A year later, Ash and Serena had settled tremendously well into married life. The honeymoon was a very enjoyable one for many reasons. It started off in Kalos, but then they decided to go travelling all around the world a little, before returning back to their normal working lives. And of course that involved a lot of "quality" time together in between. They were still being super careful though. The topic of having kids had barely arisen in truth, but it definitely wasn't something they were ruling out. They still had plenty of time, only being 23 and 24 years old at this point. But right now, their biggest battle was trying to stay cool in the summer heat. Thankfully they were wealthy enough to afford aircon, but even that didn't keep the temperature down.

Ash was slumped over the couch in the living room, with just a vest and shorts on. What was good about this summer though, was that there was a big sporting event happening to distract everyone from the heat. The FIFA World Cup was in full swing and heading into the knockout rounds. By chance, Japan and France were currently playing each other for a spot in the quarter finals. Ash was never a big football fan, but he always loved watching Japan play and supported them whenever they were playing in a big tournament like this. Miraculously, Japan had gone 1-0 up, despite France being the better team on paper. Ash was on the edge of his seat, as Japan were closing in on goal. The striker weaved his way through the box and sat the defender down and…

'GOAL!' shouted Ash.

Serena came out of the kitchen, with freshly baked macaroons and ice cream. She was wearing a cute summer dress. Ash was still celebrating the goal to take notice, but Serena couldn't care less what was happening in the game. She still found it amusing though and giggled at how invested her husband was getting into the game. Ash was so into the game, that he hadn't even noticed the treats, until Serena wafted them in his face.

'Oh! Thanks, Rena!' Ash took some macaroons and a bowl of ice cream.

'You're welcome, baby.'

Serena sat down and watched it with him. After all marriage was all about compromise and Ash always found time to watch things Serena liked too. Five minutes later, the referee blew for half time. Ash looked over at Serena with a big grin on his face.

'So. 2-0, eh? Who would have thought?' he teased.

'Oh, well yeah. That's pretty impressive. But France will come back in the second half.'

She winked at him and Ash chuckled. Serena really didn't mind what happened. She was happy Japan was winning for Ash, but at the same time, she liked the idea of having a little competitiveness between him.

'Haha! We'll see!'

They continued to watch as the second half kicked off. Within minutes, France had pulled one back and then with fifteen minutes to go, they drew level. Ash was gobsmacked and was looking a little stressed now, not half as confident as he was before. Serena giggled and stuck her tongue out at him.

'I don't know much about football, but I told ya!' Ash just shook his head and laughed it off.

'It's okay. If we just hold on, maybe we can take it to penalties…'

Unfortunately for Ash and Japan, it really wasn't likely, as France mounted attack after attack. And then in the most cruel fashion, they scored a last minute winner. Serena cheered, whilst Ash just groaned in anguish.

'Aww! Sorry, babe! You still did well though. And hey! You can support France now for me for the rest of the tournament.'

'Yeah, I guess so…'

Ash was looking a bit crestfallen, so Serena scooched up closer to him and rubbed his back soothingly.

'Hey. Don't look so down, sweetie. Here, have a macaroon.'

Serena picked his favourite flavour and fed him it. But that didn't do much to lift his mood, as he munched on it like it was a sour lemon. Ash frowned and let out a frustrated groan. Serena frowned too. She didn't want an unhappy husband. If Ash wasn't happy, neither was she, so she thought about how she could make him feel better and then a naughty idea entered her mind. The macaroons and ice cream were put to one side.

'Okay. I know you're upset about the match, babe. But… I could cheer you up… if you want?'

She looked at him a little seductively and trailed her hand over his shorts slowly. Ash looked down at his groin area and then at Serena. She had his attention.

'Oh? How?'

'Oh, you know… Just some tender loving care. To take your mind off it…'

Serena's hand moved over to his crotch and cupped Ash's balls. Then she started to rub and looked into his eyes. Ash's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't tell her stop. It felt too good. He groaned in pleasure and then even louder, when Serena leant forward and began placing kisses on his face and down to his neck. Then she suddenly stopped and pulled herself away from him.

'Hey! Why did you stop? I was enjoying that!' Serena smiled and got up.

'Well, if you want me, you'll have to catch me first.'

Ash squinted his eyes at her and then laughed with a playful look on his face. He was willing to play her little game to get what he wanted.

'Alright, then... Ready or not… Here I come!'

He leapt up off the couch, making Serena squeal. She ran upstairs full of exhilaration. Ash played her game just as she wanted and chased her up the stairs. Serena excitedly ran into the bedroom, enjoying every second of it. Ash ran in straight after her and prowled around her like a hungry lion, trying to catch her. The chase didn't last long though, as Serena gave in pretty easily after a few minutes and let Ash pin her up against a wall. And then they were in fits of cute giggles, until it got serious and they feasted their eyes on each other. They both knew what they wanted now. No more games. Serena could have given Ash what he wanted downstairs, but it was so much more fun this way.

'Alright, you caught me. So what are you gonna do to me?' asked Serena.

She looked very submissive now. Her breathing was heavy and her heart was pounding rapidly. She just loved not knowing what was coming next. Ash just stared at her and then pulled a strap off her dress. It seemed as if he was going to undress her completely right away and then he suddenly flipped her around off the wall. He kissed her hard and then pushed her onto the bed. Serena couldn't stop herself from enjoying it, even if it made her a little too crazy on lust. But she was way past caring about that by now. She just loved being dominated by him and it was getting her wet quick. And her face said it all, as she looked absolutely thrilled at what Ash was doing to her. He pinned her down onto the bed and continued kissing her. It didn't take long until all their clothes were ripped off and Serena was ready to "nurse" Ash's distress from the match. She didn't need an excuse to do it at all, but Serena figured she was just being a good wife, helping her husband "blow off some steam." So she put her mouth to good use, until she had to come up for air. Serena got off Ash and kissed him. Ash didn't say a word, as he remained laid back with a satisfied face, that had stayed that way for the last five minutes at least. He was well and truly pleased - at least for now anyway.

'Hmmm. Judging by your face, I can tell you really enjoyed that,' said Serena.

'Oh, you have no idea! You're sooo good at it, Rena.'

'Hmm. Well I always do my best for you, my king. But I bet you're still really frustrated about the match, aren't you?' teased Serena.

'Oh, yeah! I am, I really am!'

'Well…' Serena spread her legs open for him. 'Just take it all out on me then, baby. I'm ready whenever you are…'

Ash grunted and got on top of her without hesitation. He didn't need any convincing. And then within seconds, the springs of the mattress began squeaking loudly.

*

Since getting married, they had literally been doing it like rabbits. Before it was maybe once every couple weeks or so. But now it was at least once a week. It took a while for Ash to get there and to somewhat match Serena's sex drive, but he just couldn't control himself lately. And Serena was always in the mood for it. During the first week of their honeymoon alone, they must had done it about ten times. It was becoming an addiction at this point. But a very healthy one they both needed, like a strong tonic for them.

Some time later, Ash and Serena had finished up and were feeling very hot and sticky in bed. They remained in silence for a while, as they were still recovering from their orgasms. Serena took a little longer to find her breath, but finally spoke when Ash got up to go to the bathroom.

'Hey. Hang on, mister. Are you feeling better now?'

'Oh, yeah! Much better! I really needed that. Thanks, babe.' Ash blew a kiss to her and Serena blew one back.

'No problem, handsome. I definitely needed that too. And especially as you're so on fire lately. You're really giving it to me good and I just can't get enough! I mean, it's not just this heat that's hot! Phew!'

Serena fanned her hand over her face, but that wasn't enough. So she stretched over to the bedside cabinet to pick up a mini-fan. She turned it on and cooled down, as her messy sex hair blew sideways.

'Haha! Well, you're my wife and you deserve the best!'

Ash winked and went into the bathroom. Serena laid back down on the bed and sprawled her arms out with the happiest of expressions across her face. She felt so lucky to be married to such a great man. True happiness was rare to find for most, but Serena felt like she'd hit the jackpot. She closed her eyes and ascended to cloud nine, but then she heard a faint noise behind the door. Serena's eyes snapped back open immediately and she quickly got up to see what it was. She opened the door and looked down. Serena gasped. A baby Growlithe was yawning and rubbing its eyes.

'Aww, sorry bubba! Did we wake you up?' Growlithe yapped at her in response. 'Oh, well come on. I'll take care of you now.'

Serena picked him up and brought him over to the bed. Then she started stroking him gently and mothering him kindly. Growlithe was of course a very new edition to the family. He was the Pokemon Professor Oak had given them as a wedding gift. But Ash and Serena were obviously very occupied on their honeymoon, so they did not meet him until they got back home. But as soon as they laid eyes on him, they had loved and cared for him ever since. And later that day, they called Professor Oak to thank him for giving Growlithe to them. The professor was more than happy to see they had taken to him so well, but one thing he said stuck with Serena to this day. He said looking after a baby Pokemon together could be good practice for if they ever decided to have kids of their own one day.

Serena had always wanted kids, but she had been enjoying herself so much with Ash over the years, that it wasn't such a big thing for her at the moment. Plus, she was a little anxious about how Ash would feel about it. Still, it didn't matter too much for where they were currently at in life. And she wasn't even sure she was ready to be a mother. Even so, both she and Ash were like a mum and dad to Growlithe (nicknamed Growly affectionately) already and what was really special about it, was that they shared and trained him together. Ash would often take him to the gym and Serena would even teach him how to perform from time to time. They had even given him his own little room downstairs and given him everything a little Growlithe could want. Ash came out of the bathroom and joined them on the bed.

'Oh, hey Growly! Come here, boy!'

Growlithe pounced on Ash excitedly and nuzzled his head into his chest. Ash returned the love right away and stroked him behind the ears and cuddled him. Having him around was a real pleasure for them and it certainly helped that he was very loveable and adorable.

The summer was a long and hot one, but it was perhaps the best one yet for the newly weds. Married life in general was getting better and better for them through the days and weeks and months. And life only continued to be good through the autumn, festive season and into the new year.

Now it was 11.59pm on December the 31st, as Ash and Serena watched the Celadon City clock tick in the town centre. It edged closer and closer to 12 and then everyone started to count down from ten out loud, in excitement of the new glorious year to come. And then as it hit midnight, the city bell donged twelve times, welcoming in the fresh new start. Like a reset throughout the entire region. Fireworks erupted over and above them, as Ash and Serena wrapped themselves together into a tight hug and kissed each other with a smile on their lips.

'Happy new year, Rena! I love you.'

'Happy new year, Ash! I love you too.'

'You know, this is gonna be the best year yet. I just know it,' said Ash optimistically.

'Yeah! I think so too actually!'

They pulled apart and just held hands, to admire the firework display in its full majesty. It was a very starry night too, as a shooting star fizzed through the dark new sky. There was nothing but joy surrounding them and everything was wonderful. Until Serena suddenly let go of Ash's hand and grabbed her stomach and groaned. Ash immediately shot his head over to her in concern.

'Hey, what's up Rena? Are you feeling okay?'

Serena winced and then shook it off like it was nothing, but she was still struggling a little.

'Y-yeah. It's nothing too bad. Just feeling a little nauseous all of a sudden… Probably just something bad I ate at the New Year's Eve party earlier. I should be fine.'

'Oh, okay. Well, let's get you home anyway, babe. Come on.'

Serena nodded, feeling it was better to call it a night rather than risk it. So Ash grabbed her hand again and walked her home. Thankfully, Serena felt a little better when they got back, but she still decided to go to bed earlier than planned. Ash joined her and made her a hot bottle to calm her stomach pains.

The next morning, Ash awoke to an empty left side of the bed. He panicked a little, just as Serena had done some years back at the Kalos hotel. But then he heard her being sick in the bathroom. He was initially relieved she hadn't disappeared anywhere, but he was now more worried than ever about her. She clearly still wasn't feeling well and all of this was so out of the blue with no real explanation at all. Ash got up and knocked on the door.

'Morning, Rena. Are you okay?'

'Oh. Morning, Ash. Yeah, I will be. Don't worry.'

'Okay… Well, do you need anything?'

'No, I'm okay. Thanks anyway, babe.'

'Alright… well just let me know if you need me. Remember! I promised to always look after you in my vows! Especially when you're sick!'

'Aww, I know baby. But-' Serena flushed the toilet and opened the bathroom door. 'I'm feeling better now. Must have just been the sushi I ate at the party last night!'

'Hmm, maybe yeah. Just as long as you're sure you're okay now?'

'Yes! Yes! I'm fine!'

'Okay, but maybe you should rest? Just in case?' Serena laughed.

'You're sweet, babe. But there's far too much to do today! Don't forget Brock and Olivia are coming over for dinner tonight!'

'Yeah, but I could prepare everything while you res-'

'Haha! Nonsense! No offence, mon amour, but you can only cook basic things and you're not the best at cleaning.'

Ash raised a finger and opened his mouth to defend himself, but realised his wife was dead right and gave in straight away.

'Okay, yeah. Fair enough. You're right. Sorry.' He scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

'It's okay, babe. We'll just do it together. Yeah?'

'Sure. But if you feel sick again, I'm taking over. Alright?' Serena hesitated to answer but then gave in too.

'Er, I guess so…'

'Promise me,' said Ash sternly. Serena sighed.

'Okay, I promise!' She shook her head, but still appreciated it.

'Thank you.'

Ash kissed her cheek and then they got started on the preparations. They spent the whole afternoon getting the place ready and cooking a full roast dinner, ready for their incoming guests. Everything was fully prepared by the time they heard a knock at the door. Ash welcomed Brock and Olivia in and took their coats to hang up in the cloakroom. Then Serena brought the dinner out and welcomed them in too. They sat down and began to eat. But they didn't just come to eat, as there was plenty to talk about over the dinner table and Brock and Olivia had a big new development in their life.

'So, how's little Leo?' asked Serena.

'Oh, he's doing really well! He was just struggling with his baby teeth coming in over Christmas. But he's through the worst of it now, poor baby,' said Olivia.

'Yeah. Our little man is a fighter alright and he's feeling a lot better now,' added Brock. 'The only problem we had on the way here was just that he was a bit clingy when we dropped him off with his grandparents. But he's got to get used to them sometime.'

'Aww, well I'm glad he's feeling better now. We'll have to come and see him soon,' said Serena.

Ash had a mouthful of food, so just smiled and put his thumbs up in agreement.

'Of course! You could even babysit one day if you want!' said Olivia. Serena nodded and continued eating. 'So. How's work going, Serena? Last I heard, you were quitting the bakery and trying to start your Showcase School up?'

'Oh, yeah! It's actually coming together now! Just before Chirsmtas, I got the lease to an old abandoned building round the corner for the school. So I'm just waiting on my PGCE to teach now. I studied a course in between working to get it. So once that's all confirmed, the school could be open as early as next month! This year should be a good one for me and all my aspirations!'

'Oh, brilliant! That's amazing progress, Serena! We're really happy for you!' said Brock.

'Thanks, Brock. I just hope little girls actually want to come…'

Ash finally took a break from eating and joined the conversation at a timely moment.

'Are you kidding, Rena? Don't forget you're only the first Kanto Queen! There'll be queues and queues of them wanting to get in and learn from the best!'

'Aww, thanks Ash. I appreciate that.'

'Yeah. I'm sure Ash is right, Serena,' said Brock. 'And it's a really good career choice for you. To help kids achieve their dreams is very admirable.'

Olivia gave her approval too, which made Serena feel more confident about pursuing it further in the coming weeks. Then it went quiet for a while, until Brock looked over at Ash and grinned.

'So what about you, bro? How's the gym work going?' Ash grinned back at him.

'Well! I'm glad you asked, Brocko! Cause I actually have an announcement to make!'

Serena immediately turned her head in curiosity and ate slower.

'Oh! Okay! What is it, dude?'

'Well. I haven't told anyone this yet. Not even Rena. But… The gym leader is retiring later this year!'

Everyone stopped eating and leant forwards in eager anticipation of where this was going.

'And?' asked Serena.

Ash excitedly banged his knife and fork on the table to build up suspense.

'And! I've agreed to take over! I'm gonna be a gym leader, guys!'

Everyone's eyes widened in shock, as they processed the big news. And then Ash was promptly congratulated.

'Oh, baby! I'm so proud of you. C'mere.'

Serena kissed and hugged him. Then the big news really sank in and she scoffed.

'So, let me get this straight… Not only am I married to the hottest man in the world, but I'm also married to a gym leader too now? Wow. Just wow!'

'Haha. Well, it's still subject to approval from the Indigo League. Like your PGCE, babe. But I'm pretty confident they'll give me the keys to it very soon.'

'Well, I should think so!' said Brock. 'You're a really, really strong trainer and winning the league almost guarantees you the right to be a gym leader! Heck, you could have even been a Frontier Brain way before you even won the league! So that job's got your name on it, mate!'

'Yeah, that's true. Thanks, Brocko.'

'No problem. I'm sure you'll be battling challengers in no time at all! And if you want any tips, you know I have plenty of experience myself.'

Ash accepted the offer and fist bumped Brock and then everyone continued eating. When they were done, they washed up the dishes and were very well fed. But the night wasn't over yet. They had also planned a games night before Brock and Olivia would head back home and started with a game of Pokemon Trivial Pursuit, which Brock was easily winning. Halfway through it though, Serena was starting to feel a bit off again. But she really didn't want to stop the fun, so she just quietly made her way to the bathroom without a word said. Nobody took too much notice until she was gone for well over five minutes. Olivia got up.

'I'm just gonna go check on Serena, boys. I'll be back in a minute.'

Ash and Brock nodded and continued the game, while Olivia made her way to the bathroom. Once she was at the door, she knocked quietly.

'Hey. Everything okay, Serena?' she shouted through.

'Oh, yes! I'm fine! I just had a bit of an upset stomach. But I'm good now.' She sounded startled as she answered.

'Oh, okay. As long as you're alright, honey.'

Olivia heard a flush and then hurried crashing and banging noises. Then Serena opened the door. She smiled at Olivia and asked her to come back downstairs with her to continue the game. But Olivia felt something was wrong. There was just a strange look about Serena all of a sudden. She was trying to hide it, but Olivia could see whatever had just happened in the bathroom, had made her go white as a sheet.

'Oh, erm… I just need to use the toilet too first. If that's alright?'

'Oh okay, s-sure.'

Serena went back downstairs reluctantly and Olivia locked the bathroom door behind her. She looked around for any kind of sign of what had made Serena act the way she did just now. There wasn't anything too out of the ordinary at first glance, but then she put her foot on the bathroom bin pedal and tilted her head curiously at what was inside. She saw a used tampon and assumed maybe she had just had her period, but as she picked it up, she noticed it didn't have a single mark on it. Now why would Serena chuck away a clean tampon, she wondered? Olivia stroked her chin. She didn't want to pry too much, but she was worried about her friend. So Olivia washed her hands and decided to dig deeper. She looked all around the toilet, bathtub and windowsill. But there was nothing. She sat on the toilet and sighed. Then she noticed a small cabinet drawer by the sink. She rifled through it, all the way to the bottom and then there it was. Something that probably shouldn't be there. She figured Serena must have panicked and didn't want Ash or anyone to see it and those loud noises before she came out, must have been her hiding it away quickly. She gasped and immediately returned it back to its original place. Olivia wasn't worried now though. She smiled to herself and went back downstairs.

Olivia rejoined the game, all while keeping tight-lipped about her discovery. It wasn't her place to say anything in front of the boys, but she still wanted to talk to Serena about it. When the game was finished, Brock stretched his arms and yawned.

'Well, this has been a lovely night, guys. But I think it's time to pick Leo up and get back home.'

'Aw, okay. Well it's been a pleasure, as always. You know you're welcome back anytime,' said Serena.

Brock and Olivia thanked her and then Ash got up to get their coats.

'Yeah! But maybe next time we'll come over to yours,' said Ash.

'Yeah, sure. We'd like that,' said Olivia.

'Well, okay! Thank you for a great night! See you later! Take care, you two,' said Brock.

Ash and Serena said goodbye, but then Olivia asked Serena to talk outside privately.

'Oh, okay. Of course!' replied Serena, looking confused.

They walked out of the house, while Ash stayed and waited inside. Brock went straight over to the car to get it started up, while Serena was keen to know why Olivia wanted a private chat and asked her what was up as soon as Brock got in the car.

'So, what did you want to talk about?'

'Well. I was just worried about you earlier when you said you had an upset stomach and-'

'Oh, don't worry!' interrupted Serena. 'I'm fine now!'

'Yeah, I know. That's great. But still. You didn't look too good when you came out of the bathroom earlier…'

'Well, yes! That was because of my upset stomach, remember!' said Serena nervously.

'Yeah… But it looked like more than that to me.'

'It's nothing!' dismissed Serena.

'No it's not! Now. Please don't be mad at me, but I looked around the bathroom when I went in earlier.' Serena looked flummoxed.

'Uhhh… Why?'

'Because I thought something was really wrong with you and I care about you too much to just let it slide!'

'Well, nothing is wrong with me at all!'

'No, there isn't. But… I know…'

'Y-you know?' Olivia nodded.

'Yes. I looked in the cabinet, babe.'

Serena looked stunned and then suddenly started crying out of nowhere. Olivia immediately comforted her.

'Hey, hey! It's okay! I know it's a scary thing, but it's also a wonderfully amazing thing as well! Believe me. I've been through it all. But it becomes a lot easier to deal with when you have someone by your side through it. And as far as husbands go, Ash is a pretty good one.'

'Oh, I know! I know! I'm just scared of what his reaction will be!'

'Yeah, I get that. I was too with Brock. But the sooner you tell him, the better. Yeah?'

Serena sniffled and Olivia handed her a tissue from her pocket.

'O-okay. Th-thank you.'

'No worries. Don't mention it.' After a long hug, Olivia let go of Serena.

'I should be going now, but will you be okay? I don't wanna leave you if you're not.'

'Yeah, I'm fine now. I just need to get the courage to say it...'

'Well, I'm always here if you need me. Just call me, yeah?' Serena nodded.

'Okay, good luck.'

'Thanks, Olivia. Goodnight.'

Olivia gave her one last hug and got into the car. Serena waved as Brock drove off. Then she turned around, took a massive deep breath and wiped her tears away. She didn't want Ash to see her like that, especially as she really needed to talk to him now. And she really couldn't put it off until tomorrow or any later. Olivia was right. She walked back into the house and saw Ash chilling on the sofa, laughing at something funny on the TV. She stood in the doorway, frozen and shivering. Ash turned around and pointed at the funny moment in the show, but his smile soon faded when he saw the look on Serena's face. He leapt up and closed the door.

'Hey! What are you doing, Rena? You'll catch cold! C'mere.'

Ash rushed over to the sofa to get a blanket and wrapped it around her. Serena was still not saying a word though, so Ash was getting really concerned now.

'Are you alright?' Serena mumbled something. Ash raised an eyebrow.

'Okay. Come on, sit down.'

They sat down together on the sofa and Ash turned off the TV.

'So, what's wrong? Talk to me, Serena.' Serena turned to Ash and half smiled at him.

'Something... Something has happened. Something wonderful. But I'm scared. I'm so, so scared.'

'I see… well you can tell me and I'll try my best to support you, whatever it is.'

'Okay. Just promise me you won't overreact or freak out, yeah? I need you now more than ever, Ash.' Serena held her hand out in desperation.

'Sure, I promise. And I'm right here. I'm always here. You know that, Rena.'

Ash didn't hesitate to grab her hand, which allowed Serena to loosen up a little. She smiled properly now, but she was still feeling queasy. It was like the day she confessed to Ash in the broom cupboard, but this was far more nerve-wracking. This would dictate everything for Serena. For both of them even. Back then, it was just the fear of rejection. Now this was so much bigger and so much more. She just wanted Ash to want it as much as she did and for it to not change a thing between them. Serena twiddled her thumbs nervously and barely looked at Ash. She opened her mouth to speak, but she couldn't force the words out and kept starting and stopping instead. Ash rubbed her back.

'It's okay. Take your time. Remember, I will still love you no matter what it is.'

And those were the words Serena needed to hear right there. She stared up at him and decided she was ready, whatever the outcome may be.

'Okay. I'm just gonna say it now.'

Serena exhaled and readied herself. And then it all came out.

'You know how I've been feeling sick the last two days?' Ash nodded. 'Well, I thought it could be just because it's my time of the month… I even put a tampon on and prepared for it, thinking it was coming… But I-I'm late.'

Ash shifted his eyes from side to side in confusion, trying to understand just what Serena was trying to say to him.

'Ooh-kay. And what does that mean exactly?'

Serena sighed and laughed a little at his denseness. Somehow he still didn't fully get girls and everything. Even now. Which made this even more difficult. This was the toughest part for Serena now, but she had to do it anyway. The next words she told him would impact their relationship forever.

'It means... I-I-'

Serena paused and closed her eyes. And then as she slowly opened them again, she found the courage to finally just say it.

'I- I'm with child.'

Those words cut through Ash like a bombshell. He gasped, now knowing exactly what Serena was saying. There was not no need to ask for any further clarification, as he looked down and saw Serena rub her belly. Ash remained silent for a while, trying to calculate every possible reason for it happening in his head. Serena looked at him with vulnerable eyes and feared the worst. Ash wasn't happy or angry or sad. He was just completely perplexed.

'A-Are you sure, Rena?'

'Yes! Of course I am! I took the test earlier and it was positive. I can show you it if you want?'

'No, no. I believe you. I just- I don't-' Ash couldn't find the right words and apologised.

'It's okay. I didn't know how to take it all in either, but I understand if you need some time to process it all.' Ash turned his head and tried to think. Then he faced Serena again.

'Okay. Okay. I get that you did the test and everything, but-but… How? I thought we've always been really careful?'

'Yeah, I thought the same thing too. And it's not exactly what I expected either coming into the new year… but I've had some time to think about it and I think I can explain it.'

'Okay. But before you do, I just wanna say that I don't want you to think this changes anything between us or I'm not happy about it. I just need to get my head around it first. That's all.' Serena nodded.

'I understand. Just let me explain and then hopefully it will all make sense…' Ash was ready to listen. 'So, remember that night a couple weeks before Christmas when I teased you in that festive outfit you really liked?'

'Y-yeah?' said Ash, smiling a little at the memory of it.

'Well, I think it happened that night…'

'Oh.'

Ash's mind casted back to a cosy merry Saturday night in december…

*********************************FLASHBACK********************************

Ash was playing a video game and was about to take on the final boss, when Serena suddenly walked in wearing a racy red number. She was hornier than usual today and wanted to tease Ash enough that he would stop mashing buttons and smash her instead. She figured this could be a fun way of building up sexual tension and spice things up a bit. Ash didn't really notice her walking in at first, but then she bent down right in front of him, showing just enough to get Ash's attention. Ash saw her ass out of the corner of his eye and tilted his head sideways to get a cheeky look. He liked what he saw, but turned his attention back to the game. But then he just had to look again, as he thought he saw more skin then he was expecting. He looked back and realised her butt cheeks were completely bare and she wasn't wearing any panties at all. Her butt cheeks were jiggling and wobbling too, causing a tight stiffness in Ash's pants. It was hypnotic to look at and absolutely impossible to keep his eyes off it.

'Damn,' said Ash to himself.

He tried to concentrate back on the game, but Serena was way too desirable in that position. He got up, but then Serena stood back up too and just wagged her finger at him.

'Uh, uh, uh! Read the note, baby.'

'Huh? What note?'

'This one.'

Serena turned around and stuck her butt again. On it was a little sticky note. Ash looked down at it and read out "Don't open until Xmas xxx." Serena wanted the D more than anything right now, but it would turn her on more if she pushed Ash to the edge first. Right to his very limit. The sex would be better and rougher that way.

'Aw! No fair, Rena!'

'Hehe! You're just gonna have to be patient!'

She winked and left the room. But the seed had been sewn in Ash's mind and Serena was almost 100% sure he wouldn't just give up there. And she made sure of it, as she kept teasing him throughout the day and making him take the bait. Her plan worked perfectly, as Ash became increasingly more frustrated. He had to get that fine piece of ass. Now. The teasing eventually reached a tense conclusion in the evening when they were slightly tipsy on eggnog. Serena was flashing him again in the kitchen, but this time he couldn't take anymore and pushed her against a wall. He ripped off the note in defiance and slammed his hands on her butt cheeks. Serena was more than happy now to let him do whatever he wanted to her and just moaned in obedience. He was full of red hot sexual frustration and that was exactly the kind of Ash she wanted right now. After a few spankings for being such a big tease, Ash didn't waste any time at all and took her right there and then, against the wall and on the kitchen floor. It was so reckless and intense, to the point that they both lost control of themselves a little too much during it. Any precautions they'd usually have were completely forgotten about too. There wasn't a condom in sight and the usual splattering mess left behind by Ash at the end never came. But they didn't care about any of that at the time. Serena did wonder for a second if Ash had actually got off, but she didn't really think about it much. She was feeling way too good to worry about a thing, as Ash carried her to bed. But little did they know that this was the day of conception.

******************************END FLASHBACK******************************

Back in the present day, Serena was finishing her explanation of it to Ash.

'So, I just think we were just enjoying ourselves too much, that we must not have realised that you…. You know - nutted in me. By accident of course. But it still happened. And one time can be enough.' Ash nodded. 'I've done the maths as well and it turns out I was ovulating too. So that means I was ten times more likely to get impregnated that day. Which makes even more sense.'

'Ohhhhhh,' said Ash, fully understanding it all now.

He nodded and then rather remarkably, started to laugh. Serena gave Ash a funny look.

'What? What's so funny?'

'Nothing. I just realised… I'm gonna be a dad. A DAD!' He laughed again. 'And that's SO awesome!' Serena's eyes lit up and she looked relieved.

'So are you happy about it then?'

'Oh of course I am, Rena! I'm more than happy about it! I'm over the moon! I mean it's a big surprise, yeah. But are you really telling me there's a little baby growing inside you right now? And it's ours?' exclaimed Ash happily. Serena laughed at his ecstatic burst of happiness.

'Yes! It's our baby, Ash! We're having a baby!'

Ash got a little emotional and grabbed Serena's waist suddenly. He lowered his head and pressed it against her stomach. Then he kissed it and shook Serena in excitement, but he soon stopped when he remembered the condition she was in now.

'Oh, sorry! I probably shouldn't do that, should I!'

'Haha, it's okay. Baby is probably only the size of a pea right now. But yeah, you will definitely have to be more careful when I get bigger.'

Serena giggled and then paused as she went into deep thought.

'Hey. You okay, Rena?

'Yeah… I just realised I'm gonna be a… mum. Like an actual mum. And I haven't got the first idea how I'm going to do it.'

Even though Serena had known for a little while longer than Ash, it was only now just sinking in for her too.

'Aw, baby girl.' Ash grabbed her hand. 'It is a lot to take in, isn't it? But you're going to be an amazing mum, I promise! And I mean, I have no idea how to be a dad either! So, yes... We're maybe gonna make a few mistakes along the way, but we'll be doing it together.' Ash paused and then frowned a little. 'The only thing is… I just don't want to get it really wrong like our dads. You know?'

Ash and Serena were definitely fairly insecure about becoming parents, but what they were feeling was all perfectly natural. What was more important however, was that they both wanted this just as much as each other and would do everything they could to get it right, which meant they were having the baby for the right reasons.

'Aw, no baby! You won't get it wrong at all. It will be hard, but it's not like we don't have any kind of experience, is it? I mean, look at the way we've both brought up Growly together. You're so good with him, Ash! So, I'm positively certain you'll make a really great dad. You have all the qualities ready inside you.'

Ash looked like he was about to cry and continued to struggle to contain himself.

'Oh, you really think so?'

Serena nodded and held his hand. Ash smiled, feeling like he could really do this with Serena. He looked much more confident now and remembered how far they had come in their relationship. They'd come through everything else together, so this should be no different.

'I mean, yeah! I had no idea how to be a good boyfriend or husband, but here I am now with you. And I don't think I've done a bad job at it. So, I'll do everything I can to be the best dad I can be!'

'You're all that and more, baby. And we're going to give this baby all the love we possibly can.' Ash grabbed Serena's face.

'Yeah. Whether it's a boy or girl, I'll love them just as much as I love you.'

'Ditto. I love you too, you beautiful man.'

Ash kissed her and Serena kissed him back. It was the most heartfelt moment, as Serena rubbed her belly again. But with fondness this time, without fear or insecurity or uncertainty. Only positive vibes remained. Just the mere thought of their baby growing and slowly coming into existence, was enough to make them both breathless. It was simply extraordinary and having a baby together was just the epitome of their love at its very finest. It was clear that neither of them expected it so suddenly, but they still had so much love and care to give. In just nine or so months time, they would be welcoming the little one into their world and expanding the family. Totally unplanned, but not unwelcome. Just a baby conceived by pure fate in the most loving way. And they couldn't wait to meet them.