Chapter 68: Heart Break

"I'm gonna do it. Today's the day..."

Serena was currently trying to pump herself up. After almost a year of not seeing him, Serena knew she had to tell Ash how she felt tonight. Clemont and Bonnie were currently giving her a pep talk.

"You can do it, Serena! Bonnie and I are behind you 100%!"

"Yeah, and if anything goes wrong, maybe you and Clemont can-"

Bonnie was quickly silenced by Clemont clamping his hand over her mouth, her muffled cries earning them strange looks as Clemont chuckled nervously.

"Um, ignore her. You know how she is."

The crowd shrugged and resumed partying. Serena giggled, having missed Bonnie's antics while she was in Hoenn.

"Thanks, guys. Hey Bonnie, have you decided on what your Starter will be?"

"No need. I've already got Dedenne!"

"Dene!"

"Are you sure? Chespin's a great starting choice, while an electric type like-"

"Hey, if Ash can have a Pikachu as his starter, why can't I choose Dedenne?"

Bonnie and Clemont soon got into a small argument about the traditional three starters and the difficulty of training Electric types. Serena decided to go and take her chances with Ash rather than try and break up their argument. She quickly found him catching up with Misty.

"So, how's the Cerulean Gym, Misty?"

"Great, and guess what? My sisters said they'll be coming home soon so that I can have a vacation. I'm thinking of going to Alola. Being an Island region, they've got to have some great Water types."

"Well, you're always welcome around here. If we can get Brock to take some time off, it'll be just like old times!"

"That'd be great, Ash!"

After a few more minutes, Misty drifted off to talk with May, giving Serena her chance. Ash saw her coming and waved her over.

"Hey Serena, long time no see."

"Hi, Ash. Can...Can I talk to you for a minute? In private?"

"Yeah, sure."

Serena followed Ash to a secluded part of Ten Carat Hill, flashing a thumbs up to Clemont and Bonnie who had stopped their arguing long enough to show their support.

As they made their way through the small forest, Ash made conversation.

"So Serena, how's the contest circuit?"

"Well, its certainly unique from showcases, but its a good different. I've got three ribbons so far, and the next one is in 2 weeks."

"Bummer. I was hoping you'd be able to stay longer."

"Really?"

"Sure. I miss hanging out with you."

Serena blushed. Maybe this would work out after all.

After a few minutes of walking, they came to a secluded clearing in the woods, the two of the sitting on a log.

"Alright, Serena. What did you want to talk to me about?"

Now or never, Serena thought to herself. Taking a deep breath, she opened up.

"Ash, I...I'm in love with you. I've been in love with you ever since that summer in Pallet Town. I was too scared back in Kalos, but after tonight I realized I had to say something. You have so many female friends, I'm afraid that if I don't say anything now I'll never get a chance."

Ash didn't say anything, too shocked to come up with a coherent thought. Emboldened by the burden being lifted off her shoulder, Serena inched closer.

"I know it won't be easy. We're traveling in two different regions, and I know neither one of us is ready to leave. But we can make it work. Please Ash, I want to make it work."

Serena moved in for the kiss, only for Ash to block it with his hand, a somber expression on his face.

"Serena, I'm sorry, I really am, but...I don't feel the same way."

"What?"

"Serena, I'm not gonna lie, that kiss we shared before you got on that plane was amazing, but looking back I don't feel anything more than that. You're a great girl, and a really great friend, but I love you more like a sister. And...I already have a girlfriend. I'm sorry Serena, but it just wouldn't work.

Serena stared in shock, her brain reeling from the news. Then, tears began to form in her eyes, which worried Ash.

"Serena, please don't make this harder than it has to be. You're a great friend, and-"

But Ash didn't get to finish his sentence. Serena, unable to take it anymore, ran off back to the party crying.

"Serena, wait!"

But she didn't, leaving Ash alone in the woods, his outstretched hand slowly sinking to a rest at his side as he sat in silence.

"Ash? Is everything okay?"

Ash turned back to find Lillie walking towards him, a worried expression on her face. Ash shook his head.

"No Lillie, no it isn't."

"What happened?"

"I just broke my best friend's heart."

Lillie sat down next to him and gently rubbed his back, allowing him to rest his head on her shoulder as he let it all out. It was going to be a long night for everyone.

A/N: Sorry Amourshippers, but I just don't see Ash and Serena as a couple. I used to ship them, but over time I just didn't get the feeling that Ash reciprocated. And in the end, she was just as expendable to the writers as every other one of Ash's girl companions (That was old enough to be a love interest), except she hasn't made a return appearance yet. I just don't think Amourshipping will become canon.

P.S. Lillie knows Serena kissed Ash, but isn't concerned by it.