Ash sat on the ground, brushing the fur of a mamoswine, their newly acquired client. It was on its way out, finally content and okay with human contact and other pokemon around it.
“There you go. It feels nice, right?” Ash grinned as the mamoswine rumbled, happy.
Ash dropped the brush and stood up, wiping the sweat from his face with the back of his arm.
“Your trainer will come back for you tomorrow morning! You'll see all your friends again!” Ash patted the pokemon lightly.
He waved as he walked away. He removed his hat and scrubbed a hand through his sweaty hair.
“Pi pikachu!” Ash turned around and spotted Pikachu wagging his tail, perched on Paul's shoulder.
“Paul! Pikachu!” He smiled. He jogged over to the pair standing on their back porch.
Ash leaned over and pecked Paul on the cheek. Paul moved at the last minute and caught his lips instead. Ash flushed but grinned in return.
Pikachu jumped onto his head and squeaked happily.
“Welcome back, buddy. Did you protect Paul?” He asked.
Paul shook his head and patted Pikachu l's back. “He did well. The group of wild magnemite have returned to the city.”
“Good job, Pikachu! I knew we could count on you!” Ash exclaimed as he pulled out a sweet from his pocket and offered it to Pikachu.
“How's the mamoswine?” Paul asked as he sat in and reclined in one of their porch chairs.
Ash climbed on top, laying against Paul's chest. Pikachu hopped off and away to find friends. Paul wrapped his arms around Ash, feeling the dampness of his shirt against his arms.
“It's fine. It wandered off into the woods, but its trainer is coming tomorrow.” Ash stretched in Paul's arms before turning to lay against Paul and on his side.
“Tired?” Paul stroked Ash's arm.
“Yeah, the mamoswine is fine now, but the wild Haunter’s been taking a lot out of me today.”
“Has been helpful, but this Haunter is probably just as playful. Gengar has had a hard time keeping it away and settled.” Ash yawned.
“Should we catch it?” Paul asked.
“Maybe? I'll see in a few days. It comes and goes, so I don't think it feels comfortable yet.” Ash caught Paul's hand and tangled their fingers.
“You go shower and take a nap. I'll feed all the pokemon. It's almost dinner time.” Paul smiled, squeezing Ash’s hand.
Ash shook his head cutely against Paul’s chest. “No, I can help.” Ash yawned once more.
“Fine. I'll move the chair into the shade and you can watch and rest.”
“Fine.” Ash pouted as Paul moved to wiggle from under him.
“Cynthia has a battle scheduled to air tonight. By the time I'm done we can shower and watch it together.” Paul stood up.
“Really? We haven't showered together in forever!” Ash said excitedly.
Paul shook his head. “You're impossible.”
“Shower and a battle? Is this real?” Ash giggled in the chair.
“You're too adorable for your own good.” Paul used a finger to tilt Ash’s chin. He planted a soft kiss on his chapped lips.
“But Paul, shower and a battle! “ Ash pushed himself off the chair and hugged him. “We haven't had a night off in weeks.”
Paul chuckled. “Love you, too. Let's not count our chickens. We have way too many pokemon right now.”
“No need to worry, Paul. Our pokemon are helpful. It'll be no problem!” Ash stood up. “Suddenly, I'm so energetic!”
Ash grabbed Paul’s hand. He almost tripped as he pulled Paul down the porch stairs. “Time to feed some pokemon!”
