Anything For Love

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

Warning: Minor swearwords and some violence

Main Characters Ages:

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

"…" Talking

'Italic' Thinking

Chapter 13: Tiny Changes Towards You

** Outside of the East Door Entrances **

After had dropped off all their Pokémon with Brock at Nurse Joy's Poke-Center office, Gary, Misty, Ash and Richie stood silently at the stairwell in front of the door entrances. It only lasted for about ten seconds before Gary annoyingly glared and cleared his throat at Ash and Richie.

"Let's get these requests over with."

Richie nearly stumbles towards Gary's comment. "Hey man, we need time to think of the requests—"

"You two had enough time to think about from the moment we walked off the battlefield to the Nurse Joy's office and to this very spot." Gary snapped back, but eyed Ash when he heard him sigh.

"Aren't you being a bit unreasonable? It's only been like twenty minutes and we—"

"Being unreasonable is me walking off right now and not doing the requests. But since I don't walk out on bets, I'm being a bit lenient. So either you two use it or lose in the next five minutes, got it? I don't care if Mickey does his now or later, I just want mine to be done and over with."

Misty could tell Gary wasn't pleased and getting very impatience at the idea of doing the requests; especially from Ash and Richie. Trying to make the situation better for all of them, she lean towards Ash and Richie and convinced them to think of something before the 'Lone Wolf' cause some foul plays. Receiving understanding nods from Ash and Richie, the atmosphere among the four became silent again. It was the longest thirty seconds that went on by before Ash cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

"My request is a bit of information from you Gary. What's the secret do you have a hold of on Mickey that you can get him expel instantly? This is referring to the other day you had threaten me for not letting you." Ash said calmly, as he really wanted to know since that day. Tensely waiting for Gary's response, he didn't notice Mickey's uneasy facial expression when she was looking back and forth at the two.

Gary crossed his arms and pretends to pondered about it. He then clicked his tongue the moment he looked away from Ash. "Can't full fill that request. Alright, one down, one more to—"

"Wait a second! What do you mean you can't full fill that request?! The deal was loser does what the winner request. And a deal is a deal isn't Gary?! You never back out on any deals, especially when we were kids."

"Well hate to admit it, but you're right about that. I don't back out on deals. That's why I can't full your request deal."

Ash gave Gary an annoyed stare, which still hasn't looked back over them. "Why not then?"

Gary finally looked over in Ash's, Richie's and Misty's direction and pointed at Mickey. "I already made a deal with that twerp friend of yours that I wasn't going to tell his secret. Well, that is until it's to my conveniences or if he really pisses me off." Gary caught Misty's relieved sigh and her 'thank you' stare, before returning his at Ash. "So you just wasted your request and tough luck. If you really want to know, ask him yourself." Gary said in serious tone and quickly looked over at Richie. "What's it going to be? You have about less than three minutes before I walk off."

Richie let out a sneer at Gary. "This is just to annoy the hell out of you. What I want is that Ash and I are now allowed to enter yours and Mickey's room when we want to hang out with Mickey."

Gary literally cringed at the request, as he let out one of the worst death glares at Richie. Bad enough he currently has to share it with someone; who isn't the same sex gender, but now letting someone else into his room made him feel more irksome. "No de—"

"And before you finish that no deal sentence of yours, I have to say there should be really no reasons for you to back out on this request right? So suck it up and deal with it Gar—"

"Fine. Only once a week and I can be any day of your choice and that's final. You can take it or leave it because I'm walking off now."

The moment Richie said 'fine' to confirm the deal; Gary turned around and started walking back towards the battlefield. But stopped when he saw Principal Dean heading his and the others direction. Principal Dean called out Gary's and Mickey's name for a talk. Misty looked over at Ash and Richie to excused 'himself' and they will continue the request for 'him' when he return after the talk. With about two minutes that went on by, Ash and Richie were still at their spot, as they tried to make out what Principal Dean was discussing about with Mickey and Gary from afar. But not being able to hear a thing or even see Mickey's or Gary's expression, Richie convinced Ash that they should sneak up closer in hearing range. Ash pretty curious himself, decided to follow but the second they were about to, Principal Dean started returning back to the battlefield and Mickey turned around and held up his index finger to indicate 'just a minute'. As Ash and Richie watched on to see Mickey had pulled Gary off to the side by the arm, which really made the two more curious. But they waited for a bit just in case Mickey had looked to see if they had stayed put.

Misty indeed had peeked to check up on Ash and Richie to make sure they were still in their spot, as they were casually talking to each other. She then quickly returned back to Gary. "Hey ummm, thanks for not exposing my secret when Ash asked about it for the deal request, even though it kind of made you lose face—"

"Please, do you really think I did it just for you stay here a bit longer? Like I mention to the Loser, our deal was made first and I don't attend to break it until it's to my convenience. And having you around doing all the busy work, gives me more free time with Umbreon and my other Pokémon. But besides all that, those two now are going to invade my room because of yo—"

"Well whatever ok?! Quit thinking you're all that high and mighty on that imaginative Ponyta of yours! Have you forgotten that we lost because of your last command?! I really don't want to be pointing fingers at you, buuuut," Misty couldn't help but jabbed her index finger at his chest, even if she was contradicting herself. "Enough said. Overall I just wanted to say thanks ok? Because I know you could send me away in a blink of an eye, but you haven't. So thanks." Misty said in a sincere tone, which caused Gary to give her an awkward stare. Which lead her to feel awkward herself, but quickly changed the subject. "Come ooon, besides us losing, look on the bright side. Thanks to my idea of our team work battling performances, we are no longer doing our punishment list." Misty said with a goofy grin and popped her collar.

Gary stared down at Misty for a second before his right hand casually made its way on top of her head. "You're such, a—Goober." He turned away with a pair of rolled eyes and ruffled up her hair before completely walked out of her reach. "But A for effort for looking on the bright side."

With Gary walking down the path, Misty stood in her spot with a flushed smile at the thought of Gary's action and semi-compliment. While dazed and preoccupied with fixing her ruffled up hair, Ash, not too far along side with Richie; who held small tree branches that he broke off as cover-up, the two had saw the flushed expression. Didn't make it in time for 'ear range' of the conversation, Richie started pondering on what the conversation was between the two. Ash was another story, for some reason he was a bit more envious after seeing Mickey's gaze towards Gary. Not really sure if it's the relationship the two shared lately or the fact that he keeps on catching the aftermath reactions or expressions on Mickey's face that reminded him of May's. Realizing that he and Richie were sneaking up closer to Mickey, Ash played it off like they just decided to walk towards him when he yelled out Mickey's name.

"Oh hey! I guess it took more than a minute. But I guess good timing coming down here right?" Misty asked uncertain if had heard any part of the conversation that would lead into more curiosity.

"Yeaaah, in a way? So what's the squabble this time?" Ash asked.

"To be honest, I don't know if it was a full-on-out argument? I don't know, it was kind of different between us."

Richie let out 'pfft' sound at Mickey. "Well that's a first. But hey, it seems like you're not mad at Ash anymore."

Misty eyes widen, as she then backed away from Ash and Richie. "Ahhhh! Been so caught up with everything since the battle I totally forgot about being mad!"

Ash let out a tiny 'heh' at Mickey's frantic motion. "Well if you forgot about it, then it seems like it's not a big deal anymore?"

"Well it might not be such a big deal anymore, but it still upsetting to hear you of all people to insult—"

"Why only me?! Why are you being so butt hurt about it? Doesn't Gary insults you on a daily bases? Me with one little insult to your cousin you're mad at me more than all those times when you're angry at Gary combined!" Ash raised his voice, while he noticed Mickey had backed up a further away.

"That's because he's a different case—"

"How is he a different case?!"

"Did it ever occur to you that maybe it's because I care what you think and not his?! You know what? End of discussion." Misty replied with a serious face and turned around. "As for the requests, you two have awhile to think about it. Unless you know what you want, say it now so I can get it done and over with. Or save it for later, I don't care. Just leave me alone until further notice."

Richie blinked a few times at Mickey; who hastily was down the path, as he let out a bomb sounding whistle. "—For not caring for Gary as much, Mickey sure has picked up some of his behavior traits."

"How did I become the bad guy again? All I was trying was to get my answers."

"Answers? Well if you really want them, then use your request. But if I were you I would let Mickey calm down and leave him be first. You know how hot tempered he can get, just like his cousin. Come on, let's head back." Richie said, as he was the first to start walking.

Thinking to himself for second on what to do, he finally soon follow, with a sigh escaping. 'I guess the brighter side is that you care more what I think than his…'

** Meanwhile at the Bleachers **

Resting his back against the bleachers; from his seat, Gary looked over to his left when he saw Misty out the corner of his eye, as the two stared at each other before she quickly walked passed him. Gary then let out a mental self-chuckle at the fact knowing she's still angry at Ash. The moment he looked away from Misty; who sat down angrily, Ash and Richie made it around the corner. Curious with the whole ordeal, Gary cautiously eyed Ash to see him looking like a lost puppy eyeing Mickey. When Ash and Richie walked up one of the stairs steps; Gary shifted his stare upon Misty; deeply consternating on the current Tag Team Battle on the field. With not even a glace or any other reaction from Misty towards Ash or Richie, Gary mentally chuckled again and finally started watching the current battle.

** Later that Evening – Dorm Room #320 **

"—Let's see, I mentioned about being bombard at lunch about the whole tag team battle idea, then some of the awesome Tag Team battles. Mmmm it's seems like I'm missing something." Misty said slowly into her cell, lying down on her bed.

Duplica on the other line let out a sigh. "Really Misty? You've mention a lot in the last hour but I didn't hear anything about Ash or Gary besides relating to the battle. What are you hiding from your best friend? About every day you either text or call me regarding some relation towards Ash and Gary and the fact that you're not constantly mentioning about Ash or bashing on that lonely roommate of yours, something happen huh? So spill it. I don't care if I have to be late for my show, just give it to me in a nutshell."

"Damn, I was so close. Fiiiine I'll tell it in a nutshell, I don't want to be the reason why you're late for your show. And I don't want to hold that burden over my head again. Anyways, Ash and I kind of got into a deeper argument of the whole insulting of quote on quote Cousin Misty. And it happened right after Gary who semi didn't argue back with me after I had yelled at him."

"Sooo you're pretty much saying Ash's and Gary's role with you switched?" Duplica asked in a very surprising tone.

"Yeaaah and besides the weird awkwardness that was between Gary and I for a few seconds, I somewhat got a compliment from him before he took off today. Besides his sly actions, I was left me a bit happy in a way? Probably because I think that was the first time hearing something nice from him? Also he didn't call me a twerp likes usual and his tone was different when he called me a goober. Umm being called a goober is a good thing right?"

"I see. And where was Ash when that happened between you and Gary? And I would say being called a goober then a twerp from Gary would be a good thing? You weren't being a dork or anything were you?"

"Ummm not really? I just popped my jacket with a big smile. As for Ash and Richie, they were supposed to be at the doors far away from us but when Gary walked off about ten seconds later Ash and Richie had made their way down the path. I didn't think too much of it beside it being perfect timing?"

"And let me guess, either Ash or Richie asked you the usual question of what you or Gary were bickering about right? And then it lead to something relating him being compared Gary?"

Misty eyes widen when Duplica's guesses were right on the dot. "Yeaaah, pretty much. We started arguing because Ash was getting on my case of why I was being so mad at him for that one insult to Mist—meee, when Gary constantly insults me. And before I stormed off, I pretty much told him that I cared for his thoughts and inputs more than Gary's."

"Misty, didn't it occur to you that maybe Ash and Richie heard your guy's conversation? Maybe that's why it left him feeling a bit irritated? Because from the sound of it, it seems like you've been getting along a bit more than usual with his rival and it doesn't help the whole switch-a-roo stunt you and Gary pulled off was perfectly in between your guys' bickering."

"Oooh shoot, I didn't put that in account! Just been so occupied with other things I forgot the two are major rivals! Uggggh, this whole situation is so frustrating. BUT I'm still mad at Ash and that's final. I don't care. It just hurts a lot to hear the one you madly like insults you, you know Duplica?"

"Yeah I know that feeling. Well because I know you and your grudges, just keep on sending me angry texts of Ash or Gary until you feel better ok? I'll get back to you when I can. Since I got the semi-nutshell version, we'll talk more tomorrow or Sunday ok?"

Misty let out a mental sigh when she heard the bathroom door slightly closed shut. "Sounds good and perfecting time, as it's time for me to off the phone anyways, because of you-know-who."

"Haha and is you-know-who in his usual sweats and tank annnnd looking annoyed with you?"

"Most likely. And I don't have to get off my back to know it's happening."

"Hahaha classic, well before I start hearing him going off in the background about something, I should go. So be careful like usual, sending my luck and love."

"Thanks girl, I'll need it as always. Sending hearts back at you, bye bye." Misty ended the call, as she pushed herself upwards in a sitting position. "You've been gone all afternoon. Longer than usual, did you get lost somewhere or did you do something fun for once?"

Gary gave Misty a pair of rolled eyes when walked over his desk with Umbreon. "Just because you've gotten lost countless of times, doesn't mean that your crappy sense of directions or your lack of discipline had rubbed off onto me."

"Pffft, whatever, wish it had." Misty mumbled, when she looked away from Gary.

Gary looked away from one of his study books and Pokedex to give Misty an annoyed raised brow. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Come on, you don't think I don't know that you took off right away to go grab Umbreon for some more side training? It's not that hard to figure out especially when the both of you two coming back all dirty. Seriously take a break!"

"That's what the weekend is for. Besides if Umbreon and I didn't constantly train, who else would be taking the number one spot at the academy and all those practice battles? Today's battle was the first battle in a long time that Umbreon and I lost. So we had to train to get better. Not going to have another los—"

"Look here Mr. Big Shot. For being first time tag team partners, we did an awesome job. Did you not realize how many of the other trainers tried to do the switch-a-roo with their roommates partners and failed? We left an impact that no else can follow up. But in reality we lost is because of the lack of partnership communication between us. You've pretty much at the end gone and took over the whole battle all by yourself. I'll admit that I'm impressed that you got Poliwhirl to learn Fling in a short period of time under my nose. But it was a reckless move in the end. The outcome would have probably been different if Fling wasn't used because I wasn't able to have Poliwhirl use his Brick Break."

"You got Poliwhirl to learn that technique already?"

"Uhhh-yeeeah, I figure since Ash and Richie use Light Screen most of the time, I should have Poliwhirl learn that technique if ever I were to battle against either of the two. But getting to the main point to your comment, you may be the top lone wolf, but you totally suck when working with others! And since Principal Dean and all the other Professors like the whole Tag-Team battle we're all doing it again next Friday. So snap out of it and realize that I'm your partner already!"

Gary just stared at Misty in a semi-pouty way because he didn't want to admit that she was right. But he then looked away. "What makes you think we're going to be partners again? Principal Dean might just do random partners and random challengers."

"Ooh-ooh-ooooh no, I'll throw a fit if I have too, in order to have you and I as partners again, And probably for the remaining time we keep on doing the Tag-Team battles."

Gary looked over at Misty again to see the determination on her face. "Why are you so dead on set on having me as a partner?! Are you just trying to torture me?"

Misty gave Gary a long blank stare. "Nooo. It's just because I know that you wouldn't want to be with anyone else? You already didn't like the whole tag team ordeal the moment I mentioned this morning. Besides me torturing you would have just let Principal Dean do the random partners pairing."

"Is that why you wanted to do Dorm Room verses Dorm Room?" Gary asked a bit surprised.

"Ding-ding-diiing! And we have a winner! Anyways beside the main factor, you're not the number one pick to be doing tea and crumpets with you know. So I was also doing others a favor by taking you on as my partner." Misty replied, sticking her tongue out in a playful manner. "Besides, after today and probably a lot of working to do on your partnership, I don't think I would want anyone else as my partner."

Gary was left a bit stunned at Misty's last comment. "What if you got the choice to pick that Loser as your partner in the beginning?"

Misty let out a glare at the person Gary just mention about. "Well even if I wasn't mad at Ash, I still probably wouldn't want him as my partner."

Once again Gary was left a bit surprised, as it left him wondering why. About to ask Misty about it, Poliwhirl had popped out of his pokeball for dinner time. Causing Misty to quickly jump off her bed and headed towards the door, like the conversation was nothing. The moment Gary heard the door shut, he looked over at Umbreon; who had jumped onto his desk, and gave him a loud sigh.

"As much as we argue and jump at each other's throat, she originally still wanted to be my partner in the beginning." Gary started petting Umbreon's head, with a tiny smile escaping. "Goober is such a more fitting name for her indeed."

"Umbre-hee-hee." Umbreon cried out in a laugher form at the new nickname for his master's roommate, but also could see the denial in his master's face.

** Next Day – Morning at Lil' Pandas' **

After putting on her work outfit and 'cousin' Misty disguise on in Lili's and Lonnie's office, Misty stepped out of the room and was nearly startled to death by her boss, leaning against the wall. She then took notices a pokeball being held out in front of her as she looked at Lili.

"Ugggh, your morning shifts are killing me Misty. Heh, annnnd here's your Psyduck."

"Hahaha and why thank you." Misty grabbed the pokeball and placed it in her pocket. "Psyduck didn't give you any trouble has he? And it's a surprise to see you here in the morning."

"When haven't Psyduck caused any trouble? For some reason he's a total spaze with me, but when he's with Lonnie they are the best buds ever! Ever since the day Lonnie took him to the Karp pond those two have been inseparable, so pretty much Lonnie's been watching Psyduck. But other than that, I wanted to catch you and thank you in person. Because by the time I would have arrived, you would have been gone. Sooo thaaankiiiie so muchies for giving the boxes of chocolate to Gary, as we got our thank you cards from him." Lili yelled out in excitement and had wrapped her arms tight around Misty.

"Uhhh you're welcome? Wait, you all got your cards?" Misty asked in a slow tone.

"Mmmhmm, we got a small package mailed here with everyone's card in it like two days ago? Well it's not much to be too excited about, inside all of our cards had the same thing written in it. But each was personally written and signed by Gary. Even Ryan's, oh maaan, you should have seen the look he gave me when he found out I did that prank. Hahah priceless."

Misty gave Lili a confused expression. "Oh ok. So what was written in the card?"

"Inside the card was pretty much word to word of Dear name, thank you for your blank-blank treat, it was very thoughtful. Unfortunately I don't feel right to be eating this box of blank-blank. But thank you. Sincerely, Gary Oak. Sooo I want to know, does he not like chocolate? Because most of us did chocolate-chocolate flavor but my ABC girl, xvanillaxsugarsterx and Tonscanawriter they decided to go with vanilla-chocolate but still the same result in each of our cards. Or is he just waiting for that right box of chocolate from that ONE special girl?"

Misty a bit bummed but also a little angry at why she didn't get a card when everyone else did. An annoyed 'pfft' sound escaped her mouth. "—Pleeease Gary waiting for that ONE special girl will be like in a million years from now. But all in reality, Gary actually doesn't like chocolate."

"WHAAAA?! Seriously?!"

"Yeeeah, my reaction too when I found out about that! But anyways, he's totally into strawberries and about anything strawberry flavor."

"Oh-my-gosh, I need to let the Gary-Fan Club know! And Misty, don't tell anyone else that isn't part of the club because we're going to be the first group to send him strawberry related treats. Buwhaha!" Lili let out a wicked laugh; now that she's more awake.

Misty decided to quiet about her being the first one already to have given Gary a box of strawberry treats; who wasn't related to him. After a few more minutes of catching up, Lili and Misty finally went their separate ways. While heading towards the café lounge and turning on her head set walkie, a depressed sigh escaped at the thought of where about her card was at or if she even gotten one.

** A Few Hours Later – Lil' Pandas' Café Lounge **

Misty kept herself busy with Psyduck by busting and wiping down empty tables, before lunch rush hour hit. Trying to tune out the certain customers around her; mainly Ash and Richie at their usual corner booth, Misty couldn't help but to look up from a table when she heard Georgio dragged out her 'Misty' name from the main door entrance direction. Spotting the light hair brunette with his trademark dark blue scarf, quickly making his way towards her, she prepared herself since she knew what was going to happen. Thanks to being 'Mickey'. Placing downs her wet table-wash cloth on the table to wave at Georgio, but wasn't able to due to Georgio's arms had wrapped around her shoulders and pulled into a tight cheek to cheek hug.

"Miiiiisty! I finally caught you here!" Georgio shouted, as his face started to become a rosy red when he saw the pinkness on Misty's face when he pulled away. "Sooo jumping to the main point of today's agenda, because you most likely already know from Mickey what I'm going to tell you—Oooh the both of you have the same blush expression!"

Misty looked away a bit embarrassed since she and Georgio were the center of the attention. Literally, they were in the middle of the café lounge so everyone had a clear view of the two. "Georgio, umm I don't think it's the moment to—"

"Misty, I really do like you. So please go out with me? Even once is fine or a battle is fine by me, as long as we just get to spend the day together just the two of us." Georgio said in a pleading-cutesy voice.

"Ummm I don't think that can even happen. Sorry."

"Is it because I'm younger than you? Or is it that you have someone else you like?"

Misty let out an 'uhhh', as she looked away again but this time downwards at Psyduck.

"Psyee-ii-ii-ii." Psyduck started chuckling at his master's blushing face for he knew she was thinking of Ash since Gerogio asked if there was 'someone else'.

"What are you laughing at Psyduck?!" Misty angrily asked Psyduck but quickly looked up at Georgio. "—Umm Georgio the fact is I—" Misty stopped in her sentence when she heard her name being called by Ash.

"—Yo, we're ready to order!"

Misty quickly looked back at Georgio and apologized that she had to get the order. But told him she'll get back to him as possible. Misty made her way towards Ash's and Richie's booth and before taking their order, Misty thanked Ash for saving her in that awkward spot. Ash quietly replied with a 'yeah sure', as he continued on with his order. After had gotten Richie's order also, Misty took off to the back to give the order to the cooks.

Richie was about to ask Ash why he had called over Misty. But before getting the chance, Ash had gotten out from his seat and made his way towards Georgio's table, which he decided to sit in until Misty returned to him to continue their conversation. Taking one of the empty seats, Ash and Georgio stared at each other intensively.

"So Georgio just curious, why do you like Misty so much? You're always swamp and being chased by girls. So why being so persistent with her?" Ash asked in a quiet tone just for the two of them to hear.

"Long story in a nutshell, I've liked Misty for over a year and a half now? We've actually met and talked before but with her being a gym leader, I'm not surprised that she doesn't remember me. But anywho, from time to time, I'll visit Cerulean City gym to watch a water ballet show or a gym battle but one week, the gym was temporarily closed due to no gym leaders. It was said from the maintenance crews, there was a miscommunication among the older sisters of Misty's, thinking she was there at the gym to take care of it. So by the time Misty had returned from her trip of searching for someone, she was suddenly publicly challenged by the Invisible Pokémon Brothers for the rights of the Cerulean City Gym Leader positions. So with the Waterflower's name and reputation being on the line, Misty had no choice but to accept the challenge. Also among all that craziness, a wild Gyarados was involved too. Anyways, the crappy brothers started cheating with three against one and all attacked her Pokémons. Misty then didn't care about the match anymore and dived into the pool to save her Pokémons when they got seriously injured. She even risked her life and took the attacks for the wild caged up Gyarados from three Tentacruels' Poison Sting attack."

"She took those Poison Sting attacks? Didn't she realize that she could have had a high chance of being badly poisoned with three Tentacruels attacks?" Ash asked.

"You don't think she didn't thought about that? She just didn't care and still protected Gyarados until her body couldn't take it and went unconsciousness. But by doing so, she earned Gyarados' trust and ended up saving the Cerulean City Gym together."

"So she managed to save the Cerulean City Gym's rep and tame a wild Gyarados in the end, kind of impressive."

"You think that's impressive, after the news of Cerulean City Gym stood strong in the generation of the Waterflower, that remaining week Misty took on countless of challengers. Day after day all by herself and always came out victorious. She then got appointed as the first youngest Gym Leader in the Kanto Region to hold an undefeatable record number in a week. She did every battle amazingly and nailed every challenged thrown at her. Haha, I'll admit I was one of the trainers she had defeated. Even though I really didn't care that I had lost to her, she's the reason why I've worked hard to be able to be accepted at our academy. That way I can get better and challenge her again."

"Wow, so Misty saved the gym all by herself at the age of sixteen, seventeen? Doesn't matter, pretty impressive I have to say. But what I don't get is why during our battle with Psyduck it ended quickly."

"Mmm well from what I can recall, Misty barely used Psyduck in her battles. The only time she used him is when he volunteers himself out of the blues and Misty couldn't call him back and had no choice but to use him. He got some pretty strong attacks but they come on whim? Everyone knows that there's something wrong with Psyduck's abilities and always give her constant troubles. And everyone always ask why she still has him part of her team. But Misty never gave a reason; she just giggles and just happily walks away with Psyduck. Buuut then within a minute or two, you'll hear her yelling and chasing Psyduck because he did something he wasn't supposed to. I guess traits like that, got me liking her."

"I see. But Georgio sorry to have to say this but I don't think Misty would be into you. There is someone else that she likes, so you might as well give up."

"What? No way am I backing down just yet. Who's this guy?" Georgio asked in an upsetting tone, which threw Ash off. But he didn't realize it, for he was occupied of the fact Richie joined up right next to Ash.

"It's this guy Georgio." Richie answered like it was his business, while pointing at Ash.

Georgio then stared straight back at Ash. "She likes you? Do you like her?"

"Ummm uhhh—" Ash then got cut off by Richie's chokehold around his neck.

"Let's just say it's complicated. We all know that Ash is best bud with Mickey and we all know that Mickey is pretty tight with his cousin Misty. So Ash doesn't want to risk Mickey's friendship if he were to ever go out and somehow then break up with Misty. It's one of the worst scenarios of dating a best bud's relative, getting the picture Georgio? And I've notice that you've been attached to Mickey lately and becoming closer friends. Sooo what would you think would happen if you were to go out with Misty and things don't work out? Mickey's pretty overprotective of Misty."

"I didn't think of that way." Georgio replied back in a quiet tone.

Richie let out a smirk, when he let go of Ash's neck. "It's all good Georgio. You're still a kid."

"Hey, I'm only two years younger than the both of you." Georgio replied a bit defensive.

"Hahaha you're right. But with that cutesy baby face of yours is kind of hard to believe. But then again Mickey has one too in a way." Richie said with a smile, as he looked away from Georgio to look down at Ash and gave him a light punch to the arm. "Anyways I'll see you back at the table, there's a few of my fan-girls at the table at the moment with Sparky and Pikachu."

Ash shook his head like it was nothing new, as he then looked straight at Georgio. The two continued on with their conversation about Misty, but it got cut short when Ash spotted Misty coming towards their way with a tray of drinks. Misty let out a few blinks at seeing Ash seating with Georgio, as she quickly looked away to hand Georgio his drink, that he ordered right after Ash's and Richie's orders. But the moment the glass was placed down, Georgio got up from his seat, as he leaned in towards Misty's ear.

"I'm sorry if I caused you to feel any trouble of me liking you. I won't be much of a pest anymore." Georgio pulled away to see Misty's expression a bit confused.

"Wait, what's happening? What's with you saying this all of a sudde—" Misty stopped in mid-way of her word when Georgio had surprisingly placed a quick kiss on her cheek.

"But I'll still be around watching you afar again until the time is right." Georgio said with a big smile, as he called out Delcatty and quickly walked off towards the doors of the outside field of Lil' Pandas'.

Getting use to Georgio's touch as 'Mickey', she didn't blush as much but there was still a tiny hint of pink that Ash noticed. As he then let out a loud cough.

"—I'm surprised to see a tiny blush on your face when you got that kiss on the cheek. You like him or something? Because I don't think I can recalled seeing a red or even pink face on you when you surprised kissed me that one time."

Misty quickly turned around to look at Ash when she heard Ash's side comment. And at the second she recalled the kiss in her head, her cheeks became hot and red. "No I do not like him! It's just nice to know that a sweetie like him had an interest in me! And for your information, I was red as a tomato when I took off running after that kiss! Lili and Lonnie made fun of me. So don't you think you're off the hook yet. Do you really dislike me to start saying crap about me to Georgio to be like that all of a sudden?!"

"Nooo! It wasn't like that, it was more like the opposite. I got a few insights about you from him that I didn't expect. Do you have time to talk?" Ash asked quietly.

Misty stared down at Ash surprisingly at his question and then looked around to see it was still semi-dead. She replied 'yeah' but only right after giving Richie his drink order. After giving Richie his drink, Misty took a seat where Ash was still at when she got the 'OK' to take her break over her headset.

"So I guess I'll get to the point. I originally was just going to apologize for the insult that I mention to Mickey the other day. But I didn't expect to have all these extra insight that I got from Georgio today. So first off, don't think that I was jealous of Georgio or anything. I just saw how awkward you were feeling so I had to save you. Just so Mickey and I are on better terms since I know the two of you share every detail. Second, I wanted to know why Georgio like you so much and he told me…"

After had explaining the stuff Georgio had told him, Misty was left a bit surprised at the fact that she actually met and battled against Georgio sometime last year. It somewhat explained the attachment he had towards her and the whole Gym Leader ordeal. While recalling the big news event of last year, Misty started smiling like crazy for the success started filling up her ego. But quickly snapped out of it when Ash had mumbled something, not sure if she heard right, she asked him to repeat it.

"—I said that you're not that bad of a person. But don't think it's a stepping stone that I'm going to like you or anything. It just means I have a little more respect for you as Trainer to Gym Leader status alright?" Ash said in a mumbling tone when he looked away.

Misty tried to hide her giddy attitude at Ash's gestures. She knew its Ash's habit of 'owning up' and admitting to something he didn't want to in the first place. "Suuure."

"Hey I want to know, why do you keep Psyduck around? Georgio mention that Psyduck causes major trouble and you barely use him at the gym." Ash said, as he kind of hoping that he'll get an answer.

Misty let out a smile at Ash, but then looked down at Psyduck, as a few giggles escaped. She then picked him up and placed him on her lap, with a big loving smile. "Because he picked me to be his master. I actually didn't want him back than since I'm picky with my Pokémons and I knew there was some issues with Psyduck from what Nurse Joy told me. Anyways, after yelling at him to get away from me, Psyduck for some reason was still determined to be with me, so he followed me dumbfound like," Misty tightens her hug around Psyduck with a sincere smile. "Call it karma or destiny, I ended up tripping to the ground and my one and only empty pokeball happened to pop out of my bag and Psyduck took the chance and jumped into the pokeball. Even though I could have just left my pokeball on the ground and hoped someone picks him up, I just couldn't. So I kept him, sure he's a trouble maker and we got lots of training to do, but he's my baby, isn't that right Psyduck?"

"Psy-yiii!" Psyduck cheered excitedly up at his master, as he held up a green plastic stem that was missing some plastic leaves.

"Psyduck! How many times have I told you that you CAN'T eat those fake plants that Lili has around the lounge! Ey-yi-You're—" Misty looked up straight at Ash when she heard his chuckles. But soon became loud laughter.

"—AhAhah, sorry but I have to admit, you two are an interesting pair."

"Har-har-har, laugh it up why don't you." Misty said in a pout like tone, as she then placed Psyduck on the ground so she could get up from her chair.

"I am aren't I?" Ash asked in a smart aleck way, as he received a glare from Misty.

"I didn't know you can be such a smart aleck like that Lone Wolf." Misty stated causally, not realizing that she used Gary's nickname.

Ash paused and stared at Misty when he realized 'Lone Wolf' came out from her mouth. "You call Gary Lone Wolf? Is the two of you that close to know that he can be a real smart-ass aleck?"

"Ummm, ahaha, yeeeah I just called him that? I guess I picked it up from Mickey? It's always Lone Wolf this, Lone Wolf that, he rarely calls him by his name? And besides that one time personal run-in with Gary, I've heard stories from Mickey. Would you like to know anything else?" Misty asked in a snotty tone to somewhat change the subject.

"Nah, I think we're done." Ash then got up from his chair so he could go back and join Richie and the others. But before doing so, he gave Misty a genuine stare. "Hey, putting Mickey off to the side as I don't care if you tell him or not, but I'm actually sorry for the insult. You're actually one of a kind trainer-err-Gym Leader that I've came across."

Misty couldn't believe her ears that she was getting a nice compliment from Ash that didn't involve 'Mickey' telling him to do so. As she then let out a big smile. "Thanks, that means a lot to me."

"Yeah, yeah. Like I mention earlier, don't let any of these get to your head. Now can you be kind enough to check on our order? We've been talking for a good amount of time now."

"Oh right! Shoot, I'm late returning back to work too!" Misty then took off running towards the kitchen with Psyduck waddling behind, leaving Ash to let out a tiny smirk.

'Knowing the fact that you pulled off being the youngest top Kanto Region Gym Leader, I wonder if you'll be able to pull off that bet of ours—Getting Gary on talking terms with May will be a big challenge.' Ash let out a quiet 'heh' to himself, as he finally headed back towards his table booth.

** Later that Evening – Dorm Room #320 **

"—I know right?! My gosh Duplica I'm still so giddy at what happen today! And—" Misty dragged out the D in the 'and' when Gary walked into the room. "—Sooo I should let you go now."

"Wait what? Already girl? Why—" Duplica didn't need to know the answer when she heard Gary in the background calling out for Umbreon. "—Oooh riiight. I'll let you go so you can get your answers. Good luck! Love you and talk to you later!"

"Love back to you too and thanks! Byeee."

Gary being preoccupied with a playful Umbreon, he didn't realize Misty had bid bye to Duplica that is until he got a loud, rude call of his name. While looking over at Misty on her bed, Gary was knocked down onto his bed by Umbreon. "What's with the tone?! Didn't you and Ash made up? You were down there laughing it up in the dining room like nothing had happened—"

"Ash got nothing to do with it. I'll just get to the point. Why didn't I get a lousy card? Suuure they were rejection cards but even one of my guy co-workers got one! Shouldn't I have gotten an actual thank you card?"

Gary give Misty a shock look since it was brought up out of nowhere. "Why do you care all of a sudden?!"

"Because-uhhh-maybe I just want a card from you to know that I'm something to you? You did take the time to write to everyone else. Do you really strongly dislike me that you think I'm a waste of time for a lousy card?!" Misty asked in a fierce tone to hide the hurting pain. "Hell, any kind of written response would have been nice. Arrrg, I thought I would have been just content and happy knowing the fact that you ate them."

Gary got up off his bed and headed towards the bathroom, for he couldn't stand looking at Misty's pouting expressions that was making him feel awkward. "Think what you want of me, maybe I just decided I didn't want to give you yours."

Misty deep in her pouting mood, she still heard Gary's replied, but quickly jumped on to her feet to grab a hold of Gary's arm. For a second she had thought Gary had said 'I didn't want to give you one', something she expected him to say. But when she realized it was 'yours' she hoped for something else. "You said YOURS at the end, not ONE."

Gary's eyes widen when he realized he slipped up, as he tried to cover it. "Uhhh what?! Don't-look-into!"

"By the sound of your tone, you so made me card! Where is it?!" Misty asked in an exciting tone, as she continued to shake Gary.

Gary knocked Misty's hands off of him to stop the shaking. "Quit looking into it! I didn't officially say that I DID made a card did I?!"

"No but you didn't deny it either! Gary why are you being a stubborn ass about it?! If there is a card I want it! Pleeease?"

Gary stared at Misty like he was on the verge of strangling her. "No."

"Grrr! I even said please to you. Look, you still haven't denied the fact there isn't a card, so I'm saying there is one. I didn't want to do this buuuut I just want to let you know that Ash and Richie are coming here in a bit. They wanted to use their one day pass for the week before tomorrow hits as a new week. Richie really wants to check out the room and I know you really don't want them to be in the room. Sooo you give me the card and I'll come up with something and I'll convince them we'll hang out in their room."

"Are you really blackmailing me?"

Misty let out a sneer. "Blackmailing? Sure you can say that. But not wanting to be on the same level as you, let's say it's a trade-off. Deal?"

Gary shook his head, as he couldn't believe Misty was the one making the commands but he did give her props for being able to pick up on him. It's been forever since he could remember someone can call him out on his hidden behaviors. "FINE! If it'll get you to shut up and leave this room I'll give you your stupid card! But only on two conditions, first you call Ash or Richie saying that you're going to their room and second, once you read it don't mention about it, got it?"

Misty's face light up with happiness, as she clapped her hands with a long 'yippee' escaping her mouth. Misty then grabbed her cell and called Richie, to tell him that 'he' got into a fight with Gary and doesn't want to be around him, Gary had pulled out Misty's card from his stack of books. The second Misty said 'I'll see you two in your room' over her cell, Gary held out the card out by the open door.

"Here's the envelope. Take it and get your butt out of this room."

"Can't I read the card first?" Misty asked, as she made her way towards Gary and the door.

"Read it when I'm not around and no buts or anything. Just take it now or else this envelope will be rip into pieces."

Misty eyes widen, as she then quickly grabbed the card from Gary's hand while giving him a snobby stare with her tongue stuck out. Which was a bad move on her part, for she got a rude push out of the room when she walked passed him to get to the door. Before getting the chance to turn around to give him a glare or even a name calling, the door was slammed shut and the lock was heard. Misty yelled out that she doesn't even have her keys on her, as Gary then on the other side told her that he'll unlock the door in three hours. Letting out a growl at the door and the split second Misty was about to kick and bang at the door to annoy Gary, she remembered the envelope in her hand. She quickly open it to pull out a letter instead of a card.

Hey, I'm sorry. I now understand why you freaked out on me when I yelled out fire in your ear. After watching over you after your break down I feel like a total ass. I remembered that day I had left you alone in the room when I got pissed off at you. You must have broken down or at least was shaken up in fear of the unwanted memories and feelings. I'm really sorry. Putting all differences and bickering aside, I think you would agree that you and I have the same childhood past that we blame ourselves and want to forget. But we both know deep down we can't. So if you ever need someone to talk to, you can come to me, since I can somewhat relate.

Gary-

P.S. If you haven't notice by now Idiot, this is a letter that has nothing to do with your thank you treats ;p

Misty glared at the P.S. part of being called an idiot and still got nothing about what he thought on her strawberry treats. But she quickly brushed it off since she realized it wasn't top priority in Gary's mind. Misty couldn't help but to read the letter again, while reading it for the second time she wasn't sure what to feel anymore. For she was lost and confused at Gary's behavior since the letter was written a week ago, as she then put two and two together on probably why she didn't get the letter. She clearly remembered telling Gary to forget all that had happen between them that night before going into a deep slumber. After slipping the letter back into the envelope, Misty stood staring at the door blankly, debating of what she do or say to Gary, since the two agreed to 'forget it' and 'not mention about it'.

A/N: (02/17/13) REVISED VERSION

A/N: ((5/23/09)) Work bloooows XD Hahaha had to get that out of my system. Well we finally see that Misty is trying her best to be friends and thinking of Gary and Gary is actually slowly opening up towards Misty, YAY! But what is this? Ashy somewhat having second thoughts on "Misty"? Le-Gasp!

Much lovies and thankies for the reviews ya all, it gets me pushing to update for ya all ; D And if you go to my profile, there is another fanart scene link, check it out if interested. Well take care and much lovelove, until next ta-ta for now!

Lili Neko