After Returning

Parents or best friend?

=I have some drama for ya in today's episode😍

"Where you headed?" Ash asked, leaning onto the door frame connecting the kitchen and the living room, looking at Brook who was tying his shoes. "Just.. need some fresh air."

"You can come if you want to."

"You don't seem too well? Are you okay?" Ash asked, Walking towards him. "No no no, I'm alright, I'm fine. I'm okay.." Brook sighed. Ash stared blankly at him.

"Really. I'm fine. How about we get a drink? And talk at the seashore?" Brook suggested. Ash smiled, "That sounds good, sure. How do you walk in the sand though?? Isn't that like. Super uncomfortable."

Brook chuckled,"Aww nature boy can't walk on sand without drowning?" He mocked. "I'm not a professional at walking on sand like you are." Ash said.

"Professional? Is that an insult or a compliment?" Brook asked, playfully. "✨Compsult✨."

"Wow, grammar."

-----

Brook was staring blankly into the sea, drowned in his thoughts.(NO PUN INTENDED I SWE-) Ash didn't bother him, he was hanging upside down on a nearby tree, just looking(staring) at Brook. With a quick glance, Brook noticed him.

"Really? Upside down?? On a tree? That's comfortable." Brook said. "Sitting on sand isn't most comfortable either, I guess we both love being uncomfortable." Ash laughed.

"That's got to be a fun way to kiss a girl, just upside down like that." Brook said, staring at the sea. "Yeah..." Ash replied.

Ash got down from the tree, and sat down beside Brook. "This is the most relaxed I've felt in a while, long while." Ash said,"that whole thing was- unbelievable."

Brook didn't reply, just took a deep breathe. "You think I'm actually capable of being a Protector?" Ash went completely silent. He's stunned. "Huh..? Why are you asking.. Brook.." He sighed.

"Am I worthy. Of being. A protector..?" Ash noticed Brook looking away from him, practically hiding his face now. "Why are you so unsure?" Ash asked, turning his face towards him.

"I.. don't know. I don't feel like I deserve this."

Ash wiped his tears,"The stone wouldn't have picked you if you weren't worthy, you know that..?" He said,"Brook, you really need to stop being so hard on yourself. You're capable, you're worthy, you deserve the world."

"No I don't! My mother doesn't have a second for me, my father doesn't give a crap about my efforts. They don't care because I'm not fucking capable of shit, Ash." He snapped, standing up. Ash stood up as well.

"That doesn't mean that you're worthless! They can't appreciate you because THEIR expectations are too high, not because you're not capable." Ash said, holding Brook's hand. "You're one of the top students of our school, that takes skill, alright?"

"Skill? He didn't give a fuck when I said I got into Starlight Academy.."

"Yeah because -"

"JUST STOP IT ASH!" Brook yelled, pulling his hand away. "Just stop trying to convince me they're the villains..! I just can't be the son they want, it's my own fucking fault! Why do you--"

"I am NOT trying to convince you anything but to believe in yourself! They want TOO much, Brook, you can't keep on putting your happiness aside to make them happy!" Ash said, in a louder voice,"Just because they're your parents doesn't mean they can treat you however they want."

Stand up for your parents and go against your best friend, or agree with your best friend and continue being a shitty son, choice is yours.

"They want the best for me.. That's how parents are supposed to be, Ash! Be strict! Build up their kid's future! Exactly what mine are doing. I was being egoistic and expecting them to say they're proud of me.."

"Egoistic?!" Ash yelled,"you're not fucking egoistic for wanting your parents' affection!!"

"Quit it." Brook said,"Let's go back to the dormroom..."

"Brook -"

"ASH."

"Fine.."

TBC😩🤪