A/N: To those who get this setup and where I got the idea from my hats off to you. I hope it brings you some laughter as a simple one shot idea that came to me while putting my own little Pokemon Trainers to sleep. Please leave a review and or favorite if you feel so inclined.

The golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow over the quaint, familiar houses of Pallet Town, marking the end of another day. However, for Ash Ketchum, the fading light signaled a significant moment — his return home after a long and arduous journey through the diverse and challenging landscapes of the Paldea region. Beside him, his faithful companion, Pikachu, matched his every step, the electric type's ears twitching with anticipation at the prospect of a heartfelt reunion.

As Ash approached the familiar weather-worn picket fence of his childhood home, a whirlwind of nostalgia swept over him. The scent of blooming flowers and the soft chirping of Pidgeys brought a serene peace, a stark contrast to the cacophony of bustling cities and the roar of battles that had become his recent norm. Stepping onto the front porch, his hand reached out, barely touching the door before it swung open.

There, framed by the doorway, stood Misty, the fiery-haired girl from Cerulean City, who had been both his first companion and a tireless friend. Her presence was as unexpected as it was delightful. Her viridian eyes sparkled with the joy of seeing an old friend, and a broad smile spread across her face.

"Pikachu, look who's here!" Misty exclaimed.

Pikachu, upon hearing the familiar voice, dashed forward with an excited cry, "Pi-ka-chu-pi!" That affectionate nickname, understood only by the trio, echoed Ash's surprise and joy. Pikachu leaped, a yellow blur of happiness, into Misty's open arms, receiving a gentle and warm embrace from the Water Pokémon Trainer.

"Misty? What are you doing here?" Ash's astonishment was clear as day, his backpack dropping to the floor, momentarily forgotten.

"I thought I'd surprise you," Misty chuckled, ruffling Pikachu's fur gently. "I wanted to be the first to hear about your adventures in Paldea!"

As they exchanged stories and laughter, Delia Ketchum, Ash's mother, appeared behind Misty, an apron tied around her waist and a loving smile gracing her features. "Welcome home, Ash," she said, her voice as warm as the kitchen from which she'd just emerged. "I've made your favorite—peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and there's plenty for everyone!"

Delia glanced at the setting sun, then back at her son with a twinkle in her eye. "Professor Oak stopped by earlier. He's eager to hear all about the new Pokémon you've encountered and the battles you've won. But that can wait until after dinner."

As the sky deepened into shades of purple and indigo, the group made their way into the cozy living room. Ash and Misty settled on the couch, Pikachu contently nestled between them, while Delia disappeared briefly, only to return with a tray laden with sandwiches and freshly squeezed lemonade.

Amidst bites of sandwiches and laughter, Ash began recounting the challenges he'd faced: the towering cliffs he'd scaled, the powerful trainers he'd battled, and the new Pokémon friendships he'd forged. Misty listened intently, her eyes shining with pride and the thrill of shared adventure, while Delia interjected with words of amazement and motherly concern.

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, Ash slowly opened his eyes. The soft fabric of the couch beneath him was a stark reminder that he had given up the comfort of his own bed for Misty, wanting to ensure she had a good night's rest after her unexpected visit. He stretched, joints popping mildly with the motion, and turned his head to see Pikachu, still asleep, his little chest rising and falling in peaceful rhythm.

Ash gently nudged his companion. "Hey, Pikachu, time to get up. We've got a big day ahead of us."

"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed groggily, shaking off sleep as he hopped to his feet, ready for whatever adventure lay ahead.

Together, they made their way upstairs to Misty's door, where Ash knocked softly. "Hey, Misty, are you up? We're heading to Professor Oak's lab soon."

Within moments, Misty emerged, her hair a cascade of fiery waves, her face fresh and alert. "Morning, Ash! I'm ready to go. I can't wait to see what Professor Oak thinks of your new Pokémon!"

The crisp morning air was refreshing as the trio made their way down the familiar dirt path that led to Professor Oak's laboratory. As they approached, the lab's door swung open, and Tracey Sketchit appeared, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the friends.

"Hey, guys!" Tracey greeted them, a sketchbook under his arm as always. "Ash, I've been looking forward to hearing about your journey! I bet you've got some incredible stories."

Misty, with a playful glint in her eye, stepped forward. "Don't get him started just yet, Tracey. You sure you have time before your big date with Daisy?"

Tracey's face turned a shade redder, a bashful smile creeping onto his face. "Well, you know I'd never be late for that," he chuckled.

From behind the shelves lined with Poké Balls and artifacts, a familiar voice called out, tinged with a note of amusement. "Indeed, Misty," said Professor Oak as he came into view, adjusting his glasses with a knowing smile. "Tracey has never been late to a date with your sister. He's quite the responsible young man."

Ash, looking slightly confused but not wanting to dwell on the matter, quickly changed the subject. "Professor, wait till you hear about the Pokémon in Paldea! There are some really unique ones that I've never seen anywhere else!"

Professor Oak's interest was piqued, a scholarly excitement taking over as he ushered them into his research area. "Well then, Ash, let's hear about it! Paldea is a region rich with diverse ecosystems, and I'm eager to learn through your experiences."

Ash dove into his tales, explaining with vivid detail about the unusual Pokémon he encountered, the sprawling landscapes of Paldea, and the innovative battle strategies he had observed. Pikachu chirped in every so often, adding his own enthusiastic commentary.

Tracey listened intently, occasionally jotting down notes, his mind already imagining the sketches he could create. Misty, meanwhile, was fully engaged, asking questions and laughing at Ash's recounting of the more humorous moments.

Professor Oak nodded along, his curiosity deepening with each new piece of information. "Fascinating," he murmured, "This will certainly add to our understanding of Pokémon behavior and habitat. Your journey has contributed valuable insights, Ash."

As the morning wore on, it was clear that Ash's adventures had only just begun. There were still many stories to tell, many lessons to learn, and many friends to share them with. The bonds formed through their shared love of Pokémon continued to tie them all together, each playing a part in the ever-evolving narrative of discovery and friendship.

As Ash delved into the tale of his encounter with the Aqua Breed Paldean Tauros, his enthusiasm was as palpable as the pounding hooves he described. The Pokémon's dark gray fur and imposing black mane seemed to come alive in the midst of his animated storytelling. Ash's hands waved in the air, imitating the Tauros's powerful charge, his voice filled with the excitement of the chase.

Misty, her attention seemingly divided, let out a soft giggle, her eyes fixed on the screen of her phone. The sound was out of place amidst the tale of adventure, causing Ash to pause mid-sentence, his expression shifting from exhilaration to curiosity.

"Who are you texting?" Ash asked, a note of annoyance creeping into his voice.

Misty glanced up, a hint of mischief in her eyes, but quickly attempted to dismiss the question. "Oh, it's no one," she said, trying to steer the attention back to Ash's story. "So, this Tauros—"

But Ash was too sharp to be diverted, and he caught a glimpse of Gary's name at the top of her chat screen before she could tilt the phone away. A silent understanding passed over him; Gary and Misty often shared tips about Pokémon care, but knowing his rival, Ash felt a twinge of the old competitive spirit rise within him.

Misty, sensing the shift in the room, pocketed her phone and stood up. "I'll be right back," she said, her tone light but hurried, "I just remembered I have to check something with Gary at one of Professor Oak's pens."

As she strode off toward the area where Gary often worked with the Pokémon, Ash watched her go, his brows knitting together slightly. Pikachu, catching the change in Ash's mood, tilted his head, giving a concerned "Pika?"

Professor Oak, ever observant, exchanged a knowing look with Tracey. The pair shared an understanding of the complex dynamics that often unfolded around Ash and his friends. Both men tried to maintain a neutral expression, but their eyes followed Misty's departure with a mix of intrigue and amusement.

Tracey, attempting to break the moment of tension, turned to Ash. "So, you were saying about the Tauros?"

But Ash's gaze lingered a moment longer on the path Misty had taken before he could redirect his attention back to his audience. Pikachu, jumping onto the couch beside him, nuzzled his cheek, bringing a small smile back to Ash's face.

"Yeah," Ash said, regaining his composure as he turned back to the professor and Tracey. "This Tauros was unlike anything I've seen. It had this intense look in its eyes, like it was the king of its territory. And when it charged, it was like a tidal wave!"

The room's atmosphere slowly shifted back to one of curiosity and excitement as Ash continued his narration, but the image of Misty slipping away to see Gary lingered at the back of his mind, an unanswered question waiting in the wings of their ever-evolving journey.

As the sun began its slow descent, casting long shadows over the quaint paths of Pallet Town, Ash and Misty made their way back to Delia's house. The earlier tension had eased, and their footsteps were in comfortable sync, the familiar rhythm of old friends treading a well-worn path.

However, the question that had planted itself in Ash's mind refused to be uprooted. "Hey, Misty," he started, casting a sidelong glance her way, "what was so important that you had to talk to Gary about right then?"

Misty seemed to have anticipated the question. With a nonchalant shrug, she replied, "Oh, I just was asking him how it went capturing next year's starter Pokémon for new trainers. You know, professor stuff."

Ash's stride faltered for a split second before he caught himself. "Sounds like it could have waited till after my story," he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Misty to catch.

Instead of taking the bait, Misty chose to respond with a knowing smile, "It sounds like you wanted to have a chat with Gary."

Ash's response was immediate and a bit louder than he intended. "I most definitely don't need to talk to Gary," he declared, a bit too quickly, his voice laced with the old competitive edge that Gary always seemed to draw out of him.

Nearby, Delia and Mr. Mime were tending to the garden, their hands delicately working the earth as they planted new seeds for the coming season. Upon hearing the exchange, Delia looked up just in time to catch Ash's slightly flushed face and Misty's amused expression. She exchanged a glance with Mr. Mime, who, in his own silent way, seemed to share her sentiment. They both knew these two well enough to understand the layers in their conversation, and Delia couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle before returning to her gardening.

Pikachu, ever the observant companion, walked beside Ash and Misty, his small head shaking almost imperceptibly. If he could sigh, he would have. Ash and Misty could be so stubborn at times, but it was clear to everyone, perhaps except themselves, that their bickering was just another form of communication, one that held undertones of deep-seated respect and care.

Misty, sensing Ash's need for space, paused at the path that forked towards his home. "I think I'll head in," she said, turning to go.

Ash, however, remained still, looking out toward the horizon where the sky was painting itself with the hues of an oncoming storm. "I think I will walk a bit more," he replied, his voice carrying a note of distraction.

Misty looked up, her eyes narrowing as she studied the darkening clouds. "Ash, I think it's going to rain," she cautioned.

"I'll be fine," he responded, his gaze still fixed on the distant thunderheads. As Misty hesitated, Ash added softly, a remark meant only for himself, "Not like you care anyways."

Pikachu, upon hearing this, cast a glance at Misty, offered a small shrug, and then dutifully followed Ash. The little Pokémon had been through enough squalls to know that some storms were not of the weather, but of the heart.

Misty watched them for a moment, a twinge of concern and something unspoken flashing through her eyes before she turned to walk back to the house.

Ash's steps were automatic, tracing the paths of Pallet Town without thought, as his mind wound back through the years to the Orange Archipelago. The skies above grew heavy with the promise of rain, mirroring the growing tumult within him.

He was taken back to the challenge on Navel Island, where he had faced Danny, one of the members of the Orange Crew. Misty's laughter—her genuine, carefree giggles—rang through his memory with striking clarity. Back then, that sound had pierced him sharper than the cold mountain winds. He had tried to shake off the feeling, telling himself it was the competition that gnawed at him, not the attention Misty bestowed on Danny.

But the honesty of distance and time peeled back layers of youthful bravado. As he had struggled, scaling the sheer icy cliffs to prove himself worthy of a gym match, Misty's concern for Danny had been like a silent specter at his side, a cold reminder that his efforts might not only be for the badge but for acknowledgement from his oldest friend.

It wasn't just annoyance; it was a hurt that had dug its claws deep and had refused to let go, a hurt that came from feeling second in the eyes of someone for whom he'd always tried to be his best.

Ash had hidden that ache behind a determined smile and a will to win, which had carried him to victory in the end. But even as he had celebrated, even as the badge was placed in his hand, that giggle echoed in his mind, a taunting melody that spoke of his silent, unseen struggle.

Now, as the first raindrop splattered against the brim of his cap, he realized the old wound had never fully healed. It lay dormant, waiting for a moment of vulnerability to resurface, just as it had today with the sight of Misty texting Gary.

Pikachu, ever attuned to Ash's moods, slowed his pace to match Ash's reflective one. The Pokémon's concerned eyes watched Ash's face, now turned toward the sky, as if seeking answers from the brooding clouds.

Neither of them moved to seek shelter, letting the rain begin to fall around them, a curtain of water veiling the past from the present. The healing, Ash knew, was not in escaping the storm but in walking through it. And as always, Pikachu would be right there with him, every step of the way.

The rain grew from a drizzle to a persistent downpour, the drops hitting the ground with a rhythmic beat that seemed to tap into Ash's stream of memories, each one eliciting ripples across the surface of his thoughts.

Another memory surfaced, this one also tinted with the hues of the Orange Islands, but it was Trovita Island that came to the fore. Rudy, the Gym Leader there, had given Misty a level of attention that had made Ash uneasy, though he couldn't quite articulate why at the time. Rudy's gaze had lingered on Misty, his gestures had been for her, and his words had danced around her like the elegant moves of his Pokémon in battle.

Ash, caught up in the trials Rudy had set before him, had felt a twinge of something akin to jealousy. It had niggled at him, that unfamiliar sensation of being in the background of someone's attention, especially when it was someone as important to him as Misty.

The skies seemed to resonate with his inner turmoil, the dark clouds rolling above as Ash's heart thundered in his chest. Then, amidst the tempest of those memories, came the clear recollection of Misty's voice cutting through his doubts: "Focus, Ash! You can beat him!"

It had been a lifeline thrown to him in a sea of uncertainty. Her words, sharp and direct, had grounded him. They reminded him that, despite the distractions, despite the unsettling feelings stirred by Rudy's obvious affection towards Misty, she was there for him when it mattered.

And then, after his victory, the moment Rudy had handed Misty a bouquet of flowers as a token of admiration, Ash remembered the bittersweet feeling that had washed over him. Rudy had turned to him then and said with a respectful nod, "You're lucky, you know. Not just for winning the match."

Ash hadn't fully grasped Rudy's meaning then, but as he stood now in the downpour, letting the rain mat his hair and soak through his clothes, the meaning was as clear as the waters around Trovita Island. It wasn't just about winning battles or earning badges; it was about the bonds formed along the way, about the unwavering support that Misty had always provided, even when her ways were subtler than the cheers of a crowd.

As the storm intensified, lightning strikes began to etch across the sky, a fierce reminder of another time when the elements had mirrored the chaos of the moment. The strikes were reminiscent of the very first day of his journey, when a desperate escape from a flock of Spearow with Pikachu had ended with him falling from Misty's bike, their fates irrevocably entwined from that moment forward.

Those same electric fingers of nature that reached down from the heavens brought Ash's mind to another moment of fear and adrenaline. It was the time when Team Rocket, in their unending scheming, had snatched Misty away on a blimp bound for the Mirage Kingdom. Panic had gripped him with cold fingers when he saw her being taken away. Not thinking twice, he had leaped, grabbing hold of a rope that trailed from the blimp, his muscles burning as he pulled himself up, driven by the singular thought of not letting his friend be taken from him.

And then there was the more recent memory, when rivalry had taken a friendly turn. Misty, ever the competent and determined Water Pokémon trainer, had bested him in battle with her Politoed. She had earned the right to capture Clauncher, an assertion of her own journey and goals. Ash had respected her for that victory, and her choice to follow him had been a choice of partnership, a reaffirmation of the bond they shared.

The lightning in the sky seemed to punctuate his thoughts, each flash a stark contrast to the dark, a parallel to the moments when fear and concern for Misty had jolted his heart with a different kind of electricity. It was these times of shared peril and the exhilaration of overcoming them together that had cemented their bond.

Pikachu, ever sensitive to the mood and weather, looked up at Ash with an expression that spoke volumes. They had weathered many storms together, both literal and metaphorical, and they had always come out stronger.

As the rain drenched him, Ash's thoughts circled back to the present, to Misty's laughter and her text messages, to Rudy and Danny and the unwarranted twinges of jealousy. He realized that through all the ups and downs, Misty had been a constant in his life. It wasn't about who got more attention or who won what battle; it was about the journey they shared, the unspoken trust, and the quiet strength of their friendship that had been tested time and again.

The storm above was breaking now, the lightning becoming less frequent, and in the distance, Ash could see the faintest hint of clearing. The storm was passing, and with it, the storm within Ash was calming too. He knew that when he returned home, soaked and chilled but clearer of heart, Misty would be there. And they would move forward, as they always had, as friends, as rivals, as indomitable spirits on their own unique journeys.

Ash took a deep, steadying breath, his resolve hardening with the intent of his decision. "I know what I need to do, Pikachu," he said, his voice barely audible over the din of the rain.

With renewed vigor, he turned back, his feet splashing through the accumulating puddles, each step hastening him towards his destination. The rain continued to lash at him, but he barely noticed, his focus narrowed to the warmth of home and the clarity that awaited.

He burst through the door, the image of home instantly comforting yet blurred by the sheets of water that trailed from his soaked clothes. Misty was there, sitting on the floor, an album sprawled open before her, its pages filled with captured moments of a younger Ash, each a testament to the journey he'd traveled.

Misty looked up, startled, a question perched on her lips as she pointed to a picture. "Ash, is this your—"

But she never finished the question. In a few quick strides, Ash closed the distance between them, driven by a surge of emotion that could no longer be contained. He kissed her, a culmination of years of unspoken feelings, of companionship, of challenges faced side by side. It was impulsive, it was heartfelt, and it was decisive.

Misty's eyes widened in surprise, the album slipping from her fingers and thudding onto the floor. The world seemed to hold its breath, the rain's patter the only sound to fill the sudden stillness.

Pikachu, following Ash and equally soaked, chose that exact moment to shake off the rain, scattering droplets like a thousand tiny prisms around the room, interrupting the spell of the moment.

Misty, her mind rebooting from the rush of sensations, looked up at Ash with wide, questioning eyes. "What brought this on?"

Ash, his breathing still uneven, asked with a vulnerability he seldom showed, "Why didn't you just tell me you liked me?"

The room was quiet save for the rain and the soft, steady breathing of two hearts trying to find their rhythm. Ash's question hung in the air, simple yet weighted with the complexity of years woven together, a tapestry of friendship that had finally revealed its hidden pattern of deeper affection.

Misty's laughter, light and unguarded, filled the room as she reached up to pluck Ash's hat from his head, placing it on her own with a playful, rebellious tilt. "I was going to tell you when I finally got my bike back," she teased, the memory dancing in her eyes. "Or did you forget Brock ruining the moment just as you started to lean in?"

Ash couldn't help but laugh, the tension of years seeming to unravel with the shared recollection. "Well, I guess... is it too late now?" he asked, his tone hopeful, almost boyish.

Misty looked up at him, her smile soft yet impish under the brim of his hat. "Does it seem like it's too late, Mr. Pokémon Master?" she quipped, her voice carrying the weight of shared dreams and enduring friendship.

Ash, his heart full, ventured further. "You okay with me always heading out on another adventure?"

Her answer came as a kiss to his cheek, sweet and affirming. "Only if you always come back to me," she said, her words a promise wrapped in warmth. But then, her voice dropped to a mock-threatening whisper, "And so long as you don't kiss other girls."

Ash's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, so if I kiss Cilan, then I'm good?" he said, the corners of his lips twitching with the tease.

In an instant, Misty's quick temper flared, a familiar spark that had always danced between them. "Ash Ketchum, don't you dare!"

With a burst of laughter, Ash dashed away, his energy rivaling the Pokémon battles they had faced together, knowing full well the chase would be on. Misty, not one to back down from a challenge—or a joke—was quick on his heels.

Pikachu watched the chase unfold, the electric mouse Pokémon shaking his head with an amused sigh. Indeed, some things never changed between Ash and Misty. Their banter, their challenges, their unspoken affection—it was all part of the adventure. And for Pikachu, who had been with Ash from the very beginning, seeing these moments of joy was a reassurance that no matter how many journeys they embarked on, the bonds they formed would always bring them back together.

In the house filled with laughter and the echoes of childhood memories, Ash and Misty's story continued, their friendship as enduring as the legacy they were both part of—a legacy of friendship, battles, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.