Spitfire, Chapter 32: We hate goodbyes
The next morning, Serena woke up not much like she had any other morning. Stiff, cranky, and a little pissed off. Bonnie had already gotten dressed and showered before Serena even thought about getting out of bed, and was off to celebrate with her boy-crush Max down stairs; who she wouldn't see again for awhile. Normally, Serena would have been happy about Bonnie's newly discovered love interest. Normally, she thought herself to be quite the morning person. Normally Serena was a very happy, approachable individual, but today, today she was sour. Sour about everything, namely romance, but that was everything. She spent years of her life hallucinating what it would be like if she ever met 'that one boy from her childhood' again. And when she finally did, it didn't happen the way she imagined it all those years.
How he would be cunning, heroic, and dashing; and would sweep her off her feet and they would ride off into the sunset together. Ash was her hero, and had been forever. Originally, she believed that Ash was all of those things—brave, kind, heroic, dashing in his own way, and he swept her feet out from under her; only, unlike her imaginative Ash, he didn't catch her.
She licked her lips as she gathered her clothes together, as well as some stray ones that had been tossed around the room she shared with May, Dawn and Bonnie during her visit. She had showered the night previously in order to wash away the remaining salty tears from her cheeks, and turned in a few hours earlier than the rest of the party-goers who stayed up until however-late-o'clock. Serena was exhausted, and seeing Ash and Misty together-even though she could see that they both carefully avoided public displays of affection for whatever reason—made her so...so angry. She had broken down before bed, and gone so far as to cut up the blue ribbon that Ash gave her.
Some 'special' gift that was. It was probably nothing more than a last minute thought after all. He had no affection for her at all; she was just too blinded by her own that she couldn't see that he didn't feel the same way.
She brushed her hair gently while running some hair gel through its strands to give it a straighter look. Serena swore under her breath, listening to the clanking of plates and laughter from down stairs. Everyone, even those who had a house to go back to stayed last night, and a part of her believed that a few of them might have even stayed up all night. After Tracey's announcement, the living room turned into a cesspool of memories, stories and happy moments as they talked about what was next for the older man. Serena couldn't do that, though, she couldn't be apart of that when she, herself was so torn up. She felt sick and tired, and she wanted to go home.
...Which thankfully was happening today. Monday started the new week, which meant that at some point this morning, everyone would be gone; and the house would be empty as the party came to a close. Originally, Ash was supposed to be traveling back to Kalos with her, but now, after everything that happened, she didn't want to travel with him; even the thought of it petrified her.
It wasn't that she hated Ash now; no, she would always love him, and that was what made this all the more difficult. It was that she had to distance herself in order to move on. She couldn't grovel in her own selfish desires. She needed to move on... she just didn't want to. Instead, she tried for a time last night to hate Misty, but couldn't phantom that, either. Surely Misty didn't hate Serena when Serena dated Ash; so surely Serena should not hate her. But damn it, she strongly disliked the red-head; if only because she stole the love of her life. Serena gulped slightly, pulling on a long-sleeve pink shirt, and a black skirt. She didn't bother with make-up; she had no one left to impress.
For a moment while Serena tugged on her black leggings and mid-calf cowboy boots, she wondered if this feeling of twisted discomfort and aggravation was something the Cerulean City Gym Leader had already gone through? Misty had nerves of steel, and didn't seem to mind Serena too much at the start; so she wondered why it was that Misty hadn't said something to Ash before. What made her so much better than Serena? She just didn't get it! Maybe if Ash and Serena were separated for while like Misty and Ash were; he would realize what he missed out on, and come back to her? She sighed; it was this kind of thinking that would drive her nuts.
Serena raked her hand through her short hair, fluffing it up as she looked around Ash's room which was only a few hours ago full of females and sleeping bags; was now empty. She exhaled, and flipped on her red hat as she shouldered her bag and started into the hallway. The smell of fresh cooked ham and gravy wafted through the air, inciting her hunger, but she would remain firm that she was ready to leave, and would eat once she was on the train home.
Which brought her to her next question, were Clemont and Bonnie coming with her? Technically, Bonnie and Clemont had started their journey with Ash—not Serena. A look of worry washed over her features as she stepped on the first step, listening to the sounds of Dawn already preparing her goodbyes while a very irritated looking Paul waited at the front door, checking his watch several times. It was early, but if what she learned about Paul over the last few hours was true; the man had the patience of a toddler, and was a very serious pokemon trainer.
"Dawn, are you sure you have to go?" May whined, holding her fork. Serena peeked into the kitchen without making her presence known to anyone other than Paul, whom she knew didn't gave a crap.
"Yes, Hoenn league competitions open tomorrow morning and I want to be the first to sign up!" Dawn said confidently, biting another piece of toast while she hugged Misty, who equally hugged her just as tightly back. Apparently, the two had bonded over the last couple of days; kudos.
Serena tried to bottle her bitterness. Dawn was very nice to Serea as well, though, Serena couldn't help but feel that Dawn undermined her by shopping with Ash. At some range, Ash's full emotional spectrum was only realized because Dawn set him up. Serena scorned that fancy idea; but she had to accept that Dawn was only doing what she thought was best for Ash. Even if Serena thought that it was all wrong.
"I visit the mirage kingdom in Hoenn once a month to visit my togetic there; when I'm around, I'll give you a call to see about that battle." Misty spoke determinedly as she separated from Dawn who grinned in response.
"And then I'll have won against all of Ash's former companions." Dawn winked at Misty who raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms.
"I wouldn't count on it." She grumbled in return while May threw up her arms.
"I'm in Hoenn right now, why don't we all go together!?" May squeaked happily, having just had the idea flash through her mind.
Ash grinned at this, having already eaten, he was sitting at the table with Misty beside him looking up at May. Serena detested that boyish smile of his right now, it made her cheeks go red, even now. Beside Serena, she heard Paul sigh deeply and crack his neck to one side at the mention of more companions; but Dawn waved May off.
"I think Paul would kill me, but if we run into each other I wouldn't turn the offer down!" Dawn echoed happily, elating a squeal of intense joy from May who grabbed Dawn's hands happily.
"Imagine the routines we could learn together." May sighed dramatically, eliciting one from Dawn as well.
"It would be like magic."
"...Aren't you two supposed to be, I don't know, rivals for the top-coordinator's spot?" Drew asked while sipping his coffee, May shot him a hateful glare while Dawn stuck her tongue out at the all-ready-one-of-top-coordinators of Hoenn and Kanto region. Iris snickered at this while sucking back another glass of orange juice. Brock and Cilan danced around the table like happy waiters, passing cooking stories around. Gary and Tracey traded money on the counter near the phone; Serena could only deduce that they were taking bets. On what? She had no idea.
"Just because we're rivals doesn't mean we can't practice together!" Dawn shouted in their defense, but Drew simply shrugged.
"That's probably why you lose so often to your opponents. They learn all of your techniques." He muttered skeptically, though he was only pushing the girls buttons, watching as May's face turned red in anger. She held her thumb downward towards him as Dawn cracked her knuckles and fire raged in their eyes.
"I think they've been around you too much..." Serena heard Ash mutter to Misty who snickered and shook her head as she went to grab her second mug of coffee. Not before touching his thigh though; and he didn't flinch! Ash did not flinch at he touch. Her face scrunched up; what was this?! Serena thought inwardly that it was Misty who hung around too much, not the other way around. She sighed at her own childish thoughts, and then leaned her back up against the wall, looking upward and away from the kitchen as she heard May go head-to-head with Drew in a playful banter.
Ash chose Misty over her; she, Ash's childhood friend. Didn't that mean they were destined to be together? She sighed dramatically and looked to the end of the stairs and plopped down on the last of them. Bonnie was still eating breakfast, so until they wrapped up; she would wait. She wasn't yet bitter enough just to run away; that would make Ash feel like crap, and Serena didn't want that. She really did want him to be happy—she just couldn't understand why it had to be with Misty. Sure, Misty might have been stronger than Serena, but the latter had better talents: Serena could cook, she could clean, she could sew, and dance and she had a wonderful sense of humor. She was a ryhorn racer, among other things she was considered one of the prettiest girls in all of KALOS region! What was so much better about Misty?
It couldn't have been the way she tied her hair back; no, Ash liked her even after it was cut. It couldn't be how she dressed; he never noticed her clothing unless someone else pointed it out. It couldn't be the way she stood up a little straighter than everyone else, or the way she appeared more athletic and fit than Serena; it was something else, but Serena couldn't wrap her head around it. Misty had no trait that Serena couldn't do better. The Kalos Princess was the embodiment of the perfect girlfriend for Ash; kind, loyal, and willing to do anything for him. A light went off in her head at the thought, and she grind her teeth a little. But why was it that Serena had to do anything for him? Why not the other way around?
She cast her eyes downward, realizing now that it would have been a tiresome relationship—she was nothing more than a trophy girlfriend. Serena sighed once again, feeling down about herself; perhaps Misty wasn't perfect and that was why Ash liked her so much; it ripped Serena to pieces to think that. She would never understand; but she had to. She knew it wasn't Misty's fault, and it was wrong the blame her; but she couldn't help herself.
Around the corner, leaving the living room with his light-blue jumpsuit on, Clemont kicked his shoes on the ground and adjusted his glasses. Usually the loudest one in their group, she noticed that out of everyone here, he remained the least talkative. He didn't seem to notice Serena standing near the kitchen door while he called for Bonnie who was sitting in the kitchen.
"Are you ready to go Bonnie?" Clemont hollered from the hallway, catching Serena's attention.
"Is Serena ready to go?" Bonnie chirped back, and Serena could hear her chair legs drag across the floor as she stood up to find Clemont standing on the hallway. Lo and behold, Bonnie was ready to go, sporting a new hairdo—a shorter one matching Misty's cut, and a new bag. She heard more chairs scooting across the floor and Serena's heart fluttered. At the question, Clemont looked towards the stairs to see Serena standing there, holding her bag's strap and then laughed lightly, pointing at her. For a moment, she felt normal; reminded at how wonderful her friends truly were.
"I guess so?" He asked, and she smiled gratefully at him, and then at Bonnie.
"Bonnie, what did you do to your hair?" Serena asked, having forgotten momentarily about her anguish.
"I told Misty last night that I was the one who cut her hair..." Bonnie fumbled guilty, "So I asked if Dawn would cut my hair like Misty's, and she did!"
"Isn't that a little drastic?" Serena chuckled, grinning at her shorter companion as around the corner her friends started to funnel in to say their goodbyes; even in her sadness and anger, their immense kindness befuddled her. The first to hug her was Dawn,
"It was so nice to meet you, Serena; I know you'll do wonderful things with your show casing." Dawn exhaled happily, backing up from Serena with look of appreciation. Dawn hugged everyone before she left, including those she didn't know very well; that was simply who Dawn was. Serena cracked a smile at Dawn, while May came up to hug her next, followed by Iris; then by Brock and Tracey, and finally from Max; Drew, Gary and Cilan nodded their goodbyes. While Ash and Misty fumbled slightly, unsure if they should even approach the girl. Unfortunately, as Dawn moved to the front door, the rest of the pack followed her; thus leaving Misty standing with her hands behind her back.
"I would give you a hug, but I don't wanna die..." Misty mumbled awkwardly, with a look of pure sympathy that made it really, really hard to stay mad.
Serena screamed inside; she wanted to tell Misty that she was a horrible person; that all of those nice things she said were a lie, that Misty stole Ash unfairly, and she didn't deserve him. Instead, Serena swallowed, and bound forward anyways, hugging the taller girl, much to Misty's surprise, and Ash's shock and horror; who physically jumped, expecting a cat fight that he would have to separate. The exchange caught the attention of those that were at the door, with one foot out; and stared timidly in the girls direction. Serena inhaled, feeling a slight rip in her heart heal when Misty awkwardly hugged her back. The older, and taller woman made Serena feel really small, but when she pulled away she still glared at Misty.
"If you hurt him, I swear I will find you." Serena growled threateningly, sending shocks through everyone else witnessing the scene. Surprisingly, the Cerulean Gym leader was in a fairly good mood, and extended her hand to shake Serena's calmly.
"I wouldn't expect anything else." Misty spoke honestly, matching her glare with one of determination. Serena cracked a sweet, smile.
A wave of relief washed over the group, grateful that no more hitting, or yelling, or cat fights were going to be apart of today. Bonnie passed between Misty and Serena to lure them apart while the rest of the group started in on their goodbyes. Bonnie hadn't needed to, however; Serena said all that she needed to say, and was proud of herself for not becoming pety.
"Why don't we walk to the train station together? It's on the way to the road leading to Hoenn." Dawn asked, looking at Serena as her face brightened.
Her heart, while crushed and stepped on moments ago, filled with joy and she looked down, feeling guilty that she spent so much time on Ash, rather than on making friends of her own. They were all so accepting of her, and it amazed her; even after what she tried to do. It didn't matter to her friends who she dated, they were all there to support her; even Misty. Ash was the one who chose in the end; and she couldn't hate him for that. She couldn't hate someone for how their heat felt.
She could feel tears pull at the sides of her eye, but she willed them away while she, Clemont, Bonnie, Dawn, and Paul exited through the front door. With Paul already gung-ho and half-way through the picket fence, Dawn waved her goodbyes at her friends; wishing the best of luck to Misty and Ash, much to their chagrin, and also to May and Drew; who only grinned at one another.
Clemont hugged Ash in an over the shoulder hug, though Serena hadn't caught what they said; instead, she watched while Bonnie gave an awkward, fleeting goodbye to Max, who looked sincerely bummed about separating from the only person around his age. She cracked the slightest of smiles watching him straighten his glasses after Bonnie brashly hugged the boy, much to Clemont's dislike.
"So, you're going back to Kalos then?" Ash's scratchy, deep voice echoed from beside her, pulling her away from her thoughtful gaze. She blinked at him once, as if not believing that he was talking with her, and then again, realizing that she was not dreaming; and instead smiled at him.
"Yeah, that's the only region where Show Cases exist." She suggested while straightening out her shirt, still feeling as anxious as ever around the boy; but she knew the feeling would pass. Someday.
"I know you'll do great." He said, facing her while closing his eyes happily. His face was full of so much color, and Serena had to kick herself for the amount of time she spent keeping that color away from him. She sighed happily.
"Thank you, Ash." She then abruptly hugged him, knocking his hat off of his head while he staggered. Slowly, he very gently returned the hug and pat her on the back;
"For everything." She muttered into his neck, making sure to keep the hug platonic, though she could tell from the accepting look on Misty's face that she wasn't upset. If anything, the three of them could agree that they just wanted things to be okay. But before that could ever happen, Serena needed time, and she needed space. Serena separated, and then pat her hands against their waist thoughtfully.
"The next time you guys see me, they'll be crowning me Kalos Queen!" She said matter-of-fact with a wink while raising her index finger, forcing the smile out, even if she wanted to cry. Leaving was scary, being heart broken was devastating, but what scared her the most was being on her own. Bonnie pumped up her fists beside her,
"And I'll be there to!" Bonnie chanted confidently, looking up at Serena and sharing a short high five.
"Man, it's going to be weird not traveling with you guys." Ash muttered while crossing his arms, exchanging the same words he shared with all of his companions.
"You'll manage." Clemont grinned, "Besides, with Kalos league down, you only have five more to go. Care for an invention to improve your chances?" Clemont asked while raising his eyebrow. Ash shook his head vehemently, and then took a step back, knowing how crazily violent Clemont's inventions could become. For a moment, everything was as it used to be, light hearted and humorous, but it wouldn't last.
"Hurry up you slow pokes!" Dawn screamed from the hill down the road, cupping her mouth with her hands to yell out to Serena and her group. Serena shared one last, fleeting glance with Ash and then Misty before smiling and saluting them as she ran off. Maybe today she wouldn't be okay, and may not tomorrow; but as Clemont and Bonnie waved their goodbyes to the trainers they left behind; she inhaled.
"Thank you! We'll see you all again someday!" Serena yelled, waving both arms before breaking off into a sprint towards Dawn.
Maybe, just maybe, it wasn't the end of something after all; but the beginning of something much greater, something larger than Serena could ever imagine—the beginning of her life; her journey. She inhaled the fresh country air one last time, embracing the life changing event. She had to be positive; she looked forward determined, racing right past Dawn; she had to be the very best.
XOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOX
Max didn't seem to recover after the group left; leaving the house felt very, very quiet for some time. He sat looking through his pokedex while tapping his foot against the groun. When Delia, Tracey and Gary left temporarily to get Professor Oak from the hospital, the rest of the trainers worked together to clean the house in her absence; leaving it spotless for Ash's mother who had been kind enough over the last three days to play host to a billion teenagers. They even mopped the floors and cleaned out the refrigerator. Max had tidied the living room, and put all the furniture back together as it once was, and picked up streamers and balloon pieces.
Finishing the chore of mopping along side Misty, May looked up at her satisfied.
"You do this every day at the gym?" May whined, feeling her back ache just from mopping the hallway, kitchen and dining room. Misty hadn't broken a sweat and sloshed her mop into the dirty water.
"Not every day. But at least every other day. Pools get really nasty if you don't keep the area around them clean... I'm thinking about implementing a "You need to shower before entering this gym" kind of thing, but I'm not sure it will work." Misty said with raised eyebrows whilst taking May's mop and putting it into her bucket; she then started toward the backdoor through the study to poor the dirty mop water outside.
Ash called after her; "If you made a system like that, you wouldn't be allowed in your own gym!" He joked, alerting Misty who yelled back.
"I swear to Murphy's law, Ash Ketchum, if you make one more joke!" She challenged, to which Ash ducked behind the couch like a toddler in trouble.
Brock snickered and poked fun at Ash, "You two are such a cute couple after all; when are you going to consummate the relationship?" Brock cooed, eliciting a fury red blush from Ash who slapped his hand over the older man's mouth angrily. Ash and Misty hadn't come out officially yet, and while their friends technically already knew, Ash was still nervous; even though everyone else seemed totally fine.
May whistled while plopping into the seat beside her brother who twiddled his hands awkwardly.
"You alright Max?" May asked while raising her eyebrows. Iris entered the vicinity at the same time; plopping into the couch beside Brock, and kicking her feet up with the intention of napping. She had the worst job of them all; re-organizing the utility closet, right next to Cilan who was still scrubbing the upstairs bathroom.
"May...how would you feel if I started traveling else where?" Max asked slowly, turning his gaze up at his sister. The brunette pursed her lips.
"I never really thought about it. I mean, you're my little brother so I guess I would be a little worried." She said while touching her lip with her gloved thumb. She tilted her head to one side while Drew and Misty reappeared from the deck. Drew was on patio-washing duty. Misty tossed the left over buckets into the closet down the now-dry hallway, and emerged in the living room where she hooked Ash into a headlock from behind the couch for his comments over breakfast.
"I'm not a kid anymore, May." Max argued, and Misty eyed him from her position, still having not released Ash.
"That's not how it works, Max. You're the youngest, and no matter how old you get, no matter how tall or strong; they're always going to see you as the baby." She admit, referencing herself and her life with her sisters. May shrugged with a wide grin; knowing that this was the truth.
"But why do you ask, Max?" May asked obliviously while Drew watched the two of them; understanding automatically.
"Well, Max did already compete in Hoenn, it wouldn't make sense to challenge them all again so soon. Maybe something further north would appease his soul?" Drew offered, raising a knowing eyebrow as Max flashed a cherry shade of red; not wanting his sister to find out exactly what he was talking about. May was notorious for teasing the blue-haired boy.
"What do you mean? I haven't finished getting my ribbons yet." May said, missing the point, "We can't leave." May added while crossing her arms.
Drew sighed, "Maybe he wants to go alone."
Misty's eyes snaked over Max while she released Ash who sighed to catch his breath. She folded her arms over the back of the chair and leaned her head against her bandaged wrist while Ash grumbled below about 'abusive relationship' playfully.
"Maaaybe, he wants to see a certain blonde who has a very fashionable hair cut." Misty's lips tugged upward while Max blew steam out of his ears at the reference to Bonnie. May looked at him surprisingly while Brock stood up after having remained silent for so long.
"It's young love!" He whined, throwing himself over to Max to extend his help. "Allow me to aid you in your conquest! For I, Brock Harrison, am a professional match-" And then Misty was there, kicking Brock over with her foot as he collapsed onto the ground, away from the already embarrassed Max.
"Yeah, yeah. If he needs a perverts help, we'll be sure to call you. Sheesh." She growled as Ash's face turned scarlet, remembering that he asked for Brock's help only last night. He looked awkwardly to the window recalling the information that Brock gave him. As Ash turned his gaze over to Misty. Brock did have some...questionable advice; so Ash face palmed and crossed his legs uncomfortably while Misty pushed Brock away from the youngest trainer.
"Is this true Max?" May asked, only to have Max shut down on her, like he always did. He crossed his arms and looked away.
"No! I just don't want to be around you and Drew when you start kissing! It's gross!" Max yelped as his sister's face turned scarlet.
"What did you say?!" She yelled as her face turned red, Drew covered his face with his hand while the rest laughed nervously.
"Your 'kissy kissy' grosses me out! Just because I can't see you doesn't mean I can't hear you!" He yelled as May grabbed him by the collar and shook him harder.
"I can't wait until you get a girlfriend and I can tease you about it!" She hollered, getting a scowl from Max. However, no one read her brother better than May did, so she dropped him and looked away with her own scowl. She crossed her arms.
"Fine, you can go where ever you want." May grumbled, getting an elated look from Max as he turned to his sister. The anger totally lost in his eyes.
"You mean it?" He asked, and then a wash of worry crossed her blue eyes, she pursed her lips.
"So long as you promise to call every day..." She offered, and Max's shoulders fell.
"Once a week."
"Twice a week." She wagered, and then Max smiled and shook her hand to seal the deal.
"Done!" he squeaked happily, to which May blinked at.
"Where will you go, though, Max?" She asked the young trainer while he fidgeted in his seat.
Max flushed only lightly, choosing his words correctly, "I was actually thinking of following Clemont to Kalos. Ash did just win there, so maybe I'll get to challenge him one I win the league."
"But you'll never beat me!" Ash smiled confidently while Misty had returned to sit on the arm rest beside him. Max cracked a determined smile at Ash.
"...well if you're going with them..." May said while looking up at the clock above the fire place, she then looked back at Max sadly. "They are probably already waiting at the station." She added swiftly, Max rose to his feet and adjusted his glasses slightly.
"Then I guess that means I should go." he addressed, watching his sister who looked away sadly. Drew approached him and stuck out his hand as they walked to the front door to say their goodbyes.
"You're going to do great." Drew offered, while also taking out a few super potions from his pack to give to Max. Max took them gratefully, and smiled up at the trainer he had admired as a brother and a mentor for the last few months.
"It'll be really weird without you around Max...I'm going to miss you." May remarked sadly, having traveled with her younger brother for the last seven years.
Max smiled at his older sister; it would be weird, but he was ready for something new. As he tugged open the front door; he leaned in to hug her. Misty followed suit and hugged the boy, who glared slightly at Ash while he did. There was a time in Max's life when he had the slightest crush on Misty, but luckily, it faded over time. Hugs fell around, with Drew patting him on the shoulder, and Ash shaking his hand; and Brock hugging him tightly. Max was left feeling slightly emotionally ajar, and then exhaled.
"I'm going to miss you guys. It's been a lot of fun..." He said, looking at each of their faces while he backed out of the door.
"It has been." May said while crossing her arms, still unsure of if Max leaving was his best bet or not.
"We have a lot of good memories together... I hope we get a chance to do this again soon." Max grinned while Misty shrugged,
"Technically Tracey's wedding is in the next six months—we could all get back together again then?" Misty suggested with a smile to the younger trainer. A look of hope drew into May's eyes and she nodded happily as the rest of the group made silent agreements.
At some point, May supposed; she needed to let go. Max was older now, and he needed to experience what the world was like without his older sister there to always have his back. And that was fine, but so heart breaking. So when he was just a little ways over the hump at the end of the road, May rushed out, cupping her mouth.
"I love you, Max!" She cried to her young brother, startling the boy who waved back at her with a blush on his face, "And be careful, I don't want any calls from any hospitals!" She added as he faded further into the distance,
"Don't forget to call!" She yelled with less vigor than the first time as he disappeared behind the hill. She inhaled sharply, and let her shoulders fall while casting her eyes to the ground. Beside her, Drew had wrapped a comfortable arm around her shoulders, and she sighed thoughtfully while he lead her back into the house where the waiting faces of their friends guided the duo into the living room; where Iris had passed out on the couch.
"I guess everyone is sort of leaving, aren't they? I mean, you and Drew are leaving soon, as well, correct?" Brock asked, looking at his own packed bag aside the door, thoughtfully—sadly.
Ash looked up at his old friends and could feel a chill run down his spine. It was no wonder Dawn was so quick to leave, goodbyes were awful when he was on the receiving end of them with no immediate place to be. But it was the start of new adventures for all of them; he should be happy for them.
"Yeah, we were just waiting for Professor Oak and then we'll be out..." May tossed sadly while kicking her feet, she looked at Misty who had awkwardly put her hands behind her back while they talked, "What about you Misty?"
"Me?" Misty bespoke sheepishly and wide-eyed, "...what about me?" She wagered, having not wanted to bring the subject up around Ash, but May was inclined to do so. Sometimes her oblivious nature was too damn much for the gym leader.
"Didn't you say that you had to get back to the gym today?" May offered while crossing her arms. Misty shook her head and made and X with her arms as if telling May to stop talking in the middle of her sentence; but she didn't clue in until Ash had already turned and looked at Misty.
Misty had mentioned when she arrived that she couldn't stay long; that was the agreement she and Brock made when she arrived. She hadn't forgotten about it, but she didn't want to bring it up. Not yet. Having caught on to her mistake, May opened her mouth to apologize and explain, but a grimacing Drew grabbed her and lead her away from the impending explosion that would probably happen. Brock danced around the back of Ash as well, and scampered into the living room where they waited patiently for the trading of verbal blows between the newly-sort-of-formed-couple.
But they would be waiting for a long time, because Ash actually only smiled up at her. Expecting a rise herself, she was floored to see that Ash had only smiled. Wasn't he going to react? It must be a delayed reaction, so instead, she waited herself, the breath hitching in her throat.
"When do you have to leave?" He asked while awkwardly shuffling his feet. Pikachu spied from the top of the stairs and lowered it's ears.
"Uhh..." Misty stammered, unable to make direct eye contact, "Tonight? You know, evening-ish. Just enough time to get to Cerulean City before the train stations close." She waved her hand and winced with a timid smile. His eyebrows furrowed pathetically.
He wasn't sure what to think, really. He blinked at her for a moment, awestruck; the idea was always there in the back of his mind. It's not like he and Misty lived together or anything, so he knew that at some point she would have to return to the gym; but he hadn't thought that she would leave tonight. He wasn't ready to say goodbye to Misty; not yet, not again. So he offered a pathetic smile in response.
"Were you going to tell me?"
"...mmmmm, yeah. At some point" She looked downward sadly, "I wasn't just going to disappear without saying goodbye." She replied nervously, twisting her fingers uncomfortably while biting her lower lip. Ash disliked that habit right now, mostly because if she kept gnawing on her lip, she would re-open the wound that still stung bright red with a sickly color of yellow around her lip. But he wasn't sure how to get her to stop, so instead he raised his hand to her lip and brushed his fingers over it.
Grinning, a vibrant red blush formed over his cheeks, "Then can I have that date now?" He asked suddenly, watching her face turn beet red.