A/N: Hello to all I now return with my third chapter of this story. Ash figures out what to do next after being rejected.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon

It was mid-afternoon at Brock's in downtown Vermillion City. Business was usual slow during this time so Brock often did inventory and handle the bar finances at this time. So, he was surprised today when a costumer arrived during this time.

"I'll be right there!" called the man as he counted bottle of alcohol he had in the back of the bar.

"Take you time!" called back Ash from the bar.

Brock knew it was odd for his friend to be here during this time of the day. Perplexed he decided to halt his current work and inquire into this. Heading to the bar he saw an obviously depressed Ash sitting at the bar.

"Hey man." said Brock now worried, "What happened?"

"Woman troubles." answered Ash.

"You mean Misty." said Brock.

"So, you knew." said Ash drawing a faint smile on his face.

"This is me you're talking about here; I know romance when I see it." replied Brock, "I'll pour a drink and you tell me what happened."

"Whiskey on the rock." said Ash and his friend quickly made the drink.

"Now start talking." pressured Brock as Ash took a long swig of the alcohol.

"It all started when I saw Misty sing; right then I felt an attraction to her. Then when I took her home we talked and connected. She kissed me as a thanks for bringing her home and I knew I was in love." began Ash.

"I knew there was chemistry as soon as you left together." noted Brock.

"I couldn't stop thinking about her last night and when I arrived at work, Kristi got it out of me. Thankfully, Gary doesn't have any idea yet." continued Ash, "Anyway, she convinced me to see Misty at work and ask her out. I did and her show was amazing but, when I asked her out she rejected me."

"She had to give an explanation." reasoned Brock.

"She wasn't looking for romance and just wanted to be friends." sighed Ash.

"Ouch. Sorry man." replied Brock.

"No. It's fine." said Ash clearly upset.

"I can tell when you're lying man." said Brock.

"It's not like I can force her to date me." shrugged Ash.

"True. But, maybe you can convince her to change her mind." proposed Brock.

"How so?" asked Ash interested.

"You just need to find a way to get her to like you that way." answered Brock, "Trust me, a romantic gesture can do it. I saw they way you both looked at each other, it's meant to be."

"You really know your stuff." mused Ash.

"I'll level with you, I have been shot down hundreds of times." said Brock.

"I totally buy that." said Ash.

"Ouch, thanks." winced Brock.

"Sorry." replied Ash rubbing the back of his head.

"Anyway, you need to just need to figure out what you're going to do to win her over." said Brock.

"It has to be totally romantic. She'd never budge otherwise." said Ash.

"Just as I figured." replied Brock who took a moment to think, "Okay, you need to do something that really grabs her attention."

"I'm keeping my clothes on." huffed Ash.

"Don't fret, I wasn't thinking anything like that." laughed Brock, "I was thinking more of a dinner."

"Okay then. I can do that." said Ash.

"Hey, have you heard of that place downtown?" asked Brock.

"Chateau Sinnoh. I could never afford that." answered Ash.

"I'll give you some money." said Brock pulling out a wad of cash from the register and giving it to Ash.

"Thanks man." replied Ash.

"No problem." said Brock, "Now, you also need to know exactly what to do when you go."

"I don't follow." said Ash.

"You took Dawn and May out on dates." said Brock matter-of-fact.

"Yeah but, no where that fancy." said Ash, "Maybe that's why things didn't work out."

"Could be." shrugged Brock.

"Since you're such the expert let's hear you advice." said Ash.

"First, you need to be chivalrous." said Brock.

"Pull out her chair, open the door. That kind of stuff right." replied Ash.

"Exactly." said Brock, "You also need to engage in conversation that's mature and romantic."

"I think I can do that." said Ash.

"When she talks really listen to her. Don't tune her out or pretend to listen." said Brock.

"Good advice." remarked Ash.

"Thanks." said Brock beaming.

"Now if only you could get a date." said Ash with a chuckle.

"Son of a bitch." winced Brock.

"Sorry man." replied Ash feeling slightly bad.

"It's fine." sighed Brock.

"Back to Misty." said the raven-haired PI.

"Basically if act kind and courtesy, things will be fine." said Brock.

"Is there anything else?" asked Ash.

"Whatever happens, you can't be afraid of rejection." answered Brock.

"Thanks man." said Ash who finished his drink and took off.

"Good luck!" called out Brock as Ash left.

Ash drove back to the aquarium ready to talk to Misty. When he reached the parking lot he parked his car and took a deep breath. He then headed inside the aquarium to find the girl haunting his dreams.

"Hello Ash. I'm surprised to see you back." came a familiar voice which caused Ash to turn around.

"Oh hey, I'm here to see Misty." replied Ash.

"She said you weren't an item but, I knew she was lying." snickered Marina.

"Actually she was being honest. We're not an item...yet." explained Ash.

"But, by that "yet" at the end you want to be." replied Marina understanding the situation.

"That's the hope." admitted Ash.

"She's in the back changing. She's going to call it quits soon. If you wait here you should be able to catch her." said Marina.

"Thanks." said Ash scratching his face."

"No problem and good luck." said Marina before leaving.

Ash waited and waited by the door pacing nervously back and forth. It seemed like time and slowed to a near halt and he was getting more anxious as second slowly ticked by. Finally, he saw a familiar redhead headed his way. Misty was now wearing a t-shirt, jean shorts and a pair of sneakers.

"Hey Misty!" called Ash.

"Oh hello Ash." replied Misty running up to the man.

"I was wondering if you're going to Brock's now?" asked Ash, "Because is so, I could give you a ride."

"I took my bicycle here. It's better exercise and less expensive. But, I could put it in the back of you car ride shotgun." answered Misty with a laugh.

"Sure!" cried Ash jubilant.

The two headed outside with Ash humming happily. He found Misty's mountain bike and placed it carefully in the back of his car. Misty and he then got into the car and took off.

"This is really nice you." said Misty.

"It's not problem just like last time." replied Ash, "I just can't imagine how you do it in the cold."

"Usually somebody gives me a ride." said Misty.

"That's really nice of your co-workers." noted Ash.

"There are great people there." replied Misty.

"I remember you said you didn't have friends." remarked Ash.

"That is true. There's lots of nice people there and at Brock's but, I usually keep to myself." said the redhead.

"Can I ask why?" asked Ash.

"It's a...personal thing." answered Misty.

"I understand." said Ash not wanting to risk things by pushing the envelope.

"You really are sweat." said Misty.

"Maybe sweat enough to reconsider a date." blurted out Ash.

"I told you before I can't." replied Misty.

"Please, just one." said Ash trying not to come off as desperate.

"I can't." repeated Misty determined.

"Why?" asked Ash.

"I...just can't. I don't people too close to me. That's it." answered Misty.

"Look, I haven't been able to stop thinking about since the other night. I feel like, we were meant to be together." explained Ash.

"That's so sweet. I'm a bit of a romantic so stuff like that really gets to me." said Misty instantly wishing he could take that back.

"Then you'll take me out." said Ash hopefully.

"Look, I just can't. There's too much stuff going on in my life right now." replied Misty trying to be as gentle as possible.

"I see." said Ash sadly.

"It's not you, it's me." said Misty.

"That's the same cliche line my two ex-girlfriends gave me." noted Ash which made Misty automatically feel bad.

"I'm so sorry." said Misty leaned over to talk to Ash when her purse fell and it's contents fell out, "Oh shoot."

"Let me help." said Ash as the light turned red.

The two quickly gathered the belongings off the car floor and Misty put them in her purse. Ash picked up the last item, a bottle of perfume from the company owned by Celadon City perfume master/well known botanist Erika Nakagawa.

"Rose scented." mused Ash handing her the bottle, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

"I love Romeo & Juliet." said the redhead softening up.

"Oh great." said Ash who had heard Gary use that line to pick up women.

"You're really not playing fairly Mister Ketchum." replied Misty lightly.

"I can't help it." said Ash as Misty took a deep breath.

"Okay." said redhead.

"Okay what?" asked Ash as they arrived at their destination.

"I'll got out on a date with you. Dinner tomorrow night." answered Misty as the got out of the car.

"Yes! I promise you won't regret it! It'll be at Cafe Sinnoh!" cried Ash happily.

"Fancy." noted Misty.

The two headed inside so Misty could get ready for her show. The redhead passed Brock at the bar and headed into the back while Ash went to tell his friend the good news.

"Hey Brock-o, it worked. Misty agreed to dinner tomorrow night." said Brock.

"Great to hear it man." replied Brock happy for his friend.

"I'm so excited. I can't wait." said Ash nervously shaking.

"Don't worry. Things will be fine." reassured Brock.

Misty came out soon after and began singing. She did plenty of songs then finished off with the song "Misty". As the woman sang that song she couldn't help look at Ash.

A/N: So, Ash finally got Misty to a agree to a date. She does like him but, denies herself any closeness with other for some reason. Next time, the date and something more. Please review.