***Author's Note***

Finally, the moment you all have been waiting for…the night of the ball! *applauds* Yay! P.S. I love Snow Days! Except my poor car is outside all frozen. *Sniff* When I go back to school, I'm gonna be one cooooold driver!

Disclaimer: Same as usual.

A Few Helpful Pushes

Chapter 6: Time to Dance

         Six o'clock rolled around and everything at the Waterflower house was a hustle and bustle. People kept meeting each other at the stairs, half dressed or with makeup or something else in their hands. The air was full of a mixture of smells: Hair spray, cologne, perfume, lotion, shampoo, and body spray. But even with all the rushing about, everyone and everything was ready by quarter to seven, surprisingly.

         By quarter to seven, Daisy, Lily, and Violet had already left for the gym to greet the guests as Brock and Maura stood around downstairs, waiting for Misty to come down. Ash, however, sat chin in hand.

         "What's wrong Ashy?" Serena asked, coming over to stand by him. He lifted his eyes to look at her and shrugged.

         "Nothing. Just thinking."

         "Bout what?" Brock joined in.

         Ash sighed. "Nothing. Look, I think I'm just a little tired but don't worry," he flashed them a grin which of course, didn't fool either of them for a second. "I'll be fine and my hyper-self at the ball!"

         Playing along, Brock grinned back. "That's what we're afraid of!"

         This comment made Ash laugh but the person who had just descended the stairs cut him short. He shot up out of the chair and stared, open-mouthed.

         There, at the foot of the steps, stood Misty but this was most definitely not the Misty he had always seen. This Misty had actually let her flaming hair down and it was in perfect little waves around her face and shoulders. The solid sea-blue off-shoulder dress Misty wore hugged her torso and flowed out to the ground from her waist. Around her neck was a beautiful pearl necklace with pearl earrings to match in her ears. A golden, charm bracelet with sea creatures was on her left wrist.  Her face was made up with a small amount of glitter around her eyes and a thin layer of lipstick.

         "Sorry for being so late everyone," Misty called out, not yet noticing the staring Ash. "I couldn't find my-" now she had noticed and this made her redden but she kept her Misty-attitude. "What? Is there a rip in a my dress or something Ash?"

         At the mention of his name, the boy came out of trance, and finally realizing what he had been doing, quickly came up with an excuse. "No there's no rip in your dress. I was glad that we finally know the complete truth. You really are a girly-girl underneath all that toughness."

         "You take that back Ash Ketchem!" Misty's eyes flared and she balled up her ringed fists.

         "No. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go pick up my date!" Ash strode past the angry Misty and out the front door.

         "Ooh!" Misty shouted. "He has to always ruin everything!"

         The two bystanders gave quick glances at each other and whole-heartedly tried not to laugh. "There, there Misty," Serena soothed. "Don't worry about that dork. I'm sure you'll have a great time with Ritchie."

         "Hmpfh!" was the only reply. She didn't notice Brock and Serena exchange winks behind her back.

         After Ash's departure, Brock left to go pick up Willhemina from her hotel while Misty headed to the gym where she would be meeting Ritchie. Serena stayed behind, waiting for Gary to pick her up so that they could make the walk together. She didn't have to wait long until the doorbell rang. A quick flutter rippled through her heart all the way down to her stomach as she nervously shot one last glance at the hall mirror before opening the door. Standing in the frame was Gary complete in a tuxedo. Serena nearly fainted with pleasure as he gently took her gloved hand and placed a rose in it.

         "Thanks."

         "You look…umm…ahem…you look nice." A small blush crawled over the bridge of Gary's nose and spread to his cheeks.

         Serena was wearing a red dress with a fairly modest v-neckline and flared, full-length lacey sleeves. The fitting bodice was covered in tiny, sparkling beads that matched the clips holding back the front sections of her hair. A thin sash was tied into two tiny bows on either side at her slim waist from where the silky skirt of the dress fell straight to the ground. A simple gold bracelet encircled her wrist with a matching necklace and stud earrings. Like her best friend, she had dabbed on only a simple bit of makeup to brighten her face just the slighter.

         "Just nice?" Serena said a bit disappointed as she looked down at herself.  Maybe she should have taken Daisy's advice and gone for the black dress she had suggested.

         Gary nervously licked his lips and mentally cursed. Why did girls always have to be so difficult? Couldn't they just take the simple compliments dished towards them? He opened his mouth to attempt to string together more words about her appearance but Serena just stepped outside and slammed the door shut.

         "Well," she looked up with a smile. "Let's go! I think we're going to be fashionably late anyway."

         "Right."

         "Wow! Your sisters really went through a lot to get this place so...so beautiful. Of course," Ritchie looked at Misty and smiled. "It's not as beautiful as you."

         "Aww. Thanks!" Misty blushed, her bad mood bubble gone for the moment.

         Behind the pair, Serena giggled as Gary attempted to hide his grin. Ritchie half-glanced back and glared. It was bad enough that he wasn't at the ball with the girl he wanted but now his cousin had to laugh at him!

         The four had just entered the gym, which was indeed, as Ritchie stated, 'beautiful'. The pool had been boarded up for dancing. Low-lighted lamps hung from the ceiling every few feet. Helium balloons and streamers made the place colorful while pictures and cutouts of water pokemon gave a touch of the pride Cerulean City had for their water pokemon.

         "Why don't we just mingle a little?" Gary suggested to Serena. She nodded and they headed off to the middle of a large group, leaving Misty and Ritchie.

         "Well, umm..." Ritchie started, feeling more and more embarrassed by the whole set-up.

         "Oh look! There's Brock!" Misty suddenly pointed. There, in the middle of the dance floor, was their friend dancing with Willhemina. Misty laughed. "Wow. I had no idea he could do that!"

         Ritchie turned to look and let out a laugh. "Ditto." Turning back to Misty, he asked, "So uh, do you uh- want to-" but just before he could finish his question, a couple walked up to them.

         "Ritchie! Misty! Wow, Misty, you look great. Nice suit Ritchie!" Melody grinned at them while holding Ash's arm.

         "Uh-Hi uh Mel-ahem-Melody," Ritchie replied, blushing, which thankfully, no one noticed.

         Misty noticed something else however. It was the fact that Melody was, in her eyes, clinging to Ash's arm and Ash didn't seem to mind. Trying not to show any resentment, she smiled back. "So you made it Ash. I love your dress Melody."

         "Yeah, I made it," Ash said while at the same time Melody replied, "Thanks!"

         Melody's dress was lovely. She had chosen a golden gown that sparkled in the light every time she moved. Her brown hair was curled up into an elegant bun held up by golden ribbons whose ends dangled down to her waist.

         "So," Ash continued, now eyeing a corsage that was pinned to the right side of Misty's dress. "Where'd you get that? You didn't have it when I left."

         Misty fingered the edge of the lovely corsage, which was a baby blue. "Ritchie gave it to me," she said smiling at him but he only seemed to be looking at Melody. Turning back to Ash she said, "Isn't it beautiful? Ritchie is just the sweetest!"

         Ash could only frown in reply and pulled Melody away to the dance floor.

         "Operation Get-Ash-And-Misty-Together Plan 609 must proceed as planned," Serena said in a serious, sergeant voice to Gary and Brock about half an hour later as they met at the refreshment stand. Ash was talking to people with Melody while Misty and Ritchie danced.

         Willhemina glanced at Serena. "Oh. Brock told me about your plan. Some of it anyway. How is it going?"

         Sighing, Serena replied, "It's okay. Those two stubborn-heads are just so-so-"

         "Stubborn?" Gary offered.

         "Exactly! It makes me so mad!"

         Everyone laughed and then Gary asked, "So, what's the next step, Sarge?"

         "Next step? Sarge?" a clear voice rang out over the psychic girl's head. She whirled around and squealed in delight.

         "Sabrina!" Standing behind Serena was her older sister looking very much like a taller, grown-up version of Serena, complete with red-colored dress. Except the elder's looked far more like an evening gown. The two siblings exchanged a warm embrace. When they stepped back, Serena noticed a rather lanky man hovering behind her sister. Noticing her gaze, Sabrina motioned the sandy-haired man forward.

         "Rosco, I'd like you to meet my younger sister that I told you about. Serena, this is my new boyfriend, Rosco."

Rosco and Serena shook hands.

         Sabrina smiled. "So little sister, who did you bring with you to the dance?"

         Now Gary stepped forward and extended a hand. "My name is Gary Oak and I'm Serena's date."

         The older girl regarded the boy with a scrutinizing sweep of her eyes. She took his hand and shook it. "Nice to meet you Gary. I presume you are the grandson of the renowned Professor Oak?"

         Gary nodded.

         "I see," Sabrina continued in a friendly voice. "Well, you should find yourself very lucky to have come with my sister. And if I find out that you've harmed her in any way, just keep in mind that I am the strongest psychic around."

         At these words spoken so naturally, Gary gulped nervously as he eyed his date's older sister. From his side Serena cried out, "Sabrina! Don't scare him off!" Then to him she said, "Don't worry Gary, she won't do anything to you."

         Here, Brock interjected. "Yeah, like turn you into a doll."

         "A doll?" Gary echoed.

         "Ah! I remember you! You're one of the kids who helped me out of my obsessed state a few years ago!" Sabrina exclaimed as her dark eyes fell on the rock trainer. Brock nodded with a smile, glad that she had remembered, even though the experience had been rather nerve-wracking. "Nice to see you again."

         "Likewise," Brock replied.

         "Now then," Sabrina said. "What is this about you being a 'sarge', Serena?"

         Serena's eyes widened in mock innocence. "I have no idea what you are talking about Sabrina."

         "You do know that I can read your mind, if I so choose."

         "But you won't because I've learned how to put up a mental block. So there!" Childishly, Serena stuck out her tongue making the group laugh.

         Sabrina turned, pulling Rosco along with her by the arm. Over her shoulder she called out, "I hope your plan with Ash and Misty works out! They did seem to look cute together when I met them."

         Serena's jaw fell open. She was sure she had put up a strong mind block and would have felt Sabrina probing in her thoughts.

         There are other minds to read than yours little sister.

         Looking up, Serena received a smug glance from her sibling before she and her date disappeared in the crowd.

         After greeting his mother who had come to the ball with Professor Oak, Ash only half-listened as his friend Todd told him about some wild pokemon he had chased just to capture a picture of it. Instead, he let Melody do the talking with Todd and his date Duplica, another friend, while his chocolate eyes stayed focused on a dancing pair.

         Misty twirled around the dance floor, light as a feather and to Ash, no one was a better or prettier girl than she. A kind of glow seemed to be around her and Ash's heart ached to see her dancing with Ritchie and have so much fun when he knew that he could never make her so happy like that.

         Suddenly, something peach colored flashed before his face, awakening him from his trance. "Wha-?"

         "Hello Ashy. Are you still with us?" Melody looked at him in concern.

         "Huh? Oh yea. Your chase sounds terrific Todd!" he said trying to sound enthusiastic.

         Everyone gave him a weird stare. "Ash? We stopped talking about that a few minutes ago. Who were you looking at?" Duplica asked and peered around his shoulder in the direction of Misty and Ritchie.

         Seeing the couple, she quickly glanced Melody, thinking that her new friend might be jealous but instead, Melody seemed to be having trouble hiding her laughter. Duplica looked at her questioningly and finally suppressing the final laugh, Melody announced to the boys, "Duplica and I are going to take a trip to the girls' room. Okay? See you."

         Todd watched them go, a confused expression on his face. "I think we missed something here Ash. Girls only go to the bathroom in two's when they want to talk about something," he said, turning to his raven-haired friend, but the other boy already had his eyes, once again, glued to Misty.

         This is really fun and all dancing with Ritchie and he's being super nice but I wish I were over there with Ash instead, Misty thought as Ritchie gave her a twirl. Trying hard not to look in her crush's direction, she instead, looked around the gym to try and recognize faces. Suddenly, a small cluster near the refreshment table caught her eye.

         "Now what are they up to?" Misty wondered aloud.

         "Who?"

         Ritchie looked down at her for an answer.

"Look over there. Serena, Gary, Brock, Willhemina and now Melody and Duplica are all gathered around as if they planned it or something!"

         The boy did cast a glance over in the direction Misty pointed and noticed that his cousin was looking at him. She shook her head and he sighed. It wasn't time yet. Then he realized that Misty was still looking at him, waiting for a response.

         "Heh. They're probably just talking about how the night is going."

         "Then let's join them!" Misty grabbed Ritchie's hand and pulled him over to the group while panic seized him. It was too early!

         In his head, he heard, What are you doing! We haven't fine-tuned the details yet! Serena glared at him as the two approached their friends. Ritchie shot his cousin a sheepish grin.

         "Hi everyone. Having fun?" Misty asked, her face now slightly flushed.

         "Hey Misty," Melody said, raising an eyebrow at Ritchie who nearly fainted simply because she was looking at him.

         "So, I was thinking of asking Duplica to travel with me. What do you think, Ash? Ash?" Todd looked around for the teen that he had only been talking to seconds ago. "Now where'd he go?"

         Todd's eyes fell upon Ash's back and following him with his eyes, he saw that Ash had joined a circle of people which seemed to be getting larger. Shrugging, he decided to follow, especially since his date was over there as well.

         "What're you all doing standing around?" Ash asked making everyone jump.

         Gary was the first to answer him. "Just taking a break from dancing to chat a bit."

         Ash looked at him skeptically and then at the rest. "Uh-huh. Well, I guess then I'll just join you in the chat. What're we chatting about?"

         "Uh-um-" Gary stumbled.

         "We're talking about uh-" Brock flustered.

         Before anyone could give a proper answer, Todd sidled up behind Duplica. "Hey. What are you all talking about?"

         "I just asked the same thing," Ash said looking at Todd who now had his arm wrapped around Duplica. I wish that could be me and Mist.

         "Kiwi!" Serena suddenly blurted out.

         "Uh-Kiwi?" Misty asked.

         "Yes, Kiwi."

         "Yup. Definitely. It's the coolest fruit around," Duplica offered.

         "And it's mighty tasty!" Brock smacked his lips as Gary and Willhemina nodded, rubbing their stomachs.

         Giving everyone weird looks, both Ash and Misty said at the same time, "Riiight." Once said, they looked at each other and then quickly looked away.

         Everyone seeing this was silent for a moment. This silence was also due to the fact that Serena was giving everyone instructions. Everyone that is, except the two they were trying to get together.

         Okay. We've got to be quick now. Melody, grab Ash's arm and dance. Ritchie, take Misty out on a walk to the fountain. Todd and Duplica, get ready with the camera. Brock and Willhemina, you're in charge of the video recorder. Gary and I will do the rest. Now GO!

Then, all at once, everyone moved. Melody did as instructed and dragged a protesting Ash onto the dance floor saying, "Let's have some fun Ashy!" while Ritchie grabbed Misty's hand and gently pulled her away from the dispersing group. Everyone else went off in different directions to get ready.

         "Where are we going?" Misty asked confused. One minute, her friends are acting all weird talking about kiwi and the next, everyone was separating.

         "I was thinking that we should go outside for a walk. It's so lovely outside and I thought you might enjoy it," Ritchie told her, thinking at the same time that he should be an actor for the show he was putting on.

         Misty allowed herself to be pulled away by Ritchie, still hoping that he had not really fallen for her and watched in growing jealousy as Ash spun Melody around.

         "How did we get caught up in all this?" Todd asked Duplica as they snuck outside and moved to hide behind a bush near the fountain.

         Duplica shrugged and grinned at him. "I'm not sure but this is fun! Not make sure your camera is ready."

         He nodded and grinned back after a sigh. "I suppose you're right. The first time I met Ash and Misty, I could tell that they would make a good couple!"

         "Same here."

         "Just like you and me," Todd added, blushing at his bold comment.

         "Really?"

         Nodding again, Todd almost fainted in surprise as Duplica gave him a quick kiss and then suddenly turned back to face the fountain.        

         "Now be ready."

         Shaking his head, Todd knew he would never understand girls and simply sat, his camera poised.

         "This had better work!" Brock whispered to Willhemina as the two sat on a bench behind another bush near the fountain. They were across from Duplica and Todd and had a clear view of the fountain area.

         In Brock's hand was a camcorder, turned on and ready to shoot.

"Are you sure you should tape whatever you're all expecting to happen?" Willhemina asked. "I mean, I'm sure that Ash and Misty would want their privacy, don't you think?"

         Brock shrugged and shook his head. "I don't care at this point. I've been traveling with those two for years and if this works, I want to preserve the moment! I've waited too long for this!"

         "All right," the girl answered skeptically. "But if you are going to capture this all on film, you might want a little advice first."

         Raising an eyebrow, Brock scoffed. "No offense Willhemina, but I know all there is to videotaping. Who do you think caught all my siblings' first moments on tape?"

         "Well, Mr. Recording Master," Willhemina flipped her curled hair over her shoulder. "I highly doubt that you will be able to capture any moment on tape with the lenses cap still on."

         Brock looked down at the device on his hand and then looked up at the girl, smiling sheepishly. Willhemina grinned and gently tapped Brock's nose making him blush.

         "What exactly are we going to do?" Gary whispered to Serena as they spied on Misty and Ritchie making their way to the fountain.

         Well Serena told him in his mind so as not to increase the risk of their voices carrying. Once Misty gets there and Ash too, I'm going to make the entire environment and mood more... she looked at Gary and grinned. Romantic.

         "Exactly how do you plan to do that?"

         "You'll see."

         Gary grinned and put his arms around her waist. "Well, this will be great to see if Ashy-boy can even take a hint then!"

         "You all have really put on a great party Misty!" Ritchie complimented, as they got closer to the fountain.

         Misty simply nodded, her mind still on Ash. Ritchie noticed that she was not really paying attention and took the chance to glance around to where his friends were supposed to be situated. He had to hand it to them. He couldn't spot anyone.

         They continued making their way to the fountain in silence and as soon as they had reached it, Ritchie heard his cousin's expected voice in his head, Now!

         "Misty?"

         "Hmm?"

         "I'll be right back. I think I left my wallet on the punch table. Would you mind waiting here for me?"

         Misty shook her head and watched his retreating back make its way back inside.

         Once he was gone, she sighed and sat down on a bench beside the fountain, placing her chin in her hands. "What a party," she muttered to herself, completely unaware to the fact that close by, Brock taped what she said.

         "I thought maybe Ash might notice me but no, he's got to be blown away by another girl who is definitely much prettier than me." She sighed again. Plucking a rose from a nearby bush, she inhaled the lovely smell and envisioned that Ash had given it to her.

         As soon as Ritchie had entered the building, Melody quickly took notice.

         "Ash, I'm a bit tired of dancing and it's getting hot in here."

         Ash looked at her and nodded. "Okay. Let's go outside then to cool off," he suggested.

         "Alright. I have to go fix up my makeup real quick though. Would you mind going outside and waiting for me by the fountain?"

         Once Ash was gone, Ritchie walked up to Melody and the two stood in silence for a moment.

         "Now what?"

         "Now, we wait and hope all our hard work has paid off," Melody said smiling up at the taller boy. "And," she continued, "we might as well sneak outside as well and see what happens."

         "Let's go!"

         Melody grabbed Ritchie's hand, making him blush and the two walked outside, careful not to let Ash see or hear them.

         Ash made his way to the fountain slowly and depressed, thinking that Misty favored Ritchie more than him. I can't believe she chose him over me! They don't even know each other that well, he grumbled in his mind and kicked a rock.

         As he approached the fountain, he could make out a slim figure sitting but the lack of light made it hard to see who it was. He figured that Melody must have been done in the bathroom and found a faster path than he.

         Misty looked up at the sound of footsteps and could make out the silhouette of a male figure. Thinking it Ritchie, she sighed again and plastered a smile on her face so he wouldn't suspect that she was bummed.

         Standing up, she walked to the fountain and put a hand near the edge, waiting for him to come closer into the light. It was so hard to see him.

         Ash watched as Melody stood and stepped up to the fountain. Her face was still silhouetted and he walked up, wondering what to say to her when he heard a gasp escape her lips. Then, as she turned her head to face him properly, he too gasped.

         "Misty!"

         "Ash!"

         They stood in the single ray of moonlight that shone brightly on them and stared at each other in surprise.

 "What're you doing here?" they exclaimed simultaneously.

         "I'm waiting for Ritchie!" Misty told him, crossing her arms haughtily.

         "Well, I'm meeting Melody here!" Ash informed her, crossing his arms as well.

         "Fine!"

         "Fine!"

         They stood with their backs to one another in complete silence, waiting for their dates, who in truth, were not planning to show up at all. The spectators who were concealed by the bushes resisted the urge to lunge at the two and give them each a good choking.

***Author's Note***

Ack! Don't kill me yet! We're almost there. Can you feel all the emotion, tension, and suspense building up??? Well, if not, you'd probably be able to feel it better if I had re-written this now instead of posting what I wrote a year ago. Oh well. Review as usual! And I believe we have two more chapters to go!

Peace, love, and chocolate chip cookies,

*Maura*

Review Responses:

Togepi4eva: Oooh I see. Well, I've only ever played Pokemon Blue so yeah. But thanks for filling me in. ^_~ Hopefully this should continue to be interesting!

Spiraea Kozak: Of course I have to push them further and further away! This way, they will get closer in the end! It's all part of the grand master plan. If it works. And obviously if you've read this chapter, then you know it's not the end. You're right…Misty is pretty dense too at times. And they're both stubborn! Hehe…nice pun. I definitely laughed out loud at that one. ^_^

Rainastar: Thanks for your nice comments! Well, if Ash had asked Misty to the ball, this story would have ended a while ago. And as you can see, I'm dragging this sucker out as long as possible. ^_~

Angelic-Shadowcat: Heh heh…I guess they just don't want you commenting on anything at all! But *I* do! I'll try and make sure you don't get beat up so much next time but remember, I only control Serena since she's the only one I own!

JasonX aka Shippou123: Lol! I like your second name. Shippou's the best! He's so adorable! I'm glad you like the review responses. I definitely think that everyone who takes time to read and review for a chaptered fic deserves replies.…You must *really* hate Melody, huh? Hehe.

Hello: Willhemina is a girl from this one episode in Pokemon…I forget which season but she's this rich girl who has a crybaby Marril that gets lost with Misty in the rain. She's also the first girl who actually seems to *like* Brock. I don't remember much because it was a looooong time ago that I watched this but that's the basics! I liked her so I put her in this! I hope that helps!

JAMO: Like I was telling JasonX, you all deserve to get responses. I love it when I get a reply to a review of a fic that I've read! I looked at some of the Love Hina dress pictures as you suggested and they are pretty awesome! But I didn't want to elaborate too much this time on their appearances. How'd I do with what I had? And thanks for the advice! Do you write yourself? Because you seem to have lots of good feedback to give out in the writing department. I'm gonna try to remember what you said for next fic. ^_~

Maria: Wow! That makes me really happy that you like this *that* much! You're definitely too kind with your compliments. ^_^

KawaiiTotadile: Favorite stories? Wow thanks! ^_^ You're up there with Maria…being too kind!

Preview of Chapter 7:

"You know Mist," Ash suddenly began softly, not knowing what had come over him. "You look really pretty in that dress, even though I can't really look down right now."

         Misty's eyes went wide. Ash Ketchum, complimenting her instead of insulting?

         Seeing her disbelief, Ash had to grin. "I'm totally serious. It brings out the brightness of your eyes."

         "Really?" Misty asked in a soft voice staring into his eyes.

         He nodded his head, making his bangs fall into his eyes. Misty raised her left hand, which she had managed to get free, and gently pushed them away. At her touch, Ash suddenly felt a spark and he began to blush but didn't tear his gaze away.