"Hey, what's wrong?" I shifted slightly on the bed, feeling Ash's gaze on me as he waited for my response. The concern in his voice was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for making him worry.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to face him, struggling to put my feelings into words. "I'm feeling guilty," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "All these awards and conferences for my research paper on the Stone-gene... It's like I've been consumed by my work, and I've lost sight of what's truly important."

The admission weighed heavily on my chest, and I couldn't bring myself to meet Ash's eyes as I spoke. I knew he deserved better than a partner who was constantly preoccupied with academic pursuits, leaving him to face challenges alone. "If I had been here, you would have not rushed to the Ultra World without proper back up. I would have been there beside you."

I waited anxiously for his response, unsure of how he would react to my confession. Would he be disappointed in me? Angry? I braced myself for whatever he had to say, silently hoping that he would understand the struggle I was experiencing. Then, the most unexpected thing happened. Ash started laughing.

As Ash's laughter fills the room, I can't help but furrow my brows in confusion. "What's so funny?" I ask, my tone laced with a hint of hurt.

But instead of offering an apology or reassurance, Ash continues to chuckle, leaving me feeling even more bewildered. When he finally speaks, his words only serve to deepen my confusion. "I would have never called you anyway," he says, his tone light but his words landing heavily on my heart.

I feel a pang of hurt at his words, my expression reflecting the sting of rejection. "What do you mean?" I ask, my voice tinged with disappointment.

"Gary, it's not like that." Ash smiled gently at me and spoke with a reassuring tone. "You're a Pokémon Professor and part of the Sevii Islands Battle Frontier, but technically, you're a civilian. I couldn't have called you for backup."

But despite the hurt and frustration simmering beneath the surface, I force myself to push aside my emotions, focusing instead on the conversation at hand. "But I've called Riley for backup plenty of times," I point out, my tone defensive.

Ash nodded in agreement. "True, but Riley's different. He's a Blue Knight, an Aura Guardian. He has a unique role that allows him to intervene in certain situations. Especially, with the Rota Kingdom's Queen's backing."

I only grew more frustrated and confused with his response. "So, what you're saying is, because I'm not some 'Aura Guardian,' I don't qualify to help you out?"

I finally made my peace with the fact that Ash was a better Pokémon, perhaps even unrivaled in his dedication and skill. His boundless energy and unyielding determination were qualities I both admired and envied. Though I may not have boasted Ash's natural talent or the same fervor for adventure, I had carved out my own path in the world of Pokémon training. With a wealth of experience and a strategic mind honed through years of hard-fought battles, I had earned my place among the elite trainers of our time. So, to have my skill dismissed like that hurt.

"It's not about qualifications, Gary." Ash gently caressed my cheek with his hand, his tender smile making my heart melt from the warmth. "It's more about the rules and regulations. You're a Pokémon Professor and a Frontier Brain, and while that's super important, it's not the same as being part of an organization that's officially sanctioned to handle these kinds of situations."

"But I've always had your back, Ash. I thought we were a team." I hated that I sounded like a whiny child, but those were my true feelings and I had made a promise to Ash to never hide them again, to never mask them behind cruel mocking words.

"We are, Gary, but sometimes the rules are out of our control. I wish it were different, believe me." Ash leaned forwards and kissed me gently. "As for you focusing on your research studies, why do you think that would bother me at all?" Ash chuckled. "Look, Gary, our friendship has always been a unique one. We've had our ups and downs, but we've always found a way back to each other. Remember how we kept our rivalry alive for four years while traveling different regions?"

I nodded, feeling both bittersweet and nostalgic at the memories. "Yeah, those were some wild times. We barely even kept in touch during those years."

"Exactly. And then we courted for a year while you were studying in Sinnoh and I was busy taking on the Sinnoh Pokémon League. We hardly spoke then either." Ash continued. "And even when we dated for a year while you were in Kalos and I was in Unova, our communication was limited."

I smiled, realizing where Ashy was going with this. "It's true, we were both focused on our own paths."

"We've always respected each other's dreams and ambitions. Just because we're not constantly by each other's side doesn't mean our bond isn't strong. You focusing on your research and goals is just as important as me focusing on my training and ranger missions." Ash reassured me, his words brought me peace.

"Thanks, Ash. I guess I just needed a reminder. It's easy to get caught up in feeling guilty sometimes." I relaxed into the mattress, it felt as if a weight was lifted from my shoulders.

"No problem," Ash beamed. "We're in this together, even if we're apart. And remember, whenever you need me, I'm just a call away."

Now that this is done, we have more serious issues to discuss. "I've been meaning to ask, how are you holding up? I know your time in the Ultra World must've been tough on you."

Ash sighed heavily, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Yeah, it was definitely intense. It's hard to put into words everything I saw and experienced there. But I'm getting there, slowly but surely."

I nodded, concern evident in my expression. "I can imagine. It must have been overwhelming. But I'm glad to hear you're making progress. You know, you can always talk to me about it if you need to."

Ash offered me a faint smile, though there's a hint of exhaustion in his eyes. "Thanks, Gary. I appreciate that. It means a lot to me to have someone I can trust and confide in."

I paused for a moment, contemplating my next words. "And what about your visits to the Rota Kingdom? Has that been helping?"

Ash brightened slightly at the mention of the Rota Kingdom. "Yeah, it has, actually. Being there with Lucario and training with the Guardians was therapeutic in a way. It helps me clear my mind and focus on the present."

"That's good to hear. And what about talking with your psychologist? Is that making a difference?" I nodded approvingly.

Ash leaned back, visibly relaxing as he reflected on the question. "Yeah, it is. It's not always easy, opening up about everything, but it's necessary. My psychologist has been really supportive, helping me work through my feelings and cope with everything that happened."

"Well, I'm glad you're taking steps to take care of yourself, Ashy. You've been through a lot, and it's important to prioritize your well-being." I offered him a reassuring smile.

As I was about to lean in, the anticipation of the kiss lingering in the air, but just as our lips were about to meet, Ash's Rotom Phone disrupted the moment with its intrusive ringing. Both of us groaned in unison, now that all the talking was over with, the fun was about to start.

Ash shot me an apologetic look before reaching for the phone, his expression shifting from frustration to curiosity as he noticed the caller ID. With a sigh, he accepted the call, his voice carrying a hint of confusion as he greeted the caller.

"Hello, Leon, what a surprise," Ash began, a touch of amusement coloring his tone. Making me turn to him in surprise, what did the Champion of Galar need with my boyfriend? "I recently upgraded my Xtransceiver and I just realized that this is my first Rotom Phone call, you know? How exciting! What do you need?"