Anything For Love

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or the characters from Pokemon in this story.

Warning: Minor swearwords and some violence

A/N: When talking and/or around the guys, I'll be using "Mickey/him" but from time to time reference of just herself, I'll be using "Misty/her". Unless she is "Cousin Misty"…hopefully not too confusing XD

Main Characters Ages:

Misty/Mickey- 18
Gary- 18
Ash- 18
Richie- 18

"…" Talking

'Italic' Thinking

Chapter 10: It's That Time

** Saturday Early Morning – Outside - South Side **

Dressed in a pair of casual pants and an oversize t-shirt, a long yawn escaped Misty's mouth. Tired and bored out of her mind of only had watered one-third of the South side building plants, she mindlessly started playing with the running hose. She suddenly stopped when she heard a faint question of 'can I get a drink from that'. Misty looked up to see it was Brendan; whose covered in dirt from head to his toe. A tiny smile appeared, as she handed him the running hose.

"How's the planting going."

After taking a long drink and handing back the hose, Brendan let out a grin towards Mickey. "Just got done on the other side, but I still got more to do. So have you been just watering plants all morning?"

"Hah, yeaaah, I just got done watering the other half of this academy, just started on this side. After this I got to trim the plants and weed whacks the edges of the grass in front academy entrances and then feed all the Water Pokemon at each pond—"

"Hah, it seems like you got the easier part of today's duties." Brendan had to commented.

Misty raised an eyebrow at Brendan, as she turned off the hose. "Yo man, what is that suppose to mean?"

"Weeeell your roommate, the Lone Wolf way over where I just got done at, has been doing more of the heavy lifting tasks." Brendan said, pointing in the North direction where he had came from.

"Wait what?" Misty asked with a confused look.

"You don't know what's he have been doing all morning? Didn't you two personally split up the list of tasks for today?"

"Yeah we split it up. But it was all his doing. Last night while I was washing up, he decided to split the list of tasks, that way we didn't have to work together. I didn't bother questioning it when he just handed me the list."

"Heh, well I'm surprised at how he decided to split the tasks up. Knowing how he is, I would have thought he would have given you the tasks he's been doing just to torment you," Brendan paused when he saw Mickey's captivated expression. "It seems that I've caught your interest of his doing now eh? Well at the crack of dawn, I saw him wheel barreled full carts of the rock pebbles back and forth to pond trails. And of course he had to evening them out and after an hour or so of doing that, it wears out one's the arms and back. Let's see, he then had to extend the pond borders by moving and adding the five pound flat boulders. And a few minutes ago, I saw him heading towards one of the equipments sheds, probably cleaning it. Man, I wonder why he decided to take on all those tasks for himself—" Brendan was interrupted by a loud 'maybe', from his green haired roommate.

"—He doesn't think Mickey got what it takes to do all that busy body load," Drew commented in a snotty tone. "Mickey is pretty scrawny and girly—"

"HEY, you're one to talk Drew! You're no bigger than me and I can so take you dow—" Misty was then cut off by Brendan; who had each of his hand on hers and Drew's shoulder.

"What the hell you two?! Did I miss something between you two for being at each other's throat?" Brendan asked, looking back and forth down at Drew and Mickey.

Drew looked away with arms crossed. "No, I'm just saying, maybe Gary's intention of not giving Mickey those tasks was more of an insult to one's pride. Think about it, he's indicating that you can't do the task. As I definitely see that a slap to the face."

Misty let out a glare and growl. "Brendan, which shed is that wise-ass at?"

"I believe he's in the big one with the obstacle training course set—"

"Thanks." Misty turned around and grabbed a hold of her bag that contains her water bottles and snacks and left Brendan and Drew behind. 'Just because I'm a girl you think I can't handle those kinds of tasks?!'

Brendan let out a head shake and rested on Drew's shoulder. "Geez Drew, did you have to rile him up like that?"

"Meh, he's just so easy to mess with, especially when it involves Gary. Besides I figure it was one of the quickest ways to get rid of Mickey. Because you and I have a contest battle to settle real quick with Tom and Jerry." Drew said, as he held out Brendan's pokeball.

** Meanwhile on the North Side of the Academy – Inside the Shed Storage **

With a heavy loaded box in his arms, Gary looked down at his sweatpants that got caught on one of the racks. About to place the box down, his attention was suddenly brought over to the opened door of the shed and a loud angry 'hey'. With the morning going peacefully without dealing with Misty, Gary let out his first annoyed glare of the day since their split from the dorm building. Finally had placed down the box, Gary received a finger jabbed at the middle of his chest over his tank-beater when he position himself right back up.

"Just because of the double X chromes, you think I can't handle any of the difficult tasks then the ones that you gave me?!"

Gary deepens his annoyed glare at Misty, as he knew exactly what she was getting at. "You seriously came all this way to pick a fight over something stupid like this?!"

"What if I did?!"

Gary couldn't believe how childish Misty was acting and had no idea what's the cause of it, as he decided not to deal with it. He ignored her by grabbing the box that he had placed down and was about to shove his way pass through Misty. But being the stubborn person she is, had managed to stop him by grabbing a hold of his box. Glaring up with determinations, Misty growled 'I'll take that', as she tried to pull it away from Gary but failed. Gary had held on tight to the box and replied 'get lost already' and within seconds the two played tug-of-war with the box. Growing tiresome the nonsense, Gary decided to yank the box out of Misty's grasp. He was victorious but it cost him to lose his balance and went tumbling into a few of the racks and boxes. Shaking his head to clear due to the throbbing pain and frustration, Gary glared up at Misty.

"God damn it Mickey! I told you to get lost so I could do things on my own. Thanks to you, I got more of a mess to clean up and deal with!" Gary said in an angry tone and got back onto his feet. "I should have just let the cat of the bag last night—"

"Wait, what? What did you mean by that?" Misty asked with a nervous raised eyebrow at Gary, as she took a few steps backwards.

"Putting in another form for you to understand, before that whiny plea of yours yesterday in the cafeteria, I was about have you kicked out of the school so I didn't have to deal with you anymore. Shit, if I knew it was going to be like this, I shouldn't have taken pity on your whiny little ass last night." Gary then knelt down to the mess on the floor and started cleaning up. He then cleared his throat in an angrily manner. "Quit your bitching and just do the tasks that I split up so we don't have any run ins!"

Misty could tell that Gary was on the edge of flipping out on her again by his tone and hotly manner. As she knew it was best to keep quiet and walked away but something caught her eyes that she thought Gary should know. "Gary uhh—"

"Mickey, you have ten seconds to leave before I throw this weight ball at you, got it?!" Gary shouted with his back against Misty and it was exactly ten seconds when he heard the door slammed closed. Annoyed as hell, he didn't realize that there was a cut on the back of his triceps arm.

About fifteen minutes later, Gary finally realized that he had a cut on the back of his arm when he noticed a few blood drops on his sweatpants and the side of his tank. An annoyed grunt escaped since he now had to go across the academy to clean and bandage himself up, just to avoid from it getting infected. Opening the door of the shed, Gary ended up kicking a couple of items over when he took a step forward. Looking down to see he had kicked over two water bottles that were placed next to a box with a piece of paper popping out of it. He knew it was Misty due to the type of water bottles she purchases, as he then picked up the box and open the note.

By the time you realize that you have a semi-bleeding arm, I saved you a trip to the nurse's office. Use the water bottles to raise your cut and there's some bandage wraps. It's my fault that the cut is there in the first place because of my overreactions of whole sexes' thing. But out of pity or not, thanks for the certain tasks you gave me. And I'll do us both the favor and definitely stay out of your way. Also knowing how you are, you probably won't be eating until way later, there's a couple of snacks, eat it when cleaning yourself up. Oh and riot in hell ass!

Gary just glared at the last part of the note from Misty, as he crumbled it up and took a seat on the door step ledge to open the box. Gary lips curled upwards when he saw a couple of strawberry Pocky boxes next to the bandages. The smile only came about because the slight of the Pocky had triggered a couple of memories of the two females in his life. Who always gave and also got him addicted to the strawberry Pocky.

** Some Days Later – Wednesday Morning – Dorm Room #320 **

With the usual 4 o' clock alarm going off, Gary turned it off and decided to lie in bed for another five minutes. But due to Umbreon's nudges to his face, he slowly sat up at the edge of his bed and noticed Misty wasn't in her bed. Even though Misty had kept her end of the promise in the note she left him, he was annoyed at the fact she was in the bathroom before he was. But deep down inside he was kind of curious why Misty was up before him, as he waited for the bathroom. With about ten minutes that had gone by and Misty still occupying the bathroom, Gary decided to grab his workout outfit from the closet. While doing so, Misty finally stepped out of the bathroom with her locked combo suitcase, along with small bathroom trash bag. Not really curious about Misty anymore, Gary made his way towards the bathroom. He suddenly stopped when Misty had asked him if there was any trash that he wanted to be thrown out.

"The hell?! You do realize that it's about 4:15 in the morning. Aren't you usually like sleeping and drooling on that pillow of yours until late as possible?"

Misty irksomely tossed her suitcase on her side of the closet, but still had a tight hold of the plastic trash bag. "Well something came up and I'm having a little trouble sleeping kay?! Is there anything else you want to know?!"

"I am in no mood to deal your crap this early in the morning! Do whatever you want, just leave me alone!" Gary shouted back at Misty, as he then angrily entered the bathroom with Umbreon.

** After School – Third Year's Dormitory **

After their mini training session, Gary grabbed a couple of snacks for himself and Umbreon from the kitchen before heading towards their room. Entering and expecting just the two of them like usual as of lately, they were surprised to see Misty; still in her uniform, curled up on top of her bed asleep. Gary then saw the wrenched expression on Misty's face, as she sleepily grabbed at her side. But ignored it since all day 'Mickey' told everyone who had asked 'him' if he was ok or alright, and 'he' would just replied that he was just tired and wanted to be left alone. A snort escaped from Gary's mouth, as he made his way towards the closet. Mentally making fun of Misty how her body is finally wearing down and couldn't keep up with the punishment tasks, especially when the newer ones were added on by Principal Dean. About to open his side of the closet, Gary nearly startled to death due somehow Misty had managed to creep from behind and slam her side of the closet opened.

"Excuse me please." Misty said in a groggy tone, as she grabbed a hold of her locked suitcase and sluggishly disappeared into the bathroom.

"The hell is wrong with you?! I was at the closet first!" Gary shouted at the closed bathroom door but was suddenly opened.

"It's a shaaaaared closet! Besides I said excuse me, what more do you want?!" Misty replied back in an irritated tone, slamming the door shut.

"You are just—Forget you! Umbreon lets go out for the time being, I have a feeling that Mickey is going to be in the room for awhile." Gary said to Umbreon down by his feet. As he grabbed a purple shirt and pair of pants to switch out into before heading out the door.

** Next Morning – Home Classroom **

With about five minutes to spare before the first period to start, everyone but one, was already in their seats. Gary had his attention out the window, until he heard a big flop sound next to him. Looking over to see Mickey had finally joined the room; later than usual. He did not expect a nasty 'what glare' from her before she turned around to face Ash when he called out for 'his' name.

"—Hey where were you this morning for breakfast?"

"Oh, I had to take care of some things. Besides I wasn't hungry, since I'm not feeling all that great." Misty replied back all exhausted and turned back around in her seat. "But don't worry about it, I'll be alright. I just need my space."

"But Mickey, you were like this yesterday. Are you sure you're alright? Maybe you should go to the nurse's office or back to your room?" Ash asked, as he then leaned forward and placed a hand on Mickey's left shoulder. But to his and everyone's surprise, it was slapped away.

"Don't touch me!" Misty shouted with a glare towards Ash when she faced him. But the surprised look on Ash's face, she didn't know what to say but other than to apologize. "Sorry man, didn't mean to snap at you. It's—"

"Nah, it's alright. You did mention that you needed space but I invaded your bubble. So sorry also, but seriously don't push yourself." Ash said in a calm tone, as he leaned back in his chair. But then looked over at Gary who was slightly snickering at what just happen.

"—Little Twerp snapped at Loser eh? I didn't think I would ever witness that." Gary commented out loud.

"Just mind your own damn business like we've been doing, Mr. Lone Wolf you!" Misty snapped back.

With the bell had just rung, Gary let out a loud 'pfft' like it was nothing, as he averted his attention back outside the window. A tiny smirk appeared when he finally put two and two together that confirmed his theory.

** Outside - P.E. Training Session **

After had received Umbreon's training marks and critiques from Professor Vincent and returned back from dropping off Umbreon at Nurse Joy's office, Gary took a seat at the opposite end of the bench; away from everybody. Still a bit tired from the Ground Course he had ran with Umbreon ten minutes ago, he closed his eyes and leaned back against the bench behind him. His eyes shot back open when he felt a light, friendly punch to his knee. Gary snickered at Poliwhirl; who gave him both thumbs up; as he then looked over at Misty and could tell something was up due to her forced expression.

"If you're not feeling that well, I think you should take that Loser's advice—"

"What's this? I'm getting some sympathy concerns from the Devil Lone Wolf? Oh wow, I didn't think I would experience that." Misty mimicked Gary's sarcastic tone from early this morning and rolled her eyes before heading towards the course.

Gary let out an irritated growl while glaring at the back of Misty head's. But he was curious at how she'll perform the Ground Course with Poliwhirl due to her current state. With completing the first part of the Ground Course in about 7 minutes; a little below average for Misty's and Poliwhirl's status record, Gary knew her condition will worsen if she kept on forcing herself to finish the remaining course run. Especially when he saw the same wrenching pain expression and her grabbing a hold of her side again, and with Poliwhirl's worried expression didn't help either. Gary pushed himself off the bench and made his way towards Misty at the second post stand. Ignoring the whispers and talks behind him, he grabbed at Mickey's gym cloth's collar and dragged 'him' off the course and headed towards the academy's main building.

"What the hell Gary?! Let go! Why and where are you dragging me to?!" Misty shouted and protested in front of her classmates, still being pulled by Gary.

"Just shut up, we're going to the nurse's office." Gary said in an angry tone, as he and Mickey were about to pass Professor Vincent. But before doing so, Gary had stopped and looked over at his professor. "Professor Vincent, Mickey isn't feeling that well. So for Poliwhirl's training course, I'll run it with him when I return back. And I don't think Poliwhirl will have a problem with me. Am I right Poliwhirl?"

"Poli-Poliii!" Poliwhirl cheered, as he threw a few air punches towards Professor Vincent.

"Alright. You better not disappoint me or Poliwhirl when you return back to do Mickey's course." Professor Vincent replied back in a low tone and turn away looking down at his note pad.

"Please, disappointment is the last thing you'll ever get from me." Gary said hastily with confident, as he tighten his grip at Misty's collar. "Behave and just come along."

"Don't I get a say in this?! I'm fine man!" Misty shouted but paused when she saw Ash and Richie a few feet away making their way towards her, Poliwhirl and Gary.

"What's the deal Gary?! Pulling Mickey out of the middle of his course run like that?" Ash asked in a hotly tone towards Gary.

Not letting go of his hold on Misty's collar, Gary just tried to continue to get to the nurse's office. But was completely stopped Ash's hand on his shoulder. He shot a nasty glare straight into Ash's eyes. "You better get your hand off of me or else."

"Or else what Gary? You're going to punch me? We all know that isn't going to happen, so not that much threat is it now? So why don't you just let Mickey go." Ash said in a serious tone, but was baffled when he saw Gary's smirk.

"If you don't, I'll let you know that I can have your little friend, disappear from this school in a heartbeat."

"Whatever Gary, you're just bluffing." Richie commented when he took a step forward beside Ash.

Gary's smirk grew bigger. "Am I Richie? Why don't you two just ask the Twerp?"

Misty; who was trying to pry Gary's grip off 'his' collar, but still managed to shamefully nodded at Ash and Richie. "It's true. Please let it go."

Gary shoved Richie out of his way when Ash finally pulled his hand away from his shoulder. But he looked over his shoulder at Ash, when he heard Professor Vincent called for the next trainer. "You're being called up Loser. Beat my time if you can." Gary said in a mocking tone, and started pulling Misty along again. Leaving Ash and Richie behind quietly exchanging some questioning of what's secretly going between those two.

Once entering the East entrance doors into the academy building, Misty notice that Gary took a right instead of a left towards the nurse's office. A bit confused at where Gary was now taking her, she finally asked where they were going. Gary growled 'our room', when he finally let go of her collar. After had heard Gary's tone, she knew it was best to keep quiet and just follow. Finally had made their way into their Dormitory, Gary ordered Misty and Poliwhirl to head to their room first, as he'll be up in a bit shortly. About five minutes later Gary entered the room with a variety of different size bottles in his hands, as he quickly placed them down on Misty's desk. As he finally looked over at Misty; sitting quietly at the edge of her bed with Poliwhirl.

"I didn't know what pain killer you would prefer so I grabbed whatever was down in the medicine cupboard in the kitchen. Come over here and take two or three that would ease the pain you're going through. And do us all a favor and rest a bit. I know it's that TIME of the month." Gary said in an irritated low tone and had averted his eyes to avoid eye contact with Misty.

Misty's eyes widen at the fact Gary called her out on her having her menstrual cycle. But a smile appeared due to the way Gary was avoiding her. At that moment she decided to take the opportunity to tease him when she slowly made her way towards him. "Is it embarrassing for Mr. Lone Wolf to talk about me and Aunt Flow—"

Gary cut Misty off when he had suddenly pushed her down on her bed. And as well had yanked her blanket from underneath and quickly threw it on top of her. "Just shut up and get as much sleep as you can! Just tell me went one you want to take and I'll grab you a water bottle."

Misty only had her eyes peeked from underneath the blanket; as she hid the rest her face, for her heart was beating like a race horse on a track. Not sure if it was because the sudden pushed down on the bed by an angry Gary or because of how Gary was kindly-but-twistedly treating her. "Ummm two ibuprofen please." Misty then watched Gary looked for the ibuprofen bottle and went over to their mini-fridge for the water. "Ummm how did you know? Did I slip up somewhere? Do you think others realize something?"

Gary didn't answer Misty right away, as he was more concern about handing over the water bottle and the ibuprofens to her when he reached her bed. After the stuff was taken out of his hands, Gary turned his attention to the pain killer bottles. "Besides the fact that you can be a weirdo with mood swings all of sudden, no one should suspect anything. You still got those idiots fooled. I just happen to be able to piece all the weird behaviors of yours since yesterday. With the whole suitcase to every bathroom trip, then taking the trash out every time afterwards, you not eating much, oh! And did I mention your major mood swings? Not that they were any different towards me, but the way you snapped at Ash this morning, that was the seal dealer."

"So if you already knew it from this morning, why now all of a sudden you decided to care for me?" Misty asked quietly after placing her water bottle on her study desk.

Gary stood at his spot with all the bottles in his hand, as he pondered about Misty's question. 'Why did I care?'

** FLASHBACK – Pallet Town – Oak's Mansion **

Eight year old Gary, knowing it's one of his mother's pet peeves, annoyingly tugged at his mother's shirt to get her full attention. "Kay mooom, I'm getting tired of dad reminding me once a month about Aunt Flow visiting you and how I need to be nice also. But I know that we don't have an Aunt Flow. So what's the true meaning of it?"

Natalie smiled down at her son and ruffled his spikes. "My, my, you just turned eight. Geez, besides the fact you can still get on my nerves, it seems like the older you get, the wiser and curious you get too."

Gary scrunched up his face in a teasing manner towards his mother. "Mooom, the haaair?!"

"Hehehe annnd my little boy still gets annoyed when his hair gets ruffled. But do you really want to know? I don't think you can handle it." Natalie said with a teasing like tone and grabbed a hold of Gary's hand.

"Pleeease, try me mom, I can take anything." Gary replied with a cocky smirk up, as the two walked down the hallway.

After had explained the female menstrual cycle and nicknames for it to Gary in hers and Riley's bedroom, Natalie busted out laughing. She couldn't help it but the shocked and traumatized expressions Gary gave out were just priceless in her eyes. Calming down with a giggle fit at Gary's dragged out 'eww' and violently headshake; she knew he had regret asking the deeper meaning of 'Aunt Flow'.

"See I told you that you might not be able to handle it," Natalie squatted down to be at eye level with Gary and smiled. "So mom apologizes in advance if she suddenly snaps at you ok? Because when Aunt Flow visits, it's really annoying and irritating," She then placed both hands on each side of her son's cheeks. "I know that you promised me that you'll be nice to girls, but do you think you can promise me another? To your future girl friends or even your girlfriend, when they have their lovely Aunt Flow visit, will you try to be extra nice and caring please?" Natalie asked with a smile and held out her pinky.

Gary playfully looked around letting out a couple of 'mmms' and 'umms'; acting like it was a hard decision. But when he looked straight into his mother's eyes, he locked his pinky tight with his mother's and gave her a confident smirk. "Of course I can promise that! Have you forgotten that I'm Gary Oak?"

Natalie shook her head with a smirk before heading towards a table drawer. "How can I? I am the mother who gave birth to Gary Oak, the little spawn from Riley Oak. Buuut you're my little Oak that never fails me." Natalie opened her top drawer and debated on what to pull out from it, but then looked back at her son. "I can see it now, one day after a few or many heartbreaks or so, you'll make a special girl happy. And when you do, you bring her home to me and we'll have strawberry theme feast. But until then, let's have a mini-one of our own." Natalie said with a smile, returning to her drawer and pulled out four boxes of Pocky.

Gary's face light up with a big smile. "Why make it a mini one when we can make it big one!"

"You're right my little Oak." Natalie then grabbed half of her strawberry snacks stash from her drawer.

** END OF FLASHBACK – Back to Present – Dorm Room #320 **

Gary quickly brushed off the memory of promises he had made with his mother in order to come up with an answer for Misty."You were in a lot of pain and just too stubborn to do something about it. Besides, someone once dear to me told me to be extra nice to females when quote on quote Aunt Flow is visiting. Anyways, Poliwhirl and I are leaving now." Gary said in a solemn tone and started heading towards the door with Poliwhirl next to him.

"Your sister?" Misty mumbled but threw her head under her blanket when Gary had turned around and glared at her. "Sorry! I didn't mean to ask that. It just came out natur—"

"Whatever, it doesn't really matter. It wasn't May, it's someone else dear to me, who's no longer with us." Gary replied back in a quiet tone, as he pondered about something else. "Anyways, you shouldn't push yourself like earlier and made Poliwhirl worry like that. So in the next couple of days if needed, I'll do the runs with Poliwhirl."

Misty finally popped her head out of the blanket to stare at the back of Gary. "Are you seriously the one telling me this? Shouldn't you be the one to take your own advice? Besides I can push myself to the limits as much as most of the guys here. So don't go being all double standard this—"

"God damn you are such—Just get some rest! I don't want to deal with any of your moody bitchiness later on." Gary shouted back and continued his way towards the door.

"Geez there went the charming Angel and back to the ass-like Devil." Misty commented out loud, but pulled the blanket over her head again when she saw Gary stopped right at the door. "But thanks. And sorry, I'll try to be less of a pain."

"Pfft, that might be an impossible task for you. But if you want to give it a try and really sorry, just still keep the distance between us like usual. And don't forget that I told you that I'll do the course runs if I have to." Gary said in serious tone, as he then finally closed the door behind him and Poliwhirl.

After had heard the door shut Misty stared straight up at the ceiling when she popped her head out of the blanket. With a blow-sigh to her bangs, she was left a bit lost at Gary's actions. "That guy is so hard to read! First he gets all pissy with the mention of sister, but then now he isn't! As he then mentioned his dear someone who's no longer around like it was nothing! And my god, what's with this sudden, somewhat concern from him?! Even when he's trying to help, he still managed to piss me off. Damn it, I'm so frustrated to the point I'm talking to myself—Ahhh! I didn't even get a change to say bye to Poliwhirl!" Misty shouted angrily, but finally calmed down for her stomach suddenly started hurting again. She then decided to take Gary's advice and take the opportunity to rest up.

** Meanwhile Outside **

Before heading back to their assigned course field, Gary did a quick encouraging chit chat with Poliwhirl of 'bare with him'. Since the day of saving his master in the bathroom, Poliwhirl had taken a liking and trusted Gary, as he just wavier his hand back and forth indicating he'll be able to adapt to him. As it wasn't anything new to him since he had to learn to adapt to his master's older sisters for gym battle usages. Poliwhirl suddenly cheered and lightly punched at Gary's legs and took off running down back to the course field, leaving Gary standing by himself, baffled.

By the time Gary caught up with Poliwhirl; who was next to Professor Vincent, Gary noticed Derek was finishing up his course run with his Espeon, as he then told Professor Vincent that'll he'll go next. After had received the nod from Professor Vincent, Gary called Poliwhirl to follow him to the bench. About to take his seat at the end, Gary did not expect to be yanked and pulled by his collar by Ash.

"What did you do to Mickey?! He's not in the nurse's office and he's not answering any of our calls or texts." Ash said with a dead on stare at Gary.

"I don't need to tell you anything!" Gary then push-shoved Ash out of his face, but only to have Ash back up in his face again.

"It is my business. Mickey is friend of mine and I don't trust you around him."

"You don't trust me around him because you know his ordeal don't you?" Gary asked patronizingly.

"What, the fact that he actually fallen ill and trying to hide it? Yeah I know that. Now where's Mickey?!" Ash raised his voice at Gary, but to his surprise just received a snort to the face.

"—Seems like I gave you too much credit." Gary couldn't believe that he thought for a second Ash had finally picked up Mickey is actually a 'she'. "But just to shut that loser mouth of yours, he's up in our room resting. That way he didn't get disturbed. And why the hell are you so uptight? Is it because you're jealous and pissed off that I got him to rest and you got snapped at this morning?" Gary mockingly asked.

"Whatever," Ash annoyingly replied with a glare. "It just annoys me that we're friends but he ends up listening to you. Especially after how you just dragged him off like that? He must really want to be friends with you to take that kind of abuse. Not that I care if he does be friends with you, since it's his own life. But if there is a miracle and you two become friends, I just hope there isn't going to be a big FALL out like between us two."

Gary let out an aggravated stare towards Ash. "We're done here."

"Sure, like always. But our rivalry not so much, as I just beat your time record." Ash said with a piecing tone, which he knew struck Gary's nerves.

Grinding his teeth together, Gary looked down at Poliwhirl. "Poliwhirl, it's game time. We're next." Gary then made his way pass through between Ash and Richie; who appeared moment ago.

"If I were him, I would have gone last." Richie commented out loud to Ash.

"Even if he waited and was the last one, he won't beat my time. He went all out not too long ago with Umbreon. Gary does have his limits and from the looks of it, he's already at it." Ash replied back.

"Yeaaaah but watch it Ash. You know once you push Gary's button he'll come back."

"Come on Richie, this isn't a brand new game that we're not familiar with. I'll be ready to fire back."

"Heh, yeah it's a never ending rival between you two. And I bet you that somehow, just because it's you two, you guy will fall for the same person." Richie commented with a smirk, as he then pointed in Gary's and Poliwhirl direction; about to run the Ground Run Course.

Ash looked over to see Gary started off at an average pace with Poliwhirl and a loud snicker escaped. "—Gary and I falling for the same person? Yeaaah right Richie. Like that would ever happen."

A/N: (01/30/13) REVISED VERSION

A/N: (3/1/09—wait—2/29/09) Hahah ok, so I'm just gonna go with my excuse and say it's leap year and I made it for the "end of FEB" XD

Much lovelove and for the last reviews ya all! They always help on improving the plotflow/fillers, thaaaankies! Well I can't say when's the next update but I'll try my best again for another 'soon' one :D Take care and ta-ta for now!

Lili Neko