Anything For Love - Ch.28

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
Brock- 21
May- 21

"…" Talking

'Italic' Thinking/Texting

Chapter 28: Figuring Things Out Before the Auction

**A Quarter 'Til Ten; Inside of Viridian's Academy**

Misty had literally scared Brock to death when she slammed open his office door and yelled out his name. "—I'm using my one save card today!"

Cleaning up the spilled drink on his desk, he finally turned around with a glare. "Hello to you too, and what happened to knocking?"

Misty quickly closed the door behind her and made her way towards Brock's desk; holding onto Togepi. "I'm sorry; there was no time to knock, kind of in a hurry! Anyways I'm here to discuss important matters of that one save card you promised me."

"Alright, I don't know what all I can do but I'll try my best. What is it that you need?" Brock asked, as he leaned back in his chair.

"I need you to excuse me from today's fundraiser. It has to be a good excuse so that it doesn't affect my grade. And also being," Misty handed Togepi over to Brock and quickly made quotation marks with both of her index and middle fingers. "Sick, won't cut it. Knowing the others if they found out that I'm sick, they'll come visit and so on. Today I actually need to be a girl at the auction event. Since Gary saved my butt by volunteering to be the Class Girl, the deal is that I need to win the bid on him so he doesn't have to go on a date, blah, blah, blah. Sooo I think you can pick up on the fact that Mickey physically needs to be out of the picture."

"Gotcha. Hmmm," Brock rubbed his chin with his free hand and pondered what he can do to help Misty out. And within a minute a light bulb light up inside his head. "Alright, I have a solution. I'll just tell Principal Dean that I need some more medical supplies and I want you to get them for me since I've known you and trust you since you were little."

"That sounds awesome!"

"Do you want to do it now or—"

"Can we do it around eleven or so? I'm working at the front gates, greeting and passing out pamphlets with a bunch of other students and if you were to pull me away in front of them, it'll be more believable. Annnnnd can you also do another huge favor? Can you—"

"Yes I can watch Togepi for you."

Misty gave Brock a hug from the side; to avoid squishing her baby. "Thank you so much Brock. I'll see you in about an hour! Now I got to go before others start chewing my head off for not being here like I'm supposed to be."

"Yeah not a problem, see you then." Brock waved bye to Misty when she took off running towards the door.

**Sometime Later - Outside in the Front Gates of the Academy**

Before getting another batch of the 'things to do at the fundraiser' pamphlets, Misty had passed out her last one and quickly checked her cell phone for the time. After had mumbled to herself, she didn't realize it had caught Ash's and Richie's attention.

"What was that Mickey?" Ash asked when he handed out to one of the guest customers.

"Ten forty-five is what I said." Misty said while putting her cell phone away.

"Oh, is there a meaning behind the time?"

"Kind of, waiting for a-aaahhh!" Misty was tackled in a hug from Georgio.

"Mickeeey!" Georgio cheered.

"Georgio!" Misty semi-glared at Georgio but couldn't stay mad at him, as she returned the bear-hug of her own.

Ash eyed Mickey and Georgio exchanged a fake argument with each other about the surprise tackling hug and other issues that followed afterwards. But when the two started whispering and giggling to each other, Ash got more curious and cautious of their behaviors. 'Those two have been pretty close with each other. I wonder if it was Georgio was the one that made the move and kissed—No it can't be. Mickey said the guy was a random asshole and Georgio far from that and he likes Misty—Arrgg! Why am I thinking of this all of a sudden?' Ash looked back in Mickey's and Georgio's direction to see Mickey is now pinching both of Georgio's cheeks. 'Urrgh, then again Mickey did mention he's never kissed a girl either.' Ash's thoughts were interrupted when Gary walk passed them but was stopped when Mickey grabbed a hold of his hand.

"—Where are you going?" Misty asked with a raised eyebrow still holding onto Gary's hand.

"Going out for a walk with Umbreon, is that alright with you?" Gary asked with an irksome expression.

"No it isn't! You can't leave the academy, we hav—" Misty stopped in her sentence and let go of Gary when they heard something loud pulled up in front of the gate entrances.

"No it isn't! You can't leave the academy, we hav—" Misty stopped in her sentence and let go of Gary when they saw what had pulled up in front of the entrance gates.

It was a standstill between the gang and the limousine, but several minutes later the back door finally opened. A bunch of helium filled balloons flew out from the door, follow by five ladies dressed in black with matching jackets and black shades. After the five had admired the academy structure they suddenly turned around and yelled at someone else still inside the limo. The gang all eyed at each of the ladies' embroidered jacket, Maia's Pen, MagCat, Michelicious, Midnight-mist-87 and Ayuki was showcased. The gang didn't need the last person who stepped out of the limo to turn around, they could tell it was the one of owners of Lil' Pandas'.

"Seriously, who's idea was it again to wear shades inside the limo? I can barely see anything." Lili huffed annoyingly when she closed the door.

Maia giggled at Lili. "It's all about the grand entrance, remember?"

MagCat leaned on Lili's right shoulder. "Since we were running late, we might as well do it fashionably late."

"Too bad we didn't have a bigger crowds' attention." Maia said.

Lili let out a smile when she finally noticed the group from afar. "Nah, I think we got the right crowd. There's your boy-toy staring at you, Maia."

Maia looked over to see Gary and the others staring straight at them and back at Lili. "Lili! Don't be so vulgar with that mouth of yours! He's not my boy-toy," Maia slowly looked away and lowered her voice. "Yet."

All the gals started laughing, while MagCat decided to tease Maia. "Lili's lewd mouth isn't as bad as your obsession. You wrote a cheer for him and kept on cheering it to the point it's imprinted in our brains!"

Maia let out a big smile. "Weeell since he's right in front of us, care to join me girls? On the count of three, one, two, three—"

"Gary, Gary! See him grin! Lookin' that cute outta be a sin! Gary, Gary! He thinks so fast! Take him on and you'll end up last! Not a Gary cheerleader? Now that's a crime. Cheering for anyone else is a waste of time!"

After the unison cheer and poses, they merrily made their way to the boys to grab their pamphlet. While they were getting a quick down-low tour from Ash, Richie and two other classmates, Lili had stepped off to the side to interrupted Gary and Misty conversation when Gerogio had been called away.

"Kekeke, we can't wait to see your transformation Gary." Lili snickered again. "Minus a missing member for today, we, the Old-School Founders of the Gary Oak fan club are really excited," Lili paused for a second and pointed at Maia. "Well probably not as excited as Maia. When we heard you were up for auction, she nearly flipped a table. So be prepared for a record breaking bid and a fun, exciting date today with her—"

"No! You can't!" Misty yelled out, which caused Lili to be very confused. "I mean, Maia can't. I mean, Lili," Misty then lowered her voice so no one else could hear. "By any chance you can convince Maia not to bid on Gary today? Gary's in this whole mess because of my secret. Since he saved my butt, the deal was that I have to win the auction date so he doesn't have to go on a date afterwards."

"Mmmm, I can try? But there's no guarantees, Maia took vacation time and flew into Kanto for this."

Misty looked over at Gary for a second and back at Lili. "Does it have to be a full on out date-date?"

Lili raised a brow. "I don't know, what do you have in mind?"

"If she doesn't bid on Gary today I can guarantee her an hour or two of Gary's time right now."

"Whoa! Don't I get a say in this?" Gary spoke up glaring down at Misty.

"No? Come on, a couple of hours of you being her personal tour guide around the academy won't hurt for a guarantee pass of her not bidding on you. Also it's one less person I have to deal with. Please?"

"She's right Gary, you've seen how fan crazy I can get but she's on her own level when it comes to you."

Gary let out a grunt when he thought of the idea. "What about the others?"

"Oh you don't have to worry about the others, they will enjoy your company as well but we're here to have fun, support and watch Maia go ga-ga crazy over you. It's pretty entertaining."

"If I were to agree for the couple of hours of my time with her, I'm not going to get kidnapped, am I?"

"Hahahaha. I'm going to plead the fifth on that." Lili looked away from Gary.

"You're kidding, right?"

"Hahah chillax Gary, I was just joking around! You don't have to worry, we're your fans but we're not THAT crazy. Don't worry the rest of us will keep Maia in line. So do we have a deal?"

"Deal."

"Sweet, I'll go let Maia and the other know." Lili waved bye to Gary and Misty and ran over to the others where they were still at. "Oh giiirls, I got great neeews!"

Gary looked over in their direction for a second and looked back at Misty. "You so owe me another big one."

Misty clasps her hands together in front of her face and begged for forgiveness. "I'm sorry! After I win the auction, I'll make it up to you with something else, ok? Just hang in there for a bit."

"Whatever, let's get going Umbreon," Gary turned around and he could tell that Maia had gotten the news. "I can't wait for the day to be over."

Misty walked beside Gary with a smirk on her face. "It'll be over sooner than you know it."

Gary rolled his eyes and split away from Misty to met up with Lili and her group, as they all had the courteously to ask what Gary wanted to do first. While Gary was debating on what to do, Misty had stepped off to the side to meet up with Ash, Richie and the others to continue their greeting to the new guests. But not seconds later, all their attention were on Brock; who called out 'Mickey's' name.

"Hey Brock, what's up?"

"It's going good but I need you to be my personal assistant for the remainder of the day. I already got permission from Principal Dean for you to be excused for the day."

"Personal assistant eh? What am I going to be doing?"

"Well since I can't leave the academy, I need you to go to my home town Pewter City to pick up some pokemon medical supplies that we just ran out in our care-center. And you'll probably be doing other errands for me too."

"I have no problem helping you out."

"Great, so if you would follow me back to my office I'll give you the money and directions and such," Brock then turned looked over at Ash and Richie. "Sorry for taking Mickey from you guys but he'll be returned to you sometime tonight the latest.

Ash waved his hand at Brock. "Oh no no no, it's ok. You and Nurse Joy are the busiest at this place, so if you need the extra help it's totally understandable," Ash then looked over at Mickey. "Well it'll be a shame that you'll end up missing Gary all dolled up."

Richie let out a chuckle. "Mickey will miss it in live action, buuut I'll have it on camera. Do you really think I wasn't going to have a record of this day?"

While a tiny chuckle escaped Misty's mouth, Ash just shook his head. "You're really asking for a death wish aren't you huh?"

"Oh it'll be worth it. Anyways, I guess we'll see you after all the madness is over. Take care and have a safe trip." Richie waved and quickly turned to face the next guest who was making her way towards the entrance.

"Yeah I'll catch you guys a bit later. Bye Richie," Misty turned to Ash. "Bye Ash, don't have too much fun without me."

"Hah, I'll try not to. I'll see you later, bye Mickey." Ash looked away to pass out a brochure to a passing guest but his attention fell upon Mickey when he saw him suddenly stopped next to Gary and tapped his shoulder. Ash's eyebrow rose curiously when Mickey whispered something lengthy into Gary's ear, which than caused him to lightly pushes Mickey's face away. But before his mind went into a whole other world, Richie had called out for him for his help.

**About Two Hours Later – Inside the Academy Building**

Gary had gotten the call from Misty about ten minutes ago to meet up in their signed dressing room located by the East-side doors; which lead to the backdoors of the gym where main event stage is being held at. Once Gary reached the room, he made his way inside and closed the door behind him. Rustling noises came behind a wooden curtain prop stand; as he became wary of it making his way towards it. Thinking it was maybe Misty, he called out for 'Mickey's' name. But soon a brunette with a ponytail on her left side stepped out from behind the curtain stand, as she stared back at Gary with a fierce pose and an outfit that showed off a lot of skin. With her arms and stomach exposed in a sleeveless low-cut vest over a tube top, her long legs had more skin exposure being in a pair of short-shorts; alongside with straps hung behind her legs and in a pair of zipped up boots.

"The names Lola, you must be Gary, I presume?"

"Yeah I'm Gary. Now where's Mickey?"

"Have you forgotten that Mickey has stepped out for the day?" Lola asked with a smirk.

Gary looked up and down at Lola one more time and suddenly recalled what Misty had whispered to him earlier. "So this is what you meant by you'll get me to check you out from head to toe the next time we see each other."

Misty; disguised as Lola, started grinning like crazy at Gary but then did a quick twirl. "So what do you think? Lola looks pretty bad ass huh?"

"I guess."

"You guess? Come on Gary I spent a good hour on this, you could give me some kind of feedback." Misty crossed her arms in a pouting way.

"Aren't you showing a lot of skin in that outfit?"

"Not that kind of feedback! Geez Gary, I mean come on, I'm still a girl you know. I would like compliment from my best friend. Besides, back in Cerulean my everyday wear was always a pair of shorts and a tank top."

"Just to remind you, your best friend that is in front of you right now is a guy. We're not like girls who compliment each other," Gary stopped when he saw Misty's girly pout expression, as a sigh escaped before he looked down at Umbreon. "Umbreon go make yourself comfortable by the window ledge over there. It'll be awhile before I can start looking cute like this annoying brunette in front of us." Gary then looked up at Misty when Umbreon left his side for the open window. "Shall we get this started?"

It took a second for Misty to realize Gary had complimented her being 'cute' in his own way. As a smile slowly appeared on her face, for even the littlest thing from Gary can get her smiling. But it quickly disappeared when she placed her hands on her hip. "Not quite yet Gabby. I have to show you the secret weapons."

"Weapons? Now there's an S? Earlier today you said weapon."

"Whatever Gary, sorry, I was in a hurry and I meant was weaponsss. Anyways hope you won't get mad buuut—"

"Just get on with it, what's the deal?" Gary asked getting a bit annoyed at Misty.

"Ok! Ok! Secret Weapon number one iiisss," Misty went behind the wooden curtain stand and slowly pulled the thing; more like a person, from behind and showcased May in front of Gary. "Ta-daaaa! I brought May here!"

Gary face went pale white to the point he would needed a suntan to regain back his color. All he could do is stared at May; using a clutch to keep balance. But even so, he could tell that his sister is recovering very quickly compared to others. For all she had on her left arm a wrist cast and her left leg a short cast to her shin. "What's going on? Why is May—May why are you here?"

May giggled at Gary's priceless expression, as she slowly made her way towards him for a hug with her free arm. "Hi little brother," May pulled away with a big grin. "Or should I say little sister?"

"You know, I should have known that you'll be here. You've been here for the last two years. But why are you here, like in this room here?" Gary asked May but quickly looked over at Misty when she said she could explain.

"Mickey owed May a White Day present and since we've been texting to each within the last two weeks. I thought it would be an awesome late White Day present from Mickey to May, of her being able to spend some personal time and also play dress up with you."

"Are you a retard or something? That doesn't make any sense, you're both girls. So why would you need to give May a White Day present?"

"Well at the time when May gave Mickey the chocolates, she thought Mickey was a guy. Anyways the point is that I don't like owing kay? Especially when it's tradition, besides she's the only person who could get the outfit that is needed for today on short notice. As that's the second secret weapon."

"Should I worry about what you two have in mind?"

Misty let out a smile. "No, it's going to be epic and we're going to crush the competition and Matt's going to be your bitch."

A snicker escaped his mouth, as Gary just shook his head. "The way you said it just sounds bad. Maybe Lola is just getting to your head and why the name Lola?"

"I don't know? It has a nice ring to it, ever since I heard it from Luke."

"Ah' anyways back to the outfit, what am I going to look like?"

"Hahah yeaaah about that, the only thing I know is the outfit I suggested. I don't even know the color of it. I'm actually leaving everything in May's hands, remember she was a pokemon contest coordinator. So I think she knows a thing or two." Misty said with confidence in Gary's face.

Gary stared back down at Misty with an unpleasant expression. "I'm not a pokemon."

"Nor is Ash but you told me to throw a pokeball at his head," Misty gave Gary a smirk and lightly patted his left cheek. "What I'm trying to say is May got the magic touch. Anyways I'm going to take off now, see yaaa!" Misty grabbed her bag nearby off a chair and waved bye to May and ran towards the door.

Gary's and May's 'bye' barely reached the door before she closed it behind her, as Gary just wondered what her rush was all of a sudden. But he then looked over at May. "So hi big sis."

"Hi. I bet there's a lot going on in that head of yours huh?"

"Yeah, I don't even know where to start."

"Well then let me start and you can follow. First, I got your voice mail and I did get your package, but only yesterday though."

"I sent it out like two weeks ago."

"Weeell my personal secretary is on vacation and since I kind of need to keep up on therapy and on top of my work load, I hired a temp. I don't think I need to explain any further." May giggled at the same time when Gary snickered at May's comment. Seeing how Gary has lightened up around her she pulled him into another sisterly hug. "To tell you the truth I thought you never open the packages from me since there was no word or reaction from you each year. But you actually did all those years and those letters, oh my god, you totally got grandpa's poet genes."

Gary pulled away from May's hug, avoiding eye contact with her. "Could you not make a big deal out of it? I'm probably nowhere close to his level when it comes to poetry," Gary looked back at May. "To tell you the truth, I didn't know what to say or write to you. So I just wrote simple thank you poems for you. But that resentful side of me didn't want to mail it out."

"Even if they were just thank you poems, I'm happy ok? And besides, this year's letter poem was different from the previous two years. It had a bit more meaning behind it."

"Whatever, you're talking nonsense. They're still simple poems."

"Yeah whatever lil' bro. I should thank Misty again because it's most likely thanks to her influence on you."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Come on, I'm not blind as a Woobat."

"A what? Is that even a Pokemon?" Gary asked with a confused look on his face.

"Oh lil' bro, you still got a long way on completing the pokemon list and yes it's a Pokemon. But it's not from ours or any of the other regions here. Let's just say it's a very far, far away region."

"So you're saying in this far, far away region has its own set of pokemon that we haven't heard of?"

"Yup and they're unique in their own way. I've seen pictures."

"Let me guess, because of your status, you got friends in every regions don't you? That's why you've got to see some of these newer pokemon?"

A smile appeared on May's face. "A lil' genius as always, well next you decide to visit home, I'll show you the new pokemons in the Unova region."

Gary returned the smile. "I can't wait."

"Anyways as I was saying, I'm not blind. I can totally see that Misty's friendship has changed you. But when did you two become best friends?"

Gary forgot that May was in the room the whole time when the two had their spat. "Geez not this again, long story short, according to Misty I'm her first best guy friend because I've been saving her butt and supportive like her best friend Duplica. Case close, can we get started?"

"Oh no, not yet, you said according to Misty you're now her best friend. But what is Misty to you?"

"I'll admit she's important, so she's considered as a good friend to me."

"So just good friends? Why not best friends?"

"She's lucky she's my friend in the first place. Come on May, the last friend I had was Ash and I ended it pretty badly. So it's a big step just getting to that talking stage with me let alone being friends."

"That's true. But I guess it doesn't matter what she is to you, I'm just happy that she got you opening up to us," May gave Gary a big sisterly smile before she realized something. "Oh, we should play the Twenty-One Questions game while you get into your outfit. If we're lucky, we can get you into your outfit within under an hour and then after that we got hair and make-up—"

"What outfit did Misty pick out that would or could take up to an hour to dressed up in?"

"Go check it out, it's behind the curtain stand in the garment bag. Once you see it, you'll know what I mean." May took a seat nearby when Gary curiously made his way towards the curtain stand. "So how was your group date with Misty's boss and friends?"

"Geez, does that Tomboy tells you everything?"

"I wish she would! She'll only tell me the basics but she has a habit of slipping up on more info on you. And when I curiously ask about it, she shuts her mouth like there's a lock on it, hence the fact of me asking you."

'So she keeps to herself about me, true to her words.' Gary let out a tiny smile but soon disappeared. "To answer your question surprisingly it wasn't as bad as I expect it to be. For being fan-girls, they're not as crazy," Gary stopped right next to the curtain stand and pondered hard with a dumbfounded expression he used to do when he was younger. "Then again maybe I've become accustomed to all the madness caused by Misty I just don't know what's sane is like anymore."

"Ooh-oooh-ooooh man, I haven't seen that expression in like forever! You used to do that expression all the time when it was the three of us back in the days," May crossed her arms with a big smile on her face. "Are you sure Misty isn't more than a good friend to you?"

"What's with that question? First it was Ash, being the jealous boyfriend who isn't really the boyfriend and then now you smiling like a silly fan girl. You haven't been talking to Ash have you? Because it seems like you two are in this, like the olden days."

"I swear to God, I have not been talking to Ash at all. Misty is the only one I've talked to in the last two weeks." May paused to make her next question dramatic. "Soooo do you think that you actually might like-like her?"

"I don't know ok?" Gary irately replied with an annoyed expression. "Am I supposed to like her?"

"Ummm-uuhhh-I don't know myself either. But don't you think there's a reason behind all your actions lately? You know especially a lot towards Misty."

"Yeah the reason is because we're friends and watch out for each others. You know, like how we used to do when it was the three of us."

May stared at Gary and slowly nodded her head. "Oh right, now that you mention about it, your reasoning is pretty legit. It seems like you're slowly reverting back to your old kiddy self. I guess I thought there was more to it because it's Misty and the fact Misty's a girl. But since it's just a misunderstanding on my part, I don't have to worry as much."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Gary asked out loud when he finally disappeared behind the curtain to open the garment bag.

"Well you obviously know very well that she likes Ash and if you happened to also end up liking her too it would cause a triangle that none of you guys would want to deal with. Because someone or even maybe all of you guys will end up hurt, especially when feelings are on the line. Trust me, I've been down that road before and it's not that great." May replied with concerns in her tone, as she waited for Gary's reply. But when there was a silence between the two for a good minute, May felt a bit troubled. "Gary?"

Gary heard May loud and clear but was too occupied at what's in front of him, a designed purple kimono. "Well I'll be damn." Gary then slightly looked over to the right when he saw a bag with a note with his name on it. About to unfold it, he turned around when May called out his name.

"Are you that impressed with the kimono to the point you left me all worried?" May asked with a smirk on her face.

Gary shoved the note into his pocket before turning around to return the smirk. "Sorry I guess it did. I'm impressed that Misty thought of a kimono."

"I know right? It's totally a perfect style because of your body frame."

"Yeah I was actually worried about what would look good on me because of my body frame. But she didn't seem like she had worried bone in her body."

"Pfft, please. It's all an act then. Before she figured out to go with a kimono dress she would freak out every time we got a chance to talk. Anyways did you hear what I said to you earlier before you went into your own zone?"

"Yeah I heard you and sorry to hear that happened to you but rest a sure you don't have to worry about the whole triangle ordeal. I know for sure my feelings for her are strictly friendship." Gary gave May a confident smirk.

"Alright I believe you, only because we have the Oak's stubbornness running through our blood stream. And you've always been the type to say what you mean or going to do. Anyways please start taking the dress pieces out slowly, I'm going to check out the sets of wigs Misty left for us." May said as she made her way to the other side of the curtain.

Gary wasted no time pulling the note out from his pocket and once he opened it, he knew instantly who it was from by the handwriting.

Gabby,

I don't know if you already seen what's inside the garment bag yet but once you do, you'll understand why I turned down all your suggestions and told you not to worry about it. I hope you like the style. I can't wait to see the full package when the time comes. HEHEHE. Anyways, just in case you didn't get anything to eat or not enough during your group date (I guess?) haha, I bought some snacks and a couple of drinks for you before you go on stage. Thanks again for everything and I'll be bidding for you like a mad fan-girl. Ciao!

Lola

Gary looked inside the bag to see a couple of boxes of strawberry pocky, a small packed to go box from one of the academy food stand and a couple of flavored drinks. Within seconds a confused smile appeared on his face. 'At least I thought it was just friendship…'

**About a Quarter 'til 3 – Outside of the Academy's Gymnasium**

Misty double checked inside her bag to make sure she had her water bottle, cell, cash and ticket for the auction event. 'Mickey' was supposed to be part of the main event entrance duty, so she knew Ash, Richie and a few other of the classmates were accepting the ticket stubs and handing out piece of paper and a pen; to vote for their favorite class girl. Even though the event was about to start in less than fifteen minutes, there was still pre-paid customers making their way inside. Misty went to Ike's line mainly to avoid Ash and Richie as Lola. But when she turned in her ticket stub and about to head inside, she was suddenly pulled off to the side by Richie.

"Lola right?" Richie asked with an intense stare.

Misty eyed Richie for she wasn't sure how he got her name but still kept cautious. "Who wants to know?"

A smirk appeared on Richie's face. "Me, if you give me the time and your phone number."

Misty gave Richie a sly smile and ran her index finger underneath his chin and stopped at the tip of it. "Sorry, you're not the brunette I'm after today. You're cute but you're definitely not my type."

Richie lowered his face to level with Lola's and smoothly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "For a good time, it really doesn't matter if I'm your type or not—" Richie suddenly got turned around.

"Richie would you stop it? She is like the hundredth chick you've hit on within the hour. Don't you ever tire from flirting with different girls all the time?"

"Nope."

"Geez why can't you just settle down?"

Richie let out sinister smile towards Ash. "Even if you knew the truth, you wouldn't understand. Anyways why are you being such a buzz killer on my game?"

"Let's drop it, we have a message to deliver," Ash looked passed Richie and to the girl who he believes is Lola. "You are Lola right? Lili told us that if we see a girl, dressed like you with a side ponytail, to let you know to call her when you reach inside."

"Oooh! Why thank you for the message. That explained how you guys' got my name. Well as much as I would love to stick around and chit chat, I got to meet up with Lili and win a date with Gary Oak." Misty grabbed the piece of paper from Richie's hand and the pen from Ash's hand and tossed them in her bag. And being 'Lola', she flirtatiously blew a kiss into the air towards Ash's and Richie's direction. "I'll catch you two on the flip side, see ya!" After a Gary's signature wave of just throwing her hand in the air when walking away, Misty quickly pulled out her cell phone from her pants pocket.

Ash and Richie looked back at each other and both in unison the words 'only Lili's friends' escaped their mouths. The two then looked back in Lola's direction, both knew this years' annual festival fundraiser auction date is going to be brutal. Since about one third of the attendees in the gym were all there for Gary. Before Misty had disappeared into the crowd, Richie snickered and mouthed 'good luck Lola', as Ash called out for his attention.

"What you said earlier, did you really mean it that I wouldn't understand if you told me truth of why you can't settle down?"

"Yes and no. You'll be understanding and try to throw some comfort words. But there's no way you can relate. When the time comes I'll let you know the truth. But for now, just let me play the game."

"Sooner or later it will be game over." Ash replied back.

"Yeah, yeah," Richie looked over at Ike; who called out for his and Ash's help, as he started walking back to his post. But he had slightly looked back over at Ash. "Why don't you worry about your game with the lovely May Oak and the hottie Misty Waterflower first before worrying about mine?" Richie wasn't sure if he should be proud of being the victor of their conversation. But the dumbfound look on Ash's face was priceless. Slightly turning away from Ash, out the corner of his eyes he noticed two familiar young ladies; in their early twenties, one being a blue haired and the other being purple haired. A smirk crept up on Richie's face when the blue haired girl held up her ticket close to her face with a devious smile. Richie knew what she was implying; more like reminding and for old time sake he let himself be lured into a quick kiss by reaching for the ticket.

**FLASHBACK – Cerulean City**

With a pair of sold out tickets tightly in hand, fifteen year old Richie was shaken up with mixed emotions when he saw his girlfriend; of three years, from a far pulled away from a kiss with another guy. Anger and confusion took over but he managed to have kept it under control for he wanted answers. Staggering his way towards his older girlfriend; age eighteen, he nonchalantly turned her around with an expression of hurt.

"Terra what's the meaning of this? And why are you here?"

"Richie, I can explain—" Terra was quickly cut off by Richie's enraged 'well'.

"—Do explain then!" Richie shouted but then his stare became a glare when the guy stepped forward a bit.

"Hey no need to yell at her likes that!" Ron; the 'kept man' of Terra's, yelled at Richie.

Richie's glare quickly became a death glare that could kill. "If I were you, you better stay out of it! My business is with her right now and not with you bastard."

"The names Ron—"

"Did I ask for your fucking name? No I didn't, so shut your mouth before I do it for you."

"Do you really think you can take me on? You're just a little youngling!" Ron stepped forward to only be pushed back by Terra. "What are you doing?"

"I'm saving you from being hospitalized, trust me on this," Terra let out a sign and stared at Ron and lowered her voice. "It's time. Please go wait over where we had discussed where we'll meet." Terra turned back around towards Richie when Ron easily; without any arguments, walked away from the two. She then grabbed a hold of his hand, only to have it yanked away. "Sorry, I should have known grabbing your hand won't calm the situation," Terra saw the hurtful expression on Richie's face, as her guilt grew bigger. "I honestly don't know where to start."

"How long has this been going on?" Richie asked right away.

"It started sometime after when we moved to Celadon City."

"Almost a year now? Is he the reason why you wanted to move to Celadon?"

"Richie, I swear to god that he wasn't the reason. It was really for the schooling but that is where I met Ron. We end up being partners in lab and we just hit it off, he's such a gentleman that treats me well and—"

"I didn't do the same for you? Everyone was against our relationship and wanted us to break up because they didn't trusted or liked you. But I gave you the benefit of the doubt because we we're always there for each other. So I followed my instinct and left my family members, who's disowned me the moment I told them I was leaving with you and lost all contacts of my friends. How is—"

"I'm sorry! It just happened alright? With him having the same interests and being the same age—"

"So now age is an issue? You were the one that said age doesn't matter and—"

Terra had grabbed Richie's hand; that caused him to stop mid-sentence, so she could tell him something that she's kept quiet about. "It's just not the same between us like before."

"It's probably because I changed my lifestyle to fit yours and to be at your every command so I could be your support. I would walk through fire just to be with you. When you said you wanted to go to Cerulean City Gym's underwater ballet show a couple of weeks ago and I told you that tickets were sold out, you were bummed. So I kept on searching and knowing my chances were slim to none. I even came here early in the morning hoping to be able to find someone willing to sell their tickets for double the price they paid for. And here I thought today was my lucky day, when a mother and son had two spare tickets they gave to me for free," Richie pulled his hand away from Terra's hold to show her the tickets. "I was about to call you so you could catch a taxi and be over here asap to make it for the first grand opening showing in a few hours. But obviously that isn't necessary since I caught you with some other guy."

"Richie, I don't deserve your forgiveness."

"You're damn right you don't. It hurts me to know that you've been cheating on me for some time now. But the fact that I just can't throw away my love for you, I'm willing to look pass this and move on. All you got to do is leave with me right now. We'll head back home and let's pack and just move to another city. You can transfer school—"

"I'm sorry. I can't do that. I just can't."

"Is it because it's too sudden? We can wait for a bit?" Richie asked quietly and trying to be optimistic of the situation.

"It's not that," Terra quickly kissed Richie on his cheek and gave him an apologetic stare. "I think it's just time for us to part ways."

"We've known each other since we were three and six and over the years growing up with each other. I put all my love and trust in you and you're going to throw away for that douche-bag of a guy?"

"Yes I am!"

"Why aren't you giving us a second chance?"

"Because I just don't love you anymore! For god's sakes Richie, have you already forgotten that I've been cheating on you for about a year now?"

Richie mind went blank but soon raged as he looked around his surrounding and noticed that there a small crowd he and Terra drew in. With that happening, he decided to end the conversation. "Mark my words, three, four, five or however many years it'll take, I'll become an outstanding and known trainer to the Kanto region and make you regret for leaving me."

Terra could feel tears wanting to form but she managed to keep it from escaping and forced a smile at Richie. "Regret leaving you? Hah, I guess we'll see if that happens or not."

"I'll make sure you'll regret. This isn't the last time you'll see me. I'll pack up my personal things by tonight. Whatever is left you can just throw out." Richie said harshly and walked away from Terra. Not realizing she had done the same but the opposite direction and around the corner to meet up with Ron. Everything had happened so fast with his rage in control, the realization of her being gone, finally hit Richie hard like a stone brick. He then took a seat by a nearby bench and lowered his hat over his eyes. But he looked up when two bodies sat down on both sides of him.

"Hey there cutie, my friend and I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your lover spat but it's kinda like hard not to when you're in the open in an area like this. Anyways, we just want to help you out." A blue hair girl; age eighteen, said with a seductive smile. She then looked over at her purple hair girl friend, of the same age, on the other side of Richie. "Isn't that right Nicki?"

"Like totally Tiffany. But anyways, we just want to let you know that we've gone through the same thing with our ex too. The both of us were in long term relationship and only to find out later down the road, no pun tended, our boys were cheating on us."

Richie looked up with a serious expression. "So how are you two supposedly going to help?"

Tiffany smile grew bigger as she pulled in closer towards Richie. "After our nasty break up with our cheating exes, we both vowed to never fall or get attached for another. But of course we're humans so we still get urges from time to time, if you catch my drift."

Nicki wrapped her arms around Richie's arm and gave him a charming smile. "You know the term of the rebound right? You'll clearly be on that route annnd not to take advantage of your situation, but F.Y.I. we're a couple of girls that likes to have fun."

"And we'll introduce you to a whole new world of no strings attach."

Richie looked at Tiffany with a blankness expression, as he squeezed the pair of tickets in his hand. "I—my mind is still hazy at what just happen and we were supposed to see the Cerulean gym's show. And I was—"

Tiffany snatched the tickets out of Richie's hand towards her, as it caused him to naturally reach for it. Little did he realize it was a set up trap, for his lips were pressed against Tiffany's glossy lips, as he quickly pulled away stunned. Before he could say anything, Tiffany got up from her seat and held up the pair of tickets with a big smile.

"How about this, since you're still in a state of shock at the moment, why don't we take it slow. First we'll take you to Celadon so you can get your stuff and then you can stay with us for the time being until you're ready to be back on your feet."

"I don't know."

"Not to sound like a heartless bitch or anything, but seriously what do you have to lose? You already lost the girl of your life. Clearly she doesn't want you back and sometime after tonight it seems like you're going to be homeless."

Nicki got up from her seat next to Richie to pull him off the bench. "Like seriously, cheer up a bit, you got two fun hotties willing to help you out. Like we said earlier, we went through the same thing so we can relate. And really if you want to talk about it, we'll totally listen."

A quiet snicker escaped from his mouth, as Richie thought hard on Tiffany's and Nicki's comment. And within the next few seconds, he realized they were right since there wasn't anything else to lose if he left everything behind again. "Sure why the hell not, I lost the girl of my life and she was all what I lived for."

"Sweet, you won't regret it. Give me a minute or two to get rid of these tickets and we'll go to the next showing with just the three of us before we move out of this city."

"Move?"

"Yeah, our job is transferring us to the Viridian City branch at the end of the month, so like in three weeks. So if you happen to still be with us or still want to stay with us, you're welcome to move along with us."

A snicker escaped Richie's mouth. "I doubt it, but if it so happens, I don't want to be a freeloader."

Nicki let out a smile and grabbed a hold of Richie's arm. "Oh if you're afraid that would be the case, don't worry, we'll work something out. There will be things we would need a guy to do. You know like, fixing stuff or taking care of some bug issues and the list goes on, hehehe, isn't that right Tiffany?"

Even though Tiffany was about ten feet away from the two at a corner, she still heard Nicki, as she turned and smiled. "Right girlfriend! Anyways hold on, I see someone around this corner! Let me go give the tickets to him!" Tiffany took off around the corner towards a guy in a hooded cloak. She stopped in front of him and fearless opened his cloak to grab his hand. Being quick like a Ninjask, she got a hold of his hand and slapped the tickets in it before he could protest. "Hi, I'm Tiffany, be a doll and take these tickets. Consider it's your lucky day, the show is sold out for today, so use them or sell them for profit. Byeee!" Tiffany waved, turned around and ran back to where Richie and Nicki were still waiting at.

**Meanwhile in a Local Parking Lot**

After ten minutes of non-stop crying in Ron's car, Terra had calmed down from her tears after staring at her wallet size picture of her and Richie together. But the tears started forming again, as Ron handed her another tissue.

"Are you sure pretending you were cheating on him was the best idea?" Ron asked with a serious expression.

"I'm sorry and also thank you for pretending to be my kept man. It's just if I didn't make it an ugly break up then he wouldn't have leave the relationship. This hurtle in his life will make him stronger. He has so much potential but the fact that I love him so much and I am a very self person, I ignored an important factor, I'm his handicap. He won't grow by staying in this relationship and will definitely be a waste, especially since I only have a few more years to live and that's with treatments too."

"Besides being your family's doctor's son, I am your good friend and I would have suggested you telling him the truth about your cancer."

"I know Richie like the back of my hand. I know him better then he knows himself. Like I told you earlier that I knew he was going to be in Cerulean to find tickets for me since I wanted to see the show. He's definitely a devoted boyfriend any girl could ever ask for. He'll walk through fire just to be with me as I would do the same for him. But after my last appointment with your mother and she told me I got cancer, I got to thinking about mine and Richie's life. I know it's stupid but this is the one thing I would like to do alone. Having him there for support at the worst time of my life, I won't be able to bear it to the day of my death bed. I know it'll crush him and his life after my death won't ever be the same." Terra took in a deep breath and wiped away the tears from her eyes. "I rather have him hate me forever and become the remarkable trainer he was born to be. Besides, Richie has this charm aura that he doesn't realize he has. Whenever we're together, his aura draws in a lot of other girl's attention, but his eyes and heart were always on me. But with the twisted fate of me only having maybe some years to live, it's clearly shows I'm not the one to be destined to be with him. So once the one comes into his life, I know he'll be able to devote his life to her."

"I see. But are you going to tell or see him before the time come?"

"I don't know. I guess we'll see when the time comes closer. But I believe this is the best route for the both of us." Terra kissed the picture and whispered that she'll always love him and no one else until the day she dies.

**END OF FLASHBACK – Present Time – In Front of the Academy's Gym**

Ash cocked his head confusingly when he saw Richie pulled away from another kiss with the second girl. Since there were only a few customers left, Ike and the two other classmates took over, as Richie gave Ash a smug smile when he looked over.

"Ash, this is Tiffany and Nicki. And before you get all weird or on my case again at what you just saw. I'm keeping it short and simple, these are the two wild old friends I mentioned long ago that I lived with before enrolling into the academy."

"Hello there, I guess it's nice to meet you?" Ash said with his confused stare at Tiffany and Nicki but back over at Richie. "So you're all of a sudden on a kissing base?"

Tiffany let out a giggle fit at Ash. "Let's just say the three of us we're kind of together, so it's just a greeting between us three. Isn't that right, Nicki?"

Nicki, who had her arms locked with Richie's arm, let out a smile. "Of course. Oh how it was fun while it lasted, hehehe."

Ash stared back at Richie; who gave him a smug-like shrug, but then suddenly remembered something. "Not to get too personal Richie but are Tiffany and Nicki were the reasons why you told me awhile back to be careful about liking an older person?"

"Close but not quite. Like I said earlier I'll tell you when the time is right," Richie pointed behind Ash's direction. "Besides right now you got company."

Thinking it was Misty since she had mention she'll be in the city soon, Ash turned around and to his surprise, it was May who stood in front of him. Before he could greet May, Richie quietly whispered something lengthily before walking away into the gym with Tiffany and Nicki. He looked over at the back of Richie's and all that kept on repeating inside his head was 'sooner or later it'll be game over, make your move.'