Spitfire, Chapter 15: The reason

Ash circled a small table that he placed the bottle of champagne on top. He would not be giving a speech. Not today. He wasn't feeling up for it. Besides, he eyed the party go-ers again, Iris and Cilan still weren't here. His gaze turned back over to Misty, who was engrossed in a conversation with Tracey, and Ash fell entranced to moments ago.

Once Misty and Ash returned to the surface of the party; they were both quickly engrossed in something other than each other. Their talk outside left Ash feeling strangely light, mostly in the stomach area. Ash was better versed on relationship ideals: he needed to understand what he liked about Serena, and if it was a romantic feeling. A special feeling. He could tell when they parted that beneath Misty's green eyes, she already knew the answer that Ash wanted to hear—but being who she was—she would make Ash figure it out himself. Misty wasn't fond of telling him what to do, just telling him how to get there... and right now, it seemed like a pretty slippery slope. No matter what he concluded, in his mind, even though Misty had told him not to do it; someone was going to get hurt. Perhaps that was his reasoning behind dodging around the situation so much; he knew what he knew deep down, and the answer was already there staring him straight in the face.

...He simply wasn't ready to face it. Not yet.

Whether it be him, Serena, or the 'someone else' that Misty warned him about; he didn't see this ending pretty. And that rocked the normally light hearted pokemon trainer's foundation and core. He always wanted all of his friends to be together happily, and now as they grew older and further apart, not only did his dreams seem further, so did his 'happily together'.

Before they parted ways, Misty had squeezed his shoulder, and it hadn't stopped burning where she touched it. Like she put some kind of curse on him. It had always felt that way when she touched him, bumped him, or spoke with him. A part of her burned significantly onto his skin whether he wanted it to or not, it always left a mark. He touched the spot with his own hand while turning to face the party. Even from a full room length away, he could still make out the reminiscence of her rosy fragrance hiding the daft reminiscence of black licorice stained into her red hair. It made his skin crawl with questions, but most of all it scared him.

Over the last couple of days, he had become overly aware of all the females around him; so while a part of him worried that perhaps he did share some infatuation with Misty, he worried more what that meant about the other girls that he knew. Typically, he didn't think he was a ladies man, but what if his infatuation with Misty didn't end there; what if there was some connection between him and other girls? What if all those years with Brock damaged him in some way? His heart pumped behind his chest and he had to rip his gaze away, facing the floor.

"Oh Mew, help me." He muttered under his breath while dipping his head backwards until a small thump brought him spiraling back to his issue. Usually, he didn't like to sit and think; he was a firm believer that everything works itself out in the end, and that so long as he tried his hardest, everything would be fine. However, he was convinced this situation wouldn't end like that.

He and Serena were dating.

While that shouldn't have been such a big deal, he felt an overwhelming amount of judgment upon it being mentioned, to the point that he would excuse himself from conversations; laugh nervously, and change the subject. When Tracey brought it up Ash's first day in town, Ash nearly had a heart attack. Telling his mom was no easy task, either. Actually, had he told his mom or had Serena? He couldn't remember. The idea still disturbed him deeply.

Maybe it was because he wasn't ready for a relationship? Misty talked about them like they were magical, but he felt the furthest thing from magical; he felt deflated. Once before he had thought that maybe these feelings stirred because he didn't want to be in a relationship; but that wasn't the case, either. He wasn't a child anymore, as so many people tried to implore. He was almost eighteen, and he didn't skip puberty. He knew very well what girls were and why they were attractive. He also knew that certain things would make a teenage boy act strange, and even more how to avoid said instances. Avoiding females and acting oblivious was the easiest method. Because of his ignorance, no one ever suspected that Ash knew anything. But really, with a companion like Brock following him around for a little over five years; how could anyone expect him to not know what was so special about females? He knew why he was attracted to females; but being physically attracted and emotionally attracted were entirely different aspects of the mind.

Thus was the reason he asked Misty for advice about romance instead of Brock. While his friend knew a lot, Brock was sometimes blind-sided by his own perverse ways. Unfortunately, that was simply who Brock was, and would always be, as Misty pointed out once in the past.

Even so, the advice that Misty presented Ash with about his current situation was twice as confusing as what he already knew. He knew the differences between "like" and "like", though Ash didn't understand why she didn't use the word "love" instead. Wouldn't her comparison have been easier to simply say love and like? Or was there a difference between like and love? He scratched his head under his hat, and slowly bumped it off his head to adjust it. No, he was pretty sure the like Misty talked about was directly referenced to love; she just didn't use the word. Women were complicated. Misty, was complicated.

He turned his eyes forward, looking once again at Misty, who he caught this time talking with May briefly before her conversation with Tracey began. How did he feel about Serena? What was that feeling in his stomach when he thought about her? Why was he dating her? These were all great questions that Ash had no answers to; and perhaps that should have been his biggest clue: but he felt so guilty for feeling that way. Serena was a wonderful companion, and she had many traits that Ash admired; but when he thought about her, he mostly felt frustrated pins in his stomach. The same thing happened when he really took the time to think about Misty. While Serena's frustration was faceless, Ash's frustration with Misty was plagued by Gary's lips. Ash sighed deeply, gaining no attention to himself, everyone was engrossed in their own conversations, and probably hadn't realized that he had returned to the party just yet. He was usually so chipper and loud, people wouldn't have to look for him. Maybe everyone was waiting for that Ash? But his relationship had him occupied.

His relationship, he echoed in his mind, rubbing his temples with one hand. He and Serena were, well, that was it. They simply were. Two people who simply existed beside each other, but he was sure that wasn't how two people were supposed to feel about one another when they were in a relationship. Serena didn't feel that way or maybe she did, he wasn't even sure, and he couldn't think about talking about it with her. Secretly, Ash still hoped that the kiss was really just a joke and or an over-excited Serena got carried away, but as his eyes turned to look at Serena chatting with his mother, he was once again reminded that was not the case. Serena kissed him so devotedly when she had the opportunity, and Ash was positive that wasn't normal for friends. Maybe his problem all along was that he wasn't clear enough.

Ash was always bad about being clear about himself when it came to other people. While he looked at the blonde haired woman; he thought once again to himself what Misty advised him.

What in the world did he like about Serena that made her special? Physically, she was gorgeous, she had everything in the right place. Her short hair complimented her frame, the light pinks and reds that she wore brought out her bright blue eyes. She was toned enough to look like a model, but not overly skinny. A little on the shorter side, but none the less, still adorable. Ash knew in ways of looks, someone would have to be crazy to think that Serena wasn't attractive, however; he still felt detached from her. Looking at her, his chest ached like he had been stuck under water for hours, at the same time, he felt frustrated and his eyes narrowed dangerously. Guilt piled with anger? He wasn't positive, but that's what it felt like. Far from the heart-felt giddy feelings Misty expressed.

Ash sighed, baring his eyes to the floor once more. It wasn't the situation he was in that was confusing; it was his emotions. By the book, Ash should have been sealed with Serena, but something wasn't right. The idea of dating wasn't entirely new to him; it was a thought he had tossed around playfully in his mind a couple of times over the years; getting a girlfriend...only, when he envisioned finally having one, he didn't think it would be someone like Serena. That sounded horrible, even when he thought about it, and felt ashamed for having even thought of such a thing. Especially since Serena seemed so devoted to the relationship that he was already one foot out the door of.

She was, according to the book; the perfect girlfriend. She smiled at him; supported him, fed him, and defended him. She was sweet, rarely yelled, spoke kindly to him, viewed him as a hero, and needed a strong lead. She had amazing qualities; the only problem was that something just felt so off. Like she was too perfect. Maybe that guilty feeling was because he didn't think that he was good enough for her? Internally, Ash was ripping his hair out, borderline crazy over thinking so much as the quote Misty made earlier set off alarms in his head: "Seems like most of the girls you've met."

Retracing his momentary silence, everyone around him was doing their own thing; instinctively giving him all the time he needed to figure this out. It was like the moment before he threw out his last pokemon during the Kalos league championship. He paused to devise a plan, and then hooked the bait. In that small time frame, he made many decisions, plans; why would this situation be any different? So, he decided to close his eyes subjectively. He needed to address the situation differently; put aside his guilt for a moment, aside his anger and confusion; and simply look. At Everything.

When he reopened his eyes, he gazed at Serena, only this time, he watched everything. The way her short, blonde hair bounced when she got excited over something. The certain curl of her mouth that she had when she was only smiling to impress. However, her eyes would still light up in the sweetest way. Even if her smile was fake, her eyes were like windows into her soul. He could always tell when she would get jealous of other girls, angry, or determined from her eyes. She was always very pristine up front; but her eyes told another story. She wore the lightest trace of make up over her skin—mostly eye shadow and liner. He gnawed the inside of his cheek. For the occasion, she ditched her typical hat, and had clips in her hair to keep her bangs out of her face.

He liked her short hair... at least he thought that he did until... Ash touched his face at that, until what? What was he thinking? He envisioned a pony tail flipping in the wind and had to shake his head quickly to refocus. She wasn't in the poncho dress with the blue ribbon today; no, she wore the ribbon around her neck, and a tight fitting, shoulder-less top, that had ties that went up and around her neck like arms. It accented her chest well; so while she didn't actually have a lot to show, it made them look... He blushed and touched the brim of his hat, and shook his head; feeling a searing blush cover his cheeks—Don't be a pervert, Ash, he told himself swiftly before mentally clearing his throat.

She wore a red, pleated skirt, tight around the waist; much like the one she used to wear. Under that, a set of black tights, and finally a set of red slip on shoes. She looked really pretty tonight, he wondered to himself if he had ever told her that? But in her own, girlish way, she didn't look attractive to him. She was attractive, yes, but not...

God, was he gay? Fear traced into his eyes, and he did a quick once over all of the men in the room; and then sighed; if he was, he wasn't attracted to the ones present; so he figured that he was safe. Breathing a sigh of relief, he looked at Serena until from the corner of his eyes another conversation caught his attention. It was Dawn talking with Gary. Probably nothing good was going on there, Gary always had a way of ruining things. He could feel his blood boiling just looking at Gary. What he did to Misty was just too much. He had no right to kiss her without her permission—that's like wha.. His mind blanked out for a moment glancing briefly at Serena, and then he shook his head as his eyes fell silently on Dawn. His head tilted slightly.

"Was her skirt always that short?" he mentally questioned to himself and then narrowed his eyes. If she bent over in that thing right now, he was sure that the world would be getting a nice look at everything. He had to laugh a little, how embarrassing would that be? Unlike the rest of the females present, she hadn't changed her attire to come to his party; she still wore the same black and pink outfit, with pink boots and a blue scarf. If he had asked her, he was sure that she would respond by telling him that her fashion sense was good everywhere. This made him chuckle aloud; and a sense of warmth radiated inside of his belly as he thought about Dawn. She was truly one of his best friends; she was funny, had a pranking side, and she always had fun—she was also determined like a tauros. Ash admired that. He observed the way her eyebrows knit together when she and Gary were talking. He was telling her something of importance, Ash thought, but Dawn didn't believe him. Her hands were on her hips, jaw cocked and mouth in a half-smirk half-frown. The look she gave someone when she knew that she was right.

But when he looked at Dawn, it wasn't a shortness of breath, instead, it was a slight tickle in the back of his throat that made him want to approach and make fun with her. She was like a leader, likeable, and relate-able... So...

Why wasn't he attracted to her?

He was, to some point, he thought; she had all of his favorite traits, she was like him in a lot of ways, and they were very supportive of one another. But it wasn't a sensation that made him excited and lightheaded, and short winded...

It was almost the same feeling as when he talked with Brock. He rubbed his stomach gently and had to turn away from Dawn. He spun his head until it settled on Misty; he blinked, and then quickly looked around again. May was no where in sight, so he turned his gaze to Misty once again. Her arms were folded and she was shaking her head vehemently, and pointing over at Ash, who blinked in response. Without missing a beat, she returned her argument full force, and Ash could see Tracey shrug his shoulders in defeat. Misty clasp him on the shoulder the same way she had done for Ash only moments ago; and once again, the spot where she had touched him burned. Like he did when he saw Serena, Ash felt a burst of strange emotions when he looked at Misty. Unlike those however, the emotions that hit him when he looked at Misty felt more like a wrecking ball into his gut, with sharp, debilitating spikes, and he wasn't sure why.

Out of everyone around him, Misty had changed the most since he last saw her. As stated in her own words "Four years is a long time".

Her hair was long now, but tied up in a loose, almost sloppy ponytail. Her attire wasn't insanely different, a yellow tank top; dark jeans and red sneakers; it was her physical disposition that had changed the most. She had strong, broad shoulders; a thin, muscular waist, and he could only assume the same from her legs. She looked like an athlete—like she spent a little more time than she would care to admit, swimming. Her posture was edgy, not floaty, and she looked tomboyish, not girly. However; in the way she tossed light make-up over her eyes and smiled; she looked feminine. He could imagine that if she let her hair down, put on something a little more showy; she would look just like one of her sisters; elegant and sophisticated. Only, he knew that she would never do that. Misty stated more than once in their years traveling together that she feared ever becoming like her sisters.

...but Ash wondered if she was trying too hard; or if that was actually how she really was. Mature and temperamental... the weirdest thing was that he didn't know anymore. The same guilt he felt for Serena was shared with Misty. But it was a different guilt. While his guilt and shame over Seren was a turmoil of confusion; Misty's was fleshed out and left a hole in his gut.

Ash didn't know her anymore, and it was his fault. He stopped calling her, stopping writing, and at some point, even stopped thinking about her. By all means, he felt like she shouldn't have even felt the need to show up, and yet here she was; and it made everything so strange. Over the years, he had kept in contact with May and Dawn occasionally because of their constant relevance in contests—it was easy to keep in touch because they were on television all the time; but Misty, she was like a turtle, shelled away in a town too far away for a short visit to Pallet Town, and just close enough for Ash to believe they would run into each other without any effort put in.

Even still, when something in his life spiraled uncontrollably, he would be lying if he said the first person he thought of wasn't Misty. Even when Serena kissed him, the person he wanted to vent to and ask a billion questions was Misty. Maybe it was because he looked up to her in a way that he didn't view other girls? May was always more like a student, Dawn was like his equal, and Iris was like a kid; just like him. That much he knew. Misty on the other hand couldn't be pressed into a defined box. She was occasionally like a mentor, other times like a student, at times a rival and often a confidant and support system. Not only that, she was always the hardest pressed to inform Ash that "romance" was more important than battling and Ash should learn about it. Finally, nearly eight years later, did that finally ring true.

A swirl of distress poured into his heart and he, without thinking about it started off from the wall to talk with her again; to make some connection that he had lost over the years. Yeah, he just spilled his guts about his insecurities with Serena to her; but what had he really asked her since she came back? He hardly talked with her since she arrived unless they were poking fun at one another; mostly he was so wrapped up in his own mind and Serena that he had forgotten his manners.

She was a walking, talking enigma and it confused him. She didn't throw mallets at people, she didn't complain about the peppers and carrots at the table. She hardly complained at all; nothing like she used to. In many, most ways, she was everything like she used to be; and in other ways, she was so different. He didn't always know what to say, didn't know if he should joke, or be serious; in fact, he over thought most things when she was around—how he was standing, what he was wearing; if he had any food on his face. When he looked at her, he had the sudden urge to brag about his accomplishments to dig for some type of compliment from the gym leader that he didn't want from other people. As he stuck out his arm to indicate a hello to Tracey, who was starting to wave back as Misty turned to face him; May interfered.

For only a moment, Misty's cerulean green eyes reached Ash's chestnut ones, and she gave him a brief smile before returning to her conversation. Ash could feel a blush sting his features while May took his arm and starting yapping at him and leading him away from the living room of guests. His eyes didn't move from her back, and the blush didn't disappear until he turned the corner and the rocks alleviated from his guts. He wanted to rush back into the living room and do something, anything to get her attention; and that idea mortified him. Wasn't he past immature debauchery at his age? Why did he suddenly feel like a small child again.

WONDERFUL, not only was he confused about Serena, Misty just had to be thrown into the mix as well!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXO

He hadn't been listening to May until food was mentioned.

"Let's go get something to eat! I'm starving, aren't you?" She asked excitedly, hurriedly, like she was desperate and trying to complete something before she backed out. It was the same look she had when she was nervous about a contest. Ash stared at her with brief confusion and then shrugged gently.

"I suppose so." he said, feeling all of his thoughts derail completely. He almost reached his goal to finally come to an understanding with himself, but it was lost—derailed and destroyed.

"I mean, dinner was amazing. But have you tried your mothers pot stickers? They're amazing." May cooed happily, catching Ash off guard; he chuckled a little. They always shared the same love of food.

"Yes, I used to live here May. Is that where you ran off to, the kitchen?" he half joked naturally and May pursed her lips.

"You noticed I was gone?" She questioned, fluttered her eyes at him; Ash made a mental note of that, and then forced a smile. He had an uneasy feeling about this.

"Yeah, you were talking with Misty a minute ago."

"Oh, you didn't hear anything did you?" She asked quickly, too quickly, an Ash became suspicious.

"No, why? Are you two plotting something?" He asked leering toward her, and May shrugged with a giggle. She pulled him into the kitchen and dropped him off at the door where she then took off to grab some stickers from the counter; she grabbed one for him and one for herself. But paused for a moment to exhale. She was overly energetic, it almost seemed forced.

"Don't be silly. Misty is just helping me through some stuff."

"Is there something bothering you?" He was concerned, now that he thought about it May did seem pretty distressed while she talked.

"Oh.."She said, and blushed lightly at his concern. "I just needed some advice."

"Seems like Misty is giving out a lot of that lately." Ash joked and May frowned at him and narrowed her eyes slightly.

"What do you mean?" She smirked and Ash shrugged.

"I asked her for advice not even ten minutes ago. Life is confusing, don't you know?" he chuckled while ripping his pot sticker into two pieces and eating one half. May smiled at him, but it wasn't a normal smile, it was a crooked smile—like she had been thinking about something and was trying really, really hard not to just scream it to the world. She almost looked like she was in pain.

"Was it about girls?" May asked. "More specifically, about one girl?" She fluttered her eyes at Ash, and his face dead panned. Did...did Misty tell?

"...yes it was. Did she tell you anything?" He asked, feeling slightly betrayed and leaning forward just enough so that he had a clear look of May's eyes. She paused briefly, and Ash could see the frustration pent up in her eyes. She wasn't asking questions to get information, but to create small talk; finally, the frustration poured out, and a decision was made in her eyes. He knew that look all to familiar now, and it caused a brief panic to form in his chest.

"Enough." May shuddered, and that crooked smile turned into pursed lips; and Ash realized the danger he was in.

May's lips were on his, with half chewed food still in his mouth. It was a weirder sensation than when Serena kissed him—like he was kissing his own sister; or worse, his mother. His eyes bugged out as he ripped himself away quickly. Much to May's, and his surprise, she held her lips in actual fear. Ash was fearful, fearful for his life. May looked absolutely horrified, disgusted even. She shook her head and stared to wipe her mouth with her hand to try and remove the taste of his lips from her. Seemed to him like the kiss wasn't to her liking. It obviously wasn't to his. He almost spit out his food.

Did everyone go CRAZY when he left?! He opened his mouth to say something; but a strong gasp from the open doorway of the kitchen made Ash recoil. Oh no, ooooooh no; this just went from bad to super awful. This was just his luck!

"You, you! How could you, May!?" Serena shrieked from the kitchen doorway, but May's pale, almost disgusted features popped her hands up before Serena could even step forward.

"I was..I...uahm." She looked from Ash, to Serena with an almost puke-worthy expression; "..Misty said..." May started, but that was all Serena had heard before she threw up her arms.

"That! ...That! That witch!" Serena called drastically and took off.

"uh-oh." Ash said, intensely worried while May darted forward to try to grab Serena, but the blonde was already gone.

"Wait! That's not what I meant!" May yelled and took off after Serena. Ash was right behind her, but Serena had already made it to the living room before they reached the entry.

XOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXO

"Misty!" Serena called; breaking up the conversation Misty was having with Tracey. Misty, feeling a great disturbance from Serena turned around right as Serena was toe to toe with her; raising her hand, and bringing it straight along Misty's left cheek. A loud crack echoed through the room, worse than Serena's blood curdling scream, and Misty's head snapped right. Ash had to think that while Serena was small, she had a hell of a slapping hand..only, could it have been anyone worse?

"Oh no, Ash, do something. I messed up-" May tried but a demonic voice lurched from the fireplace.

"Back. Off." Misty's voice turned to venom; effectively freezing the rest of the room, and causing Delia to stop the music from playing in the back ground. Ash was sure that if it was humanly possible, Misty's eyes would have turned red in rage. Her cheek was red, and slightly puffy as she honed in on Serena, who didn't back down at all.

"What right did you have to tell May to kiss Ash!? I thought we were friends and then you...you!" Serena yelped, and at that point Misty lost it—or, almost. She twitched, she adjusted herself; and then she pushed Serena backwards; almost knocking her heels over t-kettle.

"I" she placed emphasis, "Said no such thing!" Her words were loud and pitchy, and at this point; while Ash and May were frozen in fear, Brock intervened between the two girls.

"Then why did she s-"

"GET OVER YOURSELF!" Misty shrieked back before Serena could speak. Misty finally snapped and Ash had a moment to sit back and say "oh, there's the temper." mentally, but knew that it was no time to make jokes. Misty held her swelling cheek with her hand while glaring at Serena. A mixed look of confusion and devastation written across her face. "I told May to do what she thinks feels right! That if she thinks that there is a solution to her problem, then she should find one because I don't have one for her!"

"It's true!" May spoke in Misty's defense, then quickly covered her mouth. Misty looked at her, though not angrily and then raised her hands in defeat. The rage drained from her eyes when she made brief eye contact with the jet-black haired boy. Ash watched carefully; Misty was shaking like a leaf, trembling. He could tell that she wanted to scream. A sad young adult like the rest of them; thrust into the middle of a bad situation because Ash did something stupid. Or May, he wasn't quite sure yet whose fault this one was.

"I.." Misty exhaled, regaining some of her composure after her temper flare, "I am so done." Misty shoved Brock hard for him to let go of her, and then stormed out of the room; only, she went the long way through the swarm of people, intentionally avoided Ash and May who stood with mouths jarred at the door. Gary was after her in a heartbeat, angering Ash; but he knew that he was not allowed to leave right now to see if Misty was okay. No, his place where here; only, he didn't know what he should do. Maybe leaving was the best option?

Should he act? What should he do? What was the best way to solve this? Should he rush in to check on Serena? Rescue her from the ground? No, that didn't seem like the right idea either, in fact, maybe that made his entire situation a little bit easier; and he felt even worse for thinking about it like that.

It was Bonnie and Clemont that rushed in to grab Serena from the center of the room.

"It's fine! It's all cool! Just some fun antics; pranks; fake drama, just go back to what you were doing. Thank you!" Bonnie cried in an announcer like way, and then slowly escorted Serena out of the room, cutting between May and Ash; who were the guilty party in the room. Serena didn't look up from her shaded eyes when she passed Ash; and if it was possible to feel like shit—he did three times more so. Everyone was looking at him like it was his and May's fault, and he couldn't help but crack the slightest, uncomfortable smile.

The sixth person to leave, however, was Drew, who stood shocked during the ordeal until his senses came ringing back into his brain, and he stepped down and escorted himself out of the living room the same way that Misty and Gary had. May didn't hesitate like Ash had though. Instead; she withdrew herself quickly.

"Drew!" She called after him, chasing him out of the house with an abrupt door slam following both parties.

All eyes were on him again; Dawn's included; she looked actually pretty petrified at Ash's response, because he didn't know what to do. It was just silence and strange, flabbergasted looks. Dawn elbowed Brock; who looked at her.

"Hahhaha." Brock started and then Dawn started to laugh as well; slapping her knee for added effects.

"That was our skit! Our reenactment of Journey Stories, played weeknights on PFC! Surprise!" Dawn shouted, taking the center of the floor with Brock in tow.

"That was to wrap up the game night! We will pick everything back up after a brief intermission!" Brock laughed as they made their way to Ash. Both nudged him and he gave a very unconverted agreement. "Yeah, we planned it weeks ago." Ash added, looking nervously between Brock and Dawn.

"Why didn't you say something!" Delia shouted, because honestly; wasn't this all to protect Ash from his mother? If Delia knew half the events that had taken place in the last 24 hours, she might have actually been devastated, or disappointed. Brock and Dawn moved to prevent this from happening. They didn't want Delia to ever think less of Ash.

"I could have made costumes! Tell everyone to get back in here so I can take pictures!" Delia squeaked, though Professor Oak looked at Ash deadpanned; as did Tracey. Ash shrugged and then quickly turned around to leave the room.

There was nothing more he could do...at least, not yet. The best thing he could do was run away and bury his shame as quickly as possible. Maybe bury himself in a hole. Not even the quick jolt of Pikachu popping on his shoulder made the hole in his stomach lessen.

Not only was he pretty positive that he wasn't supposed to be dating Serena. The break was not a clean one. The break, was that his solution after all? He shook his head trying to clear it while Dawn started to bat him for answers. Damn it, which drama story did he get himself stuck in?

Internally, he wanted to apologize to Misty; not only did he break his promise to be careful-he successfully hurt not only himself and Serena; but May, Drew, and even Misty.

"...Fuck." Ash grunted while Brock and Dawn reamed Ash up the stairs and into his room to talk about the incident.