Have any of you met my cousin, Mia?

Ninjagofanjayandnya

Her books are good, Esp. the one shots.

But she has a very, very, VERY sensitive stomach.

So this is for her.

Ash paced anxiously in front of the bathroom door, arms crossed tightly against his chest. "Misty, are you okay?" he called out, trying to keep his voice calm.

"Yeah!" she yelled back, though the response sounded weak and strained.

Brock, sitting nearby, tried to reassure Ash. "Calm down. Misty just got food poisoning. She'll be fine."

Ash turned to Brock, his eyes wide with concern. "Will she?"

Brock gave him a steady look, his expression serious. "Yes. Yes, she will."

Just then, the bathroom door creaked open, and Misty stumbled out, nearly collapsing.

"Misty!" Ash yelled, rushing forward to catch her before she hit the floor.

"Bring her to the bed," Brock instructed, already retrieving a first aid kit from his bag.

Ash shot Brock a confused look. "Uh... you do realize this is a Pokémon Center, right?"

"Yeah, so?"

"And you're a famous Pokémon doctor and breeder...?" Ash pointed out, trying to make sense of the situation.

Brock’s eyes lit up with realization. "You're saying Joy might let me have a room for a while?"

Ash grinned, eager to lift their spirits. "I know so! She kept us in room five-oh-three."

Brock nodded seriously. "Let's go."

"Alrighty, Misty. Symptoms?" Brock asked with a clipboard in hand.

"Well, I feel sick," she replied, her voice small.

"Uh-huh," Brock noted, jotting down her response.

"I can't really eat much," Misty added, leaning back against the pillows.

"Uh-huh."

"And my boyfriend is practically hovering over me," she continued, glancing at Ash with a playful smile.

Brock raised an eyebrow, glancing between them. "Wow."

Ash looked confused, furrowing his brow. "You have a boyfriend?"

Misty nodded, still teasing. "A clueless one."

Brock laughed at Ash's expense, and Ash shrugged it off, still focused on Misty. "What are we going to do?" he asked, concern creeping back into his voice.

Brock sighed as he flipped through his notes, trying to assess the situation. "She's been poisoned heavily."

"Yes..."

"She's sick..."

"Uh-huh...."

Brock sighed again, then turned serious. "Ash, cover her ears."

Ash blinked, unsure but obediently moved closer to Misty, gently covering her ears with his hands. " Done."

Brock leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "We're gonna need to give her a t-o-h-s."

Ash's eyes widened in realization. "Oh."

"What happened?" Misty asked, sensing the change in tone.

Ash quickly shook his head, hoping to keep her mind off the shot. "Nothing."

As Brock prepared the medicine in a syringe, Ash couldn't help but shift the conversation back to Misty's earlier comment. "So, Misty, what’s your boyfriend like?"

Misty's face lit up, clearly happy to talk about him. "Oh, he's nice and sweet," she said, her eyes sparkling. "He loves to be reckless and adventurous, always pushing me out of my comfort zone."

Ash's heart raced as he listened, oblivious to the fact that she was describing him. "Sounds... familiar," he muttered, scratching the back of his head.

"Yeah," Misty continued, her voice softening. "He’s always there for me, even when I’m sick. He makes me laugh."

Brock interrupted, holding the shot, wipe, and band-aid up. "Okay, Misty, here comes the part you might not like."

Ash hesitated, glancing at the syringe nervously. “Uh… Misty? Would your boyfriend mind if I hugged you?”

Misty smirked, misinterpreting Ash's intent. “Oh, he wouldn’t mind. He knows how much I need comfort right now.”

“Great!” Ash said, relief flooding through him as he pulled her into a gentle hug, trying to distract her from what was about to happen.

Misty leaned into him, feeling the warmth and familiarity of Ash's presence. “Thanks, Ash,” she murmured, unaware of the shot looming behind her.

Brock took a deep breath, readying the syringe as Ash kept Misty occupied. “Just a quick little poke, and it’ll be over before you know it,” he reassured her, though Misty had no idea what was really about to happen.

Ash felt Misty relax in his arms and whispered, “You’re gonna be okay. Just focus on me.”

As Brock prepared to administer the shot, he shot Ash a knowing look, silently asking if he was ready to keep Misty distracted. Ash nodded, squeezing her a little tighter, hoping to give her the comfort she needed—without revealing what was truly happening behind her back.

As Brock prepared the shot, the atmosphere was tense. Ash held Misty tightly, his heart racing as he tried to keep her mind off what was happening.

“Misty?” Ash asked, trying to keep the conversation going. “How old is your boyfriend?”

Misty, still leaning against him, replied, “Same age as me and you. Ten.”

“Oh. Nice,” Ash said, his mind racing with thoughts.

“You know, your boyfriend and I should meet up,” Ash suggested, a playful smile creeping onto his face.

Misty suddenly choked, her eyes wide with surprise. “What?!”

Brock couldn’t contain his laughter, the sound ringing out in the quiet room. “Oh man, Ash! You’ve got to be kidding me!”

Ash looked confused, glancing back and forth between Misty and Brock. “What’s so funny?”

Misty’s cheeks flushed bright red as she stammered, “I didn’t mean— I mean, it’s not like that! My boyfriend is—”

“Ten!” Brock interjected, still chuckling. “That’s the perfect age for a little rivalry!”

Ash’s eyes widened. “Wait, what? You think I’m—”

Brock interrupted, “You’re a great candidate! Ten years old, reckless, and always getting into trouble. It fits perfectly!”

Misty shot Brock a glare but couldn’t help but laugh a little too. “Yeah, well, my boyfriend is way cooler than you two.”

Ash puffed out his chest, trying to seem confident. “Cooler? How? I can catch Pokémon!”

Brock smirked. “And what’s he doing? Probably taking a nap or something.”

Misty folded her arms, a playful glint in her eye. “At least he doesn’t trip over his own feet every five minutes!”

“Hey!” Ash protested, feeling slightly embarrassed but also amused. “That was one time!”

Brock took that moment to inject the medicine into Misty’s arm quickly, finishing with a flourish. “And that’s done! See, Misty? No big deal!”

Misty looked down, realizing it was over before she had even registered what was happening. “Oh… that wasn’t so bad.”

Ash released her, grinning widely. “Told you! Now you can get back to your boyfriend.”

Brock nodded, wiping the syringe clean. “And when he hears you got sick, he’s going to be all worried and protective, just like Ash.”

Misty rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Yeah, well, he’d better know how to take care of me!”

“Sounds like he’s got some competition,” Ash teased, his confidence growing.

Misty looked between them, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Good luck with that, Ash. He’s pretty great.”

“Sure, sure,” Ash said, waving her off. “But I’ll still be your number one friend!”

Brock laughed, shaking his head. “Let’s not forget, Ash—number one doesn’t always mean best.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ash replied, a grin on his face. “Just you wait! I’ll meet him, and we’ll see who’s really the best!”

Misty's brow furrowed as she looked at Ash incredulously. “Ash, are you serious? You’re usually smarter than this!”

“Huh?” Ash responded, his face a mix of confusion and surprise.

“Ash?” she said, a teasing smirk forming on her lips. “I thought we were past this.” She opened her locket, revealing two tiny pictures. The first was a snapshot of the three of them—Ash, Misty, and Brock—surrounded by their Pokémon, all smiles and laughter. The second picture, however, was just Ash and Misty, caught in a moment of happiness together.

“Wait…” Ash stammered, leaning closer to get a better look. His eyes widened in realization. “I’m your boyfriend?!”

Misty’s cheeks flushed crimson, and she quickly closed the locket, a mixture of embarrassment and excitement flickering in her expression. “Um… well… I mean…”

Brock, still nearby, burst into laughter again, thoroughly enjoying the unfolding drama. “You two are like an old married couple already!”

Ash’s mouth hung open in shock. “But I didn’t even know! How come no one told me?”

Misty tried to hold back a laugh but ultimately gave in. “You never asked, Ash! And it was kind of obvious!”

Ash rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous grin spreading across his face. “I thought you were just being nice, like friends are!”

Brock interjected, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “You two need to talk more. Clearly, you’re not on the same page here!”

Misty crossed her arms, a teasing smile breaking through her embarrassment. “Well, maybe if you weren’t so clueless, Ash!”

Ash frowned slightly, tilting his head. “Clueless? I mean, I catch Pokémon and save the world! How can I be clueless about this?”

Misty chuckled, rolling her eyes. “Saving the world doesn’t mean you can’t be clueless about your own feelings.”

“Okay, okay, fair point,” Ash admitted, scratching his head. “So… what now?”

Misty took a deep breath, feeling a newfound confidence. “Well, I guess we just have to figure this out together, don’t we?”

“Together?” Ash repeated, the word settling in his mind.

“Yeah,” Misty said, a soft smile on her face. “We’re partners, right?”

Ash’s heart raced. “Partners!”

Brock, feeling the love in the air, nudged Ash with his elbow. “See? You’re already on the right track. Just remember to be less clueless from now on!”

“Hey!” Ash protested, but he couldn’t help but laugh along. “I’ll try!”

Suddenly, Misty groaned again, clutching her stomach as she sank back into the pillows. “Oh no… I really don’t feel good.”

Ash’s eyes widened in alarm. “Oh no! Brock, get ready for operation!” He darted toward the door, panic evident in his voice.

“Wait, Ash—” Brock called after him, shaking his head with a chuckle. “You don’t need to run out like that—”

But Ash was already gone, yelling into the hallway, “I’ll find Nurse Joy! Stay strong, Misty!”

Brock turned back to Misty, an amused grin spreading across his face. “You chose a weird guy for your boyfriend.”

Misty chuckled softly, despite her discomfort. “Eh, I love him anyway.”

“Are you sure about that?” Brock teased, raising an eyebrow. “Because he’s about to scare Nurse Joy into giving him the emergency first aid kit.”

Misty smiled, her heart swelling at the thought of Ash’s eagerness to help her. “I mean, it’s kind of sweet in a ridiculous way, don’t you think?”

“Sweet? Maybe,” Brock replied, smirking. “Ridiculous? Definitely.”

Just then, Ash burst back into the room, panting and nearly tripping over his own feet. “I found Nurse Joy!” he exclaimed, his face flushed. “And she said to keep you hydrated!”

He held up a cup of water like it was a trophy, his eyes sparkling with triumph. “I’ll be your water bearer! Just like a knight in shining armor!”

Misty couldn't help but laugh, even as she felt a wave of nausea wash over her. “You’re so dramatic, Ash.”

“I’m serious!” Ash said, dramatically holding the cup closer to her. “Drink up! Hydration is key to recovery!”

Brock leaned back, crossing his arms and watching the exchange with a smirk. “Looks like you’re in good hands, Misty. Just don’t let him try any crazy rescue missions.”

“Too late,” Misty said, taking a sip of water. “He already has.”

Ash’s eyes lit up, oblivious to Brock’s comment. “See? I’m doing my job!”

Brock chuckled, shaking his head. “Just remember, you can’t fight wild Pokémon with a sick Misty.”

“Don’t worry, Brock! I’ll take care of her,” Ash declared, puffing out his chest.

Misty shook her head, her heart warming at the sight of Ash’s determination. “I know you will, Ash. Just don’t scare Nurse Joy too much.”

Ash grinned back at her, confidence shining in his eyes. “I promise! I’m on it!”

“Misty, you need to drink more water,” he said, offering her the cup again.

“I just had some, Ash,” she replied, her voice weak but determined.

“Yeah, but that was like… ten minutes ago! You’ve got to stay hydrated!” Ash insisted, concern etched on his face. He watched her closely as if he could physically will the water into her.

Misty rolled her eyes playfully, though it was tinged with affection. “I’m fine! I’m just a little queasy, okay?”

“No, you’re not fine! You need to eat something too,” he said, glancing at the snack tray Brock had brought in earlier. “Here, how about some crackers?”

“Ugh, Ash! I really don’t feel like eating,” she groaned, burying her face in her pillow. “Can’t you let me just rest?”

“Rest is good, but you need to drink something first,” Ash replied, setting the cup back on her lap. “You can’t sleep on an empty stomach. You’ll feel worse!”

Misty sighed dramatically, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment before she opened them again. “It’s the middle of the day, Ash. I can’t just sleep!”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying!” Ash exclaimed, hands on his hips. “You need to sleep! I know you can be a stubborn trainer, but you’ve got to listen to me this time!”

“Stubborn? Me?” Misty smirked, raising an eyebrow. “I think you might be talking about yourself here.”

“Okay, maybe I’m a little stubborn too,” Ash admitted, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “But I’m trying to help!”

Brock walked in, raising an eyebrow at the scene. “What’s going on in here? Is Ash giving you a hard time again?”

“He’s being overprotective!” Misty retorted, shooting Ash a playful glare. “He won’t let me rest without nagging me to drink water and eat!”

“That’s because he cares,” Brock said, smiling knowingly. “But, Ash, you do realize she’s not going to recover faster if you keep her from resting.”

“I know, I know,” Ash replied, running a hand through his hair, frustration creeping into his voice. “But I just want her to feel better!”

Misty looked at him, touched by his concern. “I appreciate it, Ash. Really. But I’ll be fine. Just… maybe tone it down a bit?”

“Okay, but I’m still checking in on you,” Ash said, grabbing her hand gently. “Every ten minutes.”

Misty laughed softly, appreciating the gesture. “Every ten minutes? You’re relentless!”

“I’ll be relentless until you feel better,” he declared, finally sitting down beside her, his protective nature settling into a comforting presence.

Brock shook his head with a chuckle. “I’m going to grab some food. You two try to behave, alright?”

As Brock left the room, Misty leaned back against the pillows, a small smile on her face. “You know, for a clueless boyfriend, you’re actually kind of sweet, Ash.”

Ash beamed, his usual confidence returning. “I just want to make sure you’re okay, Misty.”

“Yeah, I know,” she said softly. “Just remember to let me rest too, okay?”

“I promise,” Ash replied, leaning back in his chair, keeping a watchful eye on her. “Now close your eyes and try to relax. I’ll be right here.”

As the afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, Misty stirred awake, her senses slowly returning to her. The first thing she noticed was Ash, pacing frantically around the room, his eyes wide with worry.

“Misty! Thank goodness you’re awake!” Ash exclaimed, his voice a mix of relief and panic. “I thought you were going to sleep forever!”

“What happened?” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

Brock, who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, shook his head in amusement. “Dude, calm down,” he said, his tone light but firm. “You’re acting like a mother hen.”

“I can’t help it! You were out for hours!” Ash replied, running a hand through his hair. “I thought maybe something was wrong.”

Misty pushed herself up to a sitting position, trying to shake off the drowsiness. “I’m okay, Ash. Just needed some rest.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t know if you’d wake up!” Ash shot back, still pacing. “You weren’t responding, and I was worried you were—”

“Misty’s fine, Ash!” Brock interrupted, stepping in to diffuse the situation. “Just let her breathe for a moment. She doesn’t need you hovering over her like a helicopter.”

Misty smiled slightly at Brock’s intervention. “Thanks, Brock. I appreciate you looking out for me, but Ash is just being… well, Ash.”

“I’m just trying to make sure you’re okay!” Ash insisted, finally stopping his pacing to look at her with those concerned eyes.

“I am okay,” she reassured him, though the sight of his distress made her heart flutter in an unexpected way. “I just needed some sleep. You’re acting like I’ve been out for days.”

“Maybe it feels like days to me!” Ash shot back, but the edge of his worry began to soften. “I just don’t like seeing you sick. It freaks me out.”

Misty’s expression softened. “I know, and it’s sweet of you. But you need to relax. I promise, I’ll let you know if something feels off.”

“Okay, but only if you promise to drink some more water,” Ash replied, his hands still fidgeting as he moved closer to her side.

“Deal,” she said, smiling, and Ash finally seemed to breathe a little easier.

Brock chuckled as he rummaged through the first aid kit. “You know, you two are cute when you’re all worried about each other.”

Ash turned bright red, and Misty felt a warmth creeping into her cheeks as well. “We’re just friends, Brock!” Ash protested, but his eyes didn’t leave Misty’s.

“Right, friends,” Brock teased, smirking. “Friends who act like they’re in a soap opera.”

“Can we focus on getting Misty better instead of your ridiculous comments?” Ash shot back, clearly embarrassed but grateful that Misty was awake.

Misty rolled her eyes playfully. “You two are impossible.”

“Okay, okay, let’s just make sure you eat something and hydrate,” Brock said, finally taking control of the situation. “We’ll get you back on your feet in no time.”

As Brock moved to grab some food, Misty turned to Ash, her expression serious. “Really, thank you for being here, Ash. It means a lot.”

“I’d do anything for you, Misty,” he replied, his sincerity shining through.

Theb Ash stood on his tiptoes, leaning in to wrap his arms around Misty in a tight embrace. The moment felt electric, a blend of relief and warmth washing over him as he held her close. “Don’t do that ever again, Misty,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Misty could feel the tension in his body, the way his heart raced against her own. She pulled back slightly, looking into his worried eyes. “Hey, Ash,” she said softly, her heart melting at the sight of his concerned expression. “I’m okay. Please don’t cry. Please.”

His hat slipped down slightly, casting a shadow over his eyes as he shook his head, trying to regain his composure. “I just... I can’t stand seeing you like this. It freaks me out when you’re sick.”

Misty smiled gently, brushing a hand against his cheek, nudging his hat back into place. “I know, and I appreciate it. You really care, don’t you?”

“Of course I do,” Ash replied, his voice steadying as he took a deep breath. “You’re my friend. You’re important to me.”

The sincerity in his words made her heart flutter. “And you’re important to me, too. But I promise, I’m on the mend now.”

Brock, who had been silently observing their exchange, cleared his throat and decided to lighten the mood. “Okay, lovebirds, how about some food before we turn this into a full-on drama scene?”

Ash rolled his eyes, a slight blush creeping up his cheeks. “Brock! It’s not like that!”

Misty chuckled, feeling the tension dissipate. “He’s right, though. Let’s eat something. I could use a snack.”

“Exactly,” Brock said, flashing a grin as he handed Misty a bowl of oatmeal. “See? Much better than worrying. Plus, I’m sure Ash will keep reminding you to drink water.”

“Yeah, I will!”