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Grookey clings to Goh's arm tightly at the time of 2:00 at night, the time where everyone in the laboratory is asleep.
Except one.
Goh knows this because Cerise had taken the night here after working late, and his two assistants Chrysa and Ren had gone home. Chloe was sleeping in her room in the lab too, after it was too late at night to get back to her house with her Dad.
Then there was Ash. You can hear those loud snores from his bed, and random mummurings which normally consisted of the topic of battling. Even his Pikachu twitched in response. What would you expect though, from Ash Ketchum.
The boy who stole Goh's heart almost 4 years ago.
Now they're leaving the lab tomorrow, setting off on their new, separate journeys.
Goh has been staring at the ceiling, for the pat few hours, trying to get to sleep and failing miserably. It was hard to get to sleep when he knew this would be his last night in this room, and... he has to say last night with Ash. But he doesn't want to say that at all. He glances down at Grookey, breathing in and out softly, looking peaceful. Who knew that Mew wouldn't be his first pokemon. In fact, he is glad that the galar starters are his partners, as well as all his other pokemon friends in the Park. They're all sleeping out there, knowing that their trainer is going to leave tomorrow, after Cerise assured Goh he would take care of them all.
No matter how much he shuffled and turned, he couldn't stop thinking. His brain was buzzing. He was wondering if anyone could hear it frantically going through multiple thoughts. Grookey seems blissfully unaware, but Goh is glad there's one less person to worry about him. He takes his hand from under the covers, and towards his Grookey's head, giving him a scratch behind the ear, sadly. Grookey mumbles slightly in it's sleep, out like a light. Just like Ash below. Or Pikachu. Chloe. Cerise.
So yes, point cleared, everyone was asleep except him. But why? Well, Goh is clearly in deep reflection, looking back on all the adventures he had with his pokemon. All the adventures he had with Ash too, he took for granted. He honestly doesn't know how he will cope without him by his side, but had decided not to say it out loud at the goodbye party either at the lab last night. Goh suddenly shuffled himself to sit up in bed, finally realising he's too busy in thoughts to possibly try and sleep. He averts his eyes down at the monkey's paws clinging faithfully to his arm, just like the day they first met, and places him on the mattress next to him, watching him for a bit. Grookey hardly seemed to have noticed the move, to Goh's relief.
Goh throws the blanket off himself and onto grookey, careful not to creak the bed or make any sudden noises. After a few food seconds of making sure no one woke up from the slight noises, he puts one foot down the ladder at a time, praying for none of them to creak. That's when he sees Ash snoring away as be imagined, with pikachu all cuddled up on his tummy. Ash has weird... positions of sleeping, but Goh doesn't comment on it.
In fact, he thinks it's cute.
Goh can't help but smile fondly after thinking about that, as he finally touches his bare foot against the cold floorboard. It's crazy that some weeks ago, even days ago now that he thinks about it, Goh would be horrified at the prospect of describing his research fellow with the word cute. Now he doesn't scold himself for saying that.
Because they're boyfriends.
There's only one downside to this, Goh thinks to himself, his eyes never leaving Ash's face, clearly dreaming about something crazy. With a small sigh, he turns his back to him, and walks over to the door, which Thank Arceus is already slightly open so he doesn't have to try and avoid that terrible creak of when he tries to open it. He travels his hand along the walls as he goes past Chloe's room, whose door is shut along with Cerise's, and down to the staircase rail, trying his hardest to avoid the squeaky annoying steps as he goes.
He's greeted by the unexpected darkness, with a few curtains open to let in some pleasant moonlight. Going into the kitchen, he grabs himself a cup and pour himself some water, the crinkling of the water filling the cup making him stop every so often, as if that would wake everyone from upstairs up. As soon as the cold water hits his tounge, it's refreshingly chilly for his mind to clear up a little more. From his view, he can actually look out the window and towards the park where his pokemon are sleeping in their desired habitats.
His Magikarp bobbling in the water, his stantler leaning its head against a tree as it sleeps, the flebebe's using their flowers as a little bed... the list could go on and on, and somewhere out in the park, there is also his Suicune. Perhaps Suicune is sleeping, perhaps not. So maybe he isn't the only one awake. How proud he is to have earned Suicune's trust, but pride isn't the only thing. He wants to develop a stronger bond with Suicune, and all his pokemon, and get to know them better, before working his way up to Mew, the legendary mythical pokemon. But that day will have to wait.
A small smile pulls at his lips, as he clutches at the cold water glass in his hand. His and Ash's dreams are so different, aren't they? But somehow... Somehow they both work. Ash, his boyfriend, his best friend, is the world champion. That's so strange to say. It gives him even more pride to be Ash's. His thoughts are consuming him again. He frowns a little too quickly, and pours the rest of the water down the sink after suddenly loosing his appetite for it. How do you loose appetite for water, he doesn't know.
Goh looks towards the window once more, before turning away and heading back quietly up the stairs to his shared room with Ash. The clearing up of his mind from the water had only worked temporarily and... he did want to go outside for a walk but it was a little too late to do that. Sighing from his array of choices, he slips through the gap of their bedroom door, gazing over at Ash suddenly, who seems to have moved in his sleep. Moonlight falling from the window is gracefully illuminating Ash's not-so-graceful expression, as he still seems to be deep in sleep, snoring, with Pikachu still curled up on his tummy. But something about him is weirdly heart-tugging, despite how strange he could be.
Walking over to the bunk bed, Goh lets his hands move to their own accord, and he leans his fingers over to gently stroke some strands of the boy's hair back, that are messily in the view of his closed eyes. Ash seems to smile goofily in his sleep when he does that, making Goh smile further, his heart melting. "I love you." Goh whispers, trailing his fingertips to Ash's cheeks, before reluctantly sliding his hands away and towards the ladder instead. He has to stop getting so attached. Without looking back at Ash this time, he climbs up to his bed to meet his Grookey, who unexpectedly is staring right back at him, round eyes blinking. Goh smiles sympathetically. "Sorry I left, Grookey."
"Gru, Grookey?" Grookey asks, tilting his head slightly, as if he was asking where his trainer just went. Nevertheless, when Goh settles down on the bed, he settles on Goh's arm too, letting out a soft mummur when Goh's hand strokes his fur.
"I'm fine, Grookey." Goh lies, staring into the corner of the room. "Let's go to sleep." He knows the tactic very well of stroking Grookey until he finally nods off to sleep, and this goes to both of them. But it doesn't seem to be working for either of them this time.
He just can't stop thinking about Ash. Everything he thinks about somehow leads to him. See, this is the disadvantage of confessing to your crush a few days before you have to depart from each other. Well, it was more like Ash. He was the one who confessed to Goh, while they were on the deck of a yacht coming from Hoenn, staring out into the sunset. Goh will never ever forget that magical day, that changed everything forever.
Blinking back to reality, he sees Grookey with his eyes drooping, after stroking him for a while. If only Goh could get to sleep like that. He turns around, facing the wall to change his sleeping position, which hardly makes much difference. This is hopeless.
Or it would have been hopeless, if Goh didn't suddenly heard the light creaking of a bed. Then the mumbles of a complaining pikachu. Then the light pad of feet on the steps of the ladder. Without even having to, Goh turns himself around, knowing exactly who he was going to find there. With his arms crossed and still standing on the ladder, Goh meets the boy's eyes.
"Goh?" He doesn't look too surprised when he sees Goh looking right back at him. "You...have been awake for...a while now." Ash smiles, rubbing his eyes, his face radiant and soft despite his tiredness . Goh wishes he wasn't so... so.. attractive. "You went down to the kitchen and.." Ash trails off, staring him in the eye.
"I'm fine. Sorry for waking you." Goh replies, slightly embarrassed from the prospect Ash knew he was awake this whole time. "We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow, you need some beauty slee-"
"So do you." Ash interrupts, bopping Goh's nose. "Come on, scooch over." Somehow this new experience of sleeping together felt all giddy and slightly nervy at once, though part of Goh wanted to show he was protesting against this.
"G-Grookey is gonna get squash-" Just like that, Grookey must have heard his trainers miserable excuse and stop clutching onto Goh's arm. He used Ash's head to jump onto, which let out a yelp from Ash himself, before jumping on the floor, and heading off to cuddle next to Pikachu instead.
Ash turns back to Goh triumphantly. "See. No Grookey is gonna get squashed." He proclaims, and looks at Goh pointedly. "Come on, shuffle up, buttercup." With some exaggerated hesitation, Goh eventually moves up to make room for him. Ash immediately makes himself comfortable, and opens the covers to cover himself, lying right on Goh's pillow. The bed was obviously only designed for one person, after all. He was so close to Goh's face, in fact, Goh wouldn't be surprised if Ash could hear his brain buzzing and feel his cheeks radiating a bit too much heat. As if Ash noticed this, he decides to practically cuddle his face into Goh's chest, with a satisfied smile.
Goh is at boiling point by now.
Ash giggles giddily, lighting up Goh's insides a bit too quickly. "Also...I love you too." It took a few seconds for Goh to latch onto the fact that Ash had been awake when he said I love you to him.
And when Goh thought he was asleep.
Goh might as well go and jump into a volcano. The warmth spreading to almost every inch of his body wouldn't be much of a different temperature. You're very cute, Goh." Ash says out of the blue, smiling, innocently. He wraps his arms around Goh's waist for extra effect, pressing both of them impossibly closer.
Goh pouts, looking down at his adorable boyfriend all cuddled up to him. "Shut up. No one could possibly be cuter than you."
"Is that a compliment?" Ash asks, suddenly looking up back at him.
Goh looks away, the sudden gaze of this stupid boy sending him crackers. Instead, he absent-mindedly lets Ash tangle their legs together. "Maybe." Ash giggles again, and oh how fucking precious it sounds. Goh wants to record it and listen to it forever, even though that sounds super clingy and weird.
After about a minute of enjoying each others prescence and just listening to the sounds of their surroundings, Pikachu and Grookey snoring, the occasional ruffle of the trees, and even just the ticking of the clock that seems very noticeable in the silence now. Until Ash breaks it "Hey..." He begins.
Oh, here we go. Goh thinks to himself. The real reason why he came up here. "Why didn't you want me to sleep next to you?"
Oh. Well, he wasn't really expecting that, to say the least. Goh doesn't actually know the answer, he was just slightly embarrassed to happily agree for a cuddle in the same bed. But then he also gets reminded that...
"Remember? Our Mum's phoned Professer Cerise to make sure we sleep in separate beds. You know." Goh says, suggestively. "Hormones."
Ash blinks up at him, cluelessly.
Goh searchs for a different word, his dumbass boyfriend clearly not catching on. "Uhm... you might feel a little..erm." Ash still looks clueless. Goh takes a breath, taking a different approach. "Well, let's say erm...y'know, puberty?"
"Puberty?" Ash repeats. "What has that got to do with any-"
Goh groans, in frustration, sighing a little too quickly without meaning to. "It's fine, never you mind." He mumbles, but Ash has already gone back to cuddling into Goh's chest anyway, so either way it didn't really matter. Goh can't help but smile again. He realises he does it a lot around Ash, without thinking. "You're...really stupid." Goh sighs again, but weirdly enough, almost admiringly.
His hand reaches up and over to lace through Ash's hair again, which lets out a small addictive sigh from Ash himself. He remembers how he stroked Ash's hair out the way just a few minutes ago, and they both seem to have caught back to the thought, as their eyes meet while they share a smile.
Ash moves his head up to give Goh's chin a light peck, with a dreamy smile dancing on both of their lips when he does so. "Mwah. I just love seeing you happy." Goh obviously just has to flush from that, not knowing whether to restrain his mouth from flirting.
"But..." Ash settles his chin back down at Goh's heart, staring up at his boyfriend with wide eyes. "You didn't seem very happy before..." He finishes, quietly. Goh opens his mouth to find himself saying nothing, so he closes it again, letting Ash continue. "I think I know why."
Goh isn't really expecting for Ash to find their goodbye tomorrow hard to do. He's say goodbye many times before, with other people and... he doesn't seem to have brought it up until now. "Oh." Is all Goh can respond with.
"So, since I know the reason..." Ash shuffles impossibly closer, so he's eye level with the doubtful boy infront of him. Goh isn't sure Ash knows all the reasons, but let's Ash go on. "Let's stay like this the entire night." Goh wishes Ash could have said eternity, forever, always, instead of just the night. He can't believe they haven't slept together before, and really let a phone call from their Mum's to Cerise stop them from doing so. Besides, it's the last night together, and it's not like they're gonna do anything... weird.
Ash is probably too oblivious to even understand what I would mean by that. Goh thinks to himself, which brings him back to reality into the said boy, who is still gazing at him, expectedly. "Yeah sure." Goh replies, quickly, hugging Ash towards him as he realises his hands have just draped on Ash's waist.They'll both get really sweaty and uncomfy soon, all snuggled up, but oh well, it'll be fine.
Ash hums, somehwhat between satisfaction and some sorrow. Goh can't really tell. "Can I have a goodnight kiss, Goh?" Ash asks, sweetly, and obviously his Goh complies. How can you say no to that face, anyway?
Goh smiles softly back, his eyes getting more droopier by the minute of sleeping next to Ash. He wishes he wasn't going to sleep. He just wants to be aware of Ash next to him, talk his mind out to him, and shower him with every compliment possibly from every bone in his body- that fuels from Ash himself. "You're so cute." Goh whispers, before connecting his lips with Ash's in a pleasantly fulfilling way. However long it lasts, just feeling Ash's sometimes soft, sometimes chapped lips against his, is enough to give him some motivation to do certain things. Today they felt very soft. Goh could practically melt into them. All good things have to end of course, as they separate, but Goh can't help but relate this to their journey.
Frowning slightly, he shakes his head free of his thoughts, unaware Ash is watching him anxiously. "Baby? Did I do something wrong?" Goh is so absorbed in thoughts he hardly even remembers to blush from the pet name.
He pays his full attention on Ash again. "Of course you didn't, lovie." Goh leans over nuzzles Ash's forehead with his lips, leaving the occasional kiss wherever he goes. He loves the way Ash smiles happily when he does this, and he can't stop that pride coming through that he's the one making the boy of his dreams so happy. "You should go to sleep. We should." Goh corrects, hugging the duvet round them more tightly despite a growth of overwhelming warmth.
They'll be fine though. He'd rather enjoy this last night of proper sleep. For a while.
"Kay, Goh. Goodnight, I love you." Ash mumbles, already heading back into Goh's chest.
Goh's heart is so full. Too full. "I love you too. Goodnight, Ash." He whispers back, already full-well knowing that Ash will be asleep in a matter of seconds, with that voice that sounded like he hadn't slept for years. Just like that, he was the only one still awake in the lab again.
But it'll be fine. With Ash in his arms, he will get to sleep in no time. He looks down at Ash, already smiling in his sleep which causes his heart to swell even more. It could threaten to burst if he watches him any longer. Everything seems to perfect, even though it's just for tonight. Because days nights like tomorrow, and the night after, and the night after, knowing Ash isn't underneath his bunk, or next to him is surely going to give him a hard time getting sleep.
But tomorrow will come. Let tonight pass.
This is going to be Goh's best sleep in a while now. He should embrace it.
Goh is packing his bag in their shared room, not really sure what to leave or bring, even if it seems obvious. Maybe he's just wasting time, taking in his surroundings if his room. Goh knows he is acting a bit bizzare, but this has been his home, his room with Ash for 4 years now. It seems scary and strange to leave it all behind. He will come back to Vermillion at some point anyway, and see the Professer and Chloe... but he doesn't know if Ash will ever go back either.
Goh seemed to be excited for his next journey ever since he decided he was going on one, but today his mood was slightly indecisive though definitely sad too. The hardest part will be leaving each other. Goh doesn't even know what will happen between them. They could have a long-distance relationship but...he's too used to seeing Ash right next to him, always there to give him occasional support, cuddles and kisses when he needs it most.
He was always been there for Goh as a friend too.
Goh zips up his bag, as Grookey watches him sorrowfully. "It'll all be fine, Grookey. I'll be fine." Goh says, reassuringly looking over at his partner. Grookey just jumps on his shoulder, in companionship, and the two share a little comfort there.
Right. Right! He has Grookey. He has some of his pokemon.
At the very moment, Ash bursts into the room, looking relieved to see Goh there, packing his bag. Goh can't help but crack a small smile at seeing Pikachu tired of being thrown about by its rambunctious trainer running practically everywhere. "There you are Goh." Ash sighs, and he stands at the doorway for a few seconds, watching Goh zip and unzip his bag a few times. It's only been a few second and the silence is unnerving. "Are you...OK?"
Goh stops fiddling with his zip and feels everyone's eyes on him, including the pokemon. "Uhm...Yeah." Ash is still watching. Waiting. Goh begins, "Well, About that, Ash-"
"BOYS!" Cerise suddenly yells from the bottom of the staircase, making both of them jump. "Time to go, otherwise you might be late!" Ash has a hand on his heart when Goh looks back over to him, probably still in recovery from the shock.
"Heh." Ash mutters, sheepishly. "We probably should get going though, Goh." It comes across as slight surprise when Ash takes his hand and squeezes it, even though it shouldn't be. "This room is where it all began, huh?" He says, softly suddenly analysing every nook and cranny along with Goh.
Goh hums, but then turns towards the doorway. "Yeah. We should get going though." He says, sadly, and before Ash can say anything, he slips out of Ash's grasp, and walks off, beginning to head down the staircase. Grookey gives a confused look to his trainer, but Goh ignores it.
Goh doesn't actually know why he walked out. But he feels better that he finally tore himself away from the room- and Ash. It's not like he won't see the room again, unlike Ash. Well, probably not. They haven't even had much time to talk about their relationship from now on after Ash winning the world championship and Goh finishing Project Mew. He just doesn't know what's going to play out now, and he's scared for reality to happen.
When he goes downstairs, Cerise is there to greet him, as well as Chrysa and Ren, who do a little spin to get out their computer chairs. Chloe suddenly appears from the dining room too. Goh smiles at them all, clutching onto the straps of his backpack tightly. "Hello everyone." He smiles, half-awkwardly.
Chrysa suddenly envolopes him in a one armed hug, taking Goh by surprise. Then Ren joins in, his arm around Goh on the other side of him, Chloe and Professer Cerise too. With the two researches at each side and the professer behind him with his hands on Goh's shoulders, and Chloe somehow squished in- It's a bit of a squash but Goh doesn't complain in the slightest. He feels Chloe giving his shoulder a teasing pinch, mirroring the expression of her action, but he can tell she still has that sorrow on her face. At that very moment, everyone turns their heads towards the staircase, where Ash is yelling, "Go-"
He stops midway when he sees everyone surrounding Goh himself, and stands there for a moment. "Oh. Did I interrupt?"
Chrysa then grins. "Join the circle." It does take long for him for his solemn smile to turn into a goofy grin, and he runs over to all of them, practically knocking Goh off his feet, as he throws his arms around Goh's waist. Everyone laughs whole-heartedly at Ash, always bringing more life to the party, of course. The lab wouldn't really be the same without the two of them together. Goh was a little surprised with all the affection to be honest, especially the bold move of Ash giving his arm an innocent, secret kiss- which made Goh blush like a fool.
Meanwhile, Pikachu, Grookey and Eevee are running round at everyone's feet, getting a bit too excited. Ash lets put a sigh, releasing from the embrace and kneels down to pick up pichachu from chasing Eevee's tail. This basically causes a chain reaction, and everyone begins moving away again, Chloe picking up Eevee away from Grookey now running after it, Goh trying to chase after Grookey who doesn't seem to want to leave for his journey yet...
Professer Cerise and his assistants look fondly upon them all, at how far they've come. "We will really have to get used to not having you guys..." He sighs, and Ash looks over sympathetically, holding pikachu in his arms.
"We will miss you too. All of you." He corrects, smiling. Chrysa and Ren share a smile, before Ren goes over to the entrance door and opens it, sending a refreshing gust of wind through the doorway.
The sunshine sends warmth onto the floorboards as Ren holds into the door handle. "The world is waiting for both of you." He grins, and Ash pumps his fist, excitedly in response.
"Right!" Ash says, determinedly, then pauses for a second. He meets Chloe's eyes, who suddenly blinks when he looks over at her. "Hey, Chloe?"
Chloe looks slightly confused at the sudden move, but lets him continue. "I know you and eevee are gonna find your path one day- and I hope we will always be friends!" Her confusion turns to a shy smile, and she clutches onto Eevee tighter.
"Yeah, I'll never forget I was friends with the world champion either!" Chloe smiles, which makes Ash blush just a little bit. "I'll take good care of Yamper too." Just then, Yamper comes running into the family circle, suddenly begging for attention. They had already said goodbye to the pokemon this morning, but Yamper bounds up to Ash's feet wagging it's tail excitedly. Ash crouches down to scratch Yamper behind the ears, and for once, Yamper happily complies, digging his head into Ash's hand further. Goh can't help but smile softly at the scene after finally scooping Grookey up. Wow, doesn't Ash have a way with pokemon.
The said boy gasps, after a few seconds. "He let me pet him!"
Chloe rolls her eyes, shaking her hair so her plait shakes in union. "Finally. You can tick it off your bucket list, I guess." Everyone laughs at that, while Ash finally gets up, leaving a Yamper with his ears down. Sighing sympathetically, Eevee gets the signal from her trainer she's going to be put down, and Chloe goes over to pick up Yamper instead.
"I'll also take care of your Goh anytime he comes back here." Chloe adds, emphasisjng the word your. Goh is clearly terribly embarrassed from the burning red covering on his cheeks yet again, and probably would have come with some snarky comeback if he wasn't trying to hold himself back from the tight emotions lingering in the air right now, so tight they are practically strangling his throat from being able to speak.
Ash laughs, wholeheartedly looking over at Goh, who feels Ash's gaze burning his skin. "Thank you, Chloe." He replies, half sarcastically.
Theres a brief pause, where everyone just looks at one another. "Goh?" Chloe suddenly speaks up. He looks up, blinking anxiously. "You know you can always come here again, right? And Ash."
Ash nods. "Of course, I'd love to." Goh is secretly relieved that Ash said that, as maybe that means he will come back to see him after all? Or maybe he's just saying that.
Realising Chloe is still looking over at him, Goh eventually replies with a, "I know. I will." Grookey gives an enthusiastic Grookey! in reponse. Chloe can tell something is up with Goh, but she is trusting Ash to sort it out. Oblivious to Goh, she gives Ash a look implying that exact thing. Before Ash can do anything, he gets interrupted.
"Okay." Professer Cerise sucks in a breath. "I guess you guys are itching to go then?"
Ash looks at Goh.
Big smile.
Goh looks at Ash.
His smile is slightly anxious, but after seeing the radiance in Ash's face, it just seems to automatically adjust slightly more to his ears too.
"I think we are." Ash smiles, and gives a little bow in everyone's direction. "Thank you, for everything, really. It's been so much fun, hasn't it Pikachu?"
"Pika!" Pikachu agrees, with a nod of its head.
Chrysa is gently dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief from her lab coat pocket, but smiles softly as well as everyone else in the room. "You're very welcome. Keep in touch?" She asks, as Ash begins to leave the door which Ren is holding open.
"Of course!" Ash yells back, and with one last smile, he turns to pikachu on his shoulder. "Let's go, buddy." Then he turns his head towards his boyfriend, still standing at the doorway, dithering. "Hey? Let's go."
Goh nods quickly, and as Ash turns around, he takes the opportunity to look back at everyone fondly looking over at them. "Thank you." He half-whispers, earning a smile and a nod from everyone. He gives a glance to Chloe too, his childhood friend. "Keep in touch too?" He asks. All Chloe does is nod, and grin.
"Of course." Is all she says, and that's all Goh needed to smile once more too, and turn around with Grookey on his shoulder. "Let's go too, Grookey." He gives his pocket with the poke-balls of Cinderace and Intellion a quick pat, takes a deep breath, and steps out from the lab they've called home for 4 years, into that big, big world, after Ash.
They've been walking for several minutes now, and Ash notices Goh has been looking around the city more than usual before they begin to enter the countryside. Goh is from the city, after all. Maybe he's taking in his surroundings before he journeys away from home. They've stayed in mild silence, which is a bit strange considering they have to part ways soon. They might as well make the most of it. Instead, they watch as Grookey and Pikachu run away, clearly enjoying their last moments hopefully just for a while to come. Ash finally clears his throat a little. "Goh, where are you planning on going next?"
Goh hesitates a second before answering, like it's a trick question. "Uh...Maybe a tour in Paldea?" He shrugs, mildly, picking on the choice that's been lingering in his mind for a while now. "How about you?" He asks, casually, trying to seem cool and collected, though his brain is being anything but. Goh full well knows they have to treasure this conversation.
"Well, I don't know really. I'm just letting my feet take me on whatever path I want." Ash smiles, swinging his arms happily. Goh can't help but gaze at the wonder boy next to him, still wishing he had that carefree attitude. No matter how much he shows it, Goh still gets taken aback by the attitude a little. Guaranteed about 4 years back he would have been staring at Ash gob-smacked, though. You need some sort of plan, don't you?
But now, he sees the good of just letting your feet take you wherever. Just a little bit.
Either way, you can't help but be in awe of Ash. He sure does stupid crazy things, but they compliment all his kind and free traits so well...
Goh doesn't notice until the boy gives out a heartfelt laugh. Genuinely, he felt that in his heart. "Are you alright?" Ash asks, gently. Oh, and the concern Ash has for him just melts Goh's heart even more. Too much melting for him to even lie about it. He finds himself stuttering instead.
"I-" Goh haults in his tracks. He isn't actually sure what he feels. "I'm... alright." He mumbles, eventually, after a bit of consideration. He desperately wants to ask Ash about what will happen between them now- they've only been together for a few days, everything could have his hopes crashing down.
But as if Ash could tell immediately, he finds Goh's hand free by his side and takes hold of it, startling Goh for a split-second with a small jump, hoping Ash didn't notice. "Goh..." Ash pauses, tangling their fingers together. He feels Ash's fingers he softly tracing the grooves of his palm and it's driving him insanely lovestruck. "I don't think you're alright."
Goh says nothing as they reach their next split pathway, but relief passes over both of them that they both chose to go the same way for now. "Well...I'm just a bit sad, that's all."
Ash gazes at him, curiously. "Sad?" He asks. Goh can't help but feel a bit baffled. Of course he'd be sad, what planet is that boy living on, Pluto? They're both parting ways, and he doesn't think he can just take the step of moving in from their adventure together.
"You've been on tons of adventures, of course you'd think that it's not a big deal." Goh sighs, but it's more like in a fond way.
Now it's Ash's turn to stare. "Of course I'm sad. I don't wanna leave you, Goh! But I've got to move on- We have to.." Ash says, giving their joined hands a squeeze. Goh doesn't really know how to react to this as he watches Grookey spy the next split road ahead. Very close ahead. "Goh?"
Goh finally looks over. "Ash, speaking of us..." Ash blinks at the sudden chat, but doesn't try to interrupt. "What's going to happen to our relationship?" They are both greeted by silence as Goh finally addresses the question out loud. Because now, just like that, they're standing at the next crossroad. Ash sees Goh is looking over at the right hand side, while Ash looks over at the left.
Ash shrugs, helplessly. "I'm sorry, Goh. I feel like I want to go this way." Goh feels a lump in his throat that he finds he has to push down.
Goh looks down at his feet, as their partner pokemon jump back on their shoulders." No...that's fine." He replies with a slightly forced smile, ignoring the fact that his last question has been forgotten.
"Are you sure its okay?" Ash takes both of his hand now, and has a worried look in his eye. Goh hates anyone worrying for him, especially Ash, so he nods furiously.
"It's fine, it's fine, you go on your adventure... I'll go on mine..." Goh trails off, stuttering slightly as he feels Ash's hands move slightly in his, reminding him they're there.
"Okay well." Ash takes a deep breath, and they both listen to the wind for a moment, which is now taking some occasional petals of soft pinks along with it. "Goh, I really wish you the best and I.... I'll miss you very much." He expects Goh to say something but when he doesnt, he carries on. "But this is a new beginning yeah? A new start for us both. You and Grookey are gonna be great out there... You know that, right?"
Goh doesn't really know what to say. "Yeah, thanks Ash." He sighs, kicking a stone lying on the path they are about to part on. The silence stretches on a bit too painfully, and that's until Ash finally breaks it.
"Goh? If there's something wrong, you can just tell me. Cos, cos..." He struggles to find the word, and eventually shakes his head in defeat. "You know I'm crazy about you." He says quietly, and before Goh can respond, he grabs Goh's jaw, and pulls his face towards him, angling it to lean in.
Goh's eyes widen as he takes in the senses of Ash gently moving his lips against his, and both the pokemon seemed to have taken the hint, jumping of their trainers shoulders and sitting at their feet, watching them. It is slightly embarrassing to know they're just watching, but Goh is enjoying this too much. Ash leans away instead, grinning. "Were you waiting for this moment?" He asks, teasingly.
"S-Shut up." Goh mutters, his voice slightly croaky, but Ash pulls him in again, feeling Goh smile just a little against his lips. His reaches up to caress Ash's cheek, but it's not long before the first tear rolls down Goh's cheek. Ash stops mid-kiss, slightly shocked by the sudden mood change. He takes hold of Goh's hand on his face, the touch of their fingers on one anothers sending little electric shots to their hearts.
"Goh, please don't cry." Ash whispers, desperately, but this time his voice is cracking too. "I'm sorry its too late, but I-" His breath catches in his throat as he tries to explain, becoming broken to see the boy he loves so much infront of him with his lips quivering, and eyes watering. "We should have went through our relationship earlier, I was scared, I'm sorry Goh, I really am.." Ash bumps his forehead with Goh's, but now Goh has already tucked Ash into a warm embrace, letting Ash rest his head on his shoulder. Ash has known that bumping their foreheads together seems to release half of Goh's stress. It's a fact, only between them. Having half of a bad thing at least leaves half of a good thing, right?
"I love you, Ash."
"But I-"
"I love you."
"Goh, I really need to say so-"
"It'll all be fine. I love you."
Ash finally stops, taking his head up to meet Goh's eyes. "And I love you too, Goh. To the ends of the earth, and I'll never stop thinking about you."
Goh smiles, sadly. "You probably will. You'll meet someone else and-"
"No, no, I love you." Ash repeats, softly, brushing his thumb against Goh's cheek to catch his stray tears. "No one will ever compare to you. Even if we aren't together, I know nothing will keep us apart."
Goh sniffs, laughing despite the tears. "When did you get so sentimental?" He asks, hugging Ash closer.
"I don't know, but promise me you'll be waiting for me one day? Waiting for me to come home? To you?"
Goh meets Ash's blurry hazel eyes, filled with compassion and trust to this day. "I promise, Ash Ketchum. I'm glad I met you."
"I am sure glad I met you too, Goh." They stand there for a few more moments, just holding onto each other and sniffing, contemplating everything that just happened. Grookey pulls at his trainers pant cuff, anxiously. "I'm fine, Grookey." He replies for the a thousandth time that day. But this time, he wasn't lying. He may not be happy, but he sure is comforted. Ash sees this, and lets go of him reluctantly, showing his dissapointment. Pikachu nuzzles up against his trainers cheek, in companionship, causing Ash to regain his smile again. "Right, Pikachu."
He looks over at Goh, their cheeks still slightly damp, their smiles just about intact for each other. Ash takes Goh's pinki finger, locking it with his in a secret promise. "The future lies..."
"In our hands." Goh completes, breathlessly, knowing the answer off by heart, without having to think. Ash leans in to give his boyfriend one more kiss, taking in the feeling that gives him wings made to soar, unable to keeps his fingers away from his cheeks in silent affection.
"Go, catch them all, Goh." Ash whispers, quietly, already missing the contact as they slowly edge away from one another.
"Go, keep your title, champion." Goh grins back, blinking away his blurry vision slightly.
Ash looks confused for a second. "Hey, you mean become a pokemon master, right?" He smiles, half teasingly, but Goh shakes his head, smiling back knowingly.
Instead, he gives Ash one more kiss on the for head, this time long and sweet, leaving Ash closing his eyes to savour this last kiss for now- but not forever. Their pokemon are done by now with all the kissy-wissy stuff they've been doing so much of, but their trainers decide they aren't too bothered at the moment. The world can wait for now. "I think you already are one."
With that, Goh bops Ash's nose, just the way he likes it, smiling softly at him still. "I'll be waiting for you, Ketchum. I'll be waiting." Goh cocks his head in Ash's direction, wipes his eyes, and nods at Grookey. "Let's go. There's a lot of fun to be had." Then he finally begins heading down the path he chose to take, clutching onto his backpack straps tightly, like his knuckles might burst out their skin. Ash watches him walk away for a few seconds, nor daring to let him go like that. That adorable little whatsit..
"Hey Goh!" Ash calls out, and Goh finally stops, turning around. The wind billows in his hair, sending his black hair gently swaying, and red highlights standing out. He blinks with his big, blue eyes, that even from a small distance sends Ash's heart racing from making contact with them. He can't help but feel a surge of pride on how far Goh has come, and realises he loves him even more for it. "Keep in touch?"
Goh just grins. "Sure. How are we meant to get to one another again if we don't?"
Ash grins back. "I love you, Goh."
"I love you, too, Ash. See you around."
Ash pauses, gently taking in the fresh air. "See you around."
With that, the boy from Pallet town then turns on his heel, to walk over onto his path with Pikachu, who is still sitting on Ash's shoulder, satisfied as much as his trainer is.
It'll all be fine. It's going to be okay.
They'll see each other again. They'll be with each other again. Maybe even forever. Ash hopes so. They'll also hear each other again. Someday.
Well, maybe it doesn't have to be someday.
Because after a few seconds, he watches Ash take out his phone, not even having walked a meter yet. Pikachu watches as he presses a contact, then holds the phone to his ear.
"Ash?"
"Heyyyy, Goh. I missed your voice, uh."
They both hear Goh's muffled laugh on the other end of the line. "Me too, really." Ash hods the phone closer to his ear, already feeling comforted too, knowing that Goh is not too far away from him for now. Though maybe Ash was a bit too comforted.
"Sooooo, uhm.." Pikachu is already watching Ash smile goofily to himself with a small blush.
"Pika?" He asks, almost narrowing his eyes. He knows enough of Ash's rants to him about Goh to suspect what might come out of his trainers mouth next.
"Goh, when are we gonna get married?"
There's a brief silence on the end of the line, as both of them take in what Ash said. Ash can already picture Goh's expression without needing to be face-to-face, and grins devilishly, while Pikachu just sighs in its trainer's unslick level of flirting. He knows Grookey would even be unimpressed by the scene too, even on the other end of the line.
After what seems like 5 minutes, (but has probably been about a few tedious seconds) an incredibly flustered Goh stutters the reply of,
"I'm sorry- what?"