The gym pool had to be drained and cleaned, then she had to take Gyarados to the Pokémon Center in order to get its regular check-up, not to mention that she was running low on food for her Pokémon, so she was going to have to swing by the shop on the way back, since Pokémeal was late in delivering her usual shipment of it, then she had to schedule an appointment with Kinso since she'd just given her last Cascade Badge away yesterday, meaning she'd have to find out if Nurse Joy could watch over the gym again while she was away, and then her sisters were going to have another water ballet show, so she was going to have to get in touch with the costume rental company again, though by now she knew they were practically waiting for her to call, and she was a few days late on her report to the Indigo League regarding the status of the gym, but-
A gentle knock at Misty's door wrung her from her thoughts, blinking back her exhaustion as she stared at the doorknob, her brain taking an extra moment to register the sound. "Yeah?"
"Can I come in?"
Under normal circumstances she would've chastised Ash for breaking her "don't interrupt me while I'm in my office" rule, but the way her body sagged at the sound of his voice meant she would overlook this transgression just this once. "Sure, come on in."
The door swung open the smallest bit, just enough that Ash could poke his head through the gap. His initial look of curiosity flipped to concern as his gaze met hers. "You doing okay? You've been in here almost all day."
Misty leaned back into her chair. "I just have a lot to do today, that's all. Being a Gym Leader isn't all battles, you know."
He offered a small nod in reply, slinking through the doorway before walking the four steps to the front of her desk. "You look tired, and we were supposed to have dinner an hour ago."
Right. She'd made dinner plans with him.
Her eyes snapped to the clock on the wall; 7:06 stared back at her. As if to emphasize her losing track of time, her stomach rumbled, though it paled in comparison to the frazzled guilt speeding through her gut. She closed her eyes, resting them in her palms with a sigh. "I didn't realize how long I'd been busy in here."
She felt Ash's hand touch her shoulder, and she looked up to see him smiling down at her. "Well, I already ordered a pizza, and I picked out one of those sappy movies you like, so we can just have our date here at the gym."
His fingers gently massaged the muscles in her shoulder, and her eyelids grew heavier. "I'll probably fall asleep part of the way through."
Ash swerved around the desk until he stood by her side, grabbing her hand and gesturing her to her feet. He pulled her against him, wrapping his arms around her; she practically melted into him, and she felt his chest vibrate as he chuckled. "Sounds like you're already gonna fall asleep. It just means I get a whole pizza to myself."
Misty hummed against him, too tired to argue back; it would hardly be the first time Ash had wolfed down a whole pizza alone. She took in a deep breath, his scent adding to her drowsiness as she nuzzled her cheek against him. She really should eat, but she figured a small nap beforehand wouldn't hurt.
Her heart jolted, however, when Ash's arm wrapped itself behind the back of her legs, and suddenly she was lifted off her feet. He waltzed over to the door, using his foot to prop the door fully open before making his way out of the office.
"If you fall asleep on the way to your room, I really will eat it all."
"You better save me a little."
She meant the words to be sterner than a mumble, but she was already metaphorically in line to buy her ticket to Dreamland. She pressed her lips to his neck, giving it a soft kiss and savoring the way Ash's fingers pressed more firmly into her.
Before she realized it Ash had lowered her into her bed, and as if on autopilot she reached for the comforter, pulling it around her body. "It'll just be a quick nap. An hour, tops."
"And if you don't wake up in an hour?"
Even with closed eyes she could see the cheeky grin plastered on his lips. "Then I'll be up all night, and I'll keep you up with me."
He hummed in response, but she felt the mattress press down as he leaned over her, kissing her temple. "I'll make sure Psyduck wakes you up."
She scowled just the slightest, but squirmed deeper into her bed. The once-cool comforter was starting to grow warmer; same for the pillow. Ash's fingers gently ran through her hair as her breaths grew slower and deeper. Slumber was imminent, and she wholly embraced it, though a thought perked up in her mind before she lost consciousness.
Tagged by @seecarrun, and I haven't done one of these in a while. :O
what is the origin of your blog name?
This handle gets used almost everywhere: sy is my initials, and Kilik is my favorite character from the Soulcalibur games. The 101 is just for extra pizazz. (I made this when I was about 13 and never swayed from it. LOL)
what's your "I will always order this" food?
Mozzarella sticks. If we go somewhere that has them, unless there's something else I want to try, I'll always get them.
what's your overused emoji?
I use 👀 on a practically daily level.
current comfort show/ Movie?
The Room. It's the best worst movie of all time, and I can literally watch it at any given moment.
song you've had on repeat this week?
So I'm in the midst of playing YARG (Yet Another Rhythm Game; basically a Guitar Hero clone), and I'm trying to FC every on-disc song from across the 11 mainline games. One of them is "They Say" by Scars on Broadway, and it's earwormed my way into my brain and it won't leave.
what's the last thing you hyperfixated on?
-points to aforementioned YARG-
what's an oddly specific thing that brings you joy?
Riding in the back of a truck. The feel of the wind is 11/10. 👌
what smell instantly makes you happy?
So one of my first friends in high school had that Japanese cherry blossom lotion from Bath & Body Works, and I go weak when I smell it.
what's something you loved as a kid that you secretly love now?
I can't think of something I loved as a kid, but only secretly love now. The only thing that maybe comes to mind is Pokeshipping, since I don't actively talk about it IRL outside of certain people, but even then, it's not like I hide it, either.
what’s your phone wallpaper right now?
Just the words "Aim higher," 'cause it's what I aspire to do.
are you a morning person, night owl, or something else entirely?
By nature, a night owl. As an adult I've learned to become a morning person, but if I followed what feels natural to me, I'd constantly be up all night.
tagging: @darkhymns-fic and @frayed-symphony, if y'all two feel like doin' this. :D
heyy i only recently started watching Pokémon again after almost 4 years of putting it off (i remembered ur pokeshipping fics) and wdym the haters were STILL in your inbox last year 😭😭 im hoping they’re like old bc no way they was doing this in 2025
I believe they were 2025, but early in the year. The trolling activity has more or less stopped at this point.
Misty had only just started brushing her teeth when Ash meandered into the bathroom. Her reflection glanced at him for a moment before she turned to face the mirror, grabbing at a strand that was grazing the top of her chest.
"Ood I uh ih?"
Ash snorted. "One more time, Mist?"
Misty rolled her eyes as she imitated a scissor cutting motion with her fingers. At this Ash moved behind her, running his hands through it.
"No, don't cut it. I think it looks pretty like this."
Deciding that Toothbrushese wasn't a language Ash was likely to understand, Misty opted to finish brushing while Ash toyed with her hair. At one point he pulled some of it into a side ponytail just like how she wore it as a child, and judging by the grin on his face, he felt the same joy and nostalgia she did.
As she spat out the remnants of her toothpaste she grinned at him, reaching up to caress his hair. "Yours is getting pretty shaggy, too."
"I remember someone telling me they liked it that way."
"I think it looks better with a cap on."
"Since when do you have good taste?"
Misty's hold on his hair tightened, dragging his gaze to meet hers. He could've easily stopped her, but of course, he didn't. "You know, you're indirectly insulting yourself by saying that." Her fingers slid down to interlace with his, pulling him towards the bedroom. "Since I picked you, I must have good taste."
She knew a smidgen of red was crawling up his cheeks. "You know, you're indirectly praising me by saying that."
As they reached the bed she turned to face him, immediately leaning up to peck him on the lips. "Not indirectly." She offered a tender smile before pulling him into a hug. "I'm glad you like my hair."
Ash was quiet for a moment before his arms wrapped around her waist. "I'll like it no matter how it looks."
"What if I cut it all off?"
"Then I'll draw a Voltorb on your head."
She playfully whacked his shoulder. "At least draw a Spheal."
"Only if you ask nicely."
She snorted, but buried herself further into his embrace. "Then you cut all yours off so I can draw a Diglett face."
"I'll look better than you."
She grinned, pulling back to stare him right in the eyes. "In your dreams."
He returned the expression before touching his lips to hers. "Speaking of dreams, let's get to bed already." His face soured as his eyes drifted upwards. "I dunno whose idea it was to make these League meetings so early."
Misty wormed her way underneath the comforter. "Maybe you shouldn't have won. Then you wouldn't have to deal with them."
"I think I can handle one early morning if it means bein' a league champion." Ash leapt into the bed with far less grace than she had, but still found his way snuggled up to her.
"If you can handle me, you can handle anything."
Ash smiled in response, his hand returning to her hair. The two laid in silence as he gingerly stroked her head; the sensation was comforting, and Misty could feel her eyes growing heavier at the touch. She bundled up closer to him, the tip of her nose resting against his throat. She could hear his breathing beginning to slow down along with his fingers, and as her consciousness began to fade, she once more held the tip of her hair.
Long-haired or not, Ash always made her feel cute.
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Admittedly, I don't necessarily read a lot of long-form Pokeshipping fics, but the one I *do* remember liking as a teen was Cavern of a Million Colors; I dunno how we it's held up (haven't read it in years), but I remember liking the pre-epilogue ending!
I LOVE YOUR SNIPPET #12 the way they devolve into an argument about the kiss without even realizing it. after arguing about the "rules" of a relationship. they're so childish and so funny. you write them so well!!! <333
Thanks so much for reading it, I'm glad you liked it! :D I really do intend to be more active with writing soon, so hopefully I'll have other stories/snippets, and I'd be equally as happy if you read those as well!
Misty rolled her eyes. "Ash, you don't have a romantic bone in your body."
"Sure I do! Watch!" He turned to her with an attempt at enamorment in his gaze. "Misty, you're as pretty as a flower."
Misty smirked, crossing her arms. "What kind of flower?"
Ash rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling. "Um, whichever one you think is prettiest."
With a shake of her head Misty took his hand. "How about you let me do the talking?"
His eyes shot to their hands, giving hers an experimental squeeze before turning to the building in front of them. "Fine by me."
Satisfied with his answer, Misty led him through the sliding glass door. Crème-colored walls were decorated with large plastic sprinkles, with colorful lines drawn languidly around them. Tables and chairs were stationed along the back of the shop; opposite them was the large chiller that held a rainbow of flavors inside. Behind it stood a woman, beaming at the two of them.
"Welcome to Vanilla's!"
Misty watched the woman's eyes land on their hands; perfect. Both parties knew what to expect, and the woman looked prepared as the duo waltzed up to her.
"I take it you two are here for the couple's special?"
"Yep, sure are! Me and my boyfriend have been dying to try this place for ages!"
Oh, what Misty would have given to see the look on Ash's face; no doubt he was using all of his willpower to not break his composure.
The woman smiled at Ash, who, even in Misty's peripheral vision, struggled to keep eye contact with her. "Yeah, my...girlfriend said she was really excited to try your ice cream."
"Well, as you probably already know, all couples today get to have ice cream on us!"
What flavor should she get? Vanilla? Chocolate? Strawberry? Maybe a mix of all three? Misty softly bounced on the balls of her feet, her excitement threatening to spill out of her entirely. Sure, Ash wasn't the easiest to convince, but he too was swayed by the notion of free ice cream, and so far, everything was going according to plan.
"If you don't mind, can I see a kiss from you two?"
This was decidedly not part of the plan.
"A...kiss?"
"That's right. We ask all of our couples to do it. It can be just a quick one!"
Misty glanced over at Ash; she could practically hear him telepathizing "What are we supposed to do now?!" Fortunately for her, despite her fluster, she'd had enough practice arguing with him to come up with responses on the fly.
"Actually, he and I haven't had our first kiss yet." She slightly bowed her head in a hopefully demure way. "And I kind of want it to be special."
"Y-yeah, what she said!" Ash sputtered. Misty gripped his hand tightly, hoping that her fingernails digging into his skin would, for the love of free ice cream, get him to shut up. "I mean...it's kind of embarrassing doing it in front of other people, anyway."
The woman offered a remorseful look. "Aw, I'm sorry, kids. I wouldn't want to ruin your first kiss like that." She held a finger to her chin pensively, for a moment, before smiling once again. "How about on the cheek, then?"
Much more feasible.
Misty's grin was mischief incarnate as she tapped her fingertip to her cheek. "Go ahead, Ash."
She wasn't sure if his ruby cheeks were from embarrassment or frustration, but seeing the appearance of Bashful Ketchum was always a treat for her. Thankfully, he seemed smart enough to realize that not following through would raise suspicion on their couplehood, so with a small huff he pressed his lips to her cheek.
Roadside daydreams and campfire fantasies had suddenly become reality in a moment, and Misty closed her eyes, saving the slightly-chapped lips and the soft exhale of Ash's kiss. Her heart skittered about in her chest; she had to hold back three very soft words threatening to escape from her.
Then again, they were pretending to be a couple. She could get away with upping her acting antics; after all, this was for free ice cream.
Just for free ice cream, of course.
A quick snap and a brief flash of light roused her from her musings, however. She opened her eyes to find the woman pointing a camera at the two, her grin a mile wide as the photo printed out the front.
"This'll be a nice memento for you two!"
Red would be jealous of the color of the duo's cheeks as the girl handed them the photograph; it had yet to develop, but in mere minutes, the only documented evidence of their romantic excursion, even if a false one, would be visible. Misty tried in vain to get something out of her voicebox, but the shock was still in effect.
"So, can get get our ice cream now?"
Leave it to Ash's appetite to save the day.
xxxxx
The twosome exited the store, ice cream in hand; chocolate for Misty, strawberry for Ash. Despite their previous excitement, neither were quick to start taking licks or nibbles at their cones. A flurry of other thoughts flew through their minds, though Ash was the first to break the awkward silence.
"Is a first kiss really that special?"
Misty rolled her eyes. "Of course it is. It's like getting your first Pokémon."
Ash hm'd in response, fixing his gaze on the now-developed photo. Misty watched him, finally lapping at her cone as she pondered Ash's headspace.
"Was that your first kiss, Misty?"
Her stomach flipped, an awkward noise eking out from her throat. "Well, I mean...it was on the cheek, so it doesn't count!"
"So it was your first kiss."
His smile didn't look playful, but maybe she simply decided to see it that way. "A real kiss is on the lips! A kiss on the cheek doesn't count as a first kiss!"
She planted her fingertip against her lips for emphasis. He stared at it briefly before turning back to the photo once more, a heated flush building in his cheeks.
"It's not fair that I had to be the one to do the kissing."
"I didn't want to, either, but the lady said we had to for the ice cream." She took another lick of her cone to prove her point.
"Well, how come you didn't kiss me?"
"Did you want me to kiss you, Ash?" Now it was her turn to flash him a playful grin, and clearly Ash was having none of it.
"No, but you care about that lovey dovey stuff way more than I do!"
"I didn't want my first kiss to be over free ice cream!"
"But you said it-" A small drip slid from Ash’s cone down to his hand. He quickly lapped at it, earning a small giggle from Misty, but Ash was quick to continue his argument. "You said it doesn't count if it's on the cheek!"
"Yeah, well, boys are the ones who are supposed to kiss the girl! That's the rule in love."
"That doesn't even make sense!"
"You got free ice cream out of it, didn't you? Quit complaining!"
"Well, next time someone asks us to kiss, you're kissing me!"
"Fine, I will!"
"Fine!"
It took a minute of silence and half of their ice cream being eaten before the two fully registered what they had agreed to, and neither felt the urge to bring it back up. Without uttering a word, however, the two agreed on one thing.
Okay, I know I made a post about it a while back, but I still feel like we pokeshippers don’t talk nearly enough about the anime writer’s intentions comparing Ash to Clauncher.
Like, it is no coincidence that in the episode where Misty runs into Ash once again and he spends the whole episode being a bit of a buttface to her, that she goes on a long monologue about how she and Clauncher are tied to each other via the red string of fate because… she keeps running into Clauncher and it keeps being a bit of a buttface to her.
And then! Even when she finally catches Clauncher, the moment she lets it out of the pokeball, it runs over to Ash and Corphish and because it, just like Ash, is a battle obsessed little freak and just wants to run off and train.
Like. C’mon.
Misty’s relationship with Clauncher is 100% supposed to mirror her relationship to Ash. They are forever tied together via the red string of fate, but Ash is always going to be a bit of a buttface to her, and then run off and train.
She is fated to be stuck in that dynamic with him forever.
Thankfully, she thinks he’s very cute and loves him not only in spite of that, but because of that, so she’ll be okay lol but we need to talk about this more!!
I could approach this from a shipping perspective, but I'll approach it from a writing/creative perspective for a moment:
Never forget that in any media created, every aspect of its creation is a choice. Every word in a story? The author chose. Every bit of instrumentation in a song? The musician chose. Every line and color used in a piece of artwork? The artist chose. And they chose not only to make those creative decisions, but they chose to then put the sum of those decisions (the completed story/song/artwork/etc.) out for the world to see.
I, then, present to you all, one of my favorite decisions that the PokéAni team has ever made:
Did they have to draw this frame? Did they have to draw Misty looking embarrassed around Ash (especially considering how long they've been friends, and therefore she should have little reason to feel shy around him)? Did they have to have Misty follow him around again? Did they also have to have an entire episode that's basically got so much Pokéshipping energy in it that it could power an entire country forever?
No. But they did it. They did it for us.
The number of references to bonding and connection in this episode is actually insane. Her fishing rod catching Ash at the start (which is also a reference to the first episode), the arguments, the sass (dear god, the sass), the return of Ash bein' an absolute pain in Misty's ass, the way that battling is one of their strongest love languages; Ash and Misty's entire bond/relationship (platonic and romantic) was summarized so well in this episode, and never forget.
This episode didn't have to exist.
But it does, because someone chose to make it exist.
Nothing will ever come even remotely close to the sheer, absolute perfection that is amourshipping. Never equaled, never surpassed.and I will die on this hill.
Unfortunately, while I agree we should be reporting, the plagiarized art is being posted on deviantART, and if there's one site that's gone to absolute trash and doesn't give a fuck about AI abuse, it's dA.
Fuck this dude for stealing someone else's art instead of learning to draw on their own.
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