What Would You Do

Disclaimers: I don't own Pokemon or the characters.

Warning: Minor swearwords

"…" Talking

'Italic' Thinking/Texting

A/N (6/26/14) - Majorly REVISED - Originally this story-plot started off as an Oneshot/Songfic; What Would You Do by City High for an EgoFic-Contest on Serebii forums in 2007. But after many encouraging reviews to continue with the story-plot, I decided to make this into a multi-chapter. I decided to keep with the plot setting, but the events order has changed compared to the original piece. Also this will be an attempt of wannabe slice-of-life parenting view drama theme-ish.

Chapter 1: How It All Started

(Gary, Misty and Ash – Age 16 / Tracey Age 17)

** Pallet Town - Ketchum's House **

Misty tried her best to help Delia and Mr. Mine in the kitchen, but with a new squirmy Pokémon in her arms, it became a failed attempt. After been told off by Mr. Mine, Delia laughed and insisted Misty to sit and relax until Ash returns. Misty got word from Tracey that Ash planned on coming back home. Thus her unexpected visit to the Ketchum's household after visiting Tracey at the Oak's household.

The reason of her visit to the Oak's was to pick up her late birthday present that Tracey had insisted her to pick up personally. Upon her visit she received a baby Azurill that his Marill had given birth to. After a long game of catch-up and listening to his experience with Marill's birthing, a left-field question got asked. What her feelings were for Ash. Not knowing how Tracey had twisted her arm, she modestly admitted she has deep feelings for him. Roughly for five years now, she didn't fully acknowledge it until three years ago when they parted ways.

Misty smiled when she recalled the little secret Tracey let her in on about Ash and his feelings towards her. Knowing that, gave her the confidence to confess to him when they meet up for the first time in two years, since Mirage Kingdom. Although she instantly froze in her chair at the sound of Ash's voice calling out for his mom. Needing to review her game plan, she stayed in the kitchen while Delia left to greet her son.

After all the hug and kisses, Delia excitedly announced Misty's presence and called her to the living room. Ash froze upon seeing Misty in the flesh. No one but Pikachu could sense his distraught aura but for his mom's sake, he played it cool and greeted her. It wasn't the cheeriest of greet, but it did the job enough for him to ask why she was here without any questionings. A greet was returned, follow by a nutshell explanation. He became standoffish when Misty asked if they could talk in private; outside preferably, of an important matter about them two. With an indifferent 'sure' response, he and Pikachu followed right behind Misty and her Azurill in her arms.

Misty could sense the uneasiness atmosphere between them and she wanted to know why. However her confession clouded her mind and need to do that first before anything else. Facing Ash and nervously biting her bottom lip, she slowly inhaled.

"Sooo after a good amount of time of being apart and barely speaking to each other, I finally realized my feelings for you. I care for you more than a normal friend should. I'm confident that I'm like, deeply in love with you, Ash. I kno—"

"Now you're finally on board?" Ash asked harshly. "That shipped has sailed long ago."

Raising a confused brow at Ash, Misty was still a taken back at his response. "I'm so lost and what the hell?! I just confessed to you and you're acting like this? Shouldn't you be happy? I know you feel the same! Tracey told me so."

"You got some nerves! I use to like you and what you did is nowhere close to my response just now."

"What are you talking about?"

A snort escaped from Ash's lips. "Wooow, playing innocent are we? Man, you're such a heartless bitch."

Misty couldn't believe her ears that Ash just nonchalant called her a name he has never addressed her by. They've argued and called each other names but never this one. With that repeating in her head, hurt and furious clouded her mind and she did the one thing she never done towards him. She slapped him hard across the face.

While rubbing his cheek, he glared at Misty with hatred. "Temper, temper, and god I hate you even more now. I thought I could move forward on what you did back then, but it seems like I was wrong. We're officially done. I don't ever want to see your face again!" Ash shouted heatedly to the point he didn't listen to Pikachu's protesting cries. "Do yourself a favor, get yourself in check. If not, you'll never have someone that will love you. Now be gone!"

Misty wanted an explanation of what she 'supposedly' have done back then that caused their relationship to be all rocky. But she couldn't stay around anymore, not after what he just said in such a tone. Before she knew it, her body moved on its own and ran towards the Oak's; giving what Ash wanted. To make matters worse, it started raining.

Ideally Misty hoped for Tracey to be the one at the door but it was Gary who let her in. Being told that Tracey has stepped out with Professor Oak, she kept quiet. Soaked down to her bones, with mud splatters on her lower half and displaying a distraught look; Gary couldn't help himself but pick on her. A chuckle escaped.

"My god, you're so uncute right now—" Gary paused when he saw sudden tears coming down on Misty's cheeks; while hugging Azurill close to her chest. "Whoa! What happen and why are you crying?! I was totally joking about you being uncute! Oh geez, could you stop crying?" Gary asked puzzlingly only to have Misty turn her head away. The two had a weird relationship, whenever they encounter each other they always threw snarky remarks, than all of a sudden go into a friendly chit chat before continuing on with their separate ways. He couldn't stomach the tears because he knew it isn't likes her to shed them so easily. He thought of something that he knew would get her to snap back. Leaning in towards her right cheek, he licked it, causing her to be dumbfounded. He then quickly wiped away her tears with his lab-coat sleeves.

"What the hell, Gary?!" Misty asked and wiped the cheek that's been licked on.

"That got you to stop crying. Hot damn, I'm so quick on my feet." Gary said with a smugly grin.

"Cocky jerk." Misty said growlingly and gave Gary a pouting glare.

"Hah, now that's the feisty attitude Misty that I've grown to know and like!"

"Too bad that doesn't apply to Ash."

It didn't take long to realize the cause of the situation, as he rolled his eyes. "Oh geez, what did Ashy-Boy do this time?"

"He ended our friendship after I confessed to him."

"Whoa, that kind of doesn't make sense. You confessed and not only he turned you down, he ended your guys' friendship? There has to be more to it, right?"

"There is but I don't know what I did. Thanks to that, he called me a heartless bitch, causing me to slap him hard."

"Really? You and I have called each other worst names but I never got slapped."

"It's different when it's coming from Ash! And to add salt to my wounds, he said that no one will ever love the current me."

Gary wasn't sure how to ease the tensed atmosphere. That didn't stop him from trying though. He'll just have to do it his way, like always. "You know, love does come in all sorts of ways, especially in my playbook."

Misty rolled her eyes at Gary's comment. "Thanks for trying to cheer me up, perv. But it's nowhere near on filling the void left in my heart. I really love him. I'm such a wreck and I don't even know where to start to recover."

Gary flashed a smile and pulled something out from his pocket. "Indeed I am a perv, and I'll gladly be of an assist to help you to move forward." Turning on his charming smile, he placed a set of keys in Misty's hand. "You know where my bedroom's at. I'll be done with my research papers in thirty minutes. That should give you enough time to shower and feel free to roam my closet."

"Gar—" Misty got silenced by Gary's index finger and got lost in his seductive stare.

"Tonight only, I'll be your wildest fantasy to the point you won't be hurting over that loser Ash." Gary walked away in the opposite direction, heading back towards the lab section.

Once Gary disappeared around the corner, Misty stared down at the set of keys in her hand and hugged Azurill tight. "What should I do Azurill? Is it wrong of me of not wanting to be alone tonight?"

Even though she asked Azurill and fought with her conscience for guidance, her body moved on its own heading towards Gary's bedroom.

** A Few Weeks Later – Cerulean City Gym Household **

Misty was going mad at each ticking of the clock in the bathroom, waiting for a three minute pregnancy test result felt like eternity. Already heavily burden down by the fact her menstrual cycle's late, her heart sunk when the test came out positive. She couldn't believe how naïve she was. She should have calculated the possibility of getting pregnant on her 'first time', especially when her one night stand went unprotected.

Calming herself down, she left her bathroom and fell onto her bed, figuring out what she wanted to do. Debating wither to tell her sisters or not was a tough decision. She has never gotten along with her sisters sometime when she turned eight and she knew the reasons for it at age ten. But in a situation like this, she surely thought they'll put their differences aside and be supportive.

She was dead wrong about her hunch. After have asked her sisters to have an open mind, she told her sisters the news. Violet and Lily were stunned speechless followed by a disappointed look. Daisy, she completely lost it and lashed out in rage. Going off about how much of a disgrace she was and being so stupid and careless. Each lashing was worse than the last and of course, the last one was the kicker. Daisy made the decision to kick her out, mainly to avoid any tarnishing to the Waterflower's reputation. Being told she's been disowned and had a week to move out, she couldn't believe what was happening. Not being able to say anything, she slowly retreated back to her room, as Daisy mention she'll be by to give her portion of her trust fund.

After had withdrawing Misty's portion from the bank, Daisy went straight to Misty's room. Knocking on the door, she waited snootily for it to be open. Once she saw Misty, she instantly felt appalled at her sight. Handing over a thick nine by fifteen yellow-orange envelope, she nastily clarified that she did not care if she leaves early. Since most of Misty's room was already packed. Granted she didn't have much in her room in the first place.

Upon taking the envelope, no more words were exchanged; Misty just closed the door and let the tears escape her eyes once again. Deep down she knew her sisters wanted and waited for a mistake like this to happen to use as an excused to kick her out. She felt so alone and she needed support, any support at this point. Wiping away the tears, she decided to head out to Pallet Town after finishing up her remaining stuffs.

** About Three Hours Later – Destination Pallet Town **

Misty paid the taxi driver partial of the amount she owed and asked him to wait a bit with her suitcase and two boxes in the trunk until she returns. Stepping out of the car with Azurill, she stared straight ahead at the Oak's front door. Making her way to the door, she rang the doorbell and this time, she hoped for Gary.

Luck wasn't on her side; Tracey was the one on the other side of the door. He welcomed her inside but she refused and quickly asked for Gary. After had told her that he has left for an internship on Saida Island three weeks ago, he caught her low heavy sigh. A habit she only does when something is wrong. He didn't get a chance to ask since she had quickly asked if there was a way to get a hold of Gary. Giving her a bit of more bad news of there's no phone service on his end or current address to get a hold of him. They had to wait on him to contacts them. He then noticed the sudden changed of expression to a troublesome one.

By now she knew Tracey has caught on and was going to ask her what's wrong and she wasn't ready to tell him the current situation. But lucky; the only luck, the taxi was her scapegoat. Quickly thanking for his time and excusing herself, she quickly went back to her taxi and told the driver the next destination. Besides family members, she wanted Gary to be the first to know about the pregnancy, but with the 'father' being out of the picture, she decided to go to the one person she knew she can rely on.

Upon showing up at Delia's house, she once again asked the taxi driver to wait. Taking a deep breath and keeping herself on whatever high spirits she had left, she knocked on the door and waited. Delia gave Misty a warm welcoming, quickly followed by a question of what had happen last time of her sudden disappearance. Overwhelmed with her bottled up emotions, she started crying. Only managing to spit out that she's pregnant, got disowned and she doesn't know what to do in between sobs.

Delia noticed the taxi car still in front of her house and putting two and two together, she clearly realized the situation. The two and the taxi driver placed Misty's belongings at the front door entrance. Paying the taxi driver, they made haste deeper into the house. After the full explanation from the beginning of the fighter with Ash to where she is now, she welcomed; more like insisted, Misty into her house. She knew how hard it is being a single mother and raising a child with no support.

Misty thanked Delia from the bottom of her heart and started discussing about rent payment. The two bickered at first since Delia told her not to worry about it, but in the end she won. Mainly because she said she didn't want to be a free loader, especially when the baby comes. After that was established, she asked Delia for another huge favor. Not to mention to anyone that Gary's the father until he finds out first. Knowing others will start asking questions once she starts to 'show', she told Delia if anyone asks her, tell them some guy at a party in Cerulean City knocked her up.

After promising and figuring out more of Misty's future, Delia hugged her like she's her own daughter. Motherly stroking the back of Misty's head as a calming method towards a petrified person, she whispered it'll be ok. But with anxiety protests of the realization of the unplanned pregnancy from Misty, she knew exactly what to say.

"You'll be a great mother when the time comes."

** One and Half Years Later **

Misty wore a white button up blouse and a black pencil-skirt that hugged her slim figure; which she worked hard to get back after giving birth to Zackary. Checking herself out in front of the mirror, she was content with her outfit for her interview. Grabbing her tote-purse and last Sunday's newspaper, she left her bedroom and joined up with Delia and Zackary in the living room.

"Delia, I'm heading out for my interview. Let's hope this one is the one." Misty said optimistically.

Delia; rocking Zackary back and forth in her arms, she looked straight at Misty concernedly. "Misty, I already told you that you don't need to find a job right away. Wouldn't you want to take this opportunity and spend as much time with Zackary when he's still an infant?"

"It's very sweet of you. Buuut no job means no income and no income, means no supplies. We both know that this baby ordeal isn't going to go cheaper anytime soon. Even though we're being thrifty, I know in the long run I won't be able to live off on just my trust fund." Misty stated playful and let out a smile. "Besides, it wouldn't hurt to start a saving account for Zackary."

"Once you set your mind to it, I know it's hard to change your mind. Good luck than." Delia gave her a warming smile and placed Zackary in his swing.

"Thanks." Misty knelt down at the swing and kissed Zackary on his forehead. Pulling away with a smile, she waved to Delia. "Well I'm off."

Hours later, Misty sat dishearteningly at a local café. Her interview went well, however she didn't have the education degree that's required to be hired. Been job hunting for nearly a month, she was practically at her ends wits. Being rejected due of the lack of degree and timing wasn't on her side since all the simple jobs were quickly filled before getting an interview, made her moody. Looking at her checkbook balance, her funds still sat pretty, but after the calculation in her head, she saw how quickly the balance's going to decrease within the year. Determined to not get into a deeper financial issue, she asked the waiter for the new Sunday's newspaper to continue on her search. Crossing off the job listings that she has already gone through, 'Stud & Stunner' ad title caught her eyes.

'Want to make big bucks in one night? Become a private exotic entertainer! Call xxx-xxx-xxxx for more information.'

Taking a slow slip of her cup of tea, she pondered if she should even consider the idea. Placing down her cup, she grabbed the newspaper again and continued skimming the other job ads. After a few more cross offs and getting fed up, she decided to call Stud & Stunner for additional information. Once she got into her car, the call was quickly made.

"Stud and Stunner. This is Lana, how may I help you?" Lana, the phone receptionist of S&S, asked on the other line.

"Uhh yeah, hi. I'm calling about your ad in the newspaper."

"Oh, so an applicant, delightful. First things first, are you eighteen and over and do you have ID to prove it?"

"Yes and yes."

"Alright, here at Stud and Stunner we pride ourselves in the absolute best entertainment a company can provide for our customers. May it be a telegram job or a server or the main attraction, we give it our all. Thus, there will be classes new hires must go through to be certified before taking their first job. We also care for our employees, so we want you to feel comfortable and be able to trust the company you work for. So there are all sorts of job positions you can choose from and go from there. That's pretty much the introduction of this phone call, are there any questions?

"I'm curious how much does one make in one night and what's the scheduling like?"

"Depending what job you're doing, it could range from a hundred to a thousand and that is in a minimum of thirty minutes to one or two hours session. That doesn't even include the tips either. Scheduling, we're flexible, we let you make your own schedule. The only thing we ask is for you to be available at least three weekends out of each month. In our industry, Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest. Do you have any other questions?"

"How does one get clients? Is there a place or what?" Misty asked inquiringly at how this exotic entertainment industry works.

"Each Stud or Stunner will have a profile page with a full body shot picture, may it is via mail or on our website, the client can request their choice of Stud or Stunner through us first. If they are available, we call you if you'll like to pick up the job for that date event and location. Any other questions I can assist?"

"Well I think I'm interested? How do I go about for an interview?"

"If you are free today, we can do the interview. Our main office is located in Neon City. But do keep in mind, we strive for the best, so if we don't like what we see, we'll let you know right there and then before continuing on to the rest of the interview."

"Got it and I am free today. What's the location and what time?" Misty asked while searching for a pen and paper out from her tote-purse.

After writing down the info, Misty stared hard at the paper. A heavy sigh escaped. Not the ideal job but the pay and scheduling were the deal breaker for her decision to go through with it. If upon getting the job, it'll be a very temporary one. Or so she thought.

** Three and Half Years Later – Pallet Town **

"Thank you for babysitting Zackary again, Delia." Misty said to Delia's reflection in the mirror and quickly back at her reflection. Sporting a black mini pencil-skirt with a matching tight blazer and a white button top underneath, something was missing. She has done the 'teacher' or 'professor' routine hundreds of time but for the first time she felt a bit nervous. Only because it's her first job in Pallet and the clientele had agreed to pay triple the normal cost. With hers and S&S reputations on the line, she wanted to dress to impress and put on a good show.

"It's fine. You know I don't mind. But I'm curious at why you took a job in Pallet. You've always avoided any jobs in Pallet and Cerulean like it's the plague."

"Heh, true. But after the background screening, the clientele and the birthday boy, with the rest of their friends aren't from Pallet. They are using the clientele's parent's vacation home." Misty stated and undid a couple buttons of her blouse to solve her 'missing' puzzle. Twisting a pencil in her mid-back length hair into a high bun, she pulled out loose strands to frame her face and the black, nonprescription tiny frame spectacle. All was left to complete her outfit was a pair of sheer knee high black and grey argyle socks and black high-heels. Once she got those on, she went to her closet and put on a trench coat and locked arms with Delia heading out to the living room.

Zackary instantly dropped his toys and charged towards his mom when he saw her. Locking his arms around her legs, he looked up at her with his green eye. "Is it time for you to go to work now?"

Misty giggled and stared down at her little man and rubbed his mini brown spikes. "Yes it is. I'm sorry to cut in our play date but when I get back, we'll head over to grandpa's place as planned." Misty than peeled her son's grip and knelt down to him. "Now, how about some goodbye kisses?"

Zackary smiled brightly and held up three fingers. "You get three today."

"And where will these three kisses be?" Misty asked and slyly turned her head to expose her right cheek.

Zackary laughed and placed three little kisses on his mom's cheek and hugged her. "You have a safe day at work, mommy!"

Misty did a tiny squeal and bear hugged her son. "Thank you. Now you behave for grandma D, ok? Also don't cause any trouble with the other Pokémon," Misty pulled away to see a mischievous smile on Zackary's face. "Especially with Azurill, you two trouble makers will be the death of me."

"Heheheh, don't worry, I'll behaaave."

"That's my good little man. I love you." Misty said, while grabbing her belongings off the entrance table.

"I love-love you too, mommy!" Zackary shouted and waved at his mom's back when she headed out the door.

** Big House at the Edge of Pallet Town **

"Gary, my man! Glad you were able to make it!" Derek greeted and high-fives Gary.

"Of course! We were the party dudes at the Poke-Researcher Academy back in the days." Gary grinned at the memories of their party nights. "But honestly, it was more like perfect timing when you left a message this morning. My service kicked in about half way sailing back from Saida Island to civilization-world. Man, I haven't even dropped a line to my gramps, yet. He has no idea I'm back in town."

Derek waved Gary into the rowdy house and closed the door behind them. "Perfect timing it is. Well Luke and I know you're a busy man, so feel free leave any time. It's just good to see your fugly face in the flesh, after six years since our graduation." Derek ridiculed.

"Just shut your trap, man." Gary chuckled and looked around to see a crowd of males and females in the spacious living room area. "I'm assuming the birthday boy is in the center of the attention?"

"You can say that, and along with an exotic entertainer."

"Well I'll be damn. Even after all these years of being apart, you two still know how to one-up one party after another. If I knew a stripper was going to be here I would have brought some more money."

"I left that info on the message."

"I only heard half before deleting it."

"Such a dick move. You should get rid of that habit of yours. Anyways, the birthday boy is getting a lesson from Miss Lola, the Professor. She doesn't go nude though, just down to her bra and panty."

Gary raised a brow. "So why her?"

"We heard her striptease is outstanding, more than one can imagine. Also, it all comes down to her trademark. It's a known fact that her bra and panty ends up being some sort of Pokémon design. According to her bio, she may reuse the same Pokémon but it's the design that's always different. It may be a cutesy or skimpy set, the element of surprise is just alluring, isn't it?"

That piece of information made Gary's responsiveness of wanting to see what's in store. The two forced their way to be in with the crowd and did not complain where they stood. A prefect, back view of the hourglass figure redhead, who's only removed her blazer; revealing a cropped blouse. Gary's eyes quickly locked on to her long legs when she kicked a leg up at the edge of the chair in between Luke's leg. Striptease was living up its name, with a tight mini skirt taking form of her firm bottom; one also wondered how a panty-shot did not occur. Hips smoothly rocking to the rhythm and beat of the song, her upper body joined in when she pulled the pencil out from her bun. Flirtatiously placing the pencil at Luke's ear, her fingers ran down against his jawline and coyly pressed the tip of her index finger against his curled lips. Cat calls and hollers were made when a hair whip-tease happened inches away from Luke's face. Slowly hip bumping away with a slight dip, she turned her body around coming back up. Only to have her performance come to a sudden halt when she and Gary shared the same shocked expression.

The party atmosphere was instantly ruined when Gary had suddenly dragged Miss. Lola out of the center and outside. After shouting at Derek to get back inside and closed the door, he stared at Misty with the most dumbfound expression he has ever spared. He didn't know where to start his questionings at Misty's current life style. But when she avoided his eyes, one quickly came to mind.

"Why are you doing this kind of job?"

"I really don't have to tell you. But if I don't, I know you'll never leave it alone. It's plain and simple, I need the money and this kind of gig pays well."

"This still doesn't make sense at all. Since the last time I saw you, weren't you one of the Cerulean City gym leaders? I know you gym leaders get a pretty hefty paycheck. What the hell happen?"

Misty let out a snicker. "A lot."

"A lot? To the point that you're doing this kind of job?! There must have been other options, right?"

"There are always options but when you run out of them, there's always the last resort and this is mine. Life isn't grand when your only family members disowned you and have you live on your own after finding out you were pregnant."

Gary eyes widen the news but had to confirm it. "You're saying that you have a kid now? Holy shit, I've been out of the loop with everyone on mainland Kanto. So how old is the kid?"

"My little man is five." Misty smiled proudly at the mention of her pride and joy.

"Pregnant at sixteen, eh?"

"Yup and being a teen mother with no degree, left me to resort to this. Surprisingly I'm good at this, it's not like I'm going to make a profession out of it. I just can't afford quitting this job just yet. I'm able to live decently and even do saving account of what I earn after a few gigs per week. I get two hundred for a simple thirty minutes session and I'm in control of it."

Gary couldn't believe his ears how nonchalantly Misty was being about. It got him pondering. "Your boy, does he know you're doing this?"

Misty gave Gary the most outright 'are you stupid' stare. "Do you really think I would tell him what I'm actually doing? All he knows that his mom works two or three days of the week."

"I see. So from the sounds of it, you're a single mom?" Gary wasn't sure why Misty snickered when she nodded. "Where's the father and why haven't you contact him?"

"Oooh the story of my life. I did try to tell the baby's daddy when I found out. Though it's kind of hard when he had left for another location and no one could get a hold of him. Than about two to three years later, he made news on the regional network television announcing his career launch. I didn't want to cause any scandals for him, so I didn't bother."

"Are you stupid? Who cares if it would cause a ripple in the guy's reputation? He had a responsible to live up to!" In between his shout, one person came to mind, Ash. He had finally achieved the Pokémon Master role sometime after he got certified as a Researcher. He guessed that Ash will always be on Misty's mind. He just felt so bad for her being so stuck on him, especially after had genuinely told her she should move on since that night. "For pity sake, why are you protecting that loser?! I told you it's best for you to move forward and forget about that guy! He caused you so much pain and then, you up and gone slept with him?!"

Misty could no longer hold in her anger; it was one thing being yelled at. But being accused of sleeping with the guy that broke her heart and cut ties with her for an unknown reason, she wasn't having it. "When the hell did I ever said I slept with him?! Besides, he has not seen or contacted me since that night, or anybody else besides Professor Oak for his Pokémon!"

"Then who the hell is the guy that—" Than it suddenly hit hard, as Gary's facial expression went completely blank. "Am I the father?"

Misty gently nodded. "The life you left behind on mainland Kanto's finally catching up with you. Our one night fling brought a bright little man into our world."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Like I said earlier, the whole career ordeal, etcetera, etcetera."

"I meant, why didn't you just tell me right away when you mention you had a son?"

"Oh I don't know? Maybe I knew that you were going to be at this party and after finding out my occupation, I planned on springing some surprising news. But then I had second thoughts on it?"

"At least your sarcasms towards me haven't changed." Gary stated and got a pair of rolled eyes.

"Honestly speaking, I decided to give up on the idea of telling you in general that you're the father years ago. Besides the magazine articles and television, I, nor anybody else knew when they will actually see or hear from you. I did start changing my mind last year when he started asking where his father's at. There have been times I wanted to sail out to Saida Island and search for you, but that never happened." Misty huffily crossed her arms. "And don't give me attitude. You popped up out from thin air. How was I supposed to be mentally prepare on telling you the 'you're my baby's daddy' speech?"

"Alright, I'll give you that. But you know, I would have dropped everything and taken the responsibilities. I was half the equation to make that baby."

Misty giggled. "You and your lame punch lines, as always. That is why I didn't come after you because I knew you would have done that. You once told me that you didn't want to be like your father, who left your mother to raise May all by herself while being pregnant with you."

"You remembered."

"How could I forget? It was the first time we had a civilize conversation when we ran into each other at the sanctuary of our mother's tombstones."

Gary felt the heartwarming smile from Misty, as he did the same in return. "Yeah, that was an interesting day. I don't know what our current status is, but I want to see our son right away. What's his name by the way?"

"Zackary Locke Oak-Waterflower. But we go by Zackary Waterflower for obvious reasons."

"Zackary? Definitely has a nice ring to it. You did an awesome job picking out his names."

"Well, duh! You are talking to the Magnificent Misty Waterflower." Misty said superiority.

"Are you sure about that? It's more like I'm speaking to Miss. Lola, the Professor, at the moment." Gary jabbed and checked out her outfit.

Misty threw her face in the palm of her hand with a grunt. "Speaking of Miss. Lola, mine and S&S's reputation is still on the line. So you'll need to explain to your buddies that it's your doing that they didn't get the top notch private show. I'll even help you out by refunding their money back."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of everything and I'll grab your belongings. So go wait by your car, I'm riding with you since I came here by taxi." Gary received a nod before he headed back inside the house and preparing to be dogged on.

Along the car ride back, Misty told Gary her living situation with Delia and how she's the only person that knows the truth. Aware of Delia's motherly nature, he still felt he might get the judgmental eyes. Nowhere near that scenario when the two walked inside the house. After the three second shocked expression from Delia, it quickly changed to a warm hearten one. Relieved to know the truth has been revealed, she pulled him into a hug. After parting from Delia, Gary was nowhere near relieved. More like a total nervous wreck upon the idea of actually meeting his son for the first time. It swiftly disappeared when he heard his voice from the kitchen; shouting to Azurill about mommy being home. In a blink of an eye, Zackary zoomed in and tackled Misty's leg, ignoring everything outside of his personal bubble.

"Mommy! Welcome hooome! How was work?" Zackary asked with a big plastered smile.

"Work was interesting." Misty said looking down at Zackary and then noticed his gaze fell upon Gary. After feeling a few rough tugs, she knew exactly where it's heading.

"Is that…" Zackary couldn't finish his sentence, as he tightly gripped his hold on Misty's trench coat.

"That's exactly who you think he is."

"Daddy?" Zackary questioningly cocked his head.

Not sure how he knew he's the father, Gary squatted down to be at his height level. He couldn't believe the little life in front of him. "Hey there little buddy, sorry for being gone so long. Can I have a hug or a high-five?"

Excited to see his father in the flesh, he charged at him and gave out the tightest hug he could give. "You look so different in person! Mommy and I will see you once in a while on the T.V. or in the mags. Oh and don't worry, I'm not mad for you being gone so long. Mommy explained it to me that everyone has different jobs and yours was far-far away!" Zackary had his arms stretched out indicating how 'far-far away' was. "But now that you're here, does that mean you're going to stay and we can do things together? And-and of course, with grandma D too?!"

Gary laughed at his son's enthusiasm and smiled. "Is that so? Well, I'll see what I can do and make sure to stick around a lot more. Even if your mother doesn't like it, I'm giving her no choice." Gary looked up at Misty caught her famous 'whatever' stare.

"Yay! Then I know what our first activity going to be!" Zackary shouted and looked up at his mom. "Can we take daddy to grandpa Oak's now, please?! I want to show daddy all the other cooooool Pokémon there!"

"Of course, I did say we'll go over there once I get home. But first ask grandma D if she could help you get ready."

Asking Delia in the sweetest tone one could give; Delia giggled and quietly commented out loud that he got Gary's charms no doubt. The two than quickly disappeared down the hall to Misty's bedroom, as Gary contemplated on what Zackary had said.

"I thought you said Delia was the only person that knows that I'm the father. What's with this grandpa Oak?"

"Haha, that's still true. I told everyone that I got knocked up by some guy in Cerulean City and wanted nothing to do with him. That's why I moved here to Pallet Town. He calls Delia grandma because Delia told him to. It's pretty much to fill the void, if you catch my drift." Hinting Ash is at fault and a snort escaped. "Now for Professor Oak, his reasoning is because of the grey hairs. But I guess we should tell the both of them that he's really a great grandpa."

"Tch, yeeeah, that's what gramps would want to hear. He doesn't even know that I'm back in town. I can see it now. I'll walk into the house and be all like, hey gramps! Long time no see! Oh and by the way, Zackary is actually my son. So you're actually a great grandpa. How's life in Pallet treating you?" Within seconds he and Misty laughed at the played out scene.

"I don't know how his reaction will be, but he'll most likely punch you or something." Misty stated in between her giggles. "Although I don't think he'll mind once he finds out. He loves Zackary."

"Hah, anything could happen. Now the next thing to figure out is us."

"Us? I don't know. Before you left for Saida Island, we just established our relationship as acquaintance, remember? Ugh, I'm nowhere prepared for this conversation, yet. Why don't we figure out one thing at a time? So first things first, telling Professor Oak the truth and we'll go from there."

"Sure, sounds like a plan." Gary ogled at Misty's figure for a second before shifting his eyes from head to toe. "Now, as much as I want to take another peek of that outfit of yours. How about getting that nice tush of yours and change into something more appropriate?"

"Wow, like music to my ears. Still the same perverted Gary, playing it smooth." Placing her hands on her hips irksomely, a smile still appeared. "Still, thanks for back then. You didn't have to, but you did the best to cheer me up on the worst night of my life. Granted what when down between us turned my life upside." Subconsciously she looked down the hallway and smiled keenly. "Even if given the chance to go back to do it differently, I wouldn't. I have such a great little guy in my life that loves me as much as I love him."

Gary smirked and playfully nudged Misty. "Well if you play your cards right, you might have another guy."

The two stared at each other for a serious second and then busted into laughter at the joke. Somehow in between laughs they managed to jokingly commented 'we'll see about that', in unison. Momentary Zackary came out running from the bedroom, yelling he's ready to go. Misty quickly dip-set when Gary got tackled by Zackary.

Naming off a list of Pokémon at the Oak's to Gary, Zackary could have gone on for days. It came to a halt when Misty returned back in a teal long, fitted tunic over a pair of black capri leggings. Everything was a go, as the trio bid Delia and Mr. Mine goodbyes and headed towards the door. Zackary abruptly stopped, causing a standstill and asked his mother if she could take Azurill. No longer holding his 'starter' Pokémon, he held his arms upward towards his father.

"Daddy, pleeease pick me up!"

"I'll do one ever better, how about a shoulder ride?" Gary didn't wait for answer, he just scoop Zackary off the floor and placed him on his shoulders.

"This is, way-way better!" Zackary shouted excitedly.

"Wouldn't it have been better to do that outside? Now you have to awkwardly duck down for the door." Misty had to point out the obvious.

"Probably. We're boys after all, most of the time we act before we think." Gary nonchalantly grinning like a fool and headed out through the door with Zackary mushing him.

Delia giggled and Misty face-palm. It was something she did not want to hear. Bad enough she had two little young trouble makers, but now adding a third one that's her age, to the mix is a recipe for disaster down the road. Deep within they knew it's going to be a bumpy ride. A ride they were willing to take for the child they brought into their world.