As Saturday evening settled in, Ash and Serena were cuddled up in bed and watching one of Serena's favourite films. They were feeling very comfy and could have stayed as they were for the rest of the night, but the time was getting closer to eight now. They both started to get ready about an hour before; Serena in the bathroom and Ash in the kitchen. Ash was dressed and ready within fifteen minutes, as he finished buttoning up a smart white shirt and fixing a tie on (but he didn't fasten it all the way up to his neck and left it hanging a little). This was complete with sensible black trousers, a velvet purple blazer (that he left open) and black shoes. All of which Delia had helped him buy beforehand and had been packed for the Kalos trip. The only thing left to do was apply some aftershave. He thought he should make an extra special effort tonight and did something he hardly ever did. Dress up. Yet he left his hair as it always was. Actually combing his hair was something Ash would never do of course. But one thing he did do that was different, was take his hat off a little reluctantly. It just wouldn't go with everything else.

Ash was waiting on the bed for Serena now, who had taken half an hour so far. He impatiently checked his watch every two minutes and tapped his foot. Ash was getting really hungry too and thought he'd just grab a quick snack from the kitchen. His stomach was the size of two sometimes, so he figured it wouldn't spoil his appetite. But then he stopped in his tracks when he heard the bathroom door click open. Serena stepped out.

'Well, what do you think? Will I do?' she asked.

Ash thought better of the snack now and turned around to see the real one behind him. Serena was wearing the new blue dress she mentioned to Shauna, which hugged every single one of her curves. Ash just stared at her like a dumbstruck fool. What was it about Serena in tight dresses that turned Ash into a neanderthal? He opened his mouth to respond, but only gibberish came out. Serena smirked and put her hands on her hips. This was exactly what she wanted. It didn't take much to unlock Ash's primal hormones nowadays.

'Cat got your tongue again, babe?'

'Er… Y-yeah, y-you could say that.'

'Well, I take it you like the dress then. I told you I'd look my best.'

And she really did. She had put sparkly blue eyeshadow, mascara and bright red lipstick on to compliment the dress and her own natural beauty. She had even put on special crescent moon and star earrings that dangled fabulously over her shoulders. This also drew attention to her freshly done, perfectly permed hair, with the symbolic blue ribbon she never let out of her sight, tied on top. She flicked her honey blonde locks and walked over to Ash. He checked her out from head to toe. Starting from her crystal clear puddle blue eyes, to a blue choker she was wearing around her neck, which he had been so captivated by the last time she stood in front of him in a dress. He quickly took in the rest of her and then smiled. Ash didn't have time to stare at her all night (as much as he wanted to), so resisted her alluring charm as best he could.

'Yeah, you look absolutely stunning. I can't believe you're my girl.'

Serena blushed and looked down at the floor. Her eyes flickered back up and down into Ash's chestnut brown eyes she always got lost in.

'Well, thank you. I can't believe you're mine too. I mean, look at you. You're just such a gorgeous person. And I never realised how good you'd look in a shirt and tie…' Serena brushed her hand across his shoulder. 'Wasn't expecting you to dress up. I like it. I like it a lot.'

Serena got her lustful little fix of Ash too and took the quick fleeting opportunity to scan her eyes all over him. It didn't matter what he wore in Serena's eyes though. He somehow always looked incredibly and effortlessly sexy to her.

'Well, I had to go big didn't I! I mean, I don't like wearing this tie much…' He loosened it up more. 'But it's all for you.' Serena smiled and reached her hands across to him, to readjust it and then pushed it up.

'There. It shouldn't be uncomfortable now. You had it too tight, silly.'

'Ah, right.' Ash took a sigh of relief. 'Yeah, that's much better. Thank you. Still feels a bit weird wearing one though.' They both laughed.

'Well, you can take it off later if you want. But you look far too good right now to take it off too soon. I do really appreciate the effort though, babe. Thanks.'

'Oh, I'm just glad you like it.'

Serena nodded and kissed his cheek, leaving some lipstick on it. Ash touched it and blushed a little. Serena giggled and then noticed a handkerchief sticking out of his pocket and used it to wipe the lipstick off.

'So, is it time now, my king?' Ash checked his watch again.

'Yes, my queen. Are you ready?'

'Yes, sir.'

'Well then… ALLONS-Y, MON CHERI!' exclaimed Ash, in his usual terrible French accent.

He had been practising it in his head all day, but it still came out wrong. It was the thought that counted though, of course. Serena laughed and shook her head. She pronounced it the correct way for him and Ash just sighed and rolled his eyes.

'I'll never get it right. Anyway, may I escort you out?' He held his arm out.

'You may, kind sir.'

They giggled and then Serena wrapped her arm around Ash's and they walked out of the hotel.

The nightlife had come out in full swing across the city and Lumiose Tower was lit up spectacularly well under the stars. Ash and Serena walked arm-in-arm through the streets and passed by a few buskers playing accordions. They dropped some loose change in their hats and continued on. And then as they entered the city centre, they heard a live performance from another, more professional busker. She was singing Paparazzi in full voice and had attracted a large crowd of fans. Serena was itching to see the show and asked to stop for a bit. Ash was wary of the time, but didn't see why they couldn't fit it in, so was happy to take the detour. Plus he knew Serena loved street performances of any kind - being a performer herself - so he really couldn't object. They arrived at the stage, just as the busker was hitting the chorus:

Cause you know that, baby, I

I'm your biggest fan, I'll follow you until you love me

Papa-paparazzi

Baby, there's no other superstar, you know that I'll be

Your papa-paparazzi

Promise I'll be kind

But I won't stop until that boy is mine

Baby, you'll be famous, chase you down until you love me

Papa-paparazzi

Serena sang along under her breath and squeezed Ash's hand tight. Ash looked over at her and loved how much she was enjoying it, but then he saw the city center clock in the corner of his eye and realised they really needed to go. He didn't want to cut the fun short, but their reservation was too important to miss. Ash tapped Serena's arm and motioned to the clock. Serena wished they could stay longer, but she could tell this reservation was too good to miss. They walked onwards, while Serena kept asking where they were going the whole way, but Ash wasn't budging on it. Serena needn't ask so much anyway, as it was only five minutes later she discovered where their date night was. The fanciest restaurant in Lumiose City. Amour Bay. Right next to the tower, with balconies that overlooked it at the perfect view. Serena was completely and utterly blown away that they were even setting foot in the place. She remained astounded in silent shock until they got inside.

'Ash, babe…'

'Yes, Rena?'

'You do realise this is the fanciest restaurant in the city, maybe even the whole of Kalos?' Ash chuckled.

'Why of course! We did travel through the whole region together and this place was one of the few places we never got to go to.'

'Yeah, because it's the best of the best!'

'Exactly. That's why it was such an important reservation. And before you say anything, don't worry about how much it cost. All that matters is you having the best birthday and being treated as you deserve.'

Serena was about to protest, but then couldn't help but admire the lengths Ash had gone to for her birthday. Besides, it's not like he didn't have the money. He still had the majority of his prize money left and his first month's work wages. It was money well spent and Serena had to admit she was impressed and it showed on her face, as a waiter escorted them to their table. They were some of the best seats in the house as it was right by the balcony. There were tables outside, but it was too cold to eat out there at this time of year. Ash and Serena took their seats and looked at the menu. Delicate music started playing, as violinists set the mood for the night into a state of calm and tranquillity. They spent a while deciding what they wanted, until Serena got an idea.

'Hey, babe. I know it's a bit simple, but how about we just share a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs together? It could be just like that movie.' Ash closed the menu and scrunched his nose, trying to think of the movie she was talking about.

'What movie?'

'You know. The Disney movie with the two dogs?' Ash shook his head. Movies weren't his strong point, especially not the kind Serena was referring to. 'Oh, well nevermind. I'll show you it later. It's quite romantic actually.'

'Okay. Well, if spaghetti is what you want, spaghetti is what we'll get!'

Ash wasted no time calling the waiter over and ordered the food in haste. He was starving and really couldn't wait any longer. Thankfully, the waiting time wasn't too long and Ash's hunger was finally tamed. Serena always found Ash's strong sense of appetite quite amusing. She just wished his hunger for her was just as intensified and just as often. She had seen snippets of it, but not enough yet. Ash was eating rather fast, whereas Serena took her time a bit more. In all honesty, she really didn't care much for the food and what restaurant they went to, she just loved having an excuse to stare at her man's handsome face all night long. She had her head in her hands, as she sighed and admired how cute he was eating the spaghetti. And then she suddenly giggled, as she noticed he had a little bolognese sauce on the corner of his mouth. It was then that Ash finally realised she was staring.

'What?' mumbled Ash, with spaghetti sticking out of his mouth. Serena sighed again, but in a playful manner this time.

'Oh, nothing. You've just got a little something… right there...'

Serena pointed to it and Ash quickly used a napkin to wipe it off. He thanked her and continued to chow down, but then stopped again when he noticed she was still staring and grinning ear-to-ear. Ash smiled back and they both started to eat again, while looking into each other's eyes, with Ash even slowing down a bit. It was one of the most silent intimate moments they had shared yet. They continued to twirl the spaghetti round their forks and sink their teeth in the meatballs, until it was all gone. It was quite seductive in a way (more so on Serena's part), as her sparkly eyes kept fluttering for Ash and she wrapped her mouth around the spaghetti slowly.

After eating, they decided to make the most of the occasion and stretch the night out longer with a stroll across the balcony. They were the only ones outside at that given moment and had perhaps the best possible view of Lumiose Tower there could be. It glimmered and dazzled in the night, flashing different colours as it gave a pretty light show for the night dwellers. Serena leaned on Ash's shoulder and then felt a piercing chill course through her. Looking good had a price in the freeze of the autumn dusk. Ash acted fast and wrapped his blazer around her and rubbed her arms to keep her warm.

'Thanks, babe. It's been a fantastic birthday and this just tops it all off. And it's just such a heartwarming feeling to be home after so long and remember where it all started for us. Thank God you decided to come to Kalos!' Ash chuckled. Serena tilted her head upwards and frowned a little. 'Hey. What's so funny? That was a heartfelt moment, you know.'

'Oh. Yeah, sorry. I was just remembering the first day I arrived here. I never told you this before, but I actually fell down the airstairs when I got off the plane!' Serena laughed.

'Oh, really?! Wow, who would have thought. I mean, it does definitely sound like you! I'll give you that!'

'Haha, yeah. I was just a little too over excited and ended up stumbling into Kalos - Literally, I guess.'

'Well, your time here wasn't so bad after all though, was it? Despite the start,' joked Serena.

'Oh, no. I mean, I didn't exactly achieve everything I wanted to here, but other than Kanto, this is probably my favourite region that I've been to. And I have no regrets, even though I lost the league.'

'Well, I should hope so!'

'Of course! The reality is, I got something so much better than a winner's trophy. I got you. Because I never would have met you again if I didn't come here and I can't imagine a world where you're not in my life, Rena.'

'Aww! Me either, Ash. I believe everything happens for a reason and I'm just so happy the universe always found ways of reuniting us and brought us to this point tonight. I mean, I kinda wish you'd noticed my crush on you a lot sooner! But better later than never haha!' Ash laughed along.

'Yeah. Well like I said before, I did sort of know. But I was too focused on my own things… And I was confused about my feelings… The important thing is that we're together now though, right?'

Serena agreed and then they continued to take in the sights. They would be heading back to Kanto before they knew it and Serena in particular needed to rubberstamp the surroundings in her brain, so she could remember it in all its greatness whenever she got homesick. Yet, it was getting quite late now and their reservation time slot was running out, so they reluctantly walked back inside. Serena looked back one last time and was content. Then Ash paid for the food and they left the restaurant. Ash asked if there was anything else Serena wanted to do while they were out, but Serena was only interested in one thing now. All she wanted to do now was spend the rest of her birthday with Ash back in their room. And she got her wish, as Ash happily escorted back to the hotel.

Ash used the keycard to enter their room and they both sat down on the bed. Serena thanked Ash for letting her wear his blazer and asked Ash to take it off for her. As he did, Ash stared at the back of her neck, all the way down to her shoulders and the zip at the back of her dress. Serena looked behind her and caught him staring this time.

'Hey, what are you staring at?' Ash quickly looked away guiltily.

'Oh n-nothing. Just zoned out.'

'Hmm. Like last time I was in a dress like this, huh?' Ash mumbled something and looked a little befuddled, a little surprised Serena remembered that. 'Well, do you like what you see?' Serena wasn't letting it go. She really wanted to know if her new dress was turning him on.

'Er, yeah. You have really nice… uh… skin.' Serena laughed. 'Oh, you can do better than that, Ash. I mean, you were staring at my back for quite a while there… Something catch your eye?' Serena winked.

'Um, y-yeah. I just remembered when I helped zip you up before the Grand Final. And how beautiful you looked. I really wanted to wrap my hands around you then to be honest…'

'Oh, really? Well you've got a chance now. I mean, I didn't wear this dress just for the occasion, you know…'

'Oh…' Serena bit her tongue naughtily.

'Oh, indeed.'

Just then, Serena got a devilish idea and started rubbing her neck and wincing a little. Ash wondered if that was some kind of signal for something and scratched his head. Serena didn't have time for him to figure it out though. She looked back at him and gave him a look as if to say, "Well, are you gonna do something about that?"

'Uh… Need some help there?' Serena nodded empathically.

Ash took a deep breath and slowly placed his hands on Serena's shoulder blades and used his thumbs to massage her neck.

'Oh, yeah. Right there, Ash. My neck is killing me,' lied Serena.

Ash continued to sooth Serena's "discomfort" and then that feeling from that night in June, raced through him instantly. He grunted hard like he had just been possessed by something out of nowhere and impulsively started kissing her neck.

'Oh, Ash! Yes! That's the stuff! Keep going!' moaned Serena.

Ash was delicate to the touch and made sure to plant as many kisses as he could in quick succession. He continued to do it, until Serena stopped him and turned around. Ash lifted his head back up and breathed heavily. Serena didn't give him any time to breathe though and pounced on him, pushing him back onto the bed and kissing him passionately on the lips. It was still her birthday for another two hours or so and it had been amazing, but she still hadn't gotten what she really wanted and she sure as hell was gonna get it, in some capacity or other.

They barely came up for air, as hands began to fly up and down each other's bodies. They hadn't had a session this intense for a while and it felt well overdue. Unfortunately, they couldn't stop their jaws from getting tired though and reluctantly had to pull away for a little break. Ash glanced up at Serena and felt a feeling he'd never felt before. He cast his mind back to Brock's words on his first day of work.

'I told you, Ash. Just relax and let it happen naturally. If you overthink it too much, then you're not gonna enjoy it. You just need to allow yourself to cross that threshold.'

There was one last quest to embark on in Ash's journey of intimacy. He had been desperate to cross the metaphorical barrier for a while now, but it never felt like the right time. Yet, as he stared into his girlfriend's sexy inviting eyes, he seemed to come to terms with all the worries and doubts he had been having about taking the final plunge. It felt like a now or never moment and everything just seemed to be falling into place for it. Ash wanted it. Right here. Right now. He wanted all of Serena and she deserved all of him. And a familiar sensation in his pants confirmed it.

'Hey, Rena.'

'Yes, baby?' Serena stroked Ash's messy hair.

'I'm ready.' Serena looked down at him with a blank expression, unsure of what he was talking about.

'Ready?' Ash nodded confidently.

'I'm ready,' repeated Ash, not taking his eyes away from Serena's. He was dead serious.

Serena still looked a little confused and then she slowly began to understand. Her lips gradually turned into a soft smile.

'I'm ready too.' They both nodded in consent.

'Let's take it slow though. Please,' requested Ash.

'Okay. Don't worry, there's no rush.' Serena got off Ash and turned her back to him. 'Let's start by unzipping my dress...'

'Okay.'

Ash shuffled over to her and slowly began to zip it off. His heart started beating quite fast at the prospect at what they were about to do. He was never really usually nervous about anything, but this was something he felt he had to get right. He tried not to overthink it anyway and continued to undress his girl. His hands shook a little, but he managed to zip it all the way down slowly but surely. Serena looked back at him.

'You okay, babe?'

'Yeah, just a bit nervous.'

'Don't worry. I'm nervous too. But if we take our time, it'll be fine.' Ash nodded and smiled.

'Yeah, it will.'

'Well, my turn then…' Serena got up.

'Wh-What are you doing?'

'Shhh.'

Serena leant forwards and put a finger on his lips. Then she began to pull her dress down a little. She hesitated at first, feeling a bit body conscious, but she was too horny to care and decided to just yank it off in one go. It fell to the floor in the blink of an eye, causing Ash to pop his eyes out at the sight before him. Until now, he had never seen anything past a bra and panties, but now he could actually see a pair of squishy Jigglypuffs right in front of his eyes. But they definitely weren't Jigglypuffs. They were far better than that. Better than any Pokemon he had ever seen. Even more magnificent than winning the league even. Serena didn't stop there though and lowered her hands down to her red panties and slipped them off in one swoop too. She wasn't playing around tonight. Ash watched as they hit the floor and then studied the exposed area he had always been perhaps most curious about, since learning about the female body.

Ash didn't know what to say and just mumbled a "woah". Serena shushed him again and reached over to him. Her hands went straight over to his tie, as she loosened it and pulled it over his head. Then she began to unbutton his shirt. Once the buttons were all undone, Ash took it off for her and waited to see what would happen next. Serena paused for a moment and took a minute to drool over his muscular chest. She had seen him shirtless numerous times by now, but she was still enamoured by how fit he was every single time. She bit her lip and then got the urge to place several kisses all over it and gave into it. She started at the top and made her way down to his belly button, until she found herself edging closer to his crotch, where a bulge was beginning to take shape. She yearned desperately for it, causing her attention to quickly move to his belt, as she tugged it off and picked the lock of what she desired to have the most, for so long now. Ash helped her on her mission and stood up to get his trousers off. There was only one more thing in her way now and it was very easy to remove. Serena put her hands on Ash's hips and began to pull, but then she stopped as she hit the pole sticking out.

'Are you sure you want to do this?' she asked. Serena wanted to make sure he was 100% comfortable with it, before going any further. It would get much more intense from here on out.

'I am… Are you?'

'Dead sure.'

Nothing else needed to be said now as they got the green light from one another. They both pulled them down at the same time. Serena licked her lips at what popped out.

'Mmmm. Now that is a sight to behold.'

Ash laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head. But it really was everything Serena had dreamt of and more. She looked back up at Ash and got up to kiss him. Serena was proud of him for finding the confidence to get this far. As the kiss ended, her hand brushed along his ever-growing manhood and then she laid herself out on the bed, spreading her legs apart gradually. Ash groaned. All his nerves had left and now all he needed was her. Serena rubbed her hands over her body, enticing Ash forwards.

'My body is yours to do as you please with tonight, Ash. I'm all yours.' Ash climbed on top of her, keeping his eyes on the prize the whole time.

'You are so beautiful, Rena,' he whispered into her ear.

He kissed her and then continued kissing her further down her naked body, just as Serena had done to Ash minutes before. Except his head didn't stop. He got lower and lower and lower until… Bullseye. Contact was made. Serena gasped. Ash was moving much faster than expected, reaching the sweet spot in mere seconds. Serena would never have imagined it to progress like this so rapidly, but she loved not knowing what Ash was going to do to her and when it was coming. And she did basically say he could do whatever he liked to her. He could do anything. Especially as unpredictability was always Ash's speciality and it seemed as if he was taking it into the bedroom now. Serena braced herself for Ash's next move and then she let out a big loud moan.

Serena rested her head on Ash's chest and listened to his racy heartbeat. They were both sweaty and trying to catch their breath and couldn't stop smiling.

'That… was… amazing! Best birthday present ever!' exclaimed Serena, between breaths.

'Oh, you're telling me! Why didn't we do that sooner?' They both laughed.

'I'm guessing you liked it then?'

'Liked it? I absolutely loved it! Can we do it again sometime?' Serena giggled.

'Of course! I'm your girlfriend, Ash! And I definitely need this to happen more regularly hehe.'

'Oh, same here. But… How was it for you? Was it g-good enough?'

'Oh, Ash. You don't even need to ask that. It was perfect, okay? You had nothing to worry about. You were sensational. And I'm still struggling to catch my breath! That's how good it was!'

'Ah, well I'm glad you weren't disappointed. That was my biggest worry.'

'Now that's not even possible. You've never disappointed me. And you just satisfied all my needs and then some.' Ash smiled and pulled her closer to him.

'Well, there's definitely gonna be more of that to come then.'

He winked and then they both laughed again. It went silent for a while after that and all they heard was the ticking of the clock and their rattled breaths. It had been a long day and they were both exhausted, especially after what they had just done. They almost even fell asleep and had their eyes closed for a second, but then Ash broke the silence.

'Hey, Rena?'

'Hmm?'

'I know this is totally random but… I love you,' he said sleepily.

Serena's eyes bulged open wide and she sat up to face Ash. He still had his eyes shut and looked like he was drifting off now. She shook him awake.

'Y-you what?!' Ash opened one eye and smiled goofily at her.

'I love you,' he repeated.

He opened both eyes now and crinkled them with adoration. Serena remained quiet for a few seconds and Ash's expression quickly changed to worry.

'Er, Rena? You alright?'

She stayed quiet for a few more seconds and just looked at him with her mouth open. Then she burst out laughing, a little hysterically.

'Hey! What? What is it? Did I say it too soon?'

Ash laughed with her, but he was still a little nervous. Serena stopped laughing and collected her thoughts.

'No. Sorry, it's just… Do you realise how long I've wanted to say that to you?! Hmm?' Ash shook his head. 'Months and months, Ash! And you just casually drop it out of nowhere after we have sex?!'

'Well, I felt like it was the right time. So I just said what was on my mind.'

Ash shrugged and grinned boyishly. Serena shook her head in disbelief and slapped his arm playfully. She was almost tempted to laugh again at how far-fetched this was, but now it was starting to feel more real. It was true and genuine.

'Okay. I just can't believe you said it before me though! But you definitely mean it, right?! You have to mean it when you say it, Ash.'

'Of course I do! We've been dating a long time now and I feel like we're at a point where we can start building a life together. You know? Settling down, like my mum said.'

'R-really? You'd want to be with me… Like-like that?'

'Yes! I've never felt like this about anyone, Rena. You've always been special to me and I genuinely believe you're the one. You've always been.'

Serena's eyes sparkled brightly, as she could barely contain her emotions now.

'Oh, I feel exactly the same way, Ash! And now we've made love, it feels like the final seal on our relationship has been tied together. Like my- our ribbon.' She put her hand on her head to feel it still attached securely to her hair.

'Well, I'm fully committed to you, Rena. We're just getting started and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And that ribbon is exactly what binds us together.'

Ash placed his hand on top of Serena's, before they both brought their hands back down and interlocked their fingers.

'M-me too, Ash,' said Serena shakily.

Serena was just so overcome with raw emotion at this point and couldn't control her vocal cords anymore, nor her body as she began to shake a little. Ash kissed her and rubbed her hands comfortingly to stop her shaking. Then they resumed their cuddling position and just stayed like that for a few minutes.

'Hey, birthday girl…'

'Hmm?'

'Hope you enjoyed your day. I was determined to make it one to remember. Was it?'

'Oh, I literally couldn't ask for anything more and I definitely won't forget it. Thank you for everything, mon amour.'

Serena stroked his chest and Ash felt himself getting goosebumps. He was hopeless at French, but he knew what that meant. This was truly what it meant to be in love. This very moment. Ash didn't think he would ever know the feeling, but his heart was still beating fast and it wasn't because he was out of breath anymore.

'You're so welcome. And thank you for an amazing first time. And for being so patient with me.'

'Aww. No problem. You're welcome too, Ash.' Ash smiled and then yawned.

'Oh, sorry to ruin the moment. I'm just exhausted.'

'Haha, it's okay. I'm tired too, to be honest. Gonna drop off any second… now.' Serena yawned too. 'Let's call it a day. Night, baby… Oh and I love you too.'

Serena brushed her hand across Ash's cheek and shut her eyes. Ash paused for a bit to process a response. Even though he had already admitted it himself, it was still a powerful set of words to hear and comprehend. He decided a kiss goodnight of affirmation would be enough.

'I know... Night, baby. Sweet dreams.'

He kissed her cheek and they snuggled up for the night. They both fell asleep smiling, knowing they had one more day in Kalos and then it would be time to return home. And one thing was sure. They would be returning as more than just boyfriend and girlfriend. Taking things to the next level had changed everything and their relationship was only going to grow even stronger from that night onwards. Tomorrow was the start of a very new dynamic to their lives together.