I do not own Pokémon in any type of way. Game Freak, Nintendo, T.V Tokyo and any other contributors to Pokémon do.
This is written in third person point of view.
Hope you love it. Please love it.
What I write is pure fiction, if by some chance what I say is true or in any way real, it is purely coincidental. Nothing here is real.
Be mindful – Ash is a clueless dense guy. But with clarity and a lil guidance he knows how to strategize.
Edited to fix some errors
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Two days since Serena gave into her feelings.
Serena was in conflict. She hated that. She actually hated her persona so much, she truly wished she could lock off her stupid mind. She should be thrilled that a man cared for her. She should be grateful that he was who he was as Ash was incredible. She should have no issues as even the past issues about him were really based on cowardice and immaturity on her part. Ash was amazing, granted she had officially been dating him for 2 days which were basically a heavy make-out session, shy talks on the Lumiose Tower and a sweet lunch at Java's.
She hated it.
She didn't want a vanilla cookie relationship.
She didn't want her life to be this.
She stood in her balcony, watching the pink-flowered vines blow below her. The Lumiose dusk was ever beautiful and quiet.
It was sleepy, muggy Sunday, her mind in ever conflict as she stood cursing her heart and mind. She felt so boring, she felt so mediocre. It was the same when she was with Calem.
He was so bland. So white picket to the point Serena saw herself complaining about the taxes.
Blonde, built like an average joe who had a gym membership, talked taxes and what was on the news. He was perfect in a sense, he was easy to be with, easy to talk to, agreed with her, said the right things that he thought she wanted to hear. Same lines, same moves, same day.
It was insanity and she had to break up with him.
But Palermo wanted him around. He was good for her image. He came from an upscale family and he had a reputable image. They were the golden couple that could not be defeated. He was a wolf of wall street and she was the uptime fashion, girly girl. Like Barbie and Ken.
Serena hated her life while she was with him.
Her first action on taking back her life was dumping Calem, rather spectacularly.
Simple to, at dinner, privately, at one of Lumiose's elite restaurants. She changed her number and got a new apartment. She ignored Palermo until the night she called her hiatus. She closed the book on her old boring life.
Serena blinked and came back to her balcony. The brilliant blue sky was now bathed with slits of orange and peach hues. The sun setting gloriously. Soft wisps of wind blew over the city as you could faintly hear the shores.
She scratched her hair as if irritated, her long dress billowing in the wind. She was at the turmoil within herself. She really hated the conflict, not knowing if to open her heart. She didn't want to be disappointed with her choices or regret allowing herself to feel.
She hated to feel.
Her heart loved, it loved greatly, she loved her mom, her friends, her Pokémon and her life but she still felt upset when she allowed unnecessary thoughts in her mind.
The way she wanted her life,
She wanted more
A plan, a better life.
She wanted to believe what she wanted for herself was better. She wanted to do the right thing even if she had to do the wrong to bring her own happiness.
A man, a companion of that nature she wasn't sure she could have a place for.
But Ash surprised her. He was so persistent, annoying, daring, he didn't take her crap or her resistance. He wanted her and he showed her he did.
Serena was never one to fight for a relationship. She rarely now put forth an effort. It wasn't due to her being a cold bitch, no. It was simple, she did it in the past and now she realized she couldn't put herself out there anymore. Men didn't deserve to have her like that for when she did, men would take advantage and play with her love.
Why would Ash be different?
She formed a plan, she would go along with Ash, he would eventually get bored, get his conquest in her and then leave her. Simple.
It was the only way for him to leave her alone.
Serena would just have to lock her heart. She knew now Ash had gotten her, she agreed to date him. He would lose interest in her. When he got to know her, he would understand she was a horrible person and want to end the relationship. She knew they weren't compatible. Plus, it's all a chase for him. She would get back her solitude soon enough.
Serena took a deep breath and let out a sigh. He would leave soon enough.
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An hour after Serena had her internal conflict of hate.
Ash sat in his living room; he was reading a trainer guide to handling Snorlax's injuries. His eyes were looking at the words but his mind kept going back to Serena. Her soft smiles, her body as she began to fill out more. In all his years, he never realized how skinny she was. How tired and angry she was in the past. How she seemed to be unhappy at most events, how she looked weakened and starve and still refuse to have a full meal. Her makeup was always perfect and her hair was sprayed in a fixed place, never out or oddly sticking out. How in silent moments of solitude she would breathe extra, hunch over as if holding herself up. He was so absorbed in the outward distaste she had for him that he never realized it may not have actually been him but in fact, Serena was suffering at the control of others. And she never said anything.
The past two days were different.
After their make-out session of soft touches, giggles and soft lips, he took her to Lumiose Tower to stare at the view. They talked about battles, performances, him about his battle to receive Champion title. Her, her greatest accomplishment of being Kalos Queen as well as winning the Sinnoh Cup for Pokémon Coordinators.
She shied away from topics of the past and didn't answer him on topics she wished to ignore by changing the topic or distracting him with observations.
She never had physical contact with him after their quiet moment in his apartment.
She seemed far away in her mind for the rest of the night.
Their lunch at Java was the same, quiet, soft smiles, polite and very relaxed. It was like … it was so bland!
He raised an eyebrow. He wasn't like this. He didn't understand how he felt like Serena was just entertaining him. Just long enough so he could feel like he was getting her.
He squinted.
He closed his book and stood up, walking to the glass windows and looking at the dark sky.
Why did he now feel like Serena was holding back? Yes, he had finally gotten her and looked forward to the dating phase of their relationship but why did it feel reserved. Why did he feel uneasy? Why did he feel that this was more than just getting to know her better? Why did he feel like it was different, he couldn't screw up but if he did it would have severe repercussions?
Why was he conflicted with Serena and why didn't he feel like she was going to be the biggest battle he would ever face in his life and the damages created couldn't be healed by Nurse Joy so easily.
Ash took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a moment and breathed.
He opened them with a new resolution.
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The Next Day After Two Very Different Choices Were Made
Serena was walking along the pathway, her basket filled with goodies she couldn't wait to make.
She had decided to go to the market and purchase some fixings for a full style roast.
As she rounded the corner, she saw Ash waiting in front of her apartment complex, leaning chicly against his SUV. She was taken aback but she placed her perfect smile and strolled up to him. She greeted him well and inquired why he was there.
He glanced at her but didn't return her smile. He lifted a bag, in it seemed like a couple of bottles of vintage wine.
"Would you help me sample them?" He asked deeply, waiting for her response.
Her eyes dance between the bag and his eyes a few times before nodding and walking up the entrance.
A vibrant breeze blew, allowing pedals to float once more throughout the city.
They entered her apartment, the breeze blowing in, curtains billowing and, plants. Serena had bought many plants and adorned them in every nook and cranny she could find. Ash noticed she was partial to peace lilies and had gotten a few of them near her windows.
"I was just about to make some dinner; would you like to join me?" Serena called towards him as she began emptying her basket, showing her trimmed roast for the night. Ash was still looking at her plants when he called back to her distractedly.
"Sure, I haven't eaten as yet." He said, he peered down at the beautifully vibrant jade plant she had.
She came up to him, and coolly grabbed the bag of wine he had before heading back to the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Serena took a deep breath before forcing a smile and getting to work.
She cleaned her potatoes, seasoned her meat, got her vegetables ready and put her bread to warm. She was embracing the distraction. She really was confused as to why Ash came over. She thought lunch a couple of days ago went well and thought she wouldn't have to see him for a couple more days.
As she lost herself in thought, peeling her potatoes, she felt him, he came to her side, leaning against her counter. She stopped to look at him.
Against her judgment, she asked, "Everything okay?"
He glanced at her and nodded. He busied himself by grabbing the knife from her and taking over peeling the potatoes. She had a moment of confusion before she shook it off and organized everything else.
The veggies were prepped and the meat was in the oven, roasting. She seasoned her now peeled potatoes and stuffed them in the oven as well. With everything baking, roasting and steaming away, Ash saw the opportunity to open his wine.
They moved to the table in the balcony, the streets quiet as traffic had eased up, everyone resting in their homes. Serena brought out her timer, to alert her when everything was done.
He opened his first bottle, "Kantosian Zinfandel." He said, his words to the point. "Red, sweet, rich, potent." He said pouring in a deep stemless wine glass. "Aged for 2 years"
He gave her a glass and they both had a sip.
She tasted and hummed, lulled by the richness of the liquid, closing her eyes at the seduction of the wine. Her eyes opened in surprise, not expecting to like it.
"I didn't know you knew so much about wine." She remarked. Ash chuckled quietly.
"When you go to various places with Clemont, you tend to pick up odd traits." He responded, inhaling his own before tasting. "Eventually, investing in a vineyard became a small dream I had and well, these are the rewards to it." He said while holding up another vintage wine. It seemed this one was rather expensive, has been aging since 2009.
"I studied at a vineyard once." She openly told him, "but it was to teach the staff English at the vineyard. "Ash swallowed in surprise.
"When was that?" He asked
"When I was 17, in return, they taught me how to make my own wine and I learned how to make many local dishes. Grape leaves are my favorite to work with." She concluded, taking a deep sip of her wine. She was allowing the wine to mull her to relax. She did.
"I never knew how peaceful your balcony was." Ash admired. "It's quiet."
"The realtor certainly used it as a selling point." Serena laughed, recalling how her flamboyant realtor enthusiastically sold her at her deepest desires. With the privacy, the cobblestone walls, the archway windows, soft wooden floors, the bougainvillea vines, crawling around her entire balcony. The whole apartment screamed home. She took it the same day.
"It suits you." He stated softly. They were illuminated softly by the orange icicle lights she had draped all over her balcony. Her blush was hidden by the darkness.
She didn't understand why she was feeling this way, she had resolved to not allow Ash into her world, yet here he was, protruding, inspecting, asking and investigating everything. Worst off, she was giving him free information for whatever he asked for.
The timer went off perfectly in the moment, forgiving her from commenting back to him.
She jumped up before traipsing off to the kitchen.
Everything came out beautiful and within a few moments, she and Ash were having a quiet meal in her balcony, under the stars, soft vines blowing in the night wind, shores crashing in the distance, rich wine being poured.
She didn't quite understand why it was probably one of the best nights of her life.
It confused her beyond her knowledge.
She felt stunted, a bit sad and confused. She felt like she wanted more and she didn't quite understand how.
She inhaled deeply, resting back on her soft wicker chair, staring at Ash as he gazed out into the evening. This should have been perfect.
Despite, Ash being the man she wanted, she truly wasn't sure why she couldn't open herself a bit.
The puzzle for her was, she wanted to.
Ash could see it in her face she was in conflict with herself.
"Serena." He said softly. "Are you okay?"
She gazed at him, fully comprehending his question.
"I don't know, Ash." She eventually answered. She took a deep breath, pulling her legs up, her long dress covering her legs as she hugged them to her. He short hair twisting delicately in the wind. Ash got up, cleared the table. He came back to the balcony, holding to small bowls, fill with fruit and yogurt.
He sat closer to her, before handing her the dessert.
She began to eat slowly, held in the quiet.
"What's bothering you?" He asked, not looking at her. "Is it me?" he asked quietly.
She glanced at him, continuing to eat her dessert. Avoiding him after.
"Serena," he said deeply, "Talk to me, I want this to work out between us but it can't if you're not invested." He placed his bowl down and turned full on her. She became defensive.
"Why?" she retaliated. "Why is it important to work out, Ash? What are you gaining out of this?" She pointily turned on him.
"I don't understand, you came here, acting like you're the boss and just instructing. I don't need this right now." Serena said, she was being unreasonable and Ash understood from this moment, this wasn't going to be easy. He could only look at her, trying to understand her but he realized he was going to need help.
Serena didn't like the way he was looking at her. She felt caged at the moment.
"Its best you leave." She said, getting up and leaving him in the balcony before hurrying to her room, slamming the door behind her.
Ash didn't know if she was speaking to him or herself.
He could only scrub his face a bit before getting his coat and heading to his vehicle.
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Two Days Since Wine Apparently Wasn't A Good Aphrodisiac
Miette was many things. Talented, skillful, sexy. She loved to cook, she loved being in control but also being laid back. It was necessary especially in her line of business. She hunted for the best and it was a great skill to find the region's best artists of any kind. Abel was working out well, and if things worked out well, her plan to make Serena a producer for him with be one of the greatest couplings since Pecha berries and poke puffs.
However, Miette hated being out of control. With that being said, she didn't understand why she was now sitting at a café, sipping some lavender tea while waiting for a special someone to meet her. It was very unorthodox for her, Miette, to wait for someone. However, if Clemont asked her, she would. Miette allowed her thoughts to wonder a bit as she waited.
Clemont.
She truly loved him. How her heart ached for him. But their age difference had her complexed, she was 3 years older than him and to her, it just wasn't comfortable. Mind you, she's done more than comfortable deeds to him, but in her mind, she wasn't sure if she could. They met many years ago, by chance at a city where she focused more on her rivalry with Serena than Clement who she knew couldn't stop staring at her. She loved his attention, even when she stood at the stadium for her Pokémon Showcase and her mind was on Serena, she felt Clemont staring at her once again.
After as they grew up, they met again in Kalos, in a conference, it was hot, sinful, sexy and just raw fun. They tried commitment, being a couple but, her dreams were big, he was responsible for his sister, his company, his partners and for his people. She understood that, while she was free, spirited and eccentric, Clemont was, he was but his responsibility and duty towards his circle were more important. People depended on him; they needed his guidance. They had a conversation about what they should do, in the end, they had gone their separate ways. Her, back to Sinnoh to become something for herself, him, in Kalos, continuing with his numerous duties.
She also became obsessed with creating something powerful against Palermo. That wretched woman. She was disgusting as a human being. While Miette loved control, Palermo was horrendously worse than a dictator.
Palermo had abused, overworked, and made ridiculous rules for the girls that were under her management. Miette had believed her to be the best, the only one who could shape her into the best Performer with her Pokémon however, that simply was not her case, it was when she realized her Pokémon was suffering from all the work, training and lack of fun did it finally sink that Miette was in a terrible situation. She had no choice but to get out, and with that choice, it was simply easier for her to head to a new region.
Her eyes focused again after hearing the door open gently. She glanced not to see Clemont, but Ash. Clemont's good friend and business partner. She was confused but intrigued.
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3 Minutes Since Miette Ordered Another Expresso.
Miette admired the handsome Champion in front of her, while her heart belonged to Clemont, she still appreciated Lunula's sinful gift to her of fresh meat. Ash was rugged, very god looking and rough. She slid her fingers over the smooth wooden surface as she listened to him.
"I need your help Miette," Ash concluded. She blinked; a bit punch drunk but shook her head.
"I'm sorry Ash, I wasn't focusing on you." She laughed slightly, "Could you repeat that?"
Ash sighed, he had a feeling she wasn't listening when he noticed her eyes unfocused and her eyes wandering all over his body. Kalosian women were all like this…
Except one.
"I'm concerned about Serena." He stated. Miette glanced at him, focusing on him now. "She, she seems…" He sighed. He lost his voice
Miette blinked before clasping her hands around her coffee mug, she needed the warmth.
She took a deep breath.
"I knew Palermo had a bigger impact on her than she let on," Miette spoke softly. Ash noticed her bubby, happy nature disappear. She became sombre and serious.
She held her mug closely, staring out into the sunny day and told her tale.
"Serena was such a sweet girl. Vibrant, inquisitive, a thirst for life and wanting to find purpose.
Her competitive nature had made me gravitate to her and we had such fun as teenagers. We were so young and impressionable.
Not prepared for the harshness of life." Miette said to him, taking a deep breath. Ash lowered his gaze and stared down. He was preparing for a long story.
"She came to Palermo that winter, broken, unsure but filled with a drive." Miette glanced at him, implying she knew why Serena was like that. Miette knew Serena was devastated by Ash at Snowbelle City. She was heartbroken and filled with shame. "And, Palermo devoured on her insecurities."
"Palermo made her into this robot, working her, tearing her down, pushing her and giving her no freedom. However, things were different for Serena. Palermo was different from her, a strange obsessive hunger Palermo had with her. Palermo was in every meeting with Serena, dictating her jobs and performance, not giving her chance to produce appropriately on her routines and her Pokémon became overworked and suffocated with the image of trying to be perfect." Miette felt herself begin to rile up.
"Perfect!" She hissed. "Everything had to be perfect. Ash, we all hated that word."
"But, Serena, No, she strived, and pushed as if trying to make her mind loose what she was running from. She did everything, the fake relationships, the ridiculous diets, the beauty procedures, the boogie fakeness that never represented what being a performer was." Miette spat out with distaste.
"She became burnt out, angry, hateful and aggressive. She didn't want to get close to people, she didn't communicate well and she began to hate herself." Miette said sadly. She took a deep drink of her now lukewarm tea and stared at Ash. She gave him a piercing look.
"But recently, she's different. She did a complete one-eighty. It was like a whole different person. She broke up with Calem, the ken doll Palermo wanted her with." Ash glanced at her with that hint of information. Miette traipsed on, oblivious. "She canceled her world tour as well as publicly declaring a hiatus to her fanbase. She packed up and left the agency and moved into Lumiose City by herself. I never knew what her motivation was but something clicked in her." Miette finished.
It was quiet between them for a moment. A soft, slow piano instrument played in the background. The artist singing depressingly, about pain but rejoicing over having fought through it. A soft harmonica accompanying it. It themed the mood and stood out the emotions being a process.
"You have no idea why she did this?"
"What Ash?" Miette smirked sadly, "The changing of her life, her destroying everything she worked for? Her sanity or why she did all of this?" She mashed her lips tightly for a moment before exhaling.
"She was lost." Miette glanced at him. "I'm not blaming Snowbelle, but childhood traumas have a way of creeping up and affecting you in ways you never understood. It was small but it was significant. Add on the fact that that was the drive to her success and passion. It led her to an unhealthy drive to become better which lead her to be around unhealthy situations. She was looking for something, she found it but was it the right one?"
"I screwed up!" Ash groaned in frustration.
"You did not!" Miette said forcefully. "How could you have possibly known that Serena would have reacted like that or made the decision she did? Yes, you were very immature but you can't blame the streamline of negative decisions she chose, Ash. Serena learnt and now she is trying to fix her life. The only thing you can do is be there for her."
Ash quirked an eyebrow.
"How? I'm no-" Ash exhaled loudly. "I don't know-how. I'm at a loss."
Miette smiled and shook her head, chuckling seductively. Even Ash noticed how self-aware Miette was with her movements.
"Serena's at a lost, her passion burnt out because she's moved on from her past. I'm not sure why, but, right before her announcement of hiatus, she visited Sinnoh, where the large mountains are. I believe inspiration may have given her clarity. That could be a factor as to her change. You need to figure out where Serena stands." She paused before continuing out.
"Before you can do anything with Serena, be there for her, try to help her, heal her," She said deeply, dripping honey. "You need to understand how sure you are for her. You cannot get insecure with yourself about her. You need to be headstrong and be willing to face the distractions and obstacles Serena will be throwing at you. You need to be certain with yourself on where you stand with yourself. You need to make sure Serena is the woman you need." Ash looked clueless. Miette rolled her eyes and grabbed his jacket and made eye contact.
"Figure out if you love her!" She hissed. "And be certain if you do." She released him. "Ensure you are invested in her and you before you bother looking to try with her. You're in a space where you can forget her, this, everything between you two and move on Ash. But if you carry on with Serena, be sure she is the woman you want forever. Don't waste yours, hers or whatever on simple interest in her. Be certain."
"Once you figure that shit out, believe me, everything for you will fall into place." Miette stood up and grabbed her jacket, her short dress teasing her long legs.
"You can't be distracted by Serena and her emotions; you have to believe she is for you or else you will lose this battle for her Ash. Figure. It. Out." She pointed at him before sweeping away and out the door.
The waitress came up and placed Miette's bill in front of Ash.
Ash swore.
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You know what? I don't even know.
Serena felt bad, she had rushed off in her room and now she was stuck in her apartment, bored, sad, and in angst. She really didn't know what her problem was and she was hating herself for it. Why was she pushing away Ash? She didn't know.
Arceus didn't fricking know.
Lunala in her green abyss didn't know. Solgeleo wanted to stay out of the dam conversation.
She was in annoyance with herself.
Her ugly voice came in her head "you actually like him, but you're a coward." She curled her lip.
She felt her chest tightening. She truly adored him. Here, in her house, by herself.
Alone.
She could be honest with herself.
"You told him already you like him. Stop being so dumb and move on it!" Her ugly voice told her hauntingly.
"Maybe she's just a horn-ball for his fine, bubble, sweet, high ass." Another ugly voice came out. She scoffed, mentally rolling her eyes at her stupid mind. Who was stupid for Ash Ketchum, who was stupidly cute, stupidly sincere, stupidly fooling her?
Yes! Yes, her sane side pushed through. She knew Ash would only hurt her. Did he even like her? It was a game, he was going all out for her because she didn't care for him.
She wasn't sure. Why was it so difficult for her to accept him? Really.
She didn't have time to think before her doorbell was ringing once again.
She looked at her door alarmed, startled. Her eyes switched side to side before getting off the couch and proceeding to the door. She swallowed when she saw Ash. Silently, he glanced at her before waltzing in. He looked determined.
"Serena," he stated. "I think you have some things to deal with. I think we should end whatever we have that's here."
There was a ringing. She was stunned silent. The hurt she was expecting was worse. Infinitely worse.
She felt her underneath slip from her. She drew breath but no relief came to her. He continued.
His eyes downcast, he couldn't even look at her.
"It's not that I don't want to, I really want you. With everything that you come with and all. But, I can't see this working out or even being healthy if you won't give in. It's not a matter of want or trying. But I need you to want me back and communicate with me. This isn't something light for me but I'm not going to put forth an effort to be met with resistance." He stated.
She said nothing. She wanted to defend, to hate, to curse but she knew, she knew it was fruitless. This was what she wanted.
He waited but he saw she wasn't going to say anything. He gave a sad smile, walking up to her, he gave her gentle kiss on the forehead before swiftly exiting the apartment. A gentle sound as the door closed.
He made it to the bottom floor before halting himself, taking a deep breath of air.
He loved her. He loves her. He knew it.
He wanted to give her the world, space and time.
But she needed to want it from him.
Serena was his soul mate but he needed to fix her before she could realize he was hers.
So, Kindly trust me but also reviews are a great friend.
I'm back to updating, slowly but surely.