Blue Heaven

By Spruceton Spook

Part 1

Chaotic Plans and Set Dates

"All right, all right, shush, shush, shush!"

For the umpteenth time that afternoon, Ash, Misty, and Brock promptly shut their mouths and sat back against the couch. Crossing their arms over their chests, they each exchanged frivolous smiles and glanced back across the coffee table. There sat Delia, hunched over the table and chewing a pen in her teeth, looking rather tired, staring down at the note-scribbled paper before her. Right beside her was Jay, who sported the same silly grin with just a hint of shrewdness.

It sure was an amusing scene, but by then, it was a common one in the Ketchum residence. In a very short time, Delia realized what a task it was discussing and trying to make plans with three energetic kids and her even more capricious husband, but on the contrary, Ash and the others pleasured in how fun it could be. The sessions sure proved their worth, both in formulating sturdy ideas for the fast-approaching and anticipated event, and by creating an entertaining time for the five of them. And now was no exception.

"Okay, I can't take that many ideas at once, guys," Delia sighed. The three kids snickered as she picked up the paper and studied it briefly, trying to make sense of the mess of proposals. Her eyes rose to them, and more directly to Ash.

Ash shrugged at her look. "You wanted suggestions! We're giving them!" he grinned radically.

"Yes, but how about one at a time?" his mom requested in reply, smiling haggardly.

"Well, we're talking about food here, Del," Jay pointed out. "You expect these three to tell you what they want in a calm manner?" He motioned toward the three enlivened kids, who beamed from his clearly truthful assumption.

"Well, I can suggest things in a calm manner," Misty said, arching her shoulders proudly. "It's just little mister glutton here who can't think of something appropriate to have at a reception."

Togepi squealed agreeably on her lap, waving his little arms about as Ash narrowed his eyes at Misty.

"Hey!" he shouted, insulted. "What's wrong with having cocktail wieners at the party? Huh? What's wrong with that?"

Brock stifled a giggle as Misty stared rigidly into his face. "Because it's not elegant, that's why!"

"Who cares about elegant, it's fun!" Ash retorted, staring her down just as firmly.

"Weddings are supposed to be elegant, too!" Misty argued.

"Says who?"

Jay proceeded to roll his eyes while Delia sat waiting, busying herself momentarily by doodling squiggles on the top of her paper.

"Okay guys, chill out!" Brock said, getting between the two and restraining them. "I'm sure we can come to some agreement."

Ash and Misty gave each other one more harrowing look before tossing their heads the opposite way, huffing. Brock slumped, giving Jay and Delia a small smirk.

"It's your call," he laughed.

Delia took a deep, pacifying breath. "Ash, sweetheart, if that's what you want, then we can have them."

Ash's disdainful look immediately brightened. "Really?"

His mother nodded, writing it down on the paper. She laughed quietly. "Besides, I know your father wants them, too."

Jay's eyes rose and he quickly held out his hands defensively. "Hey, you said it, I didn't!"

Delia smiled, tilting her head towards Misty. "It's fine with me if Ash wants the mini hot dogs, Misty," she told her. "What do you want?"

Misty straightened herself comfortably and glanced elsewhere. "Well," she said, recovering effortlessly from the squabble with Ash—one of many. Her face lightened hopefully. "I said I like shrimp!"

"Oh, yeah," Delia replied, giving Jay a nudge. "Shrimp cocktail! That's always nice to have!"

Her husband shrugged, "Whatever. Don't matter to me." He gave Ash a sneaky wink. "As long as we get to have the wieners."

"Hehe!" Ash smiled and reached forward to slap him a high five.

Misty scowled, but seeing Ash's happy, buoyant disposition made it fade swiftly. He was having fun with this, and rightfully so. It wasn't every day that you got to help prepare for your parents' second wedding reception, and Ash was having a ball taking advantage of it. If only he had better tastes in food.

"Okay, okay, so we got some ideas for appetizers," Delia said. "There's always time to think of more. We have to start thinking about the dinner, though. That's a lot more important than the snacks."

The sound of the main course pricked the ears of Jay and the kids instantly. Thinking about the appetizers and drinks had temporarily taken their minds off what delectable course was to be served, and rapidly their ideas sprang right from their heads to their tongues.

"I want chicken cordon bleu!" Misty chimed. "That's so delicious!"

"No, no, corned beef!" Ash cried, hopping up and down in place and unsettling Pikachu.

"I ate pot roast once at a wedding," Brock said, just as loudly as the other two. "That seemed to be a hit."

Ash immediately turned at him. "Yeah, but more people liked corned beef!" he said. "And besides, Mom's place makes that so good!"

"Yeah, but that's a lot of work, corned beef," Misty observed. She turned to Delia. "Isn't it?"

Delia half-shrugged. "Well—"

"It's not a lot of work!" Ash interjected. He, too, turned to his mother. "Mom, everyone loves your corned beef! You can make it with the potatoes and the cabbage—"

"Hey, we can have potatoes with pot roast, too!" Brock put in. His mouth watered as the thought of his suggestion broadened.

Misty suddenly grimaced. "Brock, I don't want pot roast! It gets so dry sometimes!"

"Oh, and chicken cordon bleu doesn't?" Brock retorted.

"Yeah, and my mom's place doesn't even make chicken cordon bleu, Misty!" Ash challenged.

Misty growled at him. "Well, they can this time!"

Ash had a lovely rejoinder to add to the disagreement, and thus another dispute commenced. Delia dumped her head in her hands, wondering what she was could have possibly been thinking when she consulted the kids for help. Even though she and Jay ultimately had the final say in what was to take place on the day of their wedding vow renewals, an event the two had decided on quite suddenly about three weeks before, it seemed that the kids took every preparation more seriously than she did.

However, as the debate shot back and forth, each proclamation louder than the last, Delia groaned loudly and slammed her hand down on the coffee table.

"Okay, that's it!" she shouted, instantly silencing the kids. "Out, all of you! Outside!"

Ash smiled weakly. "Aw, c'mon, Mom! We're discussing this!"

"No, you aren't discussing it, you're fighting about it," Delia begged to differ. "Sorry, but you guys have too much energy. Go outside and use it all up; we can talk more about it later."

"But I want to talk about it now!" Ash whined.

"Ash!" his mother growled, narrowing her eyes at him.

Ash narrowed his right back at her, knowing she wasn't mad, just overwhelmed. He had to admit that he, Misty, and Brock had entirely different views for the reception, but he figured lots of ideas were better than too few. Obviously, she didn't think similarly, but seeing as how they had now quieted, perhaps she would reconsider. After all, he enjoyed the planning. It was a new project in his life, temporarily taking his mind off pokémon training, which he had hoped. Taking a break from his journey wasn't an easy task, but the excitement over his parents' up-and-coming vow renewal was just enough to do the job.

That wasn't going to be the case now, though.

"Out," Delia commanded in a whisper, pointing at the door. She had a light air about her, but nevertheless Ash got up begrudgingly, snubbing as he escorted himself out. Almost as if his shadow was a second late, Misty bounced up from the couch and followed right behind, giving Jay and Delia a modest, farewell smile.

Jay sighed and stretched on the couch, almost relieved that his overactive son was gone for a moment. He, as did Delia, knew how much Ash wanted to get involved with the reception plans, but at some times it did get quite out of hand.

Brock watched as the door closed behind Misty before flipping around on the couch again, smiling brightly at Jay and Delia. He looked positively enthralled.

"So where were we?" he said, slapping his knees contentedly.

Delia and Jay's eyes narrowed in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Delia exclaimed. "Out! You too!"

"Me?" Brock gasped, shocked. "Oh, c'mon, I won't bother you! I wanna help!"

Delia had to smile at Brock's enthusiasm. If there was someone more excited about the event than Ash it was Brock. The boy had helped consistently since the moment she and Jay had announced it, eager to do whatever they wished and discuss whatever there needed to be discussed. However, she was too swamped to deal with anyone right now. She was two seconds away from even kicking Jay out.

"Brock, you've helped enough today," she told him. "Go on, go out and have fun with Ash and Misty."

Brock's jaw dropped disappointingly. "Oh, Mrs. Ketchum, I love doing this stuff, it's so much fun! C'mon, what do you want me to do for you? I'll do anything! Really, you name it!"

Jay chuckled quietly as Delia smiled. "Honey, you've done enough already!" she said sweetly. "You sent out all the invitations, you came with me to order the flowers...you even went to the mall with me when I went looking for a dress!"

Brock nodded energetically. "I know! But I want to do more! What do you need? There must be something! Hey, what about the pictures? Want me to hire the photographer for you?"

"Brock—"

Brock jumped to his feet. "Do you need me to make the reservations for you at the Cerulean Plaza Hotel?"

"We already have reservations!" Jay laughed.

"Want me to confirm them?"

"Brock!" Delia leapt to her feet and pointed strenuously at the front door. "Listen to me, I love you for all you're doing for us, but I swear, if you don't get out that door right this instant, you're gonna be sorry!"

Brock's face fell. "All right," he mumbled, receiving a gracious and tender smile from Delia.

"Thanks, sweetheart," she said softly. "No, really, though, you're great for wanting to help so much. I really appreciate it, but right now, I have to relax a bit."

Brock nodded understandably. "Gotcha. I'll get out of your hair."

"Yeah, go see what the other two nutcases are up to," Jay smiled. "I'm sure they've killed each other by now."

Brock grinned passively. "Hehe, yeah." He turned around slightly and looked out the patio windows, a rather sheepish look taking over his face.

Delia plopped into the loveseat beside Jay, who put his arm around her shoulder. He squeezed her lovingly, throwing a glance back up to Brock, who had yet to make his way out the door. Taking notice of his pensive look, his brow furrowed with puzzlement.

"What's the matter?" he asked, immediately grabbing Brock's attention.

"Oh, nothing," Brock replied, looking back out the door again.

"You're not leaving," Delia sang a bit impatiently. She went back to chewing on her pen again.

Brock cringed slightly at this, shrugging. Jay and Delia looked quite irked now, baffled at Brock's sudden hesitation.

"Don't you want to go out to find Ash and Misty?" Jay asked.

"I...I dunno," Brock replied, his voice wavering. Seeing their confused looks become even more so, he slumped. "It's just that...well..." It was hard explaining what he felt about the vibe he picked up from Ash and Misty during the last few weeks. It was too weird for him to even grasp—to believe, for that matter.

"Well, what?" Delia said.

"Ever since they've become...you know...friendlier with each other," Brock said, biting down on his lip, "I...I don't know, I feel weird going after them. Especially when they're alone...I don't want them to think I'm...nosy, or something."

Right away, Jay and Delia smiled in comprehension. Brock blinked gently at their reactions, completely expected. Silence took over the room briefly, all thoughts focused on Ash and Misty. Not that it wasn't the first time...ever since the two kids had shown a sudden interest in each other, everyone was becoming slowly aware of it. The holding of hands, the extended time spent with each other, the more cordial interaction—there was no doubt in their minds that something was blossoming between the two. It seemed to come out of nowhere, and for Brock, it was an rather odd change.

"Oh Brock," Delia said affably, "that's ridiculous."

"Yeah," Jay said. "I'm sure they don't think that at all."

Brock looked down at their amiable grins and did the same. He knew it sounded a little absurd, but it didn't shake how he felt.

"I mean, they're still your friends," Jay said easily, motioning towards the door. "Trust me, they're probably wondering where you are right now."

Yeah, but maybe they aren't, Brock thought, grinding his teeth. He wanted to shut the thought out of his mind, but it was one that came reluctantly to his consciousness. Being with them was one thing, but when the two went off on their own, Brock didn't know what to do. Well aware that Ash and Misty appreciated their time together a lot more than ever, following them around had come to feel awkward.

"Yeah," he answered anyway, the still-wary smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. "Yeah, y-you're right. But...it's just...different, that's all." He laughed shortly and shrugged. "I've never seen Ash and Misty like this before. I'm...I'm kinda afraid of what I might find them doing."

Delia, who was beginning to finally relax from the afternoon ruckus, suddenly gave Brock a panicked look. "What?" she exclaimed. "What do you mean? What've they been doing?"

Brock cringed, mentally taking back what he had just said. The expression of pure concern washing over Delia's face made him answer hastily.

"Oh, I—I don't know," he stammered. "Nothing."

"What do you mean, nothing?" Delia sat forward and tilted her head, her voice growing louder and eyes widening. "No, what have they been doing?"

"Nothing!" Brock repeated honestly. Great, now what had he done? He truly had not seen Ash and Misty do anything out of the ordinary for the two, minus the holding hands, which had become pretty normal in the past weeks. But Delia and Jay knew about that, and Brock realized the worry he had suddenly created.

"Nothing?" Jay said.

"Brock, what have they been doing?" Delia asked once asked, her voice wobbling slightly. She gave him a steady glare, the apprehension over this new attitude of Brock's eager to be relieved.

Brock straightened himself immediately and gave them an earnest look. "Mrs. Ketchum, don't worry. I haven't seen them do anything," he said clearly. "I'm sorry—I didn't mean it that way. Just...you know, holding hands and hugging and stuff. That—that's what I meant."

"Are you sure?" she asked, her eyes squinting anxiously.

"Positive," Brock replied, giving her a toothy smile.

Delia paused for a moment before leaning back again, blinking. Phew! Brock reclined as her look softened, glad he wasn't put on the spot to fully explain what he had meant. He hadn't meant to worry them, but that didn't take away his slight fear. He still wasn't ready to go find Ash and Misty.

Delia, on the other hand, couldn't get what Brock said out of her mind. She didn't need him scaring her that way, especially since the new interest Ash had taken in Misty wasn't entirely settling well within her. It was cute, she had to admit that, but concerns such as the one Brock brought up came back to preoccupy her ever so often. Thoughts of how close Ash and Misty were becoming was a bit hard to concede to, and once in a while, Delia wondered what her boy could possibly be up to.

Yet she trusted Brock. Looking back up at him again, smiling promisingly as he was, she felt much better.

"Okay, then," she said. "But..."

Brock stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Yeah?"

Wincing, Delia gave him an imploring look. "Could you...could you just look out for them? You know, make sure they're not doing anything...I wouldn't approve of?"

"Oh, Delia," Jay groaned all of a sudden, giving her a soft shake. "Don't think that. They're not doing anything wrong."

"Yeah, but..." she slumped. "But still, just in case. It—it worries me."

"I don't think we have anything to worry about," Jay replied truthfully, having all faith in his assurance. He looked at Brock. "Aren't I right, Brock?"

Brock gave him a guaranteed look. "Of course! They're fine."

Jay nodded. "Then go out there and fine them, will you?"

Happy to hear that, Brock took no hesitation in dashing out the door and into the sunlight. Jay smiled as he went, giving his wife a gentle nudge as soon as he was gone.

"You okay?" he asked her tenderly.

Delia startled as she was brought out of her thoughts, lifting her head to look into his eyes. "Sure," she replied softly.

"Are you really that concerned about Ash and Misty?"

Delia went to reply but wavered, fiddling around with her fingers.

"I...I don't know," she murmured. "Maybe a little bit. Brock kinda...scared me there a little."

Jay chuckled, bringing her close to him. He took the pen out of her hand and set it down on the table, happy to rid her of it for a minute. She was relentless about taking a break from the planning, and he hated to see her so deluged with burden.

"Well, don't you worry now," he said, patting her knee. "Ash and Misty are fine. And if they aren't..." He gave her cheek a quick kiss. "...Brock will be there to snap them back to reality."

Delia swallowed and shut her eyes, resting her head against Jay's warm shoulder. She didn't reply, knowing he was probably right. She trusted Brock, but she trusted Ash and Misty, too. Surely they weren't doing anything that validated Brock's fears—they were fine! Yeah, of course they were, Delia convinced herself in that second, alleviating her trembling nerves. They had to be...after all, what could they possibly be doing wrong anyway...?

Ash romped out of his house and into the bright, hot sunlight, Pikachu charging right behind. With a bounding leap, the Pokémon was on his shoulder, grasping hold of Ash's hat and ears pricking. He could feel the energy in Ash, the hyperness. Ash was certainly on his toes, the release into the outdoors rushing through his veins.

Despite his gruff exit, a laugh resounded from Ash's lungs, just a fraction of the energy that was frantic to escape his body. His head snapped around as another laugh echoed his own, one higher-pitched, more feminine, and all too familiar.

"Wait up for me!" Misty shouted gleefully, her ponytail flying about as she sprinting towards him, rushing to catch up with him. A smile spread happily across her face, which Ash matched in an instant. The entire ordeal over their food disagreement vanished instantly, replaced with the simple fact that they were outside, together, and a bundle of energetic nerves.

"I'm waiting, I'm waiting," Ash groaned jokingly, sticking his tongue out as she reached his side. Almost instinctively, their hands linked together, and the two beamed at each other.

Misty was out of breath from her short dash, but not enough for her to continue to laugh. "What are you doing rushing out without me?"

Ash shrugged crazily. "Hey, Mom wanted me out. So I got out."

Misty sighed and rolled her eyes, nudging herself into him to get him walking. "Whatever. Come, let's walk."

"Okay."

The two started down the road, hand in hand, their smiles hardly fading. The soft breezes blew around them, the stable hum of daytime crickets rang in the distance. The heat and humidity surrounded them, but they paid no mind to it, their bodies intermittently bumping into each other.

"So what are we gonna do now that we're kicked out of the house?" Misty chuckled, smiling broadly into Ash's face.

He swung her arm back and forth. "Dunno. Not much to do but walk, I guess."

"That's fine with me," Misty said giddily, taking a quick hop. "But where do you wanna go?"

"Mmmm...hideaway?"

Misty gave his leg a rapid but gentle kick. "Yeah, right!"

Ash laughed, knowing exactly how Misty felt about his grimy hangout. He had no intentions of going there, anyway. Looking up at the clear blue sky and puffy clouds, he was just content walking. Squeezing her hand tightly, he rethought that. He wasn't just happy to walk...he was happy to be walking with her.

"Nah, we won't go there," he said in a relieving tone. "We'll go...wherever."

"Okay. Sounds good to me."

Ash and Misty took simultaneous deep breaths, taking in the fresh, country air. They said not a word as they sauntered down the road, feeling the gravel under their feet and sun on their faces. Staring off at the swaying long grasses and mountains, the two were perfectly delighted. Their active gait gradually slowed to one more relishing. Their bodies melted with the familiar feeling that they had been experiencing lately, the one both were fully aware of but were still astonished with. It was like none other.

"So..." Misty started. "This vow renewal stuff is quite a project, huh?"

"Yeah," Ash nodded, the thought of his parents' second wedding ceremony springing to his mind blissfully. "But it's gonna be so much fun."

"Oh, I'm sure it will be," Misty replied. "If the aggravation doesn't kill your mom first, though."

Chuckling softly, Ash said, "Ah, don't worry about her. She's a perfectionist. Believe me, she might be totally crazy now, but you watch—that reception's gonna be perfect."

"Ooh, I can't wait," Misty gushed, glancing off into the sky. She sighed zestfully. "It's going to be so romantic...your mom and dad getting married all over again, professing their love openly for each other..."

"And the party afterwards," Ash added, receiving a harmless glare from Misty. He flashed her a guileful grin, letting her know he was kidding. Although the party did excite him, the thought of his parents vowing their love for each other before his eyes was something too extraordinary for him to believe.

Misty's glare lightened. "Well, you know what's gonna be best about all of it?" she asked, batting her blue eyes at him.

"What?"

"I get to spend the whole thing with you," she whispered in reply.

A blush streaking across the bridge of his nose, Ash looked bashfully at the ground. Misty smiled, loving the way he still reacted to the things she told him. Although it had been three weeks since their feelings had started to surface, each statement and action that signified their new-found exclusiveness was still a bit uncanny. They knew how they felt about each other, but letting each other know about it still induced blushes and nervous giggles. Ash succumbed more often to this, but Misty knew he was adjusting. In the meantime, she charmed in his modest responses.

Ash didn't reply to this, but Misty didn't need one. They just locked eyes and smiled, which was enough for them both. Ash glanced away, taking notice of a shady tree just yonder. Already craving its relief from the sun, he gently tugged Misty to it.

"Come on, let's sit."

Ash plopped onto the grass and Misty followed right behind. She laughed as she nearly tripped, but Ash caught her and helped her down. Rolling her eyes at herself, the two began to laugh as Pikachu and Togepi bolted off to frolic through the grass and away from their flighty trainers.

"Wow, that feels so much better," Misty commented, shaking her head.

Ash nodded. "Sure does. I can't wait for this heat to break."

"I bet it'll probably cool off right for your parents' wedding," Misty predicted.

"Yeah, wouldn't that be great?"

"Oh, I already know it," Misty replied. "It's gonna be perfect—sunny and warm without a cloud in the sky, with just the most pleasant breeze."

Ash cocked his eye. "You know that?"

"Mm-hmm," Misty nodded confidently. "How could it be anything else?"

Ash smiled, resting his back against the trunk of the tree. He closed his eyes peacefully, but opened one of them right after as he felt Misty inch her way closer to him. Without a word, she lay beside him, letting her head fall comfortably on his shoulder. Ash's body tensed for a moment, not knowing what to do. He didn't hate this—barely. He liked it—liked it a lot—but when it came to what he was supposed to do, he froze.

Well, you gotta do something! he told himself. Curling his fingers nervously, he lifted his arm shakily and draped it over Misty's shoulder. She nuzzled closer as he did this, making him cringe ever so slightly, but as each second passed by (which Ash felt every one of), his body loosened, reclined. Her silky hair brushed against his face, tickling him sensitively, but he liked it. This wasn't bad at all.

But what did it mean? The question ran through Ash's mind more often than ever the past few days. He was unable to get it out of his head, to answer it. It wracked him ceaselessly, taunting him in a sense. It was all so new and different, and even though Ash knew he enjoyed it, what was behind it all was something he had yet to discover.

Of course, finding that out from Misty was something he couldn't do. Ash knew very well that Misty was aware of what everything meant. He could sense it in the way she lacked the nervousness and anxiety he had, the way she basked in every moment between them without a worry in the world. But him? Ash didn't exactly understand why he couldn't do the same, and how could he tell that to Misty? Biting at his lip, he quivered at the thought of it.

But you're torturing yourself over it, he told himself. Just...just ask...

Ash cleared this from his mind as he took a deep breath and looked off at the mountains. Who was he kidding? He had to do it, he had to bring it up. But right this second? He could wait, he supposed...

Misty yawned, sounding so serene and happy. And here he was, breaking into a sweat and trying hard to calm his tightening nerves. Ash knew he couldn't go through this much longer, he just couldn't. Perhaps this wasn't such a bad time.

Taking hold of himself, Ash cleared his throat, shaking his body just a bit more than he wished. Misty jerked away from him and looked sleepily into his face.

"What's wrong?"

"Hmm? What?" Ash asked, acting startled. He quickly smiled and scratched the back of his head. "Oh, nothing. I...nothing."

Slowly, a sly smile pulled at Misty's lips. "No, what? You want to say something!"

How did she know? Oh wait, he wanted her to know he wanted to say something. Now he was even confusing himself. How was he possibly going to do this?

Ash felt his heart rate increase. He laughed nervously under his breath as he stared into Misty's imploring eyes, swallowing hard. She was curious, but her smile was still gentle and encouraging.

Well, here goes nothing...

"Misty, what—?" Go on, ask it! "What...what are we?"

Misty's eyes suddenly widened, and she pulled back slightly. Ash's body stiffened instantly, wondering what he'd just done.

"What...what do you mean, Ash?" she asked inaudibly.

Ash looked down and away. He asked it and yet the question still wasn't asked. He could feel her eyes on him, making him more apprehensive by the second.

"You know," he replied, almost in a whisper. "What are we? Me...me and you?"

Misty's eyes rose once more. The smile fell for a moment, but as she and Ash stared at each other, it slowly returned, accompanied by a short laugh. Now she got it, and Ash trembled as she realized it.

"Well...what do you think?" she asked, the smile broadening into a grin.

"Huh?" Ash gasped.

"What do you think we are?"

Ash shook. "I—I dunno," he replied hastily, wondering how this suddenly came back to him. He began to panic.

"Well, you must think something," Misty laughed.

Ash's brow furrowed. "But...but I'm asking you!"

"Yeah, and I'm asking you!" Misty retorted.

Suddenly, Ash narrowed his eyes. "But I asked you first!"

"I wanna hear what you think, though," she said.

Ash growled, but hearing her capricious laugh made him stop right away. She was teasing him—how wonderful. Ash didn't need teasing right now. The way his blood was rushing through his body and overheating his face proved that. And yet her gentle face pressed him, made him grit his teeth and turn away slightly.

"Ash? What do you think we are?" she asked again, her voice flowing. She leaned forward and looked into his shimmering brown eyes.

"I..." He took a deep breath, clutching his fists to stop his trembling. Here went nothing. "I...I think we're..." He cringed. "Boyfriend an-and girlfriend?"

With that, Misty blushed furiously, turning away swiftly. Seeing her reddened face made Ash flush as well, the awkward feeling skyrocketing between them. He couldn't believe he had said that, admitted what he was afraid to say the most.

Misty turned back, brushing her bangs absentmindedly away from her eyes. "I...I think the same thing, Ash," she said, making his face light up with surprise.

"You—you do?"

"Uh-huh," Misty replied, laughing. "Sure I do!"

"You...you mean we...are?"

Misty shrugged, feeling her body lift positively. "Yeah, of course. Why wouldn't we be?"

Ash's jaw dropped further than he could imagine. What started as an inner, inquisitive thought had developed into something more amazing: the truth. Ash wasn't sure if he was ready to accept it.

"Well...I don't know," he said, still blushing. "I...I wasn't completely sure."

"Why not?" Misty asked, tilting her head.

"Because..." Ash replied honestly. "I...thought being boyfriend and girlfriend meant you, you know...went out on dates and...k-k-kissed and all."

His cheeks turned pinker as he mentioned two things that neither of them had even spoke about, much less attempted. But thankfully, Misty was still smiling, not affected at all by this assertion.

"It doesn't mean just that," she said, her heart pounding as his eyes glistened. "It means doing what we're doing: spending a lot of time together, holding hands...not having an interest in anyone else."

A short giggle of relief escaped Ash. "R-really?"

"Yeah!" she replied.

Ash licked his lips. "I...I like doing those things. A lot."

Misty beamed. "I do, too."

They fell into silence at that, fully absorbing the marvelous effect of their new discovery. It was amazing how wonderful they both felt, how different. Misty's stomach clenched excitedly while Ash felt himself becoming warm, melting with the pleasurable feeling of dread lifting and absolute happiness setting in.

"But," Misty said, breaking the quiet, "I...would like to do more, though."

Ash's heart lurched. "Like—like what?"

Misty grinned secretly, biting her lip. "Like a date?"

Ash's eyes widened. "A-a date?"

Misty nodded, and slowly Ash's stunned look developed into an immense smile. This he could do!

"Well...then we'll plan one, then."

Misty couldn't have heard a more perfect sentence coming from him. A date? Ash was in disbelief that he had said it, but as Misty leaned in and wrapped her arms around his shoulders strongly, all worries dissolved. He embraced her back, snuggling into the crook of her neck and taking in her refreshing and familiar scent. He loved to hug Misty. There was no doubt about that in Ash's mind. They didn't do it much, which simply made each time more and more special. It was something that he swore he could not only adjust to, but never grow tired of.

"Hel—loooo!"

But maybe that wasn't going to be so easy to get used to. Ash and Misty's heads abruptly yanked up, turning rapidly to the sound of their friend's voice. Brock stood about ten feet away, his arms crossed over his chest, shaking his head at the two kids.

"Brock!" Misty scolded. "Don't sneak up on us like that!"

"Well, be a little more attentive," he said, winking.

Ash and Misty slumped, exchanging a quick smile between each other.

"Come on, you two. G'up!" Brock said whimsically, motioning them wildly to stand.

Ash and Misty obeyed and rose, scooping up their pokémon with sneaky little grins and joining hands. The recollection of what had just occurred between them was fresh in their minds, stirring them ecstatically. Things were going to be a bit different now.

Brock turned around, took a look at their entwined hands and sweeping smiles, and sighed. How he couldn't get over that! It was only an image he held in his wildest and craziest imagination, and yet here it was, right before him. Ash and Misty—together. Holding hands. Hugging. It swarmed him, and he shook his head, giving them the most sincere look of amazement.

"Aww," Misty cooed, taking light of the moment. "Do you feel left out, Brock?"

"What? No," Brock mumbled, playfully jutting out his lower lip. He held back a spontaneous laugh.

Misty giggled. "Ah, come here, you!" she said, dragging Ash up to Brock. Settling Togepi onto her shoulder, she seized Brock's hand with her own, giving him a silly smile. Ash chortled as the three began to the make their way back to the house, hand-in-hand. Brock just shook his head yet again.

"Um, you do realize that if anyone sees us like this, we'll have to move far, far away from here," he said, causing the other two to erupt into giddy, boisterous laughter.

TO BE CONTINUED . . .

Wow, I can't believe I'm back and doing this again! I've missed writing this series so bad, couldn't resist, so here you have it: the third and final installment of "Stars Fell on Pallet Town." It's long, it's juicy, and it's jam-packed with pokeshippy funness for all you good people! Just in time for the holidays, huh? Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing it, and if you liked the first two, you'll love this one, I guarantee! Next part Friday, as usual. More romance, fun, Ash cuteness, and...drama...to come! Ooooh! Till next time!