What Would You Do -Ch.4

What Would You Do

Disclaimers: I don't own Pokémon or the characters.

Warning: Minor swearwords, blah, blah, blah

"…" Talking

'Italic' Thinking

AGES

Gary and Misty – 22

Tracey - 23

Zackary - 5

Chapter 4: Uncle Tracey

** Friday Morning – Pallet's Shoreline **

Something about long walks down the beach always put Gary in such a cantankerous mood and makes him wonder why others enjoy it so much. Today had changed it all. Throughout what seems like a never ending walk down the shoreline, each thrilled laugher and the exuberant smiles from Zackary and Azurill had set the change of heart in motion. But what he had just witness done him over.

Moments ago Zackary had faced the ocean, hand held out and yelled at the wave to 'halt' in order to obtain a unique shell in the sand. However the shell ended up being washed away with the receding waves and left him in such a dismay state. But with his mother's temper running threw his veins, a vicious command of Azurill's Water Gun to be used against the next upcoming waves. After had seen the slight splash ripple effect from the attack, a victory laugh was conveyed.

Gary had to cut his son's triumph laugh short when he swept him and Azurill off their feet when the next set of waves came in at a rapid speed. While dangling the boys above the waves, more cheerful laughter surrounded Gary's ears. He couldn't contain the new sensation and it clearly showed with his smile beaming brightly like the sun above them. Blastoise and Krabby soon joined the festivities in the waters.

Time flew on by when one is having fun and it didn't occur to him until he finally noticed Misty's presence was missing. Taking a moment to look for Misty, he spotted her sitting far behind them on the dry sands with a delighted expression, followed by a five fingers hand gesture in the air. An indication they will need to head towards their destination in five minutes.

At the loading dock, Tracey grabbed his duffle bag from one of the crewmen before heading down the waiting dock. Immediately spotting Misty's ginger locks in between the standstill crowd, he picked up his pace. The two caught each other gaze and exchanged eager waves. Midway, his whole body came to a halt when he saw Gary nearby. His dumbfound ogle was clear as day. Although it instantly disappeared when he received an unexpected leg tackle from Zackary.

"Uncle Tracey! Welcome back!"

Dropping the duffle bag and peeling Zackary off his leg, a matching smile appeared. In a blink of an eye, he swooped up Zackary. "Thanks for the warm welcoming, Zackary. Four months of being away has been way too long."

"Right. Way-way, too long!" Zackary threw his arms out to show the length.

"Heh, so true. But what I'm curious is," Tracey's attention fell upon Misty and Gary; whom caught up with him. "How ecstatic you were finally meeting your daddy."

The priceless, baffled expression from Misty and Gary had overtaken Tracey's ability to hear every exact excited, word from Zackary. He had to stop the little guy and return his gaze back to the speechless pair. He didn't bother to wait on the questioning 'how'; he just went on with his explanation of knowing the truth. It began as a hunch, especially being behind the scene and connecting all the chronicle events that occurred between his two friends. However watching Zackary growing up into his toddler years, he saw the resemblance and knew who the actual father is.

"If you knew all along, why didn't you ever tell me?" Misty asked with her arms crossed against her chest, displaying her annoyance.

Tracey tightens his hold on Zackary and just smiled in Misty's direction. "It was to respect your decision. I figure when you were ready to let the truth be known, I would be at the top of the list. So I just waited. But who would have thought that today would be the day and with Gary in the flesh no less!"

With a sarcastic smile plastered on her face, Misty gave a nice, hard slap to Tracey's back. "Well if you putted it that way, I guess I can't be mad at you."

Holding in his cry, due to the stinging, Tracey forced a smile. "—Uggh-yeeeah, I couldn't tell. Hah. Other than that, I'm happy that you and Gary are-umm—"

Gary cleared his throat. "You can wipe that confusion expression away. We're not together, although we are living under the same roof at gramps."

"Not officially together and living under the same roof, eh? There's no awkwardness between you two?"

Misty raised a brow at Tracey but shifted her eyes towards Gary for a second. "No? Why would it be? Our relationship has way exceeded the awkward phase the night of my rejection from you know who."

A snicker escaped his curled lips. "—Still with that haughty, outlook on life attitude of yours."

"Hah, to survive in this world, I have to be. Buuut I'll admit that there have been many difficult days with Gary's habits from time to time."

Gary knew Misty purposively avoided his scowl. "Throwing daggers at me all of a sudden? Well I can tell you that you're no picnic either."

Misty finally faced Gary in the eyes. "Please. I don't think I'm nowhere nearly as bad as—"

Being very familiar with the two's temper traits, Tracey refocus their attention on him by laughing out loud while walking away with Zackary. If he didn't, he knew their forced, calm tone conversation would have escalated within mere seconds. "It's so great to be back home with my all-time favorite people. Now let's play catch-up back at home. Zackary, please do me the honor."

Zackary, still in Tracey's arm, angled his head towards his parents. "Last one home is the broken Exeggcuuute! Run Uncle Tracey, run!"

** Sometime Later at the Oak's Family-Room **

After had settled in, Misty and Gary gave Tracey the nutshell version of their reunion and everything up to date. Shortly after that, Misty and Tracey went straight to reminiscing on all Zackary's firsts. Thinking it's a respectable idea to fill Gary in of Zackary's moments. However it was the opposite. Every story and excitements in each of their tones, jealously and bitterness grew inside of Gary. The realization of missing out on Zackary's firsts finally hit him. It didn't bother him at first but now knowing the fact Tracey was there for the majority of it, it just didn't sit well. But with self-convincing, he knew that Misty was just taking all the help and support she could get. Gary heeded back to the overzealous reminisces chatters between the two best friends. The conversation suddenly took a slight detour when Tracey called out for Zackary.

Zackary eyes light up like fireworks when he heard there's a belated birthday gift from him. Leaving his father's side from one couch to another, he nearly wigged out next to his uncle. As record has it, he has not been disappointed when it came to his choice of gifts. Instantly ripping open the wrapped present, he promptly hugged a limited-edition lunch tin-box to his chest.

"I love it! Thank you so much, Uncle Tracey!" Zackary gave his uncle a big hug and quickly returned back admiring the collage art symbols of all the current Pokémon types.

"You're welcome. I figure since you're going to start school soon, why not be the cool kid with an awesome and rare lunch box, right?" Tracey asked thrillingly and smiling down at Zackary.

Misty let out a tiny huff towards Tracey. "Geez, there you go and spoiling him again. That tin design is from early last year's, how in the world did you get a hold of one?!"

"Pfft, I have my ways. I just traded in a couple of favors here and there, no biggy. You know I love the little guy—" Tracey stopped talking when Gary suddenly excused himself and got up.

Gary petty-mindedly grew tired of the scene he wasn't a part of. Already feeling out of the loop, he became peeved at the news about Zackary attending school. Since his return and literally glued to Zackary and Misty's hips, Misty had never once mentioned about primary school.

"I'm going to be frank about it. I feel like the third wheel of every conversation, so I'll just let you two catch up on each other lives." Gary wasted no time cutting Tracey off before his protest. "Don't worry about me. Besides I know you well enough that you've been dying to show all those sketches and drawings from your trip to Misty anyways."

Tracey and Misty lost their chance to utter a word, for Zackary called out for 'daddy' and hastily jumped off the couch.

"—If you're leaving, take me with yooou!"

"Don't you want to stay with mom and listen to Uncle Tracey's adventure?" Gary asked looking down at his son.

"I dooo. Buuut I want to spend time with you more. Is that bad?" Zackary innocently asked and received a pat on his head.

"No son, it isn't. I'm happy to hear that. Well go on and say your good byes to mom and Uncle Tracey." Gary nudged Zackary back towards Misty and Tracey.

"Good bye and I love you, mommy." Zackary gave her a kiss on the cheek and then gave Tracey a hug. "Thank you again for the awesome gift, Uncle Tracey! Bye-bye and I love you."

"You're welcome and I love you too, you little rascal. Now go have fun with your awesome daddy." Tracey handed the lunch box to Zackary and when he looked in Gary's direction, he caught a brief unfamiliar, mean-mugging expression. "Hopefully you and I can catch up a bit later, Gary?"

"Yeah, sometime later sounds good. We'll see you two later. Ready to go, little man?" Gary asked and received a rapid head nod.

"But caaan we stop by the kitchen first, please?! I want to fill up my lunch box with something!" Zackary yelled and already have taken off towards the kitchen, leaving his father behind.

Gary chuckled and followed suit. "What's the point of asking when you are already going there? But don't forget that I have to approve of your choice of snacks first."

Misty and Tracey quietly stared at the backs of Gary and Zackary until they disappeared around the corner. Misty broke the silent with an obvious cough.

"—Now that Gary's gone, go ahead and ask the yearning question that everyone has asked."

Tracey raised a brow. "What yearning question might this be?"

"Oh you know, like how is Gary taking this whole fatherhood ordeal?"

"Why would I ask that? I know Gary will do fine. I've seen a lot of obstacles thrown at him and he always managed for the better. Although this may be his biggest challenge but my man got this."

Misty giggled at Tracey's reply. "There you go again with that admiring and praising. You really believe and idolize him don't you?"

"Uhh-durr and you've known this for many years now? So why do you sound so surprised? Anyone who is or has worked with any of the Oaks, they see them in a whole other light. Even though all three of them preforms differently, it's their knowledge of their work field got them the respect they've earned."

"Touché." Misty's curiosity kicked in at the moment she heard 'all three of them'. "Not to completely go off topic, but when and how long did you work with May? What's she like in person? Do you think I'll ever meet her?"

A troubling like smile appeared. "She's the walking definition of an Ice Queen. Don't get me wrong, she's a total beauty with the brain. But my goodness, she can be ruthless and even get away with murder. It was a total fluke that I got to work with her. It was sometime after I became one of Professor Oak's assistants and at that time she had suddenly returned back to Pallet because she needed Professor Oak's and any other trusted employee's help on a research project that she was in charge of. It was an intense two weeks with her, but not nearly as gruesomely-hellish when it came to May and Gary crossing paths with each other." Tracey didn't want to get into details, so he nonchalantly continued onward. "The chances of you meeting May in person is most likely when Kanto region freezes over? It's been about nine years since her last visit or any sort of personal contact. She's so busy and in her own world, the media source would be the closest you'll get to her."

"Oh, I see. Well thank you for indulging my curiosity. Let's get back on track and you start telling your best gal all of your adventures!" Misty said excitingly and drew in closer to Tracey when he pulled out one of his sketch books.

Several hours passed and Misty and Tracey have not left from their spot. Being so caught up with each and every detailed event has happen, they missed lunch. Dinner would have been missed as well if Zackary hadn't ride on through the family room in a flash. The sight of Zackary; joyfully, riding on Gary's Arcanine turned Misty into a Momzilla within seconds.

"Zackary! Get off of Arcanine this instant and return back here! And Gary Oak! Where are you?!" Misty asked looking hastily at both hallway entrances.

Tracey stayed seated but chimed in. "Ooooo Gary, you're in biiig trouble. She added your surname."

Laughing toward Tracey's true statement, Gary entered through the East entrance. "—Right?! But geez, take a chill-pill Momzilla. We've been at this for the last two or three hours outside. Zackary's in good hands with my Arcanine."

"Ahh! I don't think you're getting the picture why I'm freaking out!" Misty threw her hands in the air.

"I actually do. You see it's as a dangerous activity. But he's strapped in, so nowhere near what I did back in the days. Do you remember when we were young, Ash and I did that Extreme Pokémon race? At least he's not being pulled by a leash on a skateboard."

"True but you weren't five years old!" Misty's face quickly turned sour. "And yeah, I remember and now I wished you would have beaten Ash." Misty then turned her attention towards the other entrance when she heard Zackary's laughter and Arcanine's rumble. Seeing how Zackary was completely strapped in, she reticently crossed her arms. "Alright, you won this round."

Gary's ears perked and he let out a smile. "Did you hear that Zackary? Daddy got a victory point under his belt. I think it's called for a celebration party."

Zackary excitingly threw his arms in the air. "Yay! And with balloons?!" He didn't even wait for an answer when he quickly looked over at his mom. "Oh mommy! Will great grandpa be joining us for dinner? What are we having? Can we have chicken nuggets? Oh, wait, can we have—"

Misty let out a small giggle. "Zackary, honey, slow down so I can at least answer one of the questions."

Zackary flashed his pearly-whites. "I'm just so-so excited!"

"I can tell. It seems like daddy fed you some high-end sugary stuff?"

Zackary shook his head. "Nooope! I ate all my soup and veggies that daddy made us. I'm just so excited because daddy actually gave me his Arcanine! Now I can ride him any time I want. Best-day-eveeer!"

Misty was at a loss for words. She had no reasonable arguments on why Gary couldn't give away his Pokémon away to their child. She just wished it was a non-transportable type. "Slow your role there little man, you can't ride him any time when you want. Until I see fit, you can only ride him under supervision." Misty received a rapid and understood nod from Zackary, as she unbuckled him from Arcanine.

Gary leered in towards Misty. "Do my ears deceive me? Did I just hear an approval and with no argument?"

The annoyance was clearly shown in Misty's wavering hand gesture. "Yeah-yeah, whatever, just take another win. Anyways, Zackary go ahead and ride along as long as daddy's fine with it while I'll start dinner—"

Tracey got up from his seat and placed a hand on Misty's shoulder. "Let me make dinner tonight."

"Tracey, no. You just got home. Relax—"

Playfully pinching both of Misty's cheeks, Tracey flashed a big smile. "Don't worry about it. I want to make my nephew's favorite dish."

Zackary tackle-hugged at Tracey's legs. "YEEES! Super-best-day-ever! I love your homemade mac and cheese! Can we have Uncle Tracey's mac and cheese, pleeease?!"

"Since Uncle Tracey insist, I'm fine with it. How about you, Gary?" Misty asked turning her attention towards him.

Gary managed to change his expression from annoyed to a bogus, pleasing smile when all eyes were on him. "I'm fine with it. It's been awhile since I had one of Tracey's meals. Anyways, since you're not making dinner you don't mind watching Zackary until dinner will you? I got actually some important phone calls and emails that I need to return."

"No problem at all." Misty then looked down at her son. "Zackary, it's time to call back Arcanine and bid good bye to your dad."

Zackary sulkily zapped Arcanine back into his pokeball and went over his father with open arms. "I had fun and I'll see you later, daddy!"

Gary squatted down to return the hug. "I did too. Love you, little man." Gary once again waited for those special words from Zackary but he only received a smile and a thumb up. Returning the same gesture, he then quickly took his leave.

** Later that Evening – Dining Room Table **

Thanks to one of the emails from his colleague from Sayda Island; in needing of a document they are working on, Gary had quickly finished his plate among the table. "Thanks for the dinner, Tracey. Just like how I remember it before leaving. Now if you guys will excuse me, I have to get back to the lab. I'll catch you guys a bit later—"

"WAIT! I want to go with you too, daddy!" After his declaration, Zackary started inhaling the rest of his dinner.

"Zackary, honey, slow down. You are not leaving the table any time soon. Besides, I don't think it's best to get in daddy's way." Misty stated while trying not to be horrified at the thoughts of Zackary choking.

Cheeks puffed and full of mac and cheese, Zackary just gave the biggest puppy eyed look to both his parents.

Gary let out a defeat chuckle. "—I guess I'll be taking you with me, little man. But do slow down, I don't want you to choke. I'll wait for you."

"But Gary—" Misty stopped mid-way when Samuel interrupted with a chuckle.

"It's seriously fine, Misty. Gary will manage. Zackary knows when to be on his best behavior when he's in the lab. He's not as rambunctious as Gary when he was at his age." Samuel tauntingly eyed Gary.

"Geez, thanks for outing me, gramps."

The whole table soon shared a big laugh with idle chit chats following-suit. Before they knew it, Zackary had finished his bowl and started bidding good bye. Tracey was the last to receive his farewell. In the mist of it, Gary had gotten out from his chair. Once again, Tracey caught the same and brief mean-mugging expression from him. Playing it cool he had told Gary, Zackary and Samuel to just leave their plates as is, for he was going to take care of it. With the persistence of not taking 'no' for an answer, Gary and Zackary thanked Tracey once again and left them in his care. Samuel soon left the table to turn in early for the night. It wasn't long after for Misty and Tracey tag-teamed on the dishes in the kitchen. While exchanging idle chit chats, Tracey paused and turned off the water faucet.

"Serious question about Gary, am I imaging the hatred aura I'm receiving from him from time to time?"

Misty raised a brow while grabbing the rinsed plate from Tracey's hand to load it into the dishwasher. "Umm to be honest, I haven't paid much attention between the two of you."

"Oh. I don't think I said anything to offend him. Let alone, exchanged a good solid conversation with him today."

"Pfft, don't stress your pretty little head of yours. Gary is, well, Gary. He's probably doesn't realize it and just a little overwhelm with his transitioning from Sayda to here. Also it probably hasn't helped that we've been bickering—Oh wait. It could be my fault?" Misty than proceeds to explain their conversation they had last night about him. "—So maybe he's a little butt hurt of how I explained our friendship?"

Aware that Gary now knows his admirations towards him; he just couldn't see Gary being petty or jealous of him. However he did deliberate the possibilities. "Ok, I'll take your word for it. Thanks for letting me know."

The two resumed back to their washing and rinsing with a new topic to jolly about.

** Later That Evening – Gary's Bedroom **

Gary and Misty both silently leaned up against the bed's headboard until they knew their son was soundly asleep. Once the coast was clear, Gary interrupted Misty's reading with a discreet clearing of his throat.

"Don't you think it's about time for Zackary to start sleeping in his own bed? You know, especially when you're about to enter him into school."

Misty placed down her book and stared at him with a slight hesitation. "Oh, umm—"

"Speaking of school, why didn't you tell me about that? That's kind of an important matter to discuss with me, don't you think?"

"Uhh, yeah. It's well, ahh-geez. I'm sorry, ok? It's just I'm so use to making all the decisions and I'm still trying to adjust and get use to the fact you're in the picture now. Forgive me?" Misty sincerely pleaded.

"Ok, I get where you're coming from, forgiven. Just remember that I am here and you can rely on me. So have you decided where you want him to attend?"

"No, not yet. I honestly don't have a preferences, I just want him to attend school until he decides what he wants to do at the age of ten. So feel free to choose the place."

"Alright, then how about a school in Cerulean City?"

Misty's calm stare became a glare, as she heatedly pointed at Gary. "Oh don't you even dare joke about that."

Gary snickered and raised his hand in defeat. "Sorry, not a good joke. In all seriousness, there's a couple I have in mind but we'll discuss in full detail at another time? I would like to show you the schools. But honestly I wouldn't mind him attending here in Pallet. He already has some friends here from his karate classes. Anyways back to my first question."

"Right." Misty glanced down at Zackary for a brief moment and back at Gary. "I agree with you."

Gary raised an eyebrow. "Does my ear deceive me once again? Did I hear correctly?" He then placed an open palm up to his ear.

After rolling her eyes, she crossed her arms. "Yeah-yeah. But seriously, I do agree with you on Zackary should start sleeping in his own bed, soon. However and I'm not blaming you or anything, I just couldn't really force him just quite yet? Since you just entered into his life, he wants the whole parenting thing. Also, with us living at Delia's, we've been sharing a bed ever since after his crib days were over."

"In other words, we can't just go cold turkey." Gary received a nod from Misty. "Alright, either I can talk to him or we both can. But we can let him know that we'll do parenting bedtime on the weekends all the way until he tends school. Once school starts, he's strictly in his own room, unless of some sort of emergency or something."

"That sounds like a great idea and we are not at each others throat."

"Hah, right?! Well I guess we will tell him about the new arrangement sometime tomorrow?" Gary received another nod from Misty. "That settles it than. I'll let you go back to your book."

"Thanks and I'll let you get back to your studies? Are you behind?"

"Not really. Just getting a jump start on an upcoming project, figure just in case something comes up with Zackary, I'll have some cushion in between to leave work."

"Gotcha. No wonder you excelled so quickly in your line of work. You know, when we were younger, I never doubted you on not succeeding as a Pokémon Researcher."

Hearing such praises from Misty, a stupid grin appeared. "Does that mean you're on the same level as Tracey's admiration?"

Misty rolled her eyes again but a smile followed suit. "Heh, oh no, he's on a whole other level. But I do have some admiration towards you and your profession." After flashing a smile, she returned back to her book, while Gary did the same with his packet.

** A Week Later – Saturday Early Evening – Oak's Laboratory **

Pacing back and forth in his section, Tracey was waiting on Gary's return to confront him about his off and on cold front attitude. He had a pretty clear idea on the reasoning behind it but he needed confirmation. The long wait came to a halt when Gary entered his section and silently handed him the current research papers. After placing the papers down onto his desk, Tracey called out Gary's name, spun him around and backed him up against the wall.

"You know Tracey, if someone were to witness what just happen, they might think you're making a pass at me." Gary cracked a slightly amused smile.

"Har-har, go ahead and make fun of my admiration towards you—"

A bit taken back at Tracey's irksome tone, his hands were raised in defense mode. "Whoa, Tracey, that's not what I was making fun of. I was making a joke at the position you put us in."

Tracey backed away with a sigh. "It seems like you're in a better mood. With that being the case, I would like to ask you something that has been bugging me."

"Alright, ask away."

"Why is it that after every single time that I interact with Zackary, you give me the cold shoulders? Am I saying or doing wrong that you don't like?"

Rubbing the back of his head, Gary huffed. "Not really. However I just don't want to talk about it."

"Spill it, Gary. I care deeply for Zackary like family, but I know where my boundaries lie. You clearly know that I look up to you and I consider you like family as well. I don't want to overstep your boundaries. But I won't know if you don't tell me. So man to man, what the hell was it that I did?!"

The clicked of his tongue was a dead giveaway at his annoyance of being called out. "Call it petty or whatever, but you personally didn't do anything. I'm just jealous and envious of you being in Zackary's life since birth. What really gets to me is the fact he tells you he loves you at every departure and not once with me."

Tracey chuckled as he fell into his chair. "—I would have never thought the Great Gary Oak would ever be jealous or envious of me. Gosh, besides that delightful little news, I'm glad that it wasn't something big to the point of you hating me. The way you've been avoiding me, one would have thought so."

"Well sorry. But I really couldn't stand how chummy my son was with you." Gary commented grumpily and leaned against Tracey's desk. "Just let me mope about it and sooner or later I'll be over it. If I'm able to overcome with some of Misty's hardheadedness, your case will be a piece of cake. Besides, the little one is really fond of you. Thanks. I really do appreciate of you being there for Zackary and Misty."

The slow rekindle of their friendship bond made Tracey smile wildly up at Gary. "Not a problem. Misty is my best-gal and Zackary is like my only nephew, so of course I'll care and love those two until the day I die. And speaking of love, have you even try asking Zackary himself why he hasn't say I love you to you?"

"No. I want to but do I just bring it up randomly? And if I did, what if he doesn't tell me or even worse, get mad at me for questioning his love—"

"Hahaha, man the last time you were this flustered was when you volunteered to do a full study on my Marill and her egg."

"Man, why do you have to go there and remind me that train-wreck." There was no remorse when Gary kick-push Tracey and his roller chair into the wall.

"Hah, a train-wreck in the beginning indeed but you did fine along the way and in the end you got great results. Why is this any different with Zackary? He's a growing child, there's going to be ups and downs on this fatherhood journey of yours. But with the right guidance things will hopefully go smoothly." Tracey proudly said, as he scooted his chair back towards his desk.

"Thanks."

"Not a problem and since I finally got a decent conversation out of you, do you have a little more time to spare?"

Gary looked at his watch and back at Tracey. "I sure can, I am overdue for a break."

"Great, lets head to my bedroom." Tracey nonchalantly got up from his seat and walked pass Gary.

"Heh, first it was pushing me against the wall and now leading me to the bedroom. Shouldn't I get a dinner out of this first?" Gary joked and followed suit.

Tracey smirked back at Gary. "If I remember correctly, don't you always manage to get the girl to your bedroom without a dinner reservation?"

"Touché." Gary smiled before sharing a chuckle with Tracey. "But all seriousness aside, believe it or not, only a select few has entered my bedroom…"

Tracey went straight to his locked drawer in the corner of his room and upon unlocking it; he grabbed a flash drive and a sketchbook. He then handed over Gary the two items. The priceless jumbled look on Gary's face made his evening even more.

"Consider this a five-year in the making late birthday present. The sketchbook is full of drawings of Zackary and whatever Pokémon he encountered. On the flash drive, are what I was able to take pictures and videos of Zackary's important events and growing up moments. It may not be the same as experiencing it in person but I thought this was the least I could do."

Gary held out his handout for Tracey to grab. Once he had a hold of his hand, they shook for a mere second before he suddenly pulled him into a quick hug and pat on the back. "Goddamn, you never seem to fail when it comes to thinking about others. Thanks, I will cherish this."

"You're most welcome. Figure it's the least I could do for all those time you helped and bailed me out. But fair warning, if you're planning to check out the files, you are going to need more than just your break time."

Heading towards the door, Gary threw a hand in the air. "Thanks for the warning, Uncle Tracey."

"Not a problem, Daddy-o!" Tracey flashed a smile at Gary's back.

** Hours Later – Oak's Laboratory **

Since returning from Tracey's room, Gary had abandoned all workloads when he decided to open one video file at his office computer desk. One file, became two, two became three and before he knew it he was going down the folder. With Tracey had completed his task and left hours ago, Gary was the only one left in the laboratory. He didn't realize he had stayed later than usual until the faint sound of Zackary calling out for him. Saving and minimizing all open folders, he turned off his monitor and headed towards the sound of Zackary and Misty.

While carrying a passed out Zackary in his arms, Gary silently stole glances over at Misty the whole time until they reached her bedroom. The visible agitated expression on Misty's face indicated of her awareness of his behavior. The odd behavior continued on when he suddenly pulled her into a hug with his free arm.

"You are one amazing chick, you know that?" Gary stated as he recalled a few videos from Tracey's view. The hug tightens when the faint smell of Misty's perfume hit his nose. "How was work?"

Misty wanted to question his behavior and comment but with the question about her shift, she gently pulled away with a captivating smile. "Work was fun and interesting. Thanks to the wealthy birthday girl and her friends, she hired a few extra of us. So I got the chance to work with the twins."

There was more meaning behind the smile and he was curious, but his mind went back to the video clips. "Man, during that first year and whenever Tracey asked you how's work, you had such a lifeless expression. But yet, you still push yourself to make it work and look at you now, having fun and owning it."

Misty's nervous habit kick in, as she timidly tucked her hair behind her ear and let out a smile. "Heh, have Tracey been talking about me again?"

"Well not exactly talking, it was more like he had home videos of all you guys while I was gone the last five years. I was watching them the last some hours. Hence me still being in the lab until you guys got me. Anyways, I'll see you in a bit and the door will be unlocked."

Not too surprised about the home-videos since she was there at every chance Tracey could record, she just hoped there wasn't any embarrassing one. Unfortunately she won't know until Gary brings it up, however that matter was quickly dismissed by another concern. "Since Zackary has been sleeping in his own room and since he's already asleep, should we just tuck him in his own room for tonight?"

"It's only been a week and I have a feeling that if we were to do that and if he randomly wakes up in the middle of the night and we're not together, hell's going to break loose. It took us forever on convincing him the new arrangement. I would like to avoid another tantrum if possible."

Misty nodded and smiled at the fact their roles were slightly reserved. But she was ok with it, since they're slowly growing on each other. "Good point."

Gary flashed a smile. "Of course."

"Geez, humble as always." Alongside with her sarcasm remark a smirk appeared before it became serious. "Also there's something important I would like to discuss with you."

With a simple 'okay' response, he then walked away with Zackary. Upon tucking Zackary, he suddenly woke up and did not want to fall back to sleep until mom was in the room. Knowing it'll be a bit for Misty to show up; he decided to indulge his yearning question.

"Zackary, can I ask you a question? If you don't feel comfortable, you don't have to answer it."

"Okey-dokey, daddy, what is the question?" Zackary angled his head upwards.

"Is there a reason why you don't tell me I love you?"

Zackary froze before he pulled the covers over his head. "I really want to but I didn't want you to leave or disappear."

Gary left Zackary under the covers but placed a hand on his forehead. "Why would you think that?"

"Mom told me that love is important and will draw others in closely but it could also drive a person away too. So it shouldn't be taken lightly. Also please don't tell mommy or anyone else, but one day I overheard grandma D and Tracey's conversation about a guy that mommy once told she loved him and now they are no longer friends nor have seen each other since." Zackary slowly pulled the blanket down and stared up at his stunned dad. "You finally showed up and I didn't want to risk it and have you leave after I said I love you."

Gary leaned in and gave Zackary a hug. "You don't need to be afraid of me disappearing. I'll be around as much as I can. To tell you the truth I was feeling a bit sad and afraid myself. Since you said it to everyone and never to me, I was worried if I wasn't to your standards of a father figure."

"Oh! So we were both scared. Well daddy you don't have to worry either. So far what mommy has told me about you is on point."

"Oh, really? So mom has put in a few good words for me. By any chance she told you anything embarrassing?"

Zackary smiled wildly and placed his index finger to his lips. "That's a secret between mommy and I. But do you want to know a secret that mommy doesn't know?"

"I would love to hear it."

"Ever since mom gave me a picture of you last year, I always greet it and say I love you when no one is around."

Gary was definitely feeling the waterworks creeping up on him, as he held his composure. "God, you got quite a lot of your mom's gene don't you? You know where to hit to make it hurts the most."

Zackary raised an eyebrow. "Is that a good or bad thing?"

"Hah, a little bit of both. The older you get, we'll see who you take after more. But that will be future us' problem. Just know that I love you now and until I die." Gary ruffled up Zackary's hair.

"Daaaddy, the hair! And, I love you." Zackary went in for a hug and received the biggest bear-hug from his dad.

By the time Misty joined the duo in bed, Zackary had already fallen back asleep. Gary definitely wanted to share his recent bonding, but Misty had to go first. Asking her what she wanted to discuss, she tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Well, umm so I've been discussing this matter with Delia for the last couple of weeks and I came to a decision. Is your offer still on the table about you supporting me if I quit S and S? It won't be like, for the rest of my life or anything."

"Misty, I told you before, you can quit any time and I'll be there for you on all kinds of support you need from me."

Misty meekly looked away. "Thanks. I just wanted to make sure and if you're ok that I can take my time to figure out what I want to do? Even before Zackary's birth, I was still uncertain what I wanted to do back at Cerulean City. Even though I was one of the gym leaders, I was still an empty shell. I—"

"It's alrighty, you don't have to explain yourself. You've been on this parenting journey by yourself long enough for the last some years."

"Well I'm not going to deny the fact that I did have a lot of help along the way."

"True. But you owned it at what was thrown at you. Given the chance, I know you'll find something that will make you even more of an amazing person. You know, for Zackary and the people around you." Gary then subconsciously leaned over to Misty's side when she gestured him to come closer. While being cautious of not waking up Zackary in between them, he was left dumbfounded for a moment.

Misty had kissed him on the cheeks and thanked him again for the support and letting her be a little selfish. With a dumbfound smile plastered on his face, he managed a nonchalant 'welcome' and the news about Zackary. The small congratulation cheer got cut short when Zackary suddenly stirred and stretched in his sleep. With one arm draped over on Misty and one leg kicked over on Gary, the two quietly laughed and wondered who Zackary got that habit from.