Ash felt his phone vibrate in his pocket indicating a text message. He snuck a sly glance around the conference table. Everyone's attention was focused at the other end where Mr. So-and-So was presenting some new device he had come up with for even cleaner water in the home.

Ash didn't even wanted to invite Mr. So-and-So to present after reviewing his proposal. He hadn't felt it necessary, wanting to reject it and save time. Besides, if water was made any cleaner, they might as well be drinking some entirely different liquid.

Yet the stupid board members felt that Ash was still not experienced enough nor qualified enough to make a sound judgment in the matter and had reject his decision. Apparently Junior Vice-President of the entire Oak Tech Operations was a tough position.

He hated to admit it but he wished Gary were here. They always turned into mischievous snots in his presence. But with Ash, lately it seemed as though these men were purposely fighting him at every turn, testing his authority and frankly, he was sick of it.

But no, useless Junior President flew off leaving Ash to look after himself for the past several weeks. Not that he minded. He was ready to prove his worth without Gary at his side but honestly speaking, it was quite tiring.

"Blah blah blah," Mr. So-and-So continued on and Ash couldn't help but wonder if the board members still had intelligent brains tucked inside their skulls for willing to listen to such drivel.

The young man decided now was the chance to sneak a quick look at his message. He slid a hand into his pant pocket and pulled out the phone, silently flipping it open. He managed to keep half an eye on the meeting, while the other half of his gaze quickly scanned the message.

'Are we still on for tonight?' it read.

Melody. As if he hadn't enough worries with work, he still hadn't figured out what to do with his love life. After the incident with Serena, he hadn't been able to bring himself to calling her. Nor had he figured out why he had almost kissed her when he agreed to date Melody! With all these feelings to sort through, Ash was half tempted to make up a story that he was swamped with work and tell Melody they'd have to reschedule if only to give him more time to think, but that would be pretty demeaning.

Instead, he typed, 'Yup. I'll call you after my meeting,' and sent it.

"Blah blah – Mr. Ketchum?"

"Pardon?"

Eleven pairs of eyes were staring at him.

"Perhaps your young mind was elsewhere?" said one of the men from his right. Paul. Ash resisted the urge to scowl at him. He was the one who despised Ash the most and had originally been located at O.T.O. branch until Gary had him forcibly transferred to Vanville for causing Ash so much grief.

Instead of scowling, Ash simply smiled down the table at Mr. So-and-So. "Professor Elm? I apologize for my rudeness. I was simply assuring myself that my cell phone was indeed turned off for fear that I might disrupt your most mind enrapturing presentation on your research of cleaner water through your exceptional device."

The man at the other man smiled nervously. "Oh no please forgive me for taking up so much of your time. In fact, I'm really quite honored to be able to appear before the renowned Junior Vice President. I thought it was only the board but your presence has really boosted my self-confidence."

Ash grinned and didn't have to look to his right to know that Paul had to be seething from those words and at Ash's quick recovery.

After sitting in on so many boring meetings, Ash had managed to train his mind to only half-listen to what was being said yet still be able to recall it exactly so that he could participate in the conversations. Besides, he had had practice for years with his mother always going on about clean underwear and whatnot.

"You flatter me Professor," Ash replied genuinely. "I want to thank you for your dedication to science. We will review your proposal once more along with the new data you've presented today and let you know our decision shortly."

Professor Elm nodded and gathered his materials. He bowed slightly before leaving Ash alone with the sharks. He saw them exchange knowing glances. Paul started to open his mouth. But Ash beat him to it.

"Well gentlemen. I think that went rather well. But my initial decision still stands."

"You mean to reject him despite all his findings?" one man asked.

Ash nodded. "His findings were not researched enough and based solely on where lives in New Bark Town. It's not enough to convince me nor will it be enough to convince Professor Oak, whom as you know is a true man of science and expects a wide, random sample to be taken for research data. Not something so limited."

"But –" Paul started but Ash was not going to let that man speak today if he could help it.

"Please send Professor Elm the customary rejection letter with a note that if he wants us to consider his research seriously, he must provide more data. I rest my case, gentleman. Good day."

With that, Ash rolled back his chair, stood up, and left the conference room, knowing that his decision would cause uproar, especially since Professor Elm's presentation hadn't even been discussed.

The young man headed to his office and swung open the door. He went to sit at his chair but somebody was already there.

"Gary?"

"Hey Ashy-boy."

Ash stared at his best friend-rival-boss. "Why are you here?"

"Got bored at home and heard you were here."

"Not enough women to keep you entertained in Pallet, I guess?" Ash said sitting down on another chair.

Gary grinned. "More or less. So what's up?"

Ash signed, whether or not to tell Gary about the struggles the board was giving him, when his phone vibrated again. He pulled it out and read the message 'I can't wait!'

He stared at it for a moment, wondering what it was Melody couldn't wait for and then almost smacked his forehead when he realized that in such a short amount of time, his date had already been dismissed in his mind.

"Girlfriend?" Gary asked, propping his feet on the desk. "Is little Ashy finally growing up?"

"It's not like that Gary," Ash replied with a sigh.

"Then what's it like?"

"Hard to say," Ash said, not sure if he was ready to tell the story of his week with Serena and Melody to the man who had been consider playboy of the year.

While Gary might think it was a great situation to be in and even encourage him to find a third woman, Ash actually had a conscious when it came to women and relationships.

"Is it a Kalosian girl?"

"No but I did meet her here."

Gary crossed his legs at the ankle atop the desk. "Hm. Seems to be a lot of that going around."

"Gary? When did you get to Vanville?"

"About two hours ago."

"Two hours and you've already met a girl?"

Ash watched as Gary looked to be contemplating his answer before shrugging. "I wouldn't exactly call her a girl. More like...a singing nun."

"You've corrupted a nun?" Ash asked, wondering just what in their childhood had caused Gary's concept of love and relationships to become so twisted.

"No. She's not a nun."

"Okay?"

"I went to visit a college classmate of mine. Thought I'd try asking her out"

"Wait a minute. Gary Oak? Asking out?"

Gary shrugged. "I know. What is the world coming to? But you know I don't like to give up. Unfortunately, she wasn't even there. The singing nun-cleaning woman was and acted like some mad guard dog."

"Singing nun...cleaning woman...guard dog?" Ash repeated slowly. "Dude, what are you talking about?"

"Never mind."

Ash shook his head, deciding that he really did not want to know. Gary could do whatever he wanted with whomever he wanted so long as he didn't involve Ash.

"Whatever Gary. Just get your feet off my desk you bum and let's get out of here."