Hello again, TheEnigmatic97 here. Before I proceed to the next chapter, I would like to thank those who responded to the poll and sent me team suggestions. For those asking what "team" I mean, it's the "vs. Elite Four Team". This to make things parallel to the League Guidelines in the games wherein there will be no switching of Pokémon in between battles (because how would it be possible anyways?), plus some additional clauses I'll be adding for implementation.

For this chapter, well, just read the rest, even I can't give a summary of it.

'Tell Something'

Earlier, when Serena's minor burns were treated, she was thinking of something else. It was not her upcoming performance, or what was to happen after, but the boy beside him while she was getting treated.

"It's been a long time since." She thought "I'd never think that both of us would get this far. Maybe it's because of how we supported each other. He is there when I need him, and I am there when he needs me. Well, every thing comes to an end right? This journey of ours will be ending soon. I don't know if we are going to see each other again.~OW" She cringed when the burn cream was applied

"I'll take a bit more caution" Nurse Joy said

"It's okay." Serena said as she continued her thoughts. "No, I shouldn't be saying that. He'll be sad if I'll be worried this way."

"Are you okay, Serena?" Ash asked "It seems like something's bothering you."

"It's the burn cream" Serena clearly lied with that line

"Okay" Ash wondering if she's telling the truth "I know there's something more than that." He thought

"I guess it's time to tell him." Serena thought "But why does he have to be that dense? Well, it's all for nothing, I should not give up."

"She's now treated, Ash" Nurse Joy said

"I told you that I'm fine" Serena insisted "but Ash, thank you for staying with me."

"Anytime, Serena." He replied as they went back to the battlefield, subconsciously, Ash took Serena's hand without her knowing. No one knew the gesture except for Nurse Joy, who was closing the door

"How sweet." She thought.

After the group decided to have their dinner, this conversation happened:

"Serena?" Ash said

"Yes, Ash?" She replied

"I was wondering, if...if..."

"If?"

"We could talk tonight?"

"Why?"

"I need to tell you something."

-Pokémon Center, Dining Hall, 19:19-

"So Ash, what would you like to talk about?" Serena asked

"Well, I wished we could do so in private." Ash replied while taking a munch on his beef steak

"Okay" Serena replied, which made her think, since she may have implied something about Ash's intentions, and with that, a light blush formed on her cheeks.

"Serena, your food is getting cold." Clemont said snapping the honey-blonde performer out of her thoughts

"Oh, right." Serena said as she took a knife

"Clemont, where is Bonnie?" Ash asked wondering why the table is kinda silent

"She's there with the Pokémon. She said that she wants to feed them, so I let her." Clemont replied

The group finished their dinner within the next half hour. Afterwards, they discussed their travel plans. They were just informed at that time that the Master Class Showcase would be held in Lumiose City. They agreed that they would proceed to Santalune City after lunch so that they could arrive there by evening. The day after, they will take the shortest trail to Lumiose City immediately after breakfast.

-Pokémon Center, 2nd Floor, 21:07-

The group prepared to sleep by this time. They knew that a good rest will give them ample energy for a long trail back to Lumiose City. Despite this fact, two of them stayed awake.

"Serena?" Ash called the honey-blonde performer

"I was wondering what would you like to talk about." Serena replied

"Could you come with me for a sec?" Ash asked

Serena nodded and they entered Ash's room. Ash then took some seats and placed them in the balcony

They sat down and took a look at the view from Ash's room.

The Pokémon Center they were located in was on the same mountain top as where the Kalos League is traditionally held. Within the compound, there are multiple Pokémon Centers, but this was the one with a good view. On one side, you could see the bright lights of Lumiose City, and towering above it was the Prism Tower. On the other, the lamps illuminate the Snowy Routes in the Mountainous Area of the Kalos Region. Snowbelle City and Dendemille Town were also visible because of the lights from the buildings located there. The moonlight gives the scenery a beautiful lighting effect, making it worth to see every night. Ash would occasionally go out here during the League Conference to make some reflections on his earlier battles since the view would calm him down. But the night before was different because the view allowed him to go deeper into himself and realize things that are important to him.

"Ash?" Serena was going to ask Ash for the third time

"You know that we spent the last night here." Ash said "Remember when I said that I cannot sleep because I was thinking about something?"

"I remember." Serena replied wondering why he asked

"It was just you and me that night here on this balcony." Ash said "Your head was resting on my shoulder, at one point, we held hands."

As Ash was recalling those times, Serena blushed since she didn't knew what happened. She listened attentively since this was one of those rare times the raven-haired trainer would bring out his emotions, added that it was not Pikachu whom he was sharing it with.

"I even remember how you appeared under the moonlight." Ash continued "Your cheeks were kinda red, and you were just peaceful in your sleep."

Serena just listened, she was also trying to put together the pieces of the puzzle Ash was giving her.

"That peaceful state you appeared with helped me think. It was a great experience. I recalled most of my journeys, I remembered a lot of people, all of my achievements, just by having you with me. But something was bothering me that time."

"What was it?" Serena asked

"I don't know if I should tell you." Ash replied, but his heart wanted him to do so

"You could tell me, we're friends, remember?"

"I'm just...never mind" Ash said "I guess I'll continue."

"Serena, do you know the feeling of being motivated to be successful?"

"Of course, Ash." Serena replied

"Do you know the feeling of something pushing you further to achieve your dreams?"

"Yes." Serena replied

"Do you know the feeling... of being incomplete because someone isn't there?"

"Y-yes." Serena replied now wondering why he was asking all of these questions

"Why are you asking these questions?"

"I don't know." Ash replied "It seems my heart wanted to be clear of all doubt."

"I see." Serena now understood what he was thinking

"Serena, I guess, I now know why I was able to think well with your presence. I guess... I... I..."

"Let me help you finish that sentence." Serena smiled, as she knew what direction the conversation was going to

"Serena, you could do this." She thought "This is the perfect time, the time when he opens up his heart."

"Ash, do you like me?" Serena asked the raven-haired boy

"Of course, you're an amazing person, a great companion..." Upon realizing what he said, he mentally slapped himself. "Ash, this is not how you wanted it." He thought

Serena tried ask the same question, now with a bit more emphasis. "Ash, do you LIKE me?"

"Serena, I... I... like you..." Ash struggled to reply, but his heart prevailed "...more than that."

When they heard those words, they just stared at each other's eyes while being illuminated by the moonlight. The two felt a warm sensation inside them, and they just wanted to continue.

Serena then hugged the boy in front of her whispering to him "I've waited for this time when you would open your heart. I like you, more than just friends too, Ash. Back then at that time at Prof. Oak's Summer Camp, when you rescued me, I just had that deep admiration for you. Until we were reunited a few months ago, even if you didn't remember me. You supported me every time I needed it. I always wanted us to be more than that."

Ash whispered back upon returning the hug "If it wasn't for last night, we aren't here. The reason why I asked you those questions earlier since I don't know how to start telling you how I feel."

The two released each other from the hug and smiled at each other. Probably, because they've achieved their goals for that time, well at least for Ash's part. On Serena's side, she wanted to tell how she feels, and has just found the time, and she was satisfied.

"Umm... Serena, just like how I asked you to join me, Clemont, Bonnie back in Santalune, do you want to be my girlfriend?"

"Yes, Ash, of course I'd like to." Serena just lost control of herself after answering and embraced Ash again, and he returned it.

They remained in the same position for a few minutes, Ash whispered "I guess I could calm myself down."

"Well, I guess this is how Ash is when his heart is open." Serena thought while blushing "But sometimes, his density is cute."

Their minds now went blank as they savored the moment. Serena yawned after a few more minutes, and eventually fell asleep.

Ash carried her to Serena's room, which was sharing the same balcony with Ash's room, and place her on the bed, and left. Before he was able to leave the room completely, a soft voice was heard "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to sleep in my room" Ash replied while looking back at Serena's bed, and noticed that there was a large amount of space Serena left, probably intentionally. "How dense could you become, Ash?" he thought

"You sure you want to?" Ash asked

"I'm not going to sleep without you here." Serena replied "Please..." now with a slightly childish tone

Ash took the signal, and climbed onto Serena's bed. Immediately, Serena snuggled herself to Ash, and went to sleep immediately with a wide smile on her face.

"Good night, my Kalos Queen." Ash whispered, as he wrapped his arms around Serena, closed his eyes, and drifted off to dreamland

"Good night, my Pokémon Master." Serena replied, as she pecked on Ash's lips, and snuggled herself closer to Ash.

Well, that's the fifth chapter. I don't know what to say about this but I'm kinda happy, since this is a milestone for this story, since another major event has been narrated. Hopefully though, It went well on your part. This is the first time I made a confession scene, and it was better than how I confessed to my crush the day after our high school graduation, which was quite unsuccessful and made things kinda awkward for the two of us. I'll be happy to see some opinions about this chapter, and try to improve these types of moments soon, this is my first story, albeit a romance-ish story for one of the major Ash ships. (Only if my confession back then was this successful though.)

Also, I'm thanking the people who read up to this point, and as of the time prior to this update, this story now has 1700+ views. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, maraming salamat po.

On the next chapter, it will be a trek to Santalune City, and will be basically be the time the rest of the group would know the standing of Ash and Serena's relationship. How? Just wait until the next update.

Speaking of updates, I'll try to dish out as much updates as possible before my classes start by 15th of June.

So there we go, TheEnigmatic97 here, peace!