Spitfire, Chapter 8: Can Tear us Apart
Everyone was settled in pretty quick as soon as Bonnie and Clemont arrived back from Professor Oaks'. Greetings were fast, time flew by, and before Ash knew it, it was already 4:30pm.
With Pikachu propped on his shoulder as the rodent should be, Ash felt one-hundred percent better than he had at the start of the day. After traveling with Pikachu for nearly eight years, pikachu's absence for any reason left Ash feeling lost. Instinctively, he reached his hand up to pat the small yellow rodent on the head, and gave a soft smile while he observed his friends; occasionally making his own remarks.
Everyone was chattering, talking amongst themselves and with each other; and mostly, everyone was laughing. A sound that soothed Ash's heart like he could never imagine. He sunk further into his rocking chair and smiled blissfully A couple of moments later, Pikachu tumbled from his shoulder. Pikachu paused on his knee for a moment, and then hopped off to run over to another group; more specifically to where Serena, May and Misty were seated.
Ash noticed that Serena took a strong liking to May, and the two sat together with Max beside May, who sat beside Misty on the one couch opposite of where Ash sat. The four talked amongst each other when Pikachu landed on Serena's lap, Serena went to pat the yellow rodent, but it quickly jumped to greet its older friends.
Brock was seated on the cramped loveseat with Tracey and Drew beside him, Drew had opted out of being squished by the two older boys, and sat on the back of the couch; giving Tracey and Brock extra room. On the floor beside May and Serena sat Bonnie who was talking with May about some of the costume designs she and Serena came up with—while Clemont sat beside Serena on the only comfortable foot rest in the the room.
Ash opted to sit in the rocking chair that Misty sat in prior, and rocked lazily while he laughed with his friends around the coffee table. His mom and professor Oak had just left moments ago to get the rest of the chairs out, and insisted that the kids spend time catching up.
Odd, Ash thought, but let it go while he grinned; he would prefer to catch up rather than set up chairs.
This was a better party than any party the league could have thrown him with pretty girls, crazy entertainment, and alcohol. The reason? This small gathering had the most important thing: being surrounded by friends and family—and his heart only filled with more excitement as he remembered that even more were coming.
He found himself grinning while he talked almost endlessly, thoughtlessly, towards the group of boys on the loveseat; and for the first time since his short battle with Max, he let himself forget the situation he was in with Serena—and he felt like a little kid again. Just starting his journey, no worries, no relationships, nothing but a sense of relaxation.
The same relaxation didn't take into Misty's muscles, and for anyone watching, she was clearly uncomfortable. She tried carrying on a conversation, but somewhere in the middle, a spin took the conversation into Bonnie, Serena and May territory, and Misty, Clemont, and Max were troubled to find a way to break into the threesome. Misty shifted in her seat, and once again tried to focus on the conversation May, Serena and Bonnie were having—but she couldn't. Max was practically stunned beside her, and Clemont was like a steel trap. The older boys carried on their other conversation amongst themselves, and Misty really, truly questioned why Max and Clemont were even with the girls in the first place when they could be talking with the boys.
Too shy? Maybe? She looked at Max, who was giving subtle glances at Bonnie, and couldn't stop herself from laughing inwardly.
"Oh no," She thought, and rolled her eyes and crossed her legs.
"So, Clemont" She started, pressing Max closer to May so that she would have a bit more room to breath. "You're an inventor of sorts, right? Is that why you wanted to talk with Professor Oak?" Her question barely pierced the conversation between the other three girls to reach the blonde boys ears, and he sat forward to listen.
"Yes, I invent all sorts of things. Most recently I started a new pokemon transfer system, where you can switch your pokemon without going to a pokemon center." There was the proud voice, something to talk about, regardless of the fact that Misty knew close to nothing about inventions, or technology, really.
"Really? Have you tried marketing your inventions?"
"No," He responded, and then as quick as Misty had tried, the conversation was swallowed up by the busy room, and she sat back; rubbing her face. She lost hope. Max had left the room mentally, for what ever reason, and everyone else was occupied. But she tried anyways.
"Hey Max, why did you pick a grass pokemon as your starter?" She tried breaking Max's concentration.
"Wha? Oh, uh, I just did." He responded only half-interested while he looked at the careful designs that the excited Bonnie held up to show May and Serena. Misty sighed, placed her arm against the arm rest, and leaned her head into her hands.
It was at this time she decided to steal a glance at the boy the party was for, and she stuck the look from beneath the palms of her hands. Ash was talking to Tracey, or Brock; one of them at least-but her look didn't go unnoticed. While Ash was occupied, Pikachu was not, and it quickly made it's way over to Misty with a dash.
Pikachu jumped, but was snatched by Serena before it could reach Misty.
"Pikachu! You're ruining Bonnie's pictures!" May whined playfully while Serena rubbed the pokemon's head.
Misty's eyes bugged out, and she turned her gaze towards the girl in question. While Serena stroked Pikachu's ears, the small electric rodent didn't complain, however, it did move from Serena to May rather quickly. Seeing the pokemon perked Max up, and he, too gushed over the electric type pokemon.
"Pikachu, you're always the star of the show." Misty thought with raised eyebrows.
Seeing a break in the conversation, Misty took that as her cue to escape. She stood up, patting her knees as she did, and then turned to exit the noisy room. Her b-line was the kitchen, and she stormed in, feeling refreshed the exact moment she entered. She let her arms stretch out and stood up on her tippy toes, expecting to be alone when she entered, but her joy was cut short by a brief cough.
She turned to the noise, and gave a small smirk. "What's up, Gary? Long time no see."
–
Gary should have been stunned to see Misty enter the kitchen. Out of all the people to attend—he didn't think that she would, not after the television broadcast. While he looked at her attire and grown hair, he gave a soft smirk—which immediately elated the frustrated look on Misty's face.
"Heya Red, long time indeed." Misty gave him a glare that said 'don't call me that', but then took a seat at the table, kicking her feet up on another chair.
"I came for the party, of course." He replied to her question while taking a seat opposite of her. He placed his hands on the table, cupping something between them while Misty pursed her lips, and pointed in the direction of the noisy living room.
"Then shouldn't you be in there?" She questioned, but Gary had already thought this through.
"There's no food in there yet." he grinned while holding up one of Delia's delicious dinner rolls. Misty dead panned at him. She knew better than that.
"It's been eight years since you guys were" She held up her fingers for air quotes "Rivals. I'm sure it won't be awkward if you go in there." Her tone was short, and Gary could see her patience faulting—she had to have so much to even deal with today, and so he grinned.
What harm could it be to press some of the Cerulean City gym leader's buttons? He wasn't pleased with her remark, and crossed his arms with an arrogant smirk on his lips. "Can't get anything past you, eh?" He quipped, and Misty playfully dusted off her shoulder.
"I'm just too experienced for the likes of you little boy."
"Really?" Gary put up a confident smirk, he would play this game with her. "So hows your boyfriend?"
His response didn't quite land the way he had expected it to, however. Instead of getting embarrassed and yelling like she used to—denying all claims; she went stoic for a moment, and then cleared her throat.
"Ash and I-"
"Now now, who said I was talking about Ash?" The auburn haired Pokemon researcher was quick to interrupt the red-head.
With a strong, imposing blush, Misty's verbal battle was lost. She locked her jaw, turning at Gary with a scrunched up nose. Her knuckles were white where she held onto her arms, and for a brief moment, Gary thought of the damage she could do with them. He didn't outwardly show his concern for his safety, he was Gary mother fucking Oak, he was the most confident person on the planet—so instead, he returned her glare with a smirk. Her eyes were full of rage; fires burning inside of them.
...But her reaction was lackluster in comparison.
"Touche. You've made your point, now what do you want?" Misty blurted out; instead of letting her temper flare, she held it in. Gary's face fell slightly, and he tapped his fingers on the table; her reaction wasn't good enough, not for what he had planned—and so he curled his tongue into his cheek, and feigned innocence. He sat back in his chair, and raised an uninspiring hand.
"So, what's up with this...Serena girl?" He put emphasis on her name, as if he couldn't remember what it was off the top of his head, and Misty gave him a puzzled look. A fake look, Gary added mentally.
"What do you mean?" She feigned, her discomfort was quick to show, and she eyed the hallway—planing her escape, but Gary interlaced his fingers together, and rested his chin on them; popping out his lower lip in thought.
"Well, I mean what makes her so special?"
"Gee, I don't know—don't fancy the same sex, personally." her response was quick and smothered in sarcasm. Gary snorted; there's the sharp tongued red-head.
"You know what I mean," he closed his eyes for intensity, "Why is Ash dating a girl like that?"
There was a brief, unspoken moment between the two of them where Gary could sense that Misty either thought she had someone on her side, or was genuinely insulted by his remark. Either way, he opened his eyes to watch her from his position, and she gnawed on her lip—eyes narrowed.
"What's wrong with her?" Misty finally spat.
"I don't know, she just seems so...generic. Least from what I've seen of her the last couple of days." Gary croaked, glancing between his nails and Misty. Misty's own nails started to look awfully appealing and she tapped her fingers against her arm.
"I really don't want to talk about this." Her peace was made by placing her hands on the table to remove herself from the conversation; there was no reason to bad mouth Serena. Serena had done nothing wrong.
However, Gary would have none of that. Somewhere along the road—Misty must have lost her back bone, to just roll over and let Serena have Ash was so unlike her—all arrows pointed to her fighting the girl who stepped up to be Ash's girlfriend...and so he egged her on.
"Oh bull shit, Misty." His aggressive tone surprised Misty, and she froze mid-stance, looking at him wide-eyed. "Cut the act, I know it's eating you up inside. You can't stand to look at her!" Not true, he didn't know if that was true, but it sounded nice. "You're just too good of a person to admit it." Gary didn't need to stand up to make his point, but he did point at Misty and lock his jaw as if upset.
She sat back down.
Hook, line, and sinker. He grinned, victorious.
"That's not true, Gary. I'm just fine, thank you." She returned his vile tone with one of her own. Her fingernails threatened to dig into the uncovered wooden table and she met his egotistic gaze with one of pure blood-lust. Misty and Gary were never on what he would call "friend" terms, but they were by all means close acquaintances via Ash. This time, the spiky-red haired male crossed his arms. His slothful smirk forced pins and needles into Misty's spine, and he could see her visibly swallow a knot in her throat—he was sure that she wanted to pummel him for more than one reason.
He had given her lots of reason to do so over the years, but none as amazing as the gift of embarrassment. She didn't leave, because she knew if she did—he would follow, and make an ass of himself. That's what Gary did.
With her full attention, he started again. "So you mean you don't like Ash anymore then?"
Misty scoffed, she couldn't believe she was having this conversation with Gary fucking Oak.
"No." She spoke too quickly, avoiding eye contact and removing her hands from the table, she felt suddenly very, very cold.
"That's crap, and you know it." Was all Gary returned, Misty's jaw and fist clenched and she bit down hard on the inside of her cheek.
"That's none of your business, if I recall—now can I go without you embarrassing me in front of everyone?"
"So you do like Ash?" He questioned, and Misty shook her head vehemently.
"No!" She whined, and Gary tilted his head.
"Then why do you care if I follow you? Are you afraid I'll say something to someone? Everyone already knows—well, they did know." His voice was low, as if mocking her, and it only proved to make her fumble in her seat...which was met with a quick and defeated growl from the female.
"Do what you want." She muttered, and just like a switch had turned off in her head, the embarrassment, the rage, all of it was gone—her eyes were like empty voids...or was that just called being an adult? Could have possibly even been acceptance.
And so her reaction angered him to the core, ruptured something in his body that forced him to stand. He gestured toward the living room yelling: "What is that crap! He might as well be lifeless!"
"He looks pretty happy to me!" she countered quickly, maybe the spark wasn't entirely gone?
And so Gary pushed more.
"You weren't here the last three days!" He yelled back. At his temper, Misty put her hands up; telling him to be quiet.
She listened for a moment in the silence, and luckily, the pause in the living room was only for a moment, and then everyone returned to their own business. Misty peeked around the corner to see if anyone was coming, and when she saw that they weren't, she hissed at Gary.
"Why do you care, anyways? Aren't you like his quasi-rival or something?" Her patience was thinning, but the fact that she stayed meant a lot. Gary couldn't well talk with anyone else about this, and so what he originally thought was a game of torment with Misty, was soon his own emotions spilling out.
"Because unlike her, I was Ash's actual childhood friend, I've known him since we couldn't even walk!" he threw up his arms, "I bet Ash didn't even know who she was when she came prancing up to him." He exhaled, grabbing his forehead in frustration.
Gary and Misty had common ground, but it wasn't one that Misty was proud of.
"Yeah? That's nice, but why does it matter? It's his life." her voice was strained, as if a part of her wanted to admit the fallacy in the relationship-but at the same time, she was also done with this conversation. Gary couldn't fathom how often this crossed Misty's mind since she arrived—or even before then.
"Because.."Gary started, but then it was Misty's turn to be affront; she interrupted him.
"Is it because you like him Gary? Do you want Ash all for yourself?" Misty asked with a sarcastic tone. Taking a step closer, Gary immediately blushed, but Misty easily read him.
"So you like Serena then?" She asked, taking another step closer, and Gary glared in her direction.
"Stop that!" He hissed; putting up his arms. It wasn't that either. So, Misty stared him down, her jaw locked tight.
"no, you stop! Grow up, Oak, it's none of your damn business what they do. For that matter, it's none of my business. God knows if I was in her shoes this would be the last thing I would want from my friends. If I can admit that, why the hell can't you?" She pointed at him, worked up from the conversation, and Gary sighed, defeated. It felt like she was scolding him—and it was he, who lost this match.
"Jeez, look at the mature Misty. Isn't that fun?" he flopped back down into his seat, and picked at his dinner roll- but Misty follow, she just folded her arms and leered at him.
"That's what growing up does." She cracked, looking down at her feet.
Not knowing what else to say, silence fell between them. Gary still didn't want to walk into the room of Ash's travel companions, and Misty still didn't feel comfortable enough to leave the kitchen. So, they remained in a silent stupor for some time until Gary stood back up, pushing out his seat with an upset howl. He rubbed the back of his neck, as if it would relieve his stress. "I guess it's not my place to say anything to him, anyways."
"No, it's not." Misty added quickly and before she knew it, she was staring up at Gary's eyes. Like Ash, Gary was an assortment and some taller than she was now. His shoulders were broader, and his cheeks were no longer ridden with baby fat. His eyes, however, they still read clear and bold who he was, and Misty glared into them.
Lightning formed between his dark emerald eyes, and her teal. Her breath hitched in her chest as she exhaled—and for the first time, she understood upset nature-
It didn't last though, not with Gary—it never does. Mischief flashed in his eyes.
He glanced for only a second to the open kitchen door behind Misty, and then he darted forward; and as if it was as easy and as natural as tying a shoe, he pressed his lips against hers. An unwelcome, wet kiss. He tasted like bread, and Misty nearly gagged.
One of his arms wrapped around her waist, and the other on the back of her head, dragging her in closer. Her arms became limp, but her hands were like hammers by the time her brain registered what was happening. With all the force she could muster in such limited space, she thrust her palms against his chest to push him away.
"You Jerk!" She screamed loudly, and with one quick movement her palm came down hard over his left cheek. She slapped him and watched his head spin to the side. Even still, he was grinning, the bastard was grinning—and that only made her more furious...
She puffed up her chest, as if she were about to attack him—but he quickly pointed at the kitchen door while holding his raw face.
When she turned to look, there stood an all but happy Ash. Both hands were on the door frame, like he had walked in as a giddy kid, but all he found was betrayal. His mouth fell ajar at what he had seen but his body twisted even faster. He bumped whomever followed him out of the way, and cleared the area in record time.
"Ash where are you going?" she heard Serena call after him, but he was long gone. Misty stood completely stunned when May stepped into the kitchen in Ash's place. She blinked between Gary and Misty and furrowed her eyebrows lightly while watching them; she clearly missed what had happened between them; so Misty composed herself quickly.
"What happened?" May asked, pointed between the two older friends, and Misty's teeth started to grind. Her cheeks betrayed her with an intense color of red—but she wasn't sure if that was the anger, or the shock causing her to blush. And then she turned at him, trembling in anger.
"I will deal with you later." She whispered low, cutting his smirk short.
"What was that about me being wrong?" He seemed so confident with his cute pout-so proud of himself, and it only made her blood boil... but he wasn't worth it.
So she forced a smile with all the will power she could manage while forcing the blush down deep into her mind. While she side stepped around May, she licked her lips, as if ridding herself of the taste of Gary-bread without making it blatantly obvious to May; whom she quickly returned to normal for.
"What was wrong with Ash?" Misty questioned while acting innocent. Trying to turn the conversation whilst she was walking towards the exit. She wasn't really interested in May's answer as she brushed May's arm just a bit as she left. May was stunned, confused.
"Oh, I'm not sure—I thought you knew?" She pointed at Gary while calling after the fleeing Misty. "When did he get here?" She called after Misty, but she was already gone down the hall way.
Misty followed after Serena and Ash, who were heading towards the back deck. She hadn't thought about what she would say, or do. OR anything! She had no idea why Ash even reacted the way that he did; and while her heart pounded violently in her chest, threatening to escape. She couldn't' stop reminding herself of her journeys, phone conversations, letters, and over all friendship with Ash. She wasn't supposed to feel like this, and she cursed Gary and his actions.
It wasn't supposed to be like this. Not for her. She was over this—past this years ago! SO why now? Why now?!
Her feet took her before her brain could even register what was happening. She was at the door in a rushed moment, clinging to the doorknob for dear life. She sucked in the air around her, and then a suddenly, evil chill reigned fire down her spine.
What would she even do? Walk in there, explain herself, and then leave quickly? Explain what? What did she have to even explain—she didn't know why Ash reacted the way that he did; and so confused for the first time, and on the verge of a break, she placed her head down against the door; and stared out through the thin blinds. Rational thought, and fear came crashing back into her body with such a force, the strength in her legs almost gave way: she could hear the uncomfortable talking between Ash and Serena.
That's right, Serena was in there; she was there with Ash, talking with Ash; helping him, comforting him. Many, many years ago, Misty was replaced; and today, this fact was no different.
With a heavy heart, Misty let go of the door knob, letting the cold metal slip from her flesh. She backed away from the door slowly.
It wasn't her job to comfort Ash, it wasn't. Serena was already there. From beyond the sheer curtains, she could see the image of them beyond—and knew the position all to familiar because of her shows on TV. Serena had leaned up to once again kiss him. Misty shut her eyes, and turned her whole body away from the scene. She felt sick—almost disgusted. She swallowed hard as she traced her steps back slowly to the kitchen.
"Why didn't I tell him?" She questioned inwardly, and felt the pit of her stomach, and the swell of her emotions rise. That could have very well been her—but as she slapped her face, she knew that it could never be her. Ash would have rejected her. Remembering that, she straightened her back again, and exhaled.
"Stop being a drama queen." She spoke aloud while picking up her pace. She would take this time to talk with May now. At least reminiscing with an old friend would be fun.
However, at the entrance of the kitchen, a surprised Gary stared back at her—he did this on purpose, he knew that yelling would attract the attention of Ash, and then her did that heinous thing just to...to... with a low, and vicious growl, she glared at him; she was so pissed that steam could rise from her ears, but as she opened her mouth to tear into Gary, a low sob sprayed from the kitchen. Mistys head spun.
"When did they start dating?" May said aloud, and Misty's face softened greatly, as did Gary's. He looked like legitimate shit, knowing well he was the one that told May, and caused this reaction.
"Okay, you were right. It's not as simple as I thought." He whispered, looking in on May, who seemed soulless as she looked at her hands resting on the table
Author's Note: I realized I made an error last chapter- I meant Gary, not Dawn. Dawn is coming soon however. I was writing the chapter she was in when I was editing chapter 7. My bad.
Also.. Did... did I ever mention I'm a partial ego-shipper? -laughs- Add a little bit of drama... and wah-la! There will be drama I demandz it. Deeeeerrrmmaaaaa! Also... I have this really, really unnerving feeling that this chapter is going to cause some major flamage. Good luck me?
Sorry for the late update. Life is unfortunately more important.