I hope this is as fun to read as it is to write! For the person who reviewed the previous last part I had--I hope you like this better! I do! I felt bad for taking so long to put up a third part, so I kinda chucked one together during a lack of inspiration. However, when driving to bowling today, this came to me. It's in the spirit of Valentine's day. Happy reading!
Triangle Shaped Heart
Part III- Deception
Misty kicked a dirt clod across a field as she stared at the ground, I hate Valentine's Day. I never have anyone to spend it with.
Both Ash and Brock looked up from where they were eating, flushing pink. They'd gone to a restaurant for breakfast after checking out of the hotel, and neither had any idea that a holiday was coming up. this was probably due, of course, to the fact that they were males, but in their present love-struck affliction, they were deeply shamed for having been oblivious to the event.
Misty sighed in an attempt at making her lack of amour obvious, and looked in a forlorn manner at both Ash and Brock, each in turn.
I have to go to the bathroom, she said dreamily, alone. And lonely. You guys just wait here for me.
They both watched anxiously as Misty disappeared around the corner.
Did you see that? Ash smiled, she was thinking about love--and she looked at me.
She looked at me, Brock shook his head. It was so obvious.
Ash held up a finger in reprisal. You were mistaken.
Far from it, dear Ashy-boy, Brock smirked, it is you who is mistaken.
Ash leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. I guess this means I have to go buy her a present!
Brock scratched his chin, furrowing his eyebrows in thought. You know--this could be a good opportunity.
Yeah I know! Ash smiled. She'll be all over me!
Brock laughed. We can both buy her something, and whoever's she likes better must be the one she really likes--
Ash snorted, you told me that you were gonna lay off of her!
Brock chuckled. I was. But, we don't have to fight to do this. I only said that because I thought it would stop us from fighting.
Ash's eyes grew, flames in their essence. You can't take it back now!
Oh can't I? An evil grin passed across Brock's face. You can't stop me from buying her a gift. And, seeing as I have great taste, mine will be better!
Not a chance! Ash growled, tearing off a piece of his napkin, balling it up and throwing it at Brock. And you're a backstabbing liar!
What? You scared that she likes me, and not you? Brock pouted mockingly, because if you thought that it was a sure thing, you wouldn't worry about her not liking you better.
Ash stood up, I'm not worried about you!
Then what's the problem? Brock shrugged, knowing that he had won.
I'll get you Brock, Ash grumbled. And no little present' is gonna save your sorry ass.
Brock just leaned back and smiled as he noticed Misty returning from the corner of his eye.
They finished up their meal, leaving promptly. Brock and Ash both drowned in their thoughts, and walked on either side of Misty so they wouldn't be tempted to gouge out each other's jugular veins.
Brock knew that he would have to get money for the present he intended on buying. He didn't think he could get a job or something quickly, but there had to be some way he could get money over night.
Enter fantasy sequence.
The parlor was shoddy, but Brock knew he could get what he needed from it. Large, miscellaneous bikers with tattoos dotted the place, their stares unfriendly and their shaven heads--unfriendly. Brock, suave as usual, walked past them with no inhibitions.
Whadda ya want? a seedy looking man at the end of the room happily addressed Brock.
I've come for an ID, Brock stared intimidatingly into the man's eyes.
How much you got? the man snorted. I usually charge fifty, but you don't look like you have much in the way of cash.
Brock snorted. But if you'll give me an ID now, I'll pay you a hundred tomorrow.
The man looked up at him, disbelief shadowing his beady eyes. If you don't come back, we can find you. And we'll break your legs.
No worries, Brock grinned. I've got it all taken care of. I just need one night. Will you do it for me?
The man grunted, and they set to work.
---fantasy skipping of unnecessary parts
The man handed Brock the ID, staring intently. Your new name is Keanu Jacoby. You are twenty one years old, as you requested. Remember, I need the money by tomorrow.
I won't disappoint you, Brock winked, then walked out the door with his fake ID.
Brock then walked through town, his vest thrown over his shoulder in his right hand, his left hand coolly placed in his pocket. A couple of girls walked up to him, asking for dates, but Brock assured them that he had someone special waiting for him at home.'
Brock then walked into a ritzy looking place. A young woman with glasses waited at a receptionist table, not bothering to look up at him.
I'm here for the job, Brock rested an elbow on the counter.
Interviews are two doors to the left.
Brock thanked the lady, then sauntered to the room where he would be interviewed.
A panel of serious looking business people eyed him. They appeared very nervous.
I'm here for the job? Brock repeated.
We don't have time, one of the women repeated to another. Let's just put him on, the show goes on in fifteen minutes!
The man sitting next to her agreed, then stood and ushered Brock into a small room.
Brock was outfitted in a tuxedo, one with many layers and pieces. He hardly got dressed before he was shoved out onto a stage.
Brock adjusted his bow tie a little as the lights heated his forehead to sweat-drop point, and thousands of screaming women filled the Colosseum before him.
Now welcoming, a disembodied voice boomed throughout the room, Agent Rock Candy!
The women cheered, and Brock smirked, grabbing hold of his bow tie. Congas played in the background as he began to undo his bow tie. Women clamored for it as he tossed it into the audience, dancing as he began to remove his jacket. He swung it around his head a few times, cowboy style, then tossed it into the audience as well. The rest of his clothing followed suit--but his mind skipped to the next thought it contained as he got to the boxers part. After all, he wasn't sure what strippers did with the money stuffed in their pants once it all came off.
The scene skipped to Brock driving up to some miscellaneous place where their group was staying, driving up in a loaded ferrari.
Misty and Brock ran up to greet him, and Brock tossed the keys to Misty.
It's all yours, babe, Brock smirked.
Brock! Someone shouted, and he snapped out of his fantasy.
he shook his head, huh? Did I miss something?
Misty gritted her teeth, then whacked Brock over the head. You were just about to run into that tree, stupid!
Brock laughed nervously, rubbing his head.
You should have let me, he bit his lip, if you were just gonna smack me in the head.
I'll smack a lot more than that if you just don't pay attention! Misty fumed.
All right, Brock held up his hands in surrender. I'll pay attention!
Ash chortled under his breath.
The road was growing weary, however. Ash was wondering what he could get Misty as well.
Enter fantasy sequence
It was late at night, and Misty and Brock were back at the hotel, soundly sleeping while Ash scoured the seas on Lapras' back. He was shirtless, of course, and his hair was becoming severely wind tousled as it was obvious that a storm was on its way.
Keep going, Lapras, Ash ordered bravely, keeping a lookout over the water as the stars began to be blackened out. We've got to find what we came for.
Lapras crooned, and began to swim faster.
Lightning began to spark around the area, and Lapras was screaming to turn back. Ash bit his lip, and ordered Lapras to return, while they were still in the water.
Lapras tried to refuse, but Ash insisted. A tear came to Lapras' eye as it returned to its pokéball, leaving Ash to swim in the choppy seas.
Couldn't risk you getting struck by lightning, Ash affirmed in a deepened voice. I'll just have to do this myself.
Ash took a mighty breath, then dove under the water, kicking fiercely as he looked around for some sign of the object he desired. He knew Misty would be his forever, if he could just find what he was looking for.
He was startled by a soft, glowing light in the abyss of the ocean. His hair floated freely, and his swift legs carried him to the source of the light. The water gurgled around him, and his strong lungs would allow him at least another two minutes before he'd be forced to surface.
The light was actually coming from a reflection off of a gently gemmed necklace, of a caliber Ash had never seen before. It was beautiful, and the diamonds on it seemed to reflect all of the colors of the rainbow into the ocean.
Ash clutched it to his chest, sighing as he decided it would make do.
Ash began to kick as to return to the surface, but a shadow swooned over his body. He looked up towards its source, only to find the biggest tentacruel he'd ever seen standing over him, its mouth watering hungrily.
Ash quickly put the necklace around his neck and gripped an empty pokéball. His lungs were begining to feel strained, but he had to catch it. Not for himself--that would be too easy to turn away from. He had to catch it in the name of love. In the name of Valentine's Day.
Ash felt a second wind as he pepped himself up with these thoughts, and he struck out for the tentacruel, subduing the creature with his bare hands. It was a long fight. Tentacruel was a mean one--Ash had to use his bare man strength several times to shove the beast's fangs away to avoid having a limb or two ripped off. He had to pull the water monsters tentacles off of his legs and arms, and he felt bad having broken a few, but he heard somewhere that they grew back.
However, with one mighty blow to the head, the tentacruel was nearly out cold. Ash seized this opportunity, and he grabbed an empty pokéball from his belt with determination, pressing it to the tentacruel's edifice as he could not throw in the water. The tentacruel was caught almost immediately. Ash strapped the prize back to his belt and quickly surfaced.
Not wanting to risk Lapras, Ash swam all the way back to shore. He was freezing, and dripping wet when he was done, but it was worth it.
Ash hauled himself to shore, braving freezing wind, rain, and the darkness of night. Misty was outside the door, waiting for them in her worry. It did not matter what building the door belonged to, it was a fantasy. Ash looked up at Misty, his eyes despondent and lonesome, and he shakily handed her the pokéball.
he choked, Valentine's Day, Misty.
Oh Ash! Misty cried, in all the glory of melodramatics, I love you so much! Oh, kiss me now, make me feel like a woman!
Ash? Brock's voice sliced through the upcoming love scene.
Ash shook his head fiercely.
Why are you mumbling? Brock chuckled, and drooling?
Ash whirled around to Brock, standing in front of him squarely.
I'll have you know, he shouted, I DON'T drool!
Looked like it to me, Brock teased.
Just because you drool doesn't mean that everyone else does! Ash stuck out his tongue.
Brock rolled his eyes. Good comeback, Einstein!
They couldn't argue for long, however, because they were rubbing their heads in pain soon enough.
Awww, Misty! Ash grumbled, that hurt!
Brock agreed.
Well if you two don't cut it out, I'll make you hurt a lot worse! Misty threatened.
And so, they moved back to their respective places on either side of her.
I swear, she grumbled. You guys are way too old for this. I don't need to be your mother! Act your age.
Sorry Misty, they both muttered, looking at the ground ashamedly.
The day wore on with little to speak of. The air did acquire a little bite to it as twilight assimilated the stretches of the road, and it wasn't too long before they all decided it would be best to camp out for the night. Misty was the first to wimp out, as usual, and just as she expected, she met little resistance from her companions.
She was allowed to sit back while both Ash and Brock took care of setting up the campsite. The stars glowered in her direction as her sedentary position caused the cold to creep easily into her skin. She shuddered loudly and began to rub her arms.
Hold on Misty! Ash smiled, and began quickly piling wood in front of her. I'll make a fire for you!
She nodded thankfully, but even before Ash could take action, Brock affectionately wrapped a blanket around her. He rubbed her arms a little with his own, then went back to helping Ash gather wood for the fire.
Ash panicked a little, as he noticed that Misty blushed a little after Brock was so delicate with her. He felt dampened by it for a moment, but then resolved that he would find a way to make her blush as well.
I finished first! Ash proclaimed, as Brock was laying out his sleeping bag. He then poured a little bit of lighter fluid onto the wood, stuck a match on his heel, and tossed it into the heap.
Fhooom.
Ash shouted, as fire began to creep up his pant leg. A mixture of being both too close to the fire and having applied more lighter fluid than he should have, despite his belief that he'd used it sparingly, caused it to catch his clothes on fire.
Misty and Brock shouted at once, and they leaped over to him.
Brock shoved Ash to the ground and began to force him to roll around. Pikachu shocked Brock lightly, not understanding what he was doing, but Brock ignored it.
Misty shouted, having released Staryu. Water gun, Staryu!
Staryu began to blast Ash for all he was worth, but he drenched Brock in the process. At this point, both Ash and Brock were shivering in the frigid air. Ash was on the ground, not yet able to come to terms with the fact that his pants were absolutely ruined, and that he was very close to being rotisserie grilled. Brock just sat, a little fried as well from Pikachu's shock, but the cold that attacked him was worse than the scalding by a million fold.
Misty looked at them both with sympathy in her eyes. She clucked her tongue lovingly as she threw some stones around the fire to make it safe and called back Staryu. She walked over to Ash and Brock and took both their hands and seated them at a safe distance from the fire. She sat between them, and Pikachu jumped onto her dry lap as she gently pulled the blanket over all three of them. Brock wrapped his portion of it around himself reticently--a little dazed, and a little flustered since his arm was touching Misty's the whole time.
Ash went so far as to actually lean on Misty, taking advantage of her bodily warmth as his skin dried. She smiled a little and leaned back onto him tenderly for a moment before moving back.
Wow! Ash blushed. That's better than the blush that Brock got! She must love me after all!
Ash sighed warmly, and he continued to lean on Misty. Brock began to lean on Misty as well after noticing that Ash was doing it without castigation, and he received the same, quick affection that Ash had, but neither of them noticed when Misty paid attention to the other in that manner because it was such a subtle action. They sat very contentedly until it was time to go to bed.
Misty grinned as she crawled into her sleeping bag. Both Brock and Ash believed it was because of her love for each of them, respectively, but neither could be completely sure. Their nerves actually twinged a little as their eyelids fell and dreams etched themselves across their minds, but they didn't think much of their premonition.
They all slept, and nightfall dissipated to give way to dawn, and of course, Brock's internal clock rang just as the sun was rising.
Brock stretched and climbed out of his sleeping bag, actually enjoying the brisk morning air. He stepped cautiously to where Misty lye, and smiled down at her softly sleeping face. He was about to walk back to his backpack and make breakfast, when he noticed a note in her hand.
She must have fallen asleep writing it, he thought aloud, his uttering too soft to be discernible. He leaned over to her, plucking it from her hands.He didn't intend on reading it, but his eyes did inadvertently pick up the first line.
Dearest Love, it began.
Brock startled for a moment, but despite his inhibitions about reading Misty's private letter, his curiosity got the better of him.
Oh, how I've wanted to tell you this. You know, for all the time we traveled together, I never quite knew how to tell you how I felt. When you left I nearly died--
Brock put a hand to his mouth, and his shaking increased. He honestly never believed that it was he that she loved, but now he seemed to have proof. He also became a little angered, wondering why she never tried to stop him from leaving. He would have stayed, for Misty. He loved her! Professor Ivy was absolutely nothing. A product of his denial. His heart raced on, and he resumed reading the paper hungrily, wondering what else she would have to say to him.
. . .and I still regret letting you go to this day.
Brock agreed that she should. After all, they didn't seem to care at all that he had left.
But I hope this letter changes things.
Brock's heart fluttered. He was almost amazed that she was apologizing to him. After all, it was he who had feared her rejection so badly, but now he could see that she had felt the same way.
Please, Tracey, come back to me. You were everything that I could want in a man. Gentle, smart, artistic. . .
Brock looked up from the letter, paling considerably. He believed that he was all that--maybe not artistic--but that he could be everything she would want in a man. His throat suddenly became very dry, and he couldn't even read further because of the tears that invaded his eyes. He had to share this with Ash.
Brock waddled over to Ash's sleeping bag, unable to even walk straight through his deep anguish. He shook Ash awake fiercely, and Ash tried to take a couple of swings at him in his fright before fully waking up.
Geez Brock it's so early, whatcha wakin' me up for ya damn-- he began to ramble, but Brock quickly clasped his hand over his mouth.
Take a look at this, Brock sniffed, letting a few tears fall onto the paper.
Ash snatched the paper from Brock, wondering what the hell it could be.
Dearest Love, it began.
Ash's eyes began to well with tears as well. She loved him! Brock was crying, because Misty had rejected him in a letter! He smiled brightly as he read on.
Oh, how I've wanted to tell you this. You know, for all the time we traveled together, I never quite knew how to tell you how I felt.
Oh Misty! Ash bit his lip, thinking aloud so that even Brock couldn't hear, oh, how I've felt the same way!
He read the next line eagerly.
When you left I nearly died--
And thus, his face fell.
She loves you Brock! He looked up angrily. Why are you making me read a letter to you, jerkoff?
Brock smacked Ash over the head. Keep reading it! Do you think I'd be nearly bawling if the letter was about me?
Ash snorted and did as told, a sickening realization coming over him the moment Brock disclosed that it was neither of them that Misty pined after.
Ash chucked the paper to the ground handily after reading a bit further. Rather than be overcome with sadness, his eyes became flaming red in anger.
That's a lie! he fumed. Tracey is a total dumbass! He's obsessed with Professor Oak! What the hell?
I never met the asshole, Brock sighed, walking over to Misty's bag to replace the letter under her fingers. Ash escaped his sleeping bag and followed. But he's a lucky asshole.
Ash pouted, nearly admitting defeat.
Brock turned to where Misty lye, only to find her missing.
Brock slapped his forehead. Now she'll know I was reading her letter!
I already do know! Misty giggled, jumping out from behind a tree.
Ash freaked out and jumped into Brock's arms, where he was promptly dropped.
She's gonna kill us! Ash cried, standing back up.
Misty merely cackled into the air. You dumbasses really think I could like Tracey? And that I'd leave a letter like that out if I didn't want you to find it? And that I would really like Tracey?
Ash scratched the back of his head, and Brock's cheeks reddened in shame.
I never met the asshole, he sighed. I dunno what he was like.
He was okay, Misty laughed, but definitely not boyfriend material, I'll tell you that.
Ash frowned. I guess the jokes on us.
And I guess you knew why we were fighting all along, Brock frowned as well.
You guys only made it soooo obvious, Misty shook her head. I bet you thought you were being slick, too. Well, knock it off! Maybe I don't even like anyone right now!
Do you? Brock and Ash asked at once.
Misty raised an eyebrow mischievously. I dunno. But if I did, it would change the way we are with each other. So, maybe I like one of you. Maybe I don't. Either way, you both owe me Valentine's presents now, and you both need to knock this crap off!
Brock smiled, and turned to Ash. The jig is up.
S'pose it is, Ash smiled back.
The rest of the morning was, frankly, quite uneventful. They ate breakfast then walked to the next town, actually leaving their fights and embarrassment of being caught behind, and they had normal conversations.
They all agreed to split up at the next town, which they reached at about dusk, so that they could buy presents. Misty was going to buy them something as well, seeing as they were her best friends.
Ash and Brock were in luck as a pokémon expo was being held. They could purchase all sorts of great pokémon there, for a price.
Brock surveyed the tables carefully. He ran to the water pokémon table immediately, automatically drawn to the tentacruel, since he knew that Misty wanted one.
How much for the tentacruel? Brock asked the man running the table.
After receiving his answer, Brock's face became a few shades whiter, and he then asked how much the mantine for sale was. It was a very cool pokémon, and he bet that Misty would love to have it.
It cost even more. Brock was nearly translucent by the time the guy finally just asked how much Brock had, and then made his unhappy sale.
Brock walked away with the pokéball sadly, though it was in quite festive wrapping. It was still a water pokémon, but not quite what he had imagined.
Ash had a bit of the same trouble, as he had the same idea as Brock. His face reddened instead of paling in increments, because he believed that the prices were a rip-off. It seemed forever when he finally found something affordable, and even then it broke him severely. He knew he had more money than Brock, at least, so it couldn't have been that bad of a buy.
Still, the festive wrapping was no covering for the fact that the pokémon he ended up with--water or not--had to have been the stupidest pokémon he ever saw. He bet even Misty would think so. Pikachu even just wanted to bat at it, and Pikachu was friendly to all pokémon it met.
They met at the town's hotel as planned, but Brock and Ash both had looks of a day spent unsatisfactorily scrawled over their faces. Misty seemed pretty psyched, but they figured it was because she didn't really have anyone to impress. She paid for the hotel room for the night, and they sulked all they way up the elevator. They were penniless and lacking decent presents, but they hoped Misty would appreciate the thought.
You guys open yours first! Misty smiled, handing them two packages wrapped in pink and red paper.
Ash and Brock both opened their gifts with a lackidasial attitude, which seemed to agitate Misty severely. They were very happy after opening them, however, and they tore into the chocolate like mad men. They hadn't had a good bit of candy in quite a while.
Despite their attempts to delay giving their presents to Misty, they were eventually forced to with the threat of mallet.
Brock handed his gifts to Misty and Ash first. He actually decided to buy them both something, though Ash's was even more insignificant.
A pikachu keychain! Ash exclaimed. Thanks, Brock!
Pikachu happily grinned, batting at the toy.
Misty shouted, a chinchou! You shouldn't have gotten me a whole pokémon! It must have cost so much!
You mean, Brock frowned, you don't think it's retarded looking?
No silly, Misty closed her eyes and laughed. It evolves into a Lanturn! They're the only electric water type! This is awesome!
Brock blushed a little, and Ash felt even worse about his present. He wasn't worried about the giant Hershey kiss he got Brock. He was worried about what he got for Misty.
Misty wrestled it from his hand, forever, but despite the fact that he turned his head in shame, he could sense the fact that she was enthused.
You guys! she blushed, you're supposed to buy chocolate or something stupid! I mean, a chinchou and a remoraid? Wow!
Ash looked at her oddly. You mean, that's not the dumbest looking pokémon you've ever seen in your life?
Misty socked him in the arm. No way! Remoraid evolves into octillery, and octillery is awesome!
Ash shrugged. Whaddaya know?
Brock was too busy chewing on chocolate to respond.
Misty put the pokéballs on her belt after calling her new pokémon and gave both Ash and Brock a hug and a kiss on the cheek in turn.
Thanks guys, she smiled. You're so great!
They were both a little surprised and flustered at her attitude towards them at the moment, but their relief that she was no longer mad at them surpassed all anxiety. They were happy as they got ready for bed. Of course, Misty insisted on taking the bathroom first, walling herself and her stuff in there for what would probably be an eternity.
Misty grinned at her cleverness as she sat in the bathroom, getting ready for bed. They would be able to get along now, and they'd never suspect who she really loved. She pulled her nightclothes out of her bag and slipped into them gingerly, a million thoughts running through her head as she did so. She touched her lips. They tingled with exhilaration from having touched the skin of her love. She reached down to her backpack, noticing that a picture had fallen out. She scooped it up, admiring it thoroughly.
Misty's eyes became star lit, and kissed the picture twice, in two different places. Then she clutched the picture to her chest and giggled, then began to sing softly.
Oh Ash oh Ash, oh Brock oh Brock, a one man woman is all I want to be, but there are two perfect guys for me. . .
*****a/n: Muahahahahahahahahahaha! Aren't I evil? Hahahaha. Anyway, I'm sure ya saw this coming. But I thought you could like it anyway. Later