…

Misty thanked the waiter as he poured her a glass of champagne, even though there had been a strict no speeches policy for this wedding she was sure somebody was planning to do one anyway. She'd been relieved when she heard, making speeches was not high on her list of favourite activities. She just hoped it wasn't like when people said they didn't want a fuss for their birthday but still secretly expected it.

She practically cringed when she heard the familiar sound of metal against glass, Flint standing proudly as he tapped his knife against his glass.

"Dad." Brock warned but Flint just wave him off.

"I know, I know but if you think I'm going to stay silent during my firstborn's wedding you are mistaken." Flint laughed.

"Don't worry." Suzy smiled placing a hand on Brock's wrist – it had been her rule to have no speeches after all.

"It will only be a quick one." He winked. "I think to start we should all raise our glasses to the beautiful bride and groom."

"To the bride and groom." The room echoed.

"Now, this won't be one of those speeches where I embarrass the groom and tell stories of his childhood. Despite, how many I have and how desperate young Brock was to get married he would often be the bride in many back-garden weddings." He teased, much to Brock's chagrin. "But all jokes aside, your mother and I couldn't be prouder. Suzy is a wonderful woman and you are both lucky to have each other. Marriage can be hard but it is the biggest commitment you will make, I wish you all the happiness I have had and I know you will have a long and happy marriage."

"Oh Flint!" Lola clapped, eyes glistening.

Just as Misty was ready to raise her glass again she felt a kick against her shin. She frowned and turned to May.

What? She mouthed at the offending party. May just rose her eyebrows and held her glass up. Misty shook her head while May furiously nodded hers.

Misty supposed of all the bridesmaids it made sense for her to make the toast, she'd known them both the longest but she didn't have anything prepared. And unlike Flint she wasn't very good at adlibbing.

Unfortunately for her, Dawn had also seen the exchange and was now nodding along with May. With a defeated sigh, Misty tapped her knife against her glass.

"Erm, hello. I'm Misty, one of the bridesmaids." She greeted, inwardly cringing. The majority of the people in the room knew her and those who didn't probably didn't care either way. "I… Well I've known Brock since I was ten, he was there as I grew up and in turn I watched him grow from an immature boy to a man, one of the sweetest, most caring men I know. And Suzy, you're a kind woman with a wicked sense of humour. You deserve and were made for each other."

Suzy smiled softly at the words, leaning against Brock who kissed her forehead.

"I watched you stumble through your first meeting, it was awkward and cringy to watch but it was the start of something beautiful. I was there after the dates, as you both confided you were in love but were too scared to say it. I've seen this crush blossom into pure love and it's been amazing to watch. I've known you both separately and I've known you together and I can safely say you are incredible as a pair. To the bride and groom."

"To the bride and groom." The room echoed.

I hate you. Misty mouthed with a glare at May, who just shrugged innocently in response.

"Not you too Ash." Brock moaned as yet another person tapped the glass.

"I'll be quick." He promised. "Brock, you've always been like a brother too me. You've taken care of me, and plenty of others, and I'm glad you've finally put yourself first. I know you will make an incredible husband, Suzy is lucky to have you. I'd like you all to join me in a toast to the happy couple."

"To the happy couple."

As he sat down Ash caught Misty's eye and offered her a quick smile, his comment about wanting to propose when they were still together was buzzing around in her head. What would their wedding have been like?

Would it have been a grand affair like this? Or smaller with just their closest friends in attendance? Would they have had a huge after party or postponed it to be together in their first hours of married life? What dress would she wear? She'd never imagined herself as he traditional white dress kind of girl, something short and quirky was more her style.

This wasn't the first time she'd considered her and Ash's wedding, in fact it used to on her mind quite often. She used to feel regret and hurt when she pictured their big day but now she felt a strange nostalgia. Happiness for years gone by rather than remorse.

She hoped this was a turning point for her but she also hoped it wasn't because she was falling into another relationship. After protecting her heart for so long was she ready to love again?

"Salmon or pâté?" A waiter asked, appearing behind Misty.

"Pâté." She replied with a smile.

…

Misty barely registered eating her dinner, she spent most of it having her ear chatted off by one of Brock's many siblings. She always did hate seating plans at a wedding, why did people assume you wanted to expand your social circles? Sit everyone next to someone they knew and leave it at that.

She'd been finally left alone when the crowds had descended on the dance floor, another tradition Suzy wasn't planning on following. Rather than have a first dance where the crowd watched the couple insisted they were joined for theirs, only Misty hadn't joined in. She didn't have a dance partner after all.

Or did she?

She glanced to Gary, happy chatting to some woman who'd been hanging on his every word since the starter had been served.

No, she didn't have a dance partner.

"Hey, grumpy guts." Ash teased, sitting besides her.

"Hey." She rolled her eyes.

"It's not like you to shy away from the dance floor. Usually have to drag you off." He laughed.

"You know me, I'm a sucker for 90s classics not big band." She shrugged. "Plus, I don't have a partner."

"When has that ever stopped you?" He asked, rolling his eyes and standing tall. "Come on."

"Fine." She sighed, taking his outstretched hand. "But if you end up with bruised toes just remember you brought it on yourself."

Misty let Ash lead her to the dancefloor, again thinking of times gone by. How many weddings had they danced together, judged as they planned their own mock wedding.

We'd never have something as tacky as gold centre pieces.

An open bar, what are these people made of? Money?

A converted barn, did they realise they'd forced people to eat in old pig sties?

Least you wouldn't have to force the bridesmaids into hideous dresses because you outshine the majority of the female race.

Yet, the aching she usually felt whenever she remembered their past was gone. Almost as if it had never been there.

"So…" Ash started as they swayed. "Is your first dance still going to be 'I Swear'?"

"Of course, what a stupid question." She replied in mock outrage.

"Better warn Gary then." He laughed.

"Think you're barking up the wrong tree there." Misty sighed.

"Come on, you really going to throw everything away over one lousy fight?" He asked. "Because the Misty I know isn't a quitter."

"You've changed your tune." She accused. "You were hardly the biggest advocate of our relationship at the start."

"I know, but you're good for each other. I don't know what is but there's something there, something that could become special. You'll regret letting him slip away." He said softly.

"I doubt it." She scoffed, Ash rolled his eyes but knew when was a good time to give up.

Misty gently placed her head on Ash's shoulder, she'd spent too many years regretting letting Ash slip away. Was she really ready to go through that all over again? When she wasn't even sure how Gary made her feel could she really let him go?

"Mind if I cut in?" Gary asked, appearing at the couple's side.

"She's all yours mate." Ash smiled, tapping Gary on the shoulder as he walked away.

"You gonna let me lead?" He teased as he took her hand.

"Guess so." She shrugged. "I think you can handle me."

He smirked as the song started up, slightly slower than the one she and Ash had danced to. It made the whole experience for intimate somehow. Their bodies were closer, their eyes were locked, there were hands drifting lower – mostly on Gary's part though.

"That was a cute speech you made, Red." Gary winked.

"Oh god, don't." She blushed. "Was it really obvious I was pulling it out my arse on the spot?"

"No." He laughed. "I think most people would put it down to nerves."

"I introduced myself." She deadpanned.

"It was informative." He offered.

"Thanks." She smiled. "But I don't think there is anyway to save that speech."

"I tried." He shrugged.

They moved silently while Misty let herself imagine a world where this was all true. Where she and Gary dance together, smiled together, loved together. Where each night they fell asleep in each other's arms and knew come morning all those same feelings would still be there.

But it wasn't meant to be, it may be the future she wanted but it wasn't what Gary dreamt about. After this wedding his life would carry on as before, it wouldn't be long before he was loving someone else, breaking a new heart. He would never think of their 'relationship'. He'd never give Misty a fleeting thought.

"I'm sorry about the other day." Gary whispered, saying words that were only meant for her ears.

"It's fine." She attempted to appear casual, allusive. As if she didn't care.

"I'm serious."

"So am I. You only told me the truth." She shrugged.

"It wasn't the truth, you aren't like all those other girls I've bedded. You never have been." He reassured her.

"Honestly Gary, I don't mind. Sure, it hurt at the time but we both knew what this was from the beginning." She bit her lip. God how she wanted Gary to deny it, how she wanted him to tell her it meant more than just a mere fling at a wedding.

"And you're okay with that?" He asked, tentatively raising an eyebrow.

I have to be. She thought but the words never found their way to her lips.

"Of course. In fact, it's quite an honour to be a notch on the legend Gary Oak's belt." She joked.

"Red, if you wanted you could be so much more." He sighed, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

As he pulled back Misty shot him a confused look, but before she could question his comment the cake was being cut.

…

By the time Misty was able get Gary alone again too much champagne and wine had been flowing for a serious conversation. She'd learnt the hard way that whenever alcohol was involved they seemed to end with a night of pleasure. Right now, she didn't need sex – as tempting as it sounded – she needed to talk.

So instead, she pushed it to the back of her mind and was determined to have fun. The band had been packed up, the lights had been dimmed to be replaced with strobes of assorted colours and the music was the perfect mix of cheesy and dance.

"Come on." Misty whined, dancing against the bar in what she hoped was an enticing way simultaneously making sure she didn't spill her drink.

"Nope, not had nearly enough to drink." Gary shook his head.

"She saying 'come get me, come get me'. So I got up and followed her to floor. She said baby, let's go." She sung along but it seemed Gary would not be moved.

"As beautiful as that was." He laughed. "It's a no from me."

"Come on! It's a classic!" She exclaimed. "Next thing I knew she was all up on me screaming…"

She pointed her finger at Gary and looked at him expectantly, as if she didn't believe he was immune to the music and would need to sing along. And just to appease her he did.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." He sang, rolling his eyes as the bartender laughed at him.

"That's the spirit!" She grinned. "Now dance."

"Still not happening, but there are plenty of other people for you to dance with." He said, pointing at May and Drew who were currently grinding to the beat.

"I am not getting between that." Misty wrinkled her nose in disgust. "You danced with me earlier."

"That was different." He defended.

"How?" She frowned, a small glimmer of hope in her chest was that it had been jealousy that had brought him over when he saw her dancing with Ash. Because she could quite easily recreate that situation.

"Because anyone can lead a waltz without looking like a fool." He rolled his eyes.

"No they can't!" She exclaimed. "Ballroom dancing is not something people can naturally do."

"Well I guess I am an exceptional case." He coughed awkwardly, taking a sip of his drink.

"Excuse me, is this your weird way of telling me you have had ballroom dancing lessons?" She squealed.

"Gramps had a lot of parties." He shrugged.

"So can you do them all? Like the foxtrot? And the quickstep? Oh my god! Let's salsa!" She shouted, swivelling her hips.

"We can't really salsa to this song." He shrugged.

"Fine, I'll let you off for now but next song we can dance to I'm getting you on that floor." She pointed threateningly. "And we're going to do a dirty dancing lift."

"That is definitely not in a salsa." He laughed.

"Don't care, it's happening. And get some shots in you so you can't turn me down." She instructed, nodding towards the bartender.

The song changed and Misty gasped when she heard the familiar opening, she'd barely made it through one shot before May called out to her.

"Waterflower!" She hollered over the music. "Don't make me lead this macarena alone!"

"Finish those, and this." She told Gary, placing her drink next to the shots before running over to May.

Misty effortlessly slipped into the dance, beginning mid-way into the moves besides May. The pair of them were singing loudly, and probably the wrong words but soon the whole floor was joining in. Even people who had been previously sat down got up to join in.

Gary laughed as he watched her, he really wished he was the type of person who could just get up and dance but he always felt too self-conscious. Always felt like everyone's eyes were on him. When in truth they probably didn't care. He turned back towards the bar and finished the shots and cocktail Misty had left behind. If he was going to dance he needed more of a buzz.

"Can I get another round?"

…

Misty was well and truly breathless when she caught Brock's eye across the dancefloor. The Macarena had slipped seamlessly into the Cha Cha Slide which then became Cotton Eye Joe. She didn't have a chance to break, but as Brock nodded towards the doors when he latest partner spun her a little too zealously she decided to follow him.

"Congrats!" She shouted, forgetting they were no longer next to speakers.

"Thanks." He smiled, pulling her into a hug. "Can you believe it? Me? Married?"

"Nope." She laughed. "I really can't."

"That toast you made was great." He whispered.

"Well, I meant it." She squeezed him before taking a step back.

"So, I hear you and Gary are thinking of calling it quits." Brock said, leaning down slightly to gage Misty's reaction.

"Good news sure travels fast." She huffed, dropping down onto the patio bench.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" He asked, sitting beside her.

"Brock, seriously?" She whined. "It's your wedding party and you really want to dissect my miserable love life."

"Yes." He laughed. "I love you and I want you to be happy."

"Well it won't be with Gary."

"Why not?"

The question had her stumped because, well, why not? Why couldn't she be happy with Gary? Why couldn't they put everything behind them and make a go of it? Why couldn't they be adults for five minutes and talk about their feelings.

"It's complicated." Misty said, in a hope to placate Brock.

"We've got time." He teased, nudging her gently with his shoulder.

"We want different things." She shrugged. "I guess, truly, I'm looking to settle down and Gary just wants to sow his seed."

"And he has said this to you?" He asked.

"Not in so many words."

"And have you told him how you feel?"

"Oh yeah, let me just get straight to that." She laughed bitterly. " 'Hey, Gary. I know you're just looking for fun and sex but I'd really like it if you put a ring on it.' That would go down a treat."

"He's not just looking for sex." Brock denied, putting an arm around Misty.

"What gave you that idea? His long line of serious relationships?" She snapped, sarcastically.

"No, the way he looks at you." He said. "But I think, just like you, he's too scared to tell the truth."

"I'm not scared." She rolled her eyes.

"Yes, you are. You're scared to let someone in and truly love you." He held up his hand to stop her denying it. "It's what drove Ash away and if you're not careful if will drive Gary away too."

Misty uselessly closed her mouth, she knew deep down it was her fault her relationship with Ash had failed. She knew it was why all her other relationships had failed. She wished she had a reason for it, she wished there had been some tragic heart break from her childhood that she could blame all he cynicism on but there was none.

All it was down to was her practical heart, stop anyone from getting close before they break it but always end up hurting at the end. Was that really the best way to live her life? It always ended in upset, so how much worse could it be if she truly dropped her defences and let someone in?

"Misty!" May shouted, appearing at the patio doors breathlessly.

"What's up?" She smiled, pretending Brock's 'pep' talk hadn't had her seconds away from crying.

"Turn Me On is playing and Gary says it has the same beat as a salsa so you need to get your ass on the dance floor." She clapped.

"Sorry Brock, but I have to go." She gasped, jumping up to chase May who had ran back inside.

"Think about what I said." He called after her, causing her to freeze in the doorway.

"I will." She promised, Brock raising a questioning eyebrow at her. "I mean it, I honestly will."

…

"That was a stupid idea." Misty pouted, walking back to her bedroom with a limp and a bag of ice on her head.

"I'm sorry." Gary laughed, replaying the spectacular fall when they attempted the lift in his head. "You ran at me quicker than I expected."

"I thought you'd catch me!" She cringed.

"In my defence I did, in fact I even got you above my head. It was everything afterwards where it went wrong." He shrugged.

"I'm glad you can be so relaxed about this." She groaned, pulling her card key out her bag. "You won't wake up with an egg sized lump on your forehead."

"My tailbone hurts." He said, rubbing his back.

"Poor you, my heart bleeds." She rolled her eyes, unlocking her door. "We'll work on it for the next wedding."

"Will there still be a 'we' at the next wedding?" He asked.

"Who knows Oak? There might be if you play your cards right." She smirked, stepping into her room. "Good night."

"You're going to be the death of me." He whined as she shut the door on him.

Once safely in her room she allowed herself a blissful smile, leaning against the now closed door. It was time to stop holding onto the past, it was only stopping her heart from mending after all. She was ready to take a chance on a happy ending.

…