Pokémon Shipping One-Shots

MegaBondShipping

MegaBondShipping is the pairing between Ash and Alain from the XYZ anime. Spoilers for the XYZ finale.

Alain looked over the fixed-up Pokémon Laboratory. People were determined, and them and their Pokémon were already completing the rebuilding. Lysandre was stopped, Team Flare was disbanded, and the world returned to peace.

Alain was on the top of the lab, on the flat part of the room. The night sky was an inky black, with stars dotting overhead. Charizard was asleep inside, in its and Alain's room. If it weren't for Alain and his Charizard — Mega Evolved during the battle — then the robotic Zygarde would have most likely hit the Anistar Sundial, thus ending the world. Mairin and Chespin wouldn't be reunited... The thought made Alain upset. He cared about Mairin like a little sibling, and he hated it when she was sad.

But, of course, Ash was greatly involved in saving the world. His determination kept their side going. His Ash-Greninja was powerful, too, and its Water Shruiken kept their target secured. It was odd how Alain felt about Ash nowadays. The raven-haired boy was going to return to Kanto after spending some more time in Kalos. But, for some reason, it bothered Alain. Something gnawed at his stomach, his mind... but what was it?

Footsteps caught Alain's attention. It was a surprise to see Ash appear without Pikachu on his shoulder, walking up the steps. Ash seemed just as surprised to see Alain there, but covered it up with a smile. "Hey, Alain."

Alain was quiet, but he did comeback with a, "Hello, Ash." The ravenette walked over and stood beside Alain. His brown eyes darted over to the view of the city.

"Everyone's glad that you're back. I am, too."

"Mm..." Alain agreed.

Ash didn't want it to be quiet. He looked over at Alain and said, "I'm heading back to Kanto in three days." Alain nodded, but felt the same feeling of sadness. He swallowed it down, not knowing why it was there in the first place.

"Shouldn't you get some sleep?" Ash asked.

"Yes, but I wanted to hang out up here," Alain responded. "Maybe just have an nice view. Why aren't you asleep." "I'm not tired, which is kind of getting to me," Ash confessed with a slight chuckle. Alain didn't say anything, because something felt off. Merely having Ash's presence gave him the weird feeling of something eating his stomach. The feeling that made his face heat up and heart race. What's going on?

Ash was... attractive. Alain felt oddly hesitant to think that. But he was constantly showing how brave he was, and how dedicated he was to helping the world and Pokémon. Ash was always on the road, always curious, and always open to make new friends.

Alain didn't know what was making him go internally nuts.

Ash blinked and turned to him. "You alright, Alain?" Alain snapped back to reality and looked at Ash. "Why do you ask?" "You're awfully quiet," Ash pointed out. "And you look a little hot. Are you sick?" Alain had just now noticed how long he's just been standing there, thinking.

"No.. Just thinking."

"Are you bothered by... Lysandre?" Ash's eyes softened. "He's stopped, Alain, and Kalos is safe. Mainly because of you." He winked.

"That's... not it," Alain sighed. "I mean, I feel as if there's nothing else I can do. Where am I going to go? What am I going to do?" "Travel.. with Mairin," Ash suggested. "You'd say something like that," Alain said bitterly. "You are carefree, happy. You're ready to take on the world."

"I know it's getting to you, and that's understandable," Ash said. "But you can do anything. I... just don't get it." Alain avoided Ash's gaze. "Something else must be it. I want to know if anything else is getting to you, or if this is just it." His voice was gentle, but also hard. It made Alain want to spill everything, and made him a bit weak. But he held his tongue and said, "Nothing. Honest."

"So, you're just concerned about your future."

"Partia — No."

"I don't believe you."

Alain bit his lip. Ash always acted so oblivious, but the ravenette was smarter than he had thought. Not because he didn't believe his lie, but because Ash could see through him. He immediately knew something was bugging Alain.

Another step forward, and their chests were barely touching. "What's up, Alain? I won't tell anyone, and it's just us on this balcony." "I don't want to say." "Why's that?" Ash asked, countering Alain's dull response. "It's alright, Alain. It isn't good to keep feelings in."

Alain stared down at Ash; they weren't that far apart in height, but Alain was still taller. What was he supposed to say? Clearly Ash wasn't going to leave until Alain answered. He couldn't tell Ash that he was sad he was leaving, nor could he tell about the odd way he felt. But why? Suddenly, it hit Alain.

Did... Did Alain... like Ash? Not in a way of friendship, either, but more? Now, that made Alain think. The gnawing stomach, the heart racing, the heat..? It wasn't just a coincidence that is happened around Ash and Ash only ever since the defeat of Team Flare. Alain liked Ash, and he didn't even know it.

...But what was he going to tell him now?

"Alain..."

"Ash..."

"Um, yeah?" Ash took a step back, as if awkward in the position him and Alain were in. Alain took no notice of this and said, "I... uh..."

Something made him stop. He's right there. Alain froze and looked at Ash, who tilted his head to the side. He'll be leaving. You can't just give him this kind of confession. Alain forced away his conscious.

"What is it, Alain?"

Alain stepped forward, so close that they were touching. Ash looked up at Alain — with this shorter height — and Alain stopped stuttering. Ash was leaving. The ravenette was going back to Kanto. And Alain wasn't going to let him go without a confession. To go on believing that Alain didn't feel this way about him.

Ash smiled nervously. "Actually, I have something to say." Alain froze and stepped back. But Ash reached out and held his hand, making the other stop. "You're a tough battler, and you're bold," Ash went on. "You have a bright future, Alain. Don't doubt that. I'm.. hoping I do, too. But I have feelings along the way, and whether or not they stop me, they happen." Where is he going with this? Alain wondered. Ash's face heated up a little. "And... they just so happened to be for you."

Alain couldn't believe his ears. There was a slight breeze, it whistling past Alain's ears was all he heard for a short time. Ash's hopeful face was staring directly at him, patiently. The moonlight illuminated the scene — it was big and bright. They were alone on the roof of Professor Sycamore's lab. Alone. So, if Ash tells the truth about not saying anything to anyone...

"I understand if you don't —" Ash was cut off abruptly as Alain intertwined his fingers with Ash's. He held their hands up, then yanked them back behind him. Ash couldn't think what was happening before they were in a tight hug. Alain released Ash's hand and wrapped it around the other's torso, resting his head on Ash's shoulder. "Alain —"

"I don't know what'll happen in my future, and same for you," Alain said. "But you're brave, and kind... and unique. Let me just say now, now that I have the chance to, that I feel the same."

Alain could feel Ash wanting to pull away, so he loosened his grip. Ash looked up at Alain, then gave him a smile that was warm. "I'm glad. It's good to get things off my chest."

"Agreed," Alain nodded before closing the gap between them, giving Ash a light kiss.