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"What're the costumes for?" Gladion asks, holding a black cape in his arms. Both boys are currently messing with their closets, and as it seems, Ash was searching for some sort of costume. "I only asked to go for a walk tonight 'cause you're free. This is a bit unnecessary," the blonde added. The brunette beamed once he found 2 Mimikyu costumes, for both him and Pikachu. "I want to have fun this Halloween night especially since it's just both of us, it looks fun going around in costumes," Ash answered, palming the clothe on his lap.
Now, the blonde experience Halloween multiple times when he was younger with his younger sister; he was an Umbreon, a ghost, and a skeleton; hell, he was also a pumpkin. But ever since he went through his emo phase, he rarely does that anymore. And now here they are, Ash messing with his closet to find costumes to wear. Gladion has to admit, he's had a crush on the boy ever since they both met; that determined look, looking forward to their battle, the beaming smile that shines brighter than the sun, and that stupid energy. Oh, that energy is undeniably cute for Ash, it fits his strong fighting spirit. But he couldn't get himself to confess, he was too different from him, too mysterious.
"I never had a full experience of Halloween before," Ash suddenly mumbled. That caught Gladion's attention, looking at the brunette who was staring dearly at the costume he has.
"I was too caught up with all the adventure I've been in ever since I met with Misty and Brock," he added. The brunette looked back at Gladion, "So let's make this night my first full experience of it, okay? Even if we don't have to go trick or treating." Damn it, that soft smile hit something in Gladion's chest. He blinked twice and sighed, "Alright, just once."
Ash giggled at the answer. Damn it! That giggle, he swears to Arceus that giggle felt so sweet. Gladion ignored the warm feeling on his cheeks, shaking his head, "B-but don't expect me to agree if you change your mind on the trick or treating." Dammit, he stuttered. Ash didn't seem to mind but gave the blonde that bright smile, "Thanks, Gladion! You're the best!" Oh well, Gladion hopes Ash doesn't think weird of him, especially after that stutter.
They both boringly sat on a bench, watching the children run around with their pokémon and teenagers chatting with each other. Both boys wore their costumes as Gladion agreed; Gladion was a vampire and his Umbreon was a pirate, and Ash was a Mimikyu and so is his Pikachu. Ash yawned, "I want to eat something sweet..." Just as he said that his Pikachu mumbled. Just as he blinked, he felt something on his lap; it was 2 bags of candies. "Don't ask why I brought them," Gladion looked away, embarrassed by the convenience of the bag of candy. Ash smiled, "Thank you! I feel like my mouth was lonely ever since we got here." "Pika pika!"
The blonde quietly chuckled at the boy as he watch him share the candy with his partner, moaning at the sweet taste. "You better finish that, it was my favourite when I was younger," Gladion said, opening a lollipop and plopping it in his mouth. Ash hummed in response, taking 3 in his mouth and giving the last 3 to Pikachu, "What about your Umbreon?"
"I already gave 'em candy, I can't let them get toothaches," he shrugged. The brunette hummed once again, standing up. "Well, do you still want to walk or do you just want to sit there?" Ash teased, putting the hood on again. The blonde nodded, stood up and threw the empty chewed lollipop in the trash.
Gladion looked up at the dark sky, watching the stars twinkling. He looked at Ash, who was patiently waiting for his request. He gulped, "Ash... I have to say something..." "Oh?" Ash tilted his head to the right as Gladion opened his mouth but closed it after no word came out. He shook his head, "Let's talk about it on the beach, alright?" Ash raised an eyebrow. Great, good job Gladion, now he's suspecting something is wrong. But the brunette chose to ignore it, gave a giggle and nodded, "Alright."
Crap, crap, crap! They already reached the beach and Gladion still hasn't formed his words. Pikachu and Umbreon were playing by the back while the two boys sat on a chopped tree trunk on the sand. "So, what do you want to say?" Ash spoke up first. Gladion cleared his throat, "Right- Uhmm... I don't know how to say this but..." He paused, looking at the moon. It was a full moon, just like the one where they both battle for the first time, the first time he saw that lovely sight of Ash in the moonlight. Ash followed his gaze, admiring the sight of the moon.
"This reminds me of the day you called me here to battle with me," Ash broke the silence. "When I saw your Umbreon drop a note, I felt so excited to battle you. I was looking forward to it ever since I first heard of you," he added. Gladion blushed, he sighed, "You know what they say?" Ash hummed. This is his chance! Just get straight to the point-
"The full moon is a reminder for lots of people about their first meeting," damn it! He can't get himself to say it. Ash looked at him. "... And the first confession with the person you love..." the brunette mumbled. "Yeah, I heard. I heard it multiple times because of the couples back at Kanto," Ash added.
Gladion blinked and smiled, "Yeah... That, too." He bit his lip. "My point here is..." he groaned, furrowing his eyebrows. Ash put his hands on his lap, "Hey, are you okay? You seem red..." "Listen, I-" Gladion cut himself off with a stutter. "I'm not good with words, so I kind of struggle to say it," he excused. "Darn, it shouldn't be that hard!" he thought to himself.
His hands clench to a fist, sucking in a breath. "It's okay if you can't say it, take your time. I can wait—" "I like you, okay?"
That. That came out of nowhere. Gladion was blushing, waiting for a response. Ash blinked, processing the sentence, his cheeks slowly flushing in red, "Huh?"
Really? That's all he has to say? But the blonde didn't complain, "I wanted to tell you this for a while, but I found out it's too early that time so I waited until today"
He scooted closer to the brunette, putting a hand to his cheek as Ash leaned on it. "May I?" Gladion asked, and Ash nodded.
They were both hesitant at first, but they went at it. They both pressed their lips together, feeling a bond forming.
Ash's arms made their way to wrap them around Gladion's neck, while Gladion's hands were placed by the other's waist. They broke off the kiss as Ash lay by Gladion's shoulder "I don't want to disappoint you, but this isn't my first kiss," Ash frowned. Gladion was just shocked at what the brunette said. Crap. Did he just kiss someone who has a relationship?! "Does that mean...?" "No! No, I didn't return her feelings. I didn't feel the same way for her," Ash defended.
Ash pulled back, "I didn't mean to upset you with that. It's okay if you change your mind." "No, not at all! It just came out of nowhere."
They both laughed. Ash put both his arms back to the blonde's neck, "Well, that means...?" Gladion chuckled, "It doesn't matter."
They were about to go for another kiss until Umbreon called them from behind. Oh frick, they were watching the whole time?! It doesn't matter for them, tho, this is probably the best Halloween experience for both boys.
