Loneliness hung over Ernie like a dark cloud. It wasn't really a lack of people in his life because he had plenty and supportive ones at that. Yet, all he could focus on was the person who was missing. It had been close to two years—long enough for him to move on and forget the past. But he couldn't move on no matter what he did. Even his favorite game was no refuge when playing it only made him think of her. He honestly didn't know what to do with his longing for the past. It wasn't something those around him would understand, and everything he tried had done nothing to lighten the burden he felt so keenly.

He looked up up from his computer to see Mom coming up to his room with a stack of clean clothes.

"Got a new load of laundry for you. Washed, folded, and ready to go," Mom said crossing the room to put them in his drawers. "I swear, you should learn how to do your own laundry one of these days. You're eighteen years old for crying out loud."

"Yes, Mom," he said dutifully. "Thank you for washing these."Before he could stop himself, the words he had holding in for so long came tumbling out of his mouth. "So mom, do you….uhhhh…have any ideas for how to get over someone."

"Well, taking them out of your life and then giving yourself a good dose of memory spray daily always worked for me," Mom said.

"Mom," Ernie whined. He would never want to do anything like that. No matter what the future held, he was sure that he never wanted to forget her. "So that's the best you have?"

Mom paused at the top of the stairs. "Oh…you're after real advice. Then, I can deliver." She pointed her finger in the air for emphasis. "Let me guess—you're trying to get over Marisa."

Hearing the words for the first time was such a shock that Ernie felt a blush creep across his cheek. "How'd you know?"

"Ohhh, honey, it's been clear for years that you've liked that girl. Yeah, you weren't exactly good at hiding it. You know you can't keep a secret to save your life—even on a mission," Mom added.

"Mom," Ernie complained. "I'm not that terrible anymore.

"Yeah, but you're still not that great either. Either way getting over her is a good idea. I just don't see her going for someone like you. She's got pretty picky when it comes to guys if you know what I mean."

Her words hurt him deeply. "So you really think I'm not good enough for her?" Ernie asked.

"Don't get me wrong. You're quite the guy. Just not the guy for her. " With that, she turned around and headed down the stairs.

Her words sent Ernie reeling. You're not the guy for her. Sure, he had been lonely and missed her, but he had been anchored by the hope that someday his wait would be rewarded. To think that others had noticed him waiting and thought it wasn't worth it was so shocking and disappointing. Normally, he didn't let all the negative comments get to him, but it was hard to know what to do about this one when he didn't have a rebuttal. What if Mom was right and his hopes were naive at best?

Author's Note: KC Undercover fans, this is my first venture into your fandom. I hope you enjoyed this. I'm planning on following it with two more chapters. I'm a big fan of the show in general and this pairing specifically. I've not seen anyone else writing Ernie x Marisa, so I'm excited to be the first one posting it. Let me know what you think.