Tracey stared depressively out the window at Misty as Ash chased her around the garden.

"She's pretty, huh?" Brock asked, joining Tracey.

Tracey jumped. He didn't know he was that obvious.

"Oh come on Tracey, you have to hide it a bit," Brock sighed. "You have to get good at blocking that adoring look."

"So that's why you keep your eyes shut all the time."

"It's the only way, man," Brock joked. "No, serious, you're not the only one who's after her. But she wants Ash."

"I know," Tracey groaned. "Why do I have so much competition?"

"She's got plenty of time to change her mind," Brock said optimistically.

"Hmm," Tracey said without feeling.

"Where there's a will there's a way?" Brock suggested.

"Mm," Tracey said, not really listening.

"Oh, cheer up, she'll hate you if you sit around being depressed all the time…"

"Really?"

"How long have I known that girl?"

"Well," Tracey said reasonably, "why haven't you asked her out?"

"Same reason you haven't."

"Ohhh… stupid Ash."

Brock smiled. "Look, it could be worse."

"How?"

"Ash could make you watch Barney The Dinosaur."

"Hey guys," Ash puffed, running in through the door and slamming it in Misty's face while pulling his hat back on, "let's go watch Barney The Dinosaur!"

"Brock…" Tracey said warningly.

"Hey, I didn't know he'd say that!"

"Mewwwwwwwwwwwwwww!" Little Misty wailed, annoyed at being ignored.

"I'll look after Little Misty, while you watch Barney," Tracey said quickly.

"I think you need my help too," Brock insisted.

"Uh…" Misty said.

"Go watch Barney with Ashy-Boy, Mist," Brock said.

She glared.

Oops, thought Brock, only Ash gets away with calling her that.