Game
Part II
Misty had returned to the party in a considerably worse mood than she had left it. Luckily for her, no one seemed any the wiser as to why she was in such a foul mood or why she was wearing Gary Oak's blazer. Gary Oak, she thought bitterly. She wasn't even sure he'd known her name before today. In every instance she recalled meeting him he almost exclusively addressed Ash and ignored the fact that she and Brock were even there.
What is he up to? she found herself wondering as she nibbled delicately on a deviled egg she'd picked off a moving tray. She grimaced, catching herself in a thought such as that. She then forced herself to remember that she really didn't care what Gary Oak was doing and allowed her mind to focus on a more pressing issue.
Where is Ash?
She ambled her way through the crowds in hopes that he was lurking somewhere among them. Misty caught a lucky break when she noticed him, unsurprisingly, filling up a plate of food by the Articuno ice sculpture. His beloved Pikachu sat atop his shoulder and was inconspicuously sampling morsels off of his master's plate.
Misty grinned. Her encounter with Gary had actually put Ash's alleged philandering out of her mind completely. She couldn't help it. As frustrated as she was with him today, the sight of Ash and Pikachu sent a wave of nostalgia through her body. She couldn't exactly complain about her life now; she was a successful Gym leader, had a wide variety of loyal Pokemon and was even financially well-off due to the success of her sisters' water ballet productions. However, a substantial part of her yearned for the days when she, Ash and Brock would have adventures together. She would have given up her comfy bed in Cerulean City for the hard ground and a sleeping bag any day. She would face every bug-type Pokemon there was if she could be alongside her friends again. She missed the excitement. She missed thrill of seeing a new Pokemon for the first time. She missed the people she used to meet - always interesting with something to teach her. She even missed facing the incredibly persistent (and remarkably incompetent) Jessie, James and Meowth of Team Rocket, without whom, she may never have become friends with Ash in the first place.
He's not going to get away this time.
Ash had managed to give everyone the slip, or so he thought. It was not so much that Ash didn't enjoy company; on the contrary, he was thrilled so many people had shown up to honor his achievements. It's just that he had been swamped all day with declarations of congratulations, questions about his future and even the occasional cheek pinching! He was just relieved to have some alone time. Well mostly, he was relieved that he'd that he finally have a chance to sample the sumptuous feast in front of him. He licked his lips as he reached for a scrumptious little dumpling. His hand was hovering mere centimeters away when something reached out and grabbed him!
"AGGGGGGH!" He let out a startled shout as he leaped backwards. Pikachu who had been minding its business on the young man's shoulder flew up into the air and let out an equally frightened "Pika!" before unleashing a thunderbolt out of reflex. Pikachu landed safely by Ash's feet and was surprised to find dozens of pairs of eyes on him. The Pokemon became embarrassed when it realized how many people had noticed the little spectacle. Pikachu let out a humbled noise before he turned around to find his human friend had received the brunt of his attack. The Electric Mouse uttered an apologetic "Chu," to which Ash was too shocked (literally) to respond.
Ash was, of course, used to being shocked by Pikachu, so he was able to recover swiftly most of the time. This was one of those times. He was instantly revitalized when he was gripped roughly by the shoulders and spun around to face his attacker.
"Ash!" Misty shook his shoulders a little bit to make sure she had his attention. "It's me, Misty! Your friend, remember?"
Ash was instantly filled with dread. The blood drained from his face completely as he just stared helplessly into her eyes. She didn't really look angry. Of course, she didn't seem very preoccupied with the fact that he just been pumped with 10,000 volts either. Rather she looked confused more than anything and - was that hurt he was sensing as well?
"What's going on with you Ash?" she said releasing his shoulders. "I know we haven't seen each other in a while, but you didn't forget about me," she paused, her voicing sounded like it was on the verge of cracking a little bit. "Did you?"
Ash opened his mouth wanting desperately to say something, but couldn't. He didn't know what to do! As if reading his mind, his most cherished Pokemon seemed to sense his dilemma. It scampered over to Misty, whose eyes were still on Ash, pleading for an explanation.
Pikachu let out a series of noises to express how excited it was to see her again. Besides Ash, Pikachu had known Misty longer than any other human. On their travels it had often come to think of her as a mother and Pikachu would do anything to protect her. Pikachu had always been fiercely loyal to Misty; it outright refused to battle her for the Cascade Badge once!
Pikachu's little proclamations of "Pi, pi, pi!" quickly got her attention. She smiled warmly at the greeting from her old friend and bent down for an embrace. Misty held out her arms and Pikachu responded in turn. It eagerly leapt into her arms and snuggled affectionately into her chest.
"Oh Pikachu, it's good to see you too!" she hugged the little Pokemon tighter. "See that Ash, even Pikachu - " she began, but was cut off when she looked up.
He was gone. He had completely vanished in seconds. Misty frowned as she noticed the plate he had been filling up was lying abandoned at the site. She shifted uncomfortably as she realized the implications of what had just happened. He wanted so badly to be away from her that he even left a heaping plate of food, his first love, second only to Pokemon. She looked down at the little Electric Pokemon that was nuzzling her neck tenderly. "Oh well," she said sadly as she rubbed its head. "At least you're happy to see me, right?"
"That was cold," a voice behind her said. Misty felt her sadness instantly trickle away; suddenly it was replaced with a newfound annoyance. She let the Pikachu go as she stood to face the source of her exasperation. As she met the young man's eyes she mustered an icy glare, followed closely by demeanor.
"Stop. Following. Me." Misty hoped that by speaking each word slowly and loudly Gary Oak might finally get the message.
"I'm not," said the not-so-innocent Pokemon researcher. "I'm following that," he said gesturing to his black blazer, that he was surprised to say, seemed to fit her exceedingly well. "It's very expensive and I wouldn't want anything to happen to it, if you know what I mean."
Misty grimaced at the obvious façade. If it's so important to you, why did you give it to me in the first place?
"Fine," said the agitated red head. "If you miss it so much," her hands flew up the lapels and she began to pull it off her shoulders.
"Hey, hey, hey!" He said cautioning her to stop. "Remember Psyduck?"
Misty froze. She rued the day she ever bought the damn thing. She never thought she would wear it out; for years she had only worn it when lounging or sleeping. But she was about two days away from doing her laundry and the Psyduck bra was the only thing she had left. It was a choice between being a few hours late with a beautiful, adult bra or arriving on time with the Psyduck bra. She figured, since she hadn't seen Ash in literally years, the latter would be better. Seeing as Ash was avoiding her like the Black Plague, Misty was beginning to seriously wonder if she had made the right choice.
She exhaled sharply and let the lapels go. "So what?" she said irately. "You're just going to follow me around until my shirt dries?"
"I wouldn't say it like that," Gary said sweetly. "Just think of it as two old friends enjoying a party together for a specified length of time."
Misty rolled her eyes at him in an over the top manner. "You and I have never been friends. You can't be old friends without ever having been friends in the first place," she pointed out.
"Well then," Gary was quick on his feet. "How about two new friends enjoying a party together for a specified length of time?"
Misty merely grimaced at the very suggestion. "You and I will never be friends either," she said simply. Misty realized it sounded harsh. But what exactly was she supposed to do? Become best friends with Gary Oak because they exchanged a few pleasantries at a party? Please.
"Now if that's all, I'll be going now," she turned to make her exit. She realized this was probably a futile effort, but she figured ought to at least try to shake the insufferable chatter of Gary Oak. She disappointed to find she was, indeed, correct; as soon as she began to walk away Gary was in tow like an obedient Growlithe.
"Why the close-mindedness?" he said chasing after her. "It seems to me like you could use some new friends these days," he said making an obvious reference Ash.
Misty stopped suddenly and turned to the persistent man behind her. "Gee Gary, I have no idea. What could have brought on this sudden distaste for you?" Misty's words were so potent that Gary could almost feel the sarcasm drip from them. "You mean besides the fact that you have never spoken a word to me directly? Or the fact that we have nothing in common? Or perhaps the fact that you used to torment my best friend every chance you had!"
"Aww, come on Misty, we're adults now. Can't we forget those little childhood squabbles?" he shrugged his shoulders to further emphasize the insignificance of his boyhood teasing. "Besides I can't help but remember you taking a few pokes at him yourself," he observed.
Misty opened her mouth, but no retort came. She couldn't deny he was right. In their younger days she had a hard time resisting the urge to tease Ash. In fact, at times, she could be downright hostile to him. But she only did it because – because back then she didn't want him finding out how she felt.
"See!" exclaimed a jubilant Gary. "We do have something in common. We can be friends," he said nudging her suggestively and winking as he did so.
"That – that's not the same thing," Misty finally found her voice, albeit, she had lost some of her gusto. It was difficult to deny that Gary could be almost charming when he wanted to be. "Ash and I were friends. Friends tease each other," she reasoned.
"Well Ash and I are friends too! Doesn't mean I can't push the occasional button now and then, right?" he said good naturedly.
"Whatever, Gary," her tone had gone flat and he could tell she was just about at the end of her rope with him. He could also tell by the way she didn't exactly answer the question that there had been some validity to his words. And the competitor in him could not resist letting her know.
"Aha! I knew it!" he boasted.
"This is an idiotic conversation" Misty was not about to admit he was right. She was obviously beaten and was decidedly out of patience. She made her way towards the gate at the east end of the yard in hopes of making a graceful departure. If she stuck around much longer she was sure Gary was going to end up in the papers tomorrow – in the obituary section.
"Where ya goin'?" he casually called after her.
"I'm taking a walk to clear my head," she informed him as she slammed the gate shut in a manner far more telling than her words alone. She turned sharply in the direction of the road and took off. However, she only got a few paces before her thoughts were once again directed to Gary Oak.
"Do you mind if I come?" He had easily hopped over the fence to join her on the other side and now he had been power walking to catch up with her. Her quickened stride came to halt upon hearing his seemingly innocuous request. She turned her head slowly, her narrowed sea foam-colored eyes asking the question, what do you think?
"Yes. Yes I do," she said as she turned from him again and began to make her way back towards the street. She noticed the sound of shoes in the grass next to her and was dismayed to find he was still following her even after she explicitly stated she'd prefer to be alone.
"What?" he asked upon noticing her openly glowering at him. "I asked if you minded, I didn't ask your permission."
"Oh I'm sorry!" Misty said with faux repentance, putting her hand to her heart accentuate the point. "I guess I just assumed the fact that you asked must have meant you intended to give some consideration to the answer," she finished, her hands now on her hips in a distinctly I'm right and you're wrong manner.
"Oh I did! But sometimes people just don't know what's best for them," he said shaking his head sadly. He was, of course, not being serious but he could tell his words were going to get a rise out of Misty, which was exactly what he wanted.
"And I suppose you do?" It was working; he could sense she might be on the verge of losing her temper again. The fact that he could get under her skin like that indicated to him she cared about what he was saying on some level. If she were apathetic to his jabs, then he'd be more concerned.
"Well, now that you mention it, yeah," he said sounding a little more pompous than he meant to. Misty stopped to look at him in disbelief.
"I see," her voice was tight as she said this trying to keep a cool head but failing miserably. "And what exactly do I need?"
"You need," he said as he clapped her shoulder amicably. "Someone to confide in. Surely you can't be angry all the time. There's got to be some other feelings in there you want to get out," he said giving her light shake, rattling around all those metaphorical emotions inside her. He gave a weak laugh as he did so but saw that Misty was not nearly as entertained by the ideas he was. He quickly released her because she was now glaring daggers at him.
"No. Thank you," the actual words were polite but her tone was anything but. She might as well have been saying, "Fuck you" the way she said it.
"Suit yourself," Gary said casually. As an afterthought, he mumbled something under his breath that Misty couldn't quite hear.
"What was that?" she snapped at him angrily.
"Nothing!" He said defensively. "I just - I just think you ought to reconsider. I happen to be a researcher and a studier of behavioral habits. I think I know what I'm talking about." Again, he was pretty sure he came off more arrogant than he meant to. However, he couldn't deny that seeing Misty blow her top was not only down right entertaining but also a bit of a turn on as well.
"You think because you watch Pokemon all day that it qualifies you to make judgments about human behavior?" Misty rebuked.
"Somewhat. For instance, you, Misty, exhibit the same qualities as a rather tempestuous Charizard I know," he enlightened her. "She's really a beautiful creature. Very solitary and graceful, just like you. She mostly keeps to herself. But has she got a temper on her. She becomes violent when she feels she is threatened. Just. Like. You." For added emphasis he gave her three sharp pokes in the arm to really accentuate the last few words.
Lucky for Gary he was on guard; after the final poke Misty took a swing at him but he was fast enough to avoid any contact. He was surprised when she didn't pursue, but merely looked at him hatefully.
"So, now you think you know me, do you?" she challenged, folding her arms in an unmistakably threatening manner.
Gary was not intimidated by this gesture. "I think I've got a pretty good idea," he said confidently mirroring her movement to demonstrate his fearlessness.
"Really?" Misty asked incredulously. The first thoughts that sprung to mind were outraged: The nerve of this guy! How dare he waltz about pretending to know my life? He thinks because he's some big shot that he can tell other people how to live! He doesn't know me – he doesn't know the first thing about me! Where does he get off!
But Misty found that another small voice had interrupted her furious musings. But what exactly does he think he knows? Misty found it difficult to admit, but she couldn't help but wonder what this arrogant young man had gathered about her after such a brief conversation.
"Well let's hear it!" Misty egged him on, still affronted by his brash assertion that he knew her better than she knew herself. "I'm dying to know what you've discovered after a few minutes that I don't know after twenty years," she said vehemently.
"You know what, Misty? I will," he leaned down a little to make sure he had her attention. "I think you put on a real good show. I think this hotheaded, stubborn, easily angered woman is merely a device you use to cope with something bigger."
Misty grit her teeth and turned her head away. "You don't know anything," she insisted stubbornly.
"The truth is Misty, you're incomplete." That got her! Her stare was fixed on him again, fury flashing dangerously in those two luminous orbs. Her jaw dropped, unable to voice the many outraged thoughts running through her head.
"Yes, I said it! Incomplete. There's a hole in your life that you're desperately trying to fill. That's why you get mad, Misty. It's to cover up the fact that you are missing something in your life. I think you've been waiting for something for a long time. I think you've been caught up with this something for near ten years. And I think you need to wake up and realize this something is never going to happen!"
He, of course, realized the irony of what he was saying. Truthfully, he was openly lying to Misty. Her wait for Ash had not been in vain at all. However, Gary could not deny that Misty's obvious childhood fixation on Ash was the one thing that was separating him from victory. If he could just shake her confidence in Ash the littlest bit, Gary would have a clear shot at her.
And yet, Gary felt eerily uncomfortable as soon as the words left his mouth. It was the look she gave him after he said them. Misty's anger had vanished almost instantly. She now looked defeated – that was the only word he could use for it. Her eyes focused somewhere in the distance as she bit her lip – was she was holding something in? He realized he was voicing something that she had probably been telling herself for years. Hearing it from someone else (an acquaintance no less) probably served to confirm the verity of those thoughts.
"I just mean, ten years is a long time – if it hasn't happened now – " he tried to rectify what he had done, but he noted the feeble turn his words had taken and could not continue.
He reached a hand towards her shoulder which refocused her attention on him. "But maybe that's okay," He said giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Maybe there's a better something right under your nose."
"If you're referring to yourself, Gary Oak, forgive me if I disagree." She did not wrench himself from his grasp, but merely turned on heel to continue walking again. All things considered it was probably one of the more favorable ways she could have reacted. Perhaps he had not screwed up as horribly as he thought.
"Why not?" he was able to catch up to her easily. "Haven't you heard it's good to try new things?"
"Ah, but you are not a new thing Gary – you're an old one." Though curt, her words did not quite contain the zeal they had before. She had significantly mellowed since his mention of Ash, since the mention of incompleteness. Gary wasn't sure though if this was good or bad. It was good for him but he was almost feeling guilty for his behavior. He never would have thought he'd stoop so low as to fight dirty and openly lie. Especially not for a bet that seemed so easy.
"Didn't we just establish that we can't be "old anything"? " he reminded her.
"There's no we. Only you and me," she said it firmly but not cruelly. "And you, you are old news, Gary Oak."
Gary frowned a little at these words. Damn, she was quick. Gary couldn't help but feel respect for her. "Didn't your mother ever teach you not to judge a book by its cover?" he countered, equally as quick.
Misty stopped again. This was becoming a pattern. Every time Gary said something just a little too personal or a little too provocative, Misty would stop dead in her tracks. But this time he wasn't quite sure what he had said. It was a harmless idiom, right?
"No," Misty said solemnly, not looking at him. "She never got the chance to."
Gary wasn't sure what to make of this. Was this her way of making him feel guilty for prodding – if so it was working terribly well; he felt like a world class douchebag. He couldn't help but wonder if maybe this was Misty's subconscious way of inviting him into her world. Maybe she was acknowledging she really did need someone to confide in. After all, she could have let it go and they could have merely continued their empty banter until she finally decided to smack him. She chose to make it personal. Gary figured he'd best reply in turn.
"Oh," he said quietly. "I'm sorry." The space was filled with an awkward silence. He was at a loss now. He didn't normally have to console women. Usually they needed consolation after an experience with him (not that he prided himself on this fact).
"I - I didn't mean to – " he tried again, but was swiftly cut off.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, nobody ever means to." Misty sounded like she had heard it all before. She probably had. "It's fine, I'm over it," she shrugged her shoulders and continued walking again.
"No you're not," Gary could tell what she was doing. She was trying to play it off as though it wasn't a big deal – she already was regretting that she had allowed for the conversation to turn personal. But he had no intention of letting her off so easily. "No wonder you've got an emptiness inside you."
"Oh enough of your psycho babble, all right?" She placed a hand to her temple in frustration. "Stop pretending that this changes anything. It doesn't!" she gave him a very pointed look to emphasize the fact. "You're still a pompous, arrogant jackass and I'm still as repelled by you as I was before." She tried her best to sound vehement, but she merely came off as exasperated. She must have been tired of arguing with him at this point.
Gary let the air go quiet for a moment. The two continued walking in silence and Gary chanced to look at his companion. Indeed, she looked tired. Her eyelids were low, her shoulders slumped forward and he could just make out the beginnings of dark circles under her eyes. This hadn't happened just from an exhausting conversation; she had been tired for a long time.
"You know," Gary said casually, finally interrupting the quiet. "Magnets of the same charge are repelled by each other." He looked at her to gage her reaction. It was just as he expected; her brow furrowed and she looked at him like he'd grown a second head.
"What?"
"I'm merely commenting on how alike we are," Gary continued quietly. He wasn't sure if this was the way to go, but clearly his seduction tactics had fallen on deaf ears so he might as well try a different approach.
"Wha – What are you saying?" said the slightly befuddled Misty.
"My parents are gone too, Misty." Things were getting sentimental now – a direction Gary wasn't used to taking. Sharing sentiment was a hop, skip and a jump away from the snare commonly referred the relationship. Mew knows how dangerous that was! Gary had the unfortunate experience of getting involved with a few emotionally needy women in his day. All he needed to do was spend one night with one of these ladies and they'd be prattling on, saying such things as I thought you loved me and I can't wait for you to meet my parents!
"Oh." It was obvious she didn't know how to respond to this either. He noticed the way she shifted uneasily beside him that she was at a loss for words too. He decided to let her off the hook.
"See," Gary said, nudging her arm gently. "That's another thing we have in common. Maybe this friend thing can work out after all," he said trying to lighten to mood. He glanced her way and noticed that Misty had smiled the tiniest bit. He knew she probably didn't mean to but perhaps he was winning her over after all.
Gary deliberated the fact that he had spent much of his young adult life avoiding any type of emotion in relationships. And yet, right now, somehow he didn't think he'd mind it so much with Misty. She on the other hand seemed to have other ideas.
"Well, nice chatting with you," she said dully as she opened the gate that lead into the Ketchum's garden.
By now they had completed a semi-circular track, arriving at the southwest gate just as the conversation had hit an awkward spot. As much as Misty appreciated the attempt at commiserating, her parents were not something she liked to discuss with anyone, let alone Gary Oak. She figured it was best to end the conversation now before he began getting on her nerves again.
Gary was thrown for a loop. He had hoped the fact that he'd gotten her to open up maybe meant she was beginning to see him as less of a nuisance. "Uh," he floundered as he watched her turn back around towards him. "Perhaps we could do it again sometime over dinner?" he said a little louder than he meant to; he didn't want her to get away while she was still in such a receptive mood.
She merely shook her head. "I don't think so."
"Why not?" he grabbed the edge of the fence and leaned forward. He realized he might have sounded a little desperate, a quality that he was most unfamiliar with. He couldn't just let her get away so she could build up all her walls again.
"Look I told you before, this doesn't change anything," she stated matter-of-factly. "Just because we both don't have parents doesn't mean we shared some spiritual connection, okay?"
"Hey I was never proposing anything so cheesy!" he shot back. "I just thought maybe it'd be nice for you to talk to someone about it who – "
"I don't want to talk about it! Not with you. Not with anyone," he could tell that she becoming angry again and decided to back off. He realized he was riding a very thin line when it came to Misty and he had to be really careful not to alienate her.
"Okay, okay. We don't have to talk about it. Fine," he said attempting to placate her. "Maybe we could just talk about something else?" he suggested amiably.
She inhaled visibly and let her shoulders fall. "I'm going inside now," she said plainly. "And I'd really prefer if you didn't follow me, okay?"
"Well all right," he agreed, still behind the fence in order to keep out slap range. He knew this was the best course of action. Aggravating Misty only did so much. Maybe it was best if he left her alone to ruminate on the idea of him. He didn't want her to thinking he was giving up though! "But you still have my blazer. So I'll be back," he assured.
"Why don't you run along now?" Just before she disappeared, Gary thought he saw a glimmer of a smile.
The young man sighed as he leaned up against a nearby tree. The sexy, seductive Gary hadn't gotten him anywhere. The psychoanalytical Gary hadn't made much progress either. The sentimental, caring Gary had the briefest of triumphs but was working a snail's pace. If he really wanted to win this bet, he was going to need to do something drastic.
He knew exactly what to do.
…
"Ash!"
The young Pokemon master must have leapt five feet in the air at the sound of his own name. He had been tense all day. The thought of Misty sneaking up on him, demanding an explanation and reaming him out in front of his friends and family was slowly taking a toll on him. He had scarcely had a decent conversation with anyone all day. He kept looking over his shoulder, peeking around corners and jumping at the sound of a twig snapping. He was, quite simply, a mess.
"Oh Brock, it's just you," Ash was immediately calmed when he recognized the assailant as his old friend, the Pewter City gym leader. He put a hand on his chest to steady his breathing. "You scared me," he clarified, on the receiving end of a quizzical look from Brock.
"What's the matter with you, Ash?" his concerned friend put a hand on his shoulder. You look like hell," the Pokemon breeder observed shrewdly.
Ash laughed nervously. He was never very good at telling lies. "I – I guess I'm just a little on edge, that's all" he said cryptically. Ash tugged at his collar; was it getting hot outside all of a sudden? He looked down and noticed his palms were beginning to sweat too.
"Are - are you sure you're all right, Ash?" Brock gave him a dubious look; it was obvious he had misgivings about Ash's truthfulness. If he didn't believe his younger friend though, he didn't explicitly say so.
"Yeah, yeah fine!" Ash said waving him off. His mind raced furiously as he tried to think of a way to change the topic. Brock was just about to open his mouth for a rebuttal but Ash quickly cut in.
"Hey!" Ash said rather loudly, making some guests around him jump. Ash awkwardly scratched the back of his neck and realized he was losing his cool. Easy Ketchum, you can do this. Just a few more hours to go. Once calmed he readdressed his taller companion. "Listen, have you seen Misty around lately?" he tried to seem casual about the whole thing. The truth was he was dying to know about Gary's progress or lack thereof.
"Yeah, as a matter of fact I have. I think I saw her leave with Gary a little while ago," he said it almost as question, because he still wasn't sure the situation had even happened. Brock remembered thinking how strange it was. He had just been rejected for a date by another beautiful woman when he noticed Misty across the lawn talking to Gary. She began to walk away, but the young Oak followed her into the front yard. Brock wasn't quite sure what make of it at the time, but he now had a feeling it had to do with Ash.
"Gary?" the now enraged Pokemon Master exclaimed. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah," Brock confirmed. "I thought it was weird," Brock said stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"Well – well - well what was she doing with him?" the Pokemon Master demanded to know. He noticed the anxiety showing in his voice. Oh no, Ash found himself thinking. Am I sweating again? Keep it together Ketchum, keep it together.
"I -I don't know," Brock shrugged his shoulders. "It looked to me like they were just talking. And then she walked away and he followed her," he explained plainly. "It was all pretty uneventful Ash," reassured the younger man.
Ash did not seem at all satisfied by this answer. "Well how did she look?" Ash persisted. "Was she happy or upset or what?"
"Geez Ash! I don't know," Brock was becoming frustrated with his friend. If Ash was so concerned with what Misty was doing why didn't he just ask her himself? "What does it matter?" Brock pointed out. "You're not even talking to her!"
Ash suddenly looked humbled. "H-h-how do you know about that?"
"Ash, come on," Brock softened a little. "Everyone knows about that. Besides the fact that Tracy has been asking why you ran away from her, I saw you bolt when she tried to talk to her before." The Pokemon breeder crossed his arms. "Let's face it, you've been acting like a crazy person all day. What's going on with you?"
Ash sighed. So much for discretion, Ash rued. "Look Brock, I'd tell you if I could."
"Ash," Brock said somewhat disapprovingly. "Did you go and do something stupid again?"
Ash unconsciously bit his lip. "I might have, Brock. I might have…"
Ash was beginning to get worried. Could Gary actually pull this off? Could he really trick Misty into believing his special brand of Gary Oak bullshit? Ash wasn't sure, but he was beginning to feel physically ill. This was all he needed. He couldn't help but languish in the irony of it all. His greatest rival, who had beaten him to every milestone, stealing the only woman Ash had ever had real feelings for. And the worst part was this was all Ash's doing. If he hadn't been so pig headed, trying to one up Gary, this wouldn't be happening and he and Misty would be together finally.
As if on cue, Misty wandered through the back door decidedly Gary-less. Ash was relieved to note she did not look particularly happy which he found himself rather selfishly enjoying. It's not that he wanted her to be unhappy, but perhaps it meant that Gary had been less than successful in trying to woo her. As she made her way towards the buffet and Ash visibly relaxed. Gary was nowhere in sight.
He allowed himself a last look at her before reverting back to his covert operation. He weaved his way through the crowds so she wouldn't spot him until this miserable day was over.
Meanwhile, the frustrated young woman decided give herself sometime to think. She found herself lost in thought as she arbitrarily picked up items from the buffet. She found herself unsurprisingly melancholy; it was not often she thought about her parents. It was even rarer that someone brought them up. She found herself wondering if perhaps Gary Oak had had a rare moment of humility and was actually trying to help her. She then reminded herself that even if he had, he was still a pompous windbag and she had no interest in spilling her guts to him.
It might be nice to talk about it with someone, said a voice in Misty's head. Someone who actually can relate for once. Someone who can actually say, "I understand." Misty found herself rolling her eyes as her more sensible side kicked in. You're forgetting, she reminded her other half. This is a person who is as selfish as the day is long. Even if he knew what I went through, he couldn't possibly make me feel better about it anyway.
But people can change can't they? The other side voiced. Just look at your friend, Ash.
Misty was now even becoming frustrated with herself. It was times like these that she wished she could just focus on something like swimming or training. She needed an activity to take her mind off of these ridiculous thoughts. She recalled how much she hated that moment before she went to sleep when was left to her own devices, haunted by the incessant nagging of her own thoughts. It was unbearable at times and one of the causes she attributed to her insomnia.
Her eyes drifted across the yard and fell on the statuesque fountain, still spurting water majestically into the air. A small smile flickered across her features when she noticed the water-Pokemon were still lazily splashing about. A Vaporeon and a Poliwag seemed to be playing some sort of game of tag while a Seel and Dewgong were stretched out while enjoying the sun. Misty thought this might be just the thing to take her out of her funk.
As she reached the fountain, she gently put her plate on the edge and released her own Pokemon into the water. Her Horsea gurgled happily and Goldeen let out a deep appreciative "Goldeen!" Goldeen was quickly invited into the game of tag and Horsea was content on swimming laps around the shallow pool. Misty was just beginning to enjoy herself for once when she heard a familiar buzzing in her ear.
"I have a proposal for you Waterflower."
Misty did not even need to lift her hear to know who it was. "What is it now?" she huffed.
"If you can beat me in a Pokemon match, I'll leave you alone for the rest of the party." Misty ears perked up at the very words. She had to admit she liked the idea of to a night that did not involve Gary Oak crashing into her at every turn. She finally looked at him to gage the seriousness of his proposition. He nodded his head to signal she had heard correctly.
She couldn't help but note that this was already sounding like a pretty good deal. "You can keep my blazer too, it's Silph & Company. You could probably get a lot of money for it." Misty's fingers subconscious fondled the material on the cuffs; it was silky and soft like Jigglypuff's body.
"Okay," Misty said slowly, in the back of her mind knowing there was a catch. "And what if you win?"
"If I win, I want a kiss."
I want a kiss.
Misty was not sure any four words had ever stunned her so much (though she could think of a few phrases that came pretty close). She visibly gawked at him. Her mouth was agape as she started disbelievingly at him. He knew full well she was probably going to have a violent reaction to his proposal; the first words she managed to get out were quite audible and dare he say somewhat shrill.
"What? Why!" she practically shrieked, more out of shock than rage.
"That's for me to know and you to find out," his voice had a trace amount of deviousness to it that made Misty uncomfortable. She was certain she found herself in the middle of some game; where else had this sudden interest come from?
"No way!" she balked. She made a move to get up but was stopped by his hand on her wrist. She scowled at his touch, but remained seated in spite of it.
"Why not?" he asked innocently. "It's just a kiss." Gary Oak knew all he needed to do was kiss Misty Waterflower and she would be powerless. No woman had ever resisted a Gary kiss. Of course, he realized, getting to that point was where the strategy came into play. That's when he decided to appeal to her cutthroat attitude when it came to competition. Misty would not back down from a challenge, especially when she thought she would finally be rid of his irksome hovering. But Gary was assured he wasn't going to lose this battle.
"What, is it your life goal to get with every woman in Kanto?" she said irately, as if this fact bothered her slightly. She exhaled loudly causing a stray strand of her crimson hair to fall onto her face.
"Only the most beautiful," he said slyly, scooting towards her just the littlest bit. He reached a hand up to brush the terracotta curl out of her eyes and behind her ear. He let his hand linger just a moment too long.
"Does that line actually work on anyone?" she asked skeptically turning her head away from him. A slight blush had begun to creep across the apples of her cheeks that she didn't want him to see. It's not that his charm was beginning to get to her, but Misty acknowledged it had been a long time since she had felt the brush of someone else's touch on her face. It felt uncomfortably good and she'd rather he didn't know that.
"Usually, but then again," he decided to appeal to another side of Misty. The part that he was sure she was most proud of. "Most girls aren't as sharp as you Misty." The finger on ear not-so-accidentally slipped down to her jaw line and from there her neck. Misty felt her insides squirm all over. What is he doing to me?
"Stop that!" she said as she finally returned to her senses. She batted away his hand and scooted away from him. "I'm not going to kiss you. Not now, not ever," she insisted, thrusting her nose in the air.
"What's one little kiss?" he emphasized little by holding up his index finger and thumb. "Come now, you're not worried you'd actually like it are you?"
Misty looked at him sharply. "No I am not!"
Dear God, he was annoying. Maybe it would be worth it, Misty mused silently. She had no idea why he was pestering her so much today, but she was tired of it for whatever reason. Besides Misty was pretty sure that in terms of battling, Gary was out of the game years ago; she had an excellent shot of winning. And if I lose? Misty's other voice wondered. Well, it's only a kiss.
"Just one kiss?" she made it sound like she was clarifying, but Gary could tell this meant he had her. He scooted back her way and chanced to graze her shoulder with his own.
"Unless you beg for more," his velvety tenor whispered smoothly. His breath was hot on her shoulder now. Misty stiffened visibly.
"Damn it, Oak!" she cursed aloud, startling him and causing him to leap back. "Will you please stop doing that?" she said menacingly.
"Stop doing what?" He was pretending to be naïve, but he knew exactly what he was doing to her. He was setting her up. Establishing physical contact with her was essential to his vice. When that kiss came, she would be like putty in his masterful hands.
"You know what I mean!" Misty reprimanded. "Stop touching me and acting so weird!" she threw her hands in the air to emphasize her discontentment.
Gary smiled mischievously. As he had discovered earlier, being on the receiving end of Misty's rage was a good thing. She wasn't as mad at him as she was at herself. She was caving, just the littlest bit and it wouldn't be long before the rock slide.
"All right, all right," he said as he tried to calm her down. "I won't touch you again unless I win, okay?" he asked sweetly.
Misty eyed him wearily. Something about this stunk the high heavens.
He's up to no good.
"Fine," Misty conceded. "You've got a deal."
"Okay," Gary said agreeably as he plucked a champagne glass from Machop's passing tray. "What do you say we make this a real spectacle, huh?" he was on his feet before Misty even knew what was happening.
"Wait – what?" the startled water-Pokemon trainer asked. She was under the impression this was going to be a low-brow battle; maybe they'd take it into the front yard and ask one or two people to watch. She had no idea he meant for the entire party to become an audience to her humiliation.
"Gary!" she whispered urgently, grabbing his elbow. "What are you doing?"
If he heard her, he did not acknowledge her. He was now standing on the rim of the fountain, elevated and holding the glass of champagne high in the air.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention if you please!" Gary gently rapped the crystal with his fork to focus everyone's attention. "You are all in for a very special treat!" he assured them as a lull washed over the crowd. "In recognition of our host, the Incomparable Ash Ketchum," Gary said with a hint of irony that he severely doubted anyone would notice. "We are going to have an unforgettable Pokemon match in his honor."
Gary scanned the crowds for the elusive Pokemon Master. "We would be most humbled if he would agree to referee a match between his oldest rival," he gestured to himself. "And his very first traveling companion, the lovely and talented Misty Waterflower," he gestured towards her. Misty had not been expecting it, but the other party goers broke into applause at the sound of her name. Her cheeks flushed; it was kind of flattering.
"Now where is that strapping young lad we've heard so much about?" Gary asked the crowd, knowing that if he wasn't hiding out in the house still, he was likely trying desperately to blend into the crowd. Gary knew Ash wouldn't want to be anywhere near a situation where Misty could confront him. "Come on now Ash!" Gary coaxed. "Don't be shy! Who better to judge a match such as this?"
"Here he is!" someone in the audience supplied as the pushed him forward. Ash, as Gary expected, looked as though he wished to be anywhere else. The Pokemon Master chanced to look at the Cerulean Gym Leader to determine her level of anger towards him. She met his gaze with a hard stare – both angry and hurt. He could almost hear her voice in his head now. Why have you been avoiding me all day Ash? I thought we were friends.
"There he is, everybody!" Gary boomed, waving enthusiastically as he did so. "Let him hear it!" he encouraged Ash's friends and family. The sea of voices chorused loudly over Gary's own. A steady rhythm of "Ash, Ash, Ash" began swelling. Upon the climax they all burst into applause as Ash approached sidelines of the "arena" (merely an open stretch of land that had been previously occupied by the fraternizing party guests).
"All right, Ashy-boy. Whenever you're ready," Gary stretched his arm out in effort to communicate 'All yours'. He, of course, was grinning madly as he did so which made Ash nervous. Gary had something up his sleeve. He didn't know exactly why Gary and Misty were having a match, but he had a sneaking suspicion that the outcome would have somehow affect the bet he had going with Gary.
He was really beginning to lament the deal he had made with Gary. Seeing Misty desperately try to communicate with him and being powerless to reciprocate was torturous. It struck a sour note with Ash. The whole deal was rotten. Just like Gary's intentions. Ash couldn't help but wonder if Gary ever had any real feelings for someone. If he did he would have known how agonizing it was to be apart from them, particularly for as long as Ash and Misty had been. But Ash dismissed that thought immediately. Gary truly caring for someone was as a ridiculous notion. Nearly as ridiculous as every Team Rocket scheme for capturing Pikachu.
"All right," said the unsettled Ash. "We'll have a one on one battle. No time limit. Do the challengers agree on these terms?" his glance bouncing back and forth between the two.
Misty clenched her fist slightly. This is the first thing you've said to me today, she thought ruefully. But she wasn't here to make a scene. She grit her teeth and gave the most curt of head nods to affirm her acquiescence. Across from her, a delighted Gary Oak mirrored her movement to show that he too understood the rules.
"Okay then, let the battle begin!" Ash called, but he could barely be heard over the shouts and cheers of the crowd. They hadn't known upon their arrival that they were going to a get to see a live Pokemon battle with the fabulous and talented Gary Oak, let alone the mighty leader of the Cerulean City Gym.
"Ladies first," Gary offered her, as he took a small bow.
"Very well," Misty agreed, Pokeball already in hand. She held it close to her mouth and gave it light kiss for luck. "Don't let me down," she whispered to the creature inside. "Go Golduck," she shouted as she let the ball fly. It opened and in flash of red the Pokemon was released. There it stood, a little over five feet tall; the sheen of its sapphire skin was dazzling. Misty's Psyduck had finally evolved and truly she considered it her most loyal Pokemon. Even when she had spurned its love and affection it continued to stay by her side. And now that it had evolved it was a master of obedience. It hadn't changed completely though; it was still a bit absent minded and goofy off the clock.
"Interesting choice," Gary noted. "I considered an Electric type or a Grass type for you, but let's shake things up!" He too pulled his choice pokeball from his belt and pressed his lips to the surface. "Umbreon! I choose you!" An equally stunning Pokemon burst into existence. Umbreon's shiny black coat glistened in the glow of the setting sun; it would be dark soon and Umbreon would be even stronger. Misty examined her opponent's Pokemon with wonder. She had known it when it was still just an Eevee, but even then it was fierce. Sometime later she'd even seen it take on an Alakazam! She remarked at how beautiful it looked now and how Gary must have taken exceptionally good care of it. Misty anticipated it would be tough to beat.
"All right Oak, you want a battle? Here we go! Golduck, start off with Bubblebeam!" The Pokemon nodded its pronged head and geared up the attack. Bubbles burst from its mouth a moment later, spiraling in Umbreon's direction. Spectators cheered as the agile animal dodged Golduck's attack; it twisted in mid-air and landed on its feet.
"Nice work Umbreon!" Gary encouraged. "Show that Golduck your Faint Attack!" Gary commanded. Umbreon's dark red eyes began to glow as it began the attack. The Pokemon took on a radiant light as it prepared to unleash its dark assault.
Misty bit her lip. She was surprised Gary was using such a powerful move at the beginning of a match. He was probably going to try to weaken her Golduck early. Some trainers began battles with a knock out move and watched their opponent feebly struggle for the rest of the match before delivering the final blow.
At this rate, Gary might actually succeed; Faint Attack never missed – well almost never! "Quick Golduck, Dive into that fountain!" she commanded knowing that the fail safe move could not touch her Golduck underwater. Golduck leaped up on its powerful hind legs and dove head first into the fountain. Umbreon let loose a wave of dark energy that passed over the fountain breaking the stone tail of Charmander and one of Squirtle's arms. Chunks of stone flew into the air as the onlookers desperately shielded themselves from the oncoming debris. Neither competitor even noticed the wreckage, both too intent on winning.
Misty was relentless. "All right Golduck!" She clenched her fist, a grin forming on her lips "Now show it some real power! Use Surf!" The crowd went wild seeing the fountain erupt. Water shot up into a wave with Golduck casually riding on top. With nowhere to go Umbreon was swept up with the rest of the water and carried across the yard. Golduck wearily scanned for his enemy as the water drained away. There stood Gary's Umbreon proudly, wet, but mostly unharmed from the attack. The Pokemon vigorously shook its entire body and let out of victory call.
"Not too shabby, eh Misty?" taunted Gary. "Okay Umbreon, Quick Attack now!" Golduck didn't even have a chance to react; Umbreon smashed head first into the water Pokemon, sending it sprawling backwards with a cloud of dirt in its trail.
"Come on Golduck, get up!" Misty encouraged. At the sound of her voice, Golduck quickly recovered and was back on its feet. "That's right, Golduck. Show 'em your Fury Swipes!" Golduck flashed its talons at the dark-type Pokemon and charged forward.
"Umbreon, Agility!" Golduck reared back to strike Umbreon when it vanished without a trace. The confused creature's head bobbled back and forth as it continued to search. It turned towards its trainer and uttered a perplexed, "Golduck?" Just then Umbreon appeared behind it.
"Golduck behind you!" Misty called from the sidelines. Golduck speedily pivoted and brought down a claw across Umbreon's face before anyone even knew what was happening. The Pokemon was knocked backwards by the force of the swipe.
"Your Umbreon isn't the only one who's fast around here," boasted Misty.
"Oh yeah?" Gary Oak said. "Let's see your Golduck do this! Umbreon, Moonlight now!" The Umbreon gazed upwards and saw the sun had nearly disappeared over the horizon. Above it, a perfectly round full moon shone brightly in the nighttime sky. Umbreon began to pull energy from the night air around it. The lunar light seeped into its body and began to heal the Pokemon's injuries. The gash left from Golduck's Fury Swipe began to clot and close up. The Pokemon stood on its hind legs and let out a powerful howl. Its health was fully restored.
"Damn it," Misty cursed to herself. "I forgot they're more powerful at night."
"Now that Umbreon is fully recovered, let's see how your Golduck handles a Shadow Ball!"
Misty was frightened. Shadow ball was a powerful Ghost-type attack. Apart from being frightened for her Golduck, she was impressed that Gary had managed to teach it to his Pokemon. She almost felt a bit of admiration for him in that moment.
"Golduck! Give it everything you've got. Counter with Hydro Pump!" Golduck nodded obediently and pushed off its haunches. Its entire body heaved as a spiral jet of water exploded from its bill. Simultaneously, Umbreon's body followed suit, projecting a pulsing orb of dark energy that hurtled towards its opponent. The spinning globe of blackness collided with the swirling stream of water. The two forces smashed together in a powerful explosion that caused onlookers to shield their eyes. Smoke and debris were sent up into the air causing momentarily blindness for all participants. As the dust cleared, both Golduck and Umbreon stood, breathing heavily, fangs bared. It still wasn't over.
"I'm impressed Misty," Gary told her from across the battlefield. He was, and he could not be angry about the misfire of the Shadow Ball. The challenge made it all the sweeter. "I've never seen any attack that was powerful enough to counter my Umbreon's Shadow Ball."
"This is no ordinary Golduck," Misty said proudly. "Let's finish this! Golduck! How about a Skull Bash?" Golduck nodded and then closed its eyes. The crowd fell silent as Golduck's body gained an unnaturally white glow. Suddenly, it charged towards Umbreon, spiked head low, almost hovering over the ground as it did so. The closer it got to Umbreon, the brighter the light shone.
"Umbreon, dodge!" Umbreon didn't need to be told twice. It flew into the air, letting the speeding Golduck whizz right past it. Golduck's glow immediately evaporated as it ceased the attack and scrambled to find its target. The Umbreon landed behind its attacker and let out a snarl.
"Okay Umbreon! Double team now!" The water Pokemon became baffled when it found itself surrounded by twelve Umbreons. It shifted nervously as it tried to feel out the real Umbreon; it was Psychic after all, but Umbreon was resistant to the duck-like Pokemon's mind probing.
Gary grinned impishly. "All right, Tackle it, Umbreon!" he called.
Misty was quick on her feet though. She recalled a maneuver she had seen Ash do when battling Rudy, all those years ago. "Golduck," she called to her Pokemon. "Aim your Water Gun at the ground!"
Golduck obeyed and pointed his would-be nozzle towards the grass. Swiftly water came pouring out of its mouth and slammed into the dirt below. The intensity of the stream rocketed Golduck into the sky. Umbreon's tackle was just a little too late and instead the Pokemon found itself jumping directly into Golduck's stream. Other than becoming wet, it did not affect Umbreon much, but its trainer was becoming agitated. This Golduck was surprisingly strong. Gary could actually lose.
"All right, enough is enough," he said rolling up his sleeves. "We're going to finish this. Screech Umbreon!" he hollered. He hastily covered his ear for upcoming assault. Either Golduck didn't know what was coming or it was too slow, because it wailed in agony at Umbreon's screech. Nearly everyone did. The piercing sound of its voice caused the water Pokemon grab its head in distress and put it to the floor.
Misty believed it to be getting a headache. She almost missed the days when that was a good thing. It didn't matter now anyway though. Even if a headache brought out the best in Golduck's psychic ability it wouldn't matter; Umbreon was immune to psychic attacks.
"Golduck!" she tried to shout over the deafening screech. Golduck turned to her to acknowledge he could still hear her, albeit, it looked strained to do so. "Golduck, Dig underground!" she commanded hoping that a layer of earth would serve as a buffer between Golduck and that cacophonous wail. Golduck obeyed immediately and began to scratch fiercely at the lawn (much to the alarm of one Mrs. Ketchum whose shouts of "My beautiful lawn!" could not be heard over the excitement). As Golduck began his descent underground Gary commanded Umbreon to stop.
"Follow it, Umbreon!" The dark Pokemon nodded and hastened after its opponent. Misty clenched her jaw anxiously. In a space that small there was bound to be a scrape of some kind. Golduck had nowhere to go. But neither did Umbreon. Suddenly a light bulb went off in her head!
"Golduck! Blast that Umbreon with a Waterfall!" Misty was indeed right. When the water starting flowing the only place it and Umbreon had to go was back from whence it came. A spout of water carrying Gary's Umbreon burst forth from the ground like a geyser. When Golduck relented the Umbreon fell to the ground.
Misty was displeased to find it land on its feet, a fire glowing in its crimson eyes. That is one tough Pokemon, she couldn't help but think admiring its tenacity. Her water attacks seemed ineffective in causing damage, rather they seemed to be merely distracting to Umbreon. She couldn't used psychic attacks and all of the normal ones were just a little too slow. Misty was at a loss. She did the only thing she could at that moment.
"Reemerge Golduck!" Golduck burst through the muddy soil under Umbreon. For a moment Misty thought she had a chance. She saw Gary's Umbreon twisting in midair which she hoped was an aftershock from Golduck's attack. Misty was disappointed when she noticed its lithe body curl into a ball and spin; it had preemptively leapt into the air for an attack. But she hadn't heard what Gary had said - had he said anything at all? Did Umbreon just know?
"Use Iron Tail now!" he cried. As Umbreon spun it gained an unearthly light around its tail. Misty imagined true to the name of the move it was probably becoming solid like iron. As it barreled back towards the ground, Golduck only had time to look up and see its end. Umbreon's tail smashed into Golduck's face sending it flying across the yard and into the giant elm where Misty stood. She watched anxiously to see if her Golduck would make a miraculous recovery.
It wouldn't. Golduck was out cold, collapsed in a heap. A distressed Misty left her place at the sidelines and ran to her Pokemon's side. She gingerly lifted it off the ground and cradled it in her arms like a baby. "It's okay Golduck," she said sweetly. "You did the best you could," she soothed the unconscious Pokemon. "I am so proud of you."
She was only vaguely aware that there were other people around in that moment. She heard Ash's voice over the crowd say, "Golduck is no longer able to battle. Umbreon is the winner!" Cheers erupted, a chant of the victor's name spread across the throng like wildfire. Gary in turn addressed his audience, waving and blowing kisses to his many adoring fans.
Misty sighed as she pulled out her Pokeball. She looked at Golduck sadly before commanding it to return. Once safe inside, she tucked him back on her belt between Starmie and Gyarados and tried to mentally prepare for the shit storm in store. She could see Gary striding over now, his black Umbreon in tow looking just as smug as he.
She stood up just as he reached her, his hand extended for her to shake. She grimaced at it, not wishing to be a good sport at all, but accepted begrudgingly.
"That was a really tough match," he said genuinely.
"Yeah," Misty half-heartedly agreed. She wasn't disappointed with how the match turned out; on the contrary, Golduck gave quite a performance. She was just not looking forward to the inevitable gloating that was sure to follow. She was surprised though when instead of grandstanding, she felt a light tug on her arm; he had used the hand she was still shaking to pull her into a hug. He was doing it for the spectacle of it all, she was sure. In unison, their audience said "awww" watching the two competitors embrace like friends.
"It's time to pay up," he whispered in her ear as he continued to hold onto her. Ah, and there it is. Misty had almost completely forgotten about their wager. She was so swept up in the battle didn't remember there were stakes.
"You mean here? Right now?" she whispered back. Gary could tell she had the slightest bit of panic in her voice.
"Yes, of course," he thought this had been implied they first agreed on the terms.
"Not here," she insisted urgently. "Not with everybody watching!"
It had been Gary's intention to take his victory kiss with the crowd watching. That was the whole point! He was sure it would create some interesting publicity and give the papers loads to talk about for the next few weeks. But more importantly, Ash needed to see that Gary had succeeded, otherwise it would be a case of Gary's word vs. Ash's. He was so looking forward to seeing Ash's face when he planted a wet one on the red headed vixen. However, Gary's plan seemed to have a fatal flaw. His task had been to seduce Misty, not to merely kiss her. He was relatively certain a Gary Oak kiss did not have the same effect on a woman who had just lost a Pokemon battle and had a crowd of people watching her. He wouldn't be able to work his magic in quite the same way if he had an audience. He needed quiet. Ambiance was very important factor in seduction technique. No, they'd need to be alone if he wanted to do this right.
"All right," he said releasing her from the hug. "But it has to be before midnight. And it has to be on my terms."
"Okay, sure. Whatever you want," Misty agreed hastily.
"Fine then. Meet me under the awning, a quarter to twelve." Gary knew this was going to be cutting it close, but he needed some time to collect himself. This magic he had didn't just happen after all. "And I've got my eye on you until then," he warned. "Don't think I'm just going to go away."
"Yeah fine," she said dismissively waving her hand. She turned on heel to go; she was not looking forward to the bothersome conversations that were going to come after this.
As Misty walked away for some alone time she contemplated her choice deeply. Should she have just let him kiss her right there, in front of all her friends? Surely it'd make headlines the next day and she'd have paparazzi swarming the gym in no time. Everyone would be buzzing around her like flies, begging to know the answers to questions such as what was it like? Are you together? Is he as big as everyone says?
Misty wanted no part of it. But, then again a nagging voice inside her countered. It sure would've been a shock to Ash. Misty had not considered she could use Gary's kiss as a weapon against Ash. She frowned. That was not the kind of person she was. Even if it would make Ash absolutely berserk, she cared about him too much to deceive him like that. On top of everything she'd be using Gary - though she doubted he would mind - it was completely against her nature.
Besides, she thought miserably. At this point, Ash doesn't even seem to care.
…
To be continued…