Misty smiled warmly as she held onto Ash's hand, her voice steady despite the lingering exhaustion. "This boy right here—Ash Ketchum—is not just my hero today. He's always been my hero. And..." She turned to look at him, her cheeks pink, but her expression full of determination. "He's also my boyfriend."

The audience erupted into cheers and applause, the sound echoing throughout the pool area. Ash froze, his eyes wide as he registered what Misty had just said. "Wait... what?!"

Misty grinned, leaning in closer to whisper, "Don't act so surprised. It's not like you haven't saved me a hundred times before."

Ash's face turned bright red, and he scratched the back of his head nervously. "Well... yeah, but... I mean, you just told everyone."

"Of course, I did," Misty replied, still smiling. "You deserve the recognition for being the most amazing person in my life."

The crowd’s cheers intensified, and someone shouted, "Kiss her again, Ash!"

Ash's blush deepened, and he waved his hands. "Uh, no! That was—uh—that was for CPR!"

Misty rolled her eyes and smirked. "Oh, come on, Ash. Don’t be shy now."

Before he could react, Misty leaned forward and kissed his cheek, making the crowd go wild once more. Ash’s expression softened, and he laughed nervously. "Okay, okay, fine. You win, Misty."

The medic cleared his throat, stepping forward. "As heartwarming as this is, we should still take her to the clinic for a proper checkup. Just to be safe."

Ash immediately turned serious, nodding. "Right. Let’s get you checked out."

Misty sighed but allowed Ash to help her up, leaning on him for support. As they started to walk away, she whispered, "You know, Ash, you’re pretty cute when you’re all worried about me."

Ash looked at her with a mix of exasperation and fondness. "And you’re pretty stubborn, Misty. But I guess that’s why I—"

He stopped himself mid-sentence, his face heating up again. Misty raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Why you what?"

Ash grumbled under his breath, but the corner of his lips twitched into a smile. "Why I can’t imagine my life without you, okay?"

Misty laughed softly, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Good answer."

As they disappeared behind the clinic doors, the crowd dispersed, leaving Serena—still passed out on a bench—completely unnoticed.

Or

Misty took a deep breath, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "This boy right here is the one I've loved since the day I met him."

The crowd gasped, a mixture of surprise and admiration spreading across their faces.

Ash's eyes widened. "Misty, what are you doing?"

Misty gave him a teasing smile. "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm telling the world what I should've said ages ago." She turned back to the audience, her cheeks flushed. "Ash Ketchum has always been my hero, and today just proves it even more."

Ash scratched the back of his head, his face as red as a Tamato Berry. "Misty, you don't have to do this in front of everyone..."

Misty crossed her arms and gave him a playful glare. "Oh, so it's okay for you to be all dramatic, diving in to save me like a knight in shining armor, but I can't say how I feel?"

The crowd chuckled, a few people clapping.

Ash sighed, his lips twitching into a small smile. "Fine, Misty. If we're doing this, then I have something to say too."

Misty raised an eyebrow. "Oh? This should be good."

Ash stepped closer, holding her hands tightly. "Misty, you're not just my best friend. You're the person who knows me better than anyone, who challenges me, who makes me want to be better. I love you, too."

The audience erupted in applause, cheering and whistling. Even Serena, who had been slowly regaining consciousness, groaned and muttered, "Well, I guess I saw this coming..." before fainting again.

Misty grinned and pulled Ash into a hug. "You really do know how to make a moment, don’t you?"

Ash chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. "I guess we both do."

As the cheers of the crowd echoed around them, Ash and Misty stood there, hand in hand, knowing that this was the start of something even greater than all their adventures combined.

Wat happened to Mea

I want to know

Misty took a deep breath, her hand still intertwined with Ash's. She smiled warmly, her voice steady despite the overwhelming attention.

"He's not just my hero today—he's my hero every day," she announced, her cheeks tinged pink. "This boy, Ash Ketchum, is the love of my life."

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Some people whistled, others clapped energetically, and a few shouted words of encouragement.

Ash's face turned a deep shade of red. "M-Misty! What are you—"

Misty turned to face him fully, her eyes shining with sincerity. "You heard me, Ash. You’ve always been there for me, even when I didn’t ask for it. You’re my partner in every way that matters."

Ash blinked, his brain seemingly short-circuiting. "I… uh… I mean… wow, Misty, I…!"

Serena, still faintly conscious in the background, groaned. "Am I dreaming… or did Misty just…?"

Pikachu looked between Ash and Misty, a knowing smirk playing on its face. "Pika, pika."

The medic, clearly caught up in the moment, smiled and gave them both a thumbs-up. "Well, it seems you’re doing just fine now, Miss."

Misty grinned and leaned closer to Ash, her voice dropping to a softer tone. "You know, you might have saved me today, but you’ve been saving me for years without even realizing it."

Ash swallowed hard, his heart racing. He took a deep breath and finally managed to find his words. "Misty, I—I feel the same. I always have. I just didn’t know how to say it…"

The crowd gasped as Misty reached up and gave Ash a light kiss on the cheek.

"Well, now you don’t have to," Misty whispered with a playful grin.

Ash grinned back, his confidence suddenly returning. "Yeah, well… now everyone knows, huh?"

Misty laughed, giving a small shrug. "I think they deserved to know."

As the crowd’s cheers reached a fever pitch, Ash stood and helped Misty to her feet, keeping an arm firmly around her waist for support.

"Alright, everyone!" Misty called out, her voice clear. "Show's over! Go on home, and don’t forget—love your friends and your partners like Ash loves his!"

The audience roared with approval as Ash and Misty walked off together, leaving the crowd behind.

Ash glanced down at Misty as they exited the pool area, a soft smile on his face. "You sure you’re okay?"

Misty leaned against him with a content sigh. "As long as you’re here, I will be."

And as they stepped into the quiet halls, away from the chaos, Ash couldn’t help but feel like they’d just taken the first step into something extraordinary.

Lol random meme I found online

Misty coughed slightly but steadied herself, her voice carrying strength despite the ordeal she'd just been through. "I just wanted to thank you all for coming to see the show today," she began, her gaze sweeping across the concerned audience. Then, with a sly smile, she added, "And for witnessing what was probably the most dramatic performance of my life."

The audience chuckled, the tension in the air easing slightly. Ash, still kneeling beside her, gave her a worried look. "Misty, maybe you should sit down—"

She held up a hand to stop him. "No, Ash, I need to say this." Her smile softened as she turned to face him. "Everyone, I’d also like to thank this guy for saving me today."

Ash blinked, his cheeks turning red. "Misty, you don’t have to—"

"But I want to," Misty interrupted. She turned back to the audience. "You see, Ash isn’t just any friend. He’s the one who’s been with me through thick and thin. The one who’s always had my back, even when I didn’t realize I needed him."

Ash stared at her, his face a mix of surprise and something deeper—something that made Misty’s cheeks heat up as well.

"And..." Misty took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "He’s also the one I’ve always loved."

The crowd gasped, murmurs spreading through the audience like wildfire. Even Serena, who had regained consciousness just in time to hear the confession, let out a small, "Oh..."

Ash’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he seemed frozen in place. Then, as if something clicked in his mind, he stood up, helping Misty to her feet. He grabbed her hands tightly, his voice steady and clear. "Misty, I love you too. I always have. And I’m sorry if I ever made you doubt that."

The audience erupted into cheers and applause, their earlier concern replaced with excitement. Even Serena clapped, though she looked a little dazed.

Misty blinked at Ash, her heart racing. "Ash, you mean it?"

Ash smiled, his confidence growing. "Of course I do. And I don’t care if the whole world knows it."

Before Misty could respond, Ash leaned down and kissed her, this time not out of necessity, but out of love. The crowd went wild, cheering and whistling, and even the security guard from earlier gave a reluctant thumbs-up.

When they finally pulled apart, Misty laughed, her cheeks pink. "Well, I guess that’s one way to end a show."

Ash grinned, his hand still holding hers. "Yeah, but I think it’s just the beginning for us."

As they walked off the stage together, the audience continued to cheer, and Misty couldn’t help but feel that, despite the chaos, this was the happiest she’d ever been.

Ash ..... Even Gary knows

And if he knows it means she does love you

But hey

You're welcome for telling

Misty looked out at the crowd, her cheeks flushed but her voice steady. "Everyone, thank you for your concern and support today." She gave a small laugh, her hand still held tightly in Ash's. "But there’s something I need to say."

Ash's eyes widened. "Misty, what are you—"

Misty turned to him, her expression softening. "Ash, you said you’ve always loved me. And, well..." She took a deep breath. "I’ve always loved you too."

The crowd collectively gasped, murmurs spreading like wildfire. Serena, who had just regained consciousness, looked on in stunned silence, holding Pikachu tightly.

Ash blinked, his mouth opening and closing like a Magikarp. "Y-You do?"

Misty chuckled, brushing a strand of wet hair from her face. "Of course I do, you idiot. Why do you think I kept traveling with you all those years? And why do you think I wanted you here today?"

The audience erupted into cheers, and someone even started clapping. Misty turned back to them and raised her free hand. "Thank you, everyone. But, uh, I think that's enough excitement for one day."

Ash scratched the back of his head, blushing furiously. "Uh, yeah. Thanks, everyone. But we should really get Misty checked out—"

Misty pulled Ash down by his shirt collar, cutting him off with a quick kiss on the lips. The crowd went wild, Serena dropped Pikachu, and Ash froze like a statue, his face a deep crimson.

When Misty pulled back, she smirked. "Now, I’m fine. But you might need to see a doctor for that blush."

Ash finally found his voice, albeit shaky. "M-Misty!"

The medic cleared his throat, trying to maintain professionalism but failing to hide a small smile. "Well, that’s one way to recover. But seriously, Miss, let’s get you checked out now."

Misty sighed and nodded, still holding Ash's hand as they walked toward the medic station. "Fine, fine. But you’re coming with me, Ash."

Ash smiled, squeezing her hand gently. "Of course. Always."

As the two walked away, Pikachu hopped onto Ash’s shoulder, glancing back at Serena, who was still frozen in disbelief.

“Pika pi,” Pikachu murmured, shaking its head.

Serena sighed, finally snapping out of her shock. "Well... I guess I should’ve seen that coming."

Misty took a deep breath, her cheeks still pale from her ordeal, and raised her voice to address the crowd. "Everyone, I have something important to say!"

Ash blinked, utterly confused. "Misty, what are you doing?"

She glanced at him with a soft smile, her hands still clasped in his. "Just trust me, Ash."

The audience, still shocked from the scene moments ago, leaned in closer, murmuring amongst themselves. Even the medics stopped what they were doing to listen.

"I wanted to thank all of you for being here today," Misty started, her voice trembling slightly but steady enough to hold everyone's attention. "And I wanted to thank someone very special to me, who just saved my life."

Ash’s eyes widened. "Misty—"

But she wasn’t done. Turning fully to him, she squeezed his hands tightly. "Ash Ketchum, you’ve always been my hero. Not just today, but since the moment I met you. Whether we were battling gym leaders, arguing over silly things, or traveling the world, you’ve always been there for me."

Ash’s mouth opened, but no words came out. He was too stunned to process what was happening.

"I love you, Ash," Misty said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "I always have. And now, I’m done pretending otherwise."

The audience gasped, a wave of whispers spreading through the crowd. Serena, still recovering from her earlier fainting spell, looked utterly crestfallen but managed to weakly clap, perhaps out of shock or resignation.

Ash stared at Misty, his heart pounding so hard it was all he could hear. "Misty, I—"

"Say something, you idiot!" Misty teased, though her eyes glistened with emotion.

Ash blinked, his mind racing back through all the moments they’d shared. "Misty... I..."

He took a deep breath, then grinned. "I love you too. I always have. I just didn’t know how to say it."

The audience erupted into cheers and applause as Misty threw her arms around Ash’s neck, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"About time," one spectator muttered, making others laugh.

The medic, standing to the side, crossed his arms with a smirk. "Well, looks like she’s got all the air she needs now."

Ash pulled back slightly, cupping Misty’s face in his hands. "I mean it, Misty. I don’t care if it’s in front of a million people or just us. I love you."

Misty smiled through her tears. "Then stop talking and prove it."

Ash didn’t hesitate. Leaning in, he kissed her gently, but with all the feelings he’d bottled up over the years. The crowd erupted into louder cheers, some even whistling.

When they finally pulled apart, Misty grinned. "I think you just made every headline in Kanto."

Ash chuckled nervously. "Worth it."

And with that, the two turned to the medics, ready to face whatever came next—together.

Whichever one you choose.....

* Mist falls on us*

" Here's the tea, Ash. Misty, don't burn your tongue."

Misty, in her green nightsuit with Staryu patterns on it, nodded from the couch. " Yes, Mrs. Ketchum."

Ash took the tea. " Thanks mom."

Then he sat on the edge of the couch. " Open up Misty."

Misty glared at Ash. " I can take care of myself, thank you."

" Dear, let Ash take care of you. He's been fussing over everything."

Misty huffed and crossed her arms, her cheeks slightly pink. "I don't need him to fuss over me, Mrs. Ketchum. I’m perfectly capable."

Delia chuckled as she wiped her hands on her apron. "Oh, Misty, it’s adorable. Let him spoil you a little. It’s not every day my son gets so... attentive."

Ash rolled his eyes. "Mom, you’re not helping."

He turned back to Misty, holding the tea cup closer. "Come on, Misty. Just one sip. You were shivering earlier."

Misty sighed, her stubborn streak battling her embarrassment. Finally, she relented. "Fine. But only because it smells good."

She leaned forward and took a careful sip, her eyes meeting Ash’s as she did. He gave her a small, satisfied smile, which only made her cheeks redder.

"There. Happy?" she grumbled, leaning back against the couch.

Ash grinned. "Very."

Delia watched the two with a knowing smile. "You know, Ash, you’re a lot like your father when it comes to taking care of people."

Ash blinked. "Really?"

Delia nodded. "Oh, yes. He used to fuss over me the same way when I wasn’t feeling well. It’s sweet."

Misty raised an eyebrow at Ash, a teasing smirk forming on her lips. "So, you’re saying Ash inherited the ‘mother hen’ gene?"

Ash groaned. "Great. Now I’ll never hear the end of it."

Delia laughed. "Don’t worry, dear. It’s a good thing. Misty’s lucky to have you."

Misty glanced at Ash, her smirk softening into a genuine smile. "Yeah... I guess I am."

Ash blinked, caught off guard by her sudden sincerity. "Uh... thanks, Misty."

"Don’t get used to it," she quickly added, taking another sip of tea to hide her smile.

Delia chuckled as she headed back to the kitchen. "You two are adorable."

"Mom!" Ash and Misty groaned in unison, both turning a shade redder as Delia’s laughter echoed through the house.

Misty sighed dramatically, crossing her arms. "Fine, but only because Mrs. Ketchum said so."

Delia chuckled softly as she adjusted the blanket around Misty. "I’ve never seen Ash so attentive. You must be very special to him."

Ash turned beet red. "Moooom! Stop embarrassing me!"

Misty smirked, raising a brow at him. "Oh? Attentive, huh? What’s next, Ash? Fluffing my pillows?"

Ash rolled his eyes, though his blush deepened. "You almost drowned, Misty. Excuse me for caring."

"Care a little less loudly," Misty teased, sipping her tea. She winced as the heat hit her tongue, causing Ash to immediately lean forward.

"I told you not to burn your tongue!" he scolded, grabbing a napkin and gently dabbing her chin where a drop of tea had spilled.

Misty stared at him, her teasing demeanor softening. "You’re such a worrywart."

Delia watched the two with a knowing smile. "You two bicker like an old married couple."

"Mom!" Ash groaned, burying his face in his hands.

Misty laughed softly, setting her tea down. "Mrs. Ketchum, don’t give him ideas. He already acts like I’m some fragile china doll."

Delia stood up, patting both of them on the head. "Well, I think it’s sweet. Now, I’ll leave you two to... whatever this is."

As Delia left the room, Misty leaned back into the couch, looking at Ash. "So, what’s next? Are you going to make me soup too?"

Ash crossed his arms. "If I have to. Someone needs to make sure you recover properly."

Misty couldn’t help but smile, her tone softening. "Thanks, Ash. For everything."

Ash scratched the back of his head, looking away to hide his blush. "Yeah, well... someone’s gotta keep you out of trouble."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Misty smirked. "So, about fluffing those pillows..."

"Don’t push it, Misty!" Ash shot back, though he couldn’t help the grin spreading across his face.

Misty sighed, crossing her arms as she glanced at Ash. "Fine. But don’t think I’ll let you baby me forever."

Ash smirked, holding the teacup closer. "Yeah, yeah. Now, open up before it gets cold."

Misty gave him a mock glare but relented, taking a small sip. "Happy?"

Delia Ketchum chuckled from the kitchen. "You two bicker like an old married couple. It’s cute."

Ash nearly dropped the teacup, his face turning red. "Mom!"

Misty nearly choked on her tea, coughing as she waved her hands in front of her face. "Mrs. Ketchum, it’s not like that!"

Delia peeked her head into the living room with a knowing smile. "Of course, dear. But maybe someday?"

Ash groaned, running a hand down his face. "Can we not do this right now?"

Misty, still blushing, muttered under her breath, "Why does everyone think we’re married or something?"

Pikachu, sitting beside them, tilted his head. "Pika pika!"

Delia returned to the kitchen, laughing softly. "I’m just saying, it wouldn’t be the worst thing."

Ash looked over at Misty, whose face was still flushed. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "She’s just joking… you know that, right?"

Misty huffed, leaning back on the couch. "Yeah, yeah. Don’t let it get to your head, Ketchum."

Ash rolled his eyes but smiled. "Trust me, you’ve already made sure of that."

Despite her words, Misty couldn’t help but smile faintly as she sipped her tea. Maybe someday, she thought, then quickly shook the thought away.

Misty groaned, crossing her arms as she leaned back into the couch. "Fine. But only because your mom said so."

Ash smirked, dipping a spoon into the tea to cool it down. "You’re lucky Mom's on my side."

"More like you begged her to be," Misty muttered under her breath, though her cheeks turned pink.

Delia chuckled from the kitchen. "I think it's sweet. Let him spoil you, Misty. You don’t often get to see this side of Ash."

Misty raised an eyebrow at Ash as he carefully brought the spoon toward her. "This side of him? You mean the overly protective side that acts like I can’t do anything on my own?"

Ash frowned. "Hey, I just saved your life a few hours ago. Cut me some slack."

Misty sighed, reluctantly opening her mouth to sip the tea from the spoon. "Fine. But only this once."

Ash grinned triumphantly. "See? Not so bad, right?"

She rolled her eyes but didn’t answer.

Delia walked back into the room with a plate of cookies. "Here you go. You two could use a snack after today’s... excitement."

"Thanks, Mom," Ash said, grabbing one.

Misty looked at Delia with a small smile. "Thanks, Mrs. Ketchum. For everything. You’re way too nice to me."

Delia patted Misty’s shoulder. "Nonsense, dear. You’re practically family already."

Ash nearly choked on his cookie. "M-Mom!"

Delia winked at Misty. "What? It’s true."

Misty smirked, leaning back with a sly look at Ash. "Hear that, Ash? Practically family."

Ash groaned, sinking into the couch. "Why do I feel like I’m losing this battle?"

Misty grinned, taking another sip of tea. "Because you are."

Misty huffed, crossing her arms. "I don’t need him to spoon-feed me, Mrs. Ketchum. I’m perfectly capable of drinking tea without supervision."

Ash leaned closer, smirking. "You sure about that? Remember the last time you tried to pour hot soup and spilled it all over your lap?"

Misty’s cheeks turned red as she shot him a glare. "That was one time!"

Delia chuckled from the kitchen doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. "Oh, you two. Bickering like an old married couple as usual."

Both Ash and Misty froze, their faces instantly heating up.

"M-Mom!" Ash stammered, nearly dropping his tea. "We are not—"

"Mrs. Ketchum, with all due respect—" Misty started at the same time, only to falter when Delia gave her a knowing smile.

"You two are just adorable," Delia said with a teasing tone. "I’ve seen it for years. You argue about everything, but the way you look out for each other says it all."

Ash rubbed the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at Misty. "I-I mean, I guess we argue a little..."

Misty sipped her tea, avoiding eye contact. "Maybe just a bit..."

Delia laughed and shook her head. "Oh, don’t be embarrassed. It’s sweet! Ash, dear, why don’t you fluff Misty’s pillow or something? She looks a little stiff."

Ash groaned. "Mom, come on!"

Misty snorted into her tea. "I’m fine, really."

Delia winked as she walked back into the kitchen. "If you say so. Just try not to set the couch on fire while you’re at it."

Left alone, Ash and Misty exchanged awkward glances before Ash broke the silence. "So... you want me to fluff your pillow?"

Misty burst out laughing, finally breaking the tension. "Oh, please, Ketchum. I’d rather survive on my own than have you hovering over me like a mother Pidgeot."

Ash grinned. "Well, don’t say I didn’t offer."

And just like that, their bickering resumed, much to Delia’s amusement from the other room.

Ash sighed, holding the cup of tea closer to Misty. "Just drink it, okay? It'll make you feel better."

Misty crossed her arms, leaning back into the couch. "I don’t need you hovering over me like I’m some helpless little kid."

"Helpless?!" Ash scoffed. "Misty, you nearly drowned yesterday!"

"It was an accident, Ash! Stop treating me like I’m fragile!"

Delia chuckled softly as she tidied up the table nearby. "You two bicker just like an old married couple."

"Mom!" Ash and Misty exclaimed in unison, their faces turning crimson.

"What?" Delia said innocently, hiding her knowing smile. "It’s cute. I’ve never seen Ash this attentive to anyone before."

Ash groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Mom, please!"

Misty huffed, though her cheeks were red. "I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mrs. Ketchum. We’re just friends."

Delia raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Friends, huh? Then why is Ash practically glued to your side, making sure you don’t even burn your tongue on tea?"

"Because—" Ash started, only to stop, fumbling for words. "Because she just got hurt! That’s all!"

Misty narrowed her eyes at him. "Yeah? Then why were you crying when I woke up yesterday?"

Ash froze, his mouth opening and closing like a Magikarp. "I... I wasn’t crying!"

Delia let out a warm laugh, waving her hand dismissively. "Oh, Ash, it’s okay to show you care. Misty knows you’ve always been protective of her."

Misty blinked, her expression softening slightly. "He has, hasn’t he?"

Ash grumbled under his breath, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Can you just drink the tea already?"

Misty finally relented, taking the cup from his hands. "Fine, but only to shut you up." She took a small sip, then gave him a teasing smirk. "See? Didn’t burn my tongue."

"Great," Ash muttered, sitting back with his arms crossed. "Now maybe you’ll stop being so stubborn."

Delia smiled warmly as she watched them. "You two might not realize it yet, but you’re perfect for each other."

Both Misty and Ash looked at her in shock.

"Mom!"

"Mrs. Ketchum!"

But Delia only laughed, leaving the room with a knowing wink. "Tea’s in the kitchen if you want more, lovebirds."

As soon as she was gone, Misty looked down at her tea, her cheeks still pink. "Lovebirds, huh?"

"Ignore her," Ash said quickly, though his ears were just as red as Misty’s cheeks.

"Yeah, totally," Misty agreed, sipping her tea in silence.

But neither could shake the fluttering feeling in their chests as the room fell into an awkward, but oddly warm, quiet.

Misty sighed, reluctantly opening her mouth as Ash carefully brought the steaming cup of tea closer to her. "I feel like a baby," she muttered, narrowing her eyes at him.

Ash grinned. "Better than choking on tea because you're stubborn, right?"

Misty rolled her eyes. "You act like this is the first time I’ve been sick. I can handle it."

Delia, standing nearby with a warm smile, chimed in. "Oh, Misty, you should let Ash pamper you. He’s been pacing around like a nervous Growlithe since you started coughing."

Ash turned bright red. "Mom!"

Delia chuckled as she wiped her hands on her apron. "What? It's sweet. You remind me of your father."

Ash groaned, but Misty smiled faintly, sipping the tea he held for her. "Well, at least someone appreciates my suffering."

Ash looked at her, his expression softening. "You scared me, Misty. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard lately. Training, gym battles, underwater performances... You need to rest."

Misty huffed but didn’t argue. She leaned back into the couch cushions, her green pajama sleeves covering her hands. "Fine, but if you tell anyone I let you do this, you’re in trouble."

"Deal," Ash said with a chuckle, setting the tea down on the table.

Pikachu jumped onto the couch beside Misty, nuzzling against her arm. "Pika pi!"

Misty scratched behind Pikachu’s ears, a small smile tugging at her lips. "At least you’re not nagging me like someone else."

Ash crossed his arms. "Hey, someone has to look out for you!"

Delia clapped her hands. "Well, since you two have this handled, I’ll go start dinner. Misty, let me know if you need anything else."

Misty nodded. "Thanks, Mrs. Ketchum."

As Delia walked to the kitchen, Ash sat back on the couch, watching Misty relax. He reached over and gently grabbed her hand.

"You really scared me, you know."

Misty looked at him, her expression softening. "I didn’t mean to. I just... wanted to keep up with everything."

Ash squeezed her hand. "You don’t have to do everything on your own, Misty. I’m here. Let me help you, okay?"

Misty gave him a small smile, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Okay."

"Good." Ash leaned back with a triumphant grin. "Now, what do you want for dinner? Mom’s cooking, so it’s going to be amazing no matter what."

Misty chuckled. "Surprise me."

Ash nodded. "You got it."

As the evening went on, the two of them shared quiet moments together, the room filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of home.

Ash sighed, leaning forward with the tea in hand. "Come on, Misty. You need to drink this to get better."

Misty folded her arms, still glaring at him. "I said I can handle it, Ash. I’m not helpless."

Delia, standing nearby with a knowing smile, shook her head. "You two bicker like an old married couple. It’s adorable, really."

"Mom!" Ash protested, his face turning crimson.

Misty sputtered, nearly spilling the tea she had just taken from him. "We do not!"

Delia chuckled, wiping her hands on her apron. "Oh, sure you don’t. The way you argue, fuss, and then take care of each other? If that’s not love, I don’t know what is."

Ash and Misty exchanged flustered glances, both too embarrassed to say anything.

Pikachu, perched on the couch armrest, tilted his head and chirped, "Pika pika!"

Delia laughed lightly, patting Pikachu’s head. "Even Pikachu agrees with me."

Ash grumbled under his breath, sitting back down. "Whatever, Mom. I’m just trying to make sure Misty’s okay."

Misty rolled her eyes but softened her tone. "I am okay, Ash. It’s just a little fever. I’ll be fine."

Delia wagged a finger. "Now, Misty, don’t be stubborn. Let Ash fuss. He’s been worried sick since you came down with this bug."

Misty raised an eyebrow at Ash. "Worried sick, huh?"

Ash’s ears turned bright red. "I mean... it’s just, you know... someone has to keep you out of trouble."

"Out of trouble?" Misty scoffed, sitting up straighter. "Who was it that tripped over my Starmie earlier and nearly broke their leg?"

Ash glared at her. "Hey, that’s because someone left it in the middle of the floor!"

Delia clapped her hands together, grinning. "There it is again! Just like an old married couple."

"Mom!" they shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the living room.

Delia hummed to herself as she walked back into the kitchen. "I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone."

Ash and Misty exchanged mortified looks, both turning away to avoid the other’s gaze.

After a moment of silence, Ash cleared his throat awkwardly. "So... you want more tea or what?"

Misty smirked despite herself. "Sure, dear."

Ash groaned and slumped back on the couch as Pikachu giggled softly in the corner.

Misty sighed and reluctantly opened her mouth, allowing Ash to carefully blow on the tea and hold the cup to her lips. "This is ridiculous," she muttered between sips.

Delia chuckled from the kitchen. "You two bicker like an old married couple. Honestly, it’s adorable."

Ash nearly dropped the teacup. "Mom!"

Misty turned bright red, coughing on her tea. "W-We do not!"

Delia poked her head back into the living room with a sly smile. "Oh, really? Let’s see. Misty, how many times today has Ash hovered over you since you got hurt?"

Misty rolled her eyes. "At least fifty."

"And Ash," Delia continued, "how many times have you nagged Misty about resting or taking her medicine?"

Ash crossed his arms defensively. "That’s called being responsible!"

"Mm-hmm," Delia said knowingly. "And arguing about it every step of the way? Classic husband-and-wife behavior."

Misty groaned and buried her face in her hands. "We’re not married."

"Could’ve fooled me," Delia said with a laugh, disappearing back into the kitchen.

Ash rubbed the back of his neck, awkwardly glancing at Misty. "She’s just joking. Right?"

Misty peeked through her fingers. "Sure. Totally joking."

But as their eyes met, there was a fleeting moment of silence. Both of them quickly turned away, pretending to focus on anything but each other.

Pikachu, lounging on the armrest, smirked and let out a knowing, "Pika pika."

Delia chuckled softly, wiping her hands on her apron as she glanced at the two. "Honestly, you two bicker like an old married couple. It’s adorable."

Ash's face turned bright red. "Mom!"

Misty nearly spat her tea. "Mrs. Ketchum, that’s not—"

"Not what?" Delia teased, leaning against the kitchen counter. "Not true? Because from where I’m standing, you both have been at it since the moment you got here. And yet, you’re still sitting together. It’s sweet."

Misty crossed her arms, glaring at Ash. "You told your mom everything, didn’t you?"

Ash blinked in confusion. "What? No! She just... she just knows stuff!"

Delia smirked knowingly. "Mothers have a way of figuring things out, dear." She winked at Misty, making the redhead blush.

Ash sighed and turned back to Misty, holding the tea closer. "Come on, Misty. Just drink it before it gets cold. You’ve been through enough today."

Misty softened slightly, her eyes darting to Delia, who was smiling at them like she was watching her favorite show. With a sigh, she leaned forward and let Ash bring the cup to her lips.

"Happy?" she mumbled after taking a sip.

"Very," Ash said with a smirk, setting the cup down.

Delia clapped her hands. "See? You two make a perfect team."

Misty rolled her eyes. "We’re not a team. He’s just annoying."

"And you’re stubborn," Ash shot back with a grin.

Delia laughed, shaking her head as she walked back to the kitchen. "Like I said—an old married couple."

Misty groaned, throwing a pillow at Ash’s head. "I don’t know how I let myself stay here."

Ash caught the pillow, laughing. "Because you secretly like it here. And me."

Misty froze, her cheeks turning pink. "You wish."

Ash leaned back on the couch, smirking. "Maybe I do."

From the kitchen, Delia’s voice called out, "You two better not break anything while flirting in my living room!"

"Mom!" Ash yelled, his face burning.

Misty buried her face in her hands, muttering, "This is a nightmare."

But as Ash nudged her shoulder with a soft smile, she couldn’t help but laugh.