Chapter Text
“I don’t know what to get my dad for father’s day..” Gou sighed rather dramatically as he fell back on the couch, arms spread out to take up more space than necessary. From his space in the kitchen, Satoshi stiffened slightly, finding himself listening to the other two waiting for their dinner.
Koharu sighed as she sat across from her childhood friend, propping her chin up in her palm. "I don't know either, but at least we have more than a week to decide on something."
"Yeah, I guess." Gou laughed before turning to the oldest teen, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Satoshi! What are you getting your dad for Father's Day?"
Being put on the spot only seemed to make him tense even more, brown hues unfocused even as he worked on dinner. He didn't have a dad to get anything for Father's Day, that's just how it's always been. He normally ended up making something for his mother, the usual statement being "You're the only parent I need". Then he went to Alola and suddenly he had another family, a father figure he never got to have growing up and another mother figure who treated him as though he was her own flesh and blood.
Would Kukui even want to see him on Father's Day? Burnet was pregnant when he left and it's only been 7 months since then so why would they want him hovering around?
He was dragged out of his thoughts by an alarmed sound from Gou, his gaze being pulled towards him. Standing between the Raven haired teen and the entry, Gangar, Riolu, and Pikachu shouted furiously at the brunette, sparks dancing off Pikachu's face as Gangar's eyes seemed to glow faintly.
"W-Woah! Guys, what's gotten into you, I just want to see if he's okay!" Gou held his hands up, taking a small step back in surprise at the hostile response to him getting close to their trainer. Hibanny bristled next to her trainer, seemingly prepared to go on the defense, when Satoshi finally fully came to. Dropping the utensils, he was moving his hands from the food and moving towards his Pokémon, mildly alarmed by their behavior.
"Pikachu! Gangar! Riolu! Knock it off!" His tone was stern yet gentle as he crouched by the three creatures, hands gently touching them. The Pokémon immediately calmed at his touch, Pikachu turning to his trainer and climbing onto his crouched knees as Gangar grabbed at his hand and Riolu hugged his arm.
"Satoshi..why did they act like that when Gou asked about Father's Day?" Koharu cautiously stepped up to her friend, placing a hand on Gou's back, and Satoshi found breathing hard. There was a knowing gleam deep in her eyes and yet Gou seemed completely and utterly confused, it made him uneasy to be fully on display and behind a closed door at the same time. To see one person who stared at him as if she knew all of his deepest darkest secrets and another who simply worried, confused and scared for his friend, it made his stomach twist.
"It's..," Trailing off for a moment, Satoshi stared at his partners before standing, "not important. I need to go make a call."
Pikachu quickly jumped to his shoulder as Riolu trailed after him and Gangar made a confused sound before following as well. He could hear Gou's protest, but it got cut off by Koharu as she pulled him back to the kitchen. He'd have to remember to thank her later for it.
Entering the Observatory, the sound of Pokémon surrounded him and Satoshi felt himself relax on instinct, much to the relief of his partners. Pikachu and Riolu both make themselves at home on the log, watching their trainer closely as Gengar sits on the ground in front of them, the three Pokémon simply gazing at their person. A strained huff of laughter rumbled from his chest and he felt himself smile fondly at the three before moving to sit between Riolu and Pikachu, the familiar weight of their bodies leaning against his own a relaxing one. Digging around in his pocket, he gently pulled out his Rotom Phone and the electric Pokémon buzzing to life with a curious sound. Swallowing thickly, he hesitated for a moment before smiling at the Pokémon, relaxing even more at the feeling of Gangar’s back against his knees.
"Rotom, call Burnet."
The Pokémon chirped affirmatively and he felt his hands tremble when the image that was the same for Burnet and Kukui popped up onto the screen. It was a simple picture, the last picture he took before leaving Alola. The three of them sat in the car together, Satoshi's arms around the Professors' shoulders with their arms around his waist. Rotom had taken the image and he had asked him to download the image to his phone before leaving.
It was funny, back then when he thought of Rotom, he thought of the PokéDex that flew around and took pictures of anything and everything. He thought of how he had been glued to Satoshi's hip, only for him to have to leave him at the Aether Paradise when he left.
Now he had to think of the device in his hand, a personality he was still getting accustomed to despite the month having her. She was quiet yet sweet and cared for him, often hovering around him and staying quiet unlike Rotom'Dex had, who preferred speaking out.
He wondered if they'd get along. Rotom Phone preferred calling and flying around next to Satoshi over research while Rotom'Dex was all about information. They'd probably get in fights over what was more important and he'd have to break them up so that it didn't get too bad.
He'd get to see his Alolan Pokémon again if he went to Alola. He always felt bad for leaving them behind, but he'd feel bad taking them to Kanto when the weather was so unpredictable there. It could get so cold in Kanto and he didn't want to put his heat loving friends through that.
Still, his stomach twisted when he thought about them, thought about their adventures together.
He missed them.
He missed his Alolan family.
He missed Mao, Suiren, Mamane, Kaki, Lilie.
He missed Gladio.
He missed-
"Satoshi? Sweetheart, are you okay?"
Burnet.
Burnet's voice snapped him from his thoughts and if it weren't for Rotom's ability to float, he would have dropped his phone when he jumped.
"Burnet! Hi! Yeah, I'm fine, I-"
" Satoshi .” That tone, he was surprised to find he genuinely missed it. It was so gentle yet stern, a similar tone he found himself using on his Pokémon only just a little bit ago. Hearing it in her voice was a comforting feeling and yet he felt himself unravel under her soft smile, shoulders slumping slightly.
“I..was just thinking about how much I missed you guys..!” His laugh was slightly strained and he heard the concerned sound Pikachu made next to him, the small mouse, placing his paws on his thigh. Burnet’s expression softened and she smiled at the pseudo-son, tilting her head slightly.
“Why don’t you come to visit for a few days? I’m sure Kukui would love to see you, too.” She hummed, gaze flickering to the side. Once she was sure whatever she was looking for wasn’t there, she raised the hand not holding her phone to her face, hiding her mouth with a grin. “It can be a Father’s Day surprise.~” There was a slight teasing lilt to her voice and Satoshi felt his throat close up briefly.
“That’s-- I, uhm-” Satoshi’s gaze snapped to his laps, hands fidgeting nervously, and a look of realization crossed her face.
“That’s what you called for, isn’t it?? You were going to ask to come visit!” She sounded positively thrilled, a beam spreading across her face, and a flush danced across the teen’s face.
“I just..! He took really good care of me when I was there and I want to do something nice for him as a thank you..”
“You just coincidentally want to do it on a day dedicated to dads?”
“ Burnet!! ”
The older woman let out a bark of laughter as Satoshi hid his face, a frustrated grumble leaving the teen. Once calmed, she smiled warmly at the image of the embarrassed boy, eyes twinkling with fond amusement.
“You know he would be thrilled to see you, right? He loves you, you’re like a son to him.” She felt her heart clench at the pure shock on his face when he looked up, brows furrowed in confusion and disbelief.
“He does..?” He questioned, voice so quiet and insecure, and she wished she was there with him so she could embrace him.
“Of course, sweetheart. So do I, and I’m sure this little one is going to view you as their big brother,” She trailed off, looking down to her stomach and gently rubbing it. Her gaze was pulled back to the screen at a broken sound, concern hitting her like a train, only for it to fade into adoration at the genuine grin on Satoshi’s face, tears streaming down his face.
“Thank you, Burnet..I’d love to surprise him for Father’s Day.”
The Professor and Satoshi spent an hour planning out the surprise, making sure to add Hanako to the call for a moment and tell her what the plan was. His mother seemed thrilled at the idea and thanked Burnet profusely before she’d jokingly told Satoshi to enjoy his visit with his ‘other mother and father’. Of course, he’d been flustered and yelling, but she hung up before hearing any of it, leaving Burnet laughing in the aftermath.
Now all he had to do was ask Professor Sakuragi for a week off so he could fly to Alola and get the preparations set up.
That was probably the hardest part about this now.
Ever since the incident in the kitchen, Gou and Koharu had been acting weird around Satoshi. Koharu was constantly looking at him as if trying to will him into talking to her without verbally asking while Gou seemed anxious about setting off his Pokémon again. It wasn’t until he found himself cracking under the pressure and snapping at the two that they stopped, but now it seemed Koharu was frustrated with him and Gou was hurt.
Now here he was a day later, storming into the main lab where Professor Sakuragi was speaking to the other teens and clearing his voice to get their attention. He saw the professor go to speak, but beat him to it, voice louder than necessary.
“I’m going to Alola for a week!” He shouted, hands clenched into fists at his sides. He couldn’t handle the atmosphere of the lab anymore, not when they kept treating him like he was fragile. The announcement seemed to have caught them off guard, Gou’s posture tense for a moment before he was anxiously taking a step forward.
“I..Is this a thing for both of us, or..?”
“No. I’m going to see family there for Father’s Day.” Pikachu’s fur pressed against the back of his neck was what kept him calm at the curious look Koharu gave him.
“I thought your family was in Kanto?” She questioned, head tilting slightly. He could feel himself tensing under her gaze and was prepared to speak when Professor Sakuragi stepped forward, putting a hand out in front of Koharu and Gou. His gaze moved towards the oldest teen and he offered a smile, surprising Satoshi in how natural it seemed.
“I know. Your mother told me and asked me to make sure you got to the airport safe.” It was obvious the man was telling the truth and Satoshi felt himself relaxing on instinct, shoulders slumping slightly.
“I..thank you, Sir-”
“I think you should talk to these two before you go, however,” He spoke, cutting him off, and Satoshi felt himself bristle once more, “It seems the three of you have something you need to sort out. You have two hours before we need to go to the airport.” The air was tense and Sakuragi stepped towards him, raising a hand as if to touch his shoulder and stopped when he saw the instinctive flinch, pulling his hand back. Sighing softly, he stood straight and smiled once more, more gentle than the last smile. “Please?”
Satoshi felt his will break at that one singular word. Please . Damn that word and damn his inability to say no when someone said ‘please’ to him.
“Fine..” He murmured, looking away from the Professor, and he could feel the relief that came from the older man.
“Thank you,” He started, smiling at Satoshi, before turning to his daughter and assistant, “The two of you, go to the bedroom and wait for him there. I have a question for him before he talks to you.” That statement made the raven haired teen nervous, but he watched as his friends reluctantly listened, walking past the professor and assistant. Then it was the two of them, Renji and Kikuna seeming to be off doing something else and leaving them alone.
“What’s your question, sir..?” Satoshi questioned after a moment of silence, and Sakuragi sighed softly.
“Do you feel comfortable here?” He asked, catching him off guard. Brown eyes met green and he swallowed thickly, fidgeting under the serious gaze.
“Of course I do.” It wasn’t a lie, he did feel comfortable here, he just didn’t appreciate how he was being treated by his friends. He wasn’t ready to tell him that he didn’t have a birth father, who would be after only few months? He was close to them, but he wasn’t that close.
“Then please remember that you can talk to me.”
The two stared at one another in momentary silence, neither breaking, before Satoshi felt himself sigh.
“Of course, Professor Sakuragi.”
A warm smile was his dismissal and he found himself hesitantly going to the bedroom where his friends were waiting. Pikachu cooed softly next to his head, concern evident in the way his partner rubbed their cheeks together, and he chuckled softly.
“I’ll be okay.”
He wasn’t sure if that was true.
As soon as the bedroom door opened, Gou leapt to his feet, stepping closer to Satoshi and catching him off guard.
“Satoshi! I’m sorry,” He started, startling the raven haired teen, and not having time to question the apology before Gou continued, “I didn’t realize I was upsetting you and-”
“ Gou !” Satoshi spoke quickly, cutting him off and earning a startled look from him. The older teen’s eyes flickered to Koharu and he took a moment before sighing and trying to smile, feeling the hesitance in it. “And Koharu. Look, I’m..I’m sorry for yelling at you, it wasn’t fair to either of you, I just...There’s some things I’m not ready to talk about. I know some day I will be, I know I’ll be able to open up about it, but right now, I just can’t .”
Silence fell over the room, the other two staring at him, and he felt himself squirm slightly under their gazes. Then, Gou let out a relieved sigh, causing his mind to go blank.
“Oh thank Arceus you didn’t say you hate me for upsetting you, I don’t know what I would have done-”
“ Hate you?! I could never hate you!” Satoshi sounded downright affronted and Gou threw his hands up in the air, shrugging helplessly.
“How would I have known?! I’ve never been in a fight with a friend before!”
“You didn’t have friends before.” Koharu spoke up, making the boys look at her.
Silence fell over the room once more before Satoshi felt himself crack, laughter beginning to bubble up from his chest. Gou let out an offended sound, but it rolled off Satoshi as he laughed loudly, the sound growing contagious as Gou’s offended words began breaking off into laughter as well. From her spot on the bed, Koharu giggled softly, and Satoshi felt himself truly relax once more.
Maybe everything was going to be alright.
The last two hours were spent in the Observatory with Gou and Koharu, the two simply watching as Satoshi tried to explain to Gangar, Riolu, and Kairyu why he wasn’t going to be able to take the two to Alola with him. The golden dragon crooned loudly next to him, large arms wrapping around him, and he laughed as he pet her head, apologizing while Gangar tugged at his arm frustratedly. Riolu’s small arms wrapped around his leg and refused to let go, leaving him with the blue dog glued to him for the rest of the evening.
After promising to the other two that he’d be back in a week, they seemed to cave, though they hovered near him even as he spent the last hour in the Observatory with his Pokémon and friends, simply existing with them all.
Then Sakuragi was coming to get him and he found himself pulled in for a hug by people and Pokémon alike, Gou giving him a quick hug goodbye right before his Pokémon barreled into him with their own embraces. Laughter bubbled from his chest and he returned each embrace, even teasing Koharu about not giving him one, before he allowed himself to be taken away by the Professor and taken to the airport.
Feeling the wind against his face, he smiled at the town as they drove through it, jittery with excitement.
“Nervous?” Sakuragi questioned, glancing at him from the corner of his eyes. The question made him tilt his head slightly, gaze flickering up towards the sky. Was he nervous? No, he wasn’t nervous. Far from it, really. A chuckle rumbled from his chest and Satoshi looked at the professor, grinning.
“No,” He hummed, petting the sleeping Pikachu on his lap, “ Thrilled. ”