Whatever conclusion I came to became invalid the moments I heard a person I know well call my name. I turned to see the beaming, slightly tipsy person who was as close to a friend as anyone I knew, apart from Yaku I guess.

Hazel eyes, a face beaming with happiness, dirty light brown hair that clearly hadn't seen shampoo for months. Yes, Zack really was a sight for sore eyes.

'You look well…' I said, forcing a smile on my face. I never was good at smiling, it simply didn't come naturally, most people knew when it was forced, or if it was more of a "smirk", not very good considering my profession.

But it appears I did it well enough, for he gave me a real smile in return. 'So then, the mission was a success I take it?'

'Naturally, turns out it wasn't a trap either. Just a boring, easy mission.' He threw me a bottle of coke, clearly intent on making me continue.

However, I handed it back, I wasn't going to go through it again. He grimaced. 'Tough time telling the boss then?' He handed it back. 'Not so much detail then, you got info on the legendary pokemon supposedly captured by Team Rocket?'

'You know about that?'

He gave me a sly glance, taking a bottle of beer from one of the numerous pockets in his coat. 'Been suspected for a week or so, really. Rumours circulating, a few pieces of evidence here and there. Your mission was pretty much just to confirm it, and hopefully discover it's location if it does exist, and isn't some rumour they've spread to lower morale.

'Well, it's not looking too good so far, they're still working out the code, but from what they've managed so far, it's looking like they have a legendary on their side.'

Zack sighed, taking down a big gulp of alcohol. 'Well, I guess it's a good sign that they haven't used it yet… who knows? Perhaps they're having trouble taming it or something.'

'Possible…' Indeed it was, come to think of it. Team Rocket wasn't one to wait most of the time, if they had the advantage they would press it. And advantages didn't come much bigger then legendary pokemon. Alone they could destroy armies, rend fortresses…

'But enough talk of depressing matters' He eyed me up and down. 'You know, you do look a bit beat up.'

'Nonsense, I'm fine.' How exactly was trying to say I looked injured not depressing? Besides, I did feel fine. Perhaps some small injuries, but they were pretty much cosmetic, not serious or likely to hinder me in any way. Perhaps a scrape and a bruise, scrapes of which I have most likely already treated for infection.

'Nonononono, you definitely need to go see your doctor.'

I saw the twinkle in his eye, and it all became clear. 'No, I'm not going to see her.'

He frowned at me. 'Damn boy, I'm doing a lot of work for you with this matchmaking, least you can do is comply.'

'Look, I'm not going to go see Aaryan.'

'Aaryan?' He raised an eyebrow. 'What, you don't have a nickname for her?'

'Shut it…' I was already moving away, he pursued me.

'I can even help you out. How about Aie?'

Just ignore him, he'll go away.

'Seriously, you've seen each other enough times.'

'She patches me up so I don't die.' I cut in. 'Most of the time it involves scalpels and skin grafts, hardly romantic.'

'Skin grafts?'

'A bit old fashion, but sometimes we're out of decent medical supplies.'

'Aahh… But wait, you're getting off the subject. Point is, she is hot, intelligent, and nice enough to patch you together. Pity she has one advantage over you.'

'And what, pray tell, is that?'

'She has seen you naked.'

That comment got me to freeze in my tracks. Damn him, why did he have to press the matter?

'Look. Right now, I find this war has left me no time or desire to set up an emotional bond. The only reason I would want a woman is for physical intimacy.'

'Yeesh, can you just say sex?'

I glared at him. 'Very well, I would only want a woman for sex.'

'Not exactly alone there.'

I ignored that comment. 'As you said, she is intelligent and nice, she would want an emotional bond to go with a physical one, a relationship.'

That got to him. 'Alright, alright… But you did consider it, right?'

Well, he had me there. 'Yes.'

'Well, at least I picked a good one.' He smirked. 'Well, maybe I'll keep an eye on Aaryan Gilda for her; see if she might get someone else before you. See if you'll be forced to act, hey?'

'Yes, well, if you don't mind, I want to rest for a bit.'

He could tell that was a dismissal, and lifting his arms in mock surrender, he left. But I could tell he still had that damn smirk on his face.

Sighing, I made my way to bed, to rest, to forget all but the important aspects of the day.