(A/N)

Heya guys I'm back again. Im on AO3 under the same username so follow me okay? Enjoy!

As always I don't own the Pokemon company or anything related to the characters.

I'm thinking I want to write another Ash x Gary story focusing on the story behind this chapter, what do you guys think?

Incident #4: Tracey

Relationship Status: 2 years and 7 months

When you look back, 10 months seems like nothing but when you're in the moment 10 months feels like forever. Sometimes, when you haven't seen a person for 10 months, you completely forget what they have missed.

As always, it was a quiet day in Pallet Town. The Sun sent down hearty rays that warmed the soul, the wind was constant yet pleasant. More or less, it was the perfect Spring day. Gary drew a long breath, feeling the air circulate within his lungs before exhaling. A low hum was drawn from his throat; utter content was written across his features. Gary Oak, one of the best trainers of his time, second greatest scientific mind in history, a usual fast paced, stressed filled adventurist type. A sharp jolt of adrenaline was never misplaced in the Oak's life; and yet right now it was the furthest thing from his mind. Right now, all that Gary wanted was the sharp yet soft breeze ghosting across his skin. The warmth embracing him as Ash had done many times before, the distant yet pleasant white noise of Pidgy going about their life. It was soft, smooth, silky, everything that Gary once loathed.

Has being 20 changed Gary? If you asked him he would deny it vehemently. Gary Oak had done a lot of growing up in the last 3 years, if he was being honest. Relationships were the most important thing to the brunet, he now cherished every moment he spent with the ones he loved. Pokemon were still a massive part of his life, but now they are companions and not battle equipment. He was still loved by the ladies (and men) because of his devilishly good looks. Gary was told constantly that it was a sin to be that attractive, admittedly it was mainly Ash that said that to him. Gary let out a drawn out breath as his mind filled with thoughts of Ash.

He thought of their first kiss, rushed and awkward. If he wasn't so happy he probably would have been extremely embarrassed. Sure, Gary always had girls surrounding him but that didn't mean he had kissed them. Being a gay 17-year-old he didn't experience much in the 'love' category; honestly his love life mainly consisted of love confessions from his female fans. Gary's first boyfriend was a headstrong jock, whom he was still in a relationship with when he reunited with Ash. Some people may call Gary Oak a player for stringing along so many females when he was so fucking gay, but he was no cheat. If Gary was being honest he was always attracted to Ash, he loved the boys' drive and attitude. When he finally saw Ash again, it all just clicked. They were amazing friends, inseparable. Then the most earth shattering thing happened, Ash confided in Gary about his sexuality. Now, Gary isn't dumb. He knew Ash had been flirting with him, he knew that Ash was blatantly hitting on him. After the 3rd incident the brunet broke it off with the jock, but it was still another 4 months until Ash revealed he was in fact gay. Things moved fairly quickly after that, one joke lead to another and then they were making out (if you could call it that).

Gary loved everything about Ash, he loved the man he turned into. Soon after their 19th birthdays' the two boys moved in together. They now live in a quaint apartment in Viridian City. As most people expect the first 6 months was spent having sex at least 3 times a day on every available surface. Now, they're more toned down, sure they still have sex 3 times a day but it's limited to their BDSM slave room.

By having an apartment in the city they always have unexpected visitors, every time Delia had to go shopping she would always end up at the boys' place. Every time Professor Oak ventured into Viridian to pick up supplies he would pay a visit to his grandson. Visitors were very common to the boys, somehow along the road they turned into hosts. Sure their apartment wasn't particularly flashy or spacious but it could comfortably hold 7 people at once. It had somehow become a tradition that every Wednesday night was held in Viridian in their apartment. Delia always brought along a side and Professor Oak brought the beverages, it was their impromptu family night. Many of occasions Brock and Misty had joined on their Wednesday dinner night when they were in town. Gary was always the designated cook, Ash tried to help but that boy was a walking disaster.

The breeze turned cold and the sun was no longer warming Gary from the inside; indicating that his stay under the sun was overdue. The latter took one last, long inhale before finally getting up. He stretched his stiff muscles, twisting and turning his body in pleasant ways. It looked around 3:30pm (15:30) due to the position of the sun. Gary had been sampling the soil quality in the Viridian forest when he came across a nice open field. Umbreon immediately found a comfortable spot in the sun to lay in, the Pokemon looked extremely comfortable. Gary couldn't resist the calling of the grass and sun, he laid down a soft picnic blanket and secured his research before drifting off to sleep beside his companion. That was 4 hours ago, Gary smiled sheepishly to himself in memory. He woke Umbreon gently, the black creature swatted at his hands with her claws. After some growling and groaning Umbreon finally awoke, she stretched gracefully before waiting at her master's feet. The pair set off towards Viridian, their pace was quicker than normal as they accidentally slept in for too long.

By the time the pair returned to the apartment it was close to 4pm, the kitchen bench was set up in preparation for their meal. Gary placed his research and keys in their designated spot before thoroughly washing his hands. He began making the broth with dashi, internally thanking Ash for preparing everything for him. Gary began preparing the beef and udon, he made one extra serving as they were expecting Tracey over. The last time he saw Tracey was when he was 15, Tracey was his grandfather's assistant back then. When Gary was researching in Sinnoh, Tracey went back to the Orange Island's to earn a Bachelor of Arts and Science. Now, Tracey is back in Kanto studying under the Professor once again. Which means he will probably be joining their Wednesday dinner nights more often. Gary busied himself with dinner, humming along to a song which he couldn't identify.

Gary felt hands snake around his waist, a body pressed against his soon after. Ash ghosted soft kisses along his boyfriend's neck, travelling from his shoulder up to his cheek. The brunet sighed happily, twisting his body and face so he could give Ash a proper kiss. "Welcome home," Ash mumbled between kisses. "How did your research go?"

"I've got many samples, things look stable." Gary swayed his body as he continued cooking, the person attached to him swayed in time with his movements. Ash pulled out his phone, after pressing a few buttons their bluetooth speaker roared to life. The two boys began singing along with the music while embracing, after a few moments Gary returned to his duties at the stove top. The raven-haired male continued singing while gathering bowls and utensils, setting the table for their expected guests.

Half an hour went by before the first knock was heard, Ash turned down the music before answering the door. As expected Delia brought along a side and Professor Oak had the drinks with him, Tracey brought along a gift of chocolate from the Orange Islands. Gary placed everything on the table ushering everyone to help themselves. Ash placed out some food for the Pokemon and they all sat down to eat.

"Wow this udon is great! Did you make it all by yourself Gary?" Tracey looked very contently at his bowl of udon.

Gary hummed in reply before finishing his mouthful and speaking. "Yep, Ash is such a klutz I have to cook by myself." In retort the latter stuck out his tongue, causing everyone to laugh. The conversation was light, mainly containing stories about Tracey's time away and every accident Ash has gotten into since he was born.

"So," Tracey looked a little embarrassed, "do you both live here?" He was directing his gaze between the two boys, "together?" His words were said with curiosity and a hint of embarrassment, the art grad's face was dusted with a blush.

Ash piped up instantly, looking very proud. "Yeah, we moved in together about a year ago."

"What made you two move in together? Last time I saw you two you hated each other." Tracey looked like he instantly regretted his choice of words, grimacing. "Not in a bad way though!" He waved in hands around in embarrassment, to which everyone laughed at.

Ash put on a cheeky smile, "honestly I don't think mum could handle both of us." He nudged Gary under the table, Delia agreed with a laugh. There was a comfortable silence at the table, everyone sat back in content. Gary began gathering dishes while Ash retrieved the chocolates they were gifted. The raven-haired male opened the packed and offered everyone a sweet, he took his designated seat next to Gary. "What one would you like?" Ash was dangerously close to his boyfriend's ear; his voice was a loud whisper.

Gary casted a side glance at his lover before responding, "can I please have the almond one?" Ash grinned menacingly before popping a chocolate into his own mouth.

"Sorry, there's none left," the obvious lie was tainted with sarcasm. Ash held the chocolate between his teeth, smiling around it. Everyone laughed at Ash's obvious teasing and Gary's crestfallen face.

"Almond is my favourite too," came Delia's sweet voiced. Her smile was infectious; she was obviously enjoying herself.

"What can you do," Gary laced his hands into Ash's hair pulling him closer. The moment their lips touched the brunet bit down onto the chocolate, taking it from the others mouth. The young Oak had victory plastered all over his face as he pulled back with the chocolate secured in his mouth.

Professor Oak and Delia laughed loudly, while Tracey looked on in horror. "You had that coming!" Delia managed between laughs.

"W-W-What?" Tracey darted his eyes between everyone at the table, confused at what had just transpired. The two lovers looked blankly at their friend for a full minute, while Tracey looked back in confused horror. "You two just kissed?! Am I the only one that finds that a little bit odd?!" The art grad looked back at Delia and Samuel for help, trying to process what the hell was going on.

"Did no one tell him?" Gary spoke directed at his grandfather and Delia. Gary faced Tracey, "Ash and I are dating."

Ash held up his hands in a non-threatening fashion, "100% gay."

Gary laughed before agreeing, "100% gay."

TBC