Alain was astounded to be greeted into the lab by a table full of food and decorations all over the place. But the first and only thing he paid attention to was the fact that Ash was there. It warmed his heart knowing he'd get to talk with him again, as he feared since the Kalos League was over Ash would suddenly depart one day. But there he was, arms wide open and that adorable grin on his face. 

This was it. He had to make sure he confessed tonight, otherwise not only would he regret failing to express his feelings, but Mairin would certainly make him regret it for the rest of his life, the way she'd been exciting him since he told her.

Half an hour passed, and he was already bored. The Professor was just going on and on about Mega Stones, and research, and of course he was interested. But not for the time being; he had to find an opportunity to get Ash comfortably alone and confess. That moment mattered now more than ever, after that he could listen to the Professor talk about research for as long as he wanted.

He watched with amusement as Ash handed Pikachu a leftover ketchup bottle and the electric-type proceeded to drink it like it was a smoothie. Not particularly the Pokemon's strange appetite, but the way Ash giggled with that sweet voice and how his eyes turned into half-moons when he laughed, he didn't even realize he was staring at him. Oh, what he would do to make Ash laugh like that.

What didn't amuse him too much, however, was the way Clemont, his notably irritating friend, had the nerve to glare at him with those bulgy blue eyes. Alain didn't feel threatened, in fact it was quite laughable the way the pathetic 'inventor' tried to intimidate him, but he was sure that was the intention.

When he first met the group, all the hope of a positive first impression was directed towards Ash. He didn't know at first that he liked him, he simply admired him for his enthusiasm and creativity when it came to battling. But he caught his heart skipping a beat every time he saw him, and eventually had to come to the conclusion that he had fallen for him. He tried not to be afraid to fall deeper in love with Ash, as he was a kind person, and he knew Ash would do his best not to hurt him. But still, even the thought of being rejected triggered a sharp ache in his heart, which he was sure would last forever if it happened.

The rest of the group didn't sit too well with Alain. Bonnie still had much more growing to do, so he wasn't as judgmental with her. There was some bland indication that Serena also had feelings for Ash, but Alain felt they were transparent and meaningless, so he wasn't wary of her feelings. 

The second he saw Clemont, he got on his nerves. And not in the friendly type of way. He could never see himself getting along with that boy, in fact he wanted to punch him. Especially now, with the way he was glaring. He was tempted to pop the lenses out of those cheap glasses that were always glowing for some reason, and poke his eyes out.

The problem was that Ash seemed to admire him. He had overheard Bonnie and Mairin talking just then, and even now discovered the phrase 'science is so amazing'. It discouraged him a little, but his feelings were strong enough not to let it get in the way. He could tell Clemont felt something strong towards Ash, the way he gazed possessively at him. But that wouldn't stop him from confessing.

His eyes went back to Ash, who seemed to be getting distracted. He thought at first, perhaps he was just tired. But when he saw that he wasn't even trying to pay attention to Clemont's useless ramblings, and was focusing completely on whatever he was looking for with his eyes darting around the room, he knew something was wrong.

He went to hold his hand with his own, trying to free him of his distress, when a sudden, loud burst of energy blew him away from the back and threw him into Ash. He felt bad, knowing the boy was tiny and, himself being muscular, probably broke a bone of his. But when he got a glimpse of the debris and saw an army of orange suits approaching him, he knew he had a lot more to be concerned about now.

I know this part is so boring because it doesn't have dialogue, and I wanted to upload part 1 and 2 at the same time, but I'm struggling with something of a writer's block right now...

I am sorry! The next part will be better. I haven't given you guys content for so long, you deserve something