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"…People ask why I chose to become a Pokémon Researcher instead of continuing my journey to become a Master. I think an important deciding factor was that I had never met a Pokémon Master who had truly influenced my life. I had, though, met one amazing Researcher who has always been there for me. Without a doubt, he has been the most influential person in my life. And that is what I would want to do for another, to create a meaningful impact in someone's life. Gramps, you continue to inspire me. I hope one day, I can achieve as much as you have."

Gary's speech concluded. Unfortunately, I only got to hear the end. I was able to slip back into the party unnoticed since everyone was staring at Gary, mesmerized by his charming words.

The party goers waited nearly two beats after Gary had uttered the last syllable before breaking out into applause. I, however, was too busy laughing at how pleased he looked with himself. No matter what he says, Gary is a sucker for the spotlight.

Our eyes meet and he gives me his signature smirk, which I return with an eye roll. Things are…kind of back to normal. For now, at least.

Gary made his way off the platform and started to make his way towards me. It took a while since everyone kept intercepting him to say, "Oh, what a beautiful speech!" "Well done, young man!" Gary kept thanking and shaking hands, giving time to send me a helpless look.

"Everyone thought my speech was touching," He said as he finally approached me, "Except for you. Yep, I saw you laughing your little heart out." Gary crossed his arms to make me feel guilty. Before I could make a clever retort, Leaf came running up.

"Gary, honey, that was an ah-mazing speech! I knew you could do it!" She gushed, jumping up to wrap her arms around his neck. The illusion that everything was like it used to be faded and I was reminded of how different things really were. Gary looked at me awkwardly from behind Leaf's grasp.

She finally unraveled herself and noticed me standing there, "Misty Waterflower? I didn't know you were here! How long are you going to be in Kanto? You must tell me all about traveling with Ash! Gosh, I haven't seen you in SUCH a long time!" Leaf was prone to word vomiting everything that came into her mind. I just agreed half-heartedly, keeping an eye on Gary. My mind dangerously wandered to their relationship. Does she love him? Has he said 'I love you' to her? Have they..

Shut up, I literally scream in my mind. Why do I even care? I probably misinterpreted everything Gary said to me on the balcony. Maybe I should go back to Unova as soon as possible.

"You are staying at Gary's house right?" Leaf then saw the expression on Gary's face, "Gary! You were letting such a dear friend sleep in a hotel?" She gave him a stern look.

Gary laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his head, "Um, Misty, do you need a place to stay? I could never let such a dear friend sleep in a hotel." He recited, with his familiar humorous tone.

I smiled slightly, "Actually, I think I am going to go back home tomorrow," The word home used to describe Unova felt unnatural in my mouth.

Gary narrowed his eyes at me and shook his head slightly. Leaf looked upset as well, "What? No, that won't do! You know what? Stay with me," And she insisted that I stay at least a week. It was hard to refuse her happy personality, no wonder Gary liked her.

GARY POV.

I walk back to my house, thinking about everything that has happened tonight. This is so typical of me. I screw up ever relationship I have but this is a first for me. I've never cheated on a girl before because I would never betray that trust. I know that technically, I haven't even straight out said anything to Misty or done anything but it still feels wrong. Eventually, sooner rather than later, I have to talk to Leaf.

Leaf was actually staying with one of my neighbors. I think I asked her if she wanted to stay with me but she said something about not wanting to intrude my man cave for that long. Most girls don't say that to me, it was kind of refreshing.

After lazily getting into my pajamas, I sat and watched some black and white movie on the television. My mind was way too active for me to even try to sleep.

I then started to think about everything that might happen tonight and during this week. Misty is staying with Leaf, like a weeklong slumber party. Slumber parties usually entail secrets being told, feelings being discussed. My hand ran through my hair, 'What have you gotten yourself into!'

A knock came at the door. I hesitated to answer it, who does house calls at midnight? Cautiously and curiously, I opened the door.

"Thank goodness, you're up!" Leaf hurried inside, also dressed in pajamas.

"Um…Leaf; it's 12 o'clock at night…" I mumbled in confusion but she pulled me over to the couch.

She put her hands up in defense, "I know, I know, it's late but this cannot wait. This is your future in the making, Gary!" She was really confusing me, "I…we need to deal with this now."

Her tone became softer and her eyes sadder, a definite sign that things were off.

"Gary, I am going to ask you something and I don't want an explanation or any extra excuses. Just a yes or no answer," She said quietly when I walked into the room. I have never seen her serious and it was making me nervous.

"Do you have feelings for Misty?" She said slowly.

I was taken back, questions bubbling through my mind. That was not what I was expecting. I sputtered and slurred incoherent words, trying to formulate them in my mind. Leaf's eyebrows rose, reminding me of what she had said about 'yes' or 'no'.

After about 30 seconds of silence, "Yes."

Leaf showed no surprise, just a little sadness in her big green eyes, "Have you for a while?"

Another 30 second pause, "Yes."

"Have you told her?"

"…No."

"Were you planning to?"

"No." That was a close as I could get to the truth, because really it should have been, 'I have no idea because I have a girlfriend, which is you, and I would have to figure out that first.'

"Were you planning on telling me?"

"Yes."

Leaf nodded, "Don't look so shocked, Gary. I read all of those tabloid articles about you and her. I was surprised, actually, when you asked me out. I saw you two go out to the balcony tonight and it looked like you were having a really serious talk. I'm not mad, Gary!" She laughed to try to defuse the tension, "I just don't want you to let her ago like you already have. We had fun but I'm not blind to the chemistry between you guys!"

I was at a loss for words.

"Gary? Say something!"

"I'm really sorry, Leaf."

"Don't be. Sure, I really like you but I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I kept you from true love."

She gave me a sincere smile, "You really think it's true love? Between Misty and me?"

Leaf gave me a playful shove, "Come on, Oak! It's one from a fairytale!"

"None of the fairytales I ever read included a guy taking his rival's forever girl then letting her go back to him and then being the jerkiest jerk to everyone."

"I don't think you're a jerk, Gary, I've never thought you were a jerk," She gave my hand a little squeeze, "But you are a coward."

I yanked my hand away, "What! Gary Oak is no coward!" I can't believe she just called me that! I never stand down from a fight and if I fall, I come back stronger.

"When you are in the lab or in a battle, sure, you're plenty brave. But when it comes to your feelings and affections, you shrink at the challenge." Her eyes locked in a hard stare, "It's time for you to let go of your fear and do something!"

She was right. I don't like to get attached to people for too long because I always mess it up. But the fact that I refrain from getting close to people IS what messes it up.

"Thank you, Leaf; I can't imagine how awkward this must be for you. I'm sorry if I hurt you." I gave her a hug.

"Gary, I'm fine, really!" She laughed quietly, "I'm still young, I'm not in a rush to fall in love. You, however, already have."

Love. Funny, I never thought I was capable of that.

Yay for plot development! Remember to check my profile for updates from me!

The next chapter will come as soon as possible!