Disclaimer: Okay, how many people here actually think that I own Pokemon? Anyone? I didn’t think so. Hey! Put your hand down, Elise!

A/N: This is a romance, yes, and my very FIRST one. Also my very first pokemon story. Please take that into consideration, k? I put it under the humor category because I will be adding some humor later, but not much in this chapter. Brock lovers, please avoid this story. AAML fans, please read! I’ll try my best to please you and I’m open to suggestions! Only one person read my digimon story, so it must really suck. I just hope this one doesn’t. Well, I’ll stop rambling and get on with the story!

Ash: 14

Misty: 15

Brock: 18

Chapter 1: What’s up with Misty?

It was, or seemed to be, a perfectly normal day in the pokemon world. Our familiar trio, (or quintet, if you count the pokies) was walking along a dirt path, trying to get to Goldenrod city, which would probably take them several months to reach with all the distractions they go though. Tired from all of their walking, and certain that their pokemon would need a rest too, Ash, Misty, and Brock decided to stop in at a conveniently placed pokemon center.

Ash plopped down on the nearest sofa, Pikachu beside him. “Ahh, it feels good to finally get a rest.” he sighed. Misty, hugging Togepi closely to her chest, sat down beside Ash.

“Well, maybe if you’d let us rest more often,” she replied, “you wouldn’t be so tired right now”. Ash gave her an annoyed look.

“What are you talking about? I practically always stop and let us take a break whenever you start whining about how tired you are!” he snapped back. Now Misty was getting ticked off.

“I hardly ever ask you to stop for me, Ash, let alone whine about it!” she retorted, a little more volume in her voice.

“You whine plenty! Always nagging me about something! Whether it’s too much walking or I’m not battling right or something, you always have your mouth open!” Ash was shouting now.

“You take that back, Ash Ketchum, I do not!”

“You do too!”

“Do not!”

“Do too!”

“Do no-”

The argument was cut short by a voice in the background. “Oh, just ignore the noise, Nurse Joy, it happens all the time. They’re so immature, don’t you think? I don’t know what they’d do without me. Of course, I don’t know what I’d do without you either, you’re so beautiful, talented....” After listening to Brock’s chattering, Misty got up and went to do her newly acquired usual task of going up and pulling the lovesick moron away from the poor girl by the ear. Ash was just left standing in his usual “argument” position. The young pokemon trainer was a little surprised that Misty had just gotten up and forgot about the fight, just like that. Oh well, he thought. that just means I win. Ash chuckled a bit as he watched Brock being painfully pulled away from his newfound temporary love-interest. But as he laughed at the sight, a different feeling came to him. It was an unpleasant one, it almost felt like.... he couldn’t quite pinpoint it. Then again, Ash never was very good with feelings. More thoughts entered the boy’s head. Hmmm... Misty sure has been pickin’ on Brock a lot lately.... always pullin’ his ear, smackin’ him.... she used to do stuff like that to me, not him. Ash suddenly made a surprised face. Waitaminute... why should that matter to me? She’s off my back now. I don’t have to worry so much about getting smacked around. Though, I do kinda miss the attention I always got.... Whaa! Why would I want attention from her?? I mean she’s always nagging me and being mean, I’m not supposed to enjoy that! But I do.... GAH! No I don’t! Do I? I’m confusing myself again! I told myself that too much thinking will hurt my head!! Ash was snapped out of his thinking trance by Pikachu, who wondered why its trainer suddenly looked so deep in thought. “Pikapi? Pikachu?” it inquired.

Ash shook his head and turned to Pikachu. “Yeah, everything’s okay, buddy, don’t worry.” I gotta get these thoughts out of my head, he thought. Or they could distract me from my training. Ash went to Nurse Joy and got his pokemon returned, then called for Misty and Brock to leave.

That night the group camped out in the woods as usual. Brock was asleep in his dark-colored sleeping bag, mumbling something or other about Joy and/or Jenny. Ash was sprawled out on his back, limbs going in every which way, mouth hanging open as he slept with Pikachu cuddled beside him, and Misty was curled up in her own sleeping bag. Togepi was rolled into it’s egg position as it slept peacefully, but unlike her pokemon, Misty was wide awake. She gazed over at Ash. He looks so.... stupid when he’s asleep. She thought with a giggle. Stupid, but cute. She sighed. I still can’t believe that I have such strong feelings for someone with his brain capacity. But I guess I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t. Besides, it’s not all brains that matter. He’s got lots of good qualities too. He’s cute, funny, determined, loyal, sweet, brave, selfless... ::sigh:: If only he’d stop thinking about pokemon long enough to notice that I really care for him. Then maybe he’d care back. I shouldn’t dream like that. Even if he did think about things other than pokemon, he’d never love me back. What do I really have to offer him?

Misty hung her head dejectedly and turned her gaze toward Brock. And what’s the deal with Brock all of a sudden? He’s always gone after girls and acted like a goof, why do I suddenly feel obligated to yank his ear? He’s so annoying. Sometimes I just wish he’d go away. Then me and Ash could be alone... ::sigh:: I’d better get to sleep.

The next morning the trio (or quintet ^_^) woke up and had breakfast as per usual. Once they were all ready, they hit the road once again. As they were walking down the dirt path, Ash noticed how their walking order had changed over the years. In the beginning, Ash had always walked in the lead or in the middle, but now Brock stood in between him and Misty. Similar thoughts to the ones he was thinking before entered Ash’s head. Just who does he think he is anyway? Ever since Brock came back, he’s been takin’ my spot. I miss my old place next to Misty.... I mean in the middle! I like the middle! I can’t even see her from here... not that that matters!! Jeez, what’s wrong with me? These are such small little tiny insignificant changes! No big deal! Though, since Brock came back, there have been a lot of small little tiny insignificant changes goin’ on. I mean, way back in the beginning, Misty was always loud and botherin’ me and not afraid to voice her opinion. I’m not saying that she doesn’t do that stuff anymore, just a lot less. I wonder why. I kinda like her when she’s like that, all fiery and bold... WHA! There I go, thinkin’ about her again!! I’ve gotta stop this or it’ll become a habit! Still, I do miss my spot... Ash just harumphed and crossed his arms as he walked.

Suddenly the group came upon a sign signaling that the next town was not far away. It wasn’t Goldenrod, but it was on the way. Ash read the sign out loud: “Welcome to Rosethorn city! Please visit one of our luxury hotels, complete with large swimming pools!” Ash noticed Misty’s aqua-colored eyes light up at the mention of large swimming pools. He smiled at her. “Whaddya say, guys?” Ash said with enthusiasm. “Wanna stay here for the day?” Misty was surprised that Ash was willing to give up a day of his pokemon journey to stay here. And something inside her told her that he was doing it for her. Brock’s eyebrows turned downward. “I don’t think it’s such a good idea, Ash.” he stated. Ash looked at Brock quizzically. “We’ve already missed enough time with all the other things we’ve been doing on the way. At this rate, we’ll never get to Goldenrod.” Ash knew he was right. But Misty had looked so happy when he suggested it.... Ash was about to disagree with Brock, when Misty spoke up, in a strangely dull voice. “He’s right Ash.” she said with almost no emotion. Her face had a sort of emotionless look on it as well. “We should keep moving.” Ash stared at her, not believing that she didn’t want to go. “You sure Mist?” he asked. “Yes, I am.” she replied, in the same tone. “Okay then, let’s go.” Ash said in a sort of confused tone. He started walking off, Pikachu on his shoulder, and his two companions following.

The group walked in complete silence after that, save for the occasional chirping of Togepi in Misty’s arms. As he walked, Ash pondered what could have made Misty act so strangely just then. He glanced over at her, and saw that her facial expression had returned to normal. He just shrugged it off and continued walking. Neither of the two of them noticed an evil glint in Brock’s eye, as a wicked smile curved its way onto his lips.....

To be continued.....

Sorry to leave you hanging, but I can’t finish this all in one sitting! As I said before, I’m open to suggestions and reviews will be VERY much appreciated. I won’t make this one too long, and don’t worry, I won’t kill anyone or anything like that. And of course, Ash and Misty MUST get together. This is my story after all. Well, sorry if it sucked and was a waste of your time, but if you liked it, the more reviews I get, the more encouraged I’ll be to continue faster! ::Okay, shut up now, Growly!::