Anything For Love

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

Warning: Minor swearwords

Main Characters Ages:

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

"…" Talking

'Italic' Thinking/Texting

Chapter 35: Realization At Safari Zone

** Friday – Earlier That Morning – Area Two – Inside the Cabin **

When Gary said he'll 'sleep on it', he literally meant it. It was a quarter 'til twelve before he got out of bed. Emerging from the bathroom fully awake, he finally took notice of a couple of things. One, Misty, Ash and Richie's side of the room was left in the same condition as of last night. Indicating none of the three had even returned yet. Two, a simple breakfast had been set up on the table. Once he reached the table, Gary grabbed the folded note.

'Tried to wake you up for breakfast but you didn't budge, even after we returned. You took 'sleeping like a log' to a whole new level. Hah. Anyways, we managed to sneak some food out from the main cabin lounge. Nothing too spectacular, but we tried to make it a little 'fancy' for you. Lol x3

Less than three, Luke and Derek'

By 'fancy', Luke and Derek had a cup of mixed fruits, a hard-boiled egg, a bagel with jam packets and a small carton of orange juice all nicely placed together next to a pathetic daisy. Literally hanging to whatever lifespan it had, in a used water bottle. But there were no plastic wares in slight. A smile and snicker escaped, he knew they tried their best. Can't blame them for the hit and miss attempts. He then took a seat and just made do and started eating. Even though he was completely alone, he definitely didn't feel the loneliness. Knowing there are others that got his back, he admitted it's actually nice to have friends. And with that conclusion, he decided to maybe, just maybe, give Ash a little break from his resentment.

After finished with his breakfast, he was ready to capture some more Pokémon. Grabbing his sets of Safari Balls, supplies and lastly his phone, he felt he was completely a new person, especially compared to the last some days. Thanks to Derek and Luke's acknowledgement of his feelings towards Misty, a load was taken off his mind. But still wasn't sure how to completely forgive Misty and when it'll be a good time to do so during the trip. The issue was soon dismissed when he received a text from Luke.

'This is a wake up text to Sleeping Beauty! Or should I get Misty to wake you up? A kiss from her would really brighten up your day ;3 Haha, JK, JK. On a serious note, if you already haven't eaten your breakfast, join us for lunch.'

Gary was not surprised by Luke's text. Putting two and two together, ever since Saturday, Luke and Derek have taken any given opportunities to tease him and Misty for their amusement. No wonder he was able to get along with them, the two have a twisted sense of humor much like his.

'Just got done with breakfast a bit ago, thanks for the food. But I'll meet up with you two after lunch though. Send me a ring.'

Moments later, Gary received a text back from Luke with an 'ok' followed by another taunt. Deciding not to retaliate, he closed out Luke's text and stared at his standard black background. Feeling anew, he decided to change his background and knew exactly what he wanted. A picture he had taken of Misty sleeping with Umbreon sometime two weeks ago; because he thought she was adorable.

Gary's triumph feeling of capturing eight more Pokémon in addition to his eleven of yesterday was shorten by Luke's call. 'Now, don't freak out' and followed by an unsettling pause isn't anybody's ideal start of a phone call. With a dragged out 'uhh' from Luke, his patience was definitely being tested.

"—Would you come out and say it already?"

"Mickey and Ash, we think they're actually missing. They never returned back to the cabin this morning, nor made it for breakfast. We thought it was a fluke but they're didn't make it for lunch either. Then we asked around and nobody has seen the two since last night's dinner. We're still at the main cabin. Meet us there and we'll do a search party?"

"No. We can't waste any more time." Gary replied 'calmly' at the news. But if the guys saw how pale he went, they wouldn't have believed the calmness. "I'm near Area Two's entrance, so I'll search our area. You and Derek take Area One and is Richie nearby?"

"Roger and no sight of Richie."

"Ok, I'll call him than. We'll call one another once one of us finds the two misfortunes." Gary had ended the call with Luke the second he received another 'roger', as he quickly called Richie. And within seconds, he received Richie's usual taunt greeting of whenever he calls him once in a blue moon. "Richie, there's no time for jokes. I'm going to make this quick. I need your assistance. Mickey and Ash are missing and I need you to search Area Three. I already got Luke and Derek searching Area One and I got our area."

"Whoa, slow down. When did those two went missing?"

"Sometime after last night's dinner, just call me the moment you find those two."

"Alright, I'll inform the others to do a party search as well." Richie received a hasty 'kay, thanks' before Gary ended the call between the two, as snicker escaped. "I see Mickey got his miracle."

After abruptly hanging up on Richie, Gary took off running towards Area Two to begin his search. Knowing how Misty is, and also Ash, a few possible worst case scenarios popped through his mind. Her well-being definitely became top priority. Getting flustered at the thought of Misty being in danger or badly hurt, the grudge he held for her was instantly gone.

** Sometime Later After the Party Search – Area Two – Inside the Cabin **

Upon their return, dropping Ash off onto his bed and Derek and Luke hogging Misty to themselves, Gary took the opportunity to take a quick shower and touch up his bandages. Finally stepping out from the bathroom, he shook his head at Misty finally being herself once again. This also meant leaving herself wide open to Derek's and Luke's sibling-like teasing and touching. Even though he knew they are doing it out of 'friendship', it still bugged him. Before anybody in the room could comprehend what just happened in a split second, Derek and Luke both received a hard blow to their arms.

"That's for all the teasing from earlier and last weekend." Gary said with a smirk and made his way to his bed; leaving Misty in between Derek and Luke. "But thanks."

Confusion was written all over Misty face when she shifted her gaze to the three guys around her. "I'm so confused at what just happen. Gary just punched you guys. Then spewing out nonsense and casually thanked you two. And now you two are just grinning?"

Derek ruffled up Misty's hair as he walked away. "It's a guy thing. Of course you won't get it."

Too occupied with Derek's comment, she didn't realize his ruffling up her hair had no effect. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"

Luke let out a snicker and also walked away from Misty. "Mickey, it's nothing that you need to worry your little head about. It's something between us three."

Before Misty could say anything else, Gary had gotten everyone's stare upon him by his curious look about. "Where's Ashy-Boy?"

Misty finally took notice that Ash was gone and looked over towards the cell phone table. "His cell is gone, so he must have stepped outside to call Richie. We volunteered him to try and get a hold of him."

"Gotcha." Gary replied sedately but caught Misty's famous indecisive stare. "What is it?"

"Can we talk in private, please?" Misty asked while pointing at the front door.

Gary got up from his bed and gesture to Misty to move along. "Lead the way."

The two head out the front door but since they didn't see any sight of Ash, Misty returned inside to ask Derek and Luke to relay a message to Ash that they will be back shortly and that all six of them need to go Pokémon fishing. Heading back outside to Gary, she just walked in whatever direction her feet decided to take her. With Gary distancing himself far behind, the walk to Area Two's fire-pit did a nerve wrecking number on her mind. It also didn't help that Gary had decided to sit on a log away from where she sat. Idle chit chats was made to break the intense but after only receiving one or two words response from Gary, she started to worry about how steady things were between them. The dillydallying stopped when she got up and sat down right next to Gary.

"Are we really ok?"

Gary turned and stared questionably at Misty. "Yeah? Why you asked?"

"Maybe because the make up between us just happened so fast and we're acting like the last five hell-ish days never happened. Shouldn't we discuss or clear up the tension that happened between us?

Gary returned his gaze back to the vacant fire-pit. "What is there really to discuss about? The damage is done and now in the past. It's not like we can rewind and do things differently—"

Misty despairingly grabbed at Gary's sleeve for his attention, but had her stare at the ground. "I'm sorry. It was an honest mistake, I blabbed in the heat of the moment," Misty looked up to see Gary's calm stare upon her. "I should have told you the truth. I guess I was too afraid of telling you because you'll be mad at me."

"And somehow you thought of not telling me is better? Obviously that path turned out unruly don't you think?"

Giving Gary the biggest pouty stare, she still managed to be spitfire. "Is this your way of rubbing it in my face on my stupidity?!"

"You can put that way—OWW!" Gary rubbed his left bicep where Misty had suddenly slapped hard at. "What was that for?!" Gary asked piercingly but became distracted when Misty looked back at the ground and started fidgeting uncontrollably.

"I can take your yelling, I can take your grueling demands and I can even take your beatings. But I can't take the fact of you not wanting to be friends anymore." Misty said frantically and started breathing irregularly; still staring at the ground. "That was the cruelest thing you have ever done. So please, don't ever do that to me again." Misty finally looked up at Gary with tears running down her cheeks.

A bit taken aback at the tears, he didn't realize how much pain his actions and words had caused. And before he knew it, his body moved on its own and pulled Misty into his arms. "I'm sorry. Could you stop those tears? In a situation like this, I honestly don't know what to say or do. I'm sorry that I overreacted, ok? You know how much of an asshole I can be when I lose my temper. It's just, you were the last person I wanted my trust betrayed."

Managing to recompose herself, Misty tightens her hold around Gary. "I know, I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"

Gary pulled away and ruffled at the top of Misty's head with a smile. "If I hadn't, we wouldn't be talking right now, right?"

Seeing the smile and receiving the head pat, Misty grasped something she wasn't fully aware until now. But she needed a second opinion before completely acknowledging it. Until then, she decided to make up for lost time. Wiping the remaining tears off her cheeks, she turned her body to be side by side to Gary's and spontaneously rested her head on his shoulder. "Can we stay like this for a bit? I have a feeling I look way worse than my cliff fall. And I can't show my face to the guys just yet."

"Sure, whatever you want, Goober."

While the two cherished their moment of silent together, they never felt an onlooker's presence from afar. Ash had finished an in-depth conversation with Richie moments ago and was going to head back from the trail he was on. However, he stopped in his tracks when he saw Gary pulled Mickey into a hug. Next thing he knew it, he was mindlessly staring at Gary's and Mickey's back view. Still shocked at what's in front of him, he forced his body to head back to the cabin to meet up with Richie, Derek and Luke.

About half hour later, Gary and Mickey walked through the cabin's door to a warm welcoming back from the gang, more bombarded by Richie though. To make up for earlier, he did his usual teasing antics but ended on a good note by patting Mickey's head.

"Gary's right, you're such a goober. Only you—" Richie stopped when he saw the sudden dumbfound expression on Mickey's face. "What's with the expression, Mickey?"

Misty did not reply back, just simply walked away, leaving the gang mystified as they watched him grab one of his bags and then disappeared into the bathroom. Everyone eyed Gary for answers but received a shrug before he headed towards his bed. Pulling his duffel bag from underneath the bed, he grabbed a change of clothing for the fishing agenda Misty decided spring upon them. While in the mist of changing, Gary commanded the guys to get change themselves and get ready. Being told in a harsh tone, everyone did as they were told within seconds. Timing couldn't be better when Misty stepped out from the bathroom in a new outfit suitable for fishing, as well everyone. Surprised that everyone was actually on the bandwagon of fishing, Misty couldn't hold in her excitement and quickly ran to her bed and putted out a tackle-box from underneath. Within seconds each one of them received an item, tissue wrapped with their initial on it, onto their hand. Explaining it's something 'he' made for them sometime after finding out they were going to the Safari Zone. Practically simultaneously unwrapping their gift, each one revealed a personal handmade fishing lure in the shape of their Pokémon partner. The compliments and gratitude was music to Misty's ears but as much as she would love to keep on hearing them, she just wanted to get their first Safari social gathering started. But before doing so, Misty grabbed a few of her fishing lures and pulled out some Safari Balls from her bag and handed them to Ash.

"What are these for, Mickey?" Ash asked with a raised brow.

"I'm replacing the Safari Balls that you wasted last night during our bug mishap." Misty shuddered but slowly strolled backwards towards the front door. "Now, can we get going? I got zero Pokémon capture under my name. If a shiny Jigglypuff isn't going to be my first capture, than it's going to be twenty-ish water Pokémon to make it up."

"Are you going to be able to capture that many?" Ash asked, while hobbling his way towards his bed stand to grab a crutch that Richie borrowed from the main cabin.

"How dare you insult me like that? I'm going to make you eat those words, Ashy-Boy." Misty gave Ash a declaration-war look. She soon disappeared onto the other side of the door after grabbing one of the fishing rods they all checked out from the main cabin since day one.

Ash blinked in confusion, not sure what just happened. "Is it a good or bad sign that I got addressed as Ashy-Boy?"

Gary snickered when he, Derek and Luke walked passed him. "I don't know. But I can't wait to see the look on your face when he proves you wrong."

"Man, where the hell did all the love go?" Ash asked cynically, while the guys just chuckled and headed out the door with their fishing rods.

Richie patted Ash's back as a picker upper. "Oh it's still there. It's just tough love Ashy, tough love." Grabbing a hold of his and Ash's stuff, he held the door open. "Come on, let's lock up and see if we catch up with them with that injured ankle of yours."

** Area Two – Nearby Pond **

Ash hid his face in shame when Mickey fished out his fourth Seaking, making it his twentieth catch within the hour frame they've been fishing. He should have known it's impossible to stop Mickey's determination when it's set in motion. Even though everyone's about five to ten feet apart, mockery and laughter were exchanged amongst them when he disclosed on Mickey's success. Asking what he planned on doing with all the multiple catches of Magikarps, Goldeens, Seakings and Poliwags, he received a captivating smile first. Getting his answer of them being transferred to Cerulean's gym aquarium, he returned his attention back to his fishing rod.

"How is it that you managed to snag twenty catches, while the rest of us barely hit twenty ourselves combined? We all have the same fishing rod and lure, right?"

Misty looked away from her fishing line and lure and gave Ash with a smirk. "Yes, we all have the same. Your guys' lure are made out of the best materials stores can supply. You guys did manage a good number for yourselves though. As for me, it's kind of hard to explain, it's all about the technique movement on luring them in? Besides, I've been doing this since I was little." Misty continued on her switch-a-roo onto a different lure. Getting up onto her feet and with all her might, she flung her line and lure back into the pond. "Annd I was using my dad's lucky lure."

"Isn't that somewhat cheating?" Richie called Mickey out when he sat back down on the grass.

"Nope! It's more like, my dad's by my side." Misty playfully stuck out her tongue in Richie's direction; also Gary's, Derek's and Luke's too. But she quickly returned her attention towards her fishing rod when Gary had glanced over at her. 'Ok, no time for distraction. You need to focus…'

Focus was what she did for the next ten minutes and it had paid off. An irregular tugged caught her attention as she tried to reel it in. Having a tougher time than all her other catches, Misty stood up for it, as it caught the rest of the gang's attention. And before they all knew it, Mickey was yanked into the pond. Popping its head up surface for a brief second to spit Misty's lure and disappeared, it was revealed to everyone that a Slowpoke was the cause of the mishap. Finally emerging from under waters, next to the floating rod, Misty was peeved, especially upon hearing the loud laughter.

"I just got out smarted by a Slowpoke!"

"That was priceless!" Richie shouted, reeling in his line.

Derek did the same and placed down the rod at his feet. "You win some, you lose some, Mickey!"

"Well, it's time to change up the scenery." Luke already had his fishing rod put away when Misty got pulled in, as he then suddenly stripped everything off but his swim trunks. Ignoring the guys' questioning stare, he jumped into the pond and swam towards Misty. "Come and join us! The water's fantastic!"

It wasn't long after that Richie and Derek joined in the impromptu of the swimming. Since it's a rare occasion, Misty took this opportunity and swan until her heart was content, or when it was time to leave for dinner. Still at shore, as much as he wanted to join in on the fun, but with the new wrapped bandages around his ankle, Ash decided to stay in his spot. Observing the team up water fight with Mickey and Richie verses Derek and Luke, he didn't notice Gary sat down beside him until he heard a 'geez'.

"—You still have that pitiful expression since we were kids."

"And you still have that snotty attitude. What? You're too good to jump in?"

"Nope, would have also jumped in. But I decided to keep your sorry ass company," Gary looked over at Ash with a smirk. "But if you want, I can leave you be by your lonesome self?"

Ash snarled at Gary and looked straight ahead at the rest of the gang. "Do whatever you want."

Another Gary's famous snicker escaped, as he stayed put and looked straight ahead. "Don't I always?"

"And always the last word in."

"Yup."

Ash couldn't help but chuckle and just kept quiet. He knew he wasn't going to win the battle. The silent between the two lasted for about ten minutes until Gary broke it, but still had his stare at the pond.

"—When did you realize that you were in love with my sister?"

Taken aback at the question that came out of nowhere, Ash uncertainly looked over at Gary. "Uhh, I don't know? Over the years I guess. More so sometime after you left? How and why did this come about?"

Gary didn't budge from his position. Comfortable with his chin rested in his right palm and elbow rested on top of his right knee, the only thing he planned on moving were his lips. "Just curious, because I knew back in the days you had a huge crush on May. You were going through the typical crush on your best friend sibling phase. I thought it was temporary. Boy, you sure proved me wrong."

"Heh," Ash joined Gary's gazing at the group once again. "Since you knew, was it ever a problem?"

"Surprisingly, no. And as crazy as it sounds, if our circumstances were different, I wouldn't have mind you being my brother-in-law if it came down to it."

Ash still looked straight ahead, as a chuckle escaped. "Are we seriously having a What If, conversation?"

"Yes, we are. Only because we both know it won't happen, Ashy-Boy."

"Ouch. What a low blow, Gary." Ash said sneeringly.

"I knew you would pick up the gist of it." Gary said comically with a tiny smirk. "Even though there's no chance in hell, do you still have feelings for May?"

Even though he was stumped to death by Gary's personal questions, he was still willing to answer. Only because it wasn't an 'everyday thing' where Gary voluntarily strikes up the conversations. "It may not be as fixated as before but I do still have feelings for May. I just can't throw away many years of harbored feelings overboard and act like it never existed. We still talk like normal and as the days goes by, I'm well aware that my infatuation has lessen. And I'm ok with that." Exhaling the longest sigh, one could have done, Ash's stare focused solely on Mickey. "Honestly speaking, I think it's because my wandering-affections is aimed at another, or two."

Gary clearly heard the hesitation in Ash's tone when he said 'or two'. Assuming it's a subject he's unclear himself, he decided not to prey on it. "I see."

Silent quickly fell upon them and continued on for another ten minute. The ice was broken with chuckles when they observed a Psyduck had randomly swum up and interrupted the gang's swimming session. Psyduck's playful larks, it got Ash to thinking of Misty as he looked over at Gary.

"So, is there anybody that you like at the moment?"

Gary finally broke away from his gaze from the group and stared at Ash. A malicious smile crept upon his face. "It's none of your goddamn business, Ashy-Boy."

"What the hell, Gary? I answered your questions and you're not going to answer mine?"

"Not my fault that you decided to answer my questions. You could have blown me off and I would have been fine."

Ash couldn't believe he got duped, much like in the olden days. "Still a sneaky Raticate, I see."

"I'm ruthless like that." Gary said smugly and got up onto his feet. Taking a quick glance at the front surface of his phone for the time, he needed to be the referee. "It's time to break it up! If you guys want to make it in time for dinner, get your asses back on land!"

Misty, Richie, Derek and Luke instantly stopped in their water frolicking when they heard Gary's shout, and no longer paid attention towards Psyduck. This displeased Psyduck, as the ducky quaked for attention. But with failed result, lead Psyduck to use desperate measures, as a Hydro Pump was shot towards Mickey's direction. Luckily Richie saw the pre-movements beforehand and pulled Mickey into his arms to be out of harm's way. Richie's tight hold was quickly loosened when Derek and Luke managed to shoo Psyduck away and when Mickey gave him his gratitude. While the rest started swimming back to shore, Richie stayed behind and stared in Mickey's direction in disbelief. His lingering suspicion about Mickey and Misty being the same persona has come to a closure. If there's one thing he's certain and bet his life on it, it's definitely the fact he tell when it's a female's physique, especially after being pressed against his. News like this, he would badger the truth out of 'Mickey' instantly. However from what he has observed as of lately with Ash and Gary, involving 'Mickey', confronting the truth with 'him' had to wait. Discussion with Ash and Gary about Mickey's identity was top priority. Who to confront it with first, Richie hasn't had the slightest clue. But for now, he decided to act like the 'discovery' had never crossed his mind.

Getting close to a quarter 'til six, everyone but Misty was ready to head out from their cabin to the café lounge. Still in her damp clothing; on the opposite side from everyone's questioning stares, the question of 'what's the holdup' was asked. Replying back that they should head on out without 'him' and 'he'll' caught up in a bit, alerted Gary's responsiveness as he walked up to Misty.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah? Why you asked?"

"You've been acting a bit more unusual. This doesn't have to do anything about your dad is it?"

Misty had lightly tilting her head with a raised bow. "Uhh, no? Why would you think that?"

"It's just this is the first time you mention about any of your parents beside our episode during the beginning of our relationship."

"Haha, nooo it's not. Trust me, fishing is the one thing that always put me in a good mood because I have great memories with my dad. But umm," Misty then waved Gary to get closer down to her face for a whispering conversation. "Honestly, I want some privacy. I'm overdue for a shower with what I've been through in the last couple of days. And with algae in the hair, is definitely the last straw to being downright dirty. Like, eww." Misty laughed at her sister's imitation but instantly shuddered at the thought of algae.

Catching Misty's 'drift', a smile appeared on his face. "Such a Goober. Make sure you lock the door once we leave."

"Roger that!" Misty than leaned over to look over at the rest of the gang and waved. "I'll see you guys in a bit!"

Ash subconsciously waved but had a raised eyebrow. "Still not coming with us?"

"Leave him be. The Goober needs to take a shower and doesn't want to hold us back. And for once I'm actually starving, so let's get going." Gary commented and gestured at the door.

Everyone knows when sets his mind on something, it's just best not to question it again. It wasn't long before everyone was out the door for Misty to lock up. Knowing the coast is clear; she snagged her phone and suitcase and headed straight to the bathroom. Stripping down to her binding bandages and panty, Misty decided to send a text to Duplica now. Because by the time she is done and out from her shower, Duplica will be done with her rehearsal and reply back to her current new situation. But in such a hurry to get into the shower, she had hastily open her text inbox and accidentally tapped Ash's thread box; located right underneath Duplica's and starting typing away. Content with her 'straight to the point' sent text; she quickly placed down her phone on the sink counter and continued on her merrily little way.

Sometime later, a little after six at the café lounge, Ash finally pulled his cell out to check his unread text from Mickey, when he sat down with his tray of food. For some reason he felt a little anxious about the text and anxious was an understatement at what he read.

'SOS. I think I'm falling for someone I shouldn't be.'

Meanwhile back at Cabin Two's bathroom, Misty woozily just got done binding her chest with new bandage wraps when she heard her text alert went off. Expecting Duplica's tune alert, she was curious what Ash had to send her.

'Umm, was that text supposed to be meant for me? If so, I'm not sure how much advice I can give you. You've never mention any love interest, so kind of news to me.'

Realizing that she sent the text to the wrong person, she freaked out. Cursing at herself for making a stupid mistake, she managed to calm down and recollect her thoughts for a reply.

'Please disregard the last text. That was definitely meant for someone else. Sorry.'

Simple and truthful the path she had chosen. She was definitely tired of adding more lies to hers and Ash's relationship. So if Ash still plans on badgering more about it, she planned on being cut throat and tell him off if she had to. If she didn't realize her possible feelings towards Gary after rekindling their friendship, things would have been dealt differently. Bad enough, her body's temperature already on the fritz after her shower, her stomach started turning thanks to her new dilemma. Luckily the received text from Ash was just a simple 'ok', but promptly became mindless when she continued getting dress. So out of her mind, she never text Duplica and left the cabin with only her phone and the bag of all her used and unused Safari Balls. Half way of her walk, hunger and dehydration caught up with her, as she hit her. Not sure when the last time she had some fluid in her, she subconsciously reached down towards her bag, only to finally realized she left her water, food and material bag back at the cabin. Kicking the ground in frustration, she forced herself to pick up the pace. Only soon to be thrown off track when she saw the shiny Jigglypuff popped from a bush onto the trail she's on. The chances of the shiny Jigglypuff popping up right in front of her was pretty rare and she knew well of it and wasn't going to missed out on the chance. Stealthy creeping up on it, and pulling out her marked Safari Balls, she had to rely on one the few Poliwags to help aid her capture. While doing so, the shiny Jigglypuff caught Misty's presence and took off running back from the bush it came from. Misty follow suit and disappeared through the bushes and into one of the hidden forest trails. The chase went on for a good thirty minutes before she stopped and gave up on her capture. It wasn't because she had lost the fairy-balloon Pokémon; she ran with all her might to make sure to keep right behind it. Witnessing the shiny Jigglypuff standing fierce and protecting its mate and two Iggypuff is what caused her to retreat. The thought of breaking up a family for one's own selfishness was just too cruel. With no desire to capture the shiny Jigglypuff anymore, all was left to do is meet up with the guys and gloat what she had witness.

It was about seven o' clock by the time Mickey finally joined up with the rest of the gang at the café lounge. In most situations, a fashionably late entrance always usually ends up being a big bang and Mickey definitely proved it. The second she wandered through the doors and was greet by Richie from afar, her body shut down and fainted to the marble floors. After Richie's concern shout of Mickey's name, the rest of the gang and as well the rest of the classmates; that were still in the café, all rushed over to Mickey. Wally being the closest to aid Mickey, he had reached down to at least turn him over but got yelled at by Gary. Startled by Gary's outburst of 'don't touch him', Wally stepped away and let Gary took over.

Carefully turning Misty over, Gary noticed a few signs of dehydration and called out for a bottle of water. Upon receiving the water bottle, he positioned Misty in a 120 degree angle in his arms, as he slowly tried to pour the water into her mouth. Most of the water was slipping down both sides of her cheeks. May it be because Gary couldn't get her mouth to open wide enough, or the fact his hand was shaky, but he knew he had to find a better way to get water into Misty's system. In mere seconds, he found a way that will surely cause an uproar and crap taking from Matt and his friends. In a situation like this he didn't give a damn, as he took a swig from the water bottle and a mouth-to-mouth water transfer happened. This continued a couple more times before Misty abruptly coughed up the excess amount of water. The word 'dad' and 'mom' were uttered before Misty fell into a slumber, holding tight to Gary's shirt. Ignoring the mummers around him, he picked up Misty into his arms and stared at the rest of the gang. After had told them they are taking 'Mickey' back to their cabin, Ash protested and demanded to go to the nurse's office instead. Giving Ash the most spiteful stare, a gritty 'no' escaped his lips. Ash no longer fought it when Derek, Luke and Richie also backed up Gary's solution. With four against one, he had no choice and go along with it. Gary with Misty tightly in bridal position soon left the mayhem. While Richie caused a big scene on trying to clear up the fiasco amongst the classmates and a few staff members, Derek and Luke did what they did best behind scene. They went to get a plate of food and try to sneak it back to the cabin for Mickey later. Since Ash had insisted on the nurse's office, he opted himself to go get some medicine and other supplies he thought might be needed. Gary's aloof-like action kept on replaying over and over, as it lead him to wonder if there was more to their relationship than meets the eyes.

Even though he had the toughest time unlocking the door, Gary's determination of not letting Misty go prevailed, as he quickly rushed to her bed to place her down. Cautiously taking off her jumpsuit jacket and shoes, he tucked her in. About to take a seat at the edge of Ash's bed, he froze in his spot when he heard a faint mumble from Misty. Mind being pretty cloudy, he had missed the beginning of her mumble of 'dad and mom'.

"—What should I do…I like Ash very…"

Hurt and anger circulated through his mind and body. Even in a condition like, she still managed to talk about his rival. Annoyed and clearly aware of his jealously, Gary walked away to get a damp wash cloth to cool her forehead. He should have stayed just a few more seconds.

"…Much. But Gary too…"

** FLASHBACK – Outskirts of Viridian Forest Parking Grounds **

Misty let go of Daisy's and Duke's hands when she saw her father and mother relieved faces and ran to them with open arms. After the eternity-like group hug from her parents, Misty quickly got picked up into her father's arm. And before giving her father a chance to say anything, she had a mountain of questions to ask.

"Daddy, you knew mommy was the one when you met her right? I want to know all about love!"

Poseidon was definitely taken aback at his daughter's questions and couldn't help but raised a brow. The little girl was just missing for hours and didn't seem traumatized by it. "You are eight years old. You are way too young to be talking about love. I thought I still got a few more years of you being my Little Mermaid Princess before someone takes you away."

Misty giggled and tightens her grip around the treasure box. "Too late, daddy!"

After mentioning to her husband, Daisy and Duke had to talk to the second in command park ranger; Jasmine giggled and looked at her daughter. "Like, what brought this up, Sweetie?"

"Let's just say I got saved by my future husband in this nasty forest!"

"Oh my, my dearest God of the Sea, it seems like, your Little Mermaid Princess found herself a prince."

"Not a prince, more like my knight in shining armor!"

Poseidon wanted to cry, he knew sooner or later he'll no longer be 'Daddy's Number One' in his precious daughters' hearts. He already had a gut feeling that his oldest daughter of fourteen, is going to be sweep away by Duke soon. Violet; age thirteen and Lily; age twelve, are at the stage of make up to impress their many, many crushes of no return. And now his baby girl, a sad sigh escaped when he looked over at his wife. "A little help here? Could you say something about this subject, please?"

"Sweetie, like, are you sure this little knight of yours is the one? Your father's right, you're like, a bit young to stress about this. Besides, there are like, more mermen in the sea before you decide your husband."

Misty heatedly nodded her head with a big smile, as she showed her parents the treasure box. "I'm certain. Because I have a gut feeling fate will connect us again with this treasure box. So can you guys give me some advice, please? Like, will it be easy or hard? What should I do when I see him again? And I doubt it, but what should I do if another comes into the picture?! Ahhh! So many questions I need answers to!"

Jasmine giggled and gave Poseidon an 'I tried' look, only to receive a scowling one in return. "Hey now, don't you give me that look! She's like, a splitting image of you! So she definitely got those romantic genes from your side!"

"My baby girl is growing up too fast." Poseidon said in a defeated tone, as he tightens his one arm hold around Misty over his right shoulders.

Jasmine placed a kiss on Misty's forehead before locking arms with her husband's free arm. "I promise we'll like, talk more when we return back home, Sweetie. So for now, be daddy's Little Tomboy-ish Mermaid Princess and talk about your guys' last fishing trip."

** END OF FLASHBACK – Present Time – Area Two – Inside the Cabin **

A few hours had past when Misty finally woken up from her fuzzy dream about her parents. Steadily pushing herself in an upright position, she quickly became aware of Ash's presence at the edge of his own bed. With his whole face rested in the palms of his hands, he wasn't aware that Mickey had awoken until he heard his name hoarsely being called out.

"—Where is everyone else at?"

"They have stepped out for a bit to cool down and also went to get more supplies for our cabin. It's my turn to watch over you. And besides, it's a bit hard for me to get the firewood supplies with my lame injury." Ash said lightheartedly at the situation.

"Oh. And Sorry. Don't know what all exactly happened for me to pass out like that," Misty paused to recollect what she could remember. But failed, and decided to move forward. "Sooo…I'm assuming Gary carried me back?"

"Yeah. He rushed you back when you fainted, twice."

"Oh, good." Misty let out a reassured expression; which got Ash all bothered. About to continue on her conversation, she got cut off by Ash's embrace. "Uhh Ash, I'm really ok. You don't have to worry about me. You need to sit back down, so that lame, ankle of yours can heal." Misty said kiddingly, as she felt Ash loosen his hold. And before anything else could have been said, her lips were covered by Ash's.

Ash slowly pulled away from Mickey's face only to see him shockingly cover his lips. But that wasn't going to stop him from what he planned on saying next. "Mickey, I think I like you."

A/N: (11/30/13) *insert nervous laugh here* So much FAIL of attempts of updating…Before my B-Day, we all knew it wasn't going to happen. On B-Day, I ended up catching a cold and slept most of the day away. Thanksgiving day, I ended up working. But at last, by the end of the month, ch35 is here XD

Anyways, once again sorry for the delay, totally ended up switching around/cutting out some of my plot-scenes but it was needed to start wrapping up AFL. And honestly I feel like it's rushed, so hopefully this chapter was good.

Thankies for the last reviews, ya all! And to those "Guests/others with no emails to reply back", thankies so muchies, still love hearing from ya ;3

If lucks on my side, another attempt at updating is by New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. Until than, much lovies and ta-ta for now!

Lili Neko