A/N: I am sorry but I can't have it be that easy for them to get back together. There is a lot that hasn't been resolved or really confronted. There will be a bit of time jumping. For you Brock fans sorry this isn't going to be some big chapter with him. Also reference to suicide in this chapter, not a character we have met, other than that enjoy review if you feel inclined.
Just as Ash's hand began to run up and down Misty's back, Misty pulled away saying, "I am sorry, I shouldn't have done that." Ash just looked bewildered and was staring at Misty like he wished she hadn't stopped. Ash decided to ask, "Did I do something–"
"No," Misty responded, "You didn't do anything wrong, I just." Misty took a deep breath and said, "I think until we are more settled and used to being back in each other's lives we shouldn't do something like that."
In an understanding tone Ash said, "Ok. Outside of it being 11 years, was it bad?"
"No, just different with the beard." Misty said with a smile.
"What's wrong with the beard?" Ash asked.
Stepping closer Misty brushed her hand through his beard and said, "It hides too much of that handsome face." At that Ash just looked at Misty really looked at her, though she no longer wore her sideways ponytail. Ash still saw the same girl that pulled him out of the river all those years ago. Before he could say anything Misty said, "Thank you, for helping save me and Skye from Team Rocket."
"You're welcome, and I guess I should let you know that."
"You were the one who stopped the break in at the gym." Misty said.
"How did–" Ash began.
"Given all the things that have happened it seemed unlikely you still being alive was a coincidence." Misty said. When they made it back to Delia's house, Delia had a look like she expected them to say something. Ash just thought his mom had a weird look and Skye seemed to almost be looking at Misty like she saw something. The evening had been going smoothly. Ash asked if he could shower and clean up a bit. Then came a furious pounding at the door, "Misty I know you are in there." Skye immediately recognized it as Lance, the current champion of the Kanto Elite 4. Delia who was ready to tell him off for banging so loudly Misty just motioned that she would take care of it. When Misty opened the door she was surprised by him coming straight through the door. "You give Officer Jenny in Ecruteak a statement, and tell us not to come and get you why?" Lance said in a rather aggressive tone.
"Lance, while I understand your frustration I need to see to my family and my daughter's friends." Misty said rather calmly.
"That may be, but we need to know how to keep you and other Elite 4 members safe." Lance said concerned.
Ash had a towel over his head as he entered the room saying, "Who is yelling?" Misty was about to take Lance out of the house when he pushed past Misty and saw a now clean shaved, but long messy head of black hair. Lance exclaimed, "Son of a bitch, you're alive!"
"Uh hi to you too Lance." Ash replied.
Lance turned back towards Misty, "How long have you known?"
"Since yesterday, and there was no way in hell I was telling you, before his mother." Misty said gesturing at Delia who looked like at this point she would rather throw Lance out of her house.
Charlie, and August were still a little too shocked by Lance's appearance to fully understand the fight that was going on. Skye stood behind her mother almost like she was making it clear to Lance, that the women in this house were not very appreciative of his attitude or behavior.
Lance upon recognizing it calmly unclenched his fists and said, "I am sorry Ash I am glad you are back home with your family."
"Thanks Lance, but I am not really back." Ash said.
"But you are right here standing." Lance said.
"I am not the same man I was 10 years ago. I don't even know where I stand right now with Misty and Skye, all I know is I am still my mother's son." Ash said.
"Hence why I said I would make a full report when I came back to the Plateau." Misty said, "Now I would be really appreciative if you left Delia's house and told no one who you saw."
Lance looked back at Ash and when his eyes fell on Pikachu who had come into the room. Lance noted the scars, and looking back at Misty he said, "I promise I won't say a word, and Delia I am sorry for bursting into your house, I shouldn't have done that."
Misty at times kept lingering her gaze on Ash the rest of the night before bed. August decided to sleep on the deck, Charlie decided to do the same. Skye went up to her room with Delia, they both had a look that Ash couldn't quite place. Ash looked at Misty saying, "You don't need to stay down here."
"Yes I do." Misty said.
"But we are not a couple." Ash said.
"I know, but I care about you." Misty said. Ash then laid down on the floor giving Misty the couch, she would have argued but saw the look on his face and knew he wouldn't give in on that. The next week had been rough on Ash getting used to seeing everyone again, Professor Oak didn't know for sure it was him until Bayleef came storming in, body slamming him. Brock came through Delia's door one morning screaming he was going to kill him, then upon seeing him said, "You must be the luckiest man ever, bless you." He almost crushed Ash in the hug and insisted on making his lazy boy no chew stew. Gary had rushed back from Kalos and though Ash no longer had the half of a PokeBall they shared he was just happy to know he was alive. Tracey and Daisy loved seeing him though Daisy had a look that could kill when she found out he had been free for 5 years and didn't come home. Misty merely pulled her aside and said, "He does not need more guilt from others about it. He is here now and if he is stupid enough to leave again without notice, feel free to kill him." During the visit Tracey and Skye had a battle between their Scythers from Murcott Island. Tracey was right, it was a matter of Scyther feeling respect from Skye that made it want to battle hard for her.
Before Charlie, August, and Skye left to restart journeying through Johto, Misty put with Skye's knowledge a tracking puck that was synced directly to Misty. It would only turn on if Skye turned it on. Misty left Ash for one day due to needing to make a report to the Elite 4. She was thankful none of the other members asked about Ash or the specifics of how she got out. Misty focused on how this meant they needed to find Domino. Saying goodbye was bittersweet especially for Skye saying goodbye to Delia, and Misty was easy for her, it was when it came time to say goodbye to Ash, she just gave him a fist bump and said, "Smell ya later Ash." Ash chuckled at the expression and said, "I hope you make it to the Silver Conference."
After Misty found out it was Jessie, James, and Meowth who gave Ash the location of the base they hoped Misty and Skye were at, she felt both shocked and grateful. Misty left a large order of Sushi at their Radio Station. The note read, "Thanks for helping me and my daughter. Signed, Twerpette."
Although Ash was turning 29 he didn't really feel like a big celebration. He insisted to Misty to just let him be. She did and the day was met with very little fanfare. Instead, Misty was surprised when he asked that his only gift be the date of Skye's birthday. Delia made him a cake but instead of it saying Happy Birthday it just read, "Happy to have you back."
Misty, true to her word, gave Ash a card with a baby picture of Skye inside along with the date she was born. Ash ,though he didn't cry in front of his mom and Misty, just said, "Thank you." That night he cried silently so as not to disturb Misty, who still slept on the couch while Ash slept on the ground to not take Skye's bed.
The three youngsters were continuing well on their journey. Charlie had caught a Ryhorn and a Ghastly. Skye had caught a Cyndaquil. August stayed with just his Braviary and Poliwag. Scyther had been instrumental for Skye when battling Bugsy for the 2nd badge of Johto. Showcasing all its speed and strength it really worked well. When August turned 16 they all enjoyed an easy going festival like night at their camp past Goldenrod City. "What exactly happened August, to lead you to the Orange Islands?" Skye asked, enjoying the overly sweet but fruity punch Charlie had made for the evening.
"Honestly, it was to get some separation from my aunt dying." August said, "She had a similar problem to your dad, not Team Rocket…but the experience…she could no longer live with and despite our best efforts to help as best as we could, she committed suicide. She left me what remained of her money and I thought no better way to deal with that loss than to get as far away as possible."
"I am sorry to hear that." Charlie said, patting him on the knee.
"Thanks Charlie." August said, looking into the fire.
Skye asked, "You don't think Ash will do that do you?"
At that both boys looked at Skye and said, "No."
"How can you both be so sure?" Skye asked.
August leaned back looking at Charlie, and Charlie looked at August holding the bridge of his nose before Charlie gave in saying, "If he was suicidal from this, he would probably have been more ready to self sacrifice himself needlessly when we rescued you."
"We won't really know Skye, but he seems to have coped with it okay without really having a ton of support for 5 years." August included. "Now that he is home, it seems your mom has it prioritized for him to get help and have better coping strategies."
At that Skye relaxed saying, "Ok."
The week before Skye turned 12, Misty and Ash were having a conversation about him going with her to Olivine to meet them there. "Ash, are you sure you are ready?" Misty asked.
"Yes I am sure, I have already missed 11 years of birthdays, I don't want to miss another." Ash said.
"She would understand if you are not ready, I know it's been a few months at home and…" Misty stopped.
"What, you're worried I am going to have a nightmare?" Ash inquired.
"No, just you have been able to quietly stay in Pallet with little attention, going to Olivine will…" Misty trailed off.
"I know, it would be more likely word gets out I am alive to more than just the couple of handfuls that know." Ash said, "So what is your concern?"
"You haven't told Iris." Misty said, looking at him.
"I am not afraid of Iris just…" Ash trailed off.
"You don't want her to think you deserve to be the monarch." Misty finished.
"Yes and no, I don't need her to feel she is not worthy since she didn't beat me for the title." Ash said.
"Ash just give her the heads up you are alive, but right now you have no intention of participating in Pokemon Tournaments or battles." Misty said hugging him from behind she felt him begin to relax. "Besides this way she doesn't actually come to Olivine ready to kill you for not telling her."
Ash laughed, "At least I would hear her say how I am such a little kid." At that both Misty and Ash laughed. Patting Misty's hands he said, "I will call Iris." They hadn't had a similar moment since the first day back in Pallet. When Misty left for a couple days to take care of some business with the Elite Four. Delia had almost hinted at him that he should propose to Misty. When he stopped looking at her like she had grown a 2nd head that was a dragon. Delia said, "Okay, maybe not that far but why not just ask her out on a date, at least."
"She and I are not ready to put our feelings for each other at risk. Not while I can't feel confident enough that I won't…" Ash began to quiver slightly and at that Delia became his mom comforting him by holding him and stroking his hair saying, "It may not be today or tomorrow, but you will get better, I see it."
While Misty was talking to Skye leading up to her birthday Skye decided to stop dancing around her parents relationship and asked, "Are you two back together?"
Misty, though caught off guard, didn't blush but said somewhat timidly, "No we are not back together, why would you ask?"
"You looked like you both had made out back in Pallet Town." Skye said her gaze piercing during their facetime conversation.
"What? How would you even…" Misty was sure that she was starting to blush. " I mean if it happened, there's nothing going on right now" Misty said, "Why are you concerned about my love life? It's really none of your business. At least not until it's serious."
"Well since Brendan, you haven't really dated, and even though you haven't kissed since then, you have seemed happier since that day in Pallet." Skye said.
Misty sighed but looking sympathetically on her daughter she said, "Skye, while I am glad you are concerned I don't want you to get too attached to Ash and I being a couple, especially when we both aren't really sure we can make it work. Even though we have been pretty clear we care about each other."
"I know mom, but just so you know, he doesn't seem like he even considers anyone else but you as the person he would be with." Skye said.
Trying not to sound too eager, Misty asked, "What do you know?"
"I know since being freed he hasn't dated or been with anyone." Skye said.
"He…he told you that?" Misty asked like she couldn't believe this was a coincidence.
"Yes. I asked him about it when you sent us to my room, he said he would answer anything with full honesty." Skye said. "Have you not asked him?"
"I wondered, but we weren't still together, so I didn't want to come across like I had any right to be jealous of him." Misty said.
"Don't overthink it mom, if you have worries just talk to him, you told me if a partner guy or girl didn't want to work through issues or concerns not to waste time with them." Skye said.
"You know it was so much easier to tell you these things then follow them." Misty said. At that both of them laughed. Before telling each other they loved each other they hung up and Misty tried not to look so peppy when she saw Ash.
When Ash and Misty arrived in Olivine they found out from Skye that the trio were still a couple days away and that they were enjoying their adventure. Ash asked to see what badges she had won, and she obliged and told them they should reach Olivine by her birthday. Though Misty didn't really have a problem with Ash's longer than usual hair, he decided to get it trimmed down more to how he wore it before he was taken by Team Rocket. Pikachu insisted on tagging along with Skye's parents, mainly because Pikachu had grown tired of staying in Pallet Town. Keeping Charizard with him in case of emergency as well. The 3 of them had hardly spent a day apart from the other. When Misty got them checked into their hotel, Ash followed her into the elevator with Pikachu on his shoulder. Handing Ash a room key she showed him the room and when they entered, it had two queen beds which Pikachu jumped onto one right away. Settling their stuff down Ash pulled out something that was wrapped, surprising Misty.
"What is that?" Misty asked.
"Oh, its a gift for Skye…I hope that's ok." Ash said looking a little embarrassed.
"Of course it's ok, you are her father, you should get her a gift especially if you are going to see her on her birthday." Misty said looking away to wipe a tear from her eye, even if they were not together at least him getting a gift for their daughter without reminding him would be a dream that came true. Looking back the gift didn't look particularly well wrapped, in fact it looked like at times the paper didn't want to cooperate.
"Would I be prying too much if I asked what it was?" Misty asked genuinely curious.
"It isn't but I really don't want to tell." Ash said, trying to not sound so nervous he began, "Actually if the three of them aren't going to be here for a few days, I know tonight you and I are tired from traveling, but would you like to go out tomorrow night on a date?"
Misty's jaw dropped looking at him blushing slightly, "Um, yes Ash I would love to."
"Good, um, I just don't think I want to get ready for our date in the same room," Ash said a bit awkwardly.
Misty just giggled slightly at him saying, "Ash, we have seen each other why do you–"
"Because you deserve to be romanced, like you imagined." Ash said.
"Ash, you did romance me though, how else did we get Skye." Misty said, touching his arm
"I know, even though I loved every second of us being together it was too short, and I am not going to ruin a 2nd chance with you." Ash said though he was blushing quite hard.
"Ok you've convinced me Mr. Pokemon Master." Misty said teasing, "I look forward to our date."
Though they slept in the same room, not the same bed. Ash realized it felt much nicer than the floor he had been sleeping on at his mom's house. Waking up early he left a note to Misty letting her know he wouldn't see her until the date, to try and keep like they had never dated before. Misty had some concerns but sent him a text saying if he needed help she would be there. Giving her his signature peace/victory sign emoji back Misty laughed. It seemed some of his personality was still very much intact.
Misty was surprised when she was almost done getting ready she got a text asking which Hotel she was staying at. She was going to be witty and sassy, but realized he really was trying to act like they had never dated and answered the hotel and that she would need a few minutes and just wait for her in the lobby. When Misty did arrive in the Lobby she found Ash in a collared button up shirt, dress pants, and what looked like fancy wedding shoes. Ash when he finally saw Misty, Ash just said, "Wow." As she approached him. In a teal shoulderless dress that flowed out past her knees, her hair was down to frame her face.
"Well that is a better compliment than I remember ever getting." Misty said, "So what's the plan?"
Holding his arm out for Misty to take, Ash said, "I got some ideas." What followed was Ash taking Misty to a boat tour of the Olivine harbor and beach. Which Misty enjoyed having and , when they were back ashore they had dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. Their conversation was about things they hoped for, he asked, "Do you have kids or want kids?"
"Yes, I have a daughter she is off on her own Pokemon Adventure." Misty said giggling, finding it a little ridiculous that he was keeping up this bit.
"I do too, she also is off on her own Pokemon Adventure." Ash said, and at that they both laughed. When they stopped laughing Ash decided to ask a more honest question, "Do you want more kids?"
Coyly looking at him thinking it was just the bit but she saw a bit of that Ash seriousness in his eyes, biting her lip with her teeth Misty decided she would tell him, "Yes, if I met the right guy yes." Seeing Ash smile at her answer she decided she needed to know, "How bout you mister mystery, would you want more kids?"
"Truthfully," Ash started, "I need to be a better father to my only daughter before I could do that, I don't want her to think I was trying to start over."
Misty's heart melted at his answer there was no bit, it was Ash being real and trying to acknowledge some of his own problems and insecurities. Misty also realized that she wished she grabbed some condoms, but maybe for the better she didn't as it would keep them from being a little rash with their feelings. After they walked back to her hotel she decided to be a little forward as it was a bit, "Do you want to come up?" Misty asked.
A little taken aback by the ask it was Ash's turn to look a little flustered, "Um, if thats what you…want…" Ash coughed, "I mean…" Misty walked up and kissed him on the cheek.
"Don't worry not till you and I are ready at the same time Ketchum, for now just know that I had a wonderful time now lets go to bed and prepare to celebrate our daughter tomorrow." Misty said. Just like that they went up changed out of their clothes and slept in separate beds, though both wouldn't admit it, they stayed up wondering if the other was considering joining them in their bed.