NOTE: Next chapter! Woot Woot! I know most of you guys are having exams right now, and I just want to wish you guys all luck. I'm not in school right now, so... I ain't feeling the stress you guys are feeling. haha. I will be going back to school next month though. :)

Again, I haven't checked out the anime yet because I want to wait until quite a few episodes are out, and then binge watch. haha. So no spoilers please!

Anywho, onto some reviews.

DJKitKat12: Um, how often do you post a chapter?

I don't have a set date. I would say every Saturday at most, but I just update whenever I can. I don't like setting dates cause at that point it just feels like an assignment, and I enjoy writing it less.

gabed1298: Love the story and Halloween theme. (A little late but who cares XD) ...LILLIE! I love Lillie! She's definitely my new favourite character (or one of them at least). Just like with May and Ash, I find Lillie X ash to be cute too. But I am forever and always will be an amourshipper. Amourshipping FTW!

I just planned it for to be Halloween before halloween even came around. haha It would have been great if I was able to upload it the same day, but it just didn't work out that way. :P I don't know how Lillie is in the anime itself, but seeing her personality in the game is just absolutely adorable. I totally ship her with Ash too. haha But only with Kalos Ash (by that I mean his more mature self). :) Perhaps I'll write a story on those two. Does anyone know the shipping name for Ash x Lillie? haha

Thanks to everyone else who left a review! - DaisyPragnya, FantasyLover88, Roger0326, Guest, UptownFunk, JayFan67, Q-A Authoress, aliensinnoh, DoodleRose.

Chapter Thirteen: Double Date

A bead of sweat fell from her forehead as the rays of the sun shone down on her. The honey blonde pulled her hair up into a bun before continuing her run across campus to the boy's dormitory. It was approximately 8:15 in the morning and she was dead set on completing her mission – to bring Shauna and Alain together.

Before she reeled herself into a deep slumber, Serena pondered a million ideas to make Shauna and Alain friends again. And then something more. But of course, something more couldn't happen until Alain forgave Shauna for her actions. In her mind, she was going to have the three of them hang out like old times, but then casually leave to give the two some space. She planned to take them to the Roller Rink in Lumiose City, a place where they use to hang out all the time. Alain probably wouldn't approve of it, but in the past, him and Shauna always went there to play in the arcade. It was the perfect setting to get them talking. They were both really into gaming.

When she awoke that morning, she realized a minor flaw in her plan. As she scrolled down her PokeTab to double check that the Roller Rink was still open she came across the event page. Come on the first of every month for couple's day. She wasn't even aware that they held such an event. Then again, she was pretty much single her whole life. And no, Alain didn't count in her book.

Serena ran her way up the stairs, towards the entrances that lead her to the researcher's side of the dormitories. She received a bunch of glances from the guys walking pass her, and she thought it was because a girl was running to their dormitories so early in the morning on the weekend. But then she realized that it was because she was in her pajamas – A white plain shirt with yellow shorts patterned with a bunch of Psyduck's. She didn't even bother to put on some shoes. She instead left with her Psyduck slippers. The set came from the time her and her schoolmates went to Kanto Academy for the annual 'Unity of the Seven' event. Of course, that was a whole different story.

She was in a hurry. She planned for them to leave exactly at 11AM. She would have them leave sooner if they could, but she knew Shauna was going to take endless hours getting ready for the day. Shauna was even up for an hour before her trying to choose the right color of nail polish.

The honey blonde tugged on the handle of the glass door before swinging it right open and letting herself into the building. She passed by a couple guys in their own pajamas, most likely making their way to the lounging area for breakfast. She received more strange stares, but again, that wasn't going to stop her from her mission.

She took a turn, finally seeing the large black lettering of 7B beside the door. She stopped for a second, catching her breath before ensuing with her mission. She then lifted her hand up to the door, making a fist before knocking on it three times. "Ash!" she called out, continuing to bang on his door. "This is an emergency!" That surely had to get his attention if he was still sleeping. And if he was gone, well, she just hoped that Gary wasn't there to ask her what she needed. That would be a nightmare.

Startled, Serena took a step back as the door flung wide open. Her lips slightly parted in shock as her eyes were welcomed to an entirely different Ash. He was wearing nothing, but boxers, and the first thing her eyes laid on was his chest. It was well toned with a slight six pack. She never thought much about Ash's body type, but coming to think about it now, it made sense that he would look that way. Given all the training he did with his Pokémon, his body was probably already close to looking like this when they traveled together in the past.

Serena shook her head, not wanting him to notice that she was checking him out. She glanced upwards at the boy who still looked to be half asleep with a toothbrush in his mouth. Either he had something to do, or Gary interrupted him from his sweet slumber. "Ash…" she said once more.

He rubbed his right eye with his free hand, and his mouth widened in shock, nearly dropping the toothbrush that was hanging out of it. "Se-Serena?!" He said surprised, with a bright red face. Her presence was surely one giant wake up slap. He then shut the door on her, startling her once more.

She bit her bottom lip, ready to knock on the door again, but instead, she brought her head close to the door, hearing the boy shuffle a few things around in his room. In a couple minutes, the door opened once more, and Serena was now welcomed to a boy in a blue shirt, black shorts, and minty fresh breath.

"Wh-What…" His voice cracked. He then coughed, clearing his voice. "What is it? You said it was an emergency."

"I need you to do me a favor."

"Anything. What is it?"

"I need you to be my date for today," she said. The old her wouldn't even be able to ask such a thing, and here she was now, doing it.

"What!?" Gary's voice was suddenly heard behind the washroom door that Serena could see behind Ash's shoulder. "DATE!?"

The bathroom door swung wide open, and Serena was immediately welcomed to Gary, wearing nothing but a towel draped around his waist. He rushed to the door, pushing Ash to the side, his freshly showered hair leaving drops of water everywhere.

Serena blinked several times upon seeing Gary's torso. He was a little scrawny compared to Ash, and his complexion was rather blinding. Almost as blinding as her own.

"I'll be your date," said Gary.

"I didn't ask you," Serena said, using the palm of her hand to shield her eyes away from seeing too much Gary. She swore his towel was about to fall off any second now, and she surely didn't want to see what was under there. "I asked Ash."

"Why not me?" He pouted. "You owe me one."

"After last night, not anymore," said Serena.

"Serena," Ash said as Gary just stood there, exhaling through his nose. "I'll be your date for today." He swatted Gary off to the side, urging him to put on some clothes.

"Thank you so much, Ash!" Serena said with a wide smile before pulling Ash into a hug. "You don't know how much this means to me." She then let go, and made eye contact. "I'll see you at the bus stop to Lumiose City at 11!"

"Ye-Yeah, of course," he replied.

"Ashy-boy," Gary could be heard in the background. "You're stealing my girl. Just wait until you go to bed tonight!"

Serena stood with Shauna next to the bus stop that would bring them straight to Lumiose City.

"Do you think I'm overdressed?" Shauna asked, nervously.

The honey blonde looked over to her friend who clearly dressed up for the occasion. She was wearing a pink casual dress with a black bow located between her collarbones. To match, she wore a few pink bracelets, and pink flats. She even wore pink lipstick, and Serena knew Shauna meant business when she would put on lipstick.

In comparison, Serena just wore a plain white shirt, and blue jeans. If Alain saw her overdressed, especially with Ash now tagging along, he was going to assume things. And lately, he's been assuming a lot between her and Ash, when she barely even spent that much time with him.

"Alain!" Serena called out upon seeing the dark haired boy leaving the entrance of the school.

"Good morning," he said after joining the two.

"Good morning," Shauna greeted rather shyly.

"You look… nice." He managed to compliment her, and Serena could already tell that he was trying for her sake. He was pretty awkward about it, but he wasn't always the best when it came to social situations.

Serena smiled as Shauna attempted to start up a conversation. She then glanced over behind Alain, noticing Ash wandering out the gates with Pikachu perched up on his shoulder.

"Ash!" she called out, waving him over.

The Alolan Champion immediately jerked his head to the side, bobbing his head before finally noticing the trio standing at the bus stop.

Upon seeing the raven haired Champion, Alain pulled Serena's waving hand down and began dragging her to the side.

"What is he doing here?" Alain gritted through his teeth while glaring at the honey blonde. "I thought you said that you two were just partners in one of Professor Sycamore's class."

Serena bit her bottom lip before putting on her best puppy dog look. Alain hated doing anything that put him out of his comfort zone, especially if it involved spending an entire day with the two people he absolutely despised. With his introvert kind of personality, this day was surely going to keep him locked in his room for some time.

"I wouldn't have had to do this if you just opened up to Shauna yesterday," Serena replied. After seeing the prizes that Shauna and Alain won the day before, Serena thought the two were bonding over the mini games. She was wrong. As they entered a few of the buildings, they were forced into playing the games. Just as expected, Alain would decline, but with the teachers around, he was forced to play. Shauna described it as awkward and uncomfortable. She was trying to make the best of the situation, but he wasn't. He was being… typical Alain.

"Why does he have to tag along?" Alain asked with downcast eyes.

"I planned on going to the roller rink, but I didn't realize it was couples day today. I had to bring someone."

He looked up, snuggly fitting his hands into his pockets while scoffing at her answer. "You knew it was couples day. You're doing this on purpose."

"I am not," she retorted, her arms crossed over her chest. She glanced over at Shauna and Ash who were engaged in a conversation. Why couldn't Alain be as charismatic as Ash? She could hear Ash talk about how his classes were going. They weren't even that close, yet they were talking like they knew each other so well. Mid-sentence, the raven haired trainer took his eyes away from Shauna, and smiled at the honey blonde. Serena smiled back before raising her index finger, signifying that she just needed a moment with Alain. Ash nodded his head before returning his attention back to the brunette causing Serena to return her own attention back to Alain who was deep in thought.

"Why couldn't you bring Dawn? Or Miette? Or May?" he asked. "A couple doesn't have to be a boy and a girl."

Serena pondered that immediately after reading the event page on the site. She didn't mind if one of them were to tag along. They could bond far more than they already have, and they could even go shopping. That was something Serena hasn't done in a long while, and she was craving to do so. Too bad none of them were fit for the job. Dawn and May were rather uncomfortable by Alain's presence. They always compared him to a cursed object. Whenever he hung out with them (which was rarely), they always went to bed feeling like a part of their soul was sucked out of them. Well, at least, that was their explanation of how it felt to be around him. And Miette… well, if she wanted to tag along, it would be forbidden in Serena's books. Miette always tended to make things awkward for her own amusement. She was always blunt, and whenever she was curious about something, she just had to ask about it. Serena just knew that she would bombard Ash on his love life and constantly give hints out to Alain about Shauna's crush on him. It would be a complete disaster.

"It just wouldn't fit," Serena decided to say. "You've hung out with them before. You should know."

Alain sighed, looking away in embarrassment. That meant that she was right. "I'm only doing this for you Serena. I'm keeping a close eye on Ash too," he said before walking away from her to join the others.

It wasn't exactly what she wanted to hear, but it was better than she expected.

They sat at a square table with Alain and Shauna sitting on either side of the honey blonde, and Ash sitting right across from her. The place looked exactly the same as it did years ago. At the center was the huge roller rink, and just a little ways beyond that was an entrance leading into an arcade. Currently, they were in the snacking area where most people sat when there was a roller-skating competition or some kind of show. Serena felt nostalgic just looking at the snack bar. The three of them used to spend hours here with Clemont and Bonnie, eating plates of Kalos Frites. Most of their time was dedicated to eating Kalos Frites, watching shows, or playing in the arcade. They rarely spent their time actually roller-skating.

Serena darted her eyes from left to right, the awkwardness increasing by the second. She wanted Shauna or Alain to say something to one another. Alain was looking down with his arms crossed, uninterested in starting a conversation. On the other hand, Shauna sat there with her fingers fumbling between the strap of her purse, and her eyes darting all over the area, looking at everything, but Alain. And Ash, well, his and Pikachu's gaze were constantly shifting between the three with a look of confusion on their faces. Serena felt bad for not explaining the entire situation to him, but at least he tagged along anyways.

It was a half an hour bus ride to Lumiose City, and during the ride there, Ash sat next to Shauna and the two were talking the entire time about what they achieved over the years. Serena really wanted Shauna to sit next to Alain and catch up with him, but thanks to Alain, it didn't happen. Instead, he dragged the honey blonde to the back of the bus, and they sat there in complete silence. He had his eyes closed, almost like he was asleep, but Serena just knew that he was plotting the day to work in his favor. And by plotting, Serena knew he was trying to find a way to keep her away from Ash.

"So…" Ash said while looking around the area. "Are we going to be roller-skating?" He raised an eyebrow.

Serena shifted her eyes to look at Ash, and the other two did the same.

"No, we're going to play in the arcade," Serena said, taking this time to put her plan into motion.

"We are?" Shauna asked.

"Yes!" Serena said before discreetly winking at her friend. She reached into her bag and pulled out her coin purse. She then handed it over to Shauna. "Why don't you and Alain head over there and play that game you used to always play?" she suggested. "Uhm… that shooting game?"

"Blastoise Run?" Shauna questioned, clasping the coin purse between her hands.

Serena nodded her head. "Ash and I will grab some snacks and meet you there."

"Why don't we grab some toget-" Alain started, but then grunted as Serena kicked him in the shin. "Fine." he deadpanned. "We'll meet you there."

"Great!" Serena smiled before standing up and urging the two to head over to the arcade.

After a few minutes, the two were out of her sight, and Serena immediately turned to face Ash who still had a look of confusion plastered across his face.

"I'm sorry," she apologized before taking a seat next to him at the table. "I probably should have explained the situation to you."

"It's fine," he smiled. "Yesterday, you said that you wanted to repair the friendship between those two. I knew something was up when you asked me to be your date, and I kind of pieced it all together when I saw the three of you at the bus stop."

Serena was surprised, and very much impressed to see that Ash was able to get what she was trying to do. The Ash she knew back then was unable to comprehend such things. He would most likely tag along to satisfy his thirst of seeing Lumiose City once more. Plus, he would probably want to visit all the battle cafes around the city. Of course, he would say yes because he was a good friend, but Serena was actually surprised to see that he hasn't even suggested going to a place that involved training or battling of the sorts. It was strange, and it made Serena much more curious as to how he has become this way.

"Do you think their friendship will be fixed?" he asked.

"I hope so…" Serena looked down to the edge of the table where a portion of white paint has been chipped off.

"So, is it okay for me to ask you why Shauna was mad?"

Serena looked up at him, meeting his curious brown eyes. "I actually didn't ask her…" she decided to lie. It wasn't so bad to say that it was because Shauna had feelings for Alain, but Alain ended up dating her. She just didn't want him to ask about how her and Alain got together. How was she going to answer that? "But, I'm trying to make it up to her right now," she said, changing the subject. "Can you keep a secret?"

"Yeah, of course." He then looked down to his buddy who nodded in agreement.

"Alain is my closest friend, and he means a lot to me. He always takes my feelings into consideration and always puts me before anyone else. I'm so lucky to have him in my life." Serena could see a frown forming upon Ash's face. "But," she continued. "Sometimes I need my own space, and I feel like he needs to get his own girlfriend." She then lowered her voice, and leaned in closer to Ash. "Shauna has a crush on him and to make up for how angry I made her, I want to bring those two together."

"Really?" He perked up, the sudden reveal capturing more of his interest. He looked happy and relieved to hear those words coming out of her mouth.

Serena tilted her head in curiosity. Ash was trying to suppress a grin, and it was making her wonder about what was going on in his mind. What could have possibly happened in Alola to make him understand relationships? He told her that everyone he traveled with was dating or had a crush on someone, but how did that affect him?

"What are you thinking abo-"

She was interrupted by an immense amount of loud cheers coming from somewhere in the Roller Rink. Her and Ash turned their heads as the cheers got louder, and Serena could see that it was coming from the arcade. All the people around them began to scurry over to the arcade to witness the ruckus. Curious, Serena and Ash did the same.

The two began to maneuver themselves around the crowd. As they began to shove a few people aside, Serena realized that someone was probably getting near to beating the high score on one of the games. As she danced her way through the crowd, she felt another wave of nostalgia hit her. If she remembered clearly, this part of the arcade was where that shooting game was. The one that Alain and Shauna played together all the time when they were younger.

The cheers were suddenly a billion times louder, and as Serena made one final push to the front of the crowd, her mouth dropped in amazement. The first thing her eyes made contact with were the words scrolling on the screen in front of her – New High Score! She then looked up at the sign depicting what game it was, and she couldn't believe her eyes. It was indeed, Blastoise Run, and standing just beneath the sign was Shauna and Alain, giving each other a high five with a smile plastered on both of their faces.

Serena smiled widely, feeling like her plan was indeed a foolproof one. She just knew that this game was surely the one thing that would bring those two together again. It was surprising to see that they were able to beat it after so many years of not playing it. It was even more surprising to see that they were able to beat the high score. It all worked in her favor though, and that was all she cared about.

She took a step forward, ready to congratulate the two, but then she felt two bodies brush up against her, beating her to it. And then a few more individuals began to shove her aside, chanting Alain and Shauna's names in the process.

The honey blonde yelped, feeling like she was a pebble on a road being tossed back and forth by oncoming drivers. She felt a hand grab onto her wrist, and pull her off to the side.

She smiled, thankful that it was Ash and not some random person. She then returned her attention back to Shauna and Alain who were now being carried by the large crowd. Shauna looked rather happy, and even made herself comfortable upon their shoulders. Alain on the other hand was trying to pull himself back down, but was unable to do so. In a flash, the two were dragged out of the arcade, and onto the streets of Lumiose City with everyone chanting "CELEBRATORY LUNCH!"

Serena blinked several times, feeling distraught about the events that just happened in front of her. "What just happened…?" she questioned, feeling a bit disoriented.

"Should we follow them?" Ash asked, pointing to the exit. "They said celebration lunch… and I think I'm starting to feel a little hungry my self… You know, since we're here, I think it would be nice to eat all of the Kalos specials. Those Kalos Frites sound tasty."

Serena giggled upon hearing his stomach grumble. Ash may have changed, but his love for food was certainly still there. How was it possible for him to have a six-pack and still crave all of that food?

"Let's go follow them," said Serena. "I'm sure they are taking those two to a place that has all the food that you want to eat." She grabbed Ash's hand and began to lead him towards the exit.

"I can't wait!"

The two exited the arcade to see that the large group was out of sight. Serena turned her head from left to right, squinting her eyes in the process. It's barely been two minutes. They couldn't have gotten that far. Serena jogged over to the left, peeking into the alley to see if they took a shortcut to their destination.

"Aww man," Ash groaned after catching up to the honey blonde.

"They are really fast…." Serena said while reaching into her purse. She pulled out her phone and began to dial Shauna's number, but after a few several rings, she was taken straight to Shauna's voicemail. She then hung up, and ended up calling Alain's cell, but she ended up with the same results. "They are with a huge crowd… I don't think they are able to hear their phones."

Ash sighed as Serena began to redial Shauna's number. "You did say that you wanted to get those two together… It's just the two of them plus a couple dozen strangers…" He chuckled.

Serena smiled before hanging up her phone. She was taken straight to voicemail again.

"I guess you and I should do our own thing then," she said. "Is there somewhere you want to eat?" She looked over to Ash who had his eyes glued to something ahead of him.

Serena followed his gaze, turning her head in the process until her eyes came into contact with the Lumiose Tower.

"Is Clemont still the gym leader?" Ash asked.

Serena could tell that Ash was curious to see the Lumiose siblings, and see what they were up too. She hasn't had much time herself to visit the two often, but she was fairly up to date with their lives.

"I don't know." Serena winked. "I guess you'll just to see." She began heading towards the tower.

"If he is, I definitely have to battle with him again."

Serena giggled. It's been quite some time since the four of them were together.

Next Chapter Preview: The Lumiose Siblings

"Serena!" Bonnie pouted, her arms crossed. "You need to visit more often! I would visit you, but you know I'm busy at the gym!"

"I'm sorry, Bonnie," The honey blonde apologized before bowing down to her long time friend. "I've just been so busy at school."

"You mean you've been busy with Alain." Bonnie snickered, a smug look plastered across her face.

"Wh-What? No I'm not!"

"Last time I checked, Alain was your boyfriend! Of course you're busy with him!" The blonde puckered her lips and made a kissy face while adding kissy sounds for extra effect.

"Bo-Boyfriend?!" Ash blurted out in shock.

NOTE: Okay guys. The time has come. There will be much more amourshipping moments in future chapters. I don't mean whole chapters will be dedicated to those two, but there will be more interactions between the two. Thanks for being patient! Just as another hint though... something may happen in the next chapter that causes Serena to think more about Ash. HOHOHO. I've said too much...

Anywho, Leave a follow, favorite, PM, or review! :D