Ash seemed hesitant hugging Misty earlier at the airport. He seemed down and almost nervous around Misty since they left the airport. Misty didn't notice it or chose to ignore it as she acted normal around Ash. Like nothing ever happened.

It bothered Ash so much because he openly poured his heart and soul when he wrote that letter to Misty before he left. She hadn't given him any reply or comment regarding his letter and instead was acting like everything was fine.

It was slowly killing him.

Driving him insane.

Or maybe she had made her choice?

Maybe she had chosen not to talk about the letter and instead act like nothing ever happened. Like his genuine feelings didn't matter.

Perhaps she had made her choice.

Her choice to remain only as a best friend.

His best friend....

Ash was snapped out of his train of thought when Misty yelled at him.

"Ash!"

"Huh? Oh.. sorry Mist." Ash whispered looking down his hands.

Since when were his hands filled with scratches? Ash winced at just how his hands looked. All those scars.

"Why haven't I noticed before?" He asked before Misty shouted again, "Ash!"

Ash now fixed his attention back at Misty and swore he was enchanted.

She looked so surreal. She was such a goddess. How her enriching and captivating eyes cooled down her fiery red hair and how she giggled. If Aphrodite were real, she would herself be burning of jealousy at how naturally breathtaking Misty was.

Perhaps this was why he had never taken time to check himself out. His eyes were always on her.

Always her.

Always and forever.

______

As Ash was helping Misty place away, the now clean dishes, back in the cabinets the house phone rang.

Ash walked up to it and answered it.

"Hello?"

Misty paused and waited for Ash's puzzled face to break.

"Oh hey, Mom! How's Margaritaville?"

Misty laughed softly at how Ash locked eyes with her and then pretended to mimic his mom.

"Huh? What was that?" Ash asked now laughing at whatever Delia had just said.

Misty, deciding he needed some privacy, walked out of his dining room. She had remembered that Pikachu needed his dinner so she took a tray of food and walked up the stairs towards Ash's bedroom. Where Pikachu was sleeping at the moment.

Ash's house was pretty big, even though he lived by himself. Unlike Misty's two-bedroom suite apartment Ash's house had one bedroom. The house also had a pretty big backyard, a library (which he never used), an office, decent size kitchen, a nice dining room, and a great living room. A house one didn't expect from the Pokèmon Master.

That was one thing Misty loved about Ash. Ash wasn't one to show off his money. He didn't want big houses and nice cars and pretty girls around him. He was still simple and nice Ash.

Misty reached his bedroom and awed as she was met with Pikachu, all curled up, sleeping at the edge of Ash's bed. Misty decided not to wake him up and then placed the food on top of one of Ash's drawers.

She decided to check out Ash's simple room. His curtains were opened, letting the cool breeze in, he had Pokèmon posters all over his room, and he had multiple picture frames on his other drawer.

All pictures of important dates or people to Ash. Misty smiled when she saw herself and Brock next to him in front of Professor Oak's lab.

Misty, deciding she had done enough snooping around, was about to walk out when an envelope, that looked well hidden under a pile of bills, caught her attention.

She knew what she was about to do was bad; her curiosity was stronger than her. Misty looked out the hallway and could still hear Ash talking with his mom. She softly got the envelope and opened it.

A letter came out.

Misty hesitantly opened it and was surprised it was from the Pokèmon League. She noticed the date was just a couple of days ago.

Dear Mr. Pokèmon Master Ash Ketchum,

We hope this letter finds you in good hands. As you might be aware here in the Pokèmon League we are very concerned about your performance. Due to living in Cerulean City your attendance here at the League is always out of the question but living in Cerulean City is affecting and damaging your job as Pokèmon Master. Your attendance is needed here as there are conferences you need to attend, speeches needed to give, and training required. We understand you live far away from the League headquarters and we understand flying every day back and forward from Unova to Cerulean City is impossible, not to mention health risking. We do not understand why you still don't accept our offer here. Moving to Unova you will have more than what you have in Cerulean City, a magnificent house, the city, training area for your Pokèmon, and being close with the League. We must ask you to give your answer no later than this Saturday evening. We are so deeply sorry to inform you this but if you reject our offer and do not find a solution to your lack of absence at the League, we will have no choice but to forfeit the title of PokèmonMaster from you.

Sincerely,

The Pokèmon League

Misty gasped as soon as she finished the letter. She could not imagine the things that went through Ash's mind as he read this letter. He had worked so hard to get where he was right now and he was this close to losing it.

But why hadn't he mentioned anything to her? He looked so normal and happy. Like none of all this was occurring in his life.

So he really didn't trust her?

Like the trust he had in Serena...

_____________

Misty slowly walked down the stairs to see Ash's back on her as he still talked to his mom softly.

"I can't Mom... I am so scared"

Misty placed her hand on her heart. So Delia knew about his situation.

Misty slowly crept up the stairs, out of Ash's view, and quietly listened to his conversation.

"But what would happen then? I don't know mom. I won't have the strength and courage to see it. I would sacrifice my happiness for...yeah I understand Mom."

Misty froze when Ash said, "Confessing to her is scarier than any Pokèmon battle I have ever faced."

Confessing to who?

___________

Ash finished the call and turned around to see Misty trying hard to reach up the cabinet for the giant cookie jar.

Ash laughed before he went to grab it for her. As he reached for it his shirt kinda lifted upwards and Misty saw a long scar down his back.

It made her freeze.

The scar was badly bruised and it had a few, poorly applied, bandages covering it.

Ash noticed Misty's frozen state and asked, with an eyebrow raised, "What?"

"Your back.." Misty said, almost sadly.

Ash's eyes lowered as he let out, "Oh..."

"What happened to you?" Misty asked, reaching for the shirt.

He winced in pain.

"I'm sorry. Let me see please..."

Misty led him to his living room while he explained.

"I got injured in a battle in Unova," he said, shrugging.

"Are you serious? This has never happened to you in any battle."

"I know, but I was..."

He became silent.

"You were distracted weren't you?" Misty said, disappointed in him.

He nodded sheepishly.

Misty sighed as she shook her head.

"The wedding is just two days away.." Misty let out melancholy.

"I know," Ash said. Misty looked at him, surprised he remembered.

"He loves her, doesn't he?" She asked, sitting beside him.

"He does," Ash said, gently.

"But I love him," Misty said sadly.

Ash was silent for a few minutes before he replied, "If it means that much to you, tell him,"

"But I can't!" Misty exclaimed, standing up. "You don't know what it feels to be in love with someone who is in love with someone else!"

Ash didn't say anything. He stood up and walked towards one of his house's windows.

"If it's that important to you, tell him," he softly said, staring off the window.

"But I-"

Ash turned around to face Misty and said seriously. "Tell him that you love him. If you're the one for him, he'll realize it and know... he was a fool for... ever ignoring your love."

"I wish I could tell him, but I can't. What if he gets angry with me and decides to end our friendship?"

Ash shook his head. "Did you end your friendship or got angry with Rudy when he told you he was madly in love with you these past years?"

"No, but..."

"Then tell him. You have nothing to lose."

Misty studied Ash's face, thinking about what he had said. She couldn't help but notice how his eyes looked darker than usual. Yet they also holded this painful feeling in them. Maybe he was right. Maybe she should tell Brock.

Ash sat back on the couch making Misty place her head on his shoulder. As she usually did when he was sad and he was comforting her.

"Do you think that someone could love me?" Misty asked softly.

"Yes," Ash answered softly.

"But why? I'm nothing special," Misty argued. "I'm not beautiful like my sisters, I'm not funny like Iris, and I'm not talented like May. I'm just a stubborn, tomboyish, and annoying witch who happens to be a pathetic workaholic in Cerulean City."

Ash laughed softly. "You do not know just how wrong you are Mist. You are the best girl I know – although you can sometimes act like a crazy woman – you're beautiful, funny, comforting, honest, and above everything else..."

Misty just stared off, her head still on Ash's shoulder, as she asked sadly, "What about you, Ash? Have you ever been in love?"

Ash seemed surprised. He shifted a little, almost hesitant to answer her question. Misty leaned back to look at him in the face.

"Why the sudden question?"

"I know it's weird, but I've never asked you this before," Misty said shrugging. "I don't think I've ever seen you serious with someone."

Ash looked away.

"Oh so someone has stolen your heart!" Misty said happily, now poking Ash's cheek.

"Why would you think that?" Ash snapped, still avoiding her eyes.

"Because you're avoiding my eyes and avoiding my question. Confess Ash Ketchum! You have to tell me right here, right now! Who is this woman who has stolen my best friend's heart?" Misty said cheekily before her smile fell apart.

"Fine it's - wait- I don't see why I should answer that to you," Ash said.

"I always tell you everything! Come on!" Misty said, now frustrated.

It's her. It's Serena.. Misty thought bitterly. How could he not tell me.. Misty thought dejectedly.

"There's nothing to tell," Ash replied stubbornly.

"Perhaps he really doesn't trust me.." Misty thought sadly.

"Oh yes, there is. I know you." Misty said, before thinking "Or at least I think I do.."

Ash stood up hastily.

"If you knew me that well, then you wouldn't be asking me this," Ash said coldly.

Perhaps I don't know you then.. Misty thought sadly before she stood up.