Hello, hello!

I've had a million and one ideas floating around my head lately, so I've been working away at some. I decided this would be the first I posted.

This is my first chapter fic, so I'm a little nervous.

But anywho, here I present to you The Second Date. I won't give anything away, but be forewarned that this story can go any way and where it ends up going may surprise you.

Ash: 20

Serena: 19

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any of its characters.

Enjoy!

Saturday: Lumiose City. 11:35 AM; Present

Serena was practically gliding down the busy Lumiose street. Had she not totally been on cloud nine, she would've noticed the attention she was drawing and probably would've pulled herself together.

"Miss? Miss, are you quite alright? Are you lost? Oh, Gilles, she looks positively unwell, we should do something..." An elderly couple, concerned for her well-being. She didn't respond.

To some who watched, she looked like a graceful Kirlia, swept up in a dreamy melody. Beautiful to watch, but hardly suitable for a city sidewalk. People bumped into the honey haired woman, left and right. And each time it happened she barely batted an eyelash.

"Hey, move it toots! Some of us cant afford to wander around, you know!" A gentleman dressed in business attire that she nearly slammed into, just shook his head in disgust; there was something about happy-go-lucky tourists that always ruined his day.

But little did he know, she was well acquainted with these streets.

It had been two whole years since she'd been in Lumiose City and she missed it with every fiber of her being. While early summer was always gorgeous in her humble countryside hometown of Vaniville, it never quite compared to the beauty of Lumiose City. The already lively city was now covered in the aroma of honeysuckle and lavender. It was hands down, Serena's absolute favorite time of year. And she suspected it had to be everyone else's as well.

She snickered to herself.

Well perhaps not everyone.

She remembered Clemont always complained about the warm air making his jumpsuit itchy. It was a shame too. He would look really nice if he decided to try a nice weather appropriate ensemble now and then. It would no doubt make the blond man uncomfortable, but it would definitely enhance his style tenfold. She made a note to help him out with that one day when she wasn't fulfilling Kalos Queen duties.

Serena stopped at a cross light, waiting for her chance to cross.

And then it hit her.

For once, she wasn't rushing to get anywhere. And it felt absolutely wonderful.

Since becoming a Kalos Queen around four years ago, Serena's life was beyond hectic. She was needed for special appearances and performances at showcases. A lot of times, those requests came at a moments notice-leaving her very little time to really prepare for it. Other times, she was asked to appear at some of the trainer academies and tell them all about her exciting career. She was even scouted by designers to model their latest designs and be the face of their ad campaigns. Though, she really didn't mind that last one too much...

Her influence wasn't just limited to a pretty figure head. No, she was a source of spirit for trainers everywhere. She was invited to the Kalos League opening rally last year to light the flame of Moltres, a very important Pokémon League tradition. And she wasn't even a competitive battler!

Serena was a symbol of her region and people.

Her.

Serena. The one who started her journey without a dream or goal of her own.

People were inspired by her and it was something that humbled her greatly, every single day.

However, that meant she barely had time for herself, let alone any of the people she loved.

It was why she was extra excited to see her three closest friends today. She could barely contain the giant grin on her face. She hadn't seen Clemont and Bonnie for two whole years, and Ash a whopping four. It was really killing her that they'd gone so long without any real face to face contact. She somewhat regularly communicated with Clemont, be it over the phone or through some texts. Bonnie called her from Pokémon centers whenever she could.

But Ash?

Ash was a whole side of the world away. And no matter how busy she got, she always spared a moment to think about her handsome friend.

Right after his loss in the Kalos League, Ash went on a training retreat. No one had heard from him for nearly a year. She called his mother several times, but even Delia was unaware of her son's whereabouts. And much to Serena's chagrin, the older woman barely batted an eyelash, claiming that Ash was fine and that there was nothing to worry about. Naturally, Serena and Clemont feared for the worst.

Luckily, their worries were put to rest when Ash was reported as a competitor in the Indigo League; the first ever Pokémon League he participated in. Ash always mentioned that he wished he could've done better back in his first stint; his inexperience as a trainer definitely played a role in his loss. But he never gave into self deprecation, assuring himself that he was meant to continue training and get stronger. He would make his dreams of being a Pokémon Master happen when the time was right.

And he did.

The Pride of Pallet had gone the distance and won the League and was the Kanto Champion.

Serena remembered seeing all of the photos and press coverage surrounding the boy. Ash practically broke the Pokémon world with his victory. Trainers wanted to be him and girls wanted to have his children. Ash still remained undefeated and his every waking moment was recorded, luckily for her. It was the only way she ever really got to see him. And while she found her friend attractive in their teenage years, he was downright gorgeous as a grown man.

"A grown man that I definitely want to get all alone and …"

Serena felt the heat rush to her cheeks. Her first instinct was to berate herself for having such scandalous thoughts, but she broke through that nagging voice that was so ready to put her down.

"No more sugarcoating, Serena. You're an adult with desires likes everyone else." She muttered to herself, taking deep breaths to calm herself. She crossed the street and continued straight ahead.

Four years later and she was still harboring unresolved love for a man who barely reacted to anything she did, let alone, showed any inkling of being remotely attracted to her! It was so damn frustrating.

But perhaps that was changing as well.

After all, it had been Ash, the one who really never kept in contact with anyone, that had reached out to her.

Ash, who would sooner scarf down a cheeseburger and fries, initiated the plan for lunch today. At a café, no less. Her favorite café.

It meant something. And Serena was only too eager to find out.

Feel free to review and once again, constructive criticism is definitely appreciated!

I'll try to have the next chapter up as soon as possible. Being that the Thanksgiving holiday is upon us, which means family/friends and all that crap, I will definitely try to focus.

Happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates!

~mistycaribbeanflowers