Howdy to all you amazing people! I have returned with yet another fun filled chapter! I am surprised at how fast I am writing these, already on chapter Seven, I can't believe it.

As for the plot in this chapter, it is Gary returning home to find Ash all worried over him. Will Ash actually confess that he likes him a bit more than a friend? Find out!

Anyway, I don't really have much else to say apart from thank you for reviewing! I love you guys!

Chapter Seven: Here I am, still tangled up in you

I held the receiver of the phone close to my ear with bated breath. It had took a lot of effort to muster the courage to actually confess to Brock about the whole 'dream sex' thing, even though I still had not told him yet. There was an uncomfortable pause on the other end.

"What is it that you wanted to tell me Ash?" He asked, his voice sounding sincere as always.

I bit into my lip, the receiver shuddering in my quaking hands.

Was this the right thing to do? I knew that Brock was not one to judge, but still, confessing something like this still seemed morally wrong.

"Well... I..." I started, feeling a lump congeal in my throat.

"Yes?" He pursued, trying to edge me onwards to tell him.

Closing my eyes I tried to steady my nerves. It wasn't like Gary was watching me or listening in the conversation, but still, it was unsettling.

"I had..." I tried, still failing to find those words I longed to express. Whilst fighting myself to spill out my emotions I heard Brock say with a quiet voice;

"...you had sex?"

Jumping up in shock I bellowed;

"NO NO! No... nothing like that!"

I heard him chuckle on the other end of the phone and my face just started to burn furiously.

Now, it was not the fact Brock said it was about sex, but when he mentioned it my stupid mind just pictured Gary. Urgh... great, this is so bad. I never thought for one second that my small crush on him would ever escalate to this level. Okay Ash, stay calm, you just need to tell Brock what is on your mind. He might be able to help...

Trying to calm down my nerves that were making my hands tremble I decided I needed to stop being such a wimp and grow a pair. Brock was not going to slap me down for liking anyone, even if it was a guy. Perhaps I feared about him finding out that it was in fact Gary who I liked.

"Well, if it isn't that, then what?" Brock pursued, being incredibly patient on the other end of the phone. Using my free hand I combed my fingers through my hair before taking a deep breath.

Come on Ash, you can do this!

Closing my eyes I blurted out;

"IhaddreamsexwithGary"

"What? Sorry, I didn't catch that, can you slow down?" Brock replied, making this even worse to deal with.

Pacing up and down the living room I was starting to get anxious, it would just be my luck if I said it out loud then Gary just comes walking in and hears everything.

No, I had to be brave, I had to take a risk sometime in my life.

Inhaling deeply I continued to attempt to muster up courage.

"I... had dream... sex... with Gary" I mumbled, feeling terribly ashamed.

There was a pause which caused me to cringe.

Great, so he was offended after all. Brilliant, you just ruined your friendship there,

Whilst lost in my own woes I heard him laugh on the other end of the phone, which made me slightly confused. I didn't think this was a laughing matter.

"Oh come on Ash, who hasn't had dream sex with Gary?" He joked, making all the fine hairs on my body stand on edge.

What Brock had just said made me feel a little nauseous.

Was he implying he had dream sex with him too?

"Are you serious!" I bellowed, causing the male to laugh once again;

"Ash, it is a figure of speech. I am not saying that I personally have, I am just saying that it probably happens to lots of people, it doesn't necessarily mean anything,"

I breathed a sigh of relief. Knowing that my dream probably didn't mean that I was actually gay was a great weight lifted off my shoulders. Even so, I was happy, but a part of me felt sad.

"Oh, well that is a relief," I answered, pausing in my pacing and decided to sit down on the sofa.

"By the way Ash, is everything okay at home?" Brock asked, which reminded me about asking him to visit my Mom in hospital. Having all my friends for support would greatly help me right now.

Clutching the receiver tightly I returned;

"Well, no, actually my Mom is in hospital and I am going to go and visit her soon. I would really appreciate it if you could get hold of Misty and both of you could come with me"

There was another pause.

"Man, I hope your Mom is okay. Sure, no worries. I'll see if I can phone her and tell her about this. Yeah, we would definitely come and see her, which hospital has she been referred to?"

Hearing all this news about my Mom was making me depressed again. Sighing I answered;

"Viridian City Hospital,"

"Yeah, that should not be a problem. Hopefully we will see you down there,"

A weak smile spread across my face.

It would be so great if Brock and Misty, my two oldest friends could actually be there when I needed them most. Yeah I know Gary would be there, but seeing them again might just help me out a bit.

Combing my fingers through my hair once again my eyes darted to the clock on a nearby wall, Gary had been gone 30 minutes and I was certain he would be back any time soon.

"Anyway Brock I have to go, I'll hopefully see you at the hospital later,"

"Yeah, I am sure you will. Take care Ash,"

And with that the conversation ended.

Placing the phone down on the table I sighed. When I had no-one to talk to it got very lonely in this house. I knew Mr Mime was in the garden but you couldn't really hold much of a conversation with him.

The one person I longed for was not around right now, and that very thought that invaded my head caused me to flop back onto the sofa. As my eyes traced the circles on the ceiling I could not help but wonder a few things.

Would there ever be a time to tell Gary? We had plenty of chances because we were alone most of the time, but I am coward and I never have the guts to say anything. I bet he is oblivious to how I feel, or it could be the opposite! What if he knows and he is just screwing with my head? Yeah, that is totally like Gary.

Rubbing my forehead with my hand I started to get restless being all alone in the house, devoid of Gary's annoying, yet heart warming presence. I never thought that I would miss him tormenting me and aggravating me, but I did.

As my eyes glanced at the clock again I released a sigh and decided to rest a little and just wait until Gary came back.

When I opened my eyes once again and they had re-adjusted to the light in the room they immediately diverted to the clock. Gary had been gone over an hour now, and I was starting to panic.

Sitting upright many things rushed through my mind, causing a cold sweat to consume my body.

What would I do if Gary was hurt? I don't think I would be able to deal with it very well.

Combing my fingers through my hair I stood up, starting to pace up and down the room uneasily.

Come on Gary, stop making me worry over you! You stupid idiot! Just knock the door or something!

My eyes kept their focus on the door which didn't show any signs that Gary would be opening it. I sighed, really missing the taller boy right about now.

It was too quiet and boring without someone to talk to, to have a laugh with and to share my feelings with. Without him I just felt so useless.

Whilst lost in my own self inflicted misery I heard a knock at the door and watched as it swung open.

"I have returned!" Came that familiar voice that I had longed to hear for some time. I knew who it was.

Gary was back!

Charging up to the door I allowed all my emotions to get the better of me.

"Where the hell have you been!" I demanded angrily. Gary's eyes were wide in shock.

"Jeez, Ash, I never realised you would miss me this much,"

I scowled at his torment, not caring if he knew that I missed him.

Well, it was the truth, I actually did.

Turning away momentarily I hissed;

"Shut up Gary,"

"I know I was late, it was all Gramp's fault," Gary whined, sighing under his breath. I could feel my face getting hotter and hotter as I longed to just spill out everything right now.

"I thought... something had happened to you," I mumbled, looking at the floor. I was positive Gary would be shocked at my reaction, but right now I did not care. I just wanted to know he was back and that he wouldn't leave for a while. He chuckled;

"Come now Ash, I only went home, do you really think I am that weak?"

Hearing his words made me feel guilty, it did seem like I was doubting his abilities of defending himself, but still, he was not Superman.

"Anyway, I wanted to show you something," Gary said, with a calmer voice than my own.

As my gaze returned to his form I noticed a small bundle of fluff in his arms, curled up and dozing peacefully. I felt my heart lift up into the heavens as I beheld a tiny Eevee, completely unaware of my presence.

"Wow, an Eevee!" I exclaimed, bending down a little to get a better view of her. Gary smiled;

"Yeah, isn't she adorable? My Umbreon had a child with another Eeveelution and here she is,"

I could not believe it. It had been some time since I had seen an Eevee this close and so at ease.

Perhaps Gary just had this aura that made Eevee's relax around him, or this Eevee could just be docile?

"Are you keeping her?" I asked, standing upright. He nodded;

"That is the plan, I kind of wanted to introduce her to Pikachu. She hasn't made much contact with Pokemon so I thought that maybe it would be good for them both to have a friend,"

I felt a giant smile smother my face as Gary said those words. It was rare that he would be so considerate towards anyone, and I actually agreed with his plan. Pikachu probably would love to have a new friend, and this Eevee needed social interaction.

It was the perfect set up!

"I think that is great idea!" I enthused, watching as the tall boy just smiled at me.

I loved how he smiled like that, it made my heart just melt. Weird I know, saying all this about another boy but, it was true. Ever since meeting Gary again after so long I have felt happier than I have been for a while. It is like I am complete again and having him at my side makes the world a brighter place.

As I snapped out of my trail of thought I watched as he walked over to the sofa and gently placed down the sleeping Eevee on a cushion at the far end. She shuffled slightly but did not wake up.

I could not help but smile at how cute she was, so at ease and so young. It seemed almost a crime to make something this adorable battle anything.

Gary took off his rucksack and placed it at the side of the sofa before taking a seat himself.

"Are you going to sit down or are you just going to stand around like an idiot?" He commented which immediately made me walk towards where he was situated.

Cautiously I settled down beside him, suddenly feeling a rush of warmth enter my bones. It was obviously from Gary, he radiated heat like he was a furnace and trust me to sit in the proximity of him.

"So, did you get in touch with your friends?" He enquired.

I nodded, not wanting to make eye contact just yet.

"Yeah, Brock said he is going to try to get down to the hospital to see Mom,"

I could see out of the corner of my eye Gary nodding and spreading his arms out over the back of the sofa.

Man, I have no idea what to do. Here he is, just sitting beside me and completely oblivious to how I feel about him. So, why does this feel kind of awkward?

Fidgeting with my hands in my lap I refused to make eye contact, I knew if I did then I would just blush constantly.

Luckily for me Gary did not seem to be in a talkative mood right now and just relaxed on the sofa with Eevee curled beside him, sleeping peacefully.

However, all this awkward silence was making me fidget even more and I was positive Gary would notice my behaviour.

"Ash, are you alright?" He asked, making me immediately stop my actions.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I quickly answered. Gary shrugged.

"I'm just curious, you keep fidgeting a lot,"

I wanted to punch myself right now, I knew it would be totally obvious, I mean after all he is not stupid. Biting into my lip I had to think of something that would sound plausible.

"I... I'm just worried about Mom," I mumbled, keeping my gaze away from the emerald eyed boy. He chuckled and gently nudged my shoulder;

"You worry too much, she will be fine. She is a strong woman,"

The feeling of Gary nudging me automatically caused my face to burn vigorously.

Shit shit shit! Don't look at him, don't look at him!

"I... know," I muttered quietly, continuing to stare at the carpet instead of the object of my affections. I felt Gary's body shuffle a little on the sofa, making me cringe.

"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" He continued asking, bombarding me with questions that I did not want to answer.

I knew that my face would still be as red as a tomato as that burning sensation had not fully subsided yet, but me being as stupid as I was renowned for I accidentally looked at him. My eyes met his and I knew at that moment he would notice my red cheeks and enquire about them.

It was just a matter of time.

"Ash... are you... blushing?" Gary struggled to ask, his face scarred with confusion and a slight hint of amusement. Looking away I grumbled;

"No, why would I?"

"I don't know, it's just your face is red," He noted, pointing at my face, which by now was getting redder by the minute.

Why could I not control my emotions around him? It was so unfair. It would only be a matter of time before the penny would drop and then he would realise why I reacted like I did.

"It's... the heat," I lied, waving my hand in front of my face, pretending to be hot. I knew Gary was watching me, I could almost feel his eyes burning into my soul, trying to psyche me out, and it was working.

His nose crinkled for a second before relaxing;

"Ash, it is not hot in here," He stated.

"Well, I think it is," I retorted, continuing to wave my hand in front of my face.

I wonder if he is aware that I am lying, if he is then knowing Gary he would just come straight out with it and not beat around the bush. Even so, why is he just staring at me? It's making me nervous.

As my breath hitched in my throat I felt Gary's warm hand place itself on my forehead to check my temperature.

The touch of his hand on my skin was already having negative effects on my body, my temperature was sure to increase now. Looking thoughtful he mused;

"You don't feel warm to me,"

I instinctively moved my head away from his hand and tried my best to scowl at him, even though I did not despise the fact he had willingly touched me.

"Well... I am... okay?" I returned, looking away from him once again.

For about the hundredth time since Gary had returned I had felt like an idiot over and over again, the way he looked at me, the tone he spoke to me and just him being in my presence was sending my emotions spiralling out of control.

I started fidgeting with my hands in my lap again, trying to ignore the tingling sensation that consumed my stomach.

Was Gary causing this?

"Good grief Ash, anyone would think you are on death row the way you are behaving," Gary's voice loomed into my ears again and I closed my eyes, trying to drown it out with the sound of my inner voice.

Yeah. What a fail that was. All my inner voice says is that I need to tell him, that he would understand how I am feeling. Yeah right, does my inner voice know Gary at all?

As I continued fidgeting my eyes looked at the clock on the wall. Gary had been back for approximately 20 minutes and already my confidence was slipping away from me. It was weird how he just watched me with those alluring emerald eyes of his, he did not take them off me the entire time we sat in silence.

It was excruciating.

"For God's sake!" Gary shouted out, alarming me immensely when I saw that he had grabbed my fidgeting hands and held them in his. As my face turned to his I saw that look in his eyes, that sheer determination scarring those perfect features.

"Stop it Ash! You're making me feel uncomfortable,"

I knew it would happen and it did.

My face started to burn furiously at his touch, feeling his soft warm hands clasped around mine tightly almost made me wonder what it would be like to hold his hand properly.

I swallowed hard as my eyes met a set of emerald ones.

"I..." I stammered, feeling the heat rise to my face intensely.

Gary kept hold of my hands, ensuring that I did not go back to fidgeting. His eyes burned into me as I could tell from his expression that this time he was serious. He was not trying to mock me or aggravate me, he was being sincere and caring.

I liked that.

Oh my God, Gary is sitting here holding my hands! I don't know what I should do, should I pull away, or just let him hold them? It's so comforting, and lovely to know he is here for me, but still, my emotions and feelings for him are escalating out of control and I am worried. Worried that sometime I will accidentally blurt it all out.

As our eyes locked together and I got consumed by their purity I wanted to just lean forward and press my lips against his, just for that brief moment.

Swallowing hard I pushed that thought to the back of my mind and tried to turn my gaze away, even though I did not really want to. His hands still held mine, gently and softly and it was making my heart do small somersaults in my chest.

"I really don't get you," Gary commented quietly, now allowing his gaze to trail to the floor. He appeared saddened which alerted me immediately.

It was odd to see him so crestfallen for no reason.

"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to keep my voice as steady as possible.

"One minute you're fine, you're insulting me and being your stupid self like old times, and the next you go like a teenage girl who has a crush on some famous pop star,"

Mentally I cringed.

Oh brilliant, the penny has dropped.

Trying my best to think of something to say I was shushed when his eyes met mine once again. That sparkle that was once seen in them was now deflated and I wondered if I was the cause.

Making Gary feel like this was never my intention, I just wished I could be honest with him and express my feelings. Of course that would never happen.

"I guess..." I tried, feeling my voice fail me again.

"Ash, I want to ask you something," Gary said, his voice stern and back to it's usual tone.

The way he spoke to me made me feel incredibly nervous, it was like I knew what he was going to ask me but did I know the answer? Trying to keep composed I replied;

"Go ahead,"

"Do I make you feel uncomfortable?"

My eyes widened as I was completely shocked at what he just said. I was not expecting such a question and of course it was totally ridiculous.

"What? Don't be stupid! Why would you make me feel like that?" I replied, obviously making it quite clear at how shocked I was.

Hearing those words come from someone as arrogant and obnoxious as Gary was renowned to be was an eye opener. He shrugged;

"You just seem off with me sometimes, I just wondered if I was doing something that made you feel like that,"

As if he is concerned about my feelings. He seems so down about all this and I know for a fact it is all my fault. If I could just learn to control these damn feelings then this could all be avoided.

I looked downwards at our interlocking hands and sighed.

His simple gesture meant the world to me, yet obviously Gary was oblivious. I thought that perhaps he would've figured it out by now but perhaps not.

Maybe he isn't as bright as I thought.

"You haven't done anything wrong, I just..."

I tried thinking of something rational to say but everything eluded me. All that I wanted to say was the truth, but it was so difficult.

"It's fine," Gary interrupted me, now allowing his hands to release mine.

When his warmth was no longer around my hands felt the coldness of the air in the room and I did not like it. All I wanted was to hold his hand all through the day and night, but that was never going to happen.

"I think we should make a move to the hospital," Gary said finally, scooping up the sleeping Eevee in his arms once again. Amazingly she had not woken up throughout any of this, she must have been a real deep sleeper.

I gave a weak nod, actually wanting to just stay here with him and not leave.

I knew I had to, and I did want to check on Mom.

"Yeah, you're right," I agreed.

We both stood up from the sofa and walked, somewhat awkwardly towards the front door. Every step seemed to be draining life from my body. I just wanted to turn around and hug him so tightly and confess how much I actually liked him, but my pride stood in the way, along with the fear of making a fool out of myself.

I was first to the door and as I opened it I turned to look at Gary. He gave me a half hearted smile and I returned it. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves I knew I had to sort this out in my head before getting to the hospital. Being in that room with Mom would just send me to breaking point.

I know it is going to be so hard living with Gary and seeing him everyday, but I have to try. I must at least attempt to figure out what my heart wants and if it is the right thing. Would Gary even like me back if I told him? Probably not. And it does not matter how many times I go over this in my head, I will always be tangled up in him.

Awwww the fluff! I love it! I thought I would try to move the plot forward with Gary and Ash's feelings, bet you all thought Gary was going to find out huh? Well, not yet, he is kind of dense at the moment.

Anyway, thank you to everyone who reviews and faves this fic, it means so much that I get support off you guys! It encourages me to keep on writing. There will be some deep conversations in the next chapter so watch out for it.

That is it for now, I'll see you all in the next chapter. Adios!