Hello all, I know it's been a while hasn't it? Well I have been so incredibly busy I haven't had any time to do anything until now.

Only two chapters left... I can't believe it! It's gone by so fast and I have enjoyed writing every chapter :)

Thanks to everyone who has favourite or reviewed this story, it's down to you guys that keeps me going! It really warms my heart to know I am writing stuff you guys like.

Anyway I'll leave you to read the next instalment :)

Chapter Nineteen: Tell me why are you leaving?

My eyes flickered open only to witness that it was still so incredibly dark all around me. I could hardly see my hand in front of my face so I assumed it was still night time.

Yawning loudly I stretched out my limbs, subconsciously feeling my way around the bed. I paused suddenly, now fully realising that Gary was not beside me. The space was cold so he had been gone for some time. Sighing I rubbed my forehead, trying to awaken properly.

I knew Gary was a light sleeper but seriously? This is beyond a joke, it's not even morning. Unless, he has just gone to the bathroom. But, if he did then he would be back by now. right?

Grumbling apparent nonsense to myself I sat upright, feeling a cold rush wash over me.

Yeah, putting some clothes on might be a good idea, I don't particularly like the thought of being caught naked by Professor Oak.

Trying my best to see in the dim light I felt around the floor for my clothes. I knew they were here, after all, the floor was the only place they could be. I should remember that.

Eventually I found my clothes and hastily put them on, feeling the benefits of not being freezing cold.

Standing up slowly I tried not to fall into any objects or create loud noises, after all the rest of the house was sound asleep.

Now if I were Gary where would I be hiding? That's the trouble... I'm not Gary, and he is so unpredictable at times so it's useless to try to think of places he would be. I'll just search everywhere, it can't be that difficult.

Combing my fingers through my messy raven hair I yawned once again.

I was so not used to being awake this early, but with Gary not here I wouldn't be able to get back to sleep anyway.

Slowly I manoeuvred around the bed as not to injure myself in the process and headed out the door to try to discover his whereabouts.

Slowly I walked down the stairs trying not to tread on that one creaky step that sounded like it would just give way underneath my weight. It was difficult though as it was pitch black so trying to avoid it would merely be by chance and not strategy.

Once I had cleared the stairs I headed into the living room, only to find that it was devoid of any human activity.

Okay so he was not here.

Next place to search would be the kitchen so carefully I made my way through the living room towards my next destination.

It was dark in here too but one thing gave it away.

If Gary was trying to be inconspicuous then he should really learn not to breathe so heavily. It kind of gave his position away all too easily.

I walked towards the sink, where a tall silhouette was leant over somewhat distressed.

Squinting I tried to see if it actually was Gary and why on Earth he was leant over the sink, did he feel sick or something?

"Gary?" I mumbled, trying to depict any kind of facial expression through the terrible lighting conditions.

The only saving grace was the moonlight that shone from a gap in the curtain directly onto a small portion of his face. He reluctantly turned to face me, already making me feel uneasy.

I still had yet to question why he was here and not curled up in bed with me.

"Shouldn't you be asleep?" He questioned, his voice laced with a cold undertone that made me shiver suddenly. Rubbing my naked arms briskly I shrugged.

"I woke up and you wasn't there so... I got up to look for you,"

Gary snorted at my comment and returned to gazing out the window, hands gripping the sink for dear life.

"Just go back to sleep Ash, it's nothing to worry over,"

I didn't like how he was talking to me, it was as if he was trying to hide something from me or something was on his mind.

"Gary I know you're a light sleeper, but this is something else. Are you sure you're okay?"

I watched as his head bowed slightly at my question and I just felt this uncontrollable urge to cuddle him right now. Regardless of how he was feeling I wanted to make everything better. He shouldn't be suffering as much as I was, after all his Mother was still alive, somewhere.

"Yes, now go to bed," He spat, making my eyes widen at his words.

Why was he insisting I go back to sleep? I didn't want to go anywhere without him.

"No, not until you tell me what the hell is wrong" I said defiantly, folding my arms and leaning against one of the marbled counters.

I heard him sigh and turn to face me again.

The moonlight shone onto half of his face, illuminating his concerned features. There was definitely something troubling him and he was too damn proud to come out and tell me about it.

"God, you're so stubborn, you know that?"

"I am well aware of that, but seriously... Gary you shouldn't be feeling like this. Is it something I have done?"

Well it wouldn't be the first time I've fucked up our relationship.

He shook his head.

"No, it's nothing you have done. It's just..."

He paused, as if trying to think of the right words to say.

"It's just... I hate knowing that you're hurt and I can't help you in anyway. I mean... even last night when you asked me to make all your pain and misery go away... it just felt like not even I could manage it, that no-one can replace that empty spot in your heart"

Those words really hit me, and it was all so true.

I did ask Gary to take my pain away and for a certain amount of time he did, whilst lost in the throws of passion nothing negative surfaced in my mind. When it was all over my mind started to dwell on things and the sadness returned.

It wasn't because of Gary, it was my own self inflicted misery.

"Gary... you do help me, you have helped me so much through this. I guess...it will take some time to sink in and I am sorry if I have made you feel like this..."

"No... you haven't," Gary butted in, sighing a little under his breath.

Looking away, suddenly feeling very shy I mumbled;

"Last night... really helped though..."

And it really did.

It was nice to feel loved by someone when your whole world is tearing at the seams but you still have that one important piece holding you all together when you need it most. I was forever grateful for that.

Gary shook his head, looking away momentarily.

"It didn't feel like it to me, it felt... forced, like it wasn't spontaneous or anything and I guess that's why I feel as rotten as I do now. I know you asked me to, but it was like you were forcing yourself to do it to forget, and it just didn't feel right to me"

Now it was starting to make sense.

Frowning to myself I completely understood where Gary was coming from.

I guess I did come across that way and I did want him to make me forget about everything, but I had no idea it seemed forced.

That was one thing I never wanted.

"And is this why you couldn't sleep?" I asked, moving a little closer to the emerald eyed boy.

He weakly nodded, turning away again as he leant over the sink.

Now I started to feel even worse, if it wasn't bad enough that I was grieving about my Mom it was now intensified by the fact I had made Gary feel bad in the process.

"I know it's stupid... and I guess you wouldn't think stuff like that affects me. After all, since when have I ever opened up to anyone and been honest about my feelings? It's just not like me, right? But... I just can't help it when I am with you..."

As the blanket of darkness was starting to lift from around us I neared the taller boy and wrapped my arms around his waist.

Nuzzling into his back it was now I realised that he wasn't wearing a shirt, he had come down stairs topless, obviously not caring if Professor Oak saw.

I just held him, hoping that he was starting to feel a little better after confessing everything to me.

Closing my eyes I inhaled deeply, loving his natural body scent that wafted around us like a gentle breeze. It was soothing and comforting to me.

"It's okay to be upset sometimes you know, you can't be strong all the time," I told him, knowing that it was just his nature to put on this mask to hide behind.

The mask that never allowed his true self to shine.

"I just... want to be able to help you,"

"You do help me, you're helping me right now," I said quietly, loving the warmth his body emitted.

It was strange, when I was with Gary every other problem in my life just seemed to melt away. It was only when he was absent would my mind go into overdrive and force me to think of unpleasant things.

His body relaxed against my touch and I just breathed in the atmosphere of having him in my arms for a little bit longer.

Almost in a whisper I cooed;

"Come back to bed,"

My arms loosened around his tall frame as Gary spun on his heels to face me.

It was now I saw a broken look in his eyes, a look that I knew too well. I was feeling exactly the same only a few hours previous, when I was given the terrible news about my Mom.

Why was he feeling so down as well?

"I wouldn't be able to sleep anyway"

That was his excuse as his eyes flickered away from looking directly at me.

Was my happiness really that important to him?

"Gary... please don't feel down about this. It wasn't your fault that my Mom died..."

"No I know that, it's just I can see that empty place in your heart where she used to be and... nothing I do will ever fix that. You will always feel sad, you will always grieve for her and nothing I do will be good enough,"

I frowned.

Of course a small part of me had died along with her, but the majority of my sanity was restored thanks to having Gary in my life as a constant reminder for why I was living. I was now living for him and that was a good enough reason as any.

I reached out and held his hand.

"Gary... you do not need to replace my Mom because no-one can ever do that. You just need to be you, your stupid egotistical arrogant self because if you're not then it just isn't you,"

I heard him chuckle as he squeezed my hand softly.

I really hoped some of this was sinking into his thick skull.

"Yeah, you're right for once," He scoffed, smiling awkwardly.

I nodded, liking the fact that Gary had actually praised me.

"Of course I am! Your personality is rubbing off on me,"

Again he laughed and gave me a small kiss on my forehead.

As he let go of my hand I heard him sigh.

"Come on then... we may as well try to get back to sleep. Tomorrow is a hectic day after all,"

I blinked, wondering what was so hectic.

Did he maybe have plans?

"What's happening tomorrow?" I asked, looking into those beautiful emerald eyes of his.

He scratched the back of his head awkwardly as he foretold tomorrows events.

"I was going to go to yours and collect some clothes and Mr Mime to bring back here so you can stay longer. I kind of thought you wouldn't want to go home any time soon after all,"

I nodded, eternally grateful that he seemed to be a mind reader and knew exactly what was the best course of action for me.

"I should tell Brock and Misty too..." I mumbled, realising that they needed to know about my Mom's death.

They were both close to her and so needed to be told so they could help out with funeral arrangements and such.

Yeah... the funeral... how would I cope?

"Yeah, that is probably a good idea. I know how close they were to her,"

Again I nodded, swallowing a lump that had congealed in my throat.

Just thinking of their expressions was creating a hurricane of emotions welling up inside me and I prayed that I wouldn't cry again.

I was all cried out.

"If you don't feel up to planning the funeral though then leave it to me, after all, I don't want you getting more upset over it," Gary soothed, gently brushing a strand of hair out of my eyes.

Without thinking I just leant against his chest, trying to keep strong, to not cry any more. I needed him to be my rock right now.

His arms wrapped around my frame, not letting go.

"You don't have to do that..." I muttered weakly, feeling my energy start to drain out of my body as I literally clung to him for dear life.

I didn't want to imagine Mom lying there in a coffin, devoid of life and just as beautiful in death. That image would haunt me for eternity if I ever saw it.

"I want to..." He soothed, gently kissing the top of my head as we embraced in the kitchen, out bodies subtly outlined by moonshine that peeked through the curtains.

I sighed deeply, once again feeling the need to be loved again but I knew it was unfair.

Gary already felt rotten about last night as it was.

"Thank you," I murmured quietly, closing my eyes as I nuzzled into his chest.

"All I want is for you to smile again, to be your old stupid loser self so I can tease you again. You look so cute when you're angry," Gary mused out loud, knowing that his words would have some sort of effect on me.

He was probably hoping I would punch him for it or something but no, I had other plans.

I raised my head, looking directly into his eyes as time seemed to just stop altogether. We stayed like that for some time before I neared my face to his, longing to be loved once again.

As my lips gently collided with his I felt him inhale sharply, as if he was surprised by my advances. Then again I surprised myself, but it was what I wanted.

I wrapped my arms around his neck pulling him deeper into my kiss, a kiss that meant everything to me. I wanted him to know that I loved him without saying it, I wanted him to not have to worry about me and my own feelings.

He didn't deserve all my shit along with his own.

Our feet seemed to start a dance of their own as our bodies clumsily stumbled around the kitchen until I smacked my back off one of the marbled counters, coming to a stand still.

A searing pain shot through me for a few moments but soon fizzled into nothing as Gary continued kissing me like I had never been kissed before. His hands held my waist firmly, keeping my body still as our lips collided repeatedly in a crash of angry passion.

Now this was what love was to me, no consequences and no worries, just pure and simple.

As my body shifted closer to the emerald eyed boy I felt my mouth being parted by his dominant tongue, forcing it's way inside my mouth causing small whimpers to escape my lips.

Christ I didn't want to full on scream like a pansy in the kitchen and have Professor Oak find out about our naughty sessions, but right now I didn't care.

Just this moment, just us being together was enough.

"Aahhhh..." I moaned softly into his mouth, already feeling myself begin to harden considerably given the compromising position.

His mouth latched onto my bottom lip and started to suckle softly, causing a jolt of electricity to shoot along my spine.

Jesus... I wasn't expecting this but I wasn't complaining. I did long for him to take my pain and anguish away and this was by far the best method we have used so far.

"Ash..." He whispered as our lips continued to longingly brush against each other, eyes half lidded in sheer lust.

I breathed heavily, feeling my erection through my jeans, already causing a small tent.

"Yes?"

"I will always love you, you know that?"

His lips left mine as our eyes locked together, his emerald orbs sparkling in the dim light.

And he really meant it too, I could tell.

It made my heart begin to flutter like a caged Butterfree and I could feel myself start to melt.

Gary wasn't the sort of person to get all emotional over anyone, let alone me. I guess it was taking time to get used to.

"I love you too, always," I murmured back, gently combing my fingers through his mass of wild hair.

He smiled and rubbed his nose against mine, a subtle gesture to prove that everything he had said to me was 100% true.

Even though this scene was incredibly cute and reminded me of things you see in the films my erection wasn't too keen on it, it longed for more attention and friction which I wasn't getting right now.

Wrapping my arms around his neck once again I pulled the taller boy into a deep kiss, slowly moving away from the marbled counter and subconsciously dragging him into the living room.

There was an adequate sofa we could inhabit for a while so it seemed like a good plan.

As we clumsily stumbled into the living room my legs hit the back of the sofa and my body came crashing down onto it's form, Gary following suit.

Not that I minded, of course I didn't. Having a half naked Gary on top of me? Why on Earth would I be complaining?

His hands started to tug at my t-shirt, obviously wanting to get rid of the unwanted garment as our breathing started to become heavy once again.

Of course in the back of my mind a small niggle of thought kept returning, what would we do if the Professor came downstairs and found us like this? But to tell the truth right now I really didn't care, I just wanted this, I wanted to feel alive and happy again and he was the best person for the job.

I assumed it was morning when I woke up as beams of sunlight were shining directly on my face and woke me up, which immediately put me in a bad mood for the rest of the day.

One thing I hated was being woken up, whether it be by mother nature of anyone else. I needed my beauty sleep after all.

As I struggled into a sitting position I noticed Gary was missing again, along with his once discarded jeans and underwear that were on the floor.

I sighed again, just hoping that once I could wake up and he would be there with me, why was he constantly an early bird?

Change the habit of a lifetime Gary.

I stretched out my libs, wondering if Professor Oak was still in bed or if he woken up and seen me in all my glory. I really hoped it was the first thing I said.

I reached out to grab my boxers that were lying on the carpet and quickly put them back on, manoeuvring them over my morning wood, along with my jeans and my t-shirt. The creases in my t-shirt would be a bitch to get out, I never realised that we were so rough.

I felt my face heat up as images of our antics reappeared in my head, causing me to smile.

God, even though it was the most unromantic way that we have ever had sex it was still the best remedy for a broken heart.

I yawned, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes as my ears started to detect a faint voice in the kitchen.

I knew that voice anywhere, it was Gary but who was he talking to? Was he on the phone?

"Oh I see... that's terrible! Well... I can't come back right now, I have some... issues to take care of, can you guys take care of it for a few more days?" I heard him speak.

Blinking curiously I wondered what the hell he was talking about.

Issues to take care of? What issues exactly? And another thing where the hell was he planning on going?

"Yes, well just give them lots of rest and food and they should be fine for a few days until I can get back to treat them properly," He answered, his voice laced with worry.

So whatever was going on was quite serious and it obviously must be linked to his research back in Sinnoh.

Maybe they needed him urgently and he was putting it off to spare my feelings?

I frowned, folding my arms across my chest as I continued to listen in on the conversation.

"I swear there are some terrible people in the world... yeah but don't panic and just try to keep them stable until I come back. I should be back by the end of the week..."

My eyes widened as those words rung in my ear canal repeatedly.

'I should be back by the end of the week...'

So he was leaving! And he didn't even tell me about it!

That was it, I needed to talk to him about this so in annoyance I stood up and made my way into the kitchen.

I saw his tall body leant against one of the marbled counters, holding the receiver close to his ear. Amazingly he was now wearing a shirt, he must have gotten changed whilst I was asleep.

His eyes flickered across to mine for a second before he gave me a small smile.

Yeah I heard the whole damn conversation Gary, so don't try any of your excuses because they won't work on me!

"Alright then, just do your best and if you have any more problems just ring me okay? Alright then... bye,"

And he hung up.

I had a feeling my face was contorting into a frown by Gary's reaction.

Now he must have been aware that I heard everything.

"Ah, so you finally woke up, huh?" He joked, smiling.

This was no time for pleasantries, not on my watch.

"So you are leaving after all..." I remarked coldly, folding my arms as I just stared at the emerald eyed boy.

I watched as he sighed and placed the phone down on the counter.

"There is an emergency back over in the lab, apparently a group of injured Shinx have been brought there and are not holding up too well. The aides are not sure of what to do and want me to come back to oversee everything,"

"And are you?"

My eyes diverted away, finding it harder to just look at him.

He promised me that he wasn't going anywhere, that he would always be here for me and I really needed that. If he was going back to Sinnoh I would be left with no-one again.

Gary sighed again and placed a hand to his head.

"I... don't know. I don't want to leave you, but..."

"But your job is more important, I get it..." I finished off his words before he had the chance to.

Emerald eyes widened at how cold my voice had become.

He shook his head.

"No Ash, it's not that at all"

"Then what is it? Why can't they just sort it out, why do they have to bother you about it..." I whined, feeling rather selfish right now.

I knew it was wrong and after all if there were injured Pokemon on the agenda then I should have been more sympathetic but I just couldn't. He had no idea how much I relied on him for support.

The taller boy walked slowly over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

My body tensed immediately as he tried to talk things through with me.

"Ash... if I have to go back... then come with me,"

I raised my eyes to his and saw in his expression that he was deadly serious.

He wanted me to go back to Sinnoh with him?

I struggled to find suitable words to say so instead I stayed mute, hoping he would continue talking.

"You said yourself that you wanted to go back to Sinnoh and continue collecting your badges, then why don't you come back with me? After the funeral we could leave and start a new life over there..."

As much as I loved this idea I felt rotten about leaving my home town and all the memories that linked me to this place.

This was the only place I had fond memories of my Mom and if I left would they all be erased forever?

I swallowed hard, feeling his hand gently squeeze my shoulder.

"You... serious?" I struggled to ask, knowing that he wouldn't joke about something like this.

He really wanted to start a new life with me, to be a proper couple and to not let me go.

"Of course I am, you could help me out at the lab too if you wanted. After all... you are great with Pokemon,"

That was it, I just needed a cuddle and I did.

I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head against his chest, loving how he thought of this idea first and not the other way around.

It was so hard to believe though, Gary wanted me to help him, wanted me in his life for a long time. The thought made me smile.

"When are you planning on leaving?" I asked, hoping it wasn't too soon.

Misty and Brock probably wouldn't be too thrilled at the idea of me leaving so soon after Mom's death. It would probably seem like I was running away from all my problems, when in a way they were right.

I didn't want to be reminded of her death day after day.

"The day of the funeral... once it is all over I was going to leave,"

I closed my eyes, knowing that if I refused to accompany him then the likeliness of me seeing him again was very slim.

Did I really want to abandon my Mom on the day of her funeral just so I could try to move on with my life? It was such a hard decision, and one that I could not just make right now.

"I... need to think about it," I murmured, snuggling against him.

Gary nodded, understanding my position.

Of course I should really speak to my friends about this too, if they supported the idea then I would most likely go ahead with it but, I didn't really want Misty nagging me constantly.

She hated Gary already without adding to the pile of things she detested him for.

I raised my head and forced a smile, hoping that he wouldn't know how hard this decision was for me to come to terms with.

"Anyway, I was going to head off to yours to pick up your things... do you want to stay here?" Gary asked me, looking directly into my eyes.

I nodded, not believing I had enough courage to face going into my home. It would take a while before I would even be able to step foot across the threshold ever again without being constantly reminded of my Mom.

"I'll pick Mr Mime up too.. it's unfair for him to be in the house by himself,"

That was true, and a part of me wondered if he was aware of my Mom's death or if he stayed blissfully unaware. I didn't want to be the one to tell him the bad news, it hurt the first time round let alone retelling the tale of events.

Gary planted a small kiss on my nose and smiled;

"You should phone your friends or something, they deserve to know about what happened,"

"I know..." I mumbled, not liking the idea.

I didn't really want them fussing over nothing, yes I was upset about it and I would be for a long time but I could handle it.

Brock didn't really fuss over me, it was Misty who was the worry wart of the group. We were such good friends and I guess somewhere deep down she still cared for me a lot, like in a sisterly way.

I forced a smile as Gary released me from his embrace.

"I won't be too long," He promised as I watched his tall figure leave the room.

Suddenly I was starting to feel very alone, like no-one else was in the house.

I didn't like it one bit so immediately I considered phoning Misty.

She was easier to get in touch with, after all, her mobile phone never left her hand these days. Brock was a breeder now so he would be a bit harder to get in touch with.

I sighed as I picked up the receiver, going over time and time again what I actually would say to her.

Would I tell her literally everything? Including the idea of leaving with Gary? I knew she wouldn't approve, she never approved of him, but still it was worth a shot.

I dialled her number and held the receiver close to my ear.

It took a few moments of ringing before she picked up, seemingly out of breath.

"Hello?"

"Hey Misty, it's me," I said lamely, wanting to hit myself for starting up the conversation so awfully.

If she didn't know my voice then 'me' could be anyone.

"Oh Ash! How are you keeping! It's been a while since we last spoke,"

I nodded, leaning against the counter.

Seemed like she was still unaware of Mom's death but I didn't really want to be a conversation killer within a matter of seconds.

"I know yeah, I'm alright. How is everything with you?"

Her voice was so incredibly loud and jovial, it just proved how happy she was to hear off me.

"Yeah, it's alright. You know... I met up with Brock the other day and we went out to that coffee shop we all used to go to when we were kids. It just didn't feel right because you wasn't there..." She trailed off and I smiled.

"How is Brock these days?"

"Oh the usual... still chasing after unattainable girls, but he loves his job as a breeder. We all need to meet up real soon Ash!"

I cringed knowing exactly when the next time we would all meet up and the circumstances wouldn't be favourable.

"Yeah... I do have some news to tell you..." I murmured, now deciding this was the best time to tell her about the death.

I knew it would totally kill the mood of the conversation but I needed her to know, after all, my friends all got along with my Mom.

"Sure, what is it Ash?"

I bit my bottom lip as my free hand gripped the marbled counter firmly.

"Well... the thing is.. yesterday I went to the hospital to see Mom... and..."

I swallowed hard, not wanting to cry all over again, but the memories kept returning, memories of seeing her so deathly still in that bed, seeing her skin so transparent and lifeless.

"Is she getting better?" Misty enquired curiously and slowly I shook my head, realising that she could not see my actions through the phone.

"No... she..."

I paused, biting my lip harder as I looked at the ceiling, trying to fight off the urge to cry.

"Ash? What happened?"

"She... she died..."

That was it, I couldn't help it.

A single tear escaped my eyes and trickled down my face as my heart started to slowly tear in two.

Misty was quiet for some time on the phone, as if she too was just as upset as I was.

"Oh God... oh Ash... I am so sorry,"

"It's alright Misty... she just... couldn't fight any more..."

She gave up, she lost the fight and the illness had taken her away from me.

Closing my eyes tightly I felt a lump congeal in my throat as my stomach tightened.

I was trying so hard not to break down.

"That's terrible... I thought she was going to get better,"

"We all did Misty... it was just... so soon," I wiped my face, sniffling slightly, trying not to let on that I was crying. I didn't want to panic the red head any more.

"How are you coping with this? Do you want me to come round? I mean I will if you need me to, I don't mind,"

I smiled, loving how she would so willingly drop all her plans just to ensure I was okay and coping. That was just the sort of person Misty was.

"I am fine... I'm stopping at Gary's for the time being, until I can get my head around what's happened,"

"...he isn't being a dick to you is he?" She asked, her voice sounding threatening on the other end of the phone.

I chuckled.

No, in fact ever since she had smacked him good he hadn't done anything of the sort but still, their little spats were kind of comical at times.

"No, in fact he has really helped me through this. He even offered to organise the funeral for me if I didn't feel up to it,"

"Wow... hard to imagine Gary being so considerate..." She murmured, making me smile wildly.

It was true, Gary wasn't renowned for being nice to people, but I guess he only let me see that side of him, and I loved it.

"I was going to ask if you and Brock wanted to come to the funeral and stuff..." I mumbled, not liking how it sounded.

"Of course we will! And if you need us at all then just ring me, or Brock. We don't mind helping out with arrangements,"

It was so sweet that everyone seemed to pull through when times were hard. They all wanted to do there bit for me and for my Mom, even if that just meant offering support and comfort through this terrible time.

"I know, and I'll remember it,"

It was now I wondered if it was the best time to tell Misty of my plans to elope with Gary after the funeral.

She would most likely object to the idea but still, it felt wrong to keep this from her.

"Oh Misty...there's something else you need to know too,"

"What's that?"

I sighed, trying to think of the right words to say.

"Gary is leaving after the funeral, he is going back to Sinnoh to continue with his work in the laboratory..."

There was an uncomfortable silence on the other end of the phone before she spoke;

"He's leaving you?! Oh my God... I knew it! I knew it... that son of a..."

"Misty wait! I haven't finished yet!"

Again another pause before I decided to continue the story.

"He suggested that I go with him... back to Sinnoh,"

"What?! Are you being serious?"

I frowned, knowing that this was the reaction I would get, of course my friends wouldn't support the idea of me going back to Sinnoh, they would never get to see me as often.

But still, I doubted the likeliness of me being able to live in Pallet town.

"Yes, I am..."

"But... he can't seriously expect you to say yes, can he? Your Mom has just died! You need time to grieve, not go gallivanting around Sinnoh with him! God, doesn't he give a shit about what you want?!"

Now I was starting to feel sad again.

The thought of staying here, living without Gary was too horrible to bear, but if I refused would Gary still go anyway and not care about me? Would he still decide to go back even if I couldn't go with him?

"Misty... please..." I pleaded, hoping to calm down the red head.

"I'm sorry Ash, but seriously. How can he spring this kind of thing on you so soon?! It's just unfair!"

What would be even worse would be if I told her that this was planned on the day of the funeral. That would really put the tin lid on things.

"He is leaving after the funeral..."

I wished I had never said that because what came after that was a hurricane.

The enraged red head literally screamed down the phone;

"WHAT?! Oh my God, this just gets better! And you were going to go with him too?!"

Now I felt bad, she was right, how could I leave my Mom on the day of the funeral? It was so unlike me, and it was so wrong.

"I was... I don't know..." I mumbled, feeling so very pathetic right now.

"Ash..." Misty said quietly, her voice returning to a calmer level. "...If you refuse and want to stay here, will he still go back?"

I shrugged, hoping that he would choose me over his job, but I doubted that possibility.

"I don't know..."

I heard her sigh heavily.

"This is a mess... well, if you want I could talk to him for you,"

I cringed, knowing what happened the last time she 'spoke' to him, it really wasn't speaking, more like punching.

"Do you think that is a good idea with your temper?"

"Ash I promise I wouldn't rant and rave at him okay? I would just talk to him,"

I thought about the idea, I really did but would that really change anything? If Gary had to go back then nothing anyone would say would change it. He would still return back to Sinnoh, with or without me.

"Well... if you want to, but I don't want you screwing at him any more, okay?"

"I swear I won't, I just think he needs to know what this is doing to you. It probably hasn't even sunk into his stupid thick skull..."

I smiled weakly, feeling that this conversation had come to a close now.

Even though I didn't want to hang up a part of me just wanted to be alone for a while, to let things sink in.

"Thanks Misty..."

"You are very welcome Ash, I will come a visit you tomorrow some time to make sure you are okay. I think you need some time away from all this,"

I nodded, liking that idea.

Going out for a while to forget everything might not be such a bad idea.

"Yeah, that sounds great!"

"Tell you what, I'll pick you up and we can go grab a coffee and some lunch around twelve and then you can decide where we go after that, sound okay?"

I smiled, it had been so long since I had done that, gone out with Misty and had a long talk about things. I really needed that.

"Yeah, that sounds fine. I'll see you tomorrow then,"

"Yes you will, take care Ash and remember if you need me for anything then just ring me,"

I nodded, rolling my eyes at how much she worried over me.

I could take care of myself but it was nice to have that option.

"I will, goodbye,"

"Bye Ash,"

And with that the conversation ended.

The day dragged on like every minute was an hour and every hour was a day.

I had no idea why but things just seemed to last forever.

Gary seemed to take ages to get back here with my stuff and Mr Mime in tow. He had decided to tell the psychic type about Mom's death and ever since he found out he wouldn't stop wailing over it. It was understandable, they were really close after all.

I made a decision to not talk to Gary about his idea of moving to Sinnoh until Misty had spoke to him about it. We just carried on like it was a normal day, helping out with the Pokemon in the laboratory.

Pikachu and Eevee seemed to be getting closer than ever and it made me smile to witness. It was nice that they got along so well.

Luckily for me whilst I was busy helping out with the Pokemon my mind was focused on the job at hand and not dwelling on the memories that hurt.

I actually enjoyed it, and maybe if I did go with Gary back to Sinnoh I would enjoy it there too.

"You seem a little happier than you was earlier," Gary noted, as he grabbed the large sack from my hands and started feeding a couple of Nidoran's.

"Yeah.. I guess I am,"

"Did you speak you your friends?" Gary enquired, kneeling down as the Nidoran hungrily ate the food pellets.

I just watched the scene as we spoke.

"Yeah, I spoke to Misty. She suggested meeting up tomorrow for coffee and lunch,"

Gary paused and looked at me, a large smile smothering those perfect features.

"That might not be such a bad idea, it might do you good to get out," I nodded, actually looking forward to spending time with her.

Even though I was well aware of her feelings towards me she never acted on them or ever said anything, she was just supportive and caring as always.

"She also wants to talk to you," I added in, watching as he almost dropped the sack of pellets on the ground.

"Me? Why me? Last time she wanted to talk I am pretty sure she didn't do much of that,"

I smiled, trying not to laugh.

"She promised me this time she wouldn't hit you,"

Gary stood up, brushing the grass off his jeans as he turned to face me, sack in tow.

"Why does she want to talk with me anyway? It's not like we are the greatest of friends, is it?"

I shrugged, not wanting to give away the reason.

"Just talk to her Gary, you never know you might come to an understanding,"

He chuckled at my words.

"Yeah, and I will suddenly become straight..."

I rolled my eyes as he walked past me back inside the house to put away the food pellets.

He didn't have to be so sarcastic. Maybe after all this Misty and Gary could just be civil to each other, it wasn't so hard to think of. If they just mellowed a little then things would work out.

I followed Gary inside to the kitchen and watched as the taller boy washed his hands in the sink.

"You thought any more about what you want for the funeral?" He asked, making me look away.

It hadn't crossed my mind but I knew that I really should be coming up with some ideas, I couldn't let everyone else decide, that was unfair.

"Well... not really, but I'll think about it tomorrow,"

He nodded and started to dry his hands on a baby blue towel.

"Yeah... and have you thought any more about moving to Sinnoh with me?"

Our eyes locked and I swallowed hard.

Yes I had, and the more I thought about it the more I was inclined to say no, but I was afraid. If I said no would he leave anyway?

"A little..." I murmured, looking away briefly.

"You don't have to decide yet you know, I understand that it's a big decision,"

Too right it is Gary.

I sighed, a part of me wanting to elope while the other wanted to stay here with the memories of Mom.

"Gary..." I mumbled weakly.

"What is it?"

I fidgeted on the spot, trying to think of what to say without it sounding too pathetic.

"If I said no... would you still leave?"

There was a pause as the emerald eyed boy turned away from me. His head bowed slightly.

"You can't ask me stuff like that Ash,"

"But I want to know, if I refused and wanted to stay here would you stay here with me?"

Those emerald eyes flickered across to me as an awkward smile smothered those features.

"I want us to start all over again, a new life, just me and you. I thought you would want the same..."

And with that he left the room leaving me standing there to wallow in my own self doubt.

I frowned, clenching my hands into fists.

Leaving... was that really the only choice in this? If I said no he would still leave and I would be left all alone again.

Closing my eyes tightly I tried to drown out the sound of my inner voice, screaming at me.

Screaming to do the right thing, whether that be to stay here or leave with Gary.

But tell me why are you leaving, when there's no place to go? Tell me why are you leaving for the things that you know? If you leave what's the answer? You want me to change my mind, to take some time because I know that you'll be there.

Well its finally done! One more chapter to go! Will Ash stay or will he go? Will he want to leave all his memories behind?

Ooohhh tense stuff! Thank you all who reviews and faves this fic, it means so much! And I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Sorry it took so freakin' long, thats what happens when ypu have a full time job T_T

Anyway see you guys in the last chapter, au revoir!