I can make you laugh

It's not a date

After saying goodbye to Grandpa Forest and flying back to the Pokémon schoolyard, Ash contacted Hoopa via the pendant while everyone said goodbye to Iris and Axew with hugs and leis. As the portal opened, Iris quickly gave Ash one last hug.

"Gladion is really cute," she whispered. "Don't mess it up!"

Ash blushed and grinned sheepishly as he hugged Iris back.

"I'll try."

Iris released Ash and walked through the portal with Axew.

"Bye!" she waved as she disappeared through the portal.

"Axew!" Axew called as the portal disappeared. Suddenly, Komala rang the bell, indicating that school had ended.

"Okay, everyone," Kukui smiled. "You're all dismissed. See you tomorrow and Ash, I'll see you at home later."

"Yes, Professor," Ash nodded.

"Bye, Professor!" Everyone said as Kukui walked into the building.

Once he was inside, everyone started to make their way towards the school gate, happily discussed the day they had experienced. Gladion, on the other hand, was nervously looking at Ash, wondering how he was going to ask him out to dinner. As they reached the gate, Gladion noticed that the limousine had pulled up and Ash was about to leave. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Gladion quickly ran up to Ash and grabbed his wrist.

"Ash, wait!" Gladion said, his stomach flipping. Immediately, Ash stopped and turned, smiling at Gladion.

"Hi Gladion," he smiled. "Do you need something?"

"Will you have dinner with me tonight?" Gladion blurted out.

Everyone froze at the sudden outburst before looking at them with surprise and interest.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Ash asked in surprise.

"W-will you have dinner with me?" Gladion asked again, feeling his face grow hot. "Tonight?"

"D-dinner?" Ash stuttered, his own face colouring. "Really?"

"Yeah," Gladion nodded, looking hopefully.

Ash blinked before looking shy.

"Okay," he nodded. "Where would you like to go?"

"Come to my restaurant," Mallow said quickly as the girls started to giggle.

"Are you okay with that?" Ash asked, shuffling awkwardly. Gladion nodded.

"Then I guess we can do that if you're okay with it," Ash said shyly.

"I can pick you up on Silvally at six, if that's okay," Gladion said.

"Sure," Ash smiled. "I can't wait. See you later."

"Okay," Gladion nodded, watching Ash walked off briefly before getting into the limousine.

Once he was sitting in the backseat, he let out a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, Lillie quickly whispered something to Mallow, who nodded enthusiastically, before climbing into the limousine and seating Snowy on her lap. Once she buckled her seatbelt, Lillie stared at Gladion as the driver pulled away from the curb. During the car ride, Gladion looked out the window, trying his hardest to ignore his sister's hard stare. Eventually it got too much. Sighing, Gladion looked at Lillie, who was frowning at him.

"What Lillie?" he asked.

"Why did you ask Ash out on a date?!" she cried.

"It's not a date, Lillie," Gladion said. "Watching him today, I noticed he was struggling with some things, especially talking about his past. He's always been there to listen to me so I was thinking I'll be there to listen to him for a change."

Lillie smiled, making Gladion sigh in relief.

Good, now she'll leave me alone. He thought.

"Well, that's very kind of you, big brother," Lillie smiled. "But let's also analyse the situation because I'm pretty sure I have read about this in a book."

Gladion groaned.

I should have seen this coming. He thought.

"You're going to a public place with someone," Lillie pointed out as she stroked Snowy. "Someone you care about and you're going to talk and have dinner together. And by definition, a date is when two people meet to see if they are suitable for a possible romantic relationship in the somewhat near future. So, it is my logical conclusion that you're going on a date with Ash."

"It's not a date, Lillie!" Gladion insisted, looking away to hide his face from his sister.

"Yes, it is!" Lillie beamed, just as the limousine pulled up to the front door. "You're having your first date with Ash!"

"It's not a date!" Gladion insisted again as the car door opened, revealing Hobbes.

"Welcome home..." Hobbes started to say as Gladion quickly unbuckled his seatbelt before getting out of the car, nearly running Hobbes over.

"Master Gladion, are you alright?" Hobbes asked in concern.

"I'm fine, Hobbes," Gladion said, looking at the ground in embarrassment as Lillie climbed out.

"He has a date with Ash tonight!" Lillie beamed.

"I told you, it's not a date!" Gladion snapped while Hobbes blinked.

"You have a date, Master Gladion?" he asked in wonder.

"With Ash!" Lillie confirmed.

"Lillie!" Gladion cried with exasperation. Hobbes blinked again before giving a warm smile, his eyes filling with tears.

"How wonderful!" he wept happily. "Ash is a fine young man! I'm so happy this is happening."

"Gah!" Gladion groaned in embarrassment before running into the mansion.

"I'll help you pick your clothes for your date later, Gladion!" Lillie called happily.

"IT'S NOT A DATE!" Gladion's voice echoed through the mansion, followed by a door slam. Lillie giggled as she looked down at the white fox in her arms.

"It's a good thing we asked Mallow to spy on them for us, right Snowy?" Lillie beamed.

"Vul!" Snowy squealed.
****

Ash frowned at the pile of folded clothes at the on the desk. What do people wear on a first date? Should he wear his usual clothes? Maybe something more formal? Should he wear his hat too? Wait, was this even a date or did Gladion just want to hang out? Gosh, being a teenager was confusing.

Ash groaned before walking to the rail to look at the clock on the wall. Five-thirty, which means he had half an hour until Gladion appears. Half an hour and he still wasn't ready. Ash sighed before looking at the desk again. It was times like this where he wished he had paid more attention Dawn or May or Serena when it came to fashion.

"Are you ready for your date yet?" a teasing voice said, causing Ash to jump with a yelp. Ash turned and looked over the rail to see Professor Burnet and Munchlax looking up at him with wide grins like a Gengar.

"It's not a date, Professor," Ash sighed. 'At least, I don't think it is."

"If it wasn't a date, you'd be wearing your regular clothes," Burnet smiled. "Not freaking out about what to wear."

Ash sighed again, making Burnet smiled sympathetically.

"Wear jeans and a nice shirt," she suggested. "Nice and simple. Also, it'll be a little cool out tonight so take a jacket."

"Thanks, Professor," Ash nodded, grateful for his foster mother.

*****

Gladion nervously shifted on porch, fiddling with the long sleeve on his shirt that Lillie had picked out. He was wearing black jeans without any rips and a long-sleeved white shirt. Lillie had also given his hoodie to Snowy and the little Vulpix had run off with it at the last minute, much to Gladion's annoyance.

Rotten sister! He thought. This must be payback or something!

Taking a deep breath, Gladion knocked on the door. Hearing a loud bang inside followed by a groan that could only be Ash, Gladion winced as the door opened. Ash smiled sheepishly at Gladion as he held his shoulder.

"Are you okay?" Gladion asked in concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Ash said, releasing his shoulder to put on his shoes. "I just slipped. Oh, by the way, the bet is on pause until school tomorrow."

"Not that I mind, but why?" Gladion asked curiously.

"Because I need witnesses to make sure I win fair and square," Ash grinned.

Gladion shrugged with a smile. Ash's smile was contagious and it made him feel warm and bubbly.

"Fair enough," he smiled. "Are you ready to go?"

"Sure," Ash nodded, quickly feeling his pocket to make sure he had his wallet before following Gladion off the porch to where Silvally was waiting. As they walked, Gladion stared at what Ash was wearing; blue jeans, a black shirt and a light, blue jacket. He also wasn't wearing his hat.

"Is something wrong?" Ash asked suddenly. Gladion blushed, worried he had been caught staring.

"No, I just didn't know you had jeans," Gladion admitted as he climbed up on to Silvally before holding out his hand. "They look good on you."

"Oh, thanks," Ash smiled bashfully as Gladion pulled him up behind him. "I used to wear them all the time when I was travelling through the other regions. But it's really hot here in Alola so I don't wear them as often."

Gladion nodded, heart pounding as he felt Ash's arms wrap round his torso.

"Let's go, Silvally," he said, hoping his voice didn't give away how nervous he was feeling. Silvally grunted in acknowledgement before galloping off towards Hau'Oli City. As Silvally galloped, Ash closed his eyes and rested his head against Gladion's back, enjoying the freedom he was feeling while riding with Gladion. But the ride ended too soon in Ash's head as they reached Mallow's restaurant within record time. Slowly, Gladion slid off Silvally before helping Ash down. Ash smiled at the kind gesture.

"Thank you," he said as Gladion released his grip. Gladion smiled and then turned to Silvally.

"Thank you Silvally," Gladion said as he rubbed Silvally's face.

"Yes, thanks Silvally," Ash said as he scratched the back of Silvally's neck. The chimera Pokémon growled happily, enjoying the affection the boys were giving.

"Hey, Ash and Gladion."

Ash and Gladion turned to see Mallow standing behind them with a big smile, holding a large food bowl filled with Pokémon food and chopped berries.

"How did you know those berries are Silvally's favourite?" Gladion asked.

"Lillie told me," Mallow beamed as she placed the bowl in front of Silvally, who nodded happily before starting to eat. "She's always helping me to come up with new recipes for Pokémon. Anyway, yellow nectar has just come back into season so I'm making Legendary Alolan Stew for you both."

"Alright!" Ash cheered before grabbing Gladion's hand. "You'll love it Gladion! It's so good!"

"I believe you," Gladion smiled as he allowed Ash to eagerly pull him into the restaurant. Mallow led them to a small table near the window. After the boys sat down, Mallow walked away, silently thanking Tapu Koko that the restaurant wasn't busy so she could spy on her two friends while waiting for the stew to finish cooking. As she entered the kitchen, Tsareena walked towards the boys, carrying a jug of water and two glasses.

"Thank you Tsareena," Ash smiled as Tsareena placed the jug and glasses on the table.

"Yes, thank you," Gladion smiled as he picked up the jug to pour the water.

"Tsar," Tsareena nodded before walking away. When Gladion had finished pouring the water, he handed one of the glasses to Ash.

"Thanks," Ash said gratefully before drinking some. "Um, Gladion?"

"Yeah?" Gladion said in a tense voice.

"Why did you invite me out to dinner?" Ash asked.

Gladion sighed as he fiddled with the utensils on the table.

"I was worried about you," he admitted. "Even though it looked like you were having fun today, you weren't very talkative and you did seem a little nervous, especially when Iris brought up Legendary Pokémon. So, I asked Professor Kukui if I could take you out so I could make sure you were okay and be there for you if you needed to talk."

Ash chewed on his bottom lip, running his fingers through his hair.

"I don't know how to talk to you," he admitted in a stiff tone. "Actually, the truth is I'm afraid to talk to you."

"Why, Ash?" Gladion asked. "You can trust me."

"I know," Ash nodded. "And I do. I just don't know how to talk to you."

"Then just talk," Gladion encouraged. "I'll make sense of it. I'm pretty smart."

"Yeah, you are," Ash agreed before sighing. "Okay. Remember on Ten Carat Hill, when you asked me those questions about Solgaleo, Lunala, Lycanroc and me?"

"Yeah," Gladion nodded.

"The reason I suggested having a battle is because your questions made me panic," he admitted. "I couldn't tell you the truth. I'm still not sure if I can."

Gladion blinked.

"So, you do have answers," he said. Ash nodded.

"But you're unsure about telling me," Gladion added. Ash nodded again.

"Why?"

"Because it'll change the way you see me," Ash answered sadly. "And I don't want that."

"I'm sure it won't," Gladion said.

"It will," Ash insisted. "It always happens when someone learns about me."

Gladion blinked as he stared at Ash. That look on his face, it was the same look he had that day on Ten Carat Hills. Fear and insecurity. Slowly, Gladion smiled.

"I promise," he said. "No matter what you tell me, I promise I'll still seeing you as the same strange, hyperactive kid that begged Lycanroc and I for a battle."

"Really?" Ash asked. Gladion nodded. Ash sighed.

"Okay," Ash nodded before looking nervous. "But I don't really know how to start."

Gladion hummed thoughtfully as he picked up his glass and sipped some water. After swallowing, Gladion put the glass down again before smiling.

"How about I ask a question and you only share what you feel comfortable sharing?" he suggested. Ash blinked in surprise.

"You serious?" he asked. Gladion nodded encouragingly. Ash blinked again.

"Okay," he sighed. "That seems fair."

"Okay," Gladion nodded. "How about this? Why did you get anxious when Iris brought up the legendary Pokémon of Unova? Especially when everyone started asking questions."

"Because it's hard for me to talk about some of the adventures I've had," Ash admitted. "Especially the adventures involving Legendary Pokémon."

"How come?" Gladion asked.

"It's because during those adventures something bad kept happening," Ash admitted. "The truth is, during those adventures, I nearly lost the ones I love. My friends, my Pokémon, Pikachu, my mum. And..."

"And what?"

"I've nearly died."

Gladion's eyes widened.

"What?" Gladion choked.

"I've nearly died, Gladion," Ash admitted sadly. "A few times, actually. I nearly been killed by entities that attacked humans, I've nearly drowned, frozen to death and fallen off buildings. But each time, a legendary or mythical Pokémon has saved me because of what I did for them. Because I helped and befriended them. It's the reason I don't talk about my past. I have wonderful memories of my adventures in other regions and I'll always cherish those memories. But they have a dark side to them, Gladion. So dark that I wish that I could forget those moments ever happened."

Gladion stared with wide eyes because giving a sharp exhale.

"Woah, Ash," he breathed.

"Gladion, please don't tell anyone," Ash pleaded. "You're the first person I've ever spoken to about this. I haven't even figured out how to talk Professor Kukui. Please, don't tell anyone what I told you. Not even your sister."

Gladion blinked before reaching across the table to stroke Ash's wrist.

"I promise," he said.

"Thank you," Ash sighed.

Gladion nodded.

"So, no one else knows what you've gone through?" he asked.

"Just some of my friends and my Pokémon," Ash admitted. "Only because they saw or experienced it too. But you're the first I ever told. Not even your sister knows and I feel like I can talk to her about anything."

"Yeah, she's a good listener," Gladion nodded. "Don't you talk to anyone? What about your mother?"

"Not always," Ash admitted. "I usually take my frustrations out on training and running. It's a good way to get the energy out without hurting anybody. But if I'm feeling..."