Start of Something New

Chapter 2: Making Promises

Seafoam Island Comunity Hall…

"Welcome Mr. Ketchum," The short old man with long white hair and beard greeted the said man with a Pikachu on his shoulder before turning to the female beside him, who had a red shawl wrapped around a torso and an arm looped with the man and a Vaporeon by her leg and said, "Mrs. Ketchum."

"Aw… how many times have we told you to call us by our name Mr. Goodshow." The man said to the former president of Pokemon League.

Goodshow laughed and said, "Of course, welcome Ash and Misty. Have a good evening."

"We will!" Misty said cheerfully as the couple went inside the building. As soon as they stepped inside the room, they could see a number of recognizable faces along with new ones. It was a league party, so of course a large number of league officials, from gym leaders to masters were gathered here today.

The room was really well decorated with lights and soft music was being played by a band at a corner. The aroma of the food, prepared by world class chefs filled the room. Ash and Misty looked at each other briefly and smiled before turning their attention to the party and walking a bit further. Pikachu and Vaporeon quickly scampered off to find other Pokemons.

"Ash!"

"Misty!"

The couple stopped for a moment and looked around as to who called their name. A pair of slender hands made it's way around Ash's waist and the person hugged him tightly, while a figure hugged Misty from her side.

"May!" Misty exclaimed, seeing who was the person and hugged her back then letting go, "It's so good to see you!"

May grinned widely.

Meanwhile, Ash turned around to look at a bob of blue hair as the person nestled in his chest.

"Uh… Dawn?" Ash said.

May too took as this as her cue and hugged Ash from behind, smiling.

"May?" Ash was confused now.

Both of them let go of Ash and folded his arms and looked away from him, pouting.

Ash looked at Misty and asked, "Did I do something?"

Misty shook her head.

"Well…" Dawn started, "considering that you haven't even contacted us once since your marriage and didn't meet each either of us until now, I think you us an apology. Do you have any idea how long had it been since you last hugged me?"

May nodded her head reluctantly, "Yeah, it's like you forgot about us. At least Misty remembered to call us once a while."

Ash sweatdropped. He then stepped forward and hugged both of them at once, one in one arm and said, "I'm sorry, okay? I haven't forgotten about you even once."

At first, the girls resisted, but then May gave up and relaxed in Ash's arms. Seeing this, Dawn bit her lip, but then she gave up too and hugged him back.

"And where is my hug?" A voice called out. All four of them turned to look at Iris standing with her arms folded along with a nervous Serena and Lillie beside her.

"Ash!" Lana attached herself on Ash's back.

"Me too!" Leaf hugged him from one side.

"Guys! Stop!" Ash said while laughing too.

"Ashy boy! Don't forget me!" Everyone turned to see Gary making his way towards them. The girls quickly let go of Ash, letting Gary crash into Ash and they both fell down together, on top of each other.

"Ewww…." Everyone chorused.

"Ow! Get off of me Gary!" Ash said. Gary quickly stood up and held out his hand. Ash looked at him and smiled and grabbed his hand and stood up.

"Now… the girls are right you know." Gary said, "You've spent all this time with Misty. And it's surely not your fault. Misty is really hot and sexy. You two must've had a good time together-ow!" Gary rubbed his elbow where Leaf hit him. Misty and Ash blushed severely.

"Okay okay, I understand you all missed me. Believe me, I didn't forget about any of you. And I'm really sorry for not contacting you all." Ash said.

"Such a kid!" Iris said.

"Iris!" Ash said, his cheeks turning red, "Now before anything else embarrassing happens, I'm just gonna go and eat my dinner." With that, he took off really fast.

May's eyes widened and she too ran after him, "Wait for me!"

Everyone laughed.

After having a really delicious dinner, and by delicious it means things from all the cuisines plus the desserts, and after the dance and gossips, there was only half an hour left before midnight. And it was getting really exhausting for Ash and Misty.

So, Ash suddenly grabbed Misty and took her on the balcony of the first floor, without anyone noticing.

"Looks like everyone really missed having us around." Misty said, looking at the clear sky filled with stars.

"They sure did." Ash said. He had one of his arm wrapped around Misty's waist as they gazed at the stars together. Misty leaned and put her head on his shoulder.

"They are gonna start looking for us, you know." Misty said.

"Na… they are all busy with their own partners or drunk like Gary." Ash said, briefly imagining the latter. Silence filled between them. It seemed like the right moment to talk to Misty about their doubts towards each other. So Ash started, "You know… when you told me about how you feel like this all just a dream?"

"Mhmm…" Misty responded.

"Well… After spending all this time with you, our precious and amazing moments, I started asking myself a question too… that is… well… what did I ever do to deserve someone like you." Ash said.

Misty lifted her head and looked at him, "Ash-"

Ash cut her off, "Please hear me out," Misty nodded, Ash looked in her eyes and said, "I know this relationship is new to us and all, but I ensure you Misty, I love you with all my heart. No matter what. And I know you love me too, you've told me countless number of times. I want you trust me, okay?"

Misty nodded.

"All this that has happened in the past two years, they are all true, okay? You don't have to feel insecure anymore. I'm here for you and always will be. It's not a dream."

"But what if-"

"No. There are no ifs and buts here Mist." Ash placed his hand around her neck and hugged her, "It's alright. It's okay."

Misty sobbed softly in his embrace.

"Have you thought about your New Year's resolution yet?" Ash asked.

Misty laughed in between her sobs and pulled away, "No. I haven't thought of any. What about you?"

"Me neither." Ash said and both of them laughed, "You know what? There's still time. Let's think of one."

"Um… okay." Misty said and started to think, "What about… no more all these doubts about each other?"

"That's a good one. And to love each other more?" Ash said.

Misty laughed, "And to eat more food?"

"You stole my words!" Ash said and laughed.

"I love you so much." Misty said.

"I love you too, Mist." Ash said, "Let's start this new year with a new hope and confidence."

"And to be there for each other always." Misty said. Ash nodded.

"Hey…. Come to think of it, where's Pikachu and Vaporeon?" Misty asked, looking around.

"I dunno. Maybe they are hanging out with other Pokemons." Ash said.

And now it's only thirty seconds!

Ash and Misty heard the announcement and looked at each other.

10

9

"Do you know what is the best way to end this year and start the next one?" Misty said.

6

"What?" Ash asked.

3

"A kiss." Misty said and pulled Ash towards herself.

1

"Happy New Year!" Everyone shouted as fireworks lit the sky.

But Ash and Misty were in a bliss in their own world. And thus, a new love was started at midnight. A new hope. A new belief. A brighter future.

When Ash and Misty went back downstairs, everyone asked them where they were and both of them started making excuses and stuttering.

But May looked at Misty and and something caught her attention and screamed, "Oh My God Misty!"

Dawn followed her suit and then shouted, "Misty! Is that a hickey!?"

Well, surely a new love was started.

A/N: Happy New Year everyone! I hope and pray that we all have a bright future ahead of us!

If you find something odd with the story then please note that I typed it in a hurry. Please forgive me if it looks like it's rushed. It was supposed to be more humourous and romantic.

And the idea for the last part of the story isn't mine. I got it from a Fanfiction I read.

Anyway, enjoy everyone and be happy!

See ya!