Title:Breeding Love

Paring:Mangaquestshipping(Gold/Crystal)

Summary:Gold's a breeding expert, and Crystal is Elm's assistant researching Pokemon breeding. Elm sent her to conduct research at Goldenrod's Daycare, where Gold works as a renowned breeder. It might be cliched, but everyone knows this may be a chance for love to breed.

Author's Notes: I'm completing a dare by my sibling. By the way, if anyone knows; please tell me what 'AU' means.

Gold was dreaming about his Mom telling him to wake up.

"Wake up, Gold, it's time for you to get ready for work. Make sure the other Pokemon eat; and don't forget breakfast yourself!" Her face had grown old and wizened through the years, but she was still his kind and pretty Mom.

"Ngh," Gold groaned as he cracked open his eyes slowly. "…Mom? Ya there?" He asked groggily, still between dream world and reality. There was no answer, but Ataro's squeaks of trying to wake its trainer up became subdued. "…Oh," Gold realized. "Sorry, Ataro – Thanks for tryin' to wake me up," He rubbed the Ambipom's ears fondly before getting up to make the bed. Ataro watched him sadly.

Ever since its trainer's Mom died a year and a month ago, Gold had changed – he became more independent but at the same time, more closed-up and withdrew into a shell no one ever guessed he'd have. But Ataro remembered clearly the first few months since the woman passed on – and Ataro would take this change compared to that other one any day.

"You guys better not make a mess, got that?" Gold warned, waving his wooden spoon around. He tried to look threatening but failed, and all his other Pokemon just laughed at their trainer. Explotaro laughed the loudest and managed to choke on its food – Gold rubbed its back as it hacked and coughed. "Be careful, pal. Slow but steady," Gold soothed and it rubbed its head again its owner.

Explotaro eyes Gold's plate, which consisted of nothing much but a measly strip of bacon. Gold only managed a mouthful and seemed done. "Rrgh," The Typhlosion growled at him worriedly. "Nah, I'm not that hungry. It's okay – I'll give it to the Pidgeys outside. They like bacon," Gold started to clear everything up once all his Pokemon were full. They helped him at times, but sometimes – like today – they were too laze to do so. Gold rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

Ataro pattered around after him as he got ready to go to the Daycare Center near Goldenrod City. "We'd better hurry, Ataro. It's nearly 7:30 am, and we still have to fly there on Mantaro," Gold grabbed his Mantine's Poke ball and sent out the flying water-type, who looked happy at the prospect of stretching its, um… fins.

"Stay safe, guys! Explotaro, you're in charge. Togetaro, no flying in the house!" Gold reminded them, before taking off. "Bye, guys, Love ya! Love ya too, Mom," Gold added the last bit under his breath as he clung to Mantaro. It had become a tradition and a routine he couldn't forget even when his Mom died.

Once at the Daycare Center, Gold was busy and immersed himself into work.

Namely, taking care of all the Pokemon sent to the Daycare. The Daycare Center didn't use to be this busy with Grandma and Grandpa in business. Everyone seemed to worry that too much work would stress out the old couple. But with Gold… that's when all the Pokemon started swarming in.

The couple had retired a few months back, when they decided they've had enough – and when Gold decided to take over the business himself. Gold visited them sometimes in Sinnoh; where they were having their holiday together.

"Yo! Can I help ya?" Gold greeted his next customer; a tough looking biker in a bomber jacket with a Happiny in his arms. People trickled in from time to time steadily as the day went on. The biker nodded, and set the Happiny gently on the table.

"Yeah, this is my Happiny. It just hatched out a few days ago, and I was thinking of rearing it myself – but I don't think my other Pokemon's gases and my bike fumes are good for it. I switched my bike for a bicycle – but my Weezing and Gastly can't help their gases," He explained uncomfortably. An equally sad looking Gastly and Weezing bobbed behind him. "So I just want to toughen it up a bit by a few levels, and maybe let it have some fresh air, you know? Just name your price," Gold grinned.

"No problemo! I'll take care of your Happiny here. Just write your number down along with the other details, and I'll be able to contact you with any updates," The biker gratefully filled the paper in. "Say, you're that Gold from the news last time, weren't you? The one who's a renowned expert in Pokemon breeding?" He asked. "Yup, that's me!" Gold answered, as he held the Happiny in his hands. "Wow! It's now wonder this Daycare is running smoothly. I feel safer already, knowing Happiny is in your hands. Take good care of her, will you?"

"Yeah, sure. Leave it to the expert!" Gold said confidently. The biker said goodbye and went out with his other Pokemon. It was at that moment when the phone coincidentally rang. "One thing after another today, huh?" He muttered. With Happiny still in his arms, Gold answered the Daycare phone. "Mornin'! This is Goldenrod's Pokemon Daycare Center, what can I do for ya?" Gold answered. A frustrated voice burst in through the receiver.

"GOLD! Why didn't you answer your Pokegear? I've been trying to catch you all day!" Professor Elm yelled from the other end. "Sheesh, Professor... You didn't have to be so loud," Gold said, wincing. "I could have burst an eardrum," The professor sighed. "I'm sorry, Gold – But honestly, it's all for a good cause! Don't you remember what today means?" Elm asked. "It's Tuesday," Gold answered in a bored voice. He stroked Happiny in an absent-minded manner. "NO! I mean, YES! But more important, it's also the day my assistant starts researching Pokemon breeding at the Daycare, remember?" Elm reminded, a vein throbbing in his temple.

"You don't expect me to remember somethin' boring like that, do ya?" Gold laughed when he heard Elm make a noise like a strangled Pidgey. "Gold – My assistant called me and told me you weren't home. All she met were your Pokemon," He said. Immediately, Gold felt defensive. "Wha – what? She came over to my house? Why would she do that? I work in Goldenrod, not at home. Besides, I don't think that's a good idea. She might get attacked or somethin' there," AttackedbymyownPokemon;countingthefactwhomanagedtogaincontrol – TogetaroandhiswildpersonaorExplotarowhowaslikeakindlyfatherfigure. But of course, Gold didn't say that out loud.

"Attacked? What do you mean, attacked?" Professor Elm asked, clearly panicked. "Aw, you know... Wild Pokemon," Gold's answer seemed to bring Elm relief. "That's perfectly fine, Gold, you don't have to worry – Crystal is a first-class Pokemon trainer, not to mention catcher. She could defeat any opponent easily, and even catch them if it suits her," Elm said. "Whatever you say, Professor. But honestly, why would she come over to my house?" Gold asked.

It wasn't like he had anything against professors and researchers. No, it's just that Gold was fed up with them – especially since they always seemed to be stalking and threatening him to join their research about breeding. His Pokemon took care of those klutzes no problem, but he still found it creepy. He could already imagine the girl researcher now; with her long lab coat and creepy grin that could make baby Pokemon cry.

Gold's arm had tightened protectively around Happiny, making it squeak in surprise; when someone answered his last question.

"Because she thought it would be more polite to set off for Goldenrod together, and it would give them a chance to bond. Hand over the phone when you're done, please, because I need to tell the Professor something too," A cool and crisp voice replied. Gold whirled around to see who the talker was – and his mouth fell open when he saw a beautiful girl stand before him. But what shocked him wasn't her beauty or whatsoever, it was the fact that she had Togetaro nuzzling up to her.

Yeah, his own Togekiss that was so wild it frightened even him at times, was being completely friendly to a stranger.

Elm was still babbling through the receiver, but Gold ignored him. The girl caught Gold's disbelieved stare at Togetaro and smiled drily. "Your Togekiss offered to bring me here, and I couldn't refuse. Too bad it's more well-mannered than it's trainer, though," But her smile softened considerably when she turned to the Togekiss and fondled it. "I'm Crystal, by the way. Professor elm's assistant," She said hesitantly. "...Are you done talking to the Professor?" Crystal looked at the phone in Gold's hand.

"O-oh, yeah! Here, you can talk now. I'm done," He handed the phone over. Their fingers touched for about a millisecond, and Gold turned red. She didn't seem to realize he was burning as she greeted Elm. Gold watched in awe as the starfish earrings she wore seemed to glow when it caught the light; lighting up her face vibrantly. Her hair was tied neatly into two ponytails and she didwear a lab coat – but she managed to pull it off with flair.

But what really caught Gold was the way she carried herself. It was like she was some sort of ex-military student or something; sharp and effective in her movements.

"...And you carried her all the way like a sweet Mareep, huh?" Gold asked Togetaro, who butted its head against Gold's abdomen. Crystal seemed to sigh a lot and rubbed her forehead, looking worried, at the same time while shooting glances at him. Gold got the hint and decided to give her some privacy. "C'mon, Togetaro. You can play with the other baby Pokemon," Gold carried the Happiny into the sickroom, where he made a check-up for each Pokemon before releasing it into the garden.

Gold decided that the Happiny would be okay once it was fed some honey. The biker's Weezing and Gastly released gases that made it cough and its throat sore. Once he was done, he carried the Happiny out into the backyard and set it down near a group of baby Pokemon. They clambered around Gold, squealing, but eyed the newcomer shyly. "Say hello to Happiny, guys. She'll be here for a few days only – but that doesn't mean she can't be your friend, huh?"

Gold stood up and watched as they greeted her, still shy, but soon started to run around like they had been old friends. An old Steelix nudged Gold from behind and nuzzled into him. That was the cue for the other Pokemon to greet him. Gold was busy petting as many Pokemon as he can, when he caught sight of Crystal. She smiled at the Pokemon surrounding him, and nodded amiably at him – but she looked like she could still loosen up.

Gold approached her, feeling self-conscious, leaving the Pokemon behind. "So you're gonna conduct a research here, right? Sorry if it's so noisy, but you'll get used to it," Gold tried to start up a conversation. "It's okay, I don't mind. In fact, this is a good start if I want to complete my research. But I'll need your help, if you don't mind," Crystal rummaged in her bag and pulled out a paper and pen. "I just have a few questions to ask. But it can wait after work," She started. "You can ask now, I don't mind," Gold replied, settling himself down on the grass. Crystal sat down promptly, and he noted this. She didn't seem to mind getting dirty. "Okay, then, if you're sure,"She muttered, still unsure. "Anyone at the counter rings the bell, I'll still hear it. Or at least, the Pokemon will tell me. Now isn't rush hour, anyway. Tuesdays ain't much of a hassle, compared to weekends and Mondays," Gold shrugged. "If you say so. Okay, so how do you predict a Pokemon is going to have an egg or not? Are there any early symptoms?" Gold wrinkled his nose. "Well, y' see..."

After about fifty questions later, in which Gold felt like his brain was exploding and Crystal seemed satisfied, she put down her pencil and kept her things into her bag carefully. "Thanks for answering them. They'll be a great help later on. At this rate, I'll get to complete my research in just a few more days," Crystal smiled sincerely at him for the first time that day, and Gold felt his heart rate speed up. He didn't know how he felt about the research finishing that fast, though.

"How do you know your research is gonna finish that fast?" Gold asked in surprise. Crystal smiled as Caterpie crawled closer towards her. "Remember the questions you answered? If you answered them right, then I'd say those pair of Pachirisus might be expecting an egg sooner or later. They really seem close – and they look old enough to breed," Gold followed Crystal's gaze to the pair of Pokemon. "That's right. And if ya count how friendly they are together, I'd say the egg would appear first thing on Thursday morning. Maybe around 4 am?" Gold commented absent-mindedly...

Before realizing what he just said. Crystal stared at him, open-mouth. Ataro who was nearby, chuckled at its trainer. "I-is that true? How would you know something like that? I read it in the news ages ago last year that you did have that ability... But I kind of doubted it," She seemed shocked – and even sounded admiring. Gold felt insulted at her underestimation but also glad she wasn't sucking up to him. "...'Course it's true! I'm not called expert for nothin, ya know? Maybe it's because I've spent nearly my whole life with Pokemon... Yeah, that's probably it," He replied.

Crystal was still staring at him like he was an interesting puzzle. "You grew up with Pokemon, huh? Tell me about it," Her request surprised him. He expected her to prompt him about his ability more – but she seemed to want to know about him."I grew up with Pokemon too. But I don't have any special abilities whatsoever. But I have a friend who can understand Pokemon. Her name's Yellow," Crystal pronounced the name fondly.

"Yeah, I know her. She's cool," Gold stated. "Do you like her?" Crystal asked casually. "W-WHAT?" Gold spluttered, turning red slightly. "NO! She's real nice, that's all. Besides, I wouldn't dare put a move on her – Champion Red seems to like her a lot. And I hear rumours about the ex-champion Lance fancyin' her too. Ah, well, it's her life. As long as I have these guys, I'm happy," Gold clicked his tongue gently, and a Weedle crawled into his lap. He stroked its head, and soon Weedle's satisfied squeaks attracted more Pokemon to surround the pair of humans on the ground.

"...You haven't told me about yourself yet," Crystal prompted, the Caterpie on her shoulder. "It's real boring. Nothin' much," Gold warned her. "I think I'll judge that for myself, Gold," Her voice was firm. "Your wish is my command," Gold drawled. "You've seen my house at New Bark Town. Everyone calls it the Pokemon House. Everyone knew us," Gold said proudly. "Us? Your Pokemon and you?" Crystal asked. Gold looked at her, but her face was concentrated on Caterpie. "... My Mom too," Gold mumbled. "And where do you get all these Pokemon? Did your Mom catch them?" It was an innocent question, but Gold still felt a pang of sadness.

"Nah. Some of them were adopted, some just joined the household voluntarily. Before we knew it, we had a whole new family," Gold answered. When Crystal was silent, he nudged her. "What about you, super serious gal?" He asked impulsively. His question along with the given nickname made her stare at him. "M-me? Super serious gal?" She sounded offended, but he laughed it off. "Yeah, since you're so super serious and stuff... Thought you could use a nickname. It's your turn,"

Immediately, Crystal stood up and set Caterpie gently on the ground. "I- I think I should be going. Professor Elm would want to see how far I've gotten with the research. I'll see you," Crystal turned around and disappeared abruptly through the door of the Daycare. The way she said 'I'll see you' sounded forced and insincere – and Gold had a feeling that they wouldn't be on much good terms if they did meet again. Looks like he was back to square one.

"Just as I was gettin' used to her, she leaves. But at least, she'll come back – Mom sure can't," Gold looked at Weedle, who snuggled up to the male. "Guess I just hafta forget about that. At least you guys won't leave me," But even as he tried to comfort himself, Gold knew what he said was untrue. Weedle was going back to its trainer tomorrow, and the others would leave too – and soon be replaced by other Pokemon which Gold would grow to love. Then they'd be taken away again.

Gold closed his eyes and clutched Weedle tightly, wondering why he does this to himself.

Reviews will earn updates. I think the way the story's posted is real ugly, so if anyone has tips on how to neaten the post; PLEASE tell me.