What Would You Do -Ch.2

What Would You Do

Disclaimers: I don't own Pokemon or the characters. So please don't sue me!

Warning: Minor swearwords, blah, blah, blah

"…" Talking

'Italic' Thinking

Gary and Misty – age 22

Zackary – age 5

Chapter 2: Great Grandpa Oak

** Oak's Household **

Zackary impatiently pressed the doorbell button more than his usual trademark rings. Upon finding out that 'grandpa Oak' is actually his great grandpa, he ecstatically repeated 'great grandpa' over and over. He just couldn't wait for the door to be open.

Doesn't matter how busy Samuel could be in his lab works, once he hears the 'trademark' multiple rings of the doorbell, he'll drop everything and answer the door himself. Seeing the smile and receiving a hug-tackle by Zackary at his front door has become one of his enjoyments in his hectic, scheduled life. He's even gotten mad at one of the assistants for answering the door one time. His smile grew wider when the doorbell went off again, only inches away from the doorknob, he swung it open.

"Zacka—Gary?!" Samuel's mind and body shot in two different directions, mind drawn to Gary while his body, literally pulled a step backward by Zackary's hug. He came to his senses when Misty greeted him. While picking up Zackary, he gestured her and Gary to quickly come in. "Looks like you and Zackary picked up a stranger."

Misty quietly laughed and entered into the house. "I just couldn't let this poor of an excuse you call, grandson, wonder aimlessly in Pallet."

"Yeah, that's like him." Samuel said casually joining in on the jab. A smirk was thrown in Gary's direction after closing the door.

Engaged in an irate glaring contest with Misty, he finally looked over when she pointed behind him at Samuel. "Heeey gramps, long time no see. By the way, Zackary is my son, so you're a great grandpa! Swell news, huh?" Gary said steadily, patting Samuel's back. "So how's life treating you?"

Samuel chuckled. "—That's a great joke there, Gary. What a hoot you are, my boy."

"Great grandpa Oak, what's so funny about daddy's joke? I don't get it?" Zackary asked innocently, tightening his hold around Samuel's neck.

"Oh that's cute, you even put him up to it, huh?" Samuel asked and received a smug smile from Gary. He couldn't distinguish the expression and looked over at Misty for answers. "It is a joke, right?"

"Umm, Professor Oak, can you not see the resemblances between the two?" Misty said seriously, gesturing her index finger back and forth at Gary and Zackary.

Samuel looked at Zackary and then Gary. He saw it; especially the two had the same exact plastered smile on their faces. He kept silent and placed Zackary down and stepped over to Gary. Giving him an unreadable expression and before anything could be said, a loud whack was heard. The back of his hand stung badly, probably not as bad as Gary's throbbing right side of his temple. No words could describe the look he gave his grandson when comprehending the truth about his relation with Misty and Zackary.

"You're lucky that you're my grandson. I would have done worse."

"You told me that you'll never get physically mad at me if I ever get a girl pregnant. Just as long as I own up and took full responsibilities and that's what I'm doing. I just found out not to long ago myself." Gary confessed and rubbed the side of his head.

"True. But that went out the window when the girl is Misty. I told her that if I ever find the guy who got her pregnant, I would put him in his place…" Samuel turned away and grabbed a hold of Zackary's hand and led him towards the laboratory. "Sorry you had to see that, Zackary. Great grandpa had to slap your father for something stupid he had done."

"It's ok? At least I wasn't the one that got in trouble. I just never thought daddy would ever get in trouble." Zackary said looking behind him at his parents and waved bye. His gaze return back to great grandpa when he heard him chuckled.

"Shows you that you can still get in trouble no matter what age you are." Samuel said peacefully while still grasping at the news. "Now, are you ready to go feed some of the Pokémon?"

"Yesh I am! And afterwards, I want to see daddy's Pokémon. He told me that he has quite a lot!" Zackary shouted and pick up their pace.

Tittering in between her poor attempt of a sympathy stare, Misty kept it under control. "I think that went well, don't you?"

"Yeah, for you. You got more of the love. I didn't even get an actual greeting from my own gramps. Man, I didn't expect him to hit me."

"I did warn you earlier, didn't I?"

"I thought you were joking!"

"Sorry on the misunderstanding. I was still laughing at our joking scenario when I warned you. What's done is done. Did you see how Professor Oak light up brightly knowing Zackary is related to him?"

Nodding with a smile, Gary headed towards the laboratory section. He didn't bother a personal invitation towards Misty. He knew she'll just follow behind.

** Sometime Later - Outside of the Laboratory **

Misty and Samuel sat at the patio furniture located at the back porch of the laboratory doors. Explaining how she and Gary were involved with each other six years ago left them in complete silence. Their gaze fell upon Zackary, Gary and a few of his Pokémon flocking towards a tree in the field. Entertained at the 'play dead' trick Arcanine did for Gary and Zackary's mirth, Misty didn't hear Samuel called out for her until the second time around.

"—Why didn't you tell me the truth about Zackary?"

"Professor Oak, it was kind of complicated. I wanted Gary to be the first to know and then when his career started to take off, I decided against having the truth be known. I didn't want to start a scandal."

"You could have at least told me." Samuel said grievingly.

"Have you forgotten you're a busy man? I didn't want to burden or stress you out more than needed." Misty let out a tiny laugh when she saw Zackary jumped on to Gary's stomach; knocking the wind out of him. She heard a 'but' and looked back at Samiel. "Come on Professor Oak, was I supposed to be like, hey Professor Oak, your grandson and I had a fling. I'm preggo, fantastic news, right?" What? Gary has gone to Saida Island and there's no contact? Oh well, no baby's daddy for me, life goes on. Oh, don't mind me, just have a great day, Professor Oak. See ya!"

"Why is it that you and Gary have such a sarcastic outlook on certain situations?"

Misty laughed halfheartedly and gave a gratified smile. "It's in the past. Nothing left to do but laugh about it. It is what it is."

In once swift motion, Samuel got up from his seat and pulled Misty into a hug "I'm sorry for not noticing right away. I'm such a horrible old man for not realizing the situation around me." Samuel feel a bit at ease when he felt Misty hugged back. "I can't believe the hardship you went through all by yourself just to protect the Oak's reputation. Thank you."

"Don't blame yourself. It was my choice." Misty gave Samuel a smile when he pulled away.

"You know, that's all going to change now, right? I want to try to make up lost time."

"How so? I really don't want to weigh you down with any guilt or anything."

"It won't be. What I'm about to suggest, Delia might kill me. Why don't you two consider moving in here? There's plenty of space and it'll be nice to another live-in that isn't part of my laboratory team. It's just nice to have family members here."

"Hehehe, yeah Delia would kill you, she loves Zackary." Misty returns her gaze in Gary and Zackary's direction of them running around the tree. "I am grateful on the offer but before I could accept or decline, Gary and I have to figure out our current situation first."

"True. He did just popped out of thin air and found out himself. Speaking of Gary, what are your thoughts and expectations of him being a father?"

"I honestly don't know—GARY!" Don't throw Zackary in the air like that!" Misty instantly forgot about Samuel and rushed over.

Gary caught Zackary back into his arms before he looked over in Misty's direction. "Why not?! It's not like I'm not capable of catching him. Don't worry, I'm not going have him hit the ground. Let him have his fun, he likes being in the air, right Zackary?"

"I dooo! I want to fly higher this time!" Zackary excitedly shouted and prepared to be thrown into the air again. "Weeeee-hee-hee!"

Misty's heart dropped again seeing Zackary thrown upwards higher than last. "Gary, I'm not saying you're not incapable of catching. But something like this is really unsafe! Anything could happen, you know?! I just don't know what I'll do if Zackary ends up getting hurt."

Holding Zackary on his side, the two looked at Misty. "Come on Misty, you don't need to be a worry-wart. There's nothing wrong with couple of bruises here and there, or even a broken bone or two. A boy in his life time needs to know the feeling of pain."

"You are not serious, are you?!" Misty couldn't believe Gary's logic.

"Oh I am. Let the kid live a little. How is he going to learn or know the pain in life?"

"If it can be avoided, than he doesn't need to experience it!"

"That's kind of a shelter life, don't you think?!"

"Don't you tell me—" Misty suddenly stopped when she saw an unfamiliar expression on Zackary's face.

"Why is mommy and daddy fighting, when we're finally together?!" Zackary asked confusingly with his arms in the air.

A sigh escaped from Gary's lips. Tightening his hold around him, he gave Zackary an apologetic stare. "Daddy's sorry. He didn't mean to raise his voice at mommy." Looking over at Misty, he got the stubborn cold-shoulder treatment. It was time to make an effort to amend. "Daddy got carried away with the excitement of finally seeing you all these years. Mommy just isn't use to it. Sorry, forgive me, mom?"

Zackary joined in on with his father's puppy-eyes look. "Mooommy, you're not still mad at daddy, are you?"

Sighing at her son's question, she cupped his cheeks. "Mommy would be lying if she said no. I just need a moment to calm down and I won't be anymore. Daddy gave me a scare."

Zackary copied his mother's gesture and gave her a big smile. "With mommy and daddy here now, I feel invisible! You don't need to be scared. I trust daddy and you should too!"

"You win." Misty smiled and bopped the tip of Zackary's nose. "How did you get so cunning?"

"It's obvious that he got it from his dad." Gary smugly said and received a loud, obvious scoff coming from Misty.

"I guess you won that statement." Misty grumpily admitted.

"Yay! That's a win-win for me and daddy!" Zackary shouted gleefully and waved his arms excitedly. In the process, he accidentally elbowed his father's in the face. "Oops! I'm sorry!"

Dazed from the unexpected hit, Gary forced a smile. "Ugggh, it's ok. I'm alright. I can say he definitely got your strength."

Misty smiled at the wannabe compliment. She, Gary and Zackary all looked in the same direction when they heard Samuel's laughing coming closer.

Joining in on the group, Samuel looked straight at Misty. "You know Misty, when it comes to being hurt, the one you should be watching out for is Gary. Since he stepped through the front door, he's been getting a beating left and right by Zackary."

"You're right," Misty looked over at Gary for a second and back at Samuel and shrugged uncaringly. "Meh, I think he needs his fair share of pain from the little man. Don't you think?"

"Now that you put it that way, I agree. Zackary, give your father all those beatings that he has missed in the last some years."

An unsatisfied stare appeared, as Gary did not like how casually Misty and his gramps were behaving when he's involved. "Is this how it's going to be, you two gaining up on me? I've been gone for years and when I return, I find out you've been dotting on Misty more than me. I'm your grandson, where's my love?"

"Hahaha, Gary, my boy. Jealously is an ugly trait for you. Anyways, I need to head back inside and wrap things up in my lab before it gets too late." Samuel pulled Zackary out from Gary's hold and the two gave each other a tight hug. "Good night, Zackary. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yesh-yesh, tomorrow it is! Good night, great grandpa Oak."

Still holding Zackary, Samuel looked over at Misty with a small smile. "Talk to Gary and consider my offer." He then looked over at Gary "Welcome home, my boy. We'll catch up sometime tomorrow. There's way too much unexpected news of events for me to handle in one evening." Samuel laughed, placed Zackary onto his feet and bid good night.

While Zackary waved and thanked Samuel for letting him see the Pokémon, Gary grabbed a hold of Zackary's other hand, as he questioningly stared at Misty. "What offer?"

"He wants me and Zackary to move in here. I don't blame him. With you and May being gone and never dropping a line or two, he's really missing that whole family ordeal. He may be a busy man, but he still knows the art of being lonely. I think that's the main factor why he has grown attach to Zackary so much. I believe that way deep down within him, he saw the resemblances. He just didn't want to acknowledge it." A smiled appeared. "Plus, he's always liked me ever since I was introduced to by Ash." Misty playfully stuck her tongue out. Her eyes soon fell upon Zackary, who managed to slip away from Gary's hold and started chasing after Gary's Pokémon.

"Ah', well you two should move in than. I think it'll be a win-win situation for all of us. It'll take a bit, but I can move my work studies back here and you and I can wing this whole parenting thing together. Besides, I have a lot of catching up to do. Isn't that right, Zackary?" Gary looked down and finally noticed Zackary was no longer next to him. Doing a full circle and yelling out 'Zackary', he started panicking.

"Great start so far. He's over there," Misty calmly pointed behind him, hiding behind the tree. "Another warning, you have to be very alert with him. He's sneaky, like some sort of ninja. He'll disappear from your sight the second you put your guard down." Looking down at her watch for the time, she called out for Zackary. "—It's almost your bed time. You know the routine."

"Aww'. Ok." Zackary ran over and tugged at his mother's shirt. "We're sleeping over here tonight, right?!"

"Not tonight. We didn't bring any of our nightly stuff." Misty replied tenderly and patted his head when she kneeled down. A raised brow occurred when she saw his scheming smile.

"Naaah-ahh! Mommy's wrong! I came prepared with grandma D's help. I'm wearing my thin pj's underneath and since I'm wearing my big pockets pants," Zackary opened his flap cargo pockets and showed all his bathroom supplies. "I have all my sleepover supplies. So I'm all set to stay here! Pretty pweeese?" Zackary turned on his charm that he knew that would let him get his way. "And mommy can borrow supplies from daddy, right?"

A defeated smile appeared. "You're such a clever little man, aren't you?" Misty looked upwards at Gary and received a nod of approval. "I guess, we're sleeping over tonight. Do you want to sleep with daddy?" Misty received a head-shake 'no'. "No? Then with mommy?" She received another head-shake.

"I want the three of us to sleep together!"

"Umm, don't you want to just sleep with daddy tonight? I think he wants some one on one time with you."

"Nope! I want the three of us together. Is that too much to ask for?" Zackary asked with the sadist tone one could give. Before getting a chance to hear his mother's reply, he was suddenly picked up off the ground by his father.

"Come, little buddy. Let's just go and get ready first. Mommy will join us later when she's ready." Gary said coolly with a smile.

"But there are sooo many rooms here. Mommy won't get lost will she?"

"Mommy knows which bedroom, so no need to worry." Gary started walking only to come to a sudden halt when Zackary yelled out 'stop'. "What?!"

"Azurill and I need to say goodbye to all our pokey-friends before we leave! I need doooown!" Zackary started to squirm.

Putting his son down, he raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you serious? To all of them?" Gary received a nod and ran off to Gary's Pokémon first to start his routine. With a chuckle from Misty made him look over at her. "So does he do this every time?"

"Yup every time, it's another routine thing we do. It'll be awhile before you two can make it back inside, so I'm heading in first. I think I have the right to say, it's your turn to watch him." A big smile appeared; it felt great that she could pass on the parenting thing to another and not feel terrible doing so. She then held her palm out. "If I remember correctly, your bedroom is always locked when you're not in it. Also, you don't mind if I roam your closet again?"

"Hah, remembering the important stuff, aren't you?" Gary cracked humorously and pulled out his set of keys. "This kind of brings back a little déjà vu."

Receiving the keys in her hand, she rolled her eyes. "Please Gary, circumstances of now and then are totally different. So take that goofy grin off your face and watch your son. I'll see you guys later."

** FLASHBACK To That Night **

Finishing up his paperwork took a lot longer than he had anticipated, two hours and fifteen minutes being precise. He just hoped Misty didn't take his miscalculation as some sort of lie. Finally making it to his bedroom, he slowly entered inside just in case Misty and Azurill had fallen asleep. His instinct's right on the ball. Azurill was sleeping in his makeshift poke-bed on his study desk and Misty peacefully asleep above the covers in a pair of his boxer with a plain black t-shirt. Carefully flipping over his side of the blanket over Misty, he quietly grabbed a couple of clothing before disappearing into his bathroom.

After his shower and bathroom routine, he emerged out from the bathroom in just a pair of loose grey sweatpants; showing off the band of his checkered boxer. With his night lamp still on, he made his way to his bed and stared down at Misty. Her eyes weren't as puffy as before, he was relieved. Even though he had told her he'll help her move forward by his methods, he didn't have the heart to wake up a sleeping person. Stealthy getting in his bed, he made himself comfortable as possible and lied on his side; facing away. Within seconds, he felt his blanket draped over his body.

"Thank you for the stay and change of dry clothes." Misty quietly said and shifted her body underneath her side of the blanket.

Rolling over to his other side, Gary gave Misty a sincere smile. "Yeah, not a problem, it's the least I could do for a hot-mess, you know? Oh, and I hope you didn't think I left you hanging, my paperwork's took longer than I thought."

"Heh, it's alright. I ended up falling asleep right after my shower anyways. Thanks again," Misty curled her body and stared into Gary's eyes. "Gary?"

"Mmm?"

"Have you ever been heartbroken before?"

"Nope. It's only because I don't associate myself with any emotions beyond the fooling around boundary. Who needs a lover when it comes to cuddling and whatnot? Friends can cuddle with each other just fine." Gary drew in closer towards Misty and pulled her in towards his chest.

Misty didn't fight back, the feeling of being held for the first time in forever felt nice. "Define friends, especially for us."

He couldn't help but snickered in between stroking his fingers through her short hair. "Correction, we're more problematical and let's keep it like that. Now how about giving yourself a break and rest. You should be able to sleep nice and soundly in my arms."

"Gary?"

"Mmm?"

"Man up and own up to your words. Take me to another world and help me move forward."

Gary couldn't believe he got called out. Here he was trying his best to be supportive and not be a sleaze making the moves. Slowly pulling away, the vulnerable gaze made him fell for her command. Cupping her cheeks, he leaned in towards her lips and kissed her keenly. Aware there's no emotional feelings attach, he was still going to make sure she felt loved. His offer was only for tonight.

** END OF FLASHBACK – Present Time – Later that Evening **

Gary pulled his index finger away from his lips when he, Zackary and Azurill entered the room. The corner of Gary's lips curled at the familiar scene of Misty asleep on her side in his clothing. Squatting down to Zackary he quietly told him to head to the bathroom first and he'll join him shortly. Zackary and Azurill quietly tipped toed towards the bathroom but made a slight detour. Cautiously climbing in the bed, he slowly pulled the rest of the blanket over his mother's body. Gary just awed at the gesture and the major déjà vu scene.

After their bathroom routine Zackary and Azurill were the first to leave the bathroom. Lightly tossing Azurill and climbing into the bed himself, Zackary got underneath the blanket. Slithering towards the middle of the bed, he patted the vacant spot next to him. The second Gary got into bed and rest against the headboard, Zackary excitedly tugged at the blanket, causing Misty to wake up.

"Did you get everything taken care of?" Misty asked sleepily, while rubbing Zackary's cheek.

"Mmhmm! Daddy did a fine job of helping. Well good night, I'm going to sleep now. I love-love you!" Zackary smiled wildly towards his father the moment he heard his mother's 'I love you too'. "Daddy's room is so aweeesome! I want to see more of it tomorrow when I wake up!"

"Ok, I promise."

"Ok good! Then I'm gonna sleep now. Nighty-night, daddy." Zackary made a few adjustments before getting completely comfortable. Tightly cuddling Azurill in his arms, his eyes slowly closed on its own.

Being observed person he is, he wondered if there was a reason why he didn't get an 'I love you'. But it was something he's going to ask his son or Misty personally when the times right. "Night, son."

About fifteen minutes later with a sound asleep child in between them, Misty slowly sat up and rest against the headboard. Gary still was staring down at the sleeping figure and couldn't believe how surreal it was. His thoughts were interrupted at the quiet sound of Misty's amusement.

"—I'm surprised at how well you're handling this fatherhood thing."

Gary shot a semi-glare in Misty's direction. "You make it sound like I was going to fail right away or something."

"I was."

"Blunt as always. But you got to give me some credit, it's not like I'm unaware how parenting works. It's common sense in a way. Just set some ground rules here and some leisure there and it's all good."

"It's not always going to be all good. You'll be surprise at what can be unleashed when Zackary doesn't get his way."

"What, something like hell breaking loose? Please, that's child's play. I was a rowdy boy myself. I'll have it under control. You on the other hand, probably spoil him to calm down."

Lightly slapping his bicep, she hissed through her teeth. "Don't assume what you don't know!"

"How defensive you are getting, you totally do spoil him. No point of deny it." Gary felt victorious being able to call Misty out since returning.

"Fine, I'll admit it. I do spoil him from time to time. To a certain extent though. Can you blame me? He's my special little man that entered into my world." Misty stared down at Zackary with a heartfelt smile. Noticing that Gary has been silent for some time, she finally looked back. "What's with the serious face?"

"That night, after the grand fiesta with Ash. If Tracey was the one that answer the door, would the same thing have gone down?"

"What, sleep with Tracey? Wow, a bit curious are you?"

"That's why I'm asking. Sure it was a no string attach fling, but I seriously would have never image the two of us like that. Our relationship was just so—"

"Problematical." Misty interrupted plainly and quietly snickered alongside with Gary. "And the answer is no. Tracey is like, my best friend and I feel like if were to cross that path, our relationship probably won't be the same afterward. His friendship is something I couldn't afford losing."

"So doing it with me was perfectly fine?"

"Yeah. Because if we had a falling-out, I wasn't going to cry a river, you would have been a closed chapter in my life. Come on Gary, I was young, naïve and heartbroken by Ash, I wanted comfort and you offered. I did tell you to take me to a new world. Boooy, I sure jinxed myself on that one." A scoff escaped between her lips. "But don't get me wrong though, you did open my eyes and made me realized that there will be others that will care for me, one way or another. Like you, placing the blanket on me before you disappeared into the bathroom that night."

"Wait, you were awake and didn't say anything?"

"Weeell, I wasn't really fully awake. I was dozing off and on. I guess I woke up a little after you placed the blanket on me? I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want you to feel guilt for supposedly waking me up."

"I see and I was being all sly and shit too."

"Heh, I know, that was very sweet of you. Thanks again, oh and for these set of clothes too," Misty popped the t-shirt, soon followed by a yawn. "Alright, I think I'm going to call it a night myself. Have a good night." Misty carefully lied back down on her side and closed her eyes.

"Good night." Gary replied softly, staring down at Zackary and Misty. A smirk slowly crept up. 'Daaamn, I was used and thrown away like a tissue. Well played Misty, well played.'

Misty's nonchalant, frankness assuredly bruised Gary's ego, though it was the least of his concerns. The fact of a rising a child with another of five years' experience had consumes it. However, his determination of being a better father than his deadbeat father made him heartily looked forward to the road ahead. Turning off the table lamp, he got underneath the blanket, shutting his eyes. He could not wait for the next morning to come any sooner.