She could still feel his touch in her dreams. For a few short months, three of four times a week, he would find his way into her bed, his rough scientists fingers in her hair. They had both been left behind, both fallen off the Pokemon Master path, struggling to find what their new non-transient lives would hold.

They kept their relationship a secret from their families and their friends. He could come to visit her on his days off from the lab, sail across the small stretch of ocean and land that separated them. They would lay together, talking softly, bickering over small things before the lights would go out and they'd fall into each other's arms.

Tracey suspected something. He could see the love bites left on her skin after he left. She denied It though. Claimed ignorance to the bruises that so openly proclaimed her secret relationship.
And then it ended. He decided that he could no longer hold own such a grounded life. He was going to a new region, to find new pokemon and study them. Maybe Ash would be there. “Good bye, Misty.” He said softly, running his hands through her orange hair. “Smell ya later.”

“Shut up, Gary Oak.” She told him, her heat aching.

“Don't be mad Misty. Hey, maybe that Tracey boy will go out with you. He needs to stop drooling over Gramps anyway. He's no me, but he seems like an ok guy.” Gary laughed and Misty rolled her eyes.

And that was that. He walked away, his faithful Umbreon at his side, down the dusty road towards Vermillion and the docks.

Maybe she would let Tracey take her out. Tracey was nice and sweet and funny, and he didn't have such a damn ego.