"Ash..." Brock waited for his response.
"Yeah, Brock?" Ash responded, still a bit down.
"Do you have a crush on Misty?" Ash closed his eyes. He figured he might as well tell him before Misty becomes attracted to Gary.
"...Yeah..." He responded, nonchalant. Brock decided not to make a big deal out of it, so he simply placed his hands in his pockets, looking towards Gary and Misty.
"Tell her." Brock responded. Ash looked up at Brock like he was crazy. Without looking at Ash, he spoke to him as if he read his mind.
"I'm serious, Ash. But what you need to do first is apologize to Misty for what you said. If she thinks of you now as someone who just runs his mouth, chances are she isn't going to like you."
"What makes you think she'd like me anyway?" Ash asked, almost uncaring.
"Because you are a very nice, caring, and intelligent person. Even if most people don't think you are intelligent. I don't see anything about you that isn't to like. And I've seen Misty seem like she likes you a lot more than once." Ash thought about what Brock said, and didn't think Brock knew who he was talking to. Ash wasn't those things...was he? He sighed, figuring he might as well apologize to her, at least. "Besides," Brock started again. "What kind of friend would you be if you didn't apologize?"
"You're right, Brock. I will apologize to her." Ash said, confidently. Brock smiled as Ash made his way toward Misty and Gary.

Ash started to pick up the pace as Gary and Misty were inches away from stepping up the stairs which lead to the stage, a slow song beginning to play. He began jogging lightly, thinking over what he was going to say.
"Mi--!" He was cut off as he tripped over a small rock planted into the ground, falling face-first. Brock slapped his hand to his forehead as he saw Ash fall. Ash quickly jumped off, and dusted himself off. He calmly placed his hands in his pockets and walked the rest of the way to the stage. Brock figured it was pointless to just stand there 50 feet away from the commotion by himself, so he began to walk toward the stage as well. Meanwhile, Gary and Misty were dancing to the slow song up on stage. Ash saw them, and tried not to let his emotions get the best of him this time. Ash made his way up on stage, planning on what he was going to do. (All I'll do is easily cut in, dance with Misty and apologize.) Ash actually nodded to himself, making his way up on stage. He confidently made his way toward Gary and Misty, when someone stopped him.
"Mom??"
"That's my name!" Sure enough, it was Ash's Mom, dancing with him. Ash's Mom smiled at Ash.
"Mom, why are we dancing?" Ash asked, looking toward Gary and Misty.
"Well, I wanted to dance with my young man, just this once."
"All right, but could we move closer towards Misty and Gary?" Ash's Mom nodded, and winked as if she knew what he was going to do. They made their way closer to the two, Ash ready to make his move. As they were close enough, Ash tapped Gary on the shoulder. He turned around, saw Ash, and nodded. The two boys switched partners, Gary looking at Ash's Mom who had a happy smile as she looked at him. He looked at her and chuckled nervously.

Misty hadn't noticed since she had her eyes closed.
"You know, Gary you--" That was when she opened her eyes to see a familiar black-haired presence. Misty rolled her eyes. "What did you come to do? Insult Gary some more?" She said, annoyed.
"Misty, I wanted to apologize for the way I acted. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it." He said with all sincerity, looking into her eyes. She was surprised how easily it was for him to persuade her. She knew he was being honest, and she sucked her teeth.
"All right, Ash. I forgive you." Ash's face lit up with a smile, but they continued to dance.
"I didn't know you knew how to dance, Ash." Misty said, watching his feet as they moved in a smooth motion.
"Neither do I..." Ash said, a bit surprised himself. Misty looked back up and smiled to him. "So, how have you been all this time? Anything interesting happen?" Misty spoke, sparking up a conversation as they danced.
"Bored, and no. Mainly I've just gotten a few people who tried to beat me in a battle, but other than that it's been nothing but boring."
"Oh..." Misty said, continuing to dance.
"But, I did miss traveling with you..." Ash trailed off. Misty looked up at him, a bit surprised.
"Uh..." Ash snapped back into reality. "And Brock! And Pikachu! Heh..." Ash chuckled nervously.
"I missed traveling with you, too." Misty replied with a smile.
"You...have?" Ash was a bit surprised himself.
"Yes." Misty replied once more.
"Well, I, I, I..." Ash started to stammer. Just then, the song ended, everyone clapped, and walked off the dance floor.