Disclaimer: I do not own the characters and make no profit.
Warning: Suggestions of SLASH pairing. Language, maybe...
A/N: This was written in a somewhat odd way…


~0x0x0~

He was destined for greatness and glory. I was destined to be in his shadows. Ironic considering how he now lives in a cave and I live in a gym. It hadn't seemed that way at first. It was he who chased after me. He couldn't reach all the gyms nearly as fast as I did. And yet, always, I would lose to him. I should have known I would never beat him. Sometimes, I still wish he came after me. But no longer. He lives up a mountain and I live down here.

~0x0x0~

I loved the feeling of having him come after me. At least that was how it felt like. Really, I should have known he was just taking his time traveling. No matter how much harder I trained, he would best me again and again and again. The last time was no different. We were both worn and weary, but still we faced each other. And still I lost.

Then he left. And I was alone again. I was left fighting the urge to go after him this time. But I couldn't go. I had responsibilities. I had to stay. A shadow that couldn't follow.

~0x0x0~

They asked me to take over the Viridian Gym. It was an honor, to say the least. But it had only been possible because of him. It would be him and no one else of course, who would act so rashly and face Team Rocket by himself. He should have known he could have asked me. I would have helped. But he didn't need me. Did he ever need me? Like I need him?

No.

He doesn't need me. Even now.

~0x0x0~

I waste my time waiting, worrying, wanting. He'll come down when he's good and ready. Or so Gramps says. Should I go see him? Today? Tomorrow? Next week? I can't chase him though. I won't. He doesn't need me. I don't need him, either.

But it'd be nice to see him.

Now.

And Again.

Would it kill him to come down once in a while?

Ass.

~0x0x0~

The kid is smart. Has a lot of heart, I do admit. Reminds me of when we were that age. So young and ambitious. We saw the world at our feet. We could do anything. Am I getting sentimental? I shouldn't. Then I'd think about a time when I actually meant something to him. No. I'm too young to reminisce.

So the kid's doing well. Beating the Elite twice is quite a feat.

~0x0x0~

It's supposed to be my day off, the day I take care of all the mundane chores, the day I remember. So why in hell is there some guy rapping away at the door? Why am I even bothering opening it? I should just have someone turn the guy away. But then when do Gym Leaders ever really have a day off?

Someone's gotten the door. Good. Now I can go back to thinking about how much I hate laundry. Gym Leaders should not be forced to do their own laundry. But I guess it's only reasonable if said Gym Leader didn't like others handling his things.

Now someone's rapping away at his door. What?

~0x0x0~

Obnoxious, egotistical bastard. Does he think he can disappear for a few years and come back like nothing's changed? Does he think I'll welcome him with open arms? Stupid bastard. Think again. Not on my life. Not on my gym. Never.

Eevee, you traitor.

~0x0x0~

It's only for a day. He'll be gone in the morning.

~0x0x0~

It's only for a week. He'll be gone in the morning. This time for sure.

~0x0x0~

It's only for a month. Why can't he just leave so I can continue on my life? Stop giving me false hope. Just GO! Tomorrow. Tomorrow for sure.

~0x0x0~

It's only for—

~xoxox~

"I'm not leaving."

~0x0x0~

Stupid bastard. Hogging all the sheets.

~0x0x0~