Ash was facing turmoil, on one hand he didn't want to lead Chloe along and keep convincing himself that he loves her, but on the other he didn't trust Serena enough to begin to consider a long term relationship with her. He knew one thing though. Things could only end up badly.
He and Gary were on the way back from the cemetery. As ever Gary decided to lighten the mood with some of his 'humour', the only problem being that he was usually the only one that found it funny. It was almost sad. He would be the one person in a group that cuts in with a punchline, while everyone else gives each other awkward glances. Sometimes Ash and the others would laugh out of pity, just so he wouldn't feel bad but there are those rare occasions in which his jokes are not that bad. However this was not one of those times...
"Ashy-boy, you my friend are going to get slapped" the man made sure to add extra emphasis on the double p sound, while he slung an arm over the raven haired man, resting it on his shoulder. Ash showed a certain amount of annoyance as he shrugged his friend off, and quickened his pace. It was almost as if he was trying to get away from the man.
"Like you've never been slapped! Honestly I think you deserve a slap just for being you." Ash couldn't help but retaliate. He was never one for petty jokes and low blows, but exceptions could always be made. Flashing a grin, the man slowed down to let Gary catch up a little, fully expecting a retort of some sort. As long as it kept him mind of the situation at his apartment, Ash was completely fine with entertaining Gary and his jokes.
"HA-HA. Very funny, I bet you wouldn't last a day without me. Admit it, you love me" Gary started off with sarcastic clapping but ended with him running ahead and resting his leg on a nearby bench, striking a pose. Simply rolling his eyes at the childish gesture, Ash made sure he didn't let Gary see him laugh. He didn't deserve the satisfaction.
"Honestly mate, you spend more of your time at my apartment than yours. I don't even know why you bought an apartment, your Gramps likes to spend his time on trips to different sites and that junk anyways." Ash did have a good point; the place was empty most of the day with Gary only using it for sleeping and showering.
"Well obviously. Why would I stay in my lonely boring apartment when yours has two beautiful women, a better view, an eight year old kid who's bloody adorable and free food that's not at my expense. Its called living the good life. Don't worry, you'll learn someday kid" and with that the man ruffled Ash's hair which didn't turn out so well.
"Good life?! My place is not a hotel, its an apartment which you're not invited to anymore. How do you keep getting in anyways, I don't remember giving you a key." Ash portrayed a slightly confused expression. There were only two sets of keys and he gave one to Chloe since she was staying over.
"Oh I took Chloe's. She hasn't noticed yet. You can have them back though, I already made copies" Gary gently threw the keys in Ash's hands and walked ahead, turning the corner.
"Copies!?" He groaned as the followed suit and caught up with Gary, making sure the man knew what he thought of him using furrowed eyebrows.
"Why is Chloe still living with you anyways? Its been over a month since the break-in." Ash had never bothered to ask about what the situation was with Chloe. Truth be told, he was used to having her around so much and he didn't mind Riley. If anything, the little girl kept everyone of their toes but he had to admit, she did bring a lot of life to the house. Ash made a mental note to ask about it, but he figured he probably didn't need to.
"Well she's probably going to leave anyways after I talk to her about today." Ash shrugged his shoulders and made sure to not look at Gary directly. He didn't want to come across as incapable of dealing with situations, but he also wanted to gain some independence of his life. He knew what he was doing was similar to what Serena left him for, independence, but he still felt she should've told him or called at least once to set his conscious clear. He shook his head, he didn't want to think of Serena especially after today's events.
"You're telling her today?! Don't you want to think things through at least. Make sure you're making the right decision before doing anything rash."
"Gary, I've been over-thinking things for the last 6 years, and all it's giving me is anxiety and bad thought. This time I just want to trust my instincts. Besides, its more fun this way." Gary hadn't noticed that they were already in the foyer for their apartments and Ash waited expectantly for the elevator. Gary was still standing beside the door and broke into a quick stride to catch up. However the elevator already opened up and was closing by the time he got near. Ash grinned as the doors closed, leaving Gary wide eyed. 'Wasteman'.
Ash leaned on the wall of his floor and waited in anticipation for Gary, and when he saw him coming up the stairs, he straitened up. "Now were even for the keys". Gary didn't bother responding, but did barge his friend using his shoulder. Ash could only laugh as he spun on his heel and followed the mahogany haired man into the apartment. He remembered his conversation with Gary and knew he needed to find and talk to Chloe. However she found him instead.
"Where were you?! We were so worried!" Chloe stormed over to Ash, having sitting on the sofa and hit him with the magazine she was holding. He could sense the stress in her voice and he saw the anger in her brown eyes. She had one of her hands on her hips and Ash could only squeak out a small 'sorry' and his gaze fell down. After a few moments, she calmed down and gave him a small smile. "Glad you're back" she spoke softly and walked back to her seat. After entering his kitchen for some water, he sat down on one of the sofas, watching Riley use her pencils and colouring book. From what he could see, she wasn't doing very well with keeping within the lines, but couldn't stop himself from smiling at the grin plastered across her face. He also noticed something else however.
"Hey where's Serena?" He saw Gary look up from his phone, before looking back down and continued to scroll though whatever he was looking at. He looked at Chloe who dropped her book a little, allowing them to catch each other's gaze. "Oh after you left, we sent Gary to find you and a little while later she left to go home. Um...Not to sound rude or anything...but did you guys notice that she was acting a little weird today?" Ash knew Gary was listening, but he made sure it looked like he was on his phone. At that moment Riley chirped up.
"It must have been because of Ash and Serena's kiss last night. It was disgusting and for some reason both of them were crying. It didn't look very fun." Ash remained wide-eyed and his mouth hung open slightly. Gary now dropped his facade and he had a similar expression. Riley went back to her colouring book while Chloe looked at the ground in disbelief.
"Um...Chloe I can explain...You see I actually wanted to talk to you about it." Ash had a look of worry on his face and was internally pleading she wouldn't storm off. Ash then looked at Gary, who fortunately looked up at that moment, and motioned to Riley and the door.
"Riley I saw an ice-cream van a couple of blocks away. How about we get ourselves some ice-creams and slushes?" Riley's eyes lit up in anticipation and she quickly put on her coat and shoes. Gary gave a sympathetic look towards Ash before ushering the little girl out the front door, plunging the room into silence. Neither adult said anything for a while, and before long, Ash found the silence to be unbearable.
"Chloe...I'm really really sorry. I didn't want it to tell you like this. It just sort of happened and-" Chloe put her palm up in the air, stopping Ash in mid-sentence.
"You don't have to explain anything. I understand." The young women stood up and before Ash could get a word in, she walked off and Ash sighed. However he wasn't expecting what was to happen next. Chloe came back, holding a picture frame. The same one that Serena was looking at previously in the morning. Ash could only look in disbelief, for a man had never been so shocked as to not being slapped. Chloe sat on the table, in front of the sofa looking at Ash. "I saw this today. Riley said she found it on the floor near your bed. I didn't know you had it."
"Yeah. Mom had it framed for a present back in Kanto. I never had the heart to say goodbye to it, even after all this time." He watched the women let out a gentle laugh.
"I never had your heart. Did I?" Ash couldn't respond, shocked at the choice of words she used from his sentence. He felt he was paralyzed, and even if he wasn't what could he have said in response. "Ash I've known you for a while now, and I've known you long enough to figure out when you're heart isn't in something, and I know for a fact that it was never in this." She pointed to both of them and looked back up at his hazel eyes. She reached out for his hands.
"Chloe I don't...I don't understand."
"It's okay Ash. You don't have to lie. I know you love her."
"Actually I don't. Well I do, but-its complicated. That's why I had to go out this morning. I needed some air." He looked at the woman, who stayed silent. Almost as if she was motioning him to carry on, so he did. "I went to Mom's grave. I talked to her, well I talked to myself. It helped me clear my head, and I figured out some things. It turns out that I never forgave her."
"Forgave her? What do you mean?" Ash told Chloe that she left him and that he was looking for her for 5 years, but she didn't know the full reason why. He then told her the full story and it was about 10 minutes after he began that Chloe gasped.
"I met you a couple days after me and Gary moved out here and you know the rest." Ash took a deep breath and sighed. He didn't mind telling Chloe about everything, but he didn't want to appear as if he was using her as a distraction. "I won't lie to you. I did feel something towards you and I really like you and Riley, but after meeting Serena again...I..." His voice faltered and he couldn't finish his sentence. There was a lot he wanted to say, but he knew he was never the best with words, especially when his emotions felt like they were in a blender, spinning constantly.
"What you feel for her, its special. Not many guys would do that. You must really love her huh" She wasn't completely over the situation, honestly if she would've shed a couple of tears, but after hearing Ash's situation, she had to be strong for him.
"I love her, I think, but I don't trust her. I don't trust her to walk away again and me trying to move on is only hurting myself and other people, like you." Ash lifted Chloe's chin, and took her hands in his "You deserve better Chloe. Not some guy who can only partially love you. I'm sorry, I know how losing someone you love hurts" he paused, taking a moment. "I couldn't watch and string you along, it was eating me up and you're too good for that. I honestly hope you find someone else, someone better, but I'm sorry, that guy's just not me." After much struggle, Chloe finally broke down and hot tears streamed her face. He fair complexion becoming glossy and her cheeks stained. Ash immediately embraced her in a hug. It was gentle and Ash comforted the woman. "Its okay, you're okay. You're a strong woman, you don't need me."
It was a few moments before they broke apart. Ash took his palms and wiped Chloe's face, and gave her a small smile. She reciprocated it and sat back down on the coffee table, breathing out a sigh. "So now we're not together, you probably want me gone huh?" She didn't look up at Ash and he found it strange that she would bring such a topic up in a sensitive conversation. Before he could inquire, she continued. "Me and Riley cant go home anymore. The police said the man who broke in damaged a lot of the outer wall in trying to get in, and our insurance on the house expired a day before. I forgot to renew it and now the debt is too much for me to pay. I have a week to get together 90 grand or it will be sold."
Once she finished, Ash stayed motionless. He never knew her situation was this bad, but he did have a solution. "Well it looks like I have good news for you then. I've actually been thinking of moving house. I know its not been very long in this apartment, but its not...it's not.."Ash motioned his hands but couldn't think of the words.
"You. Its not very you." Chloe finished his sentence as she smiled gently, still curious as to what Ash was getting at.
"Yeah, its not me. I like the place, but it feels so restricting and it never felt like home. On the outskirts of the city, not too far from the center actually, there were some big houses and I booked a couple of viewings. If you don't mind, can you come with me to see them. I may need a 'woman's touch' as Gary likes to call it." Chloe giggled a little before responding
"Sure. But how does that help me and Riley's situation?"
"You see, as a thanks for being a good friend, and the fact that I really like you guys, would you and Riley like to come and live with me and Gary?" Chloe initially screamed, scaring Ash who leaned back, covering his ears slightly before he was enveloped in a hug.
"Thank you thank you thank you! You don't know how much that means to me. But I don't have the money to pay for rent or anything."
"Its on me. Free of charge. Whats the point of money if you can help and shared it with those you love. Just don't let Riley trash the place and that will be payment enough." At that moment, the front door opened, making way to Gary and Riley entered the front room. Gary was eating an ice-cream in one hand while holding two cones in the other, while Riley sipped on her cup of blueberry blast slush, and half an ice-cream cone in the other hand. Normally Chloe would be quite angry at her 'daughter' for eating so much sugar, but today was a day of celebrations so she let it slide.
Gary offered up the duo their cones and it only took a few moments for everyone to finish. Riley reached for the remote for the television before Chloe swatted the young girl's hand away "Nuh uh missy. You're not touching anything before you wash those sticky hands of yours" she then picked the girl up who visibly moaned and let out an 'awhhh'. The two left for the kitchen, giving the two males time to talk.
"You two seem happy. I bet you bottled it. Not surprised, I always had bigger balls." Gary was smug but was quick to regret it soon after.
"I did actually and it went well. We sorted it out and decided to remain friends. Speaking of which, shes coming with me to see houses on the outskirts of town and I offered her a place there. They seem to have financial troubles so it felt like a good way to repay her."
"Oh sweet. I could use a bigger room."
"I never said you were coming Gary. I was thinking about it, but after you're 'ballsy' comment, you can live in your place from now on."
"What?! Come on man, you know I was joking. We're practically family. You remember when you ran out of gas a couple of years ago and I offered to pay when you forgot your wallet."
"Yeah, I also remember when you STOLE double the amount of money the next day"
"I bought you chips with that. Sure I kept the extras, but consider that as interest on a loan"
"I was picking YOU up after you were too drunk to drive home!"
"What are you two bickering about, honestly Riley doesn't make as much noise as you two" Chloe came back and Riley giggled before running up to Ash. He instinctively picked the little girl up in his arms.
"When are we moving house Ash? Do I get my own room? Can we have a pool? Clo-Clo said Gary had always wanted a arcade room. Can we get one so I can play with Gary every day? PLEAASEEEE?" Gary shot Ash a grin, and he knew he was cornered. He could only say yes so the little girl wouldn't keep asking for things. Gary walked past Ash, giving Riley a high five and went to his room.
"Hey Ash, what time are we leaving for the party?"
"What party? The snobby-business one? Is that today?" Ash put Riley on the sofa before whipping out his phone's calendar.
"Yep. You better get ready soon. I hear there's going to be some pretty elite people there. I'm going to start getting ready now. I need to get my Gary on you know, for the ladies of course." Gary then shut his door, leaving Ash to mentally face palm while he sat down next to Riley.
Today is one hell of a day.
Gary and Ash walked up the stairs and entered the party, which seemed to be in full swing. They saw a lot of people that were nominate for big awards and saw some competitors. Their company was still finding its feet it Kalos so they didn't expect to win any awards, but it was gaining popularity and market share so it was only a matter of time. Ash looked to his left, only to find Gary had gone straight to the bar and was offering to buy a woman a drink. He could only roll his eyes, and he then walked into the crowd of entrepreneurs.
He greeted a lot of people, many of which Ash didn't know of but he maintained composure leaving them none the wiser. He was about to get himself a drink, before bumping into a familiar face. "Hey Ash. Didn't expect to see you here."
"Clemont? Whats up man" Though this was a formal meeting, Ash and Clemont were friends enough to ignore formalities. Clemontic. Inc was the biggest supplier for 'Ketchum and Oak Industries' so they often met up to discuss business, but they were good friends as well. "Hows Bonnie?"
"She's good, she actually just went to get us some drinks. She's over there, next to...GARY?!" Ash winced, Gary would obviously have to flirt with Clemont's younger sister. Ash laughed and tried to play it cool but it was hard to ignore the elephant in the room. Bonnie came over with Gary, and once she had told him that her older brother was Clemont, Gary did a quick 180 and headed for the bathroom. Bonnie hugged Ash and conversed in some small talk, she and her brother would normally take days off with Ash and either spend time relaxing or just catching up. Due to recent circumstances however, their get-togethers have not been so frequent.
"Where have you been Ash? We haven't seen you for over a week." Bonnie was dressed in a dark blue dress and let her blonde hair dangle above her shoulders, while Clemont wore a tuxedo. He found it strange that they both had blonde hair while their parents did not, but that was a minor detail.
"Stuff has kept me busy I guess. Do you want to find a quieter place to talk. These people are not too friendly with competition." The three adults looked around to see men shaking hands, sizing each other up, while women held back comments and dropped subtle criticisms within compliments. They were all to fast to agree and when Gary returned, Clemont had a quick word with the man who could only shoot him an apologetic look. He was lucky that Clemont was a forgive and forget person; a trait that Ash didn't like so much at this particular point in time.
Regardless, the group of four made their way to a lounge area in one of the corners of the room. It was far enough away from the main action for them to relax a little, but they were still in earshot of the many tense conversations. Gary had got everyone a drink and Bonnie, who was only four years younger than her older brother who was 24, like Ash and Gary, reveled in the taste of the malt whisky. "So Ash, tell me why you haven't dropped by the house in a while."
"Ashy-boy dumped Chloe for a girl he doesn't trust yet, that's why" Ash shot a glance at his friend before looking back to the siblings. Clemont was rather shocked, but Bonnie was more composed after hearing the news. The man recovered quite recovered quickly while Ash chose to ignore Gary, after watching him sip on his beer, now half empty.
"About time. So when are you getting together with Serena?" Ash was surprised about Bonnie's comments. He had told the Clemont about the situation, but didn't know that Bonnie knew about Serena. He couldn't actually remember telling her about it which turned out to be something that piqued Ash's interest.
"Did Clemont tell you about Serena? I don't recall ever mentioning it to you." Ash made sure to remove any hostility in the tone of his voice as he too took a swig from his glass bottle. A few moments later he head the woman give out an audible 'crap' before she sighed and set her drink down on the circular table, in the middle of the two sofas. He motioned for the boys to gather closer, something that they found unusual, but stayed silent to allow Bonnie to explain.
"We meet quite often in the cafe across the central tower Clemont designed. We talk and catch up, we have been doing so for years. Around three to four years ago she invited me to her house and she started crying. Before I could ask why she started saying..." She paused.
"Started saying what? What did she say Bonnie?!" Ash grew impatient and was now at the edge of his seat.
"She started saying your name. Ash. Over and over. I tried asking her why but then she was too exhausted to say anything and so I put her to bed and left. Every time I bring the topic up, it becomes tense and awkward. Like there's some discomfort she has with you. Anyways a couple of weeks later she came round, she said that she sometimes feels lonely. She talks about Kanto a fair bit but every time the conversation shifts in your direction" she pointed at Ash "she cuts it off or changes the topic of conversation completely. I told Clemont and when he said he met you in some business conference, I asked him to tell you anything because I didn't think we should get involved. Sorry."
She concluded and all eyes were on Ash. He laughed at sat back into the sofa, taking another sip of his drink. "Well that's another problem that I have to deal with now. I'll see you guys in a bit, Gary will tell you the rest" With that Ash stood up and walked out the building, leaving the three friends in concern.
"What happened Gary?" Clemont asked and Gary fully expected him to. They weren't people for gossiping but rather they wanted to help the guy. Before Gary could explain, a thought came into his head. An idea that might make Ash's life a little more light-hearted.
"How would you two like to come and live with us. Ash is looking to buy this big house near the outskirts and I think that if we fill it with people he trusts, he may be able to ease the pressure he puts on himself."
"Well Bonnie and I have talked about getting some quiet time so we can chill out a bit. With work and Bonnie's university travelling, we don't get to relax because we're quite popular with just about anyone in this place. What do you think?" He looked expectantly at Bonnie, awaiting her reply.
"I don't mind commuting, just as long as we can help Ash and Serena get over this fear that they both have. Count us in. Clemont can actually find a good house with the contacts he's got but I don't think that he wants to ask some of the people here for help so we'll leave it to Ash."
"Cool. We can tell him later, but just tell him it was your idea. We may be able to help Ash but its not fear that he has, he doesn't trust her anymore, well not enough to not leave him again."
"I suppose that's understandable, given the situation that is" Clemont pushed his glasses up before scowling at the glass of vodka he downed. He could only look shocked when Bonnie requested a waiter for more before she motioned to Ash, who was coming back to the corner. He nodded to Gary and smiled at the siblings.
"Sorry about that guys, I just took a walk around outside. There's a lot of bars and clubs in this part of town."
"Yeah, the city has good night-life I guess. Gary told us about you moving houses and all. If you don't mind, can me and my sister come with you guys, if its okay with you that is." Ash was quick to voice his reply.
"Yeah sure, the more the merrier I suppose. You guys don't like the pace of life here in the city either then I take it." They nodded and shared a small laugh with each other. "I was actually deciding to go house hunting tomorrow or the day after with Chloe. You guys want to come?"
"Chloe's coming as well?" Bonnie said but immediately apologized for the outburst. Thankfully they didn't take it too seriously (she suspected due to the alcohol) and Ash explained how Chloe and Riley needed a place to stay. "Don't suppose you're inviting her as well then?" Ash had a look of confusion to his face, but after she motioned to someone behind him, he heard a different voice come into conversation.
"Hey Bonnie, Clemont. Oh Gary and Ash...Didn't know I would be seeing you here as well." Ash whipped round to see the last person he wanted to see. She stood there in a white dress that stopped just before her knees and wore heels. It was simple. Simple but deadly. Ash had trouble looking away but thankfully, a booming voice over the speakers addressed everyone and asked for the commencing of the ceremony. Serena joined the group on the sofa, and it was safe to say that things were a little awkward.
One by one, awards were given and even Clemont got one. There was constant chatter between speakers and then then the end of the ceremony was announced. However as always, a free bar will always stop leaving too soon. Serena and Bonnie conversed but Ash stayed quiet for the most part. Once Gary and Clemont went to talk to other people, Ash took a moment and stood on one of the balconies. He saw some of the city and for the first time that evening, he truly felt at ease. A feeling he took for granted.
"What are we doing to ourselves Ash?" He glanced to see Serena looking at the sky on his right, her hands firmly on the railings. He wanted to answer her question, but truth be told, he couldn't even begin to form an answer. "I guess its too late to ask for things to be how they were before. But I'm happy to see you with Chloe, shes nice." Something about the way she said her name seemed a bit off but he chose to read between the lines of it.
"We broke up. This afternoon actually." Serena glanced towards Ash, she would never say it but internally she was happy. She did want another chance with the man, but she walked away from the one he had given her years ago. Albeit for good reasons, but walked away nevertheless. "Serena, we need to talk. Properly. Somewhere where we wont be interrupted. I need to know where we stand." She nodded. They knew it was too long overdue, and hopefully they could start to patch things up or properly move on after their talk.
"You can drop by tomorrow. Here's my address." She ripped up a piece of paper from inside her purse and wrote her address. Ash couldn't help but notice how close she lived to the houses he was going to look for with Chloe. He thought nothing of the thought, and with that Serena decided to call it a night. After saying bye, she waited a little longer before leaning in and planting a tender kiss on Ash's right cheek. He was stunned but collected himself before she turned and walked away.
A quick look on his watch told Ash that he better head home as well as it was now half eleven. Bonnie, Clemont and Gary were all ready to head off as well, and after going back to the lounge to grab their coats, Gary noticed an unfamiliar object on the table. "Hey isn't this Serena's jacket?" After Clemont confirmed it, he offered to take it to her house, but Ash refused.
"You better get Bonnie home man, she looks pretty poor." They looked at the young woman who was barely able to stand and was quickly falling asleep. After Clemont shot Ash a hesitant look, Ash gave a confident smile and nodded to which the older sibling finally caved in and took his drunk sister to his car. Ash and Gary followed suit and after bidding goodbye, they were on the way to Serena's.
"You sure about this man. I could always do it." Gary spoke, clearly not wanting anything awkward to happen.
"Nahh its alright. It will be quick. In and out and then we'll go home."
"That's what she said" Gary was clearly drunk, which was why Ash and Clemont were designated drivers for the night. He could only roll his eyes, and a block away from Serena's apartment, he noticed a woman carrying a large amount of boxes on the pavement. Before he knew it, she had dropped them, scattering the contents and papers over the floor. Ash knew better than to allow a woman to carry heavy object so late at night alone, so he stopped the car and offered to help. Gary was half asleep so barely noticed, something Ash was thankful for.
He approached the woman and started helping her gather the loose sheets and picked up the boxes. "Could you help me carry them to my apartment just down there." She spoke tenderly and was clearly relieved to find help. After thanking Ash, they made their way to the elevator of her place of residence.
"Thank you, you're a life saver. I can manage from here thanks." She shot him a smile. The woman was a little shorter than Ash, and wore a simple floral dress with flats. Her hair was light brown but looked like it was dyed that way. Ash wanted to make sure she would be alright but after insisting, she bid goodbye to the man who walked back to his car. He carried on forward and stopped at the same building in which he had just been in. He thought it to be a mere coincidence and grabbed Serena's jacket and made his way to the elevator.
He laughed to himself at the irony of the situation and exited the elevator on her floor. After finding the right door number, he waited expectantly and noticed his palms were getting sweaty. He rubbed them on his trousers just as the door suddenly opened. "Oh it seems like I have a stalker." Ash looked up to see the same woman from before. A wave of confusion was sent across his face. He looked back at the piece of paper Serena wrote on, and sure enough it was correct.
"Oh you have Serena's coat, she texted me she was heading back to some party because she forgot it. Can I take your name so she can properly thank you when she gets back?" The woman took the coat and smiled.
"Oh sure. I'm Ash Ketchum. Can I ask who you are exactly and how you know Serena?"
"My names Sarah. I'm Serena's sister"
Author's Note
I changed my writing style so tell me how it reads. As always comment and review and feel free to message me any future ideas or anything. Thanks!