Ash- Here we are guys! May- Is this your house? Ash- Yeah, well, it's really my mom's. Misty- It looks so different! Ash- You know mom she likes to change things around every once in a while. My mom can't stand looking the same all the time. Brock- Let's knock and see if she's home! Ash knocked on the door and waited for an answer. Then he heard that voice that he'd been waiting to hear for so long. ???- I'll be right there! The lady opened the door and stood there shocked. She couldn't believe who was standing in front of her. Tears began to flow out of her eyes and she wrapped her arms tightly around Ash. ???- Oh my baby! You're home! Ash- Of course I'm home mom; you didn't think I'd forget ya did you? Delia- I missed you so much! I'm so glad you're home. Delia kissed and hugged Ash, for about three minutes. He didn't try to stop her. He liked the way his mother reacted when he came back home. Even though they did see each other on videophone, it wasn't the same as receiving hugs and kisses personally. Delia stopped and wiped the tears from her eyes with her apron. She smiled when she realized that Ash had brought his friends along with him. Misty- Hi Mrs. Ketchum! Brock- Nice to see ya again! May and Max- Hi! Delia had met May and Max at Ash's last battle at the pokemon league. (They didn't meet Misty because she wasn't with them.) Delia- Hello everyone! Thank you for taking good care of my Ash! Would you all like to come in? All- Sure! Just as Ash was about to step inside, he heard yet another familiar voice. ???- Hey Ash-y boy, wanna battle? Ash- Huh? ???- I said, do ya wanna battle? I could use the training! Ash- Gary? Gary- Who else would it be? Ash- What are you doing here in Pallet? I thought you were at Victory Road. Gary- Well, it just so happens that I've decided to take a break from all the battling to came and visit grandpa. Ash- Okay, so then why do you want to battle me, if you're taking a break? Gary- What a stupid question Ash! Hello, does Pokemon Master ring a bell? Ash- Oh…right. Gary- When I saw you, I thought it'd be dumb to give up a chance to battle the Master, when he's not at the Pokemon League. Anyways, do want to battle or not!? Ash- Alright Gary show me whatcha got! Gary- Go……Umbreon!! Ash- You still have that old thing? Gary- You still have Pikachu! Besides, don't underestimate him Ash, he's stronger than he looks! Ash- Alright! I choose… Misty- Ash, are you comin?! Your mom says she's making your favorite dish! Misty stepped outside and noticed that Ash was in his battle position. She looked across from him and saw Gary. Gary- Hey Misty! I see you and Ash haven't broken up yet! Misty (ignoring Gary)- Ash, are you coming? Ash- Right after I battle Gary, ok? Misty- Alright, I'll tell your mom. Ash- Thanks. Ok Gary, let's get started! I choose you, Pikachu! Gary (quietly)- Obviously. The battle went on for quite a while, the others had already begun eating. But Misty decided that she wasn't feeling hungry and apologized to Delia for making her go through the trouble of giving her, her share of the meal. Delia sweetly accepted her apology and took Misty's plate away. Misty walked outside and watched the two young men battle. Gary's Umbreon was strong, but Pikachu was stronger. She sat down on the steps and a smile appeared on her face. She loved watching Ash battle. He was so confident, so determined that he'd win. That's what she liked most about him. Delia finished cleaning the kitchen. She wanted to check on Misty, she was wondering why she wasn't hungry, even when May had commented that they hadn't eaten anything since breakfast. She walked over to the door and saw Misty sitting on the steps, with her arms wrapped tightly around her knees, staring at something. Delia looked around to figure out what she was so interested in, but soon found out. She gasped and looked at Misty, who seemed not to notice she was behind her. She sat down next to her. Misty's eyes still focused on her interest. Delia- Are you okay sweety? Misty-… Delia- Misty? Misty-… Delia- Misty, honey are you okay? Misty- Huh? Oh, yeah I'm fine Mrs. Ketchum, thanks. There was silence between the two, but finally Delia spoke. Delia- Gary's gotten better since the last time he's battled with Ash. Misty- Yeah. Delia- I'm so glad Ash is home. I missed him so. Every day, I'd pray that he's alright. And when he comes home, I'm so happy to have him in my arms. Misty-… Misty looked down at the floor, trying to hide the tear that wanted so badly to be let out. Delia- So…Misty, I've never had a daughter, but umm, if you want to talk, about anything, I'm here. Misty- Thanks. Misty wanted to tell her how she felt. She really did! But she couldn't bring herself to say it. The silence, it came again. Then Delia decided to get up. Delia- Well, I think I should get ready for bed. Good night Misty. Misty- Good night. Misty sat there rushing to put the words together, before the moment was gone. Misty- Mrs. Ketchum wait! Delia- What is it? Misty (hesitantly)- Can I talk to you? Delia (smiling)- Sure sweetie. They sat in the kitchen, Misty sat there quietly at first making sure that she knew exactly what she was going to say. Then she looked up. But before she could speak, Delia spoke up. Delia- Misty, whatever you tell me, it's only between us. That made Misty feel much better and confident, that she could tell her about her son. Misty- Okay, here goes. Um, I've never really told anyone about this. Except for May, but it's really hard for me to say. I…my problem…the thing is. Delia- It's okay, take your time. Misty (taking a deep breath)- My problem is about Ash. Delia- Okay, what's wrong with him? Misty- Nothing! He's… (sighing) he's perfect. Delia- Oh? Misty- Mrs. Ketchum, ever since I fished Ash out of that pond, I couldn't stop thinking about him! Throughout his journey, I'd take short glances at him or stare at him at night until I fall asleep! He would protect me, as if I was related to him! That is what I don't understand! I was so mean to him! I yelled at him, and called him such hurtful names! Just to cover up my feelings! Misty was close to tears, she had never acted this way before. Delia sat there quietly, listening to every word that came out of this confused girl's mouth. Misty- And yet, he'd still forgive me, and always told me that we'd remain best of friends! How could he?! How could he remain friends with me when I was such a monster to him?! I could've talked to him, I told him everything about me, about my past! And there he was, ready to comfort me when all those memories broke me down! I've never been so kind to him, never! Sure, I cheered him on at his battles but that's not enough, it can't be enough! Misty was now crying, Delia came over to comfort her and pulled her into a slight embrace. Just then Ash and Gary finished their long battle. Ash- Not bad Gary. Gary- Thanks. Ash- Well, gotta go! Gary- Hey Ash, before you go, can I ask you something? Ash- Uhh, sure. Gary- I know I've bugged you about this you whole life, but I just wanted to know. Ash- What is it?! Gary- Aren't you and Misty dating yet? Ash (Blushing wildly)- Uhh, no! Gary- Come on Ash-y boy! What's wrong with you? Ash- What are you talking about? Gary- Everyone can see that she likes you! Ash-She does not!! Gary- She does too! And you know what? I think you like her too! Ash- Shut up! Gary- Just admit it Ash! You know you do! You can trust me. Ash (quietly)- What do you care? Gary- I care plenty. Ash, I know we hadn't been on the best of terms, but when it comes to girls, I can help ya out a lot! Ash paused for a while. He didn't want to tell Gary how he felt, but on the other hand he really did want to hear what he had to say. He turned around slowly and faced Gary. He had his arms crossed smiling at Ash, knowing that he had got his attention. Gary- Well? What do ya say? Ash- Ok, but on one condition! Gary- What's that? Ash- Don't tell anyone! Especially… Gary- Misty. I know, come on. They walked and talked for a while. Ash poured out his heart right in front of Gary. He never knew that Ash had kept these feelings bottled up for so long! From the day he stole Misty's bike to the present. Gary listened as a friend should listen while Ash began to cry. Ash- Why, how could I've been so stupid? I made us get lost in those stupid woods so many times! Poor Misty! She had every right to call me dense! I deserved it! And her bike, I still haven't paid her back for it! And get this, she's so kind, she stopped asking me for it, can you believe that? Misty is perfect she doesn't need a dumb guy like me! She's smart, helpful, kind, beautiful! Oh, I can go on and on! Ash buried his face in his hand and Gary gave him a pat on the back. Gary- Just let it all out Ash. It was about 10 when Gary and Ash decided to head back home. Misty had already gone to bed and sleeping very soundly. Gary said goodbye and walked home. Ash watched. He never thought that Gary could be so friendly to him. He opened the door and walked upstairs into his room. He dropped his backpack onto his desk and fiddled in the dark to find his closet. He changed into his sleeping clothes and pulled up the covers. He lay down, and as everything got quiet, he heard soft breathing. But it wasn't him. He grabbed his flashlight from his backpack and shown the bright light around the room. Then his flashlight became fixed on a living being on his bed. It was covered up in his blankets and breathing ever so softly. Ash went closer and to his surprise, it was Misty! 'What is Misty doing in my bed?' He thought that it'd be best if he slept on the floor. He went to his closet and grabbed an extra pillow and blanket. He dropped it on the floor and lay down. He lay there thinking about his talk with Gary earlier that night. Gary had told him that he should try to be brave and do what his heart told him to do, even if he was scared. (sounds weird when coming from Gary doesn't it). Ash was ready. He couldn't wait any longer, he had to tell her right away! Ash-Hey, Misty? Wake up, I need to talk to you. Will Ash finally gain up enough courage to tell Misty? Wait till the next fic please!