Oooh look, I updated the story when I said I would! Awesome! I really find it amazing that I find time to write with all of this senior nonsense going on. I mean...it's so hard looking for colleges. I need to find the perfect place, with my desired major (which is not a common one to find...), and a good dance team or cheerleading squad. Makes me tired.

But see, it hasn't slowed me down! I'm proud of myself, actually. Yay for shameless self pride :P

This chapter introduces some fun drama. Yay!

"Aiden, STOP!"

"I'm not doing anything!"

"You're kicking me!"

"I am not."

"Yes you are!"

"Am not."

"Are too!"

"Are not!"

"ARE TOO!"

"ARE…"

"Would you two be quiet?" Misty finally snapped. The young children gave their mother startled looks, their eyes wide with shock. The three of them were all sitting at the kitchen table, busily eating breakfast when the argument broke out. At least the twins were. Their mother had no appetite, strangely enough.

Misty groaned softly and gave the two a sad smile. "I'm sorry. I'm just not feeling too well, and I'd really like it if you guys could just get along for now. Okay?"

Aiden and Michelle nodded slowly. Misty breathed out deeply and leaned back in her chair as she closed her eyes.

"Are you okay Mommy?" Michelle asked worriedly. She knew that lately her mother had been very tired, and had come to expect it. But Misty looked a lot worse than usual.

"I'm alright sweetheart. I just need to take it easy is all."

"Are you sure?" Aiden squeaked, "You look paled."

"You mean pale," Misty giggled sweetly, "and that's how I always look dear."

"But you look more paler than usual," Aiden noted. Misty smiled sheepishly, not feeling in the mood to correct her son's improper speech.

"You both worry too much," Misty shook her head, "just like Daddy."

"You better not be lying," Michelle pouted.

"Everything is just fine," Misty soothed, "I promise."

As Aiden and Michelle continued to cast their mother nervous glances, a loud ringing noise filled the air, causing the two concerned children to jump slightly. Misty raised her eyebrow and looked down at her belt, where her cell phone was going off. She took it off her waist and stared at the screen, whining softly when she read the message.

"Who is it?" Aiden tilted his head.

"It's not a call," Misty sighed, "it's the gym alert. There's a challenger waiting for me."

"You can't battle Mommy!" Michelle jumped off of her chair.

"I have to princess," Misty frowned, "it's my job."

"But you're sick," Michelle hurried over to Misty, hugging her legs tightly, "don't go."

"Michelle," Misty sighed, touching the young girl's head as she stood up.

"I mean it!" Michelle shrieked, squeezing her mother's legs even tighter.

"Sweetheart you have to let me go," Misty breathed, mindlessly rubbing her swollen stomach.

"We don't want you to get hurt, Mommy," Aiden sulked.

"I'm not going to get hurt," Misty tried to pacify her two upset children, but it certainly didn't seem to be working. Aiden was still frowning deeply, and Michelle was now whimpering into Misty's knees. "Michelle, look at me."

The little red head sniffed and hesitantly raised her eyes from Misty's legs. Misty smiled and kneeled down, nearly losing her balance as she did so. Michelle panicked silently, and Aiden leapt off his chair. Misty was able to steady herself, however, and grinned yet again to prove that she was just fine.

"Aiden, Michelle," Misty began, "you have to believe me when I say I'm okay. I know I've been complaining a little bit too much lately, and it's probably been scaring you. But this is completely normal. You're supposed to be tired when you're having a baby."

"But you didn't eat either," Aiden folded his arms.

"I'll take a little snack with me, if that'll make you feel better," Misty tried.

"Don't go at all!" Michelle cried softly.

"Michelle, I've already told you that I have to go battle. It's my job, and the league expects me to do it."

"But…" Michelle quaked. Misty's phone went off again, interrupting whatever her little daughter had in mind. Misty gazed at the screen again, huffing as she slowly stood up. She winced once she was up on her feet; she felt so light headed.

"Mommy," Aiden scolded lightly.

"Guys, I really have to go. This poor trainer has been waiting for me long enough."

"Fine," Michelle furrowed her brow, "go."

"Thank you," Misty sighed, although she knew the girl was anything but happy with the decision, "I'll call Brock to come over and watch you two while I battle. He's visiting the Cerulean City Pokémon center, so he should be right over. Behave until then, okay? And don't go outside on your own."

Aiden and Michelle watched after their mother as she opened the front door and skirted outdoors.

"We're not staying here," Michelle turned to her brother once she was positive Misty was gone.

"Mommy said to stay here," Aiden disagreed.

"All of a sudden you want to behave?" Michelle asked incredulously, her voice laced with the slightest hint of anger.

"Why're you bein' so bossy about this?" Aiden raised an eyebrow.

"Because I'm scared," Michelle hiccupped ever so slightly; evidence that she was about to cry again. "I love Mommy, and I don't want her to get hurt!"

"But she said she was okay," Aiden attempted to comfort his sister.

"No, she's lying, I know it!" Michelle shook her head quickly, "if Daddy was home and saw her doing this, he'd be so upset! Didn't Daddy tell you to watch me and Mommy when he wasn't home?"

"Yeah…"

"So come on!" Michelle yelled, her small hands tightening into fists. Aiden recoiled slightly as Michelle growled lowly. Sometimes, she acted way too much like Misty.

"Okay, okay!" Aiden nervously waved his hands in front of himself, "let's go!" He, on the other hand, was much more like Ash: reluctantly willing to do whatever his red headed counterpart wanted to avoid being beat up.

Michelle snatched Aiden's hand, yanking her twin brother out the door and across the strip of sun drenched grass that led to the Cerulean City gym. She stood up on her tippy toes and pushed the door open, holding it back for Aiden to scamper in first. She followed after the raven haired boy, who was now marching towards the battle area.

When the two leaned into the doorway, they found Misty's back facing them, her hands planted firmly on her hips. She seemed to still be instructing her young opponent on the rules of the gym. Aiden and Michelle then turned their attention to the challenger: an adolescent girl with golden blonde hair that reached her mid back and violet colored eyes. She nervously tugged at the skirt of her lavender dress, keeping her large eyes locked on Misty. They kept shifting, the twins quickly noticed, between the gym leader's face and her midsection.

"Why's she doin' that?" Michelle glanced at Aiden.

"Have you ever heard of a gym leader havin' a baby before Mommy?" Aiden replied, "It's kinda rare."

"I guess so," Michelle shrugged, looking back through the door frame.

By now, the young girl was nodding and retrieving a poke ball, tossing it to reveal a jovial Bulbasaur.

"Wow, that must be her starter Pokémon!" Aiden cheered quietly. It wasn't very often the two got to watch their mother battle, and Aiden was certainly going to enjoy it. Michelle, however, had different matters on her mind.

"Aiden, we're supposed to be looking after Mommy," Michelle hissed.

"I am," Aiden frowned, "but I can watch the battle at the same time!"

"Fine," Michelle sighed. It was hard to get her brother off of his one track mind.

"Look!" Aiden pointed excitedly, "Mommy is using Azumarill!" Michelle smiled lightly at the sight of the aqua rabbit Pokémon. She loved Azumarill.

"Mommy doesn't have the advantage," Aiden continued slowly, thinking back to all the things his father had taught him so far, "grass types like Bulbasaur are strong against water types."

"Mommy can still win," Michelle responded with a smirk, "she's the best."

"You can have the first move!" Misty called out to her challenger, who had introduced herself as Rosangela. As the girl nodded, Misty felt a wave of light headedness overtake her. What was up with her?

"Uh, okay Bulbasaur, use vine whip!" Rosangela ordered somewhat shyly.

"Bulba!" The grass type unleashed a pair of dark green vines and sent them out towards Azumarill.

"Azumarill, use water gun," Misty commanded softly. Azumarill twitched her ears and turned to look at Misty, giving her trainer a confused look. Misty raised an eyebrow to indicate that she had meant what she'd said. Blinking, Azumarill turned back around and spit out a weak stream of water.

"Hey, that isn't Azumarill's full power," Aiden looked over at Michelle, "why is she only using half her strength?"

"Because of how Mommy ordered the attack," Michelle answered slowly, "she didn't call the move very strongly either."

"Bulbasaur, dodge it!" Rosangela called. The seed Pokémon quickly jumped to the side, easily avoiding Azumarill's weakly executed attack. "Awesome!" Rosangela cheered, clearly becoming more confident in her ability, "now Bulbasaur, use leech seed!"

"Saur!" A white light began to glow from the middle of Bulbasaur's bulb, which the grass type soon sent flying at Azumarill. Misty breathed out sharply, trying to think of an attack to call. But her reaction time was severely off.

The dark brown seed planted itself atop Azumarill's head, soon sprouting several creepers of leafy vines that wrapped themselves around Azumarill. The water rabbit cried out desperately, and Misty continued to wrack her brain for a response. But for whatever reason, Misty couldn't remember any of Azumarill's attacks.

"What is Mommy doing?" Aiden gasped, "She needs to call an attack!" Michelle simply furrowed her brow as Misty began to rub her temples. Clearly, something was very wrong with the gym leader.

"Uh…" Misty winced, trying her best to come up with a move. Azumarill's cries became louder as the vines began to glow a deep red, quickly sucking up the water type's energy. Finally remembering one of her Pokémon's attacks, Misty opened her mouth to make her command, but it was too late. When she looked down again, she saw Azumarill lying on her platform, completely unconscious.

"Well, look at that," Misty smiled tiredly at the challenger, "you won."

"I…I did?" Rosangela blinked, pointing at herself.

"Yes, you did!" Misty's grin broadened as she recalled Azumarill, "great work!" She reached into her pocket and retrieved a water drop shaped symbol, holding the emblem in her palm as she walked over to the girl.

"Wait, that's it?" Aiden leaned back, "that was only a one on one battle! Mommy usually has two on twos!"

"Exactly," Michelle groaned, "don't you get it? She's feeling too sick to do more than one battle!"

"This is the cascade badge," Misty held the small blue shape out to Rosangela, "take it as proof of your victory!"

"Wow," Rosangela beamed, gently taking the badge from Misty. She held it up to the light to examine it, and as she did, a huge smile broke out on the young blonde's face. "Thank you so much!"

"Don't mention it sweetheart," Misty replied softly, "you deserved it."

After thanking Misty yet again, Rosangela skipped out of the battle area, Bulbasaur skipping happily by her side. Once Misty was sure the trainer was gone, she permitted herself to groan and hold onto her head.

"Is she okay?" Aiden whispered quietly. Once again, Michelle said nothing.

"Why do I feel like this?" Misty mumbled, taking in a deep breath. Closing her eyes for a moment, Misty began to think: I'm just tired, that's all. I'll just take a little nap when I get back home. Oh, but the house is such a mess. I should really clean it. Okay, I can do that and then take a rest. But Aiden and Michelle need to be played with. Maybe I can sweet talk Brock into watching them for a little while longer. But I want to spend time with them. And then I have to make dinner…forget the nap. It's not important.

When Misty went to take a step, however, her legs gave out from underneath her, and she fell with a shriek. Fortunately, she was able to throw her hands out in front of herself, and she landed firmly on her palms.

"Mommy!" Aiden and Michelle cried simultaneously, racing out towards their fallen mother.

"Uh…Aiden, Michelle," Misty gasped, "what are you two doing here? I told you to stay in the house!" Misty looked up frantically at her two young children, but she was so lightheaded, they looked like nothing but a blur to her.

"It was Michelle's idea!" Aiden yelped, pointing an accusatory finger at his red headed sister.

"I was just worried about you Mommy," Michelle whimpered, "please don't be mad."

"I'm not mad baby," Misty winced, "it's okay."

"Maybe we should see if Brock is waiting at the house," Aiden looked back at Michelle, "he could help Mommy!"

"Good idea," Michelle nodded, "you go. I wanna stay here with Mommy."

"I'll be okay Shelly," Misty comforted as she sat up on her knees, "why don't you go with Aiden?"

"No," Michelle shook her head.

"Come on Michelle," Aiden tried.

"No!" Michelle answered more firmly this time as she sat herself down in front of Misty, "I'm staying with Mommy."

"Okay," Aiden shrugged, running back out the doorway. Misty sighed and looked down at her young daughter, who now had tears running down her face.

"Michelle, sweetheart, why are you crying?" Misty asked softly, reaching out for the young girl.

"Please be okay Mommy," Michelle looked up at Misty, her emerald eyes overflowing with water. Misty gasped quietly, and she could feel her heart being torn in half. Her poor daughter was so worried about her. Misty knew that, but she had ignored it. She knew the battle hadn't helped with whatever was going on with her, and Michelle had warned her it was a bad idea. But Misty hadn't listened. She had gotten selfish. Her five year old daughter knew better than her.

"Please be okay," Michelle repeated, her sobs becoming heavier. She crawled closer to Misty, resting her cheek on her mother's rounded stomach.

"Shh," Misty hushed, stroking the child's ginger tresses, "don't cry princess. I'm going to be just fine. Please don't be upset."

No matter how much Misty pleaded and soothed, however, Michelle wouldn't stop crying. As the gym leader continued to try and pacify her daughter, a white light flashed from her belt, forming itself by her side as Psyduck.

"Psy?" The duck Pokémon inquired, tilting his head to the right.

"Ugh, Psyduck!" Misty groaned, "The last thing I need to deal with right now is you!"

Michelle sniffed and picked her head up, staring innocently at the yellow Pokémon sitting next to her mother. Psyduck turned to look at Michelle, blinking confusedly when he saw the remaining tears slipping out of the child's bright eyes.

"Duck?" Psyduck began to waddle towards Michelle. She didn't bother to move, and the water type was soon standing up on the tips of his webbed feet, poking the edge of his beak against Michelle's nose. There was a short moment of quiet, lasting for only about a second. And then Michelle giggled.

Misty breathed a quiet sigh of relief when she saw the tiny smile appear on her daughter's face. Michelle continued to laugh happily as Psyduck gently knocked his beak against the tip of her nose, and she soon began to pat the duck Pokémon's head.

Well, what do you know? Misty thought laughingly, Psyduck's done good for once!

"Misty!"

The gym leader looked up, and Michelle turned her head to look as well. Psyduck just continued poking mindlessly at Michelle. Brock, the source of the voice, came running into the battle area, Aiden following closely behind.

"There you are," Misty sounded quite relieved.

"I'm sorry it took me so long," Brock frowned, "Aiden caught me walking up the road. It took me longer at the Pokémon Center than I thought it would." He knelt down in front of Misty, and realizing she was in the way, Michelle crawled over to Misty's side, pulling Psyduck over by his wing.

"Tell me what happened," Brock requested, pressing his fingers against Misty's wrist.

"I'm fine now," Misty began, "I just got a little light headed before. I woke up not feeling great, but I'm okay now."

"How long have you been feeling lightheaded?" Brock asked, now compressing his palm against Misty's forehead.

"Just this morning," Misty furrowed her brow, "can I get up now? I need to do some cleaning."

"Mommy!" Michelle whined, grabbing her mother's hand. Misty smiled reassuringly at the little girl, but she didn't look convinced.

"You're not doing anything," Brock responded firmly as he removed his hand from Misty's head, "I'm bringing you back to the house and putting you in bed."

"But Brock…" Misty tried.

"No buts!" Brock folded his arms, "Ash would absolutely kill me if I let anything happen to you. Until he gets home, I'm watching after you."

"Brock!" Misty moaned. The darker man shook his head and picked Misty up with ease, holding the disgruntled red head in a bridal fashion.

"Huh?" Brock raised an eyebrow when he noticed Psyduck standing next to Michelle, "Misty, don't you want to recall Psyduck?"

Misty stopped grumbling and looked down at her young daughter, who was still holding Psyduck's wing. Giggling, she responded, "no. He's keeping Michelle company."

Aiden blinked curiously and walked over to where Michelle was standing with the water type. Psyduck, in turn, began to peck gently at Aiden's feet, causing the young boy to now chuckle.

"You realize I'm going to have to call Ash, right?" Brock's voice caused Misty to look away from the sweet scene between her two children and her dopy Pokémon.

"No you don't," Misty grew wide eyed.

"Yes I do," Brock held onto her firmly as he walked out of the gym, the twins and Psyduck following closely behind, "he needs to know what's up."

"Nothing's up," Misty rolled her eyes, "I'll be better in no time! You just watch. I'll be back on my feet by tomorrow. I could be on them by this afternoon if you'd let me."

"But I won't," Brock sighed.

"Don't freak Ash out," Misty groaned, tilting her head backwards in exasperation, "he's way too over protective, and he'll come racing home if he thinks I'm dying."

"I'll be able to convince him that everything is okay," Brock assured, "but I've got to call him."

"Ugh, fine," Misty sighed, "good luck with that."

"And what were you doing in the gym alone?" Brock furrowed his brow. "Where's Justin? Isn't he supposed to kind of make sure you're okay?"

"I gave him the day off today," Misty replied. "He's my assistant, not my slave. His life doesn't belong to me and this gym, you know."

After getting into the house, Brock carried Misty up the stairs and dropped her off gently on her and Ash's bed.

"Get comfortable," Brock ordered playfully, before adding seriously, "you're gonna be here for awhile."

"Am not," Misty stuck her tongue out at him. Aiden hopped up onto the bed, crawling close to Misty and snuggling up against her side. "Hey there baby boy," she giggled, kissing her son's forehead.

"Mom!" Aiden yelped, furiously rubbing at the spot. Misty couldn't help but to laugh heartily. More often than not, Aiden despised kisses, and was quick to wipe them away. He also only called her 'Mom' when he was aggravated. Still laughing, Misty hugged the boy more tightly, which he was more than happy to reciprocate.

"Mommy…" a little voice called from the floor.

"What is it Shelly?" Misty asked with a little trill in her voice. She watched amusedly as Michelle pulled herself up on the side of the bed, pressing down on the mattress.

"I wanna come up here and sit with you too," she frowned.

"So come here!" Misty patted the free spot on her other side, "do you need help?"

Michelle shook her head before continuing, "Psyduck can't get up here. And he's too heavy for me to pick up."

"Psy…" Psyduck droned from the ground.

"Oh boy," Misty chuckled nervously, "Michelle, sweetheart, I don't think we should bring Psyduck up on the bed."

"Why not?" Michelle tilted her head.

"Duck…duck…"

"I think that's why," Brock turned around, hooting joyfully. Misty gazed down at the ground, closer to Brock, and an un-amused look appeared on her face. Psyduck was now waddling towards the bedroom door, trying to get out of the room.

"Alright Psyduck, I don't need any more trouble in this house," Misty sighed, retrieving the duck Pokémon's poke ball from her belt, "return." She pressed the center button and a red light shot out, returning the water type into the sanctuary of his red and white sphere.

"I'm going to call Ash now," Brock informed Misty as he stepped into the hallway. Misty rolled her eyes yet again and leaned back against the head board.

"Mommy, why doesn't Daddy stay home and take care of you?" Michelle asked, leaning her head against Misty's shoulder.

"Because he's got a job too," Misty smiled, "you know he's the Pokémon master."

"I know," Michelle pressed her fingers together, "but can't he skip work whenever he wants?"

"Yeah, can't you do that too?" Aiden tilted his head.

"Well, I suppose we can," Misty mused, "but it's a very bad idea for us to do that right now."

"But why?" Michelle raised an eyebrow.

"Well, Daddy and I get paid for doing our jobs. And we need money to take care of everyone, especially with this baby on the way. We can't afford to miss any time away from work."

"Even though you don't feel well?" Aiden frowned.

"Well, once I get really close to having the baby, I won't be able to run the gym," Misty ruffled the boy's hair, "I get some time off for that. But until then, I need to stick it out and do my job."

Suddenly, Michelle let out a tiny yawn, and her eyelids began to fall. Misty giggled softly and began to run her hand down the back of the young girl's head.

"I think someone is tired," she cooed sweetly.

"No," Michelle shook her head, although her eyes continued to close. She yawned again and snuggled closer into Misty, resting a little hand on the woman's enlarged midsection. Watching his sister slip into a restful state soon made Aiden grow sleepy as well.

"Why don't you take a nap too, sweetie?" Misty asked kindly.

"I don't wanna," Aiden yawned, looking up at his mother with determined eyes. Misty laughed inwardly. The boy really was way too much like Ash.

"Don't make me sing the lullaby," Misty warned in a light voice. But Aiden kept his steel expression. Smirking, and without any other warning, Misty began to sing the sweet song that she had sung to the twins since before they were born; the same exact one her mother had sung to her as a child.

Aiden tried to fight the sleepy feeling overtaking him, but it was no use. His mother's voice was far too buoyant, too angelic. Within minutes, he was fast asleep, snoring lightly against Misty's chest.

As Misty was busy enjoying her time with her two sleeping children, Brock was down in the kitchen, carrying on a tense telephone conversation with the gym leader's worrisome husband.

"What do you mean she almost fainted?" He demanded, his dark brown eyes livid.

"She said she was lightheaded," Brock explained calmly, "and she fell. Not on her head or stomach or anything. She landed on her hands."

"I'm coming home…"

"You don't need to," Brock interrupted, "I brought her back home, and put her in bed. I'm going to stay here and take care of her and the twins until you get home."

"Brock, I can't just sit around the league property and train all day when my wife is suffering like this," Ash shook his head, "I've got to come home."

"If you do, Misty is going to kill you," Brock warned.

"I know that," Ash raised an eyebrow.

"So you want to work her up even more?"

Ash took in a sharp breath, before breathing out sadly. "No, I don't."

"Exactly," Brock nodded, "just leave it up to me."

"Can you at least do me one favor?" Ash requested.

"Sure. What is it?"

"Call the doctor. His number is written on a piece of paper right near the phone. I want you to call him and ask what to do with Misty."

"Ash…"

"Come on Brock," Ash pouted, "please?"

"Fine," Brock sighed, "I'll do it. But I'm telling you, he's probably not going to say much."

"I just want to make sure," Ash shrugged, "thanks Brocko."

"No problem," Brock smirked playfully, "now get back to training."

"Yes Misty," Ash teased, chuckling amusedly along with Brock before ending the connection.

Brock looked around the surface of the desk where the phone was located, searching for the phone number of this doctor. He finally locked eyes on a small square of green paper, noting that the name 'Dr. Aaron' was scribbled on it, along with a phone number.

"This must be it," Brock mumbled to himself as he picked up the note.

Dialing the number, he drummed his fingers against the wooden desk as he waited for the recipient of the call to pick up. He glanced up at a framed photo of Ash and Misty, taken back when they were somewhat younger than they were now. He wasn't sure if it was before or after their marriage, but either way, it was before Aiden and Michelle had been born. Brock couldn't help but to smile at the picture. The two were just perfect for one another.

"Hello?"

Brock whipped his head back down to look at the video screen. He found himself staring at a fairly young looking man, with light brown hair and golden eyes.

"Oh. Uh…hello, Dr. Aaron is it?" Brock greeted nervously.

"Yes, who is this?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. My name is Brock, I'm a close friend of Ash and Misty Ketchum's."

"Ah, of course you are!" Dr. Aaron grinned, "I remember now. You're their twins' godfather."

"Yeah, that's right!" Brock grinned happily.

"Well then, what can I do for you Brock?"

"Well, you see, Misty called me over to watch Aiden and Michelle for her while she battled in the gym. But all morning, she'd been experiencing light headedness, and chose to ignore it. After the battle, she nearly fainted."

"Oh no, I should've known she would do this to herself," the doctor groaned, burying his head in his hands.

"Do what doctor?" Brock asked curiously.

"It's nothing too serious," Dr. Aaron sighed, "but I can tell you without even examining her that Misty has overworked herself."

"That would make sense," Brock nodded.

"She's going to need to go on bed rest," the doctor mused.

"What?" Brock gasped.

"Oh, it's not a permanent thing," Dr. Aaron waved his hands reassuringly, "just for about a week or so. But I do want her out of the gym for at least two weeks."

"Oh man, how am I gonna break this to her?" Brock whined.

"I'm sure she'll understand," the doctor tried. It was evident in his voice, however, that he pretty much knew for a fact that Misty would not be amused.

"I'll see what I can do," Brock gave the man a little nod, "thank you doctor."

"Don't mention it," Dr. Aaron smiled weakly, and the connection broke off.

Sighing deeply, Brock rested his head in his hands and mumbled to himself, "what am I gonna do? I have to tell her…" Breathing out again, Brock stood up and walked towards the stairs, his dread growing with each step he climbed. Misty was going to go ballistic, he just knew it. As he slowly opened the bedroom door, however, Brock gasped quietly at the scene before him.

Aiden and Michelle were both cuddled up against their mother, fast asleep. In the middle, Misty was asleep as well, breathing gently with her arms wrapped around the two small children.

Brock stepped away from the door, smiling for two reasons: one, the sight was absolutely adorable. And two, because he wouldn't have to break the news to Misty.

XXX

When Misty's eyes fluttered open, she was surprised to find it was night time. Aiden and Michelle were no longer by her sides either. And when she looked straight up, she found herself staring directly into a pair of shining russet eyes.

"Mmm…Ash?" She mumbled sleepily, yawning as she reached up for his face.

"Hey sleeping beauty," Ash chuckled, gently touching Misty's delicate hand, "finally decided to wake up, huh?"

"Yeah…" Misty breathed out softly as she sat up, "what time is it?"

"Almost eight," Ash smiled sweetly.

"You're telling me I just slept for nearly ten hours?" Misty panicked, "that means there was no dinner! Aiden and Michelle! The poor things must be starving!"

"Misty, calm down," Ash gently gripped her shoulders, "Brock made us dinner."

"He…he did?" Misty blinked.

"Mhmm," Ash nodded.

"Oh," Misty looked down. After a second, she gasped and looked back up at Ash, who had an eyebrow raised. "Aiden and Michelle aren't scared, right?"

"No," Ash shook his head, "they knew you were just sleeping."

Misty whined softly and lay back down, staring up at the ceiling like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

"You okay?" Ash inquired, gently rubbing her stomach.

"I feel alright," Misty responded slowly, "but I think there's something you're not telling me."

"Huh?" Ash looked taken back, "what do you mean?"

"There's something…off," Misty sighed, "I can see it in your eyes."

"Uh…hehe, you're crazy Mist," Ash laughed nervously as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Ash," Misty's voice was still tired, although traces of annoyance were beginning to shine through, "just tell me."

"Alright," Ash shrugged his shoulders and replied sadly, "Dr. Aaron said you overworked yourself. All the stress from the gym, the kids, and everything else. You've been doing too much."

"Okay. And…?"

"He's putting you on bed rest," Ash continued, "one week."

"What?" Misty shot back up, her eyes blazing, "he can't…I can't do that! I have too much to do!"

"Exactly his point," Ash narrowed his eyes slightly, "too much to do. You've gotta start calming down, Mist. Your body can't take all of this."

"Fine," Misty grumbled, "if I have no other choice…"

"You don't," Ash interrupted, "and that wasn't his only order." Misty raised her eyes slowly, giving Ash an incredulous look.

"What else is he making me do?"

"No battling for two weeks."

"WHAT?" This outburst was even worse than the one that had been provoked by the news of mandatory bed rest, "Ash! I need to work!"

"You'll survive two weeks," Ash's stern tone indicated he was in complete understanding with the doctor, "so call the league up and tell them the gym is closed for the next two weeks."

"But then I won't get paid," Misty responded through ground teeth, "we need the money, Ash."

"I'm still working," Ash moved closer to her, "we'll be fine. I have lots of appearances and stuff coming up. Don't worry about those kinds of things."

"What about Aiden and Michelle?" Misty folded her arms and gave her husband a concerned look.

"My Mom can help us out," Ash suggested, "please Misty. I'm so worried about you."

Misty stared directly into Ash's eyes, and he didn't falter at all. "Really?" It came out as nothing more than a whisper.

"Of course," Ash smiled weakly, pulling Misty's face closer to kiss her lips, "I'm always worried about you." He leaned down to kiss her stomach, "especially now."

"You're so sweet honey," Misty began to blush.

"I try," Ash chuckled, wrapping his arms around her.

"So…you think we'll be okay?" Misty asked whimsically as she laid back down, pulling Ash down with her.

Ash thought teasingly for a few moments, causing Misty to giggle and snuggle closer to the playful Pokémon master.

"I know we'll be okay," Ash answered with a bold smile, "and I can promise you that."

Squeee...they're so cute together ^^

Aaah, it's been dead around here lately, hasn't it? Hardly any of my favorite stories have been updating. Is school killing everyone? Probably. I should probably study more XD Oh well.

What did you think of this chapter? Any comments, questions, general opinons? Just leave a review and let me know!