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It had been eleven months since their future daughter made a surprise appearance thanks to Celebi, and what a long eleven months it had been. After Celebi had taken the children home, Gladion dragged Ash straight home so the two could research what they needed to do to qualify to be foster parents. But it turned out to be quite a process due to Alola having four separate islands with their own individual laws for fostering children.
First, Ash and Gladion had to fill out a variety of different applications before sending them off to the four islands, as well as visit the four islands to provide the information that the case managers needed to know about the two. By the time the end of November rolled around, Ash and Gladion had gone through multiple interviews with the different case managers from the four islands and participated in an assortment of different training classes before finally reaching home visits with the case managers.
Gladion sighed, collapsing on the couch as Ailani, the case manager from Poni Island, left their house after another inspection.
"Please tell me we'll be getting our qualifications soon," he groaned, placing an arm over his eyes.
"That was the last home visit, according to Ailani," Ash told him, sitting on the floor next to Gladion before lying his head on his stomach. “She said she'll be in contact with the other case managers and that we'll have the assessment reports by the end of the week."
Gladion lifted his arm off his eyes, smiling as Ash looked at him.
"I thought we would be in trouble when we told them I work at the foundation," he admitted, threading his fingers through Ash’s raven locks.
Ash smiled, turning his head to press a kiss to Gladion's stomach.
"It's just because of the safety procedures your parents have put in place to make sure that everyone knows what to do if they see an Ultra Beast," he reminded him, tracing circles on Gladion's torso. “The Pheromosa did a fair bit of damage the last time they were here and Lusamine and Mohn just want to make sure no one gets hurt next time, just in case.”
"I know," Gladion sighed, trying to lose himself in his husband’s touch but feeling too anxious to enjoy it fully. "Ash, I'm scared."
Ash lifted his head in surprise, causing Gladion's hand to leave his hair.
"What's wrong?"
Gladion sat up and turned so he was facing Ash properly.
"What if we don't find her Ash?" he asked. "Sakura said we didn't adopt her until she was two. She was the youngest of four kids. The twins are eight months now and Basil was born nearly two months ago. How long will it be until we find her?"
Smiling, Ash stood up and positioned himself in Gladion’s lap, his knees astride Gladion’s thighs and his hands on Gladion’s shoulders, before pressing a gentle kiss against his lips. The blonde man hummed happily, grabbing holding Ash’s waist to pull him closer. After a few minutes, Gladion pulled away before cocking an eyebrow.
“Was that meant to be a distraction or do you have a point?”
Ash rocked his head. “Bit of both. Gladion, I promise we're going to find her. Remember what I told you about Celebi?"
Gladion frowned, trying to remember what Ash had said when Celebi had sent their daughter from the future to them. “Remind me again?”
"When Celebi appears, the future will be bright," Ash recited, gently brushing Glasion’s bangs. "Celebi wouldn't have brought her to us if she wasn't ours. Celebi isn't cruel in any way. I promise we’ll find her. We just have to be patient.”
Gladion sighed. “I hate it when you're right sometimes.”
“No, you don’t,” Ash smiled, lacing his fingers together behind Gladion’s neck.
“No, I don’t,” Gladion admitted before giving Ash a hopeful look. "Do you think after we find her, we'll still foster others? Maybe adopt another?"
"I believe so," Ash smiled. "We have plenty of love and room. If we don't get overrun by Pokémon first."
Gladion laughed before looking out the window, curious as to why he hadn't heard any noise for the past few hours.
"Speaking of the Pokémon, are they asleep?"
Ash took a quick look at the clock above them.
"Yeah, I feed everyone earlier so they should be asleep," Ash nodded. "Also, the interview did run a little late today."
"So, it's just the two of us?" Gladion asked shyly, fingering one of the buttons on Ash's shirt.
"Yeah," Ash nodded. "Why? Do you have something in mind?"
"Well, when the children come, we're not going to be allowed to be as impulsive as we usually are," Gladion grinned, slowly unbuttoning Ash’s shirt. "And tomorrow, we have to go shopping to get the house ready for said children, so you want to use this opportunity to be a little crazy?"
Ash cocked an eyebrow as Gladion pushed the shirt off Ash’s shoulders, making it fall to the floor. Then he smirked.
"What time do we need to be at the shops?" he asked, fingering the buttons on Gladion’s shirt with one hand while holding Gladion’s nape with the other.
"Nine, I think," Gladion answered.
"Let's make it ten," Ash breathed before pulling Gladion into a passionate kiss.
***
Over the next few days, after they completed their shopping, Ash and Gladion spent their time making the spare bedroom appropriate for a child of any age, along with Pikachu, Umbreon, Mimikyu and Bulbasaur.
"Um, Ash, are you sure about this?" Gladion asked as he closed the trundle bed drawer. "I mean, maybe we should have gone with bunk beds or a futon instead."
"It'll be fine," Ash reassured him, screwing the final bolt into the cot they had recently bought. "We need to be prepared if an older child comes or two small children come at the same time. Trundles save space. But if you’re still concerned, we can get a bunk bed too.”
Gladion sighed while shaking his head.
"No, you’re right. It’s fine. I'm just worrying," he admitted just as the phone rang. “I'll get it.”
Ash nodded as he placed the baby mattress inside the cot.
"And done," he smiled before looking at the Pokémon. "So, who wants to test how comfortable it is?"
Immediately, Mimikyu started jumping up and down in excitement, its shadowy arms reaching up eagerly. Ash chuckled.
"Okay, Mimikyu." Ash picked up the excited Pokémon and placed it inside the cot. "How is it? Comfy?"
Mimikyu zipped up and down the mattress as fast as it could before lying down, beaming.
"Great," Ash grinned before picking up Bulbasaur. "Now let's see how much it can hold."
After placing Bulbasaur, Pikachu and Umbreon inside the cot, Ash stepped back.
"Great," he nodded. "Strong enough to hold all of you. Is there enough room?"
Everyone cheered happily just as Gladion stepped back into the room, holding the house phone in his hand.
"Hey, the cot's ready," Ash smiled. "And it's strong enough to hold everyone with plenty of room. But maybe we should get our Lycanroc to....”
His voice trailed off when he noticed the dazed look on Gladion’s face.
“Hey, what's the matter?"
"Nothing," Gladion said in a bewildered voice, the phone hanging loosely from his fingers. "That was Maria, the case manager from Ula'ula island. She said she's been in contact with the other case managers. Our applications are through."
"They are?! That's awesome!" Ash cried joyfully, taking a few steps forward to wrap Gladion in a big hug, causing him to drop the phone.
Ash hugged Gladion happily. The applications went through! That meant they were going to be parents! That meant they were one step closer to Sakura! Oh, he could hug Gladion forever; he was so happy. Then he frowned. Gladion wasn't hugging him back. Confused, Ash pulled away.
"Babe, what's wrong?" he asked in concern as he looked at Gladion's face, only to see him crying. "Gladion?"
"We're going to be parents,” Gladion whispered before a smile grew on his face. “Ash, we’re going to be parents!”
Ash laughed, wiping Gladion’s tears away with his thumbs before pressing their forehead together. In the cot, Pikachu, Umbreon, Bulbasaur and Mimikyu immediately started chatting excitedly.
"We're going to be parents," he repeated softly, about to kiss Gladion when the phone rang again.
"Well, aren't we popular today?" Ash joked, releasing Gladion before picking up the dropped phone. "Hello?"
"Hey, kiddo," Nanu's gruff voice came through the receiver.
"Nanu, this is a nice surprise," Ash smiled.
"Sort of," Nanu said. "I need you and Gladion to get to Ula'ula Island as fast as you can."
"If you want us to babysit the Meowth again, I'm going to say no," Ash told him, grimacing when Mimikyu gave a frightened squeak while Gladion started furiously shaking his head while mouthing no. “Mimikyu is still upset about the Meowth tearing its costume.”
"No, no," Nanu said. "Nothing like that. But I do need you both to come to the station now though. It's important, kiddo.”
Ash frowned, still uncertain. It wouldn't be the first time Nanu would trick them so he could sneak off to nap. But at the same time, his voice did sound urgent. Well, if it is a trick, he’ll just send Gladion home. No need for them both to stay if it’s babysitting. He shrugged at Gladion, who rolled his eyes before leaving the room, holding up his finger to let Ash know he would be right back.
Okay," he decided. "We'll be over on Charizard soon."
“Mahalo, Ash,” Nanu said gratefully before hanging up.
"This better not be a trick," Gladion grumbled as he re-entered the room, holding Mimikyu's and Umbreon's Pokéballs. "I hate those Meowth! Spoilt little things. I swear every time we see them, they're high on something. Return for now, Mimikyu and Umbreon.”
Ash snorted, putting the phone on the bookshelf as Mimikyu and Umbreon disappeared into their Pokéballs.
"I don't think it's a trick," he admitted, pulling Bulbasaur out of the crib and setting him on the ground. "He said we needed to get to Ula’ula. But just in case it is a trick, I’ll send you back. No reason for us both to suffer.”
“Yeah, not going to happen. If you’re going to suffer by looking after contradicting, gold-obsessed cats, the least I can do is suffer with you,” Gladion smiled, pocketing the Pokéballs.
“Aw, how romantic! You know, most people would give flowers,” Ash teased while Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder.
“Yeah, well, I'm not most people,” Gladion shrugged.
“Don’t I know it,” Ash winked cheekily before looking down at the grass-type frog. “Bulbasaur, would you let Charizard know that Gladion and I need to get to Ula’ula? Also, we don’t know how long we’ll be there, so could you, Snivy and Levanny take care of everyone, please? Oh, and you’re welcome to tell the other Pokémon the good news too.”
"Bulba," Bulbasaur nodded, saluting with one of his vines before jumping out the open window.
"Thanks, Bulbasaur," Ash called before following Gladion to head outside.
"I hope it's not a trick," Gladion said, pulling on his shoes.
"Me too," Ash agreed.
“Pika!” Pikachu grimaced in agreement.
***
“Thanks, Charizard,” Ash smiled as the flying fire lizard landed with a loud yet somehow graceful thud in front of the police station on Ula'ula Island. “You did a good job getting us here so fast.”
Charizard held his head up high as he growled proudly, making Ash roll his eyes fondly. What a silly, proud, flying fire lizard he had. He then quickly but carefully swung himself out of the saddle before looking at Gladion with a cheeky grin. Gladion scoffed with an eye roll before turning sideways on the saddle and placing his hands on Ash’s shoulders (being careful not to crush Pikachu’s foot) while Ash grabbed his hips.
"You know you don't have to do that every time," he smiled.
"I know," Ash smiled, helping him down. "I just like doing it. Besides, you're so cute when you blush.”
Gladion blushed, gently slapping Ash’s bicep. “Shut up.”
Ash laughed before pulling out his Pokéball. "Thanks, Charizard; have a nice long rest."
Charizard grunted before disappearing into the Pokéball in a flash of red light. At the same time, Gladion released Mimikyu and Umbreon from their Pokéballs before looking at the police station wearily.
"Alright, let's go see what Nanu wants," he said as Mimikyu jumped to his shoulder.
Ash nodded, putting Charizard's Pokéball in his pocket. The five of them walked up the tiny stone steps before Ash pushed the heavy glass door and peered inside. The station was empty. There wasn’t even a Meowth about.
Raising his eyebrows, Ash held open the door to allow his husband and the Pokémon to walk in first before following, letting the door slowly swing itself closed.
"Nanu?" he called. "Are you here?"
“One moment!” Nanu’s voice came from behind a closed door that had the word “office” imprinted on it.
There was some scuffling behind the door before it opened, showing the Ula’ula Island Kahuna looking frazzled and exhausted with two clingy grey cats holding his left leg as they mewled.
"Thank Arceus!" Nanu cried, glaring at them. "You two certainly took your sweet time!"
"It's nice to see you too, Nanu," Gladion deadpanned.
Nanu sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.
"You're right, sorry. These past twenty-four hours have been difficult," he told them before stepping back. "One second."
He then looked over his shoulder. “Come on, all of you! Out!”
Immediately there was a symphony of annoyed hisses. Mimikyu squeaked, pressing itself against Gladion’s neck fearfully. Gladion smiled, pulling the fairy-ghost type off his shoulder and holding it to his chest, right near his heart. Pikachu immediately jumped from Ash’s shoulder to Gladion’s before leaning down to pet Mimikyu’s fake head.
“Pika,” he cooed soothingly.
“Thanks, buddy,” Ash smiled gratefully while Gladion gently nosed the electric mouse's cheek, being careful not to press against the cheek sack that held Pikachu’s electricity.
“Don’t give me that, you lazy cats!” Nanu snapped. “Acerola will be back soon with the little one. Everyone out! Don’t make me get the hose.”
There was another hiss before a large cluster of Meowth sulkily marched out in single file. As they walked past Ash and Gladion, Mimikyu watched them cautiously, its shadowy claws digging into Gladion’s shirt. Gladion smiled softly, patting Mimikyu’s back gently while humming softly to soothe the nervous Pokémon.
“Okay, that’s the last one,” Nanu said, standing to the side as the last Meowth walked out, giving Ash and Gladion a dirty look.
The two of them shared a look. Alolan Meowth were such an irritating Pokémon. So selfish and self-absorbed, thinking the world evolved around them. Ash shrugged before walking into the office, followed by Gladion and Umbreon. Once they were inside, Nanu closed the door behind them before moving behind an office desk covered in folders and other arbitrary items.
“Have a seat,” Nanu suggested, moving some items around before taking a seat.
Gladion put Mimikyu and Pikachu on the ground before sitting in one of the chairs that sat opposite Nanu’s side.
"So, what's going on, Nanu?" Gladion asked as Ash sat in the other free chair.
"Something rather unfortunate," Nanu admitted, picking up a pen and fiddling with it. "But first, I've been told that you two have qualified to be foster parents."
"That's right, on all four islands," Ash nodded. "Why?"
"Well, the reason I've asked you both to come here is that..."
Nanu's sentence was interrupted by the approaching sounds of wailing.
"Still?" he groaned as the door opened.
Standing in the doorway, using her legs to keep the Meowth away while holding a wiggling, sobbing baby in her arms, was Acerola, her phantom Mimikyu floating behind her.
“Stop it!” she scolded. “You are not allowed around her! Don’t make me get out Rapooh!”
“Pikachu,” Ash said quickly, nodding his head towards the door.
Pikachu nodded before running towards the door. He growled, his cheeks sparking menacingly. There were a few angry hisses but Pikachu’s threat must have worked because Acerola gave Pikachu a grateful smile before walking inside, kicking the door closed behind her.
“She still hadn’t stopped?” Nanu asked.
"I'm sorry Uncle Nanu," Acerola sighed, approaching the desk as she gently bounced the brawling baby in her arms. "I tried everything I could think of but she still won't stop crying. Even Mimikins, Shuppet and Greedy Rapooh tried but no good."
Gladion frowned before standing.
"Here," he said, holding out his arms. “Let me.”
Acerola eagerly handed the baby to Gladion, shaking her arms.
“Thank you,” she sighed in relief. “I haven’t been able to put her down. Every time I've tried, she’s just wailed harder.”
Giving an acknowledging hum, Gladion gently shifted the baby so she was nestled against his chest, her little head lying against his collarbone.
"Shh," he whispered, cradling her head with his hand and using his thumb to stroke under her ear. As he did, Ash got up and placed one of his hands on the baby's back.
"Go to sleep," he sang softly, gently rubbing circles. "Go to sleep. Close your tired eyes. The gentle breeze and the twinkling stars."
Whether it was from Ash’s humming, him stroking her back or the way Gladion swayed to his husband’s voice, no one knew. But it didn’t matter. What mattered was that her crying was slowing down and she was starting to relax in Gladion's arms. Nanu and Acerola sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness," Acerola smiled. "The poor thing hasn't stopped crying since we got her. I barely got her to eat a little while ago. She must be getting hungry now. I'll go get her some fresh moomoo milk. Come on, Mimikins.”
As Acerola skipped out the door, Mimikins floating behind her, Ash and Gladion sat down again.
"So, who is she?" Gladion asked.
"Her name is Sakura," Nanu said grimly as he pulled out a file. "I had to arrest her mother this morning."
"What?!" Ash and Gladion cried in shock, causing Sakura to fuss.
They winced, turning their attention back to the whimpering infant.
"Sorry," they whispered as they started to stroke her again.
This time Mimikyu and Pikachu joined in by jumping onto Gladion’s lap while Umbreon stood on her hind legs, placing her front paws on Gladion’s knee to hold herself steady. As Umbreon nuzzled her leg while Pikachu and Mimikyu patted her shoulders, Sakura slowly relaxed against Gladion’s chest again, gripping the fabric in her little fingers as her eyes closed. Soon, she was breathing deeply and rhythmically, indicating she had fallen asleep.
"I'm sorry, did you say her name is Sakura?" Gladion asked as the Pokémon carefully got off him.
"I did, why?" Nanu said.
"Well, earlier this year, we were visited by Celebi," Ash admitted. "And it brought some children with it. One of them was a little girl named Sakura. She said she was our daughter."
"Interesting," Nanu said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Did future Sakura say anything about how she came to be your daughter?"
"No," Gladion said. "Just that you play a part in helping us adopt her."
"Well, I'm not sure how I can help," Nanu admitted. "But that’s not the reason I asked you both to come. I asked you here because Maria is Sakura's case manager. She's also the one who told me that your foster qualifications are thorough. After she told me, I recommended you both care for Sakura. But at the moment, it'll be immediate care."
"Hey Ash, would you take her, please?" Gladion asked. "My arms are aching."
Ash nodded, carefully taking and settling Sakura in his arms. Her eyes fluttered but she contently curled into Ash’s chest, gripping his shirt. Gladion smiled at the adorable sight as he gave his arms a small shake.
"So why immediate care?" Ash asked.
"At the moment, it's because her mother is incarcerated and waiting for her court date," Nanu said. "And legally, I need to see if I can find her father or any other family members that can take her. I'll let you both know if I find anyone and what the verdict is on Sakura's mother."
Ash looked down at Sakura, who shifted in her sleep.
"Why did you arrest her mother?" he asked quietly, despite not wanting to know the answer.
"Possession, child endangerment and neglect," Nanu admitted.
Ash and Gladion looked at each other. That explained it. But why? Who would neglect a child? Ash shook his head, trying to push away the negative thoughts. Gladion reached across and gently ran his fingers through Ash's hair. Ash gave a small smile before turning his attention back to Nanu.
"Can we take her home to Melemele or do we need to stay here for a while?" he asked.
"You can take her back to Melemele after Maria comes back," Nanu said as he stood up. "She left to get some paperwork so I'll call her and let her know you're here.”
Ash and Gladion nodded before looking down at Sakura again. The baby was slowly waking up. Eagerly, Pikachu jumped onto Ash’s shoulder while Mimikyu jumped onto Gladion’s. Umbreon got up on her hind legs again, this time putting for front paws on Ash’s knee so she could study Sakura.
"Do you think it's her?" Gladion asked hopefully, leaning closer.
"Maybe," Ash shrugged, just as Sakura opened her eyes, revealing dark brown eyes. "Hi Sakura, my name is Ash and this is Pikachu."
"Pikachu," Pikachu waved happily from Ash's shoulder.
"I'm Gladion," Gladion smiled. "This is Umbreon and Mimikyu."
"Bre, Umbreon," Umbreon purred while Mimikyu gave little squeaks, waving with a shadow arm.
Sakura blinked as her eyes flickered between the two men and their Pokémon. Slowly, she reached a hand out towards Gladion.
"I think she wants to hold your hand," Ash smiled.
Gladion smiled as he held out a finger so Sakura could wrap her little hand around it.
"You're so little," he cooed.
Slowly, as her eyes flickered between the two, she gave a big smile. Ash and Gladion gasped when they saw that sweet but familiar smile.
"It is her," Gladion breathed happily. "Our Petals."
As Sakura started to babble, Ash patted Umbreon to get her to step down before standing.
"Come with me," he said.
After Gladion stood up, Ash took Gladion's hand with his free hand and led him towards a couch. After Ash sat down, he pulled Gladion close beside him and sat Sakura between the two of them so both of them were holding her. As they did, Pikachu, Mimikyu and Umbreon crowded around them. Sakura gurgled happily, waving her arms.
"We’ve found you, little girl," Ash smiled as Gladion leaned his head against Ash's shoulder. "We've been looking for you for a while and now, we've found you."
"We've missed you, Petals," Gladion said as Sakura grabbed his finger again.
Sakura beamed and gurgled. Gladion smiled.
"Hey Ash, I think I've figured out why I call her "Petals"," he said.
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, her face reminds me of a flower," Gladion smiled.
Ash grinned as he ran his fingers through Sakura's fine hair.
"Our flower."