A big thanks to @skytroops for my first ever commission ♥
This is a drawing into writing one, credits for the art is by skytroops himself (I wasn’t sure if you wanted the link displayed, I’ll add it if you want), Skye is his character while Satoshi’s AU is mine, and this is for the Comforted Squeaks verse~
I hope you enjoy, my friend!
It had to happen, Satoshi had thought the first time he met Ash. He heard about his counterpart, and he had no doubt Ash had heard about him thanks to Skye. Part of Satoshi had always been worried of the day they would meet, or to be specific, how could he face someone who was himself while both of them knew what life's path Satoshi followed?
But he should have known, that Ash would not blame him. Satoshi had a suspicion that Skye and Ash had talked about him more than he could guess, because there was no way his counterpart could look at him with the same compassion Skye had so easily. Or had Satoshi forgotten that much how he used to be?
In the end, Satoshi left that day with a feeling he had not felt in a while: genuine, complete happiness. It gave a unique sense of peace, when your own self still supported you. Of course, just like Skye, Ash had talked about escape, about what they could do. As much as it brought warmth, Satoshi couldn't allow that.
He could, however, make sure to visit when Ash was too. Or at least, when Skye knew Ash was coming. Funnily enough, after a second lucky time, and a third planned time, Satoshi realized he could tell when Ash was there. He couldn't explain it, just like he never quite understood how he always found Skye's world, without fail.
What took all three of them by surprise was the bond that formed. Satoshi had realized, along the way, that he viewed Skye as not only a close friend. He had not been quite blind to how Skye looked when he spoke of Ash, and he had been even less blind to see Ash and Skye interact.
He just never expected to be looked at the same way by Skye. Nor did he expect the warmth he experienced in Ash's presence.
Because the more time they spend around each other, the more they realized that being counterpart didn't mean they were the same person. They shared similar past experiences, and yet even some details varied. And life had given them two different paths, changing them in two different ways. In short: Satoshi and Ash were not the same person.
Which apparently ended up making Satoshi experience feelings, of all things. But that… That was something he should hide, shouldn't he? Just like he hid his affection for Skye, believing that Ash might be better for him.
So when Skye blurted out the admission of being attracted to both Ash and Satoshi, after the two counterparts had noticed he had been growing more agitated in the past few weeks, Satoshi almost laughed. He didn't, but-Arceus. It felt… surprising, and equally liberating. Then he took into the expressions of his two friends, the surprise and confusion-but no rejection-of Ash, the blush and apprehension of Skye; and Satoshi made a decision.
He admitted that he was attracted to Skye… and to Ash. That certainly got Ash's attention on him, and for a second Satoshi worried he would pass out from the shock. Then it was Ash's turn to blush, frowning in the still present confusion, but also… considering? Thoughtful?
“So… you like him, but you like me too?” Ash asked Skye for confirmation, taking in the small, shy nod before he looked at Satoshi. “And you… like him, but also… me?”
Satoshi couldn't help the way he glanced away, missing the flash of emotions in Ash's gaze. “I-yes.” Then the words tumbled out of his mouth as he glanced down, this time missing the exchange of looks between Ash and Skye, “But don't worry-I mean, I'm not going to ask-and what about you? You like Skye, don't you?” That had been the trigger to this whole conversation after all, Ash letting that slip at the same time as showing his worry for Skye, which ended up making the truth slip out of the breeder in turn.
Where was he going with this, again? Satoshi had no idea, and so he had fallen silent, as troubled as the other two. Or so he thought.
“I can't… say about us, but if you like Skye, and I like Skye, and he likes both of us… We can make it work?”
Satoshi and Skye stared at Ash, watching him scratch behind his head, and quite likely trying to process that, yes, Ash had said that. Then, Satoshi let a smile form.
“I agree with you.” The matter of counterpart attraction had slipped hidden for now, but Satoshi did not feel sad. “What do you say, Skye?”
Poor Skye only widened his eyes at the dual smile he received, cheeks coloring even more. But he did nod, still overwhelmed by the sudden attention of his two crushes. Which was totally endearing to them, and before Skye could quite register it, Ash and Satoshi walked closer.
And that was definitely a squeak they earned, when they leaned to each kiss a flamming cheek. Oh yes, they could definitely make it work. Deep down, Skye felt happy, knew he wanted this; while Ash and Satoshi understood each other. They understood the affection Skye produced in them. Both wanted to show this affection now, make Skye feel loved.
Because they wanted to make Skye feel the happines he had given them.
