I'm like the water when your ship rolled in that night

Rough on the surface but you cut through like a knife


Chapter 3: The mortal ordeal of loving someone

Ash and I stepped into Ketchum's living room, and I walked behind him, closing the door as we entered. I looked around and for a moment I thought there was a glitch in my eyesight because the whole house was pitch black. The shades sealed the windows, stopping the soft moonlight from lighting up the room. All the lights were off, and the house was silent.

"Go ahead, Ash." I pushed him. "Turn on the lights."

He hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering near the light switch. "I know Mom's probably asleep," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "But why would she turn off all the lights—Holy Mew!"

"Pika?!"

Before Ash could even reach for the switch, the room erupted in a chorus of voices, each one shouting out a hearty "Happy birthday!" in unison. The sudden burst of sound shattered the tranquil silence, causing Ash to jump in surprise. I couldn't help but flinch myself, even though I knew it was coming.

As the lights flickered to life, revealing the grinning faces of Delia, Brock, May, Gary, Dawn, Kukui, and Burnet, Ash's initial shock melted away, replaced by a radiant smile that stretched from ear to ear. His eyes sparkled with delight as he took in the unexpected gathering of friends and family.

"Thank you!" Ash gushed.

Initially, when I gave this whole midnight surprise thing a thought, I wondered if Ash would like something like this. I mean I definitely would if someone did this for me, but Ash is someone who hates perfume, so what are the chances he'll hate being the center of attention in a cliche surprise at midnight and a cake– something very common in children's parties. But who was I kidding? He thrives as the center of attention. He had always been a people person, always loving, caring, and looking out for other people. He dedicates himself to his friends, family, and Pokémon, and he'll be ecstatic to have a party like this, involving his friends gathering together to celebrate him.

As Delia approached Ash, I stepped aside, giving them a moment of intimacy. With a gentle smile, she reached up on her tiptoes and enveloped him in a warm embrace.

"Happy birthday, Son," she murmured.

"Thank you, Mom," Ash replied, returning the hug with equal affection.

As they shared this heartfelt moment, Ash's eyes flickered toward me. I could read into his expressions, so it wasn't necessary for him to mouth thank you to me, but he did. In response, I flashed him a supportive smile and offered a subtle thumbs-up.

Ash doesn't even realize how lucky he is to have a mother who can go above and beyond for his happiness. Sometimes I wonder how I would've turned out, or how different my relationship with my sisters would've been if my parents were around. There was a time when I was desperate to have a guardian over me, to look after me, care for me and love me, but I learned to live with whatever I had. And though I wish my parents were present throughout my childhood, I don't necessarily miss them, because I never really knew them. If it wasn't for the pictures in my Grandma's photo albums, I wouldn't even remember my parents' faces.

But it doesn't matter right now. It's hard to see most of the time, but maybe my sisters love me. I hope they do. And I'm pretty sure I love them too, regardless of my sporadic angry outbursts at them. That should be enough. I don't even need more love than that. It's great. It's great.

After having his moment with his mom, Ash turned towards me and wrapped his arms around me. It made me giggle.

"So this is why you wanted a cheesecake?"

I laughed in response, squeezing him. "Happy birthday."

He brushed away the strand of hair that was covering my ear and whispered, "thank you."

After letting me go, he shifted his gaze towards everyone else.

"Thanks a lot guys!" He walked up to them and spread his arms wide. "I can't express how grateful I am that you did this for me."

Dawn was the first to jump in for the hug– right after she high fived Ash. "Happy Birthday, Champion!"

"Of course we had to do this," May followed.

Brock squeezed all three of them in a hug. "Anything for you!"

Gary stood where he was, his hands in his pocket, but a wide smile spread across his face. Gary has made it very clear over the years that he wasn't a big fan of hugs, especially from Ash. But he had other ways of showing affection. Like agreeing to host the party in his big yard tomorrow.

"Happy birthday, Ashy boy."

"Thanks a lot guys!"

Then Ash turned towards professor Kukui and Burnet, his back facing me and Delia.

"Happy birthday, Ash!" Burnet said cheerfully.

Kukui smiled. "Happy birthday."

I couldn't see his face, but I know exactly how wide he's smiling right now.

"Thanks a lot." His voice cracked and he cleared his throat. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

"What are you talking about?" Burnet scolded jokingly. "How could we miss this?" She pulled him in for a hug.

Kukui pulled the two of them in a big hug, smiling. "Our son is turning twenty, there's no way we wouldn't attend."

My chest filled with happiness seeing them like that. I knew this small sentence meant the world to Ash.

"Thank you…" Ash replied in a hushed tone.

Ash was so lucky. I loved this for him. A part of me wished to be a member of this loving family. I realized that I was staring at Ash when Delia stepped closer to me and nudged me lightly.

"Good job," she whispered

I waved my hand. "Ah, it was nothing. I didn't even do that much."

She put her hand on my shoulder and squeezed it firmly. "You helped make his day so special."

I smiled uncertainly. I felt like I was being given the credit for something that didn't even take that much effort. Spending the whole day with Ash was more of an enjoyable activity than a difficult task she was making it out to be. But I know she meant well. And to be honest, not a lot of people can keep him away from his house if he decides that he wants to go in his house.

Delia smiled back. I was almost certain she gave me a look, but I didn't read too much into it.

Once all the hellos were done, we gathered around the living room's coffee table, cozily sitting on the couch, armchair, sofa and beanbags. After some catching up on what each of us were up to at the moment, Delia brought us all cakes that she baked especially for tonight.

May squealed as she ate the first bite. "This is too good, Ms. K!"

"It's nothing without my secret ingredient!" Delia smiled.

"Love?" May asked.

"Chill out, Juliet," Gary mocked.

"No, the vanilla extract from the local market!" Delia laughed, which made all of us laugh too.

"This idea to surprise Ash was truly brilliant Ms. K!" Dawn said, changing the subject.

"I agree!" I said.

Delia shook her head. "I just figured that since Ash is turning twenty, he needs to have a nice celebration."

"Thanks, Mom. I appreciate this." Ash, who was sitting beside me on the beanbag, smiled.

"Anytime, honey."

He looked at all of us one by one. "And again, I'm really grateful you came."

"You have no idea how excited I was to come here," May said.

I nodded.

"It's been so damn long since we were all together. I think it was Thanksgiving two years ago," Dawn added.

Kukui laughed. "I wasn't here, but I did hear that story."

Burnet snickered. "Yeah, I remember that one."

"Trust me," Brock laughed, "it was much funnier in person."

Ash pouted. "It was an accident."

Gary scrunched his nose, looking disgusted. "We do not have to revisit that."

I patted Ash's knee. "Sure buddy. An accident."

His ears turned red. "You, out of everyone, should know," he murmured.

May smirked. "What was that?"

Delia covered her mouth with her hand. "I," she giggled, "I still remember the exact position Ash and Gary ended up falling in."

A wave of laughter passed throughout the living room.

"Mom!"

"And to think," I snorted, "that it was all because they were mountain boarding."

Dawn chortled. "What did they say? They were…"

"Revisiting their childhood," May finished.

"Very funny." Gary deadpanned. "Ash and I almost kissed because of that silly accident. Move on." Gary rolled his eyes.

"We did not!" Ash screeched, his face pink. "We weren't that close."

Gary rolled his eyes. "Accept it, Ashy Boy or they'll tease us to death. It was a magical moment after all."

That made us laugh even harder before we started having our own different conversations in duos and trios.

I was talking to Professor Kukui and Burnet about my new moves with my mega gyarados. Somehow it was my favorite topic to talk about when it came to my pokemon, especially in front of different professors or experts I meet. This and my psyduck's progress from being a futile duck to one of my strongest pokemon. Always fun icebreakers. It's so fun to know their perspectives on the matter.

And the conversation somehow lead to their son who is apparently a big ball of curiosity, and hard to handle sometimes. Delia jumped in, reminiscing her experience with Ash.

"So how was your day?" Brock, who was sitting across the coffee table– having a conversation with May and Dawn, asked looking at Ash and me when both Professors started talking to Delia about handling their ten-year-old son instead.

How was our day? Only one of the best days I've had this month, and we didn't even do something crazy. We talked to a real estate agent, went grocery shopping and bought some fertilizer. It's supposed to be boring, but I was rather delighted the whole time. Of course I'm forgetting some tiny details like having ramen together, the ice-cream break, that sunset & star gazing on the hill and dinner. And most importantly just driving around the town. But tiny details are usually not that important.

I shrugged. "Fun."

Then he looked at Ash and raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, it was fun!" Ash said, then paused for a moment before laughing. "But seriously, I had no clue because Misty hid it so well."

"Tale as old as time," Brock replied.

I don't know what's so funny but that joke caught a few people's attention, who simply laughed at it.

"Give them a break, Brock," May said.

Seriously, what break?

"So what's the plan for tomorrow, big guy?" Dawn, who was having a conversation with May, asked Ash.

"I don't know. I didn't really have one apart from just hanging out with Misty. Only because this guy pretended to ditch me." He elbowed Brock.

"And how did that turn out?" Brock retorted.

"You could've called us if you were so lonely." Dawn snickered.

May nodded. "Yeah, I'd be up for a little reunion."

"And I literally live in Pallet, Ashy boy." Gary added.

Ash looked down, his hat covering his face. "I thought you must be busy."

I perked up. "Excuse me? So am I?"

He bowed his head even lower. "But you come every year." he fussed.

It's so fun to tease him. Sometimes he argues back and sometimes, he just gives in and gets all flustered. "Relax, I'm just messing with you."

He sighed. "Wasn't making me drive around the town all day enough?"

"Hey! It was for this surprise!" I smacked him on his arm. "And I drove!"

"So you were assigned the task of keeping him away?" Gay interrupted. He turned towards Delia. "You know Ms. K, I could've done it with way less effort. One battle challenge, and Ash would've forgotten about everything."

Delia paused in the middle of the conversation she was having with the professors and pursed her lips. "Misty was already here and pretty eager to volunteer, so I thought, why not?"

I chuckled. "That's because no one really told me that I'm supposed to lie to him about coming here. What else was I supposed to do the whole day in Pallet? And No offense," I looked at Delia, "but I'm bad at baking, so I had to bail."

Delia dismissively waved her hand. "I know, honey. Don't worry."

"To be honest, I didn't know either," May jumped in. "I just assumed since this is a surprise I wasn't supposed to tell him that I was coming. And then spend the day together."

"Yeah, me too." Dawn nodded.

"Same." Brock said.

I threw my hands in the air. "Okay, okay. So I was the only one who did not read the cue."

"But it's a good thing that happened." Ash said.

All of us stared at him.

"For the plan," he quickly added. "Helped you all with the plan."

"Right."

Pulling each other's legs aside, this was why I was so excited to meet everyone. To have a group of people who love you and will tease you because they know you well enough to know that you won't mind. It's good to belong somewhere. It's fun to spend time with people you're comfortable with. These people know me so well, perhaps better than my own sisters. They don't judge me, they let me be myself.

We chatted for a while, listening to each other's recent fun stories and we joked and bantered and for a moment, I wondered if family gatherings are like this too. For some time, I can pretend these people are my extended family.

It's so nice.

But as much as I'm loving this, I'm also having an intense fight with my sleep. I'm just so tired.

After a while, Gary stood up, "All right, buddy," he walked up to Ash and lightly smacked him on the back. "I'll see you tomorrow. Happy birthday."

Ash stood up too, smacking him back. "Thanks bud."

They had a…unique way of showing love.

Then Gary turned towards us. "Do any of you need an extra bed? You can crash on my couch or in my guest bedroom."

Delia waved her hands. "Don't worry, Gary. I have extra mattresses, and that sofa," she pointed at the sofa by the window where Brock and May were sitting, "can be unfolded into a bed! Thanks for offering though."

"And we'll be staying at the motel nearby," Burnet informed.

He shrugged. "Cool, then." He started walking out. "Bye, everyone!" He said with his trademark Gary wave.

"Bye!" We all said together.

Gary leaving our little get together disrupted the flow of all the conversations. And when Gary opened the door to leave, a soft gust of wind passed through the living room, entering from the door and escaping through wide open windows.

"The wind is so cool tonight," Dawn pointed out.

"You know what?" May said, uncrossing her legs. "Let's go outside."

Brock followed them. "Okay, let's go."

"I'll take a picture of you guys." Delia squealed, grabbing Burnet's hand and dragging her outside with her.

"You guys go ahead," Ash said, then looked at me. "We already had a good look at the moon earlier."

I nodded.

"I'll stay here, too." Kukui shifted in his seat to sit more comfortably. "Did you talk to your mother?" He asked as soon as Delia and Burnet exited the house.

Ash shook his head. "I'll ask her tomorrow."

"Don't procrastinate, Ash." He sighed. "You're not doing anything wrong."

Maybe I should've left with Delia too. I felt out of place with Ash and Kukui. He deserved to have a one on one with his beloved Professor. I rested my palms on my knees and was about to stand up.

"Yeah, I know. Misty agrees with that. Right Mist?" Ash turned towards me.

I was mid air and him asking me the question resulted in me letting myself fall on my seat again. "Huh?"

"About me moving out."

I nodded. "Yes, I think you should talk to Delia soon."

Kukui smiled. "You need to have some privacy now that you're grown up."

Ash's ear started to turn pink again. "I'm not moving out for that kinda stuff."

The professor laughed. "That is not what I meant, but yeah, you are a man now, Ash. It's okay if you're serious about someone," he paused before adding, "romantically." He quickly looked at me then shifted his gaze back to Ash, who was a bright shade of crimson now. "You shouldn't be embarrassed if you wanna bring a girl home."

It felt like I was eavesdropping on an extremely personal conversation that I wasn't supposed to hear. But neither of the guys seemed to mind me sitting here and it'd be too awkward to leave now.

"There isn't anyone like that in my life right now." Ash looked down at his feet. "Plus I kinda messed up my last relationship, if you remember."

I felt a knot in my chest.

I quickly took out my phone to look like I was doing something else. Then maybe I could subtly walk away, pretending to text someone.

Kukui was smiling at Ash. "For a very long time, I didn't have anyone I could imagine living my whole life with either. I messed up too, before finding someone that I felt at ease with. Then one day, I looked around."

I opened a social media app and kept scrolling. I need one text notification to escape this situation. Just one. There's this article that was published a few minutes ago. It said Birthday Party at the Pokemon Master Ash's house. I clicked on the article and someone with no life described in keen detail when and who entered his house. Why are they so obsessed with Ash all the time?

"And what did you find Prof?"

"I found an amazing woman who has always been there. She was someone who made me realize love isn't all about fireworks and butterfrees. It's rather peaceful. Serene. You often find love in someone you can have a late night conversation with. Someone who can make everything delightful. I just needed to change my perspective."

I stopped scrolling.

I glanced at Ash before looking back at my phone. He was listening attentively, his chin resting on his palm. "Then what did you do?" He asked.

"She was nice, but then I married Burnet."

"What?!"

I looked up.

Oh, he's just messing around.

"Kidding. I married her. It's Burnet." Kukui chuckled. "You just gotta have courage and make that move."

Being serious about someone, huh? Kukui wasn't entirely wrong. We were at the age where the person we were dating could be our spouse. I knew we were still really young but this was the age where it all started. And I didn't think Ash had ever thought about these kinds of topics. Heck, I hadn't thought this through. Even my last situationship was based on physical attraction rather than something deeper, and my longest relationship was like three months with Georgio. I knew people said your twenties are for figuring yourself out and exploring, but I wondered how many more hurtful experiences it would take before I burn out, because I kept getting into shallow relationships. The hookup culture these days created peer pressure. You had to go wild in your twenties. You had to have multiple partners. You had to explore your sexuality. But I didn't think I was made for that kind of adventure. Look at what one stupid situationship did to me. I'd simply lose my faith in love.

Everyone had different priorities, and being in love or having found someone special shouldn't be the factor in judging your self-worth or your happiness score, but I wanted to experience that. I wanted to be so passionate about someone that they never left my mind. I shouldn't have shame accepting that I wanted to be in love.

"What are you thinking?" I snapped out of my thoughts hearing Kukui's voice. I looked up. He was talking to Ash.

Ash shrugged. "Nothing."

We stayed silent for a few moments. Contemplating the wise words Kukui just said.

I heard the door swung open, numerous footsteps rushing in. Their playful conversations got closer as they entered the living room.

"I look so bad in this picture."

"No, you look good, look at me."

Soon after that, Kukui and Burnet decided to call it a day and they went back to their motel. Which, thankfully, inspired the rest of us to sleep.

Except for Delia, we spent the next twenty minutes arranging everyone's sleeping situation. It was already established she was sleeping in her room and all of us refused to invade her room in fear of causing her inconvenience.

"Dibs on Ash's bed!" May exclaimed when we entered Ash's room.

"Dibs on the second bed in the room. The mattress! I mean the air mattress!" Dawn said, beating me to it.

In conclusion, May and Dawn conquered Ash's room because no one could go against dibs. Ash and Brock had to share the sofa that turned into a bed, and I got the couch. I didn't mind the couch at all. The couch was literally the best place for post-lunch naps. I just had to trick my brain that it was still noon and I'd be good to go.

I turned on my other side, trying to find a comfortable spot on the couch.

Yeah, that's comfy–wait. No, something is beneath me. Oh, it's my shirt button.

I can't sleep! I can't stop thinking!

I tried to clear my mind, to find some semblance of peace amidst Brock's snoring. But as I drifted off, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered within me.

ϞϞ (๑ ․̫ ๑)∩

I'm sitting on the hill near Professor Oak's lab, peacefully watching the sunset. I look beside me and Ash is eating a cheesecake.

He looks at me and says, "Let's go to Xanadu nursery."

"What?" I ask.

"He's right." I hear another voice.

I look on my other side to find Pikachu sitting there. "Then the grocery store," Pikachu says.

"What the…"

I look back at Ash. Before I can speak I find Ash getting closer to me.

"Misty," he says. His face is so close. He closes his eyes. Our lips are about to touch.

"Kiss him, you fool," I hear Kukui's voice.

"Misty."

"Yes, Ash?"

"Or I'll kiss him again," I hear Gary's voice say.

"Misty!"

I heard him the first time, but he kept repeating my name louder and louder.

"MISTY!"

"What!?" I sat up, gasping for the sake of my lungs.

A dream. A morning dream.

I looked around to see Ash standing beside me, a coffee mug in his hand, as he looked at me with a weird expression. He was still in his pajamas and a bedhead. His hair was so messy that some covered his forehead, but it looked charming in a weird sense.

Huh? What was that? Charming?

I felt a shiver down my spine. He was so close to me in the dream that's why I thought something like that. I shook my head.

Nope. Not today.

"Wake up, sleeping beauty," he said flatly. "You slept so hard I thought you died."

"Good morning to you too, Ash," I said, feeling a morning soreness in my throat and still feeling weird about the dream. I'm also a little cold as the mornings in Pallet are often cooler than the day.

I rubbed my eyes.

May and Dawn were sitting on the armchair and a beanbag respectively, talking about something I was too sleepy to understand. Brock is in the kitchen helping Delia with breakfast. How do they all get to have so much energy in the morning while I need at least twenty minutes to even talk after I wake up?

"Why did you wake her up like that, Ash?" May said when she noticed me. "Be glad It's your birthday or she would've kicked you."

"Thanks, May."

"That's the thing." He grinned at May. "It's my birthday, so you gotta tolerate me." Then he turned towards me and grinned. "Scoot over."

I yawned. "Sit on that bean bag." I pointed to the empty bean bag beside Dawn.

He smirked and sat on the very little space left between me and the armrest.

"Ouch!" I slapped him on his arm. "You're sitting on my leg, you giant monster!"

He kept sipping on his coffee. "Told you to scoot over."

I yanked my leg out from underneath him. "What kinda twenty-year-old are you? And happy birthday." I huffed.

He smiled at me and messed up my hair in response.

"Oh, Misty, you're up!" Brock said as he walked past us. "Good morning!"

"Good morning Brock! Now that's how you greet your friend in the morning, Ash."

"I was just texting with Iris," Dawn interrupted, "She'll be here by evening."

Ash looked up. "Iris? Yeah, she wished me a happy birthday over text already. I think she told me that she had some important ceremony to attend, so she might be late."

"Yup," Dawn replied. "Cilan can't make it though. I don't know why."

"He couldn't get flight tickets. But he sent me a gift." Ash grinned.

"And," May joined the conversation, "Drew says happy birthday Ash."

"Tell him I said thank you!"

"Sure!"

"Why is he not coming?"

"Some work came up, but he'll try to make it by the evening."

At this point, Ash knew his friends were coming over so there was no point in keeping quiet about the party we were throwing him that evening. Besides, he's no longer a kid who'll wear a cone-shaped birthday hat and squeal and jump when his friends cheer 'surprise' in a venue decorated with balloons. I think.

I cleared my throat. I wish I could partake in this conversation but I couldn't. I need some energy.

"Are you okay, Misty?" Dawn asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just…" my voice faded, the words slipping away.

"Did you have a nightmare?" she pressed gently.

"Not exactly a nightmare."

"Good, because morning dreams come true," she said with a reassuring smile.

I gulped, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. "I think I need some tea."

Ash immediately stood up. "Wait, I'll get it for you."

"Thanks," I murmured.

After having a cup of tea and brushing my teeth, I finally shook off the grogginess that made me feel like a zombie. And once I ate the pancakes Delia made, I felt so energized that I could have run a marathon.

I waited for my turn to use the bathroom and then took a quick shower. The rest of the morning flew by. May, Dawn, and I grouped up to brainstorm ideas to make the party more fun. We talked a lot, planned very little, and made Ash sit with us the entire time, forcing him to pick his favorite games.

"I will not play twenty questions!" Ash protested.

May shook her head. "Because you're not good with words?"

Ash blushed. "It's not my fault I always lose."

We giggled.

Dawn chimed in, "Ash, we're your childhood friends; you don't have to worry about being dumb in front of us."

"Yeah, we've seen enough," May added with a teasing grin.

"I hate you guys," Ash groaned, standing up. "I'm gonna take a shower. You can plan all you want without me."

"We'll try not to miss you," I joked, and we all laughed when Ash stuck his tongue out at me before heading off.

"What games can we play, though?" Dawn asked, trying to steer us back on track. "Ash doesn't like twenty questions or any of those drinking games."

"And we can't let him battle," May added, rolling her eyes. "That would take forever."

"I have no idea," I shrugged, stretching my legs out on the coffee table. "Hey, Dawn."

"Yeah?"

"Is it true? What you said about morning dreams coming true?"

Dawn stared at me, curious. "Why? What did you dream about?"

I could feel myself blushing. "I was just curious, that's all."

May smirked, eyeing me suspiciously. "Misty, I've known you long enough. Is there something you're not telling us?"

"Wha– no!" I sat up quickly. "There's nothing. Besides, you haven't told us about yourself either!"

May curled her upper lip. "What?"

"Dawn?" I turned to her. "You wanna say something?"

Dawn cleared her throat, clearly embarrassed. "Drew."

"Right..." May nodded. "But then you're gonna have to tell me who you were texting all night, Dawn."

Dawn blushed, quickly deflecting. "Pass."

"You coward!" I laughed, shaking my head.

"Oh really?" Dawn shot back. "Who were you dreaming about this morning, Misty?"

I grinned, knowing I'd been caught. "You're right, we should focus on the party planning."

"Wise words," Dawn replied, though we all knew none of us were fooled.

Who were we kidding? We didn't plan a thing; we just goofed around and enjoyed each other's company, the way we always did.

After we gave up on any serious planning, we sprawled out on the couch, still chatting and laughing about everything and nothing. The sun streamed through the windows, making the living room feel warm and cozy. It was nice, just hanging out without any real agenda, like old times.

"Remember when we tried to plan Ash's surprise party?" May said.

Dawn and I groaned, "we're taking a break, May!" I said.

"Yeah, we'll plan it in a while." Dawn nodded. "Hey, do you guys remember that Thanksgiving at Delia's house?" Dawn asked, a grin spreading across her face.

May groaned. "Oh no, that was a disaster. We were so confident we could handle it."

I laughed, shaking my head at the memory. "I think we were more ambitious than confident. We thought we could give Delia a break and handle dinner ourselves. How hard could it be, right?"

"Turns out, really hard," May said, giggling. "I mean, we had good intentions, but none of us had any idea what we were doing."

Dawn nodded, still laughing. "We tried to make a pumpkin pie but ended up with pumpkin soup instead. And it wasn't even the good kind."

"I still don't know how we managed to burn the turkey and undercook the stuffing at the same time," I added, rubbing my forehead at the memory. "Delia was so sweet about it, though. She kept telling us it was the thought that counted."

"Yeah, but I'm pretty sure we almost set her kitchen on fire," May said, rolling her eyes. "Thank goodness Ash came in and called for backup."

Dawn smirked. "And by backup, you mean ordering takeout from that diner in town."

I grinned. "Delia didn't even flinch. She just set the table and told us it would be the best Thanksgiving ever because we were all together."

May nodded, her smile softening. "She's the best. I felt so bad for messing everything up, but she made us feel like it was perfect."

Ash walked into the room just as we were in the middle of reminiscing, his hair still damp from the shower. He caught the tail end of our conversation and raised an eyebrow. "Are you guys talking about that Thanksgiving where you tried to poison my mom?"

"Hey!" I protested, though I couldn't help but laugh. "We didn't try to poison her. We were just… a little out of our depth."

"More like completely lost," Ash teased, plopping down on the couch next to me. "But I have to admit, it was pretty funny watching you all panic when the smoke alarm went off."

Dawn rolled her eyes. "At least we tried. And in the end, we still had a good time, right?"

Ash smiled, nodding. "Yeah, we did. Mom still talks about that Thanksgiving like it was one of her favorites." He plopped down next to me on the couch.

"Probably because we didn't destroy her kitchen," I said, leaning back against the couch. "Or maybe because we didn't try again after that."

"Smart move," Ash said, chuckling. "But hey, you guys have your strengths. Cooking just isn't one of them."

"We've definitely learned our lesson," May added. "Next time, we leave the cooking to the professionals."

"And by professionals, you mean Delia," I said with a smirk.

"Exactly," May agreed. "Or we just stick to ordering takeout."

"Works for me," Dawn said, grinning. "As long as we're together, that's what counts."

Ash looked around at us, his expression softening. "You know, it's memories like that which make me realize how lucky I am to have you guys."

"Aww, look who's getting sentimental," I teased, nudging him playfully.

He laughed, shaking his head. "Just telling the truth."

We all fell into a comfortable silence after that, each of us lost in our own thoughts. Despite the chaos and the disasters, it was moments like those that made our friendship so special. Even when things didn't go as planned—especially when things didn't go as planned—we always found a way to make the best of it and have a good time.

"So, about this party," Ash said after a while, breaking the silence. "What's the plan?"

Dawn exchanged a glance with May, and then we all looked at each other. "We were… getting to that," I said, trying to sound serious.

"Right," May added, not missing a beat. "We were just about to finalize everything when you interrupted."

Ash rolled his eyes, clearly not buying it. "Uh-huh. Sure you were."

"Hey, we've got time," I said, nudging him with my elbow. "The party's not until tonight. We'll figure it out."

"Yeah, don't worry," Dawn chimed in. "It'll be great, even if we're winging it a little."

Ash laughed. "You guys are impossible, you know that?"

"But you love us anyway," May said with a wink.

He sighed dramatically. "I guess I'm stuck with you."

"And don't you forget it," I said, leaning back against the couch, feeling content.

For the next hour or so, we tried coming up with ideas, and after Ash rejected every game we suggested, we decided to go with the flow of the party. And Gary would probably take care of the entertainment anyway, it was always his thing.

As we wrapped things up, Dawn suddenly got a mischievous look in her eyes. "You know, Misty, you never did tell us about that dream."

I felt my cheeks heat up again, trying to deflect. "Oh, come on, Dawn, let it go."

"Now I'm curious too," May added, leaning in with a grin. "What were you dreaming about this morning?"

Ash looked between us, clearly lost. "What dream?"

I groaned inwardly, knowing there was no way out of this one. "It was nothing, okay? Just a silly dream."

"About?" Dawn pressed, clearly enjoying this far too much.

I shot her a look. "None of your business!"

Ash just shrugged, clearly still confused but not wanting to press. "Whatever it was, I'm sure it was something weird. You always have the strangest dreams."

"Exactly," I said, latching onto his words. "Just weird, random stuff. Nothing interesting."

Dawn looked like she wanted to keep teasing, but thankfully, the doorbell rang, interrupting her. We all turned our heads toward the sound.

"Saved by the bell," I muttered under my breath, quickly standing up. "I'll get it."

As I headed to the door, I could hear May and Dawn whispering behind me, probably still trying to guess what my dream was about. I shook my head, smiling despite myself. Some things never change.

And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Come on, Ash, they're here!" I called over my shoulder as I rushed to the door, feeling a surge of excitement. I knew it had to be the Alolan girls, and I couldn't wait to see them.

Ash was right behind me, following closely as I reached for the doorknob. "Hold on, Misty, I'm coming too!" he said, sounding just as eager as I was.

I swung the door open, and there they were.

"Happy birthday, Ash!" Mallow greeted him with a big smile before pulling him into a hug.

Ash grinned, hugging her back. "Thanks a lot, Mallow! I'm so glad you guys could make it."

"Happy birthday, Ash." Lana chimed in, stepping inside with a warm smile.

"Thanks, Lana." Ash gave her a hug too. "It means a lot that you're here."

Lana smiled back. "Of course, we wouldn't miss it for anything."

Mallow chuckled. "Especially when we heard your mom would be cooking! I'm planning to learn a lot from her today."

Peeking out from behind Ash's shoulder, I waved at them. "Hey, guys!"

"Misty!" Lana exclaimed as soon as she spotted me, and she quickly stepped forward to give me a hug.

"So good to see you!" I replied, hugging her back.

"Hi, Misty!" Mallow greeted with a cheerful wave.

"Hey! How's everything?" I asked, stepping aside to let them in.

"Pretty sweet!" Mallow said with a grin.

Ash glanced around as they entered. "Where's everyone else?"

"The rest couldn't make it," Mallow explained, shifting her gaze to Ash. "But they sent you lots of wishes and presents." She patted the large bag slung over her shoulder, which was clearly stuffed with gifts.

Once inside, Delia greeted Mallow and Lana with a big, warm lunch. The food was, as always, delicious, and after we'd all eaten our fill, we pitched in to help Delia with the dishes.

Just like the day before, we all gathered in the living room afterward, settling into comfortable spots as we caught up and shared stories. With more people, there were even more memories to reminisce about, and the room was soon filled with laughter and chatter.

I was mostly engaged in a fun conversation with Lana with other people joining in with us from time to time. It filled my heart with joy to see her so excited about water Pokémon just like me. And even though we're always in touch and text each other every now and then, it's so much better to meet her in person.

We were in the middle of a very fun conversation, everyone sharing their most unhinged moments with Ash, when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it!" Ash announced, jogging towards the door. I heard him open the door but then I couldn't hear him greet whoever it was, or maybe he said something so low that I couldn't listen, but I was not thinking too much about it.

Until I heard a soft, "Psst!"

I looked over at Brock who was already looking at me.

He eyed the doorway.

I raised my eyebrow. "What?"

He curled his upper lip and nodded towards the doorway again.

I shrugged. What the hell is he saying?

'Ash,' he mouthed.

Oh. I subtly nodded in agreement.

We silently stood up and peeked from the threshold of the living room door. Tiny parts of our heads were poking out to get a better look at the main door only for our suspicion to be true.

We could only see Ash's back, but we knew he wasn't exactly ecstatic to see Serena on the other side of the door. I faintly heard him say, "So, you're here…"

Serena furrowed her brows. "Yes, Ash. Happy birthday."

He scratched the back of his head. "Thanks."

She tried her best to put on a smile, but I could see the struggle on her face.

"I can't watch this anymore," Brock whispered. He pushed me forward. "Go do something."

"Why do I have to interfere?" I hissed, planting my feet firmly on the floor to resist his push.

But he didn't listen and pushed me harder, "Go!" I couldn't properly resist the push and went flying out of the door. I stumbled on my own feet, using the wall in front of me to stop myself from falling flat on my face.

I glared at Brock who had a devious smile on his face. He was so dead.

But it was too late, I had already caught Serena's attention. She raised a brow at me.

"Hi, Serena!" I said, picking myself up and walking with little respect I was left with in Serena's eyes. "How are you? So good to see you again. Come on, let's go inside!" I blabbered, pushing Ash out of my way. I grabbed her hand and pulled her in. Ash stepped aside and looked at me funnily, but I rolled my eyes at him. "How was your journey?"

Serena hesitated. "It was good."

"Hmhm." I turned my head, my eyes meeting with Brock's. I think he understood me when I made my eyes so big it must've looked like they were about to pop out, that he needs to slap some sense in Ash and ask him to behave normally. He must've also read the hidden message in my eyes that I was going to off him later.

We're such idiots. We should've followed up with May about Serena. At Least Ash wouldn't have completely shut down like a dummy.

"We can put your stuff in Ash's room." I smiled at her, still holding her hand as we climbed the stairs together.

"It's just a purse, my luggage is in the Motel we're staying in," she replied softly.

I think she must've gathered up the obvious fact by now that Ash had no clue she was coming– again, I knew and I should've said something sooner. Idiot. And the fact that he reacted like a robot didn't really indicate if he was happy seeing her. Poor girl. She came all the way to Pallet, and this is the reaction he gave her.

I twisted the doorknob to Ash's room and pushed the door open. I helped Serena take off her big purse from her shoulder. I didn't know what else to do, so for a hot second both of us stood there awkwardly smiling.

"I need to use the bathroom," Serena said.

"Yeah, of course. I'll wait here." Why am I waiting? She's been here before. Why was I feeling so awkward?

But I'd already committed, so I sat on the bed and patiently waited for her. I fiddled with Ash's pokeball alarm clock, thinking of ways to torment Brock for putting me in this situation.

Maybe things felt awkward because we were making it awkward. Before we expected Ash to act normal, maybe the rest of us should have acted that way first.

I heard a click from the bathroom door and Serena came out.

She stood there for a second, scrunching her skirt with one hand and fidgeting her fingers with the other. She cleared her throat and walked up to me.

"Hey, Misty…," she said, taking a seat beside me. I sat straight, giving her my full attention. "I might be wrong, but I get the feeling that Ash didn't know I was invited. And even if he knew, he wasn't happy that I came."

I sighed. Why did Ash react like that?

"That isn't true." I affirmed. "I'm really happy that you came, and I'm sure he must be too." I pursed my lips. "He was just…" I tried to think of the right word, "surprised? This was a surprise party afterall," I chuckled nervously, "so it was a success, huh?"

"I think this was a bad idea," she whispered.

"Actually, all the people sitting downstairs were also a surprise for him, he gave the same reaction to them, his mind shut down seeing them too," I did a fake, very awkward laugh, "classic Ash." It sounded way more convincing in my head. "And we love to have you around. Remember that one Christmas you celebrated with us? It was so much fun. Don't overthink it." I put my hand on her shoulder.

She smiled. "Thanks. But we weren't a broken-up couple obligated to be friends back then."

"Obligated?" I sat up straight, "I'm pretty sure he still loves you as a friend. Don't stress yourself so much over Ash. It's just Ash. He should come and talk to you any moment now, and you guys will be cool." I smiled.

She shook her head. "We are supposed to be cool with each other. We talked about this. I played my part right; it's his turn or things will be really awkward overall."

"You know, as a friend to whom he often spills his secrets, I can assure you he has never ever bad-mouthed you, in fact I've only heard nice things, so I think you're already cool. And about the awkwardness, we're here to handle it." I grinned, which made her laugh.

"I'm sorry Misty, but I knew you guys were there at the door," she chuckled. "So, let's leave the awkward part out, and thanks for the rest of the facts."

Wow, Brock, you moron. I chuckled nervously. "We're a bunch of awkward friends, what can I say?"

She smiled. "Okay then."

I nodded proudly at myself for convincing her out of her awkwardness. Mew, if I say awkward one more time…

We sat in silence for a few minutes. "Hey, Serena…Do you mind if I ask you something personal?"

"Sure, Misty."

I cleared my throat. "Are you over-"

"Ash?" she questioned. "Yes. I think I am."

I exhaled the breath I very much knew I was holding in. "Oh."

Then another few moments of silence took over before Serena decided to speak. "I don't know why I am confessing this right now, so please bear with me for a moment."

I nodded, deciding not to interrupt her until she was done.

"I used to be really passionate about Ash." She looked at his picture on the wall. "I'd always dreamed of him being my boyfriend. He was the inspiration to start my journey, and I thought we were destined to be together. I saw him as this perfect guy, the hero, the charmer, the cute romantic. I had strong expectations from him as my boyfriend, we were an excellent couple in theory, a masterpiece in my head." Her eyes seemed to stop at the picture of Ash with his Kalos buddies. She was standing near Ash, shy and awkward. Young and in love. "Then I became friends with him, and I saw his goofy side. I was surprised by it, but it was Ash, so I still loved him. Then we dated, and everything got lost in translation."

"I'm sorry." I said.

She shook her head. "Sometimes I feel like our relationship suffocated from the weight of my expectations of a fairytale romance. I was seventeen and wanted him to be the kind of boyfriend I've always dreamed of. But that wasn't fair to him and my idea of him was shattered, and the spark and passion that was present at the start of the relationship eventually died as reality stepped in. And we were left hurt. I realized I adored him dearly and will always love him, but maybe not as my boyfriend," she pursed her lips. "Do you think I did the right thing? I don't even know if I'm making any sense."

I looked at her with newly formed sympathy. I know how it feels to think that the guy is the one for you, only for the actual relationship to turn out nothing as it's in your head. I know it stings. But I also know Ash was not the kind of person to purposefully break someone's heart and neither was Serena. Ash does everything in his power, with all his blood and sweat, for a friend in need, just imagine how he must be as a boyfriend. Maybe it didn't work out just for the sake of not working out. No one was wrong and no one was right.

I shifted closer to Serena. "Someone wise once said,'' she looked at me, "that love isn't about fireworks and butterfrees. It's rather peaceful. Of course, a little passion won't hurt, but you get what I mean."

She giggled. "Yes."

"Both of you are amazing people, Serena. Love shouldn't be so hard and painful, especially at such a young age. Though you guys were teenagers when you dated, you were mature enough to realize that before absolutely despising each other. When you chose your friendship over a drowning relationship, moreover when you chose yourself, then it wasn't the wrong choice." I concluded, earning a big smile from her. "Besides, you must not lower your expectations or put the guy on a pedestal, no matter how hot he is. That's the only thing I've learned after going on millions of dates."

She giggled. "Or make a perfect personna of his in your head."

"Ah! The mortal ordeal of being a fairytale romantic!"

We laughed at my exaggeration.

"Between you and me," Serena said, "he was never a bad boyfriend. He always did his best and put in all his efforts."

"Oh…"

"And…" she smiled again, "thank you, Misty. I wish we became friends earlier in my life."

I smiled back. "It's never too late."

She nodded. "That is true. Maybe things with Ash will get sorted too."

Wait, that's not what I meant. Does she think I'm encouraging her to get back with Ash? Before I could process the thought, May entered the room.

"Hey, Serena!" She smiled at the blonde, "I was wondering why you weren't coming downstairs, so I thought I would check on you."

Serena pushed her hair behind her ear. "I was just about to come. Misty was giving me a quick pep talk."

May chuckled. "Really?" She smiled at me before sitting beside Serena and hugging her. "It's been a while!"

"Yes. I'm so glad you're here. We never met after that New Year's party!" Serena said.

Thank Arceus May interfered. I don't know how much longer I could've managed to keep myself from storming out and asking Ash to apologize to Serena.

"I'll meet you guys downstairs," I said.

When I reached the living room, everyone was in the same happy mood, but I couldn't find Ash or Brock.

Now where did these two go? Oh, there they are, standing in the kitchen, leaning on the countertop.

I walked up to them and stood beside Ash.

"Did you guys know she was coming?" Ash asked, looking at me, then at Brock.

"Nuh-uh."

"No idea."

"I'm not an idiot, you guys." He rubbed his forehead. "You could've at least told me."

"We just knew she was invited," Brock clarified.

"Why would Delia invite Serena and not Leaf? Or Leaf's mother, her own sister?" I asked.

"No, she did invite them," Brock said. "They couldn't get flight tickets on time, but they're still coming. At least Leaf is."

Ash was resting his hands on his palms; he looked up at us at the mention of his relatives. "Yeah, they're coming tomorrow, that was the only flight they could get."

"At least they tried." I said. "See, Ash? Even the ones who aren't here sent you presents, and the ones who couldn't arrive on time are still coming just to see you. What made you think any of your loved ones, Serena included, would ignore your birthday?"

"I know, but a heads-up would've been nice."

"But your surprise would've been ruined if we told you," Brock said.

Ash groaned, "I acted like an idiot…"

I shook my head. "Yes, you did, but that's not important right now. You should just talk to her. I was with her a minute ago, she seems to think you don't want her around anymore. And someone who traveled across the world to celebrate your birthday shouldn't feel that way."

"That's what happens," Brock said, "when you date within the friend circle."

"That lecture again," Ash sighed, looking at the floor. "She just caught me off guard. I don't hate her or anything, okay? I'm just worried I messed up by not being true to my words. You see, when we were breaking up," he looked up at us, "we agreed to act normal around mutual friends, to avoid exactly this kind of situation."

"Then go and act like a friend." Brock pushed him. "But don't get too friendly."

"Really Brock?" he scoffed.

I watched Ash leave the kitchen. It's good May was with Serena, or he'd have to talk to her alone. But what if they…patched things up? Serena did say she wants to sort things out with Ash.

I shook my head.

She's already moved on, that won't happen.

But what if it does?

"Earth to Misty?"

"What, Brock?"

"Let's go outside."

"Yup."

"This is exactly why you shouldn't date in your friend circle. Take notes."

"Why are you telling me that?"

"Just spreading awareness."

ϞϞ (๑ ․̫ ๑)∩

I was back in the living room with everyone else, trying to talk, but my eyes kept looking toward the stairs like a hawk. It was a subconscious thing, really. I wasn't doing this on purpose.

My heartbeat fastened when I heard the door upstairs open and close, my eyes fixed on the stairs. Expecting Ash to walk down the stairs any moment now, only for May to walk down.

Now they were alone.

I took a deep breath.

Ash would handle everything just fine. I don't know why I was feeling so nervous.

"And then the Tentacruel finally calmed down. It was such a hassle." Lana concluded her story.

I smiled at her, nodding my head a little too much to convince her that I had heard it all. What's wrong with me? I never miss any of Lana's stories. "Wow," I said with a convincing expression.

"Did you experience any of that stuff with Tentacruel?" she asked me.

"Only once, when I was very young," I said, shifting my gaze back to her. "They can be stubborn about their territory."

"You're right. Maybe it was their emotions regarding their territory that caused them to behave like that…"

As I heard the door open and close again on the floor upstairs, Lana's words barely penetrated my ears. A tight knot formed in my chest again and my eyes were fixed on the stairs as I nodded at Lana, pretending I was still listening.

Finally, Ash and Serena walked downstairs.

"Hi, everyone!" Serena greeted us.

"Look who's here!" Ash announced louder, catching everyone's attention.

"Hey, girl!" Dawn stood up, the rest following her to meet with the Kalos queen. But my eyes were fixed on Ash.

His gaze scanned everyone's faces one by one before finally stopping on me. He walked towards me and sat beside me on the sofa.

"I was getting worked up for no reason," he said.

I nodded. "Good."

He leaned back, getting more comfortable. He put his hand behind me on the back-rest of the sofa, his palm resting on my shoulder. "Thanks for talking to her when I panicked."

"It was nothing."

He shrugged. "She said you are wonderful and called me lucky."

I felt my cheeks getting hot.

"To have you as my friend," he added.

Oh.

What a strange feeling.

I'd never felt this protective of him. Never felt so much relief hearing that he had resolved something but stressed not knowing how he had resolved things. Did they get back together? I suddenly cared way too much about his love life.

What happened to me?


Poke News!

Pokémon Mater and Kalos Queen reuniting?

Our sources spotted the beautiful Kalos queen Serena at Ash Ketchum's house after their heart-shattering breakup. They've been keeping their distance since the breakup a year ago. Fans' wishes have come true to see the beautiful couple together again. Will their romance rekindle on Ash Ketchum's birthday? None of them have spoken on the matter. We have to wait!

We'll bring the news to your doorstep with rocket speed, so follow us for more updates on our favorite Kanto celebrity.


'Cause if you are a mythical thing

Like you were a trophy or a champion ring

But there was one prize I'd cheat to win.


Note: Adding Taylor Swift songs is giving the whole thing a very Rom-com vibe (at least that's what I feel), so bear with me when I use her song in every chapter lol.