It was Friday afternoon as Ash found himself clock watching at work, feeling like time was ticking backwards. He had been working at the Daycare Center for a good month now and was getting rather good at his new job. He had finished all his tasks for the week and all the Pokemon were happy. So he waited patiently for the big hand to reach 12 and the little hand to reach 5. Sophie was watching too, not as eager to leave, but still keen to get home.

'Alright, you two can get off now. Well done on another great week's work. Enjoy your weekends,' said Professor Oak.

'Thanks, Professor. See you next week!' said Ash.

Ash rushed out of the center into a little jog, full of excitement and recalling the plan for the weekend, step by step in his head.

'Hey! Where are you off in such a rush to?' asked Sophie, trying to catch up with him.

Ash turned around and slowed down a little, but still jogged onwards.

'Oh, didn't I tell you? I'm going away to Kalos for the weekend!'

'Oh, why?'

'Well, it's my girlfriend's birthday tomorrow and she's originally from Kalos. So, I thought I'd take her there as a birthday surprise!'

'Oh, girlfriend?'

Ash had never mentioned a girlfriend before and Sophie almost looked a little disappointed at the mention of it. She had been subtly flirting around him for the past couple weeks and Ash hadn't even noticed once, but now it made a little more sense to Sophie. Ash and Serena were practically celebrities (albeit not very famous ones), but hadn't gone public or anything, so nobody other than their closest friends knew they were even together. They preferred to keep it all private away from the prying press.

'Yeah? Have I never mentioned her before?' Sophie shook her head. 'Oh, well. I'm sure you would have heard of her. Serena Durand? Kanto Queen?'

'Oh. I might have done, yeah…'

'Well, I've gotta get going. Got a plane to catch! See you next week, Sophie!'

Ash dashed off and wasted no time getting back home. When he arrived, Serena was already packed and waiting for him. He had told her he was taking her somewhere for the weekend, but he hadn't said where exactly. That was a surprise. Ash rushed in and quickly kissed Serena and went straight to his room to collect his luggage. He had it all ready too and dragged it back out with him.

'Right! Are you ready, babe?'

'Yeah, I've been ready all day! But I'd still like to have some idea where exactly we're going?'

'Ah, now! Come on, Rena! That would spoil it! And anyway, you'll find out when we get to the airport!' Serena sighed.

'Okay. I'm trusting you, Ash!'

'Don't worry, Rena. You're gonna love it! Just make sure you've got your passport!'

'I've got it!' Serena waved it about and put it back in her bag.

'Okay! Well, let's go then. Gotta be there by quarter to six!'

Ash and Serena said goodbye to Delia and rushed off to the airport. The good thing was, it wasn't too far from Pallet and they managed to get there with time to spare. As they entered the boarding gate, Serena overheard the announcement of the destination of the plane and gasped.

'Kalos! We're going to Kalos?!' Ash could barely contain his excitement at her finding out.

'Yep! Surprised? I mean, I would have preferred if I could have really surprised you when we got there... but yeah! I thought you'd like it. I can tell you're missing home and your mum.'

'Oh, Ash! That's so sweet of you to think of! I really have been homesick, so this is perfect!'

She hugged him. Ash hugged her back, but was conscious of the time.

'You're welcome! But as much as I'm enjoying this hug, we need to board now! Like right now!'

'Oh, right! Yes, of course!'

They walked through the runway and boarded the plane. Once they were safely strapped in, Serena couldn't contain her excitement either. She had to know more and asked several questions, one after the other. Ash just shook his head and wagged his finger.

'Nuh uh, babe. You're gonna have to wait and see! I have a few things planned, but it's a BIG birthday surprise! So my lips are sealed. Okay?'

He mimicked zipping his mouth up and laughed. Serena pouted and tried to probe it some more, but ultimately gave up after the first half an hour of the flight. A couple hours later, they had fallen asleep, with Serena resting her head against Ash's. The day had caught up on them and they managed to get in a few good hours of sleep before touching down at midnight. They yawned and carried their luggage out of the plane, into the same airport where they had their first kiss - or rather Serena kissed Ash. (But now they were together, it could be seen as their first kiss anyway).

'So, I know you said everything was a surprise but… I would kind of like to know where we're staying? I mean, my mum would probably let us stay around hers…'

'No need, babe! I've got something better sorted!'

'Oh, you have?'

'Of course! You didn't think I'd bring you all the way here and not plan a birthday weekend to remember for my Queen?' Ash looked back at her and winked.

'Oh, well I suppose not. You really didn't have to though, Ash.'

'What do you mean! Of course I did! Now shut up and follow me!'

Serena laughed and did as she was told. They didn't have to walk too far across Lumiose City to their living quarters for the weekend. Serena welcomed the sight of the Lumiose Tower and even though she had seen it many times before, she was very happy to see it again. And it looked just as beautiful as ever in the French night sky. Then Ash suddenly stopped and Serena bumped into him, as she was too distracted by the home comforts coming back to her.

'We're here!' announced Ash.

Serena looked confused. How could they be there already? They only walked a few kilometres. And then Serena got her answer when she fixed her focus on what they were standing at the entrance of. Serena stared in disbelief. She babbled something.

'Will this do, my Queen?' asked Ash cheekily.

'But-but. This is the fanciest hotel in Lumiose City! How could you have possibly afforded it?'

'Oh well, I still have quite a bit of prize money left, don't I! And I did get my first paycheck from Professor Oak the other week! So it's really not a problem. Are you happy with it?'

'Happy with it?! Of course I am! Oh, Ash! You are the best boyfriend ever!' She kissed him and balanced on one leg, putting the other in the air and holding onto him tight.

Serena would have been happy if they just camped out or stayed at a Pokemon Center like the old days, but this was really sprinkling some pizazz on their trip. She felt spoiled!

'Well, I'm not really great with romance… but Brock said to do something you'd really love and something that would mean something to you. Something big. And I knew this would be pretty big! So… Happy Birthday, Rena!'

'Wow, I don't know what to say… I just love y-'

Serena quickly stopped herself from finishing that sentence and thought better of it. It was still too soon.

'You love…?'

'Oh, I just love Lumiose city of course!' said Serena, laughing nervously.

'Aw, me too. It's one of the most beautiful cities I've been to for sure… but c'mon! Let's check in now, yeah?' Serena squealed with delight.

'Oh, yes! Yes! Yes!'

They checked in and unpacked all their stuff. The hotel room itself was top of the range and was like they had their own mini apartment for the weekend, complete with an en-suite bathroom. There wasn't much time to fully appreciate it however, as tiredness crept up on them once again and they slumped on to the bed. It wasn't long until they were fast asleep after that.

The next morning, they awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside. Ash turned over to Serena and grinned excitedly.

'Today's the day!' He leapt out of bed way too quickly, to Serena's surprise.

'Hey! Come back! It's my birthday and I want a morning cuddle with my baby,' pouted Serena.

'Aww. Sorry, Rena! I'll have to owe it to you later. There's far too much to do today! I've planned out the whole day for you! It's gonna be fun!'

'Hmm, okay. Promise you'll cuddle me later?' said Serena, with puppy dog eyes.

'Of course! Whatever the birthday girl wants! But first I'm gonna get a shower real quick. Order whatever you like for breakfast from room service. You know I'll eat anything and it's all paid for already, so order whatever you want and as much as you like!'

'Oh, okay thanks!' Ash came over and kissed her cheek.

'This is gonna be the best day. Just sit back and relax, okay.'

They smiled at each other lovingly and then Ash rushed off to the en-suite bathroom. Serena switched on the TV to see what was happening in the beautiful region of Kalos today. It was quite surreal to be back home after everything she had been through with Ash over the last couple years. She loved living with Ash and she'd grown to love Kanto as a new home, but she still had so much love for Kalos. She figured that there'd be other chances to come back to Kalos again in the future. Yet, she was still happy, regardless of whether she would get to come back or not. Her true home at heart was with Ash at the end of the day. Serena was following a news report about a showcase competition that was taking place later today in the city, when she noticed Ash had left his towel hanging on a rack.

Serena pondered on it for a bit, then she quickly threw the bed covers off and took the towel off the rack. But then she hesitated again for a second. If Ash didn't have a towel, maybe he'd come out naked, she immediately fantasised in her head. She smirked at the thought of it. What a lovely birthday present that would be. Would Ash actually do that though? Probably not, she concluded. He'd probably just shout for it. He still wasn't ready yet as far as Serena knew. She shrugged and reluctantly made her way over to the en-suite and slowly creaked the door open. Her head peeked through gingerly and she gasped at what she saw.

Through the steam of the shower, Serena's eyes followed up Ash's long toned legs, to his perfectly shaped bum, to his manly broad back. Serena bit her lip and groaned as he washed his hair and got himself wet all over. Why did he have to be so goddamn fit and irresistible? She stared a little ferally for a while, almost in a state of disbelief at how sexy his naked body was, but then he suddenly began to turn around. Serena panicked and quickly threw the towel into the bathtub, next to the shower and turned her head back behind the door. She completely freaked out, thinking Ash may have seen her and got startled. But Ash really had no idea she was even there and started humming a tune unknowingly. Phew. Serena would have loved to have been bestowed with the whole package and seen the front too, but she wasn't sure Ash would have appreciated her peeping on him like that.

Serena sat down and had to take a breather on the bed. Ash had literally taken her breath away in seconds. And it was so totally unexpected. She couldn't stop thinking about what she had seen, but decided she should order something to eat to take her mind off it. She could easily have Ash for breakfast right now and join him in the shower, but she had to respect his boundaries. At least until he was ready for that kind of thing… Serena shook the thought away and decided to order some croissants and pancakes.

Five minutes later, Ash came out of the bathroom with his towel wrapped around him. He did wonder for a second how the towel got in the bathtub, but quickly dismissed the thought. Ash had more important things on his mind.

'Your turn, Rena. And hurry! I've got a few surprises lined up for you today! So there's no time to waste!'

'Oh, okay. I'll go now then. But I've just ordered some food though. So listen out for it, will you?'

'Of course! I'll have it all ready for you when you come out.'

Serena smiled and thanked him. Then she took her towel and clothes for the day with her into the en-suite.

Some time later, they were washed and dressed and the food had arrived. Then once they had eaten, Ash hurriedly whisked Serena out of the hotel and towards her first surprise. He guided her into the city center and headed towards a coffee shop. Then Ash stopped and simply just stood back and smiled at her with crossed arms. Serena looked confused.

'So… what's the surprise then?'

Ash just directed his head towards the coffee shop and looked smug. Serena still wasn't getting it. What was so special about a coffee shop? She examined it thoroughly and then her eyes widened when she realised she'd missed the obvious. People were drinking coffee outside and right at the front of the shop, was someone reading a newspaper that Serena had not seen for over half a year.

'Mumma!' she shouted, rushing over to her. Grace turned her head and put the newspaper down. She smiled and got up to hug her daughter.

'Took you long enough to notice I was here,' joked Grace. 'Happy birthday, honey!'

'Well, when Ash said he had a surprise for me, it didn't expect it to be you! But I'm so happy to see you again, mumma!'

'Me too. And yes, this was all Ash's doing. He asked me to meet you here for your birthday last week and there was no way I was missing a chance to see my little girl again.'

'Aww, thank you mumma!' They hugged again and then Grace looked over at Ash.

'Now, Ash. I hope you've kept your promise and have been looking after my daughter well?'

'Of course, Grace! My mum and I have helped her settle into Pallet Town. And I've even got a job now!'

'Oh! Nice! The Pokemon Daycare Center job I presume?' Ash nodded.

'Well, I'm impressed. You've really matured a lot, Ash. And I can see why Serena likes you so much.' She paused. 'I just have one question…' Ash listened attentively. 'How serious is the relationship now?' Ash was about to answer, but then Serena answered for him.

'Well, it's still early days, mumma. But we're planning for a future together, right babe?'

'Yeah, I'll admit that I've needed to take things slow at first. I mean, I've never been in a relationship before… But what Serena and I have is strong. Strong enough to last. And I want nothing more than to be with her and make a life with her. So, yes. We are planning a future together. Definitely.'

Grace took a moment to process it with an emotionless expression on her face, but then she nodded and smiled in satisfaction.

'Well, it has only been 7 months and it's better not rush these things. So I completely understand where you're currently at. And as long as you're happy Serena, I'm happy. You two seem to be on the right track anyway.'

'Oh, yes! I couldn't be happier, mumma! Ash is my world and I'm his.'

Serena kissed him in front of her mum for the first time. It was a little odd for Grace to see at first, but she could tell they were genuine and her motherly instincts were telling her that her daughter was in very good hands.

'Well, I'm satisfied then. And I've never known anyone to make Serena as happy as you, Ash. So, please keep it up as much as you can!'

'Aw, well I'll always do everything I can to be the best boyfriend possible,' reassured Ash. He held on to Serena's hand under the table and patted it.

Grace nodded in approval and motioned for them to sit down. They all sat down at the table and had a long talk to catch up properly. Grace was obviously particularly interested in what was next for Serena. She always wanted the best for her and couldn't help but be a little concerned that she still hadn't figured out her next step in life yet. But she still had every faith in her to find further success and today wasn't the day to worry about it. Serena deserved to enjoy her day care-free. After their chat, Grace and Serena headed into the busier end of the city centre. Ash had to dash off somewhere and promised he would be back as soon as he could. Meanwhile, Grace treated Serena to some birthday presents, including an expensive new blue dress.

Now lunchtime was fast approaching, it was time for Ash's second surprise of the day. While Grace and Serena were shopping, Ash had been preparing something. He returned as promised and met Grace and Serena by a park bench.

'Okay! Are you ready for your second surprise of the day now, Rena?' asked Ash.

He got excited and clapped his hands together. Serena nodded enthusiastically.

'Alright! Well, this one's gonna be a big one! So, I'm going to tie a blindfold around your eyes, okay?'

'Umm, okay.' Ash carefully wrapped it around her eyes and made sure she couldn't see.

'Now, grab my hand. You can trust me.'

'Okay. I trust you, babe.'

Ash guided her further into the park, with Grace following closely behind. Serena heard a few whispers and hushes and then she felt Ash's hands taking the blindfold off.

'SURPRISE!' shouted Ash and Grace.

As Serena's eyes adjusted to the light, she saw two very familiar blonde siblings first. Bonnie and Clemont stood out in front, with more friends behind them. Shauna, Tierno and Trevor had all made a special effort to come too. And laid out in front of them was a picnic and a few balloons and banners. Bonnie was first to approach Serena.

'Happy birthday, Serena!' said Bonnie. She came over to hug her and Ash.

'Aww, thank you, Bonnie.' Serena had noticed she looked even taller again this time. 'Have you got taller again?' Bonnie nodded happily. 'Oh, you just don't stop growing, do you? You'll be taller than me soon!' she joked.

'Hehe, maybe! But I really am growing up! Aren't I, big brother?' Clemont nodded proudly. 'I'm actually a Pokemon Trainer now too! Right, Dedenne?'

Serena and Bonnie looked down at Dedenne in Bonnie's pouch, who happily nuzzled Bonnie in response. Serena smiled.

'Oh, wow! That's wonderful, Bonnie! Congratulations!'

'Thank you!'

Ash said his congratulations too and ruffled her hair like a proud dad. Then everyone else came over to wish her happy birthday as well and then they all sat down to begin the picnic. There was a nice variety of food to eat, from sandwiches, to fruit, to sweet and savoury things. Everyone had brought some food to contribute so there was plenty to go around.

'So, who's idea was all of this then?' asked Serena, looking very curious.

'Well, who do you think?' answered Grace, smiling broadly.

Serena looked around at everyone and then she saw Ash smiling smugly again.

'Oh, of course! I should have known!'

'Yep. All my idea, Rena! I told you, I've planned everything! I want this birthday weekend to be perfect.'

'Aww. Well, I'm loving it so far, babe! Now come give me a kiss.'

Ash complied happily, but did feel slightly awkward as this was the first time kissing in front of their friends. And they did stare a little, as they were a bit stunned at the sight of it. Bonnie and Clemont in particular would never have thought they would have ever seen it, always knowing Ash to be quite oblivious to Serena's affections for him. But Ash had changed so much since they had travelled together, so everyone just had to get up to speed with it. Bonnie was still absolutely delighted though and had always wanted them to get together. Clemont was more indifferent to it, however and was just happy his friends were happy.

Once everyone had got used to Ash and Serena actually being a proper couple now, they continued to eat and catch up with one another. There were lots of questions about their relationship of course and talk of what everyone was currently up to was a popular topic of conversation too. When everyone had finished eating, Serena remembered that she had some macaroons in her bag. She figured it would make the perfect dessert for the occasion and offered them out to everyone. But she hesitated in giving one to Ash and decided to have a bit of fun first. She teased him and waved one around him, making him want it more.

'Aw, no! Come on, Rena! You know I can't get enough of your macaroons! Let me have it! Pleeeeease!' he pleaded.

'Hehe, okay! But only if you let me feed it to you.' Ash laughed.

'Sure. Whatever the birthday girl wants,' he said in a slow voice.

Serena smirked and got up. Ash looked at her with a confused expression.

'Er… what are you doing, Rena?'

'Well, the birthday girl wants to sit on your lap to feed you.' Serena giggled mischievously.

'Er, okay…' Ash was a little unsure of doing this in front of everyone, but he couldn't really say no. Especially as Serena was so eager to.

Serena sat on his lap and began to feed the macaroon to him slowly. To Ash's surprise, he actually really enjoyed it and didn't feel awkward at all anymore. He let the moment just happen organically. The way to Ash's heart was always through food, after all. And from the first time Serena gave Ash a batch of her macaroons, he had become very fond of her indeed. The only difference between then and now, was that she was his girlfriend now. A girlfriend feeding him delicious treats. Life couldn't get much better than that for Ash.

After the picnic was finished and everything was packed away, Grace needed to get back home to the Rhyhorn and was the first to leave. She gave Serena a hug and kiss and said her goodbyes. Then Tierno and Trevor left not long after. Whereas, Shauna opted to stay behind and have a girl talk with Serena, while Bonnie and Clemont stayed too and talked to Ash about his new job. They decided to walk and talk back to the hotel, as they all took a stroll around the city together. Shauna was particularly interested in the juicy details of how Ash and Serena made the transition from friends to lovers over time and let her curiosity get the better of her.

'So, you finally got him after six years! It must feel like a dream!' gushed Shauna.

'Haha, yeah. You could say that, Shauna. And honestly, I might not have confessed to him if you hadn't told me to stop wasting time and just do it, so thank you for that.'

'Aw, no. Don't mention it! I'm just happy it all worked out for you two!'

'No, really. Thank you! But yeah, it really has... I mean, it's been 7 months now, so everything is really starting to feel like it's piecing together now. We're both serious about each other and I can definitely see a future together with him. It's just a matter of patience really. And I'm sure I'll figure out what I'm going to do next soon too.'

Shauna nodded and was content that her best friend was so happy. But she still had a few pressing questions. She wasted no time in getting to the point too.

'So… would you say you're both in love then?'

Serena stopped in her tracks for a second and looked a little tongue tied for a second. Then she continued walking and chuckled a little.

'Well, you know I've been in love with him for a long time already. But I'm not sure Ash is yet…'

'Ohhhh. Have you not said the L word yet?' Serena shook her head.

'No… I mean, it almost slipped out of my mouth a few times, but I just don't know if Ash is ready for it yet. And I don't know how he'd even react.'

'I get that, Serena. But it has to be said sometime. And you should feel comfortable saying it or anything really for that matter, after 7 months.'

'I know, I know. I just don't want to scare him away, you know? Ash is already an amazing boyfriend and he's really learnt a lot about romance and how to treat a girl recently and is getting better and better by the day… So I just don't want to ruin that by rushing him into things he's not comfortable with yet.'

'What do you mean things he's not comfortable with?'

Serena looked over at Ash quickly, who was none the wiser to what they were talking about and deep in conversation. Serena still made a conscious effort to talk quieter though.

'Well… The thing is, we haven't quite done certain things yet…' Shauna raised an eyebrow in interest.

'Certain things?'

'Well, we've done all the basic things. Like kissing, making out, cuddling, getting handsy… but we haven't…'

'Had sex?'

Shauna was always quick to the mark with these sorts of things and Serena was thankful for it, so she didn't have to say it herself.

'E-exactly…'

'Well, I can't say I've ever had that problem with past boyfriends. They've always been very eager to get in my pants, as you know!' They both laughed.

'I know! But I guess Ash is just different like that. He's never been the type that's just after one thing and he used to be incredibly dense about girls in general anyway… But I think he definitely wants to have sex with me. That's not the problem. He's just a little shy about it, I suppose... I mean, there was one night where he really wasn't his usual dense self and he made it pretty clear he wanted me. And it really felt like he wanted to go all the way right there and then. But nothing happened past touching.'

Serena made sure not to mention the personal details of the outcome, out of respect for Ash. She had said enough there to get some clarity on it from Shauna.

'Well, he's definitely really into you then, Serena. I think some boys are just different and actually need time before jumping into bed straight away.'

'Yeah, Ash is definitely a very different kind of guy. And I love him for that. But I just wish he'd take the fucking shackles off and fuck me already!' said Serena, frustratingly.

Shauna took a step back and looked at Serena in awe. She couldn't believe she had just said that. Her mouth was wide open in shock, but it quickly turned into a wide grin and then they were both in fits of giggles.

'Oh mon dieu! Serena Durand! Someone's a little horny, huh?' she teased, nudging her playfully.

'Shh! No. No. Well. I mean. A woman has needs… And I want him badly. So, yes. Maybe a little.'

Serena rolled her eyes and sighed, a little surprised at herself that she admitted it so easily. But she could really tell Shauna anything, so she didn't mind much.

'Here here, sister! Not just a little though. You're absolutely gagging for it, girl!'

Serena was a little taken aback by how witty that comment was, but she was used to Shauna's directness by now. And she certainly couldn't deny it.

'I mean, yeah… Can you blame me? I've been waiting a long time for it! And hey, it's my birthday! Which means I may or may not have thought about us doing it tonight… A girl can dream anyway…'

They both looked over briefly at Ash and laughed again and linked arms, as if they were walking home drunk together. Drunk on giggles. Ash, Bonnie and Clemont looked across at them in bewilderment. But they just kept giggling.

'Here's hoping it happens tonight, girl!' whispered and squealed Shauna, in Serena's ear.

'Well you never know! And I might have something that could help…'

'Oh, what's that then?'

'Well, I bought a new dress earlier. One that doesn't leave much to the imagination and will show Ash everything he's missing out on,' Serena whispered back and winked.

'Ooooh! He won't stand a chance!'

Serena was glad she finally had someone to talk to about her deep desires and needs. It was just so relieving that Shauna was there and she could have a laugh about it with her, without any judgement.

'So, how's your love life then, Shauna? Any new boys on the block? There must be a long line after how well you did at the Indigo Plateau Showcase!'

Shauna looked at her as if to say "I thought you'd never ask." She spent the next ten minutes or so, nattering on endlessly about this new guy she had been seeing, until they found themselves standing at the hotel entrance. Bonnie and Clemont said their goodbyes and headed back home, which was only round the corner for them of course. Then Shauna gave Serena a big hug and wished her luck with her sexual hopes with Ash. She even gave her a few seduction tips (having already engaged in a few sexual relationships herself before) and then she too was on her way. Now it was just Ash and Serena again.

'So, what next, handsome? Any more surprises?' asked Serena.

She leant on Ash's shoulder and looked up at him.

'Well, my queen…' began Ash. He started to play with Serena's hair and gazed down at her fondly. 'I'm taking you out tonight. And let's just say, I've made a very important reservation…'

'Hmm. I'll make sure to look my best then...' Serena lifted her head up off his shoulder and kissed him. 'But what time are we going? A girl needs time to look good, you know.' Ash chuckled.

'Oh, please. You already look good. But it's booked for eight. And the time now is…' He checked his watch. '5.30. So we have some time. What do you want to do until then?'

'Hmmm.' Serena tapped her chin. 'Well you do owe me a cuddle from this morning. So we could start with that… Sound good to you?'

'Sounds perfect.'

Ash and Serena walked through the entrance lobby and headed back up to their hotel room.