Pokemon Shipping Oneshots (Ash Ketchum Shippings Only)

KYEWOH #6

Here's a little  one shot to keep you guys entertained  :) I haven't given you written content in a long time! (Apologies as my English structure is occasionally poor lately)

(Also you don't have to read this part but my British friends have recently been teaching me a lot of good English slang! Cancel = end one's career. Oof = informal way of condolences. Tea = gossip. And so on! I might start using this stuff in my stories if I can correctly)

CAUTION-like most of my stories, this oneshot deals with some serious issues (I'm sorry for being so dark all the time I'm not good at being cute), reader discretion advised. If you decide to proceed it may upset you, this is one the most serious stories I have written. Apologies in advance for any upset I may cause you. Seriously though. This is messed up.

After the Kalos League and the incident caused by Team Flare, Serena offered everyone to stay at her house to recover. Clemont and Bonnie instantly disliked the idea, as they knew what kind of motives she had. 

But they couldn't let Ash know about something like that. Not only was he dense, but seemed down as of recent. Perhaps he was disappointed in himself for the Kalos League, but it wasn't his first loss and he was already a Champion in other Regions. Maybe it was about what Team Flare did, considering what happened to him, but he was able to talk about the subject.

Even when his friend of more than ten years came to stay with him, he wasn't any brighter.

It was June. Summer! He should be happy about that, right?

Then came the 21st.

"Are you ready, Clemont?"

"Of course I'm ready! I'm just nervous...he's had a hard year"

"We've all had a hard year!"

Clemont and Bonnie stood at the doorway, clutching little boxes wrapped colourfully. Serena and her mother, Grace, watched with a smile by the kitchen door, but Ash and his friend seemed to be ignoring them, almost on purpose.

"Clemont", Bonnie whispered, "Did you find out what's bothering Ash?"

"I don't know. It's weird. He's not moody, but doesn't smile as much recently. And he's quiet"

"He was like this at the start of May, too. You think he hates summer?"

"It's probably something personal"

Grace couldn't help but eavesdrop with her daughter and turned to her.

"You should be more concerned. If you can get to him, it'll be a huge breakthrough for your relationship!"

"Mom, stop. You're always so lame and dorky"

"I was just trying to help..."

"Serena!", Bonnie called, "Aren't you celebrating, too?"

"He works a lot", she explained, "But he'll be back tonight"

"Great! Ash?"

His friend quickly interfered, giving the same excuse, while Ash started quiet.

Everyone's attention was turned to the door as it swung open. Even Ash's eyes were drawn as a man stepped through with open arms.

"Dad!"

The lemon-haired siblings cheered in their Father's embrace as his smile widened.

"Ah, my kids! Ooh, are these presents?"

Serena and her mother grinned at the reunion until they couldn't help but notice Ash's expression. His eyes were dull. Empty. But somehow, he still looked hurt. His friend placed a hand on his shoulder as if to console him.