Counting Minutes

Thump. Thump. Thump.

With a trembling hand, she pressed her fist on the spot on her chest, where she could feel and hear her heart hammering against her ribcage. Its movement was shaking her whole upper body and if anyone would have looked closely, they would see the rhythmical moving of her body with her heart beat. It also caused the air in her lungs to turn hot and heavy, like bubbles making their way out, expanding her chest, but giving her no release, even after exhaling. If anything, she felt her chest tighten even more.

She felt her cheeks heat up as thoughts of what was soon to happen overflew her mind. A tiny, a little shy, a little insecure, but quite happy smile made its way on her face as she allowed herself to fantasize further, knowing very well it wouldn't be fantasy for long. Her widely open eyes took in her surroundings, giving off that suspicious shine that made them look even brighter, bluer than they usually were. She pressed her lips tightly together, trying hard not to burst into a goofy smile or uncontrolled girly giggly she disliked so much – she knew she wouldn't be able to prevent it if she allowed herself to relax. Which she couldn't, really, anyway.

She gulped and leaned on her elbows that were resting on her knees. She placed a curl of her long uncontrollably wavy red hair behind her ear, for a moment feeling a little self-conscious about her appearance she put so much effort into today, going even as far as to ignore the curious but smug looks her sisters had been throwing her through her open door into her room as she had been getting ready in the morning. She never allowed them to see her in such a state. In the state of 'I actually want to amaze someone today and I'm so nervous I don't even care you see me like that'.

It was a miracle, she thought, the girls hadn't given her a hard time about her unusual behaviour, but she suspected they knew the reason behind it anyway. She had been behaving like a lunatic for the whole past week, anticipating this day with a nervously thumping heart and trembling hands.

It wasn't like all her life circled around this moment; far from it – but when she thought about the fact that she might actually achieve something she never imagined was possible… Well, that gave her the chills. And a healthy dose of excitement that made her a fidgety and nervous, tapping her feet and biting her nails. Random squeals and high-pitched giggles as she let her thoughts wander must have given her away to her sisters.

Oh well.

She could hardly escape them if this actually happened.

Which it would. That, she had a feeling, was true.

The poor girl was thrown out of her thoughts when the noise around her got louder. She looked up, glancing around. The stadium was full, people started cheering hysterically as the first of two finalists of the League walked into the arena.

''I'm so excited!'' May exclaimed next to her, hardly containing her excitement. Drew, sitting next to May, nodded in agreement, hardly waiting for the final battle himself. Even he couldn't deny what an honour it was to watch one of his friends battle in the finale of one of the hardest competitions currently existing. He, as opposed to May, showed his excitement by sitting straight in his seat, arms crossed, eyes staring hard on the arena field below.

''This is going to be very interesting.'' Brock agreed further down a few seats, Tracy, Dawn and Paul agreeing with a nod and a few mumbled words. Iris and Cilan didn't say anything, but simply waited nervously. Even Gary kept quiet, having had lost a few rounds before the finale. He was sitting next to Deliah and Professor Oak, all three of them fidgeting in their seats, eyes darting around, waiting in anticipation to see Ash Ketchum walk on to the battle field.

Misty surprised another nervous giggle thinking of the boy again. Even the echo of his name in her mind made her chest explode with thousand fireworks, almost giving her the need to vomit. Yet, she couldn't help herself. She had spoken with her very best friend last night via phone. As she had done for the past year. It wasn't like they couldn't see each other face to face – the fact they were staying at the same Poke Centre made it even easier to arrange an outing or something similar. But it was for this reason exactly, they had not met in person. Simply put, the temptation was too much to handle, so the easiest way to control it was to avoid it all together.

And they knew they had to do just that.

Since that surprising but fateful night a little more than a year ago, they had to be very careful around each other. It had been all pretty simple and innocent, Ash visiting her before a major change in career as per usual, to get his Misty fix or so he called it – in order to get her to kick him further on to the right path.

She hadn't disappointed him.

One year ago:

''When will you go?'' she had asked him, while they were sitting on the edge of the old wooden pier, bare feet tangling just about the lake surface, toes drawing circles on the water. The wind played with the surrounding tree branches, creating a loud sound of rustling throughout the whole forest; even the grass around the lake in the wide clearing yielded under the warm airy pressure. The day had been wonderfully sunny and warm, bathing in summer colours as the two best friends enjoyed their time hanging out at the old lake not far into the Cerulean forest. Her bright summer dress moved with the wind but the girl made sure it didn't flash her friend anything that would made him look at her weirdly. Even at their age, she still wasn't sure if her best friend was aware of the fact he turned into a man some time ago. She hadn't noticed his side glances, too busy with enjoying the sun.

''Soon.'' Had been his cryptic answer, and she could have sworn he frowned before he turned to her and gave her that smile that weakened her heart and knees – luckily, she had been sitting. ''How about we spend the whole day here. Pikachu and the others won't be out of Pokemon Centre until the evening, and it's your day off.'' He had started, Misty weak to his charm, already smiling and nodding. Then she had thought more about it and sighed, giving him a sheepish smile.

''Shouldn't you be packing? I mean, there's nothing I would love to do more than spend all my time with you, but you'll be leaving soon. Not to mention you'll train with the legendary Leaf Greene!'' she grinned dramatically. ''I mean, seriously! The world wasn't even sure of her existence, that's how incredible she is, and you got yourself and invitation to train your Pokemon with her! How did you even find her?'' Misty had stared at Ash who suddenly averted his eyes to gaze at the lake. It gave her a weird feeling, but she had pushed it aside to enjoy the sight of the boy she felt way more for than she cared to admit. He looked beautiful, breathtaking even.

Familiar feelings had squeezed her chest, but she tried not to think about the pain.

Leaf Greene was a legend. A Pokemon Master who trained on Mt Silver, in one of the most dangerous places in the world instead of bathing in her tittle of a Pokemon Champion after she had beaten the previous Kanto Champion. She was so legendary many started doubting she even existed because she had avoided civilisation ever since she officially became the strongest trainer in the world.

And here comes Ash Ketchum, finds the woman and gets to train with her.

How more incredible could this boy – this man become?

Misty had gazed at him a moment longer, finally turning suspicious at his silence. But before she could have asked him what was on his mind, he opened his mouth again, still looking at the lake, his toes not moving over the water surface anymore. ''I can postpone it, you know?'' he casually mentioned, shrugging his shoulder. ''I could easily stay a little longer.'' He continued after a moment of stiff silence. It took her a moment before she understood what he was saying. She straightened up, giving him her full attention. ''What?''

Today:

''And the challenger – the incredible Aaaash Ketchum!''

The crowd of thousands went wild as the young trainer walked into the arena, a boyish smile on his face, but Misty knew that he was very nervous. His hands were clenched into fists and Pikachu was patting his shoulder, indicating that he must have been shaking. The four big screens showed Ash walking and smiling, also listing his previous wins, his Pokemon, and the possible percentage of him winning. Ash looked around the stadium, his eyes seeming to search for someone and Misty's heart almost gave in when he found her among the thousands, and stared at her. After a moment, she leaned over the fence and gave him a gentle smile, resting her hand on her chest.

One year ago:

Ash had glanced at her for a second before he started fidgeting with his hands, nervously rambling on. ''Mr Silver won't go anywhere. I can train there whenever I want. True, I might not get the chance to meet Leaf again, but what's the difference?''

Misty didn't let her shock stop her from shaking her head in disbelief. ''Its Leaf Greene! Ash, be reasonable.''

''All right, all right, but still…'' he shook his head. ''I'm training for Kanto again, anyway and the League doesn't start for another year, so…''

''What in the world- But you were so excited about this just days ago!'' she had exclaimed, placing her hand on Ash shoulder.

''I'm very excited, still, but-''

''Are you getting cold feet?'' she had asked, then Ash's shoulder slumped forward, one of his hands running through his hair. Misty waited patiently, not sure what to say now. ''So, what is it?'' she had asked softly, and that was when the boy had turned his face to her, his big bright eyes saying so much more than his mouth had. ''Being here… With you…''

Misty's eyes widened and Ash's throat went dry. ''It's just… I miss you… I want to spend some time with you… I only see you here and there and…'' he hissed, for a second closing his eyes, then opening them again, a hint of despair and longing reflected in his eyes. ''I miss you more than other people.''

Misty had held his gaze a moment longer, hardly believing what she had heard, before she looked away. ''Don't.'' she croaked. Ash blinked in confusion. ''What?''

Today:

And that must have been what Ash was waiting for, because, suddenly his smile grew, and he placed his own hand on his chest, tapping it twice. Then he pulled his hat lower on his face and looked at his opponent. The camera that caught the whole scene were nicely showing Ash's face that was turned away from Misty on the big screens – and he was grinning, wearing red all over his cheeks. Misty exhaled, feeling her hands shaking, feeling her cheeks hurt from smiling, feeling so very excited, she could hardly control herself.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and when she glanced back, Brock was smiling at her, then looked back at the arena. Misty, blushed up to her hair and quickly looked back to the front, awkwardly scratching the tip of her nose. They couldn't have been more obvious.

Her attention back on the boy who took her breath away. Misty was aware of every single movement he made, of every sound around in the stadium, of every single thing that was going on and it made her feel crazy. She was so sensitive she thought she might die before the battle even started.

''And now! Ladies and gentlemen! The great battle of the Grand League Finale begins!''

The crowd exploded as both trainers threw their first Pokeball. And suddenly, it all went past Misty's mind. She could hear it all in the background and she could see it all happening right in front of her, but it wasn't until the moment the judge raised the flag, pointing at the winner. The crowd jumped to their feet, screaming, cheering, applauding.

One year ago:

Misty looked at him. ''Don't.'' she said more firmly and saw the hurt on his face as he flinched away. He tried to shook it away, but she took his hand and hugged it with both of her hands, closing her eyes. ''I didn't mean it like that.'' She explained, gaining his attention once more.'' Ash had looked at her again, his gaze careful, confused.

''Are you seriously telling me you're going to put your dreams – everything you worked so hard for – on hold for me?''

''Not on hold-'' Ash started protesting, but Misty was having none of it. ''This is Leaf Greene we're talking about! Leaf Greene! She's so legendary even the most legendary Pokemon could hide from her! And you want to turn her down?!''

''I can find her and ask her again if I want. I know where she is.'' Ash rushed, wanting her to understand what he was saying.

''Why would you do all that for?'' she had asked, only to realize what he was about to say. Her eyes widened and as he was about to open his mouth, she pressed one of her hand over it, still holding his hand with the other. Ash was staring at her with eyes as wide as hers, hurt now evident all over his visible face. He was about to move away, when Misty stopped him. She moved closer, now sitting right next to him, his hand in hers, her face next to his. ''There are things you want to do but you shouldn't. And there are things you have to do.'' She had started. Ash stared at her.

Misty inhaled, feeling herself shake inwardly. ''You've been dreaming of such opportunity since you've been a baby, Ash Ketchum.'' She had smiled gently, tugging at his T-shirt sleeve. ''You have the chance to become one of the best Pokemon Masters in the world and you're allowing yourself to be distracted by the fun during free time. You'll have plenty of that after the League.''

Ash cracked a small smile, scratching the side of his cheek and nudging her gently into the shoulder. ''Maybe I'm distracted by the company.''

Misty grinned at him, feeling her cheeks heating up. ''Well, don't be.''

Today:

Misty gasped, hearing Deliah cry in happiness, and all her friends scream in joy. Ash's surprised face was all over the screens. He finally grasped the idea he just won and couldn't stop the big smile growing on his face. He screamed in excitement, pushing his fist in the air in victory, Pikachu right on his shoulder.

Misty cheered with everyone, standing on her feet while clapping and smiling and feeling so much happiness she could hardly handle. The next moment, Ash suddenly turned her way again, finding her right away, and his big shining eyes couldn't be more telling. He only saw her. It was all for her. ''For you.'' He mouthed, placing his hand once again on his chest. Misty's breath hitched and she could feel her heart clench in her chest, threatening to explode.

She couldn't wait anymore.

She pushed off her seat and rushed down the bleachers, while they boy climbed the stairs of the stage and accepted his crystal Champion Cup and flowers with a racing heart. Ash had a hard time not to cry, feeling so much at the same time as his dreams were coming true. It wasn't even the fact that he had just won the League. It was what he was about to win. Pikachu pinched his cheek, smiling at him knowingly, trying to calm him down. Ash could feel his patience running out when he suddenly decided what to do next.

He saluted the crowd once more before jumping off the stage and running towards the arena gates.

The crowd shouted in surprise, Brock laughing in satisfaction, knowing exactly what was going on.

One year ago:

They felt silent, sitting on the small pier, toes touching the water surface. Her hand on top of his. Gazing at the view in front of her, Misty finally took a breath. ''You know… I miss you, too.'' She told him gently. Ash glanced her way. ''Yeah?'' She nodded. ''Mhm…Every day.'' She paused. ''I miss you more than I miss other people, too.'' She admitted with her heart pounding against her ribcage.

A small smile grew on Ash's face and turned into a big one. He leaned back on his elbows, relaxing. ''Does that mean-''

''Don't'' she looked at him with a small smile. ''After the League. Okay?''

They held each other's gaze for a long time, the wind playing with Misty's long hair, making it curlier as it already was. Ash bit into his lip and nodded, almost unable to contain the growing feeling of happiness and excitement in his chest. Misty smiled to herself, hardly believing what had just happened. Then she felt his fingers intertwine with hers.

Today:

''Wh-Hey! Mr Ketchum!'' the presenter exclaimed helplessly as he, as everyone else watched the champion run off.

Misty had already been behind the bleachers, breathing heavily, hearing nothing but her rushing heart, as she dodged the crew crowded near the gate. She ran through, the arena opening up before her and the boy meeting her half way, wrapping her into his arms, his mouth finding hers without a second thought. Pikachu had jumped off Ash's shoulder as soon as he started running and was now running towards Brock who awaited him with open arms. They both enjoyed the sight.

Ash's hand settled itself on the nape of her neck, making it easier for Misty to lean into the kiss, while his other hand was firmly placed around her waist, pressing her closer to him. Misty's whole body was flush against his, one of her arms around his back the other grasping the back of his head, her fingers buried in his rich black hair.

The crowd exploded in cheers once again, the screen showing every detail of the intimate display of love between the Champion and the Water Pokemon Master. Ash's and Misty's friends laughed in surprise, a few squealing, a few groaning at the cliché action, but nevertheless, they all clapped enthusiastically.

''Ooooooohh!'' the presenter cheered, but Ash and Misty untangled themselves from each other, Ash giving the crowd a crooked smile and a salute before he and Misty ran away hand in hand, disappearing outside the Stadium, the journalists and paparazzi running after them like insanely hungry animals, screaming questions at them, receiving nothing but a happy laugh.

...

''-but sadly, we lost the couple at the train station. Ash Ketchum, the winner of the League ran off with his girlfriend instead of attending the celebration the organizers organized for him. And not only that – he did that right after he received his cup.'' The TV announcer smiled into the camera. ''If that's not a romantic outcome from one of the most exciting battles of the past decade…'' The camera zoomed in. ''For the evening news, Leyla Owari.''

And somewhere outside the city, far away from prying eyes, a couple was sitting on a hill behind a tree, enjoying the view of a starry sky.