eyes as he walks past her. "Just making sure you're not following me. I don't go to your house, you don't go to mine."
"That's your mother's house. Not yours."
"I'm welcomed there. You're not."
"Your mom invites me over all the time." Misty retorts, which is true. "I just don't go because I don't need you."
"Whatever. Just go hide in your hotel room." Ash doesn't look at her. They're nearing the double doors leading to the waiting room with Brock and Melody.
"Psh. You're the one who's good at hiding." Once they enter the waiting room, their argument is interrupted by Brock and Melody. Brock is asking about Ariel while Melody is gushing over Ash. Fortunately, Melody is too focused on Ash right now to pick a fight with Misty, but Misty does know this won't last long. Misty can only smirk at her ex's inconsiderate girlfriend not caring about Ariel. Grabbing Brock's arm, Misty walks away with him.