I've really fallen off the writing wagon, which is driving me crazy! So I wanted to be able to get something up. This one was already written, but I was able to go back in and edit which was helpful and put me in more of a writing mood!
Aiden and Michelle: 6 years old
Elizabeth: 3 months old
A Mother's Work
"You're sure it's no big deal?"
"Oh my gods, Misty."
"I'm serious! I don't want it to be too much for you!"
"I know how to take care of your kids! Besides, it's no big deal anyway. They're such little angels!"
Misty seemed uncertain, but nevertheless handed over the baby in her arms to her oldest sister. The little one was still asleep at the moment, but Misty could pretty much guarantee it wouldn't last long.
"You know what to do when she wakes up, right?" Misty asked, a twinge of anxiety evident in her voice.
"I think you mean if," Daisy sniffed.
Misty felt her eye twitch. "She's going to wake up! I'm telling you! So do you know what you need to do?"
"Yeah, feed her," Daisy replied absentmindedly, gently rubbing the baby's nose.
"I won't be gone long," Misty continued. "I'm just going for a quick run! So-"
"The longer it takes you to leave, the later you're going to get back," Daisy interrupted, shooting her youngest sister a wry look.
Misty appeared ready to argue, but she suddenly changed face and decided to back down. "Fine. Just keep an eye on Aiden and Michelle, and an ear out for Elizabeth."
"Will do," Daisy sighed, though she was now smirking.
Finally smiling, Misty turned and walked briskly out of the gym, Vaporeon following closely behind. She liked going for her runs, but she didn't like being away from her kids. It was bad enough when she was working, and even then they were always either somewhere else in the gym or right next door in the house. But Misty loved her job, she loved being a gym leader, and she couldn't imagine ever giving it up, even if she did feel guilty sometimes.
Standing on the white bridge that hovered above the gym's mote, Misty did a couple of stretches in order to warm her muscles up. Vaporeon did her own as well, much to her trainer's amusement.
"You're so cute!" Misty crooned to her partner, who flicked her large, webbed ears in response. Misty giggled, knowing it was the bubble jet Pokémon's way of saying I know. "All stretched out?"
"Vay!" Vaporeon confirmed.
"Alright, let's go!" Misty called.
She ran over the bridge, Vaporeon right by her side. The two crossed the bridge over to the large stretch of concrete lined by trees and lampposts, darting down the entire length before reaching the end where it split into two different directions. Knowing the path she wanted to take by heart, Misty turned onto the road to the right, continuing down that way. She and Vaporeon soon made their way into downtown Cerulean, running past the various shops and restaurants the area had to offer. It was still relatively early in the morning, but there were some people out and about, many of whom both knew and adored Misty and Vaporeon. They would happily and quickly greet the gym leader and her Pokémon, not wanting to keep them from their morning exercise. After all, they knew just how hard the both of them worked and how dedicated they were. Misty was appreciative of all of this and was sure to return the favor with her own quick greeting.
Misty's favorite part of her run, however, was the loop she'd take around the water. She was separated from it by a railing, but she could still hear it lap against the surrounding concrete and feel the cool breeze blow through her hair. Vaporeon, of course, loved it as well, especially when she'd get sprayed with a few stray drops of water.
The two wound up at Cerulean's Pokémon Center, slowing up to a stop. Vaporeon was panting, and Misty giggled tiredly as she knelt down to pet the Pokémon's head.
"I think we should both get some water," Misty decided, sounding only slightly winded. "Come on!"
She stood back up and walked towards the glass doors of the Pokémon Center, which slid open as soon as she got close enough. Vaporeon followed after her, more slowly than before, and continued until they reached the counter. Nurse Joy was behind it, and had been working on something, but looked up when she realized someone was approaching. As soon as she saw Misty, a big smile appeared on her face. The two women were good friends; Nurse Joy had begun working at the center not long after Misty had become gym leader, so they had built up a nice relationship over the years.
"Good morning, Misty!" The nurse greeted cheerfully. Leaning over the counter, she added to the gym leader's partner, "morning, Vaporeon!"
"Vay!" Vaporeon returned.
"Good morning to you too!" Misty replied.
"Did you two just finish your morning run?" Nurse Joy asked.
"We sure did!" Misty breathed. "And we were both looking for some water…"
"Of course!" Nurse Joy chirped. "I'll go grab some."
"Thank you," Misty returned, giving the nurse a small bow.
Nurse Joy scurried down a hallway just behind the desk and quickly returned with two bottles of water. Reaching under the counter, she pulled out a bowl and twisted open one of the bottles, pouring about half of it in.
"Here you are!" Nurse Joy declared.
"Oh, you're the best!" Misty cheered, grabbing the bowl first and placing it on the floor. Vaporeon wasted no time in sticking her head in, taking long laps at the chilled water. "Okay, so you were really thirsty! Guess I'll need to pour the other half of that water bottle sooner rather than later."
"I have plenty more in the back," Nurse Joy assured her. "You two can have as much water as you want!"
Vaporeon looked up from her nearly empty bowl and mewled, "pore!"
"Hey, finish the first bottle and then we'll ask for more," Misty snickered. She opened up her own bottle and began to drink from it just as dramatic music began playing from the TV. Still sipping from the bottle, Misty turned towards the large flat screen situated on the right hand wall.
Welcome to Trainer Insider!
Misty raised an eyebrow and looked over her shoulder. "Nurse Joy, you watch this kind of stuff?"
"Me? Oh, no," Nurse Joy refuted, waving her hand. "Some of the trainers who were staying here last night put it on. I usually find Trainer Insider to be nothing but petty gossip."
"That's a nicer description than I would've used," Misty scoffed. "I think it's pure garbage."
"Let's start off today's episode with our favorite subject: Pokémon Master Ash Ketchum!"
Misty finished taking another long sip of water and rolled her eyes. "I'm convinced that without Ash, these people would have nothing to talk about. Let's see which actress he's cheating on me with this week."
"He's the most successful trainer in the world, and quite possibly the most handsome. And everyone knows he's married to the Cerulean City gym leader, Misty. But what everyone is wondering is why she still wants to be a gym leader."
"That's right, Melissa. Now that the couple has three children, people believe Misty should give up her job to stay at home with them. We all know that a gym leader doesn't make the same kind of money the Pokémon Master does. Those two certainly won't be wanting for anything if Misty does step down!"
"Not to mention those kids are probably unsettled at best with the jobs their parents have. We do see Misty out and about with them, but she's obviously not with them all day if she's battling. And Ash's schedule is beyond hectic! We're not even sure how often he sees his kids."
"That's got to be exhausting for Misty. Why have the burden of being a gym leader on top of it?"
The TV suddenly turned off. Misty blinked without turning away from it, while Nurse Joy, who had made her way over to the couch in front of the screen, sighed and lowered the remote to her side. "I'm sorry, Misty. If I had known-"
"It's okay," Misty replied robotically. "You couldn't have. But…people are actually talking about that?"
"I suppose so," Nurse Joy murmured, placing the remote down on the side table beside the couch. "I haven't heard such things, but I doubt anyone in Cerulean would even consider something so ridiculous. You know people just love to get involved in everyone else's business; you shouldn't listen to any of that. You're a wonderful gym leader and a great mother! No reason to choose between the two."
"I guess…" Misty grumbled.
Nurse Joy frowned as she glanced at the gym leader. "Misty, are you alright?"
The redhead took in a deep breath and forced a big smile on her face. It was fake, but she could sell it. "Yeah, just fine! But I should probably be getting back to the gym. Trainers will start coming by soon for battles."
At first, Nurse Joy didn't seem convinced, but she finally relented and nodded her head. "That's true. Enjoy the rest of your day!"
"Thanks, you too," Misty breathed, turning on a heel and waving down at her partner. "Come on, Vaporeon."
The bubble jet Pokémon mewled uncertainly, sensing her trainer's mood was off. Still, she got to her paws and followed after the young woman, not taking her eyes off of her for the entire walk back.
XXX
Back at the gym, Aiden and Michelle were playing with Daisy in the lobby, while Elizabeth continued to sleep nearby in a bouncy seat. The two older kids and their aunt were engaged in a board game, which Daisy was finding a bit perplexing.
"I don't get why I have to go backwards," Daisy whined as she moved her piece back two spaces.
"Cause that's what the card said, Aunt Daisy!" Aiden cried.
"Yeah, but why?" Daisy continued. "It said my Growlithe ran away and I had to go look for him, but I don't even have a Growlithe in my car!"
"The card thinks you do," Michelle replied.
Daisy huffed and crossed her arms. "This game is weird."
"My turn!" Aiden announced, throwing his arm up in the air before twisting the spinner.
"Shh," Daisy gently hushed her nephew. "We don't want to wake up Elizabeth!"
"Oh," Aiden squeaked, looking over at his little sister. "Sorry!"
"You're fine," Daisy giggled.
The doors to the gym suddenly slid open, catching the attention of Daisy and the twins. Misty had just walked in, her face bright red and her eyes narrowed, her hands balled into fists at her sides. Vaporeon was still watching her intently, a look of concern on her face. That same look was soon plastered on the faces of Aiden, Michelle, and Daisy as well.
"Um, Misty…are you…okay?" Daisy asked tentatively.
"I'm fine," Misty spat out, a bit too quickly and forcefully.
"Really?" Daisy prodded. "Because you look ready to kill someone."
Misty sucked in a long breath, ready to fire off another retort, but she stopped short once she saw Aiden and Michelle's concerned faces. Letting go of that breath, Misty could begin to feel her skin slowly come down from its near furious red hue. "I'm fine, honest."
That being enough for the twins, the two young children ran up to their mother and attached themselves to her legs.
"Mommy, we're so happy you're back!" Michelle giggled.
"Yeah, we missed you!" Aiden added.
Calm immediately washed over Misty. For the first time since she'd seen that stupid television report, she flashed a genuine smile and knelt down to hug her older children.
"You two are so sweet," Misty cooed, nuzzling their foreheads before pulling away. "Were you good for Aunt Daisy while I was gone?"
"Uh huh!" They both chimed.
"We were playing our favorite game!" Michelle added, pointing at the board game set up on the floor.
Misty peered around her daughter to look at the game. "Poké Life? Oh, that is your favorite!"
"It doesn't make much sense to me," Daisy commented, shaking her head.
"I think it's cute, but it drives Ash nuts too, so I guess I can understand," Misty giggled. "And Elizabeth?"
"Didn't wake up once," Daisy boasted, smirking at her stunned sister.
"Seriously?" Misty deadpanned.
"Seriously," Daisy confirmed. "That baby is like Sleeping Beauty!"
"Oh, I hope she's not getting sick," Misty fretted. "She should've woken up hungry by now!"
As if she'd heard her mother in her sleep, Elizabeth began to softly mumble and open her eyes. The baby whined as she rubbed her tiny fists against her cheeks, slowly stretching herself out as her murmurs turned to whimpers.
"I guess she was just waiting for you!" Daisy trilled.
Misty smirked and stood up, walking over to the baby and lifting her out of her bouncy seat. "Hello, sweetie! Are you hungry?"
Elizabeth quieted almost instantly, and began to smile instead. Misty hummed happily and nuzzled the baby's forehead, just as she'd done to Aiden and Michelle only minutes before.
"Mommy, can Michelle and I go play in the playroom?" Aiden suddenly squeaked, scurrying up to his mother.
"Of course, baby, you don't have to ask!" Misty giggled. "You two have fun!"
The twins both bolted in the direction of the playroom. As soon as they were out of earshot, Daisy whipped her head around towards Misty and demanded, "So seriously, what was with your mood when you came back here?"
"How many times do I have to tell you nothing?" Misty sighed, holding a babbling Elizabeth against her.
"I know you think I'm dumb, but I'm not," Daisy bit. "At least not that dumb. I haven't seen a look on your face like that one in a long time. You only get it when you're really pissed off. So obviously something happened while you were gone."
Misty appeared offended. "Why did something have to happen? Maybe my face was just really red because I was running. Did that cross your mind?"
"Sure, but not the rest of it," Daisy pressed, motioning towards her sister's face. "Running will make you red. It won't make you look like your arch enemy just lit your car on fire and left you to deal with the mess."
The offended look quickly transformed into one of bewilderment. "That was weirdly specific."
"I've been reading through some new movie scripts lately," Daisy casually supplied.
"I don't recommend signing on to whichever one that was," Misty replied.
"Don't change the subject!" Daisy cried, causing Misty to wince. "I know something's up."
Misty visibly softened a bit, but still kept her mouth shut.
"I'm only trying to help you," Daisy continued, her voice becoming gentler. "You are my baby sister, and I do still worry about you. I know you really don't need anyone taking care of you, and whenever you decide you do, it's Ash. But he's not here right now, so I'm just looking out for you. Unless…you want me to call him up and tell him…"
Misty's eyes widened. "Daisy, no! Don't you dare!"
"I knew it!" Daisy hissed. "This is obviously really bugging you if you don't even want your husband to know about it! So, spill."
She still didn't want to say anything, but at this point, Misty knew she was backed into a corner, and she'd never get Daisy off her back if she didn't tell her. And she definitely didn't want Ash to get involved. "I stopped by the Pokémon Center after the run to get some water for me and Vaporeon. Trainer Insider was on the TV and they had some dumb opinion piece about me that just got on my nerves."
"Was it about Ash cheating on you with some model again?" Daisy groaned.
"No, I know better than to let that nonsense bother me at this point," Misty sighed. "It was…they were saying that it doesn't make any sense for me to be a gym leader anymore. That I don't spend enough time with my kids and that I'm messing them up because of it."
"Oh," Daisy breathed, her eyes falling to the floor. "That's a new one."
"It was awful," Misty muttered. "I love being a gym leader, Dais, and I don't ever want to give it up. But…if people really think I'm a bad mother…then that bothers me. A lot."
"Except they don't know you," Daisy reminded her youngest sister. "I know how much you love your kids, and how good of a mother you are! I mean, you built an entire playroom in the gym just so you could keep them near you while you work. And even when they're not here, you only leave them with people you absolutely trust, who you know love them and care for them just as much as you do."
"That's true…" Misty trailed off.
Daisy smirked and shook her head. "You know, for a girl who's always bragged about how confident she is, those gossip rags really know how to get under your skin."
"Sometimes that confidence is just a façade," Misty admitted, turning her head away to try and hide the blush that had reappeared on her face.
"Is that why you don't want to tell Ash?" Daisy asked.
"No, not really," Misty sighed. "It's not like he's never seen me be vulnerable. He actually probably has the most experience out of anyone with that at this point. I'm more worried about the fact he's so protective of me, and if he gets wind that someone referred to me as a bad mother, he might just go down to that studio and fight someone."
Daisy thought about it for a moment before prodding, "would you actually be against that?"
"Of course not," Misty finally laughed. "I just don't think it's in his best interest. Or mine. Or anyone's, really."
"I don't know, I've always found it very sexy when a man goes to bat for me," Daisy purred.
"Does Tracey do that?" Misty asked.
"Please, we all know I'm the one with the backbone in this relationship," Daisy scoffed. "I love him, but he's too sweet and soft for his own good."
Misty smirked and shook her head, readjusting Elizabeth in her arms. "Well, thanks for making me feel better, Dais. You've gotten pretty good at that!"
Daisy rose her blonde eyebrows in interest. "Am I better at it than Ash?"
"Okay, let's not get ahead of ourselves."
XXX
That night, Misty was sitting in bed, her legs bent with Elizabeth laying on her thighs. She was holding onto the baby's hands, singing to the little girl as she gently moved her arms up and down. Elizabeth was smiling in response, which in turn had Misty smiling. Yet, the stupid report from Trainer Insider before was still weighing heavily on her mind. She hated that it was still bothering her so much, even after Daisy had talked her down earlier.
Misty only looked up from her young daughter when she heard footsteps. Fortunately for her, they belonged to Ash, who was just now coming home from a long day at the Indigo Plateau.
"Hey," Misty greeted casually, looking back down at the baby when she let out a shrill noise.
"Hey," Ash returned, watching as Pikachu jumped off his shoulder and onto the bed so he could greet Elizabeth with some sniffs and licks. "I thought you'd be asleep by now."
"Me too," Misty laughed weakly. "But Lizzie had other plans."
Ash frowned. "She fussy?"
"A little?" Misty didn't sound totally confident. "She just doesn't want to stay in her crib. I kept trying to put her down, but every time I walked out she'd start crying. Eventually I decided it wasn't worth it to keep doing that, so she's been in here with me ever since. She's been really calm, happy even, but she is wide awake."
Ash chuckled and crawled onto the bed, picking the baby up to cradle her. "You want to party, don't you?" He cooed, rubbing his nose against hers. "Maybe she senses you're stressed. Babies are good at that kind of stuff."
Misty raised an eyebrow. "Why would I be stressed?"
"I don't know," Ash murmured, shrugging his shoulders. "I thought maybe that dumb story they ran on TV today."
Misty's face paled. She didn't look up at Ash, but he was smirking at her.
"H-how'd you know about that?" Misty stammered. "Did you see it?"
"Nah," Ash refuted. "Lance told me."
"Right, your work husband," Misty scoffed. Then, only half-jokingly, she added, "How many members of your Elite Four needed to hold you back?"
"Only half," Ash replied. He was fully joking, as evidenced by his bouncy tone and now widened smile.
"I didn't want you to know," Misty groaned, burying her face in her hands.
"Why?" Ash asked, his teasing smirk disappearing when he realized Misty was truly bothered by the subject.
"Because it was embarrassing," Misty grumbled, narrowing her eyes as she brought her knees into her chest. "And I thought you'd get pissed and try to attack someone over it. Although, right about now, I wouldn't be opposed to that…"
"Wow, you really think I'm a hothead, don't you?" Ash snickered.
"Only when it comes to me," Misty sighed.
"That's fair," Ash relented. "But honestly, I wasn't gonna waste my time on that nonsense. I know how ridiculous and far from true it is. I kind of think it's a big waste of time to get all upset over something I know isn't real."
Misty blinked, absorbing Ash's words. "That's…very wise of you, Ash."
Ash beamed at his wife's compliment. He did enjoy it when she boosted his ego a bit, but even more so when he knew she was being completely genuine and appreciated his outlook on such matters.
"I think you know deep down that it's garbage, too," Ash added.
"Of course I do," Misty scoffed. "But it doesn't hurt any less to hear someone say it, and then to know that there are some idiots out there who will think it's true. I think being a parent is the hardest job in the world. Even harder than being a gym leader…or even the Pokémon Master. What do you think?"
"I agree 100 percent," Ash chuckled, grinning at Elizabeth when she cooed at him. "But it's worth it!"
"Exactly!" Misty exclaimed. "I put so much effort into being a mom. I want our kids to be happy, and to have nice lives. Whenever I see a smile on their adorable little faces, or the sparkle in their big, wide eyes…it makes everything so worth it. And for anyone to think otherwise just makes my blood boil. I wish I could just let it go as well as you do."
"I know, but that's not who you are," Ash reasoned with her. "And that's okay. Whenever something like this is bothering you, you should talk to me about it. I don't want you to change who you are, Mist. I just wanna help you out when you do feel that way!"
Misty blushed and, for the first time since starting the conversation, smiled. "Daisy tried, but she's no you."
"Huh?"
Misty giggled and looked over at Ash, who appeared confused. "I just love you, that's all. A lot."
Ash gave Misty one of his signature, lopsided grins. "I love you a lot too! Hey, now that you're less stressed, maybe Lizzie will finally start to go to sleep!"
The baby blew a bubble out of her mouth and began to shriek with laughter, excitedly flailing her arms up and down.
"Or not…" Ash sighed.
"What did we say?" Misty prodded. "Hardest job in the world!"
