A/N: Welcome to Skye's 12th birthday, I do age my characters up as time passes. We get some more development, and one pair is going to take some big steps. I know I went on a span where I was updating daily, that was only because of being on vacation in Mexico. I have a day job and a primary caregiver for my children, this is something I am just able to do in my free time. Do not worry though I will try to not go over a week without updating.
While still a day away from Olivine, Charlie, Skye, and August were camping and had finished setting up their campfire and were begging to relax next to it. Both of the boys were excited for Skye to finally hit the big one two, as they had been teasing her the last few months after Charlie's birthday that she was a baby. Taking a page out of her mother's book, she merely dragged both boys by the ear, getting them to shut up when they did it yesterday. "How are you feeling about turning 12?" Charlie asked Skye who was sipping her hot chocolate.
"I swear to Arceus Charlie if you are going to –" Skye said in a tone that was threatening.
"I am not going to tease you, my ear and I learned our lesson." Charlie said hands raised to signal he took her threats very seriously. "Just how do you feel about Ash coming with your mom to celebrate?"
August looked over at Charlie trying to signal with his eyes that he should not be as blunt as he was. Skye thought about it, taking another sip of the hot chocolate before saying, "Oh…I don't know."
August merely looked over and thought he would give her a mulligan, "What have you usually done for your birthday?"
"Before I started trying to become a Pokemon master, my mom would have a very nice breakfast of all my favorite foods of waffles, eggs, bacon, and hot chocolate." Skye smiled at the memory, "Then usually in Cerulean we would head to the park, have ice cream, and be at the lookout at sunset, before I would come back to the gym and my aunts and uncle would celebrate with a nice cake, made by aunt Del…sorry my grandma Delia."
"Still not used to that." August stated.
"No, is it weird I am not mad at her for not telling me?" Skye asked.
"I mean she was still involved in your life, and seems like she still treated you like were her own granddaughter even if that wasn't how you knew her." Charlie said. "So no, not weird, in my opinion."
"Family is family, the titles they have are just another way to identify them." August said in a kind of sage like tone.
"Do you think she should have told me?" Skye asked them both.
"No." They both said in unison.
"Wow, I didn't think you felt that strongly." Skye said laughing.
"Well you aren't our grand daughter and we would think, telling you without your mom's ok would be a pretty big no no." Charlie said, August just gave him a look like yeah I agree with you but not exactly in the way you put it.
"All I gotta say is, they did a great job raising a strong young woman like you, I have met a lot of strong women in my life, you are right there with them." August said.
Skye kind of scrunched her face but gestured her cup at them, accepting the compliment. The more she kept thinking about it, the more she just wished some sort of progress with Ash would happen. The times they talked it was mostly about Pokemon and how proud he was of that, rarely had they just talked like they did that first day. Skye also didn't want to admit that she had woken a couple of times in the night worried she was back in Team Rocket's clutches. Domino had particularly dominated the most recent nightmare she had, and instead of her taking her mom, she took her, and it wasn't just electrocuting that was happening. She knew she didn't see a whole ton, while captive but she knew something had to have given Pikachu those scars and it concerned her. Skye thought about telling her mom, but she seemed so focused on getting Ash rehabbed back into society that she worried her mom would put all her focus on her. Delia thought she was great but she didn't know for sure if Delia would keep this from her mom.
When they made it into Olivine they were impressed by how big the city was by the water. Charlie could now understand why Misty and Ash wanted to come and celebrate with them, it was a nice excuse to see a beautiful city away from Pallet. Charlie mostly thought that he would feel pretty cooped up staying just in one place, and based on what he knew of a lot of Ash's journeys, he rarely stayed in the same place. Charlie was just happy to have 5 badges along with Skye, and though they were kind of competitive about who would get their 8 first, they had been supportive of each other during their gym battles. Charlie had also been very impressed by August and how well he did teaching what he knew about certain plants, and Pokemon, one lesson he kept trying to instill was that it takes a village to do all the work to make the world beautiful. It was never just one person who made it so beautiful. Charlie also just hoped that Skye would appreciate the gift he had gotten for her.
Arriving at Ash and Misty's hotel they were happy to see them sitting out at one of the tables out front chatting together, Ash in his navy blue duster, with his black pants and boots. Misty was wearing her yellow tank top with buttons and matching colored shorts with cardinal sneakers. Misty upon seeing Skye ran up to her picking her up and hugging her and planting a kiss on her cheek. "Mom," Skye protested, "I am not so little anymore."
"I know, but I can't help it." Misty said, "Feel any different being 12?"
"No, just a little more embarrassed to still get birthday kisses." Skye retorted but hugged her mom tight whispering so no one could hear, "I still love them, please don't stop." Misty just smiled but didn't say anything.
"Uh, happy birthday Skye." Ash said a bit awkwardly.
"Thanks Ash, I am glad you are feeling up to coming out to celebrate." Skye said. Pikachu hopped up to Ash's shoulder before jumping to Skye and giving her a lick on the side of her face and a nuzzle against her ear. "Well thank you Pikachu." Skye said before scratching under Pikachu's chin causing him to smile, "Shall we head towards the water?" Skye asked while starting to lead the group. Charlie kept asking Ash about what he remembered about the gym here in Olivine and how to best play on the advantages. While they were all looking through one of the several shops by the waterfront, she noticed Ash just chilling a bit outside and decided to go up to him.
"Hey Ash, are you doing ok?" Skye asked.
"Oh, yeah I am…I just…I needed a moment outside." Ash said.
"Did it remind you of Team Rocket?" Skye asked.
At that Ash looked and her seeing a bit of worry cross Skye's face and he smiled saying, "No, I just enjoy getting to smell the ocean air, it's been a while since I have smelled it, don't worry Skye I have been doing good and I appreciate my daughter being concerned."
Skye smiled and decided since it was private enough, "Ash…" She started.
"Is something on your mind?" Ash asked.
"How do you know you have um…" Skye began to ask, not meeting Ash's eyes.
"Is it about Charlie?" Ash asked, hoping that would kill the awkwardness.
Skye blushed slightly but shook her head saying, "No, um…I have been having nightmares." At that Ash looked at her and saw something he feared seeing, "About, you and Charlie and August not finding us, and being left to Domino."
At that Ash hugged Skye close to himself, and said, "Skye, don't worry. They are just nightmares, everyone has them. Just try to change the ending in your mind when you start to have one. It didn't actually happen, we got you and your mom out." Stroking her hair a bit awkwardly at first he felt her begin to relax and though she stood just beneath his chest, he could help feeling like he had to protect her from anything and everything.
"I know." Skye said crying slightly, wiping her eyes quickly, "How do you deal with it?"
Ash sighed and looked to see if anyone else was noticing. Misty, Charlie, and August were still looking through the shop not noticing Skye had stepped out. "I…have had a long journey and I am still not better. It's important that you not get lost in the fear, and I know it's not easy."
"Thanks Ash, but don't tell mom." Skye said, looking into her father's eyes.
Ash began, "Skye, I can't–"
"You have to." Skye interrupted, "If she knows she is going to insist I come home and get help and I am doing fine, I don't want to delay our group any further."
Seeing the worry in her eyes at that and empathizing with the feeling of not wanting to hold anyone back. Ash sighed and said, "Ok I won't tell her, but if it gets worse let me know, the main thing I had to do was to breathe slowly and slow down my heart rate, ok?"
"Ok." Was all Skye said before she put on a happy face and Misty, Charlie, and August came out of the shop.
"There you are Skye everything ok?" Misty asked.
"Yep just thought I would come out and check on Ash." Misty looked at Ash worried he looked off but when he looked fine just a bit sad. Misty shook it off as Ash still did not know where he stood with Skye.
With Skye leading the group Charlie and August getting ahead of Ash and Misty by a few steps. Misty chose to ask Ash, "Are you ok?"
"Yeah." Ash said, "I am fine."
"Why did Skye come and talk to you?" Misty asked.
"She just wanted to see I was alright." Ash lied.
Misty then just hugged him, "I hope you don't feel like an outsider."
"No, I definitely do not feel like an outsider." Ash said, as Misty wrapped her arm around his and they followed the party group. The rest of the day went uneventful, they had decent meals enjoying the sights and sounds. Charlie showed off his Ryhorn being able to use a flamethrower which it learned from his newly evolved Charmeleon. Ash told the story of how his Gengar learned Will-o-wisp from all of his fire Pokemon. Pikachu was having a very fun time hanging out with Skye, even seeming to bond with Skye almost as quickly as he bonded with Misty all those years ago. There were even a couple of times Ash thought he saw some of his facial expressions or quirks in Skye. At dinner they were all enjoying it, Charlie was being boisterous about how Skye can just wolf down her food. Only for him to see Ash doing pretty much the same with his own food, Misty just laughed at seeing Charlie realize it was a family trait. Misty gave Skye a locket, which had a picture of her and Misty together when she was a newborn. "Why do you look so tired mom?" Skye asked.
Misty's eye kind of twitched before she calmly said, "Well honey after 18 hours of labor pushing your massive head out, I was a bit exhausted the next few days."
Skye just shook her head, while Charlie spit his drink out asking, "What?" August just said, "Impressive, most impressive Misty." Ash kind of had a look that showed a bit of guilt that it was his mom who helped Misty through that pain and not him. Ash then agreed with August saying, "August has it right, you truly are stronger than even I remember you ever being."
Misty blushed slightly, and Skye kind of rolled her eyes subtly because she felt like her parents were flirting. It was then that Ash brought out from under the table his poorly wrapped gift. The group minus Misty looked a little horrified at the monstrosity before them. "I wasn't sure what to give you, but I felt since I wasn't there to see you off when you started your journey, that this…well I hope even if you don't wear it, well…" Ash began to lose the words in his throat because he truly was guilty over not being there when she began at 10 years old, and he chose not to be.
"Ash," Skye started, "I promise I will consider it." Taking the gift from Ash she began to open it up only for it to reveal a Pokemon League expo hat. Misty's eyes teared up seeing it again after all these years. Charlie looked as if he was seeing the Holy Grail in person perform a miracle. August himself looked at it somewhat fondly, though he was trying to play it a bit more cool. The mostly red hat, with a white section having the green logo on this snapback cap, Skye recognized it from some of the earlier battle clips she had seen of Ash when she was growing up. Without hesitation Skye placed the hat onto her head thinking she was going to need to adjust it only to find it fit her head perfectly as the last time Ash had worn it several years ago. Looking at Ash, Skye had tears in her eyes, then running over she almost tackled Ash into a hug. Misty looked on with tears in her eyes trying not to cry, while Charlie and August complimented Skye by saying, "It looks good on you."
Skye then lifting her head and meeting her father's tear filled gaze asked, "Hey Ash, you want to battle?" Ash, noting it was almost dusk, looked at Misty who only nodded that he should do it, and responded, "I would love to Skye."
At that they jumped into the dock area that was in front of the restaurant they were sitting at with Misty pulling out her phone to capture this memory on video. Misty hoped even if she and Ash were not together she could share this memory in the future and say how proud she was for him to be Skye's father. Pikachu came from the table ready, Ash asked, "Pikachu you sure you're ready."
"Pika." Was the only reply Pikachu gave looking at Skye.
Deciding she wanted to get Rockruff some experience she called him out. The little brown dog looking rock Pokemon gave its bark and its ready stance as Ash called out, "It will be a simple 1 on 1, no pushing into the water, and no damage to the street ready?"
"Ready, Ash." Skye responded. Flipping her cap backwards similar to how Ash used to wear it during battles.
Both Pikachu used his quick attack, while Rockruff attempted a rock throw. Then Pikachu started using his speed. Pikachu managed to make contact with Rockruff. Causing it to call out, and Ash called on Pikachu to do another quick attack, Skye commanded Rockruff to use zen headbutt. Ash being a little surprised by the move saw Pikachu forced back near him, the rock throw coming for Pikachu. Which lead to Ash telling Pikachu to use thundershock to keep the rocks from hitting it. Deciding to try and get Pikachu while visibility was down Skye had Rockruff use zen headbutt again. Only for Ash anticipating her having Pikachu use iron tail which when the moves met, it forced Rockruff to be lying down almost like it was beaten, then it looked up standing it saw the sun was almost down and Ash noticed Rockruff slowly standing not losing eye contact with the sun. Misty, Charlie, August, and Skye looked on in confusion at Rockruff while Ash's eyes bulged along with Pikachu watching as the sun began to almost go behind the water, and a bright green flash briefly filled the sky. The green seemed to overtake Rockruff's blue eyes and it started to howl, till its whole body began to glow. Astonished Skye was about to pickup Rockruff when Ash yelled, "Skye! Rockruff wants this!" Now they all saw Rockruff grow its snout get longer, its paws fully develop into a wolf, and when it stopped glowing it had orange fur and green eyes. Ash exclaimed, "I don't believe it Skye, your Rockruff just evolved into Lycanroc, in its Dusk Form!"
At that Skye went and hugged Lycanroc, saying, "I am so proud of you Lycanroc, you did such a good job battling Pikachu." Then looking at Ash who looked upon Lycanroc as he petted him behind the ears Skye asked, "Wasn't this the Pokemon that helped you win the 1st Alola League?"
Laughing at the memory Ash said, "Wow nice to know my daughter keeps up on my accomplishments, yes it was the exact same form too. Defeating another Lycanroc but it evolved to the midnight form. Counter v Counter." At that Ash thought back to the memory of battling Gladion. Misty, Charlie, and August came and looked at Lycanroc up close and they were all impressed by how Lycanroc looked and that Skye had done such a good job training it. Skye decided at that moment to get out her phone and take a selfie with everyone there. Ash, and Misty stood behind Lycanroc as Charlie and August were on either side of her showing off Lycanroc and Skye flipped her new cap back with the logo facing the camera. She posted it with the caption best birthday yet. Getting back to the hotel room, Misty gave them their keys, Charlie and August had their own room, while Skye was allowed a room to herself as the birthday girl. As the boys got into their room still discussing how cool Lycanroc is. Skye saw Ash unlock the door to his own room down the hall with him looking at Misty and Skye almost like he was waiting for Misty.
Skye then just looked at her mom gesturing with her eyebrows that something was going on between them and asked, "Are you both all alone in a room for a few days?"
Blushing rather hard, Misty said, "Young lady, we have been in separate beds, I just want to be sure somewhere is there to help with his nightmares."
"So no news on the feelings front then?" Skye asked a bit like a child feigning innocent intentions.
Misty, seeing through the facade, just said, "If you keep asking about it I won't tell you if ever we come to that bridge in our relationship."
"Fine…" Skye said as she put the key in her door, "Oh by the way mom, thanks for keeping Ash safe, it was really fun to have him celebrate with us." Realizing that she never actually told Ash in any words how she felt about his gift she sprinted down the hall and again almost tackle hugged Ash saying, "I really love the hat, and thanks for helping my Rockruff evolve." Pikachu gave a happy, "Pika." While Ash just said, "You're welcome Skye, I hope I am at all your birthdays from now on."
"Don't worry old man, you're cool enough to stick on the invite list." Skye said with a hint of sarcasm as she walked back to her room. Ash just laughed going into the room no longer waiting for Misty. Skye gave her mom a sly smile almost like she was saying for Misty to go for it with him. Misty walking through the door Ash left a crack open, she looked at herself in the mirror and quickly went into the bathroom and kind of quickly fixed her hair and undid one of the buttons on her tank top. Making sure the door was locked she just quickly yelled at Ash, "Are you sure we don't need to worry about Charlie or Skye sneaking to the other in the night?"
Ash coming up to the bathroom door that was locked said, "Yes, Pikachu will hear anyone walking down this hallway, if he hears from the left its Skye, if it's from the right it's Charlie, either way August is a pretty good deterrent." Misty feeling like that quick outfit and hair adjustment stepped out with Ash having his back turned to her drinking some water when he turned around he looked at Misty like he was a Stanler entranced by the headlights of a car. Misty closed the distance to him and whispered in his ear, "I can't sleep with you yet Ash Ketchum, but I want to thank my daughter's dad for helping make her birthday extra special." Before Ash could hesitate or make an excuse she took one of his hands and put it on her breast. Misty kissed him with all the passion she could muster, as Ash met it back with his hands massaging and teasing her breasts. Pikachu realizing where things might lead went to the bathroom to hideout and keep his listening skills to the hallway. When somehow they ended up on his bed with her on top he broke away from the kiss and looked at Misty's face which was flushed and hot. "I am definitely not against this reward but what did I do?"
"You…you were gracious, you didn't intrude, and you did an excellent job with your gift for our daughter, poor wrapping job aside." Kissing his forehead, Misty then kind of grinded her hips against his, causing Ash to groan, "Also, you were a perfect gentlemen during and after our date." With that Misty climbed off of him and went to the bathroom starting the shower leaving Ash rather disheveled. Ash sat up and thought about asking if he could join her, but he remembered her saying she wasn't going to sleep with him so he merely got himself ready for bed and climbed in and closed his eyes, trying not to imagine what Misty was doing in the shower.
Misty meanwhile was letting the hot water run over her body as she was trying not to just rush out of the shower naked and see what would happen with Ash. The only doubt she had was if he was being honest with Skye about not seeing anyone, and why he still wouldn't tell her after all these months what exactly happened. All she could infer was something involving Team Rocket, more specifically Domino, and that they did something to cause scars on Pikachu. It also bothered her, that he didn't really explain how he got out, just that it happened, and he still wouldn't explain how he knew Team Rocket was trying to break into the gym. It was then that Misty realized given the date and now an intense making out session, maybe she and Ash needed to define where this relationship was headed. Were they just casually dating, were they an official couple again? Or just two adults that weren't ready to define what they were? She just shook her head at those thoughts thinking, don't get ahead of yourself Misty, he is still Ash, but he is not the guy that left for Galar 12+ years ago. You both are very different. If you need a label ask him to decide on it with you. With all these different thoughts raging she got out of the shower and found him asleep in his bed. She softly stroked back his hair and kissed his forehead saying, "Sweet Dreams."