Whoa! Pause and Rewind.

A/N: Ok, so as the title suggests, I'm rewinding the clock a bit, starting from where Brock is trying and failing to impress yet another girl.

This is just to show where the rest of the gang was at the time and how things looked from where they were standing. This is how I was imagining the second chapter starting off, which made sense to me at the time, because that way when everyone comes in, it won't be totally out of the blue.

(References!! Look for these numbers in the text for explanations-if needed-)

1=Amanti is the Italian word for lovers; at least that's what it said online. I believe it is pronounced ah-man-tee

2= I think its pronounced Fee-or-ee-too-rah. At least that's how I'm saying it. Anyway, it means to bloom in Italian. Yeah, I'm lame 

Trying to turn on his charm, Brock leaned over the counter and raised his eyebrows up and down at the pretty receptionist. Much to his dismay, she seemed unfathomed by his display and continued to smack her gum and twirl a strand of her long blonde hair around her polished finger. He leaned in closer, beginning to recite one of his infamous pick up lines when he felt someone grab his ear from behind.

He flinched, recognizing the familiar touch, yelling, "Don't worry my love, I'll be back!"

To his proclamation, he received nothing more than the flip of a magazine page and sound of bubble gum popping.

He sighed dramatically as he was dragged off by none other than Max.

"You sure took Misty seriously when she asked you to keep an eye on me," Brock said gruffly.

"I'm only doing her a favor, just like a good friend would," he answered.

It was only a few seconds later that two reached the table where May, Dawn, and Misty had been eating breakfast.

Max noticed his sister looked particularly grumpy and Dawn was…well Dawn was starring in the mirror, so at least she was keeping herself occupied. And then of course, there was Misty. She had taken to letting her hair down, which was now well past her shoulders. She also ditched her old outfit and was wearing red denim shorts with a thin yellow belt and a white t-shirt. She had her arms crossed and looked annoyed with May's constant questions of how much longer they would have to wait.

Instinctively, Max jumped in, talking down on his sister for being so impatient. Bad move.

May stood up defensively, slamming her palms on the table, daring her brother to repeat himself. Max recoiled instantly and apologized, just the effect May was hoping for.

Dawn smirked at the scene, at least there was some excitement going on from time to time. She was really starting to get bored. Plus, she had really worked on her appearance today. After all, if they were going shopping, she had to look her best for any guys that might be walking by. She tilted her head to the side and smiled as her thoughts were overcome by images of cute boys asking for her number.

Suddenly a loud crash was heard, and everyone snapped their heads to the left. They caught sight of the fallen table and Misty stumbling to regain her balance, but falling at the last second on the hard tile, with Ash at her feet. Brock winced at the sight, not just because it seemed particularly painful, but because he feared for the physical well-being of his friend after Misty got a hold of him.

The man who had been sitting at the table instantly jumped to his feet but calmed when he saw Misty. They saw the two of them shake hands and introduce themselves. Only seconds later did Ash but in, causing Brock to laugh out loud. Poor guy probably doesn't even know he's jealous, he thought.

Then, even more surprising, were the screeching sounds of chairs being forcefully pushed back, and the footsteps of an angry Max marching towards the scene.

May gasped in shock at her brother's reaction and ran in front of him, apprehensive of what he was going to do. Max seethed from behind his sister, watching as the man flipped his navy blue hair, winking his hazel eyes at Misty before leading his green-haired companion out the door.

How dare he flirt with Misty when he's already with that other girl! Max thought.

Once the pair was out of sight, Max pushed his sister aside and ran towards Ash and Misty.

Misty seemed slightly dazed and was still smiling when Ash tapped her lightly on the shoulder from behind, asking if she was ok.

Snapping out her trance, Misty made her hand into a fist and threw it back so it would slam against Ash's face.

"Idiot," she mumbled.

The tiny bell that hung on the door at the entrance of the hotel chimed merrily as the group finally stepped outside. They had all agreed the day before to take a short break from their constant traveling and competitions to relax in the famous Amanti-City. (1)

They planned to spend the whole day sight-seeing and shopping, more specifically, shopping for a certain beach party called the Fioritura (2) that was to be held the following afternoon. Misty had seen a flyer to this event at the hotel they were staying at, and insisted they attend. She of course made Ash pinky-swear that they would all go to the party, which apparently was a local tradition celebrated during spring, when the flowers bloomed.

Walking further down the streets of Amanti-City, the sun shone brightly on the pebbled sidewalk beneath their feet and illuminated the tall buildings around them.

Ash couldn't help but gaze at Misty as her face lit up with all the different stores they went into. The only reason he was enjoying himself through the endless hours of shopping was because she was happy.

"Hey, I think this is a good time to eat, what about you guys," Ash suggested after everyone had gotten their outfits picked out.

Misty rolled her eyes. "Leave it to you to think about food Ash."

However, as soon as she said this, her stomach growled impatiently.

"Eh," she sweat-dropped.

"Now who's the one thinking about food?" Ash said mockingly.

"Oh shut up! Ok, ok, let's get something!" Misty said good-naturedly.

Everyone laughed affably as they entered a nearby food joint.

Once seated, a waiter immediately approached their table.

"Good evening, my name is Kayden, and I'll be your waiter today. How may I---wait, Misty?"

"Kayden! Oh my gosh, what are you doing here?" Misty laughed.

"I work here," he said in an obvious manner, pointing to his uniform.

Misty blushed at her idiocy, but couldn't help smiling like a fool, while Ash glared viciously from behind his menu.

"You know, I don't think its coincidence that we ran into each other twice in one day," he winked.

Ash was about to unleash a mouthful of unpleasant remarks, but was muffled by Brock's not-so-subtle kicks under the table. Max on the other hand, was staring at Kayden intently, believing that if he stared hard enough, lasers would shoot out of his eyes, melting the unwanted visitor to the ground.

"Why is that?" Misty asked.
"Well, don't you think so? Surely it must be fate." He paused, pleased that she seemed mesmerized by his every word.

"You do know of the Fioritura party tomorrow night, correct?"

"Yeah, we're really excited about it!"

"Oh so then you are going to be there?"

"Yup."

"We're all going to be there," Ash cut in, quite bluntly.

However, Kayden and Misty seemed to ignore his statement.

"Well is this just another coincidence or what? I would be honored if I could escort you there. What do you say Misty?"

Misty was flattered beyond belief and the evidence was present in a rosy shade among her cheeks.

"Oh, I don't know what to say!"

"How about a yes?" Kayden suggested slyly.

"Sure! I'll be looking forward to it."

The rest of the evening consisted of continuous flirting between Kayden and Misty, glares by Ash, frowns by Max, kicks by Brock, and giggles by May and Dawn.

The day of the Fioritura had arrived and the bathrooms were occupied by Misty, May, and Dawn who were frantically getting ready.

Finally, all the girls except Misty had presented themselves to the rest of the group.

"Misty, are you coming?" Dawn asked from the bottom of the stairs.

"Don't worry, I'm ready!" She called.

Slowly, Misty descended the staircase, dressed in a strapless blue dress with hair like dancing flames falling down her shoulders and a smile that would put the Mona Lisa to shame.

Ash couldn't help but stare at her in awe and then wonder why this scene seemed so vaguely familiar.

But he was snapped out of his thoughts when the bell on the door rang, indicating a new arrival.

"Wow Misty, you look great!" Kayden exclaimed.

Ash choked at the scene, Kayden had stolen the words right out of his mouth.

"Thanks! You don't look too bad yourself."

Kayden chuckled. "Well, ready to go?"

"Oh, sure!"

She glanced back at Ash as she passed him, giving him a small smile before walking out the door.

He couldn't stand it anymore. It hurt bad enough that he had hardly seen her the whole night, but it was even worse that he was the reason why. He had kept her to himself the whole night.

This night was supposed to be a day of relaxation, but he couldn't even enjoy the food and music when the love of his life was dancing with another man.

His stomach churned as he watched her face light up when he twirled her. He felt his throat burn when she rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes in happiness.

Across the dance floor, Max was busy pouring himself yet another cup of punch, when he heard Misty burst into a fit of giggles.

Raising his head in curiosity, he saw her dancing with Kayden. He squeezed his paper cup tightly, the red liquid splashing onto his hand. He hated to admit it, but Misty really seemed to be enjoying herself. Not wanting to watch the two any longer, he wandered over to the shore to think.

As he walked further away, the laughter and music of the party slowly faded into the background and a calm, serene atmosphere was created in its absence.

He continued to trudge along in the sand when he noticed another figure off to the right. As he got closer, he finally recognized the person to be Ash. He was sitting on a rock, staring into the sunset with a rather depressed look on his face.

"What are you so upset about?" Max asked.

"…"

"Yeah me too," he replied, taking a seat next to him on the rock.

"No offense or anything, but I kind of wanted to be alone for a while," Ash said gruffly.

"None taken," he replied as he continued to sit patiently.

"It's just….never mind."

"No, go on," Max urged. Ash took a deep breath before continuing.

"It's not fair," he said.

Max had a sudden impulse to ask for some clarification, but wisely decided against it. He knew that when it came to Ash, it was better not to press him for things. Instead, it was better to wait for him to talk when he was ready.

"Two days, he's only known her for two days and suddenly they're best friends! I mean, I thought I was her best friend. But then this Kayden guy comes in, and everything totally flips around! Have you noticed that Misty hardly ever talks to me anymore? And whenever she does, it's always about Kayden. 'Oh, Kayden is so nice, 'Look what Kayden bought me', and 'I don't see why you don't like Kayden, just give him a chance.' I hate that last one the most," he confessed.

Max couldn't help but be taken aback by his friend's sudden outburst. It seemed like he wasn't the only one affected by Kayden's presence in the group.

"I know what you mean! I just can't stand it," He immediately agreed.

Ash and Max both nodded their heads and continued to stare into the horizon with hostile expressions.

Ash was still nodding his head, grateful that someone understood what he was feeling. Yeah, Max isn't so bad after all, Ash thought. I mean, once you get past the annoying 'I know everything' attitude, he's a good kid. I mean, he totally gets why I hate this guy. Kayden *scoff* what a stupid name too. Ash laughed in the middle of his thoughts, and glanced over to Max, who was lost in his own head. It's funny that we've never agreed so much on something before. I wonder why this of all things. I mean, if I didn't know any better, I might think that Max---

"Max," Ash said abruptly, his face drained from all emotions.

"What?"

"You don't…I mean, this is kind of random, but…oh, forget it. What am I thinking," he said, muttering to himself silently.

Unfortunately for Ash, his odd behavior was intriguing to Max, and he begged him to finish his sentence.

"Come on Ash! Just say what you were going to say," He pleaded.

"Uh…I don't know. It was really pretty stupid. It doesn't mean anything."

"Well then just tell me! I won't laugh or get mad if that's what you're thinking."

Max paused when Ash looked unsure.

"I promise," he said.

Ash sighed. Max was pretty good when it came to promises. Besides, he was almost positive that he was just fooling himself was those stupid thoughts, so what was the worst that Max could say?

"Ok, ok, fine! I was going to ask if well…you don't like Misty, do you?"

Max stared at him dumfounded.

Ash stared back, beginning to feel uneasy when Max wouldn't answer.

After about a minute or two, he shook Max frantically by the shoulders, afraid that he had undergone some kind of silent stroke and was slowly dying.

"Max! Hello, earth to Max! Are you okay?"

Finally, Max awoke from his trance and nodded his head.

"God you scared me there, what was that all about?" Ash asked.

"Um, I…uh," he stuttered.

"What is it? It's ok, you can tell me," He said, the words sounding oddly familiar.

"Ash, I…I do like Misty," he confessed shyly.

Ash's jaw dropped all the way to the ground. He was in an unbelievable state of shock.

"YOU WHAT?"

Hmmm, drama, drama, drama!

Haha, ok I'm going to leave it at that for now.

I know a good chunk of it was kind of just like repeat, yeah this already happened. But personally, I liked that version of the beginning of the story. It was definitely lacking in dialogue, but I think it was more humorous.

Also, I added some descriptions of Kayden and Bianca! But if you already imagined the characters differently, that's ok. I know I should have put that in the first chapter, but oh well.

Anyway, hope you guys liked this chapter, it was waaaaaaaay longer than the first. Feel free to submit any ideas and don't forget to…………

REVIEW!

Also: yes I know, I LOVE to make ash jealous, but no worries, I am a STRONG pokeshipper!!! And yes, max likes misty? Didn't see THAT one coming huh?? Yeah right.