A/N: Because I'm insane, I took up a 100 fanfic challenge on LiveJournal for Gary. This is why you will see a series of one shots featuring him here. This particular story was based on the prompt "Fingertips." I have not forgotten about Dealing with the Devil, if you're concerned. I'm still working on it. Chapter Three is going to be a bit slow, though. Lots to do lately, and I'm not pleased with it right now. Chapter Four is almost ready, so that one hopefully won't be too far behind Three.
Where We First Met
Umbreon had always loved the stroke of Gary's fingertips. It was her reward for a job well done at the end of every battle. Even though she had matured since he found her as a young Pokémon, a scratch on the head was always her favorite form of affection. The gentle stroke of his hand was what had gained her trust in the first place.
When they first met, she had been playfully leaping around in a field of flowers after a Butterfree while he watched her. Hearing his laughter, she stopped to turn around and stare at the human boy she had not noticed before. She knew he was a trainer. She could smell the other Pokémon he carried. Knowing what he would do, she approached him cautiously. Some of her friends had been caught in those strange balls humans sometimes carried, and the people were all different. What if this one was cruel? Sometimes human intentions were easy to read. Other times, a Pokémon had to keep his guard up.
The boy watched her and reached for something in his bag. She braced herself, waiting for one of the hard red and white objects to come flying at her. To her surprise, he was holding something out to her. It looked like a berry. She cocked her head to the side, still unsure about whether or not she should approach him. The scent of the fruit told her that it was her favorite.
"Go ahead, take it," the boy said.
She walked forward and carefully took the berry from his hand. After she swallowed, she gave a squeal of gratitude.
"Good, huh?"
Eevee gave a small nod. She glanced back up at the trainer. His hand was moving again. This time, she was sure he was pulling out a ball to release a bigger Pokémon. Standing firm, she eyed him cautiously. Instead of sending out a Pidgeot or a Charmeleon as she expected, he reached forward, carefully, so as not to scare her, and gently began to stroke her head with the tips of his fingers. Relaxing her tense body, she let out a sigh of contentment.
The boy stood up and began to walk away. Panicking, the little Eevee rushed to follow him.
"What is it?" he asked, looking down.
Eevee rubbed her head against his leg. He smiled and took out one of those bright red and white balls.
"Want to come with me?" he offered.
"Bree!" Eevee shouted and, in a flash of light, happily joined her new trainer.