Ok, this is it. The official ending of the story! I will do an epilogue so check back for it soon. After I finish writing this, I am going to go to bed…and quickly…mucho tired and I must work tomorrow…and catch the second part of Ash and Paul's battle! YAY! VERY EXCITED! Lol. Anyways, here you guys go! Last official chapter!
Favor For A Friend? 14: Feelings Uncovered
Gary, Brock, and Dawn looked between each other as Ash ran outside. Gary jumped up followed by the other two and ran towards the door. He opened it and saw Ash watching as the family drove out of sight. Gary looked at his best friend knowing he was thoroughly depressed. He put his hand on the raven haired trainer's shoulder to try and comfort him but the moment his hand made contact with the other's body, Ash quickly turned, hiding his face, and ran inside the house. Brock and Dawn had to react fast to move out of the boy's way as he ran between them, down the hall, and back into the room, slamming the door behind him.
"What are we going to do?" Dawn asked. Brock shrugged.
"There's nothing we can do." Gary answered closing the door behind him.
"I wish there was a way to help him." Brock said.
"Me too, Brock, me too." The researcher added.
*In room*
Pikachu watched as Ash ran into the room, tears streaming down his face, and slamming the door then leaning against it. "Pikapi…"
Ash ran straight for the bed, and not paying attention, tripped over his backpack, scattering things all over the floor. He jumped on the bed and buried his face into the pillows while letting the tears fall. Pikachu came up and nuzzled his trainer in a comforting way. Ash turned and held the electric mouse close. "It's not fair." Ash told his partner between sobs. "They didn't even see what a great trainer he is. He's so amazing, all he was, was hurt. He was just hiding. It's not his fault."
"Pika…Pikapi…Chu, chu pika." The electric type said trying to calm his trainer.
"He didn't deserve it, Pikachu, he didn't deserve it at all!" Ash exclaimed crying even harder.
"Chu…" Pikachu knew it was futile. His trainer cared so much about the other boy and he knew his trainer would never be whole again without him. Not now, not after he had fallen for him.
"I wish I could do something…anything…I feel so worthless…" Ash said between hiccups.
"Pikapi! Chu! Chu, pika pika!" The electric mouse argued. He didn't care what happened, his trainer was NOT worthless. He was the greatest person in the world.
Ash looked at Pikachu with tears in his eyes. He knew there was no sense in arguing with the electric mouse. Pikachu was as stubborn as he himself was. He then noticed the mess on the floor caused by him tripping over his backpack. To give him something to do, he slid off the bed, onto the floor, and started packing his stuff. He grabbed each item without any care in the world and just threw it into the bag. He then grabbed the Soothe Bells without noticing and just when he was about to open his hand over the mouth of his backpack, he noticed something else. He flipped his hand and let the Soothe Bells shine in his palm. He then saw where the two were tied together, there was a folded up piece of paper with his name on it. He slowly unknotted the bow and took the paper out to look at it. His widened when he opened it. 'It's a letter from Paul!' He thought.
Dear Ash,
Wow, I haven't written a letter to anyone in years…I don't know how to even begin. This past week…I'll tell you it's been the best week of my life. I never thought I could I feel happiness again…not after my friends betrayed me…but you showed me otherwise.
You alone showed me I didn't need them. You helped me realize I wouldn't be able to live my whole life holding a grudge and hiding. I have to tell you, when I first met you I thought you were like everyone else. Judgmental, selfish, and well…pretty annoying. All of that changed this week. I saw the real you…I got to know the real you, and for that, I'm so glad. Even if the end didn't result in the way I wanted it to, I'm so thankful that all of this happened because I got to know you.
Remember what you told me while we were on Charizard? How things have many different perspectives and ways to look at them? I know that's the truth. I never knew what an amazing person you were until I got a different look. After everything I've done to you, I thought for sure you'd just want me gone as fast as possible. It blew my mind you actually wanted to help me. And thank you for that. I can't believe you did all this for me. For someone who has done nothing but been a total and complete asshole to you. I don't deserve to have a friend like you but I'm so thankful I do…that is…if I can call you that. I know you're my friend and I hope after this past week you're able to call me one too.
I know I haven't made it easy this past year for you and for that, I am truly sorry. If I could take it back, I most certainly would…in a heartbeat. You've completely changed me, Ash. You've changed everything about me. You've opened my eyes and made me feel again. I had become numb and you were one who was able to get through that and make me actually start having emotions again. I had forgotten what it felt like. You make me feel lots of things actually…I have to tell you this Ash…something I've been trying to tell you for days…all you've done for me…everything…you made me fall for you.
You're the most amazing and wonderful person to have ever lived and I love you for that. I love you for so many reasons…I just can't stand not being around you. I don't know how I'm going to make it without you in Tokyo…and I'm sure you noticed…I was so jealous of Gary. He has such a great history with you and you two know each other back and forth…I wish you and I could have had a close relationship like that…I know that's just a fairytale though. I'll be gone before you read this and I doubt my parents will ever allow me to leave…I do hope to move back here one day…and maybe we could be friends then. I sure hope so…I like the fact you give me hope for happiness. It gives me something to live for. And you give me something to strive and wish for.
Just know, that no matter what happens in your life, I love you and I always will. I wish all the best for you and know that I'm cheering for you and you alone in the Sinnoh League. I know you'll win it. You're a great trainer…with great Pokémon and wonderful friends…never let them go, trust me. It's not worth it to live alone. Be safe and I hope to see you again someday.
Love always,
Paul
P.S. I want you to take Torterra. Yours and mine seem to be getting along great and I know you'll take wonderful care of him. Please take him. And if any of my other Pokémon would like to, I'm telling them to let you have them as well. And I will tell Reggie this too. I know they'll be in great hands if you have them and I won't ever have to worry about them. Thank you again for everything.
Ash had fresh new tears streaming down his face by the time he finished reading the letter. He couldn't believe it. Paul loved him…he really loved him. The person he loved, loved him back. Ash felt his heart explode with happiness and then it sank again. He realized he'd never be with him. He was probably on a plane right now…'Wait a sec.' Ash thought. 'They only left a little while ago…' He looked at the clock on the night stand by the bed. 'Maybe…' Ash jumped up with the letter in his mouth, stripped out of his kimono, threw his under shirt and jeans on, and also grabbed his vest. He was about to grab his hat and gloves but quickly realized he'd have to dig in his backpack for them. 'I don't have time.' He thought. He ran towards the door and threw it open. Pikachu quickly followed.
"Yea, maybe…I'm still not sure it would work." He heard Gary say.
"Gary!" Ash called running down the hallway, slipping on his vest. The three in the living area looked up in surprise as he stopped in the hallway.
"Ash? What's up?" Gary asked standing up.
"Where are my tennis shoes?" He asked frantically between clenched teeth as he zipped up his vest.
Gary blinked. "They're by the door…why?" The researcher answered walking up to his friend. Ash shoved the letter into his hands and ran towards the door. "What?" Green eyes widened as the piece of paper was pushed into his hands. He opened it.
"Ash, what's going on?" Brock questioned.
"Yea Ash." Dawn added.
Ash pulled on his shoes. "I'm not letting them take Paul…not without one hell of fight. They're not taking him if I have anything to say about it." Ash told his friends as he threw the front door open. Brock and Dawn looked at each other and when they looked back, Ash had already run out the door with Pikachu at his feet.
"Ash!" The two exclaimed following him.
"Charizard, I need you to fly me to the airport and quickly!" Ash exclaimed to his dragon. The fire type nodded and let Ash board him.
"Ash, his parents are going to get so mad at you!" Dawn cried.
"I don't care." Ash told his friends as Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder. "I will do everything in my power to stop this disaster from taking place. I don't care what his stupid parents do to me, they won't take Paul away from me if I have anything to say about it!" He turned to his dragon. "Let's go, Charizard, now!" He commanded. His friends watched as Charizard took off into the sky and head towards the city.
"I don't get it, he was so down and just ready to give up not even an hour ago…what changed?" Dawn asked. Brock shrugged.
"This changed." The breeder and coordinator turned towards the researcher.
"What changed?" Brock questioned as they walked up to him. Gary handed him the letter and Dawn also leaned over and read it. The two gasped when they came to the conclusion.
"Oh my gosh, no wonder." Dawn said.
"I can't believe it. After all they've been through." Brock said.
"Love works in mysterious ways." Gary added with a shrug.
*Meanwhile*
"Thanks Charizard." Ash told his dragon as he jumped off his back when they landed in front of the airport. "Pikachu, stay out here with Charizard!" Ash called as he took off towards the entrance.
"Pika…"
*Inside*
"Now Reggie, make sure and send us the rest of Paul's stuff later." Steve told his eldest. Reggie glanced at his little brother who was looking at his feet, looking terribly defeated. The breeder slowly nodded.
"And let us know how things go with the Breeder's Convention." Laura added. "We know you'll make us proud like you always do."
"Um, sure…" Reggie replied. He knew Paul hated this every second it continued.
"Yes, we know you won't disappoint us like some other people." Steve said, all of them knowing whom he was speaking of. Reggie sighed but nodded. "Well we should head for the plane before everyone else does." He walked up and hugged his eldest. "See you soon." He told him. Reggie nodded again.
Laura then walked up to give him a hug and kiss goodbye. "Take care, Sweetie." She told him.
"Sure Mom…"
Reggie then turned to his little brother. He walked towards him and put a hand on his shoulder. Paul looked up at him and received a small, sad smile. Surprising everyone, Paul walked forward and gave the breeder a hug. This would be the last time he'd see his brother. Well, at least, in his world anyways. Reggie instantly embraced his little brother back and rubbed his back affectionately. "I'll come see you soon." The breeder told the trainer. Paul once again looked up at him. "And no worries, I'll ask him about taking your Pokémon for you." Paul nodded giving him a thankful glance. Reggie side smiled.
"Paul, let's go." Steve said with a harshness in it. The mauve haired boy sighed and turned around. "See you later, son." Reggie nodded at both his parents and watched as they walked towards the gate and let out a depressing sigh.
'I'm not going to cry.' Paul thought. 'Not for them…they don't deserve it.' Paul then thought he heard someone call his name. He didn't think it was real and so shrugged it off continuing to walk. 'Why can't I just let it go?' He thought.
"Paul!" Paul glanced up. OK, now he was sure someone was calling for him. He quickly turned and dropped his jaw at what he saw. Ash was pushing through people, yelling for him.
"Ash?" He questioned more to himself than the actual person. The Veilstone trainer didn't notice his parents and Reggie had turned to see the Pallet trainer as well. Everyone watched at Ash ran straight into Paul's arms, clinging to the younger boy with all his might. Paul instantly dropped the bags he was carrying and wrapped his arms around the other. "What are you doing here?" He whispered in the raven haired boy's ear.
"I'm not letting them take you." Ash whispered back. Paul just buried his face into Ash's neck, his grip around the boy's waist tightening.
After a few moments, Steve broke the silence. "Alright, alright, you've said your goodbyes, now let's go."
Ash looked at the parents and glared at them. He pulled out of the embrace and ran in front of Paul, holding his arms out protectively. "You're not taking him." Ash told the man.
Steve looked like he had just been slapped. "Excuse me!"
"I said you're not taking him." Ash repeated still glaring at the man. "He lied because he had to…because he can't be honest with you. You don't even give him a chance before you say he has to move."
"We did give him a chance, we let him stay to improve his training…he didn't follow through." Laura said.
"You haven't even seen him battle!" Ash exclaimed.
"There's no need to." Steve told him.
"Yes there is!" The Pallet trainer cried. "You say I have such an amazing reputation…that I'm a great trainer."
"You do and you are." Laura responded.
"Yea well, I haven't beaten your son once in battle. Not once. And he's beaten me plenty of times. If I'm such a great trainer, than your son is ten times better than I am." Ash told the parents. This statement obviously surprised the parents. Paul was also shocked to see Ash standing up for him like this.
"Yes, but, you've only been training this team for a year." Steve said trying to reason as to why.
"Yea, and the Pokémon Paul uses against me, he's had for only a year as well. I've seen him catch some of the Pokémon he has. Don't try and come up with excuses. Your son is an amazing trainer and an outstanding person." Violet eyes widened as Ash stood up for him. "I don't care if you can't see, everyone else can. And yea, he hides behind a mask because he's afraid of getting hurt, I do too. Everyone does when they've been hurt like Paul has. Don't you dare blame him for that. You know you'd do the same thing." Ash told Steve and Laura angrily.
"A mask is one thing but being pathetic is another." Steve argued. He was also pissed off this kid was embarrassing him. He really didn't think his son was pathetic but he was not about to be shown up by this teenager.
"Don't you dare say things like that about him!" Ash yelled at the man. "He's amazing…much better than you are!"
Steve had to fight to control his anger. "Why the hell do you care anyways? After everything he did and said to you and your friends…your Pokémon? After all the teasing and taunting…torturing…Why the hell do you care?"
"Because I love him!" Ash yelled back angrily. Four sets of eyes widened at the statement. Ash breathed a little harder. "Because I love him." He then slowly turned towards Paul and shrugged. "I love you." He told the mauve haired boy with a small smile. He watched as amethyst eyes filled with tears.
Paul rushed forward and grabbed the older teen, holding him extremely tight. "I love you, too." Paul told him while gripping him even tighter. "I love you, too." Ash closed his eyes and sighed as he snuggled up against the other trainer.
Reggie stood there in shock and looked between the couple and his parents. He then forced a laugh, making his parents look at him. "Ironic isn't it? Faking being in love then falling in love for real? Haha, pretty cool, neh?" He asked with a shrug. Instantly, Laura could see that this really was real, and even though Steve could see they cared about one another still wasn't convinced.
"And how in the world are we supposed to know this time is real?" He asked sourly. Paul and Ash slowly pulled apart with smiles on both they're faces. Without taking his eyes away from Ash, he answered his father.
"Because, I'm not afraid to do this in public." Before anyone could even think what 'this' was, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to Ash's, pulling the boy closer to him by his waist. Ash instantly closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around the other's neck and let his hands roam into Paul's mauve locks. The family gasped, only resulting in Ash smiling even more into the kiss.
When two parted, they rested their foreheads together, both wearing huge smiles, and staring into each other's eyes. Ash then watched as Paul's expression changed to be more serious. "I'm not going." Paul said. He then looked at his parents. "I'm not going with you." He told them. His father looked shocked at him. "I don't care what you do. You can take away the inheritance, you can disown me; I don't give a crap. I'm not leaving Ash." He then turned and looked at the raven haired boy. "I finally found the one thing I need…the only thing I need," He then looked at his parents again. "And I'm sure as hell not giving it up." He tightened his grip around Ash's waist and Ash rested his head against Paul's shoulder.
Steve couldn't believe it. His son was actually willing to give up everything for this boy? He was willing to sacrifice it all? Realization suddenly dawned on him. He remembered way back when he was just a teenager. He had sacrificed everything for Laura. His dream, his job…everything…because he loved her. And now, Paul was willing to give it all up because he loved Ash. There was no use in denying it now. He sighed in defeat. "You really love him?" He asked his son, not that he really needed an answer.
"Yes." Paul answered confidently. "More than anything." Steve sighed again and shook his head.
"Alright then, there's only one thing to say." He looked at Ash. "You had better take good care of him. He's our son and we love him just like you do." Ash smiled and nodded.
"I will, I promise." Ash told him while squeezing Paul a little bit.
Steve nodded and then looked at his son. "And you'd better take care of him." He told him while gesturing to Ash. "I don't think you'll find another one like him."
"How can I?" Paul asked. "He's one of kind." Ash blushed but snuggled up to the Veilstone trainer. At that moment, Paul swore his life was perfect. As long as he had Ash with him, he knew he could make it through anything.
"Now boarding flight 2010 to Tokyo." The speaker announced above them.
"Well, that's us." Laura said. Ash felt Paul's grip tighten around his waist. "Alright, Paul, stay here with your boyfriend but you had better not cause any trouble." She told him. Paul didn't think he'd caused any trouble but nodded anyways.
Steve sighed. "Well, see you sometime." He told his sons. The two nodded. "Good luck in the Sinnoh League…both of you." He said to both Paul and Ash.
"Thanks." Ash replied.
"We'll send your bags back later." He then added to Paul.
"Ok."
"Shall we?" Steve then asked his wife.
"We shall." She joked. The two turned around and went towards the gate. The three watched as they disappeared into the crowd. Ash and Paul then looked at one another and smiled. Paul kissed Ash again right then and there, and the raven haired trainer responded eagerly. Reggie had to laugh at the two. When the they broke the kiss they looked at the breeder.
"What?" Paul questioned.
"You two. It's just funny." They glanced at one another. "After being such die hard rivals, this will most certainly be a change for you guys." Reggie told them.
Ash shrugged. "Oh well, if there's one thing that's certain in life it's change will occur." He then looked at the mauve haired boy. "And I certainly like this change."
Paul smiled at him. "Me too." He leaned in and rubbed his nose against the other's, making Ash let out a cute little laugh.
"Well, shall we go home then?" Reggie asked. The two nodded. Ash bent down and took one of Paul's bags and Reggie got the other one.
"You know, I can carry my own stuff, right?" Paul asked, his personality shining through.
Ash chuckled. "Yes, but then I wouldn't be able to do this." He took the other boy's hand in his own. Paul blushed but squeezed Ash's hand in response. Reggie just couldn't help but smile at the couple as they walked towards the exit.
"So, are you two going to say this is your first official day of being together, or last Monday when you two set up this whole ordeal?" Paul glared at his brother but Ash laughed. "What? It's a valid question. In a few months you'll want to know the exact date you two got together for celebrating anniversaries and things."
"He does have a point you know." Ash told the Veilstone trainer.
Before Paul could respond, Reggie beat him to it. "Though, you know, I guess technically you're not really together until one of you asks the other out."
Paul glared at him again. "Fine." He said. He turned to Ash. "Will you go out with me, Ash?" Ash chuckled but nodded. "There, happy?" He asked his brother. Reggie nodded, laughing at his brother on the inside. This was just too fun.
When the three walked outside, Pikachu ran up to them with Charizard behind him. Paul and Reggie were surprised to see them there. Ash noticed the looks and chuckled. "You didn't think I ran all the way did ya? I never would have made it here in time."
"Valid point." Reggie said.
"Pika pika!" Before Paul knew what happened, Pikachu jumped into his arms and nuzzled him.
"Uh…" Paul's face became a light pink.
Ash laughed. "I'm pretty sure Pikachu is happy you're still here."
"Oh? And why's that?" Paul questioned.
Ash shrugged. "Probably because he knows I won't cry for you anymore."
Paul looked at him surprised. "You-you really cried for me?"
"Well yea…I thought I'd never see you again." Ash told him shyly while snuggling up to his side. Paul felt his heart skip a couple of beats.
Reggie chuckled at the couple. "You two are simply adorable, you know that?" Paul shot him a light glare but Ash just laughed.
"Thanks for the compliment, Reggie." Ash told the breeder. Paul gave him a side 'are you insane' glance, but Ash decided not to pay attention to it. Pikachu, who was still in Paul's arms, then perked his ears up. "What's up, Buddy?" His trainer asked.
Pikachu quickly jumped into Ash's arms as a small voice sounded behind the trio and the two Pokémon. "Pichu, Pichu!" The trio turned just in time for a Pichu to jump into Paul's arms and start nuzzling him.
"What the!" The mauve haired boy exclaimed. Both Ash and Reggie looked at one another, thinking the same thing…where the heck did this Pichu come from?
"Paul!" The trio looked up the voice and saw an older blonde hair and blue eyes walking up them.
"Travis?" Paul questioned disbelievingly. He looked down at the Pichu in arms and couldn't hold back a smile. "Oh, Pichu! It's been a while." He told the mouse.
"Chu!" She cried.
"How are you!" Travis questioned with a smile as he walked up to the group.
"I'm-" He looked at Ash. "Well, I'm perfect." He answered. Ash lightly blushed.
"Good to hear! I can't believe it's been so long since we've seen you." Travis told him.
"Pichu, Pi!" Paul glanced down at the tiny mouse. He scratched the electric type under the chin. Reggie and Ash looked at one another shocked. He actually gave affection to this Pichu.
"Yea, it has been a while."
"Very much so. How's your journey going?" Travis asked the Veilstone trainer.
"Good. Waiting for the Sinnoh League to start." Paul told him.
"Awesome. You'll do great. I bet you'll win."
"He'll have to beat me." Ash said. He covered his mouth quickly, not really meaning to say anything. He just couldn't help it. Paul may be his boyfriend, but he was still his rival as well and Ash wanted to beat him.
Paul chuckled at his boyfriend's expression. "Beat him? So you're a trainer entering as well?"
"Uh yea." Ash said sheepishly.
"Sorry, Travis. This is Ash. He's my rival and boyfriend." Paul introduced.
Travis blinked. "Boyfriend?"
"That's right." Reggie answered. "It's actually funny how they got together too."
"Oh really, Reggie? And how's that?" Travis asked.
"Oh please don't go into now." Paul pleaded. "We just lived it." Ash laughed.
"Well, why don't you tell me while we catch up?" Travis asked.
"Catch up?" Ash questioned.
"Right, I guess I didn't mention that Travis and Reggie pretty much grew up together. They left the same day on their journeys and were rivals for a while. That's the reason Travis would always let me play with this Pichu." Paul explained to his boyfriend, gesturing to the mouse in his arms who was still rubbing up against his chest. Ash pouted while watching the mouse; Paul noticed. "What?"
"Totally unfair." Ash mumbled. The other three looked at one another. Reggie then smirked.
"Are you getting jealous of a Pokémon, Ash?" He asked the trainer.
Ash flushed and Paul smirked. Ash then stuck his tongue out at the younger trainer. "And I'm the younger one?" He asked teasingly. Ash gave him a glare.
The others laughed. "Well, Paul, why don't you give me the bags and I'll put them in the car. You and Ash can ride back home on Charizard and I'll bring your stuff back after Travis and I catch up some." Reggie told his little brother.
"Sure." Paul answered. He looked at the mouse in his arms and then sighed. He really wanted some time with Ash but he also wanted to be with this Pichu. "Travis, will you be staying in the city for a while?" Paul questioned.
"No, after I go eat lunch with your brother, I'm dropping by my house to get my stuff and then I'll be heading back to Mount Cornet to train." The blonde answered. Paul sighed and Ash noticed. "So I guess I should give this to you now." Paul looked at him and watched as Travis pulled out a Pokeball and placed it in one of Paul's hand.
"What?"
"It's Pichu's. You'll need it to return her." Travis told the trainer.
"Wait, you're giving Paul, Pichu?" Ash questioned.
"Of course. That was my plan was all along. I just didn't see him before he left town on his first day of training. It's why I didn't train her and why she's been at my house with my mom and sister while I travel and train. I was hoping to run into Paul eventually and give her to him. She absolutely adores him and has wanted to be with him." Travis explained.
Paul looked surprised. He glanced down at her. "Pichu!" She chirped. Paul then looked at Ash. The raven haired boy shrugged, then smiled. Paul smiled back.
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu cried jumping from Ash's arms onto the ground.
"Pichu!" Pichu jumped from Paul's arms and joined Pikachu. The two then started to play.
"Well, what do you know? You have a perfect Pokémon for Pikachu to play with now, Paul." Reggie told him. The mauve haired boy subconsciously nodded while watching the two.
"Well, just take good care of her for me." Travis told Paul.
He looked at him. "I will. Thank you." Paul replied. He couldn't believe Travis gave her to him. And he thought he was perfect a few minutes ago. He now had his boyfriend, family, and the one Pokémon he had always wanted to be close to. His life couldn't get any better.
"Shall we go get some lunch?" Travis asked the breeder.
"Sure, I'll drive." He picked up Paul's bags and they started to leave.
"It was nice to meet you, Ash. Take good care of Paul for me." Travis said to the trainer jokingly. Paul rolled his eyes as Ash laughed.
"I will, I promise." He told the blonde with a smile. He nodded.
"Let's go." Reggie said. "I'll see you two back at the house." They nodded and then watched as the older teens walked away.
Ash looked at Paul. "So, tell me you're happy now."
Amethyst eyes met amber ones. "Of course I am. I have my family, my Pokémon, and most importantly," He said wrapping an arm around Ash's waist, pulling the raven haired trainer into an embrace. "I have you."
"Yes you do." Ash said before closing the gap between them. When the broke apart, Ash rested his head against Paul's chest and the mauve haired boy rested his chin on top of Ash's head. The two stood there for a few minutes until the Pokémon broke the silence. They looked at Pichu chasing Pikachu around Charizard playfully. Ash and Paul both had to laugh at the cute scene.
"Come on," Paul said bending down and picking up Pichu as she ran past. "Let's go home." Ash nodded as Pikachu jumped on his shoulder.
"Charizard, think you can get us home?" The dragon snorted, saying 'duh'. Ash chuckled as the dragon leaned down and he jumped on his back. Paul followed and sat behind him. He wrapped one arm around the waist of his boyfriend as they took off. Ten minutes later, they were landing in the backyard.
*Inside*
"I wonder what's happening." Dawn said as she was sewing a new outfit for Piplup to wear. Brock was reading a book as Gary worked on his laptop.
"Dunno. We'll just have to wait and find out later." Brock told her.
"Pip! Piplup!" The three looked at where Piplup was jumping up and down excitedly by the window.
"What is it, Piplup?" Dawn asked as the three stood up. She glanced out the window and saw Charizard. "Oh he's back!" She exclaimed to the boys. "Ash is back!" Brock and Gary followed her to the door and stopped right behind her on the front porch, shocked at what they saw. Ash and Paul were playfully rolling on the ground and both of them were laughing. The three then noticed the Pichu playing with Pikachu.
"I guess Ash was successful in his quest to save Paul." Gary said jokingly.
"Guess so. Where'd the Pichu come from?" Brock asked. Gary shrugged.
"Oh my gosh!" Dawn exclaimed. The two looked from each other to the coordinator.
"What is it?" Brock inquired. She pointed to the yard. The breeder and researcher followed the pointing and saw Paul leaning over Ash, kissing him very passionately.
"Well, it's not technically a surprise." Gary said with a laugh.
"Isn't that the truth?" Brock replied. Dawn nodded.
"Hey happy couple!" Gary yelled. Paul and Ash broke their kiss and looked in the direction of the voice. "Before you two get totally lost in a make out session," The two blushed. "Where'd the Pichu come from?"
"She's mine." Paul told the researcher. The three on the porch looked at one another oddly but then shrugged. When they looked back, Ash and Paul were walking towards them hand-in-hand. "So I guess Ash's mission to stop you from leaving was a complete success." Gary told the Veilstone trainer.
"That it was." He replied.
"What did your parents say?" Brock asked.
Paul shrugged. "There was a slight argument but I told them I didn't care what they said, that I was staying with Ash."
"That was after I told him…er, them, I had feelings for him." Ash told them.
"Well yea, if I had known I never would have even packed." Paul told his boyfriend.
"So, how did your parents figure it out anyways? We certainly didn't say anything…" Dawn asked.
"Yea, how did they?" Ash questioned.
"Wayne, Trent, and Jared." He answered. "Reggie had asked them this morning."
"What? How did they know?" Gary asked.
"They apparently snuck onto our property and spied on us." Paul said. "No worries though. Mom and Dad took the information and told the police that they were trespassing." Paul explained.
"Were they arrested?" Brock questioned.
"No. Mom and Dad didn't want them arrested but they aren't able to go anywhere right now. They're parents are pissed so they aren't able to leave on their journey right now." The Veilstone trainer replied.
"Awesome." Dawn said. Paul nodded.
"Pika, Pikachu!" The teens turned to look at the electric mice running around.
"So, when did you get Pichu?" Gary asked his best friend's rival.
"I can explain it but we may want to sit down." Paul told him. The breeder, researcher, and coordinator nodded and the group of teens walked inside.
*Five hours later*
Reggie had gotten home soon after Ash and Paul and had helped explain everything that had happened. Reggie and Brock were now in the kitchen making supper, while Gary was working on his laptop again and Dawn was also working on the outfit again. Paul was sitting on the couch watching a movie with Ash curled up right next to him, his head resting on the mauve haired boy's chest. Pikachu was literally curled around Pichu on the back of the couch sleeping with smaller mouse. Dawn had cooed at how 'Pokémon and trainer were so alike' since the two electric types seemed to have a little relationship of their own going on.
Dawn was sitting there thinking about the week that had just gone by. "I still can't believe it." She said loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Believe what?" Brock asked from the kitchen.
"That all this happened this week. I mean really, who would have guessed that you two would have ended up together?" She said the last part to the couple on the couch. They glanced at one another and then shrugged.
"Life is mysterious." Paul told her.
"Yea but wow." She replied. "I can't believe it mainly because Ash actually said yes to helping you." She told the mauve haired boy.
"True. Why did you help me?" Paul asked him. Everybody looked at him wondering the same thing.
Ash shrugged and smiled. "Just call it a favor for a friend." Paul chuckled and then bent down to press his lips to his boyfriend's.
END!
Omg I'm so freaking tired…time for sleep! I can't believe I actually, finally finished it…wow. It feels so weird for it to actually be finished…though like I said, I am doing an epilogue. I will post it probably sometime next week or so. Although, I'm thinking of doing a sequel. What's everybody think? Should I? I don't want to ruin this story by making another one but I do kind of want to make one. I have an idea for some chapters in it...Let me know what you guys think. If I should or shouldn't do a sequel. Anyways, good night! Finally!