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It was rare for Gary to be completely at a loss for an answer.
Today was one of those rare unfortunate times.
Gary slowly wandered through the shop's aisles. The shelves displayed chocolate boxes, colorful cards and other small gifts. There was a display of bright flower bouquets near the glass windows. He kept returning to the flowers and then moving away. Every now and then, he checked his phone to see if Ash replied to his messages about tonight's dinner.
It was sometimes difficult to contact Ash. He loved to aimlessly travel the world and he often forgot to check his phone. Gary was used to Ash's wanderings but he was concerned today. It was their anniversary and Ash was missing. They last spoke three days ago. It had been a quick phone call with bad reception because Ash was somewhere in the Sinnoh mountain range. Ash had promised to meet Gary for their anniversary dinner but he hadn't replied to Gary's messages from last night or this morning. Gary started to think that Ash forgot about their plans. Now he wasn't sure if he should buy an anniversary gift.
Gary didn't want to be stuck sitting alone with an armful of gifts. He also didn't want to be empty handed in case Ash showed up. Maybe a small gift would be the best choice. Gary checked his phone once more. There were no new messages and it was evening now. He needed to go to the restaurant soon. Gary glanced one last time at the flower bouquets and then headed to the sweets aisle to buy a box of chocolate. If Ash didn't come, then Gary would just eat the chocolates himself. He didn't want to hold onto a flower bouquet. It would become an unpleasant reminder about tonight.
Ash was never early to their dates so Gary walked slowly to the restaurant. He had never outright missed a date although it looked like it may change now. As Gary waited outside the restaurant, he considered sending another message or calling. Ash was already ten minutes late. He really wanted to know if Ash was at least in Kanto right now.
"Gary!"
Gary nearly dropped his gift when he heard Ash's voice. He turned and then drew back because Ash shoved a flower bouquet at his face.
"Happy anniversary!" Ash cheered.
Ash's sudden appearance surprised Gary. His arms were full of gifts. He held a large bouquet in one hand. In his other arm, there was a heart shaped box and a Pikachu plush toy. The plush toy held a flower in its paws. Ash grinned at him when their eyes met.
"There are chocolates in the box. The Pikachu is cute, isn't it? I looked for an Umbreon but I couldn't find one. Well, the Pikachu will remind you of me when you look at it," Ash cheerfully explained. His smile wavered when Gary didn't respond. "Hey, Gary. Are you alright?"
Gary was torn between saying 'Why didn't you answer your phone?' and 'I thought you forgot our anniversary!' He opened his mouth and then closed it.
"Is this too much?" Ash asked. "Oh, now I'm really glad that I didn't get balloons."
Gary reached out towards Ash. He pulled Ash into an embrace and kissed him.
"Thank you," Gary smiled at Ash's surprised face. "Balloons would've been fine. I got a chocolate box for you too."
Ash grinned, "I'll get them next time."
Gary was happy to hear Ash mention their next anniversary. Ash was finally here now. He was late as usual, but he kept his promise.