And So We Meet Again…

Chapter Two: And love me like you should

***

I should have been onto you

But I was afraid

That you'd break my heart in two

Fate would have it that you broke it anyway baby

And every time I close my eyes

I just remind myself

You told about a million lies

***

What the hell are you doing here?"

It wasn't exactly the warm welcome he had been hoping for, but better than what he had been expecting. Better than what he deserved.

"It's good to see you again too, Mist'."

She trembled, wanting to punch that arrogant look off his face. How could he stand there looking so nonchalant, as if nothing had happened between them? How could he just show up casually like this when her heart was racing to the point where she thought it would burst from her chest any second?

Seeing Ash Ketchum again was the last thing she had ever expected or wanted to do for the rest of her life. She just couldn't face him now after all these years. She wasn't prepared to deal with the waves of emotion that were currently rippling through her body, tearing her like a tidal wave inside. Wasn't prepared to feel the agonizing sense of warmth that tingled all the way to her fingertips at merely seeing his face, a feeling she had thought she had managed to destroy the day she had woken alone in the forest.

He hadn't changed very much in appearance. Her once lifelong soul mate was still as tall, dark, and boyishly handsome as ever. With another scan she decided Ash had been nearly untouched by the years that had past, except for a slightly haunted look she thought she could detect in his eyes. And as she stood there now, with those almost unnerving eyes fixed on her, she once again felt almost frozen to the spot. Misty was unsure which she wanted to do more at this moment: kill him or kiss him. Both options were equally tempting.

Ash shifted uncomfortably, unnerved by her silence and unreadable expression. Cautiously, he took a small step forward, almost afraid she would run away if he moved too suddenly. She had always been like a fierce tigress, ready to pounce at any given moment, but as he looked at her now he was reminded of a timid doe that was aware of her pursuer and was ready to take off as soon as she felt the slightest threat. He had to be careful not to scare her off.

The famous trainer had no idea how to tell her what he felt. He had never been very good with words when it came to these kinds of things, and didn't want to say something wrong. He couldn't deny that he usually always ended up making situations like this worse when he tried to make them better. This he knew from countless arguments with Misty in the past. And as he looked at her now he could see the shock of seeing him was beginning to fade into anger. Once she regained her senses he knew she would be ready to attack. Even if he managed to steer away from saying something to upset her, she would gladly start their inevitable fight anyway.

Either way it looked like he might as well risk saying something stupid.

"I know you're probably not very happy to see me right now," Ash began slowly.

She stared at him.

He sighed and continued. "And I know you aren't going to just welcome me with open arms and let all be forgiven, but can't we at least talk?"

She continued to stare at him.

"You owe that to me at least," he added, not realizing the mistake he had just made.

With a snarl she sauntered towards him, ignoring the angry shouts of passing drivers, and stopped a few feet away from him. The slap he had received when they first met was nothing compared to the one she delivered now, striking him across the face.

"Well," Ash sucked in a painful breath, "that was –"

"That was well deserved, you jerk!" Her eyes blazed with fire, a warning he remembered all too well. "And I owe you nothing, Ash Ketchum."

He gently touched his swelling left cheek and tried not to grimace. Not wanting to be hit again and feeling nervous under her glare and harshly punctuated words, he cast a searching look across her face, hoping to reason with the softer side of her. "Please, Misty. We need to talk."

She turned away, having already decided that killing him was definitely much more appealing. "Why? I have nothing to say to you," she answered coldly.

He had expected as much. "Well I'm not leaving until we do."

A short and bitter laugh emitted from Misty's lips which were now quivering slightly as they often did when she became upset. "Isn't that funny? Last time you left at the first chance you got, but now when I want nothing more than for you to leave, you refuse to."

Ash failed to find a way to respond to that. He looked down at his feet in shameful regret. "I had no choice, I had to leave."

"Bullshit. Don't even try and give me that. The least you could do is tell me the truth!"

He felt his irritation rise to match hers. "You really want the truth?"

She met his gaze, a twinge of pride and anger shining brightly in her eyes. "Yes. I deserve to know."

His throat caught. She had always looked more beautiful to him when she was animated, whether it was in fury or glee. Ash's voice grew softer, a whispered sigh escaping his mouth. "You deserve more than just the truth, Misty. Much more."

Misty was taken aback at this, but did her best not to let it show. With a short, flustered breath, she quickly regained her composure. Forcing the steely look to return to her eyes, her expression hardened again. She would not let him win her over with words.

"You're right, I do. Which is why I'm going to keep walking. I deserve more than your pitiful lies and excuses!"

He scowled. "I didn't come to give you lies or excuses!"

"Why did you come then, Ash? Oh please do enlighten me."

"I came because… I came because I wanted to see you!" he finished, unable to hide his exasperation.

"Well now that you've seen me, do us both a favor and go back to where ever the hell you came from!"

Without waiting for his reply, Misty turned away and blindly walked in the other direction. It didn't matter to her where she went, as long as it was no where near him. The more distance she put between them, the safer it would be. She could only pray that he wasn't following her.

After a few more frenzied steps, she risked taking a glance back. Relief swept through her; he still stood there in the same place she had left him. Her panic soon returned, however, when she saw the determined look on his face. It seemed that her brush-off had only made him more set on talking to her.

Misty cursed herself. She should have known better.

Ash wasn't about to give up any time soon. He never did.

~*-*-*~

Shadows flickered and danced across her face as outside her window the sun continued its never-ending game of hide and seek with the clouds. Misty closed her eyes, relaxing the lines of anxiety that creased her forehead. She was completely drained of all energy, both physically and mentally. That short, unexpected encounter with Ash hours ago had left her feeling rather distraught and just a little dazed.

She laughed at that, a harsh, hollow sound that stung her ears. How could one stupid man have such an affect on her?

But she knew the answer. He had been her first. Her first friend, her first crush, her first love, and her first time. Almost her first everything. And no matter how foolish the notion, a girl always kept such firsts close to her heart. They were something to hold onto from their childhood, of a time when they were young and innocent and full of dreams, unaware of the occasionally harsh truth of the world. Misty had such little else she wanted to remember from her childhood, but now even thinking of all those firsts, the ones that were supposed to be special, brought her pain as well. She loathed him for robbing her of her only chance to have happy memories. Loathed him for stripping her of girlish dreams and bringing her permanently back to reality.

From the bedside table her phone began to ring, startling her out of her depressing introspection. After it rang a second time she hesitantly moved away from the window to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Misty?"

"Yes, this is Misty Waters speaking," she replied, her automatic answer due to running the Cerulean Gym for years. "May I ask who is calling?"

"You of all people should know that you can't get away from me that easily."

Her question had gone unacknowledged, however the answer was now quite obvious. Her pulse instantly began to race, her eyes widening in distress at his voice. "I don't want to talk to you, Ash. I thought I made that clear."

"You haven't even given me a chance to explain," he protested softly.

She heated up, lips pressing in a thin line. "Well I'm sure you'll have a good story. I mean after all, you've had three years to make it up."

"You don't understand."

"What more is there to understand? Your career was more important to you, and Brock and I weren't of any use to anymore so you left. Left me, without even a goodbye. I was stupid to ever think you could actually feel the same way I did. Simple as that."

"That is not true! Misty you know me. It wasn't like that!"

"That right there is a lie too. I don't know you."

"What do you mean? Of course you know me."

"No, I knew you. You were my best friend, a person I had soon come to greatly respect and admire. After awhile, against my wishes, I came to love you with as much of my heart as possible, but was too afraid to lose our friendship, too afraid to get hurt. Then one day I stupidly thought that I didn't need to be afraid of either of those things because you were such a wonderful person. You were so kind, loyal, and trustworthy."

"Misty – "

"No! Let me finish! You see I even remember telling myself that even if things didn't work out, I wouldn't have regrets, only be happy that we had it for at least a little while. So I gave my foolish heart to you, thinking I had yours in return, only to find out that yours already belonged to pokémon and you didn't even want or need mine. You might as well as thrown it out a window for all the pain you caused it!"

"Misty…" his broken voice tore at her, but she ignored it. "I'm so sorry…"

"Save your apologies. I don't want them either," she said curtly, trying to keep any other emotion from her own voice.

"If you just let me explain," he begged. "If you got to know me again you'd see I'm still the same person."

"I don't want to know you at all, just leave me alone! And," she added, clenching tightly onto the receiver, "I am so much happier with Brock."

He flinched and wondered if she could hear it through the phone. "People make mistakes…"

"And I made my biggest one that night."

His end was silent.

Misty couldn't take it any longer. "I'm hanging up now, don't –"

He cut her off, urgency in his voice. "Meet me."

"What?"

"I need to see you at least one more time. I can't leave… no I refuse to leave until I do."

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Meet me, Misty. You know when and where."

An involuntary shudder traveled down her spine, leaving her body tingling with a long lost feeling of years ago. Of course she knew when and where, it had been so hard to forget. She was angered at the nerve of him to suggest it. If had been trying to make sure the memories of that night were now fresh in her mind, he had succeeded.

"No. I can't."

He was undeterred. "Afraid?"

She, like him, could never resist a challenge. "Afraid of you?" She scoffed. "Hardly!"

"Prove it."

A click sounded in her ear.

Damn he had gotten smarter over the years.

And damn how she wanted him.

Misty's brain didn't fully absorb her last thought until a few moments later. When it finally did, the realization came to her with a jolt. She still wanted him. It made her unsteady to think of it. But it wasn't until her next thoughts that she was shaken so badly she could no longer stand up. In spite of how much she tried to deny it, at hearing his voice her heart had secretly leaped in joy, and now that he had broken the connection, her body was crying out desperately with the need to be with him, to see him again.

Damn the cruel irony, it couldn't even be as simple as her just wanting him.

For despite how hard she had tried to convince herself that she wasn't, she was still in love with him.

At that her throat seemed to tighten, impairing her breathing. She could feel a sharp ache begin pounding against her temple like waves crashing against a shore. Just her luck: another migraine was coming. Misty struggled to concentrate. It couldn't be true. She couldn't still love him. This was too much for her to deal with at one time, she needed to sit down and get a hold of her emotions before she did something stupid. She was acting like a weak and lovesick little girl.

Collapsing in despair on the mattress, Misty gazed unseeingly at her ceiling. Beside her the discarded phone rang again, the shrill sound seeming to pierce her skull. It was probably Brock with the usual call to check up on her and tell her he loved her. A large, unsettling ball of guilt was hastily added to the turmoil of feelings in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't bring herself to answer it. Couldn't even look at it.

Brock was a good man who loved her dearly and treated her well. Her close friend for years, someone she could always depend on. It didn't matter that their sex life wasn't as passionate as the one time her and Ash had been together. That wasn't important. What was important was that she loved him and had been happy with him for these years they had been together. Brock had given her everything Ash couldn't. Would do anything for her.

So how could she lie there on the bed they shared with her thoughts and heart focused on another man? A man that had once been a best friend to both of them.

She couldn't meet Ash. No matter what he had in mind, it was too dangerous. She wasn't sure if she would be able to control herself, or if he would even try to. Brock was her husband and she had pledged ever-lasting love and fidelity to him. She wasn't one to break vows lightly. No, she would not see Ash. The faster he was back out of her life, the better. He was nothing to her anymore. Nothing but a lying jerk who had just thrown her away like an unwanted pokemon when he decided that he didn't have room for her in his main line-up anymore. She didn't want to see him, didn't need to.

"Oh hell," Misty sighed, grudgingly putting on her jacket. "Who am I kidding?"

Ash Ketchum–the infuriating bastard–would always hold a place in the very core of her, whether she wanted him to or not.

~*-*-*~

She gazed into his eyes, idly tracing an imaginary circle on his bare chest with a slender, pointed finger. "Promise me your heart?"

He gently cupped her face in his hands. "Forever."

What a fool she had been to believe him. Misty roughly shook away the memory and continued her slow trudge through the thick wisps of green. Since the day Ash had left she had avoided even stepping near this forest, let alone coming to the particular spot they had been together. It brought back too many unwanted feelings and painful memories of heartbreak. Feelings and memories she was currently having trouble ignoring.

What was she doing? All she had to do was turn around and go back to the safety of her house, but instead she was walking right into what would most likely be a danger zone. Typical.

"Misty." She spun around at hearing his voice speak her name for what seemed like the millionth time that day.

Ash stood waiting, leaning slightly on the trunk of a large tree. He smiled cautiously. "I didn't think you would come."

Her smile was faint, almost strained, but still a smile nonetheless. "Liar."

"See. You do still know me well."

"As do you, apparently. How clever of you to dare me."

His smile disappeared, replaced by a look that made her slightly nervous. "I know you don't want to see me, but I really wanted to see you. I've missed you so much."

She sighed, long and hard. "Somewhere in between wishing I'd never met you, I've missed you too."

Hope rushed through Ash. She didn't completely hate him. It was progress, at least.

Wanting to keep the somewhat friendly conversation, he tried to stay away from more dangerous subjects. Problem was, when talking with Misty, almost everything could lead into a dangerous subject. Especially under the circumstances. Ash tentatively approached the first thing he could think of.

"You look… well."

She almost couldn't stop her lips from curving for a second time. "Wow Ash. Your compliments still continue to amaze me."

He gave an embarrassed laugh. "Hey well I would say that your kind habit of making fun of me still continues to amaze me, but it doesn't."

"Oh? And why is that?"

"Probably because I expected nothing less from the great Misty Waterflower."

She nearly laughed, the carefree sound aching to escape through her teeth. Misty wanted to kick herself for standing there and letting him charm her. Just like when they had fought during the many years of travelling together, she felt her anger slowly begin to soften. It was no where near gone, as it ran much too deep this time for him to make it completely disappear, but letting the shield of ice she'd built around her melt, even if just a little bit, was definitely a bad idea.

Misty sucked in a breath, hoping she looked calmer than she felt. "Oh well would you look at the time, I really should be getting back! You see Brock is on his way home and I'm expecting his call right about now."

Ash took a hold of her arm before she could try and retreat and tapped her bare wrist with his index finger. "I would look at the time, but problem is you don't have a watch on."

A large sweatdrop formed on the back of her head. He watched her, greatly amused, as she flustered and tried to think of something to cover her mistake. Failing to come up with an excuse, she gave a sigh of resignation and smiled sheepishly. "I guess I should plan out my excuses better next time, huh?"

He grinned. "Guess so."

The breeze picked up and floated softly around them, invading their nostrils with the scents of the forest. It reminded her so much of their journeys as teenagers that at that moment, for a few seconds she closed her eyes and indulged in the memories of being carefree and young. She was fifteen again and travelling with her best friends. It was nearing dusk and she was complaining about her feet hurting from walking so long, hoping to get Ash's attention. Brock had expressed his concern and suggested that they put up camp somewhere soon before it got dark. Finally Ash had taken his focus off of polishing his badges and turned to her just as she, not watching the ground in front of her, stumbled over a rock. Always quick on his feet, Ash had quickly dropped the items in his hands to reach out and steady her before she fell. Misty could remember how she had swooned inside at his touch, forgetting all about her aching feet. Maybe, just maybe he really did care. Maybe she really did mean more to him than his stupid pokemon career. Maybe she…

Maybe she did far too much wishful thinking.

And with that last thought the moment abruptly ended. The flashback cleared away and she found herself staring into the face of a much older and more attractive Ash, all too aware of his close presence, of her hand still in his. Well Misty was not fifteen anymore and no longer as naïve and full of romantic daydreams. She was not going to stand there and have her heart flutter over something as foolish as a simple look or touch from him.

"Ash, I think I should – "

The kiss was sudden, though she should have expected it. Before Misty could utter a single protest, the sweet meeting of his lips upon hers brought a tingling sensation of rising blood and emotion. She had never experienced a kiss quite like this before. The conflicting love, pain, lust, and guilt that streamed through her veins both frightened and exhilarated her. Not even their first kiss years ago could compare to the strong need she felt now.

With a low moan escaping her throat in a voice she barely recognized, Misty clutched his shirt frantically and brought her mouth hungrily down on his.

Ash's hands caressed her almost roughly, desperate to prove that she was actually there, that this was real. His fingers trailed across her cheeks until they reached her hair, basking in the now tangled mass of red that he had always loved to play with. He whispered her name against her neck, eyes closed in pipe dreams of them being together again. Together again after so many nights of loneliness and regret.

Hearing him speak, a voice that wasn't her husband's, her own eyes shot open. What was she doing? How could she do this to Brock? To them? Panicked as the new realization came to her, Misty gave a muffled cry and pulled back, taking an unsteady step away from him.

Ash didn't try to stop her, a rueful understanding filling him. He knew why she had moved away. Had known when he had been kissing her that the feeling of everything being right and whole again wouldn't be able to last. Still he hadn't been able to stop himself, needing to feel her against him at least one more time. And now the lingering warmth of where her lips and body had touched his was not comfort, but torture.

"Oh God, what have we done?" She had turned her large aqua eyes toward him again, the confused misery in them all too apparent. "How could I have betrayed Brock like this?"

"Maybe you don't love him."

"You don't know anything!" Misty snapped fiercely, outraged by his quiet and almost hopeful statement. "I love him very much, Brock is everything to me."

"Then what am I?" he whispered, refusing to yield.

"Nothing," the reply came without pause, her voice chilling again. "You became nothing the day I woke up to find you gone."

"…That kiss didn't seem like nothing."

"Yeah well all it was just another stupid mistake."

Hurt and anger flashed across his expression. "Are you just toying with me then?"

She gave a dry laugh. "Me toying with you? Oh that's rich. You're the one who keeps stringing me along!"

"But it wasn't supposed to happen that way! You weren't supposed to get hurt."

"Oh so you thought I would be just peachy when you used me for sex and then dropped me? Is that what was supposed to happen?"

"No!" He was appalled at the idea. "That was not my intentions at all! If sex had been all I wanted then why would I have waited so many years?"

She sighed and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to will away the headache. "I don't know."

Ash clenched his fist in frustration. "Why is it always like this? Why do we have to fight every time we see or talk to each other?"

"Because you left me and I can't forgive you for it!"

He touched her pale face softly for a moment. "I came back because I realized I didn't want a life without you in it.

"I don't care! You… you broke your promise to me."

"But you're wrong. I didn't break that promise—you still have my heart, Misty."

Her mind whirled with mixed emotions, she quickly latched onto the only one she felt safe expressing: anger. "Damn you Ash Ketchum!" She began to pound her fists on his chest, tears slowly streaking down her face. "Damn you for always making me laugh when I want to cry, damn you for always making me stay by your side when I want to leave, and damn you for always making me love you when I want to hate you!"

He did not try to defend himself, only calmly took the blows in silence. After a few minutes, Misty let out a frustrated sob as her arms dropped to her sides in defeat. Her shoulders shook with each gasping breath she drew in. Her mouth quivered in sadness -- or perhaps it was rage, he wasn't exactly sure. Furious at herself for letting him see her cry, even though it had only been for a few seconds, she hastily tried to wipe away her tears, fighting against the fresh ones threatening to form.

Ash slowly wrapped his arms around her, allowing her the chance to step away if she wished. She cringed but did not pull away from his warm embrace. "Misty," he began gently, failing at getting a response from her like he had hoped he would. "Misty, it's okay."

She didn't meet his eyes. "No, It's not okay," she murmured into his shoulder, sounding like a wounded but determined child.

He stroked her hair soothingly. "We can make it okay again."

She stiffened and angrily broke away from his hold, from his touch. One more minute in his warmth and she feared she would never be able to leave it. "No."

"I – "

"No! Don't you see? It can never be okay between us again!" She looked away, sounding drained. "I have to go now."

He looked crestfallen as he reached out to touch her arm again. "Don't leave."

"I can do as I please," she snapped, her voice inadvertently rising to a shout. "You can't tell me what to do!" She ripped her arm from his grasp and fled for the second time that day. This time without looking back.

Ash watched her retreat, deciding that going after her would be even worse an idea than it would have been in the street. He gingerly touched his injured chest, remembering not the wild anger, but the fear in her eyes as she had struck him. She was scared of him, of what she still felt for him.

With a weary breath he noticed that any last trace of Misty had already disappeared into the dense forest of trees. He sat heavily onto a rotting log, trying to put his head back together. It was like some never ending soap opera and he absolutely hated soap operas. The irony just never stopped. And though he found nothing funny about the situation he almost wanted to laugh as he sat there, her last words ringing through his head once more.

Him tell her what to do? Ha.

He had never been able to control her anymore than she had him.

~*-*-*~

From his seat on the airplane, Brock punched in the numbers of his house for the third time that day. At hearing the monotonous answering machine once again, he frowned and clicked off the power of his cell phone. Misty had said she would be at the house all afternoon and to call during his flight so she would know what time he would arrive home, but so far she hadn't answered his calls.

From beside him the obnoxious passenger he had been forced to sit beside on the plane began to snore loudly, causing quite a few heads to turn in annoyance. Brock groaned and moved closer to the window. Here he had been thinking it was a blessing that he no longer had to politely listen to his endless chattering, but it turned out the man was just as bad unconscious as when he was awake.

Trying to pass the remaining time he turned and watched the clouds the plane had now began to descend into. Even though he knew it was probably silly of him to worry, there was a strange knot in the pit of his stomach. He didn't know why, but he couldn't help but feel like something was wrong. But there was no need to feel uneasy, he thought, trying to assure himself. He would be home in about another half an hour or so and in his wife's loving arms. Everything was fine.

But then why wasn't Misty answering the phone?

~*-*-*~

Misty completed one last stroke, her arms and legs gracefully lifting from the water. Reaching the wall she brought her body to a stop and emerged to the surface. Droplets cascaded from her hair and down her face as she reveled in the familiar and comforting feel of her favorite liquid. Whenever Misty had a problem or needed to relax, her private pool was where she always headed. Off limits from the other pools of the gym, this one belonged to her and only her. It was her escape from the world.

Pulling herself onto the deck, she idly used a towel to dry her dripping hair and body. The room was empty and quiet, the only presence and sounds her own. It was just how she wanted it. After running away from Ash she had instantly retreated here to swim and recollect her thoughts. It had calmed her somewhat, but had done nothing to soothe her nerves or the tangled mess that was her mind.

With a sigh she slipped off her bikini and pulled her clothes back on. She had lost complete track of time and forgot all about Brock's flight this afternoon. She should hurry up and get home, with luck she could beat him there so she would have a chance to tidy up. Not bothering to fix her hair she collected her things and after a few words with her right-hand man, she headed out the exit of the gym.

Even though she rarely did battles herself anymore, as she had hired people to do so, Misty was still often needed at the gym. Because of this their house was conveniently located in short walking distance from it. It only took a few minutes for their cheerful well-sized house to come into her view, and as she spotted the Brock's vehicle in the driveway, a bright smile formed on her face. No longer caring about tidying the house she jogged the rest of the way, eager to see her husband.

Opening the front door, she threw her stuff onto the ground in the hallway and ventured into the house. "Brock? Where are you?"

"Misty!" He appeared in front of her, his face flushed with pleasure. He took her in his arms and gave her a long sweeping kiss that nearly knocked her off her feet. When they broke apart he smiled lovingly. "I missed you."

"I missed you more. I hate when you're gone so long." She kissed him lightly. "How was your trip?"

"It was fine except for the flight home but anyway enough about that I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?"

"Yes." He looked excited, almost bubbly as he took her hand and guided her into the living room. "You'll never guess who's here!"

"Who?" she all but whispered, her heart sinking and her smile fading as the obvious answer rang all too clear.

"Hello Misty." Ash stood up from his seat on the couch, his face unreadable. "It's good to see you again."

Her voice was lost through the surge of anger that poured through her.

Brock didn't seem to notice, grinning broadly as he put an arm around her waist. "Ash told me all about why he left and didn't contact us, why didn't you just tell me so? It all makes so much sense now. And here I have been thinking he no longer cared about us. I feel like such a fool for ever believing you wouldn't come back."

Misty quickly sent Ash a piercing and questioning glare. From the look he returned she could tell he hadn't told Brock the truth about the night they had spent together before he had taken off. And with another quick glance at Brock she could tell that he also hadn't said anything about the kiss they had just shared merely an hour before or even the fact that they had seen each other. "He… he did?"

"Yeah, all about how he told you he loved you but you told him you couldn't return his feelings so he didn't feel he could stay anymore and left heartbroken."

Hysterical laughter nearly bubbled to the surface before she hastily suppressed it. Couldn't return his feelings? Oh it just kept getting better and better. She had been the one left heartbroken. Misty shot the younger man another glare, but he only shrugged in response, as if it had been the best he could come up with in short notice.

It looked like she might as well follow along for now.

"Uh yes," she started, floundering a moment for something to say. "Well I didn't want to talk about it because I felt really bad and guilty. And," she continued, more sure of herself now and looking directly at Ash, hoping he knew she was talking about him, "I felt like I was a horrible person." She turned to Brock again and attempted a smile. "Sorry we didn't tell you sooner."

"Oh it's perfectly fine, I understand why he left and why neither of you wanted to say anything. I'm just glad we finally get to see you again, Ash." Brock nearly glowed as he looked happily at both his wife and his now reunited best friend. "And now that we're all here the famous trio is back in business. We can be together again like always," he added hopefully.

Ash moved over and clasped Brock on the shoulder. "I'd love to."

Brock returned the amicable gesture. "This is so great. Best welcome home I've ever had! Oh and Misty darling I invited Ash to come and live with us for awhile until he finds a house nearby. I hope you don't mind, I didn't think you would. I can fix up the guestroom after we eat."

Misty stood there feeling numb and speechless. It always amazed her of how Brock was always so kind and compassionate. She had a feeling that as soon as he had seen Ash he had forgotten all about his hurtful absence the years before and had wrapped him in a huge hug, all now forgiven. She dreaded the wounded look that would appear on his face if he were to ever know the truth.

Brock kissed her forehead, seeming to take her silence as a yes. "Well I guess I should start supper now. I'm starved! I'm thinking about some nice lemon flavored chicken and salad, how does that sound?"

She pulled herself out of the daze she had fallen into. "It sounds delicious, honey. I'll go set the table." She turned, trying to make the strain in her voice less noticeable. "Ash, why don't you help me?"

He looked at her surprised. Not realizing that her polite tone was forced or seeing the motive behind her actions, he smiled. "Sure." Ash stood up and grabbed the plates, leaving her to take the silverware, and followed her into the dining room.

As soon as the door closed behind them and everything was safely on the table she whirled around angrily. "What do you think you're doing?" she hissed, fingers digging into his arm

"Hey, hold on, take it easy."

"How dare you come here!"

"You know everything doesn't revolve around you Misty, some people are glad to see me again." He glanced back in the direction they had left Brock. "Just look how happy he is."

Her teeth clenched. "I don't get what you came here for. Haven't you hurt Brock and I enough already?"

He tried to not let that question affect him, but failed. "I was going to leave but then I was thinking about things and I decided I that I couldn't leave without seeing Brock again too. And once I came in the door and saw his face light up I knew that this is where I always belonged." He looked up pleadingly. "I want us to all be together again Misty, like how it used to be."

"Oh, you mean how it used to be before you left for three years. God Ash, how can you expect to just come back and have everything be all nice and dandy and just how you left it? Especially with what happened! It will never be the same between you and I again, as it is I can barely stand being in the same room with you." And couldn't ignore how his lips had felt on hers, how her body fit perfectly with his.

"Did you ever think that maybe if we try to forget what happened that we could have the thing that's been missing from all three of our lives?"

Misty had to take a breath to control herself from raising her voice to a loudness that not only Brock would hear but the whole neighborhood. "First of all, I will never forget what happened. And secondly, we don't need you in our lives anymore. All we ever were was your sidekicks anyway."

"You were never my sidekicks, and you know what I think Brock can speak for himself. He doesn't need you answering for him, especially when it's not even how he feels. We both know he's missed me just as much as I've missed him. The three of us were like family. You can't imagine how much I wish I had never left it or how much I want it back."

"Yeah well you can't have everything you want, Ash."

He looked at her sadly. "I know that." Just as he knew the sweet and spicy taste of her would forever be engraved within his brain. "But I always try my hardest to reach my goals. And I know Brock would love to have our friendship reunited."

She wanted to argue his point but from the other room she could hear Brock's cheery humming as he bustled around the kitchen. It was clearly evident that Ash was right. Misty wrung her hands and gave a low cry of frustration. "Well what am I supposed to do, hmm? Just go on and pretend everything is peachy? That there never was and still isn't anything between us? That I didn't spend almost two years with my heart aching to the point where I couldn't sleep? That you didn't just kiss me in a forest and that I'm not afraid and confused about what I feel?"

"Look," he placed his hands gently on her shoulders. "I'm sorry Misty. I'm sorry for more things than you could ever know. Yes I did come to Cerulean with the intent to try and make up for what I've done, to see if there was any chance left between us after I ruined everything, but now I realize that there isn't. You're happy and Brock's happy and I have no right or desire to come between it. I won't try anything again, I'll keep my distance."

Misty took a step back, just enough so she was now out of his reach. "Just leave. You should leave," she choked, her voice barely audible.

"I can't."

"Yes you can, and you should do it soon!"

He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Okay, I know it's going to take awhile for you to forgive me…"

"You're damn right about that," Misty began hotly. "I probably never will–"

"And I probably deserve it, I know," he said quickly, cutting her off. "But please, if I can't have your love, at least let me try and regain your friendship."

She pressed her lips together and looked down, pretending to be fascinated with the floor. "It's not that easy."

"I know. Damn it, I know. But I need you and Brock again. My life is empty without you guys in it."

"Well you are right about one thing, Brock would love to have us all reunited again…" She trailed off lost in thought, her husband's wide grin and humming still playing in her mind. It would be unfair and selfish of her to stop Brock from having his best friend back and the happiness that would come with it. She knew he had missed Ash terribly, missed the younger boy's love and companionship. Maybe for once it was time to stop thinking about herself…

"Fine," she murmured unhappily.

"Fine?" His hopes soared despite her weary and reluctant voice. "Fine?"

"Fine, as in fine you can stay!" Misty snapped testily. "But hear this and listen well; I'm doing this only for him, not for you. I'll be as pleasant as I can for his sake but don't expect anything. I give you no promises of a friendship or even anything remotely like it." She gave a toss of her fiery red hair, a gesture that spoke volumes. "Of course it's not like promises mean anything to you anyway."

And with that she walked back into the kitchen and rejoined Brock.

~*-*-*~

Tracey Sketchit cracked his knuckles, a habit he had developed as a ritual before painting his subjects, and studied the pretty young woman sitting in front of him. Messy, un-brushed red hair fell to her shoulders, framing her unusually pale face and large aqua eyes filled with what looked like despair. He hadn't seen her look like this since the first months after Ash had left. He noted the mild irony that she now looked the same way but this time due to his return.

Misty had called him about four hours before, asking him to meet her. He had heard something wrong in her voice and had immediately agreed. It wasn't a very long drive from Pallet Town and he didn't mind taking the trip. Besides it had been a few months since he had last visited Misty and Brock in Cerulean. She had greeted him anxiously and brought him inside. Since then he had been sitting beside her and listening intently.

Knowing he wouldn't object, Misty paused and closed her eyes, thinking back to the events that had occurred before she had called him. Dinner had stretched on agonizingly long a she had sat there quietly, a fake smile plastered on her face. Ash and Brock had cheerfully reminisced about this and that, happy to be together. A few times they had tried to draw her into the conversation but mostly had forgotten about her. She had felt Ash's occasional lingering gazes across the table but chose to do her best to ignore the heat that she had felt from them. Finally she had no longer been able to bare the conflicting emotions in her head and had managed to excuse herself saying she had shopping to do and wanted to give them a chance to continue catching up. The moment she had broken free from what had felt like a prison, she had called Tracey, desperately needing his advice and company.

Tracey and her had become close friends over the past five years or so, bonding over an assignment he had been doing in Cerulean on water pokemon. Since then she had gotten to know him a lot better and was always delighted when he came by to visit. He was a kind man, full of endless patience. Misty found she could talk to him for hours on end and neither of them would ever bore of it. He was always there to listen when she needed him.

Right now was one of those times.

"So you see," she finished, having now spilled her whole story to him for the last half and hour, "Now I have no idea what to do!"

If Tracey had been surprised by any of her confession, his gentle, nonjudgmental eyes didn't show it. He drew in a long considering breath of air before he spoke. "Well I wish I knew what to tell you, Misty, but I don't. This is a hard situation, I think it's something you'll have to mostly figure out yourself. But I will tell you one thing that has become pretty clear to me as you've been talking."

"Oh?

You still love him," he said simply, hoping he wouldn't upset her.

"No I don't," Misty insisted, her voice sounding almost frantic. He looked at her solemnly, unsure of whom she was trying to convince more: him or herself.

"I'm sorry but I can see it in your eyes and hear it in your voice. And we both know I'm very good at examining things and seeing their emotions."

"But I can't love him still," she said shaking her head, refusing to believe. "He's been gone for years."

"Ah, but you know how that saying goes. 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.'"

"Well that might be true but what about the saying, 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder but the more days that disappear, the more the feelings do too.'"

He looked at her thoughtfully. "I don't believe I've ever heard that saying."

"Yeah well probably because I just made it up." She fell back onto the chair, depressed. "This is a huge mess."

"Tell me something," he said suddenly, leaning closer. "Do you still love Brock?"

She was surprised at the question, her eyes narrowing in offense. "Of course I do!"

"Then why did you kiss Ash?"

"I didn't kiss him, he kissed me," she retorted at once, turning away.

"Then why haven't you told Brock the truth about what happened in the past? Or more importantly, the truth about what happened today?"

He had her there. Misty stammered until she fell silent, unable to answer.

"That's what I thought. Listen, I really think you should tell him. It's never good to keep secrets and he deserves to know."

"Yes I know, but –"

"And as for Ash I think he was probably sincere about not wanting to come between you and Brock but just wanting your friendship and forgiveness. Maybe you should try getting along with him again and who knows perhaps building a new friendship and base of trust with him will be just what you need to sort out your feelings and realize exactly who and what it is that you do want."

"But it's so hard," she said helplessly, not knowing what else to say.

"Yes but you're a strong, smart woman. Follow your head and your heart and hopefully they will guide you in the right direction. But be sure to be truthful to both of them, more lies and betrayal will only make things worse."

Misty sighed and stood up, letting it sink it. "I should really go home now, but thank you so much for coming Tracey. I'm really glad you're here."

He stood up as well, briefly putting a comforting arm around her. "No need to thank me. You know I'm always happy to do it."

"Where are you staying? You could stay with us at the house if you wish, I'm sure we could make room."

"Oh, no, that's okay I already have reservations at a hotel so no worries there. However," he said smiling gently, "You can expect me to show up at your door early tomorrow. Tell Brock I can't wait to be fed a hearty breakfast."

She gave him a small smile. "I will."

Tracey turned to leave, then stopped and hesitantly spoke again, his voice low. "I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help and I know that you don't want to hurt anybody Misty, but remember this: if you're not careful you might end up hurting everyone instead."

Misty watched the door close heavily behind him, his warning ringing loudly in her ears.

~*-*-*~

End Chapter Two

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Disclaimer: The only thing I own is the idea for this fanfic. The lyrics used in the beginning are from "Why Should I Care" by Toni Braxton.

Author's Notes: Two chapters down, two left to go. Whew, finally! This one took me quite awhile to finish, but I hope it was well worth the effort. And yes I realize that I still haven't had Ash explain why he left, you can expect that in chapter three (as well as much more may I add ^_^ hehe).

As always comments, questions, ideas, and constructive criticism are all very much appreciated!

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