One-Shot for @StreetRacer-Sam . Based loosely on the Pledging Tree episode, but has no Team Rocket and actually makes sense in my opinion. Technically not a tag but oh well. Dedicated to him for making me write for once.

(Serena)

"Do you want some cotton candy, Ash?"

Ash's head jerked to look at her. "Sure!" he grinned enthusiastically.

Serena returned it as she handed over the second stick she'd bought. Rainbow lights covered the area, glancing off the metallic rides in a shower of color. Everything seemed so magical tonight, Serena thought excitedly.

"Want some, Dedenne?"

Her temporary partner cheered happily, eating his half. Serena giggled at his pudgy cheeks, not sure if she should point out the smear of blue on the Electric-type's face. Subtly handing Dedenne her handkerchief, Serena turned back to Ash.

"It's almost time for the lighting ceremony to start." Serena thought out-loud, surprised at how low the sun was. They'd spent away the afternoon shopping and riding a few park rides while Bonnie and Clemont shopped for their partners. Since they couldn't allow them see their presents early, the group had swapped Pokémon for the day. Clemont's Bunnelby was currently trailing Ash as Dedenne claimed a spot on Serena's shoulder.

Hurriedly shoving the remainder of his cotton candy in his mouth, Ash grabbed her free hand and raced towards the edge of the festival. Along with celebrating people's bonds with their Pokemon, the festival held a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Dedenne held on to Serena tightly while Bunnelby raced after them.

"Ash, look," Serena breathed, clutching her stomach. Multi-colored lights were strewn across the largest tree she'd ever seen. Flying-type Pokémon flew around it, keeping any of the small Pokémon from falling off. Branches held millions of little ribbons, which Serena soon learned were the wishes of people and Pokemon alike.

"Want to add one Serena?" Ash's question burst her daydream of winning the Master Class Performance. Rumor had it that people who added their wishes before the ceremony had them come true.

Nodding vigorously, Serena accepted the pink ribbon. Scribbling her daydream on the piece of paper, she turned to Bonnie's Dedenne. Technically he was Clemont's, but the group knew he was really Bonnie's. "Do you want me to write yours?"

Sparks fizzled off his cheeks, a resounding yes for the small rodent. Doing her best to listen to the squeaks, she repeated what she thought he meant until she understood. Adding it to a blue strip, she followed Ash to the tree. Searching for a low hanging branch took awhile, but in the end Ash had to climb higher to put theirs up. Serena hoped with all her heart that he didn't read hers. It would be too embarrassing. She knew it wasn't anything new, but reading someone's writing was like reading their mind. Doing so allowed a person access to another's soul, the very essence of who they were.

She saw his feet first, then a shock of hair that nearly blended into the night as he descended. Serena didn't realize she was holding her breath until his feet had nearly found solid ground, allowing her tight forehead muscles to loosen.

"You didn't have to go so high up," she called softly.

Ash laughed. "Where's the fu-"

Serena leaped forward, but she was too late. His foot missed the last branch, causing him to land harshly on the unforgiving ground. Dirt covered his clothing, but Serena paid no mind as she reached down to help him up.

"Guess I really am as clumsy as Misty always said." Serena saw his grimace as he put his weight on his left foot, although he tried to laugh it off.

He sure mentions her a lot. Serena inwardly sighed, bending down to lend him her shoulder.

"You should rest," she replied, leading him cautiously down the slope to a nearby bench, surprised when she didn't blush at their proximity.

Bunnelby touched his knee, a perfect copy of his trainer's concerned expression.

"I'm okay Bunnelby," Ash smiled.

Serena huffed, shaking her head in disappointment. "No you're not Ash."

Ash met her eyes, but before he could retort Bonnie found them.

"Serena!" Her blonde hair flying, the young trainer tackled her in a hug. Dedenne hopping on to her shoulder, enthusiastically reuniting with his person.

"Hey Bonnie," she smiled, glancing around instinctively. Turquoise eyes met hers over Bonnie's head. "Hi Clemont, how'd your shopping go?"

Clemont joined them slowly, lugging two large bags. Pikachu jumping off his shoulder the second he sees Ash. "I think we really need to cut back her allowance."

"Ash! What happened to you?" Bonnie's outcry stopped Serena's giggle, reminding her of the responsibility she was under at the moment.

Serena quickly filled them in on Ash's injury as the teen reunited with Pikachu. She forced him to elevate his leg as she spoke, efficiently bandaging his ankle. When she was done he could put some weight on it, though not for long. They argued on when he should rest it completely, she insisted he return to the Pokémon Center immediately, but he fought until she coincided. He'd attend the ceremony first before resting.

Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Serena turned. "The ceremony's, um, starting soon." Clemont mumbled, his face turning red.

Serena flashed him a grateful smile, helping Ash keep his balance. Clemont rushing to support his other side. Glancing up, Serena nodded to Bonnie to lead the way, hoping her smile reassured the younger girl.

People crowd the streets the closer they get, the noise the only indication that they're heading in the correct direction until they reach the bottom of the hill, Bonnie skipping ahead excitedly until Clemont called her back. Amazement fills the trio's faces as they take in the view. Although she had just seen it an hour prior, the lessening light hadn't captured the magic of the Pledging Tree completely. With no city lights this far out, the multi-colored lights gave the branches an eerie and alluring glow. The combination stunned Serena to her core. I hope I can incorporate this feeling into a Performance.

"Come on you guys!" Bonnie's impatient call brought the three teens back to the present.

The trek back up the hill took longer than the first, but Serena was determined to keep her friend safe. From the way Clemont asked people for more room so he could lay their picnic blanket out, Serena could tell he felt the same. Once Ash was carefully settled, Serena piled up the presents she'd gotten for her partners. The patterned wrapping looked sophisticated next to Ash's hurriedly wrapped ones, making Clemont's look almost normal by comparison.

It's not a contest, Serena chided herself.

The gleeful shouts of thousands of Pokémon being released from their PokéBalls was interrupted by the announcer's voice as he took the stage.

"Citizens! Thank you for attending this year's Pledging Tree Ceremony." Pokémon and people alike quieted as the man continued. "This year every branch of the tree has been loaded with yours and your Pokémon's wishes. While I hope they all come true, it is best to remember that they will only become reality if you make them a reality."

Murmurs of agreement rose and eager eyes followed the man in the suit on the makeshift stage under the tree.

"Now, let us get to the reason we gathered here tonight." Chuckling at his own joke, the announcer gestured to his companion. "I will start the festivities by giving my own partner Pokémon her gift but after you exchange presents, I'm hosting a party at my mansion on the east side of town. The party will commence in one hour, but for now, enjoy the time you have with your precious partners!"

A pink puffball emerged from behind her trainer as he spoke, watching the crowd in delight. Serena smiled as the man handed his Spritzee a charm to wear around her neck. She was too far away to see what was on the chain itself, but the excitement it brought to Spritzee's face was all she needed to know it was exactly what she wanted.

"Come on out guys!" Ash's excitement didn't falter from his fall.

Not wanting to be stood up by him, Serena rushed to let her partners out. Pancham bounced impatiently until she handed him the new sunglasses she had picked up for him, inspired by Ash's tale of his Krokorok. Serena grinned when Fennekin launched herself at her trainer for the new pink ribbon she got her, a symbol of the wins they would one day receive together.

Bonnie laughed gleefully once she got her turn, the photo she'd drawn of their group nearly bringing tears to Serena's blue eyes. She's more thoughtful than most adults. Hugging her, Serena giggled along with Bonnie as Clemont revealed the music box he'd crafted with each of his Pokémon on the pedestal. It was so him.

Since he can't move much, Ash sends Clemont's Pokémon to retrieve the bag that he put his presents in. Cautiously setting it down next to the dwindling pile of presents next to the tree, Ash encourages his Pokémon to open their joint gift. His partners cheer excitedly, but Serena shakes her head. He got his partners berries? Really? She wasn't upset, but it wouldn't be her first thought when trying to come up with gifts for her Pokémon. Chespin nearly barrels Ash's Pokémon over in his excitement before Clemont pulled him away.

"Serena?" Ash's voice came out quieter than normal, causing her to catch his gaze quizzically.

"Yes?"

Ash gestured for her to come closer before handing her the ribbon he'd won at the store earlier that day. Shocked, Serena surveyed their surroundings, grateful when she saw everyone focused on the fireworks being released.

"Thank you Ash," she replied softly. "I'll cherish it."

Smiling, Ash turned to watch the light show. Serena was glad he couldn't see her blush in the twilight. Seconds later, Clemont caught her eyes. Unsure how to respond, she moved closer to him as his sister danced with her Dedenne a few yards in front of them.

"Do you like it?" Clemont gestured to the magenta ribbon she didn't realize she was still clutching.

Serena's mouth opened in an 'O' while her mind whirled. She couldn't really hide it now discerned belatedly.

"Yeah,"

"Good," Clemont smiled. "Well, I know I'm not Ash... but I hope you'll accept my gift too."

Reaching into his bag, he handed her a small box without looking at her. Curious, she gingerly wrapped her fingers around it. Slowly unwrapping it, Serena lifted the top of the cube off to reveal a silver necklace embroidered with charms of her two Pokémon.

Clemont cleared his throat, "Do you... like it?"

Serena nodded awkwardly. She'd never received a present from a guy other than Ash before so she wasn't sure how to reply. Picking the necklace up, she opted for the least complicated response. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he smiled, gently taking the chain in his hand to help unwind it. In an uncharacteristically bold move he stepped closer, holding the ends between his hands. Serena locked eyes with him, gazing at him uncertainly. For a moment, she couldn't read his expression. Then his eyes softened and he nodded once to the jewelry he still held.

"Can I?"

Recognition dawning on her features, Serena turned around and tossed her hat to the ground. The chain contrasted with Clemont's warm hands as she allowed him to lace the charms around her neck, instinctively moving her blonde hair out of the way. It only lasted a minute, but she shivered when he removed his hands.

"Do you like it?" Bonnie's inquiry startled Serena. Of course the girl who constantly tried to set her brother up knew he'd bought her a gift. Not that they were together.

Feeling eyes on her, Serena looked up to see Clemont staring at her intently. Gone was his childlike eagerness to invent. That unreadable expression was back, but left as Serena nodded, smiling graciously. "Of course I do, it's lovely."

"Good!"

Lights danced over the trio as people began leaving for the party, leaving the Flying-types to fill their absence. Serena brushed her hat off, returning her Pokémon to their capsules to rest.

"Hey guys!" Ash's call broke the lull in conversation. "Can we go to party now? I heard there's food there."

Laughing in unison, the older teens helped their black haired companion to his feet again, listening patiently to his argument that they should allow this one time thing. Blowing a strand of hair out of her eyes, Serena glanced over Ash's head to find Clemont smiling softly as they made their way back to the Pokémon Center. Heat burned her cheeks when he caught her eye but she ignored it. She wasn't ignorant like some other girls were when it came to guys, and Clemont was nice and all, but she liked Ash. You couldn't like more than one person at a time, right?

"Where are we going? I thought we were going to the party." Ash cried in outrage when he saw the center up ahead.

Serena's head whipped up in irritation. Doesn't he understand how injured he is?

"Ash, you need to rest." Clemont replied calmly.

Serena nodded gratefully at him as Ash relented. Nurse Joy took over for Serena when they entered, motioning one arm to a large box laying on her counter. "That's for you Serena," she called as she directed Clemont to take Ash through the double doors leading to her patient rooms.

For me?

Serena approached the slim box eagerly, tearing off the paper quickly. A bright red dress peeked out at her from inside, curing the worry that had plagued her all day. She knew what she'd wear tomorrow now.

"Thanks Mom," she whispered. She'd call and tell her that, but first she needed to check the fit.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

________________________________

Word Count: 2,332

A/N: Hi guys!

First off, I know I shouldn't be working on more one-shots when I have several others in progress. I know. Trust me, I have been working on them too. However, this semester keeps getting busier and I've only gotten the first third of one story edited and two one-shots outside of this one written and edited. Secondly, I know there wasn't any Amourshipping in this like many of you may have hoped for (#SorryNotSorry), but that's because I truly don't see them having any chemistry in the way Ash was written in the XY and XYZ series, although he was stronger here than in the Unova arc. I don't see how Serena could continue to be infatuated by him after they meet up again when she's older. I see her as someone who's more mature than Ash tbh and would get tired of his childishness at times and yeah, I don't see it happening (yet, if at all). Also, I always saw Clemont as possibly having a crush on Serena that could develop into more, if fans hadn't caused the writers to change how they wrote Serena's crush on Ash into a full blown infatuation. Either way, you're free to have your own opinion, just don't hate on my story for differing. I write the way I personally see the Pokémon world, not how it's always written. Images aren't mine, but I liked them so you get more than normal. Songs aren't mine, but I can see Serena rocking out to the first one and the second one relates to many people (including moi) when it comes to crushes that don't like you back. Yes, I don't think Ash likes her back, not in that way at least. Anyway, hope you enjoyed and have a great weekend!

-CoordinatorIza out! ^_^

P. S. I still blame @StreetRacer-Sam for this idea. You can thank him for making me write and publish this. Started as a dare two weeks ago and I finally found time to finish it. Yay.