Ash was gobsmacked as his eyes trailed down the line of people smiling at him. Serena gingerly opened the door and walked in, bemused at what was going on too. Delia and Pikachu emerged from the kitchen with party hats on and blew party horns.

'Wh-What's going on?'

'Well, duh! Isn't it obvious!' said the redhead girl.

She clicked her fingers and pointed upwards to a banner that said "Congratulations Ash!" Several balloons had been put up too. And there was lots of food laid out on the living room table.

'Oh, wow! You did this all for me?' Everyone nodded and clapped for him.

'Of course! You didn't think you could just go and win the whole freaking league and not get any kind of party?! We're all so proud of you! Now, are you just gonna stand there? Or are you gonna give me a hug?'

'Thanks, Misty. And yes, of course!'

Misty wrapped her arms around Ash and hugged him tightly. She spotted Serena in the corner of her eye as she hugged him. Misty had no idea who she was and wondered why she was with Ash. As far as she knew, all his closest friends had already been invited to the party. Misty gave her a half-smile and then decided to hug Ash longer than was needed. Serena furrowed her eyebrows and had a distinct look of jealousy on her face. Who was this girl? And why was she hugging Ash for so long? Serena didn't want to assume anything, but she didn't like this one bit. When Misty finally let go of Ash, Serena quickly changed her expression and put a fake smile on.

'So, how did you guys put all this together so fast?' asked Ash, with his hands on hips.

'Well, it was all my idea!' Misty butted in, before anyone could speak.

'Oh. Well that's nice of you, Misty. It must have been a lot of work to get everyone here!'

'Yeah, well it was a collective effort to be fair. I phoned Tracey, Gary and Brock, then Brock phoned May, who told Max, then May phoned Dawn, who tried to get Iris and Cilan to come but they couldn't make it. And then your mum told us about Bonnie and Clemont and insisted we invite them too. But we didn't have their numbers, so we got Professor Oak to phone Professor Sycamore, who told them about it. And now we're all here!'

'Haha, no way! Professor Oak was in on it too? We were just helping him at the lab...'

'That's right!' said Professor Oak, walking in behind Ash and Serena.

'I have to confess, Delia and I knew about it the whole time! And we both made sure that I distracted you long enough to let everyone set everything up for you here.'

'Aw! Well, thank you so much everyone!' said Ash.

Everyone clapped for him again. He revelled in the moment and was happy to see so many of his friends come all this way here for him. But then he quickly looked over at Serena and saw that she was looking down at the floor shyly and awkwardly twiddling her thumbs. She wasn't sure how to introduce herself, but she wouldn't have to.

'Oh! And for those of you who don't know her, this is Serena!'

Ash pointed towards her. Then he rushed over to her and put an arm around her. Serena blushed a little, with the limelight on her all of sudden now.

'She refuses to take any credit for it and I think she's probably tired of hearing it by now, but I really owe my victory to her! We've known each other since we were kids and reunited a few times over the years. But these past few years in particular, she's really been my rock and the most amazing friend! So, please give her some love too!'

Everyone clapped for her too. Serena simply just bowed her head in thanks. Misty was the only one who didn't applaud, however. She simply just analysed her calculatingly with her piercing green eyes. She had no idea Ash had known her for so long - longer than her in fact - and had never even heard of her until tonight. One thing she was happy about though, was Ash just calling her a friend and nothing more.

With the introductions out of the way, Bonnie ran over to Serena and hugged her and Clemont followed too. Serena had missed them both greatly and was glad they were there to make her feel more comfortable. May and Max were next to greet her and were happy to see her again as well. Others quickly followed afterward and Ash reconciled with all of his old friends one by one. It was a little overwhelming for him at first to have so many people here for him, but it was such a great feeling to be able to see them all again after so long. Some longer than others. Everyone had changed so much, especially Max and Bonnie, who had sprouted and grown up quite a bit since Ash last saw them. Serena was busy catching up with Clemont and Bonnie. Bonnie in particular was very elated to see Serena again. Serena had always been like a big sister to her. They had not seen each other since Serena kissed Ash at the airport, which Bonnie was quick to bring up during their conversation. Serena immediately felt embarrassed about it all and kind of wished she hadn't done it in front of them. But she never regretted it for a single second. The taste of Ash's lips was too good to have any regrets about it. She just wished Ash had brought it up at least once since it happened, but he never did…

The party was getting into full swing now, as everyone either caught up with or got to know one another. Tracey was in charge of the music and kicked the party off with "Shivers" by Ed Sheeran. There had been quite a few new developments with everyone, as May announced a fairly new relationship with Drew. Max pretended to be sick at the very mention of it which made everyone laugh. But that wasn't much of a surprise to Ash and Brock, who could always see there was something between them. What was more surprising, was Gary announcing that he and Dawn had been dating a while now. No one saw that coming and there were a couple spat out drinks. However, that was nothing compared to Brock's announcement that he had finally actually found a girlfriend. Everyone who knew him couldn't believe it, after all the seemingly endless amount of rejections he had got. Brock had truly matured into a fully grown man and he had even become engaged, showing everyone pictures of his wife-to-be and the engagement ring he bought her.

Misty and Ash were the first to congratulate him and perhaps the most surprised, as they had known Brock the longest. All of these new developments had made Misty feel a bit lonely though, as she was still very much single. After all the announcements everyone split up into their own little groups. Ash chose to stay with his reunited Kalos friends, who (even though he'd never say it out loud at the party) he deemed to be more than just friends. To him, Bonnie, Clemont and Serena were family. He had always looked up to Brock as an older brother too, but he would truly die for those three. He just felt a special connection with them, he never had with anyone else he travelled with. Misty watched him laugh with them and didn't seem to like it one bit. She charged over there.

'Hey! You don't mind if I steal Ash for a minute, do you? After all, Brock, Gary and I have known him the longest and we need a major catch up!'

Misty interlocked her arm with Ash's and almost knocked over his cup of soda.

'Um. No, not at all,' said Serena, still trying to read Misty.

She had got a good vibe from everyone else, but not her and she couldn't quite figure out why.

'I mean, I was just getting to the good part of this story I was telling… but I guess I can finish it later…' said a reluctant Ash.

'Great! Come on! We want to hear everything you've been up to!'

Misty dragged Ash over to the other side of the room, where Brock and Gary were sitting on a sofa. Serena kept a firm eye on Misty and tried to listen in.

'So, Ashy boy. You finally did it huh? You're finally a Pokemon Master. Took you long enough,' joked Gary.

Ash smirked at his ex- rival and sat down next to him. He extended his hand. Gary raised an eyebrow.

'Shake my hand, Gary.' Gary gave him a funny look and smirked back at him.

'Uh, why?'

'Well, if it wasn't for you I don't think I'd have had half as much motivation to win it all and prove you wrong. So… I want to say thank you.'

Gary looked a little stunned at first and then guffawed and shook his head.

'Well, well well. Look how far we've come! Who knew we'd ever become friends, eh? But you know what? Fair enough, mate. You really did prove me very wrong. And you are very welcome!'

Gary shook Ash's hand hard and to Ash's surprise, even hugged him. Brock smiled and decided to add his own thoughts.

'Well, I have a thank you to say too. If it hadn't been for you, Ash, I'd have never realised my dreams of being a Pokemon Doctor. And I have no idea where I'd be now if I hadn't gone on all those journeys with you. Kanto, The Orange Islands, Hoenn, Sinnoh... They all made me who I am today and I actually really miss the old days... But I am truly happy where I am now. So, I guess what I'm tryna say is.. I-I love you, man.'

It was Ash's turn to be stunned now, as he processed his older brother's words.

'Mate… you know you're like a brother to me. I should be saying thank you to YOU! For guiding me through my early days, especially as I was a little annoying and naive at the start.'

That last comment got a laugh out of everyone.

'A little?' teased Brock.

'Haha, well I certainly had a lot to learn back then. But I really mean it. You've always been there for me, man. And honestly, I know we haven't talked much since Sinnoh, but as long as I'm still here, we should definitely meet up sometime soon. And I want to meet your fiance at some point too of course. Gotta meet the girl who's gonna be putting up with you!' joked Ash.

Brock laughed and nodded. Serena smiled too as she watched from afar. She knew Ash felt guilty about drifting apart from his Pokemon and friends. And it was so lovely to see him re-affirm those bonds now. Ash held out his hand and Brock smacked his own hand against it. They had a kind of friendship that would truly last forever. Tracey came over and joined them, to complete the "Original" team. They all talked for a while about the old days and reminisced fondly about them.

But Misty wasn't quite satisfied and had an irking question playing on her mind all night. She pulled Ash aside and asked to talk in private. They went to Ash's room and sat down on his bed. The rest of the boys looked at each other and shrugged. Brock had an inkling what was up though, knowing Misty the best out of all of them. Serena quickly snuck off from the party and couldn't stop herself from eavesdropping behind a slightly ajar door. She really didn't like this at all and had to know what was going on.

'So… long time no see, Ash. I really missed you, you know.'

'Ah, yeah. I missed you too... I'm sorry I didn't come to see you earlier. I've just been so focused on my dreams and everything.'

'Yeah, I get that. But you could have come to see me anytime, you know… Just once at least. It does sometimes get kinda lonely at the Cerulean Gym. Especially with my sisters being the way they are.'

'I know, Misty. But it's not like I had the time to see anyone, not even my own Pokemon properly until now.'

'Hmm…' Misty mumbled. 'You say that… but you said earlier that you reunited with that Serena girl… So you basically came back for her. But not for me…'

Ash was a little shocked Misty had just said that and had a very stern expression on his face. He didn't like where this was going. As far as Ash was concerned, who he picked to travel with was none of her business and she didn't have the right to question it. But he wanted to try and explain anyway.

'Okay. I can see what that looks like, but you don't understand.'

'What don't I understand?'

'Serena and I… We, we…'

Serena's ears pricked up, half of her feeling like she shouldn't be there and the other half desperate to hear the next words to come out of Ash's mouth.

'We're just really close… I can't really explain it. But I just really wanted to travel with her again and now… And now…'

'Now, what?' Ash ran his fingers through his hair, giving his next words some thought.

'I don't know what the future holds, but I just know I want Serena to be there with me. Okay?'

Misty immediately frowned and didn't want to accept that. Whereas, Serena's heart was melting into a splattering mess. She put her hand against it.

'Okay, I get it. But what about me, Ash?' Does our history mean nothing? Why didn't you pick me to go with you? I've always just been a phone call away. I'd have dropped everything at the gym.'

'I'm sorry, Misty. You've always been one of my best friends and nothing will ever change that. I just… wanted Serena. That's all.'

Misty was raging with jealousy at this point, her eyes green with envy. Conversely, Serena could barely breathe at this point and her heart was skipping beats.

'He wanted… m-me?' she whispered to herself.

'But I want YOU, Ash!' shouted Misty.

Her hand touched his knee. Ash didn't even react to it and chose not to acknowledge it. Serena was hearing every word and enjoying it up until now. She gritted her teeth together and was starting to think Misty was after Ash too. She poked her head round the door a little, ready to intervene if she tried anything on her man. Misty continued to touch Ash a little too inappropriately.

'You know, I heard you don't know what you want to do next… but you could always invite me on your next journey? Or just come by the gym? It could be like old times…'

Misty was edging closer to Ash and trailed her hands up his leg, but Ash didn't seem to care one bit and just looked at her emotionlessly.

'I mean, I have been waiting for you all this time and you have matured a lot now. So who knows where things could go...'

Ash was looking uncomfortable now and shifted his eyes away from Misty, accidentally meeting Serena's beady eyes watching them. Serena's eyes widened, seeing that she'd been caught. But Ash kept quiet and just kept his eyes on her, as Misty got closer and closer and started to rub Ash's leg. They could all hear faint music blaring from the living room, with Tracey's playlist currently playing: "This is what you came for" by Rihanna.

Baby, this is what you came for

Lightning strikes every time she moves

And everybody's watchin' her

But she's lookin' at you, ooh, ooh

You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh

You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh

You, ooh, ooh

Ooh

The lyrics of the song couldn't ironically be any truer. Except Ash and Serena were both looking at each other, despite Misty trying to make a move on Ash. Then Misty started to move her face closer to his. Ash moved away quickly and got up. Misty looked disappointed and a bit flabbergasted, as Ash had just flat out rejected her in the most brutal way possible.

'Look, Misty. It's been nice seeing you after so long, but I haven't even got a clue what I'm doing next myself! But there's no way I'm just gonna suddenly leave Serena for you. We've already made our decision and Serena has already sacrificed plenty to be here. So, I'm sorry, but I won't be coming with you anywhere. But you're welcome to come visit me anytime while I'm still here.'

Ash began to walk away and grabbed the door handle. Serena quickly ran off back to the party. Misty tried to stop him, but Ash brushed her off. He walked out and wondered how much Serena had heard, but he didn't really care because he meant every word he said. Misty re-joined the party shortly after Ash, but kept herself to herself in a quiet corner of the room, not wanting to even look at Ash. Her plan had backfired terribly. Ash had immediately gone to find Serena and asked her if she was okay.

'Yeah. I'm fine, Ash. But what was Misty talking to you about?' asked Serena, acting like she wasn't listening the whole time.

'Well, I'm guessing you heard most of it behind the door…'

'Well, yeah. I did,' admitted Serena. Ash shook his head.

'Then it really doesn't matter, Rena. All you need to know is I'm staying right here with you.'

He grabbed her hand and she smiled softly. She really didn't need to know anything more and was quite happy to just have her Ash back. Their little moment was attracting attention as everyone looked over, curious as to why they were holding hands and quite close to one another. Bonnie smirked, convinced that something was going on. She was only a ten-year-old kid, but having spent so much time with them, she knew more than anyone else that Serena fancied the hell out of Ash. Clemont was always more dense to it, so scratched his head at it instead. Then Ash suddenly thought of something.

'Rena?'

'Yes, Ash?'

'Remember that time you really wanted to dance with me at Pierre's dance party in Kalos?'

Serena was surprised he still remembered that and blushed. She was absolutely devastated that day that she never got to dance with him and certainly didn't hide it.

'Uh huh?'

'Well, I didn't really get why you were so upset at the time and I'm not sure I fully get it even now. But I know it would make you really happy if you finally got that dance and your happiness is important to me.'

Serena tried to speak, but she just babbled again like earlier at the raunch. Ash really wasn't the romantic type at all, but the things he was saying to her since he won the league, were really leaving Serena speechless. Only three words needed to be spoken now though, as Ash extended a hand.

'So, wanna dance?'

'I-In front of everyone?'

'Yeah! Why not! I CAN dance now, you know! Don't worry, I won't embarrass you.' They both laughed.

'Well, yes. You can dance now... And so can we.'

'Take my hand then, please.'

Serena accepted Ash's hand and placed her hands in his. She wished they were dressed up at least half as good as they were at the Showcase party, but this would have to do. Ash still looked just as handsome as he did that day to Serena. Everyone just watched silently as they slow-danced. No one really knew what to make of it, but they all had their own theories. Whatever it was, it was positively beautiful to see. Except of course, if you were Misty. Tracey walked over to his phone and decided to change the song to fit the mood. Then Dawn and Gary decided to join them and started to dance too. Bonine dragged Max over to dance as well and Professor Oak and Delia soon followed. Everyone else started to join in too, dancing individually, while Misty just continued to drink her soda in her corner. The lyrics of the song swept them all away and got everyone's feet moving.

And now your song is on repeat

And I'm dancin' on to your heartbeat

And when you're gone, I feel incomplete

So, if you want the truth

I just wanna be part of your symphony

Will you hold me tight and not let go?

Symphony

Like a love song on the radio

Will you hold me tight and not let go?

Serena rested her head on Ash's shoulders and felt like pinching herself to make sure this wasn't just another fantasy in her overactive imagination. It was anything but. The dance didn't last that long, but it was enough to satisfy Serena. She had finally got her dance with him.

Shortly after, Delia went to bed and Professor Oak returned to the lab. As the night wore on, everyone started to get tired, especially Ash and Serena who had had two very long days in a row. But before everyone else went, Clemont had a congratulatory gift for Ash, which he was sure everyone would like. Everyone sat down in front of the living room TV, as Clemont got out his laptop and fiddled about with a HDMI cable. Then once everything was set up, he turned the lights off and played a video. It was a compilation of pictures and videos of Ash and moments he had shared with everyone in the room, including absentees Iris and Cilan. Accompanied with it was a backing track of "Time of our Lives" by Tyrone Wells, which induced a fair few tears from everyone. As Clemont had made it and put a personal touch on it, the video ended with an adorable picture of the Kalos family at the Pledging Tree Festival, with Serena and Ash standing next to each other with their gifts. Like most pictures they had taken in Kalos, Serena was always noticeably much closer to Ash than she was to Bonnie and Clemont.

Ash hardly ever got emotional, but he would have to be pretty cold not to at least shed a little tear after watching the entirety of that video. His hat was pushed all the way down his eyes as he wiped a tear away underneath it and then lifted it back up.

'Thank you, Clemont. That must have taken you a while to make. I really appreciate it. Really brought back some great memories with all of you,' he said, looking around the room.

'No problem, Ash. And it really wasn't too much bother. I just asked everyone for their fondest moments with you and you know me and Science! The rest was easy.'

He tipped his glasses up and did his usual triumphant chuckle when he was proud of something he created.

'Still. To do all this on such short notice is amazing! Science is amazing! Thank you, everyone!'

Everyone clapped and hugged each other. And with that, the party finished and everyone headed back home or to the places they were staying at. Misty was the last to leave, rather begrudgingly and said an awkward goodbye to Ash and Serena. She absolutely hated that she wasn't the one staying with Ash tonight. On the other hand, Serena felt like the luckiest girl in all the regions and was pleased that Misty's "offer" hadn't tempted Ash. But she now knew that she wasn't the only one vying for Ash and his love. She figured that Ash must have always had other admirers, being such an eligible bachelor, but Misty seemed to be the biggest one. Bar herself, of course. No one could possibly love Ash as much and as long as she had. Misty was adamant the history they shared was strong, but Serena had literally known Ash since she was five! That surely counted for a lot more. She waved goodbye to Misty, smiling a little sarcastically at her as she trudged off. Ash shut the door and turned to Serena and sighed a huge sigh.

'Well, that's that then! Really wasn't expecting that. But I really do have great friends, don't I?'

'Yeah, they were all so nice and it was so interesting to learn all about them and what they all do. And it was so lovely to see Bonnie and Clemont again. They've definitely changed a lot and they seem to have really come a long way like us.'

Part of Serena wanted to talk about Misty more, but there wasn't much else she could say. She wasn't Ash's girlfriend or anything. Technically, it was none of her business and she shouldn't have even been eavesdropping in the first place. Plus, it hadn't affected her relationship with Ash at all, so it wasn't something that needed to be discussed further. She was just happy she was still with Ash.

'Yeah, everyone has changed. Some more than others… Not gonna lie, Brock really got me thinking about where I'm heading next in life… But anyway! It's been another long day!' Serena yawned in agreement.

'Yeah, you're right. Goodnight, Ash.'

'Night, Rena.'

They diverted over to their rooms and were both about to shut their doors, when Ash stopped and turned back.

'Hey, Rena. I know it's been a crazy couple of days and this all must feel a bit strange, but I have to know... Are you happy? Was this the right choice?'

Ash's lips quivered a little as the question left his tongue and he actually looked nervous for the answer. Serena could tell he was and wanted to quell his doubt straight away.

'Yes! I am! This is exactly where I want to be. As long as you're with me, of course.'

Ash's nerves evaporated into thin air and he took a deep breath.

'I'm always with you, Rena. Just promise me you'll tell me if you feel any different.'

'Of course, Ash. I promise.' Ash smiled in appreciation and looked relieved.

'Okay, thank you... Sleep well!' Ash gave her finger guns and headed back to his room.

'Sweet dreams!' called out Serena.

They both shut their doors. Serena changed into her pyjamas and climbed in bed, before wrapping herself up tight with her duvet covers. She closed her eyes and her lips curled.

'Love you,' she whispered as she fell asleep.