Everyone was up bright and early for Brock and Olivia's big day. Ash and Serena still wouldn't get to see each other though, until the bride and groom were able to finally meet on the aisle. Being best man, Ash was obliged to assist Brock in any way he could, including lending an ear if Brock had any problems. And Serena promised to help Olivia with her hair and makeup; a very big responsibility to take on indeed. They had arrived at the venue early before the rest of the guests, who followed a few hours later and were waiting in the main hall. A lot of hard work and preparation went into it all and it was fascinating to see, as the guests admired what they had done with the place. It was a small venue as mentioned on the invites, but they had decorated it up with a rock type Pokemon theme.

It was now only 20 minutes until the main event. Serena was busy braiding Olivia's hair, while Ash and Brock were having a much needed chat in separate rooms. Ash was donning a tuxedo as promised to Serena, with a smart bowtie. Brock was ready too and dressed sharply, but still needed a talk with his best man first before he went out. He was pacing about the room and biting his nails nervously. Ash was sitting down in front of him and looked concerned for his old friend.

'Er… You okay, Brocko?'

'No! I'm not Ash! I'm panicking! I don't know if I can do this!' Ash shook his head and got up.

'Now we both know that's absolute rubbish! You've been waiting for this day for so long! And it took you ages to find someone after all that rejection and now you've finally found the love of your life.' He walked over to him and put his hands on his shoulders. 'So, you can do this. Okay?' Brock mumbled something in response. Ash shook him a little roughly to snap him out of his pessimism.

'You do love Olivia? Right, Brock?'

'Of course I do!' shouted Brock, looking a little offended he'd even ask such a thing. Ash let go of Brock and smiled.

'Well then what's the problem? Anyone can see how much you two love each other. So just go out there and marry her.' Brock sighed.

'I know. I'm just scared. I guess I just love her so much that I'm worried if it doesn't work out later on down the line. And getting married just makes everything so much more final, you know? I just don't wanna let her down, Ash.'

Ash nodded and looked down, unsure of how to reassure his friend further. He couldn't believe he was the one giving advice now, but he seemed to know the right things to say nowadays. Ash was far from a relationships expert, but his own relationship had matured him a lot in the last year or so.

'I get that, mate. But if being with Serena has taught me anything, it's that you just have to take the plunge anyway! It took us ages to get to the point where we are now - mainly because of me… But the reality of it is that I had no idea what I was getting into and I constantly worried that I wouldn't be giving Serena everything she deserved.' Brock nodded. 'But with your help, I was able to become the best possible kind of boyfriend she wanted. So, my point is… you're a good guy, Brock and you will be a great husband now. You just need to allow yourself to be vulnerable I guess… That's what I did anyway. You just do things like that for the one you love, right?'

'Hmm, that advice sounds familiar…' joked Brock.

'Haha! Well I learned from the best!' Brock sniggered.

'Well thanks anyway, Ash. I needed to hear that.'

'No problem! You're just nervous, Brock. But the point is, Olivia is meant for you. So surely she's worth putting your heart on the line for? Isn't she? I know Serena's definitely worth absolutely anything to me…'

'Oh definitely! A million percent…' Brock smiled and thought of her. 'And you know what! I can do this! Come on, let's get out there!'

Ash grinned and beckoned him forwards to lead the way. Everyone clapped and cheered as they walked out. Both Brock and Olivia's family were there, including all the members of the hen and stag night. There was one guest that surprised Ash however, as Sophie looked over and winked at him. Ash smiled and waved back at his colleague and continued walking onwards. As best man, Ash had to stay with Brock at the front. The registrar was waiting there and warmly welcomed them. Olivia's sister was also waiting next to them, as she was the maid of honour. The only people left to arrive now were the bride and Serena. Brock took his position and waited restlessly. Time ticked by slowly until the clock reached 3pm. The wedding was supposed to begin now, but Olivia was late. Brock whispered something in Ash's ear and began to panic again.

'Hey! Chill, Brock. I'm sure she's coming. Just take long, deep breaths. Okay?' Ash patted his back.

Brock sighed and continued to wait, shaking a little. Minute by minute, the nerves and doubts grew stronger. But then the wedding bells suddenly chimed emphatically, like a choir of happy Chimecho. Everyone turned around to see Olivia enter in a stunning white wedding dress. Serena was close behind and holding it up from the bottom so Olivia didn't trip. Ash excitedly psyched Brock up and told him he had nothing to worry about. As Olivia walked down the aisle and got closer, Ash caught sight of his own girl and couldn't stop himself from smiling. He had missed her more than he thought he would. Serena let go of the dress and met her boo's eyes too. She had only gone a night without seeing them, but it was far too long for her and she realised just how much she missed him too. Everyone was admiring the bride, but Ash only saw one beauty to behold before him. Serena beamed back at him and immediately flung her arms around him into a quick cuddle.

'Hey, babe. I missed you so much!' said Ash.

'Oh, I missed you too, baby.' They both leaned in for a kiss, but were interrupted by the registrar clearing his throat.

'Ahem. The wedding is about to commence... If you could please take your seat, Miss?'

'Oh. Right, yes! Of course! Sorry!'

Serena quickly pecked Ash on the lips and made her way to her seat at the front. Ash winked at her and Serena giggled softly. The registrant cleared his throat again and got the ceremony underway. Brock and Olivia said their vows and then they were asked the all important question. Olivia said yes and now it was Brock's turn.

'Do you, Brock Harrison, take Olivia Philips, to be your lawfully wedded wife?' asked the registrar.

Brock gulped and paused. Everyone, including Olivia, looked a little concerned, as they all held their breath in anticipation. Then Ash looked over at Brock and nodded, prompting him to answer and take the next step before it was too late. Brock smiled at his oldest friend and then nodded at the registrar.

'I do.' Olivia sighed in relief and smiled, while everyone else finally took a breath.

'Then you may kiss the bride.'

Brock did just that and then everyone stood to cheer and clap the newly weds. It was truly a moment to be savoured and even Ash himself could see how meaningful it was, like the final seal of commitment to the one you love. He looked over at Serena and smiled warmly, finally understanding why she was so obsessed with the idea of getting married.

With the ceremony finished, everyone headed over to the gym for the reception party, where Brock and Olivia's Pokemon were waiting to join the celebrations. But they weren't the only ones getting excited, as all the bridesmaids, including Misty in the center of them, were all in a commotion around Olivia. Ash looked over confusedly and then Serena rushed over to join them. He scratched his head and wondered just what the hell was going on. And then Olivia answered his question.

'Are you ready, girls?'

'Yes!' they all shouted back.

'Okay! 3, 2, 1!'

A bouquet of flowers flew into the air, as all the bridesmaids flung their arms in the air to catch it. Misty was perhaps the most determined to get it and pushed her way through, as they came hurtling down towards her. She nearly had it in her grasp, but then they just about slipped through her fingers, bounced off Dawn and gently fell into the hands of an unsuspecting honey blonde girl. All the bridesmaids apart from Misty squealed and clapped delightedly for the lucky girl.

'Congratulations, Serena!' said Olivia. 'Looks like you and Ash might just tie the knot one day soon, huh.'

She winked at her and then everyone looked over at Ash, who still looked clueless. Everyone laughed at his obliviousness and got back to the celebrations. Olivia chuckled too and made her way over to the bride and groom table to have a first meal with her new husband. After eating a plateful of food, she chinked a glass with a spoon and called for everyone's attention. Everyone stopped what they were doing and gave her their full attention.

'Okay, well firstly I'd just like to thank you all for coming!' Everyone clapped. 'Thank you! Now, we're about to hear the speeches from the maid of honour and best man. And then the party can really begin!'

Everyone cheered and then Olivia called her sister and Ash over. Olivia's sister went first and then it was Ash's turn. He stood up and cleared his throat. Nerves overtook him suddenly, as he realised he had to get this right, because it would mean a great deal to Brock and Olivia. Speeches really weren't his forte, but he took a deep breath and found the eye's of the only person in the room that could calm his nerves. Serena nodded at him encouragingly and then Ash was ready.

'Well, it's certainly been quite a day hasn't it!' he began. Everyone murmured in agreement. 'Especially for me being the best man and this being my first wedding. But it has been truly wonderful, hasn't it? And who would have thought our Brock would be here now with the woman of his dreams after all those rejections!' joked Ash. Everyone laughed and even Brock a little. 'No, but seriously. Brock has been there for me from day one. He's my oldest friend, alongside Misty over there.' He pointed towards her. 'And I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for them. I've really come a long way since I started my journey with them. So, thanks guys. And thank you, Brock. For being the best friend a guy can ask for!'

Brock raised his glass to him and everyone clapped. Whereas, Misty was surprised that Ash even acknowledged her after everything and now he was so dedicated to Serena. But by this point, she had moved on and was just happy Ash still regarded her as a friend. She whispered a thank you to him and smiled. Ash nodded. Once the clapping stooped, Ash wrapped his speech up.

'So on a final note, my friend - I can never repay you for how much you've helped me over the years. Especially in finding love with my beloved, Serena.' Ash looked over at her. Serena blushed and lowered her head shyly. 'So, my brother - I wish you many years of happiness with the love of your life. To Brock and Olivia!' Ash raised his glass and everyone raised theirs in unison.

'To Brock and Olivia!' chanted everyone.

With the speeches all done, the party kicked off immediately. Brock and Olivia had the first dance and then everyone followed after; dancing and laughing and drinking and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Some were drinking more than others, as Misty and Sophie got absolutely hammered together. Whereas, Ash and Serena were more concerned about having a rare dance together. They hadn't had one since Ash's welcome home party. "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen was playing first as everyone got their limbs moving on the dancefloor. Ash and Serena were grinning ear-to-ear for the whole dance and just loving life the whole way through. And there was literally no stopping them now in terms of their relationship. They were riding on a beautiful horizon and the future was bright.

After a few more dances, they got tired and decided to grab a bite to eat and something to drink. May and Drew came over to chat to them and exchange stories of their relationships with one another (Well, at least Serena and May were.) It was mainly girl chat though, about Ash and Drew as boyfriends. Dawn and Gary joined in too, soon after the chat began. The boys were just nodding along and shaking their heads at one another when their partners weren't looking, in agreement that the conversion was a little awkward for them. But Serena had nothing but positives to say about her man (with the odd playful joke about him here and there). May, Dawn and Gary of course knew Ash very well, so found them all funny, but they were still surprised at just how much he had matured since being with Serena. Ash smirked and found their reactions to his new-found maturity quite amusing. He laughed and chugged down the rest of his drink and then got up.

'Alright, that's enough of that. I'm just going to the toilet. I'll be right back, babe.'

'Okay, see you in a minute.'

Ash kissed Serena's cheek and made his way over to the toilets. As he walked out of the dancehall, he attracted the attention of Sophie, who drunkenly licked her lips and stumbled over towards him. Ash turned a corner and went into the toilets. When he was finished and walked back out, he saw Sophie twirling her hair. She winked and wolf whistled at him. He raised an eyebrow and looked at her expressionlessly.

'Er, can I help you with something, Sophie?' he asked.

She chuckled and got up close to him. Her hands reached for his bowtie and tightened it a little. Sophie was hoping to get a reaction, but Ash didn't even flinch and just gave her a deadpan look.

'Aww. Why so serious, handsome?'

'Well, you're acting a bit strange…'

'Oh, come on! Lighten up, Ash! Let's have some fun…'

Sophie ran her hand down his chest, but Ash just shook his head and moved away from her.

'Why so shy? You don't seem like the type…' Sophie moved closer to him again and Ash moved a step back again.

'I should really be getting back to Ser-'

Sophie swayed back in front of him and placed a finger on his lips and shushed him. Then leant over to his ear.

'Why don't you just shut up and do me in the toilets, huh?' she whispered.

Ash widened his eyes in shock, completely taken aback by this sudden bold move from Sophie, a girl he previously thought was quite sweet and innocent. But the drink had changed her and she was single and horny. She'd always fancied Ash from the day he stepped foot in the center and had become a little jealous of Serena when she found out she was his girlfriend. Yet she'd still respected that they were together and never made a move. Until now. Ash seized up a little, not knowing what to do to stop her. He didn't want to upset her, but she was now leaning in to kiss him, so he had to do something. Most men would have taken her into the toilets and given her what she wanted. She was a very attractive lady, with long auburn hair, thick thighs, wide hips and probably the bustiest girl at the wedding. Her boobs pressed up against Ash's chest, as she came within an inch of his lips. Any average red-blooded male would be tempted; but Ash wasn't even entertaining the idea for a single second. He only had eyes for one temptress. But Sophie didn't care. She kissed him without even asking. Ash immediately pushed her off him as gently as he could. He didn't want to harm her, especially in her drunken state, but he still had to be firm with her.

'No, Sophie! What are you doing? You know I'm taken,' he said sternly.

Sophie looked a little bit stunned that Ash rejected her. She clearly wasn't used to it.

'S-sorry. I was just lonely-'

'Well, I'm sorry to hear that. But it's still not right! I know you're drunk too, but that was not cool. Not one bit. I'm with Serena, okay?'

Sophie nodded and looked down at her high heels sheepishly.

'Right. So, I'm just gonna pretend this never happened. You're a good friend, Sophie. But nothing more. You got that?'

'Loud and clear,' slurred Sophie.

'Okay, well I'm going back to my girlfriend. Enjoy the rest of your night.'

As Ash began to walk off, a peering head quickly spun back around the corner. Sophie stayed by the toilets for a bit, feeling a little embarrassed. Like Misty, she too had learnt the hard way that Ash was a one-woman man and he had devoted his whole self to her entirely.

Ash sat back down at the table and put a hand on Serena's lap. He considered telling her about what had just happened, but decided not to. It was history to him now and he didn't want to upset Serena or make things awkward for Sophie.

'Hey, Rena. Pass the bread, will you, please?' asked Ash, pointing to it on Serena's side.

He hadn't eaten nearly enough yet and he was going to take full advantage of all the food he could eat while it was there.

'Sure.'

Serena handed the bread bowl to him, but she looked a little uneasy. Ash noticed it straight away and looked at her concernedly.

'You okay, babe?'

'Yeah, just fine,' she lied.

She looked over to the other side of the room, where Sophie had returned and just sat back down. Serena found herself getting angrier and angrier as she looked over, not even realising she was grinding her teeth together now. But then she took a deep breath and looked back at Ash, smiling sweetly. They continued to chatter and eat, but then she heard Sophie laughing with Misty and then her temper was at boiling point. Serena got up hastily.

'Wh-where are you going?' mumbled Ash, with a mouth full of bread.

'Just getting a drink. I'll be back in a minute.'

'Oh, okay.'

Ash turned his attention back to the food and continued to eat, blissfully unaware. Serena walked over to Sophie calmly.

'Hey, Sophie. Can I have a word please?'

Sophie was totally taken off guard by Serena's sudden appearance and looked a little uneasy. She knew what she'd done. Guilty as charged. Moreover, Serena looked like a volcano ready to erupt. And scarily enough, it took A LOT to get her in that state. Sophie gulped, feeling Serena's full wrath brewing up.

'Oh, h-hey Serena. Y-yes, of course.' Serena took her over to a quiet corner.

'So, what's this all about then?' asked Sophie.

'I saw you,' said Serena bluntly.

Sophie gave an apprehensive laugh in response and played about with her hair, trying to avoid eye contact.

'Saw me what?'

Sophie just smiled at her, acting like she had no idea what she was talking about. She had to try and get out of this somehow.

'Oh, don't play dumb. I saw you. With your tongue. Down. My man's throat!' she hissed fiercely.

She didn't raise her voice, however and tried to remain as calm as possible. But it was enough to make Sophie drop her smile instantly.

'Oh, shit,' she said under her breath. She wasn't going to get away with it. 'Okay, it wasn't what it looked like!' she panicked, quickly changing tactics.

'Oh, you know exactly what you were doing! Ash is mine, okay! You can't just go kissing anyone you like!'

'Yeah, fair enough. I'm sorry, Serena,' she meekly apologised.

'Hmm. Well stay away from my man. Do you hear me?'

Serena's usual kind demeanour had completely been consumed by rage. She'd never let anyone get between her and Ash. Ever. And she'd do anything she could to make sure it stayed that way. Even if she literally had to throw hands with someone to keep him. Sophie gulped again and nodded in full retreat. She would be a fool to challenge an unusually enraged Serena and she didn't want the embarrassment of a big commotion and everyone knowing what she just did. Serena looked relatively satisfied with the response and was about to leave it there. She turned away, but wasn't happy. Serena wanted to make sure Sophie got the message crystal clear that Ash was off limits, for good measure. She turned back round to face her.

'One last thing - If you ever so much as even look at him a certain type of way from now on, we'll be having words again. Understand?'

Sophie was shook sober at those daggers of words and could only comply again.

'Understood,' she said quietly, lowering her head down.

'Right, okay. Well, let's leave it there then. Enjoy the rest of your night.'

Now she was satisfied. But Serena did feel a little bit guilty as she got up to leave. It really wasn't in her nature to be that confrontational, but she had to defend what was rightfully hers and make sure she didn't try it on with him again. Ash had made a commitment to Serena and vice versa, so no one had the right to disrupt that. Absolutely no one. Under no circumstances. She turned around and began to walk away, but Sophie stopped her and grabbed her shoulder.

'Wait. Let me explain why I did it. I don't want you to think I'm after your man and I did it to upset you personally.'

Serena turned around tentatively and gave her a curious look.

'Well, I'm not gonna lie. It does kind of feel a bit personal. And you know it's actually taken a long time to get where I am with Ash right now. So I really don't appreciate you trying to ruin it.'

'Yeah, no. That wasn't my intention at all. I'm sorry. I've had a few drinks and I really wasn't thinking straight...'

'So, why did you do it then? 'Cause getting a bit tipsy doesn't really excuse it, does it?' Sophie sighed.

'No, it doesn't. But, honestly... Woman to woman?'

Serena sat back down. She was still seething, but the caring side of her couldn't help but hear what she had to say.

'Okay… I'm listening.'

'Thank you. You see, I'm just super lonely and I crave what you Ash and have. You two are really in love, aren't you?'

Serena dropped her guard and eased up on Sophie a little.

'Yes, we are. But surely there's got to be loads of guys out there that would want to be with you? I mean, look at you. You're absolutely gorgeous... Which is why I went a bit overboard on you just now. I guess I felt kinda threatened…'

Serena scratched the back of her head. She didn't think she owed her an apology at all for the way she spoke to her, but she wanted her to at least understand why she took that tone with her.

'It's okay. I understand. And thank you. But you're gorgeous too, you know. And I can see why Ash loves you so much.' Serena cracked a little smile in thanks. 'Having the looks isn't all it's cracked up to be anyway. Sometimes it just makes things harder. Especially for me…'

'How do you mean?'

'Well, yeah. Men notice me alright. I get plenty of attention. But all for the wrong reasons.'

'Oh, I see. That must be a horrible feeling.'

'Yup. When men talk to me, most of them are barely even listening to me. I can just see it in their eyes. All they want is one thing. Some don't even hide it. Some blatantly just stare at my tits the whole time!' She sniffled and began to cry.

Serena comforted her straight away and put an arm around her.

'Oh. I'm so sorry, Sophie. I had no idea.'

'It's okay. It still doesn't excuse what I did, though. But the reason I kissed Ash, was because he actually sees me for me, you know. Not just my body or whatever. He just sees me. And he actually makes me feel like I'm more than just a sex object. He's always very kind to me and just an amazing friend in general.' Serena smiled.

'Yeah, that sounds like my Ash.'

'Well, you're a very lucky girl. And I have to say it's quite admirable how loyal he is to you. He genuinely truly deeply loves you. I wish I had someone like that…'

'I am lucky, yeah. I really am...' She stared over at Ash fondly. 'But there's absolutely no reason why you can't find love too.'

'Y-you think so?' said Sophie, drying her tears.

'Yeah! You just need to find the right guy…' Serena looked around the room. '... Like Tracey! I've only met him a few times, but he's a very lovely guy.'

'Huh? Who's Tracey?'

'Guy in the headband over there!' Serena pointed at him and Sophie looked over.

'Oh, he's cute,' admired Sophie. Serena laughed.

'Well, I can introduce you two if you want. Just as long as you promise to believe you can find love and stop kissing taken men!' joked Serena. Sophie stifled a laugh.

'Okay, yeah. I promise.'

'Alright. Well I forgive you.' Serena hugged her.

'Thanks. I truly am very sorry.'

'No worries. Now let's go say hi to Tracey.'

Serena helped her up. As they got up, Ash was walking towards them. He looked a little worried.

'Er… Everything okay, Rena?'

'Yeah. Just give me a second babe, will you?'

'Oh, okay. S-sure.'

Ash sat back down, while Serena and Sophie walked over to Tracey and Serena introduced her to him as promised. Then she returned to the love of her life and rested her head on his shoulder. Ash continued eating and started on the cupcakes. He took a bite of one.

'Sooo… What was that all about with Sophie just now?'

'Oh, I was just making sure she kept her hands off you. That's all,' she said casually.

Ash continued eating, but then did a double take and almost choked on a cake crumb. He thankfully managed to swallow it the right way after a few coughs.

'W-what? You know?'

'Yeah, I saw...' Ash put the cupcake down and panicked.

'Woah woah woah! Okay! Let me just make it very clear - She kissed me, babe! I even pushed her off me and-'

Serena put a finger to his lips and shushed him. Ash still tried to speak over it, pleading his innocence.

'Hush, baby. I know. I saw everything.'

'Oh, you did?'

'Yeah, it's okay. I mean, you're a really amazing guy, Ash. So as much as I hate it, you're always gonna attract other girls. That's just the reality of it. And honestly, I used to feel really insecure about that and wonder why you'd pick me out of any girl you could have. But I know how much you love me and you showed it when you pushed Sophie away earlier.'

'Oh, Rena. I had no idea you felt that way… but to me, you are the most amazing girl in the entire universe! I chose you for a reason, Rena. I wanna be your endgame. Don't you ever forget that! I'm sure you'll have admirers along the way as well. And I'd fight them all off if I have to!' Serena giggled. 'But the fact of the matter is, you're mine. And it doesn't matter how many admirers I might have, cause all I want is you. Only you, baby girl.'

He genuinely meant every word of what he was saying there. Ash literally wouldn't even notice anyone else as long as Serena existed.

'Oh, baby! Please! You're gonna make me blush!' Ash chuckled.

'Oh, but that's exactly what I want! It's so fun making you go all red haha!'

'Oh, Ash!'

Serena rolled her eyes playfully, almost not believing that she still couldn't stop herself blushing around Ash, even when they were a complete item now.

'No, but seriously. I have everything I need right here.' Ash caressed her cheek.

'Aww. You say the sweetest things, Ash.'

Serena kissed him and Ash kissed her back. They kept their eyes open and eyeballed each other, as they placed little pecks on each other's lips. And then they smiled and rested their foreheads together.

'I love you so, SO much, Rena. And nothing's ever gonna change that.'

'Ditto.'

The truth was, anyone wanting to prize them apart, would have an impossible task on their hands. As farcical as it might sound, they were just the definition of true love.

The reception party was beginning to near an end now. Ash and Serena had one last slow dance, while everyone else was confused as to why Sophie and Tracey were suddenly making out in a corner. Ash and Serena just laughed and continued their dance, until Brock and Olivia announced the reception party was finished. They said their final thank yous and goodbyes and geared up for their honeymoon. They had planned to spend it in Sinnoh at one of the best holiday resorts in the region. Everyone waved them off, as they rode off on Brock's Steelix and took flight onwards to the next destination in their lives.

'Aww! They're perfect for each other, aren't they! I hope that could be us one day…' said Serena.

Ash looked over at her, a little lost for words. He knew exactly what she was alluding to, but he wasn't sure he was ready for marriage yet. Even so, he already knew that Serena was his forever partner, so he smiled and agreed.

'Well, I don't think we're at that stage yet. But after seeing what a wedding is like… I think I'd really like this one day too.'

He smiled approvingly. Serena's eyes sparkled back at him.

'Oh, really?'

'Yes, really! You already know I want a future with you, Rena. So when the time is right, we will work up to this. I promise.'

Serena's emotions were soaring sky high once again for not the first time today, but for the better this time. She flung herself at Ash endearingly and hugged him tight.

'I wanna be with you through everything, Ash,' she said softly in his ear.

Ash held her close and rubbed her back, making her feel safe in his care. As one husband and wife took off into the sunset, the wedding bells were still ringing melodically. The future was always unpredictable and full of surprises, but it was all to come for Ash and Serena now. And faster than they thought.