The Researcher's Apprentice

Chapter Three

Days passed, and Ash grew used to Gary’s routine at the lab.  As the young professor worked on his DNA and evolutionary research, Ash cleaned, straightened and organized books, equipment and furniture.  For the most part, Gary seemed to only work in the mornings, leaving the afternoons free to do as he pleased.  Ash was happy to help him as opposed to lazing about his own house alone.  He would of course have Pikachu and the rest of his Pokémon to keep him company, but he had never really taken the time to do anything as a non-trainer.  For the past thirteen years, his life had completely revolved around the mysterious creatures.

Initially, he found the young Professor’s no Pokémon rule at meal times to be a bit odd, but when he realized that it offered a chance to speak about other things besides the fascinating Pocket Monsters, it no longer bothered him.  For the first time in his life, Ash got to talk about girls and sex, cars, and even clothes.  Things that had never concerned him before were suddenly laid directly in front of him for the taking.  He learned that the best shoes were in a small shop in Lavender Town, and that Gary’s pink cadillac had been repainted his favorite shade of pink twice since he was sixteen.  While the Researcher told him he had slept with quite a few girls, Ash admitted to only ever having had sex with Misty.

One evening, Gary took him to a night club in Pewter City called ‘The Stone Age’, where Ash again was given the VIP treatment.  All drinks were free and unlimited and upon later reflection, he knew that he had indulged a bit too much.  It was almost morning when the two finally made it home.  They had left the car parked in the valet parking lot and flew home on Pidgeotto.

“How d’ya know which way we’re goin’?”  Gary asked with a loud yawn.

“Don’t know.  Pidgeotto knows the way home.”  Ash was sitting in front, while Gary was behind him.

“Oh, I thought ya had to steer ‘im.”  Ash grew somewhat alarmed when the young professor suddenly shimmied closer to him and wrapped his arms tighter around his waist.  “I’m cold.”  He mumbled into his shoulder, but Ash relaxed, even though he was now worried that Gary was falling asleep.

It was definitely freezing this high up, and he had forgotten how deafening the noise from flying a Pokémon could be.  How can he sleep through this?  He questioned himself.  He too was tired from drinking, laughing and talking with Gary all night.  They had had a really great time.  Neither young man was much of a dancer and had declined many a young lady’s request to hit the dance floor, preferring the company of one another instead.

Pallet Town was quickly coming into view, most noticeably the Oak Pokémon Research Facility.  Pidgeotto began to make his decent, and soon landed right near the back door.

“Gary wake up, we’re home.”  Ash said as he shook his friend roughly awake.

“Hmm...?”  A lengthy yawn issued from his mouth, while he stretched and shivered from the early morning chill.  “I’m beat.”

“Tell me ‘bout it.”

Ash thanked and recalled his flying type Pokémon to his Poké Ball.  He placed his arm around Gary’s shoulder to steady him and he helped him walk into the house and up the stairs to his bedroom.

“Remind me never to...”  The professor trailed off.

“To what?”

Gary stopped and let out another huge yawn, which Ash couldn’t help but copy.  The friends laughed at their slightly inebriated state and continued their way upstairs.  The Pokémon Master led Gary to his bedroom and opened the door for him.

“Thanks.”  The young researcher muttered as he looked him in the eye.

“Yeah, don’t mention it.”

Gary was mere inches from his face, and without warning, Ash felt a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach that had absolutely nothing to do with the amount of Pina Colada’s he had consumed.  His heart rate quickened and he stalled by his friend, partially hoping that his former rival would go into his room and lock the door behind him.  Instead, Ash found himself unexpectedly leaning forward and pressing his lips to Gary’s, who didn’t even flinch.  He felt them to be soft, and he could taste the remnants of the Margarita he had been drinking.  Ash felt Gary place his hand on his chest his fingers gripping the fabric, and he assumed that meant he wished to deepen the kiss, instead, the professor pulled away, breathing heavily and searching his eyes.

“Where’d that come from?”  Gary’s voice was oddly husky, his breath fruity and sweet.

“I...”  

Unable to explain himself, he continued gazing at Gary, until his friend turned into his bedroom and Ash heard the distinct click of the lock after he closed the door.

What the fuck did I just do?

To Be Continued...