"Miss Lorelei would be looking after us?" Serena placed down a tray of hot chocolate mugs onto the table, sitting next to Dawn as Ash quickly took one of the mugs, savouring the warmth and fragrant scent of chocolate. He gave a sigh of content after sipping the chocolatey delight and turned to Dawn to reply her question.

"Pretty much." The mix reaction from the girls were expected. After all, it was bizarre to hear that Lorelei of all people would personally be their guardian. It was unsettling thought to think that an Elite 4 needs to personally look after them, it speaks volumes of the precarious situation they are in.

"That's reassuring, to have a member of an Elite 4 to protect us." Ash shared Misty's thoughts, Lorelei's powerful ice types can perhaps rival even Articuno herself, her Lapras is known to be her most powerful and steadfast pokemon. Not surprising considering she was her starter.

"She would do her routine checks every now and then, but she promised that she will stay out of our hair as much as possible." He dearly hoped that she does not find out their relationship, but given Lorelei's sharp and intelligent mind, Ash was sure it was inevitable that she figures out the harem thing that is going on between all of them.

'I'm screwed if she finds out.' Her initial respect and gratitude to him would swiftly turned into one of horror and disappointment.

"I hope we can invite her over for dinner one day, just to show our appreciation." Serena was relieved and thankful to Lorelei's protection. Maybe they could bring her over to have a nice dinner between them, the Yakiniku restaurant seemed to be the perfect place for that.

"That sounds like a good idea." Ash relaxed into the chair and glanced at Bea who stayed unusually silent. She has always been vocal of her opinions and thoughts, so it was concerning that she was this silent and uncharacteristic moody. The conflicted look on her face didn't seem to make Ash think otherwise either.

"Bea is something wrong?" The Galar native shook her head in a spooked manner, not really expecting Ash to call her out.

"Huh, no it's nothing." Ash frowned and crossed his arms as Serena leaned his ears, tickling his earlobe with her honey laced voice that showed her concern.

"She's been distracted lately, I think something is bothering her." Ash nodded and kissed Serena's cheek as thanks, he stood up and walked towards Bea, placing his hands on her shoulder as he attempted to push her to her bedroom, much to her protests.

"A-Ash! What are you- girls help me." To her dismay, the others merely gave her a grin as Ash lead her to her bedroom, with the red blush evident on her face as Ash seemed to be determined to unravel what's bothering her. With the door behind him closed shut, Ash set Bea down on her bed and gave her a stern look that demanded her to tell him the truth.

"What's going on Bea?" The gray haired teen shrugged, crossing her legs as she sat on the edge of her bed. The faint moonlight shining through her windows illuminated the dimly lit room, with the warm yellow nightlight providing a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.

"It's nothing." To think she is incapable of lying to him. Ash sat down next to her and swung an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to him as he leaned into her ear with his head brushing gently against her ponytailed hair.

"Don't lie to me Bea. Are you worried about the attacks?" Bea groaned inwardly, not liking the deep husky voice Ash was using. Whenever they were alone, she would always become shy and passive, a far cry from her usual confident and tomboyish attitude. It was certainly cute to see her like this, and Ash felt quite accomplished that only he managed to draw such reactions from her.

Though to be fair, that could be applied to all of his girls.

"That's one of the reasons." She whispered lowly, rubbing her thighs together as Ash clasped her hand on top of them. She mewed when Ash deliberately brushed his fingers across her thighs, sending jolts of sensation down her spine.

"The other reason?" She turned to him with a frown, immediately alerting him that this was a serious matter. She leaned onto his shoulders, eyeing his warm hazel eyes with the slightest of hesitation in her voice.

"Ash, my parents are back." The Kanto teen nodded in realization before his mind crashed and burned at the thought of meeting her parents. It was no wonder why Bea was so upset and quiet. In essence, it should be good news, but given the chain of events that happened prior to this and the fact they abandoned her for 2 whole months, Ash was not looking forward to their reunion.

"I see." The lack of reaction from Ash was concerning to Bea, so she continued.

"They are asking me to come home." The sheer audacity of her parents, leaving your daughter to fend for her own than asking her to come back to you? It was fortunate that they were Bea's parents, otherwise Ash would have reported this to the authorities. Amidst his anger, he noticed that Bea seemed sad and anxious at the thought of meeting her parents. So like any good boyfriend, he pulled her into a tight embrace, rubbing her back soothingly as he reached for a close whisper. Bea felt her face glowed red by the second as Ash ran his fingers through her hair in a gentle and soft manner, feeling the sense of security and warmth emanating from his strong loving arms that was a result of his numerous gym sessions.

"I promised you that I will meet your parents when they return, we should meet them as soon as possible." He had never forgotten the promise he gave to her after their exam, despite his forgetful nature, something as serious as this would always stay at the back of his mind. The Galar teen shook her head and attempted to voice out her objection in a small and lost voice.

"But-" Ash pulled back and cupped her cheeks, giving her the confident and radiant smile that she was thoroughly charmed by.

"I promised you didn't I? I never turned down a request from you, I hope you can do the same for me, just this once." It was not fair, how can he had that effect on her? Between the girls, they had secretly shared the experienced they had with Ash with each other, without him knowing. From Korrina's lap pillow experience to Serena cuddling on top of Ash's lap during Friday nights, they were some raunchy and tensed sexual moments shared between all of them.

In some ways, it made Bea relieved that only Ash could draw such reactions and emotions from them. Her previous boyfriend had never made her want to snuggle up closer to him and purr like a Meowth when he showers her with headpats, Ash had always managed to bring out the more childish side of her whenever they are alone.

"My dad would be furious when he sees you." Ash expected that, he was mentally prepared for the physical confrontation he would have with Bea's father. But he wasn't intimidated as the slightest, he was confident that his pokemon would defend him should the situation escalates.

"I won't be surprised, but that's why l am bringing my Lycanroc and Pikachu with me." Bea raised her eyebrows, can he really bring Pikachu with him? He still belongs to the property of the school, so Ash have to get a special permission from the school if he wants to bring Pikachu out.

"Pikachu?" Ash nodded and immediately, the childish nature of him was brought out at the mention of his lovable starter.

"The school had permitted for me to bring Pikachu home with me, my own personal electric mouse bodyguard." It was heartwarming to see that Ash's growth and maturity has not changed his love for pokemon.

"That make sense." He frowned at how low and soft her voice was, she seemed to have her doubts. He didn't blamed her but he hoped that she can be more confident about this.

"Are you still having doubts about this?" Bea sighed and fell behind her bed, sprawling her arms out as she stared at the ceiling above her. She felt Ash joined her as he laid down next to her, feeling his legs rubbing against hers own.

"I just don't know how my parents would react seeing us, I mean sure they would be angry and all, but what if they knew we are together?" Imagine your only daughter argues with you because of some boy she met in school, now imagine that this boy is also dating your daughter and is stealing her away from you.

That is the situation Ash is facing right now and unfortunately for him, he was that boy.

"Let them know then." Bea poked Ash's forehead, not liking how overconfident he was over the situation. She appreciates his more confident and dare she say charismatic nature that has grown for the past few months, but this was a bit too much for her.

"Ash, my parents would never support our relationship together, much less with the entire harem thing going on between all of us." Ash grimaced at the thought of the girls' parents hunting him down with pitchforks and torches, Gurkinn and Delia were the only ones that approved their relationship, though Ash was sure that Serena's mother would support their relationship too given that Grace and Delia had been hanging out a lot.

"You want their blessing and support?" Bea nodded with a small smile plastered on her face.

"They raised me Ash, even if I don't see eye to eye with them, I still love them." Ash sighed and clasped her hands, what else did he expect? The bond between a parent and a child shouldn't be questioned or underestimated. In hindsight, Ash was just mad at her parents because they abandoned her without a word.

"Which is why I should come with you. I don't want this wedge between you and your family to grow because of me." Bea had heard from the others that Ash suffers from self-guilt, which leads him to feel responsible for every little thing, even if it is something trivial. So it was not surprising that he felt like he was the catalyst to her strained relationship with her parents.

"I appreciate the effort Ash, but my dad is not exactly the most diplomatic person in the world." Brash, single-minded and prideful, her father would never listen to a teenager. He always believes he is right and would not listen to reason unless it appeals to his side of the argument. Might is right, and when it comes to ideals, a pokemon battle is often the deciding factor when it comes to who is right and wrong.

"Which is why I'm bringing my bodyguards." Referring his two beloved pokemon, Ash was confident the two of them would defend him to the best of abilities, even with the type and levels disadvantage.

"You're not planning to battle him right?" She sounded mildly disappointed, akin to his mother when she was dissatisfied with his exam results during middle school.

"Well if he calls for one-" The sheepish and joking tone of his voice drew a deadpanned look from Bea's face.

"Ash I love you, but my dad would absolutely trash you." Yeah, there was no point denying the fact that Ash would lose the battle against her father.

"In my defense, Pikachu is a first form pokemon and Lycanroc is naturally weak against fighting types." Bea wasn't amused by his explanation, though she did agree with him.

"Uh huh." Ash sat upright placed Bea's head on his lap, watching her getting comfortable into the lap pillow he just provided. It was weird to give the girls a lap pillow at first, but now he gotten so used to giving and receiving one, that it felt right whenever he had the chance.

"I don't seek a confrontation with your old man, I just want to knock some sense into him." Bea sighed and shook her head softly, allowing Ash to feel the soft strands of her hair moving around on his lap.

"He won't listen to you Ash, he doesn't even listen to his own daughter anymore." The tone of despair in her voice was hard to hear. He stroke her hair softly and readjust her black bandanna on her hair with a reassuring smile plastered on his face.

"I will find someway to convince him, trust me." She knew it was blind optimism from him, but she couldn't help but to smile at his words. Time and time again, Ash had always reassured their worries and anxiety with a smile and a promise.

This time was no different.

"Mhmm." Satisfied with her response, Ash attempted to stand up and leave, only to be met with resistance from Bea.

"Stay a little. I want to talk about something else." Ash sighed and focused on spoiling Bea since there was nothing else to do, that and because she looked so adorable right now.

"Alright what is it?" Bea finally left his lap and sat upright, hesitating for the briefest of moments before continuing.

"It's about May." At the mention of the aspiring coordinator, Ash could hear boss music began to play in his mind.

"What about her?" He was very cautious and wary of Bea's sudden shift of mood, she didn't particularly pleased with the brunette and he had a hunch as to why.

"She's been clingy to you lately." The jealous tone was obvious to the ear, and Ash knew that Bea wasn't happy with how clingy May has been recently. He knew that May has been more or less, attached to him for the past few days. After the day of the attack, she has grown more and more comfortable with him, to the point where she wore less clothes around him. The playful banters between them had certainly drawn much attention from the girls.

"You think she likes me?" He knew it was a dumb thing to say considering he already knew the answer, but he is feigning ignorance just to see Bea's reaction. Truth to his word, she crossed her arms and leaned towards him with her eyebrows raised.

"What do you think?" Judging by her tone, Ash had came to the brilliant conclusion that she was pissed.

"It's just a phase, she will find someone else to like soon. She had a rough breakup with Drew." Ash was willing to bet that May sees him as a temporary replacement for Drew, sooner or later she would find someone else to like and she would leave him alone. At least, that's what Ash was hoping for. Make no mistake, he thinks May is an awesome girl to hangout with and he would consider himself lucky to have a girlfriend like her, but he already had 5 girlfriends who loved him wholeheartedly.

"Honestly, I knew something like this would happen between the two of you." The matter of trust between them has always been something Ash was worried about. Given the nature of their relationship, Ash knew that the girls might think he is keen on increasing his harem count, and he would be absolutely lying if he said he never entertained that thought before. But he loved them too much to even consider dating other girls, because frankly speaking, he has his hands full at the moment.

"You don't trust me." The downtrodden voice from him made Bea sighed, she leaned closer to him and wrapped her arms around him, rubbing her body against his softly.

"That's not true Ash, I trust you with all of my life." He felt her kissed his cheeks softly, giving the warm whispered that was nothing short of sensual and sweet. Seeing the genuine smile on his face, she laid her head on his shoulders and continued.

"I am not blaming you Ash, I know you are just being nice to her. But when all the stars align, it creates a weird dynamic between the two of you. When she first stayed with us, she barely interacted with you. Now, she's competing with us for your attention." May has for better or worse, became more close to him. Although Ash spent most of his time with the girls, May had some how found a way to weave herself to his side without forcing the occasion. She loved to hear stories from him, especially the chilling and harrowing experience of storming Team Galactic's base. It was weird really, to be admired by May who gave him awestruck eyes as he rambled on his experiences.

"I should properly settle this and tell her off huh." Bea nodded, feeling the sense of relief as Ash had finally acknowledge this. She wasn't happy with May's sudden interest in Ash and she was not in the mood to share him with more girls. It was hard enough to share him with 4 others girls, anymore and Ash would slip away from her grasp.

"It's not just her, Sabrina also likes you." The psychic type trainer has been a strange case, although she was more cheerful and more sociable, she seemed to be more incline to talk to him. Surprising enough, he and Sabrina shared many of their interests, novels, manga, music and anime just to name the few. She was especially passionate about film making and voice acting, so that was interesting to hear.

Naturally, their closeness raised many eyebrows amongst the girls but Ash wasn't willing to strain the relationship he shared with Sabrina after all the self guilt she has been through. Poor girl had been hard on herself, so he was keen on befriending her to show he had genuinely forgiven her.

"Well I guess I should stop hanging out with girls huh." It was worrying that he was attracting May and Sabrina despite not flirting with them, though Ash boiled it down to external influences and factors more so than his own personality and looks. He was just so happens to be the closest male friend they had.

"Yes Ash, you're the babe magnet that everyone loves." She meant it in jest but Ash could tell she wasn't happy with how close the two were to him. She gripped his arm tighter and almost coiled her body around him, in a defensive and possessive manner.

"Seriously, the two of them are not even subtle." He never knew Bea was capable of being so possessive, perhaps amongst the girls, they too weren't pleased with the two girls flirtatious and clingy attitude. If this persist any much longer, Ash could easily see the whole group fracturing because of his inaction.

"I will talk to May and Sabrina about this, I promise. I don't want any of you girls to fight over this." Bea nodded in glee, relieved that Ash was taking steps to address this. She paused and stared at Ash who smiled at her before biting her lower lip.

"Sometimes, I really just want you all by myself. I thought about it, if the girls weren't in the way and the two of us can live happily together, even if it meant that the girls would be miserable. It's really selfish and evil of me huh." Ash held her chin with his thumb, giving her the endearing smile that she grew to love.

"Don't say that Bea, its natural for you to feel that way. I don't expect all of you to feel happy knowing that you are sharing the boy you love with 4 other people. But I am trying my best to treat all of you fairly." She knew that, and she was never bitter about the whole polygamy thing. Honestly speaking, she loves her friends and is fine sharing him with them.

"I know that and you been doing a wonderful job too. Don't stress yourself out too much alright? If any of us feel lonely or extra affectionate, we will come to you ourselves. I honestly don't mind sharing you with my best friends but sometimes, just sometimes, a nice little date between the two of us would be nice." A little exclusivity between them would be nice . She didn't want to be constantly reminded that she is sharing Ash with others, just a little alone time between two lovers would be enough for her.

"How about this? After I settle the feud with your parents, I'll go on a date with each and every one of you." Bea's eyes lit up to a smile as she cling onto his arm.

"Really!?" Ash chuckled at the high pitch voice crack coming from Bea and patted her shoulders to ease her excitement.

"Mhmm, no one else would be there to interrupt us. Just you and me." She managed to calm herself down and nodded meekly, her shy and bashful nature coming out in full display. Arceus he loved it when tough and tomboyish girls showed their more soft and girly side.

"I like that." Ash grinned and squeezed her close to him.

"Good. Now get some sleep alright? We will meet you parents tomorrow." Bea whined and leaned onto her bed as Ash turned on the AC, watching her taking off her shorts as she only wore her panties and shirt. However given that Ash had seen the girls in their undergarments a dozen of times now, he had pretty much grown immune to any form of flustering or embarrassment that came from them being half naked.

"Do we have to?" She took off her bandanna and place it on the nightstand, giving Ash a clear view of her body and firm ass. He sighed as she plopped back down next to him with her hair down, hugging her waist towards him.

"You know we have to Bea." She wasn't keen on meeting up with her parents so soon, she wanted to avoid them as much as possible since they would oppose to the relationship she shared with everyone. She could see the disappointed looks and the screams of anger from her father, it was horrible. But, she has Ash by her side and given he had fought a terrorist organization and fend of assassins with a cool and calm composure, Bea was confident that Ash would be the rational and level-headed one.

Hopefully.

"Fine, tuck me to bed." Ash sighed as Bea laid on the bed, he could feel the room getting colder and colder by the second. He draped the covers over to Bea, and watched her get comfortable under her covers, the adorable smile on her face was giving him diabetes.

"So demanding." Once she was under the covers, Ash knew he had to make his rounds and tuck the others girls to bed as well. They didn't request this, but Ash made a golden rule to himself that if he gives any physical affection to either one of the girls, he would had to the same to all of them. This was to please his conscience and to ensure that every girl don't missed out on the potential hugs and kisses they would otherwise miss.

It was also an excuse to shower them with affection, so yeah there's that.

"Love you." He kissed her on the lips, savouring the soft and warm sensation of her lips against his. He forcefully pry himself away from her when Bea hungrily kissed him back with her arms wrapped around him, almost as if to trap in a bind. He rubbed her shoulders and pulled back, flickering off the nightlight on her nightstand before exiting the room, mouthing a "good night" to her in the process, much to Bea's amusement.


With Pikachu perched on his shoulders as always, Ash made his way towards the school auditorium that were designed to host contests for students. His lips curled upwards when he saw May wearing her contest costume that consist of a bright pink frilly skirt and a sleeveless white shirt with pink ribbons and decorations. She even had a cute bowtie on her hair too, which really made her standout.

'She looks like a magical girl.' Ash swore that the people who designed clothes for contests are inspired by anime, or maybe it was the other way around?

Upon noticing him, May waved hello to him and excitingly went down to him, drawing much attention from her classmates and peers. Her bubbly and happy personality has long evaded them after the nasty breakup with Drew, so it was relieving to see her smiling and laughing again.

"Hi Ash, what are you doing here?" He focused his gaze on May's eyes, fully aware of her exposed midriff and the amount of skin that she was showing. But he did appreciate that she looked so lively and positive now, a change that he could rally behind wholeheartedly.

His faithful starter Pikachu greeted her Combusken who recently evolved during one of her contest performance, earning a wave of applause from the crowd. Considering most of their starters have similar levels of evolution, it was a matter of time before they unlock their evolutionary genes. Dawn's Buneary and Korrina's Riolu recently evolved into a Lopunny and Lucario respectively after achieving new levels of friendship, so it won't be long before Serena, Bea and Misty's starters would evolve into their higher form.

As for Pikachu, well he was against evolving, so Ash expected his starter's wishes.

"Are you free later? I want to talk to you." May nodded reluctantly, fully aware of all the stares she was receiving from her friends, particularly from her ex who seemed displeased at Ash's presence. The Hoenn native gave a small nod before turning to the contest stage with her hands placed behind her back.

"We just finished up our last session, so I should be done. Give me 10 minutes to get ready?" Ash crossed his arms and assume a more defensive posture given the amount of attention he was receiving. He gave May a curt nod before sitting down on the audience seat.

"Sure, take your time." She flashed him a bubbly smile and left to the dressing room in good spirits, which made Ash sighed inwardly. He was suppose to sternly warn May over how close and clingy she was to him lately, yet after seeing her so happy and cheerful now, he wasn't sure if he had the heart or the will tell her off. Between his inner conflict, he heard the faint sound of footsteps growing louder and louder. He glanced at the person who approached him and was met with the unamused expression of Drew Shu, perfect.

"Hi Drew, what brings you here?" The tone of mockery and amusement from Ash's voice certainly struck a nerve on the green haired coordinator, he narrowed his eyes and sat on the armrest of a chair in an attempt to intimidate Ash with his taller stature.

"It seems that May has found herself a new boy toy." Pikachu sparkled his cheeks, not pleased that this green salad hair of a boy is speaking ill of his master and his friend. He felt Ash's hand rubbed his fur to calm him down and before he knew it, his trainer assumed a more casual and more laidback stance.

"Need I remind you how our last confrontation ended?" Drew flinched visibly before narrowing his eyes, Ash had directly confront him of the situation with May. What started out as a civilized conversation quickly escalated into one of tension and anger. Had it not been Harley, Drew was certain his perfect and handsome face would be ruined by Ash's fists.

"Brutes like you only know how to use violence to solve issues." Ash smiled wryly, standing up to meet Drew's height.

"Says the guy who kick his girlfriend out, leaving her homeless." He gritted his teeth and crossed his arms, if rumours of his actions leak out to the entire school, his reputation and popularity would all just go down to the drain. Truthfully, Drew did felt guilty kicking May out of the house at night, he really did. But when May started to beg him to take her back, his limited patience was severely tested.

"I said it once and I will say it again, May volunteered to leave the house herself. I never forced her to leave the house." Ash knew these was lies but he never had any proof to counter Drew's words. In all honestly, May could be lying to him and he would still defend her because of their close relationship.

"Right, and the new girlfriend you have had nothing to do with it." Drew noted that their conversation gathered the attention from their classmates, so he raised his voice loudly for all of them to hear.

"You care an awful lot about May, Ash Ketchum." The Kanto trainer seemed to notice what Drew was attempting to do and matched him equally.

"It's in my nature to care for others, something I'm sure you won't understand." Ash shouted his words to the whole world, though his demeanor was still calm and collected.

"You-" Before their conversation can further escalate, May walked towards them and promptly ignored Drew. She held Pikachu in her arms and tickled his nose before turning to Ash with a smile on her face.

"Ash, I'm ready." Ash gave Drew one last look before turning to May with a smile, liking the clothes she was wearing. She was wearing a scarlet tank top with a black undershirt, a pair of white short shorts with black lycra mini-leggings underneath. Her stylish yellow and black ankle boots were a great contrast to her smooth pale legs with her green bandanna replaced by a red and white headband with a bow. All and all, she did look really sporty and cute in that outfit.

"Let's go, you hungry?" Ash placed his hands in his pockets as May walked next to him with Pikachu in her arms, leaving Drew shocked that May paid him no mind.

"Yeap! I haven't had lunch yet." The two walked off into outside of the school, with Ash giving 100% of his attention to the pretty coordinator next to him. She seemed to be more clingy and close to him now, must be the result of Drew and him arguing.

"What do you want to eat?" He looked around the streets of Jubilife, overseeing the cafes and shops that decorated the streets.

"Hmm something light like crepes or pastries." Something light and tasty, Ash knew the perfect venue. He led May to a familiar Kalos style cafe and entered it, smiling at the scent of bread baked fresh from the ovens. He quickly led May to one corner and took Pikachu away from her, much to her dismay.

As their plates of food arrived in front of them, May leaned her cheeks to her hand and stared at Ash with a cheeky grin on her face.

"So why are we having this little date?" Ash would had choke on his drink had it not been the spilt second decision not to drink his ice lemon tea at that very moment. He raised his head and stared at May, patiently waiting for a reply from him.

"You brought me out for lunch and it's just the two of us." She seemed to caught on what he was doing. Normally during their hangout sessions, the others are always with them. The two of them were never alone so May was quite surprised of Ash's intention of bringing her out. Not that she hated! Far from it, but it was certainly strange.

The Kanto teen decided not to beat around the bush and be forefront and direct with his words, he leaned forward and clasped his hands together, gathering the words and sentences in his head.

"May, I want you to stop being so close and clingy to me." He internally cringed at how harsh and blunt he sounded, he didn't want to be this direct! He panicked when he saw May's initial cheeky curiosity turned into one of disappointment. She lowered her gaze and placed her fists on her lap, tightening it to suppress her expression of sorrow.

"Oh." Not good, not good at all.

"I don't mind it personally! B-Because I know you mean no harm, but the girls, they aren't really happy with it." He was quick to add that part since he wanted her to know that he didn't mind her company. But the girls' happiness and feelings takes precedent over his own desires. Unable to read her expression clearly, Ash was about to say something when she spoke up.

"I understand. I'm sorry that I caused you so much trouble." With such strict and strained tone, Ash knew that he had to tackle the root of the problem. He reached for her hand and clasped it, shocking May at what Ash was doing to her.

"Look May, you are a beautiful girl, you will find someone soon. It doesn't have to be me." The brunette forcefully yank his hand away and crossed her arms, staring at the window outside of the cafe that gave her a clear view of the busy streets.

"It's just not fair, all of them looked so happy when they are with you." Ash sighed inwardly, he won't deny that he was partly responsible for the girls' happiness and lovely smiles. But he wasn't the only guy in the world who can make his loved ones happy. May just needs to go out more and find someone else.

"I'm not the only guy out there who can make a girl happy." May shrugged, toying her pastry with her fork as she crushed the chocolate tart to smithereens.

"Hard to find, even harder to keep."

"Drew is a pile of garbage, believe me when I say that he is an exception." It was unfortunate that May ended up with Drew, he screwed her perception of dating a nice and decent guy. Ash was sure that they were an abundance of nice guys out there, waiting for May. Though he can't say that any of the guys he knew would fit May's criteria of a good boyfriend.

"I don't know Ash, I can't seem to click with anyone else. I tried you know? I really tried expanding my social circles and hang out with different people, but all of them seemed to avoid me now. Most of my friends are Drew's friends and they all stopped hanging out with me after the breakup." Poor girl, all of her time and happiness were placed into Drew. The Kanto native reached for her hands again, speaking in a warm and soft tone that become the default voice whenever they are alone.

"You still have Serena right?" May smiled and nodded, feeling the warmth from Ash's hand comforting her.

"Of course! But, I'm talking about the boys in my course Ash. Frankly speaking, I don't like any of them." He couldn't comment about that, the only boys he knew were the flamboyant Harley, the incel Kenny and the asshole Drew. Not really a good look on the boys in the coordinator course but Nando was a nice guy, really talented and musically inclined too.

"Maybe try to hold off dating for now?" Ash never thought he would be giving dating advice to a hot girl, by right it should be the other way round but here he is right now, with a harem of 5 beautiful girls who won't hesitate to give him late night kisses and hickies.

"I guess." Ash stared at his Pikachu who shook his head in a disapproving manner to his trainer, why is his starter so disappointed in him? Did he expect him to accept May's feelings and include her into the harem? Before he can give his Pikachu a small bonk to the head, May spoke in a stuttering and nervous tone.

"Ash if- if I never dated Drew and I hung out with you like the others before, would you consider me to be your girlfriend?" Gosh why does she have to ask this? Ash mentally rubbed his face with hands, staring at May's emotional laced eyed that showed her envy and pain. He wished he can scoop her in his arms and giving her a heartfelt embrace, poor girl just wants to be loved.

"Probably." He won't deny it, he would probably fall for May too if he know her longer. He could imagine her hugging him from behind with her arms wrapped around his neck, rubbing her breast against his back softly as she massaged her shoulders with her delicates fingers, her soft and sultry whispers of love and affection turning him on by the second-

"I would like that to happen honestly." His hot and steamy thoughts were broken by May who stare at him with a smile.

"You're on a rebound." The stern and ironclad tone from him made May sigh in frustration, she leaned forward and shot him a serious look, baffled at how careful Ash was around her. He wasn't taking advantage of her "fragile" state nor was she emotional vulnerable.

She just wants companionship from the person she likes.

"Ash the breakup was weeks ago. I just like being around you, is that too much to ask?" He could hear the heartbroken tone from her, which prickled his heart with needles of guilt. He loosened his muscles and sigh, stirring his drink to distract himself from looking at May.

"No, but there is this tension between us, the girls aren't comfortable with it." May nodded to his words and slowly reached for his hand, whispering in a low and melancholic voice.

"So if the girls are okay with me dating you, would you consider it?" Would he? He promised himself that he loved everyone of the girls wholeheartedly, to treat each of them with love and respect. If the girls are personally okay with May entering into their harem, why can't he just accept it? Compared to the others, he wasn't as close or as intimate with May, but who is to say that the two of them can't connect in a deep and meaningful way? Given some time and oppurtunity, Ash was sure he would grow to love May and her bubbly smile.

"May, I really like you, you're cute, funny and certainly beautiful. But I'm not sure if I'm the one for you. Personally speaking, dating 5 girls at once has been difficult, I can't give you the attention or affection you deserve." Maintaining a harem has to be the most stressful thing Ash experience, not necessarily one that fills him with dread or nervousness, but Ash was thoroughly aware that he could make or break the relationship all of them share if he screws up.

May smiled at his honesty to her and make her way to Ash's side, she down sat next to him and leaned to his shoulder, showing her desire to make the relationship work between them.

"I don't mind that, I'm willing to share you. If Misty and Dawn can do it without fighting, I can do it too." Ash groaned and almost faceplant himself onto the table, which made May and Pikachu worry over his mental wellbeing. The Pallet Town teenager stared at May from the side of his face, seeing through her earnest and sincere words. Arceus why him? He wasn't exactly the most desirable guy out there, other nice and handsome guys are plentiful in this school. Was it because she felt excluded that she is not part of his harem? Was this what it's about? Was she that devoid of affection that she seek it from him of all people?

Confused, conflicted and dazed, Ash sat upright and spoke in an uncharacteristically humble and low tone that showed his fear.

"You are putting me in a tough spot May." The brunette let go of Ash's arm, she knew it was unfair to ask this from him. She didn't want to trouble him because of her own desires. She sucked up her pride and hesitantly spoke in a small voice that was hidden behind a false smile.

"We can forget this and move on if you want, I know it's unfair and unreasonable of me to ask this from you." Ash managed to forge a fake smile of his own and nodded. He easily saw through May's facade but he really wanted to move on from this. She was his friend, she should be his friend, nothing more and nothing less. It wasn't just Bea, Ash knew hat the other girls weren't happy with May's presence in the house despite their warm welcome to her, it was to be expected given that she was not part of the harem.

"I would like that." With that done and dusted, Ash felt Pikachu sighed at him before it curled on his lap.


"You're late." Ash responded with a wry smile to Bea who tapped her foot impatiently. His electric starter spring into Bea's arms and momentarily distracted the Galar native with his adorable features. With his starter under attack from constant hugs and boops to the nose, Ash explained the reason for his late arrival.

"I went to talk to May." Bea stopped assaulting Pikachu and held the starter in her arms, showing a concerned expression on her face. She knew that it was a hard topic for Ash to tackle head on with May, so no doubt it was an emotional draining and guilt wrenching moment for him.

"How did it go?" Ash shrugged, glancing at the cars who drove passed them.

"She agreed to distance herself away from me." Bea nodded cautiously, feeling a mixture of relief and guilt at the same time. She liked May as a person, fun to hang around with and easy to talk to, but Bea was not in the mood to share Ash with even more girls. She was too selfish for that.

"Did she take it well?"

"I think so- anyway enough about that, you ready?" Judging by his tone and his desire to change the topic, May probably didn't take it too well. The fighting type prodigy decided to respect Ash's wishes and move on from May.

"Yeah, I'm nervous." Ash grinned and placed rubbed the back of Bea's neck, showing his more mischievous side to raise Bea's morale.

"I am too but hey, that's why we have our pokemon with us." Pikachu make his presence known by squeaking his name out loud, earning a chuckle from Bea as she hugged the Electric type starter close to her.

"Should we inform miss Lorelei?" Ash scratched his neck, not really sure if he should inform he so called guardian. In hindsight, she never explicitly say he should inform her if he was leaving Jubilife city, though given that Ash has a brain and some level of common sense, he was certain that he needed Lorelei's permission and approval. The last thing he wants was to earn an earful from an Elite 4.

"Nah it's fine, I think we don't need a permission from her to visit your parents." That being said, Ash had forgotten to inform Lorelei beforehand and decided to roll with it. It was just a short drive from their condo to Bea's house, so Ash was certain nothing drastic would happen. What are the Rockets and Galactics gonna do, target him in bright daylight again?

But most importantly, Ash didn't want Lorelei to know he was dating Bea or any of the girls.

"Alright then." With a taxi pulling up to them, Ash and Bea entered the backseat of the car. The Kanto teenager held her hand to sooth her anxiety that was slowly building up within her. Personally speaking, Ash was not looking forward to meet Bea's parents since it would be a rocky and dicey reunion. But he will try his best to stay level-headed and calm for Bea's sake.

"Nervous?" She nodded without hesitation, normally she would tried to mask her nervousness behind a brave face.

"Yeah." He leaned to give her a kiss on the cheek, only to be halted by the strap of the seatbelt. He sighed inwardly and decided to give her the kiss later, they have plenty of time together after all.

"It will be fine Bea." As the car pulled up to Bea's house, the first thing that caught Ash's attention is the long blades of grass that crowded the front of the house. It was a huge indicator that no one had tended to the grass and the house was abandoned for a while.

Which made the situation all the more ominous to Ash and Bea.

"Is your house haunted by ghost types?" Earning a smack to the shoulder from the haunted house occupant, Ash gave a small chuckle as Bea shot him an unamused smile. The two slowly walked towards the front door with Bea giving a small sigh before knocking on the door.

Within a few seconds, the door opened revealing a large burly man with black hair. He wore tight gym clothes with red and black design, showing his muscular physique. He lowered his gaze to Bea and a disapproving smile soon crept onto his face, which made Ash realized that this reunion would be far from jolly.

"Bea." The stern and strict voice from the man made Bea sighed inwardly, it was as if she was back in Galar all over again.

"Father." He gave a grunt and shifted his attention to Ash, narrowing his eyes in the process. The intimidating look from the older man did scared Ash, but he tried his best to appear calm and stoic.

"Who's the boy." Yeap, he didn't seemed particularly happy seeing him.

"My name is Ash." At the mention of his name, Bea's father narrowed his eyes further in seething anger, which made Pikachu worry whether he had to defend his trainer. Fortunately for Ash and his starter, the man merely growled in anger.

"So you're the boy that Bea mentioned." Ash glanced at Bea who nodded at her father's words, it was unusual to see her this quiet and submissive before. But given that her father is a strict disciplinary man, Ash knew where Bea got her harsh upbringing from.

Before their conversation can continue even further, Bea's mother appeared and shot Ash and Bea a warm smile. It made Ash raised his eyebrow over Bea's mother friendly nature, she seemed to be a lovely lady. Maybe she was the polar opposite of her husband.

"Mom." Bea spoke with a hint of joy in her voice, she smiled in amusement as she pushed her father aside just to meet her. She placed her hand on her shoulders and smiles, liking the new ponytail hair style Bea was rocking.

"How have you been?"

"I've been doing well." Bea's mother nodded and turned to Ash, giving him the faintest of nod before returning back to Bea. The look she gave him seemed to be judgemental, no doubt she was wondering what relationship he shared with Bea.

"Your stuff is still at Korrina's place right? It's time for you to move back." Her father spoke in an authoritative and commanding tone, drawing the more defiant and stubborn side of Bea almost immediately.

"I'm not moving back." Ash noted the change of mood of the conversation as Bea spoke in a curt and rebellious tone, earning an astonished expression from her parents.

"What?" Bea ignored the tone of anger in her father's voice and continued.

"I'm no longer staying with Korrina."

"Then where have you been staying?" Bea's mother was naturally worried for her daughter, where on earth is she staying now if she wasn't with Korrina? Initially she tried to convince her husband that while Bea is independent, they should at least leave some money for her. Unfortunately, her advice fell on her husband's deaf ears.

Seeing that it was time to make himself visible to the conversation, Ash piped in with the confidence radiating form his voice.

"She stays with me, along with Korrina and her friends." Bea's father stared at Ash incredulously, not believing his words before he swiftly turned to Bea who nodded to Ash's words.

"Bea you moved in with a boy?" Ash narrowed his eyes and pulled Bea's arm closer to him in an almost defensive manner.

"If you want to raise your voice at someone, I'm right here." Challenging the older man's authority and patience, the two men exchange glares with each other as Ash was growing fed up with the harsh and commanding tone from the man. He may have promised Bea he would try to help her reconcile with her parents, but not at the expense of her own personal feelings.

"Ash-" Bea didn't like how confrontational Ash was to her father, mainly because it would escalate into something far uglier than she might anticipated.

"What have you done to her?" Pinning the blame to Ash, the young teen crossed his arms as he shook his head.

"Nothing."

"Nothing? Bea has been acting differently ever since she met you. Spouting nonsense like becoming a gym leader." So Bea did tell her parents that she wanted to become a gym leader. Does that mean he was the only person who supported her dreams to become a gym leader?

"And what's wrong with that?" Bea stared at Ash with a frown on her face, not liking that he was arguing with her father. In retrospect, she expected this to happen given Ash's fierce protective nature.

"Bea is destined for greater things, she has the potential to become a champion." Bea had heard this line from her father numerous time, her entire upbringing and even reason of living was to become the champion of Galar, at least according to her parents. But now after befriending Ash, Korrina and the others, hearing this line seemed hollow and insulting to her.

"That's what you think, is that what Bea thinks?" Ash had always known her inside out despite the short time they knew each other, she never expressed it out publicly that she loved that about Ash, but she was sure the girls feel the same way about him.

"She is my daughter, I know what's best for her." Ash narrowed his eyes and decided to say something very brave and very stupid. It might make the man hate him more, but it was about time Ash assert his dominance.

"And I'm her boyfriend, so I know what she wants." Bea internally died inside when Ash proclaimed their relationship so boldly, causing Pikachu to pat her head to comfort her. As expected, her parents' reaction was anything but positive.

"You- you two are dating!?" Ash was mentally prepared the barrage of angry shouting from Bea's parents, especially from the man before him who seemed to seethe in anger.

"This is outrageous, you're wasting your time and energy dating this boy?" Ironically, this was actually one point he agreed with him. During the initial start of the harem relationship, Ash had always questioned what the girls see in him, and with May and Sabrina's recent closeness, those thoughts resurfaced once again.

"Yeah that's what I told her too, don't know what she saw in me to be honest." Bea punched gave a solid strike to his shoulder, unamused by his jokes.

"Ash." Witnessing the interaction before him, Bea's father was completely dumbfounded on how could this happen. He knew she had a boyfriend before though admittedly that relationship didn't last long. Now however, this Ash managed to change his daughter's personality and sway her ideals that he instilled in her ever since she was a little girl.

"What happened to you Bea, you used to be so obedient and disciplined, now you are frolicking around with boys?" Bea lowered her gaze before clenching her fists, the determined and headstrong Bea Ash knew and loved quickly came back in full force.

"Dad, I love Ash." Ash was at a lost for words, while he had heard her say those 3 words to him before. It was never filled with this level of conviction and pride, it made him validated and lucky to have such a passionate and loyal girlfriend who loved him wholeheartedly. Unfortunately however, her father didn't share Ash's sentiments.

"Love? I spend time and money honing your skills as a trainer and here you are-" The sudden raise of voice made Ash wary that things could do south if he does not interrupt him. He mustered his courage and pulled Bea close to him, with his arm wrapped around her soft and toned waist.

"I appreciate it if you refrain from shouting at your own daughter." The cold and even callous tone from Ash alerted Bea, she only heard that tone when Ash confronted Conway of his stalking against Dawn. So all red flags were raised in her mind.

"You stay out of this runt." Bea's mother placed a strong hand on her seething husband, not wanting him to do something he will regret later on.

"Harald-" He ignored his wife's plead and yanked her off, walking glaring at Ash with every resentment of the world. You would think Ash would back down from the act of intimidation, but instead he added fuel to the fire.

"You are forcing your own failures into your own daughter, expecting her to win the title of champion for your sake. How low can a man go?" Ash spoke with a smile mockery, toying and taunting the older man with every hint of sadism and glee. It was the first time Bea saw Ash acting like this and frankly it scared her and admittedly turned her on at how cocky and confident Ash looked.

"What did you say?" He seemed to hit the nail on the head judging from the stuttering of his voice.

"Because of your own inability as a trainer, you forced your daughter to live up to your own expectations just to cover up your own weakness and incompetence as a trainer. Tragic really, to see a grown man pressuring a little girl because he was a sore loser. Can't bother to hone your own skills huh?" The seething anger seemed to reaching it boiling point soon.

"Ash-" Bea didn't like the fact Ash was humiliating her father like this, while she disliked her father way of upbringing and ideals, he did raised her and brought her to this world. So it was cruel of Ash to do this, but between her own selfish desire to see her father being lectured by Ash and her loved for him, she made no effort to stop Ash.

"Did I strike a nerve? Or maybe it hit too close to home? You are a disgrace as a parent, abandoning your own daughter for 2 whole months with no parental or financial support just to "punish" her. How childish and petty can you get?" Bea tugged Ash's arm, giving him a stern look that made him realized that he might had overstepped a line he shouldn't have crossed.

"Ash that's enough." The Kanto teenager rubbed her shoulders, his expression softening to his usual dorky self.

"Bea, I know you love your parents but you can't keep living under their will. I don't want you to suffer like this."

"Bea is my daughter, I would never hurt her!" Ash turned to the man and glared at him, finally he showed some ounce of compassion and care for his daughter!

"Then let her choose her own way of living! Stop asking her to become a champion! Had you properly sit down with her and talk it out? Training, training and training, that's the only life she knew! For Arceus sake, let her grow at her own pace."

"I don't need advice from a child." Ash calmed himself and took a deep breath, returning back to his usual self as he cooled his head.

"Maybe not, but the least you can do is to support your own child." Having enough of Ash's lecturing, Bea's father unclipped the pokeball from his belt and took out his Conkeldurr's pokeball.

"You think you are so high and mighty with your speeches huh? Let's see how you fare in the heat of battle? All of your words mean nothing if you don't have the strength to uphold it." Bea was livid that her father had finally resorted to pokemon battles to settle disputes. He had always believed that morality and values mean nothing if you don't have the power to enforce it and in all honesty, she did agree with him.

"Dad stop- Ash don't agree to this." Ash turned to Bea and gave her a smile, reassuring her that it would be fine.

"Very well old man, Pikachu." His electric starter probably won't fare well against the powerful fighting type, but that was the only pokemon at his arsenal. Lycanroc was a rock type and while he is powerful and speedy, the type disadvantage and level differences would decimate his chance of winning.

"You are using a Pikachu against me? Are you mocking me?" Ash gave a wry smile as Pikachu perched on his shoulders with his cheeks cackling with streaks of electricity.

"I am a first year student of a school, do you expect me to bring a Ho-Oh or a Palkia to fight you?" The dry sarcasm in his voice made the man before him laugh.

"Well it won't be a fair fight would it? I don't want to hear you cry over how unfair the fight was when you lost." Bea forcefully yanked Ash's arm, causing Pikachu to almost lost his balance as he held onto Ash's shoulders tight. Man is that girl's arm grip strong.

"Ash you don't have to do this, we can just leave." Ash understood Bea's sentiments and emotions right now, but he wasn't the type to back out on a fight.

"Leave? Where do you think you're going? You are our daughter, you're not going anywhere." Bea glared at her father, fed up at the fact he thinks he controls his life. Where was he when she needed him? Her parents just left her without a care of the world because of their argument, and now he demanded her to stay with them when she finally found a place to call home?

"I don't remember being your daughter for the past 2 months! Both of you left me for 2 months because of the stupid argument we had, I had no money and had no means of looking after myself. It was Korrina and her grandfather who were kind enough to look after me. And now you asked me to come back to you?"

"Bea let's talk-" As her emotions ran high, Bea was not in the mood to listen to her mother.

"No mom, I don't want to hear it. I always did my best to make both of you proud yet it's never enough is it? I trained every day, suppressed my own emotions and cut off all of my social circles just to train myself, breaking bones and enduring the pain and loneliness. You two never gave a damn about my own personal happiness, where were you when I needed advice and support? You two just left me alone." Ash held onto Bea as she vented out years of pent up anger and frustration to her parents, he held her close to him as he could see the tears of anger coming from her eyes.

"Bea, I'm sorry I-" Her mother bit her lower lip and attempted to hug her when her husband raised his voice out of anger and guilt.

"Enough! I don't need to hear this sob story from you. Your own personal happiness? I'm doing what's best for you Bea! Honing you to become the next champion of Galar-" She didn't want to hear her father's pathetic justification and snapped at him.

"Maybe I don't want to be the next champion of Galar? Had you fucking thought about that?" Ash pulled Bea close to her as he attempted to calm her down, he rubbed her waist in a comforting manner as he caught on to sour expression of Bea's father.

"Don't you dare to swear at me you little-" Before he had the chance to stomp his way towards Bea, Ash raised his voice to the combative and confrontation tone that he used in times of crisis.

"Hey! I'm right here. Any anger you have, you can direct it at me." The stern warning he gave him was palpable as he held Bea in her arm, probably not a good sight to her parents since he was touching her in a rather intimate manner. As his steely gaze set on her father, the older man gritted its teeth and slammed the door with his arm, almost breaking the wooden piece of door.

"Get out, I don't want to see your face any more longer. You are not welcome here anymore." This went more south that Ash anticipated, here he was naively thinking that Bea and her parents would have a heartfelt reunion, reconciling with each other through sincere apologies and hugs. Instead, all they were met with was an angry and disappointed father.

"Harald! Bea's our daughter-" As her mother attempt to salvage the situation, Harald had different ideas as he stormed off to the back of his house.

"Apparently she's not!" Amidst the faint shout, Bea bitterly shouted back.

"Fine by me! I never wanted to see you anyway! Ash let's leave." She forcefully pulled him away from house as she wiped the tears from her eyes, earning an expression horror from her mother who ran towards her.

"Bea please don't go- Bea!" Her mother ran towards her but the Galar teen made no attempt to halt her movements. She led Ash into the nearby grassy fields where she used to spend time with. After she reached a certain spot, she stopped and leaned to Ash, burrowing her head into his chest as she unleashed her tears once more.

"Hey it's okay." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him, gently rocking her back and forth as he rubbed her back in a circular motion. Between her sobs and the sound of the whistling wind, Ash nuzzled his cheeks against Bea's hair.

"This is my fault, I shouldn't had said those things to your father." He might had ruin any potential of reconciliation between Bea and her father. It was ironic considering he came here to ensure Bea get along with her parents. Ash cursed at his inability to keep his mouth shut as he wrapped Bea tighter, feeling the sense of guilt and bitterness stirring in his chest.

"He deserves it, I don't care about him anymore." The teenage angst that came from Bea made Ash sighed inwardly, he absentmindedly stroke her back until he caught a familiar looking woman walking towards them.

"Bea." The fighting type trainer stood away from Ash and turned to her mother who gave her a sympathetic smile, the heartbroken and guilt-ridden look on her mother's eyes did made Bea feel bad. Between her parents, her mother was always more open and expressive with her love. Although she has been harsh on her training sessions, Bea was arguably much closer to her mother than her father.

"Mom." She went to him and stood a good distance away from her, speaking in a pleading voice.

"Please come back, your father didn't mean it." At the mention of her father, Bea averted her gaze and leaned back to Ash's chest, not caring if her mother was watching them.

"I'm sorry, I know I failed as your mother and that I neglected your feelings, please give me a second chance. Don't leave us." The honest and raw tone from her mother was something Bea never heard before, she sounded so meek and lost that it genuinely made her feel horrible that she shouted at her.

"Mom, I just want to pursue my own dreams." Ash trudged his way towards the older woman who bear a striking resemblance to Bea, ushering her to talk to her mother face to face.

"I will s-support you! I will truly! If you want to become a gym leader, go for it! Your father and I had high expectation of you because we wants what's best for you, we always have your best interest in our hearts." It all sounded fake and fabricated to Ash, but maybe they genuinely thought they were doing what's best for Bea.

"Then why did you two abandoned her for 2 months then?" Ash didn't like to raise his voice at women, due to his upbringing. But should the occasion arises, Ash wouldn't hesitate to be firm and strict. The older woman lowered her gaze and spoke softly.

"Your father thought we should give you time to reflect your actions." Bea narrowed her eyes, her father's method of punishment had been brutal and harsh, but this time was way out of line. She loathed him but she never thought she would voiced out her anger and frustration so explicitly to him.

"Time to reflect my actions my ass! He was just bitter that I was arguing with him and his pride can't handle being lectured by his own daughter!" Ash didn't like the way this was going, all they did all day was arguing and bickering. This was not what he wanted to achieve today.

But before he could say something to calm Bea down, a familiar voice came crashing in.

"Mrs Saito, I think you should give Bea some time to develop herself." They turned their attention to the feminine voice, only to be met with the Ice type Elite 4 from Kanto. Shocked and surprised of her appearance, Ash couldn't hold back his astonishment with his mouth agape.

"Miss Lorelei?" The scarlet haired woman sighed and shook her head in a disappointing manner with a small smile plastered on her beautiful face..

"Honestly, you two ran off without informing me, what if the Rockets and Galactics attack you again?" Ash internally cringed when he saw Lorelei giving him the look of disappointment, the same look your mother would give you when you didn't finish the house chores she asked you to do by the time she comes home from a tiring day at work.

Dreadful, absolutely dreadful.

"Rockets and Galactics attacking again? What's this about? Why is a member of an Elite 4 doing here?" Bea's mother turned to the 25 year old, who responded with a reassuring smile.

"Ash and his friends are under my protection and my watchful eye after a group of nefarious men tried to hurt him in broad daylight." That sounded more dangerous than it was and while Ash was in a life threating situation, Gurkinn's staunch presence and excellent leadership skills pulled them through, leading them all unscathed. Well, except for May's drink, most of the ice had melted despite the cool fridge.

"I see, I saw the news that Ash was responsible for saving Articuno and disbanding Team Galactic's base of operation in Snowpoint." So her parents are aware of that, it surprised him that they knew about the events in Snowpoint. But given that it was almost national news, Ash wasn't entirely surprised.

"Which is why I am here." The emphasis on "here" and the look she gave Ash made the young Kanto teen gulped out of fear, he was in serious trouble for not informing her. The ice type trainer softened her gaze and turned to Bea's smile, placing her hands together in front of her pencil skirt.

"Mrs Saito, Bea is currently staying with Ash and her friends, I hope you can respect her wishes." The soft tone from Lorelei surprised Ash and Bea. They never thought Lorelei would take their side yet here she was, giving her support to Bea. Her mother glanced at Bea and her cozy situation as she laid in Ash's arms, she gave a small smile and nodded.

"I understand, if this is what you want Bea then I won't be against. Your father and I had always have a say in your life, I think it's time that we let you go so you can make your own decisions." Bea blinked and broke off from Ash's tender embrace as she walked to her mom with a smile on her face.

"Really?" The radiant smile on her daughter's face was something she never saw before, the look of joy on her pretty face was undeniably infectious.

"I love you very much Bea, even if your father and I don't show it, we do love and care for you." She held Bea's arms, feeling her muscles she gathered from years of working out. The Galar teen smiled and nodded softly, realizing that maybe her father did genuinely care for her but doesn't know how to express it to her. Her mother turned to Ash and bowed slightly to him, sending Ash in a state of panic over what's happening.

"Ash, I hope that you can bring Bea the happiness that she deserves, I don't know how close or intimate both of you are, but I want nothing but my daughter to smile and be happy. So please take care of her." The young teen nodded and place his arm around Bea's waist, pulling her close to him.

"I will ma'am." She didn't question their relationship any more further which was weird to Ash, he thought he would be interrogated by them. Bea's father certainly didn't approve of him, but what about her mother?

"But what about dad? What would he say?" Her mother smiled at her and crossed her arms.

"I will persuade him, just let him cool off for now. He will come to accept your decision Bea, believe me." She doubted her mother's words but she would agree with her for now. Who knows? Maybe given enough time, her father would come terms with her decisions and her desire to stay with Ash.

"Thank you mom, I'm sorry that I shouted at you." She shook her head and extended her arms to Bea, hoping to have daughter in her arms again. The fighting type trainer didn't hesitate to run into her mother's arms, hugging her close to her as she felt the motherly warmth emanating from her.

"I love you Bea, I know I don't say this often but I'm very proud of you and all the things you have achieved." Bea bit her lower lip to suppress the rollercoaster of emotions within her but managed a nod to return her mother's words.

"I love you too mom. Please tell dad that I love him too." Ash sighed as Pikachu stay in his arms, watching the family reunion he hoped that it would happen between Bea's family. He felt the presence of Lorelei next to her as she smiled at embrace shared between mother and daughter.


"You okay?" Ash rubbed Bea's thighs as she leaned to him, staring at the dense trees that they passed by. Currently, they were in Lorelei's car as she generously gave them a ride back home. In the corner of his eye, he noticed that Lorelei was looking at them every now and then through the rear-view mirror.

"I'm fine, honestly it went better than I expected." Pikachu gave a yawn as he curled on Ash's lap, feeling his trainers fingers rubbing his back in a soothing manner.

"You expected something way worse?" There was a tone of amusement in Ash's voice, was Bea expecting an utter disaster?

"Mhmm." Seeing Bea's pensive mood, Lorelei entered the conversation.

"Your parents are strict on you because they love you, but I do agree that they shouldn't dictate your life like that. Nevertheless, your father would eventually accept your decision Bea, trust me." Ash smiled at Lorelei's encouraging words, feeling reassured and relieved to have a second voice of support.

"Thank you miss Lorelei, sorry that we didn't inform you." Lorelei gave a sigh before turning the steering wheel to make a U-turn.

"It's alright, but I would appreciate it if you can give me a heads up the next time you guys decide to leave campus grounds. Same goes to your other roommates, please inform them for me." Ash nodded vigorously, it seemed that he was spared from Lorelei's icy wrath today.

"We will." With the silence setting in and the fact they still had time to kill before they reached their condo, Lorelei decided to be a little nosy.

"So you two are dating huh." Ash jerk his legs after his mind processed the older woman's words, earning a disgruntled squeak from Pikachu.

"U-Uh yeah." Bea rubbed her arms, her face flushed red as she averted her gaze from Ash and Lorelei. The ice type enthusiasts grinned at their reaction and spoke in an amused voice.

"That's cute, is Ash treating you right Bea?" Bea turned to Lorelei and fake a shrug, she had made the split second decision to poke fun at Ash.

"Not really." Ash visibly paled as he turned to Bea, he was horrified when he saw the fake expression of hurt and sadness on Bea's face. Why do the girls always do this to him? First Misty and now Bea?

"What." Bea chuckled and leaned to Ash's shoulders, laying her head on his shoulder as Lorelei watched their playful antics with great interest.

"He's been treating me very well miss Lorelei." The 25 year old woman nodded, not giving away her current thoughts and opinions regarding their relationship.

"Must be hard to have some alone time in that crowded condo of yours huh." Ash was sweating here, she seemed to be very aware of the fact he was sharing a place with 6 attractive girls. There was a huge chance that she knew about the relationship he shared with the girls and just decided not to question it.

"W-Well we find always a way to spend alone time with each other." The nod from the scarlet haired woman didn't really reassure Ash, but she dropped the conversation rather quickly when the car pulled up to condo's drop off area. Bea promptly got off the car with Ash following suit, he lowered to the driver seat's level and closed the door after Bea.

"Thanks for the ride." Lorelei smiled and nodded, lowering the car window in the process.

"You're welcome, take care of her Ash." The Kanto teen gave her an affirmative nod.

"I will." Satisfied with the response, Ash stood back and watched his guardian driving off into the distance. He smiled to himself before he heard Bea shouting for him as she held the elevator door opened for him. He quickly ran towards the elevator before the doors close shut, earning a smirk from Bea.

As the elevator climbed upward, they reached their unit floor within moments. Tired and exhausted, Ash chuck the key into the keyhole and unlock the door, allowing Bea to enter the house first before him.

"We're back." The boisterous tone from Ash was met with an eerie silence, he looked around the house until a loud bark from Lycanroc made Ash smiled. His loyal rock type walked up to him as Bea didn't hesitate to rubbed his mane out of pure affection. Although Ash stated he would bring Lycanroc to Bea's place, the fact he was rock type and Bea's father was a fighting type Karate master made him reconsider his choices.

Confused and concerned over the lack of people welcoming Bea and him, the two looked around before they saw Serena emerging from Dawn's room with a concern look on her face. She had tied her hair into a ponytail with her fringe being held by a pink hair clip, so she looking mighty fine in Ash's eyes.

"Serena what's wrong?" The honey blonde teen walked to Ash and felt his arms around her shoulder as he rubbed it gently, he looked around the rest of the house and find it concerning that they were alone. Where are the rest of the girls?

"It's May." Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulders to Lycanroc side as the two pokemon went to their pillows of a bed.

"What about her?" Is she okay? Nothing terrible happened to her right? Has there been another attack on them while he was away? Ash's mind began to wander off to the horrible things that might had happened to brunette during his absence, each growing more grotesque and horrifying than the last.

"She's leaving the house." Why? Why is she leaving the house so suddenly?

'Don't tell me she left because of the talk we had.' Ash was beginning to wonder if that was the case, it might seemed likely given that he basically friendzone her, maybe she didn't feel comfortable staying with him right now.

"What? Why?" Bea beat him to the question and asked Serena, earning a shake of a head from the Kalos teen. She crossed her arms under her breast and gave a sigh.

"She won't say, Misty and Dawn are trying to persuade her to stay." Ash nodded and gave Serena peck to the forehead before he left for Dawn's room. He could hear the Misty and Dawn's voice coming from her room, which confirmed Serena's words.

"May please reconsider this." Ash could hear Dawn's muffled voice pleading May, she was arguably one of May closest friends, so to have May leaving them with no explanation was worrying.

"My mind is made up Dawn, please stop pestering me." Ash summoned his courage and knocked on the door, causing Misty to open it slowly. She smiled at his face and opened the door wider, letting Ash enter the room. The Kanto teen was surprised to find Korrina in the room sitting next to Dawn, helping the two friends convincing May to stay with them.

"May." The Hoenn brunette nodded to Ash as she sat on the bed, averting eye contact with him.

"Ash." The awkward and tense mood between the two made Misty sigh, she gave a look to Korrina and Dawn respectively, ushering them to leave the room and give the two some privacy. Once they left the room, Misty walked towards Ash and leaned to his ear for a whisper.

"Persuade her to stay." Ash nodded with a small smile and gave Misty a quick kiss on the lips before she left the room, leaving the two to their own world. Deciding to confront the issue directly, Ash sat a good distance from May and spoke quietly.

"Are you leaving because of what I said today?" She was not expecting him to be so blunt with her, though she did like the fact he didn't beat around the bush. May stretched her limbs and sighed as her muscles and bones relaxed, rubbing her thighs after her stretching.

"It's for the best Ash." Ash didn't know how to argue back, what can he say to her? Maybe it was for the best that she leaves the house. This awkward tension between them would not do any of them any good.

"The girls would be sad to see you leaving." Ash conjured the best excuse he could think of, earning a smile from May as she titled her head aside with her hands on her bed to support her weight.

"How about you?" Ash rubbed his arms and nodded with the faintest of smiles.

"I will be sad too." May didn't know how to respond to that, but she did appreciate his honesty.

"Look Ash, I just want to move on from this." Ash turned to May and sat closer to her, giving her an earnest look that begged her to stay. The brunette sighed inwardly, gosh why does he looked so vulnerable and sad? She want nothing but to hug him and reassure him that everything would okay.

"We still can be friends May, please stay."

"I want to leave Ash, this is my choice." She seemed really adamant on her decision, and Ash wasn't one to force others to do things they hated. He could hear his inner conscience taunting him for losing another friend because of his inability to manage his friendship well. In this case, it was returning the feelings of a friend.

"Is this really what you want May?" Why does he has to say her name like that? It wasn't suggestive or anything, but the soft and endearing tone of his voice really made her heart flutter. She managed a nod to Ash, sealing her thoughts and her decision she made.

"Then I wish you the best." Ash would have gave her a hug had it not been May moving away from the moment he tried to reach for her. Wordlessly, he stood up and went to the door, opening it slowly as he gave on last look to May who seemed to find her phone more interesting than him. With a frustrated sigh, he left the room only to be met with the anxious look of the girls.

"What did she say?" Misty cling onto Ash's arms, not bothering to hide her nervousness and worry. He knew May was a dear friend to Misty, but maybe they were much closer than he thought. They were once roommates after all.

"She's leaving no matter what." He delivered the dreaded news bluntly, causing Korrina to gasp at the brunette's decision. May just came home and tell them bluntly that she is leaving the house to look for a place of her own. No explanation, no warning, nothing.

"Why? This is so sudden of her!" Dawn sat next to Ash and leaned to her, feeling his fingers running through her long blue hair gently. Serena sat across Ash before a thought came to her mind, she turned to him with the slightest of hesitation.

"Ash you went to have lunch with May today right?" Ash nodded slowly, feeling Misty's emerald eyes piercing towards his skull. She walked towards him with her arms crossed, her legendary temper seemed to making its appearance.

"What did you say to her?" Ash remained silent and leaned to the couch, ignoring Misty's judgemental anger that was slowly building up. Fed up by his silence, Misty placed her hands on her hips and raised her voice further.

"Ash! What did you say to her?" Dawn patted Misty's shoulders to calm her down, not liking the tense situation that is escalating. Finally, the Kanto teen revealed the truth in a low and soft tone.

"I asked her to stop being so close to me." Misty's initial anger quickly turned into one of understanding and sympathy, she lowered to Ash's eye level and place a hand on his shoulder, feeling apologetic of what Ash had been though.

"I'm sorry Ash." Before he could reassured Misty that all is well, May appeared from the room as she heard all of the commotion. She held her phone in her hands as she entered the living room with her hair flowing down naturally.

"What's going on here? Are you all arguing?" Ash crossed his arms, letting the other girls explain the situation to May as he shifted his attention to the couch pillow, hugging it tight to him to make himself feel better. Serena walked to May and place her hands in front of her red skirt, with a warm and gentle expression painted on her face.

"May, are you- are you leaving because of us?" The brunette attempted to play dumb, feeling embarrassed and guilty that they managed to caught on her true intention of leaving the house.

"What are you talking about? I'm leaving because I found a new place to stay." Korrina place a hand on May's bare shoulders, her bright radiant smile up for precious display.

"May, you like Ash don't you?" Ash sink into his couch further, purposely excluding himself from the conversation as he remained invisible. He couldn't imagine what it's like to be in May's position right now, for him personally, he would rather dived outside of the window and die than to face the music.

"N-No, that's ridiculous! He's just a friend." Despite her denial, everyone in the room knew she was lying. Most of them had expected a romantic development to happen between them, but not this quickly and certainly not to this extent. The brunette's attachment to Ash was surprising but not entirely unexpected.

"May we are all friends here, just be honest with us." Misty spoke softly, eyeing May's shaky sapphire eyes. The Hoenn teen shrugged and sat between Dawn and Misty, feeling their warm presence next to her as she swallowed her pride and spoke in a raw and unfiltered voice.

"I just want to be loved that's all. No one wants me." It was heartbreaking that she had to say this out loud to everyone, Ash felt a thousand knives stabbing his heart at this moment. May was a wonderful girl, how could Drew do something as despicable as kicking her out of the house? She doesn't deserve this.

Misty wrapped her arms around the brunette and leaned to her hair, patting her back as she watched the others giving sympathetic look to her. Bea crossed her arms and averted her gaze from Misty, which made the redhead realized that maybe amongst some of them, they weren't too happy with May's confession. She contemplated and gathered her thoughts amidst the silence, before speaking in a confident and confident tone.

"Dawn can you accompany May to your room?" Dawn nodded and helped May up, holding on to her as they left to the rooms. She was certain that Misty wants to properly talk to Ash and the others, perhaps maybe even persuading them to let May into their relationship.

As the Dawn closed the door, Misty make her way towards Ash and sat down next to him, crossing her legs as he stared back at him with the faintest of emotions. He saw right through her motives and intention before he placed the couch pillow away from him and sat upright, wanting to get this conversation over with as soon as possible.

"You're not going to ask me to date her right?" Misty gave Ash a sheepish smile before assuming a more serious expression. She gave a confirming nod, causing the others girls to bewildered by Misty's sudden request.

"May is a sweet girl Ash." Ash shook his head, this was getting ridiculous. While he want nothing but to be with May and showed her the love and care she deserves, he would never compromise the feelings of his current girlfriends. It simply won't be fair to them.

"Misty I know she's your best friend but how would the others feel about it? Surely not all of you are onboard with right?" Bea was the first who make her opinion well known as she nodded, she crossed her arms and spoke in a harsh tone that showed her displeasure over the current situation.

"While I like May, I don't like the idea of sharing Ash with even more people Misty." The redhead bit her lower lip and nodded. She knew where Bea was coming from since she loved Ash very much, especially after the events of today.

"I understand that Bea, I don't want to lose Ash to some random bitch on the street too but May is different. She's a nice and sweet girl who really needs our support and friendship." Ash raised his eyebrow on the comment Misty made, was she implying that she was okay with him dating other girls that she approved? He analyzed the expression of Korrina and Serena, each giving a small frown at the conflicting situation they were in.

"It's admirable that you are doing this for May, but how does Ash feel about it? What if Ash doesn't want this?" Serena spoke in a calm and calculative manner, glancing at her boyfriend who became the center of attention. Misty turned to Ash and clutch his arm, speaking in a hasty and rush tone.

"Ash you like May right? You won't mind being her boyfriend right?" The Pallet town teen held Misty in her arms, baffled at how determined she was at including May into the harem. A guy and a girl can have a platonical relationship and while he does sympathize May's situation, he wasn't willing to hurt the girls' feelings just for her.

"Misty what's going on? Why are you so adamant on having May dating me? How are you okay with this?" Misty lowered her gaze and crawled on top of Ash's lap, snaking her arms around Ash's neck as she leaned to his chest. Her long sideway ponytail hair hung by the side, as her fingers danced on his abdomen.

"I don't want to lose her again Ash." The Kanto teen stroke her back soothingly, hearing her soft and emotional laced tone that showed her love for May.

"We used to be the best of friends, until Drew came along and took her away from us. She changed so much that she wasn't the May I knew and love. Now, I get to hangout with her and she looked so much more happy! I know this is selfish of me to ask all of you this, but please consider and let May join in our harem. I don't mind comprising my own time with Ash for May. I just don't want to see her sad again, she's been through so much. She deserves to be happy, consider this a favour for me." Ash squeeze Misty to him, whispering sweet nothings to her as he comforted her. He never knew how important May was to her, he just assumed that she was a casual friend she talks to every now and then. The fact she was willing to sacrifice her own time and happiness with him just for May speaks volumes of how important May was to her.

Korrina sat down next to Misty and tugged her arm with an encouraging smile plastered on her face. She didn't like the idea of sharing Ash with even more girls, but she did liked May, enough to make her consider what Misty was suggesting anyway.

"It's alright Misty, I'm fine with letting May in." Misty's eyes lit up at Korrina's word, she clasped her hands together and pull it to her, causing Korrina to chuckle how excited and enthusiastic she was.

"Korrina are you sure?" Ash let Korrina hug his arm, leaning against her soft blonde hair as she gave him a nod.

"Ash let's be honest, this harem thing between us is bound to expand soon. It's a matter of time when May, Sabrina or our other classmates join in." What this the impression he was giving them all this time? He was honest when he said he wasn't keen on expanding the harem.

"My intention of this harem is so that all of us can be together, I have no intention of expanding it just to-" Serena stop him there by standing behind the couch Ash was sitting, placing her chin on top of Ash's head as she gently ran her hands through his messy hair.

"Ash, if we are fine with it, then what's the problem?" He was suppose to marry Serena when they grow older. Now she was forced to share him with 5 and potentially 6 other girls. This was no doubt a hard decision for Serena to accept yet she managed to agree to it just to be with him. She like many of the others, sacrificed so much just to be with him.

"But Serena I can't possibly devote my time to so many of you at once. Your own personal happiness is at stake here." Serena booped Ash's nose, ignoring his plea and justification that she heard a thousand of times. Before she could say anything, Misty jumped into the conversation.

"I can split my time with May, she can take a half of my time with you." Ash sighed at Misty's persistence, the girls had a time table of sort on how much time they can spend with him. It wasn't divided equally since various factors are at play but Ash had always make an effort to spend quality time with each of his girls. For Misty, who always had club activities and school work to split up her limited time for May seemed just so unfair.

"Misty, are you sure? Is- is May that important to you?" Ash cupped Misty's cheeks as he rubbed them with his thumb, he smiled when she nuzzled his hands and nodded.

"We were the best of friends Ash, Dawn, May and I used to do everything together. The fact that we can become the close friends we once were is all I wanted. I really don't want to see her miserable again." Ash pulled her closer to him and gave her kiss on the lips. Surprised by his sudden affection, she stiffened a moan of delight when Ash pressed his lips against her. She felt his hand reach beneath her shirt as he rubbed the bare skin of her waist, borderline teasing her with his teasing grazes. He pulled back from the kiss and grinned at Misty's flushed red cheeks as he placed a messy lock of hair behind Misty's ear.

"You are too willing to sacrifice so much for others." The sudden cough from Korrina made Misty blushed in embarrassment as the Kalos teen gave the two lovers a deadpanned look. At the very least they could save it when they are alone right? Ash managed a chuckle as Misty got off him and sat on the sofa before he noticed that Bea had not said anything. He knew of all the girls, Bea was the least willing to accept May in their relationship. Not necessarily out of spite but maybe out of fear.

"Bea are you okay with this?" Bea shook her head and stared at Misty with a disgruntled look.

"How many more girls do you all intend to let them into our relationship? Might as well let the entire world join in our harem at this point!" Serena could understand Bea's frustration since she also once shared her feelings regarding the matter. But Ash was not a sleazy bastard who treats girls like object, he had always treat them fairly. The matter of trust is important to their relationship.

"Don't you trust Ash Bea?" Serena spoke softly, earning a loud response from Bea.

"Of course I do! But we have to limit this harem thing going on between us. It's hard enough to share him with all of you, adding one more might be too much for me." The Galar teen was never one to share with others, she would admit that much. The thought of sharing Ash with more girls seemed horrible to her, she could get easily replaced by other people if Ash keeps expanding this harem of his.

The Kanto teen walked to Bea and pulled her to his arm, holding her in place as she tried to pry herself away from him. He leaned to her ear and nibbled it gently, halting her disgruntled and rebellious nature to him almost immediately.

"You are important to me Bea, you know that I love you right?" Bea felt her heart raced at his words, scowling internally at the profound effect Ash on her. She rubbed her thighs together when Ash nuzzled her neck, showing his sincere love and affection for her.

"I know, I'm just scared that I will be replaced. What if I- it's nothing." Her small and lost voice made Ash hug her tighter. He knew she felt insecure of her position in his harem due to the number of girls and he will be lying if he felt that the dynamic of the harem wouldn't change if May enters it. But all he cared right now was to reassure each of the girls that he loves them, truly he did.

He kissed Bea's neck softly as her grip on him tightened, with his tongue dancing across the nape of her neck. She gave a moan of pleasure when Ash gently suck her neck before pulling away suddenly, earning a pout from Bea who was enjoying the service Ash was giving her. He grinned at her displeased look and poked her cheeks, they could save that little sessions between them the next time when they are alone.

He turned to the rest of the girls and pulled them to him, scrolling through his dictionary of words in his mind before speaking.

"I once promised all of you that I will love all of you and nothing will ever change that." Seeing the smiles on their faces, Ash continued with a serious expression.

"I will be honest and say May and I have some fun chemistry together, she is a beautiful girl who deserves to be pampered and spoiled. But my feelings for all of you would never change, that I can swear on it. I just hope that all of you can give her a chance." Korrina nodded and leaned to Ash's chest, feeling his heartbeat that was oddly therapeutic to her.

"So you want to be with her Ash?" Ash nodded to Korrina question, finally giving his honest opinion regarding the matter.

"I've given some thought about it and truth to be told, I have thought about dating May. As selfish as this sounds, I want to date May, even if it just temporary. I want to provide her happiness she deserves, even just a little. Call me selfish, a prick and an asshole, I'm fine with that. But please don't hate or attack May, she's been through so much. I don't want hear to leave this place and to distance herself away from all of us, leaving her miserable again. If you are unhappy with this decision, I understand that. If you want to leave this relationship-"

"Don't you dare to finish that." Misty spoke sharply, halting Ash's sentence almost immediately. He turned to Bea who gave a sigh, slowly nodding to agreement.

"I don't necessary agree to this, but all of us owe Misty and Dawn for suggesting the harem relationship. If it weren't for them, we won't be here sharing you together. We won't be in this nice apartment that we all shared and I won't have the confidence to tell my parents that I want to become a gym leader. Just promise me, that when you're dating May, you treat her right and it's not some casual fling. If you are going to date her, you better be sincere and serious with it. I had a break up before so I know what's like to experience it." Ash smiled and kissed her forehead, it was no wonder Bea was so possessive over him. She had a boyfriend before, so perhaps she was afraid he would lose him.

"I promise I will treat her right Bea, I'm sorry for making you accept this." She nodded as a smirk crept onto her face.

"You can make it up to me by giving me a kiss." Ash grinned and pulled her into an aggressive kiss, earning a shook of a head from Misty who glanced at Bea. Boy was she awfully assertive and needy today. He pulled back from the kiss once Bea was satisfied, wiping the string of saliva away before Serena raised her eyebrows at him.

"You're not happy with this arrangement right?" The honey blonde teen shook her head and use her finger to wipe the saliva gathered on Ash's lips. She leaned in closer and snaked her arms around him, finally she gets to have him by herself.

"I would always love you Ash, no matter what. If you want to be with May and the others are okay with it, then go ahead. As long I get to be with you, then that's all I need." Ash wasn't thoroughly convinced by Serena's words, but he appreciate her effort to give May a chance. He leaned to her ears and ran his fingers through her long blonde hair, feeling the soft strands tickling his fingers.

"I promise I will make it up to each and everyone of you." He pulled an unsuspecting Korrina to him, causing her yelp at the sudden jerk. He grinned at her and placed his hands between her two thighs, getting very close to dangerous territory. The Kalos teen felt her face flushed at the bold move from Ash, though this was hardly new or surprising between them considering their late night activities were more uh frisky to say the least.

Ignoring Ash's antics and Misty cling to Ash kissed his cheeks in gratitude. While a kiss on the cheek from Misty wasn't abnormal, the smile of gratitude was.

"Thank you Ash." Honestly she should be thanking the others for accepting May.

"You sacrifice too much for others sometimes Misty, you really are the big sister of the group huh." The redhead smirked and slapped his chest playfully.

"Says the guy who volunteered to get swept away by an avalanche to save his classmate and teacher." He chuckled at her blunt and straightforward tone before he leaned to her ear.

"Love you Mist." She only blushed in response. Despite his numerous proclamation of love for her, Misty never got used to them especially in front of others. Seeing that the matter has been settled, Korrina decided to deliver the news to May and Dawn.

"I will get May and Dawn." Ash nodded and retracted his hand from Korrina, earning a rough slap to his shoulders. As he rubbed the spot where Korrina slapped him, he watched Serena and Bea leaned against each other as the Kalos teen tasted the saliva Bea and Ash exchange when they kissed, much to his surprise.

As May and Dawn appeared in the living room, Ash opened his arm for Dawn as she dived into his embrace, stealing a kiss from him as she noted the number of red lipsticks on his cheeks.

"Thanks for looking after her Dawn." The blunette nodded as she gave a yelp when Ash gave a small slap to her butt, earning a glare and a flushed cheeks from her. The Kanto teen paid her no mind as May watched the entire interaction with great amusement, slightly surprised by how open they were in front of her. She slowly walked backwards when Ash approached her.

"Ash, what's going on?" The Pikachu trainer reached for May's hands, grasping it tight to him as he glanced at the others who gave him a nod of approval, ushering him to break the news to her.

"The girls had agreed that I can date you." The brunette blinked before her face turned red at the thought, she stared at girls behind Ash who smiled at her, reassuring her that he wasn't joshing with her.

"W-What?"

"May, you are a very desirable girl, any guy with a functioning brain would jump at the chance to be with you. I'm very flattered that you think that I'm worth sharing with 5 other girls, but is this really what you want? There will be constant arguments like this and maybe infighting between all of us, you have to understand what you are signing up for here. I may not be the boyfriend of your dreams." He had laid down the honest truth to her, so it was up to her whether she accept it. She contemplated Ash's words for a few seconds as her grip on Ash's hands soften before she squeezed it tight once she made up her mind.

"I understand and I'm willing to share you. I don't mind taking the backseat." Ash sighed at how fiery and passionate May was, she seemed to be serious about this. He straightened May's hair, feeling the soft strands of hair within his fingertips as he leaned to her with a gentle voice.

"Don't say that, no one is taking a backseat May." The brunette nodded as Ash pulled her into a tight embrace, causing her to melt into his arms as she savoured his warmth. She closed her eyes and a bright smile plastered on her pretty face as she burrowed her head into Ash's chest, nuzzling it like a newborn Skitty.

Satisfied and happy that May finally got her true feelings out, Misty walked behind her boyfriend and smirked at May's cozy position.

"Now give her a kiss." Ash glanced at May's lips and find the soft and warm lips very inviting and succulent. He broke his thoughts and turned to the others for their permission.

"Can I?" The way he say that sounded so adorable, akin to a small kid asking permission to play with his friends. Serena shook her head and hugged Dawn form behind, placing her chin on top of her shoulders.

"You don't need our permission Ash, just kiss her already." A moment ago these girls were against him dating May, and now they want him to get it up and over with. Seriously, their change of mood and constantly shifting thoughts confused him to this day. The Kanto teen turned to May rubbed her shoulders as she seemed nervous and unprepared, maybe they should take this slow?

"Is it okay May? Or do you want us to start slow and steady first?" The Hoenn native rubbed her thighs together, highlighting her tight biker shorts that Ash was thoroughly captivated by.

"I-I don't mind a kiss." Ash nodded as he steeled himself for a kiss, he held May's chin gently and titled his head just slight before pulling her into a kiss, causing May to melt into the first kiss she shared with Ash. She moaned when she felt his tongue entered her mouth before she eagerly returned the favour by invading his mouth with her own tongue. She felt his hands slide up her waist and body as her fingernails burrowed into Ash's chest, feeling arousal and dopamine running high on her body.

"She's really getting into it huh." Korrina whispered to Bea who nodded at her, surprised that May was really into the kiss.

The brunette reluctantly parted lips with Ash as she panted for much needed air, feeling utterly dazed and amazed by the aphrodisiac kiss Ash just gave her. She wiped the saliva off her lips before she leaned to his chest again, earning a small chuckle from Ash as he pulled her to him.

"Is this what you all get everyday?" Dawn grinned at May's tone of amusement and shock, giving a nonchalant nod in the process.

"Pretty much." The brunette smiled and sighed in content as she felt the sense of warmth and security in Ash's harms.

'I could get used to this.'