I do prefer shorter series though…

Disclaimer/Notes: See a previous chapter

To write a lemon or not to write a lemon? That is the question!

Chapter 4

 

            “Ash? You seem preoccupied.”

            Ash looked up from his peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwich and sighed. “I feel restless.”

            “You don’t have to stay here, you know.” Lance said. “You can leave when you wish.”

            And we can’t…

            Yes, that is a problem, isn’t it? But the Elite are only symbols and perhaps soon that is all a Champion shall be…

            “I’ve heard they are selling action figures of you.”

            “What?”

            Ash snapped back to reality.

            “It’s true, your face is plastered on a lot of girl’s t-shirts.”

            Ash blushed. “But I don’t care about them.”

            “You don’t? Why not? It’s nice having a fan base.”

            “I never wanted one!”

            “Well, what did you expect becoming Champion would do?”

            “I don’t know…”

            It had only been a game…

            So… how could he have known?

            Games weren’t real!

            But if that wasn’t real, then how could… Ash reached out with trembling fingers and brushed Lance’s sleeve.

            Lance blinked. “Are you sure you are all right?”

            “Lance, you’re real, right?”

            “Of course I’m real…” Odd question, that. But Ash probably was still short on sleep ever since that night… Bruce had returned twice in that time (2-week period) and tried to attack him without success.

            Strange obsession…

 

            Well, with the three-strikes law, if he came again, he’d be dragon food. Lance smiled.

            Of course I’ll protect you, since you asked so nicely…

            Besides, you’re cute and worth it.

            Not that he would ever tell Ash that…

            He went back to his dragon grooming.

            Ash ate the rest of his sandwich and then went to his room to check the mirror for pimples.

            It was becoming an unhealthy obsession.

            But he had to look cute!

            Had to!

            I’ll _make_ you like me… I’ll be the cutest lil’ champion there ever was. No, that sounds too girly.

            But I will let you like me.

            It’ll be perfect!
            If not, it’s a dream….

 

            “No it’s not!”

            Lance looked startled. “Ash, are you certain you feel all right?”

            “No.”

            “Well, you should get some rest then… you haven’t been sleeping well in days.”

            “Hai.”

            Circles were under his eyes, stark bleak blackness. This could not go on, he’d get sick! And then…

            Well, better not dwell upon that unpleasant thought.

            Lance was taken aback when Ash suddenly hugged him tightly.

            “Ash, what are you?”

            “You’re real, you have to be.” It was an urgent whisper, a plea for help. “You are real! I won’t let you leave!”

            “I’m not going anywhere Ash.”

            “But this is just a dream!”

            “Dream?” Lance looked confused. “You think this is all a dream?”

            “Isn’t it?” Ash asked, than sighed. “But if I talk to myself in a dream, what good will it do?”

            “What would convince you this is real?”

            “Kiss me.” Ash said, sure he would wake up.

            “As you wish.” Lance said, before he brushed Ash’s lips with his own.

            Ash closed his eyes, wanting the moment to last but afraid he would wake up before it ended.

            It didn’t.

 

            When he opened his eyes, Lance was still there.

            “You’re…”

            “Is that enough for you?” Lance asked, faint amusement visible in his inflected tones, shimmering.

            “Sugoi…” Ash whispered.

            Lance’s hands slid past his shoulders, locked around his waist. “Do you want this, Champion-sama?”

            Ash nodded mutely, noticing the honorific Lance had attached. Well, he _had_ defeated the Elite Four and Yellow, but…

            But…

            “I don’t want it if you don’t.” He whispered.

            “Silly little one,” Lance said affectionately. “What made you think I don’t like you?”

            What really?

            It was a game – no it wasn’t! This was reality! This was real! This was not a dream! Then his old life must have been one!
            Without further ado, Ash kissed Lance back, bruising his lips slightly.

            It was fine.

            It would work out…

            Besides, Lance loved him back! So it couldn’t possibly be a dream! Never would he doubt it again.

            Never.

            Sweet and yum and ice and wind and fire and ecstasy…

            Never.

 

End Chapter

End Fic

This fic didn’t have that much romance, oh well…

Decided against lemon this time, but maybe not next!

Completed 7/7/04