"Mom, have you seen my dress?" Elizabeth yells as she runs out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her body and another on her head.

"Your dad took it! He said-"

"Oh no!" Elizabeth yells, as she walks as fast as she can to her room. As she approaches, she can hear her dad's voice.

"I mean, don't get me wrong. She can wear whatever she wants, but this dress is just so, revealing. We're just having a dinner with friends."

"Plusle!"

Elizabeth's dad sighs.

"I really wish I could understand what you're saying."

"Dad!"

Elizabeth barges in, steam slowly floating out of the towel on her head.

"Hey darling. So tell me, what were you wearing again?"

"The dress you were criticizing with Plusle," she says, crossing her arms.

It's a simple black dress, which is a bit short, and is tight, with a slit so she can walk around easier. The chest area has a v-neck design that shows off her collarbone.

"Call me old, but-"

"You're old."

Elizabeth's dad sighs. Just as he's about to speak, Elizabeth's mother intervenes.

"Elizabeth! You can wear the dress!"

"Yes! Thank you!"

Elizabeth quickly grabs Plusle and her dad by his arm and usher them out her room. She slams the door shut behind them.

"Love, can you come here real quick?"

"Coming," Elizabeth's dad mumbles as he walks into their room with Plusle on his shoulder, where Elizabeth's mom is putting on make up.

"Sarah, why did you let her wear the dress?"

"Because she can wear what she wants honey! There's no reason to deny that to her! You've been on Kangaskhan mode ever since she turned 13!"

"Just because she's older doesn't mean I'm gonna stop taking care of her. I'm always gonna be there for her, just like I promised."

"I'm not saying to leave her side. Just give her some space to grow," Sarah says as she kisses his cheek. She then giggles.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"I feel like you're hiding something," I say, as I stare at her.

"Don't worry about it."

"But-"

"Don't you trust me?" Sarah asks as she wraps her arms around his neck.

"Yes, but-"

Jason's cut off by Sarah's lips.

"Then don't worry about it."

...

***Serena's POV

"Mom!"

"Yes Sammy?"

"Can you help me with my tie?"

"Ask your dad!"

"Ok!"

That's strange. Sam hates dressing up.

"What's a tie?"

Serena looks down to her daughter, Lexie, who's struggling to slip on her dress.

"It's a piece of clothing boys wear with fancy clothes to look even fancier," I explain, as I pull down her dress.

"Thanks Mommy!"

"Anytime sweet pea!" I say, as I kiss her nose. She giggles, then spots Pikachu napping in a corner.

"Pikachu!"

Pikachu instantly wakes up, and smile as he runs and hops into her arms. He coos as she rubs her cheek against his.

"Uh, honey, can you help me out?"

I turn around, and see Ash's arms tangled in a tie, which is dangerously wrapped around his neck.

"You still don't know how to tie a tie?" I say, as I pull on a loose end of the tie, and it instantly comes undone.

"Oh you know me, I hate them. Thanks Sunshine," Ash says as he kisses me.

"So, can you help me with the tie then Mom?" Sam asks.

I pull away from Ash and look at Sam. He looks so cute in his blue dress shirt and black dress pants. His usual messy blonde hair is neatly combed to the side.

"Of course Sammy," I say, as I grab the tie and shoo Ash towards Lexie.

"So, why the sudden need to wear a tie?"

"No reason!" Sam yells, his face blushing.

"You know, as your mother, I know everything that's going on that big head of yours."

"Then why did you ask if you already know?"

"I want you to say it out loud."

"I don't want to," Sam mumbles.

"Why not?"

"It's a secret."

Oh this kid. He's not gonna get away that easily.

"That's a mistake Samuel, I'm warning you now," I say, as I do the final loop and begin to tighten it.

"Mom, the tie, it's-"

"Oh I know," I answer, as I keep tightening it.

"Ah! Ok! Fine! I'll tell you!"

"Good," I say with a smile and loosen his tie.

Sam's blue eyes look into my own.

"I want to look the best so Elizabeth can finally notice me," he confesses, looking at the ground.

I try my best not to grin.

"What do you mean notice? You two traveled Kanto together! She didn't ignore you, did she? "

Sam shifts as I finish the knot with the tie, and takes a deep breath.

"No, she didn't ignore me. We spent lots of time together. We became very close friends, and I feel like I can trust her with anything."

"Aw, that's so cute!"

"But that's the problem Mom. I don't want to be just friends. I want to be more than that."

"What do you have in mind to make that happen?"

"I don't know. I wanted to talk to Dad, but he didn't know how to tie a tie. So now I'm not sure he'll be much help."

"I think I know someone who can help you," I say, grinning.

"Who?"

"He'll be at dinner tonight."

...

***Jason's POV

"You better behave!" I scold as we walk up to the front door.

"I'm always on my best behavior!" Liz says.

"I'm not talking about you honey."

"Hey! I'm offended!" Sarah exclaims, crossing her arms.

"You drunk is offensive." I mutter as I knock on the door.

"Just wait until we get home! You're gonna get it!"

"I know I will," I say as I wink at Sarah.

"Ew! Stop it!"

Sarah and I chuckle as someone opens the door.

A boy with honey blonde hair and blue eyes opens the door. His immediately lights up when he realizes who we are.

"Mr. and Mrs. Pinedo! Welcome!" He says as he quickly opens the door.

"Come on Sam! What did we tell you about calling us that?" I say as I ruffle his hair and walk in.

"Sorry," he says as Sarah engulfs him in a hug.

"Look at how big you are! I remember when you were your sister's age! Why, you're growing into a fine young man!"

"Heh, thanks!"

Sam eventually turns his attention to Elizabeth, who's been patiently waiting.

"H-hi Elizabeth."

"Hey Sam," she responds, swaying back and forth in place.

"You look great today. Not to say you don't look great everything!" Sam blurts out, causing Elizabeth to smile.

"Thanks. You look good yourself."

Before I could even move, Sarah places her hand on my chest and starts pushing me deeper into the house.

"What?"

"I know that look Jason. Just leave it be."

"Leave what be? What look? I was gonna hang up my coat!"

"Uh huh, right."

This woman. I have no idea what she's talking about.

"Mommy! Daddy! Look who's here!" Lexie squeals as she runs straight towards Sarah.

"Oh, look at you! You're so beautiful!" Sarah says as she picks her up and begins to cover her in kisses.

"Stop! It tickles!"

I smile.

I love it when Sarah gets all excited like that.

"Long time no see Jason."

I turn around and Ash is standing by a doorway.

"Agreed. You would think we would see each other often," I say as I pull Ash into a quick hug.

"Still the undefeated Champion of Kalos?" I ask.

"Yep. Surprisingly, Bonnie didn't make it to the final. But I'm sure she's going come back next year stronger than ever," he says.

"I bet."

"How about you Jason? How are you treating our home region?"

"Kanto is doing great! We changed some rules to the league in hopes of keeping the number of incidents down."

"Oh yeah, I heard. I'm glad changes are being made."

Pikachu then runs up to us.

"Pika, Pika!"

"Oh, that's the sign. Come on, dinner is ready!" Ash says as he leads us to the dining room. As we walk through the house, I watch Elizabeth look in awe of all of Ash's achievements and newspaper articles hung on the wall.

"Welcome!"

Serena greets us as she places a freshly baked pie on the table.

"Please, take a seat!"

As our families find their seats, I make my way to Serena.

"Hey Serena."

"Hey Jason. I see you haven't changed much."

"Oh, you know me. I'm always consistent."

Serena laughs.

"Yeah, well some things change, some don't."

Tell me about it.

"Mommy! Come sit next to me!" Lexie shrieks as she attempts to push Ash off the chair next to her.

Serena chuckles.

"I'll be right there honey."

"True. And the things that did change, did for the better," I say as we both make our way to our seats.

"Time for dinner!"

...

"Mrs. Ketchum, thanks a lot! The food was amazing!" Elizabeth says as she leans back on the chair, holding her stomach.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it!"

"Yes, thanks Serena. It makes my cooking go to shame," Sarah says as she wipes Lexie's face with a napkin.

"Thanks! It means a lot coming from you Sarah," Serena say with a smile.

"You know, I was going through the computer and found a ton of my old routines on there."

"What? Really? Can we watch them, please!" Elizabeth squeals, jumping out of the chair.

"Yes! I wanna see Mommy dance!" Lexie says.

"Of course! Why don't we ladies go set up in the living room then?" Serena say as she leads the girls out of the kitchen.

So now Ash, Sam and I are left in the kitchen.

"Uh, Mr. Pinedo?"

"Sam, I told you, call me Jason," I say with a smile.

"Oh, sorry. So Jason. I uh, have a question for you."

"What's up?"

"I uh, kinda like this girl. But I don't know if she likes me back. What should I do?" Sam asks as he sits in the chair next to me.

I glance over to Ash, who's busy trying to pull ketchup bottle away from Pikachu.

"Why don't you ask your dad?"

"He doesn't know how to tie a tie."

I chuckle.

"Fair enough."

Ash manages to take the bottle, which only resulted to him getting shocked by Pikachu.

"You know, both your dad and I liked the same girl."

"Really? I didn't know that."

"Yeah, we don't talk about it too much. But we both did different things to try to get her to like us."

Sam listens diligently as he takes a sip of water.

"I tried be tough. I wanted to protect her. So I did my best to show no weakness or emotions," I say as I gently place my hand on the table.

"But your dad, he did the right thing."

"Which is?" Sam asks.

"He was himself. He didn't try to change to prove something to her, or anything of that sort. Because of that, she fell in love with him," I explain, as I sneak a glance at the girls sitting together watching one of Serena's old performances.

"So be yourself Sam. No one is worth being someone you're not. And once you feel comfortable, and feel like it's the right time, tell her how you feel. If she feels the same, great! If not, that's ok too. You'll find someone else, don't you worry," I say as I ruffle Sam's hair.

"Did that help?"

"Yes it did, thanks a lot!" Sam says.

"But when will I know when it's the right time?"

"It can be today. It can be a year away, but you'll know Sam. Trust me."

"Ok."

Sam rubs his arm.

"Who was the girl you and dad liked?"

I sigh.

"What about me?" Ash asks, dusting the soot off his shirt.

"Jason said-"

"That you and Serena love each other very much, and he is lucky to have such great parents," I say.

Sam gives me a look, and I smile.

"Oh, that's nice of you to say Jason! I'll be right back," Ash says as he steps out the room. Once he's gone, I turn to Sam.

"I'll tell you when you're older. Maybe. But who's the lucky girl?"

Sam gets up and begins to walk towards the living room.

"You'll find out once you're even older."

"Ouch," I say, grinning.

Sam shrugs with a smile and goes to the living room. He sits right next to Elizabeth.

I stretch, then take a sip of wine.

"They're cute, aren't they?" Ash asks as he walks into the room.

"Who's cute?"

"Elizabeth and Sam."

"Wait. What?"

"Yeah! They like each other, but they don't know how to say it. It's kinda funny. But Sam is definitely a lot better with his feeling than I was. I-"

"That little rascal," I mutter, shaking my head.

"What?"

"Your son just asked me how to tell a girl about his feelings."

Ash cracks up.

"And I thought I was dense."

"Shut up."

Ash continues laughing, with Pikachu laughing along with him.

I thought I would be mad about a boy liking Elizabeth, but surprising, I'm not.

Huh. Interesting.

"I guess we should prepare for the wedding. Serena can plan it. And you'll pay for it," I say.

Ash's laughter disappears.

Before we can continue our conservation, Lexie runs into the kitchen.

"Daddy! Come watch with me!"

"Fine, I'll be there in a second."

"No! Come sit now!"

Ash chuckles as he grabs her hand and begin walking.

"You coming Jason?"

"I'll be there in a minute."

I take another slip as Ash joins our families in the living room. Everyone is having fun, laughing and enjoying each other's company.

I'll finally be in the same family as Serena. Just not in the way I originally thought.

But it's ok. Just as long as everyone is happy.

"Dad! Come look! Mom and Mrs. Ketchum are gonna perform live for us!"

Oh this a gotta see.

I drink the remainder of the glass, and get out of the chair.

"I'm on my way!"