Disclaimer: Pokémon and its characters are not mine, but I do own this story.

A/N: ::crawls out of tomb:: I'm alive!!! looks around *ahem* Anyway, here's another shorter, fluffy chapter. Enjoy!

Ch. 7 – Moonlit River

How can ALL of the roads be closed?! Brock demanded exasperatedly.

Ash and co. had found themselves near Vermillion City after wandering around for a while. Ash had stopped there and sent Snorlax over to Professor Oak to make room for Terraneon, which was just as well since the Professor had received a fruit new plant from another scientist which just might be able to grow fast enough to keep up with a Snorlax's appetite. Ash's Snorlax would be able to help the Professor in his research while enjoying itself.

After that, Ash decided to head over Pallet Town. At Misty's request, the tried to avoid Cerulean City but all the other roads out of Vermillion were closed for repairs.

Sorry bout that, but there's nuthin we can do, the worker stated. Seems like a group of Diglett decided to pass through all of the roads except that one. Anyway, you CAN reach Pallet through Cerulean.

Aw, it won't be THAT bad, Misty! Ash reassured her. We'll just go right through and avoid the gym.

Well, okay she said reluctantly.

It wasn't very long after the group went into the city before a familiar voice made Misty cringe.

Hey, isn't that, like, our little sister? someone exclaimed excitedly.

Oh no! Misty panicked and frantically looked around for an escape route, but the Sensational Sisters had caught up to them.

Hey there, Misty! Daisy greeted her, putting down her load of shopping bags. It's been, like, soooo long since the last time you came here!

Violet piped. You were soooo amazing at the underwater ballet! Until today, people are still talking about it! You're, like, a famous star!

Uh, thanks Misty said warily. Why are they saying such nice things about me?'

Anyway, you came at SUCH a wonderful time! Lily said. We were just planning another ballet—

Oh, so THAT's why!' she interrupted. Ash has an uh important errand to run. Can't stay, sorry! Bye! Misty proceeded to drag Ash and Brock away.

Oh, I see, Violet said mischievously. You to spend some time with your boyfriend! We understand.

SHE/HE IS NOT MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND!!! Ash and Misty yelled indignantly.

Brock suddenly went into a sneezing fit. He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a handkerchief. Something fluttered onto the floor as he did that.

Whoops, dropped something! he said after stopping his sneezes, making to effort to retrieve it.

Lily bent down and picked it up. She took one look at it and gave a loud squeal. She showed the piece of paper to the other two and they instantly did the same.

Curious, Ash plucked the item from Lily's fingers and looked at it. His eyes widened in horror as he recognized the picture of him and Misty sleeping peacefully on the couch back at the Warped Mountain.

Ash stood there, staring at the picture. He was only snapped out of his trance by the sound of running feet and Brock shouting.

Her figure could be seen racing away from them, into the heart of the city.

Misty, wait! Ash dropped the photo and ran after her.

* * * * *

C'mon Ash, that's one of your favourite dishes! Why won't you eat? Brock said pleadingly, although he pretty much knew the answer.

After two whole hours of searching fruitlessly, Brock had managed to convince Ash that Misty would be okay, and persuaded him to go back to the Cerulean Gym. Ash was already giving Brock the silent treatment, and to make things worse, they had found a note written by Misty at the doorstep. She said she just wanted to spend some time alone, but would be coming back.

They were currently seated around the gym's dining table with Pikachu and the Sensational Sisters, but Ash was merely staring at his food.

Aw, cut it out already! Daisy said irritably. It's not that she's, like, running away or anything

Ash looked at her incredulously. She doesn't even understand her own sister! A horrible thought suddenly formed in his head. What if Misty really had run away?

He stood up abruptly and dashed out of the room.

Ash, wait— Brock started.

Just let him go. He'll be okay. Daisy said nonchalantly and continued chatting with her sisters.

Brock looked unsure but sighed and then returned to his meal.

Outside, Ash leaned against the wall, panting heavily. He looked downwards when he felt something tugging his trouser leg.

Hey Pikachu, watcha doing out here?

his furry friend looked at him worriedly.

You don't think you don't think Misty's run away, do you? Ash asked slightly fearfully.

Pika pika! Pikachu shook his head firmly.

Ash smiled gratefully. You're right, she wouldn't do that. I guess Brock just upset her a bit, that's all. Maybe I should just wait here for her to come back

The little Pokémon exclaimed obstinately.

Then what should I do?

Pika pika, Pikachu pointed towards a nearby river.

Ash said uncertainly. How do you know?

The yellow rodent trailed off mysteriously. Then, he gave Ash a small push, winking.

Hesitantly, Ash started off in the direction Pikachu pointed at. His pace increased and he broke into a run, calling Misty's name.

* * * * *

A red-haired girl sat by the moonlit riverbank, staring out at the still waters.

Why did I do that, Togepi? she asked the baby Pokémon in her arms. Why did I run like that?

Togepi looked up anxiously. It sensed that Mummy was troubled, and this made it worry.

Misty sighed and looked out at the river again, not really expecting an answer from Togepi. She had been sitting there for quite some time now, hiding. This river was the only thing she cared about in the entire city. She thought back at all the times she spent here when she was little, with no parents to take care of her, and her sisters were everything but kind to her. The river made her feel at peace.

She rocked gently back and forth, gazing at the distorted but beautiful reflection of the moon. Closing her eyes, she felt the cool breeze against her face. She slowly breathed in the night air while rocking little Togepi to sleep.

A short distance away within the trees, a boy with messy black hair looked at her silently, his heart racing.

Move!!!' he mentally yelled at his legs, but they remained frozen in place. He took several deep breaths to calm himself down, and then composed himself. Nervously, he stepped out from the undergrowth without a noise. Step by step, he moved towards Misty, yet she didn't notice him even when he was right next to her.

Ash said as gently as he could without sounding like a nervous wreck.

Misty leapt two feet up into the air and stared at him, wide-eyed.

Oh, h-hi, Ash she stuttered.

mind if I join you? he asked hesitantly.

go ahead she replied, shifting uncomfortably.

Ash sat down next to her. A moment of awkward silence passed between them before Ash spoke up.

where were you all this time?

Misty kept silent for a while before answering. around. I didn't go anywhere.

Resuming silence.

Here, I thought you might want some of these Ash pulled a container full of food from his pocket. He had managed to nick them from the gym.

Misty brightened slightly at this. Oh Ash I told you I'd be eating outside!

But did you?

no

Here, take them. Ash pushed the container towards her.

Thank you she accepted it gratefully. She tried to act casual, but it was clear that she was quite hungry.

Ash silently watched her eat. Suddenly, his own stomach gave a loud rumble.

Misty giggled. You can have the rest. I'm full enough.

without a second thought, he grabbed the last sandwich and wolfed it down ungraciously. Misty giggled again. Typical Ash.

Ash found himself blush slightly. Misty didn't giggle like that very often. He sorta liked it.

What's so funny? he demanded, pretending to be offended.

Nothing, you just look cutely stupid when you do that. Misty said, visibly turning red under the moonlight.

Ash drew in a breath sharply. Could it be? Had he misheard?

Alarmed, Misty started trying to cover up. that's not what I meant! You see—

Ash cut her off, becoming unusually solemn. He took a deep breath and said softly, No Misty, I'm I'm not upset. Just tell me What made you say that?

Misty looked away and bit her lip. She contemplated Ash's question and thought back at various events. Remember the incident back there when you were almost killed? She asked quietly. Ash nodded. I was so scared! I was afraid that I had lost you. I I love you, Ash! Misty finally broke down and started sobbing, overwhelmed by all-too-realistic and horrible memories.

Ash's eyes grew wide. Oh Misty he whispered, on the verge of tears also. He pulled her close, holding her tightly. The only sounds that could be heard were Misty's hushed sobs against Ash's chest and the wind ruffling the leaves. Gently, he pulled away slightly and gazed lovingly into her emotional cerulean eyes.

I love you too, Misty you'll never know how much

An unseen force drew them closer, the gap between their faces narrowed. In a synchronized motion, their eyes closed just as their lips met. Fireworks went off and bells rang loudly as the young couple shared the first kiss they had yearned for so long.

They slowly pulled apart after a while, their eyes shining with joy.

Suddenly, a crack was heard from somewhere in the bushes. Ash and Misty's heads whirled in the direction of the sound. In a trice, they were standing at either side of a very nervous Brock.

Give it to me Misty growled.

give what to you? Brock asked dumbly.

Misty whipped out her mallet and held it menacingly. Give it to me!

Brock cowered in fear and handed his camera to her. While Misty's guard was down, he fled for his life, breaking the world sprinting record.

What picture do you think he took this time? Misty asked rhetorically.

Ash pulled her into another passionate kiss which she gladly let herself melt into. They remained like that for a few minutes longer than the first.

Should we hunt him down? Misty asked, grinning, after they broke the kiss.

Nah, let's just enjoy the rest of the night Ash suggested.

Hand in hand, they walked back over to the river and sat down at the same spot. Misty lay her head on Ash's shoulder, gazing dreamily at the river and he put his arm protectively around her, pulling her closer. No words were said then, but they were unnecessary. They communicated through their hearts, oblivious of the rest of the world as they sat there, bathed in the moon's gentle light. Misty sighed happily. Yet another happy memory about this river. Maybe this city isn't so bad after all

*********

A/N: Whew, sorry for that HUGE delay! But I hope this chapter makes up for it :-) Aaaaaaaanyway, this is the first time I wrote something like this (not to mention that I don't exactly have any experience in this field) so I hope I do okay. Hope you don't mind I made Brock pop up there. Annoying, aren't I? :-) And while we're on the subject of hopes, I also hope that I can get the next chapter up soon. Well, as always, (even if I didn't explicitly say so) please review!