Chapter 4 - Progression
Brock dug his toes into the white, slightly damp sand. The salty sea air intoxicated
his nostrils, invigorating his fatigued senses and easing his unsettled psyche.
They had just spent another day in one another’s company, never boring, always
seemingly in perfect synch. It had been such a long time since he’d felt so
drawn to someone, and he couldn’t recall an instance when the person he was
with appeared to sense that same magnetism. Yes, he had had a few short-lived
relationships in his time, but he had never felt so close to someone after barely
a day of contact.
Izzie was like no one he had ever had the pleasure of encountering. She was
carefree, open-minded, and her bubbly personality was so infectious. Every time
she smiled at him, he could feel the corners of his own lips curl upwards.
He had also detected traces of a slightly more serious aspect to her personality,
a devotion to those she deeply cared about. Despite her and Ash’s long and distant
separation, she still regarded the kid in the same terms Brock did, as an adopted
brother. She had asked more than a few questions about his wellbeing, both his
physical and metal health. All Brock had been able to reply was that, as long
as he had Misty by his side, Ash would be able to withstand anything. It was
the honest truth.
This had also provoked more questions from the young woman seated beside him.
She was more than a little curious about this girl in Ash’s life and their fledgling
relationship. It reminded him of a few inquires Ash’s mother had made about
the couple, however, without the same worry and trace of jealousy the elder
woman appeared to experience. Regardless of how she loved Misty, Mrs Ketchum
was obviously a little apprehensive over the fact that her somewhat naïve son
was in a serious relationship with an older girl, and had already been affected
by Misty replacing her as the most important person in this world to him. But
Izzie held none of these same doubts. She was more focused upon striking up
a friendship with her ‘brother’s’ beloved. As she had told Brock, anyone so
important to Ash instantly became someone important to her. He wondered if her
words applied to him as well.
“I love this spot,” Izzie spoke, breaking Brock’s own musings. “I used to sit
down here as a kid, watching the waves roll back and forth, the shooting stars
racing across the sky-” Izzie drifted off for a moment, just staring into the
black and silver oblivion of the heavens, emblazoning her consciousness with
the position of every distant twinkle. “But of course I used to think they were
U.F.O.s full of Clefairys or something,” she laughed. “I guess I’ve always been
a bit of a dreamer.”
He took his eyes from the amazing view above him to the even more spectacular
beauty sitting a mere metre from him. Her ever so slightly tanned skin was illuminated
by the warming glow of the crescent moon. He yearned to touch her like he had
the night before - touch her cheek with his hand, place his lips upon hers -
but his conscious was holding him back as it had threatened too then, as it
had all day. Each time she had come close to him he had almost jumped with terror.
How could he feel so close to someone at the same time as feeling so awkward?
What the hell is wrong with me? I’m here with a wonderful woman who is actually
paying attention to me, in one of the most romantic settings I’ve ever seen,
and I can’t get comfortable. Brock, wise up! his mind almost screamed. Yes,
you’re sensitive after Kiyoko, but you can’t live in the past. She told you
to move on, moron, that you weren’t soul mates...
…But that’s easier to say than do.
Izzie closed the small distance between them, leaning her head upon his solid
shoulder. He took a deep breath.
I have to go for it. I’m not letting this chance go. God knows when I’m going
to get another one.
He forced himself to place an arm around her, pulling her in even more. After
a few seconds, he felt his anxiousness drain away little by little, and began
to relax in her presence.
She allowed a soft, contented sigh escape her lips. “I love being with you,
Brock.” She turned slightly to gaze into his eyes, a slight trace of red decorating
her cheeks. “It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this close to someone. And
I can’t believe that I feel so connected to you after such a brief time.”
Brock felt his mouth fall open slightly. She was so open with her emotions,
so unafraid to express her innermost feelings. How he envied her freedom.
Her chestnut orbs were still focused upon his, once again awaiting a reaction
from him. He had to give her a response. And not just any reply. He had to tell
her the truth. “I…I know what you mean.”
Her tentative smile relaxed into a confident one as she moved her body a little
closer to his, settling her back against his chest. He let his arm drop from
her shoulder and clasped both of his hands together around hers.
“This is so comfortable. I’d almost forgotten how being held by someone could
feel.”
“How long has it been since you were in a relationship?”
“Over seven months. My last boyfriend cheated on me so…I ended things.” After
a moment, she asked, “What about you? When was your last relationship?”
“Oh, over a year ago. I…I liked someone not that long ago but…” He shook his
head. “It didn’t go anywhere.”
“I’m glad it didn’t. Or we wouldn’t be sitting here tonight,” she spoke softly.
“Yeah.” On impulse, he pulled her a little more into his body, and with the
slightest touch of a finger, angled her chin upwards so he could place a tender
kiss upon her lips.
He sensed what felt like a bolt of electricity flow though his body, making
every limb and digit tingle with the most delightful sensation. Desiring to
feel more, he increased the pressure up her lips, something she instantly returned.
At the same moment, they both parted their mouths, allowing the other to explore
freely with their tongues. With a caress from her slender fingers upon his cheek,
Brock could feel all concerns, all worries past in their entirety from his mind.
All he knew was her and how this kiss felt more passionate, more intimate than
any he had shared before.
She slowly took her lips from his and settled back into their gentle embrace.
That giddy warmth still resided in every inch of his being and he had to force
his leaden eyelids open. How could she be making him feel so much already? He
had fallen in love suddenly before, so many times, but what he felt for Izzie
almost seemed to surpass those previous emotions. Why was he falling for her
so hard?
“What are you thinking about?” she almost whispered, bringing one of his hands
up to her face so she could kiss his fingertips.
He sighed at her delicate touch. Minutes before he had been wary of being next
to her. Now he didn’t have the power to move an inch from her. He just wished
to stay with her like this forever. “Just about…how perfect this is,” he forced.
She was laying her heart open to him, he had to do the same.
His words received the response he wished for. She closed her eyes and then
with her own arms pulled his tighter around her. “When I’m with you, I forget
about everything that I’ve been through in the past few months, about all those
old disastrous relationships I’ve had. My mind feels so clear and settled.”
Brock contemplated his old mind. Yes, the confusion and fear that had been troubling
him was still there, but had receded, leaving only those feelings of contentment
at the forefront. “It’s…it’s the same way with me.”
He lent forward, seizing her lips once more, addicted to the feeling it roused
within him.
Brock turned the key in the lock and pushed open the front door to allow Izzie to enter the Ketchum residence. After a moment of battling with his untied trainers, wincing at the irritating pain the sand between his toes was causing, he took her hand as they both made their way into the living room, stopping at the threshold.
They both had to suppress a laugh as they noticed Ash and Misty sitting next to one another upon the sofa, eyes focused upon the television, a slightly annoyed scowl on their faces. Pikachu sat in-between them, seemingly half entertained by the conflict going on between the couple, half preparing himself for the possibility that a thundershock would be needed.
“Okay, okay, so we’ve finally agreed on where we’re going,” Misty said, clearly exasperated. “Now we need a day?”
“Well, what about tomorrow night?” Ash questioned.
“Tomorrow’s Thursday, idiot. Sure your mum had planned to make us all a special meal with Izzie coming over.”
Ash awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “Sorry. Forgot about that. I can never remember what day it is.”
“You can never remember much of anything,” Misty muttered under her breath, purposely loud enough for him to hear.
“Hey,” he protested, hitting her arm with his fist, not hard enough for it to really hurt, but with a force she would really notice. He instantly regretted the action. A set of circular brown eyes from below and a pair of aqua ones from the side gave him a dangerous glare. “I’m not THAT dumb,” he protested.
“Yeah right,” she teased.
Still watching from the doorframe, Izzie quietly asked Brock, “Do they often fight like this?”
He nodded. “They always have. One minute they are slagging each other off, the next they are all lovey dovey. Just their way of showing how they feel for one another, I guess.”
“Well, then, what about Friday night?” Misty began again. “That’s the traditional date night.”
Ash wasn’t going to let her insults just fade from his mind. If she was bent upon pissing him off, he could do the same. Replacing his scheming expression for an apathetic one, he answered. “Yeah, but there’s some good programmes on TV that night.”
That got her attention. “You mean you’re gonna give up a date with your beautiful girlfriend just because you don’t want to miss some anime.”
“You watch it too,” he calmly replied.
“Yeah, but I wouldn’t give up a date over it.” The anger in her voice was increasing with every word. He knew this was dangerous, but with danger came fun. “Anyway, we can get your mum to tape it for us.”
“I suppose,” came his half-hearted response. And then, as expected, he felt a hard thump upon his bicep, one much more powerful than he’d given to her. Misty didn’t know the meaning of holding back. “What was that for?!” he angrily put, rubbing his tender flesh.
“For putting TV before going out with me,” she pouted.
“You know I was only kidding.” That was the closest he was committed to giving her an apology.
“When it comes to you and TV, it’s hard to know whether you’re being truthful or not. You watch so much of it.”
“Only when I’m home. Most of the time I go for weeks without being near a TV,” he argued. “I like a little rest and relaxation when I’m here.”
Despite the fact Brock was supremely enjoying this, he knew he had to stop the bickering before it turned into the normal wrestling match, complete with Pikachu’s famous light show. “What are you too fighting about now?” he interrupted, while Izzie chuckled at the pair.
Misty sighed. “Oh, just about Ash caring more about TV than he cares about me.”
“I told you I was just winding you up,” he complained.
The scowl falling from her face, she turned to look at her boyfriend, presenting him with a soft smile. “I know, I know.”
“God, you guys still act like you’re twelve,” commented Brock.
“So, what date number is this?” Izzie inquired excitedly.
Ash felt that annoying head itch return. “Ah, number one. Kinda haven’t had a chance before this.”
“Oh, damn!” Misty exclaimed suddenly.
“What?”
“I don’t have anything decent to wear.”
“I’m sure you have something.”
“Ash, all I have are cut-off shorts and baggy jeans, all of which are a little worse for wear. I’m gonna have to get something new.”
“If you need any help, I could show you around some of the stores in Pallet,” Izzie offered. “Well, one of the two clothing stores but…you know what I mean.”
“Are you sure it wouldn’t be too much of a trouble?”
“Of course not. We could even have a little bit of a girly day out.”
Misty cheeks were beginning to ache under the pressure of her joyous smile. “That’d be great. Thanks, Izzie.”
“No problem. Then we can come back here and tuck into the delicious dinner you’re mum’s gonna make us, Ash. I haven’t sampled her home cooking in a long time.”
“Where is you’re mum anyway?” Brock chipped in. “It’s not even midnight yet.”
“In bed. She said something about going to bed too late over the past few days and that she wanted to get back into her normal routine. You know the way she is.”
“Well, I’m sorry, but I better head back, guys,” Izzie informed them. “I’ll see you all in the morning.”
“Night night, Izzie,” both Ash and Misty called happily as she and Brock walked back into the hall.
“You’ve been hoping to find an opportunity to get Misty alone, weren’t you?” Brock asked, once again feeling proud of the fact she was so determined to become a part of the group.
“Well, I just really want to make friends with her. And that’s doubly important now in regards to what is developing between us.” She offered him that winning smile of hers.
All Brock could do was nod. “Well, until tomorrow morning.”
This time she initiated a kiss, keeping it a little softer and slower than those they had shared at the beach. “Night,” she uttered, her eyes still closed.
“Night.” Opening the door once more for her, he watched mesmerised as she skipped down the garden path, turning occasionally to look back towards him. After a brief moment, she reached the path’s end, unlatched the gate of the white picket fence and continued out onto the street where she strode out of his vision.
Brock made his way back to his friends who, fight now forgotten, lay cuddling upon the sofa, Pikachu happily perched on top of them.
When Misty saw him return, her interest instantly peaked. “So, did you have another good day?” she harassed him, winking for effect.
He felt the temperature in his cheeks rising to boiling point. “Yeah, it was great.” He threw himself into the soft chair next to the occupied sofa.
“Come on. You can tell us more than that?”
Brock turned to Ash, hoping for some reprieve, only to realise he was just as curious. Understandable; it was one of the young Master’s oldest friends he was dating.
“It’s…we’re…I…I really like her, and I think she feels the same way,” he awkwardly replied, finding the white expanse of the ceiling incredibly interesting. Why couldn’t he just tell his two closest friends of the feelings he was developing for this amazing woman?
Being careful where she trod, Misty sympathetically asked, “Are you okay? I mean…after Kiyoko. Are you…over her?”
She hit the nail right on the head. That was why he was holding back from his travelling partners, and from Izzie. He was worried that if he was too open, and he screwed up his relationship with her due to the fact he hadn’t fully gotten over the past, it would just make things much worse.
“Brock?!” he heard Ash call, trying to catch his distracted attention.
“Er? Ah, sorry. But, don’t worry, guys. I’m fine,” he told them as much to convince himself as his friends. They seemed to accept his words. “So, what have you both been up too besides arguing?”
“Not much. Just relaxing, watching a few movies,” replied Ash.
“Anything good on?” He didn’t even know why he was asking. He knew his attention would be far from the flickering display before him.
Was he over Kyoko? If the memory of her was serving as a wedge between him and Izzie, then, on some level, he wasn’t.
Misty and Izzie browsed the racks of one of the few clothes shops in Pallet, quickly studying every item of clothing they found, giving barely any a second glance.
“So, what style are you looking for anyway? A dress? A skirt and top?”
“Mmm, I’m not sure. Just anything. I want something quiet feminine, but not overly so. Not really formal. We’re just going out for dinner and a movie, not anywhere expensive.”
Grimacing at a particularly revolting string-vest top, she asked, “How much can you spend?”
Misty opened up her bag, examining the notes haphazardly stuffed into her purse. She sighed. “I only have about 10,000 yen, so not too much.”
“Pallet isn’t exactly the best place for clothes shopping. It’s a pity you don’t have anything that would suit.”
Misty giggled. “I know. But when we were travelling, all I cared about was wearing a pair of jeans, just something comfortable and warm. So I don’t actually have any skirts or dresses. The only thing I have is a kimono, but Ash has already seen me wearing it and I think it’s just a little too dressy.”
“I would say so,” Izzie laughed back.
She sighed. “A lot of these clothes are nice but…I want everything tomorrow to be…perfect.”
After a few moments of continuous searching, Izzie looked up at Misty, a grin clear upon her lips. "So, your and Ash’s relationship is really serious?”
"Very serious." Misty blushed slightly. "He's my soul mate."
She smiled even more, easily able to see how committed this girl was to her old friend. "So, in other words, marriage, kids, the whole lot?"
"Definitely." She paused for a moment, looking down a little disheartened. "You probably think we're too young for that. I know a lot of people do."
She shook her head. "No way. I think that's wonderful. I hate that attitude some people have, that you can’t truly fall in love until you’ve been hurt or that you should experiment more before settling down. That’s all rubbish. There is absolutely nothing wrong with people finding their soul mate when they are still young.”
Hearing her own views being spoken so fervently by another person, Misty suddenly felt empowered. “Yeah, I know what you mean. I say when you find love, you should seize it and not let it go. Too many people allow the true love of their lives to slip though their fingers as they are told by society to sow their wild oats or whatever. Then they end up settling ten years later with someone they only have a fraction of the emotions for. People shouldn’t settle for just anyone!” Realising that she was becoming a little over-passionate about the topic, she took a quick glance around the store. A heavy blush spread across her cheeks as she realised that everyone was staring at her.
Both girls broke out into peals of laughter at the situation, causing more confused stares.
Misty expressed a slight uneasy giggle. “Sorry. I guess I can get a little vocal about some things.”
“A little?”
“Okay, maybe a lot.”
“Definitely a lot, and that’s not something you should apologise about. But, that whole settling down thing. You sound like you’ve know a few people who have done so.”
Misty paused for a moment, before turning her attention back to Izzie. “Actually, I nearly did…a few years back.”
“You did?”
Misty nodded. “It was back when I was only starting to fall in love with Ash, when he could only think of me as a friend. I thought that maybe he’d never be able return the feelings I had for him, so, when another guy, someone who I always thought would be the man of my dreams, asked me to marry him, I almost accepted.”
“Oh.”
“I guess that’s why people do settle. If they can’t be with the person they want to be with, they would rather find another so they don’t live the rest of their lives alone.”
Izzie nodded in agreement.
“Anyway, I don’t think this guy really loved me. I think he was maybe thinking more about his sister than us. He really cared about her and wanted to give her a big sister.”
“Does Ash know about what happened?”
“He knows that the guy wanted me to stay with him, but I didn’t quite get around to telling him about the proposal. But it was about five years ago anyway. And, believe me, I’m glad I didn’t fall into that trap so many people do.”
“Best to endure more pain and aim for the sky than being content with what you don’t truly crave.”
“My sentiments exactly. So, you and Brock seem to be getting pretty close. Two dates in two days."
Izzie instantly ceased her searching, clutching onto the red sweater in her hands. "Yeah, it’s going great,” she said dreamily. “I really like him. But...” she began, a confused countenance clouding her face. “…but…I don’t know if I’m reading things right or not. It just seems that he's somewhat holding back, you know, like he doesn't want to get too involved. Some times when I’ve tried to get closer to him, asked him about some stuff…he withdraws a little."
"That’s strange. Usually Brock can't keep his hands off girls." Suddenly the possible reason dawned on her. She was going to have to have a little talk to Brock when she got home. "But maybe..." she trailed off, wondering whether she should tell her.
"But what?"
She had to say something. It was best to. She didn't want Brock to possibly break this woman’s heart. "Well, during the occupation, he and a woman named Kiyoko became quite close. But..." Misty still found it a little difficult to talk about her. "She...died when we took over the Team Rocket HQ. Maybe he still has feelings for her. It only happened a few weeks ago."
Izzie’s confused expression softened into one of sadness and concern. "Oh. Poor Brock. Maybe I shouldn't push him."
Misty shook her head. “I’m sure he’ll be okay. As far as I know, nothing ever happened between to two of them…and we all have to move on with our lives after the occupation. We need to think of our future, not our past. But, perhaps you should let him set the pace of your relationship.”
“That’s good advice.” She turned her attention towards the skirts and blouses once more, finally seeing something that looked just right. She pulled out two garments, placing them together to see the overall effect. “You said your favourite colour was blue, didn’t you?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, how about this?” She held up an ankle-length mid-blue skirt and fitted black cardigan with flared sleeves. “Not formal or girly, but I know Ash will think it’s really cute.”
Misty touched the soft woollen fabric of the top, savouring its comforting texture. “It’s perfect.”
“Great. Well, come on, you have to try it on,” Izzie said excitedly, dragging Misty over to the changing rooms.
Gary sat upon the park bench in the central square of his hometown. The shops and houses that surrounded him now differed from his previous memories of them. Although the occupation hadn't caused the destruction of Pallet like it had of several other small towns, the marks of the violence in were easily noticeable. But so to were the groups of people set upon restoring the damage.
As he studied the small crowd passing by him, he noticed two familiar faces amongst its throng. Misty and Izzie, both walking towards the square. He didn’t even realise they knew one another. As he watched them, the redhead broke into a light giggle, automatically raising her hand to her mouth. He felt himself hold his breath at her sweet actions, the sound that had departed her lips almost angelic. He found himself smiling under its influence.
Smacking himself on the forehead he attempted to shake away his daydream. Yeah, sure. Maybe she is a little cute, but you’ve had women much more attractive than her before. Stop staring at her and concentrate upon this damn plan! Ash has to know how it feels to have his dreams crushed.
Once again focusing upon the elated girls, he overheard Izzie say to Misty, “I’ll be back in a minute.”
“No problem,” she replied.
Now was his chance. He had her all alone. "Misty!" he called to her, a little too emphatically for his liking, as he stood from the bench, striding casually towards her.
She turned to glance in his direction, giving him an uncertain smile. "Oh, hey...Gary."
He came closer, staring into those aqua orbs. He could feel himself being pulled in by them. He was too much of a sucker for a pretty face. Shaking himself once more, he spoke again. "Hi. What have you been up to?"
In truth, Misty desired to hurriedly scuffle away from him, but, she didn’t want too appear nasty. Why the hell was he taking to her anyway? They had barely exchanged two sentences over the years they known of each other’s existence. "Oh, I'm just doing a little clothes shopping,” she told him, lifting up the bags she carried. “Ash and I have a date tomorrow,” she excitedly told him, a subtle blush tinting her cheeks.
He paused for a moment, feeling anger rise at his rival’s name, along with a trace of jealousy. But he tried to put it to the side, desperately seeking something to say that could keep this conversation going. He threaded his fingers through his long fringe, a hand upon his hip and a confident expression decorating his face. "How has it been going for you guys?" he asked, his tone pseudo-compassionate.
Misty gave him a confused stare. Why was he trying to be so nice to her? "It's been okay. We're starting to get used to normal life again. It's a bit strange after spending months on the run."
“I know what you mean.” What now? What could he say to her now? He was normally so good at this. Why was he screwing up this time? He cast his eyes to the ground, feeling the almost alien sense of nervousness come upon him.
Misty stood back a little. Gary was beginning to make her feel a little uncomfortable. Why was he being so over attentive, seemingly trying to make conversation though he had little to say? Maybe he was concerned about Ash. They had once been best friends, after all, and she had always believed that one day they would be close once more. “Is everything okay, Gary?” she asked concerned.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Of course it is. Ah, my grandfather said that you had agreed to help us fix the damage to the lab?”
“Yeah, we’ll hopefully be up at the weekend to help you guys.”
“Great.”
“Have you been able to get much done?”
“Ah, yeah. We’ve got a little bit sorted.”
“Good.” Misty awkwardly turned away from him, looking behind her at the shop which Izzie had entered, just in time to see her come back out. "Sorry, but I better get going. I’ll see you in a few days."
"Okay, great. Nice talking to you.” Why the hell did I just say that? “Bye."
"Bye."
Oh, god. What was that? he asked himself. He'd acted like an idiot in front of her. He had chatted up loads of girls, why was she different? If he was going to get her to fall for him, he couldn't keep acting like that.
That night, Gary lay on the sofa in his grandfather’s house, flicking endlessly through the television stations. Nothing could hold his attention. Over four hundred channels and nothing on per usual, he thought.
He couldn't stop thinking about her. But…why? Yes, she was smart and attractive, but he'd meet her years ago and had never thought of her as anything else except Ash's sidekick. Why, so suddenly, did he feel that she was someone...special? He barely knew the girl, and she was the girlfriend of his rival.
Giving up upon the TV, he tried to sleep, thinking that these thoughts would be gone by the next morning, but she even plagued his dreams.
He was supposed to be making her fall for him, not the other way around.
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