We're not datin-

                                    

                                          
A/N- they aren't dating hereee, enjoyyy 
For once, in Ash’s seven years of travelling, things were normal and peaceful. There’s no epic adventures, no saving the world and no hopping from region to region this time. Professor Cerise had given both him and Goh a two-week break from their research fellow work. Goh decided to spend time with his family and bond with all of his pokemon and Ash brought his mom and Mr. Mime to Alola for a round two of vacation.
He wasn’t getting bored surprisingly. The past few days have been busy but fun nonetheless, with him falling comfortably into his previous routine with a few new steps. Waking up at the professors (still waking up late), having breakfast with them, Lei and his mom (she liked going early to the market, she says the welcoming people wake her up), going to school and then hanging out with his friends. He does champion duties now as well, from meeting with the kahunas and Professor Kukui about the league and accepting friendly challenges from trainers who are looking to test their strengths.
Speaking of champion duties, Ash had just finished discussing with Kahuna Hala about an idea he had for his league trial. It ended fairly quickly, as Kahuna Hala had other things he had to arrange. So Ash decided to make a trip to the market or the mall to grab a quick bite. Maybe get a honey malasada from Team Rocket for his mom. (They’re on break too, apparently. You can’t blame Ash for thinking that it isn’t a coincidence.)
The mall was bustling, even more than usual since it was a weekend. Ash felt a grin form on his lips and Pikachu, who was perched on his shoulder, raised his nose to catch the different aromas drifting around the place. People were having conversations with each other, with smiles on their faces. It made Ash’s heart beat a tiny bit faster, seeing the people of the place he’d found a home in be happy. He doesn’t think he’ll ever stop falling in love with Alola.
“Feels good to be back, right Pikachu?” The yellow mouse gave a chirp in agreement before jumping off Ash’s shoulder with practiced precision and started walking towards Team Rocket’s malasada truck. Ash followed closely behind, keeping an eye on his partner's tail as Pikachu went zigzags around the crowd.
They joked around with Team Rocket before waving goodbye. He headed towards Anela’s stand, so Torracat could say hello. Sadly, she’s not here because of family business according to the nearby vendors. Ash asked Pikachu to remind him to come back tomorrow.
For the next fifteen minutes, Ash and Pikachu went around and talked to the vendors, who were all happy to have their champion stop by and have a lovely conversation. Some kids turned to their moms and excitedly pointed at him, to which he would give a wave and a smile, Pikachu would energetically greet them as well. After walking around, they decided to rest on a bench and the electric mouse pounced onto his lap. The boy chuckled before petting his partner.
“Mind if I sat here?”
Right in front of him, was Gladion. The blond looked as good as ever, if Ash was to be honest. He was definitely taller than the last time they saw each other, which was almost over a year now. Gladion was wearing something a bit more casual, a big difference from his torn hoodie and the fancy vests he wore before their departure. A black polo shirt, halfway buttoned up with a red t-shirt underneath and black shorts. Ash noted how his cologne hasn’t changed.
“Gladion! Ah, of course you can!” Ash enthusiastically scooted over to give more space and Gladion gave a small smile before sitting down. Umbreon positioned herself at her trainer’s feet, licking herself clean.
“So how’ve you been-“
“How are you-“
A beat passed before their laughter rang through the air. Ash is hit with memories of the league. Of how they laughed just like this, sudden but surprisingly in sync. He didn’t know Gladion that well, more familiar with his sister being classmates and whatnot. Yet, Ash thinks as he fondly recalls the memory, it was as if they just knew. One look at each other and quiet chuckles fell naturally from their lips blossoming into loud laughter.