The Future is In the Palm of Our Hands
Ship: Journeyshipping
Summary: Goh does something drastic before he leaves for Project Mew. Now he has to deal with the aftermath.
"Good luck, Goh! Bring home Mew."
Goh nodded, giving Ash a fist bump before heading off to the airport. He had been selected to be one of the Chasers for Project Mew, but boy did they pick a bad time for the expedition.
Ash Ketchum, the amazing boy he had a crush on, was about to face Leon in a match to decide the strongest trainer in the world tomorrow. Of course, he wanted to be there, but Project Mew had summoned him to Hoenn for the final search. As much as he wanted to be there for Ash, he couldn't give up on his dream. Ash understood though, and they agreed that the next time they met they would greet each other with a smile.
But as he walked away, he stopped suddenly.
"Groo Grookey?" Grookey chattered from his shoulder.
"Goh?" Ash asked.
"I can't…" he whispered to himself. "I can't go without doing this…"
Suddenly, he whirled around and ran back towards Ash, crashing his lips into his. Ash was surprised, but before he could react Goh broke away. He looked into Ash's eyes, hoping for a sign that his feelings were reciprocated, but Ash was too in shock to do anything.
"I knew it…" Goh sighed, before walking away. "It's okay, I get it. I just…in case something happens, I didn't want to leave with any regrets. Good luck, Ash."
"Goh, wait!"
But Goh took off, unable to bear the rejection. Ash could only watch as his best friend disappeared over the horizon.
"Goh…"
"Pika Pi?"
"It's okay, buddy. We'll just have to win for him!"
"Pi!"
But even as they got ready for the most important battle of their lives, Ash couldn't help but feel sad.
"Please be safe, Goh. I still have to tell you how I feel…"
Goh didn't catch Mew. In fact, he wouldn't even say he got close, but he wouldn't call the trip a waste. Not at all. He got to meet Mew again, talked them down from destroying him and his friends, and even got to hold them in his hand. If nothing else, it was an interesting day.
However, right now he was dreading the return. Because returning meant having to face Ash again, now The Monarch. How could he compare to that after what happened on Faraway Island? If Ash didn't like him that way before, he sure wouldn't now.
"Yo, Goh!"
Goh jumped, Gary's shout stirring him from his thoughts.
"Did you see Ash's battle against Leon? Crazy stuff, huh?"
"Yeah, he's amazing…"
"So, when are you going to admit your feelings to him?"
Goh spluttered.
"Wh-No, I-"
"Goh, just because Ash doesn't see it doesn't mean no one else does."
Goh just let out a big sigh.
"Alright, yes, I have a crush on him. A huge crush, but…"
"But what?"
"Well, look at him! He's the champion of Alola, AND The World Monarch! He's beaten all of these super strong trainers, met all of these cool people…I've got nothing!"
Gary chuckled, and patted him on the back.
"Ah, don't focus on all of the negatives! Ash doesn't care about all of that."
"How could he not?"
"Have you met Ash? I've known the kid for years, and he never bothered to write."
"So once he leaves, I'll never hear from him again?"
Gary sighed.
"Look, I get it. Your first crush is a big deal, and maybe you haven't completely figured out your sexuality. But Ash isn't going to hurt you. Just tell him how you feel. Worse comes to worse, you can still be friends. And if he feels the same way…"
Goh sighed. Damn it, he hated when Gary was right.
"Thanks, Gary."
"You bet. But listen, I may not always treat him nicely, but Ash is my best friend. Just…don't do anything to hurt him."
Goh smiled, and gave him a thumbs up.
"I wouldn't dream of it."
The next day, Goh was back in Vermillion City. Chloe was the first person he met up with, which surprised him.
"Where's Ash? I thought you would've been Ash."
Chloe shrugged.
"I don't know, he said he'd catch up. What's gotten into you guys?"
Goh sighed, and explained what had happened, making Chloe squeal in happiness.
"Oh my gosh, that's so cute! So…when's the first date?"
"There isn't going to be one. I…I ran away before he said anything."
"Why?"
"I…I don't deserve him. I mean, look at all he's accomplished! How can I ever compare to that?"
"Oh, Goh…" Chloe said sympathetically. "If it helps, I think you're amazing."
Goh smiled, and wiped away one of his tears.
"Thanks, Chloe."
"It's too bad, though. If you guys were dating, you could double date with me and Dawn."
Goh gasped happily.
"She said yes?"
"Even better, she asked me out!"
"Chloe, that's amazing!"
"I know! In fact, I think I might even become a Coordinator and go with her on her next journey."
"That's awesome!"
"Goh!"
Their moment of happiness was short-lived, as the subject of Goh's inner turmoil appeared over the hill. Chloe, sensing her presence wasn't needed, scooted away to give them some space.
"Oh, hey Ash! I managed to catch the end of your battle, you were awesome."
"Thanks! Now then, I think I owe you something."
"What?"
"This!"
And before Goh could react, Ash pulled him into a long, loving kiss. Goh was shocked, but quickly melted into it, savoring the moment. When they pulled away, Goh couldn't help but stare lovingly into Ash's eyes. Eyes that were staring back just as lovingly into his.
"Why, Goh? Why'd you run away?"
"I…I got in my own head. You're such an awesome person, and…"
"And you're not?"
"Compared to you, I'm…"
Before he could finish his sentence, Ash pulled him into another, much longer kiss. This time when they pulled away, Goh no longer felt nervous.
"Goh, I'm not an expert on love. But all of those moments you shared with me, from riding on the back of Lugia to The Darkest Day, I felt something much more than friendship. It took me ages to find out what these feelings were, but that kiss we shared…for the first time in ages, I knew exactly how I felt. So…if you'll have me, I'd like to…"
"Shut up and kiss me, you beautiful idiot!"
And that's exactly what he did. Chloe smiled, glad her best friend had found love, but she still had one burning question on her mind.
"So, are we back on for the double date?"