"So, the wedding will be on the 30th of September." Ash said to his family members. He watched all of them raise their eyebrows and for some reason, he found it a bit peculiar to make a statement like that.

"That's amazing, Ash!" Misty cheered. "I'm so happy for you." She said.

"Yeah," May commented, "I'm sure you and Fiona would be happy together."

"With a hot girl like her, any guy would be happy." Blaze spoke up, resulting in a few eye rolls from the girls and a few stares from Drew and Gary. Ash only chuckled at his cousin, a little amused at his behaviour.

"So, Ashy, where are you guys planning to have the wedding?" Gary asked.

Ash slightly flinched at this question. He knew Gary had no intention of teasing him since it was a straight forward question, but it felt sort of odd being questioned that. It felt so out of character for him to be talking about such a huge decision like marriage, and that to, someone like Fiona, a girl who was way out of his league.

Nonetheless, he and Fiona had been discussing about their marriage and he remembered her suggesting the beach to get married. She also mentioned that she'd always dream of getting married on a beach.

"We're going to have it on the beach." He concluded, and when he saw that infamous smirk on his brother's face, he knew he was in for some teasing.

"My brother's all grown up now. I hope you're prepared for the honeymoon night." Gary said, and Ash reddened immediately. He couldn't believe he had brought up a topic as suggestive as that, especially in front of most of his family members.

"Yeah, Ash…we could a little niece or nephew 'ya know…" Drew added, his eyes twinkling in mischief. If it was possible, Ash's blush increased by a mile and now he couldn't face his family members to avoid any more embarrassment.

But as he thought about it, he realized that that might be a decision he'd have to take with Fiona as well, since the topic had never been brought up, surprisingly. He wondered if Fiona had been too shy to talk about that topic, but at the same time he was grateful because there was no telling how awkward it'd have been for him. It wasn't like him to bring up a topic like that.

"What's wrong, Ash?" Misty asked, noticing that he had seemed to be in a deep thought.

He shook his head slightly, "It's nothing. Just thinking."

Everyone remained quiet, that is, until Paul came into the scene. He rolled his eyes. Was he still being insecure? "Don't blow this, Ass Ketchup." Ash growled a little at his new nickname, but he waited for Paul to continue. "You're a loser to all the girls out there except this one, so make the most of it. If you actually disagree to this, I'm really going to kick your ass for being stupider than usual."

Everyone's eyes slightly widened. Nobody had expected Ash to feel insecure. In fact, they thought that he'd actually be happy for once in his life.

"Ash…" May said, softly.

"Why do you feel that way?" Drew asked. He honestly looked a bit surprised, and Ash sighed.

He shrugged. "I don't know. I mean, Fiona is a great girl. She's probably going to be a great wife and addition to this family. But, something just doesn't feel right."

"But we thought you were okay with this?" Gary raised his eyebrows.

Ash nodded, "I was. I was for a while, but this is a big decision to make. I don't want to mess everything up. I want to be able to make Fiona happy and give her everything. I just…" He sighed. He closed his eyes, contemplating what to say.

"We're from two different worlds. I'm just a simple guy working in an office and she's a computer programmer. I'm not good looking, and she's really beautiful. I'm so awkward that I can't even talk to someone without mumbling and she knows exactly how to carry out herself." He explained. He bit his lips on everyone's hesitation to say anything.

"But that's okay." Blaze said, "You don't have to have everything in common."

"It's not about that." He shook his head.

"Then what is it?" Gary questioned.

It was silent, and as he looked at everyone's expressions, he sighed.

"I don't think I'm the right guy for her." He concluded.

Paul growled loudly for everyone to hear, "You are the stupidest person I have ever known. You're absolutely crazy. What kind of shit is that?" He yelled, walking towards Ash.

"Paul, it's Ash's decision." Misty retorted. She looked towards Ash, "So you're still not sure." She said.

"…I'm sorry. I just don't want to give false hopes to her. She doesn't deserve that." He said, trying his best to look away from Paul's death glare.

After a short while, May said, "Okay, Ash. There's no rush for you to get married. And if you feel that way, then we can't stop you. Besides, it's your choice and your future." May said, bringing up a small smile.

Ash smiled hearing that. He felt a bit relieved.

"You probably should tell Fiona, though." Gary suggested.

He nodded. "I will."

He noticed his brothers and sisters in law look at him with a bit of disappointment in their eyes, excluding Paul, who looked like he was ready to kill at this point. But he also knew that Fiona deserved someone better to be with in the long run. No doubt, Ash considered himself really lucky that this beautiful goddess actually agreed to marry him, but he just couldn't disappoint her and crush whatever hopes she might have. She needed someone in her life who would do just that.

Sighing, he took out his cell phone. He wondered how Fiona would take this before dialling her number.

To Ash's surprise, Fiona was actually expecting him to call. He was now sitting in a local restaurant where he's be meeting her. She didn't mention anything over the phone call, but she did say that she needed to talk to him regarding something important. As he waited for Fiona to arrive, he wondered what was so important that it needed to be discussed face to face.

He looked up from his menu that he gazing at, to finally notice Fiona, with a small smile on her face. He noticed that she was wearing a floral pink dress that hugged her body and her red locks fell down a bit near her chest. He watched curiously as she sat down in front of him, exhaling a bit.

She could have not looked so gorgeous right now.

"Hi. I'm sorry I'm late." She said, apologetically.

"I-it's okay." He wasn't even concerned about her tardiness but rather was wondering how she looked this stunning consistently.

Fiona sighed and said, "Okay, I need to talk to you about something important."

He nodded as he inched forwards slightly, indicating that he was more than ready to listen to what she had to say. He just hoped that she wouldn't be disappointed when he'd tell her the news.

She smiled sadly and said, "…I can't do this."

He raised his eyebrow at that statement. "What do you mean?"

"This." She emphasized, "I can't marry you, Ash."

Ash was taken aback at this, because he didn't expect to hear that from her. He was absolutely shocked. "What?" He breathed.

Fiona took his hand in hers, but Ash's expression didn't falter. "I'm sorry, Ash." She said softly, her eyes full of remorse. He couldn't believe this. He was the one who was supposed to be telling her that, he was the one who was supposed to break the news to her.

He never expected the tables to turn on him. He sighed.

"Is it because I'm not good-looking? Is it because of my family? Or is it because I'm a loser?"

Fiona giggled lightly at that and shook her palms in a defensive manner. "No, no! Ash, I think you're wonderful, believe me." She watched as he looked at her expectantly, to say more. "Look, you're a really great guy. And I do like you and respect you. At first, I thought I was ready to start a future with you. But…I just can't see it happening." She said.

"I've been thinking about us a lot lately and I just can't see ourselves as a couple." Ash heard her say. He blinked as she continued, "I think what we have is just friendship. When I close my eyes, I can't see myself with you in the future. I'm sorry…but I just can't."

Ash mentally groaned. Great. For the first time, he thought it was his turn to turn down a girl, but to no avail, it was him just like always. But nonetheless, he still managed to let out a soft smile. He knew there was no girl like Fiona. She wasn't rejecting him because of his flaws. She turned him down because of the doubts of having a good future together.

"I feel the same way." He said, and Fiona cocked her head slightly. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about too." He admitted and Fiona nodded in understanding.

"I'm glad I wasn't the only one who was unsure. Actually, I was afraid of your reaction…but I guess I had nothing to worry about." Fiona said as she heard Ash sigh.

"So…I guess this is it, huh?" He said sadly.

Fiona frowned a little. "Yeah."

He averted his gaze away from Fiona for a little while and let out a small breath. When he glanced back at her, he realized that her breath was a little shaky too. It was as if they were a bit scared, but at the same time, they knew they were making the right decision.

"Just don't forget me, Ash."

He nearly snorted. How could ever forget about someone like her? "I won't."

No doubt he wouldn't forget her, but the chances of Ash being on Fiona's mind were really low. Fiona was so charming and beautiful, than any guy would die for someone like her. Still he questioned, "Will you still keep me in mind?"

She smiled charmingly and said, "Of course. We're still friends, Ash." She reminded him.

"…Right." He nodded.

"We're just not destined to be together." She suddenly said and Ash raised an eyebrow curiously. Not destined? "I believe that everything works out with destiny." She said. Ash had never thought of it that way and he seemed to be intrigued as he continued to listen. "Everything happens for a reason and trust me, Ash…there is a reason why we're not destined to be together."

Ash laid back in the seat, mentally agreeing with her. He couldn't have said it better himself.

Humming to herself, Serena smiled as she walked into a local coffee shop. Her next class was in the next two hours, and she had decided to get a cup of cold coffee. She walked up to the counter and after getting said coffee, she sat down in a vacant seat. The cold beverage relaxed her nerves and she sighed in satisfaction.

She suddenly caught sight of a raven haired man in front of her and she cocked her head slightly. She placed the cup down gently, and after a second or two, she instantly recognized who it was. She'd never expect to find him, here at a coffee shop.

He appeared to be alone, just sitting there, looking at his watch. How weird would it be if she went up to talk to him? Putting that thought behind her, she inhaled before she walked up to him.

She only had to take a couple steps to reach where he was, and she watched him look up at her curiously. "Hi, I know this is going to sound weird, but I know who you are."

Ash only scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. She knows who he is?

Serena suddenly realized it may have sounded odd, so she sheepishly laughed, "I'm sorry! I mean…I've seen you around. And, this is sudden, but would you be interested in being in a relationship?"

Ash only remained silent at the sudden offer and Serena almost facepalmed, "Not with me!" She smiled desperately, "I meant, with my older sister."

Ash raised his eyebrows. When one door closes…another one opens.

Serena sat down in the seat in front of him, "First of all, my name's Serena and my older sister has been looking to get settled down with somebody, so I was looking through some of her yearbooks in high school. I saw your picture in it and I looked you up."

He couldn't believe this was happening. Especially after what happened with Fiona earlier, this just seemed too good to be true. "And you think I'd be good for your sister?" He asked.

"Well," She shrugged, "Only after a bit of research. Plus, you seem like a good guy."

Ash was still sceptical about this. "What did you research about?"

"Your background information, mainly. I heard you live in a big family and I think my sis could use a change once in a while from a small family like us. Change is good, in my opinion." Serena explained and Ash nodded. Though he couldn't believe that out of every guy she could have chosen…she chose him? It was almost unbelievable.

"So," she continued, "Are you interested?" She asked with a hopeful smile on her face.

He thought back when he literally got rejected from Fiona, and remembered her words. They weren't destined to be together. Opportunity was knocking and he would take full advantage of it.

He slowly smiled. "Yeah. I am." He decided.

Serena nearly squealed as she clapped her hands together in excitement. "Yay! Okay, you have to see what she looks like." She said, taking out her phone. Of course Ash was curious to see what her sister looked like. "There you go." She said, offering her phone. He glanced one look at the girl with raised eyebrows. He shook his head slightly, but after taking another glance he couldn't deny that he had recognized her instantly.

It was Dawn.

The same girl he'd seen after she crashed into him with her car.

Or better yet…the same girl he'd been in high school with.

He should have realized sooner.

"So, is she pretty or what?"

Ash tore his gaze away from her phone and gave it back to her. Seeing as Serena was waiting eagerly for his response, he nodded while smiling lightly. He was undoubtedly interested in this relationship.

Hopefully she would be too.

"Pleeaaaaassseeeeeeeeee! Pretty please?"

Ash groaned at his little sister, Anna. The fifteen year old teen had light brown hair with streaks of deep brown at the edges and chocolate brown eyes. He watched as Anna pouted childishly.

"Pretty please with sugar on top?" She continued. Ash rolled his eyes at her childish antics, a fifteen year old shouldn't really be stopping to this level.

"No." He decided and took a file in his hand, reading it. He had only come home to get a file and he was already annoyed by at least one family member.

Anna groaned at her older brother and started to complain. "But why not?"

"Because," Ash started, "I only came back to get something for work. I have to go back soon."

"It'll only take you five minutes, her house is really close by. Drew and Gary can't drive me, they're already at work and aunt May and Misty's too busy. I need to work on this school project with her. Please?" She pleaded again.

Ash sighed, placing his file on the desk as he realized he wasn't getting out of this anytime soon. He checked his watch and looked at Anna with a firm expression. "Fine. But it better be quick. I have a meeting and I can't be late for it."

"I promise you," Anna said, with her eyes full of happiness, "it won't take too long!"

"What won't take too long?" May barged in the room. She currently had a basket filled with laundry.

"I'm going to drive Anna to a friend's house so they could do their school project together." Ash told May, who nodded.

"Okay." She turned to Anna for a second. "Sweetie, I need to talk to your brother for a quick second or two. Why don't you wait for him outside?"

"Okay!" was her response and the young teen ventured outside, leaving the two adults in the room.

"What is it?" Ash asked.

May set the laundry basket on the floor. "I heard about you and Fiona. I'm sorry about that," she said, her voice filled with sympathy.

"Actually," he began, and May raised her eyebrow, "I don't think Fiona and I were ever meant to be." May only cocked her head in confusion.

"I know exactly who I want to be with. And I have a good feeling about this one."

"Thanks so much Ash!" Anna said, as she opened the car door and jumped out. Ash smiled and rolled the car window down.

"Just call me when you're ready, I'll pick you up."

She turned around, smiling as her dimples spread across her cheeks. "Will do! Seeya!"

Ash shook his head in amusement as he saw her speed walk in front of her friend's house. He chuckled to himself lightly as he put the car in drive and headed for the road. His meeting had been postponed for a little while longer so he decided to drive into town to pass the time. He quickly decided to get another cup of coffee for himself.

After a short while, he pushed the coffee shop doors open, sighing at the scent of coffee. He reached into his pocket to grab his wallet, looking down for briefly a second or two when he felt someone bump into him.

"Oof!" He heard a female voice exclaim.

When he looked up and met those blue eyes, he parted his lips in surprise to see Dawn. Dawn pushed some strands of her blue hair behind her ear and looked up to Ash. "I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was go-" She suddenly stopped and snapped her finger emphasis. "Hey, wait a sec! You're that guy that crashed into my car."

He nearly flinched. He didn't know what to say, and all he could think about was how gorgeous she looked.

"I think you owe me something for that." He heard her say and to his surprise, he could see a teasing glint in her eyes. It was as if she knew it wasn't her fault. And to Ash, it was as if a totally new improved Dawn was standing in front of him. "Coffee?" She suggested and Ash couldn't find himself to reject her offer. It was unexpected, but he still liked it regardless.

He sat at one of the tables in disbelief of the fact that Dawn was in front of him. He suddenly wondered if she remembered him at all from high school. In fact, he wondered if Dawn knew that they were potentially chosen to be in a relationship.

"I'm sorry about last time," Dawn said, smiling sheepishly. "I didn't know what was wrong with me." Ash watched as the cups of coffee was set on the table for two of them.

He couldn't believe it. She was actually apologizing? He remembered her giving him an earful. "It's okay, Dawn."

She smiled, but then halted. She narrowed her eyes. Ash wondered what was wrong. "How do you know my name?" She asked.

Ash nearly snorted. She didn't remember him. "I'm Ash. Ash Ketchum."

Dawn blinked in response.

"We went to high school together."

She cocked her head, slightly.

Ash sighed. "I was that kid who always wore my hat backwards and sat in the back of the class." He said, hoping that would receive some kind of reaction from her.

Dawn kept a neutral expression until her eyes widened at that. "Ooh! Yeah I remember now!" She exclaimed. "And you always brought grilled cheese to school." She rolled her eyes at the memory.

Ash chuckled. "Hey, in my defence, the cafeteria food was terrible," he said and Dawn laughed.

"I can't believe after all these years, and we're meeting here." She commented.

Ash's heart tugged when he said, "Must be destiny."

Dawn snorted. "Destiny? Yeah right." She rolled her eyes.

"You don't believe in that?" He asked her, and Dawn shook her head.

"No!" She exclaimed. "It's just a bunch of garbage," she said, picking up her cup of coffee and taking a sip of it.

His coffee had remained untouched. His brown eyes twinkled with a bit of mischief. "Okay…well I bet after this, we'll be meeting each other more often now."

"Why do you say that?" She asked.

He shrugged. "Just a feeling."

Dawn rolled her eyes and continued to sip her coffee. He just watched her and noticed how she looked much more mature and beautiful. Her hair had grown longer from high school and she was almost up to his height. He knew that she was the one for him. He just knew it, no questions asked.

His phone beeped and he took it out from his pocket. "I have to go back to work." he said, getting up from his seat. Dawn nodded in understanding, setting her coffee cup down.

Before Ash walked away, he quickly took out his pen and scribbled something on Dawn's cup. Dawn scrunched her eyebrows in confusion when he handed it back to her.

"I'll see you later, Dawn," he said, watching her in amusement as he gathered his belongings. Dawn could only watch him.

When he was out the door, she glanced at the cup and found herself rolling her eyes.

He had given her his number.

"Destiny, my foot."

So here's an early update for you guys! I'm actually quite pleased with this one. Tell me what you guys thought of it by reviewing below, it really helps.

And thanks to darkestlightofhope for the submission of Anna. I really appreciate it. :)

So, hope you guys enjoyed the update and see you guys next time!