Hey! Hey! Yes back again! I know I said I'd be leaving this alone for a while...But I just couldn't resist this! ^_^ May the Fluffiness/Adventure, ROCK ON! (Sorry I want to watch School of Rock! ^^) I hope you guys like it!

Chapter 5 The Journey (Finally) begins!

Leon hurried on towards Cherry Grove City, not looking back to see if Justin was following him, though he had a feeling the younger boy was right on his tail. Leon sighed as he slowed his pace slightly. 'Why the hell did he have to come now? Now Justin is going to ask questions about him, and then he'll hate me' Leon gulped, he didn't want that, Justin was the only real friend he'd ever had, he was scared of losing him.

'Jesus, I sound like a love sick girl, I DON'T like him in that way, he's my friend...' Leon lowered his head hiding a slight blush on his cheeks. 'What am I going to do? If I avoid it, I'm sure Justin is going to keep on questioning me until I snap... Great, now I sound like I've known him for years..." Leon shook his head and carried on walking he really didn't need to think about this right now...

"Leon! Leon wait!" Leon turned around slightly just managing to see Justin stumble out of the bushes after him, he was covered in leaves and muck and was panting he looked like he'd just been wrestling with a gang of Grimer's, Leon wanted to laugh at the cute but exhausted look on the younger boys face, but persisted not to. "What?" He just asked coolly instead.

Justin looked at him and sighed, resting his hands on his knees as he got his breath back. "Jeez your hard to catch up with, you could have waited for me you know" Leon blinked, he didn't expect that, in fact he'd half expected for Justin NOT to follow him. Justin sighed and shook his head before he smiled, as if reading Leon's mind. "What did you think I was gonna do Leon? Go in the opposite direction? I'm your friend remember? Whatever you and your dad have between you doesn't affect me, if that's what you're worrying about, good job my martial arts training helped you out though!" Leon blinked in surprise, but didn't say anything.

Justin sighed and straightened up "It's a good job I got my Cyndiquill to follow you or I would have lost you by now" Leon looked down and saw the little Cyndiquill hiding behind Justin's leg. "Cinda?" it asked meekly, looking up at Justin like a curious child would to its mother. Justin smiled and patted the small fire Pokemon on its head gently. "Don't be afraid, this is Leon, he's my friend" The Cyndiquill stared at Leon a little longer before it finally came from behind Justin's leg. "Cyndiquill?" it seemed to ask, while cocking its small head to one side, then surprising both Leon and Justin Cyndiquill wrapped Leon's leg in a hug.

Leon tried not to laugh, really he did, but he couldn't help it, but it came out and Justin joined him. "I think he likes you" The younger boy said once he'd calmed down enough to speak "What about your Pokemon?" Leon stropped laughing and sighed, he hadn't even seen his Pokemon, Totodile, and the appearance of his father had made him forget all about it. "I haven't seen it." Justin nodded in understanding as Leon took the lone Pokeball from his belt before he opened it. The Totodile blinked, took one look at Leon before leaping into his arms "TOTODILE!" The small water Pokemon cried while Leon looked bewildered, Justin was trying very hard not to crack up laughing.

Leon looked down at the small Pokemon who seemed to grin toothily at him, Leon smiled nervously, not sure what to do; he'd never had to look after a virtually wild Totodile before. He decided to truest his instincts, and stroked the small Pokemon's head gently, which made the water Pokemon close its eyes in bliss.

Justin watched I awe; even though Leon had been through a lot of hardship and pain, he still had gentleness, and innocence within him, this part of Leon you hardly ever saw, he usually kept it hidden behind a mask he wore; it seemed the only thing that could bring him out of it, were Pokemon. 'He's great with Pokemon, he has a real natural ability, It's like all Pokemon are drawn to him in some way...maybe like I am' Justin blushed a little at the last part of his sentence, but managed to force it down as Leon looked up at him; a small, but happy smile on his face.

"I think she likes me" Justin laughed and stroked the Totodile's head gently, while the water Pokemon purred gently, before Leon put her down next to Cyndiquill. The two Pokemon looked at one another for a little while, walking curiously around one another, before that started a game of tag. Justin grinned at Leon who was trying very hard not to smile himself. "I think they need names, how about Blaze for Cyndiquill?" Leon nodded in approval "Sounds good, what about my hyper Pokemon over there, what name am I to give it? It's absolutely manic!"

At that moment those words were spoken, Totodile stopped playing tag and jumped back into Leon's arms so fast he nearly fell over. The water Pokemon was hugging Leon tightly and staring at him with big hopeful eyes. "What? You...You WANT to be called Manic?" The Totodile nodded and started jumping about again, this time on Leon's head. "Okay! Okay! Manic it is!" Leon cried in amusement, while trying to catch the water Pokemon that was currently hopping from Leon's head to Justin's while the younger boy was trying to catch Blaze and failing.

Leon had finally had enough and leapt for Totodile...

...And missed completely; Instead, he landed on top of Justin, both whom collapsed in a heap. "Owwwww" Justin moaned, not sure what had hit him before he looked up and into Leon's stormy grey eyes. Justin swore he stopped breathing as they both stared at one another Leon in surprise and Justin in shock. "Grr Manic!" Leon growled out playfully, as he looked away from Justin's face and to his Pokemon who was currently laughing its tiny head off in hysterics, Blaze was rolling on the floor it little legs kicking at the air as it giggled.

Leon sighed getting up of Justin, almost reluctantly and picking up his hysterical Pokemon. "Oh yes...very funny" Leon said while tickling the Pokemon's tummy, making the little Pokemon squeal even more. Justin sat up and grabbed Blaze and stroked him. "Leon I think we should move on" Leon nodded letting his Pokemon escape from his grasp, then held out his hand for Justin to take, Justin did instantly and was pulled to his feet, a tingle, like bolt of electricity ran through his arm. 'Weird...what the heck just happened?'

Justin just stared at his arm for a second, and then to Leon, but Leon was already picking up his backpack and walking towards the path, Manic hoping around on his shoulder. Then Leon turned back to Justin, a weird half smile on his face. "Well are you coming?"

Justin blinked and laughed, grabbing his own pack and stooping low to grab Blaze as he ran to Leon. "Of course! I'm going to be the best" Leon nodded and grinned, thinking how strange it all seemed; he'd only known Justin for about and hour and already he couldn't stop grinning and laughing. 'Must be infectious...I like it' Leon grinned wider and nudged Justin who turned to face him, but he'd gone, he was streaking down the path towards Cherrygrove.

Justin gave a cry of outrage and chased after him. "Hey.that's ...cheating!" Justin gasped as he managed to catch up with Leon.' Wow he can run fast, but I'll beat him!...wait a second! When did I become so confident and competitive? I must get it off Leon...I like it' Justin grinned at that thought and ran alongside Leon a little longer, and then the two skidded to a halt. There it was, Cherrygrove City. Leon knew that it was the same boring town he had passed when he met Eddy...but in the sunset it looked like a glowing city made of gold. "Wow..." breathed Justin as he marvelled at the sight. "I think I could stand here all day"

Leon nodded then stopped as he stared at Justin's face, the sunset made Justin's pale face almost glow...Leon had to resist the urge to stroke one of Justin's cheeks. 'GOD DAMNED IT! STOP THINKING THAT! This is serious, do I...Do I like Justin like...Like THAT???' Leon nodded absentmindedly at Justin's comment as he pondered his own question. 'Grr...This is difficult...'

/I bet it is Hun, but admit it, you do LIKE him like that/

'What the? Who are you?'

/Your conscience Hun, we need to talk, we haven't spoken in a LONG time/

'Oh great this is all I need...I'm talking to myself now!'

/Yep! But you need this, there's a definite chemistry between you and Justin!/

'Shut up, go away! Justin is my friend, that's all'

/Uh huh? SUUUUURRREEE! That's why you wanted to touch his face right? Yeah just friends.../

'What is that supposed to mean?'

/Hun you work together! They do say opposites attract, every time your around him you can't help but like him, you can't stop thinking about him, and he REALLY likes you!/

'How do you know?'

/I have my ways my dear boy, in time you'll see/

Leon blinked as the voice in his head shut itself off and disappeared, Justin was still staring at the sunset as it sunk lower and lower behind the hill. "Justin, come on We've got to go..." Justin blinked and nodded turning back towards the path Cyndiquill snoozing on his shoulder. "Lets go" As soon as Leon and Justin entered Cherrygrove, Eddy approached them "Hello Leon, and who's this?" Leon looked to Justin and smiled in humour. "This is Justin, he's new here"

Before Justin could protest Eddy had grabbed the younger boy by the arm and started giving him a tour of Cherrygrove. Leon snickered and headed towards the Pokemon centre. While Manic gave him a confused look. "Don't worry he'll be back he's just had to go somewhere that's all"

Leon had booked a room in the Pokemon centre for the two of them, and had left Manic in the care room with Nurse Joy and now all Leon had to do was wait for Justin. Leon was sat watching TV when he heard a door slam and knew Justin had finally arrived. Leon looked up form the TV, just as Justin entered their room, looking ready to kill.

"You!" Justin gasped pointing an accusing finger at him while Leon tried hard not to laugh, Justin was bright red, it seemed he'd had to leg it when the old man wasn't looking. "Me? What could I have possibly done wrong this time?" Leon asked lightly while stretching his arms lazily and leaning back on the chair. Justin growled and grabbed a pillow from one of the beds and whacked Leon over the head with it, knocking Leon off the chair.

"He-" Leon started before he was whacked in the face again, Leon managed to grab the younger boys arm with the pillow to stop him, then he got a pillow of his own and hit Justin in the stomach. "Ha!...Revenge, is so sweet..." Leon smirked as Justin stood rubbing his stomach and glaring at him. "Why did you do that!" Justin growled before pouncing on Leon and pinning him to the floor.

"Which part? Me handing you over to Eddy or me hitting you in the stomach?" Leon smirked all the while enjoying the feeling of Justin on top of him. 'Oh crap I shouldn't like this...oh shit! Was my conscience right?'

/I told you so! / Leon's conscience cried triumphantly in his head.

'Oh please can you not hide in a corner and die?'

/Err lets see.NO I'm you stupid! But I told you! You fancy him!/ Leon struggled to get out of Justin's grip at this point but Justin refused to budge, the younger boy had a good grip and was staring at Leon strangely.

'But, it's not right! Boys are meant to go out with other girls! Not the same sex!'

/Oh tish tosh! Love is for everyone! It holds no gender Hun! You can love the same sex, there nothing wrong with it, people just have a hard time adapting to that!/

Leon tried to ignore what his conscience was saying, but it wouldn't go away. 'Please go away your not helping me!'

/Oh alright! But you WILL be hearing from me again/ Leon sighed in relief as the voice disappeared, then gulped again, Justin's face was inching closer and closer to his. Their lips were mere centimetres from each other when the door opened.

"Oh! I'm sorry..." Both Leon and Justin pulled away and looked up, Justin with a strange blush on his face. A girl about the same age as them had walked in a shocked expression on her face. "I'm really sorry" She muttered lowering her head slightly, her jade green hair covering her blue eyes. Justin sighed and got up of Leon carefully and shook his head.

"Nah you don't have to be, it's not your fault, I was just punishing my 'friend' here for sending me to that tour guy Eddy" The girl giggled as Leon got up off the floor, a pang of jealousy going through him, as Justin introduced himself and Leon, Leon stayed away, ignoring the girl, for some reason he didn't like her. "I'm Alexis but everyone calls me Lex"

Justin smiled at her and shook her hand. "Are you a new trainer too?" Lex nodded enthusiastically and produced her Poke ball. "Yeah me and my brother, we both started out today but he's left without me" Lex sighed sadly. "My brother doesn't like me much" Justin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and Leon had to force him self not to growl. 'Okay calm down! We don't even know her it doesn't matter right?'

"Well don't worry, you can journey with us we'll be your friends and maybe we can find your brother! Hey Leon what do you say?" Lex turned to him a grin on her face and winked at him, as if she knew exactly what he was going through. Leon blinked and shrugged. "Sure why not?" Justin grinned and sat next to Leon who sighed.

"Alright then we'll go together! Do you wanna stay in our room? I heard Nurse Joy had almost fully booked" Lex nodded, and then stopped frowning as she looked around the room. "But there's only two beds, where am I gonna sleep?" Justin smiled nervously and looked at Leon. "Its okay if we share a bed right Leon?" Leon blinked in surprise and nodded almost automatically.

Lex grinned and winked at Leon again. "Great! Thanks guys" Lex yawned and stretched as she dumped her red backpack on the floor. Then she rummaged in it for her pyjamas, and then headed to the bathroom, without another word. Justin turned to Leon.

"She seems nice enough, what do you think about her Leon?" Leon didn't answer, he just shrugged before he turned and started to strip for bed, and making sure Justin couldn't see the old scars on his back, while Justin nearly had a nosebleed. 'JESUS! He's really hot...Ack! Not again! Okay he's just another guy it's nothing, hell you're sharing a BED with him, piece of cake!'

Justin was still blushing as he to began to strip for bed, then it as Leon's turn to blush. 'God you wouldn't think he had such a hot body... must be all his martial arts training...' Leon pushed this thought away, glad his cognisance hadn't come to tease him again.

Just as the two had finished changing, still traces of a blush on there cheeks, Lex came through wearing green pyjamas and a smile on her face. "Thanks for this, Justin was it? And you to Leon, night guys" Justin smiled as he got into the bed, and Leon followed suit. "Night Lex, night Leon" Justin yawned as he turned off the light. ".night" Leon muttered turning over to face the wall.

After a few minutes Leon knew that Lex was fast asleep, her breathing was slow and heavy. Leon turned over to come face to face with Justin, who was still wide awake. "Can't sleep either?" Justin whispered a small smile on his face. Leon shook his head and sighed. "I don't know why" The elder boy sighed 'Yes I do, it's the fact that your so damned hot, and that girl 'Alexis' is making me jealous' Leon added mentally.

Justin sighed and snuggled deeper into the covers "Well we have to try, I want to get up early and catch some Pokemon!" Leon smiled and nodded shutting his eyes, but not being able to sleep at all. Within 10 minutes Justin was in a deep sleep, Leon opened his eyes and smiled. 'Your so pretty Justin, I know what your name means, and you are an Angel, you're my angel...' Without thinking Leon reached out and stroked Justin's cheek gently with a pale fingertip. Justin unconsciously moved into the touch, rubbing his face into Leon's hand,

Leon smiled nervously, before he withdrew his hand, Justin moaning in anguish before settling down again. "Goodnight my angel" Leon wrapped an arm around Justin's waist before he closed his eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep.

In the other bed across the room, Lex grinned in her sleep...

~*~

YAY! Done! You guys like? You like Alexis? Hope you do coz she has a BIG secret that no one knows yet! ^^ I loved doing this! ^_^

Jen: Ugh! Someone pass me a sick bag PLEASE! *Looks sick*

Me: Shut it! *Glares*

Mai-Chan: YAY! CUTE BISHI'S!!!! *Cuddles Sephiroth Plushie*

Me: Hey Mai, where'd you get the Sephy Plushie? *Looks suspicious*

Mai-Chan: Err...*Gulps* from your secret cupboard stash?

Me:.WHAT!!! Mia-CHAN!!!!! *Jen and Mai-Chan wince*

Mai-Chan: Erm.oops? Gotta go! *Runs*

Me: Grrrrrrrr MIA CHAN GIMMIE MY SEPH PLUSHIE BACK RIGHT NOW!!! *Chases after her*

Jen: *Sigh* Happens every time, R&R people you know you want to! Bye!