Author's Note: I thank all the comments in my previous RivalCrushShipping / ShigeSere fic. That really motivated me to flesh out the details in my draft that has been sitting in my document for few months. Gosh, I get a feeling this is gonna be a long story. Pokeshipping moments is in the end of chapter 2 and the rest is mentioned by Serena and Gary. This fic is RivalCrushshipping focused. Gonna add more notes later.
[I Can Make the Bad Guys Good for a Weekend] Chapter I :
Warm gentle breeze accompanied the radiant sun that shined over Celadon city . Serena sat impatiently at the restaurant after meticulously checking her appearance in the bathroom. She travelled all the way from Saffron to Celadon yesterday evening and had woken up earlier to do her blond short hair for today's most special occasiasion, which was arguably just as important as her stage performance: a reunite with her longtime crush who was none other than the one and only Ash Ketchum.
Several months ago, a promotor offered her a collaborative performance-based job in Saffron City. It gave her a chance to travel around Kanto for a few days before returning back to Kalos. As soon as she accepted, Serena contacted Ash and asked if he was free to give her a Kanto tour starting from Celadon to Cerulean after she was free. And just like a good friend he was, Ash accepted her request with excitement and eagerly told her about how much she would love Kanto. After all, they haven't meet for many years.
The calming ambience of fragrant orchid decoration that complement the wooden wall panel didn't make her feel less anxious. She has picked her killer outfit: a pastel sabrina top and pink checkered skirt. Without a doubt, it's an outfit that's revealing enough while still looking modest. Long before before she departed, she had hoped this outfit would put Ash in awe. She has been curious on how Ash would react, and he should be here at any moment.
Serena had been observing every customers that arrived. When a familiar figure walked into the restaurant, she instantly recognized him.
It's Gary Oak.
She had known him from Ash's story and his list of friends media. Although Serena felt like a creep everytime she stalked Ash and everyone around him, tracking his life is just her way to feel close to him after long distance has separated them. So, she stalked Gary's profile once to study what kind of guy Ash's close friend was.
A handsome, philanthropic, genius billionaire playboy with sexy abs. That would be Serena's objective conclusion after studying his profile. Her assessment is made with respect and without any personal interest. It wasn't surprising since his job as a Pokemon Researcher required physical strength and he's the grandson of well-renowned Prof Oak, whose relatives owned an education center in Alola. She may had met him during the camp where she first met Ash. But, they didn't seem to interact at all, as she could not recognize his face at all when she first saw his profile.
He's wearing a white t-shirt under a dark violet jacket and brown chino pants that complement his brunet hair, a style that looks casual yet stylish. Momentarily, she wondered why Ash's friend was here. Was it just a coincidence? Did Ask ask his friend to come along? Before she could complete her thoughts, their gaze locked and he started walking towards her. Eventually, he sat across from her, occupying Ash's seat.
"Serena?" he asked.
Her eyes widened. How did he know her?
"Yes. It's me."
"Did you wait long?"
"Sorry?"
"I'm Gary Oak. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you." She said after a long pause ,"I'm sorry, but that seat was reserved for someone else."
"I know. It's for Ash." Gery smiled. For a moment, Serena thought he looked as good as in the pictures, perhaps even better.
"Are you perhaps waiting for another person?" she looked puzzled.
"Oh, so you haven't heard." he laughed slightly ,"I'm your Celadon City guide, replacing him."
"Wait." she tilted her head, disbelieving the news she just heard. As she approached her phone, a text message was delivered to her inbox.
"Sorry Serena! I've got urgent matter here, so I asked Gary to replace me. He will guide you through the city. Have fun guys! -Ash Ketchum"
She took a long breath before looking at Gary in disbelief ,"You're right. You're my guide."
"I can't refuse a good friend's need for help." he paused to observe her clothes briefly ,"Especially when it's Ash. You get it, right?"
Serena swallowed the lump in her throat. What a sharp guy he is.
"What shall we order for lunch?" he opened the menu book as the waitress handed them ,"Vegetarian menu is Celadon City's specialty."
The dish tasted as good as expected, but Serena would fully enjoy it if the awkward situation wasn't surrounding them.
Compared to Gary who was enjoying his meal calmly, Serena was sure she must've looked so dumb and nervous. Especially when she knew that he noticed she was expecting more than just a friendly reunion with Ash.
She pondered her questions in her head but wasn't sure how to voice them without sounding too... upset. What was Ash's urgent situation? Why did he agree to come in Ash's stead? Was he not busy?
"Have he told you why he cancelled today?" he suddenly asked as if he could read mind.
"No I have not.." she answered weakly while mustering her courage ,"Do you know why?"
"It's better to hear it from him."
"I will text back later but I don't want to bother him now. Can you please tell me?"
Gary surrendered when she leaned her head forward to hear him. She's got a point. Ash might be occupied at the moment and there was no use hiding it.
"A friend of ours suddenly collapsed in her workplace this morning. So, Ash quickly drived from our hometown in Pallet to Cerulean. Then, he called me to go to Celadon for you."
"I see." her voice dropped and she could felt her body froze. Even without mentioning the name, Serena knows exactly who he was talking about. Now everything made sense why he suddenly cancelled. There was no way Ash would abandon his friend in need. Especially, when it's Misty. She must be careful not to mention her name to him to avoid Gary's suspicion because she and Misty have not meet yet.
"Is she alright?" she quickly regained composure and asked with concern. The clarification made her no longer feel upset. Though it was a shame that she was left here for another girl, Serena understood that Misty's situation was more urgent, so it was sensible that Ash prioritized her. Afterall, she was drawn to him for exactly the same reasons: warm-hearted, caring and helpful. And he still kept his promise by sending Gary in his stead. It was not Ash's fault that she expected more from him.
"Not sure."
"I hope she's doing fine."
"Me too."
"Also" Serena quickly added ,"Thank you for coming. Celadon is a long way from Pallet Town."
"No big deal. They made a shortcut over these past few years."
She nodded and they continued to finish their meal. While cutting the vegetarian risolle, Serena stole glances at him several times. He wasn't as boastful and talkative as she thought he was. It was so unlike his posts or interactions with Ash and Goh in the social media. Instead, he's rather a quiet guy. Or, was he just reluctant to show his personality to someone he just met?
Gary stood up and walked to the cashier as soon as he finished. Noticing her lunch partner has paid their meal, Serena quickly chewed her food.
"Are you finished?" he asked as he approached Serena.
"Yes, umm. Wait," she gulped down her drink ,"How much do I owe you?"
"It's on me." he replied as he sat back slouchily on his chair. He had a hunch she would be persistant ,"I can't let Ash's guest pay."
"I insist. I have troubled you so much." Serena convinced him while wiping her mouth carefully not to ruin her rosy pink lipstick.
"How about I charge Ash for your meal?" He gave a mischivieous grin. She wouldn't actually believe that, would she?
"No, that's not good" Serena frantically waved her hand to express her complete disagreement against the idea.
"For both our meal?"
"No, I should be the one paying for us."
"I'm just kidding," He bursted out laughing, feeling amused by her naivety ,"It's alright, really."
Serena sighed. She felt like she owed him big time for her trouble. Gary probably didn't know that she knew he was a busy guy.
"Thank you again, Gary."
"You're welcome." he smirked before continuing ,"Besides, I don't mind buying lunch for a pretty girl."
Her mind went blank for a second, processing the alien feelings that just hit her. Did he just... hit on her?
"Let's go. Didn't you and Ash planned to go to Celadon Greenhouse?"
Serena scoffed. Was she hallucinating when she saw the smug look on his face? It looked like one thing was right in her observation about him: that he's a player!
TO BE CONTINUED...