Triangle Shaped Heart
Part II- Blitzkrieg
After you, Brock grinned as he held the door open.
Misty thanked him weakly as she left the hotel room, wondering where the sudden mood change in both him and Ash came from.
I get to open the next one, Ash muttered to him when Misty was out of earshot.
Not if I get to the door first shorty, Brock muttered back, through his teeth.
I'll make pikachu shock you, Ash muttered, also through his teeth.
I'll have vulpix burn you into a brillo pad, Brock retorted.
They soon had to continue walking, following their female counterpart. Misty was walking slowly and deliberately so that they could catch up. She was insanely curious as to what they were talking about, but she knew they wouldn't tell her had she asked. Ash and Brock had fought intensely over who got to carry her backpack, and she nearly killed them both before stalking off with it. They hadn't dared attempt to try and carry it again, but just in case, she clutched it fiercely as she made her way to the check out desk.
Misty sighed with relief as she put her backpack down and handed the lady at the check-out counter the key.
Thank you! the woman smiled brightly.
Brock and Ash had caught up to her at this point, but Brock remained stoic, even though a relatively beautiful woman stood in front of them.
the woman said warmly to the boys.
Ash replied weakly.
Brock mumbled.
Misty did a double take, blinking profusely as she eyeballed her friend. He had his hands behind his back, and his eyes were darting all over the room.
Misty bit her lip, let's go, I guess.
Brock raced over and grabbed her backpack from the ground before she could reach it. He was proud of his sneaky maneuver, and he ran to hold open the door again, but Ash stood in front of him like a barrier.
Oh no you don't! Ash growled.
Oh yeah? Brock growled back, and tried to shove Ash out of the way.
Ash screamed, flailing as being shoved made him run a few feet so as not to fall.
Brock sniggered as he watched Ash run back at him.
Ash shouted in a deepened voice as he got a running start, then ran full force into Brock, knocking both of them to the ground.
Misty shouted, snatching her backpack from the ground. My stuff! You crack heads! She then proceeded to whack each of them over the head with her mallet a few times, and stormed out of the room, slamming the door.
You guys have it bad, the woman at the counter chuckled.
Keep out of this! Ash and Brock shouted back in unison, rubbing their heads as they tried to stand back up.
They practically ran out the door, trying to quickly catch up with Misty. They lagged behind her in shame, each glancing angrily at the other at opportune moments. On the occasions when they caught each other's eyes, they stuck their tongues out at each other and looked away quickly.
Another town was not far from the one they had left, and they hadn't previously intended on making any stops because the next town had no gym, and they'd have plenty of time left in the day to travel to a town that actually had one. Misty begged that they stop in that town--just for a little while--to shop, because it was known for having a gigantic mall, but Ash was very adamant that they be on their way. Brock recalled this quite well, and had every intention of using it as ammunition.
Brock walked up so that he was walking beside Misty rather than behind her. He had a rather evil glint in his eye, and if he were a little greener and a little furrier, his who-like antennae would have bent into devil horns as he began to speak.
he began, his voice dripping with empathy, I know what Ash said before, that he wants to get on with his quest, so we couldn't take a break and shop--
Ash gagged. You wouldn't! He thought. That's going below the belt!
--but I think that you should be able to stop if you want to, Brock finished. I mean, Ash isn't the only one here who matters.
Misty considered this carefully. Not only because she thought he was right, also because she had no clue why Brock suddenly didn't mind if she went shopping.
Hold up a sec, Ash tried to clear his name, that was yesterday. Maybe today I don't mind if--
But he couldn't bring himself to say it easily. He had nightmares about having to go shopping with Misty. It was hell, nightmarish, dreary, and he'd do anything to get out of it.
Mind if what? Misty smiled, whirling on him.
he said very quickly.
Misty stopped, dead in her tracks. Her blood seemed to have frozen over, and she just stared at Ash, for a very, very, very long time, but neither Ash nor Brock dared to move.
The silence was snapped like a twig, however, as Misty began jumping up and down and flailing her arms. She almost seemed to grow fangs as she proceeded to yell at both of the young men.
Damnit, what's going on here? she screamed. I'm not stupid! Am I dying or something? Are you guys going to kill me, so you're trying to butter me up before you do? What the hell!
Both Brock and Ash sweat dropped, turning to each other, then turning back to Misty.
I have no idea what you're talking about, Ash shrugged.
Yeah Misty, Brock rolled his eyes. We're just trying to be nice.
Misty bit her lip, okay, as long as it lets me go shopping. That really is--nice of you--Brock.
They began walking off toward the next town. Ash's feet felt like lead. Brock walked next to Misty the whole way there, but was sure to hang back long enough to flash a V for victory sign to Ash. Ash flashed Brock a sign of his own, a sign involving one of his very special fingers, but Brock just laughed and resumed walking next to Misty.
The next town really was very close, and they were approaching a quite sizable mall before they could say oh shit. It was the panacea to Misty's eyes, but Brock and Ash saw it as a second best option when compared to Chinese Water torture. Third best when also compared to suffering the death of a thousand cuts.
They had a hard time forcing themselves through the entrance, even though the door slid open magically for them, and the scent of food lingered inside. The boys tried to keep themselves from passing out as the sight of a legion of clothing, purse, shoe, and other such torturous stores stretched out into an infinite horizon, stacked upon each other. People looked down upon them from each story--maybe in pity. Maybe in ambivalence.
Misty's eyes glistened like a meowth hepped up on cat nip as she ran into every store, fingering and examining everything carefully to assess its worth. Ash punched Brock in the arm as she dragged them into a dress store called and Brock slapped Ash over the head in retaliation. They were just about to lunge for each other, when Misty, about an infinite number of dresses in hand, turned to them and ordered them to sit in the men-chairs in front of the dressing rooms so that they could tell her how she looked when she came out.
Brock settled into the small chair quite nicely. Ash had a notion to do something not so nice to him, but he noticed that Brock was slowly dozing off. Misty was taking an eternity to figure out how to put on her dress, and it was giving Brock a good opportunity to snooze in his boredom, which, in all reality, was giving Ash an opportunity of his own.
Misty finally exited the dressing room to show her friends the dress she'd tried on. Ash sat up straight, and looked eager to judge it. Misty smiled at his brightness, but her smile faded as she noticed Brock slumped over in the chair, his mouth wide open, snoring.
Misty shouted into his ear, beaning him on the head. I go to try something on for five seconds, and you fall asleep?
Brock stifled a scream as he was jolted from his slumber, then began to sweat as he looked up at the now irate Misty. Ash flashed a sardonic V for victory at Brock while Misty was turned away from him.
I'm so sorry Misty! Brock backpedaled, then decided to fall back on lying. I got a really awful night's sleep last night! I was really looking forward to seeing you in your dress, really! In fact, I think I was dreaming about it!
Misty sighed, calming down. I guess I'll let you off the hook this time. Just don't sleep again! Ash could stay awake, and so can you!
Ash chortled to himself as Brock frowned and Misty stepped away from them to showcase herself.
she grinned, how do I look?
She was wearing knee-length summery dress with daffodil print. It was a bit shimmery, and had spaghetti straps.
Hot, Ash thought.
Sexy, gorgeous, wonderful, amazing. . .
Misty shouted, a little upset. Do I look bad? Why don't you answer?
Brock shook his head furiously as Ash absolutely relished his predicament.
You look absolutely great! Brock gushed. Stunning! I just--I was just searching for the right words.
Misty blushed. Thanks Brock!
Ash growled as Misty turned away again to try on another dress. Brock put his head in his hands.
he sighed, I guess we're tied now, Ashy-boy.
And I'll pull in the lead soon, Brocko, Ash simpered.
Not on a cold day in hell! Brock stuck his tongue out at Ash.
They were about to pull a Usagi and Rei tongue war when Misty stepped out of the dressing room again.
It went on like such for quite some time. Brock and Ash both would have used numbers of outfits in the millions if pressed, but she only tried on about six things, and ended up buying two. Brock grabbed her bag to carry first, but Ash swore his revenge.
I'm kinda hungry, Misty announced, after having shopped a bit more in about six stores. Both Brock and Ash were carrying some bags, and Misty was stretching.
Me too! Ash replied.
Let's go to the food court, Brock suggested.
So, thus they headed to the mall's dining area. They staked out a table for four, using the fourth chair to house Misty's merchandise. Most of it was clothing that would be going traveling with her anyway, but they didn't pack it into her backpack because they wanted to make a show of carrying it for her.
Tell me what you want Misty I'll go get it for you! Both Brock and Ash said at once. They turned to each other, daggers in their eyes.
Misty rolled her eyes and put a hand to her forehead.
Tell you what, she began, gritting her teeth, I have to go to the bathroom. I'll think about it there!
Misty stormed off with that thought, her hands balled into fists.
Ash and Brock immediately turned to each other as soon as she was out of earshot.
You bought the sweater, Ash raised a palm, I get to do this!
We're not taking turns, lamebrain! Brock fumed, I get to do more than you if I think of it first!
I thought of getting her food for her first! Ash shouted. I thought of it before we got the damn sweater!
I thought of it before we came to the mall!
Ash and Brock just stared at each other for a moment, then Ash suddenly slapped Brock as if he was Anthy Hemimiya. They were trying to rip each other's scalps off by the hair as Misty strolled up to them, with a beef bowl from Edo Japan and a medium sprite on a tray she was carrying. She dashed over to the table, and was about to put it down when Ash and Brock suddenly sprang from where that sat, clinging to each other's heads as their hair winced at the follicles, thus knocking the tray backward, dumping a rather unhappy concoction onto Misty's clothes.
Ash and Brock froze, their fists still curled around strands of hair, but their eyes traveled to look at Misty.
Misty's face was a rather pleasant shade of scarlet at that moment. A vein seemed to burst from the corner of her temple to throb underneath her skin, and the tray plodded to the floor with a thud. Beef and sprite mingled to flop to the floor from her shirt, and she stood in place, allowing it to occur as she gave Brock and Ash the stare of death.
Brock and Ash didn't move, even after she did.
she screamed, shakily bringing her hands to her ears. What in God's name is wrong with you two?
Apologies fluttered at the tips of their tongues, but they knew that it would do them no good, for they thought her tirade had just begun.
However, her screaming softened into a look of anxiety. Look, I'm not a moron. You guys have just been fighting like crazy, and trying to piss each other off by seeing how mad you can get me! Well, I've had it! I realize that you both must have it really bad for each other, but if you insist on flirting, for the love of fuck! Leave me out of it!
Brock and Ash let go of each other instantly at the mention of this, pretending to scrub each other's cooties out of their hair.
It's nothing like that! Brock insisted.
Yeah Misty! Ash howled, that's sick!
Then what is it? she choked. Why are you doing this to me? Brock obviously suggested that we go to the mall to piss you off, and, and, both of you have been fighting over my stuff, dropping my stuff, somehow making each other pay for it to piss each other off--why? I thought you were my friends!
Brock and Ash's faces both fell as they realized that she was nearly crying as she began to flick grains of rice off of her shirt, and they hung their heads in silence.
Let's just go, she sniffed, this isn't fun anymore.
Misty forcefully grabbed the things from her bags and stuffed them into her backpack, then threw the individual bags away.
I can't carry this, she started to cry, I have food all over me!
Brock stepped over to grab it for her.
Keep away from me! she shouted. Next thing I know you'll fight over that!
Brock raised his arms in surrender and stepped away as asked.
Misty held her bag away from her body in her hand. We have to go to a hotel now. This day is completely shot for traveling, there's no way in hell I'm doing anything but crawling into bed and taking a nap.
Ash and Brock both nodded, and Misty headed for the nearest door which lead outside. There happened to be one at the end of the food court, and her tears began heavier as people looked at her stained clothing and how she was holding her bag away from her body. It really did make her arm hurt, but she just dealt with it.
Ash and Brock walked behind her sullenly, not bothering to ask where she was taking them. They ended up in a small motel in the town, and Misty insisted on paying, and was silent as they walked around to the room they would be sharing.
Misty opened the door quickly and ran into a bedroom, slamming the door behind her.
Ash and Brock stood in the living room, leaving their backpacks on and just staring at the closed door.
We really screwed up, Ash stated the obvious.
Brock frowned.
I guess we have to wait until it blows over, Ash sighed, then put his backpack on the ground.
Brock walked into the kitchen. He had a plan to make her feel better. He didn't care if it would make him look like an ass, it was something he thought would work.
Misty threw her backpack on a bed and dashed to the bathroom, stripping to her undergarments. She stuck her tongue out at her figure, then walked back into the hotel room, her eyes red from both anger and crying.
She unzipped her backpack and pulled out a new set of pajamas she bought. She stopped and looked at them, wondering if she should wear them, since Brock had paid for them. She breathed in slowly, letting another tear fall as she clutched the clothes to her chest.
She pulled her knees in close to her and sat on the bed, to lazy to put the pajamas on. She was cold as she held them to her chest, but she couldn't escape the position from which she rocked herself back and forth.
A good scent seemed to enter the room as time wore on, and she figured that Ash and Brock were hungry. She didn't think she had an appetite after what had happened, and it was just as well. After telling them that she thought they were in love with each other, they probably wouldn't want to share anyway. She had been ungrateful for the clothing they bought her, and how they'd carried her bags, but she had a feeling they were doing something behind her back, something against her. And it scared her.
But it couldn't be helped now. She had begun shivering, but still wouldn't put the pajamas on. She sniffled and continued rocking back and forth.
The door began to jangle, and Brock walked into the room, carrying a bowl of onigri soup. He was wearing--a dress--and he had a curly wig on.
Brock grinned and began singing Animal Crackers in my soup, but blanched as he noticed that Misty wasn't yet dressed. His grin fell, and a burst of embarrassed tears came to his eyes.
Get the hell out of here! Misty shrieked, pulling a blanket up to her chest.
Brock choked, I'm so sorry!
He put the bowl of soup down on the floor, easily enough since he carried it in on a tray, and dashed out of the room.
Misty just stared at the closed door, then down at the soup. There was a box of Animal Crackers on the tray as well, and Misty chortled as she stood and put the pajamas on. She picked up the tray, and smiled sadly as she remembered how Brock had told them that one time when one of his little sisters was sick, he made her soup with animal crackers and dressed up like Shirley Temple to make her feel better. He went on to say that it was just because this sister was practically obsessed with Shirley Temple, and because she was very, very sick.
Misty sighed and sat on the floor, taking a bite of the soup. It was really good, but such was to be expected.
Misty left her room and peeked outside of it into the living room. Ash was lying out on the couch, staring at the ceiling. He sat up and waved to Misty weakly as she walked out of the room, and she smiled to him.
Where's Brock? she asked softly.
Ash pointed to the kitchen, biting his lower lip.
Misty nodded and walked over to the small kitchen area. Brock was sitting behind the counter in such a way that you couldn't have seen him from the living room. Misty stepped onto the linoleum gingerly, and peeked around the counter. Brock's arms were wrapped around his knees, and his head was between his knees and his chest. He was shaking, and didn't notice that Misty had entered the room. He had changed out of that awful dress already, which was a good thing. Otherwise Misty wasn't sure she could keep a straight face.
Misty kneeled down by Brock and picked his chin up from where it was behind his knees. His cheeks were streaked red, but his eyes were wide and clear as he was shocked that she'd come to see him.
I was just embarrassed when you walked in there, she smiled, tilting her head a little. And I guess I overreacted at the mall.
Brock opened his mouth to tell her that it wasn't her fault, but she began to speak again first.
she smiled, let's just--put this behind us. All three of us.
I'd like that, Brock whispered. And I swear I won't fight with Ash--any more.
That's really good soup, Misty chuckled softly, and, your sister was really lucky to have someone who would do that for her.
Brock smiled back weakly, and rubbed his eyes. Sorry--for making you mad.
Forget it, Misty shook her head, then walked into the living room to tell Ash that she forgave him as well.
Brock leaned his back against the cupboards, closing his eyes and swallowing hard. He knew he was just as much in love now as he was before, and he had no idea how he and Ash would be able to reconcile.
Brock could hear when Misty returned to her room, probably to eat the rest of her soup. She had to have been hungry. He dug some bowls and eating utensils out of his backpack and stood up at the stove, filling one up for Ash and himself. He walked over to the sofa and handed one to Ash, then sat himself.
I guess, Ash smiled, things will just have to go back to how they were before.
Brock looked at the floor as he grabbed a riceball with his chopsticks. Yeah, well, I don't see how we can be the same--now that we have this--competition.
Ash shrugged. I know, but, we'll have to try.
Brock shook his head. he closed his eyes and breathed out slowly, having a hard time explaining himself. I'm just going to try and get another girlfriend, and let you flirt with her. She always flirted with you more anyway, and, and--
Ash softly pried, putting a hand on Brock's shoulder.
Brock turned his head away from Ash, not wanting Ash to see him start to cry like a woman again.
I'm just undesirable anyway, Brock shrugged, his throat tightening. I mean, no girl has liked me before, what would make her different?
Don't say that Brock, Ash frowned. You have just as good of a shot at her. Look, let's forget about it, for tonight.
Brock sighed and nodded, and they finished eating. Of course, neither one of them forgot about it. Misty was always on their minds--always. But they didn't mention it again.
*****Author's note-- Coming soon: the dramatic conclusion! Will anyone end up with Misty? Will it be Brock? Will it be Ash? Will it be Mr. Ed? Only I know the answer! Muahahahahaha! Tell me what you thought! Later!