Please Enjoy,

(If I don't indicate POV it's Misty's)

Misty woke up to the smell of yet another one of Delia's meals. After a shower she put some of the clothes she brought with her on. Thankfully she didn't have to wear any of Delia's old clothing on, they were nice, but slightly embarrassing. The reaction she got was flattering, but she rather wear something comfortable especially if they were travelling.

Misty, Ash, and Delia ate breakfast comfortably despite Ash's horrible table manners. "I swear I raised you better than to shovel food into your mouth," Delia sighed.

"Shworry," Ash replied around the pancake in his mouth. Misty held in her own comment knowing it wouldn't have much of an effect on Ash and wouldn't change his habits. Instead she watched him eat with thinly veiled disgust, but some part of her admitted he looked cute. That part of her was crushed by the larger part of her which respected table manners.

Ash ran off to professor Oak as soon as he was finished and Misty followed after she finished in a slightly more dignified manner. She arrived to see a heartwarming scene with Ash helping Pidgeot reacquaint itself with Ash's old Pokemon and introduce itself to Ash's new Pokemon. She was happy Pidgeot chose to journey with them again and not just because they now had a way of flying besides Charizard. It felt more like old times and brought back fond memories, she contented herself with watching until it ended and Ash ran inside to switch his Pokemon. He wasn't inside for long and after a series of goodbyes he ran over to Misty, ready to get going.

Without much more time passing they set off to Pewter Misty clinging to Charizard while Ash rode Pidgeot. They touched down in Pewter and Ash was ready to run, but Misty watched him pause and look at Misty questioningly.

Misty led the way because Ash had no idea where Brock and his family were living. They passed the gym which was still being rebuilt. Misty knew that from the outside the gym looked pretty bad, but she reminded herself it was on its way to recovery.

The damage left it impossible to reuse any of the old infrastructure, so the gym had to be entirely scrapped. They were still laying down the groundwork so it looked like very little progress had been made. However Misty knew that it had come a long way from where it was when she first found out about the collapse. She could see Ash staring at the gym and an unreadable expression was on his face.

"You know Ash, they have made a lot of progress," Misty tried to console him before he allowed himself to get to upset on Brock's behalf.

"Really?" She could see why he didn't believe her.

"Yes, it took a while to remove everything and they've already started the most difficult part so don't look so upset," Misty half-lied. It was true they were doing the most difficult part, but it would still take a while for everything to get set both physically with the gym and to get things settled with the League.

Misty led Ash to a nice apartment complex and knocked lightly on the door. Moments later it was opened by a little boy who looked like a miniature Brock. "Hi, Misty," he said with the kind of bright smile only a child could make.

"Hi, it Brock home?" Misty asked the child who didn't remember Ash, only shooting him a quick look.

"Yeah, I'll go get him," the boy ran off leaving Misty and Ash outside the door. Misty could hear voices, but they were too far away for her to accurately place. It only took a minute until Misty saw Brock walking to the door.

"Misty and Ash, what are you guys doing here?" He looked surprised to see them and Misty didn't blame him, she usually called ahead first.

"Nice way to greet us Brock," Misty said good naturedly.

"Sorry, it's nice to see you both I was just surprised. Please come in," he stepped back and let Misty and Ash step through the doorway. They were led to what Misty assumed was the family room and she sat on an extremely comfortable couch. After talking for a while and catching up Flint and Lola made their presence known and sat down on a love seat across the room.

"How's the gym been," Lola asked Misty settling herself against Flint.

"About that I wanted to discuss something with you all, specifically you Lola," Misty was given the perfect opportunity to reveal her second motive for coming.

"What's that dear?" Lola looked confused.

Misty sighed trying to fight down her worry about what she was about to talk about,"I'm planning on taking some time off from the gym and I'm thinking about having an interim gym leader rather than closing it down or letting my sisters lead," Misty explained.

"Are you're asking me?" Lola tried to read Misty's intent in bringing it up.

"Well you are a water specialist with experience as a gym leader so it makes sense that I would ask you," Misty said keeping her tone neutral, but with enough confidence to act like she was completely comfortable with the idea.

"I'd love to," Misty could see Lola getting excited which worried her.

"However, I only want you to stand in for battling. I want to make sure you understand you can't make any executive decisions about the gym. So no decorating, no changing the schedules, you won't be paying the bills, or dealing with paperwork of any kind," Misty paused and held up a hand to stop Lola from interjecting. She was afraid she was being rude, but she continued, "Lola, I trust you as a trainer, I've seen your skills myself and I have no doubt you can represent the Cerulean gym effectively. On the other hand I've seen what you do when you have control over a gym and the decisions you make aren't always good one," everyone knew what Misty was referring to, but had enough tact not to say anything.

Misty took a breath and continued "Payment for your services will be based on the amount of money the gym brings in and the upkeep for the gym. Since it's still my gym the money sent to the cerulean gym will first go to pay for the necessities, I expect that price will rise a bit because your Pokemon will also be provided a place to stay in the gym. The money that is left over will go directly to you as will all the bonuses the gym receives based on your victories. Basically you're getting paid simply to battle and I'll set up the deals with the suppliers for food, cleaning, repairs, and things of that nature. So what do you say?" Misty finished her little speech still keeping an air of confidence in her idea.

"I think that's a wonderful idea, we need a source of income to provide for us outside of what we received and I'll be able to do something I love. I am a bit upset I won't be able to decorate, but from what I've seen the Cerulean gym is really pretty on its own. Plus I'm a fan of the sensational sisters, I'd love to see one of their shows," Lola looked excited at the prospect. "You said you'll provide room for all my Pokemon to stay?"

"Yes, we have very large facilities, it should be fine. I just need to make sure your Pokemon get along with mine. We also have an incubation room for any eggs in case you have any eggs you're currently taking care of or if one of your Pokemon is pregnant," Misty knew her facilities would be able to house her Pokemon she just had to make sure it didn't upset her own Pokemon, they came first.

Lola looked excited as she remembered something,"Oh, speaking of eggs my Blastoise just had a few hatch, I'm so excited. One of them seems particularly rambunctious, I think it wants to adventure. If Blastiose is alright with it, maybe you could take Squirtle with you. I promise Blastiose has great genetics, the babies are all adorable," Lola started cheering at the thought of the babies and grabbed onto Flint who seemed happy to be getting hugged.

"Misty are you really fine with having my mother in your gym?" Brock asked Misty. Misty could see him looking for any indecision, "I don't want you doing this just because we're friends."

"I'm not, Lola's battle skills are extremely good and nobody in the area could represent the Cerulean gym as well as her in battling with water Pokemon. For obvious reasons I don't plan on letting her have any control of the gym as far as making decisions. She's just a stand in, I saw what happened in the Pewter gym and I'm not about to let that happen to my gym," Misty hoped that didn't come out as harshly as it sounded to her. "If you want to stop by while I'm not around to check on things I'd appreciate it. The only other people that are going to be there full time are my sisters who are even worse than Lola."

"I promise I'll check in on the gym and see if everything is in order," Brock reassured her.

"Thanks Brock," Misty relaxed knowing that Brock would keep his promise. She was somewhat nervous about the gym being in the hands of her sisters and Lola. Both had pretty bad track records in different ways, but she would be setting things up before she left so as long as they didn't make any major mistakes things should run smoothly. She also knew the gym was her first responsibility so if necessary she would head back immediately.

After a bit more discussion Misty invited Lola to come over at some point over the next few days so they could get things set up officially.

Once that was settled and Flint left the room with Lola in tow Brock went back to talking with Misty and Ash.

"So tell me a bit about what you're planning to do while you're away from the gym. A while back you mentioned wanting to get away from the gym to train and catch some new Pokemon," Brock repeated what she'd told him a while back.

"Well yeah, that's where my plan started. When I met up with Ash again I suggested we both enter the Indigo League," Misty gave him an extremely abridged version of how her plans altered.

"You're only a three star gym, you can't enter based on that," Brock pointed out what had been bothering her for so long.

"I know, I was hoping to get my rank up to a four star so I could participate," Misty shrugged trying to appear nonchalant about how much it had been weighing on her.

Brock gave her a look that clearly meant he saw right through her forced calm, "I'm guessing by your tone you didn't achieve a higher rank. To be honest Misty I'm not surprised, I know you're talented, but moving from a three star to a four star gym doesn't happen in one year."

"They said it was based on experience and me not facing enough trainers of a high caliber so I suggested I battle Ash who was at the gym during the assessment," Misty revealed her unothodox last attempt with the assessors.

"Did they actually allow it?"

"I was actually surprised when they said, yes."

"How did it go?"

"I won because Ash went easy on me, but I'm not sure if they noticed. I'm supposed to get news from them in a few days.

"Do you think you'll get good news?

"Honestly, no. If I'm looking at it objectively I wouldn't give myself the rank of a four star gym, not yet.

"So what happens if you can't enter the indigo league?

"I'll do what I was originally planning to do: train, catch Pokemon, explore, and improve myself as a trainer. So by next year I am good enough to make the Cerulean gym worth being called a four star gym. Plus I'll cheer for Ash when he enters, but after that I need to focus on myself," Misty explained looking only slightly upset at the prospect of not being able to enter. Misty gave Brock a sad smile, "I'd love to invite you to come with us, but I know you're studying to be a doctor and you have to deal with this gym situation."

"Trust me I would love to travel with you and Ash again, but you're right I have responsibilities I need to deal with here. Besides something tells me you guys would have more fun traveling alone," Brock gave Misty a smile that screamed that he knew something she didn't.

"I doubt it," Misty shrugged not thinking about any possible implications, she was too preoccupied thinking about the gym. Ash on the other blushed catching the suggestive tone. For once he wasn't the oblivious one and it was obvious, Misty failed to notice his reaction.

(POV Brock)

Brock fancied himself someone who had a great amount of knowledge about love and he spotted the crushes Ash and Misty had on each other long ago. He had been like an older brother to them during their travels, but even if he wasn't so close to them it wasn't hard to see. Misty's crush was painfully obvious from the way she interacted with him and Ash's jealously and tendency to fight with Misty wasn't much better. Misty hadn't been too bad when they first started travelling and Ash didn't seem to have any idea of what love was. Over time it got worse and worse it was almost painful during the time they spent in the orange islands.

Tracey told him it got even worse once he left and apparently now that they were reunited it came back in full force and then some. Ash was far less oblivious about love and attraction so he turned into a blushing mess and tried to surreptitiously move closer to Misty when he thought nobody noticed. Misty was too preoccupied with her plans to pay attention, but when Ash's fingers accidentally brushed hers she practically jumped.

Brock wasn't going to force them together, but he wondered if having a talk with Ash would be helpful because he instinctively knew Misty wanted Ash to make the first move. However if Ash didn't Brock wouldn't be surprised if eventually Misty would go after Ash who would freeze up and things would end up an awkward mess. That's what happened on Christmas years ago, Ash was too nervous to kiss Misty and freaked out under the mistletoe leading to him tripping and ending up a heap on the floor covered in Christmas cookies.

So if Brock gave them a little push in the right direction who could blame him, he was only being a good friend and brother. Besides Misty was a pretty girl and men had made moves to date her in the past. She wasn't really the vindictive type who would date someone just to make Ash jealous, but she might eventually choose to move on thinking Ash wasn't interested. If it got to that point and there was a chance Misty might want to stay with them, even if Ash finally came to terms with his feelings and revealed them.

Brock allowed himself to envision all the problems that could occur if he didn't step in and that pushed him to start making a plan. It could wait, he would allow things to move at what he was sure was a nearly glacial pace hoping something would happen and if it did he could sit back and be happy for them. If not he would strike like the love guru he truly was.

Misty had no idea what Brock was thinking about, but she didn't like the look on his face. "Brock what are you planning?" She asked allowing some venom to seep into her voice.

"Nothing at all," Brock replied innocently.

"Brock I know you well enough to know you're lying," Misty arched an eyebrow expected a real answer.

"It's nothing you have to worry about trust me," Brock sounded far more honest.

Heaving a large sigh, Misty replied, "Fine."

"Does it involve us, Brock?" Ash asked from his spot next to her.

"No," Brock replied way to quickly, once again revealing he was lying.

"Brock," Misty said in a warning tone.

"Do you guys trust me," Brock asked.

"Of course," Ash and Misty said at the same time. They glanced at each other completely missing Brock's grin.

"Then, trust that it's nothing bad," Brock raised his hands in protection.

"Fine," they said at the same time and looked at each other again.

After spending the rest of the day listening to day Brock talk about his life and updating him on theirs Misty and Ash headed home. Misty was dropped off at the gym so she could start her paperwork, and wait for Lola along with the results from the Pokemon league. After exchanging a few words with her sisters and checking on her Pokemon she dropped into bed. She didn't realize how tired she was until her head hit the pillow and she promptly fell asleep. She knew the next few days would be important, but she was looking forward to what happened afterwards. She would finally achieve freedom at least for a short time and be able to spend her free time with Ash.

Sorry I'm skipping the facts and Pokemon on hand sections this time, I'm sick and barely forced myself to finish this chapter and post it. I'll probably update this later, but I didn't feel like holding onto this until next week. Happy Independence day to American readers, to everyone else happy weekend because that's pretty nice as well. If I feel better I might update my other story or be struck by inspiration and write a one-shot or something, but don't count on it. Sorry if it's is a bit lack-luster, I wouldn't have posted it, but I felt the inexplicable need to do so. Like I said I'll probably update this later especially if people review and point out its flaws, but the changes won't be so much that it's necessary to re-read it later unless you feel like it.

Misty has been set up to possibly get a Squirtle so all Squirtle fans out there can be happy about that. For those of you who dislike Lola, which I can't really blame you for I felt she was needed for the story to progress the way I want it to. If I didn't do that I wouldn't imagine Misty being able to leave the gym with a clear conscience and I didn't really think of anyone who fit the bill. Also Brock may have some nefarious plan, but most likely it will be kindhearted just wait and see. I have something I find funny planned in there.

If I don't update my other story until next weekend I want to thank anyone who read that, I really appreciated it. OK that's all thanks for reading I hope you enjoyed it.