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…
Misty was beginning to get too used to waking up to the sun filtering through the window with the gentle sounds of Ash breathing behind her. She needed to remind herself this wasn't her home. Her home was the bustling world of the city, not the quiet country life.
As gently as she could she turned over to face Ash, resting her head against her hand or else she finds herself reaching out and stroking his soft cheeks. When he slept, she saw the boy she'd fallen in love with, vulnerable and open rather than hidden behind walls of sarcasm and jokes like he seemed to be now.
She wasn't sure when Ash actually came home last night, she'd never heard him coming to bed. She had felt guilty knowing he was out there mourning his breakup while she lay tucked up in his bed but she knew she couldn't face sharing the single with May. Especially as it would be like travelling back in time and having to spend the whole night whispering about Drew, he was quite the heartthrob back in the day.
Who was she kidding? They way he'd practically sauntered through that café in his tailor-made suit and cocky smile, he was clearly still a heartthrob. He just better not break May's heart or else he'd have to answer to her.
"I can feel you staring." Ash grumbled; voice still laced with sleep.
"Sorry." Misty sheepishly replied. "How you feeling?"
"Nope, too early for that conversation." He flipped over so he lay on his back, almost inviting Misty to snuggle into his chest. A weaker woman would have caved but Misty held herself back.
"In the day or…" She trailed off, she supposed it was still quite fresh to be discussing his recent failed relationship – especially with his estranged wife.
"Both." He chuckled slightly, absentmindedly scratching his chest, and bringing Misty's focus right back to the idea of snuggling.
Before she could contemplate it for too long the door was flung open by May carrying a tray of breakfast.
"Morning." She grinned. "I've bought breakfast in bed."
"Why?" Misty narrowed her eyes as she sat up, May was notoriously bad in the mornings and nothing less than a miracle got he up before eight o'clock.
"Because I wanted to." She shrugged. "Come on now Mum and Dad, eat up."
"Ha ha!" Misty rolled her eyes.
"Sorry but you just have that old married people vibe with your little domestics but you always forgive each other because you've been together so long." May smiled, as if she had just given the pair the best compliment known to man.
"We have been married for years." Ash reminded her with a grimace as he took a sip of his coffee. "This is very strong."
Misty, deciding this wasn't enough of a warning, took a sip of her own practically gagged. May seemed to think each person needed a serving spoon of coffee each, it was so gritty and strong Misty thought she might bounce off the walls if she even attempted half of it.
"I usually just buy coffee." May shrugged. "I watch them every day and I didn't think it was that difficult."
"I'll just make another brew." Ash shook his head, snatching the mug out of Misty's hand before she had to chance to respond. Not that she would have turned down the offer of a fresh cup but it's still nice to be asked.
May watched as he walked out the room, smiling conspiringly as she heard his heavy footsteps plodding down the stairs. If Misty didn't know any better, she would have thought May had purposely messed up the coffee's just to get rid of him. But May was far too innocent for that level of scheming.
"What's wrong?" Misty asked after the silence had dragged on for slightly longer than was comfortable.
"Would it be weird if I asked you and Ash on a double date with me and Drew?" May blurted out.
"Hugely weird!" Misty replied, delicately nibbling on the burnt toast her friend had presented her with.
"But he's taking me to Disney World." She squealed like a child, clasping her hands together. Drew better know what he was getting himself in for.
"And why does that mean we have to come with you?" She frowned.
"Because we said we'd go together on the plane ride over." May explained, Misty not remembering making this promise at all. "It would be unfair if I went without you."
"I've been before, don't worry about it. Besides, why would we have to double date even if I did want to come."
"Well, I couldn't ask you to play third wheel all day!" She rolled her eyes as if it explained everything.
Ash chose that moment to rejoin the pair, two fresh, steaming cups of coffee in his hands. He wedged himself between Misty and the bedside table, it was rather cosy but at some point during their conversation May had taken over his side of the bed so he didn't really have much of choice.
However, he did have the choice not to place his arm casually on the pillow behind Misty's head. And, unfortunately, Misty had little choice over the shiver that escaped her at the simple contact. She forced herself to drink the too hot coffee lest she meet the eye of her best friend who no doubt looked very smug right now.
"Now I'm suspicious that the conversation ended so abruptly when I came back in the room." Ash joked.
"I was just inviting you and Misty to Disney World but she said it would be weird." May pouted, and leaving out some key bits of information.
"No." Misty denied, before Ash could step in and agree to these plans. "You asked us on a double date with Drew."
"Same difference." She dismissed with a careless hand wave.
Ash seemed to be mulling the idea over in his head and Misty could just tell he was going to agree. She knew in theory it was fine, four adults could quite easily and amicably spend the day together. But she also knew May would try and slip off at the earliest opportunity so she could spend a romantic day with Drew and she'd be left alone with Ash. Which again, in theory, was not the worst thing that could happen but after their near kisses she wasn't sure it was something she could cope with.
"I don't see why not." Ash shrugged, idly rubbing at the stubble on his chin.
"Thank you!" May clambering over Misty to grab his hand. "You can persuade the ice princess then because she isn't listening to me."
"Come on." Ash nudged her, frowning slightly as May examined his hand. "What's the worst that could happen?"
"Besides the crowds of tourists?" She rolled her eyes; it was one of the things she hated most about the parks. The hordes and hordes of out of towners. "This one runs off the moment she gets the chance to meet Cinderella?"
"She's not even in my five favourite Disney characters." May scoffed. "Why have you got WWMD on your wrist?"
Ash laughed loudly; the tattoo was normally covered day to day by his watch so May wouldn't have noticed it. Misty hated the story, made her seems irresponsible and reckless. Which she supposed she did used to be, but she'd grown up a little since then. Hadn't she?
"I was out with my friends and we were all completely wasted so naturally decided to get tattoos." He smiled thinking back to a simpler time. "I was a newlywed at the time and I remember thinking what would Misty do if I came home with a tattoo. Then I realised she's worse than me, she would definitely get one so I got this on my wrist. What would Misty do?"
"That's incredible." May laughed, tracing the letters. "I can't imagine Misty getting a drunk tattoo."
"What?" Ash scoffed. "Does she not know?"
Misty cringed slightly, almost forgetting that Ash had the other half on him. It was small and low enough down on her hip that even when they went swimming May had never seen it. It had taken some explaining to Rudy, trying to play it off as just a random, impulsive decision to get a small, cartoon nut on her hip. Obviously never mentioning there was an ex out there with a matching tattoo bolt in the same place on his hip.
They'd been tipsy rather than drunk, but tiddly enough to think it was a great idea. They'd howled with laughter at the crude little tattoos at the time but now she was older she always thought of it as juvenile.
"Show me!" May demanded, Ash eagerly letting his hand go to her waistband.
"You are not showing her." Misty scolded him, slapping his hand away.
"What happened Misty? You used to be fun." He teased, his fingers walking down her hip only to be slapped away again.
"Don't we have to get ready for Disney?" Misty asked, hoping the question would distract May away from tattoos.
"Yes!" She shouted, successfully diverted and running back to her own bedroom.
"Now we're alone, I'll show you mine if you show me yours." Ash rose his eyebrows and let his thumb hook on his waistband, lowering it slightly and offering Misty a tantalising peak at the paler skin there.
"Fuck off." She rolled her eyes, forcing herself to turn away before she saw him lowering the boxers further.
…
Ash could just tell from looking at Misty that she was annoyed, she had that subtle pout on her lips that she always got. Although she would adamantly deny that she was sulking if you pointed it out and then just deepen her pout.
The moment they had got onto the boat, May had dragged Drew towards the front of the ship. Possibly to act out some sort of titanic moment, Ash wasn't sure. But it had resulted in being left alone with Misty and she clearly wasn't happy about it.
"Come on." Ash nudged her with his shoulder. "I'm not that bad company, am I?"
"It's not that, I just feel like I'm going to spend the whole day playing parent to those two." She nodded in the general direction that May and Drew had headed off in.
"Nah, once we get off the boat, we'll ditch them!" He winked, the stomach flip that followed was from the boat – least that's what Misty told herself.
"Great." She replied, her throat dry.
"What has got your knickers in a twist now? We're supposed to be at the happiest place in the world." He said, gesturing around. "So at least smile a little, you're frightening the kids."
"Bite me." She rolled her eyes.
"You used to love Space Mountain." He teased; Misty did have to reluctantly agree. Something about being thrown around in a rickety ride in the dark was always fun.
"Fine." She forced a smile just as the boat slowed to a stop.
"That's better."
Almost as soon as they had made it through the entrance, May had grabbed Misty and Drew by their hands and was dragging them towards the castle.
"I need to meet Aurora." She declared.
"May, aren't we a little old to be meeting Disney Princesses?" Misty asked.
"Look, I didn't grow up with this on my doorstep so I plan to meet them all."
"We'll never get on any rides." Ash complained, following behind the three of them.
"Why don't we split up?" Drew suggested, Misty jumping in before he ditched them for Ash and she was stuck queuing to see characters all day.
"Great idea!" Misty agreed, freeing her hand and gripping Ash by the elbow. "Come on."
"Alright, alright." He laughed as Misty quickly forced him away from the others.
"If they wanted to be alone together that badly they could have just said." May rolled her eyes.
"Nah, those two are terrible at talking." Drew shrugged.
…
May hated to admit it but Misty had been right, the queue to see Aurora was absolutely ridiculous. Thank goodness they'd finally entered the castle and had a little respite from the sun, her pale skin was not made for this kind of weather. She could see that all her freckles were coming out. How Misty had lived here for as long as she did was beyond her.
She did have to admit, the sun looked good on Drew. His hair reflected beautifully in the sunlight, especially when he casually blew his fringe out his face. His skin didn't get covered in blemishes but instead had a soft tan to it that she didn't doubt lasted all year. And they'd yet to reach that point, but she longed to discover it was an all over tan.
"What?" Drew asked when he realised May was staring at him, self-consciously rubbing his nose.
"You know this isn't long term, right?" She blurted out, eyes-widening as the words came tumbling out her mouth. That wasn't what she wanted to say, she'd wanted to compliment him. He was just so beautiful he made her stupid.
"Huh?"
"I will have to leave eventually. I have an apartment and job in New York so at some point… the end." She laughed nervously.
"Don't bring down the mood." He scoffed. "Let's just enjoy the time we have together and see where it goes."
"But that's what I'm trying to say, it has nowhere to go. Soon, Misty and I will leave." She cringed, why couldn't she stop talking? This was not exactly date talk.
Drew rose an incredulous eyebrow at her, whether it was about what she was saying or that sheer disbelief she was saying it May couldn't tell. But either way, it did nothing to stop her rambling. In fact, his silence only made her want to speak more just to fill the void.
"I guess, I'm giving you a bit of a warning. Make sure you protect your heart." She laughed, far too loudly and fakely. "I mean, it's probably me who needs to protect their heart. Girls always fall quicker than boys. Boys are just looking for fun… not that I'm implying you're stringing me alone. I knew what this would be when I accepted that date."
"Woah, calm down." Drew interrupted, gently taking her head and thankfully, May did stop prattling away. "What will be will be, and who knows? Maybe when the time comes for you to leave, you'll think differently."
"And what?" She laughed, "Live in Ash's spare room forever?"
"I don't know." He shrugged, looking over his shoulder. Attempting for casual but May could see the nerves. "I'm sure you'd be welcome somewhere else."
May's chest felt warm, no longer able to contain her smile she let a small squeal escape her before throwing her self at Drew. He stumbled slightly at the unexpected weight but soon recovered, tightly holding her as her lips sought his out.
She knew it wasn't an official proposal but it was a definite 'I'm falling for you' and she was happy with that for now.
…
As much as she hated to admit it, the magic of Disney was really rubbing off on her. And when Ash had suggested they get matching Mickey and Minnie ears she hadn't really taken that much persuading.
"Haunted mansion!" Ash shouted, grabbing her hand and dragging her towards the old house.
Another thing she hated to admit, she was really enjoying Ash's company. Although he was a bit of a man child at times, he's enthusiasm made everything a little more enjoyable.
Suddenly a voice called out, familiar despite it having heard it for many years. A voice that left to go to university straight after the wedding so missed the inevitable downfall of their marriage.
"Well, I'll be! It's the Ketchum's!" Brock called out, leading a brood over to the couple. "Last time I saw you was the night after your wedding, how've you been?"
Misty didn't know what to say, so far she'd only seen people from the past who knew the whole story with her and Ash. People like Drew and Daisy who knew what Misty had done, the coward she really was. They'd lost touch with Brock, why shouldn't he assume they were still living in wedding bliss? Like he appeared to be.
"Brock!" Misty cried, choosing to just bi-pass any awkwardness. "What are you doing here?"
"Family holiday." He smiled, gesturing behind him. Misty smiled in return; it was the life he had always wanted. A beautiful wife and a few ankle biters running around. In another life she was sure they'd have been great friends with her and Ash's own children.
"And you took them to this dump?" Ash teased, knowing Brock hated the place after being dragged there weekend after weekend by his many siblings.
"You know I'm weak for a childish plea." He laughed, stepping back to his wife's side. "This is Suzie and these are our kids Mark, Alice, Maisy and Tony."
Misty had to admit despite the many children they both looked fresh faced and happy. She couldn't help but envy them.
"Daddy!" The youngest girl whined. "You said we could go on the Ariel ride!"
Brock laughed as she stamped her foot, clearly used to her tantrums by now.
"I did." He nodded. "Listen we're here for a week but I'd love to catch up?"
"Sure." Ash nodded. "Come to the house anytime."
"Well, you've got my number." Brock shouted as he was dragged away. "I never changed it."
"See you soon." Misty waved, choosing to ignore the side-eye she was getting from the little girl. Obviously deciding she was standing between her and the ride.
"You didn't correct him." Ash said once the family was out of earshot.
"It didn't really seem like the time or the place for that." She shrugged, rather than admitting that she was slowly beginning to realise walking away all those years ago was one of the biggest mistakes she ever made. "So, we going on the Haunted Mansion or not."
"Yeah, sure." Ash nodded, letting Misty lead him this time.
…
It was dark by the time Ash and Misty made it back to the house – sans May. All Misty had received was a rather shouty voicemail, she couldn't make out most of it. There was something about being in love, something about spending the night at Drew's and a warning to behave herself alone with Ash. The rest was a blur.
"Today was fun." Misty said, her stomach filled with butterflies just like it was all those years ago on their first date.
"Yeah, even if we got ditched the moment we walked into the park." Ash grinned, both of them pausing outside the front door.
She couldn't deny how romantic this evening was, the stars shining, the slight breeze blowing both their hair, goosebumps raising on their skin. She wasn't sure who leaned in first, maybe it was both but all she knew was that they'd been building up to this moment the second she stepped out the taxi.
As soon as their lip touch it was like an explosion, it wasn't the gentle and tentative kiss she was expecting. Instead, it was desperate, hands gripping at clothes so tightly they could tear, bodies pressed close so they could feel each other's heat. It was everything Misty needed and yet not enough at the same time.
When they finally separated, they were breathless, Misty feeling a heat deep in her stomach at the sight of Ash's blown eyes.
"Well, that was a thing." Ash laughed, the exhale brushing Misty's lips.
"Yeah." She whispered back.
…
