Anything For Love - Ch.25

FAN ART DONE BY SHIKI-TENKEN



Anything For Love

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or the characters from Pokemon in this story

Warning: Minor swearwords

Main Characters Ages:

Misty/Mickey- 18
Gary- 18
Ash- 18
Richie- 18

"…" Talking

'Italic' Thinking/Texting

Chapter 25: The Promised Date

**Third Years' Classroom**

Matt smiled at Gary's serious expression. Even though he could have ended their feud by accepting the proposal, he wanted to make things a bit more interesting. "Seeing you dressed up as a girl would be awesome. But I want to win and you being the class girl won't win us first place."

"What, you don't think I can win it for our class?" Gary raised an eyebrow.

A bigger smile appeared on Matt's face. "Look at you, your body is no where slim or slender like Mickey's or even a quarter of the classmates in here. Your body frame is all muscular. Do you really think you can win? I don't know how you can pull it off, especially going against Georgio."

"At this point it doesn't matter if I win it or not. All that matters is that I volunteered to be the class girl. And if I remember correctly in the past two years, if someone volunteers for it willingly they are automatically it." Gary replied back.

Matt slouched in his chair and acted like he didn't give a damn. "It's true that you're automatically the class girl now. But you're avoiding the question, so that means you already know you won't win it for us," Matt caught the glare from Gary, as he knew he was very close on getting Gary to take the bait. "Let's do a side wager, if you're man enough that is—"

Pride took over instantly before he could let Matt explain the wager proposals. "Have you forgotten who you're talking to? I know I'll win so I accept the wager before hearing it."

'Got him,' Matt thought to himself. "Since you agreed before hearing the proposals you have no say it in. So if you win I'll be your personal lackey for a weekend. But if you lose, I get to torment Mickey for a day. Annnnd I think I'll strip him down in front of everyone and dress him up as a girl."

Ash's curious stare became more of a confused one at Matt. "Why are you dragging Mickey in this? Isn't this between you and Gary? Shouldn't the tormenting be towards Gary?"

Matt smiled at Ash. "Yes and no, but if I torment Mickey, not only it'll tick Gary off, but you and Richie as well. I've notices you guys have been defending him like he's hiding something."

"There's nothing to hide, Mickey's a good guy that we don't want douche bags like you to mess with," Ash hissed back. "Besides none of us will agre—" Ash stopped midway when Mickey had called out his name.

"It's alright. I know Gary will win." Misty said in a confident tone. But deep down she also couldn't help feel a bit worry of the 'what if' possibility. She quickly looked over at Gary with a smirk. "Crush him."

Gary gave Misty a quick understanding nod and looks straight back at Matt. "About three weeks from now prepare to be my lackey." Gary got up grabbing his belongings and headed towards the front of the classroom. He stopped in front of Richie. "I'm leaving now, give all my list duties and whatever info to Mickey." Gary then made his way towards the door.

President Leo called out for Gary's attention. "Wait we're not done yet. We still—"

Richie held his hand up in Leo's face to stop him. "Don't even bother. He's the type that doesn't like to sit around and waste time on things when he knows there's stuff to do. Anyways let's get the remaining show on the road so we can get out of here and have an early start on our weekend. Lex, please take it away with the list of duties everyone will be assigned to."

**An Hour Later – Dorm Room #320**

With Togepi in one of her arms, Misty opened the door with her other and quickly entered into the bedroom. Seeing Gary straight ahead of her at his study desk, she let out a sigh after closing the door behind her. With Umbreon's alertness of being excited, Gary turned around as the two just stared at each other. Misty made the first move by clearing her throat.

"Thank you so much for covering for me Gary. I didn't expect it, you would have been the last person who would want to be dressed up and display like that." Misty took a seat at the edge of her bed and placed Togepi toward the middle with Umbreon.

"With the look you had on her face in the classroom, it's kind of hard to ignore. So you owe me big time." Gary replied in a serious tone.

"Gotcha, what do I have to do this time to be in the clear with you?"

"The day of the auction fundraiser, you're buying me."

"Wait what? That means we'll be on a date!"

Gary gave Misty a glare. "You idiot, just because you bid on us for a date, it doesn't mean we HAVE to go on the date. Once the bidder wins the person, it's the winner's choice on how and where they want to go throughout the whole day. So I don't care how much it takes, you better be the winner when they auction me. Because I am not going out on a date with one of those crazy fan girls, you're more than enough to turn my life upside down already."

"Oh Gary you're such a genius! I'll make sure I have enough cash on me. So for the past two years, what were the average winning bids?"

"It really depends on the person, the most I remember was a thousand and something."

"Holy crap, a thousand just for a freaking date?" Misty yelled out loud; close to throwing hers and Gary's paper sheet that had the duties on it into the air.

"Yeah tell me about it…" Gary grabbed both sheets of paper out of Misty's hand and turned away to check them out. "…That's the crazy power of a fan girl and that is why I'm making you buy me. After you win, you'll be escort to the back to meet the one you bid on and after they change back into their regular clothes, the 'date' starts…" Gary pause a bit to grab a pen so he could write on both paper sheets. "…So we'll walk around for a bit inside the school and when we think its all clear, we'll split up. I'll be in the bedroom for the remaining day." Gary turned back around and handed Misty her sheet.

Misty grabbed the paper but didn't bother looking at it just yet. "Alright, that sounds like a good plan. But can I ask, besides the obviously of Matt being a douche-bag, why do you and him hate each other so much?"

"Hah, I guess you haven't heard about it, besides me beating his ass in front of everyone during First Year, we were rivals for a couple of years when traveling."

"You guys traveled together?"

"Hell no, we just happen to always run paths with each other and joined in the same tournaments and let just say he was always second runner up. And at this rate he'll always will." Gary turned away with a smirk on his face.

"That explains the feud between you two. Anyways Gary thanks a lot. You don't know how much you saved me from being exposed."

"I guess I'm not ready to see your goober ass gone yet. I still want to see how many more ways you can mess up when trying to grab a hold of Ashy's heart."

"Oh hah-hah, very funny! For your information, it's improving."

"How so?"

"Not going to tell you! You're just going to have to wait until it happens. But anyways back to business. Since I am part of the wager and I definitely cannot afford of losing, I told Richie that I'll be the one who's going to help you get ready before you're out on stage. You know since I do know a few tricks of disguises myself." Misty stuck out her tongue playfully and then finally looked down at her sheet. After glancing at it, she raised an eyebrow towards Gary. "Why are most of my duties crossed out and some are written in?"

"Since you couldn't tell by just looking at it, I gave you the easy and light duties while I took the heavier load ones, it'll be a lot easier and quicker if we did it this way. Don't worry, I left the groups one that has Ashy in it. We have about two weeks to get ready, but we need to have everything all set up and done the day before the academy's annual auction fundraiser. Just like you, I can't afford you throwing out your back or having heavy stuff drop on you for you to be out cold and not being there for the auction."

"Oooh, thanks I guess. So speaking of me being at the auction, how am I supposed to pull it off being there without being caught or have the classmates notice that Mickey's gone?"

"I don't know and I don't care. That's usually more of your department isn't it? You always seems be a head of the game of yours," Gary got up from his chair, grabbing his personal belongings and his duties list. "You might want to keep an eye on Togepi because Umbreon and I are leaving now. You know how much he loves running after us when he's on the bed."

Umbreon jumped off Misty's bed and walked along side with his master, as Gary waved goodbye. Misty's 'bye' reached Gary before he disappeared through the door, as she then grabbed a hold of Togepi and twirled him around.

"Gary is an awesome friend isn't he? Thanks to him, I got to say a bit longer to be close with 'daddy', as Richie puts it. Hehehe!" She then fell backwards onto her bed with Togepi held upwards in the air. "But I've notices that you've been really rowdy with Ash but pretty calm with Gary, I wonder why? Oh well, in a way it'll works towards my advantage."

**Later that Evening – Dorm Room #320**

"Welcome back Gar—Geez, you're a total mess! It looks like you fell through a big hole that a Dugtrio dug."

Gary glared at Misty as he closed the door behind him. "Close enough to that scenario. Derek, Luke and I were patching up some holes on the main battlefield. When we told Umbreon, Espeon and Vaporeon that they could take their breaks first, they decided to mess with us. So Umbreon and Espeon tackled us in a hole and Vaporeon drenched us." Gary stripped his shirt before grabbing a set of cleans clothes to take to the bathroom.

"Hahaha! I wish I was there to see it. I guess there's always next time—" Misty stopped when she felt the vibration from her phone, as she quickly pulled it out from her pocket in excitement. She didn't notice the raised eyebrow from Gary when he had noticed that it wasn't her usual phone. Misty let it vibrate one more time since she had to clear her throat to her regular girl tone. "Hello Ash, it's a surprise to receive a call from you. Is there something wrong with Mickey?"

Gary caught the big goofy smile on Misty's face which got him curious where the phone call was heading. He was about to just stand by and watch in peace with Umbreon, but Togepi walked over to him and called out to him. He had no choice but to pick up the little egg pokemon while listening in Misty's conversation.

"—So nothing is wrong with Mickey you say? Then what's with the call?" Misty asked.

Ash on the other side of the cell phone let out a tiny chuckle when he rested his back against his bedroom wall. "I'm calling to ask you if you were available tomorrow for that date of ours I promised you."

"A date with you tomorrow?" Misty asks uncertainly towards Ash but in front of Gary she was smiling like crazy.

Ash couldn't help to let out another chuckle at Misty's reply. "Yes a date with me tomorrow. Or do we need to reschedule?"

"Oh no! Tomorrow will be good! Umm you don't mind if we meet at Lil' Pandas' first do you?"

"Nope, I don't mind at all. And I hope you don't mind that we're going to wing the date."

Misty let out a smile because of Ash's comment since she knew it's been tough on him. "We'll just go with the flow. I'm just happy that I get to be with you."

"Heh, that's what Mickey said a few days ago. You two do think alike. Well when do you want to meet?"

"Can I get back to you on that? I have to figure some stuff out and I'll send you a text?"

"Sure not a problem, I'll talk to you later than. Bye Misty."

"Bye-bye Ash." Misty pressed the 'end call' and looked over at Gary with a big smile. "Guess who finally got a date tomorrow!"

"Mmmmm, is it the dorky goober in front of me?" Gary asked sarcastically and beside the fact his pants we're dirty he decided to take a seat on his bed. As he then placed Togepi down next to him. "So that's the improvement you were talking about earlier, well congrats on finally getting that date."

Misty sat down on her bed facing right across of Gary. "Well it was kind of thanks to you in a way. I was told that you went up to him told him to man-up on his date. So thanks. Even if it was a debt, you got him to do it."

"It was nothing. If you don't push him, he'll forget it or just won't do it. Trust me, I've dealt with it many times when we were kids."

"I see, well thanks for the push. Buuuuuuut."

"But what?" Gary gave Misty an unpleasant stare.

"There's an issue for tomorrow's date. I can't take Togepi…" Misty pointed at Togepi; who's playfully head butting Gary's arm. "…Since he belongs to Mickey. So I need a BIG favor from you, could you watch him for me?"

"No. Haven't I done a lot for you already? Now you want me to babysit? I do have my own things to do."

"But Gaaary! Pretty pleeeease? I can't take him and he's just not ready to go in his pokeball yet. Besides he's so well behaved with you!"

"You're just saying that."

"No I'm not, he's semi-well behaved with Ash but mostly rowdy with him. The next closest person he'll behave for is Brock. But he's way to busy taking care of the students' pokemon with Nurse Joy. Pretty please Gary? Look how happy and playful he is with you right now." Misty couldn't help but smile at the fact Togepi cheering in joy while hugging Gary's hand.

Gary looked down at Togepi and over at Umbreon; who nudged his head against his knee. Gary rubbed Umbreon's head with his other hand and let a smile. "You have been taking her side way too much lately. But if you're willing to use your free day to watch Togepi with me then Mickey owes you big." Gary eyed Misty as a hint.

Misty didn't say anything when she pushed herself off her bed and tackled Gary with a hug. Causing the two to lose balance and lead her being on top of him. "Thank you so much Gary! You are a life saver again!" Misty didn't think too much of the current position the two were in, as she pulled away from Gary to give Umbreon her thanks with a tight hug. "Thank you so-so much Umbreon! You're the best for giving up your free day for me. You are going to get a very special treat tomorrow night! But first I sooo giving you another strawberry bath after you're oh-so awesome master of yours takes his shower." Misty looked up at Gary and tugged at his dirty pants. "Hurry it up and take your shower."

"Now you're throwing out demands?" Gary handed Togepi to Misty and got onto his feet. He then noticed Misty placed Togepi down next to Umbreon as she too got onto her feet to see her stripping the top covers of his bed. "What are you doing?"

Bundling the cover into a ball in her arms, Misty let out a cheerful smile. "Well if you haven't noticed, you got your covers dirty and so I'm taking it down the laundry room to get it wash. And since those pants of yours are dirty too, I need you to take them off."

Gary let out a smirk at Misty's good mood, as he couldn't help but to tease her. "Next time if you want to see me pants less, all you need to ask. You don't need an excuse."

Misty who was keeping an eye on Togepi and Umbreon, quickly looked at Gary all flustered. "That's not what I meant Gary! I mean I want your pants off is becaus—Gary take your pants off in the bathroom!" Misty shouted when she turned her head away, pointing at the bathroom door.

Gary only had his pants button undone when he stopped, as he let out a laugh. He ruffled up Misty's hair when he walked pass her. "It's not like you haven't seen me in my boxers from time to time anyways. But the pants will be on the other side of the door in a few minutes when I get in there."

"Gosh whatever! I know it's nothing new of your being in your boxers but when you say or pull stunts like that, I just don't know if you're being serious or just messing with me! You have a weird and hard sense of humor to understand most of the time F.Y.I."

"Yeeeah, yeaaah, and that is why it's so easy to mess with you."

"Bleeeh!" Misty stuck out her tongue but quickly pulled it back in her mouth. "Oh! So will you be able to take Togepi in the morning like eight or nine-ish until whenever I return?"

"Yeah sure, just let me have my peace and quiet after I get out of the shower and we got a deal."

"Yes Sir Lone Wolf!" Misty playfully saluted at Gary. "Oh and before I forget, I'm going to text you my other cell phone that belongs to 'Cousin Misty'. That way if you need to contact me, use that number if you have to call since I'm turning off my main one."

"Kay, just make me a list of instructions. Because the moment I step out of the bathroom, you're not to bother me, got it." Gary then closed the bathroom door behind him.

Misty didn't even get a chance to reply back, as she just turned her attention to Togepi and Umbreon. She let out a long sigh because she realized every single time when Gary disappears into the bathroom, the two and sometime three; Poliwhirl, becomes really rowdy. But that didn't bother her as much since her mind was elsewhere about her date. While waiting for Gary's remaining dirty clothes to be toss out, Misty decided to send a text to Ash so they could discuss the time of their date for tomorrow.

**Next Day – Saturday Morning 9 o' Clock**

When Misty reached the backdoor of Lil' Pandas', she entered in the code and quietly made her way towards Lili's and Lonnie's office. Out of respect of one's room or office, she knocked on the door first to make sure if anyone was in there or not. When she heard no reply from the other side, she made her way into the office and head straight to the bathroom to change into her 'Misty' disguise. When she finally stepped out of the bathroom, she walked into a frantic Lili and a few of her other co-workers; Tashie Shadow, Caffenineninja and Elizabeth Aaron-Rihu.

"Hey what's wrong?" Misty asked out loud to get their attention.

Lili turned to finally realize Misty was in the office. "Misty? Oh my gosh MISTY! I need your help! I know you're not working but the fact that you're here at this very moment is a sign that Lady-Lucky is on my side. Would you please help a chicka out?"

"Uhh-I'm here because Ash finally asked me out on a date. And he's probably out in the café lounge already since I ran here late."

Lili grabbed a hold of Misty's hands in excitement. "Oh wow! I'm so happy for you that Ashy has finally asked you out on a date! Even though I think Gary would be a better match." Lili said the sentence quietly but Misty still heard.

"Lili, you're just saying that because you're being bias and you like Gary more than Ash huh?"

"You know your boss pretty well don't you? Hahaha anyways, I'll only take a tiny bit of your time? I'll go talk to Ashy and bribe him or something to make up for the lateness. It'll be a win-win situation, as the reason why you were late was because of me. I really need you. Lily Lighting suddenly came down with a cold and cannot be here this morning to model."

"Wait, hold on, I'm just modeling?"

"Yes, you'll be wearing Lily's outfit since you two are about the same size. Anyways you'll be modeling in front of two old friends of mine and your oldest sister Daisy. First one will be an artist; who'll draw quick chibi portraits of all the models, she goes by Chuu Oneluckystar and the other is Dafne Crackingvoices, who's a fashion critique for one of the top known foreign magazines. So she's the one that we need to impress—"

"Lili, no need to explain anymore, I'll do it."

"Reeally? You are such a lifesaver!" Lili bear-hugged Misty.

"You've helped me out in a lot of situations. So this is the least I could do to return the favor. So who's all modeling and where am I supposed to get ready at?"

"Oh right, give me a minute," Lili pressed down on her headset microphone. "Silveeer, oh Silver-Hedgehooog. I need you to come to my office and take Misty to the changing room, she's replacing Lily and we should be able to start our fashion show in thirty minutes. Got it?"

From the other end of one of the many microphones. "Got it Lili. I'll be there in less than a minute."

"Thanks," Lili turned to her three other employees and handed them each a piece of paper. On each one of their papers had a list of duties what needed to get done before and during backstage with the other co-workers that were in the mini fashion show. She then looked over at Misty. "Thanks again and I'll head out to the café lounge and tell Ash the situation.

Misty nodded, as she watched everyone slowly made their way out of Lili's and Lonnie's office, while she waited for Silver to get her.

**Sometime Later – In the Banquet Room**

Ten minutes into the mini fashion show, Misty watched Jaymie; dressed up as a Vaporeon, in a pair of jeans and a blue hoodie with a tail attached to it, walk passed Ayo Kitty the Skitty returning backstage. Jaymie flashed his dashing smile at Misty encouraging her she'll do fine. Misty mouthed 'thank you' to him before was completely off the backstage, heading towards the changing stalls. A dreadful sigh escaped from her mouth as she watches on Ayo, twirled in a tan skirt and then slyly dusty her pink jacket during her pose. It wasn't the fact she was nervous in front of Dafne and Chuu, it was more embarrassing when knowing a lot of the morning regulars we're watching the show and one of them is Ash. But after telling herself that she has dressed up as a mermaid in front of thousands of fans back at her family's gym, her current outfit was nothing compared to that. When she heard Amira Tima called out her name, she stepped out into the spotlight with confidences to show off the Goldeen outfit. A green gem; placed at the middle of her chest, went nicely against the solid white bodysuit, as it sparkled in the light. But it was no match to the white and red-orange ballroom dress like tail that sparkled like a diamond mine at every step Misty took. When passing Ayo, Misty was fine and dandy until she reached at the end of the runway when she noticed Ash eyeing her intensely.

"That's a pretty cute outfit Misty!" Ash let out a smile, as he could see the blush on Misty's cheek.

Misty just smiled and quickly tossed her hair behind her shoulders as her signature pose. Quickly turning around and heading back down the runway. She took a quick look at Zoraidaz, when passing her and couldn't help but smile at her Shiny Umbreon outfit with a pair of capri pants and a fitted black tank that had blue circles rings in the right places.

Finally off the stage and changed back into a fitted top and a pair of shorts, Misty quietly made her way where Ash sat during the fashion show. Before getting the chance to tap his shoulders to get his attention, Ash had already turned around with a tiny smile. For he had already saw her coming out the corner of his eyes, as he got up from his seat and pointed towards the main exit entrance. Misty nodded as she followed right behind Ash, where he then took her towards the café lounge to his and Richie's regular table. The two took a seat across of each other and stared at one another for a good ten second until Crissytje one of the waitresses showed up.

"Hi, what would the two cute couple like to order?" Crissytje said with a big smile when eyeing Misty; who was trying to hide her giddiness.

Ash held out a voucher for Crissytje to take. "We'll just go with this lunch for two combo package that is offered on this voucher."

"Alright then, but what would you like to drink?"

"I'll take a lemonade and Misty what would you like to drink?"

Misty didn't answer right away for she was wondering what vouchers Lili ended up giving away. "I guess I'll have a strawberry lemonade please." Misty replied and then looked over at Ash when their waitress left the table. "You had a voucher lunch for two combo?"

"Oh yeah, hah, Lili gave me a bunch of free vouchers to make up stealing you for her fashion show. I told her I was fine with receiving nothing but she insisted to take something as a reward…" Ash pulled out all the voucher coupons from his jacket pocket and placed it on the table. "…But the vouchers are only usable for couples."

Misty couldn't help herself and let out a tiny giggle to herself at what her boss did for her. The package that was given to Ash was what the first place couple would have received during Lili's and Lonnie's random couple events. "I guess you don't have to worry what to do now for our date huh?"

"Hah, I guess so. There are a lot of different events vouchers we can do. It might take us 'til night time to do all of these."

"Well if you're up to it, I am perfectly fine staying out with you until you have to return back to the dorms."

"Might as well, I can't use these vouchers by myself and I do owe you a date to remember…" Ash paused when one of the Buster girls; Yupil Cingliaq came by with the drinks and placed it in front of them. "…Thanks."

"Well it's already a good start—" Misty's cell went off with a beep, indicating a text just went through. A big smile appeared on her face when she read the text and she had to quickly reply back. "Sorry Ash, I have to reply back if you don't mind."

"Not a problem at all. Go ahead." Ash took a slip of his lemonade and just stared at Misty who's smiling like crazy replying back to her text. He was real curious who could it be that is making her smile like that. Right when Misty placed away her cell back into her bag, Ash took the chance to find his answer. "So was that Mickey that you replied back to?"

"Nope. That was my BFF back at home who texted me. She was teasing me about how our date was going."

"Heh, so you have another person that isn't Mickey that you tell and do everything with? Does anybody know about her?"

"Yeah, Gary does."

"Gary does?"

"Umm yeaaah, only because Mickey talks to her on the phone during the time when he's in his dorm room. She's also Mickey's friend after I had introduced the two to each other. But anyways, I do have a photo of us two together by my favorite photographer, Shiki Tenken…" Misty pulled her wallet out of her bag and pulled out a picture of her hair down in a yellow spaghetti strap top over a light blue spaghetti top, smiling next to a playful; tongue sticking out, Duplica in a red off the shoulders top with yellow star patterns. She then handed the picture to Ash. "…That's Duplica. She's my best and only girlfriend I have."

Ash stared at the picture hard for a couple of reasons. One being that he couldn't help but have the feeling he had met her sometime in his life, but just couldn't put his fingers on it. And two, he couldn't help but stare at Misty's cuteness. "After getting to know you a bit more and putting the beginning hatred aside, you really are cute."

Misty wasn't sure how to response to Ash's complement, as there were about every feeling one can name of went through her mind. But her face did it for her, as a big smile appeared. "Thanks, you don't know how much that means to me." And she quickly pulled out her cell and started texting to Duplica about what happened.

"Are you texting Duplica about me calling you cute?" Ash asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeees?" Misty replied back and hit the send button to Duplica.

Ash couldn't help but let out a chuckle at the cute expression Misty let out towards him. "You are indeed adorably cute." He handed back the picture and just stared at Misty; who all of a sudden became bashful when taking her picture back. "So after lunch what do you want to do?"

"Let me check out the vouchers." Misty smiled and started searching through what to do next.

**Lil' Pandas' Fortress Maze Area**

Ash hid behind a tall haystack wall, holding onto his paintball gun tightly as he peek his head around the corner. He spotted Misty about twenty feet ahead of him, shooting what's in front of her. The moment he stepped out from his spot, Misty had turned around and shot a paintball right passed him. There was a loud buzzed noise at the target she had hit on the wall behind him.

"Ash, come on! If we want the bonus prizes, quit missing the bonus targets. And move your butt! We do have a time record to beat too." Misty then disappeared around the corner before she let Ash replied back.

"Heh, this is a whole new side I didn't expect from you. No wonder Gary got a long with you." Ash reloaded his paintball gun and ran right after Misty.

Ash finally caught up with Misty, only because Misty stood still at her spot staring at the fork in the road. More like a fork in the maze they were in. As the debating which trail to go down on the haystack trails, Ash made the decision for the both of them and went to down the right side.

"Let me take the lead, you've been hit way more then you need too."

"What you don't think I can take the hit?"

"I'm not saying you can't take the hit, you're a lot tougher than most girls here in this city, but you're still a girl. I would feel bad if you keep on getting hit in general. Besides, what kind of guy would I be to let my date taking the hits?"

Misty let out a smile at Ash. "Wow, you're much different and a lot nicer on dates."

Ash turned his head to look at Misty. "Ouch, that was bluntly said. But I guess I did deserve that. Let me apologized. I'm sorry that I was quick to judge and disliked you in the beginning. You're really not bad and actually fun to hang with. And just so we're clear, I don't go on dates. I just don't have the time and also there isn't really any other girl I would have wanted to go on a date with besides you know who."

"I see, well apology accepted and I'm just happy to know that we can start anew. And even though this date is due to a bet we had, I'm happy that you're having a good time."

"Yeah and lets continue out fun date. But first let's get the hell out of this maze so we can claim our title and prizes. There are three paintball machines ahead of us. I'll disable them to stop shooting at us while you get the targets since you're better at that, sounds good?"

"Roger that."

**Outside in Front of Lil' Pandas' Prize Shack**

"I thought you would have gotten the Mystic Water item. That item is pretty rare to be in the Kanto and only available for the couples bonus prizes." Ash asked Misty while he placed his Light Ball in his bag.

"Yeah I would have gotten that but what I picked out is also a rare item too. And it's for someone who I consider as a best friend." Misty replied with a smile while texting back to Duplica.

"Aww, thinking about others before you. You two are alike in a way."

Misty looked over at Ash when she tossed in her cell phone in her bag. "You two? If you mean me and Mickey of course we are. We've gone through this haven't we?"

"Yeah true, but I'm not talking about Mickey. I mean you and May are so a like the more I hang out with you lately."

"Oh, well is that a good thing?"

"To be honest, I'm not too sure. But I can tell you it's not a bad thing. Why don't we just go with the flow with us? Anyways what event do you want to do next? Or do you want to borrow the gym's shower room first to wash the paint out of your hair?"

"Please, what's the point of getting clean and possibly getting dirty again? I'm totally fine walking around like this, it's just a little bit of paint anyways. Oh, oh, let's do the double bike challenge!"

"Ok, which challenge do you want to do for it?"

"Let's aim for the hardest challenge, level three." Misty grabbed a hold of Ash's hand and dragged him along towards the bike trails. "I hope you'll be able to keep up with me Ash."

"Really? I should be saying that to you."

Misty stopped in her track and turned towards Ash. "Pleeease, I bet you I can out bike you any day. I use to bike all the time back at home and even cities to cities. So after the double bike challenge you and I are going to race on our own bikes."

"Hahah alright, alright, you win. I believe you. How about let us work together and scatter another time record first?"

"Heh, sounds good to me, onwards!"

**Some Hours Later – Inside Lil' Pandas' Café Lounge**

Misty had just finished her last bite of her Triple Delight dessert; consist of a giant chocolate cookie, a slice of chocolate cake and a scoop of chocolate ice cream. "That totally hit the spot! Alrighty, what's all left to do from the vouchers?"

"Shouldn't we just sit for a bit? We just got done eating dinner."

"There's no time to waste, we are on like Cinderella's schedule. You'll have to be back at the dorms and I have to catch my bus tonight to go back to Cerulean."

"I guess you're right. So now I'm curious, you only work here on the weekends. Do you like catch a bus or taxi all the time back and forth?"

"Umm kind of complicated as it's a yes and no answer? Like I'll catch a bus or taxi into Viridian City for the weekend for the day I work. But if I work both Saturday and Sunday, I'll stay at a hotel for Saturday night and then go back home to Cerulean Sunday night after work or my hang out with Mickey."

"Doesn't that get tiring traveling back and forth?"

"Yeah, but if I want to see Mickey, this is the best way to do it. And also I love my co-workers here, so the commute is totally worth it. Anyways, we have about three hours left to do the rest of the activities."

"Actually we have about four hours." Ash replied, as he looked through the remaining vouchers.

"Well I got to shower and then my bus actually comes around eleven thirty. And also I'm meeting up with Mickey for a tiny bit."

"Gotcha, I guess that works out in a way. The less Pikachu in his pokeball the more merrily he'll be."

"Speaking of Pikachu being in his pokeball, isn't he usually always out of it?"

"Yeah only once in awhile depending on the situation I'll have him in his pokeball, normally I'll ask Richie to watch him but when Richie can't, that's when he's in his pokeball. In the beginning when I got him, for some reason he was so terrified of being inside it, but after so many years of convincing it'll be alright and only for a short amount of time, he finally accepted. It's a cute trait of his, as we're all afraid of something right?"

"Yup, pokemon are like us too, we all have likes, dislikes, fears and whatnot. Anyways, we can continue chit chatting on our next event." Misty said, as she got up from her seat.

"Alright, I got the hint…" Ash got up from his seat with the vouchers in his hand. "…But we haven't decided what we're going to do next."

Misty grabbed a random voucher from Ash's hand. "We'll be doing this one next…" Misty took a look at it and squealed. "…Sweet, the photo booth!"

"What is it with girls and photo booth?"

"I don't know? But it's so much fun! And according to this voucher, we got lots of credit to do the photo booth!" Misty said excitedly, as she led the way towards the photo booth located in the arcade section.

**A Couple of Hours Later - Outside at the Ice Rink**

"Hehehe, look Ash! Look how fast at Lili's and Lonnie's Prinplup, Empoleon are skating. Waaaah and look at all the cute little Piplups following them with their bubbles!" Misty shouted when she started skating backwards to face Ash. "Ooooo let's follow them like those two couples are!"

Ash looked at the middle of the ice rink where all the pokemon were and looked back at Misty. "Misty I don't think it'll be a good idea. It might be a bit crowded." Ash then picked up his pace to catch up with Misty. "It's not like we can't wait until those two are done."

"Fiiiine. Then do you want to race around the ring for the time being?"

"Is that a challenge I hear?"

"Wouldn't have it any other way, so on the count of three."

Misty and Ash started off at the same pace but Ash soon took the lead, but not by much. Ash let out a smile when they hit the half way mark, as he was still in the lead. But his smile disappeared when they reached three-fourth mark of the ice rink when Misty suddenly passed him. Close to the finish point, one of Misty's laces came loose and one of the laces went under her skates, causing her to stubble forward. Luckily at the same time Ash had caught up with her and went in forward to catch her. As the two went crashing down on ice rink floor, but Misty got a softer landing for she had Ash as her cushion.

"Are you alright?" Ash asked out loud when he prop himself on his elbows looking at Misty; who's still on top of him.

Misty noticed her position on top of Ash and how close their faces were. As she just naturally cupped Ash's cheeks and gave him a quick kiss. When she pulled away blushing, she saw Ash's stunned expression. "Thank you for saving me."

"Umm yeah, no problem…" Ash wasn't sure what to think of the kiss. Last time when Misty forced a kissed on him, he was a bit upset. But this time around, he wasn't sure. "…So do you kiss any guy that saves you?" Ash asked out loud not realizing it could be taken in a whole misunderstanding manner.

"What? Do you really think I'm the type of girl who is going to kiss any guy that saves me?" Misty asked in a hurtful tone and pulled away off of Ash.

"No that's not what I meant! I mean, I don't know. It's just all of a sudden you just kissed me and—"

"Hahaha, oh my gosh, who's the girl on this date? I'm sorry that I startled you with the kiss. But I'm not sorry for kissing you though. You know that I like you a lot and the fact that you dived to rescue me to keep me from harm's way, the moment was just perfect for a kiss. You know, like in the movies with those cliché moments?" Misty finally got up onto her feet as she held out her hand towards Ash. "Since it seems like I'm playing the guy role, I might as well help you up."

Ash pretty much glared up at Misty; who has a smirk on her face and he wasn't going to lose his male pride. "Just wipe that smirk off your face. You're sounding and looking just like Mickey," Ash didn't grab Misty's hand or get onto his feet by myself. But instead he kneed down towards Misty's feet and started tying her loose shoe laces. "…Now who's the one being the silly girl? You were about to skate off again without tying up your loose laces huh?" Ash stood up to see Misty had puffed up her cheeks for the fact he was right.

"Oh whatever!" Misty crossed her arms in a pouting manner but quickly disappeared when she realized the couples were no longer playing with the penguin pokemons. As she then skated over to them. "Yaaay, it's our turn to play with them!"

Ash let out a smile towards Misty and skated towards her and the pokemons. 'Funny how just one date can change my perspective of you.'

**About a Quarter 'til Eleven – Inside the Gym Area**

"Are you sure you'll be fine going to the bus station? I can wait until you get out of the shower and walk you there."

"Oh it's fine. Mickey will be here anytime soon and he'll walk me there. You don't have to worry. Thank you though. As it's best for you to start heading back yourself, you know because of the midnight curfew and plus Pikachu would probably want out of his pokeball. But I should hit the showers now before I end up running late myself. Thank you for today, I had a wonderful time. Even though we weren't actual couples, it was pretty fun beating some of the record times…" Misty held out her hand for a handshake for she didn't really know how to end the date. "…So I guess this is good night."

Ash stared down at her hand, as he finally understood why Gary calls her a tomboy most of the time. She acts and plays the guy's role from time to time, but he figure he'll end the night being the guy and her being the girl. As he grabbed her hand and pulled her in for a hug. "I surprisingly had a fun time with you too. You take care and have a save bus ride home."

When Ash pulled away, he smiled at the blushing and speechless Misty, as he waved goodbye and picked up his bags off the floor and walked away. The fact that Ash willingly hugged her, Misty was on cloud nine again and pretty much floated towards the lady's locker room to wash up and change into her boy-self.

**About a Little Pass Eleven-Thirty – Out on Viridian's Street**

Misty and Poliwhirl were about a block away from the academy's entrance, when she turned on her main cell phone. When her phone was completely loaded, her texts alarms went off. Ash's name appeared on the screen, as there were two texts from him. One being sent during the middle of the date and the other sent after he had left the date. She then looked down at her bodyguard with a big smile.

"Heheheh, I know you're pretty tired of me talking about my date today but want to hear what Ash said?"

"Poooli." Poliwhirl shook his head at first to indicate he wasn't tired or bored at his master's excitement, as he encouraged her by pointed at her cell. "Poli-poliii!"

"Hehe ok, here's what he said. Hey, you're probably busy whatnot and going to meet up with your cousin pretty soon but I just wanted to say I had a fun time with her today. She's a pretty cool chick. Well when she isn't around you that is. Hah. We'll talk more tomorrow during our group duties, but you probably know about the date already."

"Poliwhirl!" Poliwhirl threw a thumb up.

"I know right? He's willing to talk about the date. So that means we're on the right track between us! Well we should probably pick up the pace now, as Gary, Umbreon and Togepi are waiting for our return."

Jogging back to the Third Year's dormitory building, Misty and Poliwhirl were in front of their dorm room in no time, as Misty wasted no item unlocking the door. She opened the door to notice the night lamp was the only light on, which indicate that Gary, Umbreon and Togepi have gone to bed. The two entered the room quietly, as Misty placed down her bag full of goodies and her personal belongings onto her bed. Misty then turned around to see Gary sleeping on his side; without any covers on, holding Togepi tightly in his arms. While Umbreon curled up in a ball right at his master's legs. Misty whispered to Poliwhirl and comment how cute the scene looked, as she couldn't help and took a snap shot of it. The flash woke Umbreon up but luckily not Togepi, Misty placed her index finger at her lips to indicate not to wake up Gary or Togepi. Umbreon let out a stretch and lightly jumped off the bed to welcome Misty back home.

"I'm back. Thank you so much for being an awesome baby sitter with your master today. But since it's getting late and I can't give you your treat. So we'll talk more tomorrow alright? I'll make sure to make some time for you in the morning."

After had petted Umbreon's head one last time, Misty quietly walked over to Gary's bed. Not wanting to wake up Gary, she slowly and carefully lifted up his arm upwards enough to pull Togepi out from his arms. But the moment Misty touched Togepi; he instantly woke up and cheered happily at the slight seeing his 'mother'. Quickly grabbing a hold of Togepi with the free arm, Misty thought she was in the clear but she was wrong when Gary pulled her into his arms.

"Togepi, I told you to stop and sleep until your mom gets back…" Gary mumbled in his sleep and tightened his hold around Misty and Togepi.