o2.
chapter two:
I'm her
Noctowl, okay?
<3

Dinner had been a peaceful affair, seeing as Serena had joined us as well. I couldn't properly talk to her (or embrace her), but she kept the conversation in the group going.

Her energy seemed to have rubbed off on the tomboy of our group as well, who began discussing academics with the blonde. Although I hadn't been much into studies lately, Gary and I were often lured in as well.

The positive thing that I very much appreciated was that all three of them never asked me about any of my school experiences. They talked away about theirs but did not ask me to join in. That was very... kind of them.

My phone buzzed, shaking me out of my musings, and I hurried to look at the name that was lighting up my screen. A small smile tugged at my lips. Serena.

Serena <3: I'm coming to get you guys in the morning. We're hosting breakfast at my place, and I'll make sure to invite the rest of the gang so that you guys can meet them! They're a lovely bunch of people. ^///^

Although it warmed me that she was going out of her way to get me friends, I wanted to tease her a bit.

You: Thanks, but. . . you do realize that I don't like social gatherings, don't you?

Serena <3: I'm aware of that, but I can assure you that they never mock people! They're all kind and great friends of mine that I have known since childhood! Trust me! •v•

You: I trust you...

Serena <3: Oh, c'mon, Ash. If you feel overwhelmed, we can always cancel it and I could take you places. How about that? >:]

I chuckled lightly. The progression of her emojis showed she was not going down without any resistance.

You: Sounds good. I suppose...?

Serena <3: Hold the Togepi, you're kidding with me again, aren't you? >:(

You: No!

Serena <3: You really don't wanna meet my friends? :0

You: Not like that, but I'd appreciate being with you over them. :0

Serena <3: :O

I felt heat rising in my cheeks. The hell did you type? She's gonna get mad at you.

You: I didn't mean it that way!

Serena <3: What way? ;0

You: You're such a tease, 🐑!

Serena <3: I'm a sheep? ×^×

You: Aren't you? Seeing you after so many years and you've managed to make your hair look all fluffy like sheep's wool!

Serena <3: Mareep? :0

You: Or Ampharos? :00

Serena <3: Okay, 🦉!

You: Why would I be an owl?

Serena <3: ;) A Noctowl, because all you ever do is stay awake all night and play damned games—

You: I'm productive, I'll have you know. >:)

Serena <3: Yes sir. ✋

I choked on the air around me in laughter, eliciting a shout from the guy sleeping below my bunk. "What are ya laughing your head off at?!" Gary fired, jostling the bunk a little.

"Nothing concerning you—"

"Damn you, Ash! I was nearly asleep!"

"Count sheep!"

"Yeah, you're right." There was silence for a minute before he shouted again. "Hey! That's a kid's game!"

"Says you," I muttered, and tuned him out. Serena had sent about ten gifs of her fictional crush by then, and I sighed.

You: Why do you like this. . .this messy-haired guy so much?

Serena <3: I cannot? >:0

You: Nope. He looks pathetic.

Serena <3: Hey! Don't call my Satoshi that! >:/

You: When in the freaking Cave of Origins did he become yours? He's just a character from Pokémon—

Serena <3: He's my fav, so mind your words, Ketchum. >:c
Or I'd have to talk bad about the cutie Pikachu—

You: You win. ✋

Serena <3: Good. (:

I chuckled at the inverted smiley and was about to ask her about the plans for tomorrow, but then her message lit up my screen before I could type.

Serena <3: Alright, Owl. Do your duty. I'm gonna hit the sack. ×~×

"Aww," I mumbled, and checked the time. 10:25. Way past her bedtime.

You: Good night, 🐑.

Serena <3: Good night, sleep tight (if you ever do sleep, zzz) 🦉! x

The corners of my lips curled upward as I saw her online status disappear. Clicking on her profile photo, I felt my heart race. She was smiling, a beautiful one, with another brown-haired girl. They had their arms around each other, grinning with pure ecstasy. Perhaps this girl was one of her friends.

I looked at her good night text one last time, touching the 'x' before closing Discord and shutting my phone down. I would usually sit down to play games, but today I was satisfied with just talking to her.

With sweet thoughts of a particular blonde girl, I felt myself drifting away into the world of sleep and cute dreams.

It seemed that I was only asleep for a few minutes, fifteen at the max, when I heard Misty's voice shouting. "Are you waking or not, Lumpheads?!"

"Wake?" I hiccoughed, sitting up in my bed and looking for my phone. I switched it on, stretching my muscles as I got up for the day. Sunlight streamed through the closed folds of the velvet curtains, illuminating the room in natural light. It took me a moment to realize that this was not my bedroom in Pallet, and another to grasp that I was now in Kalos.

"Oi, cut the darn call, girl. We're awake." I heard Gary yawn from below. The sound of a call being ended rang out, before he spoke up again. "Guess I should switch off my phone too."

I nodded foolishly, and realized my friend would not have been able to see me. My phone lit up, signaling it was ready to use, and I dove at it. Serena's good morning message was yet to arrive, so I typed her one quick.

You: Good morning, 🐑! Rise & shine!

There was no response, and I cursed Discord; the ruddy app never showed if the text was delivered or read. Deciding that she was still asleep, I threw my legs over the bunk and jumped off. I heard Gary's yelp as soon as I landed with a thud.

"Ashy-boy, this ain't your home!"

"Eh? You're saying that 'cause I startled you!"

Gary rolled his eyes, before he signaled to the suitcases sitting off to the side. "Are you gonna get ready first or shall I take the honor?" I considered the question. I had no idea about the Kalosian mornings, but if I could take a hot shower, I would be able to meet Serena sooner than anyone.

"You bet!"

"Get going!"

I was done with my shower in a few minutes. Albeit the water was warm, I could not help but shiver in my bathrobe. I exited the bathroom to find Gary still snoozing under the covers. Lazy bugger.

Soon enough, I found a decent pair of clothes and slipped into them. I grabbed my phone and car keys and headed out, not bothering to wake the boy. Who wants to be yelled at trying to do good? It was better to leave him at Misty's mercy.

A Discord notification popped up as soon as I turned on my internet.

Serena <3: Morning.

You: Where's the good?

Serena <3: Good—

I chuckled. Serena liked to sleep in, especially on weekends. She would never expect me at her doorstep so early in the day. I typed a message before getting into the car and starting the engine.

You: Awake yet?

Serena <3: Barely.

You: Better change out of your PJs. You never know who turns up at the doorstep.

There was a pause, and I took the right turn to her house. Then came her reply.

Serena <3: Am I a genius for assuming it's gonna be you? :0

My text probably had been an eye-opener, for she started sending her emotes and Satoshi GIFs. I could seldom keep a straight face as I pulled up at her driveway.

You: Nah >:)

Serena <3: I don't trust you. -_-

You: Ouch. :'(

Ding dong went the bell. I could faintly hear a rush, a scream, and a thud. I winced, realizing that she had probably taken a fall.

The door creaked open to reveal her mother. "Oh, good morning! You must be Ash. Come in, come in!" Her voice was warm, and she stepped aside to let me in.

"Good morning, Missus Yvonne! Thank you for letting me in. I was freezing outside."

The woman chuckled and closed the door behind us. She led me to the sitting room. "The mornings in pretty much most parts of Kalos are freezing during this time of the year." I nodded, and she pulled up a chair for me to sit in. "Would you like some hot chocolate?"

"If it wouldn't be much of a bother, sure!"

The woman smiled warmly before leaving the room. I could hear her voice as she shouted, "Serena will be here in a few! She's quite lazy. Make yourself comfortable!"

"Yes ma'am!" I responded and was greeted by another chuckle. Wait, was I acting too... eager?

Serena didn't take too long to present herself. In fact, my ears perked up at the sound of footsteps soon after her mother had left me with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. When I looked up from my drink, my breath stopped for a whole second.

"Hey, Owl! I'm sorry if I took too long!" she said as she took a seat beside me. I gulped before bobbing my head and burying myself in my drink.

"No worries."

"Serena! Grab your hot chocolate from the counter, sweetie!" Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the girl frown.

"She's probably gonna go to work. Gimme a minute, Ash," Serena muttered before replying to her mother. "Yes, Mum!"

When she rushed out of the room, I smelled strawberries in the wind. Had she been eating strawberries?

As she predicted, Mrs. Yvonne headed out after making sure I felt comfortable. This had Serena frowning, and I realized with a pang that I was alone with her in the entire house. "Should I leave?" I asked urgently. Perhaps she was uncomfortable.

"What? Oh, no!" she hurried to reassure me. "I'd love company!"

Then it hit me. The girl would be lonely from the morning till dusk. "Did I wake you?" I asked as she settled beside me with her cup of morning drink. She shook her head, and the familiar scent of strawberries filled the air.

"That's okay. I'd usually wake up late as Mum would leave early in the morning and leave the breakfast in the oven. I bet she's done the same today."

I felt a weight settle in my chest. Here I was, grumbling about being alone despite having Mum with me, when this girl lived alone for most of her day and still put up a smile on her face. I had to do something for her; something that might put up a genuine smile across her face, as I had promised her.

And I had a brilliant idea.