Notes: Ages don’t really matter but Ash is depicted anywhere between 18-21 and Alain as 20-23 in this story. This story has been re-edited on 17th January 2026. Charizard likes Greninja but Greninja’s feelings are left vague, and Sawyer’s Sceptile is mentioned and also makes a brief appearance at the end. Not beta read. If you spot any mistakes, feel free to point them out in the comments!
‘Dragon Claw!’
The frenzied root whipped out at Charizard just as his claws sunk into its thick body. Before the accursed thing could strike, Charizard tore it apart with a series of frenzied, swift slashes, the root vaporising into a cloud of red dust around him.
‘Good job buddy,’ Alain walked over to his exhausted partner, stroking Charizard’s long neck. His partner’s roaring flames flickered down to a simmering blaze. ‘Are you hurt anywhere?’
Charizard flapped his wings as if offended that Alain even asked, though a brief falter betrayed his exhaustion. While neither of them bore serious injures, the roots had allowed them little time to rest for the last three hours; they stood no chance against Charizard’s might, but they came in unrelenting waves to compensate.
‘Alain! Charizard!’ Alain and Charizard perked up at the patter of eager footsteps. The cheerful voice was music to Alain’s ears. ‘Greninja says there shouldn’t be any more roots for now! We can rest for tonight!’
Sprinting up to them was Ash, a large, goofy smile plastered on his handsome face. Greninja followed close behind his partner. Adrenaline made way for heavy exhaustion as Alain helped Charizard revert to his base form. Seeing Greninja out of his battle bond form was a huge relief; an indicator that they were done for the night. While Alain and Charizard could not look more tired, Ash remained as perky and energetic as ever, in contrast to Pikachu slumped over his shoulder in a sulky heap.
Heading back to their campsite, Alain counted the rest of his Pokémon milling about, having completed their clean-up in the areas they were assigned to. Alain thanked each of his friends and ensured that they were all nice and healed with potions.
He watched Ash do the same from the corner of his eye. Alain could never get tired of seeing him dance around his Pokémon, showering them with affection and praise.
Ever since he learnt about the remnants of the Giant Rock, Alain occasionally dropped by to help Greninja out—not that Greninja needed it. It was a mystery how he dealt with an entire forest alone, though clearing them faster did mean he had more time to rest. Not to mention, Charizard also greatly enjoyed spending time with Greninja, and while the opportunity for a rematch had yet to arrive, they both awaited the day eagerly.
The rest of their Pokémon lay all around the campsite, nice and comfortable in their own little areas, some even getting cozy with grateful wild Pokémon who nuzzled them. Most were already asleep, too exhausted to play after a long day of battling roots. The camp soon grew quiet save for some sniffling and the crackling of fire.
‘Ash?’ Alain sat next to the campfire and called out. ‘Why haven’t you put up your tent yet?’
“I… may or may not have forgot to bring one,’ Ash sank down next to him, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. Pikachu, as if for emphasis, crawled into Alain’s tent in a huff. ‘I was hoping we could share!’
Ash’s scatterbrained nature was both charming and alarming. After an exasperated nod, Ash gave him a suffocating thank-you hug where Alain froze up, still unused to physical affection after all their time together. Embarrassment crept up his cheeks, though annoyance mitigated it somewhat at the teasing look Charizard shot him. Alain glared at his partner who only defiantly kept eye contact. Charizard curled up next to the fireplace, tucking his arms under his long neck and wrapping his tail around his body.
After what felt simultaneously like an instant and forever, Ash let go of Alain. Greninja looked amusedly at them with his eyes closed in a content line.
Greninja padded over to where Charizard lay curled up on the ground, Charizard sparing his rival a puzzled look. He abruptly squeezed himself between Charizard’s tail and torso. Greninja leaned back against Charizard, slinging his legs over his rival’s tail while letting out a pleased croak, seemingly oblivious to how Charizard visibly tensed up.
Flustered, Charizard sought Alain’s gaze, unsure what to do. His embarrassment turned to annoyance when Alain only gave him a teasing look.
‘Hehe, Greninja looks so comfy!’ Imitating his partner, Ash snuggled up against Alain. ‘They’re so close!’
‘I mean, Greninja is cold-blooded,’ slightly more prepared for Ash’s affections, Alain wrapped an arm around him. Ash scooted closer in response. ‘I expect Charizard’s warmth is quite appealing.’
‘Alain’s really warm too,’ Ash chuckled, his brashness sending Alain’s hyperactive heart into another frenzy. ‘Nice and comfy to be close to!’
Watching their trainers, Charizard tentatively draped a wing over Greninja, who leaned in and unabashedly nuzzled against it. Alain bit back a laugh at the mix of embarrassment and bliss that blossomed across Charizard’s face. Usually, his partner would get annoyed, but Charizard seemed far too gone to pay any attention.
‘Greninja’s only this affectionate with people he really, really likes!’ Ash mused, oblivious to how pleased Charizard looked at the comment. ‘Like with Sceptile! They were really cuddly the last time I visited with Sawyer!’
Charizard’s expression fell, marking the first time Alain witnessed a Pokémon—or human for that matter—go through the first four stages of grief in rapid succession. Greninja remained leaning against his wing, either unaware or unbothered at his plight, soaking up the warmth of his body.
‘Ash…’ Alain struggled for words, his lexicon vanishing at Ash’s quizzical, bright-eyed look. ‘You shouldn’t have said that…’
‘Hm? Why not?’ Cutely tilting his head to the side, Ash turned to look at their partners. ‘Wait, why is Charizard so upset?!’
There was nobody in the world more alert and oblivious than Ash, though considering his relationship with romance, Alain supposed it was understandable he dis not, well, understand. Pressing a kiss against Ash’s temple, Alain pulled him into a hug. Ash’s attention and glittering smile was once again all his.
‘You know I… love you so much,’ uttering the magic words required great effort from Alain, but it was worth it, especially when Ash beamed at him in response. ‘You little goofball.’
‘I love you too, Alain!’ The words came so much easier to Ash. Alain was immensely grateful for it. ‘You’re my… uh, I can’t remember what it’s called… Quirky Patient Pal?’
‘Queerplatonic partner,’ Alain supplemented with a laugh, kissing Ash’s forehead again. ‘But “Quirky Patient Pal” works too.’
Ash squeezed him nice and tight and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. Greninja cracked open an eye to look at them, croaking happily while petting Charizard on the neck, who in contrast looked ready for the ground to swallow him up. Alain would have felt bad for Charizard had he not been so overwhelmed with love for Ash.
⊰———❤︎———⊱
Alain bumped into Sawyer when visiting Steven in Hoenn, who had become Steven’s secretary of sorts. Sceptile had stood behind his trainer with his arms crossed, all suave and sleek with the countenance of upmost confidence.
Charizard’s Poké Ball shook so violently that Alain had to physically hold it shut.
Ending Notes: We’re finally done with TSME Week! It’s been a HUGE blast! I was so nervous starting out as it was my first time taking part in a community event, but it was incredible!
As a longtime fan of the TSME cast, especially Alain, I had so much fun writing these! I’d love to hear which piece out of the 7 you enjoyed the most! My personal favourite has got to be Day 6!
Thank you so much to potahun (AO3 Account Here) who organised the week, and of course, thank YOU for reading! All comments are immensely appreciated! I’ll see you next time!
When it comes to little spoon and big spoon, they like to switch.
Alain gets called "dramatic" alot by Ash whenever he's being romantic
They have a long distance QPR
They get third wheels, fourth wheels, and even twelfth wheels. (Ex. Pikachu, greninja, charizard, and the rest of their team)
Ash can barely read the romantic undertones of his partner's acts, he's trying tho!!
Alain gets more flustered than Ash.
Their dates are rarely normal, it should contain atleast ONE adventure (whether they like it or not)
Alain experiences the canon event of dealing with in laws (team rocket and ash's friends from his past journeys)
They have thoughts of getting married and settling down but keep it on the side for now cause their own journeys are still continuing. And yes, Alain's the one who proposed it.
For their anniversary, Alain gave Ash a Charizardite Y while Ash gave Alain a Z ring + a firium Z.
