Before I start, I want to say I'm really sorry for not uploading a new chapter last week. I had a lot of work to do and I was moving back to London for Christmas. Packing and Uni work just took up all of my time.

Now that the Christmas break is here, updates should be a lot more frequent.

Thanks for understanding!

We join Ash as he makes his way to the cafeteria on the Monday following their 'date'.

With Ash

'I don't know how to act around Serena anymore. What happened last night was... well... unexpected to say the least. I don't mind what she did, in fact, dare I say it, I enjoyed it, BUT, I don't know what kind of effect it will have on Serena. Or the relationship between Serena and me. Last night, I played the scene over and over again in my head and I started getting a vague idea of how Serena feels about me. I couldn't sleep for hours due the the adrenaline rush last night... I hadn't even considered the consequences of her actions. Today might be awkward... and I don't want it to be. No matter what happens, I will act completely natural so that Serena and I can interact as if it is any other normal day. 

The main reason for this is because I don't want Serena to stop training with me. Everytime she is with me, she fills me with motivation. It's all a combination of simple words that comes out of her mouth, like "You can do it Ash!" or "What happened to 'Don't give up until the end?'". To anyone else, it might not mean anything, but to me, its all the only morale booster I need. Everytime I contemplate skipping training or finishing early, Serena says something along those lines and I instantly feel myself becoming re-energised. That't the type of people I need around me. I know that it is a bit selfish of me but... I'm allowed to be selfish once in a while, right?' Ash thought to himself. He had been feeling uncertain about the current situation he was in since the morning. He knew that he felt uncomfortable, and , if he knows Serena, he knew that Serena would probably feel a lot more uncomfortable than him.

After making sure that he would act completely normal and as if nothing even happened, he confidently strode into the cafeteria. He noticed that all his friend were already there, including Serena. After getting his breakfast, he made his way to his usual seat... right in front of Serena.

No one's POV

Ash made his way towards his seat. Thankfully for him, Alain had moved next to Mairin. After what happened the week before, Alain had become very cautious around Ash.

Once Ash got to his seat, Serena looked up at him. They made brief eye contact and Serena immediately broke it because of how embarrassed she was. Ash knew this would happen. He signed and sat down.

'Ash probably thinks I'm some sore of idiot now. Why would I even do that? He told be that he loved someone else... why would I do such a thing. He probably hates me now. As if your chances with him weren't already slim enough. Bravo Serena! Bravo!' she thought to herself.

The atmosphere was quite tense and the lack of conversation made it even awkward. The group of friends had noticed this and everybody was really worried. Gary was about to speak up but Ash beat him to it.

Ash had had enough and spoke up.

"Serena... umm... uhh..." was all Ash could say. It was typical Ash, doing before thinking.

Serena looked towards Ash and saw him trying to converse with her. She knew it was awkward for him too. She didn't want it to be that way and neither did he. Looking at Ash struggling to soothe the atmosphere, but fail made Serena giggle. Ash too stopped trying to spark a conversation and smiled at the giggling Serena in front of him and started chuckling himself. By this time, Gary and the rest realised that everything was basically back to normal between the two. It didn't even take that long. They then went back to doing their own thing.

"So, you still up for training today?" asked Ash cautiously.

Serena looked at Ash as if he was some kind of idiot before finally speaking up.

"Of course I am, dummy. I have a showcase next Sunday!" replied Serena. One could easily tell how excited she was about the showcase.

The group of friends already knew about this as Serena had already told them, however, it was all news to Ash. He didn't know how to respond. He knew that Serena had it in her to win any showcase, however, he knew that the crowds could be quite daunting. Performing is a massive showbiz in Kalos and all performances are always completely packed. Ash knew that Serena might be surprised by the amount of people coming to watch them, however, he also knew that Serena had it in her to control herself and give it her all. Ash collected his thoughts and began speaking again.

"That's great Serena! Where is it? I want to be there so that I can cheer for you and support you all the way!" exclaimed Ash.

Serena giggled at how excited Ash sounded.

"It is in Aquacorde Town. It's at 3PM." replied Serena.

"And we're all coming!" yelled a very excited Dawn.

"Ugh... do I have to?" asked Paul. It was clear that Paul had to interest in Serena's Showcase debut.

"Why are you being like this Paul?" asked Misty.

"I have no interest in these sort of things. You know that I'm only into battling." replied Paul. You could tell that he was starting to get a bit annoyed. He didn't like all the attention.

"Well, you go to all of Dawn's contests though." replied Gary.

"Yeah, but contests have battles!" replied Paul getting more impatient by the second. He just wanted to get out of there.

"Why do you only go to Dawn's ones? Why don't you ever go to any of mine?" asked May while smirking a little. This caused Misty and Serena to giggle. Iris wasn't interested while Mallow and Mairin were relatively new so they weren't aware of what exactly was going on.

You could see Dawn starting to blush slightly while glaring at May. May, Misty, Iris and Serena knew that Dawn had a huge crush on Paul. Mallow was sitting next to Serena and asked her what was going on while Mairin did the same with Misty. Once the two found out, they too started giggling. The guys too reacted to May's comment. Bar Kenny, Barry and Ash, all of them sniggered. Kenny and Barry were slightly annoyed as they too had felt weird around Dawn, however, Ash was still slightly dense. This was his natural denseness. He had difficulty in picking up slight hints like the one just now. Ash just sat there staring at everybody wondering what was so funny.

Paul, however, was unfazed by May's reply of the others' reaction. Instead he just replied.

"Because you have Drew for that." he replied while smirking.

May stopped giggling immediately. Her eyes widened and her face started heating. Drew had a similar reaction. He too was blushing and had stopped sniggering. Dawn, however, face palmed. What Paul had just done was admit that he liked Dawn... and he didn't even look bothered by it.

After a bit more bickering, it was a combination of Dawn and Ash who managed to convince Paul to come to the showcase to support Serena. It did require a deal though. Paul wanted a battle against Ash. That surprised a lot of people as Ash was clearly very strong, however, Ash accepted. What surprised everybody even more was what Paul asked from Dawn.

Here's what happened.

~Small Flashback (about 5 minutes ago)~

"Troublesome, I need you to do something too." said Paul.

"STOP CALLING ME THAT! And what do you want?" asked Dawn. Starting off slightly angry nut calming down at the end.

"How about we go for dinner after the showcase? I heard there's a great place to eat just outside of Aquacorde." asked Paul nonchalantly.

There was complete silence on the table. Even Ash now understood what was going on. The silence was only broken by the clanging sound of Dawn's spoon dropping out of her had while staring at Paul, trying to comprehend what he just asked her.

After a couple more seconds, Dawn agreed and seemed very happy. The two the completely ignored everybody else around the table and walked out of the cafeteria together.

~End of Flashback~

"I almost forgot to mention, Shauna will be competing too!" said Serena.

"What!? I didn't know that she was a performer too!" replied a very surprised Misty.

"Yeah, she is. And a very good one too. I remember 3 years ago, when I was in Kalos, she reached the final in the Master Class and only lost to Aria." replied Ash. He looked at Serena and saw that her confident look had disappeared and was replaced by a worried one.

"But I know Serena can beat her. We've trained together for quite a while now and I believe in you abilities... and you should too." continued Ash while smiling warmly at her. He looked Ash in the eyes and gave him a confident smile.

"You're right Ash. I can do this!" replied Serena.

"That's the spirit!" replied Ash while fist-pumping.

Ash's fist-pumps always made Serena giggle... and this time, it was no different.

After that, they continued with the school. Once they got to class, Serena decided to ask Ash some questions on the Masterclass three years ago.

"Hey Ash, You said Shauna reached the final 3 years ago. She must have been in the semi-final with two other people right?" asked a very curious Serena.

"Yeah, why? asked Ash.

"Do you know who were in the semifinals?" asked Serena.

"Yeah, one was a relatively middle-aged woman called Jessilee." recalled Ash.

Somewhere in Kanto's Team Rocket headquarter, a certain Magenta haired woman popped a vein.

"And the other one?" asked Serena.

Ash cringed a little remembering encounters with a certain blue-haired nuisance.

"The other one was a performer about out age. Her name was Mie-" Ash was cut off by a loud roar. Not of a Pokemon, but of a teacher.

"QUIET!!" yelled Professor Rowan.

Ash immediately stopped talking and faced forward.

The topic wasn't bought up again by Serena. Maths passed quickly and it was a normal lesson.

It was a normal school day, just like any other one. Their training was a bit more extreme as Serena was getting ready for her first ever performance, however, apart from that, nothing else was different. This continued throughout the week. On Saturday, Ash and Serena trained together, mainly focusing on Serena's Performance on Sunday. They basically spent the whole day practicing Serena's routine. Serena came up with everything herself, all Ash did was help in smoothing up the rough edges, like making sure transition from one move to another was fluent. At the end of Saturday, both Ash and Serena were very pleased with Serena's routine. All Serena needed to do now was repeat everything on Sunday.

Eventually, Ash and Serena walked back to their dorms. Saturday was the day both of the dedicated to making final preparations for Serena's performance. Both of them were very tired and slept like a log.

The next day, Ash and Serena made their way to Aquacorde first. The rest of the group said they would get there just before the performances start. Serena needed to get there early so that she could register on time. The registration closed at 10AM and it was already 9AM when they were about to leave. They knew that it would be impossible to make it there on time. Ash knew that there was only one thing to do.

"Serena, we won't make it there on time by just walking." said Ash.

"Tell me something I don't know Ash!" replied Serena. She was a bit annoyed that her alarm clock didn't work.

Ash knew that the day was important to her so he let her slightly cranky mood slide.

"So, I have someone that can get us there on time... but you might not enjoy the ride." said Ash.

Serena's eyes lit up.

"Are we flying again?" asked Serena. She really enjoyed the ride on Pidgeot and wanted to feel the breeze on her face again.

"We are Serena... but Pidegot isn't fast enough. I have another Pokemon that you have already seen, but, he is... how can I put this?... a brute, I guess." replied Ash.

Serena was slightly concerned, however, she needed to get there on time.

"Come on Ash, how bad can it be?" asked a very oblivious Serena.

"Alright, if you say so. Don't tell me I didn't warn you. Charizard, come on out!" said Ash.

The fire-breathing flying type materialised in front of the two. It's sheer presence caused an updraft powerful enough to almost lift the two humans off their feet.

~Timeskip to the two midflight on top of Charizard~

"I WAS WRONG!! THIS IS VERY BAD!!" screamed a terrified Serena who had a vice grip around Ash's waist. She was squeezing Ash so had that he could barely breathe and was feeling a bit nauseous.

"Don't wo-worry Serena. We're almos...t t-there." Ash managed to say.

Serena didn't loosen her grip. Charizard was flying extremely fast and the ride was very rough. Serena learned that hard way that not all flying types are the same.

Poor Pikachu was hanging on to Ash's hair for his dear life, almost pulling out all of his hair. This was the most uncomfortable flight Ash has ever had.

While Pidgeot was calm and gently, Charizard was an absolute savage. Each flap of its wings just accelerated the two forwards even more. Ash could barely breathe because of the air speed and Serena's grip. Serena's face was almost completely drenched from sweat and tears. Ash had asked Charizard to slow down, but Serena had declined each time saying that she had to get there on time.

Finally, about 45 minutes of petrifying flying, they landed right in front of the performance hall. Serena jumped off of Charizard and ran to the reception desk while Ash collapsed on the floor next to Charizard. His face was almost completely blue due to lack of air.

About 5 minutes later, Ash had regained his composure. He had returned Charizard to his Pokeball and Pikachu was neatly perched up on his shoulder. Serena returned moments later, still out of breath.

"I... Finally... regis... registered." she managed to say between breaths.

The two made their way to the nearest Pokemon Center. There, the two healed their Pokemon. Serena was drenched in sweat so she went into one of the rooms to take a shower.

Ash was waiting in the lobby, waiting for Serena lo get ready. He was playing with Pikachu when he heard someone call his name.

"Ash?"

Ash looked up to find Calem staning a couple of meters away from him.

"Calem? What are you doing here?" asked a very surprised Ash.

"I'm here to support Shauna during the showcase. What are you doing here?" asked Calem.

"Wait... let me guess. You're here with Serena?" continued Calem with a sly grin.

The intent of the comment completely flew over Ash's head. He had been in a rush from the moment he woke up, so, he was too tired to understand what Calem meant.

"Yeah! She was getting late so we had to fly here on Charizard..." replied Ash as he shuddered a little while recalling the experience he had on his orange flying type.

"Oook..." replied Calem as he was puzzled by Ash reaction. He was expecting a blush, or atleast a stammer... but he got a shudder instead.

"Anyway, I need to get going. I was here to collect my Pokeballs. See you around!" said Calem as he waved at Ash and ran out of the Pokemon center.

"Bye!" yelled Ash and he waved back at Calem.

After waiting for about 10 more minutes, Serena met Ash at the lobby and the two made their way towards the Performance hall. Once they reached there, they had to part ways. Serena had to go backstage to get ready and since it was only 12PM, Ash had to find something to do for 3 hours.

"Alright Serena, show then what you can do. Remember, you've trained for this, go give it your all. Remember to have fun too!" said Ash giving her a confident smile.

"Right, I will Ash. I will do my best, and that way, I will have no regrets, no matter what!" replied Serena confidently.

With that, Serena turned around and walked into the building while Ash went outside and found a quiet place to train. After about 2 hours of training, Ash made his way back to the entrance of the Performance hall. It was extremely crowded as a lot of people had arrived to watch the Performances.

"Ashy-boy, over here!"

Ash turned around to find none other than Gary Oak there.

"Oak Tree, you finally made it on time!" replied Ash.

Gary glared at Ash.

"First Gare-Bear and now Oak-Tree?" asked a slightly annoyed Gary.

"Well, you should stop calling me Ashy-boy then." replied Ash.

"Hmph... that will never happen." retorted Gary.

Ash was about to reply when he noticed more people behind Gary.

"You guys all made it on time. Lets go, some on!" said Ash excitedly.

Behind Gary was a large group of people. The same group of people that always have breakfast together.

They all made it in on time and waited for the Showcase to start.

After Monsieur Pierre did his usual introduction, the Theme Performances Started. It was to do with General Pokemon Knowledge. Three questions had to be answered correctly in order to move on to the next round. Shauna had passed hers easily. It was now Serena's turn. She was up against two others called Alexis and Sabine.

Pierre: Alright ladies, fingers on the buzzers Si Vous Plait.

Pierre: First question. What 2 types of attacks are Ghost type Pokemon immune to?

Sabine buzzes first.

Sabine: Fighting  and Psychic

Pierre: I'm sorry Sabine, that is incorrect, Serena, you can steal.

Serena: 'Ash told me about his Decidueye. I remember what he told me' Fighting and Normal.

Pierre: That is correct. You now need two more correct answers to get to the next round. Next question. What is the lightest Pokemon with an electric typing?

Serena buzzes first.

Serena: 'I have a Joltic plushy at home. I'm pretty sure that's it' Joltic.

Pierre: I'm sorry but that is incorrect. Alexis you can steal now.

Alexis: Rotom.

Pierre: That is correct. Next question. Which Pokemon is faster? Charizard or Pidgeot?

Serena buzzes first.

Serena: 'I remember Ash telling me about this, this morning.' Charizard.

Pierre: That is correct. Only one more correct asnwer, Performer Serena.

Pierre: What is the only Pokemon known to undergo the Bond Phenomenon?

Serena buzzed immediately.

Serena: 'Ash's Greninja is the only one in the world... right?' Greninja.

Pierre: You are correct mademoiselle. That concludes this Theme Performance. That means that the performer moving on to the Freestyle Performances is Performer Serena.

Ash and his friends were very surprised at how convenient the questions were for Serena. They all cheered none the less.

After a small break, 5 performers stepped out onto the stage. They were the ones competing in the Freestyle Performance. Shauna went first with her Ivysaur and Florges. After 3 more performances, it was Serena's turn. She used her Delphox and Pancham.

Serena repeated her routine. She had moves inspired by Ash, while others were moves she learned while training with Ash such as the Fire Spin/ Fire Blast combination she used during her battle with Ash.

Once Serena was finished, the crowd roared in approval of her amazing display. Ash was, without a doubt, the happiest one out there. He was cheering the loudest and was moving around frantically. Serena noticed him from the stage and couldn't help but giggle at how happy it was. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy. She was happy to see that Ash was rejoicing because of her performance. However there was a different pair of eyes in the crowd... staring at Serena lustfully.

Monsieur Pierre announced that voting was open and the audience was asked to vote using the glowcasters. 

All 5 performers stood on the stage, waiting for the results to be announced.

"The winner of the Rookie Class Showcase in Aquacorde Town is... PERFORMER SERENA!"

Serena jumped and squealed in happiness. Delphox, Pancham and Sylveon lunged onto her embracing her.

In the stands, Ash jumped around like a maniac. Gary, who was sitting right next to Ash, found it a bit annoying but smiled at the sight of his very good friend. It was rare for Ash to show this kind of emotion towards anybody. It only proved to Gary that Ash was feeling something towards Serena.

About half an hour later, the group met up with Calem and waited outside the hall for Serena and Shauna. The two performers came out together while talking with each other.

Ash immediately ran to Serena.

"Serena, you were so amazing out there! That was even better than the performances we did yesterday!" exclaimed a very happy Ash.

Serena blushed at Ash's complement.

"Thank you Ash!" she replied shyly.

"Shauna, you were great too. You'll just come back stronger next time right?" asked Ash.

"Right!" replied a very confident Shauna.

Shauna then spotted Calem running towards her. She was about to say something but Calem beat her to it.

"You were so good out there Serena! Your performance blew my mind!" said Calem.

Serena was surprised by Calem's comment. They two were basically friends now after that incident, however, it was unexpected.

Shauna, on the other hand, was extremely hurt. Calem was her boyfriend, but he went to congratulate Serena first.

The group of friends walked back to the dorms. By the time they reached their dorms, it was already 10PM.

The girls had already entered their rooms and the boys were about to go up. Ash and Serena were lagging behind the group. Serena was about to enter her room but turned around and started talking to Ash.

"Ash, I just want to say Thank You for today... and for everything before today too. You had no reason to help me train in the first place. Yo had no reason to get up early and suffer a terrible flight with me. I'm sorry I over-reacted during the flight. I also left you alone for 2 hours while I was getting ready. I'm really sorry about everything, but, I really want to say thank you. You didn't need to do any of it... but you still did, and I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for it." said Serena with sincerity.

"Ahh, come on Serena, you don't ha-"

Ash was cut off by another peck on the cheek. This one was sweet, genuine. It showed Ash that Serena really meant what she said. Instead of stammering, Ash smiled. This kiss made Ash feel all warm inside. It made him happy and content.

Serena blushed but smiled at Ash while looking straight into his eyes. Ash started right back.

"You're welcome Serena!" said Ash.

Little did the two know that they were being watched from the stairs. A genuine smile plastered on the person's face.

"So... looks like Ashy-boy has finally found someone..."

End of Chapter 15

Thank you for reading this chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed this.

See you in the next chapter!