Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or the characters. They are the property of Tajiri Satoshi, Nintendo, Game Freak, etc.

Notes: I wanted to write another AU fic that focuses more on family, and the thought of Tracey taking a little while to understand that he is part of the Ketchum family hit me. Plus, I thought it'd be nice to bring back Brock, who in this is actually Ash's cousin on his father's side.

There are no pairings, it is focused solely on family. Misty, Cilan, Cress and Chili will not be making an appearance in this one, though they may be mentioned. As this is an AU, there are no Pokemon. Enjoy!

As the boys entered the house, they heard Ash, Tracey, come into the kitchen, please! being called by Delia. They exchanged looks and wondered if everything was alright. They set their backpacks on the hooks near the front door and made their way through the hallway and into the kitchen.

"How was school today, boys?" Delia asked them as she turned away from the pot she was stirring on the stove.

"It was good, Mum. I passed my spelling test," Ash replied proudly.

"I had a feeling you would. How about you, Tracey?"

"We had Art today and I was able to paint a picture for you. But, it's a surprise so I won't tell you what it is just yet," the older boy replied.

"I look forward to seeing it then. Now then, there's something on the table I think you two should read."

Curious, both boys looked to the table and saw the letter sitting atop. It was unfolded with the text facing upwards. Ash recognised the header. "It's time already?"

Tracey didn't quite understand. "Do you want me to read it for you, Ash?"

"Mm-hm!"

He picked up the letter and started to read aloud. "Delia, Ash, it would be a great pleasure for you to attend our annual family gathering! We're expecting a great turn-out this year thanks to all of the new additions to each family! We have room for you to stay for the weekend, so no need to worry about accomodations! Please RSVP by calling the number at the bottom of this letter! Hope you can make it! Your cousin, Lola!" He noticed there was a lot of excitement expressed in that text. "Should I see if I can stay at Cilan's this weekend?"

Delia shook her head. "The only reason you're not mentioned is because they used the same text as they did every year since Lola decided it would be nice for extended family to come together. She claims it makes it easier to ensure all letters are perfect. But, I'm sure they're expecting you as well."

Ash looked excited. "I'll be able to see Brock and Tommy and Forrest and Suzy and..."

Delia laughed. "Yes, you certainly will. I'm sure they're excited about seeing you too."

Tracey felt uncertain. Despite being taken in by Delia after his parents' tragic and sudden passing, there were times he found himself questioning if he really was part of the family. "Is it really okay for me to go too?"

"I'll call Lola to let her know we're coming, and then I'll let you speak with her just so you can hear for yourself that you're more than welcome," Delia responded as she turned off the stove and set a lid on the large pot. She stepped closer to the boys and bent down slightly while placing a tender hand on top of the older boy's head. "You're family, okay? You've always been considered family, and now..."

He nodded, though he still felt uncertain.

Delia dialled the number written on the bottom of the letter. She waited until someone answered. "Hello, this is Delia."

"Oh, hello there, Delia. Good to hear from you. I guess the letter got in after all?" a male voice replied.

"It did, Flint. I'd like to confirm that all three of us are attending this year."

"Three...? Oh right, Tracey too."

"Yes. I was wondering if I could please allow Lola to speak with Tracey? He's feeling uncertain about if he'd really be welcome."

"I can't say I blame him. Ah, no offence to you. He's going through a huge change."

"I know."

"Well, I'll put Lola on the phone. Hold on a minute, please."

"Thank you."

"Oh, and don't be surprised if one of the kids gets it before she does."

She laughed and responded "I don't mind at all."

"Okay, I'll get her."

Delia waited patiently as she heard the distant voices on the other end of the line. She took that time to call Tracey to the phone. "Flint's getting Lola now, you'll be able to talk to her yourself about this."

The ten-year-old nodded.

"Dee?" a woman's voice on the other end queried.

"Yes, I'm here, Lola."

"Good to hear from you. So, all of you can make it?"

"We can."

"I'm so glad! Now, Flint tells me Tracey wants to speak to me?"

"It would be good if you could."

"Sure thing! Put him on!"

"Here he is now." She handed the receiver to Tracey.

"Tracey? You there?"

"I'm here, Miss Lola," the boy responded.

Lola let out a soft sigh. "I'm Ash's father's cousin. Making me Ash's cousin, and yours now too. You don't need to address me as Miss Lola."

"Okay."

"Now then, I understand you have something you'd like to ask?"

"Um...I didn't see my name on the invite, and I started thinking that...well..."

"Go on, dear, I don't bite."

"Um...would it be alright if I were to come too?"

"Well, of course it is! It's more than alright! You're family, and this is a family gathering!"

"So, I'm allowed?"

"You are. I'll have to fix the text on that letter so you'll know for sure next time that you're also invited to attend this."

"Thank you very much. I'm happy to hear it."

"I can tell. Now then, would I be able to speak with Dee a little longer?"

"Of course. She's still here with me. Thank you, Mi... Lola."

"The pleasure's all mine, Tracey. See you this weekend!"

"Goodbye for now." He handed the receiver back to Delia. He could hear some of Delia's side of the conversation as he made his way to Ash's bedroom, knowing his younger brother would be there.

Ash noticed Tracey appeared happier than he had earlier. "Is everything better now?"

"Yeah. Lola told me herself that I'm welcome, and that she's going to fix the letters to include me name for next year."

Ash smiled and slid off his bed. "I'm glad you can come too, Trace. It wouldn't be the same without my big brother there too."

Even Ash is determined to remind me that I'm family. At least I know there are three people who approve, but...what of everyone else...?

"You look sad again."

"I do?"

"Don't worry. If you're family, you're welcome. That's the main rule of these year weekends."

"Do you think everyone else will feel the same? I mean, last time I met Brock, he only knew me as your friend who lived next door."

"Mum made sure to tell everyone that you're now part of this family. Everyone will expect you and welcome you with smiles."

"If you say so..."