Chapter 17: Adding to the To-Do List

As the saying goes 'Time flies by when you're having fun'. Ark only had approximately 3 more months until he would begin his journey. Small thoughts of regret would bubble in his mind everytime he was with Delia. He found himself enjoying the simple life he was experiencing right now. However he knew that if he prolonged his journey, he would only inhibit his growth and damage his potential.

Right now Ark was sat on the sofa in Ashs house watching a movie next to Delia. Ash had gone out to forest as per usual, so it was just the two of them in the house. During the past 4 years, they had grown close enough to slightly snuggle on the sofa together with cuddling becoming a common greeting between them.

Delia looked up at ark from his shoulder. He had a toned body, from afar it may seem very average, but up close Delia could clearly see his tight defined muscles through his t-shirt. Over the past four years, Ark had grown to be 6 foot tall, with short black hair and pale cream skin. His sky blue eyes luster had increased as he aged. Delia had to admit that Ark had become very handsome, thus she quite pleased about how close her and Ark had gotten. While looking up at Ark, she noticed the tiny white Pokemon snuggled on his lap. Delia smiled and stroked Sylphs horns gently.

She had grown very fond of the little Ralts, it almost made her want to become a trainer herself.

"Are you going to be sad once Ash leaves the nest?"

Ark decided to speak to Delia seeing her not paying attention to the movie. Delia frowned with a slight pout on her lips.

"Of course I will miss Ash, but hes obviously not the only one"

"Oh? Who could that be?"

Ark took the chance to tease Delia. It was not often that Ark was able to tease Delia, as she always seemed to have a retort, or she would use her mature charm to get out of the situation.

"You know who... It could be years before we see each other again."

Her voice was nothing but a murmur, however Ark heard it all. Closing his eyes, Ark spoke as he gently ran his fingers through the back of Delias hair.

"You know about Cynthia and Serena. They have both said they are waiting for me, despite it being nearly 10 years since we've seen each other. It is hard but as long as you truly care for someone, that time is nothing when you realise that afterwards you can spend the rest of your lifetime with them."

Delia closed her eyes and thought about Arks words. They resonated deep in her heart. Even though she never intended for it, Ark had become an irreplaceable existence for her. He had become someone who brightened up the monotonous days of her usual life. She had begun looking forward to the time of his visits whilst sulking when he was late or busy.

"Delia, I will be leaving soon. In the time leading up to my departure, I will come here more frequently though not during my training time. During that time, I want you to decide what you want us to be. You should know how I feel by now, I wish for you to be by my side in the future when I am strong enough"

Hearing this, Delia opened her eyes and stopped stroking Sylph. This caused the snuggling Pokemon to wriggle in protest of losing some of its comfort. Delia stared at Ark as he rested his head atop hers with his eyes closed. She could feel the love emanating from him, the raw emotion made Delia blush slightly. She moved her hands slowly towards his cheeks and brushed them with the tips of her fingers. Her mind was in chaos as her heart was thumping rapidly. In order to straighten out her thoughts, she decided to speak.

"Ark... I am much older than you... and I already have Ash"

Ark opened his eyes whilst indulging in the soft touches of Delia. He could hear the worry in her voice as she spoke her thoughts to him. Listening to her voice her worries, Ark took a hold of her hand and entwined his fingers with hers.

"Age does not matter to me, in fact I can say you're one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen Delia. As for Ash... Well I guess he will have to get used to calling me Step-Dad, I will accept all of you Delia, that includes Ash and all of your burdens that you've had to bear being a single mother"

Delia's eyes widened at Arks words, they were so soft that she forgot to blink as she stared at him intently. Realising that he was completely serious, she sighed before burying her face into his chest.

"3 months... in 3 months I will tell you my decision, until then you need to make me want to be honest with myself..."

A muffled reply drifted out of Delias mouth as she told Ark her intentions. Once Ark realised the true meaning of her words, he hugged Delias body tightly and planted a kiss on the top of her head. Her body shook slightly before the tensions finally left her body.

She realised that 3 months time would likely be the last chance she had to decide her future. While it may be true that Ark will visit from time to time, there was no guarantee that he would feel the same way. Especially since she knew Ark was definitely going to meet many more beautiful woman and likely would try to pursue them since it's his dream. Someone of Arks abilities, personality and potential was very rare and was bound to have a bright future, this mean't that Delia would be a fool not to want to support him on his path in the future. The only things holding her back was Ash and committing herself to someone again. She was scared to be left behind again, but she knew that it was a risk worth taking. That's why she set a 3 month time limit for her to decide.

After getting home, he was greeted by his Mother in a tight t-shirt and shorts. Her figure was emphasized to the point that even Ark could not deny that she was stunning. As much as he tried to avoid such thoughts, it was hard to maintain his attitude when his Mother dressed in such clothes. The two shared a hug before sitting down in the living room.

As per usual, his Mother asked about how his day went. Ark decided to be completely honest and tell her what happened with Delia, he knew that his Mother would be able to see through any attempt Ark made to hide it. Though she was surprised by the events that transpired, she patiently waited for Ark to finish before sighing.

"Oh my Ark, you really are unfathomable to be able to make the Flower of Pallet fall head over heels for you. Just make sure you support her these next 3 months, we can arrange something else for after that"

Ark smiled at his Mother. She was always so understanding, even when she was exasperated by Arks behaviour. She took it upon herself to find ways to solve Arks issues.

Thinking about these things, Ark stood up and approached his Mother. Before she could react, Ark wrapped her into a tight hug. He was so thankful to have such an amazing person looking out for him. His Mother held him back and rested her head on his shoulder.

During their hug, Ark was resolving himself to find a way to support his Mother and Delia even when he was away. He knew it was not realistic to visit every week as doing so would only prolong his time away, especially in different regions. Therefore, he wanted to find a way to maintain contact and also send things home to the both of them, so they're not as lonely as before. Consequently, Ark added another objective onto his To-Do list for before he leaves.