It's funny how many things can last and change as time goes on. As time went on in the Pokémon world, everyone grew up as the years went on. (and in this story, yes even Ash aged) All of Ash's friends have meet and formed some strong friendships without his presence.
One of these friendships was between Bonnie and Max. Years had past and they had become very close. Bonnie even got a crush on him but Max was oblivious it.
Mostly because Max was still stuck in his crush on Misty and didn't really try to hid. Unfortunately for the 15 year old boy, Misty's heart was long taken by someone who was also oblivious to her feelings but that didn't stop her from wanting to spend time with him.
"Hey guys!" Max greeted as he walked into the Oak research lab.
"Hi Max. And Bonnie." Tracey remarked. "What are you two doing here?"
"We were around and decided to stop by for a visit." Max replied. "Is Misty around?"
"Yep. She is outside feeding some Pokémon." Tracey answered.
"Great! Let's go." Max grabbed Bonnie's hand and lead her outside. "Hey Misty!"
"Hello Max. Hello Bonnie." Misty waved to them. "What brings you two here?"
"We just wanted to visit." Max smiled.
"Well I'm glad you did. It's always nice to see old friends." Misty ruffled Max's hair.
"Hey!" Max complained, pushing her hand away. "Quit it!"
"Sorry. I couldn't help it." Misty giggled. Max gave a blissful smile but Bonnie was happy. Though she chose not to say anything, it was clear to the gym leader what was going on. "So, are you two finally together?"
"What? No! I am single. Actually, we both are but um..." Max rambled.
"Yep. Totally single." Bonnie muttered.
"Right." Misty smiled to herself.
Though, before she had the chance to say anything else, Tracey caught her attention.
"Hey Misty? Can you come help me for a second?" Tracey asked.
"I'll be right there!" Misty called. Then, an idea came to her mind and suddenly it was time to play matchmaker. "Why don't you both come help too? I promise it will be fun and with all of working together, it should go much faster."
"Let's do it!" Max bumped up his fist with such enthusiasm.
"Yeah. I could be fun." Bonnie replied.
"Great. Let's go." Misty remarked.
She lead them over to help Tracey tend to some of the Pokémon that lived within the lab. Once things were underway, Misty put her plan into action. She casually walked over to Bonnie.
"Hi again." Misty chirped. "Need any help?"
"Oh, hi Misty." Bonnie remarked. "Sure."
There was a short silence as Misty helped Bonnie feed a group of Pokémon.
"So how has your travels been going? I know how much fun it can be traveling with friends." Misty said.
"Yeah. We have a lot of fun. I couldn't ask for a better person to travel with." Bonnie smiled as she glanced at Max.
"You really like him, don't you?" Misty asked.
"Yeah." Bonnie nodded but then realized what she just said. "Wait! I mean... he is a great friend and all but...um...it's just..."
"Hey, your secret is safe with me." Misty assured. "I know how you feel. My first love was so dense had tons of admirers and he had no idea. But I guess I have a thing for oblivious guys because I guy I love now is just as much."
"Yeah." Bonnie muttered.
"What are you two talking about?" Max suddenly questioned.
"Just girl stuff." Misty answered.
"Oh...well...can I talk to you for a second, Misty?" Max asked.
"Sure." Misty replied.
Max motioned for her to follow him a little ways away. If he was going to tell her how he feels, he wanted to do it alone. Though, little did they know, Tracey was within earshot.
"Misty, I...have a crush on you. I have for so long...and I just had to tell you." Max admitted. "So...um...what do you think?"
"I'm sorry Max, but my heart belongs to someone else." Misty replied.
Even though Max knew the chances of Misty feeling anywhere near the same where slim but it still hurt.
"Yeah...I thought so." Max sighed. "Who is he?"
"Tracey." Misty smiled.
Tracey froze at her answer. Did he hear her correctly? Did she really love him? He didn't make a sound as he turned towards them, waiting to see where this would go.
"Well, he is a lucky guy." Max muttered.
Now it was time for the second half of the plan. Plant the seed.
"I know something that could help you get your mind off this." Misty stated.
"What?" Max asked.
"You could help Bonnie." Misty suggested.
Max raised an eyebrow in confusion. Bonnie and him were best friends and told each other everything. He would know if she needed help with something.
"With what?" Max questioned.
"She has a crush on someone and I think she could use the help of her best friend." Misty explained.
"A crush?" Max glanced at Bonnie.
He felt a strange sense of...well he wasn't sure what it was. But it wasn't pleasant. It was like he was angry but it was still different. Was he jealous?
"Did she say who he is?" Max asked.
"That's for her to tell. Now let's get back to work." Misty remarked. She turned on her heels but froze when she saw Tracey. "Tracey! What are you...I um...I mean...how much of that did you hear?" Misty blushed.
"You love me?" Was all Tracey could think to say.
"...yes..." Misty murmured, looking away.
Tracey stepped forward as Max walked away. Suddenly, Max's crush on Misty was the furthest thing from his mind. His new focus was Bonnie's mystery crush.
"I love you too, Misty." Tracey admitted.
Misty smiled brightly and threw her arms around him.
"I'm so happy, you have no idea." Misty beamed.
They then shared a loving kiss, one that was well worth the wait.
Max approached Bonnie but was unsure how to bring it up. So, he just decided to be upfront with it.
"Bonnie, we need to talk." Max stated.
"Ok? What about?" Bonnie asked.
"We tell each other everything, right? So why wouldn't you tell me about your crush?" Max questioned.
Bonnie blushed and her eyes grew wide. He found out?!
"I...I can explain. I-" Bonnie scrabbled for something, anything to say.
"Who is he?" Max interrupted.
Bonnie just stared at him. He didn't know. Bonnie didn't know whether to be grateful or frustrated with his obliviousness. Not knowing what else to do, Bonnie started laughing. Max blinked in surprise.
"What is so funny?" Max asked.
"That a boy a smart as you can possibly be so oblivious." Bonnie giggled.
"What? I am not." Max protested.
"It's you, Max." Bonnie admitted. "I really like you."
Now it was those words that warmed his heart and sent butterfree dancing in his stomach.
"I really like you too, Bonnie." Max smiled as he took her hand.
Bonnie smiled a kissed his cheek, earning a blush from Max.
"We should get back to helping." Bonnie chimed.
"I don't know, I think Misty and Tracey are still preoccupied." Max remarked.
"Oh!" Bonnie giggled.
"So, how about we get out of here?" Max suggested.
"Let's." Bonnie smiled.
And so, Max and Bonnie headed off. They let the professor know before leaving, for when Misty and Tracey finally realize they are gone. Though, that wasn't the only thing to disappear that day. With the obliviousness finally gone, the new couples could finally be happy together.
THE END!!!