Four years later, everything changed. Literally and figuratively. The age had shown the most and more so on Ash, as he was now growing some facial hair. Ash and Serena were now nearing their mid 20s and still going very strong. They'd celebrated their five-year anniversary in the spring and now it was heading into the winter months, Christmas and the eve of another year together. A lot had remained the same however, as they hadn't changed much as people and their relationship was pretty much the same as it was four years ago, if not better. The major and most noticeable difference being where they found themselves waking up today.

They had just signed the lease and moved into a new house; their own house. Everything had been moved in and set up the day before. It would take time to make the house a home, but this was such a big milestone in their lives. The only thing left to do was to christen the rooms and make the most of having their own privacy. But that could come later. For now, they were just trying to get used to the big move. As was Delia, who was still balling her eyes out back at Pallet. Even more so because Ash and Serena were considerably further away from her now. To Delia's relief, they had decided to stay in Kanto at least. But they'd now upgraded to the fancier side of the region. Since their trip there for their first Valentine's, they had become rather fond of Celadon City, so the aim for the past couple years had always been to live there. And they had finally achieved it.

Work wasn't a problem either, as Serena transferred to the larger bakery in Celadon, while Ash now had designs on something a lot more ambitious than the Pokemon Daycare Center. For the meantime, Ash was working a temporary job at the Celadon Gym. Serena was slowly making progress too, towards her Showcase School dream no less. But they both had to be patient. Life just couldn't be rushed. And they felt nothing but pride that possibly their biggest and most important goal had now been accomplished. Ash and Serena were not just a couple, they were each other's family. And a family begins with a family home after all.

Ash was tightly hugging onto Serena from behind, with his hand around her waist, as they both stirred awake. They yawned.

'Morning, Rena.'

'Morning, Ash.'

Ash let go of Serena and got up to stretch. Serena followed soon after and then they looked around their new bedroom and then back at each other. A gradual smile formed on both of their faces, as they laughed in disbelief that they had finally actually moved into a dream home together.

'So. How are you feeling, Rena? Good?'

'Well, yeah! I am! I'm just still processing it all! I mean it still needs some sprucing up and some personal adjustments. But I can really see a future for us here...' She put a hand on Ash's chest and Ash put his hand on hers.

'Aw, me too. Now, let me make you some breakfast!'

Ash got up and headed straight for their new kitchen. When he was done making breakfast, he saw Serena in the living room, waiting for him in her nightgown.

'Grub's up, babe!'

'Oh thanks, babe.'

They turned on the TV and ate their food in deep contemplation, of what was awaiting them in this new exciting part of their lives. But then Serena frowned.

'Hey! I just realised something!'

'What?' asked Ash, sipping some morning coffee.

'We have NO Christmas decorations! Nothing at all! We have to go out and buy some! NOW! Before they're all sold out!' panicked Serena. Ash chuckled.

'Okay, okay! We'll go right after I finish my coffee.'

Ash and Serena got washed and dressed quickly, not forgetting to wrap up warm before they went. The temperature had dropped massively over the last week, so it was imperative. They wrapped scarves around themselves and insulated their heads and hands with gloves and woolly hats. Ash grabbed Serena's hand and then they were off to the mega store. They spent the best part of the morning and early afternoon shopping for decorations, while Christmas songs played through the store speakers. Michael Buble's "Baby Please Come Home" was playing first, as they began their shop. By the end of it, their trolley was full of tinsel, baubles, ornaments, lights, ceiling decorations and a lovely large festive wreath. The only thing left to get was the main symbol of Christmas. A Christmas tree. Ash headed over to them first, but just as Serena was wheeling her trolley away to join him, something caught her eye. In a box of ornaments were two Luvdisc at the back, intertwined together like two turtle doves. Serena leaned her head forwards and admired them. They were so adorable that she just had to have them and picked them up too.

Meanwhile, Ash was at the back of the store, calling out for Serena to come quickly. He had found a suitable Christmas tree that would look the part in their new home. A nice seven-footer with plenty of branches and a wide berth.

'Over here, Rena! Over here!' he motioned frantically.

'Okay! I'm coming!'

Ash pointed excitedly at the tree he'd chosen and really wanted Serena's approval for it. She took one look at it and gasped a little.

'Well, it's a little pricey… but it's perfect!' Good choice, babe!'

'Fantastic! Let's get this all home then.'

Ash carried the tree to the checkout, along with the rest of the products in the trolley. Serena suddenly felt all warm and fuzzy inside as Ash offered to pack the bags, while Serena waited by the store exit. This was truly what it meant to have a domestic lifestyle with the love of your life. She'd dreamt of it many times growing up and as she got older and especially after she met Ash again. Then the dreams only became more specific with Ash at the centre of them. And they were coming true now. Ash heaved the Christmas tree up onto his shoulders and carried a couple bags. Despite his muscular build from all the workouts he did, Serena couldn't let him carry everything and took the rest of the bags. Ash protested a little and said he could handle it, but Serena shook her head.

'Nuh uh. Absolutely not!' Ash chuckled.

'What?'

'Oh, nothing… This all just feels so… surreal, you know? Just looking back on the day I asked you to come back with me to Pallet, to where we are now… It's crazy! But it feels so good!'

Serena smiled as they began to walk down the road back home.

'Oh, I know! It's a good thing we stayed together, huh?'

She winked and Ash felt a warm feeling in his heart, despite the temperature being minus one Fahrenheit. Going out shopping together was a pleasant experience, but it was far too cold to be out for long, so they rushed home as quickly as they could. And with good reason too, as it began to snow heavily all of a sudden. Thankfully, they were close to home now and would be warm and toasty soon. Serena got their fresh new set of keys out of her coat pocket and opened the door. She stepped inside, with Ash carrying the tree in carefully behind her. Serena shut the door for Ash and they dumped their shopping on the floor. The trip had taken the life out of them, so they needed a sit down before they did anything else.

They still felt very cold though, so Ash quickly put the heating on and switched their elegant electric fireplace on too. The house really was state of the art and well earned after four years of hard work. Of course they were lucky to have such a good head start with their collective prize money winnings, but if any couple deserved this, it was surely them. Ash and Serena put on matching Christmas jumpers and cuddled up by the fireplace to warm up. Serena put the TV on and then after some rest time, Ash leapt up. He never rested for long.

'Hot drink?'

'Oh, yes please! I'd love some hot chocolate.'

'Okay. Coming right up, my queen!'

Serena giggled to herself. He didn't say it often, but still being called "my queen" by her boyfriend after all this time still gave her butterflies to this day. Her showcase win felt like a distant memory now, but it was one she'd never forget, because it was the day everything changed. Ash returned with two hot drinks five minutes later, as they sat down with them and chugged the brown liquid down their throats, taking away any remaining chill. They were feeling pretty cosy and a little bit lazy now, but work still had to be done. So they unpacked the bags and took all the Christmas decorations out, (including the tree) out of their packaging. They had a job on their hands alright. But thankfully they had a whole weekend to do it, before having to return to work.

Ash got started straight away with setting up the tree, whilst Serena fiddled about with some of the smaller items and organised everything. Once Ash had set the tree up, they put lights and tinsel on it first, before discussing where the ornaments should be placed on the tree. It took them a good hour or so to finally be happy with the way their tree looked, with a few disagreements. But they eventually compromised and ended up with a very well-decorated tree. There were a few more things to add yet though. Serena peered back in the box of ornaments and saw the Luvdisc and an angel doll. She smiled and picked up the Luvdisc first, showing them to Ash eagerly.

'Hey, babe. I thought these would look cute on the tree. Sort of like a symbol of our love together… Le piece de resistance? Non? What do you think?'

Serena held one up against the tree. Ash smiled and picked up the other half. Then he connected it with Serena's half.

'Oh. I love these, babe. Let's put them on together, yeah?'

Serena nodded. They didn't take their eyes off each other, as they hooked them onto a branch nearer the top of the tree. It took center stage, as they looked at their new beautiful Christmas tree together, rounded off by their own version of the traditional turtle doves in 12 days of Christmas. They looked back at each other and leaned in close for a long and sloppy tender kiss. Then they both stood back and put each other's arms around each other.

'It's perfect. Just like you, Rena.' Serena chuckled.

'Your flirting skills still haven't improved much after four years, you know!'

'Hey! I'm still learning! Five years with you has been amazing, but I still have things to work on.'

'You do. But you're still perfect to me too, baby... But no. The tree isn't perfect. Not yet…'

'Oh? It's not?'

Serena shook her head and went back to the box for the last finishing touch. The angel.

'Ah! Of course! I forgot about her!' Serena smiled.

'I want to put her on. Help me up, please?'

'Of course, my queen.'

Ash picked her up by her waist and lifted her up to the very tip of the tree. Serena carefully placed the angel on top and then the true magic of Christmas sparkled through their new home. When she was satisfied with its positioning, she asked Ash to put her back down. He lowered her to the floor, but he didn't let go. He didn't want to. Not now she was in his arms so invitingly. His hands were firmly grasped around her love handles and in that moment, he wanted more than just a kiss. It was quite rare Ash got these sorts of desires. Most of the time, Serena was the one with something naughty on her mind. But Ash initiated things first this time. His whole entire body seemed to be under an uncontrollable power, that made him boisterous and full of lust. Just as that stifling night in June. He just had to have her all of a sudden. Right then and there. He flipped Serena around to face him, catching her unawares and making her squeal a little.

'W-what are you doing, Ash?'

Ash let his actions speak louder and pulled her up against him. Serena had no idea what was going through his mind, but let Ash do whatever he wanted with her. Then her eyes widened in surprise as he forced his lips against hers quite hard. She muffled something and then the muffles turned into moans, as her eyelids drooped down in pleasure. The unexpected pleasure only got better moments later, when Ash's hands went exploring up and down Serena's body.

Serena could count on her fingers the amount of times Ash did something like this in the whole time they were together. So even though she wasn't feeling particularly in the mood for this right now, she couldn't deny to herself how hot it was that Ash needed her so badly, so spontaneously. It had always been a big turn on for her for Ash to take charge too and even better, when she was least expecting it. So she quickly found herself getting right in the mood for it. She wasn't sure exactly how far this was going, but she was prepared to give herself up for him in any way he desired, as of right this second. And then Serena knew exactly what he wanted when he cheekily squeezed her bum and spanked it. Serena giggled.

'Oh, you naughty boy!'

Ash gave her a mischievous, but commanding look, which screamed "I'm gonna do far more than just that to you." It was so hot that it made Serena lose her breath and something quiver down in her pants. Serena figured it was her turn now and bit back. She started to lower her hand down Ash and rub his crotch delicately. Then the kissing suddenly stopped, as Ash pulled away, with a string of saliva drooling down both their lips. They wiped it away and stared at each other intensely.

'I think it's time we really made this into our home now, if you get my meaning…'

Serena looked excited at what he was suggesting. They still had to finish the decorating and put up the ceiling decorations, but that was the last thing on their minds right now.

'Oh, yes I do. And you can take me whenever you're ready, sir.'

Serena Ash walked over to the sofa and laid herself out, looking at Ash like an obedient schoolgirl, awaiting instructions.

'You call the shots tonight, daddy. I'm all yours. Whatever. You. Want,' she said seductively.

Ash chuckled confidently and made his way over to her slowly, keeping her well on her toes. Whenever they had a scintillating night together, it was always very romantic (which was never disappointing in any way for Serena) and she always enjoyed it, but Serena had always been craving something a little more rough. And she saw something in Ash's eyes glinting strongly as he got on top of her, that got her adrenaline pumping fast. She could seriously be in for the ride of her life tonight, one she may not even be ready for. Ash never looked this determined before to have her. There was a fire in his eyes, just as the blazing fireplace next to them. And Ash never looked so damn sexy to Serena before. He was practically too hot to handle right now. The kissing and touching quickly resumed on the sofa, until Ash got up and lifted his jumper over him and pulled his pants down. Serena undressed herself as quickly as she could too. She didn't want to keep her man waiting and she couldn't wait herself.

Ash was about to get back on the sofa with her, but then noticed a blanket on the chair next to it. He picked it up and laid it out on the floor, next to the fireplace. Then without saying any words, he picked up Serena again, getting an even louder squeal this time.

'Damn, Ash. I like this side of you. Let it all out, baby.'

Serena winked, while Ash just grunted and continued to get what he wanted. The setting was still very romantic though and Ash made sure Serena was comfortable as always, but that didn't mean he was going to hold back. Tonight was going to be different. The gentle romance would always be there between them, but now it was just all about a man and woman going at it to their very limit, until they both reached climax and saw heaven. They both engaged in the foreplay they would usually do, gearing themselves up for a hotly anticipated bump and grind. But Serena really had no idea just what was up Ash's sleeve, just like his battling style. And she absolutely loved not knowing, as it was making her wetter than she'd ever been before. It was time to find out now. No more teasing. Serena leant forward and watched Ash's every move, as he hovered it between her legs and found her entrance with the tip touching it.

'You ready, Rena?'

'Oh, oui. Just fuck me now, Ash. I need it!'

Ash nodded and slammed himself into her. Serena winced a bit at the force of it hitting her, but then she threw her head back in pleasure and jumped on the ride full speed ahead. A rhythmic, aggressive pounding began inside her and sent tingles and sensations throughout her entire body…

An hour later (after a few unrelenting rounds of going at it), Ash and Serena had burned themselves out and fell asleep by the fireplace. The only thing protecting their modesty was the thin small blanket they used to have sex on. Some hours later, Ash awoke in the middle of the night at 3am. He looked over at Serena and smiled. She was well and truly out of it. Ash didn't think he had it in him, but he really did take her to pound town tonight. She was so sore by the end of it, but a good sore. Ash did worry at times he might have been too rough. He still loved the girl after all and they'd never done it so intensely before. But Serena loved every second of it and insisted she was just fine. More than fine even. Ash smirked cockily as he thought back to what he did to her earlier. Serena wasn't the only one satisfied. Ash had never got so much of a rush and the feeling of finally letting loose was indescribable. It was like one of his workouts or Pokemon battles, but so much better. If he was a Pokemon Master, he was definitely slowly becoming a master at stimulating Serena. It didn't take much though, in truth. Even Ash just penetrating her got her wet and pretty quick at that. But by the time they were done, it always took it out of them. And Ash was still feeling it, as he woke up extremely thirsty and quite achy.

Ash carefully rolled the blanket off him, being cautious not to wake Serena. It would take a lot to wake her up right now in all honesty though, as her singing body recovered from a hard thrashing. Ash put his boxers back on and walked over to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water. As he chugged it down, he still couldn't stop thinking about it all. Sex had never really been that important to Ash before. Serena was definitely the more needier of the two when it came to matters of sexual urges. Ash's sex drive was only half as rampant as hers. He probably wouldn't get this horny again for at least another week. But that didn't mean he still wasn't eager and curious about what else they could do next time. He chugged more water down, thinking about the things they had tried, which to this point was mainly vanilla. There were so many other things to try together and Ash was technically still discovering his kinks. So there was certainly more fun to be had on future love-making nights.

Ash finished drinking his water and walked back in the front room. He didn't quite fancy sleeping on the floor anymore, as he clicked his back in a creaky stretch. But he couldn't leave Serena there on her own, so he brushed the blanket off her and gently bent down to pick her up bridal style. She stirred a little as he lifted her into his arms and murmured something. Ash looked down at her and saw she was actually smiling in her sleep. He really did make her happy in so many ways, to the point where even her dreams were pleasant because of him. Ash smiled back down at her and carried her to their bedroom. He placed her down on the bed and wrapped the covers around her. Serena continued smiling and rubbed her hand on Ash's arm subconsciously, as if to say "Thank you."

'You're welcome, baby. Sleep tight.'

He kissed her forehead. Ash was still tired himself and was going to go back to sleep soon, but he wanted to look at something before he did. He lowered his arm under the bed and searched around for a key. When he found it, he used it to unlock his bedside drawer. He sifted through it, until he found a little red velvet box. He looked over at Serena to make sure she was still fast asleep and then he turned back and slowly opened the box. Inside was a diamond ring. Ash stroked it and looked at Serena again. He smiled and kissed the ring and then quickly shut the box up again. Then he returned everything as it was. He didn't want Serena stumbling upon it, even by accident. He had big plans ahead and it all had to be kept a secret. All for perhaps the most important moment in their lives together so far. Ash joined Serena under the covers and fell back to sleep with something big on his mind.

A couple weeks later, Christmas was literally just around the corner. This year was different, however. Even though they had just moved into their new house and it was close to becoming home now, Ash insisted that they spend Christmas week away. More specifically, on holiday away at Serena's beloved second home. Back to Kalos once more. Ash was very particular about that and said he wanted Serena to be able to return every so often. And Serena was more than onboard with it. The place still meant a great deal to her, even after all the years she'd spent in Kanto now. Except, what was maybe a little odd about the holiday, was that Ash invited his mum, Mr. Mime and Pikachu along too. So it wasn't so much a couples holiday, but more of a family one. Serena didn't think much of it though, and just thought it was sweet that Ash was paying for their tickets and covering all the expenses. He'd come into more money lately with his new temporary job at the gym, so it really wasn't a problem for him.

They arrived in Kalos on a Monday night, five days before Christmas and checked into the same hotel they stayed at for Serena's birthday. As they walked in, they saw a white Christmas tree in the hotel lobby, nearly as big as the tree in Rockefeller Center, New York. It truly was the most wonderful time of the year, as it was really starting to feel like Christmas now. Serena was keen to get to their room and unpack, but Ash put a hand on her shoulder and wagged his finger. As Ash had planned this all, she really had no clue what was in store this Christmas.

'Hang on, Rena. There's a few people coming to see us first.'

Serena put her bags back down and looked confused.

'Oh, who?' Ash smiled.

'You'll see…'

They waited for another ten minutes or so, until someone rolled a suitcase in. Delia saw who it was first and immediately ran over to hug the person. Serena looked at Ash and he simply just motioned his hand forwards and crossed his arms. When the hugging finished, Serena saw who it was and gasped. It was none other than her own mother.

'Hello, sweetie! Did you miss me?' said Grace, holding her arms out. Serena ran into them.

'Oh, yes! Yes! Of course, mumma! But wh-what are you doing here?' asked Serena, not quite believing it.

'Well, once again this is all your boyfriend's doing!' she replied, pointing at Ash and smiling warmly.

Serena laughed in disbelief and gave Ash a look with her hands on her hips.

'Hmm. Ash Ketchum. What have you got planned this time, huh?'

Ash laughed and waved his hands about in denial.

'Nothing! Nothing!' he lied. 'I just wanted a nice family holiday, you know? Especially with your mum being so far away from us. So I just wanted to remind her that she's still very much a big part of our family.'

Serena took her arms off her hips and sighed in awe of how sweet that was.

'Aww, really? That's so thoughtful of you, babe. You see, this is why I love him, mum,' She said looking over at Grace and grabbing his arm.

'Well, you've definitely got yourself a keeper there, honey!' Serena kissed him on the cheek.

'Oh, I sure do.'

Ash smiled smugly, but in truth he was more relieved than smug that Serena didn't probe the "surprise" thing any further. Because that's exactly what was going on here again. He of course meant what he said about Grace, but the main reason for this family holiday wasn't just to reunite mother and daughter. And this time it was even more important to keep the secret than last time. Ash shifted his eyes about nervously and he rubbed his nose. Thankfully, Serena didn't notice as she was too busy squeezing his arm and loving having her fully assembled family all in one place. Well - at least immediate family anyway. There were still two more members to arrive…

Of course there were two blonde siblings that lived locally, that Ash just had to invite too. They were practically family too. Bonnie and Clemont arrived shortly after Grace and greeted everyone. By this point, Bonnie was well into her teen years and had blossomed into a lovely young lady. And to Ash and Serena's delight, she hadn't changed much in personality at all and was still the same sweet old Bonnie. But she and Clemont weren't staying with them. They were still very much going to be part of Ash and Serena's Christmas in Kalos though. They caught up with one another and exchanged Christmas cards and presents and then they finally checked into their rooms. Ash and Serena of course had their own room, with the mothers and Mr. Mime sharing another.

Once they were settled in, they didn't stay up too long and had an early night as they were tired from the flight. Plus, they needed their rest because Ash had intricately planned out a number of family activities to do tomorrow and for the whole week. A lot of them were things he knew Serena in particular would like though, as this whole thing was mainly for her. On Tuesday night, they went to see a Pokemon pantomime and then a soppy Christmas rom-com Serena wanted to see at the cinemas on Wednesday night. Thursday night was a bit more exciting for everyone, as they saw a Pokemon ice skating show. And then the big night came on Christmas Eve. But it being Christmas Eve wasn't the most special thing about it at all. Ash had secretly been preparing for this night for the last year or so. Everyone was invited and getting ready to dine at the fanciest Kalosian restaurant there was. The very same one a certain lovely couple shared a romantic plate of spaghetti at. Amour Bay. It had to be there. Nowhere else would do for Ash. He was now standing in front of a mirror while fixing a bowtie, nervous but determined for everything to go to plan. He placed his hand on his blazer pocket, where he felt a small box in it. A reflection of his smile appeared in the mirror, as he patted the box and took a deep breath. Then he looked over to the bathroom.

'Come on, Rena! We've got to get going! Now! The reservation time is very strict!'

'Okay! Okay! I'm coming!'

Serena emerged from the bathroom, looking just as delicious as she did on her birthday four years ago. Except this time, she was wearing a red Chirstmassy dress. Ash had gone more traditional with a smart black suit this time. There was no time to admire each other this time though, as Ash whisked Serena out and down to the lobby to meet everyone else. It was imperative that everyone was present to witness what Ash was going to do tonight.

'Right! Is everyone ready to go?' asked Ash, clapping his hands together.

'Yes!' responded everyone.

'Okay, let's go then!'

'But where are we going, Ash?' quizzed Bonnie.

'You'll all find out when we get there, Bon.' He tapped his nose at her. 'Come on then, everyone! Follow me!'

Ash walked out in front and smiled back at everyone, leading the way there. He of course hadn't told anyone a thing about tonight. Ash didn't want anyone accidentally spoiling the surprise. As they approached Amour Bay, Serena gasped. She still had no idea what was going on, but she knew it had to be something of great importance to Ash to be dining here.

'Ash! What are we doing here?' Ash put an arm around her and chuckled.

'Well, we had such a nice time her last time, didn't we? So why not?'

'Yeah, but that was a one time thing! This place costs a bomb! You didn't need to-'

Ash rubbed her shoulders and soothed all her worries away.

'Shh. Chill, babe. It's okay. Just relax and enjoy.'

'B-but-' Ash smiled and shook his head and then put a finger on her lips.

'Only the best for you, mon amour.'

Serena sighed reluctantly and then rolled her eyes playfully.

'Okay, fine. I can't lie. I do love this place.' Serena smirked.

Ash excitedly grabbed her hand and guided her in. They walked through and got shown to a large family table at the back of the restaurant. This was the first time dining her for the rest of the family, as they took their time to order what they wanted in complete awe. Then when the topic of paying came up, Clemont offered to pay for himself and Bonnie and Ash insisted that he had it covered for Serena and both mothers. Once that was all sorted out and their food arrived, they all took in the festive cheer of a Christmas Eve night out in Lumiose City and tucked in to a joyous family meal together. What was odd however, was how slowly Ash was eating and how much quieter he was getting as the night wore on. That was not normal at all. Not one bit. Serena put a hand on his knee and squeezed it.

'Hey, you okay babe?'

'Y-yeah. I just need to go to the toilet.'

'Oh, okay. See you in a bit.'

Ash got up and went straight to the restroom, but didn't go into a cubicle. Instead, he just stared into another mirror and splashed water on his face. Then he put his hand in his blazer pocket and took the box out. It was the same red velvet one he had kept in his drawer at home and had managed to hide from Serena all this time. He quickly peeked inside it, shut it, then put it back in his pocket and nodded at his reflection. It was now or never, he said to himself. All that preparation would go to waste if he chickened out now. But that wasn't going to happen. He was Ash Ketchum and the love of his life, Serena Durand, was waiting outside for him and had been dreaming about this long enough. And she loved the hell out of him, as did he love her too just as much. So this just had to work out. It had to.

Ash marched out and confidently cleared his throat. Plates were looking empty now, except Ash's remarkably, as the last forkfuls of food were eaten. Ash clinked a glass to get their attention.

'Hey, everyone. I hope you all enjoyed your food.' Everyone nodded happily and thanked Ash.

'Good, good. Now, there's a reason I planned this holiday and decided to come to this restaurant in particular. There's something I want to do… But I'd like us all to go out on the balcony first, if you please could.'

Everyone looked bemused but respected Ash's wishes and followed him outside. Lumiose Tower was even more beautiful than usual, as it was adorned with spectacular Christmas lights and decorations. Ash and Serena immediately thought back to the last time they stood over it. It was such a pretty sight and a magnificent memory in itself, that Ash almost forgot what he brought them all out in the cold for. It was quiet for a while, as Ash just held onto the balcony bar shakily and stared out to the stars in the sky. He lowered his head and took a deep breath.

'So, what's up, Ash?' asked a concerned looking Serena. 'You didn't finish your food. That's really not like you. Is everything okay?'

Serena put a hand on his shoulder. Ash psyched himself up and then turned around and grabbed Serena's hand. He raised it up to his lips and kissed it softly. Serena found herself getting lost in Ash's eyes as she watched his lips kiss her hand and looked up at him admiringly. Everyone else was watching too in curiosity. Bonnie and Clemont were still very confused and scratched their hands. Delia and Grace whispered between each other, speculating what Ash was up to. Just what was happening?

'Rena… Serena… Y-you want to be with me, right?'

Serena's eyes widened hearing Ash say her full name, so rare to hear now. This must be a pretty big thing for Ash to say it like that, thought Serena.

'What? Of course I do! What a stupid question!' she said laughing and whacking him playfully on the arm. Ash laughed a little.

'I know. I just had to hear it first before I do this…'

'D-do what?'

Ash just smiled. Then he looked over at his mum and Grace. Everything was in place. Everyone was here. He was ready. Now was the time. Ash suddenly knelt down on one knee and retrieved the red velvet box from his pocket. Serena instinctively slapped herself with her hand and covered her mouth in astonishment. She knew what was about to happen now. As did everyone else. Including a few onlookers on the balcony with them, holding their breath in anticipation and nervous for Ash. Delia and Grace gushed at each other and held hands. Clemont just raised an eyebrow. And Bonnie jumped up and down ecstatically. Ash flipped the box open. The same diamond ring resided in there, shining brightly in the night air. Everyone could immediately tell it was worth quite a bit of money and gasped in amazement.

'Serena Durand… You are the one I want. I choose you… Will you marry me?'

Ash's bottom lip wobbled as he finished asking that all important question. Serena's hand clasped tighter around her mouth and she squealed through her fingers. She froze on the spot though, not quite believing it. It was freezing, but that wasn't having much of an effect on her. It was her emotions playing a huge role in her current state. She had dreamt of this day for years, but now it was finally happening, she just didn't know how to react. Ash waited patiently with kind eyes and gave Serena the time she needed, even though it was absolute torture for him. He clenched his jaw up anxiously. The only thing anyone could hear for a while was the blustery wind of the night and the faint sound of Last Christmas playing in the restaurant. Serena's eyes shifted over to her mother's to seek some sense to this all and check this was actually real and not just a fantasy. Grace simply just nodded at her and prompted her to answer with a wide grin on her face. It really wasn't much of a decision at all in all honesty, but having her mother's blessing meant the world to her. And now she was ready. There was only one word screaming in her head now. She took her hand off her mouth and then there was no stopping it blurting out for the whole restaurant to hear.

'OH, YES! YES! YES! A THOUSAND TIMES, YES!'

Serena blushed the deepest of reds and became very giddy. Ash sighed a massive sigh of relief and slowly unclenched his jaw into a relaxing smile, in a slightly delayed reaction. He got back up and was met by a crunching hug from his blushing girlfriend, now newly assured fiancée. She clung onto him tight, feeling every positive emotion at once. Ash twirled her around euphorically and then there was a flurry of applause. (And even from some people inside who had noticed the proposal happening outside). Serena kissed Ash and then held her hand out, wriggling her fingers at him.

'Well. Aren't you going to put it on my finger, Ash?'

'Oh! Right! Yes, of course!'

Ash had got so caught up in the moment that he almost forgot. He took the ring out and slid it carefully on Serena's ring finger. Now it was officially a true engagement ring and it symbolised a strong promise of commitment for a special day. It was sealed. For tonight. And hopefully forever. Serena admired it and couldn't stop grinning ear to ear. Delia and Grace were first to come over and congratulate them and got a good look at the ring up close. Bonnie and Clemont joined the celebrations soon after and hugs were shared all round.

'Okay! Thank you so much for coming everyone and making this night so special and perfect! Now, let's have some dessert and really start Christmas off with a bang! I'm still hungry!' exclaimed Ash.

Everyone laughed and Serena was happy to see the Ash she knew and loved back. Ash and Serena chose to share a fancy salted caramel cheesecake to celebrate their engagement and feed it to each other, while giggling and feeling high on love. There was such a great family vibe about the night and as far as Christmases go, this was destined to be the best one they could all remember.

'Merry Christmas, everyone!' announced Ash, with cheesecake around his mouth.

Serena laughed and wiped it off for him with a napkin. Delia smiled and even though she was still sad her son had moved out, she couldn't deny he was well looked after and cared for by an amazing wife-to-be. And Grace had similar feelings too, never for one second doubting her daughter's brilliant husband-to-be. Ash raised his glass and everyone hit their glasses together in the middle of the table. It really was "tis the season to be jolly" indeed. After everything was paid for, they made their way back to the hotel. Serena was daydreaming about marrying Ash already as they walked behind everyone else, holding hands the whole way back. Then Serena stopped suddenly.

'Hey, Ash?'

'Yes, baby?'

'I can't wait to be your wifey, you know.'

She giggled like she was a little girl again, dreaming of her prince charming arriving and asking for her hand in marriage like a Disney fairy-tale.

'Oh, I can't wait to make you my wifey! It's just you and me, baby. You're stuck with me, haha!' he teased.

Ash stuck his tongue out playfully and swung her hand back and forth merrily. Serena stuck her tongue out at him too and then they continued their evening stroll under the magical lights of Lumiose city. Christmas day was only a matter of hours away now and there was so much love all around to see. A beautiful miracle on the eve of Christmas sparked magic into the winter night. Hark the herald angels sang that night. Glory to a new born King and Queen. A date was to be set next year to wed the two soulmates in a holy matrimony of bliss.