Disclaimer: I have caught the rights to no Pokémon-ownership.

Author's Note: Another drabble challenge completed! This time, for the ever-cannon Ash and Misty. Enjoy, Z-chan! 3

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A Circular Conversation

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"…and what is this?"

"Exactly what it looks like."

"Okay, fine, Mr. Literal. What is the meaning of this?"

"…I don't follow."

"Don't fol—?! Ash, you're gone for months, you barely write, you rarely call—and all of the sudden you show up at my doorstep and…?!"

"And? And what? Do what you told me to do?"

"…excuse me?"

"In your last letter. You said: 'you know where I am; give me a ring, sometime.'"

"…"

"What?"

"I meant on the phone."

"Silly. How was I supposed to give you a ring over the telephone?"

"Wh— you—I—arrgh! You're ridiculous! I mean, how on Earth am I supposed to respond to this?!"

"How about with a 'thank you'?"

"I can't even say that if I don't know what this is for!"

"Why does it have to be for anything? Maybe it's just a present. I thought girls liked presents."

"Ash, you don't just buy a ring for a girl. That has… connotations, you know?"

"I know."

"…you know."

"I know."

"Then why did you give it to me?!"

"Maybe I liked those connotations."

"…"

"…"

"…so what are you saying?"

"I'm saying… uh…"

"Ash…?"

"I'm saying… that I do know where you are. Right now. But I don't really like it. Where you are, I mean. I'd rather you… you know… stayed with me, instead. Forever."

"…"

"Well, er, not forever forever. I mean, I know that's not possible. But, um, maybe from now on? If you want to, that is. I'm not forcing you, or anything. It's just, I miss you. A lot. A lot. And I… you know… I, uh… l— er… lo— um… lo— er—really, really like you."

"…"

"Ummmm… yeah."

"…"

"Wow, that sounded a lot better in my head than it did out loud…"

"…"

"…and you know I hate it when you look at me like that, Misty."

"Sorry. I just… had no idea you could be so cheesy."

"Che—? Look, if you don't want it or whatever, I'll take it back. That thing was expensive and—!"

"Ooooh, no you don't, Mr. Grabby! This ring is mine now. And you're never getting it back."

"…really?"

"I just put it on, didn't I?"

"…yeah, I guess you did."

"No need to sound so shocked. Have more confidence, geez!"

"R—right…"

"Hmm, this ring is rather pretty, isn't it? I really like the silver band. And aww, you remembered—there's an aquamarine in it!"

"Um…so…"

"Hm?"

"So… since you're wearing it, and all…"

"Yes?"

"Does that mean you… You agree with the… 'connotations?'"

"Well… Remember what I said about not being able to respond until I knew the reasons behind you giving me the ring?"

"Yeah?"

"I didn't respond with a 'thank you,' did I?"

"Uh… um, no… I guess… you didn't..."

"This is my response, instead."

"…a kiss on the cheek hardly counts as a response in this sort of situation, Misty."

"Oh? What were you hoping for?"

"…maybe…"

"Maybe?"

"Maybe… a kiss on the lips?"

"Ha. You'll have to do a little more shopping before that happens."

"Oh? And what, exactly, would I need to buy you?"

"Hmm… how about a new bike?"

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