Jealousy Games

Misty wasn't the jealous type.

Or at least, that's what she tried to tell herself.

She had nothing to worry about. Ash was her fiancé. The ring on her finger wasn't just for show.

But then why was Roxanne acting like he was up for auction?

The Hoenn Gym Leader had lingering touches, leaned into Ash when she spoke, and laughed at every dumb thing he said. And Ash wasn't stopping it.

Misty sat at the bar, gripping her champagne flute way too tight. Next to her, Lance and Gary were enjoying the show.

"This is fun," Gary mused, swirling his drink.

Lance smirked. "Think she's gonna explode soon?"

Misty exhaled sharply, turning toward them. "Your best friend is an absolute idiot."

Gary chuckled. "You're just realizing this now?"

Misty glared. "You know what I mean. He's standing there like a damn trophy while that woman throws herself at him."

Lance took a sip of whiskey. "So go fix it."

Misty scoffed. "Fix it? Why should I fix it? My fiancé should have some common sense. He's not single. If I went around touching some guy's chest, I'd be dead by now."

Gary smirked. "Want me to go up to him, bro-style, and tell him to use his two brain cells?"

Misty rolled her eyes. "Forget it. I'll handle it."

Lance raised a brow. "How?"

Misty smirked. "By dragging him away and ruining his night."

Gary grinned. "Now that's my girl."

Misty approached Ash and Roxanne slowly, her heels clicking against the floor.

"Ashy, sweetheart," she purred, looking up at him with a smile. "I was wondering when you were going to introduce me to your new friend."

Ash blinked, then grinned. "Oh, hey, babe—"

"I'm Roxanne," the gym leader said, clearly unimpressed.

Misty turned to her, her smile unwavering. "Oh, I know. I've heard so much about you."

Roxanne cocked a brow, but before she could respond, Misty's fingers subtly tightened around Ash's wrist.

"Come on, Ash," she said sweetly, tugging him away. "We have somewhere to be."

Ash, oblivious as ever, just went along with it. "Oh? Where?"

Misty smiled. "Away from here."

As she led him through the crowd, she swore she heard Gary and Lance laughing behind them.

XXX

The second they walked into their home, Misty let go of Ash's arm and strode into their bedroom without a word.

Ash frowned, confused. "Uh, Mist? What's up?"

She said nothing.

She sat on the bed, crossed her legs, and pulled out her phone, scrolling with a pointed look of disinterest.

Ash scratched his head. Oh.

He walked up to her, standing beside the bed. "Misty, are you mad about something?"

Silence.

Ash exhaled. "C'mon, Mist. Talk to me."

More scrolling.

Ash narrowed his eyes. "Alright, seriously, what did I do?"

Misty finally looked up at him.

"You let that woman feel you up all night like you were some damn prize."

Ash blinked. "Wait, what?"

Misty scoffed, setting her phone down. "You really don't get it, do you?"

Ash hesitated. "I mean… she was just being friendly."

Misty let out a humorless laugh. "Right," she said coolly, standing up. "Just friendly."

She walked right past him, heading for the bathroom.

Ash turned, running a hand through his hair. "Okay, hold on. If it's such a big deal, why didn't you just say something earlier?"

Misty turned at the doorway, crossing her arms. "Because I wanted to see if you'd figure it out yourself."

Ash groaned. "Misty, I wasn't flirting with her!"

Misty narrowed her eyes. "But you weren't stopping it either."

Ash opened his mouth, then shut it. She had a point.

Misty sighed. "You know what? I'm done talking about this. I'm going to shower."

And with that, she closed the bathroom door behind her.

Ash sat on the bed, rubbing his face.

Shit.

XXX

By the time Misty stepped out of the bathroom in her silk robe, Ash was waiting.

He was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her.

Misty sighed. "Ash, I don't wanna—"

She stiffened when he suddenly pushed off the wall and walked toward her.

"Ash?" she started, stepping back.

But he closed the distance in a heartbeat, his hands grabbing her waist, fingers brushing over the thin silk of her robe.

Misty sucked in a breath.

"Ash, I'm still mad at you."

Ash grinned.

"I know," he murmured.

Then, he dipped his head to her ear, teeth grazing the shell of it, his breath hot against her skin.

Misty shuddered.

"You think I don't care about you?" he muttered.

Misty's fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt.

Ash's lips ghosted over her jaw, teasing, taunting.

"I only have eyes for you, Mist," he whispered, his voice low, deep, rough.

Misty swallowed hard.

Ash smirked.

"Still mad?"

Misty narrowed her eyes. "You think you can just do this and—"

Ash shut her up with his mouth.

Misty gasped against his lips, and Ash took advantage, deepening the kiss, pressing her against the wall.

His hands slid up her sides, pulling the robe loose, fingers skimming over her bare skin.

Misty let out a sharp breath.

Ash pulled back slightly, grinning. "Still mad?"

Misty huffed. "You're so full of yourself."

Ash chuckled. "And you're still not answering."

Misty smirked, then grabbed his collar and pulled him back in.