Ash stood in front of his house, looking at it and grinning. " Well, Pikachu. We're back. I'm sad our journey in Kalos is finished, but it just means a new one is about to start!"

" Pika pika pika!"

Suddenly his house's door burst open, and a certain orange haired girl ran out of the house, arms wide.

" ASH YOU'RE BACK!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.

Ash, though surprised, laughed and caught her. " Hiya Misty!"

Professor Oak, Delia, Tracey, and even Gary had stepped out too. Tracey, Delia and Oak were watching, while Gary leaned on the house's doorframe, smirking.

" How was your journey?" She asked as Ash set her down.

Ash linked his arm in hers. " I'll tell you all about it. Come on! I'm staaaaaaarving."

Misty raised a brow. " You're taking a bath."

" But I-"

" You're. Taking. A. Bath."

Ash groaned but knew better than to argue with Misty when she used that tone. "Fine, fine! But after the bath, I get food. Deal?"

Misty smirked and crossed her arms. "Deal. But if you smell like you've been living in a cave, I'm adding extra soap."

Ash laughed and shook his head, walking inside with Pikachu perched on his shoulder. Delia greeted him with a warm hug. "Welcome home, sweetheart. We've all missed you so much!"

"I missed you too, Mom," Ash said with a grin, giving her an extra squeeze.

Gary, still leaning against the doorframe, chuckled. "So, Ashy-boy, did you finally learn a thing or two about battling in Kalos, or are you still winging it?"

Ash shot him a playful glare. "Keep talking, Gary, and I'll take you on right now. Pikachu and I are ready!"

"Pikachu!" Pikachu agreed, sparks flying from its cheeks.

Misty quickly stepped between them, rolling her eyes. "Not inside, you two. The last thing we need is a thunderbolt ruining Delia's couch."

"Thank you, Misty," Delia said with a smile. "Ash, the bathroom's ready for you. Go clean up, and I'll have some food ready by the time you're done."

Ash sighed dramatically. "Fine. But this better be the best meal ever, Mom!"

As Ash trudged toward the bathroom, Misty called after him, "And don't forget to wash behind your ears!"

Gary snickered. "Still bossing him around, huh, Misty?"

Misty turned to him, smirking. "Someone has to keep him in line."

Tracey chuckled. "Looks like some things never change."

A little while later, Ash emerged from the bathroom, freshly scrubbed and smelling of soap. His hair was damp, and Pikachu had perched itself on his shoulder again, looking refreshed as well.

"Okay, I'm clean. Now, food!" Ash declared, his stomach growling loudly.

Everyone laughed, and Delia led them to the dining table, which was piled high with Ash's favorite dishes. His eyes lit up, and he wasted no time digging in.

As the group ate, Ash recounted his adventures in Kalos, from meeting Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie to his intense battles with Gym Leaders and his time in the Kalos League. Everyone listened intently, especially Misty, who couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride hearing how much Ash had grown as a Trainer.

"And then there was Greninja," Ash said, his eyes shining. "He was amazing. We had this special bond—it was like we were totally in sync. I wish you could've seen him in action, Misty. You'd have loved it."

Misty smiled softly. "It sounds like you've come a long way, Ash."

Gary leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Yeah, yeah, you've got your Kalos war stories. But let's see if all that experience can help you take me down."

Ash grinned, the fire of competition igniting in his eyes. "Oh, you're on, Gary. Tomorrow, you and me—one-on-one!"

"Name the time and place, Ashy-boy," Gary said confidently.

As the night went on, the group shared stories, laughter, and memories. For Ash, it was good to be home, surrounded by the people he cared about.

Later, as everyone started to settle in for the night, Misty caught Ash by the arm. "Hey, Ash... I'm glad you're back."

Ash smiled warmly. "Thanks, Misty. I missed you too."

Suddenly the door rang, and Ash raised a brow. " Who's that?"

He walked and opened it, to find...

Well he had no idea.

" Hey, Misty?" Ash called. " Do you have an Aunt named Daisy who knows we like each other?"

Misty's chair fell, and she darted over. " What?!"

She grabbed the paper and groaned. " Oh, Daisy."

" Misty!" Ash scolded. " She's your aunt!"

Misty gave him a plain look. " No she's not. She's my sister."

" How can your Aunt be your sister?"

Misty groaned, dragging her hand over her face. " You idiot!"

Ash blinked, utterly confused. "Wait, so... Daisy's not your aunt? She's your sister? But she wrote that we—wait, what did she write?"

Misty snatched the paper from Ash's hands before he could read it aloud. "Nothing! Absolutely nothing important!" she said quickly, her cheeks turning a deep red.

Ash tried to peer over her shoulder. "If it’s nothing, then why are you hiding it?"

Misty shot him a sharp glare. "Because it’s none of your business!"

Gary, who had been lurking nearby and overheard the commotion, sauntered over with his trademark smirk. "What’s all the fuss about, Misty? Love letters, perhaps?"

"Stay out of it, Gary," Misty growled, clutching the paper tighter.

Delia appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Ash, who was at the door?"

Ash scratched his head. "Uh, apparently it’s Misty’s sister, Daisy. But Misty’s acting weird about it."

"Because Daisy’s always meddling in things she shouldn’t!" Misty snapped, glaring at the paper as if it were Daisy herself.

"Well, let’s see what she wrote!" Gary teased, lunging forward to grab the note.

Misty yelped and spun away, holding the paper above her head. "Over my dead body!"

Before anyone could react, Pikachu leapt from Ash’s shoulder and snatched the paper with its tail. "Pika!"

"Pikachu, no!" Misty shouted, but it was too late. Pikachu dropped the paper right into Ash’s hands.

Ash hesitated for a moment, glancing between Misty and the letter. "Okay, I’m reading it," he declared, unfolding the paper.

Misty groaned, burying her face in her hands. "This is going to be so embarrassing…"

Ash cleared his throat and began to read:

*"Dear Misty,
I hope this letter finds you well. I heard through the grapevine that Ash is coming back from Kalos, so I thought I’d remind you to finally tell him how you feel! You know, about how you’re completely head over heels for him and all that mushy stuff. Don’t chicken out this time—just say it!

Love,
Your ever-helpful sister, Daisy.*"

Ash stared at the letter, his face burning red. "Uh…"

Misty groaned even louder. "I swear, I’m going to kill her!"

Gary burst out laughing. "Oh, this is gold! Ashy-boy, your biggest fan was right under your nose the whole time!"

Ash scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Misty, uh… is this true?"

Misty glared at him, her face as red as a Tamato Berry. "I’m going to bed!" she shouted, stomping past him and up the stairs.

Ash watched her go, still holding the letter. Pikachu tilted its head curiously. "Pika?"

Gary clapped Ash on the shoulder, still grinning. "Well, Ashy-boy, looks like your next adventure just walked upstairs."

Ash sighed, folding the letter and tucking it into his pocket. "I think I’m gonna need more than one bath to figure this out…"