Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

There was a lengthy silence after Ash's revelation. But neither seemed to notice, they were too caught up in their own heads.

May had frozen, not through shock, but through relief, she'd braced herself for him being taken, and her being taken for a mug again, she barely had gotten over what had happened to her, another one would be a finisher.

Ash breathed an inaudible sigh of relief. It was out there. There was no going back now, and he felt better for it.

"Where is she?" May broke the silence, catching Ash's eye and smiling softly at him, "I'd really love to meet her! Ohhh!" May exclaimed, gushing slightly, "what's her name? How old is she?" Ash smiled and May's enthusiasm, a smile which quickly turned to a relieved chuckle.

"She's upstairs having a nap, she came back from her grandparents yesterday, so she's a bit tuckered out," Ash answered, "he name is Georgia, and she's five, she'll be six in a couple of weeks, actually."

May smiled brightly as Ash spoke. She was amazed at how he lit up whenever he spoke about his daughter, the sparkle she'd noticed in his eye, just seemed to be that much brighter.

But she'd also noticed how he said "her grandparents," which raised another question. One that Ash braced himself for, knowing that he'd let it slip.

"If you don't mind me asking, Ash," May began, rather hesitant to ask the intruding question, "what happened with you and her mother?" May asked gently. She figured that this was the past that Ash had been reluctant to discuss the other night.

"Errr…" Ash's mouth had drastically dried up, it felt like his mouth had turned to a desert. May placed her spare hand on top of their already interlocked hands, and gave it another gentle squeeze, offering her support.

"It's okay if it's too much," May offered, speaking as softly and genuinely as she could, "I imagine this is a lot to let out." Ash paused momentarily.

"I need to, it's just too hard to say," He replied, "I will, eventually." May smiled softly at him, a gesture he returned. "I'm really sorry to drop this on you so soon, but I really feel like I connect with you, and felt you deserved the truth the other night, but I just couldn't, and partly still can't, get it out." Ash looked up at May properly, and noticed her eyes brimming with tears.

"That was so sweet, Ash!" May exclaimed, pulling the raven-haired man into a hug. They stayed like that for a while. "Did you and the mother split up raising her, if you weren't together?" May asked gently, as they pulled apart. Ash gulped, and felt a pang in his chest, but noticeably not as much as before.

"Uhh… I actually raised her all by myself," May's eyes widened in shock, she couldn't believe any mother wouldn't want the opportunity to raise their child, but kept her thoughts to herself, the mother was obviously a difficult subject for Ash. "I've had a good support system though, my mum lives down the road, I've had Misty and Brock who've helped whenever they can, even Professor Oak," Ash explained. As he spoke, May interlocked their hands again, and offered him another encouraging smile, making it much easier for him to open up.

"It has really been a challenge balancing spending the time she needs, along with my duties as the Gym Leader and Elite Four member."

May's eyes shot open in shock. Ash chuckled slightly.

"I forgot to mention the Elite Four, didn't I?" Sheepishly rubbing the back of his head with his spare hand.

"Errr, just a little bit?" May said sarcastically, "you're a Kanto Elite Four member?!" she exclaimed, not offended that he hadn't mentioned it, just surprised.

"Technically, it's just temporary," Ash answered, chuckling a little bit at May's response, "one of the previous members is… quite badly ill."

"Oh no, that's awful!" May said sadly. Ash nodded in agreement.

"So it kinda slipped my mind because I'm not officially an Elite Four member." May nodded in understanding. May went to speak, but heard a little patter of footsteps.

"Daddy?" they heard a little voice coming from upstairs. Ash smiled at his little girl's voice, which made May smile at his reaction.

"Down here sweetheart." A few moments later, a little girl appeared at the narrow entrance that May had noticed earlier on. She had light brown hair, and her eyes were a similar shade to her father's. May could see that the girl had the same "Z" marks under her eyes that Ash did. She was rubbing said eyes tiredly with her right hand, holding Pikachu tightly in the other arm.

May smiled at the cute mannerisms of the girl, and the cute little pink pyjama set she had on, not at all dissimilar to a set May used to wear when she was younger. Ash stands up, and walks over to her, scooping her (and Pikachu in the process) up onto his left arm, where she sat.

"Did you have a good nap, Georgia?" Ash asked, and the girl nodded enthusiastically. Pikachu shifted from Georgia's hug, onto his usual perch of Ash's shoulder. Georgia's eyes fell onto May, and she cocked her head slightly in confusion.

"Daddy," She said, looking back up at Ash, "who's the pretty lady?" May felt the blood rush to her face at the question, a blush she couldn't hide. One that made Ash smirk.

"Georgia, this is May," Ash introduced, as May stood up and walked over to the duo, "May, this is my daughter, Georgia."

"Hi Georgia," May greeted, "it's wonderful to meet you." Georgia smiled, and cutely extended her arm. May smiled as she shook the little girl's hands, finding her behaviour adorable.

"Hopefully, we'll be seeing a lot more of May," Ash commented, catching the brunette's eye and smiling. May blushed again, but returned Ash's smile.

"You definitely will be," May replied, not breaking the eye contact with Ash. There was so much untold pain in Ash's eyes, but the way he looked at her… It sent shivers down her spine. There was so much passion in those eyes, it unnerved her, but most certainly in a good way.

"Is May going to be having dinner with us and nanny?" Georgia's question snapped the adults out of their passionate staring contest. Ash looked at May, raising his eyebrow to ask the question.

"I'd love to," May answered, smiling at the father and daughter.

"I'm sorry, I completely forgot I'd invited my mum around for dinner," Ash apologised, once again rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. May giggled.

"I'd love to meet the woman who raised you," May replied, a complimenting tone to her voice. Ash blushed slightly.

Georgia wriggled out of his grip, and onto the floor.

"May, can I show you the corral?" She asked excitedly, bouncing up and down in front of the brunette. Once again, May found the girl's quirks adorable, and smiled brightly.

"Of course!" Georgia's face lit up, and she grabbed May's hand, pulling her towards the sliding door and out into the corral. Ash shared a look with Pikachu, and the two chuckled at Georgia's display of a very "typical Ash" level of excitement, before following them out.

Ash watched from a slight distance with pride. Georgia went around pointing out every single one of Ash's Pokémon by name.

"You never would've guessed she's the daughter of a Gym Leader stroke Elite Four member!" May joked, throwing Ash a smile over her shoulder. Ash chuckled.

"I can't believe I've met someone who interacts with her so well," he thought, "and someone I connect with so well…"

He's pegged by a momentary flash of guilt as Serena appeared in his mind once again.

"You were my first love…" he thought sadly. A conversation he'd had with his mother a few years ago came into his mind. She'd told him that even though she was his first love, she didn't have to be his only love.

Baring that in mind, Ash approached May and Georgia, an unwavering smile on his face. May catches his eye as he stood next to her.

"What are you smiling at?" She asked quietly, so not to disturbed Georgia's flow of naming his Pokémon. Ash just watched for a bit longer.

"I'm just happy."

-IBYL-

Ash and May continue to be shown around the corral by Georgia. May kept getting amazed at how easily Georgia could point out and name the different Pokémon. She was the most adorable little girl May had ever seen. It just made her angrier that her mother wasn't around to help Ash raise her.

They mooched around the corral for a couple of hours, before Ash decided he best get back and start preparing dinner.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" May asked, as she and Georgia re-entered the house, just a few minutes after Ash. Georgia quickly ran over to the stairs, heading up them to go get changed out of her pyjamas.

"No, thank you," Ash replied, as he chopped up some vegetables, "feel free to help yourself to drinks whilst I'm cooking, there's a bottle of white in the fridge, and a couple of bottles of red in one of the cupboards in the breakfast table."

May smiled at Ash's generosity. "Thank you." She walked over to the fridge and took out the bottle of wine. She poured herself some, and gestured to Ash, asking if he wanted any. He shook his head.

"Thank you, but I'm gonna grab myself a beer in a moment," Ash replied, as he washed a few potatoes in the sink. May smiled and went back to the fridge, taking out a beer and unscrewing the top. She placed it down next to Ash and the pair shared a smile.

"Thanks."

"Anytime," May replied, placing a gentle hand on Ash's shoulder. Ash winced slightly at the rush of guilt that hit him once again. "I thought I'd stop feeling this when I told her about Georgia?" he thought. He snapped himself out of those thoughts when he heard the doorbell go.

Washing his hands, he walked over to the front door, before pausing and turning to face May.

"Just… brace yourself," he warned, a nervous smile on his face. "It's been a while since my mum's seen me have dinner with someone," Ash elaborated, noticing the questioning look on May's face. May blushed at Ash's explanation.

"Hey mum," Ash greeted Delia, as he opened the door, "how are you?"

"I'm good thank you," a smiling Delia replied, embracing her son. As she did, she noticed someone standing nervously in the background. A stunning brunette.

"And who's this beautiful young thing?" Delia asked, as the mother and son entered the house properly.

"This is May," Ash introduced, his face scarlet, "May, this is my mum, Delia."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Ketchum," May said politely, extending her hand. She was shocked when Delia pulled her in for a hug.

"It's lovely to meet you too, May," Delia replied, "and please, call me Delia."

May nodded, too shocked to verbally reply. Ash smiled at the scene, before another wave of guilt hit him.

"Stop it!" he scolded himself.

"So you've finally invited a girl round for dinner?" Delia's teasing tone snapped him out of his thoughts. Delia pinching his cheek, however, just irritated him. He glared at her as she smirked. May giggled at the interaction.

"It wasn't even him who invited me, it was Georgia!" May exclaimed, still giggling. Delia's face immediately turned stern, and she glared at Ash. May gulped, thinking she'd said something wrong.

"Ash Ketchum!" Delia said, in a raised voice, "my granddaughter is back and you didn't eveb tell me?!" Ash winced at his mother's scolding.

"I've been busy!" Ash replied, lamely, before walking over to the bottom of the stairs, "Georgia, nan's here!"

Once again there was a little pattering of feet and Georgia appeared from around the corner, Pikachu sat on her head. She charged over to Delia and hugged her legs. Pikachu jumped up onto Delia's shoulder and nuzzled her face.

"Hi nanna!" Georgia greeted excitedly, staring up at Delia with sparkling eyes.

"Hey sweetheart!" Delia said, just as enthusiastically, "did you enjoy your holiday?" Delia scooped up her granddaughter as she asked.

"Yeah, I like Kalos, but I love Pallet!" Georgia exclaimed, just as excitedly as she had greeted Delia. May's eyes widen in surprise.

"She travels to Kalos to see her grandparents?"

"I had Elite Four duties to attend to, and she hadn't seen them in a while," Ash explained, noticing May's confused look. She nodded in understanding.

"That's still quite a way to travel," May replied, watching Ash's expression carefully. He sighed quite heavily.

"Yeah, it's too far for her sometimes," a small sad look crossed his face, "mum, can I get you a drink?"

"The usual please, son," Delia answered, still showering Georgia with attention.

"You can all sit up now, it should be ready soon," Ash told them, as he walked over to the fridge to pour his mother's drink. The girls sat up around the breakfast table, with Georgia at the head of the table, where there was a chair not too dissimilar to a high chair, Delia and May on either side, once Delia had fastened Georgia in.

"What are we having, honey?" Delia asked, having a sip of her drink.

"My little girl," Ash started, bringing over Georgia's dinner, "is having mash potato, sausages and veg." He patted her head softly, smiling at the look of excitement that burst onto her face.

"My favourite!" She exclaimed, pretty much bouncing in her seat.

"We're having Fruitte di Mare," Ash added, bringing over Delia and May's plates. May gasped at the dish in front of her. This was her favourite! She could see mussels, prawns and squid all in there. Ash sat down at the other end of the table, with his food and a beer.

"This looks delicious, Ash! Thank you," May said, "and my favourite dish!" She winked at Georgia as she spoke. The little girl giggled in response.

"I'm glad," Ash replied, "mum, yours doesn't have squid in, so I added some salmon in to compensate."

"Thank you, Ash," Delia said gratefully, smiling at her son, "how's things with the Gym?"

"Good thanks," Ash answered as they tucked in.

"Good?" May questioned, "he absolutely pummelled my brother, by all accounts," she told Delia, smirking. Delia raised her eyebrow.

"Your brother?"

"Max, he's hoping to take on the Kanto League," May explained, "I find it quite amusing, because Ash is one of his idols." Ash blushed slightly. Delia smiled, she always got filled with pride at her son's accomplishments.

"Please," Ash scoffed slightly, "He saw me in one tournament." Ash winked at May, who just smirked.

"Actually, he followed your entire career after that, as much as he could." Ash's jaw dropped.

"Daddy, you always say it's rude to stare," Georgia pointed out, after a minute had gone by with Ash still stunned. Delia and May giggled at Ash being told off by his daughter.

"Do as I say, not as I do," Ash replied quickly, winking at Georgia, who giggled at the action.

"So, May," Delia started, "have we ever met before? You seem really familiar," she added gently. May smiled, blushing slightly.

"May's a Top Coordinator," Ash said, smirking at the flustered brunette. Delia gasped.

"That's where I recognise you from! You won the Kanto Grand Festival a few years back," Delia exclaimed, "your Glaceon was majestic."

"Thank you, Delia," May thanked timidly, her face still red. She shot a look at Ash, who stuck his tongue out in response. Georgia giggled.

"If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing in Pallet Town?" Delia asked, curious as to why the Petalburg girl was so far away from home.

"I've recently moved here," May explained, "I've taken a job at the University, lecturing in Pokémon Coordination." Delia was surprised again.

"You're so young to be a lecturer!" Delia complimented, very impressed at the young lady's CV. May smiled. The smile turned to a smirk as she looked at Ash.

"Ash over there's young to be an Elite Four member," May teased, Ash jokingly glared at her, "but, if I may say, Delia," May continued, turning her attention back to the young grandmother, "you've raised a wonderful and talented young man." Ash blushed heavily at the compliment.

"Daddy, are you ill? You keep going red!" Georgia exclaimed, drawing Delia and May's attention to the flustered Gym Leader. Ash's heart pounded. He refused to meet either of the woman's gaze.

Ash's eyes glazed over slightly, the guilt was overwhelming this time. He barely managed to take in the rest of the conversation.

"Thank you, May," Delia replied, "it was quite hard, I had to raise him on my own." There was no bitterness in her voice as she spoke, but Ash's expression hardened. Anger mixed with his guilt, but somehow, he managed to keep a calm exterior.

"On your own? Do you mind me asking what happened?" May asked softly, not wanting to push her luck. Delia smiled softly and sadly.

"His father couldn't handle the idea of being a father so young," Delia explained, "I had Ash when I was 18."

"So… you both managed to raise fantastic children on your own?" May asked. Delia's eyes snapped wide open. Had Ash really told someone about Serena? The mother and son shared a look.

"Yes, although Ash's situation is very different to mine," Delia replied, knowing that Ash hadn't told May the full story.

"Excuse me," Ash said quietly, standing up from the table without making eye contact with anyone. He walked outside into the corral. As soon as he slid the door across, the leant his back against the wall next to it, and slid down until he was sat on the floor. He put his head in his hands, slowly moving his hands up until he gripped his hair.

"Pikapi?" Ash peeked through his fingers at his longest companion. Pikachu's ears were drooped back against his head, seeing Ash in this state.

"Why can't I let her go?" Ash mumbled at Pikachu. The latter cooed, hopping into Ash's lap and snuggling up to him, trying his best to comfort the distressed Gym Leader. The anger, sadness and guilt, it built up in him until he could barely contain it. Tears slipped down his face, and dropped onto the top of Pikachu's head. In response, the electric mouse just snuggled in further.

Pikachu had been there from the start. He'd seen Ash and Serena grow from childhood friends, to crushes, to first loves. For five years, he'd seen Ash sneak away when Georgia was asleep, and just stare at the sky. This was five years of bottled up emotions.

"Chuuuuuu."

"It's so hard," Ash cried quietly, it was under this duress, under the influence of the deep, destructive emotions that he made a snap decision, "I can't see May again." Pikachu's head snapped up to look at Ash.

"I'm too damaged, Pikachu," Ash said, his voice barely above a whisper, "I can barely look after myself and Georgia, it wouldn't be fair."

"Don't you think that's something I should have a say on?" Ash slowly looked up at the source of the voice. He was hurting too much to fully realise that May had heard his monologue. He was too hurt to be affected by the distraught look on her face.

"I… I can't get over her," Ash said, just loud enough that May could hear. May's heart broke. For the third time she'd fallen for a guy who was already in love with someone else.

"Even though she abandoned you and your child?" May snapped, the pain too much. She immediately regretted what she'd said when she saw Ash's face. It contorted in what looked like a mixture of pain and anger.

"I think you should leave." His voice came out level and calm, but there was a distinct and powerful anger. May felt tears prick her eyes.

"Ash, I'm really sorry," she apologised, "that wasn't fair of me, I was just h-"

"No it wasn't fair, not an Arceus damned part of it was," Ash snapped, shooting to his feet, "life isn't fair."

Pikachu was shocked, he'd never seen Ash growl so aggressively at someone. May looked terrified, but she took a deep breath and her demeanour became composed.

"I'm really sorry for whatever you've been through," May apologised genuinely, "just know, I've had such a wonderful time getting to know you and your family, and I really hope you heal someday… I just wish you would've let me help…"

May stepped forward and gave Ash a brief hug, before reaching down and petting Pikachu on the head.

"Goodbye, Ash Ketchum."

He barely had time to blink before she was gone. Ash slowly walked back into the house, dazed and broken. He barely noticed Delia and Georgia loading up the dishwasher.

"Mum… please take Georgia tonight." It came out as an order.

Ash skulked upstairs, not even paying attention to his mother's calling of his name.

He collapsed onto the bed and the emotional drain caught up with him. Ash practically passed out but as he did, he mumbled something under his breath.

"I'm sorry…"

EOC

I'm so surprised at how quickly I'm getting these out… I'm slightly disappointed at the length of the chapter… But I hope it's a case of quality over quantity! I'm in love with this story and I really hope you all are as well. This story has taken a different direction to what I had initially planned. The initial plan had this chapter ending very joyously but I wasn't happy. Not enough drama for this guy! Steering away from the initial plan should elongate this story by a few chapters at least.

REVIEW REPLIES (Up to 07/09/16):

P14Y3R: Thank you! I really appreciate your comments, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well!

BLAZINGCHARIZARD01: I'm glad you're enjoying this and that I'm keeping you guessing! I can guarantee I won't be leaving this alone until it's finished!

CHLOBOSHOKA: Thank you for all the reviews you put on my Fanfictions, I hope that didn't keep you up too late! I'm glad there's a noticeable difference in my writing. I do like to read over my old work on occasion, I feel like it's matured as I've got older.

PRAETORFABLE: Much appreciated! She took it well, but Ash certainly didn't!

ULTRATRON: I'm very pleased to see another familiar name! It's great to be having another story up! Yep! And that's just one of the secrets he's keeping from May ;)

BLACKRUBYADV: *Blushes* I'd hardly consider myself famous… But thank you for the compliment! I'm incredible proud that I've introduced you to such a wonderful Shipdom… It's been my personal favourite, and having not watch the Anime since the Sinnoh arc finished, it always will be! Once Ash's past is finally uncovered, May's will be touched upon. It's my pleasure and I'm honoured that you've spoken so highly of me!

AMERAINWOMAN: I really appreciate this review, and you're not just a person reading behind the screen, I value everyone who reads my stories, whether they make themselves known or not! I'm really glad you're enjoying this! I'm loving writing this and I don't feel rushed by the readers at all, I feel rushed by my brain! I can't get this story out of my head, and want to get the thoughts down as quick as possible! I'm glad the story is flowing well and I'm glad the plot twist wasn't expected!

Thank you to all of you who Fave'd and Alerted.

I've been Advanced Faith, and you have all been awesome! =D