Hearty conversations

It was a peaceful late evening as Ash and Misty drove home from a family dinner, their two-year-old twins, Aiden and Michelle, fast asleep in the backseat. Misty, sitting next to Ash, was struggling to keep her eyes open, lulled by the quiet hum of the car and the warmth of the journey.

Just as her head started drooping, Ash's voice broke the silence. "Hey, don't fall asleep on me. You do realize sleeping next to the driver makes him sleepy too, right?"

Misty groaned, forcing her eyes open. "I'd rather take my nap than be forced into a conversation."

Ash smirked. "Yeah? Well, I'd rather ruin your nap than risk us crashing."

Misty sighed. "Fine, fine. Keep me entertained then. Bring up a topic."

Ash smirked. "Why don't you bring up something?"

Misty stretched slightly and hummed. "You know, Dawn told me that a lot of girls had crushes on you while you were in Sinnoh."

Ash puffed out his chest a little, grinning. "That's right. Can't blame them."

Misty rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah? What, did you keep track?"

Ash chuckled. "Nah, I was busy training, you know that. But I guess I did have a few admirers."

Misty leaned back, crossing her arms. "Well, in your absence, there were a few guys interested in me too. One of them was really hot."

Ash narrowed his eyes but kept his tone playful. "Oh really? A mother of two kids shouldn't be talking like that."

Misty laughed. "Oh, so you get to brag but I don't? Double standards, Ash Ketchum."

Ash huffed but smiled, shaking his head. "Alright, fine. No more talking about admirers—yours or mine."

Misty smirked before suddenly remembering something. "Oh, speaking of admirers… that girl from the Orange Islands, Melonee."

"Melody," Ash automatically corrected.

Misty narrowed her eyes. "Oh, so you remember her name?"

Ash groaned. "Of course, I remember her name, Misty. You bring her up enough times."

Misty smirked. "Hmph."

Ash sighed. "She actually texted me once."

Misty's eyes widened as she whipped her head toward him. "WHAT?! When?!"

Ash quickly glanced at the backseat, then shot Misty a warning look. "Shhh! My kids are sleeping."

Misty pursed her lips, lowering her voice but still glaring. "When, Ash?"

"After I became Pokémon Master," Ash said, keeping his eyes on the road. "We were already engaged. She wanted me to show up to some event of hers to attract people. I didn't go, obviously."

Misty huffed in satisfaction. "Good."

Ash chuckled. "Oh, come on, you really think I'd go?"

"Just making sure," Misty muttered before smirking.

Ash leaned back slightly, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You know, speaking of the Orange Islands… Remember the Trovita Gym Leader?"

Misty scoffed. "Rudy."

Ash smirked. "Oh, so you remember his name?"

Misty shot him a glare. "Don't pull my own words on me."

Ash grinned, clearly satisfied with himself. "Just saying."

Misty rolled her eyes but let it go. "Anyway, speaking of people talking…"

Ash suddenly chuckled. "You won't believe what Tracey was saying about your dad over drinks last week."

Misty turned to him, interested. "Oh boy. What now?"

Ash smirked. "Apparently, your dad is getting on his nerves again. Tracey says Michael keeps treating him like he's still just an assistant to Professor Oak and not, you know, his son-in-law."

Misty giggled. "Honestly, that sounds like my dad. He always acts like he knows best."

Ash snorted. "To be fair, Tracey is still technically Professor Oak's assistant and is doing fab for himself."

Misty laughed. "True, but I think he wants a little more credit."

Ash sighed. "Man, family drama never stops, huh?"

Misty nodded. "Speaking of which, Daisy and Tracey are actually thinking about moving to Vermilion permanently."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "For real? What about Dakota?"

Misty shrugged. "They think it'll be better for her. And Tracey might get more opportunities there."

Ash nodded thoughtfully. "Well, if it makes them happy, why not?"

Misty yawned and leaned her head against the window. "You know, we don't have too much family drama, do we?"

Ash chuckled, reaching over to squeeze her hand. "Nah. Just the usual marriage bickering."

Misty smiled sleepily, squeezing his hand back. "That's good enough for me."