Believe Again

Chapter 3


Misty closed her eyes, trying as hard as she could to calm down and let her body and mind rest, but there was too much flowing through her head and she couldn't seem to settle. Not only was she completely stressed out about having the Gym ready on time, but now she also had to deal with the egotistical, snobby jerk that was Gary Oak. Of course, it was nice of Deliah to be concerned about her, and she had to admit she had been feeling terribly unwell the past few days, a result of the exhaustion she was putting upon herself. She just couldn't rest until the Gym was perfect. There was no way she could let the PIA take it away from her.

Misty sighed. She supposed she had no choice but to let Gary help her, even if he was a total jerk. Misty had not seen Gary since his encounter with Ash at the Johto League Silver Conference, when Ash had beat his stuck-up ass in the finals. It was not only a victory for Ash, but for Misty too, because she hated the way he picked on Ash and made him feel inferior. He was, in every way, superior to Gary, and even though Gary had taken a different path and decided to become a Pokémon Researcher, his egotistical attitude was obvious in the way he had burst into her Gym and her home and treated her like an idiot.

'Then again…' Misty contemplated, 'I suppose I can be a bit quick to judge. Ash did mention that he and Gary had patched things up…so maybe Gary has changed.'

'Nah, he's still a jerk,' she decided quickly.

Jerk or not, though, Misty couldn't help but notice his sizzling looks. He was tall, taller than her even, though only by a few inches, with tanned skin and toned, muscular arms that showed under the black t-shirt he was wearing. His mahogany hair was fashioned in wild spikes, he had chiseled features and the kind of looks that should belong to a movie star. And his eyes…they were dark green, intense, and looked like they held a great amount of cleverness, like he was wise beyond his years. Gary had an air of confidence about him, which could be passed off as self-belief, but Misty called it self-centeredness. Gary was hot, and he knew it, and he wanted everyone else to know it too.


Gary poured the last of the Pokémon food into the tank, watching as a Horsea, Starmie and a few Goldeen ate enjoyably. They had enjoyed the food his grandfather had sent. He was about to pick up the list to check the next job when the doorbell rang.

"Must be a challenger," he mumbled and he walked back through the arena to the front door. A boy about his age stood there when he opened it, but he wasn't holding a Poke Ball, he was holding…flowers?

"Uh…can I help you?" Gary asked.

"I hope so, uh…my name is Georgio, and these are for Misty," he handed the flowers to Gary, who took them, one eyebrow raised at the shy looking boy. "I heard she is sick, and I just wanted her to know that I'm thinking of her."

"I'll…let her know…"

"Um…excuse me if I'm being rude…but you're not her boyfriend are you?" he asked as though the answer might kill him. Gary shook his head immediately.

"No, just her…worker," he held up the list he held in his other hand.

"Oh…ok then," Gary's answer seemed to please him. "Well, tell Misty I said hi," with a wave, he walked away.

Gary shook his head amazedly and closed the door, placing the flowers in the hallway. He would give them to Misty later.

To Gary's bewilderment, this happened about ten more times as he worked his way through the to-do list. Each time a different guy was at the door, with flowers, chocolates, stuffed water Pokémon toys, and an array of other gifts for the sick Gym Leader. Word that she was unwell had sure traveled fast. Gary didn't realise that she was so popular with the men, though with her looks he wasn't surprised. Why didn't she have a boyfriend, though? Did she? He realised he knew very little about her, except that she was stubborn and unapproachable.

Later that day, exhausted and a little overwhelmed, Gary carried five boxes of colourful flowers, four boxes of chocolates, a Horsea doll and a Gyarados plushie into the living room. Misty was snoring softly as he walked through the room and placed the items on the cabinet next to where the TV sat. She stirred and opened her eyes, and they widened in surprise as she saw the assortment of gifts.

"You shouldn't have," she mouthed sarcastically, and Gary whipped around.

"Sorry," he put a hand through his hair, "I didn't mean to wake you."

"Who are they from?" he detected a hint of expectancy in her eyes, as if she were hoping for him to say somebody's name.

"Let's see if I can get this right… There was Georgiou, Lucas, Steve, Jason, Mark, Matthew, Patrick, Taylor, Edward and…oh, that's right, Roberto."

"Oh," her eyes fell, and she glanced away from him uncomfortably, "You can just leave them there."

"You don't want to look at them?" he asked, peering at her in a slightly confused manner.

"No," she said simply and laid her head back down, still looking away from him.

Gary contemplated asking her why, along with an array of other questions, and then he shook his head, wondering why he even cared. It was really none of his business.

"You should take another one of these," he stepped over to pick up the box of tablets lying on the table. "It says you have to take one every four hours."

She nodded in silence.

"I finished all the chores, and one-third of your other list," he explained, which finally got her to look at him. He expected her to say 'thanks' or something equally as appreciative, but no…

"Why are you being so nice to me?" her blue-green eyes bore into his as though she were a detective questioning a murderer.

"Maybe I'm a nice person," he replied, growing impatient at her attitude.

"I highly doubt that."

Gritting his teeth, Gary had to hold back from voicing his anger. She sensed his discomfort, and told herself to stop being so defensive.

"…Thanks," she said hesitantly, her voice so small it was barely audible. "Thanks for helping out."

"I honestly don't know how you do all this by yourself," he said, holding up the list. "Even the day to day stuff is a huge workload…"

Misty shrugged, "It's okay, I can handle it."

Gary felt his anger towards her fade as he watched her. She seemed so exhausted. He remembered her as Ash's feisty, spirited best friend, but that description nowhere near resembled the way she was now. Well, she was still feisty.


Later that night, Gary lay in the guest bedroom, worn out from the day's work he had done. He couldn't remember the last time he had been so physically exhausted. As he tossed and turned in the darkness his mind was enveloped by thoughts of Misty. He told himself he hated her. She was aggressive, ungrateful, opinionated, insecure, she had no manners, and she was just downright rude. But, there was something about her that had caught his eye, and it wasn't just her beauty. Misty was also caring and she had a huge heart. She had risked her own health for the sake of the Gym, for the sake of her family. Still, she didn't have to be so damn rude. Gary shifted on his pillow, trying to get comfortable, and he decided that he just didn't care. He would stay, as he had promised his grandfather and Deliah, and when Misty was better it would be over, and he could get out of here and away from her.

Meanwhile, Misty was having trouble sleeping. Her whole body felt as though it were on fire, especially her head, which was pounding as though there were a thunderstorm happening inside of it, and yet, at the same time she was shivering, freezing. With a groan, she pulled her blankets closer and turned on her side, wishing the pain away. She grabbed the ice-pack Gary had left for her and held it to her forehead, feeling the coolness alleviate some of the scorching heat that was causing her so much distress. As well as feeling terribly unwell, she also felt frustrated at not being able to complete the jobs she needed to before Wednesday. She could not afford this setback, especially not so close to the PIA's visit. Of course, she could let herself rely on Gary Oak, but how could she trust him with the most important thing in her life? And then there was the matter of Gary, who had appeared out of nowhere and been nothing but gracious and helpful towards her. She couldn't trust him, though, she just couldn't. Gary Oak was selfish and conceited, and she could not rely on his word, no matter how honest his eyes had looked when he'd said he would take care of the Gym for her. Misty wished Ash or Brock were here…especially Ash. She missed him terribly, and his absence in her life only made her heart yearn for him more, and more painfully. But he was in Unova now, exploring the new region, getting closer and closer to achieving his dream. Misty couldn't be happier for him but her selfish side wished he would return to Kanto for a while so she could spend some time with him. Instead, he was travelling, probably with a new female travelling companion. He phoned occasionally, but she hadn't heard from him since he'd left for Unova.

Misty tried to banish all thoughts of Ash from her mind as she adjusted the ice-pack. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt this unwell. Eventually, Misty fell into a restless sleep, continuing to toss and turn through the night, throwing her blankets off and then pulling them back up to her chin. By morning, she felt as thought she'd had no sleep at all. It was just after seven am when a soft knock resounded through her bedroom.

"It's Gary." Misty wrinkled her nose. As if things couldn't get any worse…

A few moments later, Gary entered her room, peering at her as though a doctor would a patient. Misty felt strangely self-conscious in her Azurrill pyjamas, with her hair sticking up in every direction and her face resembling something like death, but if he'd noticed any of that he didn't comment on it.

Instead, he took a thermometer from his pocket and handed it to her. She still managed to take it stubbornly and pop it into her mouth, under her tongue. She glanced away from him as his eyes seemed to linger on her face, but he said nothing as he waited to read the temperature. She took it out and held it up, glancing at it.

"What?" Gary stared at the numbers in disbelief. "It's almost the same."

Misty dropped her head in disappointment. She was hoping she'd be able to work today, but she didn't even feel like she could get up.

"Looks like another day in bed for you."

"But-" she began to protest, but was cut off immediately.

"I wouldn't argue, unless you want that trip to the hospital," he threatened, and she closed her mouth and didn't argue. His face softened then, and he said, "I have already done your daily chores and I'll get started on the other stuff now, so you don't have to worry. Just…get better. I'll make you some breakfast. You've got to get some food into you before you fade away."

Gary left the room, leaving Misty stunned, wondering what the hell had just happened. On the other side of the door, Gary leaned against the wall, wondering the same thing. Where had all that concern come from? The second he had seen her, pale face, dim eyes and dark circles beneath them, he had lost all of the frustration he felt at having to be here. It had been overtaken completely by a sense of total concern for her, for Misty. He just didn't get it. Why was he acting this way? Why did he care? He told himself he didn't but his actions kept proving that thought wrong, time after time.

Shaking his head in confusion, Gary started towards the kitchen, where he found his way around and cooked eggs on toast for he and Misty. He took the plate to her bedroom with a hot cup of tea. She looked up uncomfortably when he entered, as though she felt some of the same tension he did. Misty took the food gratefully, she was starving.

"Thanks…for…ah…" she started hesitantly as she caught Gary's gaze, "for looking after the Gym and…me."

Misty was more than uncomfortable in that moment, but she felt as though she had been so stubborn yesterday. She really did appreciate that he was being so kind to her, even if he had a hidden agenda. He was her only chance now and she had to grasp onto that chance or risk losing the Gym. She brought her tea to her lips and sipped it, feeling the drink warm her body.

"It's no problem…" he said quietly, "I mean, what did you expect me to do, just leave you here like this?"

Misty gave him a look that said 'yes, exactly', but decided to shake her head instead.

"I'll make sure your Gym doesn't get taken away," his voice was sincere as the promise was spoken.

"I thought you didn't want any part of this," Misty narrowed her eyes at him, and he felt like she could see right though him.

"Yeah, well, you're not so bad…when you're not yelling," he started uneasily, and then winked at the joke. Misty couldn't help a weak smile.

Truth be told, Gary sort of liked the fact that Misty was relying on him. It was sort of nice to feel needed. He was alone most of the time, he worked alone, he spent Saturday nights alone, he fended for himself and he was fine with that. Unlike Ash, he didn't need to have people around him constantly, and he preferred to just be with his Pokémon. But, he had to admit that being here gave him a sort of purpose, no matter how short-term. Trying to push this sudden epiphany aside, Gary finally stood and exited the room, mentioning something about the water tank, and leaving Misty staring at the door he had just left through.


Gary worked through job after job, occasionally stopping to check on Misty, who was finally starting to feel better. He had a few more visits from admirers, bringing more gifts and offering their well-wishes for Misty, though she still didn't harbour any interest in them.

He and Misty were getting along better, they even ate lunch together, chatting about their lives and the past and future. Misty didn't realise Gary had accomplished so much in his short life, nor did Gary realise how much of a strong and respected Gym Leader Misty had become. It was when the topic of Ash Ketchum came up that Gary realised the reason for Misty's disinterest in her admirers.

"Have you heard from him?" she prodded, trying to cover up the fact that she was desperate for an answer.

"No," Gary shook his head, noting her disappointment, "not since he's been in Unova."

"He must be busy…" she stared at nothing, a listless look in her aqua eyes, which were becoming brighter as the day went on and she started to feel better.

It was then that Gary realised – Misty had a thing for Ash. It was a startling revelation that the beautiful girl in front of him could have fallen for bumbling, stupid Ash, but it was as obvious as the moon against the dark sky. As he continued working that afternoon, Gary contemplated his feelings on this sudden revelation. He told himself that he shouldn't be concerned by it, but something would not let him stop thinking about it, to the point where he realised he was bothered by it. Sure, Ash was his friend, and he was a great guy and all, but… Gary paused his train of thought, realising what he was about to say.

'What does he have that I don't?'

How could he even be thinking that to himself? It was a ridiculous notion, that he was jealous of Ash Ketchum because Misty was in love with him. He didn't know where the crazy idea had come from, and he banished it from his mind in an instant.


It was Wednesday morning when Misty was finally able to get up, the pounding in her head now long-gone and her temperature almost back to normal. She still looked pale and felt a little tired, but compared to three days ago, she was back to feeling like herself. Misty wanted desperately to take a look around the Gym, to see how things were going. The PIA were to visit tomorrow, and their impending visit was already making her stomach twist with nerves. Misty took a quick shower and left her pyjamas behind in favour of a blue tank top and black shorts. She brushed her hair and let it hang down, before leaving the living quarters and making her way into the arena.

Misty couldn't believe it.

It was amazing.

Everything she'd had on her list…everything she had wanted done, was done, and to perfection. The Gym looked amazing.

"Hey, you're up," Gary came up behind her, a smile present on his face. He couldn't help but notice how pretty she looked with her hair down.

"I can't believe it…" she almost couldn't speak.

"Yeah, well, if they try to take this place away from you now, I will personally see to it that-"

Gary's valiant speech was cut short, for Misty had thrown her arms around him. He froze for a few seconds at the unexpected effect her body so close to his had on him. Then he pulled himself together, and put his empty arms around her hesitantly.

"Thank you," she spoke with such emotion that Gary could feel how pleased she was. Though, he was more distracted by the smell of her strawberry shampoo. She pulled away, and he fought with himself to not let his face flush red. Confused at the effect she had had on him, he glanced away, shrugging.

"It's all good."

"I can't believe it. It looks incredible," she continued to glance around before setting her eyes on him.

"What can I do to repay you?"

"Repay me?" he said awkwardly, as though the question was totally unexpected. She cocked her head to the side.

"Yes, silly," she said with a smile, "There must be something."

Gary was caught off guard by her question, and his answer was formulated and spoken before he could contemplate what it really meant.

"Uh...well... How about this - don't let yourself get that exhausted again. This is a tough gig here, Misty, and no one expects you to do it on your own."

Misty was confounded by his concern for her. Why did he even care? Why would he even bother saying something like that to her?

"When was the last time you took a vacation?" he prodded, overcoming his lack of control now.

"I don't need a vacation. I'm happy here."

"There must be things that you want to do, though? Places you want to see? Your sisters seem to be giving you a unfair deal."

Misty turned away, crossing her arms and feeling like Gary was meddling a little too much in her affairs.

"That's not fair. My sisters have their own dreams too. And besides, I'm the Gym Leader, not them."

Gary shrugged. "Your call, Red. I just think a pretty girl like you should be able to follow your dreams too."

Misty's face was reddening, but not because he had called her 'pretty'.

"Why do you always do that?"

"Do what?"

"One second you're being nice, and the next you turn into a jerk!"

"Don't be so dramatic, Red, I was just sayin'…" he brushed her anger away, making her feel like a fool.

"I'm not being dramatic! I'm just telling you to mind your own business!"

"You got two more presents from random guys today, by the way," he changed the subject, quite unaware of where he was headed with this conversation but too stubborn to admit defeat and give in.

"So what?"

"So…why don't you care?"

"Why should I?"

Gary huffed, crossing his arms. "You sure are stubborn. It's no wonder you don't have a boyfriend."

Gary had struck a nerve, and Misty ticked.

"You don't know anything about me, Gary Oak," she mouthed his name mockingly, "so stop trying to psychoanalyse me."

Gary stood watching her eyes blaze, her face was almost the colour of her hair and her stature was standoffish. Neither of them knew how this conversation had turned from sweet and innocent to an angry yelling match. He had started off enjoying the playful banter with her, but he hadn'treally meant to offend her. Still, she didn't have to be so darn edgy about everything he said.

Then, it flowed out of his mouth, as though he had no control over it.

"Who did you want those presents to be from?" he hissed. "Ash Ketchum? What, you sit around here waiting for him to come back to you while he's off traveling the world?"

Misty's eyed widened as they filled with shock. She didn't have a chance to even contemplate a response as he continued his tirade.

"Well, newsflash, Misty, he's not coming back for you! You can wait all you want, wasting your life away, but you know as well as I do that he's not just going to drop everything and run back here to be with you."

A tense silence filled the air as Gary breathed out the last word of his outburst. He didn't know where the words had come from, and he felt instantly bad for saying them, and he was hurt by the hurt look on her face. Moments passed before she was able to respond.

"That is none of your business," she whispered, her voice hoarse, as though she were choking on her words.

He tried to speak, but he couldn't. What could he say? He'd hurt her, and he knew it. He could see it written all over her face.

Gary pursed his lips, contemplating whether he should apologise, try to make up for his words, but before he could she turned and ran from the arena, red hair trailing behind her as she disappeared through the doorway to the living quarters.

Gary sighed in frustration, wondering where his anger had come from. He hadn't meant the words he had spoken. It wasn't like him to lose control of his emotions like that. It was totally out of character, in fact. It was none of his business who she liked or dated. It was almost as though he was jealous of Ash. But there was no way that could be…could it? He had only really known Misty for a few days, there was no way he could have developed feelings for her…could he? Gary shook his head, overcome by his puzzled feelings, and stormed off in the opposite direction feeling like his head might explode.

To be continued...