Secret
"So I think your main problem is that you're not using Rhyperior's moves to their fullest extent. Try not to always use offensive attacks head on. If you think it through, they can also be used in a defensive manner to trick your opponent. Get it?"
"Mmmhmm…"
"Forrest, are you even listening?"
Forrest's eyes raised to Misty's, which were slightly narrowed in annoyance. Her arms were folded, and when she glanced at the rock type gym leader's blank expression, she sighed hopelessly.
In the next room, meanwhile, Brock sat on a couch, bouncing his happy baby nephew on his knee. Brandon, Forrest's three month old son, was a generally cheerful infant who looked quite a bit like his father. Sitting next to Brock was Ash, who watched the Pokémon doctor's actions very carefully.
"Pika…" Pikachu cooed from Ash's shoulder. He liked watching the little baby being played with and laughing.
"So what do you think Ash?" Brock asked the young master softly, "looks fun, right?"
"Uh…yeah," Ash bit his lip.
"You don't sound so sure," Brock raised a knowing eyebrow.
"I'm nervous Brock," Ash furrowed his brow nervously, "the more I think about it, the more I read of that book…I get scared."
"Sounds like Forrest before this little guy was born," Brock nuzzled the gurgling boy, "but he loves Brandon more than anything in the whole world. I know you'll be a great Dad, and more importantly, Misty knows it too."
"That's what she says," Ash sighed, a little smile appearing on his face.
"Hey, I've got a great idea!" Brock suddenly beamed. Ash became a little uneasy by the thought of whatever Brock had cooked up. "Why don't you start practicing now?"
"Practice what?" Ash asked hesitantly, although he was pretty sure he knew what Brock was going to say.
"Being a Dad, of course."
"What…uh…"
Before Ash could properly protest the idea, Brock thrust the infant into Ash's arms. As Brandon nestled into Ash's chest, the Pokémon master's body grew tense, his hold on the child tightening involuntarily. The baby shrieked suddenly, due to Ash's grasp being too restrictive.
"Ah!" Ash cried, trying to loosen his grip. But he couldn't. He was just too afraid of dropping the poor kid on the floor. "I can't do this Brock!" Ash practically screamed as he handed Brandon back to his uncle. "I can't even hold a baby! What am I going to do?" He buried his head in his hands, moaning as he did so.
"It's just going to take some time," Brock assured as he tried to soothe the now fussy infant, "and you were probably even more nervous because Brandon isn't your own baby. I'm sure holding your own child won't be as nerve wracking." Ash nodded, but he couldn't be so sure of Brock's words.
"I'm gonna' go see how Misty's doing with Forrest," Ash announced as he stood up to his full height.
"You're certainly a protective one, Ash," Brock chuckled heartily.
"I just get…worried is all," Ash blushed.
"I know you do," Brock smiled at his sheepish best friend, "you're a very loving husband."
"Thanks man," Ash smirked and rolled his eyes playfully as he walked through the doorway that led out into the hallway. It was eerily quiet in the corridor, Ash noted silently. As he approached the entrance to the battle field, he could hear Forrest gasp softly. Becoming ever curious, Ash pressed himself up against the wall, listening intently with his head tilted close to the doorway.
XXX
"What is it now?" Misty grumbled.
"You're pregnant," Forrest responded in awe. Misty's eyes snapped open, and from the hallway, a jolt traveled through Ash's body.
"Wh…what?" Misty stammered.
"Yeah," Forrest nodded, leaning in closer to her midsection, "something was different. I've been trying to figure it out this whole time." He looked back up at Misty, a tiny smile clearly itching to appear on his face, "you're pregnant."
Misty was still speechless, the only movement of her body being her rapidly blinking eyes. How the hell did he figure it out? Misty thought shockingly.
"Finally, another gym leader baby!" Forrest chuckled warmly, "Brandon can have a friend! Have you told the other leaders yet?"
"Uh…no…"
"Oh man, we have to!" Forrest was practically jumping up and down he was so excited. Misty, meanwhile, was still in a state of astonishment.
"No Forrest!"
Both gym leaders whipped around and found Ash standing firmly in the doorway, his body rigid and his eyes wide in fear.
"Ash…" Misty began slowly, "how long have you been…"
"Not right now Misty," Ash looked quickly towards her before turning his attention back to Forrest, "you can't say anything, Forrest. Not a word."
"How come?" Forrest looked highly confused by the request.
"We need to keep this a secret," Ash responded, his eyes reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
"But why?" Forrest repeated.
"We have our reasons," Ash folded his strong arms, giving Forrest a somber look.
"Ash," Misty hissed quietly. He put his arms down to his sides, and sighing, Misty continued, "there's no reason for you to worry Forrest. But…Ash and I would really like to be the ones to tell everyone about the baby. Is that alright?"
After a minute of silence, Forrest began to chuckle and replied, "sure! No problem! Sorry to have intruded on your privacy like that."
"It's alright," Misty gave him a sweet smile. Ash, meanwhile, was looking between the two gym leaders with wide eyes and a racing mind.
XXX
"You were right Mist," Ash grumbled that night as he threw himself down on the bed.
"Well, Misty Ketchum's always right about everything," Misty arched an eyebrow as she removed one of her earrings. She stopped in thought for a moment before peering over her shoulder with curious emerald eyes. "Wait…what was I right about?"
"Our friends and their mouths."
"Oh. That." Misty giggled as she stood up and strode into her closet to change.
"It isn't funny," Ash groaned, rolling over onto his stomach, "Forrest was so ready to give away our secret, Misty."
"He has a good heart," Misty commented, "Forrest would never do anything to hurt us. He was just playing."
"Oh, I know," Ash responded, "I'm not blaming him for anything. It's just…"
"Just what?" Misty emerged from the closet, wearing a teal tank top and yellow shorts. Ash stared at her midsection for a few seconds, noting that while there wasn't yet an obvious bump there, she did look rather bloated. Almost like she'd just had a very large meal. "Ash?"
"Hmm?" Ash looked up at her face now and blushed slightly, "sorry. What I was trying to say was you were right about our friends and their mouths."
"I know what I'm talking about," Misty laughed as she climbed into bed, resting herself on top of Ash's back. Nestling her cheek into the back of his neck, Misty moaned softly and closed her eyes. "I love you Ash."
"And I love you Misty," Ash reached up to stroke her hair, "but…could you get off my back? I want to roll back over."
"Yeah," Misty slid off of him and allowed Ash to flop onto his back.
"Ah, much better," Ash grinned appreciatively, "come here angel."
Misty's smile reappeared as she laid down next to her husband, sighing happily as he wrapped his strong arms around her still slender body.
"You were right all along dear," Ash kissed her temple, "we should have never, ever opened our mouths to them."
"The deed has already been done," Misty turned over and buried her face into his chest, "but I think they know better than to open their own mouths."
"Why's that?" Ash tilted his head.
With a low chuckle, Misty responded, "you were pretty scary today, Mr. Ketchum. I think you frightened all of them into oblivion."
"Oh," Ash frowned, "you don't think they're upset, are they?"
"No," Misty smiled against Ash's black t-shirt that so wonderfully hugged his muscles, "leave it to you, Ash. All you're concerned about is whether or not your actions will upset people."
"I just want to protect you," Ash yawned, resting his cheek on the top of her head.
"I know that. And they do too. So don't worry about it sweetheart."
"Hey Mist?" Ash mumbled again after a few moments of silence. He was already half asleep, but he had to make sure of one more thing before completely dozing off.
"Yeah Ash?"
"Let's just let out friends learn these things on their own from now on."
"Agreed."