Chapter Three

"Oh, I'm so glad you two could come out today," Delia said cheerfully, pouring out three cups of tea. "I know you two have been terribly busy lately, so when you said you guys were coming I was just so excited."

Ash smiled, accepting the cup from his mother as she pressed it into his hands. "Sorry it's been so long since we've been able to visit– but you know how busy the League can get. I thought becoming a champion was a mess, but a new Elite Four member is even worse!"

Misty rolled her eyes. "Unlike you, Mr. Champion, my position is permanent. I need to do more than be the League's brute force."

"Pikapika!" Pikachu giggled from atop Ash's head, and his trainer offered him a Pecha berry from the fruit bowl on the table. His coppery eyes lit up, and he gobbled the berry down in a single bite.

"Congratulations, by the way," Delia said, smiling at Misty, this being the first time they had seen each other since she had gotten the position.

"Thank you, Ms. Ketchum," she said, smiling in return, and Ash grabbed her hand. "It's been a very different atmosphere than being a gym leader. Still enjoyable though, and Gyarados came very close to beating Lance's Dragonite."

Ash scowled. "You were supposed to battle me... But no, apparently I could 'go easy' on her..."

"Lance is the former champion, he was allowed to battle me for my qualification match," Misty replied.

"Besides, I could see why they wouldn't see it as fair for you to battle your girlfriend," Delia said with a nod. "Even if you wouldn't go easy on her you still have a bias."

Ash and Misty grinned at each other, but Delia didn't notice. She was setting out some cookies on a tray, before hurrying over to the table and setting them in front of her guests. She then joined them at the table, sitting down herself and pulling the last cup of tea towards her.

"How did you manage to escape the media anyways?" She asked. "I figured their whole focus would be on you. I remember when Ashy became champion he could never seem to catch a break."

"It's quite amazing how eager people are to stay back when a Charizard and a Gyarados are keeping watch," Ash said casually. "Can't imagine why they're so frightened though, their roars only leave your ears ringing for a few minutes."

"And it's a real shame Starmie's Confuse Ray accidently hit the reporter that did get past them though, isn't it?" Misty added. "And then Ash's Charizard just randomly then decided that he wanted to take us on a sudden flight and left a huge Smokescreen behind as he carried us off... and I guess they lost track of us from there."

Delia shook her head. "I swear, you two cause more trouble now than you did as kids," She took a sip of her tea. "When are you two going to settle down anyways? Finally tie the knot?"

There was a teasing tone in Delia's voice, smiling at the two of them– as they usually got flustered when she asked this, which she found adorable– but right now they were both just grinning from ear to ear as she spoke. Delia blinked once, looking between them and the smug-looking Pikachu on Ash's head. The mouse leapt off and onto the table, looking at Delia excitedly.

"Funny you should mention that," Ash said, lifting his and Misty's clasped hands up so they were resting on the table, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. Delia glanced down– a small gasp escaped her mouth when she saw a silvery ring resting on Misty's finger. "Should we tell her the good news, Mist?"

For a moment Delia couldn't speak, brown eyes wide and gleaming. "No way," she whispered, a warm feeling blooming in her heart. "How long–? When did you two–?"

"It's been about a week now since he's asked," Misty said, smiling fondly at Ash.

"We wanted to tell you in person," Ash said. "So we came out as soon as we could. We're not sure when the wedding will be yet... but we're going to be getting married."

"Oh goodness!" Delia cried, leaping to her feet and hurrying around towards the other side of the table. She threw her arms around Ash, pulling his head into her chest. "You're going to get married! My little Ashy is getting married!" She then looked at Misty– before pulling her into a hug as well. "And I'm going to have a daughter! Oh, this is so wonderful! Let me see your ring!"

Misty extended her hand, which Delia held as she took in the silvery ring resting on her finger. There was a light blue gem topping the ring, with several smaller white gems embedded next to it on the band. It was absolutely gorgeous, softly sparkling in the light coming from the window.

"White gold and aquamarine," Misty said.

"The smaller ones are diamonds," Ash chimed in. "I got it custom from Steven Stone– going through anyone else wouldn't have resulted in anything as nice. And who knows if they would have kept quiet."

"It's absolutely beautiful," Delia said fondly, and she couldn't help but touch her own finger, where a golden ring had once sat. "And I see you have one as well, Ash."

Pikachu had hopped onto his trainer's lap, lifting up Ash's left hand to happily display the ring on his finger. She smiled at the mouse, before reaching out and looking at the one Ash had. It appeared to be made of white gold as well, thicker in comparison to Misty's, but not nearly as showy. There was a grove running across the band, where a glassy green stone had been inlaid into the ring.

"It's part of a Thunder Stone," Ash said with a grin. "The crystal outer layer, to be exact. Watch this!"

He held his hand out to Pikachu, who sparked his cheeks. The green stone seemed to absorb the electrical energy, small sparks of lightning dancing within the Thunder Stone of the ring before it fizzled out. Both Pikachu and Ash looked enthralled about this, looking up at Delia with a childish grin.

"I think he's more excited about that than getting married," Misty said, shaking her head.

"Of course I'm not," Ash cried, grabbing her hand. "No have no idea how long I've been waiting for this, Mist," he glanced at Pikachu, who was sparking his cheeks once more. "...Though I won't lie, the ring is awesome."

And with that he held his hand out to Pikachu again, happily watching the sparks bounce through his ring.

"They're going to be both our engagement and wedding rings," Misty said, turning to Delia. "We saw no reason to do anything more."

"I think that's just fine," Delia said, a smile still spread over her face. It seemed to refuse to fade, a happiness pulsing within her. She was sure it was dim compared to Ash and Misty's joy, but the fact that the two were finally going to be married was nothing but wonderful. They had been dating since they were teenagers, and she hoped that they would have many happy years ahead of them. "Does anyone else know that you two are engaged?"

"Nope," Ash said. "We wanted you to be the first."

"Oh Ashy..." she said softly.

"We're probably going to tell my sisters next, if they can keep quiet about it," Misty said. "We want to keep this quiet for now, because if Kanto catches word their champion is getting married... we'll never get a moment of peace."

"We gotta tell Brock though!" Ash said. "If you get to tell your sisters I get to tell my brother."

"Of course we're telling Brock!"

"And I am definitely going to tell all my Pokemon while I'm here in town."

Delia smiled as they chattered on, and she picked up Pikachu, scratching the mouse under his chin. He let out a happy cry, immediately setting down into her arms. It was hard to believe at times that the cuddly little Pokemon was also one of the strongest members of Ash's champion team, but there was few that could rival the power of the electric type in battle, unevolved or not.

"Do you two want to stay the night?" Delia asked. "I hope you guys aren't going to go all the way to Cerulean right now– you'd be flying all night!"

"Starmie can teleport us quite a ways," Misty said. "Though a place to crash for the night would be quite nice. Staying in a Pokemon Center isn't as simple as it used to be."

"Wonderful," Delia said, beaming. "I'll make you two some dinner, I'm sure all this excitement is making you hungry."

"You bet it has!" Ash said– and Misty gave him a playful shove.

"What he means is that we'd be happy to help you make it," she said, pushing herself to her feet.

"Pikapika!" Pikachu chirped happily, still in Delia's arms.

"So..." Delia began, a smirk climbing on her face. "Now that you two are getting married... when am I going to get some grandchildren?"

Misty flushed, while Ash's eyes widened. "M-mom!"

Delia and Pikachu laughed, making their way into the kitchen.

The Pewter City Hospital was usually a busy place, but a place that Ash felt quite comfortable at. The staff there knew him– not only as their champion– but had actually taken the time to know who he was. The Nurse Joy on the main floor, a sassy woman by the name of Abigail, greeted him with a glare and a grunt. She and Brock could only be described as frenemies, and as Brock's 'brother' he tended to get the same cold treatment.

"Here to see Harrison?" She asked the moment he walked through the door, not even having looked up from the current person she was helping. "Take the staff elevator, we don't need you crowding the halls."

"I just want to know when he'll be on break–" Ash began.

"I don't memorize everyone's schedules, Ketchum," she snapped back, before slipping back into her 'Nurse Joy' persona, smiling as she handed a trainer back their Pokemon. "Here's your Ninorina, sir, she's fighting fit!"

Ash held back a chuckle, loving the baffled look on the young trainer's face– clearly not used to seeing such an attitude from a Nurse Joy. He just nodded, taking back his Pokeball as he headed for the door, seemingly not even noticing that he walked past the champion. Ash glanced around, but there were only a couple of other people in the waiting room of the Pokemon Center.

Pewter City had certainly grown in the last few years, with the discovery of fossils in Mt. Moon tourism had begun booming. There were now two Pokemon Centers here town, one not far from the gym that also offered housing for traveling trainers, and then the one on the main floor of the Pokemon hospital. It was one of the newest hospitals in Kanto, Brock having helped pushed for it to be built, seeing as there were none on the west side of Mt. Moon. He had eventually become a doctor here, able to happily be working in his home town with his dream job.

Abigail lifted up part of the counter, allowing Ash to slip on back. She didn't say anything else to him, knowing that he knew his way around as he headed past the treatment rooms. Most were for basic battle damage, though there were several more specialized ones. Any serious injuries were taken upstairs, in the care of specialized doctors.

Pikachu let out a yawn as they slipped into one of the elevators, heading up. Brock was usually on the third floor, but there was always a chance he could be stationed elsewhere today. Ash shifted uncertainly, even with permission to be back here he still felt awkward, since he technically didn't work here. The doors slid open, and while those he passed did a double take, no one said anything as he went in search of Brock.

It was quiet, which was a good thing. It meant they had no serious cases on their hands, or at least none that weren't in stable condition. That of course could change at any moment, but the less hurt Pokemon was always better– and with the fall of Team Rocket several years before numbers had been at an all time low.

"Ash! It's good to see you!" A voice called from behind him, and he turned to see a female doctor coming towards him, a Slowking following after her. "What brings you here today?"

"Hello Claire," Ash said politely, nodding. "I was just here to visit Brock. Abigail didn't know when his next break was– so do you by chance?"

She smiled. "Just your luck he goes off shift in about ten minutes, if you don't mind waiting. He doesn't have too long of a break though, so don't keep him. You'll find him in the burn unit right now, if you want to hang around until he can talk."

"I'll just wait in the breakroom, I don't want to disturb anything," Ash said curtly– he knew that offer was only extended to him as champion, but he had never felt comfortable taking it. He was not a doctor, and he did not have a Pokemon in treatment here. "If you see him please let him know I'm here."

"Will do."

"Cha~" Pikachu let out another yawn as they headed towards the breakroom, tail swinging lazily. After yesterday's excitement with Delia, there seemed to be nothing catching his attention today. He stretched out on Ash's shoulders, a few sparks coming from his cheeks out of boredom.

There was a small Vulpix waiting in the breakroom, a small pet bed especially for him tucked away into the corner. He perked up the moment the door open, looking towards them in excitement– only for his ears to go back. He let out a grumble upon realizing it wasn't his trainer, turning to face the wall with a huff.

They didn't have to wait long for Brock to show up– the doctor hurrying into the breakroom with his Comfey by his side, causing both Ash and Pikachu to jump. The mouse perked up immediately, darting over to him, only to be knocked away by a blur of red. Vulpix let out a growl as he pulled out of the Quick Attack, before jumping into Brock's arms. He let out a laugh, stroking the Pokemon as Pikachu rubbed his head with a grumble.

"Sorry Pikachu," Brock flashed him an apologetic grin, but they were all familiar with Vulpix's attitude at this point. He was the son of the Vulpix Brock had once cared for, and he had an even bigger ego than his mother had. The only person he liked was Brock, and if he was separated from him for too long he tended to light everything on fire. He also carried a hatred for Pokeballs, meaning tucking him away in one was never an option.

"He's fine," Ash said, pushing himself to his feet, earning a glare from the mouse. "He's deals with Charizard on a daily basis, he can handle Vulpix."

"Chu!" Pikachu said with a huff, crossing his paws. Comfey hovered above Pikachu, releasing a Floral Healing around him.

"So, what's the occasion?" Brock asked with a smile, not even flinching as Vulpix's claws dug into him as he climbed up onto his shoulders. "It's been a while since you've stopped by."

"I just wanted to talk with you," Ash said with a shrug, before turning away. "I, er, just wanted to tell you that me and Misty are no longer dating."

Brock's eyes widened at this, and even Vulpix paused in surprise. Comfey looked up in worry, while Pikachu fought against a grin. For a moment there was silence, Brock not knowing how to respond to this. His mouth opened a few times, as if he were about to say something, worry spreading across his face.

"Oh Ash... what happened? Please don't tell me more stories are being spread about you two. If that's what happened we can–"

Ash turned back to face Brock, holding up his hand to show off his ring, grinning.

Brock stared at it blankly for a moment, before the realization spread across his face. He shot Ash a frustrated look, which was quickly taken over by a growing grin. Brock then threw himself forward, the Pokemon doctor bringing him into a hug, one much more crushing than the hug his mother had given him yesterday, but yet with the same affection.

"You had me scared there for a minute– never do that again!" He said, before somehow managing to hug him tighter. "Oh, I can't believe it! You're getting married! It just seems like yesterday you two were arguing over some stupid bike, and now there's going to be church bells ringing."

"You weren't even there when Pikachu fried her bike," Ash grunted, unable to return Brock's hug with his arms pinned at his sides.

"Yeah, but two you bickered over that for years," he pulled back, and he placed his hands on Ash's shoulders. "You have to tell me everything. Where and when did you do it? How? Please tell me you kept it romantic, girls dream of this moment Ash please don't tell me you made it casual–"

"Relax, Brocko," Ash said, holding back a laugh. "I'm sure you would have approved– lake view, right at sunset– I think it was quite perfect."

Brock nodded in approval. "Lakeside, absolutely perfect for Misty. Where is your lovely fiancee anyways?"

"Golduck wanted to let off some steam," he replied. "Besides, it's easier for us not to be seen together too often. Less chance to be recognized, and we don't want anyone knowing of the wedding quite yet," he lowered his voice. "You'll keep quiet, right? You can't tell anyone, okay?"

"Don't worry, I got your back," Brock said, slapping him on the back. "Still can't believe that you're getting married before me though... when did Mr. Oblivious get replaced by you, lover boy?"

Brock grinned, and Ash smirked. "I'm sure you'll be married in no time."

"I'm practically an old man."

"You're twenty-five."

"Oh, to be young again..."

Ash rolled his eyes. "Oh, shut up, Brock, don't act so hopeless. Besides, aren't things going well between you and Lillie?"

Though subtle, a blush instantly formed on Brock's face as he spoke. He looked away from Ash, suddenly becoming quite interested in the ceiling. "There's nothing really between us, we've only been on a couple of dates, that's all..."

"So? You both seem really interested in each other, I'd say that's going well."

"B-but she's only going to be here for one more month!" Brock protested. "She going to be heading back to Alola soon and I... I just don't know. What if she doesn't want to take it a step further since she'll be leaving? I'm sure a girl doesn't want a long distance relationship. Besides, she's–"

"She decided to extend her internship after your guys' first date," Ash said, crossing his arms. "And I wouldn't be surprised if she extended it again once this month is up. You two are practically going steady and you're telling me that's nothing's official?"

"I don't know if I should ask her to be my g-girlfriend!" Brock stuttered out. "Like I said, she could be leaving soon and–"

He was cut off by the breakroom door opening, a young woman entering with a Clefairy by her side and a Snivy on her shoulder. Ash instantly tucked his hand with his ring out of sight, while Brock turned to face the blonde woman, and instantly he went redder. She seemed surprised to see them there, but smiled nevertheless.

"Hey Lillie!" Ash said with a wave.

Lillie was no longer the young girl Ash had met in Alola, but now a young woman that carried herself with a confidence that she hadn't had when she was younger. Pikachu had been excited upon seeing Brock, but that paled the moment he saw Lillie. A huge smile spread across the mouse's face, ears and tail flicking up, and with an excited cry he bolted towards her. In the same moment her Snivy hopped off of her shoulder, racing towards Pikachu with an excited chirr.

"Hello Ash," she said warmly. "Hi Brock!"

"Hi Lil," Brock said softly.

"Pika!" Pikachu said, bringing the Snivy into a hug. After a moment he pulled back, looking over the grass type carefully with a frown.

"Snivy sni!" The Snivy chittered back, coppery eyes gleaming. He pointed up to Lillie happily, then towards the door. Pikachu frowned, stepping forward and licking his paw. Snivy's eyes widened, but Pikachu had already grabbed his snout and began wiping away a speck from his scales. "Vee!"

"Pika," Pikachu said after a moment, satisfied that the Snivy was now presentable. "Pikachu pika, pikachu pikapika."

Snivy rolled his eyes. "Snivy."

"Now Pierre, be nice to your dad," Lillie told the Snivy firmly, who shot a glare up at his trainer, crossing his arms. "How has Misty been? I haven't seen her in ages!"

"Mist's been great," Ash said, a small gleam in his eyes. "We're going to be in Cerulean for the next few days if you want to drop by, I'm sure she'd love to see you."

"That would be fun," Lillie said. "I don't have any hours this weekend, so I should be able to."

"You should come too, Brocko," Ash said. "We could all go on a double date," he smirked slightly. "I mean, no reason to leave out your boyfriend, right Lillie?"

He enjoyed the way both of them become flustered at the word 'boyfriend', Pikachu snickered, still fussing over Pierre. The Snivy let out an annoyed cry, and the Alolan woman reached down to scoop him up, her face slowly turning pink.

"Yes," she said in a slightly quieter voice, her blush turning red.

"Wonderful!" Ash said, fighting against a smirk. "I should get going, but I'll see you two soon! Bye Lillie, bye Brock– treat your girlfriend well!"

He so desperately wanted to look back to see the looks on their faces, but he forced himself to keep looking forward as he headed out of the breakroom, Pikachu bolting after him.

"Pika?" Pikachu asked, jumping into Ash's shoulder.

"Yeah, we'll tell Lillie this weekend," Ash replied. "I just don't want to tell more people than necessary when we can be overheard. Now, to find where Misty's wandered off to."

"Pikachu-pi!" Pikachu agreed happily, climbing into Ash's head, looking about intently as they headed outside.

They wandered through the streets of Pewter for a bit, Ash lingering on the edges of the road, and fortunately no one paid him too much notice. Too much in a hurry or with other things on their mind to recognize him– or perhaps they were actually respecting his privacy. They made their way to the edge of the city, knowing that Misty shouldn't be far.

"Pikachu-pi!" Pikachu cried again after they wandered for a bit, eagerly tapping Ash's head. He glanced up, a smile flickering over the man's face as he saw a glimpse of orange hair up ahead. "Pikachu-pi!"

Pikachu leapt off of Ash's head and bolted down the street, weaving between people as he raced towards Misty. She was standing near a small cafe on her phone, her Golduck standing near her, and looked up when she heard Pikachu's cries. The mouse leapt into her arms, happily nuzzling her and Misty's phone fell out of her hands. Golduck's eyes flashed blue, catching the device with his psychic powers as Ash made his way towards them.

"There you are," Misty said, Pikachu slinking up onto her shoulder. "I was just about to call you. How was Brock?"

"Good," Ash replied, grabbing the floating phone out of the air and handing it back to Misty. "Not too busy today so we talked for a bit. Also we're going to have a double date this weekend with him and his girlfriend."

"So he and Lillie finally are official?"

"...Seems like it," Ash said, fighting a small grin. "We're off to see your sisters now, right?"

"Daisy and Lily, yes. Violet lives in Celadon now," Misty replied, and Pikachu nuzzled her cheek. "Yes, I missed you too. Ash wasn't too much trouble while I was gone, right?"

"Pikapika!" Pikachu replied, leaping back to Ash's shoulder.

"Hey– is that Ash Ketchum?" A young voice said from one of the tables at the cafe, causing Ash and Misty to stiffen up. But once the words were said there wasn't much they could do, the attention quickly turning towards them.

"It's Misty Waterflower too!"

"I saw your battle against Lance on TV, it was so awesome!"

"Golduck, use Flash," Misty ordered quietly, pulling out his Pokeball. The red gem on Golduck gleamed for a moment– before a burst of bright white light flared out from around him, momentarily blinding anyone that might have been looking in their direction.

Misty then recalled him, while Ash grabbed her hand. They had both closed their eyes before the Flash had taken place– and were now running down the street before the forming crowd could recover. Pikachu was laughing as they ran, holding onto Ash's shoulder tightly as he gave a shrill whistle.

It was only moments later that there was a swooshing of wings from above, a monstrous orange shape bolting down from the sky. The Charizard dipped low, landing for only a second to allow his trainer to vault up and onto his back. He then unfurled his wings, rushing back up into the air, grabbing Misty with his front claws. Within seconds they were rising above the buildings, racing up into the sky.

"I know how to get onto your back," Misty grumbled as Charizard pressed her close to his form, allowing Ash to reach down and pull her up onto the creature's back. He glanced back at them, his single blue eye gleaming as he grinned. Misty huffed, before getting settled in front of Ash, leaning back against his chest. "And you're going the wrong way."

"We're off to Cerulean," Ash told Charizard, who only then banked around, gliding off towards Mt. Moon.

"He's as stubborn as you are," Misty said, enjoying the wind of the flight as it blew past them.

"Yes, and you're totally not stubborn at all," Ash said, pressing a kiss against the top of her head.

"You better believe that, Ketchum."

Ash simply laughed, pulling Misty closer as they flew off towards Cerulean City.

I love RokonShipping (BrockXLillie) so much. I know it is a bit of a random pairing, as they've barely had any interaction in the anime, but I love them together. To be clear I only ship these two as adults– Lillie is 20 in this fic, while Brock is 25.