Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

"Blaziken, use Flamethrower, Glaceon, Ice Beam!" May ordered.

"Sceptile, Counter Shield," Ash shouted. The duo were doing some two on one training with Ash's strongest Pokémon, in preperation for his showdown with Agatha.

The two attacks flew towards the green reptile, who suddenly leapt into action, spinning around on the floor, whilst using Razor Leaf, causing a sphere of green leaves to protect him from the two super effective moves. May watched in awe at Ash's technique. It was like he was the perfect combination of a Trainer's brute strength and a Coordinator's finesse.

"Now, Solarbeam!" In almost next to no time, the leaf sphere broke from around Sceptile, and a large beam fired out from where he stood, growing in size and brightness the closer it got. May had no time to react as the Solarbeam exploded on contact with Blaziken and Glaceon. As the dust settled, both were on the ground with swirls in their eyes, signalling that they'd been knocked out.

"Unbelievable…" May mumbled to herself, staring at Sceptile in awe. Ash approached his long time companion, and patted him on the back.

"Fantastic, Sceptile," he praised, "you're looking stronger than ever."

Sceptile flexed proudly, before running away and jumping up onto his favourite tree branch, where he laid back against the trunk and closed his eyes.

"Thank you for offering to help me train, May," Ash thanked, turning his attention to the still startled brunette.

"Anytime…" May said, her voice distant as she was still dazed from the pure power that Sceptile possessed. A loud and fast clapping snapped her out of her state, as she looked over and saw Georgia sat on the side of the battlefield, amazement evident on her young face.

"Sceptile's so powerful!" She exclaimed, jumping up and running over to May's fainted Pokémon. "Will they be okay?" Georgia asked, concern evident in her voice, as she looked down worriedly at Blaziken and Glaceon.

"They'll be fine, thank you for your concern," May answered, smiling at Georgia, "thank you for your effort guys." May returned her fainted Pokémon, before placing the balls in Ash's healing dock. "Ash Ketchum… How on Earth did you get your Sceptile powerful enough to take down two Pokémon it's supposedly weak to, with one Solarbeam?"

Ash smiled at May's question, "I've had a lot of time to work with him, he's been an almost permanent fixure whenever I'm in the League finals." May shook her head.

"And how did he charge that Solarbeam so quickly?" May asked again, still amazed at how easily Ash had taken down two of her strongest Pokémon.

"Hardwork, ever since I retired from travelling and taking on League's, I've been training with my Pokémon everyday, and now I've got such a huge battle coming up, I need them in the best shape they've ever been in."

May smiled at Ash's determination, but again, she could tell that there was an extra edge to his passion about this battle, almost like there was something bigger than Elite Four status riding on it.

The trio had headed back to Ash's house when they'd finished at the park, with May offering to help Ash prepare for his big match, an offer Ash was more than happy to accept.

"Burn me alive, if you feel that's justified."

Ash's phone ringing caught everyone's attention. He fumbled around momentarily trying to fish it out of his pocket.

"Hello?" He greeted, unsure who was calling as he didn't recognise the number.

"Ash Ketchum, I believe it's your daughters birthday just before we battle, am I correct?" Agatha's voice came from the other side. Ash smiled when he realised who it was.

"Hi Agatha, yes that's right, two days before to be precise," Ash replied, smiling at Georgia as he spoke.

"Well, I've had a word with the League, and they want to throw a party up at the Indigo Plateau for her, we know it's a tough time for you and it'll be a nice distraction," Agatha said compassionately, fully aware that Georgia's birthday directly coincided with Serena's passing. There were very few people who knew what had happened during Georgia's birth, Agatha, and the other Elite Four members, were on that list. Ash smiled softly at the thought of the elderly lady.

"That's lovely, thank you so much, Agatha," Ash thanked. He knew that he always struggled emotionally around Georgia's birthday, and having a large gathering, mainly for her, would help him be able to cope better.

"Of course, they also want to use it to publicise our battle."

"Who can blame them?" Ash asked rhetorically, his smirk evident in his tone. Agatha wheezed out a laugh.

"I certainly don't, any excuse to get out and have some fun, especially considering," Agatha let the rest of the sentence hang in the air. Ash smiled sadly.

"Thanks for letting me know," Ash thanked again, "I'll see you in a couple of weeks."

"Goodbye, Ash." Ash hung up the phone and smiled brightly at Georgia, bending down and scooping her up.

"Who was that, daddy?" She asked, a confused look on her face.

"That was Agatha," Ash answered, he then lightly tapped Georgia on the nose, "and she's arranged a big birthday party for you just before she and I battle." Georgia's face lit up, and she clapped excitedly. A thought crossed Ash's mind.

"Hey, May," he said, turning to the brunette, who had been observing the scene, a big smile also on her face. He gulped slightly, and his face started turning red. May's smile turned to a smirk at Ash's flustering.

"W-would you l-like to be my d-date?" Ash asked, slightly stuttering his words. May tapped her chin, pretending to be considering it.

"I'd love to, Ash," she answered, giggling slightly at the unimpressed look on Ash's face at her actions.

"Not funny," he deadpanned.

"A little funny," May replied, her smirk growing wider, as she made a gesture with her fingers to indicate "little."

Georgia giggled in Ash's arms at the interaction, causing Ash's to stare wide eyed at her.

"Not you too!" He exclaimed, over dramatically, making Georgia laugh even more. Their interaction made May smile brightly, the connection between father and daughter was extremely evident. "I can't believe you've taken her side!"

"What can I say?" May winked, "the girl has good taste!"

Georgia stopped laughing abruptly, and started nodding in agreement. May blushed at Georgia's sharp agreement with her statement.

"Do you girls want to go into town and do a bit of shopping for the party?" Ash asked, after he realised he didn't have a suitable outfit. He frowned slightly at the thought of the last time he had worn a suit. May smiled brightly at his suggestion.

"That sounds great to me, Ash, I love shopping!" She exclaimed excitedly, clapping her hands. Her excitement quickly spread to Georgia, who mimicked her actions.

Even though Ash wasn't one for shopping, he found May's happiness infectious, and his frown stretched into a genuine smile.

"C'mon then girls, let's get going."

-IBYL-

Ash groaned, internally cursing himself.

"Why on Earth did I suggest SHOPPING?" He mentally screamed. They had walked the fifteen minutes from Ash's house to the shopping centre, and immediately Georgia and May had tugged him this way and that, into various boring and often smelly shops.

Literally dragging him. He couldn't believe how strong his almost six-year old was; it felt like his shoulder was going to pop out of its socket.

Not to mention he had been turned into a donkey. He was a pushover whenever Georgia desperately wanted something, and May had no self-control when she saw something she liked.

And typically, Ash felt obliged to carry the bags. Big mistake.

But then he heard Georgia giggle at something May had whispered to her, as the duo walked ahead of the Gym Leader/donkey, and they both turned and smiled brightly at him. It made his heart swell with uncontrollable joy, without an ounce of the guilt he had almost become accustomed to.

"What? Have I turned into an Octillery?" He asked sarcastically, as the duo continued to giggle at him. Even Pikachu – perched on Georgia's head – was chuckling into his paws.

"Traitor," Ash thought to himself. "Actually, being an Octillery would be great right about now," Ash gestured to his full hands as he spoke, sending Georgia, May and Pikachu into another bout of giggles.

"Do you want to have a sit down for a bit?" May asked Ash softly, as she finished her giggling. Ash instantly nodded.

May couldn't prevent the smile that stretched across her face, she couldn't remember the last time she had had this much fun – let alone the last time she'd felt this way around a guy.

She blushed slightly as she thought about what Serena had said to her.

"I think you're perfect for Ash. And I think you're perfect for Georgia."

May couldn't help but hope Serena was right. May adored Georgia, and she was pretty sure her feelings for Ash were even stronger.

"Are you okay, May?" Georgia asked, tugging at her hand. May had been in been so deep in her thoughts, she wasn't aware that the Pikachu had leapt onto Ash's shoulder, and the duo were looking at a map of the complex, to pick somewhere to sit down.

"I'm fine thank you, Georgia," May replied, scooping up the girl and tapping her on the nose, "are you?" She asked dramatically, eliciting another giggle.

"So am I! I love it when daddy is happy," she answered innocently, glancing over at her father. May followed her gaze.

Ash stretched up to point at something on the board, which raised his jacket a little, and May noticed something attached to his belt. It was an Ultra Ball. She raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"I didn't see Ash bring any of his Pokémon with him, maybe it's Pikachu's?" She thought to herself, as she carried Georgia over to where the aforementioned duo were conversing.

"I don't care if you want to go somewhere that has ketchup; it's not all about you!" Ash exclaimed, Pikachu huffed and crossed his arms, looking away from Ash. "I swear you act more like a child than Georgia does!" Ash scolded.

"Pika!"

"Do too!"

"Pack it in! You're both acting like children!" May butted in, trying to make it seem like she was cross, but failing miserably due to the fact she was laughing at the pair. "You're making people stare!" She added, once she'd calmed down a bit.

Ash glanced around, and noticed various people pointing and whispering, something he was used to since his various success in tournaments, along with his position as Gym Leader.

"I had a question, Ash," May's voice snapped his focus back to the beautiful brunette.

"Fire away," Ash replied, as he gestured for her to follow him towards the restaurant he had chosen, May placed Georgia back down onto the floor, but the little girl quickly claimed May's hand as they walked.

"Is that Pikachu's Ultra Ball attached to your belt?" She asked, gesturing with her free hand towards the area she had caught a glimpse of the ball. May was shocked to see a dark expression momentarily flash across Ash's face, and even Pikachu's, before they glanced at each other and composed themselves.

"No, Pikachu's Poké Ball is safely stored upstairs in my house, this…" Ash shifted all the bags into his left hand, and tapped the Ultra Ball with his right, "Is a much more… troublesome, Pokémon, one I need to constantly supervise."

The Ultra Ball seemed to shake in response, as if the creature inside could hear the conversation. May noticed the temperature drop slightly at the same time; she desperately wanted to ask what Pokémon was inside, but the expression that had come on Ash's face put her off.

There was a slightly awkward silence among the group as they turned and started heading towards the restaurant Ash had selected.

"So, after lunch, are we going to go and shop for what we originally came for?" Ash broke the silence, winking at May as he spoke. May blushed slightly as she realised that they hadn't been to a single store to pick out attire for the party.

"Yeah, I suppose it's time we put you out of your misery," she joked back, patting Georgia lightly on the head as she spoke.

"That came out wrong," Ash said, grimacing, "I've been having a great time, just wanted to make sure we got what we needed to get before the shops close."

May hummed and nodded in agreement, as they entered the bar. There was a long bar top across the room from them, with various beverages available, Ash nodded at the bartender as they walked through a door which was to the side of the bar, and through there was a small restaurant – only six or seven tables, most of which were unoccupied, apart from a family of three across the far side. Ash placed the bags down underneath one of the tables, before pulling out a chair and gesturing for May to sit.

"Ever the gentlemen," she said, a genuine smile on her face, one Ash reciprocated, before he turned around to pick up a high chair that had been placed up against the wall – by the doorway they had just come through. He placed it down in the gap, before scooping up Georgia and placing her in. Ash then sat down opposite May.

"This is a nice little place," May commented, glancing around the room and admiring the décor. She smirked slightly as she noticed a picture of Ash standing next to the bartender, holding a trophy and smiling brightly. "Is that why you brought me here, to show off?" She teased, winking at Ash and pointing towards the photo. Ash didn't even need to look to know what she was referencing.

"I can't help it when places in my hometown want to acknowledge my accomplishments," Ash boasted – in a joking tone – whilst shrugging in an attempt to be nonchalant. "I'm sure there are plenty of pictures of you in Petalburg!" he added.

May blushed, causing Ash to laugh.

"That's what I thought!" Ash exclaimed, winking at the blushing brunette. May glared at Ash and cuffed him playfully on the shoulder. A comfortable silence fell over the group as they perused the menus that had been awaiting them on the table.

"So, Ash," May started, closing her menu and placing it gently on the table. "Are you feeling confident about your battle with Agatha?"

Before he had a chance to answer, the waiter come over to the table and took their food and drink orders, and subsequently their menus. After thanking him, Ash turned to May.

"I'm not sure what to expect," He answered truthfully, "It's been a while since Agatha has been in a competitive battle."

"Do you think she'll be rusty?" May questioned. Once again, Ash didn't have the chance to answer, as the waiter returned with their drinks. May had ordered a glass of white wine, Ash had a pint of lager, whilst Georgia had a flavoured soft drink. The waiter had even brought over a little pot of ketchup, which Pikachu promptly helped himself to.

"Thank you," Ash said as the waiter turned to leave. He took a sip of his drink before answering May's question. "I'd be very surprised; ever since I've known her she's never been one to slack off. In fact, I'd expect her Pokémon to be in top form."

May pondered this for a moment, every time she'd taken a break from contests; she and her Pokémon had come back better and stronger than before.

"The most important thing about this battle, from my perspective, win or lose, I just want to send her out on a high."

May smiled sadly at Ash's comment.

"Is this confirmed as her last battle?" May asked. Ash nodded. "Are you guaranteed the position regardless of the result?"

Ash pondered the question momentarily. "No, if I lose then there would be a battle between me and the winner of the Indigo League to decide who takes over the role." May raised an eyebrow at this.

"That doesn't make sense to me, you've basically held the position whilst Agatha has been unwell, so surely you're the ideal candidate?"

"Maybe so, but nobody can be given such a position of power and responsibility by default, it has to be earned," Ash replied. "And I certainly don't want to be presented it by default, I've worked hard for this, I need to be given the position on merit."

May smiled at Ash's words, the determination and drive he felt was evident in his demeanour and voice. At this point the waiter came over with their dishes, and they ate in a comfortable silence, with Ash every now and again leaning over to assist Georgia with some food she was struggling to cut through.

Once they'd finished their meals, the waiter came back and cleared their table, with Ash ordering one more round of drinks.

"But no more ketchup for this rascal, Jake," the Gym Leader smirked at the waiter, whilst lightly tapping Pikachu on the head.

"Pikapi!" the electric mouse protested. The group laughed at Pikachu's reaction.

"Just kidding, buddy, but we do need to have a chat about your… ahem… problem," Ash added, winking at his long-time companion. Pikachu glared back at him, cheeks sparking slightly.

"Pack it in you two!" May said, once again acting as a mediator through her laughter. Jake smiled at the interaction between them, before heading off to pour the drinks.

"Hi, I-I'm really sorry to bother you…" A timid voice said from behind Ash. The latter turned and noticed it was the young child who was with the family when they entered.

"Hi there, can I help you?" Ash said kindly, causing May to smile, she could hear the father in him creeping out as he spoke to the young boy.

"I-I'm a really big fan, could I please have a photo with you and Pikachu?" the young boy asked, looking down nervously and playing with his hands.

"Absolutely, I'd be happy to," Ash replied brightly, causing a wide smile to form on the young boys face. "What's your name, son?"

"I'm Chris!" he exclaimed happily.

"Well, Chris, it's lovely to meet you," Ash said, standing up as Pikachu hopped on his shoulder, "are your parents going to take the photo for you?" he asked. Chris nodded enthusiastically, and the couple who were sat on the other side of the room stood up and came over.

Ash turned around to introduce himself to them but a look of shock covered his face as he recognised the parents. The mother was a tall, slim lady with long pink hair, the father was an inch shorter than his partner, and had a mop of purple hair.

"How are you doing, Twerp?" Jessie asked, smirking. Ash's mouth gaped open and shut like a Magikarp.

"I-I don't believe it," he stuttered, "you two have had a kid and you didn't tell me?!" he exclaimed, pulling the duo into a big hug.

"Well, it's pretty hard to get a hold of you since you became temporary Elite Four," James answered, as Ash released the pair.

"Sorry, where are my manners, May, this is Jessie and James, we have a… complicated history," Ash introduced, gesturing from the pair to the bemused brunette, who had been watching the interaction with a small smile on her face.

"It's nice to meet you, May, but complicated is putting it lightly, Twerp," Jessie replied, smirking as she shook May's hand.

"It's nice to meet you two," May said politely, also reaching over and shaking James' hand. Ash laughed lightly at Jessie's comment.

"It most definitely is," Ash responded. "And obviously you two know my little girl, Georgia."

"How could we forget this cutie?" James asked rhetorically, bending down to the girl's level and playfully tapping her nose. Georgia giggled at the gesture.

"Hi Uncle James, Aunt Jessie," she greeted with an enthusiastic wave.

"Come, sit, join us!" Ash exclaimed, pulling up three chairs for the family. "We apparently have a lot to catch up on," he added, gesturing slightly to Chris stood behind him.

"Firstly though, you promised our boy a photo!" Jessie replied, pulling out a camera. Ash crouched down next to Chris and put an arm around his shoulder, Pikachu hopped onto the boys head and the trio smiled brightly as Jessie took the photo.

"So, what did you mean when you said you had a complicated history?" May asked, as everyone got settled around the table. Ash, Jessie and James shared a look, where Ash silently asked whether Chris knew about the duos past exploits, after getting a non-verbal answer, Ash turned to May to answer her question.

"Well, Jessie and James used to be part of Team Rocket, along with a talking Meowth." May's eyes opened in shock, both at the fact that there was a talking Meowth, and that she had met two former Rocket members, her eyes flicked between the parents sat to her left hand side. A look of shame was evident on their faces. "They changed, I'm not really sure what happened because they've never told me," Ash shot the duo a pointed look, "But they have become really strong allies and friends, they were heavily responsible for helping me bring down Team Rocket as an organisation, and assisted in helping me renovate my house and the Gym." May smiled as the story went on, pleased for the pair, even though she'd only just met them, it was nice to hear they'd seen the error in their ways and tried to make amends.

"That reminds me, how is Meowth doing? He's been awful at keeping in touch with us," James asked.

"He's doing great, Professor Oak says he's been an absolute blessing," Ash replied, "And he's been great looking after my Pokémon when I'm away on my duties." May shot Ash a quizzical look. "Ohh right, when Team Rocket were officially disbanded, Meowth was really unsure about what to do with himself, so I suggested that he help Professor Oak out by acting as a Poké Translator, as having that perspective is invaluable to the Professor's research."

"And I'm guessing that helps him look after your Pokémon whilst you're away?" May asked, Ash nodded, before turning his attention to the ex-Rockets.

"So what brings you to Pallet Town?" he asked.

"We heard on the news about your upcoming battle with Agatha, and there was no way we were going to miss it," Jessie answered.

"Chris wouldn't let us, he's one of your biggest fans," James added, smiling and patting his son on the head. Ash smiled brightly.

"Well let me pull some strings, and I'll get you guys in the VIP box with my family and other friends," Ash responded, "It'll give you a good chance to catch up with Meowth as well."

May smiled at Ash's offer, and felt a light bubbling in her chest. There was just something about the way Ash cared about everyone he met, that such a simple action – not even aimed at her – left May with butterflies.

"That's very kind of you, Twerp," Jessie thanked, "We'll be there cheering you on."

"It was great to see you again, and a pleasure to meet you, May," James said, "But we should be getting back before it's too late."

Ash and May stood up to bid their farewells to the family, before Ash headed up to the bar to settle their tab. May tried to insist on paying her share, but Ash stubbornly refused, saying it was his treat.

"Right, shall we go and get our outfits now?" Ash said with a slight smirk, as they exited the bar, his arms once again loaded with bags. May playfully swatted his shoulder, causing Pikachu and Georgia to laugh. The latter then scurried over to May's other side, and grabbed the brunette's hand, causing May to blush slightly.

Ash glanced over at them and felt a warm sensation flood through his veins at his daughter's action. He hadn't had any interest in dating since Serena's passing, but he knew that the person he did decide to take that step with would need to have a positive relationship with Georgia. He knew he felt strongly about May, and watching her interactions with his daughter – how easily and happily the brunette had accepted the two into her life – made those feelings grow every time he saw her.

Ash was snapped out of his train of thoughts when they arrived at the designers he felt would be best for their outfits. As soon as they entered the store Pikachu leapt off his shoulder and found a cushion to curl up on, expecting this to take a fair while. Ash smirked slightly at his companions actions, before placing all the bags down next to the electric mouse.

"Look after these, please?" Pikachu nodded in response. "Thanks, buddy," Ash thanked, giving Pikachu a scratch on the top of his head, earning a coo. Ash turned around and saw May getting dragged over to the kids section by Georgia, who was excitedly claiming she wanted to pick her outfit first. May and Ash locked eyes and the former gave the Gym Leader a smile that took his breath away.

"She's a fine lady, I've not seen Georgia that comfortable with anyone for a long time," a voice said from Ash's side, startling him slightly. Stood next to him was a petite brunette woman, wearing a black business suit and a white shirt. Apart from a few extra wrinkles on her face, you wouldn't have been able to tell her apart from Delia Ketchum.

"You startled me, Aunt Rose," Ash exclaimed, pulling his mother's sister into a hug, earning a light chuckle from the lady. "I'm assuming mum has told you all about her?" he asked, pulling out of the hug.

"She certainly did, now introduce me." Ash rolled his eyes at his aunt's behaviour. The duo wandered over to where Georgia was pointing out the 'pretty outfits' that she liked to May, who was giving the young girl her own opinions, the bright smile she had given Ash seemingly etched onto her face.

"May, I'd like to introduce you to my Aunt Rose," Ash said, grabbing May's attention, who's eyes widened in surprise as she look at the woman next to Ash.

"Yes, I do get that a lot," Rose said playfully at Mays reaction, "I'm Delia's older sister, it's lovely to meet the lady that she's been gushing over," she added with a smirk, reaching over and shaking May's hand. Both Ash and May blushed at Rose's comment.

"Rose owns this shop," Ash added, being the first to get over Rose's comment, "Mum actually helps design some of the outfits, and Rose makes them, she's a wizard with a sewing machine." May smiled.

"It's lovely to meet you, Rose," May said, smiling brightly at Ash's aunt, a faint tint of red still evident from Rose's earlier praise, who smiled in response.

"So, I assume you are here to pick up outfits for the little rascals birthday?" Rose asked, bending over and scooping Georgia as she spoke, then proceeding to tickle her.

"Hi Auntie!" Georgia exclaimed through her giggles.

"How are you, precious?" Rose asked, giving Georgia a big cuddle.

"I'm so excited for my party!" Georgia exclaimed, a huge smile on her face.

"Well, how about we pick you out an outfit to make you look even more adorable?" Rose asked rhetorically, carrying Georgia over to the girls dress section and pointing out suggestions. "I'll help you two in a moment, see if there's any designs you particularly like and we'll get it sized for you," She called to Ash and May over her shoulder.

May turned and smiled at Ash, before grabbing his hand and pulling him over to the woman's dresses. Ash felt his heart rate increase. Just the simple action of holding May's hand seemed to make him feel more alive than ever, even when it came to Serena.

"You're going to help me pick something out, mister." Ash couldn't help the grin that formed on his face at May's playful tone.

"Yes ma'am," he replied, saluting with his free hand, causing May to giggle. Ash let go of May's hand and stepped forward and glanced at the dresses in front of him, his hand resting on his chin as he browsed.

Out of the corner of his eyes he saw a sapphire halterneck choker dress which perfectly matched the colour of May's eyes.

"Ash… That's perfect," May gushed, as she followed his eye sight, "Are there changing rooms for me to try it on?"

"Yes my dear, just head through the door on the right hand side of the counter, let me help Ash pick something out and we'll all go through and see how these fit you three," Rose answered, walking up behind the duo with Georgia held in one arm, and a dress in the other. May felt her face heat up slightly as she noticed that the dress Rose had picked out for Georgia matched the colour of the dress Ash had picked out.

"I'm guessing it'll be a blue suit by the colour combination we've got going on here," Rose mused, before guiding the duo over to the male suit section.

The group stood there in silence for a few minutes, each of them browsing the selection.

"That one," May cut through the silence, pointing at a blue three piece that was on display on a mannequin. Rose gave it, and Ash, the once over, as if picturing the raven-haired trainer in the suit.

"You have fine taste, May," she finally commented, "I assume you have your measurements, Ash?"

Ash nodded in response, and searched through the racks for a suit that should fit him. Once he did, Rose guided them through to the back, all the while chatting with Georgia.

When they reached the back room, there were six cubicles lined up, three either side, with a full-length mirror on the wall at the end of the room. In the direction that they'd just come from, six chairs lined up along the wall, next to the door. Rose put Georgia back on the floor, before gesturing for Ash to take her into one of the cubicles, handing him the dress she'd picked out for the upcoming birthday girl.

"Get the both of you changed, then come out and let me and May see how you look," Rose said, before turning and smiling at the brunette in question, "Then we'll see how that dress fits her."

Ash nodded, and went into the nearest cubicle on the left, with Georgia on his heels.

"So May, Delia has told me you're a world renowned Co-Ordinator?" Rose asked, gesturing for May to take a seat on one of the chairs. May flushed slightly as she sat down.

"I wouldn't say world renowned," She replied quietly, feeling slightly embarrassed at all the praise Ash's family were giving her.

"Please," Rose scoffed, "Even without Delia's description, I would've recognised the Princess of Hoenn anywhere." May's blush deepened. "I was a Co-Ordinator myself, I only stopped travelling when Georgia was born, and decided to settle down nearby to assist in any way I could." May smiled at the selflessness, a trait that seemed to be present in every member of Ash's family that she'd met.

"How many Grand Festivals is it that you've won now?" Rose asked.

"Re-entering and winning the Johto won was my fifth," May answered shyly, not wanting to seem like she was bragging.

"That's mightily impressive, are you still active in the contest circuit?"

"I've taken a break from it for a while, I'm actually lecturing at the University here, trying to inspire the next generation of Co-Ordinators."

"That's an admirable goal," Rose commented, smiling at the brunette, "Pallet Town could do with some quality Co-Ordinators, all we're known for in the world of Pokémon is our esteemed Professor or battling."

"That's not a bad thing to be known for!" Ash exclaimed, stepping out of the booth, holding Georgia's hand, both fully dressed in their outfits.

Ash's three piece fitted his physique perfectly, showing off his toned arm muscles. He'd left the suit jacket unbuttoned, but had done up the waistcoat and put on a brown tie over a white shirt, having also chosen some brown leather shoes. (AN: Imagine the Tenth Doctor's blue suit, but with only one button on the jacket and a waistcoat.)

Georgia's dress reached just below her knees, and was fairly simple in its design, but had a brown leather belt that went around her stomach and back that was the same brown as Ash's tie and shoes.

May's eyes locked with Ash's and she felt her heart beat increase.

"You look great, Ash," She said timidly, a soft smile on her face. Ash felt his face heat up at the praise.

"Thank you, May," Ash thanked, in an equally soft voice, before turning to Aunt Rose, "What do you reckon, Aunt Rose?"

"Spot on," Rose said immediately, "Now, May dear, go try on your dress and we'll see the three of you together." May nodded, and headed into the nearest cubicle on the right hand side.

"Why didn't you just have us go in at the same time?" Ash asked Rose quietly, stepping over to the shop owner so that May didn't overhear.

"Ash, I've never seen you or Georgia connect with someone so well," Rose answered, matching the volume of Ash's voice. "She's a lovely woman and I wanted to see if your mother was right about her." Ash flushed slightly at the thought of his mother talking openly about him and May.

"What has mum been saying about her?"

"That she's never seen you this happy," Rose answered, before fixing Ash with a look, one that he couldn't interpret. "Even with Serena."

Ash frowned slightly.

"To be honest, Rose," he started, "I've been thinking the same thing… and since Serena passed, I thought that I'd always feel guilty about potentially moving on… but I don't."

Rose smiled sadly. She could hear the confusion in Ash's voice, and she felt her heart ache for her nephew.

"No one deserves what you and Serena went through, and although I know there will always be a place for Serena in your heart," Ash nodded at this, "I also know that she'd want you to be happy, and that if anyone deserves happiness, it's you."

Ash smiled gratefully at his aunt, and pulled her into a loving embrace.

"Thank you."

"You look very pretty, May!" the duo heard Georgia squeal.

Ash was the first to look at May, and had to focus most of his energy on not letting his jaw drop.

May looked absolutely stunning.

She'd pulled her hair up into a simple ponytail, but the dress hugged her figure in all the right places, accentuating her impressive physique, whilst coming to a stop just below her knees. May had chosen a pair of heels that matched the dress in colour, but that weren't too tall that she'd struggle to walk in them.

"You… look incredible," Ash forced out, unable to take his eyes away from the stunning brunette in front of him. May blushed and nervously fiddled with her hands – she couldn't look Ash in the eyes whilst he was giving her such an intense look, it made her heart race.

"The three of you line up," Rose ordered. Ash gulped, and walked over to stand next to May, placing a hand on Georgia's head and guiding her so she stood just in front of them. Ash and May's eyes locked and they felt a rush of electricity run through them. They both smiled at each other.

"Thank you," May said quietly, in reference to the compliment Ash had given her.

"Just saying it how I see it," Ash replied. They continued to gaze into each other's eyes, seemingly just drinking each other in. Ash found it remarkable how May's eyes just seemed to shine with life and happiness. He found himself feeling uncontrollable joy whenever he looked into them. It was like they were a doorway to paradise.

They were snapped out of their daze however, when they heard a snapping from Rose's direction, and they both turned to see Ash's aunt holding up her phone, with a mischievous grin on her face.

"Delia is going to absolute love this."

"Aunt Rose!" Ash cried indignantly.

"What?" She asked innocently, "Your mother will love this photo, it's beautiful!"

"You could've given us warning!" Ash protested. May's face was once again red, not out of embarrassment of having the photo taken, but due to the urge she had to get Rose to send her the photo.

"That would've ruined the moment you two were having!" Rose exclaimed.

"You did that by taking the picture!" Ash retorted.

"Oh quit moaning, you'll take one look at this and fall in love with it," Rose replied, rolling her eyes and Ash's dramatic behaviour. She then held out her phone, allowing Ash and May to approach and take a look.

Ash was stood on the left hand side of the photo, with May on the right, and Georgia standing in front of Ash, but Ash and May were twisted so that they were looking at each other, both wearing the same smile – wide and bright, full of joy. Ash's right hand was resting on Georgia's shoulder, and the little girl was looking up at the pair, also wearing a bright smile.

Ash thought his heart was going to melt when he noticed that Georgia had grabbed a hold of May's hand just before the picture had been taken.

"Told you," Rose said, smirking. Ash realised that he'd been grinning at the photo for a fairly long time. "I've already texted it over to you."

"Thank you," Ash thanked quietly, blushing slightly at how Rose had been right – he'd taken one look and adored the picture.

"Alright you three, go back and get changed and we'll settle up," Rose ordered, Ash nodded, and guided Georgia back into the cubicle they'd originally changed in.

May was still looking at the photo, wearing the same grin that Ash had been.

"It is a lovely photo, isn't it?" she asked quietly, looking up into Rose's eyes. The shop owner smiled brightly at May.

"It certainly is," she agreed, "Give me your number and I'll send it to you as well."

"Thank you!" May exclaimed, before giving Rose her number. She then headed off to get changed herself.

"They look like such a happy family," Rose muttered quietly, still looking at the photo herself. She glanced up at the cubicle that Ash had gone into.

"I really hope you let yourself have this, Ashy," she whispered to herself. "You certainly deserve someone as wonderful as May, and you deserve a chance to have the family you dreamt of."

EOC

Firstly, let me apologise for the remarkable delay in this story. I've got no excuse for my absence, I just could not get through this chapter.

This was mainly filler, whilst also building up the Ash/May/Georgia dynamic.

I hope you liked the inclusion of the Rockets, Meowth will feature in the future.

Did you like Aunt Rose? I've always found it irritating that Ash has seemingly no family other than Delia (unless I'm forgetting something), so I gave an OC a shot.

I appreciate everyone who is still reading this, even after such a long break. I'm seriously hoping to be able to finish this story by the New Year, fingers crossed the inspiration I've had the last few days stays with me.

Normally I'd do a little review reply section here, but I'm a bad person and genuinely can't remember where I'd got to in my last response section.

I've been Advanced Faith, see you awesome peeps next time!