Ash's POV
"Oh boy, when Aimar see's I caught a Pidgeotto, he's gonna be so jealous!" I said aloud, running down the path to exit the forest. Pikachu ran at my side, obviously excited that I caught my third and final Pokemon. "Pika pi!" Pikachu cheered, looking up at me. I turned my head downwards, smiling at my old pal. "You're right, Pikachu! She's just like the Pidgeot I used to have!" I exclaimed. I picked up the pace, speeding through the forest. 'I wonder if Serena would like to fly on here once Pidgeotto evolves,' I thought to myself. I could only imagine her face once she took off, what a sight that would be.
We soon reached the exit, leaving the forest and continuing our way down the path. "Ash!" I heard a voice call behind me. I stopped and spun around to see none other than Miette, running up to me.
"I don't remember passing her, do you Pikachu?" I turned to Pikachu, who shook his head as a reply. "Pi."
Miette soon reached us, hands on her knees in attempt to help catch her breath. She got up and straightened her posture, her face manipulating into a smirk. "What's up?"
"Just heading back to my dorm after a day of training. I caught a Pidgeotto!" I told her, barely containing my excitement. "You did? Congratulations!" She exclaimed, wrapping her hands around me. I immediately attempted to wiggle out the hug, feeling slightly uncomfortable because of the tightness. She soon let go, finally giving me some breathing space. I pulled my phone out of my pocket, pretending to get a text.
"Oh, it seems that Aimar really wants me to go back because he.. Has a pimple on his back he wants me to pop." I sweat dropped, realizing how stupid my lie was. 'Note to self: lie better.' I turned around and was about to take off before Miette's hand took a hold of mine.
"Do you have to?" She whined, pulling me towards her.
"Yeah, I do." I bluntly replied, attempting to shake off her hand. For a fairly small girl, she had a strong hold.
"Can I at least get a hug before you leave?"
"Will you let go of me if I do?" I asked, raising a brow. She hastily nodded, pulling me close. I gave her the weakest hug I've ever given, with absolutely no intentions of being in this position in the first place. I felt something touch my stomach, and a sudden urge to laugh overcame me. "What a-are you d-doing?!" I attempted to yell, bits of speech interrupted by laughter. Miette laughed, smirking at me. "Oh, Ash. You're so adorable when you smile." She leaned in closer to me, her lips puckering together.
"Screw you, Ash!" I heard Serena yell in the distance. I scanned my eyes, finding Serena as she disappeared into the forest. "Serena!" I shouted, attempting to push Miette off of me.
"Pikaaaachuuuu!" yelled Pikachu as he shot a thunderbolt at Miette, covering her in black as she fell to the ground. "Alright Pikachu! Way to go!" I cheered, bending down and petting the little mouse Pokemon. He happily grinned, cooing. "As soon as I fix things with Serena, I'll get her to make those poke puffs you really like." I told him. "But right now, I need you to go back to the dorm, and under no circumstances do you tell Aimar what has happened." Pikachu nodded and ran off in the direction of the dorm. I turned around and sped towards the area Serena fled. She didn't even leave through the entrance; she entered the forest through some bushes, about 20 feet or so from the actual entrance. I walked through the bushes and large grass, a few thorns cutting my arms and legs through my pants.
"Serena!" I called, listening for an answer. I cupped my hands together, hoping to amplify the sound. "Serena!" I called once more. I sighed; no one responded. "Serena.. Please be okay." I spoke, my voice soft and weak.
"Serena!" I called out. It's been almost 30 minutes since she left. I kept trudging through the forest, the occasional thorn here and there. 'Maybe be she went back to her dorm,' I thought to myself, turning around to head back. Suddenly I heard a faint sniff. I turned towards the source of the sound. I rustled through a few bushes, entering a clearing. Sitting at the base of possibly the largest tree in the forest, was Serena, curled in a fetal position. "Serena?" I quietly called, letting her know I was here. She lifted her head, and upon realizing it was me, put it back down and whispered, "Go away.."
"Let me explain," I started, but she cut me off.
"What is there to explain?" She sobbed. "I just.. I thought we could be something real.. But I was wrong. Go ahead, Miette's the person you want, I see that now." She spoke, her tone filled with hurt and pain. My heart ached, worse than any other time before. She got up, whiping her tears. "I gotta go. Dawn's waiting for me."
"Serena, wait.." I started, reaching for her hand. She pushed my hand aside, walking past me. 'No, I'm not letting this misunderstanding be the end of us.' I thought to myself, and subconsciously reached for her hand. I took a hold of it and pulled her towards me, enough to get her in hugging distance. "Ash, let go of m-" She started, but was interrupted as I leaned in, our lips connecting. A rush overcame me, a feeling of warmth sweeping through me. Serena slowly wrapped her arms around my neck as I pulled her in closer. At the moment, I felt a sense of completeness, like if nothing in the world could satisfy me as much as her. It was as if time stopped, and for those few seconds, the world stood still.
I pulled away, admiring her beauty. She slowly opened her eyes, a tiny of pink visible on her cheeks. "A-ash.." she stuttered, still attempting to comprehend the events that took place the past fee minutes. I looked her in the eye, a small smile forming on my lips. "I want you," I said, "Not Miette. Do you understand that now?" Serena nodded, tears forming her eyes. She leaned in, kissing me a second time. After a few seconds, she pulled away, smiling.
"Well, that was possibly the most anticipated part of the story." Aimar butted in, walking out from a few bushes. Dawn followed behind him, her head seeming like it was about to explode. "That was so adorable!" She squealed, jumping up and down in place. Serena and I blushed, our faces as red as a tomato. "H-How much of that did you see?" Serena asked, clearly embarrassed.
"Every last bit." smirked Aimar. "In other words," He continued, "when's the baby shower?"
"You know, that was really unnecessary." Aimar groaned, a red hand imprint bulging on his cheek.
"It was also unnecessary to make that comment." Serena shot back, walking ahead of the group. We were all on our way back to our dorms, soon reaching the midpoint. Aimar took a right towards our room as Dawn turned left, heading in the opposite direction, leaving only Serena and I. She turned to face me, slightly blushing. I did the same, giving her another smile. My expression changed, however, after a question arose in my head. "Wait, Serena?" I asked.
"Yeah?"
"Are.. Are we dating or something now?" I asked, not knowing what to expect. She smiled, coming in closer and whispering in my ear, "Try asking again tomorrow." Before giving me a small kiss on my cheek. She then turned around, walking off to her dorm. I stood there, letting the warmth on my cheek sink in. I smiled, and turned around, stepping onto the steps and walking up to my room.
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