Twenty Questions

Fandom: Pokémon XY (Anime)
Genre: Romance
Summary: A compilation of vignettes showing Ash and Clemont's relationship develop through a series of questions, from friendship to infatuation to something more. Fluff, drama, Diodeshipping, mostly Clemont-centric POV, equal parts Season 17 and post-XY speculation, almost all chapters rated for general audiences except where noted.
Current Rating (subject to change): T
Warnings: Dub names and boys' love

Just so you're aware... I've been planning a NSFW side-story associated with this fic that would take place between this chapter and the last one (because I'm actually a terrible human being and I want to explore the effect of Ash leaving just a little further). However, I can almost guarantee it will not be posted on this site, so you'll have to go digging for it, if it ends up happening at all. But hey, we've entered the post-season timeframe and I don't have to tiptoe around canon anymore, this is gonna be fun!

Investigation, Part 1: Single

When Ash came back to Kalos, of course there had been questions. But not really the ones Clemont had been anticipating.

"Hey, how 'bout that one? Looks kinda like a Scolipede, doesn't it?"

Clemont turned his head to see where Ash was pointing. "Oh, you think so?" he asked. "Looks more like a Furret, to me."

"Whaaaaat? What kind of Pokédex are you usin'? No way!"

Clemont laughed, continuing to watch the puffy white clouds scud steadily across his vision. He squinted up at the one that apparently defied classification. "Hmm. Well… now it looks a bit like a misshapen Charizard, actually."

"Really?" Ash bumped elbows with him as he changed positions, shimmying just a little bit closer in the process. "OK… yeah, I guess I can see that."

They grinned at each other. Camping with Ash was delightful, and just like old times. Somehow, it was everything Clemont needed in order to be convinced of the overwhelming, all-consuming rightness of the world again. He closed his eyes, taking a moment to appreciate the sun on his face, the cool grass against his back, and the symphony of sounds being carried to his ears on the cool breeze. From their perch on this hill, he could hear Pikachu and all their Pokémon playing together in the field below, the chiming, chaotic voices of a group of Fletchling roosting in a stand of nearby trees, and (most importantly), the dark-haired teenager's deep and relaxed breathing right by his side.

"Hey Ash," he said, raising himself up on his elbows. "Do you think you might want to stop by the Battle Chateau next? I forgot to tell you: I'm a marquis now."

Ash sat up, his legs splayed in front of him as he leaned back on open palms, eyes already sparkling with excitement. "Wow, really? Congratulations, Clemont! I'd love to, that would be really fun."

"Was there anything else you'd like to see or do while you were here?" Clemont asked, wanting to help Ash get the most out of his trip any way he could. "Anyone in particular you wanted to visit?"

Ash shook his head. "T'tell you the truth, I didn't really have any plans for what I'd do when I got here," he said, his expression softening into something casually unconcerned. "Anything's good, just s'long as I get to keep hangin' out with you."

Clemont felt his eyes widen at this, pleasantly surprised. "Oh."

They laid back down and were silent for a time, although Clemont was finding it difficult not to jump up and give a shout of joy over this latest bit of news. The warm, fluttery feeling spreading throughout his body just from knowing Ash was here to see him was nearly enough to eclipse the heat of the sun.

"Hey Clemont? What'cha thinkin' about?"

Clemont looked over to find Ash staring at him again. "Huh? Oh, not much, I suppose. I'm just... really glad you decided to come back."

Ash gave a peculiar little smile. "Yeah. Me too."

"You can stay awhile in Kalos, can't you?"

"Of course! I'll stay as long as you don't mind puttin' up with me. But I really don't wanna impose or anything..."

You could never impose on me, Clemont thought. And don't want to hear anything about "putting up" with you, because I'm pretty sure I want you to stay here forever... But he couldn't say any of that out loud without it sounding weird, so instead he opted for: "Actually, I think one of the Pokémon Centers in Lumiose City has a few furnished apartments for rent. Some of the backpackers and long-term tourists stay there a few months at a time while they sightsee around the city. It's cheaper than getting a hotel, and each one has their own kitchen and bathroom and everything. You could see about getting one, and help me out at the gym, if you'd like."

Ash closed his eyes and sighed contentedly, looking as if he were getting ready to doze off. "Helpin' you out for a few months at the gym, huh? That sounds like the perfect place to start," he said, pulling the brim of his hat down over his eyes, still wearing his trademark smile.

Clemont could hardly believe how lucky he was.