Rite of Infrequent

Misty and Erika sat in the back corner of Celadon's famous tea shop, which is a rare moment that Misty is actually enjoying with Erika, the scent of jasmine and honey wafting through the air as they sipped their drinks. It had been a while since they'd caught up like this—no battles, no responsibilities, just girl talk.

"So, Misty," Erika began, stirring her tea lazily, "have you ever considered modeling?"

Misty blinked, lowering her cup. "Modeling?" She let out a small laugh. "Not really my thing."

Erika smirked. "Oh, come on. You've got the looks, the figure, and that fiery confidence. You'd be a natural."

Misty raised a brow. "I spend most of my time in a gym battling trainers and smelling like the ocean. Hardly the glamorous type."

"Well, maybe it's time to change that," Erika teased. "You should try posing for Celestial Vogue."

Misty nearly choked on her tea. "Celestial Vogue? Are you insane?!"

Erika shrugged, an innocent smile playing on her lips. "What? It's one of the top fashion magazines in Kanto."

"It's practically lingerie central!" Misty hissed. "The last time I flipped through it, the models were wearing outfits that barely counted as clothes!"

Erika leaned forward, eyes gleaming mischievously. "Exactly. You'd look so sexy."

Misty groaned, burying her face in her hands. "First of all, that is not my thing. And second of all—" She exhaled, dropping her hands. "You do remember I'm pregnant, right?"

Erika waved a hand dismissively. "That doesn't mean you can't feel sexy."

Misty rolled her eyes. "Maybe, but definitely not in a magazine. And even if I wasn't pregnant, Ash would kill me."

"Oh, please," Erika waved her off. "I bet he'd love it."

Misty rolled her eyes. "He'd love it if it was for him and only him." She hesitated for a moment before muttering, "I can't do anything sexy outside my bedroom… or maybe the car."

Erika's eyes widened, and then she burst out laughing. "Oh my Arceus, Misty! I did not expect that from you."

Misty groaned again, covering her face as a light blush dusted her cheeks. "Forget I said anything."

"Not a chance," Erika said, still giggling. "But fine, I'll drop the modeling thing. For now."

Misty sighed in relief, sipping her tea again. "Thank you."

"But I am going to get you something from Celestial Vogue for your private use," Erika added with a wink.

Misty nearly spat out her tea. "Erika!"

XXX

The sun had long begun its descent by the time Misty arrived home. The soft golden glow of the evening sky filtered through the grand windows of the Ketchum Mansion as she slipped off her shoes and set her bag aside. The house was quiet—Ash wasn't home yet, but he would be soon.

With a content sigh, Misty made her way to the kitchen, tying her hair into a loose ponytail before pulling out ingredients for dinner. As she worked, chopping vegetables and heating the pan, her hand instinctively moved to her stomach.

A fond smile crossed her lips as she gently stroked the barely-there bump. "You've been good today," she murmured, her voice soft and affectionate. "No nausea, no sudden cravings… I appreciate it." She chuckled to herself before adding in a teasing whisper, "Daddy's going to ask about that, you know."

She paused for a moment, as if expecting a response, before shaking her head fondly. "He worries about us so much." Her fingers traced small circles over her stomach. "But we're lucky, aren't we? He loves us so much."

The sound of the front door unlocking caught her attention, and before she could turn around, a familiar warmth enveloped her from behind. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her snugly against a broad chest, and before she could even greet him, a smooching kiss landed on her lips.

"Hi, honey," Ash murmured against her mouth, his voice slightly husky from the day.

Misty hummed into the kiss, smiling as he pulled away just enough to meet her gaze. "Hey," she greeted, leaning into his hold. "You're home."

"Of course I am," Ash said, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Where else would I rather be?"

She laughed softly as he squeezed her a little tighter. "Long day?" she asked.

"Yeah, but not bad. Just meetings and training sessions." He nuzzled her neck briefly before glancing at the stove. "What about you? How was your day?"

"Pretty good," she said, stirring the pot. "Had lunch with Erika. Caught up a bit."

Ash glanced at her stomach. "How are you feeling? Any nausea?"

Misty shook her head. "Not today. It's been a good day for both of us," she said, rubbing her stomach again.

Ash's hand joined hers, resting protectively over their unborn child. "That's what I like to hear," he murmured, his voice laced with warmth. "When's our next appointment again?"

"Next week," Misty replied. "I'll remind you the day before."

"You don't have to. I'd never forget," Ash assured, pressing a quick kiss to her temple. "I'll be there."

Misty smiled, leaning into him. "I know."

Ash didn't let go as she continued cooking, simply keeping her company, occasionally stealing little kisses or murmuring sweet nothings that made her giggle.

XXX

They sat across from each other, enjoying the quiet warmth of their meal. Ash was halfway through his plate when Misty smirked slightly and decided to share a certain conversation from earlier.

"So," she began casually, swirling her fork through her rice, "Erika suggested I try modeling today."

Ash paused mid-bite, eyebrows rising in surprise. "Modeling?"

Misty nodded, barely holding back her laughter. "Yep. Specifically for Celestial Vogue."

Ash nearly choked on his food. He coughed once before setting his fork down, giving her a look. "Wait. The one with the—" He gestured vaguely.

"The one with the barely-there outfits? Yep, that's the one," Misty confirmed, amused at his reaction.

Ash's eyes widened, and then, without missing a beat, he shook his head firmly. "Nope. No way."

Misty laughed, reaching for her water. "Relax, I told her it's not my thing. Plus, I am pregnant, remember?"

Ash exhaled, slumping back in his chair. "Good," he muttered, still looking slightly scandalized.

Misty rested her chin on her hand, a teasing glint in her eyes. "So… what I'm hearing is, you would've had a problem with it even if I wasn't pregnant?"

Ash looked at her like she'd just asked if Pikachu was yellow. "Uh, yeah." He leaned forward, voice lower. "Misty, you are way too gorgeous for that. I don't need half of Kanto seeing what's mine."

Misty rolled her eyes but couldn't help the flutter in her chest at his possessiveness. "I told her the same thing," she admitted, before taking a sip of her drink.

Ash gave a satisfied nod, then paused. "Wait. What exactly did you say?"

Misty smirked, debating for a moment before deciding to mess with him. "Oh, just that I prefer to keep my modeling career private."

Ash's fork clattered against his plate as he stared at her, his expression shifting. "Private?"

Misty shrugged nonchalantly, enjoying the way his eyes darkened slightly. "You know, exclusive to a very limited audience."

Ash blinked. Then, realization dawned on his face. His smirk returned, slow and knowing. "Oh?"

She took another bite of her food as if the conversation was completely casual. "Mhm." Then, without missing a beat, she added, "And unfortunately for you, your membership has expired."

Ash leaned forward, his voice lower, laced with amusement. "That so?"

Misty met his gaze, pretending to be deep in thought. "Mmm… although, I suppose there is a special VIP membership."

Ash chuckled, shaking his head as he rested his chin on his hand. "And what exactly does one have to do to earn that membership?"

Misty simply smirked, tilting her head. "You tell me, Mister."

Ash let out a low laugh, his eyes twinkling with amusement—and something else. "Oh, don't worry, honey. I plan to renew it tonight."

Misty's face burned, but she refused to back down. She simply picked up her glass and took a slow sip of water. "We'll see."

Ash grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, we will."

Misty groaned internally. She walked right into that one.

XXX

After finishing dinner, Misty stretched her arms with a satisfied sigh. "That was good."

Ash smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, you always make the best meals."

Misty rolled her eyes playfully. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Ketchum."

Ash chuckled, standing up and gathering their plates. "Oh, I think it gets me somewhere."

Misty watched as he walked to the sink, rinsing off the dishes without needing to be asked. She smiled to herself—some things never changed. Ash was still Ash, but over the years, he'd picked up little habits like this. It was something small, but it made her heart swell every time.

She got up, joining him at the sink. "I got it," she said, reaching for the sponge.

"Nah, I'll do it," Ash said, shooing her hands away. "You cooked. I clean."

Misty raised an eyebrow. "Since when is that a rule?"

"Since now," Ash said, flashing her a grin.

Misty shook her head but let him take over, leaning against the counter. She glanced down at her stomach, rubbing it absentmindedly.

Ash noticed and softened. "He or she doing okay?"

Misty smiled. "Yeah. No nausea today."

Ash nodded, satisfied. "That's good." He glanced at her stomach and grinned. "Hey, you think the baby heard me say I was gonna renew my membership tonight?"

Misty gasped, smacking his arm. "Ash!"

He burst out laughing, hands still covered in soap. "What? The baby's gonna find out one day how it got here!"

Misty's face turned red. "That does not mean we start explaining now!"

Ash was grinning, clearly enjoying how flustered she was. "Okay, okay," he said, rinsing off a plate. "I'll wait until the baby's at least… I dunno, three?"

Misty groaned, covering her face. "You're crazy, really crazy."

Ash chuckled, shaking his head. "But you love me."

Misty sighed dramatically. "Unfortunately."

Ash smirked. "Liar."

Misty rolled her eyes but smiled. "Yeah, yeah."

Once the dishes were done, Ash wiped his hands and turned to her. "Wanna go for a walk? Fresh air might be nice."

Misty thought for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, that sounds good."

Ash grabbed her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. "Cool. Let's go, Mrs. Ketchum."

Misty smiled as they stepped out into the cool night air, fingers intertwined.