Chapter 39
Misty had just finished escorting a defeated challenger out of the gym lobby when the doors open again. Sometimes, challengers will come back and declare they'll beat her next time. Usually, though, it's a new challenger. With Ariel currently in school, Misty is without a receptionist to help take down the information of the challengers.
Turning around, the woman smiles warmly at her next trainer. "Pikachupi!" What? Soft yellow fur hits her arms, and she manages to catch her cute little friend.
"Hey, Pikachu!" Misty grins. He's just so adorable. However, with Pikachu always comes… the woman's gaze shifts back up to the awkward man standing before her. He has a hood up over his hat to hide his face. It's Monday. What is he doing here? And Ariel is obviously still in school at this hour. Shouldn't he be working?
"Hey." Ash mutters.
"Hey." Pikachu climbs onto her shoulder. "Did you need something?" Couldn't he have just called?
Ash awkwardly rubs the back of his head. Mew, what's he doing here? Gary's words from yesterday got to him this morning, so Ash hopped on Charizard to come to Cerulean City. If Misty wants to see him more often, how come she's still hostile towards him? Well, Gary did say she's prideful, and Ash knows this too.
"Uh…" the man shifts his eyes, and he sees Pikachu doing an eating motion. "Oh! Yeah! Wanna have lunch?"
Misty's cheeks tint a faint shade of pink as she curiously eyes him. "Ash, just because we had sex, it doesn't make us a couple."
"I know!" the man flusteredly replies. "I thought we agreed that that night didn't happen?" It aches him saying this, and it aches her heart hearing it. Nevertheless, it's for the best.
Misty crosses her arms over her chest. "Yeah. It didn't happen."
Letting out a nervous breath, Ash takes a step closer to her. "I was in the area." He lies. "And decided to drop by."
"You know Ariel is still in school."
Panicking, the man looks at Pikachu. "Pikachu wanted to see you. He misses you!" Why does it seem like she doesn't want him here? Was Gary lying again? Ash mentally curses himself for believing his friend who constantly pranks him. However, a part of Ash was hopeful that Gary's words were true. Why? Ash is in denial about it, but his body constantly takes over and makes decisions for him.
Misty brings a hand up to scratch Pikachu behind the ears. "Can you cook something and bring it here?" She doesn't want to close the gym up for longer than necessary to cook and eat.
"Uh yeah."
The woman hands him her keys from her pocket. "Don't snoop around."
"I won't." Ash smiles, and Misty finds her heart beating quicker.
When Ash is gone, the woman squats down to groan loudly in her hands. "Pikachupi?" Pikachu asks in concern.
"Why is he here, Pikachu?"
Pikachu also isn't too sure. This morning, Ash had them get on Charizard and fly straight here. The face that Ash lied to Misty about his reason for being here, though, makes the mouse suspicious. Nevertheless, Pikachu won't ruin whatever plans his trainer may have. "Pikaaa…" Pikachu nuzzles Misty's cheek.
Sighing, Misty stands back up. "I miss you too, Pikachu." Just what is Ash doing here? Did he catch feelings after Saturday night? That was just a lustful night. Nothing more. Misty will have to shoot down any ideas he may have, but does she really want to do that? A part of her is very happy he's here, like she also looks forward to his visits.
Later, Ash returns to the gym, and Misty locks it up for lunch. The two are awkwardly eating in the office while Pikachu joined the gym's pokemon in the resting area. Obviously, Ash isn't the best cook, but his food is edible. Misty appreciates the effort, and the fact that he hasn't poisoned her. Plus, it's nice having a warm meal for lunch rather than her eating something quickly or microwavable.
After a bit of uncomfortable small talk, Misty finally says what's been on her mind. "About the other night…"
Ash's face heats up. "Hey! I thought we weren't gonna talk about it!"
Sighing, the redhead finds the courage to look at him. "I know, but I think we should."
"I think we shouldn't."
She groans. "Why are you here?"
"I told you. Pikachu misses you and I was in the area."
"You've never been a good liar." Misty knowingly remarks. "If it's because we slept together-"
"No!" Ash groans as he feels his face get hotter. "It's not because of that."
"Then what is it?" She doesn't want her ex getting any ideas. That night was a fluke and it will be forgotten. Moreover, his unexpected visits will need to stop too. They need to go back to what they were before, and once Ariel is gone, they don't need to interact again.
Ash nervously looks away. "Gary said you wanna see me more…" he mumbles.
Misty's face heats up in both embarrassment and rage. Gary Oak will pay this weekend. "I never said that!"
The man mentally curses himself. Gary got him again! He can almost picture Gary's laughing face right now. "Shit."
Misty slumps in her seat. "He's so annoying."
"And Leaf."
Misty nods. They really got duped again by their Pallet Town friends. Glancing back at her very red ex, she grins mischievously. "Wanna get them back?"
Ash now raises a curious eyebrow at her. "What do you have in mind?"
"Let me know if it's not evil enough." Misty smirks. "We're going swimming."
Flashback
"But I just got home." whines the 16 year old boy. He just lost to Alain in the Kalos League finals, so Ash isn't feeling the greatest.
"I know, honey, but I don't have time to go to Cerulean City. Can you please help the professor?" Delia asks her son. Really, Ash has been doing nothing but moping since returning from Kalos last week. Delia is scared her son may be too discouraged to chase his dreams anymore, so she hopes him visiting his best friend will do something.
"Can't he mail the parts?"
"Ashton Satoshi Ketchum." Ash rarely puts up a fight against Delia's requests, especially when they come from the Professor. Plus, Ash loves going out and finding any reason to see his friends. Just what is going on.
Sighing, the boy grabs the package from his mother. "I haven't seen Misty since I competed in the Battle Frontier, mom. It's gonna be awkward."
Another reason he doesn't want to see his old friend is because he's ashamed to face her. He just lost in the finals. She's his crush who he wants to come around when he is finally as successful as her. Misty is this great gym leader, and she's truly improved the Cerulean City gym's reputation. However, Ash is just some trainer still chasing a dream. Moreover, with Serena kissing him a few weeks ago, Ash isn't sure he can see his crush. He's ashamed about that too. Mew. He just can't catch a break from Kalos.
"I doubt it will be." Misty visits Delia every few months, and the redhead is always asking about Ash. It's how Delia knows Ash hasn't been in touch with Misty. This does sadden the older woman, but she understands her son is busy when he's traveling, and he has many other friends he's with.
"Fine, mom. I'll deliver this to her and come back." He reluctantly agrees.
"Thank you, Ash." Delia kisses his head and leaves.
Ash looks over at Pikachu. "Guess we're gonna see Misty."
"Pikachupi." Pikachu smiles because he's missed his first traveling companion. Although Ash doesn't act like it, Pikachu knows Ash misses her the most. She was his first traveling partner and he learned a lot from her. They traveled two regions while they both grew as beginner trainers. No one can compare to Misty.
Cerulean City
"Gary, I've been waiting on those parts." the redhead groans. "It was your idea for me to test them, and you've had me shut down the pool for a week!" With it being summer, the tournament season is over. However, the gym is used often for recreational and educational purposes in the off season.
Smirking, the auburn haired teen replies, "We got a new delivery boy, Red. Just calm down."
"You better not stand up Leaf this weekend." Gary hasn't shown himself to have a reliable track record with girls. Misty met Leaf through the gym leaders conference, and being young female gym leaders, the two hit off a great friendship. When Misty found out Leaf grew up with Ash and Gary for some time, it gave her some more to talk about with the Johto girl.
"What?" Gary mocks shock. "I would never leave a lady in waiting."
Misty gives him an unamused look over the videophone. "I've been waiting for these parts of yours."
"Tsk. Tsk. Red. All parts of me are going to Leaf. I'm loyal."
"Says the boy with a bunch of fan girls and exes."
Gary rolls his eyes. "I've changed." The teen boy grins at her. "I'll let you in on a little secret, Red."
"Don't wanna know it." Gary will just say something disgusting if she gives him the chance.
When Gary hears the doorbell ring, he winks at Misty. "That's him!"
"'Bout time." mutters the redhead. "Bye, Gary."
"Oh." Gary speaks up to stop her, and Misty is curious when she sees a sincere smile on his face. "I'd never hurt Leaf." She is his childhood friend and crush afterall.
Misty's gaze softens as she returns her own genuine smile. "I know, Gary."
"Bye, Red."
The call ends, and Misty makes her way to the front door of the gym. It's been locked because the gym is out of service due to waiting for Gary's parts. According to him, these filters will purify the water better and allow the Pokemon to really feel like they're in natural bodies of water. Misty always wants what's best for her Pokemon because they do so much for her.
When she opens the door, a flash of yellow hits her chest. "Pikachupi!"
"What?" the girl grins excitedly at the little yellow mouse in her arms. Hugging him tightly, she exclaims, "Pikachu!"
"Hey, Mist." Of course, with Pikachu, comes him. Her crush.
She looks up at his warm brown eyes, though something seems off about them. He is taller and more muscular. She's only seen him on the television. It's been years since she last saw him in person. He really looks a lot different than he did on TV. "Hey, Ash."
Even his smile seems off. "Uh. My mom told me to give you this." the boy awkwardly hands her a package.
"Thanks." Wow. This is awkward. Just because they haven't talked in years, it doesn't mean they need to be this uncomfortable around each other.
"C'mon, Pikachu. Let's go back." Ash motions to his pokemon who wants to stay with Misty longer.
"Chaaa…" Pikachu reluctantly hops back onto Ash's shoulder.
Really, Misty? She's really going to let her crush leave like this? It's the first time she's seen him in years, and she's letting him go? He still has a few weeks before leaving for his next region. Regardless of her crush on him, she's missed his friendship more. They went from seeing each other all day every day to not seeing or even hearing from each other at all.
"You made it far this year." Misty speaks up when he pulls out Noivern's pokeball. "I'm proud of you." Seeing Ash hang his head makes her concerned, so she runs out to him. "Ash?"
"Don't compliment me, Misty. I did terrible."
"No!" She hates seeing him so down. Ash hasn't taken a hit from a loss like this in a long time. Since his first ever Indigo League loss. "This is the furthest you've ever gone!"
"Give it a rest. My mom and friends have already tried convincing me that losing is okay." grumbles the boy. "You wouldn't understand."
"Then make me understand, Ash!" exclaims the angry girl. This is not the Ash Ketchum she remembers. This isn't the Ash Ketchum she has a crush on. This isn't even the Ash Ketchum she's proud to call her friend.
"I lost! I was so close and I lost!" Ash shouts in her face as his voice cracks. "I lost in the finals!" Mew, he's so ashamed of himself!
Furious, she shakes his shoulder, which makes him glare in annoyance at her. "Losing is okay, but this is not, Ash! Feeling sorry for yourself?" Her angry eyes meet his chocolate orbs. "If you hate feeling like this, then I suggest you do something about it! Don't ever feel like this again!"
"What do I do?" he gruffly asks.
"I don't know! You've never taken my advice before."
To her relief, his eyes shift. They're not as lethargic as they were before. Instead, there seems to be a fire in them now as he returns her glare. "You're right."
"Of course I'm right!" She isn't a gym leader for no reason. She is constantly picking up the discouraged challengers who lose to her. However, Ash isn't a discouraged challenger. He's her best friend, regardless of the lack of communication.
"I'm gonna train harder and longer! I won't lose like that again!" The boy gives Misty a genuine smile. "Thanks, Mist."
Mist. She's missed that nickname. He's the only one who calls her that, and she prefers it that way. It's been too long since she's heard it. "What are friends for, Ash."
The boy registers her words. They're friends. They're still friends! He feared he lost her friendship due to the lack of communication, but he's glad to see she still considers him a friend. Hearing her pep talk reminds him of why he had a crush on her in the first place. Misty's fierce tough-love attitude is what he needs to give him that push. She doesn't let him settle for less and she always wants what's best for him. He's an idiot for not spending time with her due to his fear of his failures since she's the one who's best at picking him up.
Grinning at her, Ash pulls her in for a hug. He needs one right now, and he wants to give her one for reminding him of who he is. Obviously, this makes the girl blush profusely. When Ash pulls away with his goofy grin on his face, he tells her, "I'm in town for a few more weeks! You should visit!" He knows his mother would love having Misty come by too.
The girl shyly gazes at him. Hugging him made her really realize he's not that dense boy she used to travel with. "Sure. Maybe Brock will come too."
"Yeah! The Kanto Trio back together!" Ash pumps his fist in the air along with Pikachu. The boy misses all of his previous traveling companions, but he understands that everyone is living out their dreams.
Flashback Over
"You hesitate too much." the man boredly mentions when Misty walks back into the arena after escorting the previous challenger out. He's been watching Misty's battles since they finished eating lunch. Obviously, Ash keeps a hood up, and Pikachu hidden, else people will know it's him here. He doesn't need that attention.
"What are you talking about?" Although she wanted him gone this morning, she figured he may as well stick around for Ariel to see him since he came all this way. Plus, the two haven't been arguing. During breaks, they've been scheming on how to get the Oaks back this weekend. It's surprising how well Ash and Misty are getting along while alone. Pikachu feels as if it's like old times.
Ash shrugs. "When you've got the finishing blow, you hesitate. You only do it with your challengers." She hasn't done it when battling him or the Oaks this past weekend, though he did see it when she battled Ariel.
Misty bites the inside of her cheek because she knows he's right. She didn't think anyone would notice, but only the most experienced trainers might. She has a slight hesitation whenever she's about to win a battle. It started about two years after the divorce, which is when Ariel really started getting interested in battling. She would see her father every weekend, who would battle with her.
When Misty first battled Ariel, Misty utterly destroyed the girl, causing Ariel to cry in disappointment. Ariel believed she wasn't good enough, and Misty spent lots of time reassuring her that Ariel just needs more practice and experience. Now, Ariel knows every loss is a learning opportunity. Nevertheless, ever since that battle, Misty hesitates when facing young trainers. They remind her of that young Ariel, and it pains the woman knowing how much she discouraged her daughter's dreams.
"You wouldn't understand." the woman mumbles sitting beside him in the stands. She would sit beside him and develop their revenge against the Oaks between gym challenges.
"You haven't given me a chance to understand." There was a time Misty used to tell him this all the time. It was back when they were friends.
Sighing, the woman scratches Pikachu behind the ears. The mouse hides in Ash's hood whenever challengers arrive. "I see Ariel every time I battle kind young trainers."
"You shouldn't go easy on your daughter."
"I know." Misty takes in a deep breath. "Years ago, I beat her in a battle. It was so bad, she wanted to give up on her dreams."
"I remember that." Ash recalls Ariel crying to him about it over the pokenav and in person. However, Ariel did say she wanted to get strong enough to beat her mother that following weekend, so Ash figured Misty took care of it.
The woman looks down in disappointment at her feet. "I just felt terrible, Ash. I'm supposed to be her biggest motivator, but I was the one who made her want to give up on herself."
"Hey!" he softly exclaims. Putting a comforting arm around her shoulder, he tells her, "You have motivated her. She wants to be as strong as her mother."
"You're the champion." Everyone wants to be the champion.
"But you raised her, Mist! I mean, I helped, but it is mostly you! And you're both girls. She looks up to strong women, like you and Leaf." Ash sighs. In the past, he would hate complimenting his ex like this, but he doesn't mind it right now, especially after seeing how down she is. "That weekend after you beat her, she told me you taught her to never give up. That every loss is a lesson." Ash grins proudly thinking of his resilient daughter. "She got that from you. You've always been a great parent."
Misty finds herself leaning into his side hug for comfort as a small smile creeps onto her face. "Better than you?"
Ash chuckles from her playful tone. Normally, he'd get defensive and then they'd argue, but he's lied enough to his ex today. Besides, she doesn't seem like she wants to argue, and he doesn't either. Letting out a breath, he softly replies, "Yeah. You've always been a better parent than me."
Misty shakes her head. "No, Ash. You're a great dad."
"Now." He recalls how he only got more involved to prove Misty wrong back during their divorce hearings. "I wasn't ever around back then. You're right."
The redhead gazes up into his apologetic face. "Ash-"
"I'm sorry, Misty." Ash gives her a small smile. "I should've been home more."
To Pikachu's and Ash's surprise, Misty brings a hand up to cup his cheek as she crashes her lips onto his. Those words she's been longing to hear and for the right apology too. That's all she has ever wanted. Was for him to acknowledge his negligence. Well, she wanted him around more often too, but he's been doing that lately, though they aren't together.
After the initial shock, Ash closes his eyes to lean into the kiss too. Mew, he's always loved these lips best. When he feels her slip her tongue in his mouth, Ash lets out a moan. He pushes the redhead down on the bleachers as Pikachu scampers off to protect his eyes. Ash just feels so in sync with this woman he's supposed to hate. Wait.
The man instantly pulls away from her with his eyes shut tightly. "What are we doing?"
Misty is somewhat upset that he stopped, but now that they're not kissing anymore, she seems to be thinking again. Closing her eyes in frustration and embarrassment, she says, "You kissed me!"
"You kissed me first!" Ash shouts.
"Well, maybe if you didn't get all soft and sappy on me, it wouldn't have happened!"
"You got soft and sappy on me first!"
Misty's face is too red from embarrassment to argue back, so she buries it in her hands. "Look, Ash, I still fucking hate you so much."
"I do too! I still hate you!" He really wants his heart to stop aching and pounding, but it won't.
The two are too busy awkwardly hiding their faces that they don't notice anyone enter the arena. Their minds are battling with their racing hearts as both are in denial of what they truly want. "Dad?" The adults snap their attention to the bottom of the bleachers where they see their daughter with her backpack on. "What are you doing here?"
"Pichupi!" Pikachu runs over to tackle Ariel in a hug. The girl was confused when she arrived at the gym and didn't see Misty in the office. When Ariel doesn't hear any battling in the arena, she knows her mother is in the office. However, the girl couldn't find Misty there, so Ariel decided to ask the pokemon in the resting area connected to the arena. That's where she instantly spotted her mother's bright orange hair, and Misty was talking to someone who Ariel can always recognize.
Ash awkwardly clears his throat. Walking past his ex, he hugs his daughter tightly. "Just wanted to surprise you, champ."
"I missed you, dad!" Even though she saw him yesterday, she still misses him. Ariel feels like she never gets enough time with her parents.
"I missed you too." Yes. This is the real reason he's here. It must be it! This little girl who has his heart. When they pull away, Ash asks, "What do you wanna do today?"
"Wait." Ariel curiously eyes her father, making him and Misty freeze. Did she see them kiss? Did she hear them? No. Does she know about Saturday? "Does this mean you're not gonna be here on Wednesday?"
Ash lets out a very relieved breath. "Of course I'll be here on Wednesday! I'm always here!"
"So you're here today, at the League tomorrow, and then back here on Wednesday?" the girl inquires.
"Uhhhh…" Coming here today was definitely stupid of him. "Ye-"
"He's sleeping over." Misty comes to his rescue. Ariel has Misty's brains, which is both good and bad. Ash saved Misty yesterday at the Oak's, so Misty will repay him here. However, why did she say he's sleeping over? Dang it, Misty! She just kissed him, and now she's inviting him to spend the night. And she was the one telling him nothing came out of Saturday night.
"Yeah!" Ash exclaims. "The League has me working in Cerulean City this week."
"Does that mean we're going to Pallet Town together on Friday?" the girl excitedly jumps in her place. Pikachu shoots his trainer a confused look, and Ash is glad Ariel can't see it.
"Yup! I'll be here all week, champ! And we'll see each other this weekend at grandma's!" Ash is smiling on the outside, but on the inside, he's screaming. Just what did he get himself into? Well, Misty was the one who invited him over first, though he didn't have to say he was staying all week. What's he going to say to the League? He could tell Ariel that the League called him back early, but that'll just make her upset. And he already apologized to Misty about not being present in the past. He's a new man.
"Yes!" the girl tackles her father in a hug. "Race you home, dad!" She then runs off with Pikachu, leaving the adults together.
Ash and Misty hang their heads low in embarrassment. This is going to be one very long week. "Maybe you can tell her the League called you back?" suggests the redhead behind him.
Ash shakes his head. "I can't do that to her." The man turns to smile awkwardly at his ex. "She's so happy."
Misty agrees. She hasn't seen Ariel this happy before. It'd crush her daughter if Ash left early. "Are you sure you can stay all week?" She knows he was just here for today.
The man shrugs. "I'm gonna. Mr. Goodwin can yell at me later."
"Where was this attitude when we were married?" He was at the beck and call of the League for years.
"I don't know." Ash sheepishly rubs the back of his head. "I guess spending time with Ariel has made me realize there's more important things than the League."
Sighing, Misty finds herself warmly smiling at him too. He really has changed since their divorce. "Well, I think she beat you home."
"Uh yeah." The man starts to walk out of the arena. "I'll sleep in the guestroom this week."
"Do you have clothes?"
He stops in his tracks to groan. "I'll sneak back to the League to grab some tomorrow."
"I have clothes."
The man curiously looks at the shy woman. "Huh?"
"Uh. You didn't take everything when you left…" She is referring to the divorce. "I'll give it to you later."
"Thanks." He uncomfortably answers. Ash then leaves to her house where he knows his daughter beat him in the race he didn't agree to.
Night
When Ash arrived back at Misty's house, he prepared dinner with Ariel. After dinner, Ash, Misty and Ariel worked in the living room. Ariel loves working with her parents. They felt like one large studygroup. Once she finished her homework, Ash took a break to spend more time with her. Ariel insisted her mother join them, so they all decided to watch a movie to unwind.
"Bedtime, Ariel." Misty pauses the action movie.
"But the movie isn't over yet!" the girl whines.
"You can finish it tomorrow." the woman knowingly replies.
"But-"
"Listen to your mother, Ariel." Ash sternly tells Ariel, making the girl begrudgingly get up with Pikachu in her arms.
She knows to always listen to Ash when he gives her that tone because he rarely does it. "Fine."
With Ariel now upstairs, Misty looks at her ex who is getting off the couch. "Uh. Thanks for that."
Ash gives her a warm awkward smile. "No problem. I'm here all week, so she has no excuse to stay up late." He also understands that Ariel needs to focus on school, though Ash thinks school is stupid. "I'm gonna tuck her in."
"I'll clean up." Misty gratefully nods.
Later, Ash is back down the stairs where he sees Misty has cleaned up the popcorn and folded the blankets. He notices the redhead deeply focused on a piece of paper near his stuff. "Misty?"
She jumps in her seat. Glancing towards the voice, Misty relaxes seeing it's just him. "Oh. Uh. This fell and when I picked it up…"
Ash sits beside her to look at the paper. "Oh yeah."
"I thought you said not to worry anymore? Kleon's in jail."
He frowns. "You're right. As long as I'm the champion and you're a gym leader, Ariel will never be safe."
Sighing, Misty places the paper down on the table. It's a list of known Kanto criminals and their last known whereabouts. Has Ash been researching this? It aches her heart knowing how great of a father he is. He's the father she always knew he could be and more. Misty hates how it took their divorce to bring this out in him.
"Ash?"
"Hm?" he curiously watches her lift her head to meet his eyes.
"Is Ariel asleep?"
The man shrugs. "She will be. She falls asleep fast." All he did was tuck her in and say good night to her and Pikachu.
Misty nervously fidgets in her seat, though her eyes won't waver from his. "I know I said we're gonna forget Saturday night…" Both of their faces heat up at the remembrance of the night they can't seem to forget. "But um-"
"Wanna go upstairs?" Ash sheepishly smiles at her. Okay. He's supposed to stop listening to Gary, but can a part of Ash be hopeful Misty wants to be bed buddies?
Misty nods and leads him up the stairs. "Ariel wakes up at 7."
"I'll be in the guestroom…" he nervously eyes her when she walks into her room and leaves the door open for him.
"You can go after we're done…" Misty's face is as red as her hair, but he's been very sweet today, and those eyes. Damn those enticing brown eyes that close in on her after he locks the door. She still hates this man, so she doesn't need to feel bad about using him, right? He's using her too. It's a mutual arrangement. And that asshole Gary did say it's okay for exes to sleep together.
With one soft passionate kiss, both adults forget their hesitant thoughts as they allow their bodies and hearts to take over. They'll hate each other in the morning. Right now, it's been a very stressful few days, and they need a break. They always find themselves relaxing in each other's arms. It's why Ash forgets to go back to the guestroom later due to him falling blissfully asleep with her.
I'm into a lot more pokeshipping now than family, so sorry if you wanna see more Ash/Ariel or Misty/Ariel interactions. That'll happen again later.