The sun rose on the first day after Ash had won the Pokémon League. A fine mist covered the morning. Serena was up soon after that, again rushing to the bathroom. She was hunched over the toilet. Just as she was starting to feel better she heard Ash start to stir from the bedroom. Usually Ash was up with her to help and offer morale support. However she had a feeling that Ash was feeling a little less chirpy than usual. She poured a glass of water for Ash from the tap and walked into the bedroom. He was lying face down on the bed still wearing the shirt and jeans that he had on last night.

"Here. Drink up." She placed the water on the nightstand next to Ash. He made a noise that sounded like something between a sob and a moan. "Well someone regrets drinking last night."

There had been a huge party in the basement of the Arena to celebrate a new entrant into the Hall of Fame. Serena had to hand it to Diantha she knew how to throw a party. Just after Serena had convinced Ash not to freak out about their future Diantha herself appeared and told them that they

"Better not look so down when you're at the party." Serena and Ash were confused at first. However they soon learned all about the post-League party and all the things that usually accompanied it. Ash wouldn't have to make a speech unless he wanted to.

"No I want to." Ash told Diantha. "Maybe this time I can try and do it without crying like a six year old girl." There would be alcohol which Ash hadn't realised, however given the state of him this morning you never would've guessed. People from all over the world would be there trainers, gym leaders, Elite Four members so Ash and Serena had better be prepared to do a lot of talking. The two of them were expected to be there at half eight which meant they had just over two hours to get ready. Once Diantha had told them everything she went back to check that everything was on track.

Ash made another noise that was only just closer to actual words. "Ash you really need to drink." Ash stretched out a hand sluggishly. He started to pat his hand around the nightstand. Before he could knock the glass over Serena picked it up. She helped Ash role onto his back and sit up. She helped him take a few sips. He cleared his throat loudly.

"Thank you." He croaked softly, his voice still hoarse. He held his head in his hands rubbing his temples.

"It's your own fault. I kept telling you to make sure you didn't drink too much." Serena told him.

"What was I supposed to do? It was a party in my honour. They were handing out champagne; did you expect me not to have a glass or two?" Ash looked at her with as pleading a face as he could muster.

"Or four." Serena said flatly.

"Four?" Ash said in disbelief that he was so hungover.

"And a few pints of Pecha berry cider."

"Ah."Was all Ash could manage however Serena could see that he was inwardly angry at himself for drinking so much. "I didn't do anything embarrassing did I?" Ash asked praying that she said no.

"You don't remember?" Serena asked.

"I remember arriving at the party. Making small talk with a few people then after that it's all a bit blurry."Serena walked over to her bag and pulled out the small camera that Ash sometimes used to record his training sessions. She brought up the recorded videos and found the one recorded last night and handed it to Ash. Ash hesitantly pressed the play button and small screen was suddenly filled with Bonnie's face.

"Hey Ash." Bonnie yells. "Serena asked me to record this incase you can't remember tomorrow."

"Bonnie!" Serena scolds. "That's not true. I want to keep tonight recorded."

"That not what you told me." Bonnie says. But before Serena can retaliate the camera panned over to a large screen that showed Diantha taking her place behind a large glass lectern she was wearing a knee length silver silk dress that gave her a sense of royalty. A wave of silence soon spread across the room as everyone prepared to listen to her.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Another year has passed and with it another competition. I think it is fair to say that we have a very worthy winner. As I look back on this years competition I can confidently call it a resounding success. I would now like for Ash to join me on stage. Ash, where are you?" The screen panned into the audience and soon showed Ash walking up to the small platform where Diantha him stood Serena in a scarlet ankle-length dress which matched the ruby necklace Ash had given her perfectly. Next to her stood one of Diantha's aides, he was dressed in a sunset orange polo shirt and navy chinos. Ash was wearing his black sports jacket, a turquoise shirt and dark blue jeans. "Now Ash. The boys in the camera department have done a lovely job editing a small five minute video of your journey through the competition and I think I speak for everyone hear when I say we would love for you to take us through what you were thinking at each of the points."

"Sure I'd love to." So that's what Ash did. As soon as Ash had heard that he would make a speech all his head was filled with was 'Don't be cliché." And to his credit the only one that wriggled it's way into his commentary was. "I'm just taking the competition one match at a time."

When they had finished Diantha waved at a petite woman with long wavy black hair to come on stage. She brought with her two glasses. She handed one to Diantha and the other to Ash.

"Thank you Savannah." Diantha told the woman. The champion then turned to her audience. "Well then that only leaves two things. The first; Hear's to Ash. Congratulations on what has been an amazing few weeks of skill and entertainment, and we wish you the best in what will no doubt be a long and successful career as a trainer. To Ash." She raised her glass and so did everyone else echoing.

"To Ash"

"And the final thing." The entire room went dark. Then a spotlight illuminated Diantha. "Let's get this party started." With that then room became a wash of different colours all dancing around on the walls and music started blaring though speakers that ringed the room.

Serena took the camera out of Ash's hand.

"That didn't look too bad." Ash claimed. However Serena held up a finger and told him.

"This was just under three hours later." She gave it back to him with a different video loaded.

Ash reluctantly pressed play. The screen now showed Ash without his jacket holding a glass of pink liquid.

"I have no idea what his is." He slurred pointing to his drink. "But it's delicious." He then looked as if he had thought of the greatest idea ever" We should have it at the wedding!" He announced with glee.

Ash handed the camera back to Serena. "I can't watch anymore. Just please tell me I didn't do anything too embarrassing."

"Well you loudly proclaimed to anyone nearby that you loved me and that we are getting married. Which I am not embarrassed by. However a few of your dance moves were…sub par." She kissed Ash on the forehead. "Want me to go get us some breakfast?" She asked with a smile. Ash gave a small nod. "Okay. I'll be back in a few minutes." Serena quickly filled up Ash's glass then set it on his nightstand and went downstairs. She asked Nurse Joy if she knew anything to help with a hangover. Nurse Joy placed three crimson berries in Serena's hand.

"Take these and drink lots of water." Serena thanked her and walked over to grab them a few things to eat. Serena walked back upstairs with the berries in one hand and some small pastries in the other. She walked into the room expecting to find Ash still in bed however he was actually hunched over the toilet as she had been a few minutes before. When she walked in Ash looked up at her with a look on his face that suggested that he was midway through throwing up all the champagne he drank last night. She handed him the berries and poured him another glass of water.

"Eat these and keep drinking."

By the look on Ash's face when he ate the them they didn't taste like Oran berries. Serena watched Ash's face start to soften after a few minutes whilst she nibbled on a pastry. "Feeling any better?" She asked.

"Yeah. Is this how you feel every morning?"

"Judging from your expression when you woke up I don't think I've woken up feeling that bad yet."

"That bad?" Ash asked confused.

"Ash you looked like an electrode after it used self-destruct."

"Oh shush."

They were then interrupted by a knock at the door. Ash attempted to get up however he was overcome by a wave of dizziness.

"Want me to get that?" She asked. Ash gave a small nod. Serena stood up and walked over to the door. She opened it to find Clemont there.

"How is he?" Clemont asked concerned about the well-fare of his friend.

"The doctors said he'll live." Serena said sarcastically.

"I can hear you." Ash grumbled from the bathroom.

"I know." Serena called back. "Do you want to come in?"

"I shouldn't I've got a lot of packing to do."

"Packing?" Serena asked.

"Yeah my dad came to watch the final and he's taking me and Bonnie back to Lumiose. We wanted to know if you guys wanted to come. We'll be leaving about eleven."

"Well, if Diantha doesn't need Ash here anymore then we'd love one but I'll need to check with her."

"Okay. I'll tell my Dad." With that Clemont turned and walked back down the hall. Serena walked backed to the bathroom and looked down at Ash.

"You think you're gonna be up to going in a car in a few hours?" She asked him.

"Maybe, I'm feeling a lot better. Nurse Joy really knows her stuff, those berries worked like a charm."

"Okay. Well I'm going to go find Diantha to make sure that you can leave."

"I'll…" Ash began, again trying to get up however once again feeling to ill to do so. "…stay right here."

"Right choice. I'm going to get changed." A smirk appeared on Ash's face. "What are you smiling about?" She asked.

"Here's as good a place to change as any." He said cheekily, gesturing to the spot in front of him.

"As tempting as that is. I don't want to interrupt your hot date with the toilet bowl, so I'll change in the bedroom."

Ash huffed a reply and Serena walked out of the bathroom. She quickly got changed into a light green tank top, some blue jeans and a pair of black flats. Serena decided to check the basement of the Arena first to see if Diantha was their supervising the no-doubt large clean up crew that was required. Ash wasn't the only one who had had too much the night before. When Serena stepped outside the sun was further into the sky however the morning was still crisp and a cold wind made her regret not bringing a jacket. However as the Arena was only a short walk away she decided that she would brave it.

As she walked into the basement Serena saw that there was indeed a large clean up force that were attempting to get the space to resemble something similar to order. She was very surprised to find Diantha, acclaimed actress, pokemon league champion and Kalos fashion icon wearing a pair of beige waterproof trousers and a fluorescent yellow vest over a navy blue coat. Serena walked over to her.

"Diantha."

The champion quickly turned and faced Serena a hint of surprise momentarily appearing on her face. "Ah, hello Serena. How's Ash?" She asked with a half scowl that suggested she wasn't all that pleased with Ash for getting drunk at the party.

"He's recovering."

"Good. What can I do for you?" She asked all traces of unhappiness gone from her voice.

"Well I just wanted to ask if you need Ash for anything else. He would have come himself however he's having a little trouble standing up."

Diantha nodded. "Not the first time, I can assure you of that." A worker behind Diantha let out a large fake cough. Diantha turned around to stare at the man. A tall thin man with pale skin and golden hair. He was carrying a stack of tablecloths in one arm and a tray of glasses in his opposite hand. His pale green eyes were locked on Diantha and hers on his. For a moment Serena thought an argument was going to ignite between the two of them. Then surprisingly Diantha's shoulders relaxed and she turned back to Serena. "I can personally assure you that this is not the first time a victor has drank too much at the end of competition party." The worker gave a small nod, which Diantha couldn't see but Serena could, before he then walked over to the door to the kitchens and went through. Serena couldn't help wondering if the two of them had a history. Diantha wasn't exactly the strictest person in the world however Serena was sure she wouldn't have let just anyone stare her down like the man had just done.

"Um, no. We don't need Ash anymore." Diantha said quickly changing the subject. Which only added fuel to Serena's theory that the two of them had some sort of history. "Was there anything else you needed?" Diantha asked.

"Well I was just wondering about…" Serena waved her hand up and down to indicate Diantha's clothing.

"Oh, well if you'd been here half an hour earlier then it would have made a lot more sense. We had about ten water pokemon hosing the place down."

"Oh, I thought this might just be a bold new fashion statement."

Diantha shook her head. "No. My career hasn't taken a tumble and I feel desperate for attention just yet."

"Good. I'm going to go tell Ash the news." Diantha gave a nod then turned and walked straight into a boy in his early twenties causing him to lose drop the glass he was holding. It landed on the floor with a loud CRASH!

"Hey watch where you're going!" The man barked.

"I'm so sorry I should have been looking." Serena bent down to try and pick up the mess she had made.

"Wait don't you'll.." However it was too late as Serena stretched out attempting to pick up a shard it slipped in her hand, slimy with whatever liquid had been in the glass the night before, and cut a deep gash in her right palm. Serena let out a yelp of pain. "…cut yourself." The man finished. "Just stay here I'll be right back." Serena hardly heard what he was saying or noticed that he had rushed off somewhere out of sight. She was too entranced by her throbbing palm and the hot, sticky, red liquid that flowed out of it, through her fingers and dripped on the floor. The man soon returned with a lime green first-aid box in one hand and a dustpan and brush in the other. He placed the items down on a nearby table.

"Here sit down for a second." He pulled out a chair for Serena ushered her down into it then pulled one out for himself. "Let me take a look at it." He slowly pulled Serena's palm towards him. He opened the first aid box and took out a paper towel. He gently pressed it onto Serena's palm and she let out a small yelp of pain as he applied pressure to the wound. "Sorry. My speciality is electrics. I don't exactly have the lightest touch." As he once again dabbed the towel to Serena's hand, this time with slight hesitation. He wiped the blood away then he held her hand up to the light and inspected it. "Don't worry it's long but not very deep. You won't need stitches. What's your name anyway?" He asked softly.

"Serena." She replied he body starting to relax in the presence of the stranger.

"Well Serena. I'm Cabe."

"Cabe." Serena repeated under her breath.

Cabe placed the bloody paper towel down and picked up a small packet. He let go of her hand to open it then held it's contents in front of her. Another paper towel, this time damp. "Now this one is anti-bacterial so it'll sting." Cabe was speaking the truth as the moment the wipe connected with Serena's cut, pain raced down her arm and she jerked her hand back against her chest. Serena thought he might scold her, might give up on helping this person he barely knew and walk away. But he didn't he just smiled and pointed to her chest where hand injured hand was being held there by her left one gripping tightly to her right wrist. "You have very pretty hands." Cabe said. Serena was taken aback by the peculiarity of the compliment. "It would be a shame if you lost one of them to infection."

Serena couldn't speak for a few moments then finally managed to force out. "I don't think it's that bad."

Cabe simply looked away from her and at the shattered remains of the glass. "I have no idea what was in there but I doubt you'll want it flowing round your bloodstream." Serena thought for a moment before realising that he was right and outstretched her arm. A thin line of red now marked her top. He placed a firm but not painful grip on her wrist to keep her from jerking away again. "I'll try to be gentle. I promise." Serena didn't hear him fully hear him though as he mind was preparing her for the pain. She soon felt the sharp sting of pain flood her hand and although her brain screamed at her to breakaway from it a mixture of willpower and Cabe's grip, which had gotten a little tighter, kept her hand in place. After a few seconds Cabe soothing voice filled Serena's ears. "There. That wasn't too bad was it?" Serena opened her eyes, which she hadn't realised she had closed and looked at him. It was first time she had really looked at his face. He skin was a light brown and his hair was jet black like Ash's, however unlike Ash's which was short Cabe's was a lot longer, stopping just before his shoulders. He had eyes that were such a dark blue they almost looked black in the basement's lighting. They were fixed on Serena's palm and she followed his gaze to see that he was wrapping it in a white bandage. After a few more turns he pulled a pair of orange handled scissors out of the box and cut the bandage. He tucked the end under the top loop and placed the rest of the reel and the scissors back in the box.

"It's a bit of a novice job you might want to get Nurse Joy to look at it." He said. Picking up the dustpan and bending over the pile of broken glass.

"No it feels fine." She said, attempting to clench her hand but deciding against it when pain filled her hand. "Or as fine as it could be."

"Good." Was all he said.

"You said that electronics were your speciality." He gave a small nod. "How'd you get so good at treating wounds?" She asked.

"When I was younger I was obsessed with anything electrical and wanted to figure out how it worked. Which resulted in more than my fair share in electrical burns and in a few cases, a large cut."

"Didn't your parents stop you?" Serena asked.

"Oh they tried to. But they got a little more enthusiastic about me picking my way through junk when I took apart the videophone in our living room."

"I can imagine."

"So after that they decided to take me down to the nearest appliance shop and asked the owner to teach me how to continue my habit without injuring myself."

Serena smiled at the story of this man she hadn't known ten minutes ago but who now she felt like she had known for years. "You said that you used to be obsessed with electrics, what happened?"

A devilish grin appeared on Cabe's face. "Now I get paid to do it so technically it's called a job. I need to go put this in the bin and then get back to clearing up." He said holding up the dustpan. "Try not to use that hand for a few days."

"I will." She said before adding. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Take care of yourself Serena."

"You too Cabe."

Cabe gave a small nod and walked away to find somewhere to put the glass shards. Serena got up feeling a little light headed and turned toward the exit. Though Serena had been inside the Arena for no more than thirty minutes the morning felt a lot warmer. When she opened the door she was greeted by Ash now sitting on the edge of the bed holding his head in his hands, his elbows on his knees.

"How'd it go?" He asked. Serena sat down next to him.

"It went fine. You're free to leave, Diantha doesn't need you for anything else."

"Good." Ash said still clutching his head.

"Yeah." Serena said flatly. She rested her hand on Ash's knee. "How're you feeling?" She asked.

Ash was about to answer but he noticed her hand. He immediately looked up, his face alight with concern. "Forget me what happened to you?"

"I had a little accident with some broken glass." She gave him a brief account of what had happened in the basement. When she finished all Ash looked was sad. "Hey, nothing's wrong. I'm fine." She reassured him.

"I know." He said giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Serena winced in pain. "Oh, I'm sorry. I…I just…" But Ash couldn't find the words. Serena looked at him and saw a look of helplessness in his eyes.

"Ash don't worry about it."

"It's just that I should have been there." He said looking into her eyes. "You got hurt and where was I? Crouching over a toilet bowl because I got too drunk last night." A single tear slid down his cheek. "You're my whole world. And I…" But Ash never finished that sentence.

"Hey. It's going to take a lot more than a piece of glass to take me away from you. Okay?" Ash didn't say anything in response. He simply wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. Serena could feel that he was shaking slightly. Ash wouldn't let go of her for a minute. He just needed to be close to her. To feel her body heat against his skin. To feel her heartbeat through her chest.

"Ash?" Serena asked.

"Yeah?" Ash replied in a whisper.

"I have to pee." Ash released her and as she was walking into the bathroom

"Way to kill the mood." He muttered under his breath. Ash's head felt better and his realised that he was still last night's clothes. He stood up hesitantly, waiting for the dizziness that had accompanied all his other attempts. However it never came. Deciding not to question it he walked over to his bag and pulled out a t-shirt and some clean underwear and changed. He then stuffed what he had been wearing and the assortment of other clothes that occupied the floor into his bag.

Serena came out of the bathroom a few seconds later.

"Oh, good you've packed." Serena glanced at the clock. 10:13 They had the best part of an hour before leaving. Serena was thinking how they could pass the time when there was a knock on the went to open it to find Clemont there.

"Hey guys. Hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"No Ash was just doing his packing."

"Good. Do you guys ming coming downstairs for a minute? There's someone I'd like you to meet."

Serena looked back at Ash who gave a nod. "Yeah we'd be happy to." The three of them walked downstairs. Clemont led them over to the corner of the building. Sitting on the seats was Clemont and Bonnie's dad, Bonnie herself and a third person.

Clemont gestured to the third person and said. "Hey guys this is..."

"Cabe." Serena finished for him.