Ugh. This is the third time of had to type this author note! The first time, the internet went down, then it said I wasn't logged in. It better work this time!

I own nothing except for Brandon.

LEAF'S POV

I had to get up earlier since my mom had to drive me to school. I was going to avoid Gary at all costs, and he would definitely notice. I got to school the same time Ash and Gary were dismounting Charizard.

"Hey, Leaf. Why didn't you ride with the guys this morning?" Misty asked me as I reached the gate.

"I don't fly with them anymore."

She rolled her eyes. "Is this another one of your one-day fights with Gary or something?"

I shook my head. "He really screwed up this time, and I'm not forgiving him easily."

She looked my face up and down. "Oh my Arceus, you're serious."

We walked in an awkward silence until Misty spoke up. "So, how was your date with Brandon?"

"It was great! He took me to this nice restaurant."

"Awww!" she exclaimed as we opened our lockers. "That's sooo romantic!"

I rolled my eyes as she continued on with how cute Brandon and I were. Ash ran up to us and grabbed Misty's hand.

"What's up, Ash?"

"Nothing, I'm just bored."

Misty smiled. "Then let's go to class."

"But I don't want to!" Ash whined.

Misty turned on her heel and pulled him behind her. "Too bad. See you later, Leaf!"

"Bye!" I shouted over Ash's whining. I started searching through my locker for my L.A. books and shut my locker to be greeted by Brandon leaning against the locker next to mine.

I jumped in surprise. "You scared me to death!"

He laughed. "I didn't know you'd get scared so easily."

I rolled my eyes. "Well, what's up?"

He shrugged. "Nothing much. School and suckish science classes. The usual."

"As long as you pass, it doesn't really matter how suckish it is." I slammed my locker shut and started to walk to first period with him.

"That's the thing. I'm not passing, I'm failing."

I tapped my chin and thought carefully. "I'm decent at science. I could tutor you if you want."

"Really? That'd be awesome! Are you sure?"

"Of course. We could meet at Cerulean Library if you want."

"That's perfect. How's 6:30?"

"That's perfect. Try to have fun at science."

"Yeah, I'll try." Brandon continued walking down the hall and waved as he entered his classroom.

I smiled to myself and went in my classroom, taking my seat next to Misty. She was turned around and talking to Ash.

"Hey, guys. What's up?"

"Hey, Leaf. I'm surprised you showed up."

I gave them a confused look. "Why are you two so surprised? I kind of have to be here."

Misty glanced at her watch. "You're a few minutes late. Usually Ms. Lassoni is here before any of us. You are so lucky she's late today of all days."

"Yeah, what happened?" asked Ash. "Fight with Gary in the hall and win?"

I shook my head. "Sorry, but I don't talk to that jerkface anymore."

He laughed. "Another one-day fight?"

"Ash, she's serious. She hates his guts."

Ash eyes widened and Misty nodded to confirm it was true.

He sighed. "What did Gary do this time?"

"He got all pissed off because I went out with Brandon, and he won't tell me why."

"I'll see what I can do. I am his best friend."

I smiled. "Thanks, Ash."

"Why were you late then?" Misty asked.

"I was talking to Brandon. We're meeting at the Cerulean Library this Thursday."

"Awww! That's so romantic! Are you going on a study date?"

I sighed. "Sure, Misty. Call it what you like."

"You can come over to my house after school on Thursday so you don't have trouble getting there. Then you can sleep over and go to school with me on Friday."

"Sure. I'll ask my mom after school."

"Yay!" Misty cheered.

"Turn around! Ms. Lassoni's here!" Ash loudly whispered.

Misty and I whipped around and joined the class in greeting Ms. Lassoni. "Good morning, Ms. Lassoni."

Oh yes, what a good morning it was.

XXXXX

MISTY'S POV

The day went by rather quick, and probably the hardest period of all came: lunch. I sat in between Leaf and Ash and Ash sat next to Gary. Ash and I tried to lighten the mood, but there was obvious tension between Gary and Leaf. Leaf talked to me a little, but Gary wouldn't talk at all.

I poked Ash's shoulder and whispered, "What are we supposed to do? We can't have lunch like this for the rest of our senior lives. We need to do something! Look at them!"

Leaf was busy glaring at Gary, and Gary was very interested in his slice of pizza all of the sudden.

I sighed. "Do you see what I mean?" I asked.

Ash nodded. "I'll get Gary on Friday if you agree to get Leaf."

"Deal. Let's just hope Friday comes fast."

"I know. Gary sat through science class and he looked bored."

I shrugged. "Science can be boring."

Ash rolled his eyes. "No duh, Misty, but we're talking about Gary here. The dude breathes science."

Leaf tapped me and I spun around to see her with a confused look on her face. "What are you two whispering about?" she asked.

"Nothing much. Just next period. Right, Ash?"

"What? I thought we were talking about—"

I jabbed his side with my elbow and he groaned. "Yeah. What she said," Ash said while rubbing his now sore side. "What the hell did you do that for?"

"You started talking without thinking again!"

"So!"

Gary and Leaf started to stare at us.

"So, you shut your mouth!"

"Why should I? You talk without thinking all the time!" His eyes widened in realization at what he just said to me.

"Oh crap," he muttered as I pulled out my mallet and bashed his head with it.

He slumped against the table and I smiled with satisfaction.

"Anybody else have any comments?" I questioned as I sat back down.

Leaf and Gary eyed Ash and shook their heads.

"That's what I thought."

XXXXX

ASH'S POV

"Hey, Gary," I said as I slid into my seat next to him.

"Hey. I was just wondering, but did you encourage Brandon to ask Leaf out?"

I rubbed the back of my neck nervously. "Well, I wouldn't say encouraged, more like supported."

"Ash, those two words both mean the same thing."

"All I did was ask Leaf if she wanted to go out with Brandon and she said sure."

His eyes slightly widened. "Leaf seriously agreed to go out with this guy? Why would she do that?"

"I don't know," I answered in a slightly annoyed tone. "Ask her, not me."

He groaned. "Never mind."

I eyed him with confusion before remembering something I had to do. "Do you want to hang out on Friday? You can sleep over if you want."

"Sure. Are you sure you want me to school you in Mario Kart?"

I laughed and patted Gary on the back. "That's the Gary I know."

I sighed with satisfaction and slid down in my seat. Mission complete. Let's just hope Misty got it just as easy as I did.

XXXXX

MISTY'S POV

School was finally over, and Leaf and I's volleyball practice was starting. We were passing the ball back and forth, and I was getting restless. I had to ask Leaf at the right time, or she'd be on my case immediately. It didn't help that I was a crappy liar, and pretty much the only person who ever believed them was Ash.

"So, are you still mad at Gary?"

"You bet I am."

"How mad?"

"Probably the maddest I've ever been in my entire life."

My eyes widened. She's more aggravated than I thought.

"He couldn't have done something too bad."

"Well, he did," she answered matter-of-factly.

"What'd he do that made you this irritated?"

She sighed. "It's too complicated for me to explain to you on the volleyball court."

I bit my lip. "How about a sleepover at your house?"

Leaf smiled. "That sounds great! Is Friday good for you or should we do it on the weekend?"

"Friday's perfect. I'll drive us to your house after school."

I smiled to myself with a surge of victory. She practically gave it to me. I can't wait to tell Ash!

XXXXX

I ran outside at the end of practice, way ahead of Leaf, who was probably in the locker room changing. Ash was leaning on the rails of the gate, and he smiled when I ran outside.

"I skipped changing out of my practice uniform for this. You better have Gary covered for Friday." I stood in front of him with my hands on my hips in my practice jersey and short shorts.

Ash had his Battle League shirt on with a pair of jeans. "Of course I got him. All he wants to do is, and I quote, "school me in Mario Kart." I'm missing a good battle right now. Did you get Leaf?"

"She practically gave it to me. Mission accomplished." I gave him high-five.

"I say we celebrate with ice cream!" Ash announced as we linked arms.

"Only if you promise me something," I said as he looked at me with confusion.

"What?"

"You get to pay for the ice cream."

"What? No way!"

"Pretty please?" I asked sweetly, standing on my tiptoes to lightly press my lips against his.

His face turned bright red as he started to stutter. "S-sure, Mist."

I giggled as I led him to my car and we drove to the nearest ice cream shop.

XXXXX

LEAF'S POV

I shoved my volleyball uniform in my bag and snatched my phone from the bench as it vibrated. I read the text and almost crushed my phone into pieces.

hey ull have 2 go home w/ gary or something me & ash r getting ice cream sorry

I exited the locker room and ran down the hall to the outside arena. I glared at the stadium looming in the distance.

I am so going to kill her later.I thought to myself as I ran to the stadium.

Brandon was versing Derek, and it was pretty close. The other guys were shouting for whom they were rooting for, and I was rolling my eyes as they yelled different commands at everyone. A huge explosion erupted as the attacks collided, and Brandon came out victorious.

I ran over to him as he left the battle grounds. "Good job."

He clipped his Pokeball back to his belt and flashed me a smile. "Thanks. I thought you had volleyball."

"I did, but I wanted to see the end of the battle and my ride is here."

"I thought you and Gary were, you know, enemies."

"Oh, we are. Misty left me for Ash Ketchum and ice cream."

He laughed. "I would take you home, but Salamence is at the PokeCenter."

"That's fine. I'll live."

"I'll see you tomorrow, right?"

"Yup. Well, I'm off to find Gary. Bye!" I turned around to see Gary walking out of the stadium, his hands in his pockets.

"Gary! Wait up!"

He turned around with wide eyes.

I ran up to him. "Misty went to get ice cream with Ash, and she was my ride."

I looked down at my feet and mumbled, "Can I fly on Charizard with you?"

"Sure. I never said you couldn't."

I nodded as we walked to the open field and Gary let out Charizard. We both climbed aboard and ascended into the sky. Five minutes went by, and Gary broke it with the last thing I thought would come out of his mouth.

"So, how are you and Brandon?"

"We're good. How's your research?"

"Confusing, but I'll figure it out."

"You don't spend all your time on it, do you?" I asked, concern evident in my voice.

He slightly chuckled. "Don't worry. I haven't spent much time on it."

"Oh. Okay."

There was a deafening silence.

"Gary, can I ask you a question?"

He glanced at me over his shoulder. "Sure. What's up?"

I bit my lip. "Why do you hate Brandon?"

His shoulders noticeably stiffened, and he whipped his eyes back ahead of him. He didn't answer.

"Gary?" I questioned, poking his head.

"I'd rather not tell you."

I sighed. "Why not? I just want one reason."

He moaned, obviously knowing where this argument would go. "Is he a jerk? Did you two get in a fight? Just tell me!"

"You wouldn't understand."

"Gary, I'm one of your best friends! I'll try to understand as best as I can."

"Leaf, can we please not have this conversation right now?" he begged, slightly irritated. "I need to land and I don't need you yelling at me!"

"I'll yell at you all I want!" I shouted back as we slowly touched the ground.

"Go ahead! See if I care!"

I leapt of Charizard and stared right at Gary, eyes ablaze."Whatever, but you can't avoid me forever!" I announced.

I stormed toward my house as Gary yelled, "I sure can—" but I never heard the end because I slammed the door.

I leaned against the door and groaned."That boy is so irritating!" I screamed. I slung my backpack over my shoulder and slowly went toward the staircase.

I heard my mom chuckle and whisper, "Young love."

My mouth twisted into an angry frown as I stomped up the stairs, my cheeks bright red.

I hope you all liked it. I should be updating every other weekend.

My new story, called Angelic Demons, will be up before Thanksgiving. The title might change though.

Now for a question!

What do you like better? Chocolate or vanilla?

Please review!