A/N: A rewrite/remake of one of my older fics, How to Get Ripped Violently Out of the Closet, which you can still read if you want to compare or read both versions.
This was somewhat rewritten for National Coming Out Day (11/10).

Reviews are appreciated!

"Dae yae really hiv tae go?" Skye asked with a frown. "Yae usually don't leave dis early."

"Skye, I toldja already-!" Ash laughed lightly. "If me and Pikachu stay any longer, we'll end up missing the plane and the next flight isn't until tomorrow morning!"

Pikachu, who was perched on his trainer's shoulder, nodded his head. "Pika."

Skye made a whine in the back of his throat. He was escorting Ash and Pikachu to the ranch's front fencing so that they could head to the airport to catch their flight back to Kalos. Even though they had spent the whole day together, the breeder was reluctant to let Ash leave, but he knew that he couldn't keep his Pokémon-Master-in-training to himself. He had to continue on his Pokémon journey and Skye wasn't going to stop him, even if he did whinge.

"Hey, don't pull a face." Ash stopped in his tracks to give the brunet a small pout. "If you keep that up, it'll stick that way."

If Skye wasn't pulling a face before, he was definitely pulling one now after that comment. Since when did Ash start sounding like his old Granny Carol? Before he could make his retort, he was pulled into an one armed hug.

He squeaked at the sudden contact, he he was quick to lean into it, allowing himself to enjoy his boyfriend's embrace. He didn't know when he'd be able to get another, considering how unpredictable Ash's visits could be.

"No need to worry, we'll be back before you know it!" Skye felt the trainer's grasp around his torso tighten slightly, prompting him to look up at the other's face. Ash was smiling widely at him. Warmth pooled in the breeder's chest and a small smile crept onto his reddening face.

Ash suddenly got a hopeful look in his eye. "But, you know- we don't need to be apart."

"Ash, no." Skye deadpanned, but then he leaned his head against the shorter boy's empty shoulder in apology. "Yae know dat ah don't wanna leave hame 'n dat hisnae changed since da last time yae asked."

Ash sighed. "Can't blame a guy for trying."

The both of them went quiet. Feeling the awkwardness in the air, Pikachu patted his partner's cheek to get his attention. "Pikapi, pika pikachu."

"Yeah, I know, buddy." Ash started to walk again, tugging Skye along with him.

After a long moment, Skye said quietly. "Jist be careful oot der, awright? Yae know how much ah worry aboot yae when yir oot travelin'."

"Because you're not there to keep an eye on me?" Ash added sympathetically.

"Aye," Skye said with a big sigh. "Ah've seen plenty eh evidence dat shows yae'll end up in trouble somehow. Wit happened tahday wiz bad enough, man."

His mind reeled back to earlier in the day when Ash was helping him around the ranch with his chores. His boyfriend had tried to give a feverish Feraligatr his medication and nearly lost his head for his trouble.

If Skye hadn't been there to pull him out of the way. . .

"Eh heh," Ash and Pikachu nervously grinned together. "I wish we could stop getting ourselves into trouble too, but stuff just happens. If you want something or someone to blame, blame Team Rocket-! It's literally in their motto!"

Skye's shoulders sagged, lifting a hand to gently thump his hand against Ash's chest. "Jist make sure dat dis is still tickin' next time ah see yae."

"That, I can do." The trainer said with confidence.

"Pika," Pikachu added.

When they finally reached their destination- the fencing that divided the Hunter property and Route 27 -the two of them stared at the fencing for a heartbeat.

"We. . .better get going now." Ash mumbled, giving Skye a final squeeze before releasing him. Skye had to cross his arms to keep himself from reaching out to bring him back into another hug. He didn't need to leave right now, he could spend the night and get his flight transferred, and judging by the look Ash was giving him, he was probably thinking the same thing.

But, the both of them knew that was a bad idea. Aside from the obvious problems, it would only make their goodbyes even harder if they delayed the inevitable. It was best to leave now.

"Yeah." Skye breathed, tensing when Ash heaved himself over the fence.

"Well," the trainer exhaled. "We'll see you later, Skye."

"Pi pika!" Pikachu squeaked, waving a paw at the brunet.

"Mmh." Skye stepped up to the fence that now separated them.

Awkwardly, Ash gave him a somber smile and started walking away. "See ya."

Dis is so stupit. The breeder gritted his teeth and dug his fingers into his arms. Ah should be used tae sayin' bye by noo. Ah'm jist makin' dis mare harder fur da baeth eh us. Ah'm such a bad boyfri-

"Oh! Before I forget!"

Snapped out from his darkening thoughts, Skye looked up to see that Ash had started walking backwards. With a big grin, he took in a deep breath, cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled; "I LOVE YOU!"

Skye almost tripped over himself at the sudden proclamation of love. It was almost as if he had been struck by lightning. His face burned, his heart skipped a beat, and his whole body started to buzz.

He stared at the obnoxiously loud and shameless young man before letting out a giddy laugh he couldn't hold in. He hid his reddening face in his hand, unable to handle the sudden burst of affection he had for the stupid, but absolutely wonderful guy he called his boyfriend.

Ash was never subtle, but who in their right mind did this sort of thing in the real world? Life wasn't a cheesy romance flick, so what was he trying to accomplish? To make their goodbye less awkward? To make Skye feel better about him leaving? Or was he shouting his feelings just because he wanted too?

They were all probably the right answer.

Only Ash could make something that dumb so endearing. Or maybe, it was because Skye was a hopeless romantic who loved Ash way too much to find it dumb. It wasn't everyday he'd get to hear the boy he loved tell him the feeling was mutual.

Actually. . .

With every fibre of his being alright with renewed energy, Skye bounced onto the wooden fencing. Brimming with glee, he loudly exclaimed. "Ah love yae tae, ya stupit bugger!"

Like an overjoyed puppy, Ash yelped excitedly and jumped, nearly falling backwards while doing so. He flailed his arms to keep himself upright. When he was sure that he was alright, he gave Skye a thumbs up before turning around to start running down the path. Skye managed to overhear Pikachu scolding him.

Sighing, he stepped off the fence to lean against it and watched Ash run off like the big goof that he was. He watched him bumble along until the trainer disappeared past the trees further down the trail.

Even if Ash out of view, Skye was barely able to contain himself. He hopped around, face beet red and grinning from ear to ear. He felt lighter than a Flabébé as he started walking back into the ranch.

His mind was filled Ash's voice and smile, making him squeak. He wanted to smother that boy in all the kisses he could give. He should have done that instead of moping when Ash was still within arm's reach.

Well, ah'll gist hiv tae dae dat when he comes back den! He's no gonnae expect da-

"-oof!"

Skye had been so caught up in his own thoughts, he had ended up bumping into someone. He stepped, an apology ready on his tongue.

"Whoa, careful der, son. Yae wir in yir ean wee world der, weren't yae?" His father chuckled. "Ah suppose it's too late tae ask if Ash wanted tae stay fur dinner, hm?"

Skye froze.

Pika brought a paw to her chest as she took in a slow, deep breath. Then, she let it out just as slowly while outstretching her paw. She did it again before looking up at Skye. After a moment, Skye shakily attempted to follow her example.

Skye had no idea where she had learned how to perform breathing exercises from, but he appreciated her help. She definitely had her work cut out for her tonight. If she hadn't started distracting him from what was bothering him, he would have certainly suffered an anxiety attack.

He was shaking in his work boots. He hadn't walked too far from the fence when he bumped into his father. That meant that his father had managed to overhear him and Ash proclaiming their love for each other.

That wasn't good. He hadn't gotten around to telling his parents- or anyone else for that matter -that he and Ash had started dating. Only him, Ash and their Pokémon knew.

His parents approved of their friendship, but a relationship was completely different. They had to deal with him being transgender and now they were going to have to deal with him being gay as well. How were they doing to react?

Skye shook his head, groaning into his hands. ". . .och, ah hate dis." He threw himself onto his bed, making Pika bounce.

The Pikachu patted his shoulder with her tail. "Chuu. . ."

"Maybe- maybe he didnae hear us." Skye mumbled, removing his hands from his face to let them flop to his sides. "He didnae say anythin' tae me when we walked back here, bit he could just be waitin' tae jump it oon me durin' dinner."

Pika gave him a patient smile. "Chuchu, pi pika. Pikachu chu pi."

Skye lifted his head to leer at her for a heartbeat. Then, his eyes softened and he huffed. ". . .a-ah dunno, baby girl. Ah'm jist scared eh wit dey'll say."

He felt a paw tenderly press into his forearm. "Chuchu. . ."

The breeder's hand rose to meet the Electric Mouse's head, giving his ESP a gentle pet between the ears. "Ah- ah know dey love me 'n ah love d-dem," his face turned pink. "B-bit, ah love Ash tae. . .'n d-dat's wit ah'm scared aboot. Wit if dey don't like me 'n Ash bein' taegivher? Wit if dey d-don't like me bein' gay?"

"Chu? Pika Chuchu, pika. Pi pikachu chu pipi."

Skye turned onto his side to look at Pika proper as she chattered on. Although he couldn't understand Pika, their bond was more than good enough of a translator to get Pika's words through to him.

She was telling him that his parents loved him dearly and as long as he was happy, they wouldn't care what orientation he identified as or who he was dating.

"-pika pi chu." Pikachu finished, tucking herself between her trainer's arm and side. Feeling Pika's weight press against him helped him keep a level head. She was right. His parents did love him and they wouldn't care.

Bit why dae dey hiv tae learn aboot it like dis. . ?

Skye didn't like it when things were out of his control. He liked being in control. He knew that he needed to tell his parents about him and Ash at some point. Perhaps, if his father somehow hadn't overheard them, this whole thing could be a sign to finally tell them.

Bit, we only started datin' three month ago-! He argued to himself. It's no like Mum 'n Dad needed tae know aboot me 'n Ash as soon as we goat taegiver. Isn't three month, like, too early fur dis sort eh 'hing?

He had three options laid out in front of him. Pretend like nothing happened if his Dad doesn't bring it up, play dumb if he does, or confess everything despite what his father does. None of them sounded good.

"Ugh-!" Skye growled, throwing his hands up in frustration. "Ah'm stuck in a corner!" He buried his face in his hands again. He thought about his parents. He thought about Ash. He thought about everything.

He decided on option four.

If he was going to be shoved out of the closet tonight, he was going to do it himself.

"-'n den Red thought it wiz a good idea tae git in da middle eh an argument wae a Golem 'n Steelix!" Lyle laughed through the noodles in his mouth. "He went flyin'!" His free hand made a soaring motion as his gold eyes sparkled, far too amused in his own story. "Yae shouldeh seen it! It wiz da funniest 'hing ah've seen aw week!"

". . .it's only Tuesday." Winnie said flatly, clearly not all that impressed in her husband's childish glee.

Firered, the Flareon in question, lifted his head up from his bowl to give his trainer an annoyed glare. Beside him, Winnie's Leafeon, Leafgreen turned her head to hide a giggle.

Lyle nervously chuckled. "Come oon, Red. It wiz funny-!" He turned his attention to his son on the other side of the table. "Skye, yae 'hink it's funny, don't yae?"

Hearing his name, Skye stopped picking at his nearly untouched supper to shyly look at his father. "Ah guess. . ." he shrugged. From her seat beside Skye, Pika turned her head to give him a comforting look.

Lyle's expression shifted when he heard his son's sad tone. ". . .ir yae awright, mate?" He pointed his fork at Skye's dinner plate. "Yae hivnae eaten dat much 'n yae look mare pale dan usual."

Winnie nodded in agreement, the faint wrinkles around her steely blue eyes creasing with worry. "Is something wrong?"

Dread weighted down in Skye's stomach. This was the moment. He needed to be brave. He needed to be proud of who he was. Pika laid her tail over his hand, encouraging him. If they didn't accept him, then that was their problem, not his.

"A-ah hiv somethin' tae tell d-da baeth eh yae. . ." he began, awkwardly fiddling with a tattered piece of his overalls. His mother and father straightened up, forgetting about their dinner.

Skye took a long moment to compose himself before he finally said;

"Ah'm in love."

He glanced up at his parent's faces to gauge their reaction. They stared at him, their faces unreadable. Skye realized that his father looked just as shocked as his mother.

Why is Dad. . ? Uh oh.

His father didn't overhear them. He just confessed for no reason. But, he needed to keep going. It was too late to back out now.

Winnie was first to attempt to say something, but before she could speak, Skye added. "Wae a guy. Ah hiv a boyfriend."

Silence. Dead silence.

It bore deeply into Skye. He felt as if he was about to be sick. He tensed up, readying himself for the probable onslaught. He glanced at Pika, his rough palms beginning to sweat.

Ah'm so deed.

His mother's seat creaked as she leaned back into it. Skye felt his heart beginning to thump wildly in his chest when she cleared her throat.

Ah'm so stupit. Why did ah say anythin'? Dey're gonnae kill me. Ah'll git kicked oot. Ash'll never be able tae come back. Dey-

"Well, dat took you long enough-!"

"Ah still 'hink dis is aw a wee bit too young. . ."

"You're wan to talk, Lyle. You fell in love with me when you were 16."

Lyle shrunk back in his seat, embarrassed. "A-ah know, honey, bit ah wiz young 'n stupit."

Skye gawked at them, unable to speak. He tried to talk, but all that came out was incoherent babbling. Pika clasped her paws together, pleasantly surprised by how casual his parents were being.

Finally, Skye managed to bark. "H-hauld oon-!" He scrunched up his nose, trying to process the situation he was in. "Y-yae knew. . ? D-da baeth eh yae?"

"Not exactly." Winnie got up from her chair, slowly walking around the table towards her son. "We had a feeling you had your eyes on someone. You've been actin' all twitterpated for months now, I'm sure that even Salem could figure that out." She bent down and brought him into a motherly hug. "But, we're glad that you've told us."

"We've goatten used tae different." Lyle picked up with a smile. "As soon as we hid tae tell da rest eh da famely dat we hid a baby boy rather dan a daughter, we knew dat we'd be in fur a wild ride wae you. Findin' oot dat yir gay is far fae surprisin' at dis point."

"Flare!"

"Leafe~!"

Skye was rigid in his mother's embrace, unsure how to react to what he was being told. He nervously laughed as his father went on. "Ah gotta admit, ah thought dat yae wid've been put aff datin' fur life efther everythin' dat happened wae dat wee Lawrence girl."

Skye grimaced at the mention of Megan, but he had to admit, he thought the same once. After everything with Megan, he had thrown out all notions of love out of the window and saw it as a waste of time, a distraction from his ranch work, something that wasn't for him. He thought differently now, of course.

"Speakin' eh which, does dis guy yir datin' know aboot yir-" Lyle visibly stiffened. "gender, right?"

"Och, Lyle!" Winnie released her son to return to her seat, allowing him to shakily take a sip of his water.

Pika scooted closer to her trainer, wrapping her forearms around his arm with a warm smile. "Chuchu, pikapi pika."

Slowly, Skye nodded his head. "A-aye, he knows. He's known f-fur a while noo." He remembered when he had told Ash that he was transgender after Megan outed him. It had been a couple years since then, but he remembered it clearly.

He had thought that Ash would turn against him after finding out the truth, like several others had done in the past. That he would never see Ash again, but only after he was talked down upon for being a freak. It never came.

At first, Ash was confused. He had never heard of transgender people, but once Skye explained it to him, Ash accepted it without a second thought.

Even now, Skye couldn't understand why Ash would accept him so easily. Ash shrugged it off and told him that if him being born female meant that he was supposed to see him any differently, it didn't. That he was still Skye to him, no matter what.

Skye put his trust in Ash that day. That was something he hadn't done in a long time. Trusting him led him to consider Ash his friend, then it led to them becoming what they were now. Probably one of the only good decisions he's ever made, if he was being honest.

"Good." Lyle relaxed, but he still looked concerned. "Did he know befur yae goat taegiver?" Skye nodded again. Lyle grinned widely, brightening up.

"Sounds like a good guy." His mother chimed. "He sounds better than Megan already. We'd like to meet this boy." There was something in his mother's voice that made Skye nervous.

The brunet's pale face started to flush bright red. "A-aye, he's g-great. . ." he trailed off. That word was far too weak for what he thought of Ash. Actually, Skye wasn't sure if there was a word good enough to describe his boyfriend.

His parents exchanged knowing looks before the both of them turned to him.

"It's Ash, isn't it?"

And in that instant, Skye made the most baffling sounds he had ever made in his entire life. His head became light. He tried to speak, but once again, all that came out was flustered nonsense. Pika pressed her chubby face into Skye's neck, doing her best to keep him from going into a panic.

His mother and father laughed light-heartedly at their son's bewilderment.

"Och, come oon, Skye-!" Winnie snorted. "You've been completely head over heels for that boy for yonks! Did you really think we didn't notice how much you talk about him or how excited you get when he visits? You've been far from subtle."

Skye leaned his chin against the top of Pika's head, feeling nothing short of horror-stricken. He wanted the ground to open and swallow him up. He felt as if he was going to die from embarrassment at this rate.

"Aww, don't be like that, love." Winnie told him gently. "You know I'm telling the truth, and that's not a bad thing-!" She reached out to hold her husband's hand. He took it, sharing his wife's pride-filled expression. "You're our son, Skye, and we want you to be happy."

"'N it's mare dan obvious dat da Ketchum boy makes yae happy, even if he's a wee bit oon da stupit side."

Skye's nose scrunched up again. "H-he's no stupit."

"Says the one who always calls him stupid."

"N-naw, ah don't!"