Sparks Fly (reupload)

Shooting Stars

"That was amazing!" Ash pumped his fist in the air enthusiastically as the  credits began to roll on the screen.

"Eh, not really." Bonnie absentmindedly grabbed a handful of popcorn from one of the giant bowls filled with it. "It was predictable."

"That's because you saw it every day when you were younger," Clemont pointed out. "You were obsessed with it."

Bonnie shrugged. "Well, not anymore."

"Isn't it past your bedtime?" Clemont asked.

"Isn't it time you-" Bonnie began. "Wait, I don't have a bedtime."

Flashing Ash an apologetic look, Clemont took Bonnie's hand and led her to her room. "I need you to do this for me," he whispered. "Please."

"Do wh-" Bonnie began before realizing what Clemont meant. "You know you could have just asked me directly, right? I would have said yes either way."

"And make Ash suspicious?"

Bonnie sighed. "Young love. It's so frustrating at times." She pushed Clemont out of her room. "I'm gonna go change into my pajamas. Go get your man- erm, boy!" she whispered before shutting her door.

Unsure of what to do now, Clemont thought about what to do with Ash. Biking was dangerous at night. They already ate and saw a movie. And Bonnie wouldn't want to miss out on any of Ash's stories.

Clemont peeked into the living room where Ash sat on the floor, eating popcorn by the fistful. The blonde couldn't help but chuckle. Ash really knew how to make a meal out of anything, even if it meant he might get sick after.

And that wasn't something Clemont wanted to risk.

"How's the popcorn?" Clemont asked, somehow gaining the confidence to speak.

"Ih grey!" Ash replied, his mouth full of the buttery snack. "Ah toll ooh at ah eddy."

Clemont couldn't help but snort. "What?"

Ash swallowed. "It's great! I told you that already," he translated, before grabbing another handful. "So don't worry about me."

The blonde cocked his head in confusion. "Why?"

"I'm not gonna puke. And if I do, then my stomach's gotta get stronger for the next time!" he yelled confidently.

Clemont glanced towards Bonnie's closed door. "I think she's asleep," Clemont warned Ash quietly.

"Oh, sorry!" Ash whispered back, grabbing another fistful of popcorn.

Clemont's stomach seemed to compact together, squeezing out of timidness. He had to make his move. Not over the top, but subtle.

"Want to go outside for a bit? The stars look beautiful in the winter," he suggested.

Ash nodded. "I miss doing that with you."

Clemont's heart fluttered. 'He missed doing something with me!' "I know a perfect place out of Lumiose City- wait, no."

"Huh?"

"I mean, how are we going to get there? It's dangerous to go outside at night."

Ash looked into Clemont's eyes. "I'll protect you from anyone who'll try to hurt you."

Clemont blushed. "Thanks, Ash." He grabbed his coat from the coat rack. "I know the perfect place, just outside of Lumiose City."

"Will Bonnie be okay on her own?"

The blonde nodded. "You might want to bring your coat."

Ash nodded. "Yeah, you're right."

It may not have been an actual date, but Clemont was hyped nonetheless as he went to retrieve Ash's coat.

----------------------------------------

"You weren't kidding, Clemont! It's beautiful!" Ash exclaimed.

The blonde laughed shyly. "I would hope not." He then realized what he said. "I-I meant about the joking thing."

'Smooth, Clemont. Smooth,' his conscious chided.

"Yeah, I got it," Ash assured him, which made Clemont sigh with relief.

The two laid down onto the ground, staring up at the stars. "So, uh, anything else happen in Alola?"

"Shouldn't we save that stuff for Bonnie?" Ash asked.

"Oh, right." Clemont's hands were clammy, trying to think of a conversation starter. "Uh..."

Something shot across the sky, and Ash gasped. "Did you see that?"

"The shooting star?" Clemont asked. "Why, did you?"

"Yeah, which means we both get to make a wish," Ash replied. "Okay, close your eyes, and make one!"

Clemont closed his eyes, quickly thanking the star for breaking the ice, and then went to make his wish.

'But what to wish for? Ash's wish to come true? Dad to find a keeper?' Clemont shook his head. 'To not turn into Bonnie? I don't know...'

A nagging voice came into his mind. 'Stop dancing around things, Clemont. You know what you want.'

Clemont sighed. 'I don't know if you can hear me. Or even if you can grant wishes. But if you can, please let me... let me kiss Ash.' He closed his eyes so tight that they began to hurt.

"Uh, Clemont? Did you fall asleep?" Ash asked, shaking him.

"N-No! I'm awake!" Clemont's eyes shot open. "You want to go back soon? I have a feeling I was wrong about Bonnie being responsible," he lied. He knew by now that Bonnie was responsible for herself. But Ash wasn't, and it was worth the lie, right?

Ash nodded. "Yeah, it's getting colder."

Clemont giggled. "Good thing we brought our coats, huh?"

"Yeah. Thank you, Clemont."

"For what?"

Ash stood up and offered Clemont his hand. "For doing this for me."

Clemont blushed, though he wasn't sure if it was because of Ash or the cold, and took Ash's hand.

And they held them until they reached Lumiose City.