In My Heart: Live For Today
By: TheFifthCharmedOne
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Summary: Third and final part of In My Heart trilogy. The road of love never did run smooth, but it seems things may finally be going the way they were meant to go. Though as the old saying goes, everything is not what it seems. Poke and Contest ships.
-X-X-X-
Chapter 6: Fall To Pieces
I looked away
Then I look back at you
You try to say
The things that you can't undo
If I had my way
I'd never get over you
Today's the day
I pray that we make it through
Make it through the fall
Make it through it all
And I don't wanna fall to pieces
I just want to sit and stare at you
I don't want to talk about it
And I don't want a conversation
I just want to cry in front of you
I don't want to talk about it
Cuz I'm in love with you
You're the only one,
I'd be with till the end
When I come undone
You bring me back again
Back under the stars
Back into your arms
Fall to Pieces, Avril Lavigne
-X-X-X-
ASH POV
Riding the ferry from Kanto to Hoenn brought all kinds of nostalgia back to when I first went out on my Hoenn journey. I was fresh out of the Top 8 in the Silver League Conference, Misty and Brock had just left, and I was starting out, all on my own, with just my buddy Pikachu by my side. At the time, I was too focused on the new adventure, I never really thought about what would come after it.
After the Ever Grande Conference it was time for the Battle Frontier and then Sinnoh. At first, meeting Dawn and catching up with Brock seemed like a good idea. Then towards the end of the journey and as we came closer to the League, Dawn was a lot more flirty and obvious with her feelings, and I didn't get it at first. Brock had to explain that Dawn liked me, as more than a friend.
Then I went back to Kanto and I realized my feelings for Misty. We slept together that one night, and even though I never knew until a few months ago, I got Misty pregnant. She ran from her family, herself, and me. She tried to be her own person, do everything independently, but she couldn't. She needed help. And it really makes me mad that I could have been there for her, through all of it, if she had just told me.
Though I do understand why she didn't tell me, and it's typical Misty. Always thinking about others before herself. It makes her who she is, and it makes me love her more every day. She didn't tell me to protect me, and I'll always love her for that, because that sacrifice allowed me to live my dream of becoming a Master. Not the greatest, but I'll get there.
First I need to get Misty back. That's all that matters now.
-X-X-X-
MISTY POV
Walking with the twins through town, I saw that a big building was up for rent. If it wasn't rented within a week, it would be knocked down. Looking at it, I could see myself helping other trainers with their Pokemon. Any kind of Pokemon, not just Water types. It made me smile, and I picked up Alex and Jake, settling them on my hips. They were going to be four in about two weeks, but to me they were still as light as ever.
"What do you think? Should I go for it?" I asked them.
"Yeah mama! Go!" Jake said. They had gotten much better with talking and speech, and now they were talking in complete sentences. Of course their speaking wasn't perfect, but pretty dang close for a pair of four year olds.
I smiled and ruffled his already messy black hair. I looked at the number posted in the window and committed it to memory.
With a smile on my face, I went to do grocery shopping and then see about that building.
When I got home, Aunt Caroline and Uncle Norman were both there, talking with May about her wedding plans.
"We were thinking about a wedding in July. It's the middle of summer, and it's also the month we met." May was saying as I walked in. I put the twins down and they ran over to Aunt Caroline and Uncle Norman.
"Alex, Jake, you've gotten so big!" Aunt Caroline cooed. Uncle Norman did the same, and with the twins still on their laps, they went back to talking to May and Drew.
Meanwhile, I went over to the phone. Togetic had taken to floating around the neighborhood, but never leaving further then a few miles from the house, so she was probably out on one of her adventures again. Pichu came over and sat on the table, tilting its head to the side in confusion.
I dialed the number from the building window and listened to it ring.
"Petalburg City Realty, Nicole Evans speaking, how can I help you?"
"Ms. Evans, my name is Misty Waterflower, and I think I might be interested in renting that building on Main Street in the center of town? The one that is slated for demolition unless it's rented?"
"Ah yes, it's about time someone finally called for that building." I heard the clacking of a keyboard. "Waterflower, Misty, right?"
"Yes." I replied.
"Born in Cerulean City, Kanto?" I said yes again. "Gym Leader of Cerulean City Gym?"
"Former Gym Leader, yes." I corrected. I could hear her satisfaction coming out in rolls.
"What do you want to do with the building?"
"Create a place where trainers of every kind can come and train both their Pokemon and themselves for battles and contests." I replied. May looked at me questioningly. I put my finger up, signaling I'd tell her in a minute.
"All right, everything checks out. I'll meet you there around 2 o'clock to finish the deal. Happy housing!"
I smiled; this was going to be great.
-X-X-X-
ASH POV
Making my way from Littleroot Town, I knew it would take about two or three days to travel by foot to Petalburg City.
But you know what? It'll all be worth it. Just to be with Misty again.
-X-X-X-
MISTY POV
At two o'clock I walked to the building in the center of town. A woman with medium length blond hair and dark brown eyes was waiting for me. She was dressed in a crisp business suit and deathly high heels. (I've never been the most graceful of the Waterflower sisters)
When I approached her, she smiled warmly. I was walking with the twins and Pichu on my shoulder.
"Misty, right?" she asked me. I nodded. "And who are these little ones?"
"My son and daughter, Jake and Alex." I replied, and I watched her facial expression. She looked surprised, but quickly cleared it with an understanding smile.
"Follow me then."
We went into the building and I looked around. It was dusty and the faintest scent of mold was in the air. It had clearly been empty for a while. "This building was built not long after the Petalburg Gym. I believe it was supposed to be the original Gym, but the leader decided he wanted the Gym closer to his home." That sounded like Uncle Norman. "I believe that was when his first child was about to be born." Definitely Uncle Norman. "It will definitely need some work, but you have to be up to the challenge."
I looked at her. "Are you?"
"I'm always up for a little challenge." I said. The twins were looking around and Alex yanked on my arm.
"Stinky." she said. I smiled. I picked her and her brother up, resting them on either side of my waist.
"I think that's all about to change baby girl," I said, kissing her head. Pichu jumped off my shoulder and sniffed around. I looked around and I could practically see how my new gym would work. Of course it wouldn't be an official Pokemon League Gym, that's Uncle Norman's job, but it's still going to be a gym.
"Are you ready to make the final arrangements?" Nicole asked me. I nodded. She got out some paperwork from her briefcase and gave it to me. "You just need to sign here and it's legally binding. You have to make sure you pay your rent every month, and the rent lasts a full year. If you stay with the building for that long, then it'll be yours in the eyes of the city. Are you planning to stay here for that long?"
"I don't plan to go anywhere anytime soon." I said. She smiled and nodded.
"All right, I just need you to sign here, and the building's yours."
I took the clipboard from her and signed my name. She took it back and went for the door. "I'll be in touch." she said with a casual wave. I thanked her and decided to take a look around.
The building itself wasn't huge, but it was perfect for what I wanted. With the main room being as wide as it was, it would be good for training. There was a door that led to a bottom level, and with Pichu on my shoulder and the twins by my side, I ventured to the bottom.
-X-X-X-
ASH POV
"Hey! You! Need a ride?" I turned, there was a truck labeled 'Petalburg Imports'.
"You're going to Petalburg City?" I asked.
"Yep, after a quick stop in Oldale Town first." the truck driver replied. "The name's Chuck, Chuck Barrett. You are?"
"Ash Ketchum, thanks." I said, and I went to the opposite side of the truck to get inside.
"Aren't you that big time Pokemon trainer in Kanto?" Chuck asked me.
"I guess so," I said modestly. "I'm on my way to see…" I wasn't sure what to call Misty. My girlfriend? Lover? Best friend? "…my best friend." I decided on that because no matter what happened, I hoped we would always be that, best friends.
"Oh, he from Hoenn?"
"She, and no, not originally. She's actually from Kanto, but…it's a long story." I looked out the window.
"Oh, so is she your girlfriend or something?" he asked. "I don't mean to pry, but it's not often I pick up travelers. I just thought you looked like you needed to be somewhere, and fast."
"I guess you could call her that, yeah. And you're not prying. I want to be there before Christmas, so, yeah, I guess I want to be there soon."
"It's supposed to snow tomorrow, and if I drive fast enough, we might beat it." Chuck grinned, and floored the gas petal, forcing me and Pikachu deep into the leather of the seat.
Needless to say, I think I'm going to get to Petalburg much faster then I originally thought.
-X-X-X-
MISTY POV
When I got home, Aunt Caroline and Uncle Norman had left, and May was sitting on the couch with a distant look in her eyes. The twins went off with Pichu and Togetic (she had apparently returned from her adventures) and I sat by May.
"Hey," I said slowly. "What's the matter?" She looked at me for a long minute.
"It's nothing," she said, sighing and walking over to the window. I arched my eyebrow, not believing her. I joined her at the window, and I saw her looking toward the other side of the city, where her family lived.
"Are you sure it's nothing?" I asked. She sighed.
"All right, it's not nothing. It's...Drew." She folded her arms over her chest and rubbed her biceps, as though she was cold. "I-I think he wants to go all the way." My eyes widened. "A-And I'm not sure if I'm ready for that. I-I mean I know I'm going to marry him in a few months, and don't get me wrong, I want to, more than anything, it's just…I don't know what to do after that. Once we're married, isn't sex and kids kind of expected?" She looked at me. Her eyes were wide and innocent, like she was a little kid looking to her mother for advice. I carefully chose my words so I wouldn't upset her.
"Not necessarily. I mean look at me. I had two beautiful babies, and I'm not married."
"Your time with Ash was completely different." she pointed out. True. "I…just don't know."
"Hey, some people live long married lives without ever having kids." I said.
"But I want kids," May replied with a long sigh. "It's just…I don't know if I'm ready."
"If you aren't ready, you aren't ready. If Drew truly loves you, he'll understand that."
"Did you tell Ash you weren't ready?" she asked.
"No. Because I was. I was ready to go all the way, and I'll admit that I wasn't ready for what came next, but at the same time, I'll never regret it." I replied. "But you're not like me, and that's completely fine." She still looked unsure. "May, look at me." She did. "Just because you aren't ready to have sex, doesn't mean you never will or that you and Drew will break up over it. Drew loves you, and you love him. In the cheesiest of all lines, love conquers all, even the smallest grains of sand and biggest mountains. No matter what happens, if you love each other, then you'll always be together, in your hearts."
She smiled and hugged me.
"Thanks Misty." she said, and I hugged her back.
"Mama? Auntie May?" Alex and Jake walked in with Pichu beside them and Togetic floating over their heads.
"We're okay guys, promise." I assured them, and they all cheered. I laughed, and so did May. I looked out the window and saw snow falling. It was gentle, and beautiful as well.
I have a feeling this Christmas is going to be great.
-X-X-X-
ASH POV
We got to Petalburg the next day, and I thanked Chuck for all his help.
"Thanks so much Chuck, it really means a lot." I said as I went to get out of his truck.
"Not a problem, good luck with your girlfriend." he said with a grin, and I grinned back. With Pikachu on my shoulder, I stepped onto the newly fallen snow. My mom had made me a scarf for my Christmas present and it was being put to good use. It was really cold here. I looked around and saw the Petalburg Gym in the distance, but instead of going there, I walked around the city. I needed to stretch my legs and collect my thoughts.
I know a relationship between Misty and me could work, but we both have to want it. When I saw her last in Cerulean City, she seemed hesitant, as though she was afraid. She's always been guarded and had a wall around her heart, but I know we can work together to help her let go.
Then I saw a flash of orange-y red hair that I knew could only be Misty's. I followed my eyes to a large building that was still in decent condition but if anyone wanted to make anything out of it, they would need to work on it.
I walked over and looked through the dusty window. There was Misty, looking as beautiful as ever. She was standing in the center of the room and the twins were sitting at her feet. She was wearing jeans and a blue sweater with her usual sneakers. Her hair was up in her trademark ponytail. There was a Pichu on her shoulder and a Togetic floating over her head. Was that Misty's Togetic? Or a different one?
That's not important right now. I opened the door and Misty and the woman looked up. Misty's eyes widened.
"Toge Toge!" Togetic cheered.
"Daddy!" Alex and Jake clapped and reached for me.
"Pikachupi!" Pikachu called out.
Misty and I just stared at each other until neither of us could take it anymore and we ran into each other's arms. She held me as though she would never let go, and I held her back just as tightly.
"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Misty breathed slowly. "I would have been more prepared." she finished. I smiled and as she went to pull away, I held her closer.
"I didn't know when I would be here. Besides, you knew I was coming around Christmas." I said. I felt a tugging at my pant leg and looked down.
"Daddy! Pick me up!" Alex demanded. They knew I was their dad. That made all kinds of feelings swell inside of me. I bent down and picked both of them up into my arms.
"How do they know…?" Misty smiled and shook her head.
"You have a lot to learn about them." she said. "They've always been able to figure things out, sometimes even before me. I've talked about you and mentioned you a lot, to Alex especially. They remember that, and they remember you."
I didn't say anything back as I held my son and daughter in my arms. I watched Misty watch us, and I felt a warm feeling spread in my chest. It felt right.
It felt like home.
"Come on," she ushered us out. "Let's go home."
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
A/N/RANT: I know you're getting annoyed with the lack of Pokeshippy-ness/ them just getting together all ready, but I'm trying to make it realistic. I know realism can be annoying, but if I ever want to be a writer one day, I need practice. So bear with me, okay?
NEWS: I have a huge chapter planned for Christmas, and there is fluff. Lots and lots of gooey, teeth-rotting fluff. =D So don't kill me yet, because even if you do, have fun figuring out the password to my computer. Muwhahahahahahaahah
Oh, and the thing with Chuck? Yeah, he's not going to be a major character or anything, just someone for Ash to talk to and to keep things moderately interesting. He probably won't even appear next chapter, maybe mentioned, but not much more.
Also, just a little side note. Has anyone ever noticed that Ash only cried when Misty left? ^^ Pokeshipping forever!
Until next time, review!
~Charmed