And here we are, with a new Pokemon one-shot. This time, it isn't MayxDrew or DawnxPaul. But rather, it is LeafxGary.

And also, Cookiez188 had requested this one-shot. I hope that you enjoy.

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Life | Leaf x Gary

It was night time, and Leaf was sitting there by the river-bed. It was her favourite spot. All quiet and serene. There were trees surrounding either side of the flowing river; while small and clean pebbles compressed together formed a cool river-bed. The grass was unevenly shaped, as the surroundings gave a clear vibe of a silent forest. It was the forest from Kanto-region; it had been a while since Leaf had visited it so she tends to forget the name.

It has been three whole years since she last visited the forest; well she could at least say that the last time she visited was before her marriage.

Though the thought might have one say that she must have been pressured or such to not visit here but no. It wasn't like that. Never. Her husband was loving; caring; supportive and much more. He always advised his wife; Leaf, to come and visit this place more often; since the place seems to calm her nerves; and make her realize how much love is out there in this world, and she is just that one lucky person who seems to have a husband; worth five-hundred per cent (or maybe more) love.

"Gary..."

The name would always arouse butterflies inside her stomach and each time her heart would do a complete three-sixty flip; her nerves would send out adrenaline. And tonight didn't help either.

The wind blew softly, swinging her light-brown with darker tips, curls to flow just like the river. She had her legs dipped in the river; 'till her ankles. The cold water ran swiftly; sending shivers down her spine. She was trapped in a complete trance; filled with bliss and honey (her favourite).

"Honey?" The sudden voice; hoarse but arousing, poped Leaf's bubble of bliss as she abruptly turned around to face the owner of the voice.

"What- when did you arrive here, Dear?" She was so perplexed but still, she managed to rush out the words so that it doesn't look like she forgot her manners.

"Ah, nothing actually. I just came out to look for you... Since you were out for quite some time..., " The man slowly walked towards her as he lifted his right hand and rubbed the back of his neck. He seemed nervous about something, and it immediately started to bother the woman who was sitting there. "I was worrying if something had happened to you, that's why."

The words which left his mouth soothed Leaf and she heaved a sigh; content that nothing was bothering him. After that, she smiled and gestured for her husband to come and sit beside her; enjoy this calming atmosphere. And so he did. He came and sat beside her; dripping his legs inside the flowing river and snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her close so that she collided with his side. A giggle released in this process.

* * *

Who knew that a couple which was once such bickering and competitive would end up like this? A boy and a girl, neighbours yet hated each other since they were kids, would end up loving the other to the moon and back?

The ones who never wanted to marry; not to each other and never to any stranger, ended up tying the knot of their fate to each other.

* * *

Leaf, once a Pokemon trainer, and a competitive match for Gary; never believed in affection from other than her parents, close friends, her grandmother, and her Pokemon. She was always a hard-working person; someone who believed that hard work would only pay off if you are perfect in performing; whether be by physical measures or by mental measures.

Whereas, Gary, the best Pokemon trainer, having a goal of not being to be beaten by anyone; was a flirt. Whether he trained or not, he knew his potential. Yet he would force himself to train, in fear that someone out there might come and beat him like blowing the dirt from their clothes. As much as he wanted to live a filled life; with a loving wife, sweet children, he never had the chance to find one girl perfect for him. Only because of the fangirls he was surrounded by.

Yet, one evening, while strolling through the forest of Kanto-Region, he found Leaf. She was, as usual, sitting there by the river with her legs ankle deep. Gary was surprised to see a girl sitting in the forest, enjoying the atmosphere. And was not scared whatsoever. He found it impressive for a girl. Because every time he saw a girl, she was either scared or just too much. He never had seen a girl looking so confident (even he could tell that just looking at the girl from behind her). The aura of confidence would reflect if one is confident. And he felt the same aura surrounding Leaf.

He decided that maybe she would talk to him, seeing that she was all alone here and was not having any company other than just breeze and the soft chirping of the crickets.

"Maybe..." He mumbled and slowly ran his hand through his hair; walking towards her.

He stopped when he was quite near to her and slowly coughed to get her attention. But she was too much into enjoying the nature that she couldn't hear him.

"Uh..." Gary found himself being unknowing ignored and so he tried again and this time, he plopped down beside her and slowly faced her. "Hey..." Gary's breath was caught in his throat when Leaf slowly tilted her head towards him.

"Who are you?" Her reply was quick and her eyes were sharp, drilling daggers down his spine. He couldn't help but smile at the tough confidence.

"I'd that how you greet people who say 'hey' to you?" He smirked and tried to curl his arm around her waist but she slapped him off and tutted as she replied, "Well actually I do. Now answer me, dumbass."

With a giggle, Gary replied, "Gary, Gary Oak." He held out his hand but Leaf didn't pay attention and looked in her front smiling to herself as his name kept on chanting in her mind. "You?" Gary asked taking his steps of talking cautiously.

"Leaf. Just plain old Leaf." She sighed and replied to him.

"Wow, that doesn't suit you."

"And why is it that?" Leaf was slowly getting on edge when she heard Gary's response to her name.

"Because you are feisty (just by looking I can tell) and tough. Whereas, a Leaf is calm and fragile." His explanation was true to some extent. Leaf agreed to herself that she was feisty and tough, but that doesn't mean that she wasn't calm and fragile.

"And what if- ugh. What do you want?" She gripped her hair in frustration when she was the victory smirk on his lips. He laughed softly, and Leaf found herself at the loss of oxygen. Not only had this man taken away her alone time but was now trying to take oxygen from her just by his laugh.

She knew it would be something but attraction, lust, and love. Because no one could ever fall for a stranger just by hearing their laughter. It was impossible, at least that is what Leaf thought.

* * *

"Man I really want that girl," Gary mumbled as his hands went up to grab his hair in a fistful before he aggressively began pulling at each strand. That hurts, but it wasn't equal to the frustration he felt when he was getting constantly rejected by the only girl he loved.

"How about making her jealous?" Ash gave the idea, his head resting on his palm.

"It is lame. She is not affected by any of those petty tricks. No girl could make her jealous." Gary reasoned and took the chair in front of Ash and crashed down on it heaving a mouthful of curses.

"Then maybe, something different?"

"Different? As in what?" He asked his friend and rested his head on the table.

"Have you complimented her?" Ash asked him and Gary nodded his head telling, "I do, in all my pick-up lines. What else?"

Ash immediately groaned at the reply and smashed Gary's head with a nearby bottle of water. "Doofus. It is normal because you compliment girls in your pick-up lines. I meant, have you ever complimented her randomly, always and did something which results in her getting silent or flushed?"

Gary became silent and Ash knew that now Gary understood what he meant. Just as Ash was about to sigh, Gary jerked his head up and slammed his hands on the table. "Okay. Now I will do just as you told. Compliment randomly (rare ones though) and do small things that will make her flush. Thanks bye."

And with that, he fled off the place leaving Ash to laugh at his behaviour. "He is a doofus in case of the true love of his life."

* * *

"Gary! Don't! Aish, not right now!" Leaf snapped at Gary when she felt him cling to her hands.

"But, baby girl. Why don't we cook together? I'm so good at it too, maybe not equal to you but still!" He whined and adjusted his hands on her waist as he bent down and nuzzled in the crook of her neck.

"That's not it. We have our family visiting our home, and I don't want to be late for anything." She placed the pan aside and turned in his arms before her own arms were around his neck. She said, "Honey, please? We'll cook some other time. Just, not today."

"Hm. Fine." He gave in when he felt her hands tighten around his neck as she leaned into his embrace.

Gary slowly pulled away and pecked Lead's cheek before scurrying away to the living to clean the room before their parents arrive.

* * *

"I think this will do, right?" Gary turned to face his friend's girlfriend as he pulled out a thin silver ring.

"Yeah, but maybe something like a small pearl or diamond in between?" The female suggested as she walked towards him and took the ring from his hand to examine it herself.

"Misty. What if she doesn't like the diamond pearl rings?"

"I am sure, she will. Just find one." Misty patted Gary's shoulder, laughing at his attempts at making excuses.

He sighed and faced the counter where the woman pulled out another set of rings. The one's which Misty suggested.

It took Gary an hour or so, but he finally settled on a silver ring with a small orchid coloured pearl in between. It was a simple ring but perfect for Leaf.

"Thanks a lot, Misty!" He excitedly hugged Misty the moment they stepped out of the shop. "Yeah, yeah, brother." She awkwardly patted his back, returning the hug.

* * *

It was a week off for Gary's parents so they had planned on going somewhere as a couple, leaving Gary alone at his house.

He had already called Leaf over, so it was no biggie but he didn't know what to do next. Just as his mind flooded with questions and suggestions, the doorbell saved his mind from exploding.

He rushed to open the door and when he did, he was greeted with the sweet scent of lavender hinted with chocolate. It was an odd combination, but when Leaf wore it, it gave off a completely different vibe.

"Hey, baby girl." He leaned forward and pulled Leaf into a tight hug, kissing the side of her face as he nuzzled closer.

"Hey, let's get inside." Leaf pushed him back and Gary stepped aside for Leaf to enter. He closed the door behind and then walked to the couch where Lead was already seated; cross-legged and browsing through the TV.

"Say, what do we do?" Leaf asked when she felt the couch dip as Gary hung his hand around her shoulders. "Hm. Maybe, we can go outside? Like a date?" He suggested.

"But," She thought of an excuse to stay at home and do something homey, but nothing came so Leaf closed her mouth.

"Okay! Get ready, we'll be going on a special date, this time!"

"What? Isn't a date always special for you?" Leaf asked as she moved to Gary's room to change into the clothes that she left behind the last time.

"This one is an extra, double special one."

* * *

Gary brought Leaf to the same forest where he had first met her. It was after all the best place for a date like this one. Also perfect for the surprise which Gary had planned for Leaf.

Leaf was wearing a pastel pink frock with light flowers on it. Her hair was let loose with light curls on the bottom and she was wearing her favourite Timbs which gave a completely different look.

Gary was already prepared. He had the box in his jeans pocket while his outfit was casual and matching enough to have Leaf doubt him.

They were strolling down the path and Gary lead them to the river. The sun was on its way to mix with the horizon and they could feel it by the splashes of oranges and yellows in the sky.

He stopped when they reached the river and turned to fully face Leaf. Her reaction when she saw the river (after they had been dating) was worth the surprise he had planned. She was already happy when she saw small beds of roses lining the bank of the river and the fireflies jingling around. It was so magnificent yet so simple. And Leaf loved it.

Maybe now she knew why Gary didn't allow her to visit the moment they had started dating. He was actually planning to prepare something like this for the special date.

"Leaf." When she heard him say, she turned to face him and Gary slowly held her hands in his. "Isn't this lovely?" He asked and she gave away a nod with a smile.

"Maybe not more lovely than you," And he heaved out a soft giggle before his one hand left hers and went to take out the box which was stuffed in his pocket for so long.

They had been together for so long, and their journey had gone through so many things. From strangers to friends, and from friends to dating. The problems of the friends and parents. Those lovely nights of taking over the phone for hours until the other (Leaf) sleeps, those hugs and cuddles when Leaf was down. And the time when could get intense by just a peck on the nose. Everything was becoming addicting for him. And he was selfish enough to not let them go, he wanted all those things to him. And he knew what step he should take.

Gary brought forth the box and slowly opened it. Leaf was stunned but she knew what was coming next. After all, didn't she already figured when she saw the roses? Of course.

"We've known each other for so long. And we have been through a lot, good and bad. I didn't know that spending time with you would increase minute by minute every day, and I would get addicted to your voice soothing me, and all the hugs and cuddles we shared. I never knew that I love you so much more that I love myself. I had never let anyone see my worst yet you were the one who got through and comforted me whenever I needed. I know I am not better enough to take this step, but I am going to be selfish and do this, Leaf," Gary knelt down on one knee and looked up at her, her one hand in his and his other hand holding the box higher enough for her to reach. "I have been loving you for so long, and I want to be able to do that even in future. I want to live with you, forever. Grow old and enjoy the moments of life with you. I want to be the one person whom you chose to marry. So, would you please make the happiest man ever to marry you?"

She stayed silent for a good minute, and Gary didn't even budge from his position. His eyes looking into hers with love and affection, and maybe a little bit of every emotion he has been feeling.

Just when he was about to lower his head and stand up, Lead fell on her knees and immediately grabbed him in a hug, chanting the only word he wanted to hear, "Yes. Yes."

"I love you so much, Leaf. Thank you!"

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How was it? I know it is a long one, but worth the shot!

The next time I am going to publish a MistyxAsh one-shot. But I need ideas for what should I add. Could you all mind giving in some?

It would be really generous of you if you all did :)

I really hope that you guys really do enjoy my works. I don't really know how I write, so I need some readers to drop off views and comments and errors which you find.

I want to improve but for that, I need someone, at least, one or two to take some time off their schedule and read my works!

Once again, thank you!!

ARI