AN: Hi everyone not much to say in this author's note this time around other than me just writing a little bit everyday when inspiration hit and me hoping you guys enjoy this next one!

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN POKEMON

pairing: handymanshipping (implied pokeshipping)

D: Date

"Ugh I don't know about this one. I really can't see how that could mean anything. Besides, I am in no way shape or form her type. I wish but, look at me."

Gary Oak looked at the Pokemon watcher with a sympathetic look on his face. He and his grandfather's assistant became pretty good friends over the years. They spoke often and it was nice to have someone close to his age around to talk too. Everyone else like Ash are out traveling in some way shape or form trying to make their dreams become a reality. So when given the opportunity he liked to return home every so often.

Tracey Sketchit looked uncharacteristically dejected when he spoke of his crush and shot down any possible inkling that she may feel the same way about himself. He was pretty convinced that Daisy Waterflower, the eldest of the Sensational Sisters didn't harbor romantic feelings like he had for her.

On the other hand Gary was trying to help the older teen see it the way he sees it. The young researcher was convinced of the evidence and facts presented that the blonde had feelings and he was going to assist his friend if he had anything to do with it.

"Oh come on bro, things break at the gym and she calls you who lives here in Pallet and she lives in Cerulean. She could easily have someone else like oh I don't know a professional mechanic or plumber fix whatever was broken for that week", Gary started but wasn't done and cut Tracey off from butting in and added," Oh and what about that time when she got a pair of Luvdisc at the gym and called you to visit to see them and then there was that one time when she had you clean the pool and allowed you to take her out on a date as a thank you. Dude, seriously she smiles when she talks to you on the phone. I would know because I've seen it and gramps has mentioned it to me too. She likes you. So ask her out already".

Blinking to process all this information in Tracey still sighed. He wanted to believe what he was hearing but just didn't want to get his hopes up. Heartbreak would hurt too much.

/

"These cookies are so good Mrs. Ketchum. Thanks again for inviting me over", Misty said with a content smile as she dug into a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

The older women smiled,"Aw Misty please anytime. I love having your company dear. You know you are always more than welcomed to stay at my house!". Delia took a sip of lemonade as she sat with the red head at the kitchen table as Mr. Mime was happily washing the mixing bowl and spatula from earlier.

The two formed a pretty good relationship and both kept in contact. Misty turned into the daughter Delia always wanted and she was like a mother that the teen needed. She also became acquainted with Daisy, Misty's oldest sister.

The single mom got Misty to confess having feelings for her son, which she suspected when she had first met the girl. To say she was pleased was an understatement, she was down right ecstatic! She told the girl she was positive her son felt the same just by the way he acted around Misty and how he makes it a point to chat via video phone every week. They usually sit and talk about her son when he was younger but not today.

"I don't know Mrs. Ketchum, she really likes him but she's afraid to say anything which I don't blame her. I would totally be a hypocrite if I didn't get where she was coming from. But I want to help her and Tracey get together. She thinks he doesn't like her and only sees her as a friend and she's afraid he won't take her seriously",Misty said as she was still eating those delicious cookies.

With a knowing look the older women nodded,"I understand too. Love is a hard thing because the heart is so fragile. Both Daisy and Tracey wear their hearts on their sleeves and no one wants to get hurt. But sometimes in life you do have to take a chance. From what I've seen is both clearly love each other, that much is pretty obvious. Just like you and my son",Delia added with a playful wink making the girl blush pretty hard.

Misty was about to respond as the doorbell rang and the Mime Pokemon rushed to answer it.

"Mime mime mime! Mr. Mime!" The Pokemon chanted happily, greeting the guests that arrived.

"Ah Tracey and Gary come in dears! I made some chocolate chip cookies and lemonade enjoy". Delia was thrilled she really loved feeding people. Especially her son's friends. She's known Tracey for a few years now and naturally she has known Gary since the day he was born, having been a long time family friend of the Oaks.

"Thanks Mrs. K!" Both boys thanking her and taking a seat at the table alongside Misty.

"Hiya Misty! I didn't know you were here?" Tracey inquired as Gary playfully added," Yeah red, Ashy boy isn't home you know!"

With a blush rising to her cheeks for a second time today she chose to ignore his comment. They became friends so she knows it wasn't out of malice because she knew that people were catching on about her feelings for Ash, so to not embarrass herself more than she would like to she asked, "So, what brings you guys here anyway?"

Taking a cookie in his hand the young professor answered,"Well lover boy over here-". But he was suddenly cut off by a blushing Tracey,"HEY! Don't call me that!". The auburn haired teen chuckled at his friends obvious reaction and continued,"He needs help and advice. Admittedly we had no clue you were here and was hoping Mrs. K could help out Tracey but considering who he needs the advice on, you would also be of great help".

"Oooh!" Was the reaction out of both Misty and Delia. No doubt making the Watcher blush harder, if that were even possible.

Stammering with tiny beads of sweat forming on his forehead,"Yeah I uh. Well you see I really like Daisy and I just need help. Gary is convinced she likes me but I-I don't know. I honestly can't see how".

Reaching out and putting a comforting hand on the guys shoulder Mrs Ketchum smiled as she nodded her head to Misty allowing the girl to be the one to take the reigns, it was her sister after all and no one knew her best other than the red head anyway.

Taking the cue,"First off Tracey don't put yourself down like that, your a nice guy and a good friend."

Gary nodded his head in agreement as he downed his second glass of lemonade. She continued,"Look, all I can say is that I promise you that you have nothing to worry about. She's at the Gym right now give her a call and ask her out. Believe me when I say that you will be pleased that you did in the end".

"Go ahead dear the video phone is just over there. I think it would be wise to listen to Misty and give her sister a call!", Mrs Ketchum said cheerfully.

Gary in between bites of the cookies gave a,"Go for it bro!".

After a minute of trying to calm his nervous heart down and trying to remember how to walk as he willed himself to his feet he walked over to the phone that Delia offered to him. This is it. Please, say yes. He dialed the number. It was now or never.

While Tracey was busy talking on the phone, the other three in the kitchen were trying their best to eavesdrop without looking to obvious since no one spoke. All they did was smile and perk up when they heard Tracey's tone go from very nervous to extremely relieved and excited.

"...alright then I will see you tonight at eight!? Ok bye Daisy!".

Running into the kitchen,"She likes me! She really likes me! Not only that but she agreed to go on a date with me tonite. Well bye guys I've got to go and get ready. Thanks for the snack Mrs. Ketchum!"

With that he ran out out the house and down the road back to the laboratory. Gary got up and placed the glass and dish in the sink. "Well let me go help me out then. Thanks Mrs. Ketchum". Giving her the old Oak charming smile. Then turned to Misty and smirked,"By the way your next. Once Ashy boy comes home, yup your next Red!".

Mrs. Ketchum giggled at Misty's expense, the older women already had plans to play matchmaker for her son and future daughter in law anyway.

END