I Want You to Want Me

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or the characters from Pokemon in this story. Oh and Gary's/May's parents' names were my choosing since I don't know their real ones, that is if it was ever given in a certain manga series.

Warning: Swearwords

Main Characters Ages:

Misty- 18
Gary- 18
May- 24
Natalie- 42
Riley- 43

"…" Talking

'Italic' Thinking

Chapter 36: …Onwards With Plan B?

Friday – 12 Noon – Oak's Mansion – Living Room

It wasn't long for Gary to find the picture frame on one of the shelves that May had mention being 'overdue', when he and Misty entered the mansion five minutes ago. As he then just stood staring at it, while Misty giggled and then pointed at the little Gary. Asking him what had happen to him, for he use to be 'sooo cuuute' when he was little. Broken out of the trance after realizing that the question was an insult, Gary looked over at Misty with a defensive but playful manner.

"Pfft! What had happened to that cute Gary? Well he became this hot stud standing right next to you!"

"Uh-I-um-"

"Cat caught your tongue? Heh, is little Miss. Misty losing her touch on comebacks?"

"Uhh-Nooo! It's just…That I think…You're…" Misty paused and playfully looked back at the picture frame with a smile.

"I'm what?" Gary asked in an eager manner waiting and wanting to know her answer.

"I forgot." Misty said out loud like it was nothing, as she could feel Gary's annoyed aura. "Sooo this is what May was talking about."

"Yeaaah. I don't remember this picture being taken when I was young but I'm surprise that we have a family portrait. So May wants to do another family portrait eh? Well this is going to be interesting..." Gary then let out a tiny smile and then started heading towards his bedroom. "…Well we got about a little over an hour to get clean up and take off to your work place."

"Yeah, gotcha…" Misty said with a tiny sigh. "…It's a shame that I have to work right around the time you guys are doing your picture taking. I would so love to see how May is with you on the photo shoots, she's so silly when I work with her. "

"Hah, I bet. She gets really childish when she does attach to someone or something. But anyways, I'll come by to visit you when I'm done with the shoots with my family, kay?"

"We'll figure something out ok?" Misty asked, as she receives a smile nod from Gary.

2 Hours Later - Brock's Models and Fashion Building – May Oak's Dressing Room Set

"Riley and Gary, would you two please smile or something?" Dale, the photographer asked in a tiring tone. "I usually don't mind grim expressions but when there are two lovely ladies with bright smiles next to the gloomy expressions, just kind of kills the mood."

Gary squatted down at his spot in front of May and his parents, letting out a loud sigh. "Well Dale, if this wasn't like the 100th take, I wouldn't be annoyed. Come on, we have been at this for about thirty minutes and I know you have taken a lot of smiling pictures of us in the beginning of this shoot."

"Well Gary, by May's request, I am to stop when I find the perfect shot of all four of you." Dale replied back, as he then looked at Riley.

"How perfect does it need to get? It's just a picture. As I have to agree with my son that with all that pictures already taken there has to be a good one." Riley replied in an annoyed tone towards Dale, but then looked over at May.

" But daaaaddy…" May then gave her father a puppy face expression. "…I want a picture of all of us and I want to make sure it's a perfect one. Is that too much to ask for?"

Riley let out a sigh of defeat, as he then place a hand on top of May's head. "No it's not. Ok, I'll try to continue with my best smiles for you."

"Awesome! Now it's…" May looked down at Gary and then hugged him from behind. "…It's your turn! Smiiiiiiillleeeeeeee!"

Struggling and trying to keep his balance on his squat stance, Gary was also trying to fight off May on the fact she was stretching out his month. "Pfff-Maaay! Ooook yoou win!"

May let out a victory shout, as she finally let go of Gary's mouth from behind, as she saw her brother rubbed both of his cheeks, while standing back up. May then commented out loud, to hang in there as the photo shoot will be done soon. Both Gary and Riley just let out a quiet 'yeah' while May just let out a giggly smile that matched Natalie's, who was watching the whole scene. About 10 minutes passed by with different takes of smiles and position stances, as Gary was starting to get annoyed again when all of them were told to get ready for another few more takes, when Dale went to check his current shoots on the computer. Gary took a deep breath before all of them changed in to another position stance that Dale told them too. As Gary sat in one of the chairs with May behind him, Natalie sat in the other chair, with Riley behind her. After the position was set and ready to go, Dale then got already with his camera and did his usual count down for each shoot. With it being the 3rd shot, he could tell Gary's smiles were getting to be more forced and filled with annoyance, while May's, Riley's and Natalie's were perfect. As he then couldn't help but to let out a sigh towards Gary. Right at the beginning of his count, he thought he heard something behind him but ignored it. As he was glad he did ignored it for he managed to capture a smile on Gary's face that gave him the perfect shot for May's request. Really not giving the family the cue that that he got the perfect shot, Dale turned around to see what the noise behind him was. When he saw it was Misty against the back wall, a smile crept on his face, as he then placed his camera on the table nearby. And made his way over to Misty and suddenly gave her a tight hug, as he ignored the sudden protest-yelp from Gary.

"Thank you." Dale whispered in Misty's ear, as he then pulled away.

"What? What did I do? I just got here Dale." Misty asked in a confused tone. As she let out a nervous smile, since she saw an annoyed Gary heading towards their way.

"You caught that smile on his face right before I took it right? Well that was the smile I need for the shoot, so the fact that he saw you, I got a real sincere smile from him."

"Oooh is that right?" Misty let out a big smile, knowing the fact that she made a different on Gary by her present, as she then threw her arms around Gary's neck. "Hiii there! I managed to sneak off a bit to see how the family portrait was coming along. But I guess I'm a bit late."

"What? We're still doing the photo shoot." Gary replied back, but then looked over at Dale when he heard his chuckle.

"Nope, we're done."

"Seriously? You're not playing around with me are you?"

"No I'm not toying with you. I got the perfect shot that I wanted, as I'm happy that Misty showed up."

"Wait, why? I should be the only guy to be happy about her showing up." Gary paused, as he caught the random chuckle and head shake from Dale. Not sure why the photographer was laughing at him and Misty just giggle along side with him, he just ignored it. "Whatever inside joke you two got going on, it doesn't matter because I can leave now…" Gary said in a semi-annoyed tone, as he looked way over at May, and his parents. "…We're done! So I'll be leaving now for a bit! Let's go Misty." Gary then grabbed a hold of Misty's hand before even hearing a 'bye' from May or his parents. But he then was pulled back when he took a few steps.

"Gary, come on don't be rude. I have some time, as I want to greet your parents and May."

Gary quietly apologized to Misty realizing it was and would have been a rude gesture on his part. As he then followed behind her, making their way over to the set stage he has been on for about over forty minutes. While Misty was receiving greeting hugs from May and Natalie, Gary stood nearby his father, as he heard a scoff from him. Causing him to give his father a raised eyebrow.

"So we got done thanks to her…" Riley commented quietly, as then walked away from Gary, who was a bit lost at his comment. But Gary was the least to his concern when he stood in front of the smiling Misty. As he then proceeds with a greeting and finally asked how she was doing. Receiving her reply of 'doing fine', he let out a tiny smile, as a question popped in his head. "…Misty, do you really like what you're doing?"

"Mmm, yes I do. At first I really didn't care for it but after awhile working alongside with my sisters I fell more in love with it. And also working with May it's so much fun! I don't work too often because of school and my personal life. But right after graduation, I'm on a full time contract with my sisters. So I don't think I'll be leaving Pallet."

"I see, so it seems like you're in the right direction with a career that you're passionate with."

"Yeah, um I guess you're right?" Misty replied in an unsure tone, as she didn't notice the uneasiness on Riley's face.

'Well this might be a bit tougher than…' Riley then let out a tiny smile. "…That's good to hear that you are following your passion though."

—BEEP-BEEP— All eyes were on Misty when she pulled out a small pager and turned off the beeper, as she looked up with a grin.

"Oh my, that was my alarm indicating that I need to head back before I get in trouble for being gone. I just wanted to stop by and say hi and see how the family portrait was going in the first place. So Mr. and Mrs. Oak, I hope you had fun today with your daughter at work, as it's a good place she has landed in. Well I'm sure I'll be seeing you all later on, so please take care." Misty said with a wave, as she then was about to turn around to walk out of the room but turned around to Riley and Natalie with a smile. "…Sorry for being rude but I'm going to steal your son now!"

Before Riley and Natalie could say anything, Misty had grabbed a hold of Gary's hand, as the two ran towards the door laughing and bidding their 'byes' out loud before the door was shut closed. Letting out a laugh to themselves at the scene, Riley and Natalie looked over at May who was with Dale at the computer checking out the final shot but along with all the rest just to check out they turned out. Slowly making their way over, May had Dale put the final shot for Riley and Natalie to see how it had turned out for them, as they both let out a big smile at their new family portrait.

Few Days Later – Monday - Oak's Mansion

After getting dropped off by Ash before he had to head off to his work, as Misty and Melody were at their jobs too, Gary let out a bored sigh on one of the living room couches. With the T.V. playing a commercial he had already seen over a hundred times, his head wondered around the living room, until his show program came back on. As his eyes landed on the shelf with the old and the new family portrait placed next to each other. A smile escaped when he saw the picture and recalled over the weekend that May mention that he is such a sucker for Misty as the smile in the picture showed it. But Gary still couldn't believe that he was so transparent to others for them to notice when he's around Misty but he wasn't going to deny it. For he knew it was the truth. Misty always brightens up his day. About five minutes of getting bored with the TV, Gary decided to continue reading his parent's book that he finally got a chance to start late night Sunday. As he then grabbed his bag from the floor and pulled the book out. But about ten minutes went by, Gary quickly shoved the book back into his bag when he heard his mother's whining yell down the hallway.

"By the tone of your voice there's something wrong isn't there mom?"

"Oh Gary! I didn't know that you're home…" Natalie said, as she made her way over and flopped down next to her son. "…I want to kill your father."

"Hah, what did he do this time to upset you? Scared you from behind a corner? Had a comeback that you got stunned on? Or just being an ass because he's too hot headed?" Gary joked with a smirk.

"Heh, am I sensing a load of own experiences?" Natalie asked with a smile, as she got a sarcastic shrug from Gary. "Well normally it would be one of those, but this time it's him being stuck in that den with that stupid project of ours that we were working on at Saida. But like come on, we're on vacation! We don't get a chance to do vacations and when we do, what is he doing?! He's working! Argggh! And I really wanted to go out with him too, like old times what we use to do when we lived here. Monday's our junk food night dates. But of course, knowing how your father is, he probably forgot. Because he's sooo into the projec—Uhh Gary? Where are you going?"

"Just give me a bit mom. I'll be right back…" Gary yelled over his shoulder, while he was already half way down the hallway towards the den at the end of the mansion. Reaching near the entrance of the den, Gary could felt the tenseness from his father. By the fact he's hovering over the paperwork on the desk like a mad man. As Gary did the best thing he could think of to break the silence tension, yelled as loud as he could. "…Yo pops!"

Riley jumped in his chair when he heard his son's loud voice from behind, as he turned around with a glare. "The hell Gary?! Don't you know that sneaking up and yelling at someone can lead to a heart attack?!"

"And did you know ignoring and forgetting a certain date ordeal, is somewhat breaking the guy's code of keeping your chick happy?" Gary replied back with a smirk, with arms crossed at his chest.

"What are you talking about? What's a date got to do with you being here, interrupting my work progress?"

Gary then leaned his back against the wall and let out a chuckle. "Hey pops, what's the day of the week?"

Riley looked over at his son with annoyance. "Do you really have to call me pops?" Riley asked but only to receive a shrug. But with no more replies from Gary, he finally decided to proceed and answer the question. "It's Monday."

"Now, on Monday's what do you usually do when you and mom are on Saida?"

"Is there a point to this?" Riley asked getting a bit more irritated. But again, he received nothing more but a shrug, as it lead him to answer to his son's question. "We work and have our weekly meeting."

"Alright pops, let's see if you can put together my puzzle. Now that you and mom are back in Pallet and think of the olden times, as today is Mond—"

"Monday is our junk food night dates! Agh! How could I have let Monday slipped my mind?!" Riley yelled out in a panicky tone when he quickly jumped out from his seat. As he looked around the den for a clock to check the time, while missing the laughing smirk on Gary's face. But he then suddenly sat back down in his seat.

"What are you doing sitting back down?! You obviously know what's today is! Don't you need to get ready?! I'll let you know, mom's in the living room a bit annoyed to the point she wants to kill you."

Riley turned his back against Gary to over view his paperwork on the desk. "You don't think I know that by now? But I just can't leave just yet. I have to figure out how to go about the Seal's paragraph essay and the layout for a section in our project. I just can't leav—" Riley stopped in his sentence when his set of papers was suddenly taken away in front of him.

"You're stuck in that little information section part? I bet you that I can write up something you'll like, as well a layout. Just give me about fifteen minutes."

"Tsh, that confident eh? It's not an easy task to please me. But if you want to take the challenge, go for it. As I'll even give you an extension, I'll be back in thirty for I'm going to talk to your mom about tonight not being good night for our date."

"No..." Gary said in a solemn tone, as he pushed his father back down in his chair when he tried to get up. "...fifteen minutes. You'll get something to be please with, and with that you take mom out and ease down on the working. For pete-sake, you're on vacation. But if I fail, I'll defend you from mom's killing or something."

Riley caught the cocky smirk that he was familiar with on his son's face, as he then gave him the remaining information papers. Telling him that the bet was on, as he set his watch on a timer, while he couldn't help but wonder how in the world Gary is going to be able to read about ten pages of facts on Seals and write a summary layout in a couple pages. Riley watched Gary from afar when his son decided to take a seat at one of the other empty desks across the room, as he noticed Gary quickly skimming through the set of papers and already started writing in a notebook journal. With every minute that gone by, Riley just eyed Gary in amazement at his non-stop writing and before the two knew it, Riley's watch went off, as Gary cursed in the background. Both knowing the deal, Gary got up from his seat, leaving everything at the desk, he turned around to face his father with an annoyed expression. Exchanging glances, Gary kept quiet and excused himself with just saying, 'a deal is a deal.' While making his way to the one living room that his mother was still at, Gary was trying to figure out a way to defend his father but yet somehow to keep her happy. Usually quick on his feet, Gary was a bit at a lost, as it took him about five minutes to decide he was just going to wing it. As he then stepped out from the hallway entrance and took a deep breath.

"Hey mom! Well I tried to do something for you but I got the same results. So tonight is a no go on the date…" Gary said slowly, as he caught the irritated expression on his mothers face when she turned away from the TV. "…I know you're not too happy but hear me out. When checking on pops, he's um, he's uhh—Heeey!" Gary yelled out when his hair was roughly ruffled up, as he turned to see it was his father.

"Thanks for screwing with your mother for me. I'll take it from here…" Riley said with a smirk, as he walked passed Gary and head over to Natalie who's already on her feet. "…So do you want to get ready for our date?"

"Are we really going out tonight?!" Natalie asked in an excited tone and was about to hug Riley but wanted to thanked Gary first. For she just realized that her son really got through to her husband, but when she caught Gary's confused look, she leaned forward towards him. "Is there something wrong Gary?"

"No, not really. It's just…" Gary looked away from his mother to eye his father with a questioning look.
"…Well pops what's the deal? I lost."

"Well even though you did, I looked over at what you got, as you almost completed it too. So I give you that credit and what I'm most impressed is how you got all that info into the layout within a short about of time. I don't think I could think of a better layout then what you provided. But yeah, enough said, as I shouldn't keep your mother waiting. But just curious, how did you manage to get all that information so quick?"

"I'm a fast reader but other than that, I already knew half the info you had in that packet of yours from another boo—Well you two just have fun. See ya." Gary said quickly and headed towards his room, grabbing his bag along the way.

Riley let out a smirk, watching his son disappear down the other side of the hallway before he was brought back to earth by Natalie's waving hand in his face. "Uh yeah?"

"I just asked you what bet did you two have going on."

"Oh, well it's not a big deal you have to worry about. But you have to see the layout he did, I seriously couldn't believe it. Especially when he got it within fifteen minutes, that boy I can see him be successful. There's no doubt about it." Riley said with a big smile, as he took to lead.

"Oh my, was that smile what I think it is?" Natalie caught up right next to Riley and eye balled him with a smile of her own. "It is! That's the little proud smile that you give out. As this is the first time in a while I've seen you given that to Gary. You two have been nothing but trouble with arguing or just plain awkward silence-ness since we reunited. So I'm sensing a little trying on both sides on get along with each other?"

"Well you did ask me to try to get along and keep my cool down with Gary. And you know, I have to admit that even though we're still not talking a lot, it's nice that there wasn't a whole lot of bad tension between us at every second. But the freaky thing is, he's almost the high school splitting image of me but there's just something different too. Just can't put my fingers on it. Whatever, it doesn't matter he's grown into a fine young lad…" Riley said with another big smile, as he then grabbed a hold of Natalie's hand. "…Come on let me show you what he did before getting ready."

'Still like a little kid…' Natalie let out a tiny giggle and followed behind Riley straight down towards the dens "…Ok-ok, I'm right behind you."

Later on that Evening – Gary's bedroom

"…Yeah, that's about it what had happen at work. My sisters were still teasing me at dinner time. But whatever, stuff happens. And what did you do today? Hope you weren't bored out of your mind, since all of us had to work." Misty said with a giggle over her home phone towards Gary on the other line.

"Haha well that sucks for you doesn't it?" Gary asked, as he got a 'geez thanks' from Misty, as he let out another chuckle. "…Well I was bored throughout the day but you know me, I always find something."

"Let me guess, you got around to more of those books from your dad huh?"

"Heh yeah and you won't be able to guess what happen today."

"You and your dad somewhat got along?" Misty asked with her guess.

"Seriously how is it most of the time that your guesses are like dead on? But anyways, yeah it was interesting. We really didn't get into an agreement or anything. Maybe stares and glares at each but for once we were on the same page on about his general area of work."

"Oh really? What was it that you pretty much got along with?"

"Well now that I think about it, there wasn't much talking but it was more of a bet going on between us two…" Gary then started going off about the all details to Misty about in a couple of deep breaths. "…It was an interesting semi-first hand on doing at what my parents do. But after my parents left for their date, I just locked myself in the room reading my parent's book until gramps called me out for dinner."

"So it seems that you are getting a big liking to the whole animal biologics huh?"

"Yeah I guess so. I think I might ask my parents about their book when I'm done reading it."

"Well that's a start on getting to know them better right? See I told you if you're not that hotly stubborn guy, there won't be that much tension between you two."

"Yeah-yeah, you're right. But we'll see how things go, I see no point of getting to know them if I'm not going to see them again when they return back to Saida…" Gary replied in an unsettling tone, as he then changed the subject.

Few Days Later – Thursday - Oak's Mansion

Gary had quietly entered into the house sometime a quarter 'till ten, as he made his way towards the kitchen to put a piece of cake, which May asked him to buy, in the fridge. While making his way so, he spotted his father in the further living room, with the TV on playing in the background and on the 

couch, deep in his thoughts at his studies. As Gary greeted out loud but with a simply 'yo', Riley finally realized his son was home. Looking over his shoulders with a pair of reading glasses, Riley let out a quiet 'hey' before Gary had disappeared into the kitchen. Noticing the white box, he cleared his throat.

"May wanted me to let you know that she took out your mother for the night and don't know when they are going to return. But she said thanks in advance just in case you came home earlier from your dinner date with you girlfriend and friends."

Gary popped his head out of the kitchen and let out a loud annoyed grunt. "Seriously?! I'm going to struggle her, she was harassing me all night on the cell about coming home early for that stupid fatting cake of hers. Whatever, I should like take a bite out of it or something."

"Hah, is that some sort of revenge?"

"Haha, yeaaah. She has this thing where she needs to be the one to take the first bite before sharing. I don't know why but whatever that's her little habit…" Gary shouted deep from the kitchen, but slowly made his way towards his father. "…So is gramps out for the night too? And here, I figure you might need one or another one..." Gary held a coffee mocha bottle at the side of his father's, since he has a feeling he was going to need it for saying up. As Gary saw four empty bottles on the table with all his paper works scattered. "…You know you usually upset mom when you're working on your guys' vacation."

Riley finally grabbed the glass bottle, from Gary who was leaning against the ledge of the back of the couch. As he then couldn't help but let out a chuckle over his shoulder at Gary. "And you know your mother isn't too happy when you disappear for a couple of days without any warning of you being gone and no return."

"Well it seems we got something in common at the moment. We both seem to can't please that special person who I call my mother and to you, your wife." Gary said in a jokingly tone, as a chuckle escaped.

"Isn't that the truth? The only person that can is May. Oh wait I can't forget dad, so make that two. Well damn, aren't we on the bad end of your mother?"

"Hah, you can't count gramps, he's like neutral. He goes along with anything what mom says or asks. Gramps is just an easy going kind of guy who has a major soft spot for mom."

"I guess that's true too, but even if we take your grandpa out, that still leaves us on the bad ratio side. And it's not like we can redeem ourselves when May is hogging your mother to herself."

"Can you really blame her? She had her mothe—Hey so you are really using my layout." Gary had quickly changed the subject about his parents leaving to avoid 'a could' be argument. As he then jumped over the back ledge and landed on the empty spot that wasn't covers by books or papers.

"Huh? Yeaaah. I told you that I was impressed with it." Riley said in a calm tone to also avoid the knowing comment that his son stopped in the middle of.

"You said that but that didn't mean you were going to use it…" Gary grabbed the layout he had started on from the table to look over it. "…This layout was something of a half assed job. I wanted to get something done so I could get you out of the den for mom's sake."

"Is that so? Well half assed or not, it's still good—What are you doing?" Riley asked when his son grabbed a bunch of his paper work that hasn't been touched.

"What does it look like? I'm bored and I want to see what you got. But it looks like you barely got anything done. And let me guess, you've been at this all afternoon huh?"

"Whatever boy just put those down." Riley said in an annoyed tone, but let out a raised eyebrow when his son leaned in forward for a pen off the table.

"I will when I'm done playing around with this."

"Do you always play around with other peoples work?"

Gary paused for a bit at the question as he let out a smile. "Yeah, I do it with gramps gadgets all the time. Hell, a quarter of the time I get gramps damn projects done because he's off in la-la land before he realize his product is due the next day. You just do your thing and I'll do my thing on your thing. Hahaha if that didn't sound too wrong or confusing." Gary said, as he and his dad starting laughing at the raw humor. As Gary then slid over to the other end of the couch and started reading and jotting side notes.

Later that Night – A little Pass 2 o' Clock in the Morning

"That midnight showing was a lot longer than I expected, sorry mom." May apologized, as she quietly opened the front door of the mansion.

"Heehee, nah it's ok May. I don't mind all the time we spend with each other. It's a shame that I haven't really gotten a chance to do some quality time with Gary. Well I still have a while before our vacation is up, so sooner or later."

"Heh, don't worry mom, a word or two from me, he'll make time for you. But dad isn't waiting on you is he? We really didn't tell him exactly where and how long we were going to be gone."

"Heh, your dad I don't think he'll realize that I came home late for…" Natalie paused, when she noticed the living room lights were on, when she shut the door, as she then let out a sigh. "…With the lights being on and knowing him, he's probably working on that project."

"Heh, is dad always contently working?"

"You betcha, he like breathes it. But I'm use to it, as he does make time for me so it's all good."

After taking off their shoes, they slowly made their way towards the living room to a cute little scene, of Riley and Gary passed out on each side of the couch with paper works scattered all around them. Natalie and May couldn't help but let out quiet giggles, as May took out her cell and took a few pictures of the two. But the moment Natalie turned off the TV, Gary dazedly woke up, wondering where he was for a second. As he then remembers he was in the living room, before he did anything like getting off the couch, he fully opened his eyes to see his mother and May standing next to each with smiles.

"Hey Little Bro. had a nice nap from the overload of boring paper works?"

Gary let out a yawn, as he got up off the couch. Not realizing he had waked up his father in the process. "What time is it? I don't even know when I fell asleep. All I could remember was pops and I was having a competition on who could get the most animal bio paper works done."

"Well honey, it's a little pass 2 o' clock…" Natalie said as she helped her husband up off the couch and gave him a quick peak.

"Does that mean you two just got home?" Riley asked in a groggy tone.

"Yeaaah, we decided to see a last minute late night showing. But it's nice to know that you two somewhat got along. Even to do a competition, as now I'm just curious, who won by completing the most?" Natalie asked, as she waited for an answer.

Riley and Gary both let out 'uh's and 'um's while looking through the scattered mess of papers. But not caring to continue each other search of their actual count, the two shouted in union 'I did'. With the wide awake determined look on their faces, it got Natalie and May laughing. As May then quickly grabbed a hold of Gary and bid a quick goodnight for the both of them, as Natalie also did the same grabbing Riley. And within seconds after Natalie and Riley's 'goodnight', the two pairs went in their directions of their bedrooms for the night. On Gary's and May's side of the mansion, May lift her head off of Gary's shoulder and slowly let go of his arm.

"You know Gary, it's nice to see that you and dad are getting along somewhat. But there's someone else who wants some time alone with you…" May caught Gary's sarcastic stare, as she knew that he knew who she was hinting. "…And before you say anything, I know it doesn't help that I've been hogging mom to myself. But you have been gone and really haven't made an effort or interest on spending some time with mom."

"The reason why I haven't done anything is because I just see it a bit pointless. Mom and dad are going to be leaving soon. So what's the point?"

"Gary has you forgotten that they don't know you already know about their ideal plan for you? They still think you'll be going with them. And since you're planning not too, it might be the best interest for mom's sake to at least spend a day with her."

"Fine, I'll find a day or so. Happy?"

May let out a big smile before her arms where wrapped around Gary's neck. "Yeah, good night. Oh and you did get my cake?"

Gary pulled away from the hug with a chuckle. "…Hah, yeah I did and good night too. Oh but could you give me a heads up when you are about to steal mom to yourself? Dad and I agree that it's hard to get some time with her when you have her to yourself."

May let out a nervous laugh, as she waved her hand in the air, heading towards her bedroom. "Haha ok-ok!"

Meanwhile on the Other Side of the Mansion

"Seriously the two of you didn't argue?" Natalie asked in amazement over her shoulder when she opened their bedroom door.

"Not all, but I have to say that there were a few moments that could have lead to one but it didn't happen. In all, it was an interesting night with Gary. Sure there wasn't much talking involved but there was a connection with the whole animal bio field."

"Heh, I see. And did you force him this time on doing the competition of the paper works?"

"Nope, he was the one that was interested in it and grabbed the packets on his own. He was the one that challenged me because out of bored. And by the way, you know you could have let me at least clean up my mess in the living room before heading off to our room."

"Please Riley, what's the point? You're going to make another mess again when you pull out all those packet files again sooner or later. But hey, after the weekend with Delia, we should do a surprise visit to Julie on Monday."

"Oh we should. Since we got here, we haven't visit or even phone her that we're in town. Sounds like a plan…"

Some Days Later – Tuesday – Oak's Mansion

"Well looky here, it's pops all alone again with his undone projects." Gary said out loud from a far when he just entered inside the house from being dropped off.

"Well look at that, if my eyes aren't playing tricks on me, I think I could say that I actually have a son that lives here. You've been gone again and your mom's worried. What's the deal being home around this time?"

"Oh I got dropped off by Ash before he had to take off to work, as Misty and Melody had to work right after school too. And Richie's still asleep, so I'm about the only one with no job at the moment."

"So why is that you don't have a job while all your other friends do?" Riley asked, as he eyed his son who was slowly making his way towards the couch.

"Hello pops, are you seriously asking me that? Come on, thanks to gramps he got our lives made. But even without gramps', you and mom always send money to our bank accounts through out each year or so. As that aren't even counting the birthday and Christmas cash present. But don't get the wrong shallow idea, I'm grateful for your guys' money, as it has gotten me in and out of a lot of sticky situations but I do want to make my own, like May. It's just at the moment I can't find the passion for a job yet." Gary said in a casual tone, as he dropped his bag on the floor when he took a seat on the couch.

"Heh, are you sure about that? I think I have feeling at what you want to do."

"Wait, what?"

"Nothing. Don't mind your pops. Anyways here." Riley handed Gary a few packet files for him to do for the hell of it to kill time until dinner. He managed to catch the smirk on Gary's face, when the packet files were taken from his hand.

As a couple of silent hours passed on by, Gary tossed the three files on his father's lap. Mentioning that he's done with what he could put in. As Riley grabbed the files and decided to take his time on each file packet. With doing so, Gary realize his father's intention on each file, he decided to do another random animal bio file. Finally about thirty minutes had pass, Riley placed all three files on the table and let out a tiny chuckle.

"…Heh, you know I forgot to mention that your mother likes a lot of your ideas and layouts. She wanted to tell you in person that she's really proud of you. But since the two of you haven't gotten a chance to see each other for some time, I figure I'll see you before her. So I'm relaying the message for now, as she wonders where you get most of the ideas from."

"Are you serious? You two don't realize your own design details do you? I got it from your guys' book from 10 years ago. I just improved it with my own magic touch."

Riley gave out a surprise look at the fact that his son had read his and Natalie's book. And as well that the detail designs were just a newer and improved version of their own. "Seriously?"

"Yup—Hold on…" Gary got up off the couch to pull out his cell out of his pocket when it went off. As he raised his index finger indicating to his father it'll be a bit. "…Hey babe."

"Hi Boo, well anyways I don't have much time to talk but I just wanted to let you know that I talked to Brock about Snap taking our graduation pictures. And he ok'd it, so now we need to talk it over with Ash and Melody to set a date." Misty said over on one of the company's phone.

"Alright, that's cool getting freebies on our graduation pictures. Brock must really like you to pull out all those favors." Gary joked around in a jealous tone.

"Well no need to sound jealous Boo, it's more like I would be pulling his ear if I don't get my way. Haha, kidding, Brock is such a sweet heart. He's like a big brother that I never had, as we get each other. But anyways, I got to head back to work, love you. Bye-bye!"

"Love you too…" Gary whispered, as he shoved his cell back into his pocket. Gary then turned around to take his seat on the couch again. "…Well anyways, um, tells mom sorry for now. It's just been a bit hectic with graduation plans and preparations with Misty, Ash and Melody I've just haven't gotten the chance to do so."

"Oh right, it's about that time…" Riley commented, as he heard his son's 'huh' when he looked away. "…Speaking of graduation, you have a week to spend with your girlfriend and friends after graduation. We're—"

"I'm not going." Gary said in a serious tone, as he already knew what the conversation was about. But the surprised look that he saw on his father's face, he wasn't sure what the rest was going to go like.

"What? Do you have any idea what I'm getting at with you boy?" Riley asked in a forced tone at Gary.

"I'm not going to Saida Island with you and mom. I have no interests. And if you're wondering how I know about this, I overheard it from yours and mom's conversation since the first night when you two got here." Gary said in a cold tone.

"So you knew about our plans since day one? And you didn't tell us? This isn't some kind of joke is it? Because you have to know that you do have to go with us."

"No, this isn't a joke and I don't have to go with you if I don't want to."

"Then what's with all your interests of being an animal biologist? Taking in all those books I left at your door? You could have returned it back but I know about you reading them. Since you're not that sneaky about it, I've caught you a few times reading it before hiding it when one of us comes in your present. And one of the surprising things that your mother and I found out, was you went to McNabb to get a job there. But then she sent you to the Viridian's institute and what I got from her, is that you didn't make it in time for the applicants. You went through all that trouble for something you already knew that you could get from us at Saida Island?!" Riley asked in an irritated tone.

"There are a few reasons I went through all these trouble. As I do and have a sudden interest of being a animal biologist. And I don't want to leave Pallet town, I can make it on my own here."

"This is Pallet Town we're talking about. Even Viridian City isn't that much bigger, you think you can make it on your own here? Please, to even start off you need that institute for the training classes and that place isn't cheap. So if I cut you off by financial, you'll have a tough time paying the tuitions."

"Do you really think I need your money?! Cut me off than! It's not like I can't go find a job and go from there. Besides, I've earned my share of money from helping gramps when he needs an assistant. 

I'm eight-teen, I can make my own decisions, like what I've been doing for the last fifth-teen years of my life without you guys. What gives you the right to make a big decision like this on taking me to Saida Island without even consulting it with me?!" Gary asked in a raised tone.

"Raising your voice at me again?! Who do you think was able to give you this life style you have right now?! As there's no need any explanations of any sort from me, because bottom line we're your parents and we know what's best for you!" Riley replied back in a hotly tone, as he looked up at Gary from the couch when his son got up.

"What's best for me?! Why all of a sudden?! After all these years with no visits but just a few calls here and there on some holidays. What kind of parenting is that? Well whatever you think in your head, is just jacked up. I'm letting you know I'm not going, as that's final on my part." Gary said, as he walked away entering the main hallway.

Riley got up from the couch and slowly followed in Gary's direction. "Your mother and I have seen great potentials from you within the last week on your span of knowledge. So with you staying here, you're going to waste it. What's the big issue of leaving this town for granted job—Wait, you're not going because of Misty and her job is it?"

"And what if it is Misty? Does that make me a fool for my main reasons of staying here in Pallet? She's the one that I want to spend my life with, as the two of us have talked about our future plans together."

"Not a fool but an idiot. You should think about your career first, as that way you can provide to your love ones. Because life situations can hit at you fast when you least expect it!"

"Misty and I aren't like you and mom! We really don't care about careers being number one priorities. Our priorities are each other at the moment. Besides, I'm not a big idiot like you when you were my age. I haven't gone idiot enough and knocked up my girlfriend. For fucking sake, it's called a condom or birth control…" Gary comment in a bitter sounding tone.

Gary let out a glare and missed the angry twitched on his father's face. Before even getting a chance to walk away, Gary was sent stumbling backwards hitting his back against the wall. With his jaw line pounding in pain, due to receiving a hard backhand from his father, as he couldn't believe it himself. Regaining his balance while letting go on his hold on his jaw, Gary was in moment to about on retaliating back with his own fist. But a figure rushed passed him, as a loud slapping echo was heard. There stood Natalie in front of Riley after backhanding him with all her might, as he stood in shock and felt a stinging pain on his cheek. Not caring that she had slightly cut open Riley's cheek with her ring, Natalie let out a nasty glare at her husband.

"You are never to hit any of our children like that!" Natalie said in a serious vivid but chilly tone.

Gary, who's being aided by May after the whole backhanding, let out a shock and worried expression towards May when they both heard mom's serious but yet scary tone for the first time. As the two had no idea what was going to happen next for they saw their parents exchanging silence glares, with energy auras that could raise the fire in hell.

A/N: (5/9/08) Waaah, sorry for the late update! Got a bit waaay side tracked and also lazy-ness hit XD Well the chappie was going pretty good for Gary and Riley but we all knew that things were gonna be bad when that issue of leaving for Saida was brought up. But dun-dun-dun, no more care free Natalie as she's really pissed at Riley for hitting Gary XD

Once again so much thankies and lovies to all of ya who left reviews…''''glomps ya all''''…Oh and ChaseNirvs, I finally got an update before yooou XD Weee! '''throws confetti'''…Not cleaning that! But this is one of the rare times, as I got lucky since you and I were both on semi-writer's block ;p

Well anyways hope to hear from ya all and will catch ya in the next chappie! Much love-love and until than ta-ta for now!

Lili Neko