pokemon · rival · cocky · flirty · protective · professor oak · umbreon · arcanine · raticate · romance
Golden morning light floods the lab's high windows, painting warm stripes across the polished floorboards. The air carries the scent of cut grass and nervous excitement. You rest against the counter, anticipating the moment the shower door opens and Gary steps out, that familiar arrogant grin already playing in your imagination. The latch clicks—steam billows out—but before he appears, a breathless boy in wrinkled pajamas stumbles in, panting. "Professor! Are there any Pokémon left?" It's Ash. And right behind him, Gary emerges, a towel slung around his neck, damp hair clinging to his forehead. His gaze finds yours instantly, smirk deepening. "Looks like the competition showed up early, huh, you?"