Ash Ketchum had a habit of not telling people important things. Kukui didn't even know he had pokémon other than Pikachu until he talked about a "Greninja" a while back..
So it was no surprise to Kukui when Delia had called and asked if Ash had mentioned his birthday at all recently, telling him that Ash's birthday was next week of all times. Kukui wondered if Ash just didn't feel like his birthday was important or if he genuinely forgot.
To Ash, It was both of those things. Pikachu had asked if he was going to tell Kukui about his birthday next week, and much to Pikachu's dismay, Ash had told him that no, he wouldn't tell Professor Kukui about his birthday.
So, Pikachu had decided to take matters into his own hands, trying to subtly let Kukui know that his trainer's birthday was approaching. Whether it be by pointing out cake mixes, or balloons, or even birthday cards of all things. Ash had constantly swatted Pikachu's small yellow paw down or told him to 'Shut up!' in Kantonese, thinking Kukui didn't know the language. He did.
So when it was a few days before his boarder's birthday, he overheard a conversation he knows he shouldn't have heard.
"No, Pikachu, we're not calling Brock, he has enough to worry about. Plus, he most likely forgot about my birthday anyway, it's not that notable.." He trailed off. Pikachu gave him a slightly angry 'Pika pi!' To which from context clues, Kukui could roughly translate it to "He wouldn't!"
Ash then continued "Plus, it'd be weird calling him and him calling me Sato over the phone, especially when Professor Kukui or Professor Burnet could hear" Slight worry grazed his voice. Sato? is that some sort of inside joke name? His thoughts were interrupted.
"I know it's my actual name but it seems weird, especially since Alolans wouldn't be able to pronounce it properly" Ash said. "Satoshi is a hard name to pronounce"
Kukui had to take this all in. Not only did Ash forget to mention his birthday, he also seemed to not mention the fact that his name wasn't infact Ash but Satoshi?! What else is this kid hiding, Kukui wondered.
A few days had passed and Ash's- or was it Satoshi's birthday was tomorrow. Kukui had snuck out while Ash was training to buy some cake mix and returned to the house to begin making cake. Obviously Pikachu had seen him and snuck into the house.
Pikachu ended up pointing at things that Ash/Satoshi liked: Flavours of frosting, colours ect. Kukui had mentioned that he can understand Kantonese and to Kukui's surprise, Pikachu simply shrugged it off, like he knew the whole time. Pikachu was a surprisingly smart pokémon.
The day was done and Ash/Satoshi (Kukui still wondered what to call him) was finished training. Perfect timing, Kukui thought. He could talk to Ash/Satoshi about his name!
He sat him down and the young boy looked extremely confused. Kukui explained that he wasn't in trouble but he just wanted to talk to him.
"So, Ash.." He began, in Kantonese. He wasn't fluent like the native tanned boy, but he could hold a conversation. Ash/Satoshi's jaw dropped. he began panicking and even apologising, for some odd reason.
"Professor?! you know Kantonese?!? I- I'm sorry I just-".
"Hey, calm down, I just wanted to ask one question, OK?" Kukui tried to make his voice seem more gentle, as to not make the boy panic more than he already is.
"What is it?" The Kantonian asked.
"Should I call you Ash or Satoshi?".
The kid was taken aback by this and stammered a response. "Sato-Satoshi would be preferred, th-thanks" he said, voice low and nervous.
"Alright Satoshi.." He started. He watched the clock strike midnight "Happy 12th birthday".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
641 words! this one's a big boy! I enjoyed writing the multiple perspectives but I'd love some feedback!
