Chapter Two

Gary

3 years later

I sigh heavily into the phone; surely Leaf knows what she's talking about? I cradle the handset onto my left shoulder, as I switch reading between a tiny note that Gramps had left for Leaf's new report, and my old battered textbook on evolutions from my days at the Advanced Research Centre. My laptop is open, and I just got myself some freshly brewed black coffee. That reminds me, I must ask Leaf to bring home some of that wonderful roast coffee from The Ceylon Café in Unova.

"Are you sure?" she asks over the phone, almost pleading, "That there isn't anything new on Growlithe-Arcanine evolutions?"

"I'm sure." I say, trying to keep the exasperation out of my voice, momentarily distracted as a young Eevee creeps up my desk and settles atop a pile of books. She looks at me curiously, her dark eyes darting between the notepaper and the book.

I could hear her frustrated sigh across the line.

"But you know," I begin, "Gramps just left for Unova today, so you can probably ask him tomorrow!"

"He's here tomorrow?" she nearly shouts, her voice a couple of octaves higher, "Why didn't you just say this earlier?"

"You never asked." I grunted. Sometimes Leaf could really be annoying.

"Grumpy Gary" she says, and I frown. "Why didn't you come with him?"

"I've to speak with Professor Rowan tomorrow. I'm still a Pokémon Researcher, and need to finish up some supervised research before I begin my certification as a Professor."

"Wow. That's pretty young isn't it?"

"Well, I'm not the youngest to start this certification. But it is challenging."

"Who was the youngest?" she asks, "Professor Krane?"

"Willow"

"Now that's one Professor I'd love to work with" she says excitedly, and I can almost see her snickering on the other end, "naked."

"Leaf!"

"What? I'm a woman with needs!"

I clear my throat. Despite her frequent use of innuendos and double entendre, I still fail to recognize Leaf as a grown woman with those kinds of needs. In my head, it just sounds so wrong. Leaf is a child.

"Anyway, do you think I'm ready?"

"For the final run-off to become an official Pokémon Researcher?" I ask, chuckling "It isn't like you to be this nervous."

"Well, what if I've got a really crappy supervisor to be with?"

"Oh yeah, when's that out? I haven't received any news from the Academy."

"Juni says any time now." I laugh at her use of the nickname. Leaf and Professor Juniper have a really fun rapport. Both are serious while working, but fun and light-hearted around their Pokémon.

"Also," she asks, hesitantly, "How are you feeling about, you know…"

"The wedding?" I finish for her, "But that's months away."

"Yeah… well."

As I look at Eevee staring back at me, I smile, "I'm alright about it. I'm happy for Ash obviously, and I am sure they will be very happy together."

"Hélène says that it takes half the time you've been in love with someone to be able to get over them. So, you're six months ahead. I think that's why she's waiting for Grandpa Oak for another decade since your grandparents were together for 40 years."

I chuckle. Sometimes I wonder if Hélène actually makes these up, or if Leaf just uses Hélène to lend credence to her own ridiculous theories.

"I'm good, Leaf." I say, and I do feel good, relieved that I'm able to deal with it.

"So, you're not going to stand up and object when asked?"

To my own surprise (and Leaf's, I'm sure), I laugh. "No." I say, "I plan to relax the entire weekend, before I pack my bags to go wherever I'm supposed to go."

"Sinnoh" Leaf mumbles, sounding like she was eating something

"How do you know?" I ask, "And don't talk with your mouth full."

"Ugh. I mean, that's where all the research on legendary Pokémon happens right? Why would they allot you anywhere else?"

"I'm not sure." I say as Eevee finally decides to settle down on my lap and I begin to absent-mindedly stroke her soft fur. "I've worked with them before right? So, I'll probably be allotted somewhere new. Either way, I'll find out when I speak to Professor Rowan."

"Oooh!" Leaf screeches again, "Do you think I can hitch a ride back with Grandpa Oak?"

"He'll probably take you back with him anyway."

"That's set then." She says, and I hear ruffling of papers, "Alright, Gary I've got to get back else Juni's going to be mad."

Professor Juniper never gets mad, but I realise that she does have to get back. And so do I.

"I'm also heading to that Café you love so much. Do you want that freak roast coffee that they make?"

"Yes, please."

"Alright, Sir Oak. Smmeeeellll ya later!" I laugh before I hear a click on the other line.