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 30: Grasping The Signs Around Us

**Lil' Pandas' – Café Lounge**

Gary's smile disappeared within a second when he stared dimly at Misty's seductive smile. He knew it was an indication to follow and act out the boyfriend-girlfriend role in front of Ajay. Knowing acting is not one of his fortes; he decided to keep true to himself and hoped for the best. "What was that for?"

Misty pulled away from Gary's hold with an annoyed expression. "Seriously? Those are the first words you say to me? We haven't seen each other in like, I don't know, like forever?" Misty said, as she crossed her arms and stared intensely at Gary. "Where's my, hi baby or hi sweetie or hi honey, I miss you?"

'How many different personas can she pull off today?' Gary glared back at Misty. "You really think I would greet you by those sickening nicknames?"

"Well can you blame me for wanting my Gar-Bear calling me by a nickname?" Misty asked in a sly tone, slowly inching closer to Gary's face. But the moment she felt the glare from Ajay she turned her attention towards him. "I'm sorry, did I interrupt your conversation with Gary?"

"I would be lying if I answered no. So yes, you did interrupt our conversation, Misty." Ajay replied back.

"So it seems you know who I am, umm—"

"The name's Ajay. Well I only the basic knowledge, water-type trainer, being the youngest gym leader of Kanto, etc. But who knew the feisty runt of Cerulean was Gary's type."

Misty let out a smile towards Ajay and locked arms with Gary's left arm. "Weeell I wouldn't say I'm Gary's type but I have my ways to charm the guy I want. I'm full of surprises, aren't I Gary?"

"I can't disagree on that fact." Gary said in a monotone looking away, as he caught Ash's bothered glare.

Misty flashed a triumph smile at Ajay. "See? Now if you don't mind I'll be taking Gary."

"Actually I do mind. We're in a middle of a date that I won at today's Viridian's fundraiser. You of all people should have known about it."

"Of course I knew about the fundraiser but that doesn't matter to me." Misty let go of Gary's arm in order to get up close to Ajay. "Even though Gary was auction off by the academy, he's still my man and I get the final word outside of the academy's perimeter. Got it?" Misty stated firmly.

Ajay could feel the tense from Misty but he wasn't going to back down from his once in a life time hangout. "Frankly in the end I don't care who you are. I spent a good amount of money and you know very well Gary won't walk out on this auction date."

Misty puffed her cheeks and glared at Ajay. "How much for the date?"

Ajay cocked his head in confusion at the vague question. "Five thousand, why?"

"Perfect. I'm buying Gary back than!"

Within the split second Misty threw the wad of cash from her purse into the air. All attention was centered on the hundred dollar bills floating in different directions and by the time Ajay looked back down Gary and Misty was no longer in the lounge area. With the sound of the back corner exit door shutting, he knew which direction they had gone. But a sigh escaped from Ajay, as he knew he lost to Misty. While gathering his money from the ground, he noticed Ash helping out.

"Thanks."

"Yeah, not a problem I guess." Ash replied in an irksome tone. He and Ajay sudden looked over when he heard Richie's voice calling out his name.

"Geez even at a time like this you still can't help it but to help another person out." Richie commented and squatted down to help. "Go Ash. I'll stay behind and help Ajay out. You want answers don't you?"

Ash froze at Richie's comment. "How did you—"

"Know? It's pretty much written all over your face. Now hurry up and get your ass out there and find the two. Besides I want to know the details too when I return tonight once I see Tiffany and Nikki off." Richie said with a sly grin before Ash took off towards outside battlefields.

"Umm, what's that all about?"

"Heh, it's a long complicated story that I can't tell you. But word of advice you might want to stay away from that forming triangle."

The moment Ash exited outside there was many directions to pick from. His guts told him head West, where there were a lot of buildings for good hiding spots. 'Why am I so annoyed at the fact Misty kissed Gary again? I wasn't annoyed like last time was I?'

**Meanwhile By One of the West Side Buildings**

Still huffing and puffing, Gary got up from his squat position and managed to let out a chuckle towards Misty; leaning against a building wall. Misty stared back at Gary and joined in with her own laughter.

"No doubt about it, you are full of surprises." Gary said heavily.

"I know right? And that priceless look on Ajay's when I threw that money in the air."

"I can't believe you did that."

"I can't believe I did that either! Five thousand gone in a seconds! That money could have gone towards something better. But I did promise to save your sorry ass." Misty replied with a smart-alecky smile.

"To save my sorry ass? I could have gotten out of it by myself." Gary heatedly replied.

Misty gave Gary an annoyed glare. "Your way of getting out of it was to beat the living daylight out of Ajay. And I couldn't let that happen, period."

"Annnd the kiss was the best solution?"

"Yeah the kiss was the—AHHH!" Misty suddenly fell to her knees with a traumatized expression. "I kissed you again in front of Ash!" Misty ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. "Waaaah, I think I lost all chances with Ash now! He was the one that called me out and then I ended up leaving him for you. What is he going to think of me now? Whhhy couldn't I think of another wa—" Misty stopped when she saw Gary's hand held out in front of her.

"Would you stop whining? Even though Ashy-boy is a dufus, I think he can figure out that this was all an act. If not then we'll just explain it to him. He knows you and I are friends," Gary motions his hand indicating to grab a hold of for the second time. "Beside didn't you say no matter what the situation you'll be there to save me?" Gary unconsciously let out another sincere smile.

Still on the ground, dazed by the smile she has taken a fond of; Misty subconsciously took Gary's hand to be helped back onto her feet. "You're right, I did. And I held up to my best-friend-status promise." Misty giggled and was about to let go of Gary hand until it was jerked away from another.

In between panting heavily, Ash tightens his grip on Misty's hand and pulled her closer towards his side. But his main focus and glare were on Gary. "I'm, going to ask you, one more time, what's going on between you two?"

Before Misty could chime in, Gary; with his twisted sense of humor, decided to tease Ash like how he used when they were kids. As he pulled Misty out from Ash's hold and into his arms with a vindictive smirk. "What if I were to say that we're going out?"

Misty eyes widen and looked upwards at Gary. "Whaaa?"

Ash felt his blood boiled and gave Gary a snarl-like glare but quickly disappeared; due to Misty being pushed into his arms.

"Hah, you still have the same snarl expression whenever I tease you."

Ash let go of Misty and tightened his fist. "Arrggh, you were teasing me? You always pick the worst time to play a joke! I was asking a serious question because seeing you two clos—"

"You're one to talk! You also pick the worst times to play pranks too! Who do you think is at fault of the reason why we're no longer friends?" Gary asked sternly and walked away but turned around to face Ash and Misty once more. "Get through your thick scull of yours Ashy-Boy, Misty and I are just friends and she's," Gary paused for to let his quiet but heavy sigh escape. "Head over hills for you and only you, trust me. She won't shut up about you. So the kiss between the two of us was just a deploy act for Ajay ok? Good. Now I'm done with this conversation, seeya." Gary turned back around and continued walking before Ash could say anything to his face. 'I can't believe I'm a bit envious of Ash right now.'

Misty stunned at one thing after another with Gary's and Ash's actions, all she could do at this very moment was just stare at Gary's figure into the distance. She then turned her attention to when Ash had called out her name. "Yeah?"

"I would like to have a serious talk and ask you a few questions about yours and Gary's relationship if you don't mind."

"Ummm is it necessary?" Misty asked in an uncertain tone; for she wasn't too sure herself if she could give Ash all the answers to any of the questions relating to hers and Gary's status. The moment she saw Gary's rare smile again, she couldn't deny the fact she felt her stomach being tied in a knot again and was at a lost.

"Kind of? To tell you the truth Misty, I was turned down by May today and then I have Gary playing with my emotions, so I'm really at a lost right now. The scary thing about those two siblings, they both recognized something I didn't see or acknowledge." Ash looked in the opposite direction of Misty's. "The fact deep down I, might have some feelings for you?"

Misty blinked a few times before placing her hand on Ash's arm. "I don't know what to say to this confession? But." Being a bit conceited and thinking it's a confession; Misty couldn't help to let out a smile.

Ash turned to face Misty with a semi-frustrated look upon his face. "It's not even a full-hearted confession. I don't even think it counts as a half-hearted confession." Ash eyed confusingly at Misty's smile. "How are you smiling? Don't all girls want the full nine yard confession?"

"Ash I'm not like most girls. Frankly I don't care if it was a half-assed confession or even if it wasn't supposed to be a confession, I'm just truly happy to see the progress between us."

A defeated sigh, followed by a chuckle, Ash rested his forehead onto Misty's shoulder. "I give up. You and Mickey always managed to see the brighter side of any situations huh?"

Misty stood stiff in her position for she didn't want Ash to move off of her right shoulder. "Hah, well it was never like that when growing up, but that's in the past. Anyways getting back on track! Ash if I have to wait for you, then I'll continue waiting. I've been and hell, still going through many obstacle courses to be here with you." Misty said sedately, as she felt the weight off her shoulder and an inch away from Ash's face.

Ash let out a solemn stare before pulling her into a hug. "I'm sorry for being a jerk the moment we met. Let's go somewhere and talk shall we?"

Responding back with a hug and a couple of nods of her own, Misty buried her shrewd smirk when she recalled her first meeting with Gary. 'Oh I've dealt worst.'

**Later That Evening – Third Year's Dormitory – Room # 320**

After slipping on the matching black and purple sweat suit hoodie over his head, Gary grabbed a hold of his training bag and called out to Umbreon to leave. As he opened the door there stood Misty with Togepi in one arm while the other held up a set of keys.

"Oh hi Gary."

"Hey. Well I'm heading out, don't wait up." Gary said in a settle tone making his way out the door.

"Don't wait up? Where are you going this late in the evening?" Misty grabbed a hold of Gary's arm to stop him.

Gary yanked his arms out from Misty's hold, as he stepped further away from her. "I'm going to one of the tracks and fields for some training."

"Oh. Well hold on, give me about ten minutes and I'll come with yo—"

"I prefer to be by myself right now." Gary cut in bitterly but let out a sigh when he saw the hurt and confused look on Misty's face. He then lightly ruffled Misty's short; now shaggy length, hair. "It's just, I don't remember when the last time I got this kind of peace and quiet. Especially with all the nonsense that had happened, I just want some time to myself. Ok?"

Misty hid her flushed face behind Togepi and mumbled a couple of words before speaking clearly. "Oh I see, for some reason I thought you were mad at me. Well then, umm you guys have a safe training. Don't stay out to late."

"Yeah thanks, seeya." Gary quickly turned around and missed Misty had placed her hand where he had ruffled up. Mid-way down the hallway, he finally heard the door shut closed, as he looked down at his hand. 'Am I really falling for her?'

**Next Day; Sunday Morning – Outside; Eastern Track and Field**

"Hey beautiful, time to wake up."

Stirring restlessly on the bench that he had fallen asleep from late last night, Gary slowly opened his eyes when he felt a light shook. After a few blinks to get his eyes to adjust to the morning sunlight, his eyes remained squinted; with annoyance, when he saw who it was. Hovering right above him; on the backside of the bench, was none other than Richie with his trademark grin. "Would you wipe that stupid grin off your face?"

"Aww, it seems like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bench this morning."

"What do you want?" Gary replied tiresomely and forced himself in an upright position.

"Nothing really? Just came out here to do our morning run." Richie pointed in the distance ahead of them at Sparky and Umbreon; playfully sparing. Not caring that he's imposing even more, he took a seat on the bench. "I didn't expect to still see you out here from last night. Saw you guys out here when I returned back before the midnight curfew."

"And?"

"Heh, so hard to have a lengthy conversation with you, but at least you stick around for them now. So I'll get straight to the point. That Lola chick from yesterday, was she by any chance Mmm—Nevermind. I must be imaging the signs."

"What is it that you want to know?" Gary asked curiously for the first time towards Richie's comment.

Richie saw the disturbed raised eyebrow when the name Lola was brought up. "Umm, ughhh, I was wondering if she was a close friend."

"Why?"

"You know me, a fine girl like that I can't let her escape. Couldn't you tell by our chemistry connection yesterday in the gym? Hah, I wanted to know if you knew or have her number that way I can hit her up first." Richie said with a cunning smirk.

"You'll never see her again. And if you do by some miracle, you stay away from her." Gary said with an intense stare.

Knowing something was up; Richie decided to push Gary's buttons. "Sooo do you have her number or not?"

"I should really," Gary clutched a fist; that he knew Richie saw, but he did not swing. "Punch that smart ass mouth of yours. And no, I don't have Lola's number and if I did, I wouldn't give it to you, Mr. Skirt Chaser."

"Hah point taken. Damn, too bad, she could have been the one." Richie commented sarcastically.

"Yeah right, I can't even picture you being committed to just one girl."

A pitiful smile appeared before Richie turned his attention towards Sparky and Umbreon. "Not like you'll care but I wasn't always a skirt chaser, there was someone who I truly cared for."

"Ahh this road sounds familiar. Let guess, she betrayed you in some sort of way and made you the way you are today, correct?"

"In a way yeah, fifty percent her and the remaining percentage were the two girls you saw yesterday. Hah, now that's a whole other story to tell, if you know what I mean." Richie said cheekily but got serious when he looked over at Gary. "Glad to know that we're on the same playing field. Never thought you would have been the right person to somewhat spill my guts to."

"Ashy-Boy doesn't know about your Ex?"

"Nope. Even though we're best friends and totally alike, but when it comes to girls and or our love lives, we're on opposite ends. My Ex is something I don't talk about." A sigh and a grieving gaze appeared upon Richie's face when he stared into the distance.

Caught off by Richie's rare expression, Gary was left curious. "Do you still care for your Ex?"

Richie looked back at Gary with an emotionless stare. "Honestly I don't know how to answer that question. Terra, she really. Enough about my past," Richie quickly got back up onto his feet with his trademark grin. "I'm all about the now and the future. What do you think my future would be like if I involve Misty?"

"An instant body cast." Gary replied heatedly and pushed himself off the bench.

"Haha chillax man, I was only joking. I know when not to butt into certain drama."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Pffft, nonsense of course! This is me we're talking about." Richie patted Gary's shoulder in order to change subject. "Anyways, want to be my training partner for today? With madness of the fundraiser we haven't really gotten a chance for some good training in."

"Why the hell not, beating you sounds like fun."

"Pleeease you think you'll beat me that easily? I got some new tricks up my sleeves you'll be mesmerized. But before our training battle how about a good old fashion mile race?"

"Bring it on." Gary wasted no time heading towards the track leaving Richie and his hoodie and personal belongings behind on the bench.

A chuckle escaped from Richie on the fact he and Gary shared a bizarre bonding moment. 'Heh, I definitely like the new Gary. It's all thanks to Mickey, or should I say Misty? With all the signs and connections I've witnessed yesterday I'm pretty certain they're one in the same. But then that doesn't explain that one weekend when both of them were together. Mmm, maybe I should wait a little longer…'

**Sometime Later in the Afternoon – Room #320**

After had waited all day since seven in the morning in the room, Misty finally got her overnight express package. She placed the forty-five pound box on her bed, as Togepi and Poliwhirl curiously examining it. Misty grabbed her phone and called Duplica and enthusiastically waited for the pick-up on the other end.

"Letterbox to Trigger. I'm pretty Farfetch'd and out of the Dead Drop zone, what's the status?" Duplica asked in a serious tone over the phone.

"The Fearow has landed. I repeat the Fearow has landed at the Safehouse. Still untouched annnd no sign of the Mole."

"Agent Trigger."

"Yes Agent Letterbox?"

"What the hell are you waiting for? Open your package! I have an awesome surprise for you inside the box!" Duplica said excitedly; dropping their secret agent lingo.

"Waaah! Is it what I asked you to look for?" Misty asked and went looking for a box cutter.

"Yes and no. I still haven't found that little locked treasure box. I just got done going through that big ass room of yours yesterday afternoon-ish and nothing. So now that means I still got like what, five million more rooms to search through? Anyways, I found something that you've been missing foreveeer! It's wrapped up, you can't miss it being on top of that forty pound bag of Skittles. Seriously why in the world did you need that much?"

"Hey, don't judge me! If I want to drown myself in the rainbows I will. Haha J.K. J.K. Well none of the stores here sells them and I've been craving them and I need a whole lot for my awesome gift I'm planning to do. Also surprisingly a lot of the guys here are fond of them too, so I'll be sharing." Misty commented and managed to cut open the box. Returning the box knife back to Gary's bookshelf, she returned back to her box and unravels the palm size item. "Weee, it's feels like Christmas—Oh my god Duplica! Waaaaaah! I can't believe you found my long lost MP3 Player!"

Duplica sensed the squeal a mile away so she already had the phone away from her ear. After the fifth rapid 'ohmygod', she finally placed her cell back to her ear. "It's because I'm that aweeesome!"

"Can't deny that! Thank you sooo much girlfriend! Where would I be without you?"

"Uhhh probably still right where you are but a MP3 and a forty pound of Skittles less?"

"Touché."

"Anyways, how about giving your girlfriend the down low of yesterday."

"Oh maaan, so much happened…"

After about an hour of explanation on what all had happened yesterday Duplica was left a bit displeased, as a heavy sigh escaped. "So in the end Ashy-Boy still haven't officially asked you out?"

"You are correct. Only because he needed some time to sort something out. But it's heading in the right direction!" Misty shouted but still managed not to wake up Togepi in her lap.

"Yeeeah until he finds out the truth."

A sigh escaped Misty's mouth when she leaned against her bedroom wall again. "I know, I know, hell is going to break loose. And that is why I need the treasure box first before telling him the truth. It'll ease the tension and I'll tell him everything."

"Alright, it seems like you know what you got yourself into. I guess all I can do is stand by your side."

"Thanks! Don't worry, I got Gary by my side too."

"Gary, of course, how could I forget? Poor guy. Umm speaking of him, how is he actin—" Duplica paused in mid-sentence; debating if she should continue.

"Yeaaah, what about him?" Misty asked and cautiously placed Togepi in his bed-box.

"Nevermind. Anyways it's about dinner time, so text or call me if anything else happens! Bye-bye Trigger!"

"Hahaha bye Letterbox!"

After had tossed her phone off to the side of her bed and she gently made her way off it, Misty stared at the package with Poliwhirl. Wondering if she had any time to start her present, but after catching the time off the clock; 4:55, she decided to take caution for she didn't know Gary's return time. Also it was getting close to her pokemons' feeding time; Misty then grabbed a hold of the package and placed it in the corner bottom of her side of the closet. Closing the closet door, she looked at Gary's side and pondered if things were alright with him. She did sense something a bit off when he walked out last night and he mentioned he wanted to be alone. The fact he's done so much lately she respected his request and let him be. But no doubt about it, there was still some anxious feelings floating around due to his lack of return. Deep in thought, Misty didn't realize her text alert had ringed about thirty seconds ago until Poliwhirl personally handed it to her. A smile appeared when she saw it was from Ash.

'Hey, it's about that time that you feed Poliwhirl and Togepi right? Let me know when you are in the kitchen. There's something I want to talk to you about.'

Misty quickly replied back telling Ash 'he'll' be down there in ten minutes, as she went to get ready.

About fifteen minutes of preparing some pokemon food and Misty explaining 'his' errands yesterday for Brock in a nutshell, an awkward moment happened between her and Ash, as they watched Pikachu, Poliwhirl and Togepi enjoying their meal in silent in the kitchen. A minute had passed, still no word, Misty started packing away the remaining pokemon food in a tupperware. Right when she was about to break the tension, she and Ash both spoke up in unison with the word 'umm'. The two looked at each other and chuckled, as Ash cleared his throat.

"So I'll just get to the point. By now no doubt you've talked to Misty right?"

"Yeah, I already know the details. Why what's up?" Misty asked casually going through hers and Gary's shared cupboard to make dinner for herself.

"I've been up all last night and was wondering if—"

"Sorry to interrupt but quick question. Would you like some instant ramen with miso soup? This package makes like two to four servings." Misty turned around and held up miso package.

"Sure I don't min—" Ash stopped when he saw Mickey had his attention towards something at the kitchen entrance.

"Gary, Richie! Hey welcome back!" Misty tossed the miso and ramen packages onto the counter and grabbed the tupperware. She ran over to Gary and Richie with a big smile; ignoring the fact both a total complete mess. "Hey, I don't know if you already fed Umbreon but made some extra food."

"Thanks." Gary grabbed the tupperware.

Richie looked over at Ash and saw all the pokemons were eating and a tiny chuckle escaped. "Hey Mickey, where's my portion for Sparky? We're feeling left out."

Misty eyes widen and went into panic mode. "Ahh! Sorry Richie. It never came to mind to make extra for you. With Gary being the roommate and all, it just, umm, I can make some for Sparky right now—"

"Don't bother, he's picking on you. We already fed Umbreon and Sparky not long ago after our training sessions." Gary said in a settle tone and glared at Richie. But turn his attention towards Ash.

"It's kind of rare to see you two together." Ash commented when he made his way over and then looked straight at Richie. "You've been training with Gary since morning?"

"Yeah and what a workout it was. Even though today was a fluke hangout, I think our tiny-whack friendship went up a notch. Don't you think so Gar-Bear?" Richie grinned like no tomorrow.

Not concerning any of the other dorm mates' eyes were on him and Richie, Gary gave his trademark glare. "Call me that again I swear you won't want to show your face again to another girl for a good week or two."

"You leave my face alone! Besides you were perfectly fine when Misty called you that yesterday for your get away." Richie pouted.

"You mind your own damn business!" Gary then shoved the tupperware at Richie. "Split the poke-food up for Sparky's snack! I'm done with this B.S."

Misty couldn't help it anymore as she just started laughing. "—I never thought I would see or even hear the day Gary and Richie somewhat get along. Now only if you two," Misty motion her head back and forth at Gary and Ash. "Can get along and be friends again." Misty looked back at Gary when she heard a scoff.

Gary tapped Misty's right temple with his knuckle when he walked past her. "You and your stupid notion. I'm going now, don't forget to grab the split portion from Richie when you return. Umbreon likes your homemade poke-food."

Ash was the only one that caught Mickey's captivated stare when Mickey turned around to stare at Gary's back. Within a second he saw the expression became a forced smile, which then left him a bit jumbled at what just happened. 'This feeling is the same as yesterday when it was Gary and Misty. Why?' Ash then shook his head. "Aahem, so Richie, would you like to join us for dinner?"

"Love to man but I got to hit the shower. As you can tell training with Gary," Richie motion at his figure and Sparky covered in grass, dirt and mud. "You get downright dirty. Man, his pokemon training tactics are intense, especially when he calls out Blastosie. Geez I don't know how you do it every morning Mickey. I give you man-kudos."

Misty let out a laugh and thanked him but confessed the morning trainings aren't as intense compared to the weekend ones. She then grabbed the tupperware, mentioning he should go ahead first to the room and 'he'll' take care of splitting the poke-food for Sparky. Richie and Sparky thanked Mickey and made their way upstairs, as Misty and Ash quietly returned back to their spot in the kitchen.

"That was an interesting scene, would have never thought Richie and Gary together. Let alone, Richie returning without any cuts or bruises from Gary." Ash commented, as he helped Mickey out by setting a pot full of water on the stove.

"Agreed but isn't it awesome to see the changes in Gary? He has come a long way since my transfer. He doesn't get in fist fights anymor—Wait I take that back. He still gets in some fist fights with others if they really piss him off. But towards our small group of friends, he hasn't punched or beat any of us."

"Well he really never threw a physical punch at me but he definitely held back towards Richie."

"That's because he made a promise to your mom that he'll never hurt you again before he took off—" Misty dropped her stirring utensil into the pot when she covered her mouth. Realizing she blurted out something she had promised Gary she would never mention to Ash. "You were not supposed to know about that. Damnit, what am I going to do? I promised Gary that I would never relieve that to you. Ahhh!"

"Mickey calm down. If I don't mention it then Gary won't know. To be honest I had a feeling it dealt with the instant between us. We got into a nasty fight and I ended up in the hospital. Which added more stress to my mom's health at that time and she also ended up in the hospital."

In the back of Misty's mind, she was deliberating if she should tell Gary or not but for some reason she couldn't bare the fact knowing he would be disappointed or mad at her. She decided to keep quiet. "Alright, we won't be speaking of this topic again. So umm, what was it that you wanted to talk about earlier?"

"Let's discuss it during the meal." Ash said right as he picked up Pikachu's, Poliwhirl's and Togepi's dish for a washing.

**Later that Evening – Room #320**

After about a two hour session of getting all the grim, dirt and mud off of Umbreon and himself, the two finally stepped out of the bathroom to see Misty literally diving towards her bed the moment she handed Togepi to Poliwhirl's care. Gary just stared questionably at Misty who excitedly rolling and screaming into her fluffy pillow.

"What the hell did you put in that meal of yours meal to make you more of an oddball than usual?" Gary asked, making his way towards his side of the room.

Misty pushed herself in an upright position and stared at Gary excitedly. "Not what was in the meal. It was what happened during the meal! Ash asked for my—Mickey's permission if it's alright if he can start dating Mist—I mean me! It's not official yet, because he wants to ask me in person this upcoming Saturday at Lil' Pandas'. Waaah—I got to call Duplica!" Misty jumped off her bed and reached inside her pocket for her cell. "I'm going to occupy the bathroom now. Poliwhirl, please carry Togepi in and follow meee!" Misty literally skipped towards and into the bathroom.

Umbreon cocked his head at the closed bathroom door trying to piece the rapid commotion from Misty but when he looked up at his master and saw the dispirited, sad expression. He knew something was wrong. Umbreon yelped and got no answer, he then nudged his head at Gary's motionless hand. He quickly backed up when his master flopped down on the bed and placed his face in the palms of his hands.

'Shit. After hearing that, it's clear as glass I did the one thing I never thought would happen. I went and fell for you.'