Fractured Stars
by Spruceton Spook
Part 4
The Quick Catch-Up
The moon was high in the sky and crickets were chirping lively as Delia unlocked the front door of the house, letting her husband and three exhausted kids drag themselves in. No one barely uttered a word, as sleepiness had caught up with them rather out of the blue ever since leaving the steakhouse. The kids' eyes were literally half-closed.
While Misty made her way to the couch to retrieve Togepi, who was hopping around happily at the return of his mommy, Ash turned to his own mother. When she finished latching up the locks on the door, he grasped her in a tight hug.
"Thanks for the dinner, Mom," he said. "You're the best."
Delia returned the hug. "You're very welcome."
Ash then yawned loudly. Delia chuckled and rubbed his back lightly as he did, realizing how tired her boy was.
"You should head up for bed," she suggested. "You've had a very long day."
"You're right," Ash agreed, letting go and plodding towards the stairs. "But I think I'm going to take a shower first."
"Yeah, that's sounds good to me, too," Brock said. He turned to Misty, who was holding Togepi above her head and cooing softly to him, Pikachu watching fondly. "Misty, maybe we should get washed, too."
Misty shot Brock an incredulous look. "Are you kidding me?" she scoffed. "You'd better believe I'm going to shower! I'm filthy!"
Jay chuckled softly at her vehemence. Misty allowed no mystery over her value of the comfort of a shower, nor her fury at being kept waiting. "Well, you'd better get up there fast before these guys get in before you," he sang, winking.
Misty's eyes flew open at his persuasion, and she laughed heartily as she took off immediately up the stairs, destined to snatch her pajamas and reach the bathroom first.
"Hey!" Ash cried, blasting up the stairs right after her. "No fair, Misty! I mentioned the shower first!"
"Yeah, well, don't you know it's ladies first?!" Misty could be heard yelling from upstairs.
"Not in my house!"
"It's for everywhere, moron!"
"Says who?!"
"Your dad said I could go first!"
"He did not!"
"Did so!"
"C'mon, guys! It's too late to fight!" Brock shouted, careening upstairs as quickly as he could to stop the impending war.
"Pika!" Pikachu put in his word, also. He was hot on Brock's heels.
Delia couldn't contain her laughter as the house shook from the commotion. She loved the high energy. Sure beat all the quiet, lonely days she endured before Jay was back in her life. She knew that she shouldn't allow them to be so rowdy, but she couldn't help it.
She turned to Jay as her laugh began to simmer down and smiled. "They'll be out like lights tonight."
Jay nodded affably, but his demeanor was beginning to shift. Although the lively dinner with the kids had lifted the dissatisfied mood he'd fallen into initially upon their return, it was apparent disappointment had reclaimed him. His face was suddenly like stone, his shoulders hunched. Delia's heart sank.
"Jay, I'm sorry about how tonight turned out," she apologized. "You're not really that upset, are you?"
Jay shrugged, his attention directed to the floor. "No," he answered. "I mean—I am upset a little bit, but Ash is home now…and… No. No, I'm fine. How can I say I'm not happy about that?"
"He's such an unpredictable little boy," she said. "Always has been."
Nodding, Jay met her eyes. "I thought tonight was going to be…you know…"
"Yes, I know," Delia sighed dejectedly, feel as glum about it as he was. All that week, sleeping alone had become more and more difficult as she thought excitedly about Friday night. "I mean…w-we still could, but…with the kids home now and all—"
"No, I—I know, it's okay," Jay interrupted her, gently checking her from continuing. "It's not going to work out tonight. I'm not in the mood anymore, anyhow…"
He trailed off and looked down at the floor again, pursing his lips depressively. Delia stared at his uneasy face, biting her lip to hold back the commiserating tears forming in her eyes. She felt deeply sad for him at that moment. He had been just excited as her, and she knew this was a frustrating letdown for him.
Delia slowly and carefully lifted herself up to kiss him. His body reclined as her warm lips touched his, and he reached around to hold her. They continued for over a minute before Delia gently pulled away.
"Don't let it bother you too much, sweetie," she said reassuringly, her bright brown eyes glistening. "If we could go three years without being with each other, we can wait a little longer."
Realizing he had little choice but to agree, Jay leaned over to kiss her forehead. That was enough of a response for her, and eyeing him lovingly, she left to get herself ready for the night.
"Owww! Brock, wait up!" Ash yelped, grasping down desperately at his foot. "You just ran over my foot, man!"
Brock, panting, stood up from holding on to his side of the rollaway bed, which he had been pushing and Ash had been pulling from the hallway closet to Ash's room. He tried to stop his laugh but it was no use.
Ash shot him a glare, which wasn't very affective due to the smile that came to his lips. "It's not funny! You push too fast!"
"No, you don't pull fast enough," he corrected. "I'm doing perfectly fine."
Ash huffed. "And to think we have another one of these to do, also!"
Brock shook his head, and bent down to grasp the end of the bed again. "Well, let's get this one in and set up. I'll pull the next one in, okay?"
"I have a better idea," Ash said, a mischievous grin taking over his face. "Let's make Misty do it!"
Brock smiled and nodded vigorously. "Ha," he laughed evilly, "good idea!"
For the next few minutes, they managed to drag the cumbersome bed through Ash's door and into the room. The carpet fought against the wheels of the bed, making both the pushing and pulling incredibly strenuous. Ash yanked the bed into the room as far as it would go, as to leave enough room for the other to come in. At that moment, he treasured the times he and Brock had simply laid out their sleeping bags on the floor.
Misty came in as Ash and Brock were heading for the next one. She was already dressed in her pajamas, and her wet hair was hidden by the large, yellow towel wrapped around her head.
"Ah, here's the princess now!" Ash exclaimed, giving her a toothy grin.
Misty scowled at him, and whipped the towel off her head. She grasped her hair in it, which had since grown quite a bit past her shoulders, and rubbed the excess water out of it. She'd completely ignored Ash's wisecrack otherwise.
"Help us with the next bed," Ash told her directly. "They aren't easy to move, ya know."
"Okay," Misty replied easily, much to Ash's surprise, wrapping her hair up again and promenading to the hall closet. She wrenched the other bed loose and out into the open. "Sheesh, you guys are a bunch of weaklings. You know, Ash, I was the one who helped your mom put these away the last time while you and Brock were off doing God knows what."
Ash was silenced for a bit as he struggled to find what to say. "Yeah, well—it's a lot harder to take them out."
Misty just sighed agitatedly and gave him a look. "Just help me, would you, numskull?"
"Togi! Togi!" Togepi laughed from Ash's bed, always humored by Misty's little insults at Ash.
Ash murmured something and went to help her. Before he could do anything, however, Brock halted him and told him to go take his shower; he and Misty would finish with the beds. Ash made sure if it was totally all right before leaving, then grabbed his pajamas and headed downstairs for the bathroom.
He made his way down the stairs quietly as to not make a ruckus so late at night. It was nearing ten, after all, and he didn't know how tired his parents really were. Once he'd get washed, he'd head to their room and say goodnight to them, the one thing he wanted to do most since leaving home.
Ash discovered the living room dark upon coming down—dark except for the flickering light from the TV. He stopped abruptly on the stairs as he beheld his father stretched out on the couch, a light blanket covering him. Squinting confusingly, he studied the scene carefully. Sure enough, Jay was in his pajamas, and if it weren't for the fluffy pillow jammed under his head, Ash would have figured he was just taking in some late-night television. But that wasn't the case—his father was most certainly prepared to conk out any minute.
Ash swallowed hard and continued down the stairs. To his dismay and increasing worry, the scene was all too familiar to him. Jay confined to the couch, his mother elsewhere. Those three anguished years ago, the barriers of the night between them, Jay had found the couch his only refuge. But that was before he and Delia had gotten back together! Ash suddenly felt a dull pain in the pit of his stomach. It was confounding, actually, and his bewilderment began to unexpectedly panic him. If he'd just returned home now, he would've sworn that nothing changed…or worse, what he had done had reversed itself.
But that wasn't the case! Certainly not. Ash shook his head and scolded himself for even doubting the situation. Instead, he decided not to worry about it, putting the ridiculous notion out of his mind. It was pointless to fret about insignificant stuff, and that was all this was. His mom and dad liked each other—no, loved each other—and the reason for Jay still finding a bed on the couch must be a logical one. One that Ash couldn't seem to cipher, however.
Jay heard the footsteps on the stairs, and Ash drew back slightly when his father's head popped up from behind the couch. Timidly, Ash bestowed a soft wave. With a tender smirk, Jay's head lowered back down and his hand shot up in its place. He beckoned Ash over with a gentle wiggle of his finger.
"Come on over here, Ash," he whispered spiritedly.
Ash complied, finishing his descent and making his way quietly through the dim room. Not wanting to settle in the chair opposite his dad or plop down on Jay's outstretched legs, he fell to his knees beside the couch and gave Jay an open smile. Jay didn't say a thing but smiled back, reaching over to stroke his son's hair gently.
"What's up?" he asked him, yawning soon afterward.
This signaled Ash to yawn, also. As he did, he shrugged. "Nothing," he replied drowsily. "I came down to take my shower. I know I smell bad."
"Ugh! I know!" Jay agreed, fanning the air in front of his face. "Please! Do us all the favor!"
Ash laughed, knowing very well that his father was kidding around with him. Jay's sense of humor was one thing that Ash admired most of him.
"Shut up!" Ash mumbled, giving his dad's shoulder a friendly shove. "You don't have to agree with me!"
Jay began to laugh along with Ash as he reached up to rub his tired eyes. Their laughing seemed to fade out simultaneously, and once again they found themselves in momentary lull. Ash simply gazed at his dad's sanguine smile while the soft conversations on the TV hummed lightly in the background. Jay's eyes flipped to the television for a moment, and made a grab for the remote. The sounds quickly disappeared as he hit the mute button.
"Sooo…" he started with a sigh as his attention returned to Ash, "you came home again, huh?"
Ash smirked. "You just figured that out now?"
Jay gave him a sly look. "No! But I suppose it was about time. Just couldn't stand being away from your cool old man anymore, could ya?"
Ash scowled playfully. "Eww! You're not cool!"
Jay returned the sour look, though it was all in good fun. "Oh, I'm not, huh?"
"Nope," Ash shook his head unwaveringly.
"What are you, too good for me now?" Jay accused, cocking his eyebrow.
"That's right!" Ash promptly replied, trying desperately to keep a straight face. Laughter was begging to escape his mouth.
"And what makes you think that?"
"I'm a better trainer than you are!"
"Oh, yeah!?"
"Yeah!"
Jay broke the laughter strike by bawling out suddenly, holding a hand over his eyes as he did. Ash joined in, his small giggles easily outmatched by his father's loud guffaws. This was all too good for him. Messing around with Jay was one of his favorite things in the world. It was just like old times.
"Oh, Ashton," he sighed happily, shaking his head after the laughing fit and reaching over to ruffle his son's hair again. "You know, it really ain't that funny. You are a better trainer than me."
"Yeah, whatever," Ash jeered, nodding in sarcasm. "Don't fool with me, Dad."
Jay gave him a huge smile, though his eyes were wide in surprise. "I'm not fooling with you! You probably are, and you know it!"
"Stop," Ash replied simply, looking down at the floor. His face was calm, but his voice didn't sound that way. He was quiet for a moment before saying, "If I'm so good, why was it so easy for me to give up that badge in Goldenrod City?"
Jay's smile faded. "I don't know. You tell me, Ash."
Ash shrugged, trying hard to at least grin as to not make it so dramatic. He hadn't hoped it would be, but when he started thinking about Goldenrod City again, he became depressed. His mouth curved desperately, but his eyes stared so glumly that it didn't quite matter.
"You're not getting tired with Pokémon training, are you?" Jay asked silently, scrunching up his face as if what he'd just said was absurd.
"Of course not!" Ash hastily replied.
"I didn't think so," Jay chuckled.
Though Ash knew he didn't mean any offense by it, Jay's question stuck to him like glue. Not because he resented it, but for a moment it actually had frightened him. He was still not sure what made him drop everything and abandon his journey like that.
"I just—I mean, I get homesick a lot sometimes," he said, speaking his thoughts out loud. Jay listened to him attentively. "But this time…this time, I just…couldn't fight it. Ya know?"
His father nodded.
Ash looked down and continued. "I wanted to win that badge. I really did. And it wasn't like I wasn't prepared or anything, 'cause I was. But…something inside of me just went off, and suddenly…I wanted to be home so badly."
Taking a deep breath, Ash smiled slightly to lighten the mood he'd just set.
"But don't worry, Dad," he said reassuringly, and Jay's face lifted expectantly. "I figure it's just because home felt too good a week ago. I haven't had a break in a long time, and I think that this is just what I need."
"Hey, I know," Jay concurred genuinely. "I used to take breaks all the time. You need a good break every now and then."
"Yeah… And…" Ash took a deep breath. "I missed you, Dad."
Jay reclined with an appreciative smile. Ash blinked with heartfelt honesty.
"I… It was hard for me to leave…and say goodbye to you," he whispered.
Visibly touched by Ash's words, Jay sighed and placed a loving hand on his son's head. Ash ducked slightly under the gesture, basking humbly in the fatherly affection that had been missing from his life for so long.
"I missed you, too, buddy," Jay replied softly. "But I wasn't about to suggest you keep from your journey."
"I know. I suppose that was for me to find out on my own."
Jay let out a delicate laugh. "Perhaps. I'm glad you're home, though, Ash. I really am. It's great, all of us being back together like this. I think…I think it's something we all need. Don't worry about your journey—there's time. There's plenty of time."
Ash nodded, thankfully starting to feel better. "I know. I'm not worrying, I guess. I know I'll win that badge soon. And the other five badges I need. Just after a good break at home."
"I'm behind you the whole way," Jay said briskly. "Whatever makes you happy."
Ash sighed, pleasantness and relief taking over him. Or maybe it was sleepiness. Either way he tried to look at it, he figured it was getting late, and the urge to shower called out to him. He stood up without a word and moved languidly away from the couch, leaving his father smiling happily in the wake of their conversation.
"Goodnight, Ash," he said as Ash headed for the bathroom.
Not turning back, Ash sleepily responded, "Night, Dad."
Pausing to take a deep, relaxed breath, Ash then hopped to the bathroom. He didn't realize how much time he'd taken up talking with Jay. He hurriedly tore off his clothes and showered, not even unwinding in the glory of the hot water that he'd planned to take full advantage of. There was another reason for his rushing besides thinking of Brock pacing the floor upstairs, and the more he thought of it, the faster he lathered up.
He did take time to dry, because putting clothes on a wet body always proved to be unbearably unpleasant. But as soon as the clothes were on and his teeth were brushed, Ash left the bathroom on his toes, made his way inconspicuously past his now slumbering father, and headed for the next destination.
Ash knocked softly on the closed door, leaning his damp head against it wearily. He smiled pleasingly when he heard his mother's voice float softly from the enclosed room.
"Come in."
Doing just that, Ash paused in the doorway, grinning sheepishly. Delia was already under the covers, her knees drawn up to her chest, a book perched in front of her. She produced a warm smile for Ash and motioned for him to come over. Ash gladly closed the door quietly behind him and romped over.
"Hey, watch it!" Delia laughed as Ash flopped himself heavily onto the bed, the mattress springs squeaking loudly.
Ash grinned wider in reply and crawled over to his mom. When he reached her, he flipped around and lay beside her. Delia sighed and shook her head, putting her book aside to collect him in her arms. He snuggled beside her, letting himself melt into her motherly embrace.
"Why aren't you in bed yet?" she asked with an admonishing grin, cradling his head.
"I had to say goodnight to you," Ash reasoned, closing his eyes blissfully as she began to stroke his hair soothingly.
"Oh."
"I missed you, Mama," he said matter-of-factly.
"I missed you, too, sweetie," she replied. "I like these little surprise visits you've been paying me lately."
Ash didn't respond; he simply shut his eyes and sighed deeply and sleepily.
"You home for good now?"
Ash gave her a slandered face, which he knew was all that was needed. She chuckled ardently, and began to rock her boy. "I guess that answers that question."
"I'm just home for a while," Ash stressed. His eyes seemed to close on their own, his yearning for sleep relentless. Delia rocking him didn't help him fight it much, either. Despite his drowsiness, he willed himself to continue: "Actually, this is just a continuation of the last visit. I wasn't done here yet."
Delia suddenly groaned, but Ash could tell it was just jokingly. "Aw, do I have to deal with more of your shenanigans?"
Ash giggled, and wrapped his arms around her. "No, don't worry. I won't cause any trouble, Mom. I promise I'll be good."
"Oh, I know," Delia replied, giving Ash a squeeze. "I'm joking ya. You're always a good boy."
Stillness took over the room. Delia closed her eyes as she quietly continued to rock Ash in her arm, who was dozing off more and more each second. Being in her arms was an instant tranquilizer for him, something he admittedly longed for every night on his journeys. But he didn't need to long for it tonight. He was home; all was well.
"Mom?" he mumbled airily, his words garbled as they slipped through his tired lips.
"Hmmm?"
"Are you happy?"
Delia squinted confusingly; she stopped rocking Ash for a second. "Of course I am, honey. Why do you ask that?"
"Just wondering," Ash wearily replied, nudging her softly as a cue for her to continue rocking him. She did, and rested her head gently on his.
"Are you and Dad happy?" His voice was lower this time, a lot murkier.
This time, it hit Delia. Ash may have returned because of homesickness, but there was more to it than she had previously recognized. He may not have seen it, but in his mind he was still worried, still confused, still doubtful. Thinking this caused her to clutch him more tightly, securing him in her protective assurance.
"Oh, Ash," she sighed, her warm breath against his face. She chuckled softly. "Yes, we are. We're very happy. What, have you been worrying about us this whole time?"
"Kind of," Ash answered, the words dragged out. "I just wanted to make sure everything's still good."
"It's good," she ensured comfortingly, patting his shoulder. "Aw, Ash, you don't have to worry. Your dad and I are happier than ever."
Those simple, blessed words penetrated Ash, filling him with consoling warmth. He couldn't help but smile at her wonderful update, easing every restive nerve that existed in his body. All but one.
"Good," Ash said. "Because…b-because I got a little worried when…when I saw Dad sleeping on the couch."
This definitely made Delia stir. Ash winced as he could feel her lurch, and her cossetting he was indulging himself in so rapturously suspended. Ash expected this naturally, almost tensing himself when he spoke the words. It wasn't that he wanted to upset her or second-guess what she'd said, it was merely something that was eating at him. Something he needed to settle.
"Is that what's bothering you?" his mother asked, all coming out in a huge puff of breath. "Is that why you think something's wrong?"
Ash opened his eyes for the first time since he'd closed them minutes ago, and found his mother staring worriedly at him. He gulped softly and nodded.
Delia took a deep breath as she collected her thoughts. She certainly wasn't going to tell Ash that if weren't for him, his father would be in bed with her as they spoke. She almost laughed at loud as the ludicrous idea shot through her head, and instead she bit her lower lip sharply and shook her head. This confused Ash all the more, and he conscientiously stared at her.
But she had to tell him something. Although Ash knew all about the birds and the bees for a while now, Delia couldn't imagine telling Ash the truth about what was planned that night. She didn't even know how she'd approach it if she did. No doubt it embarrass both her son and herself, Ash's sensitivity being her utmost concern. She would have probably spluttered with the explanation so sloppily it would have no doubt confounded her son even more.
"Ash," she started, swallowing heavily as if to dispose of the situation. "Your dad and I…are waiting till we feel more comfortable." That's it? "We…we want to feel…closer to each other first."
Ash just stared into her eyes, motionless. He understood perfectly well, or so he thought, and quickly made himself snap out of his haze. "O-oh, okay."
Delia smiled slightly. "Okay?"
"Yeah," Ash smiled. "I got it."
"You do? Because, Ash, I don't want you to think that something's not right because of that."
"No, I understand. As long as you guys are happy."
Delia smiled and cuddled her son closely to her, relieved that awkwardness was dispelled. "We're happy. Don't worry, Dad won't be on the couch forever. Just till we feel closer to each other."
Well, that was that. Ash's one worry was extinguished as quickly as it had appeared, and he nuzzled close to his mother again as she hugged him tightly. He knew he shouldn't have worried. Especially after that wonderful dinner that night, when he'd felt so complete and so part of a family, how could he have even doubted it for a second? It was amazing how one thing like seeing Jay on the couch brought back the childish fears that had grown larger within him over the years. But all that was behind him now. His family was back together, his mom and dad were happy, he was happy…
"Ash? Ash!"
Ash's droopy eyes opened to a squint as he felt his mom give him a sharp nudge.
"Hmm? Wha…?"
Delia giggled. "You're falling asleep, sweetheart."
Ash yawned and tried to get up. He just fell right back down into her arms again. "I guess I am a little tired."
"Well, you go scoot off to bed then," his mother said, gently helping him sit up. "I don't feel like carrying you to bed."
Slipping off the bed weakly, Ash glanced haggardly at her. "You have Dad here to do that now," he smirked.
She returned the smile. "I guess I do. Did you say goodnight to Daddy yet?"
Ash yawned again and nodded, gently shuffling his way to the door. As he slipped out, he blew her a kiss, which she reached up and grabbed.
"Goodnight, Ma."
"Goodnight," she answered sweetly.
Ash dragged himself to his room, which was a battle in itself. He couldn't believe how tired he was! It should have been no surprise, seeing as how they had awakened at the crack of dawn that morning. All of that would vanish tonight, though. He reckoned that it would probably be way past ten tomorrow when he'd awaken for the first time, and that was all right with him.
He entered his room only to be very uncomfortably welcomed by a pair of cross glares. Brock, seated on one of the rollaway beds with his pajamas in his lap, looked particularly peeved.
"There'd better be some hot water left for me, prissy," he growled with enough rancor to send a chill up Ash's spine.
TO BE CONTINUED . . .
