In the Quiet of the Night

PART TWO

The next morning, I awoke still sat in the grass near the Pokémon Center. I was kind of surprised that Nurse Joy didn't tell me to go back inside. But I knew that I had to in order to get my stuff. I got up and dusted myself off, then went back in. As I packed my stuff, that song popped back into my head, and, like before, I couldn't resist singing. Ready to head out and track down my friends, I thanked Nurse Joy for letting me stay the night, then walked out the door.

As I walked, I began to sing yet again. Why was that song stuck in my head? I shrugged and kept walking, not minding the fact that I was still singing. About halfway through the forest, I came to a clearing. There, fishing at the river I'd fished him out of just a year or so ago, I saw him. Or was it a mirage? It seemed like it wasn't going to be that easy. But as hopeful as ever, I ran over to see for myself. And sure enough, it was real! He was there! I dropped my backpack where I stood, and ran over to him.

As I got closer, Brock tapped Ash's shoulder. "Ash!" he said. "Turn around!" When Ash turned around, he sprung to his feet and ran to hug me.

"Misty! You got my letter!" he exclaimed, happy to see me again.

I laughed, nodding as I hugged him back.

As I pulled back, I couldn't help but blush and bite my lip.

"What's wrong, Mist?" he asked. I internally swooned. I loved when he called me that. But, I said nothing. He asked again. Then, I replied, "Nothing. I'm fine."

He raised a brow at me, as if demanding the truth.

I sighed deeply. "Are you sure you want to know?"

He nodded.

I sighed again. "I..."

"Yes...?"

"I love you. I always have. I was just afraid that you would reject me," I confessed, blushing furiously.

He took my hands gently in his own and gazed into my eyes. "Why would I reject you, Mist?" he asked.

I looked down. "I dunno. I guess I was being kinda silly, huh?"

He nodded again, not moving away from me. "A little bit. But, uh, since we're confessing stuff, I have a secret of my own," he whispered.

I tilted my head. "What's that?"

He leaned in close to my ear and, still whispering, said, "I love you too."

I teared up and hugged him again, tightly. "Oh, Ash!" I exclaimed happily, letting my tears flow freely. He dried my eyes. "Don't cry," he said gently.

I shook my head. "I can't help it. I'm so happy!" He smiled softly and kissed my forehead. "I'm glad you're happy," he said in a quiet voice. I just grinned up at him.

Meanwhile, Brock was off talking to some girl, probably Officer Jenny or Nurse Joy. Why either one would be by the river was beyond me. But, I was right. He ran back over, blushing. I chose not to press the issue, because he was always getting rejected by someone, and that's probably what happened.

"What'd I miss?" he asked, scratching his head at mine and Ash's PDA.

"Oh, uh..." I stalled.

Ash sighed and took it upon himself to explain. "You know how Misty was acting so strangely before?" he began.

Brock nodded slightly.

"Do you know why she acted that way?"

Brock shook his head. "Why?"

I grabbed Ash's hand lightly. "I love him."

"And I love her," he said, looking back at me.

Brock smiled at us. "I'm happy for you both."

Ash hugged me yet again and kissed my cheeks. "Why don't I take you home? I mean, it's the least I could do after making you come this far." I nodded and went to grab my backpack. He grabbed his own and took my hand. Soon, we were on our way.

Eventually, we passed his house. "Should we tell your mother?" I asked. He shook his head a little. "I'll tell her soon." I nodded silently as we continued walking to Cerulean City. I didn't remember the trip ever being so long.

After what seemed like an hour or two, we had arrived in my hometown. We walked for a few more minutes to my house. Once there, Ash knocked on the door and waited for an answer. My eldest sister answered the door and was surprised to see Ash with me. "What's he doing here?" she asked.

"He wanted to walk me home since he's the one who made me go all that way to see him," I said softly as I pulled my hand back gently. He nodded in confirmation and kissed my cheek.

My sister narrowed her eyes at us. "Are you two...in love with each other?"

We nodded slightly in reply.

"Well, I suppose I can't say anything against it. If you're happy, I'm happy." She then took me into the house and I waved goodbye to Ash, hoping to see him again someday.

END