Pristine marble encircled them as they walked through the shopping mall. The boutiques were neatly lined up, showcasing a variety of international brands, each adorned with beautiful decorations. In the center of the mall, a glass wall revealed an outdoor section, offering a glimpse of the expansive garden behind it.

Serena learned that the shopping mall had recently undergone a reconstruction, deliberately accentuating Celadon's signature charm and metropolitan atmosphere. Once the largest six-level department store in Kanto exclusively catering to Pokemon, it has now expanded even further by incorporating stores for humans too. Serena could see Ash's excitement over this building.

They decided to start at the Pokemon department store first and splitted for a while there. She bought some essentials for her team while Gary went to another level, perhaps looking for TM or something else. She didn't know, he didn't tell. He only told her to meet him at the first floor once she's finished.

The trip took him longer than her before they blended in with the crowd. A group of kids passed by with excitement and their joy reminded Serena of the adventure she once had with Ash, Clemont, and Bonnie. On the opposite direction, she spotted couples of lovers and some elders chatting. With and without their Pokemons.

"Do you wanna go somewhere else?" she asked.

"No. You lead." he gave a short answer.

Serena nodded nervously. So, he will accompany her all the way. That's going be awkward, but she guessed that's what Ash would want him to do. She wondered if it's alright to pretend he was not here to feel a little more relaxed.

Her eyes darted at a familiar boutique. "Miu-Miu" was written on the sign. It was nice seeing a boutique originated in Kalos opened their branch here. She entered and asked the sales assistant to lead her to the accessory aisle.

The hair accessories are tidily put on display. She's always had a soft spot for them compared to other forms of accessory. Ash won her a ribbon ten years ago and she still kept it in her bedroom until now, although it has worn down because of time. She figured it wouldn't hurt to buy a new one, afterall, she had worked hard in her performance job yesterday.

While looking at the accessories, she took her time to stoles glance at Gary and found that he would just check his phone idly or looking around, but never at her. The sight of him not caring really relaxed her.

She picked a jewel headband and followed as the sales assistant brought it to the cashier to scan it. When she was digging her bag, she heard the sound of receipt being printed.

He had reached his card faster than her. Apparently, the headband has been paid and it's now wrapped in a chic shopping bag.

She paled visibly and quickly tapped his arm when they exited the store, in a manner that was almost like a slap.

"What?" he asked in raised voice.

"What's your bank account number? I must pay you back."

Gary put on a puzzled look ,"There's no need for that."

He genuinely failed to understand why she made such a big deal. It was just the norm, it's the Kanto norm. Also, he was used to pay luxury facilities for more than ten girls in a long trip when he was 10.

"It's already too much, I don't want to owe you anything anymore." She protested and realized perhaps he had make a habit of his player lifestyle. She's not one of his girls and she wouldn't accept any benefit from that.

"I represent Ash here. Just consider it as a gift from him." he said nonchalantly. At this point, she's not sure if he's being serious or not. The way he phrased it didn't make her feel better, because she knew that's not particularly true.

But from the looks on his face, he didn't seem to be joking. Also, arguing him would be pointless. Perhaps she could repay him with something else since he insisted.

The center garden was their next destination. It was decorated by several berry trees and Plant-type Pokemon statues. Many people brought their Pokemon out and played with them together, some even had matches. After looking around, Gary suggested Serena to release her Pokemon team to show them the beautiful garden. Unfortunately, the sky got darker and the rain poured hard in a sudden. The sheltered patio wasn't far. But, they need to get there quickly to avoid being drenched.

Serena was shocked when Gary suddenly took off his jacket. But quickly snapped back when he threw it on her head. The sound of thunder rumbled in the background.

"How about you?" she called.

"Mind your own problem." he said as he ran beside her.

"We can use this together." she tried expand the jacket to cover him. It was good chance to repay him with kindness.

Their height difference made the cover ineffective and he released himself from it ,"I don't need this. Just make sure you don't trip."

Right after he said it, she sprained her kitten heels and lose her balance. He was correct for warning her not to fall. He turned around just in time and catch her, preventing her to hit the ground.

"Told ya." he chuckled while holding her in his arms, laughing at her bad luck. Now they're drenched together under the pouring rain. The raindrops that flowed down his cheek dropped on hers.

It happened in several seconds, but Serena swore it played out like slow motion. She remembered every millisecond of how she felt her heels strain, and how he quickly caught her waist with one arm before supporting her whole body with the other. He remained steadfast despite the pulling force. Arceus, he's strong.

"Thank you." She said, still in the same position, holding on to his arms.

"Can you stand?" he helped her stand. The rain subdued their conversation.

"Don't worry about me. I brought extra clothes." He quickly covered her head with the jacket and they hurried to the sheltered patio.

As soon as they arrived, her heels clacked on the dry concrete, and she flapped the jackets to get rid of the droplets before they absorbed. She could feel her heart racing from running in a hurry. And this time, she must admit, it was partly because of the guy beside her.

Gary vigorously shakes his head from side to side, trying to remove the excess water. She thought he acted like an Umbreon while doing that. He squeezed some water off the wet shirt that outlined his fit physique.

"You can use it to wipe the water off. The inside of the jacket is still dry." She handed his jacket back.

He looked at her and laugh quietly "Actually, you should wear it."

Before she asked a question, he just glanced at her chest and told her straightforwardly ,"Because I can see your undergarment right now."

Her eyes dilated in surprise when she found out he's right. The wet fabric becomes see-through when wet, giving a clear view of her bra. Why did he had to laugh about it? She didn't have a choice, how embarassing.

The rain continued to drizzle and trickled down the car windshield at a slow pace. Serena checked her pocket mirror to make sure her makeup was not ruined after being splashed by such hard rain. Thanks to the water-proof, fire-proof, and wind-proof Pokemon performer makeup line she wore, it only smudged a little.

Serena pulled the extra length of the jacket's sleeves to tuck her mirror back inside her bag. The jacket was too big for her. She remembered a memory where she dressed up as Ash ten years ago. His clothes fitted her just fine. But they were kids, and it's Ash's, so it's fine. It never occurred to her that she's going to wearing another man's clothes years later. She felt like she had violated herself, but at the same time, she hadn't. What a difficult feeling to describe.

Gary was unfolding the spare shirt he grabbed from his bag in the trunk of his car when her phone vibrated. She noticed it was a call from Clemont. He had promised her to call because he wanted to have a little video call reunion with Ash. Unfortunately, she completely forgot to told Clemont that Ash couldn't make it.

"Hi, Clemont and Bonnie."

"Hi Serena." The yellow-haired guy over the phone waved alongside his little sister Bonnie and Dedenne ,"Dedenne!"

"Why are your hair drenched like that? Where is Ash?" Bonnie asked.

"Actually…" she put on a weak smile and decided to rotate her phone to Gary's direction to explain the situation faster.

"Eeeep!" Bonnie screamed. Turned out, he was halfway through taking off his shirt, revealing his chest and chiseled stomatch.

"Aaaah! I'm so sorry!" She panicked and covered her eyes before quickly looked straight to the windshield, explaining the situation ,"This is Gary, Ash's friend from Pallet town. One of their friend had a medical emergency. So, he couldn't come and asked Gary to guide me in his place."

"That's unfortunate. Hope they will get better soon, then." Clemont commented.

Serena glanced at Gary's direction and glad to saw him with his spare shirt on already. Or else, she would feel very… defiled. She didn't know why she just thought that.

"Gary, this is Clemont and Bonnie. They were also Ash's friends from Kalos." She rotated her phone again and put him in the frame to introduce them to each other.

"How do you do?" he smiled and Serena saw Bonnie blushing over the phone. She hoped it was because of their embarrassing encounter.

"Nice to meet you, Gary." Clemont and Bonnie replied.

"Looks like you two got into a downpour. We'll call and ask your day later Serena." they decided to end the call upon noticing the weather outside the car.

"Sure, bye-bye." They waved and hang up.

"Let's call it a day, then?" Gary asked ," You need to change and the sun is setting soon."

"Yeah. Sure."

"Where do you stay?"

"Mandarin Oriental Celadon."

He set his GPS and Serena quickly interrupted ,"I'm sorry for that."

"For what?"

"I didn't notice you were changing." Her face reddened.

He chuckled when he noticed her being flustered. He loved all of Ash's friends without an exception, but this one is getting real cute.

"Sometimes accidents just happen. Don't sweat it."

Ash choppily peel the apple in his hand. It's one of things he bought for Misty alongside his dinner from the mini market outside the hospital. He figured the refreshing taste would cheer her up.

Misty looked at him in worry, "Ash, can I help you?"

"What's wrong with you Misty!? You're sick!" he protested.

"I'm worried you'll cut your hand." she explained.

"Pika." Pikachu agreed with her.

"You too, Pikachu?" he hissed ,"I'm a great fruit cutter. Just watch me."

She smiled softly, observing Ash as he tried his best to peel the apple. Memories flooded back of their time together with Brock or Tracey, where they used to sit side by side like this, preparing the ingredients and cooking together. The crackling firebon provided warmth as delicious dishes simmered nearby.

At one point, he peeled too much and decided to change his technique ,"You know what, I'll just make a bunny."

He chopped half of the apple and carefully cut it to shape a bunny. Pikachu and Misty leaned their head forward to watch him attentively.

"Ta-dah! Apple bunny!" Ash raised the apple in his hand, presenting it with a proud smile ,"Doesn't it look like Scorbunny?"

"It's cute, Ash." she commented ,"Don't you think so, Pikachu?"

"Pika!" Pikachu nodded.

"Hmp, I do have many talents besides being a Pokemon Master." he grinned to the compliments.

"But the ears are uneven. Cut the right one a little."

"Ugh, you're so detailed, Mist."

While they were commenting on Ash's piece of artwork, knocks were heard from the door and familiar figures walked in.

"Hey, everyone." Tracey and Daisy greeted.

"Oh, hey, Daisy and Tracey." Ash turned his head in surprise. He thought Daisy was back to the Cerulean Gym already. Why was she back with Tracey? Ash wondered if their dating rumor was true. He should've asked Misty.

"Are you better now, Misty?" Daisy asked ,"I told Tracey that Ash is here, so he can help Ash out."

"I didn't know you had hypotension, Misty." Tracey said ,"Good to hear it wasn't a septic shock."

"The doctors also thought she had other complications." Daisy continue to explain her little sister's condition.

"I feel better now, sorry for the trouble, everyone." Misty replied.

Daisy smiled ,"Now, Tracey will take turn with Ash to stay with you while hospitalized. He could go home and take a rest now."

"Aren't you glad, Ash?" Tracey beamed at him.

Ash just replied with a quiet gasp. Take turn? Rest? What if he didn't want any of it?

TO BE CONTINUED...

A/N : That was...one long update. I laughed when I wrote about Gary getting used to pay for more than 10 girls in luxury trips. I wonder if he still does it sometimes off-screen. What a pimp-kid he was (and that makes me love him even more.) Please tune in for chapter 4!