Storm

Dinner at Misty's parents' house had been tense from the start.

Ash had expected it. Misty rarely spoke about her father, Michael, with any warmth, and her relationship with Lynne was distant at best. But Ash had come because Misty wanted him to, because Tracey—who was practically family—was also there.

But Michael?

Michael clearly didn't respect him.

At first, it was the usual condescending remarks, Michael acting like Ash's achievements weren't real because they didn't stem from research or academia. Ash had kept his cool, brushing off the arrogance like he always did.

Then, Michael scoffed and said, "Well, I suppose money isn't an issue for you, Ash. Though I do wonder—wouldn't it be better if that wealth had come from a more practical source? You know, something with actual knowledge behind it?"

Ash clenched his jaw.

Misty froze.

And then she stood up, chair screeching against the floor.

"If you ever talk about my husband like that again, we are done."

The room fell silent.

Lynne looked mortified, and even Michael seemed momentarily caught off guard.

Ash reached for Misty's wrist, gently squeezing. "Mist—"

"No." Misty's voice shook with anger. She turned to her father, eyes burning. "I already have very little respect for you, Dad. Don't make it worse."

Michael scoffed. "Oh, come on, Misty. I was simply stating—"

"The truth?" Misty let out a bitter laugh. "The truth is you think you're better than everyone else because you're a researcher. You act like Ash doesn't deserve his success because he didn't get it through a field you approve of."

Michael's jaw tightened. "I never said that."

"You implied it." Misty's hands shook. "And I won't stand where my husband isn't respected."

Lynne reached for her. "Sweetheart, please—"

"No." Misty cut her off, grabbing Ash's hand. "Let's go."

Ash hesitated, glancing at Lynne. She looked genuinely upset, but there was no stopping Misty now.

So he nodded, squeezing her hand. "Alright."

And just like that, they left.

XXX

They hadn't even reached their car before a familiar voice called out.

"Hey, wait up!"

Ash turned to see Tracey jogging after them.

Misty sighed, rubbing her temples. "If you're here to defend my dad, don't."

Tracey snorted. "Defend him? Hell no."

Misty blinked. "…What?"

Tracey shoved his hands in his pockets, shaking his head. "Look, I married Daisy, so I have to deal with family dinners too. And Michael?" He let out a laugh. "He's a pompous ass."

Ash choked on air, trying so hard not to laugh.

Misty smirked. "So it's not just us?"

Tracey grinned. "Nope. He thinks he's better than everyone. Even Professor Oak found him insufferable in the very first interaction."

Ash laughed. "Man, I knew Professor Oak wouldn't like him!"

Tracey nodded. "Oh yeah, hates him."

Misty groaned, leaning against Ash. "I knew I shouldn't have come."

Tracey sighed, giving her a sympathetic look. "Lynne looked like she felt bad, though."

Misty exhaled, biting her lip. That anger was still there, but… a small part of her did feel bad for leaving her mother like that.

Ash wrapped an arm around her. "Come on. Let's go home."

Misty nodded, still feeling exhausted from everything.

And with that, they got in the car and drove away.

XXX

The drive home was too quiet.

Ash didn't try to fill the silence. He knew Misty needed time to process.

But when they hit a particularly bumpy road, Misty grimaced, shifting in her seat.

Ash immediately noticed. "Shit—sorry, Mist."

Misty blinked, looking at him. "…What are you sorry for?"

Ash gripped the wheel a little tighter. "Just… everything. That dinner. The argument. The fact that you had to deal with it while…"

He trailed off.

Misty stared at him, realizing what he wasn't saying.

While she was pregnant.

Her eyes softened for a second. But instead of responding, she just stayed quiet.

Ash didn't push. He just reached over and placed a warm hand on her thigh, rubbing slow circles with his thumb.

Misty placed her hand over his, holding it.

And the rest of the drive stayed silent.

XXX

The moment they got home, Misty snapped.

She slammed the front door shut, pacing the living room, her emotions boiling over.

"I cannot stand that man!" she fumed, running a hand through her hair. "I knew he was arrogant, but this?! Acting like you aren't good enough?! Like I settled?! Who the hell does he think he is?!"

Ash leaned against the wall, watching her, letting her vent.

Misty's voice cracked. "I hate that I have to be related to him. I hate that my mom, who is actually a good person, puts up with him. I hate that she just stood there while he insulted you!"

Ash sighed, stepping toward her. "Mist—"

Misty snapped. "I don't want that man anywhere near our child."

Ash's breath hitched.

Misty's own eyes widened, like she had just realized what she said.

And that's when the tears started.

She never cried. But tonight? She was done.

Ash immediately pulled her into his arms, rubbing slow circles on her back. "Hey, hey, baby… I got you."

Misty buried her face in his chest, her shoulders trembling. "I hate him, Ash."

Ash kissed the top of her head. "I know, baby. I know."

Misty sniffled, gripping his shirt. "I don't want to cry over him. He doesn't deserve it."

Ash gently cupped her face, tilting her chin up. "Maybe not," he murmured. "But our baby does. And crying like this? It's not good for either of you."

Misty hiccupped, her lip trembling.

Ash kissed her forehead. "Just breathe, Mist. You're okay. We're okay."

Misty took a shaky breath, resting her head against his chest.

Ash tightened his arms around her, whispering against her hair. "I love you. And I love our baby."

Misty's grip tightened. "I love you too."

They stood there for a long time, wrapped in each other's warmth, the weight of the night slowly melting away.

And Ash made a silent promise to himself.

No matter what, he would always be there for her.