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"So, what do you guys think?" Professor Kukui asked his class.
"But isn't a talent show just another competition like the Alola League?" Sophocles asked.
"No, this won't be a competition," Kukui smiled. "This is just a way to show off any hidden talents you might have and just have fun."
"Kind of sounds like a Pokémon showcase or contest," Ash smiled.
"What are Pokémon showcases and contests?" Lillie asked curiously.
"A Pokémon showcase is a competition in the Kalos region where you perform with your Pokémon with moves, tricks and dancing," Ash explained. "A Pokémon contest is a competition in the Kanto, Hoenn and Sinnoh regions where your Pokémon is judged for its appearance and the way it battles. They're both lots of fun."
"In a way, this talent show would be like a contest or showcase," Kukui smiled. "If you want your Pokémon to join you, they can. Just have fun with it."
"So what can we do in this talent show?" Lillie asked.
"You can do anything you want," Kukui grinned. "If you're an artist, paint or make something and bring it in so it can be on display. Perform on the stage if you act, sing, dance or play an instrument. Things like that."
"May I bring in delicacies and refreshments for people to enjoy?" Mallow asked hopefully.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Kukui smiled. "Also, I have a surprise for everyone, especially you Ash."
"What is it?" Everyone asked eagerly.
"Well, Brock and Misty have been in contact with me," Kukui explained. "As you know, since Alola’s first Pokémon League was broadcast internationally, everything except the Guzzlord’s arrival was shown. This meant that many people, especially your friends, could watch the League on TV Ash."
"My friends?" Ash asked in a hopeful voice. "Like who?"
"May, Max, Dawn, Cilan, Iris, Clemont, Bonnie and Serena,” Kukui listed. “Apparently, after watching the League, they got in contact with each other and decided they wanted to come and visit you, as well as participate in the talent show."
"Really?" Ash asked.
"Really," Kukui smiled. "I've also heard that Gary, Paul and Trip are coming too."
Ash's eyes widened in shock. "Is that a joke?" he asked weakly.
"No, Dawn and Cilan said they wanted to see you too," Kukui said, surprised by Ash's reaction.
"Oh," Ash said in a weak tone.
"Anyway, give it some thought," Kukui smiled kindly, just as Komala rang the bell, signalling lunchtime. "I'll see you all after lunch."
"Are you okay, Ash?" Mallow asked as everyone finished rearranging their desks for lunch.
"Yeah, I'm just surprised," Ash admitted, sitting down before pulling out his lunchbox. "Honestly, I didn't have as good a rivalry with Gary, Paul and Trip as I do with Kiawe and Gladion. Gary and I competed with everything, Paul thought I was weak because of the kind of trainer I am, and Trip thought little of me because of where I come from. We all parted on good terms but I'm still a little shocked that they all want to see me." Ash then shook his head and smiled at his friends, who looked worried. "Never mind, I'm fine and it'll be really good to see them and find out what they've been doing lately. Anyway, are you guys going to perform?"
"Haven't decided yet," Lana shrugged.
"I might play an instrument," Kiawe said thoughtfully. "Don't know what yet though."
"I'll be too busy cooking to participate," Mallow grinned.
"I might invent something to display," Sophocles said thoughtfully. "Or do something with Vikavolt."
"I think I'll do a painting," Lillie smiled.
Ash nodded before looking shy. "Um, Lillie, do you think Gladion might come?"
"I'll invite him," Lillie smiled. "He probably won't participate though. He's a wonderful dancer but quite shy when performing in front of others."
"I think as long as he turns up, Ash will be happy," Lana smirked, causing everyone to giggle and Ash to turn red.
"He's just my friend," Ash said quickly, hoping his friends wouldn't be able to tell he was lying.
"Right," Lana said sarcastically. "Hey Ash, are you going to do something?"
"No," Ash shook his head. "I'm no good at dancing or things like that."
"That's okay," Mallow smiled kindly. "Professor Kukui did say it was a choice. Ooh, do you think Brock will help me with the cooking? He has some amazing recipes."
"I'm sure both Brock and Cilan would love to help you cook," Ash smiled. "And I bet Dawn and Serena would love to teach you how to make Pokéblocks and Poképuffs."
As Mallow excitedly asked what Poképuffs and Pokéblocks were, Lana leaned towards Kiawe's ear.
"Hey, will you come for a walk with me when we finish eating?" she whispered.
"Sure," Kiawe nodded. "How come?"
"Because I have an idea on getting Ash and Gladion together," Lana grinned, causing Kiawe to light up as well.
"I'm all ears," he grinned.
***
"So what do you think?" Lana asked as she and Kiawe stood in the courtyard together.
"It does seem like a good idea," Kiawe nodded. "But there are a couple of things I'm concerned about."
"What?"
"One, does Gladion even like Ash?" Kiawe questioned. "I mean, it's all well and good for Ash to confess to him but what if he doesn't return Ash's feelings? It would break his heart. It'll also be awkward and embarrassing for both of them if Ash confessed to him in front of everyone only to be rejected."
"Gladion does like him," Lana confirmed. "Haven't you seen the way he looks at Ash? Also, I asked Lillie. She said it took some work but she eventually got Gladion to admit to her that he likes Ash that way."
"Well, that's a relief," Kiawe nodded with a sigh. "Now, the second point, can Ash even sing? I mean, I've never heard him sing, hum or whistle. He also said he didn't want to participate in the talent show."
"All we can do is ask," Lana said. "That way... hey, look at that."
Kiawe followed Lana's gaze. Small groups of wild Pokémon were walking out of the forest towards the back of the school building.
"I wonder what they're doing," Kiawe asked curiously.
"Maybe an injured Pokémon?" Lana suggested. "Or a Pokémon egg? Let's go see."
Kiawe shrugged before heading over towards the back of the school building, Lana close behind. As they got closer, they were surprised to hear someone singing.
"I won't be silenced," the voice sang. "You can't keep me quiet. Won't tremble when you try it. All I know is I won't go speechless."
Kiawe and Lana looked at each other in surprise. This singer sounded good and they were hitting the high notes perfectly.
"Who is that?" Lana whispered.
Kiawe shrugged. As the two peered around the side of the building, they gasped. Sitting on the ground, surrounded by wild Pokémon, as well as his own, was Ash singing.
"Let the storm in," he sang. "I cannot be broken. No, I won't live unspoken. Cause I know that I won't go speechless."
As Ash continued singing, Lana and Kiawe looked at each other, beaming. So Ash could sing. The two stood there quietly, listening to Ash as he hit a variety of high notes before finishing the song softly. Once he finished, Lana and Kiawe walked out from around the corner and started applauding.
"Ahh!" Ash yelped, his face turning red as the wild Pokémon ran away. "Lana! Kiawe! Where did-? How long have you two been standing there?"
"Since the chorus," Lana grinned as she and Kiawe sat in front of Ash. "You have a lovely voice."
"Oh, thanks," Ash said shyly as he hugged Pikachu.
"You should sing in the talent show," Kiawe encouraged. "You know what Lana; your plan might work."
"I told you, I'm not participating in...,” Ash trailed off. “Wait, what plan?"
"My plan for you to tell Gladion you have a crush on him!" Lana squealed.
"What are you talking about?!" Ash cried, his face turning red. "I don't have a crush on Gladion!"
Lana and Kiawe gave Ash a funny look.
"You're a dreadful liar, Ash," Kiawe smiled, making Ash blush harder.
"He's right Ash," Lana added. "We all know you like Gladion, well except for Gladion."
Ash sighed as he shook his head. "Well, so what if I have a crush on him?" he asked in a defeated tone. "He only likes me as a friend and rival."
"No Ash," Kiawe shook his head kindly. "I like you as a friend and rival. Gladion likes you the same way you like him."
"Really?" Ash asked hopefully.
"You really should pay attention to the way he looks at you," Lana smiled.
Ash blushed again as he shook his head. "Whatever Lana. Anyway, what do you two mean by 'plan to tell Gladion how I feel about him?'"
"Sing to him at the talent show," Lana told him.
"No," Ash said firmly. "I already told you, I can't perform."
"What do you mean you can't?" Lana asked. "You're a great singer."
"Well, I've never sung in front of an audience before," Ash admitted.
"But you just were," Kiawe pointed out. "And you've battled with an audience watching you."
"That's different," Ash explained. "Pokémon don't judge you, not like people. Pokémon don't yell or ridicule you if you get the lyrics or the melody wrong. Also when I battle, the audience focuses on the Pokémon, not me. I'm sorry, I can't do it. Not even to confess to Gladion."
Lana and Kiawe looked at each other in sadness before Kiawe lit up.
"What if Lana and I sang with you?" he suggested.
"Yeah," Lana grinned. "That way you can still confess to Gladion and at the same time, you won't be the centre of attention."
"You guys would do that?" Ash asked in surprise.
"Of course we would," Kiawe smiled.
Ash sucked in his bottom lip briefly before giving a small but genuine smile. "Okay, I'll do it."
"Alright!" Lana cheered as she and Kiawe shared a high-five.
"So, what song shall we sing?" Ash asked.
"I have a few ideas," Lana smiled just as Komala rang the bell again. "Listen, there's a music room beside Principal Oak's office. Kiawe and I will show it to you when school is finished. Okay?"
"Okay," Ash nodded.
***
As soon as Professor Kukui dismissed the class, Lana and Kiawe led Ash and Pikachu to a classroom beside the principal's office.
"This is our music room," Lana smiled as she opened the door.
Ash looked around, taking in all the instruments before walking over to the piano. He smiled as he played a few keys.
"It's very peaceful in here," he said as he continued to play. "What do you think buddy?"
"Pika!" Pikachu cheered happily, patting a drum with his paws.
"Do you play piano, Ash?" Kiawe asked, taking a seat at the piano bench.
"Not really," Ash admitted. "I know basic keys but I can't play properly. Anyway, Lana, what ideas do you have?"
"Sing the chorus for some of these songs," Lana said, sitting down in a chair as she held out the list she wrote. "Then we'll decide which song would be the best choice."
After quickly reading over the list, Ash nodded. He opened his mouth, only to freeze.
"I can't," he shook his head before sitting on the floor.
Lana gave him a sympathetic smile as Pikachu ran over to hug Ash.
"Okay," she said. "Hey, Kiawe bring out Turtonator and Marowak."
"Okay," Kiawe said in a confused tone, releasing Turtonator and Marowak from their Pokéballs while Lana did the same with Primarina and Sandy.
"Okay Ash," Lana smiled as the Pokémon sat in front of Ash. "Just focus on the Pokémon. Just pretend Kiawe and I aren't here."
"Okay," Ash said uneasily, looking at the Pokémon, who smiled back at him. After looking down at Pikachu, who nodded, Ash took a breath before opening his mouth again. "Nobody going to love me better…" he sang softly.
As Ash sang through the choruses of the different songs Lana picked, he started to relax and sing more clearly. As he finished the last chorus, he looked at Lana and Kiawe, who smiled at him.
"How was that?" he asked shyly.
"Perfect," Kiawe smiled as Lana handed Ash a water bottle. "I think the ballads suit you the best, Ash. Also, you sing more clearly when you're relaxed."
"This is going to be so cute!" Lana squealed as Ash drank. "I swear if Gladion doesn't kiss you when you finish singing, I'm going to smack him!"
Ash rolled his eyes as he put the bottle down. "You're exaggerating," he sighed before looking nervous. "Are you two sure about this? I still feel kind of nervous. But what if I screw up or embarrass you two?"
"You'll be fine," Kiawe promised, waving his hand. "You'll have Lana and me with you. Besides, you always try your hardest to succeed. You won't embarrass us."
"Exactly," Lana nodded. "So, which song would you prefer to sing?"
"The last one," Ash said immediately. "Feels more sincere."
"Perfect," Lana nodded. "So we have ten days tomorrow till the talent show. Plenty of time for us to practice. We'll come here during our breaks and after school."
"Is ten days enough?" Ash asked worriedly.
"It'll be enough," Lana promised. "We'll start practice tomorrow. Right now, let's figure out who sings which verses."
***
Over the next eight days, Ash, Lana and Kiawe practised the song they chose for the talent show. They worked together, figuring out where they would duet in some sections while soloing in others. Eventually, they figured out who would sing which section and had the entire song memorised, although it made Lana and Kiawe slightly sad that Ash hadn't taken on a larger solo section as they had hoped.
On the day before the talent show, Ash, Lana and Kiawe were surprised to see Misty waiting outside their classroom when Komala rang the school bell.
"Hi you three," she smiled, kneeling to give Pikachu, Sandy and Marowak pats. "It's good to see you. Hey, Lana, Kiawe, would it be alright if I steal Ash for the afternoon? Everyone is waiting at Mallow's restaurant and they want to see him."
"Sure," Kiawe smiled, much to Ash's surprise.
"Are you sure?" Ash asked. "I'm happy to stay and practice some more."
"It's fine," Lana smiled. "We have the song memorised. Go see your friends."
"Okay," Ash nodded. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."
After waving, Ash quickly followed Misty out of the school building and into the courtyard. Once they were there, Misty gave Ash a quick hug, much to Ash’s surprise.
"Sorry," she said, releasing the hug so the two of them could continue walking. "I wanted to get a hug in before you got swamped by everyone. Anyway, congratulations on winning the Alola League and winning against Professor Kukui!"
"Thanks," Ash said humbly. "It was all Pikachu and the others. I never could have done it without them."
"Wow," Misty said in an impressed tone. "You've come a long way from being that cocky ten-year-old who 'borrowed' my bike and destroyed it."
"Thanks, I think," Ash said, unsure if Misty was teasing him or not. "Everything I've learnt over the years and everything I've learnt here in Alola; it kind of makes me wish I could go back and redo some of the things I did when I first started my journey."
"You were a kid," Misty pointed out. "An over-confident, hot-tempered, stubborn and cocky kid."
"Thanks," Ash said sarcastically.
"But," Misty said quickly. "You've learnt from your mistakes and there were probably some things I could have done better as a friend and gym leader. You've become a very kind and humble trainer since we travelled through Kanto together. In fact, I'm proud to call you my friend."
"Really?" Ash asked.
"Really," Misty nodded.
"Thank you, Misty," Ash smiled. "And I know we had a lot of hiccups and fights but I'm grateful you travelled with me when I first started my journey."
"Me too," Misty smiled before smirking. "So, tell me about this Gladion."
"What about him?" Ash asked, his face turning red. "Wait, how do you know about him?"
"Lana and I talk to each other over the phone, remember?" Misty pointed out. "She told me all about that little crush you have on him. She also told me about how she and Kiawe are helping you sing a song to him at the talent show tomorrow to tell him how you feel. That is so romantic!"
"Thanks," Ash said in an uncomfortable voice.
Misty frowned at the tone but shook her head. "But there's something I want to know. Have you always liked boys? Is that why you never noticed when girls flirted with you?"
"It's not that," Ash shook his head. "I was too focused on being a good trainer that I didn't notice when people flirted with me."
"That explains a lot," Misty rolled her eyes. "But do you like boys? More than you like girls or do you like them both the same?"
"I'm not sure," Ash admitted. "I've never put too much thought into it. But I do know I like Gladion."
"Okay," Misty nodded. "Then tell me about Gladion. What's he like?"
"He's...kind," Ash smiled softly. "And very sweet. He's caring towards Pokémon and his sister. Oh, and he's an amazing trainer! So strong! Even if I lose, I don't feel frustrated like I did with Paul, Gary or Trip. He's just..." Ash trailed off when he noticed Misty looking at him with a soft look on her face. "What?"
"Wow," Misty said. "You really do like him, don't you?"
Ash blushed as he nodded.
"I'm happy for you Ash," Misty smiled as they reached Mallow's restaurant. "I won't say anything."
"Thanks, Misty," Ash said gratefully as Max and Bonnie came running out of the restaurant.
"Ash!" they cried happily as they threw their arms around him.
Ash smiled as he hugged them hard. "Hi Max! Hi, Bonnie!"
"Ash, we saw the League on TV!" Max told him excitedly as everyone started to come out of the restaurant. "You were so great!"
"Thanks," Ash smiled sheepishly. "It was all Pikachu and the others."
"Ooh," Bonnie squealed as her eyes sparkled. "Can we meet your Pokémon? Please?"
"Of course," Ash smiled, pulling out his Pokéballs and releasing Lycanroc, Incineroar, Rowlet and Melmetal.
Bonnie and Max squealed with excitement as they greeted the new Pokémon while Ash looked at everyone else.
"Hey guys," he smiled as the girls came down to hug him while the boys squeezed his hands. "It's wonderful to see all of you."
"And you as well Ash," Cilan smiled proudly. "Congratulations on becoming Alola's first champion."
"Yes, congratulations Ashy-boy."
Ash looked up to see Gary, Paul and Trip standing in the doorway.
"Gary, Paul, Trip," Ash nodded, feeling his stomach clench.
They stared at each other before Gary, Paul and Trip gave genuine smiles, making Ash silently released the breath he had been holding.
"We watched your matches on the TV," Gary smiled. "You did really well."
"And your match against the Masked Royal," Trip added. "I hope I get to experience what you did when I battle against Alder one day."
"And I against Brandon," Paul added.
"Thank you," Ash nodded. "Shall we all eat? I'd like to know what you've all been doing since I saw you last."
"Oh, come sit next to me," Serena said eagerly, tugging on Ash's hand while blushing lightly. "I want to tell you about the Pokémon contests my Pokémon and I have been in."
Ash nodded as he sat at one of the tables while Serena sat next to him. He remained silent as everyone told him about what they had achieved since they last saw him before eagerly asking questions about Ash's battles and his Pokémon.
"It was fun battling against my professor," Ash smiled. "A moment in my life that I'll forever treasure."
"So, what are you going to do now?" May asked.
"What do you mean?" Ash asked.
"Well, you've finally won a Pokémon League," Brock pointed out. "You've travelled to all these regions, caught all these Pokémon, battled and trained for this very moment. You won a Pokémon League. You’re a champion. Most of us are still trying to achieve our dreams or even find a dream. So, what are you going to do now?"
Ash blinked before looking out the window. "I'm not sure," he admitted. "Indeed I won the league but I don't feel like I've completed my goal of being a Pokémon Master. I'm sure I'll figure out what I want to do next but for now, I'm pretty content with where I am right now."
"That makes sense," Brock smiled. "Maybe you just need a moment of clarity, as I did with those sick Pokémon."
"Yeah, maybe," Ash said thoughtfully before smiling. "Anyway, tell me more about what you guys have been doing."
As Serena started talking about her first Pokémon contest, Ash's eyes drifted to the window.
I wonder, he thought. What should I do next with my life?
***
The next day, Ash stood nervously backstage with Lana, Kiawe and their Pokémon, waiting for their turn to perform. So far, the talent show has been lots of fun. First, Mallow, Brock and Cilan had created a morning tea with a multitude of native dishes (with Brock making some dishes he had learnt while travelling through Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh) for everyone at the open house to enjoy.
Once morning tea was finished, everyone went to explore the art section Professor Kukui had set up for people's art projects. Once all the projects had been viewed, everyone voted for the pieces they liked the best before sitting down to watch the talent show. Everyone was enthralled by the different types of talent people showed, whether it was by themselves or with their Pokémon. Even May, Dawn and Serena participated in the talent show with their Pokémon, showing off what they had learnt in Pokémon contests and competitions.
But while everyone was having a wonderful time watching the different types of talent, Ash wasn't enjoying himself. He couldn't stop thinking about what his friends had said the day before. What was he going to do now? Should he stay here in Alola? Should he go home? What? Oh, did he feel sick.
"Ash?"
Ash broke out of his thoughts to see Lana and Kiawe looking at him with worry.
"Are you okay?" Kiawe asked.
Ash blinked. "Um, yeah. Listen, I think I just need some air. Look after Pikachu?"
After Lana and Kiawe nodded, Ash quickly handed Pikachu to Lana before running off to hide behind the school building. He panted as he leaned against the building, his arms wrapped tightly around his torso.
"Ash?"
Ash looked up to see Gladion looking at him.
"Hey," he said gently. "Are you okay?"
"I feel a little sick," Ash admitted.
"About performing?" Gladion asked sympathetically. "That's understandable. Lillie told me you were going to perform with Lana and Kiawe. You're very brave. I couldn't do that."
"I couldn't do it by myself," Ash explained. "That's why they're doing it with me. But that's not the reason I feel sick."
"Oh?" Gladion asked. "What's wrong?"
"Yesterday, Brock asked me what I going to do now," Ash admitted. "I mean, I completed the Island Challenges and I won the Alola League but I feel like I haven't reached my goal to become a Pokémon Master. I’m so confused right now. I don't know if I want to stay here or if I want to go back to Pallet Town."
Gladion smiled. "You know, I've been asking that same question myself."
"Really?" Ash asked.
"Yeah," Gladion nodded. "I was so focused on being a strong trainer and defeating all the Ultra Beasts that I never put much thought into my future. But then I met you and everything changed. So, I don't know what to do now either."
"Oh," Ash winced. "Sorry."
"Don't be silly," Gladion smiled. "I'm glad you're a part of my life. You opened my eyes to so many things, whether it'd be battling strategies or dealing with Ultra Beasts. I'm grateful to you."
Ash blushed. "I'm grateful to you too."
Gladion smiled as his cheeks turned red. "Um, Ash, there's…uh… there’s something I want to tell you."
"What is it?" Ash asked.
"Ash?"
Ash and Gladion turned to see Lana standing there.
"Sorry to interrupt," she said in an apologetic tone, despite her eyes sparkling. "But we're on next."
"Right," Ash nodded before looking at Gladion. "Tell me after, okay?"
"Okay," Gladion smiled. "And thanks. At the risk of sounding awful, it's comforting to know someone else is feeling as lost as me right now."
"That's okay," Ash smiled. "I feel the same. Wish me luck."
Gladion held up his hands to show his fingers crossed with a smile. Ash grinned back before following Lana to the stage, where Kiawe was sitting at a piano waiting.
"You okay now?" Kiawe asked quickly as Lana and Ash sat in the chairs beside him.
Ash gave a nod as he scanned the crowd before seeing Gladion sitting behind Serena. Gladion smiled at him, holding up his crossed fingers.
Ash sighed. "Yeah, I'm okay.”
Kiawe gave a nod before starting to play while Sandy, Marowak and Pikachu started vocalising softly along with Kiawe's playing.
"What would I do without your smart mouth?" he sang, playfully nudged Lana, who stuck out her tongue much to everyone’s amusement. "Drawing me in and you kicking me out? Got my head spinning, no kidding. I can't pin you down."
"What's going on in that beautiful mind?" Lana sang. "I'm on your magical mystery ride and I'm so dizzy. Don't know what hit me but I'll be alright."
"My head's underwater but I'm breathing fine," Ash and Kiawe sang together, Ash’s tenor blending perfectly with Kiawe’s baritone. "You're crazy and I'm out of my mind."
"Cause all of me loves all of you," Ash, Lana and Kiawe sang. "Love your curves and all your edges; all your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you. You're my end and my beginning; even when I lose, I'm winning. Cause I give you all of me and you give me all of you… oh."
"Give me all of you, oh," Ash sang softly as Lana and Kiawe finished the chorus together.
Lana gave Ash a quick look before taking a breath.
"How many times do I have to tell you?" she sang. "Even when you're crying, you're beautiful too. The world is beating you down; I'm around through every mood."
"You're my downfall," Ash and Kiawe sang together. "You're my muse. My worst distraction, my rhythms and blues. I can't stop singing, it's ringing in my head for you."
"My head's underwater," Lana and Kiawe sang together as Ash hummed. "But I'm breathing fine. You're crazy and I'm out of my mind."
"Cause all of me loves all of you," Ash, Lana and Kiawe sang. "Love your curves and all your edges; all your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you. You're my end and my beginning; even when I lose, I'm winning. Cause I give you all of me and you give me all of you, oh."
As Lana and Kiawe hummed along to the melody of the piano, they gave Ash bright smiles. Ash bit his lip before looking at the crowd again, meeting Gladion's eyes again. Gladion smiled, his eyes bright but soft. Ash felt the smile on his face grow as he lifted the microphone to his mouth.
"Give me all of you," Ash sang, his voice ringing clearly for the crowd to hear. "Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts. Risking it all though it's hard."
"Cause all of me loves all of you," Lana and Kiawe joined in. "Love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you. You're my end and my beginning. Even when I lose, I'm winning. Cause I give you all of me and you give me all of you."
As Kiawe and Lana hummed the melody again, Ash suddenly stood up and got off the stage and made his way towards Gladion, not noticing that Serena was staring at him with wide eyes and a hopeful look on her face. Taking a deep breath, Ash stepped around Serena and kneeled in front of Gladion while Lana signalled to Kiawe to keep playing.
"Cause all of me loves all of you," Ash sang in a shaky voice while Gladion's breath quickened and Serena's face fell. "Love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you. You're my end and my beginning. Even when I lose, I'm winning. Cause I give you all of me and you give me all of you."
Gladion covered his mouth with his hand, feeling tears as Ash held his hand out to him.
"I give you all of me," Ash sang. "Will you give me all of you?"
Gladion grinned before standing, setting his hand in Ash's before helping him stand as well. "Yes," he nodded.
Ash bit his lip as he looked down shyly. "Was it okay that I did that?" he asked, blushing as he felt everyone stare at him. Feeling fingers under his chin, he looked up to see Gladion smiling at him.
"That was amazing," Gladion admitted before his forehead against Ash's. "You really love me?"
"Every part of you," Ash confirmed.
Gladion smiled. "I love you too Ash," he said. "I was going to tell you before but Lana-.”
"Will you two just kiss already?!" Lana yelled from the stage, making Ash and Gladion blush harder while everyone laughed.
Quickly, Gladion pressed a small but loving kiss to Ash's lips before pulling him into a hug while everyone cheered.
"I'll kiss you properly when we don't have an audience," Gladion whispered in Ash's ear.
Ash smiled as he returned the hug before noticing Serena looking at him with teary eyes and a bittersweet smile. He bit his lip worriedly.
Be happy, she mouthed before blowing him a small kiss.
Ash smiled before releasing the hug to look at Gladion properly. "Follow me?" he asked, holding out his hand again.
Gladion nodded, taking Ash's hand and allowing Ash to lead him away from the audience until they were hiding in the forest behind the school building, ignoring the wolf whistles that followed them. Once they were in the forest, Ash turned to Gladion.
"What is it?" Gladion asked.
"I still don't know what I want to do next," Ash admitted. "I just know I want to do it with you."
Gladion smiled as he placed his hands on Ash's cheeks. "And we will," he nodded, pressing a kiss to Ash's forehead. "Together."
"Thank you," Ash smiled. "Will you kiss me again? Before we get interrupted by someone again? Pikachu's probably looking for me right now."
"Yeah, and Umbreon's going to come looking for me too," Gladion smiled before hovering closer to Ash's lips. "But before I do, there's one more thing I need to tell you."
"What?"
"Thank you for singing to me," Gladion smiled. "It was very sweet. I love you."
"And I love you Gladion," Ash whispered back before Gladion's lips found his.