Happy Father's Day! I tried to write a one shot that was actually centric to the holiday, but it wasn't coming out the way I wanted to. So, instead, I decided to go the same route I went with Mother's Day and simply focus the story on Ash as a dad.

Enjoy!


Bad Business Trip

"Who's my happy little girl? Is it you?"

Ash was not above babbling nonsensically to his babies or speaking in a silly, high pitched voice; he never was. He was sure that some other people might've teased him for it, or thought it was downright foolish, but he didn't care. Being a good and present father, in addition to being a fun one, was very important to Ash, and he refused to take the opportunity for granted.

Besides, the smiles it managed to get out of the little ones was the best tradeoff he could possibly think of.

They had just started smiling in earnest about a week or so ago, but Ash really thought it was the greatest thing. Their grins were so big and uncoordinated, full of pure joy and happiness. Every time either baby smiled, it got Ash and Misty giggling like there was no tomorrow.

And those two simple questions, spoken in that baby-talk voice, had indeed gotten a smile out of little Michelle, much to Ash's amusement.

"Oh, you're so sweet," he cooed, lifting the infant into his arms and rubbing their noses together. "You make Daddy so happy with that big smile of yours!"

Ash was so busy nuzzling with Michelle that he failed to notice Misty walk into the room, Aiden held in her own arms with his head resting against her shoulder. She smirked at the sight of her husband and daughter before softly asking, "you enjoying your time together?"

The raven-haired man looked up and grinned. "Of course! We're best buddies. And I'm getting lots and lots of smiles out of her!"

"How cute," Misty giggled, sitting down across from Ash.

"How about you and Aiden?" Ash asked, reaching over to toy with the boy's wispy raven locks.

"Well, I know he was having fun," Misty sighed with a laugh. "Mealtime is always Aiden's favorite. I just have no idea how such a little thing can have such a big appetite!"

"Cause he's my son!" Ash chuckled. "His size is deceiving, that's all."

Misty giggled and buried her nose in Aiden's hair. After staying like that for a few seconds, however, she suddenly took on a more serious expression and looked back up at her husband, cautiously inquiring, "I hate to ask, but have you started packing for the Indigo League yet?"

Ash frowned and gave the exact answer Misty was expecting. "No. I don't want to go."

"I know you don't," Misty sighed. "But it's your job; everyone expects you to be there."

"But the babies are only a month old!" Ash cried, looking down desolately at Aiden and then Michelle. As soon as he and the girl locked eyes, the little baby smiled again, and that only made things worse. "How can I leave them now? How can I leave you now?"

Misty bit her bottom lip. "What, you think I'm gonna become unhinged?"

"No," Ash groaned, shaking his head. Misty was still a bit sensitive, especially when it came to the matter of her postpartum depression. Whenever Ash expressed concern for her, she automatically assumed it had to do with that, which was never his intention and he was always quick to rectify. "Nothing like that! I just feel bad not being here."

"It's only for a few days," Misty patiently reminded him, her prior irritation having melted away. "Besides, I won't be alone! Your mom already said she's going to stay here while you're gone to help out, and I think she's very excited to spend so much time with her grandchildren."

She giggled with the last statement, but Ash couldn't return her jovial mood. And then, out of nowhere, he posed a question that Misty was absolutely not expecting.

"Misty…do you think I'm a bad father?"

Her eyes widened in obvious disbelief. "No way! Why would you ever ask me that?"

Ash stared at her incredulously. "Because I'm literally about to leave you and our newborn twins to go to a Pokémon League."

"Yes, for your job," Misty reiterated. "You're not up and walking out on us, Ash! I know I'm still very hormonal, but I understand the difference."

"Then why does it feel like that's exactly what I'm doing?" Ash groaned.

"Because you're being too hard on yourself," Misty easily replied. "And…this isn't easy for you. I understand that. You're protective of me and the babies. It's very sweet, and I appreciate it! Even if I do give you a hard time every once in a while. I know Aiden and Michelle do too, even though they can't say it yet. But you also love your job; you love being the Pokémon Master. And that's perfectly fine. Honestly, it's great! It's what you've wanted all your life, after all. And I'm here to support you in any way that I can. If that means missing you for a couple of days and being on single parent duty, then so be it. I can manage."

Ash said nothing but was clearly flustered. Misty just smirked, knowing she had accomplished what she wanted. After all, he couldn't really keep arguing his own point after Misty had made her own argument so convincing. Dragging the twins' basket towards them, Misty softly kissed Aiden on the forehead before placing him inside, nodding for Ash to do the same with Michelle. He seemed hesitant at first, but soon put her in beside her brother, watching as the two babies gurgled and snuggled up against one another.

"See?" Misty prodded, her grin widening when she saw Ash's lips twitch into a weak smile. "They're such happy babies! They won't think you've abandoned them or anything like that."

"But you don't know that," Ash whined, throwing his head back.

"Sweetheart, they're a month old," Misty snickered. "All they really know is eat, sleep, and cry."

"Not true!" Ash cried. "They also know how to smile now!"

That caused Misty to smile herself. "You're right about that."

"And I'm going to miss their smiles…" Ash grumbled.

Misty giggled sweetly. "Ash, technology exists. I'll be sure to video chat you and send you pictures and videos every single day! You won't be cut off from the babies, I promise."

Ash still looked torn, and it broke Misty's heart. She might've been able to prove her point to him, which was good, but he was clearly still struggling with actually having to leave home. Getting up from her seat so she wouldn't have to move the twins and potentially disturb them, Misty walked over to Ash's right side and snuggled up against him.

"You are the sweetest guy in the whole world," Misty began. "And I know how much this upsets you. But I need you to know that it's okay. It's okay for you to be upset, and it's okay for you to go, too. Aiden, Michelle, and I will always love you. No matter what."

"I love you guys too," Ash muttered. "And I'm going to miss you."

"And we'll miss you," Misty assured him. "But we're also going to be okay. Your mom will make sure of it!"

Ash couldn't help but to chuckle at the declaration. "Trust me, I know that."

"Good," Misty giggled, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad!"

Panicked whimpering caused Misty to pull away from Ash, nervously glancing down at the babies' basket. Not to her surprise, Michelle had grown considerably unhappy in a matter of seconds and was now on the verge of a crying fit: her way of demanding to be picked up right away.

"Alright, I've got you," Misty cooed. As she reached out for the girl, however, Ash covered her hand with his own and showed off a sheepish grin.

"Mind if I take care of it?" He asked. "I'm really going to miss cuddling with her while I'm gone."

Misty smiled understandingly and silently nodded. She pulled back and watched as Ash picked up the baby himself, holding her against his chest and stroking the back of her wispy, bright red hair.

"There, there," he murmured, kissing the top of the baby's head. "We're right here, baby girl! You're safe with us."

Michelle gurgled, her near tantrum having been stopped in its tracks. Misty couldn't help but to smile, finding it sweet just how comfortable their little daughter was with Ash. It wasn't a surprise, of course; she had watched Ash bond with and nurture both of their children since the day they were born. She just could never get over how truly precious it was.

"You really are the sweetest," Ash mumbled to the baby, giving her a gentle hug. "What am I going to do without you and your brother while I'm gone?"

"I could give you a stuffed Pokémon to bring along and snuggle with," Misty lamely suggested, earning herself an unamused glare from her husband. "Hey, just trying to help!"

"Haha, very funny," Ash droned.

"I wasn't necessarily trying to be funny, but I'll take it," Misty quipped.

Ash said nothing and went back to nuzzling the baby in his arms. After quietly watching him for a few minutes, Misty softly asked, "do you at least feel a little bit better? I know this still isn't easy for you, but I hope you're not still thinking you're a bad father or anything like that. Because that's what really breaks my heart."

Frowning, Ash admitted, "I think I'm starting to come to terms with it. I mean, you're right. I'm probably just being too hard on myself."

"No, you're definitely being too hard on yourself," Misty insisted. "You're always so confident; you should be the same way as a dad! Trust me, you're the best."

His lips finally bent back into a smile. "Thanks, Mist. That means a lot to me."

Smiling herself, Misty leaned forward to give him a quick kiss. "Glad I could help. Seriously this time." Pulling back, she continued, "I think it's about time I started dinner. I was going to make one of your favorites; thought it might help cheer you up a bit."

Ash's grin widened. "A good meal can never hurt!"

"I was hoping you'd say that," Misty giggled, standing up from the couch. "You're good with the twins for now?"

"Yeah, of course!" Ash crowed. "We're gonna do lots of hanging out before I have to leave."

"I'm sure they'll love that," Misty murmured. "After all…they adore you!"


While Ash is just attached to his family, I imagine he'd also be thinking about his own father a lot and that being a big reason why he feels so bad leaving (even if it's only temporary) which is why he asked Misty the question he did. But just like Misty, we all know he's not a bad father!