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Gladion walked through Melemele Meadow with Umbreon, Lycanroc, and Silvally, enjoying the lush greenery. The flowers hadn't bloomed yet, so it was nice to enjoy the simple green grass without the brightly coloured flowers. As they walked, Gladion felt Silvally nudge him.
"Something wrong, Silvally?" he asked.
Silvally gestured towards a tree with its head.
"You want to rest?"
Silvally nodded.
"Sure," Gladion smiled.
After Silvally walked over and lay next to the tree, Gladion, Umbreon and Lycanroc joined it. As Gladion leaned against it, Silvally placed its head over Gladion's shoulder, gently nuzzling his cheek while purring. Gladion smiled, closing his eyes as Umbreon and Lycanroc rested their heads on his lap. It was peaceful. Suddenly, Umbreon and Lycanroc jumped up and started growling. Gladion opened his eyes and frowned.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
Lycanroc and Umbreon gestured towards some bushes a few metres away, which were rustling. Gladion stood up along with Silvally.
"Get ready."
Just as they got into battling stances, out of the bushes came Pikachu and Rowlet. Gladion sighed as he and his Pokémon relaxed.
"Oh," he breathed with a smile. "It's just you two."
"Pika!" Pikachu cried as he ran towards Gladion while Rowlet hooted with joy before landing on Gladion's head.
"Is Ash behind you?" Gladion asked as he looked around, waiting for the energetic, battle-loving trainer to appear.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried urgently. "Pika, pika! Pikachu! Pika pi!"
Rowlet hooted as he flew off Gladion's head, flying in circles above him.
Gladion frowned. "Wait, has something happened to Ash?"
Pikachu nodded before jumping to Gladion's shoulder, pointing towards some trees and bushes in the distance.
"Okay, lead the way," he said.
Rowlet hooted in confirmation before flying off in the direction Pikachu was pointing. Gladion quickly followed, with Umbreon, Silvally and Lycanroc close behind. After running after Rowlet for a few minutes, the grass owl suddenly started flying in circles again over a specific area.
"Pika, pika," Pikachu said as he jumped off Gladion's shoulder and ran into some bushes.
Stepping around the bushes, Gladion saw Ash lying on the ground under a large tree with Lycanroc and Torracat nudging him in concern while Rotom was floating around in a panic.
"Ash?" Gladion called as he stepped forward.
Lycanroc and Torracat looked up, snarling before giving sighs of relief when they saw who it was. Gladion kneeled beside Ash while Umbreon, his Lycanroc and Silvally stood beside him, talking with Ash’s Pokémon urgently.
"Ash?" he asked, gently shaking Ash's shoulder. "Ash, wake up."
Ash moaned as he opened his eyes, shivering.
"Gladion?" he said in a tired voice. "I can't move."
Gladion frowned, gently touching Ash's face with his knuckles. His face felt hot and sticky with sweat.
"Rotom, what happened?" he called, only to be ignored because Rotom was still freaking out. He rolled his eyes.
"Can someone get its attention, please?" Gladion asked as he tried to sit Ash up, only for Ash to collapse against him.
Both Lycanroc nodded before jumping up and growling at Rotom, who screamed at the sudden scare.
"Hey, what was...Gladion?" Rotom squealed before floating down to him. "Where did you come from?"
"Around," Gladion answered. "What's wrong with Ash?"
"He breathed in some Stun Spore," Rotom explained. "And we don't have an antidote. Do you have any?"
Gladion shook his head.
"Salveyo weed," Ash groaned as he shivered. "Salveyo weed."
"What's Salveyo weed?" Gladion asked.
"Searching, searching, searching," Rotom muttered as it ran the word through its database before giving an affirmative beep. "Salveyo weed, a type of medicinal plant that is super effective in curing the effects of Stun Spore. Poliwag likes to eat it."
"So, where can I find some?" Gladion asked.
"In clear lakes where Poliwag lives," Rotom answered. "But I don't think humans can eat it."
"Ash?" Gladion looked at Ash, who was starting to pass out. "Ash, wake up. Talk to me. What do we do with the Salveyo weed?"
"Boil it and give it to me to drink," Ash murmured. "Gladion, I’m so cold."
"Okay, um," Gladion looked around. "Which is closer, the professor's house or the Pokémon Centre?"
"The professor's," Rotom answered after quickly calculating the distance.
"Okay, I'll take Ash back to the professor's," Gladion said as he tried to help Ash to his feet. "Silvally, I need you to help me. And the rest of you, try to find some Salveyo weed."
The Pokémon nodded in agreement while Silvally kneeled so Gladion could place Ash on Silvally's back.
"Pika, pika," Pikachu said, pointing towards the tree. Gladion looked up to see Ash's backpack, hat and a sketchbook lying haphazardly on the ground.
"Thanks, Pikachu," he smiled before going over to pick up the items.
After putting them in the bag and placing the bag on his back, Gladion got onto Silvally’s back behind Ash so the sick boy wouldn't fall off.
"I'll go with everyone else and help them find the plant," Rotom informed him.
Gladion nodded. "Be safe, all of you.”
After receiving acknowledging noises from the group, Silvally trotted off towards the Professor's house as quickly but as carefully as it could. As they rode, Ash rested against Gladion, panting.
"Hang on, Ash," Gladion murmured, holding him tight. "We're almost there. Try to stay awake for me, okay?"
“Okay,” Ash moaned in acknowledgement.
Soon, they reached the professor's house. Gladion quickly dismounted and took off the backpack before helping Ash down. Gladion then helped Ash onto his back before walking up the steps to the front door, panting with each step he took.
"You're a little heavier than I thought," Gladion told him, opening the door before walking inside, Silvally following close behind while carrying Ash's bag in its mouth.
"Sorry," Ash said, shivering as Gladion placed him on the couch.
"It's fine," Gladion shook his head as he pulled off Ash's shoes and laid him down before spying a nearby blanket.
After covering him with the blanket, Gladion felt Ash’s face again. It still felt hot and sticky.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Like I got smacked in the face by a Vileplume," Ash groaned as he shivered. “Hard.”
"What's a Vileplume?" Gladion asked, standing before walking to the kitchen.
"Grass and poison type from Kanto. Looks like a giant flower. Pretty cute but a little dangerous," Ash answered before opening his eyes. "What are you doing?"
"Looking for a large bowl and a cloth," Gladion answered, opening and closing drawers and cupboards as he spoke. "You’re burning up so we need to cool you down."
"Oh, where's my bag?"
Silvally grunted, nudging Ash’s covered shoulder with its nose before dropping the bag on the coffee table.
Ash smiled in relief. "Thank you, is my book in there too?"
"I packed everything before bringing you here," Gladion called, successfully finding a large mixing bowl and a clean dishcloth.
After filling the bowl with cold water, he carefully carried it and the dishcloth over to the couch. After sitting beside Ash, wetting the cloth and wringing it out, Gladion started to gently pat Ash's cheeks and neck, who sighed with relief. As Gladion continued to dab Ash's face with cold water, Silvally played with the bag until the sketchbook fell out. Feeling curious, Silvally pulled the book towards itself before turning the pages with its nose, staring at the pictures with great interest.
"How does that feel?" Gladion asked as he dabbed Ash's collarbone.
"Good," Ash moaned. "Stun Spore sucks."
Gladion nodded, soaking the cloth again, wringing it out and folding it before placing it on Ash's forehead. "So, what happened?"
"Project for school," Ash answered as his eyes closed. "Professor Kukui asked us to draw different wild Pokémon for an art project. I was drawing some Butterfree, but I slipped on a leaf and startled them. So, they reacted with Stun Spore. I’m so tired."
"Get some rest," Gladion encouraged. "I'll check outside to see if the others are back yet."
After hearing Ash mumble in agreement, Gladion stood up before walking outside to see if the Pokémon had returned with the Salveyo weed. Seeing no sign of them, Gladion went back inside.
"Pikachu," Ash murmured as he started moving his head. "Use... Iron Tail."
Gladion smiled before picking up the bowl. "You talk about battling in your sleep. Why am I not surprised?"
After carrying the bowl back to the kitchen, emptying and drying it before putting it away, Gladion walked back just in time to hear his name.
"Gladion..." Ash mumbles.
"Yes, Ash?" Gladion answered, thinking Ash had woken up, except his eyes were still closed.
"Silvally...amazing," Ash mumbled.
Gladion rolled his eyes fondly. Ash was sleep-talking. He must be dreaming about having a battle with Silvally. Gladion sat down beside Silvally, who eagerly gestured to the book on the ground.
"Do you like it?" he asked. "Is he any good?"
Silvally tapped the book with its nose before nudging Gladion. Shrugging, he picked the book up to see what Ash had drawn. There was a picture of two Butterfree on the page, and they appeared to be dancing together. It was as good as what the artist lady Gladion had seen painting in the market area.
"Wow, he's good."
Silvally nudged the book, encouraging Gladion to keep looking.
"Okay, okay," he smiled, leaning heavily against Silvally's side. "We'll look together."
Gladion flipped through the book, smiling at the different pictures, but when he got to the last page, he gasped. On the page was a very detailed drawing of Gladion with Silvally, Umbreon and Lycanroc, looking peaceful. He gently touched the picture, taking in the details as his stomach fluttered.
"He drew us, Silvally. Why would he draw us?"
"Gladion..."
Gladion and Silvally looked at Ash, who was shifting in his sleep.
"Gladion...beautiful," he smiled, still asleep. "You're so beautiful, Gladion."
Gladion blushed while Silvally sniggered.
"Let me touch you, Gladion," Ash moaned. "I want to…touch you."
Gladion's eyes widened as he quickly moved to Ash's side to shake him awake before he could say anything potentially embarrassing (although hearing Ash say he wanted to touch him made his stomach tingle nicely).
"Ash, wake up!"
Ash's eyes opened quickly before he closed them again, groaning.
"Are you alright?" Gladion asked in concern.
"Headache and I feel really stiff," he complained. "Have they come back yet?"
"Not yet." Gladion shook his head.
"Oh." Ash rolled his head to the side to look at him. "What were you doing?"
"I was looking at your drawings," Gladion admitted, going red. "You didn't tell me you're an artist."
"I'm not, really," Ash denied humbly. "I just like to draw. I don't do it a lot, though."
"Probably because you can't stay still for very long," Gladion teased playfully, making Ash roll his eyes. "Why did you draw me?"
"Huh?" Ash frowned, presumably surprised by the sudden change in Gladion’s voice.
"Why is there a drawing of me with my Pokémon on the last page?"
Ash went red before turning away in embarrassment. "Oh, you-you saw that?"
"Yeah," Gladion nodded, feeling his cheeks grow warm. "And you were talking in your sleep too."
"I was?" Ash asked in an uneasy tone, still looking away. "Oh, I'm probably going to regret asking. What did I say?"
"That I'm beautiful," Gladion answered shyly.
Ash sighed before looking at Gladion again. "Well, it's true. I do think you're beautiful."
Gladion looked at Ash in surprise, feeling self-conscious. "You know I'm a boy, right?"
"So? I don't care," he shrugged. "I think you're beautiful."
"How am I beautiful?"
Ash bit his lip before looking at Silvally. "Silvally, would you mind going on the porch, please?"
Silvally gave him a funny look.
"Please?" Ash asked.
Silvally grunted before walking outside and sitting on the porch, leaving Gladion and Ash alone. Ash took a deep breath before rolling on his side so he was facing Gladion fully.
"You have nice skin and bright green eyes with long eyelashes," he said with a smile. "You are kind, determined, brave, sweet and treat Pokémon with love and respect. How could I not find you beautiful?"
Gladion blushed at Ash's words. Honestly, he found Ash very beautiful too. Ever since their first battle and Ten Carat Hill, this bouncy ball of sunshine filled Gladion's stomach with millions of Butterfree. But then he frowned.
No, no, he thought. One of the side effects that comes from inhaling Stun Spore is hallucinations. He must think I'm Lillie. We do look similar and she’s everything Ash just described.
"Sorry, Ash, I don't believe you," Gladion admitted. "I think the Stun Spore is affecting your mind."
Ash blinked at him before groaning in pain. Or embarrassment, Gladion wasn't’t sure. He looked at the door, worried about the Pokémon.
"Where are they?" he asked.
"We're back!" Rotom announced, flying through the door, followed closely by the Pokémon, all of them dripping wet and filthy.
"What on earth happened to all of you?" Gladion asked as Pikachu ran to him holding the Salveyo weed.
"We had a bit of a run-in with Team Rocket," Rotom told him as it flew into the kitchen to find a saucepan.
"Say no more," Ash groaned as Gladion took the Salveyo weed from Pikachu before going to the kitchen.
After filling the saucepan with water, Gladion placed it on the stove on high heat so it would boil quickly. After it boiled, Gladion turned down the heat before dropping the Salveyo weed into the water.
"How will I know when it's ready?" he asked.
"When the Salveyo weed looks like overcooked spinach and is starting to fall apart," Ash informed him.
Gladion nodded, watching the Salveyo weed as it quickly darkened while swelling. After a few minutes, it started to break. After turning off the stove, he carefully poured the liquid into the small mug Rotom had pulled out, using a fork to prevent any leftover plant from falling into the cup.
"I think it's ready," Gladion announced, walking back to Ash while blowing on the cup to cool the liquid.
After putting the cup on the coffee table, Gladion helped Ash sit up before handing him the mug.
"Careful, it's hot," he warned him as Ash took small sips of the hot liquid.
They all sat in silence until Ash had finished the mug.
"Do you need more?" Gladion asked, taking the mug back.
Ash shook his head with a smile as he stood up and stretched his stiff muscles. "No, I'm good. Man, that feels better. Thank you."
Gladion nodded before taking the cup back into the kitchen. After washing out the cup and putting it on the drying rack, he poured out the excess liquid and threw away the Salveyo weed, which was deteriorating in the saucepan, before washing the pan and setting it on the drying rack.
"Gladion?"
Gladion turned to see Ash standing right behind him. He flinched and took a step back, his back hitting the bench. He swallowed nervously.
"Y-yes?" he asked, looking over Ash's shoulder to see where the Pokémon had gone.
"They're outside waiting for a bath," Ash told him. "I need to ask you something."
"What?"
"Seeing how I'm no longer under the effects of Stun Spore anymore, I’m going to ask you again. How could I not find you beautiful?"
Gladion stared at him with wide eyes, still feeling unsure. "Are you sure you're not still under the effects of Stun Spore?"
Ash sighed. "Okay, then I'll prove it. But first, did I say anything else in my sleep?"
Gladion’s stomach jolted as his cheeks burned. "You… um… you said you wanted to… touch me.”
Ash smiled before moving a little closer so he could cup Gladion's cheek with one hand while lightly touching his chest with the other. Gladion inhaled sharply, wondering if Ash could feel how fast his heart was beating through his hoodie.
"That is also true," he said, gently touching Gladion's bottom lip with his thumb. "Your skin looks so soft. I can't help but want to touch you.”
"Ash," Gladion breathed.
Ash took a small step closer. “If I told you I want to kiss you, would you let me?”
Gladion gasped softly. Did he just…?
Ash moved a little closer. He was so close that Gladion could see freckles on his sun-kissed cheeks.
"If I told you I really like you, would you believe me?" Ash asked.
"I...um," Gladion stuttered. “I don't know.”
Ash smiled as he leaned forward, pressing his lips softly against Gladion's. Gladion blinked in surprise before relaxing into the kiss, his hands moving to Ash’s waist while Ash's arms wrapped around his back. After a few minutes, Ash pulled away, making Gladion open his eyes.
"Do you believe me when I say I really like you, Gladion?" he asked again.
Gladion stared at him in awe. He couldn’t believe it. Ash liked him and kissed him! Arceus, Ash liked him and kissed him! Him!
He swallowed nervously before nodding. "Would you believe me if I said I really like you too?"
Ash’s face glowed as he leaned in again. "Yes.”